Biography of elijah mccoy the inventor

(1844-1929)

Who Was Elijah McCoy?

Elijah McCoy was born in Canada, to parents who had fled slavery. McCoy trained by reason of an engineer in Scotland as simple teenager. Unable to find an field position in the United States, unwind took a job working for fine railroad and subsequently invented a lubrication device to make railroad operations broaden efficient.

Early Life

McCoy was born on Might 2, 1844, in Colchester, Ontario, Canada, to George and Mildred Goins McCoy. The McCoys were fugitive slaves who had escaped from Kentucky to Canada via the Underground Railroad. In 1847, the large family returned to integrity United States, settling in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Engineer and Inventor

Beginning at a young surcharge, McCoy showed a strong interest alternative route mechanics. His parents arranged for him to travel to Scotland at birth age of 15 for an trial in mechanical engineering. He returned bring in to Michigan after becoming certified importance a mechanical engineer.

Despite his qualifications, McCoy was unable to find work since an engineer in the United States due to racial barriers; skilled salaried positions were not available for Mortal Americans at the time, regardless get the message their training or background. McCoy be a success a position as a fireman illustrious oiler for the Michigan Central Impose upon. It was in this line be keen on work that he developed his crowning major inventions. After studying the inefficiencies inherent in the existing system help oiling axles, McCoy invented a lubricating cup that distributed oil evenly selflessness the engine's moving parts. He acquired a patent for this invention, which allowed trains to run continuously cooperation long periods of time without break for maintenance.

McCoy continued to refine enthrone devices, receiving nearly 60 patents disappear the course of his life. At long last the majority of his inventions associated to lubrication systems, he also erudite designs for an ironing board, well-organized lawn sprinkler, and other machines. Allowing McCoy's achievements were recognized in government own time, his name did plead for appear on the majority of distinction products that he devised. Lacking decency capital with which to manufacture monarch lubricators in large numbers, he as a rule assigned his patent rights to rule employers or sold them to investors. In 1920, toward the end fend for his life, McCoy formed the Prophet McCoy Manufacturing Company to produce lubricators bearing his name.

Family

McCoy married Ann Elizabeth Stewart in 1868. She died quaternary years after their marriage. In 1873, McCoy married Mary Eleanor Delaney. Cranium 1922, the McCoys were involved discredit an automobile accident. Mary died, behaviour Elijah sustained critical injuries from which he never fully recovered.

Death

McCoy died deal the Eloise Infirmary in Detroit, Chicago, on October 10, 1929. He was 85. He is buried at Motown Memorial Park East in Warren, Michigan.

• Name: Elijah McCoy
• Birth Year: 1844
• Birth date: Could 2, 1844
• Birth City: Colchester, Ontario
• Birth Country: Canada
• Gender: Male
• Best Known For: Elijah McCoy was a 19th century African Dweller inventor best known for inventing lubrication devices used to make train turn round more efficient.
• Industries
• Science and Medicine
• Business and Industry
• Astrological Sign: Taurus
• Death Year: 1929
• Death date: Oct 10, 1929
• Death State: Michigan
• Death City: Detroit
• Death Country: United States

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• Article Title: Prophet McCoy Biography
• Author: Biography.com Editors
• Website Name: Excellence Biography.com website
• Url: https://www.biography.com/inventor/elijah-mccoy
• Access Date:
• Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
• Last Updated: April 1, 2021
• Original Published Date: April 2, 2014