The book, "In Memoriam - William Broadhead" was published in 1910, and was a compilation of various newspaper articles and tributes from local organizations and businesses detailing Broadhead's life. I thought it was rather interesting (not to mention lengthy), so I thought I would share as much as I could transcribe.
Because of the time I've spent transcribing, it would be a shame if this documentation is already found somewhere else on the Internet for all to see. Regardless, Enjoy.
William Broadhead
Born February 17, 1819
Died May 21, 1910
The first article in the booklet was taken from the Jamestown Evening Journal, and was published the day Broadhead passed away. Much of the article reprints a biography of Broadhead that originally appeared in Obed Edson's "History of Chautauqua County" - printed in 1894.
One of the things that always fascinates me is the style in which news articles were written a century ago, especially when referencing a recently deceased member of the community. The tone is far more indulgent compared to what would be used today, and the vocabulary usage is much more extensive.
But besides the mechanics of the text, the actual content of the article (both that which was written by the newspaper's writer - I assume the sitting editor - and Edson's biographical sketch) paint a picture of man who gave greatly to the city and who helped to ensure it would undergo its own micro industrial revolution. He was a benevolent industrialist if there ever was such a thing, and this article, which appeared on the day of his passing, says as much.
GRAND OLD MAN
Jamestown Evening Journal - May 21, 1910
WILLIAM BROADHEAD, Jamestown's grand old man and foremost manufacturer, surrounded by the members of his family, passed quietly away at his home, 130 South Main Street, this afternoon at 1 o'clock, aged 91 years, 3 months and 4 days. His death was not unexpected for it has been practically known for several days that the end was near. One week ago last Wednesday, May 11, he was at the Broadhead Mill, where so much of his life and energy had been expended, for the last time, and then for but a short period. From that time until the hour of his death he gradually failed. The cause of his death was given as heart failure.
Mr. Broadhead is survived by four children, Shelden B. Broadhead, Almet N. Broadhead, Miss S. Flora Broadhead and Miss Mertie M. Broadhead; one adopted daughter, Mrs. A. T. Usher, and three grandchildren, A. Harrison Reynolds, Mrs. George L. Maltby and William A. Broadhead, all of Jamestown. His wife died January 17, 1908.
The news of Mr. Broadhead's death was received throughout the city with genuine sorrow for all who knew him respected him for his sterling qualities and splendid character. Few men who have ever made Jamestown their home will be missed as will William Broadhead.
To few men are given the years of health and activity that were allotted William Broadhead, one of the pioneer manufacturers of Jamestown, and fewer still have made better use of those years. Although he had long since passed the Scriptural span of life, almost to the end he maintained his mental and physical vigor in a marked degree and he answered the final summons with consciousness that he had done his part in the struggles of life.
William Broadhead was a man who will be missed in the community. To him in a large measure is due the fact that Jamestown is today a progressive and prosperous manufacturing city, for it was he who started the textile industries here in a large scale and had it not been for his energy and courage, the development of our industrial enterprises would have been much slower. There are many in the city who can remember when he started the industry which has grown to such large proportions, and they will recall the discouragement under which he labored and the predictions of disaster which were freely made by pessimists.
But Mr. Broadhead came of the sturdy English stock which never gives up, but which stubbornly and persistently sticks to the task at hand. He was confident that there was a splendid opportunity for the development of a large manufacturing industry, and his confidence was justified by the results. The work which he began was taken up and continued by his sons, who had the advantage of his counsel and experience to the end of his life.
Obed Edson's "History of Chautauqua County" gives the following comprehensive sketch of Mr. Broadhead's life:
"Successful manufacturers are public benefactors, and merit the gratitude and praise of their countrymen. The nation that produces the most in proportion to its numbers will be the most prosperous and most powerful. The United States possesses all natural advantages for the attainment of a result so desirable, and it is the part of patriotism to turn these advantages to the best account, to differentiate the industries of the people, and to give employment to all classes of mind and capacity. The citizens of Jamestown have great reason to congratulate themselves that circumstances early brought William Broadhead to become identified with the place, for through and by him the principal factors of its present and future prosperity have been inaugurated, employment has been given to hundreds, and to such an extent that he can justly be termed a benefactor to the entire community.
"William Broadhead was born in Thornton, Yorkshire, England, February 17, 1819. When but a lad he was apprenticed for a year to learn the trade of a weaver, and then began working in the smithy with his father and continued with him until he became of age. Believing that the prospects were better in this country than in England Mr. Broadhead emigrated to America in January, 1843, going first to Busti, where his uncle, Rev. John Broadhead, was living. Seeing that Jamestown offered a much more favorable opening for a good mechanic, he sought employment here and found it in the shop of Safford Eddy. But Mr. Broadhead was too ambitious to remain long a day laborer. Ever on the lookout for something more profitable, he soon formed a partnership with Adam B. Cobb, whose daughter, Lucy, he had married in 1845. The firm of Cobb & Broadhead, scythe snath manufacturers, continued nine years, when it was dissolved, Mr. Cobb continuing to make snaths and grain cradles, and Mr. Broadhead purchasing an axe factory, began to manufacture axes and forks.
"When his eldest son, Sheldon B., was about 20 years of age, Mr. Broadhead opened a clothing store, taking this son into partnership with him, and a few years later he gave his younger son, Almet N., an interest, under the firm of William Broadhead & Sons. Their business increased rapidly until they soon had the largest merchant tailoring establishment in the county, drawing patronage from Dunkirk, Warren, Salamanca, and other nearby towns.
"When the mill was full established, William Broadhead & Sons turned their attention for the time to the manufacture of ladies' dress goods. Their salesmen traversed nearly every state in the Union. As Mr. Broadhead foresaw, these mills have contributed immeasurably to the growth and prosperity of the city. Much of the rapid increase in population is due to their continued demands and skilled workmen. The good wages and steady work have attracted hither family after family of intelligent and industrious English people who have proved themselves most acceptable citizens. William Broadhead & Sons have ever since been carrying on business in different lines and in gigantic enterprises. Almost an isolated instance in the history of one's life we find here father and sons a unit in purpose and business. Their success has been a constant commentary upon their good management and the good will that pervaded the establishment. Fairly well educated for business life, these sons were more than an experiment, they were successes from the first, interested in each others' welfare and both feeling it a duty to guard well their father's interests, they were bound by the strongest earthy ties and are exemplifying in conduct what they proposed in words. Mr. Broadhead is politically an ardent Republican and a strong protectionist, believing that policy to be even more necessary for the welfare of his workmen than for his own interests, from his knowledge of the conditions of the millhands in England under free trade.
"In his native town, Mr. Broadhead belonged to the Wesleyan Methodist Church and was superintendent of the Sabbath School. On settling in Jamestown he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church as the nearest like the Wesleyan. During the exciting period before the Civil War, when the Methodist Episcopal Church took a stand in favor of slavery, a number of staunch abolitionists, among them Mr. Broadhead, left the Church and formed a Wesleyan Society. When after some years, the church building having been destroyed by fire, the organization was given up, Mr. Broadhead became a member of the First Congregational Church, where he is an active member, contributing liberally to its support. To Mr. and Mrs. Broadhead have been born six children: Shelden Brady, who married in 1870, Mary Woodworth; Herwood, who died at the age of seven years; Almet Norval, who married in 1886, Margaret Allen Bradshaw; Mary T., who married in 1878, Adna H. Reynolds Jr., and died in February, 1894; Stella Florine and Mertie M.
"We are privileged to extract a manuscript history of the Street Railway Company of Jamestown, written by C. R. Lockwood, the following concerning Mr. Broadhead:
"'We remember the elder Mr. Broadhead as an industrious and persevering mechanic early at and late from his work, making every moment count for something in upbuilding for himself a position for honesty and industry. In the social world he was regarded with favor, and in the church was looked upon as among the faithful and substantial. Favoring local industries and educational interest his contribution for them were to the fullest extent of his ability. Hall, Broadhead & Turner erected Jamestown's first alpaca mills in 1873. Whoever will read the records of intervening time, will find something of merit resting upon the ability, perseverance and home respect of William Broadhead. Had his efforts been changed, as he was solicited to do, from Jamestown to Pittsburg [sic], Philadelphia or New York, what of Jamestown? Today we are prospering in population, in business importance and position more than dollars and cents can represent, through the efforts, love of home and firmness of character of William Broadhead. Older inhabitants are ready to verify this. The record of our departed village and present city show it, and compeiting municipalities admit it. Though controlled by different owners most of the worsted mills of Jamestown with all their wealth and importance, owe their origin to this one man and the unwritten history of Jamestown will reward with its memory and unreserved respect, him who has been and yet remains its benefactor.'
"Mayor [Eleazer] Green concluded his address to the visiting Sons of St. George in July, 1894, thus:
"'I cannot, however, close this talk to Englishmen without saying a word of one who came from the little island over the sea that once claimed so many of you as her sons. Coming has he did, over fifty years ago, when little more than a boy in years, his stock in trade was a strong healthy English body, and active brain, sound common sense, untiring industry and a will, a determination that would not fail. For the first few years after his coming, the anvil rang from the vigorous blows of his strong right arm. During this time he wooed and won a beautiful woman who was in full accord with all his efforts and all his ambitions. Meanwhile his brain was actively planning for the future. The blacksmith shop could not hold him always. Other avenues of industry opened. Opportunities were grasped. One industry after another was successfully conquered, each more extensive than its predecessor and each demonstrating more clearly his superior business ability and foresight. Many of the dwellings upon our hillside and many of the business blocks upon our streets are the result of his efforts. Factories giving employment to hundreds of people were erected by him and his sturdy sons. Our street railway harnessed the lightning at their behest and numerous other enterprises were given life and vigor through their assistance. And during all these years this man was the same cheerful, quiet gentleman that he is today; generous, unobtrusive and yet fearless as he is just; a man who, like the patron saint of your worthy order, would die for his convictions. Some time when justice shall write the history of Jamestown and its benefactors and shall inscribe their names, the history of their good deeds and of their efforts resulting in our growth and prosperity where future generations may read, one man will then be given the credit belonging to him; one name will stand out bold and clear, it will be the name of him who was once the young Englishman and is now the loyal American - William Broadhead.'"
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