Christopher Latham Sholes, an American inventor, was awarded a patent for his invention called the 'Type-Writer' on June 23, 1868. Sholes had been working on a machine that could replicate handwriting and facilitate the writing process faster than by hand. Collaborating with his friends Carlos Glidden and Samuel W. Soulé, Sholes developed the initial design of the type-writer, which featured a QWERTY keyboard layout — a configuration that remains in use today. The invention aimed to transform business and personal communication by allowing individuals to produce typewritten documents efficiently.

The patent issued to Sholes officially recognized his contributions to the field of writing technology and inspired further innovations in the realm of office machinery. The earliest models faced challenges, including mechanical issues and the need for ink application methods. However, Sholes continued to refine the design, leading to the development of commercially viable typewriters. In 1873, the first commercially successful typewriter was produced by E. Remington and Sons, which included Sholes' designs and innovations, greatly expanding the reach and adoption of the technology in workplaces.

The significance of Sholes' invention cannot be understated. With the type-writer, the ability to produce clear, legible documents transformed business operations and communication within society. This innovation was a precursor to the modern computer keyboard we use today, and it helped establish the basis for future developments in printing and writing technology. Sholes' contributions reflect the 19th-century spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, driving forward the industrialization of office work and laying the foundation for the evolution of communication methods.