Garrett Morgan Biography – Discover the inspiring life of Garrett Morgan, the African-American inventor known for his groundbreaking innovations, including the traffic light and gas mask. Learn about his early life, education, career achievements, family, and lasting legacy.
Garrett Morgan was a brilliant inventor, businessman, and community leader whose contributions to society continue to impact millions of lives today. Born in an era of racial discrimination, Morgan overcame obstacles to become one of the most successful Black inventors in American history. His most famous inventions, the three-position traffic light and the safety gas mask, revolutionized public safety and transportation.
Garrett Morgan Biography: Profile Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Garrett Augustus Morgan |
| Date of Birth | March 4, 1877 |
| Place of Birth | Paris, Kentucky, USA |
| Date of Death | July 27, 1963 |
| Place of Death | Cleveland, Ohio, USA |
| Occupation | Inventor, Entrepreneur, Community Leader |
| Known For | – Inventing the safety hood (early gas mask)- Inventing the three-position traffic signal |
| Early Life | – Seventh of eleven children born to former slaves Sydney and Eliza Morgan- Left school at a young age to work; moved to Cincinnati at 14- Hired a tutor to continue his education while working as a handyman |
| Career Highlights | – Opened a sewing machine repair shop in 1907- Invented a hair-straightening chemical solution, leading to the G.A. Morgan Hair Refining Company- Patented the safety hood in 1914, which gained national attention after a 1916 tunnel rescue in Cleveland- Patented a three-position traffic signal in 1923, later selling the rights to General Electric for $40,000 |
| Social Activism | – Founded the Cleveland Call newspaper in 1920, which later became the Call and Post- Co-founded the Cleveland Association of Colored Men, which merged with the NAACP– Established an all-Black country club in Wakeman, Ohio |
| Personal Life | – Married Madge Nelson (1896–1898) and later Mary Hasek (1908–1963)- Fathered three children: John, Garrett Jr., and Cosmo |
| Legacy | – Inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2005- Namesake of educational institutions, including the Garrett Morgan School of Leadership & Innovation in Cleveland and Garrett Morgan Academy in Paterson, New Jersey- His inventions have had a lasting impact on public safety and are still in use today |
Important Facts
- Pioneer in Public Safety: Garrett Morgan’s inventions improved traffic control and emergency response.
- Self-Educated Genius: With little formal education, he taught himself mechanical and business skills.
- Traffic Light Innovation: His three-position traffic light became the foundation of modern traffic systems.
- Heroic Gas Mask Demonstration: He personally used his invention to save miners trapped in a tunnel explosion.
- African-American Business Leader: He was a successful entrepreneur and advocate for racial equality.
Early Life and Education
Garrett Morgan was born on March 4, 1877, in Claysville, Kentucky, to former enslaved parents, Sydney and Elizabeth Morgan. Growing up in the post-Civil War South, Morgan had limited access to education. He attended elementary school but had to start working at a young age to support his family. Despite this, he remained curious and self-taught, constantly seeking knowledge in mechanics and problem-solving.
Career Beginnings and First Inventions
As a teenager, Morgan moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, in search of better opportunities. He worked as a handyman before relocating to Cleveland, where he found employment as a sewing machine mechanic. His skills led to his first invention—an improved sewing machine belt, which he later patented. His success in mechanics allowed him to open his own sewing machine repair business, laying the foundation for future innovations.
Groundbreaking Inventions
1. Traffic Light Innovation
One of Morgan’s most significant contributions was the invention of the three-position traffic light. Before his design, traffic signals only had “Stop” and “Go” options, causing confusion and accidents. His T-shaped traffic signal, patented in 1923, introduced a “caution” phase, reducing collisions and improving road safety. This model later became the standard worldwide.
2. Safety Gas Mask
Morgan invented the safety hood and smoke protector in 1912, later known as the gas mask. His device was widely used by firefighters, rescue workers, and eventually the U.S. Army during World War I to protect soldiers from toxic gas attacks. In 1916, Morgan personally used his invention to rescue trapped workers during the Cleveland Waterworks Tunnel explosion, proving its life-saving capabilities.
3. Hair Straightening Cream
While experimenting with sewing machine lubrication, Morgan discovered a chemical that straightened hair. This led to the creation of the G.A. Morgan Hair Refining Cream, which became a popular hair care product and contributed to his financial success.
Business Ventures and Advocacy
Beyond his inventions, Morgan was a successful businessman. He founded the G.A. Morgan Hair Refining Company, which sold hair care products nationwide. He also launched The Cleveland Call, a Black newspaper that advocated for African-American rights.
As a prominent community leader, Morgan actively supported Black education, employment opportunities, and civil rights initiatives. Despite facing racial discrimination, he continued to promote progress and innovation.
Personal Life and Family
Garrett Morgan married Mary Anne Morgan, and together they had three children. Despite his business success, he remained deeply involved in community service and philanthropy.
Accomplishments and Awards
- Patented the three-position traffic light (1923), which improved global traffic management.
- Patented the safety gas mask (1914), saving countless lives in industrial and emergency situations.
- Founded a successful hair care company, pioneering Black-owned businesses in America.
- Received several honorary awards for his contributions to public safety and innovation.
Death and Legacy
Garrett Morgan passed away on July 27, 1963, at the age of 86. His inventions laid the groundwork for modern safety equipment and traffic control systems. Today, his contributions are celebrated in museums, and his traffic light design remains an essential part of road safety worldwide.
Conclusion
Garrett Morgan’s legacy as an inventor, entrepreneur, and social advocate continues to inspire generations. His perseverance, despite racial and financial obstacles, proves that innovation and determination can change the world. From life-saving masks to modern traffic systems, his impact remains undeniable.
FAQs About Garrett Morgan
1. What did Garrett Morgan invent?
He invented the three-position traffic light, the safety gas mask, and a hair straightening cream.
2. When and where was Garrett Morgan born?
He was born on March 4, 1877, in Claysville, Kentucky, USA.
3. What was Garrett Morgan’s education?
He only attended elementary school and was primarily self-taught.
4. How did Garrett Morgan’s gas mask save lives?
His safety hood protected wearers from smoke and toxic fumes. He personally used it to save workers in the 1916 Cleveland tunnel disaster.
5. How did Garrett Morgan die?
He passed away on July 27, 1963, at the age of 86.
6. Did Garrett Morgan win any awards?
While he did not receive formal scientific awards, he was honored for his life-saving contributions to public safety.
7. What impact did Garrett Morgan’s traffic light have?
His invention added a “caution” phase, reducing accidents and setting the standard for modern traffic lights.
8. Why is Garrett Morgan important in history?
He was one of the first African-American inventors to create innovations that improved everyday life, paving the way for future Black entrepreneurs and engineers.
