Your TR Source
Carl M. Wheaton, during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency, had created a means for controlling a mob through a harmless anesthetic, plans for which he showed Roosevelt, and he liked them. Wheaton has hit roadblocks preventing the plan from moving forward, so he is hoping to have an interview with Roosevelt to show him the plans.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-01-01
The article describes an early rotating gun battery invented by Theodore R. Timby and exhibited in 1843. It outlines the design and mechanics of the circular, steam-powered fort and argues for Timby’s recognition as the true inventor of the naval turret system.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-08
Mary O. Smith, of Auburn, Maine, invented a device she calls the “pluraphone,” which was recently used at the Maine State Fair. The newspaper article shares details of the device’s invention, as well as the reception it has received thus far.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-16
President Roosevelt pops a large ball of “Democratic campaign fallacies” with a “sound America common sense” feather. It drips into a “many inventions” bowl.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08
On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, Frank Harper thanks Mrs. H. M. May for the letter and clipping. He suggests that May submit the matter to the Interstate Commerce Commission.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-10-17
On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary declines to finance Daisy Fisher’s invention, as he is not a rich man.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-02-05
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary explains to Jacob W. Fennel that Roosevelt cannot do anything in the matter he writes about as he does not know anyone who would be interested in his invention.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-01-18
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary informs Thomas T. Chaloner that they have read his letter and enclosed clipping on behalf of Roosevelt, and regret that Roosevelt cannot be of service as he has no influence in such matters. His secretary agrees that if Chaloner’s invention can prevent loss of life on the railways it should be adopted, but that is a matter for the railway companies.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-22
On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary thanks Homer A. Everest for his letter, but Roosevelt cannot help him with his inventions and does not know anyone who can.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-02
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary declines N. H. C. Phil’s request for Roosevelt to intervene in the matter Phil has brought to his attention, as Roosevelt knows nothing about the invention nor to whom to refer Phil.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-30
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary informs H. B. Taylor that while Roosevelt is interested in Taylor’s invention, he has no advice that he can on how to move forward with it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-05-23
President Roosevelt congratulates General George F. Elliott about his idea for a combined pick and spade.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-06
President Roosevelt does not need to personally see Clayton Rockhill’s invention himself, but if Rockhill knows to whom he would like to show it in the Navy or Army, Roosevelt will give him a letter to ensure it will be carefully considered. Roosevelt cannot give a letter of introduction for a man he does not know, but since the young man will be in the company of William H. Taft’s nephew, perhaps he can give an introduction that will cover them both.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-06-21
President Roosevelt congratulates John Campbell Greenway and was delighted to learn about the “Greenway ore unloader.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-08-18
Burton D. Knickerbocker shares with Theodore Roosevelt his desire to help others, noting the importance of his religion and the human body as being the most wonderful of God’s creations. Therefore, he invented the Knickerbocker Spraybrush to keep the body “scrupulously” clean. After losing his savings in a fire, he made a plan to combine the building of fireproof homes with his spraybrush, for physical welfare. He is not asking Roosevelt for financial help , but for his endorsement of the homes in hopes that it will encourage others to back his plan as well.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-25
Joseph C. Howells describes his invention of paper for postage or revenue stamps. He asks Theodore Roosevelt for advice on getting his invention to the government.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-11-14
A. Rogers feels his patented device for helping surveyors would benefit the government and asks Theodore Roosevelt for help.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-11-10
Joseph Goodrich invented a current motor that can harness the power of any size river without interfering with navigation. At his wife’s suggestion, Goodrich asks Theodore Roosevelt for help getting his invention out.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-11-07
Homer A. Everest has invented a non-refillable bottle and an improved loom. He and his partner do not have enough money and would like to show Theodore Roosevelt their inventions in the hope he will be interested. Everest explains his family history to Roosevelt and decries the whiskey tampering occurring in Rhode Island, enclosing related clippings. He hopes to meet Roosevelt in Boston.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-19
Franklin A. Guthrie sends Theodore Roosevelt drawings of his invention for producing power by hydro pneumatic pressure.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-11