posted 11-13-2016 01:14 PM            

Demise of the Founder of the Whiting Mfg. Co.

North Attleboro. Mass. Nov. 26.

The deceased gentleman was born in Attleboro in 1815 of poor parents. At the age of 14 years he was apprenticed to Draper & Tifft, jewelers. After learning his trade he continued with the firm one year. He worked for a time with other firms and soon acquired a reputation for sobriety and reliability and was offered the position as foreman for the late H. M. Richards. He accepted this position and went to Philadelphia with Mr. Richards. While in that city he started in business for himself; but the venture was not a success and in 1840 he returned to Attleboro.

With Albert C. Tifft, he formed the firm of Tifft & Whiting, with a cash capital of $500.

They started business in an unused blacksmith's shop, and eighteen months afterward built a two-story shop. In 1847 they built a part of the present Whiting building on Broad St , a stone structure, 90 feet long and 40 feet wide. By the year 1853 the business had so increased that 40 feet more were added to the building. At this time Mr. Whiting bought out Mr. Tifft’s interest, paying $90,000 for it.

Mr, Whiting then established a New York office and began the manufacture of silver combs and hairpins and added other silver work until this branch of business became very large and resulted in the organization of the Whiting Manufacturing Company, with William D. Whiting president, and a capital of $150,000 which was soon increased to $250,000.

posted 06-14-2017 08:02 PM            

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A large bronze tablet and memorial to the late William D. Whiting, has been placed in the Grace (Episcopal) Church, North Attleboro. It is a product of the Gorham Mfg. Co.

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