John Wilson

John Wilson, born on December 5, 1856, in Boston, Massachusetts, was an influential American engineer and inventor known for his pioneering work in electrical engineering. The son of a newspaper editor and a schoolteacher, Wilson exhibited an early aptitude for science and mechanics. After graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1879 with a degree in electrical engineering, he joined the Edison Electric Light Company, where he made significant contributions to the development of the electric light bulb.

Wilson's most notable achievement was the invention of a more efficient electrical transformer in 1886, which greatly improved the distribution of electrical power over long distances. This innovation was crucial in the expansion of electrical grids and made electricity more accessible to remote areas. Throughout his career, he published numerous papers on electrical engineering and held over 30 patents.

In addition to his technical work, Wilson was a dedicated educator. He returned to MIT as a professor of electrical engineering, where he inspired a generation of engineers with his passion for innovation and practical problem-solving.

John Wilson retired in 1925, but his legacy continued through his contributions to modern electrical engineering. He passed away on January 12, 1936, leaving behind a lasting impact on the field of electrical engineering and the modernization of American infrastructure.