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(1791-1872), was engaged in painting in his early life and gained considerable prominence as an artist. He conceived the idea of an electro-magnetic telegraph in a conversation with Charles T. Jackson in 1832. He immediately applied himself to the task, and in 1837 exhibited his invention. After repeated appeals Congress appropriated $30,000 in 1843 for a telegraph line between Washington and Baltimore, which was successfully tested in 1844. The number and character of the honors he received was seldom equalled. His system is almost universally employed.