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. American inventors, twin brothers, the most famous manufacturers of steam-driven automobiles. In 1883 Francis invented a photographic dry-plate process, and together the brothers began to manufacture the plates. In 1897 they began developing their steam-powered cars, and their company, the Stanley Motor Company, continued building Stanley Steamers until the 1920s. They competed in racing events from 1902 to 1909, frequently beating larger, gasoline-powered cars. In 1906 the brothers built a steam car that set a world's record that year for the fastest mile28.2 seconds, corresponding to a speed of more than 127 miles (205 km) per hour.