Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Garrett Morgan (1877-1963)

Garrett Morgan (1877-1963)


Garrett Morgan


Background:   
Garrett Morgan, an inventor of many things, had a large impact in America as well as the world, with notable inventions just as the Morgan Traffic signal and gas mask.

    Born to Sydney and Elizabeth Morgan (former slaves), he spent childhood primarily with schooling and working on the farm with his siblings (10 others). Though his time in Kentucky was cut short, having to move to Cincinatti in search of a job (at the age of 14!), he hired a tutor to continue his studies.

    In 1895, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio working as a repair man on sewing machines, for a clothing manufacturer. From his deligent work, news traveled fast landing him many job offers from many manufacturing firms in the area.

   Quick Fact: In 1896, he married Madge Nelson; sadly ending in divorce in later years.


Inventions:

*notable inventions

* Gas Mask- July 25, 1916, the media caught hold of his marvelous feat, as he and a team of volunteers wearing the masks, rescue 32 men trapped in an underground tunnel 250 ft beneath Lake Erie, after an explosion. After the rescue, fire departments from all around the country requested to buy this "gas mask", Being revisioned  throughout the years, just as by the U.S army in World War I.


* Morgan Traffic Signal- After seeing an accident between a carriage and an automobile, Garret Morgan sought to solve this problem. November 20, 1923, Morgan was granted a U.S patent for his inexpensive to produce signal, also gaining patents in Canada and Britain. His traffic signal was "T" shaped pole device with Go, Stop, and all directional stop posistion (for pedestrians to cross).
His traffic signal was used throughout America until being replaced with the traditional, Red, Green, and yellow traffic light we use now.



 In 1907, he opened his sewing machine and repair shop, later accidently discovering the liquid that straightened his fabric, also straightened hair. Which later became a cream that he packaged and began his creation of the G.A. Morgan Hair Refining Company. Also he created a black oil dye, curve tooth pressing comb as well many suits, coats, dresses, etc in the later years after opening his shop. His many inventions demand further grew, as word spread from North America to England.



Legacy: At the age of 83, Garret Morgan died August 27, 1963. Living a full, long life that many would be pleased about; though he is dead now, his legacy in still alvie.



Gas Mask Clip Art                          traffic-light-yellow

















gasmask clip art: Joe Budden clip art http://www.clker.com/profile-51688.html
traffic light clip art: clipart graphics <free clipart now> http://www.freeclipartnow.com/transportation/traffic-lights/traffic-light-yellow.jpg.html












No comments:

Post a Comment