Charleston, So. Carolina (September 16, 1861 -1947) age 86 yrs

Miriam E. Benjamin, born a Free Black woman, was a teacher and inventor from Washington D.C. On July 17, 1888, she obtained a patent for her invention, the Gong and Signal Chair for hotels. The chair worked when the person sitting pressed a small button on the back. This action sent a signal to a waiting attendant. A light would illuminate as well, allowing the attendant to see which guest needed help. This setup was eventually adopted by the United States House of Representatives. It was a precursor to the signaling system used on airplanes for passengers to seek assistance from flight attendants. Benjamin was the second Black women to get a patent.