Born on February 10, 1880, Jesse Gurley Vincent is revered as one of America's greatest automotive engineers. His remarkable career, most notably at the Packard Motor Car Company, where he served as chief engineer from 1915 until his retirement in 1946, left an indelible mark on the industry.
Vincent was born on February 10, 1980 in Charleston. his parents were Joseph Merrill Vincent and Cornella "Nellie" (Gurney) Vincent. They were originally from Dunklin County, Missouri but moved to Arkansas seeking new opportunities. Jesse was the third child born to the couple who had seven children overall.,
Vincent's lineage hinted at his destined path. His maternal grandfather had been the Union Army's director of railroad design and engineering during the Civil War, playing a pivotal role in the Confederacy's defeat. His father was also an engineer, and this rich heritage undoubtedly influenced Vincent's pioneering spirit.
Despite lacking formal education, Vincent's thirst for knowledge led him to pursue engineering through the International Correspondence Schools.
He married Clarinda Blood in 1902 in St. Louis They had at least one daughter together.
This self-taught engineer quickly made a name for himself at the Burroughs Adding Machine Company in Detroit, where he accumulated a thick portfolio of patents.
His innovative drive propelled him to the role of acting chief engineer at the Hudson Motor Car Company in late 1910, where he forged a close friendship with Howard E. Coffin.
Vincent had a notable military career during World War I. He was commissioned as a major in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Vincent is best known for his role in designing the Liberty V-12 aircraft engine in collaboration with Elbert J. Hall.
This engine was a significant contribution to the war effort, with over 20,000 units produced by the end of the conflict
His military service and engineering achievements during the war earned him the nickname "Colonel Vincent," although he was not a career military officer
The Liberty engine also found success in marine applications, leading to triumphs in high-speed boat racing.
At Packard, Vincent's genius shone brightly. He developed automotive engines that set new standards for performance and reliability, cementing his legacy in the automotive world. His contributions were recently honored by the National Packard Museum, which unveiled an exhibit dedicated to Vincent.
The exhibit showcases personal artifacts, detailed engine models, and a replica of a race car Vincent built to test his speedster engine in 1929. During this period, Vincent was involved in the development of several key Packard engines, including the Twin Six V-12 and the straight-8 engine. His work helped solidify Packard's reputation for producing high-performance, reliable vehicles.
Vincent's first wife died in 1943 after 41 years of marriage. Later that same year, he married Rachel Mary Hawes in Grosse Pointe, Wayne County, Michigan. This second marriage lasted until his death.
Vincent retired from his position as chief engineer at Packard Motor Car Company in 1946. and passed away on April 20, 1962, in Detroit, Michigan.
He is buried between his two wives in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit.
