About Solomon Harper
Born 1893. Solomon Harper was an inventor, electrical engineer and engineer.
Solomon Harper (October 8, 1895, Poplar Grove, Arkansas - December 8, 1980, New York, New York ) was an electrical engineer and inventor known for creating the first electrically heated hair roller and 28 other inventions.
Solomon Harper (2nd from the right) as photographed by the National Photo Company near the White House March 6, 1930.
Harper worked for various railways performing jobs like section head, construction and other locomotive work. In 1914, he applied for his first patent for his block system which he invented to prevent train collision. It was designed to prevent rear and head on collision and to prevent trains from running into open switches, to automatically reduce train's speed at dangerous places, and to stop trains at railways junctions.
During the course of his career, he struggled to receive recognition and compensation for his inventions. Harper was trained as an electrical engineer and was a veteran. He was a politically active communist, and organized at least one march to picket the White House about unemployment in 1930.
Donβt just read it β
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download Β· yours to keep Β· every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
Frequently asked questions
Who was Solomon Harper?
American inventor
When was Solomon Harper born?
Solomon Harper was born in 1893.
What was Solomon Harper's occupation?
Solomon Harper was an inventor, electrical engineer and engineer.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Solomon Harper. https://biography.guide/solomon-harper/
MLA: "Solomon Harper." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/solomon-harper/.
Chicago: "Solomon Harper." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/solomon-harper/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 Β· Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:15 UTC