Thaddeus Hyatt
Abolitionist and inventor
Died when: 85 years 4 days (1020 months)Star Sign: Leo
Thaddeus Hyatt (July 21, 1816 – July 25, 1901) was an American abolitionist and inventor.In his opposition to slavery, Hyatt organized the efforts of abolitionists in Kansas to have the territory admitted to the Union as a free-state and campaigned for the federal government to aid Kansans afflicted by drought.
Hyatt befriended John Brown and provided Brown with financial support; following the raid on Harpers Ferry, Hyatt was investigated by a committee of the United States Senate.
When Hyatt refused to comply with a Congressional subpoena and cooperate with the Senate investigation, the Senate voted to jail the recalcitrant abolitionist.
As an inventor, Hyatt was a wealthy man, profiting from his invention of iron-and-glass vault covers for admitting sunlight to spaces below sidewalks and pavements.
Hyatt also innovated and patented several designs for reinforced concrete floors.