History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 81

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 81

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During 1849, Mr. Nichols perfected and patented a pro- cess for twisting twine and rope, by which both the strand and main cord were "laid up " simultaneously, making a line known in the market as "patent" or "hard laid

twine." To meet the increasing demand for his goods he enlarged both of his mills, and the business flourished until the breaking out of the war in 1861. -

In 1869, Mr. Nichols associated with him the firm of Demarest & Joralemon, of 100 Barclay street, New York, and Mr. Z. E. Chaffee of this village, under the firm name of "The New York Net and Twine Com- pany." This firm purchased the machinery owned by the late Charles H. Havemeyer, of Newburgh, N. Y., for the manufacture of twine and netting, built a new mill in the eastern part of the village of Moodus, at the "Great Falls," in size 68 by 40 feet, three stories high, with basement and necessary tenements. In 1880, an addi- tion 40 by 50 feet, of the same height as the main build- ing, was annexed thereto. The power at this mill is sup- plied by a " Journal Turbine " wheel, 14 inches in diam- eter, which revolves 900 times per minute, and affords 45- horse power. The machines knit any size of twine, from six to twenty-four threads, and from one and a half to six inch mesh; they tie from eight to nine hundred knots per minute, and it is believed that they make more per- fect work than can be done by hand.

In 1869, Mr. Nichols sold his two twine mills to the Net Company, thus merging the business into one con- cern.

The Nichols "East Mill," before mentioned, is located about one-fourth of a mile east of the Moodus post office, and is 30 by 100 feet, ground size, two stories high, with basement, and is operated by a 30-inch turbine wheel, under a head of 20 feet. This mill is operated exclu- sively on soft twines, carpet warp, and knitting cotton, and produces about 1,800 pounds of goods per week.

The lower, or as it is familiarly known, the " Red Mill," is located in the center of the village of Moodus. In size it is 36 by 100 feet, with detached picker-room, is two stories high, with basement, and is operated by a turbine wheel 30 inches in diameter under a head of 21 feet. In the basement of this mill are located the works of the Moodus Machine Company, where general repairs for the mills are made, and machine building is carried on to some extent. The two stories above are devoted to the manufacture of hard laid twine, and pro- duce about 3,300 pounds 'per week, of all sizes, from nine threads to cord suitable for clothes lines. This mill is under the supervision of Mr. Gelston Mitchell, who has been in the employ of the concern for 43 years.

It and the one at " The Falls " are furnished with powerful force pumps and hydrants, with sufficient hose to reach all the tenements. The company employs about 80 operatives, male and female, and has a monthly pay roll of $2,500. Eighteen bales of cotton are used per week, and 6,000 pounds of twine and netting are pro- duced.

Mr. Z. E. Chaffee, who was the business superinten- dent for several years, died June 10th 1877, since which time the general management has devolved on his son, Mr. E. W. Chaffee.

The Hon. William E. Cone, who for a period of 25 years was the bookkeeper and general manager of the

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affairs of the company, was born in 1805. Mr. Cone entered the employ of the concern in 1842, and remained until 1867; twice he has served in the General Assembly, and twice in the State Senate.

ATLANTIC DUCK MILL .- On the 23d of September 1851, a corporation called the Atlantic Duck Company was organized. The principal stockholders were: Eldad Taylor, R. W. Miller, F. M. Palmer, M. H. Silliman, J. B. Silliman, William Palmer jr., Joseph Nickerson, Eli- jah B. Purple, T. C. Boardman, C. A. Hubbard, Samuel Ingraham, William Palmer, and Beniamin Flanders. William Palmer jr. was chosen president, and the capital stock was fixed at $10,000, all of which was paid in by the 6th of April 1852. This stock was, in 1853, increased to $50,000, and in 1859 reduced to $40,000.

Operations by this company commenced at the stone mill, and a successful business was carried on there till about 1857. In that time the company purchased land farther up the stream, erected a large mill, and placed in it the best machinery that could be procured. During the night before which operations were to commence the mill was burned. It was at once rebuilt, and it has been successfully operated since.

Albert E. Purple, a son of Elijah B. Purple, deceased, has long been local manager and secretary.

The motive power of this mill is a Swain turbine wheel, under a head of 40 feet. Forty operatives are employed. The mill has 1,712 spindles, and about 7,000 pounds of cotton are used weekly.

WILLIAMS DUCK COMPANY .- On the Ist day of De- cember 1855, the Williams Duck Company was organ ized, with a capital of $30,000, which was subsequently increased to $38,000, all of which was paid in. The pur- poses of the corporation were the manufacture of cotton duck, cotton and woolen goods of all descriptions, and all kinds of machinery from wood and iron. The mill was burned in the winter of 1863-4, but it was at once rebuilt, and work was resumed. It covers an area of 100 by 45 feet, and has three stories above the base- ment.

5,000 pounds of cotton per week are used in this mill, and 30 operatives are employed. It is said that the goods produced here are not excelled by any in the market. Jehial F. Williams has been president of the company from its organization.

THE UNDINE TWINE MILLS .- It has been stated that Mr. A. E. Purple purchased from Jonathan O. Cone the mill and privilege belonging to the estate of Stanton S. Card. Mr. Purple commenced operations at once at this place, and he is still manufacturing cotton twines, carpet warps, etc., with good success. The name " Undine" was adopted in 1878. This mill is operated by a 30-inch Tyler wheel, and runs 1,216 spindles, consuming 2,600 pounds of cotton per week, and producing 2,200 pounds of goods. There are employed 15 operatives.

On the 22d of June 1878, Mr. Purple purchased from W. E. Nichols & Co., or the New York Net and Twine Company, the factory known as the " Nichols East Mill." This mill, under Mr. Purple, has been put into the best

possible condition, and new machinery for the manufac- ture of "patent," or hard laid twine, has been intro- duced. The motive power is a 27-inch Hercules wheel, under a head of twenty feet. The mill operates 1,424 spindles, consuming 4,000 pounds of cotton, and pro- duces 3,300 pounds of manufactured goods per week. It employs about 20 operatives, with a monthly pay roll of over $500.

THE GRANITE TWINE MILL .- The first cotton mill in Moodus was erected in 1815. It was located on the west bank of the Moodus River, about a mile and a quarter from its mouth, and was known as the "Stone Mill." It was 66 feet in length by 36 in width. It was at first capable of operating from 1,500 to 2,000 spindles.

In 1816, a joint stock company called, in honor of its mnost active promoter and first president, Captain Asa Smith, the "Smith Manufacturing Com- pany," was organized. The principal stockholders were: Captain Asa Smith, Phineas Gates, Robert B. Chapman, Judge William Carter, of Killing- worth; and Julius Chapman. The land and the water privilege were purchased from Phineas Gates, a large landholder here. At first yarn was made by machinery and was woven on hand looms by people in their houses, and it was not till 1820 that power looms were intro- duced. Robert B. Chapman was the business agent and manager. A small store was established in one corner of the mill, and subsequently removed to the " Red House," just opposite the present stone store. This was the first store in Moodus. Judge Carter became the business agent, and in 1822 the present stone store was built, in which Ebenezer Nichols was clerk .. In 1825, Mr. Car- ter was succeeded as manager by his son William Carter jr., and he, after one year, by Joseph Brainerd.

In 1829, the company failed, though its liabilities were small, and after some litigation Epaphroditus Champion, in 1831, purchased the property, which consisted of nine acres of land, with the water privilege, factory, store, two dwelling houses, and other buildings. Mr. Champion also purchased the machinery. and operated the mill, ir- regularly, till his death in 1842.

By his will Mr. Champion devised the property to Mrs. Sarah Cowdry, and after her to her son, Loren, and his heirs, if any. It was leased to Sweet & Smith, which firm afterward became Sweet & Wetherell, and it was operated by them till 1849, when Allan & Ulford be-' came the lessees. In 1849, the mill was destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt by the Cowdrys, and in 1851 was leased by the Atlantic Duck Company, which was formed that year. 'This company operated the mill successfully till the spring of 1858, when, having built a mill of their own, they relinquished it. Palmer & Purple then oper- ated it for a time, but were soon succeeded by Cowdry, Rogers & Co., who continued the manufacture of duck till the death of Mr. Cowdry, in the spring of 1861. J. B. Silliman & Co. then leased the mill, and it was oper- ated by this firm till the death of Mr. Silliman, in the summer of 1869. Frothingham & Baylis, of New York city, then became the owners, and the mill was idle dur- ing four years.

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

In the autumn of 1873, C. E. Blair and C. E. Brown became the owners of the property. They introduced new machinery, and engaged in the manufacture of car- pet warp and wrapping twines. After about two years, the property reverted to Frothingham & Baylis, who sold it to William H. Crowningshield, and he in turn deeded it back, after a year.

In 1878, it was purchased by William L. Fowler jr., was renovated, new machinery was supplied, and the manufacture of cotton twines, cord, etc., was entered on. In 1881, an addition, 12 feet square, surmounted by a bell tower, was erected.

The machinery is driven by a 36-inch Cushman wheel, 1,000 spindles are operated, 260 bales of cotton are an- nually used, and 104,000 pounds of goods are annually produced.

BROWNELL & COMPANY .- In 1825, J. H. & E. P. Brown- ell conducted a wool carding and cloth dressing estab- lishment on the site of the present mill of Brownell & Company. This clothiery was afterward utilized for the manufacture of satinet, and for various other pur- poses. . In 1844, E. P. Brownell purchased his brother's interest, and entered into a partnership with Stanton S. Card and Elijah Spencer. They enlarged the mill to its present capacity, and commenced the manufacture of seine twines. Several changes in the firm were made, and in 1852 it was dissolved; and, under the same name, a new one was formed, consisting of E. P. Brownell, Richard S. Pratt, and Charles E. Brownell, a son of the senior partner. In 1872, Charles E. purchased the inter- est of Mr. Pratt, and under the old firm name of Brown- ell & Company, he and his father conducted a prosper- ous business. In 1875, Edward P. Brownell, the senior partner, died; and since that time the business has been conducted by the junior member of the old firm.

The manufactory is 24 by 70 feet in size, and three stories in height above the basement. The first floor is used for carding, the second for spinning, and the third for twisting and packing. The motive power is a 40-inch Hunt wheel, under a 20-feet head. Seine twine, carpet warp, and knitting cotton are manufactured here. Fif- teen operatives are employed, and about 2,500 pounds of cotton are used annually.

YANKEE MILL .- On the site of this mill a grist mill formerly stood, and many other grist and saw mills were scattered along the stream. The history of these has faded away in the long ago, and of other mills of various kinds that afterward existed little is known except that they once were there.

This cotton mill was long known as Smith's mill, be- cause, until the death of Watrous B. Smith, who had, during more than 40 years, been its general manager, it was controlled by the Smiths.

After Captain Asa Smith, in 1819, sold his interest in the stone mill, he purchased this property from Noah C. Hurd, and during the next year erected a cotton mill. Sweet and Wetherell failed in 1847.

Mr. Ransom Whittemore became his partner, and they commenced the manufacture of cotton yarns, but after- ward engaged in making shirtings. Connected with the

mill was a machine shop, in which the machinery was made and repaired. In 1825 Watrous B. Smith, a son of Asa, became general manager. In the same year Mr. Whittemore sold his interest to Noah Bulkley, and in 1826 new looms were introduced.

It is remembered that during this year the arch bridge here was built, under the superintendence of Captain Asa Smith, Phineas Gates, and Stephen Cone; and that the expense was defrayed by subscription.

In the spring of 1829, Watrous B. Smith purchased his father's interest in the business, and, with Noah Bulkley, as a partner, established the Oakville Manufacturing Company. The career of this company was not prosper. ous, and, in 1843, an assignment was made to John C. Palmer. In 1844, the mill, with its contents, was de- stroyed by fire. It was at once rebuilt by Mr. Palmer, and in 1845, W. B. Smith was again manager of a mill here. The new firm, Palmer & Smith, introduced duck looms, and engaged in the manufacture of cloth. In the summer of 1846, Fox & Polhamus, of New York city, purchased the interest of Mr. Palmer, and the firm became W. B. Smith & Co. In 1864, Mr. Smith became sole proprietor. In 1865, Harper Boies pur- chased the property, and Robert C. Smith, son of W. B. Smith, became his partner. Mr. Boies purchased the in- terest of Mr. Smith in 1866, and he has successfully con- ducted the business since.

The mill is 45 by 70 feet in size, and the machinery is operated by two 30-inch Humphrey improved wheels. Since 1881, exclusive attention has been given to the manufacture of seine twine. About 5,000 pounds of cotton are used per week, and twenty hands are em- ployed.

THE MOODUS MANUFACTURING COMPANY .- The his- tory of this concern is of considerable importance. Mr .- Daniel Wetherell, the builder of this mill, was born in Portland, Connecticut, March 22d 1814. In 1843, Mr. Sweet, of Grafton, Massachusetts, a partner of Mr. George Smith, of Valley Falls, Rhode Island, came to Moodus and rented the " Cowdry mill." On the Ist of April 1844, Mr. Wetherell purchased the interest of Mr. Smith in the Moodus mill, and successfully operated the same, in company with Mr. Sweet, up to 1848. In 1846, Mr. Wetherell turned his attention to the water privilege farther down the stream. During the same year, the firm purchased land of Mr. Amasa Day, and erected the main building of the Moodus Yarn Company.

The dimensions were 100 feet long, 40 feet wide, and four and one-half stories high. It was constructed entirely of stone. The canal right was purchased from Mr. Sylvester Cone. The concern was ready for opera- tion in 1849, and the making of spool thread was begun in that year. This was continued to 1851, when the manufacture of print goods was commenced, with 48 looms, the number being subsequently increased to 96.

An unsuccessful attempt was then made to form a joint stock company. In this state of affairs, H. & S. B. Chace, of Valley Falls, creditors, of the former firm, took

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possession, and in 1848 organized the Moodus Manufac- turing Company.

The original members of the company were: S. Chace, H. B. Chace, Oliver Chace jr., George Smith, and I. S. Harrington. The first officers were: Harvey Chace, presi- dent; I. S. Harrington, secretary and treasurer. The capital stock was $12,500.

In 1864, an addition was made of a building 69 by 36 feet. The motive power is two turbine wheels under a 411/2 feet head, and a steam engine, that was introduced during the dry season of 1871. The mill operates 5,712 spindles and 100 looms; consumes 3,500 pounds of cotton per week; and produces about 3,300 pounds of goods. Fifty-four operatives are employed, with a monthly pay roll of $1,200.

In 1872, this firm imported from Manchester, England, 3,268 mule spindles, and in 1874, from the same place, a Slubber speeder, the only one ever brought to this country. The selling office is located in Providence, R. I. Mr. Samuel B. Chace died in 1871. He was known as "The bobbin boy of 1806, and the railroad and reservoir man of 1828."

CARD & COMPANY .- Stanton S. Card, a native of Sterling, Connecticut, came to Haddam in 1821, and en- tered the service of the Smith Manufacturing Com- pany as a machinist, and afterward became general owner. George Higgins then owned and operated a grist mill where the "Red Mill " was afterward located. This privilege was, in 1826, purchased by Ebenezer Nichols, who erected over the grist mill a cotton fac- tory, and Messrs. Card & Higgins became his partners. They engaged in the manufacture of cotton twines which they carried on successfully till 1830, when Mr. Nichols purchased the interest of his partners. Messrs. Card & Higgins then purchased from Austin Chapman, the site now occupied by the lower Neptune Mill, and erected thereon a mill for the manufacture of seine twines. This mill was completed in the spring of 1832. It was 36 by 40 feet, and three stories in height. Here Messrs. Card & Higgins commenced the manufacture of cotton twines, wrapping twine, stocking yarn, etc., and the business was prosperous. In 1840, Emory Johnson and Jonathan O. Cone, sons-in-law of Mr. Card, became partners, and the firm name was changed to Card & Co. In 1846, Mr. Higgins retired from the firm, and Elijah Spencer and Roswell Davidson were ad- mitted. In 1845, another mlll, the one now owned and operated by Albert E. Purple, was built.

Three or four years later, Mr. Davidson sold his in- terest to the company, and in November 1861, Mr. Spen- cer died, and the company consisted of Messrs. Card, Johnson & Cone. Mr. Card had erected a grist and saw mill in the upper part of the town. In 1849, the lower mill was enlarged by the addition of 20 feet to the main structure.

In 1861, Mr. Johnson sold to the company his in- terest in the concern, and in 1865, Mr. Cone sold his interest in the upper mill, after which it was rented, at different times to different parties, and was idle a por-

tion of the time. Albert E. Purple was for a short time associated with Mr. Card in operating the lower mill. On his retirement from the firm, E. Emory Johnson, a son of Emory Johnson, was admitted as junior part- ner. In 1867, Mr. Card died, and the lower mill prop- erty came under the management of Emory Johnson, and the upper mill came to Jonathan O. Cone, who soon sold it to Albert E. Purple.

THE NEPTUNE TWINE MILLS-Mr. Emory Johnson, the proprietor of the Neptune Mills, was born in the town of Chatham, August 11th 1817, and at an early age entered the employ of the Central Manufacturing Com- pany. He subsequently became a partner in the firm of Card & Co., where he had a long and valuable experi- ence. Desiring to embark in business on his own ac- count, in the spring of 1860 he sold out his interest in the firm, and from them purchased the privilege where now stands his " upper mill." A good substantial stone dam was built, and a building was erected, 80 feet long by 34 feet wide, and in the spring of 1862 the mill was in full operation. This mill was the only one in town that did any business during the great Civil war.

After the death of Mr. Card the lower mill, belonging to the firm of Card & Co., came into the possession of Mr. Johnson, and he soon afterward put it in excellent condition by extensive repairs and the introduction of new machinery, and it has since been operated, in con- nection with the new mill, in the manufacture of cotton seine twine. The lower mill is 80 feet long by 36 feet wide, and three stories high. A brick lapper room 28 by 32 feet, was annexed in 1883. Cotton seine twine' welting cord, carpet warp, and knitting cotton are the articles made. These goods have acquired an enviable reputation, and are sold to the principal dealers through- out the United States and Canada.

There are employed in these mills 30 operatives with a monthly pay roll of $950. Nine thousand pounds of cotton are consumed each week, producing about 7,500 pounds of goods. The upper mill is operated by a 30- inch Bristol turbine wheel, and the "lower mill " by a 36-inch Cushman wheel. Gas is used for illuminating the " upper mill." In 1864, the name of "Neptune " was adopted, and, in 1876, the first premium medal and di- ploma was awarded to these mills.

PINE BROOK DUCK COMPANY AND THE ANCHOR MILLS .- In 1860, Mr. Daniel Wetherell organized what was known as The Pine Brook Duck Company, and erected a mill at Pine Brook, on Haddam Neck, and in 1861 commenced the manufacture of light cotton duck. The business succeeded well under his management, and the prospects for a success were favorable till September 20th 1871, when the mill was totally destroyed by fire.

Not abating in energy, Mr. Wetherell proceeded to re- build, and in 1872, he erected what was known as the "Anchor Mills," on the site of the old building, and com- menced the manufacture of cotton warps. This venture did not prove very successful, and in 1877, business here was entirely suspended. Mr. Wetherell has since de- voted his attention to agricultural pursuits.

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

Pine Brook takes its rise in Pocotopaug Lake, in East Hampton, and farther down the stream are the famous bell factories of that town, several saw mills, an old satinet mill, and finally the Anchor Mills of Mr. Weth- erell. Below the Anchor Mills was formerly the paper manufactory of C. B. House & Co. A little farther down the stream empties into Salmon River, about half a mile below Leesville.

LEESVILLE.

Mr. Jonathan Kilbourn was the pioneer at this place, and the first to take advantage of the splendid water power here presented. Mr. Kilbourn removed from Colchester and settled upon his new land in the year 1763, and at once commenced clearing the ground and making other preparations for the manufacture of linseed oil. There were many obstacles to be overcome; it was like taking up an abode in a new country; but the de- termination and perseverance evinced were fully equal to the task. The building to be used as the oil mill was built on the same site where the present mill stands, and was a low frame building. In 1764 everything was in operation, and Mr. Kilbourn had built and was living in the house on the hill, known to-day as the Lummis house, and owned by Mr. Isaac Weildon. Be it remem- bered that this was the first oil mill erected in the State of Connecticut. During this present year (1764) Mr. Kilbourn was elected a selectman in the town, and dur- ing the years that followed, he held several positions of trust. He connected with his works a carding and full- ing mill and also built the first saw mill, the business of which increased rapidly from year to. year. Here was the first carding introduced to the town in its simple and undeveloped form. Mr. Kilbourn was a natural me- chanic, and while at this place he invented the iron screw, used for expressing the oil from flaxseed; also an apparatus for pressing cloth. This was the first screw and boxes ever cut by machinery in the world. It is claimed by the family, which by the way is a very large and honorable one, that Mr. Kilbourn admitted into his shop, an Englishman who, observing his invention, took the proper dimensions etc., went to England, and claimed to be the original inventor.

1 politically, ranked with the first in the State. Jonathan was a commissioned lieutenant (June 14th 1776) during the Revolutionary struggle, and in October 1778 he was commissioned as captain of the Third Company, 25th There is on record the following, viz .: "April 25th 1767: Town meeting, East Haddam: Voted-That it is absolutely necessary to build a Bridge over Salmon River, a little northerly of the dwelling house of Jona- than Kilbourn, Esq., and south of Salmon Hole; one end of the Bridge to lye on Haddam, and the other end on East Haddam. Jonathan Kilbourn, Esq., is a committee to build the said Bridge." The bridge was built accord- Regiment. David was a man of sterling integrity, and filled very many important positions. He was a justice of the peace for 12 years in succession; he was also first selectman, auditor of public accounts, moderator, and chairman of the highway committee. He was also a deacon in the Congregational church, and in October 1789 he was commissioned as captain of the Third Com- pany, 25th Regiment, of Connecticut militia, the position ing to instructions, by Mr. Kilbourn, and by vote it was |made vacant by the resignation of his brother. David rebuilt in 1807. Subsequently it was frequently repaired, but was carried completely away by a flood, and at pres- ent a good substantial iron bridge crosses the stream just south of the present mill, and about ten rods be- low the old wooden structure.

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History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 81

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