Edward A. Calahan | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1838 Boston, Massachusetts |
| Died | 1912 (aged 73–74) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Inventor |
| Known for | Invention of ticker tape, gold and stock tickers, multiplex telegraph system |
Edward Augustin Calahan (1838–1912) was an American inventor, credited with invention of aticker tape, gold and stock tickers, and a multiplextelegraph system.[1]
Calahan was born inBoston, Massachusetts. He left school at the age of 11 to pursue his interest to be part of a modern business.[2]
Calahan came toNew York in 1861 and made his residence inBrooklyn.[1] He joined as chief telegrapher in Western Union telegraph company's New York office atManhattan. While working withWestern Union, he encountered a group of rushing messenger boys which inspired him to improve exchange communications. These young men called runners had to dash from the Stock Exchange to their offices to report the changes in share values. Calahan realized that the prices could be sent directly via telegraph to each broker's office much more quickly and efficiently in a permanent stream of information.[3]With the idea, he invented theticker tape in 1867.[4] After many years of work he started the company ADT security, which still stands today. He was inducted to theNational Inventors Hall of Fame in 2006 for this invention.[2]