Words Dots Theodore Roosevelt Mcelroy Made Telegraph Speed

Theodore Roosevelt McElroy, "named after" (with the same as) U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909), was "renowned" (famous; well known) for his ability to operate "telegraphs." Before telephones made modern communication possible, "telegraphs" allowed people to send messages quickly over long distances by breaking and reconnecting electric signals, resulting in a "code" (a system of communication understood by only a few people) of dots and "dashes" (long horizontal lines). Those dots and dashes could be "translated" (expressed in another way or language) by telegraph operators, who were able to identify the letters that "corresponded to" (matched) each group of dots and dashes and, from that, "record" (write down) the words and sentences. Operators also "encode" (put into code) written messages for "transmission" (sending and receiving) as "telegrams" (messages sent by telegraph).

McElroy learned "Morse Code" (the most common method of encoding words in dots and dashes) when he was a teenager, and his speed quickly increased. In 1922, he entered a code copying contest and "won easily" (performed far better than the competitors) at a speed of 56 words per minute. His highest speed ever recorded at an official competition was 77 words per minute in 1939. He could also "type" (use a typewriter, a machine with keys with a letter on each one operated by firming pushing each key that then produced letters on a piece of paper) around 150 words per minute.

In his 30s, McElroy created a manufacturing company that made telegraph keys and other "accessories" (pieces that complement a telegraph machine). He made millions of dollars during World War II, when telegraphs were important for the military. Later in life, he continued to "demonstrate" (show to other people) his coding abilities until he "passed away" (died) in 1963.