| Notes |
- Rufus's father died while he was still a child. Self educated, he went to Utica, NY and directed the development of the Utica Steam Cotton Mills. In 1852 he settled in Central Falls, RI and purchased a controling interest in the old brick mill built in 1825. A short time before his death, he founded the Stafford Manufacturing Co.
taken from
History of Providence County
Rhode Island
edited by Richard M. Bayles
W.W. Preston & Co., New York 1891
Volume 2
under biographical sketches, Town of Lincoln page 472-3
Rufus Judson Stafford, manufacturer, son of Stukeley and Dezoy Stafford, was born in Uxbridge, Mass., December 6th, 1818. When a child his father died, and upon himself devolved the necessity of making his way through life and of securing his own education. His beginnings seem to have been fraught with hardships, yet he succeeded. He became an apprentice in a cotton factory, and here his natural talents, his habits of industry and faithfulness procured him advancement. After completing the work of the day he devoted his evenings to scientific and general reading and study, and was soon qualified for holding new positions. He subsequently went to Utica, NY. At that place he directed the putting into working order the Utica Steam Cotton Mills, the first establishment of the kind in that region.
In 1852 he settled in Cental Falls, which was ever after his home; purchasing a controlling interest in the old brick mill built in 1825, the largest in the place, in connection with H.B. Wood. After putting these mills in order he commenced the manufacture of cotton goods. Additions were made to the mill in 1860, and in 1862 the machinery was changed and he engaged in the manufacture of spool cotton. The discerning, industrious and energetic
man was apparent in all his work. As his business became eventually very prosperous it was transformed into a joint association and incorporated under the name of the Stafford Manufacturing Company, and became one of the most flourishing companies in Rhode Island. This event took place a short time prior to his death. At this time he was contemplating the manufacture of a six cord thread, but death intervened before the arrangements were consummated. In 1854 he built the Pawtucket Gas Works. He also wove the first hair cloth made in America by power looms, and being an ingenious machinist
devised important changes in the manufacture of hair cloth machinery, so that now the best cloth in the world of this kind is manufactured in this country.
Mr. Stafford was a man of fine personal appearance and noted for his uprightness, intelligence, kindness and benevolence. All looked upon him as a safe adviser and warm friend. He was a warm supporter of the Union during the late civil war, and very materially aided the cause in a pecuniary sense. Just before his death he became an earnest Christian. He was an attendant of the First Baptist Church, where his wife was a member.
He was twice married. His first wife was Catherine Wheelock, daughter of Simon Wheelock of Mendon, Mass. He had four children: Kate J., Sarah L., Andrew A., and Louisa W. His second wife was M.C.Taft, whose maiden name was M.C. Brown. Mr. Stafford died February 7th, 1864, aged 46 years. He was a prince among manufacturers and deservedly ranks as a representative man.
-- MERGED NOTE ------------
Rufus's father died while he was still a child. Self educated, he went to Utica, NY and directed the development of the Utica Steam Cotton Mills. In 1852 he settled in Central Falls, RI and purchased a controlling interest in the old brick mill built in 1825. A short time before his death, he founded the Stafford Manufacturing Co.
taken from
History of Providence County
Rhode Island
edited by Richard M. Bayles
W.W. Preston & Co., New York 1891
Volume 2
under biographical sketches, Town of Lincoln page 472-3
Rufus Judson Stafford, manufacturer, son of Stukeley and Dezoy Stafford, was born in Uxbridge, Mass., December 6th, 1818. When a child his father died, and upon himself devolved the necessity of making his way through life and of securing his own education. His beginnings seem to have been fraught with hardships, yet he succeeded. He became an apprentice in a cotton factory, and here his natural talents, his habits of industry and faithfulness procured him advancement. After completing the work of the day he devoted his evenings to scientific and general reading and study, and was soon qualified for holding new positions. He subsequently went to Utica,NY. At that place he directed the putting into working order the Utica Steam Cotton Mills, the first establishment of the kind in that region.
In 1852 he settled in Cental Falls, which was ever after his home; purchasing a controlling interest in the old brick mill built in1825, the largest in the place, in connection with H.B. Wood. After putting these mills in order he commenced the manufacture of cotton goods. Additions were made to the mill in 1860, and in 1862 the machinery was changed and he engaged in the manufacture of spool cotton. The discerning, industrious and energetic
man was apparent in all his work. As his business became eventually very prosperous it was transformed into a joint association and incorporated under the name of the Stafford Manufacturing Company, and became one of the most flourishing companies in Rhode Island. This event took place a short time prior to his death. At this time he was contemplating the manufacture of a six cord thread, but death intervened before the arrangements were consummated. In 1854 he built the Pawtucket Gas Works. He also wove the first hair cloth made in America by power looms, and being an ingenious machinist
devised important changes in the manufacture of hair cloth machinery,so that now the best cloth in the world of this kind is manufactured in this country.
Mr. Stafford was a man of fine personal appearance and noted for his uprightness, intelligence, kindness and benevolence. All looked upon him as a safe adviser and warm friend. He was a warm supporter of the Union during the late civil war, and very materially aided the cause in a pecuniary sense. Just before his death he became an earnest Christian. He was an attendant of the First Baptist Church, where his wife was a member.
He was twice married. His first wife was Catherine Wheelock,daughter of Simon Wheelock of Mendon, Mass. He had four children: Kate J., Sarah L., Andrew A., and Louisa W. His second wife was M.C. Taft,whose maiden name was M.C. Brown. Mr. Stafford died February 7th,1864, aged 46 years. He was a prince among manufacturers and deservedly ranks as a representative man.
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1818 - 1864 (45 years)
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