SARAH ELIZABETH GOODE

Sarah was an entrepreneur and inventor. She was born Sarah Elizabeth Jacobs in 1855 in Toledo, Ohio, although she would sometimes say that she was born in Spain. Sarah was the second of seven children of Oliver and Harriet Jacobs, both described in public records as mixed race couple. Oliver Jacobs, a native of Indiana was a carpenter. When the American Civil War ended the family moved to Chicago, Illinois. there Sarrah fell in love and married Archibald “Archie” Goode, who was originally from Wise County, Virginia.

Together they had six children, of whom three would live to adulthood. He described himself in the records as a “stair builder” and as an upholsterer.On July 14, 1885, Sarah Goode was granted patent number 322,177 from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a folding cabinet bed. The bed was designed to make maximum efficient use of limited space for furniture. Her invention had hinged sections that were easily raised or lowered. When not functioning as a bed, the invention could easily be used as a desk because there were small compartments for storing supplies. This invention helped people live more comfortable lives and created strong revenue for Mrs. Goode.Today her invention is called the HIDE AWAY BED