Elijah McCoy was born on May 2, 1844 in Colchester, Ontario. He was born to George and Mary McCoy, free black settlers from Kentucky who decided to move to Canada to avoid the harsh treatment that slaves were subjected to in the southern United States. He grew up in a community of former slaves, where he was immersed in an environment that valued hard work, determination, and education.
McCoy received his early education from his parents and from the local schools in Colchester. He was an inquisitive child and showed an early aptitude for mathematics and mechanical engineering. Despite the limited educational opportunities available to African-Americans at the time, McCoy persevered and went on to attend the University of Michigan.
At the university, McCoy faced significant challenges due to racial prejudice, discrimination, and segregation. However, he managed to overcome these obstacles through hard work, diligence, and a strong determination to succeed. McCoy specialized in mechanical engineering, excelling in his studies and earning a degree in 1872.
After graduating, McCoy returned to Canada, where he worked in various engineering roles, gaining practical experience and expertise. He also began developing and patenting his inventions, which would revolutionize engineering and make him famous as the "father of lubrication".
Elijah McCoy's upbringing had a profound impact on shaping his character and his pursuit of success. The values he learned from his parents, the challenges he faced as an African-American, and the opportunities he seized through hard work and perseverance all contributed to making him a remarkable inventor, engineer, and a true inspiration in the history of African-American achievement.