Ellen Eglin [Clothes Wringer]
Name: Ellen F. Eglin
Also Spelled: Ellen Eglui
Date: 1849- after 1890
Born in: Washington, D.C.
Nationality: African-American
Invented: invented the mechanical clothes wringer (an ancestor of the washing machine)
Career: Housekeeper and also worked as a government clerk
Patent: Click Here for Detail
Note: When asked why she sold her invention to an agent for $18.00 in 1888 Eglui stated the following: “You know I am black and if it was known that a Negro woman patented the invention, white ladies would not buy the wringer; I was afraid to be known because of my color, in having it introduced into the market, that is the only reason.” [Amram, Fred, “The Innovative Woman,” New Scientist, May 24, 1984, Vol.102, No.1411, p.11]
Article:
- Smith, Charlotte, “Colored Woman Inventor,” The Woman Inventor, April 1890, Vol.1, No.1, p.n.2.
- Warrick, Pamela, “Mothers of Invention: Science: Recognition has long proved elusive for women inventors. Catherine Greene helped build the cotton gin, but Eli Whitney got the patent. And whoever heard of Hedy Lamarr the inventor?,” Los Angeles Times, September 23, 1992.
Books:
Websites:
- Inventor: Ellen Eglin – Inventricity.com
- 107 – Inventor Ellen F. Eglin (1849-?) – Nomindchain, July 22, 2013
- Wringer washing machine leads to black female inventor – My Auction Finds
- Ellen Eglin – Wikipedia
Recent Comments