Thomas L. Jennings | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1791 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | February 11, 1859 (aged 68) New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Inventor, entrepreneur and abolitionist |
| Known for | First African-American to hold a patent, granted in 1821 for his method of dry cleaning |
| Spouse | Elizabeth |
| Children | 3, inc. Elizabeth Jennings |
Thomas L. Jennings (c. 1791 – February 12, 1859) was an African-American inventor, tradesman, entrepreneur, and abolitionist in New York City, New York. He has the distinction of being the first African-American patent-holder in history; he was granted the patent in 1821 for his novel method of dry cleaning.[1] Jennings' invention, along with his business expertise, yielded a significant personal fortune, much of which he put into the abolitionist movement in the United States.[2]