Zachariah Allen

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Zachariah Allen (September 15, 1795 – March 17, 1882) was an American scientist and inventor, born in Providence, Rhode Island, and educated at Brown University[1] where he graduated in 1813. He then studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1815.

He became a manufacturer and in 1821 constructed the first hot-air furnace for the heating of dwelling houses. In 1833 he patented his best-known device, the automatic cut-off valve for steam engines.[2].

He founded the Manufacturers’ Mutual Fire Insurance Company in 1835, which was the forerunner of the present day insurance company FM Global.

  1. ^ Brown University[1]
  2. ^ A History of the Growth of the Steam Engine, Robert H. Thurston, 1978, pg.318 [2]