Cornelius Swartwout facts for kids

Diagrams of Swartwout's waffle iron

Cornelius Swartwout (born July 25, 1839 – died December 17, 1910) was an American inventor. He is known for getting an early patent for an improved waffle iron.

Who Was Cornelius Swartwout?

Cornelius Swartwout was born on July 25, 1839, in Westerlo, New York. His grandfather, also named Cornelius Swartwout, was a soldier in the American Revolutionary War. This means he fought for America's freedom.

Swartwout's Military Service

In July 1861, Cornelius Swartwout joined the Union Army. He served with the 3rd New York Cavalry during the American Civil War.

The Waffle Iron's History

Waffle irons have been around for a very long time. The first ones appeared in the Netherlands around the 14th century. These early waffle irons were quite different from what we use today.

How Old Waffle Irons Worked

Old waffle irons were made of two iron plates joined by a hinge. They had long wooden handles. The plates often had cool patterns, like family symbols or religious designs. People would hold these irons over a fire to cook their waffles.

Swartwout's Waffle Iron Patent

Swartwout's letters patent

On August 24, 1869, Cornelius Swartwout received a special document called a patent. This patent was for his "Improvement in Waffle-Irons." A patent gives an inventor the right to make and sell their invention.

What Was Swartwout's Invention?

Swartwout's invention was not an electric waffle maker like we have now. His design was for a stovetop waffle iron. It had cast-iron plates connected by a hinge. This hinge allowed the iron to swivel in a special collar. This made it easier to open, close, and turn the waffle iron while cooking on a wood or gas stove.

Celebrating Waffles

Because of Cornelius Swartwout's important patent, there is a special day each year. In the United States, National Waffle Day is celebrated on August 24. This day honors his contribution to the waffle iron.