2142. Melba Mae⁷ Gorby (George Ira⁶, Jesse K⁵, William⁴, Eli³, Thomas², Samuel¹) was born March 21, 1907. Melba died 1987 at 80 years of age.

She married William Beard October 5, 1933. (1978) In 1935, William Beard of Connecticut was teaching at the California Institute of Technology. Earlier he graduated from MIT. He received his Doctorate at Columbia University, continued teaching a few years, and is now actively writing at his home in Scottsdale, AZ. His life can be traced in "Who's Who in America".

Melba resided :. In 1978, 5450 E Voltaire Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. (1978) Melba Mae (Gorby) Beard is the author/editor of the 1978-80 versions of the Gorby Family, History and Genealogy.

During WW I her parents moved to Pasadena, CA. After high school, She studied history and art at Pasadena Junior College, and learned to fly in 1929, being the 24th woman in the US to receive the (then) Transport (now Commercial) pilot license. She was active for over 4 years in all phases of aviation, early 1930s, instructing, charter, competition, and operating her own flying school.

After her marriage in 1933, She turned her interest in aviation to private flying and activity in various aviation groups, and to raising the couple's two children. This was chosen instead of going to England to ferry airplanes during WW II, although she did serve in the Civil Air Patrol, and as a Red Cross Nurse's Aide.

She has participated in many local and national aviation events. In 1935 she won the Amelia Earhart Trophy at the 1935 National Air Races in Cleveland, OH, numerous other trophies and awards, and flown two Powder Puff Derbies. She is a member of the Ninety-Nines (women pilots), and of the OX5 Aviation Pioneers, Exp. Aircraft Association, Antique Airplane Association, American Aviation Historical Society, and the Aviation Breakfast Club, having held local or national office in three of these.

In the early 1960's she obtained her aircraft mechanic's license as an aid in pursuing her hobby of restoration and preservation of yesteryear's vintage aircraft, of which she has owned several, and is researching the histories of some early aircraft and aviation events in her writing. A pilot for 50 years, She occasionally flies her restored 1928 "Bird" biplane to exhibits at special meets. In 1971 her name was placed in the OX5 Aviation Pioneers Hall of Fame at the Curtiss Aviation Museum in Hammondsport, NY. Besides historical aviation writing, Melba (Gorby) Beard is interested in genealogy.

She has been living in Scottsdale, AZ since 1951.

Melba Mae Gorby and William Beard had the following children:

3678 i. Wayne⁸ Beard was born in CA. March 20, 1939. Wayne's occupation:. Was a production technician in a semi-conductor plant.

Marriage info: Never married.

+ 3679 ii. Arlene Beard was born April 29, 1942.

Send email to preparer: thegorb@one.net

Return to Table of Contents or Index

Go to Next Page

Go to Previous Page