TOPIC XXVII.
Reading edition
THE NEGRO AS AN INVENTOR.
BY H. E. BAKER.
HENRY E. BAKER.
Henry E. Baker is one of the most useful men in Washington. His life stands out in strong contrast to that of so many of our educated colored men who have come to Washington, obtained positions in the government service, and shriveled up so far as public usefulness is concerned. He is an active member of the Berean Baptist Church, being its treasurer, an office he has held for several years. For ten years he has been secretary, the executive officer of the Industrial Building and Savings Company, and a director of the Capital Savings Bank. His most notable characteristic is his public spirit, having been connected with almost every well-directed movement in this city for the last fifteen years, looking to the betterment of the condition of his race, especially in the matter of opening up business opportunities for them. The estimation in which he is held by those who know him best is attested by the fact that he is almost invariably called to the position of treasurer in every organization of which he is a member. Born just before the War in Columbus, Miss., he attended the public school of his home and also the Columbus Union Academy. He passed the entrance examination at Annapolis, and was admitted into the Naval Academy as cadet midshipman in 1875, where he remained nearly two years. In 1877, he was appointed "copyist" in the United States Patent Office, where he is at present employed, and where he was promoted, through the several intervening grades, to the position of Second Assistant Examiner at $1,600 per annum. He attended the Ben-Hyde Benton School of Technology in this city from 1877 to 1879; entered the law department of Howard University in 1879, graduating in 1881, at the head of his class, and from the post-graduate course in 1883.
He was married in May, 1893, at Lexington, Ky., to Miss Violetta K. Clark, of Detroit, Mich., who graces a cozy home at 2348 Sixth Street, N. W.
It is quite within the mark to say that no class of men of modern times has made so distinct a contribution to what is popularly called "modern civilization" as have the inventors of the world, and it is equally within bounds to say that the American inventor has led all the rest in the practical utility as well as in the scientific perfection of his inventive skill. Within the century just past the inventors of America have done more than was done in all the preceding centuries to multiply the comforts and minimize the burdens of domestic life. What Washington and Grant, Sherman and Sheridan did for the glory of America was done, and more, by Whitney, Morse, Thompson, Howe, Ericsson, Colt, Bell, Corliss, Edison, McCormick, and a host of other Americans, native and naturalized, to promote the progress of American inventive skill, and thus firmly to establish this country in the front rank of the enlightened nations of the world.
The true measure of a nation's worth in the great family of nations is proportionate to that nation's contribution to the welfare and happiness of the whole; and similarly, an individual is measured by the contribution he makes to the well being of the community in which he lives. If inventions therefore have played the important part here assigned to them in the gradual development of our complex national life, it becomes important to know what contribution the American Negro has made to the inventive skill of this country.
Unfortunately for the seeker after this particular information the public records of the United States government offer practically no assistance, since the public records distinguish only as to nations and not as to races. The Englishman and the American may instantly find out how each stands in the list of patentees, but the Irishman and the Negro are kept in the dark—especially the latter.
The official records of the United States Patent Office, with a single exception, give no hint whatever that of the thousands of mechanical inventions for which patents are granted annually by the government, any patent has ever been granted to a Negro. The single exception was the name of Henry Blair of Maryland, to whom the public records refer as "a colored man," stating that he was granted a patent for a corn harvester in 1834 and another patent for a similar invention in 1836.
It is altogether safe to assume that this Henry Blair was a "free person of color," as the language of those days would have phrased it; for the government seemed committed to the theory that "a slave could not take out a patent for his invention." And this dictum gave rise to some rather embarrassing situations on more occasions than one. For instance, in 1857, a Negro slave, living with his master in the state of Mississippi, perfected a valuable invention which his master sought to have protected by a patent. Now, in law, a patent is a contract between the government and the inventor or his assignees. The slave, although the inventor, could not under the law be a party to a contract, and therefore could not secure the patent himself. His master applied for the patent, but was refused on the ground that inasmuch as he was not the inventor and could not be the assignee of a slave, he could not properly make the required oath. The master was not satisfied with this interpretation of the law by the Commissioner of Patents, and at once appealed from the latter's decision to the Secretary of the Interior, who, in 1858, referred the case to the Attorney-General of the United States. This latter official, who was Hon. Jeremiah S. Black, of Pennsylvania, confirmed the decision of the Commissioner of Patent, and neither master nor slave was ever able to get a patent for the slave's invention. This case reported on page 171 of volume 9, of "Opinions of Attorneys-General, United States."
Another instance of a similar character occurred a few years later, in 1862, when a slave belonging to Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy, invented a propeller for vessels. He constructed an excellent model of his invention, displaying remarkable mechanical skill in wood and metal working. He was not able to get his invention patented, but the merits of his invention were commented upon approvingly by a number of influential Southern newspapers, and his propeller was finally put in use by the Confederate navy. With the barrier of slavery cast aside, a new opportunity was opened to the Negro inventor, and the purpose of this article is to show what use he has made of that opportunity.
It must still be borne in mind that the records of the United States Patent Office do not show whether a patentee is a Negro or a Caucasian, and that to ascertain what the Negro has accomplished in the field of invention other sources of information had to be utilized; and finally, that the very omission from the public records of all data calculated to identify a given invention with the Negro race completely destroys the possibility of arriving at any definite conclusion as to the exact number and character of negro inventions.
Judging from what has been duly authenticated as Negro inventions patented by the United States, it is entirely reasonable to assume that many hundreds of valuable inventions have been patented by Negro inventors for which the race will never receive due credit. This is the more unfortunate since the race now, perhaps, more than ever before, needs the help of every fact in its favor to offset as far as possible the many discreditable things that the daily papers are all too eager to publish against it.
It appears that no systematic effort was ever made by the government to collect information as to the number of inventions by Negroes until January, 1900, when the then Commissioner of Patents, Hon. Charles H. Duell, undertook the task. Previous to that time the United States Patent Office had received numerous requests from all parts of the country for information on that point, and the uniform reply was that the official records of the Patent Office did not show whether an inventor was colored or white, and that the office had no way of obtaining such information.
Notwithstanding this fact, however, an employee of the Patent Office had undertaken to collect a list of such patents, and this list was used in selecting a small exhibit of Negro inventions. First, for the Cotton Centennial at New Orleans, in 1884; again for the World's Fair at Chicago, in 1893; and, lastly, for the Southern Exposition at Atlanta in 1895. But it was reserved for the United States Commission to the Paris Exposition of 1900 to make the first definite effort to obtain this information, and at its request the following letter by the Commissioner of Patents was addressed to hundreds of patent lawyers throughout the country, to large manufacturing establishments, to the various newspapers edited by colored men, and to prominent men of the race:
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, United States Patent Office.
Washington, D. C., Jan. 26, 1900.
Dear Sir:
This Office is endeavoring to obtain information concerning patents issued to colored inventors, in accordance with a request from the United States Commission to the Paris Exposition of 1900, to be used in preparing the "Negro Exhibit."
To aid in this work, you are requested to send to this Office, in the enclosed envelope, which will not require a postage stamp, the names of any colored inventors you can furnish, together with the date of grant, title of invention, and patent number, so that a list without errors can be prepared.
You will confer a special favor by aiding in the preparation of this list by filling in the blank form below, and sending in any replies as promptly as possible. Should you be unable to furnish any data, will you kindly inform us of that fact?
Very respectfully,
C. H. Duell, Commissioner of Patents.
=============================================================================== | NAME. | NUMBER. | DATE. | INVENTION. | +----------------+--------------------+----------------+----------------------+ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | +----------------+--------------------+----------------+----------------------+
The replies to this letter showed that the correspondents personally knew of and could identify by name, date and number more than four hundred patents granted by the United States to colored inventors. The letters also showed that nearly as many more colored inventors had completed their inventions, and had applied to patent lawyers throughout the country for assistance in obtaining patents for their inventions, but finally abandoned the effort through lack of means to prosecute their applications. The list of the patented inventions as furnished mainly by the letters above named is printed below, and shows that, beginning first with agricultural implements and culinary utensils, which circumscribed the character of his earlier employment, the Negro inventor gradually widened the field of his inventive effort until he had well nigh covered the whole range of patentable subjects.
A study of the list will disclose the fact that the Negro inventor has very often, like his white brother, caught the spirit of invention, and not being contented with a single success, has frequently been led to exert his energies along many different lines of inventions.
Elijah McCoy, of Detroit, Mich., heads the list with twenty-eight patents, relating particularly to lubricating appliances for engines both stationary and locomotive, but covering also a large variety of other subjects. The next is Granville T. Woods, of Cincinnati, whose inventions are confined almost exclusively to electricity, and cover a very wide range of devices for the utilitarian application of this wonderful force. Mr. W. B. Purvis, of Philadelphia, comes next with sixteen patents relating especially to paper bag machinery, but including a few other subjects as well. Mr. F. J. Ferrell, of New York, has ten patents on valves adapted for a variety of uses. Then comes ex-Congressman Geo. W. Murray of South Carolina, with eight patents on agricultural implements. Mr. Henry Creamer has seven patents on steam traps, and more than a dozen among the number have patented as many as five different inventions.
Time and space will not admit of any extended notice of many individual patentees, but mention should be made of a few of them.
Granville T. Woods is called the "Black Edison" because of his persistent and successful investigations into the mystery of electricity. Among his inventions may be found valuable improvements in telegraphy, important telephone instruments, a system for telegraphing from moving trains, an electric railway, a phonograph, and an automatic cut-off for an electric circuit. One of his telephone inventions was sold to the American Bell Telephone Company, who is said to have paid Mr. Woods handsomely for his patent. Mr. Ferrell's inventions of valves laid the foundation for a large and highly successful manufacturing and commercial enterprise which he now conducts in the city of New York.
Mr. Elijah McCoy succeeded in placing his lubricators on many of the steam car and steamboat engines in the northwest and also on some of the ocean steamers, and from these he receives a valuable annual royalty.
Mr. Matzeliger, of Massachusetts, is credited with being the pioneer in the art of attaching soles to shoes by machinery; and Mr. Joseph Lee, of Boston, is said to have placed his kneading machine in many of the first-class bakeries and hotels in Boston and New York, from which he receives a substantial royalty.
So far as is known to the writer Miss Miriam E. Benjamin, of Massachusetts, is the only colored woman who has received a patent for an invention, and the principle of her invention, that of a gong signal, has just been adopted in the United States House of Representatives in signalling for the pages to attend upon members who want them for errands. Formerly the pages were signalled by members clapping their hands, and the noise incident to this method was frequently a great disturbance of the House proceedings. The new system just adopted involves merely the pressing of a button on the member's chair, and this rings a small gong while displaying a signal on the back of the chair.
Another invention by a young colored man which has attracted considerable attention is the rapid-fire gun by Mr. Eugene Burkins, of Chicago. This gun has been examined by officers of the War and Navy Departments, and has been pronounced a valuable contribution to the scientific equipments for military and naval warfare.
The following description of Mr. Burkins' gun appeared in Howard's American Magazine some months ago:
"A brief description of the gun is not exactly out of place, although the Scientific American and other technical journals have long since given it to the world. It is an improvement upon all that has yet been done in the way of ordnance, and the principles involved in its construction can be applied to any size of gun, from a one-inch barker to a thirty-six-inch thunderer. The model as it now stands weighs 475 pounds, measures four inches at breech, and is constructed of the finest of gun brass at a cost of $3,500. There is a magazine at the breech in which a large number of heavy shells can be held in reserve, and in the action of the gun these slip down to their places and are fired at the rate of fourteen a minute, an improvement on the Maxim gun of four shots. The gun is elevated upon a revolving turret with electrical connections, enabling the gunner to direct the action of the machine with a touch of his finger. Firing, reloading and ejection of shells are all effected by electricity, and a child could conduct the work of manning the gun as easily as anyone."
These inventions show how completely in error are those who constantly assert that the Negro has made no lasting contribution to the civilization of the age, and they prove conclusively that under favorable environment he is capable of performing his whole duty in the work of mankind whether it be tilling the earth with his hoe or advancing the world by his thought.
LIST OF COLORED INVENTORS IN THE UNITED STATES AS FURNISHED FOR THE PARIS EXPOSITION, 1900.
Inventor.Invention.Date.Number.
Abrams, W. B.Hame AttachmentApr, 14, 1891.450,550
Allen, C. W.Self-Leveling TableNov. 1, 1898.613,436
Allen, J. B.Clothes Line SupportDec. 10, 1895.551,105
Ashbourne, A. P.Process for Preparing Cocoanut for Domestic
UseJune 1, 1875.163,962
Ashbourne, A. P.Biscuit CutterNov. 30, 1875.170,460
Ashbourne, A. P.Refining Cocoanut OilJuly 27, 1880.230,518
Ashbourne, A. P.Process of Treating CocoanutAug. 21, 1877.194,287
Blair, H.Corn PlanterOct. 14, 1834.
Bailey, L. C.Combined Truss and BandageSept. 25, 1883.285,545
Blair, HenryCotton PlanterAug. 31, 1836.
Bailey, L. C.Folding BedJuly 18, 1899.629,286
Bailes, Wm.Ladder Scaffold SupportAug. 5, 1879.218,154
Bailiff, C. O.Shampoo HeadrestOct. 11, 1898.612,008
Ballow, W. J.Combined Hatrack and TableMar. 29, 1898.601,422
Barnes, G. A. E.Design for SignAug. 19, 1898.29,193
Beard, A. J.Rotary EngineJuly 5, 1892.478,271
Beard, A. J.Car-couplerNov. 23, 1897.594,059
Becket, G. E.Letter BoxOct. 4, 1892.483,525
Bell, L.Locomotive Smoke StackMay 23, 1871.115,153
Bell, L.Dough KneaderDec. 10, 1872.133,823
Benjamin, L. W.Broom Moisteners and BridlesMay 16, 1893.497,747
Benjamin, Miss M. E.Gong and Signal Chairs for HotelsJuly 17, 1888.386,286
Blackburn, A. B.Railway SignalJan. 10, 1888.376,362
Blackburn. A. B.Spring Seat for ChairsApr. 3, 1888.380,420
Blackburn, A. B.Cash CarrierOct. 23, 1888.391,577
Blue, L.Hand Corn Shelling DeviceMay 20, 1884.298,937
Binga, M. W.Street Sprinkling ApparatusJuly 22, 1879.217,843
Booker, L. F.Design Rubber Scraping KnifeMar. 28, 1899.30,404
Boone, SarahIroning BoardApr. 26, 1892.473,653
Bowman, H. A.Making FlagsFeb. 23, 1892.469,395
Brooks, C. B.PunchOct. 31, 1893.507,672
Brooks, C. B.Street-SweepersMar. 17, 1896.556,711
Brooks, C. BStreet-SweepersMay 12, 1896.560,154
Brooks, Hallstead and PageStreet-SweepersApr. 21, 1896.558,719
Brown, HenryReceptacle for Storing and Preserving PapersNov. 2, 1886.352,036
Brown, L. F.Bridle BitOct. 25, 1892.484,994
Brown, O. E.HorseshoeAug. 23, 1892.481,371
Brown & LatimerWater Closets for Railway CarsFeb. 10, 1874.147,363
Burr, J. A.Lawn MowerMay 9, 1899.624,749
Burr, W. F.Switching Device for RailwaysOct. 31, 1899.636,197
Burwell, W.Boot or ShoeNov. 28, 1899.638,143
Butler, R. A.Train AlarmJune 15, 1897.584,540
Butts, J. W.Luggage CarrierOct. 10, 1899.634,611
Byrd, T. J.Improvement in Holders for Reins for HorsesFeb. 6, 1872.123,328
Byrd. T. J.Apparatus for Detaching Horses
from CarriagesMar. 19, 1872.124,790
Byrd, T. J.Improvement in Neck Yokes for WagonsApr. 30, 1872.126,181
Byrd, T. J.Improvement in Car-CouplingsDec. 1, 1874.157,370
Burkins, EugeneRapid-Fire Gun 649,433
Campbell, W. S.Self-Setting Animal TrapAug. 30, 1881.246,369
Cargill, B. F.Invalid CotJuly 25, 1899.629,658
Carrington, T. ARangeJuly 25, 1876.180,323
Carter, W. C.Umbrella StandAug. 4, 1885.323,397
Certain, J. M.Parcel Carrier for BicyclesDec. 26, 1899.639,708
Cherry, M. A.VelocipedeMay 8, 1888.382,351
Church, T. S.Carpet Beating MachineJuly 29, 1884.302,237
Cherry, M. A.Street Car FenderJan. 1, 1895.531,908
Clare, O. B.TrestleOct. 9, 1888.390,753
Coates, R.Overboot for HorsesApr. 19, 1892.473,295
Cook, G.Automatic Fishing DeviceMay 30, 1899.625,829
Coolidge, J. S.Harness AttachmentNov. 13, 1888.392,908
Cooper, A. R.Shoemaker's JackAug. 22, 1899.631,519
Cooper, J.Shutter and FasteningMay 1, 1883.276,563
Cooper, J.Elevator DeviceApr. 2, 1895.536,605
Cooper, J.Elevator DeviceSept. 21, 1897.590,257
Cornwell, P. W.Draft RegulatorOct. 2, 1888.390,284
Cornwell, P. W.Draft RegulatorFeb. 7, 1893.491,082
Cralle, A. L.Ice-Cream MoldFeb. 2, 1897.576,395
Creamer, H.Steam Feed Water TrapMar. 17, 1885.313,854
Creamer, H.Steam TrapsMar. 8, 1887.358,964
Creamer, H.Steam TrapsJan. 17, 1888.376,586
Creamer, H.Steam Trap FeederDec. 11, 1888.394,463
Creamer, H.Steam TrapMay 28, 1889.404,174
Creamer, H.Steam TrapAug. 18, 1891.457,983
Creamer, H.Steam TrapNov. 21, 1893.509,202
Cosgrove, W. F.Automatic Stop Plug for Gas Oil PipesMar. 17, 1885.313,993
Darkins, J. T.VentilationFeb. 19, 1895.534,322
Davis, I. D.TonicNov. 2, 1886.351,829
Davis, W. D.Riding SaddlesOct. 6, 1896.568,939
Davis, W. R., Jr.Library TableSept. 24, 1878.208,378
Deitz, W. A.ShoeApr. 30, 1867.64,205
Dorticus, C. J.Device for Applying Coloring Liquids to
Sides of Soles or Heels of ShoesMar. 19, 1895.535,820
Dickinson, J. H.PianolaDetroit, Mich., 1899.
Dorticus, C. J.Machine for Embossing PhotoApr. 16, 1895.537,422
Dorticus, C. J.Photographic Print WashApr. 23, 1895.537,968
Dorticus, C. J.Hose Leak StopJuly 18, 1899.629,315
Downing, P. B.Electric Switch for RailroadJune 17, 1890.430,118
Downing, P. B.Letter BoxOct. 27, 1891.462,093
Downing, P. B.Street Letter BoxOct. 27, 1891.462,096
Dunnington, J. H.Horse DetachersMar. 18, 1897.578,979
Dorsey, O.Door-Holding DeviceDec. 10, 1878.210,764
Edmonds, T. H.Separating ScreensJuly 20, 1897.586,724
Elkins, T.Dining, Ironing Table and Quilting
Frame CombinedFeb. 22, 1870.100,020
Elkins, T.Chamber CommodeJan. 9, 1872.122,518
Elkins, T.Refrigerating ApparatusNov. 4, 1879.221,222
Evans, J. H.Convertible SetteesOct. 5, 1897.591,095
Faulkner, H.Ventilated ShoeApr. 20, 1890.426,495
Ferrell, F. J.Steam TrapFeb. 11, 1890.420,993
Ferrell, F. J.Apparatus for Melting SnowMay 27, 1890.428,670
Ferrell, F. J.ValveMay 27, 1890.428,671
Ferrell, F. J.ValveApr. 14, 1891.450,451
Ferrell, F. J.ValveNov. 10, 1891.462,762
Ferrell, F. J.ValveJan. 26, 1892.467,796
Ferrell, F. J.ValveFeb. 2, 1892.468,242
Ferrell, F. J.ValveFeb. 9, 1892.468,334
Ferrell, F. J.ValveJan. 17, 1893.490,227
Ferrell, F. J.ValveJuly 18, 1893.501,497
Fisher, D. A.Joiners' ClampApr. 20, 1875.162,281
Fisher, D. A.Furniture CastorMar. 14, 1876.174,794
Flemming, R. F., Jr.GuitarMar. 3, 1886.338,727
Goode, Sarah E.Folding Cabinet BedJuly 14, 1885.322,177
Grant, G. F.Golf-TeeDec. 12, 1899.638,920
Grant, W. S.Curtain Rod SupportAug. 28, 1894.525,203
Gregory, J.MotorApr. 26, 1887.361,937
Gray, R. H.Cistern CleanersApr. 9, 1895.537,151
Grenon, H.Razor Stropping DeviceFeb. 18, 1896.554,867
Griffin, F. W.Pool Table AttachmentJune 13, 1899.626,902
Gunn, S. W.Boot or ShoeJan. 16, 1900.641,642
Haines, J. H.Portable BasinSept. 28, 1897.590,833
Hammonds, J. F.Apparatus for Holding Yarn SkeinsDec. 15, 1896.572,985
Harding, F. H.Extension Banquet TableNov. 22, 1898.614,468
Hawkins, J.GridironMar. 26, 1845.3,973
Hawkins, R.Harness AttachmentOct. 4, 1887.370,943
Headen, M.Foot Power HammerOct. 5, 1886.350,363
Hearness, R.Sealing Attachment for BottlesFeb. 15, 1898.598,929
Hearness, R.Detachable Car FenderJuly 4, 1899.628,003
Hilyer, A. F.Water Evaporator Attachmentfor Hot
Air RegistersAug. 26, 1890.435,095
Hilyer, A. F.RegistersOct. 14, 1890.438,159
Holmes, E. H.GageNov. 12, 1895.549,513
Hunter, J. H.Portable Weighing ScalesNov. 3, 1896.570,553
Hyde, R. N.Composition for Cleaning and
Preserving CarpetsNov. 6, 1888.392,205
Jackson, B. F.Heating ApparatusMar. 1, 1898.599,985
Jackson, B. F.Matrix Drying ApparatusMay 10, 1898.603,879
Jackson. B. F.Gas BurnerApr. 4, 1899.622,482
Jackson, H. A.Kitchen TableOct. 6, 1896.569,135
Jackson, W. H.Railway SwitchMar. 9, 1897.578,641
Jackson, W. H.Railway SwitchMar. 16, 1897.593,665
Jackson. W. H.Automatic Locking SwitchAug. 23, 1898.609,436
Johnson, D.Rotary Dining TableJan. 15, 1888.396,089
Johnson, D.Lawn Mower AttachmentSept. 10, 1889.410,836
Johnson, D.Grass Receivers for Lawn MowersJune 10, 1890.429,629
Johnson, I. R.Bicycle FrameOct. 10, 1899.634,823
Johnson, P.Swinging ChairsNov. 15, 1881.249,530
Johnson, P.Eye ProtectorNov. 2, 1880.234,039
Johnson, W.VelocipedeJune 20, 1899.627,335
Johnson, W. A.Paint VehicleDec. 4, 1888.393,763
Johnson, W. H.Overcoming Dead CentersFeb. 4, 1896.554,223
Johnson, W. H.Overcoming Dead CentersOct. 11, 1898.612,345
Johnson. W.Egg BeaterFeb. 5, 1884.292,821
Jones & LongCaps for BottlesSept. 13, 1898.610,715
Joyce, J. A.Ore BucketApr. 26, 1898.603,143
Latimer, L. H.Manufacturing CarbonsJune 17, 1882.252,386
Latimer, L. H.Apparatus for Cooling and DisinfectingJan. 12, 1886.334,078
Latimer, L. H.Locking Racks for Hats, Coats and UmbrellasMar. 24, 1896.557,076
Lavalette, W. A.Printing PressSept. 17, 1878.208,208
Lee, H.Animal TrapFeb. 12, 1867.61,941
Lee, J.Kneading MachineAug. 7, 1894.524,042
Lee, J.Bread Crumbing MachineJune 4, 1895.540,553
Leslie, F. W.Envelope SealSept. 21, 1897.590,325
Lewis, A. L.Window CleanerSept. 27, 1892.483,359
Lewis, E. R.Spring GunMay 3, 1887.362,096
Linden, H.Piano TruckSept. 8, 1891.459,365
Little, E.Bridle-BitMar. 7, 1882.254,666
Loudin, F. J.Sash FastenerDec. 12, 1892.510,432
Loudin, F. J.Key FastenerJan. 9, 1894.512,308
Love, J. L.Plasterers' HawkJuly 9, 1895.542,419
Love, J. L.Pencil SharpenerNov. 23, 1897.594,114
Marshall, W.Grain BinderMay 11, 1886.341,589
Marshall, T. J.Fire ExtinguisherMay 26, 1872.125,063
Martin, W. A.LockJuly 23, 1889.407,738
Martin, W. A.LockDec. 30, 1890.443,945
Matzeliger, J. E.Mechanism for Distributing TacksNov. 26, 1899.415,726
Matzeliger, J. E.Nailing MachineFeb. 25, 1896.421,954
Matzeliger, J. E.Tack Separating MechanismMar. 25, 1890.423,937
Matzeliger, J. E.Lasting MachineSept. 22, 1891.459,899
McCoy, E.Lubricator for Steam EnginesJuly 2, 1872.129,843
McCoy, E.Lubricator for Steam EnginesAug. 6, 1872.130,305
McCoy, E.LubricatorMay 27, 1873.139,407
McCoy, E.Steam LubricatorJan. 20, 1874.146,697
McCoy, E.Ironing TableMay 12, 1874.150,876
McCoy, E.Steam Cylinder LubricatorFeb. 1, 1876.173,032
McCoy, E.Steam Cylinder LubricatorJuly 4, 1876.179,585
McCoy, E.LubricatorMar. 28, 1882.255,443
McCoy, E.LubricatorJuly 18, 1882.261,166
McCoy, E.LubricatorJan. 9, 1883.270,238
McCoy, E.Lawn Sprinkler DesignSept. 26, 1899.631,549
McCoy, E.Steam DomeJune 16, 1885.320,354
McCoy, E.LubricatorJune 16, 1885.320,379
McCoy, E.LubricatorFeb. 8, 1887.357,491
McCoy, E.Lubricator AttachmentApr. 19, 1887.361,435
McCoy, E.Lubricator for Safety ValvesMay 24, 1887.363,529
McCoy, E.LubricatorMay 29, 1888.383,745
McCoy, E.LubricatorMay 29, 1888.383,746
McCoy & HodgesLubricatorDec. 24, 1889.418,139
McCoy, E.Dope CupSept. 29, 1891.460,215
McCoy, E.LubricatorDec. 29, 1891.465,875
McCoy, E.LubricatorMar. 1, 1892.470,163
McCoy, E.LubricatorApr. 5, 1892.472,066
McCoy, E.LubricatorJune 6, 1893.498,809
McCoy, E.LubricatorSept. 13, 1898.610,634
McCoy, E.LubricatorOct. 4, 1898.611,759
McCoy, E.LubricatorNov. 15, 1898.614,307
McCoy, E.LubricatorJune 27, 1899.627,623
McCree, D.Portable Fire EscapeNov. 11, 1890.440,322
Mendenhall, A.Holder for Driving ReinsNov. 28, 1899.637,811
Miles, A.ElevatorOct. 11, 1887.371,207
Mitchell, C. L.PhoneterisinJan. 1, 1884.291,071
Mitchell, J. M.Cheek Row Corn PlanterJan. 16, 1900.641,462
Moody, W. U.Game Board DesignMay 11, 1897.27,046
Morehead, K.Reel CarrierOct. 6, 1896.568,916
Murray, G. W.Combined Furrow Opener and Stalk-knockerApr. 10, 1894.517,960
Murray, G. W.Cultivator and MarkerApr. 10, 1894.517,961
Murray, G. W.PlanterJune 5, 1894.520,887
Murray, G. W.Cotton ChopperJune 5, 1894.520,888
Murray, G. W.Fertilizer DistributerJune 5, 1894.520,889
Murray, G. W.PlanterJune 5, 1894.520,890
Murray, G. W.Combined Cotton SeedJune 5, 1894.520,891
Murray, G. W.Planter and Fertilizer Distributer ReaperJune 5, 1894.520,892
Murray, W.Attachment for BicyclesJan. 27, 1891.445,452
Nance, L.Game ApparatusDec. 1, 1891.464,035
Nash, H. H.Life Preserving StoolOct. 5, 1875.168,519
Newman, Miss L.D.BrushNov. 15, 1898.614,335
Newson, S.Oil Heater or CookerMay 22, 1894.520,188
Nichols & LatimerElectric LampSept. 13, 1881.247,097
Nickerson, W. J.Mandolin and Guitar Attachment
for PianosJune 27, 1899.627,739
O'Conner & TurnerAlarm for BoilersAug. 25, 1896.566,612
O'Conner & TurnerSteam GageAug. 25, 1896.566,613
O'Conner & TurnerAlarm for Coasts Containing VesselsFeb. 8, 1898.598,572
Outlaw, J. W.HorseshoesNov. 15, 1898.614,273
Perryman, F. R.Caterers' Tray TableFeb. 2, 1892.468,038
Peterson, H.Attachment for Lawn MowersApr. 30, 1889.402,189
Phelps, W. H.Apparatus for Washing Vehicles Mar. 23, 1897.579,242
Pickering, J. F.Air ShipFeb. 20, 1900.643,975
Pickett, H.ScaffoldJune 30, 1874.152,511
Pinn, T. B.File HolderAug. 17, 1880.231,355
Polk, A. J.Bicycle SupportApr. 14, 1896.558,103
Pugsley, A.Blind StopJuly 29, 1890.433,306
Purdy & SadgwarFolding ChairJune 11, 1889.405,117
Purdy, W.Device for Sharpening Edged ToolsOct. 27, 1896.570,337
Purdy, W.Device for Sharpening Edged ToolsAug. 16, 1898.609,367
Purdy, W.Device for Sharpening Edged ToolsAug. 1, 1899.630,106
Purdy & PetersDesign for SpoonsApr. 23, 1895.24,228
Purvis, W. B.Bag FastenerApr, 25, 1882.256,856
Purvis, W. B.Hand StampFeb. 27, 1883.273,149
Purvis, W. B.Paper Bag MachineFeb. 12, 1884.293,353
Purvis, W. B.Fountain PenJan. 7, 1890.419,065
Purvis, W. B.Paper Bag MachineJan. 28, 1890.420,099
Purvis, W. B.Paper Bag MachineJune 24, 1890.430,684
Purvis, W. B.Paper Bag MachineAug. 19, 1890.434,461
Purvis, W. B.Paper Bag MachineSept. 2, 1890.435,524
Purvis, W. B.Paper Bag MachineSept. 22, 1891.460,093
Purvis, W. B.Electric RailwayMay 1, 1894.519,291
Purvis, W. B.Paper Bag MachineMay 8, 1894.519,348
Purvis, W. B.Paper Bag MachineMay 8, 1894.519,349
Purvis, W. B.Paper Bag MachineDec. 11, 1894.530,650
Purvis, W. B.Magnetic Car Balancing DeviceMay 21, 1895.539,542
Purvis, W. B.Paper Bag MachineMar. 9, 1897.578,361
Purvis, W. B.Electric Railway SwitchAug. 17, 1897.588,176
Queen, W.Guard for Companion Ways and HatchesAug. 18, 1891.458,131
Ray, E. P.Chair Supporting DeviceFeb. 21, 1899.620,078
Ray, L. P.Dust PanAug. 3, 1897.587,607
Reed, J. WDough Kneader and RollerSept. 23, 1884.305,474
Reynolds, R. R.Non-Refillable BottleMay 2, 1899.624,092
Reynolds, H. H.Window Ventilator for R. R. CarsApr. 3, 1883.275,271
Reynolds, H. H.Safety Gate for BridgesOct. 7, 1890.437,937
Rhodes, J. B.Water ClosetsDec. 19. 1899.639,290
Richardson, A. C.Hame FastenerMar. 14, 1882.255,022
Richardson, A. C.ChurnFeb. 17, 1891.446,470
Richardson, A. C.Casket Lowering deviceNov. 13, 1894.529,311
Richardson, A. C.Insect DestroyerFeb. 28, 1899.620,362
Richardson, A. C.BottleDec. 12, 1899.638,811
Richardson, W. H.Cotton ChopperJune 1, 1886.343,140
Richardson, W. H.Child's CarriageJune 18, 1889.405,599
Richardson, W. H.Child's CarriageJune 18, 1889.405,600
Richey, C. V.Car CouplingJune 15, 1897.584,650
Richey, C. V.Railroad SwitchAug. 3, 1897.587,657
Richey, C. V.Railroad SwitchOct. 26, 1897.592,448
Richey, C. V.Fire Escape BracketDec. 28, 1897.596,427
Richey, C. V.Combined Hammock and StretcherDec. 13, 1898.615,907
Rickman, A. L.OvershoeFeb. 8, 1898.598,816
Ricks, J.HorseshoeMar. 30, 1886.338,781
Ricks, J.Overshoe for HorsesJune 6, 1899.626,245
Robinson, E. R.Electric Railway TrolleySept. 19, 1893.505,370
Robinson, E. R.Casting CompositeNov. 23, 1897.594,286
Robinson, J. H.Life Saving Guards for LocomotivesMar. 14, 1899.621,143
Robinson, J. H.Life Saving Guards for Street CarsApr. 25, 1899.623,929
Robinson, J.Dinner PailFeb. 1, 1887.356,852
Romain, A.Passenger RegisterApr. 23, 1889.402,035
Roster, D. N.Feather CurlerMar. 10, 1896.556,166
Ross, A. L.Runner for StopsAug. 4, 1896.565,301
Ross, A. L.Bag ClosureJune 7, 1898.605,343
Ross, J.Bailing PressSept. 5, 1899.632,539
Ross, A. L.Trousers SupportNov. 28, 1899.638,068
Ruffin, S.Vessels for Liquids and Manner of SealingNov. 20, 1899.737,603
Russell, L. A.Guard Attachment for BedsAug. 13, 1895.544,381
Sampson, G. T.Sled PropellerFeb. 17, 1885.312,388
Sampson, G. T.Clothes DrierJune 7, 1892.476,416
Scottron, S. R.Adjustable Window CorniceFeb. 17, 1880.224,732
Scottron, S. R.CorniceJan. 16, 1883.270,851
Scottron, S. R.Pole TipSept. 21, 1886.349,525
Scottron, S. R.Curtain RodAug. 30, 1892.481,720
Scottron, S. R.Supporting BracketSept. 12, 1893.505,008
Shorter, D. W.Feed RackMay 17, 1887.363,089
Shanks, S. C.Sleeping Car Berth RegisterJuly 21, 1897.587,165
Smith, J. W.Improvement in GamesApr. 17, 1900.647,887
Smith, J. W.Lawn SprinklerMay 4, 1897.581,785
Smith, J. W.Lawn SprinklerMar. 22, 1898.601,065
Smith, P. D.Potato DiggerJan. 21, 1891.445,206
Smith, P. D.Grain BinderFeb. 23, 1892.469,279
Snow & JohnsLinimentOct. 7, 1890.437,728
Standard, J.Oil StoveOct. 29, 1889.413,689
Standard, J.RefrigeratorJuly 14, 1891.455,891
Stewart, T. W.MopJune 13, 1893.499,402
Stewart, T. W.Station IndicatorJune 20, 1893.499,895
Stewart & JohnsonMetal Bending MachineDec. 27, 1887.375,512
Stewart, E. W.Punching MachineMay 3, 1887.362,190
Stewart, E. W.Machine for Forming Vehicle Seat BarsMar. 22, 1887.373,698
Spears, H.Portable Shield for InfantryDec. 27, 1870.110,599
Sutton, E. H.Cotton CultivatorApr. 7, 1874.149,543
Sweeting, J. A.Device for Rolling CigarettesNov. 30, 1897.594,501
Sweeting, J. A.Combined Knife and ScoopJune 7, 1898.605,209
Shewcraft, FrankLetter BoxDetroit, Mich.
Taylor, B. H.Rotary EngineApr. 23, 1878.202,888
Taylor, B. H.Slide ValveJuly 6, 1897.585,798
Thomas, S. E.Waste TrapOct. 18, 1883.286,746
Thomas, S. E.Waste Trap for Basins, Closets, etc.Oct. 4, 1887.371,107
Thomas, S. E.CastingJuly 31, 1888.386,941
Thomas, S. E.Pipe ConnectionOct. 9, 1888.390,821
Toliver, GeorgePropeller for VesselsApr. 28, 1891.451,086
Tregoning & LatimerGlobe Supporter for Electric LampsMar. 21, 1882.255,212
Walker, PeterMachine for Cleaning Seed CottonFeb. 16, 1897.577,153
Walker, PeterBait HolderMar. 8, 1898.600,241
Waller, J. N.Shoemaker's Cabinet or BenchFeb. 3, 1880.224,253
Washington, WadeCorn Husking MachineAug. 14, 1883.283,173
Watkins, IsaacScrubbing FrameOct. 7, 1890.437,849
Watts, J. R.Bracket for Miners' LampMar. 7, 1893.493,137
West, E. H.Weather ShieldSept. 5, 1899.632,385
West, J. W.WagonOct. 18, 1870.108,419
White, D. L.Extension Steps for CarsJan. 12, 1897.574,969
White, J. T.Lemon SqueezerDec. 8, 1896.572,849
Williams, CarterCanopy FrameFeb. 2, 1892.468,280
Williams, J. P.Pillow Sham HolderOct. 10, 1899.634,784
Winn, FrankDirect Acting Steam EngineDec. 4, 1888.394,047
Winters, J. R.Fire Escape LadderMay 7, 1878.203,517
Winters, J. R.Fire Escape LadderApr. 8, 1879.214,224
Woods, G. T.Steam Boiler FurnaceJune 3, 1884.299,894
Woods, G. T.Telephone TransmitterDec. 2, 1884.308,817
Woods, G. T.Apparatus for Transmission of Messages by
ElectricityApr. 7, 1885.315,368
Woods, G. T.Relay InstrumentJune 7, 1887.364,619
Woods, G. T.Polarized RelayJuly 5, 1887.366,192
Woods, G. T.Electro Mechanical BrakeAug. 16, 1887.368,265
Woods, G. T.Telephone System and ApparatusOct. 11, 1887.371,241
Woods, G. T.Electro-Magnetic Brake ApparatusOct. 18, 1887.371,655
Woods, G. T.Railway TelegraphyNov. 15, 1887.373,383
Woods, G. T.Induction Telegraph SystemNov. 29, 1887.373,915
Woods, G. T.Overhead Conducting System for Electric
RailwayMay 29, 1888.383,844
Woods, G. T.Electro-Motive Railway SystemJune 26, 1888.385,034
Woods, G. T.Tunnel Construction for Electric RailwayJuly 17, 1888.386,282
Woods, G. T.Galvanic BatteryAug. 14, 1888.387,839
Woods, G. T.Railway TelegraphyAug. 28, 1888.388,803
Woods, G. T.Automatic Safety Cut-out for Electric CircuitsJan. 1, 1889.395,533
Woods, G. T.Automatic Safety Cut-out for Electric CircuitOct. 14, 1889.438,590
Woods, G. T.Electric Railway SystemNov. 10, 1891.463,020
Woods, G. T.Electric Railway Supply SystemOct. 31, 1893.507,606
Woods, G. T.Electric Railway ConduitNov. 21, 1893.509,065
Woods, G. T.System of Electrical DistributionOct. 13, 1896.569,443
Woods, G. TAmusement ApparatusDec. 19, 1899.639,692
Wormley, JamesLife Saving ApparatusMay 24, 1881.242,091
Williams, P. B.Electro-Magnetic Electrical Railway
Track SwitchApr. 24, 1900.648,092
Williams, P. B.Electrically Controlled and Operated
Railway SwitchJan. 15, 1901.666,080