Life story
Jozef Murgaš was born on 17 February 1864 in Tajov near Banská Bystrica. He studied theology and became a Catholic priest, but alongside his faith two passions drew him throughout his life — painting and science. In both he achieved more than was expected of a village parish priest.
In 1896 he set out to join his Slovak countrymen in Wilkes-Barre in American Pennsylvania. Alongside his priestly ministry he devoted himself to experiments with the wireless transmission of signals and patented a method of faster radio communication. He is among the pioneers of radiotelegraphy.
His inventions improved the transmission of Morse code and were ahead of their time; some of his patents were later used by others. He was also a gifted painter and botanist, a collector of minerals and a patron of Slovak life in America.
He died on 11 May 1929 in Wilkes-Barre, where he is also buried. Long forgotten in his homeland, today his name is borne by a telecommunications award and by public squares. He remained proof that a great idea can arise even in a quiet parish beyond the ocean.
Biographical information from public sources. Portrait: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).
Constellation of Life
Important milestones that shaped their journey.