The first 19 years of Samuel Vaughan Merrick’s life (1801–1870) were full of major changes. He grew up in Hallowell, Massachusetts (now Maine), and, on his mother’s side, was born into a lineage of merchants. His grandfather had been a London merchant and a sugar plantation owner in Jamaica. His uncle became a wine merchant in Philadelphia, and after Merrick finished his schooling, he was sent to apprentice with his uncle. He arrived in Philadelphia at the age of 15 with his merchant career laid out before him. A few years later, a new career presented itself, and the opportunity would establish him as one of the great machine manufacturers of the era.
Founding the Franklin Institute
In 1820, Merrick partnered with a Mr. Agnew to begin a manufacturing business that built fire-engines. The goal was to improve on the existing engines, and, from all accounts, it appears the business was successful. In fact, numerous professors at local colleges exhibited these engines to demonstrate mechanical technology and teach students how to properly build engines.
Founded in honor of Benjamin Franklin, the Franklin Institute was founded in 1824. Library of Congress. Public Domain
