Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History
Benson Lossing, Ed.

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Gray, Elisha 1835-

Electrician; born in Barnesville, O., Aug. 2, 1835; in early life was a blacksmith, carpenter, and boatbuilder. Later he went to Oberlin College, where he followed special studies in physical science, supporting himself by working at his trade. In 1867 he invented a self-adjusting telegraph relay, and soon afterwards designed the telegraphic switch and annunciator for hotels, the private telegraph line printer, the telegraphic repeater, etc. In 1872 he organized the Western Electric Manufacturing Company, but in 1874 withdrew from it. In 1876 he claimed to have invented the speaking telephone, but after a memorable litigation that honor was awarded by the courts to Prof. Alexander Graham Bell. In 1893 Professor Gray invented the telautograph, which so far improved the telephone and the telegraph as to transmit the actual handwriting of messages. He established the Gray Electric Company at Highland Park, Ill., and organized the Congress of Electricians, in connection with the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893, and was its chairman. His works include Experimental researches in electro-harmonic telegraphy and telephony; and Elementary talks on Science. He died in Newtonville, Mass., Jan. 21, 1901.