Originally called Ira Gay and Co., the company was established in North Chelmsford (Chelmsford), Mass. in Dec. 1833. It specialized in textile machinery but also manufactured other machinery, including machine tools, water turbines and parts for ships. Ira Gay was an inventor and manufacturer of cotton machinery from Nashua, N.H. He was involved in the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co., serving as clerk and then vice president. William A. Burke, machinist with the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co., helped Gay set up the machine shop in Chelmsford. Harvey Silver was also involved in the business, and the name changed to Gay, Silver and Co. in 1836. Ira Gay's brother, Ziba Gay, was also a part-owner. After Ira Gay's death in 1847, the name was changed to Silver and Gay.
From the description of [Account book]. 1836-1842. (American Textile History Museum Library). WorldCat record id: 50774726
