Contrary to popular belief, Thomas Edison did not invent the light bulb, but instead he helped improve it. Thomas Edison was born on February 11, 1847 in Milan, Ohio. He grew up in Port Huron, Michigan. Thomas was married twice and had six children. He died on October 18, 1931 at the age of 84. Many people view Thomas Edison as a great American. By inventing the phonograph, improving the light bulb, and inventing the first motion picture camera, Thomas Edison can be considered a great American.