Lincoln, Rhode Island, USA (Albion) (Manville) (Fairlawn) (Lonsdale) (Saylesville)
1878 - Albion

Albion. Oziel Wilkinson had a forge here long before the dam was built, situated upon Muzzy Brook, and near its junction with the Blackstone. This fact, no doubt, influenced Abraham and Isaac Wilkinson to build here, in 1822, having previously purchased the land (some thirty acres) of Daniel Hill, and fifteen acres more of Jonathan Carpenter, on the Cumberland side. In the above year they built the fine stone mill, a four-story structure, 108 x 40 feet. They operated 75 looms, and leased to Harris & Co. one third of the power, who operated 35 looms on sheetings. In 1829, the property passed into the hands of George Wilkinson, a son of Abraham, who immediately built a new mill, 40 x 60 feet, in which he operated 50 looms in the manufacture of sheetings. He also built another mill, near where the Providence and Worcester Railroad station now stands. This mill was 35 x 60 feet.

In 1834, the estate was purchased by Waldo & Co. of New York, from whom it was purchased by the Albion Company, in 1834. This firm was composed of Christopher, William, and Robert Rhodes of Pawtuxet, and Orrin Taft and Thomas Trysdall of Providence. In 1835, they purchased the Harris interest. They leased the mill last built by Wilkinson, to Ingraham and Whitney Haden of Albion, and Charles Moies of Central Falls, who operated it until it was destroyed by fire in 1836. The other mill is now used as a store-house. The company now run one hundred and fifty-five looms. In 1849, they were running two hundred and fifty looms on print-goods. During this time, Taft sold his share to William A. Howard, who sold his share to Harvey and Samuel B. Chace of Valley Falls, who afterwards bought out the remaining partners, and organized under a charter form the General Assembly, obtained May, 1856, as the Albion Company. The property is now owned by Harvey Chace and others, Samuel B. Chace having withdrawn from the firm.

In 1861, a brick mill was built on to the stone mill, a structure five stories high, 50 x 118 feet, and extended it 100 feet in 1874, so that now the company run 27,000 spindles. In connection with the mill, they have large and ample buildings to accommodate the demands of their truly gigantic business. The privilege is one of the most powerful on the stream, having a fall of twelve feet. The mill is operated by two turbine-wheels of one hundred and fifty horse-power each, and a smaller wheel of eighty horse-power, of a different pattern. Mr. Waterman F. Brown has been superintendent since 1873. The mills produce 130,000 yards of print-goods weekly, and employ three hundred and twenty hands.


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.
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