Share

Elijah McCoy biography

1 photo

Quick Facts

Best Known For

A black Canadian inventor and manufacturer, Elijah McCoy opened the Elijah McCoy Manufacturing Company in 1920, going on to claiming some 50 patents.

Synopsis

Born in 1843 in Canada, Elijah McCoy was an inventor and manufacturer whose African American parents had fled from Kentucky to escape slavery. He opened the Elijah McCoy Manufacturing Co. (1920) and patented an improved airbrake lubricator, one of the some 50 patents he obtained during his lifetime.

Contents

Inventor and manufacturer, born in Canada. His African-American parents had fled from Kentucky to escape slavery. He showed an early talent for mechanical innovations, and in Ypsilanti, MI he devloped lubricators for steam engines (1870). In 1882 he moved to Detroit, where he perfected his lubricating cup, still widely used to provide a steady supply of oil to machinery. He opened the Elijah McCoy Manufacturing Co (1920) and patented an improved airbrake lubricator, one of the some 50 patents he obtained during his lifetime.

© 2012 A&E Television Networks. All rights reserved.

ADVERTISEMENT

GetGlue

9391300 9391300
profile id: 9391300
profile name: Elijah McCoy
profile occupation:
related profile id: 9391300
related profile name: Elijah McCoy
related profile occupation:
related profile img: /imported/images/Biography/Images/Profiles/M/Elijah-McCoy-9391300-1-402.jpg
related profile URL: /people/elijah-mccoy-9391300
profile
pop
Your Connections

Sign in with Facebook to see how you and your friends are connected to famous icons.

specific profile connection
See More Bio Connections
Your Friends' Connections
specific friend connection
Profile Connections
    Show More Connections
    Included In These Groups

    See all related groups

    Celebrity Connections

    Show More Connections
    Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!