Twentieth Century Negro Literature Part 55

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, United States Patent Office.

Washington, D. C., Jan. 26, 1900.

Dear Sir:

This Office is endeavoring to obtain information concerning patents issued to colored inventors, in accordance with a request from the United States Commission to the Paris Exposition of 1900, to be used in preparing the "Negro Exhibit."

To aid in this work, you are requested to send to this Office, in the enclosed envelope, which will not require a postage stamp, the names of any colored inventors you can furnish, together with the date of grant, t.i.tle of invention, and patent number, so that a list without errors can be prepared.

You will confer a special favor by aiding in the preparation of this list by filling in the blank form below, and sending in any replies as promptly as possible. Should you be unable to furnish any data, will you kindly inform us of that fact?

Very respectfully,

C. H. Duell, _Commissioner of Patents._

======================================================================== NAME. | NUMBER. | DATE. | INVENTION.

The replies to this letter showed that the correspondents personally knew of and could identify by name, date and number more than four hundred patents granted by the United States to colored inventors. The letters also showed that nearly as many more colored inventors had completed their inventions, and had applied to patent lawyers throughout the country for a.s.sistance in obtaining patents for their inventions, but finally abandoned the effort through lack of means to prosecute their applications. The list of the patented inventions as furnished mainly by the letters above named is printed below, and shows that, beginning first with agricultural implements and culinary utensils, which circ.u.mscribed the character of his earlier employment, the Negro inventor gradually widened the field of his inventive effort until he had well nigh covered the whole range of patentable subjects.

A study of the list will disclose the fact that the Negro inventor has very often, like his white brother, caught the spirit of invention, and not being contented with a single success, has frequently been led to exert his energies along many different lines of inventions.

Elijah McCoy, of Detroit, Mich., heads the list with twenty-eight patents, relating particularly to lubricating appliances for engines both stationary and locomotive, but covering also a large variety of other subjects. The next is Granville T. Woods, of Cincinnati, whose inventions are confined almost exclusively to electricity, and cover a very wide range of devices for the utilitarian application of this wonderful force. Mr. W. B. Purvis, of Philadelphia, comes next with sixteen patents relating especially to paper bag machinery, but including a few other subjects as well. Mr. F. J. Ferrell, of New York, has ten patents on valves adapted for a variety of uses. Then comes ex-Congressman Geo. W. Murray of South Carolina, with eight patents on agricultural implements. Mr. Henry Creamer has seven patents on steam traps, and more than a dozen among the number have patented as many as five different inventions.

Time and s.p.a.ce will not admit of any extended notice of many individual patentees, but mention should be made of a few of them.

Granville T. Woods is called the "Black Edison" because of his persistent and successful investigations into the mystery of electricity. Among his inventions may be found valuable improvements in telegraphy, important telephone instruments, a system for telegraphing from moving trains, an electric railway, a phonograph, and an automatic cut-off for an electric circuit. One of his telephone inventions was sold to the American Bell Telephone Company, who is said to have paid Mr. Woods handsomely for his patent. Mr. Ferrell's inventions of valves laid the foundation for a large and highly successful manufacturing and commercial enterprise which he now conducts in the city of New York.

Mr. Elijah McCoy succeeded in placing his lubricators on many of the steam car and steamboat engines in the northwest and also on some of the ocean steamers, and from these he receives a valuable annual royalty.

Mr. Matzeliger, of Ma.s.sachusetts, is credited with being the pioneer in the art of attaching soles to shoes by machinery; and Mr. Joseph Lee, of Boston, is said to have placed his kneading machine in many of the first-cla.s.s bakeries and hotels in Boston and New York, from which he receives a substantial royalty.

So far as is known to the writer Miss Miriam E. Benjamin, of Ma.s.sachusetts, is the only colored woman who has received a patent for an invention, and the principle of her invention, that of a gong signal, has just been adopted in the United States House of Representatives in signalling for the pages to attend upon members who want them for errands. Formerly the pages were signalled by members clapping their hands, and the noise incident to this method was frequently a great disturbance of the House proceedings. The new system just adopted involves merely the pressing of a b.u.t.ton on the member's chair, and this rings a small gong while displaying a signal on the back of the chair.

Another invention by a young colored man which has attracted considerable attention is the rapid-fire gun by Mr. Eugene Burkins, of Chicago. This gun has been examined by officers of the War and Navy Departments, and has been p.r.o.nounced a valuable contribution to the scientific equipments for military and naval warfare.

The following description of Mr. Burkins' gun appeared in Howard's American Magazine some months ago:

"A brief description of the gun is not exactly out of place, although the Scientific American and other technical journals have long since given it to the world. It is an improvement upon all that has yet been done in the way of ordnance, and the principles involved in its construction can be applied to any size of gun, from a one-inch barker to a thirty-six-inch thunderer. The model as it now stands weighs 475 pounds, measures four inches at breech, and is constructed of the finest of gun bra.s.s at a cost of $3,500.

There is a magazine at the breech in which a large number of heavy sh.e.l.ls can be held in reserve, and in the action of the gun these slip down to their places and are fired at the rate of fourteen a minute, an improvement on the Maxim gun of four shots. The gun is elevated upon a revolving turret with electrical connections, enabling the gunner to direct the action of the machine with a touch of his finger.

Firing, reloading and ejection of sh.e.l.ls are all effected by electricity, and a child could conduct the work of manning the gun as easily as anyone."

These inventions show how completely in error are those who constantly a.s.sert that the Negro has made no lasting contribution to the civilization of the age, and they prove conclusively that under favorable environment he is capable of performing his whole duty in the work of mankind whether it be tilling the earth with his hoe or advancing the world by his thought.

LIST OF COLORED INVENTORS IN THE UNITED STATES AS FURNISHED FOR THE PARIS EXPOSITION, 1900.

Inventor. Invention. Date. Number.

Abrams, W. B. Hame Attachment Apr, 14, 1891. 450,550 Allen, C. W. Self-Leveling Table Nov. 1, 1898. 613,436 Allen, J. B. Clothes Line Support Dec. 10, 1895. 551,105 Ashbourne, A. P. Process for Preparing Cocoanut for Domestic Use June 1, 1875. 163,962 Ashbourne, A. P. Biscuit Cutter Nov. 30, 1875. 170,460 Ashbourne, A. P. Refining Cocoanut Oil July 27, 1880. 230,518 Ashbourne, A. P. Process of Treating Cocoanut Aug. 21, 1877. 194,287 Blair, H. Corn Planter Oct. 14, 1834.

Bailey, L. C. Combined Truss and Bandage Sept. 25, 1883. 285,545 Blair, Henry Cotton Planter Aug. 31, 1836.

Bailey, L. C. Folding Bed July 18, 1899. 629,286 Bailes, Wm. Ladder Scaffold Support Aug. 5, 1879. 218,154 Bailiff, C. O. Shampoo Headrest Oct. 11, 1898. 612,008 Ballow, W. J. Combined Hatrack and Table Mar. 29, 1898. 601,422 Barnes, G. A. E. Design for Sign Aug. 19, 1898. 29,193 Beard, A. J. Rotary Engine July 5, 1892. 478,271 Beard, A. J. Car-coupler Nov. 23, 1897. 594,059 Becket, G. E. Letter Box Oct. 4, 1892. 483,525 Bell, L. Locomotive Smoke Stack May 23, 1871. 115,153 Bell, L. Dough Kneader Dec. 10, 1872. 133,823 Benjamin, L. W. Broom Moisteners and Bridles May 16, 1893. 497,747 Benjamin, Gong and Signal Chairs Miss M. E. for Hotels July 17, 1888. 386,286 Blackburn, A. B. Railway Signal Jan. 10, 1888. 376,362 Blackburn. A. B. Spring Seat for Chairs Apr. 3, 1888. 380,420 Blackburn, A. B. Cash Carrier Oct. 23, 1888. 391,577 Blue, L. Hand Corn Sh.e.l.ling Device May 20, 1884. 298,937 Binga, M. W. Street Sprinkling Apparatus July 22, 1879. 217,843 Booker, L. F. Design Rubber Sc.r.a.ping Knife Mar. 28, 1899. 30,404 Boone, Sarah Ironing Board Apr. 26, 1892. 473,653 Bowman, H. A. Making Flags Feb. 23, 1892. 469,395 Brooks, C. B. Punch Oct. 31, 1893. 507,672 Brooks, C. B. Street-Sweepers Mar. 17, 1896. 556,711 Brooks, C. B Street-Sweepers May 12, 1896. 560,154 Brooks, Hallstead and Page Street-Sweepers Apr. 21, 1896. 558,719 Brown, Henry Receptacle for Storing and Preserving Papers Nov. 2, 1886. 352,036 Brown, L. F. Bridle Bit Oct. 25, 1892. 484,994 Brown, O. E. Horseshoe Aug. 23, 1892. 481,371 Brown & Latimer Water Closets for Railway Cars Feb. 10, 1874. 147,363 Burr, J. A. Lawn Mower May 9, 1899. 624,749 Burr, W. F. Switching Device for Railways Oct. 31, 1899. 636,197 Burwell, W. Boot or Shoe Nov. 28, 1899. 638,143 Butler, R. A. Train Alarm June 15, 1897. 584,540 b.u.t.ts, J. W. Luggage Carrier Oct. 10, 1899. 634,611 Byrd, T. J. Improvement in Holders for Reins for Horses Feb. 6, 1872. 123,328 Byrd. T. J. Apparatus for Detaching Horses from Carriages Mar. 19, 1872. 124,790 Byrd, T. J. Improvement in Neck Yokes for Wagons Apr. 30, 1872. 126,181 Byrd, T. J. Improvement in Car-Couplings Dec. 1, 1874. 157,370 Burkins, Eugene Rapid-Fire Gun 649,433 Campbell, W. S. Self-Setting Animal Trap Aug. 30, 1881. 246,369 Cargill, B. F. Invalid Cot July 25, 1899. 629,658 Carrington, T. A Range July 25, 1876. 180,323 Carter, W. C. Umbrella Stand Aug. 4, 1885. 323,397 Certain, J. M. Parcel Carrier for Bicycles Dec. 26, 1899. 639,708 Cherry, M. A. Velocipede May 8, 1888. 382,351 Church, T. S. Carpet Beating Machine July 29, 1884. 302,237 Cherry, M. A. Street Car Fender Jan. 1, 1895. 531,908 Clare, O. B. Trestle Oct. 9, 1888. 390,753 Coates, R. Overboot for Horses Apr. 19, 1892. 473,295 Cook, G. Automatic Fishing Device May 30, 1899. 625,829 Coolidge, J. S. Harness Attachment Nov. 13, 1888. 392,908 Cooper, A. R. Shoemaker's Jack Aug. 22, 1899. 631,519 Cooper, J. Shutter and Fastening May 1, 1883. 276,563 Cooper, J. Elevator Device Apr. 2, 1895. 536,605 Cooper, J. Elevator Device Sept. 21, 1897. 590,257 Cornwell, P. W. Draft Regulator Oct. 2, 1888. 390,284 Cornwell, P. W. Draft Regulator Feb. 7, 1893. 491,082 Cralle, A. L. Ice-Cream Mold Feb. 2, 1897. 576,395 Creamer, H. Steam Feed Water Trap Mar. 17, 1885. 313,854 Creamer, H. Steam Traps Mar. 8, 1887. 358,964 Creamer, H. Steam Traps Jan. 17, 1888. 376,586 Creamer, H. Steam Trap Feeder Dec. 11, 1888. 394,463 Creamer, H. Steam Trap May 28, 1889. 404,174 Creamer, H. Steam Trap Aug. 18, 1891. 457,983 Creamer, H. Steam Trap Nov. 21, 1893. 509,202 Cosgrove, W. F. Automatic Stop Plug for Gas Oil Pipes Mar. 17, 1885. 313,993 Darkins, J. T. Ventilation Feb. 19, 1895. 534,322 Davis, I. D. Tonic Nov. 2, 1886. 351,829 Davis, W. D. Riding Saddles Oct. 6, 1896. 568,939 Davis, W. R., Jr. Library Table Sept. 24, 1878. 208,378 Deitz, W. A. Shoe Apr. 30, 1867. 64,205 Dorticus, C. J. Device for Applying Coloring Liquids to Sides of Soles or Heels of Shoes Mar. 19, 1895. 535,820 d.i.c.kinson, J. H. Pianola Detroit, Mich., 1899.

Dorticus, C. J. Machine for Embossing Photo Apr. 16, 1895. 537,422 Dorticus, C. J. Photographic Print Wash Apr. 23, 1895. 537,968 Dorticus, C. J. Hose Leak Stop July 18, 1899. 629,315 Downing, P. B. Electric Switch for Railroad June 17, 1890. 430,118 Downing, P. B. Letter Box Oct. 27, 1891. 462,093 Downing, P. B. Street Letter Box Oct. 27, 1891. 462,096 Dunnington, J. H. Horse Detachers Mar. 18, 1897. 578,979 Dorsey, O. Door-Holding Device Dec. 10, 1878. 210,764 Edmonds, T. H. Separating Screens July 20, 1897. 586,724 Elkins, T. Dining, Ironing Table and Quilting Frame Combined Feb. 22, 1870. 100,020 Elkins, T. Chamber Commode Jan. 9, 1872. 122,518 Elkins, T. Refrigerating Apparatus Nov. 4, 1879. 221,222 Evans, J. H. Convertible Settees Oct. 5, 1897. 591,095 Faulkner, H. Ventilated Shoe Apr. 20, 1890. 426,495 Ferrell, F. J. Steam Trap Feb. 11, 1890. 420,993 Ferrell, F. J. Apparatus for Melting Snow May 27, 1890. 428,670 Ferrell, F. J. Valve May 27, 1890. 428,671 Ferrell, F. J. Valve Apr. 14, 1891. 450,451 Ferrell, F. J. Valve Nov. 10, 1891. 462,762 Ferrell, F. J. Valve Jan. 26, 1892. 467,796 Ferrell, F. J. Valve Feb. 2, 1892. 468,242 Ferrell, F. J. Valve Feb. 9, 1892. 468,334 Ferrell, F. J. Valve Jan. 17, 1893. 490,227 Ferrell, F. J. Valve July 18, 1893. 501,497 Fisher, D. A. Joiners' Clamp Apr. 20, 1875. 162,281 Fisher, D. A. Furniture Castor Mar. 14, 1876. 174,794 Flemming, R. F., Jr. Guitar Mar. 3, 1886. 338,727 Goode, Sarah E. Folding Cabinet Bed July 14, 1885. 322,177 Grant, G. F. Golf-Tee Dec. 12, 1899. 638,920 Grant, W. S. Curtain Rod Support Aug. 28, 1894. 525,203 Gregory, J. Motor Apr. 26, 1887. 361,937 Gray, R. H. Cistern Cleaners Apr. 9, 1895. 537,151 Grenon, H. Razor Stropping Device Feb. 18, 1896. 554,867 Griffin, F. W. Pool Table Attachment June 13, 1899. 626,902 Gunn, S. W. Boot or Shoe Jan. 16, 1900. 641,642 Haines, J. H. Portable Basin Sept. 28, 1897. 590,833 Hammonds, J. F. Apparatus for Holding Yarn Skeins Dec. 15, 1896. 572,985 Harding, F. H. Extension Banquet Table Nov. 22, 1898. 614,468 Hawkins, J. Gridiron Mar. 26, 1845. 3,973 Hawkins, R. Harness Attachment Oct. 4, 1887. 370,943 Headen, M. Foot Power Hammer Oct. 5, 1886. 350,363 Hearness, R. Sealing Attachment for Bottles Feb. 15, 1898. 598,929 Hearness, R. Detachable Car Fender July 4, 1899. 628,003 Hilyer, A. F. Water Evaporator Attachment for Hot Air Registers Aug. 26, 1890. 435,095 Hilyer, A. F. Registers Oct. 14, 1890. 438,159 Holmes, E. H. Gage Nov. 12, 1895. 549,513 Hunter, J. H. Portable Weighing Scales Nov. 3, 1896. 570,553 Hyde, R. N. Composition for Cleaning and Preserving Carpets Nov. 6, 1888. 392,205 Jackson, B. F. Heating Apparatus Mar. 1, 1898. 599,985 Jackson, B. F. Matrix Drying Apparatus May 10, 1898. 603,879 Jackson. B. F. Gas Burner Apr. 4, 1899. 622,482 Jackson, H. A. Kitchen Table Oct. 6, 1896. 569,135 Jackson, W. H. Railway Switch Mar. 9, 1897. 578,641 Jackson, W. H. Railway Switch Mar. 16, 1897. 593,665 Jackson. W. H. Automatic Locking Switch Aug. 23, 1898. 609,436 Johnson, D. Rotary Dining Table Jan. 15, 1888. 396,089 Johnson, D. Lawn Mower Attachment Sept. 10, 1889. 410,836 Johnson, D. Gra.s.s Receivers for Lawn Mowers June 10, 1890. 429,629 Johnson, I. R. Bicycle Frame Oct. 10, 1899. 634,823 Johnson, P. Swinging Chairs Nov. 15, 1881. 249,530 Johnson, P. Eye Protector Nov. 2, 1880. 234,039 Johnson, W. Velocipede June 20, 1899. 627,335 Johnson, W. A. Paint Vehicle Dec. 4, 1888. 393,763 Johnson, W. H. Overcoming Dead Centers Feb. 4, 1896. 554,223 Johnson, W. H. Overcoming Dead Centers Oct. 11, 1898. 612,345 Johnson. W. Egg Beater Feb. 5, 1884. 292,821 Jones & Long Caps for Bottles Sept. 13, 1898. 610,715 Joyce, J. A. Ore Bucket Apr. 26, 1898. 603,143 Latimer, L. H. Manufacturing Carbons June 17, 1882. 252,386 Latimer, L. H. Apparatus for Cooling and Disinfecting Jan. 12, 1886. 334,078 Latimer, L. H. Locking Racks for Hats, Coats and Umbrellas Mar. 24, 1896. 557,076 Lavalette, W. A. Printing Press Sept. 17, 1878. 208,208 Lee, H. Animal Trap Feb. 12, 1867. 61,941 Lee, J. Kneading Machine Aug. 7, 1894. 524,042 Lee, J. Bread Crumbing Machine June 4, 1895. 540,553 Leslie, F. W. Envelope Seal Sept. 21, 1897. 590,325 Lewis, A. L. Window Cleaner Sept. 27, 1892. 483,359 Lewis, E. R. Spring Gun May 3, 1887. 362,096 Linden, H. Piano Truck Sept. 8, 1891. 459,365 Little, E. Bridle-Bit Mar. 7, 1882. 254,666 Loudin, F. J. Sash Fastener Dec. 12, 1892. 510,432 Loudin, F. J. Key Fastener Jan. 9, 1894. 512,308 Love, J. L. Plasterers' Hawk July 9, 1895. 542,419 Love, J. L. Pencil Sharpener Nov. 23, 1897. 594,114 Marshall, W. Grain Binder May 11, 1886. 341,589 Marshall, T. J. Fire Extinguisher May 26, 1872. 125,063 Martin, W. A. Lock July 23, 1889. 407,738 Martin, W. A. Lock Dec. 30, 1890. 443,945 Matzeliger, J. E. Mechanism for Distributing Tacks Nov. 26, 1899. 415,726 Matzeliger, J. E. Nailing Machine Feb. 25, 1896. 421,954 Matzeliger, J. E. Tack Separating Mechanism Mar. 25, 1890. 423,937 Matzeliger, J. E. Lasting Machine Sept. 22, 1891. 459,899 McCoy, E. Lubricator for Steam Engines July 2, 1872. 129,843 McCoy, E. Lubricator for Steam Engines Aug. 6, 1872. 130,305 McCoy, E. Lubricator May 27, 1873. 139,407 McCoy, E. Steam Lubricator Jan. 20, 1874. 146,697 McCoy, E. Ironing Table May 12, 1874. 150,876 McCoy, E. Steam Cylinder Lubricator Feb. 1, 1876. 173,032 McCoy, E. Steam Cylinder Lubricator July 4, 1876. 179,585 McCoy, E. Lubricator Mar. 28, 1882. 255,443 McCoy, E. Lubricator July 18, 1882. 261,166 McCoy, E. Lubricator Jan. 9, 1883. 270,238 McCoy, E. Lawn Sprinkler Design Sept. 26, 1899. 631,549 McCoy, E. Steam Dome June 16, 1885. 320,354 McCoy, E. Lubricator June 16, 1885. 320,379 McCoy, E. Lubricator Feb. 8, 1887. 357,491 McCoy, E. Lubricator Attachment Apr. 19, 1887. 361,435 McCoy, E. Lubricator for Safety Valves May 24, 1887. 363,529 McCoy, E. Lubricator May 29, 1888. 383,745 McCoy, E. Lubricator May 29, 1888. 383,746 McCoy & Hodges Lubricator Dec. 24, 1889. 418,139 McCoy, E. Dope Cup Sept. 29, 1891. 460,215 McCoy, E. Lubricator Dec. 29, 1891. 465,875 McCoy, E. Lubricator Mar. 1, 1892. 470,163 McCoy, E. Lubricator Apr. 5, 1892. 472,066 McCoy, E. Lubricator June 6, 1893. 498,809 McCoy, E. Lubricator Sept. 13, 1898. 610,634 McCoy, E. Lubricator Oct. 4, 1898. 611,759 McCoy, E. Lubricator Nov. 15, 1898. 614,307 McCoy, E. Lubricator June 27, 1899. 627,623 McCree, D. Portable Fire Escape Nov. 11, 1890. 440,322 Mendenhall, A. Holder for Driving Reins Nov. 28, 1899. 637,811 Miles, A. Elevator Oct. 11, 1887. 371,207 Mitch.e.l.l, C. L. Phoneterisin Jan. 1, 1884. 291,071 Mitch.e.l.l, J. M. Cheek Row Corn Planter Jan. 16, 1900. 641,462 Moody, W. U. Game Board Design May 11, 1897. 27,046 Morehead, K. Reel Carrier Oct. 6, 1896. 568,916 Murray, G. W. Combined Furrow Opener and Stalk-knocker Apr. 10, 1894. 517,960 Murray, G. W. Cultivator and Marker Apr. 10, 1894. 517,961 Murray, G. W. Planter June 5, 1894. 520,887 Murray, G. W. Cotton Chopper June 5, 1894. 520,888 Murray, G. W. Fertilizer Distributer June 5, 1894. 520,889 Murray, G. W. Planter June 5, 1894. 520,890 Murray, G. W. Combined Cotton Seed June 5, 1894. 520,891 Murray, G. W. Planter and Fertilizer Distributer Reaper June 5, 1894. 520,892 Murray, W. Attachment for Bicycles Jan. 27, 1891. 445,452 Nance, L. Game Apparatus Dec. 1, 1891. 464,035 Nash, H. H. Life Preserving Stool Oct. 5, 1875. 168,519 Newman, Miss L.D. Brush Nov. 15, 1898. 614,335 Newson, S. Oil Heater or Cooker May 22, 1894. 520,188 Nichols & Latimer Electric Lamp Sept. 13, 1881. 247,097 Nickerson, W. J. Mandolin and Guitar Attachment for Pianos June 27, 1899. 627,739 O'Conner & Turner Alarm for Boilers Aug. 25, 1896. 566,612 O'Conner & Turner Steam Gage Aug. 25, 1896. 566,613 O'Conner & Turner Alarm for Coasts Containing Vessels Feb. 8, 1898. 598,572 Outlaw, J. W. Horseshoes Nov. 15, 1898. 614,273 Perryman, F. R. Caterers' Tray Table Feb. 2, 1892. 468,038 Peterson, H. Attachment for Lawn Mowers Apr. 30, 1889. 402,189 Phelps, W. H. Apparatus for Washing Vehicles Mar. 23, 1897. 579,242 Pickering, J. F. Air Ship Feb. 20, 1900. 643,975 Pickett, H. Scaffold June 30, 1874. 152,511 Pinn, T. B. File Holder Aug. 17, 1880. 231,355 Polk, A. J. Bicycle Support Apr. 14, 1896. 558,103 Pugsley, A. Blind Stop July 29, 1890. 433,306 Purdy & Sadgwar Folding Chair June 11, 1889. 405,117 Purdy, W. Device for Sharpening Edged Tools Oct. 27, 1896. 570,337 Purdy, W. Device for Sharpening Edged Tools Aug. 16, 1898. 609,367 Purdy, W. Device for Sharpening Edged Tools Aug. 1, 1899. 630,106 Purdy & Peters Design for Spoons Apr. 23, 1895. 24,228 Purvis, W. B. Bag Fastener Apr, 25, 1882. 256,856 Purvis, W. B. Hand Stamp Feb. 27, 1883. 273,149 Purvis, W. B. Paper Bag Machine Feb. 12, 1884. 293,353 Purvis, W. B. Fountain Pen Jan. 7, 1890. 419,065 Purvis, W. B. Paper Bag Machine Jan. 28, 1890. 420,099 Purvis, W. B. Paper Bag Machine June 24, 1890. 430,684 Purvis, W. B. Paper Bag Machine Aug. 19, 1890. 434,461 Purvis, W. B. Paper Bag Machine Sept. 2, 1890. 435,524 Purvis, W. B. Paper Bag Machine Sept. 22, 1891. 460,093 Purvis, W. B. Electric Railway May 1, 1894. 519,291 Purvis, W. B. Paper Bag Machine May 8, 1894. 519,348 Purvis, W. B. Paper Bag Machine May 8, 1894. 519,349 Purvis, W. B. Paper Bag Machine Dec. 11, 1894. 530,650 Purvis, W. B. Magnetic Car Balancing Device May 21, 1895. 539,542 Purvis, W. B. Paper Bag Machine Mar. 9, 1897. 578,361 Purvis, W. B. Electric Railway Switch Aug. 17, 1897. 588,176 Queen, W. Guard for Companion Ways and Hatches Aug. 18, 1891. 458,131 Ray, E. P. Chair Supporting Device Feb. 21, 1899. 620,078 Ray, L. P. Dust Pan Aug. 3, 1897. 587,607 Reed, J. W Dough Kneader and Roller Sept. 23, 1884. 305,474 Reynolds, R. R. Non-Refillable Bottle May 2, 1899. 624,092 Reynolds, H. H. Window Ventilator for R. R.

Cars Apr. 3, 1883. 275,271 Reynolds, H. H. Safety Gate for Bridges Oct. 7, 1890. 437,937 Rhodes, J. B. Water Closets Dec. 19. 1899. 639,290 Richardson, A. C. Hame Fastener Mar. 14, 1882. 255,022 Richardson, A. C. Churn Feb. 17, 1891. 446,470 Richardson, A. C. Casket Lowering device Nov. 13, 1894. 529,311 Richardson, A. C. Insect Destroyer Feb. 28, 1899. 620,362 Richardson, A. C. Bottle Dec. 12, 1899. 638,811 Richardson, W. H. Cotton Chopper June 1, 1886. 343,140 Richardson, W. H. Child's Carriage June 18, 1889. 405,599 Richardson, W. H. Child's Carriage June 18, 1889. 405,600 Richey, C. V. Car Coupling June 15, 1897. 584,650 Richey, C. V. Railroad Switch Aug. 3, 1897. 587,657 Richey, C. V. Railroad Switch Oct. 26, 1897. 592,448 Richey, C. V. Fire Escape Bracket Dec. 28, 1897. 596,427 Richey, C. V. Combined Hammock and Stretcher Dec. 13, 1898. 615,907 Rickman, A. L. Overshoe Feb. 8, 1898. 598,816 Ricks, J. Horseshoe Mar. 30, 1886. 338,781 Ricks, J. Overshoe for Horses June 6, 1899. 626,245 Robinson, E. R. Electric Railway Trolley Sept. 19, 1893. 505,370 Robinson, E. R. Casting Composite Nov. 23, 1897. 594,286 Robinson, J. H. Life Saving Guards for Locomotives Mar. 14, 1899. 621,143 Robinson, J. H. Life Saving Guards for Street Cars Apr. 25, 1899. 623,929 Robinson, J. Dinner Pail Feb. 1, 1887. 356,852 Romain, A. Pa.s.senger Register Apr. 23, 1889. 402,035 Roster, D. N. Feather Curler Mar. 10, 1896. 556,166 Ross, A. L. Runner for Stops Aug. 4, 1896. 565,301 Ross, A. L. Bag Closure June 7, 1898. 605,343 Ross, J. Bailing Press Sept. 5, 1899. 632,539 Ross, A. L. Trousers Support Nov. 28, 1899. 638,068 Ruffin, S. Vessels for Liquids and Manner of Sealing Nov. 20, 1899. 737,603 Russell, L. A. Guard Attachment for Beds Aug. 13, 1895. 544,381 Sampson, G. T. Sled Propeller Feb. 17, 1885. 312,388 Sampson, G. T. Clothes Drier June 7, 1892. 476,416 Scottron, S. R. Adjustable Window Cornice Feb. 17, 1880. 224,732 Scottron, S. R. Cornice Jan. 16, 1883. 270,851 Scottron, S. R. Pole Tip Sept. 21, 1886. 349,525 Scottron, S. R. Curtain Rod Aug. 30, 1892. 481,720 Scottron, S. R. Supporting Bracket Sept. 12, 1893. 505,008 Shorter, D. W. Feed Rack May 17, 1887. 363,089 Shanks, S. C. Sleeping Car Berth Register July 21, 1897. 587,165 Smith, J. W. Improvement in Games Apr. 17, 1900. 647,887 Smith, J. W. Lawn Sprinkler May 4, 1897. 581,785 Smith, J. W. Lawn Sprinkler Mar. 22, 1898. 601,065 Smith, P. D. Potato Digger Jan. 21, 1891. 445,206 Smith, P. D. Grain Binder Feb. 23, 1892. 469,279 Snow & Johns Liniment Oct. 7, 1890. 437,728 Standard, J. Oil Stove Oct. 29, 1889. 413,689 Standard, J. Refrigerator July 14, 1891. 455,891 Stewart, T. W. Mop June 13, 1893. 499,402 Stewart, T. W. Station Indicator June 20, 1893. 499,895 Stewart & Johnson Metal Bending Machine Dec. 27, 1887. 375,512 Stewart, E. W. Punching Machine May 3, 1887. 362,190 Stewart, E. W. Machine for Forming Vehicle Seat Bars Mar. 22, 1887. 373,698 Spears, H. Portable Shield for Infantry Dec. 27, 1870. 110,599 Sutton, E. H. Cotton Cultivator Apr. 7, 1874. 149,543 Sweeting, J. A. Device for Rolling Cigarettes Nov. 30, 1897. 594,501 Sweeting, J. A. Combined Knife and Scoop June 7, 1898. 605,209 Shewcraft, Frank Letter Box Detroit, Mich.

Taylor, B. H. Rotary Engine Apr. 23, 1878. 202,888 Taylor, B. H. Slide Valve July 6, 1897. 585,798 Thomas, S. E. Waste Trap Oct. 18, 1883. 286,746 Thomas, S. E. Waste Trap for Basins, Closets, etc. Oct. 4, 1887. 371,107 Thomas, S. E. Casting July 31, 1888. 386,941 Thomas, S. E. Pipe Connection Oct. 9, 1888. 390,821 Toliver, George Propeller for Vessels Apr. 28, 1891. 451,086 Tregoning & Latimer Globe Supporter for Electric Lamps Mar. 21, 1882. 255,212 Walker, Peter Machine for Cleaning Seed Cotton Feb. 16, 1897. 577,153 Walker, Peter Bait Holder Mar. 8, 1898. 600,241 Waller, J. N. Shoemaker's Cabinet or Bench Feb. 3, 1880. 224,253 Washington, Wade Corn Husking Machine Aug. 14, 1883. 283,173 Watkins, Isaac Scrubbing Frame Oct. 7, 1890. 437,849 Watts, J. R. Bracket for Miners' Lamp Mar. 7, 1893. 493,137 West, E. H. Weather Shield Sept. 5, 1899. 632,385 West, J. W. Wagon Oct. 18, 1870. 108,419 White, D. L. Extension Steps for Cars Jan. 12, 1897. 574,969 White, J. T. Lemon Squeezer Dec. 8, 1896. 572,849 Williams, Carter Canopy Frame Feb. 2, 1892. 468,280 Williams, J. P. Pillow Sham Holder Oct. 10, 1899. 634,784 Winn, Frank Direct Acting Steam Engine Dec. 4, 1888. 394,047 Winters, J. R. Fire Escape Ladder May 7, 1878. 203,517 Winters, J. R. Fire Escape Ladder Apr. 8, 1879. 214,224 Woods, G. T. Steam Boiler Furnace June 3, 1884. 299,894 Woods, G. T. Telephone Transmitter Dec. 2, 1884. 308,817 Woods, G. T. Apparatus for Transmission of Messages by Electricity Apr. 7, 1885. 315,368 Woods, G. T. Relay Instrument June 7, 1887. 364,619 Woods, G. T. Polarized Relay July 5, 1887. 366,192 Woods, G. T. Electro Mechanical Brake Aug. 16, 1887. 368,265 Woods, G. T. Telephone System and Apparatus Oct. 11, 1887. 371,241 Woods, G. T. Electro-Magnetic Brake Apparatus Oct. 18, 1887. 371,655 Woods, G. T. Railway Telegraphy Nov. 15, 1887. 373,383 Woods, G. T. Induction Telegraph System Nov. 29, 1887. 373,915 Woods, G. T. Overhead Conducting System for Electric Railway May 29, 1888. 383,844 Woods, G. T. Electro-Motive Railway System June 26, 1888. 385,034 Woods, G. T. Tunnel Construction for Electric Railway July 17, 1888. 386,282 Woods, G. T. Galvanic Battery Aug. 14, 1888. 387,839 Woods, G. T. Railway Telegraphy Aug. 28, 1888. 388,803 Woods, G. T. Automatic Safety Cut-out for Electric Circuits Jan. 1, 1889. 395,533 Woods, G. T. Automatic Safety Cut-out for Electric Circuit Oct. 14, 1889. 438,590 Woods, G. T. Electric Railway System Nov. 10, 1891. 463,020 Woods, G. T. Electric Railway Supply System Oct. 31, 1893. 507,606 Woods, G. T. Electric Railway Conduit Nov. 21, 1893. 509,065 Woods, G. T. System of Electrical Distribution Oct. 13, 1896. 569,443 Woods, G. T Amus.e.m.e.nt Apparatus Dec. 19, 1899. 639,692 Wormley, James Life Saving Apparatus May 24, 1881. 242,091 Williams, P. B. Electro-Magnetic Electrical Railway Track Switch Apr. 24, 1900. 648,092 Williams, P. B. Electrically Controlled and Operated Railway Switch Jan. 15, 1901. 666,080

TOPIC XXVIII.

WHAT THE OMEN?

BY PROF. W. S. SCARBOROUGH.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Prof. W. S. Scarborough.]

PROF. WILLIAM S. SCARBOROUGH, A. M., LL. D.

William S. Scarborough, now Vice-President of Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, Ohio, and Professor of Greek and Latin in the same inst.i.tution, was born in Macon, Ga., February 18, 1852. He received his early education in his native city before and during the Civil War. In 1869 he entered Atlanta University where he remained two years in preparation for Yale University, but, instead, entered Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio, in 1871, and was graduated from the Department of Philosophy and the Arts with the degree of A. B. in 1875. He spent a part of the following year in Oberlin Theological Seminary in special study of the Semitic languages and h.e.l.lenistic Greek.

In 1877 Professor Scarborough was elected as head of the Cla.s.sical Department in Wilberforce University. In 1881 he published through A. S. Barnes & Co. (New York) a Greek text book---"First Lessons in Greek"--the first and only Greek book ever written by a Negro. This book was widely used by both the white and colored schools of the country, especially in the North. Professor Scarborough has also written a treatise ent.i.tled "The Birds of Aristophanes--a Theory of Interpretation"--aside from numerous tracts and pamphlets, covering a variety of subjects--cla.s.sical, archaeological, sociological and racial. He has written many papers for various societies to which he belongs. In 1891 he was transferred to the chair of h.e.l.lenistic Greek, Payne Theological Seminary. In 1897 he was again re-elected as Professor of Latin and Greek in the University and Vice-President of the same.

He has contributed largely to the press of the country, including the leading magazines. He is one of the editors of the A. M. E. Sunday-school publications, having filled that position for a number of years. He is a member of a number of a.s.sociations: American Philological, American Dialect, American Social Science, Archaeological Inst.i.tute of America, American Spelling Reform, American Folk-Lore, American Modern Language, American Political and Social Science, the Egyptian Exploration Fund a.s.sociation and the American Negro Academy, of which he is First Vice-President.

He has several times been one of the orators at the Lincoln League banquet of the State of Ohio. At a conference held by the leaders of the race in the city of Columbus, Ohio, he was elected President of the Afro-American State League designed to further the interests of the Negro throughout the country. Professor Scarborough has traveled extensively in Europe. He was a delegate to the Ec.u.menical Methodist Conference held in London in 1901, representing the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

We take the following from the "New York Age" of July 18:

"While in Boston Prof. W. S. Scarborough of Wilberforce University was delightfully entertained by the colored graduates of Harvard University and Amherst College at a reception given in his honor at the home of Mr. G. W.

Forbes, a graduate of Amherst. Speeches were made by Messrs. Forbes, Morgan, Trotter, Lewis, Williams and others eulogistic of the life and services of the professor in behalf of his race. The professor replied, thanking them for the honor conferred upon him. Next year it will be twenty-five years since Professor Scarborough first became connected with Wilberforce University as its cla.s.sical professor and he intends to mark the event by publishing a volume of his philological papers. These papers have all been read before the American Philological a.s.sociation at its various annual sessions. Twenty years ago Professor Scarborough was first elected to membership in this body at Harvard University. This year the a.s.sociation again met at this venerable seat of learning and by way of commemorating the event Professor Scarborough read a paper on Thucydides. It is some of these papers that the professor intends to put into more tangible form for future use."

The all-absorbing question now before the American people seems to be the race question. Our magazines and papers generally--dailies and weeklies as well as monthlies--are deluged as it were with articles on the Negro people--the Negro as a citizen--his status, his future, the sort of education best adapted to his needs as a man and a citizen, and kindred subjects. In fact no phase of the Negro's life fails of discussion at the hands of the most flippant penny-a-liner as well as the gravest thinker. All have theories of some sort and they do not hesitate to express them--whether they are visionary or practical.

If theories alone could have solved this problem, long ere this would race friction have been removed; it would have been a question of the past, but unfortunately for the race, unfortunately for the people at large, many of those who knew least about the subject and who had no remedy for the troubles complained of--have had most to say and they have generally said it in the most reckless way, regardless of facts.

Only now and then do we have a calm view of the situation with reasonable suggestions as to the best course to follow.

As we enter upon the twentieth century, it will be well for black and white to get together and understand one another and ascertain as far as possible what is best to do in the light of facts before us.

One thing is certain--the white man does not yet know the Negro.

Strange as it may seem, the Northern white man does not know him after many years of close observation, neither does the Southern white man, for all the years gone by in which the Negro has lived in his midst.

The observations of both in fact only leave the Negro largely an unknown quant.i.ty to either. I have claimed heretofore that there is a life that the white man knows nothing of. It is found in the hovel as well as in the cultured home, in the school and the church. It is a life in the bud-time of race pride and another race prejudice; and it is swelling to the blossoming. _What will be the fruit?_

To know the race one must do more than occasionally to visit it here and there, must see more than even a close examination of schools and churches, instructed, aided and supported by white philanthropy, will disclose. The toadying, the servile representatives of the race, the politicians, the dependent ones--all must be pa.s.sed by and the people found. _To know the Negro one must be with him and become a part of his life--see what he is doing, and above all, to know what he is thinking._

Go into the schools and churches where there is not a shadow of white influence to check freedom of speech or tinge thought and what do we see and hear? In every case we find those from the oldest to the youngest with some ideas upon the race question and ready to express them. Not so with white children. They are not thinking about the color of their skin or the texture of their hair or their rights and privileges or the deprivation of these rights, the contempt and ostracism following them everywhere; but the Negro child, on the other hand, of every shade of color has these almost constantly in mind, for they are thrust upon him. _He can think of little else._

In such schools, in such communities, the field work, the social gathering, the literary society, the routine of school or church or community life, the platform--all are tinctured deeply with these ideas and these are expressed in some form on every possible occasion.