USA > Rhode Island > Biographical history of the manufacturers and business men of Rhode Island, at the opening of the twentieth century > Part 26
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son he purchased this business in 1878, and continued it under the firm name of Thomson & MacColl. In 1882 he came to Pawtucket as the manager of the Lorraine Manufacturing Co.'s Mills, which position he has retained until the present time, the works being increased from time to time as the business developed under his management.
catuck River, and supplied by power from a Corliss steam engine of 500 horse power. These mills are also lighted by electricity from dynamos operated by the company.
As early as 1838 there was a small mill standing on the site of this Pawtucket plant, which was removed to make way for the new structure. It was used for the manufacture of thread by Samuel Sanders.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
The Robert D. Mason Co .- Bleachers and dyers of spool thread, knitting cotton, cords, braids, tapes, etc., together with woolen and worsted yarns and braids of every description, stockinet and jersey cloth. Business estab- lished in 1805 by Barney Merry, which has been carried on by his descendants for nearly a hundred years. The works were originally built in the rear of the Merry homestead, on East avenue, Pawtucket, where the plant was increased from time to time as the demands of the business required. This was the first in- dependent bleachery and dye house established in the city of Paw- tucket, and probably the first in New Eng- land. Barney Merry died in 1847. and he was succeeded by his son, Samuel Merry, who continued the business under the original name until 1866, when he ad- mitted his nephew, Robert D. Mason, as a member of the firm of Samuel Merry & Co., Mr. Mason hav- ing been in his uncle's employ since 1850, ac- quiring a perfect knowledge of the bus- iness in every depart- ment. He was ap- pointed Superintend- ent of the concern in 1861, which position he held until he became a member of the firm, after which he practically became the General Manager of the business. In 1870, after the works had suffered an explosion that caused considerable financial loss, Mr. Merry retired from active business, and the firm name then was changed to Robert D. Mason & Co., the Dexter Brothers becoming his associates. Mr. Mason was born in Pawtucket, R. 1., March 10, 1832. He received his education in the public schools, and at the age of sixteen he went to Taunton, Mass., to learn the sash and blind trade with his brother. He worked at this business for eighteen months, and then re-
Robert D. Mason.
turned to Pawtucket to begin the business which he followed for about fifty years. In 1876 he purchased his partners' interests, and in 1889 he admitted his son, Frederick R. Mason, as a partner. In 1892 the business was incorporated under the name of The Rob- ert D. Mason Co., with a capital of $100,000, Mr. Mason being the President of the com- pany, and Frederick R. Mason, Treasurer. The increasing business demanding more facilities and a larger establishment, the new plant now occupied on Esten avenue, rear of 1077 Main street. Pawtucket, was built the year of the incorpora- tion of the business, and the old works abandoned. This is considered one of the best equipped bleach- ing and dyeing estab- lishments in the coun- try, where some 150 hands are employed. The capacity of the original works was about 1.500 pounds per day, and the cap- acity of the present plant is 20,000 pounds per day. Mr. Mason was always identified with the progress and development of the city of Pawtucket, be- ing always interested in its various enter- prises, and counted as one of her most influ- ential citizens. Upon his death, in January, 1898, his son, Frederick R., then became the President and Secretary of the corporation, and the general management of the business de- volved wholly upon him, although he had for several years practically filled that position. He is a native of Pawtucket, where he was. born March II, 1859. After leaving the pub- lic schools he entered the private school of the Rev. C. M. Wheeler, of Providence, and com- pleted his education at Brown University, tak- ing a two years' course in chemistry. After this he became assistant to his father in the management of his manufacturing business,
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and was admitted as a member of the firm in 1889. and elected Treasurer upon the incor- poration of the business in 1892. The work done by this concern is considered as fine as any done by any dyeing and bleaching estab- lishment in this country. The main building is three stories high. with a long one story wing on the south side of the main structure. besides an engine room, all built of brick, amounting in floor space to about 40,000 square
burned, and the same year the present com- pany was incorporated, with a capitalization of $100.000, and the present extensive works on North Main street, Pawtucket, were begun and the plant put in operation in March. 1884. In 1894, October 1, Mr. James Dempsey died. The officers of the corporation are: William P. Dempsey, President and Treasurer; Mary J. Dempsey, Secretary. Capacity of the works about fifteen tons per day. Water for bleach- ing purposes obtained on the premises from open and artesian wells. Mr. Dempsey, the
The Robert D. Mason Co. Plant, Pawtucket, R. I.
feet. The water supply is furnished by springs and artesian wells, and the power for the works is supplied by three 150 horse power boilers and a 100 horse power steam engine. and they have their own electric lighting plant.
Dempsey Bleachery and Dye Works .- Bleachers, dyers and finishers of cotton goods. Business established by James Dempsey in 1880 in North Providence, his sons, John J. and William P., being employed as managers of the business. In 1882 these works were
original founder of the business, was one of the best dyers and bleachers in the country. He was born in Ireland in 1819, July 30, and came to America at the age of twenty-two years. He began business in Fall River print works, where he remained three years. From there he went to Providence, and soon after to Lonsdale as the overseer of the dye works of the Lonsdale Company, remaining some twenty-two years. After leaving this place he was employed by a number of other concerns in various parts of the country before begin- ning business on his own account.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
James Brown's Machine Shop .- Manufac- turer of cotton and cordage machinery. Busi- ness established in the works shown upon the opposite page in 1849 by James S. Brown, but he was in company with a Mr. Pitcher as early as 1824, the business being carried on under the firm name of Pitcher & Brown, their works being located at what is now the "Bridge Mill," near the falls. In 1842 Mr. Brown purchased his partner's interest and continued the manu- facture of machinery of various kinds in the same location until 1847, when he purchased three and a half acres of land on Main street, and be- gan the erection of a foundry, where he made his first cast- ings December 3Ist of that year. The following year he built the extensive machine shop, which is 400 feet long by 60 feet in width. In 1859 a substantial pattern house was built, and several other smaller build- ings for various pur- poses. Everything about the works were so well and conveniently arrang- ed in every depart- ment, it was known as one of the largest and most complete establishments of its kind in New England, and the plant has been kept up to its high standard to the pres- ent time. Mr. Brown was the inventor of many useful machines, but the most useful and popular invention was his improved American Speeder, which proved so much superior to the English fly frame that he was compelled, on account of the great demand for the new American speeder throughout the country, to abandon the manufacture of the Sharp & Roberts mules, which he had been manufactur- ing ever since their introduction into this coun-
try along about 1840. He took out his patent- ed improvement for the speeder in January, 1857. His improved lathe for the longitudinal turning of bodies of irregular forms was de- signed for making cotton machinery rolls, but after the breaking out of the Rebellion it was found to be well adapted for the turning of gun barrels, and as a result the entire estab- lishment was engaged in making tools and machines for turning gun barrels for the United States Government, giving employ- ment to about 300 men.
James Brown.
Along about 1862 Mr. Brown built the machines for the American File Works, whose plant was located directly opposite his works. He also invented a machine for grind- ing file-blanks, and a furnace for harden- ing files. After the close of the war he manufactured the Parr, Curtis & Mad- ley mule, an English invention, which met with favor among American manufac- turers. He after- wards made import- ant improvements on this mule, for which he secured patents. In the latter part of his life he devoted much time to# the manufacture of malleable iron and constructed a foundry for this purpose near his machine shop at great expense. His career as an in- ventor gave him the reputation as one of the foremost manufacturers of cotton machinery in the United States. He was born in Paw- tucket, then the town of North Providence, December 23, 1802. He died in Pawtucket December 29, 1879. Pawtucket has had few sons who have done as much for her develop- ment in the line of invention.
Upon the death of his father, James Brown
AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
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assumed the management of the entire busi- ness, and is now the sole proprietor of the works. Mr. Brown was born in Pawtucket, Mass. (then Massachusetts). December 18, 1838. After attending the public schools for a number of terms, at the age of eighteen he entered Lyon & Frize's University Grammar School, of Providence, from which he grad- uated in 1858. He then entered his father's
Besides managing the affairs of this immense plant, Mr. Brown has found some time to de- vote to the affairs of the city in a political way. He represented the Fourth Ward in the Com- mon Council from 1888 to 1892, was President of the Council from 1889 to 1891, and was Mayor of the city in 1893. He is a member of the Pawtucket Business Men's Association, and is one of the influential men of the city,
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James Brown's Machine Shop, Corner Pine and Main Streets, Pawtucket, R. I.
machine shop to learn the trade of a ma- chinist. Here he remained until he succeeded to the business in 1879. Since then he has carried on the extensive plant, maintaining the same high standard of excellence in the ma- chinery manufactured, which at present is principally cotton and cordage machinery, em- ploying about 125 hands. The works are sup- plied by power from a Corliss walking beam steam engine of about 60 horse power, the only engine of its kind now in operation in the State.
because of his deep interest in everything that pertains to its welfare and advancement.
John W. Perry .- Manufacturer of carriages and wagons and does a general line of forging. Business established in 1845 by Stephen Perry, and the business was purchased by John W. Perry in 1874. He is a native of Pawtucket. where he was born April 3, 1837. Works lo- cated at 490 Mill street, Central Falls, R. I. Employs 16 hands. Factory well equipped for the manufacture of wagons of all kinds.
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JAMES BROWN. COTTON & CORDAGE MACHINERY
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
New England Thread Co .- Manufacturers of thread, yarn, buttonhole cord, superfine tapes and shoe webbing and other specialties,
Henry A. Warburton.
and do all kinds of bleaching and dyeing. Busi- ness established January 1, 1886, by H. A. Warburton. Employ 150 hands. Main fac- tory located corner of Cottage and Saunders streets, Pawtucket. Dye house located on
Harry A. Warburton.
Japonica street. Mr. Warburton contemplates incorporating the business very soon. Henry A. Warburton is the son of Peter and Sarah (Taylor) Warburton. He is a native of Hyde, county of Cheshire, England, where he was born November 2, 1837. He came to America in 1852 with his father, and located in Ports- mouth, N. H. Before leaving England he had acquired considerable knowledge of the textile business, having worked in a cotton mill at the age of eight, working half of the time and attending school the other half, until he was ten years of age. Upon his arrival in America he completed his education by attending even-
Franklin E. Warburton.
ing schools. He began work in Portsmouth as a piecer on hand spinning mules. In 1853 he went to Lawrence, Mass., and engaged in mule spinning, where he remained seven years operating a pair of spinning mules. He later worked in Ballardvale, Mass., at file cutting by machinery, and then returned to Ports- mouth, N. H., where he secured a position as assistant overseer in the Portsmouth Steam Mill, and was transferred to the thread de- partment, where he obtained a complete knowledge of this department of the business. He later worked in Newmarket, Exeter, N. H., and still later was employed as assistant over- seer of the Hadley Thread Co., of Holyoke, Mass., and after this was overseer of the War- ren Thread Co., of Worcester, Mass. Here he engaged with William Ward, of Portsmouth, N. H., to take charge of a distillery that Mr.
STORE HOUSE.
FLOSSETTE MFG. CO. WORKS.
DYE WORKS.
Plants of the New England Thread Co. and Flossette Mfg. Co., Pawtucket and Central Falls, R. I. NEW ENGLAND THREAD CO. MAIN PLANT.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Ward was the owner of, and although he re- mained over three years, testing all kinds of alcoholic liquors by taste and smell, he never drank a drop. In 1877 he returned to his old business, accepting a position as overseer of the winding room of William Warren's thread factory of New York city. He returned to Pawtucket in 1880 and became the overseer of Stafford & Co.'s works, and later the Superin- tendent of the plant. In 1886 he entered into partnership with James C. Roth and purchased the thread department of this company, and organized the New England Thread Co., Mr. Warburton being the General Manager of the business. His extensive experience enabled him to produce for the firm a grade of goods of a superior quality which steadily increased their business from year to year. Upon' the death of Mr. Roth in 1889, Mr. Warburton purchased his interest and became the sole proprietor. In 1893 he purchased the Cooper Mills, which represent his present plant on Cottage street. This factory is fully equipped with the most modern machinery, and some 150 hands are employed, the gross business handled being from $200,000 to $250,000 an- nually. The power for this plant is supplied by a Greene engine of about 75 horse power.
In 1896 Mr. Warburton bought the dye works and bleachery formerly owned by the John P. Bray Co. on Japonica street, Paw- tucket, which had been operated under differ- ent owners for many years. He enlarged this plant, putting in new machinery, a new Skinner engine of 35 horse power, and a 100 horse power boiler, making it one of the most com- plete dyeing and bleaching establishments in the State. Water for the bleaching depart- ment is provided from springs on the premises, which is pumped into a new 5,000 gallon tank and from that drawn into the vats. This plant is known as the Dyeing and Bleaching Depart- ment of the New England Thread Co., where they do their own work and also for other concerns. Capacity 5,000 pounds daily, and soon to be increased to 10,000 pounds a day.
Harry A. Warburton, youngest son of Henry A. Warburton, is the General Manager of the business of the New England Thread Co .. where he has been employed for a number of vears. He is a native of Portsmouth, N. H .. where he was born May II, 1877. Frank H. Grover, Mr. Warburton's son-in-law, is the Superintendent of the works at the main fac- tory of the New England Thread Co. His wife, Mrs. Florence E. (Warburton) Grover, attends to the correspondence for the firm, who is a native of Worcester, Mass. The en- tire plant amounts to about 25,000 square feet of floor space.
Flossette Manufacturing Co .- Manufac- turers of thread specialties of all kinds, from
50 to 12,000 yards on spools, by the pound on tubes and cones for manufacturing purposes: Also manufacture imitation sewing silk, and crochet and embroidery cotton from mercerized yarns in all shades. Business established in 1898 by Franklin E. Warburton, son of Henry A. Warburton, who was born in Portsmouth, N. H., August 19, 1863. He was employed in his father's factory, the New England Thread Co., as General Manager, for a number of years, until the above date, when he began the manufacture of his specialties with one helper. By his enterprise and perseverance he has developed the business of the Flossette Manufacturing Co. to its present dimensions, operating 12 dressers, 126 Universal Winding spindles, for tube and cone winding, 24 auto- matic 200 to 2,400 yard spool cotton winders. I table of 12,000 yard spool cotton winders, I table of hand winders, 6 spoolers, 3 twisters, 2 ballers, and other necessary machinery, in- cluding a printing press for printing spool ends, giving employment to 75 hands. The factory as shown in the cut is 100x35 feet, four stories. This was found inadequate, and the building next door of two stories is now oc- cupied. The plant is located at the corner of Mill and Clay streets, Central Falls, R. I. Power is furnished by an Ames boiler of 125 horse power, and an Ames engine of 100 horse power. In November, 1900, the business had grown to such dimensions, more capital being needed to keep pace with its growth, his father, Mr. Henry A. Warburton, shouldered the financial end of the enterprise, the founder of the business still retaining the office of Gen- eral Manager. This was done looking to the incorporation of the business within a few months. Mr. Warburton, Sen., also gives the business the benefit of his knowledge, thereby assisting his son in the management of the enterprise.
H. A. Hall & Co .- Manufacturers of jewel- ers findings in gold, silver and brass, including button backs, stud back balls, bell posts for collar buttons, pin tongues, joints, catches and ornaments. Business established in 1888 by H. A. Hall and James C. Doran under the firm name of Dorran & Hall, which partnership was dissolved in 1895, the business being carried on under the present name from that time. Works located at 74 Broad street, Pawtucket, R. I. Horace Alvin Hall, the proprietor, was . born in Nobleboro, Me., in January, 1849.
Jewelers' Supply Co .- Manufacturers of jewelers findings for collar buttons, lapel but- tons, etc. Business established in 1896 by James C. Doran and Geo. W. Payne. Works located at 7 Railroad avenue, Pawtucket. Em- ploy 12 hands.
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City Brass Foundry. - Frank McKenna & Co., proprietors. Manufacturers of heavy bronze rolls, brass, bronze, bell metal, and phosphor
Frank McKenna.
bronze castings. Foundry located at 21 Slater avenue, Pawtucket, R. I., on the site where Samuel Slater began his successful career. Business established in 1890. Frank McKenna, who established the business, is a native of County Monaghan, Ireland, where he was born July 14, 1857. He came with his parents to this country in 1873, and located in Central Falls, where he completed his education, and learned the trade of a brass founder. He worked in Central Falls until 1890, the year in which he began business on his own account. He has always done the highest class of work, and as a result of his painstaking in making his castings, the City Brass Foundry developed an extensive business throughout the State among manufacturers who use brass and bronze cast- ings in their business. He was married Octo- ber 15, 1889, to Ellen McNeil of Pawtucket, and of this union there are four children: James, born December 22, 1891 ; Mary, born July 29, 1893; Francis, born December 15, 1894; Ellena, born April 13, 1896. The State of Rhode Island has a large number of brass foundries that have won good reputations for superior class of work, but none of them have won a (17)
more creditable name for good work than the establishment that Mr. McKenna established and managed.
Royal Weaving Co .- Manufacturers of a fine grade of cotton, silk, and worsted fabrics. Also silk dyers and finishers of silk and cotton goods. Business established in 1888 by Joseph Ott, in the old Hicks building, off East avenue, in Paw- tucket, where he operated eight looms. In 1889 the business was incorporated under the present name, Daniel G. Littlefield and Darius B. Goff having previously become partners in the business. The plant was removed to the mill of the American Hair Cloth Co., corner of Mill and Cross streets, in Central Falls, where the business was carried on until the present plant was built across the way from the Hair Cloth mill. This new mill is so constructed as to give all of the light through the roof, which makes it much more desirable for silk weaving Officers: Darius B. Goff, President; Charles E. Pervear, Treasurer; Joseph Ott, Agent and General Manager. Mr. Ott is a native of Troch- telfingen, in the district of Hohenzollern, Ger- many, where he was born March 1I, 1861. He came to America to avoid military duty in 1884, and after working for several concerns in different parts of the country he came to Pawtucket to work for the Slater Cotton Co., from which place he retired to begin manufacturing on his own account. Mill No. 3 is located at Darlington.
R. Plews Mfg. Co .- Manufacturers of Plews' celebrated patent tin cylinders for self operating mules, spoolers, twisters and spinning frames ; also patent adjustable card screens for cotton and woolen cards, and do a variety of work for mill equipment. Business established in 1858. Incorporated in 1900. Works opposite the rail- road depot of the N. Y., N. H. &. H. R. R., Central Falls, R. I.
Pawtucket Braided Line Co. - Manufacturers of braided fishing lines of all kinds, made from silk, linen and cotton in all colors and sizes. Business established in 1882 by A. G. Hazard, the present proprietor. Works located on Bay- ley street, Pawtucket, R. I. Mr. Hazard is a native of Central Falls, where he now resides.
National Card & Paper Co .- Manufacturers of surface coated papers, and card board of every description. Also glazed papers in roll or sheet. Masterson street, near York avenue, Pawtucket.
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Slater Cotton Co. - Manufacturers of the "Pride of the West" muslins, which have been used for shirtings and ladies' and children's wear for a number of years, also twills, sateens, nainsooks, and fancy lenos. Also manufacture fine cotton yarns. Business established in 1869. Officers: Frank A. Sayles, President ; C. E. Lind- sey, Treasurer; F. N. Bishop, Secretary. The business was incorporated as the Slater Cotton Co. in honor of Samuel Slater, the "Father of American Manufactures." The plant consists of two mills, situated on Church and Main streets, Pawtucket. The old mill on Main street was built in 1863 for the purpose of manufacturing files, and was devoted to that line of business for several years by the Ameri- can File Co. In 1869 the building was enlarged and converted into a cotton factory. This building is 300 feet long by 50 feet in width, two and a half stories, and has two wings, 60 by 40 feet, two stories in height, all built of brick. The new mill, erected in 1872, is a handsome, high-studded, well ventilated brick building. It is 302 feet long, with engine and picker rooms on the end, which are 40 feet long, making the entire length 342 feet by 90 feet wide and five stories. It is well lighted with many large double windows, and has three large towers, two in front and one at the rear. Power for the plant is supplied wholly by steam to the amount of 1,200-horse power through Corliss engines. The production of the establishment approxi- mates 110,000 pieces of goods yearly, at a valu- ation of over $500,000. Seventy-five bales of long staple, the very best cotton grown, are used weekly, and 5,000 tons of coal are con- sumed yearly. William F. Sayles was the prime mover in the establishment of the enter- prise, and he was President of the company at the time of his death.
Charles A. Luther & Co. - Manufacturers of cloth stretchers, thread dressers, thread and yarn reels, improved yarn printing machines for warp or skein, belt cutters, scarfing machines, patterns, and special machinery. E. A. Burn- ham, proprietor. Works located at 247 North Main street, Pawtucket.
Linton Bros. & Co. - Manufacturers of print- ers', engravers', photographers', jewelers' and button manufacturers' cards. Also make stock for tag manufacturers. Works located at 20 Commerce street, Pawtucket.
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