Helen Blanchard

Helen Augusta Blanchard (25 October 1840 – January 12, 1922) was an American inventor who received 28 patents between 1873 and 1915. She was known for her numerous inventions dealing with sewing machines and sewing technology. Early life Blanchard was born in Portland, Maine on October 25, 1840 to a wealthy family. Her father was Nathaniel Blanchard, a shipowner and businessman; her mother was Phoebe Buxton Blanchard. Helen was one of six children; two other daughters Louise Phobe, and Persis E., and three sons David H., Augustus, and Albus. For much of her young life Helen remained in Portland with her family. Her Father ran a successful business until the Financial Panic of 1866, also the year that most of Portland burned to the ground. After the failure of her father's business she moved to Boston, presumably on her own, to pursue a career as an inventor.