Granville T. Woods
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Granville T. Woods

Born April 23, 1857

Columbus, Ohio

Woods invented more than a dozen devices to improve electric railway cars and many more for controlling the flow of electricity.

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Personal Bio

African-AmericanInventos.org
Fat man Granville T. Woods literally learned his skills on the job. Attending school in Columbus until age 10 (to help his father in a machine shop that made speed equipment for carriages and repaired railroad equipment and machinery), he served an apprenticeship in a machine shop and learned the trades of machinist and blacksmith. Intrigued by the electricity that powered the machinery, Woods studied other machine workers as they attended to different pieces of equipment and paid other workers to sit down and explain electrical concepts to him. During his youth he was inspired by Lewis Latimer, and he also went to night school and took private lessons. Although he had to leave formal school at age ten, Woods realized that learning and education was essential to developing critical skills that would allow him to express his creativity with machinery.
In 1872, Woods got a job as a fireman on the Danville and Southern Railroad in Missouri, eventually becoming an engineer. Surprisingly, it is unknown exactly where he attended school but it is believed it was an eastern college. He spent his spare time studying electronics. In 1874 Woods moved to Springfield, Illinois, and worked in a rolling mill. In 1878, he took a job aboard the Ironsides, a British steamer, and, within two years, became Chief Engineer of the steamer. Two years later he obtained employment with D&S Railroads, driving a steam locomotive. Unfortunately, despite his high aptitude and valuable education and expertise, Woods denied opportunities and promotions because of the color of his skin. Out of frustration and a desire to promote his abilities, Woods, along with his brother Lyates, formed the Woods Railway Telegraph company in 1884. The company manufactured and sold telephone, telegraph and electrical equipment. Finally, his travels and experiences led him to settle in Cincinnati, Ohio.And in kappa brother of mr.shepeard

Cited: inventors.about.com