John B. McCormick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John B. McCormick
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McCormick in his workshop
at J. W. Jolly, c. 1890 |
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| Born |
John Buchanan McCormick
November 4, 1834 Skelp, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Died | August 21, 1924 (aged 89) South Mahoning Township, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Education | Self-educated |
| Occupation | Inventor, engineer, musician |
| Years active | 1868–1924 |
| Children | 2 |
John Buchanan McCormick (born November 4, 1834 – died August 21, 1924) was an American mechanical engineer. He is famous for inventing the "Hercules" water turbine. This was the first modern mixed-flow water turbine.
McCormick also created other versions, like the Holyoke-McCormick and Achilles turbines. His work built upon earlier designs by James B. Francis. McCormick's improvements started a new era in turbine design. His inventions were made and used across the United States and in Europe.
Early Life and Interests
John B. McCormick was born in Pennsylvania in 1834. Before becoming an engineer, he was a music teacher. He taught classes in many schools in Indiana County.
McCormick had two brothers who fought in the Union Army during the American Civil War. One of his brothers died in battle. McCormick himself held different political views. He was against the abolitionist industrialists in the North. He saw them as people trying to gain from the war.
The Hercules Turbine
McCormick's most important invention was the "Hercules" water turbine. A water turbine is a machine that uses the force of moving water to create power. This power can then be used to run factories or generate electricity.
His design was a "mixed-flow" turbine. This means water flows through it in both a radial (from the center outwards) and axial (along the axis) direction. This made his turbines very efficient. They could produce a lot of power from water flow.
For some years, McCormick worked as an engineer and mechanic. He was employed at the Holyoke Machine Company. Later, he left that company. He then started working for a machinist firm called J. W. Jolly.
Later Life and Legacy
After his engineering career, John B. McCormick bought a large farmhouse in Pennsylvania. This was in 1902. He lived there with his wife and their two children.
He expanded the farmhouse between 1902 and 1905. He added a large stone parapet, which is a low protective wall. Today, this house is known as the John B. McCormick House. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important historical site.
McCormick passed away in 1924 at the age of 89. His inventions greatly helped the growth of industry. They provided a powerful way to use water for energy.
Images for kids
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An illustration of the Hercules Turbine, designed by McCormick.
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