 He is, however, best known for the invention of the electric heating coil – the basis for numerous ubiquitous household and industrial appliances, including electric stoves, space heaters, and toasters – and the invention of the first electric toaster.William Hoskins was born in 1862 to parents John and Mary Ann Hoskins, in Chicago.Hoskins would complete just two of three years of Chicago High School; despite having an interest in chemistry, he would gain no formal education in chemistry throughout his early years.