Lewis Howard Latimer - Key Facts - Year 2

Lewis Howard Latimer, born in 1848 in Boston, Massachusetts, was the son of parents who had been slaves. Showing early signs of resilience and determination, he enlisted in the Navy at the age of 16 to fight for the Northern forces during the American Civil War in 1861. After his military service, Latimer found employment with a law firm that specialised in patents. With no formal training, he taught himself the art of drafting, which involves creating precise technical drawings, and his skill and hard work led to his promotion to the position of chief draftsman by 1866.

Latimer's talents were recognised by Alexander Graham Bell, who in 1876 enlisted his help in drafting the patent drawings for Bell's first working telephone. Latimer's contributions to science and technology didn't stop there; in 1881, he went on to invent and patent a carbon filament for light bulbs, a significant advancement that greatly extended their lifespan. His expertise also led him to author the first book on electric lighting in 1890. Lewis Howard Latimer's remarkable achievements and inventions have left a lasting legacy, contributing significantly to the improvement of life around the globe, and he stands as a prominent figure among the influential black individuals who have shaped our world.