John Willard Capron was an American military officer in the infantry, state legislator, and textile manufacturer. Famous for being a military uniforms manufacturer, he became Colonel in the army and Chairman of the Board of Selectmen.
The Capron mill, built by John Capron Sr. and his sons Effingham, and John, circa 1820, at Uxbridge, Massachusetts. The mill manufactured the first satinets, used the first power looms for woolens in America, and made US military uniforms for over 140 years.
Gravestone of Revolutionary war soldier, John Capron Sr. at Prospect Hill Cemetery, overlooking the mill that he and his sons, John and Effingham began in 1820 at Uxbridge, Massachusetts
Uxbridge is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States, first colonized in 1662 and incorporated in 1727. It was originally part of the town of Mendon, and named for the Earl of Uxbridge. The town is located 36 mi (58 km) southwest of Boston and 15 mi (24 km) south-southeast of Worcester, at the midpoint of the Blackstone Valley National Historic Park. The historical society notes that Uxbridge is the "Heart of The Blackstone Valley" and is also known as "the Cradle of the Industrial Revolution". Uxbridge was a prominent Textile center in the American Industrial Revolution. Two Quakers served as national leaders in the American anti-slavery movement. Uxbridge "weaves a tapestry of early America".
Congregational Church and Civil War Memorial
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Jacob Aldrich House; Quaker style house
Charles Capron House. The Capron family was prominent in the Industrial era at Uxbridge Center where Capron Mill is located.