Thomas Alva
EDISON
(b.
11 February 1847
,
Milan, Ohio, USA
d.
18 October 1931
,
West Orange, New Jersey, USA
)
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EDISON Family Tree – Connecting the Past to the Present!
Thomas Alva EDISON was born 11 February 1847 in Milan, Ohio, USA
Thomas Alva EDISON was the child of Samuel Ogden EDISON and Nancy MATTHEWS and the grandchild of: (paternal) Samuel Ogden EDISON and Nancy STIMPSON (maternal) Ebenezer MATTHEWS and Mercy Mason PECKHAMSpouse(s)/Partner(s) and Child(ren):
Thomas Alva married Mary Jane STILLWELL 25 December 1871 in Newark, New Jersey, USA . The couple had (at least) 3 children.
Mary Jane STILLWELL was born 6 September 1855 in New Jersey, USA. Mary Jane died 9 August 1884 in Menlo Park, New Jersey, USA.
Thomas Alva married (2) Mina MILLER 24 February 1886 in Akron, Ohio, USA . The couple had (at least) 3 children.
Mina MILLER was born 6 July 1865 in Akron, Ohio, USA. Mina died 24 August 1947
Thomas Alva EDISON died 18 October 1931 in West Orange, New Jersey, USA.
photo/ portrait (above) from wikipedia.org
Details of the family tree of Thomas appear below.
Occupation
Thomas Alva EDISON was a American inventor and businessman.
Thomas Alva EDISON was a American inventor and businessman.
Family and Children of Thomas Alva EDISON
[Hide/Show]Thomas Alva EDISON married
Mary Jane STILLWELL-- Date: 25 December 1871 Place: Newark, New Jersey, USA
Children of Thomas Alva EDISON and Mary Jane STILLWELL:
Marion Estelle "Dot" EDISON (b.18 February 1872, , New Jersey, USA d. 16 April 1965, Norwalk, Connecticut, USA )
Thomas Alva EDISON (b.10 January 1876, Edison, New Jersey, USA d. 25 August 1935, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA )
William Leslie EDISON (b.3 October 1878, Menlo Park, New Jersey, USA d. 10 August 1937, Wilmington, Delaware, USA)
Thomas Alva EDISON married
Mina MILLER-- Date: 24 February 1886 Place: Akron, Ohio, USA
Children of Thomas Alva EDISON and Mina MILLER:
Madeleine EDISON (b.31 May 1888, Glenmont, New Jersey, USA d. 14 February 1979, West Orange, New Jersey, USA)
Charles EDISON (b.3 August 1890, West Orange, New Jersey, USA d. 31 July 1969, Manhattan, New York, USA )
Theodore Miller EDISON (b.10 July 1898, , New Jersey, USA d. 25 November 1992, West Orange, New Jersey, USA)
Children of Thomas Alva EDISON and Mary Jane STILLWELL:
Thomas Alva EDISON married
Children of Thomas Alva EDISON and Mina MILLER:
Share the History, Life Events, and Stories of Thomas Alva EDISON(Add details like birth, baptism, census records, military service, obituary, personal achievements, and more.)
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Discovering the Ancestry of Thomas Alva EDISON: Events, Photos & Historical Records
11 February 1847
Milan, Ohio, USA
Biography
Thomas Edison was one of the most prolific and influential inventors in history. Born on February 11, 1847, in Milan, Ohio, Edison grew up in Port Huron, Michigan. He didn't have a traditional education, but his mother, a former teacher, home-schooled him. Edison's insatiable curiosity and desire to learn led him to become a self-taught polymath.
Edison's journey into the world of inventions began at an early age. His first job was as a newsboy on a train, where he set up a small chemistry lab in the baggage car. He conducted experiments and even started his own newspaper, the Grand Trunk Herald. This entrepreneurial spirit and love for experimentation would define much of his later life.
In 1868, at the age of 21, Edison started working as a telegraph operator. This job not only provided him with a steady income but also exposed him to the world of electrical communication, sparking his interest in telegraphy and electrical engineering. Over the next few years, he worked on...Read MORE...
Thomas Edison was one of the most prolific and influential inventors in history. Born on February 11, 1847, in Milan, Ohio, Edison grew up in Port Huron, Michigan. He didn't have a traditional education, but his mother, a former teacher, home-schooled him. Edison's insatiable curiosity and desire to learn led him to become a self-taught polymath.
Edison's journey into the world of inventions began at an early age. His first job was as a newsboy on a train, where he set up a small chemistry lab in the baggage car. He conducted experiments and even started his own newspaper, the Grand Trunk Herald. This entrepreneurial spirit and love for experimentation would define much of his later life.
In 1868, at the age of 21, Edison started working as a telegraph operator. This job not only provided him with a steady income but also exposed him to the world of electrical communication, sparking his interest in telegraphy and electrical engineering. Over the next few years, he worked on...Read MORE...
Thomas Edison applies for his first patent, the electric vote recorder.
1868 - Thomas Edison applies for his first patent, the electric vote recorder.
In October 1868, while working in Boston, Thomas Edison obtained his first patent for an invention called the “electrographic vote recorder”. This device allowed legislators to cast instant votes by tapping one of two switches—either signifying a “yes” or a “no” vote. The information was then transmitted via electric current to a main recorder, which tallied the votes into separate columns1. Unfortunately, this invention didn’t gain much interest from Congress, but it marked the beginning of Edison’s prolific career as an inventor.
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October 28, 1868
In October 1868, while working in Boston, Thomas Edison obtained his first patent for an invention called the “electrographic vote recorder”. This device allowed legislators to cast instant votes by tapping one of two switches—either signifying a “yes” or a “no” vote. The information was then transmitted via electric current to a main recorder, which tallied the votes into separate columns1. Unfortunately, this invention didn’t gain much interest from Congress, but it marked the beginning of Edison’s prolific career as an inventor.
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October 28, 1868
Thomas Alva EDISON and Mary Jane STILLWELL 25 December 1871, Newark, New Jersey, USA
He was 24 years old.
1872 Birth of ChildMarion Estelle "Dot" EDISON was born 18 February 1872, , New Jersey, USA
Thomas Alva was 25 years old.
1876 Birth of ChildThomas Alva EDISON was born 10 January 1876, Edison, New Jersey, USA (Raritan)
Thomas Alva was 28 years old.
1877 - Thomas Edison announces his invention of the phonograph, a machine that can record sound, considered Edison's first great invention. Edison demonstrates the device for the first time on November 29.
November 21, 1877
Thomas Edison announces his 'talking machine' invention (phonograph), the 1st machine to play and record sound. onthisday.com
The Phonograph.
The Scientific American contains the first announcement of what may be the most wonderful invention of the day - Edison's Phonograph. The Sun says that nothing could be more incredible than the likelihood of once more hearing the voice of the dead, yet the invention of the new instrument is said to render this possible. Hereafter it is true that the voice is stilled, but whoever has spoken or whoever may speak into the mouth-piece of the Phonograph and whose words are recorded by it has the assurance that his speech may be produced audibly in his own tones long after he himself has turned to dust. A strip of indented paper travels through the little machine and the sounds of the voice are magnified by it and positively sentenced and hence is heard as plainly as if it were presented speech.
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Cambridge Jeffersonian
Cambridge, Ohio
November 15, 1877
November 21, 1877
Thomas Edison announces his 'talking machine' invention (phonograph), the 1st machine to play and record sound. onthisday.com
The Phonograph.
The Scientific American contains the first announcement of what may be the most wonderful invention of the day - Edison's Phonograph. The Sun says that nothing could be more incredible than the likelihood of once more hearing the voice of the dead, yet the invention of the new instrument is said to render this possible. Hereafter it is true that the voice is stilled, but whoever has spoken or whoever may speak into the mouth-piece of the Phonograph and whose words are recorded by it has the assurance that his speech may be produced audibly in his own tones long after he himself has turned to dust. A strip of indented paper travels through the little machine and the sounds of the voice are magnified by it and positively sentenced and hence is heard as plainly as if it were presented speech.
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Cambridge Jeffersonian
Cambridge, Ohio
November 15, 1877
1878 Birth of ChildWilliam Leslie EDISON was born 3 October 1878, Menlo Park, New Jersey, USA
Thomas Alva was 31 years old.
1879 - Incandescent light bulb is invented (Thomas Alva Edison, United States)
In the year 1879, a pivotal moment in technological advancement unfolded when Thomas Alva Edison, an industrious inventor from the United States, successfully developed the incandescent light bulb. This groundbreaking invention marked a significant leap forward in the realm of artificial illumination. Edison's design employed a carbon filament, which, when electrified, emitted a steady and reliable light, outlasting previous attempts at electric lighting. This innovation not only extended the hours of productive activity beyond sunset but also paved the way for the widespread adoption of electric power, fundamentally transforming daily life and industry. Edison's incandescent light bulb stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of progress during the late 19th century.
Edison still claims that his electric light is a complete success, and says he can now furnish it at one-third the cost of gas, but he thinks that he can make the difference in price...Read MORE...
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In the year 1879, a pivotal moment in technological advancement unfolded when Thomas Alva Edison, an industrious inventor from the United States, successfully developed the incandescent light bulb. This groundbreaking invention marked a significant leap forward in the realm of artificial illumination. Edison's design employed a carbon filament, which, when electrified, emitted a steady and reliable light, outlasting previous attempts at electric lighting. This innovation not only extended the hours of productive activity beyond sunset but also paved the way for the widespread adoption of electric power, fundamentally transforming daily life and industry. Edison's incandescent light bulb stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of progress during the late 19th century.
Edison still claims that his electric light is a complete success, and says he can now furnish it at one-third the cost of gas, but he thinks that he can make the difference in price...Read MORE...
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1879 - December 31 – Thomas Edison demonstrates incandescent lighting to the public for the first time in Menlo Park, New Jersey.
On December 31, 1879, Thomas Edison made a significant mark in history by publicly demonstrating his incandescent lighting system in Menlo Park, New Jersey. This event showcased the practical and revolutionary potential of electric light, which was a significant improvement over the gas and oil lamps commonly used at the time. Edison's demonstration featured a street lit with incandescent bulbs, drawing a crowd of eager onlookers and capturing the attention of the press and public alike.
This public demonstration was a pivotal moment in the development of electric lighting. It not only highlighted Edison's ingenuity and the effectiveness of his incandescent bulb but also marked the beginning of the widespread adoption of electric light, transforming urban and industrial environments. Edison's achievement laid the groundwork for the electrification of homes and cities, fundamentally changing how people lived and worked.
Visit , New Jersey, USA
December 31, 1879
On December 31, 1879, Thomas Edison made a significant mark in history by publicly demonstrating his incandescent lighting system in Menlo Park, New Jersey. This event showcased the practical and revolutionary potential of electric light, which was a significant improvement over the gas and oil lamps commonly used at the time. Edison's demonstration featured a street lit with incandescent bulbs, drawing a crowd of eager onlookers and capturing the attention of the press and public alike.
This public demonstration was a pivotal moment in the development of electric lighting. It not only highlighted Edison's ingenuity and the effectiveness of his incandescent bulb but also marked the beginning of the widespread adoption of electric light, transforming urban and industrial environments. Edison's achievement laid the groundwork for the electrification of homes and cities, fundamentally changing how people lived and worked.
Visit , New Jersey, USA
December 31, 1879
1882 - September 4 - Thomas Edison flips the switch to the first commercial electrical power plant in history, lighting one square mile of lower Manhattan. This is considered by many as the day that began the electrical age.
On September 4, 1882, Thomas Edison ushered in a new era by flipping the switch to activate the first commercial electrical power plant in history. Located in lower Manhattan, New York, this momentous event illuminated one square mile of the bustling cityscape, marking the dawn of the electrical age. Edison's plant, known as the Pearl Street Station, was a pioneering endeavor that demonstrated the feasibility and practicality of supplying electricity to urban areas for lighting and other purposes.
Visit Manhattan, New York, USA (New York City) (New Amsterdam) (Washington Heights)
September 4, 1882
On September 4, 1882, Thomas Edison ushered in a new era by flipping the switch to activate the first commercial electrical power plant in history. Located in lower Manhattan, New York, this momentous event illuminated one square mile of the bustling cityscape, marking the dawn of the electrical age. Edison's plant, known as the Pearl Street Station, was a pioneering endeavor that demonstrated the feasibility and practicality of supplying electricity to urban areas for lighting and other purposes.
Visit Manhattan, New York, USA (New York City) (New Amsterdam) (Washington Heights)
September 4, 1882
The first gravity roller coaster amusement ride (LeMarcus A. Thompson, United States)
Mary Jane STILLWELL died 9 August 1884, Menlo Park, New Jersey, USA
Thomas Alva EDISON and Mina MILLER 24 February 1886, Akron, Ohio, USA
He was 39 years old.
1888 Birth of ChildMadeleine EDISON was born 31 May 1888, Glenmont, New Jersey, USA
Thomas Alva was 41 years old.
1890 Birth of ChildCharles EDISON was born 3 August 1890, West Orange, New Jersey, USA
Thomas Alva was 43 years old.
The motion picture camera is invented (Thomas Alva Edison, William K.L. Dickson, United States)
First Perforated Toilet Paper Roll is Patented
1891 - The motion picture camera is invented (Thomas Alva Edison, William K.L. Dickson, United States)
LIGHT AND SOUND UNITED
EDISON OUTDOES HIMSELF IN THE KINETOGRAPH.
It is to Reproduce a Picture of What Passes Before the Mechanical Eye - With the Phonograph the Invention Will Serve to Take the Opera Into the Parlor - A Rapid-Transit Road Under Broadway - General New York News.
NEW YORK, May 27. - (Special.) - From the laboratory of the Wizard of Menlo Park there is coming an invention which out-Edisons Edison. It is the marriage of the phonograph to the camera - the union in one instrument of sound and sight. With it the opera can be carried into the parlor and the artists cannot only be heard but can also be seen. The popular preacher, the eminent public speaker, with it all can be brought to the home.
The new wonder will be called the 'kinetograph,' a strange sounding title to the ear today, but destined perhaps soon to become as familiar as locomotive or telephone, both strange words in their infancy. Mr. Edison has been at work on this newest conception of his genius for...Read MORE...
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Chicago Daily Tribune
Chicago, Illinois
May 28, 1891
LIGHT AND SOUND UNITED
EDISON OUTDOES HIMSELF IN THE KINETOGRAPH.
It is to Reproduce a Picture of What Passes Before the Mechanical Eye - With the Phonograph the Invention Will Serve to Take the Opera Into the Parlor - A Rapid-Transit Road Under Broadway - General New York News.
NEW YORK, May 27. - (Special.) - From the laboratory of the Wizard of Menlo Park there is coming an invention which out-Edisons Edison. It is the marriage of the phonograph to the camera - the union in one instrument of sound and sight. With it the opera can be carried into the parlor and the artists cannot only be heard but can also be seen. The popular preacher, the eminent public speaker, with it all can be brought to the home.
The new wonder will be called the 'kinetograph,' a strange sounding title to the ear today, but destined perhaps soon to become as familiar as locomotive or telephone, both strange words in their infancy. Mr. Edison has been at work on this newest conception of his genius for...Read MORE...
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Chicago Daily Tribune
Chicago, Illinois
May 28, 1891
1898 - Thomas Alva Edison produced first motion picture in New Mexico
In 1898, Thomas Alva Edison, renowned for his prolific inventions, made significant strides in the realm of motion pictures by producing one of the earliest films in the rugged landscapes of New Mexico. Edison's pioneering work in motion pictures began in the late 19th century, driven by his curiosity and technological ingenuity. This particular production marked a milestone as it showcased Edison's early experiments with film technology in a new and visually stunning setting.
New Mexico's scenic vistas and diverse terrain provided an ideal backdrop for Edison's film, capturing the attention of audiences and demonstrating the potential of moving images on screen.
Visit , New Mexico, USA
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ nmtimeln.htm
In 1898, Thomas Alva Edison, renowned for his prolific inventions, made significant strides in the realm of motion pictures by producing one of the earliest films in the rugged landscapes of New Mexico. Edison's pioneering work in motion pictures began in the late 19th century, driven by his curiosity and technological ingenuity. This particular production marked a milestone as it showcased Edison's early experiments with film technology in a new and visually stunning setting.
New Mexico's scenic vistas and diverse terrain provided an ideal backdrop for Edison's film, capturing the attention of audiences and demonstrating the potential of moving images on screen.
Visit , New Mexico, USA
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ nmtimeln.htm

The Edison New Standard Phonograph
Price $20
National Phonograph Co., New York
The Ladies' Home Journal
November 1898
Read more about Manhattan, New York, USA (New York City) (New Amsterdam) (Washington Heights)
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1898 Birth of ChildTheodore Miller EDISON was born 10 July 1898, , New Jersey, USA
Thomas Alva was 51 years old.
The bra is invented (Mary Phelps Jacob, United States)

Harvey Firestone, President Coolidge, Henry Ford, Thomas A Ediston, Russell Firestone, Mrs. Collidge, Col. John Coolidge at Plymouth, Vt., Aug. 19, 1924
Postcard
Postcard
Posted in the Past: Revealing the true stories written on a postcard
18 October 1931
West Orange, New Jersey, USA
He died at the age of 84.

Thomas A. Edison Vocational School
Read more about Elizabeth, New Jersey, USA
Postcard
Posted in the Past: Revealing the true stories written on a postcard
Added: 3/24/2022 4:44:10 PM
- Updated: 12/9/2024 12:47:57 AM
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