USA > Rhode Island > Providence County > History of Providence County, Rhode Island > Part 38
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75
311
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
head of the concern until 1842, when he was succeeded by George S. Wardwell as the manager of the estate and mills belonging to Gen- eral Carrington, who died in 1843. He remained here until March, 1859, faithfully discharging his duties, and being one of the most pub- lic spirited men of his times. In the year last named Isaac M. Bull, a nephew of General Carrington, became the owner of this property and John A. Bennett took charge of it as manager, and greatly im- proved the works. He was succeeded as superintendent by Moses P. Roberts and George M. Welles, who remained until the change of own- ership. Isaac M. Bull died September 8th, 1884, and a year later the mills and the property immediately connected with it were sold to Tarbell & Harris, who were the owners until January 1st, 1889, when Frank Harris became the sole proprietor. Since July, 1888, John F. Worrall has been the superintendent.
In 1886 a steam engine of 150 horse power was added to the motive power, and since that time new machinery has been supplied. In 1889 the plant embraced about 45 acres of land, the estate nearer the city having been placed in the market for sale as building lots in 1887-8. The works presented a neat appearance and the mills con- sisted of a main establishment 40 by 276 feet, five stories high, one mill 50 by 100 feet, two stories high, and another 40 by 40 feet, three stories high. There were 18,000 spindles, 387 looms and 225 oper- atives. The product was fine cotton shirtings and print goods.
The Harris Woolen Mills industry, which for more than half a century has sustained a most important relation to the affairs of Woonsocket, was founded by Edward Harris. As a manufacturer of woolen fabrics his fame was more widely and favorably known than that of any other American mill man. Naturally endowed with many extraordinary qualities, he developed them still more in his active, energetic life, until he had so keen a perception that he an- ticipated the future in an almost unerring manner, and projected enterprises whose wisdom and success many stood ready to doubt, but which were usually profitably realized. This perceptive ability enabled him to secure men who would heartily co-operate with him in carrying out his plans, and to appropriate all useful means to a successful end, and which enabled him to attain a distinguished emi- nence which is still universally accorded him. Another remarkable trait in the life of this man was his philanthropic feelings toward the town in which he achieved his success, which led to practical mani- festations which will cause his name to be held in grateful remem- brance long after the history of his mills shall have been obscured by time. When he passed away, November 24th, 1872, he was not only the chief woolen manufacturer in the Union, but he was also entitled to the distinction of being the foremost citizen of Woonsocket, whose public spirit and progressive disposition had given birth to the era in
312
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
which has been so greatly promoted the growth, prosperity and cul- ture of the city.
Edward Harris was born at Lime Rock, this county, October 3d. 1801. In his childhood he removed with his parents to New York state and later to Ohio, spending his youth away from school, and his education was, in a large measure, self-obtained. When of age he returned to Rhode Island and entered the office of his uncle, William Harris, who was a cotton cloth manufacturer, at Valley Falls, his en- tire capital, at this time, being a stock of good health and twenty-five cents in money. In 1824 he was transferred to the mills of the Harris Brothers at Albion, of which Samuel Harris was the agent, and soon became superintendent. In November, 1828, he became the agent of the Harris Lime Rock Company, continuing in that capacity two years. At the age of 29 years his capital had increased to $2,500, and borrowing $1,000 more from his father, he set out to do business for himself.
He came to Woonsocket and March 26th, 1831, purchased the first of his real estate here, it being a building which has become known as "Mill No. 1," and in which he and Edward Seagrave commenced the manufacture of satinets. This site had been improved in 1812 by James Arnold, and the building he then erected was first occupied by Daniel Wilkinson, in the manufacture of card clothing. Amos Whipple was the next occupant, as a machine builder. Rufus & Stephen Thayer, cloth dressers, were the next occupants and owners. March 25th, 1829, the original building was burned and the Harris Mill was soon after erected. In 1889 it was used only for storage pur- poses.
The satinet business of Seagrave & Harris prospered, and, July 21st, 1835, they purchased three manufacturing sites, known as Lots Nos. 2, 3 and 6. Upon the former Hosea Ballou erected a cotton mill upon a leased site in 1836, selling the building ten years later to Edward Harris, and in a repaired condition it has since been operated as a cotton mill. It is a brick structure and has steam and water power. In 1889 there were in use 11,000 spindles and the product was satines, employing 125 operatives. Lewis M. Smith was the superintendent.
Upon Lot No. 3 Edward Harris erected in 1840 what has become known as Mill No. 2, in which was commenced in 1842 the manufac- ture of all wool cassimeres in fancy patterns. These goods proved so popular that more room was demanded, and in 1844 he built the stone mill on the west side of the street, which is now known as Mill No. 3. Still greater capacity being necessary to meet the demands for these woolen goods, he completed in 1846 Mill No. 4, and connected the two last with a bridge way. In these three mills he achieved his reputa- tion as a manufacturer of fancy cassimeres and firmly laid the foundation of his subsequent great fortune. He personally inspected
313
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
every department of his mills, paid particular attention to designs and patterns for his goods, and using nothing but the best material, produced goods whose beauty and softness of finish was like similar foreign fabrics in nearly every respect.
Several accidents have occurred at mill No. 4. On the 10th of January, 1858, the foundation of the northwest corner gave way and every part of the five stories fell down with a tremendous crash, but fortunately injuring no one. Again, on the 6th of August, 1866, a part of this mill was on fire and five girls had narrow escapes with their lives from the upper story of the building.
In 1889 these woolen mills were operated on fine cassimeres with Daniel W. Senior, as superintendent, and Jarvis H. Arnold, as book- keeper.
In 1850 Edward Harris bought the Elisha Gaskill farm, and Harris avenue was located through the same. On the north side of this, the Harris mansion was built soon after.
In May, 1859, Edward Harris bought the property along Mill river, above the estate of the Social Company, on which was a valuable water privilege, which up to that time appears to have been over- looked by manufacturers. From this originated the name " Harris Mill Privilege," and the subsequent title, "Privilege Mill." In the fall of 1859 he bought other lands along the stream and constructed the large reservoir. In 1860 the foundation of the mill was laid, the building being completed during the war. It is a massive structure of brick, five stories high and 442 feet long, and when set in operation in 1865 was the largest and finest woolen mill in the United States. To the water power of this mill steam power was added, which was generated in five locomotive boilers, each of 65 horse power. Septem- ber 5th, 1873, one of these boilers exploded, wrecking the engine house on the south side of the mill and killing the fireman, Patrick O'Neil, and a Frenchman. The loss of property was $20,000.
In 1865-6 most of the other buildings on the Privilege tract were erected, and since that time all the buildings have been improved and kept in good repair. In 1889 the Privilege Mill was operated on fancy cassimeres for men's wear and worsteds, being in every department well equipped. James Ashworth was the superintendent. In all the woolen mills of the company, there were 74 sets of cards and 312 looms. When fully running 1,000 operatives were employed. The plant of these mills contains more than 300 acres of land, and over 200 buildings.
This immense business was carried on personally by Edward Har- ris until 1862, when it was assumed by the present Harris Woolen Company, which was incorporated that year, with a capital of $800,000. Of this company Edward Harris was president until his death in 1872, when Oscar J. Rathbun succeeded to that office, which he has since ably filled. Darius D. Farnum, who had been the aid of Edward
314
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
Harris in founding these enterprises, was for many years the treas- urer of the corporation; and Joseph E. Cole was the agent. In 1889 both the latter offices were performed by Joseph E. Cole, who is one of the veteran mill men of the city.
The Lippitt Woolen Mills rank with the Harris Mills as producing some of the best woolen fabrics manufactured in America, and as early as 1867 the company made an exhibition of fancy cassimeres at the American Institute in New York, of which the New York Tribune said: "In quality these goods are equal to any ever made in this country or to any imported." Since that time the mills have been en- larged and the facilities for manufacturing improved until they are among the leading establishments in the city, and their products ever find a ready sale. There were in 1889 20 sets of cards, 94 broad looms and 300 operatives working on fancy cassimeres, worsteds and silk- mixed coatings.
The principal seat of this industry is at the corner of Main and Bernon streets, and chiefly on Lot No. 1, of the so called Arnold and Lyman purchase, near that corner. On this lot the first improvement was made in 1828 by Hosea Ballou, who erected a brick cotton mill, which is yet a part of the plant. Soon after he built a frame struc- ture for a store house; and on the same lot, in 1828, Willis and Lyman A. Cook had a wooden shop. All these buildings stood with their ends to Main street. The Hosea Ballou buildings became the prop- erty of Dexter Ballou in 1829, and were used by him after that year. Immediately on the corner of Main and Bernon streets was a frame building in which was the store of Daniel A. Daniels. These three frame buildings were destroyed by fire in April, 1835, but the brick cotton mill remained. In the summer of 1836 Dexter Ballou erected a stone cotton mill upon the site of the Cook machine shop, placing its side to Main street, and, later, extended it to join the old Hosea Ballou brick mill. These now became known as the Harrison Cotton Mills, which name they retained until the property passed to the pres- ent management in 1865. That year the Lippitt Woolen Company was incorporated, with a capital of $200,000, which has been increased to $400,000. Of this corporation Henry Lippitt has for many years been the president, and Charles H. Merriman the treasurer. In 1889 the affairs of the company at Woonsocket were ably carried on by Superintendents Samuel K. and William H. Bailey, and Erastus. Richardson, bookkeeper. Jonathan Andrews was a former superin- tendent of the mills.
When the Harrison Mills became the property of the Lippitt Com- pany the cotton machinery was removed and the manufacture of woolen goods begun, the mills taking the present name. Soon larger quarters being needed the corner lot at Main and Bernon streets was secured in 1870 for ground on which to build an addition. The brick building which had been erected thereon, after the fire of 1835,
/
315-
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
was demolished to make way for the five story brick mill, completed by the Lippitt Company in 1871. It is 48 by 82 feet and gave room for six additional sets of machinery.
The plant of the company was again enlarged, when a lot on the south side of Bernon street was purchased, May 23d, 1872. This street was located September 21st, 1835, the pathway to the river previous to to that time being in the rear of the building standing on the lot pur- chased. The lot was occupied after 1824 by the machine shop of Thomas Arnold, but in 1836 it became the property of Darius Sibley and Daniel N. Paine, who enlarged the building and made a cotton factory out of it. From this fact it was long known as the Paine Mill, although occupied by him but a few years. The old building was torn down, and in 1873 the Lippitt Company erected on this lot its fine four story office and warehouse. The structure is of brick and stone, 52 by 116 feet, and is very substantial.
The business of the American Worsted Company was established in 1866, by W. H. S. Smith# and R. G. Randall. That year they began the manufacture of worsted braids in a frame building on the island, and succeeded so well that larger quarters were demanded. These were secured in the stone mill which George C. Ballou erected, in 1868, and which was occupied about a dozen years. In June, 1868, the present corporation was chartered with a capital of $100,000, George C. Ballou, president, and R. G. Randall, treasurer. Subsequently the capital stock was increased to $250,000 and the business transferred to the present plant on Main street, on the old site of the Woonsocket Machine Company. Here operations are successfully carried on with water and steam as the motive powers. In 1889 the products were dress braids, cardigan jackets and yarns; 3,000 spindles were used in the weaving department. Joseph E. Cole was president and R. G. Randall, treasurer.
The Enterprise Company was organized August 16th, 1870, with an authorized capital of $500,000, of which $115,000 was paid in shares of a par value of $50. J. D. Nichols was chosen president; Reuel P. Smith, treasurer, and S. N Lougee, superintendent. A lot of ground on River street on the Fairmount farm (formerly Old Maids' Farm) was donated by the proprietors for a site on which were erected build- ings of stone, quarried on the farm near by, and thus this became the pioneer interest in this locality. The mill is 50 by 100 feet, three stories high. A boiler and engine room is 39 by 48 feet and two stories high. In this is an engine of 75 horse power, which is the only motor, as these sites have no water power privileges.
In this mill the manufacture of lastings, serges, etc., was begun and carried on to the extent of 35,000 yards per month, 180 hands being employed, at an outlay of about $50,000 per year, 6,000 pounds
*Mr. Smith was a skillful, practical workman, who died after the business was established on a successful basis.
316
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
of wool being consumed weekly. besides 1,500 pounds of cotton yarn For a long time it was one of three works of the kind in the Union, and the business prospered, but meeting heavy competition, after the lapse of a dozen years, operations were suspended. In October, 1883, the plant was sold to the American Worsted Company for $42,300.
After standing idle several years the mill was fitted up for the Woonsocket Worsted Mills, composed of Edwin Wilcox and William R. Cordingley, of Boston, and Edwin Farnell, who established their business March 6th, 1887. New and improved machinery for the manufacture of worsted yarns was supplied, and the business has been placed on a successful basis. Edwin Farnell is the superinten- dent of the 100 operatives employed. In 1888, a neat office was erected at this mill.
The second enterprise in this locality was the planing mill and packing case factory of Charles B. Aldrich, which was removed to this place from Waterford, Mass., in 1872. A three-story building, 120 feet long, was occupied, and the establishment prospered a number of years.
After standing abandoned some time this building was prepared for a mill for the Perseverance Worsted Company, which was incorporated in May, 1883. George F. S. Singleton was elected president, and J. H. Singleton secretary and treasurer. These gentlemen are also the active managers of the business, having learned the art of manufacturing at Grafton, England. Excellent machinery for the manufacture of fine fancy worsted for men's wear has been placed in position, and is used in producing $400,000 worth of goods per year.
The Glenark Knitting Company became a corporate body in 1882, with a capital of $100,000. This was increased in 1888 to $200,000, in order to meet the demand of the rapidly growing business of the company, which has the following officers: C. B. Fillebrown, president; H. A. Follett, treasurer; Frank A. Morrill, superintendent. Work was begun in the manufacture of rubber linings in the old Sewing Machine building, 45 by 100 feet long and four stories high. In 1885 a brick building of like dimensions was erected and the capacity of the works doubled. In the spring of 1888 the company purchased the property of the owner, Joseph Banigan, and in the fall of that year began additional improvements, which were completed in January, 1889. A dye house 40 by 215 feet was erected, in which were placed two 100 horse power boilers. The smoke-stack from this house is 120 feet high and is the most massive in the city. The power in the old buildings was also increased. The works contain 41 spoolers, 170 knitting machines and 250 operatives are employed, making this new industry one of the most prosperous in the city. The products are rubber linings and Jersey cloth, which are placed on the markets by the Boston house.
The Glasgow Hosiery Mills were owned in 1889 by B. Hawkins,
317
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
and were employed in the manufacture of cotton, worsted and woolen seamless hosiery. A specialty was made of " fast " black wear. Steam was used as a motor, operating 21 knitting machines and two loopers. W. H. Kelley was the first to carry on this business.
In 1826 Edmund Bacon built an iron foundry near where Bernon street crosses the river, and had in 1827 Rufus Arnold as a partner. They soon failed and the business then was discontinued. Upon this site in 1865 D. B. Pond erected a large frame building which became known as Pond's Warp Mill, and which was operated by the builder on cotton until 1873. It was then used for the manufacture of woolen goods by various parties, sometimes in connection with other mills.
In 1885 the Bradford Manufacturing Company, of which L. C. Bass was the treasurer, and S. C. Lomas superintendent, used part of this building in the manufacture of silk noils and yarns. In 1886 the com- pany was incorporated with a capital of $50,000 and the old officers continued. The machinery consisted of two sets 60-inch cards and 32 looms, which were operated by steam and water power. In 1887 W. R. Watts, of New York city, succeeded to this business and has since carried it on. W. Archer is the superintendent. A specialty is made of silk machine cloths for wipes. Ten operatives are employed.
The Leicester Knitting Mills occupied the principal part of this building in 1889. These mills are owned by G. H. Baker and C. E. Drew, who established the business in 1883 in Central Block, coming to their present quarters in 1884. About 300 dozen cotton, worsted and woolen ladies' underwear are manufactured daily by the 65 oper- atives employed. The mills are supplied with 60 knitting and 15 sewing machines.
The business now carried on by the Kendrick Loom Harness Com- pany was established in 1846 by John Kendrick, and, after some op- position was recognized as a separate industry. In 1851 he removed to Providence and established the main factory there, retaining this as a branch factory. After being superintended many years by H. C. Lazelle, it was purchased by him in 1878, and he has since been the proprietor. In 1889 his motor was water and steam, and there were twelve employees. The building occupied was erected in 1817, and was the fifth of a series of improvements made by James Arnold in his efforts to develop the property. Among the earlier occupants were Sayles' Thread Mill and the machine shop of Thomas Arnold, a pioneer builder of cotton machinery.
In 1875 Emmons, Arnold & Co. established another loom harness and reed manufactory, and were succeeded the same year by H. Jef- frey & Co., the proprietors in 1889. A large factory building on Allen street is occupied, and 15 operatives are employed.
A. Howland was a manufacturer of top roll covers, and was suc- ceeded in 1873 by E. F. Taylor, who had the shops several years.
In 1889 Seth S. Getchel was the owner of a factory on Bernon
318
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
street for the manufacture of spinning frame and mule cylinders, and L. H. Nourse had a jobbing and repairing shop in the same locality, both industries employing about a dozen hands.
On the "island " a large stone building was erected in 1874 for factory purposes, which was occupied the following year by W. H. Baxter, with his harness and carriage trimming business, which was established in 1858. This and other small industries have found a place in the building. The Woonsocket Oilless Saddle Company, George A. Metcalf, manager, was on Park avenue in 1889.
A shop for the manufacture of carriages, built by H. C. Marsh, near the "Clinton Flats," was bought by J. C. Fisher, who enlarged it, in 1884, and supplied machinery to be operated by steam power. In 1887 Stewart Smith and Donald Logan became the proprietors, and have extended the works, employing electric power. The shops have a working capacity for 25 men.
In 1874 Charles W. Talcott established his plumbing and steam fitting business at Woonsocket, having a small shop under the Provi- dence & Worcester railroad depot. Since 1882 he has occupied his present spacious shops in the same locality, and has extended his busi- ness until 50 men are employed in the different departments of the factory. The Woonsocket Brass Furnace Company, James Green- halgh, manager, has its shops in the rear of No. 129 Main street.
The Mason Soap Works date their corporate existence from Aug- ust 6th, 1877, when Thomas A. Buell became the proprietor and has since carried them on. The business was established in the spring of 1838 by Stephen N. and William Mason and was owned by them until March, 1843, when Stephen N. became the sole owner, and so con- tinued many years. He was a prominent, influential citizen, active in the affairs of the town, until his removal to Providence in 1876. The works have been twice destroyed by fire-in 1842 and in 1888-but have been rebuilt to a better condition than before their destruction. Mill and family soaps are manufactured.
Near this industry are the works of the Woonsocket Brush Com- pany, P. E. and W. S. Thayer, proprietors. This business was estab- lished on Main street by A. Cook, but since 1880. the shop on Allen street has been occupied, John W. Abbott being the first owner there. The present firm has been the proprietors since 1884. Mill brushes, for cleaning machinery, are made a specialty. Steam power is used and 15 hands are employed.
The Perforated Pad Company was incorporated in November, 1882, with a capital of $40,000. Palmer Brown was elected president, and C. H. Horton, treasurer. These officers, with the addition of E. C. Delabarre, secretary, and C. L. Bailey, superintendent, served in 1889. The company carries on the manufacture of harness parts, covered by patents granted R. O. Burgess, and its yearly output is about $100,000 worth of goods. A three story frame building, 40 by 60 feet, on the
319
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
old furnace lot, is occupied and 60 hands are employed. The motor is steam.
F. A. Colwell's Paper Box Factory is in the same locality. In De- cember, 1882, this industry was begun by Palmer Brown, four hands only being employed. The present proprietor has extended the busi- ness, until, in 1889, there were 60 employees, producing 10,000 boxes per day, making this one of the leading minor interests of the city.
The business of the Woonsocket Baking Company was established in Bernon by U. L. Peck & Co. In 1855 A. D. Vose, W. A. Burlingame, and E. M. Ballou purchased it and transferred the plant to its present site, on Monument Square. Here it became very prosperous, and in 1867, when A. D. Vose & H. M. Grout were the proprietors, 14 men were employed. The present company has greatly extended the busi- ness, employing electricity as the motive power. Frank A. Cooke is superintendent and R. O. Cooke treasurer of the company.
In 1865 Edward Harris erected a number of buildings on his " Privilege " property, one being intended for saw and grist mills: a large two-story brick structure was designed for a machine shop, and the connecting wing for a furnace. These have since been occupied for various purposes and some of them have frequently been unoccu- pied. The same year Nathaniel Elliott put up several manufacturing buildings also on North Main street, but nearer the business part of the town. One of these was three stories high and 50 by 105 feet. It was occupied by J. S. Clark for his bobbin factory; N. Elliott as a planing mill, and William E. Coe for a tape and binding factory. He employed 13 looms and 20 operatives. The sash and blind factory of William E. Hubbard occupied the second building, which was 36 by 72 feet; and the grist mill of Dexter Clark & Co. the third building. In these have occurred many changes of firms, business and owner- ship of property.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.