Sylvester K Merrill (September 9, 1840 – November 3, 1928) was one of the oldest jewelry manufacturers in the USA. A member of the old school, Merrill worked his way up from an apprentice to the owner of his own jewelry manufacturing company.

Operating his company and factory in Providence, Rhode Island, for 56 years, he earned a well-deserved reputation.

Born in Phenix, Rhode Island, Merrill was the son of Sylvester K and Alma R (Tillinghast) Merrill, descendants of old and representative families of Kent county. At the age of sixteen he came to Providence and became an apprentice to C W B Bennett, to learn the jewelry trade.

Sylvester K Merrill opened his own business on Page Street, Providence, in 1872, but moved a year later to larger premises at 61 Peck Street.

In July 1884, Robert E Budlong, who had married Edith, Merrill’s daughter, joined S K Merrill Company, and served as sales representative for many years. The factory moved to Pawtucket in 1888, and returned to Providence in 1900, occupying a large manufacturing facility in the Champlin Building at 116 Chestnut St.

According to official records as of October 1, 1907, Merrill was president, Robert E Budlong was treasurer, and Merrill’s grandson, Robert E Budlong, Jr, was vice president and secretary. In March 1911, the plant moved to a new building at 162 Clifford Street, Providence.

History of S. K. Merrill Company (1872-1928)

After the death of Robert E Budlong, Sr in 1922, Merrill turned over control of the business to his grandson, Robert E Budlong, Jr. The new corporation, known as S K Merrill & Co Inc continued the operations of the old concern. The officers of the new corporation became J P Benjamin, treasurer, and J M Howard, secretary.

Budlong handled the manufacturing side of the business, and Benjamin handled the merchandising in the Midwest.

Merrill retired in 1925. In fact, it was the beginning of the end for the company, which coincided with the Great Depression. The stock, tools, machinery, fixtures, books, and other personal property belonging to the S K Merrill & Co were put up for sale at public auction to pay taxes and debt. The firm ceased to exist in 1928.

Death of Sylvester Merrill

Merrill’s wife passed away in July 1927, and a year later Sylvester K Merrill, founder of the S K Merrill Co, died. Sylvester K Merrill had been active in the politics of Cranston, where he lived, in his younger years. He served as a city councilman for several years, and as a state senator from Cranston in the Rhode Island Legislature in 1894–95.

Antique Jewelry by Merrill