Robert Hayden, Nine African American Inventors (New York: Presidio Twenty First Century Books, 1992); Portia P. James, The Real McCoy: African American Invention and Innovation 1619-1930 (Washington, D.C.: The Smithsonian Institution, 1989); David M. Foy, Great Discoveries and Inventions by African Americans (Edgewood, Maryland: APU Publishing Group,1989). This building is located in Granville in Licking County zip code 43023. Heres Why It Wont Work. This building was built in 2005. Before this invention, moving trains could not communicate which caused collisions. He was an inventor as well as an electrical engineer. He patented many electrical systems for railways. In the early 1880s, Woods returned to Ohio. On a choice wooded site and the end of a cul-de-sac you'll find this beautifully landscaped and well maintained 2 story home. His gifts as an inventor include essential contributions to the development of the From the solar system to the world economy to educational games, Fact Monster has the info kids are seeking. Granville Woods The same safe and trusted content for explorers of all ages. Granville's full name, according to his death certificate, Granville Tailer WOODS.He was the son of Martha J. In 1880, Woods moved to Cincinnati and formed his own company to create, produce and sell electrical apparatus. This is a home you'd be proud to own. Woods' patents were challenged by Thomas Edison twice. In all of the positions that he held, Woods experienced discrimination because of his race. He dedicated his time and himself to developing and modernizing the railroad and its equipment. In 1901, after moving back to New York City, Woods created a power pick-up device for trains. He died on January 30, 1910. All Rights Reserved. Unhappy with his inability to obtain higher positions, Woods moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he established his own machine shop in 1880. After this invention, Thomas Edison actually brought a lawsuit against Woods, challenging the patent for his invention, and Edison lost. After that, he had a number of different jobs, all related to engineering.