b. November 17, 1788 and d. March 31, 1870

American inventor. Manufacture of nails and cut files with improved machines of his own construction. He improved the machine originally devised by his father for leather-splitting, which he adapted for the splitting of sheep-skins and thin leather for bookbinder’s use. In 1819 he produced a superior article of patent leather. From 1831-’35 he manufactured malleable iron castings. He introduced the cast-iron prome or bed used in stationary steam-engines and substituted the straight axle in place of the crank in locomotives. His most important invention was the cut-off in place of the throttle valve and he connected the same with the governor. He also invented a “hat-body doming machine.”

 Keep upon the anvil ringing
 Stroke of hammer; on the gloom
 Set ‘twixt cradle and ‘twixt tomb
 Shower of fiery sparkles flinging;
 Keep the mighty furnace glowing;
 Keep the red ore hissing, flowing
 Swift within the ready mould;
 See that each one than the old
 Still be fitter still be fairer
 For the servant’s use, and rarer
 For the master to behold. —Work Away 1093 B. C.—Files were used in Judea.

 1093 B. C.—Files were used in Judea.

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