George Franklin Grant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Franklin Grant
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Grant in 1870
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| Born | September 15, 1846 |
| Died | August 21, 1910 (aged 63) |
| Education | Harvard School of Dental Medicine class of 1870 |
| Occupation | Dentist, academic, inventor |
| Spouse(s) | Georgina H. Smith |
| Children | Maybelle C.Grant (Mrs. Alfred P. Russell) George F. Grant, Jr. Frances O. Grant Theodora Grant, Helene Grant |
| Parent(s) | Phillis Pitt Tudor Elandor Grant |
George Franklin Grant (September 15, 1846 – August 21, 1910) was a very important person in American history. He was the first African-American professor at Harvard University, a famous school. Besides being a dentist in Boston, he was also an inventor. One of his most famous inventions was the modern wooden golf tee.
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About George Franklin Grant
George Franklin Grant was born on September 15, 1846. His parents, Phillis Pitt and Tudor Elandor Grant, lived in Oswego, New York. From a young age, George showed great promise and a desire to learn.
Becoming a Dentist
In 1868, George Grant began his studies at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. This was a big step for him. He worked hard and graduated just two years later, in 1870. His dedication to dentistry was clear.
A Pioneer at Harvard
After graduating, George Grant made history. In 1871, he joined the department of mechanical dentistry at Harvard. This made him the very first African-American faculty member at Harvard University. He was a true pioneer, opening doors for many others.
Grant was also a founding member of the Harvard Odontological Society. He later became its president. He was also active in the Harvard Dental Alumni Association. In 1881, his fellow members elected him as their president.
His Big Idea: The Golf Tee
George Grant was not only a dentist and professor. He was also an inventor! He loved to play golf, but he noticed a problem. Golfers had to make a small mound of sand to place their ball on before hitting it. This was messy and took time.
In 1899, Grant came up with a better idea. He improved on an earlier design by Percy Ellis. Grant invented a wooden peg with a rubber top. This was the first modern golf tee! It made playing golf much easier and cleaner. He received a patent for his invention. A patent is a special document that protects an inventor's idea. It means no one else can make or sell the invention without permission. You can see his patent number here: U.S. Patent 638,920.
Later Life and Legacy
George Franklin Grant passed away on August 21, 1910. He died at his vacation home in Chester, New Hampshire. He left behind a powerful legacy. He was a respected dentist, a groundbreaking professor, and a clever inventor. His contributions helped shape both dentistry and the game of golf.
