J.S. Silvers & Bro. Company Takes Shape

The originator of the J.S. Silvers & Bro. Company was a man named J.V. Davison. It is unknown what year he created this company, American Mills, but most likely it was in the late 1800’s.

Mr. Davison took on a partner in 1866, John S. Silvers, and shortly afterwards Mr. Davison passed away.  If you look at the accompanying photo, the sign for American Mills can be seen on the shop located behind the other shops on North Main Street.

Mrs. Davis owned an old mustard tin which was labeled Silver Brothers, and below in parentheses is printed American Mills. John Silvers had one son, William Russell, who was brought into the company as a partner after he completed college.

He became president after the deaths of his father and uncle, but his life was tragically cut short due to a flu outbreak in 1918. Mrs. Davis joined the firm as secretary in 1906 and married Charles Davis in 1918.

She remembered John Silvers as president at this time, and she replaced Nellie Voorhees Stults. Elwood Van Dusen was foreman but he also roasted coffee, which was brought in green.  The coffee was packaged and labeled going under the names Middlesex #7 and White Diamond.

Spices were also packaged here with bottles purchased from the American Can Company and bottles from Star Glass Works, of Medford.  Besides teas, coffees, spices and extracts, the company mixed its own brand of mayonnaise and sold a complete line of groceries.