Born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1856, African American, Granville T. Woods, is known as “Black Edison.” His gifts as an inventor include essential contributions to the development of the telephone, streetcar, and more.
Family financial difficulties forced Woods to quit school at the age of ten and go to work. He held various jobs in his early teens, including an apprenticeship in a railroad machine shop, a steel mill worker, and a railroad worker.
For a short time in 1878, Woods worked for the Springfield, Jackson and Pomeroy Railroad Company, responsible for working at the pumping stations and shifting cars in Washington Court House, Ohio. He later worked as an engineer at the Dayton and Southeastern Railway Company.
In 1880, Woods moved to Cincinnati and formed his own company to create, produce and sell electrical apparatus. Four years later, he obtained his first patent for an improved steam boiler, and in 1885 patented an instrument that was a combination of a telegraph and a telephone, called “telegraphony.” The mechanism made it possible for voice and telegraph messages to be sent through Morse code over a single wire. Alexander Graham Bell later purchased the patent, allowing the financial freedom for Wood to devote his time to his research.
In 1887, Woods received a patent for his invention of the Synchronous Multiplex Railway Telegraph, a way in which train stations and moving trains could communicate through the development of a magnetic field around a coiled wire beneath the train.
Another significant invention of Woods’ was the troller, a grooved metal wheel used on streetcars (later called trolleys) to harness electric power from overhead wires.
Woods' patents were challenged by Thomas Edison twice. After Woods successfully defending himself both times, Edison decided to offer him a position with the Edison Company. Woods declined but earned the nickname “Black Edison.”
Other inventions attributed to Woods include improving third rail systems used to increase the power on underground trains. His system eliminated exposed wires, therefore making it safer. Also, he created the safety dimmer, an inexpensive, secure, and efficient method for controlling electrical theatre lights. Woods also patented an improved air brake system for trains.
By the time of his death in 1910, Woods had invented 15 electric railway appliances and held more than 60 patents, several of which are still in use today.
For more information about Granville T. Woods, visit https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/science-and-technology/technology-biographies/granville-t-woods
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