USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > New Bedford > History of New Bedford and its vicinity, 1620-1892 > Part 46
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90
Miscellaneous .- George S. Bowen & Company manufacture all kinds of corn brooms and brushes at 54 South Water street. They have oc- cupied the present location since June, 1886. 61
482
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
T. M. Denham & Brother occupy the building at 384 Acushnet avenue in the manufacture of shirts. The firm employs during the busy season nearly two hundred hands, and has a capacity of about one hundred dozen shirts per day.
The soap factory of Bryant & Brett is located at the corner of Water and Middle streets. The firm consists of Frank W. Bryant and H. M. Brett. The business came into their hands in 1888. Fifteen hands are employed.
The planing mill of Frederick A. Sowle occupies the four-story brick building on the square bounded by Elm, Bethel and North Water streets. Mr. Sowle began the business in a small way in 1873. His buildings were burned in 1884, and the present brick structure imme- diately erected. About thirty men are employed.
Brightman & Washburn, stair builders and furnishers, are located in the brick building at the corner of North Water and North streets. The business was established in 1869 by Gardner & Brightman, Mr. Gardner withdrawing from the firm about 1871. Mr. Brightman con- ducted the establishment alone until 1878, since which time Mr. Wash- burn has been a member of the firm. The individual members are Jacob Brightman and L R. Washburn They manufacture house and cottage trimmings, window and door frames, brackets, balusters, newels and inside shutters. Pattern making and scroll and circular sawing is also done Sixteen hands are employed.
Fred E Delano, pattern and model maker, occupies the second floor of the stone building at the corner of South Water and Coffin streets. The business was established by Nathan S. Ellis and Matthias Hatha- way in 1863, who were succeeded by Mr. Delano in 1891. He employs twenty-six hands.
The lumber yard and planing-mill of Greene & Wood is located on Leonard's wharf The history of this business dates back to the year 1835, when Samuel Leonard started in the lumber business at the bend of Clark's Cove, near the location of the present bath houses of the street railway company, and for a long time all the timber was brought up into the cove and rafted ashore. After a few years the present Leonard's wharf was built, and he removed his yards and business to the water front, where through successive ownerships the plant has
483
MISCELLANEOUS INDUSTRIES.
ever since remained. Shortly after the removal, Mr. Leonard's son, Henry T. Leonard, took the business, forming a partnership with Augustus A. Greene, a young carpenter who had come to New Bed- ford from Providence. The business was continued under the firm name of Leonard & Greene until 1848, when Henry T. Wood bought out Henry T. Leonard, and the style of the firm became Greene & Wood, and although Mr. Greene retired in 1872, and Henry T. Wood died in 1883, the firm name has remained the same for upwards of forty- five years. The present firm consists of William G. Wood, who entered it in 1861, and George R. Wood and Edmund Wood, who were admitted soon after the death of their father in 1883. The yard and buildings now occupy an area of eight acres of land, including the wharf, where every facility is afforded for the loading and unloading of cargoes. The old mill was burned in 1888, but a new and more com- modious one was immediately erected and fitted with automatic fire sprinklers. In 1888 the firm decided to engage in an entirely new in- dustry-the manufacture of spools and bobbins for cotton and woolen mills. This business so rapidly increased that a stock company was formed and incorporated with a capital of $100,000, under the name of the Greene & Wood Manufacturing Company. Other factories were either bought or leased in Fall River and Burlington, Vt., until this company became the largest producer of spools and bobbins in the United States. In February, 1891, this company sold all its property to the American Bobbin, Spool and Shuttle Company, of Boston, a cor- poration recently formed, and which now owns nearly all the bobbin interests of the country. This company continues to operate t1.e fac- tory in this city.
The planing-mill and lumber yard of William A. Tillinghast is located at 172 North Water street. The business was established by Tilling- hast & Terry in 1878. Mr. Terry withdrew in 1887, since which time Mr. Tillinghast has conducted the enterprise alone. At present twen- ty-two hands are employed.
In all cities the lumber and wood- working interests are greatly diver- sified, embracing the manufacture of sash and doors, boxes, carpenters' finishing lumber, etc. The same is true of New Bedford, and the fol- lowing comprise many of the more conspicuous of these manufacturers :
484
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
Mosher & Brownell, 162 North Water street; W. W. Allen, 193 North Water street; Sturtevant & Sherman, North Water street; Blossom Bros, 238-42 North Water street; William H. Washburn, 213-17 North Water street; all of these firms manufacture sash, doors, blinds, etc.
The office and factory of Job Wade is at the corner of Hamilton and North Front streets. He began the manufacture of shoe leather twenty- five years ago in the old paint mill on Wall street, which was burned. Mr. Wade moved to his present location in April, 1887. He employs from twenty to twenty five hands. Mr. Wade came to New Bedford in April, 1861, from Woburn, Mass., and worked in the First street tannery for six years before engaging in business for himself.
The Bay State Chair Company comprises as its members W. E. Sparrow, George Purrington, jr., I. P. Atsatt, and J. C. F. Atsatt. The business was begun in 1887 by the same parties in Mattapoisett and was removed from that place to their present location on Middle street in July, 1891. They are engaged in the manufacture of reed chairs, etc. Employment is given to thirty - five hands.
The White Oak River Company was incorporated in 1886 with a capital of $30,000. The company is engaged in shipping southern lumber from the White Oak River district of North Carolina. The office is at 29 North Front street and the present officers are : President, Loum Snow; clerk and treasurer, Fred. S Fuller ; directors, Chas. W. Plummer, Loum Snow, Killey E. Terry.
The Triumph Heat and Light Company was organized in Portland, Me., April 11, 1888, for the manufacture of gas and vapor stoves. The business of the company is transacted in New Bedford, where the factory is located. The capital stock is $500,000 and the present officers are : President, Edmund Rodman ; treasurer and clerk, S. T. Viall ; directors, Edmund Rodman, Joshua B. Winslow, S. T. Viall, Francis C. Smith, Robert B. Carsley, Chas. F. Borden, Pardon Cornell.
The Nickerson Piano Company was organized in June, 1888, under the laws of the State of Maine, with a capital stock of $100,000. The manufacture was commenced in September. At present the cases and actions are bought at manufactories, and the Nickerson patent is put in here. The company has a factory on Middle street and a salesroom at
485
MISCELLANEOUS INDUSTRIES.
392 Acushnet avenue. The present officers of the company are : President, William Lewis ; clerk and treasurer, Frank R. Hadley ; direc- tors, Wendell H. Cobb, James C. Stafford, H. B. Nickerson, J. Augustus Brownell, Pardon Cornell, John Wing, Warren E. Chase.
The Clark's Cove Guano Company was incorporated in 1881 with a capital stock of $100,000 and its product was first placed on the market in 1882. Extensive works were established on the west side of Clark's Cove. The present capital of the company is $800,000 and the officers are : President, Chas. W. Plummer ; treasurer, Vinal F. Hatch; clerk Samuel H. Cook; directors, Chas W. Plummer, Edward D. Mandell, Wm. J. Rotch, Chas. W. Clifford, Wm. W. Crapo, Edmund Grinnell, Samuel Ivers.
The Electrical Manufacturing Company was incorporated in 1890 with a capital of $5,000 and began the manufacture of electrical goods at 31 North Front street. The officers of the company are: President, Walter Clifford; treasurer, Henry W. Parker; clerk, Wm. M. Butler; di- rectors, Henry W. Parker, Walter Clifford, Wm. M. Butler, David L .. Parker, Chas. F Shaw.
The Strange Forced Twist Drill Company was incorporated in 1887 with a capital of $15,000 for the purpose of manufacturing twist drills under the patents of John F. Strange. The officers of the company are: President, Edwin Dews; clerk and treasurer, Henry M. Knowles; directors, Edwin Dews, Henry M. Knowles, John P. Knowles, jr., William M. Bates, Thos. M. Hart, Moses C. Swift, Joseph C. Knowles.
The plant of the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company is one of the largest in the city, covering 512 acres of land, betweeen Water street east to the water front.
H. C. Fowler manufactures power-loom harness for silk and cotton- mills at Parker's Wharf. He began business in 1886, and at present employs sixteen hands.
Hayes & Company are located at 193 North Water street. They manufacture whale boat timbers, knees, stems, lobster pot frames and dress staves, employing four men. The business was established by Andrew G. Hayes in 1848, on Greene & Wood's wharf. He subse- quently removed to the shop of Abner Allen, and was burned out in the big fire of 1859. He started the present mill in 1867, and his son,
486
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
L. W. Hayes, became associated with him. He died in 1890, since which time the business has been conducted by L. W. Hayes alone.
The H. V. Davis Chemical Works are located on Court street at the corner of Chancery. The industry commenced in the manufacture of Prussian blue in a little shanty at the corner of William and Sixth streets, and about theyear 1840 the business was purchased by Henry V. Davis and Philip B. Lewis. Mr. Davis soon became sole proprietor, and since his death the heirs have continued the business. The prod- ucts of the works are cyanide of potassium and prussiate of potash. Employment is furnished for eighteen hands.
The Standard Chemical Manufacturing Company has a salesroom at 211 Purchase street. It manufactures all kinds of vaseline and polishes, cologne, window polish, etc. The business was established about two years ago.
The bookbindery of Edwin Dews, at 125, 127 and 129 Union street, was established by George A. Bourne in 1837. The business came into the hands of several firms, first of which was Parsons & Robinson, who were followed by Parsons & Palmer, and later by Parsons & Com- pany. Dews & Haswell became proprietors in 1867 or 1868. Mr. Haswell remained in the firm for about one year, since which tine Mr. Dews has carried on the business alone. He employs five or six hands.
H. F. Damon began the manufacturing of Chinese sheet washing bluing in 1880. His factory is located at 34 North Second street, and twelve hands are employed.
Denison Brothers have two flouring and feed-mills, known respect- ively as the " North " and "South " Mill. The South Mill was started by Warner & Denison in 1858 and conducted by thiem until 1864, the firm consisting of Joseph B. Warner and John H. Denison. At that time Henry C. Denison and Burrage Y. Warner were admitted to the firm, and that partnership continued until 1868, when Mr. Warner sold his interest to S. M. Hall. Mr. Hall continued with the Denisons un- der the firm name of J H. Denison & Company until 1873, when he withdrew and Denison Brothers became sole proprietors. The North Mill was built in 1870 or 1871 on the site that was occupied prior to that time by the old saw-mill, at the corner of North Water and Hill- man streets. The old building was afterward used as a cotton-mill, and
487
MISCELLANEOUS INDUSTRIES.
subsequently converted into a flour-mill and operated by Silas Bullard, incorporated, B. B. Howard being president, and Mr. Bullard, treasurer of the company. In 1869 John N. Bullard, a nephew of Silas, assumed the management of the mill, and it was thus continued until September 13, 1870, when it was destroyed by fire. A new mill was immediately built and started by a new corporation, consisting of George R. Phillips, president, John N. Bullard, treasurer, known as the New Bedford Flour Company. They operated the mill until 1877, when Denison Brothers purchased the property in connection with George Wilson. Mr. Wilson withdrew in the spring of 1881, since which time the business has been conducted entirely by the Denison Brothers. A corporation was formed March 1, 1891, known as Denison Brothers Company, with a capital of $100,000. The officers are : John H. Denison, president, and Henry C. Denison, treasurer, who, together with John P. Denison, form the board of directors. The present capacity of the two mills is about 1,500 bushels of meal per day. No wheat flour has been made for some time. Thirty five hands are employed, and the mills have two engines with a capacity of 450 horse power.
The firm of Burt & Tobey, manufacturers of electrical specialties, consists of Henry P. Burt and Charles W. Tobey, and their factory and office are located in the brick building at 23 Middle street. The busi- ness was established in 1890, and at present the firm is making an in- genius light-controlling switch, a resistance box, wire couplings, wire tags, etc. They also have American, German, French and English patents on an improved stamp battery for affixing stamps to envelopes automatically. Their productions are all neat and useful, and their business is assuming gratifying proportions.
The firm of Baker & Gifford was established about three years ago, and is at present engaged in the manufacture of a variety of displaying receptacles for merchants and dealers, at 15 and 17 Centre street. Mr. Gifford is the inventor of several of the specialties manufactured by the firm, which have come into extensive use by grocers and fruit sellers.
John H. Lawrence came from Taunton to New Bedford in 1886, and together with two other gentlemen, also of Taunton, established the New Bedford Top Roll Company, on Acushnet avenue. In two years Mr. Lawrence bought out his partners' interests and has carried on the
488
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
business in his own name since that time. In 1889 he moved to his present quarters in the second story of the building at the corner of Pleasant and Kempton streets. He employs fifteen hands.
The electric plating establishment of L. A. Littlefield is located at 134 Union street. From a comparatively small start Mr. Littlefield has increased his business to one of considerable importance. He began the enterprise in 1884 with George Needham, and the firm was known as Needham & Littlefield until April, 1888, when Mr. Needham with- drew. Mr. Littlefield employs six men, and his power is supplied by an electric motor of five horse power.
Fred H. Sargent began business at 92 Pleasant street in 1880. He employs seven men.
P. P. Jenney & Son began the manufacture of lawn and park settees, water tanks and specialties, at 40 Kempton street (old number) in 1878. Since that time Pleasant street has been extended, and the entrance to their establishment is now on that thoroughfare. They employ nine men on an average.
Charles F. Folger, manufacturer of brackets, cabinets, mantels, etc., occupies the three -story building at 135 South Water street. He be- gan business in 1884 and at present employs four workmen.
Bates & Kirby, manufacturers of all grades of candy, cake and ice cream, are located at 48 and 50 Pleasant street. The firmi employs about fourteen men in the winter and eighteen in the summer season.
The Manufacture of Cigars .- Probably the first cigar manufactory in New Bedford was that of Niles Tilden. He came from Methuen, Mass., in 1834, at which place he had been engaged in making cigars for many years. He established himself here on Spring street, corner of Acushnet avenue, then Third street, and afterwards moved to a loca- tion on Union street near the corner of Front. He also carried on his trade for several years on the site of Caswell's paint shop and subse- quently moved directly across the street. In the year 1848 he moved his business to a building on Second street, opposite the post-office and carried on the manufacture of cigars there until 1887, about one year prior to his death. He was for many years a familiar figure on our streets, had formerly been a member of the Methuen Guards and was very fond of anything that pertained to the military.
489
MISCELLANEOUS INDUSTRIES.
Another prominent cigar manufacturer of war times was Amos K. Haswell, who began making his goods in 1866 in the store now occu- pied by Edwin Dew's book and binding establishment. Prior to that time he had, with his father, been engaged in cigar making at Long Plain, and at one time peddled his wares through the country.
Charles W. Oesting was also a cigar manufacturer, and carried on his business, first at 59 Union street (old number), afterwards moving to the corner of Purchase and William streets, the present location of Haskell & Tripp's store. He was engaged in the business for about thirty years. Antone Thomas also made cigars for eight or nine years at III South Water street (old number).
John Francis began the manufacture of cigars about 1860, in a store on South Water street. In 1869 he removed to a location on Union street. He also carried on the business for upwards of thirty years, selling out to Francis & Swain in 1884.
Frank W. Francis, son of the above, is now located at 169 Union street. He first began business as a manufacturer of cigars in 1880, and at that time was located on Acushnet avenue corner of Grinnell street. He continued there about two years, when, finding the business un- profitable for the time being, he discontinued its prosecution and did not again resume it until 1884, at which time he, together with H. S. Swain, bought out his father's business, which had been carried on for many years. Mr. Swain withdrew from the firm in 1885, his interests coming into the hands of Allen Almy, and during the next year the firm was known as F. W. Francis & Company. In 1886 Mr. Almy also withdrew and Mr. Francis assumed entire control of the business. He conducted the establishment at 148 Union street until July, 1889, when he moved to his present quarters. He employs nine hands, and has a capacity of about 5,000 cigars per week.
A. Robinson & Co. manufacture cigars at 117 Union street. The firm is composed of A. Robinson and A. L. Sylvia. The business was. established in 1873 by Mr. Robinson on South Water street, between Griffin and Howland. He carried on the factory alone for about four years, when Mr. Sylvia came into the firm. They then moved to what is now 73 Union street and remained there in one location thirteen years. They have occupied their present quarters about two years, and
62
49
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
at present employ seven hands and manufacture about 7,500 cigars per week.
Sail Making -This industry, which at one time was an important factor in the various trades and pursuits allied to the whale fishery and marine commerce, has been steadily on the decline for more than a score of years. In 1888 there were but four firms yet in the business, and during the past three years two of those have dropped out. In the palmy days of whaling, when vessels were fitted out at New Bedford wharves by the score, there were any number of sail and rigging lofts, and many hands were kept busily engaged making sails and ship's out- fits. The firm of Thomas M. Hart & Company, whose sail loft is on Commercial street, comprises as its members Thomas M. Hart, James C. Briggs, and Oliver W. Cobb. The business was originally estab- lished by Simpson Hart, father of Thomas, in 1834. In 1843 the gran- ite building on the north side of Commercial street was built and Mr. Hart moved his business into it. He remained in that location until his death, November 5, 1876, after which Thomas M. Hart conducted the business until January, 1888, at which time Mr. Briggs and Mr. Cobb were received into the firmn. They employ from seventeen to twenty hands.
John Almy also makes sails, his loft being located on Merrill's wharf.
Iron and Other Metals .- The New Bedford Copper Company was one of the first to extensively engage in the manufacture of metal in New Bedford. The company was incorporated in 1860 with a paid up capital of $250,000, and its works are situated on the east side of North Front Street, just east of the Wamsutta Mills. The product of the mills includes copper and yellow sheathing metals, copper rollers for calico printers, yellow metal bolts, and cut nails, braziers', dimension, and bolt copper. The main rolling-mill is 250 by 100 feet in area, and the build- ing for mixing metals and refining copper is 175 by 60 feet. Lake Superior copper is used exclusively in the manufacture of sheet copper and the print rollers, and the products of the mills have a wide repu- tation. The present officers are: President, Gilbert Allen ; clerk and treasurer, Clarence A. Cook; directors, Gilbert Allen, Edward D. Mandell, William J. Rotch, Frederick S. Allen, and Charles W. Clif- ford.
491
MISCELLANEOUS INDUSTRIES.
The extensive works of the Morse Twist Drill and Machine Company occupy the entire square bounded by Bedford, Fourth, Fifth, and Wing streets. The business which has reached such magnificent proportions is the outcome of a small and unpretentious beginning. Stephen A. Morse conceived the idea of making a twist drill, and began the manu- facture of his invention at East Bridgewater, Mass., in 1861. In 1865 he secured a patent upon the drill, and moved to New Bedford, where he had succeeded in interesting capital, and a shop two stories high, 30 by 60 feet in area was erected for his occupancy. The present corpora- tion was incorporated in 1864 with a capital stock of $30,000, which was increased January 1, 1883, to $600,000. The first officers were : President and treasurer, Nathan Chase ; directors, Frederick S. Allen, Andrew G. Pierce, Thomas M. Stetson, and Gilbert Allen. The prod- uct of the company includes twist drills for machinists' use, twist drills for blacksmith drill presses, machine bits, bit stock drills, reamers, chucking reamers, beach chucks, center drill chucks, counter bores, mandrels, milling cutters, drill grinding machines, standard gauges, taps, dies, screw plates, and tap wrenches. These goods find a market in all parts of the United States, in England, Europe, Australia, India, Rus- sia, and South America. Employment is furnished for 300 hands, and an engine of 150 horse power is used. The present officers are : Pres- ident and treasurer, Edward S. Taber; directors, Frederick S. Allen, Andrew G. Pierce, Thomas M. Stetson, and Gilbert Allen.
Pope's Island Manufacturing Company was incorporated in 1890 and the company's works are located on the island from which it takes its name. Horse bits and harness trimmings are manufactured at these works from Howard's non-corrosive metals. The company also makes castings and bearing metals. Twelve hands are employed and a forty horse power engine is used. The capital stock is $50,000 and the present officers are: President, David B. Kempton ; clerk and treas . urer, H. Wilder Emerson ; manager, WV. H. Bassett ; directors, David B Kempton, H. C. W. Mosher, H. Wilder Emerson, William H. Bassett, Charles A. Gray, and James S. Howard.
Babbitt, Wood & Company, steam fitters and boiler makers, are located at 32 Commercial street. They succeeded to the business of the Union Boiler Company. Employment is furnished to thirty-five men.
492
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
The New Bedford Boiler and Machine Company occupies the build- ings at 24, 26 and 28 Front street. The firm is composed of Joseph S. Lewis and Henry A. Holcomb. The business was established February 16, 1876, by H. A. Holcomb, Gilbert Bradley, jr., J. S. Lewis and Henry A. Holcomb. It was then known as the New Bedford Boiler Company. They manufacture and make a specialty of a patented steam heating apparatus. They employ twenty-five men on an average.
Gardner & Southwick, brass founders, coppersmiths and plumbers, are located at Middle street. The firm is composed of Reuben M. Gard- ner and Arnold W. Southwick. The business was established in 1884. Seven hands are employed.
J. C. Rhodes & Company are manufacturers of eyelets for shoes, etc. Their office and factory is located on North Front street at the corner of Rotch's square.
The New Bedford Reed Company occupies the premises at 189 North Water street. The firm is composed of Manuel D. and John D. Martin, who established the business about 1885 on Acushnet avenue. They moved to their present quarters in 1888.
The American Carrier Rocket Company was organized and incor- porated in 1886, with a capital of $250,000, consisting of 2,500 shares of $100 each. Most of the stock is held in New Bedford. The com- pany manufactures self line-carrying rockets which are used for life- saving purposes. The company's office is located at 23 Middle street and the present officers are : President, Hiram B. Coffin ; secretary, Geo. R. Phillips; treasurer, Geo. R. Phillips; directors, Hiram B. Coffin, Jacob B. Hadley, William Lewis, Samuel C. Hart, Chas. A. Gray, S. T. Viall, Frank R. Hadley, Jas. H. Murkland, Frederick Swift, J. W. Clifton, Gilbert N. Hall.
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.