ILLIAC I (the second of two computers) was the brainchild of Abraham H. Taub and became operational in 1952.
It was the second of two identical computers, the first of which was ORDVAC, also built at the University of Illinois. The project was the brainchild of Ralph Meagher and Abraham H. Taub, who both were associated with Princeton's Institute for Advanced Study before coming to the University of Illinois. The ILLIAC I became operational on September 1, 1952. 
