Beryl Markham

BERYL MARKHAM (1902-1986) was a racehorse trainer and breeder, aviator, and author. She grew up on her father's horse ranch in Kenya, learning Swahili, Nandi, and Masai, and spear hunting with the local Nandi Murani tribe. In 1933 she became the first woman in Kenya to become a commercial pilot. In 1936 Markham, who was already a well-known figure among in aviation circles, made international news when she became the first woman to make a non-stop solo transatlantic flight from Europe to North...See more

BERYL MARKHAM (1902-1986) was a racehorse trainer and breeder, aviator, and author. She grew up on her father's horse ranch in Kenya, learning Swahili, Nandi, and Masai, and spear hunting with the local Nandi Murani tribe. In 1933 she became the first woman in Kenya to become a commercial pilot. In 1936 Markham, who was already a well-known figure among in aviation circles, made international news when she became the first woman to make a non-stop solo transatlantic flight from Europe to North America. After a stint in Hollywood, Markham returned to Kenya and trained horses until her death in 1983. See less