Importer and Shipper of Coke: UPDATE

Receipt, dated November 11, 1890.

Mr. J.M. Lincoln 22 W. 21st St
Bought of JOHN McWILLIAM,
Importer and Shipper of Coke,
Manhattan Coke Office,
Avenue C and 15th St and 608 and 610 W. 15th St

2 Chaldrons Coke - $7.00

Received payment for John McWilliam

Found in "Village and Farm Cottages" by Henry W. Cleaveland, William Backus and Samuel D. Backus. Published by D. Appleton, 1856.

ED: in case you are interested, coke is "the solid residue of impure carbon obtained from bituminous coal and other carbonaceous materials after removal of volatile material by destructive distillation. It is used as a fuel and in making steel."

Update: Here's more on John McWilliam:

John McWilliam who was a sensitive, winsome but keen and capable person with a subtle sense of humor, was able to adapt himself to the household, and the group were happy together.
As a young man, he is described as having had sandy hair with red highlights, and a reddish beard. After his hair turned gray, his mustache became dark and his eyebrows almost black, so that his appearance was rather striking. He was about five feet ten inches in height and weighed about 180 pounds, in middle age. He carried himself very erect. Though hot tempered,
he was fair minded and of sound judgment. He was quick to see the humorous side of things, enjoyed life and liked to meet people. His personality attracted others who admired and trusted him. He was most charitable, giving quietly to those in need, a ton of coal here or a $10.00 bill or clothing for a family there. However, despite his great generosity, he left his wife an appreciable estate when he died.

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At the time of John McWilliam's marriage, he with a partner was operating a building business from his own shop. However, circumstances brought it about that he had to give up his own business to operate for his father-in-law.
It appears that John Smith had gone on bond for his step-son, William Dodd, who with a partner had contracted to open up Eight Avenue. These partners, however, neglected business and were about to fail. In order to save himself, John Smith had to take over the contract. Horses, carts and paraphernalia, and fulfill it. This led to his becoming a contractor.
John Smith knew many of the prominent people of his time. Among them was one, Walter Rome, President of the Manhattan Gas Light Company. Rome urged John Smith to find a market for the disposal of the by-product coke. From this
there developed a successful coal and coke business for John Smith. Subsequently, he was taken ill and then decided to retire. His son-in-law, John McWilliam, continued to operate the coal and coke business in which in turn his son, Robert McWilliam, was later associated for many years.

From longislandgenealogy.com.