The treasurer and part owner of the mills at Newton Upper Falls was also treasurer and large owner of the mills at Suncook. The Suncook company, seeing a brighter future before them, agitated the project of enlarging their plant, and in 1867 active operations were commenced upon the China mill, which was, when completed, the largest works of the kind contained under one roof in the State. Mr. Jewell again fulfilled the office of engineer and draughtsman. The company's agent at Suncook, wishing to devote his time exclusively to the construction of the new mill, desired that Mr. Jewell should come from Newton several days each week to look after the manufacturing in the two mills. Thus for more than two years he acted as agent at Newton, and as superintendent of the Webster and Pembroke mills.
In 1870, before the China mill had fairly commenced operations, the agent resigned his position. Mr. Jewell, having at Newton proved diligent, faithful and capable, was appointed in his stead. Resigning his position at Newton, he moved with his family to Suncook, and assumed the management of the triumvirate corporation, June 1, 1870. Again he was obliged to go through nearly the same routine as at Newton. The machinery, however, was more modern, but had been neglected, and the power was inadequate to the demand. With indomitable perseverance he has remedied these defects. By providing reservoirs, and more thoroughly utilizing the water power, adding new and valuable improvements, putting in powerful steam engines, so that now the mills are able to run during the most severe droughts, and the amount produced has been increased from twelve millions of yards, in 1874, to twenty-seven millions of yards in 1880, with substantially the same machinery, showing what tireless perseverance and devotion to duty can accomplish, when impelled by men actively schooled from boyhood in practical manufacturing.
Mr. Jewell is one of the directors in the China Savings Bank, Suncook. He is a member of the New England Cotton Manufacturers' Association, and of the New Hampshire Club. Mr. Jewell was honored by being appointed aid-de-camp, with the rank of Colonel, on Gov. Head's staff, and smilingly speaks of turning out officially more times than any other member. He is a member of the Gov. Head Staff Association, an active member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, of Boston; a member of the Amoskeag Veterans, of Manchester; a member of the New Hampshire Veteran Officers' Association; and an honorary member of the Old Twelfth New Hampshire regiment. He was elected Captain of the Jewell Rifles, a military company named for him, but graciously declined, and was made an honorary member. The Masonic fraternity also claims him, being an active member of "Jewell" Lodge, Suncook, named in his honor, and of the Trinity Royal Arch Chapter, Horace Chase Council, R. and S. M., and Mount Horeb Commandery, Concord. He is a member of the Supreme Council, having taken all the Scottish Rites up to the 33d degree, and is an active member of the Massachusetts Consistory S∴ P∴ R∴ S∴ 32°, Boston, and a member of Connecticut River Valley Masonic Association.
Colonel Jewell is a public spirited citizen. To him Suncook is largely indebted for its material advancement since his residence in that community. Three times has his presence of mind and mechanical skill been the means of saving the village from entire destruction by fire. To him is the place indebted for its very effective water-works, to guard against fires in the future. In private life Colonel Jewell is genial, affable and approachable. His home is embellished by his artistic tastes, and his private library is rich in works of standard merit and art. In happy combination with the great executive ability of the subject of our sketch, is a fine literary taste, and a decided artistic talent,
