William Francis Channing
William Francis Channing | |
|---|---|
Portrait of Channing in 1847 | |
| Born | 22 February 1820 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | 19 March 1901 (aged 81) Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Education | Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania |
| Occupation(s) | Physician, scientist, inventor |
| Parent(s) | William Ellery Channing Ruth Gibbs |
| Relatives | William Ellery (great-grandfather) William Ellery Channing (cousin) William Henry Channing (cousin) |
William Francis Channing (February 22, 1820 – March 19, 1901) was an American physician, scientist, and abolitionist known for inventing the telegraph fire alarm system and contributing to the development of the telephone. He published books on medicine and electricity, and patented several inventions. Channing was also involved in Boston abolition activities including the Latimer Committee and the Boston Vigilance Committee.