The Blanchard House Blog

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William Madison Wood, one of the most famous men in Andover history, is best known for his role in the textile mills of Lawrence and his ownership of the American Woolen Company.  Wood was born in 1853 in Edgartown, Massachusetts, a town on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. At the age of twelve, Wood’s father died, leaving him in charge of his family. Wood dropped out of high school, and was employed by Andrew Pierce, a textile mill owner, to work at the Wamsutta Cotton Mill. He was soon promoted to the manufacturing department, where he acquired knowledge of the business. Wood then found a job in a Philadelphia brokerage firm, where he learned about stocks and bonds. Wood was convinced to leave the firm by Frederick Ayer, who purchased the Washington Mill in Lawrence. He hired wood as his manager, creating a successful business within the Washington Mill. Wood decided to move on to bigger goals. He purchased several struggling mills in Lawrence, and joined them together under “The Woolen Trust.” He renamed it the American Woolen Company, and built a massive company.

Over time tense relations grew between management and laborers leading to  the Bread and Roses Strike of 1912. Mill workers demanded better conditions, higher wages, and fewer hours. Wood eventually agreed to their demands after a long struggle, improving the lives of mill workers.

Wood is known for developing Shawsheen Village. In 1926, when out for a drive, Wood exited his car and committed suicide, ending his life as a successful mill owner. Wood may not have been admired by workers, but his contributions toward the textile mill business cannot be forgotten.