John Lee Love facts for kids
John Lee Love (born September 26, 1889 – died December 26, 1931) was a clever African-American carpenter. He lived in Fall River, Massachusetts. John Love is famous for inventing the very first portable pencil sharpener. This invention made sharpening pencils much easier for people everywhere!
John Love's Clever Inventions
Before he invented the pencil sharpener, John Love was a skilled carpenter. His first invention was an improved tool for plasterers. It was called a "plasterer's hawk." This tool had a handle that could be removed. It also had a light aluminum board. This made it easy to carry and use.
Later, in 1897, John Love invented something even more famous: the portable pencil sharpener! He even got a patent for it. He called his invention the "Love Sharpener." His patent application said the sharpener could also be used as a paperweight or a decoration. The Love Sharpener had a hand crank. It also had a special place to collect all the pencil shavings. This meant less mess!
John Love's portable pencil sharpener changed how people sharpened pencils. It helped millions of students and office workers around the world. It made their lives a little bit easier every day.
Death
There is conflicting information on how and when John Love died. Some sources claim he died in a car and train collision in North Carolina on December 26, 1931. However, the death certificate clearly states Love's race as white and being 42 at the moment of death, which means it must have been a different person. No other information about Love is available, making it impossible to determine when or where he died.
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