Lewis Archer Boswell (May 9, 1834 – November 26, 1909) was an early aviation pioneer who some believe made the first powered heavier-than-air flight, before the Wright Brothers.
In 1868 Boswell began experimenting in aeronautics, but supposedly threw his small model into the Yazoo River that same year.
While he continued his study until his death on November 26, 1909, it is unknown if he ever built a full-scale model and attempted flight.
Locals in his area have made claims that he actually did fly in November 1902, beating the Wright Brothers by a year.
In fact, at the time of his death, Boswell was pursuing lawsuit against them, but this action was never carried through by his estate.