Nathan Ames (November 17, 1826 in Roxbury, New Hampshire – August 17, 1865 in Saugus, Massachusetts)[1] was a patent solicitor who held the first patent in the United States for an escalator-like machine. The patent (#25,076) was granted on August 9, 1859, for an invention he called "Revolving Stairs".[2][3] The escalator had steps mounted on a continuous belt or chain. He also patented machines for improvement in polishing leather during the time when Lynn's shoemaking industry was one of the largest in the world. Another one of his patents was for a polygraph, an early copying machine that operated by using pens connected by wires.[4] Another patent he held was for an improved grater.[5]
A writer and a poet, Ames had a disquisition and a Class Ode published during his time at Harvard. His book of poetry Pirate’s Glen and Dungeon Rock was published in 1853. These poems were based the local pirate legend of Dungeon Rock.[6]
His brother Joseph was an American portrait artist.
Ames was educated at Phillips Academy at Andover, and Harvard College.
His birth name was Nathan Eames, but it was legally changed to Nathan Ames in 1843.[7]
References
- ^ Bench and Bar of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts By William Thomas Davis, p. 238
- ^ THE EXECUTIVE DOCUMENTS By SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, p.535
- ^ "Fascinating facts about the invention of the Escalator by Nathan Ames in 1859 from Ideafinder.com". Archived from the original on 2015-09-24. Retrieved 2007-05-19.
- ^ Annual of Scientific Discovery: Or, Year-book of Facts in Science and Art, p.108
- ^ House Documents, Otherwise Publ. as Executive Documents: 13th Congress, p.385
- ^ Pirates' Glen and Dungeon Rock By Nathan Ames
- ^ Massachusetts (1845). Acts and Resolves Passed by the General Court. p. 47. Retrieved 26 April 2022.
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