Lewis Howard Latimer (Chelsea,1848 – Flushing,1928) Sailor, patent draughtsman and inventor. Before his birth, both his parents had escaped slavery in Virginia and settled in Massachusetts. His father was recognised by a friend of his former owner and arrested. He was finally able to buy his freedom and live with his family in Chelsea. Having served in the US Navy, Latimer began work at a patent law firm, where he patented the improved design of the Thomas Edison’s light bulb, with a more resistant carbon filament. Another one of his patents was an improved toilet for trains.