Edison High School - Wizard Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

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N Milan, Ohio, on February 11, 1847, was born a boy whose life was to have a direct effect on future generations. This boy, Thomas A. Edison, has since become the foremost inventor of the world and has completely changed the aspect of present day industry. When he was a boy, people thought he was “addled,” but this served only to make little “Al,” as he was called, more determined to prove his ability. Except for three months in a public school, Edison received his education from his mother, and his later success was due in a large measure to her influence. At a very early age he showed an inclination toward mechanical and chemical lines. He set up a laboratory in the basement of his home and all his extra money was spent for chemicals for this laboratory. Here he experimented while his mother on the floor above was in constant dread of being blown up. In order to get more money for chemicals, Edison became a newsboy on a train. One day as he stood on the train platform talking to the station agent, the agent’s daughter, who was playing nearby, wandered on to the railroad tracks. Edison, always on the alert, saw her and at the same time he became aware of an approaching train. Rushing to her he succeeded in snatching her from the path of the oncoming locomotive although he himself was knocked down. In appreciation of the saving of his daughter, the station agent suggested that he teach Edison telegraphy, and of course, Edison accepted the offer gladly. Sixteen

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