Lewis Latimer’s story is truly heroic. Born to an escaped slave, he had to overcome poverty and racism to rise in his scientific career. In fact, he never worked directly for Edison at any of the laboratories, but he certainly deserves a special place in the story of Edison’s achievements.
Latimer worked for the Edison Electric Light Company in New York from 1884 to 1896, as an engineer, draftsman and legal expert, and did some valuable work for several inventions including the incandescent bulb. In fact, while working for a rival company, he had invented an improved method of his own to make carbon filaments.
At Edison’s company, he also translated data into German and French, and wrote his first book on electric lighting, Incandescent Electric Lighting. Also, the installation of public lights in New York, and London was done under his supervision. Later, he became the only African-American member of the Edison Pioneers, an association of old Edison employees.
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