JK
John Ernst Worrell Keely
Primary Source Archive

Archive Inventory

This inventory highlights the strongest evidence currently held in the repository. Every item listed here has a provenance log entry in `research/sources/sources-log.md` and a copy stored in `research/sources/`. This is a working archive and will expand as new filings and scans are secured.

Corporate Record

  • PA Department of State portal listing: KEELY MOTOR COMPANY control ID 0006102665 (initial filing 12/02/1874).
  • LOC corporate certificate print: "Incorporated by the State of Pennsylvania / Keely motor company" (1879).
  • LOC stock certificate scan (1879).
  • Investor references in newspapers (Maysville Evening Bulletin 1895; El Paso Daily Herald 1898; Pacific Commercial Advertiser 1898).

Official filing images from PA State Archives RG-026 are the top priority targets.

Contemporary Press Coverage

Dozens of 19th-century newspaper pages have been captured from Chronicling America and state repositories. These include early coverage in 1875 and renewed interest in 1895-1899.

  • Scientific American issues from 1874-1881 (multiple Keely references).
  • Regional papers: SC, GA, KY, TX, NE, CA, DC, AL, HI, IL, IN, WI, NV, WA Territory.
  • Rome Tribune (GA) 1896 article: "The Keely Motor Is at Last Ready."
  • Cleveland Leader (May 17, 1875) article on the Keely motor.

Each page scan is preserved to ensure the original layout and context can be rechecked during OCR review.

Technical Material & Apparatus

  • Diagrams and lab maps (Keely laboratory, motor, transmitter, second-story map).
  • Institutional object record: "Etheric Force Machine" (American Precision Museum).
  • Patent scans: US118022 (1871) and US437017 (1890), identity verification pending.
  • New York Journal & Advertiser (Jan 9, 1899) illustration: "Sphere under Keely's laboratory."

Visual Gallery (Selected)

Keely Motor Company stock certificate, 1879
Stock certificate (LOC, 1879).
Incorporated by the State of Pennsylvania / Keely motor company (1879)
Corporate certificate print (LOC, 1879).
Diagram of Keely's laboratory
Laboratory diagram (published source via Wikimedia).
Etheric Force Machine, American Precision Museum
Institutional apparatus photo (American Precision Museum).

How to Use This Archive

  • Start with the Research Brief for scope and priorities.
  • Use the Timeline for dated milestones linked to primary sources.
  • Consult Company & Finance, Technical, and Legal pages for evidence-specific clusters.
  • See Records Requests for official filings and court docket targets.
  • Review `research/sources/sources-log.md` in the repository for full provenance.

If you need a specific source or want to contribute a lead, capture the URL, date, and a brief note so it can be logged with full provenance.