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Where did Lewis Howard Latimer die?
Flushing, New York, NYLewis Howard Latimer / Place of deathLatimer died on December 11, 1928, in Flushing, Queens, New York. His wife, Mary, predeceased him by four years.
How old was Lewis Howard Latimer when he died?
80 years (1848–1928)Lewis Howard Latimer / Age at death
When did Lewis Latimer invent the telephone?
February 14, 1876By working with him late at night, Latimer was able to provide Bell with the blueprints and expertise in submitting applications that allowed him to file his telephone patent on February 14, 1876, just a few hours earlier than that of a rival inventor.
How did Latimer die?
Lewis Howard Latimer died of ill health at the old age of 80 in December of 1928. Latimer's health had been declining for several years.
Who invented carbon filament?
Lewis LatimerLewis Latimer invented a method for producing a more durable carbon filament, making incandescent lighting practical and affordable for consumers.
Who invented the filament?
Alexander LodyginAlessandro CrutoElectrical filament/Inventors
Who created the light bulb?
Thomas EdisonJoseph SwanJames Bowman LindsayHiram MaximAlexander LodyginAlessandro CrutoIncandescent light bulb/Inventors
What is a carbon filament?
Carbon filament may refer to: A carbon filament in an incandescent light bulb. Filaments in the synthesis of carbon fibre.
Who invented the lightbulb before Edison?
Humphry DavyIn 1802, Humphry Davy invented the first electric light. He experimented with electricity and invented an electric battery. When he connected wires to his battery and a piece of carbon, the carbon glowed, producing light. His invention was known as the Electric Arc lamp.
Does Mark Latimer die in Broadchurch?
Ben Dowell witnesses a devastating end to tonight's episode – have we witnessed the first death of the series? In the end it seemed too much for Mark Latimer. In an excruciating, deeply moving scene, the father of Danny Latimer rowed out to sea and jumped overboard in an apparent suicide attempt.
Why did Danny get killed in Broadchurch?
In a jaw-dropping finale to series 1, Joe confessed to killing Danny, saying it was an accident after he had 'fallen in love' with him.
Is Latimer still in jail?
Latimer was released from William Head Prison and began his day parole in Ottawa in March. On his release he stated that he planned to press for a new trial and for identification of the pain medication that the 2001 Supreme Court ruling suggested he could have used instead of killing his daughter.
What was Thomas Edison's net worth?
There are notable exceptions. Thomas A. Edison , an inventive genius but also a shrewd entrepreneur, was a founder of what became the General Electric Co. At his death in 1931 he left a $12 million estate, big enough to have put him on The FORBES 400 list, had it then existed.
What are three interesting facts about Lewis Latimer?
Birthplace: Chelsea, Mass. Born in Chelsea, Mass., Latimer learned mechanical drawing while working for a Boston patent attorney. He later invented an electric lamp and a carbon filament for light bulbs (patented 1881, 1882). Latimer was the only African-American member of Thomas Edison's engineering laboratory.
Did Lewis Latimer invent the telephone?
Along with Granville T. Woods, Latimer was one of the first major African American inventors. He first worked as an assistant to Alexander Graham Bell, drawing the blueprints for Bell's patent for the telephone in 1876. Latimer joined the U.S. Electric Lighting Company in 1880 under Hiram Maxim.
Who invented the lightbulb?
Thomas EdisonJoseph SwanJames Bowman LindsayHiram MaximAlexander LodyginAlessandro CrutoIncandescent light bulb/Inventors
When did Latimer die?
Latimer died on December 11, 1928, in Flushing, Queens, New York. His wife, Mary, predeceased him by four years.
Who is Lewis Latimer?
ico_print. Lewis Howard Latimer was an inventor and draftsman best known for his contributions to the patenting of the light bulb and the telephone.
What was the role of Latimer in the Civil War?
The Latimers were active members of the Unitarian Church and Latimer was consistently involved in Civil War veterans groups, including the Grand Army of the Republic. In addition to his drafting skills, Latimer enjoyed other creative pastimes, including playing the flute and writing poetry and plays.
What invention did Latimer make?
Latimer was directly involved with one of these inventions: the telephone. Working with Bell, Latimer helped draft the patent for Bell's design of the telephone. He was also involved in the field of incandescent lighting, a particularly competitive field, working for Hiram Maxim and Edison. Latimer's deep knowledge of both patents ...
Why did Latimer lie about his age?
In 1864, at the age of 16, Latimer lied about his age in order to enlist in the United States Navy during the Civil War. Returning to Boston after an honorable discharge, he accepted a menial position at the Crosby and Gould patent law office.
What did Latimer invent?
In addition to assisting others, Latimer designed a number of his own inventions, including an improved railroad car bathroom and an early air conditioning unit. Latimer's talents were well-matched to the post-Civil War period, which saw a large number of scientific and engineering breakthroughs.
Where was George Latimer born?
Latimer was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on September 4, 1848. Latimer was the youngest of four children born to George and Rebecca Latimer, who had escaped from slavery in Virginia six years before his birth. Captured in Boston and brought to trial as a fugitive, George Latimer was defended by abolitionists Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison. He was eventually able to purchase his freedom, with the help of a local minister, and began raising a family with Rebecca in nearby Chelsea. George disappeared shortly after the Dred Scott decision in 1857, possibly fearing a return to slavery and the South.
When did Latimer die?
Latimer died on December 11, 1928. His granddaughter, Winifred Norman, served on the Board of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). His remarkable legacy of inventions meant that his name appeared on seven patents issued by the U. S. government.
What did Latimer do after the Civil War?
He enlisted in the Navy when he was 16. After the Civil War ended he returned to Boston and took an office job in a patent law firm. Latimer had always loved to draw, and he taught himself mechanical drawing. He was soon promoted to the much higher paying job of draftsmen.
What was the problem with Thomas Edison's light bulbs?
One problem with Thomas Edison’s light bulbs was that they only lasted a few days. Latimer was able to design a new bulb, that encased the carbon filament in an envelope so that the bulbs lasted longer and became cheaper to produce. He helped to install electric plants for Philadelphia, New York and Montreal.
Who was Thomas Edison?
His knowledge of electric lighting and patents proved invaluable. Edison made him a draftsmen and engineer at first, and later his chief draftsmen and patent expert, who investigated those who used Edison’s inventions without permission.
Who was Lewis Howard?
Latimer, Lewis Howard (1848-1928) An outstanding inventor and engineer, Howard was also talented artistically, and was a founder of the Flushing, New York church. He was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts on September 4, 1848 only six years after his parents, George and Rebecca, had escaped from slavery in Virginia.
Who was the first person to write an incandescent lamp?
In 1890 Latimer wrote Incandescent Electric Lighting: A Practical Description of the Edison System, which explained how the lamps worked. Latimer was married to Mary Wilson in 1873, and they had two children. He was also a brilliant poet and playwright, who also painted and played the flute.
When did Latimer die?
Latimer died on Dec. 11, 1928, in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, New York. His wife Mary had died four years earlier.
Where was Lewis Latimer born?
Lewis Latimer was born on Sept.4, 1848, in Chelsea, Massachusetts. He was the youngest of four children born to George Latimer, a paperhanger, and Rebecca Smith Latimer, who both escaped enslavement. His parents had fled from Virginia in 1842 by hiding beneath the deck of a northbound ship, but his father was recognized in Boston by a former employee of their enslaver. George Latimer was arrested and brought to trial, where he was defended by noted 19th-century North American Black activist Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison. Eventually, a group of activists paid $400 for his freedom.
What did Latimer do?
Latimer taught himself mechanical drawing and drafting by observing drafters at the firm. Recognizing his talent and promise, the partners promoted him to drafter and, eventually, head drafter.
What was Lewis Latimer's most important invention?
11, 1928) is considered one of the most important Black inventors for the number of inventions he produced and patents he secured, but also for the importance of his best-known discovery: a longer-lasting filament for the electric light. He also helped Alexander Graham Bell obtain the patent for the first telephone.
What was Latimer's job?
Latimer was in charge of setting up an incandescent lamp department for the Maxim-Weston Electric Light Company in London. As part of this role, he supervised the production of his own invention of carbon filaments. Yet it was in London that Latimer suffered some of the greatest discrimination he faced during his career because English businessmen there were not used—or receptive—to being directed by a Black man. Of the experience, Latimer wrote in his diary:
Why did Latimer suffer discrimination?
Yet it was in London that Latimer suffered some of the greatest discrimination he faced during his career because English businessmen there were not used—or receptive—to being directed by a Black man. Of the experience, Latimer wrote in his diary: "In London, I was in hot water from the day I came until I returned.".
Why did Lewis Latimer lie about his age?
Then, In 1864, at age 15, Latimer lied about his age in order to enlist in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War. Latimer was assigned to the gunboat USS Massasoit and received an honorable discharge on July 3, 1865.
Where did Latimer work?
He returned to Boston, Massachusetts , and took a job as an office boy with the patent law firm Crosby & Gould. He brought himself drawing and elaborating draftsman at the company. In recognition of Latimer’s talent and promise, the partners encouraged him and illustrator, eventually head writers.
What was Latimer's invention?
In 1894, he created a safety elevator, a major improvement over existing elevators. Then he received a patent for “locking racks for hats, coats and umbrellas”, which was used in restaurants, resorts, and office buildings.
What is George Latimer's job?
George Latimer works as a hairdresser/barber and upholsterer.
When did Latimer develop the electric bulb?
It is in this context that he will develop an electric bulb with a carbon filament, in 1881. Latimer directs the installation of electric light in Philadelphia. He did the same in Montreal, where he learned enough French to make sure that the workers understood his instructions.
Who was the first person to patent a filament for light bulbs?
After many tests, Thomas Edison appoints John Latimer to find a durable filament for light bulbs, Latimer improves his previous patent by protecting the carbon filament and April 29, 1884, Thomas Edison can thus file a new patent for an incandescent lamp.
Why did the Mason Dixon family flee?
The young couple decided to flee to abolitionist states north of the Mason-Dixon line to get out of slavery and provide their children with better living conditions.
Where did Lewis go to school?
Lewis follows primary school until the age of 10 at Phillips Grammar School in Chelsea, he helps his father in his upholsterer activity, then he becomes an office worker in the lawyer’s office Issac Hull Wright. On September 16 1863, during the American Civil War, cheating on his age, he joined the navy, he was a sailor on the USS Massasoit (1863).
When did Latimer die?
Latimer breathed his last on December 11, 1928, at the age of 80.
Who was Lewis Latimer?
Lewis Howard Latimer was an African American scientist, inventor, engineer, and patent draftsman for many inventions, including lightbulb and the telephone that transformed technology in the later part of the 19th century. Born into an African-American slave family, he grew up under trying situations.
What did Latimer do while working with the patent law firm?
While working with the patent law firm, Latimer observed the draftsmen and taught himself mechanical drawing and drafting. The partners identified his talent and appointed him as journeyman draftsman. Realizing his potential, he was promoted as head draftsmen. In 1874, the inventor bug bit him.
What did Latimer do after his father disappeared?
After his father’s disappearance, to support his family, Latimer took up various odd jobs in Boston. Towards mid-teens, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After Latimer was discharged honorably, he returned to Boston. In Boston, he joined the patent law firm ‘Crosby Halstead and Gould, as an office boy.
How many daughters did Latimer have?
They were blessed with two daughters, Emma Jeanette and Louise Rebecca. ‘Poems of Love and Life,’ is a composition of his poems, which his friends published and made a limited release in 1925. Latimer breathed his last on December 11, 1928, at the age of 80.
Where was George Latimer born?
Childhood & Early Life. Latimer, born on September 4, 1848, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, was the youngest child of a slave couple George Latimer and Rebecca Smith. Latimer grew under very tough circumstances as his parents had escaped from slavery. Later, his father was identified and tried as a fugitive.
Where is Lewis Latimer's house?
Lewis H Latimer House, as suggested by the name is the museum dedicated to him in Leavitt Field, Flushing, New York City .

Early Life
Early Career
- Lewis Latimer worked to help support his mother and siblings. Then, In 1864, at age 15, Latimer lied about his age in order to enlist in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War. Latimer was assigned to the gunboat USS Massasoitand received an honorable discharge on July 3, 1865. He returned to Boston and took a position as an office assistant with the patent law firm Crosby & Gould. Latim…
The Telephone
- In 1874, while at the firm, Latimer co-invented an improvement to the bathroom compartment of trains. Two years later, he was sought out as a drafter by an instructor of children who were hard of hearing; the man wanted drawings for a patent application on a device he had created. The instructor was Alexander Graham Bell, and the device was the telephone. Working late into the e…
Latimer and Maxim
- In 1880, after relocating to Bridgeport, Connecticut, Latimer was hired as assistant manager and drafter for the U.S. Electric Lighting Co., which was owned by Hiram Maxim. Maxim was the chief competitor of Edison, who had invented the electric light. Edison’s light consisted of a nearly airless glass bulb surrounding a carbon wire filament, typically made from bamboo, paper, or thr…
Collaboration with Edison
- Latimer started working for Edisonin 1884 and became involved in Edison's infringement lawsuits. He worked in the legal department of the Edison Electric Light Co. as the chief drafter and patent specialist. He drafted sketches and documents related to Edison patents, looked over plants in search of patent infringements, carried out patent searches, and testified in court on Edison’s be…
Later Innovations
- In subsequent years, Latimer continued to innovate. In 1894, he created a safety elevator, a vast improvement on existing elevators. Then he obtained a patent for “Locking Racks for Hats, Coats, and Umbrellas” that was used in restaurants, resorts, and office buildings. He also developed a method for making rooms more hygienic and climate-controlled, named an “Apparatus for Cooli…
Legacy
- Despite racism and discrimination and with unequal access to education and opportunity, Latimer played a major role in the development of two products that greatly impacted the lives of Americans: the light bulb and the telephone. The fact that he was a Black American born in the 19th century made his many successes even more impressive. Upon his death, the Edison Pione…
Sources
- Black Pioneers of Science and Invention. Paw Prints, 2008.
- "Lewis Latimer." Greatblackheroes.com.
- "Lewis Howard Latimer Biography." Biography.com.
- "Lewis Latimer." Famousinventors.org.