John Hays Hammond, Jr.

John Hays Hammond, Jr. (April 13, 1888 – February 12, 1965) was an American inventor known as "The Father of Radio Control" and son of mining engineer John Hays Hammond, Sr.. Born in San Francisco, California, his family moved to South Africa and the Transvaal in 1893. His father was active as a mining engineer in the fabulous mines of South Africa. In 1898, the family moved to England, where young Hammond fell in love with castles and life in ea... more

John Hays Hammond, Jr. (April 13, 1888 – February 12, 1965) was an American inventor known as "The Father of Radio Control" and son of mining engineer John Hays Hammond, Sr.. Born in San Francisco, California, his family moved to South Africa and the Transvaal in 1893. His father was active as a mining engineer in the fabulous mines of South Africa. In 1898, the family moved to England, where young Hammond fell in love with castles and life in earlier times. The family returned to the United States at the turn of the century. At the age of twelve, Hammond accompanied his father on a business trip to Thomas Edison’s laboratory in West Orange, New Jersey. Upon being introduced to Edison, the boy asked so many questions that the inventor gave him a personal tour of the complex and assumed the role of mentor. The two would remain in contact for the rest of Edison’s life. While studying at the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale University, Hammond became interested in the new study of... less