History of Swansea, Massachusetts, 1667-1917; - citizen hylbom blog

Historical Address 89
persevering man. He was unaflPected, original in his character,
simple in his tastes and habits, always genial and hospitable.
In his death the community lost an enterprising, honest and
eminent citizen.
Other Manufactures
Richard Chase began the manufacture of shoes here in
1796, and pursued the business for nearly fifty years, employing
more people than any other man in town except Mr. Barney.
Other industries have been pursued in a small way, such
as the making of paper and the manufacture of cotton, which
last industry was commenced at Swansea Factory in the year
1806 by Oliver Chace, and it was also carried on at a small mill
at what is now Swansea Dye Works; cotton was carded and
spun, and the yarn sent out to be woven into cloth by farmers'
wives and daughters, as was the case in all cotton manufactories
in those days.
All these early industries, with others of which I cannot
now speak, have passed away.
Post Offices
The first post-office in Swansea was established on the
first day of July, 1800. Mr. Reuben Chace was appointed
post-master. He opened an office at his dweUing-house, for
many years known as "The Buttonwood," some three quarters
of a mile west of Swansea village.
On the 17th day of June, 1814, Mr. John Mason was
appointed post-master, and he removed the office to the
village, where it has since been located. Mr. Mason continued
in office until the 12th day of June, 1849, when Mr. John A.
Wood was appointed post-master, who retained the office
until the sixth day of June, 1853, when Mr. John Mason was
again appointed, and who remained in office until the 23d day
of March, 1864, when Mr. John A. Wood was reinstated as
post-master. Mr. Wood held the office until the 18th day of
June, 1867, when his son, Mr. Henry 0. Wood, was appointed
his successor. Mr. Henry O. Wood served as post-master for
twenty years, having resigned on the 24th day of May, 1887,
when Mr. Lewis S. Gray was appointed. The present postmaster,
Miss Fanny E. Wood, has served 21 years.
A post-office designated " Barneyville" was estabhshed
at North Swansea, and Mr. Mason Barney appointed the first