USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Waterbury > The town and city of Waterbury, Connecticut, from the aboriginal period to the year eighteen hundred and ninety-five. Volume II > Part 36
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The corporation went out of business in January, 1886, and the plant was purchased by the new firm of Randolph & Clowes.
PHILO BROWN.
Philo Brown was born in Waterbury, January 26, 1803, and was the eldest of four brothers, all of whom have occupied prominent places in the industrial history of the town. They were descended in the seventh generation from Francis and Mary Brown, who in 1637 came with the Rev. John Davenport's company to Boston and subsequently settled New Haven. It has already been mentioned that the father of these four brothers, Colonel James Brown, came to Waterbury in 1798 .* Their mother was Lavinia, the daughter of Levi Welton, of Wolcott.
Philo Brown received his early education at the village school. At the age of eighteen he entered his father's blacksmith shop, and worked there for about six years (until 1827), when he engaged in business on his own account. In 1830, in connection with Israel Holmes and seven others, he took an active part in establishing the brass mill of Holmes & Hotchkiss (afterward Brown & Elton), the history of which has been given in a previous chapter. When the American Pin company was established (see page 320), Mr. Brown was made its president.
Mr. Brown's important relations to the establishment and man- agement of the corporation of Brown & Brothers are indicated above. For nearly thirty years he devoted himself with great fidelity to the business of this large concern, taking his place in the mill after the custom of the earlier generation of brass-workers, and never failing to make his four daily journeys between the factory and the home. In 1850 he built the large dwelling house which occupied the site where the building of the Young Men's Christian association now stands, and died there on May 12, 1880.
In the address made by the Rev. Dr. Anderson at his funeral, reported in the Waterbury American, he was characterized as fol- lows:
The firm of Brown & Brothers has enjoyed, down to the present hour, a career of prosperity and progress. To its prosperity Mr. Brown has contributed as largely as any man, not only by his official position, but by his well-known con-
* See pp. 205, 206. The natural inference from the statement there made would be that he was engaged throughout his life in the manufacture of firearms. The trade that Colonel Brown pursued was the trade he learned from his father, that of a blacksmith.
MESTORY OF WATERAUR).
niente, was appointed to the office, The secretary of Brown & Brothers from itdo bis death in ixyz was Theodore S. Bnel (for when see the chapter on the legal profession).
The corporation wen ade of business in January, 1886, and the phaet ses parchosesfor the new firm of Randolph & Clowes.
PILILO BROWN.
Pluto Ersova was born in Waterbury, January 20, 18c3, and was the Eldit of four brothers, All of whom have occupied prominent blaces in he industriel bistro of the town. They were descended in the seventh generation from Franci ane Mary Brown, who in 1637 calnie with the Rev Jong Doveopory, company to Boston and subsequently settled Nos IL ... D Was already been mentioned that the Either of Et Ficoo_ Brown, came to Water ry
Al the agent
worke thers lor abolit six years (until ioly) si Mong ke mn 1usiness on his own account. In IS3o, in connestro wob israel Holmes and seven others, he took an active part in cubaalong the brass mill of Holmes & Hotchkiss (afterward Brown & Elton), the history of which has been given in a previous chapter. When the Actrican VE company was ablished (see page 320), Mr. Brown
My Boys imp chat folle to the establishment and man- agerdent of the corporation of Brown & Brothers are indicated For ages chilly vents be devoted himself with great fidelity to the busmexx of this large coneem Wiing hajde in the will after the custom of the earlier generating forkers, and never failing to make his four daily tween the factory did the howra, In 1850 he bune the ben dwelling house which mampied the sha where the building of the Young Men's Christian duca tion now etomnis, and died there on May 12, 1880.
In the ane ude bebe Rex. Dr. Anderson at his funeral. hogy American, he was characterized as fol-
The brug Kom bulegogel, down to the present hour, a career of prosperity 7 prosperity Mr. Brown has contributed as
ames position, but by his well-known con-
e slatemer there hade would be that he was engaged trife talt Colon I Hrown pur ued was the trade he
.
Philo Brown
345
BROWN & BROTHERS; RANDOLPHI & CLOWES.
servatism and his unrelaxing attention to the details of the business. At an age when most men seek relief from laborious duties, he devoted himself unweariedly to the establishment he had done so much to build up, setting an example of industry, prudence and simplicity which the younger generation of business men would do well to follow.
As might be inferred from the well-known character of his father, Mr. Brown received in early life, not only a religious, but a Puritanic training. He united with the First church in his twenty-ninth year, under the ministry of the Rev. Joel R. Arnold, and continued in communion with it until his death. He died after a painful illness of fourteen days, having out-lived most of the busy men who come upon the stage at the same time with himself, among whom were the other members (besides his father) of the firm to which he belonged in 1830, and also such men as Aaron Benedict, the Scovill brothers, S. J. Holmes, Green Kendrick, Elisha Steele, S. B. Terry, Henry Terry, his own brother Augustus Brown, and many more. As the last of this remarkable group of men, it is fitting that Philo Brown should receive due commemoration in the annals of a people who are too busy long to remember the dead, whatever their virtues may have been and however large a place they may have filled in the community.
On September 16, 1824, Mr. Brown married Esther, daughter of Giles Ives. (See Vol. I, Ap. p. 76.) She died January 29, 1890. Two children were born to them: William Henry, and Cornelia, who became the wife of Theodore S. Buel.
WILLIAM HENRY BROWN was born April 6, 1827. After his school days were over he entered the employ of Brown & Elton, where he exhibited marked ability and enterprise. He was one of the original shareholders of the firm of Brown & Brothers, in the estab- lishment and early direction of which his influence was apparent. He was for some years secretary of the company, and when a store was established in New York he was placed in charge of it. Besides managing the New York store, he engaged in large transactions in behalf of his father and for himself. After the termination of his connection with Brown & Brothers, he resided for a time in Jersey City, and afterward in Chicago and Milwaukee.
On June 6, 1852, he married Ellen Ives of Hartford, who since his death has resided in Hendersonville, N. C. He died March 18, 1891.
DR. JAMES BROWN.
James Brown, the youngest of the four sons of Colonel James and Lavinia (Welton) Brown, was born July 2, 1815. On arriving at manhood he turned his attention to the study of medicine, and entered the medical school at Castleton, Vt. After graduation he took up his residence in the South, and for ten or twelve years was a successful practitioner in Alabama and Mississippi. He was com- pelled by the failure of his health to return north in 1849, and in
346
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
1851, when the firm of Brown & Brothers was established, he became an active member of it. To this organization he gave his energies for twenty-five years, being one of its principal stockholders, and for a long time its secretary. He was also interested in several other manufacturing concerns of Waterbury, but retired fr ness in 1875.
Dr. Brown represented Waterbury in the legislature in 1059 a. 1860, and was a senator in 1861. It was hardly an exaggerat
RESIDENCE OF DR. JAMES BROWN, 1865 TO 1883.
say of him, as was said at the time of his death, that he was "competent to fill any station which he could be induced to accept," but his health through a large part of his life was such as to interfere with his en- COLONEL JAMES BROWN'S HOUSE, ABOUT 1840 .* gaging in active business. After his retirement, when he was kept at home by illness, his familiar form was seen almost daily upon the streets. His large figure and strong face suggested
* Built by Captain George Nichols for his son John, about 1760. It originally had a gambrel roof. The original doorway remains substantially unaltered.
347
BROWN & BROTHERS; RANDOLPH & CLOWES.
solidity and conservatism, and the views to which he gave ex- pression in intercourse with others were often pessimistic; but he possessed a warm heart and a thoroughly social nature; he was a man of strong attachments and a most devoted father. His was unflinching, his judgment excellent, and he was an ›spiser of shams.
In 10 ,5 ne made extensive alterations in the old Nichols house - M. 'n street, which his father had owned, and here he con- reside during the remaining years of his life. He died, away from home, while visiting with his family at the of his son-in-law, in Lyme.
resiu
He married Charlotte Elizabeth, daughter of Oliver Todd of Plymouth. Two daughters survive them, Sarah Josephine, and Rosa, the wife of Richard S. Griswold of Lyme. Mr. and Mrs. Gris- wold have eight children, three of whom were born in Waterbury. The eldest, Richard Sill, is a student at the Bellevue Medical col- lege, New York; the third, Daniel Eddie, is in the Columbia Law school. The second, James Brown, is a graduate of Dartmouth Medical college, and an assistant at the Post-Graduate hospital, New York.
Dr. Brown died August 26, 1883.
A DOORWAY OF 1760.
348
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
EDWARD L. FRISBIE.
Edward Laurens Frisbie, son of Lauren and Artemisia (Welton) Frisbie, was born in Waterbury, August 22, 1824. He is a descend- ant of Edward Frisbie who came from Wales and settled in the Hartford colony soon after its establishment, and who, in 1644, was one of a party that purchased Totoket (now Branford) and organ- ized a town government there. About 1750 Elijah Frisbie, a descendant of Edward, left Branford and settled in Waterbury. From this Elijah Frisbie, Edward L. Frisbie is descended. (See Vol. I, Ap. pp. 53, 54.) He was educated in the common schools of his native town. He was employed chiefly in farming until 1847, when he entered the kettle department of the Waterbury Brass company. He continued in this situation until the summer of 1848, when the old method of manufacturing kettles by stamping was superseded by a machine for spinning them. In the spring of 1849 he engaged in casting brass and German silver at the factory of Brown & Elton, and remained in the service of that firm until the organization of Brown & Brothers. He entered the employ of the new company to take charge of its casting department, and remained with it for thirty years (until January 1883), holding positions of responsibility and influence in connection with the management of the concern. In 1854 he purchased an interest in it.
Mr. Frisbie represented the town in the legislature in 1854, and again in 1872. He has held the offices of justice of the peace, selectman, and assessor, and has served as a member of the board of relief for the town. In the city government he has served as a councilman and as a member of various boards and committees. He is the president of the Waterbury Savings bank, has been a trustee of the Dime Savings bank since its formation, and is a director in the Manufacturers' National bank. He has been from the first a director of the Waterbury hospital. When St. John's Episcopal church was divided, he became connected with the new enterprise, and has since that time been a member of Trinity par- ish and a vestryman or warden in it.
On February 11, 1850, he married Hannah A., daughter of Her- shel Welton of Wolcott. She died July 10, 1857. The children by this marriage, besides two daughters who died in infancy, were Mary A., who married Ellis Phelan (for whom see the chapter on the legal profession), and Edward Lauren. On January 12, 1860, Mr. Frisbie married Josephine, daughter of Abner Deming of Derby. She died October 14, 1872, leaving one daughter, Josephine. On October 2, 1884, he married Emily J., third daughter of George W. Welton.
848
EDWARD L. EMSUTE
Edward Laurens Frisbie, son of Lauren and Artemisia ( Weltont Cambio, was born Ut Tyaterbtity, August 22. 1824. He is a desceml wol of Edtruet Predse who wwwve From Wales und sertled in the tom after its establishment, and who, in (644, was one of That purchased Toloket (now Branford) and organ ized = low government there About 1755 Elijah Frisbie, a de- quopat of Edward, jeft Branford and settled in Waterbury Freon This Elijah Frisbie, Edward L. Frisbie is descended. (See) Vol. I. A.p. pp 58, 54) He was educated in the common schools of Tris mative towo Ti farming until 1817 when he encon Waterbury Bras Company Mi wimmer of 1848. camping was. wering of 1849
Freea 4 L con, and To
ui the
vew sopim to take charge of its casting der -. remained with it for thirty years (until january 1563), heidikg positions of responsibility and influence in connection with the management of the concern. In 1854 he purchased an interest in it,
Mr. Prisbic represented the town in the legislature in 1854, and 29710 in 18. Tr has Brbl the offices of justice of the peace, Maryed as a member of the board ox watfor the ly government he has served as a comisia and as a meugr Gr various beards and committees fie 18 11 lout of the Waterbury Savings bank, hot Teen a Trustee Of birde Serings Dank since the form the und is a diretor in We Manuissuweys National bank. il been trom the first a morsetor of the Waterbury hesind Wiew St John's Episcopal charli was divided, he berdenmetod over the new chterpfin, and has jince that time been . meniterel Trinity par- wh wod - vestryman a warden m it.
Col Tilbury gh Y so he married Hannab &, daughter of Ilei- skol Wefrau /6 Wolesit She died July 19, 1857. The children by this marriage dee two daughters who died in infancy, were MINS A) who ArHod ETill Phelan (for whom see the chapter on the legal profe val wi Dlward Lauren On January 12, 1866, Mr. Friske ma Josephine, daughter of Abner Deming of Derby, She died Chiara, 1852, leaving one daughter, Josephine. On October a, fikk be wine Emdy J., third daughter of George TV. Walton
EL Frisbie
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MILLS, FACTORIES AND GENERAL OFFICES OF
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349
BROWN & BROTHERS; RANDOLPHI & CLOWES.
EDWARD LAURENS FRISBIE, Jr., was born November 22, 1854. He received his early education in Waterbury and at the Williston seminary at Easthampton, Mass. In 1872 he entered the office of Brown & Brothers, where he held a responsible position for twelve years. In 1884 he entered the employ of the Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing company. In 1885, on the death of Gordon W. Burnham, he was elected secretary of the company, and on the death of E. L. Bronson, succeeded him as treasurer.
On December 5, 1878, he married Nellie Lynde, daughter of Charles Dickinson. They have a daughter, Helen.
RANDOLPH & CLOWES.
When it became known that Brown & Brothers had become insolvent the question was naturally asked, When and how shall this loss to our city be repaired? The establishment of the firm of Randolph & Clowes was the answer to these questions. Edward F. Randolph, of New York, and George H. Clowes, of Waterbury, unit- ing in a simple partnership, developed within a period of little more than six years a business in the same and kindred lines which more than doubled that of the old concern. Immediately after the assign- ment of Brown & Brothers, Mr. Clowes, who had been connected with that company for ten or twelve years (but had had no share in its management), set about purchasing of the trustees that part of the original plant which consisted of the seamless and brazed tub- ing and boiler works,-comprising the line of buildings on the northeast border of the property, with the machinery therein. The sum of $37,500 was necessary for its purchase, with an additional $5000 to secure control of the kettle business. The money was furnished by Mr. Randolph, with the understanding that upon Mr. Clowes alone should devolve the responsibility of directing and developing the business. Articles of partnership were executed, the capital was determined at $75,000 (an amount many times increased afterwards) and the property was bought. The firm began work in April, 1886, possessors of the business of a defunct concern, which had cost them $42,500. They employed fifty men and one clerk, and occupied an office of quite democratic simplicity, some fourteen feet square. Their seamless-tube plant covered an area of 550 feet by 127, while close at hand stood the rest of Brown & Brothers' large rolling mill, deserted and silent.
The business for the ensuing three years passed through many struggles and secured some triumphs. At the end of the three
350
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
years Mr. Randolph had invested $165,000, and the firm had the satisfaction of finding that they had in their seamless - tube, brazed - tube, boiler and kettle departments transacted business amounting to more than $600,000 per annum. They had also so greatly improved their plant that in real estate, tools, machinery and materials the partnership had an actual investment of over $200,000.
The same progressive spirit characterized their operations in the years following. As the firm were extensive consumers of sheet brass and copper, business enterprise demanded that they should engage in the manufacture of these goods. In March, 1889, they purchased at a cost of $75,000 all the remainder of the original plant, with mills and buildings, and broadened out in all direc- tions. The entire establishment covers about seven acres of ground. The Naugatuck railroad passes the gates of the en- closure, and the New York and New England railroad skirts it on the rear. Its close proximity to the Naugatuck river insures a never failing supply of water. The valuation of the plant in 1893 exceeded one million dollars, and it was considered the finest seamless-tube factory in the world.
GEORGE H. CLOWES.
George Hewlett Clowes was born at Clinton, N. Y., June 17, 1842. He was the youngest son of the Rev. Timothy Clowes, LL. D., a clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal church, and for many years a prominent educator. He died in 1847. The son's school days were spent at Hempstead and Jamaica, L. I., at Thetford, Vt., and at Appleton, Wis., where he was a student in St. Lawrence Univer- sity. His home afterward, until 1875, was in Brooklyn, N. Y., with his mother, Mrs. Mary Hewlett Clowes.
During the war for the Union Mr. Clowes enlisted in the Forty- seventh regiment, New York National Guards, in which he became sergeant-major. He served also for a year and a half on the United States gunboat Flambeau and afterward on the store ship Home, on which he remained until the summer of 1864. For five years after this he was connected with business houses in New York, but in 1869 received an appointment as paymaster's clerk on the United States gunboat Juniata, and was abroad until 1872. On his return home he became a clerk in the New York Loan Indemnity com- pany, and while there became known to Philo Brown of the firm of Brown & Brothers. He was engaged as book-keeper for that corporation on January 1, 1875, and has lived in Waterbury since that date.
359
NADRY OF WATERBURY.
year: Me, Randolph bad oresled Bros,poo, and the firm hud the sucisfortic Af Rodiny fast jber had in their seamless - tube Briel pils, boder oil Toits aspartments transacted business gnochy improved thorr plant that in real estate, tools, shaelfinery wok matenede the partnership had an actual investment of over
The same progressive spirit characterized Their operations in the years following. As the firm were extensive consumers of sheet brass and copper, business enterprise demanded that they should engage in the manufacture of These goods In March, 1859, they purchased at @ cost of 8;seos all the reminder of the original plant, with mills well Waller og brocoli of set iny all direc- tion - The onun mums ale sina deres of
ground Pl
if the en-
Mung supply of water. The pul
IMs exceeded one million dollars, aud it was i
finest seamless-tube factory in the world.
GEORGE H CLOWES.
George: Hey lott Clas : vadhorn at Clinton, N. Y., June 17. 1842. uso ff Rey Timothy Clowes, LL. D., a Conex sist Power church, and for many years u proti 1 met in 18 7. The son's school days Were f far | intel wod Jamaica. L. I, at Thetford, Vt., and at Appletwee where he was a thident in St. Lawrence Thiser- sity. Mis hrotoo afterward, until (875, was in Bronkie & 7 4th his mother. Mrs Mars Hewlett Clowes
During the war for the Union Mr. Ciones the Forty- gwworth regiment. New York National rajou He became
Herecwit-major. He served also for a sine ami a bail on the United States ganbo, . Flambeau and afterward ou de store ship Home, on which = rommibed viti! the summer of 1804. Far Dve years after this Toe ws bednected witlf business houses in New York, but in John rose and an appointment as paymaster's clerk on the United States guatoor juris, amf was abroad until 1 72. On his return home he bycimb a ceft in the New York Loon Indemnity com- pany, and wiis there hame known to Philo Brown of the firm of Brown & fischer He was engaged as book-keeper for what corporation on Jammary r wis. and has lived in Waterbury Mince that date.
35 I
BROWN && BROTHERS; RANDOLPH & CLOWES.
On the collapse of Brown & Brothers, January, 1886, Mr. Clowes was retained by the trustees to assist in closing up the affairs of the concern, and was in this way led to purchase, with the help of his New York friend, a large part of what remained of the original plant. The remarkable prosperity of the firm of Randolph & Clowes is recognized as chiefly due to Mr. Clowes's ability and energy.
In 1882 he married Mamie T., daughter of Dr. George W. Black- nall of Raleigh, N. C. They have three children.
CHAPTER XXII.
ANOTHER NEW COMPANY IN 1853-ISRAEL HOLMES AGAIN-THE EARLY MANAGEMENT-NEW DEPARTMENTS-LAMP MAKING-ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES-LOSSES BY FIRE-THE SUCCESSION OF OFFICERS- THE HAYDENS-C. N. WAYLAND AND OTHERS-THE PLUME & ATWOOD MANUFACTURING COMPANY-ITS ORGANIZATION IN 1869 -ITS CHANGE OF NAME-ITS ROLLING MILL AT THOMASTON- REPEATED ENLARGEMENTS-MESSRS. BOOTH, PLUME AND ATWOOD.
T HE corporation of Holmes, Booth & Haydens was organized February 2, 1853. The incorporators were Israel Holmes, John C. Booth, Hiram W. Hayden, Henry H. Hayden and Henry Hotchkiss. Of these Mr. Hotchkiss had no practical knowl- edge of brass manufacture, and only invested capital. Its capital stock was originally $110,000. It has since been increased, until it is now nominally $400,000, but the company has a large surplus, and has more than $1,500,000 invested in its business.
The first five stockholders constituted the first board of direc- tors. Israel Holmes was president, and John C. Booth secretary and treasurer. Mr. Holmes was nominally the executive head of the company, but his real task was to superintend the internal operations of the "mill" (the department where the metal is rolled into sheets and drawn into wire), while Mr. Booth devoted himself to the finances and the general conduct of the business. Hiram W. Hayden was in charge of the " factory " (that part of the establish- ment devoted to the making up of sheet brass and copper into various articles), and Henry H. Hayden had charge of the selling agency in New York. Through Mr. Holmes's influence other gentle- men already prominently connected with the brass trade invested in the company's stock at an early period of its history, among whom were Gordon W. Burnham, Benjamin De Forest and Arad W. Welton. On October 3, 1853, Messrs. Burnham and Welton were added to the board of directors. In 1856, for the purpose of increasing the business, a half interest in the firm of Brown & Elton, then about to close up its affairs, was bought of John P. Elton and Abram Ives, and in this way these gentlemen became stockholders in the new corporation.
Holmes, Booth & Haydens, in the beginning, engaged like other brass companies in casting, rolling and drawing brass and
CHAPTER XXII.
MOSTITER SOF TICEWAYY 05 1856- ISRAEL, MOUANS AGAIN - THE EARLY MAWANTMYNI -NEW DEPARTMENTS-LAMIT MAKING-ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES -- BOSSAS MY 1029- THE SUCCHESION OF OFFICERS -- THE HAYDENS- C. K. WASLAND AND OTHERS- TILE PLUME & AENFOUI MANUFACTURESS WYMIPANY-ITS ORGANISATION IN 1860 -IT'S CHANGE OR SHE MOLLING QUEL AT THOMASTON -- EEPLATINE 11 W UTH. PLUME AND ATWOOD.
T
was organized Birkel Holmes, John C. Booth, Hiram W tiny Jeg and Heure Tions
black ww originally 8110,000. It has simes hoo lemed wozil it is now nomnally $400,000, but the company for all supplies, and has more than $1, 500,000 invested in its business,
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