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 39
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Mr. Driggs died on June 28, 1893.
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370
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
THE WATERBURY BUTTON COMPANY.
In the chapter on the beginnings of the brass industry, attention is called to the fact that one of the first ventures in the manufact- uring line in Waterbury was the making of pewter buttons (page 259). The making of cloth-covered buttons by machinery is also referred to (page 261), and it is shown, especially in the history of the Scovill Manufacturing company, how the introduction of the metal- button business led to the making of sheet brass and thus to the development of the great brass industry in the Naugatuck valley.
Since the latter part of the last century, when metal buttons began to be made here, Waterbury has not been without its button factories. Of the thirty-four manufacturing establishments enu- merated by Bronson in his History, representing the condition of things in 1858, ten were wholly or in part devoted to button making, and the proportion of concerns employed in this way has always been considerable. Since 1858 several companies have been estab- lished whose chief business is the manufacture of buttons, and there are others which, although not exclusively or chiefly devoted to button making, produce buttons in large quantities and in every variety.
In the meantime the button industry has passed through some remarkable changes, partly as a result of changing fashions. H. F. Bassett, in the volume entitled "Waterbury and her Industries," refers to some of these changes as follows:
The old-fashioned brass button was a durable article, made to last, and, as it proved, to outlast the fashion of its time. But although it never wore out, it is now never seen except in the garret wardrobe, or on the antiquated coat of some really old-fashioned person who still resists the tide of change. Some of us can remember a blue broad-cloth suit with buttons that shone like gold. The suit grew old and faded, but the brightness of the buttons could at any time be restored by a little rubbing up with powdered chalk . . Brass is still used for button-mak- ing to some extent, but other substances have largely taken its place. Glass, mother-of-pearl, vegetable ivory, hard "rubber," papier maché, bone, tin and cloth are some of the materials now used. But military buttons and those worn on the uniforms of most of the civic societies are still made of brass, and occasionally fashion demands that her votaries should use them in trimming their costumes. The vast demand for military buttons incident to the outfitting of our volunteer soldiery in the civil war was promptly met by our manufacturers, and the rapidity with which buttons and other materials made of brass were furnished almost exceeds belief.
An important change of another kind was referred to by Israel Coe in his account of early button making, published in the Water- bury Independent of May 16, 1881:
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THE SMALLER BRASS COMPANIES.
At first the button trade was carried on exclusively by the hardware merchants, and for a long time they refused to deal in buttons of American manufacture. They had their agents in England, and they preferred to continue selling the foreign goods, claiming that as everybody would know the price of American buttons they could not charge so large a profit. But the dry-goods dealers were induced to take them, and for years three-quarters of all that were sold were disposed of by them. The time came, however, when, if they wished to sell any buttons at all, they must have those of American make. It was the custom of many merchants to have their names stamped upon the bottom of the buttons. The business afforded great profits and was prosperous for some fifteen or twenty years. The plain button for the coat and vest was obliged to give way to the covered, button, and this materi- ally affected the trade; but I understand that the demand for military and fancy buttons has continued to afford a profitable business .*
BURY
TTON
FACTORIES OF THE WATERBURY BUTTON COMPANY.
Of the various concerns organized distinctively for the manufac- ture of buttons, and known as such by name, the Waterbury Button company was the first. But this was originally a department of the Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing company, and did not enter upon a separate organic existence until 1849. On November 30, of that year, the Waterbury Button company was organized, with a capital of $30,000. Its first officers were John S. Mitchell, president and treasurer, and Benjamin DeForest, Jr., secretary. Henry H. Hayden was the agent of the company, and the directors were G. W. Burnham, H. H. Hayden, J. S. Mitchell, Benjamin DeForest, Jr., and J. C. Booth.
* Mr Coe adds : " A Mr. Martin, of Philadelphia, gave me an order for a quantity of fine buttons, stamped ' Andrew Jackson, March 4, 1829,' and the order was duplicated several times during General Jack- son's campaign."
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HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
The company manufactures (in addition to "all kinds of novel- ties ") buttons of metal, of vegetable ivory, and of composition, and cloth-covered buttons in great variety. A specialty is made of buttons for military and other uniforms, for which thousands of dies have been prepared, that are safely stored in a large fire-proof vault. Between three and four hundred operatives are employed, and the trade of the company extends to all parts of the United States and into foreign countries. From time to time new buildings have been erected, to meet the necessities of an enlarging business, until now (in 1895) the property embraces an area of eight acres. The president and treasurer of the company is J. Richard Smith, and John C. Smith is the secretary.
J. RICHARD SMITH.
Joseph Richard Smith, the eldest son of John Edward and Lucy (Clark) Smith, was born in Waterbury, January 20, 1850. (For John E. Smith, see under the Smith & Griggs Manufacturing company.) The son inherited from his father not only a large interest in some of the most promising manufacturing enterprises of Waterbury, but the devotion to business and the unwearied attention to details which have secured to him the prominent place he holds among business men.
Mr. Smith received only a common school education. At the age of sixteen he entered the brass mill of the Holmes & Griggs Manu- facturing company in New York city, for the purpose of acquiring a thorough practical knowledge of the brass business. He remained there six years, familiarizing himself with all the operations con- nected with that important manufacture, and securing a discipline which has been of much value in his subsequent career.
In 1872 he went to Colorado, for the purpose of undertaking the mining business, but remained there only six months. He returned to Waterbury in January, 1873, and took charge of the affairs of the Waterbury Button company, in which his father was the largest stockholder. For twenty years he has devoted to it his time and his thought. This, however, has not prevented him from serving in the Common Council, or from taking an active interest in munici- pal affairs and in national politics. In 1884, he represented the town in the legislature. He was treasurer of the Connecticut Elec- tric company and of the Waterbury Horse Railroad company, pre- vious to the union of these organizations, and since that date has been treasurer of the Waterbury Traction company (see pages 146- 148). In the various positions he has held in the community, his ability, his energy, his thoroughness and his watchfulness of the
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THE SMALLER BRASS COMPANIES.
interests committed to him have been conspicuous, and have won for him an enviable name.
On October 20, 1875, Mr. Smith married Helen Martha, the eldest daughter of Merritt Lane. They have five daughters: Helen Ives, Lucy Clarke, Agnes, Olive and Margaret Lane.
THE LANE MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
The Lane Manufacturing company was organized in 1850, chiefly through the efforts of Merritt Lane, who previous to this date had carried on the button business in partnership with Rufus E. Hitch- cock. The original stockholders were Merritt Lane, C. B. Merri- man, Henry Merriman and H. A. Merrill. The company was incor- porated with a capital stock of $10,000. The officers were: J. M. L. Scovill, president; J. P. Merriman, secretary, and Merritt Lane, treasurer. They built a factory in 1850 on Great brook, where the buildings of the Matthews & Willard Manufacturing company now stand. This was sold in 1854 to F. M. Perkins & Co., and a new factory was built at No. 50 North Elm street, which was occupied for ten years, when it was sold to Maltby, Morton & Co., in 1864. It was repurchased however, in 1873, and the Lane Manufacturing company has continued to occupy it until the present time. They manufacture buttons of all kinds and a large variety of fancy metal goods. From 1850 to 1867, the manager of the business was Merritt Lane; from 1867 to the present time the manager has been Spencer B. Lane. The officers of the company are: E. D. Steele, president, S. B. Lane, treasurer, and H. B. Lane, secretary.
THE LANE BROTHERS.
MERRITT LANE, the eldest son of Levi and Susan (Hotchkiss) Lane, was born in that part of Waterbury which is now Prospect, December 13, 1817. His education was acquired in the common schools.
His earliest business ventures were in the line of button making, in which he was associated with William H. Jones & Co., in a fac- tory long since removed, which stood near the junction of Canal and Meadow streets. Afterwards, as already indicated, he formed a partnership under the firm name of Lane & Hitchcock, and carried on the button business on this basis until 1850, when the Lane Man- ufacturing company was established. After a number of years he sold his interest in this company and began anew the manufacture of buttons in the buildings now occupied by the Platt Brothers &
374
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
Co. Mr. Lane's entire business life, comprising nearly half a cen- tury, was devoted to button making. Through many vicissitudes he continued his interest in this industry, thus exhibiting one of his most marked characteristics, his tenacious adherence to any line of action upon which he had once entered.
On June 9, 1845, he married Olive, the daughter of Talcott Ives of North Haven. Their children are Helen, the wife of J. Richard Smith; Margaret, who died in infancy; Mary, the wife of Frederick L. Adams, and Frederick W., who lives in Chicago.
Mr. Lane died June 13, 1888.
SPENCER BURTON LANE was born in Watertown, November 24, 1835. He was educated in the schools of Watertown and Water- bury and at St. James's school, Winsted. In 1847 he removed from Watertown to Waterbury, and has since resided in this city. He has been connected with the Lane Manufacturing company through- out its existence, and has invented various ingenious devices which have come into extensive use.
On June 12, 1862, Mr. Lane married Adelia Angeline, daughter of Alanson Robert Hickok. They have one son, Henry Burton, who was born April 11, 1870.
As stated above, Mr. Lane is the treasurer and his son the secre- tary of the Lane Manufacturing company.
THE WATERBURY HOOK AND EYE COMPANY.
In 1849 a special partnership was formed by Elisha Turner and Philander Hine for the manufacture of hooks and eyes, with a capital of $6000. As the venture proved successful, a joint-stock company was organized, March 4, 1850, with Elisha Turner, Philan- der Hine, Lyman W. Coe and Ezra J. Warner as stockholders. The capital stock was made $16,000, a building was erected, and the manufacture of window cornices and curtain bands was added to the business. In 1855 the capital was increased to $50,000 and the next year to $55,000, and the company became one of the successful concerns of Waterbury. But in 1864, Mr. Turner having become largely interested in the Coe Brass company of Wolcottville, the hook and eye company was removed from Waterbury to that place. In January, 1864, it was reorganized under the name of the Turner & Clark Manufacturing company. In 1866 it united with the Sey- mour Manufacturing company, and the next year E. M. Judd & Co. of New Haven joined their interests with it, making the entire cap- ital $110,000 .*
* See " Reminiscences of the Waterbury Hook and Eye company," signed "G," in the Waterbury American of February 7, 1867.
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THE SMALLER BRASS COMPANIES.
ELISHA TURNER.
Elisha Turner was born at New London, January 20, 1822. He received a common school education and attended the academies of Suffield and Colchester. He served an apprenticeship in a dry goods store in New London and went into business for himself before he was twenty-one years of age. For several years he had a considerable interest in the whale fisheries. In consequence of poor health he sold his business at New London and removed to Water- bury in the spring of 1846, where he engaged in the dry goods trade for two years. His connection with the establishing of the manu- facture of hooks and eyes is related above. He was president of the Waterbury Hook and Eye company, and its financial manager until its removal to Wolcottville.
Mr. Turner during his residence here was prominent in public enterprises, and was recognized as a reliable and substantial citizen. He has represented the town of Torrington in the legislature.
THE OAKVILLE COMPANY.
The invention by Chauncey O. Crosby of a machine for sticking pins on paper-an invention which was decided not to infringe the "goose neck" machine referred to in the history of the American Pin company-led to the formation of the Oakville company, with a capital stock of $53,000, afterward increased to $75,000. It was organized March 15, 1852, with Green Kendrick as president and Elisha Leavenworth as secretary. They purchased the property just on the line between Waterbury and Watertown, which had been occupied by Scovill & Buckingham in the manufacture of brass butts, and still earlier in other kinds of business by General Gerrit Smith and others. In 1860 Joseph C. Welton (see page 337) became president of the company and its business manager, and continued in that position until his death, March 26, 1874. Under his admin- istration the business of the company increased and prospered. Mr. Leavenworth succeeded him as president, and Nathaniel H. Perry, who had been for some years secretary, became the active manager. On March 21, 1877, Mr. Perry died, and was succeeded by J. Hobart Bronson, who is the present treasurer and business manager. E. C. Lewis is president. The present factory was erected, and the water power greatly improved, in 1869.
As the pin business has declined, other articles, such as safety pins and small wire goods, have been added to the products of the company.
370
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
J. HOBART BRONSON.
Julius Hobart Bronson, son of the Rev. Thomas and Cynthia (Bartlett) Bronson, was born at Sandy Hill, N. Y., April 30, 1843. His father was a younger brother of Dr. Henry Bronson, author of "The History of Waterbury," published in 1858, and a son of Judge Bennet Bronson (for all of whom see elsewhere). When eighteen months old he came to Waterbury to live with his grandfather. His early education was received at a boarding school at Elling- ton. He fitted for college at Phillips academy, Andover, Mass., but did not enter on account of delicate health. He was for several years with B. P. Chatfield, in Waterbury and Bridgeport, engaged in contracting for buildings and dealing in building materials. Premonitory symptoms of a lung ailment led him to retire from busi- ness for three years and devote himself to the care of his health. He became the manager of the Oakville company in 1875.
On November 16, 1886, Mr. Bronson married Edith, daughter of Roderick Terry of Hartford. They have one child, Bennet.
THE WATERBURY BUCKLE COMPANY.
The Waterbury Buckle company was organized April 7, 1853, with a capital stock of $24,000, which has been increased from time to time, until it is now $100,000. Its first president and treasurer was Bethuel Dodd, and Sidney M. Layton was its first secretary and manager. Mr. Layton was succeeded in the management, in 1855, by John E. Smith, under whom the business became estab- lished on a permanent basis. In January, 1865, Mr. Smith retired, to take part in establishing the Smith & Griggs Manufacturing company, and was succeeded in the management by Earl A. Smith, who has conducted the business ever since. Augustus S. Chase is now president and Earl A. Smith secretary and treasurer.
The company manufactures not only buckles and metallic trim- mings for suspenders and clothing, but a great variety of small wares made from sheet metal and wire.
EARL SMITH.
Earl Albert Smith, son of Abraham Elisha and Maria (Candee) Smith, was born in Oxford, August 8, 1829. He was educated in the schools of his native town and at the Leicester academy, Leicester, Mass. When twenty-one years of age he removed to Naugatuck, and lived there from 1850 to 1853. From 1853 to 1855 he lived in West Haven, and since 1855 has resided in Waterbury
370
INSTORY OU WATERBURY
F HUEXHT BRUNSON.
Julian Hobart Bronsop, son of the Rev. Thomas and Cynthia (Bartle!t) Bron ve was born at Saudy Hill, N. Y., April 30, 1542 His fatto younger brother of Dr. Henry Brouson, author of "CThe Had as of Waterbury,' published in 1858, and a son of Judge Beonel Donaron (for all of whom see elsewhere). When eighteen Hobby oid be came to Waterbury to live with his grandfather. flis early education was received at a boarding school at Elling- tom He fitted for college at Phillips sendemy, Andover, Mass., but did not enter on aczwant of delicate health. He was for several years with H P. Chatimbl, in Waterbury mod Bridgeport, engaged în contracting for bull es and deling to buidling materials. Premonitory simjo ms - svog salsom d beerta velire from busi- all in que care of lox health. He became the lon rec od ( M On Novsens Baby dinghier of
Roderse Towy af kisetford. They have one
THE WATERBURY BUCKLE COMPANY
The Waterbury Buckle company was organized April 7, 1853, with a capital stock uf 8: . opo, which has been increased from time th tims until it is ouw Biased Its first president and treasurer wag 2850 I Todit, 01% Sidney M. Layton was its first secretary Hola the war succeeded in the management, in u wiltom the business became estab lishel vo porral s In january, 1865, Mr. Smith retired to tuice part iny osta tosstring this Bruith & Griggs Manufacturing company, and was snuggled in the management by Farf & Smith, who has conducted the business ever since, August Ds IN . now president and Fart A. Smith secretary and The
The company manufactures not only butlife trim mmcobre for suspenders and clothing, but & gres Fanety of small warzy made from sheet metal and wire.
LARK SMITH.
Earl Alberi Knuth, son of Abraham Elisha and Maria (Candee) Smith, was born in Oxford, August 8, 1829. He was educated in the schools of Die gative town and at the Leicester academy, Leicester, Masa. Wwww twenty-one years of age he removed to Naugatuck, And lived there from 1856 to 1853. From 1853 to 1855 be lived in West Haven, and since 1855 has resided in Waterbury
CarlaSmith
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THE SMALLER BRASS COMPANIES.
and has been connected with our manufacturing establishments. He has been secretary and treasurer of the Waterbury Buckle com- pany since 1865. He is also president of the American Mills com- pany.
The marked success and the present prosperity of the company of which Mr. Smith is manager are sufficient to show how large an amount of time and energy he has given, during the past thirty years, to the conduct of the business under his charge. But he is a man of great mental activity and has never confined himself to the mere routine of business. He has at all times shown a marked interest in ecclesiastical and municipal affairs. He served the city as an alderman for eight years-from 1877 to 1885-and during most of the time was a member of the board of road commission- ers. One of the chief products of his active interest in local matters was the establishment of our system of sewers. It was through his persistent and tireless efforts that the city government was persuaded in 1881 to undertake that important work. (See page 103.) Although Mr. Smith is exceptionally independent in his thinking and frank in the expression of his views, he has remained loyal, throughout his life, to the Congregational faith and order and has taken an active interest in the church with which he is connected. He has been identified officially with the Young Men's Christian association, and has rendered practical aid to various other good causes. A man of positive beliefs, and very outspoken in his disapproval of what he considers wrong or mean, he is at the same time a genial companion, a faithful friend, an advocate of peace and a true helper of his fellow-men.
In 1851 Mr. Smith married Ellen Sarah, daughter of Jonathan Scott of Naugatuck. Their children are Mrs. Alice Lucile Smith, Archer Jerome, Nelly Gertrude, not living, and Mabel, who on August 13, 1892, was married to Bayard Veiller of New York.
ARCHER JEROME SMITH was born in Waterbury December 17, 1856. He was educated in the Waterbury schools, and at the Williston seminary, Easthampton, Mass. On January 10, 1885, he married Susan Bronson, daughter of D. F. Maltby. Their children are Maltby, Alice Lucile, Julius Benedict, and Katherine.
Mr. Smith is secretary and treasurer of the American Mills company.
THE WATERBURY CLOCK COMPANY.
In the chapter on the early history of our manufactures an account is given of early clock making in Waterbury. An impor- tant epoch in this industry was reached when, in 1814, Eli Terry of
FACTORIES OF THE WATERBURY CLOCK COMPANY, NORTH ELM STREET. ALSO THE CLOCK-CASE SHOP, MILL STREET.
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THE SMALLER BRASS COMPANIES.
Plymouth (see page 259) devised and introduced the short shelf- clock. Its introduction really laid the foundation for the clock making of this country, which has now become so great an industry. Millions of short shelf-clocks, of all varieties of form and style, have been made and sold, a large proportion of which have been exported to other countries .* The Waterbury Clock company has contributed very largely by the product of its factories to swell the volume of this important manufacture.
This company was originally a department of the Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing company. It was made a separate con- cern March 27, 1857, at which time it was incorporated under its present title, with a capital of $60,000. The business was at first conducted on a quite limited scale, but it grew steadily and the plant was removed to its present site in 1873. Arad W. Welton was the first president, Charles Benedict the first treasurer, and Manasseh Bailey the first secretary. Edwin A. Lum, now of Seymour, was secretary for some years. Mr. Welton was succeeded
in the presidency, in 1863, by Mr. Benedict, who at his death in 1881, was followed by G. W. Burnham. On the death of Mr. Burnham in 1885, Henry L. Wade, who had served as secretary since 1871, was elected to the presidency, and still holds the office. Irving H. Chase (see page 311) succeeded Mr. Wade in the office of secretary, which he still fills.
The energy and business tact which brought the Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing company into prominence among the industrial establishments of the United States, were felt in the almost phenomenal growth of the Waterbury Clock company. The field of operations has been from time to time extended, and the vol- ume of trade increased, until at present the home and export business of the concern is as extensive as that of any manufactory of its kind in the country. The buildings occupy an area of several acres, and the employees number about 700. Its clocks are considered "standard" in every part of the globe, and its trade mark is a guaranty of excellence in the markets of the old world and the new. In its list are included clocks in cases of marble, onyx, enameled iron, nickel, ebony, mahogany, oak, walnut, ash, cherry, and plush, with weights and with springs, and in a great variety of designs. The company has salesrooms in New York, Chicago, and Glasgow, Scotland.
*See Henry Terry's "History of Clock Making," pp. 6 and 7, edition of 1885. The first shelf-clock made by Eli Terry is still running. It is owned by Cornelius E. Terry of Worcester, Mass., formerly of Waterbury.
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HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
HENRY L. WADE.
Henry Lawton Wade, son of Lawton and Aleph Abby (Handel) Wade, was born in Harrisville, R. I., May 24, 1842. He was educated at the public school at Williamsville, in Killingly, and at the East- man Business college, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Until sixteen years of age he lived in Williamsville, a manufacturing village, and during this period worked in all departments of the cotton mill. On August 8, 1862, he enlisted in the Eighteenth regiment of Con- necticut volunteers, and served in it until mustered out at the close of the war, in June, 1865.
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