Northbridge Town

By Rev. Johx R. Thurston The Beginnings

October 16, 1660, in answer to the petition of seven inhabitants of Braintree, the General Court of the Masaachusetis Colony judged "it meete to encourage the petitioners to proceede in theire settling themselves and an able ministry with them, in the place desired for a new plantation within their time limited." " In further answer to said Braintry petition the court declares that they judge meete to grant a plantation of eight miles square, and that the persons named have liberty to enter thereupon and make a beginning thereof, and to take such persons into their society as they shall judge meete, and that Maj. Humphrey Atherton, Left. Roger Clap, Capt. Eliaser Lusker and Deacon Parkes, or any three of them, shall and hereby are appointed commissioners, & are empowered to make a valid act there."

In furtherance of the object of these petitioners, the honorable court chose " Mr. Ptster Bracket and Ensign Moses Paine for to purchase a title of the Indians, containing eight miles square, about fifteen miles from Medfield Town, at a place commonly called Masconsapong."

The^e gentlemen purchased the tract of Great John and three other Nipmuck chiefs for " the summe of twenty-foure pounds sterling." The deed was signed by them and was witnessed by the Indian apostle, John Eliot, Wr., and his son, John Eliot, Jr., April 22, 1662.

Three months after the purchase of the land "the committee impowered by the General Courte to assist the ordering and setling the plantation granted at Netmoke," in a document dated " Dorchester, July 5, 1662," declared the regulations for the plantation on which they had agreed.

An allotment of one hundred and fifty acres was to be made to each subscriber who possessed estate of one hundred pounds, and to all others in this proportion. Only persons "of honest and good report are accepted and allowed to take alotment in said plantation."

No one could "sell or lease or alienate his said alotment or any part thereof without the consent of the majority of those persons chosen to regulate the affairs of the plantation.

Five or seven " meete persons " were to be chosen " for the manageinge these afl'airs," and they were "to have the whole power of accepting inhabitants and disposing lands, according to the rules above written," for one year.

Of these managers Messrs. Payne and Brackett were to be two, and in consideration of all their services were to receive land, not more than three hundred acres.

All persons "accepted to alntments shall be settled at the said plantation before the end of the seventh month, 166.1, with their persons and estates."

But it was not until the fall of 1663, or the summer of 1664, that the men who had obtained the grant, with their families, to the number, perhaps, of twelve, " hewed their way through the wilderness to the spot where now stands the village of Mendon." Thus began the Nipmuck plantation, the township of Quinshepauge, soon incorporated. May 15,1667, and called Mendham, afterwards Mendon. It was the second incorporated town in Worcester County, Lancaster alone preceding it.

The grant by the General Court was of a territory eight miles square, but that taken under the grant was ten miles by twelve, and included the present towns of Mendon, Blackstone and Uxbridge, the most of Northbridge and Milford, a part of Upton and Bellinghamt and parts of three towns now in Rhode Island. Three entire towns and a portion of seven others were in the original Nipmuck plantation.

This is the story of the grant and purchase of the territory of the town of Northbridge, save about onetenth of its present area, which was annexed to it from Sutton, soon after its incorporation.

While this territory belonged to the original fortyfour proprietors of Mendon from the beginning, it was not occupied until after the beginning of the seventeenth century.

April 1, 1707, there was a " Jacob Aldrich farm," one-half mile below the present Quaker Meeting- House, on the eastern side of " the great river." February 10, 1710, he sold this, with the house on it, to his son, Peter Aldrich, who was perhapn the first resident of what is now Northbridge.

Woodland Thompson owned a large tract of land, including what were afterwards known as the Southwick, the Benson and Wing farms, in 1707, and soon after, if not at that date, began to reside on it.

Benjamin Thompson, brother of Woodland, owned land on both sides of "the great river," south of the Quaker Meeting-House, as early as 1707, and lived on it as early as 1728. These three were all of Mendon, receiving or buying their land of their fathers, also of Mendon.

George Woodward, of Brookline, bought 120 acres in the west part of what is now Whitinsville, in 1712, and occupied it for several years. He was a schoolteacher as well as " Husbandman."

Seth Terry, of Barrington, Bristol County, clerk, bought at different times and from different persons, in 1725, '26 and '27, 488 acres of land, "with all the water courses, mines or minerals belonging thereto," which included "the Falls" of Mumford River, in what is now Wliitinsville, and at once built a sawmill, perhaps the first in the town, and " Iron works." He began, or prepared to begin, the manufacture of " refined iron." But he remained here only a few months, as he sold all, including the "saw-mill '' and the "iron works" and "all other buildings," to Hugh Hall, of Boston, January 10, 1728.

The same year Christopher Winter, of Mendon, began to reside on the " Winter place," one-half mile north of what is now Rockdale, on the east side of " Great River."

While these earliest settlers of what is now Northbridge were making their homes in the different parts of the town, a change had taken place in their town relations.

For many years the " Inhabitants of the western part of Mendon " had " laboured under great Difficulties, by Reason of their Remoteness from the Place of publick Worship in Said Town." They sought and obtained permission for sejiaration from Mendon, and, on petition to the General Court, were incorporated as a town June 27, 1727. The history of Northbridge is now included in that of Uxbridge for forty-five years. It is evident (hat those living in the part of the town now Northbridge took their part in all town aciion, bore their share of the burdens and claimed their rights and privileges, although somewhat remote from the centre of the town life, in what was then Uxbridge.

The new town secured preaching from the first, and after considerable fruitless negotiations with Rev. Othniel Cambell and Mr. Jonathan Wales, they voted, June 22, 1730, "to follow the advice of ministers, and give Mr. Nathan Webb a call." They voted £100 " encouragement '' and £90 salary "good passable money." The call was accepted, and December 31st it was voted to proceed with the ordination, and to build a pulpit for the meetinghouse. All these questions which are now decided by the parish were then decided in town-meeting. In fact, the town was the parish. While the church had the initiative in calling a minister, as now, the town contracted with and supported him, as the parish does now. The town was the legal body. The town began the meeting-house in 1728, the next year after it was incorporated. Before this the town-meetings and religious services were held in private houses. The meeting-house was occupied for town-meeting the next May, but it was not fully finished before it gave place to a new house, though we find frequent votes to finish it, and committees raised, and appropriations made for that purpose.

The first mention of schools in the new town is in January, 1731, when it was voted that the town will have a school dame, for the first seven or eight months to keep a school in each part of the town " proportionable." The next year it was voted to employ a schoolmaster, John Read, Sr. At the same meeting it was voted to procure a pair of stocks, and a few months after twelve shillings are voted to John Chilson for making them. After this, votes as to the schoolmaster, with appropriations for his pay and his board, are quite frequent. In 1734 we find the town dufricted or "Squadroned," and it was voted that each squadron select some woman to teach the children to read, who should be approbated by the selectmen. For many years the schools were under the care of these officers. The pay of these teachers came from the " School Fund." This fund was obtained from Mendon, being their part of the fund granted by the colony to that town. After long negotiation and many conferences of committees, it was voted, March 2, 1732, to accept two hundred pounds from Mendon as their part of the school fund. It was increased in 1736 by a gift of five hundred acres of land from the colony. The land was situated in that part of the State which went to New Hampshire in settling the boundary with that State in 1741, and it was thus lost to the town. It had already been sold to parties in the town, from whom it was repurchased when it went into New Hampshire, and it was replaced by a new grant from the colony and was located by a committee of the town, but the recordsdo not show where. This school fund was loaned to individuals, and sometimes great difficulty was experienced in getting the interest. In 1738 it was voted to build the first school-house near the meeting-house. In 1761 there was another districting of the town in thirteen .squadrons, containing one hundred and sixty -three families, the names of which are given, which is the first list found. In these families there wereflve hundred and twenty-eight scholars, an average of somewhat more than three for each family. From this we may suppose the population was not far from twelve hundred. In the part now Northbridge, as is judged from the names given, there were but forty-one families, indicating a population of about three hundred. This

In 1764 a new squadron of seven families was voted to have their part of the school fund. The school district system thus early established was continued until quite recently.

The first mention of Quakers in the town is on March 6, 1728, when it was voted " not to free the Quakers," probably from the tax to support the preaching. At the close of the records of 1734i the following list of persons, " called Quakers," appears: Seth Aldrich, Benjamin Taft, Peter Aldrich, Seth Aldrich, Jr., Abel Aldrich, Jr. Samuel Taft - six.

It is difficult to learn when the Quakers first came into what is now Northbridge. Whitney, in his " History of Worcester County," published in 1793, says they came into Mendon, of which Northbridge was then a part, as early as 1703. Of Uxbridge he says, in 1793, ''one quarter are Quakers and Anabaptists." In Northbridge he says there are twelve Quaker families.

We must suppose the Quakers came up the Blackstone Valley from Rhode Island, their early refuge. Many of them settled in the South Parish of Mendon (now Blackstone), and in Uxbridge, and a few pushed up into what is now Northbridge.

With them also came the Anabaptists, who had, like them, found a refuge in Rhode Island. The limit of this immigration was the south part of Grafton.

The Quakers experienced some difficulty from their peculiar tenets as to religion and war, as is manifest from the town records. The first mention of them is the refusal of the town to "free " them from the minister tax.

In the warrant for the meeting for May, 1762, the fifth article reads, " To see if the town will vote not to proceed any further upon, about, or anywise concerning a petition that Cap. Solomon Wood [Representative] exhibited to the great and General Court, last winter, wherein he complains of the Quakers' hard usage upon the captains, concerning a tax laid upon them in the year 1759, for not sending soldiers into the war." At the meeting it was voted, " Not to act at all, any way on the Sth Article, in the warrant, to pass it over not acted on." From this it appears that the Quakers remained true to their principles as to war and were taxed, but that they did not remain quiet under the infliction. They would not perform military duty, and the town was obliged to hire men to fill the quota, because of their exemption, and they complained that their tax to reimburse the colony was unjust and they were unwilling to pay it.

It is remarkable that this is the only reference, in the records of the town, to the French and Indian War, which lasted from 1764 to 1760. But from the

State archives we learn that the town bore a large burden in this war. From the Northbridge part of the town quite surely twenty-six, and probably thirtyfive, persons served for forty-five different terms of six months to almost a year. This for a population of not more than three hundred, with not more than sixty of military age, is a very large number. We have no reason to suppose they did more than other towns. And this suggests to us what it cost our fathers to defend their homes and liberties in those early days. All through these years they kept up their military organizations as they had done from the beginning. They had their "Training Field" and training-days. Thus were they being prepared for the more severe struggle of twenty years later, which did not find them, when it came, all unready for it.

March 28, 1728, at one of the first town-meetings of the new town, it was voted " to accept £90 sh. 5, which the General Court had allotted to the town of Uxbridge as their proportion of the £60,000 emitted for the use of the Province," and a trustee Was appointed to receive it. It was also voted, "That said money should be let out on good security, not exceeding £5 to any one person." Here is the first mention in our town records of the "Bills of Credit," issued by the province, which were the cause of great derangement in all financial calculations and transactions and of the various evils of an irredeemable paper currency. Mr. Joseph Taft strenuously resisted the acceptance of this semblance of money by the town, and entered a written protest, signed by himself, Benjamin Taft and Joseph Taft, Jr. Soon the evils of a money that could not be converted into specie began to appear in the larger sums that were voted for town purposes, in the additional sums voted to the minister, in the contributions made for him on the Sabbath. If one wished to mark his contribution it was allowed him in his minister tax, but all unmarked it was voted should be free and clear to Mr. Webb. But it is evident that this gratuity did not make good the depreciation, for presently we see votes to raise from the town additional sums for Mr. Webb, until May, 1753, when his salary was changed from that first agreed on to £53 6s. %d., lawful money.

We must suppose this is but a fair example of the derangement and difficulty that occurred in all business transactions, from the unsettling of nominal values.

There are some votes recorded which give interesting revelations of the condition of the country, of the customs of the people, and of their feelings on public questions, which seem to be worthy of transcription, as

August 15, 1728, it was voted "That unless Mendon be made a shire town as well as Worcester, and have the courts one-half time, they had rather remain in Suffolk Co. as now." They resented the ambition of the new and smaller town of Worcester to have the

August 26, 1730, it was voted " The town will not join with County Middlesex in praying for a new county and that they will join in a petition with towns in West Suffolk to make a county there. But all this action is in vain, for Worcester County is constituted in 1731, and Uxbridge, then including Northbridge, is a part of it.

September 1, 1730, it is voted to appropriate four pounds to pay for killing wild cats. How long they felt the need of offering this premium for killing beasts of prey we do not know, but May 23, 1751, it was voted not to pay any more bounty for killing wolves.

December 18, 1739, it was voted to raise a committee to see that the law about killing deer be not violated. After this for many years in Uxbridge before the division, and in Northbridge, after it was incorporated, a " Deer Reave " was chosen with the other town officers. The last was in 1787.

May 28, 1756, it was voted " not to send a representative (to the General Court) this year." We are surprised at such a vote. But the mystery is cleared when we learn that the town paid the charges of the Representative, and when there was no business of special importance, no town interest to present, they saved the expense and voted not to send one. There are some votes that indicate that in some cases gentlemen went to Boston, after a vote not to send a representative, to present to the General Court some interest of the town. These votes are for compensation to certain persons, for what they had done for the town in Boston the previous year. This vote of 1756 not to send a Representative is not the only one ; many such follow down into the separate history of Northbridge to 1835. For the first sixty years of this town's history it was voted not to send thirty-seven, and to send twenty-three years. This not sending a Representative was considered an offence against the colony and Uxbridge was fined ten pounds in 1765 for its first neglect to send one. On petition of the town, on the ground of great impoverishment, by disease, drought and frost, the fine was remitted. Yet we see the neglect frequently occurred in subsequent years.

May 12, 1763, it was voted " that the selectmen for the time being provide a work-hovse, and a master for said house, and convey all the idle persons there, in case they come to want, and belong to the town." Before this, provision had been made for the poor by boarding them with private families, but this is the first provision for a common house for them with work and a master.

September 1, 1766, it was voted "to allow the Representative to vote to make good the Lieutenant- Governor's damage, lately sustained by the mob in Boston, if he thinks proper upon the best information he can get." This refers to the destruction of Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson's house in Boston, when the attempt was made to enforce the Stamp Act. It was the first rumble of the storm so .«oon to burst upon the colony and the land. We notice how the question is referred to the town. Seldom did the General Court act on any important matter, especially one that involved resistance to the oppressive acts of the mother country, without consulting the towns. The people were the sovereigns ; they must support the action of the court, and it is referred to them, if possible, for decision.

We notice, too, how they trust to the discretion of their Representative, saying. " If he think proper upon the best information he can get."

Now for forty years had Uxbridge grown and prospered, and in this growth and prosperity the northern portion (now Northbridge) had shared. Others beside those already named came to live here.

Nathan Park came from Newton 1728, and settled near the Quaker Meeting House, and was one of the largest landholders in town and very prominent in town affairs. He was the grandfather of Professor E. A. Park, of Andover Seminary. John Spring settled in the southern part of Northbridge, on the west side of "Great River" in 1736, and was also prominent in town affairs.

Nicholas Baylies, of Cumberland, R. I., and his brother Thomas, of Taunton, who was a " Forger," leased the " Iron Works" at the Falls of Mumford's River, for twenty-one years, of John Merritt, of Boston, in 1739, and resided near their works, which, for many years, went by the name of " Baylies' Forge,"

The privilege at Riverdale was purchased by James Nutting, of Grafton, in 1753, and improved by him by the erection of two grist-mills and a saw-mill.

Samuel Goldthwait came from the northeastern part of the colony in 1759, and purchased four hundred acres of land between Whitinsville and the Hill, and in the adjacent parts of Sutton, and settled upon it.

doQ stock. The Mendon migration spent itself maiuly in what is now Uxbridge, a few of its families, as the Aldriches and Winters, coming up the valley of " Great River,'' into what is now Northbridge, which was so eiwily accessible. But the more distant parts of the town, as the upper valley of the Mumford, and the high land near Sutton, waited for immigrants from more distant places.

There is evidence tliat for some years the north part of Uxbridge had had separate interests from the south part. It had come to be called by its own name, "The North End." In 1736 a constable was appointed for the " North End."

In 1753 we find a collector of the minister's tax for each end of the town. We may suppose the desire for a separation had long existed before it secured its object. The expression of this desire was occasioned by the difficulty as to the building of a new meetinghouse.

In June, 1766, an article appears in the town warrant to see if the town will build a new meetinghouse, but it was passed over. Before it comes up at the meeting in October a new difficulty appears. Ills manifest that if it cannot be placed in the centre of the town, so as to accommodate those at the " North End," they of the North Eud do not wish to help in building it, but to be set off as a separate town. To such a division the town will not listen, and the new meeting-house must be set near the place of the old one. Nor would the town excuse the North End from their share in the expense of building the new house, nor listen to their petition to be relieved from bearing their part in the support of the minister. Afier repeated failures to secure their desire from the town, they of the " North End " apply to the " General Court" for relief Their petition was presented July 1, 1771, praying, on the ground of their distance from the meeting-house, " that they with their families and estates, may be made a separate District, and that they may be entitled to their proportionable part of the ministry money, and the Lands granted by the General Court to said Town for their extraordinary expense in building bridges." Uxbridge answered the petition by a committee, but the petition was granted, and, Uxbridge consenting, the North End was incorporated as a " District,^' with the name of Northbridge, July 14, 1772, and fourteen years later, in 1786, it became a Town, by Stale law. Though called a " District," it had all the rights and performed all the functions of a Town, except that tliey were to choose a Representative to the General Court with Uxbridge. The Representative might be from Northbridge or Uxbridge. It was a town in reality, if not in name. Thus Northbridge began its sejiarate life with a population of between four and five hundred, as we infer from the fact that the State census four years later gives four hundred and eightyone.

lands, were received from Sutton, they seeking the change because they were so much nearer to Northbridge for religious privileges and town duties. In 1801, Jacob Bassett and others, with their lands, were also received from Sutton. In the act of incorporation it was provided that David Draper and seven others whose homes and lands were included in the given bounds of the "District " of Northbridge, with their heirs, shall be permitted to remain in Uxbridge as long as they so choose. If they desire to become citizens of Northbridge, they have only to notify the authorities of Uxbridge in proper form and they are transferred.

Several of these transfers took place, creating no little confusion as to town lines. These families were in the "North End " of Uxbridge, and desired their rights as to the new meeting-house in Uxbridge, but they did not desire to be set off as another town or district, and were allowed to remain on these above-stated conditions. Uxbridge let go her hold on the " North End " very reluctantly, refusing Nov., 1772, to remit any of the £40 assessed on them for the support of the minister the year they were set off, and refusing to grant to the " District of Northbridge their proportionable part of the ministerial and town money and lands granted to the town of Uxbridge."

been impressed with the imperfection of the machinery used, especially of that used in picking the cotton, and in 1830 he directed his eflbrts to its improvement. With two lathes, not worth more than fifteen dollars each, and with an occasional job done in a neighbor's shop, he, with his two assistants, completed the first picker in about a year. Having so far perfected the picker, he applied for a patent and secured it in 1832. Meanwliile the new firm, which had been formed on the death of Paul Whitin, Sr., - consisting of Mrs. Paul Whilin, Sr., Paul Whitin, John C. Whitin and Charles P. Whitin, - had purchased the mill of "The Old Northbridge Manufacturing Co."

The picker Mr. John C. Whitin had made had attracted the attention of other manufacturers, and the firm determined to make them for sale, using as a shop the picker-house of the mill just purchased, a building thirty-two by forty feet. Machinery and tools were set up in it and put in operation. They were crude as compared with what are now used ; yet with the improved devices of Mr. Whitin, pickers or lappers were produced so superior to those previously in use that from 1834, when the first machine was sold, the demand steadily increased. For many years most of the pickers in use throughout the country were made at these works.

Mr. Whitin was encouraged to build other machinery in the same line. The list has been increased from time to time, so as to include cards, cardgrinders, doublers, railway heads, drawing-frames, ring-frames, spoolers, warpers, dressers, looms, &c. ; indeed, all the machinery used in tlie cotton-mill, except roving machinery, mules and slashers, is now made here. * To accommodate this rapidly-increasing business, the original shop, the "Picker-house," was enlarged and sew buildings were erected. In 1847 "The New Shop'' was built, three hundred and sis by one hundred and two feet, two stories with basement, on the north side of the river.

This year Mr. James F. Whitin, the youngest son of Colonel Paul Whitin, was admitted to the firm. In 1860 Mr. John C. Whitin purchased the " Holyoke Muchine Works " on his own account, which he retained until 1864, giving it much of his time for supervision. During his engagement in Holyoke, Mr. Chas. P. Whitin had the charge of the machineshop.

In 1864 the firm of P. Whitin & Sons was dissolved and the business of the firm was divided. In this division Mr. John C. Whitin took the manufacturing of machinery, which had in thirty years grown from one picker a month from the old " Picker House," to the production of hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of a large variety of machinery, Irom the large shop of 1847 and its adjuncts. On coming into his separate proprietorship, Mr. John C. Whitin erected a new shop parallel with the shop of 1847, north of it, four hundred and seventy-five by seventy feet, three stories, with basement. The increasing business has compelled the erection of a large foundry, which has been twice enlarged ; of a large blacksmith shop, and in 1883 of a large shop on the south side of the river, three hundred and eighty-six by eighty-six feet, three stories high, so that now there are in all nearly eleven acres of floor all connected, and devoted to the various departments of the manufacture. In place of two men helping Mr. Whitin, the force employed now is over eight hundred, and the improved machine tools render the work of each man equal to that of three men using the old-time tools.

Mr. Whitin secured patents on the Picker or Lapper in 1833 ; on the Union Card in 1862. These proved useful to manufacturers and brought considerable profit to the inventor. These inventions bore no comparison, however, in intrinsic value with the many improvements in tools and implements for the working of metals and the simi)lifying of existing methods. As long as he continued in active management of the shop he took the deepest interest in all improvement in tools. The last to which he gave special attention was the machine for drilling spinning-frame rails, which has proved such a success. It was with him a principle not to seek the protection and profit of a patent for any tool he was to use himself. He felt that the gain in his own work was all the profit he should desire.

In 1870 the business, which h.ad been during the six previous years in the sole proprietorship of Mr. John C. Whitin, was organized into a joint stock corporation, under the name of " The Whitin Machine Works," - John C. Whitin, President ; Josiah Lasell, Treasurer ; and Gustavus E. Taft, Superintendent. Mr. Lasell was son-in-law to Mr. Whitin and had been in his employ since 1860.

On Mr. Whitin's death, April 22, 1882, Mr. Lasell liecame president and treasurer. January 1, 1886, his son-in-law, G. Marston Whitin, became treasurer. On the death of Mr. Lasell, March 15, 1886, his oldest son, Chester W. Lasell, was made president. On the death of Mr. Taft, June 24, 1888, his oldest son, Cyrus A. Taft, was made agent. During all these changes in officers of the corporation the butiness has gone on with continued success.

Thus for one hundred and sixty-one years has the manufacture of iron been maintained in this place, first as the manufacture of iron from the ore, then as the manufacture of bar-iron from pig-metal and scrap-iron, then as the manufacture of hoes and scythes, and now for nearly sixty years in the manufacture of cotton machinery, beginning with a single machine and now including almost every kind of cotton machinery. For more than one hundred and sixteen years one family has been in ownership and charge of the works. For nearly one hundred years Mr. Paul Whitin, Sr., and his sons have operated

The Whitinsville Spinning Ring Co. - In 1872, Charles E. Trowbridge, master mechanic of the Whitinsville Cotton-Mill, and Arthur F. Whitin,who was then employed in the repair shop, perfected and patented special tools for making rings for spinning and twisting. They began the manufacture of rings in 1873, under the firm-name of the " Whitinsville Spinning Ring Co." By their improved methods and tools superior work is secured, and a great saving of labor is effected. One man can produce a perfect ring in two operations, after the forging, while with the old methods the ring passed through several hands, and numerous operations, and the ring would not be of such uniform excellence of finish.

The company began the manufacture of rings for the cotton-mills of Whitinsville and vicinity, but the fame of their superiority quickly spread and arrangements had to be made for increased production. The rings have Ijeen sent all over the country, and many have been exported. The business has increased sixfold since 1878, but its growth has been a natural one; no traveling agents have been employed. Arthur F. Whitin is treasurer, Chas. E. Trowbridge is agent, and George E. Trowbridge is superintendent.

Mr. Trowbridge has secured a number of patents on rings and ring-holders, and has recently patented a new process of producing a metallic ring, which effects a great saving of travelers, on new rings, and a much better yarn is produced by the consequent saving of breakage. The company began the manufacture of the double adjustable ring in 188(5, and now produces all varieties of rings known to the trade. The work began in the repair-shop of the mill. In 1884, needing more room, it was moved to the "old cotton-mill" building of 1826, on the south side of the stream, and occupied the basement and the first story. In 1887 an enlargement of twenty by sixty-five feet was made, and a new building erected, with a furnace chimney, for hardening and annealing. Twenty-five men are employed.

While the manufacturers in iron at what is now Whitinsville are the oldest in the town and have been the most successful, they have not been the only ones.

At Northbridge Centre a foundry was in operation as early as 1790, situated opposite the Dr. Robinson place, on the west side of the road, some thirty rods south of the present meeting-house. Hollow-ware and sad-irons were cast here. The business was carried on by a man named Lothrop.

The same premises were afterwards occupied by Frebun White for the manufacture of axes, employing two hands besides himself. The axes were carried to Providence and sold to the South. This was from 1812 to 1820. Capt. Amos White made "custom axes'' in a shop near his home; ''afterwards he manufactured to a considerable extent for the trade boot and shoe edge tools, hammers, &c., &c., until his death, in 1853, a part of the time, in company with Dr. Starkweather, doing the work at Riverdale, on the east side of the river. But that business failing, he removed to his home shop and manufactured for a time alone and then with his son Luke, and last with his son-in-law. Orison W. Brigham.

The stone part of the present cotton-mill at Riverdale was built 1852 by Sylvanus Holbrook for Harvey Waters for the manufacture of scythes by machinery which he had invented. These were the first scythes made by machinery in the world. Mr. Waters also made bayonets by machinery during the war of 1861-65. He continued the business here until 1865.

Cotton Manufactures. - In 1808 " the cotton factory fever" struck this town, and in 1809 Col. Paul Whitin erected a cotton-mill at the upper dam, which was about three hundred feet east of the present dam of the Whitin Machine Works. Col. James Fletcher contributed the water privilege as his share in the enterprise. After the mill was erected Mr. Whitin organized a company, of which he was the principal stock-holder, for the manufacture of cotton goods, styled "The Northbridge Cotton Manufacturing Company." The act of incorporation is later, being dated June 9, 1814. This was the third cottonmill erected in the Blackstone Valley above Pawtucket, the mill of Almy Brown and the Slaters at Slatersville and the original mill of the present Blackstone Co., at Blackstone (then South Mendon), preceding it by two years. The manufacturing consisted in breaking, carding and spinning. The raw material, having some seeds and much dirt mixed with it, was put out to families to have the seed and dirt removed. The "pickers" had not yet been introduced. Some families took a bale, some half a bale, and others less. For this work four to six cents a pound was paid. The yarn was also put out to families to be woven by hand, the weaver receiving eight cents per yard for weaving No. 16 yarn, which was the grade made at that time. The weaving was done in this manner for six or eight years, after which power looms were introduced. The original Northbridge Mill was of wood and had a capacity of fifteen hundred spindles. Paul Whitin, Jr., then ten years of age, commenced work in this factory on the day of its starting, tending a breaking machine. The mill was operated several years with small returns. It was rented for two years to Gladdiug & Cady. It was sold in 1824 to William & Thomas Buflbm. It was bought in 1829 by Samuel Shove, who operated it until 1831.

In 1815 Col. Whitin, not content with what he was doing in the Northbridge Cotton Manufacturing Company, entered into partnership with Col. James Fletcher, his father-in-law, and Mr. Fletcher's two sons, under the firm-name of Whitin & Fletcher, and they fitted up the " Old Forge" building, on the south side of the river, for a cotton-mill of three hundred spindle capacity for the manufacture of yarns. This mill was operated until 1826, when Mr. Whitin, who had owned an interest of one-half, now purchased the other half of the Fletchers, and formed a new partnership with his own sons, Paul, Jr., and John C, under the name of P. Whitin & Sons, for the manufacture of cotton goods. Paul Whitin, Jr., was at this time twenty-six years of age. His previous training, save what he had as a boy working in the mill, had been mercantile, and in the business of the new firm he took charge of the mercantile and financial department.

John C, then nineteen years old, had had his training in the mill and in the machine-room of the Northbridge Cotton Company, and was thus prepared for his part in the new firm, the management of the mechanical and manufacturing department. Mr. Paul Whitin, Sr., only invested capital and had no personal care or responsibility in the management of the business. The company erected a new mill of 1,500 spindles on the site of the "Old Forge'' mill. This mill was of brick, thirty-two by sixty feet, two stories, with attic room and basement, and was used for its original purpose until 1845.

Soon after the erection of this mill, cotton manufacture was begun in another part of the town and continued for some years. In 1830, Sylvanus Holbrook built a mill on the east side of the river at what is now Eiverdale, and fitted it with cotton machinery and began to make sheetings. The next year he built at the "upper village," now Rockdale, "The Cotton Mill" north of the old woolen-mill, and began the manufacture of sheetings and drillings. In 1836 one-third of the looms were put upon print cloths. In 1837, having discontinued the manufacture of satinets, Mr. Holbrook put cotton machinery into the woolen-mill and he made Kentucky jeans until the mill was burned, in 1839 or '40. He rebuilt the mill and filled it with cotton machinery and manufactured cotton goods.

In 1846, the north or "Cotton Mill" was burned. Mr. Holbrook repaired the walls and floors, but never provided it with machinery. In 1851 fire destroyed all the factory buildings but this and a large number of dwellings. This closed all manufacturing in this village until the property was bought by the Messrs. Whitin in 1856. We now return to Whitinsville.

In 1831, Colonel Paul Whitin having died, the firm was re-organized, Mrs. Paul Whitin, Sr., and her sons, Paul, John C. and Charles P. being the partners. Charles P. Whitin had attained his majority the previous year. He had been employed in the office of the old firm. In the new firm Mr. Paul Whitin retained the financial and mercantile departments, Mr. Charles P. Whitin took charge of the cotton manufacturing and Mr. John C. Whitin took charge of the new department, the manufacture of cottou machinery. The old Northbridge Cotton Manufacturing Company's mill was bought and put in operation, and continued in operation until 1861. In 1845 the stone mill was built, with a capacity of seven thousand five hundred spindles.

In 1847 James F. Whitin, the youngest son of Colonel Paul Whitin, was admitted to the firm. He had, for many years, had charge of the books of the concern. In 1849 the firm bought up the capital stock of the Uxbridge Cotton Mill of ten thousand spindle capacity at North Uxbridge. They operated it until the firm was dissolved in 1864. In 1856, having purchased the property in Rockdale, they built the Rockdale Cotton Mill, with a capacity of ten thousand spindles. About 1857, they bought the stone cottonmill, in East Douglass, of about eight thousand spindle capacity, and operated it until the war.

In 1864, the firm of P. Whitin & Sons, manufacturers of cotton goods and of cotton machinery, was dissolved and the business was divided. The cotton manufacturing, which had increased from one thousand five hundred spindles to thirty thousand, was retained by Mr. Paul Whitin taking the mill in Rockdale and the property at Riverdale, which P. Whitin & Sons had purchased some yeais before; by Mr. Charles P. Whitin taking the mill in Whitinsville. and Mr. James F. Whitin taking the mill in North Uxbridge. Mr. John C. Whitin took the manufacturing of cotton machinery.

At this time The Paul Whitin Manufacturing Co. was formed, with Mr. Paul Whitin as president, and his son, Charles E. Whitin, as treasurer and agent. To the Rockdale Mill this company soon added the mill at Riverdale, putting a brick addition to the stone building which had been occupied by Mr. Harvey Waters for the manufacture of scythes and bayonets, and filling it with cotton machinery, making it a mill of seven thousand spindles in capacity. The company still operates both mills, making sheetings.

In 1884, on the death of Mr. Paul Whitin, Mr. Charles E. Whitin became president, and remains such, and Mr. Harry T. Whitin, his eldest son, became agent.

Mr. Charles P. Whitin enlarged the stone mill at Whitinsville in 1865, making its capacity thirteen thousand six hundred spindles. In 1866 he united his two elder sons, Edward and William H., with him in the business under the name of "The Whitinsville Cotton Mill." The same year he, with his brother, James F. Whitin, built "The Linwood Mill," of fifteen thousand spindle capacity, under the name of "The Whitin Brothers." Since the death of Mr. Charles P. Whitin. the business has been carried on by the sons under the same firmname, the youngest son, Mr. Arthur F. Whitin, having been added to the firm in 1881.

WooLEX Manufacturers. - We have seen that the privilege at what is now Riverdale was first improved by Jas. Nutting before 1764. In July of that year he sold the property to Hezekiah Hall, of Uxbridge. He sold it the same year, October 4th, to Edward Hall, of Uxbridge. We are unable to trace all the changes, but in March, 1780, Ezra Wood sold the land, " together with a grist mill, and saw mill and mill dam, and all the other buildings on the same," to Henry Dunn. The property descended by will to his sons David and Henry. About 1817, they built the " cloth mill," and began the woolen manufactures of the town. They took wool from the farmers and carded it. Then the farmers spun and wove it and carried it back to the mill, where it was pulled, colored and t-heared.

The Dunn brothers fitted up a mill which Sylvanus Holbrook hired, but soon left it, having purch.ased the property at the upper village, now Rockdale. Osmus Taft now hired their mill and operated it in 1822 and '23. Then the Messrs. Dunn took the mill and manufactured satinets. But they becoming embarrassed, Deacon Solomon Nelson, a relative, and a Mr. Benson, from Enfield, Conn., took the busine.s8 and carried it on. Not being successful, the business came into the hands of Sylvanus Holbrook about 1829, probably by failure to redeem the property from mortgage given to him in 1826. Mr. Holbrook rented the old mill to the younger Dunn for the manufacture of woolen hat bodies.

All thei-e buildings were on the east side of the river. January 16, 1776, John Eddy, from Smithfield, Rhode Island, bought the property at the " upper village," now Rockdale, of Thomas Emerson. Some time before 1814 a dam was built, and a saw and grist-mill erected. May 30, 1814, Mr. Eddy and his son Jesse sold the dam and buildings, and sixtenths c)f three acres and eighty-two rods of land, one-tenth each to certain grantees: Antipas Earle, Silas Earle and Timothy Earle, of Leicester, Levi Lincoln and Daniel Waldo, of Worcester, and Amasa Roberts, of Northbridge. The other four-tenths were to lie in common with the six-tenths - that is, twotenths to Jesse Eddy and two-tenths to William Hendricks, all for the formation of a copartnership for the manufacturing of "woolen and cotton goods, or any other business mutually agreed upon." June 14th, the same year, these gentlemen became incorporated as the " Northbridge Cloth Company," and as individuals, conveyed the property to this new company, January 25, 1815, and the company began the manufacture of satinets, and continued it until 1819. March 2d, of this year, the company sold its property at auction. It was purchased by Esek Pitts, of Mendon, gentleman; Samuel Pitts, of Mendon, clothier; John Farnam of Grafton, clothier, and Jesse Eddy, of Northbridge, yeoman, who continued the Inisiness. December 17, 1821, John Farnam and Samuel Willis, having become owners of the fourth part bought by Mr. Pitts, deeded to Sylvanus Holbrook, a brother-in-law of Mr. Farnam, three-fourths of the property, Mr. Holbrook to take possession April 1, 1822. October 11, 1822, Jesse Eddy sold his fourth part to Mr. Holbrook, and he now became sole owner. The mill, which had before been called " Eddy's Mill," was now called " Holbrook's." Mr. Holbrook enlarged the old mill, and continued to manufacture satinets. The weaving was all done by hand until 1823, when power-looms were introduced. Broadcloth was also made by Mr. Holbrook, woven by hand on four looms, each two yards wide. Of this article it is said, " it was made of the very best stock, and was really tine and nice." Themanufacture of broadcloth was discontinued about 1831. The woolen-mill was a three-set mill. The manufacture of satinets was continued until 1837, after which no woolen goods were manufactured in the town. The textile manufactures of the town were to be of cotton alone.

Manufactures of Leather. - Among the primitive industries of the town was that of the shoemaker. He was soon followed by the tanner and currier, to prepare the material for his art.

Benjamin Basset, John Adams, Benjamin Farrar, Simeon Bassett, Alfred Huse and Daniel Adams were long remembered as of the traveling fraternity of shoemakers, who carried their " kit " from house to house and shod the families for the season. But they were not to continue travelers, nor were they to be content to supply the home dem.and. As early as 1810 Cheney Taft began the manufacture of the first " sale " work in the town. He made what were called " nigger shoes," in the summer, and went South to sell them in the winter. Others soon followed, and rooms were fitted up in the houses and little shops were built near the homes for the new manufacture. Between 1810 and 1820 eleven individuals were engaged in the business; between 1820 and 1830, twelve (some of these worked alone, others employed one or more hands) ; between 183:) and 1840, sixteen individuals and four firms ; between 1840 and 1850, thirteen individuals and two firms; between I860 and 1860, six individuals and two firms ; between 1860 and 1870, two firms ; between 1870 to December, 1877, three firms. But while the individuals carrying on the business diminished, the number of persons engaged in the work did not diminish - the individuals were employed by the firms. The largest number of persons employed was when but one firm was conducting the business, and emi>loying sixty-six hands in the shop and ninety-four outside. Usually more men were working at their homes and in shops near them than at the large shop or factory, taking the cut work and returning the finished product.

Among the principal firms were those of J. & Z. Bachelor, Fuller, Bachelor & Co., Joel Bachelor, Jr., John M. Slocomb, A. & M. L. Taft, Bachelor &

Adams, A. Taft & Son, Bachelor & Allard, Allard & Adams, Newell, Daniels & Co., A. & A. B. Keith & Co. This last firm built the large four-story factory near the summit of the hill (still standing) in 1867, and introduced all the improvements in machinery. This firm, being changed to A. B. Keith & Co., continued business until May of 1873. In July of the same year James Tucker & Co. took the factory and continued the business until December, 1S77. Of the "factory" Deacon Joel Bachelor, who began the business in 1827 and had continued it for forty years, alone and associated with others, took the charge from the first, and continued in charge as long as it was in operation. Since 1877, the factory has been closed. But few are now working at the business, being employed by firms in other towns. Many have moved away, and many have sought other employments. Thus this industry, which employed so many, in shops and at their homes, for so many years, has almost entirely ceased. The volume of this business was considerable. In 1837 600 pairs of boots and 63,500 pairs of shoes were made, valued at !?50,000, and niuety-flve persons were engaged in the business.

In 1871, while only one hundred and six,ty persons were employed by the one factory, yet by the aid of machinery 17,280 pairs of shoes and 95,520 jxaira of boots, valued at $338,480, were made, being more than six times the product of 1837, with less than twice the number of workmen - each one, thanks to machinery, accomplishing more than three times as much as the workman of 1837, and in one month all the workmen averaged $51.50 for the month's wages. This business was largely done at the Centre, and that part of the town has suffered severely from its extinction.

This large development of the shoe business naturally encouraged the business of tanning and currying, and quite a number, as Joseph Congdon, Charles & Derby Bigelow, Robinson & Rice, Jere Robinson, Edward Proctor and Moses Walradt pursued the business with success, some as late as 1868. After this time only leather prepared elsewhere was used.

The Gra^tite Indcstry. - From the first, granite for home use has been quarried in the town, and as mills and store-houses have been built of stone, the business has been quite large. Mr. Hasen O. Bean was the first to export granite, using the Blackstone Canal in the years 1827 and 1828.

Mr. John Donegan began operations at what has since been known as Plummer's Quarry, in 1854, employing some twenty men, and continued work for two years. At this time Mr. Israel Plummer began to operate the quarry, and continued the business for many years under the name of the " Plummer Granite Company," employing as many as seventy-five men during the season. In 1872 Mr. Henry S. Taft took the business and continued it until 1884, employing about the same number of men, shipping each year some five hundred car-loads of granite of ten tons

In 1865 Mr. George Blanchard began operations at a quarry one-half mile southwest of Whitiusville, and has continued them to this date, employing from fifteen to forty-five men.

In 1870 Samuel Fowler & Son began operation on the east side of the Blackstone, about one-half mile below Rockdale, at a ledge which had early in the history of the town received the name of " Shining Rocks." The business is still continued by the son, Mr. Samuel Fowler, who employs from fifty to seventy-five men.

The Whitinsville National Bank was established in 1865, as a bank of deposit and discount, with one hundred thousand dollars capital, with Mr. Paul Whitin president and Mr. H. A. Goodell cashier. Mr. Whiliu continued president until his death, in 1884. He was succeeeded by Mr. Charles P. Whitin, who held the office until his death, in 1887, when Mr. James F. Whitin was made president, and still holds .the office.

. The Whitixsvili.e Savings Bank was established in 1874, with Mr. John C. Whitin president and Mr. H. A. Goodell treasurer. On Mr. Whitin's death, in IsSS, Mr, Charles P. Whitin became president; at his death Mr. James F. Whitin was chosen to the office, which he still fills. November 1, 1888, there were 1238 depositors in this bank, and the total of their depo-its was $389,895.77. It is probable that nearly, if not quite, as large deposits are held by citizens of the town in saving banks in other towns.

Chapter Lxviii

The briefest sketch of a town's history should include some notice of the men who have especially contributed to its development. Of these a few will now be noticed.

Colonel Paul Whitin, or Whiting, a.s the u&me was originally, who laid the more recent foundations of the business which now exists in the village that received his name, " was born in Roxbury, in that part of the town near Dedham, December 3, 1767. He was the son of Sarah and Nathaniel (Draper) Whiting. His father died when he was a child. His mother was married in 1770 to James Prentice," who lived at what is now known as " Prentice's Corner," in this town. When quite young he was apprenticed to Jesse White, of this town, to learn the blacksmith's trade. His advantages for education were exceedingly limited; his whole attendance at school did not probably exceed six months. Few men have ever entered upon business life with less encouraging prospects. When he closed his apprenticeship his health was poor and continued so for some years. He had no pecuniary means of his own and no relations to whom he could look for aid. But he had what was better - an honest purpose to do according to his ability. He struggled with and overcame difficulties to which most would have yielded. By perseverance and a diligent improvement of those intervals of labor that many young men spend in idleness, he acquired a good knowledge of those branches of study necessary for the successful prosecution of business. He was eminently a self-educated man. A book for aiding him in acquiring a correct use of language was always by him. He was as familiar with this as with the tools of his shop. When he was twenty-eight years of age he was chosen town clerk, and he was chosen to this office thirteen successive years. He was often elected to other town offices. He was regarded as an excellent military officer. He was for several years justice of the peace. He was repeatedly urged to allow himself to be chosen as Representative to the Legislature, but this he invariably refused on the ground that it would require a sacrifice iu his business, that he could not then afford to make. To show his habits of industry, it may be proper to mention that it was his custom to redeem, by extra labor, all the time that he spent in military duties or public business.

Colonel Whitin was a lover of good order in society, and could never endure those practices that were an infringement upon it, or that wore calculated to present a dangerous example to tlie young. He attached great importance to the institutions of the Gospel, and was prompt to aid in maintaining them. The Sabbath he regarded as a holy day, and any violations of it he hesitated not to class with other gross immoralities. Though he never made a public profession of religion, he was regarded by those best acquainted with his religious feelings as a true Christian. He died on the 8lh of February, 1831, in the sixty-fourth year of his age.

Mr. Whitin married Betsey Fletcher, the daughter of Colonel James Fletcher, of this place, December 3, 1793. She was, during Colonel Whitin's life, a most efficient helper in the work he did for the community and the world. She survived him thirtyseven years, and was, until near the time of her death, a member of the firm of P. Whitin & Sons,

Paul Whitin, Jr., the second son of Colonel Paul and Betsey (Fletcher) Whitin, was born February 5, 1800. His childhood and youth were most of them spent hei'e. He attended the district school for the few months of the year it was kept. When about twelve he spent some time with an uncle in Amsterdam, N. Y., and attended school. He also had iwo terms at Leicester Academy. From his tenth year when not in school he worked in the cotton-mill and on the farm. At the age of eighteen he went to Boston in the dry-goods store of James Brewer. At twenty-one he formed a partnership with a fellow-clerk, and opened a dry-goods store on Maiden Lane, in New York, under the name of Lee & Whitin. In 1826 he returned home, and, with his father and younger brother, John C. Whitin, formed the firm of P. Whitin & Sons. He took charge of the mercantile department, having the charge of the store, of buying the supplies of the mill and selling the product. For this his training had fitted him. He retained the same department in the firm as reorganized after the death of Paul Whitin, Sr., in 1831, until its dissolution in

1864, a period of thirty-eight years. He conducted it with ability and thoroughness, and thus contributed an important element to the success of the business of the firm. After the firm was dissolved he continued in the manufacture of cotton goods, being president of the Paul Whitin Manufacturing Company, with mills at Rockdale and Riverdale, until his death. Though never robust of body, his regular habits and his attention to the laws of health enabled him to accomplish a large amount of business and to preserve life to a good old age in the full posse-^sion of his faculties. He always took a deep interest in town and public affiiirs; was early called to town offices. He was elected to tbe Legislature in 1837, and to the Senate in 1849. His perfect integrity and his sound judgment won the confidence of all men, and he was sought for many places of trust, which he filled till very late in life. He was chosen director of the Blackstone Bank at Uxbridge October 6, 1828, and remained a director until he was chosen president October 6, 1845, which office he filled until

1865, when he resigned to become president of the National Bank in Whitinsville. This last office he retained until his death in 1884, thus completing fifty-six years of important connection with these banks. He was a director of the Worcester Mutual Fire Insurance Company from 1838, and attended a meeting only the day before his death ; also a director of the Worcester Manufacturers' Mutual from 1860. He was a director in the Providence and Worcester Railroad from its organization until two years before his death, when he resigned his position. He was for many years an active member and trustee of the Worcester County Agricultural and Horticultural

Societies. He always took a deep interest in all branches of agriculture and especially in horticulture, and did much to advance them in the vicinity. Though called to so many trusts, he neglected none. His fidelity to them was as great as to his own personal concerns. He united with the Congregiitional Church at the Centre in 1820. He was very active in the formation of the Village Church in Whitinsville, and was always true to his covenant of love to and interest in it, and ever faithful in attendance upon and support of its ordinances. He was a just man who feared God, a man of decided religious convicti(jns and of deep feeling, though of few words as to his personal experiences. By his life and deeds he was ever a power for good in the community. Retiring in usual health on the eve of February 7, 1884, he fell asleep to wake in eternal life.

Mr. Whitin married Sarah R. Chapin, of Uxbridge, August 21, 1S22. She was ever a most efficient helper to him in all good. Four children survived him, - Hon. Charles E. Whitin, who continues the business ; Mr. Henry Whitin, for many years a commission merchant in New York ; Mrs. Sarah Orvis, of Manchester, Vt.; and Miss Anna L. Whitin, at home.

John Crane Whitin, the fourth son of Colonel Paul and Betsey (Fletcher) Whitin, was born March 1, 1807. Until he was fifteen years of age he attended the school of the district during the usual summer and winter terms. The rest of each year, after he was nine years old, he was employed in the cotton-mill, working at first in the picker-room. When twelve he was placed in the repair-room, and worked here three years, the only apprenticeship to his life-work. Early in 1822 he went to New York, to be in the dry goods store of his elder brother Paul, Jr., and remained there until the latter part of 1825, when he returned home to form with his father and his brother Paul, Jr., the firm of P. Whitin & Sons, for the manufacture of cotton goods. He took charge of the manufacturing and mechanical departments of the business. He was soon diverted to the manufacture of cotton machinery, to which he devoted himself exclusively, making it his life's work. What he did in this has been spoken of sufficiently in the chapter on " Manufactures."

He was endowed with great energy, was full of enterprise, and yet sufficiently conservative for safety. He had capacity for very hard work ; he had, to an eminent degree, common sense in mechanics; he was quick to see what would work in a machine, and could construct it entirely in his mind before he made a pattern. This saved him from the failures so many mechanics have when they come to put their ideas into wood and iron. He never made a pattern which was not used enough to pay for it - a fact which is true of very few men who made thousands, as he did. He was called to various offices of trust - men learned to lojk on him as one in whom they could confide implicitly. At the time of his death he was a director of the National Bank, Whitinsville, president of the Whitinsville Savings Bank, and director of the Providence and Worcester Railroad. He had been Representative to the General Court, and was Presidential elector in 1876.

Mr. Whitin became a decided Christian in early manhood, and united with the church at Northbridge Centre December 4, 1831. He was one of the original members of the church in Whitinsville, and was chosen one of its deacons in the beginning, in 1834, and retained the office until his death, though for some years relieved from active service. He was superintendent of the Sabbath-school for twenty-five years. He was always in his place of service, and always ready to do his part in maintaining the ordinances of religion. He had a deep and intelligent interest in the varied benevolent causes of the day, which led to steady and large contributions to advance them. He was reticent as to his own feelings, but clear and decided in his views, and always ready to act up to his convictions. His religious vows were as sacred as his business promises.

Mr. Whitin married, May 30, 1831, Miss Catharine H. Leland, of Sutton, by whom he had several children, one of whom, a daughter, the wife of Josiah Lasell, survived him. Mrs. Catharine Whitin died January 31, 1873. She was a woman of remarkable grace and beauty of character. Mr. Whitin married, January 20, 1876, Miss Sarah Elizabeth Pratt, of Hopkinton, who survives him. Their only child, John C, died in infancy.

For years Mr. Whitin had contended with a rheumatic aft'ection which had rendered him liable to sudden death, but, conscious of his readiness for that event, he ever kept busied as his strength allowed in the care of his estate and in works of benefaction. After a brief confinement to the house, the messenger came at midnight, April 22, 1882, without an instant's warning, but did not find him unprepared, for he had lived in the fear and the service of the King who called him.

Charles Pinckney Whitin, the fifth son of Colonel Paul and Betsey (Fletcher) Whitin, was born August 6, 1809. His education was obtained in the schools of the town and in the academy at Leicester. It was such that at the age of sixteen he taught school acceptably in the stone school-house near Plummer's Corner. He early worked in the cotton-mill in which his father was interested, and here learned the rudiments of the art of cotton manufacture, in which he afterwards became so proficient. He continued with his father and brothers until his twenty-first year when he went to Willimantic to fit up and take charge of a cotton-mill. Having been called home by his father's last sickness, he ever after remained in his native town, and became identified with and most active in its growth and prosperity. The same year, 1831, he became an active member of the firm of P.

Whitin & Sons, which had beea formed in 1826, and in which he had had an interest from the first, and which was reorganized on the death of Colonel Paul Whitin. He had charge of the cotton manufacturing department, and in this he became an expert and an authority. He superintended the erection of the stone mill in Whitinsville in 1845, the enlargement of the North Uxbridge mill in 1847 and 1848, and the erection of the mill at Rockdale in 1856 and 1857. He had great interest in the improvement of the waterpower of the Mumford River, devising and building the reservoirs and dams, which have increased its steadiness and reliability so much.

Whenever his brother, John C. Whitin, who had charge of the machine shop, was absent, the care and responsibility of this devolved upon him, and he had the practical charge of the shop from April, 1860, to January, 1864, while his brother was engaged at Holyoke. When the firm of P. Whitin & Sons was dissolved, January 1, 1864, Mr. Whitin took the cottonmills in Whitinsville and East Douglas, and carried on the business of cotton manufacture in his own name, having associated his sons with him. In 1865 he built the mill at Linwood, with his brother, James F. Whitin, and in 1881 he purchased the mill in Saundersville.

In all his business life he was eminently a practical man, quick to discern what should be done and prompt to do it. He was thorough and faithful, so that all he did was well done. He was untiring in industry, aud though not physically rugged, especially in his younger year..", he had great power of endurance. He was also a man of most excellent judgment. In his special department of cotton manufacture, it may be doubted if he had a superior, and his judgment was often sought by others. He was ob.«ervant and careful of all details, conservative of what had done well in the i^ast, yet quick to see a real improvement and ready to adopt it. He was safely progressive as well as careful, aud therefore successful in business.

He was reared in a Christian home, and early yielded to religious influences, aud united with the church at Northbridge Centre on his eleventh birthday, August 6, 1820, and for sixty-five years he honored his profes->ion by a consistent Christian youth and manhood. He was identified with the church in Whitinsville from the first, in 1834, and ever gladly did much for its prosperity by personal effort and generous contribution. He was deeply and intelligently interested in the great missionary and benevolent agencies of our day, and was always a steady and liberal contributor to them.

He was thoughtful of the needs and interests of others, and ever ready to minister to their comfort and pleasure in many ways, often doing it iu ways unknown to the recipients of his bounty. He loved to be an unknown and unthanked benefactor. He was especially fond of children, and always had a kind

He united to a remarkable degree strength and tenderness, firmness and gentleness, vigor and delicacy. He was widely loved as well as respected. As a citizen he was ever studious of the best interests of the town and the State, and was ever ready to do his part to promote them. But he was never desirous of office, rather shunning publicity of service. He was selectman in 1852, and Representative of the district in 1859. At the time of his decease he was director of the Douglas Axe Company, and president of the Whitinsville National and Savings Bank. His great work was done in this home community, and it was well done. He was confined to the house but a few days, and fell asleep without pain to wake in life, August 29, 1887. A true man and a devout Christian.

Mr. Whitin married Miss Sarah J. Halliday October 21, 1834, who survived him with four sons, three of whom, Edward, William H. and Arthur F., were associated with him in business, and who still continue it. His son Lewis F. is in the commission business in New York. The only daughter, Helen L., married George L. Gibbs, of this place. She died on May 9, 1885.

His education was received in the schools of the town, and in the academies of Uxbridge, Leicester, Munsen and Amherst. On the completion of his schooling he went into the counting-room of the firm of P. Whitin & Sons. Soon the care of this department came to him, and he retained it until the firm was dissolved, January 1, 1864. In 1847 he became a member of the firm. When the firm was dissolved he took the cotton-mill at North Uxbridge. In 1866 he built, with his brother, Mr. Charles P. Whitin, the mill at Linwood, and has continued in the business of cotton manufacture until the present time.

He married, July 23, 1842, Miss Patience H. Saunders, of Grafton. A son, George M. Whitin, who was for several years thesuperintendent of the cotton-mill at North Uxbridge, died suddenly January 24, 1883. A son, Albert H., is the only child how living.

Paul Whitin Dudley, the son of Amasa and Ann (Fletcher) Dudley, was born April 3, 1817, in Amsterdam, N. Y. His parents had removed there some years before from Whitinsville, but soon after his birth returned to their old home. Mr. Dudley's childhood was spent in Whitinsville, in Sutton (Manchaug)and in Uxbridge. In these places, at the common schools and the academy at Uxbridge, he obtained his education. He went into his father's store in Uxbridge and learned the business of his life, that of a merchant. He continued with his father, and in the settlement of his business when he became unable to care for it himself, until he was twenty-nine, when he came to Whitinsville and took charge of the store of P. Whitin & Sons. He retained this charge until the firm wai dissolved in 1864, when he formed a partnership with Mr. Charles P. Whitin, to continue the same business under the firm-name of P. W. Dudley & Co. Mr. Dudley had the active management of the business until his death, July 1, 1872.

Mr. Dudley was a thorough business man, exact and methodical. He was untiring in industry. His perfect integrity and his ability inspired such confidence that he was often called to positions of trust in the town and in the church. He was chairman of the Board of Selectmen in the trying years of 1862, '63, '64 and '65, declining a re-election the next year. He was from the first a director of the National Bank. Individuals often called on him for help in their affairs, and he was most ready to assist. Though the calls outside of his business were so many, nothing was neglected, and his industry and method were such that nothing was half-done.

He was a benevolent man. Hating waste, he used his means most generously and conscientiously for every good cause and for individual u§ed. Not content with giving of his means, he gave personal service freely. Many can witness of these deeds of personal service, especially during and after the war, for soldiers and their families. Many of these deeds were known only to himself and those helped, and often not to them. No good cause or deserving person ever appealed to him in vain. He was deeply interested in everything ihat made for the public welfare, local and national. He was especially active and earnest in the temperance cause. At the time of his death he was president of the Worcester South Temperance Union and a member of the State Temperance Alliance. To this cause he gave freely of time and money.

He was a very conscientious man and never hesitated to obey the voice of duty, though it might be a most unpleasant task, and he did the most trjing of duties in such an honest and gentle way as to command the respect of those whom he might have to rebuke or antagonize. All knew and telt that there was not a trace of malice or harshness in the man.

He was a true and fiiithful Christian. He identified himself with the Village Congregational Church when he came to Whitinsville in 1846, and was always at hii post, and ever ready to do his full share and to make up, as far as possible, the lack of service by others. He was chosen deacon January 11, 1866, and continued in the office until his death. He was also superintendent of the Sabbath school for several years. In this office he gave due expression to his love for and great interest in children. Kind words and deeds for them were constant.

October 19, 1842, Mr. Dudley married Miss Sarah A. Tobey, of Worcester. She, with four children - three sons and a daughter - survives him. He was preparing to attend the Sabbath evening service when he was stricken by paralysis. He remained unconscious until his death, the next morning. Though cut down in mid-life, he was not called until he had done a good work for the community, for his family and for his Master.

JosiAH Lasell, the son of Chester and Nancy (Manning) Lasell, was born in Schoharie, N. Y., August 6, 1825. His parents were of Pilgrim extraction, and held and practiced the faith of their fiithers in its finest and sturdiest qualities. Here and amid such home influences Mr. Lasell spent his childhood. He fitted for college in his native place, and entered Williams College, where his brother Edward was professor of chemistry, in 1840. He studied law for a time at Schoharie; but his instincts and tastes for teaching drew him from the law as a profession. Yet, without doubt, those months spent in this study helped to prepare him for his busineirs career, which was to be his larger life-work. He first taught in the boys' school of Professor Piquet in Brooklyn, N. Y. ; then for several years in Spingler Institute, New York City, of which Jacob Abbott was the principal. In 1852 he and his brother-in-law, Professor G. W. Briggs, joined his brother. Professor Edward Lasell, of Williams College, who had projected and secured the incorporation of Lasell Seminary in Auburndale, in this State, in the enterprise of establishing a seminary of high grade for young ladies. A few months after they began the work Professor Lasell, the founder, died, and Mr. Josiah Lasell became joint principal with Professor Briggs, and continued in this work until 1860. June 5, 1855, he married Jane, the only daughter of Mr. John C. Whitin, of Whitinsville.

In 1860 Mr. Whitin called him to his assistance in the conduct of the machine works he had just purcha.sed at Holyoke, in this State. He remained in Holyoke until January, 1864, when Mr. Whitin, having sold the works, and having become sole proprietor of the Whitin Machine Works, Mr. Lasell came to Whitinsville to have the care of the books and accounts of the concern, and to render l\Ir. Whitin such assistance as he might need. When the Whitin Machine Works was incorporated in 1870, Mr. Lasell was made its treasurer, and he shared in the labors of the president, Mr. Whitin, and as the latter was obliged to lay a-<ide his work more and more, it devolved more and more on the treasurer, who relieved him almost entirely of the burden of the details of it.

At the death of Mr. Whitin, in 1882, Mr. Lasell was made president and he also retained the treasurership until January, 1886. It was largely by his inspiration and under his direction that the recent great enlargement of the works has been made.

As a teacher Mr. Lasell had rare qualities and great success. He had a true teacher's genius to awaken enthusiasm and to impart instruction to the aroused pupil. Many pupils will say, as one did to the writer many years ago, "No teacher ever did so much for me as did Mr. Josiah Lasell." And his work as a teacher is fittingly commemorated in the name of the institution, with whose early history and success he had such intimate connection.

As a business man he developed large capacity. Though not educated to business, bis well-trained mind grappled successfully with its problems. He took wide and far-reaching views of the varied forces affecting business interests, and knew and could state his reasons for his opinions. He believed in large developments yet before us, and formed his plans to provide for them. He was, too, the master of details, and had unusual capacity of accomplishing a great deal of work with seemingly slight effort. He was also able to see and appreciate the difficult and intricate mechanical questions connected with machinery.

He was called to varied offices of trust, as director of the Providence & Worcester and of the Rome & Watertown Railroads, director of the Whitinsville National and Savings Banks. And very many in a large circle of kindred and friends naturally looked to him for counsel, and never failed to find in his judicious advice the help they sought.

As a friend, hosts can testify how true, kind, considerate and ready with word and deed of help he was. Incapable of malice, he cherished the most charitable and kindly views even of those from whom he might differ or who had wronged him. Severe words were very rarely, if ever, spoken of any. Pleasant and cheery ones came easily from his lips and carried comfort to many hearts. As a citizen he took deep interest in all that concerned the country and the State and the community, and sought so to discharge his duties as should best help the public weal.

In early life he cherished the Christian hope, and made public profession of his allegiance to Christ. At Holyoke he was superintendent of the Sabbathschool and gave efficient help in the music of the worship. In Whitinsville he was a Sabbath-school teacher until he took charge of the choir, which he led for several years. His interest in the musical service of the house of God continued until the last, and the last evening of his life he sang with his wonted fervor in a praise service, and in a few hours passed into the life of praise, March 15, 1886, much mourned and much missed as a man, citizen and friend.

He left a widow and two sons, Chester W. and Josiah M., who continue in the business of their father, and two daughters, Catharine W. and Jennie L., the former of whom is the wife ol G. Marston Whitin, the treasurer of the Whitin Machine Works.

received bis education in the schools of the town and in the academy at Uxbridge. At seventeen he entered the machine-shop of P. Whitin & Sons as an apprentice. Here he developed his mechanical powers, from which so much of his success in life came. He continued in their employ until 1860 ; when, Mr. John C. Whitin having purchased the Holyoke MachineShop, Mr. Taft went to Holyoke to be superintendent of the works. He remained in this position until Mr. Whitin sold his interest in Holyoke, and took the machine shop in Whitinsville, on the dissolution of the firm of P. Whitin & Sons, January 1, 1864. Mr. Taft then became superintendent of the shop where he learned his trade, and he was identified with all its enlargements and the great growth of the business. To this great development he contributed much by his eminent abilities as an organizer of labor and a manager of men, and by his great mechanical skill exercised in the improvements in tools, greatly increasing their efficiency, and by his inventive skill. He made important improvements in cotton machinery, in cards, in spinning-frames and looms, many of which were very valuable. For some of these he obtained patents. His most valuable patent was for the " Whitin Gravity Spindle," the joint invention of himself and Mr. Henry Woodmancy. It was obtained July 18, 1882. A patent was also obtained for it in England, France, Germany and Holland, and it has been made and sold abroad and in the United States in great numbers. It is an important application of a new principle to the driving of the spindle, and greatly increases its producing capacity.

He ever had a deep interest in local and national affairs, though so engrossed in business that he could give but little time to any public affairs. But he was always ready to do his full share in contributing to any measures that would advance the interest of the community. In all personal relations he was eminently friendly ; ever ready to grant a favor, and in such a manner that one seeking it was made to feel that it gave him real pleasure to do it. And if he was constrained to refuse a request, it was so kindly done as to make manifest his regret that he must refuse. He remembered and helped the needy in an unostentatious way, hiding the hand whence the benefaction came. He was a firm believer in the protection of American industries, as best for workman and employer.

November 8, 1855, he married Miss Ruth L. Lamb, of Clinton, Me., who with six children survives him. His three sons are engaged in the same shop where his life-work was done. He had for years contended with a fatal disease, suffering much and knowing that he was liable to sudden death. But he kept at his work with great cheerfulness until very near the end, which came after a short confinement to the house -