PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Elijah J. McCoy was born in Canada in 1844. His parents had been slaves in Kentucky, but they escaped. The anti-slavery volunteers of the Underground Railroad helped them get to Canada. After the Civil War was over in 1865, the family returned to the U.S. and lived in Michigan.
As a teenager Elijah went to Scotland to study. He became a mechanical engineer. When the family moved to Michigan, he could not find work as a mechanical engineer, so he worked for the railroad.
During this time, he designed a device for oiling engines on trains and ships. In 1872, he received a patent for his device. It was very important for the transportation industry, as engines had to be oiled to stay running.Elijah McCoy continued to develop new inventions.
Many people consider Elijah McCoy an important inventor. He has been honored for his contributions. There are historical markers at his home and workshop. He was also named to the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2001.
