John B. McCormick

Marker Text:

Designed the first of the modern mixed-flow type of water turbine, thus making an important contribution to American industry. He began his experiments in 1868 on the water wheel of a sawmill at nearby Armagh. He died near Smicksburg in 1924.

McCormick designed the first of the modern mixed flow type of water turbine. He worked at the machine shop of Brown, Son and Co. It was destroyed in 1868. Manufacturing rights in the rest of the U.S. territory were signed over McCormick. A problem occurred when a McCormick type turbine was being sold in England as "British type gated turbine" under a British patent. In order to prevent his patents from being used without paying royalties, he paid informants to keep a watchful eye. On his tombstone are the words, "The first to tread an unknown path or a new truth to paid claim is by the world's dual realm of thought pronounced eccentric or insane."

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Directions to the John McCormick Historic Marker

Start an Indiana Courthouse (On Philadelphia Street between 8th and 9th).

Go east on Philadelphia Street for 0.1 miles and turn right onto 7th street.

Be certain to stay in the left lane on 7th street to continue strait on it. After 0.35 miles, turn onto Wayne avenue. (Total distance 0.45 miles)

After 3.45 miles, merge onto 119 S. (Total distance 3.9 miles)

After another 10.3 miles, turn left onto Route 22 E. (Total distance 14.2 miles)

After another 10.4 miles you come to the sign. (Total distance 24.6 miles)

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