Looking Back

Ann O’Hara
Posted 8/21/12

David Spencer, whose family was among the earliest settlers in Mount Pleasant, was the inventor of a steam tractor. This revolutionary “horseless wagon” was propelled by steam, using either coal …

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Looking Back

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David Spencer, whose family was among the earliest settlers in Mount Pleasant, was the inventor of a steam tractor. This revolutionary “horseless wagon” was propelled by steam, using either coal or wood as fuel. All of the parts were handmade by Mr. Spencer in his blacksmith shop. The four wheels were approximately six-and-a-half feet high, and it was able to go forward and reverse.

The purpose of this remarkable machine was to draw a series of wagons or to plow. Spencer demonstrated his tractor at a fair held in Pleasant Mount in 1888, and it attained a speed of four miles per hour. Despite its success, the tractor was deemed too costly to build and operate, having cost Spencer about $10,000. Several years ago, the Wayne County Historical Society’s Agriculture Committee located and purchased the remains of the original tractor and hopes to restore and display it in the future.

From the collection of the Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main St., Honesdale. The museum and research library are open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. and museum only 12 noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

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