The Portland daily press., 1868-05-08

Miscellany.
Pat Lyon, the philadelphia BIacLsnni,I,

Pat Lyon, the Philadelphia Blacksmith
In an article on John Neagle the artist, in
Lippincott's Magazine, we find the following
anecdote of Patrick Lyon, the famous "re-
tired blacksmith" of Philadelphia:
Shortly after his return to Philadelphia
1925, while at work one day in his studio,
PAT Lyon, the celebrated retired blacksmith,
called, and seeing Neagle, said:
"rnis presume, is Mr.. Neagle"
eyes, sir, that is my name"
81 wish you, sir, to paint me at full length,
the size OF life, representing me at the smith
cry, with bellows-blower, hammers, and all
the et-ceteras OF the shop around me"
Thinking he did not know the expense of
a large picture, with two figures and all the
surroundings our artist said:
"This, sir, will be large and difficult work,
and the expense considerable"
Mr. Lyon replied. "D-n the expense |" up
on which Neagle added
"Even the canvas will cost several dollars"
"Here is the moneys go ahead, Lyon said:
how much more will you have to start on?"
Presently, he added, 81 wish you to under
stand clearly, Mr.. Neagle, that do not de-
sire to be represented in this picture as
gentleman-to which character | have no
pretentions want you to paint me at work
at my anvil, with my sleeves rolled up and
leather apron on. have had my eye up
on you. have seen your pictures, and you
are the very man for the work."
All arrangement was then made for the
first sitting, which was a mere head to try
the likeness This was so satisfactory to Mr..
Lyon and his friends that the full length was
Immediately proceeded with. During the
progress the painter visited the blacksmith
shop in the navy yard, and other shops
throughout the city, and made a number of
sketches, in order to become acquainted with
the detail of the business. On one occasion
Neaole made sketch of man with a paper
cap on his head.
What are you doing?" said Lyon.
81 am sketching this man for bellows
blower'
Pooh! pooh do not do anything so alb
surd. No blacksmith was ever seen with a
paper cap on bis head while at work."
Atterward, Neagle showed him sketch of
an anvil, hoopcd around with an iron band
looped in manner to receive the tools.
Lyon laughed at this, saying, "Put no
such thing in m7 picture, for truths sake! A
genuine blacksmith would scorn such a
thing. Horse shoers only, who strike and do
their own blowing, would descend to such
thing! Why, my dear sir, you will always
find that legitimate blacksmith has his
tools placed in a framework around the bel
lows. He calls for each tool wanted. and it
is handed to him by the bellows-blower"
Lyon was remarkable man in more res
poets than one; he had fine mathematical
mind, and worked his problems out on paper
before he cut his iron. He was renowned as
blacksmith. He built the Diigent fire en-
glne, and it remained the best of Philadel-
phia engines for forty years after his death.
1t was machine OF remarkable power and
singular accuracy and skill. Lyon Was noted
likewise as manufacturer of hydraulic en-
gines, locks, and everything relating to his
business. A characteristic anecdote is re-
lated OF him:
An iron chest in one of the banks could
not be opened on account of the key having
been mislaid. Lyon was sent for to pick the
lock. He came and opened it.
"What is your charger" asked the presi-
dent.
"Ten dollars" answered Lyon.
THAT is exorbitant," said the other.
VERY well" replied Lyon, shutting down
the lid again, perhaps some one will do it
for you more cheaply." He then walked
away.
One OF two other persons were applied to
and failed in their attempts to open the
chest, SO it became necessary to send for Lyon
again, who came and reopened it.
Here is your ten dollars,n said the presi-
dent.
"No," replied Lyon. sit must now be twen-
ty"
Il will not give it," exclaimed the presi-
dent, putting his hands ON the lid of the
chest, and attempting to force it entirely
open.
take your hands away" shouted Lyon,
''or will smash them," and the hands were
instantly withdrawn and the lid shut down.
1t was case of great urgency, and, cost
what it might, the chest must be opened;
SO they concluded they had better give him
the twenty dollars, for Lyon said he would
charge them ten dollars for each VISIT
Thereupon the money was paid, and Lyon
departed, considerably elated at having tri-
umphed over the meanness of the President.