Henry Hale Stevens worked in a North Andover, Mass., flannel factory in the 1830's and 1840's. While traveling abroad in 1845, he became interested in mechanized linen production and purchased machinery in Ireland. Upon his return to New England, he purchased the former Merino Wool Factory in Webster, Mass. He converted the mill to linen manufacture in 1846. A second building was constructed in 1862-1864; the mill produced linen fabric and shoe thread. In the 1860's there were financial difficulties, and in 1867 the Nevins Company, a selling agent and holding company, took over the Linen Works. From 1870-1881, the company added jute materials such as burlap, bagging and various twines to its product line. In 1881 the mill was reconverted to manufacture 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 Stevens Linen Works to J.P. Stevens & Co. In the 20th century, the Crawford family became an important part of the company. John M. Crawford served as company agent from 1907 until his death in 1929. In 1939, the Crawford family purchased the mill property from Stevens and formed the Stevens Linen Associates, Inc. John M. was succeeded by his son, Hugh Wadsworth, who held the positions of agent, superintendent, and then president from 1939 until his death in 1951. He, in turn, was succeeded by his son, Hugh Wadsworth, Jr., who ran the company as its president from 1951 until the company was 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]. 1845-1925. (American Textile History Museum Library). WorldCat record id: 48954051
