History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 140

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 140

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From the elder sprang Adjt. Elihu Daggett, born Dec. 4, 1745, an industrious and upright citizen, for many years a faithful teacher of youth, long engaged in the culture of his estate, where, in 1796, he erected the dwelling-house lately so beautified and improved by its present occupant, H. N. Daggett, Esq. The adjutant was a minute-man in the Revolution, and as such started for the field at the alarm given from Bunker Hill. He died June 14, 1833.

Capt. Elihu Daggett was the son of the above named, born Feb. 24, 1785. He pursued for years the culture of the soil as a means of his livelihood ; was a faithful husband and a tender parent. He was a de- voted member of the Masonic institution, walking in its light and rejoicing in its promises. Nov. 28, 1810, he married Miss Lucinda White, of Pembroke, Plym- outh Co., Mass., a lineal descendant of Peregrine White. Her father was Capt. William White, a faithful soldier of the Revolution, present at the surrender of Corn- wallis, and engaged in many battles during that fear- ful struggle.

Capt. Elihu Daggett was exceedingly fond of mili- tary exercises. Few employments afforded him more pleasure than trainings and the discipline of soldiers. In the war of 1812 and 1815 he commanded a com- pany for a brief period, stationed at Plymouth, Mass., and after the close of that strife, on his return home, was instrumental in the formation of the Washington Rifle Company, for some time under his command, distinguished as one of the finest and best-disciplined companies in the brigade. He died Jan. 25, 1871.

Lyman White Daggett was the only son of Capt. Elihu, born July 28, 1812. He was educated in the schools of his own town, eagerly seeking the benefit of

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HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

all within his reach, and finding, as such multitudes have before him, the fountains of knowledge ever open to all faithful seekers.

After availing himself of all the advantages afforded at home for an education, he became a member of Phillips Classical Academy, at Andover, Mass., en- joyed its rich opportunities, faithfully improved the facilities there afforded the honest, struggling student, and left with the respect, benediction, and warm rec- ommendation of its renowned principal, the late Os- good Johnson, Esq.

For some eight years subsequent to this period Mr. Daggett was successfully engaged as a teacher in public and private schools, then he became pas- tor of the Universalist Church and parish in Hollis- ton, Mass., and June 8, 1842, married Miss Nancy G. Fuller, daughter of John and Nancy Fuller, a lead- ing and influential family of Wrentham, Mass. Mr. Fuller's mother was Mary Maxcy, a daughter of Jo- siah Maxcy, and a near relative of the distinguished Jonathan Maxcy, president of Brown University. Three children have been born to them, of whom only one remains, since two have been already called to the home above.

Subsequently Mr. Daggett preached in Andover, Mass., and in Woodstock and Hartland, Vt. As a preacher, he was regarded clear and sound in the exposition of his subjects, apt and close in the appli- cation of truth to the hearer's heart. His faith was strong and unchanging in God, Christ, and immor- tality. In pastoral labors he was ever faithful, visit- ing his people to do them good, seeking their homes in periods of sadness, misfortune, and sickness, to per- form labors of love, to spend and be spent in their service.

On the death of his mother, in 1848, he resigned his place at Hartland, Vt., removing to Mileton Falls., Mass., where he has since resided, engaged in the successful pursuit of agriculture.

Like many others, Mr. Daggett has been to a mod- erate extent in public life, having filled the offices of selectman, overseer of the poor, assessor, and town clerk for several terms. He has also often been a member of the school committee. In 1851, 1852, and 1853 he represented the town in the Legislature. As a member of the Legislature, he was a friend and ad- vocate of prohibition, of the mechanics' lien law, of homestead exemption, of the secret ballot, in fine, of all enactments calculated to promote home rule, free votes, and honest counts. He has always been true to temperance, speaking on all suitable occasions in its advocacy, and living in the practice of total absti- nence from all intoxicants for more than fifty years past. It need hardly be added that Mr. Daggett voted for Mr. Sumner for United States senator with hearty pleasure, and contemplates his act with ever- increasing satisfaction.

The subject of this sketch is now in the enjoyment of good health, pursuing his peaceful calling as a cul-

tivator of the soil under his own vine and fig-tree, " having none to molest or make him afraid," while he awaits the summons of the Divine Spirit.

W. D. WHITING.

The earliest recorded mention of a member of the Whiting family is that of "William Whytyng," who was in the year 1333 taxed as a citizen of Boston, in England.

John Whiting was mayor of that borough in 1600 and in 1608; he also held the office of vice-admiral of Lincolnshire in 1602. His son Samuel was a min- ister of the Established Church, but being unwilling to conform to all the usages of that church, and be- ing complained of therefor to the Bishop of Norwich, finally emigrated to the American colonies, and set- tled (1636) in Lynn, Mass. His posterity constitute one branch of the American family of Whitings.

Nathaniel Whiting, of Dedham, Mass., emigrated from Boxford, Suffolk Co., England, in the year 1635.

Most of those bearing the name of Whiting origi- nating in Wrentham, Hingham, Plymouth, etc., as well as all the Dedham stock in that line, have de- scended from this Nathaniel.

He was undoubtedly related to Samuel, above men- tioned. He (Nathaniel) was one of the sixty-eight proprietors of land in the infant settlement of " Con- tentment," afterwards called Dedham, the land being described in the deed or grant of conveyance (1642) as "upland ground, fit for improvement with the plow."

He was one of the first settlers of the town (1635). In 1641 a foot-path was laid out to the first " water- mill" that had been established in the precinct, and soon after the mill, and all lands, privileges, and appurtenances thereto belonging, were conveyed by deed to Nathaniel Whiting by Rev. John Allin and John Dwight. For more than two centuries grist- and saw-mills located on this same site have been owned and improved in propria persona by lineal descendants of the grantee.

In Mann's "Annals of Dedham" repeated mention is made of members of the Whiting family. Isaac Whiting was town clerk at the beginning of the Revolutionary war. His term of service was con- tinued for six years. Others were selectmen, assessors, and overseers of the poor, and were continued in these responsible positions for many years. As a general thing, the family have been devoted to agricultural pursuits, and some of the finest tracts of lands in the town have been owned by them for many successive generations. Nov. 4, 1643, Nathaniel Whiting mar- ried Hannah Dwight. The Dwights were among the original settlers, and presumably of considerable note, from the fact that the stream connecting Charles River with Neponset had from the first been known as Dwight's Brook. The ancient church records say of Capt. Timothy Dwight that "he was a gentleman

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truly serious and godly ; one of an excellent spirit, peaceful, generous, charitable, and a promoter of the true interests of the church and town." His son Timothy was a much-respected president of Yale College.

Nathaniel Whiting and Hannah Dwight, of Ded- ham, were married Sept. 4, 1643.

Samuel, son of Nathaniel and Hannah, was born Oct. 20, 1649.

Samuel Whiting and Sarah Metcalf, both of Ded- ham, were married Sept. 23, 1676.

David, first son of Samuel and Sarah, was born July 30, 1709.

David1 was married to Mary Fuller by Rev. Samuel Dexter, Dec. 4, 1732, all of Dedham.

David, second son of David1 and Mary Fuller, was born Feb. 22, 1735.

David2 and Hannah Wallcott, daughter of Moses and Mary Wallcott, were married October, 1766, all of Attleborough.

David, grandfather of William, died January, 1800.

David1 and Mary, his wife, came from Dedham to Attleborough, probably in 1733 or 1734; they bought a farm and woodland, which remained in the Whiting family until a few years ago.

The children of David and Hannah Whiting were John, born Nov. 15, 1767; David3, born July 19, 1770 ; Hannah, born May 14, 1772; John, born March 13, 1773; Lemuel, born Dec. 12, 1776; Lewis, born Dec. 4, 1778 ; Alice, born Feb. 3, 1783. Alice died June 7, 1810.

Lemuel and Nancy, daughter of Oliver and Polly (Daggett) Blackinton, were married July 2, 1811.

Lemuel died Sept. 30, 1823; Nancy died October, 1868.

The children of Capt. Lemuel and Nancy were Mary Ann, born May 7, 1812; William Dean, born Dec. 23, 1815 ; Levi Willard, born 1821.

William Dean Whiting, son of Lemuel and Nancy (Blackinton) Whiting, was born in Attleborough, Mass., Dec. 23, 1815. His father was a farmer, was an industrious and hard-working man, who prided himself on the superiority of his cattle, of which he had very fine ones, mostly oxen, with which he did a large amount of moving buildings. He married Nancy Blackinton, of the honorable family of that name which has from 1700 been prominently con- nected with Attleborough. They had four children, -Mary A. B. (Mrs. Samuel Kent, of Seekonk, de- ceased), Nancy (died young), William D., and Levi Willard (deceased). He died when William was about seven years old, leaving his wife in limited circumstances to bring up her young family, which, like a true New England mother, she succeeded in doing. Young William was early compelled to rely on himself for support, and commenced a life of many years of successful labor when eight years of age by doing chores, riding horse, etc., for his uncle, Artemus Stanley, for his board. Here he stayed one

year. When ten years old he engaged with Mr. Whittemore, a farmer, to work for his board, and remained with him two years. Returning then to i his mother's home, he began to work by the day, as opportunity offered, for twenty-five cents a day until he was fourteen. He was then apprenticed to Draper & Tiffts, jewelry manufacturers, to learn their trade, and for six years he steadily applied himself to thor- oughly master it. Mr. Tiffts, his uncle by marriage, pleased with his attention to their interests, took especial pains with him, and he became very profi- cient in all departments.

After learning his trade Mr. Whiting remained with the firm one year as journeyman, then dull times came on and work was scarce, so he employed himself in chasing gilt buttons for R. & W. Robinson for a time; then for a short period was employed by Dra- per & Blackinton in chasing gilt jewelry. In or about 1837 he had acquired such a reputation for skill, steadiness, and reliability that he was offered, and ac- cepted, the position of foreman in the shop of H. M. Richards, at East Attleborough. Mr. Richards made enameled jewelry, imitations of French goods. Not long after this he removed his business and machinery to Philadelphia, Pa., and thither Mr. Whiting ac- companied him, superintending the removal and set- ting up the works in the new location, and continuing as superintendent. He stayed two years in this ca- pacity with Mr. Richards and his successor, Mr. Gar- rett. He then began business for himself in a modest way, manufacturing jewelry, principally hearts and crosses. This was in probably the most depressed financial times this country ever saw, and there was almost nothing done, and that poorly remunerated, so in a few months he had come fully to the conclusion of removing to St. Louis and trying his fortunes in the great West. This he was not to do, however, for just then Albert C. Tifft, an old Attleborough ac- quaintance, made him a proposition to return to that town and join him as partner in the jewelry business there, Mr. John Tifft (of the old firm of Draper & Tifft) to be their financial backer. Up to this time, owing to the dullness of the times, the labor of Mr. Whiting had not given much substantial result; but the value of faithful working and systematic economy had been so strongly impressed upon his nature as to affect his whole subsequent life. This time was doubtless the pivotal period of his life. After careful thought and mature deliberation he gave up his con- templated Western trip, and accepted Mr. Tiff't's pro- posal. In 1840 they formed the firm of Tifft & Whiting, manufacturing jewelers. Two aspiring, honest young men, " chock full of day's work," with a joint cash capital of five hundred dollars, they de- spised not the day of small beginnings, and laid the foundations of future success by industry and care. They began to make gold goods,-hearts, crosses, ladies' and gentlemen's finger-rings. Their shop was a small room in an old blacksmith-shop on the bank of

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HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

Ten-Mile River, on the Boston and Providence turn- pike, in North Attleborough. Mr. Tifft was a machinist, and knew nothing of practical work in jewelry, so Mr. Whiting had all the responsibility of the shop. They had two workmen,-Willard, brother of Mr. Whiting (who had previously learned his trade of him), and Peter Bishop, a former employé of his in Philadelphia. As a contrast to the present, we would say that all Mr. Whiting paid Mr. Bishop, a skilled workman, on first hiring him, was five dollars per week. Mr. John Tifft first sold their goods, but after a short time Mr. A. C. Tifft would go to New York as salesman, and on his return Mr. Whiting would go to Boston and other markets in New England. They determined not to run in debt. All the monetary aid they received was from Mr. Tifft, as promised before they entered into business, and all he did was to get one note of one hundred and fifty dollars discounted at the Wrentham Bank, and this they paid out of their business when it matured.

Their trade soon became too large for their small shop, and in eighteen months' time had assumed such proportions that they were forced to build a new building. This they were determined to build large enough to contain room for their work for all time, and they erected a two-story building twenty-five by forty, for which they paid eight hundred dollars. Into this they moved, and soon found they needed some power to supersede the slow process of hand labor and facilitate the manufacture of goods. By this time they were employing thirty to forty men and doing a good business. Previously to this the Beaver Dam Cotton-Mill and Factory of Draper & Tifft had burned, and in February, 1847, Tifft & Whiting purchased the site and water privilege, paying two thousand dollars for it. They at once put up a por- tion of the present Whiting Manufacturing Com- pany's building, making it of stone, ninety feet long, forty feet wide, and three stories high. Mr. Whiting gave this building his personal superintendence, and put in improved machines for polishing, rolling, etc., by power. They occupied it the same year, opening it with seventy-five operatives, which soon became one hundred and one hundred and fifty.

Wishing a safe depository for their goods, they added forty feet more in length to their building, and in one corner constructed a strong stone safe eight feet by twelve and the height of the building, with doors in each story. Mr. Tifft, after some years' con- tinuance of the firm, was satisfied with the fortune he had amassed, and wishing to retire sold his interest to Mr. Whiting, Jan. 1, 1853, for which he was paid ninety thousand dollars in cash. The business was in the full tide of success, and was very profitable. It stood in the front rank of the business firms of the country, and with Sackett, Davis & Potter, of Providence, was the first jewelry manufactory to es- tablish an office in New York City. These firms took offices side by side. In his own name, and afterwards

as W. D. Whiting & Co., Mr. Whiting continued to do a flourishing business for years, with offices in Philadelphia and Boston also. Soon after removing to the stone building he had added the manufacture of silver combs for ladies; gradually other articles were added, until this branch became an immense business of itself, and resulted in what is now one of the largest houses in the country, the Whiting Manufacturing Company. This was organized as a stock company of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars capital, and afterwards the capital stock was increased to two hundred and fifty thousand dol- lars. Mr. Whiting was elected president, and the manufacture of silver entirely superseded the jewelry business, which was elosed. The duties of his posi- tion kept Mr. Whiting busily employed, and he had but little leisure. After the burning of their works in 1875, the building was rebuilt as it now stands, two hundred and fifteen feet in length ; but they soon re- moved to New York City, whither Mr. Whiting re- moved also to give his personal attention to the fit- ting up of shops, removal and putting up of machin- ery, engine, and boiler, etc. Commencing Jan. 1, 1876, in February of the same year the new works were occupied and rapidly turning out work. After a residence of five years in New York, Mr. Whiting returned to North Attleborough.

He married, Dec. 17, 1839, Rebecca Damon, dangh- ter of Pitt and Lucy (Damon) Butterfield, of Dedham, Mass., where she was born May 8, 1818. They had three children,-William Osborne (a beautiful child of brilliant promise, who met an untimely death by drowning at four years of age), Frank Mortimer, Josephine S., and Florence R.

With the exception noted above, Mr. Whiting has all his life resided in his native town, and, known of all men, is universally esteemed for his sterling worth, honesty of dealing, integrity, modesty, and unosten- tation. He has stood on every round of Fortune's ladder, and in his old age, with all the wealth his faithful labor and business ability of years has brought him, can look back and proudly say that not one dollar has been acquired unjustly. He is one of the best types of a self-made man ; has started many "boys" on the same road he has trod, first, by taking them as apprentices ; secondly, by his kind and fatherly advice, giving them more valuable aid than that of money; and to-day many of them hold a loyal friend- ship for the kind old friend whom they reverence almost as a father. Mr. Whiting is in accord with the highest elements of society, and is one of Attle- borough's most valued citizens. His success is the result of steady industry, careful economy, business thrift and enterprise reaching over a long period of years, coupled with a determination to give honest value to whatever he made. He has never had time to meddle either with politics or speculation, and has steadily refused all public positions, but is a Repub- lican in political belief.

Aliet adding

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ATTLEBOROUGH.

Frank M. Whiting, born April 21, 1849, was edu- cated at Norwich Military University, at Northfield, Vt., and graduated in the class of 1868. He entered his father's shop, where he worked about a year, then he was called as assistant in the office, first in Attle- borough then in New York, and afterwards was trav- eling salesman for several years. He started in busi- ness in North Attleborough, in 1878, with two others, in the manufacture of jewelry, under the firm-name of Holbrook, Whiting & Albee. This firm continued two years, when his father bought the interests of Holbrook and Albee, and the firm became and still continues Frank M. Whiting & Co. Its specialties are small silver-wares, novelties, and jewelry. They employ about forty hands. While Frank attends to the traveling and selling, his father superintends the shop.

Frank married, June 21, 1881, Florence L., daugh- ter of Edwin and Dorcas (Doane) Hancock, of Wrentham. They reside with his father in the beau- tiful home he built on the William Blackinton home- stead in North Attleborough, where he has lived since October, 1857. They have one daughter, Marion D., born Dee. 17, 1882.

ABIEL CODDING.

Abiel Codding, eldest son of Abiel and Cloe (Daggett) Codding, was born in the town of Rehoboth, Mass., Jan. 29, 1817, and at one year of age came with his parents to the eastern part of Attleborough. His paternal grandfather was James Codding, a native of Taunton, Bristol Co., Mass., whither his ancestors had come at an early day. James was a farmer by oecu- pation. He was a true American, and fought for our independence in the Revolutionary war. He mar- ried Joanna Eddy, and had three children, viz. : David, Abigail, wife of Wheaton Barrows, and Abiel, father of the subject of our sketch. Both Mr. and Mrs. James Codding spent their last days with their son Abiel in Attleborough, Mass. They lived to be far advanced in years, and their children attained the remarkable age of nearly ninety years. Abiel Codding, youngest son of James, was born in Taunton, Mass., Oct. 27, 1792, and died in Attleborough, Oet. 3, 1881. His boyhood was spent at home on his father's farm till he was fourteen or fifteen years of age, when he came to Attleborough, and worked on a farm by the month for Seneca Sanford. He was very industrious and frugal, and strictly temperate in all his habits. He married Cloe, daughter of Elihu Daggett, and to them were born thirteen children, of whom eight grew to maturity, viz., Cloe (deceased), Abiel, Al- mira (deceased), Joanna (deceased), Mary Ann, David D., Harriet N., and Emily. Mr. Codding was a well- to-do farmer in Attleborough, where he lived for more than sixty-three years, leaving an example of in- dustry and sobriety well worthy the imitation of the

present generation. In politics he was a Democrat of the Jeffersonian school. He was a soldier of the war of 1812, and drew a pension for his services. His name will long be remembered as one of the most upright and honorable men in town. His wife, born Dec. 12, 1792, died March 22, 1855.

Abiel Codding, the immediate subject of our sketch, was reared on the farm in East Attleborough till he was sixteen years of age. His advantages for an ed- ucation were such as the common schools of his town afforded. Being of a mechanical turn of mind, he early turned his attention to the jewelry business. Hence at sixteen we find him in the employ of H. M. Richards, one of the pioneers in the jewelry busi- ness of this town. He remained with him some three years, when he formed a copartnership with Stephen Richardson (deceased), under the firm-name of Richardson & Codding, and was thus employed a short time when they dissolved partnership, and Mr. Codding continued his trade as a journeyman, mak- ing valuable improvements in the different kinds of tools used in the jewelry business. In 1839 he went to Philadelphia to work for his old employer, H. M. Richards, but remained but a few months, when he returned to North Attleborough and entered the em- ploy of Ira Richards & Co. In 1842 he formed a copartnership with Ira Richards & Co., the firm re- taining the old and well-known title. This firm had a house in New York City, and was there known as Ira Richards & Co., but their interest in Attlebor- ough was known as Richards, Codding & Co. This firm manufactured all kinds of jewelry, besides " hooks and eyes." It grew from a very small begin- ning to be one of the largest, if not the largest, man- ufacturing interest in Attleborough, employing some two hundred and twenty-five hands some of the time, and their sales amounted to many thousands every year.

Mr. Codding was naturally a mechanic, and by close application to his business he attained a degree of success acquired by few. He made valuable im- provements in manufacturing, and obtained several patents for new tools. About 1850 he built his pres- ent fine house in North Attleborough, where he has since resided.

In politics he is a Democrat, but seldom takes a lively interest in political matters. He is a director of the First National Bank of North Attleborough, and president of the Savings-Bank of Attleborough ; also president of the North Attleborough Gas-Light Company. It will thus be seen that the people of his town repose confidence in him.

He married Ann Maria, daughter of Calvin and Olive (Blackington) Richards, Oct. 28, 1841. She was born in Attleborough, Aug. 16, 1819. Of this union the following children have been born, viz. : Arthur E., Ella M. (deceased), James A., Edwin A., and Ellen L. (deceased). All the sons are in the jewelry busi- ness, under the firm-name of Codding Bros.

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HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

H. N. DAGGETT.

The subject of this sketch was born in Attleborough, Jan. 27, 1821. His father, Hon. Ebenezer Daggett, was largely interested in the manufacture of cotton goods, was prominent in local affairs, and at the time of his death represented his district in the State Sen- ate. The son, after completing his education at Wrentham Academy, moved to Boston, where he served a short, unprofitable apprenticeship with a relative, after which he returned to Attleborough, formed a partnership with his brother, H. M. Dag- gett, and together they purchased the mills at the Falls and carried on the manufacture of print cloths for a number of years. This partnership terminated in 1856. About this time Mr. Daggett conceived the idea of making braid in this country, and started a few braiders at the Power Company's shop in Attle- borough. Requiring more room, he had moved into the mill at Farmer's, and was also occupying the shop at .Deantown.

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History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 140

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