, 1868-12-18
Pat. Lyon, the Philadelphia Blacksmith.

In an article on John Neagle, the artist,
in LippincoRs Mogasine, we find the fol-.
lowing anecdote of Patrick Lyon, the famous
retired blacksmith of Philadelphia:
Shortly after his return to Philadelphia
(lS2j,) while at work one day in his studio,
Pat Lyon, the celebrated retired blacksmith,
called and seeing Neagle said:
'This, presume, is Mr.. Neagle?
Yes, sir, that is my name
Il wish YOU, sir, to paint me at full length,
the size of life. representing me at the
smithery, with a bellows blower, hammers,
and all the et-ceteras Of the shop around
me-
Thinking he did not know the expense of
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 expenses (!
upon which Neagle added
'Even the canvass will cost several dollars
'Here is the money; 90 ahead Lyon
said how much more will you have to start
onY Presently he added, Il wish you to
understand clearly, Mr. Neagle, that do
not desire to be represented in this picture
as gentleman-to which character / have
no professions. l want you to paint ME at
work at my anvil, with my sleeves rolled up
aud a leather apron on. l have had my eve
upon you. | have. seen your pictures, aud
yuu are the very man for the work.
An arrangement was then made for the
first sitting, which was a mere head to try
the likcncss. 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 black
smiths in the navy yard, and other shops
throughout the city, and made number Of
sketches, in order to become acquainted with
the details of the business. On one occas-
lou Neagle made sketch of man with a
paper cap on his head.
What are you doing" said Lyon.
i am sketching this man for bellows
blower
Pooh. pooh. do not DO anything SO
absurd No blacksmith was ever seen with
paper cap on while at work
Afterward, Neagle showed him a sketch
of an anvil, hoped around with an iron
band looped in manner to receive the
tools
Lyon laughed at this, saying, Put no
such thing in my 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 a thing Why, my dear sir, you will
always find that a legitimate blacksmith has
his tools placed in a frame work around the
bellows. lie calls for each tool wanted and
it is handed to him by the bellows blower
Lyon was a remarkable man in more re-
spects than one. He had fine mathemat-
ical mind, and worked his problems out on
paper before he cut his iron. He was res
nowned as a blacksmith. He built the Dill
igent fire engine, and it remained the best
of Philadelphia engines for forty years after
his death. 1t was a machine of remarkable
power and singular accuracy and skill. Lyon
was noted likewise as a manufacturer of hy>
draulic engines, locks aud everything relat.
ing to his business. A characteristic anec-
dote is related 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 aud opened it.
What is your charge?' asked the Presi>
dent.
Ten dollars answered Lyon.
That is exorbitant, said the other.
Very WE'LL replied Lyon, shutting down
.he lid again, perhaps some one will do il
for you mere cheaply.' He then walked
sway.
One or two other persons were applied to
and failed in their attempts to open the
chest, so it became necessary to send tor
Lyon again, who came and reopened it.
Here is your ten dollars, said the Presl-
dent.
No. replied Lyon, 'it must now be twenty.
will not give it, exclaimed the Presi'
dent putting his hand on the lid of the
chest, and attempting to force it entirely
open.
Take your hands awayl shouted Lyon,
or will smash them,' and the hands were
Instantly Withdrawn and the lid shut down,
II Was case of great urgency, and cost what
"mght, the chest must be opened ; SO they
concluded they had better give him the twen'
dollars, for Lyon said be would charge
Yen dollars for each visit Thereupon the
money was paid, and Lyon departed. con-
siuefaoly elated at having triuwphed oVei
'Ne meanness of the President