Frantz (United States) - AllCarIndex

Frantz Automobile Company was established in Cherryville, Ohio, during the early 1900s, specifically between 1901 and 1902. The company was notable for being one of the few automobile manufacturers founded by a clergyman, the Reverend Hiram Frantz. In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, Frantz was an inventor who created various devices, including a sewing machine motor and a tin opener.

By May 1901, Frantz had developed four light steam cars that featured his patented burner. These vehicles were characteristic of the era, equipped with tiller steering, wire wheels, and a single-chain drive. Frantz expressed intentions to expand his production capabilities to include gasoline-powered cars and planned to open a larger factory for this purpose. However, it appears that only the steam-powered models were produced.

By the end of 1902, Hiram Frantz returned to his full-time ministry, marking the conclusion of the Frantz Automobile Company's brief existence in the automotive industry. The company remains a unique footnote in automotive history, representing the intersection of religious vocation and mechanical innovation.