OR

source: wikipedia.org
12 Sep, 1818
26 Feb, 1903
Heart failure
American
Inventor
84
Richard Jordan Gatling was an American entrepreneur and inventor who gained recognition for his creation of the Gatling gun, which proved to be a groundbreaking machine gun. Additionally, he devised various other innovations that enhanced agriculture, transportation, and sanitation.
Gatling originated from North Carolina and grew up in a family renowned for their inventiveness. He collaborated with his father to construct machines used for cotton seed sowing and thinning cotton plants. At the age of 21, he developed a screw propeller designed specifically for steamboats; unfortunately, he discovered that someone else had already patented a similar device.
In 1844, he relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, where he invented both a rice-sowing machine and a wheat drill that significantly revolutionized farming practices within the country. Furthermore, Gatling pursued an interest in medicine and ultimately graduated from Ohio Medical College in 1850; however, despite obtaining his degree as a doctor, he never actively practiced medicine professionally.
During the time of the Civil War, Richard Jordan Gatling dedicated his efforts to developing firearms. In 1861, he came up with the concept of a rapid-fire machine gun and was able to secure a patent for it in 1862. The unique design of the Gatling gun featured multiple barrels that rotated around a central axis and were supplied with cartridges from a hopper. With the help of a hand crank, soldiers could fire up to 200 rounds per minute using this innovative weapon. Gatling’s intention behind inventing this firearm was to minimize casualties in war by reducing the number of soldiers required. However, despite its potential benefits, government authorities were hesitant to adopt this new technology initially.
Eventually, towards the later stages of the war, some Union forces utilized the Gatling gun as part of their weaponry. Additionally, following its introduction during wartime use by Union forces, several other countries also began incorporating this invention into their military arsenals.
Throughout his lifetime, Gatling continued inventing and securing patents for various other devices, including a steam plow, marine steam ram, and motor-driven plow. He even served as president for the newly formed American Association of Inventors and Manufacturers in 1891.
Despite his successes, Gatling saw both fortunes gained and lost throughout his investment ventures. In 1903, Gatling’s life came to an end in New York City where he died.
Richard Jordan Gatling
Richard Jordan Gatling
Male
Heart failure
Hertford County, North Carolina, US
New York City, US
Defender: Richard Jordan Gatling was focused on building machines that increased efficiency and reduced labor hours.
Despite inventing one of the most deadly weapons of his time, Gatling believed his invention would reduce casualties and make war less attractive, hoping it would lead to peace
Gatling invented the Gatling gun, considered the first successful machine gun, in 1861 during the American Civil War
It had a rotating barrel and could fire up to 200 rounds per minute.
He also invented machines for sowing seeds, harvesting water, and more.
Richard Jordan Gatling invented the Gatling gun which is considered to be the first successful machine gun.