Stanley, Francis Edgar; and Stanley, Freelan O.

Stanley, Francis Edgar; and Stanley, Freelan O.

(born June 1, 1849, Kingfield, Maine, U.S.—died July 31, 1918, Ipswich, Mass.) (born June 1, 1849, Kingfield, Maine, U.S.—died Oct. 2, 1940, Boston, Mass.) U.S. inventors of the steam-driven automobile. In 1883 the twin brothers invented a dry-plate photographic process and conducted experiments with steam engines. In 1897 they built a steam-powered car, and in 1902 they established a company to manufacture their “Stanley Steamers.” In 1906 they set a world record for the fastest mile, in 28.2 seconds. They retired in 1917; their company continued to manufacture cars until 1924, declining as gasoline-powered cars became easier to start and operate and steam cars became less popular.