Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-11-03
Mechanical GenIus.

On Jefferson street, a little south OF New
Houston, In this city, is a small, wooden
tenement row, facing an open square or
park to the east shaded by grove OF
patriarchal oaks. Hearing that the occu-
pant Of one OF these tenements had invented
a pICce Of machinery we thought much
needed In the country, on Wednesday last
we knocked at the third door in the range,
was ushered in and conducted up stairs. In
avery small bedroom, before an open win
dow, looking out upon the grove and
quietly eating frugal dinner from plate
on his lap, sat the inventor. BE turned
his great hoary face full upon
us and presented a picture for an artist. He
was mounted upon three-Wheeled adjusta-
BILE car or vehicle of his own manufacture,
uniquely modelled and quaint enough to
suggest the ancient war chariOts seen In pic
lures. The man him self seemed exactly in
harmony with the vehicle, and panOplied as
an ancient Eastern monarch, with bis
huge flowing gray beard, high
cheek bones, massive head, and
somewhat rugged exterior, he would
have presented no iDaDt ideal OF venera-
BILE Xerxes or Pharaoh. This was Mr.. Elias
Dahl, 81 years Of age, native OF North
Carolina, but for many years q resident of
this city, where, nine years ago, while en-
ga ed in some work which exposed him to
wind and water, he contracted cold, was
prostrsted upon a bed OF atillction, and
suffered excruciating agony Dor many
long and weary years. Much was
done by physicians and friends
to alleviate his sufferings and&estore him to
usefulness, bHt the demon Of deathless
agony and wee seemed to claim him all Its
own. His wrinkled and worn features,
though strong in the evidences Of finely
developed manhood, gave abundant proof
OF the desperate struggle death so long
maintained against bis powerful constltu-
ton. But vitality triumphed, and partial
relief came at last-he could sit up and
employ his hands, though hopelessly de-
priVed OF the use of his lower limbs.
Oppressed with poverty. and want IN spite
OF the generosity Of friends, and possess
ing talent for mechanics, be readily turned
his hand to the manufacture of various
small articles OF domestic use, constructed
the model wheeled chair upon which he
now moves himself about, improvised and
perfected many mechanical tools he needed
but had 40 means tn purchase, and has now
fairly got his genius in harness for some
good service. He has the model Of bed
stead, OF a covered wagon body, OF wheel
barrow, of garden cultivator, Of tenant
shave, of jack and smoothing planes, OF
many other useful articles not now
remembered, except his latest Invention,
which we reserved for the last, because it is
his chief pride, and was the object of our
visit. This is a device for cleaning rice,
which, we suppose, must be called mill.
We shall not attempt to describe #, as It
has not yet been patented, but will say that
# is something new, cheaplY constructed,
works with facility. cleans rice rapidly and
well with very little breaksge, and is
adapted to family use. Mr.. Dahl eonVerses
genially on all matters, especially about his
patents, or rather his mo iels, for none Of
them are vet patented for want Of means,
exhibits and explains their operations and
merits, and we are glad to say they are be-
| ginning to attract some attention from those
who chance upon q visit to his humble
home. There seems 80 be no limit to his
capacity for such work, and were be pro-
vided with means and encouraged in his
| labor there is no telling what his genius
| might not turn out So worthy a citizen,
coursgeously struggling against misfortune
In so many cruel forms, not only deserves
our sympathy, but our warmest commenda-
ton and support.