A Moment in Time

A Moment in Time is the biography of Matthew B. Sellers, II, one of our nation's first Aviation Pioneers. This book contains one of the most extensive collections of laboratory notes, pictures, correspondence and personal diaries of any aviation pioneer in the United States. See pictures of the kites, gliders and quadraplanes that Matthew built and see the retractable landing gear he invented in 1908 and patented in 1911. Some of Matthew's artifacts, including engines, propellers, air foils and a control arm can be seen in two of the Smithsonian's museums in Washington, D.C. Other artifacts can be seen at the Aviation Museum of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky, the Olive Hill Historical Society and the Northeastern Museum of Kentucky in Olive Hill, Kentucky.
Barbara states ''There is mounting evidence that the Wright Brothers did not have the first powered flight in the United States.'' You will read why in a special chapter she has dedicated to other aviation pioneers. ''I feel that other aviators did actually fly before Orville and Wilbur. I have spent the last few years extensively researching this topic and my hope is that history books will change and the reader will learn about these other great flyers. They certainly are due recognition for their efforts.

Matthew was a fascinating grandfather that I never knew, as he died before I was born. I feel a special connection to him now after finishing this book. He was a genius. He was inventing things every day. He was the first to prove the theory of 'The Lift and Drift of Arched Surfaces' and holds the patent on this as well.

Matthew had the first powered flight in Kentucky on December 28, 1908. He was sought after by other aviators for his advice and was appointed to the first Naval Consulting Board in 1915 by President Woodrow Wilson and Thomas A. Edison. I think anyone who reads this book will be truly fascinated to read what my grandfather accomplished in his lifetime and how he contributed to and changed aviation history.

Barbara Sellers is a Vice Regent with the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Signal Hill Chapter in Barrington, Illinois. She has been a licensed Realtor since 1991. Barbara and her brother, John Blakemore, frequently travel down to Carter County, Kentucky to visit Matthew's Estate Blakemore and to visit with their many new friends. A recently published documentary on Matthew's life, available on DVD, created and produced by Tony Collier of Grayson, Kentucky.