Elias Howe

Profession: Inventor

Biography: Created the modern lockstitch sewing machine (U.S. Patent 4,750).

Howe's machine contained the three essential features common to most modern machines:

1) A needle with the eye at the point.
2) A shuttle operating beneath the cloth to form the lock stitch.
3) An automatic feed.

Howe was commemorated with a five-cent stamp in the Famous American Inventors series issued October 14, 1940.

In 2004, he was also inducted into the United States National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Born: July 9, 1819
Birthplace: Spencer, Massachusetts, USA
Star Sign: Cancer

Died: October 3, 1867 (aged 48)
Cause of Death: Gout and a massive blood clot