David Gilmore Fales
David Gilmore Fales (1806-1875) of Fales and Jenks, Rhode Island, USA
Born in Attleboro, Massachusetts, June 4, 1806. Moved to Central Falls, Rhode Island, at the age of 18 and learned the machinist's trade in the shops of David Jenks and Co. In 1830 he formed a partnership with Alvin F. Jenks, and in a rented shop in Central Falls, began to manufacture cotton machinery. In 1833 the firm of Fales and Jenks bought the Rhode Island State right to manufacture the Hubbard Patented Rotary Pump. The first machine ever turned out by Fales & Jenks was a 'spooler' which went to a Virginia factory, the price paid $60. Spinning frames were first made by the firm in 1845; ring twisters in 1846; these machines, made for Benjamin Greene, being among the first of their kind made in the United States for thread, worsted and silk. In 1859-60 Fales & Jenks erected a furnace in a foundry for making their own castings; a brick shop, three stories high, with large ground area, was built in 1861-62; and in 1866 the plant was removed from Central Falls to Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and there located on Dexter street, David G. Fales with Alvin F. Jenks and Stephen A. Jenks constituting the firm, Fales & Jenks retired finally, and were succeeded by their sons, John R. Fales, Alvin F. Jenks and Stephen A. Jenks. David G. Fales died in 1875.[1]