Addison Crittenden Rand

Background

Addison Crittenden Rand was the son of Jasper Raymond and Lucy (Whipple) Rand, and a descendant of Robert Rand who settled in Charlestown, Massachussets, about 1635. He was born on September 17, 1841 in Westfield, Massachussets.

Education

He received his education in Westfield, Massachussets.

Career

In 1865, with his brother Jasper, he succeeded to his father's business of manufacturing whips. His connection with this enterprise gave him the mechanical training which later was to prove so useful to him. In 1871 he moved to New York City, where his brother Alfred T. Rand had helped to found the Laflin & Rand Powder Company.

After studying the numerous designs for rock-drilling machinery which had been offered to the powder company, Addison Rand organized the Rand Drill Company, of which he became president and Jasper treasurer. At this time (1871) the manufacture of rock drills was in its pioneer stage, with an uncertain future before it. Aided by the inventive genius of Joseph C. Githens and Frederick A. Halsey, Rand developed rock drills and air-compressing machinery, widening their field of usefulness.

Rand established a plant at Tarrytown, New York, to take advantage of the cheap river transportation, but found that in the winter, when navigation ceased and shipments had to be made by rail, rates on the local line were raised to exorbitant figures. Rather than submit to what he considered extortion, Rand hauled his goods across country to an independent railroad, until it was absorbed by the first company. He was as careful in selecting his employees as he would have been in adopting a person into his own family, and to his choice of associates may be attributed much of his success. While he was not given to praising his employees, his appreciation was expressed in practical ways.

One man with but meager schooling was urged to take a correspondence course and was given time off in which to complete it, and upon Rand's death, eight employees found themselves recipients of substantial bequests. When, about 1886, a strike occurred at his Tarrytown plant, it was a great shock to him. Considering the demands unjust, he stubbornly fought the strike, and a settlement was not reached until after nearly a year's shutdown. Rand was one of the incorporators and the first treasurer of the Engineers' Club of New York City, for which he labored at a time when success seemed doubtful.

In addition to the Rand Drill Company, he was associated as officer or director with the Rendrock Powder Company, the Pneumatic Engineering Company, the Davis Calyx Drill Company, and the Laflin & Rand Powder Company.

He died, unmarried, in New York City.

Achievements

• He was the leading factor in inducing mining companies to substitute rock drills for hammer and chisel, and was instrumental in making rock drills and air compressors standard equipment in tunnels and aqueducts and in mining and quarrying operations throughout the world.

Interests

• His favorite recreation was horseback riding or driving.

Connections

Father:

Jasper Raymond

Mother:

Lucy (Whipple) Rand