Alexander Miles

Born in Ohio in 1838, Alexander Miles was an African American inventor and businessman who became widely known for improving elevator safety. He received U.S. Patent 371,207 in 1887 for a mechanism that helped elevator doors open and close automatically, reducing the danger of open shafts and human error.

Miles built a varied career beyond invention. He worked as a barber and later became a successful entrepreneur, living in places including Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. In Duluth, he was known as a prominent Black businessman and was also involved in community and civic life.

Today, he is remembered not just for a single patent, but for creating a practical improvement that had a lasting effect on modern buildings. His life is often highlighted as an example of Black innovation and business leadership in the late 19th century.