USA > Rhode Island > Biographical history of the manufacturers and business men of Rhode Island, at the opening of the twentieth century > Part 27
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Easton & Burnham Machine Co. - Manufac- turers of spindles, used in the manufacture of cotton, wool and silk goods, and other mill equipments including improved upright spool- ers. Business established in Providence in 1849 by N. R. Easton and C. C. Burnham. In 1860 the business was removed to Pawtucket, the present works being erected in 1882. In- corporated under the present name in 1891 and capitalized for $80,000. Upon the incorpora- tion Mr. Easton's son, Frederick W. Easton, was elected the Treasurer of the company, which position he has held to the present time. He was born in Providence, October 17, 1852. He completed his education at Mowry & Goff's school, graduating in 1870. He entered the employ of Easton & Burnham in 1873, and was admitted to the firm in 1879. He has been very prominent in public life. He was a member of the Pawtucket Town Council in 1883. He rep- resented Pawtucket in the House of Represent- atives in 1891 and was chosen Senator from Pawtucket in 1892, 1894 and 1895.
Cole Bros .- Manufacturers of automatic band- ing machines, beaming and chaining machines, stationary steam engines, and special machinery. Business established in 1858. Works located on Bayley street, Pawtucket. The firm con- sisted of Henry S. Cole and his brother Edward R. Cole. They at first made cotton machinery and did general repairing. In 1864 they began the manufacture of steam fire en- gines, sending their productions all over the country, equipping some of the best fire depart- ments that have ever been organized. Their principal specialty at present is their automatic banding machine. Since the death of Edward R. Cole, in 1887, his brother Henry has carried the business along under the old firm name. He is a native of what was then Seekonk, Mass., where he was born in 1837, now East Providence, R. I.
United States Cotton Co. - Manufacturers of cotton goods. Mill located in Central Falls, R. I., on Foundry street, bordering the tracks of the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. Co. One of the most extensive cotton factories in Rhode Island. The works contain 1570 looms, and 58,660 spindles.
Fred E. Newell .- Manufacturer of brass and bronze castings of all kinds. Foundry at 623 High street, Central Falls, R. I.
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Plant of the Slater Cotton Company, Pawtucket, R. I.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
American Hair Cloth Co .- Manufacturers of hair cloth for crinoline, upholstering purposes, etc. Business established as the Pawtucket Hair Cloth Co. in the old Slater Mill, the mother ofcot- ton spinning in the United States, and of so many successful industrial enterprises, in Pawtucket in 1856, Freeman Baxter being the prime mover in the enterprise, as he possessed the knowledge required in the manufacture of hair cloth. David Ryder & Co. and James M. Ryder furnished the capital, George L. and Alfred H. Littlefield being associated with David Ryder. In 1858 Mr. Baxter sold his interest in the com_ pany to Gen. Olney Arnold, and the same year Richard Ryder purchased an interest. The en- terprise being a new one some difficulties werefound in the way of success, and the foreign manufacturers hampered them by reduc- ing prices with the hope of discouraging the under- taking to the point of fail- ure. But the indomitable spirit of the American manufacturer knows no such thing as failure. The
business was continued under David Ryder's per- sonal attention. He was using power looms while in Europe they were using the old hand loom. But the hair was fed by hand to these power looms, and to make them effective some device must be invented to make them self-feeding. Isaac C. Lindsley, of Providence, had been experimenting on this very thing, and in 1861 he was induced to come to Pawtucket and complete his invention. He secured a patent for an automatic attachment which would do the work, and at about the same time a stop motion had been patented that was dis- puted by Rufus J. Stafford who had a compet- ing invention, and this patent was finally pur- chased, making the way clear for progress in the manufacture of hair seating. In May, 1861, a stock company was organized with a capital of $100,000, which was increased in January, 1863, to $300,000, and subsequently to $500,000. Gen. Olney Arnold was elected Treasurer, and
Charles E. Pervear.
David Ryder, President and General Manager. The old quarters in the Slater Mill being found too small for the increasing business, the com- pany purchased the privilege in Central Falls at the corner of Mill and Cross streets, which is now occupied by the works, power being de- rived from the trench that was originally built from the Charles Keene dam, which was erected in 1780; also steam and electricity. In 1863 Mr. Ryder retired from the management, and Daniel G. Littlefied became Agent. Under his supervision the present fine building was built and to his enterprise is due a large share of the prosperity since accrued. Upon his death in 1891, Charles E. Pervear, long associated with Mr. Littlefield, was elected the Agent of the company and he still holds that po- sition. Mr. Pervear is a native of Pawtucket, Mass., (now Rhode Island) where he was born December 19, 1850, and is the youngest son of Jacob S. and Abby Dean (Hopkins) Pervear. He received his early edu- cation in the public schools of his native town, and com-
pleted his education in Schofield's Commercial College of Providence, July 28, 1868. Soon after leaving school he entered the employ of Fairbrother & Fales, leather manufac- turers, as bookkeeper, which was August 10, 1868, and remained there until the successor of the concern, George S. Fales, went out of business in 1876. He re- mained in the same place and business for a few months with Frank R. Almy, and March 25, 1878, he entered the office of the Pawtucket Hair Cloth Co., where he has remained until the present time, the present company being known under the name of the American Hair Cloth Co., and is a consolidation of the old Pawtucket . Hair Cloth Co. and the American Hair Cloth Padding Co., which was effected March 20, 1893. Paid up capital $450,000, and is the larg- est and most complete mill of the kind in the world. The business is now being carried on under his careful management with greatly in-
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AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
creased facilities, and it is one of the most pro- gressive concerns in the State. Mr. Pervear was elected Treasurer of the Royal Weaving Co., August 9, 1889; was elected trustee of the Providence County Savings Bank, September 17, 1891, and he is prominently connected with a number of other enterprises and social organizations.
The Collyer Machine Co .- Manufacturers of dynamos, motors, shafting, pulleys, hangers, elevators, and do general mill work. Business
Manager of the company. The original works were located on Jenks Lane until 1890, when the present structure on North Main street, Pawtucket, was completed by the company, and the machinery moved in. The new works are 180 by 75 feet, three stories.
Fales & Jenks Machine Co .- Manufacturers of cotton machinery, force pumps, etc. One of the largest machinery plants in the city of Paw- tucket. Works located on Dexter street, near the Conant Thread Works. Business estab-
R.I. PHOTO- ENG. CO.
14 Prov.
Plant of the American Hair Cloth Co., Pawtucket, R. I.
established by Nathaniel S. Collyer and William H. Haskell in 1832. Bolts and nuts were then manufactured in connection with special ma- chinery. The partnership was dissolved in 1859, Mr. Haskell taking the bolt and nut business and Mr. Collyer continuing the machinery busi- ness. In 1860 he took his nephew, Samuel S. Collyer, in as a partner, who, after the death of his uncle, in 1878, carried on the business alone until his death in 1884. In 1885 the business was incorporated under the present name, Mr. Charles H. Bowen being chosen the General
lished in 1830 in Central Falls by David G. Fales, and Alvin Jenks. Removed to Paw- tucket in 1865.
Weatherhead, Thompson & Co .- Manufactur- ers of leather belting, lace and picker leather, and manufacture mill supplies. Business estab- lished in 1857. Present proprietors, George Weatherhead and John E. Thompson. Works located in Pawtucket.
Chas. R. Bucklin Belting Co .- Manufacturers of leather belting, lace leather, etc. Works lo- cated at Pawtucket, R. I.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Potter & Johnson Machine Co. - Manufactur- ers of high grade machinery, tools, shapers, etc. Also manufacturers of turret lathes, automatic clutching and turning machines. Works located on Newport avenue, corner of Hunt avenue, Pawtucket, R. I. Business established in 1889, and incorporated the same year. Capi- talized for $200,000. Officers : James C. Potter, President ; John Johnson, Treasurer.
James C. Potter, the President and General Manager of the corporation, is a native of Scot- land, where he was born in May, 1855. He came with his father to this country in 1872.
a great number of improvements and invented new machines to an extent that few inventors in America have equalled, he having taken out upwards of sixty patents on textile machinery alone, all of which are in operation to-day.
In 1887 Mr. Potter organized the business of the Potter & Atherton Machine Co., of Paw- tucket, and started the works with about twenty men. In six years he had brought the business of the company to a point where 250 men were on the pay roll, and their machinery was in use in all parts of the country.
In 1893 he organized the Howard & Bullough American Machine Co., Ltd., of Pawtucket, al- though their extensive works were erected just
Potter & Johnson Machine Co. Works, Pawtucket, R. I.
He received his education at the Mechanics In- stitute of Glasgow, and after completing his course of studies he was employed by the ex- perimental engineering firm of H. J. H. King & Co., of that city, as a mechanical and expert engineer. He was later employed in the en- gineering department of the Anchor Line Steamship Co., and still later took charge of one of the departments of The Vale of Clyde Engineering Works. Upon his arrival in America, he was appointed manager of the Whitehead & Atherton Machine Co., of Lowell, Mass., and since that time Mr. Potter has added to the textile and other machines in use
across the line in Massachusetts, which are among the largest in the United States in the building of textile machinery, employing some 1,000 hands. It was through Mr. Potter's en- ergy that this business was organized.
The Potter & Johnson Machine Co. have won an excellent reputation for the class of machin- ery that they are making, and the gradual in- crease is an indication that the plant will un- doubtedly reach the extensive proportions that the others have under Mr. Potter's manage- ment. The works are built of brick and now cover an area of about 28,800 square feet, well equipped with the most modern machinery for the manufacture of their specialties. Power is supplied by electricity.
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AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
Greene & Daniels Manufacturing Co. - Manu- facturers of combed, carded and gassed yarns, threads, twines, and chain warps. Also dyers and bleachers. They make a specialty of yarns for woolen and worsted manufacturers. Busi- ness established in Central Falls, across the river from their present plant, in 1855, by Ben- jamin F. Greene, and soon after Mr. Horace Daniels became a partner in the enterprise. In 1860 the firm began the erection of a new mill in Pawtucket, and in 1865 this mill was en- larged, making a structure 420 feet in length, five stories, including the French roof, as shown in the accompanying cut, containing three large towers. The mill cost about $100,000, and contains about 25,000 spindles. Upon the
the "Stone Factory." Ile received one dollar per week. In 1816 he worked in the Natick mills, and subsequently he worked for William Sprague, who first established calico printing in the State. In 1824 he was second hand in a thread mill in Central Falls, of which he was overseer from 1825 to 1840. In 1840 he began business with others in Central Falls, in the manufacture of thread. In 1845 he went to Mapleville, R. I., in the town of Burrillville, to manufacture thread and warps for Hill & Car- penter. In 1850 he began manufacturing thread in Richmond, R. I., at Clark's Mills. Here Horace Daniels became his bookkeeper. Mr. Daniels suggested the idea of putting up thread on spools, and later developed other im-
Plant of Greene & Daniels Manufacturing Company, Pawtucket, R. I.
death of Mr. Daniels, December 14, 1876, Mr. Greene purchased the interest of the heirs, be- coming sole proprietor of the business and property. The business was incorporated in 1877 under the present name, Mr. Greene re- taining a controlling interest. The capital stock was put at $300,000, and wholly paid in. Mr. Greene was elected President, in which capacity he served until his death, January 29, 1886. The present officers are: Edward A. Greene, President; William H. Greene, Treas- urer; Henry C. Dexter, Agent and Secretary. The founder of the business was born in War- wick, R. I., January 1, 1807. He began work- ing in the Crompton cotton mill at the age of eight years. That factory was then known as
portant improvements including a machine for polishing thread. As a member of the firm of Greene & Daniels his services were of great value. Five years after his venture in Rich- mond, Mr. Greene laid the foundations of the present extensive business, which is one of the most important of the State.
Enfield Mills. - Manufacturers of fancy cot- ton goods. First mill erected upon or near the site of the present factory, was built in 1813 by Gov. Philip Allen, when the place was known as Allenville, but now known as Enfield, R. I. It was a part of the property of the Smithfield Mfg. Co., in 1867. The present mills contain about 220 looms and 10,536 spindles. C. P. Lincoln is the Superintendent of the works.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Smith Webbing Co. - The Smith Webbing Company is one of the most recent enterprises to locate in Pawtucket, their plant being on the triangular plat of land at the junction of West avenue and Main street. The business was first started in 1898 on West Exchange street, Providence, by Charles S. Smith, who had for- merly been associated with the American Mills Co. of Waterbury, Conn.
In July, 1899, their quarters being inadequate for their rapidly increasing business, the com- pany was incorporated with a capital of $100,000, electing William A. Walton of the W. A. Wal- ton Woolen Mills of Alton, R. I., as Presi- dent ; Edmund H. Par- sons of Providence, Treasurer; John M. Walton, Secretary, and Charles S. Smith, Manager. In October of that year they be- gan the erection of the building they now oc- cupy. The main build- ing is a three story brick structure, 220 feet long by 54 feet wide, with adjoining lighting and power house. Power for the works is supplied by a Skinner high speed engine. The plant is equipped with the most modern machinery for the manufacture of silk and cotton elastic and non-elastic fabrics of every description. They employ 150 hands. This is one of the most substantial plants of the State.
Charles S. Smith.
E. Jenckes Manufacturing Co .- Manufacturers of Hick's improved ring travelers, and spinners of yarns for knitters and weavers, on cops, cones or spools. Also make specialties in ma- chinery including the Electric Automatic Knit- ting machine. Business established in the old Slater Mill by N. P. Hicks in 1867. The firm of E. Jenckes & Co. was formed in 1870. After a number of years the business was incorpor- porated under the present name. Works lo- cated in Pawtucket.
Orr Brothers .- I)yers and bleachers of woolen goods, yarns, and mohair plushes, etc. Business established in 1868 in South Attleboro, Mass. Works now located on Blackstone avenue, Pawtucket. Employ 20 hands.
Dunnell Branch U. S. Finishing Co. - Dyers, bleachers and printers of cotton cloth. Busi- ness established originally by John B. Braid in 1817, on Bucklin's brook, Pawtucket, who car- ried on the bleaching of cotton cloth and yarn, and in 1824 was doing block printing. He car- ried on the businesss until 1825, when the Hopefield Company took charge of the busi- ness for a few months, and then the firm of Shinkwin & Bliss took charge of the works, carrying on bleaching and printing from 1825 until 1829. In 1830 Royal Sibley hired the place of Jenkins & Almy, and introduced the coloring of cam- bric in addition to the bleaching business, forming a firm under the name of Sibley & Kelley, doing a busi- ness amounting to about $5,000 per week. Their main attention was given to the dye- ing of cambric, and in 1833 they introduced printing, the firm name being changed to the Franklin Print Works, which was continued under that name until 1835. Their first printing machine carried but two colors. In 1836 Jacob Dunnell, Thomas J. Dun- nell and Nathaniel W. Brown, formed a partner- ship under the name of the Dunnell Manufac- turing Company, and for over sixty years the business was continued under this name, the gen- eral term used in describing the place being the "Dunnell Print Works." The property was re- cently acquired by the United States Finishing Co. The works are among the largest of their kind in the country, and the Dunnells made the property what it is to-day by their untiring en- ergy and careful business management. The business was incorporated in March, 1856.
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AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
L. B. Darling Fertilizer Co. - Manufacturers of fertilizers, oils, tallow and glue. Business begun in a small way by Lucius B. Darling in 1865, on Mineral Spring avenue, Pawtucket, west of the Lorraine Mfg. Co. mills where the extensive plant is now located. He gradually developed the business until his works con- sumed nearly all of the bones collected in Provi- dence and Pawtucket and this section of the State. The business was incorporated in 1889 under the present name, L. B. Darling being
George H. Fuller & Son .- Manufacturers of jewelers' findings. Business established in 1861 by George H. Fuller, which makes it one of the oldest findings houses in the State. He began in the Payne & Taylor Building, but his present works are located on the banks of the Black- stone River, at the eastern end of the Suspen- sion Bridge, Pawtucket. It is one of the largest plants of its kind in Rhode Island, and their goods have always been considered the best that have ever been made. In 1878 Mr. Fuller
Smith Webbing Co. Plant, Pawtucket, R. I.
its first President and remaining in that office until his death, the former name being L. B. Darling & Co., a brother of Mr. Darling being a partner in the business before its incorpora- tion. Mr. Darling was born October 3, 1827, and died January 3, 1896. He was prominent in business circles, and in 1885 was elected Lieut .- Governor of Rhode Island, and re-elected in 1886. He was one of Pawtucket's most en- terprising citizens. The business of the fertili- zer company is now controlled by outside capi- tal, with headquarters in New York.
took his son, Charles H., in as a partner and then the present name was adopted. Since Mr. Fuller's death, June 26, 1892, his son has continued the business under the old name.
A. E. Tenney Mfg. Co .- Manufacturers of arc lamps, cloth stretchers, models, patterns, fine machinery, and specialties. They have made Morrill's saw set for a great many years, which is owned by Mr. Morrill of New York. Mr. A. E. Tenney established the business, and is the present manager. Fred Tenney is Treas- urer of the company. Works located in the Broad Street Power Co.'s Building, Broad street, Pawtucket, R. I.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
National India Rubber Co .- Manufacturers of a variety of goods in rubber, including hose of all kinds, for garden or steam purposes, belting, packing, spittoons, fire buckets, curry combs, perforated and pressed door mats, carriage cloth, mackintoshes, and a great variety of wearing apparel, carriage aprons, horse covers, water bottles and fountain syringes, carriage and chair cushions, bed pans, operating cush- ions, inflatable bath tubs, bed sheets, life pre- servers, tubing, and numerous other specialties in the line of druggists' sundries. Business es- tablished by Ex-Governor Augustus O. Bourn iu 1864, under the name of the National Rubber Co., the goods then manufactured being prin- cipally, if not wholly, rubber boots and shoes. In April, 1888, the business was reorganized and incorporated under the name of the National India Rubber Co. The works are among the larg- est in the United States, and the business of the company is the mainstay of the town of Bristol, where the plant is located, employing, as they do, some 1,400 operatives. The officers of the company are : Samuel P. Colt, President and Treasurer; W. DeF. Brown, Secretary; H. H. Shepard, General Manager. The entire works cover an area of eighteen acres, and consist of twenty-seven buildings, as shown in the cut upon the opposite page. There are two pump- ing stations maintained by the company. One for supplying spring water for washing the rubber, and the other for supplying salt water from the harbor which is used in the condens- ers. Seventeen boilers are supplied from the town water works, which supply steam for three engines, the largest of which is a Harris-Corliss 1000-horse power engine.
The Rusden Machine Co .- Manufacturers of bleaching, dyeing, printing and finishing ma- chinery, which are their specialties. In their marine department they manufacture steam steerers, steam and hand windlasses, capstans, gasoline yacht engines, and coal handling ma- chinery. Business established in 1899 and in- corporated the same year. Capitalized for $100,000. Works located on Water street, Warren, R. I. Employ 125 hands. Officers: F. C. Sayles, President; E. A. Rusden, Treas- urer and Manager; F. C. Sayles, Jr., Secretary. Ethelbert A. Rusden is a native of Manchester, England, where he was born in September, 1861, and came to America about 1884. He
learned the trade of a machinist in his native town, in the employ of Mather & Platt, manu- facturers of bleaching and dyeing machinery. After serving a seven years' apprenticeship, Mr. Rusden soon after became the company's representative on the road, traveling in nearly all of the manufacturing countries of the old world, where he introduced their machinery. During this time he was stationed in Russia for a term of five years, where he looked after the interests of the company throughout that coun- try. Upon arriving in the United States he was employed for a dozen years or more prior to the organization of the company of which he is the General Manager, whose machinery is considered as fine as any manufactured in this country. The power is supplied by an exten. sive steam plant, and the works are equipped with the best machinery that is required in the manufacture of their productions. This estab- lishment has proved of great benefit to the town of Warren, and is one of the most substantial industries of the State.
Burdon Wire & Supply Co .- Manufacturers of patent seamless filled wire, either solid or hollow, made with a coating of gold on the out- side surface of wire made from any of the base metals. The company also manufacture gold plated flat stock, watch bows, and joint wire. Factory located at 109 Summer street, Provi- dence. Business established by Levi L. Burdon (deceased) in 1886, who secured the patent the previous year. Incorporated in 1888; employ about twenty-five hands. Officers, Henry J. Spooner, President; William B. Gladding, Treasurer and Manager ; Henry J. Spooner, Jr., Secretary and Superintendent. At the present time there is a consolidation with a Pawtucket concern contemplated, the business to still be carried on in Providence.
Crees & Court. - Die sinkers and designers, hub cutters and tool makers for jewelry, silver ware, medals, badges, and metal ornaments. Business established in 1895. Works located at 21 Eddy street, Providence. Eustice Crees and Charles S. Court constitute the firm, and they are both natives of Birmingham, England, where they served their apprenticeships at the die-sink- ing business.
Centreville Mfg. Co. - Manufacturers of cot- ton yarns. Works at Rockville, Hopkinton, R. I. Forty thousand spindles.
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National India Rubber Co. Plant, Bristol, R. I.
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BIOGRAPINCAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
John F. Brady .- Electro deposits of gold and silver. Business established in 1893. John F. Brady is a native of Salem, N. H., where he was born August 16, 1863. At the age of twenty he entered the employ of Craighead & Kintz at Ballardvale, Mass., where he learned his trade under the direction of a very able in- structor. He came to Providence in the year 1886 to accept a position with William H. Rob- inson & Co., which subsequently became Kent & Stanley and later the Kent & Stanley Co., where he remained, at the head of their plating department until 1893, when he began his pres- ent business on a very small basis, on Potter, now Garnet street. The business has been a suc- cess in every respect, from its opening up to the present time, which is shown by its rapid growth in the past few years. Mr. Brady's new works at the corner of Friendship and Garnet streets is without doubt the most complete of its kind in the United States. The plant con- sists of a substantial four-story brick build- ing containing 15,000 square feet of floor space, perfectly lighted and ventilated and equipped with steam power, electric lighting plant and elevators, etc. All of the most improved type and complete in every detail. Mr. Brady is a student of the scientific as well as the practical part of his business and has succeeded in developing many valuable improvements in methods in electro- depositing the precious metals. Plating of jew- elry has become an important part of his busi- ness and in fact it may be said that his success is largely due to his skill in this line, although he does an extensive business in other lines as well.
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