History of Worcester County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I, Part 125

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1576

USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > History of Worcester County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I > Part 125

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ber 17, 1821, John Farnam and Samuel Willis, having become owners of the fourth part bought by Mr. Pitts, deeded to Sylvanus Holbrook, a brother-in-law of Mr. Farnam, three-fourths of the property, Mr. Holbrook to take possession April 1, 1822. October 11, 1822, Jesse Eddy sold his fourth part to Mr. Hol- brook, and he now became sole owner. The mill, which had before been called " Eddy's Mill," was now called "Holbrook's." Mr. Holbrook enlarged the old mill, and continued to manufacture satinets. The weaving was all done by hand until 1823, when power-looms were introduced. Broadcloth was also made by Mr. Holbrook, woven by hand on four looms, each two yards wide. Of this article it is said, "it was made of the very best stock, and was really fine and nice." The mannfacture of broadcloth was discontinned about 1831. The woolen-mill was a three-set mill. The manufacture of satinets was continued until 1837, after which no woolen goods were manufactured in the town. The textile manufactures of the town were to be of cotton alone.

MANUFACTURES OF LEATHER .- Among the primi- tive industries of the town was that of the shoemaker. He was soon followed by the tanner and currier, to prepare the material for his art.

Benjamin Basset, John Adams, Benjamin Farrar, Simeon Bassett, Alfred Huse and Daniel Adams were long remembered as of the traveling fraternity of shoemakers, who carried their " kit " from house to house and shod the families for the season. But they were not to continue travelers, nor were they to be content to supply the home demand. As early as 1810 Cheney Taft began the manufacture of the first "sale " work in the town. He made what were called "nigger shoes," in the summer, and went South to sell them in the winter. Others soon followed, and rooms were fitted up in the houses and little shops were built near the homes for the new manufacture. Between 1810 and 1820 eleven individuals were en- gaged in the business; between 1820 and 1830, twelve (some of these worked alone, others employed one or more hands); between 183) and 1840, sixteen indi- viduals and four firms; between 1840 and 1850, thir- teen individuals and two firms; between 1850 and 1860, six individuals and two firms ; between 1860 and 1870, two firms; between 1870 to December, 1877, three firms. But while the individuals carrying on the business diminished, the number of persons en- gaged in the work did not diminish-the individuals were employed by the firms. The largest number of persons employed was when but one firm was con- dneting the business, and employing sixty-six hands in the shop and ninety-four outside. Usually more men were working at their homes and in shops near them than at the large shop or factory, taking the cut work and returning the finished product.

Among the principal firms were those of J. & Z. Bachelor, Fuller, Bachelor & Co., Joel Bachelor, Jr., John M. Slocomb, A. & M. L. Taft, Bachelor &

aut Matin

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Adams, A. Taft & Son, Bachelor & Allard, Allard & Adams, Newell, Daniels & Co., A. & A. B. Keith & Co. This last firm built the large four-story factory near the summit of the hill (still standing) in 1867, and introduced all the improvements in machinery. This firm, being changed to A. B. Keith & Co., continued business until May of 1873. In July of the same year James Tucker & Co. took the factory and continued the business until December, 1877. Of the "factory " Deacon Joel Bachelor, who hegan the business iu 1827 and had continued it for forty years, alone and associated with others, took the charge from the first, and con- tinued in charge as long as it was in operation. Since 1877, the factory has heen closed. But few are now working at the business, being employed by firms in other towns. Many have moved away, and many have sought other employments. Thus this industry, which employed so many, in shops and at their homes, for so many years, has almost entirely ceased. The volume of this business was considerable. In 1837 600 pairs of boots and 53,500 pairs of shoes were made, valued at $50,000, and ninety-five persoas were engaged in the business.

In 1871, while only one hundred and sixty persons were employed by the one factory, yet by the aid of machinery 17,280 pairs of shoes and 95,520 pairs of boots, valued at $338,480, were made, being more than six times the product of 1837, with less than twice the number of workmen-each one, thanks to machinery, accomplishing more than three times as much as the workman of 1837, and in one month all the workmen averaged $51.50 for the month's wages. This business was largely done at the Centre, and that part of the town has suffered severely from its extinction.

This large development of the shoe business natur- ally encouraged the business of tanning and currying, and quite a number, as Joseph Congdon, Charles & Derby Bigelow, Robinson & Rice, Jere Robinson, Edward Proctor and Moses Walradt pursued the bus- iness with success, some as late as 1868. After this time only leather prepared elsewhere was used.

THE GRANITE INDUSTRY .- From the first, granite for home use has been quarried in the town, and as mills and store-houses have been built of stone, the business has been quite large. Mr. Hasen O. Bean was the first to export granite, using the Blackstone Canal in the years 1827 and 1828.

Mr. John Donegan began operations at what has since been known as Plummer's Quarry, in 1854, em- ploying some twenty men, and continued work for two years. At this time Mr. Israel Plummer began to operate the quarry, and continued the business for many years under the name of the " Plummer Granite Company," employing as many as seventy-five men during the season. In 1872 Mr. Henry S. Taft took the business and continued it until 1884, employing about the same number of men, shipping each year some five hundred car-loads of granite of ten tons

each, one-fourth of it dressed. Since January, 1884, this quarry has not been worked.

In 1865 Mr. George Blanchard began operations at a quarry one-half mile southwest of Whitinsville, and has continued them to this date, employing from fif- teen to forty-five men.

In 1870 Samuel Fowler & Son began operation on the east side of the Blackstone, about one-half mile below Rockdale, at a ledge which had early in the history of the town received the name of " Shining Rocks." The business is still continued by the son, Mr. Samuel Fowler, who employs from fifty to seventy-five men.

In the manufactures of iron, cotton and in work on granite nearly eighteen hundred of the people of the town are employed

The great amount of business done in the town made a bank of discount and a bank for the savings ofthe workmen very desirable, and

THE WHITINSVILLE NATIONAL BANK was estab- lished in 1865, as a bank of deposit and discount, with one hundred thousand dollars capital, with Mr. Paul Whitin president and Mr. H. A. Goodell cashier. Mr. Whitin continued president until his death, in 1884. He was succeeded hy Mr. Charles P. Whitin, who held the office until his death, in 1887, when Mr. James F. Whitin was made president, and still holds the office.

THE WHITINSVILLE SAVINGS BANK was estab- lished in 1874, with Mr. John C. Whitin president and Mr. H. A. Goodell treasurer. On Mr. Whitin's death, in 1883, Mr. Charles P. Whitin became presi- dent; at his death Mr. James F. Whitin was chosen to the office, which he still fills. November 1, 1888, there were 1238 depositors in this bank, and the total of their deposits was $389,895.77. It is probable that nearly, if not quite, as large deposits are held by citi- zens of the town in saving banks in other towns.

The growth of the town in population is as follows : 1776, 481; 1790, 569; 1800, 544; 1810, 713; 1820, 905; 1830, 1053 ; 1840, 1449; 1850, 2230; 1860, 2633; 1865, 2642 ; 1870, 3774; 1875, 4030; 1880, 4053 ; 1885, 3786.

CHAPTER LXVIII. NORTHBRIDGE-(Continued.)

INDIVIDUALS.

THE briefest sketch of a town's history should in- clude some notice of the men who have especially contributed to its development. Of these a few will now be noticed.

COLONEL PAUL WHITIN, or Whiting, as the name was originally, who laid the more recent foundations of the business which now exists in the village that received his name, " was born in Roxbury, in that

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part of the town near Dedham, December 3, 1767. He was the son of Sarah and Nathaniel (Draper) Whiting. His father died when he was a child. His mother was married in 1770 to James Prentice," who lived at what is now known as " Prentice's Corner," in this town. When quite young he was appren- ticed to Jesse White, of this town, to learn the blacksmith's trade. His advantages for education were exceedingly limited; his whole attendance at school did not probably exceed six months. Few men have ever entered upon business life with less encour- aging prospects. When he closed his apprenticeship his health was poor and continued so for some years. He had no pecuniary means of his own and no rela- tions to whom he could look for aid. But he had what was better-an honest purpose to do according to his ability. He struggled with and overcame dif- ficulties to which most would have yielded. By per- severance and a diligent improvement of those inter- vals of labor that many young men spend in idleness, he acquired a good knowledge of those branches of study necessary for the successful prosecution of busi- ness. He was eminently a self-educated man. A book for aiding him in acquiring a correct use of language was always by him. He was as familiar with this as with the tools of his shop. When he was twenty-eight years of age he was chosen town clerk, and he was chosen to this office thirteen suc- cessive years. He was often elected to other town offices. He was regarded as an excellent military officer. He was for several years justice of the peace. He was repeatedly urged to allow himself to be chosen as Representative to the Legislature, but this he invariably refused on the ground that it would require a sacrifice in his business, that he could not then afford to make. To show his habits of industry, it may be proper to mention that it was his custom to redeem, by extra labor, all the time that he spent in military duties or public business.

Colonel Whitin was a lover of good order in society, and could never endure those practices that were an infringement upon it, or that were calculated to pre- sent a dangerous example to the young. He attached great importance to the institutions of the Gospel, and was prompt to aid in maintaining them. The Sabbath he regarded as a holy day, and any violations of it he hesitated not to class with other gross im- moralities. Though he never made a public profes- sion of religion, he was regarded by those best acquainted with his religions feelings as a true Chris- tian. He died on the 8th of February, 1831, in the sixty-fourth year of his age.

Mr. Whitin married Betsey Fletcher, the daughter of Colonel James Fletcher, of this place, December 3, 1793. She was, during Colonel Whitin's life, a most efficient helper in the work he did for the com- munity and the world. She survived him thirty- seven years, and was, until near the time of her death, a member of the firm of P. Whitin & Sons,

and contributed her share to its success. They had ten children, of whom eight lived to years of matu- rity

PAUL WHITIN, JR., the second son of Colonel Paul and Betsey ( Fletcher) Whitin, was born February 5, 1800. His childhood and youth were most of them spent here. He attended the district school for the few months of the year it was kept. When about twelve he spent some time with an uncle in Amster- dam, N. Y., and attended school. He also had two terms at Leicester Academy. From his tenth year when not in school he worked in the cotton-mill and on the farm. At the age of eighteen he went to Bos- ton in the dry-goods store of James Brewer. At twen- ty-one he formed a partnership with a fellow-clerk, and opened a dry-goods store on Maiden Lane, in New York, under the name of Lee & Whitin. In 1826 here- turned home, and, with his father and younger brother, John C. Whitin, formed the firm of P. Whitin & Sons. He took charge of the mercantile department, having the charge of the store, of buying the supplies of the mill and selling the product. For this his trainiog had fitted him. He retained the same de- partment in the firm as reorganized after the death of Paul Whitin, Sr., in 1831, until its dissolution in 1864, a period of thirty-eight years. He conducted it with ability and thoroughness, and thus contrib- uted an important element to the success of the business of the firm. After the firm was dissolved he continued in the manufacture of cotton goods, being president of the Paul Whitin Manufacturing Company, with mills at Rockdale and Riverdale, until his death. Thongh never robust of body, his regular habits and his attention to the laws of health enabled him to accomplish a large amount of bnsi- ness and to preserve life to a good old age in the full posse-sion of his faculties. He always took a deep interest in town and public affairs; was early called to town offices. He was elected to the Legislature in 1837, and to the Senate in 1849. His perfect integrity and his sound judgment won the confidence of all men, and he was sought for many places of trust, which he filled till very late in life. He was chosen director of the Blackstone Bank at Uxbridge October 6, 1828, and remained a director until he was chosen president October 6, 1845, which office he filled until 1865, when he resigned to become president of the National Bank in Whitinsville. This last office he retained until his death in 1884, thus completing fifty-six years of important connection with these banks. He was a director of the Worcester Mutual Fire Insurance Company from 1838, and attended a meeting only the day before his death; also a direc- tor of the Worcester Manufacturers' Mutual from 1860. He was a director in the Providence and Wor- cester Railroad from its organization until two years before his death, when he resigned his position. He was for many years an active member and trustee of the Worcester County Agricultural and Horticultural

in 6 Whiting

Cha ' P. Whitin.

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Societies. He always took a deep interest in all branches of agriculture and especially in horticulture, and did much to advance them in the vicinity. Though called to so many trusts, he neglected none. His fidelity to them was as great as to his own per- sonal concerns. He united with the Congregational Church at the Centre in 1820. He was very active in the formation of the Village Church in Whitins- ville, aud was always true to his covenant of love to and interest in it, and ever faithful in attendance upon and support of its ordinances. He was a just man who feared God, a man of decided religious con- victions and of deep feeling, though of few words as to his personal experiences. By his life and deeds he was ever a power for good in the community. Retir- ing in usual health on the eve of February 7, 1884, he fell asleep to wake in eternal life.

Mr. Whitin married Sarah R. Chapin, of Uxbridge, August 21, 1822. She was ever a most efficient helper to him in all good. Four children survived him,-Hon. Charles E. Whitin, who continues the business ; Mr. Henry Whitin, for many years a com- mission merchant in New York; Mrs. Sarah Orvis, of Manchester, Vt .; and Miss Anna L. Whitin, at home.

JOHN CRANE WHITIN, the fourth son of Colonel Paul and Betsey (Fletcher) Whitin, was born March 1, 1807. Until he was fifteen years of age he at- tended the school of the district during the usual summer and winter terms. The rest of each year, after he was nine years old, he was employed in the cotton-mill, working at first in the picker-room. When twelve he was placed in the repair-room, and worked here three years, the only apprenticeship to his life-work. Early in 1822 he went to New York, to be in the dry goods store of his elder brother Paul, Jr., and remained there until the latter part of 1825, when he returned home to form with his father and his brother Paul, Jr., the firm of P. Whitin & Sons, for the manufacture of cotton goods. He took charge of the manufacturing and mechanical departments of the business. He was soon diverted to the manufac- ture of cotton machinery, to which he devoted him- self exclusively, making it his life's work. What he did in this has been spoken of sufficiently in the chapter on " Manufactures.'

He was endowed with great energy, was full of enterprise, and yet sufficiently conservative for safety. He had capacity for very hard work ; he had, to an eminent degree, common sense in mechanics; he was quick to see what would work in a machine, and could construct it entirely in his mind before he made a pattern. This saved him from the failures so many mechanics have when they come to put their ideas into wood and iron. He never made a pattern which was not used enough to pay for it-a fact which is true of very few men who made thousands, as he did. He was called to various offices of trust-men learned to look on him as one in whom they could 29

confide implicitly. At the time of his death he was a director of the National Bank, Whitinsville, presi- dent of the Whitinsville Savings Bank, and director of the Providence and Worcester Railroad. He had been Representative to the General Court, and was Presidential elector in 1876.

Mr. Whitin became a decided Christian in early manhood, and united with the church at Northbridge Centre December 4, 1831. He was one of the original members of the church in Whitinsville, and was chosen one of its deacons in the beginning, in 1834, and retained the office until his death, though for some years relieved from active service. He was superintendent of the Sabbath-school for twenty-five years. He was always in his place of service, and always ready to do his part in maintaining the ordi- nances of religion. He had a deep and intelligent interest in the varied benevolent causes of the day, which led to steady and large contributions to ad- vance them. He was reticent as to his own feelings, but clear and decided in his views, and always ready to act up to his convictions. His religious vows were as sacred as his business promises.

Mr. Whitin married, May 30, 1831, Miss Catharine H. Leland, of Sutton, by whom he had several chil- dren, one of whom, a daughter, the wife of Josiah Lasell, survived him. Mrs. Catharine Whitin died January 31, 1873. She was a woman of remarkable grace and beauty of character. Mr. Whitin married, January 20, 1875, Miss Sarah Elizabeth Pratt, of Hopkinton, who survives him. Their only child, John C., died in infancy.

For years Mr. Whitin had contended with a rheu- matic affection which had rendered him liable to sudden death, but, conscious of his readiness for that event, he ever kept busied as his strength al- lowed in the care of his estate and in works of hene- faction. After a brief confinement to the house, the messenger came at midnight, April 22, 1882, without an instant's warning, but did not find him unpre- pared, for he had lived in the fear and the service of the King who called him.

CHARLES PINCKNEY WHITIN, the fifth son of Colonel Paul and Betsey (Fletcher) Whitin, was born August 6, 1809. His education was obtained in the schools of the town and in the academy at Leicester. It was such that at the age of sixteen he taught school acceptably in the stone school-house near Plummer's Corner. He early worked in the cotton-mill in which his father was interested, and here learned the rudi- ments of the art of cotton manufacture, in which he afterwards became so proficient. He continued with his father and brothers until his twenty-first year, when he went to Willimantic to fit up and take charge of a cotton-mill. Having been called home by his father's last sickness, he ever after remained in his native town, and became identified with and most active in its growth and prosperity. The same year, 1831, he became an active member of the firm of P.

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HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

Whitin & Sons, which had been formed in 1826, and in which he had had an interest from the first, and which was reorganized on the death of Colonel Paul Whitin. He had charge of the cotton manufacturing department, and in this he became an expert and an authority. He superintended the erection of the stone mill in Whitinsville in 1845, the enlargement of the North Uxbridge mill in 1847 and 1848, and the erection of the mill at Rockdale in 1856 and 1857. He had great interest in the improvement of the water- power of the Mumford River, devising and building the reservoirs and dams, which have increased its steadiness and reliability so much.

Whenever his brother, John C. Whitin, who had charge of the machine shop,was absent, the care and responsibility of this devolved upon him, and he had the practical charge of the shop from April, 1860, to January, 1864, while his brother was engaged at Holyoke. When the firm of P. Whitin & Sons was dissolved, January 1, 1864, Mr. Whitin took the cotton- mills in Whitinsville and East Douglas, and carried on the business of cotton manufacture in his own name, having associated his sons with him. In 1865 he built the mill at Linwood, with his brother, James F. Whitin, and in 1881 he purchased the mill in Saundersville.

In all his business life he was eminently a practical man, quick to discern what should be done and prompt to do it. He was thorough and faithful, so that all he did was well done. He was untiring in industry, and though not physically rugged, especially in his younger years, he had great power of endur- ance. He was also a man of most excellent judg- ment. In his special department of cotton manufac- ture, it may be doubted if he had a superior, and his judgment was often sought by others. He was observant and careful of all details, conservative of what had done well in the past, yet quick to see a real improvement and ready to adopt it. He was safely progressive as well as careful, and therefore successful in business.

He was reared in a Christian home, and early yielded to religious influences, aud united with the church at Northbridge Centre on his eleventh birth- day, August 6, 1820, and for sixty-five years he honored his profession by a consistent Christian youth and manhood. He was identified with the church in Whitinsville from the first, in 1834, and ever gladly did much for its prosperity by personal effort and generous contribution. He was deeply and intelligently interested in the great missionary and benevolent agencies of our day, and was always a steady and liberal contributor to them.

He was thoughtful of the needs and interests of others, and ever ready to minister to their comfort and pleasure in many ways, often doing it in ways unknown to the recipients of his bounty. He loved to be an unknowu and unthanked benefactor. He was especially fond of children, and always had a kind

word for them, and many of them received the fruits of his interest, not knowing whence they came.

He united to a remarkable degree strength and tenderness, firmness and gentleness, vigor and deli- cacy. He was widely loved as well as respected. As a citizen he was ever studious of the best interests of the town and the State, and was ever ready to do his part to promote them. But he was never desirous of office, rather shunning publicity of service. He was selectman in 1852, and Representative of the district in 1859. At the time of his decease he was director of the Douglas Axe Company, and president of the Whitinsville National and Savings Bank. His great work was done in this home community, and it was well done. He was confined to the house but a few days, and fell asleep without pain to wake in life, August 29, 1887. A true man and a devout Chris- tian.

Mr. Whitin married Miss Sarah J. Halliday Octo- ber 21, 1834, who survived him with four sons, three of whom, Edward, William H. and Arthur F., were associated with him in business, and who still con- tinue it. His son Lewis F. is in the commission business in New York. The only daughter, Helen L., married George L. Gibbs, of this place. She died on May 9, 1885.

JAMES FLETCHER WHITIN, the youngest son of Colonel Paul and Betsey (Fletcher) Whitin, was born December 21, 1814.

His education was received in the schools of the town, and in the academies of Uxbridge, Leicester, Munsen and Amherst. On the completion of his schooling he went into the counting-room of the firm of P. Whitin & Sons. Soon the care of this depart- ment came to him, and he retained it until the firm was dissolved, January 1, 1864. In 1847 he became a member of the firm. When the firm was dissolved he took the cotton-mill at North Uxbridge. In 1866 he built, with his brother, Mr. Charles P. Whitin, the mill at Linwood, and has continued in the busi- ness of cotton manufacture until the present time.

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History of Worcester County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I, Part 125

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1576

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1576