Businesses Wholly or Partially Owned
By the Warren Family

In addition to the fine farms owned by Benjamin and Elizabeth (Fisher) Warren, I found mention of two businesses that the family was heavily involved in operating.

The History of Windham County, Connecticut speaks of Isaac and Benjamin Warren, Sr. being involved with the founding and operation of several cotton carding and cloth manufacturing mills. In particular, they were principals in the Phoenixville Mill. Later, sons Charles O. and Edmond W. Warren were also involved with the enterprise.

The Phoenixville Mill was built of stone about 1731 and was 35wide and 70 long. The mill changed ownership many times during its period of operation which seems to have ceased in 1917. From carding cotton, it became a twine mill after 1860.

The building still stands although I was not able to find what it is used for at present. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1968 and was photographed outside and inside at that time, but was empty.

The mill at its peak had 15 carding machines and was one of the largest employers in the area. It was a water powered mill.

The second enterprise was The Eastford Creamery Company. Benjamin Warren Sr. was a principal I the firm and his sons Benjamin Warren, Jr., Charles O. Warren and Edmond W. Warren were all stockholders. Charles O. Warren was secretary of the firm and was also superintendent at the writing of the Windham history in 1880.

There are also mentions in historical writings of Isaac and Benjamin Warren, Sr. being the owners of inns and taverns although I have not found specific accounts or photographs.

In the next post, I will publish the Estate Inventory Account for Benjamin Warren, Sr. In the account, which was inventoried by three area lawyers, you will see the extensive nature of both his real estate, his personal resident and his cotton milling interests.

Photos 1, 2, and 3 are of the Phoenixville Mill and were taken for the National Register of Historic Places in 1968.