10 Interesting Lewis Latimer Facts

Wednesday, August 10th 2016. | People


Look at the following post about Lewis Latimer Facts if you want to know the American inventor and draftsman. He was born on 4th September 1848 and died on 11th December 1928. His full name is Lewis Howard Latimer. His father was George Latimer, while his mother was Rebecca Latimer. There were four kids in the family and Lewis was the youngest one. His birthplace was located in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Let’s talk about Latimer more!

Lewis Latimer Facts 1: who were his parents?

Both of his parents were slave. James B. Gray of Virginia was the master of George Latimer. His mother was a slave of another master. In October 1842, both of his parents decided to ran away to get freedom from slavery.

Lewis Latimer Facts 2: the abolition of slavery

Gray wanted to take his slave, George back to Virginia when he was in Boston. William Lloyd Garrison was an abolitionist who was involved in the noted case between Gray and George. Finally Latimer was able to buy his freedom after he paid Gray $400 from the raised funds.

Lewis Latimer facts

Lewis Latimer facts

Lewis Latimer Facts 3: U.S. Navy

On 16th September 1863, Lewis Latimer enrolled in United States Navy. At that time, he was 15 years old. He was on the USS Massasoit as a Landsman.

Lewis Latimer Facts 4: an office boy

Latimer worked as an office boy at Crosby Halstead, a patent law firm after he was discharged honorably from the navy on 3rd July 1865. Latimer was paid $3 per week in the firm.

Lewis Latimer Image

Lewis Latimer Image

Lewis Latimer Facts 5: head draftsman

Latimer earned a promotion as a head draftsman in the firm by 1872 after his boss was impressed with his sketching patent drawing skill. His salary per week was $20. He developed the skill after he learned on how to use ruler, set square and other tools.

Lewis Latimer Facts 6: marriage

On 15th November 1873, Latimer and Mary Wilson Lewis married in Fall River, Massachusetts. Both were blessed with two daughters. Both were Emma Jeanette and Louise Rebecca.

Lewis Latimer

Lewis Latimer

Lewis Latimer Facts 7: Water Closet for Railroad Cars

Water Closet for Railroad Cars was an improvised version of toilet system for railroad cars co-patented by Latimer and Charles W. Brown in 1874. Check facts about FW de Klerk here.

Lewis Latimer Facts 8: Alexander Graham Bell

Latimer was hired by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876 to create drawings for the patent of Bell’s telephone.

Lewis Latimer Pic

Lewis Latimer Pic

Lewis Latimer Facts 9: U.S. Electric Lighting Company

Hiram Maxim was the owner of U.S. Electric Lighting Company. Thomas A. Edison and Maxim were rivals. Latimer was hired by the company as assistant manager and draftsman. Find facts about H.G. Wells here.

Lewis Latimer Facts 10: Process of Manufacturing Carbons

“Process of Manufacturing Carbons” was an improvised technique established by Latimer that earned him a patent in 1881.

Lewis Latimer Painting

Lewis Latimer Painting

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