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I like watching TV shows such as "Mountain Men", it makes me appreciate the times I live in. I don't know if I could live on a homestead now, no matter how much I might want to escape the traffic and "business" of the big city. One person on "Mountain Men" is a blacksmith. He made me wonder what my 4th g-grandfather had to do in the mid-1800's. He was a blacksmith in Mississippi and Arkansas. And that's about all I know about him.  John Pollock, Blacksmith John Pollock was born in 1800 in Kentucky and from his picture he reminds me of my grandfather. These artisians were called blacksmiths because they forged the black metal which is iron after it was heated and smith comes from the Proto-German "smithaz" which means skilled worker. According to a blacksmithing website the blacksmiths in the 1800s were more skilled and more in demand (of course!). The work was not always perfect since it was done by hand. Blacksmiths of today use machines and technology to obtain the near perfect tools they make. Blacksmiths like my g-grandfather used everyday metals like iron and steel. Today's blacksmiths use everything including aluminum. Blacksmithing is considered an art that very few people have been able to master. Blacksmiths did more than just make shoes for horses as is shown on TV westerns. They made nails and tools like hoes and shovels to plows and anything else made from metal that was needed. Source: "Blacksmithing 101" URL: https://greatexpectationsblacksmithdob.weebly.com/
3 Comments
Your article, "Blacksmithing - the Differences between the 1800s and Today," offers a fascinating exploration into the evolution of blacksmithing, beautifully intertwining personal family history with broader historical context. Your reflection on your 4th great-grandfather, John Pollock, and his craft in the mid-1800s provides a tangible connection to the past, highlighting the meticulous skill required in an era without modern machinery. The contrast you draw between the handcrafted imperfections of yesteryears and today's technologically enhanced precision offers readers a profound appreciation for the artistry and evolution of the trade. Thank you for sharing this insightful piece that not only preserves your ancestral legacy but also educates us on the rich history of blacksmithing. This is a fascinating and well-researched post! Your comparison of blacksmithing in the 1800s versus today is both informative and engaging. I love how you highlight the evolution of techniques, tools, and the craft itself. It’s clear you have a deep understanding and respect for the trade, and your insights make it accessible to a wider audience. Thank you for sharing such a captivating and educational piece! Leave a Reply. |
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