By Tamara Shiloh

When discussing African American inventors, names like George Washington Carver or Granville T. Woods often take center stage. However, history is filled with unsung innovators whose contributions have remarkably shaped the modern world. Among these figures is John Albert Burr, a man whose ingenuity revolutionized the lawn care industry.

Born in Maryland in 1848, John Burr’s life began during the era of slavery. While many African Americans of his time were enslaved, John’s parents were fortunate to secure their freedom, ensuring that their son was born free. This freedom enabled him to pursue education and skills that would later fuel his inventive genius. Though details of his early education remain sparse, John’s knack for mechanics and engineering became apparent as he grew up. 

In the late 19th century, lawn care was labor-intensive and often relied on rudimentary tools. The available lawnmowers were cumbersome, inefficient, and prone to clogging, making manicuring lawns arduous. Enter John Albert Burr.

In 1899, John Burr patented his revolutionary rotary blade lawn mower. His design improved upon earlier models by preventing the mower’s blades from becoming clogged with grass. John’s mower featured a flexible and durable rotary blade mechanism that made cutting grass smoother and more effective. The design enhanced functionality and extended the mower’s life, reducing maintenance costs and increasing efficiency.

His innovation catered to the growing demand for well-manicured lawns among the middle and upper classes during the Victorian era, when lawns became a status symbol. His mower’s practicality and ease of use ensured its widespread acceptance.

While John’s patent was groundbreaking, Black inventors often struggled to gain recognition or fair compensation for their work, as systemic racism in patent law and business practices frequently robbed them of their rights.

Despite these obstacles, he used his skills and intellect to thrive. He worked as a mechanical engineer and continued to innovate throughout his career. Unlike many African American inventors, he retained control over his patent. He was able to reap financial rewards, ensuring that his contributions would not be lost to history or taken by others.

Although his name may not be as widely recognized as it deserves, his impact can still be felt whenever a modern rotary lawn mower hums to life. He represents the countless African American inventors whose brilliance has quietly revolutionized our lives and work.

Tamara Shiloh

About Tamara Shiloh

Tamara Shiloh has published the first two books in her historical fiction chapter book series, Just Imagine…What If There Were No Black People in the World is about African American inventors, scientists and other notable Black people in history. The two books are Jaxon’s Magical Adventure with Black Inventors and Scientists and Jaxon and Kevin’s Black History Trip Downtown. Tamara Shiloh has also written a book a picture book for Scholastic, Cameron Teaches Black History, that will be available in June, 2022.

Tamara Shiloh’s other writing experiences include: writing the Black History column for the Post Newspaper in the Bay area, Creator and Instruction of the black History Class for Educators a professional development class for teachers and her non-profit offers a free Black History literacy/STEM/Podcast class for kids 3d – 8th grade which also includes the Let’s Go Learn Reading and Essence and tutorial program.   She is also the owner of the Multicultural Bookstore and Gifts, in Richmond, California,

Previously in her early life she was the /Editor-in-Chief of Desert Diamonds Magazine, highlighting the accomplishments of minority women in Nevada; assisting with the creation, design and writing of a Los Angeles-based, herbal magazine entitled Herbal Essence; editorial contribution to Homes of Color; Editor-in-Chief of Black Insight Magazine, the first digital, interactive magazine for African Americans; profile creations for sports figures on the now defunct PublicFigure.com; newsletters for various businesses and organizations; and her own Las Vegas community newsletter, Tween Time News, a monthly publication highlighting music entertainment in the various venues of Las Vegas.

She is a member of:

• Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)


• Richmond Chamber of Commerce


• Point Richmond Business Association


• National Association of Professional Women (NAPW)


• Independent Book Publishers Association (IPBA)


• California Writers Club-Berkeley & Marin


• Richmond CA Kiwanis


• Richmond CA Rotary


• Bay Area Girls Club

Tamara Shiloh, a native of Northern California, has two adult children, one grandson and four great-grand sons. She resides in Point Richmond, CA with her husband, Ernest.

www.multiculturalbookstore.com

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