The history and genealogies of ancient Windsor, Connecticut, Vol. I, Part 61

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Hartford, Conn., Press of the Case, Lockwood & Brainard company
Number of Pages: 1038

USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Windsor > The history and genealogies of ancient Windsor, Connecticut, Vol. I > Part 61

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1836. A Mr. Carlion (from New Hampshire) and Mr. Niles (of Hartford ) built a large saw-mill and manufactured lumber for some years, until the death of the latter, when the property was sold to J. B. Chapman, and run by him until his death in 1847 ; and subsequently came into the hands of C. B. Hutchins & Co., of New Hampshire, and by them to James Outterson. He converted the works into a paper-mill: it was sold, after his death, to Converse, Burbank & Co., in 1855, who manu- factured manilla paper there for about a year: when it was soll, in 1857. to Persse & Brooks, and by them, in same year, to the Persse & Brooks Paper Works.

About 1836, also, Charles Haskell (son of Seth) Dexter, born 19 Sept., 1810, began, in a small way, the manufacture of wrapping paper in the basement of the grist-mill, receiving its water-power from Kettle Brook, and making 200 pounds a day. He was the first to make paper out of bagging, and for several years purchased saltpetre bags from Col. Hazard, the powder manufacturer of Hazardville, and converted them into paper. He was also the first to discover and utilize the use of lime in cooking and preparing stock, as it killed the germ in the fibres. Mr. Dexter possessed, in a high degree, the family tendency and ability in mechanical and manufacturing industries ; and this first adventure led to the building of the new mill which, in 1847, he created on the site of the present C. H. Derter &. Nous' Paper Works. His experience and improved methods of his own devising rendered the business a very

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profitable one, and the products of his mill ranked among the best in the market. In 1855 he became president of the Connecticut River Com- pany, and, under his fifteen years administration, that which had been almost valueless became a fairly remunerative property. To his enter- prise and judicions management the company owes its large increase of water-power in the canal, and the village its consequent growth of manu- facturing industries. The Dexter mills were burned in 1873, and the present mill built soon after : during which rebuilding it was necessary to hire two mills in order to keep up the firm's work without interrup- tion. It is now one of the most complete mills in the country, filled with the latest and best machinery ; running entirely on specialties. colored manilla and other novelties, of only the finest grades, and with a capae- ity of five tons a day.

Mr. Charles H. Dexter died 29 Ang., 1869, in his 59th year, leaving a void in the community which will not soon be filled. While he never sought or held any civil or political office, he was ever foremost in all measures of public improvement : and the impress of his mind and hand was to be seen on all the material interests of the town, especially the school, the home, the church. His life, taken in all its bearings, was by far the most influential that Windsor Locks has known. He possessed a remarkably fine person and a winning address, with a commanding form, slightly bowed in his later years by rheumatic suffering. He was of quick and clear apprehension, systematic in business, hopeful and earnest in all he undertook, responding freely and gladly to calls for help, whether in money or in personal service. His son, Edwin D. Dex- ter, who was a partner with him in business, died in 1886, and I. R. Coffin is now the surviving partner in charge of this large business.

1838. Herlehigh Haskell, and Jabez H. Hayden, under the firm name of Haskell &. Hayden, commenced the sewing-silk business under the superintendence of the latter, in the old Distillery building (burned and rebuilt IS48), and for many years carried on successfully the manu- facture of silk. Mr. Haskell died 1858, T. R. Haskell 1863, and Mr. Hayden retired 1881. Since 1881 the business has been in the hands of Dwight Allen.

1839. Royal Prouty from Spencer, Mass., commenced the business of wire-drawing ; built a new mill in 1816, and was moderately success- ful until 1857, when he failed.

James H., Jr., and John F. Wells of Hartford built a two-engine paper mill for hardware paper just south of the ferry-way. The venture was not successful, and the property was sold, ISIS, to C. P. Hollister of Andover, Conn., who ran the mill on printing paper until it was burnt in 1847. The ruins were sold to A. & G. Blake of Wrentham, Mass., in 1819, who commenced to rebuild for the manufacture of

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cotton-batting, but were hindered by some old embarrassments, and the unfinished property was sold to L. B. Chapman in 1850. He finished the building, and sold to Medlicott & Osgood, manufacturers of stockinet goods.

One of the most important industries in Windsor Locks is the Medhicott Company, manufacturers of full-fashioned knit underwear. This firm's goods are known throughout the United States, and they bear an enviable reputation. This business was founded by the late W. (. Medlicott in 1864. The company's main building was erected at that time, and the business was carried on by Mr. Medlicott as a private concern until 1868, when a corporation was formed, composed of Mr. Medhicott, Charles E. Chaffee, Beach & Co., James C. Cooley, and Joseph I. Fuller, who carried on the business till 1876, with Mr. Modli- cott as president and manager. The firm that year became financially embarrassed. Mr. C. E. Chaffee, then one of the firm, was appointed assignee, and he effected a compromise with the creditors: and the business was reorganized and run with Watson Beach as president till 1882. when Mr. Chaffee was chosen president of the company, having served in the capacity of treasurer after the failure. Mr. Chaffee bought the controlling interest soon after the failure. This firm made ent goods entirely till 1867, and then began on full-fashioned goods. Mr. Chaffee went to Europe to secure the machinery frames, or fashion- ing frames. They increased the manufacture of the full-fashioned goods till 1879-1880, and then made that line of goods altogether.

In 1881 the firm enlarged the finishing department of their mill, and again in 1885, to meet the demands of their business. In 1888 they built a large addition on the north end of the mill, 40x70 feet, and four stories high. This was done to have their business complete under one roof. For several years they ran another mill south of the present structure, but now it is all together. Since 1880 they have thrown ont all the old machinery, and entirely refitted it with new and improved machinery adapted for their work.

1844. J. P. and I. A. Converse from Stafford, Conn., established an iron foundry, and work was begun in the buikling that is now used by J. R. Montgomery & Co. Here the firm did business in a small way until H. A. Converse (father of A. W. Converse) bought out .I. P. Converse's share in 1850. He conducted the business until his son came from the army, when the latter became an active partner. In 1867 the firm's name was changed to Il. A. Converse & Co. In 1864 they built a new foundry above the old building, and have since con- ducted a paying and substantial business. About 1868 they were obliged to build a large addition to meet the wants of the business. When they first built the new foundry they could keep about six men

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busy ; now twenty men are engaged in moulding, and work is done here that goes to all portions of the State. II. A. Converse died in 1982, and since that time the firm has been called " A. W. Converse & t'o."

1845. Philip and Edwin J. Ripley of Hartford Imilt a rolling-mill about 60 rods south of the lower (canal) bridge, to which was added the manufacture of steel. In 1852 E. JJ. Ripley retired from business. and Philip Ripley continued until 1856, when the works were leased for five years to T. G. Noack, who retired after one year's trial. In 1860 the works were enlarged by Farist & Windsor, as the Windsor Locks Steel Co., and organized as a stock company ( The Farist Steel Co. ) in 1879. It is practically under the same management now. They make steel of the finest grades, and during the Civil War their products were greatly in demand among gun-makers. The steel as it comes to them is the product of other mills, and comes in shape of billets, which is heated and rolled into any desired size or shape wanted. They also make crucible steel used in making dies, tools, and for special purposes. where finer grades are required. This firm has run night and day since 1853. and employs two sets of help. The general office of the company is in Bridgeport, but A. R. Webb has long been the manager here.

Josiah Rice of Hartford erected a building a few rods north of the rolling-mill, for the manufacture of Wesson rifles ; but, instead of rifles, cotton batting and thread were manufactured by several parties, in succession, until 1849, when the property was sold to Apollo Wilmarth of Medway, Mass., manufacturer of thread and twine: Since converted into a paper mill.

1846. The Connecticut River Co. built a large structure near the Locks, designed to rent for various mechanical purposes ; It in 1847 rented it to the Connecticut River Mills, a joint stock company owned mostly in Hartford, for the manufacture of printing cloths and umbrella goods. After running nine years without a dividend. it was sold out to A. Punham & Co., who were succeeded by several other par- ties previously to the present occupants, J. R. Montgomery & Co.

1847. 6. 1. Dexter built a four-engine paper mill for manilla, which he subsequently enlarged.

Leander Hotchkiss erected a building near the lower (canal ) bridge, for the purpose of manufacturing edge tools, in company with Charles Dickerman of Westfield ; but it was ultimately used by Hotch- kiss alone as a small machine shop until 1819, and then sold to Carroll & Risley, and by them converted into a mill for printing paper. After Mr. R.'s death the property was sold ( 1853) to S. N. Risley, who carried it on until 1857, and failed. One of the mortgagees, John C. Ely of New York, ran the mill for five months in 1858, then closed. It was burned March, 1859, and the ruins and land were bought by C. H. Dexter. Vol. 1 .- 65

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Now [1891] included with the site of the Pronty mill, occupied by the Electric Light Company.

1851. Eli llorton, resident at the Locks, this year invented a lathe-chuck superceding all previous inventions in that line, and he began its manufacture in a small way in the old Seymour Paper Mill, employing at first, beside his son, S. Ellsworth Horton, only one work- man. The business increasing, he removed to the building now occu- pied by J. R. Montgomery & Co., where one room was used ; and about 1865 be built the large shops where the works are now located. A large trade was created, and the Horton chuck to-day stands without a peer in excellence of workmanship and materials used. In 1873, on the death of his son, the business was changed into a corporation, the E. Horton &f. Son Co. About twelve years ago, after the death of Mr. Horton, E. B. Bailey assumed charge of the business, and by successful management it has grown so that now the present mill is adequate to meet all demands made upon it. A few years ago all the old machinery was removed, and automatic machinery, made at a large cost, put in. At the time Mr. Bailey assumed charge the company made a few kinds of chucks ; now over 300 different kinds and styles are made, from those large enough to hold a drill the size of a needle to those of forty- eight inches in diameter, capable of holding a large car-wheel.

1854-5-6. Persse & Brooks, purchasers of the Williams' Mill ( built in 1833), creeted one of the largest paper mills in the country, with all modern improvements in machinery, for making first-class book papers. It was on the site where the mill now stands occupied by Dwight, Skinner & Company as a wool-scouring mill. After the first mill had been in operation a few years, the company built a second one (now known as the Seymour Paper Mill), and the original building is now only a very small part of the plant, which has grown to large propor- tions. In 1857 they were incorporated under the title of the Persse ;. Brooks Paper Works, commencing business August 1st of that year, with three mills, storehouse, dwellings, etc., capital $150,000, employing about 200 hands, and making about eight tons of paper a day. Com- plications, arising originally in the financial panie of September, 1857, eventualed some years later in the company's suspension ; and it then passed into the hands of its present owners, Seymour & Co. The capital stock of the company is $450,000, and during the years it has been managed by the present owners they have spent $250,000 in improve- ments and additions. This concern has a capacity for turning out from twelve to twenty tons of finished paper per day, according to the quality of paper required. It formerly made about 250 pounds per hour ; bat, by the addition of new and improved machinery, it now turns ont 650 pounds per hour. In 1882 the lower mill was sold for $60,000 ; and,

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although that mill was very large, and had an enormous capacity for making paper, the Seymour now turns out more paper from one mill, with its numerous additions, than was formerly made in both combined.

The company employs about 250 hands in the different departments of its service. It is the largest mill in Windsor Locks, and one of the leading paper mills in the United States.

1860. About this time Dwight Holbrook commeneed the manufac- ture of school apparatus, slates, globes, etc., at the old Dexter clothier works on Kettle Brook, the principal market being at the West. His son-in-law, C. W. Holbrook. still continues the business.

1871. Mr. J. R. Montgomery came to Windsor Locks from Housa- tonic, Mass., and began, in 1871, at the lower cotton mill (as it is called ) the manufacture of cotton yarns with fifteen hands. The yarns were used in satinet mills in the manufacture of cloth. Soon colored warps were added to the business, and the coloring of the warps was done " in the bundle" ont of town. In 1875 he started to dye his own produet in a part of the mill owned then by A. Dunham & Son. In 1880 he purchased the entire property where he is now located, and he put in new machinery adapted to the manufacture of all kinds of plain and faney cotton warps. The lower mill was continued in use by Mr. Montgomery, so that the firm had two large mills concerned in the mak- ing of these goods.

In the lower mill was begun the first manufacturing in this country of " novelty " yarns,-a composition of yarn and threads of different mate- rials, such as cotton, silk, wool, or other fibres, twisted in an intricate and ingenious manner to produce a novel effect in goods. This is the only firm in this country that manufactures these yarns, and they were formerly imported from England and other foreign countries. The busi- ness has now grown to large proportions, and the firm now employ over 200 hands. In 1880 George M. Montgomery was admitted into partner- ship (J. R. Montgomery & Co.), and he now has charge of the business at the lower mill. About four years ago the firm built a large dye-house and equipped it with modern and improved machinery. They bay col- ton in the bale and sell the product of 15,000 cotton spindles, which is widely distributed over the New England States and the West.

1875. George Glover established a mannfactory of Brussels, Wil- ton, and Tapestry wires, extensively used in carpet looms. He died December, 1889, and was succeeded by A. W. Glover.

1881. Dwight Allen came from Springfield, Mass., and engaged in the silk trade in the old Haskell & Hayden mill, which is one of the oldest mills known to be engaged in that work. Mr. Allen is engaged in making what is known as " thrown silk," that is, he boys the raw material and sells it after it is spun and ready to dye. Only a

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part of the product is dyed and finished at this mill, as a good share is sold previous to dyeing. Mr. Allen also established a dve-house, and he has a large amount of silk to dye for other parties. When Mr. Allen came to this mill about 150 pounds a week was the product, and he has increased the business and built on a large addition, so that he now sends out about 600 pounds a week.

F. 11. Whittlesey bought a paper-mill in 1878, which was old and dilapidated, but a liberal use of money transformed it into a fine looking mill. He knew nothing about the manufacture of paper, and when he started here, after the failure of several others to make a success of the business, he was told that he was only wasting his money. But skill and business tact and lots of " push " has made the old mill turn out a hand- some profit each year. Several considerable additions have been added to it. When he started the wax-paper business in connection with the trade, it then commanded $2.50 a ream; now it is hard to sell for 45 cents. Toilet paper brought then $16 a ream: now the price is $7. The products of this mill are mostly tissue, manilla, and copying papers. which have a wide sale. He supplies many of the leading railroads of the country with a specialty of way-bill copy paper.

1877. George P. Clark got a patent in 1877 for a rubber wheel, or castor, and kept but one man busy about half the time. Two years later he added rubber rolls for scouring machines, and as the business began to increase he secured a large room in the woolen mill. and put in machinery of different kinds and added more men. In 1882 he added drying fans for drying cotton, wool, ete .. and in 1888 Mr. Clark received a patent for ventilating fans for removing dust, steam, foul air, etc., from mills and dye-houses. They were found useful in reducing the tempera- ture in paper mills, or where steam is used. In 1888 he added scouring machines to his long list of products. These cost $1.800 each, and many are in use throughout the State. He also mannfactures trucks of various kinds, rubber and iron wheels and rolls, and keeps a large forte of men at work to supply the demand.

Dwight. Skinner & Co. are the largest dealers and seourers of wool in the country. The capacity of their scouring mill here in Windsor Locks is 300.000 pounds a month. The wool is procured in the " grease " from all parts of the country. Texas, Colorado, and the Territories fur- nish the most of the supply, while a good portion is secured abroad. The best wool comes from Austria and New Zealand. The business was brought to Windsor Locks from Ellington twenty-four years ago, and a plant established in the mill now occupied by J. R. Montgomery & Co. It was managed for a time by D. R. Coffin & Co. and E. N. Kellogg & Co., and Austin Dunham & Son. Then the business was purchased by Dwight, Hillyer & Co., and the firm in a few years became U. C. Dwight

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& Co., then changed to Dwight, Skinner & Co., its present owners. The owners are well-known Hartford business men, and the main office of the firm is in Hartford. The firm purchased the large mill where they are at present located of the Seymour Paper Company for about $60,000. the old plant not being large enough for the business. About forty men are employed.

A new mill was put in operation by the Windsor Locks Machine (o .. formed in 1881, for the manufacture of machinery. It built a very large shop and fitted it with new machinery for manufacturing paper machinery, and general jobbing. Ex-Representative E. E. Latham, who was killed in the Seymour Paper Mill in February, 1889, was one of its founders, and with him were associated George Glover, Jr .: and Edwin Upton, since the death of Mr. Latham, has been president. George (Hover is treasurer. and Mrs. Martha Latham is secretary, and retains her late husband's interest in the business.

First Congregational Church of Windsor Locks.

Except from 1761 to 1794. when there was a secession from the old church of Windsor, Pine Meadow was included in the First Society of Windsor, whose records, though imperfect, yet hear the names of Pine Meadow people, in every generation from the first. The wife of Henry Denslow was a member before the close of Mr. Warham's pastorate, and her six children baptized, 1655. Twenty years later, three of them, Samuel, aged 26, Hannah, 24. and Elizabeth, 20 years, "owned their children's covenant." During the same year there was an extensive revival, and eighty-six were added to the church : among the number appear the names of Hannah and Elizabeth Denslow. Pino Meadow children were baptized from time to time, down to 1761. Abraham Dibble's first child. 1786, Samuel Denslow's, 1738, Joseph Denslow's. 1738, Thomas Dibble's, 1746, Eliakim Gaylord's, 1746. Whether these parents were in " full communion." or had owned the covenant, is un- certain. After the Fourth or North church was established. 1761, the meeting-house stood a mile and a half nearer Pine Meadow than the old one, but still five miles from the Birge family.

On the records of that church the following names appear of persons living here, at the time of its organization in 1761. Nathaniel Gaylord and Elizabeth his wife, and Joseph Gaylord, Jr .: in 1762, Hannah Denslow: 1766, Samuel Coy and Sarah his wife: 1774, Seth Dexter and Deborah his wife; 1775, Nathaniel Gaylord. son of Eliakim, after- wards a life-long pastor of the church in Hartland : 1776, Poletiah Birge and Mary his wife : 1782, Eleazar Gaylord and Sylvia his wife ; 1791. Hannah, wife of Moses Wing. Interspersed with these names are others.

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against whose names a star is placed. The first one in 1771, Jabez Haskell and Elizabeth his wife, Martin Denslow and Lois his wife, " these four profess seruples about a present attendance on the Lord's supper." Other Pine Meadow names with a star, Elizabeth Thrall, wife of Ezekiel. " recommended by the deacons of the church in Turkey Hill," 1775: Daniel Ela and Mary his wife, 1782: Jacob Russell and Esther his wife, who came here 1785, had elsewhere owned the covenant, 1784 ; Azariah Mather and Charity his wife, 1788; and Eliakim Gaylord, Jr., 1790. These persons united with the church by the " half-way coven- ant," which made their children subjects for baptism. Mr. Levi G. Hayden was the last one baptized under the half-way covenant in the Windsor church, and very few like baptisms occurred later in this State or elsewhere. After the reunion of the divided church in Windsor (1791), its pastor, Rev. Mr. Rowland, held occasional preaching services at the Pine Meadow school-house ; and in 1820 we find a stated neigh- borhood-meeting held once a fortnight at the school-house, and con- ducted by Eleazur Gaylord, a member and afterwards a deacon of the Windsor church, assisted by Herlehigh Haskell who read the sermon. Three members of the church of revolutionary times were still living, the widows of Seth Dexter. of Jabez Haskell, and of Eleazur Gaylord. Mrs. Dexter died in 1830, aged 87: Mrs. Haskell in 1838, aged 85: Mrs. Gaylord in 1839, aged 84.

In 1829 the canal had been completed, and Mr. Asa B. Woods came here from Hartford to take charge of it. He was a professor of religion, as was his wife, who came from Clinton, New York : both united with the church in Windsor. Deacon Gaylord had previously removed to Amherst, Mass.

In 1831 several Christian women, who held a female prayer-meeting. brought about the opening of a Sabbath-school, which was organized at the school-house May 1, 1831, with A. B. Woods for superintendent. The teachers were Mrs. Herlehigh Haskell, Mrs. A. B. Woods, Miss Eliza Denslow, Miss Harriet Dexter, Charles H. Dexter, and O. M. Net- son. A majority of these teachers were still in the school when our church was organized, and were of the original members. The school was held after the afternoon service at Windsor, from which Sabbath- school library books were brought, and it has been continued without interruption to the present time.

Mr. Ezekiel Williams, a licentiate, and who had labored some as a missionary in western New York, came here in the employ of his brother. who had built a paper-mill, and, in the winter of 1832-3 volunteered to rondnet an additional Sunday service at the school-house for those who had no means of conveyance to Windsor. In the spring of 1833, largely through the inthenee of Mr. Danforth of Hartford, a manufacturer here,

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and Mr. Williams, an evangelist from the State of New York, a Mr. Curry, who had been laboring at Hartford, held here a " three-days meeting." which resulted in a very general religious awakening, and several hope- Inl conversions. Mr. Danforth failed in business, and both he and Mr. Williams removed from the place soon after. The Sabbath services. however, were continued, and some of the members volunteered to preach here in turn at 5 o'clock Sunday afternoons.

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The history and genealogies of ancient Windsor, Connecticut, Vol. I, Part 61

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909 Publication date: 1891 Publisher: Hartford, Conn., Press of the Case, Lockwood & Brainard company Number of Pages: 1038

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Hartford, Conn., Press of the Case, Lockwood & Brainard company
Number of Pages: 1038