24 Apr 2023

History:

Lost Capitol Hill: Artificial Ignorance

OpenAI’s guess as to what William Hoover would have looked like.

Supposedly, AI is going to replace all of us––even those of us who spend their time digging up old history. So, I decided to see if this was at all yet possible. My prompt to ChatGPT was ‘write a 500 word essay about William Hoover, J. Edgar Hoover’s great grandfather.’ The result is below, but I’ll say right away that it is not at all good. In fact, the only correct fact in it is the one I gave it as a prompt. Otherwise? Nothing.

It does not at all help that it is written with all the style and grace of an earnest 8th grader who has learned the form of an essay, but not really comprehended why we write essays.

Anyway, next week, I will do my best to tell you about this guy, but for now, enjoy squirming in embarrassment at AI’s current limitations.

William Hoover, the great grandfather of J. Edgar Hoover, was a prominent figure in the early years of America’s industrial revolution. Born in North Carolina in 1820, he was the son of German immigrants who had settled in the region. Despite coming from humble beginnings, William Hoover would go on to become a successful businessman and entrepreneur, laying the foundation for the Hoover family’s future success.
William Hoover’s early years were marked by hard work and determination. As a young man, he worked as a farmer, but soon realized that he had a talent for carpentry and mechanics. With little formal education, he taught himself the skills he needed to succeed in these trades, eventually becoming a skilled machinist and inventor.
In the 1850s, William Hoover moved to Ohio, where he began working in the growing industrial sector. He quickly established himself as a skilled and innovative mechanic, developing several machines that revolutionized the manufacturing process. One of his most notable inventions was a loom that could weave multiple threads simultaneously, increasing production efficiency and reducing costs.

A real picture: J. Dickerson Hoover, J. Edgar’s father (FBI.gov)

As his reputation grew, William Hoover became an influential figure in the local business community. In 1863, he co-founded the Union Manufacturing Company, which produced a range of products, including steam engines, agricultural equipment, and milling machinery. The company grew rapidly, and soon became one of the largest manufacturers in the region.
Despite his success, William Hoover remained committed to his principles of hard work, integrity, and innovation. He was known for his honesty and fairness in business dealings, and was highly respected by his employees and colleagues. He was also a philanthropist, donating generously to local charities and supporting community development initiatives.
William Hoover’s legacy continued long after his death in 1890. His son, William Henry Hoover, inherited his father’s entrepreneurial spirit and went on to found the Hoover Company, which became a household name in the 20th century for its vacuum cleaners. William Henry’s son, J. Edgar Hoover, would go on to become one of the most powerful and controversial figures in American law enforcement history, serving as the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for nearly five decades.
The Hoover family’s success can be attributed in large part to the values and principles instilled by William Hoover. His commitment to hard work, innovation, and honesty laid the foundation for his family’s success, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of entrepreneurs and business leaders.
In conclusion, William Hoover was a remarkable individual whose achievements have had a lasting impact on American industry and entrepreneurship. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and innovation, and serves as an inspiration to all those who seek to achieve success in their own lives. Through his legacy, William Hoover has left an indelible mark on American history and will long be remembered as a pioneer of the country’s industrial revolution.


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