John Capron - Family Business

Family Business

John Willard Capron helped his father John, Sr. and his brother Effingham, to establish one of the earliest textile mills in the historic mill town of Uxbridge. The Carpon Mill was started by John, John W. and Effingham's father, circa 1820. The three Capron men later entered into a partnership for the business. The mill became known as the Capron Mill. John Capron, Sr., John W. Capron's father, sited the mill on the Mumford River, in the town center, also known as Uxbridge center. The mill used water power from the river, a renewable source of power. John Capron had purchased the Colonel Seth Read estate, and water mill on the Mumford River when he first came to Uxbridge around 1790. Colonel John Capron, John Sr.'s son, was a prominent citizen in this community. The community is known for some of the earliest beginnings of America's Industrial Revolution. It is part of the historic Blackstone River Valley and National Heritage Corridor of the National Park Service. The mill was the first mill to use power looms for the woolen industry. The first power looms for woolens were introduced at the Capron Mills. These were made in a machine shop at Cumberland, Rhode Island. These were reportedly the first power looms ever made for woolens. The first manufacture of "satinet" was at this mill. Uxbridge became famous for its Cashmere wool. The town of Uxbridge was a business incubator for the cashmere wool industry, satinets, and power looms in the textile industry of America. Effingham Capron, John Capron Sr. and Colonel John W. Capron were pioneers in textile manufacturing in America. John Willard Capron also served multiple roles in the community. He was Postmaster, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Notary, and served in the state legislature. Effingham Capron also became a noted anti-slavery champion, and rose to national prominence in the anti-slavery movement.