John Wightman Lorimer (July 2, 1865 – October 26, 1947) was the co-founder of the Atlas Gas Engine Company.

Lorimer was born July 2, 1865 in Scotland and came to the U.S. c.1887. In 1892 he married Margaret Helen Stevenson (Lorimer) (April 19, 1869 – March 5, 1938) and they had four children: William Stanley Lorimer, John Hamilton "Ham" Lorimer, Irene Helen Lorimer, and Ralph Stevenson Lorimer. William and J. Hamilton were twins.

Ralph worked with John, and went on to found Lorimer Diesel Engine Company with his father and was later president of the company. 2

Ham worked in the business, too. It was at the engine company where he noticed the fighting prowess of Max Baer, Sr. and became Baer's first manager. 3

Lorimer Diesel was bought by Atlas in 1949. 4,5

J. Hamilton Lorimer with Max Baer 3

Ralph, his wife (Alma) Mildred, and daughter Linda (Ebey) are buried in Mountain View Cemetery along with Mildred's grandfather, Peter Cook. The burial location of the other family members is unknown. [ but worth checking Plot 45 when MVC is open again. ]

Links and References

  1. John Lorimer Funeral Set Oakland Tribune October 28, 1947
  2. Ralph Lorimer Rites at Lakeshore Baptist Oakland Tribune April 20, 1972
  3. J. Hamilton Lorimer, Noted Figure in Fight Game, Dies Oakland Tribune November 3, 1941 (p2)
  4. Atlas Diesel to Buy Lorimer Engine Oakland Tribune April 22, 1949
  5. Lorimer Diesel Engine Company records San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
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