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Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Patently Amazing


Today I learned my second-great grandfather Selig patented some improvements to fire hydrants back in 1898.

I wouldn't normally have searched the patent database for his name, because I wouldn't expect to see anything. I've put some of my more uncommon surnames through it, but I didn't bother with "Feinstein" as I'm not related to most of them. However, today I checked "Google Scholar" for Selig specifically - don't ask me why - and it includes the patent database.

His professions during his life included real estate and laundry. Apparently he knew something about fire hydrants, too. A renaissance man.

So don't assume your relative didn't patent something. You never know.

1 comment:

  1. Terry ThorntonJanuary 16, 2008 at 10:31 PM

    John, What a wonderful discovery! I'm sure you are most pleased at finding a patent a relative received. Congratulations on your sleuthing!

    Now what does that gizmo do? Seriously, I hope you get a good enlargement of the drawing and have it framed as a curiosity/conversation piece.
    TERRY THORNTON

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