[1] While Freelan initially became a teacher, Francis took a different path, moving to Lewiston, Maine and opening a photography studio in 1874.

Within a few years, the studio was one of the largest in New England, and his twin brother eventually joined him in the business.

[2] Several years later, they were dissatisfied with the quality of the dry plates that at the time were entering major use in the industry.

[2] However, the brothers abandoned photography when they became interested in automobile development,[2] and sold the dry plate business to George Eastman of Eastman-Kodak for $500,000.

A Stanley steam car, the "Rocket", achieved the land speed record in 1906, at 127.6 mph.