Oregon Journal that she was once approached by a shark off the coast of Seattle, but fended it off with an iron rod. Bryant went to work for Benoist Aircraft in Akron, Ohio in the spring of 1916. There, she built and prepared airplane parts, assisted aviator Thomas W. Benoist in designing new aircraft, and taught flying lessons. The Marion Star reported that she turned out "six to twelve finished aviators a week." Bryant boxed to keep in shape and prided herself on leading an athletic life. She enjoyed outdoor sports and motorcycling. Bryant died on September 6, 1954. She was seventy-four years old. References External links 1880 births 1954 deaths American women aviators Members of the Early Birds of Aviation Aviators from Indiana American underwater divers