Biographical and historical memoirs of Mississippi, embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the state and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy and illustrious families and individuals, Vol. II, Part 105

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed
Number of Pages: 1314

USA > Mississippi > Biographical and historical memoirs of Mississippi, embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the state and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy and illustrious families and individuals, Vol. II > Part 105

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BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL

At his lovely home, on St. Charles avenue, or in his city offices, Mr. Richardson can always be seen, and he will interrupt his busiest hour and give audience to friend and stran- ger alike. His liberality is a matter of note, and causes him no small degree of trouble. To all deserving public enterprises, he subscribes liberally ; and while his private donations to those is distress are not known to the public, they are many, and are of the highest possible consideration, from the very fact of their silence. Of course, Mr. Richardson does not give to every supplicant, for if he did, he would be kept busy at that and nothing else. An instance of his appreciation of a good thing, and his quick wit, is related in the following incident of a begging letter of recent date : The pastor of some obscure church wrote Mr. Richardson a long letter, extolling his great charities and said, " I know you do not belong to our persuasion, but I know you will give liberally to this project-which is to build a church. You see, sir, we have a world of land, but no church, and we are anxious to raise the money to build one,"-and asked for an immediate reply. It was sent, and was as terse and crisp as any of the replies made by men of note, and deserves to be recorded here. It consisted of three words, "Sell some land." Mr. Richardson has never used his great wealth to oppress anyone or anything. His delight is to see every one prosperous and happy, and he will stop his royal four-in-hand on the roadside and talk to some lowly old darkey, who seems to bear life's burdens poorly, and with a few kind, cheering words, and a consistent amount of money, he will brighten and lighten the man's journey and forget all about it the next moment. To those who serve him he is ever just and kind, and for extra service, he always returns extra reward. Mr. Richardson has no political ambition whatever. He would decline a place in the United States senate for one-half the time with his friends and the people. His servants all love and respect him, and are as faithful to his interests as was Diana to her master. Mr. Richardson has traveled the world over, has driven through France and England, and is an ardent admirer and a friend of the horse, of which he keeps twelve in his city stables for pleasure driving. Very few men emulate the example of their fathers. Mr. J. S. Richardson is one of the few. When death came into his household, he assumed all the authority that was necessary. His acts were fully ratified by every member of the family, and what he has done for the great estate of Col. Edmund Richardson has been remarkable in the highest degree. His integrity is unquestioned, and his good name above reproach.

John P. Richardson, Wesson, Miss. It is a particular felicity of American institutions that they throw no impediment in the way of merit other than the competition of rival abilities. Into this career it may enter without encountering the repulses of artificial rank or royalty. As the father of an American family divides his favor and his fortune alike among his children, so the constitution of our greatest of republics gives the same impulse to all her sons, and receives in turn a larger contribution of their talents and services. The more conspicuous a man is rendered by his talents, energy, decision of character and unswerving principles, the more will he become the favorite of some, and the object of envy and reproach to others. In no country in the world are men's principles tried at the bar of public opinion as in America; nothing can alter this custom, this unwritten law, or change the result; nor is it desirable that it should be other- wise, unless, indeed, the bitterness and coarse invective of the indolent, the mentally shift- less, the morally indifferent, who oppose the advance above them of their opposites, should tend to moderate the custom or lessen its effect. Nothing is more becoming to a country, or affords better proof of the excellent spirit of its people, than to find the reward of popular praise, and popular honors bestowed upon those whose labors have been guided by a wise philanthropy, and whose objects have been largely the welfare and betterment of mankind.

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There are many, no doubt, who have overcome greater embarrassments, who have had harder battles to fight, than the subject of this sketch, but there are few who have grasped the op- portunities presented by the gods, and grasped them more firmly or to a better purpose, or who have made better use of the fruits of the possession than the typical American and Southern gentleman, of whom it is our pleasant task here to relate.

John P. Richardson was born at Brandon, Miss., May, 4, 1854, and is the second eldest son of Col. Edmund Richardson, whose brief biography appears in this history. The history of his boyhood is that of most boys who are blessed with wealthy and indulgent, but painstaking parents. He was educated at a private school at Jackson, Miss., until the age of fourteen, when he entered the Bellview high school for one year, and the follow- ing year entered a regular academic course of two years at the Virginia Military institute, at Lexington, Va., and finished his scholastic career with a term at the noted Kenmire high school, at Amherst Courthouse, Va. During all this time he was an earnest and conscien- tious student, and stored his brain with the knowledge which has so admirably captioned his business and social career. After his return home from school he accepted a position as assistant superintendent of the Mississippi mills, later removing to New Orleans, where he managed an agency for the mills. In 1879 he established a wholesale dry goods business at New Orleans, which business was successfully conducted under the firm name of Richardson & Cary, Mr. Richardson remaining a partner or sole owner until 1889, when the present firm of Richardson, Williams & Co. was organized. In 1886, after the death of his father, he was elected president of the Mississippi mills, and at once assumed the duties of this responsi- ble position. He is a thorough, practical and methodical business man, and the organiza- tion of which he is the head has profited largely under his judicious management. Aside from his interests in this line, he is extensively engaged in planting and is the owner of eighteen thousand acres in the delta region of the state, all of which are under cultivation and require eight supply stores. On February 4, 1879, he was married to Miss Ella Oliver, a daughter of the late Capt. William Oliver, of Wesson. Four children have blessed this union, of whom one son and one daughter survive. An examination of the magnificent steel engraved portrait which faces this sketch will convey to the reader a true impression of the kindly elements that compose the character of Mr. Richardson. He is full six feet in hight, and has been abundantly favored by nature. Mr. Richardson weighs about two hundred pounds, and to the casual observer presents the appearance of being a finished student of some school of athletics. He is quick in his movement, with- out seeming to be in haste, and while in no way influenced by nervousness, he possesses an active, decisive temperament, that brooks no delay in the promulgation of his plans. He possesses his full share of the family courtliness and ethical consideration for those around him. He is, in a word, a broad-gauged gentleman, incapable of small or mean action. A bit of industrial history worthy of mention here, which serves to illustrate, not only the characteristics outlined in the preceding paragraph as belonging to the subject of this sketch, but to the father and all the sons alike, is this: In England, or in fact in the great weaving cen- ters of the New England states of America, a manager or a proprietor of a cotton or woolen manufactory, would no more think of permitting another manufacturer of a similar line of goods to enter his factory, than he would of permitting a stranger to enter upon the secrets of his domestic affairs. In fact, in England, the visitor is obliged to take an oath that he is in no way, directly or indirectly, connected with any similar business that is directly or indirectly connected with or influenced by said mill or industry in England or elsewhere, before he can get a peep into the workings of the mill. The Richardsons are a remarkable

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opposite to that rigid and narrow understanding. Mr. James S. Richardson once almost dumbfounded a noted English cotton and woolen manufacturer who visited them at Wesson, by proposing to show him all the workings of their great mills. " What ?" gasped the Eng- lishmen, "you propose to permit me to enter your mills?" "Certainly," responded Mr. Richardson, and he forthwith proceeded to escort the rival manufacturer through each and every department, permitting him to examine at his leisure all of the original and improved methods, and to help himself to as much information as possible; saying, in the meantime: "What you see in mechanism for the protection of weave and advanced finish of fabrics is nearly a century in advance of English methods; but it is only the rudiments of American genius and our own original device; and when Europe creates its equal, we will proceed to step out another century in advance." The son of the Englishman, who was also present, was so impressed with the truth of what Mr. Richardson said, and with what he had seen, that he decided to remain in the United States; and he has done so, taking up his residence in the South, and devoting his time to re-learning the art of cotton and woolen spinning. What is probably a more remarkable evidence of their just confidence in the great strength and advantage of the Mississippi mills, came under the observation of the writer only a few days since: A gentleman from Carrollton, Miss., and the president of a new, necessarily com- petitive, cotton mill at that place, was visiting Wesson, and in company with the writer was shown through the vast labyrinth of machinery, and had the different workings described by the genial president, Mr. John P. Richardson, himself. These incidents may seem very unimportant to the casual observer, but to the mind fully informed as to the modus operandi of large manufacturing establishments even in America, they speak volumes in behalf of the advanced liberality and kindness of this noted family, and of the worthy example they set, even to those of superior years and pretentions.

The Mississippi mills, Wesson, Miss., a great industry, affording employment through which thousands of the citizens of a state are made brighter, happier and better, certainly lose identity as a mere place of mechanics, a work shop, and assume the advanced posi- tion of a leading factor in the organized methods of the social, moral and physical advance- ment of that state, and become as much a part of the deserving history of the state in which it is conducted as possibly can be ascribed to political organization or the organization of any great scheme for the betterment of mankind, for it is the inspiration of the latter and conserves the former. Particularly is this true where great industries bear so remarkable a likeness to the character, humanity and liberality of the master minds that worked so hard to make it great. There is no industry in the South, nor in the North, nor anywhere in the United States, that is blessed with so much of the broad-gauged humanity of its organizers, that is enriched with so complete a record of justice, equity and fellowship as that of the great institution of which it is our pleasure here to record. Within its massive walls dur- ing the busy work-a-day hours assigned to man, through which to discharge his obligations to the laws of creation, and earn his daily bread, there is a sufficient number of souls to populate a goodly sized city. Happy and contented, free from labor organization, free from trade's-union dictation, this honest little army of workers have for nearly a quarter of a cen- tury received their liberal pay without the cessation of a day. Regularly each morning, in response to the morning whistle of the mills, two thousand happy, bright faced healthy men and women flock from their pretty homes and enter the great white walls; within all is order, cleanliness and industry; the picture of cheerfulness observed upon the faces of the employes, while outside of the workrooms, is not in any degree lessened when they are at work; on the contrary it is enriched by the satisfaction they all have in knowing the

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importance of their work, for each and every individual in the great works has been edu- cated by a system of liberal reward and kindness to feel that the success, the reputation of the mills, is in part dependent upon the character and faithfulness of his or her individual effort. They therefore take great pride in all they do. Such institutions as this cease to be a common place of toil. It is a vast school of labor, a college of instruction in the sacred precepts of American liberty and independence. The mind that for so many years directed them in their work, protected them in their rights, sympathized and aided them in their troubles, and who is now quietly sleeping the sleep of the just in the little churchyard at Wesson, never spoke of them as one of our men, or one of our factory hands, but as my people, my girls, my boys. He knew every one of the people by name, knew their condition in life, and this knowledge he used always to their betterment and satisfaction.

Personally, Col. Edmund Richardson was little known at the mills, but the beneficence of his spirit was ever present, and the people knew him almost as well as though his life had been spent among them. In every kindness, every evidence of thoughtful regard for their welfare which was made known to them, the people could trace the master mind of Colonel Richardson, and the kindly, executive hand of his able partner, Captain Oliver. It was impossible then even to look forward to the time, when, according to the course of human events, the grave must close upon the labors of these two men, without a feeling of profound sadness, for such men are the ornaments of every and any age. They arise only at dis- taut intervals, to enlighten and elevate the human race. Death came. Like a flash of deadly lightning it grasped the towering mind, the strong physique of Colonel Richardson, when he has scarcely even approached the evening of his time, and leveled it to common earth. A wave of intense sorrow spread itself like a cold pall over the great commonwealth, and at the mills the two thousand operatives went about their work in a hushed and saddened manner. Great changes were anticipated by those who knew nothing of the delicate finish of the set principles of the great organization. But the great wheels turned just the same, the thou- sands of spindles flew just as fast. The man was dead, but his works still lived. Almost before the solemn cypress had been removed from the heads of those who mourned the death of Colonel Richardson, Captain Oliver was stricken down, and died. Again great changes were predicted. New and untried hands were to grasp the helm, and much fear was felt that there were breakers ahead for the interruption of the happy course of mill life ; again were the outsiders disappointed, for it is ever a disappointment to those who predict all sorts of evil for mankind to learn the falsity and foolishness of their own minds. The son of his father came to the front, and assumed the chief executive. A meeting of the heirs and stockholders of the mill was held and John P. Richardson was elected president. Some changes were made, but they were only the changes suggested by a younger mind that perhaps was in closer tonch with the world. The changes were only the abrogation of a few of the customs that had grown old and unnecessary by use. Like machinery and men, customs must grow old and as they can not be advanced to the improvement of a new age without rebuilding, they must be discarded. Hence the changes made by the sons of Edmund Richardson were for the greater happiness of their many people. And looking upon them to-day with a judgment sobered by time it is seen that they were just such alterations as would have been made by the father himself could he have lived to note their application to the needs of the time.

These mills are located at Wesson, Miss., about one hundred and thirty-five miles north of New Orleans and forty-five miles south of Jackson, on the Illinois Central railroad. A few years ago this was but a pine forest, worth at most $1 per acre, and now there stands here

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one of the most substantial towns anywhere along this line of railroad. Wesson, to-day, has a population of about four thousand, and a valuation of property of over one and one-half million of dollars. The Mississippi mills alone pay taxes this year on nearly $1,000,000 worth of property, and they have a large investment exempt from taxation for ten years, which will bring their property alone to nearly $1,500,000 dollars. It might be interesting to those who do not know anything about this large enterprise to know some of the particu- lars concerning it, and we here give a synopsis of the size and number of mills and their pro- ducts. There are three mills, all of brick, as follows: No. 1, three stories, 50x350 feet; No. 2, four stories, 50x212 feet; No. 3 (new building), five stories, 50x240 feet, two towers, six stories high, twenty feet square, with five thousand gallon water tanks and automatic sprink- lers throughout. The tower between No. 1 and No. 2 is eight stories, with a twenty thousand-gallon water tank, leading throughout every part of the works to automatic sprink- lers, effectually obviating the danger of destruction by fire. A fourth building is 40x100 feet, two stories high, besides which the loom shed just erected is one story and basement, 175x340 feet.

In these buildings there are twenty-five thousand cotton spindles, twenty-six complete sets of woolen machinery and eight hundred looms, the latter to be increased to about twelve hundred in the near future. Besides the above mentioned there is an abundance of machinery used for dyeing, finishing, etc. It requires four engines with a combined force of one thous- and horse power to furnish the necessary motive power. In connection with the above build- ings, the mills have a large cotton warehouse, capacity 10,000 bales of cotton, which is about their requirements annually. In the basement of the loom shed they have a storage capacity of two million pounds of wool, and it will require almost this much after this year to supply their wants. The system of waterworks of these mills is excellent. They have a one hun- dred and fifteen thousand gallon cistern, connected with fire pumps and a six-inch water main and hydrants at convenient points for attaching hose, which form an efficient system of water works, driven by two Worthington pumps capable of forcing water over the highest building. The supply is taken from a spring creek, one and one-quarter miles distant and is inexhaustible.

One of the reasons for the success of these mills, is the great variety of their products. There is hardly any article in staple goods, made of cotton and wool, but what they can sup- ply. The following is a list of their productions: Cassimeres, jeans, doeskins, tweeds, lin- seys, flannels, wool knitting yarn, cotton knitting yarn, cotton rope, cotton warp yarn, cotton- ades, flannelettes, gingham plaids, cheviots, checks, plaids, stripes, hickory, brown sheeting, shirting, drilling, eight-ounce osnaburgs, ticking for feathers and mattresses, sewing thread, sewing twine for bags and awnings, wrapping twine, honey comb towels, awning, balmoral skirts, etc. Samples and prices of all goods will be cheerfully furnished on application. Very soon they will be running knitting machinery which will turn out hose and underwear of a superior quality. These goods have a reputation for excellence that is not surpassed by the product of any mills in the world, and the trade for them is drawn from almost every state and territory in the union. These mills now employ about a thousand hands, but will have almost double that number when all the new machinery is started up. The present monthly pay roll is from $18,000 to $20,000, which will be almost doubled when the increase of hands is required. These employes are for the most part taken right from the surround- ing country and adjoing counties. One of the blessings of this great enterprise is its benev- olence in supplying employment for women and children that would be almost helpless without some work of this kind. The people are happy and contented, and everything moves

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along harmoniously. In order that any who may have a desire to immigrate this way, may see what inducements are offered, we attach hereto an article from the board of immigration, which offers inducements to home builders to come to the vicinity, well worth considering.

In a letter to Mr. A. E. Randle, of Washington, D. C., dated Aderdeen, Miss., October 5, 1890, the Hon. S. A. Jonas, United States Senator, speaking of the cotton industry of the South, said :-

"I do not doubt but that you are familiar with the plant and operations of most of our Mississippi factories, yet the following items may be interesting: The Mississippi mills, at Wesson, manufacture in woolen goods a more extensive assortment than any other factory in this country, and probably in the world. This is due to climatic advantages, suitable water for bleaching, etc., and the excellence of our native wools; while in cotton fabrics their range is very extensive, and in addition to cloths and threads, includes a vast line of cord- age. The making of the peculiar twine used for fishing purposes on the North Pacific and Alaska coasts, has long been an extensive branch of their trade. The buildings of this fac- tory cover about six acres of ground, are from three to five stories high. The factory proper includes three mills, huge brick affairs of most approved model. No. 1, three stories, 50x350 feet; No. 2, four stories, 50x212 feet; No. 3, completed last year, five stories, 50x240 feet, surmounted by two towers six stories high, with water tanks of 5,000 gallons capacity. There is another tower eight stories high, containing a 20,000 gallon tank, from which pipes and automatic sprinklers convey water for extinguishment of fires to all parts of the buildings. A fourth building is 40x1,000 feet and two stories high, and there is also a one story loom shed, 175x340 feet. To people living beyond our bor- ders, and even to most of our own people, these figures are astounding.

" In these buildings are thirty thousand cotton spindles, thirty complete sets of woolen machinery and eight hundred looms; the latter to be increased to one thousand two hun- dred within the next few weeks. In addition to this plant is a complete outfit of the most approved machinery and appliances for dyeing, finishing, packing, etc., and the motive power is supplied by great engines aggregating over one thousand horse-power for actual service. These mills also have storage warehouses for six thousand bales of cotton, and wool rooms with capacity for over two million pounds. This amount of material is, I think, about the quantity of staples required annually by these mills. The cisterns have a capacity of one hundred and fifteen thousand gallons, supplied by pipes from a creek over a mile from the mills. In addition to other plants, they are now putting in knitting machinery, and will enter the market this season with hose and underwear made from our wonderful Lake wool. The number of hands employed now is two thousand, and I have good authority for saying that the force will be increased as soon as all of this new machinery is in place. A large proportion of the hands are women and children, and all, except the foreman and machinists, are from the surrounding country. You and I well remember when this mill site was a pine forest, hardly worth fifty cents an acre, and now it is a bustling factory town of about four thousand people, and the mill, though enjoying exemption for a term of ten years upon its new build- ing and plant, still pays taxes on nearly a million dollars worth of property, and probably yields dividends of from thirty to forty per cent.

"I cite this mill particularly to show you the results of judicious management in that line in Mississippi, for it may be said that almost every dollar that is in this factory came out of it and was earned by it, with Mississippi owners, managers, employes, staples, water and fuel, they use wood; and every bit of machinery not controlled by patent outside is sup- plied by state builders. These mills and those at Natchez, Enterprise, Wanita, and else-

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Biographical and historical memoirs of Mississippi, embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the state and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy and illustrious families and individuals, Vol. II, Part 105

Author: Goodspeed Brothers Publication date: 1891 Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed Number of Pages: 1314

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed
Number of Pages: 1314