Philip B. Downing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Philip Bell Downing
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| Born | March 22, 1857 Providence, Rhode Island
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| Died | June 8, 1934 Boston, Massachusetts
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| Nationality | African American |
| Occupation | Inventor |
| Years active | 77 |
| Known for | Inventing the street letter box, and operating street railway switches. |
Philip B. Downing (1857-1934) was an African American inventor from Providence, Rhode Island. He best known for his two most significant inventions, the street letter box, and operating street railway switches. Philip had a long career in Boston, Massachusetts as a postal clerk, retiring in 1927 after working for more than thirty years.
In the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century, at least five patents were filed by Philip with the United States Patent Office. The most significant and recognized inventions of his were the street letter box, and the operating street railway switches.
Shortly after 1880 when Philip met and married Evangeline Howard, he had two children, Antonia Downing, and Philip Downing Jr. Around this time the census records indicated that Philip had moved to Boston, Massachusetts.
Philip Downing died in Boston on June 8, 1934. He was 77.
