My Genealogy Hound

ARLIN V. STEVENS, of Cummington, prosperously engaged in the manufacture of brush handles, is a native of Worthington, Mass., born June 15, 1854, son of Nathan S. and Sybil (Cowing) Stevens.

Nathan S. Stevens was also born in Worthington, and spent his early years in that town. When a young man, he was employed as porter at the Warner House in Northampton. He had been there but a short time when he was given an opportunity to learn the trade of a machinist. He availed of it, and served an apprenticeship with his brother Aaron. In 1834 the two went to Worthington, and built a saw-mill and factory, where they established a good wood-working business, manufacturing sieve rims and other kinds of bent wood-work until 1860. He then came to Cummington, purchased the old Hayden cotton-mills, fitted them up with new machinery, and began the manufacture of pen-holders and cedar brush handles. In company with a Mr. Rhodes, he also engaged in the manufacture of the Diamond Grit Scythe Stones, the material for which was quarried in the rough, and then converted into merchantable shape. This industry was carried on successfully for five years. In 1874 he took his two sons, Arthur S. and Arlin V., as partners, and extended the scope of the wood-working business, adding new machinery, much of which was invented by himself. At that time their factory was the leading one of its kind in this country. On February 23, 1883, the mill was destroyed by fire. A new one was ready for occupancy by the 15th of April following; and business was soon again in progress, although for a time they were obliged to set up a saw to cut the timber out of doors. From 1884 to 1887 they also engaged in the manufacture of the New York lead pencil, turning out on an average about one hundred gross per day.

Mr. Stevens died in June, 1889. His wife bore him two sons, namely: Arthur S., who died in 1884; and Arlin V., the subject of this sketch.

Arlin V. Stevens acquired a good practical education in the district school and at Wilbraham Academy. He then worked for three years as clerk in the hardware store of W. E. Thayer, of Williamsburg. He next went to Chicago, Ill., where he was employed as a salesman for the furnishing-goods department of Field & Lyter. He did not remain there long; and in 1874 he came to Cummington, Mass., and went into business with his father. His brother, Arthur, was also interested in the business; and at the latter’s death he bought his interest. After his father’s decease he came into full control, and is still conducting the business, which has been one of steady growth. Like his father, he is inventive; and some of the most valuable machines employed in the work are creations of his brain. There are ten machines used in the manufacture of handles; and they turn out about two hundred and fifty gross per day, the larger part being varnish and paint brush handles of all grades. He employs forty people in the different departments, and uses annually about three hundred thousand feet of native lumber and about two hundred thousand feet of Florida cedar. He also owns a farm, and now has three fine horses that were raised there.

His marriage to Miss H. Imogene Pettingill was performed on February 6, 1878. She is a daughter of Aldin F. and Zeruiah (Shaw) Pettingill. Six children have come of the union, namely: Winifred S., born November 13, 1878, who is attending the high school at Medford, Mass.; Anne V.; Margery S.; C. Ashley; Leon A.; and Ruth W.

Mr. Stevens is a supporter of Republican principles, and he has served as Treasurer of his town for several years. He was elected Representative of Second Hampshire County District to the General Court, November 5, 1895, receiving about eighty-five per cent, of the entire votes cast in the district. He and his family reside at their fine residence on Main Street, which was formerly known as the Vining Home.