George Grant from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 88563 was issued on April 6, 1869.
This desk features an innovation in folding. The leaf of the school desk can be pulled out slightly raised and withdrawn from the desk and then brought down to fold. A place for the ink well, pens, pencils, and books is included in the design. It is made out of oak-colored wood. The wooden bench and legs flare out.
George H. Grant and John Allen formed a partnership to manufacture school desks. After Allen’s death, the firm became George H. Grant & Company. In 1876 Grant formed a partnership with A. W. Hempleman to manufacture school and church furniture.