USA > Rhode Island > Biographical history of the manufacturers and business men of Rhode Island, at the opening of the twentieth century > Part 11
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
7
1
MANUFACTURERS E ENGINEERS
Simmons Building, Point, Eddy and Richmond Streets.
1880; 1621/2 feet front on Point street, 1301/2 feet in the rear ; 50 feet in width, four stories. Floor space, 24,199 square feet. Power fur- nished by a 42-horse power Harris-Corliss steam engine. Building in a very desirable location for manufacturing purposes. Near the docks, and not far from the freight yards. Building built very strong, with plenty of light, as no other blocks can ever be built near to shut out the light, because it is surrounded by the city high- ways.
1878, the remaining partners continued the business under the firm name of Flint, Blood & Young. Mr. Young died in 1888, and the remaining two partners have carried on the business in the name of Flint, Blood & Co., the original name of the company, ever since. William W. Flint was born in Walpole, N. H., and Joseph F. Blood is a native of Ipswich, Mass. Factory located in the Simmons Build- ing at 94 Point street, Providence. Employ 40 hands.
!
1
d
S
e
m
er
e
d
ut
a ed re oy
100
BIOGRAPHICAL IHSTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
George F. Greene & Co., Manufacturing Jew- elers, 472 Potter's Ave., Providence, R. I., manu- facturers of Seamless Plated Stone and Band
George F. Greene.
Rings. This business was started in the spring of 1891, by Geo. F. Greene, who hired a small shop at 143 Summer St., this city, where a small busi- ness was conducted until January, 1892, when
William S Greene.
the business was removed to III Richmond St. A general line of ladies' goods in Electro-plate was made, consisting of Brooches, Ear Drops, Hair Pins, and Scarf Pins. Larger and better facilities were needed and in January, 1893, the business was moved to 113 Point St. There a notable success was made in the production of Silver Plated Novelties, such as Scarf Pins, Corsage Pins, and Waist Sets. They had a phe- nomenal success in the manufacture and sale of the " Brownie " and " Mother Goose " stick pins, thousands of gross being sold in all parts of the country. December Ist, 1894, William S. and Randolph A. Greene, brothers of George F. Greene, were admitted as partners; they having for several years been identified with its success.
Randolph A. Greene.
The three brothers have continued the business up to the present time. The firm produced and put upon the market the first one piece Beauty pin in electro and cheap rolled plate, which had a wonderful sale. Their greatest achievement was the production of a Seamless Plated Stone Ring, which was perfected after months of tedious experiment. Previous to this time all plated stone rings were made hollow or with lead filling. By their process they made a ring from a piece of round plated seamless solid wire which caused a revolution in plated stone ring making. They naturally remained leaders in this line of goods and have always mantained a high grade and standard for their goods. In Decem- ber, 1898, larger quarters being needed for their growing business they moved to the building at 472 Potter's Ave., securing over 6,400 square
AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
"
feet of floor space. They have maintained Stone and Band rings as their specialty, but have also made large quantities of other goods such as Buckles, Brooches, Cuff Buttons, Beauty Pins, etc. They were the originators of the Cyrano bead Beauty Pins produced in the spring of 1899. They manufactured of this one pin alone over 12,000,000. Their production of different kinds of Beauty Pins aggregate over 25,000,000. They employ from 100 to 150 hands. Geo. F., William S., and Randolph A. Greene, were born in Blackstone, Mass., in 1861-1863-1865, respec-
specialty, and these goods have won an excellent reputation throughout the country. Average number of hands employed, 75. William J. Braitsch, who is now sole proprieter, was born in New York city August 18, 1863 ; learned the trade of a chaser in Tiffany & Co's., of New York, remaining in the employ of that concern for a number of years, after which he began business for himself in the manufacture of gold and silver cane heads, umbrella mountings, etc., developing a specialty that met with marked success from the beginning.
BRAITSCH
J.BHATTSC & Có
C
HEARN
SILVER
MAKERS OF
SMITHS
Factory of W. J. Braitsch & Co., 472 Potter's Avenue, Providence.
tively, and received most of their schooling at North Adams, Mass. They learned the jewelry trade at Chartley, Mass., working there covering a period of about twelve years. They are prac- tical men in their trade and take a personal supervision of the several departments of their factory.
W. J. Braitsch & Co .- Manufacturers of cane handles and sterling silver toilet ware. Factory at 472 Potter's Ave., Providence ; salesrooms 396-398 Broadway, New York city. The busi- ness was established by W. J. Braitsch and John Hearn in 1887, Mr. Hearn's interest being purchased in 1893. Cane handles is their
B. K. Smith & Co .- Manufacturers of a gen- eral line of gold-plated ladies' jewelry. Have quite a trade in England. Business established by Mr. Smith in 1885. F. A. Fairbrother, Jr., taken into the company in 1894. Works located at No. 4 Blount street, Providence. Employ 150 hands. Bangs K. Smith was born in Harwich, Mass., Sept. 20, 1840. Began first to learn the trade of a chaser, and later acquired a complete knowledge of the jewelry manufacturing busi- ness. Frederick A. Fairbrother, Jr .. was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., March 26, 1855. First learned chasing and later the entire jewelry manufacturing business. Became a partner with Mr. Smith in 1894.
t
e f
1
e
S h
Ir at re
BRAITSCH
CANES
S
108
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Grimshaw, Crossley Mfg. Co .- Manufacturers and the present company was formed. The of window shades and shade rollers of the self- business has increased so rapidly it was found acting pattern. Business established by Mr. necessary to form a corporation so as to provide greater facilities, and the charter for the company was received Thursday, March 29, 1901, the same name being retained. Capitalized for $50,000. Lawton Crossley, President and Treasurer ; Amos Grimshaw, Vice President and General Manager.
Lawton Crossley.
Grimshaw and Mr. Crossley in 1900, Mr. Grim- shaw having had some twenty years experience in the manufacture of shade rollers and shades prior to the establishing of the present business. Works located at 409 Pine street, Providence. Amos Grimshaw was born in Lancashire, Eng- land, in 1856, and came to America in 1871. For some twenty years he was engaged in the shade roller manufacturing business with one of the largest concerns of its kind in this coun- try. His experience gives him a knowledge of the business that is unsurpassed by any manu- facturer in this line in New England. He has travelled in foreign countries where he placed himself in touch with trade abroad, and the result of his efforts has been an extensive busi- ness in England, Germany, Turkey, Australia, France, South Africa, South America, and other markets in many parts of the world ; a really phenomenal foreign trade. Lawton Crossley was born in Halifax, England, in 1870, and came to America in 1881. After a number of years' experience in other lines of business he associated himself with Mr. Grimshaw in 1900
Joseph Heller & Co .- Manufacturers of a general line of ladies' jewelry, including hat pins, brooches, scarf pins, etc Works at 185 Eddy street, Providence. Business established in 1899. Employ 25 hands. Joseph Heller was born in Austria in April, 1877. Came to America in 1891.
Harvey & Otis .- Manufacturers of emblems in solid gold. Business established by present company in 1884. Works at 183 Eddy street. Employ 30 hands. Henry W. Harvey was born in Providence November. 16, 1849. A fine class of goods.
Hutchison & Huestis .- Manufacturers of solid gold stone rings. Business established by the
Amos Grimshaw.
same company in 1877. Employ 35 hands. Works at 185 Eddy street, Providence. Harvey Huestis and George W. Hutchison.
109
AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
Oscar E. Place. - Manufacturer of a fine line of solid gold rings. Works located at 144 Pine street, Jesse Metcalf Building, Providence.
Oscar E. Place.
After learning the trade of a jeweler as applied to manufacturing, he began to manufacture on his own account as early as 1882, and his rings have always found a ready market in all parts of the United States. Employs about 16 hands. With modern machinery this force is enabled to turn off a great number of gold rings daily. Mr. Place was born in East Greenwich, R. I., May 17, 1852. Procured his education at the East Greenwich Academy, after which he began to learn the jewelers trade, meeting with marked success throughout his business career.
John Austin & Son .- Manufacturers of blue vitriol and oxide of zinc, and dealers in fine gold, silver, copper, gold coin, sand and black crucibles. Gold and silver assayers, refiners and smelters. Business established by John Austin in 1862. Works located at 74 .and 76 Clifford street, Providence. Since the death of Mr. Austin his son, Aurther E. Austin, has continued the business under the original firm name, who is also the Treasurer of the Improved Seamless Wire Co. of Providence. Mr Austin, senior, was connected with various other bank-
ing and manufacturing enterprises during the greater part of his life and was one of the in- fluential men of the city.
White Stone Jewelry Co .- Manufacturers of imitation diamond jewelry ; general line of ladies' and gents' goods. Business established in 1884 by Ettlinger & Safford the present pro- prietors. Works at No. 234 Chestnut street, Providence. Employ 50 hands. James M. Ettlinger was born in New York city in 1865. William A. Safford was born in Boston, Mass., in 1860.
J. M. Fraser & Co .- Manufacturers of a medium grade of plated ladies' jewelry, including brooches, hat pins, stick pins, etc. Works at 129 Eddy street. Number of employes, 75. The business was established by J. M. Fraser in 1894. John M. Fraser was born in New Glasgow, N. S., June 1, 1868. Came to the United States in 1887. Learned the jewelers trade at the works of Wade & Thresher, for whom he worked six years prior to beginning manufacturing for himself. Mr. Fraser has developed a good business, and has equipped his
John M. Fraser.
establishment with modern machinery so as to enable him to produce his goods in the most economical and rapid manner.
e
)
S
2
.
1
S
1
S. ey
d
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Clark & Coombs .- Manufacturers of gold filled rings in all kinds of patterns. Works located at 86 West Exchange street, Providence. The business was originally cstablished in 1862 under the company name of Clark & Coombs, as burnishers and finishers for a large silver- ware manufacturer located in North Attleboro, Mass., and after the concern moved to New York they continued as burnishers of jewelry for local houses. In 1875 they began the manu- facture of rings in a small way, and the superiority of their goods immediately attracted the attention of the trade, and a large demand was created throughout the country. Soon after the death of Mr. Coombs in 1889, the firm moved to the city of Providence, where William Clark, Jr., continued to carry on the business, his son William O. Clark being taken into partnership in 1882, and later another son, Arthur I. Clark. Mr. W. O. Clark is the General Manager of the business. William Clark, Jr., was born in Birmingham, England, and came to America with his father, who was the first to introduce the process of burnishing in the United States in 1832, in connection with a Mr. Samuel Taylor, who came to America at the same time for the same purpose. William O. and Arthur I. Clark were born in North Attle- boro, Mass. The rings made by this company are sold extensively throughout the United States and foreign countries.
F. H. Mooney .- Manufacturer of electro- plated jewelry, such as rings, stick pins, brooches, etc. Works located at 113 Point street, Provi- dence. Frederick H. Mooney was born in Lowell, Mass., October 16, 1869. Came to Providence and learned the jewelry business, establishing the present business in 1898. His productions have an extensive sale throughout the United States, and for a cheap line of goods they are equal to any made in the city. There are 18 hands employed in the works.
Edward N. Cook Plate Co .- Manufacturers of seamless wire and gold plate. Business under the present name established in 1901. Works located at 144 Pine street, Providence. Members of the company are Edward N. Cook, who was born in Petersham, Mass., March 2, 1857 ; began business in Providence in 1886. William C. Starkweather was born in Coventry, R. I. Dec. 27, 1860 ; was foreman for E. N. Cook for about 12 years; E. Clinton Cook was born in Baldwinville, R. I., Sept. 12, 1881.
Tuttle & Stark .- Manufacturers of a gen- cral linc of ladies' clectro-plated jewelry. Business established in 1880 by Coombs & Tuttle, later Coombs, Tuttle & Stark. After six months Mr. Coombs sold his interest, and since that time the firm name has been Tuttle & Stark. Works at 234 Chestnut street, Prov- idence. Employ 80 hands. John H. Tuttle was born in the town of Hanover, N. J., July 15, 1848. Learned the trade of a tool maker in Newark, N. J., Asher A. Stark was born in Lebanon, Conn., March, 1860. Learned the trade of a jeweler, and for many years worked for other manufacturers prior to becoming a partner in the present firm.
W. F. Main Co .- Manufacturers of a general line of gold plated jewelry. Business estab- lished in 1891 by Willard F. Main. Works located at 67 Friendship street, Providence; also have a factory in East Iowa City, Iowa. Sell all of their goods through their own jobbing houses. A. F. Roberts, General Supt. of Eastern Factory; Louis E. Lyon, General Supt. Western Factory. Some 40 hands employed in \ Providence factory.
The Trafton Co .- Manufacturers of a general line of gold plated jewelry, mostly ladies' goods. Business established in 1897. Works located at 62 Page street, Providence. James G. Trafton was born in Dighton, Mass., April 15, 1852, and was previously in the jewelry manufacturing business in Attleboro, Mass. Walter E. San- ford, the other member of the firm, was born in Connecticut, Oct. 22, 1855, and was formerly in business in Attleboro, Mass.
A. W. Babcock & Co .- Manufacturers of ster- ling silver novelties, their specialty being cups and bracelets. Works located at 409 Pine street, Providence. Employ 30 hands. Albert W. Babcock, a native of Providence, and Robert R. Babcock, a native of Apalachicola, Fla., formed a partnership under the present name in 1899. The company also make a specialty of millinery goods.
C. C. Darling & Co .- Manufacturers of gold and gold plated society emblems. Charles C. Darling, proprietor. Works located at 68 West Exchange street, Providence.
E. W. Holden .- Manufacturer of gold plated jewelry. Works located at 62 l'age street, Providence.
-
AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
H. N. Pervear Co .- Manufacturers of solid gold and plated jewelry ; make a general line of ladies' and gents' goods. Factory at 109 Friend- ship street, Providence. Established in 1875 by Mr. Pervear. Employ 25 hands. Among their specialties are carved and engraved gold front-bar cuff and baby pins, ladies and child- ren's dress sets and scarf pins. Henry N. Per- vear was born in Pawtucket. R. I., March 20, 1843. He established himself with his father as a bolt manufacturer, and after a few years experience in this line, he began the manufac- ture of jewelry in Provi- dence as described above. Mr. Pervear is still a resident of the city of Pawtucket, R. I.
A. Pollard & Co .- Manufacturers of a gen- eral line of gold plated ladies' jewelry, including brooches, stick pins, bracelets, millinery or- naments, etc. Business established in 1897, works located in the Bowen Building at 59 Page street. Albert Pollard was born in Paw- tucket, R. I., October 29, 1873 ; Thomas Pol- lard, his brother and partner in the business, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., April 5, 1861.
Henry N. Pervear.
Charles B. Donle .- Manufacturer of jewelers' dies and tools. Works located at 109 Friend- ship street, Providence. Business established in 1890. Mr. Donle was born in Newark, N. J., August 21, 1858. He began business in a small way, and has gradually increased until now he has a well equipped plant, and an extensive trade among the jewelry manufacturers of this section. Mr. Donle has carried on a work in the line of philanthropy for a number of years, somewhat unusual for a busy manufacturer, the result of which has been the elevation of many wayward men to the rank of honorable man- hood, some of them State prison convicts, from the professional safe cracker down to the more
ordinary convict. This kind of philanthropic work is certainly commendable although very uncommon among manufacturers.
David Peabody .- Manufacturer of artificial wood ornaments made by a preparation of chem- icals, which include an almost endless variety of designs from drawer handles to grotesque facial ornaments, Corinthian capitals for pilasters, Egyptian heads, heads and bodies of all kinds of animals, etc. The only business of the kind in the state. Business established in Boston about 1865. Sold to Gleason Wood Ornament Co., of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and located in Provi- dence in 1890. Works located in the Bowen Building, 101 Friendship street, Providence.
David Peabody was born in Boston, Mass., April 17, 1854; began to work for the company in Boston, later was employed by the West- ern company, and in 1890 worked for Bristol and Spencer who were the owners of the busi- ness when first located in Providence. About 1894 Mr. Peabody as- sumed control of the business which he has energetically pushed to its present excellent standing and wide scope, his goods selling all over the country.
J. H. Collingwood & Co .- Manufacturers of enamel and enamelers of jewelry. Business established in 1861 by John H. Collingwood, who was born in Birmingham, England, in October, 1840. John R. Dawley, copartner with Mr. Collingwood, was born in Providence, in May, 1859. Location of works, Bowen Build- ing, 107 Friendship street, Providence. The company make emblem enameling a specialty.
A. S. Cumerford & Co .- Manufacturers of gold and silver plate, solders and ornamented wires for the manufacturing trade. Incorporated. Works 129 Eddy street, Providence. Estab- lished by Arthur S. Cumerford.
n
d
in in
ps et, V. R.
old C. est
ted eet,
ery
ed 99.
t
i
1
50
1
112
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Bowen Building .- The Bowen Building was built by Richardson & Hicks in 1850, and known as the Richardson & Hicks Building. When completed it was considered the finest building for the manufacturing jewelry business that had ever been built in the city of Providence, and its location at the corner of Friendship and Page streets gave it a very central location. The first jewelry manufacturers to occupy the building was the firm of Richardson, Hicks & Co.,
been known as the Bowen Building. It is now, after fifty years of constant use, one of the very substantial structures of the city. The build- ings constituting the square between Page and Richmond streets, on the Friendship street side, also belong to Mr. Bowen and are largely used for manufacturing purposes covering many thou- sand square feet of space.
Herman Kern .- Manufacturer of gold plated and electro plated chains, Gent's Vest Dickens,
Bowen Building, Cor. Friendship and Page Streets, Providence.
makers of gold and gold plated jewelry which was in 1852. Robert Barton is now the oldest occu- pant of the building, he having moved his busi- ness here in 1857, where he has carried on business in the same shop continuously since that time. He is the only manufacturing jeweler in Rhode Island who can show so lengthy an occupancy of business premises. It has always been occupied by jewelry manufacturers or kindred trades ever since its completion. In 1889 Charles W. Bowen purchased the property of Mr. Richardson, who was then the sole owner, since which time it has
Ponies, and Fobs, Lorgnettes, Bracelets, Stick Pins, Charms, etc. Works located in the Bowen Building, 59 Page street, Providence. Mr. Kern was born in Providence May 6, 1862, and began the manufacture of jewelry in 1891. He was first employed by George H. Fuller & Son of Paw- tucket, R. I., whom he left to become an ap- prentice under L. Katzow & Co., where he remained three years learning the chain making business. He was next employed by Babbitt & Cameron, then by Stanley Bros. for one year, after which he began business for himself.
II3
AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
Vennerbeck & Clase .- Manufacturers of rolled gold and silver plate and wire, gold and silver sheet and wire, gold and silver solder, fancy
Thomas R. Vennerbeck.
wires in gold, silver and brass, fancy border wires in brass for picture frame manufacturers, and gold and silver anodes for coloring. Works located in the Bowen Building, 107 Friendship street, Providence. Business established in 1881 by Thomas R. Vennerbeck and Charles J. Clase, under the firm name of Vennerbeck & Clase. In 1887 Mr. C. F. Vennerbeck was admitted to the firm. In 1891 Mr. Clase died, the firm name being continued the same as before, Mr. Clase's interest being purchased by Thomas R. and C. F. Vennerbeck. Thomas Vennerbeck learned the trade of a gold and silver plater, and after having made himself thoroughly proficient in every department of the business, he began manufacturing as already described. He was born in Providence in 1856. C. F. Vennerbeck, his brother, was born in 1864. The company do an extensive business among the silversmiths and manufacturing jewelers of this section, and their brass picture frame wires are sold all over the United States. They produce some of the most striking patterns in the latter line of goods, and consequently they are in great demand among the art metal goods manufacturers. Their plant is well equipped with modern ma- chinery, thereby enabling them to turn out the best of work in the most expeditious and eco- nomical manner.
Fulford & Hobart .- The business of this com- pany was established in 1891 by Harry Fulford, who was born in Birmingham, England, Aug. 9, 1863; came to America in 1870. First learned the trade of a tool maker. In 1897 Geo. M. Hobart became a partner in the busi- ness, and since that date the company name has been Fulford & Hobart ; manufacture all kinds of metal ornaments, the most of which are used among the manufacturing jewelers. Employ 60 hands. Bowen Building, Page street, Providence.
Williams & Payton .- Manufacturers of a general line of plate jewelry. Works at 59 Page street, Bowen Building. Business estab- lished in 1891 by present firm. Employ 100 hands. William H. Williams was born Feb- ruary 9, 1869; William G. Payton was born in August, 1867.
The Improved Seamless Wire Co. - Manu- facturers of gold plated wire and flat stock, ster- ling silver wire and tubing, solid and plated gold tubing. Works at 95 Pine street, Providence. Business established and incorporated in 1896. Capitalized for $100,000. Employ 16 hands. Officers, Myron H. Fuller, President ; Arthur
C. F. Vennerbeck.
E. Austin, Treasurer. During the past four years the company has developed an extensive business.
(8)
1
1
ick en ern an Irst
ap- he ing bitt ear,
I
.
1
I14
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Robert Barton .- Manufacturer of rolled gold noveltics in jewelry, including hat pins, waist sets, cuff buttons, stick pins, etc. Also gold and sterling silver goods. Business established in 1853 as l'eck, Proctor & Barton, their factory being located at the corner of Page and Clifford streets. Mr. Barton moved into the Richardson & Hicks building in 1857, now the Bowen build- ing, cor. of Friendship and Page Sts , Providence, where he has remained ever since, showing a continuous occupancy of the premises of forty- four years. Mr. Bar- ton was born April 4, 1827, in Warren, R. I. He began as a travel- ing salesman in the jewelry business sev- eral years before he began manufacturing on his own account. He is now the third oldest manufacturing jeweler in active bus- iness in the city of Providence. During the many years that Mr. Barton has car- ried on business he has brought out many striking designs, and his goods have always stood very high with the trade throughout the country.
Robert Barton.
W. J. Feeley Co .- Manufacturers of church and ecclesiastical goods in gold, silver and brass. Business established by W. J. Fee- ley in 1875. Incorporated in 1892. Works lo- cated at 185 Eddy street, Providence. Employ about 100 hands. Officers: William J. Feeley, President and Treasurer; R. H. Feeley, Secre- tary. William J. Feeley was born in Provi- dence, January 19th, 1855. Learned the trade of a silversmith of Knowles & Webster, and worked a number of years as a journeyman be- fore beginning business on his own account.
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.