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Photographer: Nate Davidson
Taken: August 2, 2013
Caption: Oliver Evans
Additional Description: Oliver Evans (1755-1790), born in Newport, Delaware, was one of the early Industrial Revolution's most inventive geniuses, making a profound change in typical grist mills build during the American pre-Colonial period. From a young age he was continually experimenting with labor-saving devices and new uses for gears. Evans greatest accomplishment was the automated flour mill. His system of elevators and descenders moved grain through several stories of the mill. He also devised a system of horizontal movers with the endless screw, as well as the hooper-boy, a remarkably original improvement. He is also credited with the development of the revolving rake, spreader and cooler, used in the drying and cooling of flour and meal. Evans connected the milling process into one continuous grain cleaning and milling system. His genius was acknowledged by both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, who commissioned Evans to build and install machinery in their own mills.
Submitted: August 4, 2013, by Nathan Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland.
Database Locator Identification Number: p249286
File Size: 0.653 Megabytes

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