1S70.] ^"" [Goodwin. 



"The works are built in the most substantial manner, and, for the 

 perfection and economy of their operation, are certainly unrivalled in this 

 country ; the rapidity with which they were constructed and the complete 

 adaptation of every jiart of the apparatus to its intended purpose, reflect 

 the highest credit on the engineer, Samuel V. Merrick, Esq., whose 

 faithfulness and ability in discharging the arduous and novel duties of 

 this undertaking, it gives us much pleasure thus publicly to notice." 



In their report of the year following they say : 



"In conclusion the Trustees have to state that Samuel V. Merrick, 

 Ksq., the able engineer who constructed the first section of the works, 

 having found that his continued attention to them interfered too much 

 with his private engagements, tendered his resignation, which the Board 

 reluctantly accepted on the 8th of February, 1837. As the extensions 

 were about to be made, the trustees requested Mr. Merrick to devote 

 occasionally, to a general superintendence of the new works, so much of 

 his time as he should be able to spare, or as might be deemed necessary, 

 in consultation with the superintendent. This duty has been performed 

 to their utmost satisfaction, and the trustees can only repeat here their 

 unqualified approbation of the conduct of that gentleman, and their ad- 

 miration for the signal success which has attended the works put up by 

 him." 



At a meeting of the Stockholders held in the ensuing week, it was 

 resolved : 



"That the trustees be hereby authorized to aj^pi'opriate the sum of |6C0 

 to be expended in the purchase of one or more pieces of plate ; to bear such 

 inscription expressive of the approbation of the Stockholders as they may 

 think proper ; to be presented to Samuel Y. Merrick, Esq." 



Nothing is more striking in all Mr. Merrick's connection with this 

 business than the largeness of his views for the general good, and the un- 

 selfish public spirit which marked all his labors. He sought to promote 

 the comfort and convenience of his fellow citizens, and permanently to 

 diminish the burden of taxation. He sought also to develop the resources 

 and industrial wealth of the State. In his report on his return from 

 Europe are these noteworthy words: "I deem it an argument of no 

 small moment in favor of this mode of lighting, that every material used 

 in the fabrication of this gas will be the product of Pennsylvania labor. 

 The bituminous coal from which it is to be made, may be drawn from the 

 rich mines now open in the interior of the State ; the fuel, from the ex- 

 haustless body of anthracite ; and the lime for purification, from our own 

 vicinity ; and not a lamp will shed its rays over our streets which has not 

 paid a tribute to the internal impi'ovements of the State." 



In like manner, it was distinctly as a public benefactor, it was from a 

 sensitive regard for the welfare and prosperity of the city and State of his 

 adoption, that, some ten years later, Mr. Merrick led off in another great 

 enterprise. He was one of the prime movers in the establishment of the 

 Pennsylvania Central Railroad Company, and was its first President. 

 The books were opened for subscription to its stock in 1846, and its 



