1858

"0. E. Merrill Company"

"Merrill and Houston Iron Works"

Comment:

The "0. E. Merrill Company" organized in 1858

became the third foundry in Beloit. Shortly after the

original organization the "0. E. Merrill Company"

underwent reorganization as the "Merrill and Houston

Iron Works" with George Houston as a partner.

The principal product of the new organization

was the then well-known "Houston Water-wheel".

The Company also had the following personnel

associated with it:

S. T. Merrill

L. B. Merrill

C. G. Collins

The foundry and machine shop were located on

the site formerly occupied by C, H. Besly Company,

now a part of the present "Beloit Iron Works".

Close by the "Rock River Paper Company" was

established by Sereno T. Merrill and Charles Walker

on a site paralleling that of the "Strawboard Company",

both on the west side of the Rock River Dam.