Morris Michtom
Morris Michtom | |
|---|---|
Michtom in New York | |
| Born | September 12, 1869 |
| Died | July 21, 1938 (aged 68) |
| Occupation(s) | Inventor, businessman |
| Spouse | Rose |
| Children | Emily (1897–1986) and Joseph (1890–1951) |
Morris Michtom (September 12, 1869 – July 21, 1938) was a Russian-born businessman and inventor who, with his wife Rose, also a Russian Jewish immigrant who lived in Brooklyn, founded the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company. Michtom came up with the idea for the teddy bear in 1902 (the same time Richard Steiff in Germany came up with an idea for a stuffed toy bear with movable limbs). After Michtom's death, the company became the largest doll-making company in the United States.