Lewis Howard Latimer

Lewis Howard Latimer was an American inventor and draftsman. He was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, in 1848. His parents had escaped slavery. He improved the light bulb by creating a longer-lasting carbon filament and worked alongside both Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell.

Early Life

Latimer's parents were formerly enslaved people who escaped to the North. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War. After the war, he taught himself drafting by watching others at work. He got a job at a patent law firm and quickly became their head draftsman.

Inventions and Legacy

Latimer drew the patent drawings for Alexander Graham Bell's telephone. He then invented an improved carbon filament for light bulbs that lasted much longer. He joined Thomas Edison's team and helped install electric lights in cities. He was the only Black member of Edison's elite group of inventors called the Edison Pioneers.

Fun Facts

• Latimer drew the patent sketches for Alexander Graham Bell's telephone.
• His carbon filament made light bulbs last much longer than earlier designs.
• He was the only African American member of the Edison Pioneers.

Did You Know?

Lewis Howard Latimer taught himself mechanical drawing by watching his coworkers. He went from being an office helper to becoming the head draftsman at his company.