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Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - Page updated at 12:00 AM

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February focus on black history

Jan Matzeliger 1852-1889

Jan Matzeliger was born in Dutch Guiana and immigrated to the U.S. at age 18. He developed a machine that attached soles to shoes in one minute. It could make between 150 and 700 pairs a day versus 50 when done by hand.

By 1889, there was a high demand for the machine. A company was formed in Lynn, Mass., and Matzeliger was given stocks. He died of tuberculosis at 37, but his stock became quite valuable and was donated to his church.

— Leslie Fulbright

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