John Wesley Carhart Papers, 1912-1964


Summary Information
Title: John Wesley Carhart Papers
Inclusive Dates: 1912-1964

Creator:
  • Carhart, John Wesley, 1834-1914
Call Number: Oshkosh Micro 16; Micro 838

Quantity: 1 reel of microfilm (35mm)

Repository:
Archival Locations:
UW-Oshkosh Polk Library / Oshkosh Area Research Ctr. (Map)
Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)

Abstract:
Scrapbook, 1912-1964, of newsclippings concerning the 1873 invention of a steam-operated automobile by Carhart, a minister, doctor, and inventor in Racine and Oshkosh, Wisconsin and later in San Antonio, Texas, who has been called the “father of the automobile.” Some clippings concern other events in his and his descendants' lives.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-micr0838
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Biography/History

Born in Coeymans, New York, in June 1834, J. W. Carhart attended seminary and taught school and preached in New York state before he moved to Racine, Wisconsin, in 1871. There he was the pastor of the First Methodist-Episcopal Church until 1874. In 1873 Carhart invented a steam-operated “horseless carriage” for which he is famous. He was the pastor of the First Methodist Church, Oshkosh from 1876 to 1887 and was the presiding elder of the Appleton district of the Methodist Church. He later received his M.D. from the Chicago College of Physicians and Surgeons and practiced medicine in Oshkosh and in Austin and San Antonio, Texas. In 1905 Dr. Carhart was the guest of the French government at the International Automobile Exposition in Paris. While in Texas, he was also president of the Authors' Club, and honorary member of the Bohemian Scribblers, vice-president of the Conservatory of Medicine, and a member of the Bexar County Medical Society. He died in San Antonio on 21 December 1914.

Administrative/Restriction Information
Acquisition Information

Loaned for microfilming by James Wetherell, Sullivan, Wisconsin, August 1980. Accession Number: M80-336


Processing Information

Processed by Gregor Trinkaus-Randall, October 1980.