Solomon Andrews

Solomon Andrews (February 15, 1806 - October 17, 1872) was an American physician, politician, and inventor, recognised for his pioneering contributions to balloon aviation as the designer of the first self-propelled, steerable dirigible airship, the Aereon, which he first flew on June 1, 1863 over Perth Amboy, New Jersey.

Background

 * Health officer, planned and implemented Perth Amboy sewage system
 * U.S. Collector of Customs, 1844-45
 * Mayor of Perth Amboy, N.J., 1849, 1853, 1855
 * Inventor of "unpickable" combination lock, contract with U.S. Post Office to secure bags.
 * "The Inventor's Institute" -- "Without eccentricity there is no progression!"

The Aereon

 * "The Art of Flying: Without Eccentricity There Is No Progression."
 * Aerial Navigation Company