Lyda D. Newman ( – ?) was a patented African-American inventor and involved activist for women's suffrage. She is known for the invention of a durable hairbrush with synthetic bristles. Early life Newman was born approximately in 1885 in Ohio, but there is no information regarding her exact dates of birth or death. She spent the majority of her life living and working in Manhattan, New York City, specifically in the neighborhood San Juan Hill. Records indicate that she may have been of mixed race as she was cited interchangeably recording her race as mulatto and black on various papers. Throughout her life, Newman's primary occupation was hair care as she listed “hair specialist” or “hairdresser” in various New York City Directories and US Government Federal and New York City censuses. In addition to her work in New York City, Newman appears to have worked with hair in Newport, Rhode Island, during the Summer season. The Newport Daily News contains the following advertisement in its July 20, 1903, edition: “Lyda NEWMAN, OF NEW YORK. HAIR and SCALP SPECIALIST, Begs to announce that she has arrived for her ninth season in Newport and will be glad to receive calls from those desiring treatment. My original method of magnetic manipulation positively cures nervous exhaustion. Shampooing a specialty. 56 BATH ROAD.” Patent and invention In the late 1800s, Newman invented a hairbrush that used synthetic bristles instead of the animal hairs commonly used for brushes at the time, making it more durable. It could also be taken apart easily for cleaning because it contained a compartment at the bottom that could be removed from the back and be cleaned. The was filed on July 11, 1898 and granted on November 15, 1898. The hairbrush she invented is described in her patent as "simple and durable in construction" and being "very effective when in use". See gallery for diagram of the hairbrush. Newman was familiar with the United States Patent Office prior to filing for a patent for her brush. In the July 17, 1894, issue of the Official Gazette of the United States Patent Office, page 126, the issuance of Trademark number 25,022 is noted for the name "VIDACABELLO, 'A PREPARATION FOR THE HAIR AND SCALP.' LYDA D. NEWMAN, New York, N.Y. Filed June 19, 1894. The 'Essential feature' of the Trademark is the word 'VIDACABELLO.' Used since August 1892." Activism As well