Early Life

Philo Taylor Farnsworth was born on August 19, 1906, in a log cabin in Beaver, Utah. As a boy, he was fascinated with electricity and machines. His family moved to Idaho when he was 12. It was there, while plowing fields, that he imagined scanning an image line by line the same way he plowed rows in a field. This idea later became the basis for his invention of electronic television. By the time he was a teenager, he was taking apart appliances to see how they worked. His curiosity and love of invention would lead him to change the world.

Invention of Television

While still in high school, Farnsworth imagined sending pictures through the air using electronic signals. At only 21 years old, he built the first fully working electronic television system in 1927. His invention used an “image dissector” tube to turn images into electrical signals that could be sent and displayed on a screen. This idea was far ahead of its time and became the foundation of modern television.

Struggles and Success

Even though Farnsworth invented television, he faced many challenges. Large companies, such as RCA, tried to claim the invention for themselves. Farnsworth spent years in legal battles to prove he was the true inventor. In the end, he won credit for his work, but he did not become very wealthy from it. Still, his invention changed the way people around the world receive news, learn, and are entertained.

Later Life and Legacy

After his television breakthrough, Farnsworth continued to invent. He worked on nuclear fusion, radar, and other technologies. Sadly, he struggled with health problems and financial difficulties. He died on March 11, 1971, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Today, he is remembered as the “Father of Television,” and his creativity continues to inspire inventors and scientists everywhere.

Discussion Questions

1. What inspired Philo Farnsworth to become an inventor?
2. Why was Farnsworth’s invention of electronic television so important?
3. What challenges did he face in protecting his invention?
4. How has television changed the world since Farnsworth’s time?

Glossary

• Image dissector: A device invented by Farnsworth to turn images into electrical signals.
• Electronic signals: Messages carried by electricity to transmit information.
• Patent: A legal right that protects an inventor’s idea.
• Nuclear fusion: A process of combining atoms to release energy, which Farnsworth studied later in life.

Five Interesting Facts

1. Farnsworth got the idea for electronic television while plowing fields as a boy.
2. He was only 21 years old when he demonstrated the first working television in 1927.
3. RCA, a powerful company, tried to claim television as their invention, but Farnsworth won in court.
4. He appeared on the TV show “I’ve Got a Secret” in 1957, where his secret was being the inventor of television.
5. A statue of Farnsworth stands in the U.S. Capitol to honor his contributions.

Timeline

• 1906: Born in Beaver, Utah.
• 1927: Demonstrated the first working electronic television.
• 1930s–40s: Fought legal battles to protect his invention.
• 1957: Appeared on “I’ve Got a Secret.”
• 1971: Died in Salt Lake City, Utah.