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Old 07-10-2014, 04:36 AM
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Default Early 1900's Employee Records ?

I realize that the bulk of SWHF's efforts are geared towards archiving the S&W product line and providing a comprehensive database of mfg. & sales details, but I just thought I would ask if you possess, have access, or know where I can locate the early 1900's employee rosters, records or photographs.

I have a bit of an interesting family history in that my Great-Grandfather (Erving Grover) was a machinist for S&W for quite a few years before his death in 1935. The interesting part is that his employment at S&W caused a rift in the family between himself and his eldest brother, my Great-Uncle, (Lewis C. Grover) who rose from a machinist at Eli Whitney Arms Co. to President and Chairman of the Board of Colt's Patent Firearms & The Gattling Gun Company from 1902 until his death in 1909.

My Great-Grandfather was the only brother of four who didn't work at Colt's. Which as family lore has it, caused Lewis to refer to Erving as the "Family Traitor" for many years.

Thankfully Colt's Staff Historians have provided me with some documents and photographs pertaining to my G-Uncles Lewis, George & Edwin during their employment at Colt, but I have yet to locate anything pertaining to my GG-Father's time with S&W. Any suggestions or assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Derek M. Grover
Early 1900's Employee Records ?-lewis_c_grover-jpg
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Old 07-14-2014, 11:05 AM
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Derek...The records we have access to do not include any personnel files of S&W employees. I suggest you contact Roy Jinks, S&W Historian, by calling him at 1-800-331-0852, X3223, or by sending him a letter explaining your family's history. Send the letter to: Smith & Wesson, ATTN: Roy Jinks, Historian, 2100 Roosevelt Avenue, Springfield, MA 01102.

Good luck in your search. Did your family obtain any collectible Colts as a result of your family's involvement with the Company?

Bill Cross
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Old 07-17-2014, 10:27 AM
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Awesome! Thanks for sharing,I notice the picture says Lewis Grover and you mention Derek Grover....Is that a typo?
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Old 07-17-2014, 10:36 AM
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Derek...The records we have access to do not include any personnel files of S&W employees. I suggest you contact Roy Jinks, S&W Historian, by calling him at 1-800-331-0852, X3223, or by sending him a letter explaining your family's history.
It's my understanding that some old S&W records are housed at UMass Amherst while other records are at the Springfield, MA Museums. Would anyone know if those records might include any old personnel files?
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Old 07-18-2014, 08:37 AM
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The records at the museum in Springfield are what I was referring to above and have no employee records. I have seen a listing of the records at UMass and don't remember seeing any personnel records in their holdings.

Bill
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Old 07-18-2014, 08:59 AM
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The records at the museum in Springfield are what I was referring to above and have no employee records. I have seen a listing of the records at UMass and don't remember seeing any personnel records in their holdings.

Bill
Thanks Bill. The on-line records index for the UMass collection does include a category for "Administrative - Personnel" but it appears they are very limited (one file in one box, dates: 1925-1929 and 1943-1945). Chances are that it would not include the details I am looking for. I was hoping the Springfield Museums' collection would have had more. I guess not.
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Old 07-21-2014, 10:22 PM
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Thank you Bill,

I will contact Mr Jinks and see what comes-up. I sincerely appreciate the information.

As far as any collectible Colt's from Lewis, there are a few in the family still, but the most interesting are a couple of long guns that he acquired when he worked at Eli Whitney's place before he went to work for Colt's.

What I keep hoping for is a Gattling Gun to appear on my doorstep since Lewis was Vice President and Superintendant of the Gattling Gun Co. simultaneous with Colt. John Hall must have negotiated some business partnership or licensing deal between Colt's and Dr. Gattling at the turn of the century.


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Derek Grover
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