Brief Biography of Thomas Alva Edison

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“I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work”(brainyquote.com 2014) .

These are the words of Thomas Alva Edison, possibly the most famous inventor in American

History. With 1,093 patents to his name, no one has even come close to his greatness. Thomas

loved inventing and never thought anything as a failure, even his mining failure, which was

possibly the worst of them all. He was affected by an interesting childhood, thus he had an

enterprising career, and was remembered with an amazing legacy (invention.smithsonian.org

2014).

Edison was born on February 11, 1847, in Milan, Ohio. His parents were named Samuel

and Nancy Edison. His family moved to Port Huron, Michigan at age seven. At age twelve he

began work at the Grand Trunk Railroad. He sold newspapers, candy, as well as other things on

the train. He was very enterprising, opening many stands and even published a newspaper

(invention.smithsonian.org 2014).

Science and math began to interest him at a young age. He was mainly homeschooled

because his mother did not like how the teachers called Thomas “addled.” At one point Thomas

decided to read an entire library. He did not succeed but he did read some of the advanced

mathematics and science books. He began being tutored but soon disliked very advanced and

complicated language and math. He then developed an interest in chemistry (thomasedison.com

2014).

While working for the Grand Trunk Railroad he built a chemistry lab in a baggage car.

He, unfortunately, caught the baggage car on fire and was ejected from the train at the next stop

(thomasedison.com 2014). Then one day something happened that changed his life. As an older

boy, Thomas saved the sta...

... middle of paper ...

...s A. Edison Quotes." BrainyQuote. Xplore, n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2014. .

"Thomas Alva Edison." Thomas Edison at Sterling Hill Mining Museum. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014. .

"Thomas Alva Edison Biography - The Edison Papers." Thomas Alva Edison Biography - The Edison Papers. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Feb. 2014. .

"Thomas Edison Biography." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 4 Feb. 2014. .

"Thomas Edison's biography :: Edison Invents! :: Smithsonian Lemelson Center." Thomas Edison's biography :: Edison Invents! :: Smithsonian Lemelson Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Feb. 2014. .

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