Lewis Latimer was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on September 4, 1848.  Lewis came from a poor black family.  His parents were former slaves. At the age of 10, Lewis quit school to support his family. At the age of 16, Lewis joined the Navy. At the age of 18, he worked at an inventor’s office where he taught himself to be an experienced draftsman by watching other draftsman and reading books. 
      Lewis Latimer was a draftsman and an experienced inventor. He also was in charge of setting up the first electrical light systems in cities around the world. Lewis Latimer liked to study and watch draftsman work so he could become one. 
      Lewis invented the carbon filament for the light bulb.  He invented it in Bridgeport, Connecticut, at the United States Electric Light Company.  The filament was used for making the light bulb last longer.
      The invention was planned. Lewis was trying to improve the filament. He used carbon filaments. He failed many times trying to improve the light bulb. Later, Lewis patented a more efficient way to make carbon filaments and better light bulbs.He became famous.
       Lewis worked for Thomas Edison’s Electric Light Company. The invention was very popular.  He became the first African American member of the Edison Pioneers. It is a group of Edison’s best engineers.     
       Lewis Latimer knew Alexander Graham Bell. Lewis helped Alexander execute the drawings and assisted in prepping the applications for the telephone patents of Alexander Graham Bell. 
        Lewis also invented the water closet for trains.  Lewis Latimer is not alive.  He died at the age of 80 in New York City. He died in 1928.
 

Works Cited

“Inventor, Lewis Latimer.”  EBSCO Host. 2/24/04.

“Lewis Howard Latimer.” www.harcourtschool.com/activity/biographies/latimer.2/25/04.