Background
Selden, George Baldwin was born on September 14, 1846 in Clarkson, New York, United States. Son of Henry Rogers and Laura Anne (Baldwin) Selden.
Selden, George Baldwin was born on September 14, 1846 in Clarkson, New York, United States. Son of Henry Rogers and Laura Anne (Baldwin) Selden.
Educated U. Rochester, 1861-1864, Yale, 1865-1866, Sheffield Science School, 1867.
2 sons, 2 daus. Married second, Jean Shipley, April 1909. Admitted to bar, 1871.
Joined father and uncle’s law offices, specializing in patent law. Studied road traction and power sources, particularly liquid and gas fuel engines. Built unsuccessful kerosene-laughing gas combustion engine, 1875.
Patented machine for making barrel hoops, 1875. Developed (on basis of George Brayton’s internal combustion engine) 3-cylinder, gasolone combustion engine, 1877. Designed automobile with engine, running gear, driving wheels, propeller-shaft, clutch, carriage body, 1879 (unpatented until 1895).
Sold patent rights on royalty basis to S. C. Whitney of Columbia Motor Company and Electric Vehicle Company, 1899, received royalties from almost all automobile manufacturers until Otto type of engine came into common use, circa 1911. Incurred heavy financial losses on his own manufacturing ventures.
Married Clara Drake Woodruff, December 14, 1971 (deceased.; married second, Jean Shipley, April.