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According to the Record of American and Foreign Shipping, Mindora (formerly named Norma) was a 131' wooden steam yacht. Its owner during 1898-1900 was listed as "Chas. H. Merril" and the boat at that time hailed from "Exter."Norma (Mindora) was was designed by Hubbe & Barrows, and built in 1884 by C & R Poillon Shipbuilders of Brooklyn, NY. It was originally owned by Horace Daniels of Providence, RI.
From the 1895 List of Merchant Vessels of the United States: Mindora, document number 130304, steam yacht, 158.48 gross tons, 83.47 net tons, 138.2 feet in length, 19 feet in beam, 12.3 feet in depth of hold, built in 1884 at Brooklyn, NY with a home port at New York, NY. <Thanks to Bob Birmingham.>
Who was "Chas. H. Merril" of "Exter"? Could he be this gentleman, written up on p. 1274 of The History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire by Charles A. Hazlett (1915)?
"CHARLES H. MERRILL, a respected citizen of Exeter, N. H., who is now living a retired life in this city, was born here in 1862, a son of Joseph W. and Emeline ( Shute) Merrill. Joseph W. Merrill was born in Exeter, a son of Abner Merrill, who came here from Newburyport, Mass. He was educated in the Common schools of Exeter and subsequently engaged in the wool business here, being associated therein with his brothers. They had a successful career and accumulated an ample competence. Though not active in politics, Joseph W. Merrill once served in the legislature, being elected on the republican ticket: He and his wife Emeline, who was also a native of this city, were the parents of two children: Emma, who died when eight years old, and Charles H., the subject of this sketch. Charles H. Merrill acquired his education in the common schools of Exeter , including the high school, and at Phillips Exeter Academy, where he grad- uated in 1883. He has never adopted an active business career, but has served at times in local office, his political affiliations being with the republican party. He was married in 1904 to Miss Louise Miller, of Philadelphia, Pa., a daughter of Albert Miller. He and his wife are members of the Episcopal church. They are people of culture and refinement and move in the best society of the town, taking a keen interest in all matters pertaining to its welfare."