Where was Benjamin Bradley born?
Benjamin Bradley was born around 1830 as a slave in Maryland. He was able to read and write, although at the time it was illegal for a slave to do so (he likely learned from the Master’s children).
Did Bradley ever forget his steam engine?
Despite enjoying his job with the Naval Academy, Bradley had not forgotten his steam engine creation. He used the money he had been able to save from his job as well as the proceeds of the sale of his original engine (to a Naval Academy student) to build a larger model.
What did Bradley do in 1864?
He worked as an instructor in the Philosophical Department at the Naval Academy in 1864. He was credited at designing and constructing a "miniature steam-engine and boiler about 6-fly power.".
Where was Benjamin Bradley born?
Early life. Benjamin Bradley was born a slave in Anne Arundel County, Maryland in March 1836. It has been theorized that he acquired literacy while learning from his master's children. According to the Maryland State Manumission records, Bradley's owner was John T. Hammond. As a teenager, Bradley worked at a printing office.
What did Bradley do as a teenager?
As a teenager, Bradley worked at a printing office. He showed ingenuity and mechanical skills by the age of 16, when he built a steam engine out of a gun barrel, pewter, round steel, and other various materials. His master was impressed and was able to get him a job as a helper in the Department of Natural and Experimental Philosophy at the Naval Academy at Annapolis.
What did Bradley do at the Naval Academy?
Career. At the U.S. Naval Academy, Bradley worked as a helper. According to the African Repository of 1859, he was paid in full for his work, but the money he had made went to his master, who allowed Bradley to keep five dollars a month for himself.
Why did Bradley not get a patent for his engine?
He sold this model engine to another classmate at the Naval Academy and used the proceeds to develop and build the "first steam-powered warship.". Because he was a slave, Bradley was not allowed to get a patent for the engine he developed. He was, however, able to sell the engine.
What is Benjamin's last name?
Benjamin's correct surname was Boardley, but since 1859 when the African Repository published an article wrongly spelling Benjamin's surname as Bradley, authors have written about him with the incorrect surname.
Who wrote about Bradley's work as a helper at the Naval Academy?
It is mentioned that his professors at the Naval Academy were very impressed with him. Professor Hopkins of the Naval Academy wrote about Bradley's work as a helper at the Academy, writing that he would set up experiments, that he was a quick learner and that "he looks for the law by which things act.".
