William Van Wagoner
Encyclopedia
William H. Van Wagoner was born in New Jersey
and was a bicycle racer from 1888 through the mid 1890s who won many competitions throughout the Northeastern United States
. He went on to design the Van Wagoner
, an American
electric automobile manufactured between 1899 and 1903 in Syracuse, New York
, by the Syracuse Automobile Company.
, produced the small electric two-seater from 1899 to 1903. The car was originally known as the Van Wagoner, after the original designer; however, the name was changed to the Syracuse in 1900.
and was involved in bicycle racing long before he designed an automobile. In June 1888, he was a "bicycling champion" in Providence, Rhode Island
, in the third annual 25 miles (40.2 km) bicycle race for the championship of the Rhode Island
division on the 0.5 mile (0.80467 km) oval at Roger William's Park. On August 31, 1888, he made a successful attempt to "lower the bicycle record" over Ocean Drive in Newport, Rhode Island
. The total distance was about 10.5 miles (16.9 km) which he covered in 41:05, beating the previous record by five seconds.
By late September 1888, he participated in the bicycle tournament at Narragansett Park in connection with the Rhode Island fair which was "the most successful of its kind" ever held in Providence, Rhode Island
and hosted by the League of American Wheelmen. The fair drew over a thousand spectators and Van Wagoner on a "Star pony" climbed College Hill to the university, something never before accomplished. He ascended and descended ten times and "was cheered by a great crowd."
The Cottage City, Maryland
, annual races were held on August 10, 1889, on a course around Island Park and a distance of 0.16 mile (0.2574944 km). Two of the lower turns were so short as to "make speeding around them highly dangerous." The asphalt paving was not in the best of condition; however, under the circumstances "excellent time was made." Several thousand people witnessed the races and crowded upon the course, much to the discomfort and danger of the racers. The principal event was the 1 miles (1.6 km) race for the championship of the meet. Van Wagoner was a starter along with F. A. Delabarre, who won the race. Van Wagoner was "looked upon as a sure winner, and so he seemed, until the final lap" when he was overtaken by Delabarre. Final times were 2:49 for first prize gold medal and 2:52 for second prize silver."
He raced in Hartford, Connecticut
, on August 27, 1889, in the Charter Hill Meet hosted by the Hartford Wheel Club, with 295 participants. Among the "notables" were Hendee and Ives. Van Wagoner and others "from Boston and that way" were among the riders. He raced in the "5 miles (8 km) lap" and the "1 miles (1.6 km) tandem safety handicap."
By September 1, 1889, he was in training with W. S. Doane for the race from Newport to Boston
on September 28. On November 6, 1889, Van Wagoner arranged a 5 miles (8 km) bicycle race in Newport, Rhode Island
, and donated the prizes. There were only four participants and the winner, Arthur Cummings, received a gold medal. He also won the 0.25 mile (0.402335 km) spurt and won a bicycle saddle. The second prize was a tool bag worth three dollars.
By late August 1889, Van Wagoner participated in a bicycle race in New Hartford, Connecticut
, where he rode in both the 5 miles (8 km) lap and the 1 miles (1.6 km) tandem safety handicap. During the early days, Van Wagoner rode an Eagle safety high wheel bicycle. In November of that year, he was busy planning a 100 miles (160.9 km) event in Newport in May 1890.
In June 1890, Van Wagoner competed in a 100 miles (160.9 km) race in Chicago
and came in second place. He lost by 2 foot (0.6096 m) to F. E. Spooner.
On June 7, 1890, he was second by a mere 2 foot (0.6096 m), against Spooner, in Chicago
at the Exposition building. It was a 100 miles (160.9 km) race and Spooner made the distance in five hours and thirty nine minutes, breaking his previous record by over ten minutes.
On September 2, 1890, he raced in the 3 miles (4.8 km) lap in Hartford, Connecticut
in the Harford Wheel Club tournament on Charter Oak Park track. He won the event. There were ten events and 3,000 spectators who "applauded the plucky riders' brave efforts."
During September 1890, Van Wagoner participated in a bicycle contest in Reading, Pennsylvania
, in an attempt to break the world's record of 21 miles (33.8 km) in 75 minutes. He won the race and covered the distance in 67 minutes. There were 20 starters including several of the best riders. By November 1890, he was a member of the Somerville Cycle Club in Somerville, Massachusetts
.
The races continued into September 1891, when he participated in Springfield, Massachusetts
, in the "biggest tournament this country has ever seen."
The relay bicycle riders left Springfield 44 minutes ahead of schedule in Palmer, Massachusetts
, on May 1, 1893. The run from Warren to Palmer was made by Williamson and Van Wagoner in 43:29, less than expected time. Van Wagoner was picked up in Palmer by Nelson who accompanied him to Springfield. According to the local press; "Van Wagoner passed through like a flash, and many who were out to see him failed to look quick enough."
On June 11, 1893, Van Wagoner participated in the Grand Race Meeting in Lynn, Massachusetts
, and filed an entry in the race that was hosted by the Lynn bicycle park on June 17 where he raced in the "2 miles (3.2 km) lap" and "2 miles (3.2 km) handicap." That same day he was riding with the Springfield Bicycle Club in the "1 miles (1.6 km) open", "1 miles (1.6 km) handicap" and "0.33 mile (0.5310822 km) dash" events hosted by the Waltham cycle club in Waltham, Massachusetts
.
The top cyclers in the area participated in Richfield Springs, New York
, on July 8, 1893, at the meeting of the Waiontha Bicycle Club. The first event of the day was the 25 miles (40.2 km) road race. The race was considered an opportunity for Van Wagoner and fellow biker, William H. Wells, both of the Century Cycling Club pitted against the Syracuse Athlete Association members which included John Wilkinson
, C. Arthur Benjamin, C. C. Brown, John H. Gardner, C. F. Ackerman and captain, Harry R. Snell.
Van Wagoner rode in the 100 miles (160.9 km) race at Newark, New Jersey
, on July 15, 1893, for the Syracuse Athletic Association. He ran into problems 42 miles (67.6 km) out after he had "passed dozens of low handicap men and was coming up with the leaders" when he got a punctured tire and it put him out of the race. This was very unfortunate for him, as he rode for the first time under the "red and white" and also as a Stearns racer. He left the next week for a race in Detroit, Michigan
.
of Syracuse Athletic Association no longer holds the 10 miles (16.1 km) road record over the Cicero
course on the Cicero Plank Road. On July 19, 1893, Van Wagoner made a new record by riding the distance in 31:03, reducing Wilkinson's record by 12 seconds. It was a "great feat" as the wind was blowing stiff from the north. The local newspaper referred to Van Wagoner as "probably the best road rider in America today."
On August 7, 1893, Roy S. Smith awarded Van Wagoner the time prize of the Century Road Club race.
The eighth annual Labor Day
meet hosted by the Syracuse Athletic Club on September 4, 1893 had two "special features and proved very interesting." Van Wagoner of the Syracuse Athletic Club, rode 1 miles (1.6 km) against time with hands off in an effort to lower the world's record of 2:38. "He succeeded admirably," making the 1 miles (1.6 km) in 2:29. He rode with his arms folded behind him and his wheel was as "straight and accurate as many good men ride with hands on." The performance took place on the 0.5 mile (0.80467 km) track at the State Fair grounds which "was in excellent shape" and was loudly applauded by a crowd of 5,000.
In late October 1893, the Century run of the Century Road Club to Utica
and back was made by 12 men. Van Wagoner was considered the best road rider in the city and broke the record made by John Wilkinson
the past week riding the distance in three minute less time than Wilkinson.
On May 25, 1894, he was racing for the Syracuse Athletic Association in the Martin road race in Buffalo, New York
and was the only Syracusan in the event.
By June 15, 1894, a 12 miles (19.3 km) bicycle road race, sponsored by the League of American Wheelmen State was held in Lockport, New York. The race was won by A. A. Price, captain of the Lockport Wheelmen at a time of 37:33 with a 05:30 minute handicap, however, Van Wagoner, racing for Syracuse
, won the time prize in 32:13.
On August 4, 1895, Van Wagoner announced that he had almost completed the new 42 pound double diamond frame "white flyer" tandem which he and his wife were using to take a month's 1000 miles (1,609.3 km) tour of New England
in September of that year. He had made "excellent tandems" in his time and each one he turned out was better than the previous.
In February 1896, while working at the Syracuse firm, Van Wagoner designed a "10-seated machine" called a "double quint" which was built for ten of the fastest professionals to pace Eddie Bald
, a renowned cyclist who was known as the "White Flyer" in the record books.
By February 1897, Van Wagoner was superintendent of Barnes Cycle Company and attended the New York Auto Show along with company manager Arthur R. Peck and general traveling agent C. Arthur Benjamin. The "splendid" decorations from the recent Chicago Auto Show exhibit were employed with additional "attractive features" at the New York show. Also in attendance were traveling representative, Fred Peck and "White Flyer" Bald
, "Rastus on Parade" who had many admirers in New York.
While he was superintendent of Barnes Cycle Company in September 1897, Van Wagoner had an accident sail boating on Seneca Lake, but was not injured. On the spot where he was "spilled into the lake", fourteen accidents had already happened. He had been out sailing and was unacquainted with the treacherous nature of the lake. A heavy wind and rainstorm came up and overturned his boat. He clung to the bottom of the boat and people on the shore who witnessed his distress, sent out a tug to pick him up. According to the local newspaper in Geneva, New York
, "Mr. Van Wagoner did not seem in the least disturbed over his narrow escape. He was smoking his cigar coolly in front of the hotel last evening and was made a hero of by the small boys." He was considered a "very popular young man" in Syracuse and was traveling with his wife.
The firm had built several experimental wagons during the prior two years, starting in 1897. An "electric wagon" was completed in mid-August 1899 and "put to the streets" that very week. According to the business partners, "It has been tested daily and gives its manufacturers complete satisfaction."
in Syracuse. He took a trip to Auburn, New York
, on May 27, 1902, in a vehicle he designed that was manufactured by the company and was joined on that "unpleasant day" by John Maxwell, casket manufacturer from Oneida, New York
. Van Wagoner's goal was to try for a record of a mile in 58 seconds.
He was married in 1893 to Blanche Viola Marshall, who was born in January 1870 in Connecticut
. She was the daughter of Alexander Marshall and Mary E. Studvvell. During the 1900 census, he was living at 511 Park Avenue in Syracuse with his wife and listed his occupation as "manager bicycle manufacturer."
During the 1910 census, the couple were living in Bridgeport, Connecticut
. He listed his occupation as "mechanical." He was still living in Bridgeport during the 1920 census and was a widower.
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
and was a bicycle racer from 1888 through the mid 1890s who won many competitions throughout the Northeastern United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. He went on to design the Van Wagoner
Van Wagoner
The Van Wagoner was an American electric automobile manufactured between 1899 and 1903 in Syracuse, New York, by the Syracuse Automobile Company...
, an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
electric automobile manufactured between 1899 and 1903 in Syracuse, New York
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, by the Syracuse Automobile Company.
History
The Syracuse Automobile Company of Syracuse, New YorkSyracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, produced the small electric two-seater from 1899 to 1903. The car was originally known as the Van Wagoner, after the original designer; however, the name was changed to the Syracuse in 1900.
Bicycle racing
Van Wagoner was originally from New JerseyNew Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
and was involved in bicycle racing long before he designed an automobile. In June 1888, he was a "bicycling champion" in Providence, Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island
Providence is the capital and most populous city of Rhode Island and was one of the first cities established in the United States. Located in Providence County, it is the third largest city in the New England region...
, in the third annual 25 miles (40.2 km) bicycle race for the championship of the Rhode Island
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
division on the 0.5 mile (0.80467 km) oval at Roger William's Park. On August 31, 1888, he made a successful attempt to "lower the bicycle record" over Ocean Drive in Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States, about south of Providence. Known as a New England summer resort and for the famous Newport Mansions, it is the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War...
. The total distance was about 10.5 miles (16.9 km) which he covered in 41:05, beating the previous record by five seconds.
By late September 1888, he participated in the bicycle tournament at Narragansett Park in connection with the Rhode Island fair which was "the most successful of its kind" ever held in Providence, Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island
Providence is the capital and most populous city of Rhode Island and was one of the first cities established in the United States. Located in Providence County, it is the third largest city in the New England region...
and hosted by the League of American Wheelmen. The fair drew over a thousand spectators and Van Wagoner on a "Star pony" climbed College Hill to the university, something never before accomplished. He ascended and descended ten times and "was cheered by a great crowd."
The Cottage City, Maryland
Cottage City, Maryland
Cottage City is a town in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States. The population was 1,136 at the 2000 census. Cottage City is a small, quiet community lying between Eastern Avenue , Brentwood, Colmar Manor, and the Anacostia River...
, annual races were held on August 10, 1889, on a course around Island Park and a distance of 0.16 mile (0.2574944 km). Two of the lower turns were so short as to "make speeding around them highly dangerous." The asphalt paving was not in the best of condition; however, under the circumstances "excellent time was made." Several thousand people witnessed the races and crowded upon the course, much to the discomfort and danger of the racers. The principal event was the 1 miles (1.6 km) race for the championship of the meet. Van Wagoner was a starter along with F. A. Delabarre, who won the race. Van Wagoner was "looked upon as a sure winner, and so he seemed, until the final lap" when he was overtaken by Delabarre. Final times were 2:49 for first prize gold medal and 2:52 for second prize silver."
He raced in Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford is the capital of the U.S. state of Connecticut. The seat of Hartford County until Connecticut disbanded county government in 1960, it is the second most populous city on New England's largest river, the Connecticut River. As of the 2010 Census, Hartford's population was 124,775, making...
, on August 27, 1889, in the Charter Hill Meet hosted by the Hartford Wheel Club, with 295 participants. Among the "notables" were Hendee and Ives. Van Wagoner and others "from Boston and that way" were among the riders. He raced in the "5 miles (8 km) lap" and the "1 miles (1.6 km) tandem safety handicap."
By September 1, 1889, he was in training with W. S. Doane for the race from Newport to Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
on September 28. On November 6, 1889, Van Wagoner arranged a 5 miles (8 km) bicycle race in Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States, about south of Providence. Known as a New England summer resort and for the famous Newport Mansions, it is the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War...
, and donated the prizes. There were only four participants and the winner, Arthur Cummings, received a gold medal. He also won the 0.25 mile (0.402335 km) spurt and won a bicycle saddle. The second prize was a tool bag worth three dollars.
By late August 1889, Van Wagoner participated in a bicycle race in New Hartford, Connecticut
New Hartford, Connecticut
New Hartford is a town in Litchfield County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 6,088 at the 2000 census. The town center is also defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as a census-designated place . The town is mainly a rural community consisting of farms, homes, and parks...
, where he rode in both the 5 miles (8 km) lap and the 1 miles (1.6 km) tandem safety handicap. During the early days, Van Wagoner rode an Eagle safety high wheel bicycle. In November of that year, he was busy planning a 100 miles (160.9 km) event in Newport in May 1890.
In June 1890, Van Wagoner competed in a 100 miles (160.9 km) race in Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
and came in second place. He lost by 2 foot (0.6096 m) to F. E. Spooner.
On June 7, 1890, he was second by a mere 2 foot (0.6096 m), against Spooner, in Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
at the Exposition building. It was a 100 miles (160.9 km) race and Spooner made the distance in five hours and thirty nine minutes, breaking his previous record by over ten minutes.
On September 2, 1890, he raced in the 3 miles (4.8 km) lap in Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford is the capital of the U.S. state of Connecticut. The seat of Hartford County until Connecticut disbanded county government in 1960, it is the second most populous city on New England's largest river, the Connecticut River. As of the 2010 Census, Hartford's population was 124,775, making...
in the Harford Wheel Club tournament on Charter Oak Park track. He won the event. There were ten events and 3,000 spectators who "applauded the plucky riders' brave efforts."
During September 1890, Van Wagoner participated in a bicycle contest in Reading, Pennsylvania
Reading, Pennsylvania
Reading is a city in southeastern Pennsylvania, USA, and seat of Berks County. Reading is the principal city of the Greater Reading Area and had a population of 88,082 as of the 2010 census, making it the fifth most populated city in the state after Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown and Erie,...
, in an attempt to break the world's record of 21 miles (33.8 km) in 75 minutes. He won the race and covered the distance in 67 minutes. There were 20 starters including several of the best riders. By November 1890, he was a member of the Somerville Cycle Club in Somerville, Massachusetts
Somerville, Massachusetts
Somerville is a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States, located just north of Boston. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 75,754 and was the most densely populated municipality in New England. It is also the 17th most densely populated incorporated place in...
.
The races continued into September 1891, when he participated in Springfield, Massachusetts
Springfield, Massachusetts
Springfield is the most populous city in Western New England, and the seat of Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. Springfield sits on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River near its confluence with three rivers; the western Westfield River, the eastern Chicopee River, and the eastern...
, in the "biggest tournament this country has ever seen."
The relay bicycle riders left Springfield 44 minutes ahead of schedule in Palmer, Massachusetts
Palmer, Massachusetts
The Town of Palmer is a city in Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 12,140 as of the 2000 census. It is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, on May 1, 1893. The run from Warren to Palmer was made by Williamson and Van Wagoner in 43:29, less than expected time. Van Wagoner was picked up in Palmer by Nelson who accompanied him to Springfield. According to the local press; "Van Wagoner passed through like a flash, and many who were out to see him failed to look quick enough."
On June 11, 1893, Van Wagoner participated in the Grand Race Meeting in Lynn, Massachusetts
Lynn, Massachusetts
Lynn is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 89,050 at the 2000 census. An old industrial center, Lynn is home to Lynn Beach and Lynn Heritage State Park and is about north of downtown Boston.-17th century:...
, and filed an entry in the race that was hosted by the Lynn bicycle park on June 17 where he raced in the "2 miles (3.2 km) lap" and "2 miles (3.2 km) handicap." That same day he was riding with the Springfield Bicycle Club in the "1 miles (1.6 km) open", "1 miles (1.6 km) handicap" and "0.33 mile (0.5310822 km) dash" events hosted by the Waltham cycle club in Waltham, Massachusetts
Waltham, Massachusetts
Waltham is a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States, was an early center for the labor movement, and major contributor to the American Industrial Revolution. The original home of the Boston Manufacturing Company, the city was a prototype for 19th century industrial city planning,...
.
The top cyclers in the area participated in Richfield Springs, New York
Richfield Springs, New York
Richfield Springs is a village located in the Town of Richfield, on the north-central border of Otsego County, New York. The population was 1,255 at the 2000 census. The name is derived from some local sulfur springs....
, on July 8, 1893, at the meeting of the Waiontha Bicycle Club. The first event of the day was the 25 miles (40.2 km) road race. The race was considered an opportunity for Van Wagoner and fellow biker, William H. Wells, both of the Century Cycling Club pitted against the Syracuse Athlete Association members which included John Wilkinson
John Wilkinson (Franklin automobile)
John Wilkinson was born in Syracuse, New York. He invented the air-cooled motor which was used in the Franklin produced by H. H. Franklin Manufacturing Company where he was chief engineer and designer from 1902 to 1924.He was a native of Syracuse and a member of an established, respected, wealthy...
, C. Arthur Benjamin, C. C. Brown, John H. Gardner, C. F. Ackerman and captain, Harry R. Snell.
Van Wagoner rode in the 100 miles (160.9 km) race at Newark, New Jersey
Newark, New Jersey
Newark is the largest city in the American state of New Jersey, and the seat of Essex County. As of the 2010 United States Census, Newark had a population of 277,140, maintaining its status as the largest municipality in New Jersey. It is the 68th largest city in the U.S...
, on July 15, 1893, for the Syracuse Athletic Association. He ran into problems 42 miles (67.6 km) out after he had "passed dozens of low handicap men and was coming up with the leaders" when he got a punctured tire and it put him out of the race. This was very unfortunate for him, as he rode for the first time under the "red and white" and also as a Stearns racer. He left the next week for a race in Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
.
Syracuse athletic association
John WilkinsonJohn Wilkinson (Franklin automobile)
John Wilkinson was born in Syracuse, New York. He invented the air-cooled motor which was used in the Franklin produced by H. H. Franklin Manufacturing Company where he was chief engineer and designer from 1902 to 1924.He was a native of Syracuse and a member of an established, respected, wealthy...
of Syracuse Athletic Association no longer holds the 10 miles (16.1 km) road record over the Cicero
Cicero, New York
Cicero is a town in Onondaga County, New York, USA. The population was 27,982 at the 2000 census. The name of the town was assigned by a clerk interested in the classics, honoring Cicero, a Roman statesman....
course on the Cicero Plank Road. On July 19, 1893, Van Wagoner made a new record by riding the distance in 31:03, reducing Wilkinson's record by 12 seconds. It was a "great feat" as the wind was blowing stiff from the north. The local newspaper referred to Van Wagoner as "probably the best road rider in America today."
On August 7, 1893, Roy S. Smith awarded Van Wagoner the time prize of the Century Road Club race.
The eighth annual Labor Day
Labor Day
Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.-History:...
meet hosted by the Syracuse Athletic Club on September 4, 1893 had two "special features and proved very interesting." Van Wagoner of the Syracuse Athletic Club, rode 1 miles (1.6 km) against time with hands off in an effort to lower the world's record of 2:38. "He succeeded admirably," making the 1 miles (1.6 km) in 2:29. He rode with his arms folded behind him and his wheel was as "straight and accurate as many good men ride with hands on." The performance took place on the 0.5 mile (0.80467 km) track at the State Fair grounds which "was in excellent shape" and was loudly applauded by a crowd of 5,000.
In late October 1893, the Century run of the Century Road Club to Utica
Utica, New York
Utica is a city in and the county seat of Oneida County, New York, United States. The population was 62,235 at the 2010 census, an increase of 2.6% from the 2000 census....
and back was made by 12 men. Van Wagoner was considered the best road rider in the city and broke the record made by John Wilkinson
John Wilkinson (Franklin automobile)
John Wilkinson was born in Syracuse, New York. He invented the air-cooled motor which was used in the Franklin produced by H. H. Franklin Manufacturing Company where he was chief engineer and designer from 1902 to 1924.He was a native of Syracuse and a member of an established, respected, wealthy...
the past week riding the distance in three minute less time than Wilkinson.
On May 25, 1894, he was racing for the Syracuse Athletic Association in the Martin road race in Buffalo, New York
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
and was the only Syracusan in the event.
By June 15, 1894, a 12 miles (19.3 km) bicycle road race, sponsored by the League of American Wheelmen State was held in Lockport, New York. The race was won by A. A. Price, captain of the Lockport Wheelmen at a time of 37:33 with a 05:30 minute handicap, however, Van Wagoner, racing for Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, won the time prize in 32:13.
Barnes cycle company
Van Wagoner designed bicycles for the Barnes Cycle Company in Syracuse and by 1895 was known as a tandem builder. According to the daily newspaper on June 23, 1895; "Von Wagoner was born in advance of his age. It is highly probable that the fertile brain of Van Wagoner, who designed so many new model bicycles, will create a good many improvements to show the public when next year's model is put upon the market." At that time, he was building a machine for his own personal use that was considered "a novelty in bicycle construction."On August 4, 1895, Van Wagoner announced that he had almost completed the new 42 pound double diamond frame "white flyer" tandem which he and his wife were using to take a month's 1000 miles (1,609.3 km) tour of New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
in September of that year. He had made "excellent tandems" in his time and each one he turned out was better than the previous.
In February 1896, while working at the Syracuse firm, Van Wagoner designed a "10-seated machine" called a "double quint" which was built for ten of the fastest professionals to pace Eddie Bald
Eddie Bald
Edward Carl Bald, or Eddie Bald, was an American racing automobile driver who was retroactively awarded the 1907 National Championship in 1951 and was a champion bicycle racer in the 1890s with the nickname "The Cannon."...
, a renowned cyclist who was known as the "White Flyer" in the record books.
By February 1897, Van Wagoner was superintendent of Barnes Cycle Company and attended the New York Auto Show along with company manager Arthur R. Peck and general traveling agent C. Arthur Benjamin. The "splendid" decorations from the recent Chicago Auto Show exhibit were employed with additional "attractive features" at the New York show. Also in attendance were traveling representative, Fred Peck and "White Flyer" Bald
Eddie Bald
Edward Carl Bald, or Eddie Bald, was an American racing automobile driver who was retroactively awarded the 1907 National Championship in 1951 and was a champion bicycle racer in the 1890s with the nickname "The Cannon."...
, "Rastus on Parade" who had many admirers in New York.
While he was superintendent of Barnes Cycle Company in September 1897, Van Wagoner had an accident sail boating on Seneca Lake, but was not injured. On the spot where he was "spilled into the lake", fourteen accidents had already happened. He had been out sailing and was unacquainted with the treacherous nature of the lake. A heavy wind and rainstorm came up and overturned his boat. He clung to the bottom of the boat and people on the shore who witnessed his distress, sent out a tug to pick him up. According to the local newspaper in Geneva, New York
Geneva, New York
Geneva is a city in Ontario and Seneca counties in the U.S. state of New York. The population was 13,617 at the 2000 census. Some claim it is named after the city and canton of Geneva in Switzerland. Others believe the name came from confusion over the letters in the word "Seneca" written in cursive...
, "Mr. Van Wagoner did not seem in the least disturbed over his narrow escape. He was smoking his cigar coolly in front of the hotel last evening and was made a hero of by the small boys." He was considered a "very popular young man" in Syracuse and was traveling with his wife.
Electric and gasoline automobiles
William Van Wagoner and Charles F. Saul finished an experimental machine and began production of a "full line" of both electric and gasoline propelled automobiles. The firm was planning to begin production in late August 1899 and employed "100 hands." Saul was a well-known carriage builder and president of the Barnes Cycle Company where Van Wagoner was superintendent.The firm had built several experimental wagons during the prior two years, starting in 1897. An "electric wagon" was completed in mid-August 1899 and "put to the streets" that very week. According to the business partners, "It has been tested daily and gives its manufacturers complete satisfaction."
Century motor vehicle company
By May 21, 1901, Van Wagoner was manager of the Century Motor Vehicle CompanyCentury Motor Vehicle Company
Century Motor Vehicle Company was a manufacturer of electric and steam automobiles in Syracuse, New York. The company switched to gasoline-fuelled internal combustion engine-powered automobiles in January 1903, and went out of business later that year.-History:Century Motor Vehicle Company was...
in Syracuse. He took a trip to Auburn, New York
Auburn, New York
Auburn is a city in Cayuga County, New York, United States of America. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 27,687...
, on May 27, 1902, in a vehicle he designed that was manufactured by the company and was joined on that "unpleasant day" by John Maxwell, casket manufacturer from Oneida, New York
Oneida, New York
Oneida is a city in Madison County located west of Oneida Castle and east of Canastota, New York, United States. The population was 10,987 at the 2000 census. The city, like both Oneida County and the nearby silver and china maker, takes its name from the Oneida tribe...
. Van Wagoner's goal was to try for a record of a mile in 58 seconds.
Personal life
William Van Wagoner was musically inclined and "gave two vocal selections" during the wedding of a close friend, Stephen Bastable, who married Veronica Gardner Stafford on June 25, 1901. By May 1902, he sang in a musical hosted by Louise Wilkins and Florence Quinn.He was married in 1893 to Blanche Viola Marshall, who was born in January 1870 in Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
. She was the daughter of Alexander Marshall and Mary E. Studvvell. During the 1900 census, he was living at 511 Park Avenue in Syracuse with his wife and listed his occupation as "manager bicycle manufacturer."
During the 1910 census, the couple were living in Bridgeport, Connecticut
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Bridgeport is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Connecticut. Located in Fairfield County, the city had an estimated population of 144,229 at the 2010 United States Census and is the core of the Greater Bridgeport area...
. He listed his occupation as "mechanical." He was still living in Bridgeport during the 1920 census and was a widower.