When people hear the word “invention” their minds immediately turn to great men like Thomas Edison and Benjamin Franklin, who combined are responsible for much of the technology that structures our lives. However, there is more history of invention in Franklin County that goes beyond the man the county that bears his name.
Known for its acres of farmland and strong agricultural standing in Pennsylvania, it only makes sense that inventions in the field of farming stand out among our innovators greatest achievements. Starting with the invention of agricultural steam engines.
George Frick (1826-1892), founder of Frick Company and one of Waynesboro’s earliest prominent citizens, was one of the most important men in the history of agricultural innovation. Among his inventions were the portable boiler and a steam engine that improved the efficiency of farming machines in ways that changed the entire industry. Joining him in his quest was Peter Geiser (1826-1901).
Geiser’s invention, a “peerless” thresher, like the steam engine, would improve farming production and increase product manufacturing. Geiser, who grew up working on the family farm in Smithsburg, Maryland, understood the importance of innovation and through his company, Geiser Manufacturing, helped to make Franklin County the leader in agricultural productivity that it is today.
While the names Frick and Geiser are well known in the County, another name that has had significant impact that has withstood the test of time is Landis.
Abraham (A.B.) Landis (1851-1923), along with his brothers Franklin and Ezra, created the Landis Machine Company and patented some of the machine industries most significant innovations. One being the first universal cylindrical grinding machine in 1883. In all, Landis would receive fifteen patents between the years 1885 and 1893. The machine parts and tools that Landis invented were useful is several industries and crossed over to multiple markets.
Finally, there was Joseph R. Winters (1824-1916) from Chambersburg, whose invention helped to revolutionize the use of ladders in the local fire department. A native of Leesburg, Virginia, Winters, who was a black abolitionist during the time of the Civil War, and it is speculated that he had arranged the meeting between statesman Frederick Douglass and fellow abolitionist, John Brown.
However, it was his inventions that he is most known for, particularly his creation of the first wagon mounted metal fire escape that firefighters would use during rescue efforts.
These are just a few of the inventors who have helped pave the way in industry in Franklin County, but their efforts have gone beyond the borders of our communities. Their innovations have helped forge the way and set the foundation for the industries we use today.
