1882 Proposition & Specification
AUTHENTICITY OF DOCUMENT:
This proposition & specification is for a 64" cylinder machine. The document is made out to a Mr. Frank A. Sill of Monroe, Michigan. We note in the list of machines manufactured by Merrill & Houston, of the 14 paper machines ordered in 1882 a paper machine (number 83 of the list) is shown for the Frank Sill Mill, a 64" cylinder machine to be shipped to Michigan. That notation in itself confirms that there was such a proposal and specification as described in the document.
The
contract appears to be dated March 25, 1882. From what can be deciphered of
the proposition signature it is suspected that the signature is that of C. F.
G. Collins. In an attempt to confirm that the signature could be that of Mr. Collins,
we investigated several historical documents and found the following:
1873 the Merrill & Houston Iron Works was reorganized as a corporation with C.F.G. Collins as General Manager. There was no record found from 1873 to the closing of Merrill & Houston that Mr. Collins was relieved of that position but do find references that Mr. Collins was very active in Merrill & Houston.
ABOUT C. F. G. COLLINS
1877 - A notation, "Clearly the company's momentum was waning under the Superintendence of C. F. G. Collins."
1878 - In an interview in March by the Beloit Weekly Free Press, "C. F. G. Collins, then Secretary-Treasurer, told them of Merrill and Houston's gigantic contract to furnish 20 train loads of paper machinery and Houston water wheels for a huge Kimberly, Clark & Co. paper mill in Appleton, Wisconsin."
1879 - Mr. Collins is documented as still serving in the capacity of Secretary Treasurer.
1880 - A notation, "On Houston's departure, C. F. G. Collins, as Vice president and Treasurer, took over the financing and general management of the business."
1881 - During this time, S. T. Merrill continued as President, with Collins as Vice president and Treasurer.
1882 - In several instances Mr. Collins is referenced as being active until December 17, 1882. On that date a fire was discovered burning the pine roof of one of the company buildings. When the alarm was first heard, C. F. G. Collins, the Superintendent, rushed from his home to aid in putting out the fire. The fire was not serious, damage being only $ 1000, but on examining the premises after the fire was put out, Collins suddenly collapsed, speechless and unconscious. Although he was only 44 years old, Mr. C. F. G. Collins soon died of apoplexy
(This incident was 22 days after the Specification & Proposition was signed).