Cherry, Matthew A.
1834-after 1895 · Contribution: 1888-1895
Improvements to the velocipede leading to a tricycle design, and a streetcar fender to reduce collision damage and improve safety
Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Impact on the world
Improved the velocipede (an early human-propelled vehicle) into a patented tricycle (1888) and patented a streetcar fender (1895) that protected streetcars and pedestrians from collision damage — an early forerunner of the modern bumper.
Life & background
African-American inventor born Feb 5, 1834 in Washington, DC. Little is known of his early life; he disappeared from the public record after receiving his streetcar-fender patent in 1895, at age 61. Death date unknown.
Sources
- BlackPast.org; African American Registry; The Black Inventor Online Museum
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