This Unusual Device Was Invented in KY and Then It Disappeared

In high school, I was a member of the speech team and participated in speech tournaments around Kentucky. One of those events was named after Nathan B. Stubblefield. While I was competing back then, it never occurred to me to look this man up.

But his named resurfaced recently and guess what? We have this wonderful thing called the Internet. As a matter of fact, you're using it right now. And what I learned about Stubblefield is that, based on what I now know, he would have LOVED this magical online world.

Nathan B. Stubblefield

While history has always given Guglielmo Marconi the credit for inventing the radio, I wouldn't bring that up if you visit Murray KY. In those parts, Nathan Stubblefield gets that love, and, in fact, is the reason Murray has been unofficially dubbed the "Birthplace of Radio."

Was Radio Invented in Kentucky?

In 1902, Stubblefield invented a wireless, battery-powered telephone. His first attempt utilized conduction. The perfected version was based on magnetic induction. Was it radio? That's been up for debate among the science community for more than a century. Stubblefield did eventually get his patent but couldn't market his invention. The following post finishes the sad story and features an illustration of his wireless telephone.

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And now check out how a replica of Stubblefield's coil works. (I feel like I'm at a science fair.)

Wireless Telephone

I'm no expert, but this "wireless telephone" sounds like a crude way to describe a MOBILE PHONE. I told you earlier that I thought Nathan B. Stubblefield would find all forms of technology in which we immerse ourselves daily deeply fascinating.

If you can find a Stubblefield device, good luck. Without marketing, I doubt any were ever mass-produced. Can you imagine KNOWING you've invented something that will change the world, and then one little misstep (the marketing issue) and then someone swoops in with the transistor.

Nathan B. Stubblefield's is a fascinating story but, ultimately, a very sad one, too.