Montgomery County native, Henry Blair, was the second African American to be issued a patent by the United States Patent Office for his corn planter invention. He was born in Glen Ross, Md in 1807 and was a farmer and inventor.
He received a patent for the corn planter on Oct. 14, 1834, assigned number 8447x. Two years later, in 1836, Blair received a second patnet for a cotton planter, assigned number 15.
MCM partnered with Montgomery History to spotlight historical figures and stories in the community for Black History Month. Through this collaboration, we aim to promote understanding and appreciation of the rich history of African Americans in Montgomery County.
Read more Black History in Montgomery County by visiting the Montgomery History website.
Honoring the contributions of African American scientists and inventors on this day. Henry Blair, a Montgomery County native, made history as the second African American to file a U.S. patent for his corn planter invention. #AfricanAmericanScientistsAndInventorsDay pic.twitter.com/yM4bmrZDNZ
— Montgomery Community Media (@mymcmedia) February 25, 2024
