In the early part of the 20th century, Jared B. McLane manufactured patent power hammers. His power hammer design was apparently also licensed to Champion Blower & Forge Co. A Champion-made McLane power hammer can be seen in a Photo Index entry. McLane's power hammers were a minor sideline to his main business of wagon making. McLane was also awarded patents for a metal shearing machine and a punching machine, but we have no evidence that these machines were ever manufactured.
McLane was born in Pugwash, Nova Scotia, in 1853. He apprenticed at a local carriage maker and blacksmith shop. In 1873 he moved to North Reading, Mass., and opened a blacksmith shop. He later expanded into wagon making, and achieved considerable success making commercial wagons for police, ice delivery, meat, milk, and so on. At one point he had at least 50 employees.
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