b. October 30, 1790 and d. April 6, 1871

American manufacturer. When a boy he invented a pump which is still in use. In 1824 he built the largest tannery in the world around which grew the present town of Prattsville, N. Y. The post-office in Washington was erected according to his plans. He was one of the earliest advocates of a Pacific railroad.

I cannot play upon any stringed instrument;
but I can tell you how of a little village to make a
great and glorious city.

—Themistocles

Of iron and glass erect the crowning dome,
That centuries, as they pass, may see man’s first united home,
And all his mighty heart playing its happy part
Before the ages still to come! ’tis well
Obeyed is the Law, children shall tell
Their children’s children what they saw.

—Ode on the Great Exhibition of 1850.

Leather was known in Egypt and Greece and the thongs of manufactured hides were used for ropes, harness, etc., by all ancient nations. They understood the art of tanning it. 1788, October 23—A leather cannon was proved at Edinburgh and found to answer.

1633—Shoes as at present worn were introduced.

1765-1813, January 25—Francois Rene Curadau lived. He improved the processes of tanning leather, of making soap and of making beet sugar. He also invented stoves.