Fred. J. Wiseman

Wiseman piloting a biplane at the first air show at Olympia, California.

Frederick Joseph Wiseman (November10, 1875October4, 1961) was an American aviation pioneer, Racing car driver, self-taught aircraft builder and Amateur pilot. He was considered as one of the most successful aviators during his time. He is also credited for flying the first airmail on February 18, 1911, which was sent from Petaluma and delivered at Santa Rosa, California. After studying at local schools in California, he became engaged in bicycle and automotive businesses. He settled in Santa Rosa when he was 23. and won several championships at state fairs. It was powered by a 50-horsepower Hall-Scott motor. Wiseman made his first flight on board the plane on April 24, 1910.

First airmail Wiseman was working on an aeroplane secretly in one of the barns of the Windsor's Laughlin Ranch. This plane was intended for the delivery of airmail, something the world had not seen before. Wiseman copied the plane's design from photographs of the Wright Flyer. On February 13, 1911, Wiseman successfully completed its first test flight. The plane that Wiseman used was on display at the Smithsonian Institution as of 2007.