What is Benjamin Bradley(African American Inventor) background information?
Question:
Answer:
In around 1830 Benjamin Bradley was born a slave in Maryland, at a time when it was illegal to teach them to read or write. Despite this, he managed to learn anyway, and became adept at making things.
His intelligence was soon recognised, and he was put to work in an office. At sixteen he built a working steam engine from scrap metal. This feat gained him a job as an assistant at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis.
Bradley was paid for his work, but as a slave could not keep it so it went to his owner. This owner 'generously' allowed him to keep $5 a month.
Bradley continued his work on steam engines in his own time. By saving his wages and selling his origial model of a steam engine to a fellow student, Bradley was able to build a steam engine large enough to power the worlds first steam powered warship. This was Bradleys major achievement.
As a slave, Bradley was not allowed to take out a patent on his engine, but he was allowed to sell it and keep the proceeds. With the profits from his labours he bought his freedom, and ended his days a free man.
More Questions & Answers...