Bristol County, Massachusetts - Chapter 25, 1883

The Manufacturing Interest

The Pioneer Cotton Manufacturer in Fall River - Col. Joseph Durfee - The First Mill - The Fall River Manufactory - The Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory - The Pocasset Manufacturing Company - The Aunawan Manufactory - The Metacoraet Manufacturing Company - The American Linen Company - Union Manufacturing Company - The Granite Mills - The Robeson Mills - The Tecumseh Mills - The Durfee Mills - The Davol Mills - The Merchants' Manufacturing Company - The Mechanics' Mills - The Stafford Mills - The Weetamoe Mills - The Slade Mills - The Richard Borden Manufacturing Company - The Wampanoag Mills - The Narragansctt Mills - The King Philip Mills - The Crescent Mills - The Montaup Mills - The Osborn Mills - The Chase Mills - The Flint Mills - The Borden City Mills - The Sagamore Mills - The Shove Mills - The Barnard Manufacturing Company - The Conanicut Mills - The Globe Yarn-Mills - The Bourne Mill - The Laurel Lake Mills - The Barnaby Manufacturing Company - The Fall River Bleachery- - Wamsutta Steam Woolen Mill - The Wyoming Mills - The Massasoit Manufacturing Company - Fall River Merino Company - Fall River Spool and Bobbin Company - The Fall River Iron-Works Company - Fall River Machine Company - Hargiaves Manufacturing Company - The Fall River Gas-Works - The Manufacturers' Gas-Light Company - Watuppa Reservoir Company - American Printing Company - Union Belt Company - Globe Street Railway - The Quequechan Mills - An Old Landmark.

The manufacturing of cotton in Fall River dates back to 1811, when Col. Joseph Durfee, in company with a few others, erected a small wooden factory in what is now known as Globe village. This. pioneer establishment was continued until 1829, when it was changed into a print-works, and finally destroyed by fire in 1838. This enterprise was not practically successful, probably for the lack in the promoters of practical knowledge of the business. Col. Durfee was ! a prominent citizen, and during the Revolutionary war was a zealous patriot, and held the rank of lieutenant-colonel in a regiment recruited from this section.

The Fall River Manufactory. - The year 1813 ushered in an important era in the history of Fall River. That year witnessed the organization of the first regular cloth manufacturing enterprise on a substantial basis in the town. In the month of March two companies were incorporated, - the Fall River

Fall River

Manufactory and the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory. The Fall River company was organized with a capital of 840,000, its prominent promoters being Daniel Anthony, Dexter Wheeler, and Abraham Bowen, with Anthony as treasurer and agent. Mr. Anthony was a native of Somerset. The mill was erected in 1813, and was sixty by forty-five feet, three stories high, with 1500 spindles. It went into operation in October, 1813, and was the first cotton-spinning organization in the village of Fall River. Power weaving was first done in this factory in 1817, the weavers receiving $2.50 per week, and in 1819 the employes numbered about thirty-five. The factory erected in 181J5 was enlarged in 1827, and again in 1839, and was entirely destroyed by fire in 1868. The following year the present factory was erected. It is two hundred and seventy-five feet long, seventy-three feet wide, five stories high. The mill contains 640 looms and 27,080 spindles. The Fall River Manufactory was incorporated in 1820, with a capital of $150,000, which has been increased to $180,000, its present capital.

The present officers of the corporation are as follows : President, John S. Brayton ; Clerk and Treasurer, Holder B. Durfee ; Directors, John S. Brayton, Christopher Borden, H. B. Durfee, A. S. Covel, and J. M. Morton, Jr.

The Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufacturing- Company. - Coincident with the starting of the Fall River Manufactory was that of the Troy Manufacturing Company. The articles of association upon which this enterprise was inaugurated are dated, as approved, March 8, 1813: "Articles of agreement for the regulation and well-ordering the concerns and proceedings of the subscribers associated for the purpose of building a manufactory of cotton or other goods in the town of Troy, county of Bristol and commonwealth of Massachusetts, with a capital stock of 150,000, divided into one hundred shares, to be paid by instalments. Article First: The company shall be known and called by the name of the Troy Manufacturing Company, etc." The articles, eleven in number, were signed by the following-named persons, together subscribing for all the shares, namely: Amey Borden, Clark Chace, Oliver Chace, James Maxwell, Jonathan Brown, William Slade, N. M. Wheaton, Oliver Earl, Eber Slade, Joseph G. Luther, Sheffel Weaver, John Stackford for Charles Wheaton and self, Nathaniel Wheeler, James Driscol, Benjamin Slade, Moses Buffinton, Nathan Slade, Danjel Buffinton, Hezekiah Wilson, Benjamin E. Bennett. Joseph Buffinton, Walter Durfee, Wiliam Read, Robinson Buffinton, John Martin, and Benjamin Buffinton. Article Second providing for an annual meeting, at which were to be chosen a moderator, clerk, and standing committee, consisting of five persons, " whose duty it shall be to transact and do all the business of the company during the year;" this annual meeting of the stockholders was holden on the 7th i of June, and James Maxwell, Sheffel Weaver, Nathan Wheeler, Benjamin Slade, and Jonathan Brown were chosen standing committee for the ensuing twelvemonth. At this meeting it was voted to petition the Legislature for a charter for incorporation. This charter having been issued Feb. 22, 1814, a meeting was holden July 25, 1814, to organize under their act, and the name of the company was changed to the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory. There is also a record of a meeting on the 7th of the same month, at which it was voted to increase the amount of capital $16,000, assessing each share $40, payable quarterly during the ensuing year.

The Troy Company's mill was built of stone gathered from the neighboring fields, and designed to run two thousand spindles. The building was one hundred and eight feet long, thirty-seven feet wide, four stories, and had a low hip roof. It was located at the foot of the fall, near to or directly on the site of an old saw-mill. The date of its commencing operation was about the middle of March, 1814, the building having been finished in the previous September.

In 1821 the Troy Company had erected a small building where the old saw-mill previously referred to stood, which was called the " Little Mill." This addition was nearly ready for occupation when the main building was burned, and was immediately equipped with the few carders and looms rescued from the fire and a small supplement of machinery from the Globe, and put in operation.

In 1843 an addition of stone, three stories high and seventy-five by forty-seven feet in proportions on the ground, was made to the original Troy Mill. Ten years later this new part was raised two stories and the building extended eighty feet on the south, all the old wooden erections being removed. In 1860 the original mill of 1823 was removed, and the part known as the New Mill erected on the north reaching to Bedford Street, two hundred and ninety-six feet long, seventy feet wide, and five stories high.

The mill contains 961 looms and 38,928 spindles. The present capital is $300,000. The present officers are : President, Jefferson Borden ; Clerk and Treasurer, Richard B. Borden; Directors, Jeflerson Borden, Stephen Da vol, Thomas J. Borden, John S. Brayton, Richard 15. Borden.

The Pocasset Manufacturing- Company was organized in 1821, with a paid in capital of $100,000, with Samuel Rodman as president and principal owner. The original stockholders were eight in number, namely, Samuel Rodman, Abraham Bowen, Oliver Chace, Clark Chace, William Slade, Nathaniel B. Borden, Nathaniel Wheeler, and Edward Bennett. Oliver Chace became the first agent. The first build- ing erected was that known as the " Bridge Mill." It was forty by one hundred feet, three stories high. This was destroyed in the fire of 1843.

The Pocasset Company seemed to have made it a point to encourage smaller manufacturers, and to this end erected buildings successively for some ten or fifteen years, which were leased to other parties. A small building to the west of the ell of the old " Bridge Mill" was occupied by Job Eddy, of New Bedford, and subsequently by Edward and Oliver S. Hawes and others for printing calicoes in a small way, but this was of short continuance.

In the fall of 1824, Andrew Robeson, of New Bedford, came to Fall River to establish a calico-printing business, and made arrangements with the Pocasset Company to occupy a part of the building erected in 1825, and known as the Satinet Factory. The capital ($50,000) for this enterprise was generally subscribed in New Bedford. The south half of this building was occupied by J. & J. Eddy for the manufacture of woolen goods (whence the name "Satinet"), and continued to be so used by them till the erection of the Wamsutta Steam Woolen-Mill, on " Mosquito Island," in 1849. In 1826 a stone building, on the site of the present Quequechan Mill, known in those days as the " New Pocasset," was erected and leased to A. & J. Shove, who sub-leased the north half to Chase & Luther, both firms engaging in the manufacture of cotton into yarn and cloth. The succeeding year still another stone building was put up, which was afterwards known as the "Massasoit," and now as the " Watuppa Mill." It was a building so large that it was considered no one firm would want to occupy the whole of it, hence a partition-wall was run from the foundation to the roof, and two wheel-pits put in.

January, 1831, Holden Borden leased the whole mill and proceeded with a master hand to develop the manufacturing business. The mill was furnished with nine thousand spindles, and was from the beginning successful. This enterprise of Holden Borden gave character to the business and definitely settled the future of Fall River as a manufacturing centre. From that time onward the growth of Fall River as a cotton manufacturing city has been almost phenomenal.

The old Quequechan Mill, which commenced operations in 1826, and was owned by the company, has been taken down and mills No. 2 on Pocasset Street and No. 3 on Central Street built. The company now run 56,112 spindles and 1385 looms on sheeting, shirting, drilling, duck, and print cloths ; employ 730 hands. Capital, $1,161,000. President, Samuel W. Rodman, Boston ; Clerk and Treasurer, Bradford D. Davol, Fall River; Directors, Samuel W. Rodman, Stephen Davol, F. M. Weld, B. R. Weld, Horatio Hathaway, Thomas R. Rodman, Alfred Rodman.

The Annawan Manufactory was incorporated Feb. 8, 1825, with a capital of $160,000. One of the lower water privileges on the Fall River stream was purchased of the Fall River Iron- Works Company, and a brick mill, with finished stone in the lower stories, immediately erected under the supervision of Maj. Bradford Durfee. He was also the agent of the mill. Thirteen persons took all the stock, as follows: Abraham and Isaac Wilkinson, four shares ; Bradford Durfee, two; William Valentine, two; Joseph Butler, two; Richard Borden, two; Holden Borden, four; Benjamin Rodman, eight; Francis Rotch, one ; William B. Rotch, one; Thomas Swain, one; William Swain, one; Charles W. Morgan, two. Of this capital one hundred thousand dollars was paid in.

The Annawan contains 192 looms and 10,016 spindles. Capital, $160,000. The present officers are as follows : President, Jefferson Borden ; Clerk, Richard B. Borden ; Treasurer, Thomas S. Borden ; Directors, Jefferson Borden, R. B. Borden, A. S. Covel, John S. Brayton, Thomas S. Borden.

The Metacomet Manufacturing Company. - The mill owned by this company was built in 1847 by the Fall River Iron-Works Company, and owned exclusively by that corporation, which also owned the Fall River Gas- Works Company, the Fall River and Providence Steamboat Company, and the Fall River Machine Company. These five companies were operated in conjunction until 1880, when a division occurred. The Metacomet Mill contains 25,760 spindles and 592 looms. Capital, $288,000. The present officers are as follows : President, Jefferson Borden ; Clerk and Treasurer, Thomas S. Borden ; Directors, Jefferson Borden, John S. Brayton, R. B. Borden, A. S. Tripp, Robert C. Brown, and David A. Brayton, Jr.

The American Linen Company. - The year 1852 witnessed the establishing of a new industry in this city. This was the American Linen Company, organized for manufacturing the finer linen fabrics on a large scale. This corporation owns two mills. No. 1 Mill, 301 feet by 63, four stories high, was erected in 1852. In 1858 the production was changed to cotton print cloths, and the mill was enlarged. No. 2 Mill was built in 1866, 399 feet long, 72 feet wide, and five stories high. These mills contain 1973 looms and 82,452 spindles. Capital, $400,000. Walter Paine (3d) was treasurer and agent from its organization to 1879, when he was succeeded by Philip D. Borden. The present officers are as follows :

The Union Cotton Manufacturing Company - The Union Mill Company was incorporated Dec. 31, 1859, with a capital of $175,000. The first officers were S. Angier Chace, president; David Anthony, treasurer; Simeon Borden, clerk; and S. A. Chace, David Anthony, Hale Remington, William Mason, Charles O. Shove, and Charles P. Dring, directors.

This enterprise was successful, and gave an impetus to manufacturing and to the growth of the city in every direction. No. 1 Mill was completed in 1860, and No. 2 in 1865.

During the financial troubles in 1879 the property of the Union Mill Company was sold to the creditors and reorganized as the Union Cotton Manufacturing Company. No. 3 Mill was subsequently completed, and the mills now contain 89,608 spindles and 2122 looms. The present capital is $750,000. The present officers are :

The Granite Mills were incorporated March 3, 1863, with William Mason as president, Charles O. Shove treasurer, and William Mason, Lazarus Borden, Edmund Chase, Samuel Hathaway, Charles O. Shove, and Charles P. Stickney, first board of directors. The originator of this enterprise was Charles O. Shove, who for several years previously had contemplated the erection of a cotton-mill.. The original capital was $225,000, which was increased to $400,000 in May, 1864, and to $415,000 the following July, but in 1871 was reduced to $400,000, its present capital.

No. 1 Mill, three hundred and twenty-eight feet long, seventy feet wide, five stories high, commenced running in January, 1865, and the first lot of cotton was manufactured at a loss of $60,000. Soon after, however, a rapid change for the better took place, the profits of the corporation were large, and in 1871 No. 2 Mill was erected, three hundred and seventy-eight feet long, seventy-four feet wide, five stories high. The two mills contain 79,000 spindles and 1902 looms.

Mr. Charles O. Shove was the active manufacturer and financial manager of these mills until his death in July, 1875, when he was succeeded by his son, Charles M. Shove, who is the present clerk and treasurer. The present officers of the company are as follows : President, William Mason ; Clerk and Treasurer, Charles M. Shove; Directors, W. Mason, Edmund Chase, John S. Brayton, Iram Smith, John P. Slade, Charles M. Shove, and Frank S. Stevens.

The Robeson Mills. - This corporation was organized Dec. 1, 1865, with the following board of directors: Andrew Robeson, Jr., Charles P. Stickney, Samuel Hathaway, William C. Dayol, Jr., Linden Cook, Samuel Casta er, and Josiah Brown. Samuel Hathaway was elected president, and Linden Cook treasurer. The new corporation took the name Robeson Mills, from Andrew Robeson, Sr., and was incorporated Feb. 20, 1866. A brick mill, three stories high, with a French roof, two hundred and twentytwo feet long and seventy-six feet wide, was erected during the year 1866, and commenced running in

March, 1867. The mill has since been enlarged, and now contains 23,648 spindles and 600 looms. Capital, $260,000. The present officers are: President, Linden Cook ; Clerk and Treasurer, Linden Cook ; Directors, Linden Cook, William R. Robeson, Danforth Horton, Frank S. Stevens, Louis Robeson, E. E. Hathaway, and Samuel Luther.

The Tecumseh Mills. - These mills were incorporated Feb. 8, 1866. Augustus Chace, James W. Hartley, John P. Slade, and their associates were incorporated as the Tecumseh Mills Company, with a capital of $350,000, in shares of $1000 each. This stock was taken by eighty-nine subscribers. Land was purchased on Hartwell Street, bordering also on the Quequechan River, a short distance above the upper or Troy dam, and immediate steps taken for the erection of a mill of about 20,000 spindles. Augustus Chace was elected president, Isaac B. Chace treasurer, and the following board of directors: Augustus Chace, James W. Hartley, Louis L. Barnard, Lazarus Borden, Jonathan T. Lincoln, Cook Borden, and Danforth Horton.

The present officers are as follows : President, Augustus Chace; Clerk and Treasurer, Frank H. Dwelly ; Directors, Augustus Chace, Samuel Waddington, D. T. Wilcox, John Southworth, S. B. Chase, George E. Hoar, George W. Nowell, Jerome C. Borden, and Leontine Lincoln.

The Durfee Mills. - This company was organized in 1876 with a capital of $500,000, and named in honor of Maj. Bradford Durfee, whose son was the principal stockholder and original president. This corporation owns three mills. No. 1 was built in 1866, No. 2 in 1871, and No. 3 in 1881. This has the largest capacity of any corporation in the city, having 109,360 spindles and 2734 looms. Capital, $500,000. The present officers are : President, John S. Brayton ; Clerk and Treasurer, David A. Brayton, Jr. ; Directors, John S. Brayton, Hezekiah A. Brayton, and David A. Brayton, Jr.

The Davol Mills Company was organized Dec. 1, 1866, and incorporated in 1867, nineteen persons contributing the entire capital of $270,000, and named after one of the conspicuous promoters of cotton manufacturing, William C. Davol. A site was selected above the dam and on the wot side of the pond, in such proximity to the latter as to assure a convenient supply of pure water for steam purposes. Ground was broken for the foundation April 1, 1867, and on the 11th of March, 1868, the first yard of cloth was woven.

This company has two mills, with an aggregate of 30,496 spindles and 768 looms. The company was reorganized in 1880, and has a capital of $400,000. The present officers are : President, Frank S. Stevens ;

On the 2d of November following a permanent organization of the company was arranged, W. H. Jennings being chosen treasurer and corporation clerk, and James Henry, W. H. Jennings, Augustus Chace, L. L. Barnard, Robert S. Gibbs, Charles H. Dean, Crawford E. Lindsey, Robert K. Remington, and Lafayette Nichols, directors. At a subsequent meeting James Henry was chosen president, and Mr. Jennings, clerk.

The promoter of this enterprise was Mr. William H. Jennings, a man of great business energy and tact. As illustrative of this fact, it is said that he secured all the capital, $800,000, in the brief period of two days. The mill was erected in 1867, and in February, 1868, the first cloth was made, and in the following fall was in full operation. In 1872 a large addition to the mill was completed, thus making it the largest mill under one roof in Fall River. It contains 90,656 spindles and 2100 looms ; capital, $800,000.

The present officers are as follows : President, James Henry ; Clerk and Treasurer, Simeon B. Chase; Directors, James Henry, William H. Jennings, Augustus Chace, James M. Osborn, Richard B. Borden, Robert T. Davis, Samuel Wadington, Andrew J. Borden.

The Mechanics' Mills. - This corporation was chartered May 25, 1868, and organized on the 1st of the following July with the following officers: President and Agent, Thomas J. Borden ; Clerk and Treasurer, D. H. Dyer; Directors, Thomas J. Borden, Stephen Davol, Lazarus Borden, Job B. French, Southard H. Miller, B. M. C. Durfee, Tillinghast Records, James M. Morton, Jr., and A. D. Easton.

The capital stock was fixed at $750,000, divided into 7500 shares of $100 each. The stock was largely distributed among parties of small means, there being in all 328 stockholders, 188 of whom owned from 1 to 10 shares each, and 73 owned from 11 to 25 shares each, making 261 stockholders, no one of whom owned over $2500 of the stock, and averaging less than $1000 each. The organization of the Merchants' Manufacturing Company in 1867, with a capital of $800,000 and about 250 stockholders, and of the Mechanics' Mills in 1868, with a capital of $750,000 and 328 stockholders, were the development of a new feature in the ownership of manufacturing property in Fall River, all previous enterprises of the kind having been associations of parties of considerable wealth, while these two were the result of bringing together in large amounts the funds of parties of very moderate capital.

The mills were completed and running in 1869. Thomas J. Borden remained president until 1871, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Stephen Davol. D. H. Dyer was treasurer until 1871, when Thomas J. Borden succeeded, and continued until February, 1876, when George B. Durfee was appointed. He was succeeded in 1879 by Frank S. Stevens, who held the office about two years, when he resigned, and H. N. Durfee, the present treasurer, was appointed. James M. Morton, Jr., the present clerk, was appointed Feb. 3, 1870. These mills have 53,712 spindles and 1330 looms. Capital, $750,000.

The Stafford Mills was organized Dec. 12, 1870, with a capital of $500,000. Foster H. Stafford was elected president and agent, and Shubael P. Lovell clerk and treasurer, with the following board of directors : F. H. Stafford, Samuel Hathaway, Charles P. Stickney,' Robert T. Davis, William C. Davol, William L. Slade, Danforth Horton, Edmund Chase, and Weaver Osborn.

March 18, 1871, this corporation was dissolved, and the subscribers, twenty-two in number, reorganized under a special charter granted to Charles P. Stickney, Samuel Hathaway, Foster H. Stafford, and their associates as the "Stafford Mills," with a capital of $550,000. The persons chosen officers in the first organization were elected to the same positions under the special charter.

The company assumed the name of "Stafford Mills," in honor of their president, who was the projector of the enterprise, and whose long experience, untiring devotion to the business, and proved skill and success had justly earned him the confidence and esteem of his associates.

The present officers are as follows : President, F. H. Stafford; Clerk and Treasurer, Albert E. Bosworth ; Agent, F. H. Stafford ; Directors, F. H. Stafford, R. T. Davis, Edmund Chase, Danforth Horton, William L. Slade, William Mason, Irani Smith, Frank S. Stevens, and E. E. Hathaway.

The Slade Mill was organized May 1, 1871, its principal promoters being William L. and Jonathan Slade, Benjamin Hall, the Dwelly heirs, Frank S. Stevens, John C. Milne, W. and J. M. Osborn, Richard B. and Thomas J. Borden, S. Angier Chace, David A. Brayton, B. M. C. Durfee, and William Valentine. William M. Slade was chosen president, and James M. Osborn treasurer. These mills contain 37,040 spindles and 875 looms. Capital, $550,000. The present officers are as follows: President, William L. Slade ; Clerk and Treasurer, Henry S. Fenner ; Direc-

The Weetamoe Mills Company. - The first meeting for the organization of this company was held Dec. 29, 1870, and the following directors were chosen : L. L. Barnard, Job B. French, Jonathan I. Hilliard, Josiah C. Blaisdell, William Lindsey, Francis B. Hood, Henry C. Lincoln, E. C. Kilbnrn, and D. H. Dyer. L. L. Barnard was elected president, and D. H. Dyer, treasurer. The act of incorporation is dated Feb. 24, 1871. The number of original subscribers was two hundred and seventy-five. Land for a millsite was purchased on the banks of Taunton River, near Slade's Ferry, and the new corporation assumed the name of " Weetamoe," after the Queen of the Pocassets, who was drowned near by in crossing the river. Another tract of land, north of Mechanicsville, was purchased for tenement houses. Work on the mill building was begun in March, 1872, and within ten months the looms were running off cloth.

The first steps in the organization of this company were taken by D. Hartwell Dyer, wdio opened the books for subscriptions, and he also drew the plans for the erection of the mills. The mill contains 34,080 spindles and 860 looms. Capital, $550,000. The present officers are as follows : President, Job B. French; Clerk, John E. Blaisdell; Treasurer, William Lindsey; Directors, Job B. French, Elijah C. Kilburn, Josiah C. Blaisdell, Henry C. Lincoln, William Lindsey, John P. Slade, William H. Ashley.

The Richard Borden Manufacturing Company was organized May 19, 1871, the entire capital of $800,000 being taken by twelve individuals. Thomas J. Borden was elected treasurer and corporation clerk, and Richard Borden, Philip D. Borden, Thomas J. Borden, Richard B. Borden, and A. S. Covel, directors. Richard Borden was chosen president at the second meeting of the board.

The mill, which is one of the most perfect structures for manufacturing purposes in the country, was erected and "wound up" under the personal supervision of Thomas J. Borden, who made the plans of construction and machine equipment. It was started in February, 1873. The present number of spindles are 46,048, with 1080 looms. Its production annually is 14,000,000 yards of print cloth.

Col. Richard Borden remained president until his death, in February, 1874, when he was succeeded by his son Richard B. Borden, who continued in the office until 1876, when he succeeded Thomas J. Borden as treasurer, and has officiated in that capacity to the present time. Capital, $800,000.

The Wampanoag Mill Company. - The preliminary meeting for the organization of this company was held May 23, 1871, when Stephen Davol, J. I). Flint, William H. Jennings, L. S. Earl, Walter C. Durfee, and R. T. Davis combined for the purpose of projecting a new corporation. On the 31st of the same month, the capital of $400,000 having been subscribed, the company was organized with Walter C. Durfee as treasurer and corporation clerk, and R. 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. At a subsequent meeting R. T. Davis was chosen president.

No. 1 Mill was erected in 1872, and No. 2 Mill in 1879. These mills operate 64.872 spindles and 1605 looms. Present capital, $500,000. The present officers are : President, Robert T. Davis ; Clerk and Treasurer, Walter C. Durfee; Directors, Robert T. Davis, W. C. Durfee, John D. Flint, Stephen Davol, Foster H. Stafford, William H. Jennings, George H. Eddy, Simeon Borden, John H. Boone, Daniel Wilbur.

The Narragansett Mills. - The original promoters of this mill were Daniel McCowan, James Waring, A. D. Easton, and others. The capital, originally $350,000, was, on the acceptance of the charter, July 6, 1871, increased to $400,000. At the meeting of organization, July 12th, James Waring was chosen treasurer, and A. D. Easton president. The mill was finished and wound up for operation by the latter part of December in the following year. Its capacity is 32,144 spindles and 787 looms. The present officers are as follows : President, Robert Henry ; Clerk and Treasurer, James Waring ; Directors, Robert Henry, James Waring, Foster H. Stafford, David T. Wilcox, James P. Hillard, Samuel Wadington, George W. Nowell.

The King Philip Mills. - This corporation was projected in 1871 by Messrs. Elijah C. Kilburn and Crawford E. Lindsey, of Fall River, and Jonathan Chace, of Valley Falls, R. I. Believing that the times were auspicious for the establishment of a company for the manufacture of fine cotton goods, these gentlemen decided to open a subscription to a capital of $500,000 for a mill of about 36,000 spindles. Within a fortnight the $500,000 desired was subscribed (and $160,- 000 more offered), and on July 14, 1871, the company was duly organized by the election of Mr. C. E. Lindsey as president, Mr. E. C. Kilburn as treasurer, Mr. A. S. Tripp as clerk, and a board of eleven directors, viz., Jonathan Chace, James Henry, S.Angier Chace, weather prevented further operations that season. In April, 1872, work was resumed, the mill building completed, the machinery received and placed in position, and in March, 1873, the first piece of cloth was woven.

The mill is situated on the west shore of Laurel Lake, and is built of granite quarried on the premises. It is three hundred and twenty by ninety-two feet, being a wide jnill, so called, and is four stories high above the basement. The engine- aud pickerhouse is attached to the main building, and is sixtyfive by fifty feet, and three stories high.

The anticipations of the projectors of the King Philip Mills were fully verified within a decade from the starting of the No. 1 Mill, for in June, 1881, in response to a request from many of its largest stockholders, the directors issued a call for a meeting to consider the advisability of increasing the capital stock from $500,000 to $1,000,000, and the erection of a new mill. The corporation, by a large vote, decided to adopt the plans proposed by the directors, and in July, 1881, ground was broken for the foundation of the No. 2 Mill, which was completed in 1882, and has 52,928 spindles and 1006 looms. This mill is three hundred and eighty-six by ninety-two feet, which, together with the No. 1 Mill and enginehouse, present an unbroken frontage of seven hundred and forty-six feet.

The two mills contain 94,944 spindles aud 1838 looms, having more spindles in operation than any other corporation in the city, with the single exception of the Durfee Mills. Capital, $1,000,000.

The Crescent Mills were organized Oct. 25, 1871, with a capital stock of $500,000, and the erection of this mill was soon after commenced, and the main building is of granite, 339 feet by 74, four stories and attic above the basement. The pickerhouse building in rear is 85 by 50 feet, three stories high. The first cotton was put in Dec. 21, 1872, and the first cloth produced Feb. 8, 1873, and the entire mill was in full operation Aug. 30, 1873. The mill contains 33,280 spindles and 762 looms.

The original officers of the corporation were Benjamin Covel, president; Lafayette Nichols, treasurer; and Benjamin Covel, L. Nichols, D. A. Chapiu, William B. Durfee, J. F. Nichols, Joseph Brady, David F. Brown, G. M. Haffards, and A. S. Covel constituted the board of directors.

Mr. Nichols served as treasurer until Nov. 12, 1873, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Mr. R. B. Borden. Mr. Borden filled the position until Feb. 9,

1876, when he resigned, and Mr. A. S. Covel, the present treasurer, was elected. Capital, $500,000. The present officers are as follows : President, Benjamin Covel ; Clerk and Treasurer, Alphonso S. Covel ; Directors, Benjamin Covel, Daniel A. Chapin, William B. Durfee, Alphonso S. Covel, Lafayette Nichols, W. H. Ashley, and N. Amzen.

The Montaup Mills were organized Nov. 14, 1871, when the following board of directors was chosen : Josiah Brown. Bradford D. Davol, George B. Durfee, A. D. Easton, William L. Slade, Isaac Borden, George H. Hawes, William Valentine, Holden B. Durfee, and Thomas J. Borden. Josiah Brown was elected president, and Isaac Borden, treasurer and clerk of the corporation. The capital was fixed at $250,000, and the name of " Montaup Mills" adopted as the corporate name, suggested by the Indian name of " Mount Hope." The act of incorporation bears date Dec. 1, 1871. The projector of these mills was Josiah Brown, Esq.

Land was bought on the northern shore of Laurel Lake, and operations on the foundation were begun Feb. 13, 1872, and the work advanced with such rapidity that the engine was started Jan. 2, 1873, and the weaving Feb. 7, 1873, or in a little less than a year from the first breaking of ground.

The company entered immediately upon the manufacture of first quality seamless bags, cotton bats and duck, running 7200 spindles and 112 looms, producing 600,000 bags (two-bushel) annually.

After about two years the style of goods manufactured was changed. These mills now operate 9120 spindles and 152 looms, and manufacture yarns, plain and fancy ducks colored. Capital, $150,000. The mill is of brick, 242 feet long; 74 feet wide, four stories high. The present officers are as follows : President, William L. Slade; Clerk and Treasurer, Isaac Borden ; Directors, William L. Slade, Bradford D. Davol, Weaver Osborn, William H. Ashley, Benjamin Greene, Isaac Borden, and Charles A. Chace.

The Osborn Mills enterprise was due to the suggestion of Weaver Osborn, Esq., who, in consultation with Messrs. Easton & Milne and Joseph Healy, proposed the formation of a company with $500,000 capital for the manufacture of print cloths. The books were opened, and before night the whole amount was subscribed, and the same evening " rights" sold at three per cent, premium. The first meeting of the original subscribers, thirty-five in number, was holden Oct. 9, 1871, and the company organized with the following board of directors: Weaver Osborn, Joseph Healy, James T. Milne, Benjamin Hall, Andrew J. Borden, Joseph Osborn, Joseph E. Macomber, George T. Hathaway, John C. Milne, D. H. Dyer, and Edward E. Hathaway. Weaver Osborn was subsequently elected president, and Joseph Healy treasurer and clerk of the corporation. The capital was fixed at $500,000, and the name of "Osborn Mills," in honor of the president, selected as the

A tract of land on the eastern shore of Laurel Lake, comprising about fifteen acres, was secured as a mill-site. The mill is built of granite, and is three hundred and eighteen feet long by seventy-four feet wide, five stories high, with a flat roof and a basement, with an L on the west ninety feet by forty, three stories high, as an engine- and picker house, to which is attached a boiler-house forty-one feet by forty-two, two stories high. The mill building was put up, the machinery placed in position, and weaving commenced (March 10, 1873) in less than a year from the time of beginning work on the foundation. The mill was " wound up" for the manufacture of print cloths 64 by 64, and contained 37,232 spindles and 930 looms. The capacity has been increased until now the spindles number 39,256, with 970 looms, manufacturing print cloths and jeans. Capital, $500,000. The present officers are : President, Weaver Osborn ; Clerk and Treasurer, Joseph Healy ; Directors, Weaver Osborn, Joseph Osborn, John C. Milne, Joseph Healy, Edward E. Hathaway, Benjamin Hall, and Thomas Almy.

The Chace Mills Company was organized in 1871-72, the original promoters of the enterprise being Augustus Chace, George W. Grinnell, and J. M. Earl. The first suggestion of the new corporation was the effort of a few gentlemen associated with Mr. John P. Slade to start a mill a considerable distance south, on the shore of the Quequechan Pond. The locality proposed being considered too far removed from the city, the undertaking resolved into another enterprise, which terminated in the formation of the Chace Company. The Chace Mill, located on Rodman Street, is a granite structure three hundred and seventy-seven feet long by seventy-four feet wide, and six stories high.

At the first meeting of organization Augustus Chace was chosen president and Joseph A. Baker treasurer. This mill at first contained 43,480 spindles and 1056 looms. The number has since been increased, and at the present time there are 50,000 spindles and 1275 looms. Productions, print cloths. Capital, $500,000.

The present officers are as follows : President, Augustus Chace ; Clerk and Treasurer, Joseph A. Baker ; Directors, Augustus Chace, George W. Grinnell, Edward E. Hathaway, William Mason, Joseph A. Baker, James F. Davenport, Jerome C. Borden.

The Flint Mills were organized in February, 1872, with a capital of $500,000, which was increased to 1600,000 in October of the same year; Dec. 22, 1879, to $580,000. The act of incorporation, bearing date Feb. 28, 1872, names John D. Flint, Stephen C. Wrightington, Simeon Borden, and William H. Jennings, their associates and successors, as the new corporation. The number of original subscribers was about two hundred. John D. Flint was elected president,

Stephen C. Wrightington treasurer, and J. D. Flint, Robert T. Davis, Stephen Davol, William H. Jennings, William T. Hall, Daniel McGowan, Gardner T. Dean, S. C. Wrightington, William Carroll, and Cornelius Hargraves the board of direction. Mr. Wrightington resigned in March, and George H. Eddy was elected treasurer to fill the vacancy. Mr. Eddy resigned in September, 1879, and J. D. Flint was chosen treasurer and B. D. Davol president. J.

D. Flint resigned April, 1881, and B. D. Davol was chosen treasurer and J. D. Flint president. In October, 1882, B. D. Davol resigned, and W. S. Potter, the present treasurer, was chosen. Upon the organization of this corporation it assumed the name of Flint Mills, in honor of its president, and the village, which has since grown up in the vicinity of the mill, is known locally as " Flint Village." Land for a mill-site and tenement was purchased on the upper part of the stream, near where it issues from the South Pond, and before frost was out of the ground operations were begun for the foundation of the mill. The mill was built of stone, in accordance with plans drawn by D. H. Dyer, architect, and, unlike most of the cotton-mills in the city, was a wide mill, after the English style, being three hundred feet long by ninety-four feet wide, instead of the usual width of seventy-two to seventy-four feet. It was five stories high, with a flat roof, and a finely-proportioned tower in front. The machinery was mostly American, and arranged for the manufacture of print cloth 64 by 64. The mill commenced running in April, 1873, and at the date of its destruction by fire manufactured 15,200,000 yards of print cloths per annum. It contained 49,360 spindles. 1065 looms, and employed 500 operatives, with a monthly payroll of $12,000. The machinery was driven by a double Corliss engine of 800 horse-power. Steam was supplied by six upright boilers of 150 horsepower each. Water was taken directly from the stream by a canal dug for the purpose. This mill was entirely destroyed by fire Oct. 28, 1882. The fire broke out at 3.35 p.m., soon after the mill had been shut down for the day, and the flames increased with such amazing rapidity that all attempts to check it were unavailing. The entire mill was destroyed with its contents.1

Border City Manufacturing Company. - The Border City Mills were organized April 29, 1872, with the following board of directors : 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 subsequently elected president, and George T. Hathaway treasurer. An act of incorporation was secured under date of June 3, 1872, and the name of" Border

Two mills were erected, No. 1 in 1873, and No. 2 in 1874. The former was 318 feet long and 73 feet wide, five stories high, and contained 35,632 spindles and 880 looms. No. 2 Mill was 329 feet long, 73 feet wide, five stories, and contained 36,512 spindles and 880 looms. Nov. 17, 1877, Mill No. 1 was totally destroyed by fire.

During the financial irregularities of 1879 this corporation passed into the hands of its creditors, and was reorganized as the Border City Manufacturing Company, with a capital of $400,000, which has been increased to $600,000. No. 1 Mill has been rebuilt, and the two mills now contain 76,000 spindles and 1850 looms. Production, print goods.

The present officers are as follows : President, John S. Brayton ; Clerk, Henry K. Braley ; Treasurer, Edward L. Anthony; Directors, John S. Brayton, Charles J. Holmes, A. S. Covel, Jonathan Bourne, Jos. Arthur Beauvais, Charles E. Barney, Theo. Dean, Francis A. Foster, and George M. Woodward.

1872, with L. L. Barnard as president, Francis B. Hood treasurer, and the following board of directors : L. L. Barnard, F. B. Hood, Josiah C. Blaisdell, James W. Hartley, Charles McCreery, .Jonathan I. Hilliard, Joseph Borden, William M. Almy, D. Hartwell Dyer, and Job T. Wilson. A tract of land on the borders of Taunton River, a little north of Slade's Ferry, was purchased, and work on the foundations of the mill begun in July, 1872. The mill was completed in

The mill continued under this management about four years, when it went into other hands, with new capital, with the following officers: President, James A. Hathaway ; Clerk and Treasurer, George T. Hathaway ; Directors, James A. Hathaway, Job T. Wilson, Josiah C. Blaisdell, John D. Flint, Charles P. Stickney, George T. Hathaway, James E. Cunneen, John M. Deane, Chester W. Greene.

In 1879 the corporation failed, and the property went into the hands of the creditors, and was reorganized as the Sagamore Manufacturing Company, with a capital of $500,000. A new mill was built in 1882, and the two mills now contain 84,692 spindles and 2042 looms. Capital, $750,000. Production, print cloths.

The present officers are as follows: President, Theodore Dean ; Clerk, Henry K. Braley ; Treasurer, Hezekiah A. Brayton; Directors, Theodore Dean, Taunton ; Moses W. Richardson, Boston : A. S. Tripp, John S. Brayton, William Lindsey, D. H. Dyer, Charles J. Holmes, Fall River; Abram H. Howland, Jr., Jos. A. Beauvais, New Bedford.

founder of these mills is due to John P. Slade, Esq., as it was mainly through his instrumentality that the organization was finally effected, a charter secured, and the project brought to a successful issue.

The first meeting of the subscribers, thirty-one in number, for the organization of the company, was held March 4, 1872. The act of incorporation is dated April 2, 1872. The capital was fixed at $550,- 000, and the name of " Shove Mills" assumed as the corporate name, in honor of Charles O. Shove, a prominent cotton manufacturer of the city, and the first president of the new corporation. John P. Slade was elected treasurer, with the following board of directors : Charles O. Shove, Joseph McCreery, George A. Chace, Lloyd S. Earle, William Connell, Jr., Nathan Chace, Isaac W. Howland, Josiah C. Blaisdell, and John P. Slade.

Land for a mill-site was purchased on the western shore of Laurel Lake, just within the line of boundary between Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and further purchases beyond the boundary line were made for tenement blocks.

No active steps towards building the mill were taken until the fall of 1873, when a foundation only was put in. Work was resumed in the spring of 1874, and the building carried forward to completion and filled with machinery. The mill is a handsome granite structure, 339 feet long, 74 feet wide, and five stories high, with a basement, a flat roof, and a large square tower running up at the centre.

The mill was erected in 1874, and commenced running in April, 1875, with 37,504 spindles and 960 looms ; about 1500 spindles have since been added. The mill is heated by steam, and lighted by gas made from petroleum and manufactured on the premises.

In 1881 the company erected a yarn-mill of 21,088 spindles just over the line in Bhode Island, making the present capacity of the mills 60,128 spindles and 1500 looms; production, print cloths. The present officers are as follows : President, Charles M. Shove; Clerk and Treasurer, George A. Chace; Directors, Charles M. Shove, John P. Slade, George A. Chace, Edmund Chase, Lloyd S. Earle, Isaac W. Howland, H. B. Allen, George W. Slade, and Fenner Brownell.

The mill was wound up and all the machinery in operation April 7, 1875, with a capacity of 28,400 spindles and 768 looms. This has been increased to 31,280 spindles and 808 looms. The mill structure is of granite, located in the eastern part of the city on the Quequechan River. Capital, $330,000; production, print cloths. The present officers are as follows : President, William H. Jennings; Clerk and Treasurer, Nathaniel B. Borden ; Directors, William H. Jennings, James M. Aldrich, N. B. Borden, Simeon Borden, John Campbell, Arnold B. Chace, Alphonso S. Covel, Robert T. Davis, Stephen Davol, W. H. Gifford, William Huston, Henry C. Lincoln, John W. Rogers.

1880, with a capital of $80,000. The mill is located at Globe village, and contains 11,072 spindles and 250 looms. Production, wide fine goods. The present officers are as follows : President, Edmund W. Converse; Clerk and Treasurer, C. E. Lindsey ; Directors, E. W. Converse, Charles L. Thayer, Moses W. Richardson, Boston; James H. Chace, Providence; William Lindsey, E. C. Kilburn, Crawford E. Lindsey, Pall River.

The Globe Yarn-Mills were incorporated in 1881, with a capital of $350,000, for the manufacture of superior quality of yarns. The mills contain 32,000 spindles. The first and present officers are as follows : President, William H. Jennings; Clerk and Treasurer, Arnold B. Sandford; Directors, William H. Jennings, Robert T. Davis, Frank S. Stevens, James M. Osborn, Samuel D. Howland, A. B. Sanford ; E. S. Draper, of Hopedale.

1881, and is one of the most complete mills in the country. It contains 43,000 spindles and 1100 looms. It is located just over the State line in Rhode Island. Capital, $400,000. The present officers are as follows : President, Edmund Chase ; Clerk and Treasurer, George A. Chace ; Directors, Jonathan Bourne, New Bedford ; Edmund Chase, George A. Chace, Danforth Horton, Lloyd S. Earle, Charles M. Shove, and Frank S. Stevens.

Laurel Lake Mills. - This corporation was organized in 1881 by John P. Slade, R .T. Davis, M.D., and Henry C. Lincoln. Mr. Slade was elected president of the corporation, and has held the position to the present time. The manufacture of cloth commenced in December, 1882. The mill contains 860 looms and 34,038 spindles. Capital, $4(10,000. The present officers are : President, John P. Slade ; Clerk and Treasurer, Abbott E. Slade; Agent, James E. Cunneen ; Directors, John P. Slade, William H. Jennings, Robert T. Davis, Frank S. Stevens, Henry C. Lincoln, David T. Wilcox, S. H. Miller, George E. Hoar, William Beattie, John B. Whitlaker, Milton Reed, Prelet D. Conant; Lawton I. Ware, Warren.

The Barnaby Manufacturing Company was incorporated in 1882, with a capital of $300,000. The first officers were as follows: President, Simeon B. Chase; Clerk and Treasurer, Stephen B. Ashley; Directors, Simeon B. Chase, Samuel Wadington, Robert T. Davis, George H. Hawes, S. B. Ashley, George H. Hills, J. B. Barnaby, Charles E. Berney, and William F. Draper. The officers and directors have not been changed. The mill is located in the eastern part of the city on the Quequechan River, and contains 15,000 spindles and 500 looms. Production, fine ginghams.

started the movement for organization in 1872. After submitting his plans to various manufacturers in Fall River and New Bedford, who pronounced the project feasible, the books of the company were opened, and the stock so quickly subscribed that before a stone had been laid it was quoted at 110 in the market. Prominent among the subscribers were Messrs. Jefferson, Philip D., and Richard B. Borden, Stephen Davol, Frank Stevens, C. E. Lindsey, C. P. Stickney, George B. Durfee, Walter Paine (3d), of Fall River; Messrs. Thomas Bennett, Jr., William J. Rotch, Edward D. Mandell, Edward C. Jones, William W. Crapo, Charles L. Wood, Andrew G. Pierce, Joseph Arthur Beauvais. Edward L. Baker, Jonathan Bourne, Jr., Charles L. Hawes, David B. Kempton, of New Bedford; Messrs. T. P. Sheperd & Co., John O. Waterman, George Bridge, and Arnold Peters, of Rhode Island ; and Mr. Dempsey, of Lewiston, and others.

At a meeting of the stockholders Jefferson Borden was chosen president; Spencer Borden, agent and treasurer; and Messrs. Thomas Bennett, Jr., Richard B. Borden, Bradford D. Davol, Crawford E. Lindsey, Philip D. Borden, George B. Durfee, and Charles P. Stickney, with the president and treasurer, directors.

The bleachery was built with twelve kiers, or a capacity of twelve to thirteen tons per diem, which has been increased until the present capacity is twenty-two tons per day. Capital, $250,000. The present officers are as follows: President, Jefferson Borden; Clerk and Treasurer, Norman E. Borden ; Directors, Jefferson Borden, Spencer Borden, Richard B. Borden, Bradford D. Davol, Crawford E. Lindsey, Thomas Bennett, Jr., Joseph Arthur Beauvais, William J. Rotch, and Norman E. Borden. Spencer Borden remained as clerk and treasurer until 1882.

Wamsutta Steam Woolen-Mill. - The manufacture of woolen cloth into a fabric known as satinet, made with a cotton warp and wool filling, was commenced here in 1825 by Samuel Shove and John and^ Jesse Eddy, under the firm-name of Samuel Shove & Co. The firm was dissolved in 1834 by the withdrawal of Samuel Shove, and the business passed into the hands of the remaining partners, under the firm-name of J. & J. Eddy.

The production of Eddy's satinets was largely increased from year to year, and they became well known in all the principal markets as the best goods of that style of fabric. In 1843, however, the satinet manufacture was discontinued, and a fabric of all wool, called "cassimere," was commenced. Two years later business was removed to a place known as " Eagle Mill," situated about three and a half miles south of Fall River, in the' town of Tiverton, R. I.

Shortly after the firm of J. & J. Eddy was dissolved, but the business continued in the above locality for a few years, until the property was destroyed by fire.

Joseph Durfee, bought and located a mill on a tract of land just above the dam, and near the outlet of the pond known as "Mosquito Island." designing to manufacture the same kind of goods produced by J. & J. Eddy, but as they were about ready to commence operations Joseph Durfee died, and it was not until January, 1849, that manufacturing was begun in the new mill. Jesse Eddy became the proprietor, and shortly after took his son, Thomas F., into partnership, under the firm-name of Jesse Eddy & Son, by whom the business was conducted for twenty-one years.

In 1873, upon the decease of the father, the business passed into the hands of his two sons, Thomas F. and James C, who still continue the manufacture under the name of the Wamsutta Steam Woolen- Mill, Jesse Eddy's Sons, proprietors, the production being fine fancy cassimeres.

The Wyoming Mills. - These mills were established by Augustus Chace and the late William B. Trafford in 1845. The property subsequently passed into the possession of Mr. Chace, who is the present proprietor. Production, cotton twines, batts, and carpet warp. The Massasoit Manufacturing Company was organized in 1882, and occupies the edifice formerly occupied by the Massasoit Flour-Mills, so famous in former years as the business home of Chase, Mason & Durfee. The new company manufactures comfortables as a branch of an establishment in Connecticut, and has a capacity for turning out near a thousand a day, employing about sixty hands.

The officers and directors of this company are as follows: Frank L. Palmer, president; Wendell E. Turner, treasurer; Directors, Edward A. Palmer, Elisha L. Palmer, William H. Turner, Frank L. Palmer, Wendell E. Turner.

The Fall River Spool and Bobbin Company was partially organized in June, 1875, but did not perfect its organization until July 11, 1878, obtaining their charter July 13, 1878.

The mill and buildings were erected and occupied in December, 1875; employ one hundred and fifty men ; one hundred thousand dollars production yearly. Present officers : President, Joseph Henley ; Clerk and Treasurer, J. Henry Wells; Directors, Joseph Healey, Augustus Chace, Stephen Davol, F. H. Stafford, B. D. Davol, F. L. Almy, Jerome C. Borden, J. Henry Wells.

Capital stock, originally $40,000; after perfecting its organization was reduced to $21,000. Is doing a very prosperous business, which has steadily increased since 1878.

The Fall River Iron-Works Company. - This corporation, which for so many years directed and controlled the interests of Fall River, was founded in 1821, principally through the instrumentality of Richard Borden and Bradford Durfee. The original company was organized with a capital of twenty-four thousand dollars, and consisted of Richard Borden, Bradford Durfee, Holden Borden, and David Anthony, of this town, and Joseph Butler and Abram and Isaac Wilkinson, of Providence. Soon after the capital was reduced to eighteen thousand dollars by the withdrawal of the Wilkinsons.

In the organization of the Fall River Iron-Works Company, that " earliest germ of the wealth of the city," Col. Richard Borden took an active part, and was appointed treasurer and agent, a position which he filled ably and satisfactorily up to the day of his final withdrawal from business, a period of over fifty years. The Iron-Works Company, meeting with assured success almost from the start, soon turned its attention to the improvement of its landed estate, water-power, etc., and as part owners became largely interested in enterprises somewhat foreign to its own legitimate sphere of work. The agent of the company as its representative thus became an active participant in all these schemes, and the business tact and skill of Col. Borden were brought into fullest exercise. The Iron-Works Company became owner in the Watuppa Reservoir Company, organized in 1826 ; in the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory ; in the Fall River Manufactory; in the Annawan Mill, built by it in 1825; in the American Print- Works, whose buildings were all erected by the Iron- Works Company in 1834, and leased to the Print- Works Company ; in the Metacomet Mill, built in 1840 ; in the Fall River Railroad, opened in 1846 ; in the Bay State Steamboat Line, established in 1847 ; in the Fall River Gas- Works, built in 1847, as well as in the erection at various times of buildings which were leased to individuals for the establishment of business or private manufacturing enterprises.

Up to the year 1880 the Iron-Works Company owned and operated the Fall River Gas- Works, the Fall River and Providence Steamboat Company, and the Metacomet Mill. In that year a division of this large interest occurred, and the following corporations were organized as separate corporations : the Fall River Gas-Works, with a capital of $288,000; the Fall River and Providence Steamboat Company, capital, $192,000; the Fall River Machine Company (new), capital, $96,000; the Metacomet Manufacturing Company ; and the Fall River Iron-Works Company.

The present officers are as follows: President, Jefferson Borden ; Clerk and Treasurer, Robert C. Brown ; Directors, Jefferson Borden, John S. Brayton, William.

The present officers are as follows : President, Jefferson Borden ; Clerk, A. S. Covel ; Treasurer, William B. Durfee; Directors, Jefferson Borden. John S. Bray ton, A. S. Covel, Nathaniel Lindsey, David A. Brayton, Jr., H. M. Barnes, of Bristol.

The Fall River Merino Company, for the manufacture of knit goods, is among the later industries started here, and is the only manufactory of the kind in this vicinity. The mill is a fine brick edifice of two full stories and attic, in which last are a few mules to do the spinning needed. The concern was well wound up from the first, and the most improved knitting-machines in use obtained, so that work was turned out with great celerity. The productions of this factory have always found a ready market, and maintained their rank among all descriptions of home work or imported fabrics. The present superintendent, Mr. Charles E. Bean, is an accomplished manager of this sort of manufacturing interest.

Hargraves Manufacturing- Company. - In 1851, Cornelius Hargraves commenced the manufacturing of soaps and glue substitute on the site now occupied by the Hargraves Manufacturing Company, commencing in a very small and limited way, the capacity of the works being only one small kettle in which to make soap ami prepare the glue substitute; but by perseverance and strict attention to business he succeeded in increasing the business from year to year, it being a success from the start, and as the time rolled by he was enabled to add some decided improvement, and in 1871 he organized the Hargraves Manufacturing Company, consisting of Cornelius Hargraves, Reuben Hargraves, and Thomas Hargraves, the two latter being his sons ; and after continuing two years the senior member of the firm sold his interests to James S. Anthony, who continued in the business four years, then sold out to Reuben and Thomas Hargraves, the present proprietors of the Hargraves Manufacturing Company, who still continue to manufacture soaps of various brands, glue substitute, fertilizers, tripe, pigs' feet, and neat's-foot oil, also dealers in tallow, bones, grease, rosin, chemicals, etc., and from the small beginning have grown to its present condition, now having the capacity to turn out every week sixty thousand pounds of soap, fifteen thousand pounds of glue substitute, ten tons of fertilizer, three thousand pounds of chicken feed, three thousand pounds of pigs' feet, four thousand pounds of tripe, etc. Reuben Hargraves, Thomas Hargraves, John W. Hargraves, clerk, and Alfred I). Butterworth, agent.

The Fall River Gas-Works were erected in 1847 by the Iron-Works Company, and were operated by that company until 1880, when they were organized as a separate corporation, under the name of the Fall River Gas Company, with a capital of $288,000. The present officers are as follows: President, Jefferson Borden ; Clerk, William B. Durfee, Jr. ; Treasurer, George P. Brown ; Directors, J. S. Brayton, R. B. Borden, Jefferson Borden, A. S. Tripp, William B. Durfee, D. A. Brayton, Jr.

The Manufacturers' Gas-Light Company was incorporated in 1866. The present officers are as follows : President, Thomas F. Eddy ; Clerk and Treasurer, Joseph A. Baker; Directors, Thomas F. Eddy, Foster H. Stafford, Simeon B. Chase, Charles M. Shove, Joseph A. Baker, David A. Brayton, Jr.

Watuppa Reservoir Company was incorporated in 1826. The stock of this corporation is held by the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufacturing Company, Pocasset Manufacturing Company, Fall River Print- Works, Fall River Manufactory, Annawan Manufacturing Company, and the Fall River Iron-Works Company.

American Printing- Company. - The pioneer in calico-printing in Fall River was Andrew Robeson, of New Bedford, who began this industry in a very small way iu 1826 in the north end of a mill owned by the Pocasset Manufacturing Company, the other portion of the building being occupied by J. & J. Eddy in the manufacture of satinets.

In 1827 he erected works especially for this business, the capacity of which was increased from time to time until the year 1836 by the erection of new buildings. The enterprise continued with marked success until 1848, when the depression then prevailing caused the suspension of the works.

It is said that the first calico-printing machine in the United States was constructed in these works, and first operated in 1827, soon after which two sons of the founder, William R. and Andrew, Jr., became associated with him, under the firm-name of Andrew Robeson & Sons.

After the suspension of the Robesons in 1848, the establishment passed into the hands of a corporation organized by Andrew Robeson, Jr., under the name of the Fall River Print- Works, which continued the business of calico-printing for about twelve years, the product being chiefly indigo-blue prints, when printing was discontinued and the works converted into a cotton-mill for the manufacture of print cloths.

ton, R. I., and since brought within the limits of Fall River by a change of the boundary line between Massachusetts and Rhode Island) was located at Globe village, one and a quarter miles south of the Fall River stream, upon a stream flowing from Laurel Lake to Mount Hope Bay, which has been utilized for manufacturing purposes since 1811, when a small cotton-mill was built there by Col. Joseph Durfee.

After passing through several hands it was purchased by Potter & Chatburn in 1829, and converted into a print-works. The first goods were printed there in 1830. After that date it was enlarged from time to time, and with varying degrees of success was run in 1833-34 by Holder Borden; 1835-39, as Tiverton Print- Works ; 1839-42, by Walter C. Durfee, agent; 1843-44, by Prentiss & Marvel; 1845-53, by W. & G. Chapin ; 1853-58, as Bay State Print-Works, when in 1858 it was purchased by the American Print- AVorks, and operated by them in connection with their larger works until 1876. It was sold in 1880, and the site is now occupied by the Globe Yarn- Mills, chiefly a new brick structure, but utilizing in connection with it a small part of the old print-works. This establishment from 1851 to 1855 had ten printing-machines, and printed 10,000 to 12,000 pieces per week, about one-half delaines and one-half calicoes. Delaine-printing was discontinued in 1855, and the product was subsequently confined to calicoes.

The American Print-Works was established by Holder Borden in 1834, there being associated with him in the ownership most of the stockholders of the Fall River Iron-Works Company.

The requisite buildings were erected by the Iron- Works Company on land owned by them, their ownership continuing until 1857, when the print-works, which had rented the land aud buildings from 1834 to 1857, was organized as a corporation, and purchased the real estate from the Fall River Iron-Works Company. The works were started in January, 1835, with four printing-machines, producing two thousand to two thousand five hundred pieces of prints per week.

Mr. Holder Borden held the management until February, 1837, when, in consequence of ill health, he resigned, and Jefferson Borden was elected agent and principal manager, which position he held until February, 1876, a period of thirty-nine years, when Thomas J. Borden was chosen agent and treasurer.

In 1840 the works were enlarged by the construction of a new machine building, dye-house, etc., and the production about doubled. Further additions and improvements in methods of operating had brought the production in 1854, with six printing-machines, to about nine thousand pieces per week. No important changes in the arrangement of these works were made from the latter date until 1867, when a portion of the buildings were removed and a new and greatly enlarged structure of Fall River granite was commenced. As the new and extensive works were about completed, and while negotiations for insurance were in progress, but not consummated, a fire broke out on the 15th of December, 1867, in one of the old buildings, which destroyed the whole of the new part of the establishment and about one-half of the old, causing a loss to the corporation of more than one million dollars.

This disaster had been preceded on the 6th of the same month by a fire at the Bay State Works, then owned and operated by the American Print-Works, which laid in ashes the boiler-house and machineroom buildings and their contents.

With the characteristic energy of the agent and treasurer, Mr. Jefferson Borden, all of the buildings so suddenly destroyed were in a very short space of time, compared with the magnitude of the work, reconstructed, filled with machinery, and in 1869 put in operation, the corporation having in the new American Works 16 printing-machines and other facilities for producing 24,000 pieces prints per week, and at the Bay State Works 5 printing-machines, with the requisite accompaniments for turning out 7000 pieces per week. In consequence of the disastrous fire in 1867, with no insurance, the works were operated under a heavy indebtedness until 1879, when they were obliged to suspend. In February, 1880, a new corporation was organized, under the name of the American Printing Company, with a capital of $300,- 000, which was subsequently increased to $500,000. Several additions have been made both of buildings and machinery, and the works now have 19 printingmachines, and produce, when in full operation, 36,000 pieces printed fabrics per week.

The main building of the works of the American Printing Company is one of the finest in the world devoted to the business of printing textile fabrics, and attracts the attention of all strangers as they enter the city by steamboat or railway. A fair idea of the magnitude of this establishment may be obtained by the consideration of the fact that the aggregate length of the various buildings comprising it is over two thousand five hundred feet.

Its ample rooms are furnished with the best modern appliances of science and skill in each department, and the productions of this company are to be found in all sections of the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

The present officers are : President, James C. Eddy ; Clerk, Alphonso S. Covel ; Treasurer, Thomas J. Borden ; Directors, James C. Eddy, Thomas J. Borden, A. S. Covel, A. S. Tripp, of Fall River, and C. N. Bliss, of New York.

Union Belt Company. - The year 1871 is notable in the history of Fall River as witnessing the extraordinary development of the cotton industry. Some fifteen large mills were erected, calling for a large increase of its population and the establishment of several industries to supply material incidental to running and keeping in motion the thousands of spindles and looms which were contained in the handsome and substantial buildings that had been erected for their use. Prominent among these industries stands the Union Belt Company, a corporation organized for the purpose of manufacturing leather belting.

The rapid expansion of the cotton industries of Fall River had attracted the attention of Mr. William H. Chace, a gentleman living in a neighboring city, and who was a practical belt-maker. He believed that it was an opportune time to establish the manufacture of belting in a city that was so large a consumer, and he succeeded in inducing a number of gentlemen to engage in the enterprise.

In the latter part of the year a corporation was formed, with a capital of two thousand four hundred dollars, with the following officers : President, R. B. Borden; Treasurer, A. S. Covel ; Agent, William H. Chace; Directors, R. B. Borden, T. J. Borden, Walter Paine (3d), B. D. Davol, and William H. Chace.

A large brick building was erected by the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory on Troy Street, which was leased by the Belt Company, and fitted up for the requirements of the business. Contracts were made with several of the new mills then being erected to furnish the belting, and the enterprise fairly inaugurated. After a short time the business of coverfng top rolls was added. From the first the company has done a successful and profitable business. The market for its belting is not confined to Fall River alone ; the reputation which the company has earned for itself in doing first-class work has created a demand for their belts in the neighboring manufacturing cities and also in Chicago, where a large part of their production has been used. The growth of their business called for additional room, and a large two-story brick addition has been made to the original building, giving them ample facilities for meeting the increased demand for their belting.

As a financial venture it has been one of the most successful in the city, having returned large dividends since the first year of its organization, and being now in the strongest and best of credit. The success of the enterprise is due in a large measure to the agent, Mr. W. H. Chace, whose faithful and unremitting efforts and knowledge of the business has been given to the corporation from its organization. The officers at this time are: R. B. Borden, president; A. S. Covel, treasurer; W. H. Chace, agent; Directors, R. B. Borden, T. J. Borden, E. C. Kilburn, B. D. Davol, W. H. Chace, and A. S. Covel.

The Globe Street Railway Company was chartered April 16, 1380, with a capital of $100,000. The original storkholders were as follows: Edward Herbert, Isaac P. Francis, Edward E. Mannersley, S. V. Bliffins, Seth H. Wetherbee, Foster H. Stafford, Mrs. B. Wlxon, Franklin P. Osborn, Braley & Swift (Henry K. Braley, Marcus G. B. Swift), Cook Borden & Co., George F. Mellen, D. B. Wilson, and Frank W. Brightman.

The company operates a line of road, a portion of which is double track, extending as follows : From Weaver Street to City Hall, up Pleasant Street to Quequechan Street; from City Hall, through East South Main Street, to East Main, to Globe Street ; thence through Globe Street to South Main, and through North Main to near the Slade school-house. A line also extends from Weaver Street to Forest Hill.

The present officers are as follows: President, William H. Jennings; Treasurer, Frank W. Brightman; Clerk, M. G. B. Swift; Directors, William H. Jennings, Frank S. Stevens, John S. Bray ton, Andrew J. Borden, M. G. B. Swift, Joseph A. Beauvias, and Thomas B. Wilcox.

The Quequechan Mills. - The original Quequechan Mill was located two privileges above the mill now known by that name, and was several years since torn down, and its site is now included in the extensive works of the Pocasset Manufacturing Company.

Andrew Robeson commenced the business of calico printing on the site of the original Quequechan Mill in October, 1824. In 1826 he purchased the site now occupied by the present Quequechan Mills, and in company with his two sons, Andrew and William, transferred his business to this point, erecting buildings which now constitute a part of the buildings of this corporation.

They had at that time associated with them in various capacities Mr. George Kilburn (afterwards of Lonsdale, R. I.), Mr. Samuel Hathaway, and Mr. Thomas Tasker. The business was continued, increasing from time to time, under the firm-name of Andrew Robeson & Sons until Jan. 27, 1848, when they failed. At the date of this failure they were operating about fourteen printing-machines.

The property then passed into the hands of the Fall River Print- Works, which was incorporated by special act of the Massachusetts Legislature, April 18, 1848, of which Mr. William H. Taylor was treasurer until 1858, when Mr. Andrew Robeson, Jr., became treasurer, holding the management of the works until 1866, when Andrew Robeson (3d), son of Andrew Robeson, Jr., became treasurer, and continued until Aug. 28, 1878, when the concern filed a voluntary petition in bankruptcy.

Mr. Alonzo Borden was superintendent of the Fall River Print- Works during most if not all its existence. They ran from two to three printing machines, principally on indigo blues, greens, buff's, etc.

In 1859 the main or largest building was filled with machinery for the manufacture of printing cloths; capacity, about 6000 spindles. This was increased in 1865 to 11,000 spindles, and again in- creased in 1867 to 12,800 spindles. The mill was completely reorganized in 1868, and brought nearly to the present capacity. The printing business was completely abandoned about 1863.

After the failure of the Fall River Print-Works the mill was run under the management of trustees for the creditors, with Mr. Andrew Robeson (3d) as managing trustee until Dec. 20, 1879, on which date the property passed into the hands of the corporation now known as the Quequechan Mills, with Andrew Robeson (3) as treasurer, and Mr. Henry G. Fenner, superintendent. Mr. Robeson and Mr. Fenner resigned in January, 1881, when Mr. D. H. Dyer became treasurer and general manager. During the past two years important improvements have been made both to buildings and machinery, and the mill now contains 13,952 spindles and 306 looms, and is fitted for the manufacture of a considerable variety of goods. When the whole capacity is devoted to (sixty-four by sixty-four) print cloths, the product is about 1600 pieces per week.

" Among the few old landmarks of by-gone years that seem to connect the present waning decades of the century with the earlier period, the oldest in the centre of the town is the old tannery, now owned by Edmund Chase, Esq., situated adjoining the new elegant United States custom-house and post-office building on Bedford Street. These two edifices afford just the contrast needed to indicate the progress of the last seventy years. This ancient tannery building was erected or at least the tanning business was organized here not far from 1808 by the father of the present owner, and antedated by five years the establishment of the cotton manufacture in this town. The location chosen was on the Quequechan River, because of the abundance ot water, and where the Troy mill was built the company selected the site across the stream next above the tannery, and that establishment also marks the middle period of development between the date of the tannery and the new postoffice building. Years ago this tannery was a scene of busy industry. The hides were bought of the surrounding country farmers, and wrought into good solid leather for the general market. In those days other tanneries flourished in this vicinity, and leatherdressing was an art of great importance. This branch of manufacture was kept until a short time ago, when it was found that finished leather could be bought in the market cheaper than it could be made here in the present state of the hide market. Since the great increase of cotton mills and other works employing machinery, belt-making has been a leading industry. For many years Mr. Chase has carried on this branch, and many manufactories here and elsewhere use his work, which has always proved substantial and serviceable. The older portion of our citizens would probably regret to see the old favorite landmark of the first quarter of the century swept away, nor do they regret that there is no symptom of its going just yet. Mr. Chase is still in the vigor of business life, and by his judicious management has built up his business on the soundest basis, and has always ranked among the leading solid business men of the city. Few concerns in New England have maintained for seventy-five years such unimpeachable credit or gained a more enviable reputation for honest deal-