Latimer was born in 1848 in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and from a young age, he was all about learning and creating. He taught himself drawing and drafting, which eventually led him to work with some of the biggest inventors of the time. It's pretty cool to think that this self-taught guy was hanging out with the likes of Edison and Bell, don't you think?
Latimer's attention to detail and artistic skills made him a valuable asset to his employers, and he quickly became known for his patent drawings. Yep, you read that right - patent drawings! He was the guy who helped bring inventions to life on paper, making it easier for people to understand complex ideas. It's kind of like he was the original tech illustrator!