Black Inventors: Fredrick M Jones

   We have been modeled to think that as black people in this country, we have no contribution. We are taught that everything that has been created, has been created by a white man. To those who don't know, this country was built by our people, our ancestors hard work, is why the white man is filthy rich. Seems like a lot of people are ok with that. I'm not.

Fredrick M Jones

Was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 17 1893. Jones taught himself mechanical and electrical engineering, inventing a range of devices relating to refrigeration, sound and automobiles. Portable refrigeration units developed by Jones helped the United States military carry food and blood during World War II. Jones died in Minneapolis, Minnesota, On February 21, 1961.

Fredrick Jones had a talent and an interest in mechanical work. He read extensively on the subject in addition to his daily work, educating himself in his spare time. In 1912, he moved to Minnesota to work as a mechanic on a (farm). Jones served in the military, after the war he returned back to the farm to continue work.
He began to educate him self more and more on electronics, when the town decided to fund a new radio station, Jones built the transmitter needed to broadcast it's programming. He also developed a device that created moving pictures with sound. Local businessman Joseph A. Numero subsequently hired Jones to improve the sound equipment he produced for the film industry. Jones continued to expand his interest in the 1930's. He designed and patented a portable air cooling unit for trucks carrying perishable foods. Forming a partnership with Numero, Jones founded the U.S. Thermo Control Company. The company grew exponentially during World War II, helping to preserve blood, medicine, and food. By 1949, U.S Thermo Company was worth millions of dollars.

Over the course of his career, Jones received more than 60 patents. While the majority pertained to refrigeration technologies, other related to X-Ray machines, engines and sound equipment. Jones was recognized for his achievement during his lifetime and also after his death. In 1944 he became the first African American elected to the American Society of Refrigeration Engineers. Jones died of lung cancer in 1961.