History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. III, Part 105

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co
Number of Pages: 1278

USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. III > Part 105

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In 1780, September 1, the town met aud voted for the first Governor of this State, and John Hancock received 39 votes and James Bowdoin two votes.

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HOLLISTON.

In 1790 the town first cast its votes for a representa- tive to Congress. In 1791 nineteen persons and their families were warned to leave the town because they had moved into it without having obtained the town's consent. In 1795 the Minister's salary was first voted in the Federal currency, and it was $266.67.

We now come to the commencement of an import- ant era, the beginning of manufacturing industries which have been such a prominent factor in the pros- perity of Holliston. Previous to 1793 there had been no manufacturers or mechanics in the township ex- cepting those who, in a small way, supplied the in- mediate wants of the farmers and their families. And the farmers did not desire to have manufactures introduced, some of them even being strongly opposed to the plan.

But in that year Colonel Ariel Bragg began the manufacture of shoes. "He commenced business with forty pounds of sole leather and four calf-skins, from which he made twenty-two pairs of shoes, which he carried to Providence, R. I., in saddle-bags on horseback, with a bundle of hay behind him; and having disposed of his goods for $21.50, returned and invested his gains in new stock. In 1800 and 1810 Hezekiah and Jonathan Bullard began business on a similar scale. In 1816 Deacon Timothy Rockwood began to manufacture goods and transport them to the Boston market in a horse-cart. In 1821 the names of Batchelder, Currier, Littlefield (who made fine shoes for ladies) and others were added to the list of manufacturers, all doing business upon small capital and transporting their goods and stock them- selves in their one-horse wagons. It is said that Mr. W. S. Batchelder first endeavored to settle in Sherborn for this purpose, but was unable to purchase any land there for manufacturing uses, so much were the farm- ers opposed to new projects. He afterwards built up a large business in Holliston. A tannery at the West End and one at Chicken Brook, with currier's shops different places, furnished the leather. Shoe-pegs were not in general use and steam hardly used at all in manufactures.

As the business increased, one of the events of the day was the inauguration, in 1828, of a line of two- horse baggage-wagons from the neighboring town of Milford to Boston, passing through Holliston and making two trips a week. On the first morning this new conveyance passed through the town, Mr. W. S. Batchelder and his workmen turned out to see it, and great was the outcry at the extravagance of Milford people, particularly of Chapin & Claflin, who owned the line; and Mr. Batchelder cried out, "Milford is getting prond, and when I can't take my shoes to Boston in my own team, I'll give up the business." He afterwards changed his mind, however, for he lived to carry on a business so extensive that it re- quired a one-horse team all the time merely to take his goods to the railroad station, which was but a short distance.

As time went on many other persons set up the manufacture of shoes and boots, and Holliston be- came quite well-known in this business. There were ten large shops and several smaller ones. In 1874 it furnished employment for about six hundred persons and turned out goods to the value of $1,000,000. Among them was Mr. John Batcheller, a brother of William S., who continued the manufacture even to the year 1889. He adopted and maintained a high standard and was distinguished for the excellence of his workmanship. No better boots than his were found in the market.

Hon. Alden Leland was, for many years in the business, and had during part of the time as a part- ner, Mr. P. R. Johnson, who still carries on the manufacture in the town. Mr. Leland began to make shoes in 1831, and was in active business for more than fifty years. He was also a prominent man in the affairs of the town. Born in Chester, Vermont, Nov. 30, 1807, his father, Capt. Nathan Leland, moved to Holliston, when the son was an infant, and the latter spent the remainder of his life here, where most of his ancestors belonged. Growing himself with the growth of the town, his interests were iden- tified with it, and he received all the honors and duties which his town and his county could induce him to accept. He held every office of note within the gift of the town, was Representative iu the Legis- latures of 1838, 1842, 1848 and 1852, and was a mem- ber of the Constitutional Convention in 1853. He was State Senator in 1865 and 1866, and a member of the Governor's Council in 1875 and 1876. He was the first President of the Holliston Savings Bank, and at his death had been President of the National Bank for six or seven years. An active power in the town during its greatest prosperity, he did much to make that prosperity. He was a zealons member of the Congregational church, but in religion as in poli- tics, lie recognized the honesty of others with differ- ent beliefs, and won the confidence of all. He was twice married, first to Auna Temple, and second to Rhoda 1. Leland. IIe died in Holliston, Aug. 30, 1883, leaving a wife aud three children.

In the year 1879, the " hard times " seriously affect- ed this business, and it began to decline. It has never recovered its former prosperity, and there are at present but five shops of much magnitude.

Although this has been the largest and most lucra- tive business, yet other branches of manufacture have flourished and have performed important ser- vice to the interests of the town.

In 1814, when the shoe business was still in its infancy, and gave no sign of its future success, Hon. Elihu Cutler, filled with the desire to do something towards the improvement and progress of his native town, conceived the idea that manufactures might build it up, by bringing into the town more money and more people. He resolutely set about the work, gradually overcame the opposition to new enterprises,

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

exhibited a plan of a mill, and formed a company of his townsmen, who erected the first mill in Holliston, in 1814, for manufacturing purposes. This was a thread mill, situated on Bogistow Brook, where W. L. Payson afterwards manufactured wood-work and boxes, with power from a steam-engine as well as the brook. This gave the first impulse in the right direc- tion. By good tact and persuasion, he succeeded in drawing more people into the town, bought land and sold house lots, and also houses which he had built, and gradually formed the nucleus of a village. He labored incessantly for the improvement of the town. One accession brought another, other manufactures were established, and as the shoe busines continued to improve, Mr. Cutler had the satisfaction during his own lifetime, of seeing the fruits of the labors which he had commenced.

Elihu Cutler was a son of Col. Simeon Cutler, whom we have mentioned as having served under Washington in the Revolution. fle was born May 25, 1771, in lloHliston, attended the district-school during its short termis, and assisted his father on the farm and in the tavern which the latter kept. He learned the trade of a wheelwright. Notwithstanding his limited advantages, "his mind," says Morse, "naturally strong and active, somehow acquired a good common education, and even mastered treatises on metaphysics. The information he acquired, and his ability to impart it, rendered his society attractive and profitable.

Mental culture, often acquired by the study of busi- ness as well as books, early marked his countenance, and gave dignity to his manners. These, coupled with a good measure of common sense, rendered him the first young man in Holliston. . . . . His first ap- prarance in a public capacity was that of marshal or the great and mournful occasion of the funeral of Washington, From about that time, for nearly forty years he was connected with the public measures and transactions of Holliston ; and if not the projector of all, what one, it might be asked, was ever brought to an advantageous conclusion without him ? No portion of the influence he exerted, or of the good he accom- plished, is to be measured by the offices he filled." He was appointed a magistrate early in this century ; was chosen a member of the convention to amend the State constitution in 1820, a reprepresentative from Holliston in 1827-28, and subsequently a State Senator, being the first man sent to the senate from this town, as his son Elihu was the second. He was also an active man in the affairs of the parish, and helped most efficiently to reconcile discordant views at a critical time. He diol June 9, 1857, at the age of eighty-six, full of years and of honors.

The mill site of Mr. Cutler was afterwards occupied by Randall Travis, tanner and currier, by Hamlet Barber and Luther Bellows, by Samuel and W. L. Payson, then by W. L. Payson alone, and then by l'ayson & Cutler.

The manufacture of straw goods was commenced in 1815 by Charles and George Leland. It was after- wards conducted by Mr. Thayer, and then by Lewis Slocum, who, in 1861 improved and increased the business. He was followed by Slocum & Thomp- son ; Thompson & Mowry; Mowry, Rogers & Co., ; and since 1882 by D. C. Mowry & Co., the present firm, who do a very large business. The factory now in use was erected in 1862, but several additions have since been made, so that it covers an area of seven thousand square feet, and contains five floors, there be- ing also a one-story and basement ell. There are steam boilers and two steam-engines, and the works are equipped throughout with the most improved facilities for the manufacture of men's, boys' and children's straw hats of every description. The trim- mings are imported from France and Germany, and the braid from China and Japan, where it can be manufactured more cheaply than in this country. Two hundred hands are employed during the busy season, under careful and complete supervision. The amount of sales is from $150,000 to $200,000 per annum. Some idea of the magnitude and variety of the busi- ness may be formed from the fact that two thousand sample hats are made every season, which is ten times the number formerly provided.

The manufacture of coach lace was commenced by Prescott Littlefield, about 1827, and was continued for some eight years. He employed eight or ten hands, mostly girls, and the weaving was done by hand-power. After the death of Mr' Littlefield the business was discontinued, and the place passed into other hands. A portion of the building was used for a shoe-shop, and was soon burned. It was the first shop burned in Holliston ; and being one of the ear- liest fires of the town, it allowed the new fire company to display their engine in action. This may be re- membered by some as the old erank machine, “ Water- witch," kept at Metcall's station for many years. The origin of this, as of so many later fires in the town, was shrouded in uncertainty. For the purpose of saving property the windows and doors were removed at an early stage of the fire.

Earlier in the century, and perhaps before 1800, James Stone, a son of landlord John Stone, and grandson of the first minister, established a plough- factory, employing seven or eight men, near School and Washington Streets.

About and after 1828 a trip-hammer forge and au- ger-factory, saw-mill and other shops occupied the site of the present blanket-mills. There was also, at one time, a cotton-factory there, as before noted.

In 1834 a comb-factory was built on Jar Brook. The hard times of 1837 caused a suspension of work for a season, after which it was again in operation un- til it was burned, about January, 1860. When at the height of business the annual sales amounted to about $100,000. Houghton & Joslyn and Houghton & Dan- iels were the proprietors.

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HOLLISTON.

In 1866, Messrs. Stetson and Talbot commenced in the same place the manufacture of shoe nails, and shoe and upholstery tacks. They are made of iron, zinc and copper. About twenty-two persons are now employed in this establishment, and in the year 1889 more than one and a quarter million pounds of man- ufactured goods were turned out, aspecialty being made of nails for heeling-machines. The motive-power is the water of Jar Brook and a steam-engine, which run a plant of improved machinery. The building consists of a main shop, forty by one hundred and sixty feet, having an ell fifty by sixty feet in size.

Copper pumps were first made in 1837, by Hough- ton & Joslyn. At first two or three hundred were made in a year ; but the business has steadily in- creased, owing to the excellence of the goods and the enterprise of the present managers, until during some years from three to four thousand were made annu- ally ; and the reputation of the pumps is such as to create a demand for them in foreign countries as well as at home. Since 1851, the business has been con- dncted by S. Wilder & Co., and the same firm-name has been retained since the death of Mr. Sidney Wilder in 1888, although conducted by Chas. and Geo. Wilder. They manufacture both common and force pumps, cistern and air-chamber pumps; and although the in- troduction of water-works in many towns has modified the call for pumps to some extent, they are still a staple article and must continue to be so. The members of the firm are skillful practical workmen and give their personal attention to the business. None but the best materials are used.

The manufacture of knit goods was begun in 1874, by George B. Fiske. One machine was employed at first, but the number has gradnally increased until twenty hands or more were furnished with work, and in some years the sales have amounted to twenty thousand dollars, The goods find a ready sale and comprise a variety of useful articles of clothing. The business became well established among the manu- facturing enterprises of the town. Of late it has been conducted by the "Mt. Hollis Manufacturing Co.," who now confine themselves chiefly to the pro- duction of knitted shirts.

The corporation known as The Holliston Mills was formed November 14, 1881, for the mannfacture of blankets of different grades, some of a high quality being made. It continued for some years, but, owing to changes in the trade in those goods, ceased oper- ation February 1, 1888. In December, 1889, it came into the possession of Edward Clark.

In 1880, Samuel Whiting commenced the manufac- ture of chairs and packing-boxes, and prosecuted a considerable business for several years. He employed improved machinery, driven by a steam-engine, had from five to fifteen men and furnished goods of a high quality. He is now succeeded by Elias Hunter, who makes boxes only.

A corporation called the IIolliston Harness Co. 29-iii

commenced business here March 7, 1890. They man- ufacture all kinds and grades of harness and sell at wholesale only. They employed eighteen persons at I first, but have forty now. John Hughes is the man- ager.

Holliston has had the misfortune to be fre- quently invaded by fires. The most extensive of all was "the great fire," which occurred May 26, 1875. Says Walker: "Within three hours from the time when the alarm was first given twenty-two buildings were burned, all but one of which were completely destroyed. Among these were the hotel, a large livery stable, a block of stores, two other stores and several dwelling-houses. A large space in the centre of the village was left bare of buildings ; but the enterprise of the people has rebuilt where the ruins were, and the general appearance is greatly im- proved. Statistics issued by the State Insurance Commissioners show, however, that this town has no more fires than the average of towns of the same pop- ulation. The town has approved 'steam fire-engines and a hydrant engine.

" For the extinguishment of fires and for domestic and other purposes," the Holliston Water Company was incorporated in the year 1884, for the supply of pure water to the inhabitants of the town. The charter was renewed in 1887, and the company is now busily at work, in 1890, with the expectation of introducing the water before the close of the year. The water is obtained from springs in an immense well excavated for the purpose, in East Holliston. The overflow will be collected in an artificial lake, and a stand-pipe on Mt. Hollis will give the desired " head" to the water. Mr. John D. Shippee is the manager, and he is ener- getically prosecuting the work. The work of laying the pipes for conveying the water to the stand-pipe was commenced early in September, 1890. Mr. Z. Talbot has been the treasurer of the company from the beginning, in 1884.

Some twenty-five or thirty years ago efforts were commenced to improve the quality of the fruit of the cranberry vine and to increase its productiveness. It was naturally supposed that, as other fruits had been made better by cultivation, this crop might also be improved. With this end in view, Mr. Laurin Le- land, in 1854, began the work of planting the vines in a meadow suitably prepared to furnish the cran- berry with its natural food. In some cases this was done by paring the meadow and then covering it with a thick layer of sand; in other cases by merely spreading the sand on the natural meadow. Large crops of fruit of finer quality were thus obtained. Mr. Ezra Leland was afterwards associated with him in this work.

In 1860 Deacon George Batchelder commenced by planting one hundred square rods of meadow with the vines. This he gradnally increased until eight acres or more were cultivated. These berries are not only larger in size, but they are harder and of darker

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

color than the native fruit, and are more highly prized in the market. H. B. Tibbetts succeeded George Batchelder, and has done even a better busi- ness. A. B. Tibbetts started a meadow of his own in 1890.

Nothing appears in the town records concerning the War of 1812; but it is evident that some men from this town served as soldiers at that time, because inscriptions to that effect are found on grave-stones in the burying-grounds, and one soldier of that war, Luther Green, was living in the town only a few years since. The records at the State-House would doubtless furnish the list of names.

No other events of importance occurred in the civil history of the town for many years, except those already mentioned under their appropriate headings.

In the year 1847, greatly increased accommodations for traveling were furnished by the Boston and Wor- cester Railroad Company. On July 4th of that year the first trip was made over the Milford Branch of that road, as far as Holliston Centre. The deep cut through Phipps' Hill was made with difficulty and occupied a long time, so that it was not until Novem- ber, 1848, that the train went through to Milford. " This railroad has been of great advantage to the industrial interests of Holliston, and bas had a profita- ble business in the transportation of passengers and freight." The greater part of that section of the village lying beyond the railroad has been built up since the introduction of these facilities. For a long time the people of the town have desired an early train to South Framingham, but could not induce the company to furnish it. But at length, through per- sistent efforts, they succeeded in July, 1890, in obtain- ing it. This train leaves Milford at 6.30 A.M., and returns at 6.12 p.M., thus accommodating many per- sons who wish to commence their daily work at 7 o'clock and others who desire to take early trains to Boston and other points. Great satisfaction is felt at the accomplishment of this long-sought object.

It is less than forty years since banking facilities were conveniently furnished to the citizens of the town. During all the previous time that business was done by the banks of Dedham, Wrentham and Framingham, " causing," says an old resident, " many a wintry trip to those distant towns." Some private banking was done by inhabitants on farms near by, " where one worth $10,000 was a nabob, and if worth $15,000, a bloated aristocrat."

But in 1854 the Holliston Bank was fo, med and in- corporated with a capital of $100,000, and it has furnished accommodations to this and neighbor- ing towns. Its first president was William S. Batch- elder and its cashier, Rufus F'. Brewer. The latter served for several years, when he was succeeded by Thomas E. Andrews, who occupied the position until July 16, 1883, since which time John H. Andrews has filled the office of cashier. Mr. Brewer died in Philadelphia in 1888. Mr. Batchelder served as

president until his death, in 1876, when Hon. Alden Leland was elected to that station, which he occupied also during the remainder of his life. He was suc- ceeded by Sidney Wilder in 1883, and by John M. Batchelder in 1890. The bank was reorganized as a National bank January 23, 1865, and in April of the same year the capital was increased to $150,000. By careful management a handsome surplus has been created, amounting to about $30,000.

The bank has from the first been closely identified with the developement of this particular community, home interests having guided its policy to a great extent, and home enterprises of genuine merit having received its hearty and valuable co-operation. It occupies its own brick banking-house on Washington Street, built in 1872, and furnished with the most approved modern appliances for convenience and safety.

The Holliston Savings Bank was incorporated in 1872, and is an institution of great value to the town. Its office is in the National bank building, and it has had but one treasurer, Orrin Thomson, Esq. Hon. Alden Leland was the first president, and was succeeded by Seth Thayer and D. C. Mowry, who now occupies that chair. The amount of deposits from the beginning is about $1,500,000.

Several old cemeteries are found in Holliston, and they were established at different periods, according to the locations of the inhabitants and their require- ments for burial-places. The oldest is the Central t'emetery, near the first church and the town-house, where several of the early ministers are interred. There is also quite an old cemetery at the north part of the town, one in the western portion, two at Bragg- ville, and one at East Holliston. Glenmount Cemetery was laid out some years since in the eastern quarter of the town, but is not at all used at present. Although some of these cemeteries are not without rural attrac- tions, yet most of them are limited in space and be- long to the old order of burying-grounds. In a cultivated community like this there was therefore a natural desire for a more extensive location, and one which should be capable of more ornamentation. And accordingly a plot was selected on the banks of Lake Winthrop, containing thirty acres. It con- tains a grove, which, with the water-view of the lake and its islands, forms a diversified and beautiful spot for the interment of the dead, and one which is attractive and pleasant to the minds of the living. It was incorporated in 1859 as Lake Grove Cemetery, and was consecrated June 1, 1860, Rev. J. C. Bodwell, of Framingham, delivering an eloquent address, and Rev. Dr. Tucker the consecrating prayer. It contains more than three hundred burial lots, many of which are tastefully adorned, and there are several hundred not yet laid out. Beautiful monuments have been erected near the graves, and the entire enclosure is an honor to the town. It has always, since its opening, continued to be a favorite place for interment, and

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will compare favorably with similar parks in other towns.

We now approach a period filled with events of the most momentous character for this town, as well as for all the towns in the State-a period when men were turned from the peaceful occupations of life to the trying and hazardous career of war. The inhab- itants of the town were forced to change the whole current of their lives, and many of them to adopt, in the emergency which arose, duties to which they had been wholly unaccustomed, and modes of living dia- metrically opposite to those in which their previous life had been passed. A long and bloody civil war, the hardest and most severe of all wars, was upon us, and a contest for the very existence of the Union was waged for four long and terrible years. The part which the citizens of this town took in that struggle is so well described by Rev. George F. Walker, in his historical article, that I cannot do better than to quote it. He writes, " When, on the morning of April 12, 1861, the first gun of the Civil War was fired against Fort Sumter, and its echoes stirred the patriotism of the entire North, the people of Holliston were ready, as worthy sons of Revolu- tionary sires, to take their full share of the burdons of the war. On the 15th of April, President Lincoln, hy proclamation, called for seventy-five thousand volunteers, and on the 29th the town took measures for the raising of a military company, and it was soon ready to march, when ordered to join the Fed- eral forces. To help those who were willing to en- list, and to relieve them of anxiety respecting the support of their families, who were to be left at home, the town voted, September 30th, to pay one dollar a month to the wife of any soldier enlisted from this town, and fifty cents per month for each child, in addition to the aid received from the State. It was also provided by vote, the next year, that the families of the nine months' men be paid the same as the others.

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History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. III, Part 105

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co Number of Pages: 1278

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co
Number of Pages: 1278