Born: 1865 (Washington, D.C.)
Biography:
Emma Lilian Todd, known as E. Lilian Todd, was born on June 12, 1865, in Washington, D.C. Growing up, Todd developed a deep affinity for mechanical devices, sparking her lifelong passion for invention. She is recognized as the world’s first female airplane designer, with her groundbreaking work taking flight in 1910.
As a child, Todd lived with her mother, Mary Todd, and sister Cora. The 1870 U.S. census records her as Lily. Although her father is not mentioned in the census, Todd’s autobiographical article in the November 1909 issue of Woman’s Home Companion reveals her inherited mechanical talent from her grandfather, presumably on her mother’s side. Interestingly, Todd’s death certificate lists her mother’s maiden name as Unknown Reynolds and her father as Unknown Todd.
Todd pursued her education in Washington, D.C., while supporting herself through typewriting. She started her career at the Patent Office but later secured an appointment in the executive department of the governor of Pennsylvania, becoming the first woman to receive such an appointment, according to her own account. Returning to New York, she continued working with patents while studying law at New York University, becoming a member of the university’s first Woman’s Law Class around 1890.
In 1896, Todd and George W. Parker were issued a patent (number 553292) for a typewriter copy-holder. Todd’s diverse experiences also led her to work as a secretary for the director-general of the Women’s National War Relief Association during the Spanish–American War. The year 1903 marked a turning point in Todd’s career when she shifted her focus to mechanical and aeronautic toys.
Todd’s inspiration for aviation struck when she encountered airships in London and witnessed a sketch of an airplane in a 1906 Parisian newspaper. Additionally, her fascination with flying machines was fueled by a display of airships at the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis. In 1906, Todd gained national attention by showcasing her initial design at Madison Square Garden as part of an aero show.
Notably, Todd found a patron in philanthropist Olivia Sage, the widow of financier and politician Russell Sage. Sage generously provided Todd with $7,000 to fund the design and construction of her aircraft. Collaborating with the Wittemann Brothers of Staten Island, Todd’s first full-sized biplane began construction in the fall of 1908.
The framework of Todd’s airplane was constructed using straight-grained spruce, while the wings were covered in muslin and seven-ounce army duck. The wings were held together by piano wire. The aircraft featured two seats, reflecting Todd’s vision for practicality and accessibility in aviation.
Finally, in 1910, Todd’s groundbreaking design took to the skies. The airplane was successfully test-piloted by Didier Masson, marking a historic moment in both Todd’s career and aviation history. Todd’s contribution as the first woman to design airplanes remains an enduring legacy, as she paved the way for generations of female aviators and shattered the gender barriers in a predominantly male industry.