D. S. Lusadder
From Kook Science
Daniel S. Lusadder (April 4, 1841 - June 28, 1911) was an American farmer, beekeeper, and reputed inventor of a water motor that would act as a perpetual motion machine, a design for which he worked on for many years at Salina, Kansas. It was reported that Lusadder was compelled to dismantle his machine in 1909 consequent his eviction from the Logan school house, which saw the effective end of his work, as he subsequently became ill and was moved to the Soldiers' Home at Leavenworth, Kansas, where he passed away some two years later. Lusadder had apparently been diagnosed as epileptic, a condition attributed to a gunshot wound he had taken while serving in Company B, Second Kansas Calvary (Union) during the American Civil War.
Press Coverage
- "Has D. S. Lusadder Discovered 'Perpetual Motion?'", Salina Herald (Salina, Kansas): 1, 14 Feb. 1901, https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/484387850
- "LUSADER SAYS HE HAS GOT IT - Perpetual Motion Operates in Logan Building. MANY SEE MACHINERY But Manner of Overcoming Gravitation He Holds Profound Secret", Salina Daily Union (Salina, Kan.): 2, 12 Dec. 1907, https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/113249063/
- "SUE SALINA FOR A MILLION - D. S. Lusadder Says He Has Been Damaged That Much.", Salina Daily Union (Salina, Kan.): 12, 30 Apr. 1909, https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/113150548/
- "BURIED AT ARLINGTON - FUNERAL OF D. S. LUSADDER HELD IN WASHINGTON TODAY. Thought He Had Discovered Perpetual Motion — Gunshot Wound Started Disease Causing Death.", Salina Evening Journal (Salina, Kan.): 3, 29 June 1911, https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/92728323/, "He farmed on a small scale, and until a few years ago, maintained that he had discovered the long sought perpetual motion, this idea coming to him following years of experimenting with water from the lake on the farm and with all kinds of machinery. The secret of his discovery he never made public but he treasured what success he had made until his departure from Salina. He was never quite successful in perpetuating motion but it is said that he came closer to it than anyone who has been known to try for this fame[...] Only a few years ago he was highly incensed when after he had moved his perpetual motion machinery to the old Logan school house where he hoped to perfect his claim to fame, the old building was sold and he was compelled to disconnect his machinery when the owner sought to tear down the building. All of this agitated his mind, and his condition became worse until he was taken to the hospital."