This inventor created little battery-powered lights to illuminate flowers in their pots. But he gave away the project in 1898 to Conrad Hubert, who couldn't care less about lighted flower pots. Instead Hubert developed the idea into the modern flashlight and founded the Eveready Company, making a fortune worth millions.

But the original inventor wasn't bitter, because he went on to develop something even more noteworthy. What?

Joshua L. Cowen --- Lionel trains

Interesting story, Professor!

Yes, that's it -- and your link was my source as well. Note that Mr. Cowen's middle initial "L." stands for "Lionel." Good work, Kelleygirl.