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Who Was John Lee Love?
John Lee Love was a carpenter from Fall River, Massachusetts, renowned for his inventive contributions in the late 19th century. He patented several devices, most notably a lightweight plasterer’s hawk in 1895 and a portable pencil sharpener, known as the “Love Sharpener,” in 1897. Tragically, Love’s life came to an abrupt end on December 26, 1931, when he was involved in a car and train collision in North Carolina.
Background
The personal history of John Lee Love remains largely undocumented, with limited information available about his early life. It is believed that he was born during the Reconstruction era, between 1865 and 1877. Love established himself as a carpenter in Fall River, where he sought to improve everyday tools through innovation. His most notable invention, the portable pencil sharpener, was patented in 1897. Love’s patent application described the device as an “improved device” that could also function as a paperweight or decorative ornament. The design was straightforward, featuring a hand crank and a compartment designed to collect pencil shavings. Since its inception, the “Love Sharpener” has remained in continuous use, highlighting its enduring practicality.
Other Inventions
Although the pencil sharpener stands out as Love’s most successful invention, it was not his initial contribution to the field of tools. In 1895, he developed and patented an improved plasterer’s hawk, a tool essential for plasterers and masons. Love’s design incorporated a detachable handle and a foldable aluminum board, enhancing its portability and reducing its weight. To ensure the protection of his intellectual property, Love engaged legal representatives from prestigious firms in New York and Boston to assist with his patent applications for both inventions.
Death
On December 26, 1931, Love, along with nine other passengers, tragically lost their lives in a collision between their vehicle and a train near Charlotte, North Carolina. Historical accounts suggest that Love was not married at the time of this unfortunate incident.