Testimony of Lewis H. Latimer in Patent Interference Case (July 12, 1889)

Letter

Lewis Latimer House

Name/Title

Testimony of Lewis H. Latimer in Patent Interference Case (July 12, 1889)

Subject

This document is a portion of a transcript of a legal proceeding in which Lewis H. Latimer, a mechanical draftsman, testifies on behalf of Perkins in a patent interference case. The document is dated July 12, 1889, and records Latimer’s responses to questions regarding his professional background, employment history, and relationship with Charles G. Perkins. It details his work experience with various electric lighting companies, including the United States Electric Light Co., Imperial Electric Lighting Co., and Mather Electric Light Co. The document provides insight into Latimer’s contributions to the development of electric lighting technology during a period of rapid innovation.

Subject Person/Organization

Lewis H. Latimer

Context

Lewis H. Latimer was a pioneering African American inventor and draftsman who contributed to the development of electric lighting. He worked with Alexander Graham Bell and for Thomas Edison, drafting crucial patent designs, including those for the telephone and improvements to electric lightbulbs. This testimony sheds light on his role in the burgeoning electric industry of the late 19th century, particularly in relation to patent disputes—a common occurrence in the competitive field of electrical engineering. One of Latimer’s key tasks working for Edison was as a knowledgeable and effective expert witness testifying in patent lawsuits, as in this case.

Collection

The Lewis H. Latimer Papers (1870-1929, 1972) [QPL Subgroup], Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]

Transcription

Met pursuant to adjournment, July 12th, 1889 10 o'clock. Present: Counsel as before. Lewis H. Latimer, a witness called in behalf of Perkins, testifies as follows, in reply to question proposed by counsel for Perkins: Q1. State your name, residence, age, and occupation. A. Lewis H. Latimer, age 40, occupation, mechanical draughtsman, residence 324 E. 55th Street, New York. Q2. Do you know Charles G. Perkins, one of the parties to this interference, and if so, when did you make the acquaintance? A. I do. In Fall of 1879. Q3. What was your occupation at that time? A. I was a draughtsman in the employ of a Mr.Fp;;ansbee, in Bridgeport, Conn. Q4. State briefly what acquaintance you have had with Mr. Perkins, since that time? A. I was employed with him by the United States Electric Light Co., in the year 1880 and 1881, was in his employ or practically in his employ, when he was with the Imperial Electric Lighting Co., in 1884 and 1885, also with him in the employ of the Mather Electric Light Co., in Hartford, Conn., in 1885, and had met him at frequent intervals up to the present time. Q5. Were you employed as a draughtsman by the United States Electric Co.? A. I was, for some time. Q6. Did you ever make any drawings for Mr. Perkins while with this Company?

Transcriber

Aisha Abdul Rahman