History of Elijah McCoy in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: December 12, 2024

Elijah J. McCoy was a prominent African-American engineer and inventor best known for his work on lubrication systems for steam engines. Born in Canada to parents who had escaped slavery in Kentucky, McCoy returned to the United States with his family as a child, gaining US citizenship. His significant contributions to engineering were recognized in 2012 when the USPTO established the Elijah J. McCoy Midwest Regional Patent Office in Detroit, Michigan.

1909: Recognition by Booker T. Washington

In 1909, Booker T. Washington acknowledged Elijah McCoy in his book "Story of the Negro" for holding more patents than any other Black inventor at the time.

1920: Establishment of Elijah McCoy Manufacturing Company

Elijah McCoy established his own company, the Elijah McCoy Manufacturing Company, in 1920.

1923: Death of Mary McCoy

Mary McCoy, Elijah McCoy's wife, passed away in 1923.

October 10, 1929: Death of Elijah McCoy

Elijah McCoy passed away on October 10, 1929, due to complications from injuries sustained in a car accident seven years prior.

October 1929: Death of Elijah McCoy

Elijah McCoy died in October 1929 from injuries he sustained in a car accident seven years earlier, in which his wife, Mary, also passed away.

December 1966: Reference in Ebony Magazine

In December 1966, Ebony magazine featured an advertisement mentioning Elijah McCoy's lasting impact and the association of his name with quality.

2012: Posthumous Honor

In 2012, the United States Patent and Trademark Office honored Elijah McCoy by naming its first regional office in Detroit the "Elijah J. McCoy Midwest Regional Patent Office".