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 36)
"Lebanon Mill Company. This factory occupies a site on the main land, near
that upon which once stood the early mill erected by one Deacon Kent. The
original mill was used at first as a grist and saw mill, and was located on
a small island. In 1812, or during the second war with England, it was
converted into a cotton-mill. Deacon Kent's sons succeeded him in
business, and continued the manufacture of yarns, which were sent through
the country to be used in the manufacture of carpets. Other parties
occupied the old mill, from time to time, until at a later period, when it
took fire and was destroyed. The new mill was erected on the main land, in
1859-60, and was occupied successively by R. B. Gage & Co., Alanson Thayer
& Son, and upon the death of Mr. Thayer, his son succeeded to the business,
and gave to it the title it now bears.
The mill contains sixty-three hundred or more spindles, and is engaged in
the manufacture of all kinds of yarns, twines, and threads. He occupied
the old Slater mill, and operates fourteen hundred and seventy-two spindles
and employs some twenty-five hands. The original lock used upon the door
of the old mill is still preserved, and may be seen in the office. It is a
clumsy affair, much unlike our modern door-fastenings, and yet is a
curiosity and commands admiration from its antiquity.
Ingrahamville Mill. This mill is located on the Pawtucket River, about one
mile below the village of Pawtucket. It is run in the manufacture of
cotton or hosiery yarn, and contains over two thousand spindles, and
employs about twenty hands. Water and steam-power are both used, as
necessity requires. The building is of brick, 104 x 42 feet, and three
stories high, with basement. Four dwellings, with a capacity for eleven
families, are connected with the establishment. The mill was built in
1827, by David Wilkinson and others, who ran it as a cotton manufactory
until 1829, when they went down in the general wreck of business. Dwight
Ingraham purchased the property, which subsequently passed into the
possession of his father, Elijah Ingraham, from whom it derived its present
name.
In 1848, Samuel Lord occupied one story, as a calico-engraver. In 1852, a
company was formed, under the name of Ingraham & Leckie, who purchased the
mill and ran it until 1857, when Mr. Hugh Leckie purchased the machinery,
and subsequently the real estate. Previous to 1852, however, the mill was
changed from cotton cloth to a yarn-mill. Mr. Leckie is the present owner
of the property, but it is operated by his son, Mr. John W. Leckie."
continued in part 37.