USA > Rhode Island > Biographical history of the manufacturers and business men of Rhode Island, at the opening of the twentieth century > Part 13
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Sterry E. Budlong .- Manufacturer of a gen- eral line of gold plated and brass jewelry. Busi- ness established in 1889 under the firm name of S. E. Budlong & Co., Thos. G. Hunt being a partner in the business for nine years, Mr. Budlong purchasing his interest in 1899. Works located at 129 Eddy street, Providence. Mr. Budlong was born in Warwick, R. I., Sept. 1, 1860.
S. S, Wild & Son .- Enamelers of jewelry and silverware. Business established by S. S. Wild in 1863. Works located at 181 Eddy street, Providence. Employ 40 hands. S. S. Wild was born in Milton, Mass., August 28, 1830. S. S. Wild, Jr., was born in Attleboro, Mass., July 28, 1861. One of the best equipped plants in the state for this line of business.
S. K. Grover & Co .- Manufacturers of a gen- eral line of jewelry and sterling silver novelties. Business established by Samuel K. Grover in 1891. The other member of the firm is Joseph Rosenberg. Works located at 183 Eddy street, Providence.
New England Pearl Co .- Manufacturers of pearl jewelry and novelties. Business estab- lished in 1893 by R. E. Pahle who was born in Berlin, Germany, November 28, 1857. Works located at 40 Clifford street, Providence. Em- ploy 30 hands.
Union Jewelry Co .- Manufacturers of cheap jewelry and novelties in brass. Business es- tablished in 1898 by William D. Stone of Provi- dence. Works located at 409 Pine street, Providence.
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AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
H. C. Luther & Co .- Lapidaries and manu- facturers of imitation precious stones, also man- ufacturers' supplies, including creal steps, sew- ing machine washers, valves for automatic sprinklers, and general glass workers. Works located at 227 Eddy street, Providence. Busi- ness established in 1858 by Henry C. Luther in the town of Attleboro, Mass., where he re- mained for about three years, afterwards mov- ing to Providence, where he has carried on bus- iness almost continuously ever since, develop- ing a large trade throughout the coun- try, although his prin- cipal trade is here in Rhode Island. Mr. Luther was born in Scituate, R. I., Sep- tember 25, 1831. He completed his educa- tion at the Smithville Seminary, in Scitu- ate, and at the age of sixteen he went to sea, and was engaged in the coasting and West India trade for a period of ten years. After leaving the sea he learned the trade of a lapidary, and in 1858 he began bus- iness for himself in East Attleboro, where his works were de- stroyed by fire. The building being rebuilt, Mr. Luther again started in business, and continued until the breaking out of the rebellion. In 1862 he en- listed as an ordinary seaman in the United States Navy. Here he served his country for two years, was selected in August, 1862, by Lieut. F. M. Bunce, from the deck, and promoted to Ship's Yeoman, by Capt. Jno. M. Blitz, serv- ing under Admirals Porter, Farragut and Lee, part of the time on board of the warship Penob- scot and part of the time on the Sonoma, and was honorably discharged in April, 1864. In 1865 he again resumed the lapidary business, lo- cating in the city of Providence in 1866 in com- pany with Henry Atkinson, to whom he sold
his interest in 1868, when he immediately began business on his own account under the name of H. C. Luther & Co., on Page street. In 1870 he sold his business to John Morrow, purchased a vessel, and again entered into the coasting business. Two years later, in 1872, Mr. Luther entered the lapidary business again, and has continued in that line ever since, manufacturing a great variety of goods from glass, and building up an extensive trade. Anything that can be made in glass Mr. Luther can produce, and the demand for his line of goods is very exten- sive. His plant is equipped with all of the modern machin- ery and appliances necessary to the pro- duction of the various lines of goods that he turns out. This is another industry that has been a great credit to the city, because it has enabled her to take one step higher in the line of manu- factures that have given her the reputa- tion of producing a great variety of man- ufactured articles, greater perhaps than most of the manufac- turing cities of the country.
Henry C. Luther.
Mr. Luther was elected from the town of Johnston to the House of Representatives in 1897 and 1898, and in 1899 he was elected to represent his town in the State Senate, where he performed his part in making the laws of our State in an acceptable manner. He was a member of the Johnston Town Council in 1895, and was at one time a member of the School Committee of the city of Providence, prior to taking up his residence in the town of Johnston. Mr. Luther's genial nature combined with his long experience, qualifies him as a business man of more than ordinary calibre, and his tact in meeting the trade is one of the factors of his success. He is now (1901) giving his attention to fixing a residence on a farm in the town of Exeter, R. I., where he can enjoy rural life.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Hutchison and Huestis .- Manufacturers of the city of Providence, and the company have solid gold rings, diamond mountings, and dia- met with remarkable success ever since they mond rings. Business established by George began business, their goods meeting with a ready sale, and their high standard of quality proving a permanent advertisement with the trade that handle their productions. This is one of the concerns that has helped to give the city of Providence the reputation of producing the finest goods in the jewelry line that are made in this country. Mr. Huestis, being a practical jewelry manufacturer, has charge of the mechanical part of the business, and Mr. Hutchison has sole charge of the office and business end of the establishment, his experience in New York in the precious stone business proving of great value to the firm. Their goods sell extensively throughout the United States and Canada, and some in foreign countries. At different times the company have created a number of inventions in their line for which they have received patents, and their goods are considered as fine as any made in America. To produce the high class goods made by the firm require the services of the most skilled work- men, each one of whom is thoroughly proficient George W. Hutchison. in the several parts of the business. They employ a number of expert tool makers which
W. Hutchison and Harvey Huestis in 1877 under the firm name of Hutchison & Huestis, in the Fitzgerald Building, 185 Eddy street, Provi- dence, their present location, although additions to the space occupied by them originally have twice been necessary to make room for added machinery and more hands. George W. Hut- chison was born in Troy, N. Y., April 8, 1849. He graduated from the Troy Academy, and began business life in the office of a hat manu- facturer in Newark, N. J. The eight years immediately prior to the establishment of the present business he was employed as salesman by one of the oldest importers of precious stones in Maiden Lane, New York. Harvey Huestis was born in Wallace, Nova Scotia, in 1848. He came to the United States when quite a young man and learned the jewelry busi- ness in Attleboro and Providence. After serving his time he began manufacturing on his own account in company with a Mr. Smith under the firm name of Smith & Huestis, their factory being located on Page street, Providence. After a few years he sold his interest, and the firm of Hutchison & Huestis was formed, in 1877, their production being the finest of anything made in
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Harvey Huestis.
enables them to produce new designs continually and so to keep fully abreast of the times with the latest and most up-to-date goods.
125
AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
J. L. Crandall & Co .- Manufacturers of 14-k 3 and 12-k @ hand-burnished vest charms. Omega bracelets, patented solderless padlocks
Joseph L. Crandall.
and slides, guards, etc., in gold plate and silver. Business established January 1, 1896, by J. L. & N. M. Crandall. Works located at 99 Stewart Street, Providence. Employ some 50 hands. Joseph L. Crandall was born in Lebanon, Conn., March 7, 1866. When about eighteen years of age he borrowed sufficient money to enter the works of the Brown & Sharpe Mfg. Co., to learn the trade of a machinest, completing his time in 1888. He then went to North Attleboro, Mass., and engaged with G. W. Cheever & Co., where he remained about two years, afterwards entering the employ of H. F. Barrows & Co., of the same town, taking charge of their tool department, holding this position for two years. He then went to work for R. Blackington & Co., following which he entered into business on his own account making jewelers' tools, but during the year that he was in business the times were very dull in the manufacturing line, and he returned to R. Blackington & Co., where he remained until 1896, when he again went in- to business, this time manufacturing jewelry, his brother being a partner, and doing all the travelling, while he superintended the factory end of the business. In 1900 he purchased his
brother's interest, since which time he has been the sole proprietor, retaining the original name of the company. Mr. Crandall owes his success largely to his patent solderless padlocks which he has sold extensively throughout the country among the manufacturers and jobbers. Mr. Crandall is the son of Joseph C. Crandall, of Lebanon, Conn., one of the prominent poli- ticians of that section of the State, who was elected a member of the State Legislature for two years, a member of the Senate for the same length of time, and at one time was County Commissioner.
Queen Dyeing Co .- Dyers of cotton piece goods into analine blacks only. One of the largest plants in the country. Business estab- lished by Albert Horton, B. J. Horton and W. Penn Mather in 1893. Incorporated in 1895. Capitalized for $25,000. Works located rear 589 Atwell's avenue, Providence. Employ 300 hands. Officers : W. Penn Mather, President ; Albert Horton, Treasurer; B. J. Horton, Secretary.
Jeremiah H. Bates .- Manufacturer of the Bates patent well curb, composed of a plain box with crank with self-filling and self-tipping bucket. Business established by Mr. Bates in 1857 in New Bedford, Mass., but soon located his plant in Providence. Patent granted in 1858. Used extensively throughout the United States and Canada. Works located at 195 Dyer street, Providence. Mr. Bates was born in Cov- entry, R. I., April 17, 1830. Was first a con- tractor and builder, building some of the largest blocks in New Bedford.
Snow & Westcott .- Manufacturers of a gen- eral line of 14-k gold jewelry. Business estab- lished in 1834 by G. & S. Owen. Works located in the Jesse Metcalf Building, 158 Pine street, Providence. Employ 30 hands. James P. Snow was born in Boston, Mass., September 22, 1839 ; Charles E. Westcott was born in Providence, August 13, 1848.
The Bliss Chester Co .- Manufacturers of brass and sheet metal goods. Business established July 1, 1900. Works located at 31 Mathewson street, Providence. Employ 25 hands.
Hanley & Murdy .- Assayers and refiners. Business established in 1895. Works located at 189 Eddy street, Providence. Patrick Hanley was born in Ireland, February, 1844.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
M. F. Williams .-- Manufacturer of pearl and gold plated jewelry. Business established in 1897 by M. F. Williams. Capitalized for
Manuel F. Williams.
$18,000. Number of employes, 80. Works located at 99 Stewart street, Providence. Man- uel Francis Williams was born in Providence, September 2, 1869. At the age of eleven years he went to work for the jewelry manufacturing concern of the Royce, Allen Co., as errand boy, and at the age of fifteen he had worked up to such a degree of proficiency that the company made him foreman of the engraving department of their establishment. Later he was promoted to head order clerk for the entire establishment. For the last eight years of the fourteen that Mr. Williams was employed by this company he was foreman of the pearl department. In 1894, having a desire to enter the manufacturing field himself, he took one of the pearl workmen and with him started into the pearl jewelry business under the firm name of The New England Pearl Co., at 40 Clifford street. In 1897 the partner- ship was dissolved, and Mr. Williams started into business alone at the rear of 226 Eddy street with a factory 40x80 feet. In April, 1901, he moved his plant to his present location at 99 Stewart street, where he has a factory, modern in every respect, 45x115 feet. Mr. Williams has earned a reputation for manufacturing a superior line of goods, which are sold all over the United States and Canada, and is one of the very creditable jewelry manufacturing estab- lishments of the city of Providence.
George Hamilton .- Manufacturer of jewelers' tools of all kinds. Figured rolls a specialty. Business established by Mr. Hamilton in 1895. Works at 95 Pine street, Providence. Born in New Ipswich, N. H., January 8, 1854. Was in the employ of other tool making concerns for twenty-five years prior to beginning business for himself.
L. J. Roy & Co .- Manufacturers of collar buttons, chains, and a general line of specialties made in rolled gold. Business established in 1900. Works located in the Fitzgerald Build- ing, 47 Clifford street, Providence. Employ 20 hands. Levi J. Roy was born in Canada, De- cember 26, 1863. He learned the jewelry man- ufacturing business in the employ of the firm of T. I. Smith, No. Attleboro, Mass., in 1879, where he remained until 1888. He was employed by a number of manufacturing jewelers in the city of Providence, among them Fred I. Marcy. In 1897 he began manufacturing on his own ac- count as a partner in the firm of Roy & Mina- han, continuing under this title until 1900, when the firm name became L. J. Roy & Co., Mr.
Levi J. Roy.
Roy being the sole proprietor. Their goods are sold extensively throughout the United States and Canada.
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AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
Edward N. Cook Plate Co. - Manufacturers of rolled gold and silver plate, gold plated seamless wire for optical goods and jewelry, cane head
Edward N. Cook.
stock, all kinds of plain and fancy tubing in gold, silver and plate ; also manufacturers of aluminum and silver solders, and gold solders in all karats, Business established by Edward 'N. Cook in 1886. Incorporated in March, 1901, under the
E. Clinton Cook.
present name ; capitalized for $50,000. Employ 12 hands. Works now located in the Jesse Metcalf Building, 144 Pine street, Providence. Officers of the company : Edward N. Cook, President and Treasurer ; E. Clinton Cook, Secretary ; William C. Starkweather, Superin- tendent. Edward N. Cook began business as a bookkeeper, and afterwards learned the business of a gold plater. After acquiring the details of the business he began manufacturing on his own account at 129 Eddy street, then at 62 Page street, where he remained for nine years, or until the Jesse Metcalf Building was completed. when he was the first to move in. His business gradually increased until this year, when a cor- poration was formed and larger quarters were secured in the building. Mr. Cook was born
William C. Starkweather.
in Petersham, Mass., March 2, 1857. E. Clin- ton Cook was born in Baldwinville, Mass., Sept. 12, 1882. After graduating from the Provi- dence Bryant and Stratton Business College, he began as bookkeeper for his father in 1898, and became a member of the company upon its incorporation in 1901, being elected its Secre- tary. William C. Starkweather, after graduating at the Providence Bryant and Stratton Business College, engaged with Hamilton Bros., chain makers, of Providence, where he remained six years. He then carried on a grocery business for five years, after which in 1888 he entered the employ of Edward N. Cook, where he has remained ever since, becoming a member of the company upon its incorporation. He is Super- intendent of the factory. He was born in Coventry, R. I., Dec. 27, 1860.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
The R. L. Griffith & Son Co .- Manufacturers the business was incorporated under the name of gold and gold plated ladies' and gents' jew- of The R. L. Griffith & Son. Co. Walter A. elry, including scarf pins, brooches, belt buckles, Griffith was born in Providence, April 26, 1863. Hle received his education in the Providence public schools, graduating from the High School at the age of sixteen, being the youngest in his class. He then entered the employ of Sanger & Griffith as bookkeeper, and at the age of eighteen he began as traveling salesman and became a member of the firm, being the youngest sales- man and manufacturer in the city of Providence. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and other prominent societies. The company sell their goods all over the United States and Canada, and in foreign countries. Their plant is equipped with modern machinery. Also a complete electro-plating department. For their superior productions the company received a medal and diploma at the World's Fair in 1893. The works of the company are located in one of the most substantial buildings in the city, erected specially for the jewelry manufacturing busi- ness. Since the beginning, in 1879, there has been a steady increase in the volume of the business, until today it is one of the most exten-
Rufus L. Griffith.
and an extensive line of seamless gold shell rings. Works located at 144 to 158 Pine street, Jesse Metcalf Building, Providence. Incorporated in 1897. Capitalized for $40,000. Employ 75 hands. Officers: Rufus L. Griffith, President ; Walter A. Griffith, Secretary and Treasurer. The business was established in 1879 by Sanger & Griffith. Rufus L. Griffith, the President of the company, was born in Carver, Mass., December 2, 1832. He came to Rhode Island in 1844, and began an apprenticeship in the jewelry business at the age of eighteen with Sackett, Davis & Potter, serving three years. After serving his apprenticeship he went to work for Palmer & Richardson, where he remained for about seven years. After an experience in other shops of the city, he engaged with John T. Mauran, and was with him for thirteen years. In 1879 he began as a manufacturing jeweler as a member of the firm of Sanger & Griffith, whose location was on Pine street, and later located at 129 Eddy street. At the end of two years Mr. Sanger sold his interest in the business, and Walter A. Griffith was admitted to the firm, the name then being changed to R. L. Griffith & Son. In 1897
Walter A. Griffith.
sive jewelry manufacturing plants in the state, producing some of the most attractive designs that have ever been put upon the market.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Schofield, Battey & Co .- Manufacturers of a general line of gold plated novelties in ladies' and gents' jewelry. Business established in
William A. Schofield.
Plainville, Mass., in April, 1888, by Lambert, Schofield & Co. Works now located in the Jesse Metcalf Building, 144 Pine street, Providence. Employ 100 hands. William A. Schofield was born in Plainville, Mass., August 31, 1865. He learned the jewelry business with Schofield, Aston & Co., in the old Stephen Richardson Building of North Attleboro, Mass. After serving his apprenticeship with this firm, he was employed by the Plainville Stock Co., of Plain- ville, Mass., as their assistant foreman, where he remained eight years. After this he came to Providence and engaged with Hancock, Becker & Co., where he stayed one year, having charge of their shipping department. When the busi- ness of Schofield, Aston & Co., of Plainville, Mass., was sold out in 1888, Messrs. Schofield and Lambert bought the plant, where they began business under the firm name of Lambert, Scho- field & Co., remaining there about two years. At the end of that time, becoming convinced that the facilities for carrying on the manufacturing jewelry business in the city of Providence were superior to those of Plainville, they moved their plant to this city in November, 1889, locating at
226 Eddy Street. Upon the completion of the Jesse Metcalf Building they secured rooms for their factory here and were about the first firm to move into this modern jewelry manufactur- ing building. In December, 1898, Mr. Lambert sold his interest in the business to Mr. Schofield, and the same month Mr. C. W. Battey was taken in as a partner. Charles W. Battey was born in Providence March 12, 1869. He was for a num- ber of years traveling salesman for the jewelry manufacturing firm of Waite, Mathewson & Co., of Providence. His extensive experience on the road is of necessity of great advantage to the company of which he is a member. Mr. Battey covers the entire western field and other sections of the country, while Mr. Schofield takes care of a territory nearer home, because his services as the practical man of the firm are required in the factory more often than those of his partner. The goods made by this company are among the best of their class made in the city, and they are sold all over the United States and Canada, some being sold in foreign coun- tries. Their plant is one of the best, being
Charles W. Battey.
equipped with all modern machinery, which enables them to produce the best results eco- nomically and rapidly.
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AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
William Bens .- Manufacturer of sterling silver novelties for ladies' and gentlemen's wear. Business established by William Bens in 1890.
William Bens.
Works located in the Jesse Metcalf Building, I 58 Pine street, Providence. Employs 50 hands. William Bens was born in Cologne, Germany, March 13, 1853. He came to the United States in June, 1866, and established himself in the manufacturing jewelry business in 1890, after having served a term of years with other com- panies in the Attleboros and Providence. Mr. Bens possesses a thorough knowledge of the business, and his plant is equipped with ma- chinery of the latest designs, which enables him to produce the finest of work in an economical and expeditious manner.
Wolstenholme Mfg. Co .- Manufacturers of gold plated jewelry, a general line. Business established in 1889 by John C. Wolstenholme, A. M. Wolstenholme is a member of the firm. Works located in the Jesse Metcalf Building, 158 Pine street, Providence. Employ 40 hands.
Wildprett & Saacke .- Manufacturers of solid gold rings. Business established in 1887 by William Wildprett ; partnership formed August I, 1888. Gustave Saacke partner in the business. Works located in the Jesse Metcalf Building, 158 Pine street, Providence.
Jesse Metcalf Building .- This building was built in 1896, more especially for the manufac- turing jewelers' business, its location being on Pine, Richmond and Page streets, in the city of Providence. The building was named in honor of Jesse Metcalf, and is owned by his two daughters, Mrs. William C. Baker and Mrs. Eliza G. Radeke. The length of the building on Pine street is 195 feet, 120 feet on Rich- mond street, and 85 feet on Page street, five stories high, with two main entrances on Pine street, each being equipped with a combination passenger and freight elevator. The ground floor is devoted principally to stores. The win- dows being close together and very large, there being two light shafts in the centre, the build- ing is well lighted during day time and a com- plete electric lighting plant supplies light in the evening hours or for night work. The power is also electric, furnished by a complete plant in the building, the shafting of each plant being independent of other shops. Each story is thir- teen feet high, and the windows extend to the top of the rooms. Drop posts of hard pine are carried up to each shop from solid foundations of concrete and granite, and every room is equipped with the latest improved forges, with wind pipes, sanitary arrangements, etc. Everything about the building is modern in every respect.
Whitehead Brothers Co .- Foundry and mold- ers' supplies. Business established about 1860 by Charles and William Whitehead. The pres- ent company was organized in 1893. Plant at 42 South Water street, Providence. Alfred J. Miller is General Manager of the Providence branch of the business, and also Vice-President of the company. The foundry trade of New England is said to be nearly all supplied by this house, which includes molding sand, fire clay, foundry facings, etc. The company get their supply from their various sand pits and works which are located in some fourteen different localities in New Jersey, New York and Massa- chusetts.
Excelsior Steam Engine and Machine Co .- Manufacturers of the " Excelsior " steam engine, specially designed as an upright engine for small plants. Works located at 30 Friendship street, Providence. The business is carried on under the management of John Borland, Jr. Repair work of all kinds is done by the company.
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