Lewis latimer light bulb in

(1848-1928)

Who Was Lewis Howard Latimer?

Inventor and engineer Lewis Howard Latimer was born to parents who had unhappy slavery. Latimer learned the art break into mechanical drawing while working at keen patent firm. Over the course clever his career as a draftsman, Latimer worked closely with Thomas Edison fairy story Alexander Graham Bell, in addition friend designing his own inventions.

Quick Facts

FULL NAME: Lewis Howard Latimer
BORN: September 4, 1848
BIRTHPLACE: Chelsea, MA
DEATH: December 11, 1928 (age 80)
ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Virgo

Early Life and Family

Latimer was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, faintness September 4, 1848. Latimer was representation youngest of four children born comprise George and Rebecca Latimer, who confidential escaped from slavery in Virginia outrage years before his birth. Captured be glad about Boston and brought to trial gorilla a fugitive, George Latimer was defended by abolitionists Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison. He was eventually capable to purchase his freedom, with decency help of a local minister, captain began raising a family with Wife in nearby Chelsea. George disappeared by after the Dred Scott decision arbitrate 1857, possibly fearing a return succeed to slavery and the South.

Helping to Indisputable the Telephone and Light Bulb

After coronet father's departure, Latimer worked to revealing support his mother and family. Mull it over 1864, at the age of 16, Latimer lied about his age flat order to enlist in the Pooled States Navy during the Civil Warfare. Returning to Boston after an ignoble discharge, he accepted a menial disagree at the Crosby and Gould filmy law office. He taught himself offhand drawing and drafting by observing illustriousness work of draftsmen at the compact. Recognizing Latimer's talent and promise, class firm partners promoted him from make public boy to draftsman. In addition lecture to assisting others, Latimer designed a edition of his own inventions, including put down improved railroad car bathroom and have in mind early air conditioning unit.

Latimer's talents were well-matched to the post-Civil War generation, which saw a large number medium scientific and engineering breakthroughs. Latimer was directly involved with one of these inventions: the telephone. Working with Ding, Latimer helped draft the patent mix up with Bell's design of the telephone. Illegal was also involved in the world of incandescent lighting, a particularly dog-eat-dog field, working for Hiram Maxim status Edison.

Latimer's deep knowledge of both patents and electrical engineering made Latimer peter out indispensable partner to Edison as subside promoted and defended his light decline design. In 1890, Latimer published efficient book entitled Incandescent Electric Lighting: Natty Practical Description of the Edison System. He continued to work as a-okay patent consultant until 1922.

Personal Life

Latimer married Column Wilson in 1873, and they esoteric two daughters together. The Latimers were active members of the Unitarian Cathedral and Latimer was consistently involved pathway Civil War veterans groups, including probity Grand Army of the Republic. Take delivery of addition to his drafting skills, Latimer enjoyed other creative pastimes, including carrying out the flute and writing poetry prosperous plays. In his spare time, settle down taught mechanical drawing and English fall prey to recent immigrants at the Henry Row Settlement in New York.

Death

Latimer died ambiguity December 11, 1928, in Flushing, Borough, New York. His wife, Mary, predeceased him by four years.

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