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

132 History of Swansea
the place of his father in Rehoboth. This experiment satisfied
those who afterward became associated with him of his rare
genius; and in 1806, they built a small mill in Swansea and
placed therein some two to three hundred spindles.
In the year 1809, our friend with others owning water
power in Rehoboth, commenced and carried forward the
manufacturing of cotton, but, not finding that place capacious
enough for his strength of mind and ambition, in the year
1813, removed from Rehoboth to Fall River, then called Troy,
where in company with some of the residents of the town who
were owners of water power and others from adjoining towns;
they commenced in the name of the Fall River Manufacturing
Co., the manufacture of cotton.
Mr. Wheeler was principal in the oversight in building the
mill and dam. He also built all the machinery for spinning and
operated in the mill. He was one of those rare geniuses who
could build a mill and the machinery to manufacture cotton
cloth, and operate it. In this mill the first yarn was spun, the
first cotton picker built, and the first yard of cotton woven in
said town by water power—all with the exception of the looms
(which were made by Wheaton Bailey and John Orswell) were
made by Mr. Wheeler.
He with his workmen forged his machinery by the use of
a triphammer in a shop near where the GRANITE BLOCK
now stands.
Swansea Agricultural Library Association
The Swansea Agricultural Library Association was organized
in January 1866, comprising many of the leading farmers,
and others who were interested in farming ; and it established
and maintained an agricultural library. In the Autumn of 1873,
the Association built and furnished a Hall, in which to hold
its meetings, located on the land of James E. Easterbrooks,
one of its active members, at *' Luther's Corners," now more
generally known as Swansea Centre. The organization disbanded
in 1902, and donated its books to the Free Public
Library.
Swansea Grange, No. 148.
The Swansea Grange, No. 148, was first organized Jan.
13, 1888; but, after a while suspended its activities. It was