Joshua M. Merrill was the lead chemist and manager of Downer Oil Works, built nearby in 1862 after oil was discovered near Titusville. His refining breakthroughs included an illuminating oil safer than kerosene for use on railroads and steamships and in factories. He also developed deodorized lubricating oils for machinery, opening new world markets in the late 1860s. Merrill received an award at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia.