Melville, David, 1773-1856

David Melville (1773-1856) was born in Newport, Rhode Island, on March 21, 1773. Melville (sometimes spelled Melvill), was an inventor, pewterer, and pioneer of gas lighting in America. Melville was able to manufacture gas light for his house and street by 1805-1806, but it wasn’t until 1853 when gas lighting was used regularly in Newport. He married Patience S. Sherman (1791-1880) on March 4, 1812, and had six children: Elizabeth (1813-1893), Mary (1818-1838), Benjamin (1823-1890), Henrietta (1815-1885), Sarah (1820-1897), and George (1826-1900). David Melville died on September 3, 1856.

From the guide to the David Melville letter, Melville (David) letter, 1853, (Redwood Library and Athenaeum)