The machine shop of J. C. Pratt, established in 1843, was the first such business in Roxbury, Mass. Stillman E. Chubbuck was possibly a junior partner in the business. In 1847 Pratt was succeeded by Chubbuck & Campbell. Chubbuck had already earned a reputation as a designer of steam engines and boilers (it seems likely that the J. C. Pratt firm made steam engines although we have been unable to confirm this). In 1859 Chubbuck & Campbell was dissolved and was succeeded by Campbell, Whittier & Co. Chubbuck, meanwhile, established S. E. Chubbuck & Sons in Boston, along with sons Isaac Y. Chubbuck and S. E. Chubbuck, Jr.

Information Sources

• 1856 book, Leading Pursuits and Leading Men, Edward Young, pages 292-293.

  In Roxbury, Mass., which is so intimately connected with Boston, not merely by the broad and beautiful avenues over "Boston Neck," but by an identity of interests that it might not improperly be considered a part of the metropolis, Messrs. Chubbuck & Campbell have extensive works for building stationary engines and boilers. The senior partner of the firm established the business in 1846, with a knowledge acquired by service in a subordinate position a longer period than is usual; and when Mr. Campbell united with this the requisite capital, the concern at once started upon its highly successful career. In 1854, finding their facilities too contracted for their business, they erected a new brick building 190 by 37 feet, together with a boiler shop 180 by 35, and a forging shop 35 by 60; and as they own about an acre of ground at this location, coiner of Orange and Ruggles Streets, we understand it is their intention soon to extend their works over the whole lot. At the present time they make about fifty engines per year, of various descriptions, from three to a hundred horse-power, together with boilers, all kinds of heavy mill machinery, rubber machinery, &c. The machinery of their entire works is propelled by an engine of twenty horse-power, of their own construction, and which consumes only about 600 lbs. of dust coal per day. The reputation of Messrs. Chubbuck & Campbell for building first-class engines is unquestionably high; and in the construction of their boilers they adopt peculiar features, which combine a facility in making steam with economy of fuel.

• 1859-10-12 Practical Machinist bottom of page 6: classified ad that reads in its entirety, "S. E. Chubbuck & Son, Practical Machinists, Roxbury, Mass."
• 1859-11-19 Scientific American page 336, has an illustrated article on "Chubbuck's fan governor"
• American Steam Engine Builders: 1800-1900 by Kenneth L. Cope, 2006 page 54.