Real Steampunk

The "Steam Man" from 1868.

Mr. Zadock Deddrick1, a Newark machinist, has invented a man; one that, moved by steam, will perform some of the most important functions of humanity; that will, standing upright, walk or run as he is bid, in any direction, and at almost any rate of speed, drawing after him a load whose weight would tax the strength of three draught horses.

The idea seems that by making a roadable steam engine in the appearance of a man, that horses would not be unduly frightened.

Another inventor tried thirty years later, with no success.

An 1865 novel about a steam man is available at Project Gutenberg.