May, Robert, 1750-1812

Robert May was involved in the iron industry. Born in Philadelphia County in 1750, Robert May was the son of Robert May and Elizabeth Brooke. He married into the Potts family and became a partner in the Joanna Furnace on Hay Creek and Coventry Mill through them. Robert's brother, Thomas May, was a Wilmington, De. merchant and an ironmaster and proprietor of the iron furnances at Elk Forge in Cecil County, Md. Robert served as superintendent of the Elk Forge from 1781 to 1790. When Thomas died in 1792, Robert and his cousin, John Brooke, administered the estate. In 1794, Robert formed a partnership with John and Stephen Hayes and Joshua Seal to operate the Elk Forge as Robert May and Company.

From the description of Papers, 1765-1809. (Winterthur Library). WorldCat record id: 122598818