Possible Clues:

• There isn't an edge to the turn of this inventor
• New Jersey city
• Little boy with current issue of 'The Inventor'
• A scientific American gets no party back-up
• He made light of his inspiration and...
• US inventor of phonograph, electric light etc.
• Seems that the editor is willing to have got one on the telephone
• Inventor, Thomas
• Thomas - - , inventor
• Here indeed is one man of genius