Henry Hale Stevens worked in a North Andover, Mass., flannel factory in the 1830's and 1840's. Traveling abroad in 1845, he became interested in mechanized linen production and purchased machinery in Ireland. Returning to New England, he bought the former Merino Wool Factory in Webster, Mass. and converted it to linen manufacture in 1846. A second building was constructed in 1862-1864, producing linen fabric and shoe thread. In the 1860's there were financial difficulties, and in 1867 the Nevins Co., a selling agent and holding company in Boston, took over the company. From 1870-1871, jute materials such as burlap, bagging and twines were added to its product line. In 1881 the mill was reconverted to make linen crash only. Henry Stevens remained as agent until 1877. His brother, Moses T. Stevens, was president until 1907, followed by Moses's son, Nathaniel. Simultaneously, the Nevins Co. turned over its selling department and control of the Linen Works to J.P. Stevens & Co.
In the 20th century, the Crawford family became important in the company. John M. Crawford served as company agent from 1907-1929. In 1939, the Crawford family purchased the mill property from Stevens and formed Stevens Linen Associates, Inc. John M. was succeeded by his son, Hugh Wadsworth, Jr., who was president from 1951 until the company sold in 1988. In 1993 the new owners filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The upholstery division was sold to Guildford of Maine and the linen products division continued as Stevens Linen Associates under new ownership.
From the description of [Business records]. 1790-1959. (American Textile History Museum Library). WorldCat record id: 50739044
