Happy Birthday Granville T. Woods

I believe I can do anything if i just try - Granville T. Woods

(Granville T. Woods)

Granville T. Woods was born on April 23rd, 1856 in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Woods went to school up until 10 years old due to his family needing him to work due to poverty. He served an apprenticeship in a machine shop and learned the trades of machinist and blacksmith. In 1872 Woods obtained a job as a fireman in Missouri. In 1876 he moved to Springfield, IL. He studied mechanical and electrical engineering in college from 1876-1878. In 1878 Woods worked on a steam ship and became engineer of the ship in 1880. He then moved to Cincinnati, OH in 1880. He established his business, Woods Electric Co., as an electrical engineer and an inventor.

(Woods in the 1880’s)

He patented the multiplex telegraph. In 1885 Woods patented an apparatus which was a combination of a telephone and a telegraph. In 1887 Woods patented the Synchronous Multiplex Railway Telegraph. Thomas Edison tried to take claim to Woods’ patent. In 1888 Woods manufactured a system of overhead electric conducting lines for railroads. In 1889 Woods filed a patent for an improvement to the steam boiler furnace. In 1892 he moved the business to New York City,NY.

(A drawing of Woods)

His brother Lyates Woods joined his business. Woods developed several improvements to the railroad system in the US. Thomas Edison offered Woods a position in his company after several failed attempts to claim Woods’ patents. Woods rejected the offer. In 1901 Woods patented a third rail system. In total Woods held patents for over 50 inventions. On January 30th, 1910 Granville T. Woods died in New York City, New York, USA. He was 53 years old.

(Woods’ Gravestone)

Today is his 160th birthday and we would all like to say happy birthday and rest in peace Granville T. Woods.