The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1873-09-06
AN OREGON GENIUS.

opinion of experienced engineers and
scientific gentlemen who have examined
the working model. will not supplant the
present steam engines in use, out largely
increase the uses to which machinery can
be applied with profit. Strange to say.
this invention which promises such great
results is the product of II boy but eighteen
years of age, who was born and reared III
the backwoods of Oregon. Frank u
Crouch, is the name of the young genius
His father settled on farm in Douglas
county over twenty years ago, and the
only educational advantages enjoyed by
the young man were these afforded by the
country school, AT very early age he
demonstrated wonderful ingenuity in
the construction OF windmills and water
wheels Before he was ten years of age
he built toy sawmiii, which was the
wonder of the inhabitants for miles around
Natural philosophy and chemistry were
his favorite studies, not only faithfully
followed in school, but fairly reVelled In
out of school hours He was continually
testin g the theories of the book bv actual
experiments, and producing results which
astonished his elders. The frivolous
amusements of other children he turned
from, and his entire time was occupied not
only in practically demonstrating what be
saw in print, but in endeavoring 10 i'm
prove upon the original. Up to four years
ago, when he went with his father to Port
land, he never had seen a telegraph in
strument; yet instead of having its opera.
ton explained to him, he astonished the
operator with more profound elucidation
OF It's workings than the operator himself
could have given. Upon his return home
he constructed an instrument, made a
battery, and in rude way could telegraph
with II, He came near losing his lie at
this period, from the strength ola battery
which he had constructed, receiving a
shock which laid hum up for month. In
tins connection 1t may be stated that this
young man has perfected system of tele
graph whereby messages may be sent and
received on board train of cars, whether
standing still or moving at the rate of fifty
mules an hour. The young man fully ex.
planned this system to a Chronicle reporter,
showing plainly that 1t is feasible, but az
bis application for a patent is not yet
filed it would be unfair to make it public.
This system also renders collisions impos-
sible, and greatly reduces the chances of
accidents of all kinds 1t has been tested
on twelve miles of road and found to work
like II charm. Another of his inventions,
from which his friends and practical
machinlsts expect great results, is self
regulating water-feed, to be applied to
boilers. The great majority of explosions
which occur are caused by the the water
getting low through the carelessness of
engineers. By this arrangement the water
i'll the boiler will always be kept at a Ger.
tam height, rendering explosions Impossi.
Die, requiring no attention from the
engineer, and dispensing with water
gauges. Among All the inventions TO
which the young man has applied his
attention, the one which he is DESTROYS of
bringing before the public was bis new
steaE-englne. His father, who is plain,
practical farmer, endeavored to turn his
attention from machinery and electricity
to the everyday life of the farm, but
finally he was persuaded by the unceasing
opportunities of the youth to go to Port
Land, and endeavor to get some capitalists
to supply the money to bring out the in
ventions of the boy They met with poor
success In Portland, and the father, whose
means are lins tied, endeavore5 to persuade
his son to return home. The young man
would not listen to such a pron0sition.
aud finally induced his father to come no
down to San Francisco. They met with
poor success here at first, but Young
Crouch finally succeeded in getting a
miniature model OF his engine manu-
featured. He took it down to San Jose.
where several old friends of the Crouch
family resided. AZ Judge Hester's resi-.
dence, on the Alameda road the little
engine, with but two inch cylinder and
two Inch stroke, was applied to large
straw cutter, ordinarily worked by strong
mule. 1t easily handled the m tchine.
and accomplished work which the mule
could not, cutting eff grape vines and
barrel-hoops as readily as straw. The
mule was substituted for the little engine,
and brought to dead stop when these
things were put in the machine. Judge
Moore and Mr.. Bishop at once took stock
III the undertaking. With the means
furnished by them large engine is now
being constructed at machine shop in
this city, which will be in operation this
week. The merit claimed for the new
engine Is that by 1t steam is converted into
a wonderfully expansive gas, by being
surerheated in combination with air, thus
giving to a comparatively small engine
great power. By this arrangement the
main obstacle which has prevented the
application of machinery to many pur-
poses will be overcome, and the steam
carriage for common roads made practical.
A great saving In fuel as we'll as weights.
Is also secured by the invention of young
Crouch. The engine and boiler are com
blned, and an engine of forty horse power
VIII not take up space of six feet
square,"