Alexander Graham Bell

Where and when was Alexander Graham Bell born?

Alexander Graham Bell was born on March 3, 1847, in Edinburgh, Scotland.

What were Bell's parents names and occupations?

Alexander Melville Bell ( Alexanders father ) was an expert on the mechanics of voice and elocution. Alexander's mother, who was nearly deaf, became an accomplished pianist and inspired him to undertake big challenges.

Did Alexander have any siblings? If so, what were their names?

Alexander had two brothers, Melville James Bell and Edward Charles Bell, both of whom died from tuberculosis.

What school did Alexander go to?

Alexander was home schooled by his mother. He received one year of formal education in a private school and two years at Edinburgh's Royal High School.

Where and how did they promote the telephone?

At the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, in 1876, Bell demonstrated the telephone to the Emperor of Brazil, Dom Pedro, who said, "My God, it talks!"

Did Bell hit any problems on his way to promote Watson and his invention?

Bell was summoned to Washington D.C. to defend his telephone patent from law suits by others claiming they had invented the telephone or had conceived of the idea before Bell. Over the next 18 years, the Bell Company faced over 550 court challenges, including several that went to the Supreme Court, but none were successful.

How many people started to use the telephone once it was discovered?

Between 1877, and 1886, over 150,000 people in the U.S. owned telephones.

Who did Bell marry? When?

July 11, 1877, Alexander Graham Bell married Mable Hubbard, a former student and the daughter of Gardiner Hubbard, his initial financial backer.

When were Bell and Watson successful on the telephone?

March 10, 1876, Bell and Watson were successful. Legend has it that Bell knocked over a container of transmitting fluid and shouted, "Mr. Watson, come here. I want you!" Bell heard a noise over the wire. Watson heard Bell's voice through the wire and thus, he received the first telephone call.

Who helped Alexander make the telephone? How did they help him?

Thomas Watson, a skilled electrician, was hired to refocus Bell on the harmonic telegraph. Watson soon became interested with Bell's idea of voice transmission and the two created a great partnership. Bell being the idea man and Watson having the expertise to bring Bell's ideas to reality.