History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 92

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 92

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).

Mr. Trafford was a consistent member of the Frank- lin Street Christian Church, of Fall River. He was Republican in politics, and as such represented the town of Tiverton, R. I., in the State Legislature as senator in 1857. For many years he was a director in the Fall River National Bank. A beautiful and costly monument marks his resting-place in the Oak Grove Cemetery at Fall River, but his memory will be kept green in the hearts of the many who learned to prize hin for his unassuming worth, his pleasant ways, his sterling integrity, and his liberality to all worthy social, publie, and religious canses. He was more than an ordinary man. Without early educa- tion, he rose, by the force of his own ability, to stand in the front rank of the business men of his day, and left a large estate as the result of his ability. In re- ligious, business, social, and family relations his death left a vacuum in many hearts that can never be filled by another.

THOMAS ALMY.

No sketch of the lives of men who have contributed to the upbuilding of the social and material growth of Fall River would be complete without mention of the late Thomas Almy. With his name more than that of any other citizen must always be associated the history of journalism in Fall River. His life

spanned almost the entire period in which Fall River journalism grew fron fitful and spasmodic ventures into a permanent and powerful influence in directing the thought and energies of the community.

Thomas Almy's life was spent in this city, or within a few miles from it. He was born in the neighboring town of Tiverton, R. I., on Feb. 28, 1819. His par- ents were Deacon Thomas and Lydia (Bailey) Almy, and his early life was spent on a farm in his native State, where he developed that strong character and sturdy manliness which distinguished him in his more mature years. He enjoyed such advantages and edu- cation in his youth as substantial New England farm- ers there gave to their children. His affectionate dis- position and amiability of temper made him popular with his youthful associates, and many of the friend- ships made when he was a lad were maintained all his life. His willingness to work and unwillingness toshirk his just share of the labor such as was then incidental to the life of a boy on a farm were exhibited throughout all his boyhood and youth, and afterwards, even under trying conditions and in ill-health, won distinguishing characteristics in all his relations of life. When he left the farm he went to Bristol, R. I., where he be- came apprenticed in the printing business to Hon. W. H. S. Bailey, at the office of the Bristol Phenix. In this establishment he learned thoroughly the printer's trade. His next change was made by a removal to Providence, R. I., where he was engaged as a compos- itor at the office of the Providence Journal. The coun- try lad soon was recognized as having much promise. His fidelity, integrity, and energy were manifested in both cities, and in later years he would speak with affectionate admiration of his early employers and those who befriended him in his youth. After Mr. Almy had attained his majority he decided to start in business for himself, and his attention was called to Fall River, which had then acquired some promi- nence as a manufacturing town. He came to this city before 1840, and after working for a short time in the office of the Patriot, a small weekly paper, he associated himself in business with the late Louis Lapham, and commenced the publication, in 1841, of the weekly Archetype. This journal was subsequently followed by the Weekly Argus, of which Mr. Almy and the late Jonathan Slade were the publishers, but, like its predecessor, this sheet had a fitful existence, and the young publisher had the misfortune of losing his office and material in the great fire of 1843. He was not disheartened by his loss, and soon after com- menced the publication of the Mechanic, and still later the Wampanoag. In all these ventures there was much hard work and anxiety, but the earnest, ambitious young printer was not so easily discour- aged. He played a manly part and was constantly making friends. These weeklies invariably incul- cated the importance of the temperance reform and the elevation of the working-classes. In 1845, when the old Whig and Democratie parties were wrestling

Thomas Almy

383

FALL RIVER.

for the control of the country, a number of leading Democrats in Fall River decided to start a weekly newspaper which was to represent the principles of that party in this city. These gentlemen employed Mr. Almy and Mr. John C. Milne, also a young printer at that time, to manage the printing and publication of their paper.

In this way was born the Weekly News, with which paper all of Mr. Almy's subsequent years were most intimately associated. The enterprise was arduous, laborious, and difficult. The responsibilities thrown upon the two young publishers seemed very great, but industry and perseverance surmounted all obsta- cles. One by one the original proprietors sold their interest to the firm of Almy & Milne, until they be- came the sole owners of the journal. Among their early contributors were Dr. Foster Hooper, Dr. Phineas W. Leland, Jonathan Slade, Esq., and the Rev. John Westall, who was ever afterwards Mr. Almy's loved and trusted friend. The Weekly News remained an adherent of the Democratic party until that organization became fatally entangled in the meshes of the slave power, and the publishers, after adopting the principles of the anti-slavery movement, became identified with the rising and growing Repub- lican party. The increase of population in Fall River demanded a daily paper, and in 1859, the year before the outbreak of the great civil war, the Daily News was started, and its publication has been witnessed simultaneously ever since with that of the Weekly News. The co-partnership of Almy & Milne was never dissolved until the death of Mr. Almy. In 1864 it became Almy, Milne & Co., by the addition of Mr. Franklin L. Almy, who had been an employé in the office from the very beginning. The prosper- ity of the paper was largely due to the sound judg- ment, excellent sense, and unwearied efforts of Mr. Almy, who never spared any honorable means to make it worthy of sound popular approval.

October 1, 1846, Mr. Almy was married to Han- nah T. Almy, a daughter of Langworthy and Edith G. Almy. The ceremony was performed by the late Rev. Benjamin Phelan. With gathering years Mr. Almy's character became rounded and ripened into a splendid manhood. He constantly grew into the uni- versal respect and esteem of the community, and be- came known as a stanch, earnest, and true laborer in every good cause. He identified himself with the manufacturing interests of Fall River, and served as a director in the Osborne and Wampanoag Mills. He was also a director in the Second National Bank, and was a trustee and member of the board of investment of the Five Cents Savings-Bank. He was for some years secretary of the Children's Home, and was al- ways a liberal friend of that excellent charity.

The moral side of Mr. Almy's character will longest be remembered. In him the temperance cause had a devoted friend. His church relations were sweet and beautiful. He was a disciple of Emanuel Sweden-

borg, and for many years was a member of the Church of the New Jerusalem. In this society his position was almost patriarchal. He loved its ministrations, its Sunday-school, and gatherings. His place was never vacant when his health allowed. His spir- itual and religious life, although modest and unosten- tatious, was deeply devout. Religion was in him a daily walk, his evening incense and morning devotion.

His noble life made his faith respected. His charity and philanthropy were bounded only by his means. He was the friend of the poor and needy, of those in sorrow, of the struggling young man or woman who came for assistance or advice. Like gathering sun- shine his good deeds gilded his life and sweetened his declining years.

Mr. Almy's death occurred at the house of his bro- ther, Judge Joseph Almy, at San Rafael, Cal., May 7, 1882.

In search of health and needed rest, and in fulfill- ment of the dream of years, he, with his wife and his partner, Mr. Milne and wife, had joined an ex- cursion party for California, the month previous. Mr. Almy's health had been feeble for some time, and the long journey was too much for his weakened physical powers. He died shortly after reaching his brother's house. His remains were brought to Fall River and interred in Oak Grove Cemetery, his beloved pastor, Rev. John Westall, conducting the funeral services.

Words of praise seem almost out of place in writing of one whose modesty and self-forgetfulness would lead him, if alive, to shrink from panegyric. But memory loves to linger on the history of a man so thoroughly true and manly as Thomas Almy.

His death was universally mourned. His beauti- ful and serene life was a legacy to the community where he lived, and will blossom in unknown paths and quiet places wherever his influence may have reached.

Well did he act his part in life ; well did he win the crown of immortality. Though his name has not figured in the great fields of action which led to worldly renown, he none the less lived the life of a moral hero, and shrank not from the duty of the hour.

To his friends and in the family circle loving and gentle; to the world retiring and unobtrusive, those who were admitted to his friendship will never forget in him "that best portion of a good man's life, his little nameless, unnumbered acts of kindness and of love."

The various corporations and societies of which Mr. Almy was a member put upon record appropri- ate expressions of their esteem and respect for his memory. From the records of the directors of the Second National Bank, of Fall River, we copy the following :

"Our late associate, director, and friend, Mr. Thomas Almy, having been suddenly called from this life while away from home seeking restoration

384

HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

of failing health, we enter this day upon our records this tribute of esteem and respect to his memory.

" Mr. Almy was one of the original directors of this bank, having been elected to that position Sept. 23, 1856, while it was a State institution with the name of Wamsutta Bank, was re-elected under its present organization as the Second National Bank, March 19, 1864. He has therefore been connected with this institution nearly twenty-six years,-years of more than usual interest and responsibility, cov- ering times of great prosperity and corresponding adversity of peculiar trial and discipline. Through- out these years he has been a faithful, diligent officer, attending to his duties in a careful, conscien- tious, and gentlemanly manner, winning our affec- tionate regard by his kindly, honest, and efficient service. Firm when occasion demanded it, he was ever gentle in his deportment, and especially en- deared himself by his thoughtful consideration of the feelings of others. He had decided opinions of his own, but was always careful and modest in the ex- pression of them so as not to reflect or seem to re- flect upon the opinions of others, or wound their sensibilities.

" We shall miss him from his seat at this board, where for so many years he has been a valued mem- ber, but we rejoice in the feeling that it is well with him in the larger life into which he has now entered. As friends we tender our heartfelt sympathy to the afflicted family in this their bereavement, and will join them in paying the last tribute of respect to his re- mains by attending his funeral services."

The directors of the Wampanoag Company put upon their records a similar tribute, saying among other things, "The passing away of such a man, whose long residence in this community, and inti- mate connection with its interests, moral as well as material, is an event that will be deplored wherever he was known."

The Massachusetts Association, of which he was a member and often a delegate, adopted the following brief expression of their sense of his character and services to the church :

" Whereas, Since our last meeting, Mr. Thomas Almy, of Fall River, has been removed to the spiritnal world;

" Resolved, That this association hereby records its high appreciation of his character, and its grateful acknowledgments of his quiet but useful service to the church."

JONATHAN T. LINCOLN.

Prominent among the industries of Fall River, and one deserving more than a passing notice, is the ma- chine-works of Kilburn, Lincoln & Co. The success of this industry, the business history of which covers a period of nearly forty years, is largely due to the mechanical ingenuity and business sagacity of Jona- than Thayer Lincoln.

earliest settlers in Bristol County. He was a son of Caleb and Mercy (Thayer) Lincoln, and was born in Taunton, Oct. 17, 1805. Their other children were Nellie (born 1788, died 1865), Nancy (born 1789, died 1874), William (born 1790, died 1822), Betsey (born 1792, died 1882), Hannah (born 1793, died 1874), Leontine (born 1796, died 1820), Maria (born 1798, died 1822), Narcissa (born 1800, died 1827), Caleb Martin (born 1802, died 1855). Lorenzo (born 1803), and Mercy Emmeline (born 1810). Caleb Lincoln was a farmer and miller, living on a farm in the now village of Westville, Taunton, which had been in possession of his family since their settlement in the town about the year 1660, and which is still owned and occupied by one of his sons. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Caleb's father was Wil- liam Lincoln, who married Hannah Wade. Children, -Zilphy, Sally, Lurana, Rebecca, Deborah, and Caleb. William's father was Thomas Lincoln, who married Rebecca Walker. Children,-William, Silas, Nathan, and Tabatha.

The family came to Taunton from Hingham. It is an interesting fact that nearly all the Lincoln fam- ilies in the United States trace, with more or less dis- tinctness, their first settlement therein to Hingham. Hon. Solomon Lincoln, in a monograph on the Lin- coln families of Massachusetts, claims that all the Lincolns in Massachusetts are descendants of the Lincolns who settled in Hingham in 1636 and 1638. He says, "We have evidence of authentic records that the early settlers of Hingham of the name of Lincoln were four bearing the name of Thomas, dis- tinguished from each other by their occupations as miller, weaver, cooper, and husbandman ; Stephen (brother of the husbandman), Daniel, and Samuel (brother of the weaver.)" He adds, "Our claim is that the early settlers of Hingham above enumerated were the progenitors of all the Lincolns of this coun- try." From Hingham the Lincolns trace their early home to Norfolk County, England.

The subject of this sketch received the first rudi- ments of his school education at the old red school- house at Westville, and completed it at the age of sixteeen years at the private school of Rev. Alvin Cobb, a school which early in the century enjoyed considerable local fame. He then went to work for his brother William, who with a cousin, Benjamin Lincoln, had begun the business of cotton-spinning in what was called the Shovel-Cake Factory at West- ville. At the age of eighteen he was apprenticed to David Perry, who owned a machine-shop on the White Birch Stream in Dighton. Here he learned the machinist's trade, a trade which had been his choice from boyhood.

When out of his time, at the age of twenty-one, with a new suit of clothes and fifty dollars in money, then the usual "freedom" payment to an apprentice for his three years' service at his trade, he left Taun-

Mr. Lincoln was a member of one of the Taunton families of Lincoln, whose ancestors were among the | ton for Pawtucket, where he found employment at the

J.J. Lincoln

385

FALL RIVER.

machine-shop of David Wilkinson. Here he worked about three years, and had for fellow-workmen David Fales and Alvin Jenks, afterwards founders of the firm of Fales & Jenks, and Clark Tompkins, after- wards the successful machine-maker of Troy, N. Y. He next removed to Taunton, where he lived about a year. It was about this time that he was engaged to change a single-color printing-machine to a multiple- color machine, one of the first probably ever made in the country.

He came to Fall River in 1829, and in 1831 was employed as master-mechanic by the Massasoit Mill Company, which then leased the mill property on Poeasset Street owned by the Watuppa Manufacturing Company. In 1845-46 the Massasoit Company re- moved its machinery to its new mill on Davol Street. The Watuppa Company, of which Mr. Linden Cook was agent, decided to fill its mill with improved ma- chinery for the manufacture of cotton goods, and engaged Mr. Lincoln to build a part of the looms, which he did in the machine-shop of the mill. The job of looms was divided into three parts. Mr. Lin- coln had at first a third, and Mr. John Kilburn a third, with the understanding with the company that the one who completed his part first should have the remaining third to make. Mr. Lincoln was the sue- cessful competitor, and so made two-thirds of the looms. The style of loom then made was widely known as the " Fall River loom."

In 1844, John Kilburn, a native of New Hampshire, began in Fall River the manufacture of cotton-looms and the Fourneyron turbine, the latter a French in- vention which was being introduced into the New England mills as a water-motor. He had been in business but a short time when his health failed, and he died in 1846.

Shortly after his death a copartnership was formed, comprising his widow, his brother Elijah C., and Mr. Lincoln, which succeeded to the business he had been engaged in establishing. The firm, which was called E. C. Kilburn & Co., manufactured turbines, shaft- ing, and various kinds of machinery for print-works and iron-mills.

Mr. Kilburn had charge of the office-work, and Mr. Lincoln of the mechanical. Both were industrious, hard-working men, and they soon built up a flourish- ing business. The firm continued until 1856, when a new firm, Kilburn, Lincoln & Son, was formed, con- sisting of Mr. Kilburn, Mr. Lincoln, and his oldest son, Henry C. Lincoln. The younger Mr. Lincoln brought to the business a practical knowledge of me- chanics and a thorough business training, having been associated with his father in business in various ca- paeities from early manhood.

rivaled. In 1859, Mr. Lincoln made an extensive business tour through the Southern States, his firm having built up a considerable business with the manufacturers of that section of our country.

In 1867 it was found necessary to build a larger machine-shop, and it was decided to add an iron foundry to their works. To insure the new feature being a success, Mr. Charles P. Dring, who had been superintendent of the Fall River Iron-Works Com- pany's foundry for many years, became associated with them. The name was changed to Kilburn, Lin- coln & Co., and they became an incorporated com- pany in 1868, under the general incorporation act of Massachusetts. Mr. Lincoln's son-in-law, Andrew Luscomb, who had been engaged with them in the manufacture of musket-ports for the United States government, was also admitted. The new works were completed on a tract of three hundred rods of land in an eligible location near railroads and tide-water, and comprised a machine-shop, iron foundry, brass foundry, pattern-house, paint-shops, warehouse, and setting-up shop. Mr. Lincoln was elected president of the corporation, and remained so until his death. Mr. Kilburn was elected treasurer, which position he held until 1872.

In January, 1869, Mr. Kilburn disposed of the larger part of his interest, and subsequently of all of it, to the other members, and in 1872 he was elected treasurer of the King Philip Mills, which position he still holds. On his retirement Mr. Lincoln's young- est son, Leontine, was elected treasurer.

In 1872 additions were made to the works with a view to the manufacture of looms on a large scale. Since then the company has been among the largest manufacturers of looms for cotton- and silk-weaving. It has a capacity for making fifty looms a week, be- sides the other kinds of machinery, such as shafting, pulleys, dye-works, and bleachery machinery, of which it makes a specialty. When running full capacity two hundred and twenty-five hands are employed.

Since Mr. Lincoln's death his interest has been held by his family. The company is now organized as follows: President, Henry C. Lincoln ; Treasurer, Le- ontine Lincoln ; Directors, Henry C. Lincoln, Leontine Lincoln, Andrew Luscomb, and Charles H. Dring.

In 1855, Mr. Lincoln became associated with his brother Lorenzo, his nephew James M., and his son Edward Lincoln, in the business of paper manufac- ture at North Dighton. The firm was called L. Lin- coln & Co., and succeeded to the business which was established in 1850 by Mr. Lincoln's brothers, Caleb M. and Lorenzo. He retired from the firm before his death, his son Edward taking his interest therein. He had the greatest faith in the success of Fall River as a centre for the cotton manufacturing industry, was one of the original stockholders in the Union Mill Company, an owner in several other corporations, and a director in the Tecumseh Mills from the time of the

Although making many other kinds of machinery, the firm made a specialty of the "Fourneyron Tur- bine." This turbine, as improved by them, had a large sale, displacing the lumbering breast-wheels, and utilizing a percentage of power the best of them never , organization of that corporation.

386

HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

Although he took a deep interest in public affairs, Mr. Lincoln was averse to holding public office, and never held but one, that of member of the Common Council of Fall River. He was one of the oldest members of the Mount Hope Lodge of Masons, of which organization he was treasurer for many years. In politics he was a Free-Soil Whig before the for- mation of the Republican party, when he became an earnest adherent to the principles of that party.

He was a man of sunny temperament, earnest of purpose, charitable in judgment, and distinguished by acts of practical benevolence. The Fall River Daily News closed an editorial notice of his death as follows: " Mr. Lincoln was held in great esteem and respect by his fellow-citizens generally. He had the reputation of being an ingenious and skillful me- chanie, and a business man whose integrity was un- questioned. He was a worthy and valuable citizen, whose loss must be felt."

STEPHEN DAVOL.

Stephen Davol, one of the oldest and most success- ful cotton manufacturers in New England, was born in Fall River, Nov. 22, 1807, where he has resided to the present time, and has been thoroughly identified with the rapid growth and development of the cotton industry and of the city in general.

The beginning of Mr. Davol's career in connection with the cotton manufacture dates back to the year 1818, when he entered the Troy Mills, working in the mills during the summer, and attending school in the winter. A few years later bleaching and calico-print- ing was started in this place by Daniel Wright & Co., and the treasurer of the company expressing a wish that young Davol should come with them and learn the business, his father apprenticed him to this firm for three years. The work there being irregular, one week on and two off, he was not satisfied with it, and returned, after a few months' trial of the printing business, to the Troy manufactory, and soon became an overseer of their spinning, dressing, and weaving, where he remained until 1833, when he was called to the superintendency of the Pocasset Mills, and con- tinued in that capacity until the death of the treas- urer of the mills, Mr. M. H. Ruggles, in 1857, when Mr. Davol succeeded him as treasurer, and continued in that capacity until 1877. It may be stated also that from 1843 to 1860 he was treasurer of the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory.

At the time Mr. Davol entered the Pocasset Com- pany as superintendent, in 1833, the company was operating 1000 to 1200 spindles in what was known as their Bridge Mill. This mill was burned in the great fire of 1843, and since that time Mills Nos. 1, 2, and 3 have been erected, and this company now operates 56,112 spindles, 1385 looms, and has a capital of $1,161,000.

The skill and long experience of Mr. Davol as a

cotton manufacturer have been largely called upon in these later years, and his opinions are sought on all occasions with reference to manufacturing changes and methods, for even in his practical retiracy he loves to mark the progress of his favorite business, which he has seen rise almost from its birth, with its crude devices and surroundings, and has lived to see the rapid improvements and ingenious applications which have resulted in making a modern cotton-mill one of the wonders of the nineteenth century.

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.

History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 92

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