Memoirs of the Wilkinson Family in America, published 1869

Memoirs of the Wilkinson Family in America, 1869

Biography No. XXI — David Wilkinson, cont.

He was one of the earliest, fastest and most valued friends of Samuel Slater, and assisted him in the construction of the first machine ever made in America for spinning cotton by water power.

He was truly an unselfish man. He identified his own individual prosperity with the prosperity of the place in which he resided. In benefitting himself, he benefitted the community and vice versa. It has been said of Sir Christopher Wren, that if any one wished to see his monument, let him go into St. Paul's Cathedral, London, and look around. If any one wants to see the monument of David Wilkinson let him visit the place where he had lived, and look around.

He was particularly attentive to young men. If he saw one of ability and industry and good habits, he would notice and encourage him. And many a young man, by his fostering care, has acquired wealth and taken an elevated position in society. And he was hardly less happy than the young man.

He was good to the poor. I have often gone to him for the widow and the fatherless in their affliction, and he has opened his pocket-book, and said to me,—'Take what you want, and, if you find you have not enough, come and get more.' He enjoined it upon me to look after the needy, as he had not leisure to do so, and to call upon him for aid. I did as I was directed. I have repeatedly called upon him for means to help the destitute, and I never called in vain.

He was a mason. One of the founders of the Union Lodge, Pawtucket. For many years he was its generous and cordial supporter. He was always its firm and reliable friend. He understood well the principles of the fraternity. He looked beyond the external trappings and regalia. He saw and felt their moral significance. Hence he stood firm, when some quailed and fled before the storm of the Morgan excitement.

He was born and bred up in the faith of the Friends or Quakers, and always had a great respect for them. In mid life, he connected himself with the Episcopal Church. He was one of the principal founders of St. Paul's Church in the village of Pawtucket, and one of its largest supporters for years. He labored for its spiritual prosperity. He took a deep interest in the Sunday School connected with the church, visited it when it was in session, went from class to class and spoke a word of affection to teachers and scholars. He encouraged children to attend the Sunday School. I recollect during a season of hard times, there were some poor children that could not attend for want of comfortable apparel. He directed me to see them properly clothed on his account. I did so. This is but one item of what he did for the Sunday School. He was always willing and able to aid.

At Wilkinsonville, Sutton, Mass., where he had a large property, and there was no place for the public worship of God, he built a church and supported a minister, I believe, at his own expense.

When he removed from Pawtucket to Cohoes, [Albany Co.,] N. Y., he built a church and supported a minister mainly at his own expense. Wherever he located himself, his paramount concern was to have a house for the worship of God.

Although he was a decided churchman, he was no bigot. He loved all Christians and rejoiced at their prosperity. He was ever ready and willing to lend a helping hand to Christian communities that stood in need. The ate sic venerable Nicholas Brown, of Providence, spoke in terms of high commendation of his liberality to a poor Baptist Church. He gave the lot on which the Catholic church stands in the village of Pawtucket.

He was a true patriot. If he was now (1862) alive, his means, and influence, and hands and heart would be for the Union; and, if an old man were wanted as a sacrifice to lay upon the altar of his country, the victim would be ready."

David Wilkinson died at Caledonia Springs, in the County of Prescott, Canada West, on the 3d day of Feb. 1852, and his remains were brought to Pawtucket and entombed in the Family Vault.

Note.—The following is an extract from the report of the Senate Committee on Military Affairs—consisting of Rusk of Texas, Lewis Cass of Michigan, Jefferson Davis of Mississippi, John A. Dix of New York and Thomas Benton of Missouri:

"Appreciation of David Wilkinson
as an Inventor by Congress.

In Senate of the United States March 28, 1848. Mr. Rusk made the following report;— It appears that David Wilkinson, the petitioner, obtained in the year 1798, letters patent for the discovery of a machine for cutting iron, &c., called the guage sic or slide lathe. The inventor of this valuable improvement was, during the fourteen years to which the duration of his patent right was limited, occupied for the most part, in the manufacture of cannon for the navy, and perfecting the iron power loom which has contributed so much to our national wealth and prosperity. Owing to these circumstances, and, perhaps in part to the inattention to matters of detail which too often characterize men of genius, and ignorance of the requisitions of the law, the memorialist omitted to obtain in 1812, when his original patent expired, a renewal of the right, which, under the circumstances, would have been, without doubt, granted. Being thus left open to general use, an invention so vastly important in its character could not fail to be sought after, not only by the public at large, but also by the agents of the government engaged in the fabrication of arms of various descriptions; and hence we find that the guage sic and sliding lathe was early introduced and made use of in all the arsenals and armories of the United States. Of the great utility, or rather indispensableness of the machine, in turning and forming the various portions of fire-arms of different descriptions, the most conclusive evidence is found in the numerous communications from officers belonging to the ordinance department and others high in command, which accompany the petition, all of which go to show the vast saving of labor and expense which has been effected by its introduction. * * * In the case now under consideration, the committee find sic a most powerful and striking illustration of the force of American genius; but unfortunately, the country at large has been permitted to enjoy the advantages growing out of an invention, which, in the opinion of a distinguished machinist, has given to man, weak as he is, the power of the horse in propelling machinery and causing the hardest metals to yield to his skill, while the gifted individual to whom we are indebted for it, has failed to reap any adequate advantage from it. Through the agency of this invention, of which the memorialist is the true and undisputed author, the national government has been enabled to effect objects scarce obtainable by other means, or, if within their reach, not to be procured unless at a cost that can scarcely be calculated. If it be urged that the inventor might have secured to himself the benefits of his discovery, for a time at least, by applying at the proper period for a renewal of his patent, and that he has himself to blame for his failure to realize pecuniary from it, the answer is plain and conclusive. The fault of the petitioner, if any blame can attach to him, has been that he cared more for extending the field of human knowledge, and thus benefitting mankind, than for the comparatively secondary consideration of enriching himself. Again his failure to secure a renewal of his patent right, however injurious to himself, has been eminently beneficial to the world at large, and most especially to the government of his country, which, as the committee is informed, has at present in use nearly two hundred of these lathes in the public workshops, constructed at a cost much less than the sum would have been demanded by the original patentee, had he retained his exclusive privilege.

The Committee have sic bestowed much attention on the subject, and have sic been induced to adopt the opinion, that David Wilkinson, as the inventor of the guage sic and sliding lathe, the government, as well as the country at large, owes a debt of gratitude not to be easily estimated, and that the least that the government can do, is to manifest, however inadequately, by a pecuniary compensation, the sense entertained of the obligation under which the nation is placed.

Under these impressions, the Committee recommend sic the passage of the accompanying bill.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled.

That the Secretary of the Treasury be, and he hereby is authorized and required to cause to be paid to David Wilkinson the sum of $10,000, as a renumeration to him for the benefit acruing sic to the public service for the use of the principle of the guage sic and sliding lathe of which he was the inventor, now in use in the workshops of the government at the different national arsenals and armories."

This bill was passed in the Senate in June, and in the House of Representatives in August, 1848.

In conclusion we would say that David Wilkinson is entitled to the honor and credit of inventing two of the most important and useful machines in America, namely—

I. The Steamboat. (1793)
2. The Guage and Sliding Lathe. (1798)

Each of which has added as much to the national prosperity as any invention which American genius has produced. For these he is entitled to a nation's gratitude.

See p. 225.

Biography No. XXII — Morton S. Wilkinson

Morton S. Wilkinson was born in Skaneateles, Onaundaga sic Co., N. Y. Jan. 22, 1819; received an academical education, working occasionally upon his father's farm; in 1837 he removed to Illinois and was employed for two years upon the railroad works then commenced in that State; returned to his native town, studied law, and was admitted to the bar, after which he removed to the West again, and settled at Eaton Rapids in Michigan; in 1847 he settled in Minnesota, and in 1849, when that Territory was organized, he was elected to the Legislature, and the laws adopted by the Territory were of his drafting; and in 1859 he was chosen a Senator in Congress, from Minnesota, for the term ending in 1865, serving as Chairman of the committee in Revolutionary Claims, and as a member of the committee on Indian Affairs. He was also a delegate to the Baltimore Convention of 1864—Biographical Sketches of Congressmen by Charles Lanman.

See p. 235.

Biography No. XXIII — Pardon Whipple Wilkinson

Pardon Whipple Wilkinson, was born in Cumberland, R. I. Nov. 8, 1796. He was the son of George Wilkinson and Lydia Whipple his wife. His educational advantages were confined to the common schools which were frequently held in private homes. His father was a ship carpenter, and worked in Providence, Newport and Warren, R. I., Boston, Mass., Norwich, Ct., and other places. He was engaged nearly a year on the frigate Constitution, "Old Ironsides," when she was in the process of construction in Boston. It will be remembered that Com. Morris, a distant relative, was a Lieut. on board this Frigate during the fight with the Guerrier. About the year 1808, Mr. W. moved with his wife and family, into the state of Vermont, and engaged in agriculture. Missing his accustomed bowl of oysters, and other luxuries common to a seaport place, he determined to return to R. I., which he did, but again, within a short period, retraced his steps to Vermont. Pardon at this time was about thirteen or fourteen years of age, and aided his father on the farm, but in consequence of his aptness in the mechanical arts, he was frequently employed by his neighbors to make almost all kinds of household furniture. Without serving any apprenticeship he engaged in the mill-wright business, and in 1821, erected the first saw-mill on his father's farm in the town of Ira, which is in good running order at the present time.

At the age of twenty-six he was married by the Rev. Lyman Glazier to Cynthia Mason, daughter of Isaiah and Sophia Mason of Ira, being one of the first settlers in Vermont. For the first few years the new married couple kept house at his father's residence, and Mr. W. engaged in the mill-wright business in different parts of the country—at Bennington, Rutland, Troy, and other places. He soon became well known, and had all the business he could do, and was always successful in his engagements. The industrial enterprise of the State is manifested by the numerous saw-mills, grist-mills, paper-mills, marble-mills, furnaces, &c., scattered through its valleys, and no man built more of them than Mr. W.

In 1829, he purchased a farm of about one hundred acres, which was subsequently increased to two hundred, lying in one of the most romantic and beautifully sic valleys in the state of Vermont. Nature here is lavish with her beauties, and presents some of the most picturesque scenery in the world. The far-famed Green Mountains send up their towering peaks which trend away in the distance till the clouds cap their summits, and hide their heads from view. To the east, and to the west, these colonaded peaks appear, and as you come up the valley from the south, Herrick mountain _____ feet high rises directly across your path and seems to bar all further advance. Nestled at the southern base of this majestic peak was the house of George Wilkinson, and about one-fourth of a mile in a southerly direction, is the residence of Pardon W. The scenery from the top of Herrick Mountain is magnificent and beautiful beyond the power of words to describe. Away to the north is Lake Champlain dotted with islands, and flecked with white sails,—to the east, and north-east the towering peaks and long range of the Green Mountains prosper,—while southerly, nestled at your feet, lies one of the sweetest smiling valleys this side of the vale of Tempe. It is nothing strange that some of our most distinguished artists resort here in summer to gather fresh beauties for their canvass.

Though the owner of a farm Mr. W. found it more profitable to rent it, and work at his trade. Vermont is not altogether a grain producing state,—her staples being wool, maple sugar, and marble. Some of the finest sheep in America are raised here, and as to marble—Italy only excels her; and, it is said, the state of Louisiana does not produce more sugar than the Green Mountain state. Previous to his marriage, Mr. W. was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he has held without intermission—with the exception of a single term—for a period of forty years. He has been selectman—overseer of the poor—assessor, &c., at various times. 1835, he was elected a member of the Legislature, being a Whig nominee, and having a free and easy time in the election, there being no particular opposition to his serving as a Representative of the people. The chief object of contention during this session was a bill for a canal from Whitehall to Rutland,—the bill passed but the canal was never built, a railroad taking its place a few years after. He was re-elected to the Legislature several times, and performed his duty faithfully and to the general satisfaction of his constituents. During his younger days he was frequently solicited to accept the offices and honors of the military service, but always declined them, being a man of peace.

Mr. W. has always freely contributed to support the Baptist church, to which his wife belonged, and has always been a firm supporter of good schools. Formerly in Vermont the law required one-half of the expense of the schools to be paid on the grand list, and the remaining half by the individuals who sent sic to school, but now the whole is put upon the grand list, and made a tax upon the property, and although he has educated his own under the old system, and his tax at present to educate the children of others is more than ever,—still he raises no objection if the children are only kept in school. He is a firm supporter of the free school system, and believes, that upon the intelligence of the people rests the perpetuity of publican institutions. During the Great Rebellion he took a firm stand on the side of the Union, and heartily supported the administration of Abraham Lincoln.

Mr. W. was living at Ira, Vt., in 1866 at the advanced age of seventy, retaining his intellectual and physical powers with unabated vigor. The author has grateful recollections of the hospitality, and aid, extended to him while collecting materials for this work in Vermont.

See p. 227.

Biography No. XXIV — Charles DeWitt Clinton Wilkinson

Clinton DeWitt Clinton Wilkinson, Comedian. This gentleman was born in Plainfield, [Windham Co.,] Conn. April 21st, 1830. He received a liberal education, and was intended for a physician, but not liking pills and potions, determined on a mercantile life. It may be well to say here, that he was, during his "babyhood," known by the illustrious cognomen of John, but his father being a somewhat erratic individual, concluded as he had no fortune to bestow on this boy, he would make up the deficiency in name, so he was henceforth to be known as "DeWitt Clinton," so the father thought; but as will be seen, was doomed to disappointment, for he has made a name for himself, and is known from Maine to Georgia as "Charlie Wilkinson." His early life was similar to that of "other boys," and at the age of 18, we find him fairly started on the great mercantile sea, the principal book-keeper in a large establishment in Providence, R. I., where he remained for three years. While here he became acquainted with several members of the theatrical profession, who advised him to try his fortune on the stage. In 1850, Dec. 10, he made his "first appearance" in Worcester, Mass., and was successful. Like all young aspirants for fame, he aspired to "tragedy" but the audiences would laugh at his tragic endeavors, which induced him to confine his efforts exclusively to comedy, and his first regular engagement was at Troy, N. Y. Here he attracted attention of the celebrated New England manager, George Wyatt, who made him such offers to travel with him, that he could not refuse; so in 1852, we find him the most popular young comedian of the day. He remained three years with Mr. Wyatt, and many a time has he sold tickets, led the orchestra (he being a good musician) and played his parts, all on the same night. Mr. Wyatt was also, a celebrated comic actor, his particular forte being "old men" and many very funny stories are told throughout New England to-day, showing the eccentricities of this favorite comic couple. The death of Mr. Wyatt, caused the subject of our sketch to look elsewhere, and probably changed the whole course of his future life.

In July, 1853, he married Miss Sarah E. Fogal, a beautiful girl of only fifteen summers at Bridgeport, [Fairfield Co.,] Conn., by whom he had one child, a bright and beautiful boy—(Frank Marshall Wilkinson). The marriage proved an unhappy one for Mr. W. and after two years litigation in the Courts of Connecticut, the parties were divorced, the father retaining the child. This was another blow for him, but he immediately redoubled his exertions, and from that to the present, has been continually at work with varied success.

He has traveled every state in the Union—playing in all the principal theaters throughout the country. He has been engaged in all sorts of speculations, as manager and proprietor, agent, actor and author. Nothing comes amiss to him. He possesses the great characteristic of the family—a roving disposition. He will never be rich, neither will he be poor. He is an ardent lover of his profession and an ornament to it. He has considered himself an "outsider" so far as family goes, nearly all being opposed to his profession, but independence has been his motto, and he has never been known to ask aid from any man. He is strictly temperate, and consciencious sic in all his dealings. As an artist he holds a position in the front rank, and his services are always in demand. He possesses an unlimited fund of comic humor, which has brought him safely through many an emergency; as he can when he chooses, give an entire entertainment alone and unaided. He has twice been penniless, once in the panic of 1857, when he was manager of the Worcester Theatre,—but he did not long remain so, for he immediately arranged an "Entertainment" and traveled through Massachusetts "showing" himself at fifteen cents a ticket; his show was in Webster, twelve miles from home, and he cleared above all expenses $8.00. This gave him capital again, and he says was the "biggest $8.00 he ever saw." He has a way of "getting out of a scrape" peculiar to himself. Like most true Yankees, you never know he is in trouble till he is out of it. We are able to say, that socially Mr. W. is a kind and generous man, no needy person ever leaves him empty-handed. He is "quick to serve and slow to injure," especially those of his own calling. His zeal often leads him into discussion in regard to his profession, and unless his opposer is extra posted, he is glad to withdraw in a brief space of time. As will be seen Mr. W. is now in the prime of life, and bids fair to reach a good old age, and the acme of his profession.

See p. 268.

Biography No. XXV — Joseph Brownell Wilkinson

Joseph Brownell Wilkinson, son of Almadus and Margaret (Magee) Wilkinson was born in Scituate, R. I. Oct. 7, 1818, near the birth place of the distinguished Stephen Hopkins. His parents, at the time of his birth, were residing on the premises originally taken up by the first Joseph Wilkinson, one of the first settlers of Scituate. The old homestead, consisting of a farm and tavern stand, which had been in the possession of the Wilkinson's for one hundred and twenty years, was sold in 1820, and the family moved to Hemlock, in the town of Foster. Here Mr. W. continued the hotel business about two years, when he purchased a farm at "Round's Hill," where he removed in the spring of 1822. At this place Joseph passed ten years of his life, aiding his father on the farm, and attending school winters, and, as he says,—"with poor success in learning,"—and this must be the confession of multitudes of men, when they look back upon their school going days, and observe the manner the intervals of study were filled up with the sports of youth. In 1832, Mr. W. moved his family to Providence, and resumed tavern-keeping on Christian Hill. Joseph was now fourteen years of age, and by his persevering industry and devotion to business, was of great help to his father. George, an older brother, having left home, Joseph found his labors somewhat increased, and greater responsibilities resting upon him, as the entire business of the hotel now devolved upon him and his father. He took charge of the barn which frequently had fify yoke of oxen and one hundred horses—for in that day, when railroads were almost entirely unknown, a hotel in a city like Providence was a small affair, if it did not frequently contain this number of oxen and horses. For the convenience of waiting upon arrivals in the night, Joseph slept in a "bunk" in the bar-room, where his slumbers were far from being "sweet and unbroken." Notwithstanding these multiplied duties, and the constant draft made upon him night and day, he found time to engage in speculations for his own benefit, and with the consent and aid of his father, bought and sold wood, delivering it in small parcels about town, much to the convenience of his customers, and with no inconsiderable benefit to himself. Here we see the business talent which has characterized him during a long and successful engagement in mercantile pursuits, and the saying that—"the child is the father of the man" was never more truthfully illustrated. "At the age of sixteen," he says, "I began to realize for the first time the want of an education, and resolved with the approval of my father and mother to attend school.["]

The school he selected was taught by a Mr. Wainwright, and he continued under the instruction of this worthy gentleman about three months when Mr. Wainwright died. This proved to be his last school, as he immediately thereafter, with the consent of his parents and the assistance of his sister Mary Ann, made arrangements with Westcott Handy of Providence to learn the tailor's trade. He agreed to serve two years for the inconsiderable compensation for his board the last year. Here he was initiated into all the mysteries of the trade, and at the expiration of the term of his apprenticeship, Mr. H. being involved, it was deemed advisable by him to secure his apprentice's services, and arrangements were made to that effect. However, after a few months Mr. H. found it impossible to continue business, and—giving his goods into the hands of his creditors—made an honorable settlement.

Finding himself suddenly out of employment, with only sixty dollars saved from his earnings, Joseph resolved to commence business on his own account. He was now ninteen sic years of age, and having no rich relatives to aid him, he realized his success in life depended upon his own exertions, and he boldly launched his little bark upon the stormy sea of mercantile enterprise. He opened a small store on Christian Hill, and, having secured an limited credit at Hutchings and Ingalls with the guarantee of his father for one hundred dollars,—he secured the services of a few apprentice girls working for other shops, and resolutely and perseveringly applied himself to make this first effort a success. At the expiration of five months he took an account of stock—footed up the cash book,—and the balance sheet exhibited a net gain of four hundred dollars! Encouraged by his success he engaged more extensively in his business and by perseverence and rigid economy he found his efforts rewarded by the most gratifying results. It was a rule with him to meet every demand promptly at the time agreed, and by so doing he secured the confidence of all with whom he dealt, and acquired a reputation and credit unusual for a youth of his limited means.

About this time his father died, and the care of a family to a certain extent devolved upon him. He was always dutiful to his widowed mother, and entertained for her the fondest affection.

In 1837, he removed his business to 69 Westminster St., and associated Daniel C. Eaton with him, and continued business under the firm name of "Wilkinson & Eaton." At the expiration of the year a dissolution was affected, Mr. Wilkinson retaining the store with a small profit to himself. In 1839, he removed to North Main St. and continued the custom tailoring business.

In 1840, the question of universal suffrage was agitated in the state of R. I. The old charter granted by the King of England, which recognized property qualification in voters, had been the basis of government, and the masses of the people were not permitted to participate in the elective franchise. Thomas W. Dorr, a highly respected citizen of Providence took a prominent part in this popular move and was elected Governor by the people. The move was strongly opposed by the "Law and Order" party, and this struggle has passed into history as the "Dorr Rebellion." Mr. Wilkinson took an active part in favor of Gov. Dorr, and was a zealous supporter of the reform. He held a commission in the ancient and honorable train of Artillery, and had the honor of commanding said company in doing escort on the arrival of Gov. Dorr from Washington. On this occasion it was expected by some, and perhaps, by Dorr himself, that forcible means would be used in taking possession of the Armory and State House, and that he should be established in the gubernatorial chair vi et armis, at the risk of blood and life. Wilkinson, although anxious to secure the same object, was not in favor of shedding blood, and presented himself at the depot without the guns. Dorr seemed disappointed, but after a moment's reflection, requested Wilkinson to form in line and march to the Armory. The order was obeyed, and the Armory taken possession of without opposition.

The subsequent defeat of Dorr's plans and mortification of his friends contributed in no small degree to influence Mr. Wilkinson to find another field of labor, and a home more congenial to his feelings and sentiments, and having through the influence of one of the Judges secured a pass, left the State. By mere accident "Democrat Troy," N. Y. was selected as his future home. In 1842 he and his brother George jointly contributing a cash capital of $2500 opened a ready-made clothing store, 169 River Street, and commenced business, notwithstanding the predictions of failure from many false prophets in that vicinity. It was a new enterprise—there being no clothing store in Troy at that time, and no one could predict the result, but, fully realizing "resolution is omnipotent," and that devotion to business, and sound judgment in traffic seldom fail, they stemmed the tide of opposition, and their experiment proved a success. Within a few years they had secured a large and prosperous patronage, and had acquired the enviable distinction of being first-class business men. "They not only succeeded," says a writer in the Albany County Democrat,—"but induced others to try their success in the same line of business, so that at this time (1866) there is not a business street in the city that one or more of these establishments are not to be found, doing a large and prosperous business, monopolizing almost the entire of this class of business, cheapening the cost of clothing to an extent that has secured not only the patronage of the city, but of the surrounding country. These establishments are an advantage to the city as they enable any one to supply his wants without delay, and at a rate greatly below what you have to pay at custom shops in the city, and just as good and fashionable as they can furnish you. It is remarkable the extent of these establishments which have grown up under their success, who were the first to establish them. They may be considered the founders of them." "After about eight years close application to business, Joseph B. Wilkinson retired from the Troy establishment, and opened a like establishment in the city of New York, leaving his brother George P. to continue the business in Troy on his own account. Finding that the prospect of a speedy acquisition of wealth in that business in the city of New York did not meet his expectations, or come up to the standard of the city of Troy, he connected with that business a speculation in real estate, and was in the full tide of successful experiment in this line of business when his brother George P. died. Feeling it his duty to return to Troy, to aid in closing up his brother's affairs, and ascertaining the success that had crowned his efforts, he purchased the interest of his brother's heirs and continued the business on his own account,—holding on to his unsold real estate purchases, out which subsequent sales, he has realized satisfactory gains. It is represented to us by those who profess to know his pecuniary condition, that he could retire from business in the city at once, with an estate of over one hundred thousand dollars. So much for Rhode Island industry, economy and devotion to business."