The importance of family was central to the Wright brothers’ lives and a powerful influence in everything they did. Their father, Milton, was a strong and respected figure in the Wright household. He and his wife, Susan, imbued their children with their core values, which guided Wilbur and Orville’s attitudes and actions.

The Wrights’ parents taught their children that the world was an unfriendly place; unscrupulous persons lay in wait and temptations beckoned. They were convinced that the strength of family bonds offered the only real support in life. Their mutual support enabled the family to weather all manner of crises.

Milton and Susan Wright had seven children, including a set of twins named Otis and Ida, who were born between Wilbur and Orville and died in infancy.