Elisha Otis

About

Bearded inventor who created and popularized the first modern elevator and founded the Otis Elevator Company.

Before Fame

He worked as a wagon driver, dollmaker, and mechanic.

Trivia

He demonstrated the safety of his elevators by freefalling in one in a demonstration at the 1854 New York World's Fair.

Family Life

He married Susan A. Houghton in 1834.

Associated With

He made his dramatic presentation at the World's Fair at New York's Crystal Palace where P.T. Barnum used to stage his shows.