USA > Rhode Island > Biographical history of the manufacturers and business men of Rhode Island, at the opening of the twentieth century > Part 33
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Mr. Thomas, the General Manager of the company, was born in Woonsocket, R. I., May 16, 1864. He completed his education in the Friends School of Providence and the Massachusetts Insti- tute of Technology. After leaving school he entered the Clinton Mill, of Woonsocket, where his father was Agent, and remained for about four years. He then organized the F. A. Thomas Machine Co., of Woonsocket, in 1891, to manufacture cotton and woolen ma- chinery. In 1893 he sold his interest in the company and remained as the General Man- ager until 1901, the name having been changed to the City Iron Foundry. After leaving this place he re-established the business of the Vulcan Foundry Co., as already stated, and the complete equipment of the plant has en- abied him to compete with the best foundries
in New England, the result being an immense patronage from all parts of the country, Provi- dence and Pawtucket being his principal field.
There is probably no better equipped foundry in the country for doing light and heavy castings than the plant owned by the Pawtucket Foundry Co. Started, as it was, only a few years ago, no money was spared to provide the most modern machinery and ap- pliances that could be bought, and the foundry building was erected after the most approved methods for foundry work. Such a plant
enables the manager to push his business ahead of the old-fash- ioned concerns, whose methods and appli- ances are obsolete. Few concerns in the State have made the rapid progress that this company has made during one year's experience, and the credit for this growth is due to the careful management that Mr. Thomas has given the business.
Fred A. Thomas.
The foundry is lo- cated on the N. Y .. N. H. & H. Railroad, about a half mile south of Darlington, in the city of Paw- tucket, which affords every convenience for receiving supplies and shipping their heavy castings, an extensive switch having been put in for the special accommodation of the foundry.
The plant is supplied with light and power from the Pawtucket Electric Co., which operates several motors to the amount of 40 horse power, and an upright boiler supplies . steam for the heating of the works.
The foundry is built of brick, two stories in front, the molding room in the rear being one story, 200 feet long by 60 feet wide, the core room, furnace room and storage extending along the switch. The accompanying cut gives a good idea of the extent of the plant,
309
AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
which is one of the many enterprises that are a decided credit to the State of Rhode Island.
New England Electrolytic Copper Co. - The electrolytic production of copper. Business es- tablished, under the supervision of H. R. Caul- field, in 1892. Works located at the junction of the Worcester and Boston lines of the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. Co., at Central Falls, R. I. At the beginning the works produced 2,000 pounds per day, but the plant has been increased so that now over 75,000 pounds of copper are turned out daily. Business incorporated in
anon mill. S. Willard Thayer is now the man- ager of the business.
Narragansett Machine Co .- Manufacturers of light machinery, gymnastic apparatus, lockers, and bowling alleys. Business established in 1882. Incorporated in 1889. Works located at Woodlawn, in the city of Pawtucket. Two new buildings have just been completed this year of 1901, that doubles the capacity of the works, which are situated on the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R., a spur track running into the mill yard.
Rhode Island Card Board Co .- Manufacturers
PAWTUCKET FOUNDRY CO
Pawtucket Foundry Co. Plant, Pawtucket, R. I.
1892 under the present name, Lewisohn Bros. of New York, holding the controlling interest. Some 200 men are employed.
Lebanon Mill Co. - Manufacture knit goods ; 60 knitting machines. Business originally es- tablished in 1828 in Pawtucket, R. I., where the works are now located, as a yarn mill. The present name was adopted in 1869, at which time the business was carried on by Edward Thayer, son of Alanson Thayer, who formerly carried on the business under the firm name of Alanson Thayer & Son. Before that time R. B. Gage & Co. were doing business in the Leb-
of lithographic stock, printers', engravers', and photographers' cards, and stereoscopic mounts. Works at 105 Exchange street, Pawtucket, R. I. Business established in 1844. Incorporated in 1886. One of the largest plants of the kind in New England.
Dexter Yarn Co. - Manufacturers of cotton yarns. Business established by Capt. N. G. B. Dexter in 1820. He was succeeded by his sons who adopted the name of the Dexter Yarn Co. The knitting yarns made by this Pawtucket con- cern were considered for years the best on the market.
310
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Blodgett & Orswell Co. - Manufacturers of glazed yarns and spool cotton. Business estab- lished by Edward G. Blodgett and E. W. Ors-
1887 the business was incorporated as the Blod- gett & Orswell Co. The present officers are: Edmund W. Orswell, Treasurer; William W.
Edmund W. Orswell.
William W. Orswell.
well, January 1, 1885, their works at that time Orswell, Secretary. Manufacturing plant lo- being located on Bayley street, Pawtucket. In
cated on Front street, Pawtucket, on the Black-
-
Pawtucket Dyeing and Bleaching Co. Plant, Pawtucket, R. I.
3II
AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
stone river, next to the Harrison Yarn and Dye- ing Co. works. The business increased so rap- idly the works on Bayley street were found too small, and the present extensive plant was erected, which is one of the largest in the State.
In 1889 the Blodgett & Orswell Co. estab- lished the Pawtucket Dyeing and Bleaching Co. which was incorporated the same year, where they carry on the dyeing and bleaching of cot- ton yarn and stockinet. An extensive business
was educated in the public schools, and after leaving the high school of Lonsdale, R. I., he became bookkeeper for the firm of N. P. Hicks & Co., and remained with this firm and its successors in that capacity until 1883. In 1884 the firm was incorporated as the E. Jenckes Mfg. Co., and Mr. Orswell became its Secretary, remaining until he joined with Mr. Blodgett in 1885 in the manufacture of glazed yarn, which was the beginning of the present large business. In 1894 Mr. Blodgett, who was
BLODGETT & ORSWELL CO
Blodgett & Orswell Co. Plant, Pawtucket, R. I.
is done at both of these plants. The dyeing and bleaching works are located at the extreme eastern section of the city. We print herewith an excellent cut of both plants, which gives a fair idea of their dimensions. The officers of the Blodgett & Orswell Co. also serve in the same capacity for the Pawtucket Dyeing & Bleaching Co.
Edmund W. Orswell, the Treasurer of the corporations, is a native of Valley Falls, R. I., where he was born December II, 1849. He
the President of the company, died, but the business was continued under the management of Mr. Orswell, who has developed one of the most important industries in Rhode Island.
William W. Orswell, son of Edmund W. Ors- well, who is the Secretary of both companies, is a native of Pawtucket, R. I., where he was born January 6, 1874. He is thoroughly versed in all of the departments of the business, giving his father valuable aid in the management of the works.
312
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Rogers Screw Co. - Manufacturers of steel, brass and bronze wood screws. Business estab- lished in 1899 by the former President, Super- intendent, Asst. Superintendent, Secretary and Counsel of the American Screw Co. Incorpor- ated the same year as the Rogers Screw Co., with an authorized capital of $250,000. Works located on Atwell's avenue, Providence. The officers of the corporation are: Olney Ar- nold, Treasurer; Henry R. Rogers, Superinten- dent. Power for the plant is furnished by a Greene engine and an auxiliary electric supply.
Clyde Bleach and Print Works. (S. H. Greene & Sons Corporation.) - Bleachers, dyers and
partnership, and later the business was incor- porated.
Providence Stock Co. - Manufacturers of rolled plate chains, silver novelties, chain brace- lets, lorgnettes, ladies' and gents' gold chains, gold scarf pins, and brooches. Works located in the S. & B. Lederer Building at 100 Stewart street, Providence.
R. I. Malleable Iron Works. - Manufacturers of all kinds of malleable iron and steel castings. Business established in Hill's Grove, R. I., in 1867. Thomas J. Hill was the prime mover in the enterprise and the first president of the company.
Rogers Screw Co. Works, Providence, R. I.
printers. Works located at Clyde, R. I. Busi- ness established in 1831 by Simeon H. Greene and a Mr. Pike, who may have been the Edward Pike, from Sterling, Conn., who was managing a bleachery for the Crompton Company in 1823, which was run in connection with their cotton mill. Mr. Pike died in 1842, and in 1845 Mr. Greene purchased his late partner's interest from the heirs. The works have been enlarged from time to time to meet the increase of busi- ness, until at present they are one of the largest dyeing and bleaching plants in the State. The printing department was added in 1870, when seven printing machines were in operation. Mr. Greene took his four sons into
J. M. Carpenter Tap and Die Co .- Manu- facturers of taps and dies. Business established in 1870. Incorporated in 1891. Works located in Woodlawn, Pawtucket, on the tracks of the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. Business founded by J. M. Carpenter, who is President and Treasurer of the corporation.
Barr Bros. - Brass and iron founders. All kinds of light and heavy castings. Foundry located at 38 Privilege street, Woonsocket, R. I., near the Harris Privilege Mill, now the Lawton Spinning Co.
Valley Falls Co .- Manufacturers of shirtings. Mill located at Valley Falls, R. I. Equipped with 852 looms, 33,000 spindles.
313
AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
Charles E. Angell .- Manufacturer of special machinery and repair parts for Armington & Sims engines. The business was established in 1885 under the firm name of Simeon Bud- long & Co., manufacturers of belt hooks. Mr. Budlong's interest was purchased by Mr. Angell in 1891 and he immediately added machinery and made general machine work his specialty. In March, 1900, he purchased all the records, 'drawings, patterns and engine parts of the Armington & Sims Co., and the Eastern Engine Co., and sold the belt hook business, devoting his whole attention to his machine business.
Mr. Angell is a native of Providence, where he was born May 4, 1865. After leaving school he entered the machine business and followed from one position to another through shop and office till he formed a partnership with Mr. Bud- long, January 7, 1885, for the manufacture of belt hooks. Since assuming the full control of the business in 1891, the business has steadily grown and additional floor space and machinery has constantly been added; older tools have been replaced by more modern ones and the entire equipment kept up to the great pro- gress of the machinists' trade. At the present time his shop is completely filled with the most modern machine and small tools, also the many special tools and fixtures for work on the Arm- ington & Sims engines, and as additional floor space is again a necessity, he contemplates soon moving into new quarters designed es- pecially for his work, adding more and heavier machinery, and commence again building the engines, the design having been brought up to date and the necessary new patterns made to make the engines a leader of the foremost rank of high speed engines, a position which the Arm- ington & Sims held in its earlier days. Besides owning all the records, patterns, etc., of the Armington & Sims engines he still further has a great advantage in making repairs on these engines as he has in his employ many of the old hands of the company who had knowledge and charge of the different departments, which insures a thoroughness and expediency not at- tainable by those not thoroughly familiar with the work. All parts of the engines which are liable to breakage or wear are carried in stock and any repairs can be made with the least possi- ble delay.
As the building of these engines was not long ago one of the important industries of Providence a brief history of its development may not be out of place: The building of these engines was first begun in Lawrence, Mass., and were of the portable type and the first engine was delivered August 29, 1878. The first sta- tionary engine was delivered March 26, 1880, and was installed in a paper mill in East Pep- perell, Mass. About 1881 the business was transferred to Providence and in June of that year their first direct connected type of engine was built. This engine had a cylinder 12" by 12" and was run at a speed of 350 revolutions per minute. This engine was direct-connected to an Edison dynamo and exhibited at the Paris Exposition. So far as we can learn this was the first successful high speed engine for such use, and it gave very good results and the indicator cards showed excellent steam distribution. This engine never was returned to this country but was used for some time in the Grand Opera House, Paris, and the last known it was in successful operation in Amsterdam.
About 1887 the company established a large plant on Eagle street and carried on a success- ful business for a number of years. In 1897 the business passed into the hands of a committee and was transferred to the Eastern Engine Co., who continued for about two years, but finally closed the plant. In all about 4,000 engines were built and the greater part of them are now in operation and the very few that are to be found in the second-hand market is good proof of the success the engines are giving.
Mr. Angell's shop is located at 21 Eddy street and is one of the best equipped shops in Providence.
Newport Manufacturing Co .- Manufacturers of special machinery, fine tools, instruments, torpedo accessories, electro-plating, etc. Office located at 480 Thames street, Newport, R. I., works on South Baptist street. Thomas J. Moriarty, President and Manager ; John T. Regan, Secretary and Treasurer.
North Scituate Cotton Mills. - Manufacturers of screen cloth. Factory located in North Scituate, R. I.
United States Knitting Co .- Manufacturers of knit goods. Works located in Central Falls, R. I. George L. Miller, Treasurer.
314
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Interlaken Mills. - Manufacturers of book cloths, Holland shades, etc. The grey cloth is woven by the company and then finished into book cloths of all colors and designs. Business established originally by James DeWolf in 1809, when the Arkwright Mill was built, the business being carried on underthe name of the Arkwright Manufacturing Co., who manufactured cotton cloth. This mill was purchased by the com- pany that was incorporated as the Interlaken Mills in 1883, the incorporation papers being secured in May of that year. Capitalization of $400,000. This company proceeded to build a dye house and bleach- ery on the east side of the Pawtuxet river, the Arkwright Mill being situated on the west bank of that stream. These latter works have been enlarged from time to time as the business increased, until now they are very extensive, being one of the largest plants of its kind in the State. Here all of the goods woven by the other mills are bleached, dyed and fin- ished. In May, 1900, the mills of the Harris Manufacturing Co., of Harris, R. I., were pur- chased by the Inter- laken Mills, and the ·large stone mill, which was built in 1850, has been enlarged by an ex- tensive addition to the main portion of the mill. A large portion of the old machinery has been replaced by new and modern machinery, until now the plant is running 20,000 spindles and 350 forty-six-inch looms. It is here in this mill that most of the grey cloths are woven which are finished in the mill at Arkwright. The other mill that was purchased by the company is situated on the Pawtuxet river at Harris, and is one of the older mills of this section, being built in 1822. This mill is not made use of at present. The business of the Harris Manufac- turing Co. was established by Gov. Elisha Har-
Edward C. Bucklin.
ris, who built both of the mills in the years designated, the business being carried on under his supervision for many years. Gov. Henry Howard succeeded Gov. Harris as the President of the company, and Mr. Bucklin was for many years the Treasurer. The mill privilege at Ark- wright affords water power to the extent of 600- horse power through one turbine, and an auxiliary steam plant provides 200-horse power through a Corliss engine. The company employ in the three mills some 550 hands. The officers of the company are: Aaron L. Ordway, President ; Edward C. Bucklin, Secretary and Treasurer.
Edward C. Bucklin, the Secretary and Treasurer of the com- pany, is a native of Brooklyn, N. Y., where he was born in August, 1850. . After leaving school he lived in Col- orado for two years, on the frontier, and be- came a member of the Governor's Guard of Denver, in 1871. He was in the city of New York for a year and a half in a commission house, and later re- ceived a practical train- ing in a cotton mill. In 1877 he was elected the treasurer of the Harris Manufacturing Co., and elected to the same office in the Ark- wright Manufacturing Co. in 1878. In 1882 he was elected treasurer of the Interlaken Mills, the latter being a reor- ganization of the Arkwright Manufacturing Co., and he is at present the Secretary and Treasurer of that company. He is Vice-President of the Providence Land and Wharf Co., a director of the Bank of North America, and is prominently connected with a number of other business en- terprises. The Interlaken Mills which are car- ried on under his management, are among the most important of our Rhode Island industries. The cloth covers of this book were made at these mills and they represent a very durable and attractive line.
AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
315
Finishing Works of the Interlaken Mills, Arkwright, R. I.
$114
Harris Mill, Interlaken Mills, Harris, R. I.
316
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Reynolds Mfg. Co. - Manufacturers of union cassimeres. Mill located at Davisville, North Kingstown, R. I. The first woolen manufac- turing of this place was carried on by Ezra and Jeffrey Davis, under the firm name of E. & J. Davis, which was begun in 1811. Jeffrey Davis was the father of William D. Davis, who was one of the incorporators of the Quidnick Mfg. Co., and the grandfather of Jeffrey Davis, the President of the Quidnick Mfg. Co.
E. Kenyon & Son. - Manufacturers of fancy cassimeres. Mill located at Kenyon, town of Richmond, R. I. The mill is one of the most attractive of any in the State.
Elizabeth Mills. - Manufacturers of cotton goods. Business established about 1875 by Thomas J. Hill. Mill at Hill's Grove, R. I. One of the most attractive mills in the State. Officers: William C. Peirce, President; W. G. James, Treasurer. Also carry on a cotton mill at East Greenwich, R. I.
Grosvenordale Co .- Manufacturers of handker- chiefs. Factory located in East Providence, R. I. Business established about 1890. The same company have one of the largest factories in New England at North Grosvenordale, Conn.
Coventry Co .- Manufacturers of cotton goods for sheetings The mill is equipped with nearly
Arkwright Mill, Interlaken Mills, Arkwright, R. I. (See page 314.)
Carolina Mills Co. - Manufacturers of fancy cassimeres. The mill contains some 40 broad looms and eight sets of cards. Mills located at Carolina, in the town of Richmond, R. I. When the business was begun in 1868, William Tink- ham, his brother Ellison Tinkham, and F. Met- calf constituted the company. William Tink- ham sold his interest in the business in 1876.
Albion Co .- Manufacturers of cotton goods. Mills located in Albion, in the town of Lincoln, R. I. J. H. and J. Chace, proprietors. Mill equipped with 937 looms, 40,000 spindles. One of the best of water privileges, and a mod- ern mill, well equipped with the latest ma- chinery.
a thousand looms, and nearly 40,000 spindles. H. L. Straight, Superintendent. Mill located at Anthony, in the town of Coventry, R. I. One of the most substantial mills in the State.
Nichols & Langworthy Machine Co. - Manu- facturers of horizontal and vertical steam en- gines, high speed. Also manufacture the Worthington water tube sectional steam boiler. Works located in Hope Valley, R. I. Incorpor- ated. A. G. Nichols, President ; H. C. Nichols, Treasurer.
Charles A. Mann. - Manufacturer of jewelers' lathes, engine lathes, hand lathes, foot power lathes, side rests, cutting-off rests, etc. Works located at 166 Doyle avenue, Providence.
317
AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
Finishing Works. - William Wanton Dunnell, Apponaug, R. I. Bleaching, dyeing and printing. The accompanying cut shows one of the most extensive dyeing, bleaching and printing plants in the State of Rhode Island, and the additions and improvements which are to be made very soon will make it one of the most complete establishments of its kind in New England. Mr. Dunnell and his father brought the Dunnell Print Works of Pawtucket up to their present state of perfection, which are known throughout
Henry F. Jenks. - Manufacturer of builders' hardware and drinking fountains. Business es- tablished in 1870. His drinking fountains are in use in a large number of the towns and cities throughout New England. They are made so as to accommodate dogs, horses and pedestrians, and are very simple in construction. Works lo- cated on Bayley street, Pawtucket. Employs Io hands. Mr. Jenks is a native of Pawtucket, where he was born May 12, 1837. He also manufactures other specialties in iron and steel,
Finishing Works, William Wanton Dunnell, Apponaug, R. I.
the country as one of the most complete plants in America. They are now owned by the U. S. Finishing Co., and are known as the Dunnell Branch. The Finishing Works at Apponaug will undoubtedly become as famous for their high class work as the Dunnell works of Paw- tucket. Rhode Island has become a leader in the finishing of cotton goods, there being several plants that are counted the largest in their line in the country, and the Apponaug plant is one of the most extensive and complete.
including stools for office and mill purposes, park settees, etc.
S. & B. Lederer. - Manufacturers of rolled plate and electro-plated jewelry. Buttons and chains their specialty. Works located at the corner of Stewart and Conduit streets, Provi- dence. One of the largest plants in the city devoted to the manufacture of jewelry.
Ashland Co. - Manufacturers of sheetings. Works located at South Scituate, R. I. The mill contains 100 looms, and 5,000 spindles.
1
318
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Hope Webbing Co .- Manufacturers of narrow woven fabrics, elastic and non-elastic in cotton, woolen and silk, which are used for boot and shoe straps, blanket and carpet bindings, hat bands, dress stays, dress trimmings, hose supporters, electrical apparatus and for many other purposes. Business established in 1883 by Charles Sisson and Oscar A. Steere on Sprague street, Providence. Incorporated in 1889. Capitalized for $300,000. Office, 1005 Main street. Officers : Hezekiah Conant, Presi- dent; Charles Sisson, Treasurer; Willis H. White, Secretary and Assistant Treasurer; Os- car A. Steere, Superin- tendent. The new works in Pawtucket were begun in 1889 and the machinery was moved from Sprague street in 1890. The first section of the fac- tory was built on Larned street, dimen- sions 260 feet in length, 80 feet in width, with an ell 60 feet square. Additions were made of substantially the same dimensions in 1892, 1895 and 1899. The works have been built entirely around Larned street which now constitues a court enclosed by the factory. The factory covers about 150,000 square feet of floor space. There are two stories in the front and rear with connecting weave sheds of one story in height. The buildings are of brick of most approved construction and the plant is equipped with all modern improvements. The greater part of the machinery has been built from special de- signs of the Superintendent, Oscar A. Steere. Fully 600 people are employed operating 416 broad looms and accessory machinery. This is one of the most substantial textile factories in the State. Power is supplied wholly by steam to the extent of about 400-horse power. One Corliss engine of 300-horse power furnishes power for the works and two smaller engines
Charles Sisson.
supply power for the electric lighting plant and other purposes.
Hezekiah Conant, President of this company, has taken an active interest in the promotion of the enterprise since its removal to Pawtucket. A sketch of his life is given elsewhere in this work.
Charles Sisson, Treasurer of the company, is a native of Coventry, R. I., where he was born September 7, 1847. He is descended on his mother's side from Perez Peck, who was very prominent in the building of cotton machinery and the development of cotton manufacturing in the Pawtuxet Valley early in the last cen- tury. His father, Asa Sisson, was for many years a well known builder of cotton ma- chinery at Anthony, R. I. Charles Sisson graduated from the Friends' school, Provi- dence, in 1866, and im- mediately engaged with Vaughan & Greene, who were then starting the manufacture of webbing at Hamilton, R. I., remaining with them and their suc- cessors, the Hamilton Web Company, until 1883. In that year he removed to Providence and established busi- ness on his own ac- count in company with Oscar A. Steere, under the firm name of the Hope Webbing Company, starting with ten looms on Sprague street in that city. The busi- ness has had a steady growth until at present it is the largest mill of its kind in the United States, showing a remarkable increase in the past eighteen years. Mr. Sisson was the active mover in the establishment of the enterprise and has had general charge of the office busi- ness and finances from its inception to the present time.
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