Gordon mckay inventor biography graphic organizer

American businessman and philanthropist (1821–1903)

For American politician, see Gordon W. McKay.

Gordon McKay
Born	(1821-05-04)May 4, 1821 Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Died	October 19, 1903(1903-10-19) (aged 82) Newport, Rhode Island
Burial place	Pittsfield Cemetery
Occupation(s)	Businessman, philanthropist

Gordon McKay (1821–1903) was an American businessman and philanthropist.

An important figure in the mechanization of the shoe industry, his most lucrative idea was to lease his "McKay machines" rather than selling them outright, collecting a small royalty on each pair of footwear made with his equipment.

He then secured his market position by, helping create the United Shoe Machinery Corporationcartel with his potential competitors. Upon his death, after providing for his family and mistresses, he left the bulk of his estate to Harvard University as an endowment to support capable professors to train future engineers.

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