Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931), dubbed “The Wizard of Menlo Park”, is considered one of the most prolific inventors in history - holding 1,093 U.S. patents in his name, as well as many patents in the United Kingdom, France and Germany - was also a scientist and businessman who developed many devices that greatly influenced life around the world. Edison also founded 14 companies, including General Electric, which is still in existence and is one of the largest publicly traded companies in the world; the Edison Electric Light Company in New York City; and the Edison Illuminating Company, among others. Thomas Edison died of complications of diabetes on October 18, 1931, in his home of “Glenmont” in Llewellyn Park in West Orange, New Jersey, which he had purchased in 1886 as a wedding gift for his second wife, Mina. He is buried behind the home. Inventor Thomas A. Edison, the great "electrical wizard," paid a memorable visit to Los Angeles and made a tour of the schools on October 28, 1915. The arrow points out Mr. Edison in his car when he was welcomed by the children at one of the schools. Mr. Edison, who was 68 years old at the time, motored from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles with a party including Mrs. Edison, Grace Miller, his sister, Harvey S. Firestone, Amos C. Miller and William Bee.
Edison, Thomas A.--(Thomas Alva),--1847-1931 Inventors--California--Los Angeles Schools--California--Los Angeles Herald-Examiner Collection photographs
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