MGJ Postal History

Clean and attractive cover. 11A stamp is has three-margins and includes portion of adjacent stamp on left side. Looks like stamp was scuffed above the left pen cancel, possibly in the canceling process. Previous owner made notations on the back including: "break in outer line at bottom left. Top row, plate 2 or 3

Sad letter from A. Caldwell to William Woodman reads as follows: I presume you would like to hear from us as you have always taken so much interest with family -- my wife had an operation performed on her Sunday the 8th & had taken from her two gallons of water which has been a good relief, but has left her very weak. She may continue some time longer with us, but is liable to go at any moment. She is more resigned than before.  Our physician Doctor Barker converses with her very freely, is a very pious man. I consider his visits for her spiritual...good is worth all his pay for other service...he is fully satisified she is prepared to go at any time which is a great consolation.  Please let our friends know the coontents of this In haste yours truly, A Caldwell.

Full postmark. Average Scott #65 stamp.  Bullseye killer.  Stain at top can be seen in scan. Small portion of top left missing. Does not affect postmark.

Short note from Granger, Hodges Co., to Rogers Ingraham Co. reads: “Gentlemen – your favor was duly received. We are now making a better boot than was ever before which we will sell you delivered in Troy at 23 dollars on four months. Please give us a chance to make this statement good and oblige.” Since Granger, Hodges was an ironworks company, it can be assumed that the boot they refer to is attached to a carriage rather than worn on a foot.

Rogers Ingraham Co. – In 1843 Edwin Childs and David C. Rogers commenced manufacturing boots and shoes in Penniman's row. In 1845, the business extending, they leased and occupied the building now occupied by Tower & Porter, on Eagle Street, and Harvey Ingraham became a partner. In 1847 Mr. Childs retired from the firm. In 1847 Joshua K. Rogers became a partner in the firm of Rogers, Ingraham & Co. In 1850 George Millard bought out this firm, taking as partners Harvey Ingraham and W. F. Waterbury. In 1857 Mr. Millard bought out his partners and conducted the business alone. In 1848 Edwin S. Rogers became connected with the firm.

Granger, Hodges Co. – A furnace for smelting iron ore was built in Pittsford in the fall of 1791, by Israel Keith, from Easton, Mass. On the 4th of July, 1795, Mr. Keith sold the furnace property to Nathan Gibbs. Soon after the death of Mr. Gibbs, the furnace passed into the hands of Andrew Leach, of whom Simeon Granger & Sons purchased it November 30, 1826.

Chester, son of Simeon (2) Granger, was born July 5, 1797, in Sandisfield, Massachusetts. At the age of 28 he became a member of the firm of Simeon Granger & Sons, moving to Grangerville, town of Pittsford, Vermont. He was one of the projectors and original directors in the Rutland & Burlington railroad, also the Western Vermont railroad, and for many years was a director in the Bank of Rutland. After the death of his father his portion of the furnace property was purchased from the heirs by Chester and his brother Edward L., and the business was conducted under the firm name of C. & E. L. Granger until 1846, when at the death of the younger member of the firm the name was again changed to Granger, Hodges & Company.

Stampless folded letter from Harriett Bacon to Jedediah Harris in Stafford,  New Hampshire, inquiring about funds due her from the estate of her father.  She notes that the person she retained in Stafford to collect her funds...Samuel McMaster...has left the area and will no longer be able to assist her.  There is a pencil notation on the side...possibly by Harris with her name and $300 next to it. Nice postal history item. Significant is the use of a boxed PAID. This postmark is only listed with a PAID 5 in a circle. Condition is very nice; well above similar items from this era.