African American inventor Leonard C. Bailey received a patent for the folding bed on July 18, 1899. According to the Twentieth Century Union League Directory, he was not only an inventor, but also treasurer of the Capital Savings Bank, a Black bank of the late 19th century. Bailey was also a board of directors for the Industrial Building and Savings Company.
He was born with a physical disability and was poor, but through his business ventures and ambition dreams, he overcame his obstacles and made a significant impact on the Black community. His invention was recommended to the United States Army Medical Board for tent and camping purposes. For more Black history facts visit Black365.us.
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