Emily Davenport

Overview

Emily Goss Davenport Weeks, born Emily Goss Davenport, was an American inventor from Vermont who lived a relatively short but impactful life in the first half of the 19th century. While details surrounding her life are relatively scarce, her contributions to domestic technology, specifically in the realm of cooking stoves and improving household efficiency, mark her as a notable figure in American ingenuity. This timeline highlights key moments and periods in her life, charting her journey from birth to her untimely passing.

Main Milestones

Birth in Vermont

April 29, 1810

Emily Goss Davenport was born in Vermont, a state known for its independent spirit and industrious population. The early 19th century was a time of significant technological and societal change in America, and Vermont was no exception. Emily's upbringing in this environment likely played a role in fostering her inventive mind and practical skills.

Early Life and Exposure to Domestic Needs

Early Life & Education

While specific details of her formal education are unknown, it is likely Emily received a basic education typical for women of her time, focused on domestic skills and some reading and writing. More importantly, she would have been intimately familiar with the daily challenges of running a household, including cooking, cleaning, and managing resources – experiences that undoubtedly sparked her desire to find more efficient and effective solutions.

Focus on Stove Design & Efficiency

1830s - 1840s

During this period, Emily focused her attention on improving cooking stoves. Traditional fireplaces were inefficient and labor-intensive. Emily's inventions aimed to address these issues, making cooking easier, safer, and more fuel-efficient. This period likely involved significant experimentation and refinement of her designs.

Patent for Improved Cooking Stove

1843

Emily Davenport Weeks received a patent for her improved cooking stove design in 1843. This patent is a significant milestone, demonstrating her success in creating a novel and useful invention. The patent likely detailed specific features of her stove that improved its efficiency, safety, or ease of use, distinguishing it from existing models. Receiving a patent in the 19th Century as a woman was a substantial achievement.

Marriage and Family Life

Marriage to Weeks

Emily married a man named Weeks, although specific details about him and their marriage are difficult to source. Her marriage likely brought additional responsibilities and challenges, but it may have also provided her with resources or support for her inventive pursuits. The specific year of the marriage has not been discovered through online searches.

Continued Inventive Work

Later Inventions & Improvements

Following her initial patent, Emily likely continued to work on improving her stove design and possibly other household technologies. While specific records of further patents are unavailable, her known inventive spirit suggests she remained engaged in problem-solving and seeking ways to improve domestic life.

Death

October 5, 1862

Emily Goss Davenport Weeks passed away on October 5, 1862. Her relatively short life, ending at just 52 years old, underscores the challenges faced by women in the 19th century. Despite her limited lifespan, her contribution to domestic technology and her patent for an improved cooking stove solidify her place as an innovative American inventor.

Other Themed Timelines

Association with Thomas Davenport's Electrical Experiments (1833-1840)

Early Life and Family (1810-1830)

Emily Davenport's Role as a Wife and Partner

Later Life and Legacy (1851-1862)

Residence and Relocation

The Struggle for Recognition and Financial Instability (1840-1851)

Themed Timelines

Talks

Media Collections

Overview

Other Themed Timelines