Samuel Ward Francis (1835–1886) was an American physician, writer, and inventor from New York. Born in December 1835, Francis pursued a multi-faceted career that bridged the sciences, literature, and practical mechanics during the nineteenth century.
Throughout his life, Francis engaged in diverse professional and creative pursuits. He is historically recognized for his significant contributions to early technology and design, most notably inventing an early version of the typewriter. In addition to his work on writing machinery, he patented the spork, a highly recognizable utensil combining a spoon and a fork. He passed away in March 1886, leaving behind a legacy of nineteenth-century American ingenuity.
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