USA > Rhode Island > Biographical history of the manufacturers and business men of Rhode Island, at the opening of the twentieth century > Part 25
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their property platted and divided into six water privileges. Each privilege was to have an aper- ture in the side of the trench six feet long and two feet deep below the top of the dam, and in after years the apertures were increased in size, all of which were readily sold to as many manu- facturing concerns. The Nos. 1 and 2 privileges were bought by John Kennedy and David and George Jenks, respectively, both of which were finally bought by the Stafford Mfg. Co., which company is still the owner.
The Stafford Mfg. Co., the Farwell Worsted Co., and the American Hair Cloth Co. now own all of the water power on the Blackstone River at this point in Central Falls. The present dam was built by Rufus J. Stafford in 1863. The old dam was located just above the bridge, and the mill trench ran under the roadway. When the new dam was built there was a new appor- tionment of the privileges, and the two trenches, the main trench leading to all of the mills, and the independent Stafford trench, were con- structed. The present apertures allowed to each of the original six privileges are twenty-six feet each, and vary in depth from 19 to 24 inches, according to position on the trench. From these water privileges the principal manu- facturing business of the town and city has de- veloped, but many more important industries have been built up in the manufacturing line within the city limits that have not enjoyed the privileges that the Blackstone afforded, which include the New England Electrolytic Copper Co., whose works are located near the junction of the Boston line tracks with those of the Worcester Road, the U. S. Cotton Co., on Foundry street, and a number of other concerns located in different parts of the city.
There was another dam built across the Black- stone River a few hundred feet above the dam at Pawtucket Falls, somewhere about 1792, which provided about the same amount of power for the mill owners in Pawtucket as was fur- nished the manufacturers at Central Falls at the dam built by Charles Keene, and there was a similar division of the water power, which was occasioned by the building of Sargent's Trench, a canal that extended under Main street, empty- ing into the river proper again below Pawtucket Falls. This upper dam supplied this trench with a given amount of water, as well as the mills situated on the dam, which included Samuel Slater's original mill.
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AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
Stafford Manufacturing Co .- Manufacturers of cotton yarns. Business established by Rufus J. Stafford, who carried on the business for several years prior to 1860 at the No. I privilege of the Central Falls dam that was built by Charles Keene in 1780. The business was incorporated under the present name in [864, the principal stockholders being Joseph Wood and John A. Adams. Upon the death of Mr. Wood in 1873. Mr. Adams became the President and Treasurer of the company. which positions he held until his death, May 24, 1892. His son, John F. Adams, then became the President and Agent of the corporaton, and still holds those positions. The position of Treasurer is held by his son, Rufus S. Adams, E. S. Binford being the Secretary of the com- panv. The mills of this company are situated on both sides of the river near the bridge in Central Falls, R. I. Mr. John F. Adams has
America in 1855, who settled in Woonsocket, R. I., where he attended the public schools part of the time, and part of the time was employed in one of the mills of that town until he was ten years of age. When he was eighteen he entered the machine shop of the Harris Woolen Co., and after serving his time as an apprentice he secured a position in James Brown's machine shop of Pawtucket, and later went to work for the Fales & Jenks Machine Co. Here he remained until he began business on his own account, his specialty being a patent shell roll, which is superior to the old fashioned roll. It can be adjusted to all kinds of spin- ning frames, and greatly facilitates the work, besides cheapening the cost and improving the quality of the work. Mr. Jackson has also brought out many more important patents in machinery and small tools. Walter H. Jack- son, the Treasurer and Secretary of the com-
View of Central Falls, R. I., from the Belfry of Greene & Daniels Mills, Showing the Site of the Original Charles Keene Dam, Some 500 Feet Above the Present Dam.
been a member of the Common Council of Pawtucket for several years, and was a mem- ber of the Board of Aldermen for the years 1892 and 1893. In many other ways he has shown his public spirit as a citizen of this city. In 1864 he purchased the Lanseville Manufac- turing Co. plant of Lanesville, Mass., which he developed into a model manufacturing plant, and the people of the town, to show their appreciation, have changed the name of the place to Adamsdale.
Jackson Patent Shell Roll Co .- Manufac- turers of cotton machinery, the Jackson patent shell roll, tools, etc. Business established in 1886 by David Jackson. Incorporated in 1889. Works located at 47 Bagley street, Pawtucket, R. I. Employ 25 hands. Officers : David Jackson, President and General Manager ; Walter H. Jackson, Treasurer and Secretary. David Jackson, the President of the corpora- tion, was born in Lancashire, England. March 2, 1847. He came with his parents to
pany, was born in Johnston, R. I., November 7. 1870. His youth was spent in the borough of» Danielson, Conn. He has handled very suc- cessfully the financial end of the business.
The R. Bliss Manufacturing Co .- Manufac- turers of hardware specialties, hand screws, mallets, car gates and novelties. Business es- tablished in 1832 by Rufus Bliss. Incorporated in 1873. Capitalized for $150,000. Employ 350 hands. One of the largest manufacturers of toy novelties in the United States. Works located at 535 Main street, Pawtucket, R. I. Officers: Henry F. Willard, President ; N. H. Colwell, General Manager ; W. R. Clark, Secre- tary and Treasurer. The car gates made by this company are in general use throughout the country on steam and electric cars, being considered the safest and easiest gate to oper- ate that is manufactured. Power for the plant is supplied wholly by steam. This is one of the most substantial manufacturing concerns of the State.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Farwell Worsted Mills .- Manufacturers of worsted goods for men's wear. Business es- tablished in 1894. Mills located in Central Falls, R. I., and in Middleboro, Mass. Busi- ness begun in Middleboro Mill a few years ago. Frederick S. Farwell, the proprietor, is a native of New Fane, Vt., where he was born January 11, 1843. After completing his educa- tion in the public schools of his native town, which was at a very early age, he went to work in a woolen factory in Millville, Mass.,
years. He then went to Pascoag to take charge of the weaving room for Philip Haw- kins. After remaining one year he engaged with A. L. Sayles of the same place as Superin- tendent of his extensive plant, which position he filled for nine years. His experience hav- ing made him familiar with every branch of the woolen manufacturing business, he had a desire to begin making goods on his own ac- count. In accord with this ambition he en- tered into partnership with William Tinkham, a veteran manufacturer, in 1873. Their manu-
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Farwell Worsted Mills, Central Falls, R. I.
where he learned to weave, remaining in the employ of that company for about five years. This was the beginning of a career in manu- facturing that few men in New England have equalled, with the limited advantages that Mr. Farwell had to contend with. From Millville he went to Uxbridge, Mass., where he engaged in making loom harnesses and chains at the Sayles Mills, In January, 1861, he went to Graniteville, R. I., and entered the employ of Phetteplace & Seagraves as section hand in the weaving room of their mill, remaining two
facturing plant was located in Harrisville, R. I., the business being carried on under the firm name of Tinkham & Farwell until 1884. when Mr. Farwell sold his interest to Mr. Tinkham. He then entered into partnership with Charles Fletcher and operated the Na- tional Worsted Mills at Olneyville, Mr. Far- well introducing and superintending the weav- ing department. He purchased Mr. Fletcher's interest in 1891, and as he was the largest stockholder in the corporation he practically conducted the business. In 1893 the National
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AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
Worsted Mills were consolidated with the Providence Worsted Mills, in which Mr. Fletcher was the controlling owner, the com- bined companies being chartered by the Rhode Island General Assembly under the name of the National and Providence Worsted Mills, and capitalized at $2,000,000. When the Na- tional Worsted Mills were started by Mr. Far- well, they had in operation some 75 looms, but when the consolidation took place there were 337 looms in operation. For eighteen months he remained with the new corporation as Superintendent of the weaving mills, and then tendered his resignation. In 1894 he purchased the Central Falls Woolen Mills,
divided into six privileges. The old dam was built above the present bridge, and when the new dam was built below the bridge there was a new apportionment of the water privilege, one of which the Farwell Worsted Mills are now the rightful owners of. The plant is also supplied with steam power to the extent of 300 horse power, by a Harris-Corliss engine, and the works are supplied with their own electric lighting plant.
The Farwell Worsted Mills No. 2, of Middle- boro, Mass., were purchased by Mr. Farwell a few years ago, after the mills had been idle for some time. Mr. Farwell equipped them with modern machinery and began manufac-
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Farwell Worsted Mills, No. 2, Middleboro, Mass.
which is the plant now occupied. When he took charge of the mills there were but 39 looms in operation, but inside of a very few months there were 142 looms turning out a fine grade of worsteds, and the mill property has been very much improved and the equip- ment throughout is modern in every respect. Some 525 hands are employed in the Central Falls mills and about 100 in the Middleboro mill. The Central Falls mills are situated on the Blackstone River, from which stream they are supplied with about 300 horse power through three turbines, which is the original grant as provided in 1833, when the waters at the dam built by Charles Keene in Central Falls were
turing worsted goods the same year of the purchase of the property. They are situated on the Nemasket River, from which they utilize about 80 horse power through a Rodrey Hunt turbine, and a Harris-Corliss engine of 100 horse power supplies the rest of the power required for the running of the plant.
J. Harvey Merrill is the Superintendent of the Central Falls Mills, and Charles Hacking is Superintendent of the mills at Middleboro.
Mr. Farwell is prominent in the various clubs and associations of the State. He is a past master of Granite Lodge. of Free Masons. and a member of Calvary Commandery of Providence.
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John J. Kenyon Manufacturing Co .- Manu- facturers of plain and fancy tapes and braids for manufacturers' use, boot, shoe and corset lacings, stay binding, glazed yarns, spool cot- ton and cords. Business established in 1867 by Thomas Kenyon & Son. Incorporated in April, 1897, under the present name, the capi- talization being $100,000. Employ 300 hands. Officers: John J. Kenyon, President and Treasurer ; Robert A. Kenyon, Vice President ; John F. Kenyon, Secretary ; James Kenyon, Superintendent. John J. Kenyon, the Presi- dent and Treasurer of the corporation, was born in Lancashire, England. November 25, 1836. At the age of eight he went to work as a tier hoy to block printers, attend- ing school half of the time and working the other half. At the age of fourteen he was ap- prenticed to Walker & Son of Manchester. England, where he learned the manufac- ture and finishing of cloth in all the branches, which in-
creased so rapidly the old mill was not large enough to handle the business, and other! rooms were hired in other buildings, until four different shops were in operation besides the original factory. This arrangement so divided the business, Mr. Kenyon found it difficult to personally superintend the departments, and in order to bring them all together under one roof, in 1895 he erected a factory in that part of Pawtucket known as Darlington, 300 feet long by 50 feet wide, an illustration of which is shown upon the opposite page. This fac- tory has proven of great advantage to the city by its location at the northeastern part of the city, where there was very little that in- dicated business life when Mr. Kenyon laid the foundation for his mill. Now there is quite a thickly settled neighborhood, round- about the factory, and every year notes a gradual growth. The mill is equipped with all of the modern ma- chinery required in the manufacture of their goods, and the power for the plant is supplied by a Harris- Corliss steam engine of 150 horse power, and the company have their own electric
cluded spinning, weaving. bleaching, dyeing, and printing. After completing his trade he came to America in 1855 and secured employment John J. Kenyon. in the original Pem- lighting plant. Their products are sold throughout the United States, principally among manufacturers, and some of their goods are exported. berton Mill, of Lawrence, Mass., where he was at work in 1860, when the mill building col- lapsed, causing a great loss of life. Mr. Kenyon escaped with no serious bodily harm. Mr. Kenyon has been one of the most re- spected and influential citizens of the city for many years, his methods of doing business being such as to win the confidence and good will of every concern that he had dealings with, and this confidence prompted the Repub- lican Party of the city of Pawtucket to nomi- nate him for the office of Mayor in the spring of 1901. Mr. Kenyon was Acting Mayor of Pawtucket in 1899, and his administration was After this he went to Philadelphia, Pa., and remained until the breaking out of the Rebel- lion, when he returned to England, to return again to America in 1863, locating in Paw- tucket, R. I. In company with his father he engaged in the manufacture of tapes and braids in the old Greene Mill at 56 East ave- nue, the firm name being Thomas Kenyon & Son. Upon the death of his father he carried on the business in his own name, which in-da thoroughly business one, devoted to the best
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interests of the community, which was natural from his method of doing everything well that comes to his hands. Mr. Kenyon is assisted in his management of the affairs of the cor- poration by his three sons, who have been brought up in the business.
J. S. White Co .- Manufacturers of iron cast- ings, shafting, hangers, pulleys, furnaces, and do general machinery work. Business estab- lished in 1847 by J. S. White, who was one of the most highly respected citizens of Paw- tucket. Foundry located at 22 Dexter street, Pawtucket. The business is now under the
Central Falls. Employs about 35 workmen. Power supplied by a 25 horse power engine. Building is 40 by 100 feet, three stories.
Nasonville Woolen Mill .- Manufacturers of cassimeres. Factory located at Nasonville, R. I., in the town of Burrillville, two miles below Glendale. Employ 100 hands. Power derived from the Branch River. Leonard Nason began the manufacture of axes and hoes as early as 1826, at this place, he having built a dam and erected a factory at that time. About 1838 he leased a portion of his factory to John L. Hughes and Henry Carpenter for
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John J. Kenyon Mfg. Co. Plant, Darlington, Pawtucket, R. I.
management of Henry T. White and C. E. Butterworth.
Perseverence Worsted Co .- Manufacturers of fancy worsted goods. Business established in 1883 by James H. Singleton, the present Treasurer of the company, who was born in Bradford, England. He came to America the same year that the business of this company was begun. Does a business of upwards of $1,000,000 annually. Works located in Woon- socket, R. I.
Albert Frost .- Manufacturer of paper boxes. Business established in 1868 by the present owner. Works located at 448 High street,
the manufacture of kerseys, then known as "Nigger cloth." About 1850 the works were increased in size, and the manufacture of axes and hoes was carried on extensively, the mill having a capacity of 1000 axes a day, besides other tools. These works were nearly all de- stroyed by fire in 1871, May 15th. Another building was burned in 1881, and the next spring the foundation for the present mill was laid. After being operated by several concerns, in 1886 Joshua Perkins leased the property, and has carried on the business since that time. The place is one of the very attractive mill villages of the State.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Harrison Yarn & Dyeing Co .- Manufac- turers and dyers of cotton, woolen and worsted yarns and raw stock. Business established
Richard Harrison.
in 1863 by Richard Harrison and Thomas Hayley. Incorporated in 1893 and capitalized at $75,000, which was increased to $150,000 in 1900. Works located at 184 Front street, Pawtucket. R. I. Employ 200 hands. Officers : Richard Harrison, President and Treasurer ; Charles E. Harrison, Assistant Treasurer and General Manager; Elmer E. Lent. Superin- tendent.
Richard Harrison, the President and Treas- urer of the corporation, was born in Hudders- field, Yorkshire, England, March 29, 1827. where he learned his trade, and at the age of eighteen years had charge of the largest dye house in Yorkshire, employing 300 hands. He came, to America in 1849 and took charge of the dyeing department of the Rockville Manu- facturing Co., Rockville, R. I., where he dyed the first cotton warps ever dyed in this State in fancy colors. He was at work in Volun- town in 1857, and from there moved to Hay- denville, Mass., thence to Oakland, R. I., where he was boss dyer for John L. Ross. He remained there for two years and then came to Pawtucket to work for Greene & Daniels at the head of their dyeing department. He re- mained with them one year and then began business on his own account in company with Thomas Hayley under the firm name of Hayley & Harrison, in 1863, in the basement
of the Payne & Taylor Building on East ave- nue, Pawtucket, where they were supplied with water from Sargent's trench, whichi tapped the Blackstone River at the upper dam at Pawtucket Falls. Here Mr. Harrison began the dyeing of worsted dress braids and was the first regular dyer of these goods in the country. In a few months the business had increased to 5,000 pounds per day. After six months in this location they began the founda- tion of the present extensive plant on Front street, which was completed in 1865, when they moved the business to the new factory. In 1868 he bought out his partner's interest and took in as members of the firm Owen & Clark, manufacturers of fine worsted yarns, and Goodman & Hoard, manufacturers of knit goods. It was at this time that Mr. Harrison undertook the dyeing and bleaching of German Floss Worsted, which up to then had never been done in this country, but he succeeded in producing results that equaled the foreign product, blue whites being his specialty. The following year the company began the manu- facture of woolen yarns in various sections of the State, but this branch of the business was given up in 1879. the interests owned by his partners at that time being purchased by Mr. Harrison. The style of the company was R. Harrison & Co., after Mr. Hayley sold his interest up to 1879. when Mr. Harrison carried on the business in his own name until 1893.
Charles E. Harrison.
when the business was incorporated and capi- talized for $75,000, under the name of the Har- rison Yarn & Dyeing Co., his son, Charles E.
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AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
Harrison, becoming a stockholder and an offi- cer of the corporation at that time. He is a native of Voluntown, Conn., where he was born January 12, 1857. After leaving school at the age of eighteen he entered the employ of his father, beginning at the lowest point and working up through all the departments of the business. He then became Superin- tendent and selling agent, and for the past two years has been the Acting Manager and Assist- ant Treasurer. All through his connection with the business he has been of inestimable value to his father in the advancement of the
works. Ite is one of the directors of the cor. poration.
The first factory was 45x60 feet, but as the business has increased additions have been built from time to time until at present they have one of the best equipped and most ex- tensive plants of its kind in New England.
For a number of years their goods have been advertised under the quotation of "Blacks that wash and don't fade"; in connection with this sentence there was a cut representing several coal black faces of bright little negro children that made it one of the most striking advertise-
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Works of the Harrison Yarn and Dyeing Co., Pawtucket, R. I.
affairs of the company. Mr. Charles E. Har- rison has been for a number of years one of the most influential men in the political circles of Pawtucket, but he never sought public office. He was city auditor for one year and has been importuned many times to accept the nomination for other offices, but has always refused.
Elmer E. Lent, the Superintendent of the works, is a native of Nova Scotia, and has had extensive experience in the yarn and dyeing business. He came to Central Falls at the age of three years. He was Superintendent for Greene & Daniels Manufacturing Co .. where he learned the business, when he was engaged to become Superintendent of these
ments of the public press. This was brought about by the enterprise of the concern whose knowledge of good advertising is recognized as being abreast of the times. This company for the past twenty-five years have manufac- tured what is known as Fairy Floss, which is crimped in a manner that makes it even throughout the skein and is used for knitting hoods and shawls, giving them a fluffy appear- ance and very light. This work is done on special machines owned exclusively by this company and invented by Mr. Richard Harri- son. They are sole manufacturers of these goods in this country. The works contain about 60,000 square feet of floor space and are situated on the Blackstone River. Power for
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
the plant is supplied by three Hodge boilers of 250 horse power each and eight engines of different capacities.
The bulk of their business is furnishing cotton yarns for the use of woolen and worsted mills for men's wear in fast blacks and colors, but they also dye woolen and worsted yarns for the same trade, and their products are
Stephen A. Jenks, President ; George H. Webb, Treasurer and General Manager; Alfred J. Webb, Superintendent. One of the largest machinery plants in the State. Power fur- nished by steam. Do a large export business.
Lorraine Manufacturing Co .- Manufacturers of cotton and worsted dress goods and fancy shirtings. Business established in 1881 by
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Pawtucket Manufacturing Co .- Manufac- turers of bolt, nut and special machinery, and bolts and cold punched nuts of every descrip- tion. Business established in 1882, and incor- porated in May of the same year. Works located on Conant street, Pawtucket. Officers :
W. F. & F. C. Sayles. Incorporated in 1896. Capitalized for $1,250,000. Factories located in Pawtucket and Westerly, R. I. Officers : Frank A. Sayles, President : James R. MacColl. Treasurer and Secretary. The works at Paw- tucket are among the largest in the State, as can be seen by the accompanying illustration, and their productions rank with the best goods on the market in their class.
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James R. MacColl, the General Manager of the business, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, April 2, 1856. He completed his education by taking a course at the Glasgow Technical Col- lege, and in 1871 he entered the employ of Henry Fyfe & Son, of Glasgow, manufacturers of dress goods. In company with John Thom-
The Lorraine Mills are situated on the Moshassuck River. Power for the plant is supplied by a Corliss horizontal and McIntosh & Seymour vertical steam engine of 2,500 horse power, and the company's own dynamos furnish electric power for lighting purposes. The Westerly mills are situated on the Paw-
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Pawtucket, Rhode Island, 1901.
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