Edgar Wirt Bagnell (November 20, 1890 – August 27, 1958) was a pioneer aviator who was a member of the Early Birds of Aviation.

Biography

He was born near McCool Junction, Nebraska, on November 20, 1890. ^{[1] [2]}

He learned to fly at Newport News, Virginia, in 1915. He was in charge of the 191st Combat Reconnaissance Squadron but by the time his training ended World War I was over. After the war, he worked for Glenn Curtiss as a test pilot in Houston, Texas. He later worked in the trucking industry, in the racing car business, in advertising and outdoor sign painting. He later piloted for a Mexican airline. ^[2]

While in Los Angeles, California, in 1926 he was a student at the Chouinard Art School. ^[1]

In later life, he had a job as a skilled machinist in Glendale, California. He died at a nursing home in Oakland, California, on August 27, 1958. ^[2]

References