B.C. Milam, Frankfort, KY

Benjamin C. Milam was a jeweler and watchsmith by trade in Frankfurt, KY. He is credited, however, with being one of the earliest of the high quality Kentucky reel makers. Reels that bear the Meek & Milam name were made by Milam from about 1850 to 1880. The earliest Meek & Milam reels have numbered screws that match the screw hole number stamped in the reel's headplate. In 1881, Milam broke off the relationship with Mr. Meek and began making reels under the name B.C. Milam. The earliest B.C. Milam marked reels do not have serial numbers. Ones made after 1883 were serialized. He continued marking them this way until 1890 when he made his son, John Milam, a partner and they were marked B.C. Milam & Son. Reels made between 1896 and 1903 also incorporated the phrase "The Frankfort Kentucky Reel" in an arch above the B.C. Milam & Son name. The B.C. Milam & Son reels were made until 1928 when John Milam passed away.