Thomas Alva Edison, or Al as he was often called, was a great man.
His inventions are so popular and commonplace that today that we often take them for granted. He has helped us in many ways and that's what makes him a hero.
Tom was born on February 11, 1847. From the very start of his life he had
problems. He often got into trouble because he was so curious about things. One
time he set his fathers barn on fire. "He said he made a small fire in it just to see
what it would do" ( Josephson , 13). The fire quickly spread and burnt the barn
down. To punish him for this his father spanked him in the town square right in
front of everyone. Also his curiosity made people think things about him that
weren't true. He was always asking questions.…
