Tell me about Sarah E.

Sarah E. Goode (c. 1850/1855 – 1905) was an American businesswoman and inventor who made history as one of the first African American women to receive a United States patent [2, 3].

Here are a few key facts about her life and work:

• Invention: In 1885, she was granted a patent for a folding cabinet bed [3]. Her design was created to help people living in small urban apartments save space; the bed could be folded up into a desk or cabinet when not in use [1, 3].
• Early Life: Historical records regarding her birth date and early circumstances vary; some sources indicate she was born into slavery around 1850 [3], while other accounts list her birth year as 1855 [2].
• Legacy: Her life and contributions as an inventor have been recognized in literature, including the 2019 book Sweet Dreams, Sarah by Vivian Kirkfield [1].

While there are some variations in historical accounts regarding her early life, she remains recognized as a pioneering figure in American invention [2, 3].