Many years ago, my great-grandfather Carmino M. immigrated to America with his wife Philomena. They had 10 kids and he went to work with a genius, one you may have never heard of.

As it was told to me, Carmino worked as a technician with Charles Steinmetz.

Charles Proteus Steinmetz (born Karl August Rudolph Steinmetz, April 9, 1865 — October 26, 1923) was a German-born American mathematician and electrical engineer and professor at Union College. He fostered the development of alternating current that made possible the expansion of the electric power industry in the United States, formulating mathematical theories for engineers. He made ground-breaking discoveries in the understanding of hysteresis that enabled engineers to design better electromagnetic apparatus equipment, especially electric motors for use in industry.[1][2][a]
At the time of his death, Steinmetz held over 200 patents.[3] A genius in both mathematics and electronics, he did work that earned him the nicknames “Forger of Thunderbolts”[4] and “The Wizard of Schenectady”.[5] Steinmetz’s equation,[b][6] Steinmetz solids, Steinmetz curves, and Steinmetz equivalent circuit[7] are all named after him, as are numerous honors and scholarships, including the IEEE Charles Proteus Steinmetz Award, one of the highest technical recognitions given by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers professional society.

Standing only 4 feet tall, he had dwarfism, hunchback, and hip dysplasia, as did his father and grandfather.

But this did not stop him from making a big impact on the world. At the time of his death, he held over 200 patents. He was a genius in mathematics and electronics. He regularly worked with Edison and Einstein.

My great-grandfather Carmino worked with him as a lab assistant and became good friends with him. At some point during their friendship, Steinmetz gifted my great-grandfather a piano.

He was a very kind person and helped out his other employees as well.

When Joseph LeRoy Hayden, a loyal and hardworking lab assistant, announced that he would marry and look for his own living quarters, Steinmetz made the unusual proposal of opening his large home, complete with research lab, greenhouse, and office to the Haydens and their prospective family. Hayden favored the idea, but his future wife was wary of the unorthodox arrangement. She agreed after Steinmetz’s assurance that she could run the house as she saw fit.[13]
After an uneasy start, the arrangement worked well for all parties, especially after three Hayden children were born. Steinmetz legally adopted Joseph Hayden as his son, becoming grandfather to the youngsters, entertaining them with fantastic stories and spectacular scientific demonstrations. The unusual, harmonious living arrangement lasted for the rest of Steinmetz’s life.[13]

Group tour of the Marconi Wireless Station in Somerset, New Jersey in 1921, including Steinmetz (center) and Albert Einstein (to his right)

Charles Steinmetz: Union's electrical wizard

He was a small man whose body was contorted by a hunchback that shriveled his torso and enlarged his head to…

muse.union.edu

Charles Proteus Steinmetz - The Henry Ford

Charles Steinmetz applied mathematical theory and scientific methods to practical engineering, helping shape the…

www.thehenryford.org

He passed away in 1923 at age 58, at the height of his popularity. While his life was cut short, he accomplished more than many would ever be able to accomplish in 100 years.

And now 100 years later, you can visit his cabin at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan.

According to the Henry Ford Museum:

This cabin was originally located on a steep bank overlooking a tributary of the Mohawk River, just outside of Schenectady, New York. Its simplicity was a contrast to the General Electric laboratories where Steinmetz spent his workweek. It served as a getaway — for quiet study or writing, but also for more animated weekend camp gatherings for selected friends and associates.