Potts, Mary Florence (c. 1853–?)

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Potts, Mary Florence (c. 1853–?)

American inventor. Born Mary Florence Webber c. 1853; dau. of a plasterer in Ottumwa, IA; m. Joseph Potts; children: 6.

Granted 3 patents for improvements in sad irons, invented the most popular iron ever used, a double pointed iron with detachable handle that was cast hollow rather than solid; her irons were manufactured from 1871 until 1951; also jointly held one patent for a medical device with husband, an early version of a heating pad.

See also Women in World History.