My Genealogy Hound

THE SWIFT RIVER COMPANY of Enfield, well known throughout the United States as manufacturers of a fine quality of fancy cassimeres and silk mixtures, dates back to the year 1821, when the firm, under the title of D. & A. Smith, began in a small way the manufacture of cotton goods. Fifteen years later, in 1836, the factory was destroyed by fire, but was immediately rebuilt. The firm, which then consisted of Alfred, David, and Alvin Smith, continued to carry on the enterprise until 1852, when they were joined by Edward Smith, and the present company was organized. Each year the plant was increased in size, and new improvements were introduced. Finally, in 1862, the mill was enlarged to double its former capacity. The old cotton and satinet machinery was removed, and in its place there were set up eight sets of machinery for the manufacture of fancy cassimeres. The mill is supplied with both steam and water power, and is kept in operation the entire year round. It is the leading enterprise of the village of Smiths, furnishing employment to about one hundred and twenty-five people. The present members of the firm are Edward P. Smith and his brother, Henry M. Smith, the former holding the position of President and Treasurer and the latter that of General Manager and Agent of the company.

Edward Smith, the father of Edward P. and Henry M. Smith, was born in the town of Granby, this county, and lived there on a farm until he was twenty-five years old. He then went to Holyoke, where he conducted a small cotton-mill for a time; and he and his brothers acquired possession of the entire water privilege of Holyoke, and held it up to 1847. After that he was engaged in various enterprises until 1852, when he became identified with the Swift River Company. His connection with that firm continued until his death, in April, 1891, eighty-six years of age. He was an old-time Whig, and later became a stanch Republican. He was very active in political matters, and served one term as a member of the State legislature. During many years of his life he was an active worker in the Congregational church and a liberal contributor for both church and educational purposes. In the course of one year he gave twenty-five thousand dollars to five different colleges. He married Eliza Smith, of Granby. They have two sons by the marriage and two by adoption. The former are: Edward P., born in Granby, Mass., September 3, 1833; and Henry M., also a native of Granby, born August 20, 1835.

Edward P. Smith, the senior member of the Swift River Company, completed his early education in the academy at Easthampton, after which he entered Yale College. He was married in 1856 to Miss Charlotte J. Woods, of Enfield. They have no children. In politics he is a Republican; and, while betakes much interest in his town, and has served one term as Selectman, he is to-day far too busy a man to accept office. His residence, which lies between the two villages of Enfield and Smiths, is one of the finest in the district; and a prettier view than that which surrounds his home would be hard to find in Hampshire County.

Henry M. Smith completed his education at Williston Seminary. He was then employed for two years in a store in South Hadley, after which he came to Enfield, and went to work in the mill of which he and his brother are now the owners. In November, 1860, he was united in marriage with Miss Loraine P. Andrews, of Enfield, who has borne him an interesting family of two sons and a daughter: Marion A., Alfred W., and Edward. Like his brother, he is a stanch Republican and one of the most influential citizens of Enfield. He has served as Selectman and in other offices. They reside in the elegant residence recently erected above the village of Smiths, surrounded by luxury of the extent and character consistent with a cultured taste.