John H. Balsley
John H. Balsley was born on May 29, 1823. See ranking, bio blurb, and everyone else born that day.
About John H. Balsley
John H. Balsley (May 29, 1823 – March 12, 1895) was a master carpenter and inventor, inventing a practical folding wooden stepladder and receiving the first U.S. patent issued for a safety stepladder in the year. He was born in Connellsville, Fayette County, Pennsylvania to George H. and Sarah (Shallenberger) Balsley. His father was also a carpenter. An odd coincidence is that in the borough of Connellsville in 1825, a new borough office was created: Keeper of Ladders. The title of Ladder Keeper does not appear after 1831 (although there is a gap in records from 1835 to 1856). William…