How did lewis latimer die

Lewis latimer family

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Inventor and engineer Lewis Howard Latimer was born to parents who had fled slavery. Latimer learned the art of mechanical drawing while working at a patent firm. Over the course of his career as a draftsman, Latimer worked closely with Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell , in addition to designing his own inventions.

Latimer was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on September 4, 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. 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 , possibly fearing a return to slavery and the South. After his father's departure, Latimer worked to help support his mother and family.

10 facts about lewis latimer

In , 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. He taught himself mechanical drawing and drafting by observing the work of draftsmen at the firm.

Recognizing Latimer's talent and promise, the firm partners promoted him from office boy to draftsman. 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.