Benjamin Banneker Research Paper

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.Benjamin Banneker was best known for constructing a clock that stuck hourly. Benjamin was born November 9 , 1731 in Baltimore county , Maryland. Benjamin’s mother Mary , was a free black. His father , Robert was a freed slave from Guinea. Benjamin’s mother was the child of Molly Welsh , she was a white indentured servant and of a african slave named Banneka. Benjamin got some knowledge from Molly. Benjamin lived on the farm that he got on the deed of his family for almost his entire life. In 1753 , Benjamin made a wooden clock that struck on the hour. He was only 22 years old when he did that. Benjamin’s father died in 1759 so he was left living with his mom and sisters. A couple years later , in 1771 the Ellicott family moved close by so Benjamin supplied them with work and gave them food and they studied in the mills. In February of 1791, Major Andrew Ellicott hired Benjamin to assist in the survey of the new federal district . Ellicott’s team placed boundary …show more content…
He liked to invent or plan mathematical puzzles and solving what others brought him to solve. Benjamin constructed a striking wall clock without ever seeing one. He made the clock by visualizing a mathematical puzzle. He related the toothed wheels and gears to a poxket knife. The clock worked for more thean fifty years until he passed away. Benjamin inherited the family farm after his father passed away so he continued selling tobacco until he was 59 years old. He also assisted Andrew Ellicott who was selected by President George Washington to produce a survey of selected lands which established a national capital. Andrew needed an assistant who knew astronomy but he chose his cousin but his cousin was unable to leave his own job so he recommended Benjamin. So Andrew hired Benjamin. Benjamin worked in the observatory tent for more than 4 months. He was there from the beginning of February until the end of April