Charles Edward Trowbridge, son George Trowbridge , was born in Pomfret, Connecticut, Feb. 3, 1831. He was educated in Pomfret, where his younger days were spent with his grandparents. He learned the trade of machinist at Whitinsville, Massachusetts. He was promoted from place to place until he became the master mechanic of the Whitinsville Cotton Company. In 1872 he made his first important invention. We quote a sketch of it. "In 1872 Charles E. Trowbridge, master mechanic of the Whitinsville Cotton Mill, and Arthur F. Whitin, who was then employed in the repair shop, perfected and patented special tools for making rings for spinning and twisting.; They began the manufacture of rings in 1873, under the firm name of the Whitinsville Spinning Ring Company. By their improved methods and tools superior work is secured, and a great saving of labor is effected. With the old method the ring is passed through several hands and numerous operations, and the ring was not of such uniform excellence or finish. The company began the manufacture of rings for the cotton mills of Whitinsville and vicinity, but the fame of their superiority soon spread and arrangements had to be made for increased production. The ringshave been sent all over the country and many have been exported. The business has increased sixfold since 1878, ,but it’s growth has been a natural one. Arthur F. Whitin is treasurer; Charles E. Trowbridge is agent and George E. Trowbridge is superintendent. Mr. Trowbridge has secured a number of patents on rings and ring holders and has recently patented a new process of producing a metallic ring, which effects a great saving of travelers, on new rings, a much better yarn is produced by the consequent saving of breakage. The company began the manufacture of the adjustable ring in 1886 and now produces all varieties of rings known to the trade. The work began in the repair shop of the mill. In 1884, needing more room, it was moved to the old cotton mill built in 1886, on the south side of the stream, and occupied the basement and first story. In 1887 an enlargement of twenty by sixty-five feet was made and a new building erected with a furnace chimney for hardening and annealing. The success of this concern has been due in a large measure to the inventions of Mr. Trowbridge and his business ability. Mr. Trowbridge has always been a progressive man as to village and up-to-date improvements. He was greatly interested in electrical improvements of the place, being the first to install electric lights and telephone in his home. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Whitinsville, and a liberal supporter of that denomination; a member for nearly fifty years, filling several of the important offices as trustee and steward. Much of the credit is due him for the successful movement to pay off the Methodist Episcopal Church debt at Webster Square, Worcester, Massachusetts. The occasion of the burning of the church mortgage, December 22, 1905, was one of great joy and satisfaction to the people of this church ad due credit is given Mr. Trowbridge and the others who brought about the payment of the debt. Mr. Trowbridge is a member of no clubs or secret orders. He has always divided his time between business and home. He is a Republican but has neve held public office. He married, September 29, 1850, Jane E. Brayton, who died December 18, 1904. She was a native of Pomfret, Connecticut. Their children are: George E., see forward; Lizzie Jane, born October 23, 1859, at Whitinsville.
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