
Born-Died: 1708-1766
Location: Chester County
Site/Company: Coventry Forge, Warwick Furnace
Historical Significance:
Robert Grace controlled interest two of the most influential iron sites in Pennsylvania. Coventry Forge, established in 1717, was the second in the state. Grace was good friends with Benjamin Franklin, who invented his stove c1742. Franklin gave a model of the freestanding fireplace, known as the Franklin Stove, to Grace to use a template for manufacturing the stoves. This led to Warwick Furnace manufacturing the first Franklin Stoves, which were more efficient at heating rooms than an open fireplace.
Iron and Steel Hall of Fame Induction - 2025
Pennsylvania Map, Published 1775 Library of Congress