Joseph Denny Sargent

     Joseph Denny Sargent was born on 7 January 1787, in Leicester, MA.¹ He married Mindwell Jones, daughter of Phineas Jones and Lucy Baldwin, on Thursday, 16 April 1818 in Leicester, MA.¹ Joseph and Mindwell lived in Leicester, MA.¹ Joseph Denny Sargent was a farmer and manufacturer of hand cards. He died on 24 May 1849 in Leicester, MA, at age 62.¹ Joseph was a practical farmer, surveyor and manufacturer of hand cards. He served in the State Militia, rising to Colonel. Member of MA Legislature in 1838 and 1846. In 1820 he was treasurer of the Congregational Society. In 1834 he contributed $250 towards building of a meeting house for the Second Congregational Society (Unitarian). Later he withdrew and rejoined the first, but his wife remained with the second. In 1835 he speculated in land in Maine (along with other leading citizens of Leicester) and lost very heavily. 1835-1838 he was out of work, just a farmer, and finances were very low. The manufacture of cards was later resumed. 1813 Joseph began manufacturing hand cards for the carding of wool and cotton (used in the preparation for spinning) as a winter occupation for his farm hands. In 1814 Henry (his brother) and Joseph were partners until Henry's death in 1829. He lived in Denny Hill, Cherry Valley, Leicester. He had at various times as partners: Silas Jones, Nathan Ainsworth, William Barr. In 1832 had Albert Warren as an apprentice for 3 years, for $350. 1834 Josiah Q Lamb was an apprentice. Joseph was treasurer of the Congregational Society in Leicester in 1820 (at least) - he made a report dated 28 Apr 1820.