Portrait of Elijah McCoy, circa 1895
THF108432 / Portrait of Elijah McCoy, circa 1895
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Artifact Overview
Elijah McCoy was born in Canada and trained as a mechanical engineer in Scotland. McCoy settled in Michigan after the Civil War and became a locomotive fireman on the Michigan Central Railroad. The steam locomotive's constant need for oil inspired McCoy to invent an automatic lubricator. McCoy first patented his device in 1872 and made several later refinements.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Photographic print
Subject Date
circa 1895
Collection Title
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
96.0.32.48
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Gelatin silver process
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 10 in
Width: 8 in
Keywords |
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Related Content
articleElijah McCoy’s Steam Engine Lubricator
Learn how Elijah McCoy, the Black son of formerly enslaved parents, secured at least 52 patents and design registrations during his lifetime--and explore his 1882 steam engine lubricator, on exhibit in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.