Daniel French (inventor)

From an early age French strove to become a "mechanician," an artisan trained in the theory of mechanics and skilled in the working of metals at increasing levels of precision.

French's most significant invention was the horizontally mounted, high-pressure, non-condensing, directly connected steam engine for mills, boats, etc.

By employing Oliver Evans' patented (1804) high-pressure steam principle, French increased the power of his engine.

Over the years, French's steam engine and drive train proved to be a significant improvement compared to Fulton's.

[3] The steamboat Washington was built by George White at Wheeling, West Virginia, for Henry Shreve and partners.

Since the steam cylinder was too heavy for French's oscillating-type engine, he fixed it in a horizontal position below the main deck immediately forward of the stern paddle wheel.