Thomas L. Jennings facts for kids
Thomas L. Jennings (born January 1, 1791 – died February 13, 1856) was an amazing African-American inventor, businessman, and abolitionist in New York City, New York. He made history by becoming the first African-American person to get a patent in the United States. This happened in 1821 for his new way of dry cleaning clothes. Jennings' invention, along with his smart business skills, helped him earn a lot of money. He used much of this money to support the movement against slavery in the United States.
Early Life and Family
Thomas L. Jennings was born on January 1, 1791. He was born into a free African-American family in New York City. He later married a woman named Elizabeth. She was born a slave in Delaware in 1798.
New York had a law that slowly ended slavery starting in 1799. This law changed Elizabeth's status to an indentured servant. This meant she had to work for someone for a set number of years. She became fully free in 1827.
Thomas and Elizabeth had three children. Their names were Matilda Jennings (born 1824), Elizabeth Jennings (born 1827), and James E. Jennings (born 1832). Matilda became a dressmaker. Elizabeth became a schoolteacher and an activist. James E. Jennings was also a public school teacher and a musician.
Professional Career and Invention
Jennings started his career as a tailor. He later opened his own dry cleaning business in New York City. His store on Church Street grew to be one of the biggest clothing stores in the city.
Thomas developed his special dry cleaning method, which he called "dry-scouring." His customers often complained that stains ruined their clothes. So, he began trying out different chemicals. He wanted to find a way to remove stains without harming the fabric.
Thomas Jennings earned a lot of money as a tailor. His dry-scouring invention helped him earn even more. He used most of his money to support activities that fought against slavery. In 1831, Thomas Jennings became an assistant secretary. This was for the First Annual Convention of the People of Color in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Fighting for Civil Rights
Jennings was a strong leader in the fight against slavery. He also worked hard for the civil rights of African Americans in the United States.
In 1831, Jennings was chosen as an assistant secretary. This was for an important meeting called the First Annual Convention of the People of Color. It took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
His daughter, Elizabeth Jennings, faced a difficult situation in 1854. She was forced off a "whites only" streetcar in New York City. After this, Thomas organized a movement. He wanted to end racial segregation on public transportation in the city.
He helped arrange his daughter's legal defense. A young lawyer named Chester A. Arthur, who later became a President, helped with the case. Elizabeth won her case in 1855.
Later that year, Jennings helped create the Legal Rights Association. This was a new organization that fought for the rights of minority groups. Its members worked to challenge unfair treatment and segregation. They also helped people get legal help in court. Ten years after Elizabeth Jennings won her case, in 1865, New York City streetcar companies stopped separating people by race.
Jennings was also involved in other important issues. He was against the idea of African Americans moving to other countries. He also supported giving African-American men the right to vote. He helped found the Abyssinian Baptist Church. This church became a very important place for the African-American community in Harlem.
