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What Happened on October 4th
October 4, 1903
Computer Pioneer Atanasoff Born
John Vincent Atanasoff was born in Hamilton, New York. As a math and physics professor at Iowa State University in the 1930s, he developed the idea for a calculating machine that would use binary arithmetic and electronic switching devices. He recruited a doctoral student, Clifford Berry, and together they built the Atanasoff-Berry Computer.
The two innovators were only recognized much later for their work, which preceded John Mauchlyβs better-publicized construction of the ENIAC. Atanasoff died on June 15, 1995.