Jennings, Thomas L.
1791-1856 · Contribution: 1821
Household & Domestic Inventions
Dry cleaning process ('dry scouring')

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Quick facts
- Born
- 1791-1856
- Active since
- 1821
- Category
- Household & Domestic Inventions
Impact on the world
Jennings broke the color line of the U.S. patent system and pioneered a garment-cleaning process still fundamental to dry cleaning, then poured his earnings into the fight against slavery.
Sources
- National Inventors Hall of Fame
1 more sources and references are available to members.
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