Draft:Charles Williams Jr.

Charles Williams Jr.
Born	March 2, 1830 Somerville, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died	April 14, 1908(1908-04-14) (aged 78) Somerville, Massachusetts, U.S.
Occupations	Electrical manufacturer, inventor
Known for	World's first commercial manufacturer of telephones; Associate of Alexander Graham Bell

Charles Williams Jr. (March 2, 1830 - April 14, 1908) was an American telegraph equipment manufacturer and inventor who played a key role in the birth of the telephone through his work with Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Watson, and the Bell Telephone Company. His workshop at 109 Court Street in Boston served as the site where they conducted the experiments that led to the invention, patenting, and commercialization of the telephone. Williams then became the world's first commercial manufacturer of telephone equipment.

Early life and career

Williams was born in Somerville, Massachusetts. In the late 1840s, he began his career as an apprentice in the electrical shop of Moses G. Farmer and later worked for George W. Palmer. By 1856, Williams had established his own telegraph equipment manufacturing business at 109 Court Street, Boston.

In addition to designing and producing equipment for telegraph companies, Williams' shop became a hub for inventors and electrical engineers. Notable figures who utilized his facilities included Thomas Edison, who developed his first patented invention (the universal stock ticker) there, and Joseph Stearns, who worked on the duplex telegraph.

Collaboration with Alexander Graham Bell

In 1874, Alexander Graham Bell, then a professor of vocal physiology at Boston University, began using Williams' shop to construct apparatus for his "harmonic telegraph." Williams assigned his most skilled apprentice, Thomas A. Watson, to assist Bell.

It was in this workshop on June 2, 1875, that Bell and Watson first successfully transmitted sound over a wire. Following the patenting of the telephone in 1876, Williams was granted the exclusive right to manufacture Bell's instruments.

Telephone manufacturing

In April 1877, the first outdoor telephone line was run from Williams’ shop at 109 Court Street to his home in Somerville.

Williams began working closely with Bell and Watson to produce the earliest phone prototypes and production models, and Williams' shop produced the earliest commercial models of the telephone, including the "Coffin" set and various magneto-electric call apparatus. In 1882, the shop was sold to the Western Electric Manufacturing Company, which eventually became the primary manufacturing arm of the Bell System (now AT&T). Following the sale, Williams stayed as its manager. He retired in 1886.

Personal life and legacy

Williams was a prominent citizen of Somerville, serving as a member of the local government. His residence, the Charles Williams Jr. House at 1 Arlington Street in Somerville, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

He died in Somerville on April 14, 1908.

External links

• Biography at Telegraph-History.org
• NPS: 109 Court Street

Category:1830 births Category:1908 deaths Category:American inventors Category:People from Somerville, Massachusetts Category:People from Boston