Elijah McCoy

Elijah McCoy was a Canadian-American engineer and inventor who is best known for his lubricating cup, a device that automatically oiled the moving parts of steam engines and other machinery. He was born in Colchester, Ontario, on May 2, 1844, to George and Mildred McCoy, who were fugitive slaves from Kentucky. He moved to the United States with his family in 1847, and settled in Michigan. He showed an early interest in mechanics and engineering, and at the age of 15, he traveled to Scotland to study mechanical engineering. He returned to Michigan in 1863, and became a certified engineer. However, because of racial discrimination, McCoy could not find a job as an engineer, and had to work as a fireman and oiler for the Michigan Central Railroad. He was responsible for lubricating the steam engines of the trains, which required frequent stops and delays. McCoy sought to improve this process, and in 1872, he invented a lubricating cup that could automatically drip oil onto the engine parts when needed. He patented his invention, and it proved to be very effective and efficient. His lubricating cup was soon adopted by many railroad companies, as well as other industries that used steam engines, such as ships, factories, and mining equipment. McCoy became known for his high-quality and reliable invention, and customers would often ask for "the real McCoy" when buying or using his lubricating cup. ¹ McCoy continued to invent and improve his lubricating devices, and obtained more than 50 patents in his lifetime. Some of his other inventions included a folding ironing board, a lawn sprinkler, a graphite lubricator, and a rubber shoe heel. He also established his own company, the Elijah McCoy Manufacturing Company, in 1920, to produce and sell his products. He faced many challenges and difficulties, such as lack of funding, patent infringement, and personal injuries. He also had to deal with the social and legal barriers imposed by racism and segregation. He was not widely recognized or honored for his achievements during his lifetime, and he died in poverty and obscurity in Detroit, Michigan, on October 10, 1929, at the age of 85. He was buried in Detroit Memorial Park Cemetery. ¹ McCoy's legacy and contributions to engineering and innovation were later acknowledged and celebrated by various institutions and organizations. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame, and the National Association of Black Engineers. He was also honored by the United States Postal Service with a postage stamp, and by the State of Michigan with a historical marker. He was recognized as one of the most prolific and influential African-American inventors of the 19th and 20th centuries, and his name became synonymous with authenticity and excellence. ¹