from
History of the State of Rhode Island with Illustrations
Albert J. Wright, Printer
No. 79 Mille Street, corner of Federal, Boston.
Hong, Wade & Co., Philadelphia
1878.
pp. 224 - 252. (part 40)
"Union Wadding Co. The early history of this manufactory is marked by
trials and disasters scarcely equaled in any of the manufacturing interests
in the town. It was the prey of several disastrous fires, and its early
founder, Mr. Darius Goff, met with many reverses in the establishment of
this now important branch of industry. These sad trials and
disappointments, however, only served to awaken a new energy, and the
fruits of his untiring perseverance have ripened into the present extensive
wadding-works, whose capacity is unrivalled by any like institution in
America. In 1860, a new firm was formed, consisting of the following-named
persons; viz., Darius Goff, John D. Cranston, Stephen Brownell, and Henry
A. Stearns. The latter-named gentleman had had practical experience in the
business, and was assigned to its charge. At this time they occupied a
small stone mill, and turned out only twelve hundred pounds daily.
The increase in business has necessitated the enlargement of their
building, and improvements have been made in the process of
manufacturing. In 1860, the company was incorporated, but retained the
title of the Union Wadding Co. They turn out between two and three hundred
bales of wadding or batting, daily, and, if the waste machinery were added,
the daily product would be materially increased. A three hundred
horse-power engine is in operation, and numerous labor-saving machines have
been added to facilitate the manufacture. The buildings are substantially
constructed, and well guarded against the dangers of fire or other accident.
Dunnell Print-Works. The business of coloring and printing cambrics and
calicoes, was but limited until the formation of the above
company. Several parties were early engaged in the business, especially
that of coloring, but not until the advent of the present extensive works
did the business of printing reach any degree of perfection. In 1833, Mr.
Sibley began the printing business, by the use of a machine, printing but
two colors. This establishment was known as the Franklin Print-Works,
until 1835. About this time, Mr. Jacob Dunnell, Thomas Dunnell, and
Nathaniel W. Brown formed a co-partnership under the firm-name of the
Dunnell Manufacturing Co. During their years of occupancy extensive
improvements have been made to their buildings, and also in the machinery
and process of printing. The commenced with but two machines, of two and
four colors; but, at present, they have in operation numerous machines
capable of printing ten colors on a single pattern. Their weekly
production, at present, is about fourteen hundred pieces of calico, and to
accomplish this some three hundred operatives are employed. This is,
undoubtedly, one of the largest institutions in the State, if not in the
United States."
continued in part 41.