Capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1893-1895, 1895-07-31
NEGRO INVENTORS.

| The " ashinggton correspondent OF the New
York Sun says: Several years ago southern
paper made the statement to this effect that
the cell red man had no mechanical ingenuity,
and offered as prsof of it that on the records
of the PIent Office there were no colored
inventors. The newspaper article having
been called to the attention of the Commis-
sioner Of Patents, an investigation was made
Of the files Of the Patent Office. Many colo
red men had obtained patents, but it was
difficult matter to trace them, for there was
nothing to 60 by but the names of the in
ventors and the recollection of the different
examiners of patents before whom the in
ventors had appeared in prosecuting their
claims. A systematic search, however was
made at the time, and has been made again
recently at the instance of ex-Congressman
George Washington Murray, of South Carolina
to the end that list has been made which
comprises most of the more important inven-
tions by colored men since 1867. Prior to
1867, it ppears, but one invention had been
patented by a colored man. This was a
patent gridiron by Joseph Hawkins. Since
1867, however, and more particularly in the
last fifteen years, many patents have been
granted to colored men, some of which have
proved valuable and are in general use in
some parts Of the United States.
1t is intended by the different commissions
Of colored people which have been formed in
the more important cities that their race
shall be adequately represented at the Cot.
ton States and International Exposition at
Atlanta in September Mr.. Murray has had
this list of inventors made as complete as
possible, and description of the best known
of the inventions, together with a number Of
models, will be sent with the other colored
peoples exhibits. The Patent Office has
detailed special agent for the especial duty
Of having these models presented in the
proper way, and the collection will consist
Of about twenty five models Of the most re-
markable and most useful OF inventions by
colored men.
The H. II. Reynolds ventilator in the
Pullman cars is perhaps the most widely used
invention that win be exhibited at Atlanta
Reynolds was porter on one Of the Pullman
cars. Opening and shutting the windows as
he did 50 often for his passengers, he devised
a screen which would keep the cindsD out.
Pullman heard Of IL, and Reynolds was sent
for. He explained bis invention 10 the car
magnate, and the interview resulted shortly
Aiterward in the adoption Of this venulator on
all the Pullman cars. Reynolds claimed the
inyenIion, but the Pullmans did not Teeog-
niEe the claim. lie got out Of the service Of
the Pullmans, sued them and got verdict foF
$4,000.
Granville 7. Woods, eolofed man In the
employ Of an electric company in Cincinnati,
recently uansieHed his patent on some cleo
lrieal appliances 70 the AmenesR Bell Tsls'
phone Company, Of Boston foT 10000. W..
A. LAyAlstts iDysRtsd some printing press
appliances which sTe iR use 10 the govern
ment Printing Office. Moses Payne, sjoeksy
On the Lstonis race track, invented spring
hone shos intoaded 70 betisr the hme 10
running Snd u0iilng Taces The shoe has
been tfied sith some success,
Congressman huHsy has made good deal
u money 0al 0f.bis patents, u ghleh these
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