USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, vol 2 > Part 36
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60
In 1910 the building was first called a Y. M. C. A., and the North Attie- boro Y. M. C. A. was incorporated in 1912. The following-named have been presidents of the "Y": R. J. Fuller, Dr. J. B. Gerould, O. L. Welch, S. Straker, J. L. Tweedy, Dr. F. J. Carley. The secretaries to date have been: J. A. Mil- ligan, J. A. Smith, E. C. Lord (pro tem.). C. A. Hempel, Ernest Priestley. Physical directors: M. Anderson, M. Cate. J. Mckinstry, E. Cottrell. E. C. Lord, R. Wheat, Ernest Priestley.
The North Attleboro Chapter of the American Red Cross was organized on June 22, 1917, and had within its jurisdiction the towns of Mansfield, Fox- boro and Wrentham. The officers were as follows: Chairman, Mr. Charles T. Paye; vice-chairman, Mr. W. H. Bell; secretary, Mrs. Edmund . G. Flint ; treasurer, Mr. George E. Lincoln. Executive board: Mrs. Alton Riley, Mrs. E. I. Franklin, Mrs. J. E. Tweedy. Mrs. Ernest Tellier, Mrs. Sylvester McGinn, Dr. J. B. Gerould, Mr. Andrew Morris, Mr. J. L. Thompson, Mr. F. S. Grigor, Mr. E. B. Fisher, Mr. J. T. Conefy. On December 4, 1917, Mr. F. S. Grigor, chairman of the Junior Red Cross, announced that the Junior Red Cross was organized in all the schools. During 1917 and 1918 over $17,000 was raised by the Red Cross to carry on the work called for in its charter. The town of North Attleboro sent 456 soldiers, and fourteen of this number died in active service.
Prentiss M. Whiting Post, No. 192. G. . A. R., was organized Thursday, July 28, 1888, by Austin C. Wellington, department inspector. and Joseph B. Parsons, chief mustering officer. The charter list comprised fifty-seven names. Prentiss M. Whiting, whose name this post bears, was a townsman of North Attleboro; he was a member of Company I, Seventh Massachusetts Infantry. was promoted to captain of Company A, and fell mortally wounded at the battle of Salem Heights, May 3, 1863. The past commanders of the post have been as follows: Samuel H. Bugbee, 1888-90; Oliver L. Swift, 1891; Charles T. Guild, 1892; Thomas G. Sandland. 1893-95; Edwin Whitney, 1896-97; Osmyn Atwood, 1898-99; John F. Makinson, 1900-01; Joseph H. Cheetham, 1902-03; John F. Makinson, 1904-06; Joseph H. Cheetham, 1907-08; Stephen Stanley, 1909-23. Connected with the Post is a Woman's Relief Corps.
The Newell-Blais Post, No. 443, Veterans of Foreign Wars. was started in February, 1919, with John W. Brown as commander; John D. McCann was commander in 1921; Ernest Blick in 1922; John D. Brown in 1923.
776
BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS
The Auxiliary of Newell-Blais Post, No. 443, Veterans of Foreign Wars, was formed December 10, 1920. On January 31, 1921, Deputy Mary L. White, assisted by President Maude Candalet and other members of the Gilbert-Perry Auxiliary, No. 115, of Attleboro, installed the following-named officers: Presi- dent, Mrs. Sadie E. Blake; S. V. P., Mrs. Delia Herlin; J. V. C., Miss Leslie Brown; secretary, Miss Blanche L. Barber; treasurer, Mrs. Anna McEnaney ; conductor, Mrs. Mary McCann. The Auxiliary started with twenty charter members. Mrs. Sadie E. Blake held the president's chair in 1921 and 1922; Mrs. Marion L. Cheney was president in 1923, and Mrs. Sadie E. Blake was secretary. Meetings are held in G. A. R. Hall, and there were forty-five members in 1923.
An American Legion Post and Auxiliary were formed here in 1921.
Fraternal Societies .- Bristol Lodge, A. F. and A. M., is one of the oldest in the State, it having been instituted in 1797. Its charter, signed by Paul Revere, is still preserved and is in good condition. The lodge meetings are held in I. O. O. F. Hall, and the membership is 365. The officers in 1923 : Henry B. Cornell, worshipful master; John A. Clarner, senior warden; William H. Heckman, junior warden; Harry E. Litchfield, treasurer; George E. Hawes, secretary; Rev. George E. Osgood, chaplain; George A. Livingston, marshal; David Sinclair, senior deacon; Lee R. Higgins, junior deacon; A. Victor R. Chevers, senior steward; John Paton, junior steward; Frank H. Morris, or- ganist; Frank Batchelder, inside sentinel; William A. Guild, tyler.
Rabboni Royal Arch Chapter was instituted March 7. 1911, with forty-four members on the charter list. The membership in 1923 was 185, and the officers were: Henry H. Curtis, excellent high priest; Henry B. Cornell, excellent king ; John A. Gilchrist, excellent scribe; Jesse G. Jewett, treasurer; George E. Hawes, secretary; Rev. George E. Osgood, chaplain; Allan A. Gordon, captain of the host; Howard S. Newell, principal sojourner; Lester S. Wall, royal arch captain; John Sinclair, master of third veil; Amos H. Pilling, master of second veil ; John H. Paton, master of first veil; Harold W. Mason. senior steward ; George E. Lincoln, junior steward; William A. Guild, tyler; trustees of the permanent fund, Ex-Companions William S. Metcalf. 1921; Fred I. Gorton, 1922; Charles H. Parker, 1923.
Aurora Lodge, No. 107, I. O. O. F., received its charter January 29, 1846, the petitioners for the new lodge being Abraham Hayward, Thaddeus Phelps, Alfred Barrows, J. D. Pierce, Lemuel Bishop, Daniel Evans, Benjamin F. Hammer and Samuel D. Forte. The lodgeroom was in the second story of a school structure in the Old Town district, and the first elective officers were : N. G., A. Hayward; V. G., T. Phelps; S., D. Evans; T., A. Tifft. On July 3, 1846, the lodge began to occupy the rooms later occupied by the Masons; and again on May 13, 1851, the hall on Orne street was dedicated to the uses of the lodge. For a time the lodge lost ground, and the race was slow. But from the year 1888 a new lease of life was given. The cornerstone of the present building was laid with the ceremonies of the order, on November 14, 1874, and the building was dedicated November 10, 1875. The officers in 1923: N. G., E. A. Coombs; V. G., C. B. Caldwell; recording secretary, W. H. Robinson ; financial secretary, E. G. Holbrook; treasurer, J. H. Ballard.
Howard Encampment, No. 19, I. O. O. F., was instituted August 5, 1846. Charter members were: Rev. Joseph D. Pierce, H. M. Richards, Thaddeus Phelps, M. D., V. H. Blackinton, George L. Hancock, George H. Dodge, John
777
TOWNS OF BRISTOL COUNTY
Waterhouse, and there were fourteen charter initiates. There is no complete record of the first officers of the encampment. George H. Dodge was first chief patriarch; John Waterhouse, first senior warden; B. H. Hamman, first recording scribe. The charter was relinquished some time in 1850. The En- campment was reinstituted February 21, 1876. Petitioners for the original charter were: Felix G. Whitney, Rev. Joseph D. Pierce, Daniel Evans, T. G. Sandland, George B. Whitney, F. L. Burden, F. L. Shepardson, E. S. M. Perkins. Joseph E. Pond, Jr., and the officers were: Chief patriarch, Rev. Joseph D. Pierce; high priest, George B. Whitney; senior warden, Frank L. Shepard- son; recording scribe, Joseph E. Pond, Jr .; financial scribe and treasurer, Burrill Porter, Jr .; junior warden, E. S. M. Perkins. Seventeen brothers were elected and initiated on the day of the reinstitution. Two of these patriarchs. Henry G. Grant and Albert Totten, are members today. The officers for the year 1923: C. P., William H. Robinson; H. P., Henry G. Grant, P. C. P .; S. W., Lorenzo B. Sturtevant; R. S., James H. Ballard, P. C. P .; F. S., George H. Fox, P. C. P .; treasurer, Charles L. Jordan, P. C. P .; J. W., J. Lorenzo Sutherland. Membership, January 1, 1923, 113. Howard Encampment mem- bers have formed the majority of the petitioners for the charters of both Gideon M. Horton Encampment, No. 80, of Attleboro, and Foxboro Encampment, No. 81, of Foxboro.
Esther Rebekah Lodge was first formed in 1870, and was in existence but a few years when the charter was returned to the grand lodge. It was reinsti- tuted March 31, 1886, at the request of ten petitioners, and seventy-eight were given the degree that evening. Henry G. Grant, past grand, was elected noble grand, and served the remainder of that year. Since that time a woman has filled that office. The membership in 1923 was 176. The officers that year : Noble grand, Mrs. Evalina W. Grant; vice-grand, Mrs. Mabel E. Passmore ; recording secretary, Miss Emily L. Loughlin; financial secretary, Miss Mabel E. Kent; treasurer, Mrs. Ruth E. Fisher.
Thomas McDonough Council, No. 330, Knights of Columbus, was insti- tuted April 24, 1898, its founder being Sylvester J. McGinn, who was twice elected grand knight. The first meeting was held at Emmett Hall, February 22, 1898, and there were twenty-five applications for membership. The local coun- cil was joined by men both from Attleboro and North Attleboro, and the officers at first were from both towns. The membership upon institution was fifty-eight, and it is stated that it was the largest of any council in the order at that time. Grand Knight McGinn named the council after the late Thomas F. McDonough, M. D. Sacred Heart Council, of Franklin, was formed from the North Attleboro Council. During the World War, the local council shared in every drive, and doubled its quota with the sum of $4,000. Forty of its membership were in the service. The membership of the council in 1923 was 350, and Peter McQueeney was the grand knight.
There is a flourishing branch here of the Daughters of Isabella.
To the late John H. Campbell, foreman of the Attleboro "Chronicle," largely belongs the honor as founder of Sumner Lodge. Knights of Pythias. The lodge was instituted May 6, 1874, in Good Templar's Hall, with twenty- three names on the charter list. Soon afterwards, Aurora Lodge vacating their quarters on Orne street, Sumner Lodge removed there on December 1, 1874. Twenty-nine names were added to the roster the first year. More than five hundred knights were present at the first anniversary observance at Wam- sutta Hall, May 12, 1881. A new hall in the building, constructed by I. H. F.
.
778
BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS
Barrows, was dedicated May 5, 1891, and the lodge celebrated its seventeenth anniversary with parade, banquet and ball, grand officers and many prominent members of the order being present. Sumner Company of the Uniform Rank was instituted March 12, 1891. The lodge in 1923 had one hundred members, and the officers were: C. C., A. N. Coit; V. C., A. E. Roessle; prelate, Chris- topher Doha; M. of W., S. K. Durell; K. of R. and S., Charles R. Kurtz; M. of F., William G. Moore; M. of E., George H. Morris; M. at A., Arthur Armington; I. G., George Dakin; O. G., E. S. Allen.
North Attleboro Lodge of Elks, No. 1011, was instituted in February, 1906, with a charter membership of forty-four. The membership in 1923 was 404. John Hedges was exalted ruler; Daniel Mckay, secretary.
Sarsfield Court, No. 48, M. C. O. F .. was instituted March 6, 1883, with twenty-two charter members. The membership for the year ending 1922 was 322. The court is located in K. of C. Hall, East street.
North Attleboro Council, R. A., No. 1026, was instituted March 15, 1887. Other fraternal orders represented here are: North Attleboro Aerie, No. 1041, Fraternal Order of Eagles; North Attleboro Lodge, No. 611, Loyal Order of Moose; Mirimichi Tribe, No. 110, Improved Order of Red Men.
Industries .- The long-time settlers within the bounds of North Attle- boro, and descendants of the first colonists there, just as the Revolutionary War was drawing to a close, welcomed a certain industrious Frenchman to that part of the town. It was well for the future of this entire section of the county that they did so, for the great jewelry-manufacturing industry of this hour gives that Frenchman full credit, so far as the results of all research go, for laying the foundation of the business that has made the Attleboros famous for their product. Who was he? Local history has specified no more than that he was a Frenchman, "the foreigner," as he was called; and it has not as yet been pointed out whence he came. though there are many conjectures. It is known of a surety that he came here in 1780; that his place of business was a brick forge that stood on the site of the former shop on the property of Jesse F. Richards; that he made jewelry of some kind not designated; and that a portion of his product was brass butts. His shop disappeared in 1810, and only the memory of his original enterprise remains. Others, and yet others, continued with his practical suggestion, and jewelry making became the busi- ness of North Attleboro. In 1922 there were thirty five jewelry-making firms in the town, with a capital of $4,272,784. The total number of people employed was 1,053, and the value of the product was $4,172,997.
The following. compiled with the assistance of the North Attleboro "Chron- icle." are the concerns that are among the leading industries of this section :
Scofield, Melcher & Scofield, manufacturers of ten-karat gold and high-grade rolled plate, was organized as early as 1821 as Draper, Tifft & Company. The business eventu- ally came into the hands of the present firm, the members being Woodbury Melcher and William Boffelman. The firm operates 90 hands.
G. W. Cheever & Company began business in the Richards Building, on Elm street, in 1880, manufacturing high-grade rolled plate goods; 75 hands are employed.
The present firm of H. F. Barrows & Company was founded in 1851, as Barrows & Sturdy, and is the oldest one in the town operating continuously under one title. Their original location was at the Falls, but removal was made to North Attleboro about 1877; and in 1907 they were established at their present building. Louis D. and David A. Bar- rows are associated in the business, which employs about 150 hands. The plant is one of the most attractive and thoroughly fitted industrial establishments. As early as the year 1807 members of the family were connected with the jewelry industry.
779
TOWNS OF BRISTOL COUNTY
W. N. Fisher & Company, manufacturers of a general line of chain findings, was organized in 1877, and incorporated a number of years afterwards. Since the death of Mr. Fisher, the head of the concern has been W. P. McAlpine, the firm employing 50 hands.
T. I. Smith Company began business in a small way in 1860 as Codding & Smith. They were wiped out by fire in 1861, with total loss; and in 1865 they started out again with C. H. Ames as a partner. In 1872 the late Mr. Ames purchased the interest of his two partners, and after about a year admitted D. D. Codding as a new partner, adopting the name of T. I. Smith & Company. Later, the partners were H. H. Curtis, E. A. Crawford and L. W. Wise. Soon afterwards the business was conducted by L. W. Wise and T. S. Curtis.
W. H. Bell & Company, manufacturing men's and women's gold-filled chains and popular bracelets, was established in 1890 in the "old braid mill" at Attleboro Falls. About the year 1905 they removed to Robinsonville, where they employ 40 hands.
G. H. French Company, silversmiths, manufacture sterling silver goods. In 1882 G. Herbert French started in business with W. H. Riley, under the firm name of Riley & French. About the year 1916, Mr. French severed his connection with the firm of Riley & French, and established the house of G. H. French Company, silversmiths.
The firm of R. Blackinton & Company was established in 1862 by Roswell Blackinton, Walter Ballou and Thomas Mann, manufacturing book-clasps, at that time particularly the clasps for Bibles used by the soldiers during the Civil War. Mr. Mann retired in 1867, and upon the death of Mr. Blackinton, in 1906, the firm became composed of Roswell Blackinton, Jr., Walter R. Ballou and John R. Morss. The output today is almost exclu- sively sterling silver.
The Wizard Manufacturing Company was secured as one of the town's industries through the efforts of the Board of Trade. The company, whose president is Henry G. Folger, organized for the manufacture of plumbers' specialties, and the plant is an up-to- date one in every respect.
One of the substantial jewelry firms in the town is the Sturtevant-Whiting Company, manufacturers of carded goods in high-grade rolled-gold plate. The shop was opened in 1867 as S. E. Fisher & Company, the partners being S. E. Fisher, W. W. Fisher and E. D. Sturtevant. S. E. Fisher and W. W. Fisher retired in 1897, and, the business being reorganized, the firm became Sturtevant, Whiting & Bigelow. Mr. Bigelow retired in 1906, and the title of the firm changed to Sturtevant & Whiting. Mr. Sturtevant retired in 1913. In 1914 George A. Whiting incorporated the firm as Sturtevant-Whiting Company, admitting as partners Louis Kurtz and F. B. Brigham.
The H. W. Tufts Tool Company, manufacturers of tools of all sorts, was established in May, 1893. The firm helped the nation in the manufacture of many war supplies.
The Barber Electric Company was incorporated in 1915, with H. C. Barber as president and C. E. Riley as treasurer. The business is the manufacture of general electrical supplies, specializing in knife-switches, cut-outs, switchboards, etc, and 40 people are employed. Much of the work of the plant during the World War was done for the government.
Thompson & Remington, with a general refinery business of gold, silver and platinum, was organized in 1898, by J. L. Thompson, Mr. Remington entering as a partner in 1899, his interest being purchased about 1916, the firm name remaining unchanged. Mr. Thomp- son is one of the best-known all-round business men in this section, and has held many offices in the gift of the people, and of banking and State officials.
The G. K. Webster Company, manufacturing sterling silver goods, is one of the largest concerns of the kind in the country, occupying over 50,000 square feet of floor space. The plant is equipped with the most modern machinery. The founder of the busi- ness and president of the company, George K. Webster, at first starting in the old Whiting Building, engaged in the manufacture of a line of plated and gold-front goods. In 1898 Mr. Webster located in the Whitney Building, on Chestnut street. Outgrowing the quarters there, he built the present Webster Company factory on Broadway, and began the manu- facture of sterling silver goods entirely. From 250 to 300 hands are employed.
William Coupé Company, Ltd., was established in 1865, and is the oldest tannery in the immediate section, and one of the oldest running continuously under one title in New England. Mr. Coupé, a thorough tanner, has also taken out about twenty-seven patents, and the Coupé belting leathers have world-wide celebrity.
C. E. Sandland & Son, among the best known enamelers in this section, began business about the year 1871.
LeStage Manufacturing Company, at Attleboro Falls, produces at its plant high-grade gold-filled chains, fobs, bracelets, lockets, specializing in original creations. The firm was
780
BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS
organized in 1915, the partners consisting of Donald LeStage and H. E. Hull. Mr. LeStage was fourteen years associated with the house of H. D. Merritt as partner, and Mr. Hull has had many years of factory experience.
The firm of J. J. Sommer & Company, specializing in cameo brooches and pendants, was established in 1879 for the manufacture of a line of white stone goods. In 1884 the title changed to the Totten & Sommer Company. Mr. Totten retired in 1896, and since that date the business has been under the ownership and direction of Mr. Sommer. The factory is a model one in every respect.
The Agawam Chemical Company, manufacturers of dyes of quality, was organized and began business as the Blackstone Chemical Company, the product being aniline oil, used by dyers. The Agawam Chemical Company took the place of the former concern, with dye manufacture as its business, and with Dr. Erik H. Greene as proprietor, one of the most expert colorists in this country.
E. I. Franklin & Company make a line of ladies' jewelry in high-grade rolled gold plate, and white stone goods in sterling silver. It was in August, 1874, that E. I. Frank- lin and C. W. Fisher purchased of B. Franklin, and embarked in business under the above title. In 1899 Mr. Franklin died, and the property then came into the hands of C. W. Fisher, Elton B. Fisher and W. G. Franklin.
H. D. Merritt Company manufacture high-grade gold-filled chains. The firm was or- ganized in 1855, with J. B. Draper as partner, afterward admitting John Shepardson. At the death of Mr. Merritt, Mrs. Merritt assumed his interest, and upon the death of Mrs. Merritt in 1893 the entire business passed into the control of W. W. Sherman, admitting L. A. Morse and Donald LeStage as partners. H. P. Kent became interested at that time, and he designed the trade-mark of the company. Mr. Kent shortly retired, and in 1914 the firm was enlarged by the admission of F. E. Burns with C. H. Sherman. The house is now owned by C. H. Sherman, with L. E. Morse as manager. Mr. Sherman was the first to agitate the erection of the manufacturers' building.
The firm of Bugbee & Niles, manufacturing ten-karat jewelry and watch bracelets, in ten, fourteen and eighteen-karat, and silver, consists of Alpin Chisholm, George A. Chisholm, C. L. Rhodes and Frank P. Kennedy, and has been in business about a half century. This house was founded as Smith & Ginnodo, afterwards becoming C. E. Smith & Company.
J. P. Bonnett & Son, established in 1879, are well known colorers and electroplaters. John P. Bonnett was the founder of the firm, and was identified with electroplating with a number of prominent firms in this part of the State since his early boyhood. The busi- ness is now managed by Frank Bonnett, who was associated with his father for years.
Paye, Baker & Company, manufacturers of sterling silver and silver-plated novelties, and employing their own designers, were incorporated in 1905. They had started in busi- ness in Providence as Simmons & Paye in 1897, and on the withdrawal of Mr. Simmons in 1900, and the entrance of Mr. Baker to the firm, the present name was adopted. The firm removed their business to North Attleboro in 1903.
F. L. Shepardson & Company, manufacturing a general line of gold-filled goods, or- ganized in 1875. Carl A. Hempel, for years with Cheever, Tweedy & Company, took charge of the business in 1909. The firm, employing about 30 hands at the Sommer Build- ing, specializes in chains for men and women, brooches, liat pins, link buttons, scarfpins, lockets, bracelets, etc.
Jewelers' and Silversmiths' Cooperative Refining Company was organized in 1907, com- prising thirty-one of the prominent manufacturers in the Attleboros. The refinery, with its modern machinery and equipment, is located on Chestnut street. It was through the skill and experience of D. J. Greenhalge that the plant was placed upon its present pros- perous basis. The officers are: President, F. A. Howard; treasurer, J. A. Codding ; super- intendent and general manager, D. J. Greenhalge.
The firm of A. H. Bliss & Company, manufacturers of machine-made chains and other articles in gold, silver and rollcd plate, was established in 1880 on Chestnut street. Anthony H. Bliss and his son, Frank H. Bliss, conduct the business.
Among the oldest chain manufacturers of the country is the corporation of the J. F. Sturdy's Sons Company, established in 1865. The house is prominent in the chain and brace- let production, and makes a specialty in optical goods. Fred E. Sturdy is president and treasurer, and H. K. Sturdy is vice-president.
Oldest among the manufacturers in this town is the firm of D. Evans & Company, established in 1805, and in business ever since. The firm was originally established under another title, Mr. Evans becoming proprietor in 1848. The business is the manufacture of uniform buttons, and during the Civil War millions of governmental buttons were made-
781
TOWNS OF BRISTOL COUNTY
here. About the year 1916 the firm removed from the Falls to the Sommers Building. In 1913 Fred E. Burden, grandson of the original Mr. Evans, took charge of the business, which was) thoroughly reorganized, the entire system being modernized.
In 1891 J. F. and C. O. Mason began the manufacture of paper boxes under the name of Mason Box Company, when a few girls were employed to make boxes for the local jewelry trade. From a small shop the plant grew to a modern factory of 55,000 square feet of floor space, where jewelry boxes of every description are made.
The O. M. Draper Company, one of the best known chain houses in the United States, had its beginning in 1863, and the product for the first ten years of its existence was fire gilt chains, so-called, Mr. Draper being the pioneer in the successful manufacture of chains by this process. After Mr. Draper's death, on August 1, 1900, the business was conducted as an estate by his executors, E. E. Hale and A. M. Hale, until August, 1912, when all interests were purchased by the executors and incorporated as the O. M. Draper Company, with E. E. Hale president and treasurer, and A. M. Hale secretary.
V. H. Blackinton & Company is one of the largest and oldest concerns in this country in the making of society and military metal goods. They employ a large number of skilled workmen.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.