< previous character
< previous character (alphabetically)
< previous Anglican / Episcopalian character
Religion: Episcopalian 
Name: Christopher Sholes
Other Names: C. L. Sholes; Christopher Latham Sholes
Classification:
real/historical person
Publisher(s): 
Earliest Appearance Listed in This Database: Batman (vol. 1) #292 (Oct. 1977): "The Testimony of the Riddler!"
Creators: David Vern (as David V. Reed), John Calnan, Tex Blaisdell
Number of Appearances: 1
Occupation: inventor, politician, printer, publisher
Birth Place: Mooresburg, Pennsylvania, USA
Gender: male
Note: invented typewriter
Christopher Sholes is regarded as the "father of the typewriter" for having created the first practical and usable mechanical typewriter. This real historical figure was used as a clue in a riddle the Riddler delivered to Batman in Batman #292 (Oct. 1977).
Stefan Niros, wealthy shipping magnate, commissioned a jewel-encrusted typewriter as a birthday present for his wife, Elena. The Riddler planned to steal the typewriter. The riddle he delivered to Batman was:
Shall we play the Riddler's game--
With meaning changed, but word the same?
Then find the founder who found fame,
Before he founders in his name!
The Riddler later described his crime and how his riddle pertained to it. In panel 3 on page 9 of this story, the Riddler recounted: "This incredible prize, of course, was what had been in the armored truck -- and was the ultimate answer to the riddle in the mirror! You see, the typewriter was invented in 1868 by a man named C.L. Sholes -- its founder -- meaning one who casts metals, as he did!"
Batman (vol. 1) #292 (Oct. 1977): "The Testimony of the Riddler!" (mentioned)
Suggested links for further research about this character and the character's religious affiliation:
- http://www.nndb.com/people/360/000162871/
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Sholes
- https://www.comics.org/issue/31496/