Return to Homepage
She invented the clothes wringer for washing machines. She lived in Washington, DC. In 1888 she sold the patent rights for $18.00 because:
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.from The innovative woman, New Scientist, 24 May 1984, page 10. This invention was a major improvement in washing technology and greatly improved the general hygiene of the population.