Timeline
This timeline is constrained to dated sources. Items marked "Unconfirmed" require additional primary documentation.
1871 (Unconfirmed identity)
U.S. Patent 118,022 - "Improvement in Fly-Wheels" (John W. Keely)
Patent scan exists; inventor identity must be verified against J.E.W. Keely.
12/02/1874
Keely Motor Company initial filing (PA Department of State portal)
Portal lists initial filing date and County Orphan status. Official filing images pending.
1875-1876
Scientific American coverage of Keely motor
Multiple 1875 issues and 1876 follow-up; page locations verified in archive PDFs.
May 17, 1875
Cleveland Leader publishes an extended article on the Keely motor
Captured via archive scan; provides detailed contemporary discussion.
1879
LOC print: "Incorporated by the State of Pennsylvania / Keely motor company"
Corporate certificate print preserved by LOC.
Nov 1888
Press reports: Keely sent to jail
Independent reports in Savannah Morning News, News and Courier, and Charlotte Democrat. Court docket pending.
1890 (Unconfirmed identity)
U.S. Patent 437,017 - "Chemical Compound" (John E. Keely)
Patent scan exists; inventor identity must be verified against J.E.W. Keely.
1893
Bloomfield H. Moore publishes Keely and His Discoveries
Supportive, detailed narrative of the claimed mechanisms.
1895
Maysville Evening Bulletin reports potential transfer of Keely interests to John Jacob Astor
Press report references Keely Motor Company ownership and incorporation.
Mar 5, 1896
Rome Tribune (GA) reports "The Keely Motor Is at Last Ready"
Article captured in state newspaper repository.
Aug 11, 1898
Life magazine publishes "Patent Keely Motor Elephant" cartoon
Satirical illustration showing cultural penetration of the story.
1898-1899
Late-period coverage and illustrations
Press reports, satire, and the "Sphere under Keely's laboratory" illustration (NY Journal & Advertiser, Jan 9, 1899).