Alexander P. Ashbourne
#BlackFactz
On this day in 1880, a Black inventor by the name of Alexander P. Ashbourne, aka AP Abourne, was awarded a patent for refining coconut oil. Alexander was born into slavery around 1820 in Philadelphia. Around 1863, he began a catering career. He catered weddings and buffets for the elite in Philadelphia. He began inventing items in the year of 1875.
He later received a patent for processing coconut oil. He began a process for refining the oil in 1875 and was later patented for it in 1880. Later in 1880 after having received the patent, Ashbourne relocated to Oakland, Ca to run a convenience store. He died at the age of 95 in Oakland..
by @mz_b24
