David Melville (1773-1856) was born in Newport, Rhode Island, on March 21, 1773. Melville (sometimes spelled Melvill), was an inventor, pewterer, and pioneer of gas lighting in America. Melville was able to manufacture gas light for his house and street by 1805-1806, but it wasn’t until 1853 when gas lighting was used regularly in Newport. He married Patience S. Sherman (1791-1880) on March 4, 1812, and had six children: Elizabeth (1813-1893), Mary (1818-1838), Benjamin (1823-1890), Henrietta (1815-1885), Sarah (1820-1897), and George (1826-1900). David Melville died on September 3, 1856.
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David Melville letter, RLC.Ms.525, Redwood Library and Athenaeum.
This collection consists of one letter from David Melville to his son, George W. T. Melville (1826-1900) of Newport, Rhode Island, on July 15, 1853, in which he provides news about his business and health.
This collection is arranged in chronological order.
Gift of Mrs. Josephine Melville Goddard in memory of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George W. T. Melville, 1955 June 29.
This collection was initially processed by Aimee Saunders in 2010.