Maxwell, J. D.

Maxwell, J. D. (Johnathon Dixon) (1864–1928) car manufacturer; born near Russiaville, Ind. A trained mechanic, he was hired to assist Elwood Haynes in building one of the first American automobiles (1894–99) (now in the Smithsonian Institution). He worked with Ransom Eli Olds in developing the early Olds vehicles (1900–02). He directed the Maxwell-Briscoe Company in Tarrytown, N.Y. (1904–12). Leading the J. D. Maxwell Motor Company (1912–25), he designed a car that incorporated all 19 of his innovative patents. His company was later absorbed by Chrysler Corporation (1925).