Thomas Alva Edison was born February 11, 1847. When Edison was a child he enjoyed reading. He read many science and chemistry books.

Edison sold newspapers and candy when he was twelve years old. He rode a train from town to town to sell them. Edison made a laboratory inside one of the train cars. He did different chemistry experiments during the ride from town to town.

Edison said one day a man lifted him onto a train by his ears. Edison said after that he could not hear.