Thomas Alva Edison "Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration." - Thomas Alva Edison, Harper's Monthly (September 1931) Born: February 11, 1847 Milan, Ohio Died: October 18, 1931 (aged 84) West Orange, New Jersey Occupation: Inventor, entrepreneur Spouse: Mary Edison, Mina Edison Thomas Alva Edison (February 11, 1847 – October 18, 1931) was an American inventor and businessman who developed many devices which greatly influenced life around the world. Dubbed ...