Book: Tinker

Like wide open tulips in a vase. At peak color. In the moment. Their stems and heads twist and turn gracefully to face the source of light. As they inevitably age, they writhe, appearing to be in agony. In the end, the petals wither, dry, and fall away. Life is much like that. It’s fleeting. Make the most of it.

Tinker is the story of one lifetime lived in an altogether different era – a bygone era – yet, not really that long ago. This is an imagined but somewhat account of his life.

John D. Weaver, known as Tinker in his old age, was a watch and clock maker. He began his life using oil lamps and an outhouse, riding in a buggy or wagon, fetching water, and walking long distances. He was the son of a Prussian immigrant and lived in Central Pennsylvania. As a seventeen-year-old he fought with the Union in the War Between the States.

In the course of his life span, he witnessed many changes – including the invention of the automobile, indoor plumbing, refrigeration, electrical power, and telephone lines that began to lace rural households together into communities. He saw the rise of industry, commerce, and above all inventions – remarkable inventions. He was among the first to buy a Ford and a Victrola.

Weaver was apparently intrigued with the power of water and was inspired to invent a hydraulic ram, addressing the need to pump water to cattle in the fields. He held patents for a hydraulic ram and a music leaf turner.

In his retirement he built a water wheel next to his home that activated toy figures in his parlor. This captivated the imagination of children, which he used as a teaching moment. One neighborhood child, Molly, meets a wizard, upon his death.