Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931) Well known, universally acclaimed prolific inventor. Born in Milan OH. At age 7 moved to Port Huron, MI. His teacher did not think Tom capable of higher learning, so his mother taught him at home. Loved to read; at age 10 she bought him a chemistry book and "Tom" performed every experiment in the book. At age 12 got a job as"trainboy" on the Grand Trunk Railway Detroit line. During the 5 hr layover in Detroit he didchemistry experiments. When it caught on fire, he was dismissed. Became deaf and developedinterest in the telegraph. At age 16 telegraph assistant in Toronto ONT, where he invented his"telegraph machine" capable of sending multiple messages. Moving to New York City he inventedthe Universal Stock Printer. Established a laboratory in Menlo Park NJ, where he invented the lightbulb in 1876. With J.P. Morgan established the Edison Electric Light Co and configured a municipal network, including central generation and distribution. In 1878 invented the phonograph. In 1915 president of the Navy's consulting board

Back to Quotes from American notables