MGJ Postal History

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.

Strong date mark, slightly off the top of the cover.  Red PAID mark and 5 manuscript rate.  Note Care City Hotel in lower left corner. No date, but looks like 1833-45 range.

Cover is very presentable on the address side with full Fitchburgh red postmark.  This mark is unlisted in ASCC. Paid 3 in circle mark in red.  Back is a bit ragged (see scan) but complete.

Clean business correspondence.  Note rate marks on both front and reverse of this stampless folded letter.