Background
The D.E. Whiton Machine Co. was founded in 1856 by David E. Whiton in New London Connecticut. Whiton's first product was a
patented centering machine for use in machine shops, but the business quickly expanded to include gear cutting machines, lathes,
chucks, and turbines. Whiton and his son, Lucius E. Whiton, were awarded several patents under the name of the company. At
the time of Whiton's death in 1904, the company had 100 employees spread over several buildings, including a foundry and multiple
machine shops.