Karl August Rudolph Steinmetz was born in Prussia, now a part of Poland. While working on his doctorate at the University of Breslau in the 1880s, he faced arrest for promoting socialism, resulting in his emigrating to the United States in 1889. He changed his name to Charles Proteus Steinmetz and began working for Rudolf Eickemeyer in Yonkers. A few years later Eickemeyer’s firm was bought by General Electric, and Steinmetz made a name for himself as an engineering wizard. His contributions to alternating current led to the growth of the electric power industry.
Steinmetz with Student Socialists, 1887-1888, courtesy of Steinmetz Digital Collection of Schenectady
Charles Steinmetz with Student Socialist colleagues at the University of Breslau pose for a group picture, 1887-1888.
Portrait of Steinmetz Taken in Yonkers, 1889, courtesy of Steinmetz Digital Collection of Schenectady
This portrait of Charles Steinmetz was created shortly after his arrival in the United States in 1889 or 1890. Steinmetz had dwarfism and was 4’ tall as an adult.