A topic for recording information regarding the Poole Silver Co. of Taunton, Massachusetts.
If you have any details of the above company, advertisements, examples of their work, etc., anything that you are willing to share, then here's the place to post it.
The Poole Silver Co., of Taunton, Mass., have incorporated with a capital stock of $10,000 for the manufacture and sale of plated silverware, novelties, etc. Geo. Poole, Louis Busiere and Edw. F. Roches are the promoters.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 29th May 1895
Superintendent of Silver Factory Commits Suicide by Drinking Cyanide of Potassium
Taunton, Mass., Oct. 14 — Samuel Reid, superintendent of the Poole Silver Co.'s factory, committed suicide by drinking cyanide of potassium shortly after the noon hour to-day. He was 40 years of age.
Mr. Reid had been employed at the Poole silver factory for several years, and was recently promoted to the position of superintendent. The care of the large factory and many smaller matters has caused him much worry, and several times he has threatened to kill himself. To-day he decided to carry out his plans, and as soon as the noon whistle blew and the employes hurried out to lunch the man went to the third story of the factory building and drank the poisonous acid. He drank a quantity of the fluid, which is used in the plating department, and at once became weak and fell unconscious to the floor.
The sudden noise caused by the fall attracted the attention of several women who are employed in an adjoining room. Going to where Mr. Reid lay they discovered his condition and at once summoned assistance. A physician, who was summoned at once, said that death had been instantaneous.
Friends and other employes of the factory can give no reasons for his deed except business worry, as Mr. Reid was well known and highly respected. He leaves a widow.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 21st October 1908
Daughters of Late George Poole Will Contest Their Father’s Will
Taunton, Mass., Feb. 16.—The two daughters of the late George Poole, head of the Poole Silver Co., who married twin brothers; Dr. William G. Lemaire and Dr Willard Lemaire, of New Bedford, will contest their father’s will in which they were cut off with $500 each. The estate amounts to $100,000.
George Poole was shot by his son, Howard. A few weeks ago the boy was released on the ground that his father was insane, and that the boy acted in self defense.
Mrs. George Poole and her three sons, it is said, will not deny the contentions of the daughters, who demand an equal share with their brothers. The daughters will claim that their father was insane when he framed the document.
Dr. Willard Lemaire has been appointed president of the Poole Silver Co., Taunton. In this capacity he takes the place of the late George Poole, and represents the family interests in the large concern.
A few days ago Dr. William G. Lemaire married Miss Ethel Poole.
Mr. Poole’s will, it is said, was made only a short time before his death, and after he received a severe blow on the head. The two daughters were given $500 each and the three sons, Howard, Arthur E. and George A., the remainder of the property.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 20th February 1907
At a recent meeting of the Poole Silver Company, Taunton, Mass., the following officers were elected: President and Treasurer, Willard W. Lemaire; Secretary and Clerk, M. L. Poole; Superintendent, H. L. Massey. The election of new officers was necessary through the death of some members of the firm. The new management will continue to manufacture silver plated hollow ware the same as before.
The Poole Silver Company was formed in 1892 by George Poole and Edward Roche, beginning in a small shop in May of that year. The business grew rapidly and in 1894 a larger shop was built.
Previous to 1895 the concern was known as Poole, Roche & Company, but in 1895 it was incorporated as The Poole Silver Company.
The company manufactures a high grade silver tableware, plated both upon nickel silver, or hard metal base, and white metal, or britannia base, comprising such utility articles as tea and coffee sets, meat platters, vegetable dishes, water pitchers, serving trays, etc., together with a line of trophy cups and pewter.
With the revival of pewter during the last twelve years, the company has entered into that type of production quite extensively, and already is very well known in this line throughout the country.
The present president of the Company is Arthur E. Poole, the Mayor of the City.
Source: Taunton Tercentenary - 1639 - 1939 - Official Program - 1939
P. Hanley, representing Walter B. Snow with the Poole Silver Co.’s line, who recently was laid up with a broken wrist, is able to resume his trips in New England territory. Foster Blakely, who also carries the Poole samples from Mr. Snow’s headquarters, has been on a northern New England trip.
GEORGE POOLE, head of the Poole Silver Company, Taunton, Mass., manufacturer of silver ware, died January 17, aged 50 years. He was for a long time employed by the Reed & Barton Company, and 12 years ago founded the business, with Edward Roach and Louis Busire, which is now known as the Poole Silver Company.
The Attleboro firm of Fontneau & Cook was recently transformed into a corporation tinder the laws of Massachusetts, and is now known as Fontneau & Cook Co. Edward P. Claflin, hitherto special partner in the firm, has disposed of his interest therein to Louis Busiere and retired from business on an ample fortune, Mr. Busiere is a well-known business man and member of the Board of Trade of Taunton, and proprietor of the Poole Silver Co., of that city. Frank Fontneau is superintendent of the recently incorporated company s factory, and William A. Cook is its salesman.