Inventor. Crapper was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1836 or 1837, but his exact birthdate is unknown. Crapper was thought to have been an urban legend and not a real person at all. He was credited with the invention of the 'Water Closet' or 'Flush Toilet' but in fact he only helped to improve it by inventing the 'Silent Valveless Water Waste Preventer' a ball and suction device that allows an efficient flush with a minimum of water and also shuts off the flow to the tank. The story of the 'Flush Toilet' began in 1592, continuing to 1775, and 1778, with many different inventors taking the credit. Crapper held nine patents in total, but none for the 'Flush Toilet.' His other inventions included man hole covers to pipe joins. At the age of 14 Crapper became an apprentice to a master plumber in Chelsea, London, England, and later began working as a journeyman opening up his own sanitary business on Robert Street called Thomas Crapper Co. Ltd. In 1866 he transferred his business to Marlboro' Works, and soon gained a reputation for quality and service. During the 1880s Thomas Crapper & Co. Ltd. reputation was so well known that he was invited to supply the plumbing to Sandringham House, the home of Edward VII, the Prince of Wales, as well as plumbing for other Royal notables. He also supplied the drainage for Westminister Abbey in London, England. In 1904 Crapper retired from the plumbing business and sold it to his partner, Robert M. Wharam. Crapper died on January 27, 1910. There is a memorial stone to his memory in Westminister Abbey. He was also honored with a knighthood for his contributions and hard work. A book about his life was written by Wallace Reyburn, "Flushed With Pride: The Story Of Thomas Crapper" (1969).

Inventor. Crapper was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1836 or 1837, but his exact birthdate is unknown. Crapper was thought to have been an urban legend and not a real person at all. He was credited with the invention of the 'Water Closet' or 'Flush Toilet' but in fact he only helped to improve it by inventing the 'Silent Valveless Water Waste Preventer' a ball and suction device that allows an efficient flush with a minimum of water and also shuts off the flow to the tank. The story of the 'Flush Toilet' began in 1592, continuing to 1775, and 1778, with many different inventors taking the credit. Crapper held nine patents in total, but none for the 'Flush Toilet.' His other inventions included man hole covers to pipe joins. At the age of 14 Crapper became an apprentice to a master plumber in Chelsea, London, England, and later began working as a journeyman opening up his own sanitary business on Robert Street called Thomas Crapper Co. Ltd. In 1866 he transferred his business to Marlboro' Works, and soon gained a reputation for quality and service. During the 1880s Thomas Crapper & Co. Ltd. reputation was so well known that he was invited to supply the plumbing to Sandringham House, the home of Edward VII, the Prince of Wales, as well as plumbing for other Royal notables. He also supplied the drainage for Westminister Abbey in London, England. In 1904 Crapper retired from the plumbing business and sold it to his partner, Robert M. Wharam. Crapper died on January 27, 1910. There is a memorial stone to his memory in Westminister Abbey. He was also honored with a knighthood for his contributions and hard work. A book about his life was written by Wallace Reyburn, "Flushed With Pride: The Story Of Thomas Crapper" (1969).

Bio by: Kris 'Peterborough K' Peterson