Elisha Otis
Elisha Graves Otis (August 3, 1811–April 8, 1861) invented a safety device in 1852 that made elevators much safer by preventing them from falling if the hoisting cable failed. From there, he went on to create the Otis Elevator Company. His invention increased public confidence in elevators, which was instrumental in the rise of skyscrapers.
Categories: People stubs | 1811 births | 1861 deaths | U.S. inventors | Elevators