1849-1921
Andrew Jackson Beard was an inventor and entrepreneur from Jefferson County, Alabama. Born into slavery in 1849, Beard gained his freedom as a teenager and began working as a farmer and carpenter. Despite limited formal education, he had a natural talent for mechanics and engineering.
Beard is best known for inventing the "Jenny Coupler" in 1897. This device revolutionized railroad safety by allowing train cars to automatically connect without the need for a worker to manually link them—a dangerous task that often led to serious injury or death, which Beard often witnessed. His invention greatly improved conditions for railroad workers and earned him national recognition. His contributions highlight the ingenuity and perseverance of Black inventors during a time of great racial and social challenges in America.
Andrew Jackson Beard was inducted into the Alabama Men's Hall of Fame in 2025.