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.  

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

Category:1848 births
Category:1928 deaths
Category:African-American people
Category:American inventors