Patents

Letter from John N. D. Brown to Theodore Roosevelt

John N. D. Brown reminds Theodore Roosevelt that he has written Roosevelt before offering a chance to invest in his railway construction invention. Now Brown has submitted his patent, has been in communication with the examiner, and can infer almost all his invention has passed. Roosevelt still have a chance to invest in patents in foreign countries and Brown is sending him copies of the patents, prints, and the specifications.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-11-14

Letter from Overton W. Price and Theodore Roosevelt

Overton W. Price of the United States Forest Service suggests changes to President Roosevelt’s order regarding the issuance of patents for public lands to eliminate opportunities for fraud. Price also recommends changing the wording to allow any authorized officer of the government to investigate cases.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-01-22

Report from George F. Pollock to Ethan Allen Hitchcock

George F. Pollock submits a report to Secretary of the Interior Hitchcock following an order from President Roosevelt that no patent be issued to public land until an “examination on the ground” has been made by an agent of the Department of the Interior, in order to hinder “theft of the public lands.” Pollock reports on the current pending cases and requests additional funding to carry out the work.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-12-22

Letter from Secretary of Theodore Roosevelt to Ruth Rex

Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary lets Ruth Rex know Roosevelt cannot advise her on this subject. The secretary shares that in his opinion, Rex should not send money for a patent unless she knows she will be able to make money off of it. He also suggests finding a friend to go in on the cost with her.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-10-03

Letter from Secretary of Theodore Roosevelt to B. H. Ocker

Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary tells B. H. Ocker that Roosevelt is not able to recommend a patent agent as Ocker requested.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-02-14

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Frederick I. Allen

Thomas Edison has a case before Commissioner of Patents Allen and President Roosevelt would like every courtesy shown to Edison. The case should be decided on its merits but Allen should “personally and thoroughly investigate the case.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-12-11

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Grace Sanderson Thacher Putnam

Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt wishes he would have had more time to see Grace Sanderson Thacher Putnam while he was in Rhode Island. He hopes her proposed patent will be accepted.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1897-06-08

Letter from Putnam Drew to Theodore Roosevelt

Putnam Drew, who has previously interviewed Theodore Roosevelt, sends him a newly patented, skull-shaped cork skew to prevent accidental poisoning. He hopes Roosevelt will write about it in The Outlook and offers to stamp the periodical’s name on some for advertising.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-12-02

Letter from A. Rogers to Theodore Roosevelt

A. Rogers feels his patented device for helping surveyors would benefit the government and asks Theodore Roosevelt for help.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-11-10

Letter from Joseph Goodrich to Theodore Roosevelt

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.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-11-07

Letter from William Miles to Theodore Roosevelt

William Miles reminds Theodore Roosevelt that he wrote to him about a canal lock during his presidency. He has another canal related invention that he asks Roosevelt to help him patent and present to the federal government. Miles does not have money to invest due to his poor health. He supposes that his invention is worth a considerable amount and offers Roosevelt a share of the profits. 

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-11-01

Letter from Charles J. Clark to Theodore Roosevelt

Charles J. Clark writes to Theodore Roosevelt about an idea he has had for a patent that involves “getting power out of a certain article” and describes his business and profit ideas. He asks Roosevelt to write him back so they can arrange a meeting.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-10-18

Letter from Albert W. Kolle to Theodore Roosevelt

Albert W. Kolle believes that he was defrauded out of patent money for a bomb shell invention and requests Theodore Roosevelt’s help to resolve the matter.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-07-18

Letter from George Bullock to Theodore Roosevelt

George Bullock encloses a patent for a bullet. Bullock and the patent owners would like to know what Theodore Roosevelt thinks of it.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-07-20

Letter from John D. Russ to The outlook

John D. Russ has invented a sight for a Springfield rifle, which he would like Theodore Roosevelt to see and test as soon as the patent clears through. If Russ includes a stamp, he asks the gentlemen of The Outlook to show Roosevelt the sight, then mail it back when he is finished. 

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-05-23

Letter from David Mendelson to Theodore Roosevelt

David Mendelson wants to apply for a patent for his invention of free electricity. Mendelson insists his invention will bring “prosperity, peace and plenty” to the people of the United States, especially during a time of natural resource conservation efforts. Mendelson asks Roosevelt for advice regarding getting a patent for his invention.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-05-12

Letter from Emile Christinet to Theodore Roosevelt

Emilie Christinet shares Roosevelt’s interest in reading battle accounts. However, he finds it difficult to view events clearly. He proposes projecting an image of the battlefield and using a magnet to move the armies. He asks Roosevelt to share and possibly patent his idea.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-04-25

Letter from Anson K. Cross to Theodore Roosevelt

Anson K. Cross developed a patent for an air purifying system that allows a submarine to stay submerged indefinitely. He asks for Theodore Roosevelt’s help in applying the method to submarines while his patent is delayed, preventing other nations from using it.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-04-12

Letter from Mrs. M. C. Reynolds to Theodore Roosevelt

Mrs. M. C. Reynolds has had multiple friends and family members die in railroad crossing accidents. She discusses her unique idea for a safety invention to prevent such deaths. Before applying for a patent, she wants Theodore Roosevelt’s advice on an estimated price and how to sell it. 

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-03-27

Letter from Henriette Branett

Henriette Branett writes Theodore Roosevelt for help, as she is attempting to secure several patents. Branett lost her attorney, and she asks Roosevelt if he could suggest an attorney to assist her in her applications.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-03-27