History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 135

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1818

USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 135

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In June he commenced work for Merritt & Draper, and stayed until he started in business for himself, June 1, 1859, with D. D. Codding, as Codding and Smith, in a small room on the lower floor of the same building now occupied by them. After one year they removed to Mansfield Centre, and con- tinued in a small way until 1861, when the war broke up the business and they gave up manufacturing. They could collect no money on goods sold, and left their tools idle, and in May, 1861, lost everything by the burning of the building containing them. Mr. Smith obtained employment from William Boyd, of Mansfield, making cap-boxes for the army, and con-

1 See biography of Abiel Codding.

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HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

tinued there until times began to improve, and, in the spring of 1862, he returned to Northi Attlebor- ough and resumed work with Merritt & Draper, jew- elry manufacturers, and took charge of the shop from July, 1862, to July, 1865, when he started busi- ness again for himself in North Attleborough, in jewelry manufacturing, with his old partner and C. H. Ames as partners, under the firm-name of Cod- ding, Smith & Co., in S. Richardson's building. This firm lasted two years and made some money. Then Mr. Ames retired, and Mr. A. E. Codding came in as partner, firm-name continuing unchanged. They were now in good tide of business, employing fifty hands. In January, 1867, they removed their factory into Dennis Everett's building, and for three years con- tinued, doing a prosperous business there. They then moved into Mr. Richardson's new building, continued there three years, when Mr. Smith bought the interests of his partners, and for one year conducted it alone ; then sold one-half interest to D. D. Codding, and formed the firm of T. I. Smith & Co., which still is in business.

In July, 1880, they removed to their present com- modious quarters, and they have had a steadily in- creasing demand for their goods, and employ from ninety to one hundred and ten hands. Their special- ties are bracelets, pins, charms, etc. January, 1881, Henry H. Curtis, who had been salesman for three years, became a partner.

The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Smith is Eva C., born May 16, 1860. She married, Nov. 12, 1879, Henry H. Curtis. They have two children,-Fannie S. and Eva Blanche.

Mr. Smith has always been in the ranks of intelli- gent and independent thinkers. He has ever been in accord with Republican principles, and voted for Lincoln. Steady and reliable in his business, pleasant and affable in his intercourse with others, unassuming and modest in his demeanor, Mr. Smith is considered one of Attleborough's solid citizens, and a man of unobtrusive worth.

Young & Bennett commenced business in 1876, under the style of Young, Bennett & Co., the mem- bers of the firm being Charles P. Young, A. F. Ben- nett, and E. Sieger, of Pennsylvania. At the end of three years Sieger withdrew, and Young and Bennett have since conducted the business. Their place of business was in Whitney's manufactory until Dec. 28, 1882, when they were burnt out, and moved to Whiting's factory. They employ seventy-five hands, with a pay-roll of thirty-five thousand dollars per year, in the manufacture of fine rolled-gold plated chains.

E. 1. Franklin & Co. began the manufacture of jewelry in October, 1874, Elton I. Franklin, Hiram S. Lomes, and Clarence W. Fisher composing the firm. Their first place of business was in the factory of Stephen Richardson, on East Street ; moved to F. S. Draper's shop, June, 1876. In June, 1878, occu-

pied their present quarters in the factory of the Whit- ing Manufacturing Company. Franklin & Fisher purchased the interest of H. S. Lomes in 1881, and now manufacture gold front and plated ladies' goods. Number of hands employed, eighty, with an annual pay-roll of thirty-eight thousand dollars.

Sandland, Capron & Co. started business in E. Ira Richards' back factory in 1876. They moved to the Union Power Company's building in 1881, where they give employment to seventy-five hands, in the manufacture of a general line of plated goods.

" The E. A. Bliss Company," an incorporated stock company, manufacture chains and novelties in the Union Power building. The business was com- menced by E. A. Bliss and James E. Carpenter, in September, 1878, at Attleborough Falls. The present location was occupied Jan. 1, 1881. Incorporated July, 1882. This company employs seventy-five hands, with a pay-roll of forty thousand dollars.

S. E. Fisher & Co., in the same factory, commenced manufacturing in Stephen Richardson's factory, the firm then being Demarest, Fisher & Co. In 1877 the firm dissolved and reorganized under its present name, Samuel E. Fisher, William W. Fisher, and Edwin D. Sturtevant being the partners. Moved to the Union Power Company's building in 1881. Spe- cialty, fine gold-plated ladies' goods-bracelets, pins, and drops. Number of hands employed, ninety, with an annual pay-roll of fifty-five thousand dollars.

The history of the firm of R. Blackinton & Co. dates from 1863, when R. Blackinton, T. S. Mann, and Walter Ballou commenced business at Attlebor- ough Falls. In 1867, T. S. Mann retired from the firm, and in 1873 the business was moved to larger rooms in the manufactory of E. Ira Richards. They employ one hundred and forty hands in the manu- facture of all kinds of plated jewelry. They are now among our most successful manufacturers.

Oscar M. Draper commenced business in 1862, under the style of O. M. Draper & Co., E. Ira Rich- ards being the company. The firm became O. M. Draper in 1868, and in 1876 occupied the whole of the first floor in E. Ira Richards' new manufactory. His specialty from the commencement of business has been fire-gilt and nickel chains. He was the first manufacturer of "swedged goods." His machinery is the most complete and ingenious used in the manufacture of this line of goods. He employs eighty hands, and goods of his manufacture find a ready sale.

J. J. and J. M. Richards started business as E. S. Richards & Co., in 1864. The members of the firm were E. S. and J. M. Richards. E. S. Richards died in 1866, and J. J. Richards transferred his interest to his son. They are now located in Totten's shop on East Street, where they give employment to twenty- five hands in the manufacture of the best gold front goods.

H. D. Merritt & Co., who are now located in the third story of E. Ira Richards' new manufactory,

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commenced business as Merritt & Draper in 1855, the members of the firm being H. D. Merritt and J. B. Draper. In March, 1870, they moved to Mans- field, where Mr. Draper retired, and John Shepard- son entered the firm, which was then styled H. D. Merritt & Co. This firm returned to North Attle- borough in 1872, and went on doing an increasing business until Jan. 20, 1878, when Mr. Merritt died, and Mr. Shepardson associated with him C. H. Miller. The name of the firm remains the same. They employ fifty hands in the manufacture of silver and plated chain.

Thomas Totten & Co. are now located in a factory of their own on East Street, North Attleborough, near the railroad station. This firm commenced bus- iness in 1879, in F. S. Draper's factory, on Broad Street. They moved to Stephen Richardson's factory on East Street, and were burned out in March, 1882. They manufactured rolled-gold plated chains, chain trimmings, and chain bracelets. The first two years they made plated flat chains, and are very successful manufacturers of that form of goods. They employ about sixty hands, with a yearly pay-roll of twenty- five thousand dollars.

The history of the firm of F. G. Pate & Co. dates from January, 1876, when George O. Cowell, Edric A. Hall, and Albert W. Pherson formed a copartner- ship for the manufacture of jewelry in the factory of the Whiting Manufacturing Company. In Febru- ary, 1876, Pherson retired, and F. G. Pate joined the firm under the style of Pate, Cowell & Hall. In July, 1877, E. A. Hall sold his interest to his part- ners, and the name of the firm became F. G. Pate & Co. In November, 1879, George O. Cowell withdrew, and Anthony H. Bliss and F. S. Gilbert became members of the firm, which occupied the first floor of the Union Power Company building January, 1881. This firm manufactures fire-gilt and nickel chain, and plated charms. They give employment to thirty hands, with an annual pay-roll of fourteen thousand five hundred dollars.

Charles E. Smith manufactures a full line of fine solid gold jewelry, and is doing an extensive and profitable business. .

Cheever, Rhodes & Co. employ thirty-five hands in the manufacture of rolled plated chain, with an annual pay-roll of sixteen thousand dollars. firm started as F. S. Bailey & Co. in 1876. In 1878, J. G. Cheever entered the firm, and E. D. Rhodes became a partner in January, 1883.

Daniel Crotty employs eight or ten hands in the manufacture of jewelry. Commenced business in electro-plating.

Clark & Coombs manufacture rings of all grades from electro-plate to fire-gilt. The firm consists of Oren L. Coombs, William O. Clark, and W. Osmond Clark. They employ twelve hands, with a pay-roll of six thousand dollars a year.

Demarest & Brady make a specialty of sets, drops,

studs, and scarf-pins, and furnish employment for twenty hands. Firm is composed of George Dema- rest and Bernard Brady. Mr. Demarest commenced business in 1872, with nine associates, on the stock plan, in Witherell's factory, in Plainville. In 1874 sold his interest to his associates, and organized a second stock company, with five associates, as Dema- rest & Fisher, in the factory of Stephen Richardson. In 1877, Mr. Demarest having again sold out, started in his present location, the manufactory of the Whiting Manufacturing Company. He is the orig- inator of the stock plan, which others have success- fully followed.

Barrows, Thompson & Short, manufacturers of plated chains, bracelets, and pins, employ sixty hands, with an annual pay-roll of forty thousand dol- lars. The firm was formed Jan. 1, 1883, by the union of the firms of E. E. Barrows & Co. and T. W. Short & Co. The former commenced business in 1875, and the latter in 1881. They are in E. Ira Richards' manufactory.

John Etzensperger employs fifty-five hands in the manufacture of rolled plated chains and bracelets, with an annual pay-roll of thirty thousand dollars.

Norteman, Hemple & Co. may be found, with a dozen hands, in the old clock factory, so-called, of the Whiting Manufacturing Company. They make chain, shawl-pins, and novelties.

George W. Cheever & Co. manufacture fire-gilt and nickel chain. They employ twenty-five hands, with a yearly pay-roll of twelve thousand dollars.

John C. Bonnett, electro-plater, carries on business where the old tannery formerly stood, near the Ten- Mile River, North Attleborough. Employs eight hands.

W. G. Clarke & Co. commenced business in Mr. F. S. Draper's manufactory, March 1, 1881, the partners being W. G. Clarke and John F. Makinson. Their specialty is ladies' plated goods,-bracelets, drops, pins, and sets. They employ forty hands.

T. G. Frothingham & Co. started in the same manu- factory in June, 1879, the firm being composed of T. G. Frothingham and William E. Smith. They em- ploy eighteen hands in the manufacture of studs, drops, and pins.

In the village of Attleborongh several large fac- The | tories have recently been built, and they are occupied by some of the largest and most successful manufac- turers in town. The first large building was built by the Steam-Power Company. In 1873, Hayward & Briggs erected a large and conveniently-arranged manufactory, in which they conduct a successful busi- ness. In 1872, A. Bushee & Co. built a factory on the Ten-Mile River, on County Street, where they manu- facture sleeve- and collar-buttons. In 1875, E. A. Rob- inson, of West Attleborough, came from Providence to Attleborough, and has subsequently erected two large and complete jewelry manufactories. During the last three years J. M. Bates has erected two manufactories.

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Altogether, the people of this section of the town are well supplied with this class of buildings.

Among the oldest manufacturers are C. E. Hay- ward, A. W. Sturdy, A. Bushee & Co., and Bliss & Dean. The firm of W. & L. Blackinton employs one hundred and fifty hands in the manufacture of plated chain, with a pay-roll of eight thousand dollars per month. Their annual production amounts to two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

Horton, Angell & Co. commenced business here in 1869, the members of the firm being Edwin J. Horton, Gideon M. Horton, and B. J. Angell. Jan. 1, 1881, Everett S. Horton was admitted to the firm in place of his brother, Edwin J. Horton, who was lost on Long Island Sound. They are the original manufac- turers of the separable sleeve-button. The average number of hands employed is one hundred, with an annual pay-roll of sixty thousand dollars.

The firm of Sturdy Brothers & Co. commenced business in the spring of 1859, when C. H. and A. W. Sturdy formed a partnership in the steam-power building. In the fall of the same year they moved to Mansfield. Returned to Attleborough in 1862, and Albert W. Sturdy went into the army. Charles H. Sturdy retired from the firm in 1871, and E. G. Webster, of Brooklyn, N. Y., was admitted. They employ from thirty to seventy hands, with an annual pay-roll of forty thousand dollars. Their sales reach one hundred thousand dollars per year, consisting of a general variety of gold plate jewelry. Other large manufacturers here are Bates & Bacon, Bliss & Dean, Cummings & Wexel, Hayward & Witherell, Short, Nerney & Co., Smith, Crosby & Smith, Streeter Brothers, Watson & Newell, W. H. Wilmarth & Co., and D. H. Smith. They manufacture in great variety a fine line of valuable goods.

Bliss Brothers & Everett commenced business in 1873, C. E. Bliss, E. B. Bliss, and A. E. Everett com- posing the firm, in the steam-power building. They moved to Robinson's Factory in 1876, where they now make a general variety of ladies' and gents' gold- plated goods. They employ forty or fifty hands, with a pay-roll of thirty-five thousand dollars per year.

J. J. Freeman bought the interest of Virgil Richards, and the firm again became Freeman Brothers. They very soon began the manufacture of curb-chain. J. J. Freeman first bought an imported curb-chain, ex- perimented with it, and constructed machinery and finally succeeded in making the first rolled plated curb- chain made in Attleborongh. These goods were known as " Freeman's curb-chains," and had a wide and extensive sale. In the fall of 1861 the name of the firm was changed to Freeman & Co., and the line of goods manufactured adapted to the exigencies of the times,-war badges, military buttons, and brass chain for the soldiers. Oct. 6, 1879, J. J. Freeman died, and the style of the firm became B. S. Freeman & Co., Jan. 1, 1879, and so continues at the present time, the only change in the firm being the admission of B. S. Freeman, Jr., Jan. 1, 1882. About eighty- five hands are given employment in the manufacture of plated goods suited to the demands of the trade.

In the success achieved by this firm no small share of the credit is due to the extraordinary mechanical skill and ingenuity of Joseph J. Freeman. He was a man of original ideas, an inventor by nature's patent, and several valuable patents and the pros- perity of the firm bear witness to his skill.

Rolled stock plated chain has one of its largest manufacturers in R. F. Simmons & Co. The original firm consisted of R. F. Simmons and Albert Briggs, who started business at North Attleborough. The second year moved to Attleborough Falls, and took into partnership E. L. Hixon, and in the following year J. L. Sweet. In 1875 they occupied their pres- ent location in Freeman's Factory at Robinsonville. They employ one hundred and fifty to one hundred and seventy-five hands, with pay-roll of ninety thou- sand dollars per year.

The firm of Mason, Draper & Co. commenced busi- ness in 1870, in the manufacture of ladies' goods, bracelets and sets. They give employment to seventy- five hands, all men. The members of the firm are M. H. Mason, C. T. Draper, and S. D. Mason.

Davidson Brothers commenced manufacturing in Attleborough, in the Whiting Manufacturing Com- pany's Factory in 1870. In 1875 they moved to Rob- insonville, where they employ one hundred hands in the manufacture of vest and ladies' chain,-fire gilt, silver, and electro-plated. New York office, 44 Maiden Lane.

B. S. Freeman commenced his career as a manufac- turer of jewelry in 1846 in a small shop adjacent to the homestead at Attleborough Falls. He then made a cheap class of finger-rings. His business steadily increased, and in 1849 he formed a copartnership with a younger brother, Joseph J. Freeman, under the The firm of Stanley Brothers dates its origin from May 1, 1871, when Stephen Stanley, Benjamin Stan- ley, and E. C. Knapp, formed a partnership to manu- facture rolled and stock-plated chain. July 1, 1875, E. C. Knapp withdrew. They commenced business in the old jewelry-shop near the Braid Mill, Attle- borough Falls, and still remain there. They employ fifty hands, and have a prosperous and steadily-in- creasing business. name of Freeman Brothers, and moved in 1850 to the old shop near the Braid Mill. Here the firm began the manufacture of rolled plated goods, being among the first makers of such goods in Attleborough. They continued to make various lines of plated vest-chains and sets during the succeeding five years. About 1855 they took Virgil Richards into the firm, which now became Freeman Brothers & Co. Two years afterwards they bought the Robinsonville property, WV. D. Fisher & Co., in the same factory, manufac- and moved there Jan. 1, 1858. At this time B. S. & | ture spring swivels and rings, rolled plate, and coin

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silver. W. D. Fisher began manufacturing in 1879, and in 1881 associated with him his son, W. N. Fisher, and A. R. Mackreth. They employ forty hands, with a pay-roll of thirty thousand dollars.

U. A. Hall started at the same time, and makes the same class of goods ; employs fourteen hands. Pay- roll, three thousand dollars a year.

E. Whitney & Co. commenced business in 1871- the members of the firm being Edwin Whitney and William A. Read-in the same factory, but moved to Daggett's new building in 1882. They first made album- and Bible-clasps, then novelties and chains ; now they are making pins, drops, and bracelets. Number of hands, forty; annual pay-roll, eighteen thousand dollars.

J. F. Sturdy & Sons, Attleborough Falls, employ forty hands in the manufacture of curb-chain. The firm consists of J. F. Sturdy and three sons, H. K. Sturdy, F. M. Sturdy, and F. E. Sturdy. The senior member, J. F. Sturdy, and J. H. Sturdy, were the first men who made stock plate in this town. They dis- covered by experiment the plating process in Provi- dence, and, coming to Attleborough, introduced the manufacture of plated goods. The original name of the firm was Draper, Sturdy & Co., Sept. 7, 1849, its members being J. F. Sturdy, J. H. Sturdy, and Her- bert M. Draper. Sept. 6, 1850, J. H. Sturdy retired, and James A. Mason was admitted Sept. 16, 1851. After some changes, J. F. Sturdy, J. A. Perry, and F. Doll commenced the manufacture of curb-chain in 1861, under the name of J. F. Sturdy & Co. This firm dissolved in about a year, and J. F. Sturdy con- ducted the business alone until 1879, when his sons became partners, as at the present time.

Other firms at Attleborough Falls are D. F. Briggs, who makes swivels and rings ; employs ten hands ; pay-roll, five thousand dollars annually; and Dag- gett & Clap, F. W. Hodges, agent. They make a specialty of bracelets, initial buttons, pins, and drops. Number of hands employed, forty, with an annual pay-roll of fifteen thousand dollars.

V. H. Blackinton has carried on business at Robin- sonville since 1857. He bought the old school-house, turned it into a jewelry manufactory, and began a line of jet goods for ladies' wear. As the business in- creased additions were made to the shop until the building was burned, Feb. 15, 1869. He imme- diately rebuilt, and continued the manufacture of jewelry and novelties, military goods, society em- blems, and jet goods. Employs an average of forty hands.

Healy Brothers & Co .- the members of the firm being Healy brothers and E. L. Cheever-manufac- ture jewelers' supplies. They employ twenty hands.

South Attleborough .- The principal business at South Attleborough is the manufacture of leather. The business has been carried on here for many years. The present manufacturers are William H. Coupe & Co. This firm was organized as Coupe & Knowles,

its members being William H. Coupe and F. W. H. Knowles. In a few months Mr. Coupe bought out his partner, and in 1866, Edwin Evans succceded to his place. In 1869 the senior member of the firm purchased his partner's interest, and Edwin A. Bur- gess, son of Alexander Burgess, of Providence, R. I., became associated with Mr. Coupe. Under their management the industry has steadily grown in ex- tent and perfection until the goods of the firm have a high reputation.

They were burned out in 1872, but immediately erected a new tannery, to which successive additions have been made until now it is one of the largest buildings in town. The works are supplied with first-class machinery, some of which bears Mr. Coupe's patent, and furnish employment to an average of fifty hands, with an annual pay-roll of thirty thou- sand dollars. The establishment uses yearly fifty thousand sides of leather. Their specialties are lace leather, picker leather, and belting manufactured from raw hides by a process patented by Mr. Coupe himself.

The oldest manufacturers of jewelry at South Attle- borough are White & Shaw, who commenced business in 1852, and have continued without change for thirty- one years. They first manufactured brass jewelry. Their specialty now is jewelers' findings. Employ seven hands.

George W. Sadler and Daniel O. Stanley formed a copartnership here in 1863 under the name of Sadler & Stanley. Stanley withdrew, and A. D. Sadler en- tered in 1867. Six years after A. D. Sadler died, and George W. Sadler & Co. succeeded. The firm makes gold-plated bracelets. Number of hands, fifteen.

Another industry at South Attleborough is carried on by Orr Brothers. They first commenced business at Smithfield, R. I., but came to Attleborongh in 1865. They employ twenty-five hands, with a pay-roll of ten thousand dollars yearly. Their business is dye- ing and bleaching yarns, threads, and braids.

West Attleborough .- At West Attleborough, Rob- inson & Co. carry on the manufacture of jewelry in one of the oldest factories in town, the brick shop built by W. H. Robinson, in 1837. The firm at that time was Daggett & Robinson, the members being S. L. Dag- gett and W. H. Robinson. William Guild was ad- mitted in 1840, and in 1850 the firm took its present name, Robinson & Co. In 1868 the firm consisted of W. H. Robinson, Jr., D. H. Robinson, and E. A. Robinson. The latter retired in 1870, and W. H. Robinson withdrew in 1876. D. H. Robinson now conducts the business, employing fifteen hands.

BUTTONS .- The first manufacturer of buttons in this town, if not in this part of the country, was Ed- ward Price, who came from Birmingham, England, in 1793, bringing with him machines for the manu- facture of metal buttons. He commenced their man- ufacture in a small shop near the residence of John T. Bates. In a short time he moved to Attleborough,

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and in 1880 came to North Attleborough, where lie carried on business successfully, living in the old " Guild House." He acquired considerable prop- erty, and tempted by the general prosperity, went into the manufacture of cotton in 1811, and was un- successful.

At this time Col. Obed Robinson was manufac- turing carbon jewelry at Robinsonville, and he, in connection with Otis Robinson, employed Mr. Price, and commenced the manufacture of metal buttons in 1812. Thus Edward Price, Obed and Otis Robinson ran the first button manufactory in the United States. Glass buttons were made by their successors, Rich- ard Robinson, Virgil Blackinton, and Willard Rob- inson, in 1813, under the name of Richard Robinson & Co. This firm was followed by Robinson, Jones & Co., composed of Richard Robinson, Willard Robin- son, William H. Jones, and H. M. Draper. In 1826 they began to work on the gilt button. In 1827 they erected the brick factory at Robinsonville, and their business required its enlargement in 1828. In 1832 they built another factory and commenced the man- ufacture of all the varieties of buttons which the market demands,-the common button, the navy, the military, the fancy, and the sporting button,- all of which were acknowledged superior to any others in the market in the beauty, finish, and dura- bility of the work. They received silver medals and diplomas, and all the contested premiums offered by institutes in New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. The company brought the manufacture of this article to perfection, and the various improvements made in their machinery, under the direction of Mr. Willard Robinson, aided by the skill of their workmen, en- abled them to compete fully with all their domestic or foreign rivals.

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History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 135

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1818

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1818