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 42
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On May 20, 1846, Mr. Platt married Amelia Maria, daughter of Selden Lewis of Naugatuck. Their children are Bertha Louisa, who on May 20, 1873, was married to Jay H. Hart; Lewis Alfred, and Edward Legrand, who died in childhood. Lewis Alfred Platt was born May 31, 1854, graduated at Yale in the class of '79, and on June 20, 1882, married Ellen Brainard. Besides being secretary of the Platt Brothers & Co., he is president of the Connecticut Indem- nity association (see page 186), and a member of the Board of Agents of the Bronson library. Jay H. Hart was born in Berk- shire county, Mass., December 11, 1847, and was educated at the South Berkshire institute. He has lived in Great Barrington, Mass., New Haven, Bridgeport and Waterbury. He is connected with the Platt Brothers & Co., and is secretary of the Patent But- ton company. He has been tax collector of the city of Waterbury, a member of the board of fire commissioners, and a member of the common council. Mr. and Mrs. Hart have seven children.
396
HISTORY OF WATERBURY!
Mr Platt was a man of strongly marked traits, among which wore absolute independence and seif-reliance, great power of abstraction, and a mond 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- jons mailers, especially, he met every question fairly, not dismiss- ing it from his mind until it was solyed 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 ita largest benefactor,
On October s, man be marriot Carolme Waghter of William ald Almin (Portur) Orfor, why fter the death of her parents lived in the family of Deacon Timothy Profer. Lo mother's hather. His children who reachel mahir ans se her and two daugh ters, Helen and (Sn le tha torzoce ut of Wallace H. Camp ( - 2(4).
Mr. Plalt died in 1886.
CLARK MURRAY PLATT, the fourth son of Altred 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. Ret Tuing 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 button
On May 20, 1846, Mr. Platt marriel Amelia Maria, drhter of Selden Lewi of Naugatuck. Their children are Bertos Coisa, who on May 29, 1873, was married to Jay IL JU_ Man Alfred, and Edward Legrand, who died in chibihood Afred Platt wws born May 31, 1854, graduated al Yol of "79, and on June 20, 1882, married Elien Braloand Besides being secretary of the Platt Brothers & Cephe ie president of the Connecticut Indem- nity association (see page (86), and a member of the Board of Agents of the Bronson library. Jay H. Hart was born in Berk- Shire county M. .. December 11, 1847, und was educated at the South Berkshire misillute. He has lived in Great Barrington, Mass, New Haven, Twidgeport and Waterbury. He is connected with the Platl Brother & Co. and is secretary of the Patent But- ton comprov. He has been tax collector of the city of Waterbury, a member of the board of fire commissioners, and a member of the common council. Mr and Mrs. Hart have seven children.
C. M. Platt
397
THE SMALLER BRASS COMPANIES.
ALFRED LEGRAND PLATT, the fifth son of Alfred Platt, was born June 1, 1825. He was educated in Waterbury and New Haven, and is a miller and manufacturer. After an absence from Waterbury of several years, during which he worked at button making in Newtown and in Leominster, Mass., he returned in 1861, and has since resided at Platt's Mills. He and his son and Oliver G. Camp constitute the Platt Mill company, of which he is the president and manager. They leased the flour mill, which they sold to the Platt Brothers & Co., in 1892, and conduct a flour and feed business at Platt's Mills and in the city. The mill was burned February 6, 1895.
Mr. Platt married Sarah Ann Sherman. Their children are: Sarah Jane, wife of Jared P. King, and Alfred Sherman, who married Eugenie A. Nettleton.
THE WATERBURY MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
The button making business begun by W. R. Hitchcock in 1837 was reorganized in 1852, and a company was incorporated July 13, under the name of William R. Hitchcock & Co. Before its incor- poration the firm had removed from the factory which it had occu- pied on the west side of Union square to a factory on North Main street, which was built by J. M. L. & W. H. Scovill, and which is now one of the buildings of the Waterbury Manufacturing com- pany. In its new quarters the concern was not permanently suc- cessful, and the business was sold out to a firm consisting of R. E. Hitchcock and Samuel Castle. In March, 1865, the United States Button company was organized, with R. E. Hitchcock as president, and a capital of $50,000. In December, 1875, the property of the United States Button company was sold at auction, and was pur- chased with reference to the establishment of a new concern. The new enterprise was incorporated in January, 1876, adopting the name of the Waterbury Manufacturing company. This name had already been used by a company organized in 1814, and by another in 1873. The capital was originally $25,000, but is now $50,000. The original officers were: H. L. Hotchkiss, president, A. S. Chase, treasurer, and A. C. Northrop, secretary. At present A. S. Chase is president, Henry S. Chase secretary and treasurer, and Richard J. Ashworth superintendent.
Its list of manufactures is extensive, including every variety of brass articles, such as buttons, umbrella furniture, upholstery trim- mings, saddlery goods, patented novelties, and brass castings. The business of the company is transacted mainly from Waterbury. There is an office in New York city, to look after the New York trade.
398
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
The tract of land which the company occupies was when pur- chased very wild and irregular, but is being gradually graded and brought into proper condition for factory use. It measures eight or ten acres. Beginning with some thirty or forty hands, the Waterbury Manufacturing company now employs four or five hun- dred. It uses steam power mainly, but has in continual and suc- cessful operation one of the old fashioned breast wheels, more than forty feet in diameter. The company has built a new wheel house to inclose it.
For an account of A. S. Chase, president, and a reference to H. S. Chase, secretary and treasurer of the Waterbury Manufactur- ing company, see pages 308 to 311. Sketches of the lives of W. R. Hitchcock and his son are added here, because of their close rela- tion to the companies which preceded this in the occupancy of the same premises.
W. R. HITCHCOCK.
William Rufus Hitchcock, the son of Rufus and Hannah (Lewis) Hitchcock, was born in Cheshire, June 5, 1797.
In his early life he was in business in New Haven. In 1832 he came to Waterbury, and obtained a position in the store of J. M. L. & W. H. Scovill. Returning to New Haven, he became cashier of the City bank, and remained there until 1837, when he came again to Waterbury, and in connection with the Messrs. Scovill engaged in the manufacture of cloth buttons, in a factory on Union square. In 1852 William R. Hitchcock & Co. removed to the factory on North Main street, already mentioned, and in July of that year the company was incorporated. The concern having met with some reverses, the business was sold out, as stated above. Mr. Hitchcock remained in the employ of the new firm, and so con- tinued until his death, November 25, 1865.
He was a man of much refinement and gentleness of character, and enjoyed to a remarkable degree the respect and confidence of all who knew him. He was an active member and an officer of St. John's parish.
He married Mary, daughter of Andrew Hull, of Cheshire. They had five children : Rufus Edward; Anna, who was married to the Rev. Dr. J. L. Clark; the Rev. Dr. William A. Hitchcock, of Buffalo, N. Y., and two who died young.
RUFUS EDWARD HITCHCOCK was born at Cheshire, June 19, 1821. He was educated at the Cheshire academy and at Stamford, and removed to Waterbury in 1838. His relation to various business enterprises is indicated above and elsewhere. In 1875 he engaged in the manufacture of paper boxes. The business was successful,
To which the company occupier war when pur- of an irregular, but is lying oradaily graded and proper condition for Merry use. It measures cight Regino wy, with tomc thirty or forty hands, the . Mimofacturing company now employs four or five hun- Mapa sjouw power manly, but has in continual and suc- agorahru o mend the old fashioned breast wheels. more than The company has built a new wheel house
For an acemint of A. S. Chame, president, and a reference to IL, & Ph , secretary and treasures of the Waterbury Manufactur- ang Losnauy, see pagey y Alo jen Nes of the lives of W. R. Hitybrock und Bis sa are awet mes merif their close rela- Hot la Die companies watch pregecesi fbs iscoupandy of the
Wir Ran. Nicolcock, she won .| Erias and Hannah (Lewis) Thedrei, wie born to Cheshire, Jaue . 199
to his early life be was in business in are Played. In 1832 he came to Wamibury, and obtained a position Life Store of J. M L & W. H. Heovill. Returning to New Haven, he Became cashier The City Bank, and remained there until 1837, when he Lame wain to Wareflury, and in connection with the Messrs. Soovill eniuged in ( wiifacture of cloth buttons, in a factory un Paiodi marTl Wilham R. Hitchcock & Co. removed to t. already mentioned, and in July Wowxporated. The concern having
i Was sold out, as slabel above.
WW - assed mach relisemem sao quees af character,
les di Aotrine Path of Cheshire. They Likedy Anna, who was married to the We. EN. T.E UM om De, William A. Iltetcouk, of Buffalo,
Kanns Epwas IE, was Born il Cheshire, June 19, 1821. Bus4 educatof a thing academy and at Stamford, and arenod lo Waland His relation to various business und elsewhere. In 1875 he engaged The business was successful,
R.E. Hitchcock
399
THE SMALLER BRASS COMPANIES.
and now the firm of R. E. Hitchcock & Co. (known until 1881 as the Waterbury Paper and Box company) is one of the large concerns of Waterbury. From 1838 onward Mr. Hitchcock was a member of St. John's parish, but withdrew from it in May, 1877, to take part in the organization of Trinity parish. He was elected senior warden of Trinity, and held the office until his death.
On June 18, 1851, he married Agnes DuBois Donnelly, of Cats- kill, N. Y. They had five children, all of whom died in childhood except Agnes DuBois, who, on October 18, 1876, was married to Arthur C. Northrop.
Mr. Hitchcock died June 18, 1888, and since that time Mr. Northrop has been the sole manager of the business of R. E. Hitchcock & Co.
THE WATERBURY WATCH COMPANY.
The Waterbury Watch company owes its existence to the fos- tering care of the Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing company, which furnished it with capital and credit. It was started as a department of that concern, and some of the first watches bore the name of the Benedict & Burnham company.
When the first crude watch, made by hand, was shown to Charles Benedict on January 9, 1878, in the hope of enlisting his interest in a new watch-making enterprise, it was thought that the sum of $6000 would put the business on its feet within six months. Mr. Benedict was of the opinion that $10,000 would be needed to carry out the plans then proposed. It was finally arranged to start with an equipment for making 200 watches a day by machinery, and to use the room over the office of the Benedict & Burnham Manufac- turing company. As the work went on, the enterprise broadened, and the room over the office was found too small. The amount of money invested became far larger than was at first anticipated, and the prospect of success became so great that it was determined to form a new corporation. The Waterbury Watch company was organized in 1880, with a nominal capital of $400,000. The original stockholders were the Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing com- pany (represented by Charles Benedict, Gordon W. Burnham and Charles Dickinson, as trustees), Charles Benedict, George Merritt, Edwin A. Locke and D. A. A. Buck. A large factory was built, equipped with the necessary machinery, and occupied by the con- cern in May, 1881. The factory was placed to the east of Pine Hill, which extended from a point near the corner of West Clay and Benedict streets to Liberty street on the south, and to the track of
400
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
the Naugatuck railroad on the west. It was, in fact, built in an excavation extending sixty feet back into the hill. The subse- quent removal of the entire hill was regarded as a gigantic enter- prise .*
After the removal to the new establishment, E. A. Locke took the general oversight of the business, and George Merritt had charge of the sales. In 1882 George Hart, who had experience in manufacturing watches, was engaged as mechanical superintendent of the works, succeeding W. N. Weeden, who had removed to New Bedford.
The first watches were of imperfect mechanism, and had the "long wind," to which scoffers and the press so frequently re- ferred. This style of watch, known as the "Waterbury," was extensively advertised. The watches kept good time, and were sold in large quantities. They were disposed of at first in a hap- hazard way, and many were given as prizes by newspapers and used by mercantile establishments for advertising purposes. Num- bers of them were exported, and an agency was established in London for their sale abroad. But in 1887 it became apparent that an improved watch of a higher grade was required. An entirely new system was adopted-of selling at fixed rates to retailers and those in the regular watch trade only-and a new "short wind " watch was introduced. In 1890 and 1891 still other improvements were made, and watches of a higher grade, in filled gold and silver cases, were put upon the market. The old "long wind " watches were withdrawn from sale in February, 1891, and though there is still some demand for these for export, the newer styles only are offered for sale in this country. The beauty of design, the excellence of construction, and the accuracy in time-keeping of the present product are a surprise to those who have heretofore seen these qualities in association only with a considerably higher price.
* Pine Hill was evidently a " terminal moraine," and had a general trend from northwest to southeast, with its highest point at a place now occupied by the round house of the Naugatuck railroad. Its greatest elevation was 107 feet. For years most of the building sand used in Waterbury came from this hill, whence it was sold by the cartload.
After the completion of the grading of the western division of the New York and New England railroad, one of the large steam shovels used in that work was brought to Waterbury, and set in operation on the hill. The work was begun in March, 1880, and although continued without interruption, was not completed until September of the following year. A massive wall of masonry had been built along the Naugatuck, extending from where the railroad bridge crosses the river to the lower end of the Benedict & Burnham property, and into the low and swampy area thus enclosed the sand and gravel were carted. As there was more than enough for this purpose, a large space was filled in also on the south of the factory of the American Ring company. The hill was composed of gravel, sand and boulders in strata, and no ledge of rocks was found, nor any stones that required blasting. Before the hill was removed its bushes were the resort of partridges. It is a noteworthy fact that for several years after the removal of the hill, partridges were killed in the autumn of each year, in attempting to fly through the windows of the factory in search of their old haunts.
MOTSWE OF WATERBURY.
Moss married in the west. It was, in fact, built in an romanyalige siste feet back into the hill The subse- mostof the ditire hihi was regarded as a gigantic enter-
After Kac romnyal to lox hew establishment, E. A. Locke took the general oversight of the business, and George Merritt had charge of the sales. Tu 1862 George Hart, who had experience in manufacturing watches was engaged as mechanical superintendent HI the works, succeeding W. N. Weeden, who had removed to New Bedford
The first watches were of imjeerdet mechanism, and had the "long wind," to which scoffers and Go press so frequently re- ferred. This style of waleto know x lo " Waterbury," was extensively advertised. The watchfey Krpo time, and were sold in Large quantities. They were dispo-og fat fint in a hap- hazard way, and many were given as prizes for bestepapers and used by mercantile establishments for advertisme purposes. Num- here of them were y ported, and an agetiey was established in London for their sale abroad. But in z&Syl LNoume pp.reni that an improved watch of a higher grade was required an entirely new system was adopted-of selling at fixed rates Lorelailers and those jo the reguier watch trade only-and a new "short winl" watch was introduced. In 1890 and 1891 still other improvements were made, and watches of a higher grade, in filled gold and silver cases were put upon the market. The old "long wind " watches were withdrawn from sale in February, ISor, and though there is still some demand for these for export, the newer styles only are offered for sale in this country. The beauty of design, the excellente of construction, and the accuracy in Lime-keeping of the present prodict are a surprise to those who have heretofore seen these oyunlibe: io association only with a considerably higher price.
* Pinch(Uvw-buca"0-0)mopure, 'and lad @gerra lined from nad southeast, with its cushion point of a plus one comme of the found haus of the Namethey allof. Its greatest ele fet . sand usd in Waterbury Thehill, whence
Ages Xâu Te -Do Tte ve tern divis on () the New York and Des England railroad, ao clerck was brought to Waterbury and out in operation on the wod Stage continued without horruption, was not completed e call of arponty han foga haitt along the Naugatuck, commding Fosse i 1 -. the sand Ju wel were carted. As there was
These ( the war il if the Benedict & Burnham prepmy.
4- Out of the fact ry of the to( und af miders in trara, and no edge of Ihre 15 Mil . emoved its bushes were the your ale removal of the hill, partridges Were Milad in de andre te
Prik lows of the factory in search of
PITER HALL &. . NY
THE WATERBURY WATCH CO. WATERBURY COMM.
40I
THE SMALLER BRASS COMPANIES.
In June, 1891, the New York office of the company was discontinued, and all sales have since been made from the fac- tory. In December of that year Messrs. Merritt and Locke retiredfromthe management and Edward L. White be- came associated with it. On the death of Mr. White, August 5, 1893, Arthur O. Jen- nings succeeded him as general manager.
At the Columbian exhibition, at Chi- cago, a clock belong- ing to the Watch company, and made under its direction, known as the Cen- tury clock, was ex- hibited. The work upon it occupied sev- eral years. The fol- lowing description appeared in the New York Tribune of Au- gust 28, 1893:
The novel attraction in the Waterbury exhibit is its wonderful Century clock. It is the largest clock in the world. It stands sixteen feet high, and is six feet square at the base. The wood is polished black walnut, on which are historic scenes, carved in high relief. The
PINE HILL IN 1881; THE WORK OF REMOVAL GOING ON. THE FACTORY OF THE WATCH COMPANY ON THE RIGHT.
26
402
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
Revolution is illustrated by the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, the Declara- tion of Independence, and a Continental soldier on picket. The Mexican war is shown by Scott's army entering the city of Mexico. Scenes from the civil war are the firing on Sumter, Lincoln freeing the slave and the surrender at Appomattox. One scene represents the portrait figures of Washington and Grant, as the first and the last president of the century. The carvings are on the side, and on the top, above the big dial, is a carved bell to represent the old Liberty Bell. The carvings are a fine example of decorative art and an interesting study. But it is the mechan- ism of this clock that is a wonder and delight. Alternating with the carvings are industries in operation, showing the progress in manufactures and use of machinery over the early hand labor. The curious little figures are kept at work by an electric mechanism. The first watch-making is shown in the Swiss home, where shop and living room are one. Next to this is the " train room " of the Waterbury factory, where women are busy at the machines, and but one man, the foreman, is seen. The first cotton gin is shown in a cotton field, where negroes are picking cotton, and Eli Whitney, the inventor, is explaining his device. Spinning and weaving by hand are offset by machine manufactures; the sewing machine, and groups of women stitching by hand; mines and mills; telegraph and telephone, all in opera- tion. Franklin with his kite bringing lightning from the clouds tells the story of electricity. The clock is illuminated by forty-eight six-candle power incandescent lamps. It is well named the Century clock, for it is an ingenious illustration of the progress of industries through the century.
An illustrated monthly paper, called The Waterbury, first issued in 1887, is published by the Watch company. The advertising edition, with a circulation of 22,000 among the retail jewellers, is devoted largely to furnishing information concerning the remodelled style of watches made by the company. A subscription edition of 6000, free from advertising matter, is also published. The paper con- tains articles by writers of prominence.
The Watch company employs four hundred hands. Its factory, the walls of which are covered with ivy, stands in the midst of a beautiful lawn bordered by growing shade trees. Within, it is a model of completeness and good order.
The list of officers from the organization of the company until now is as follows:
Presidents: Charles Benedict, from 1880 to 1881; Gordon W. Burnham, from 1882 to 1885; Charles Dickinson, from 1885 to 1888; Augustus S. Chase, since 1888.
Secretaries: Charles Dickinson, from 1880 to 1885; Edwin A. Locke, from 1885 to 1891; Edward L. Frisbie, Jr., from 1891 to 1892; Edward L. White, from 1892 to 1893; Arthur O. Jennings, since 1894.
Treasurers: Charles Benedict, from 1880 to 1881; Charles Dickinson, from 1882 to 1888; Edward L. Bronson, from 1888 to 1890; Edward L. Frisbie, Jr., since 1890.
The following are the present officers:
President, Augustus S. Chase; Treasurer, Edward L. Frisbie, Jr .; Secretary, Arthur O. Jennings; Mechanical superintendent, George Hart.
403
THE SMALLER BRASS COMPANIES.
WILLIAM N. WEEDEN.
William Nye Weeden, son of Daniel and Ruth (Nye) Weeden, was born in New Bedford, Mass., April 27, 1841, and was educated at the New Bedford schools. He learned the jeweller's trade in that city, and was afterward engaged in business in Boston, Mass., for a dozen years.
He removed to Waterbury, and entered the employ of the Bene- dict & Burnham Manufacturing company, January 1, 1872. When the manufacture of the "Waterbury watch " was entered upon by this company, it was placed in Mr. Weeden's hands for develop- ment. The success of the enterprise, which led to the organization of the Watch company, as already indicated, was doubtless due in large part to Mr. Weeden's ability, ingenuity and energy, coupled with Charles Benedict's faith in his judgment. He was the mechan- ical superintendent of the business for four years, during which period he visited Europe three times with reference to perfecting the watch and introducing it in foreign markets.
In the summer of 1882 he severed his connection with the Watch company and returned to New Bedford, where he established him- self successfully in the manufacture of "novelties in metal." In 1884 he invented and afterwards patented a scientific toy in the form of a complete miniature steam engine, which, through an arrangement with the publishers of the Youth's Companion, became immensely popular. To this were attached "scenic toys," such as "the machine shop" and "the village blacksmith." He also invented a miniature locomotive with train, and a track laid in sec- tions, three and a half feet in diameter. Upon these and various other scientific toys he procured patents, and they are now manu- factured by a joint-stock company which he organized in New Bed- ford in 1887. To inventions of this kind and the studies involved therein he was drawn alike by his mechanical ingenuity and his artistic tastes. He was essentially an artist, and during his life in Waterbury identified himself with the artistic and dramatic life of the community in very practical ways.
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