Garrett Morgan | Biography

• By Priyanka Das
• Original : April 20, 2025

Who is Garrett Morgan?

Garrett Augustus Morgan, born on March 4, 1877, in Paris, Kentucky, was a pioneering Black inventor renowned for his remarkable contributions to public safety and traffic management. A self-taught individual who was initially a sewing-machine mechanic, Morgan's entrepreneurial journey led him to create several significant inventions, including a hair-straightening product, an improved sewing machine, and notably, a safety hood that served as a precursor to modern gas masks. His inventive spirit earned him the nickname “Black Edison,” reflecting his status as one of the most innovative minds of his time.

Among Morgan's most notable achievements was the invention of an improved traffic signal in 1923. This advanced signal featured a warning light to alert drivers before stopping, laying the foundation for the modern traffic system we use today. In addition, Morgan gained widespread attention for his brave rescue efforts during the 1916 Waterworks Tunnel disaster in Cleveland, where he utilized his safety hood to save lives amid toxic fumes. Despite facing racial barriers that affected his recognition, Morgan's legacy stands strong as a testament to his resilience and ingenuity, impacting countless lives through his inventions.

Early Life and Education

Garrett Augustus Morgan was born on March 4, 1877, in Paris, Kentucky, as the seventh of eleven children in a family descended from both Indigenous and African heritage. His mother, Elizabeth Reed, was the daughter of a Baptist minister, while his father, Sydney, was a formerly enslaved man. Despite the challenges posed by his mixed-race background, Morgan's upbringing instilled a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a sense of determination. At a young age, he moved to Cincinnati, where he sought work and quickly developed a fascination for mechanics, particularly with sewing machines.

Morgan’s formal education was limited, as he only completed elementary school; however, he showed a keen desire to learn. He financed private tutoring lessons to enhance his knowledge and skills. His early work experiences in various sewing-machine factories not only provided him with essential hands-on training but also fueled his passion for invention. This foundation set the stage for his future successes as an inventor and entrepreneur, ultimately leading him to create life-saving innovations and contribute significantly to public safety.

Career Start: From Tailoring to Invention

Garrett Morgan's career began in a modest manner, rooted in a tailoring business he co-founded with his wife Mary Hasek in Cleveland, Ohio. With their combined skills, they opened a successful shop that catered to the needs of the local community. Morgan's background as a sewing-machine mechanic allowed him to innovate within the industry, where he quickly realized the potential of his craftsmanship. His keen observational skills and technical understanding of machinery would soon propel him into a world of invention, marking the beginning of his quest to solve pressing problems through creativity.

As his tailoring business flourished, Morgan's inventive spirit led him to develop groundbreaking solutions. One of his early innovations was a patented design for an improved sewing machine, which set the stage for his future endeavors. In 1909, he created a hair-straightening product that gained popularity among the African American community, further establishing his entrepreneurial reputation. With a knack for identifying solutions to common challenges, Morgan transitioned from tailoring to inventing, harnessing his experiences to address everyday societal needs. This shift not only provided financial stability but also paved the way for his most significant inventions, including the safety hood and traffic signal that would ultimately change lives.

Achievements: Innovations in Public Safety

Garrett Morgan, a pioneering African American inventor known as the "Black Edison," made significant contributions to public safety through his innovative inventions. One of his most notable achievements was the invention of the "safety hood," a breathing device that provided protection against smoke and toxic fumes. This device not only laid the groundwork for what would later become the World War I gas mask but also served as a vital tool for firefighters during the early 20th century. Morgan’s commitment to public safety culminated in a heroic rescue during the 1916 Waterworks Tunnel disaster, where he utilized his safety hood to save lives, showcasing the practical applications of his inventions in real-world emergencies.

In addition to the safety hood, Morgan invented an improved traffic light system in 1923, responding to the growing need for safer roadways as automobile traffic increased. His design included a warning light, providing drivers with advance notice before a stop signal, significantly enhancing road safety. Morgan successfully patented this invention and sold it to General Electric for a substantial sum, ensuring that his traffic signal design became a cornerstone of modern traffic management. His contributions, marked by ingenuity and a dedication to public welfare, have left a lasting legacy in both fire safety and traffic regulation, underscoring the critical importance of innovative thinking in public safety advancements.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Garrett Morgan was married twice throughout his life, with his first marriage to Madge Nelson beginning in 1896 and ending just two years later. Little is documented about their brief union, but it marked the start of Morgan's journey into family life. His second marriage to Mary Hasek in 1908 was more substantial and lasting, as they remained together until Morgan's death in 1963. Mary, a Czech immigrant and skilled seamstress, supported Garrett in his entrepreneurial ventures, and together they established a life filled with both personal and professional accomplishments.

Morgan and Mary had three children: John, Garrett, and Cosmo. The Morgans placed a strong emphasis on family, venerating Sunday dinners as a time for bonding and togetherness. Garrett was particularly invested in providing for his sons' education, ensuring they had access to opportunities he did not. Despite the racial challenges they faced as an interracial couple, the couple fostered a loving and nurturing environment for their children, paving the way for future generations to thrive. The tight-knit family dynamic proved essential in Garrett's life, as he balanced his extensive work as an inventor with his devotion to his wife's and children's well-being.

Net Worth and Earning: Financial Success

Garrett Morgan's financial success can be attributed to his inventive spirit and entrepreneurial acumen. After patenting an improved sewing machine and establishing a profitable tailoring shop, Morgan created the G.A. Morgan Hair Refining Company, which specialized in hair care products. This business thrived in the early 1900s, particularly among African American consumers, allowing Morgan to secure financial stability and afford further pursuits. His hair straightening product was a massive success, helping to lay the groundwork for his later innovations.

Morgan's most notable financial achievement came with his invention of the modern traffic signal. After witnessing a dangerous accident at an intersection, he designed a more efficient system and secured patents for it in multiple countries. In 1923, he sold the rights to this traffic signal to General Motors for $40,000—equivalent to over $700,000 today. This sale not only solidified his status as an influential inventor but also ensured his financial security for the remainder of his life, allowing him to focus on other ventures, including social activism and further inventions.