USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Brockton > History of Brockton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, 1656-1894 > Part 49
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Wilbor Webster commenced manufacturing shoe knives near Sprague's in 1863. Mr. S. V. Tuck also manufactured shoe-knives, carving-knives, etc., of a superior quality.
Harrison Smith manufactured bedsteads in the old mill known as Keith's mill. Archibald Thompson made the first spinning-wheel in the country ; lived near where the late John Thompson resided. Jonas Reynolds made spinning-wheels in the " West Shares." Moses Cary made hay rakes in the northeast part of the town.
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Before the invention of Blanchard's machine for turning irregular forms, lasts and boot- trees were made by hand. Nathaniel Wales was probably the first person in the town engaged in that business. Robert A. Stoddard, Marcus Shaw and Chandler Sprague have since been en- gaged in that line of manufacture. When Chandler Sprague began to manufacture by machinery, there was no use for lasts made by hand. Those made by machinery have become one of the great improvements of the age, and so far surpass those made by hand as to quality, that there are no others in the market.
PUBLIC HOUSES .- The town of North Bridgewater is situated on the direct route from New Bedford to Boston; and previous to the build- ing of the railroads that connect the two cities it was a stopping place for travelers needing public houses. At one time there were three pub- lic houses in the village, besides one on the turnpike south of " Tilden's Corner."
One of the most prominent houses in early days was one kept by Major Daniel Cary, on the spot where the late Rufus P. Kingman resided, and formerly occupied by the late John Wales. Next in order we find a house kept by Barnabas Howard at the north end of the town, where entertainment was provided for man and beast. Silas Packard kept public house on the corner of Main and Court streets, afterwards occupied by Captain Clark. Col. Edward Southworth also kept house at his resi- dence, and later Major Nathan Hayward kept near the corner of Main and Elm streets. Nathan Hayward, Newton Shaw, Nathaniel H. Cross, Captain John Packard, and Edward J. Snow have kept public house on the corner of Main and Crescent streets, and opposite the residence of the late John Wales.
In the early part of 1833 preparations were made for the erection of a new and more commodious house than was in the town. July 4 of that year a house was raised by Messrs. Bela Keith, esq., and Benja- min Kingman, who were the owners till 1856, when it passed into the hands of Tyler Cobb, who kept the house a few years' time. Mr. B. Kingman kept the house three years. Edward E. Bennett occupied it from that time about ten years, and the house has since changed hands as follows : O. G. Tinkham, Joslyn & Keith, Ellridge Cobb, Harrison Rogers, Mr. Alstrom, Captain Swasey, and Tyler Cobb, and was known
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as the Satucket House. The last owner and occupant of this property was the late Francis B. Washburn, and was known as the " Brockton Hotel," situated at the corner of Main and School streets, where " Washburn Block " now stands.
A few years since Aaron B. Drake opened a public house at Cam- pello, by the name of Salisbury House, which was kept for a few years only.
TRADERS .- It is very difficult to give the dates when the different traders in town began business, although we find the names of all. We here give the names of those who have been in trade, keeping country variety stores in early days, as follows: Deacon Ichabod How- ard kept store at the north part of the town, on the road to Boston, in the house nearly opposite the First Congregational church, after- wards occupied by the late Deacon Ozen Gurney. Silas Packard and Colonel Edward Southworth had a store on the corner of Main and Court streets, where David Cobb's store stood, and where the new " Whipple-Freeman " is now, and in which the new post office is lo- cated. Colonel Edward Southworth kept store since 1816. Major Daniel Cary kept in the north part of the old building that was recently removed from the corner of Main and Belmont streets, and on the lot occupied as a residence by the late Rufus P. Kingman. He was succeeded by John Wales. Jonathan Keith kept a grocery store where the church now stands, on the corner of South and Main streets, Campello. Isaac Keith kept groceries in the south part of his house, a short distance north of the church Benjamin Kingman succeeded him in trade a year or two, when he removed to the Center Village. Silas Packard & Co. were succeeded in trade by David Cobb, who came from Mansfield, Mass., in 1823, and learned the trade of Mr. Packard. Mr. Cobb afterwards erected a new and commodious building in place of the old store, where he continued to do a successful business as a variety store, his son, David Herbert Cobb, succeeding to the business. Captain John Packard erected the " old green " store corner of Main and Belmont streets, opposite Rufus P. Kingman's house, several years since, and was associated with Joseph Packard in trade. At a little later period Mathew Kingman and Nathaniel Snow purchased the stock and good- will of the store, and traded for a short time. The store was afterward
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Tyler Cable
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purchased by David Cobb, about 1836, and was kept by Tyler Cobb for several years. About 1840 William P. Howard of Easton purchased the stock and conducted a successful business for several years, and then removed to Messrs. Howard, Clark & Co.'s building. In 1836 Freder- ick Parker came from Barnstable and entered into partnership with Am- brose Hayward, under the firm of Hayward & Parker, in the dry goods trade, in William Ryder's building on Main street, and continued but a short time. John Ritchie opened a store at the Factory Village, near " Sprague's," which has since been occupied by Daniel Eames, Ephraim Noyes, Ira Copeland, William H. Brett and Chandler Sprague. Ira Copeland afterwards erected a grocery store a short distance east from "Sprague's," on the road to Abington.
Lemuel B. Hatch opened the first store in Campello nearly fifty years since, and kept but a few years. The business has been conducted in the same building by Messrs. Tyler Cobb, Samuel Carter, Varanes Wales and Sidney Packard. A few years since Josiah W. Kingman erected a large and commodious building for a store, which has been in use by Sidney Packard and Messrs. Howard & Keith. the present occu- pants, who keep a variety store. A few years since W. O. Alger of West Bridgewater erected a building corner of Montello and Depot streets at Campello, near the railroad depot, and kept a grocery store a short time. This building has since been purchased by Mr. Nelson J. Foss, who occupied it as a flour and grain store and post-office. Henry Dyer had a small store on Montello street, near the depot, and Benja- min Swain on Main street, Campello. Several years since Aaron B. Drake and brother were in trade where the Salisbury House now stands. Newton Shaw kept a store in the easterly part of the town at "Shaw's Corner," a few years since. Perez Marshall kept a grocery store near " Tilden's Corner ;" Lorenzo Wade and George A. Packard in the West Shares. George Clark kept store a short time near the same place. Isaac Packard kept store in the West Shares, in the building occupied by William Packard. Benjamin Kellogg kept store in town in 1835. A few years since J. F. Hale opened a grocery store in the Central Block on Main street. L. D. Bliss became his scccessor in that business. Newton Shaw had a grocery store near the railroad on Center street some years since. Mr. William H. Pierce succeeded him in business.
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Lyman E. Cobb had a store near the same locality and afterwards re- moved to Court street, and did a successful business in that line. Daniel Lovell had the store afterwards occupied by the " Union Store No. 619" Henry W. Robinson commenced trade in 1844 in the store now occi- pied by him in the Center Village. He was the successor of William White. In 1850 William B. Barry became associated with him in the business, under the firm of Robinson & Barry, which copartnership existed five years, Mr. Barry then removing to Boston. This was a variety store till 1859, when it was changed to dry goods exclusively.
In 1834 Charles Atherton and Albert Smith became associated in business in the hotel building, under the firm of Smith & Atherton. This firm continued for about two years, when they dissolved partner - ship and William F. Brett became a partner with Mr. Smith, under the firm of Smith & Brett, in 1836. This firm continued till 1839, when Mr. Smith withdrew from the firm, leaving Mr. Brett alone in the business till 1846, at which time Rufus P. Kingman, esq., became a partner, under the firm of Brett & Kingman, which copartnership continued till 1854, doing a dry goods, grocery, hardware, and merchant tailoring business. A new firm was then formed, consisting of William F. Brett, J. Free- man Ellis, S. B. Ripley and Edward O'Neil, who continued in the same business. In 1860 Henry A. Brett came from Wareham and purchased the stock and business and conducted the same till 1861, when he sold to William H. Brett and Rufus E. Brett, who continued in business un- der the style of William F. Brett's Sons. This firm was dissolved in 1865, Rufus E. Brett and Frederick L. Brett continuing the business under the firm of Brett Brothers. Bradford E. Jones purchased the business and organized the firm of Jones, Lowell & Sanford in 1867.
In 1862 Mr. B. C. Benner & Co. opened a dry goods store opposite Kingman's Block. Charles Curtis, jr., was in the dry good's trade in Howard & Clark's building on Main street for several years. He became the successor of William P. Howard in that business. B. P. Davis had a shoe store in 1850 opposite the bank. Charles D. Brigham had a shoe store at 423 Main street (Tyler Cobb's building). Ambrose Hayward opened a grocery store in Howard, Clark & Co.'s building July 4, 1864. A. N. Farrar had a grocery store in John Til- den's building, a few years since ; he was succeeded by Simeon Mitchell in 1861, and the store is now occupied by John Tilden.
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James Hall and William H. H. Hebard have since occupied that store for a short time each. The building is now used as a residence. Henry Howard formerly kept a store in his building, now occupied as a shoe manufactory. E. Capen French kept a grocery store near Stoddard's brush factory in the north part of the village ; store afterwards occupied for the same purpose by Joel T. Packard. B. R. Clapp had a variety store in the building near Bliss's store on Main street. Southworth & Noyes had a grocery store nearly opposite Kingman's brick block ; Daniel Hayward one on School street, near the railroad. John W. Snell kept a small grocery store opposite the residence of the late Freeman Holmes several years since. S. Francis Dearborne had a grocery store in Dray- ton's building, opposite the First Congregational Church, formerly occu- pied by N. C. & G. W. Fisher as a grocery store. Nathan Jones kept a grocery store in Colonel Southworth's building. E. H. Woodbridge was a dealer in paints, oils, etc., on School near Main street. William Field also kept a grocery store in Captain John Battles's house. Lot Packard kept a store in the house afterward occupied by Captain Robert Packard. F. & H. Baylies kept a dry goods store in the Wheeler block, corner of Main and School streets, a few years since. Francis O. Hall kept a grocery store on Turnpike street, in the West Shares, for a short time, several years since. John W. Snell kept a grocery store at Campello for a short time in a building owned by Bela Keith, esq. Rufus L. Thacher kept a flour and grain store in Central block on Centre street a few years since. C. C. Bixby & Co. keep a large assortment of drugs, medicines, fancy goods, books, stationery, etc., in Bixby's block, corner of Main and School streets.
Isaac Washburn came from Kingston and kept store in the old tavern building, opposite residence of the late Rufus P. Kingman, and formerly known as " Wales' Corner," for a short time only.
TAILORS .- It was the custom in the early settlement of the town for ladies to cut and make gentlemen's garments. At length men cutters went from house to house, making clothes enough for the year at one time. The first tailor in the North Parish was Nathaniel Snell, who went out to work for twenty- five cents per day and board. John Shank- land was the next tailor; then came Michael O'Neil, who opened a tailoring shop in the " West Shares," and afterward in the Centre, oc-
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cupying the store afterwards used by Col. Nathan Jones in Southworth's building. Elisha B Bumpas came from Wareham in September, 1838, and opened a clothing shop in the building then owned by Arza Leonard, opposite Henry Cross's shoe manufactory on Main street ; he afterwards removed to a room over Robinson's dry goods store ; from this place he removed to Howard, Clark & Co.'s building. Luther W. Durant was a tailor in 1836 two doors south of Patriot office. William Ryder came from West Bridgewater and carried on the merchant tailoring business for several years in his building on Main street. Edward O'Neil was employed as a foreman in Messrs. Brett & Kingman's tailoring depart - ment in 1849. In 1859 he became associated with Mr. James B Samp- son, for the purpose of conducting the merchant tailoring business in Tyler Cobb's building on Main street, under the firm name of O'Neil & Sampson. Mr. Sampson retired from the firm in 1861 and went
into the army. Mr. O'Neil continued in business alone till 1864, when he removed to Alexandria, Va., and afterwards removed to Providence, R. I., where he resided till quite recently he removed. Walter Scott came to town from Boston in 1860, was employed by Mr. O'Neil for four years, and afterwards conducted the merchant tailoring busi-
ness on his own account. George E. Wilbor came from Wareham in 1859, and was connected with Henry A. Brett in the clothing business. L. W. Wade and Daniel F. Leonard were in town several years since and made garments. Most of the larger dry goods stores had a jour- neyman tailor connected with their establishment and manufacture custom goods, therefore it would be impossible to note all the changes that have occurred. Peter F. Hollywood came from Wareham and was employed in Brett & Kingman's store for several years, and after- wards opened a tailoring establishment on his own account in Ellis J. Morton's building, afterwards occupied by B. R. Clapp on Main street, and later doing business opposite the Gazette building. Daniel Logue had a tailor shop opposite Southworth & Noyes' grocery store on Main street for a short time. In January, 1854, George E. Bryant opened a clothing store in D. F. Studley's building, and in 1855 Henry L. Bryant was associated with him in the business, under the firm name of G. E. & H. L. Bryant; afterwards occupied extensive rooms on the present site of Bryant's block, afterward used as a post-office, at the corner of
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Main and Centre streets. This firm continued in trade for a long time, and had a very successful and profitable business. Since that time Henry A. Brett opened another clothing store in Bixby's block, where he had a large and highly lucrative business.
Some time since the Boston Clothing Company conducted business in the Home Bank building, Henry A. Brett, manager.
Howard & Caldwell are in the same business in the Kingman block on Main street.
Messrs. Brett & Kingman, David Cobb, H. W. Robinson, W. P. Howard, and other traders have usually kept ready- made clothing ; thus the public have always had unsur passed facilities for obtaining the- best custom garments and the cheapest.
The principal dealers to-day in the above named goods and gentle- men's furnishing goods are as follows : Howard & Caldwell, Besse, Ba- ker & Co., C. W. Bixby & Co., Tolman Brothers, T. S. Bailey & Co., Boston Standard Supply Co., Condon, Brady & Sullivan, Gage & Good- win, Kjellander & Hillberg, Sweat & Bryant, Willey Bros., Asa Whit- man, Joseph Wolf and John W. O'Brien.
HATTERS-The first hatter in the town was Perez Crocker, who con- ducted business near where David Howard's boot factory recently stood, in the north part of the village. He was succeeded by Captain John Battles, and he by Ellis J. Morton. There is no hat manufactory in the town at the present time ; customers are supplied at the various stores in the town, of which there are many, as before seen.
BAKERS .- B. C. Hatch and Cyrus Packard, 2d, commenced the bak- ing business about 1830, and continued about three years, in the build- ing which had been formerly used as a school house, on the lot afterwards occupied by the bank building, south of the hotel. In 1833 Mr. Pack- ard sold his interest to Mr. Hatch. In 1834 David Wilder and Mr. Hatch were associated together in the business, under the firm of Hatch & Wilder. Shortly after that time, Mr. J. C. Wilder purchased Mr. Hatch's interest in the business and the firm was changed to J. C. & D. Wilder. Afterward, J. C. Wilder sold to John W. Hunt, who has con- tinued with Mr. Wilder, under the firm of Hunt & Wilder. Their busi- ness was very successful, and in 1856 they erected a new and more commodious building, using horse- power for mixing, stamping and cut-
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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
ting crackers, bread and small cakes. This firm baked, on an average, about five barrels of flour daily.
A Mr. Buckley conducted the baking business at the old stand after- ward used by Hunt & Wilder, on Crescent street. Several years since, also, Parmenas and Simeon Brett, in the Factory Village, did a small business for a short time. Francis B. Washburn made nice cake and fancy pastry at his refectory on Main street ; also, confectionery of all kinds and fancy baking. The firm is now F. B. Washburn & Co. cor- poration, who are very extensive manufacturers of all kinds of breads and confectionery.
SADDLERS .- In the days when every one traveled on horseback, the saddler's business was a prominent trade. After the introduction of wheel carriages, harness making was added to their trade, also trunk- making. Among those who have conducted this trade, are Seth Snow, a short distance below the bridge on the road to Campello, in the Isaac Keith house; Elbridge H. Packard, in the north part of the village ; also Nathaniel H. Cross, in 1836, in the Center Village. A few years since A. M. Leavitt came from East Bridgewater and located where George W. Bryant's marble works were at the corner of Main and Cres- cent streets. Lemuel T. Bird was in business on High street. Mr. Bartlett had a harness shop on School street, near the hotel.
WHEELWRIGHTS .- Abel Kingman, esq., was one of the oldest wheel- wrights in the parish. He made ox-wagons, carts, wooden plows, rakes, etc. Zachariah and Zebedee Snell made wooden plows, rakes and grain-cradles, etc., in the northwest part of the town. Jabez King- man, son of Abel Kingman, esq., had a wheelwright shop on Center street, near Shaw's Corner. Ruel Richmond had a large and commo- dious carriage manufactory on the corner of Main and School streets, which was the principal shop in town for several years. John C. H. Eaton had a wheelwright shop on Prospect Hill. Eason & Fletcher manufactured carriages and did job work on High street. From 1852 to 1855 Tyler Cobb manufactured carriages, etc., on High street. Wal- do Bradford & Co. also manufactured carriages on High street. Lyman E. Tribou had a wheelwright shop in the Factory Village, or " Salis- bury Square," opposite A. D. Tyler's blacksmith shop. and Lewis A. Kingman had a shop on Liberty street, near Tilden's Corner, otherwise
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known as " Marshall's Corner," in the west part of the city. I. R. Coz- zens, James O. Macomber and Lurin Snow were also in this business.
COOPERS .- Daniel Pettingill made tubs, pails, churns, etc., at the place occupied by the late John W. Snell, on South street. Lemuel Terrill carried on the coopering trade at the James Willis place, opposite Arnold Kingman's. Joseph Whiton made nail casks, tubs, dye vats, churns, cheese hoops, etc., in the Factory Village. He removed to Hingham. Lemuel Terrill, jr., and Jacob Dunbar made rakes, meas- ures, scythe handles, mop and broom handles, etc. Jonas Reynolds made spinning wheels, wooden plows, rakes, etc., in the " West Shares."
CLOCKS .- Previous to 1800 Ezekiel Reed made clocks near where Alpheus Holmes resided, in Downingville. Also several years since Rodney Brace came from Torrington, Conn., and commenced the man- ufacture of small wooden clocks at the West Shares, or North-West Bridgewater, with Isaac Packard. They sent them to all parts of the country in wagons, and were among the first to introduce small clocks.
WATCHMAKERS AND JEWELERS .- David F. Studley came from Hanover, Mass., in September, 1834, and made watches and jewelry, also repaired all kinds of clocks, in the building now occupied by him. He afterwards erected a new and more commodious building south of Samuel Howard's house, where he became associated with his brother, Luther Studley, in the business; he afterward sold out his interest to his brother and retired from business. At the time Mr. Studley came to the town there was no establishment of the kind in the vicinity. Since that time there have been other establishments of the same de- scription, among whom was Augustus Mitchell, who left town in 1862, and removed to Provincetown. Herman S. Hewett came from Bridgewa- ter to the town in the autumn of 1863, and is now in business at 119 Main street. Lysander F. Gurney came from Abington and opened a store in D. F. Dudley's building a few years since and is now at 122 Main street under the firm of Gurney Brothers. Luther Studley was at the old stand of D. F. Studley & Co. on Main street. U. C. Smith, Obed Lyon, R. D. Currier & Co., Allen A. Barrett, Covell & Matson and Fred M. Weber are now engaged in this business.
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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
DRUGS AND MEDICINES .- J. A. Rainsford was the first person en- gaged in this business in the town. His room was at the residence of Franklin Ames. David F. Studley also kept a stock of drugs and med- icines in connection with his watch and jewelry business till 1845, when he sold his stock of medicines to Tyler Cobb, who continued in that trade for a long time at the corner of High and Main streets. The next person who did anything in that kind of goods was Edward Southworth, jr.
In October, 1852, C. C. Bixby opened an apothecary store in con- nection with books, stationery and fancy goods, where the Bixby Block is now located. In 1864 Mr. Goldthwait became associated with him as partner in the business, under the firm of C. C. Bixby & Co. Besides the above, many of the variety stores in the town kept an assortment of the various patent medicines in use.
FURNITURE MANUFACTURERS .- Among the first of those engaged in this branch of business were Oliver Dike, Samuel Dike, Asaph Howard, Moses Cary, Jonathan Cary. Thomas Wales had a furniture store in the north part of the town, and was the principal manufacturer for many years. Samuel Carter was in the business at the West Shares for a short time. Jonathan Beal kept furniture store in the house afterwards occupied by Lemuel French, near where Ruel Richmond's house now stands in the Centre Village. Josiah W. Kingman commenced the manufacture of bureaus, tables, etc., for the wholesale trade about 1825 in the south part of the town, now Campello, which business he contin- ued with success till May 23, 1853, when the entire establishment was destroyed by fire.
Samuel Howard came from Randolph to this town in 1827 and opened a furniture wareroom. In 1829 Mr. Lyman Clark became a partner, under the firm of Howard & Clark, and who continued to do a large and profitable business. In 1859 Mr. Howard died. The firm in the business at the old stand consisted of the following persons : Lyman Clark, Eben Rhodes, Rufus C. Kimball, and William H. Savage-the last named is now the sole proprietor, and is the oldest wareroom of the kind in the county-under the name and style of Howard, Clark & Co., who keep a large and varied assortment of all kinds of furniture at re- tail, and manufacture largely for the wholesale trade. Soranes Dunham
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came from Fall River in 1846, and was employed for a few years at Josiah W. Kingman's manufactory in Campello ; he afterward opened a jobbing shop in the north part of the village, making and repairing all kinds of furniture. A few years since Frederic Hanson opened a furni- ture wareroom in the building owned by George N. Bryant, corner of Main and Crescent streets, which continued but a short time.
Howard, Clark & Co., William H. Tobey, Guy Furniture Manufac- turing Company, Lavin & Co., George S. Perry & Co., are the leaders in this line at present time.
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