John Haven Emerson

About

Inventor who created a practical and affordable version of the iron lung artificial respirator.

Before Fame

He took over a machine shop at age 22 from a local merchant and quickly began working on his own inventions.

Trivia

He made an improved version of an existing iron lung, but its patent holder sued him for infringement and lost.

Family Life

His cousin Maxfield Parrish contributed drawings to some of his patents.

Associated With

He was related to Ralph Waldo Emerson.