Beulah Henry, known as “Lady Edison,” was a prolific inventor who held more patents than any other woman in the early 20th century. Born in 1887 in North Carolina, she began inventing as a child and continued throughout her life. Her creations ranged from an ice cream maker to a parasol with interchangeable covers to a doll with eyes that changed color.
Despite having no formal engineering training, Henry’s ability to envision innovative products led her to work with engineers and designers to bring her ideas to life. She often faced skepticism from experts who doubted her inventions could work, but she was determined to prove them wrong.
Henry’s inventions covered a wide range of products, from toys to typewriters to sewing machines. Her most notable creation was the Double Chain Stitch Sewing Machine, which eliminated the need for changing bobbins. She also developed a device for percolating juice in a roaster to baste meat continuously.
Henry’s unique approach to invention, influenced by a neurological condition called synesthesia, allowed her to see products in her mind before they were created. She attributed this ability to a guiding spirit that sent her ideas in the early hours of the morning.
Despite facing challenges and skepticism, Beulah Henry’s legacy as a pioneering female inventor is evident in her numerous patents and contributions to technological innovation. She passed away in 1973, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and perseverance in the world of invention.
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