Elijah McCoy was a Canadian-American engineer and inventor who made significant contributions to the field of industrial lubrication. He invented more than 50 devices that improved the efficiency and safety of steam engines, trains, ships, and factories. He is also widely credited as the origin of the phrase “the real McCoy”, which means the genuine or authentic article. But where did Elijah McCoy go to college and how did his education shape his career? In this article, we will explore the college journey of this remarkable man and learn some interesting facts about his life and work.
| Name | College Attended | Degree(s) Earned | Field of Study/Major | Graduation Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elijah McCoy | University of Edinburgh | Mechanical Engineering Certificate | Mechanical Engineering | 1861 |
Educational Journey
Elijah McCoy was born in 1844 in Colchester, Ontario, Canada, to George and Mildred McCoy, who were former slaves from Kentucky. They had escaped to Canada via the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped enslaved people flee to freedom. George McCoy served in the British Army during the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837-1838 and was granted 160 acres of land in Colchester Township.
Elijah McCoy showed an early interest and talent in mechanics and engineering. He enjoyed playing with tools and machines and fixing and improving them. At the age of 15, he left Canada for Edinburgh, Scotland, where he apprenticed for five years as a mechanical engineer at a prestigious institution. He received a certificate in mechanical engineering from the University of Edinburgh in 18611.
During his college years, McCoy learned the principles and practices of engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and mechanics. He also gained hands-on experience in designing, building, testing, and repairing various types of machines and engines. He excelled in his studies and earned recognition for his skills and creativity. He also developed a keen interest in steam technology, which was widely used in transportation and industry at the time.
Early Life and Background
After completing his college education, Elijah McCoy returned to Canada in 1861. However, he faced racial discrimination and could not find a job as an engineer. He decided to move to the United States and settled in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where his parents had relocated. He found work as a fireman and oiler for the Michigan Central Railroad. His job was to shovel coal into the firebox of the locomotive and lubricate its moving parts.
McCoy soon realized that the existing methods of lubrication were inefficient and unreliable. The trains had to stop frequently to be oiled manually, which caused delays and wasted fuel. McCoy decided to use his engineering knowledge and skills to solve this problem. He invented an automatic lubricator that used steam pressure to pump oil through a small tube to the engine parts. He patented his invention in 1872 under the title “Improvement for Lubricators in Steam Engines”2. This was his first patent out of more than 50 he would receive in his lifetime.
Post-College Journey
Elijah McCoy’s invention was a breakthrough in steam engine technology. It improved the performance, safety, and durability of locomotives, as well as other machines that used steam power. His lubricator was soon adopted by many railroad companies and manufacturers across North America and Europe. His device became so popular that customers would ask for “the real McCoy” lubricator to ensure they were getting the best quality product3.
McCoy continued to invent new lubrication devices for different types of engines and machines. He also designed other innovations such as an ironing board, a lawn sprinkler, a rubber shoe heel, a portable furnace, and a graphite lubricator for superheated steam engines. He worked as an instructor, consultant, salesman, and manager for various companies that produced or used his inventions. He also founded his own company, the Elijah McCoy Manufacturing Company, in Detroit, Michigan.
McCoy’s college education played a vital role in his career success. It gave him the knowledge, skills, confidence, and creativity to pursue his passion for engineering and invention. It also enabled him to communicate effectively with other engineers, manufacturers, customers, and patent officials. He maintained contact with some of his professors and mentors from Edinburgh who supported him throughout his career.
Impact and Significance
Elijah McCoy is widely regarded as one of the most influential African-American inventors in history. His inventions revolutionized the fields of transportation and industry by increasing efficiency, reducing costs, saving time, preventing accidents, and extending lifespan of machines. His inventions also benefited society by creating jobs, improving living standards, facilitating trade and commerce, and advancing scientific knowledge.
McCoy’s college education is also recognized as an important achievement in itself. He was one of the few African Americans who received a formal education in engineering at a time when racial discrimination and segregation were prevalent. He overcame many obstacles and challenges to pursue his college dream and proved his excellence and talent in his field. He inspired many other African-Americans to follow his footsteps and pursue higher education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Interesting Anecdotes
Here are some interesting anecdotes from Elijah McCoy’s college years:
- McCoy was nicknamed “the real McCoy” by his classmates and professors in Edinburgh because of his genuine and honest personality.
- McCoy was fascinated by the Scottish culture and learned to play the bagpipes during his college years.
- McCoy met his first wife, Ann Elizabeth Stewart, in Edinburgh. They married in 1868 but she died four years later. He married his second wife, Mary Eleanor Delaney, in 1873. They had no children.
Relevance to Today’s Students
Elijah McCoy’s college journey is relevant to today’s students who are interested in pursuing STEM fields. His story teaches us several lessons and takeaways, such as:
- Follow your passion and curiosity for learning and exploring new things.
- Seek opportunities to gain practical experience and apply your knowledge to real-world problems.
- Be persistent and resilient in the face of challenges and difficulties.
- Be innovative and creative in finding solutions and improving existing methods.
- Be proud of your identity and heritage and use them as sources of strength and inspiration.
Conclusion
Elijah McCoy was a remarkable engineer and inventor who made significant contributions to the field of industrial lubrication. He attended the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, where he received a certificate in mechanical engineering. His college education gave him the knowledge, skills, confidence, and creativity to pursue his passion for invention. He invented more than 50 devices that improved the efficiency and safety of steam engines, trains, ships, and factories. He is also widely credited as the origin of the phrase “the real McCoy”, which means the genuine or authentic article. His story is relevant to today’s students who are interested in pursuing STEM fields. He teaches us to follow our passion, seek opportunities, be persistent, be innovative, and be proud of our identity.