Ever wondered about the financial footprint left behind by the man who illuminated the world? Thomas Edison's impact wasn't just measured in patents and inventions, but also in the substantial wealth he amassed, reflecting his genius and entrepreneurial acumen.
Thomas Edison, a name synonymous with innovation and ingenuity, reshaped the modern world with his inventions. Beyond his groundbreaking contributions to electrical engineering, his financial success tells another compelling story. At the time of his death on October 31st, 1931, Edison's estate was valued at approximately $12 million. While this figure alone is impressive, adjusting for inflation reveals the magnitude of his wealth in contemporary terms, estimated to be around $170 million to $200 million. This substantial net worth underscores his legacy as not only a brilliant inventor but also a shrewd businessman who successfully commercialized his technological advancements.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thomas Alva Edison |
| Birth Date | February 11, 1847 |
| Birth Place | Milan, Ohio, USA |
| Death Date | October 31, 1931 |
| Death Place | West Orange, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Inventor, Businessman |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Stilwell (m. 18711884), Mina Miller (m. 18861931) |
| Children | Marion Estelle Edison, Thomas Alva Edison Jr., William Leslie Edison, Madeleine Edison, Charles Edison, Theodore Miller Edison |
| Early Life and Education | Born in Milan, Ohio, in 1847. Moved to Port Huron, Michigan, in 1854. Limited formal education; largely self-taught. |
| Career Highlights | Inventor of the incandescent light bulb, phonograph, motion picture camera, and numerous other devices. Founded General Electric. |
| Key Inventions | Incandescent light bulb, phonograph, motion picture camera, alkaline storage battery. |
| Patents Held | 1,093 US patents |
| Company Founded | General Electric (co-founder) |
| Net Worth (at death) | Estimated $12 million (approximately $170 - $200 million adjusted for inflation) |
| Source of Wealth | Inventions and commercialization of technologies |
| Real Estate Holdings | Glenmont Estate in Llewellyn Park, West Orange, New Jersey |
| Legacy | Revolutionized modern technology and industry; his inventions continue to impact daily life globally. |
| Reference Link | National Park Service - Thomas Edison National Historical Park |
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