Sprague electric railway motor company. His electric motor driven streetcar revolutionized urban transportation. Flynn in richmond virginia. Eventually the company merged into edison general electric later becoming general electric. Thus in scranton with 17 cars equipped every one of these cars has been in use daily the grades on the road running from 6 to 10 per cent and the loads carried being very heavy.
Frank julian sprague july 25 1857 in milford connecticut october 25 1934 was an american naval officer and inventor who contributed to the development of the electric motor electric railways and electric elevatorshis contributions were especially important in promoting urban development by increasing the size cities could reasonably attain through better transportation and by. Sprague electric railway motor co. The records of some of the sprague roads show a remarkable duty for the cars. Within a year sprague founded the sprague electric railway and motor company which sold motors manufactured by the edison machine works.
Sprague a former employee of thomas edison. Sprague electric railway system. Urban development got a major boost in 1887 when inventor frank julian sprague developed the worlds first successful electric street railway system making it feasible to build cities and towns that were more vast in size and allowing for a greater concentration of businesses in commercial areas. Richmond built on hilly terrain at the fall line of the james river presented a number of obstacles to transportation.
Frank sprague was born in milford conn on july 25 1857 but lived with relatives in north adams mass after 1866. During a six decade career sprague distinguished himself as an inventor for his accomplishments in the development of the electric railway early electric elevators and the commercial electric motor. His contributions were especially important in promoting urban development by increasing the size cities could reasonably attain through better transportation and by. Biography frank julian sprague 1857 1934 sprague was born in milford connecticut in 1857.
Frank julian sprague 1857 1934 american electrical engineer and inventor successfully used electricity to power vehicles and is known today as the father of electric traction. It discusses spragues founding of the sprague electric railway and motor company serm in 1884 as way to commercial his invention and his work to develop electric railcars for a group of new york investors led by maurice b. Car truck with motor. The sprague electric railway and motor company was founded in 1884 in new york by frank j.
Born in milford conn on july 25 1857 sprague showed early. Frank julian sprague july 25 1857 in milford connecticut october 25 1934 was an american naval officer and inventor who contributed to the development of the electric motor electric railways and electric elevators.