Notable Lewis Countians
Louis Bennett Jr.
1894–1918
A Weston-born aviator who founded the West Virginia Flying Corps, joined the British air service, became the state's only World War I fighter ace, and died in combat. Bennett was born and raised in Weston as the third generation of a locally prominent family.
Lewis County connection
Bennett was born and raised in Weston as the third generation of a locally prominent family.
Royal Air Force portrait of Louis Bennett Jr.
British government / Royal Air Force via Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Lewis County connection
Bennett was born and raised in Weston as the third generation of a locally prominent family.
Career and public significance
A Weston-born aviator who founded the West Virginia Flying Corps, joined the British air service, became the state's only World War I fighter ace, and died in combat.
His short combat career became an enduring Lewis County story through the memorial work of his mother, Sallie Maxwell Bennett.
Reading the record carefully
Victory totals vary in retellings; this edition follows e-WV's count of 12 credited victories in ten days and avoids inflated claims.
Life and legacy
Timeline
1894
Born in Weston.
1917
Organizes the West Virginia Flying Corps.
1918
Flies with the Royal Flying Corps and is mortally wounded in combat in France.
Sources and further reading
How this profile was documented
- Louis Bennett Jr.
e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia
Starting source for biographical dates, offices, achievements, and the Lewis County connection.
- Timeless Weston
City of Weston
Starting source for biographical dates, offices, achievements, and the Lewis County connection.
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