Elijah J. McCoy died on October 10, 1929, at the age of 85, in the Eloise Infirmary in Nankin Township, now Westland, Michigan, as a result of injuries suffered in a car accident seven years earlier. His death marked the end of a prolific career as an inventor and engineer, particularly known for his lubrication systems for steam engines.

Elijah J. McCoy was born on May 2, 1844, in Colchester, Ontario, Canada West. He was born to George and Mildred Goins McCoy, who were fugitive slaves who had escaped from Kentucky to Ontario via the Underground Railroad. This marks the beginning of the life of a significant inventor and engineer.