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Births on May 2

Elijah McCoy
1843May, 2

Elijah McCoy

Elijah McCoy, Canadian-American engineer (d. 1929)
Elijah J. McCoy (May 2, 1844  – October 10, 1929) was a Canadian-born inventor and engineer of African American descent who was notable for his 57 US patents, most having to do with the lubrication of steam engines. Born free in Canada, he came to the United States as a young child when his family returned in 1847, becoming a U.S. resident and citizen.

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Events on 1843

  • 11Feb

    I Lombardi alla prima crociata

    Giuseppe Verdi's opera I Lombardi alla prima crociata receives its first performance in Milan, Italy.
  • 16May

    Oregon Trail

    The first major wagon train heading for the Pacific Northwest sets out on the Oregon Trail with one thousand pioneers from Elm Grove, Missouri.
  • 17Jun

    New Zealand Wars

    The Wairau Affray, the first serious clash of arms between Māori and British settlers in the New Zealand Wars, takes place.
  • 19Jul

    SS Great Britain

    Brunel's steamship the SS Great Britain is launched, becoming the first ocean-going craft with an iron hull and screw propeller, becoming the largest vessel afloat in the world.
  • 21Sep

    Strait of Magellan

    John Williams Wilson takes possession of the Strait of Magellan on behalf of the newly independent Chilean government.