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 41
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At the age of seventeen he entered Colt's armory at Hartford, and worked at the trade of gun making during the continu- ance of the war for the Union. From September, 1865, to 1867, he worked in New York city in the manufacture of watch cases. He then returned to Hartford and entered the employ of the William Rogers Manufacturing company. He remained with this establishment until 1876, when he removed to Waterbury and be- came connected with Rogers & Brother as superintendent of their finishing department, being associated with such other superin- tendents as William Shannon, Edward W. Shannon, Royal R. Callender, William W. White and Lewis White, in the practical work of the concern.
Since coming to Waterbury, Mr. Risley has become an active member of the Masonic order. He was Worshipful Master of Con- tinental lodge for three years, Royal Arch Captain in Eureka chap- ter for one year, and Eminent Commander in Clark commandery during 1890. He was appointed Sentinel in the Grand commandery the same year, and Senior Warden, March 20, 1894. He has been received to the thirty-second degree in Scottish rite Masonry, and is a member of the Mystic Shrine.
On November 27, 1867, Mr. Risley married Louise Maria, daugh- ter of George King, of East Hartford. They have two sons, Edward Hammond and Arthur Le Roy.
Ino E Smith
Jan & Smith
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THE SMALLER BRASS COMPANIES.
THE SMITH & GRIGGS MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
The Smith & Griggs Manufacturing company originated in a partnership, formed in 1864, between John E. Smith and Henry C. Griggs. Mr. Smith withdrew from the Waterbury Buckle com- pany, of which he had been president and manager, and Mr. Griggs from the Waterbury Button company, to organize the new firm. A factory in Hopeville, belonging to Merrit Nichols, was at first hired and afterwards purchased by them, and business was begun in January, 1865.
The concern was conducted as a private partnership until the establishment, in New York city, of the firm of Holmes, Griggs & Smith, in which Israel Holmes, his son, Charles E. L. Holmes, John E. Smith, H. C. Griggs and his brother, Elizur D. Griggs were the partners. This concern bought a brass mill in New York and also bought out the firm of Smith & Griggs. The factory at Hopeville was under its management until 1869, when it was dissolved and two new companies were formed, the Holmes & Griggs Manufacturing company of New York and the Smith & Griggs Manufacturing company of Waterbury.
The Smith & Griggs company was organized June 5, 1869, with a capital stock of $40,000. The stockholders were John E. Smith, Henry C. Griggs, Elizur D. Griggs and Charles E. L. Holmes. Mr. Smith was made president, and H. C. Griggs, secretary and treasurer. On the death of Mr. Smith, in 1882, A. S. Chase was elected to succeed him as president. Mr. Griggs resigned in 1875, and Edward S. Smith was chosen secretary. E. S. Smith is now treasurer and Ralph H. Smith secretary.
The company manufactures a large variety of metal goods, especially buckles, clasps and slides, also fancy carriage hardware.
JOHN EDWARD SMITH.
John Edward Smith, son of Richard and Lovine (Hebert) Smith, was born in Southbury, September 14, 1816. On his father's side he was descended from the John Smith who, with his wife Grace, settled in Milford about 1640. His mother was a daughter of Eben- ezer Hebert of Wyoming, Penn., and was born at Easton, Penn., during the flight of her mother from the great massacre at Wyo- ming. Of Mr. Smith's elder brothers, one was a physician, Dr. Lines Smith, and another was the Hon. Ralph Dunning Smith of Guilford .*
* Judge Ralph D. Smith was born in Southbury, October 28, 1804, graduated at Yale in 1827, and died in Guilford September 11, 1874. "The History of Guilford, Connecticut, from its First Settlement in 1639" (Albany, N. Y., 1877), was published from manuscript left by him at his death.
390
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
Mr. Smith received a common school education, and on reaching manhood devoted himself to farming. He followed this occupa- tion until his removal to Waterbury, in 1848. In that year he became engaged in the button business with E. E. Prichard, and afterward with Lane & Hitchcock, and with the Mattatuck Manu- facturing company. In 1855, he became connected with the Water- bury Buckle company, and was manager of that concern, as stated on page 376, until 1865. His relations to the Smith & Griggs Manufac- turing company have already been spoken of. In 1871 he purchased a large share of the stock of the Waterbury Button company, of which his eldest son became the secretary and manager.
He retired from active business in 1876, and soon after removed to New Haven, his son John C. Smith having entered Yale College in the class of '81. Afterward, until the failure of his health, he travelled extensively and spent several months in Florida.
On October 23, 1837, Mr. Smith married Hannah B., the daugh- ter of Cyrus Bostwick of Southbury. She died July 3, 1842, leav- ing one daughter, Mary Frances, who was born December 8, 1838, became the wife of Judge A. H. Fenn (see the chapter of legal his- tory), and died January 11, 1879. On January 1, 1849, he married Lucy, the youngest daughter of John Clark (see Vol. I, Ap. p. 37), who survives him. Their children are Joseph Richard (see page 372), Edward Spencer, John Clark, Lucy Lovine, who on November 30, 1893, became the second wife of Dr. Carl E. Munger, and Ralph Hebert.
Mr. Smith, after having borne a trying illness with great forti- tude for many months, died in New Haven, April 16, 1882. He was buried at Riverside.
EDWARD SPENCER SMITH Was born in Waterbury, March 28, 1852. He was educated in the Waterbury schools and at Russell's Col- legiate and Commercial institute, New Haven. After having become thoroughly familiarized with the brass business in New York city, he connected himself with the Smith & Griggs Manufac- turing company in 1871, and has been actively engaged in that concern until the present time.
On April 30, 1885, he married Frances Elizabeth, daughter of Leonard W. Johnson of New York. They have a daughter, Janet.
HENRY C. GRIGGS.
Henry Charles Griggs, the second son of Charles and Frances Catherine (Drake) Griggs, was born at Tolland, December 18, 1834.
His earliest American ancestors on both sides were among the first settlers of New England. He was descended from Joseph
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
Mr. Smith received a common setool education, and on reaching manhowi devoted Lowself to farming He followed this occupa- tion until his removal to Waterbury. In 1848. In that year he hopemo engaged wy the button business with E. E Prichard, and ABETWard with Lane & Hitchedek, and with the Maltatuck Mante facturing company. In isi5, he became connected with the Water Tury Buckle company, and was manager of that concern, as stated on 1-52 576. cutil 1865. His relations to the Smith & Griggs Manufac tuning company have already been spoken of. In 1871 he purchased & Targe share of The stack of the Waterbury Button company. of which kis eldest son became the secretary and manager.
He retired from active business in 1275, and soon after removed bo New Haven, his sou lol having entered Vale College
in the glass of 'N. More of his health, he travelled este
On Our Ho dangh-
Matwick of Southbury. She die Toav
Twee one daughter. Mary France, who was born Doos
beaune the wife of Judge A. H Fenn (Fee the phepier of Jeger alt- tard, and died January II, 1879. On January 1, 18, the metricil Lucy, the youngest daughter of John Clark (see Vol I, Ap. p. 37), who survives him. Their children are Joseph Richard (see page 372), Edward Spencer, John Clark, Lucy Lovine who on November 30, 1693, boekme the second wife of Dy. Carl E. Munger, and Ralph Hebert,
Mo Smith, artes having berne a trying illness with great forti- tilde For many mentlik o . A New Haven, April 16, 1887. He was buried Kt Riverside
Enwann Servir. Sacr was born in Waterbury, March 3%, 1552. He was educated in the Waterbury schools and wi Russell . Col- legiate and Commercial institute, New Haven. After having denome thoroughly familiarized with the missa Meness in New York city, be connected himself with the Smith & Vit ky Manufac- turing company in 1871, and has been actively engaged in that concern witil the present time.
Ou April to, x885, be married Frances Elisabeth, daughter of Leumuta W. Johnson of New York. They have a daughter, Janet.
RINRY C. GRIGGS.
Henry Charles Griggs, the second son of Charles and Frances Catherine |Drake). Griggs, was born at Tolland, December 18,, 1834. His cailicat American ancestors on both sides were among the first settlers of New England. He was descended from Joseph
,
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THE SMALLER BRASS COMPANIES.
Griggs, who came to Boston in 1635, and died at Roxbury, Mass., February 10, 1714. Ichabod Griggs, a grandson of Joseph, removed to Tolland in 1744 and settled there. He was a deacon in the church, and represented the town in the General Assembly from 1773 to 1788, a period embracing the exciting times immediately preceding the Revolution and the first four years of the war. It is related in Waldo's "Early History of Tolland " that Ichabod Griggs was chosen moderator of the "first town meeting touching the difficulties between the colonies and England," held on Septem- ber 5, 1774. Both of his sons, one of whom was the great-grand- father of the subject of this sketch, served in the army of the Revolution. On his mother's side Mr. Griggs was descended from Henry Wolcott, who came from Tolland, England, to Dorchester, Mass., in 1630, removed to Windsor in 1636, was "chosen into the magistracy in 1643," and held the position until his death in 1655; and from Governor Roger Wolcott who was a Major General at the capture of Louisburg in 1745, and was the fifteenth colonial gov- ernor of Connecticut, having held the office from 1750 to 1754. Those who knew Henry C. Griggs well, recognized in him the manly qualities for which his ancestors were distinguished.
Charles Griggs removed with his family from South Windsor to Waterbury in 1845, Henry being at that date eleven years old. He was educated at the common school and at the Waterbury acad- emy, under excellent instructors. At the age of fourteen he entered the store of Elisha Turner as a clerk. Six years later he became responsibly connected with the Waterbury Hook and Eye company; in 1861 he assumed the management of the Waterbury Button company and remained there until 1864, and then took part, as above mentioned, in founding the Smith & Griggs Manufacturing company at Hopeville. Afterward he established a button manu- factory in the northern part of the city, on Division street. He became a large land-owner, and in 1884 built the business block that bears his name on Bank street.
When it is recorded that he was president of the Dime Savings bank, a director of the Waterbury National bank, an incorporator of the Waterbury hospital, a trustee of the Riverside Cemetery association, and a trusted officer of Masonic and other organiza- tions, the confidence of the business public in his skill as a finan- cier and his honor as a man will have been but partially indicated. Testimony to the popular appreciation of Mr. Griggs by his fellow- townsmen is found in his election to the various offices of road commissioner, water commissioner, and alderman, and his nomina- tion for mayor. The ability, courage, fidelity and manliness with
392
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
which he served the commonwealth of Connecticut in the General Assembly of 1882, and again in 1886, are matters of record in the archives of the state. During the present generation no man has died in Waterbury of whom so many things pleasant to say and pleasant to remember have been spoken. In a letter written on the day of his death, the Hon. F. J. Kingsbury said of him, "He was a man of just that sort of which we have too few and cannot afford to spare a single one. From his boyhood he had grown steadily in the favor and confidence of this community, and now that experi- ence had added wisdom to his knowledge and weight to his judg- ment, he was of especial value to the public in all good works and purposes." The local and state newspapers vied with each other in presenting Mr. Griggs's character in the fairest coloring and the finest light, and, so far as known, not a dissenting word was uttered.
On April 9, 1886, Mr. Griggs returned home from his duties in the legislature, and died on the 17th of the same month .*
On October 9, 1862, Mr. Griggs married Mary Bassett, daughter of Jared Foote, of Hamden, who survives him. He left four sons, Charles Jared, Wilfred Elizur, Robert Foote, and David Cullen, three of whom are graduates of Yale University.
THE NOVELTY MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
The Novelty Manufacturing company may be said to have had its origin in the firm of E. Robinson & Son, established in 1852. It was incorporated May 26, 1872, with a capital of $10,000, and on July I, leased of Edward Robinson for a term of ten years the premises on Maple street which it still occupies. Its first president was William H. Blake; Edwin Putnam was treasurer, and Thomas Fitzsimons secretary.
During its first year the concern had a sharp struggle for exist- ence because of the depression in business-a depression result- ing in part from the presidential campaign which was then going on in the political world, and in part from the almost universal prevalence of the disease known as the "epizoötic." Horses that were able to work were so scarce that it was with great difficulty that a team could be procured to draw freight to the railroad station. The report of the first annual meeting showed a net profit during the year of seventy-five cents. From this small beginning
* The address delivered by the Rev. Dr. Anderson at his funeral was published in full in the Waterbury Republican of April 20, 1886.
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THE SMALLER BRASS COMPANIES.
the business gradually increased, until at the end of three years the factory had to be enlarged. Two years later another addition was erected, and several other buildings have been added since that time. In 1880 the company secured an extension of its lease for an additional ten years, and on the expiration of that period purchased the property it had occupied so long.
On the death of Mr. Blake, Mr. Putnam became president, and held the office until he died. His death took place at his home in Newark, N. J., November 30, 1888, in the fifty-fifth year of his age. He was succeeded by Mr. Fitzsimons, who is still president of the company. Its list of manufactures includes a great variety of household ornaments, mountings for umbrellas, parasols and pipes, ferrules, buckles, toys and "embossed fancy metals." In 1892, in consequence of the increase of business, it became necessary to open a store in New York city.
W. H. BLAKE.
William H. Blake was born at Warren, R. I., in 1833. He came to Waterbury in 1851, and entered the employ of the Waterbury Jewelry company. He afterward became connected with the sol- dering department of the Steele & Johnson company, and remained in that concern for several years. His connection with the Novelty Manufacturing company, from its organization until his death, is indicated above.
He married Sarah, the youngest daughter of Joseph Jones. They had two daughters and a son, W. E. Blake, who is the man- ager of the Torrington Manufacturing company.
Mr. Blake died in 1886.
THE PLATT BROTHERS & CO.
In the sketch, which follows this, of the life of Alfred Platt, reference is made to his connection with early manufacturing in Waterbury and especially with the button business. It appears that after his withdrawal from the firm of Benedict & Burnham Mr. Platt began the manufacture of buttons by himself, his sons W. S. and C. M. Platt, who were not yet of age, being employed in the factory. On April 1, 1847, a partnership was entered into between the father and the sons under the firm name of A. Platt & Co., which afterward became A. Platt & Sons. On January 22, 1876 -three years after the death of Alfred Platt-this concern became incorporated as the Platt Brothers & Co., with a capital of $30,000. The stock included the real estate on Brown street, now occupied
394
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
by the company, and the button factory, with machinery and equip- ment, previously employed by the co-partnership at Platt's Mills. W. S. Platt was chosen president of the corporation, and C. M. Platt secretary and treasurer. On the death of W. S. Platt, in 1886, C. M. Platt was chosen president and treasurer, and his son, Lewis A. Platt, secretary. These are the officers at the present time, and the Porter Brothers & Co. are the selling agents for buttons. The business is substantially the same as it has been from the begin- ning-the rolling of metal and the manufacture of metal buttons - and two factories are still occupied, one on Brown street and the other at Platt's Mills. In September, 1892, the company purchased all the manufacturing interest at the last named place, including the flour mill.
The Patent Button company, incorporated at the same time with Platt Brothers & Co., consists for the most part of the same stock- holders, but includes representatives of Porter Brothers & Co. The manufacture of the buttons upon which they have patents is car- ried on at the same place with the other business of the concern.
ALFRED PLATT AND HIS SONS.
ALFRED PLATT, the second son of Nathan and Ruby (Smith) Platt, was born in Newtown, April 2, 1789. When ten years of age he came to Waterbury with his father and settled at a point on the river about three miles below the centre, afterwards known as Platt's Mills (and Plattsville). He studied at the school in Litch- field, quite famous in its day, of which James Morris was the master (from whom the town of Morris was afterwards named). At the age of nineteen he began business for himself. He worked in a sawmill which he had built near his father's flour mill, and afterwards travelled in the south, selling the celebrated Water- bury wooden clocks. He was one of the earliest members of the firm known as "A. Benedict" (see page 296), which afterward developed into the Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing company. He was the first man in Waterbury who manufactured brass and copper wire. For several years he made all the wire used by the Scovill and the Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing companies in making button eyes.
After a time he sold out his interest in the firm of Benedict & Burnham and purchased of his father and Gideon Platt the mill and the water-power at Platt's Mills. After running the old mill for several years, he replaced it by a new one, a few rods from the site of the other, which he operated as long as he lived. Soon after
394
WISTORT OF WASTERERY.
by the company. sul the button factory, with machinery and equip. ment, presne employed by the co-partnership at Platt's Mills. W. S. Piste was chosen president of the corporation, and C. M. Platt scurefarr ind treasure . On the death of W. S. Platt, in 1886, C. X Plast was Chrosen president and treasurer, and his son Lewis A. These are the officers at the present time, and the Porter Brothers & Co. are the selling agents for buttons. The hu inus is substantially the sante as it has been from the begin- ning -the rolling of metal and the manufacture of metal buttons- and two factories are still occupied, one on Brown street and the other at Platt's Mille. In September, (8ga, the company purchased ail the manufacturing inderver at the huur samed place, including the flour mill.
Ile aime time with
The sante stock holders, but includes representatives of Portar finns & Co. The manufacture of the foiioze uge which they have valents is car- ried on el he same place with the other belinees of the
ALFRED PLATT AND HIS SONS.
. ALFRED PLATT, the second son of Nathan and Ruby (Smith) Platt, was born in Newtown, April 2, 1789. When ten years of age he came to Waterbury with his father and settled at a point on the river about three miles below the centre, afterwards known as Piatto lind Plattsvilto), He studied at the school in Litch- field, quite lamnam ns day, of which James Morris was the master (from whom the town of Morris was afterwards named), At the age of nineteen he began business for himself Ile worked in a sawmill whielt he had built near his father's Omuit mill, and afterwards travelled in the south, selling the Pirated Water- bury wooden clocks. He was one of the thet members of the firm known as "A. Benedict" (see pagerago), which afterward developed into the Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing company He was the first man in Waterbury who manufactured brass and copper wire. For several years he malle all the wire used by the Scovill _od the Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing companies in making button eyes.
After a Wore he sold out his interest in the firm of Benedict & Burnham and purchased of his father and Gideon Platt the mill and the water-power at Platt's Mills. After running the old mill for several years, he replaced it by a new one, a few rods from the site of the other, which he operated as long as he lived. Soon after
Afreek Platt
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THIE SMALLER BRASS COMPANIES.
building this mill he invented an improved method of making buckwheat flour. He built machinery for this purpose, and obtained a patent on the machinery and on the process of manu- facture. Previous to this all buckwheat flour was gritty and of a very dark color, but his process produced flour that was white and entirely free from grit. His connection with the business now conducted by the Platt Brothers & Co. is indicated above. The business grew to large proportions during his life-time and the concern is one of the most prosperous of those engaged in button- making in Waterbury.
He was a deacon in the Baptist church, and was one of the three men who gave obligations to the full extent of their property as security for the debt incurred in building the first Baptist meeting- house at the centre of the town. (See the history of the church in a subsequent chapter.)
On June 8, 1814, Mr. Platt married Irena, daughter of Nirom Blackman of Brookfield. They had six sons: Nirom Blackman (see page 248); Charles Sanford, who removed to Western Massa- chusetts a number of years ago; William Smith, Clark Murray, Alfred Legrand, and Seabury Blackman (see the chapter of legal history).
Mr. Platt died December 29, 1872.
WILLIAM SMITH PLATT, the third son of Deacon Alfred and Irena (Blackman) Platt, was born Jannary 27, 1822. He receved his edu- cation in the common schools, at the Waterbury academy and at a school of high grade in New Haven, taught by Amos Smith. At this school he was chiefly interested in physics and chemistry, and at length became so fascinated with mechanical engineering that he was unwilling to devote himself to other studies.
Before reaching the age of twenty-one he had acquired the art of rolling sheet zinc, and was the first to produce it successfully in Waterbury. He had also invented and constructed machinery for the manufacture of buttons from the same, and for the manufac- ture of seamless zinc tubing. In 1874 he entered into partnership with his father and his brother, C. M. Platt, for the manufacture of metallic buttons, and in 1876 the Patent Button Co. was formed, as stated above, for the manufacture of buttons which could be attached without sewing. Both these branches of business were eminently successful-a fact which was due largely to the ingenious machinery which Mr. Platt was constantly inventing. There is probably no place in the Naugatuck valley in which the triumphs of inventive skill are better illustrated than in the button factories of the Platt Brothers & Co.
396
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
Mr. Platt was a man of strongly marked traits, among which were absolute independence and self-reliance, great power of abstraction, and a mind which could not cease from effort until the problem before it was solved. He was an original investigator in questions of physical science, psychology and theology. In relig- ious matters, especially, he met every question fairly, not dismiss- ing it from his mind until it was solved by patient and thorough investigation. His success in business brought him considerable wealth, but it was apparent not in any change in his style of life, but in the increase of his benevolence. He was a deacon in the Baptist church at the time of his death, and had been for many years its largest benefactor.
On October 1, 1844, he married Caroline, daughter of William and Alma (Porter) Orton, who, after the death of her parents lived in the family of Deacon Timothy Porter, her mother's brother. His children who reached maturity are a son, Irving, and two daugh- ters, Helen and Caroline, the former of whom is the wife of Wallace H. Camp (see page 294).
Mr. Platt died in 1886.
CLARK MURRAY PLATT, the fourth son of Alfred Platt, was born January 1, 1824. In his boyhood he entered his father's shop to work at button making, but before reaching the age of twenty-one spent a year at the Connecticut Literary institute, at Suffield. Returning to Waterbury he again entered the button shop, and has continued in the button business until the present time. He has been a successful inventor, and has obtained patents on a number of inventions connected with the manufacture of buttons.
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