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Charles Goodyear did not invent rubber - which is sticky sap from a tropical tree - but he did invent the "vulcanization" process that made it usable. With all the blimps and tires today that bear his name, one would think Goodyear did pretty well by his invention. In fact, the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. was formed nearly 40 years after Charles Goodyear's death. He never saw a penny from it. And while he lived, Goodyear was mocked, repeatedly thrown in jail, and ripped-off by those who first scoffed at his invention, then stole it when they realized its potential. Six of his twelve children eventually died from diseases brought on by the Goodyear family's persistent poverty. Charles Goodyear devoted his life to bringing the benefits of rubber to humankind. In response, humankind either dismissed him as a crackpot or actively sought to destroy him. He died, bankrupt, after decades of poor health. |
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For the full story of Charles Goodyear's raw deal - and those of 22 other American victims - read RAW DEAL, new in paperback from Blast Books. If you know of other long-suffering inventors, please share your thoughts.
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