John Wilkinson (Franklin automobile)

John Wilkinson
John Wilkinson in 1947
Born(1868-02-11)February 11, 1868[1]
Syracuse, New York, United States[2]
DiedJune 25, 1951(1951-06-25) (aged 83)
Syracuse, New York, United States
EducationCornell University
Occupation(s)Mechanical engineer, inventor, business
SpouseEdith Belden (Known as DeeDee)
ChildrenHelen Wilkinson Blagbrough (1897–1947), Anne Belden Wilkinson Sherry (1899–1997), John Belden Wilkinson (1905–1951)
Parent(s)Joshua Forman Wilkinson (1829–1889)
Louisa B. Rayner[2]

John Wilkinson (February 11, 1868 – June 25, 1951) was born in Syracuse, New York. He invented the air-cooled motor which was used in the Franklin (automobile) produced by H. H. Franklin Manufacturing Company where he was chief engineer and designer from 1902 to 1924.

He was a native of Syracuse and a member of an established, respected, wealthy family. His grandfather, John Wilkinson (1798–1862), was one of the original pioneers of Upstate, New York.[3] As a young man, Wilkinson, Sr. was a city planner and named the newly incorporated village, Syracuse.[4]

  1. ^ Fitch, Charles Elliott (1916). Encyclopedia of biography of New York. The American Historical Society, New York, N.Y., 1916, pg. 123. p. 123. john wilkinson postmaster syracuse born.
  2. ^ a b "John Wilkinson". Family Tree Maker, 2010. Archived from the original on 2012-03-15. Retrieved 2010-07-24.
  3. ^ "1915 Franklin – Vintage – Jay Leno's Garage". NBC Corp, Inc., New York. N.Y., 2010. Retrieved 2010-07-23.
  4. ^ "Revolutionary War veteran's son gave city its name". The Post-Standard. Syracuse, New York. August 27, 2002.