USA > New Hampshire > Strafford County > Rochester > History of the town of Rochester, New Hampshire, from 1722 to 1890, Vol. I > Part 49
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
HELIOTYPE PRINTING CO
GONIC MANUFACTURING CO.'S MILLS, GONIC, N. H.
BOSTON, MASF
503
BUSINESS OF ROCHESTER.
used, the innumerable details which a first-class establishment demands, and more than all else the skilled labor which is neces- sary in the different departments and which requires many years to collect and educate, - all this and these contribute to a woolen mill's stability and permanence. Hence large capital is necessary to carry a concern along through dull times, shrewd business capacity and constant familiarity with the daily fluctuation in prices in order to purchase raw materials to advantage, good judgment in forecasting the wants of the market, and above and over all a constant, unwearied vigilance and oversight in all the complicated details of manufacturing is absolutely essential to success. What a debt of obligation does the town owe to the pioneers in this industry, as well as to their successors who have continued this source of prosperity to its people ! 3 Such men as Nicholas V. Whitehouse, John D. Sturtevant, Nathaniel D. Wetmore, Isaac W. Springfield, John Hall, and the firm of Parker, Wilder & Co. of Boston, and men like these, are more than successful business men, they are public benefactors.
THE GONIC MANUFACTURING COMPANY (an illustration of the prin- cipal buildings of which is shown) was the second in town to develop into a woolen factory, the Norway Plains Company being the first. As a producer of woolen goods for the general market it dates back to 1838. Prior to that time, and in fact up to 1848, the water power was used largely for a saw-mill, grist-mill, and some other industries required by the wants of the immediate neighborhood. From 1840 to 1848 two sets of machinery were run, making satinets and bockings, but mainly woolen flannels. In 1848 the whole concern was swept away by fire. In the year following, however, a new mill was built and equipped with four sets of machinery to make woolen flannels exclusively. From this date to 1859 it was owned and managed by the late N. V. Whitehouse, but that year an act of incorporation was ob- tained, with a capital of $50,000, the Whitehouse family and the firm of Parker, Wilder & Co. being its stockholders. N. V. Whitehouse was its first president, and Samuel B. Rindge and Marshall P. Wilder, with himself, were the directors. Mr. White- house was its agent and so continued till 1877, when the whole interest of the concern merged into the possession of Parker, Wilder & Co., its present owners. From 1848 to 1859 there were
504
ROCHESTER.
many improvements made, and many additions to the buildings and machinery. A great variety of goods were produced, principally flannels. The mill built in 1849, and still standing, was quite a pre- tentious affair for those days. The bricks were made in the present mill yard, and the lumber cut in Strafford and the immediate vicin- ity. It is fifty-one feet wide, eighty-one long, and three stories high, besides basement story and spacious attic. The wool-scouring and finishing was done in the basement, the weaving in the first story, spinning in the second, picking and carding in the third, while the attic was used for storage of wool. Such were its uses when first started up. Since then its uses have been radically changed by reason of building the large mill, and a consequent re-arrangement of the machinery. In the years 1863-65 very extensive improve- ments were projected, such as excavating a canal race-way below the falls, by which the fall of water was increased about three feet, two granite wheel-pits constructed, and the foundation laid for the large mill on the river bank. This foundation is very sub- stantial, commencing nine feet below the surface of the ground, six feet wide at the bottom, and three feet at the top, built of solid granite blocks laid in cement. On the foundation is the granite underpinning on which is the brick-work. The main
building is fifty-four feet wide, one hundred and twenty long, and four stories high, each story eleven feet six inches high, the whole connected with the old or 1849 mill by a wing thirty-four by sixty-four feet. An octagon stair-tower fourteen feet in diameter gives access to the several stories in the large mill. The brick walls are built with pilasters between the windows, and are of unusual thickness in order to give solidity and strength, the first and second stories being twenty inches thick, the third sixteen, and the fourth twelve. The roof is flat, covered with tar and gravel. It is admirably lighted, having no less than forty-eight windows in each story with twenty-four lights of 10×14 glass to each window, and there being no contiguous buildings or trees, it is " light as out doors." It is safe to say it is as fair a specimen of a woolen mill of its size as exists anywhere, - solid, substantial, light, and convenient. At the end of the wing where it connects with the old mill is the substantial wheel-house, in which are two powerful turbine wheels, thirty-six inches in diameter, under nine- teen feet " head and fall," capable of furnishing about one hundred
505
BUSINESS OF ROCHESTER.
and fifty horse power, sufficient for driving all the machinery. A large steam engine, however, of 175 horse power is provided for times of low water, or in case of any derangement of the water wheels. Within the past ten years, under the present ownership, many important alterations, improvements, and additions have been made, resulting in increased production, better processes of man- ufacture, and consequently a higher standard of excellence in the goods. As at present arranged, the wool-sorting, the scouring and drying of both wool and cloth, the burling, brushing, pressing, and packing, besides the running of forty-four broad looms, is done in the old mill. The picking of the scoured wool is done in the upper story of the wing, by a large Sargent burring machine, and ordinary wool-picker. The card-room is in the third story of the large mill and contains twelve sets of Davis & Furber machines, three cards to a set, and averages from 1,500 to 1,600 pounds of roving a day. The spinning is done in the second and fourth stories in both large mill and wing, on nineteen self-operating mules and jacks with 4,880 spindles, turning off an average of 1,450 pounds of fine yarn a day. The spooling and dressing of warps is done on the first and second floor of the wing. The weaving, besides the forty-four looms in the old mill, is by forty- eight looms on the first floor of the large mill, a large part being of the Knowles pattern with drop-box at each end of the lay, and from two to twenty-four harnesses to each. The brick boiler-house, 46×56 feet, was built in 1883, and has two six-foot boilers fur- nishing steam for heating the building and for all the various processes of scouring and finishing the goods, and having sufficient capacity to run the engine when required. A dry-house 30×90 feet was built in 1886, and a wool and cloth scouring building 52×72 feet in 1889, both fully equipped with every facility for doing first class work. A large storehouse, 45×105 feet, two stories high, is used for the storage of stock and supplies. On the opposite side of the river is the machine and repair shop and lum- ber shed, while on the old Currier privilege, a short distance below, is a mill for sawing lumber and making the cases for the goods. A powerful steam pump, and another connected with the water wheels, with stand-pipes, sprinklers, and an ample supply of hose, affords the necessary protection against fire. Everything in and about the mills is of the best, - every appliance to increase the
34
1
506
ROCHESTER.
production or perfect the quality of the goods has been adopted, and everything for the comfort, safety, and convenience of the operatives is provided for.
The goods made are designed largely for women's wear and comprise an endless variety of shades, colors, and mixes, and have an excellent reputation in the markets of the country. The yearly production is over 900,000 yards, valued at nearly $400,000. The consumption of raw wool is over 700,000 pounds a year, all of fine grade. More than $20,000 worth of drugs and dyes are consumed yearly. The number of names on the pay-roll will average about one hundred and eighty, with $5,000 monthly wages. Payment is made every two weeks. The six or eight different departments are managed by as many different overseers, Stephen C. Meader being the resident agent. Besides the mills, the company have thirty neat and attractive tenements for the use of the operatives and a fine residence for its agent. The grounds about the mills and the agent's house are nicely graded and all the surroundings kept neat and clean. The owners give generously to all local charities and public improvements and show a wise and liberal interest in everything that conduces to the prosperity and welfare of the village and its people.
The first officials of the company were N. V. Whitehouse, Mar- shall P. Wilder, and Samuel B. Rindge, directors; Ezra Farns- worth being treasurer, and Charles S. Whitehouse, clerk. N. V. Whitehouse was also agent, and continued a director till 1877. Benjamin Phipps was made treasurer in November, 1868, and has held the position ever since. Ezra Farnsworth succeeded N. V. Whitehouse as a director, and in 1881 the venerable Marshall P. Wilder retired and was succeeded by William H. Sherman. May 3, 1883, Samuel B. Rindge died, and Col. Francis J. Parker of Boston succeeded him. The present officials are therefore Ezra Farns- worth, William H. Sherman, and Francis J. Parker, directors; Benjamin Phipps, treasurer; and Stephen C. Meader, clerk and agent.
For nearly fifty years the firm of Parker, Wilder & Co. has been an important factor in the town's progress. Their capital has helped make Gonic and East Rochester two thriving villages. Their wise methods and discreet management have established a great industry on a permanent basis. Their business integrity and
UL
٨٢٠٠ ٤,٠
507
BUSINESS OF ROCHESTER.
individual prominence have reflected credit on the town. Rochester may well congratulate itself that such men are identified with its business prosperity.
This sketch would be incomplete without special mention of one whose whole life has been spent in the employ of the Gonic company, and to whose conscientious faithfulness the present stand- ing of the company is in no small degree indebted. STEPHEN CHASE MEADER, the present agent, comes of a family who for four generations have been prominent and worthy citizens of Rochester.
John Meader, the ancestor of all American Meaders, came from England in 1650, and settled at Oyster river, between Portsmouth and Dover, where he had a land grant, in 1656. One of his sons, Nathaniel, who was killed by the Indians in 1704, had a son Daniel among others, and seven at least of Daniel's sons settled in Roch- ester about 1750-60. At first came Benjamin, Nathaniel, Elijah, and Jonathan, and took up lands in that part of the town known ever since as Meaderborough. A few years later they were fol- lowed by Joseph, Lemuel, and Jedediah, who settled in the imme- diate vicinity of the other brothers. Some of the other descend- ants of Nathaniel and his son Daniel about this time (1750-60) went to Nantucket and settled there. Benjamin, the son of Daniel mentioned above, had a son Stephen, who was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. Stephen was born at Rochester in 1782, and lived on the farm near Meaderborough Corner, which is still in the possession of his son Benjamin. He married Sarah White- house and had a large family of children : - Tobias, Hanson, Jonathan, Levi, Asa, Mehitable, and Benjamin. He died March 20, 1858. He was a firm disciple of the Society of Friends or Quakers, as nearly all the Meaders have been, - a kind-hearted, estimable man and neighbor, a worthy, influential citizen, and a true and stanch friend.
Leri, the fourth son of Stephen, was born in Rochester, February 4, 1813, and married Amanda Eastman of Peacham, Vt., in 1837. Their children were Stephen C., Valentine E., Charles H., Sarah F., George E., Julia E., John E., and Walter S. He was a genial- hearted man, full of a sly humor which bubbled over in spite of himself. He enjoyed a joke or witticism. keenly, and was quick with a rejoinder. Sturdily built, possessed of an iron constitution and great physical strength, he liked nothing better than to lay
508
ROCHESTER.
aside for the time his Quaker coat and have a friendly wrestling bout with whoever had the temerity to " tackle him," and seldom came off second. He took great interest in town affairs, and was an energetic and influential worker in politics. He was twice elected to represent the town in the State Legislature. He died September 25, 1885.
STEPHEN C., the subject of this sketch, was born in Rochester December 14, 1840, and during boyhood lived on the farm with his parents, attending the district school and laying the foundation of a strong, healthy physique. When he was about fourteen years old his father moved to Gonic village, in part to get better edu- cational advantages for his large family. Here young Stephen, in the intervals of the village schools, worked in the mill. In 1857 he entered the Friends' school in Providence, Rhode Island, where he remained nearly four years. He was a diligent student, excell- ing in mathematics and chemistry. He has always had a strong love for the latter, and had he continued in this line would have made a reputation as a practical chemist. In 1861 he completed his school life at Providence, returned to Gonic and entered the mill in the employ of the late N. V. Whitehouse, working in various parts of the mill, but principally in the finishing and dyeing rooms. From this time forward his mastery of the details of manufacturing was rapid. His methodical habits and quick insight into the various processes, united to good judgment and faithful- ness, hastened his promotion to dyer, finisher, superintendent, and finally, to the position of agent, to which last place he was for- mally appointed in June, 1881.
Like his father and his brother John, he has been twice elected to represent the town in the State Legislature. The prominent points of his character are quiet, unobtrusive ways, decision, firm- ness, and a conscientious regard to duty; always seeking for the best results and shaping the means at his command with excellent judgment to obtain them; constantly alive to the requirements of the position he holds, and of indefatigable industry and persever- ance. While holding to the ancient faith of a long line of ances- tors as a member of the Quaker fraternity, he is liberal to all religious denominations, and a generous contributor to the support of the village church. He is a judicious helper in all educational and moral purposes for the good of the community in which he
509
BUSINESS OF ROCHESTER.
lives. In the prime of a matured manhood, his future usefulness to the town, his associates, and his family, can only be measured by the years he may live. He married Effie Seavey of Rochester, September 20, 1870, and has one child, Gertrude, born June 18, 1875.
THE UNION HOTEL at Gonic was originally a small dwelling- house with an addition used as a village store, built perhaps as early as 1840. In 1854, and perhaps before, Enoch W. Gray occupied it as a dwelling and store. He sold it to Downing Varney, who some time prior to 1860 sold it to Moody Cavender. Cavender used it as a boarding-house for factory operatives till 1861, when he enlarged the buildings, and opened the " Union Hotel." After three or four years he sold to his brother-in-law, John W. Varney, who further enlarged and improved it, continuing it as a hotel and boarding-house until his death, October 1, 1877. Varney was a jovial, genial-hearted man, witty and bright, and made the house
very popular. After his death it had John E. Meader, Frank Drew, and John W. Foss as landlords at different times. In December, 1881, the Gonic Manufacturing Company bought the property, and have since used it principally as a boarding-house, still keeping it open as a hotel. Since they took the house, Phi- lander Varney has been the landlord, and has a well-earned rep- utation for hospitality.
A postoffice was established at Gonic, January 28, 1851, with Charles S. Whitehouse as postmaster. His successors in office have been as follows: - Downing Varney, appointed December 27, 1856; Henry W. Locke, August 2, 1861; E. F. Whitehouse, March 13, 1862; Charles S. Whitehouse, October 2, 1865; Frank H. Gray, July 29, 1885; and Charles M. Horne, May 13, 1889. The gross receipts of this office from March 5 to June 30, 1851, were $36.75; from July 1 to September 30, 1889, $148.56. In 1889 there were received at this office the following periodicals : - 21 dailies; 317 weeklies; 27 monthlies; and 100 transient.
510
ROCHESTER.
EAST ROCHESTER.
A saw and grist mill was built here by the early settlers, and owned in twenty-four shares of a day's work each. In 1825 Ste- phen Shorey (p. 282) began running the mill. He had married a Corson, and the Corsons and Shoreys together owned several shares. The mill was a good deal run down, and many of the owners valued it but little. Jeremiah II. Woodman bought up a majority of the shares and compelled the rest to repair. He then sold to the Great Falls Manufacturing Company, and they bought out the other owners. About 1834 they let it to Abram Folsom, who began the manufacture of chairs. Deacon Shorey, who had built a new saw and grist mill in 1836, bought out Folsom's lease in 1845, and continued the chair business for about twenty years, making from three to four thousand chairs a year. In 1855 the mill was burned, and by permission of the Great Falls Company, Deacon Shorey rebuilt, owning the building himself. The new
mill was three stories high and one hundred and four feet long. In 1862 it was changed into a cotton mill, of which Shorey owned one half, but sold soon after. The business was carried on by Oren W. Davis, Hatch Downs, and Charles W. Willey. When cotton went up in war time, they sold what they had and began on woolens, but not succeeding, sold out to the Cocheco Company in 1868. Stephen Shorey built another saw-mill further down the river in 1862, which he soon after sold to the same company.
John Hall and I. W. Springfield built a mill on the Maine side of the river, about 1850, beginning with one set of machinery. After a few years Mr. Hall left, and Mr. Springfield continued the business, increasing the machinery to three sets, and was burnt out in 1857.
When Stephen Shorey came here in 1825, the only house in East Rochester was that of Elijah Tibbitts. At his death in 1879, it had become a thriving village of six hundred inhabitants.
Stephen Shorey had a " country store" in his house as early as 1843. In 1864 he built a store which he sold in 1867 to Shackford Hart. He was followed in 1869 by Mr. Swett, who sold after one year to James Walker, from Great Falls, who is doing a large business. Stephen Shorey also opened a grocery store in 1853, and was followed by Charles W. Brown who sold
511
BUSINESS OF ROCHESTER.
to Herbert T. McCrillis in 1881. George L. Hayes opened a grocery store as agent for F. Ayer & Co. of Boston about 1877. In 1887 Mr. Hayes built a store and has a flourishing business. The old stand is occupied by Abbott & Webber. A drug store was opened in 1877 by Stephen F. Shorey. In 1879 E. L. Faunce began business in dry and fancy goods, which his widow contin- ued till 1885, and then sold to A. L. Richards. Mrs. Annie S. Smith from Farmington opened a millinery shop in 1888. H. Kimball had a fruit and confectionery store which he sold to W. W. Sinclair in 1887.
A. S. Towle set up the business of carriage and sleigh making in 1880. In 1888 Jennings & Stevens from Epping came to East Rochester and started a box-shop and general lumber business. They use about a thousand feet a day for boxes.
In the fall of 1873 the citizens of East Rochester met at Eben Varney's store, and decided to build a shoe-factory, with shares at one hundred dollars each. Eben Varney, Stephen Shorey, and Bryant Peavey took five shares each, and John W. Tibbetts three shares. Other subscribers increased the number to fifty-six, fifty- one of which were eventually paid in. The building was erected the following spring, at a cost of $8,688.73. About a year later Manny & All of Boston hired it with the understanding that they should have it rent free for five years, provided they would stay so long, and carry on a certain amount of business. But after running about six months they failed, and the building lay idle for nearly three years. In October, 1878, John D. Fogg of Spring- vale, Me., and Henry J. Vinal of Boston, Mass., bought the concern for $2,500, and began the manufacture of Alaska boots, employing about fifty hands. The pay-roll was then about $2,000 a month, and rose to $8,700 a month in 1888. The business of the first year was $80,000; for 1888 it was $260,000. In 1883 the building was enlarged one third, and $20,000 worth of new machinery put in. In November, 1888, a business connection was made with E. & A. Mudge of Boston. In the Fall of 1889 the factory was closed, and the business removed to Springvale, Me.
John D. Fogg was born at Deerfield, March 1, 1842; married, October 19, 1870, Phebe S. Veazie of Quincy, Mass. He was for several years in the shoe business at Springvale, Me., before coming to East Rochester. He has built eight houses in this village, which owes much to his enterprise and energy.
.
512
ROCHESTER.
THE COCHECO MILLS, EAST ROCHESTER, N. H.
BY EVERETT M. SINCLAIR, ESQ.
In 1862 John Hall came to this village, and after some talk with Stephen Shorey it was settled that Shorey should build a mill, and Hall would hire the building and put in woolen ma- chinery. Mr. Shorey had long entertained a hope that a woolen mill might be in successful operation here, and had tried to per- suade I. W. Springfield to locate in this place instead of Wolfe- borough. Shortly after the conversation with Mr. Hall he began work on the canal, and having erected the building now known as No. 1 Mill, Mr. Hall hired the same for a term of ten years, and placed therein four sets of woolen machinery. In November, 1862, the machinery was put into the mill; the first wool was carded in December; the first loom started January 1, 1863, and in February the first finished goods were sent to market.
At this time Samuel B. Rindge, of the firm of Parker, Wilder & Co., Boston, suggested to Mr. Hall the idea of forming a stock company. After consultation with N. V. Whitehouse of Gonic, it was decided to carry this suggestion into effect, and a com- pany was formed, consisting of John Hall, N. V. Whitehouse, S. B. Rindge, C. S. Whitehouse, E. F. Whitehouse, Larkin Har- rington, and Jonathan Overand. On petition of the above-named gentlemen, the Legislature granted an act of incorporation to carry on the woolen business under the name of the Cocheco Woolen Manufacturing Company. Their first meeting was held in the little old counting room on July 30, 1863, to accept the act of incorporation, which was passed June 24, and to adopt by-laws, elect officers, etc. N. V. Whitehouse, John Hall, and S. B. Rindge were chosen directors; Benjamin Phipps, of the firm of Parker, Wilder & Co., treasurer; and Larkin Harrington, clerk. The
first annual meeting was held November 19, at which the officers and stockholders were all present. The report showed that dur- ing the year they had purchased of Stephen Shorey the mill and all the stock and fixtures, together with much of the land whereon the plant now rests. After the meeting adjourned they repaired to the boarding-house kept by Mrs. Maria Parshley, and sat down to their first annual dinner. Of those present that day, only three
513
BUSINESS OF ROCHESTER.
are now living, John Hall, C. S. Whitehouse, and Benjamin Phipps, the latter of whom has been elected treasurer for twenty- six consecutive years, and has been present at every annual meeting. This can be said of no other officer or stockholder. Col. C. S. Whitehouse is the only one of the original seven who retains an interest in the mills, Mr. Hall having sold out several years ago.
Jonathan Overand and E. F. Whitehouse were both removed by death in the month of August, 1865. Mr. Overand was killed by falling from an open door-way in the attic of the mill, a heavy warp beam, which he was rolling to the door, falling with him. He lived but two hours after being taken to his home, and his was the first grave dug in the new cemetery at Rochester.
Mr. Whitehouse was drowned near the Isles of Shoals on the 28th day of the same month (p. 366). N. V. Whitehouse died at his home in Gonic, November 21, 1878 (p. 364).
Samuel B. Rindge, the principal owner, died at his home in Cambridge, Mass., May 3, 1883, of congestion of the brain. Mr. Rindge was born in that city December 26, 1820, and when but sixteen years of age entered the employ of Parker, Blanchard & Wilder of Boston, and by close application to work, and faithful- ness to the interests of his employers, he was admitted as partner in the concern. At the time of his death he held many important and responsible positions in the business world. He was a man of sterling qualities and untiring industry. His judgment in busi- ness affairs was seldom at fault, and his advice was much sought after by others. He was honest and faithful in the discharge of every duty which lay before him, and true to every obligation which he assumed. To all men he was ever kind and courteous, and the humblest workman always found in him a friend. He was truly a benefactor to the poor and unfortunate, and no more sincere mourners at his death were found than among the oper- atives in the Cocheco Mills. At the time of his death he had accumulated a property estimated at one and one half millions.
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.