Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb and one of the greatest minds in history, was a romantic at heart. He was married twice in his life, and his second marriage was to Mina Miller. But, how did Thomas Edison propose to Mina Miller? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the story behind their engagement and the proposal that won her heart.
Thomas Edison and Mina Miller
Before we delve into the proposal story, let’s take a moment to learn more about Thomas Edison and Mina Miller. Thomas Edison was born on February 11, 1847, in Milan, Ohio, and grew up to become one of the most prolific inventors in history. He had a long and successful career, with over 1,000 patents to his name. Mina Miller, on the other hand, was born on July 6, 1865, in Akron, Ohio, and was the daughter of a prominent inventor, Lewis Miller. She was well-educated and had a keen interest in the arts.
The two first met in 1885 when Mina was just 19 years old, and Edison was 38. At the time, Edison was still married to his first wife, Mary Stilwell, who was seriously ill. Mina became a friend of the family and was known to have taken care of Mary during her illness. Unfortunately, Mary passed away in August 1884, leaving Edison a widower with three children.
The Proposal
After Mary’s death, Edison became very close to Mina and her family. He spent a lot of time with them and soon developed feelings for Mina. However, he was hesitant to pursue a relationship with her because of their age difference. Eventually, he decided to propose to her in a way that was both creative and memorable.
The proposal took place on February 24, 1886, at the home of Mina’s parents in Akron, Ohio. Edison had arranged for a string quartet to play outside the house, and when Mina stepped outside to investigate the source of the music, she found Edison standing there with a small box in his hand. The box contained a diamond engagement ring, and as Mina later recalled, Edison asked her to marry him by saying, “I am not a rich man, but I have a good name. Will you share it with me?”
Mina accepted his proposal, and the couple was married on February 24, 1886, exactly one year after their engagement. They went on to have three children together and were married for 13 years until Edison’s death in 1931.
The Legacy of Thomas Edison and Mina Miller
Thomas Edison and Mina Miller’s marriage was a successful and happy one. They shared a love of the arts, and Edison often credited Mina with being his muse and inspiration. After their marriage, Mina became heavily involved in her husband’s work, helping him run his company and even acting as his secretary.
Their legacy as a couple is still felt today. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Florida, which was once the winter homes of Thomas Edison and his friend Henry Ford, is now a museum and cultural center that celebrates their lives and achievements. Mina also played an important role in the establishment of the Edison Institute, which later became the Henry Ford Museum.
Conclusion
Thomas Edison’s proposal to Mina Miller was both romantic and memorable. He used music and a heartfelt speech to express his love for her and asked her to share his name and life with him. Their marriage was a happy and successful one, and they both made important contributions to the world of science and culture. Today, they
