Lewis Howard Latimer

Lewis Howard Latimer (September 4, 1848 – December 11, 1928) was an African-American inventor and draftsman. He was born in Massachusetts in America.

Lewis Howard Latimer
Latimer in 1882
Born	(1848-09-04)September 4, 1848 Chelsea, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died	December 11, 1928(1928-12-11) (aged 80) New York City, New York, U.S.
Occupation	Inventor
Spouse	Mary Wilson Lewis
Children	Jeanette (Mrs. Gerald F. Norman), Louise
Parent(s)	George W. Latimer (1818-1896) and Rebecca Smith(1823-1910)

Early life

Latimer's family were slaves in Virginia when a local minister led them to freedom. When he was 10 Latimer attended Phillips Grammar School. When he was 16 Latimer lied about his age to join the U.S Navy.

Public life

Latimer started working at Crosby and Gould, a patent law firm. He learned to draw diagrams. While at the law firm, Latimer invented an improved railroad car bathroom and an early air conditioning unit. Later, Latimer helped Alexander Graham Bell by drawing diagrams for his patent for the first telephone. Latimer also helped Thomas Edison with his patent for the light bulb, and invented a better way to make carbon filaments for light bulbs.

Death

Latimer died on December 11, 1928 in Flushing, Queens, New York at the age 80.

References

"Lewis Howard Latimer". Biography.com. 2015. Retrieved May 10, 2015.