Jennings, Thomas L.
1791-1856 · Contribution: 1821
Dry cleaning process ('dry scouring')
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Impact on the world
Became the first African-American to receive a U.S. patent, for a process that became the basis of modern dry cleaning.
Life & background
A tailor and abolitionist, Jennings became the first African-American to receive a U.S. patent, for a clothing cleaning process he called 'dry scouring,' an early precursor to modern dry cleaning. He used his patent earnings to support abolitionist causes.
Sources
- National Inventors Hall of Fame; Smithsonian; BlackPast.org
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