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Josephine Cochrane - American inventor (1839–1913)

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03.04.25
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Josephine Cochrane was a woman ahead of her time, driven by frustration and ingenuity to create a device that would revolutionize kitchens around the world. Her invention, the first commercially successful dishwasher, transformed a tedious chore and paved the way for modern kitchen convenience. This timeline highlights key moments in her life, showcasing her journey from a woman of leisure to a celebrated inventor.
Main Milestones
Birth in Ashtabula County, Ohio
March 8, 1839
Josephine Garis was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, to John Garis, a civil engineer, and Irene Fitch Garis. Her lineage was steeped in innovation, with her grandfather, John Fitch, being a steamboat inventor. This heritage likely instilled in her a natural curiosity and a penchant for problem-solving.
Marriage to William Cochran
1858
Josephine Garis married William Cochran, a wealthy merchant and politician. The couple enjoyed a life of social prominence and affluence, hosting frequent dinner parties at their mansion. While this life provided her with comfort, it also exposed her to the tedious and often damaging process of hand-washing fine china, a frustration that would later fuel her invention.
William Cochran's Death
1883
William Cochran's death left Josephine with significant debt and a need to find a source of income. This financial pressure, combined with her existing frustration with broken dishes, became the catalyst for pursuing her dishwasher idea. She famously declared, "If nobody else is going to invent a dishwasher, I'll do it myself!"
Invention of the Cochrane Dishwasher
1886
Josephine, with the help of mechanic George Butters, designed and built her first dishwasher in the shed behind her house. Unlike previous less effective models, her machine used water pressure to spray soapy water onto dishes held securely in wire compartments. She patented her invention, marking a significant step towards commercialization.
Establishing the Garis-Cochran Manufacturing Company
1886-1893
Josephine established the Garis-Cochran Manufacturing Company to produce and market her dishwasher. Initially, sales were slow, with hotels and restaurants being her primary customers. Wealthy households were initially hesitant to embrace the new technology. She diligently marketed her invention, emphasizing its efficiency and ability to prevent dish breakage.
Success at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago
1893
Josephine showcased her dishwasher at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The machine won an award, and the exposure significantly boosted sales and recognition. The fair proved to be a turning point, validating her invention and attracting wider attention.
Growing Popularity and Expansion
1900s
In the early 1900s, Josephine's business continued to grow, expanding its reach to hospitals, colleges, and larger households. She oversaw the design and development of improved models and continued to promote her product tirelessly. The increasing availability of plumbing and hot water further fueled the dishwasher's popularity.
Death in Chicago, Illinois
1913
Josephine Cochrane passed away on August 3, 1913, in Chicago, Illinois. She died before witnessing the full extent of her invention's impact on domestic life. However, she left behind a legacy of innovation and determination, proving that women could excel as inventors and entrepreneurs.
Hobart Acquires Garis-Cochran Manufacturing Company
1916
Three years after Josephine's death, the Hobart Manufacturing Company acquired the Garis-Cochran Manufacturing Company. Hobart continued to develop and market Cochrane's dishwasher, eventually incorporating it into its KitchenAid line. This acquisition ensured the continued success and widespread adoption of her invention.

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