This Day in Black History: May 2, 1844
On May 2, 1844, Canadian-American inventor Elijah McCoy was born.
On May 2, 1843, Canadian-American inventor Elijah McCoy was born in Ontario, Canada.
McCoy was born to former slaves who fled the U.S. via the underground railroad. When McCoy was just three years old, the family moved back to the U.S. and settled in Detroit, Michigan.
At age 15, McCoy traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland, to complete an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering. Upon return to the U.S., McCoy was unable to find work as a mechanical engineer despite his training and certification. In lieu of his career ambitions, McCoy accepted a job as a fireman and oiler for the Michigan Central Railroad. The job required McCoy to fuel steam engines and lubricate the engine's moving parts as well as the train's axles and bearings.
READ MORE: This Day in Black History: May 2, 1844 On May 2, 1844, Canadian-American inventor Elijah McCoy was born.
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Posted By: Dea. Ron Gray Sr.
Tuesday, May 2nd 2023 at 8:39AM
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