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BORN!
Elijah J. McCoy was born free in 1844 in Colchester, Ontario, Canada to George and Mildred (Goins) McCoy, who were black. They were fugitive slaves who had escaped from Kentucky to Canada via helpers through the Underground Railroad. In 1847, the family returned to the US, settling in Ypsilanti, Michigan. -
Returned to the United States
Elijah McCoy returned as a five-year-old child with his family to the United States in 1847. -
STUDYING
At age 15, McCoy traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland for an apprenticeship and study. After some years, he was certified in Scotland as a mechanical engineer. After his return, he rejoined his family. -
Married
McCoy married Ann Elizabeth Stewart in 1868. But sadly, she died 4 years later in 1872. -
First patent
Elijah McCoy got his first patent for his improvement in lubricators in steam engines. -
McCoy opened his own company
In 1920, McCoy opened his own company, the Elijah McCoy Manufacturing Company. Unfortunately, Elijah McCoy suffered in his later years, enduring a financial, mental, and physical breakdown. -
McCoy died
Sadly, McCoy died; but his invention is still used today!
