Granville Woods

Granville Woods invented railroad telegraphy, allowing moving trains to communicate with rail stations and with each other using static electricity from existing telegraph lines to transmit messages.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1856, Woods only received a formal education through age 10, when he began to work as an apprentice with the intention of becoming a machinist and a blacksmith. Through his teens, he held a variety of jobs, from working on railroads and at steel mills to becoming a chief engineer on a British steamship. He also spent much of his spare time learning about electrical engineering.

In 1876, Woods enrolled in a technical college in New York City, training for two years in electrical and mechanical engineering – subjects that would prove crucial for his eventual career as an inventor. In 1880, he returned to Ohio, settling in Cincinnati, and focused on developing inventions.

After obtaining his first patent for a steam boiler furnace, in 1885 Woods began to work on his most notable invention, which he called “telegraphony.” This form of communication combined features of both the telephone and the telegraph, allowing users to switch between Morse code and their voices to transmit messages. Alexander Graham Bell’s company, American Bell Telephone Co., purchased the rights to Woods’ telegraphony patent, and the proceeds allowed Woods to become a full-time inventor.

Based on telegraphony, Woods invented the induction telegraph in 1887. Prior to its creation, moving trains were unable to communicate with each other or with rail stations, resulting in dangerous situations. The induction telegraph used static electricity from the existing telegraph lines running parallel to the train tracks, making messaging possible between moving trains and rail stations.

The induction telegraph would later become the basis of Woods’ synchronous multiplex railway telegraph. This device not only helped dispatchers locate trains, but also allowed moving trains to communicate to or from any direction via telegraph.

As the multiplex telegraph took off quickly and proved very useful, Woods found himself facing patent suits filed by Thomas Edison. Though Woods won, Edison was persistent in pursuing the invention. He even offered Woods a partnership in one of his businesses, but Woods refused, preferring to remain an independent inventor.

After receiving his patent for the multiplex telegraph, Woods established his own business, the Woods Electric Co. in Cincinnati. In the hopes of doing more business, in 1890 he moved his company to New York City. Here, he was able to partner with his brother, Lyates Woods, who was also an inventor.

Woods' later inventions dealt with more efficient use of electricity. He created an overhead conducting system allowing rail and trolley cars to run on electric current instead of steam power, and he devised a third rail that still is used on many rail lines. The third rail carries electricity via electromagnetic switches and pulls trains along. Additionally, Woods developed an automatic air brake used to slow or stop trains.

A prolific inventor, Woods earned nearly 60 patents in his lifetime, many of which helped make life easier and safer for those involved in railroad travel. His patents were eventually bought and used by General Electric and the Westinghouse Air Brake Co., and his legacy of ingenuity and perseverance continues to inspire generations.