Alexander Miles

Early Life

On May 18, 1838, Alexander Miles was born in Pickaway County, Ohio. When he was a child, he moved to Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Family Life  

Alexander Miles was an only child with no other siblings, and his parents were Michael and Mary Miles. He married a white widow named Candace J. Dunlap, and they had a child named Grace, in addition to Candace's two children. Before Mr. Miles, Candace was married to a man named Samuel.

Education & Career

Alexander Miles did not go to school. It is unknown if he went to high school, but it is most likely he did not either.  Schools were not open to blacks until his early thirties. He was taught by his own parents. He made his living as a barber.

Impact on the field

Alexander Miles changed the world by making the first ever automatic elevator door, after seeing serious accidents and severe injuries. He also made the automatic elevators door because people forgot to close shaft doors. He has changed the world by making everyone safer. He is a big hero to the whole wide world and us today! People are safe because of him. 

1. He made the first ever automatic door which is really cool!

2. He made a living as a barber.

3. He built his own multi-story building named Miles Block!

1. Kind: He was concerned when he saw people falling from the elevator because people forgot to close the shaft door.

2. Responsible: He made sure that his products were not toxic and the elevator was safe without recent malfunctions.

3. Inventive: He created his own barber shop and hair products and his own multi-story building named Miles Block; he created the first automatic elevator door.