Poole, J. Morton, 1812-1879

Nineteenth-century Wilmington (Delaware) businessman J. Morton Poole was the founder of the J. Morton Poole Company, manufacturer of chilled iron rolls and calendars.

Born on July 10, 1812, in Brandywine Village, which is now a part of the city of Wilmington, Poole was highly respected in the community, being selected several times to serve on City Council. In 1852 he was one of the organizers of the city's School Board, on which he served for seventeen years. He died on November 23, 1879.

James Canby (1781-1858) was the son of Samuel Canby (1751-1832), whose milling business he continued. Canby was an originator of the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad and served as its president. Canby was also a president of the Union National Bank and a cousin of J. Morton Poole.

Scharf, J. Thomas. History of Delaware 1609-1888. Lewes, Delaware: Delmarva Roots, 2001. pp. 634, 780-782. Some information derived from the collection.

From the guide to the J. Morton Poole letter to James Canby, [1857] January 23, (University of Delaware Library - Special Collections)