Lewis Latimer Essay, Research Paper
Lewis Latimer
Lewis Howard Latimer was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on September 4, 1848,
six years after his parents, George and Rebecca Latimer, had run away from slavery in Virginia. They were determined to be free and that their children be born on free soil. Because of his light complexion, George was able to pose as a plantation owner with the darker-skinned Rebecca as his slave. Shortly after arriving in Boston, Massachusetts, he was recognized as a fugitive and jailed while his wife was taken to a safe hiding place. The arrest was protested vigorously by the community. Frederick Douglass, a former slave who had escaped to Massachusetts several years earlier, and abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison spoke forcefully against the arrest. There was a trial, and the attempts to recapture George and return him to Virginia caused considerable agitation in Boston. When the trial judge ruled that Latimer still belonged to his Virginia owner, an African-American minister paid $400 for his release. Although free, George was still extremely poor, working as a barber, paper-hanger and in other odd jobs to support his wife, three sons, and one daughter.
Lewis Latimer, the youngest child, attended grammar school and was an excellent student who loved to read and draw. Most of his time, though, was spent working with his father, which was typical of children in the 19th century. In 1857, the Supreme Court ruled that a slave named Dred Scott could not be considered a free man although he had lived in a free state. George Latimer disappeared shortly after the decision became known. Because he had no official papers to prove he was a free man, he possibly feared for his safety and that of his family.
With his father gone and his mother struggling to keep the family together, Lewis falsified his age and joined the U.S. Navy in 1864 when he was sixteen years old. When the Civil War ended he was honorably discharged and returned to Boston to seek employment. In 1868 he secured a job as an office boy in the Crosby and Gould patent law firm, a company that specialized in helping inventors protect their patents. By closely observing draftsmen at work and reading books on the subject, Latimer taught himself mechanical drawing. He learned to skillfully use the vital tools of the trade, such as T squares, triangles, compasses, and rulers, and mastered the art of drawing to scale. Since all of the drawings were done by hand and in ink, it was very important that a draftsman not make mistakes. Latimer’s drawings in this medium are as beautiful as works of art. After several months of studying on his own, he requested and was given an opportunity by the firm to show what he could do. Upon discovering that Latimer was indeed a skilled draftsman, he was promoted from office boy, earning a salary of $3.00 per week, to draftsman at $20.00.
In the period immediately following the Civil War, important scientific advances occurred in America. There was an explosion of inventions and new uses of technology, and inventors were securing thousands of patents in growing industries. While working at the Boston firm, Latimer met
Alexander Graham Bell who hired him to draw the plans for a new invention, the telephone. Bell was in
a race to have his invention patented before anyone else registered a similar device. By 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. They had won the race!
In 1880 Latimer began work as a mechanical draftsman for Hiram Maxim, an inventor and founder of the U.S. Electric Lighting Company in Brooklyn, N.Y. In his new job, Latimer was given the opportunity to become familiar with the field of electric incandescent lighting, an area in which there was fierce competition to secure patents. In addition to his work with light bulbs and lamps, he went to U.S. cities and abroad supervising installation and production of Maxim equipment.
In 1884 he was invited to work for Maxim’s arch rival, Thomas Alva Edison, in New York. An expert electrical engineer, Latimer’s work for Edison was critical for the following reasons: his thorough knowledge of electric lighting and power guided Edison through the process of filing patent forms properly at the U.S. Patent Office, protecting the company from infringements of his inventions; Latimer was also in charge of the company library, collecting information from around the world, translating data in French and German to protect the company from European challenges. He became Edison’s patent investigator and expert witness in cases against persons trying to benefit from Edison’s inventions without legal permission.
Edison encouraged Latimer to write the book, Incandescent Electric Lighting: A Practical Description of the Edison System. Published in 1890, it was extremely popular as it explained how an incandescent lamp produces light in an easy-to-understand manner. On February 11, 1918, Latimer became one of the 28 charter members of the Edison Pioneers, the only African-American in this prestigious, highly selective group.
After leaving Edison’s employ, Latimer worked for a patent consultant firm until 1922 when failing eyesight caused an end to his career. His health began to fail following the death of his beloved wife Mary Wilson Latimer in 1924. To cheer and encourage him to carry on, his children, two
daughters, had a book of his poems printed in 1925 in honor of his 77th birthday. The poems are
beautifully sensitive, and complement Latimer’s designation as a “Renaissance Man” who painted,
played the flute, wrote poetry and plays.
Active in the Unitarian Church, Latimer found time to teach mechanical engineering, drawing and English to new immigrants at the Henry Street Settlement House. He had remained extremely patriotic, participating as an officer of the famed Civil War Veterans’ organization, the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). In addition, he supported the civil rights activities of his era. On December 11, 1928, Lewis Howard Latimer died, leaving a remarkable legacy. His name will be forever associated with two of the most revolutionary inventions of all time: the incandescent electric light bulb and the telephone.
Другие работы по теме:
Ray Lewis Royalties Essay Research Paper As
Ray Lewis- Royalties Essay, Research Paper As the crowd roars like an angry ocean, 245 pounds of flesh hurls itself over the finish line, scoring the winning touchdown of the game. Suddenly, the crowd is overflowing from the stands and into the field, as reporters and photographers rush toward the star of the game. ?Ray Lewis, where are you going now that you?ve won the Superbowl??, exclaims one reporter.
The Great Divorce Essay Research Paper In
The Great Divorce Essay, Research Paper In The Great Divorce, C. S. Lewis uses autobiographical allusions in order to aid the reader in a better understanding of his conversion to Christianity. Throughout the entire novel, each character represents Lewis’ previous notions of Christ and Christianity (Alfred 1), and the people that aided in his understanding of Christ.
Free Will In The Great Divorce Essay
, Research Paper C.S. Lewis’s message concerning free will is that God helps the one’s willing to convert and that each person that is saved must take the first step
Watership Down Essay Research Paper Many people
Watership Down Essay, Research Paper Many people possess leadership qualities although they don?t rule a country. Meriwether Lewis, the official leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition has been called ?undoubtedly the greatest pathfinder this country has ever known.? Just like Hazel, Meriwether Lewis led a group of followers into unknown territory.
Opinionated Evaluation Of C.S. Lewis
’ Mere Christianity Essay, Research Paper I have found this book, thus far, to be quite the intriguing piece of literature. Lewis is both wittily intelligent and yet at the same time comfortingly down-to-earth. He presents his thoughts and ideas very clearly and succinctly. Also his analogical way of describing just about every point he makes is also helpful in understanding the book.
George Eliot History And Style Essay Research
Paper One of the most astounding facts about George Eliot is that ?he? is actually a woman, whose real name is Marian Evans. She was born during the era of Victorian literature, and she grew up with a wide variety of people, including her family, who have all played an influential role in her life. Besides people and her family, her love life was also a very influential factor in her style of writing and the content of her works.
Case For Cristianity Essay Research Paper Moral
Case For Cristianity Essay, Research Paper Moral conviction is something that everyone should have, it is inherent, or at least that is the assumption. In the book, “A Case for Christianity”, by C. S. Lewis, Lewis argues that it is part of the “Moral Law”. Not the part that will make you forget about yourself and help someone else even though it might put you in danger, but rather the part that makes you feel bad when you have wronged another person or broken your own moral code.
Just For Kicks Essay Research Paper Brandon
Just For Kicks Essay, Research Paper Brandon Lewis is the manager for his high school football team. On the football team, there is a sorry loser named Timmy. The football team was undefeated for six games straight. Mistakes made by Timmy made the team lose a game. He was the punter and he kept dropping the ball.
George Lewis Richard Essay Research Paper The
George Lewis Richard Essay, Research Paper The man who was known as Tex Rickard, was born on Jan 2, 1870 with the byname of George Lewis Rickard. He led a life of different jobs, I guess you could say he was a jack of all trades. His life, or the part of it that dealt with the gold rush, was what I would say as, short lived.
Dose Poetry Matter Essay Research Paper Does
Dose Poetry Matter Essay, Research Paper Does Poetry Matter? To me poetry does not matter. I do not like poetry because a poem is just a passage that contains a hidden meaning and I can never figure out what a poem is about. If poetry was not around then authors would just come out and say what they wanted to say . Their thoughts would not get confused and people would not miss the meaning that the author is trying to get across.
Deliverance Essay Research Paper Crystal LeonguerreroMoore period
Deliverance Essay, Research Paper Crystal Leonguerrero Moore period 8th English III Report on Deliverance By James Dickey In the novel, Deliverance by James Dickey, he reveals a thrilling adventure of four guys in the wild. Whose moral beliefs vanish as their survial skills take over. Where one weekend of camping, hunting, and relaxing turn into a game of hunting against two mountain men.
American Justice System Essay Research Paper The
American Justice System Essay, Research Paper The justice system here in the United States is one that many people have a hard time understanding. It is a system that isn t easily accessible for the everyday person, even though that s exactly what it was suppose to be.The number one problem that I have with our legal system is the use of a jury.
Charles Lutwidge Dodgson
– Lewis Carroll Essay, Research Paper English 265 – Modern Poetry Poet: Lewis Carroll Term Paper Charles Lutwidge Dodgson was born on the 27th of January in the year of 1832 and died on the 14th of that same month in 1898. His pseudonym, Lewis Carroll, was born on March 1st, 1856 and was destined to live forever.
CS Lewis The Abolition Of Man
Essay, Research Paper C.S. The Abolition of Man While reading The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis, I encountered a few questions concerning his view on Ethical Innovation and the dilemma conditioners face. It was a difficult book with many ideas that didn t come completely clear to me at times.
Sacajawea Essay Research Paper I was in
Sacajawea Essay, Research Paper I was in the tribe of the Shoeshine (also Shoshone) Indian tribe which lived in Idaho, parts of Utah and parts of Northern Nevada, and I was born in Eastern Idaho in what is now Salmon, Idaho. Everything about me is mysterious from the correct spelling and meaning of my name, to the circumstances surrounding my death.
Euthanasia And The Robert Latimer Case Essay
, Research Paper Euthanasia is undoubtedly an issue that plagues the minds of those living with children or adults who are severely disabled. Rarely is one found to have a ?neutral? outlook upon it; that is, a side must be chosen, for or against. It is too delicate a topic to be ?in the middle? about. Over the years, cases involving euthanasia have caused massive controversies as to whether or not it is feasible to take the life of another human being in order to ?put them out of their misery?.
Latimer Essay Research Paper On Sunday October
Latimer Essay, Research Paper On Sunday, October 24, 1993, Robert Latimer killed his daughter, Tracy Latimer. Robert Latimer placed Tracy in his truck and ran a hose from the exhaust pipe into the cab of the truck. Tracy was killed by carbon monoxide poisoning and Robert Latimer confessed to the murder. What makes this case so unique and debated is that Tracy Latimer had cerebral palsy.
Clive Staples Essay Research Paper Clive Staples
Clive Staples Essay, Research Paper Clive Staples Lewis was born in Belfast Ireland on November 29,1898. He wrote many books and won many awards in his lifetime. Many of his books are still read today.
Alice Essay Research Paper In Lewis Carroll
Alice Essay, Research Paper In Lewis Carroll’s novel Alice in Wonderland, Alice is curious, well-mannered, and confused while she tries to find her way out of Wonderland. Alice meets many unique and weird creatures which eventually help her escape wonderland. Alice shows that she is curious through her actions.
Lewis And Clark Essay Research Paper 1774
Lewis And Clark Essay, Research Paper ?1774 was the birth year of Meriwether Lewis, of Albemarle County, Virginia?Meriwether Lewis, who was to become a captain in the United States Army, secretary to President Thomas Jefferson, leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to the pacific, Governor of Louisiana Territory and helmsman extraordinary of the American frontier.? (pg6) Meriwether Lewis was born to a prestigious family.
Boleslavsky Vs Lewis Essay Research Paper Robert
Boleslavsky Vs. Lewis Essay, Research Paper Robert Lewis’ Advice to the Players is a fairly helpful book for those looking for a future on the stage. Lewis wrote the book as though he is teaching a class at that moment. In fact, I have a pretty good feeling that was actually what he did. He probably went home after every one of his classes and wrote down what happened that day.
Lewis And Clark Discoveries Essay Research Paper
THE LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION The Lewis and Clark Expedition were an important journey and a foundation of the creation of the United States. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out on the exploration of the land gained by the Louisiana Purchase on May 1804. Lewis and Clark did not want was ahead on their long journey.
John L Lewis Essay Research Paper Allan
John L Lewis Essay, Research Paper Allan Breden February 24, 2000 A working man’s man John L. Lewis John L. Lewis started life in Lucas County, Iowa February 12, 1880 the son of Thomas Lewis, a coal miner and policeman. John was welsh born. In the 1880’s and the 1890’s their family lived in a company owned shanty with an outdoor privy.
The Train Essay Research Paper The Train
The Train Essay, Research Paper The Train, by Diane Hoh, is a thrilling book. It has five main characters; Hanna Deaton, Jean Marie Westlake, Lewis Joseph Reed, Kerry Oliver, and Mack Mc. Comber, who all went to Parker High School. Hanna is a not so bright girl with naturally wavy chocolate covered hair and claustrophobic.
Carrol And Influences Of Alice In Wonderland
Essay, Research Paper Events or people in their lives inspire many authors. It is reflected in their writing. Lewis Carroll was inspired to write Alice in Wonderland by the real-life relationship with an Alice and his other child-friends.
Alice Essay Research Paper As we read
Alice Essay, Research Paper As we read Alice?s Adventures in Wonderland and The Island of Dr. Moreau, we enter into two unique worlds of imagination. Both Lewis Carroll and H.G. Wells describe lands of intrigue and mystery. We follow Alice and Pren*censored* into two different worlds where animals speak, evolution is tested, and reality is bent until it nearly breaks.
Culture Of Poverty Essay Research Paper Culture
Culture Of Poverty Essay, Research Paper ?Culture of Poverty? The ?culture of poverty? was introduced or was popularized by Oscar Lewis while studying poor families in Mexico and Puerto Rican families San Juan and New York. The theory maintains that culturally based attitudes or predisposition such as ?present-mindedness? and ?obsessive-consumption? are the major barriers to economic mobility for many of the poor.
Euthanasia Today Essay Research Paper Euthanasia has
Euthanasia Today Essay, Research Paper Euthanasia has been, and always will be, a controversial moral and ethical subject. While the majority of both Americans and Canadians seem to support euthanasia as indicated by the latest polls, it is still illegal in both countries. I think it is important to first distinguish between passive euthanasia and active euthanasia.
Allusions Within Out Of The Silent Planet
Essay, Research Paper Although various biblical allusions appear in many novels, most are not easily interpreted. In order for a reader to be able to recognize an allusion they must first understand
Out Of The Silent Planet By CS
. Lewis Essay, Research Paper C.S. Lewis produced a book that conveys vivid scenery, relatable characters, and a vague but detailed plot that gave rise to a novel with wonderful clarity. Out of the Silent Planet is an account of the voyage of Ransom, a linguist, who is kidnapped and taken to another planet, Malacandra (Mars).
Polish Immigrant Essay Research Paper Many
Polish Immigrant Essay, Research Paper ?Many people have tried to do what Meriwether Lewis has done, but have failed.? Lewis was born Augest 18, 1774.? His family had a history of Hipochondria (depression).? As a boy his