USA > Rhode Island > Biographical history of the manufacturers and business men of Rhode Island, at the opening of the twentieth century > Part 8
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The establishment of the Taft-Peirce Manu- facturing Co. in Woonsocket has proven a great help in keeping alive the reputation of the place as a producer of iron and steel goods, such as was first established two centuries ago by the " Winsoket Iron Works," in other words known
foreign countries. The buildings constituting the plant are modern in every respect and so constructed as to give plenty of light on all four sides of the different shops.
September 2, as this form goes to press, the daily newspapers report : "Daniel W. Taft, of Uxbridge, has retired from the company and Herman Hollerith, who has purchased the same for a syndicate of New York and Bos- ton capitalists, is now in control. The present name is retained and General Manager Peirce remains in charge with increased responsibilities."
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Lawton Spinning Co .- Manufacturers of fine cotton yarns. Business established and in- corporated in 1898. Capitalized for $900.000. Employ 450 hands. Works located in the city of Woonsocket and Olneyville, R. I. Officers : Leander R. Peck, President; Frederick C. Fletcher, Vice-President ; William O. Todd, Secretary and Treasurer, who was born in Provi- dence, August 4, 1865. The Woonsocket Mill property was first built by Edward Harris, the successful pioneer wool manufacturer, who gave to New England the reputation of producing as fine woolen fabrics as were made in Europe.
1896, when the stock was run out and the prop- erty was bought by the Lawton Spinning Co., August 17, 1899. The new company made ex- tensive improvements on the property, under the supervision of the mill architect, Mr. C. A. M. Praray of Providence, whose plans have made this one of the most up-to-date spinning plants in the United States. The old wood breast wheel, at one time the largest in the country, was taken out and three turbine water wheels of the Holyoke make were put in to take its place, so as to provide greatly increased power. The floor space of the main mill, which comprises six
Plant of the Lawton Spinning Co., Woonsocket, R. I.
He began the foundation of the factory in 1861 and completed the mill in 1863. He manufac- tured woolens long before this time, for he came to Woonsocket somewhere about 1825, without any means for carrying on business, but he very soon found a way to begin manufacturing. The mill plant when completed cost about $1,500,000, and was considered one of the best woolen mills in the country, being known as the Harris Privi- lege. In 1867 Mr. Harris leased the property to Taft, Weeden & Co. for a period of five years, at the expiration of which the Harris Woolen Co. was organized, in 1873, and took possession of the factory, operating it more or less until
floors, is 250,000 square feet; a cotton store house of 16,000 square feet ; engine and boiler house, 8,000 square feet ; dye house, 7,000 square feet ; a brick smokestack 150 feet high, with a Aue 84 inches in diameter. There is one new Harris-Corliss cross compound condensing engine 24"x46"x48", and one George Corliss condensing engine 23"x60". These two en- gines give a total of 1460 horse power. To supply the steam for the plant there are three Babcock & Wilcox boilers, and four George Corliss boilers of the latest patterns made. All the piping for the steam plant were made to stand a pressure of 250 pounds. The pumps
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AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
used in this work are of the well-known "Knowles" make. Power for the mill is put in so that it can be divided into as many units as is required, and can all be connected or discon- nected at will. The mill is equipped with two 800-light dynamos for lighting the complete plant, which are driven by a small water wheel, and also connected with the main line of shaft- ing, so as to provide two sources of power. The mill is equipped with 50,000 spindles, 25,000 of which are made specially for the very finest numbers, and the whole factory is fitted so as to manufacture fine Sea Island and Egyptian combed yarns and threads, 2, 3 and 6 cord, on cones or in skeins and threads, bleached or un- bleached. Most of the machinery of the plant is from the textile machinery plants of Paw- tucket and Providence. Their Olneyville plant is located on Dike street, and contains 8,000 spindles, and this is the factory where the busi- ness originated.
Joseph Provuncher .- Manufacturer of water tube boilers, ship builder, etc. Business estab- lished in 1882. Ship yard and marine railway, 134 Water street, East Providence, R. I. Joseph Provuncher was born in Canada, in 1848. He went to New York and later came to Paw- tucket, R. I., early in life and worked there as a house carpenter for a number of years. He
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located in East Providence and began the busi- ness of a ship-builder in 1882, and in 1895 he began the manufacture of water tube boilers for
stationary and marine use, doing quite an exten- sive business. His yard is equipped with every facility for building boats and doing repairing
Joseph Provuncher.
of all kinds, and in addition to boat building he manufactures oyster rakes, propellers for steam- boats, etc., and does all kinds of machine work. Mr. Provuncher is assisted in his business by his three sons, Joseph Provuncher,Jr., who was born in Martha's Vineyard, in 1868, and has been in his father's employ since 1883; Fred- erick Provuncher, who was born in Pawtucket, R. I., in 1875, has been in the employ of his father since 1883; Wilfred Provuncher, born in Pawtucket, R. I., 1880, has been employed in the same business for a number of years. This plant furnishes one of the most important in- dustries of East Providence. The water tube boiler patented by Mr. Provuncher is claimed to be superior to other boilers, because the pip- ing is built completely around the fire box, there being no fire brick, and this arrangement en- ables the firemen to get up steam quickly and to maintain a given pressure with less fuel.
Leicester Knitting Mill .- Manufacturers of ladies' and children's ribbed underware. Busi- ness established about 1886 by George H. Baker. Works located in Woonsocket, R. I. Employ about 200 hands. Have their own steam power and electric lighting plants.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Lonsdale Co .- The great cotton manufacturing corporation known as the Lonsdale Co. has had a continuous existence since the middle of the eighteenth century, when the four Brown brothers established themselves as shipping mer- chants in Providence, and their firm became the leading one in the colony. In 1790 the house became known as Brown & Ives, and that name has ever since been retained. Until about 1830 the business was chiefly commercial, but early in the last century an interest was secured in some of the first cotton mills. In 1829 the firm started a cotton mill and founded the village of Lonsdale. Since that time the manufacture of cotton cloth has been the chief business of the house. The various enterprises, which taken together form one of the half-dozen most exten- sive aggregations of cotton mills in the country, are operated under different corporate and firm names, namely, the Lonsdale Co., the Berkeley Co., the Hope Co., Goddard Brothers and Sturges & Gammell. The cotton factories are nearly all large, modern structures, and are situated at Lonsdale, Berkeley and Ashton in the Blackstone Valley, and at Phenix and Hope in the Pawtuxet Valley. The mill at Berkeley was erected in 1872, and is a first-class modern structure, operated by the Berkeley Co., the other mills in different sections of the state being substantial buildings, well equipped with modern machinery.
On a site which has many pleasing historic memories, in the village of Lonsdale, stands the Ann and Hope Mill, one of the finest cotton mills in the country in construction and arrange- ment. It was built in 1886 by the Lonsdale Co. and was designed by Frank P. Sheldon, the well- known mill architect and engineer of Provi- dence. The building is an imposing structure of brick with granite trimmings, facing the rail- road and overlooking a picturesque reach of the Blackstone River, with the old village of Lons- dale in the background. The entire front, as originally built, is 684 feet, of which the main portion is 498 feet long, 101 feet wide and four stories in height. The first story has been used for weaving, the second for carding, the third and fourth for mule spinning, frame spinning, spooling, warping and slashing. The second floor of the two-story part is the lapper room. The weave room occupies the whole length of
the mill, including the one and two-story por- tions, and contains 1,400 looms. The number of mule spindles are 37,700, and frame spindles 27,700. The fabrics produced are Lonsdale cam- bric muslin, Hollands and sheetings, and 800 persons are employed. A new addition has been completed this year of 1901, which is a continua- tion of the one-story section, making the frontage several hundred feet longer, and which will largely increase the output of the mill when the new machinery is put in. The engine and boiler house extends from the center of the mill 125 feet in the rear and is 72 feet wide, and shelters a 2,000 horse power compound double engine.
The name Ann and Hope is in honor of the wives of the two chief founders of the Lonsdale Co., and also to perpetuate the names of two famous ships owned a century ago by Brown & Ives. The Rev. William Blackstone, who set- tled in Rhode Island a short time before Roger Williams founded Providence, is supposed to have had his residence on the site of this mill, and the spot was known as Study Hill. A mon- ument in honor of Blackstone stands in the mill yard.
American Card Clothing Co .- Manufacturers of card clothing for cotton and woolen mills, with surface, side-ground or needle points. Ex- clusive American licenses for the patent Flexi- fort card cloths. Works located at 58 Warren street, Providence. Incorporated, June 4, 1890. Business headquarters, Worcester, Mass. Be- sides the Providence factory, there are factories in Leicester, Worcester, Philadelphia, Walpole, North Andover Depot, Manchester, Lowell and Lawrence. The officers are : Charles A. Deuney, of Leicester, President; Edwin Brown, of Worcester, Treasurer; H. Arthur White, of Philadelphia, Secretary.
Kent Manufacturing Co. - Manufacturers of fancy cassimeres, worsteds and cloakings. Business established in 1872 by the Kent Woolen Co. Incorporated in 1897. Capitalized for $100,000. Employ 160 hands. Factory located in Centreville, R. I. The officers of the company are : Richard Edgar Waterhouse, President ; George B. Waterhouse, Treas- urer. One of the prominent manufacturing plants of the State, producing a fine line of goods.
Ann and Hope Mill, Lonsdale Company, Lonsdale, R. I.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Hopkins Machine Works, Bridgeton, R. I., A. II. L. Hopkins until his death in January, 1876. S. Hopkins, proprietor, is located on Clear River From 1876 to June, 1899, the business was carried on by the present owner, A.S. Hopkins, associated with James A. Potter as partner. June, 1899, having bought out Mr. Potter's interests, A. S. Hopkins became sole proprietor of the business. Since his connection with business in 1868, it has been very materially extended and the buildings have been enlarged, increasing the capacity of the works about threefold. A brass foundry has been built, and a line of improved machinery such as cloth washers, fulling mills, in the village of Bridgeton (town of Burrillville, R. I.) which is a part of the village of Pascoag although a Post Office is maintained here. The main building is built of stone, two stories and an attic, situated parallel to the river, just below the dam. Another and larger two story stone building, with flat roof, forms a wing at right angles with main structure. This principal structure, together with four adjacent buildings, used respectively as brass foundry, forge shop, wood shop and office, and storage buildings, constitute the works
proper. The entire plant is situated in one of the most pic- turesque localities to be found in this sec- tion of the state. The business was estab- lished in 1834 by Augustus Hopkins, (grandfather of the present proprietor), with Horace W. Hop- kins (a nephew) as partner, for the man- ufacture of spindles, flyers, caps, tubes, etc., etc., for cotton, woolen, worsted, silk and flax machinery. The name of A. Hop- kins & Co. was adopt- ed at that time as the title of the firm, and the same was retained until June, 1899, when the name was changed to "Hopkins Machine Works." Augustus
Addison S. Hopkins.
Hopkins learned the trade of spindle maker in Harrisville, R. I., where he worked until 1834, when he came to what was then known as Lau- rel Ridge, (now Bridgeton) and started this business on his own account. In 1845 Augustus became sole owner, and ever since that time the business has been in the hands of his descend-
ants. His son Horatio L. Hopkins, and son- in-law Mr. James A. Potter, were taken in part- nership about 1855. From this time the general management of the business devolved upon
piece dyeing machin- ery, etc., for woolen mills, has been added to the list of goods produced by this con- cern. Since the founding of the busi- ness this concern has always enjoyed a most enviable repu- tation for the char- acter and quality of its goods, as well as to the character and integrity of the firm. Addison S. Hopkins, the present owner, was born in Scituate, R. I., August 3, 1844, removed to Burrill- ville in 1847 with his parents, was educated in the Public Schools of the town, Nichols Academy, Dudley, Mass., New Hamp- ton Literary Insti- tute, New Hampton, N. H., and Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. After fitting for college he inclined to a mechanical and business career, rather than professional, so entered the office and shop. In 1868 he became a member of the firm, and in 1876, on the death of his father, assumed general management of the business. Mr. A. S. Hopkins married Sept. 7, 1865, Juliette E., daughter of Angell and Sarah (Ballou) Sayles. They have three children, Waldo Augustus, Horatio Angell and Winifred Sayles. Mr. Hopkins was a member of the Town Council in 1885, also member of
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AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
the School Committee. He was elected Senator in 1886 and served his town in this capacity for four years. He was Aid on Gov. Ladd's Staff during his two terms of office. In April, 1900, he was again elected Senator from Burrillville, and is a member of the State Finance Commit- tee, and in 1901, was appointed by Gov. Gregory a member of the State Returning Board for four years. Mr. Hopkins is a man of character and enjoys the full confidence and esteem of his townsmen and associates.
The proprietor, Mr. Scott, was born in Provi- dence, October 27, 1878. Learned the trade of a machinist in the Providence Manual Training High School.
Allendale Co., manufacturers of wide cotton sheetings, quilts, etc. Business established in 1823 by Zachariah Allen. Incorporated in 1861. Capitalized for $90,000. Employ 175 hands. Factory located in Allendale, North Providence, R. I. Officers: William D. Ely, President and Treasurer, who is a native of Hartford, Conn .;
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Hopkins Machine Works, Bridgeton, R. I.
Slater Weaving Co .- Manufacturers of linen fabrics for toweling and table covers. Factory 456 Potter's Ave., Providence. The business was established by William E. Slater in 1900, who was born in Taunton, Mass., Nov. 1, 1868. Mr. Slater learned the trade of a weaver and was an overseer in various mills throughout New England prior to establishing the present busi- ness. Joseph D. Black became a member of the firm October 1, 1900, who was born in Cum- berland R. I., January 7, 1876.
Henry L. Scott & Co .- Manufacturers of special machinery and jewelers' and machinists' tools. Shop rear 95 Pine street, Providence.
George W. Gould, Secretary and General Man- ager, was born in Deleware county, New York, in 1838. The original factory built in 1823 now in use, although there have been important ad- ditions built since the first factory was completed.
Maine Creamery Co .- Manufacturers of ice cream and dealers in cream and creamery but- ter. The capacity of their plant is 1000 gallons of ice cream daily. Business established by G. W. Smith, of Bangor, Me., in 1890. Works located at 69 Broadway, Providence. The com- pany do mostly a wholesale business, and is probably the largest ice cream manufactory in the state.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
Providence Gas Co .- As manufacturers of gas for illuminating and manufacturing purposes the Providence Gas Co. probably has no superi- ors in this country. Their producing plants, the West and South Stations, illustrations of which are shown upon the following pages, are located on the harbor front with ample wharf facilities for the discharging of their coal barges, thereby enabling the company to put in their raw material at the very lowest cost possible, and which is one of the great factors that ena- bles the company to produce first quality gas at the reasonable price of $1. 10 per thousand cubic feet, which is the price that the consumers have paid for a number of years. Both Stations are equipped with every modern appliance for the production of coal and water gas, with a capacity for a daily pro- duction of four million cubic feet. There are sufficient holders located at the stations and throughout the city, nearly all of which are inclosed with substantial brick structures, and these supply the consu- mers in the city of Prov- idence, East Providence, and many of the outly- ing districts, in the towns of Cranston, John- ston, North Providence, etc. Besides the gas-holders at the stations, there are ten within the district controlled by the Providence Gas Co., all of which are in first class condition. There are at present 270 miles of gas mains laid, and 28,000 meters in use. These two producing stations have a capacity sufficient to supply the city of Provi- dence and its neighboring territory with first quality of gas for a population far in excess of the present.
The Providence Gas Co. was chartered in 1847, and organized for actual business in 1848. The first Board of Directors was composed of some of the most prominent business men of that period, as follows: John, Carter Brown,
Amos I). Smith, Thomas l'. Sheppard, Edward Walcott, Z. W. Holden, C. Burnett, Jr., Moses B. Lockwood, W. W. Hoppin and T. Beckwith. Erecting a small plant the company began dis- tributing gas in December, 1848, the price to consumers being $4.00 per thousand cubic feet. Six million cubic feet were supplied in 1849, while in the year 1900 the company supplied 736,152,000 cubic feet.
In 1853 Alpheus B. Slater was employed by the company ; in 1858 was appointed Chief Clerk; in March, 1869, he was elected Assistant Treasurer, and in February, 1870, he was elected a Director, Treasurer and Secretary with the additional duties of Gen- eral Manager, which position he held contin- uously until March, 1901, his entire term of service with the company cover- ing a period of about forty-eight years. Mr. Slater has been honored by being elected to the presidency of various bodies of gas manufac- turers throughout the country, and his long experience has made him a widely known au- thority on all questions relating to the manufac- ture of gas.
John W. Ellis.
At the annual meeting of the company in March, 1901, the following Board of Directors was chosen : Col. William Goddard, Royal C. Taft, George W. R. Matteson, New- ton D. Arnold, J. Edward Studley, Henry Pearce, John W. Ellis, Isaac C. Bates and Rob- ert H. I. Goddard. The Board of Directors elected the officers for the year as follows : John W. Ellis, President and Manager ; William God- dard, Vice-President ; William P. Nye, Treas- urer and Secretary.
John W. Ellis, the new General Manager of the company, was born in Woonsocket, R. I., September 7, 1845. He learned the business of a civil engineer, and located in Woonsocket in that business in 1869, where he has had an office ever since, and has recently had headquar-
AND BUSINESS MEN OF RHODE ISLAND.
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ters in Boston. He was town engineer of Woonsocket from 1870 until some time after its incorporation as a city, which included the laying out of the water works system of that city. Mr. Ellis was chief engineer of the Providence and Worcester road from 1875 till the time it was leased to the New York, New Haven and Hart- ford, and during his incumbency of that office all the bridges were rebuilt and the double
tion of grade crossings, and is now consulting engineer for the cities of Taunton, Haverhill and Cambridge on grade crossing abolition mat- ters and on many more important commissions. His long experience in the management of large forces of men, and in the laying of pipe systems, together with his extensive knowledge of civil engineering, will prove of great value to the company.
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Providence Gas Co., West Station.
tracking of the road was completed. He was consulting engineer of the Old Colony road until its lease to the New Haven and was chief en- gineer of the Milford, Franklin and Providence road and the Rhode Island and Massachusetts road. He is one of the engineering experts for the Lonsdale Company, and others in their suits against the city of Woonsocket for diverting the water supply, the cities of Cambridge and Fall River and for parties in Readville on the aboli-
William P. Nye, the newly-elected Treasurer, was born in New Bedford, Mass., October 14, 1846; and has been in the employ of the com- pany as Chief Clerk for many years. His per- sistent and faithful labors have made him one of the most valuable men in the service of the company.
Armstrong Carriage Co .- Manufacturers of all kinds of light and heavy carriages, automobile bodies, etc. Factory located in Wakefield, R. I.,
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
business headquarters and carriage repository, 42 Cranston street, Providence. Employs 50 hands. Business established in Wakefield in 1871 by Charles H. Armstrong, who was born in South Kingston, R. I., November 30, 1837. After running the business in his own name untill 1883, his two sons, John R. and Charles C. were admitted as partners in the business, and the firm name became C. H. Armstrong & Sons. In March, 1899, the business was incor- porated under the name of the Armstrong Car- riage Co., and capitalized for $50,000. The officers of the corporation are John R. Arm- strong, President and Treasurer ; B. F. Robin-
ous parts of the country, and they have won a reputation for style, ease and wearing qualities that places their name at the head of the list of American manufacturers.
Phoenix Spinning Co .- Manufacturers of wool- en and merino yarns. Make a specialty of custom spinning for manufacturers sending in their own wool or stock. Business established in 1892 by Pardon S. Peckham, Jr., and Frank W. Tillinghast. Factory located at II West Exchange street, Providence. Mr. Peckham was born in Coventry, R. I., August 24, 1855. Mr. Tillinghast is a native of Hopkinton, R. I.
Providence Gas Co., South Station.
son, Jr., Secretary ; Charles C. Armstrong, Superintendent of factory. John R. Armstrong, who is the General Manager of the business, was born in New York, January 5, 1860; Charles C. Armstrong was born in New York State, March 13, 1862. The repository of the company on Cranston street is one of the largest in New England, and is stocked with elegant designs in carriages of nearly every description, including top buggies, coupes, coaches, dog carts, jump seats, landaus and a great variety of patterns of each kind. And all of these carriages are made at their factory in Wakefield, from the very best stock that can be procured, and their workman are the most skilled that they can employ. Their carriages are in demand in vari-
Elmwood Button Co .- Manufacturers of but- tons for laundry use. Made from birch wood with five coats of enamel, giving them the ap- pearance of a metal button ; make 800 a minute from a long round stick of birch wood 14 of an inch in diameter. Business established by Rodolph F. Morse in 1899, the Treasurer of the company. Factory on Goff street, Providence.
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