Baldwin, Matthias William

Baldwin, Matthias William, 1795–1866, American industrialist and philanthropist, b. Elizabethtown (now Elizabeth), N.J. After earlier business successes, Baldwin became interested in steam-engine production and completed in 1832 the locomotive Old Ironsides—one of the first successful American models—for the Philadelphia, Germantown, and Norristown RR. The Baldwin Locomotive Works subsequently prospered and maintained a leading position in the industry. Baldwin made many contributions to the Franklin Institute for the Promotion of Mechanical Arts, of which he was a charter member.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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