John Wilkinson (Franklin automobile)
John Wilkinson | |
|---|---|
John Wilkinson in 1947 | |
| Born | February 11, 1868 Syracuse, New York, United States |
| Died | June 25, 1951 (aged 83) Syracuse, New York, United States |
| Education | Cornell University |
| Occupation(s) | Mechanical engineer, inventor, business |
| Spouse | Edith Belden (Known as DeeDee) |
| Children | Helen 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 |
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. As a young man, Wilkinson, Sr. was a city planner and named the newly incorporated village, Syracuse.