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Biography Of Eli Whitney

Biography of Eli Whitney

Eli Whitney’s actions and accomplishments have had a profound influence on the United States and the world. We hope to illustrate this influence by describing his early life and training, his principle contributions to modern methods analysis, how he developed his ideas into a useful practice, and what effects his contributions have on today’s manufacturing processes and our society as a whole.
Eli Whitney was born to a middle class family in Westborough, Massachusetts, on December 8, 1765. His father, Eli Whitney Sr., came from a family of respectable farmers. His mother, Elizabeth Fay, was from a substantial group of small farmers of Massachusetts. Eli Sr., provided well for his children-Eli, Elizabeth, Benjamin and Josiah. His wife, after the birth of Josiah, became ill and bedridden for almost seven years. After their mother’s death in 1777, the children were cared for by a housekeeper until their father remarried in 1779.
Eli Jr., being the oldest, had responsibilities thrust upon him, which attributed to his hastened maturity. His father thought Eli was slow to read, but exceptionally quick at figures. At the age of twelve, he commanded more general knowledge then most of the highest men in the country. In whatever he undertook, he seemed to have a natural ability and able to perceive the consequences.
Indications of his mechanical genius were also developed at a very early age. His father had a workshop where he made household furniture and farm gear. He had many different kinds of tools and a lathe for turning chair posts. Eli worked with him and learned all the tools and how to make a variety of things. His interests were unbounded. He wanted to learn everything there was in life. He worked on watches, violins, and kitchen knives to name a few.
The Revolutionary War was in progress when Whitney was fifteen or sixteen years of age. Nails were in huge demand, and were expensive. Eli suggested to his father that he be allowed to set up a business for Eli to manufacture nails. His father consented, and Eli Jr. went to work. In that time, he gained the time to make tools for his own use. He did this for two years until the end of the war.
When Eli was nineteen, he wished to attend college. His father hesitated because of the cost. It wasn’t until at the age of 23 years, and after diligent studying and teaching at a nearby school, that he had prepared himself for the freshman class in Yale College

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