USA > Rhode Island > Biographical history of the manufacturers and business men of Rhode Island, at the opening of the twentieth century > Part 14
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Samuel Moore & Co .- Manufacturers of jew- elers' and silversmiths' supplies, including orna- mented and beaded wire, flat stock, etc., in all kinds of metals. Works at 178 Eddy street, Providence. Samuel Moore, who established the business in 1882, was born in Falmouth, Mass., in September, 1844. He early learned the machinist trade in the works of the Mason Machine Co., of Taunton, Mass., and had a thorough experience in the building of locomo- tives and other machinery. His experience in this line is of great advantage to the company in their present business, because a practical machinist is required to keep the machin- ery of the plant in proper running order, many of their ma- chines being auto- matic and somewhat complicated, especial- ly their bead wire and bead chain, machines, of which Mr. Moore is the inventor and sole owner, and is also the foundation of their present exten- sive business.
Henry F. Mencke. -Manufacturer of steel stamps. Busi- ness established in 1899. Works located in the Jesse Metcalf Building, 158 Pine street, Providence.
Samuel Moore.
Rhode Island Wire Works .- Manufacturers of all kinds of wire cloth, wire screens, fencing, trellis frames, etc. Business established about 1873 by G. Campbell, who purchased the busi- ness of two other concerns and consolidated their interests with that of the present company. J. H. Campbell, who has been connected with the business for some twenty years, is the act- ing manager. Works at 20 Clifford street ; office at III Union street, Providence, R. I.
E. J. Ettlinger .- Manufacturer of a general line of gold plated jewelry, and white stone goods. Business established in 1880. Works
located in the Jesse Metcalf Building, 158 Pine street, Providence. Employ 40 hands. Edward Ettlinger was born in Newark, N. J., in October, 1855.
Thornton Bros. - Manufacturers of gold plated lockets and emblems. Business estab- lished in 1877 by James A. Thornton and John L. Thornton. Works located at 158 Pine street, Providence. Employ 50 hands. John L. Thornton was born in Warren, R. I., Septem- ber, 1850.
A. Herrick & Co .- Manufacturers of jewelers findings ; principally ring findings. Business established in 1898. Works located at 1 58 Pine street, Provi- dence. Employ 10 hands. Alvin Her- rick is a native of Providence. Charles D. Heaton, partner in the business, born in Indiana, March 2, 1861.
P. S. Eddy .- Man- ufacturer of a general line of solid gold and plated gents' jewelry. Works at 144 Pine street, Jesse Metcalf Building, Providence. Employ 14 hands. Began to learn the jewelers trade in 1844, and after serv- ing some time as a journeyman with other manufacturing concerns, in 1872 he began business on his own account in company with a Mr. Coggeshall, under the firm name of Coggeshall & Eddy, con- tinuing for six years, and then for about six years under the firm name of Eddy & Blake. In 1886 began to carry on business alone and has done so ever since. Pembroke S. Eddy was born in Providence, July. 27, 1830.
Standard Jewelry Co .- Manufacturers of gold and sterling silver emblems, college and class pins. Business established in March, 1898. Works located in the Jesse Metcalf Building, 158 Pine street, Providence.
I33
AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
Irons & Russell .- Manufacturers of gold and gold plated society emblems of all kinds. Works located in the old Sackett Building, 102 Friend-
Charles F. Irons.
ship street, Providence. Employ 75 hands. Business established in 1861 by Charles F. Irons, who was born in Providence, April 17, 1839. Mr. Irons began first to manufacture oride lockets, and soon after made the regimental numbers and letters for the Rhode Island reg- iments, and later the corps badges, and from these he gradually worked into the manufacture of emblems, which are at the present time the sole product of the company. Their plant is equipped with all modern machinery and appli- ances for carrying on their business, everything connected with the manufacture of their emblems being done in their factory, including enameling, coloring, engraving, and all of the tool making. Their products sell all over the United States, some in foreign countries, and they are con- sidered by the dealers as the finest line of goods that are made in this country. They sell their goods solely to the jobbing houses. Mr. Irons began business forty years ago in the same rooms that he now occupies, in what was then known as the Sackett Building, and owned by Sackett, Davis & Co., which was the first building erected in the city of Providence for the manufacture of jewelry, it having been built some time prior
to 1850. Directly opposite the Bowen Building, then the Richardson & Hicks Building, was built in 1852, which is the second oldest struc- ture of the city for the manufacture of jewelry. Mr. Irons has a record of being about the oldest continuous occupant of a building of any in the city. Mr. Irons was a member of the General Assembly in 1898 representing Providence as the fifth representative.
Charles A. Russell was born in Providence, October 24, 1859. After leaving the city schools at the age of sixteen, he entered the employ of Charles F. Irons in 1875, as errand boy, doing general work about the factory, and later as book-keeper. After a time he be- came traveling salesman and followed in that capacity for some six years. During this time he enjoyed a scholarship at the Providence Bryant & Stratton Business College, which gave him a knowledge of certain branches that have proven of great advantage to him in the years that have followed. He became a partner with Mr. Irons in 1881, the name of the partnership still remaining as before in Mr. Irons' name. In March, 1893, the firm name was changed to Irons & Russell. Mr. Russell now makes occasional trips in the
Charles A. Russell. interest of the company, to different parts of the country. The firm keep constantly stock over three thousand patterns. in
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
William H. Luther & Son .- Manufacturers of high-grade electro-plated jewelry, including cuff buttons, brooches, waist sets, rings, belt pins,
William H. Luther.
etc. The company have won a national reputa- tion for their "high-grade, low-priced " jewelry, which signifies that enough pure gold is de- posited by electricity on their goods to make them serviceable enough to give complete satis- faction to the consumer, and consequently the trade have come to consider these among the best line of goods that they can handle, because the great demand for them means ready sales in all parts of the United States and Canada, and in foreign countries these goods are sold extensively. Business was established in 1864 by William H. Luther, who began business "down town" where he occupied several shops at different times, moving from one to another to meet the demands of the growing business, and in January, 1877, he located in the present factory on Oxford street, in South Providence, where the company have one of the most up-to- date jewelry manufacturing establishments in the state of Rhode Island. The main part of the factory, which was built some twenty-five years ago, is located at the corner of Oxford and Harriet streets, and since that time smaller additions have been built on Oxford street, and
in 1900 a brick addition was completed 35 feet wide by 75 feet in length on Harriet street, which was necessary on account of the great volume of business that the concern was obliged to turn out. This new addition is used wholly as a workshop in connection with the remainder of the factory. The plant is equipped with all of the modern machinery necessary to the pro- duction of the finest lines of jewelry, and a force of skilled workmen enable the company to compete with any manufacturers of jewelry in this country. Capacity of the plant, 250 em- ployes. The power for the works is supplied by a 25 horse power Fuller steam engine, and a complete electric lighting plant has been put in for the accommodation of the factory. William H. Luther was born in Dover, N. H., April 21, 1844. He is at present a member of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the city of Provi- dence. Frederick B. Luther, son of William H., the other member of the firm, was born in Providence, R. I., September 12, 1866. He is Superintendent of the works. In addition to this business he is also proprietor of the Atlantic Green Houses, which have developed a large business in the city. This is the only jewelry
Frederick B. Luther. manufacturing plant in this part of the city, known as South Providence, and it may be said to be one of the most attractive locations.
AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
I35
Reliance Mill Company. - Manufacturers of fancy table meals, including corn, rye, graham, whole wheat, buckwheat, oat meal, etc. Works located at 208 to 214 Dyer street, Providence. The mill of this company was erected by Henry C. Clark in 1873, and is a substantial five story structure, now equipped with four double sets of rolls; power being supplied by a 500 horse power engine. In the building is a grain ele- vator and storage capacity for 40,000 bushels of
Oliver Johnson & Co. - Manufacturers of paints and oils. Business founded by Oliver Johnson in 1833. He in turn was succeeded by his son, William S. Johnson, now deceased, and Benjamin W. Spink. The works are situated at the junction of Ellen and Eddy streets, Provi- dence, are five stories in height, and have a frontage and depth of 50x125 feet. The machinery equipment here in force is of the latest improved pattern, including thirty mills
WM.H. LUTHER & SONS
Factory of William H. Luther & Son, Cor. Oxford and Harriet Sts., Providence.
grain, while the company owns a large pier on the river, with depth of water alongside suffi- cient to enable the largest vessels to discharge, while there is a direct railroad switch, thus giv- ing them perfect transportation facilities. On the dock they have a large three story ware- house for the storing of salt, hay, straw and sundries. Business was originally established by J. C. Redding, succeeded by Goodspeed & Co., and later by the present company. Joseph Spellman has been the general manager of the business since 1893.
and mixers, grinding and pulverizing devices, etc., operated by a seventy-five horse power engine. The firm are manufacturers of the celebrated "Villa" brand of paint, "King Philip" white lead, " Excelsior " ready mixed paints, Arthur's matchless stains, putty, etc.
Oriental Silk Mfg. Co .- Manufacturers of all kinds of silk dress goods. Business established in 1900 by M. Maksodian, G. Fabrickian, A. Bar- ronian, B. Barronian, and M. M. Stone the gen- eral manager, all natives of Armenia, Asia. Works at 297 Canal street, Providence. Small plant.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Colvin Foundry Co .- Iron castings of all kinds, their specialty being heavy castings for machinery, steam engines and tools. Business established by G. & T. H. Colvin in 1872 on Dyer street, Providence, where the Dyer Street Land Co. Building now stands. In 1873 they built a foundry building of their own on West Exchange street, then Cove street, where they located the same year. Here they continued business until 1876 under the firm name of G. & T. H.Colvin, when Theodore bought his part- ner's interest, and changed the name to that of Theodore H. Colvin, which was retained until the incorporation of the business in 1896, the name then being changed to the Col- vin Foundry Co., with a capitalization of $100,000. Officers of the company are : Theodore H. Colvin, President and General Manager ; Charles T. -- Colvin, Secretary and Treasurer. In 1897 a new plant was erected on Globe street, which is one of the largest and most up-to-date iron foundries in New England, 175 feet long by 100 feet in width, equipped with every modern con- venience for doing all kinds of work in their line. In addition to this new foundry there is an office and pattern building, 150 by 50 feet, two stories, the engine room being located in one end of this structure.
Theodore H. Colvin, the President and Gen- eral Manager of the business, was born in Plain- field, Conn., April 26, 1846. He learned the trade of a molder in Danielsonville, now Daniel- son, Conn., in 1864. In 1865 he went to work in a foundry in Whitinsville, Mass., where he remained but six months. In December of that year he went to work for Caleb Colvin of Worcester, Mass., where he remained until 1872, when he located in Providence, and es-
Theodore H. Colvin.
tablished, in company with his uncle, the firm of G. & T. H. Colvin, and ever since that time he has been carrying on business for himself. During the thirty years that he has done busi- ness here he has won a reputation for doing the best of work, and he has made some of the largest castings ever turned out in the State. His son, Charles T. Colvin, the Treasurer and Secretary, was born in Worcester, Mass., July 3, 1868, and has been employed by the concern for a number of years. Clarence H. Colvin, another son of Theodore H., who is a member of the company and actively associated with the business, was born in Providence, R. I., December 20, 1877. Elisha H. Colvin, brother of Theodore H., who has been ac- tively associated with the company for a number of years, and is now a member of the corporation, was born in Plainfield, Conn., March 4, 1848. The cut illustrating the plant upon the opposite page shows one of the very modern foundries of the city.
S. K. Merrill & Co. -Manufacturers of solid gold and plated lockets. Established by Sylvester K. Mer- rill in 1871, who was born in Phenix, R. I., Sept. 9, 1840. Robert E. Budlong, who was born in Providence in 1864, became a member of the firm about 1885. Fac- tory located at 116 Chestnut street. Employ 50 hands.
The Thomas Phillips Co .- Manufacturers of machinery and copper work ; bleaching, dyeing, drying and finishing machinery. Business in- corporated in 1894. Works located on Benefit, Pike, Traverse and Tockwotton streets, Provi- dence. This is one of the oldest and largest manufacturing plants in the city. George C. Phillips is President and Treasurer of the company.
I 37
AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
John Heathcote .- Manufacturer of tentering and drying machines, for use in woolen mills, etc Business established by John Heathcote in 1870. Works located at 212 Eddy street, Providence. John Heathcote was born near Manchester, England, April 30, 1833. In 1842 he came to Providence, and after procuring an education in the public schools of Providence, he was apprenticed to the Franklin Foundry and Machine Co., to learn the trade of a ma- chinist. Serving four years he soon after entered the employ of the Corliss and Nightin- gale Engine Co., and then was engaged in fit-
ried on the manufacture of these machines, mak- ing important improvements from time to time. Mr. Heathcote is also the Treasurer of the Rus- sell Electric Manufacturing Co., of Providence. George H. Heathcote is at present associated with his father in the manufacture of tentering and drying machines.
Edwin Lowe & Co .- Manufacturers of solid gold finger rings, ear rings, scarf pins and studs. Business established by W. E. Webster & Co., about the year 1888, the business purchased by Edwin Lowe and Frank W. Bodwell in 1899. Factory located at 116 Chestnut street, Provi-
COLVIN FOUNDRY CO.
CLONE. ST.
Plant of the Colvin Foundry Co., Globe Street, Providence.
ting up the machinery for the Pacific Mills of Lawrence, Mass. Then he was in the service of Brown & Sharpe for about three years when that concern was located on South Main street, and employed seven or eight workmen instead of the eighteen hundred or more that the Brown & Sharpe Mfg. Co. now employ. In 1866 Mr. Heathcote established a steam, gas and water piping business in company with a Mr. Barbour, under the firm name of Barbour & Heathcote. About 1870 this firm bought out the patent of the J. S. Winsor Tentering and Drying Machine Co., and in 1874 Mr. Heathcote purchased his partner's interest. Since that time he has car-
dence. Employ 40 hands. Frank W. Bodwell was born in Boxford, Mass., December 11, 1858. Learned the jewelers and tool makers trades, and is now the Superintendent of the business that is carried on under the name of E. M. Lowe & Co., Mr. Bodwell being a co-partner.
The Clason Architectural Metal Works .- Manufacturers of copper and galvanized iron cornices, fronts, bay windows, metal ceilings, skylights, etc. Works located at 281 Canal street, Providence. Incorporated in 1898. Officers : Harold J Gross, President ; John W. Bishop, Treasurer ; George E. Hussey, Secre- tary. Capital, $10,000. General Manager, Clayton Harris.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
David Burton .- Steam, Gas and Water Pipe, and fittings. Also dealer in feed and force pumps. Mr. Burton was born in Providence,
David Burton.
December 14, 1833. After completing his edu- cation in the public schools he learned the trade of a steam and gas fitter, and after working as a journeyman for a number of years he estab- lished the present business in the year 1865, and has continued in this line ever since, developing a very extensive business throughout the state. He is one of the oldest manufacturers in his line in the city of Providence, Works located at 25 and 27 Page street, Providence. He was a member of the Providence City Council from 1887 to 1897, representing the Fifth Ward. Few men in the city have carried on a more thorough and successful business for a period of over thirty-five years than Mr. Burton. His reputation is such that whenever a contract has been awarded to him by any of our manufac- turers they were confident that they were to receive the best kind of work that was to be pro- cured in the line that Mr. Burton was engaged in. This general confidence that has been accorded him has won him many a contract that otherwise might have gone to other bidders in the general field of competition. Mr Burton was one of the members of the old time fire depart- ment of the city.
B. A. Ballou & Co .- Manufacturers of a gen- eral line of gold and rolled plate jewelry, to- gether with specialties and jewelers' findings. Make a large line of small gold chains, with minute links, such as are used on eye glasses, for trimming purposes, etc. In this latter line they are probably the most extensive manufac- turers in the country. Business established in 1876 by Barton A. Ballou, and soon after this time his brother-in-law, John J. Fry, was taken in as a partner in the business. Works located at 61 Peck street, and 102 Orange street, Providence, in the Dyer Street Land Co. Building. Employ about 115 hands. Their plant is equipped with all of the latest machinery that is required in the manufacture of their various lines, and the best class of workmen is employed. Barton A. Ballou was born in Cumberland, R. I., in Octo- ber, 1835. At the age of eighteen he was ap- prenticed to learn the trade of a jeweler with the firm of Lyon & Rathbun, of Providence. He worked as a journeyman for a number of years, and in 1876 began manufacturing on his own account, the following year Mr. John J. Fry becoming a partner, and the present firm name was adopted. Upon the death of Mr. Fry, Mr. Ballou's son, Frederick A. Ballou, became a partner in the business, and for a number of years he has been the general manager. He is a native of Providence. The goods made by this company stand very high in the market throughout the United States, and many of their productions are sold in foreign countries.
Waite, Thresher Co .- Manufacturers of a general line of gold jewelry, including a full line of ladies' goods. Business established by Daniel B. Waite in 1865, the firm name then being Waite, Smith & Co, Incorporated as the Waite, Thresher Co., in 1899. Works located at 61 Peck street, in the Dyer St. Land Co. Build- ing, Providence. Employ 200 hands. Officers : William H. Waite, President ; Henry G. Thresher, Secretary and Treasurer. The former is a native of Providence, where he was born September 27, 1848; the latter, born in Central Falls, R. I., August 5, 1855.
Read & Lincoln .- Manufacturers of sterling silver novelties ; said to be the largest manu- facturers of silver jewelry in the State ; make a general line. Business established by the pres- ent owners in 1890. Factory at 116 Chestnut street, Providence. Employ 65 hands. William A. Read is a native of Attleboro Falls. Henry A. Lincoln was born in Attleboro Falls, Mass., Feb. 15, 1858.
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AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
Dyer Street Land Co. Building .- The Dyer Street Land Co. Building, which was built in 1874 exclusively for manufacturing jewelers, ex- cept the first floor, which was planned for the wholesale grocery business, is located on Dyer, Peck, Friendship and Orange streets, Provi- dence, occupying a whole square. It is five stories high, the entire building now being oc- cupied by manufacturing jewelers, including the first floor. The building is 180 feet on Orange street, about 160 feet on Peck street and 86 feet in width. The power for the building is fur-
670 Eddy street ; employ 100 hands. Estab- lished by Charles A. Young about 1875. Frank N. Young was born in Providence, July 12, 1860. Arthur I. Young was born in Provi- dence, November 24, 1863. These two brothers now constitute the company.
James Hill Mfg. Co .- Manufacturers of rov- ing cans, cap boxes, paint pails, waste cans, and a variety of goods in the tinware line. Busi- ness established by James Hill probably forty years ago, in a small way, and the plant has gradually been increased until it is at present
Dyer Street Land Co. Building, Dyer, Peck, Orange and Friendship Streets, Providence.
nished by a Corliss engine of 75 horse power. The company was incorporated in 1874, the in- corporators being Sylvanus M. Lewis, Ex-Gov- ernor Henry Lippitt, John T. Mauran and J. B. Mathewson. Henry B. Lewis, the son of Syl- vanus M. Lewis, is now the Agent and Treas- urer of the company. This is one of the largest and strongest built manufacturing buildings in the city.
Young Bros .- Manufacturers of plain and fancy paper boxes, paper rolls for mailing, and jewelers' plush, satin and velvet work. Factory
one of the largest in the State. Works located on Westfield, Fuller and Sprague streets, Provi- dence, 60 by 200 feet. Power furnished by a fifteen horse power steam engine. The com- pany also do a large business in galvanized sheet iron goods, such as ash cans, water pails, well buckets, waste cans, etc. Their produc- tions are sold extensively throughout the United States.
Claflin & Co .- Manufacturers of gold plated buttons and novelties. Business established in 1889 by W. S. Claflin. Employ 15 hands. Works located in the Jesse Metcalf Building, 158 Pine street, Providence.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Frank L. Thornton .- Manufacturer of family cereals, his leading specialty being self-raising flours, at 28 and 30 Sabin street, Providence.
Frank L. Thornton.
Packer of whole wheat, graham flour, R. I. corn meal, oatmeal, Baltimore Pearl Meal, rolled oats, etc. Business established in 1882. Mr. Thorn- ton was born in Providence, March 11, 1849. After spending three years in the gold and diamond mines of South Africa, in the Trans- vaal and Free State, he returned home and entered into the mercantile business, until he established his present business in 1882. His cereals are used extensively throughout Rhode Island and parts of Massachusetts and Con- necticut.
Geo. Hawes & Sons. - Manufacturers of Hawes' improved steam trap. Business estab- lished in 1881. Lorin P. Hawes was the inven- tor of the trap, which possesses many advan- tages. At a very low temperature it will not freeze up, the claim is made that a saving of one-third in cost of fuel is made by its use, and the patent diaphragm insures satisfactory ser- vice for more than five years. Office 23 Dyer street. The business of the company originally was that of wholesale fruit and produce, which was established in 1859 by George Hawes.
F. A. Chase & Co .- Manufacturers of shut- tle irons and dealers in textile mill supplies. Messrs. Frederic A. Chase and Frederic L. Chase constitute the company. The works and storehouse are located at 271 West Exchange street, Providence, in the Brown Building.
The C. A. Caswell Carriage and Harness Co .- Manufacturers of all kinds of light and heavy carriages. The company make a specialty of heavy express and teaming wagons, and their trade is principally in Southern Rhode Island. Factory located in Wakefield, R. I .; one of the largest carriage manufacturing plants in the State. Employ 15 hands. Business established in 1892 by Caleb A. Caswell, who was born in South Kingstown, R. I., September 14, 1859, and was the sole owner of the business. Mr. Caswell does horse shoeing in connection with his carriage business, and his salesroom, which is connected with his carriage factory, contains a full supply of carriages of various makes, to- gether with harnesses and all kinds of horse goods. Mr. Caswell is thoroughly versed in the
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