Christopher Latham Sholes
American politician and typewriter inventor

Born
February 14th, 1819
206 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1890
135 years ago — 71 years old
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
United States
Links & References
An influential figure in American publishing, contributed to the development of the typewriter. Served as a politician in the Wisconsin State Legislature. Developed a practical version of the modern typewriter, which led to widespread use in offices and homes. The QWERTY keyboard layout, designed to reduce jamming in early typewriters, was established through this innovation. Efforts in publishing included founding the first newspaper in Wisconsin.
Invented the QWERTY keyboard layout
Developed the first commercially successful typewriter
Served in the Wisconsin State Legislature
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