Joshua M. Merrill (1828-1904)

Erie County · dedicated 2008 · Between 19 and 37 N Center St. (Rt. 426), Corry

Lead chemist and manager of Downer Oil Works, built nearby in 1862 following discovery of oil near Titusville. Merrill's refining breakthroughs included an illuminating oil safer than kerosene for use on railroads and steamships and in factories. He also developed deodorized lubricating oils for machinery, opening new world markets in the late 1860s. Merrill was an award recipient at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia.

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Marker data: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission via data.pa.gov

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