Rumsey, James, 1743?-1792

Variant names
Dates:
Birth 1743
Death 1792

Biographical notes:

Engineer and inventor.

From the description of Papers of James Rumsey, 1784-1802. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 71015416

Inventor, of Shepherdstown, Va. (now W. Va.).

From the description of Papers, 1785-1816. (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 20159048

James Rumsey (1743-1792) invented a steam-powered boat in 1787 and developed an improved steamboiler, grist mill, and sawmill. He secured English and U.S. patents on the boiler and steamboat in 1791 but was unable to raise enough money to manufacture them. He competed with John Fitch of Philadelphia for the distinction of being the inventor of the steamboat.

From the description of Letters to Captain Charles Morrow, 1791-1792. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122487757

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Subjects:

  • Blasting
  • Canals
  • Cartridges
  • Shipping
  • Steam-navigation
  • Steam-navigation
  • Steam-navigation

Occupations:

  • Engineers
  • Inventors

Places:

  • United States (as recorded)
  • Maryland (as recorded)

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