Early Years
Elijah McCoy was born in Colchester, Ontario, Canada in 1843. He was the eldest son of George McCoy, a former slave, and his wife Mildred. As a child, McCoy studied engineering, and later pursued a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He returned to the United States in 1872, where he continued to pursue his passion for engineering.
Personal Life
In 1884, McCoy married his wife, Ann Elizabeth Stewart, with whom he had two children. His second marriage, to Mary Eliza Delaney, lasted until his death in 1929. Throughout his life, McCoy maintained a deep commitment to the African American community, and a strong belief in equality.
Career
McCoy began his career as a fireman for the Michigan Central Railroad, and later rose to the position of chief mechanical engineer. In 1872, he was granted his first patent for a self-regulating lubricator. This device revolutionized the railroad industry, and is still in use today. He went on to patent over fifty inventions related to lubrication, hydraulics and other engineering fields.
Education Elijah McCoy was a Canadian-born American inventor and engineer who was known as the "real McCoy." He is best remembered for his numerous inventions in the field of lubrication and hydraulics. He pursued a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and returned to the United States in 1872 to continue his passion for engineering. McCoy's commitment to African American representation in the field of engineering was evident in his life and career. He was an exceptionally talented inventor and engineer who was able to think outside the box and come up with revolutionary ideas.
The Real McCoy McCoy was granted his first patent for a self-regulating lubricator in 1872 and went on to patent over fifty inventions related to lubrication, hydraulics and other engineering fields. His inventions were highly sought after and became known as the "real McCoy," meaning genuine and of the highest quality. His legacy of quality engineering and commitment to the African American community continues to inspire generations of inventors and engineers.
Profound Inventions McCoy revolutionized the railroad industry with his self-regulating lubricator, and was also responsible for the invention of a folding ironing board and improvements to the lawn sprinkler system. These inventions were the result of his own curiosity, creativity, and dedication to his craft. McCoy's work has continued to have a lasting impact on the world and will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.
Accomplishments
McCoy's inventions were highly sought after and became known as the "real McCoy", meaning genuine and of the highest quality. He revolutionized the railroad industry with his self-regulating lubricator, and was also responsible for the invention of a folding ironing board and improvements to the lawn sprinkler system.
