William Plummer

William M. Plummer (1873–1943) was an African American cabinetmaker and inventor from Smyth County, Virginia. His decorative work is part of both the tradition of American decorative arts

Career

Bill spent most of his life in Smyth County with his wife and family, where he worked as a machinist in the automobile industry. While working he also built bicycles, a motorcycle, an airplane, furniture, and a banjo decorated with stars.

The elaborate phonograph cabinet which he created is in the permanent collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.