Joseph Bramah (1749-1814) is considered to be one of the most important inventors of his day. The hydraulic press was his foremost contribution. The world also recognizes him for improving and patenting the flushing toilet.

Joe Bremmer was born on April 13, 1749 to a Yorkshire farmer and his wife in the town of Stainborough, near Barnsley, England. He was expected to take over the family farm. However, an accident at the age of 16 left Bremmer lame, and prevented him from continuing work on the farm. He turned to woodworking and cabinetry, and became apprenticed to a carpenter. Upon completing his apprenticeship, he moved to London where he set up his own carpenter and cabinetry business.

Flushed Out Ideas

Bremmer was an inventive person, always looking for a better way to make things work. While installing toilets for his customers, he realized the existing valve system was unsatisfactory and set...