History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I, Part 131

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co
Number of Pages: 1034

USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I > Part 131

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Groton was by John Prescott, in company with his son, Jonas Prescott, who afterwards distinguished him- self as an inhabitant of Groton. This mill stood on a small stream of water in what was then the southern boundary of the territory, but in what is now the north- erly section of Harvard ; and there it stands yet and is devoted to its original purpose.

A few years after this mill was erected the Indians destroyed the greater part of Harvard, but, fortunately for the people, this property was overlooked, and con- tinues to do its work after a lapse of over two centuries, it having been erected in 1673.

For eight years this mill was the only one the in- habitants of this section had to carry their grain to, and in consequence was constantly engaged-in fact, such was the press of work that the inhabitants of the town enacted a law requiring the proprietor of the mill to set apart the second and sixth days of each week for the purpose of grinding the grain of the people of Groton on those days.

In 1681 James Prescott, who was active in the es- tablishing of the mill above mentioned, erected another mill on the easterly boundary of the territory, on what is now known as Stony Brook, near its issue from Forge Pond (so-called), being within the limits of the present town of Westford.

As nearly as can be ascertained, the territory of the present Shirley was first settled in 1720, and the northerly part was soon taken up for farms; but all grain had to be carried to the old mill, now in Har- vard, or to the Forge Pond mill, now in Westferd, to be ground.

We of the present day cannot understand the hard- ship this was to the early settler to carry grain for a distance of from four to ten miles over rough roads, often mere bridle-paths cut through the woods-no such roads or highways as we of the present genera- tion are used to. Few of our forefathers were the for- tunate possessors of horses, for they were luxuries in those days, and as for light carriages, they did not exist ; so that the early settlers were compelled to use ox- teams and even wheelbarrows to transport the grain, and, indeed, many were the loads borne on the strong shoulders of the hardy settlers, at all seasons of the year. Through rain and shine, snow and hail, they bore their burdens over the weary miles, often compelled to make two trips ere they could bring back the meal they required for their sustenance, for the mills were small and unable to fulfill all the demands made upon them with facility.

The first mill in the limits of what is now known as Shirley was built by William Longley, an early settler, and Samuel Hazen, who settled here in 1749. This was a grist-mill to which was added later a saw- mill.

This mill was a small one of but a single run of stones, and was not furnished with the means for bolt- ing flour.

But such were the needs of the people that the un-

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

dertaking, small though it was, was considered as a harbinger of better times.

This mill stood on the site of the " Shirley Cotton- Mill," better known perhaps as the " Red Mill," which was destroyed by fire in 1867.

The above partnership lasted but a few years, Mr. Hazen selling out his interest to Mr. Longley, who continued to serve his patrons as " miller " until old age compelled him to retire, when he was succeeded by his son.

As the years rolled on these mills, went to decay and others were built upon the same privilege, but upon the opposite side of the stream, by one Henry Haskell. These mills afterwards were owned by Israel Longley, Esq., who sold them to Thomas Hazen, who, in turn, sold them to Israel Longley, a great- grandson of the first owner. In 1872 the mills were purchased by Mr. N. C. Munson and the grist-mill was used for other purposes.

George Davis, Esq., next became the owner of the saw-mill and for some years carried on an extensive business in lumber, furnishing in quantities large or small to suit the requirements of purchasers. In 1886 ne ceased to carry on business at the mills, and they remained idle until the following year, when the pro- perty was purchased by Mr. Gilbert M. Ballou, of Shirley. Heat once repaired the buildings and erected in connection with the mill a large carpenter's shop, and fitted it up with a full line of wood-working ma- chines necessary to carry on his trade.

Mr. Ballou has done quite an extensive business in sawing lumber since he started, the first year sawing out about 150,000 feet, and he has since turned out from 250,000 to 300,000 feet annually. It might well be supposed that the supply of trees of a size suitable for lumber would have been exhausted long ago, but each season brings its full supply of logs, and the space in front of his mill is filled to overflowing with great piles of pine and chestnut logs waiting to be turned into boards.

The second grist-mill was built on Mulpus Brook, in that part of the town known as Wood's Village. This, too, like the one on the Catacunemaug, con- tained but one run of stones and was wanting many of those conveniences now considered necessary.

But it filled a long-felt want, for, being situated at the opposite border of the town from the other mil!, it greatly shortened the distance, thereby proving a great accommodation to the dwellers in its vicinity.

Francis Harris was the first owner of this mill, and James Dickson erected a saw-mill in connection with it, both of which were afterwards owned and operated by the same person.

These mills passed through many hands, until in 1822 Jonathan Kilburn became the owner, and they were operated by him until his death, in 1881.

Mr. Kilburn was an energetic business man, sparing neither time nor expense in fitting up his mill to meet the needs and demands of the public. This mill,

after its renovation, was better fitted for the work of milling than its predecessor, it consisting of two runs of stones and an apparatus for sifting the wheat as it entered the hopper, and for bolting it after it was ground. The mill was also furnished with a second bolt that was used in sifting flour from the meal of the coalser grains. Mr. Kilburn did a large lumber business in connection with his grist-mill.

The third mill for grinding was erected on the Cat- acunemaug, a little above that of Messrs. Longley & Hazen, and on the same side of the stream, by Joseph Edgarton. This was abandoned after a few years, the owner deeming it of no avail to compete with his long-established neighbors below him.

The fourth grist-mill, with saw-mill connected, was built by Jonas Longley, Esq., in 1790, on the Nashua River, on that part now belonging to the town of Ayer. This mill was operated by Mr. Longley until his death. Various persons were owners and operators of these mills, among them Eli Page & Sons, who were the last owners while the property remained within the boundaries of Shirley. This firm renewed the business formerly carried on,-the mills under a former owner having been used for other purposes,-and added a shingle-mill and also increased the water privilege.

The next ,saw-mill of which we have record was built by Samuel Hazen in 1829, on the northern branch of the Catacunemaug. The mill was run until the summer of 1856, when it was swept away by the breaking of the reservoir above it. The building of this mill opened the way for the settlement of a small village known as the "North Bend."

In 1836 Peter Page built a saw-mill on Mulpus Brook, a short distance above its junction with the Nashua River. Mr. Page died shortly after, and the mill property passed into the hands of Messrs. R. P. & M. W. Wood.

In 1856 Alvin White and Edwin L. White came to Shirley and purchased the mill and privilege known as " Peter Page's Mill," of Robert P. and Moses W. Wood, connecting therewith a basket manufactory. On the 8th of March, 1857, this mill was destroyed by fire. It was immediately rebuilt, with enlarge- ments and improvements. The Messrs. Whire did a large and lucrative business in the manufacture of baskets, sawing lumber, etc., until 1861, when Alvin White disposed of his share to Edwin L. and pur- chased an estate higher up the river, which he en- larged, and, in company with his son, continued the manufacture of baskets-making some ten thousand per annum.

Edwin L. continued to carry on business at the old stand, and the average number of splint baskets manufactured by him in the earlier years of the bus- iness was from fifteen to twenty thousand. His yearly production now is upwards of ten thousand baskets of all sizes and grades, from the small one holding four quarts to the mammoth one holding forty bushels.

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The baskets are used by manufacturers, marketmen and farmers.

Special power machinery is used to get out the greater quantity of the basket stock, the lumber being sawed iuto planks, then steamed and put into the slicing-machine. A portion of the stock is, however, split aud shaved in the old way. In addi- tion to the manufacture of baskets, Mr. White has done a large business in sawing lumber, some years sawing 500,000 feet. He also prepares staves and shingles, turning out about 500,000 annually.

As will be seeu, the wants of the early settlers, so far as food aud shelter are concerned, were provided for by the several mills established upon the banks of the various streams for the purpose of grinding the grain and sawing the huge logs into boards. Yet there remained other wants and needs to be provided for. While the men toiled in the fields, clearing the land for planting and sowing and harvesting the grain, and then, when harvested, carrying it to the mill to be converted into meal, it must not be sup- posed the mothers, wives and sisters were idle; far from it, for, in addition to the regular work of the house, they, by their own hands, made all the cloth- ing worn by them and their families.

It is true that their homes were not as large and elaborate as those of our day, nor were they furnished with as many ornaments and rare pieces of bric-a- brac ; few were the rooms they had to keep clean and tidy, for their houses were mostly rude, unfinished dwellings-log cabins in many instances-and the household utensils were of the commonest and coarsest kinds.

But their chief labor lay in the preparing of the flax and wool, as it came from the field and flock, into garments of warmth and comfort for the wear of the families, and so, thus was supplied in the early times another of the wants of the settlers.

But as time wore on these colors grew monotonous to the people, and they began to make use of art in the manufacture of a material that was of a lighter, smoother and finer texture than that which they had so long been used to, and, hence, the dyeing, fulling, shear- ing and pressing processes were adopted, to bring about this desired change. These different processes were carried on in an establishment, and were called cloth- ing-mills. Clothing-mills were introduced into the Colonies in the latter part of the seventeenth or the early part of the eighteenth century, and soon the pro- cess of breaking and rolling wool was added, which was a great benefit to the female sex, as it lightened the labors of making cloth.

These mills were early introduced into Shirley, and thus another, the third, industry was commenced. They little thought when the first mill, small though it was, was built, that it would be the forerunner of an industry that would prove to be Shirley's greatest manufacturing interest, but such it was ; the " cloth- ier's mill," with its crude and imperfect machinery,

was closely followed by the cotton-mill, with its deli- cate aud intricate mechanism, furnishing employment to the many and substantially improving the finan- cial interest of the town.

All through the early years of the settlement and until within a comparatively few years the settlers of the northern part of our country have been in the habit of keeping a few sheep to furnish the wool from which might be made the every-day clothes of the family. The woolen blankets for winter use were obtained from the same source. The farmers also raised a little flax, that the needs of the family through the summer might be met.

The work of manufacturing this cloth devolved upon the female portion of the family ; they took the flax as it was brought from the field, and the wool as it was shorn from off the backs of the sheep, and by a slow and laborious process, called hand-carding, converted it into rolls; these rolls were spun into yarn, and the yarn was, in turn, woven into cloth by the use of hand-power machinery. As there existed in those early times no establishment for the dyeing and dressing of cloth, and not even in the homes of the settlers was the use of the dye-pot known, it became necessary to adopt some other means whereby a change of color could be obtained. Therefore, the colonists bred sheep of two colors- white and black-the mixture of whose wool gave that sober gray tint to the cloth that our forefathers so highly prized.

Later on these hand labors were lightened by the introduction and use of machinery operated by water- power, and the various streams running through the town were utilized to furnish the power.

The first clothier's mill was built on the Squanna- cook River, near the village of that name, in the year 1739, by Elisha Rockwood, who came from Wrentham.

Mr. Rockwood continued in business until old age compelled him to relinquish it to his son, Samuel Rockwood, who, in turn, dyed and dressed cloth until within a short time of his death, which occurred in 1804. Samnel Rockwood and Sewall Rockwood, sons of Samuel Rockwood, succeeded to the business, and run the mill until the business was superseded by the more modern methods of manufacture. In 1812 William Flint and Thomas Sweetser added a carding- mill to the dyeing and dressing departments; this they continued until about the year 1836, when they were obliged to relinquish the business, owing to a lack of employment.

The second clothier's mill was situated upon the Mulpus Brook, and connected with the corn-mill pre- viously erected by Francis Harris, Esq., who also built the clothier's mill. Mr. Harris was a man of influence in the town, both as a public official and a private citizen.

Joseph Edgarton was the builder of the third cloth- ier's mill, which was situated on the Catacunemaug ; this mill was never very prosperous, as the Rockwood

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

mill had established such a reputation for good work, that competition was unavailing, and the establish- ment was devoted to some other occupation that would yield better income.

The fourth and last clothing-mill was erected by one James Wilson, an Irish immigrant, and the first and only one who obtained naturalization in Shirley for nearly three-quarters of the first century of its incorporation. This also was situated on the Mulpus Brook. Levi Wheeler rented and occupied the mill for a few years, but soon he, too, as well as the others of his craft, was obliged to give way to the inroads of fashion, which adopted the use of foreign fabrics in preference to those of home-made character. Mr. Wilson had a carding manufactory in immediate con- nection with this mill. He carried ou the business of carding till old age and infirmities compelled him to stop.

As has been noticed, the "clothier's mills " were soon followed by the establishment of factories for the manufacture of cotton yarn and cotton cloth, which proved to be the greatest and most important of Shirley's varied industries. The enterprise of her citizens was manifested by the many factories erected along the banks of the various streams, where water privileges existed within the boundaries of the town. For many years the hum and noise of the busy loom and spindle were heard on all sides, and the streets of the village were filled with young people eager for recreation after a hard day's work at the mill. The stores were doing a prosperous business supplying the wants and needs of the people. This continued for years until, for various reasons,-fire, flood and financial depression,-the mills one by one ceased operations until in 1884 the closing of the Phoenix , and Fredonia Mills brought the career of the town as an active cotton manufacturing village to. a close. These last-named mills are now running again under new management, as will be noted later on in this chapter.

The first of these mills was erected as early as 1812, and was situated on the Catacunemaug, very nearly on the site occupied by the present mill known as Munson's Yarn-Mill, or the New Mill. The mill was built by a company from Harvard, consisting of Simon Willard, Joel Willard and Zaccheus Gates. Before it was completed it was purchased by Joseph Edgarton, who sold it to Merrick Rice, of Lancaster. Moses Carlton, also of Lancaster, became a partner of Merrick Rice, and later on became the sole pro- prietor. This, as we are credibly informed, was the third cotton factory huilt in this country ; the first being the Slater factory at Webster, Worcester County, and the second the factory at Waltham. In 1818 the property was transferred to Joseph Edgarton & Co., and they carried on the manufacture of cotton cloth until 1834, doing a successful and profitable business. But the death of one of the company, Adolphus Whitcomb, and the great depression of business

throughout New England that year, together with large investments in land, brought them to failure, and the business was discontinued. The machinery was removed from the building, and the building was not occupied, excepting the basement, which was used for various trades, as will be noted later on.

The second cotton mill, known as the Fort Pond Mill, was built by Joseph Edgarton and Lemuel Wil- lard, and was located on the southern branch of the Catecunemaug, on the western privilege of that stream.

Hiram Longley purchased this property about the year 1840 and greatly enlarged and improved it. He disposed of it to Israel Longley and it was by him connected with the Shirley Cotton-Mill and used as the weaving department. It was at this time supplied with fifty-six looms.

In 1868 this mil! was destroyed by fire, but was soon replaced by a new structure built of wood, with a brick basement. In 1877 this mill, together with the dwelling-houses and other buildings connected therewith, was purchased by Mr. Nathaniel W. Cow- drey, who commenced the manufacture of "leather board," an industry as yet new to the village, although paper-making had been carried on to some extent. He manufactured about five tons of the "leather board " per week for several years.

In 1881 Mr. Cowdrey added a mill for sawing lum- ber and stave material, and in 1881-82 sawed out some 700,000 feet lumber and some 600,000 staves. Con- nected with this saw-mill was a coopering establish- ment, conducted by Granville Fairbanks, who turned out 12,000 casks of different dimensions per month. Later on Seth F. Dawson became the owner. There were one or two other lines of business carried on in some of the buildings connected with this mill. Dec. 14, 1884, the mill, together with the contents, was de- stroyed by fire, supposed to be of incendiary origin, causing a total loss of $23,000, which was partially covered by insurance. The privilege is at present un- used. It is one of the best privileges in the town, and should be utilized by some manufacturing industry.

The third cotton-mill was built in 1823 and 1824, on the site of the first corn-mill, on the banks of the Catacunemaug. This mill, known as the "Shirley Cotton-Mill," was built by Israel Longley, Esq., but on his death, which occurred before the building was completed, Thomas Hazen became the owner.

This mill was for many years rented and occupied by John Smith. Israel Longley, son of the original owner, afterwards operated this mill for many years. It had 2400 spindles, and, in connection with Fort Pond Mill, manufactured nearly 700,000 yards of brown sheeting annually. This mill was destroyed by fire May 26, 1867.

The next cotton-mill, or the fourth, was what is known as the Fredonia Mill, and is situated on the Catacunemaug, a short distance below the bridge. It was built in 1832, by a company of the same name, incorporated February 16, 1832.

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The building is one hundred and fifteen feet long, thirty-six feet broad and three stories high. When first built the mill was run by water-power, but in later years a boiler-house aud stack were added, so that now the mill is equipped with both steam and water.

From 1832 until 1863 Messrs. Israel Longley and Willard Worcester were the proprietors. Upon the death of one of the partners they were succeeded by Levi Holbrook, E. W. Holbrook and Charles W. Smith, under the firm-name of Levi Holbrook & Co. This firm continued until the year 1868, when the interest of the Messrs. Holbrook was purchased by Mr. J. E. Smith, the firm then becoming C. W. & J. E. Smith. These gentlemen were sons of John Smith, who for a time rented the Shirley Cotton-Mill. Mr. Levi Holbrook was the superintendent of the mill, under the new firm, for some time. This mill, at this time, ran 3280 spindles and sixty-eight looms, and employed about sixty operatives. The yearly pro- duct was 1,189,000 yards of light-brown sheetings. Mr. Warren N. Orswell, who is well known as a mill man, was the agent of this mill, as well as of the Phœ- nix, for several years. This mill was shut down in the summer of 1884.

Connected with this mill are twenty-five tenements for such of the help as are married, and in addition there is a large boarding-house. A beautiful avenue leads from this miil to the main road.

In 1886 Mr. J. E. Smith became the sole owner of this property, and in September of the following year Alfred Page, of Ayer, purchased it, and in December of that year deeded it to E. A. Richardson, who has since carried it on, in connection with Mr. Page. This new company employs about forty operatives.

Several improvements have been made in the prop- erty, and new machinery of various sorts added, so that now the mill runs seventy-four looms and 2880 spindles, and turns out annually about 1,000,000 yards of light sheetings, of a value of $35,000. The yearly pay-roll amounts to about $11,000.

The fifth cotton-mill was built in 1840 by Mr. Sam- uel Hazen, near the saw-mill erected by him in 1829, at the part of the town called North Bend. He also built several tenement-houses for the use of the operatives.

This was called the Lake Mill, and was first occu- pied by Mr. Oliver Barrett. It was afterwards en- larged and operated by the Fredonia Mill proprietors. Afterwards a company from Boston operated it until it was destroyed by fire, September 17, 1866. This mill was fitted with two thousand spindles and fifty- two looms, manufacturing about 524,000 yards of brown sheetings yearly.

the year 1849, and they gave it the name it now bears The structure is of brick, one hundred and forty feet long, fifty feet broad and three stories high, exclusive of the attic. It is surmounted by a tower which con- tains a bell. The whole structure was built very thoroughly in every detail. There are three blocks of brick dwelling-houses, two stories high, each block con- taining four houses. These are designed for such of the help as are married and wish to be housekeepers. There is also a large three-story brick boarding-house, sufficiently large to accommodate all those who prefer boarding. Between the houses and the mill-pond is a beautiful grove of pine trees that furnish an agree- able shade from the summer sun.

There was also a large and commodious agent's house, furnished by the proprietors, connected with the establishment; but it is not now used in connection with the mill.

The dedication of this mill by the Shaker frater- nity, on May 17, 1851, was an occurrence of such marked interest and peculiarity that the following extract from the account published by the New Bed- ford Daily Evening Standard is here inserted :

"The United Believers, who assembled on the oc- casion, consisted of the principal of the Shirley Shak- ers, with a large number who were invited from the society in Harvard, numbering from one hundred and fifty to two hundred persons of high respectabil- ity, distinguished for their neatness, benevolence and industry, as well as for their peculiar manner of wor- ship. The services were opened by one of the leading elders, William H. Wetherbee, who delivered an ad- dress. This address was followed by an original hymn, sung by the congregation. Lorenzo Dow Grosvenor, an elder from Harvard, then addressed the assembly. He earnestly recommended his hearers to cultivate the dis- position of brotherly love in all parties, to worship with frequency of spirit, and obey the dictations of those heavenly messengers by whom he felt they were sur- rounded. In conclusion, he recommended prayer, in which they all united, kneeling in silence. After a few minutes they arose and sang a hymn. They then proceeded in their usual manner to march by quick songa. Some thirty or more, who seemed to be sing- ers, formed an oval, facing each other, and the rest marched round them, two deep, making one circle within another; after a while the inside circle faced around and marched in the opposite direction from the outside column. At the close of this exercise they took their seats in nearly the same form they at first stood in ranks, when Elder Grosvenor briefly explained the views and beliefs of the society. He was followed by Elder William Leonard, who more fully entered into the subject.

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History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I, Part 131

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co Number of Pages: 1034

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co
Number of Pages: 1034