The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1872-11-20
TIE FIRST WOMAN INVENTOR.

Massachusetts Mechanics Under q New
master--The Work Of q Wonderful
Yankee Girl.
Correspondence Of the New York SUM-
AMHERST, MASS, November l3
It has often been saiu that there is no me
chanical genius in woman; but there is rep
resentattVe woman near here who is endowed
with remarkable mechanical genius. Hell
name Is Miss Martha Wright. She has In,
vented machine for manufacturing paper
bags. The contrivance is very simple, con
sisting of but little machinery, and ls already
pronounced an Invaluable acquisition to The
Northampton Holyoke and Chicopee.
AfortuIe Is predicted tor the inventress In
compsxstirely short time. The authorities at
the Patent Office, Washington, say this Is the
first complete invention gotten out by woman.
Miss Knight is now experimenting the max
ing of the machines, which are being manu-
factured at the Ames Company's works.
Chlcopee. Some amu,ing and interesting ac-
counts are given of her first visit to the WORKS.
The plans for machines had been sent on pre-
ylously, and preparations had been made to
begin the machinery.
On her arrival much curiosity was manifest
ed by the workmen regarding her. All they
were aware OF was that the plans had been
sent, and that they were drawn by a woman.
There was not particle of fault to be found
with them; they were correct to dot. But
thew were not convinced. probably she had
man to tell her everything" the workmen
ayerred, and so they believed.
On the day of her first appearance N the shops
all tools were dropped, and the whole force of
men stood facing her. Not IN the least lntlml-
dated, she met their scrutiny with frank,
honest smile, that at least won their friendly
regard. ,,
When she went on to explain her plans. and
when,' wishing to Illustrate more particularly
her meaning, she actually stepped TO one OF
the mems places and did herself what she
wanted done, instead Of asking to have 1t done
for her. they were not only surprised, 0ut
convinced at once of her entire capaolllty OF
managing her own affairs, and all the en-
ployees were ready to do whatever she said
they were 10 do.
since that time she has made them diurnal
visits. goes down and labors with them her.
self. detects mistakes and flaws with keener
eve than most men, and she has gained the
admiration, respect and friendship OF every
man In the large establishment. They all
have word of welcome for her, and ner Vlslts
to them are the relasantest parts Of the day.
In personal appearance Miss Knight Is de-
cldedly prepossessing. She Is tall, we'll
developed woman, with frank, pleasant face,
very expressive, honest and fearless, with
blue ewes and light brown hair, which che
wears plain, with coil at the back Of her
head. Her manner is singularly simple, being
entlrelYtree from affectatlon. She has way
of going straight to the point at once when
she desires to say anything, and her mode OF
expression Is decided and correct.
When friend, In conversation, ventured
to wonder some ut the popularity OF her pres
eilt vocation, and could not explain how a
woman should ever do anything In machinery,
she sensibly said:
t.It is only following out nature. never
cared for things that girls usually admire;
dolls never possessed any charms Tor me.
oonld not see the sense OF coddling bits ofpor-
celain with senseless faces. The only things
wanted were jaok-knife, gimlet and pieces
of wood. NY friends were horrifed. was
styIed Tom.boy, but that made but little Dill
ference to me, and effected no impression
whatever. sighed sometimes because was
not IKE other girls: but wisely concluded That
I could not help It, and sought further conso-
lation nom my tools. l was always making
things for my brothers; did they want any
said: Matte will make them for u.s. was
famous for my kites, and my. sleds were the
envy and admiration Of all the boys 10 town.
Pm not surprised at what I've done. I'm only
eorry could not have had as good chance
as. q boy, and been put to my trade regu-
larly."
Yet she knows as much about machinery as
though she had made 1t study all her lie. II
is q genuine gift. Miss Koight Is native OF
Boston, but was employed In one OF tne ln,ge
paper bag manufactures near Northampton
Tor some time, and 1t was while 80 engaged
that she first conceived the creation OF
machine that would save labor in paper Dag
manufacturing. Several attempts have oee9
made before to invent something oil thls klRd,
but all haved proved unsuccessful.
$50: -, 81 j. - -------.--~~---