John Capron facts for kids
John Willard Capron (born February 14, 1797, died December 25, 1878) was an important American figure from Uxbridge, Massachusetts. He was a military officer, a politician in his state, and a successful textile factory owner. He became well-known for making military uniforms and reached the rank of Colonel in the army. He also served as the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, which is like being the head of the town's local government.
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A Look at John Capron's Early Life
John Willard Capron was the son of John Capron, Sr., who was a soldier in the American Revolutionary War. John Capron, Sr. was born in 1756 and passed away in 1836.
John Willard Capron had an older brother named Effingham Capron. Effingham also became famous for his work in textile mills and later became a strong supporter of ending slavery. John Willard Capron grew up in Uxbridge and went to Uxbridge Academy. This school helped many important men get their start in the early 1800s.
The Capron Family's Roots
The Capron family in New England came from Banfield Capron, who moved from England to Massachusetts in the 1600s. Other members of this family also played important roles in American history. For example, Erastus Capron was a hero in the Mexican-American War. There is even a town called Capron, Illinois, named after General Horace Capron, who led soldiers in the American Civil War.
Building a Family Business
John Willard Capron worked with his father, John Sr., and his brother, Effingham, to build one of the first textile factories in the historic mill town of Uxbridge. The Capron Mill started around 1820. Later, the three Capron men became business partners.
This factory became known as the Capron Mill. John Capron, Sr., John W. Capron's father, chose a spot for the mill right on the Mumford River in the center of Uxbridge. The mill used the river's water power, which was a clean and renewable energy source.
Innovations at the Capron Mill
The Capron Mill was a very important place for America's Industrial Revolution. It is part of the historic Blackstone River Valley and a National Heritage Corridor. This mill was the first to use power looms for making woolen fabrics. These special power looms were made in Rhode Island and were reportedly the very first ones ever created for woolens.
The Capron Mill also made the first "satinet" fabric. Uxbridge became well-known for its Cashmere wool. The town of Uxbridge was like a "business incubator" for new ideas in the textile industry, including cashmere wool, satinets, and power looms.
John Willard Capron, his father, and his brother were true pioneers in American textile manufacturing. John Willard Capron also held many other jobs in the community. He was the Postmaster, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, and even served in the state government. His brother, Effingham Capron, became a famous leader in the movement to end slavery.
The Capron Mill's Role in U.S. History
The Capron Mill, started by John Capron Sr., became famous for making military uniforms. These uniforms were produced there from at least the American Civil War all the way through World War II. The mill even made "the first U.S. Air Force uniform," which was known as the "Uxbridge Blue."
During John Capron's time, the mills in Uxbridge, including the Capron Mill, worked day and night during the American Civil War to produce military uniforms. This mill later became the Bernat Mill, known for making yarns in the late 1900s. It was the third-largest yarn factory in the United States.
On July 21, 2007, a large fire almost completely destroyed this historic mill. However, the oldest part of the mill, the original Capron Mill (which was made of wood), was mostly saved by the hard work of 66 fire departments from two states. The fire burned about 400,000 square feet of the newer parts of the mill. The owners plan to rebuild it.
John Capron's Legacy
Colonel John W. Capron passed away on December 25, 1878, at the age of 81, in Uxbridge, Massachusetts.
Today, a historic place called "Capron Park" is located next to the Mumford River in Uxbridge center. This park honors Effingham Capron and his important work in the movement to end slavery. The Capron family, including John Capron Sr., his sons John Willard Capron and Effingham L. Capron, and their historic Capron Mill, were all very important in the textile industry of the United States. The Capron Park was officially dedicated in 2009 to celebrate Effingham Capron's contributions. The park is right across the street from the historic mill.
See also
- List of Registered Historic Places in Uxbridge, Massachusetts
- Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor
