History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 30

Author: Whittemore, Henry, b. 1833; Beers, J.B. & Company, publishers
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 818

USA > Connecticut > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men > Part 30

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The names of the other officers are not given. A large piece of land was leased, near the Mortimer Cemetery, where several mulberry trees were set out and extensive arrangements made for their cultivation. The business did not prove to be financially successful, for the final report made in 1848, shows that the expenses had ab- sorbed the whole amount of the capital stock.

L. D. BROWN & SON .- A large and successful silk manufactory has been in operation, at South Farms, for several years. Machine twist, sewing, and all kinds of twisted silks are made at this manufactory. The busi- ness was established in 1850, by L. D. Brown, at Gurley- ville, Tolland county, Connecticut. It was afterward moved to Atwoodville, and Mr. H. L. Brown, the son, was taken into the firm. The business was removed to its present location in 1871. The building is of brick, 45 by 100 feet, three stories in height, and is fitted up with machinery of the latest improvements for the man- ufacture of these goods. The power is supplied by a 50-horse power steam engine. About 150 hands are em- ployed, and upwards of 35,000 pounds of raw material are consumed annually. The goods are sold principally

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through the houses at No. 27 Lincoln street, Boston, and |cessful manufactories of this character is that of the Wil - at No. 486 Broadway, New York.

THE STILES & PARKER PRESS COMPANY .- On Walnut street, near the Connecticut Valley Railroad, are the ex- tensive works of the Stiles & Parker Press Company, for the manufacture of drop hammers, presses, dies, and other tools for the manufacture of sheet metal goods, drop forgings, etc.

The company was organized in 1871, under the general law, with a capital of $90,000. The incorporators were:

Charles Parker, Henry G. Hubbard, C. F. Browning, N. ing Company, with a capital of $50,000. The incorpor- C. Stiles. The officers were: H. G. Hubbard, president; N. C. Stiles, treasurer; C. F. Browning, secretary. The present officers are: D. A. Stiles, president; N. C. Stiles, treasurer; Howard R. Clark, secretary. The buildings are of brick. The main building is 35 by 175 feet, 3 stories high; blacksmith shop, 30 by 75 feet, I story high; foundry, 80 by 100, I story high; and three other small buildings. A 60-horse power engine is used, and from 75 to 100 hands employed. The sales amount to about $150,000 annually, and the goods are shipped to every part of the country.

THE UNION MILLS are located at the foot of Union street. The business of milling was commenced at this place, in 1854, by a joint stock corporation called the " Union Mills." The persons incorporated were Samuel Russell, Henry G. Hubbard, John M. Hubbard, Erastus Brainerd, and George N. Ward. The old part of the build- ing was originally used as a store-house for West India shipments. An addition was made in 1854, and another in 1865. In 1876 the property was purchased by George A. Coles; and is operated by Coles & Weeks. The mills are run by a thirty-horse power steam engine. The number of persons employed is five. The mills have been in successful operation since 1854, and about 6,000 tons of raw material are used annually.

WINDOW BLIND FASTENERS .- Zoar is a small settle- ment about 11/2 miles from Middletown. It was formerly called Greenville, from a man named Green who settled at the place. About 1835, Mr. Lot D. Vansands came here from Middletown and commenced the manu- facture of blind fasteners and saw rods, and a peddler naned Barnes suggested that the name should be changed because Lot had fled from Middletown, as did his illustrious predecessor, 3,000 years ago, from the burning city.

WINDOW SPRING BOLTS .- A manufactory of window spring bolts was established at Zoar, in 1868, by Messrs. Babcock. A portion of the work is done at the works of the Wilcox Manufacturing Company, but the finishing

is done in the framed building of Messrs. Babcock. Five & Co. established this industry in the old dye house of or six hands are employed, and from 2,000 to 2,500 gross are annually produced. They are sold mostly to jobbers.

THE WILLIAM WILCOX MANUFACTURING COMPANY .- The manufacture of hardware goods was commenced, in Middletown, within the present century, and now almost every class of goods used in the hardware line is manu- factured in Middlesex county. Among the most suc-

liam Wilcox Manufacturing Company, for the manufac- ture of plate locks, padlocks, and wood hames. The works are situated on the Pameacha Creek, Zoar, on the old mill site of Lot D. Vansands, from whom this local - ity was named. The business was established by William Wilcox, about 1845, for the manufacture of locks, etc. In 1860 Samuel Babcock and George W. Atkins were taken into the firm. In 1875 a stock company was or- ganized under the name of William Wilcox Manufactur- ators were: William Wilcox, Samuel Babcock, Georg - W. Atkins, and Charles G. Atkins, of Middletown. The first officers were: William Wilcox, president and treas- urer; and Clarence E. Atkins, secretary. The present officers are the same. Two or three large buildings are used. They are fitted up for the use of water and steam of about 20-horse power. The establishment employs 90 to 100 hands, with a capacity of 150, mostly unskilled labor.

THE MIDDLETOWN MALLEABLE IRON WORKS .- A short distance beyond the works of the William Wilcox Manu- facturing Company, are the Middle.own Malle ible Iron Works, where all kinds of malleable iron castings are made out of iron brought by rail from Detroit, Michigan. The proprietor, F. L. Kellsey, is a grandson of the cele- brated inventor, Franklin, who many years ago construct- ed the steamboat Experiment. The business has been in successful operation since 1882. The buildings were erected in 1880. The main building is 125 by 40 feet, one story high. Two other smaller buildings are used. From 30 to 40 hands are employed, and upwards of 300 tons of charcoal iron consumed annually.

ALLISON BROTHERS, SOAP MANUFACTURERS .- This business, which is located at Nos. 7 and 9 Sumner street, was established here about 18ro, as appears by an adver- tisement in the Hartford Courant of January 3d of that year, showing the dissolution of the firm of Pratt & Alli- son, of Hartford, Connecticut. Mr. Allison, grand- father of the present proprietors, came here soon after the dissolution, and established the tallow chand- lery business near the location of the present works. The business is probably the oldest of the kind in the county. The present buildings are of brick, the main structure being 60 by 60 feet, two stories in height, with an extension, 20 by 30 feet, one story high, provided with a steam engine and boiler of 30-horse power. They em- ploy about 15 hands, and the sales are nearly 2,000,- 000 pounds per annum.

HALL BROTHERS' FILE WORKS .- In 1865 J. W. Hall the Pameacha Manufacturing Company, now owned by Wilcox, Crittenden & Co. At first, but two hands were engaged in the work, which was principally recutting files. The business increased, and in 1872 E. C. Hall, a brother of J. W., became a partner in the concern, under the present firm name. The business has continued grad- ually but steadily to increase, and the manufacture of new files has become a considerably large department of

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the work. Twelve hands are now employed here, and a large amount of work is turned out. Most of the files made here are sold directly to large shops or manufac- tories that use them.

This firm has recently established a shop in New Brit- ain, Connecticut, with a capacity equal to the one here.

SADDLERY HARDWARE .- The works of W. H. Chap- man & Co., for the manufacture of all kinds of saddlery hardware, including chime bells, etc., are located on the old Middlesex Turnpike, about roo rods from the bridge. The business was established at the present location in 1876. in the building formerly used by the Middletown Shirt Company. The buildings were originally erected for the manufacture of fire arms. The main building, which is of brick, is 30 by 90 feet, three stories high. There are also a frame building, 26 by 50 feet, one-and- a-half stories high, a brick foundry, 14 by 20 feet, and a japanning room, 20 by 20 feet. These are provided with a 25-horse power engine. About 75 hands are em- ployed, and the annual production is from $80,000 to $90,00c.

THE STANDARD FIRE WORKS MANUFACTORY .- The manufacture of fire works is another branch of industry recently established in Middletown, the first of the kind ever erected in the State. The Standard Fire Works Manufactory of Hadfield & Bidwell is located on Berlin street, about half a mile from the city of Middletown. This was started in 1851 for the manufacture of all the popular varieties of fireworks, from the simple pin wheel to the most elaborate and artistic designs known to. the trade. Large quantities of standard goods are manufac- tured annually for the trade. In addition to this, special orders of the most extensive character are filled for hotels, lawn parties, and public celebrations. Mr. Hadfield, of this firm, formerly represented one of the oldest manu- factories of the kind in this country. Fourteen frame buildings are used for manufacturing and storing goods, and from 15 to 20 hands employed.

I. E. PALMER, ARROWANNA MILLS .- This is one of the most important manufacturing establishments in the town of Middletown, and was started by Mr. Palmer about a quarter of a century ago. The goods manufac- tured at this establishment embrace canopies, mosquito nettings,screen cloth,sheer-finished linings, and hammocks. The mills are located about a mile from the business center of Middletown, on the Arrowanna River, and con- sist of several wooden buildings. Both steam and water power are used, and about 100 persons are employed. The business was at first conducted under the style of the Howe Spring Bed Company of New York city, with Mr. Palmer as a partner in this particular branch of the business. The successive proprietors have been: Mellen & Wilcox, Palmer & Kendall, Palmer & Allen, and since the fall of 1881 I. E. Palmer has been the sole proprie- tor. January Ist 1863, a mill was started at Norwich, Conn., with Mr. Palmer's improved machinery, for the manufacture of picture cords. In 1879 this became the Ossawan Mills Company, with Mr. Palmer as president. In 1876 he organized the Palmer Tentering Machine

Company. Mr. Palmer is a native of New London county in this State, and has always been a manufactu- rer. Between thirty and forty patents have been granted to him.

GLOBE MANUFACTURING COMPANY .- The buildings of this company are situated on the West River, on the road leading to Rockfall. The goods manufactured at this establishment include builders' hardware and an extra fine quality of edge tools, said to be equal in temper and finish to any imported goods in the market. The com- pany was organized in 1849 under the general State law. The officers are: G. F. Davis, of Hartford, president; Frederick S. Work, secretary and treasurer; T. K. Work, general manager. The main building is 225 by 40 feet, one story high, with an extension 60 by 38 feet, three stories high, and another 36 by 24 feet, two stories high. In addition to these are the galvanizing room and a large brick office and packing room. To run these extensive works . requires about 140-horse power and about 75 skilled operatives.

THE J. O. SMITH MANUFACTURING COMPANY .- Where this factory now stands, in Westfield, Middletown, there was originally a cider brandy distillery, owned by Nathaniel Bacon. In 1826 the property was purchased by John Smith, who then began the japanning business, which is said to have been the first enterprise of the kind in the United States. In 1828 J. O. Smith, son of the above-named gentleman, succeeded his father in the business. From 1858 to 1878 the firm name was J. O. Smith & Sons-four of Mr. Smith's sons having at differ- ent times been members of the firm. It was re-organ- ized in 1878 as a joint stock company, with J. O. Smith, as president; and H. E. Smith, secretary and treasurer. The incorporators were James O. Smith, Samuel C. Wil- cox, of Berlin, Julius W. Burr, of Berlin, and Thomas B. Odell, of New York. The capital stock was $30,000. The present officers are: Samuel C. Wilcox, of Berlin, president; H. E. Smith, secretary and treasurer. In 1874 the buildings were composed mostly of wood, being at that time one wooden two story structure 125 by 25 feet, one sledge and machine shop, and other one story buildings, with one brick block 80 by 21 feet, and covered quite an extensive area. These buildings were erected at different times, as the business increased and included an old village school house and a Baptist church, which were moved on to the grounds in former years. The fire which occurred in 1874 demolished all these structures except the old cider brandy distillery. Immediately after the fire, the works were rebuilt, mostly of brick, and now comprise five shops of the following dimensions: one 80 by 27 feet; one 103 by 21 feet; one 60 by 21 feet; and one 50 by 50 feet. The company manufacture sign- plates, japans for tin, iron, and wood enamels, and do a general japanning and enameling business. The sales room of the firm is at 51 John steet, New York city. About 45 hands are employed in the factories.

THE TOBACCO BUSINESS .- Charles H. White is a tobacco dealer and manufacturer of cigars. He formerly employed about 50 hands, but now he employs 30 in as-

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sorting and packing. He has two framed warehouses, with a capacity of 2,500 cases. He sells mostly in St. Louis, and other western cities.

TRUSSES .- E. C. Danforth's manufactory of trusses, body braces, supporters, spinal braces, pile springs, etc., is at Pameacha, in the same building with Wilcox, Crit- tenden & Co. The business was established in 1846, by Josiah Danforth, father of the present proprietor, and was continued by him till his death, in 1873. It has since been conducted by E. C. Danforth. Six to eight- horse power is used and seven to eight hands are em- ployed.

PICTURE FRAMES .- The manufacture of frames is a new branch of industry, established within the last ten years, by Mr. Charles R. Potter. It was established at first merely to supply the local demand, but having increased his facilities from year to year, he is now able to compete with New York, Boston, and Philadelphia houses, and re- ceives large orders for goods from these and other large cities. One of his specialties is the manufacture of gold and silver plate mats of which he is the inventor.

PAPER BOXES .- The large number of manufacturers in Middletown and adjoining towns consume an im- mense quantity of paper boxes for packing goods, etc. To meet this demand, Mr. E. M. Taintor established, in 1850, a paper box manufactory, which continued in suc- cessful operation under his management, until 1883. He then sold the business to Mr. Gilbert R. Burdick, who had been in his employ as foreman for a number of years. The building occupied for the factory is 50 by Ito feet. From 25 to 50 hands are employed, producing $15,000 to $20,000 worth of goods per annum.

COMO & MILLER .- Among the old buildings of Middletown there are some very elaborate specimens of hand carving, scroll work, mouldings, etc. At the time these buildings were erected only the wealthier class of people could indulge in such an extravagance. Now, the mechanic of moderate means may adorn his house with the most beautiful specimens of scroll work, mould- ings, brackets, etc., all of which are produced at the manufactory of Como & Miller, by machinery, at a trifling cost. The business was established by them in 1877. They occupy a portion of the large brick building at the foot of Centre street, which is fitted up with a 60- horse power engine and boiler, and furnish most of their class of materials for the builders in this locality.

THE MIDDLESEX NICKLE PLATING COMPANY .- The business of this company is carried on in the rear upper story of Wilcox, Crittenden & Co's. factory. The busi- ness of the company is filling orders for large manufac- tories throughout the country. The firm was formerly William H. Hall & Co., who recently sold out to Dunn & Cashen, the present owners.

CILBERT'S PLANING AND SAW MILL .- The factory of Charles Gilbert, builder and contractor, is located one mile north from the city of Middletown. Mr. Gilbert commenced business at this place in 1870. When he purchased his premises, there were no buildings thereon.

He now has a fine residence and a planing and saw- mill, the latter being run by steam. He is engaged in the manufacture of wood-work for building purposes. There are 6 men employed in the shop.

O. F. GROVER'S FACTORY .- O. F. Grover's shop is sit- uated in Middletown, on Butternut street, west of Indian Hill Cemetery. The business was started in 1856, on Washington street, near the Arrowanna Mills.

Mr.Grover originally manufactured only printers' sticks. In 1865 he built his factory, on the present site and now manufactures a variety of printers' tools. He employs four or five men. Mr. Grover is the inventor of the " clamp " or " slide " stick, so much in favor among mem- bers of the craft who ply the "art preservative," and which is so universally used throughout the United States.

Mr. Grover is a native of Middletown, and was born in 1830. He served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade, and the idea of embarking in his present business was suggested to him by a printer who had experienced the difficulties of setting, and resetting the old "screw" stick.

McCOY's GRIST MILL .- The site on which this mill now stands, has long been used for milling purposes. There was an old mill thereon when the land was pur- chased by Mr. George McCoy from Mr. Wellington John- son, who formerly lived in the Johnson Lane District. It is said that the first building was erected by one Mark- ham, probably a century ago. The present mill was built by Mr. McCoy, in 1864. It is run exclusively by water power.

THE JOHNSON BRICK YARD .- Caleb Johnson's brick yard is located about three fourths of a mile south of the railroad station at Newfield, and nearly two miles north from the city of Middletown. In 1856, Mr. Johnson commenced the brick business at this place, in connection with Mr. Harvey Ward. They manufactured about 500,- 000 brick per annum. About 20 years ago, Mr. Johnson purchased from Mr. Ward the interest of the latter in the enterprise, and has since conducted the business alone. He now employs from 15 to 18 men, and manufactures 1,500,000 to 1,800,000 brick yearly. These are sold in the surrounding cities.

THE TUTTLE BRICK YARD .- George L. Tuttle started this yard in 1846. He was formerly a resident of Wind- sor, Connecticut. When he commenced the business, at his present place, which is near the Newfield railroad station, about two miles north from Middletown city, he made annually but 100,000 bricks. From this small be- ginning the enterprise has grown to be an important in- dustry of the town. The yearly product of the yard is now from 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 bricks. These are mostly shipped to surrounding cities. Mr. Tuttle also owns a large farm in this vicinity, and is quite extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits. He has at present 125 acres under cultivation, on which are grown the various crops common to this section. He also keeps from 20 to 25 head of stock on his premises.

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS.

CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE.

The indigent insane of the State of Connecticut were formerly cared for in the almshouses of the different towns, except a limited number, who were received in the retreat at Hartford. These almshouses lacked the facilities necessary for the care of this unfortunate class; the attendants were inexperienced, and few, if any, of the physicians in charge of them had given especial at- tention to the treatment of the insane. No effort was, however, made to ameliorate their condition till 1840, when the number of the pauper insane had reached, as was said, about 800. In that year the subject of pro- viding a hospital especially for them was agitated, and a site was selected about a quarter of a mile from the land which the present hospital occupies. The project failed, and nothing more was done in that direction during more than 20 years.

In 1866, a commission, which had been appointed by the Legislature of the preceding year, reported that there were 706 insane persons in the State, for nearly all of whom it was impossible to secure suitable care and med- ical attention; and they earnestly recommended that the State should make liberal provision for this afflicted class. In accordance with this recommendation the General As- sembly adopted an " Act to create an Hospital for the Insane in the State of Connecticut," which was approved June 29th 1866.

This act provided for the appointment, by the Senate, of twelve trustees, consisting of the governor, ex-officio, one in each county of the State, and three in the town or vicinity where the hospital should be located. It con- ferred on these trustees the authority necessary to carry into effect its provisions, and appropriated the requisite funds.

The first board of trustees was constituted as follows: H. Sidney Hayden, Hartford county; Leverette E. Pease, Tolland county; Benjamin W. Tompkins, New London county; Rev. Samuel G. Willard, Windham county; Wil- liam B. Casey, M.D., Middlesex county; Richard S. Fel- lowes, New Haven county; Rev. Curtis T. Woodruff, Fairfield county; Robbins Battell, Litchfield county; Benjamin Douglas, Middletown; Julius Hotchkiss, Mid- dletown; Rev. Joseph Cummings, D.D., LL. D., Middle- town.

At its first meeting this board appointed committees to visit other hospitals, to select a superintendent, to recom- mend a suitable site, and procure plans for buildings, etc.

sides, extended and beautiful views, and what is of especial importance, includes full control of " Butler's Creek," a living stream, which furnishes an abundant supply of pure soft water, sufficient for all the require- ments of the establishment. For the purchase of these lands and the included water rights, the town appropri- ated an aggregate sum of twenty-five thousand dollars. The selectmen were instructed to discontinue such high- ways as it might be considered " advisable or expedient for the best interests of the Institution to have closed," and to do " everything that may be necessary to secure its location in this town."

The trustees visited and examined other hospitals and sought every available means of information concerning the needs of institutions for the treatment of the insane.

In October 1866, they appointed Dr. Abram Marvin Shew, then connected with the New Jersey Lunatic Asy- lum, superintendent, and adopted the plans which he elaborated. Mr. Addison Hutton, architect, of Phila- delphia, was employed to superintend the construction of the building, and on the 20th of June 1867, the corner stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies. Several of the buildings were enclosed during that summer and au- tumn, and completed during the next winter. The hos- pital was formally opened, and 12 men were received on the 30th of April 1868.

The daily average number of patients during the first year was 85.47; and during the second, 225.17. This average steadily increased till, according to the last re- port, it reached 854.50.

The total amount of appropriations for this hospital to 1869 was $385,000. To meet the constantly increasing demands on its capacity, it has been enlarged by the ad- dition of new buildings and wings, and to defray the cost of these, appropriations have, from time to time, been . made by the State. At the end of 1883 the grand total of these appropriations was $788,043.

It is not practicable to give here a minute description of the elegant buildings and grounds of this institution. In their external appearance they display a beauty of which the people may well be proud, and in their internal arrangements, and their adaptation to the purposes for which they were designed, they are not excelled by any institution of the kind in the country.

The hospital has an engine of 25-horse power for artificial ventilation and other purposes to which machinery may be applied. It is warmed by steam, and lighted by gas; and by reason of its abundant supply of pure water and its excellent and judiciously arranged sewers and drains, its sanitary condition is as nearly per- fect as possible.

Liberal propositions were made by several towns, but the board finally decided to accept for a site about two The farm has been skillfully managed, and its produc- tiveness has steadily increased. It is worthy of remark that the sewage from the buildings is, by an ingenious arrangement of the drains, distributed on the different fields of the farm in rotation, greatly increasing their fertility. hundred acres of land which the town of Middletown offered to donate for that purpose. Adjoining lots, in- cluding an aggregate of about one hundred acres, were subsequently purchased. This site is about a mile and a half southeasterly from the city of Middletown, and borders on the Connecticut River. It is easy of access In 1866, a commodious wharf was constructed on the by land and water, is dry and healthy, commands, on all |bank of the Connecticut River, one third of a mile from,

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History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 30

Author: Whittemore, Henry, b. 1833; Beers, J.B. & Company, publishers Publication date: 1884 Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 818

Author: Whittemore, Henry, b. 1833; Beers, J.B. & Company, publishers
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 818