Charles Leiper Grigg facts for kids

Charles Leiper Grigg (born May 11, 1868 – died April 16, 1940) was an American inventor. He is best known for creating the popular lemon-lime soda, 7 Up. He first made this fizzy drink in October 1929. Before 7 Up, Grigg had already worked with carbonated drinks. He even created another orange soda called "Whistle."

Who Was Charles Leiper Grigg?

Charles Leiper Grigg was born in 1868 in a place called Prices Branch, Missouri. When he was 22, Grigg moved to St. Louis. There, he started working in advertising. This job helped him learn a lot about the carbonated drink business.

Grigg's First Soda Inventions

By 1919, Charles Leiper Grigg was a salesman. He worked for a company owned by Vess Jones. It was during this time that Grigg invented his first soft drink. He called it "Whistle." This orange-flavored soda became very popular. Because of its success, Grigg was promoted. He became the sales and marketing manager.

However, Grigg and Vess Jones later had disagreements. Grigg decided to leave the company. He left "Whistle" behind. After that, he started working for the Warner Jenkinson Company. Here, he helped create different flavors for soft drinks.

Creating Howdy and 7 Up

While at Warner Jenkinson, Grigg invented his second soft drink. This was another orange-flavored drink. It was called "Howdy." This drink had 14% sugar. Grigg then teamed up with a financier named Edmund G. Ridgway. He also partnered with a lawyer named Frank Gladney. Together, they started the Howdy Company.

The "Howdy" drink was very good. With Ridgway's financial help, the company grew fast. Many bottling companies wanted to sell "Howdy." Later, Grigg went on to create his most famous drink, 7 Up. It was first known by a very long name: Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda.

Personal Life

Charles Leiper Grigg was married to Lucy E. Alexander Grigg. They had several children together. Charles Leiper Grigg passed away on April 16, 1940. He died in St. Louis, Missouri.