Thomas Edison

The story, in brief.

Thomas Alva Edison was an American inventor and businessman known for his work on the incandescent light bulb, the phonograph, electric power distribution and early motion pictures. The merger of the Edison General Electric Company and the competitor Thomson-Houston Electric Company resulted in the formation of General Electric. Edison registered 1,093 patents in the United States.

Introduction from Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full biography ↗

A life in milestones.

Selected records from Wikidata. Ages are approximate; “c.” marks uncertain dates. This is a starting point for exploration, not a complete life history.

1. 1847
   Life

   Born in Milan

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2. 1879~ age 32
   Recognition

   Knight of the Legion of Honour

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3. 1881~ age 34
   Recognition

   Officer of the Legion of Honour

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4. 1889~ age 42
   Recognition

   Commander of the Legion of Honour

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5. 1889~ age 42
   Recognition

   John Scott Award

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6. 1889~ age 42
   Recognition

   grand officer of the Order of the Crown of Italy

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7. 1895~ age 48
   Recognition

   Rumford Prize

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8. 1899~ age 52
   Recognition

   Edward Longstreth Medal

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9. 1908~ age 61
   Recognition

   John Fritz Medal

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10. 1920~ age 73
    Recognition

    Navy Distinguished Service Medal

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11. 1929~ age 82
    Recognition

    John Scott Award

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12. 1931~ age 84
    Life

    Death

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