Neil Tillotson

Neil Tillotson (December 16, 1898 – October 17, 2001) was the inventor of the modern latex balloon and latex gloves and founder of Tillotson Rubber Company. Later, as a resident of Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, he was the first voter in every American presidential primary and presidential election from the time he took residence there to his death in 2001.

Working at Hood Rubber in the 1920s as a researcher, Tillotson lost his job as a result of the Great Depression. Out of desperation and boredom, Tillotson discovered a way to make latex balloons economically. He founded the Tillotson Rubber Company in 1931 to produce them. His first product was hand-painted balloons in the shape of a cat's head, but he soon branched out into other offerings. In 1931, despite the Depression, Tillotson Rubber made USD $85,000 in sales (equivalent to $1.2 million in 2009).

Tillotson's company invented the high-speed latex dipping machinery that made possible his later invention in the 1960s, latex examination gloves that fit either hand.

After retiring with a fortune, Tillotson moved to Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, where he was the first voter in every American presidential primary and presidential election for 40 years, until his death. His casting his vote immediately after midnight was often covered in the press.