Births on May 2

Elijah McCoy

Born on May 2, 1843

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.

References

Elijah McCoy

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Events on 1843

11 Feb

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

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.
17 Jun

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

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.
21 Sep

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

Births on May 2

Elijah McCoy

Born on May 2, 1843

References

Choose Another Date

Events on 1843

I Lombardi alla prima crociata

Oregon Trail

New Zealand Wars

SS Great Britain

Strait of Magellan