Walter Scott Hough (1828-1914) was one of the oldest active Providence jewelry manufacturers, with a continuous connection to the industry since 1844. At the age of 17, he was apprenticed at the historic Stone & Weaver jewelry firm. In 1853, he, along with Jeremiah Briggs and Calvin Stone, founded Briggs, Hough & Stone, a small jewelry manufacturing firm.

In 1856, Albert Augustus Wightman (1829-1893) became a partner in Briggs, Hough & Stone. That same year, the partnership of Wightman and Hough led to the renaming of the company from Briggs, Hough & Stone to Wightman & Hough. For many years, Wightman & Hough produced gold and gold-plated lockets and necklaces in the Victorian and Art Nouveau styles.

Initially, Wightman & Hough, located in the Richardson and Hicks Building on Friendship Street, employed twenty people. Jewelry production was suspended during the war, but the firm successfully resumed operations after its conclusion.

1893 – Incorporating of Wightman & Hough Co

In 1873, the company moved to larger premises in the G. and S. Owen Building. Albert Wightman died in January 1893, and Walter Hough acquired his share. Together with one of his sons, Edward Bigney Hough, they incorporated the company to Wightman & Hough Co with a capital of $100 000.

Walter Scott Hough became president and treasurer of Wightman & Hough Co., located in the Manufacturers’ Building at 7 Beverly Street. His son, Edward, became vice president and company manager. By 1910, the firm employed 200 people. While the firm’s main office and factory were in Providence, its divisions were in New York, 15-17-19 Maiden Lane, San Francisco, 704 Market Street, and Toronto, Canada, 167 Yonge Street.

Prominent Jewelry Manufacturer Walter Scott Hough

A fall on a sidewalk in 1911 left his health in poor condition, and he was no longer able to fully control his business. Walter S. Hough, Jr. (1853 – 1937) and Edward Bigney Hough took over the company. Walter Scott Hough Jr. managed the company until his retirement in 1929. The company ceased to exist in 1929, selling off all its tools and dies.

Born in Canterbury, Connecticut, Walter Hough was the son of Samuel L. and Betsy (Adams) Hough. After receiving his primary education in Canterbury, he came to Providence in 1845. Walter Hough married in 1850. Walter and Sarah had three children: Walter S. Hough, Jr., daughter Eliza, and Edward Bigney Hough.

Wightman & Hough Antique Jewelry

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