THOMAS
STRETTON
Honored and respected by all, Thomas Stretton occupies
an enviable position in the business and manufacturing circles of
Stoughton
, not alone by reason of the success which he has achieved but also owing to
the straightforward business policy which he has ever followed. It is true
that he entered upon a business already established, but in developing and
enlarging this he has shown initiative and enterprise and is today president and
treasurer of the Charles Stretton & Son Company, controlling one of
the most important manufacturing interests of Stoughton,
Mr. Stretton was born in England, November 12, 1852, and is a
son of Charles and Priscilla (Warren) Stretton, who were also
natives of that country, where they resided until 1853, when they brought
their family to the new world, establishing their home in Philadelphia, where
they remained until 1866. They then removed to
Canton
,
Norfolk
county,
Massachusetts
, where the father was employed in the woolen mills until 1869. In that year he
established a knit goods business on his own account and admitted his two sons, Thomas
and John, to a partnership in the business, which was located at Canton.
There they remained until 1891, when they removed the factory to
Stoughton
. At
Canton
they had made hand-knit goods but on locating in
Stoughton
they began the manufacture of underwear exclusively. It was at this time that
the father retired from active connection with the business, which was then
taken over by the two sons. The father continued to reside in
Canton
throughout his remaining days and there passed away in January, 1908, having
for many years survived his wife, who had died in 1856.
Thomas Stretton was less than a year old when brought
by his parents to the new world. He pursued his education in the schools of
Philadelphia
and of
Canton
and when but nine years of age began work in a factory. He has been identified
with factory interests for fifty-six years and for a long period was associated
with his father and brother in the conduct of the business of which he is now
the head. His brother passed away in 1907, leaving Thomas Stretton as the
sole proprietor of the business, which, however, is conducted under the name of
the Charles Stretton & Son Company. In January, 1909, the factory was
destroyed by fire and in the same year he erected his present factory, which is
a large and very modern building three stories in height. It is light, well
ventilated and has every safeguard. With the building of the new factory the
business was incorporated, at which time C. W. Jones became associated
with Mr. Stretton as assistant treasurer and manager of the new company.
Their output includes one hundred and twenty‑five dozen garments per day,
mostly union suits. The company is represented upon the road by five traveling
salesmen, who cover the entire country, selling to the large retail and
department stores. Their business is constantly growing, a large force of
workmen being continually employed in the factory, and they also have a
considerable number of hands in other towns who are making fancy hand-knit
goods.
On
the 2d of November, 1880
, Mr. Stretton was united in marriage to Miss Sarah F. Gay, a
daughter of Ellis and Laura (Sinclair) Gay, who were natives of
Canton
,
Massachusetts
, and of
Vermont
respectively. The father was a fisherman and engaged in that business during
the greater part of his life. His labors, however, were ended in death,
January 21, 1903
, and his wife passed away in 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Stretton became the
parents of three children: Charles E. and Dorothy, both of whom
died in infancy; and Marion S., the wife of Paul A. Esten a
chemist in the employ of Mr. Stretton in
Stoughton
.
Mr. Stretton, aside from his manufacturing interests,
is a director of the Stoughton Trust Company. He belongs to the Universalist
church and he gives his political endorsement to the republican party but does
not seek office as a reward for party fealty, preferring to concentrate his
efforts and attention upon other interests. He belongs to the Chicatawbut Club
and fraternally is a prominent Mason, having attained the thirty-second degree
of the Scottish Rite, while with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine he has crossed
the sands of the desert. He is widely known in this as well as in business
connections and he ranks with the representative and honored residents of his
city. Step by step he has advanced, never fearing to venture where favoring
opportunity pointed out the way. In other words he has never manifested that
hesitancy which so often blocks progress but has been alert to the chances of
the hour and his activities have largely been of a character that have not only
contributed to his individual success but have also promoted the prosperity of
the community.
Source: History of
Norfolk
County
Massachusetts
1622-1918
(New York, S. J. Clark Publishing Co., 1918), 2:158-162.
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