Mary Brush facts for kids

Mary Brush was an American inventor who lived around 1815 in Davenport, Iowa. She was one of the very first American women to receive a patent from the U.S. patent office. Her patent was granted on July 21, 1815, and it was for a new kind of corset. Her design made corsets better and was meant to "preserve the shape of the womanly figure." In 1908, a newspaper called Cincinnati Enquirer said she was the second American woman ever to get a patent.

Who Was Mary Brush?

Mary Brush was a clever inventor from the early 1800s. She lived in a time when it was very unusual for women to be recognized for their inventions. Her work helped pave the way for other women inventors in America.

What is a Patent?

A patent is a special legal right given to an inventor by a government. It means that for a certain number of years, only the inventor can make, use, or sell their invention. This helps protect their ideas and allows them to benefit from their hard work. Mary Brush's patent meant her new corset design was legally hers.

Mary Brush's Important Invention

Mary Brush invented an improved corset. Corsets were garments worn by women to shape their bodies, especially their waists. Her patent shows that she found a way to make these corsets better. This was important because it meant she was thinking about how to improve everyday items for women.

Why Was Her Patent Special?

Getting a patent was a big deal for anyone in 1815, but it was especially significant for a woman. At that time, women had fewer rights and opportunities than men. Mary Brush's patent showed that women could also be inventors and contribute new ideas to society. She was a pioneer, meaning she was one of the first to do something important.