Summary of "Stuff You Missed in History Class" Episode 1798: The Robbery of the Bank of Pennsylvania
Hosted by Holly Frey and Tracy V. Wilson, Episode 1798 of "Stuff You Missed in History Class" delves into the intriguing story of the first recorded bank robbery in the United States—the 1798 heist at the Bank of Pennsylvania. This detailed exploration uncovers the wrongful accusation of a skilled blacksmith, Patrick Lyon, the true culprits behind the robbery, and the lasting impact of this historical event.
I. Introduction
The episode opens with Holly Frey introducing the groundbreaking story of the Bank of Pennsylvania robbery in 1798. She sets the stage by highlighting the wrongful imprisonment of Patrick Lyon, a blacksmith, and the subsequent legal battles that ensued.
II. Background: Carpenter's Hall and the Bank of Pennsylvania
Tracy V. Wilson provides historical context by discussing Carpenter's Hall, a significant building in U.S. history. Originally constructed in early 1770 for the Carpenter's Company of Philadelphia, the hall served multiple purposes, including housing the first free lending library and acting as an infirmary during the Revolutionary War. By 1798, Carpenter's Hall had become the leased space for the newly incorporated Bank of Pennsylvania.
III. The 1798 Bank Robbery
On the night of August 31, 1798, Carpenter's Hall witnessed the United States' first bank robbery. Remarkably, the thieves managed to escape with $162,821 (equivalent to over $4 million today) without any signs of forced entry or damage to the vault's locks. Tracy notes, “there really wasn't one. Nothing was broken” (06:59).
IV. Patrick Lyon: The Accused Blacksmith
Patrick Lyon, a skilled blacksmith from Aberdeen, Scotland, became the prime suspect. After moving to Philadelphia in 1793, Lyon had established a reputable business and was trusted by financial institutions, including the Bank of Pennsylvania. Given his recent work on securing the vault's locks, authorities quickly pointed fingers at him.
Patrick Lyon's Background:
- Born near Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1769.
- Relocated to London at age 11, where he honed his skills as a blacksmith.
- Moved to Philadelphia on November 25, 1793, seeking new opportunities.
- Married Anne Brindley in 1795 and had a daughter, Clementina, in 1796.
Tracy elaborates, “Patrick Lyon ... was inclined towards astronomy and mathematics” (03:26), showcasing his intellectual background beyond his trade.
V. Wrongful Imprisonment
As Philadelphia grappled with a yellow fever outbreak, Lyon attempted to flee to Delaware with his apprentice, James McGinley. Tragically, Lyon lost his wife and daughter to the epidemic in 1797, and his apprentice succumbed to the disease shortly after their departure (09:54).
Upon returning to Philadelphia, Lyon found himself the subject of intense suspicion. Despite his detailed accounts and attempts to clear his name, authorities remained unconvinced, leading to his arrest and detention at Walnut Street Prison. Holly describes his incarceration: “...he was put in a root cellar that wasn't being used. This was not in any way set up for a person to be housed in” (18:57).
VI. Revelation: Isaac Davis Confesses
The turning point came with the confession of Isaac Davis, a carpenter and the actual thief behind the robbery. Davis had initiated large, suspicious deposits at the bank, which raised red flags. Upon confrontation, Davis admitted to the robbery, revealing that his accomplice, Thomas Cunningham—the bank porter—had died of yellow fever, preventing him from reclaiming his portion of the stolen money.
Key Confession Points:
- Davis orchestrated the robbery and attempted to cover his tracks by depositing the stolen funds.
- Tracy recounts: “...he confessed then and there that he had been the one to rob the bank” (19:19).
- However, Davis later revealed discrepancies in his story, particularly regarding the whereabouts of the remaining money.
VII. The Aftermath for Patrick Lyon
Despite Davis's confession, the Bank of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia law enforcement remained skeptical of Lyon's innocence. The bank officials continued to tarnish Lyon's reputation, leading to significant professional and personal setbacks for him.
Lyon took legal action by publishing "The Narrative of Patrick Lyon," aiming to publicize his innocence and the bank's misconduct. His lawsuit against key bank officials for malicious prosecution highlighted the bias and prejudgment he faced.
Legal Proceedings:
- Tracy explains: “...his counsel sought to prove that the four accused men had conspired to keep Lyon in jail well after they knew he was innocent” (32:38).
- The trial showcased testimony that underscored the bank's prejudice against Lyon, ultimately leading to his exoneration and a financial settlement of $9,000.
VIII. Legacy of Patrick Lyon
Following his release, Patrick Lyon reinvented himself as an engineer, leveraging his mechanical expertise to design and build pump engines—early fire engines—that significantly impacted Pennsylvania and neighboring states. His innovations are still recognized today, with several Lyon-designed fire engines preserved in museums.
In 1825, Lyon commissioned a portrait titled "Patrick Lyon at the Forge" by John Neagle, symbolizing his identity as a blacksmith despite his newfound success. This portrait, which includes a depiction of the Walnut Street Prison’s cupola, serves as a poignant reminder of his wrongful imprisonment and is now housed in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art.
Tracy notes Lyon’s enduring influence: “...he focused more on that after he was released. This may have also been a pivot that was necessitated by the damage to his blacksmithing reputation” (37:58).
IX. Conclusion
The episode concludes by reflecting on the broader implications of Patrick Lyon's story, illustrating the challenges of justice and prejudice in early American society. Despite the establishment of foundational democratic principles, Lyon's ordeal underscores the imperfections and societal biases that persisted.
Tracy aptly summarizes: “...this was like fresh after all of our, you know, governing documents that theoretically were to create some version of freedom and equality, obviously not full freedom and equality for everyone” (40:55).
Notable Quotes:
- Tracy V. Wilson at [06:59]: “...there really wasn't one. Nothing was broken.”
- Holly Frey at [18:57]: “...he was put in a root cellar that wasn't being used. This was not in any way set up for a person to be housed in.”
- Tracy V. Wilson at [19:19]: “...he confessed then and there that he had been the one to rob the bank.”
- Tracy V. Wilson at [32:38]: “...his counsel sought to prove that the four accused men had conspired to keep Lyon in jail well after they knew he was innocent.”
- Tracy V. Wilson at [37:58]: “...he focused more on that after he was released. This may have also been a pivot that was necessitated by the damage to his blacksmithing reputation.”
- Tracy V. Wilson at [40:55]: “...this was like fresh after all of our, you know, governing documents that theoretically were to create some version of freedom and equality, obviously not full freedom and equality for everyone.”
Timestamp References:
This episode masterfully intertwines historical facts with personal narratives, bringing to light the complexities of justice and reputation in the early United States. Through the story of Patrick Lyon, listeners gain insight into the challenges faced by individuals navigating societal biases and legal injustices.