Jay Wood Turning Company documents, 1899–1916

Full finding aid (pdf)

Collection Scope and Content

This collection includes documents from circa 1900 concerning the establishment of the Jay Wood Turning Company and its stockholders. Also included is material relating to the Julia Cote case, which appeared before the Maine Supreme Court in 1916. Documents include the Supreme Court writ and and attorney’s letter advising the Jay Wood Company in matters of the case. A roster of names is also included, signed by workers wishing to donate a portion of their earnings to Julia Cote.

Biographical/Historical Note

The Jay Wood Turning Company, located in Jay, Maine, was established in 1860. Julia Cote, a 14-year-old employee in their factory, was involved in a machinery accident in 1914, which caused her right hand to be severed. Cote sued the company for damages, and the case was tried before Maine’s Supreme Court in January, 1916.