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CHAPTER XX.
COTTON MANUFACTURING
The progress and the changes that have taken place in the great cotton manufacturing industry in Fall River in the course of a half century have concentrated within them a world-wide and a cosmopolitan significance, as one is enabled to survey the successive periods of ownership and of workers from the beginning to the present, including, as the latter do, representatives of nearly all nationalities today; while that progress and change also share the memory of the primitive weaving-machines, and the presence of the scientific perfection and intelligence of the wonderful looms and spindles of the twentieth century. The founders during the small beginnings could in no wise foresee the magnitude of this present, whether in the vast numbers of enormous mills and their machinery, or in the international gathering of the workmen. But from our own viewpoint we have the privilege of witnessing the development of both miracles, and all those intervening events that have brought the city to this crowning point in its career. As Jonathan Thayer Lincoln states in his book, "The City of the Dinner Pail": "There is no city in which the people of many lands are so intimately associated in their daily lives-where the children of Shem, Ham and Japheth toil side by side."
It all began with the industrial foresight and preparedness of John B and his sons Richard and Joseph, who in their enterprise acquired lands from Benjamin and Caleb Church, from both sides of the Quequechan river, in the early part of the year 1700, with the control of all the water power in that section. Then ensued that panorama of the building and working of the grist, sawing and fulling mills, whose own water privileges were the fundamental activities whence later sprang the Troy Mill, the Fall River Manufactory and the Anawan Mill. And at the same time from afar we have noted the movement of ancient industry-the tan yards, the iron works, and the town's salt works of 1777, the latter near the Mechanics Mills location.
Since the establishment of the first of the cotton mills, Fall River for two generations has had before it that excellent example of Colonel Joseph
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Durfee, the pioneer, literally putting his shoulder to the wheel against the great odds that accompanied the innovation at the time. And a little later, when there appeared that small but courageous phalanx-Anthony, Wheeler, Bowen, Chace, Slade, and the beginnings of power weaving in 1820-we have beheld fruition of the earlier labors. Presently, too, as factors for the increasing usefulness of their age, there came the Rodmans, the Robesons, Hawes, Eddys, Lincolns. We have seen these builders planning for the city of the future; we have seen them temporarily overcome, too, but not disheartened through their trials by fire and occasional failures.
From this our vantage point we can behold with gratitude the various cycles of the introduction of new machinery and new methods, and the marvellous increase of the industry in the early sixties and the early seventies. And meantime no one who looks upon the enlarging dimensions of the industrial scene can ever forget the labors of the giants like Colonel Jefferson Borden, Major Bradford Durfee, Colonel Richard Borden, Hale Remington and their like, who in the face of the most disheartening circumstances of fire and panic rebuilt upon old foundations, while the embers of mill ruins were hot, and while the credit for renewed business was at low ebb. "We'll Try" is the city motto, and they and such persevering as William C. Davol, Leontine Lincoln, Robert T. Davis, Elijah C. Kilburn, the Braytons, and many another, are to be accounted great industrial leaders, their extraordinary recuperative powers and resourcefulness having accomplished what only men of their gifts would care to undertake.
Beginnings of Cotton Industry.-Small and fugitive were the beginnings of attempts at cotton manufacturing in the precincts of what is now the greatest cotton manufacturing city in America. Yet the business foresight of the founders was keen, when, appreciating the advantages that must accumulate throughout this tract of river country, as time elapsed, they ventured with their first wayside mill, and the village community considered themselves fortunate in the fact that here was a source and a means of their living. The territory where now is Globe Village was not then divided from Rhode Island, and there, at the northeast corner and South Main streets, cotton manufacture had its incipiency in this region, when Colonel Joseph Durfee, descendant of Thomas Durfee who came to Rhode Island previous to 1664, built his mill for spinning. In association with two or three other men, Colonel Durfee opened the mill in 1811, at a period when the cotton mills were beginning to start up in Rhode Island, and in New England. Already cotton manufacturing on the then primitive scale had made much headway in the new states; in 1804 there were but four such mills in all New England while in 1811 the number of cotton factories in Rhode Island alone was thirty-seven. At this time, too, the cotton pickers and cotton weavers were not to be found in the mills, nor were picking and weaving the product of machinery, the picking then being done in the homes, the time-saving spinning in the mills, and finally the weaving upon the primitive looms at the homes of the community. We are indebted to Colonel Durfee, who was a soldier in the Revolution, both for his valuable record of those war-time events hereabouts, and for opening the way for a world of industry to throng within the gates of the future city of Fall River. He did the best with what he had in the way of
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cotton-making machinery, but that was little and inadequate, so that the existence of that mill effort did not go beyond the year 1829.
The War of 1812 was at its height when the actual successful beginnings of the cotton industry of Fall River were assured by the formation of two companies-the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory and the Fall River Manufactory-at a time when the low price of material and the high price of manufactured cotton were favorable to the increase and the profits of manufacturers. The average price of cotton at exportation points in the United States this year was twelve cents a pound, inclusive of all kinds, and the quantity then being exported was about 19,400,000 pounds. In 1814, however, came the revulsion, that was but temporary. David Anthony, of Somerset, a practical builder and man of affairs, Dexter Wheeler and Abraham Bowen, were of the Fall River Company, with capital of $40,000; and Oliver Chace, Nathaniel Wheeler and Eber Slade were of the Troy Corporation, with its capitalization of $50,000, half of the subscriptions thereto being subscribed in the towns of Tiverton, Newport, Warren, Rehoboth, Swansea, Somerset. Mr. Anthony, who had operated cotton mills at Pawtucket and Rehoboth, was president and agent of the Fall River Company, and Eber Slade its treasurer. The Fall River Company's mill will always be known as the first stone mill, because of the fact that a part of it was built of stone, two stories being of wood. It was constructed to contain fifteen hundred spindles- a building 60 by 40 feet in dimensions, on the location of the present mill of the name, the property of the Pocasset Manufacturing Company. This mill, with its comparatively primitive equipment, was the first of the successful mills of cotton-manufacturing in Fall River. Deacon David Anthony, builder and promoter of the chief interests of this mill, was an exemplary business man and townsman. He was forty years president of the Fall River Bank. The Troy Company's mill, also built of stone, was designed for two thousand spindles, and was 108 feet in length, 37 feet in width and four stories, and known also as the "Old Yellow Mill." It was at the foot of the fall of Fall river, and began operations in March, 1814. Oliver Chace, originator and agent of Troy mill, was also a man of sound business training and had practical experience in the industry.
The name of the Troy Company was changed July 25, 1814, to Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory, and the amount of capital was increased $16,000. We first hear of power weaving in the Fall River mill in 1817, the first weavers being hired at the rate of two dollars and fifty cents a week. Cloth was then woven one yard in width, and sold at twenty-five cents a yard, the looms then in use being the invention of Dexter Wheeler. Water or power looms were set up in the mill of the Troy Company the latter part of the year 1820, the year that the company paid its first dividend, $25 a share. The operatives were all natives, with the exception of an occasional Englishman, and during their earlier years of operation both mills built tenement houses for their help and their agents, as well. These constituted the beginnings, Henry H. Earl's historical collections furnishing the most complete records at this formative period that may be found. Then, from 1821 onwards, with the first efforts assured and proven, though through most arduous labors and occasional operative halts and hitches, there ensued a continuous and increasing advancement of the incorporation
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of new companies and the building of plants that set firmly the industrial foundations here.
The Fall River Manufactory was incorporated in 1820, with a capital of $150,000. For the purpose of manufacturing nankeen cloth, the Nankeen Mill, operated by Azariah and Jarvis Shove, was built in 1827; but this, with the first mill, was dismantled in 1839, when the structure known as the "white mill" was built. The latter was burned in the fire of 1868; and in 1869 the present plant, a five-story structure of granite, was built, and an extension was added in 1891, the spindles' capacity then being forty-one thousand.
The Pocasset Manufacturing Company acquired this property in 1905. Following the presidency of Dexter Wheeler in 1814, William H. Mason occupied that office until 1832; James H. Archer to 1833; William H. Mason to 1859; Richard Borden to 1862; David Anthony to 1863; Richard Borden to 1866; Nathan Durfee to 1874; John S. Brayton to 1904; Thomas E. Brayton. The treasurers: David Anthony, Holder Borden, Bradford Durfee, S. A. Chace, Andrew Borden, Thomas S. Borden, W. Frank Shove. The capital is $1,200,000; the number of spindles in the mills, more than 122,000, and close to three thousand looms. More than forty million yards of cloth are manufactured annually.
With the reorganization in 1862, the capital of the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory was raised to $300,000. After a fire in 1821, the mill was rebuilt in 1823; again, in 1843, the year of the "great fire," a threestory stone addition was constructed. This mill, 75 by 47 feet, was made two stories higher in 1853, and extended eighty feet. The old mill that had been rebuilt in 1823 was removed in 1860, and the five-story north end of the factory was constructed, 296 feet by 70. The plant has more than 14,000 mules and 52,044 spindles, and more than 1,000 looms. Four hundred hands are employed here, and nearly 58,000,000 yards of cloth are produced annually. Under the original corporation there were no presidents. The presidents since 1862 have been Richard Borden, Jefferson Borden, John S. Brayton, John S. Brayton, Jr. The treasurers from the first: Eber Slade, from 1813 to 1824; Harvey Chace, to 1843; Stephen Davol to 1860; Thomas J. Borden, to 1876; Richard B. Borden; clerk and treasurer, Herbert H. Horton.
In 1821 came the Rodmans of New Bedford, and the organization of the Pocasset Manufacturing Company in the following year (1822). One of the many old grist mills of the section stood on the north of the stream near Main street, and this was torn down, with the original intention of building another grist mill there. But the Pocasset Manufacturing Company, being, organized, changed the plans, and they began building the "Bridge Mill" for cotton manufacturing purposes. Samuel Rodman was the president of this new company, with its original paid-in capital of $100,000. Oliver Chace, practical mill man, was the first agent of the company, who purchased one thousand spindles that were placed in the south part of the building, while D. and D. Buffinton leased the north section to manufacture warp and batting. This, the third stone mill in Fall River, three stories in height and 40 by 100 in dimensions, succumbed to the 1843 fire, that also took a fulling mill nearby. The year following, the company built on that site the Granite block. It was in the old stone mill of this
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company that the first print cloths here were manufactured. The calicoprinting business of Andrew Robeson, of New Bedford, was in 1825 installed in one of a number of small stone structures known as the satinet factory, while the south part of the same building was occupied successively by Samuel Shove and Company, and John and Jesse Eddy, for the manufacture of woolen goods, hence the name, "satinet" factory. This building, for many years a landmark, was of stone, three stories in height on the east side, with its north end on the stream. The firm of J. and J. Eddy afterwards removed to the Eagle Mill, in Tiverton, the firm later dissolving when Jesse Eddy and Joseph Durfee erected the Wamsutta Mills. The Eagle Mill in Tiverton was burned, but the firm of the Eddys had been dissolved previously. The Wamsutta Mills business was continued under the various firm names of Jesse Eddy, Jesse Eddy and Company, and Jesse Eddy's Sons. Meantime, the present factory building of the Pocasset Manufacturing Company began business in 1847. This was the first large mill here, five stories high, and 219 by 75 feet in dimensions. Large additions have been made frequently, the Fall River Manufactorv being one of the larger purchases. The plant is now operating more than 100,000 frame spindles and nearly 3,000 looms, close to 1900 of these being for wide goods. In 1888 the capital of the corporation was reduced from $1,160,000 to $800,000, and in 1898 to $600,000, when $200,000 was paid the stockholders. Micah H. Ruggles succeeded Oliver Chace as agent of the company in 1837 and he served as such until 1857, when Stephen Davol was treasurer and agent from 1858 to 1873. Then Stephen Davol was agent, and Bradford Davol treasurer.
After Stephen Davol, Henry S. Howe, Theophilus Parsons and William S. Whitney have been agents. W. Frank Shove succeeded Bradford Davol as treasurer in 1891. Following Stephen Davol and Horatio Hathaway, Thomas E. Brayton is president.
Early Mills.-Among the stone buildings referred to as having been built in the twenties for the accommodation of increasing newcomers in cotton manufacturing, was that known as the New Pocasset, erected in 1826 on the site of the Quequechan mill. Here came as lessees A. and J. Shove, who sublet the north half to Chase and Luther, both firms manufacturing cotton into yarn and cloth. In the following year, 1827, another stone mill, now at the west side of the main plant of the Pocasset mill, was known successively as the Massasoit and the Watuppa. Brown and Ives, cotton manufacturers, of Providence, were the first lessees, the mill being divided with a partition at this time. Holder Borden bought out their lease for fifteen years, from January 1, 1831. Here, with the introduction of belting instead of the old-fashioned gears, Mr. Borden manufactured sheetings, shirting and other fabrics.
The old Massasoit mill had its namesake when, in 1843, Holder Borden's lease being about to expire, the Massasoit mill oil Davol street was built, and the machinery of the old mill transferred thereto. Dr. Nathan Durfee, who had married a sister of Holder Borden, had a large control of this mill later, and the plant became known generally as "the Doctor's Mill." These mills, where print cloths were manufactured, were burned November 2, 1875. While in operation, the company's capital amounted to $120,000, afterwards increased to $200,000. The factory had more than
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14,000 spindles and more than 300 looms. The Massasoit Manufacturing Company in 1914 occupied the site of the burned mill and of that of the Chase, Mason and Durfee mill. The Pocasset street mill, which soon came in control of the Pocasset Company, was for a time controlled by the Wahtahpee mills, Linden Cook, agent.
Yet another of the mills that had their day was the Quequcchan, with its six thousand spindles for the manufacture of cotton, its capacity increasing up to 12,800 in 1867. This mill had been part of the Robeson Print Works up to 1859. When the print works failed, Andrew Robeson, third, became the manager for the creditors. In 1879 the Quequechan mills was organized, and Mr. Robeson was appointed treasurer; he was succeeded in 1881 by D. H. Dyer. Later the mill was sold.
Among the many changes of these early constructive years was that included in the activity of the Anawan Manufactory. The company was organized in 1825 with old Ironworks interests, but with separate corporation. The plant stood where the Fall River Ironworks No. 7 mill was later erected, near the junction of Anawan and Pocasset streets. The company was organized with a nominal capital of $160,000 in thirty shares, and the factory had close to ten thousand spindles. The agent of the mill, Major Bradford Durfee, superintended its construction. He was succeeded by Foster Stafford and Richard B. Borden until the property was divided in 1880, the company discontinuing operations late in the nineties. The old building was demolished in 1905. Thomas S. Borden and W. Frank Shove were treasurers of the corporation in recent years. Jefferson Borden and John S. Brayton were presidents. The Anawan Mills were incorporated in 1910, with a capital of $50,000. Charles M. Shove was president; Edward Barker, treasurer; Russell H. Leonard, secretary.
Major Bradford Durfee and Colonel Richard Borden established the Fall River Iron Works Company in 1821, for general ship-building needs. The cash then paid in by stockholders was not over $18,000, those specially interested being Holder Borden, David Anthony, William Valentine, Joseph Butler, Abraham Wilkinson, Isaac Wilkinson. The business was incorporated as the Fall River Iron Works Company on February 4, 1825, with a capital of $200,000, this being increased in 1845 to $960,000. At the first meeting of the corporation, in October, 1826, Abraham Wilkinson was elected president, Bradford Durfee Treasurer and agent, and Holder Borden clerk. Richard Borden succeeded Holder Borden as clerk, May 7, 1827. William Valentine was elected president in Ma),, 1828, and Richard Borden clerk, treasurer and agent, he continuing in that office forty-four years, up to the time of his death, February 24, 1874. The mills were destroyed by fire in 1843 and again in 1859, but they were quickly rebuilt. 1-@l 1877 six hundred hands were employed, and the aggregate consumption of iron was thirty-two thousand tons. Jefferson Borden was then president; Robert C. Brown, clerk and treasurer, and the directors were: Jefferson Borden, Holder D. Durfee, John S. Brayton, William B. Durfee and Richard B. Borden. A stone warehouse was built in 1831, and the company began to build steamboats and wharves, and in 1833 they built the first marine railway on Mount Hope bay and Taunton river. Among the steamboats built and acquired at this time were the Hancock, the King Philip, the Bradford Durfee, the Metacomet, the Calionicus, the Richard Borden. Philip D.
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Borden was elected treasurer, August 4, 1874, in place of Colonel Richard Borden, deceased, and Robert C. Brown succeeded him in 1875. The interests of the company were divided in 1880, when the Metacomet Mills were formed with a capital of $288,000; the Fall River Machine Company, with capital of $96,000; Fall River Gas Works, with capital of $288,000; Fall River Steamboat Company, with capital of $192,000. M. C. D. Borden purchased the Fall River Iron Works property in 1888, and he erected brick mills in 1889, in 1892, 1893 and 1894. The combined plants then operated more than 265,000 spindles. The officers in 1899: M. C. D. Borden, president; William J. Harley, treasurer; James B, Harley, agent. The Metacomet Mills were purchased by Mr. Borden in 1901, and made the mill No. 6; in 1902 he built No. 5 Mill. The old Anawan factory was purchased in 1902, and brick Mill No. 7 was in its place. In 1916 the mills together operated nearly 500,000 spindles. Bertram H. Borden was president; Howard S. Borden, treasurer; Nathan Durfee, assistant treasurer.
The American Printing Company, formerly the American Print Works, was established by Holder Borden as a print works in 1834. He had associated with him stockholders of the Fall River Iron Works Company (formed in 1821). The American Print Works itself was started in January, 1835, with four machines printing from two thousand to twenty-five hundred pieces of calico a week. Holder Borden was the company's first agent, and was succeeded by Jefferson Borden, who was agent and principal manager for thirty-nine years. Thomas J. Borden, brother of M. C. D. Borden, son of Colonel Richard Borden, became agent and manager in 1876. The business was incorporated as the American Print Works in 1857, when leased land and buildings were purchased of the Iron Works Company. Colonel Richard Borden was then made president, and he held the office until his death in 1874. The brothers purchased the Bay State Print Works in 1858, and the two works were run under one management until 1876, when the Bay State building was converted into a cotton mill. Fires, with the loss of over $2,500,000 destroyed a large part of the plant in 1867; but in 1869 the business was again in running order in the new mill on Water street, 406 feet long, 60 feet wide and five stories high. The new building contained the latest improved printing-machines, capable of producing 80,000,000 yards of calico a year, when in full operation. In 1879 the American Print Works passed into the hands of assignees; and in 1880 M. C. D. Borden incorporated the American Printing Company, with a capital of $300,000, that was afterwards increased to $750,000. Mr. Borden then associated himself with the firm of Wright, Bliss & Fabyan, afterwards Bliss, Fabyan & Company, then selling agents for the American Printing Company, until July 1, 1910, when the account of the corporation was transferred to the firm of M. C. D. Borden. Mr. Borden purchased the Fall River Iron Works in 1888, and erected the first of seven cotton mills in 1889, which in 1916 were owned by the American Printing Company. The latter company in 1902 acquired the property of the Fall River Machine Company, and built a large storehouse. The works had increased in 1916 to a great plant covering an area of sixteen acres. Bertram H. Borden was president of the corporation; Howard S. Borden, treasurer; Nathan Durfee, assistant treasurer; Joseph H. Hindle, superintendent. The capital today is $2,000,000. The product is printed calicoes, cambrics, cretonnes, shirtings and indigoes.
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The American Linen Company had for its projectors such men as Colonel Richard Borden, Jefferson Borden, Oliver S. Hawes and Lazarus Borden, who brought about the incorporation of the company in 1852, as the American Linen Manufacturing Company, to manufacture linen fabrics. The capital of the company was $350,000. The No. 1 Mill was built in 1852, 301 feet long and 63 feet wide. The mill was much enlarged in 18.-5 for a change of the production to cotton print cloths. No. 2 Mill was built in 1866, 393 feet in length and 72 feet wide, five stories in height. June 29, 1876, the two upper stories of No. 2 Mill were burned, but within four months the mill was again in operation; in 1893 the mill was extended 80 feet. The company owns nearly 100,000 spindles, with about 2500 looms. The presidents of the company have been: Richard Borden, to 1875; Jefferson Borden, to 1887; John S. Brayton, to 1904; Richard B. Borden, Oliver S. Hawes. The treasurers: Walter Paine (3rd), to 1871; Philip D. Borden, to 1896; James E. Osborn, James W. Anthony. The capital is $800,000. The company has operated the Allen Print Works at Providence since 1901 for the finishing of its products. Cloth produced annually amounts to 20,500,000 yards, and 850 hands are employed.
The Union Cotton Manufacturing Company, formerly the Union Mills, when the enterprise was started, was the initial result of a movement to establish industries upon the basis of general subscriptions of the community. Hale Remington conceived the idea which in 1859 developed into the organization of the Union Mills Company and the erection of the No. 1 Mill of the corporation. The company was formed with a capital of $175,000. S. Angier Chace was elected president; David Anthony, treasurer; Simeon Borden, clerk, and the directors were: S. A. Chace, David Anthony, Hale Remington, William Mason, Charles 0. Shove, Charles P. Dring. The first print cloth mill of 1859 was of about 15,000 spindles; the next, in 1865, was for nearly 30,000 spindles. No. 4 Mill was built as an addition to No. 2 in 1895. No. 3 Mill was built in 1877. The plant has more than 100,000 spindles. S. A. Chace succeeded Mr. Anthony as treasurer. The company was reorganized in 1878 as the Union Cotton Manufacturing Company, with $500,000 capital, and with William D. Forbes as president and Thomas E. Brayton treasurer. The presidents since then in succession have been James M. Morton, Horatio Hathaway, Edward T4. Anthony, John F. Brayton. Benjamin C. Shove is treasurer. The present capital is $1,800,000. Close to 60,000,000 yards of cloth are manufactured per annum, and 825 hands are employed.
While the Civil War was at its height, the Granite Mills, so called because of the material of their construction, were established, and the company was organized, mostly through the efforts of Charles 0. Shove and Edmund Chace, and with the original capital of $225,000. In May, 1864, the capital stock was increased to $400,000; in July it was further increased to $415,000; but in 1871 it was reduced to $400,000. The first officers of the company consisted of William Mason, president; Charles 0. Shove, treasurer; and William Mason, John S. Brayton, Edmund Chace, Charles 0. Shove, Lazarus Borden, Samuel Hathaway and Charles P. Stickney, board of directors. Mill No. 1 was erected in 1863, dimensions 328 by 72 feet, and No. 2 Mill in 1871, dimensions 378 by 74 feet; both mills five stories in height. On September 19, 1874, No. 1 Mill was partly burned, when there was loss of life; the mill was rebuilt without delay. A
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third mill of granite was built in 1893 for spinning purposes, the mill being two stories in height, and 234 by 127 feet in dimensions. A one-story picker room was also erected, 127 by 44 feet in dimensions. A large number of tenements have also been built for the use of the mill operatives. The plant has about 120,000 spindles. The capital was increased to $1,000,000 in 1893, and it is now $1,250,000. William Mason remained president until 1892; John S. Brayton was president until 1904; Edward E. Hathaway was his successor, and Benjamin S. C. Gifford is now president. Charles 0. Shove was succeeded by his son, Charles M. Shove, as treasurer in 1875. The mills produce 30,000,000 yards of cloth per annum.
The Durfee Mills were incorporated on February 15, 1866, and the mills were named in memory of Major Bradford Durfee, whose son, Bradford M. C. Durfee, was the largest stockholder in the corporation. The charter was granted Bradford M. C. Durfee, David A. Brayton and John S. Brayton, of Fall River, for the production of print cloth. Mill No. 1, five stories in height, was built of granite, 376 by 72 feet in dimensions. Durfee Mill No. 2 was built, a duplicate of No. 1 Mill, in 1871, and in 1880 No. 3 Mill was erected, its dimensions being 127 by 44 feet. During 1884 and 1885 two stories were added to the ell of -No. 2 Mill; a new cotton house was completed in 1887, dimensions 264 by 93 feet, and in 1893 No. 2 weave shed was built. A building containing the cloth and repair shop was built in 1895, No. 1 Mill having been renovated the previous year. The mills had 137,000 spindles. John S. Brayton succeeded Bradford M. C. Durfee as president in 1872, and Hezekiah S. Brayton succeeded John S. Brayton in 1904. David R. Brayton, Jr., succeeded his father as treasurer in 1881. Dana H. Brayton is now president, and Sydney H. Borden treasurer. The capital is $500,000.
The Merchants Manufacturing Company was organized October 24, 1866, and the factory built on the lot owned by the heirs of the N. B. Borden estate and by adjoining parties. It was through William H. Jennings that the enterprise was put through, he securing the capital of $800,000 in two days. The capital now is $1,500,000. The directors of the company consisted of James Henry, William H. Jennings, Augustus Chace, L. L. Barnard, Robert S. Gibbs, Charles H. Dean, Crawford E. Lindsey, Robert K. Remington, Lafayette Nichols; and James Henry was chosen president and William H. Jennings treasurer. The first cloth was turned out from the new mill in February, 1868, the structure being of granite and five stories in height. This building was enlarged in 1871, its total length then being 397 feet. The Crescent Mills were acquired in 1893; and since 1901 for the finishing part of its product it has operated the Allen Print Works, at Providence, Rhode Island, in conjunction with the American Linen Company. James E. Osborn was appointed president in 1893; Edward B. Jennings in 1898. Since the treasurership of William B. Jennings, in 1882, Simeon B. Chace was treasurer to 1895; Alphonso S. Covel to 1887; Andrew to 1898; James E. Osborn, Edward B. Jennings. Forty-one million yards of cloth are produced each year, and 1250 hands are employed. The mills have more than 130,000 spindles.
The Tecumseh Mills was one of the results of the demand for cotton fabrics at the close of the Civil War, the first meeting for the organization of these mills being February 17, 1866. With the securing of the act of
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incorporation February 8, 1866, Augustus Chace, James W. Hartley, John P. Slade and their associates were incorporated as Tecumseh Mills Company, with a capital of $150,000 in shares of $1,000 each, the stock being taken by eighty-nine subscribers. Land was purchased on Hartwell street, on the Quequechan river, and a mill of twenty thousand spindles was built. The board of directors included Augustus Chace, James W. Hartley, Louis L. Barnard, Lazarus Borden, Jonathan T. Lincoln, Cook Borden, Danforth Horton, and Augustus Chace was elected president, and Isaac B. Chace treasurer. The first granite mill was 196 by 72 feet in dimensions, and was later increased by a large addition. Mill No. 2 was built in 1872, on Plymouth avenue, 200 by 75 feet in dimensions; and in 1895-1896 No. 3 Mill, 310 by 100 feet in dimensions, was built. The plant has about 84,000 spindles. Jerome C. Borden succeeded Augustus Chace as president in 1886. Treasurers since Isaac Chace have been Simeon B. Chace and Frank H. Dwelly. On May 4, 1906, the capital was increased from $500,000 to $750,000.
The Davol Mills Company, named after one of the leading promoters of the enterprise, William C. Davol, was organized on December 1, 1866, with a capital of $170,000. The first yard of cloth was woven at this mill on March 11, 1868. For the manufacture of shirting, sheeting, silesia and fancy fabrics, a five-story brick mill was erected, 300 feet in length by 73 feet in width. A large addition was built in 1871, and that year the capital stock was increased to $400,000. The- capital stock had had a number of fluctuations at various periods, even running to so low a figure as $2,700, but the increase in 1890 resumed the incorporation amount; the capital today is $500,000. The plant now has 50,000 spindles and 9,500,000 yards of sateen are manufactured. Jonathan Slade succeeded William C. Davol as president in 1882; F. S. Stevens in 1883; A. B. Sanford in 1885; Frank L. Fish in 1892; W. R. Chester in 1903. William C. Davol, Jr., was treasurer to 1878; he was succeeded that year by F. S. Stevens; by C. M. Slade in 1883; by B. W. Nichols in 1885; by George H. Hills in 1887. Richard Brown is now clerk and treasurer.
By a special charter granted by the State Legislature on March 25, 1868, Thomas J. Borden, Stephen Davol, Lazarus Borden and their associates were incorporated as the Mechanics Mills. The corporation was organized on July 1, 1868, with a capital of $750,000, the board of directors being as follows: Thomas J. Borden, Stephen Davol, Lazarus Borden, Job B. French, Southard H. Miller, B. M. C. Durfee, Tillinghast Records, James M. Morton, Jr., A. D. Easton. Thomas J. Borden was elected president, and D. H. Dyer clerk and treasurer. The stock was largely distributed among parties of small means, there being in all three hundred and twentyeight stockholders. A brick mill, five stories in height, and 372 feet by 92 feet in dimensions, was built. There are now over 60,000 spindles. Mr. Borden served as president to 1871; Stephen Davol to 1888; Thomas J. Borden to 1902; John S. Brayton to 1904; Richard B. Borden, Bradford D. Davol. D. H. Dyer served as treasurer to 1871; Thomas J. Borden to 1876; George B. Durfee to 1879; Frank S. Stevens to 1882; H. N. Durfee to 1892; Edward Shove to 1905; Edward L. Anthony, Melvin B. Horton, Edwin P. Kershaw. Twenty-one million eight hundred thousand yards of cloth are manufactured annually.
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incorporation February 8, 1866, Augustus Chace, James W. Hartley, John P. Slade and their associates were incorporated as Tecumseh Mills Company, with a capital of $150,000 in shares of $1,000 each, the stock being taken by eighty-nine subscribers. Land was purchased on Hartwell street, on the Quequechan River, and a mill of twenty thousand spindles was built. The board of directors included Augustus Chace, James W. Hartley, Louis L. Barnard, Lazarus Borden, Jonathan T. Lincoln, Cook Borden, Danforth Horton, and Augustus Chace was elected president, and Isaac B. Chace treasurer. The first granite mill was 196 by 72 feet in dimensions, and was later increased by a large addition. Mill No. 2 was built in 1872, on Plymouth avenue, 200 by 75 feet in dimensions; and in 1895-1896 No. 3 Mill, 310 by 100 feet in dimensions, was built. The plant has about 84,000 spindles. Jerome C. Borden succeeded Augustus Chace as president in 1886. Treasurers since Isaac Chace have been Simeon B. Chace and Frank H. Dwelly. On May 4, 1906, the capital was increased from $500,000 to $750,000.
The Davol Mills Company, named after one of the leading promoters of the enterprise, William C. Davol, was organized on December 1, 1866, with a capital of $170,000. The first yard of cloth was woven at this mill on March 11, 1868. For the manufacture of shirting, sheeting, silesia and fancy fabrics, a five-story brick mill was erected, 300 feet in length by 73 feet in width. A large addition was built in 1871, and that year the capital stock was increased to $400,000. The capital stock had had a number of fluctuations at various periods, even running to so low a figure as $2,700, but the increase in 1890 resumed the incorporation amount; the capital today is $500,000. The plant now has 50,000 spindles and 9,500,000 yards of sateen are manufactured. Jonathan Slade succeeded William C. Davol as president in 1882; F. S. Stevens in 1883; A. B. Sanford in 1885; Frank L. Fish in 1892; W. R. Chester in 1903. William C. Davol, Jr., was treasurer to 1878; he was succeeded that year by F. S. Stevens; by C. M. Slade in 1883; by B. W. Nichols in 1885; by George H. Hills in 1887. Richard Brown is now clerk and treasurer.
By a special charter granted by the State Legislature on March 25, 1868, Thomas J. Borden, Stephen Davol, Lazarus Borden and their associates were ii-incorporated as the Mechanics Mills. The corporation was organized on July 1, 1868, with a capital of $750,000, the board of directors being as follows: Thomas J. Borden, Stephen Davol, Lazarus Borden, Job B. French, Southard H. Miller, B. M. C. Durfee, Tillinghast Records, James M. Morton, Jr., A. D. Easton. Thomas J. Borden was elected president, and D. H. Dyer clerk and treasurer. The stock was largely distributed among parties of small means, there being in all three hundred and twentyeight stockholders. A brick mill, five stories in height, and 372 feet by 92 feet in dimensions, was built. There are now over 60,000 spindles. Mr. Borden served as president to 1871; Stephen Davol to 1888; Thomas J. Borden to 1902; John S. Brayton to 1904; Richard B. Borden, Bradford D. Davol. D. H. Dyer served as treasurer to 1871; Thomas J. Borden to 1876; George B. Durfee to 1879; Frank S. Stevens to 1882; H. N. Durfee to 1892; Edward Shove to 1905; Edward L. Anthony, Melvin B. Horton. Edwin P. Kershaw. Twenty-one million eight hundred thousand yards of cloth are manufactured annually.
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The Stafford Mills, so named in honor of Foster H. Stafford, the first president of the corporation and the projector of the enterprise, was organized on December 12, 1870, with a capital of $500,000 in shares of $100 each. Mr. Stafford was elected president and agent, and Shubael P. Lovell clerk and treasurer, with the following-named board of directors: Foster H. Stafford, Samuel Hathaway, Charles P. Stickney, Robert T. Davis, William C. Davol, William L. Slade, Danforth Horton, Edmund Chace, Weaver Osborn. The organization was dissolved on March 18, 1871, and the twenty-two subscribers reorganized under a special charter granted by the commonwealth to Charles P. Stickney, Samuel Hathaway, Foster 11. Stafford, and their associates, with a capital of $550,000. The officers of the former association were elected to the same positions under the special charter. Some portions of the machinery of the new mill were started in January, 1872. The first mill, built of granite, is five stories high, 374 by 70 feet in dimensions, and its weave shed, built in 1900, 173 by 160 feet in dimensions. The plant has more than 114,000 frame spindles and close to 3.000 looms. Ten thousand bales of cotton are used annually. The present capitalization is $1,000,000. Mr. Stafford, the first president, died in 1891, and Robert T. Davis was then elected president. These men have served as treasurers: S. P. Lovell to 1882; Albert E. Bosworth to 1888; Effingham C. Haight to 1900; Frank W. Brightman to 1901; Fred I,. Waterman, Charles B. Luther. The present president is F. T. Mathewson; clerk and treasurer, Thomas B. Bassett.
The Wampanoag Mills, with a present weekly production of more than 12,000 pieces, were organized on May 31, 1871, with a capital of $400,000. The preliminary meeting was held on May 23, by Stephen Davol, J. D. Flint, William H. Jennings, L. S. Earl, Walter C. Durfee and Robert T. Davis. At the meeting for organization, Walter C. Durfee was elected treasurer and corporation clerk, and Robert T. Davis, J. D. Flint, Walter C. Durfee, Stephen Davol, Foster H. Stafford, Simeon Borden, George H. Eddy, A. L. Covel, L. S. Earl, William H. Jennings and John H. Brown, directors. Robert T. Davis was later chosen president. The first land for the mill site, fifteen acres, was purchased of Robert T. Davis and J. D. Flint. Cloth was first woven in the mill on April 1, 1872. The first mill, of granite, was 298 by 74 feet in dimensions, five stories in height, and contained 28,000 spindles. The No. 2 Mill was also built in 1877, five stories in height, of granite, 328 by 74 feet dimensions; its weave-shed two stories in height, 215 by 96 feet in dimensions, was built ten years afterwards. In 1877 the capital was increased to $500,000 and ten years later to $750,000. It is now $1,000,000. W. Frank Shove is the president of the corporation. Walter' C. Durfee was treasurer to 1891; he was succeeded by Effingham C. Haight, and he by William Evans, in 1901, and by W. Frank Shove in 1905. Russell H. Leonard is the treasurer. Thirty million yards of cloth are manufactured annually.
Among the many incorporations of the year 1871 was that of the King Philip Mills Company, for the manufacture of fine cotton fabrics. Within a fortnight after the beginning of the project, the whole amount of $500,000 asked for was taken by forty-seven responsible persons. At the meeting for organization, July 4, 1871, the board of directors elected consisted of the following-named: Jonathan Chace, James Henry, S. A. Chace, C. E.Lindsey,
COTTON MANUFACTURING 495
Philip D. Borden, Charles 0. Shove, F. C. Kilburn, A. S. Tripp, Benjamin S. Chace, Simeon Borden, Charles 11. Dean. E. C. Kilburn was elected treasurer, and A. S. Tripp clerk of the corporation; and at the first meeting of the board of directors, that day, Crawford E. Lindsey was elected president. The amount of capital stock was placed at $500,000, and the act, of incorporation is of date September 15, 1871. Twenty-one acres of the Dodge farm, and fifteen acres of the Slade mills land adjoining, were purchased, and the first granite mill of the company was built, 320 feet long and 92 feet in width, four stories high on the front and five stories on the rear, 380 by 92 feet. No. 2 Mill was erected in 1892, in which year the capital was increased to $1,000,000. A large weave shed was built in 1888, in dimensions 288 by 100 feet; and another in 1892, 406 by 127 feet. These mills, with nearly 140,000 spindles, produce plain and fancy fine goods. Mr. Lindsey was president until 1883; Robert Henry until 1885; Charles J. Holmes until 1906, George A. Ballard, Oliver S. Hawes. Simeon B. Chase succeeded Elijah C. Kilburn as treasurer. The capitalization is now $2,250,000, and the mills have 133,744 spindles; 17,000,000 yards of cloth are manufactured annually.
Among the mills of the 1871 group were those of the Richard Borden Manufacturing Company, the charter being granted on May 19, that year. The entire capital of $800,000 was taken by twelve individuals. The board of directors consisted of Richard Borden, Philip D. Borden, Thomas T. Borden, Richard B. Borden, A. S. Covel. Richard Borden was chosen president of the corporation, and Thomas J. Borden treasurer and clerk. The Borden farm was purchased for the plant, No. 1 Mill being erected in 1872 and No. 2 Mill in 1889, and the buildings have nearly 100,000 spindles. The capital of the corporation was reduced in 1889 to $675,000, and soon afterwards increased to $800,000 by payment of $125,000. It is now $I,,000,000. Richard D. Borden was elected president of the corporation in 1874, on the death of his father, Colonel Richard Borden; and in 1876, when his brother, Thomas J. Borden, resigned as treasurer, Richard B. Borden became treasurer, and Thomas J. Borden president. Upon the death of the latter, in 1902, Edward P. Borden, of Philadelphia, became president. Charles N. Borden is now clerk and treasurer. The cloth produced annually amounts to 35,000,000 yards, and 750 hands are employed.
Another of the mill foundations of 1871 was that of the Chace Mills, the enterprise being promoted by Augustus Chace, George W. Grinnell, Cook Borden, and Joseph A. Baker, the capital stock of the company being $500,000. At the first meeting for organization, Augustus Chace was chosen president and Joseph A. Baker treasurer, Mr. Chace being succeeded as president in 1886 by Edward L. Hathaway. No. I Mill, of six stories, 377 by 74 feet, was built in 1872; and No. 2 Mill, two stories in height, of dimensions 310 by 120 feet, was erected in 1895. The Burlington Cotton Mills, Burlington, Vermont, being purchased by the company in 1906, the plant operates over 116,000 spindles. The capital was increased in 1905 to $900,000; later to $1,200,000. Cloth manufactured amounts to 38,000,000 yards per annum. John F. Estes is the president; Henry F. Grinnell, treasurer.
The Crescent Mills became the property of the Merchants' Manufacturing Company in 1893, and were organized on October 25, 1871, with a
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capital stock of $500,000, the original stockholders numbering thirty. The main building, of granite, dimensions 339 by 74 feet, four stories in height, was erected in the spring of 1872; the first cotton was put in December 21, that year, and the first cloth was produced on February 8, 1873. The first board of directors consisted of Benjamin Covel, Lafayette Nichols, Daniel A. Chapin, William B. Durfee, J. F. Nichols, Joseph Brady, David F. Brown, G. M. Haffards, Alphonso S. Covel; with Benjamin Covel as president and Lafayette Nichols as treasurer. Richard B. Borden succeeded Lafayette Nichols as treasurer, and served to 1876, al-id he was succeeded by Alphonso S. Covel and Benjamin Warren.
The present Ancona Mills Company was the former Slade Mills Company. The latter was the first of the group of cotton factories to be located in the southern district of the city. The incorporators in 1871 were William L. Slade, Jonathan Slade, Benjamin Hall, and the heirs of the Dwelly property-F. S. Stevens, John C. Milne, W. and J. M. Osborn, Richard S. Borden, Thomas J. Borden, S. Angier Chace, David A. Brayton, William Valentine. William L. Slade was chosen president, and James M. Osborn treasurer. Simeon B. Chase succeeded President Valentine, and the treasurers have been Henry S. Fenner since 1876, and Frank H. Dwelly, Philip E. Tripp and George D. Flynn since 1903. The original capital stock of the company was $550,000, that after some changes now amounts to $200,000. The mill has more than 40,080 spindles. The production is print cloth. James C. Brady is now the president of the corporation.
The third group of mills in the north section of the city was the Narragansett, that were incorporated in 1871, those in the lead of the enterprise being Alexander D. Easton, James Waring, Foster H. Stafford, Daniel McCowan, Robert Adams, Samuel Watson, D. T. Wilcox, Holder B. Durfee, William Valentine, James P. Hilliard, Robert Henry. Alexander D. Easton was chosen president, and James Waring treasurer. The original amount of capital was $350,000, increased on July 6, 1871, to $400,000; is now $600,000. A brick mill of five stories was built, 300 by 75 feet in dimensions. In 1882 an addition was built, and, in 1895, a weave shed of two stories. The plant was thus given a capacity of 44,000 spindles. Holder B. Durfee succeeded President Easton, from 1876 to 1878; Robert Henry to 1889; Edward S. Adams. Isaac A. Brown followed Mr. Waring as treasurer in 1897. The mills today contain 56,392 spindles, and 13,000,000 yards of cloth are produced annually.
The Osborn Mills enterprise was promoted to a successful issue by Weaver Osborn, who with Alexander D. Easton and James T. Milne proposed the formation of a company with $500,000 for the manufacture of print cloths. The company was organized on October 9, 1871, with the following-named as directors: Weaver Osborn, Joseph Healy, James T. Milne, Benjamin Hall, Andrew T. Borden, Joseph Osborn, Joseph F. Macomber, George T. Hathaway, John C. Milne, D. H. Dwyer, Edward E. Hathaway. Weaver E. Osborn was chosen president, and Joseph Healy treasurer and clerk. A granite mill of five stories was built, 318 by 74 feet in dimensions. The capital stock was increased in 1886 to $600,000, and the Montaup Mills property was bought and made over for the uses of No. 2 Osborn Mill, to manufacture fine goods. In 1900 the capital was increased to $750,000, the plant capacity being close to 50,000 spindles. Upon
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the death of President Osborn, in 1894, James M. Osborn was president, and John C. Milne became president in 1898. Simeon B. Chase was appointed treasurer in 1901. James T. Milne is now treasurer.
The project of the Montaup Mills was brought about by Josiah Brown, a civil engineer, through whose enterprise the mills were incorporated in 1871, with a capital of $250,000. The name Montaup was chosen in recognition of the Indian name. The board of directors consisted of Josiah Brown, Bradford D. Davol, George B. Durfee, Alexander D. Easton, William L. Slade, Isaac Borden, George H. Hawes, William Valentine, Holder B. Durfee, Thomas J. Borden. Subsequently Josiah Brown was chosen president, and Isaac Borden treasurer. A mill four stories in height and of dimensions 242 by 74 feet was built, and machinery for the manufacture of seamless cotton-bags was installed. In 1886, the plant was sold to the Osborn Mills, the former business becoming unprofitable.
The first steps in the organization of the Weetamoe Mills were taken by D. Hartwell Dyer, who was enabled to capitalize the company to the extent of $550,000. The mills were incorporated in 1871, with the following-named board of directors: Louis L. Barnard, D. Hartwell Dyer, job B. French, Jonathan 1. Hilliard, F. K. Hill, William Lindsey, Francis B. Hood, Henry C. Lincoln, Elijah C. Kilburn, with Louis L. Barnard as president and D. Hartwell Dyer as treasurer. The plant was started with a brick mill of five stories, 320 by 74 feet in dimensions, and with about 45,000 spindles. job B. French succeeded Mr. Barnard as president, 1875 to 1894; William Lindsey was president to 1894; George H. Eddy, Jr., is now president. William Lindsey was treasurer from 1875 to 1892; Enoch j . French from 1892. Eighteen million yards of cloth are manufactured annually there are now 46,016 spindles, and the mill capitalization is $500,000.
In honor of its first president, the Flint Mills were organized in February, 1872, at the location in Fall River that has since become known as Flint Village. The company was first capitalized at $500,000, increasing that amount to $600,000 in October, the same year. The board of directors consisted of John D. Flint, Robert T. Davis, Stephen Davol, William H. Jennings, William T. Hall, Daniel McGowan, Gardner T. Dean, S. C. Wrightington, William Carroll, Cornelius Hargraves. John D. Flint was elected president and Stephen C. Wrightington treasurer. A five-story mill, 300 by 94 feet in dimensions, was built, but it was destroyed by fire on October 28, 1882, and again rebuilt. The plant has about 60,000 frame spindles. Mr. Wrightingtol-i resigned as treasurer in March, 1872, and was succeeded by George H. Eddy, who served until 1878. John D. Flint then became treasurer, and Bradford D. Davol was chosen president. Mr. Flint resumed the presidency in 1879, and Bradford D. Davol was elected treasurer. In 1882 he was succeeded by William S. Potter, and he by Edward Bccker. The capital is now $1,160,000. John F. Stafford is now the president.
Of the 1872 group of mills, the Shove Mills, with act of incorporation of April 2 of that year, were organized through the instrumentality of such leading mill men as John P. Slade, Charles 0. Shove, George A. Chace, and Joseph McCreery, the capital stock being $550,000. The board of directors consisted of Charles 0. Shove, Joseph McCreery, George A. Chace, Lloyd S. Earle, William Connell, Jr., Nathan Chace, Isaac W. Howland,
498 BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS
Josiah C. Blaisdell and John P. Slade. Charles 0. Shove was elected president, and John P. Slade treasurer. Mill No. 1, of granite, five stories in height, and 339 by 74 feet in dimensions, was ready for business in April, 1875, the land being purchased on the western shore of Laurel Lake. No. 2 Mill, built for spinning in 1880-1881, is three stories in height, 194 by 75 feet in dimensions, and is built on the Rhode Island side of the line. In 1897 a two-story weave shed was built, 184 by 120 feet. There are close to 73,000,000 spindles in the plant. John P. Slade succeeded Mr. Shove as president in 1875, and presidents in their turn have been Charles M. Shove in 1880 and Isaac W. Howland in 1900. George A. Chace was appointed treasurer in 1874; Cyrus C. Rounseville in 1884; Fenner C. Brownell. Thirty million yards of cloth are annually produced. The mills today are capitalized at $1,200,000.
The meeting for organization of the Sagamore Mills was held March 6, 1872, and the mills were incorporated with a capital of $500,000, the number of original subscribers to the stock being one hundred and seven. The board of directors consisted of Louis L. Barnard, Francis B. Hood, J. C. Blaisdell, J. W. Hartley, Charles McCreery, J. J. Hilliard, Joseph Borden, W. M. Almy, D. Hartwell Dyer, J. T. Wilson. A brick mill of five stories was built, dimensions 320 by 73 feet. The company was reorganized in 1879, following the failure of the former organization, and with a capital that with steady increases in 1888 amounted to $900,000. Mill No. 2 was built in 1882, and Mill No. 2, that was burned in 1884, was rebuilt in 1888, giving the plant a capacity of close to 92,000,000 spindles. James S. Hathaway succeeded President L. L. Barnard, 1876-79; Theodore Dean to 1885; Charles J. Holmes to 1903; James M. Morton, Jr. The treasurers since Mr. Hood: George T. Hathaway to 1879; Hezekiah A. Brayton was elected treasurer in 1879, when the Sagamore Manufacturing Company was organized, and he was succeeded by William L. S. Brayton. The capitalization is now $3,000,000; the number of spindles is 147,664, and 125,000 pounds of colored yarns are produced each week.
The first meeting for organization of the Border City Mills was held April 29, 1872, when the following-named board of directors was elected: S. Angier Chace, Stephen Davol, Chester W. Greene, E. C. Kilburn, Charles P. Stickney, A. D. Easton, George T. Hathaway, John M. Dean, William E. Dunham, James E. Cunneen, Horatio N. Durfee. S. A. Chace was soon afterwards elected president and George T. Hathaway treasurer. The amount of capital stock at the time of incorporation was $1,000,000. Thirty acres of land were purchased at Wilson's Cove, on the eastern bank of Taunton river, and No. 1 Mill was built in 1872, which was destroyed by fire on November 2, 1877. No. 2 Mill was built in 1873. The creditors of the company took charge of its effects in 1878, and it was not until 1880 that a new company was formed. The Border City Manufacturing Company was formed on February 25, 1880, with a capital of $400,000. The directors elected were: Walter C. Durfee, John S. Brayton, Crawford E. Lindsey, Alphonso S. Covel, Jonathan Bourne, J. Arthur Beauvais, Moses W. Richardson, William H. Hill, Jr., George M. Woodward. John S. Brayton was chosen president, and Otis N. Pierce treasurer. With the vote to increase the capital to $600,000, on December 9, 1880, it was also voted to rebuild the mill destroyed by fire. Again, on May 24, 1882, the capital
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was increased to $800,000. Mr. Pierce resigned as treasurer in April, 1882, and he was succeeded by Edward L. Anthony. It was voted to build Mill No. 3, on May 15, 1888, and the capital of the corporation was increased to $1,000,000. The plant increased the number of spindles to about 112,000. The number now is 119,800. Hon. John S. Brayton served as president of the corporation until his death in November, 1904, when he was succeeded by Thomas E. Brayton, and he by Richard P. Borden. Randall N. Durfee is clerk and treasurer. The mills are now capitalized at $1,800,000, and 30,000,000 yards of cloth in specialties are produced annually.
The first bleach works of importance to be established in Fall River were those of the Fall River Bleachery, that were started here in the epoch making year of 1872, Spencer Borden organizing the company with a capital stock of $250,000. The first board of directors consisted of Thomas Bennett, Jr., Richard B. Borden, Bradford D. Davol, Crawford E. Lindsey, Philip D. Borden, George B. Durfee, Charles P. Stickney. Jefferson Borden was chosen president, Spencer Borden agent and treasurer. Land was purchased near the Tiverton line for the establishment of the plant, the supply of water for the bleachery coming from Stafford pond. Business was started in 1873; and in 1888 No. 2 works were built, the capital of the company then being increased to $400,000. Associated with Spencer Borden in the active operation of the works were Norman E. Borden and George 0. Lathrop. George W. Dean was elected president of the corporation on the death of Jefferson Borden in 1887, and he was succeeded by James Marshall in 1897. The property and business were sold to the Fall River Bleaching Company of New Jersey in November, 1889. Norman I,. Borden succeeded his brother, Spencer Borden, as treasurer in 1880. Spencer Borden again became treasurer in 1892. The capital is now $1,500,000. The officers of the Fall River Bleachery Company of New Jersey, capital $600,000, were: Spencer Borden, president; Spencer Borden, Jr., treasurer; George 0. Lathrop, secretary. New buildings were erected in 1903, 1904 and 1906. The Fall River Bleachery Company of New Jersey became reincorporated as the Fall River Bleachery, a Massachusetts corporation, in 1905, with the same capital stock and the same board of officers.
With its mill-site in the eastern part of the city, on the Quequechan river, the Barnard Manufacturing Company had its organization in October, 1873, by L. L. Barnard, Stephen Davol, W. H. Jennings and N. B. Borden. Mr. Barnard was chosen president, on October 14; N. B. Borden, treasurer and corporation clerk; and the following board of directors: L. L. Barnard., Stephen Davol, W. H. Jennings, A. D. Easton, Robert T. Davis, Simeon Borden, J. M. Aldrich, N. B. Borden, A. B. Chace, A. S. Covel, John Campbell, Cornelius Hargraves, W. H. Gifford. This company was the first of the new mills companies here to adopt the Sawyer ring spindle for spinning warp, and it was one of the first to manufacture cloth other than the regular twenty-eight inch print cloths. The stone cotton factory was completed in the summer of 1874, and it was 280 feet long and 74 feet wide, and contained more than 28,000 spindles. In 1895 it contained more than 37,000 spindles. A new granite weave shed was built in 1896, 364 feet long and 148 feet wide, which gave the plant a capacity of more than 66,000 spindles. The number of spindles is now more than 80,000. At first the capital was fixed at $400,000, but soon afterwards this was reduced to
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$330,000; in 1896 it was increased to $495,000. It is now $1,250,000. Twenty-five million yards of cloth are manufactured annually, and 800 hands are employed. Mr. Barneard was president to 1880; W. H. Jennings to 1885; Dr. James M. Aldrich to 1896; Bradford D. Davol to 1922; treasurers, Nathaniel B. Borden and J. Edward Newton.
The Fall River Merino Company was organized in 1875, with a capital of $110,000. A brick building was built in the eastern part of the city for the manufacture of knit goods and merino underwear, and 2,160 spindles were operated. Frank S. Stevens was president, Seth H. Weatherbee clerk, and Charles E. Bean treasurer. The proposition was not a paying one, and the business was later sold.
The Conanicut Mills were incorporated in 1880, with a capital of $80,000, the board of directors being E. W. Converse, Charles L. Thayer, William Lindsey, Elijah C. Kilburn, Crawford E. Lindsey; and Edmund W. Converse was elected president, and Crawford E. Lindsey treasurer. The company was formed for the purpose of taking up the interests of the Oliver Chace Mill, that at first had been operated for the manufacture of thread, but afterwards, in 1866, in control of the American Printing Company, was known as the Mount Hope Mill. With the increase in the plant, it was soon operating close to 22,000 spindles. There are now nearly 30,000. Edmund W. Converse, Jr., succeeded his father as president of the company. George H. Waring is president; Maurice G. Perkins, treasurer. The capital is $300,000; the output 5,000,000 yards of cloth annually.
The Globe Yarn Mills, that were part of the plant of the New England Cotton Yarn Company, and in 1923 of the American Cotton Fabric Company, were incorporated in 1881, with a capital of $175,000. The first board of directors consisted of William H. Jennings, Arnold B. Sanford, Frank S. Stevens, Robert T. Davis, Eben S. Draper, James E. Osborn and Daniel D. Howland; and William H. Jennings was chosen president and Arnold B. Sanford treasurer. Various increases in the stock the first ten years included the following: $200,000 and $356,000 during the year of incorporation; $600,000 in 1885; $900,000 in 1887; $1,200,000 in 1891. The first year Mill No. 1 was built, dimensions 317 by 75 feet; in 1885 Mill No. 2 was built, dimensions 355 by 75 feet; No. 3 Mill was built in 1887, dimensions 354 by 100 feet; No. 1 addition in 1891, dimensions 109 by 95 feet. From time to time further enlargements were made, until the plant had about 100,000 spindles Since Mr. Jennings, the presidents were: William Lindsey, 1885 to 1896; Horace M. Barnes, in 1896; Jerome C. Borden, 1896 to 1900. Edward B. Jennings was treasurer, following A. B. Sanford, 1896 to 1899.
Laurel Lake Mills, with a capital of $400,000, had their organization in 1881, the enterprise being forwarded by John P. Slade, Hon. Robert T. Davis and Henry C. Lincoln. John P. Slade was elected president and Abbott E. Slade treasurer. A mill with a capacity of 34,000 spindles was built, that was enlarged in 1896. The plant now has more than 60,000 spindles. The capital is $900,000. Leonard N. Slade succeeded his father as president of the corporation at his death. Everett N. Slade is now president. Abbott E. Slade, Edward L. Anthony and J. Whitney Bowen have been treasurers of the corporation. Twenty-two million yards of cloth are manufactured annually.
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With a capital of $400,000 the Bourne Mills were incorporated in June, 1881, the following-named being the stockholders: Jonathan Bourne, Geor-e A. Chace, Edmund Chase, Lloyd S. Earle, Danforth Horton, Charles M. Shove, Frank S. Stevens. With various fluctuations in the course of a number of years, the capital stock in September, 1903, was placed at $1,000,000, of which $400,000 was paid in by a special dividend. The presidents of the corporation in succession were Edmund Chase, Jonathan Bourne, to 1889; F. S. Stevens, to 1897; Stephen A. Jencks, Jonathan Bourne, Jr. Clerk and treasurer, George A. Chace, George Delano. mills operated more than 43,000 spindles when first built, but in 1900, with the completion of the new weave shed, there are close to 92,000 spindles. A plan of profit-sharing with the employees was adopted by the corporation in 1889. Seventeen million yards of cloth are produced annually, and 700 hands are employed.
With a capital of $300,000, Barnaby Mills were organized and incorporated in 1882, with the following-named directors: Simeon B. Chase, Samuel Waddington, Robert T. Davis, George H. Hawes, S. B. Ashley, George H. Hills, J. B. Barnaby, Charles E. Barney, William F. Draper. Simeon B. Chase was chosen president, and Stephen B. Ashley treasurer. The capital was increased to $400,000 in 1884; decreased to $100,000 in 1904, and that year again raised to $150,000. In 1906 it was $408,000. A mill with more than 16,000 spindles and more than 1000 looms, manufacturing fine ginghams, was built. Jerome C. Borden succeeded S. B. Chase as president in 1900. Since Mr. Ashley was treasurer, Arthur H. Mason served from 1900 to 1904; Fred W. Harley to 1905; Harry L. French, George T. Almy.
The Shawmut Manufacturing Company purchased the land and buildings of the Barnaby Manufacturing Company in 1916. This company, operating 30,000 spindles, has a capitalization of $250,000 preferred, and $350,000 common. Leonard S. Chace is president, and Richard B. Chace treasurer.
The Massasoit Manufacturing Company was incorporated in January, 1882, for the purpose of manufacturing fabrical goods of all kinds, the incorporators taking over the business of W. H. and W. E. Turner, of New York City. The capital was $50,000. The members of the corporation were Wendell E. Turner, William H. Turner, Frank L. Palmer, Edward A. Palmer, Elisha L. Palmer. Frank L. Palmer was elected president, and Wendell E. Turner treasurer. The land and buildings of the Massasoit Steam mills on Davol street were purchased in 1882, and made over into a cotton waste plant, that plant including wharf and tenement property. The Oakdale Mills property at Montville, Connecticut, was purchased in 1892 and equipped as a bleachery, and the next year, 1893, the capital stock was increased to $150,000. The waste plant of M. T. Barlow was purchased in 1895. The Eddy Mill property of the American Woolen Company was purchased in 1903 and made over into a mill for coarse yarn. Frank L. Palmer and Wendell E. Turner also purchased the property of the Swansea Bleachery, incorporating it under the name Swansea Dye Works in 1890. The capital is now $500,000. John T. Swift is the president; Perrv S. Palmer, treasurer; John Foley, assistant treasurer.
The Seaconnet Mills were organized in 1884, and the company built a 35,000 spindle mill that was enlarged to its present size in 1895. The capital
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at first was $400,000, increased to $600,000 in 1894. The first board of directors consisted of Henry C. Lincoln, George A. Draper, Stephen A. Jencks, William Beattie, D. A. Chapin, William R. Warner, Augustus Chace, Milton Reed, Reuben Hargraves. Henry C. Lincoln was elected president, and Edward A. Chace treasurer. At the death of Mr. Lincoln in 1884, Stephen A. Jencks was elected president, and he was succeeded in 1888 by Leontine Lincoln. Milton Reed and William N. McLane succeeded Edward A. Chace as treasurer. The mill has more than 72,000 spindles, and 27,500,000 yards of cloth are manufactured per annum, 550 hands being employed. The amount of capital today is $1,200,000.
It was largely through the efforts of Seth Gordon that the Hargraves Mills were organized and incorporated in 1888, for the manufacture of cotton goods, with capital of $400,000. Associated with Mr. Borden in the enterprise were Reuben Hargraves, Thomas Hargraves, Leontine Lincoln, John Barlow, James E. Osborn, Stephen A. Jencks. No. 1 Mill, of granite, was built in 1889, of dimensions 320 by 90 feet, four stories in height, and in 1892 No. 2 Mill, partly three and partly two stories, of dimensions 482 by 127 feet, the plant then having a capacity of more than 100,000 spindles. The capital was increased in 1892 to $800,000. James E. Osborn succeeded Reuben Hargraves as the president of the corporation in 1895, and he was succeeded by Leontine Lincoln in 1898. Benjamin B. Read is the treasurer.
The Kerr Thread Company was organized in 1888 by Robert and John P. Kerr, of Paisley, Scotland, with a capital of $292,400, increased later on to $800,000. Two years afterwards, in 1890, a five-story brick mill, 100 by 131 feet in dimensions, with its dye and bleach houses, was built for the manufacture of fine cotton yarn and threads. The mill was enlarged in 1893, and the capacity was for more than 60,000 spindles. John P. Kerr was president until 1893, and he was succeeded by his son James. Robert C. Kerr was treasurer. December 31, 1897, the corporation became a part of the American Thread Company. These mills manufacture 3,500,000 yards of cloth annually.
The incorporation of the Cornell Mills took place in 1889, with a capital of $400,000. The first board of directors consisted of John D. Flint, Reuben Hargraves, Thomas Hargraves, Daniel H. Cornell, Clark Chase, James F. Jackson, Cyrus Washburn, Arthur L. Kelley, Stephen A. Jencks, Rodman P. Snelling, William F. Draper, Jr. John D. Flint was elected president and John W. Hargraves treasurer. A granite mill of four stories was built, dimensions 375 by 120 feet, with close to 42,000 spindles. Fred E. Waterman succeeded John W. Hargraves as treasurer in 1890. Robert W. Zuill is treasurer; Fred E. Waterman, Jr., president. The mills have a capital today of $600,000. Print cloths and odd goods are manufactured. With a capital of $100,000,, the Algonquin Printing Company became incorporated in 1891, the enterprise being put through by James A. Chadwick and Adam Catterall. In 1895 the capital was increased to $160,000, and in 1906, by a stock dividend, to $500,000. Edward B. Jennings was the first president, and he was succeeded by Robert T. Davis in 1896. Charles B. Cook is now president. Edward B. Jennings succeeded Mr. Catterall as treasurer until 1894, and William H. Jennings became treasurer in 1896. Forty thousand pieces of calico are printed each week.
The Sanford Spinning Company Mills, that were sold in 1899 to the
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New England Cotton Yarn Company and in 1923 to the American Cotton Fabric Company of New Jersey, had their beginnings in 1891, the chief promoters of the enterprise being Arthur B. Sanford and Arthur H. Mason. The former was elected president of the corporation, and the latter the treasurer. At the outset the capital stock was $400,000, and in 1893 it was $500,000. The plant, built to manufacture colored and fancy yarns, had more than 37,000 spindles. The first mill, three stories in height, was 374 by 100 feet in dimensions, and the dyehouse connected was 150 by 68 feet in dimensions. Frank S. Stevens succeeded Mr. Sanford as president, 1897-98-9S, and Charles B. Cook from l898 until the merging of the plant with that of the New England Cotton Yarn Company in 1899. Arthur H. Mason was treasurer throughout.
For the manufacture of satin, Marseilles and crochet quiltings, the Stevens Manufacturing Company was incorporated in t892, with a capital of $250,000. The board of directors was as follows: Frank S. Stevens, Robert T. Davis, Simeon B. Chase, Edward B. Jennings, George H. Hills, William W. Crapo, William F. Draper; and Frank S. Stevens was elected president and George H. Hills treasurer. The capital was increased to $250,000 in April, 1899, and in November, 1901, to $700,000. The capital is now $i,200,000. In 1892 another mill was built for the manufacture of cotton and linen damask, and cotton and linen crash. Simeon B. Chase succeeded President Frank S. Stevens at his death, April 25, l898. M. Richard Brown is clerk and treasurer; Charles B. Chace general manager. Three million yards of cloth are manufactured annually, and the mill has 20,956 spindles. The product is crochet, Marseilles, satin quilts, damask and ducks.
The promoters of the Parker Mills enterprise were Seth A. Borden, Leontine Lincoln and James E. Osborn, of Fall River, and William H. Parker of Lowell, the mills being incorporated in May, l895. The first year, a three-story mill, of dimensions 3973/2 by 148 feet, was built, for weaving goods of very fine yarns. There are about 50,000 spindles. A mill was built in Warren, Rhode Island, in 1899. At the time of incorporation the capital stock amounted to $450,000, increased to $500,000 on October is, l895, and in May, 1899, to $8OO,000. It is now $2,750,000. The first president of the company was William H. Parker, of Lowell, and at his death, in 1898, Leontine Lincoln was elected president. Seth A. Borden was the treasurer, and was succeeded by Benjamin B. Read.
The Arkwright Mills were incorporated with a capital of $450,000, in 1897, to manufacture fine cotton goods. Joseph A. Bowen was elected president of the corporation, and John B. Dodge treasurer. A four-story stone mill was built, ')95 by 127 feet in dimensions, with more than 80,000 spindles. The capital now is $1,000,000. Leontine Lincoln was president to the time of his death, in 1923, and Herbert H. Marble was clerk and treasurer.
The incorporation of the Davis Mills took place in 1902, the capital being placed at $500,000. The first board of directors consisted of Robert T. Davis, Leontine Lincoln, Daniel H. Cornell, Thomas D. Covel, William H. Jennings, William N. McLane, William F. Fuller, ' Jr., and J. Bion Richards; and Leontine Lincoln was chosen president and J. Bion Richards treasurer. In 1903 a three-story stone mill was built for the manufacture of
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fine cotton goods. The corporation went into the hands of receivers in January, 1900; but on March 29, with new capital paid in, the mill continued. The plant contains more than 130,000 spindles. The treasurers in succession were: Edward Barker, Arthur H. Mason, Frank L. Carpenter. The capitalization now is $2,500,000.
Taking over the plant of the Robeson Mills, that had been incorporated in 1866, the Luther Manufacturing Company was incorporated in 1903, with a capital of $350,000. The following-named were the board of directors: Leontine Lincoln, Charles B. Luther, Robert C. Davis, John H. Estes, William I-I.. Jennings, James Marshall, William N. McLane; and Leontine Lincoln was chosen president, and Charles B. Luther treasurer. The capital today is $5@.5,000.
The Robeson plant at first consisted of a brick mill three stories in height, 222 feet in length and 76 feet in width; it was completed in 1866, and in 1875 was considerably enlarged. The first officers were: Directors: Andrew Robeson, Jr., Charles P. Stickney, Samuel Hathaway, William C. Davol, Jr., Linden Cook, Samuel Castner, Josiah Brown. Samuel Hathaway was elected president and Linden Cook treasurer. The mill had more than 21,000 spindles at the time. C. P. Stickney succeeded Mr. Hathaway as president from 1873 to 1878; Linden Cook was president to 1882; Danforth Horton to 1884; C. M. Hathaway to 1895; Charles B. Luther to 1898. Louis Robeson became treasurer when Mr. Cook was appointed president, and successive treasurers were Clarence M. Hathaway, C. B. Luther, John H. Holt. The plant was increased to its capacity soon after purchase by the Luther company, with close to 45,000 spindles; there are now more than $52,000.
The Pilgrim Mills were incorporated in 1910, with a capital of $1,050,000, for the manufacture of fine goods. Ten million two hundred an seventy thousand yards of goods are manufactured annually, with the employment of 350 hands. The mills have 53,568 spindles, and there are 1,178 looms. The officers are: President, Albert A. Jenks; vice-president, William B. Beattie; treasurer, Henry F. Searles; clerk, Arthur C. Homer.
The Standard Fabric Company was incorporated in 1911, with a capital of $200,000. Robert Place is president; William M. Heywood, treasurer; Foster R. Green, clerk.
The Charlton Mills, organized for the manufacture of lawn and novelty goods, were incorporated in 1919, with a capital of $800,000. The plant has 52,990 spindles and 1,264 looms; 12,000,000 yards of cloth are manufactured annually, and 500 hands are employed. 9 P. Charlton is president, and James Sinclair, clerk and treasurer.
The Charlton Company was incorporated in 1919. Earle P. Charlton, Jr., is president, and David F. M. Fitzgerald treasurer.
The Estes Mills were incorporated in August, 1905, the capitalization being $300,000. The company are manufacturers of cotton twines, warps, yarns, ropes, etc.; there are 7000 spindles, and the number of hands employed is 390. John S. Estes is president; J. Edmond Estes, treasurer.
The Lincoln Manufacturing Company was incorporated in 1907, for the manufacture of fine and fancy cotton goods. The amount of capital is $2,250,000. There are 123,000 spindles, which manufacture 2,000,000 yards of cloth annually. Leontine Lincoln was president to the time of his death, in 1923, and Benjamin B. Read was the treasurer.
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The Standard Fabric Company was incorporated in 1911, with a capital of $200,000. Robert Place is president; William M. Heywood, treasurer.
The Foster Spinning Company, with a capital of $300,000, operates 13,312 spindles. William L. S. Brayton is president.
The firm of Kilburn, Lincoln & Company, for the manufacture of mill machinery, was started by Jonathan Thayer Lincoln , of Taunton, who came to Fall River in 1829, and in 1831 was employed as master mechanic for the Massasoit Mill Company, where he began building looms and shafting his own account. John Kilburn, of New Hampshire, began in 1844 in Fall River the manufacture of cotton looms and the Fourneyron turbine. After the death of Mr. Kilburn, in 1846, his widow and his brother, Elijah C. Kilburn, with Jonathan T. Lincoln, formed a copartnership, and the business was continued as I,. C. Kilburn & Company, manufacturing turbines and mill machinery. A new firm was formed in 1856 as Kilburn, Lincoln & Son, consisting of E. C. Kilburn, J. T. Lincoln and Henry C. Lincoln. A large machine shop was built in 1867, and added to the works. Charles P. Dring, who had been superintendent of the Fall River Iron Works Company foundry, became a member of this firm, the name then being changed to Kilburn, Lincoln & Company. The business was incorporated in 1868, and Andrew Luscomb was added to the firm. In 1872 the manufacture of looms was started on a new and larger scale, and the firm is now among the largest makers of loon-is for cotton and silk weaving.
J. T.Lincoln, was elected president, and at his death he was succeeded by his son, Henry C. Lincoln, who was succeeded by Andrew Luscomb. Leontine Lincoln succeeded to the presidency in 1903. Jonathan T. Lincoln is now head of the firm.
The Fall River Spool and Bobbin Company was organized July 11, 1878, the president being Cook Borden; treasurer, George S. Davol; clerk, B. D. Davol. A partial organization of the company had taken place in 1875, the mills being erected in December of that year. The original capital stock was $40,000, which was reduced to $21,000 in 1878. Again, at reorganization in December, l892, the name Fall River Bobbin and Shuttle Company was adopted, with a capital stock of $100,000. The president was G. W. Pratt; treasurer, William H. Perry; secretary, William G. Hodges.
The Fall River Machine Company, upon the division of the interests of the Fall River Iron Works Company, was incorporated in 1880, with a capital of $96,000. It had been absorbed by the iron works in 1879, and again, in the early part of the present century, was repurchased by the iron works. It was one of a succession of machinery-making enterprises started in 1821 by Harris, Hawes & Company, and continued along as Oliver Hawes, Hawes & Davol, Hawes, Marvel & Davol, and Marvel & Davol. Jefferson Borden was the first president after incorporation, and Robert C. Brown, treasurer. Later, John S. Brayton was president, and treasurers were George H. Bush and Samuel D. Lawton.
The Union Belt Company was formed in the latter part of 1871, with a capital of $24,000, the board of directors being R. B. Borden, T. J. Borden, Walter Paine (3rd), B . D. Davol, William H. Chace. R. B. Borden was elected president; A. S. Covel, treasurer; William H. Chace, agent. In the early nineties the capital stock was increased to $48,000. The company leased a building of the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory, the product
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consisting of superior grades of belting, top roll covers, loom fittings, straps and pickers. Robert N. Hathaway is treasurer.
The hat factory business of James Marshall & Brothers came here in 1887 from Bridgeport, Connecticut, and quarters were provided for it in the building erected at the foot of Shaw street by the estate of William H. Jennings, Robert T. Davis and Frank S. Stevens. The firm was making forty-eight dozen hats daily at the start here, when James Marshall and D. T. Coleman were at the head of the concern. D. T. Coleman retired from the firm soon after the plant was started here, and in 1893 Robert Marshall and John Marshall became members of the firm. James M. Marshall, in 1896, purchased the Wyoming Mills for their hat factory. These mills had been established by Augustus Chace and William B. Trafford, in 1845, for the manufacture of cotton twine batting, cotton warp and yarn. Augustus Chace and his son Judson Chace had the management of the con cern. The plant was recently disposed of to other parties.
The Marshall brothers, James, Robert and John, also joined partnership in the New England Fur Cutting Company in 1893, with headquarters on Ferry street, the business being set up under the direction of M. E. Ryan, at which time about twelve thousand rabbit skins were being made use of each week. The quarters on Chace street were first occupied in 1898. Many millions of rabbit skins were used throughout the year in producing fur for hat-making, the business being allied to that of the hat factory, though separate. The Bristol County Hat Works, a Rhode Island corporation in Tiverton, were connected with the fur cutting company.
A brief reference to certain of the labor troubles that have taken place in the city-from time to time follows: The mule spinners struck in protest against a reduction in July, 1870, this being the first trouble of any serious kind. This strike ended September 15, but meantime the police and fire departments were called upon to scatter the crowds, and the local military companies were made in readiness should their services be called for. In August, 1875, began the "Great Vacation," the mills starting up again on September 27, there being some demonstrations during the interim. The strike of 1879 lasted from June 15 to October 26, and was marked for bitter spirit and occasional violence. The tenmills strike against reduction took place in 1884, lasting eighteen weeks, it being a strike against reduction. The strike of 1894 was intermittent from August 24 to October 30, it also being against reduction. The longest strike in the city's history was that of 1904, following the announcement of a cut of twelve and one-half per cent in wages. This strike cost the operatives $4,000,000 in wages lost. The strike lasted from the latter part of July to the following January.
There are fifty-four labor unions connected with the textile and allied interests in this city. The Mule Spinners' Association was established in January, 1858, and the Weavers' Union in February, 1888.
In this all too brief survey, we have followed the leading lights of the town and city's many civic, social, religious and manufacturing interests out to the present, and have arrived at a summit where we can discover the fulfilment of the purposes and plans of a progressive citizenry. Historians to come will continue to say "Industrious Fall River" when they resume this generic subject for their own generation.