Henry Blair

c. 1807–1860

What Henry contributed

Patented machines designed to plant seed and cultivate crops more efficiently.

The story

Blair was the second known Black inventor to receive a U.S. patent. Patent records identified him as a 'colored man,' an unusual notation in early patent history.

Why it matters

His equipment reduced agricultural labor and improved planting productivity.

Patent record
U.S. Patents X8,447 and X9,736