Who invented the Flashlight?

I’ve searched the web. I’ve searched this site. Somehow, I can’t find the answer to this question.

I’d think the guy would be famous. Anybody out there have the neccessary bit of knowledge to answer this?

Sounds like million-dollar-question material.

I saw this on the History Channel a few days ago. I’m sorry that I can’t remember all of the names of the people involved.

The guy who later founded Lionel Train was messing around with light bulbs in flower pots. He sold the idea to one of his employees (or maybe relatives), who refined the idea and founded the Eveready battery and flashlight company. I did a search under “Eveready” and under “Lionel Train” trying to get more names and dates, but I couldn’t find anything. Eveready is now owned by Energizer, and their website has media and customer contact information. If I catch that bit again on the History Channel I’ll make some notes, if you’re not able to find the information before then.

From Encyclopedia America

They likely didn’t last very long, either. One of the more astounding successes of modern technology is the use of marketing strategies to extend battery life. I still love that old Boy Scout flashlight with the non-longitudinal lens. My father’s dates from before WWII.

This site from about.com tells the story pretty much as Otto related it.