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974.501
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1818062
M.U
TOTNDLDS HISTORICAL
OENCALOGY COLLECTK3N
QiO.
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 00084 6516
HISTORY
-OF
Rj-iODE ISLAN'D,
iN'ci,ui)iX(; r_Y.J
Theik Early SiriTLr.Mr.XT axu T'ki 'ckkss ■lo tiik ]'kesi;.nt Time
A DESCKH'TIOX HE TIIEIK HiM ORIC .\XI ) IXTEl;ESTE\G Jj>-
caeities; vSketciies i>e •iiieir Tdwxs AXi) Villages;
POKTRAEES fiE SOME i >E Tllj;iR ProMIXEXT MeX,
and blograehies oe ^l\xy ge their
Rei'REsextativi: Ceit/exs.
By J. R. COLE.
ILLUSTRATED
.1.
Xkw YmiK :
\\. W. PIJESTON & CO.
1S18062
896 HISTORY OK WASIIIXGTOX AND KENT COUNTIES.
by the General Assembly of this colony in the same manner and
at the same time that the other jndges of tlie inferior court of
common pleas are chosen in and for the other counties in this
colony; and that the said judges of srdd inferior court of coiy-
mon pleas and court of general sessons of the ]icacc shall be
commissioned by his h(mor the governiir of this colony in like
manner as the judgx-s of said eourls in the otlicr eounties in this
colony are commissioned. .Vnd that the iiuslices of the peace
in said eount\' shall and are hereby authorized and cmpowcricl
to attend ujion and compose Uie said cuurt of general sessions of
the peace in said county of Kent in like manner as the justices
of the j)eaee in the (_)thcr counties in this colony do. And that
the said court of common pleas and court of general sessions ol
the 2:)cace in said county of Kent are hereby invested and clothed
with the like powers and authorities in all resjieets as the said
courts are in other counties in this colony, by the acts of tliis
colony heretofore made, without an exception or limitation.
" Be it also enacted that there shall be one clerk of said court
of comnuTu pleas and court of general sessi(ms of the })cace ; and
one sheriff of said county who shall be chosen as the clerks and
sheriffs of the other counties in this colony are ; wh.) are hereby
empowered to act and do in all respects in said count}- of Kent,
as the clerks and sheriffs of the other counties in this colony do.
" I^e it also enacted that there shall be one seal with the de-
vice of a dove on it for said courts of common pleas and general
sessions of the peace in and for said county of Kent to be used
upon all proper occasions as is by law required or made proper
or necessary ; and that the clerks of said courts for the time be-
ing shall have the custody thereof.
" Be it also enacted that the said courts as to the number of
members to make a quorum in their respective sessions and in
relation to all other matters within the power and jurisdiction of
said courts shall be subieetto all the laws of this colony now in
force and the laws of England in every respect as fully and ef-
fectually to all intents and purposes as the other inferior courts
of common pleas, and courts of general sessions (jf the peace are
in the other counties in this colony ; any law, eustrim or usage to
the contrary hereof, in any wise, notwithstanding.
" Provided that a court house of the dimensions, or near the
dimensions, of the court house in Providence, be built in the
town of East Greenwich bv a free contribution of the inhabitants
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON ANi:> KENT COUNTIES. 897
of the said county of Kent : and that if the same he not so far
finished as to be fit to hold courts in by the last day of October'
next then the present act is to determine, be null, void and of
none effect, but if said house be so far finished as abovesaid,
that the judges and other officers of said court be chosen at the
next October session of this Assembly, to hold a court in Janu-
ary next."
The act provides for a court house which the following fully
explains: <
"At the session of the Ocneral Assemlilv the last Tucsda}' in
February, I7r)2-I5, the court house not being finished a number
of gentlemen and other inhabitants of Kent county repre-
.sented to the Assembly that they have with others erected and
built said court house agreeably to said act which was signified
to the General Assembly at their sessicm in Providence. Oct. 18,
A. D. ]7r)0, and that their said house is unfinished within, A\-h,ich
renders it uncomfortable in winter, in the coldest part of which
season one court is held at said court iiousc. and that the inhab-
itants of said county, thougli they cheerfully contributed toward
the building of said house, find they are not able to complete it.
although it is absolutelv nccess;iry to be done, and therefore
have prayed this asscmblv that a lotterv be granted Ihem as the
•easiest method to raise money sufficient for finishing s;iid court
house, and now this Asscmblv taking the premises into consid-
eration, do vote and resolve, and it is voted and resolved that
there be a lottery set up for finishing the cotirt house in the
county of Kent aforesaid, and for erecting a fence around the
jail in Ea.st Greenwich.' "
In 1804 the old court hcnisc was pulled down and the present
house erected. Parties owning estates on the street west of and
in the rear of the court house objected to its being placed in
front of their residences, as it obstructed their view of the water
in the bay, and did all they could to prevent it, but the house
was built and remains to this day, while the men who objected
to its being placed there have passed away.
The East Greenwich Aiahemv. — This institution was estab-
li.shed in its present location in East Greenwich, in the year 1802,
as the Kent Academy. It was the second school of the kind in
the state, and has continiied to the present time without inter-
ruption for a single year. The following preamble and articles
57
898 lIISrORV OF WASIUXGTOX AM.) KKXT COUNTIKS. "
of associali<:)n. drawn iip by the lion. Ra\" Greene, are historie
and deserve notiec :
" Jiast Greenwieh, Oetober yth, ]Sn-2.
" litlian Clarke, William Arnold, Mathew.son and ]\I(iwrv and ^
Peter Turner, all of I'^a.st Greenwieh, and .State of Khode Lsland,
and Ray Grreene, h^lihu Greene and Cliri.'5ti>pher Greene, all of
Warwiek, anxit)iis to promote the haj^pine.^s of posterit\', and
to continue the bles.sinys of a free and equal g'o\'ernment, which
thi.s Country enjoy.s in as y;re;it a- degree as ;iny other nation:
and believing- that well-eondticted Seminaries of learning, in
which youth may acquire knowledge, with the advantages of places
of ptd:)lie worship, to incline their minds to morality and reli-
gion, are the most probable means to effect their design— have
associated for this (as they consider) laudable pttrposc and have
purchased a lot of land in East Greenwich, containing one acre
and twenty rods, upon which they intend (with the assistance of
others tliat may be equally disposed to ])romcite the good of man-
kind), til erect a building about sixty feet long and thirty feet
wide, two stories high and convenient for the accommoilation,
and when properly regulated, suitable for the instrtiction of a
considerable number of youth, in such branches of education as
may be thought most for their ad\-anlage. 'iliey also jilcase
themselves with the idea, that such an institution will be pri>
ductive of the important advantage to h.ast Greenwich and its
vicinity of introdticinga settled ^linister of the Gospel to jjreach
in the iSIeeting-hotise which is now so seldonr improved.
"The elevated situation upon which the building is intended
to be erected, its vicinity to the lot upon which the Catholick Con-
gregational vSociety's ]\Ieeting-house stands, the cheapness of
living" and ease of accommodating boarders, all conspire to make
this place agreeable in a Town, the healthfttl air of which is
thought to be exceeded l:!y none. This place being central in
this State and possessing so many advantages, will induce many
persons to place their children here for education, where they
can visit them with convenience and be frequent spectators of
their improvement. To complete the contemplated plan, very
considerable expense will be required, much more than is con-
venient or reasonable for a few to bear. I-Sut we Hatter ourselves
that there are others, who, believing as we do, that the dissemina-
tion of Literature, information and religion is amongst tlie first
dtities of Societ)', and the most productive of order and good regit-
HISTORY OF WASIlIXfnox AM) KENT COUNTIFS. 890
lations in Republican (Tovcrnmcnls, ^vil] become siibscriljeis to
tliis plan, and adding Iheir names Id Ihose already menlioncd,
Avilj lend their assistance to support the .Society under the fol-
lowing articles of association."
The articles provided that the estimated cost of land and build-
ing, amounting to $;3.-2(to. should be divided into one hundred
shares of thirty-two dollars per share, payable in three instal-
ments ; that a committee of seven persons should be chosen to
erect the building and procure a charter ; and- that the school
should be under the control of a board of trustees annual!}'
elected, eligibility to the office being a contribution to the funds
to the amount of thirty-five dollars. The stock v/as soon taken,
and at its spring session of ]So;!, the general assembly granted
a charter to the institution under the name of "Tlie Proprietors
of the Kent Academy." The edifice was com])leted at a cost of
$3,7;3o. .")."). It was a building (^f two stories, sixt\- fc^et l'>ng by
thirty wide, standing on a lot containing one acre and twenty
rods, in the immediate front of the location of the present
Academy building, and was ample in its accommodations for the
necessities of that day. The school was opened in 18t)). The'
names of the sub.scribers are as follows:
William C.reene, for himself and Ray, 10 shares : Elihu and
Christopher Greene, .0 .shares; William Greene, 2 shares ; ^Vil-
liam Greene (son of Nathanaeh, 2 shares : Benjamin Greene, 2
shares ; Nathan Greene, 1 share ; Jacob (n-eene, ] share ; James
Greene, 1 .share ; Stephen Greene, 1 share ; Jeremiah Ch-eene, A
share ; Joseph Greene & Son, I share ; Stephen CTreene. ^ share;
Michael Spink, J share ; Hopkins Cooke, ^- share ; Jonathan
Niles, Jr., ^ share ; Ebeuezer Williams,-} share ; Benjamin Davis,
J share; Ethan Clarke, ]() shares ; Thomas Tillinghast, 2 shares;
William Arnold, 3 shares ; IMathcwson and Mowry, f) shares ;
Jonathan Salisbury, 2 shares; Clarke Brown, ] share; Oliver
Weeks, 1 share ; Pardon Tillinghast. 1 share ; Walter Spencer,
1 share ; Jonathan Andrews, 1 share ; David Pinniger, 1 share ;
Peter and Daniel Turner. 2 shares ; William Collins. 1 share ;
Samuel West, 2 shares : Jonathan Xiles, ] share ; William Sarle,
1 share; Stephen Arnold. 2 shares ; Simmons Spencer, 1 share;
Thomas Arnold (capt.) ] share; Benjamin Tillinghast, 1 share;
Nathan Whiting, 1 .share ; Thomas P. Ives ( Providence i, ."j .shares ;
John Brown ( Prn\-idencei. 3 shares; Caleb Wheaton ( Boston i, I
share, entered on the Donation List, this share being given and
transferred to the Corjioration ; Samuel d. Arnold & Co. ( Provi-
900 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES.
dence), 1 share ; Nicholas Brown (Providence), 3 shares ; Jabez
Bowen (Providence), 1 share; George Gibbs (Xewporti, 1 share ;
George Champlin (Newport), 1 share ; Wm. Greene Spencer, 1
share; Thomas Rice, 1 share; Dntee Arnold,! share; Henry
Arnold, 1 share ; Wanton Casey, 1 share ; Nicholas R. Gardiner,
1 share; Jjcnjamin Ih.Avland, 1 share: Casev Whitford, 1 share;
Obadiah Brown, 1 share; William Reynolds, ] share; vSamuel
Wright, ] Ishare ; Thomas A. llowland, 1 share; John I'ry, 1
share.
h^rom the time of its founding the school continued under the
administration of the corporation until its purchase, November
9th, 184], by the Providence Conference (now New England
Southern), of the Methodist h^piscopal Church. A new charter
for the institution was then ()l)laincd under tlie name of " The
Providence Conference x\cademy." The corporate title was aflei'-
ward changed to "The Providence Conference Seminar\' and
Musical Institute." In 1884 the property passed into the hands
of a stock company, but four years later, in 1888, the stock was
surrendered and the stock company, as such, was abolished. It
is now (1889) under the joint control of the New England .South-
ern Conference and a body of e<.)rporators.
The buildings are on an eminence on the western shore of
Narragansctt bay, and the location is of surjxassing beauty, ])re-
senting a view of both shc>res of the bay for a distance of twenty
miles or more. Erom the Academy building mav be seen with
the naked eye the cities of Providence, Eall River, Warren,
Bristol and Newport. Many persons who have \'isitcd Europe
pronounce the view from the institution equal to that of the Bay
of Naples. Tlie Academy grounds contain iive acres, giving a
large campus and a lawn beautifully laid out and ornamented
with trees and shrubbery. In tlie center of these grounds stands
the xVcadcmy building proper, one of the finest structures of its
kind, erected in 18.")8. It contains a very superior chapel, com-
modious recitation rooms, art room, rooms for literary societies,
offices, cabinet, Laboratory, library and reading room. The
original building was removed to its present, site on .Spring
street, where, with some modifications, it is still in use for a pulj-
lic school. The Boarding Hall was erected in 184(1, and in 1808
it was remodeled and enlarged at a cost of about 8Io.<"H». The
third building, a private residence situated on the north side of
the Academy grounds, now known as the Winsor House, was
purchased by the institution in 1856.
HISTORY or WASHINGTON AND KKNT COUNTIES.
901
Across the sU-ect fn.m the IJoardin- Hall is the prineipal's res- _
idence, acquired in 1888, with convenient and ele-ant parlors ior
use in the social lite of the school. All these biiildin-s are heat-
ed with steam and lij^hted by electricity.
The dcsij^n of the school is to furnish the best possible facili-
ties for a thorou-h culture, under reli;4ious influences, in all de-
partments of academic instruction. 'I1ic institution has a library,
and mcmliers of the scIkjoI have access also to the excellent
free public librarv of the town, a few rods' distant from the
Academy o-round,s" The oeolo-ical and minerah.gical cabinet
embraces about three thou.-and si)eciinens. and is rarely
surpassed in variety and completeness. It has recently been
completely reorganized. 'Jdic specimens were all newly
labelled and arranged under the direction of a Russian expert,
for practical use in the clas.ses of geolo-y, uiincraU.-y, etc. A
number of fine spceiniens of silver and gold ore from the Rocky
Mountains, over fifty typical .specimens of valuable minerals,
fo.ssil remains and geological formations from Kansas, and var-
ious marbles from New ICngland, were among the accessions of
the past year.
The institution has a good philo.sophical and chemical appa-
ratus; a superior stereopticon ; a set of English astroncmiical
slides', showing the various real and apparent motions of the
heavenly bodies ; a fine eolleetion of Levy's lantern views ; an
electric machine, with a twenty-four inch plate ; Wightman's
gasometers, and a new compound microscope.
The " rhilognothian " and the " Adelphian " .s<jcietics of gen-
tlemen, and the "Aletheon," a society of ladies, hold stated
meetings for discussions and other literary cxerci.ses.
A large and well conducted reading room is supplied with the
most valuable and popular papers and periodicals from various
portions of the country.
The fir.st conservatory of music in America was opened here
in 1859 by Eben Tourjee, now director of the New England
Conservatory of .Music, Roston, who has ever since had more or
less of a general oversight of the interests of the department. No
academy^in the country has been more widely eelcbrated for the
superiority of its musical department. Rupils are here placed
under the same systematic drill and receive f<jr the most part
the same studies which would be given them in the best con-
servatories of Eurojic.
There is al.so a ci>mmcrcial college connected with the acad-
9()-2 IlISrOKV OF WASllIXGTtjN AM) KLXJ" COIJNTIFS.
eniy and a dcparlmoit of stenoyrapli)' and typewriting-, also an
art department. A normal department \v;is opened in-1888 whh
a training seli(.)oI, \vhieh gives adx'antages not to 1)e had at the
State Normal Sehuol, wliieb has no training seliuol. Partieidar
attenticm is also paid to ehxaition. 'Jdie college preparatory de-
partment ranks among the hrst in New hLngland.
In 1888 the institntion received S-Ki.ooo from the estate of the
late Steplien T. Olney, of Providence ; SK^.UOn of this was nsed
in jjaying a mortgage debt, leaving ,s:')(.i, ()(.)() permanent end'jw-
ment.
Following is the list of principals of the institntion since it was
founded :
1802^-Abner Alden, A. M 1808
18()S-Joseph L. Tillinghast, A. M 181 J
1811~~Aaron Putnam, A. :^1 1812
1812--^Ezekiel Rich, A. ,M 1815
181.5— James Underwood, A. 2^1 1817
1817— Rev. Daniel Waldo, A. M., died at the age of 104 1818
1818— Benjamin V. Allen, A. M 1822
1822— Nathan Whiting, A. M 182^5
1823— Charles H. Alden, A. :M 182.")
182.')— Rev. Ebenezer Coleman, A. M 1820
1820— Christopher Robinson, A. :^1 '. . . .182U
1829— Rev. Henry Edes, A.M 18:31
1831— Penuel Corbett, A. :\I 1832
1832— Christopher Robinson, A. :\I 1833
1833- George W. Greene, A. :\I 1834
1834— Jcseph Harrington, A.M 1834
1834— Joshua O. Coburn, A. M 183:)
1835— Thomas P. Rodman. A. M 1830
1836— Joshua (). Coburn, A. M 1838
1838- -Rev. James Richardson, A. :M 183!)
1839— Rev. I );iniel G. Allen 184 1
1841— Rev. P.enj. F. Tefft, A. M 1842
1842— Rev. George P. Pool, A. B 1843
1843— Rev. Daniel G. Allen 1844
1844- George B. Cone, A. M 1847
1847— Rev. William P.agnall, A. 31 1848
1848— Rev. Robert Allyn, A. M 1854
1854— Rev. George W. Oucrcau, A. ^\ 1858
1858— Rev. Mieah J . Talbot, A. M 1 802
1802— Rev. Hcrniee 1 ). Ames, A. ,M 1804
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIKS. 903
18G4— Rev. James T. Edwards, A. M 1S7U
1871— Rev. David 11. Ela, A. M -....1873
1873— Rev. Francis T). Blakcslce. A. -M ] 8hM
1884— Rev. Oliver II. Fernald, A. M ] SS5
1885— Rev. Orano-c W. Scott 1 8So'
1886— Rev. Leonard L. Fccman, A. ^I 1887
1887— Rev. Francis l). Flakeslee, A. :\I I'resent I'rineipal.
Faculty— 1888- i).
Rev. F. D. Blakcslee, A. M., Principal,
Mental and M(n\al Science.
John C. Packard. A. P... A'icc-l'rincipal,
Mathematics and Natural Science.
Herbert E. Drake, A. B.,
Greek and Latin.
Theron C. Strickland,
Commercial Department.
Miss Kate B. Mitchell, A. B., Preceptress,
^Modern Lang-uag-es and Ilioher Englisli.
Miss lilla M. (ireene.
Director of ]\Iusic, Organ, l^iano and Voice.
i\Iiss Eva Coscarden,
Reading and Tvlocntion.
Mi,ss Carrie E. Russell,
Art Department.
Mi.ss Kate E. Dopp,
Normal and Intermediate Department.
Mrs. Ilelenc M. Wliednn.
Stenography and Typewriting-.
]Miss Anna S. Barber,
Assistant in Music.
j\Iiss Bessie H. Standish,
Common English.
Miss Alice M. Ilotchkiss,
Assistant Preceptress and l^ogic.
John MeLeod,
Steward.
George H. Blake.slee,
Librarian.
Mrs. N. A. Weeks,
Matron.
The total number of students for the year 1887-88 was •2ri4.
The number registered in tlie fall term of 1888 was as follows.
904 HISTORY OF WASHINO'I'OX AND KENT COUNTIES.
by states : Rhttde Island, 104 pupils ; Massachusetts, r.',") ; Connec-
ticut, 17 ; New York, 4 ; Xe\v Jersey, 3 ; (Jhio, 2 ; Nova Scotia, I) ;
]-'enusylvania, '2; Xew Hampshire, 1; Arizona, 1 ; ^Missouri, 1 :
Nebraska, ] ; \Visconsin, 1 ; total, 22.").
Among the pi-ominent alumni of the Academy may be men-
tioned tiie Rt. Reverend Williard F. Mallalieu, D. D. ; the Rev-
erend William V. Warren. 1). 1).. LL. D.. juesident of ]-!oston
Uni\'ersity; the Reverend C. 11. I'avne, I). 1)., LL. D., secretary
of the Board of liducation of the Methodist l^piseopal Church ;
the Reverend .S. V. Upham, 1). ])., professor in 1 )re\v 4'heoIo.L;"ical
Seminary; the Hon. Nelson Aldrich, L'nited St.ales Senator from
Rhode Lsland ; I'lofessor Alonzo AVilliams. of l!ro\vn L'niversity :
and Justices Malteson and 4'illinghast, of the supreme court of
the state.
The institution has exerted an important influence in the ed-
ucational work of the state, a lar^'e proportion of its public school
teachers having been educated here. Its alumni are found in
prominent positions in business life and ofiicial stations.
The Sl)C^•;|•^■ of Fkiexms. — The ri.se and decline of the Qua-
ker church is a subject worthy of general notice in the liistory '
of the county. The sixteenth century was a period of great agi-
tation. Various religious subjects, modes of faith and forms of
worship began now to be freely discussed. The reformation of
Luther swept away the ecclesiastical barriers which had been
erected in the interests of bigotry and superstition. The sun-
light of popery was the hey-day of the dark ages. Trutli and
knowledge finally dawned upon the dark age of ignorance, and
as civilization, freedom and knowledge advanced, the minds of
men began to perceive that neither popes, nor kings, nor synods,
nor clergy, were the keepers of conscience.
The pope promulgated bulls and hurled anathemas at the new
faith, the church of England, which then was only a shade less
autocratical than popery itself. Dissenting sects noAV sprung
into existence, and they all alike .suffered persecution from the
established church, the same as from popery. The Friends, or
as they were styled in derision, Oiidl-rrs, suffered with others in
those days with prison, scourge and torch. Their founder,
George Fox, with his coadjutors, William Penn, Thomas Elwood,
George Whitehead and Robert Larclay, began to hold and estab-
lish meetings about the year lO.'JO. They came out of the Epis-
copal church of England, whose forms and ceremonies and prac-
HISTORY OF WASIIIXCTON AND KKXT COUNTIES. 905
tices tlicy discarded, but the fiindanieiital doctrines which thc\-
promulgated did not dilTer materially from the tenets lield by
that body. Their belief in the Trinity, in the efficacy of the
Savior, in faith, in repentance, in justification, in puriiication^
and sanctification, in eternal rewards and punishments, and in
the inspiration of the scriptures, were tlie same, but the)' rejected
the sacraments as mere outward forms. Agreeably to the com-
mands of Christ's Sermon on the ]SIount, they disapproved of war
and fig'hting and declined to swear before q civil magi.strate.
They disapproved of music as an auxiliary of divine worship,
and thought less of a mere literary education as a qualification
for the ministry than a spotless life and a degree of religious
experience of the divine spirit upon the heart.
Respecting the forms of church go\-ernment, tlic discijdine
of the church, etc., we copy from the writings of .\liel Kenytjn,
of East Cireenwich, who is authority on this subject, lie sa\-s;
"The form of church government which now prevails was es-
tablished at an early date in the hi.story of tlie Society, as v.-ere
al.so separate business meetings for women h'riends, wlK)se co-
equal rights, not only in conducting the alTairs of the Church,
but in the office of the ministry, were fully recognized. The
highest ecclesiastical body known in the Society is a yearly
meeting, and each yearly meeting is an independent co-ordinate
organization, composed of several quarterly meetings. These
comprise sundry monthly meetings, which are made up of sub-
ordinate preparative meetings, the lowest form of church organ-
ization. There are .several yearly meetings in America, each
comprising its own section, as indicated by its name, as Xew
England, Xew York, Philadelphia, and Ohio Yearly Meetings.
" New England Yearly ^Meeting is composed of the quarterly
meetings of Rhode Island, New Bedford, Falmouth, Dover and
others. Rhode Island Quarterly Meeting is made up of the
monthly meetings of East Greenwich, South Kingstown, I'rovi-
dence, Newport, and Swansea. East Cj-reenwich Monthly Jvleet-
ing includes the preparative meetings of liast Greenwich and
Coventry, and the meeting is held at the.se places alternately.
There were formerly preparative meetings at Wickford and
Cranston, but they have been long since suspended, and the
meeting houses sold.
"Among the modes of faith which have rendered the Society
of Friends a peculiar people, the practice of silent worship is one
900 HISTORY OF WASIIIN(;Tr)X AND KENT COUNTIES.
which has often .subjected them to the scorn, as well as to the
derision of the world.
"But meetings of absolute silence were not commrin- at East
Greenwich on the P'irst day of the week, until witliin the past.
twenty years. The meeting at Wiekford had no speaker fi.r
many years, and for a htng time before it was given up it w;is at-
tended by only two persons, licriah lirown and 1 lowland
Vaughn, who .sat together in silence the usual time, and then
shaking hands, as the usual manner is of chasing the meeting,
went to their homes. Sometimes inclement weather prevented
more than one from attending."
A traveling Friend had appointed a meeting in the old Hast
Greenwich meeting house and according to the irsual custom
general notice had been given the people of the neighborhood.
who came in crowds to the meeting and the house was filled
with an an.xious audience, all eager to listen to the noted
preacher, whose reputation had gone before him. After sitting
some time in silence he arose and said : " In-icnds. I think it ix
bcxt for every one to mind their oion hnsiness," :ind then sat down.
In due time the meeting closed, and Captain S]K-ncer adds, "It
was the greatest sermon I ever heard."
Each yearly meeting has its book of disci])line, or church rules
and advices, which differ slightly, although their main points
conform to each other. Certain queries respecting the puritv
and consistency of the members are required to Ijc answered
periodically b)- all the subordinate meetings, and a summary of
the answers is prepared at the yearly meeting, which shall indi-
cate the condition of the Society.
Exemplary members are appointed as overseers in each
monthly meeting to report all breaches of morality, decorum or
discipline. Any persons, whether male or female, whose public
appearance in speaking is fa\-orab]y regarded and whose remarks
are profitable and edifying, are recommended or approved by
the monthly, quarterly and yearly meetings to which thc\- be-
long, and thereafter they can travel in the ministry and appoint
meetings if they deem it their duty, after being provided with a
certificate of the approval of the particular meeting to which
they belong. " AVeighty " members of the society, of deep re-
ligious experience, who have never been called to the ministrv,
are recommended and apju-oved as elders, and such h'ricnds fjften
accompanv ministers in their iournevs to preach the Gospel as
HISTORY OF WASHIXfnfiX ANO KENT COUNTIES. 0O7
companions. Thuy claim all eliiUlrcn as meml.icrs whose parents
belong to the society, but they are disowned if, when having
reached the 3-ears of religious understanding, they fail to be
consistent, and it not unfrequently happens that youths are led
astray b}- the charms of pleasure, the vanity of fashion, or the
temptation c>f A-iee.
Each inonthly meeting is required to support its own poor,
and never permit them tLi become a burden to the autliorities ;
and it is enjoined that the children of the poor shall be educated
at the expense of the society. I'^mds for necessary exiicnses
are raised by contributions from the members of each meeting,
according to their ability.
All members are advised against the use of all spirituous
liquors and tobacco, except for medicine : to abstain from vain
amusements: to avoid places of public resort, and to keep in
true moderation and tem])erance on all occasions.
Their marriages are solemnized at a public meeting, the par-
ties having previously declared their intentions and ol)tained
permi.ssion of the monthly meeting, by rising in the presence of
the audience and taking each other by the hand, the bridegroom
saying, " In the presence of this assembly I t.ake this my friend,
Rachel Pcnn.to be my wife, promising through divine assistance
to be unto her a kind and affectionate husband until it shall
please the Lord by death to separate us," or words of similar im-
port. The bride repeats the same with the names reversed. A
certificate is read and signed by the parties, and witnessed by
those present, when the ceremony is completed. A wedding
with invited guests, a reception or a tour follows, at the pleasure
or caprice of the contractors. The laws of England, as well as
those of the United States, recognize this form of marriage, and
divorces are never known among the Eriends. The laws also
have legalized the form of affirmation by which the oath is
avoided, but Eriends endured much persecution, and a long
time elapsed before it was conceded.
General meetings or, as they were afterward called, yearly
meetings were first held at Swannington, a town in Licccster-
shirc, in ltr)4. Imvc years later a general meeting was held on
the island of Rhode Island upon the ninth day of the fourth
month, old style. In li;.")8 there were fifteen ministers laboring
in New England antl the South.
George Fo.x held meetings in Providence " in a great barn;"
90S iiisTOkV OF \vASinxr;i'o\ Axn rent counties.
also under a tree in Old Warwick, which slodd on land nmv
owned by John lloldcn ; also at Narrag-ansctl, to which people
came from Connecticut to hear him ; also at the house of John
Briggs, Kingston, which last occasion was a monthly meeting
for business, which was held on the second day of the week in
the fifth nn)nth. On this occasion the meeting proceeded to
business, " and it is the mind of this meeting that John Hriggs
take the account of the meeting in writing."
The monthly meeting was at this time established under the
name of Narragansett monthly meeting, and comprised the
territory of Providence, AVarwick, l-^ast Orcenwii'h and Kings-
ton. Rhode Island Ouartcrlv Meeting was est;d)lished the same
year, composed of the monthly meetings of Rhode Island, L*art-
mouth and Narragansett.
It appears that the First day meetings were held in Kingston,
probably near Wick-ford, at the dwelling house of Joseph Hull,
who was a speaker in these meetings, but in consequence of a
difference between Jack Turner and him, and .sume dissatisfac-
tion expressed by Friends resjiecting his conduct, it was resolved
that the weekly and First day meetings be held at the house of
William Gardiner, until further order from this meeting.
At this period men and women's meetings for business were
held together. Three monthly meetings were held at the hou.se
of John Briggs ; then thev were held at the house of Jabez
Greene, in Warwick, probably at Potowomut, until a meeting
house was erected. On the 4th of March, 1700, the pl.-ice of hold-
ing meetings on First day was again changed. It was to be held
two First days at the house of John Watson, and two Iwrst days
at Joseph Hull's hou.se, and not at William Gardiner's for " sev-
oral " reasons.
Before the close of the vear it was resolved to build a meet-
ing house, as appears by this ancient record: "At the monthly
man and woman's meeting in the house of Jabez Greene, this
5th of 12th montli, lOOO, its the mind of this meeting that Eben-
ezer Slocum and I)aniel Cogshall are chosen to appoint wheue a
meeting house shall be built and set up for this jnirpose, to wait
upon God in, and to worship him in spirit and in truth."
This meeting house was placed on the land of John S])encer,
about half a mile southwest of the village of Ivist Greenwich,
near the four corners, and just west fif Payne's grist mill. The
building was beoun and .so continued, that at a men's and
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES. 900
women's meeting at the new meeting house in East Greenwieh,
" Ye 2d day of ye 7th month, 1700, it was agreed that a meeting
be kept there on every First day, that is, at the aforesaid meet-
ing house, by all that are willing there to meet." The meeting
house and lot were not eonveyed to the Society until HO-J. Al-
though the house was u.sed for meetings, it remained unfinished
until the 3d month, J 703, when Peter (ireene, Jabez (ireene and
Thomas Greenall were appointed a committee to finish it. Tliis
spot is now enclosed by a .substantial stone.wall. Within its
precincts, marked by rude stones, rest the remains of tho.se
venerable Friends who worshipped within the walls of the old
meeting house one hundred and fifty years ago.
It will thus be seen that the erection of the first house for
divine worship on the western shore of Narragansett bav is
justly claimed by the Society of Friends, seven years before' the
building of St. Paul's church, in Kingston— which was removed
to Wickford in the year 18n(), now standing in a dilapidated con-
dition—and twenty-eight years before Trinity church, first l)uilt
in Newport in 1702, was removed to the shore of Coweset bay,
and placed midway between liast Greenwich and Appon.ang.
SURVE Vf)R TiK)M.\s AkXoi.i).— The first surveyor of the port of
East Greenwieh was Captain Thomas Arnold, who was appointed
to the office by Cicneral Wa.shington ; he was an officer in the
revolutionary army, and held a command at the battle of Mon-
mouth, in which action he was wounded, and in consequence lost
his right leg. A rather curious incident occurred at the time
when the limb was amputated. The wound was caused by a
musket ball, which the surgeon was unable to extract. After
the leg was cut off the ball was found and sent home to his wife,
who had a string of beads made of the leaden bullet, which she
always wore afterward as a trophy.
The office of surveyor was a more difficult and important one
than it is at present. The surveyor was not only obliged to at-
tend to the duties of the custom house, but had the additional
duty of collecting the taxes on carriages, plate and watches. It
was also his duty to sell the stamps ilsued by the general gov-
ernment. At that time no business transaction was legal unless
done with stamped paper. The price of the stamps vaded from
four cents to ten dollars.
^ In the year 1704 congress made a law imposing a tax on car-
riages, the collection of which was a part of the dut}- of the sur-
910 HISTORY OF WASIIIXOTOX AND KENT COUNTIES.
veyor. Il appears that tlic owners of carriages were oblic;ed to
make returns to llie colleetor every quarter. Tlic ta.x on eoaclies
was $15; on chariots, yJ2: on i)haetons, S'' ; on curricles, S'^: on
chaises, $3; and S- on al] carriac,''es on four wlieels without
springs. It appears from an abstract of returns made in 1797
that there were no coaches in the county at that time, and but
one sulky, which bcloni;-ed to Doctor Peter Turner ; and of chaises
owned in the town of liast Greenwich there were only nine.
Another source of revenue to the general f^overnment was the
license haw for the sale of spirituous liquors. At that time the
collector had the ri;.^ht to j^n-ant licenses, and the revenue arising
therefrom was approjiriatcd to the general goN'ernment. The
people of those days were not very strong advocates of tem])cr-
ance, as is evident from the number of licenses granted during
the year 179-1. In lliis year the number of licenses taken out
amounted to eleven. .
Captain Thomas Arnold, while collector, did not find the olTice
always an easy one. luist Cireenwich at that time carried on an
extensive trade with the Dutch colony of Surinam. The ofliccrs
of the vessels engaged in the trade always managed to arrive in
the harbor during the night, and no small amount of smuggling
was practiced, as the collector's infirmity (the loss of a leg)' kept
him within the hou.se at that hour. A brig once arrived so late
in the night, in consequence of a fog down the bay, that it was
broad daylight before the vessel reached her moorings. Kow
Captain Arnold had a son named Isaac, who was brimfull of mis-
chief, and the very ]3erson for such an emergency. He of course
was consulted to know what could be done. His advice was that
the old gentlenran should be kept at home until the articles sub-
ject to duties were removed, adding that he knew how it cotdd
be done. In the morning when the captain arose his Avooden
leg was missing, and could not be found until the brig was in
perfect order for the collector's visit.
Captain Arnold lived to extreme old age, and held the office of
surveyor until the infirmities of increasing age prevented him
from performing the duties required.
Thomas Arnold Peircc, Jr., the popular station agent of the
Stonington railroad at East CTreenwich, is one of the many de-
scendants c>f Captain Arnold.
ExTK.vCT EKoM Tin; r)iAk\- OK D.vxir.i. II()\vi,.\\i).— The diary
kept by Daniel Ilowland, a portion of which is here given, will
HISTORY OF WASHIXGTON AND KENT COUXTIKS. 911
he considered b}- otir readers as matter worthy of recurd. 'J'he
extract was taken from Doctor Greene's " Histor}- of East Green-
wich."
"In ITo'J, war witli vSpain began. In INlay, 174-1, war with
France was proclaimed here." '
'■July the .")th, 17-10. Died, John ^Vant()n, Late Governor of
Khode Island and was Decently lUiried on the 7th of the Same a
Great Concourse of People attendin<^" the funeral."
Rather a singular way of noticing the death of a governor by
saying he was "decently buried."
"December, IT-ll and the first of Januarv following there fell
G or 7 Snows one upon another, without a thaw between. ] jri'^tol
ferry was so froase the .said winter that people passed upon the
Ice from December 28d to January the 10th. January the Doth
Father came away from Boston and Got home Februar)- the oth
there being thirteen in Company most part of the way and trav-
elling every Day, the bad travelling was caused by a great .Snow
which fell the 2Sth and SDth of January which with the rest (,>f
the vSnows that was then remaining on the (jroujid was counted
5 foot Deep upon a level ; about the oth and Sth of Februar}- the
rivers were so extremely f rose that live men weni from ISristol
to Newport on the Ice, and Nathaniel -Manchester came from
Bristol ferry to Greenige. and a few days before John Balv went
from Coeset shore to Swansy upon the Ice; our well that is 3 or
4 and twenty foot Deep was frose to a solid bod\- of Ice, for three
weeks, so that we got no water in the time about the first of
February 1741. February the 25th 1741 a Wedding Ciuest came
from Freetown to common fence pint on the Ice, across the Bay.
Sometime the last of I'cbruary the Ice was measured up against
Fall River and found to be 2.") inches thick and about Slades
ferry it was SO inches. March (ith, there went a man over Bris-
tol Ferry and led a horse with a sled. March 7th, there fell a
snow, which with the Rest since hard wether set in makes 32
inches."
"March 10th, a man went over Bristol Ferry upon the Ice, and
two boys came from Portsmouth to Coeset. March 2()th it was
generally thought that a man might have Gone from Common
fence pint to Swansy on the lee. March the 24th, the Bay above
us not yet broke up. ^Mareh 2Cth. it broke up and tlie Ice came
down by Acres. April 23d. I went to Newport, and in Moon's
lane there was a snow bank for Rods together 3 feet or 3^. feet
912 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES.
Deep. June 2d. the Ice tliawed in John llowlaiul's Well, jnne
the Gth. there was vSnow l^rought to a town meeting- held at the
town hou.se in Portsmouth, half a h;it crown full from job I.aw-
ton's farm. June the ]Oth. at the Wedding- of Joseph iM'eeborn,
We the Guests Drank Punch n-iade of Snow ; The like Never m
these parts Before."
"1742. The vSpring: very forward, the peach-trees bloomed in
April for the most part; a very promising Season the fore part
of the year but followed by a violent Drouth,, which began
About the 20th of June and for about ten weeks, without Rain
except .some scattering Drcjps some times and \erv Seldom anv
at all." ' ■ ■■ ■
"February the 19th, 17-1:3. Gras.shoppers seen to Dav plenti-
fully hopping about in the :Meadows ; the Winter past since Mo-
vember, exceeding-ly moderate, the Ground bare mostly, and but
■ little frost, fine plea.sant Weather sometimes for a ^\'eek togeth-
er and Summer like Days very con-imon. Xoven-iber the 8th.
Extraordinary Dark about the middle of the Day, so that peo])le
■were obliged to light candles to do their business. January
1774 there api)earcd a Plazing Star in the West in the Evening
for a great while and afterwards it was seen by many in the
Morning before it was light l':aslcrly. The same Year in Febru-
ary died Martha Dyer aged Ninety Nine years and Nine months,
and her Sister Susan Brownel, aged Ninety Six years and I-^lev-
en months, both lived in one house, many years, and died in the
same in a week's difference."
"June 17th, 174.'). Louisburg surrendered to the English af-
ter a Siege of six weeks and five days. In May came orders from
the- King to the several (Tovernments to Raise a Number of
forces in order to join the British forces at Cape Britton,to go on
an Expedition against Canada, in compliance with which Rhode
Island raised three hundred men directly and the ather Govern-
ments a great many n-iorc, but no fleets come as yet October the
first. In the last of September a general alarum in Boston Gov-
ernment, throughout the Province thirty or forty thousand men
gathered into Boston out of the Country all of which was caused
by intelligence of a large French fleet near the Cape Sable
shore."
"November the 4th our Country Sloop and Sogers, which
were enlisted for Canady on Bord the transports hauled off in
Order to Sail to Anopilus Royal by order of Assembly in order
HISTORY OF WASIIINXTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 018
to vStrengthen that place against the French fleet, which we have
inteligcnce has vSailed homewards Sometime last ilonth. Our
forces afore mentioned, proceeded to the Vinyard shore, and
there cast away one transjiort but lost no ]Men, took them on
bord the other transports, afterwards lost one more totally upon
some of the islands, run the Countiy Sloop on shore, and the
other transport. The Sloop they Got oft" again and after losing
great numbers of their men by reason of hard.ship and vSickness,
returned home without proceeding any further. Wood in New-
port ten poiinds (S.'IO) a cord; Hay not to be got at all hardly.
Grain very scarce of all sorts."
"In December 17-Jfi Our Commissioners settled the IJoundcries
between the Governments; }k)ston not Joining."
These "Boundcries" I presuuic Avcre tho.se between Massa-
chusetts and Rhode Island, which were so long in dispute, and
were only decided by law a few years since.
"In the last of May came a man of ^^'ar Snow and lay off by
Block Island and took two flag of truces, and prest several men
out of Vessels. In the last of Novemlicr a prodigious ^lob in
Boston, chiefly exasperated by the }\Ien of War pressing many
of the people and the Governor's winking too much at it."
"In February Commodore Knowls besieged and took port
Louis upon Hispanola in Order as tis reported to make it a free
port for the English, which I think was altogether needless, it
being so already to several Governments without employing fif-
teen of the King's vShips to settle a traders dispute. About ^lid-
summer came orders to proclaim a cessation of arms between
English, French and Dutch, and some time after the Spaniards
also."
"March the 23d, 1749, it being the nth Day of the Week, we
put our Goods on board a Boat in Order to move to East Green-
wich, from Portsmouth came away the next ]\Iorning, and ar-
rived at Updikes Newtom (Wickford), just before Night, after a
tedious passage and a very hard gale of Wind ; the Next Day
carted up our Goods and got into our new House."
This new li(.)usc was the one now owned and occupied by John
Kenyon, and therefore by this date we know how old the
house is.
"May the 5th Anno 174'.), Peace proclaimed between Engli.sh,
French and Spaniards at Newport.
"June the loth, 17.")(), The General Assembly passed an Act
58
914 HISTORY OK WASHINGTox AND KKNT COUNTIES.
lacorj^orating l'2:ist Greenwich, West (Tix-enwich, '\Var^^■ick• and
Coventry into a county by the name of Kent, witha proviso (viz.)
That the Inhabitants of said Count}- sliould by Free Contribu-
tion or Subscription bnikl a Court House, near tlie Dimensions
of the Count}- House in Pro\-idence t(T be suit;ible to hold a Court
in by the hast of October, whieli being Comjileted agreeable to
'the Act, was Confirmed and the Ofliccrs chosen at that Sessions
of As.sembly, through great Opj^osition parts of Warwick and
Providence in general doing their utmost l-lndvavors to stop
their proceedings."
The court house here mentioned is not the present one. The
older one was pulled down in ISO-l, and the present built on its
site. The opposition referred to was caused by the jcalousy
then existing between the towns of AVarwick and East CTreen-
■wich, Warwick being an.xi()us to have the court house located
at Old Warwick, as it was then the most populous portion of the
town of \\'arwick, l.nit the contributi<.)n and subscription of l^ast
Greenwich being much the greatest, the controversy was ended
by building at liast Greenwich.
" October the 27th. The Sheriff with a Jury (after two days
spent to get a h'uU One) proceeded to set off a certain parcel of
Land which John Rice had Recovered of John Pierce, and- at-
tempting to run across some Land in possession of Joseph
Nichols, was forewarned which they took a great Opposition and
very dangerous to proceed and so fled to Providence for aid, re-
turned two Days after with forty men, which were warned to
appear in arms. But Did Not appear in arms, and with that aid
proceeded to set off the Land."
" The 22d of this Month we had a very violent storm at S. E.
but short attended with an Extraordinary Gale of Wind which
brought in a very high tide, which did Considerable Damage in
chief of the Harbours about this Shore, and at Providence the
loss is considerable .su.stained by the tide, in their Stores amongst
the Salt chiefly ; in Newport, the ^Merchants suffered many thou-
sand pounds Damage in their Stores amongt Dry Goods, Sugar
and Salt."
"This year ]7.')2, Our Style was altered from Old to New, in
the }vIonth of September beginning the 1st and 14th. ]\Iarch
following very warm, the vSeason seeming to be as much altered
as the Style, some peach blooms said to be opened in this month
N. S. but ver}- plenty according to O. S."
HISTORY OF WASTIINCn'OX AND KENT COIINTIKS. 015
"January ITo.'). Some stirrin all the American Ciovornments
about the French and Indians fortifying at or near the River
Ohio. Our Government (R. I.) voted Jod men for to join the
other forces in an attempt npon tliat fortification, and such fur-
ther service as should be thought proper."
" February the ."ith the petition preferred by Joseph Xiehols
and Rufus Green in order to destroy our County of Keiu, re-
ceived its expected fate, for after a Warm Deliate in the Assem-
bly they declined taking a Vote upon it, and so withdrew if,"
"This year, the ISth November, al>out half after 4 o'clock in
the Morning we had a very surprising Shock of an Ivarthquakc,
and on the 22d about 8 at Night we liad another small one, but
very perceivable.
"On the nth of July this year General P.raddock met with an
almost total defeat, himself and great part of his head Officers
being killed, just after they liad passed the River Monimgaliala
in their march towards the fortification on or near the Ohio."
"October 21st, we were ordered to raise 4(H) men in the (n)v-
ernment by an act of Assembly to join our forces already in tlic
Expedition formed against Crown Point which was done at a
very great expense, some leaving /,':-500 besides their wages, who
were all dismissed without being mustered the rest of our forces
sent home and dismissed presently after."
Freemasoxry in Kent Ci )UXTV.— Freemasonry in Kent county
was favorably known in the early part of the present century.
Several lodges were established in different localities, but from
various causes they maintained only a feeble existence for a
greater or less number of years, until nearly all surrendered
their charters, and labor practically ceased for a time in the en-
tire county. Upon the revival of masonry aljout the year 18.30,
the old charters were restored, vigorous and healthy work was
recommenced and has been .steadily carried forward to the pres-
ent time. Our lodge rooms are " things of beautv," well worthy
of attention, and peace and prosperity reigns within our borders.
Brief sketches and appropriate statistical information of the six
lodges and the single chapter organiz.ed, will be given in chrono-
logical order.
HarDiony Lodge, No. ,9, /^(?:c///.n7.— This is the oldest lodge in
the county. A meeting of sundry masons was held in Pawtuxet,
April P2th, 18(i."">, to consider the advisability of establishing a
lodge in .said village. After due consideration, a dispensation
910 HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KI.NT COUNTIES.
was requested and received May 6th, ISof). The lodge was char-
tered and consecrated September 2i)th, J /t/n> J)iu//h/i"\S')S, Aiuioquc
Lucis 5808, with the following charter members ; Pcleg Rhodes,
Christopher Rhodes, [onathan Aborn, Comfort A. Carpenter,
William Smith, P.cnjamin Smith, Solomon Thornton, Ephraim
Bowen, Jr., and Jonathan Remington. Harmony Lodge has
seen manv of the ups and downs incident to lodges chartered in
the early part of the century. Though never losing her charter
or records, yet from 1827 to 18.52 her communications were only
intermittently holden. W. Remington Arnold was in the " East "
during this intermittent period, which is perhaps not equalled
in the masonic history of thel'nited States.
The master's chair has been occupied as follows; Jonathan
Nichols, 1805 -Ci; l-Lphraim P,owen, Jr., 1807; Peleg Rhodes, ISOS-
13; lilislia P. Smith, 1814; William Rhodes, 18J5; Tully Dor-
ranee, 1810 2;3 ; James Harris, 2d, 1824 25 ; Sion A. Rhodes, 182G ;
Remington Arnold, 1827-1852: John Carr, ]85:i-54; Isbon Sher-
man, 1855-50; Henry Putler, 1857-50; Sidney B. Smith, 18G0-G2 ;
Daniel A. Smith, 1803 : Israel R. Sheldon, 1804: John Y. Carr,
1805-00; Eli.sha S. Arnold, 1807; John F. Carr, 1808; George F.
Sheldon, 1800-70; Andrew J. Bates, 1871-73; Eleazer Ralph,
1874-75; Henry L. John.son, 1870; Forrest A. Peck,' 1877-78;
William 15. Hart, 1870-80; Samuel S. Remington, 1881 : James
Sutcliffe, 1882; l':dwin Montgomery, 1883; Charles E. Johnson,
1884; Elisha H. Rhodes, 1885 ; Walter O. Talcott, 1880; Joseph
A. Latham, 1887: William B. Rhodes, 1888.
The active membership is 71.
King Solomon's Lodge, jVo. 11, East Grccircoich. — The dispensation
for this lodge was granted June 24th, 18no. The lodge was
chartered and consecrated October -J th. Anno Do)nini\'6\^\ Annoqnc
Lucis 5810, with charter members as follows : Peter Turner,
Wanton Casey, Stephen Franklin, Abner Alden, James }ililler,
Thomas Allen, Thomas Tillinghast, Jr., Stephen Douglas and
Job Tillinghast. Prosperity did not always attend the lodge,
and the charter was surrendered to the parent body May 28th,
1849, but upon petition of some of its former members was re-
stored December 27tli, 1852, and the lodge reorganized January
12th, 1853.
The following named brethren have filled the master's chair :
Stephen Franklin, 1800; Abner Alden. 1807 ; Thomas Tilling-
hast, Jr., 1808-10; liowland ( ireenc, 181 1 15 : William Harrison,
HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 917
1816-20; Nathan Whiting, 1831-21 ; Joseph J. Tillini^hast, ISS'i;
Augustus Greene, 1S2(i -20: Lucius ]M". Wheeler, 1S3() :^.1 ; IIuw-
land Greene, 18:)2--; Absalom P. King, 18.')o-r)G; James C. But-
terworth, 18.57; Alfred Read, 1858 ; Thomas Foy, 18.-)9 ; William
E. Peck, 1800; Samuel S. Whiting, 1801 ; William liodfish, 1802 3 ;
William A. Johnson, 18(W ; Caleb R. Hill, ISlC); Thomas J. Til-
ley, 186G ; Charles R. Ih-ay ton, 18(;7- 8; Jnhn M. Spcneer, 18(!0:
George U. Wilcox, 1 870-71 ; TTCorge G. Bullock, 1 872 73 ; Thomas
W. Bicknell, 187-1 7."i ; John C. Xiehols, 1870 7w : Byron |5riggs,
1878; Calvin B. Truesdell, 187!) 80; Charles M. Wilkinson,
1881-82; John R. Allen, 1883 84; John Ware, 188.-)- 80; William
R. Sharpc, 1887 88.
Active membership, 813.
Manchester Lodge Xo. 7.', ./;//■ //cz/j'. —Tlie dispensation f(_)r Man-
chester Lodge was granted November 28th, 1808. It was con-
stituted October 3d, ISIO. The charter bears the date of < )clol)er
\\\i, Anno Doiiii III. \'t^W, Aunoqiti I.iicis, r)8]0, with the following
named brethren as members: Richard Anthon)', Joscpii Ixice,
William Anthony, ISeniamin Clark, John A!c(jreg(>r, Stephen G.
Williams, John White and William Hall.
No dues have ever been imposed upon the members and the
bank account is in a very satisfactory ccmdition. hh'om 1828 to
1851 no work was done, but the regular communications were
sacredly held and the lodge has never lost its identity. 'J'he
master's roll is as follows: Richard Anthony, 18i)8-lO ; Sylvester
Knight, 1811; Richard Anthony, 1812; John Greene, 1813-14;
William Anthon)-, 181o ; John Baldwin, 1816 ; Sylvester Knight,
1817-23; PloUis K. Jencks, 1824-27; Oliver John.son, 1828-30;
Charles E. Dunham, 1831-32 ; Whipple A. Arnold, 1833-34 ; John
Allen, lS3r)-44; Caleb Kilton, 184r)-47; AVilliam B. Merrill.
1848-52; Whipple A. Arnold, 1853-58; Thomas Siddell, 18.")'.);
Moses Fifield, 1800-03; Dwight R. Adams, 1864-65; Albert C.
Dedrick, 1806-07; Andrew Potter, 1808-70; Albert D. Reming-
ton, 1871; Ilarvey S. IJartlett, 1872 74; George L. Card. 1875;
Dexter B.Potter, 1870-77: Elihu R. Shippee. 1878; Henry D.
Heydon, 1879-80; l':iihu R. Shippee, 1881 : Ji>hn .M. Nye, 1882-
83; luigene F, Warner, 1884-85; George IL Bartlett, 1886;
Byron A. Northuj), 1887-88.
The roll of membership aggregates 310 : the active member-
ship is 108. ALanchester is the mother lodge of Hamilton Xo.
15; Warwick, No. 10, in her later life ; and Ionic, No. 28.
9J8 mSTOin- OF WASmXGTOX AM) KENT COUXTIKS.
flaiiiiltoit Loi/gr, Xo. I-', Clayvillc. — This lodge was originally
located in the western part of Cnvenlrw The dispensation was
granted May 27th, A. 1 ). 181(;, A. L. :)S|(;. It was chartered and
consecrated October 9th, ISIT, with Thomas ( ). 11. Carj:)cnler as
master. In \'t^■2'1 it was relegated to the eastern part of Foster,
and in 1850, to Clayville, where it has probably found a perma-
nent home.
War-iiurk Lodgi, Xo. J(J, Phiitix. — The original location of this
lodge was in Apponaug. The dispensation was granted Xo-
veniber 2.^)th, 1832. The cliartcr bears the date of September
10th, Anno Domini 1825, Anno I.ncis 582."), also the names of 'Wil-
liam Harrison, Thomas Moldcn, James \Varner, Caleb (ireen,
Henry Tibbitts, Jonathan Xiles, Albro Anthony and William
Arnold as charter members. After a feeble existence of about
eight years the charter was surrendered to the Grand Lodge.
Labor was suspended for twenty-five years, when the lodge was
reorganized at River Point Alarcli 12tii, JS.");"), and in 18."i7 was
moved to Phenix, where it has a pleasant and permanent home.
The charter was restored June 22d, 18."iri. The master's chair has
been occupied as follows: William Harrison, 1822-27; Henr)'
Tibbitts, 1S2S; W^illard Ballon, 182'.); Thomas Ilolden, 18:10;
Otis Lincoln, lS;'3o-r)7; William Greene, 1838; Henry Howard,
1859; James J. Smith, 180(); Daniel Babcock, 18(J1-(;(J; Thomas
G. Dorrance, 1807; Daniel Babcock, ISiiS; James G, Ih-iggs,
1809-71 ; Samuel T. WHiipple, 1872-74 ; John P(;ttcr, Dd, 1875-77 ;
William B. Douglas, 1878-80 ; lidward Pike, 1881 8:5; Thomas M.
Holden, 1884-87; Edwin C. Capwcll, 1888. Active member-
ship, 104.
Ionic I.odi^i, Xo. ,.'a\ Grcoic. — This is the youngest lodge in the
county. The dispensation was granted January 15th, .]////('
Domini, 1870, A}ino Lucis, 5870, and the charter bears date I\Iay
16th, A. D., 1870, A. L. 5870. It was coDstituied January 7th,
1871, with the following charter members ; AVhip])le \'. Philli])S,
Warren H. Tillinghast, William R. Carter, Alexander Peek,
Thomas T. Hazard, Leonard Tillinghast, George K. Tyler,
Charles J. Borden. Caleb R. Nicholas, William |. Jordan, Hiram
Greene, -Sylvester R. Briggs, i'^dward L. X'alentine, Cicorge W.
Brown and (iardiner R. A\'ileox. The roll of the masters is as
follows: Whipple V. Phillips, 1870-71 ; Warren H. Tillinghast,
1872-73; George K. Tyler, 1874; Gardiner R. Wilcox, 1875 70;
William H. Jordan, 1877 ; Jose])h T- Hopkins, 1878-79 ; h^dward
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KFXT COU.NTIFP. 910
E. Arnold, ISSO-Sl ; (^corye I\ Dorrance, 1882-83; Joseph T.
Hopkins, 1884-80 ; Alvcro A. Kennedy, 1887 ; Joseph D. Hillory,
1888. Aetive mem1)ership, 37.
La)idniark Royal Arch Chaptir. Xo. P'l. P/iciiix. — In Kent county
capitular niasonr}" is of mtjclern g'rowth. Ihit one ehajitcr, K.'uul-
mark No. 10, has ever existed within its precinct. The dispe^n-
sation was granted Jnnc 17th, 1870, with officers named therein,
to wit ; ]\Ioses Fifield, high priest; Daniel Babe(jck, king ; r>wight
R. Adams, scrihe. Tlie first convocation nnder.the dispensation
was held in Centreville National Bank, JiUy 9th, 187i', and there-
after in Odd Fellow,s' Hall, River Point, till :\Iay, J878. when the
chapter was moved to Plienix, and has .since occupied the spa-
cious halls in conjunction with \\'arwick I^Odge. It was char-
tered ]\larch 1-lth, Aiiiio Douiiiii. 1871, .liiiio /i/vc'/if/c/iis. 2-101. and
constituted October 2(ith, 1871. The charter members were:
Dwight R. Adams, Henry D. Brown, James J. Smith, Daniel
Babcock, Horatio A. Stone, John C. vSweet, Moses Fifield, James
Waterhouse, Albert C. Dedriek, Andrew TVjtter and Ik-niamin C.
Allen.
The following named companions have been honored with a
seat in the " Oriental Chair " : Moses Fifield, 1870 ; Andrew
Potter, 1S7J-74; Samuel T. Whijiple, 187."J-7G; Harvey S.
Bartlett, 1877-83; Edward Pike, 1884-8r) ; Henry D. Heydon,
1886-88.
The roll of membership aggregates 131 ; the active member-
ship is 114.
CHAPTF.R XX.
TOWN OF WARWICK.
Iin|>i)rtarit Ftaturt'S of the Towns.— Town Oij;aiiization.— I'r<itocti(m Laws
Against the Indians.— J^auJ (hants.— llij^liways. — Town House. — List of
Town Clerks.— Town OIHcers.—Scliools.—Pawtu.xet.— Rocky Point.— TIil-
Button woods. — Oakland Beach. — Shawomct Baptist Church. — A]j|ionant;
and Cowesct Sliore, Industi'ios. Churches, elc. — Cromiilon. its ICarly
Manufacturing. Stores, C'hurt-lies, etc. — Centreville. — Arctic, its Industries
and Churches.
WARWICK i.s a flouri.shin!:;- commercial and maniifacturiiio'
township, .situated about fi\-e miles south wester! \- from
the city of Providence, and contains more villayes than
any other town in the state. It is bounded on the north by Cran-
ston, on the east by Xarraijansett bay, on the south bv I'^ast Gix-en-
wich, and on the west by Co\-entry. The prevailing- soil is a
gravelly loam, generally strong- and fertile, affording facilities
for the successful cultivation of many of the principal grains and
vegetables. The numerous thriving mantifacttiring villages scat-
tered throughout its borders demand a large portion of the prod-
ucts of the farm. Following is a list of the principal places of
interest in the town :
Vil/agrs. — Apponaug, Pawtuxet (Warwick side), Norwood, Old
Warwick, Oakland Beach, Btittonwood Beacli or X'ausocket,
Coweset, Greenwood, Hill's Grove, Bayside, Conimieut, Pontiac,
Natick, Arctic, River Point, Clyde, Lippitt, Phenix, Birch Hill,
Centreville, Crompton, Warwick Neck, Spring Green, Elm Lawn,
Rocky Hill, Riverside, Potowomut.
Hills. — Spencer's, Bald, Carpenter's near Drtim Rock, Prospect,
Andrew's.
j'v/Vt-r.f.— Pawtu.\et, Potowomut, Wecweonk creek. Old Mill
creek.
Brooks. — Tuskatticket, Kiekemuit, Apiinakee, Mill, Sweet's
Meadow, Masquachug.
/l'«(/.v. — Posnegansett, Warwick, (_i(n-l(nrs (formerly Coweset),
Three.
HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 921
(TcTv.f. - I'awtuxct, Occujicssatiixcl or Sprin;j^ Green. Old ]\Iill,
Warwiek, Horse Xeek, l-inisli Xeck, Apponaiiy, Pas.se(;>nnqui.s
or Patiuneo, Mud, 'I'lirlle, Cowe.set liay.
AVrX-.v. — F'otowDmiit, ^\^-u•^viek. Horse, lirush. Arnold's.
A'fl(/!'.v. — Sall\-, Potowoniiit. Craek. Flat, Longnieadow, Round,
Drum, Mark, AVakefield Led;j;e, Atwood Ledg'c, Hunt's Ledg'C.
Gould's LedL^'e, llarron Ledi^c.
Points. -Ct)niniieut, Xamquid, called Gaspee since June loth,
1772, Choppaquanset, Roekv, Wood, Cedar Tree, Sandy, Marsh,
Long.
Is/aiufs. — Chepiwancixet, Greene's, ^Marsli, ]\ock.
Sivninps. — Warwick Great, Cedar.
/w'/.— At Old Warwick Cove isicge of lO-J;!), (Greene's stone
castle at Old Warwiek, i"esidence of Thomas (ireene and descend-
ants, IGOO to 179.").
Trees. — At Buttonwood kicaeli, a tree that gave name to the
place; Pl.iek Asli, back of town house; J'.uttonwood on tlic
Briggs place, Coweset road.
Indians. — Tlic Cowesets were triljutarv to the Xarragansetts,
and tliere were several ])etty branches of this tribe, ^vhose seats
were known and ])ointed out years ago by the late Chief justice
Br ay ton.
Historie. — Spring Green was once the home of John Greene, Jr..
John Brown and John l^rown Francis; Flouse at Potowomut, in
whicli (jcneral Xathanael Greene ^vas born ; Inscription on a
stone found at Pastuxet, on Cole's farm, ne;ir Cole's Station ;
"Here lieth the bodie of Sara Tefft interred March K!, 1042."
The Governor Greene house was the center of social life and the
seat of political wisdom during the revolutionary j^eriod.
The Providence & Stonington railroad passes through the
central portion of tlie town, affording excellent facilities for
communicatidu with the southwestern towns, Connecticut and
the West, ^^he Providence, Flartford Be Fishkill'railroad passes
through the u'lrtliwestcrn corner of the town and enters Coven-
try on the central line between the two towns. The Pawtuxet
valley and Pontiac branches form a junction with this main
road, the former at or near River Point and the l;itter near the
north line, wliere the Providence, Flartford & I'islikill railroad
enters the town. The Warwick railroad was chartered in 1873,
and subscc|uently built and run from ( )](M\'arwick along the
eastern border of the town and formed a junction with the
922 IIISTOKV OF WASllIXGTOX AND KEXT COUX-JIK S.
Providence & Stonin^rton raihT)ad in tlie southeastern portion of
the town of Cranston. The receipts of this road fell so farshort
of its expenditures that it was abandoned at one time.
The first meetini;- of the .c,a-neral assembly of Rhode Island
and Providence plantations was held at I^irtsmouth on tlie 10th
of March, I'UI), for the purpose of formally adoptini;- the charter
and orj^anizino- a j^overnment under it. I'rovidence. Newport
and l^irtsmouth were the only towns mentioned in the charter
at the time. Warwick was subsequently admitted with the same
privileges and immunities as Providence. On the 8th of August,
1047, the following men were chosen town councilmen : John
Greene, Ezekiel Holliman, Jc^hn Warner, Rufus Barton, John
Wickes and Randall Plolden. Rufus Barton and John wickes
were magistrates; John Warner was chosen clerk ; Henrv T(nvn-
send constable and Christopher Ilelme sergeant. Randall 11 ol-
den was first assistant from Warwick, an office answering to that
of state senator to-day.
John Warner was the first town clerk under the charter, and
the penmanship of the earlier i)ortion of the old volume corre-
sponds with that of his autographic signature attached to the
"act of submissicm."
Some of the town laws enacted during the first year of the
chartered government are of a somewhat novel character, and
throw light upon the condition of things at the time. Thev are
not always expressed with the precision that marks the statutes
of the present day, but they harmonize with themode of thought
and expression of that time. Here are a couple passed by the
town: "Wee eonclud tliat Towne meeting | council meeting.' |
to bee held ye first APjnday in every moonth, and that ve Clarke
is to have 2s. Od. for each day of meeting." And " That by ma-
jor consent of ye whole Towne, it is ordered that if 12 Towns-
men meet in one day appointed for Towne meeting, they shall
have power to act in Towne affairs as though all were'prcsent."
The following is a list of the inhabitants of the town previous
to June ,")th, ](;4y.'- "Rufus Barton, llend. 'J'ownsend. Chris.
Unthanke, Ezek. Holliman, Jo. Lipet, Richard Townseud, Peter
Greene, Tho. Thorneraft, James Greene, 'fhomas Greene. Steuk.
Westeot, -Mr. Jo. Smith, Mr. Xic. Hart, Mr. Walter Tod, Jo.
Cooke, John Ch-eene. Jr., Robert Westcott, John Swecte, John
Townsend, Peter Burzecott, John Downinge, lulward Inman,
*For list of tlie twelvt- purcliasers of WarwicU sep general liistniy.
s:.^: ^^"^^
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HISTDKV OF WASllING'lTiX AXD KENT COUNTIES. S_)23
James Sweete, John Durbiii, Thomas ]irinL;lon, r",c(irge Palmer,
Amos Westcote, John C.arreard, John Hayclen, Mr. Rubert Coles,
Jolm Potter."
Lots of land, yencrall}- of six aeres, were set off to these per-
sons, but no f(.)rmal deeds of these lands were made until JdrtOT
Mr. Ilolliman, ^Ir. Warner and J lenr\' Townsend wereajipointed
a committee " to draw up a forme for recording' of lands and
makinge each man a deed and appoint ye Clarke shall be jjaid
for his pains and so men are to rcpaire to ihe Clarke and he to
do it."
It will be seen from the above that the inhabitants of the
town were coni]iaratively few in number, \\hile the natives were
numerous; and because of the Indians who disregarded their
rights owing to the disfav(n- shown them by r^lassachu.setts, the
settler.s of Shawi.imet and I'awtu.xet were constantly apprehen-
sive of an outbreak. In view of this state of affairs John .Smith,
assistant, in behalf of the t(nvn, .September 7th, 1()4S, sent a let-
ter to the New luigland commissioners comj^laining that the
Indians had killed their cattle and committed other acts of vio-
lence, and requested their advice on the subiect. The commis-
sioners wrote to the .sachems "advising them to abstain from
such conduct." The Indians took no notice of the advice, as
they knew well they need not, and the year follmving the town
authorities wrote again, but with no better result.
February "2-id. l(l."i:2, it was " ordered to adiournc the meetinge
and forthwith to rc^pair to the hou.se of |ohn Warner, where
Thomas Avington dwells, and there being mett orderly, it was
ordered by the Towne that henceforth their place of meeting be
at the house of John Warner, aforesaid Thomas Avington con-
senting thereto. an(> the said Thomas Avington is to have twelve
shillings for the use of the house; and this to bee until see
cause to alter it."
April ijth, ] ri."i;!, the two fe>llowing orders were placed upon
record : "Ordered that two men shall watch everv day (a guard
against the Indians) until they shall sec cause to alter it." "Or-
dered that the watch shall consist of eight men. anv order
formerly notwithstanding." So great were their fears of an
outbreak from the Indians, that on ]\Iarch 'i'Jd, ICVi, Samuel Cor-
ton, Randall Holden and ten others made a proptisition to sell
ottt and rcm(_>ve from the region.
May 2d, JG.'):!. it was ordered that "Randall Holden, Richard
9^4 HISnjRY OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KKNT COUNTIKS.
Townscnd. Stuckcly Wascotc. James Swede, Christoplier Ilaux-
hurst and John Cole are appointed to ayree with the Indians
abotit Naiisaucot and their way alxnit fencin.oe in tlieir fields."
An appropriation of /:-i-2. ]()s. was subsequently made (,n report
of the committee to pay the Indians for fencing their lands.
Previous to the org-ani/.ation (jf the town und'^er its eharter. an
order had been passed re-ulatino tlie disposition of the lands
among the inhabitants of the town. An individual, before be-
coming-an inhabitant, was requiredto be compounded and re-
ceived by a formal vote. He was then retiuired to pav the sum
of ^10. which would entitle him to all the rights and privileges
enjoyed by the (>rigin;d purchasers (jf the natives. Certain
portions of territory in the more compact part of the settlement
were assigned as h(,use lots. As the inhabitants increased in
number, other regulations were i'ound to be necessary.
By far the larger number of acts passed bv the town u\> to
this time related to the disposition of the lands. The gnmts
were generally of six acres as hou.se lots, to which were "added
other portions at different times. The consideration, if any, was
not usually mentioned at the time the grant was made. Besides
these the unoccupied lands were apporticjued among the settlers
for a limited time. The following, under date of May 17th, KmO,
illustrates the point: "At a meetinge of the Town.smen of War-
wicke it is ordered that the medows at Potowomct and Paw-
tuxet that are now lotted out to the inhabitants shall remain to
each man, appropriated but for this yeare and be allotted the
next year if the Towjie see cause." In the following, pa.ssed the
same year, a consideration is mentioned : " It is ordered that
John Sweete" shall have two, ackers of medow for himself and
Henry Townsend, in any place where he can find it, that is yet
undivided, for some pains he has taken in surveying the medow
at Pawtuxet river within the bounds of this towne." Also the
following without a consideration in the same year: '• ()rd.ered
that j\lr. John Greene shall have the ntedow at the northeast
side of the pond called by the Indians Caeouncke, Iving. by a
brooke that runs out of the aforesaid pond."
The proprietf>rs of the grist mill, to whom a land grant had been
made, in consideration of their agreement to grind the town
corn at the rate of two quarts per bushel, were suspected of hav-
ing too large a measure, and to meet this .suspicion the fob
lowing was pa.s.sed : " It being complained of that the Toll Dish
1S18062
HISTORY OF WASlIlNC'rOX AND KKxNT COUNTIES. 025
is too bigg-: ordered that ^Ir. Ilolliman doe gctt a pair of skaills
for the mill by the sixst of May following."
The following bears the dale of February 8th, IC:)?: i' It is
ordered that a parcel of land, adjoining to Massapoge ]iond
westward, be for a horse pasture for the Towne's use aeeordinge
as may be the most conveniently made use of for to save
fencinge, that the horses may be there kept during the time
they are apt to damnify the corne."
To meet one of the less serious troubles to wliich tiie settlers
were subject, it was ordered, October lUth. lO-lS, '• that if anyone
kill the great gray woolfe tliat hath done so much mischiefe in
the Townc hce shall have five pounds for his pains and for any
other woolfe fower pounds." As John .Sweetc subsequently re-
ceived five pounds for killing a wolf, it is ]n-obable that the old
"gray " came to grief by his hands. An Indian received forty
shillings the same day for a similar service.
February 4th, IC.oO. "Ordered- that Mr. John (Irecne shall
have as much land at his medow Caeowanch, known by the
name of Coe.set pond for to fence his medow in, he leaving out
so much of his land at Occupasnetuxet."
"April 4, icon. Ordered that henceforth any inhabitants that
shall hereafter bee received shall not have any land, aeeordinge
to any former order, but so much onely as the Towne shall by
particular order grant them, and where the Townc shall sec htt,
any order formerly notwithstandinge."
"At a Towne meeting held in Warwick the 2d of November
Mr. Smith chosen moderator, the Towne tacking it into .serious
consideration the regeneration of the mill dame, and beinge it
cannot be done until the inhabitants doe generally assist in the
worek, have therefore thought fitt to order that all the inhabi-
tants doe generally assist in theworck; and tho.se that requier
satisfaction for their time Mr. Ilarvi doth engage to pay them;
and for the better effeetingeof the mater the Towne doth apoynt
Mr. Weeks, Mr. John (Ircene, to give order when and who .shall
come in as ocation shall recpiicr, as allso when all the inhabitants
shall come in; and if any refucs upon such warning from tlie
deputed men above sayd, they shall bee lyablc to pay a fine at
the discretion of the Towne, aeeordinge as the damage shall ap-
pear for their neglect."
"Ordered that j\Ir. John (Ircene is apoynted to write to the
President and Assistants about the Indians pressing in upon our
•'. t
92G HISTORY OK \VASinXf;Tr)X AND KENT COUNTIFS.
lands and spoiling- (Hir timber--- desirini;- Oncir assistants to stipres
their violence."
"Jan. (i, ]i;GI --i. Ordered, whereas at a Towne meetini^- the -Ul
of February in the year 1Q'>~ there was yranted a peace fur a.
horse pasttire for the Towne's irsc it is nnw ordered, that all those
free inhabitants that are now willinj^' to fence in a pasture for
hoi'ses, hea\-e liberty, g-ranted b\- the Towne to taeke in either
three quarters of a mile, oi" a mile scpiare, moi'c or less, on the
west side of Massapoge ])ond : and that the said pasture bee only
proper for them that fence."
"May 10, lOry. Ordered that Cloodman lledg'er is apoynted to
give notis to ye inhabitants of ye Towne to rejiayer ye fence at
Tosketmk and he to oversee the work."
"Ordered that anv man's share of meddow at I'otowomet and
Papepicset alias Tosccunck be recorded by ye Clarke in ye towne
Booke."
At a meetino- of the gt'iieral assembl}' held ir, this town June
17th, lono, permissicm was g'rantcd certain pctitioricrs, \iy..: Kd-
mund Calverlv, ^J'homas Ralpli, William I'.urton, ja.nics Sweet
and John Sweet, of ^^'arwick, to purchase of the natives a tract
of land lying together and not exceeding "fower thousand
akers." At the same session John, ]ames and Thomas (Greene,
with two others, obtained leave to purchase " fifteen hundred
akers according to the former rtile."
At the commencement of the settlement of the town in 1042,
Warwick Xeck was selected as the most appropriate place for
the immediate abode of the settlers, and small portions of
territory were annexed to each house and lot for each inhabi-
tant. To these house lots were added six acres of what became
known as the " Four Miles Commons," or the " Four Mile Town,"
which extended from the head of the Neck to Apponaug.
John .Smith, by order of the proprietors in 1(i8."), laid out a plat
of farms in Coweset. This tract is also known as the ".Seven-
teen Farms," and included the territory bounded on the itorth
by the present road leading from Apponaug to Centreville, on
the east by Apponaug and Coweset bay, on the south by (ireen-
wich, and on the west !)}• the ])resent town of Coventry, with the
■exception of l,i"i()0 acres in the northeast corner, which had pre-
viously been mortgaged to .Sicphen Arnold and was held b\' him
at the time the plat was made.
The lots of the middle di\'isinn were assigned as follows: The
.irisTORY OF wAsirixfrrox and kf.N'I' cdunties. 927
1st to Rufus Barton; 2d, l->,ckiel HoUiman ; Hd, Francis Wes-
ton ; -1th, John vSmith ; .")th, Randall Hokkn ; nth, John (hx-enc,
senior ; 7th, John Smith vSwi^'ct's ; 8th, John Smith ; 0th, Henry
Towusend : loth, John Wickcs ; Vlth, Stukcly Westcott ; 12th,
John CTrccne. Ir.; ll^th. Richard Carder; 14th, John AVarner ;
l.'ith, Richard Waterman; Kith, Roljerl I\)tter ; 17th, Samuel
"Gorton.
The lots of the lari;'er di\'ision contained about 210 acres each.
March 2.")lh, I(i7H, 1,200 acres were set a})art /or ten of the
settlers, one half of which i;rant became known as the " AVeco-
chaconet Farms" and tiic other half as the " Xatick Lands."
Under the above date is the followini^' record : " ]"or yc farms
fronting on ye towne commons as they are this dav determined ;
from Warwick township at ye west end thereof to be laid out
westward and a square as near as may be. It is further agreed
that Mr. Samuel (iorton. Senior. "Mr. Randall Holden, Stukel)-
Westcott, Jolm Potter and IClyza Collins for one of his shares,
shall have the other 2100 acres laid out to them [words illegible]
Coesset Township and I'awtuxct ri\-er aforesaid, fronting on
Warwick Township: thence due west, and this to be their fidl
proportion f(n- their shares in ye towne lands, videlesett : five
shares and they are to enter and possess at their own charge and
thereby are excused of any other charge with the rest in the
tract of farm lands."
The Weeochaconet farms were five in number and were sur-
veyed and platted by Joseph Carder. The plat was drawn ^lay
14th, 1692. These farms were sometimes referred to as the four
hundred acre farms and were assigned to Samuel Gorton, John
Potter, John Smitli, Stukely Westcott, and the fifth, which was
bounded on the river, to Randall Holden, The eastern line of
this tract was also the western boundary of Old \\'arwick.
In 1G7;1 the proprietors of A\'arwick lands assigned to John
Greene, senior, Richard Carder, John Warner, fienjamin Barton
and Henry Towusend as their jjortion of the undivided lands
extending from Moshanticut brook (which empties into the Paw-
tuxet river Ijctwcen the railroad bridges of the Xew York and
New England railroad and the Pawtuxet \'allcy railroad below
Natick) westerly, bounding southerly on the north branch of the
Pawtuxet ri\'er, nc^rthcrly on the north line of Warwick grand
purchase, extending as far west as was necessary to comprise
lilOO acres. This tract of land was described as Iving and being
928 HISTORY Ol" WASHINGTON ANH KENT COUNTIES.
in that part of the town of Warwick called Xatick. This
included the land where the Phenix and Lippitt villat^es are now
situated.
In June, ly,")."), a proposition was made to divide the town into ,
voting districts. The subject was referred to the Xovember
meeting, at which time the propo.sition Avas laid upon the table.
At this meeting, a proposition being before the general assem-
bly, for the setting off of Potowomut from this town, and joining
it to East Greenwich, it was voted :
" That the Senator and Representatives of tliis town, be, and
they are hereby instructed to oppose, by all honorable means,
the Granting of the Prayer of the Petition of John F. Greene, et
al." " A'oted, that John Brown p-rancis, John R.' Waterman,
Simon Henry Greene, William Sprague, Cyrus Harris and Bene-
dict Lapham, be a committee, with full power to employ coun-
sel, and do all things necessary to the proper conducting of the
opposition of this town to said petition."
The efforts of this committee were successful, and this fair
portion of the town's domain, the birth-place of General Xathanael
Greene, and the residence of the late Chief Justice Richard Ward
Greene, remains still a part of the town, though separated from
it by the waters of Coweset bay.
Highways. — The highway running from Apponaug to Centre-
ville was the subject of some contention as early as 1734. On
September 1st, of that year, a committee was appointed, which
reported work done Xovember 24th, 1733. The decision of the
committee was not satisfactory, however, and the town council
summoned a jury of twelve or more men to '" revise the highway
that leads from Apponage between ye farms of Wecochaeonet
and Coweset, so far west as the head of Coweset farms extends,
and in case they can find no old way to iim out a new one."
This -jury made their report October ISth. 173S, which is as fol-
lows :
" We the subscribers being appointed by the Town Council
being appointed as jurors to Inspect into ye Premises, ^and to
Revise ye bounds of a highway between ye lands of Wecocha-
eonet and Coweset, according to ye former bounds and plat, and
by what Information we could find, we find that a line from ye
red oak tree that stands oposit from Philip Arnolds northwest
corner on the north side of ye highway that already laid out by
Moses Lippit, Thomas Rice and John Whitman, is six degrees
HisTOKV OF washi\(;tox and ki:xt counties. 929
and'scant lialf, north, which we conchule to be ve north side of
said way that leads to 3-e liead of said farms."
Previous to ]7:'.7 there were no publie roads in the northwest-
ern part of the town, where the \-ilhi;;x' of Phcnix is now h>eated.
April, M'.'G, John Wiekes, Joseph Edmonds. Jonathan ]^emin,L;-
ton and others petitioned the town eouncil of AVarwiek, askin;;
them to lay out a highway t]irouc;h the Natick lands. The town
eouneil replied : ■■ In answer to ye within petit icjn it is the opin-
ion of ye eouneil that for as nnieh ;is the proprij:-tors have ne;^--
lected laying out a suffieicnt highway thro' their ]M-o])crtv, that
in ca.se Ihey will allow tlie land and pay all ehar^es in lavini;" out
the same, ye council will order a jurv to lay out the same." The
town eouneil at that time were " Capt. Benjamin (h-eene, Cajit.
John Rice, Major .Moses l.ipjiitt, Pieut. Amos .Stafford, Major
Fones Cireene and Major Israel Arnold." The town eouneil re-
fusinjj to lay out any hi!;;hwa)- at the exjiense of the town, the
proprietors of the lands, unable to comply with their conditions,
as several of the proprietors being orphans, and some others not
being- willing that any way should be laid through their lands
except they were paid for the same, petitioned the general a.ssem-
bly at their session held the second ;Monday in June, 17:10, and
the following action was taken upon that petition :
"WliEKE.\s, vSundry inhabitants of the town of AVarwiek did
by petition set forth to this assembly, that they with several
others, being concerned in a tract of land situated in the grand
purchase of AA^arwick, in that part called Xatick near fifty years
past, and likewise others in a tract of land called AA'eceechcconet,
and there being no provisions made for highways wherebv the
proprietors and others, the neighboring inhabitants, mav pas.s'
and repass through each others lands to mill or to market
without being exposed to great difficulty; and several of the
present proprietors being orphans and some others not being
willing that any way should be laid through their lands except
satisfaction be made for the same, and the petitioners having
laid the matter before the town council of said AVarwiek which
they were willing to grant, provided the present proprietors
would find the land and be at all charges relating to the same,
which cannot be complied with f(jr the reasons aforesaid, where-
upon the petitioners prayed lliis assembly to authorize the said
town council to summon a jury to run out the same according to
the laws of this colony and determine the charge which mav be
59
930 HISTOKV OF WASHINGTOX AND KENT COUNTIES.
binding to saifl orphans and others tliroug'h whose Land the said
highway shall be laid.
"Upon eonsideraticm whereof it is the opinion of this as.scm-
bly as the town eonneil of the several towns in this euloii)' are^
already full}' antlmrized ami em]i<jwered to lay out hiyhwa\'S
that the town eouneil of W'arwiek pr(jeeed aceording to law if
they judge the same neeessary."
The proprietors of the lands again went before the town eoun-
eil of Warwiek, asking them to lay out the road, but the eouneil
adhered to their former deeision and refused, unless the)- would
give the land through whieh said road should be laid and pay all
the expense of laying out the same. The proprietors of the
lands were determined to have a road, and again went to the
genera] assemblv with another petition, and at the 'May session
of 1737 the following order was passed directing the town council
to la}' out a road :
"Wiii-".Kt;.\s, Several jjcrsons by petition did set forth to this
assembly the great necessity of laying out a highway from near
the house of Capt. ]ohn Rice in Warwick, to the grist mill called
and known by the name of hxlmonds mill, in said AVarwick, and
from thence to extend to the southeast corner of the town of
Scituate, at or near the house of James Colvin ; and the petition-
ers having divers times requested the town council of said AWar-
wick that they would layout said highway, which by the council
was always refused unless the proprietors of the lands through
whieh the said way should go, would be at all cost and charge of
laying it out and allow the land on which the same shall be laid,
which conditions were not in the power of the petitioners to per-
form, not having authority or right to oblige the proprietors to
comply with such proposals and the same have been a means of
hindering a way being laid out as aforesaid, although the coun-
cil have judged a necessity tJierefor, which being duly consid-
ered,
" Be it enacted by the General Assembly and by the authority
of the same it is enacted that ivjom or near the hou.sc of Capt.
John Rice in Warwick, there be a highway laid out in the most
near and convenient manner to the grist mill, commonly called
Edmonds mill, and from thence tf) extend westerly to the south-
east corner of the town of Scituate, at (jr near the land of James
Colvin, and for effecting the same the town council t)f the said
town of Warwick are herebv directed to grant a warrant to the
HISTORY OF WAS!IIX(,Tf)X AND Kl-XI' COU.N'UF.S. 031
sheriff of the county of Providence [tlic cmmtv of Kent was not
set off from Providence county till July ITi, IT.Vil ov to his dep-
uty to summon a jury for the laying out (if the same as the law
directs; but in ease the town cduneil should refuse or neyleet to
grant forth their warrant as aforesaid for the space of two
months, tlien it shall and ma\- be lawful foi- anv two assistants
or justices of the peace of the town to grant forth a warrant as
aforesaid for the laying out of said highway, and that the eliarge
thereof be paid out of the town treasury of the town of War-
wick."
The proprietors having received authority from the general
assembly for a road to be laid out, requested the clerk of the
town council to call a meeting of the tc>wn council. He issued
his w^ar rant dated August -ioth, I7:.w.
"To Stephen Imw, sergeant of Warwick, fTreeting.
"Wiikri:as, Joseph lulmonds and Samuel Barton of said town
hath desired that ye town council be comnianded to meet at ve
house of ]\Iaj. Joseph Stafford, ye '23 of this inst. August, at 12
o'clock midday, to give the .said Edmonds, Piarton and the rest
of the petitioners of ye lands at Natick an answer wh.ether they
will lay out ye highway or ways according to ye acts of ye Gen-
eral A.s.sembly, made at their last meeting at Newport."
October 22d, 1737, the council is.sued their warrant to the .sher-
iff to summon an impartial jury as the law directs to run out a
highway through the lands of Xatick. The jury summoned to
layout said highway made the following rejjort :
"Warwick, November, ye fir.st day, A. I). 1737.
Will ye subscribers being appointed a jury bv ye town council
of Warwick to lay out a highway through lands of Natick and
Wecachoconnit in said Wanviek, and having viewed said lands,
have accordingly laid out an open highway through said lands
&c. ;" signed "George Wightman, foreman, Adam Casey, Caleb
Carr, Amos Loekwood, William Utter, Samuel Stafford, John
AVightman, Philip Sweet, Peleg Cook, Penoni Price, John Bud-
long, Jr., and John Andrews."
The proprietors had obtained a layout of a highway but it was
not .satisfactory, as they again petitioned the general assembly
in October, 1742, and made their report in :\Iarch, 1742-3. Wil-
liam B. Spencer describes this road as follows:
"At the place where this highway crossed the river below
Natick was a fording place and a considerable piece of land
932 HISTORY OF WASlIIXr.TOX AND KFXT COUNTIES.
more than was occupied for tlie use of the hiyliway belong'ed to
the town. Tlie committee who laid out this ]ii;:;hwav wliere it
crosses the river laid it out five poles wide. Some of tliis land
has been enclosed bv adjoining- owner.s and buildings placed f)n
other parts, one building- being put on this town's land by eon-
tractors when building- the Providence, Hartford and I-'ishkill
railroad, and after they had no further use for it was converted
into a store and tenement. This piece of land that l)elongs to
the town, unless looked after, will soon pass from the memory
of the inhabitants of the tov/n and will be supposed to belong to
those occupying it. The i)]at of said higliAvay is in the office of
the secretary of state, in the state house in the city of Provi-
dence.
"The highway that was finally established b}- act of the Gen-
eral Assembly at their session the second Tuesday in March,
1742-3, is the same highway that is now used running from Aj)-
ponaug to Natick where it crosses the river, thence over Xatick
hill until it comes to Edmonds' mills, now Lipjntt fact<jry, thence
over the hill past the new school house at Phenix, etjntinuing
westerly until it comes to the river near where Philip iJuffy's
store is situated. At one time this highway ran further south,
diverg;ing from where it now runs \\-hen it crossed what was
then the Coventry and Cranston turnpike near where George 15.
Atwood now lives, and running as near the south part of the hill
as possible until it came opposite where (icorge Handy i-iow
lives, where it again entered the old hig-hway. There were no
buildings on this hill at that time except the house now owned
by the heirs of Hugh Carroll. The Roger AVilliams ^lanufactur-
ing Co. owned the land and after the road had run through their
land several years refused to allow the land to be used for that
purpose any longer and the road was changed to where it now
runs.
" After the road came to the river it then took a northwesterly
course, followed the north bank of the river running where the
Harris old mill n(nv stands, and following as near the stream of
the river as practical until it came to the northwest line of the
town of Warwick and the southeast corner f)f the town of Scit-
uate. There were no buildings very near this highway in
Phenix, and in ISIO the highwav was changed from the bank of
the river to where it now runs. After Ivlisha Harris erected his
factory he had the road changed, removing it further north.
HISTORY OK WANlilXC-ITiX AND KK.\T COUNTIES. ' 93:j
where it now runs; when the Arl<\vriL;lit .MnnufactnrinL;- Com-
pany erected a saw mill and t^rist mill belnw their I'aeTury, the
hio-hway ran south of the saw mill. At every rise u[ the' river
it overflowed its hanks and washed the hiyhwav, and they soon*
after luiilt the hii^hway where it now runs and the town eouneils
of the several towns le<;ali7.ed the ehain^es.
" After several years the jirojji-ietors of th.e farms sueeceded in
getting- a liighway legally established through their lands, whieh
ha.s remained as then located witJi but few I'hanges, whieh the
buildings erected in the villages uecessilated."
Tow.x HOUSK.— The town n:eetings and the meetings of the
general assembly when lirst held in this towii were held either
in private houses or in taverns. 'Hie attention of the people v,-a.s
called to this subject on l''el)ruary 2mh. JOO:;, when ICdmund
Calverly and (h)odman Westcolt were added to a committee
appointed for this purpose.
" It is ordered and agreed by those that were appointed by ye
town to layout Peter Burzeeott's acker of land whieh is tor a
tenement, is laid out 8 poles wide on ye front ; and ye side ad-
joininge to ye northerern end of Good'man Westcott's hou.'^e lot
being twentie one pole in length ; and ye other side but nine-
teene poles in length joininge to ye lott layd out fcjr ye Towne
house, which saide lott is six poles wide on ye front, that is to
say, to ye way that leadeth through ye Towne, it being easterly
from ye front of ye said Towne ]nti and ye length of ye sayd'e
lott to be nincteene poles on that side next to Peter Burzecolt's,
and ye other end fower poles and half wide next to ye common.
and ye other side bounded by ye highway that leadeth into ye
common by James Sweet's hous lott, which sayde highway is .six
poles wide at ye least, and ye bur\-inge place layd outfor ye
Towne is eight poles squaer, joining to ye western end of I'et'er
P>urzecotfs aker of land adjoininge to Cioodman \Vaskotfs hous
lott, which is ye southern bounds of ye buryinge place and on ye
west by ye common and northerlv b\- common."
Nothing further scem.s to ha\-e been done ab(jut the town
hou.se until :\Iarch. Kw.""), when the town ordered " 1'hat everv
man in this towne that hath not a teeme shall give a day's work
at digging and loading st.mes, and every man that hath a teeme
shall allow a day's work with his teeme to draw ve .said stones
into a place at such time they shall be warned thereto bv a beate
9:34 iiisiORV uF \VAsni.\(;-|-(i.\ and klm' counties.
ot the drum or other ways, whicli workc will be a g-ood prepara-
tive towards building the sayd house."
Anything- further pertainin-- t(.. the meetings of tlie town
fathers is not found until the year bsi-2, wlien the following is
given :
At a Town Meeting hedd at 1 )aniel Whitman's Inn on the iP.lth
of July, ]Sl-2, it was "A'oted that the holding of the Town Meet-
■ ings be sold to the highest P.idder, to any person within the
Town of Warwick, for one year, and that ihe money arising
therefrom be paid into the Town Treasury ; ami the same wris
according Struck off to ]-icnjamin (Ireene, (S. C.i for the sum of
One Hundred and Sixty-five Dollars, who was the Highest Bid-
der; that the same be paid into the Treasury at the Expiration
of the Year, and that Security be given to the satisfaction of the
Town Treasurer within Ten Days.'"
At a subsequent meeting the town accepted the note of IJenja-
min Greene, endorsed by Caleb Greene, Jr., " fov the sum the
town meetings were bid off for. '
The Town House now standing was erected in 18o4-."). In
1849 the grounds about the town house presented a barren and
desolate appearance. This year, by the authority of the town,
five elm trees Avere planted on the grounds and a strong fence
was made around each tree.
In April, 1854, the Kenti.sh Artillery were granted the privilege
of building an armory on the eastern portion of the town house
lot.
Town Clkrks.— A list of the town clerks of Warwick from
lG-17 to the present time: John Warner, J(;47-4!) : John Ch-eenc,
Jr., lG49-r)0:.. Ezekiel Holliman, J(;.")n-."),*s ; :\]athias Harvey,
16o8-59; John (;rccne, W,:/.) 00; IMathias Harvey, JCiCo Gl ; James
Greene, ]G(;j-G4; h.dmund Calverly, 10G4- 77 ; John Potter,
1677-87; Peter Greene, JG87-1710; John Wickcs, niU-41 ; Jere-
miah Lippitt, 174b irr. Adam Comstoek, 177.-) to I'ebruary, 177G ;
Jeremiah Lippitt, February, 177G, to November, 177C. ;' James
Gerauld, November, 177(; 18(1:2 ; Jonathan (hirton, J8():>-4 ; Charles
Brayton, 1804 to December, 18:14; George A. Prayton, Decem-
ber, 18:U-44; William D. Brayton, b^4P4.'); Willk'un Harri.son,
1845-5:1; S.-imuel AV. Clarke, li<r>?> riS; Caleb R. Hill, 1858 GO;
Samuel W. Clarke, 18fiG-78; Stephen W. Thornton, 1878-80;
Rinaldo Hoyle, 1880 to November, 188G; uro tern., Dwi'dit R.
HISTORY OF AVAPIllXGTOX AND KHXT COUNTIES. 935
Adams, November, ISSCi, to Deeember, 18F('. ; John P>. Allen, De-
cember, ISSCi S7 ; James T. Lockwood, 18R7 — .
Towx Oii'iCKkS.-Offiecrs of the town of Warwick in ]S8S:
Town clerk, James T. Lockwood ; town council and court of \)ro-
bate : Ivnos Lapham, Webster Kni;j;ht, yi. Joseph K. T.eyris,
William Johnson, < )liver 1\ Sarle : town treasurer, Dwij^ht R.
Adams; overseer of the poor, William ]. AN'ells; assessors of
taxes: Ijcnjamin 1". 1 )awley, llenrx- ],. Johnson, Clarence (). Car-
penter, Benjamin Hill, William \'. .Slocum; justices of the ])eace :
Albert K. Greene, James T. Lockwood, Cyrus Ilolden, Willi;im
V. Slocum, John J. Arnold, iM-ank Cole, Charles A. Lufkin, Oli-
ver P. Park, Eliliu R. Shippce, Daniel Warner, John 1!. Allen,
Henry A. Wood ; members of the school committee: Oliver P.
Sarle, John PL Northnp, Webster Kniij^-ht, Dwight R. Adams,
Gideon Spencer, Oliver C. Williams; collector of taxes, John li.
Sherman ; sealer of wei;^hts and measures, John C. lirowu ; oi'fi-
cer district court, Henry .Smith ; cifiiccrs in charL;e jxilice stations :
Apponau;^, Henry Smith; Ccntrevillc, J<jh.n H. 'J'iffany ; Lip])itt,
Jonah Titus; T\a\vtuxet, William AV. Aborn ; town plu\sician,
J. 13. Hanaford ; herdth olTicer, AUtcrt G. S])raj:;ue ; coroner, Al-
bert K. Greene; town solicitor, .\lbert R. Greene.
Schools.- -The .school privileges of this town, owinc,'- to the
character of the times, were poor durir.^i^'- the first seventy-five
years of its settlement, and ftiund no place in the records of the
town then. The first record we have is the following;':
" At a town meeting' held in Warwick at the house of Capt.
James Carder, this ISth of January, ITlo-lf;, Air. Richard
Greene, ]\Iodei'ator, Voated. that whereas a house hath lately
bin built upon the town orchard fur a schoole Ikuis and great
part of the charge hath bin paid In' sr)me particktilar persons,
therefore upon further consideration. It is suri-endered up to
be for the use of the towne for towne meetings ujion occasions
only. Reserving the liberty that it may be still for the use of
a schoole hous for themselves and the rest of the town that
shall see cause and remaining part of the cost and charge to
be paid by a rate levied u]ion the whole towne the siim of tliir-
teene pounds in moPicy or pa\- equivalent, to be paid to those
that built the hous as above s'd to be paid out of the next
towne rate, therefore we the proprietors for further encourage-
ment of the said schoole wee doe by these presents I'^nncx the
ab(.)ve said lot and orcliard thereunto for the use of said
schoole."
930 I1IS1'<:)RY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COI-NTIES.
Tliis school liDusc pr(il)al)iy ^^•enl to deca\- bcfoix- the century
closed, as lion. John R. A\'atennan. who was born l*\-bniar}- J'.ttli,
ITS:], said he went to selioul in \\']iat was then known as the new
school house. It stood \-ei-y near the chnrch. Amoni^' the earlier
teachers remembered by Mr. Waterman were Joseph Carder, son
of James; Charles ?\Iorris, who taiiL;'ht four years, and aftei'ward
became a purser in the na\'y: 'I'homas J.ip;)itt, a Warwick man,
who mari'ied Waity AruMld, dau;..;iuer of David, who recently
died in Providence; Ephraim Arnold, of Warwick.
I'he subject of education was not hist siL^ht (jf, aiid the (jencial
assembly earl}- incorporated several societies. The "Warwick
North School .Society " was incorjiorated March, IT'.M ; the '■ Wai'-
wick West School Society." -\Iay, JSiH); the "Warwick Central
School .Society," February, ISOl, and the "Warwick Librarv So-
ciety," .May, ISM. The Ivhode Iskand Kcg-ister for the year IS'jO
states that " Warwick contains ten schools and two social libi'a-
ries."
In 17'.)S there was built on lands owned by judge Stephen
Arnold, about half a mile east of the village of Crompton, a house
for a public .school. It was built by subscription, and was a small
one-.story building. The judge gave the land, and the house cost
from SIviO to S-OO. There were twenty shares, of which Mr.
Waterman Clapp's father held four. The teachers were sup-
ported by a tuition tax U])on the pui)ils. The first teacher was
James Pollard. He was followed by liennctt Holden, ]\Iiss Liicy
(ilover, Miss Pond and Oliver Johnson. In 1S:2() Mr. Clapp
bought up the shares at one dollar and a quarter each, and re-
moved the building across the road, where it was altered and
afterward used as a tenement house.
At the inauguration of the public school system in the state, a
new impetus was given to the subject of education ; town school
committees were appointed, the town was divided into districts,
and appropriations of mLm.ey for tlieir support were made there-
after annually. I'Tas following persons were chosen the school
committee for the year IS29: John Brown Francis, Thomas Rem-
ington, Joseph W.Greene, George A. Brayton, Augustus G. Mil-
lard, Elisha Brown, Franklin Greene, Henry Tatem, Daniel
Rhodes, Thomas Holden, Jeremiah Greene, Sion A. Rhodes, Rice
A. Brown and Waterman Clapp. The committee, of which tieorge
A. Brayton, late chief justice of the supreme court, was the sec-
retary, made a report in behalf of the committee, embracing the
HISTORY OF WASIIINT.TON AND KKNT COUNTIES. 937
preceding- year als(i (no re]3ort of the j'ear 1S2S having been
previously made), in wliieh a detailed cieeount of their lal)ors is
given. This report states that the committee was organized on
the 21st of June, 1S2S, and proceeded to divide the town into
suitable districts and make arrangements for suitable places in
which to hold tlie sclniols. The)' dixdded the tciwn in.to elex'en
districts. The Crom[)t(.in district was set off in ISiio. 'idic num-
ber of scholars attending the schools in IS-Jll was reported as
708, and the amount of money expended, $'.)(lS.r)(). In ]S:i(), the
number of scholars had increased tfi SIO.
In Noveml)er, 1S4."), an unsu.ecessful attempt was made to
induce the town to ])rovide con\'enient school lu.iuses for the
several districts. The matter came up the following year again,
when it was again decided to leave tlie several districts to pro-
vide for their wants in this respect. It was soon found nccessar)'
to appoint s<_)me indi\'idual. whose dutv it should be to su])ei'in-
tend the schools, to examine candidates for teacliing, visit the
schools at stated interx-als, and report their ct)ndition, with such
suggestions for their improvement as in his iudgmeul seemed
desirable ; and at a town meeting held I'eljruary l^^th, IS-IS, the
committee were authorized to emjjloy a suitable person for this
purpose, at an expense to the town of not exceeding fift\' dol-
lars. This amount has been gradually increased to §5(10. Rev-
erend Zalmon Tobey was the first school superintendent o{ the
town. There are now sixteen school districts in the town of
Warwick, not including iVrctic.
Pawtuxi/i' \'ii,i.AGi;.— -Only the eastern part of the town of
Warwick was settled before King Philip's war. Pawtuxet village
lies in the northeastern part of what was formerly known as Old
Warwick, although this term applies only to what is known as
the Neek and its vicinity. The chief items of importance have
already been noticed in the preceding chapter pertaining to this
part of the town, but this village was the abode of \Villiam
Arnold, Robert Coles, William Carjienter and Benedict Arnold,
who in 1042 placed themselves and their lands under the pro-
tection of Massachusetts and thereby became a source of anxiety
and vexation to their neighbors at .Shawomet. Pawtuxet is situ-
ated on the ( )ld Warwick railroad, and is connected with Provi-
dence by a line of street cars. Since the addition of these con-
veniences it has grown to fie a nourishing little suburban village
with a regular cpiota of stores and otlier j^laces of trade.
938 }IlSTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KKXT COUNTIES.
vSeventy-five vcars ago Jieniiigtcm Arnold of Coventry came
here and opened iij) a trade in a g'eneral vav and for fort\' \'ears
thereafter continued a lively business. He died in 1S(U, seventy-
one years old. He purchased a lot of Geori.;;e Sheldon's heirs ^
and built an addition to his store in ISfiS. His son and successor,
Elisha vS. Arnold, continued the br.siness of liis father and is
still engao-ed in trade. He built his ])resent store in ]8(i!). He
began business in ISoS.
The Pawtu.xet store ^vas l;>uilt by Cicorge H. Arnold in 1S7:1.
He conducted it for a ninnber of years and it then passed into
the hands of Chase l^- White. l)Ut after a few months the White
brothers took it and own it Net. The drug store ctjnductcd by
Luce tt Duffy, later J. C. huee c<: Co., is n<iw o]X'rated by H. H.
Barker, who took possession in 1887. C. M. Dow has lately
opened a grocery store, and there are in addition the 1-ioston
shoe store, a meat market and one or two other smaller j^laces
of trade in the \'illagc.
There is at this point, but o\-erthe river in Ih-ovidenee county,
a flourishing liaptist Soeietv of which the ]\cverend Cliristie W.
P>urnham is pastor. He took charge of the church in ls8:2.
]Jeacon Henr_\- C. liudlong is superintcTidcnt of the Sabbath
school, which is in a nourishing conditii.m.
At this ]5lace manufacturing was veiy early attempteil, and
successfully prosecuted up to about the year 1870. Since this
time the water power here has remained unemjiloyed. llrowutK;
]\-es, before thev purchased Lonsdale in J.s-J.-). very much de-
sired Pawtuxet, and made a very liberal otTer, which jirojiosition
was for Some lime entertained l:)Ui \\as finally rejected.
Rocky Prnxi. — This is one of the most beautiful and pictur-
esque spots on the coast from Maine to T'lorida, and has grown
in popularity during the last thirty years. It early belonged to
the vStafford family. Two daughters finally inherited it, of
whom Mary married Thomas Holden, brother of John, and
Phebc 'married a Mr. Lvon. Aliout the year 1817 the former
sold her portion to Captain Winslow forsl.^iH) and the latter
sold hers to the same person a short time afterward for aljout
the same price. Captain Winslow made sojne improvements in
the propertv, but eventually sold it to Ijyron Sprague for SCO,-
000. Mr. Sprague built the observatory and the spacious private
dwelling house in 18(i.-|, making improvements costing some
$300,000.
IIIS'IORV OF WASIIINCTOX ANM) ICKNT COUNTIES. 9o9
In 1SG9 it was bougiit by Uic Anu-rican Steamboat Company,
and they, as is inulcrstood, sponi. in slill fnvthcr impi'DVcmunts,
during' the nine years ensninL^', about S-'K'.'HK) more. In LS7H the
Continental Steamboat Company pureliascd the place,, with tlie
purpose of conduetint;' il in m<.)re splendid style, and rendering'
it more attractive than e\er.
A conspiciious object, as one nears the massive rocks, which
line the shore of the J'oint, is the Rocky Point Hotel, an impos-
ing structure, three stories in height, ver}- commodious, with a
splendid prospect from its wintlows, and of sufticient capacity to
accommodate three hundred boarders. It is :i lirst ckass house in
constriiction and appointments. Connected with the estate is a
large, highly cultivated farm, from ^vhiell the hotel obtains a full
daily su^Dpl}' of fresh milk, butter, vegetables, pcjrk, poultry and
fruit.
Prominent among the numerous attractions at Rocky Point is
the gi'and observatory. This rrses to tlie height of two hundred
and fifty feet above the sea level, has various stories or landing-
floors reached by a good stairway, and from its summit a mag-
nificent view is had of an enchanting landscape extending for
many miles in every direction, and exhibiting scenery alike di-
versified and beautiful. The locality is adapted equally for the
crowds of excursionists, who land 1)\- thousands on its wharf, and
for those who seek rest and relaxation in the bracing atmo.s-
phere, and find here a temporary home.
Within the past few years real estate has taken a sudden rise
in the vicinity, and many comfortable summer residences have
been erected by j^ersons li\'ing in Providence and elsewhere.
The Warwick railroad was built and the eerenuiny of dri\'ing
the last spike was performed December lid, 1874, and the ro;id
opened for travel in July of 1S77. The road is eight and fifty-
two one hundredths miles in length, and connects Prcn'idencc
with Oakland lieach. Its cost completed was estimated at
§200,000.
The Buttdxwoods. — This is a place of considerable historic
interest. Here the old James Cireene homestead, later owned
by Henry Whitman (irecne, a descendant of John Oreene, Sr.,
was built and stood until scnue se\'enty years ago, and was then
demolished. The present building, erected a few feet from the
old one in 1GS7, was said tf) have been seven years in building.
It was built by James, the son of the former. The mortar was
940 HISTORY OF WASinXGTOX AND KE\T COUN'TIFS.
made of shell lime, which was also burnt near by. A few rods
from the building stands one of the ancient buttonwood trees,
from which the place receives the familiar appellation of the
Buttonwoods. This old tree measures near the ground se\en
feet in diameter.
In 1871 the Buttonwood Beacli Association jnirehascd of this
estate and of others adjDining a large tract for seaside summer
residences for $22, 000. Tliese grounds are located on Coweset
bay, near its junction with the Xarragansctt, twplve miles south
of Providence. They have been laid out with great care and
skill into con\-enient lu>use lots, with fine avenues and ]).'ir]cs. A
good hotel \v;is built in bS'/.-i, at a cost of some ,S'iO,00(), and other
buildings ha\'ebeen erected for the accommodation of boarders,
and m.au}- cottages ha\-e been built b}- individuals at an exj^ense
of from eight hundred to five thousand dollars each. The soil
is remarVr.abh- dry, the ground is nearly level, sliglith' inclining
to the shore and (jpen to ever\' bree/e. 'I'liere is more than a
mile of beach, affording fine opportunities for bathing, unsur-
passed b}- any place on the bay. It has excellent facilities for
boating and fishing, also for pleasant dri\-es. East ( ireenwich,
which is in full view from tlie grounds, can be reached in tliirl\'
minutes, Kocky Point in the same time, and Oakland Picach in
ten minutes b)- a ferry. The Buttonwoods are specially known
for the very agreeable social intercourse among cottagers and
guests.
On these grounds, about half a mile west from the hotel, are
the " Old Buttonwoods." Here shi;re dinners have been served
for half a century and more. It is probably the oldest shore re-
sort on the bay. Man}' will remember the great clambake held
there during the Harrison campaign, in 18-10, when, with the
clams, oxen were roasted whole.
The Buttonwoods is of easy and cheap access from Providence
by railroad and steamboat several times each day. The place is
known as a Baptist colon}-, yet all persons of good moral char-
acter are cordially welcomed. Religious services are held every
Sunday d\iring the season in a neat chapel : also a Sunday
school and wcekl\- pra}-cr meeting. All who desire a cool, quiet
and pleasant resting ])lace during the hot summer months will
be sure to find it here at ver}' moderate expense. The constitu-
tion of the Buttonwood Ijcach .\ssociation requires that six out
of its nine members shall be of the Baptist denomination.
HTSTORY OF WASHIXriTi iX AM) KENT COUNTIES. 041
James Greene, Sr., took up his residence at Potowomut upon
lands that have continued in possession of his descendants. He
married Delivci-ance Potter, daughter of Robert i'otlcr, for liis
first wife, and Elizabeth Anthony, of Rhode Island, ffir his scc^
ond, Anc;ust :?d, lOCi.'). He died April 27th, 1G9S, at theageof 71.
Ilis will devising liis estate, and dulv -witnessed by AnneGreenc,
Pasco Wnitford and William Xiekols. bears the date March -J-^d.
16DS.
His son James, residing at Nausocket, died ^larch ]2th. 171"2,
at the age of o2. His will is dated the d;iy before his death;
after committing his " soul unto ye hands of ye only True God,
and Blessed Redeemer, Jesus Christ, in and through whom I
hope to. obtain mercy and forgiveness of my manifold sins ;ind
Transgressicins, and to be received by him into his cvcrlasLing
kingdom," he jirovides that " liis loving wife M;iry Greene." shall
have half of his house and farm during her life, which upon her
decease was to go to his son James ; tlic other lialf was given to
his son I'^ones Greene, with legacies to his remaining seven cliil-
dren. l-'ones Greene died July 29th, 17.">S, at the age of G7. He
gave his "mansion house and the westernmost part of my home-
stead farm together with all llie buildings" to his son James.
Captain James (ireene, the oldest of the si.x children of I'ones,
was a member of the Baptist church in Warwick for upward of
sixty }'ears.
The Warwick town farm consists of one hundred and eighty
acres at the Buttonwoods, wjiere the dependent peojile of the
town arc furni.shed a home. In June, ISSy, Gardner B. vSlocum
took charge of this farm as .superintendent for the town, and
has since then filled this position. He was born in North Kings-
to%vn in 1832, where his father Joseph and his grandfather Jo-
seph resided. He married Susan A. fiheffield, of Westerly.
George W. and Silas K. Slocum, botli heads of families, are their
sons.
Oaklano Beach. —Tliis place has become noted as a summer
resort since the year 1873. The grounds comprise about oue
hundred and sixteen acres, with numerous shade-trees, and were
well laid out, and furnished witli a variety of attractions for ex-
cursionists. The hotel, built in 18715, is a commodious three-story
building of sufficient capacity to acc<_immodate one hundred
boarders. The j^lace is at the terminus of the ^Varwick railroad.
942 HISTORY OF WASIIIXGIOX AXIJ KKXT COUXTIi:S.
With its various obiccts of attraction, the place has ah'eady
succeeded in ri^•al]in;^■ Rockv l*oint.in tlic nnniliers that ilock
from every direction during the season to enjoy brief seasons of
relaxation. The grounds have been tastefully laid out. An arti-
ficial pond, spanned Ijy tv/o rustic bridges, has been excavated.
and winds gracefully about the grounds, supplied by water from
the sea at high tide, over which a fleet of boats are constantly
passing. Here, too, are the flying horses and the shooting gal-
leries and the di/,z\' swings, etc., and that which seems to be the
special attraction to manv, the 'clam dinners, when scores of
biLshels of the bivalves, roasted upon the hot stones, find their
way to the hungry mouths of the excursionists.
vSii.\W()Mi:t ,1-!.\1'T1ST CiUKrii. — The earliest settlers of this
town, viz. : John (}rccnc, Richard Waterman, Francis Weston,
Ezekiel Holliman, William Arnold, and .Stukely Westcott, in
1G39, in Providence, united with six others in church relations,
and agreed to support in faith and ]iracticc the principles of
Christ's doctrine. These six men were among the first settlers
of the town, and from that time to this there has always been
religious wor.ship in the town.
Shawomct Baptist church is one of the earliest in the town.
" In the spring of 1842 Reverend Jonathan E. Forbush com-
menced to labor here under the patronage of the R. I. Baptist
State Convention. Some religious interest was awakened, and
the statement of facts preliminary to the organization of the
present church says there were some conversions and baptism.
Into what church these converts were baptized is not stated.
Doubtless not the ' old ' church here, which is represented as in-
deed old and read)' to vanish away. iSlr. Forbush's Avork Avas to
establish something more vigorous and vital than that seemed
to be.
"The first record of a meeting looking to a church organiza-
tion is without date, but it was probably in September or Octo-
ber, 1842. Five brethren and eleven sisters met at the residence
of John W. (}recne. This meeting, besides consultation and
prayer, ajipointed a committee of three to wait upon the Old
Baptist Church and confer with them in reference to the pro-
posed mo\'ement, and adii.iurned to November 2d, at same
place.
"At the adjourned meeting the committee of conference with
the 'Old' P.aptists reported- what, the record d(.)es ntjl show, but
HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOX AXn KENT COUNTIES. 1)43
it was unanimously ix'solvcd to ]iusli the clmrch jirojcct : Xo-
vember IGtli was set for the rcco-^nizino- council, and the churches
to be sent to were speci tied. A committee was ajipointed to.rejjort
at an adjourned meeting-. Articles of ]>"aith. At that mectino-,
held MovemberDth, tlie committee rejiorted the New iTampshire
Articles, as tlien published, which were adopted. Two sisters
related their experience, and were received for baptism.
" Novetuber 10th, 1842, the Council assembled, as called, at the
Old Warwick Baptist meeting- house. The ch.urch was consti-
tuted with thirteen members, whose j-iames follow: Rev. |. E.
Forbush, (Pastor), Eliza II. I'orbush, licnjan-iin (ireene, I-'rances
Greene, John Holden, Hester 15. Iloldcn, Vrdthv Potter, Sarah
Potter (ireene, Sally Cireene, h'lizabcth .StaiTord, Waite Eippilt
Greene, Sally Holden Low, Sally Low Holden. At the first
meeting- of the recognized church, I'enjamin (ireene was chosen
deacon, and John Holden, clerk."
In March, 184.'), Mr. I'orbush closed his labors as pastor, re-
moving to Westminster, Mass. Reverend Alfred Colburn suc-
ceeded Mr. Forbush and remained three years from (3ctober.
1845. In April, 1818, John \V. Greene was elected clerk and re-
mained in charge of the church books until A]3ri], 1873, since
which time the pastor has served as clerk. After a vacancy of
a year and a half, in April, L^^.M), Reverend George A. Willard
commenced his pastcn-ate, closing in 18.-)9. Then came Rever-
end Henry G. Stewart, fi-om March, 18(50, for about three years;
E. Hayden \\'atrous, from March, 1804, two years; Charles H.
Hau, one year; J. Torrey Smith, 1808. Pie remained fourteen
years, and in 1883 Reverend S. E. Frohock. the present pastor,
came. The present membership of the church is not large, but
the church has energy and enterprise.
AppoxAUt; .VXD CowEsicT Shore.— No permanent settlement
was made in this part of Warwick until 1090, when John ilicar-
ter, of Providence, erected his fulling mill on Kickeiuuit brook.
There is reference in the early records of 10(;:i, to "Aponahock "
and later to " Aponake." The word in the Indian tongue signi-
fies, " an oyster." Williams writes it " Opponenauhack." Ap-
ponaug Cove in former times was much deeper than now. An
arm of the cove tliat extends up in the rear of where fornierly
stood the old IJaptist meeting house is known by the name of
Paw Paw Cove. Sloops of fifteen tons burden found no difficulty
in those earlier times in entering the cove and landing at the
wharf of Jacob (ireene & Co.
944 msTORV or WASHiNcrrox and rent couxtiks.
Business \vas establislned here m June. ITHC, ^v]^cn Jnhn Staf-
ford creeled a mill for the yrindin_i; of eorn and other c^rams at
or near the bridge; the yrant beinj;' i^i\'en bv an aet of the S'en-
eral assembly whieh pro\ ided that the ■'mill dam be made and
erected with suitable waste gates for \'enting the supei fluous
water, and in such a manner as not to back the ^\■atcr or other-
wise injure tlie mills of ]\Ir. Caleb f ireene," and also jirovided
" tliat the said j(_)hn Stafford sliall make and leave ojicn at all
proper times a suitable passage not less than sixteen feet wide
in the said dam for IItc passage of rafts and boats u})."
It was followed by a cotton mill, run by a company, of \\liich
Captain Caleb Green.e, fatlicr of Mr. Albert D. Cirecne, was the
agent. The mill was of three stories, shingled on all sidi'S, and
remained until about tlic time the Print works wunt into opera-
tion. Tlicre was also a saw and grist mill in o]icialion near by,
for some years. ]ust in the rear tif Mr. licnjamin \'aughn's
house, was a small building used f(U- the cardir.g of wool, wliich
was brought in b\- the neighboring farmers, and wlien carded
was carried home and spun for use. It was run a part of the
time by a Mr. ^Manchester, and also by the Willmrs. Mr. A\'il-
bur, father of the late Colonel Peleg Wilbur, of A\'ashington \\]-
lage, had a store in the village in the year l^do and afterward,
in which he sold dry and \\'est India goods, and in one ]i:irt was
kept the usual supply of New lingland rum. It is said there were
not less than seven of these yariet\' stores at one time, and sev-
eral tavei-ns, all of which kejjt liquoi- ft>r sale at retail. The old
Wilbur house still stands on the east side of the street, leading
toward Greenwich. Jacob Greene, brother tjf fjeneral X;ithanael
Greene, had a store out in the water, off against Mrs. Reming-
toii's lot, for convenience, perhaps in unlading merchandise
from the sloops that entered the harbor. The water surrounded
it. One of the oldest houses, and perhajxs the first framed house
in the village, stands next north of ]\lr. Atwood's hotel.
Early in the present centur\'. sloops and schooners were built
here, and one sliip is remembered as also having been built.
Trade was carried on with ucighbcndng ]iorts to a considerable
extent. Jacob Greene i.\: Co. here sliipped their anchors fron^
their forge in Coventrv, and received their coal and black sand.
On two of the four corners in the heart of the \illage were
hotels or taverns, on the southeast a blacksmith shop occupied
by Gideon Congdon who died very sudderdy, and on the south
HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 945
was the old house in wliicli Saimtel (irecne. son of Deputy (lov-
ernor John (ircene, lived. Samuel (Greene married a daui^hter
of Benjamin (',(irton, one of the sons of Samuel Gorton, senior.
He afterwarti purelia.'^ed of Sam;iel Gorton, jr., the hou.se which
the latter erected, now (iccujiied by ex-Lieutenant Governor
William Greene. His son. Governor AN'illiam (.".reene. resided
• on the estate jjurchascd of Gorton. r)ne of the ancient houses
of the place stood on the site of the present residence oi Elislia,
son of lOanicl Ilrown. It was near the railway static m and was
a one story building. The present residence Avas built nearly a
century ago by Nathaniel and James Stone, and was subsequently
purchased by Joseph Brown, grandfather of the present owner.
In the chambers of Captain Brown's house lived Caleb Arnold
for a while, and there his son John ]>. Arnold of Centrevilleinow
dead) was born.' Joseph Ai-nold, l.irother of Calel), was a re\'olu-
tionary soldier and drew a jjcn.sion as a major to the ck)se of his
life. He owned the house Jiext to the hotel in Apponaug.
Colonel Tliomas Wcsteott, a descendant of one of the founders
of the town, was a man of some prominence in the early part of
the century. He was sheriff of Kent county and at one time a
general of the militia.
One of the noted residents of the village, and whose influence
extended beyond its limits, was Charles Brayton, for many years
clerk of the town, and from ]May, 1814, to May, ]8I8, an a.ssoeiate
judge of the supreme court. He was subsecpiently chosen to the
same position in 1S27 and remained several years. His father,
Daniel Brayton, was a blacksmith and removed from Old War-
wick. He removed his shop from Old Warwick to Apponaug, to
near the spot where his son, the Hon. William D. Brayton, for-
merly a member of congress, resided (He died in 1887 i. Hon.
George A. Brayton, late chief justice of the supreme court, is
also one of his sons. The latter was elected associate justice in
1843, remaining in that position until 18()8, when he was elected
chief, and remained in that position until 1874. He is a graduate
of Brown University, class of ]8"24.
The old building on the southwest corner of the scpiare w:is
erected by Samuel Greene in li^'2^> for a residence. His grand-
father was vSamuel Greene, and father Christopher Greene.
Samuel Greene married Penelope Gardiner of AVickford in 1810.
He lived there until 18(i.'), %\iien the house passed into tiie hands
of his nephews, who now own it. The corner room of this house
00
946 iHSTORV or \vasiiin(;i'()X ano kent countiks.
v/as foi'inerh' used for a yroecry store, and for the past twelve
years for a inilliner\' and dry gfiods store.
]\Ir. O. P. Fuller, I!. A., in his execllent history of \Var\viek,
speaking;' of some of the old residences and important personages
in this part of the town, says :
" In reacliin;^- this jiijint we liave passed the prdatial residenee
of Amasa Spragaie, F.sq., at the old Ladd wateriny-plaee, the
most costly dwellin;^' house, })rol)abl_\", in the town ; with its ex-
tensive and beautiful lawns and shrubberv. To the' southward
and not far fidui the site of the old Indian burial .ground, is the
pleasant residenee of the late iJeaeon Moses \Vi_t;hlman, formerly
owned and oeeu])ied I)}- the kde l\e\-ere'nd 1 )oetor Ci'ane and
long known as the Oliver (kirdiner htiuse. (,)n the hill the mas-
sive stone dwelling'-house of .Vlfred A. Kead, ]-2sq., vying-, in
architectural beauty, with the Sprayue house, to the northward,
and overlooking Xarragansctt Hay and the surrounding country.
On the eornei- of l)i\-ision street and the road leading to .\ppo-
naug is an old house oecujned during the first decade of the
present centur\' and for mauv \"ears bv John Mawnev, who was
postmaster for many years in the adjoining village.
" The old C(jzy mansion, the residenee of k^x-Fieut.-Cio\'. \\"m.
Greene, is one of the historic bouses of the town. The original
or sotitheasteiui porti(jn was built about the _\-ear Kiy."!, by vSamuel
Gorton, ]r., whose father was one of the twelve original pur-
chasers of the town lands. It lays no claim to arehitectur;d
beautv. The old colonial st\'le of architecture, as indicated by
the few dwelling Ikjuscs still preserved, was one in which the
owner studied careftdh' his means and his necessities rather
than the development of his architectund taste. iJuilt, usually,
of the best tindjcr of the surr(.ninding forests, it became not only
the quiet home of his famdy in times of peace, but also his
castle in seasons of danger. As his family increased and more
room was demanded, an addition was built on some convenient
side, or another storv was added. Sometimes, as in the present
case, where no lack of means prevented the remo\'al (jf the old
building and the erection of one of modern structure and ele-
gance, a no less serious obstacle intervened. The old house,
limited in capacity and homel)- in appearance, had become
sacred to its possessor b\- the man\- time-hallowed associations
connected with it. It was the home of his ancestors long since
gone to their rest. Within its venerable walks he ilrst lisped his
HISTORY OF WASIITXCiTOX AND KEXT COl'NTIES. 047
mother's name, and no other clwcllinc^-, however eonvenient or
elegant, Avould ever seem so niueh like home to him. iM-om sueh
considerations tlie old dwelling;- was allowed to remain ; siibjeet,
however, to sueh moditlealions as the neeessities of the oeeui)ants
demanded. The bnildin;^- I'ronts to the south.
"The lart;-e stone ehimnev in the centre of the Iniildin;^ be-
lon,L;ed to the orioinal part and wa.s built according" to the cr.stom
of the times, half out of doors, having been enclosed when the
addition was made on the west side at a subsequent date. The
one on the eastern end has been taken down since the j-ihotngraiili
from which the engraving was taken was procured, and exten-
sive additions have been made in the rear. The front, however,
still retains its ancient form. Some interior modifications have
also been made. The old grandfatherly fire-places, in whose
cozy corners children half grown could stand erect and look up-
ward at night and count the stars, with the well jiobsncd bra.ss
fire dogs reflecting their faces in grotesque shaix-s, have been
sixperseded bv modern inventions. There is still preserved,
however, an air of the iilden time, in the low studded rooms, the
heavy oaken beams, here and there protruding from the walls
and ceiling, the hgured porcelain tiles about the fire-pkiccs, and
various arrangements for comfort or ornament, that would not
fail to attract the curiosit}' of the visitor.
"The small building in front, enclosed ])artly in lattice work,
was built for a well-curb in 171)4. On its ape.x is a gilded weather-
cock, which from its low and protracted position must have been
in a chronic state (if uncertainty as to which way the wind Ijlew.
The well is still preserved, though not at present in use. It was
originally provided with the old-fashioned sweep. The exten-
sive out-buildings arc of modern structure, having been built
chicllv bv the present resident, and arc provided witli all the
conveniences that wealth can furnish for the various kinds of live
stock in which the Ciovcrnor takes a considerable interest.
"The house has been the home of one of the historic families
of Rhode Island for several generations, and m tliis circumstance
lies its chief claim to special interest.
"Samuel (ireene. who was the youngest son of the I)e])uty
Governor John ("ircene, married the daughter of Henjamin (lor-
ton, brother of Samuel (Norton, Jr.. and purchasefl the estate of
the latter in 171S; the farm was tlie 17tli of the ' Cowcsct pur-
chase.' Samuel (ircene died two years after the purchase of the
948 HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOX AND KENT COUNTIES.
estate from Gorton, when it crime into the possession of his son
William, who held the ofliee of deputy g-overnor of Rhode Is-
land from July ir.tli, 17-10, to I^Iay, ] 74:3, and afterward that of
g-overnor foi- nearly eleven years, between 174:! and 17."J8, dying
in office January :2:3d, 17."iS. During the year 17:)8, the west i)or-
tion of the house was built by Willian: (h-eenc, jr., a new aspir-
ant for political honors. It was enlarged in view of his approach-
ing marriage, and was destined to gather about it associations
rich in historic and family interest. In the year 1777, its owner
was elected to the ofllce of chief justice of the supreme court,
and in the following year to that of governor, a position which
he ably filled for eight successive years. The war of the revolu-
tion was then in progress, and the west room became the gover-
nor's council room. In it the govern(,r and his council, with (k'n-
eral Sullivan, (General Xathanael (ireene, Lafayette, Rocham-
bcau and other notable personages, both civil and military, held
frequent eon.sultations upon important national affairs. Here
their several views were exchanged, questions of expediency
discussed and grave matters of doubt unravelled.
"At intervals, when the demands of duty were less pressing,
they were wont to gather here for temporary relaxation and en-
joy the generous hospitalities of the governor's family. The ac-
quaintances thus formed ripened into personal friendships that
were destined to be gratefully acknowledged in after years. The
room .still contains some mementos of those times. On its walls
may be seen a large mezzotint engraving of General Nathanael
Greene, presented by Lafayette to the daughter of General
Greene many years afterward, which bears on its lower margin
the following inscription in the handwriting of the patriotic
Frenchman: 'To dear INIrs. Shaw, from her father's companion
in arms and most intimate friend — Lafayette.'
"A portrait of General Greene, painted by Charles Leale, and
said to be the best one extant, hangs on the opposite wall. It
originally belonged to the collection of the Hon. William Bing-
ham, of Philadelphia, who was a member of the United States
.senate at the same time that the lion. Ray (ireene, the
father of the present resident, held a similar position from
Rhode Island. On the death of :\lr. Bingham, his ci^llection was
scattered, and this ])ainting was accidentally discovered subse-
Cjuently in Philadelphia, where its present owner was fortunate
enough to secure it.
HISTORY OF WASniNT.TOX AXD KIIXT COUNTIES. 949
" Among- tlic notable visitors of that and subsequent years
was Dr. Franklin, who was on terms of intimacy with tlie fam-
ily, and usually made a friendly visit here whenever he eame to
New England. \Vhile in JM-ance, he kept up a frequent corre-
spondence with one of the members of the family, his letters still
being preserved in the family arcliives. The west window, over-
looking a beautiful valley, bears the name of • iM-anklin's win-
dow,' from the interest he is said to have taken in sitting beside
it and g-azing at the prospect it afforded. In. the east room,
hanging upon the wall, is a small bronze medallion of the old
philosopher and statesman, whicli the Governor assured me was
hung there by Franklin himself. In this latter room, in one
corner, let down into tlie floor several inches, and then reaching-
to the ceiling overhead, stands an old coffin-shaped clock, tick-
ing away, as it h.as done for the jiast one hundred and fiftv years.
Among the interesting manuscript relics, besides the letters of
Franklin, is an original one of Wasliington and several of his au-
tographs attaclied to public documents, letters of Webster,
Henry Clay and Joliii Ouiiicy Adams.
"It was in this house that Gen. Xathanael Greene, then living
in Coventry, and engaged in business with his brothers, in their
anchor forge, became acquainted with , Miss Catherine Littlcfield,
daughter of John Littlefield, I':sq., of New .Shoreham. They
were married in the west room, by Elder John Gorton, July 'iOth
1774.
"In 1797, Hon. Ray Greene, son of Gov. William Greene, jr.,
then the pos.sessor of the old family residence, was appointed a
United States senator for two years, to fill the vacancy occasioned
by the resignation of the Hon. William Bradford. He was one
of the talented and popular men of the times, and in 1790 was
returned to the same position for the term of si.\ years. In 1 801
he resigned his position to accept the office of district judge of
Rhode Island, to succeed Judge Bourne. The appointment was
made by John Adams as he was about retiring from the presi-
dential office. There was some informality connected witli the
appointment, which was discovered too late to be rectified by
Mr. Adams, and when the matter was referred to his successor,
Mr. Jeffer.son, he refused to rectify it, and appointed instead
one of his own political adherents to that office. Mr. (ireene
thus, by a simple misunderstanding on the part of another, h)st
both his senatorial and iudicial offices.
950 HISTORY Ci[- WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIF.S.
" The present resident was graduated at I'.rown University in
the class of ]817. Amon;^ his class-mates were ICx-Ciovernor
Charles Jackson, Jndye William K. Staples, Rew Dr. Henry
Jackson and I'r(_)l"essor l--d\vard R. l,i])j)itt. I'or forty-lwo years
he was a resident of Cincinnati, ()hio, where he was speeirdly
interested in the dex^elopment nf its ])ul)lic schools, and ollicirdly
connected with them duriny most of that period. In J 802 he re-
turned to his ancestral home, and in 18fi(i was elected to the
office of lieutenant-yovernrir of the state, Ccneral l)Urnsidc rc-
ceivint^ the office of governor. On the following \ear he was
re-elected, and at its close retired from official station, to pass the
evening hours of an alread}' long and busy life in the quiet re-
pose of the old homestead.
" Passing through the grounds to the rear of the house, wc
come to the old famil)- burial ])laee, in a (juiet, secluded spot,
where repose the deceased members of the family of se\-cral
generations. I'he loi is of a circular form and surrounded by a
tall evergreen hedge coinpiised of tlK' pine, arbor viUe and X(.)r-
way spruce varieties, tastefxdlv intermingled and comjdetely
shutting out the view from the outside, ^lost of the stones bear
the simple name, time of the death and age of the deceased,
without any attempt to eulogize their virtues.
" The oldest dates noticed were those of J 74 J, ^1')'2, ]7.j8 and
1760. Here lie two of tlie ( jO\-ernorsof Rhode Island, with their
wives beside them.
" The following ;ire verbatim copies of the inscriptions on two
of the stones :
In iiieinory of tlio
- Hon,,' William (ireftie Ksc|''
Governor of the Colony:
who (lepavteil this life
Jany 23il A. D. 17.')8
In ye (;'.?il yeai- of Iiis aj^e.
In memory of the
Honorable AVilliani (irerne F,^^lJr
Governor of this .State fnr a ntiinber of years,
Prinelpally dnrinft the |M-rioil of the suecessful
ExertiiiM for the Inilepencleni-e of .\nierica,
who (le|)artea tliis life
Nov. 2'Jlh isli'.l
in the 7S|li vear of his aice."
In the village there arc at this time a number of old houses,
erected long lime ago, not enumerated above. The old Atwo(xl
HISTORY OF WASIIINCTOX AM > KENT COVNTIKS. Q^)]
house is still used as a hotel, and is kept by (leorge II. Ch>uyh,
The old Wilbur property on ^lain street is now oeeiipied I'y ^Irs.
Arthur F. Mason. The property formerly known as the Carder
estate, or the house on the same side of ^lain street .above Mrs.
Harrison's, was where the town affairs were formerly adjusted."
josiah Westeott fifty vears ago used to trade on the eorner,
but moved where Mr. (V. 15. lilaekraar now earries on business.
Alfred Reed built and kejjt the store on the bridge where Peter
Lomas is loeated. In 180',) ?\lr. Blaekmar went into partnership
with Mr. Henry Capron, under the firm name of II. C'ajjri^n cV:
Co. From 1872 to 188(i the firm name was Blaekmar <.^ Rieh-
mond, sinee whieh time Mr. Rl.aekm.ar has earried on a general
store alone, h^rom April. ]87.'j, to January, 1880, he was ]iost-
master at Ajiponaug. He was sueeeeded by H. II. I^Iattesou, the
present postmaster. ]\lr. Matteson began trading at this point
in 187G, on the bridge, where he sueeeeded S. K. Potter. In 1880
he came to his pix-sent location, sueeei.-ding Stephen T. .Arnold.
C. R. Hill and I). C. Curtis were in business in the hardware
trade here in 1871_i. ]Mr. Hill is at present engaged in eommer-
cial pursuits in the village of East (ireenwieh, and Mr. Curtis
has continued at ^Xpponaug alone. He built his new store in
18SG. He was born in Maine, in 18.'):], and eame to this town in
1873. ,S. Marsland (boots and shoesi began trading herein 1874.
The building in whieh his store is loeated belongs to \V .alter
Proetor. Cvril P. Thornton, the aeeommodating station agent,
took charge at the railroad depot December lOth, 188.1.
Apponaug is located favorably for manufacturing enterprises.
and it was at one time supposed th.at the place would grow to
the .size of a great city because of its natural advantages. The
Oriental Print Works, now owned b_\- Jordan, ^Marsh lK: Co., of
Boston, at one time did a thri\-ing liusiness, and the hundreds of
men and women \\'ho weeklv drew their wages added materi.ally
to the prosperity of the village. The works closed, howe\'er, in
March, ]8S:!, since wliieh time a hundred thous.and dollars and
more have been ]i.aid to kecj) watch over the works and to keep
the insurance paid up. In the meanwhile the Laboring masses
have removed to the surrounding \-illages for work.
The planing mill of Salisburv cV* \'aughn was established in
18(57. It burned down in 1871 or 1872, and was rebuilt by the
same parties. In l.'^8() B. C. Browning l)ought up all interests.
It w:is burned again, and the jircsent structures were built. The
952 HISTORY OK washixctox and kex']' counties.
establishment consists of a pUuiini^- mill, wood and coal yard,
etc., and gives employment to a dozen hands. It is now operated
by John Coyle.
On the stream above the print works is the grist mill <.if Ste-
phen A. Smith. The building was erected in b'~!.S:i The dam
was swept away by the freshet of 188(5, but was rebuilt. The
water privilege above Smith's grist mill is owned by Richard
Howard, lie is a son of I'dijah Howard and grandson of James
Howard. He was born in 1S17, in the town of Coventry, and
after limited ad\-antages of education, became ]iroficient in the
business of maiiufacluring. In 1817 lie rcmo\'cd to Arctic, and
in company with Lawson ^V. Seagraves, ])urchased a half interest
in a cassimere mill, which was operated for four years. In 1 8.")'i he
made an engagement with Charles Allen, of AUenton, in North
Kingstown, and became sujicrintendent of his mills at that point,
remaining until 18.")(), when Api)onaug became his home. Here
he began the manufacture of yarn in an old mill located on the
site of the dam of the present grist mill. In ]8."i8 he jnirchased
the building, which had been u.scd successively as a machine
shop, grist mill, woolen mill, and paper mill. In lliis he placed
two sets of woolen m.'ichinery for the manufacture of woolen
yarn, and has successfullv continued the business until the pres-
ent time, the firm since 18.1'.l ha\-ing been R. Howard (X: Son.
The product of the mill has a dcservedl)- high reputation foi- ex-
cellence, the Centennial ICxposition of J87G,held in Philadelphia.
having awarded the maker a gold medal, and also a diploma, f(jr
the best jack spun warn in the world. Isir. Howard is a ])ro-
nounced republican in politics aiid a firm believer in })roiection
to American industries. He has always declined to be a candi-
date for oflice.
John Ware, a blacksmith and wagon maker, has been promi-
nently identified in the village since 1808, when he succeeded
Alonzo P. Stone. He also gi\-es employment to a few men.
Pcrsfvcraini- Lc>/(i;r. .\'(>. .'0. /. O. 0. /■'.. was established hV'bruary
2Gth, 187:'. The original ofiiccrs were: Xoble grand. Dennis
Hunt; vice grand, Juhn H. Collingwood ; recording secretar}-,
Jonathan Holt; treasurer, A. 1). Calione ; permanent secretary,
Theophilus Pdythe.
The officers for 1888 were : Xt>ble grand, ( )scar E. Aylesworth;
vice grand, Cicorge \\'. Spencer, Jr.; recording sceretarv, John
HISTORY OF WASHIXGTnN AND KENT COUNTIES. driH
Q. Adams; treasurer, William James Richardson: permanent
secretary, Benjamin Hill.
.St. Ltkk's CiiiRiTi, Ai'i'i )NAr(;. — Epi.scopal services in the vil-
lage were first held about war times, the rector from the churt h
of East Greenwich ofliciatin;4' at stated intervals. I'irst in charge
of this mission was Doctor Crane, and succeeding him came
Reverend Creorge P. Allen. The first regular work was com-
menced by Reverend Thomas II. Cocroft in June, ISSO, of the
church of St. l']iili])'s. Cromjiton. He held services here altern-
ating with the I'cctor of I'ontiac and Reverend Mr. (}oodwiu, of
East Greenwich, h'inally the whole work fell on Mr. Cocr(.)ft.
He remained twcj years. Ihshop Clarke then sent Reverend A.
E. Carpenter, June 2d, 188"i. The present edifice was built at
this time. It is a mag'nificcnt structure. Succeeding Mr. Car-
penter came Rc\-crcnd V. ll.-irncs, a }-oung man of much \'igor
and enterprise. Unfortunatelv Mr. Piarnes resigned m iSS,-),and
from that time to the present none but su])[)lies have had charge
of the society. The church is in a flourishing condition. A
good Sunday school is also carried on bv this ,Socictv.
Its officers are: Senior Wcarden, (Tcorge IIardm;ui ; junior
warden, Cyril 'J'hornton : clerk, ]ohn Ware. 'i"he cliurcli Iniild-
ing when finished cost .about §0,O'K). It is a neat, tasty little
chapel, a gem of its kind.
Warwick Cioxtral Frkk Will Bai'TistCiu:rcii, Ai'I'on.vui;. —
This church was organized by Reverend Benjamin Phelon on the
third Sabbath in August, b'-iii"). At that time there were Ijaptized
and formed into a church tlie following indi\'iduals as charier
members: Alexander Havens. William Harrison. William D.-
Brayton, Thomas W. Harrison, Elizabeth Weeks. Catharine
Westcott and Mary E. Wilbur. The first deacon was Alexander
Havens; first clerk, William I). liravton.
Reverend Benjamin Phelon, the first pastor, preached to this
congregation about two years. He was succeeded bv the fwllow-
ing pastors: Reverend Thomas ,S. Johnson, bs:?7 ; James S.
Mowry, IS-IO: Martin j. Steel, 1842, three years; Ilenjamin
Phelon. 184'.! -18(;',i; J. A. Stetson, E. X. Harris, as supplies;
George W. Wallace. 1870 77 (he died SL-ptcmbcr 11th, b'^8(ii: C.
J. Abbott. May .Ith, 1877 (six years). He died Xovember :!d, 18S;?,
when the Re\'crend Edmund G. Ivastman. the present pastor,
succeeded.
The membership of the church is .about one hundred and ten.
954 }IiSTORY OF WASHINCTOX AND KENT COUXTIES.
Richard Leonard is Sabbath schnol superintendent and janies
Clarence F. Heath clerk of the church. The deacons arc: T. S.
Gardiner, Raymond Stafford and Rice Arnold.
Old Ei'iscopAi. Ciu:k.-ii. --The old lipiscopal church which
stood near Coweset, was erected there in \'r2t^. havino- formci'ly
stood in Newport where it bore the name of Trinity churcli.
According- to tradition, it was iloated from .\ew]i<.n to tins
place, where it remained for over thirty years, when the migra-
tory .spirit came over it again and it was taken dcjwn once n:ore
and placed upon tlie water with the intention of removing it to
Old Warwick. A storm came on and tlie materials were scat-
tered and never reached their destination. Chipjicwanoxet, a
name euphonious in Indian l)ut rude and diabolical in hhiglish, it
being interpreted Devil's island, is a .small island ;it high tide,
near the summer resort known as Read's Palace. An old burial
spot a short distance from it and, near the railroad culvert, is tra-
ditionally of Indian origin.
William IJ. Brayton in a letter to Wilkins Updike, January
22d, 18J."), says: " On the 2d of Scpteml)er, 172S, a lot of ground
situated at equal distances l)etween the villages of Ajiponangand
liast Greenwich, was conveyed by the Reverend (ieorge Pigot to
the .society in London for the Propagation of the (h)S])el in l'\)r-
eign Parts for erecting a church according to the establishment
of churches by law in England. A church was accordingly
erected— a wooden building two stories in height with a steeple
and spire, fronting the post road. After remaining unoccuined
a long time in a ruined state it was taken down abotit the year
1764, by inhabitants from Old Warwick for the purpose of erect-
ing a church there. The materials having been eonveved to the
shore, were .scattered and lost during the stonn which arose soon
after. A number of graves, i)robably of individuals connected
with the church, arc still to be seen up(.>n the lot. The Reverend
George Pigot resided in AVarwick a number of years and owned
a tract of land there. He probably obtained the means oi erect-
ing the church."
The following entries fnnn the records relate to the l-:piscopal
church in AVarwick :
"April U, IToC. P.apti/.cd at Coweset (Warwick church) by
Mr. ]\IcSi)arrair, two children, viz. : Rebecca Pigot, daughter of
Edward Pigot, and Chas. Lickinson, son of Capt. John Lickin-
son."
HISTORY OF WASHINCrroN AM) KENT COUNTIES. 955
" Edward Pigot was the father of Reverend George Pigot and
was a physician. He came to Warwick soon after iiis brother,
but remained but a few years after liis brother remo.vcd to
Salem. John Dickinson was a merchant residing at Cowcset, in
Warwick, in ITA'A. He remained here, however, but a few years.
Having failed in business as a mercliant he removed, but to
what pkice has not been ascertained."
" September Dtli, ITMO. Dr. MeSparran ]n-e;iehed at the chureli
in Warwick and admitted Mr. Levally to tlie Sacrament of tlie
Lord's Supper," *
" December 14th, 1745. Dr. McSparran preached Moses Lip-
pit's funeral sermon and buried him in his own ground in
Warwick. He died the PJtli abnut II o'clock in tlie forenoon."
"June Gth, J74(!, baptized by imuiersiun a young woman
named Patience Stafford, daughter of Samuel Stafford of ^Var-
wick and then from Mr. Francis, rode to the church, read prayers
and preached there."
" April 21st, 1750. Baptized by immersion in Warwick, Eliza-
beth Greene, wife of Richard (h-eene, and by affusion. AVcltlian
Lippit, wife of Jeremiah Lippit, a sister of said Richard."
"vSaturday, June 12th, 175(.;. Dr. McSparran administered
baptism by total immersion to two young women at Warwick,
viz.: Fdizabeth Greene, daughter of Richard Greene and Eliza-
beth, his wife, and to vSarah Hammett, daughter of an Anabap-
tist teacher .some time ago dead."
"May 19th, 175;], at the old town of AVarwick at Mrs. Lippifs
were baptized by Dr. McSparnm. Alary Wickes. daughter of
Thomas Wickes and Ruth, his wife."
"June ]2th, 175G, read prayers and preached at Airs. Lippit's
and baptized l':]izabeth\Vickes, daughter of Thomas Wickes
and Ruth, his wife."
"July 2:id, 175(1. As I came home from Providence I took
Warwick m my way and baptized by immersion an adult named
Phoebe Low, daughter of Philip Cireenc, Esq., of Warwick, and
wife of one Captain Low."
Oi.i) P.AiTisT Ciukcii AT AiM'OXAui;.— At a church meeting
held at Uld Warwick, of which Elder Alanasseh Alartin was pa.s-
tor, December Otli, 1744, l.cnjaniin Peirce and wife, Ezrikham
Peirce and wife, lulward Case and wife, John iJudloiig. and sucli
others as wished to form a church at the Fulling Alill. of tiie
.same faith and order, were granted leave. Several members
9.56 HISTOkV OK WASHIXGTOX AM) KEXT COUNTIES.
from East Greenwich united with them, and the ehureli was duly
oro-anized. Benjamin Peirce was ordained theirminislcr. They
eventually erected a mcetino- house, " on an eminence East of the
village of Ajipcinaug- which commanded an extensive prospect of
this villag-e, river, islands and surrounding counlrv." It stnc;d
nearly opposite the present residence of C. R. Hill, I-:sq.
'J'he church became involved in difhculty. < .wing to some cha.nge
in the religious sentiments of Elder Peirce, and finally dissolvt^d,
and their meeting house went to decay for many years.
Soon after the close of the revolutionary war'another church
was organized. The date of the organization is given bv ICldcr
Knight as 178,"). and in another place as TTOi'. IX'ivid Corpe,
mcTnbcr of the ICast (h-eenwich church, was ordained thc'ir i)as-
tor. He scjon became reduced in ])ecuniary means, and becom-
ing advanced in years, resigned his trust and went away. lie
was succeeded by Elder .Spooncr, who was to prcacli once a
month, but the tide of prosperity turned against them, and the
church followed the example of its predeccsscn- and became ex-
tinct.
COWKSKT is but a station on the Providence and Stoning-
ton railro;id. The i)ost office was established at Coweset In-
Charles T. Greene, who remained in office for nine years. He
was succeeded by the present postmaster, Albert I). Greene,
Mr. Albert I). Greene came to this place in IN.V.t, when he
bought the coal yard. In 187o tlie new depot was erected, and
through Mr. Greene's efforts the name of the place was changed
from Folly Eanding to Cowe-set. His successors in the cna]
yard are Robert Champlin and Horatio W. Potter.
Cro.mi'Iox.— The territory around Crompton was owned bv a
comparatively few individuals before the year lS(i(i. Thomas
Matteson, a blacksmith, was an early settler in this part of the
town. Mr. O. P. Fuller has given an extended history of the
Mattesons and others of this vicinity.
In 1807 attempts were made at manufacturing in this village.
A company eonsistingof eight men, four of whom lived in Provi-
dence, purchased of William Rice twenty acres of land ff)r SI ,•!.-)().
The names of these owners were: Seth Wheaton, nine shares;
Thomas Session, six; Jolm K. Pitman, six : Henrv Smith, four •
Nathaniel Searle, two; J,.nathan Tiffany, two ; Ik-njamm Rem-
ington, one. 'i'hc name of the association was the I'rovidence
Manufacturing Company.
HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX AM) KENT COUNTIES. Dfl?
William Rice, of wliom this land w;is purchased, bought 127
acres in this vicinity rif Nicholas and Isaac, sons of Henry Mat-
teson, June 4th, 177'J. It is said that William Rice also owned
one of the shares in ihis company, the one not accounted for.
but tlie eompau}- objected to his name Lulling u])on the records
of the town in this aJTair, bein^- a})prehensive of embarrass-
ments.
The head of tliis firm was Colonel .Seth Wlieaton, a native of
Providence, and a good specimen oflier formci-. merchants, lie
died October 2C.th, ]S'i7, aged OS. His only son, Henry Wheaton,
was a noted man, and liis name will be remembered long after
the mills that liis fatlier raised in Crompton lia\-e crumbled into
diist. ]\Ir. Sessions was well known as a man of business, though
he excited mucli op]iosilion. Xatlianiel Searle was a talented
lawyer. iJenjamin Remington was a farmer, and li\-ed on tlie
Coweset road. Major Jonathan Tiffany resided at Centreville.
though he subsequently remo\-ed to Crompton, where his de-
scendants now live. He assisted in making the machinery for
the mills at Antliony and Crom]non.
The Stone mill, called l\irmcrly by some, in derision, "the
stone jug," now designated as No. 1, was built in ]S()7, and the
village was kn(.)wn for some years as the Stone Factory. It is
said to be the first stone cotton mill built in the stale. Addi-
tional land was purchased of AVilliam Rice and Thomas Matte-
son in 1808. In January of this year, Mr. Wheaton sold seven
shares of his stock to vSuUivan Dorr, for Sn,72(». Roger iXlcxan-
der, of Cumberland, purchased two shares and gave the com-
pany the benefit of his intimate knowledge of cotton spinning.
Alexander sold his .shares to the company in 1812. for the sum
of $2,9(10. In J814 :SIr. Dorr sold all his interest in the concern,
consisting of ten shares, to Thomas Sessions. William March-
ant, of Newport, bought one-twelfth {uv §8.000, in 1814, and
Mr. Pitman, the same year, sold to Sessions, Smith, Searle and
Tiffany, all his right in the real and personal estate of the com-
pany, being six thirty-second parts, for S'31,800, and took a mort-
gage on the property, The company remodeled the shares
among themselves, and made Sessions their agent. ]Mav Ifjth,
1816, the company failed, and made an assignment to Philip Al-
len and Samuel Aborn. Pitman recovered judgment against the
surviving assignee in an action of tresjiass and ejectment, and
appointed John \Vhipple to act as his attorney in the premises,
August l.'ith, 1818.
9o8 HISTORY OF WASIIINOTOX AM.) KKN'T COUNTIKS.
Jonatlian Tiffany had charg-c of the mills about ten years.
After sundry conveyances Mr. IMtniau took pf)Ssession in Janu-
ary, 1819.
Shortly after the failure of the Providence ^iFanufacturini;-
Company in INK), [Major lonallian Tiffany and John K. Pitman,
his brother-in-law, liuilt a st<jne mill near I'lat 'J'op. 'J'he mill
was two stiiries hiL^h \\'ith basement, in which a store was kept
at first. It was used for spinning )'arn, which was put out to be
woven by hand looms. In 1827 it passed into the; hands of Jon-
athan and John IC. Tiffany, the major's sons, (leneral James
G.Anthony was asscjcialed with them for se^■eral )"ears. The
new firm made wadding-. The mill eiuilinued o])erations until
1844, and in 1848 it was taken di.nvn. and a portion of the stone
was used in 1:)uildiny the mill of the Crompton com])any.
The old Flat Toj) was erected b\- Ca]:)tain \\'illiam Rice and
his son-in-law alxmt the \'ear 1818. It was used for the sjMnniny
of cotton )'arn. The mill had a number of owneis, and finalh'
pas.sed into the hands of John Allen, of Centreville. wlm had a
heavy morlgai^e upon it. llis nejihew Alexander operaied it
awhile, and then it l)urned down.
The Cromjiton mills were rented three years from Xovember
28th, b'^"i(), of Mrs. Mary iJorrance and .Asa Larned, the execu-
tors of ]ohn K. Pitman, deceased, to [Messrs. Rhodes, of Paw-
ttixct, Elisha P. Smith and Tull\- iJorrance, of Providence. k"eb-
ruary 2(3th, ]82.'), before the expiration of the lease, the execu-
tors sold the mortg-ag-c for less than principal and interest to
Seth Wheaton and Edward Carrington, who, in March, I8:?8, en-
tered into a co-partnership with Benjamin Cozzens. The new
owners changed the title of the company and called it the Cromp-
ton Company, in honor of the celebrated Jinglish machinist of
that name. The village, at a public meeting of its citizens sub-
sequentl}-, also assumed that name. A lawsuit sprang out of the
violation of the lease. The trial took place at A])])onaug before
two referees, the lale Judge Brayton and Judge Dutce Arnold,
of Arnold's Bridge, now called Pontiac. In 182:! the new com-
pany started a blcachery, the manager of which was Ivdward
Pike, of Sterling, Conn. Cotton mill Xo. '2 was built in 1828.
and Xo. :') in 18:>2. The W(_)odwork of the latter n:ill was done
under the direction of Deacon Pardon Spencer, who had general
charge of the W(^(jdw(.>rk about the mills for se\'eral years. Xot
long afterward the compan\- branched (.)Ut into calico printing.
HISTORY OF \VASinN(;-rOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 9."l9
Sanford iJurfce, Esq., late treasurer of llie company, was con-
nected with the works from about the year 18:?l» to iS^fS, a part
of tlie time as superintendent or agent of llic concern. An un-
usual pr(jsperity attended the company during- the last six.
months f>f 1S14 and the ilrst six months of ISl.'. in which it is
said the print works made for their owners a profit of SlOd.i.idi).
The year IS:'? was one of disaster to this concern, and in 184G
Avas another crash and breakdown. After many revolutions of
fortune, of good and bad luck, the three cottuji mills and ju-int
works were sold by the mortgagees to several gentlemen, and a
new order of tilings commenced. The number of the ]jr(.)prie-
tors was diminished by .another change, and the whole estate fell
into the hands of (Tovernor Charles Jackson, liarl P. Mason,
Daniel fSusli and William T. Dorrance. of Providence. The
print works were leased to Abbott il' Sanders, in ]S'>'2. and after-
ward to Sanders alone. The following were the measurements
of the several mills; Xo. I, ] 17 feet long and :VA feet wide, and
three stories high : Xo. '2. 1m; feet long and :V> feet wide, with an
addition (iO feet long and 21 feet wide, and four stories high:
No. 3, 109 feet long, 42 feet wide, and two stories high.
The Richmond Manufacturing Company now owns the mills.
They erected another mill in JSS.'^i. V. K. Richmond is presi-
dent and Harvey Richmond treasurer of the company. They
are carrying on an extensive manufacturing business, employ-
ing about six hundred hands, running 4(I,(HH) spindles and 1 ,Uoi )
lf)oms.
The first store in Crompton of which any record is made was
the old store called the company's store. Succeeding this was
one kept by Captain John liolden, familiarly called Esquire
Holden, as he was ju.stice of the peace at that time, an oftlce of
considerable consequence, lie was the first book-keeper of the
Providence ^lanufaeturing Com]3any and was the first to open a
variety store, the only one in the village lor a number of years.
Besides the usual variety of dry and West India goods he kept a
constant supply of liquor, but for some years previous to his
death he voluntarilv gave up the sale of the latter comnnxlity.
John J. Wood, a prominent man. also an agent of the mills and
a prominent memlicr of the Paptist church and its treasurer for
a number of years, during the latter part of his life kejit a store
in a small building that stood just opposite Mrs. liooth's hotel.
He died Xovember 2."ith, IStio, at the age of (14. William Kenvon
9G0 HISTORY OF WASIIIXOTOX AND KENT COUNTIES.
has been a. merchant litre since IS.Vi. He came here in li^.")!"! as
an operative in the Cr(im])ton mills. The loss of an arm in li<'_)i'i
changed all his plans and led tn the mercantile life lie lias since
successfully followed. He was born in ISoO. IHs brother Md-
ward T. Js^enyon, associated in business with him, was born in
ISni. The other stores are those of ISatehclder l\: lleydon,
groceries, and Mrs. R. II. Briggs, dry goods.
The post office is man;iged by ]. R. McKenna. He succeeded
H. D. Heydon October -Jth, 1887. Mr. Heydon had the first post
ofiiee in the village opened about seven years ago. ]^]r. [Mc-
Kenna began trading here in ]87(i. The ]3ooth hotel above re-
ferred to has been managed by Mrs. J. (7. lJc>otli for the past
score of years and more.
Warwick anh Cn\ i;ntk\' Bai'TIS'I' CiiUKCiiES.^-The early his-
tory of this society, whicli embraces portions of three towns in
its territorial extent, may be found in the chaptei" devoted to the
history of Coventry.
Reverend Oliver Pax-son Fuller was jjastor of this society in
Warwick when he wrote his " Historx' of Warwick" in ]87ri, and
has given a full account of the society in that history. He com-
menced his labors heie in \S'>'J. I'^rom him we learn that Re\--
erend Bevi \\'alker preached on a salary of S::^(i(» a year, and that
he was followed by Reverend Jonathan ^^'ilson .Ajuil Mi, ]82o,
of whom he says :
" He accepted, and united with the church June 8th following,
and remained imtil February 19th, 1830. During this period a
slight difficulty arose, occasioned by a portion of the church de-
siring to have a young brother whom the church had licensed,
preach half the time and ]\Ir. Wilson the other half. ]\lr. \Vilson
went off to the southern part of the state and preached about six
months, the Reverend Seth Ewer, an agent of the State Conven-
tion, preaching in the meantime. He then returned and re-
sumed his labors to the above date. I->lder Wilson is spoken of
as an able preacher, but was not thoroughly established in his
religiotis sentiments. He went west and became a Millerite. As
late as 1847 he returned cast, and preached a few weeks in Prov-
idence, with the expectation of being soon translated to heaven.
It is said he carried his ascension robes with him in his preach-
ing jottrneys."
Reverend Arthur A. Ross united with the church July -1th,
1830, and closed his labors December 18tli, 1834. The parsonage
HISTORY OF WASHlXG'lTiN AND KENT COUNTIES. OGl
house was built by Henry Hamilton foi- John Allen, in ]8:]1 , \vho
afterward gave it to the ehureh. Following; yir. Ross came Rev-
erend Thomas Dowling Jime oth, lS:iG, to August, ]8J(»; Thomas
Wilkes, November 8th, 1840, to August, 1842. In 1S4:J the new _
church in Centreville was erected, and styled "The First Baptist
Society in Warwick." John Allen gave a lot worth $400 and
S;2,300 in money. The church cost ^1,100. Mr. Allen was clerk
of this church nearly thirty years. He also gave the church the
par.sonage house. He died July 2(1111, I8-1.">.
Reverend Edward K. I'-ullcr was jiastor fmm August, 184:5, to
April loth, 18i:); George A. Willard, May Isl, 1847, to July 1st,
1850; Jonathan j'-raytnn, August 2r)th, 18.')t), to January 1st, 18."")4;
L. W. Wheeler, about one year; Jonathan Rraytim (recalled)
April 1st, 18."37, to January, 18.^)0; Oliver I'aysim k^dlcr from Jan-
uary, 1859, to A]n-il, 1877; Charles T. 1 )<iuglas, July 1st, 1877, to
April 1st, 1879; Thomas Crudginglcm, April, 1870, to February,
1882; A. C. Bronson. November. 1882. died April 8th. 188:i;
William H. iMsh, August, 188:5, to November, 1880. The present
pastor is John Cameron, who began his pastt)rate April ']d. 1887,
and was ordained L'ecember 20th, 1888. During the past year
the church has sold the parsonage in Centreville to ]\Iiss Emma
Dawley, and has purchased a lot adjoining the church lot at
Crompton, and has ei-ected thereon a new parsonage. The inter-
ior of the church has been remodelled and reseated.
In 1883 the church voted to change the name to the "I'irst
Baptist Chiireh of Crompton."
Crompton Six Principle Ij.vttist Church. — In the winter of
1841 six persons who afterward with others formed this church,
began holding meetings in the old Centreville school house. A
revival resulted and about thirty persons were baptized, most of
whom entered into fellowship with the Maple Root church, in
Coventry. April 23d, 1842, a petition was presented to the Ma-
ple Root church, signed by thirty-eight persons, praying to be
set off as a branch church. The prayer was granted and Elder
E. H. Locke was chosen pastor, C. A. Carpenter deacon, and Wil-
liam Rice clerk. In 184:1 holder Locke was succeeded by Inkier
William Place, who continued in office imtil April 19th. K<i7.
A building was erected and dedicated September 7th, 1844. In
1845 the church was organized as an independent church, holder
Locke returned at the conclusion of Fdder Place's labors and re-
mained two years, when he died. In the spring of 1808 Elder
fii
962 HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX AXlJ KEXT COUXTIKS.
Ellcry Kcnyon btcnme pastor and conliiiiR-d until jannarv ITith,
1S7], when he resigned. Sunday ]\Liy r)lh, ISTO, William R. ](jhn-
son was baptized and on the same day was ordained to the min-
istry, and on }ilareh L':!d, ]S71 , was unanimoiislv elceted elder..
He continued until IS?."). A building' was ereeted and dedieated
September 7th, IS-J-J.
Cath(ii,ic Curia 11. -The "Chureli of Our l.adv of ]\l()unt Car-
mel," a small frame ehureh, was erected in ISl-l. It was luider
the charge of Reverend James (iibson. Falhej- ]. P. (libson is in
charge at the present time. The present church building in
Crompton was erected in 1880. Father William 11. C'urlev is as-
sistant rector. The Church of St. James was organized at Birch
Hill in 1870.
St. riiii.ii''s Ciifi;( 11, Crumi'IOX. — The lipiscopal ehureh in
Croinpton was organized in 184.1. At tlie first meeting Reverend
James II. ILanies was appointed chairman and ])a\-id Ujjdikc
Hagan secretary, and it was decided to fcmn a religious society
tinder the style of St. ]'hili])'s church. A lot was procured, a
house of worship erected and consecrated in ISJO by Kight Rev-
erend J. P. K. llcnshaw, bishop of the diocese. A new building
was erected in 188:5. Reverend S. C. M. Orpen took the rector-
ship in September, 188."). The society has a membership of
about eighty-six communicants, and is in a healthful state of re-
ligious prosperity. The rectors of this church have been as fol-
lows: John I'. iJrown. 18J(;: Charles A'. Bennett, 1847-8 ; G. W.
Chevers, a number of years; D. Potter, 18,')7 -8; R. H. Tucker,
1859-0] ; Silas X. Rogers, 1801-7; Robert Paul, 1801) 71 : James
S. Ellis, Thomas II. Cocroft and S. C. ^I. Orpen.
CF,Xi'KK\TiJ,i:. — The exact time when the first settlement was
made at this point is unknown, but it was probably previous to
the year 1700, as the Weeochaconet grant of 2,100 acres was
made in 1092. Fuller says:
" In 1077, the proprietors of the town granted to Henrv Wood,
■ John vSmith, John Creeiie, and John A\'arncr, a tract of land one
hundred acres in extent, with two other small pieces, one con-
taining one acre and the other two acres, with certain ])rivilcges
'on ye fresh river in ye township of Cowesct, beingc vc south
branch yt runs towards Pawtuxet.' The consideration was, that
these persons should erect a .saw mill (jn the river. There are
certain items that poirit to this plaec as the si)ot designated, while
HISTORY OF \VASHIXf;TOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 9C,3
other items mentioned in the reeord leave the matter sclme^vhat
doubtfid.
"A saw mill is known to ha\'e stood here early in the ei;4h-
teenth centnry, owned at the time by Job Greene, who was iIkmi
possessor of a eonsideralile poi'tion of the territoi-y within the
present limits of the villag-e, as well as of many eontiguous aeres.
Major Job Greene, in 17:2(1, saw fit to transfer a pcjrtion of his
extensive domain, consisting of 4\'J aeres. to his son, iJaniel.
This land was on the east side of the river. ;ind bonnded " north
by the third Weeoehaeonet farm ; east b\' the land of Potter and
Whitman ; south b\- the hiyliwav between the AVeeoehaeonet and
Coweset farms, and west In' the nndi\-ided lands.' This estate
Daniel subseqncnll}- gave to his nephew, Christoplier. who after-
ward sold it to a man by the name (.)f A\'illiam Almy. of V-'rovi-
dence. Almy's heirs sold a ]iart of it to Revereml J. Ura^'ton,
who afterward disposed of it to various persons, reserx'ing a ])or-
tion of it himself. Tlie f:irms of Rtiftis I'arton, Jeremiah l-'oster,
the water-]K)wer and mill site of IJenediet I.a})ham, the water-
power, mill site and village of Aretie were inehuled originally in
this estate."
There were but three houses in Centreville at the breaking
out of the revohitionary war. Gne of these was the dwelling
honse of Daniel Greene, son of Job. It was a long. lo\\'. one
story building, at one time divided into two seetionsand a piece
put into the middle, and it stood until consumed Ijy fire abotit
the close of the war of the rebellion. Daniel Cireene died Xo-
vember 24th, 1798, over a hundred years old, having been bfjrn
February 20th, inny.
The house that stood on the southeast corner of the lot on
which the residence of Doctor Closes Fifield is situated, was also
an ancient house. It was built upon the large farm of ^Villiam
Greene, son of Peter the great-grandson of John Greene, senior.
It afterward came into possession of James Greene, son of James
and grandson of AVilliam.
In 1785 the number of houses had increased to eight. The
others were [ohn Henry litmn's house, a small red building, one
storv, that stood between the Centre\'ille bank and the bridge.
It was built by Samuel Pitman for the goldsmith business. Jon-
athan TilTany, fatlier of 'Sir. llenr\' TilYaiu', of Crompton, mar-
ried yiv. Pitman's half-sister. IJunn was a shoemaker and died
many years ago. Ilis witlow. an old feeble woman, while hur
904 HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOX AND KKXT COUNTIES.
daug-htcr was absent, fell intd the fire and was half consumed
before her daughter returned. This event occurred in 1S:]9.
There was a house called the " P)Oarding house" and another
occupied by S])encer Merrill. Colonel Christopher Cireene's
residence became the home of his son, job, and was finally rent-
ed to Thomas Whaley. It occupied the same site upon which
William Levallv subsequently built. Westward, across the road.
Job Cireene built a hoirsc in ITS."), in which he dwelt many
years, job Greene was the fatlier of the Honorable Simon Henry
Greene.
The first attempt at manufacturing cotton by machinery in
this village .seems to have been made about the year 171)4. when
land and water-power were transferred to a compau)' formed foi"
that purpose by Colonel job Cireenc, Ijy a deed bearing date
October '3d of that year, (jreene gave the land and water-
power, " stipulating that the building should be 40 feet long by
20 feet wide and two stories high, with suflieient machinery for
running a hundred spindles." 'Jdie fcillowing persons formed
the company: William Potter of Providence, one-third; Jolni
Allen, one-sixth : ]ames !McKerris, one-sixth ; James Greene, one-
ninth ; job Greene, one-eighteenth: the remaining one-sixth
to be owned by the several proprietors, according to this ratio.
The water was to be conveyed to the wheel liy a wooden cf)n-
ductor, the interior of which was to be two feet square, and
which was t'l be placed at the Ixittom of the mill dam ; Greene
agreeing not to draw the water down for his grist mill so low
that it W(ndd be less than six inches higher than tlie upper
plank of the conductor. He also agreed to keep the dam in good
condition for six years ; after this the company was to bear one-
third the expenses of repairs. The machinery was built under
the direction of Moses Irwin, who was afterward eirgaged to
oversee its operation. The operation did not succeed \-cry well,
though the yarn manufactured was salable. There soon appear-
ed a desire, on the part of some members of the company, to
allow others to continue the experiment, and in May, ITllT. Mc-
Kerris sold (me-tenth to John Reynolds, for §000 ; in June, he
sold one-twelfth to Gideon Pailey, of East Greenwich, for ,S]7(t.
John Reynolds, in November, ITOS, sold his share to the com-
pany for §000. In IT'.lO, the company sold one-half of the whole
concern to William Almy and Gbadiah Prown, for §•.?.. MK). The
items of the transfer are as foric")Ws : rme undivided half part of
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KP'.NT COUNTIES. 9fi5
a lot of land and mill ; four spinnino; machines, each CO spindles ;
two carding- machines, with drawing and roving- frames ; half of
dye-house; half of single house on Job Greene's land : half of
water-power, Sec, &c.
July 10th, lyoi, Almy cK: Bn.wn purchased of Job f'ireene alf
his rig-hts in the sjiinning mill. In ISO.O they made the further
purchase, of the .same ]X'rson, of ]G acres of land, grist and saw
mills, water-power and dwelling- house, which he built in 178.'),
all for S'>.00().
In 1807 a second mill was erected on the cast side of the river,
by a new comjiany that styled itself the "Warwick Manufactur-
ing Company." The company was compo.sed of Almy \- llmwn,
James Greene. John Allen and Gideon Greene. James Greene
held one-eighth of the stnek, John Allen one-eigJUh. John
Greene one-twelfth, Gideon (Trccne one-sixteenth and Almy X;
Brown the remainder. John Allen superintended the erection
of the mill, as he had dune the one aero.s.s the river, lie also
afterwai-d acted as the agent of the company and was followed
by John Greene. The mill was painted green, and was known
as the green mill. The building that recently .stood ojiposite
Mr. Lai)ham's office, used as a boarding liutise, was originallv
used as a store, and in the basement of it hand looms were intro-
duced and the yarn was woven into cloth, in the same wav as in
many of the houses in the stirrounding country up to the time
ol the introduction of jiower machinerv. The eompanv grass-
bleached the cloth that was made by the hand loom, and finished
it by runnin'g it through a calendar that stood on the oppo.site
side of the stream. The land on the opposite side of the river
from the L5aptist parsonage and lot adjoining, now eo\-cred with
wood and underbrush, was the Bleach-green, and upon its grassy
surface the cloth was spread and occasionally wet until the de-
sired whiteness was secured.
In ISIO Captain William Potter, one of the original proprie-
tors, sold his part of the Warwick .Spinning :\Iill to Almv & Brown,
having failed in the general crisis of ^si:> and 181(5.
The old grist mill on the west side of the river was superseded
by a cotton mill, built by .\lmy c^- B.rown. It had been used for
various purposes. In the basenient was a machine shop with a
trip hammer, whei'e the noisy operations mingled with the racket
of the saw and grist mill in the second stoi-y. In the st(jry ab(,n-e
this was a small woolen mill, carried on in a limited wav for a short
9G6 msTCiRV OF WAsiiixirrox and ki.nt couxtiks.
time. AlinviS: Brown owned five-eiglUhs of the A\'arwiek mills,
and their shares were purehased b)- John dreene in ]8:!iiat the rate
of S.'iw.ddO for the whole. Juhn Creene died July 10th, JS51, one
of tiie riehest men in the \-ieinity.
William ] ). I'avi.s lioiu;lit the woolen maehinery in January,
18."i(t, and the tenements, water-jtower and cotton mills in 1 )e-
cember, ]S.")1. Previous to this .Allen Waterhouse had started
the manufacture of several kinds of cassimere. Two thirds of
the mill ]UT)perty, including both sides of the river, weix- ]>ur-
chased of the heirs of John (Jreene and others, at the rate of
S41,000 for the whole ; the other third, belon.<;iny- to the heirs of
James (ireene, he bouyht at auction, at the rate of :^':58,(i(l().
Mr. Davis sold the ;4'i-een mill, on the east .side cf the river, to
Benedict Lapham, who commenced operations in ly-'iS. Mr.
Davis continued tn run the woolen mill tmtil ]Si!(i, when he sold
out to General James Waterhouse, who run it tmtil his death,
whicli occurred in. Bowcll March ::^,jth, J87"J. 'Jdie mill burned in
]S7(>; was rebuilt in IN71, witii six sets of machinery. In 187-'
the Kent Woolen Ciimpan\- took the plaiit, putting in two ad-
ditional sets of machinery. 'J'hey now make fancy cassimeics,
emj^loying' li'.") persons. The jiroduct of the mill is more tlian
one-quarter of a million dollars per annunt. The president of
the company is Livingston ^Lason: treasurer, C. F. Mason : super-
intendent and ;igent. B. F. AVaterhouse.
In 1873-4 }ilr. Lapham built his substantial stone mill, one of
the best arranged and largest in the state owned by a single in-
dividual. It stands jirst in the rear of the site of the old green
mill, and is .'!n4 feet long by 1-2 feet wide, of five sttu'ies, with a
capacity of ^o.ooo spindles and ij.ld looms. ^k>st of the stone
for this building was quarried from a ledge nearby. The old
mill, erected in 18()7, was moved to the rear, and is now tised for
a store house. This btiilding is one httndred and fifty feet long
and three stories high. Honcu-able Benedict Lapham died a few-
years ago, and Hojuirable Lnns Lapham is now the proprietor.
B.\XKS. — TheCentreville Xation:il Bank of AWarwiek succeeded
the old Centreville liank, which was incorjiorated in June, 1828.
The incorporators were : [ohnlirceuc, jtihn Allen, Doctor Syl-
ve.ster Knight. AVilliam .Vnthonv if;ither of (hjvernor Anthony),
Doctor Stephen Harris, Joseph W. (ircene, Thomas Remington,
Daniel (Torham, Jub Ilarkncss, Pere/, Peck, Caleb Kelton, Ste-
phen G. PLipkins, Stephen Levally, iJutee Arnold, John B. Ar-
y
'■<■[ z c
HISTORY OF WASIIINf.TOX AND KKNT C0UNTIE:S. 007
nold, and John R. Waterman. The first president was Jolm
Greene. His suceessors have been : Cyrus Harris, Jchn W. A.
Greene, Jonathan I-'ravt<in, l-'zra J.Cady, 1879-8.") : Enos ].ai)ham,
1885. The first eashier was Moses Fifield, whose sahary was but
two hundred dolhars per annum. At liis death he was succeeded,
January Hth, 18.y7, by his son. Doctor Moses Fifield, who is still
serving-. The bank was organized as a national bank May ."th,
180."). Its present l)oard of directors are: Moses Fifield, J. O.
Arnold, 1). R. Adams, A. II. Arnuld, R. Brayton, J. Kenyon, C.
Mattcson, Harold Lawton, Fmos Lapham.
The Centreville Savings Rank went into ojieration in 1S,S7.
Enos Lapham is president of the new institution and Doctor
Mo-se.s Fifield is treasurer.
ST()Rl•;^i. — The village of Centreville has always maintained
good mercantile standing as a point of trade. The first store
was a half mile below Centreville. opposite John Johnson's ])lace.
Tlie next store was kejit bv |oscph AVarren (ax-ene. in a Iniild-
ing now used as a tenement for the Kent Woolen Company. In
1828 Mr. Greene left for New York city, where he afterward be-
came quite wealthv. 'Idie old AVarwick Manufacturing Company
btult a new store in 18 IC. There was an old store kept by Joseph
Burton in 1828, and at this same time Whipple A. Arnold kept
a store and the post office. The old Warwick store is now kept
by Daniel Tibbitts, an old trader in the village of thirty years'
standing and over. In 1828 William Levaby kept the fild tavern.
In 18r)9 Bryel Arnold began trading at this point. 1 mke & Wood
own several stores in this and surrounding villages. ^Ir. (korge
E. Wood of this firm was born in Scotland, Conn., in 184."). and
came to Centreville in 1871 as farmer for ^iv. Lapham. The fol-
lowing year he bought a half interest in the Charles Duke busi-
ness. In December, 1879, Duke cK: Wood bought the stock of
goods at the Clyde Print AVorks of B. A. vSwect, and in January,
1888, they bought of Franklin Treat's estate the stock of goods
and business in the brick store at Centreville.
L. C. Greene keeps the onlv drug store in the village. He c-
tablished the business in 1870. His brother. B. F. Greene, was
with him at cmic time, the firm name being L. C. Greene iK: Co.
Dennis II. Dcvcnt has the })ost office. He received his commis-
sion from July bUh. 1880. AVilliam Alerrill. an old settler and
a carpenter, established a business here that has b<een carried on
bv the ^Merrills for manv vears. His son, ]osiah ^Merrill, was a
068 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES.
blacksmith; and his son, L. C. Merrill, a carriao-e maker, has op-
erated his business with success for the past twcntv vears. Chris-
topher Arnold, father of Uriah Arnold, well known to the people
of the community, was an early carpet weaver in the village. He
died June Oth, 1847, on a passage home, and was buried in tlie
(nilf of Mexic(j. Uriah Arnold was born in Centreville, A]iril
fith, IS-Jd.
Schools AND TA\i;kN>.—-- In ]S'.()3 the first school house was
built, and used both for schools and religious meetings. The
building still .stands, and is used as a wheelwright's shop. It was
formally dedicated with religious services. The first term of in-
struction commenced vSeptember ]()th, ISn;), with 3ilr. Peltis as
teacher. How long Mr. Pettis taught is uncertain, but he finally
removed to Providence ;\vhere, in J 82S, he was the preceptor of the
fourth district. lie po.ssessed .some knowledge of medicine and
is remembered as ' Dr. Pettis.' He was followed by Samuel
Greene, wlio died in Coventry, over ninety years of age. The
third was Sabin Lewis, who taught also at another jieriod of his
life in Apponaug. He is said to have been a seafaring man Ijut
'excellent in the science of mathematics; was a landscajjc
painter and master of a forcible style of composition.' He sub-
sequently removed to Pleasant Valley, X. Y. Oliver Johnson,
Esq., was teacher about the year 182J.
"In May. I80:!, the 'Warwick West School Society" was incor-
porated, with John Crcene as librarian, Ray Johnson, secretary,
and John Allen, treasurer. The charter was granted t(\i nineteen
pensons, all of whom have passed away. They, or at least a por-
tion of them, owned the scliool house and provided for the edu-
cational wants of the village. Similar societies had been incor-
porated in different parts of the town.
"The old tavern house, now owned by Mr. Lapham, was built
by Deacon David Cady. He was an active member of the
Methodist church, and two of his sons became ministers of that
denomination and are now living in Providence. One of them.
Reverend Jonathan Cady, built the church about the vear ]83].
He was a carpenter at the time. The old house was occupied by
Oliver Johnson, Esq., of Providence, and others, as a tavern, and
it has also been used as a post office. Deacon Cady married a
Miss Waterman, of Killingly, Conn., and had a large family of
children. His second wife was a daughter of ]\Iciscs Li]-pitt, cf
Old Warwick.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KKNT COUNTHCS. 909
"In passing- from Centreville to Apponaug, in 179;"), we should
pass seven houses, inchidin;^- the old part of the house now owned
by Mr. Horatio L. Carder, early known as Nathan Arnold's, and
afterward as Elisha Arnold's, and the one near ApponauL,^, owned
by John Tibbitts. The ICben Arnold hf)use, now owned by ]\Ir.
|. Johns(jn, in re\'(.ilutionary times was owned Viy 'J^homas )ilatte-
son, and was used for a while duriny,' the war as an hospital. The
farm afterward passed into the ptissession of Nathaniel Arnold,
familiarly known as ' Blaek Nat,' who for a whik' kei)t a tavern
there. On the opposite side of the road, about tlie yeai' ISIT), there
was a small one-story buildini;' that was used as a store, and in
one part of it an Irishman by the name of McOnomy, or some
such name, wo\'c shirting. He is said to have been the fii'st Irish-
man that ever li\-ed-^ in this region. Nathaniel Aincdd became
dissatisfied with his home, and with his characteristic mode of
S])eaking said he was ' determined to sell his place if he could not
gi\'e il awa)-.' He afterward sold it to Philip .Vrnold, whose son,
l'>ben,subsequentlv came into possession of it. I'hilip Arnold was a
wealthy man, and lived on the old homestead near N.atiek, Init
afterward became involved and lost most of his jiroperty. He
had five sons, Jolm, 1 lenr}', ChristO])her, .\ndrew and Kben. The
latter was the father of Albert H. and Kay (j. Arnold, well-
known and respected citizens."
]\Ii:;TH(ii>isr Jii'iseoi'Ai, CiiUiu ii.— This church was built in
1831. The first pasior was Reverend r\loses l''iheld. The soci-
ety worshipped lor a long time in the schocjl house. The \\'ai"-
wick circuit was cpiitc extended, and included East Greenwich,
\Vickford, Plainfield in Connecticut, and other places, and the
preachers were accustomed to preach to them in rotation.
One of the principal members of the church here for many
years was Reverend Moses Fifield, a man uni\'ersally esteemed
in the community, who preached during the latter years of his
life only infrequenth'. When the Centreville Bank was incor-
porated, in iy-2S, Mr. Fifield. who was at the time a school teacher
in the village, was elected its first cashier, and continued in that
position until a few months before he died. He was also the
treasurer of the Warwick Institulion for Savings, from its or-
ganization in lS-l."i. holder I'ilicld was born in Unitv, N. II., De-
cember 19th, ITlKi, and died April iDth, ly.M).
The church miw is undei the ministrations of Re\'erend Mr.
970 HISTORY OF \VASIIIXr,'inx AM) KEXT COUNTIKS.
Woodward. It is not large, but it has. nevertheless, a vig-r)r(ms
tendency upward.
Arctic. — Previon.s to the year 18:)-J the site of this villac;'e was
a wilderne.ss, covered for the most part with a forest. CJn the
10th of February, ^8^■U. l-lufus W'aketleld purchased of Doctor
vStephen Harris a small iraet of land on the west side of the river
for S45() and erected a stone mill CiU by lo feet, which he rented
to various ]:)artics, who made woolen cloths. 'J'he place was tlien
called Wakefield. In JS'j-i the ,Si)ra,L;'ucs erected their large cot-
ton mill and changed the name to Arctic.
AmoiTg those wh(_) occupied Wakefield's mill, were Harris O.
Brown and I'liilij^ Aldrich, of vScituate, who manufactured a
coarse kind of cloth, used princijiallv bv the southern slaves.
They were followed by Clapp and Allen: the latter afterward
became interested in the mills at Hope village. Christo])her \V.
Spalding and Job C. Warriner occupic-d the upper story, and
manufactui'ed Kentuck\- jean.s. yiv. AN'akefield was a stone-
mason, and married the daughter of Xehenriah Atwood, of Lip-
pitt village ; he was a native of Charlton. Mass. -
The years 184.') and IS-tG were the most im]iortant ones in the
history of the little village. At this time the efforts of Rever-
end j. I'rayton, who had little money but clear foresight, induced
parties to purchase the ])rivileges necessary for erecting mills,
the land upon the east side being a portion of a large farm lield
at the time by Doctor Tobey, C)f Pro^•idence, as agent of the heirs
of William Almy, of Providence, who was authorized to sell it for
§15,000, which property fell ( eventually i into the hands of A. &' W.
Spragiie in ]\lareh, 1S.")2, for §11,-1(1(1. Other additions were sub-
sequently purchased by the Spragues, and having obtained suf-
ficient real estate for their purpijses. they began the wiu'k of
destroj'ing and remodeling on a large scale. The}- dcstro}-ed
some of the old buildings, turned the woolen mill into a store
house, and excavated with great labor a cjuarry of rock on the east
bluff for the wheel pit and foundation of a mill. A dam was
built, which -secured them a fall of water of -jSil feet. A granite
mill graduallv rose uj) in this then almost wilderness, whose di-
mensions were ;ipi feet in length. 70 feet wide, four strirics. each
twelve feet high, with an L ."lO Ijy li-J feet, which contains the
machine shop, dressing and lai)]icr rooms. The plan of the mill
originated with (iovernor Sprague ; the draft for the arran,^e-
ment of the machiner\- was made hv Albert (j. .'-^mith. This
HISTORY OF WA'^IHXOTOX ANIi KENT CGUNTIKS. 971
large and costly structure took fire on the eveniny of ^larch J 7th,
18G.0, and all its contents were destroyed. The fire originated in
the machine shoj), where some jiamtcrs' materials were .stored ;
some naphtha became sudden]}" iynitcd, and before sidficient as-
sistance arrived the flames were l)eyond control. (July the walls
remained standing the next morning. It is said the loss exceed-
ed the insurance by ySo.ooo. With commendable enterprise the
debris was removed, the walls examined by experts, and found
in the main of sufficient strength to alltiw of .their remaining.
Defective portions were removed and the whole strengthened,
and the renovated mill, with its 2:2,0(1(1 spi!idles, was again put
into operation.
A. & W. Sprague ci\'cted at the time one of the best modeled
mills in the stale. It is ntiw owned by the .successful and enter-
prising firm of ];. ];. cV R. Knight, who have made many im-
provements in it, and run :i.").S-.M spindles and l,o:i'.) looms. 'I'lie
population here and at River P(ji]it, as they are connected, is
about three thousand.
In 1873, principallv through the efforts of Hon. Renedict Lap-
ham, the laew depot was built, and also soon after the scIkioI
district covering the territory of this \-illage was set off.
This little but very enterprising village has had its growth
during the last few years only, but it is one of the most thriving
centers of trade in this section of the town. The French Catho-
lic church, with a membership of 4,.')00, is located here, and is
the chief object of interest to the inhabitants. A dozen or
more stores and places of trade have lately been established.
many of them within the past two or three years. The place
can boast of three phvsicians and a hotel, a public hall that will
seat 8()0 people, erected in liS'^4; a society of the l-'rench Catho-
lic order ; and of a very industrious class of people.
The old company store was the first in the place and has a his-
tory identical with the Sprague and Knight mills. Albert Spen-
cer kept the next store and following him came Isaac K.Curson.
who established his business about the year 1 b^."):!. ■ He carried
on the livery business until 1S71. He is now owner of a Yankee
notion store. William C. Til)l)iits, f>ne of the most prominent
merchants in the place, came here in 1l^.")4 in the employ of A. &
W. Sprague and remained with them nine vears. In ]SS(J he
built his present store and is doing a th.riving business. J. R.
Le Moine came to .Vrctie in lS7i'i and established the clothinu'
972 HisroRV of Washington and Kr-:NT counties.
trade. Joseph Le Moine & Son have carried on undertaking-
here since IST.j. Albert Tyler has been engaged in the mercan-
tile business at Xorth Centreville since 1S84. H. C. Shepard
built his hotel in 1S74.
Chase's Monthly Advertiser was started in January, ISSO. It had
a gratuitious circulation, but the advertisements furnished by
the business men of the village .supported it hand.somely. It is
a four column folio work neatly executed on Mr. Chase's job
press, run by steam. ]\Ir. Lsaac F. Chase, the proprietor, began
job printing in River Point in April, ISC,?, and in Arctic in 1874.
He established his circulating librarv in 1S(i7.
North Centreville is .sometimes termed Arctic. The most
prominent among those dding business here is Robert Forsvth.
He was born of Scotch parents in the state of Connecticut in
1830. He has resided and been in business here since 1882.
when he bought the site and erected the grist mill at Xorth Cen-
treville. He subsequently put in the machinery there now in
use, and added to the feed and grain business his present trade
in coal and wood. .Steam is the motive power, and the business
is principally the manufacture of feed from Western grain. J.'
W. Car])entcr also established his business at this point in
1882. He operates a planing mill and manufactures sash and
blinds. Milton II. Arnold, son of Uriah and grandson of Chris-
topher Arnold, was born in :i8."")4. His father being a wood me-
chanic, he worked at house-carpentering from 1877 to 1884. He
then established, in connection with building and contracting, a
lumber yard. In 1885 he bought his present site in Xortli Cen-
treville, built an oflice, and added to his business doors, sash,
paints, carpenters', masons' and painters' supplies.
Frkncii Catikii.ic CiiLkcii.— The Catholic parish of St. John
the Baptist, consisting wholly of French Canadians, was formed
from the pari.shes of St. Mary's, Crompton, and adiacenl terri-
tories, and St. Peter and St. Paul, Phtnix, the pastors being Rev-
erend James Gil)son.of the former, and Reverend John Couch.
of the latter. In the year 1872. Reverend Henry Spruyt was as-
signed to the ul-w parish, the services then being held in the
Odd Fallows Flail. River Point. He obtained a beautiful build-
ing site at Arctic Center and erected a magnificent church. Thev
first had mass in the basement, and the first baptism was Janu-
ary IDth, 1873. They also erected a fine residence adjacent to
the church for the pastor. leather Spruyt remained in charge
HISTORY OF WASIIIXCTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 973
of the church till J 878, when, l.ieiiig; ill, his place was filled by
Reverend Fathers Laneyan and Perkins. Father Spruyt re-
turned again and assumed charge for a short time, but finally
had to retire on account of poor healtli.
He was succeeded by Reverend George ^lashony, who was sent
to Centi-al Falls, his place being filled by Reverend janies .Smith,
August 28th, 1871). Tlie latter remained pastor, being assisted
by Reverends Henry Kennedy and Henry Couboy, until Septem-
ber, 1887, when he was sent to I^awtuckct. H-is successor was
Reverend Charles P. Gaboury, assisted by Reverend L. O. Massi-
cotte.
The population of the parish is 4,000. They have built the
past year a large, substantial building of brick no by 7(i feet,
three stories high. This is to be used as a parochial school, with
the Sisters of ]esus as teachers.
The Socirn- S/./nn/ /la/^/is/f Pc ri7//;v;7'//(- was organized ^larch
15th, ]88;'3, and was incorporated January 12th, ]88G. Doctor
Legris, one of the founders, is its president, and under his ad-
ministration the society has flouri.shedfrom the first. The mem-
bership consists exclusively of the resident French people.
CHAPTER XXI.
TOWN OF WARWICK (Concluded).
I'lieni.v ami Its .Smnumdin- Villa-cs.— Kmly HiMn,v.-f.i,,|,iit >r;iiuifa<liii in-
Coinpauy.— l{o.i;er AVilliauis MMiiuiHcturiiiK C'oniii.-my and I'heiii.'c Mills.—
Stores.— Uiulertaker.s.— Railroad. — Hotels. —Fire District. — Water Com-
pany.—Fires.— Banks.— Public Library.— Tateni .Aleetin- ll.mse.— Phenix
Baptist Chundi.-l'lieni.v Metliodi.t Chureli.-tlathulio Lluucli, Plieni.x.—
Episcopal Clnueli. -Clyde I>rint M'orks.-];iver Point.-Con<;reKalional
Cluuvli, River Point. — Xatiek. — Xatiek First Baptist Cluucli. — Pontiae.—
Fir.st Free AViU Baptist Church.— All Saints' Churcli.— Hill's (irove.— Metho-
dist Church.— Bio;,napliical .Sketches.
Till': villaj^-cs of llarri.s, ]'henix and Eippitt are allcunnecled
and seem a.s one villa-e, and tev^etlier liave a ix.jiulation
of about four thou.sand inhabitants. The ni(),st llouri.shin"-
one of tlie,se villages i.s Phenix. Tliere are four meeting liouse's
here for public worship, and a very enterjirising- newspaper, is-
sued weekly, called the J'az.'/ii.ut ValLy Gleaner. It i.s one of the
most enterprising- weeklie.s published in the state.
Outside of the mill owners, no one has done so much to en-
large and beautify Phenix as Honorable William P. Spencer,
the gentleman who prepared the able pai)er on the - \'alley of
the Pawtuxct," fr(jm which we have copied frcelv, by pcrmi.s-
sion, for our own history of the village, lie erected two of the
largest and handsomest dwelling houses in the village and two '
of the handsomest business blocks here, and was tlu; means of
establishing the bank located at this point and was its hrst pres-
ident, a position which he held for several years. He was chair-
man of the committee to build the Paptist meeting house,
giving the lot on which it .stands. This 'edifice is one of the
most beautiful and convenient meeting houses to be found in the
rural part of Rhode Island. P.esides.'he laid out a commodious
cemetery on the high lands half a mile .southwest of the village,
at his own expense, .-^uch a man is a benefit t.. the communitv.'
by whatever motive he may have been actuated in doing it.
It is hoped by many perse.ns that .Mr. Spencer will yet pub-
esf
HISTORY OF WASlIIXCroX AND KKNT COUNTIES. i)]
lish the valuable sketches above referred to in book form. Th.,..
papers were published in the C/Av?//,;- during- the year JSSy, and
in the aggregate comprise over sixty columns of that paper.
The tract of land originally termed Xatiek reached from Shau-
ticut P.rook up along the north branch of the Pa^vtuxet as far at
least as Arkwright. and embraced in extent L'.loo acres. The
term Xatiek eventually looseel its hold and the place is now known
as Phenix. The tract was assigned in .March, ]07:j, by the pro-
prietors of Warwick to Job ( ireene, Senior, Richard Carder, |ohn
Warner. Benjamin Barton and Henry Townsend, as their portion
of the undivided lands.
Various changes in its ownership had taken place previous to
37r)0, at which time the western portion, including the .site of
the present vill.-igc, became knowii as Wales. Samuel Wales
Avas at one time one of the ])rinci])al owners of the land in this
vicinity. iJenjamin l-:ilis, .\nlhony lUirton, Charles Atwood and
Andrew lulmond v.-cre also at this time prominent landholders.
Under date of May, 17:57. the general as.semblv authorized the
construction of the highway " from near the house of Capt. Rice
in Warwick to the grist mill commonly called Edmonds' mill,"
elsewhere described.
May oth, 17-10. Joseph Edmonds, for love and goodwill, etc.,
deeded to his son Joseph Edmonds. Jr.. a part of the homestead
farm containing liftv acres.
February IGth, 1747. Anthony Burton sold to Charles Atwood
for £-2,400. HO acres of that part of Warwick known as Wales.
This tract was bounded easterly by the I'dmonds farm. Bcnia-
niin Ellis owned most of the land on the north side of the north
branch of the Pawtuxet river, extending from where the Phenix
factory now is to Xatiek village.
"May 21st, n.M, Benjamin Ellis, for sixty pounds, sold to
Charles Atwood, twelve acres of land with a dwelling house and
other improvements thereon, bounded easterlv on land of An-
drew Edmonds, southerly by the north branch'of ihe Pawtuxet
river, westerly and northerly by lands of Charles Atwood, and
divided into two pieces by the highwav.
" Benjamin Ellis lived m a houte on'the east side of the hio-h-
way. opposite the first sharp turn m the road in descending The
Natick hill, going from Lippitt, and near the house of AViUiam
Baker (since owned, by James Caswell i. After his death his .son
Jonathan continued to reside there until the factories at Xatiek
970 JiisTOKY OK WAsiiixfrrox and kent counties.
were erceted in ISO?, when he \nu]i a two-stury dwelling hotise
on the hill, overlr)f)kiny tlie village and the surrounding c-ountry,
and removed to Natick, and the old house was allowed to deeay
and has been entirely demolished.
" Jonatlian h'llis li\'ed to a good old age, and resided in this
new house until his death, whieh oeetirred July Itli, 181:?. After
his death it eamc into the possession of his heirs, anil has
changed owners several times, and is now (1888) owned by }ilrs.
Barnes."
"Charles Atwood b\- purehase fr(_)m Anthony Ijurlon, Pienja-
min Ellis and others, beeame owner of most of the land fmm
where the village of Harris is now loeatcd, boimding southerly
on the iu>rth braneh of the Pawlnxet river and northerly on the
south line (jf the to\\-n of Cranston, extending easterly until it
came to the bend of the rivei' below the Clyde works: he had a
gri.st mill and saw mill loeated where the brick boiler house of
the Lippitt ^Manufacturing Compan\- nov.- stands.
" Charles Atwood died in 178:?. His estate, containing 208 acres,
137 rods of land, became the property of his three sons, Charles,
Caleb and Nehemiah.
"The ]-*henix factory and the dwelling houses now stand and
remained unchanged until Xehemiah Atwood, in 18o9, sold about
eight acres of land and the water ])rivilege to the Roger Wil-
liams Manufacturing Company.
"March lOth, 1737, James Utter sold to Anthony A. Rice the
farm on which he, the said James Utter lived, containing fifty
acres lying on the south side t>f the mjrth branch of the Pawtuxet
river and bounded southerly parti}- on land of John Levalleyand
partly on land of the heirs of ^vtichacl Levallev, west on land of
Peter I^evalley, north and east on the north branch of the Paw-
tu.xet river. This farm is on the opposite side of the river from
the Lippitt village and at that time included the land sfaith of
where the Lippitt company's trench now runs below the factory,
the river then running near the factory and continuing close to
the bank pa.ssing in the rear oi the house of the late .Simon Henry
Greene, continuing near where the bridge now crosses the river.
Anthony A. Rice continued to occu])v this farm until his death,
which oecurix-d in 1830, and his estate was divided the 8th day of
April, 1837, among his heirs. Previous to the year 180',) the
country where the Lippitt village is now located was nearly a
wilderness, there were onlv two dwelling houses, a saw mill, grist
HISTORY OF WASinXOTON AM) KENT COUNTIES. 977
mill and tan yard where now stands a larg'c factory and many
dwelling houses. One of the dwelling houses at that time \\-as a
gambrel roof house owned and oecu])ied 1)V Xehemiah ^Vtwood,
located in the rear of the present Lipjiitt store (which is now,
standing-). The other house sto((d next westerly from the Iloctor
Clark house a.t the turn of tlie road, where now stands a cottage
house owned by (}e<irge l'>. .\twood. 'I'his liouse was owned and
occupied b\' Caleb Atwood, grandfather of (Teorge, who had a
tan yai'd 1)et\\-een his house and the trench leading frtmi the mill
pond to the saw and grist mills, where he tanned ihe leather used
in his l)Oot and shoe making. The bark was ground with a Hat
stone some four or five feet in diameter and about one foot thick,
having a hole through the center. A woi:)den shaft was jnit
through this hole. One end of this shaft was fastened to a jxist
set in the ground in the center of a circle. To the otlicr end of
the shaft a li'irse was fastened. The stone standing on the edge,
the horse walking around in a circle turned the stone, and the
bark being placed in tliis circle on the ground or bed ]j]-epared
for it, became broken into small j)ieces and made ready fcn^ use.
This piece of land occupied by said tan 3-ard remained in the At-
wood family until June 29th, 1822, when it passed into the hands
of the Lijipitt company, who used it for a wood yai'd."
"Caleb Atwood and sons erected a small factory wlicre the
Lanphear machine shop now stands, and for some cause if be-
came known as ' the dumplin' monld,' which name was not pleas-
ing to !Mr. Atwood. A stranger coming into the place and in-
quiring for a certain locality was told to go to Mr. ^Vtwood's ta\--
ern and inquire for the dumplin' mould, and fm doing so Mr.
Atwood grabbed his cane and drove him from the house in a
great rage."
Liri'iTT M.\XUFACTI'RIN(; CoMrAXV.—" November 9, 1809,
Christopher Lippitt of Cranston, Charles Lippitl, brother of
Christopher, Benjamin Aborn, George Jackson and Amasa and
William II. Mason of l'ro\-idcncc, formed ;i copartnerslii|i under
the name of the Lippitt r^lanufacturing Compan}-, witli a ca}iital
of $40,000. Xovember 11. 1809, they purchased of Xehemiah
Atwood (as per deed 1 ' in common not as jc)iut tenants one cer-
tain tract or parcel of land situate in said \\'arwick and is bound-
ed as follows, to wit, etc.. in the following ju-oiiortions, that is
to say, Christopher Lippitt one quarter j)art ; Charles Lii)pilt one
quarter ]->art ; P>enjamin Al)orn one eighth part ; (icorge fackson
C2
978 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNl'li:S.
one eighth part ; Amasa ]\Ia.son one eighth part: "William H. Ma-
son one eighth part: with the privilege of drawing Avatc'r from
said Atwood's mill pnud above the saw mill and grist mill in such
quantities sufficient to carry 2(100 spindles by water frames: also .
sufficient for the use of a forge or trip hammer -wrq-ks.' il'he
trip hammer works were not erected.) Xov. ]], jyoO, the Lii>pitt
Co. agreed with Xehcmiah Atwood. " that wo will hereafter for-
ever support and keep in good order and repair the dam, bulk-
head, gates, gateway's and trench between the iv'rth\\'esterly end
of the said .Vlwood's saw mill flume up to the mill ]3ond.'
" Work was soon rifter commenced and the factory building
now standing and occupied by the Lijipitt [Manufacturing Com-
pany was erected and occupied ; also a building ^was erected be-
low the faet(jry building, where the wea\e shopn(:>w stands, and
used for a d)-e shop for coloring the yai'n spun in tlic factory.
After the yarn was coloi'cd and pre]"iared for weaving, it was
taken b"S' jjcrsons ha\'ing lf)oms and skilled in weaving to their
homes and wo\-en into cloth and then returned to the factory.
The eoinpan\' at one time had a ccjiitract \vith the X'ermont state
prison to furnish them with varn to be wo\'en bv the ])risoners.
After this d_\c house had been iised a number of years it took
fire one stormy night in winter, ^\•hen the ground was covered
Avith snow, and was entirel\- consumed and was not rebuilt. The
inhabitants formed thcmseh'cs into two lines, one to pass buck-
ets of water, tlie other to return the empty buckets, and thus pre-
vented the factory from taking fire. This building was not re-
built. The company erected one two-stor}- double house and
six one-story two-tenement houses on the north side of a street
and two houses on the south side of the street on the bank of
the river : also two double houses on a street running westerly
from the highway at the foot of Wakefield hill : all of said houses
are now (18^8; standing.
" May, ]8.">;i, a charter was granted to Charles Lippitt. Christo-
pher Lippitt, Henry I. ippitt, Robert L. Lippitt, Penelope Lip]:)itt,
Julia L. Sweet, Cornelia A. Andrews and Arthur ^l. Kimball, in-
corporating them as the Lijipilt }ilanufacturing Companv.
"April 2. ISIO, Colonel Christopher Lippitt, one of the owners
of the Lippitt }ilaiuifacturing Compain', was chosen agent at a
salary of S-!2 per month. January 4. 18-J2, Aborn, Jackson and
Creenc were ajjpointed :igents and coiuinucd until 18;i:', when
John F. l*]iillips was a])pointed agent and in 18.'n ^\'arrcn Lip-'
HISTORY OF WASHINOinx Axn KKNT COUNTIES. 07'.)
pitt was agent ami Continued about I'-'i years, and Christo]>lier
Lippitt ^vas aj^'ent ; tlicy all resided in ]'i-<>\idence and had su])er-
intendents who resided at the mills.
" Nathaniel (jladding was superintendent several yeai"s. Janies^
Essex was sii]3erintendent in 1S:?4 and eontinued nnti! his death
in 1S2G. Edmund C. (ioiild was tlie next superintendent. Ik-
was a mule spinner in tlie emjilo)- of tlie eonipany l)el'ore he was
promoted. After eontinuini;- several )-ears lie was sueeeeded by
Ix-onard ]>oveland, wild was superintendent until he remnved
from the slate. His dan;ghter marri^'d Irus Albro. a brother ol
Mrs. William Remington of Pheni.x. and they went with the
family when thev remo\-ed west. In 1S:!8. Daniel Wheeloek
was superintendent, and in 1842 James Caswell was superin-
tendent and eontinued several years, lie purehased the \Vil-
liam ]>aker fai'in on Xatick hill and remn\ud from this xdllaj^e,
aiid resided on this farm until his death, ( 'etober 0, liSi'w, in. the
(Bd year of his age. Since Mr. Cas\\ell there ha\'e l;een se\-eral
.su]5erintendents ; among them were Ileurv Potter, new head me-
chanie at the Clvde works, lienrv 1 ). lilddy. wlio oeeupies !Me-
chanies' store at Harris, Mr. Knight, now at (Juidniek, John C.
Bartlett, now of Seituate, Piradford Hathaway, m.iw at Cowcset,
Charles A. Sweet, superintendent of a mill at Knox\'ille. Tenn.,
and John A.. Collins the present ineiuubent.
"Tlie Eippitt Manufaeturing Co. in ISoi) jjurehased w.ater
power sufficient to run -Jodo spindles. Afterward they pur-
chased the remainder of tlie water power and added more ma-
chinery and took away the saw mill and several \-ears thereafter
the grist mill was dispensed with and a large building erected a
short distance below the factr>rv. and the looms were removed
into the second story of this building and se\-era] years after-
ward the first story of this building was used for the s])inning
on throstle frames. In 1887 the companv were running Id. 04')
spindles and 238 looms. The mill is heated by steam and the
eng-ine supplies the necfled power in summer when the water
power is not suflicient to run all the machinery.
R()(;t;R Wii.i.i.\Ms ?iI.\Nri-Aiiriax(; Ciimpaxv and riu; Pukxix
Mills. — " Previous to tlie vear 18{)',.) where the Phenix mills and
dwelling lu)uses are located was an orchard of fruit trees; the
river was running unobstructed. August 1(3, ]8(",). Xehemiah
Atwood sold to • Haniel Paker. William Paker, Samuel Pak'er and
William Harrison, of Warwick, Reuben AVhitman of Coventrv,
080 HISTORY OF WASIIINGTOX AND KENT COUNTIES.
Elisha Williams and John S. Williams of Cranston,' who had re-
solved themselves into a company for the pnrpose of carrying- (m
the manufacturing- of cotton, and assumed the name of the Roger
Williams Manufacturing Company, by which name the village.
was known until after the factory was burned, 'a certain piece'
or parcel of land and water privilege situated in Warwick in that
part called Xatiek.' The consideration jxaid for this land and
water privilege was SCdO. Anthony A. Rice gave the company
the deed August IClh, J 800.
"In May, ]82i, the Roger Williams factory was entirely con-
suTncd by fire. The writer saw the factory burn, and rememljcrs
how it looked wlicn he first saw it (m fire. Tlicre were no facil-
ities for extinguishing fires, the only means being pails and
buckets used by hand. It was .said tiiat the books of the com-
pany were in such shape alx)ut the time the factory was burned
that the financial situation of the company could 'not be ascer-
tained : but the burning of the factory together with the books
.settled il without any further trouble.
"The Roger \\'illiams Manufacturing Company was composed
of men of little exjjcnence in manufacturing and of small
means. They did not fiiid manufacturing profitable and were
not prepared to sustain the loss occasioned by the burning of the
factory and were not dispo.sed to rebuild, and in .March, 1S->>,
Eli.sha Harris, William Harrison, David Cadv and wife,' Peter
Howard, Samuel Budlong, Daniel IJaker, Wait Lippitt, William
Baker, Reuben Whitman and Stephen Budlong:, who then C(jm-
posed the Roger Williams :\Ianufacturing Co., conveved by deed
all the property of the Roger Williams Manufacturing Company
to Timothy Greene, Samuel Creene and Benjamin C. Harris,
who assumed the name of the ' Phenix Company ' and the vil-
lage has ever since been known as Phenix village. Soon after
purcha.sing the estate the new company commenced erecting a
factory but changing the situation of it, placing the west cnd'^on
the wall that made the west side of the Roger Williams factory
and extending easterly down the river which brought the side
of the factory facing the road instead of the end as in the old
mill and placing the building further from the road. A new
factory soon arose from the ashes of the old one and remains to
this day, being built of stone.
"September lid, i8:.>:!, Timothy Crecnc sold to Reuben Whit-
man. F.dward Walcr.tt, Samuel Creene and Benjamin C. Harris,
HISTORY OF WASIIIXr.TON ANIJ KENT COUNTIES. 9S1
all his interest in tlie Phenix estate, and preparations vere com-
menced for building; another factory, which was erected in ISij.
The raccwa)' or trench leading' from the new factory to the ri\'er
had to be excavated tlirough a ledge of rocks nearh" all the wa}',
which was done by I\.ufns Wakefield, who built the walls of the
trenches. Tlie factory was built of stone with slated roof.
" About midwa}' between the two factories was erected a small
stone building' with a tin rouf. In the basement of this buildincj
was placed a force pump and ^\"alerwl^ce! to be used in case of
fire, having' a stationary iron pipe extending- up to the floor
above on a le\-el ^^■ith the ground, to attach the liose to. .V hose
carriage with hose was kept in this room. In ly2'.J IJcnjamin C.
Harris and Edward AValcott became sole owners of the I'henix
estate ; manufacturing' becanic much (lei)ressed and Aug'ust 30,
1829, Benjamin C. Harris and lulward AValcott conveyed to
George J. Harris the l-'henix estate in trust, and the mills were
stopped and business in Plienix came to a stand. .\mes& Crary
had a store in the village and sold out their stock and gave up
the business. Some of the families nioved from the place; this
state of things did not last long. January 2S, ]S:](), (k-nrge J.
Harris conveyed to Benjamin C. Harris all the Phenix Com-
pany's estate and he then became sole owner, and the mills again
started tip. December G, 1S30, Benjamin C. Harris sold one half
the Phenix estate to Crawfurd Allen, and they continued togeth-
er until January •2d, IS:!?, when Crawford Allen leased his half
of the estate t<j the Pheni.x Company, composed of Crawford
Allen, one-half, David Whitman, one-quarier, Zacliariah Allen,
one-eighth, and Job Andrews one-eighth, and this company con-
tinued nntil May 13, 1837, when Crawford Allen made an assign-
ment to Philip Allen, Isaac Brown and Zacliariah Allen. July
20, 1S3S, Zachariah Allen Ijought of the assignees all the right,
title and interest that Crawford Allen had at the time of his
assignment in the machinery and personal property of the Phe-
nix Company. ]\Iay y, 1.S30. the assignees of Crawford Allen
sold to the Lonsdale Company, who were owners of the Hope
mills at Hope village, one-half of the real estate of Phenix for
the sum of §22.(100. The first two and a half yards and three
yards wide slieeting made in this country was made by said
Phenix Company. They also made the old fashioned Xankcen
cottons and continued in the business in the upper mill until
]S.")4, when Zacliariah Allen sold the machincrv and the Plienix
982 HISTORY OF WASllIXOTOX AND KENT COU.\TI):S.
Company sold the stock in pmcess of mannfactiire to Harris and
Lippitt, -who were running- the lower mill. :\lr. Allen was then
btiilding a large mill at (k-orgiaville. September 19, 1S4C, the
Phenix estate that was then owned by Benjamin C. Harris and
the Lonsdale Company, by agreement of the parties, was divided
by Stephen Harris, 'J'ruman Heekwith and David Whitman : in
this division the upper mill was assigned to the Lonsdale Com-
pany and the lower mill to Lcnjamin C. Harris, who with his
son Thomas, continued running the lower mill until January Lsl,
1S4S, when he leased the mill and machinery to Thomas Harris
for ten years, reserving the right to sell the property at any
time. Thomas ILarris continued running the mill until April,
1852, when he took Christopher Lippitt into company with l:im
and tliey purchased of Benjamin C. llarris the machinery be-
longing to him and commenced business under the name of
Harris c^- Lippitt. August Lst, 18."") 1, after purchasing the ma-
chinery in Die upper mill, they obtained a lease from the Lon.s-
dale Company of the mill and continued running both mills
until ISGO, when the Lon.sd.alc Company took possession of the
tipper mill and Harris & Lippitt built an addition on the east end
of the old mill larger than the first mill and moved their machin-
ery from the upper mill into this addition, and the Lonsdale
Company put machinery into the mill that Harris & Lippitt had
vacated, and it was run by .said company. :\Iarch 31st, 1SG3, Ben-
jamin C. Harris sold to the Hope Company all his interest in the
lower mill and other real estate in Phenix. Benjamin C. Harris
resided a number of years in Phenix ; he also lived several years
above Fiskville, in what was known as the Caleb Rea house.
In 18G1 cotton had advanced so much, in consequence of the
war of the rebellion, that Harris and Lippitt stopped their mills,
and they were not fully started again until after the close of the
war, Thomas Harris in 18(j4 sold to Christopher Lippitt all his
interest in the machinery, stock and building that belonged to
Harris and Liiipitt,and Christopher Lippitt continued to run the
mills until 18(;7, wlien he sold to the Hope Company, who took
the place of the Lonsdale Conipany, having received a charter
passed by the general asseml)ly at their session held June. 1847,
incorporating John Carter Brown, Robert II, Ives, Moses I',. Ives,
Charlotte R. Goddard and Samuel G. Allen as the Hope Com-
pany, who owned both the Hope and Plienix estates. Samuel
G. Allen was agent, and managed both estates. He lived at
HISTORY OF WASIIIXCTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 080
Hope vil]a;.^-e until within a few years, when he removed to Pro',-
idence, but eontinued to visit the mills until a short .time pre-
vious to his death, whieh took place in Providence, April 21th,
1887, in the 8-2d year of his aj^-e. AVilliam (ireene was sujierin-
tendent for Thomas Harris cV- Company and for Harris LijipilT
He was a faithful and enert^etic manager, and took an intei-est
in the improvement of the villac;e. He was induced by the offer
of a good situation to t;o South, where he contracted a disease
which proved fatal in a year or two after his return North.
"Isaac Hall was sui.>erintendent several years, and after him
Mason W. Hall served several years, and Willard 'J\ Pearee was
superintendent some dozen nr more years, and was succeeded
by Nathan A. Sisson, who now has charge of the mills.
" vSoon after the Hope Company came into possession of both
mills they began to improve the village. They built a number of
new houses, purchased others and removed some old ones and
built new houses in their j)laces, imiu-oving the looks of the vil-
lage. In May, I882, they' commenced improving the factory
building by building in the space between them and altering the
roofs, making a building :!-_>S feet long, of which '230 feet Is 4:1
feet wide and four stories high, with a basement, 02 feet is CO
feet wide and four stories high, making one large factorv build-
ing containing 21,t)'.iC, spindles and 430 loom,?, making .sheetings
72 warp, 70 picks to the inch, which are bleached before being
put into the market. The water privilege has about nineteen
feet head and fall. The mill is heated by steam, which is used
in summer, when they are short of water, to propel the ma-
chinery. The company has built a substantial building a little
west of the factory building, which is used for an oflice, and
have erected a fence in front of the mill, enclosing all ihebTiild-
ings within the yard, and have beautified the groun<Iswith ever-
greens, shrubbery and flowering plants. They are now erecting
several tenement houses. Richard G. Howland has the super-
vision of mills at Hope and Phenix, residing at Hope and visit-
ing Phenix nearly every day. ( )n the opposite side of the street
from the old factory was a building used for astoremanv vcars
until William C. Ames built a store on the lot now occupied by
Hoxie P.rothers, when this old building was sold to Sterry Y.
Chase and moved on the lot above the I'riggs Hotel, and used
by him until it was destroyed by hie |ulv i:;th, ISS.'i."
In the process of spinning, each thread is passed under a small
984 IIISTOKV OF \V.\sniN(;TON and Kl'.XT COUNTIKS.
]catlici'-co\-(,:r(.(l roller. 'J'liis leallic r cowiinj^ rc<|uirL\s frc()miit
removal, ami the Ijiisiiiess of a|)|)l_\ii);j, llie leatluT is called I'olle!'-
covcM'ini.^ .Scime mills liaxe a (lei)ai't nu lit where this \vi)v]< is
done. In IS.'i:! Ale.\.iii(lcr L. .Xielmlas established at I'heni.x a
sIk)]) with niaehitier}' f<ir rdlKr-t'dviTiiiL;. This did buildiiiL;' is
iidw used as a refuse sldie b\" the I lanis ('i iiii|),iiiy. About IST^i
hi.s son, S\'lveste'r R. ,\ielidl;is, ha\'int^ suece'eded him'iii the bnsi-
incss, ruiiKA'ed it to the present site south ol' tlie i ive-r, near
Harri.s' dc'jiot. Tin.' bu.siness now eniplos's si.\ ])ersons, and is
the only distiml business of the l.ind in this vicinity.
StOUKS. — Cakd) Atwddd was an early trader in I'hcnix \-illaoe.
He kept a tavern and besides a stdre for llie sale of West India
goods, and ran a buol and shoe shop. His two sons, Ray
and John, assisted him, .and tlie business w as continued for man)'
years undei- tlie iirm ii.iine of Caleb Atwood \- Sons. His cst.alc
wa.s divided May ISlh, IS:! I, anion;', hi.s heirs.
In IS-?-] Samuel I'.udloii;;- opened a store in the ba.'■;^■ment part
of his house which he bou^^Jit of Anthou\- A. Rice March ;'illi,
182-1. He had a sm.ill red shop st.indim; in the re.-irof tin- house,
which he use<I foi' a shoemaki^'i's shop. .Mr. Rudlon,^ occupied
his estate until l'"cbrn;ir\' ^L'd, IS"J7, when he sold it to Reuben
and David Whitman and mo\'ed to I'rovidence. In 18;.'.S these
men conve}-ed this pro'pcrtvto Ray W. Atwood, wdio erected the
Ijtiildint^' standin;.'; west of tlie house and used it for a store, usinj;
the .shoem.aker's shop for a work- shoji, and resided in the Ikjusc
until I'^bruaiy ^'d, IS;!."), whin he sold the estate l<i Henry Talcm
and ])ulled down the old Atwood t.i\crn house near Lii>pitt vil-
lage, and built a new house there now occn])ied l))'(ieorgi' 15.
Atwood. II(.-ni\- 'i'atcm was b)- trade a tailor and occupied the
Store for a tailor shoj).
"Charles Morse w.as occu))}'ing a store in AVashin^ton \-illa;^e
in the town of (.'ovcnlrw About iN:io he built a store in I'henix
village on the lot now occujiicd b\- C'.ijn ou'.s bake- house. I)e.\tcr
( I. .Stone was ;i clerk in this store, aiul afti_:r contiiiuin;; in the
r.'ore a few years bouidU the sl(jck of goods, and in ISIJI, together
with Cyril I'.abcock, purcha.sed of Charles iSrayton the jiiece of
land in I'lieni,\ \-illa,ge l\'ing bet ween the hiidiway and the river,
on whieli Mr. Stone built a store and mo\-ed his goods into it.
The building from w liich he moved was sold to Co rt on and 1 )a\'id
Atwood, who le.iscd it l'\bruar\- S, ISjii, to Samuel A. lirig;;.-. and
Anson Lewis for two years at an. animal rent of i^s'Jti, paj'able
HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KKN'T COUNTIES. 98')
quarterly, %vh(i used it for the manufacture of tin -ware, and kept
for sale hardware, farming- tool.s, &'c. After remaining together
a few year.s Mr. Briggs sold his interest in the business to yiv.
Lewis and moved to Providence. Mr. Lewis continued in the.
business at this place until LSI'.), when he sold his goods and bus-
iness to George W. i.\: J. J. Smith, and moved to Brooklyn. X. Y.
After a few years (George AV. Smith sold his interest in the busi-
ness to James |. Smith, who continued in the same business un-
til his death, which occurred March !», L'^ST.
"In L'=!8o Elislia }.l. Aldrich occupied a store in the basement
of the house of James Remington, \vhere Card's block is now lo-
cated. Lyman P. Low ke])t a store in this village about this'
time. John F. i'ond kept a store in the building then known as
Cooksocket in ]s:k2. William C. Ames erected a store on the lot
where Ho.xie Brothers store is now located, and continued in the
dry goods and grocery business until ]'\-l)ruary, 18-)(i. when he
sold the goods in the store to Ilcnry I). Brcnvn and Jason P.
Stone, who continued in the same business until L^.")!, when the
firm dissolved, Mr. Ih'own retiring and tjcorge C). Gilbert taking
his place, the tlrm being Stone it Gilbert, and afterward Gilbert.
Tuttle & Co., who were succeeded by William C. Ames, who af-
terward sold the business to Nathan E. and Stejihc-n J. Hoxie.
who have since taken their brother Presbary into company and
now continue the business under the firm name of Hoxie Broth-
ers. Otis Lincoln occupied a store in Spencer Block many years
for the sale of boots, shoes, etc. Moses B. Thayer occupied a
store in the same block several years when he sold his stock to
E. C. Capwell and B. F. Arnold of Westerly the ] st of April, 1800.
who leased the store for five years and opened the store for the
sale of drugs, medicines, paints and fancy articles, under the firm
name of Capwell i.\: Arnold. After continuing tc>gether several
years ^Ir. Arnold sold his interest in the business to Mr. Capwell.
who now occupies the store in the same place. William II. Snow
occupied one of the stores more than thirty years for a taikir shop
and the sale of clothing up to the time of his death, and the bus-
iness is continued at the same place bv his son.
"Philip Duffy keeps a grocerv store and John C. Conlc}" a liq-
uor store on the south side of the highway. Several stores aie
located in Card's Bhick. William Johnson, who formerly kct)t
the post cifficc, continues in the same store in Spencer Block, and
in the story above is the barber shop of M. Gorton. ( )pposite the
9SC UJSTORV OF WASniN(;Tf)X AND KENT COUNTIES.
bridge Joseph Lawton lias a clothin.q- store and in the second
story over his store A. AV. Colvin has a dentist oflice. Mr. Law-
ton was born in Enj;Iand in 1S2;;. Tie was a printer for the
C!3-de Works ]SJS to bSjlJ. lie be-an in tbe clothiny business,
in November of the latter year and lias the onlv clothing- store
in the plaee. M. A. Arnold has a store in Spencer ]-!loek for the
sale of boots and shoes, and J!. Dean has a store in Ca]iron's
Block for the same business.
"In 184!) Willi.-im II. Spencer erected the first block of stores
and public hall that was erected in Phenix villa;^-e, on land he
bouijht of C'lorton Atwood, where Spencer lilock i.s now. The
'building was .seventy-two feet fronting on the street, and
forty feet wide, two stories high with a basement, that contained
three stores, above which were four stores; the entrance to the
second story and attic was from the center of the building by an
easy flight of slaiis. The west half of the second story above the
basement was furnished and used as a jniblic hall, being thirtv-
two feet wide and forty feet long, the ceiling extending into the
roof. The east half of the second story was used for millinery
and dress making and for (jfliccs, and a daguerrean room extend-
ing in the rear. The upjjcr story was u.sed for a printing office.
This building was known as Spencer's Hall.
" In 1832 William B.Spencer built a stf)re in Lipjutt village
near the dwelling house of his father, and stocked it with such
dry goods and groceries as were u.sually kept in a country store,
except liquors. At that time there was no store in the village
except the factory store ; there was no post office nearer than
Centreville until January 23d, 1833, when a post oflice was estcab-
lished by the name of ' Lippitt ' in the village and he received
the appointment of postmaster. In 183.') the store was raised up
and a story built under it and the upper story made into a tene-
ment and the lower story was occupied as a store until 1838, when
that was converted into a tencmet. Rufus Wakefield built a
blacksmith sUop nearly opposite this store, which was occupied
several years by Cico. Cook, and a wheelwright shop near by was
occupied by James R. Potter; both buildings were consumed by
fire in KSS,")."
The Phenix Pridge was built in IS.'fi by Harris lV Priggs, bridge
builders, of Springfield, Mass., at a cost of 818. ."■)() per running
foot. It was opened f(.ir travel I )eccmber 27th, \ S.'iij. three months
and nineteen days from the time the committee were authorized
to build it. The bridge is 122-. feet lou"- and co^t s2.2i'rlt.33.
HISTORY OF WASinXGTCiX AM) KENT COUNTir.S. 9ST
UXDKRTAKKKS. — " F(jr many years there \vas no regular under-
taker in Phenix : when a person died some earpenter was-enj^aged
to make a coffin. For many years Robert Levallcy, of the firm
of Levalley, Lanphearand Company, attended to the making' of
coffins; after they were made they were stained red. In ]S4ti
James P. Arnold, in conjunction with his brother Xathaniel,
made coffins in a shop .standing- near where the Priggs House is
now, and remained there until April, lSl-2. and then left the
place and returned in jy.")], and in conncctjon with Jonathan
Tiffany opened a store and coffin shop in a store built by Thomas
P. Lanphear near the L.anphear Machine Company's shop. The
store is now occupied by Henry D. Eddy. ]\Ir. Arnold remained
there tmtil April, 18.-)2, when he commenced the tmdertaking
btisihcss in a carpenter's shop in the rear of where Capron's
bake .shop now is, where he continued until the building was
burned.
"William J^.. .Spencer engaged in the undertaking business in
1855, employing James P. Arnold to attend to the business, and
continued furni.shing the stock, employing [Nlr. Arnold until
1800, when he sold the business to ]Mr. Arnold and rented him
the shop, who soon after added to his business furniture and
house furnishing goods and occupied the rooms over Capron's
bakery until the building was burned in 1871, when he occupied
other rooms until the building was rebuilt, when he returned
and remained thereuntil the building was again burned in ISTS,
when he occupied a building near the. bridge on the .south side
of the river near the railroad station until March 12, 188S, v.-hen
the building with all its contents was burned, yir. Arnold then
obtained rooms in Capron's building and continues the under-
taking business at that place."
RAli.KOAt).— "The Pawtuxet A'alley Railroad was chartered
January, 1800. charter amended ]\lay, 1872. again amended Jan-
uary, 1878, ;\lay, J874, and ^lay, 1875. The road was built from
Hope village in vScituate, to River Point in Warwick, passing-
through Phenix and connecting with the Xew York and Xew
England railroad at River Point. Passenger cars commenced
running August 5th, 1874. The road was leased to the Xew
York and Xew England Railroad Company for five years, who
furnished the rolling stock. After the expiration of their lease
the road was extended to Pontiae and from thence connecting
with the Xew York, Providence and Poston Railroad at Auburn
088 HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOX AND KEXT COII.XTIKS.
Station. The road was leased to the Xev York, Providence and
Boston Railroad Company for ninety-nine rears and they run
cars from Providence to Hojic, which is much pleasanter for the
passengers than having to change cars at River Point, as they
did when the road connected with the New York .ind Xcw l-ng-
land railroad."
HOTici.s.— There are two good hotels in the village of Phenix.
The history of the tavern business extends back to the Atwoods,
whcse anccster, Charles Atwood, bought property in \Valcs Feb-
ruary inth, 1747. In 178.") Caleb Atwood owned a house on the
northwest side of tlic highway, which he occupied for a tavern.
After the Coventry and Cranston turnpike was opened for travel
he kept the toll gate and built an addition to the tavern house,
and opened a grocery store and a hall in the second story. ' Pie
carried on his business until his death, July 1-lth, ^8^3^.^.
The tavern was the resort of persons who liked to imbibe the
ardent freely, and .sometimes got so lively they had to be ejected.
In 1839 (reorge Kenyon erected a large house on Ijirch Hill, in
■which Owen Burlingame kept tavern for a number of years.
The old Atwood Hotel was torn down about the year 18-1."). The
old chimney was torn down by William P. Spencer when he
built vSpencer's Hall. This old tavern stood just back of the
Phenix Hotel.
November fnh, 1847, Harrison and Emanuel Collins bought of
W. B. Spencer a lot of land on the corner of High and Pleasant
streets, running Go feet on High and P.to feet on Pleasant street,
on which they erected a large house used for a store and hotel ;
Emanuel soon after sold his interest to his brother Harrison,
who resided there until his death, August Oth, ]S(;4, in the ."ilst
year of his age. The estate is now owned by Rhodes Andrew,
and is known as the Phenix Hotel. It was destroyed in the
great fire of .May •24th, 1871, and rebuilt the .same year.
In 1858 John Lippitt was the owner of a house where the
Briggs Hotel is now located. April 1 1th. 18(;(), he .sold the estate
to Stephen C, Briggs, who was then working in the blacksmith
shop occupied by James Carroll at Lippitt. October nth, 1800,
he added another lot to his former purcha.se, and May 4th, 1801,
another lot was purchased, and after building an addition to the
house, ]\lr, Briggs opened it in February. 1870, as a hotel, giving
up blacksmithing. as he found the hotel business more profita-
ble than blacksmithing, and continued in that business until his
HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KKNT COUNTIES. 989
death, and his son now continues it at the same place, although
the former honse and building-s were destroyed by fire July 13th,
1885. His son, Willet (t. ISriggs, has erected a fine hou.sc and
barn where the former bnildings stood and continues the busi-
ness, and his place is known as the Briggs HotcJ.
The Phexix Firi; Distijici'. — After the desiructive fire of
May 24th, 1S71, the subject of protection from fire was again
talked of, and during the May .session of the general assemljlv in
1872, an act was jiasscd [u incorporate the Phenix h^ire District
in the town of Warwick, which charter included all that part of
the town of Warwick in the bounds of school district Xo. 7.
Nothing in jiarticular was done until the citizens of the village
were aroused bj- another destructive fire, which broke out INlarch
6th, 1873, when the subject of protection was again agitated and
meetings again held. Much w;is said but nothing done again
until the destructive fire of Jidy i:)th, ISnO, aroused the people
the third time from Ictliargy, and the general asscmblv was ag.-iin
applied to in the ^lay session of l^SCi, and an act to incorporate
was passed. Again no notice was taken of this movement until
the following was published in the Gltaiicr:
KIRK DISTRICT XO'l'lCE.
"The undersigned request all taxpayers interested in the
formation of a fire district in Phenix and vicinity, and in the
adoption of the act passed by the General Assembly at its ]vlay
session, creating a fire district, to attend a meeting to be hoklen
at Music Hall, Thursday, July 22, at 8 o'clock p. m., for the pur-
pose of taking such action as may be necessary in order to or-
ganize under the act. II B. Franklin, E. U. Johnson, Abram
Spencer, Philip Duffy, N. A. Capron, J. ] ). Miller, Rhodes An-
drew, Robert F. Carroll, George B. Atwood, William Johnson,
J. B. Tillinghast. A. W. Colvin, J. P. Arnold, Joseph Lawton. W.
H. Snell, J. Harty, Alexander S. Knox, J. C. Conley, AV. A. Wliit-
ford, John Pearce, Jr., Pearce Bros., vS. R. Nicholas, \l. A. :\Ium-
ford, W. W. Remington. S. \l. Card, Islisha Lanphear, George \\'.
Burlingame, James li. Hudson. W. (t. Briggs."
A preliminary meeting of the tax payers of Phenix I^rc Di.s-
triet was held on Thursday evening |uly 22d, as ])er notice, a
committee a]->pointed and thereafter meetings were held in earn-
est, and finally September 28th, 188G, b_\--laws were reported and
accepted.
900 HISTORV OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KKNT COUNTIES.
The hydrants were lucated as follows: " Xo. 1, just above the
residence of John Potter. ;kl, on Phenix hill; Xo. -J, in front of
Henry D. Prown's residence on Plienix hill; Xo. :>, in front of
Robert Reijch's residence : X(_). 4, in fn,)nt of the Paptist Chnrcl: :
No. 5, opposite Capron's bakery; Xo. H. at cornerof Pl;eni.x bank
lot; No. 7, at Nelson Lewillcv's corner; Xf). 8, near Cfirncr of
new Harris bnildinj;-: Xo. 0, in front of machine shop office ; Xo.
10, opposite Phenix Hotel ; Xo. 11, ojipositc K. C. Capwell's new
house on Pleasant street; X'o. 12, in front of th^' ]. P. (Gardner
estate; Xo. 13, corner of Pelcg Kenyon's lot; Xo. 11. between
Methodist parsonage and Pleasant street; No. IT), in front of
James C. I^ichai'dson's residence; Xo. 10, opposite the barn on
Harris Henry estate; Xo. 17, opposite (ioff hoir^-e ; Xo. 18, in
front of CTCorgc \V. Puriin;r;nne's residence; Xo. JO, opposite
the Gallup house; Xo. 20, opposite the residence of John Pearee,
Jr. ; X'o. 21, northeast corner of new mill yard, Harris ; Xo. 22,
at the head (;f 'old lane,' Harris; Xo. 2;!. near (;e(jrye Hand}-'s
.shop, Hig-h street ; X'o. 2-J, in front of large tenement house of
William B. Spencer, on High street; X'o. 2."), op]50site Cieorge P).
Atwood's residence; Xo. 20, near Phenix Co.'s cotton house, be-
low the bridge ; Xo. 27, opposite the last four-tenement house
in Phenix holl(jw; Xo. 2S, near Father Harty's residence; Xo.
29, near the large tenement house on the ]\Iumford estate; Xo.
30, near the northeast corner of the Ames estate ; Xo. lil, at the
northeast corner of ( jeorge Field's estate ; Xo. :52, at the north-
ea.st corner of (jCorge T. Lanphcar's estate ; Xo. 'A'.l. opposite
Joseph Lawton's residence; Xo. I'4, near E. C. Capwell's resi-
■dence on Colvin street ; Xo. ■]'>. just below the house on the I.
0. Seamans estate ; report received Aug. 17, 1880."
At a meeting of the fire district, January 18th, 1887, it was
voted to purchase l,0(Mi feet of hose at a cost not exceeding .sev-
enty cents per iV)ot.and it was decided also to purchase hose car-
riage, hook and ladder arrangements, buildings, etc.. and ajipar-
atus for extinguishing fire, for which a tax of fifteen cents on
each $100 of taxable ]iroperty was to Idc levied.
May 2d, 1887, the annual meeting of the Phenix fire district
was held and ofiicers elected. Aram AV. Colvin was elected
moderator; William \'. Slocum. clerk; lulwin Johnson, treas-
iirer; I. H. Whilford, Philip Dufiy, R. II. Xorthup, assessors:
1. H. Whitford, collector; A. F. Hill, first engineer; Thomas P.
Bradford, second engineer ; l^rank S. Chase, third engineer. It
HISTORY OF WASIIIXCToX AND KENT COUNTIES. 90]
■svas voted that the bonrd of engineers be empowered to procure
necessary articles for the fire department at an expense not to
exceed $3.7.83, the unexpended bah'incc of the §t,-J(i() \'oted t(j
procure hose, etc. It was \-ote(l that Albert 1". Hill, Aram \V.
Colviii and Thnm;;s P. 1 Iradffird be a committee to procure a liook
and ladder truck at a cost not to exceed S.")()(> ; alsc) vfited that
they procure a bell for Xo. 'i hose carriai^'c and thai the}- hiie a
suitable place in which to keep the hook- and ladder truck. The
clerk was directed to procure a seal for this fii;e district.
At a meetinc^- of the fire district held June Kith, 18S7, the fol-
lowing named persons were confirmed as firemen, having been
nominated by the chief: Walter Hill, lulward Xorthnp, A\'m.
Watson, Charles Ijriggs, l^lward Ihirlingh.am, ('Tcorgc liradfoixl.
J. :\Iatteson, Ji.hn .Smith. Charles Holmes, P. Duffy, Jr., O.'^car
■Aspinwall. D.Ward, Nathan I'oltcr, Peter Lenoi, [olm Lcnoi,
Joseph Dassoii, \A'illirim II. Snow and loseph Shepard.
At a meeting of Phenix fire district, held October Pith, tSS7,
the committee who were appointed to jn'oeure ladders, re]iortcd
that a contract had liecn made with ]\Ir. Ihsho]) of ]'2asl Provi-
dence for two 5()-foot k'ldders and two others, one 2.') and one ']n
feet long, at the jiricc of 17 cents per foot ; also one extension
ladder 3.") fed in length, the price to be :]."> cents per foot. The
committee were instructed to have the ladders painted and
placed in some .suitable place until a permanent place was pro-
cured.
Since the committee on location of hvdrants reported, there
have been some changes made in the location of hydrants and
five more have been added, making in all fortv hvdrants, one of
them being placed near the residence of S. E. Card on the hill
south of the village, and three near Harris mills. The fire dis-
trict have sixteen hundred feet of hose, two hose carriages on
which they have placed bells, one extension ladder li.j feet long,
two ladders -in feet long, one 2.7 feet and one oO feet.
PAwruxi:!- \'.\i,i,i;\- W\-rF.K Comtaxw— The Pawtuxet A'al-
ley Water Comi)any was incorporated in June, ISS.l. The
subject of bringing water from Foncs pond into the village for
domestic and other purposes received careful ct>nsideralion. and
finally the ])kin was adopted. This pond is situated soutliwest
of the village in a direct line about 'J. i'i.">n feet from Phenix, where
the watering trough is now plaeed. and about l'.'u> feet higher
than the street, and contains about six acres, -mostlv covered
992 HISTOKV OK WASHIXCTOX AXD KENT COUNTIES.
with water. ^ On invitation of .several of the citizens of Phenix,
Hon. Georj^e H. Xorman. of Newport, the noted builder of water
work.s, paid Phenix a visit Saturday morninf^, August ].5th. I^n").
to examine the pond. In companv with several gentlemen he
visited this body of water, and after a thorough examinatior;,
gave it as his opinion that the supply would be ample for fire
purposes, but Iiardly .sufficient for household use and fire pur-
poses during the whole year. He thought it would pay to take
the water for fire purposes alone, as the pressure would be s-ani-
cicnt to throw a stream over the tallest buildings in the village.
He thought a ten-inch main could, be put in and the water
brought to the village with suflicient hydrants at a total ex-
pense of less than $■">."<"'■
November 9th, ISS.'j, Stephen E. Card and A. Lowell Johnson,
the owners of the pond, deeded all their rights to the water in
Fones Greene pond to the Pawtuxet Vallev Water Com])anv.
The members of the company met and organized julv ll^ih.
1886, and elected the following officers : John J. Arnold, presi-
dent; Robert Reoch. vice-president; A'. A. Hailey. secretarv;
Pre.sbary Hoxie, treasurer ; H. I.. Greene, A. F. Hill, and K. C.
Capwell, directors.
The capital stock of the company was fixed at S.-iO.OdO. From
Fones pond the company have laid 2,400 feet of 12-inch pipe.
in which are three gates for shutting off the water, and have laid
several branch pipes extending into streets leading from the
main street; and liave placed forty hydrants for fire purpo.ses,
which they have rented to the Phenix Fire District for five years,
at a yearly rent of S-30 each, from December 1st, 1887.
" February 19th, 1887, the company purchased of Israel F. P.rav-
ton about ele\'cn acres of land, of (Gardiner P. Cottrell about eight
acres, and of James }^I. Brayton about one acre, in the town of
Cranston, near Fiskville Four Corners, on what is known as the
' Thayer Brook.' Upon this land the company has built a res-
ervoir for storing water, covering about seventeen acres, and
holding about thirty million gallons of water, and have called it
Spring Lake reservoir; it is 17j feet higher than the street in
Phenix village, and from the reservoir t<:) the corner of the street
at the residence of James P. Arnold in Phenix, they have laid
8, GOO feet of water pipe, passing through the villages i in the high-
way) of Fiskville, Arkwright and Harris, :ind connecting at said
corner with the pipes from Fones pond. ,-|0() feet of this pipe is
HISTORY OF WASIHXGTON AND KENT COUXTIEP. 09:3
]G-inch calibre and the rest 12-inch. In this pipe are placed one
10-inch g-ate and four 12-inch gates, and fifteen branches set for
hydrants between I'iskville Four Corners and Harris' store, and
three hydrants placed in main pipe from Harris' store in ]. P.
Arnold's corner, one of them placed opposite black.smilh sliop
of Lanphear Machine Company, one at the son-theast corner of
]\Ir. Bncklin's place and one at Harris' store. The company liad
laid, np to Jnne 14th, 18,SS, nearly live miles of cast iron pipe
(27,02] feet). The annual meeting was held Tuesday eyening,
July 10th, 1888, and the fr)l]o\ving oiflcers ^vere elected for tlie en-
suing year ; Richard C,. llo^yland, president ; Robert Reoch, yicc-
president; Y. A. Bailey, secretary: Prcsbary llo.xie, treasurer;
A. F. Hill, Frank W. Greene and X;ithan A. Sisson, directors.
" July 31st, 1888, it was decided to extend the present \yater sys-
tem through Riyer Point. The present line of pipes terminates
opposite the residence of (icorge B. Atwood at Lijipitt. Im-oui
this point the pijjos are to lie continued to the stone mill ;it Riy-
er Point, thence to (iough ayenue, on the limits of Arctic, which
will require about 0} miles of pipe, haying sixt>'-thrce hydrants,
which are contracted to be supjilicd with water for ten years at
§30 for each hydrant per year. The pipes arc to be here at
an early date. The contract calls for the completion of tlic wuvk
by January 1st, 1889."
Fires. — There haye been a number of dcstruetiye fires in the
village of Phenix. The first was the burning of the Roger Wil-
liams factory in [May, 1821. There was quite a long time before
the second large fire occurred, which took place Xoyember 21 si.
1855, burning two business blocks and one dwelling house. Fire
No. 3 occurred May 24th, 1871, and was the most dcstruetiye
that ever occurred in Phenix, destroying eleven buildings. Fire
No. 4 occurred iMarch :)th, 1873, destroying seven buildings.
Fire No. 5 occurred July PUh, 188.'), and destroyed ten buildings
and damaged many others. Fire No. G took place April KUh,
1887, destroying the barn of Daniel O. Pierce. Fire No. 7 oc-
curred :May l.")tli, 18S7, in the railroad station, but its timely di.s-
covery and tlic street water prevented the burning of this and
the adjoining Imilding, but they were not suffered to rem;iin
long, for fire No. 8 occurred March 12th, 188S, on the most se-
vere winter night of the season, and they were both entirely de-
stroyed together with their contents.
The second fire broke out in the building owned by William
f)94 HISTORY OF WASIIIXOIOX AXIt KICXT COUNTIES.
I]. Spencer, and occu])i(jd by James J. Smith as a hardware store
and linshop, which M'as entirely consumed, also a dwellini^" liotise
west of this buildini^. owned and occujiied by the heirs fif James
Reming'ton, and antither btiildini^- east of tlie first-named Ijiiild-
iiii^, owned bv I\Ir. .Spencer and Icnown as Spencer's Hall, were
consumed, 'i'liese biiiklin'^s lexcejit the dwellinc;' house i were
immediately rebtiilt !)}• the owner with stieli expedition that
they wL'te occupied again tlie following' January. The third fire
proved more destructive liian the fire of ISi^K). ]t,al.so broke out
in a building owned In' William ]'>. Sjienecr, known as t!ie Spen-
cer Hlock, which was soon burned to the gi'ound. l-'ollowing is
an account of the losses as given by a corresiwndenl c>f the /'/•(':•-
ithii, c Jouriia!:
" 'J'lie block was occupied by James J. Smith for a hardware
store. Mr. Smith estimates liis loss at aljout Sld.doi). in.sured for
J-l.-'iiiO; S-i.iino in tlie Hope Insurance Company of rro\-idence,
and S"i.."i(>(i in the Mechanics' and h\Trmers' ?\hUual Insurance
Company of Worcester. ]ames P. Arnold had a store on the
first floor and neai-ly the whole of the second story for his un-
dertaking and furniture business, lie estimates his loss at about
SS,(K)0 ; insured for s.j,i)(h> : s:!,.")(to in the Xarragansett of Pi'ovi-
denee, and Si .ridO in the Lamar of New York, on his stock and
tools : Nathan \. Capron's b.akery was in this building, and was
almost a total lo.ss. ICdwin 'Y . Lanj^hearhad a job printing olTice
on the third iluor and his office on the second. His loss is about
80,400; insured for S4,-^no ; s;],.-)(iii in the Xarragansett, and SI .50(i
in American offices in this city. Ira (). .Seamans had a law office
and also Card's orchestra a room in the block. Hardly fifty dol-
lars worth of goods was saved from the building. A two-story
btiilding" in the rear owned by ]\Ir. Spencer and occupied by
]\Ir. Arnold as a coffin .shop and ]\Ir. Smith as a tin sh(.)p was
also destroyed. The three story bank building owned by
William B. vSpencer was entirely destroyed. It was occujiied
by Messrs. Joseph Myrick lV Son, groceries and dry gf)ods.
whose loss is about S'^.-")"" : insured f(.ir S-'.""0 at Xarragan-
sett oflice ; Otis Lincoln's boot and shoe store, no insur-
ance; the post office, William Johnson, postmaster, who also
kept a restaurant ; ^lessrs. Capwell & Arnold, apothecaries,
partial loss : insured for 8'2,ri()o at the City Insurance Company
of this eit\- : Sterrv V. Cliasc, clothing st(.>re. goods mostly saved ;
Williant II. Snow, tailor: Mr. Angell, watches ; Henry I'otter,
HISTORY OF WASIIIXrriTiN AM) KENT CoUNTlIlS. 005
millinery store, goods pcirtially saved : I)r. Alexander S. Knox.
dentist; vSophic Snow, sehool, and llie Phenix National Hank,
Avhose valuables were saved. 'J'lie Phenix ILjtel, owned and
kept by Rhodes Andrew, was entirely destroyed, with tlie out-
buildings: insured at Sarle's ageney in the Xorwieh Insuran'e
Company, Xorwieh, Conn., S-i.-loo on hotel buiklingarnl eontents,
and$l,()()() in Tradesin.m's Xew Voi'k otliee on luirses. eari'iages,
and eontents of livery slal)le. A two-story building siuialed
aei'oss the road to the west, owned bv Messrs. Lawton (K: L'olvin,
■svas entirely destroyed; insured 1)_\- 1). R. \Vhitten-ioro in the
Meehanies' .and l-^uaners' Insunmee Com]>anv, Woreester, for
SRAOO. It was oeeupied Ijy John Miller, e(Uifeetioner, who also
lived up stairs, and 1)y 1 )r. Colvin, dentist, who wc re not insured.
A liquor shop next to the last mentioned house, kept l>y |. I'.
Conley, w;is entirely destroyed ; insured in tlie Xarragansett
offiee for Sl,.-.(i(i. iV three story bloek owned bv Penjaniin C.
Harris v.-as burned to tlie ground. It was oeeupied bv [oseph
Lawton, clotliier, whose sioek was mostly sax'ed ; insured for
$y,r)()() at i\Ieelianies' and I'armers' olliee. Worecster; loss abovit
$.'5()0. Palmer T. Jolmson. meat market ; j. C. Rose, liquor store
and billiard saloon ; insured at (leorge T. Paine's ofliee in Xa-
tional Company, Bangor, }ilaine, ior ,sl.o()ii. Jolm St. John, liar-
ber, insured in tlie City Insuranee Company of this eitv, foi- y-Jnn.
and the :Mechanies Plall. A building owned bv Ir;i (). Seamans
and .situated across the road from the Phenix Motel, called the
'Roger Williams House,' was .also destroyed; insured in the
Narragansett of Providence. Henry C. Shepard kept the liotel,
and w.as insured at the Hope ofliee in this eitv for .sR.'^ido on fur-
niture and fixtures, and a Mr. Ralph h.ad a meat market in the
building. A two-story dwelling house next to this, owned by
the Lon.sdale Company, was partly destroyed. Ira O. .Seamans'
dwelling house, occupied l)y himself, was partlv destmved ; no
insurance. A waste house in which lumber was stored, and a
barn occupied by X. A. Capron, both owned bv :Mr. Spencer,
were destro\-cd."
I3.\XKS.— At the May session of the general .assemblv in IsriO.
a charter was granted to i-:iisha L.anpliear and others, and the
Plienix Village Bank was established with a crqiital of s."^io,(i()n.
William B. Spencer was elected jircsident, and Henrv D. Brown
c.a.shier. August 1st. ]^C,r>. tlie liank was changed to' a national
bank, and the word village stricken out and it became the Phe-
996 IIISTOKY OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KENT COVXTIES.
nix National I'.nnk of Phonix, in the tovn of Warwick, and its
caijital has sinccj been incroasetl to sKin.coO. In ycnonil assem-
bly, May session, ly.'jS, an act was passed incorporatin^i- l>:iisha
Lanphear, William B. .Spencer, Thomas P. Panphear, Kobert Pc^
valley, Horatio A. Stone, Jolm S. Prown, Edwin Jolinson, Thomas
G. Dorrance, Almon C. ^Vhitm;ln, Willnim C.Ames, Henry P.
Greene, Georg-e C). (iilbert, Calelj Con;j;d(in and others by the
name of the I'henix Savings Pank. William P, Spencer was
elected president, and continued in tliat office in both banks
some fifteen years, lie was sncceeded by Cliristopher R. Greene
and he by Henry P. Greene, the ])resent ofliccr in that cajiacitv.
Henry I). Prown was elected treasurer and continues in both
banks.
November l.')th, JSS7, the deposits in the savings banks amount-
ed to S:!;i8,-l.'i0.4!t. The bank has passed t]iro\igli several iires.
When it was first establislied it was Ir.catcd in .Spencer's build-
ing until tliat was burnt in PSI 1 , wlien it was hjcated in Card's
building, where it remained until that building was burnt in
1873, when the Phenix National Pank jnirchased a lot and erect-
ed a brick building wliich has withsto(,d the fires, although .some-
what scorched when the Priggrs House was burnt.
PuiiLir Pl];KAkV.--In IS.^i? a public ]ibrar\- was organized in
Phenix, the stock being taken by individuals. The monev re-
ceived was invested in books, a large case to liold the books pro-
ciired and placed in one of tlie stores, and the books put in cir-
culation. A small sum per week was charged for their use. The
library was not very well patronized, the income being small was
not sufficient to pay the librarian, and the stockholders received
nothing for their investment. AVhcn the building in which the
library was kept was burned November 21st, JS.')."), the books and
case were removed and were not consumed: some of the bcjoks
were lost in removal. After the building was rebuilt thev were
placed in one of the rooms and remained there until the fire of
May 24th, 1871, when tliey were burned with the buildings. No
effort to establish another library was made until :\larch :id, 1 884,
when the Pawtuxet \'alley Free Pibrary Association was formed,
contributions of books and money were made, and the library
was placed in AVliipjile's building and remained there until burnt
out July 12l]i, 188.-). The Ijooks were removed and placed m
Pawton's building, where they now remain. The library con-
tains aljout three thousand volumes.
HISTORY or WASIIIXGIOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 097
; At the annual nicctinc'" of the association held in Aijril, ISSS,
{ ■ .
the followinij- offiecrs ^vel•e elected: William K. theenc. i^resi-
i dent; Geori^e K. Sheldon, secrelarv and treasurer; Ilenry 1..
Gree'ne, ^^ illiani V. Shx'um, ]',mnia E. Lanphtar, Albert I'.Ihll,
j Nathan A. Sisson, lohn F. Deeriny. Presbary Huxie, James P.
j Arnold and John 11. Campbell, directors.
I Tatem Mi:i:tini, IPa-sK.—" February 0th, 1S20, Jlenry Snell
sold to Ray W. Atwood and Cyril liabcock, trustees for 'The
i First General Baptist Church in Warwick.' a lot of land in I^he-
i nix village for the sum of SPJ."). Henry Tatem was pastor of
! this church ; he lived at Xatick and carried on the tailoring bus-
iness. Soon aftei- purchasing the lot the}' erected the first meet-
i ing house in Phenix \'illage. which was known as the 'Tatem
j Meeting Mouse.' An act incorporating Henry Tatem, Nicholas
1 G. Potter, Benjamin R. Allen. Caleb Potter, Sheldon Colvin, Cy-
! ril Babcock, Ray W. Atwuod, Cyrus ^Manchester, (Tcorge P. Pros-
ser, Reuben Wright and William Warner, as -The First Gen.eral
Baptist Church in Warwick,' was passed by the general assembly
at its January Session. 18:.!:!. Henry Tatem purcliascd the house
in Phenix now occupied by George Handy FciMuary "id, IS:]."",
and moved his family from Xatiek to Phenix; he preached in
the meeting house the society erected until is:)?. when the church
became divided in conseqtience of the alleged misduings of El-
der Tatem that took place se\-eral years befoi'c he came to Phe-
nix. Elder Tatem was ordained in 181<); he came from Salem,
Mass., and resided in Cranston befijre mcjving to Xatiek.
"Elder Nicholas G. Potter preached in the Tatem meeting
house a short time after 1-Tder Tatem. The society soon became
so feeble that they could not sustain meetings, and November
2d, 1837, sold their meeting house and lot to Benjamin R. Allen,
who had become a preacher in the Congregational society, and
he held meetings in the meeting house and endeavored to estab-
lish a Congregational church, but not succeeding he became di.=-
couraged and abandoned the enterprise, and February ^d, 1830,
conveyed his interest in the meeting house to Josiah Chapin, of
Providence, who leased it to the Methodist society with the priv-
ilege of purchasing it, and June -1th, 18-1-i, Mr. Chapin conveyed
it to Elisha Flarris for Sl.ijoo, who conveyed it Nuvember 11th,
1842, to the AVarwick Methodist 1-^piscopal Church,' whu contin-
ued to use the hou^e until Elislia Harris purchased the building
and m<ivcd it near his new mill and made it into tenements for
DOS HISTORY OF WASIIIXm-OX AND KENT COUNTIES.
persons Avorking- in the mill, and the soeirty erected the present
edifiee in 18.")7 S. which ^vas built by Deacon l-'ardon Spencer, of
Ci'onipton."
PiiKXix BaI'TIst Ciil-rcii."--As early as 1S21 the ground was
made ready Tor the foundation of a ]]a[)tist church in the neigh-
borhood of Phcnix, by the establishment of a Sunday school. In
that year the general assembly granted a charter to the " Lip-
pitt and Phcnix Sabbath Schoul Society." This society >mmedi-
ately built a house, which long seryed the needs of the Sunday
school, and, in an enlarged and improyed form.'still seryes in the
capacity of the yillage school house. The Sunday school which
met in this house was nominally of a union character, but the
dominant influence of iJaptist sentiments in the community yir-
tually made it a Jiaptist scho-jl. The building was rented by the
society for a day sch<jol. and also for preaching seryices, which
wore held in rotation by the yarious denomin.ations, and became
the rallying-place of many good causes; a fouritain which sub-
sequently widened to a broad and deep riyer of blessing.
The fall of 1811 was marked in the entire state by unprece-
dented displays df the Spirit's power, a larger numl)cr haying-
been added io our churches in Rhode Island than in any associa-
tional year before. ( )ur reyered Brother Jonathan Ijrayton, con-
verted in childhood, at once called of the Spirit to the ministry,
yet shut up for seyeral years in secular pursuits against his dear-
est desire, was, by a terrible accident deliyered from business
life and gently forced into the work of preparation for the min-
istry. As the time for his graduation from the seminary drew
near, he heard the Spirit's unmistakal)le command : '■ Go to Phc-
nix." To his perplexed response : •• Lord, there is no church nor
Christian workers knr.wn to me there, nor any acquaintances ex-
cept my own unconyertcd brothers," again came the answer:
" Go to Phenix," with this searching addition, "(jo home to //n'/zf
o:.'ii, and tell what great things the Lord hath done for thee."
" Wherefore he was not disobedient unto the hcayenly yision,"
but refusing the ])astorate of a flourishing church in Xew York,
came straightway to Phenix. Haying secured for himself a
position as teacher at Xatick. he made inquiries in Phcnix ; found
Brother William B. Spencer: told him of the Spirit's dircctings,
and received from him encouragement and sympathy. Brother
Brayton's first sermon was in the scIukiI house, to an audience
* By Rev, Louis A. Pniic.
HISTORY OF WAPIHXGTOX AND KENT COU.NTIKS. 990
of thirteen. In the course of a few weeks the interest greativ
increased. The .school house was thronged. A protracted meet-
ing seemed to be imperatively called for. In addition to aid from
the village people, the State Convention gave a.ssistance, and the
meeting' was begun in the larger accommodations genercnisly
afforded by the Methodisl society in the building- knt)wn as the
Elder Tateni meeting house. Reverend John H. hiaker assisted
Brother Brayton and the laity were not slack in pra5'er and ex-
hortation. At the end of a fortnight the me.etings were resumed
in the school house, with an attendance that the school house
could by no means accomnK'date. llie time was manifestly ripe
for the formation of, a Baptist clmrch. Accordingly eight l>rcth-
ren, Jonathan Brayton., Thomas R. Wightman, William B. Spen-
cer, Jeremiah Franklin, John B. Tanner, Bt-njamin (jardner,
. Richard Gorton and Stephen (Greene, members of neighboring
Baptist churches, con.stituted themselves a church, January Idth,
1842.
Ten days after their organization, having increased meanwhile
to twenty-five members, they were, by a large council, publicly
recognized, in the Methodist meeting house, as a regular Baptist
church. The organization resulted in still further deepening the
interest and in preserving the results already secured. The
snows and cold of that long-to-be-remembered thirtieth day of
January, 1 842, kindled anew the flame of sacred love in the
hearts of new converts and old, and powerfully summoned the
great company which witnessed it, to their imperative obligation
to follow their Lord. Twenty-nine happy converts furnislied
trtie christening to the stream whose quiet beauty is still for
many hundreds sweetlj' eonjcjined with precious memories of the
happy day when // became to ///(•/// as the Jordan to their Saviour.
These twenty-nine were the first-fruits of a far larger company
which, during three successive Sundays, and at numerous times
during the entire year, put on Christ in baptism ; and their bap-
tismal day was the first of a hundred and fifteen either days in
the subsecpient forty years, during which the true Ixiptism ha:'
been proclaimed and lovalty to Christ's bidding been iii the ,nt
declared. When the year 1842 began there was no }3aptist church
in this neighborhood : before it closed, one hundred and fifty-one
persons had been gatliercd into an earnest, loving, enthusiastic
company of believers.
Shortlv after the organization of ' the church, and while meet-
1000 HISTORY OF WAS1IIXC;T0.\ and KENT COUNTIES.
ing's were still held in the school house, the imperative call for
more room led to the erection of a meeting' house. A stock
company, consisting of Ijoth church nrembers and others, e<:)n-
tracted, in the sum of Sl,!~^"<', for a plain, substantial building,
40 by 30. The church, however, built the foundations and ])aint-
ed the house. The dedication occurred ( )ctober 27th, IS J-J. A
vestry was subsequently finished in the basenicnt.at ihe expense
of the church. These outlaw's cost about S3,(K)(). When the
'church attained financial ability, it bought from the stockholders
such shares as were offered for sale, the remainder having been
gcnci'ousl}- donated to the church.
Mr. Tirayton's pastorate nominally began after the formation
of the church, but realh' preceded that e\'ent. I'rom I\Iarch 2(ith,
ISilJ, to }une ?;'d, lS4-t, he was pastor also of the newly estab-
lished church in X.atiek, though he served tliem only (mce in t\\'o
months. With untiiing zeal he filled the pastoral office. Mis
health ga\'e wa_\-, and he was for many m(MUhs unable to preach,
although his dc:voted peoj^lc refused to give heed to his ])ersist-
ently offered resignation. Ai. last, after being jjractieally out of
service for a year and a half, his resignation was accepted (Jcto-
ber 2d, 1819, luuing received ',y24. into the cliurchi, 210 b}- Ijap-
tism.
During the illness of }vlr. lirayton, Reverend Frederic Charl-
ton served the chiu'ch for a pei-iod of nine months, chasing his
labors a few da)'s after the nominal close of ]Mr. l)ra_\'ton's pas-
torate, lie sultsequcntl}- remo\-fil to Plainlleld, Conn., greatly
to the regret of man)- in the ci^immunity who had enthusiasti-
cally loved him. His death took place many \'ears since. Five
members were added during his stay.
Reverend George D. Crocker assumed the pastoral office Sep-
tember 1st, ISoO, and continued his ser\'ice until ^lay 19th, ]8.")1.
Three members were added during his })astorate.
Reverend B. F. Iledden assumed the duties of pastor on the
first vSunday of Sc})tcmber, 18,")1, ha\ing just come from a very
successful pastorate in East Greenwich. For a little over three
years he faithfully fulfilled his obligations, and had the pleasure
of witnessing much prosperity attending his efforts. A stock
company, like the one which had Imilt the meeting house, erect-
ed a house for the use of the minister, and received quarterly
dividends from tlie church. This house, m IsTO. became the
property of the church, some of the stockholders giving their
HISTORY OF WASHIXCTOX AN)) KKN'T COUNTIES. IdOl
portion, and the rest being- paid for oii the strength of a mort-
gage of SOOO effected for the purpose. The land damages award-
ed bv the I'awtuxet \'aney railroad enabled the eluireh, in 1S77,
to lift the mortgage, and thus beeome sole owner of this nmst
excellent and desirably situated property. A gracious revival,"
which brought a goodlv number into the church, sealed with
God's approval the union of pastor and people. In the associa-
tional year ending in 1S.")4, the church reported a membership of
30:5. At that time, out of fifty-two churches connected with the
Warren and Providence associations, there wcie but three
churches which exceeded it in numbers. Fifty-five persons
were added during this jxastorate.
Ainong the persons who supplied the pulpit in the in.tcrwal
between the active part of ^Ir. Brayton's pastorate and the set-
tlement of Mr. llcdden, was a young lumber surveyor from
Providence, a lay preacher, named Christopher Rhodes, whose
labors proved so very acceptable to the church, that they pro-
posed to secure his ser\-ices whenever the time should be ])ropi-
tious. Subsequently to his early visits to Idicnix, he had been
ordained to the ministrv in Allendale, from which, after ser\-ing
several \'ears as jxastor, he w;is dismissed to become the unani-
mously chosen pastor of the Phcnix church, ^\'ith large-hearted,
whole-souled lo\-e of the ministry, he entered upon his labors
here. His attractive ])reachir,g and his marvelous dc\-oiion to
pastoral visitation brought him into general favor, ami contrib-
uted to the decided enlargement of the congregation and the
church.
A special feature of this pastorate v/as the absence of large
accessions to membershijj, and the very great frequency of these
accessions. On no less than forty occasions were members add-
ed, the total during the pastorate being KCJ. The claims of dis-
cipline were enforced from the beginning r)f the pastorate, and
a very large number of delinquent persons were remo\'ed fr(jm
church connection during the vear ]S.").j. The constantly en-
larging congregation soon filled the house to an uncomfortable
fullness. The call for enlargement was heeded by the elccti(_)n
of a committee "to enlarge and alter the house." The commit-
tee consisted of AVilliam P. .Spencer, S. ]i. Card, and Samuel II.
P.ra_\'t'in. Upon their report that a new house would be better
than an enlarged one, the\' were authoi'i.-'.ed " t<;i sell the old
house and build a new one," and subsequenth' "to build such a
1002 HISTORY OF WASIIIXcnOX AND KENT COUNTIES.
house as they thought best." After various dehnys, inchiding;
the failure of the coutr.-ictor to build the house for ^S.oOO, the
buildings was erected and roofed in, and the vestries eomjjleted
and dedicated ]March 20th, It^Oit. The large vestry \vas fitted up^
with more than usual care, and for upwards of nine years all
church services were held in it. 'J'he meeting house, which is
the present edifiee, occupies an advantageous position beside the
river, and in close proximity to the village, being easily accessi-
ble and yet retired. The lot was the ;inconditioual gift of lirother
William B. Spencer. Up to the time of occupying the vestry.
the total cost of the new house and grounds amounted to §18,-
437.41. About one-third of this amount constituted a debt.
The house itself is a beautiful building, having l\omanf'sque
windows, and a gothic spire lOl feet in height. .Surpassed,
if at all, by very few village churches, it is the iiride and chief-
est ornament of I'hcnix. 'J'he war of the rebelli(m broke out not
long after the occupation of the new house, and tended inevita-
bly to the embarrassment of the finances and general prns])erity
of the church. In a little m<ire than a year, also, lirc.ther Rh<ides
resigned his office as pastor amid much regret, but apparently to
the mutual advantage of himself and the church.
Reverend 15. P. Piyram became pastor immediately after the
departure of Mr. Rhodes. P.y earnest, self-denying labors, the
entire debt was at length removed, and there has been no debt
from that time onward. The church membership was increased
by thirty-four during this pastorate, and also wisely and judi-
ciously decreased to the extent of about seventy names, many of
which, however, representing persons who had been dismissed,
btit not heard from.
The beginning of a new pastorate is the signal for a new en-
ergy on the part of both people and pastor". When Reverend T.
W. vSheppard came to the pastorate, April .Ith, lSt;S. he found the
people ready for the important undertalcing which awaited his
leadership, the cr)mpleti(..in of the main audience ror)m. AVith
untiring zeal he prosecuted the ardtiotis labor of securing sub-
scriptions, until the needful sum of y.'i.ddo had been pledged.
An efficient committee, consisting of Samuel Ilimes, James P.
Arnold, and Horatio A. Stone, very judiciously expended the
sum provided, and sectired for the chv.rch an audier.ee room
of tastefulness, beatit\', and most excellent \\orkmanship, many
superiors to which it would be difficult to lind in the state. For
I HISTORY OF WASHIXCnOX AXD KENT COUNTIES. 1003
I twelve full years Brother Sheppard fulfilled his duties with much
' discretion and fidelity, v^everal seasons of special revixal infiu-
[ ence, notably those of 1874 and ]87ii, visited the church during-
j this pastorate, the total number added bcini^l]3. Isrother Shep-
j pard's pastorate closed ^^larch .'list, 1880. '
j The pastorate of Reverend Louis A. Pope began July 4th,
I 1880.
PrevioTis to September loth, 188"2. at which time the above
' sketch was prepared, six hundred and forty-nine persons had
been members of the church. One hundred and thirteen had
died in its fellowship, 108 had been dismissed to unite with other
churches, the names of 141 had been erased, !(•] had been ex-
cluded, and eleven had been restored. The number of members
at that date was 144.
The benefactions of the church have been generous at times,
especially during- the first years of its liislory, -when foreign mis-
sions and the State Convention received more than a tenth of
the total annual income of the church. The days of its highest
spiritual prosperity were the days of its best giving. Yet there
has never been any general reluctance to bear a full share in the
evangelization of the state, the nation, and the world, and mis-
sionary interests receive a cordial hearing and a generous re-
sponse.
The pastors of this eh-urch since ^Ir. Pope's departure have
been : T. T. Frost, W. B. Cross and W. J. Reynolds, the present
pastor.
Phenix ^NIirniODiST Ei'Iscopai, CufRCii. — Circuit riders sup-
plied the members of this faith prior to the year 184(1-41, when
their house of worship was erected. From that time to the pres-
ent able and efiieient ministers have filled the pulpit, and the
society has been in a flourishing condition. Reverend William
H. Allen is the present pastor.
The Methodist Episcopal Church in Centreville was erected
in 1830- ;>1. They have had preaching at this place in this society
since the year 1825.
Catholic Ciicrcii, Piikxix. — Benjamin C. Plarrisbuilt a small
building on a ledge of rocks northwesterly from the Tatem
meeting house. It was called " Rock Chapel." As there were
but few Episcopalians in the \-illage. the meetings were not con-
tinued very long. July KJlli, 18."):), Rock Chapel was sold to the
Right Reverend Bernard (J'Reilly, Bishop of Hartford, for SI.")'),
1004 HISrORV OF WASHINGTON- AND KKN'l' COUNTIKS.
for the use of the Catholics of this vicinity. In October, IsriO,
the cliapel was sold and made into a tenement. It is now (18S8)
owned by Mary Shakeshaft.
During- the same year i isril.)) the Catholics l)oiight the old Ijaj)-
tist meeting- house on the hill, in which tliey continue to worshij)
every Sunday, leather John Cinich administeied here for many
years. His health declining in his (dd age, he was (obliged to re-
sign his charge three }'ears before his death, which took place
in Deceml)er, 18S7. leather llarty lived here tlii;ce years, and
after him came Re\-erend ]<,)hn C. Tennian, who after three
months sojourn with the go(jd peo]Dle of Pheni.x was promoted
to a more arduous field of labor. Father ]McCabe, tlie present
rector, succeeded hin-i.
vSt, Anhrkw's CiUkriL Piiknix. — The I'^piscopal fraternity of
Pheni.x erected a handsome church edifice in the village in 1885
at a co.st of S7,()(H). 'J~he Reverend .Mr. Cocroft, of St, Philip's,
Cron-ipton, officiated for the communicants at this ])lace during
his ten years rectcjrshij) there, and it was ]:)rinci])a]ly under his
ministrations that the society here so greatly ])rosi)crcd. 'jdierc
are now fift3'-one n-iembcrs belonging to .St. Andrews, and the
rectors of .St. Philip's still ofhciate.
Clvijk Print \Vork>. — November Gth, 18r?3, Joanna, widow of
Nehemiah Atwood, and Nathan Atwood sold to .Samuel liudlong
and Rufus "Wakefield seven acres and thirty-nine -I'n'n rods of land
lying northerly from and adjoining that bought of Thomas Le-
valley.
"May 21st, 1824, Samuel Budlong and Rufus Wakefield sold
the afore-d<;scribed land to the Lip]-)itt Manufacturing Company.
The purchase of the land from Anthony A. Rice. June 1st, .1822,
and from .Samuel Ihidlong and Rufus Wakefield, ]\Iay 21st. 1824,
gave the Lippitt Company another water privilege which they
improved by building a dam across the river. Aug\ist ISth,
1827, the company had biAh their privileges surveyed and levels
taken by Benoni T^ockwood. The head and fall of the upper
privilege was found to be 10 feel 9 inches, and the lower privi-
lege 12 feet 1 inch ; the\- made no further improvenients until
September l.jth. 1828, when they leased to Simon Henry Greene
and Edward Pike, who composed the firm of (_7reene & I'ike, for
the term of five years, at a yearly rent of i^'Mn), the water privi-
lege and lands connected therewith known as their lower ])rivi-
lege ; there were n^i l)uildings upon the premises, but the Li])-
HISTORY OF WASlIINrn'OX AND KENT COUNTIES. lOOj
pitt Company agreed to erect a buiWiiig- yOby 40 feet, two stories
high and sucli other buildings as mav be necessary to enable
them to carry on the bleaching business, and were to receive
from Greene cK: I'ike an annual rent of ten per cent, on the eost^
of said buildings. There being a large spring of pure water on
the premises, the large building was located near this spring,
which continues to furnish all the water needed for the purpose
of bleachijig and of a superior qiumtitv.
"September :?7th, lyiJl, (ireene >.\: I'ike bought the estate which
they had leased of the Lij)pitt Company and continued the busi-
ness. In 183!) their blcachery and dry slieds were consumed by
fire, which was attended with a heav^• loss.
"In IS-l'i Ivlward Pike died and ^Ir. Greene, the surviving
partner, settled uplhe business c>f the late firm, continuing the
business under a lease,
"In 1845 vSinion Henry Cireenc purchased the interest in the
estate that belonged to the heirs of I'^dward Pike and continued
the business. In 18jo the beetle house Iniilding and small dye
house was burned and May l.st, 18T(), the bleaching and white
department was consumed by fire, ^Ir. Greene continued the
business, associating with him his sons, Edward A. (ireene,
Henry L. Greene, Christopher R. Greene and William R. Greene,
under the firm name of S. II. Greene & Sons, and the village a.s-
sumed the name of 'Clyde Print AVorks.'
"Simon Henry Greene resided in Pr<«vidence until 18o8, when
he removed with his family to the ])rint works, and occupied a
house built by David Pike near the J'awtu.xel Vallcv railroad
until he built the house in which he resided until his death,
which occurred April L'Cth, 188,3, in the 8(:;th year of his age, and
was buried in Swan Point cemetery. His son, Christopher R.
Greene, died the PJth of A,Iarch, 1885, in the 58th year of his age,
and was buried in Greenwood cemetery, Phenix. The remain-
ing .sons continue the business under the same name. In 18<'i7
Robert Reoch took ch.arge of the Clyde wt)rks ; as an illustration
of the increase of the business since that time the following
statement, furnished by William R. Greene, is given; In the
year 1807 the consumption of coal was 5,onn tons ; the outturn
of printed cloth was then abfiut 14,()ih),(1(i(i yards; the number of
operatives then employed was 2o5, with a pav roll of ,s7.'J5o
monthly. In 1880 the consumption of coal was upwards of it;, oi in
tons; the outturn of printed cloth u])wards of 5:j,U00,n(.i() vards ;
lOOG HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES.
thc\- had .'I'JT hands on their pa%- roll, requiring' about S'2],(M)0
monthly.
"'J'he company in their works use 28 steam engines of 8(i(i
horse power in addition to the fine water ptnver, and ha\'e eight
force pumps located in dilYerent jiarts of the works for use in
case of fire, and steam is constantly kept u]) in some of tlie boil-
ers, so that if fire breaks out the force pumjis can be brought into
immedi.atc use.
" The Pawtuxet A'alle}- railroad crosses the grounds and passes
very near the works and adds ^•er_\• greatly to the facilities for
doing; business.
" S. H. Greene cS; Sons have erected a store-house '2u4 feet long
and G2 feet wide, with 22 feet ]X)sls, built in the most suljstantial
manner with rails laid the entire lengTli of the building that
'bring' the cars alongside so thcv can be unload.ed and loaded
directly from the Iniilding. Tlieir freight adds \'er}' much to
the income of llie railroad, amounting" in bS8G to s:)7.ni)(l. Roli-
ert Reoch, tlieir efticieiit man;iger, holds his ]7osiiii,>n at this
time."
Thomas Rawlinson was born in li^ngland in 1841. He \vas
educated in Scotland as a dyer from thirteen years of age. In
ISO? he came to Clyde witli Robert Reoch to take charge of the
dyeing dejxartment of the Clyde Print Works. I lis technical
knowledge was acquired in Glasgow after having served an ap-
prenticeship with Zachariah kleys c\: vSons, Rarr Head, Scotland.
Mr. Rawlinson has one son now learning the business with him
at Clyde.
Richard S. Canavan was b<n'n in England in 18."i((. lie came
t.o Clyde, R. I., in If'i'ti. and entered the engraving department
of the Ch'de Print \\'orks in 1808 under fames W.arlnirton, who
is now foreman eng'ra\'er at Haverstraw, X. Y. .Since 18S] ]\Ir.
Canavan has been foreman of the engraving department at
Clyde.
"At this place in 1828 was commenced in a small wa}' a busi-
ness that has since been enlarged and extended until it has be-
come one of the largest establishments in the state. Below this
establi.shment, on tlic north bank of the river near the east line
of the land owned by Greene & Pike, David Pike, a brother of
Edward, erected a building for extracting from wood an acid
used in printing calico. He used principalh' while Ijirch wood
and it made a good market for the farmers to dispose of this kind
HISTORY OF WASIIINGI'OX AND Kl'.NT COUNTII^S. ] 007
of wood, which was not very salable. He eontinued in this busi-
ness several \-ears when his works were eonsnnied by lire, and
Ihev were not. rebuilt, (~.recne iX: Pike oblainini;- their aeid frcMn
];. ]. Cadv at Centreville and from Ai-nold's aeid works in Cov-
entry, and some from vSterlinj;-, Conneeticut."
Duke c\: Wood do ;4"eneral tradiny in this villa_L;e. The store is
owned and was formerly oeeui)ied by Ixobert Jveoch. ^
Rl\ i;i; I'niN r. — River I'oint owes its prosperity to the facili-
ties that the water ])(nver has afforded for manufaeturin.;.; pu.r-
poses. The two prinei])al l)ranehes, known as the north and
the south branches of the Pawtuxet, here unite, and undoubtedly
gave orit;in to the name of the villai^e. 'Phe land here previous
to the year L7"i('i was owned by jol) ( Ireene, father of Jtidge Philip
Greene, the latter falling heir to l'TS acres "lyin;^- on the north-
west of the south branch of the Pawtuxet," and sidjsequently
"all the land in the forks of the J'awtuxct." 'Phe will is dated
J7M. lud;ye Philip Crecne sold to Caleb and Xathan Hathaway
February 2oth, 1780, all this land.
In 1S12 ]i;iisha\Varner,oneof the heirs of the ]lathaways,sold
f(ni)- acres and half of a house to Doctor St (.■])hcn Harris and ] )oc-
tor Svlvcster Knic;-ht, both of Centreville, for SI.O:J."). A few
years after the Lipjhtt Manuf.actiuiny Company had their fac-
torv in operation. Doctors Kniyht and Harris erected a buildiny
two stories hii^h and sixty-five feet loni;- a short distance up the
river and commenced manufacturing' cotton yarn with four
throstle frames and two mules. They associated with them James
Greene, Resolved vSlack and Resolved Waterman. The company
was known as the "(ireene Manufacturing Company." The vil-
lage was known as Frozen Point or I'int, until the Providence,
Hartford and khshkill railroad (no^\• known as the New York t^'
New England railroad) was opened in ISoo, when the name was
changed to Ri\'er Point, and the railroad station is known by
that name. The extensi\'e range of hills on the east side of the
river extending s(.)Utherh" from the junction of the two streams
nearly Xu Centreville, affords a fine view of the surrounding coun-
try. 'Phe New London turnpike passes o\-cr this hill and affords
an easy access to its height, finm wliich to the east can be seen a
portion of Old Warwick, and the sh<_>re resorts, l^ooking nen'th-
crly, the state farm, ]nim])ing station and surrounding counlr)-
come into \'iew. Nearer by, the village of Arctic, \vith its rows
of white tenement houses and llie extensive ar.d substantial fac-
loos HISTORY OF W ASillXGTOX AM) Kl.XT COUNTIES.
tory buildings built of stone, is seen. T.iiokin_y- south tlie villagx-s
of Centreville and Crompton come into view. XortlTwcsterl)-
the north branch of the Pawtuxet ri\-er ma}- be seen with its man-
ufacturing' \'inag'es.
Wlien Messrs. Ilai'ris and Knii^ht commenced theii' factory
there was no way of gettini;' to their ])]ace from Centre\'ille ex-
cept by foHowing a winding cart jiath among the shrub oaks, and
to get to their place from Li])]iitt village witli a car]"iage excj^'pt
by following a cart path and fording the river bulow where the
Clyde woi-ks now arc, or ]:)assing through I'henix village and over
the Coventry and Cranston ttirupike. ^Vfter INl-l it came to the
highway near Anthony village and thence to Centreville. There
was a foot bridge that Anthony A. Rice had erected to enable
him to pass from his farm across the river to Lippitt village, that
persons on foot could crtiss the river, and a path led from the
foot bridge t(.i Frozen Point. This was kept up until the high-
way from Green\'ille to Pippitt was opened in ]i<',i].
The company started with four throstle frames and two midcs.
The castings were furnished by a distant fonndrv in Halifax,
Mass. In ISlfi this establishment closed its doors, In 1N17 doctor
Knight sold his share to Doctor Harris, and the mills resumed
operations in 181 y. At this time the mill was running eight
looms. In 182\ the dam was iniured by a freshet and the btdk-
head was swept away. In 1827 a fire greatly injured the build-
ing.
The first mill was enlarged and in I83('i Doctor Harris built a
stojie mill to which an additit.m was subsequently made. An-
other stone mill was built in 18-14, and greatly enlarged in 18.j.").
On the death of the doctor his heirs, consisting of the four sur-
viving children, namely, Cyrus, Stejihen and Caleb F. Harris
and their half-sister, Mrs. Henry J. Smith, formed the company.
These mills were also purchased by B. IJ. &■ R. Knight, and
now belong to their system. This company operate 1."),0(J4 spin-
dles and ."li'l looms.
The machine shojis of S. Colvin cS: Co. are located at River
Point. The}- are extensive btiilders of looms. The junior pai't-
ner is Horatio .V. Remington. Stephen Coh'in was born in
Cranston in 18"i],but has sjient the greater part of his life in
Warwick. He worked for a time at Anthony for Perez Peck 6L'
Co., also for the Praytons. In 18.")8 he became partner of Asa
Sisson t^- Co. at Anthon\-.
HISTORY OF WASinXGTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 1009
River Point has n luimbcrof stores and places of yeneral busi-
ness. Horatio W. Potter has been here ever since the vinaye
took itsnanie, and carries a stock of lime, masons' materials, etc.
He came to River Point in 184:5, and tlien began work for 1 )ocloi-
Harris in the mills. He opened his place of trade in ISC.Ci. Da-
vid Pike built the Coveset wharf about the year 184.^ and started
the lumber lursiness. In IS.VJ he came to River Point and
erected his pianino- mill in 18.").'5. In 187:5 the mill bufiied and
was rebuilt, and is now carried on by ]-]dward Pike, his son, who
employs from twenty to twenty-five hands constantly.
Lodowick Brayton built the River Point foundry about IS."}.").
The firm was then L. k S. H. Brayton (machinery castings). In
1870 Robert Brayton succeeded S. H. Brayton, and the firm be-
came L. I^.rayton & Son. The foundry was burned and rebuilt
by L. Brayton. L. P.raylon died in June, 1884. He was never
a resident of Warwick. His son Robert resided at River Point
from 1805 to ISSO.
The carriage shop now owned by B. B. & R. Knight, but tip-
erated by John R. Congdon, Peter Nolan and ]ohn F. Harden,
was formerly an old cloth room, afterward turned into a tene-
ment house by the com])any. It has been used for a carriage
shop for about ten years.
Among the stores in the place should be mentioned the River
Point store, kept by B. B. & R. Knight: J. Flanagan, hats and
caps; L. Walker, hardware; the Clyde Shoe Store : the Clvde
Drugstore; P. E. Ih-own. hosiery; Chase's printing establishment
and library. Pike's Block was built in 1887.
William C. Nichols is a native of Natick. R. I. His early days
were spent in Connecticut and :Ma.s,sachusetts. In 187;! he was
in the store at River Point with the Greene Manufacturing Com-
pany. This relation terminated in 1884, when Nichols c\: Allen
took the business and run it until January, 1880. Mr. Nichols
and Edward AV. Jones formed a co-partnership in December,
1885, and in January, 1880, began business as general merchants
at River Point. ^Ir. Nichc^ls served three months in the civil
war with the 9th R. I. He was town treasurer of Warwick in
1884.
Thomas McGuire &- Son are bottlers at River Point. Thomas
McGuire was born in 182:] in Ireland, went to Scotland in 1840,
and subsequently came to Rhode Island. He was sixteen years
in the employ of the Harrises and several vears with the
Gl
1010 HISTORY OF \VAMIl.\"i;rO\ AM) KENT COUNTIES.
S]5rag'ues. In lS7i> he estalilislicd a li\-cry biisiiu-ss at .Xrctic in
which he ikjw iisls forty horsus. 1 lis nlckst sou, Thi-nias, lias
been a jiartner in tliis and his other business for the last lil-
teen years. 'I'hev have earried on a soda bottling- business since
1S83.
]]"(is/iiiii^-toii Loii^w Xn. 11, ]. O. O. ]•., was incorporated .March
2d, 18-IC). The first olheers were as follows: Xoble ;^rand, I'rank
]'. C"h;nnplin ; \'iee-;j,rand, 'Idnmias l.indsley : reeordini;- secretary,,
William 1.!. Slocnni : ])ernianent se<.'retar_\-, ICdward 'K. Payson :
treasurer, (icor;..;e W. Xdes; trustees, Thomas W. Locke, TieoriiC
B. Harris, John \\'cstcott. 'Jdic ipreseut membci-shi]) is about
one hundred and ninety, ^i'he indjlie hall in which the Iodide
holds its meetings was erected for an armoi'v in IS-J4 by the state.
April r^th, IS.'i--?, the society bought the building, and in 1S7I it
was enlarged thirl)- feet, at an c.xpcnse of about Sn.doi). The
ofiicei^s for the term commencing January 1st, 1SS7, ^\■crc : Xoblc
grand, Caleb Westcoti ; vice-gi-and, I'h'ank 11. Chaniplin; record-
ing secretary, A\"illiam \'. SUieum : jicrnianent sc(.i-ct.-ir}-, 'I'homas
M. Holden ; treasurer, C.corge W. Xilcs; trustees, Thomas ^\■.
Locke, George B. Harris, John Westcott. Past grand masters —
Charles G. Cole, Thomas M. Holden.
FiKsi' CnN>.ki:(.ATioXAi, CiilKCii, Ri\ Ei-L Pi>iNi'.- This church
was organized February Tth, IS-]'.), by John L. Smith, Jeremiah
K. Aldrich, Brigham C. Dcane. ^lary (jreenc, Phila B. Deane,
Priseilla Ct. Seagrayes, Hannah L. .Sweet, Lucy Hill, Hannah
Hall and Susan F-. Smith. Rc\-erend George Uhler was the first
pi-eaeher, scrying as a supply. He continued his labors until
June 12th, ISJ:!. Reyerend S. 15. Goodenow, at a salary of S7<X)
a year, filled the pulpit from the first Sabbath in I)ceeml)er, IS.l:^,
until [une Tith, L^.'i."). Thei'e were then no pastors until ]8.")7. with
the single exception of Reyerend ]\lr. A\'oodbury, who ]n-eaehcd
about nine months in isriik Reyerend (icorge W. .\dams, a \'er}-
excellent pastor, filled the pulpit from September :!()th, 18.17, to
December yth, ]S(;2, when he died. Reyerend J. K. Aldrich
preached froni ]-\'bru:iry (Jth, ]8(']4, lo August. ]S(;7,when he was
succeeded by Rc\'ercnd L^■man 11. Blalce. from ( )etober(;ih, 1S(;7,
to October 'M\. Is-li'.i. The church was for a long time wiilnnu a
pastor. In JSS2 Re\-erend Stephen Smith look charge and re-
mained si.x years, a ^■er_\• successful ]iastor. He -is now in ICast
Douglass, Mass. He A\'as succeeded by Re\'ercnd J'^rciU'riek H.
Adams, the jn-escnt pastor, who look charge in 188S. Mr. Ailams
HISTORY OF WASHIXdTOX AND KENT COUNTIICS. Kill
came from New Hartford, Conn., where he had been for thirteen
years.
'J'he memljer.ship of tlic church is aboiTt two hundred and fifty-
seven in number, making;' it one of the lari^est chtirches in thi>
town. The chureli lias reeeiitlv been refitted, three hundred and
fifty new seats havin;^ been put in at a cost of ;^•J,."i<ld. The dea-
cons are Thomas ]\I. IJolden and (ieorgc Young-, tlie latter beiny
also the Sabbath scItooI su])erintcndcnt. 5
Natick. — The northwest and tlie southwe-st branches of the
Pawtuxet river unite at River Point, but the first fall large enough
for factories is at Xatick, a mile or so below their junction.
When the Xatick lands were assigned by the Warwick projjri-
etors to their five associates in 1073, they were undivided. ( )n
December 0th, 1C74, the five owners of the tract divided it among
themselves, and under this latter date we find the foUowing en-
try on the jiroprictors' records:
" We the proprietors of Xatick lands that lyeth on ye north
side of Pawtuxet rivei^ in ve colcnn' of Rhode Island and Pri)%-i-
dence Plantations, have laid out five lotts ; that is to say; they
lye i]i one range, in manner and forme aforesaidc, as folluweth :
the north ends of them botinded I)}- the west lync r)f the grand
purchase of the IMishawomcl plantation ; and the south ends of
these lotts, bounded by the northern most branch <.)f Pawtuxet
river: The first lott lycth near range a rock so called in the
northwest corner, bounded by a .small black oak, from thence
southerly to a small black oak."
The portion of the X'atick lands which were included in the
present village of X'atiek was on the north side of the river. On
the south side were the Wecochaconet farms. In the course of
the following centurv the several farms were cut up and sold to
various individuals. In the beginning of the present century
Jonathan Ellis, son of Beniamin ; William Anthony Ilolden. son
of William Ilolden, and Philip Arnold, were among the princi-
pal owners of the territor}". P.enjamin h^llis lived on the hill on
the old road leading ti) Lij^pitt village. His son Jonathan and
several sisters inherited their father's estate. Jonathan lived on
the hill, sometimes ccdled ■■ (ireen Hill," in the house occu]ned
now by I\Irs. Sheldon, and died at an advanced age, July 7ih,
184:?. William Holden, previous to the year 1771, owned a grist
mill on the south side of the ri\-er, just above the i^irc-ent iron
bridge. The old trench way ma}- still be seen when the jiond is
1012 IIISTCiRY OF \VASni.\"GTO.\ AND KKNT CfiVNTIKS.
drawn down. In 1771 the j^'encral assembly granted him a lot-
tery "to raise about i?.")(). to enable him to repair and seenre a
dam aeross the Pawtuxet river, whieh had been earried away by
a flood the previous winter." William Anthony Holden, son of
the former, lived in the house, which is still standing, situated
on the east side of the turnpike, near bv Indigo brook. The
brook was so called from the eireumstanee that IJarvey Arnold
had upon it a small building, and made use of the slight water
power to grind indigo for coloring purpo.ses. WiU'iam Anthoin*
Holden died April 'i-Jth, ]y.-)4. Previous to the year ]S(Hi, there
appears to have been no bridge across the river at this place,
though one was soon after erected, and in 182:j a new one, called,
from its sha})e. the " Rainbow bridge," was built upon the same
site.
The beginning of the cotton manufacturing interests was an
imjjortant period in the history of the town. In 1807 the value
of the waterfall at this point was estimated bv I'ercz Peck, Peter
Cushman,John White and Joseph Ilines to be great, and through
their influence those who had capital were induced to make a
venture at mainifacturing cotton. The comjiany consisted of
Adams & Lathrop, Captain William and Charles Potter, Chris-
topher and William Rhodes, Jonathan Ellis and the four mechau-
ics mentioned above. The capital of the company amounted to
S32,(X)U, divided into thirty-two shares.
The first mill was built in the autumn of 1807 and was about
eighty feet long. It was known as the Xatick Red Mill from its
color. In 1830 this mill was converted into tenements, since
known as the factor)- house. The Red mill was started with two
throstle machines of eighty-four spindles each, and t\\'o mules
of 200 .spindles each. Jonathan Ellis was the lirst agent. " The
company not merely spun yarn and warp, but erecting a dye
hou.se, they began to dye the same before sending it to market."
" The machinery in the Xatick cotton mill was propelled bv a
tub wheel ('.so called at that day 1 somewhat similar to the iron
wheels of the present time. The ime used here was ten feet in
diameter and eighteen inches in depth, with floats of correspond-
ing depth, with a curb above it of greater depth, through which
the water was conveyed by a trunk into the wheel. It was made
wholly of wood. This wheel, while it rcc]uircd a larger amount
of water than the bucket wheel to do the same work, yet it pos-
HISTORY OF \VASIIIX(;T0X AND KKNT COUNTIES. 1013
sessed the advantag-e of acquiring- the desired speed with a less
amount of gearing."
A'arioiis changes took jilace previous to the year 1S15. Two
of the original stockholders. I'erez I'eek and I'eter C"iishman, had
sold out their stock as eai'ly as the summer of ]8(tS. In ]nl\-,
T8].'), the iild o)-ganization was su])erseded b}- three com]5anie.s,
one of whieli was known as tlie l^lK.ides Xatick Company: an-
other the Xatick ']'urn]iike Factory C,'om]5an\-, and the tliird as
Ellis, Lothrop & Company. In JS-21. AVilliani Sprague, of Cran-
ston, father of the "Old Ciovernor." purchased one niill with
forty-two looms and 1 .('iOi spindles, and another furnished with
carding and spinning machinery. Both these mills were painted
red ; the latter stood near the jnesent grist mill, and was I'e-
moved about the year IS:!o. to its present jiosition on the turn-
pike, and con\-crted into tenements. It is the first house on the
ea.st side of the turiipike. next to the bridge. It has undergone
various changes since, and lost all outward resemblance of its
orig-inal form. The ^Messrs. Rhodes ret;iint'd (.me mill, which
stood aljout where the south end of the pi-esent number one
(New Brick) now stands, and was about So feet bv :!() feet, with
thirty looms and other necessary machinery for making cotton
cloth; also a grist mill and several tenement houses, (leorge
A. Rhodes, a son of General Christopher, was agent until his
death, when his father took charge until the company sold out
to the Spragues. " The Me.ssrs. Rhodes continued to own about
half the village for about forty-five years, building in the mean-
time, in 1820, a .stone mill 100 by 44 feet. On December ]7th,
1S.V2, they sold out to the vSpragues for Soo.noo."
An estimate of the business done by the Spragues may be ob-
tained by the following, which was taken from a New York paper
November 7th, 1S7'5:
"The firm of A. & \V. Sprague Mf\g Co. run near 280. don spin-
dles, and 28 printing machines in mills and print works, and em-
ploy over 10,000 operatives. Their great print works at Cran.s-
ton employ about l,2(iO persons, and can turn out 4o,()n() pieces a
week. At Xatick, they run 42.000 spindles and have about 8oo
hands. At Arctic they run 20,ooo spindles and employ .">oO
hands. At Ouidnick they have :i2,ooo spindles and ooo hands ;
at Baltic, Conn., 83,000 spindles and I ,ooo hands: at Central
Falls, R. I., 32.000 spindles and near Ooo hands : at Augusta, ^le.,
34,000 spindles and 700 hands. These cotton mills supplv their
1014 HISTORY OK WASHIXOroX AND KENT COUNTIES.
print works with most of the print ckiths used bv them, makino-
ab(.mt :j,'),(i()(i pieces a week when runnins^- on full time. All were
running on half time in the earl}- part of November, JS?:^. At
present all are running on full time.
" Besides their mill and print works, they run other great en-
terprises, both within and without the state of Rhode l.sland.
In Maine they have \'ast timber mills, saw mills and like jirop-
erty, in which are emplo}-ed great nundjers of men during the
lumbering season. In South Carolina, at Columbia, thev oav?,i
valuable water power and have a great stock forward. Thev
also own much land in Kansas and in Texas. In this city d'r'iv-
idence; and Cranst(.in, their rccal estate, impro\-ed and unim-
proved, is great in extent and \'alue. Idiey control in this citv
(Providence) the I'nion Railroad, owning most of the street rail-
ways, and ](HI ears, and emi)loying JKK) men and j(Hi horses. The
capital stock is ::^On(),()(i(), and valuation of property about ySiK'.'""'.
Wm. Sprague is I^resident of the Providence and Xew York
Steamship Co., which has eight steamers, employs Tido hands,
and owns property valued at SI ,(i(i(),(i(i(). This company it is
claimed will not be embarrassed by the .Spragues; because, al-
though the}' are the largest stockholders, thev own a minority
of the stock. A. ..^ W. S])rague control in Providence, the Per-
kins Sheet Iron Co,; the R. I, Horse Shoe Co., having ;'.()() hands
when full; vSprague ^Mowing Machine Co.: Comstock Stove
Foundry, and the American Horse Xail Co. Their mil! prop-
erty, at a low valuation, isestimated at §4,^^110,(1(10, and their print
works at Sl,o(.io,0(»>. Their pay-roll at times has appnxiched
825,000 a da}'. Pesides all this propert}% A. & \V. Sj)rague, ;is
partners of the firm of Iloyt, .Spragues & Co., owm the .stock
of the Atlantic Delaine Co., whose mills in (Jlneyville, R. I., em-
ploy over 2,000 hands. On this property (said Delaine Co. i there
is an indebtedness of near §4,000.000."
The Spragues failed in 1873, and executed a deed of trust to
Zachariah Chaffee, in which mention is made "that the Spragues
are indebted to the amount of SI 1, 000,000." Their property was
estimated to be far in excess of this amount. William .Sprague,
father of the first (iovernor William Sprague, started a small
mill in Cranston in ISJl. lie was the first of the family inter-
ested in the Xatick Mills. He died suddenlv in ISllCi, leaving
three sons and two daughters. The sons were Amasa, William
and Bcnoni. Amasa and William continued the manufacturimr
HISTOKV OF WASlllXr.TOX AM) KENT COUNTIKS. lOL")
interest after their fatliLT 'lied. AVilliam was sometimes called
the "Old CTCivernor," to distiiv^uish him from another of tlie
same name. He was j^-overnor of this state from ISISS to IS-jii,
and United States senator from ]S-1:? to 1S41. wlien he resigned
to attend to his mannfaetnrini;- interests. He died in It^.^is le;'--
ing- a son ]!3-ron and a dau,t;-luer Susan.
Amasa, brother of the t^mveriior, was murdered in ]84:!. Hi.s
children are the present Colonel Amasa Sprayue, of Cranston ;
ex-C.overnor \Villiam Sprague-; .\lmira, ^who marri,ed lion.
Thomas A. Doyle, mayor of Providence : and Mrs. Latham.
On the death of the senior Covernor S]irague. the Inrsinessfcll
into the hands of his Son liyron, and his two nephews. Amasa
and William. 'JMie former retired from the business in ISOi,
several years previous to his death. In ISCd William Spra-ue,
then about tliirty years of aye, was elected governor of the state,
and was re-elected the following ycvar. 1 le rendered conspicu-
ous service during the war, and in ISC:! was elected to the United
States Senate, in which jiosition he remained until JS?.').
After the failure of A. cS: AV. Si)rague, the enterprising firm of
B. B. & R. Knight bought f)ut the whole concern here and con-
nected the factories together by building between them, so that
they make but one factory ^:.]^{) feet long, making probablv one
of the largest mills in the world.
The Xatick :\Iills have live cotton mills. Xo. 1 being :!(;() by ."lO
feet, with an annex S by i>2 feet ; Xo. 2 mill. ^o-J bv •;:> feet; Xo.
2^ mill, 73 by 74 feet ; Xo. :) mill, 2:->i bv 72 feet ; Xo. 4 mill. 2(X)
by 4.T feet. All are six .stories high, built of brick, and contain
84,9G() .spindles and 'i.ril] looms, making sheetings, and arc owned
by B. B. & R. Knight. In 1880 a new stone dam was Iniilt a
short distance below the old dam. There is in operation in the
Xatick :\li]ls •2,112 spindles less and 44.") looms more than in the
seven mills on the north branch of tlie river.
H(>Ti;[,s.— Christopher Arnold. F.phraim Covill and A\'arren
Turner at various times jirior to 1847. were hotel men at Xatick.
Mr. Turner ke])t the Union Hotel until about \i<o2. fames II.
Atwood kept the I'nion Ikmsc a few years prior to 180o". ( '.eorge
W. Tourjee ran this hotel in J8fiO-7M. Thomas W. l^riggs ke-}jt
it some fourteen years, prior to his death in 1884.
Gknkrai, !!rMM>>, Xatick. -The store building now ..cenpied
by Oliver S. liaker was erected during the year 18](). This was
before the building of the turnpike, and the house was then used
1010 HISTORY OF WA.SIIIXGTOX AND KKXT COUNTIES.
for a residence. It was erected by Charles Ix'iker, who was a
cabinet maker. In 18 1:5 it was first turned into a store and has
been used as such ever since. Cliarlcs Baker kept a store here
from IS j:; to 18(;:). when lie died. (Jh'vcr Ikiker tlien took the
store and has liad it ever since. The new buildin^- owned and
occupied by 11. ( J'Dounell was erected in 1887. :ilr. ()'] )onncll
has been trading in the village since ISOfi. The post oflice is
kept by John McOuade. His new building for a drug store was
erected in 1888. He is a registered pharmacist. He started bus-
iness in 1887, where the post office is now. The' old Sprague
store was opened September 18th, 188-i, by 15. B. cK: R. Knight.
Doctor G. T. Perry, the old physician of twentv years standing
in Natick, has gone to Ivisl Greenwich and was succeeded in
1S8S, by Doctor L. A. kectcan, a graduate of the University of
New York. There is a good public ]i!)rarv, consisting of l.noo
volumes, in the village. Stej)hcn W. Thornton is liljrarian.
St. JonKI'Ii's Cm Ri.ii, X.vtick. -'fhe Catholics have recently
erected a magnificent ])]acc of worship in Xatick, and ;ire pros-
pering under the cflicieiit care of Reverend W. B. Mcenan, who
took charge July ::?i'.tli, 1887. The building was erected at a cost
of about S:2:l,00(L Worship has been carried on some years in the
ba.sement. Father Couch was the first pastor. Follov.-ing him
came Fathers Me(Tee and Gleason, then Father Meenaii.
Natick First BArTisr CiirRcii. --The church was organized
on the Sod of November, I8:j0,and was composed of sixteen per-
sons of regular Baptist churches, residing in the village and its
vicinity. Alanson AV(Jud was appointed deacon, and Fayette
Barrows, clerk. On the 2.")th of December following, a council,
composed of delegates from the First, Second, Third and Fourth
churches of Providence, the Pawtucket. the Warwick and Coven-
try.thc Arkwright and Fiskeville.and the Ouidnessett, assembled,
and after the usual examination, publicly recognized the body
as th-c Natick First Ikiptist church.
The first members received by the new church were Pardon
Spencer and his wife, Sybil Spencer, who were received januarv
20th, 1840, by letter from the Exeter Baptist church. The first
member received by baptism was Sister S. ThonUon, who was
baptized by Reverend Thomas Tew, May -J -1th. 1 84( >. The church
was received into the Warren Association September Otli, 1840.
On November Kiih, of this year. Reverend Artliur A. Ross ac-
cepted the invitation of the church to become its pastor, "while
HISTORY OF WASIIINGTOX AND KKXT COUNTIES. 1017
he continncs in this villaj^x-." This jiastnrrite of Mr. Ko.ss apjicar.s
to have been of short durati(jn, as on I'Y'bruary ISlh. 1841 , the
church appointed "a committee to sup]:)ly the pulpit." At the
same meeting' (iCor|4'e K. Clark was a]:)]:>ointi,'(l a deacon. ( )n
June 2.")th. 1S41, Smith ^V. I'earce was elected clerk, and ser\ed
in that capacity until he \\as ajipointed dcae'')n, lJeceml)er "Jolh,
ISiT, April I4th, lSl-2, Samuel I'eterman was apiiointed deacon
in place of Deaenn Wood, Nxdio harl removed from the village.
The year lS4"i was a ])ri)S])er()Us (inc ti> the church, during Avhich
time a large number united \\ith the church. ( )n M:irch •2oth,
184'.], the chui'ch in\-ited Rc\-erend [onathan ]jra}-tou to th.e jias-
torate ; .Mr. ISraytnn ;icccplcd and ci>;uinuediu this relation until
June 2;.id, b'-^M, llew.as also pastor at the sairie time of the
Phenix churi.h.
April 2.")th, 1S47, Revci-end .Arthur A. ]\oss was again called
to the pastorate of the church. In lune, 1840, Closes Whitman
%va,s appointed the trustee of the Relief l-hmd. Tliis furjd was
raised b}- vo]untar\- eontributi<_)ns, for the relief of the poor con-
nected with the church. I )cce'mber 4th, b'-^rd , Rcveix-nd Stephen
Thomas, who had prcxiously been crmnected with the Six Prin-
ciple Baptists, and had changed his views to those held b}- this
church, was invited to assume the ]>astoral care of the chun.-h.
Mr, Thomas accepted the invitation and was jndjlicly installed
as pastor Jtme 2d, 1852. He continued to preach Tintil Reverend
N. T. Allen commenced his labors. Mr. Allen became pastor in
January, IS.-).'), having preached for the church several months
previotts to that date. He resigned November 4th, b"-;."i.").
Reverend A. .Sherwin became pastor July 2d, b'~!.''i(>, and re-
mained one }"ear, when he resigned and became jiastor of the
High vStreet Baptist church at Pawtucket. l-'or about six months
following the resignation of Mr. Sherwin, Reverend O. P. I'hiller,
then a student of Brown University, supplied the church, aiid
until the Reverend George Mathews commenced his lal;ors.
The closing jiart of the vear ]8.-)7 \\'as the }ear of the general
revival throughout the country, and this church shared in the
spiritual blessings, fortv-one ])ersons uniting with the church
by baptism. Mr. Mathews accepted the ])astoraI care of the
church March :!i)th. b'^.-)8.
From this time until the fall of ^^i\:] the church was supplied
by different persons, chiefb.- bv Reverend Harris Howard. Fol-
lowing are the pastors from that time: Reverend (icorge L. Put-
]U18 , HISTORY 01" WASIIIXGTOX AM) KKXT COUNTIKS.
nam, November 7th, 1803. to autumn of ]80.-i: ]. H. Tilion, No-
vember J8th, lycc, to June :jiitli. 1N(U): Charles L. I'n.st, Julv 4th,
lSr>n, to July -Ith, 187."); Warren S. ]-:mery. August •24th, 187.""),
following- whom was Reverend ^V. A. liriggs, who was here
about six years, and then the ])resent pastor. Reverend \\"hitman
L. Wood, a recent graduate of Newton Theological Institute,
near Boston, who took charge in 1SS7.
There are about one hundred and fiftv members belonging to
this society. A nourishing Sabl)ath school under the superin-
tendency of iJeacon ,S. 11. Tillinghast is carried on. The church »
clerk is S. W. Thornton. Henry A. Bailey and .S. H. Tillinghast
are the deacons.
P(,)X'ri.\c.— Next below, Natiek on the Pawtuxet \'allev railroad,
is the village of l\)nti.'ic, which has had various names; the
" Cireat ^Veir" was the designation at one time, then "(".recne's
Bridge, "and "Arnold's Bridge," and the present title of " I'on-
tiac." It is now owned by B. B. cS: R. Knight, and has a factory
building- GU by ]'2() feet, built of brick, four stories Irgh, and an
addition of stone, (10 by Co feet. The river at this ])lace has
Gmu feet head and fall, oper;iting ■i7,(>(J(i spindles and ('.78 looms,
making- sheetings; also, a bleachery, 40 by8<) feet, with a capac-
ity of ]()0 tons per week. The village has a population of about
1,500 inhabitants, contains Rio tenements belonging to the own-
ers of the mills, and about hfty belonging to other parties.
The site of the village in the year i8i)(i, was in possession of
Gideon Mumford, who was drowned in the river near his house.
The land and water power were subsequently purchased bv
Henry Arnold, who in connection with Dutec Arnold, erected a
saw and g-rist mill in J81(». Horatio Arnold subsequently carried
on wool carding and cotton spinning in another mill. This,
building- was also used at different periods for the manufacture
of coarse wt)olcn cloth. In February, 1827, Rice A. L^rown, Jon-
athan Knowles and Samuel Fenner bought the land and two-
thirds of the water-]K)wer of the Arnolds for 84. 2."in. Thev run
it for about two years, having twentv loonis.on which thev wove
coarse sheetings. In 182',). during the general depression in
manufacturing operations, they failed, and the propcrtvwas sold
at public auction, in ]8;!(>, to John H.Clark. Two vears after-
ward, Clark bought of Dutee Arnold the other one-third of the
water-power, v.-ith the saw mill and grist mill, and in 18:52, built
a stone factory, in which he run seventv-five loon-is. In 1834, the
HISTORY ()]■■ WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES. 1(1]!;)
bleachery was built fiUcd to bleach "2, rP.^O pounds per day. Get)rgc
T. Spicer. later of I'rovidenee, of the iirm of Spieers c^- Peekhani,
was superinteudent. Mr. S])icer married the ■^a-anddaui_;-liter of
Judge Dutee Arnold. From JS-2-i to 18-2'.), .Mr. .^pieer lived at
Phenix, having- charge a portion of the time of the machine'
shop, lie afterward rcmo\-ed to Providence, and in 1S:1(I went
to Pontiae, where he was connected with the mills, having full
charge of the concern for ten years ]n-evious to ],s-j.-). IJc after-
ward removed to Providence, where he took the general chai-ge
of the Pligh Street I'^urnace Company for five years, andj then
bought in with I)utee Arnold, and built the furnace now known
as .Spicers i*t Pecklram's furnace.
October 4th, ]S.-|(), Mr. Clark sold out his estate to Zachariah
Parker and Rol)ei't Knight for $10,0(10. In JSr)2, the premises
pas.sed into the hands of the present owners, the Messrs. P. P. iK:
R. Knight, who changed the name of the place to Pontiae. Va-
rious changes and improvements have been made in the mills, as
well as in the general appearance of the village since it has been
in po.sse.ssion of the Knights. In 1S.")S, they had .so enlarged the
bleaehery that they were able to hnish five tons daily. The cot-
ton mill then contained 12-1 looms and ."j, 000 spindles for the man-
ufacture of cott(.)n cloth. The old bleach works were burned
A]n-il 1.")th, 1^;70, and a new building was immediately erected
and in operation September 1st, 1870. The new building is of
stone, lOO by 40 feet, arranged with all the modern improvements
for carrying on the bleaehery business, and capable of turning
off fifteen tons of goods per day. 'I'lie old stone mill was torn
down and the handsome new brick building erected upon its site
in 1SG3. The dimensions of the new mill are 200 by UO, with an
ell, 90 by 4o. Its capacity is 27,000 spindles. The fall of water
is about seven feet. The goods manufactured are fine sheetings,
known by the popular name of the •' Fruit of the Loom." In
1860, the company built a large brick store, with an upjicr room
nicely fitted up for religious services, and in 1874, a store house
of stone, i:)7 by ■)8 feet, and five stories high. .Mr. S. X. Pournc
was in charge of the works from June, 1800, to June, 1887. Al-
bert Ilawksworlh, the present superintendent, then succeeded
him. In addition to the extensive works in this vill;ige, the Mes-
srs. Knight own the mills at White Rock and 1 )r.dgeville, and an-
also the principal owners at Hebron and }ilanchaug.
In 1808, the new public highway leading fi'om thi.s village to
1020 inSToRV 01' WASIIINCTOX AND KIONT COUNTIICS.
Natick, was laid out, and in 1873, the company obtained a cliar-
ter from the general assenibly to lay rails alongside this ro;;d
from the Hartford railroad to their village, for carrying freiglit
and passengers.
The old ta\'crn on the north side of the 7'i\-er, -was one of the
most noted ]iul)lic houses outside of the city o( Providence, un-
til the Pro\-idencc and Xew hondon turn]iil<e \\-as btiilt. and was
ke2:it by llenr_\' Ainold, son of iicnianiin, wlio was a grandson of
Captain IScnjarnin (h-ecne. The old road on \vhich it was situ-
ated, was laid out in 172'.t, and was tlie onlv thiuouglifai e from
Providence into the C(juntry in tliis direction. \Vhen the tuui-
pikc was ])ut througli it was left out of tlie main line of ti-avel.
and a new tavern was built to the westward on the turnpike,
wdiich became known as the C.orton Arnold 'J'avern, (ir "Corton
Arnold -Stand." (".orton Arnold was a son of Philij). who was
brother of Judge Dutee Arnold. A few years ago the tavern was
consumed by fire and a new one erected.
Judge 1 )utee Arnold \vas one of the must eonspictuuis men of
tlie place, and was well known throughottt the state for more
than lialf a century. In June. 1S17, he Awas elected an associate
ju.stiee of the su])remc court. He took his seat on the bench in
May, 1818, and continued in office until 182--2.
Joseph Haddock keejis the old store formerh- the company's
store. He came here in ISSS. ]. L. l-^ish came to the village
and kept the 1!. P. cK: R. Knight boarding house four years, and
then began trading at his present place of business.
One of the three principal st(_ires v>f Pontiac is owned and r)p-
erated by Charles A. Johnson. He is one of three brothers,
Charles A., Claes E. and Richard, who came here from Sweden
in 1874. Their older brother Swanty came in 1S71. The two
older brothers began business in I\Iav, ISSJ, in a new building
of their own. In Jantuiry, 1SS7. Charles A. bouglit the whole
business, which now includes a grocery, market and general
store.
First Fur.K AVii.i Ikxi'Tisr CHtucii, Pm.\ii,\( .--This church
was originally located in tliat portion of the town now becoming-
known as Cirecnwood, near the " High House," so called. Pre-
vious to the building of the meeting house, meetings were held
in a school house, across the railroad, on or near the site of the
present dwelling of Mr. Collingwood. Elder Reuben Allen a]i-
pears to have been the first ])astor, and John Carder and John
IHSTOKV OF WASHINGTON' ANU KENT COUNTIES. ]l)2]
Gorton, deacons. The (.■huixii was prosperous under the leader-
ship of Elder Allen, and many were added to the ehureh. The
. church built their meeting- house .about the year ]KJ;3. holder
Allen was followed in tlie ]i;istorale by I'Tder James Phillips,
1. who preached for several years. The church during" this time
; pas.sed through severe trials, from which it never fully reeov-
■ ■ ered. Elder Champl.ain ]ireached for a while in the meeting
hou.se, and until about Ihe time the church of which he was pas-
I tor built a house fur themselves' about a mile to the southward.
Elder Joseph Whittemore preached twice a month for awliiJe,
) about the year 1842-3, and after that preaching services were
i held only occasionally until the house was renroved to Pontiac
i and the church reorganized.
About the vear 1H."»(i the ineeting house was removed to Pon-
1 tiac upon land given by David Arnold. The land, according to
I the terms of the deed, was to revert to the original owner or his
j heirs, assigns, <.K:c., when no longer u.sed for cir.jrch purposes.
; In ^larch, 1851, the church was reorganized under the name of
The First Free Will Baptist Church of Warwick. The following
I persons composed tlie new organi/.alinn : Joseph P. Pnaker, h>T
j . mund L. Pudlong. .Moses Pudlong, William Tibbitts, P.urden
Baker, John Vickery, Stejjhen Luther. Freelove Woixl, Hannah
i Searles, Susan jjcnnctt and Susan P>aker. Uriah 1-Lddy, who
united a few weeks later, was appointed a deacon, and Edmund
L. Budlong clerk. Elder Reuben Allen, who appears to have
been the first preacher under the old organization, was the first
pastor under the new order of things. On March i:>th, 18.")-i, the
church voted t(.) change their name to the " Warwick ehureh."
In 18o2 Uriah F.ddy became the church clerk. On April 19th,
185G, passed a "vote of thanks" to l'>ldcr Reuben Allen for his
services during the past year, and ajipointed Joseph B. Paker a
committeeto sup]i]\- the jnilpit. Fr<_im this time up to .\]M-il,
18;')9, the puliiit was supplied by different ]>reachers. At this lat-
ter date it was voted " that Elder Reuben Allen be our pastor
for the ensuing year." On April 2Sth, 18i;], George T. Hill was
licensed to preacli the gospel, and un September 0th following
he was ordained as p.astor of the church by Elders (jcorge T.
Day and Reuben .Vllen. In October i'ollowing, Horace Tliomp-
son was licensed to jn'each the gospel. l'V)l]owing him came
Elder Reuben Allen, July, 18G2: Franklin P<.)tter, April -iCth,
18G3; David Culver, ]une 4th, 1804 (salary, S'2oi)i ; A.Warner,
1022 HISTORY OK WAsiiiNGTr)X axu kf.nt counties.
March :](itli, ^SOCi, and the last pastor was ]{]flcr ToIk-v, who re-
mained two years, when failini;' healtli induced liim to resiyn,
and from this lime until they disbanded tlie chuix-h was pas-
tor] ess.
On November jth. JS71, tlie church met in eo\-enant and de-
cided to sell their house oi" worship and unite with the church at
Apponauj;-.
Ai.i, Saixis' CiirkiTi, Pknitac. — This parish was organized
April 0th, ISC'l), when the followinp,- officers were elected: Senior
warden, vStephen X. liourne ; junidr warden, John P. Olney:
treasurer, John h\ Knowles ; clerk, John ]\ ( )lney ; vestrymen,
Samuel ];lack, Samuel Preston, Henry ()wen, John Cildard, l~.d-
win R. KniL;"ht, William Woolev, Isaiah \Vilde, 'rhi>m;is ]-A-ans,
Charles .S. Robinson, ^Villiam A. Core}-, John V. Knowles.
Reverend L. Sears of St. Parthohnnew's church, Cranston,
held sei-vices for the first time in All Saints church April ]st,
ISC)'.). Reverend E. 11. Porter commenced labor in the ])arish on
July 4th. There were then but five rei^'ular communicants
connected with the jxarish. InU the church prospered greatly. In
July, JS7(i, Mr. Porter resigned and September -1th, 1S72, Rever-
end II. K. Prowse succeeded, but his ill health compelled him to
give up his ])ast(jral work and in December, IS72, Reverend
William 11. Williams took charge and remained till April, 187."),
but we have not learned tht; names of the succeeding rectors.
Reverend L. P. Thomas was here in ISS4, at which time, under
his inilucnce, a good public library was established in the vil-
lage.
The new Episcopal church at Pontiac was built during the
year 1888, and the consecration took place October l»th. On this
occasion a sjiecial train brought two hundred iicoj-ilc from P.ostrai
and Providence to take ])art in the exercises. After the organ
voluntary b}- Mr. I )ownes, the bishop entered the main door,
followed bv fift\--thrcc clergvmen, and as they moved uj) the
south side of the chancel they relocated the Twenty-fourth
Psalm. Reverend Daniel Coodman of liast lircenwich read the
instrument of donation. Then followed the solemn pra^'crs of
the Episcopal service, after which Rcveix-nd F.dnunid S. Rrais-
manierc, the I'cctor of the parish, read the sentence of consecra-
tion whereliy the building Avas declared to be ■• .Uj'^ciriittil froiii till
uiiliallo:ccd. ordiiitirv and coimiioii nsis a)id sociidly dtdiraU-d to the
scrviii: of the I-JcDial Trinity in Unity."
j HISTORY OF WASHIXOTOX ANIJ KKNT C:OUNTIi:S. 1(1-23
; The chun.-h is g'olhic in most of its lines, yel thcix- are c\'i-
i denees of indepcndenl desiyn. The tr)\ver is espceially note-
worlhy for ils ^"racefnl pi^oportions, and the eannaLi;'u porcli fur-
I nishcs a nnique addition to the western end of the Ijinldiny:^
I Alony thf south side nf tlie ehureli runs a ch)ister, whieli is one
1 of the liajipicst of the exterior arehiteetni'al features. The most
i strikino- feature of the interior is tlic beautifid ehaneeh It is
I ...
! semi-cu'eular m sliape, sun-(junded by a very handsi.ane brass
rail and enelosin;,;- elegantly ear\-ed ehorry fwrniture.
The eonimuniiin table stands in the eenter; on eitlier side are
chairs, ariti(|tie in design, for the IJishopand reetor, and along- tjie
eastern wall are arranged nine sedilia for the elergv. The }i\-e
windows arc fdled with some of the finest gdass in Xe^\■ I'^ng-
land. The eenti'al window is in memi)r\- of the mother of Rob-
ert Knight of the Poritiae Manufacturing Compan\'.and consists
of a very beautiful and sjnritual female figure, in rich coloring
and graceful drapery. On either side of the central window are
two smaller windows given by Robert Knight in memorv of his
children. There is alsri a handsome window in honor of ]^lrs.
Stephen I'ournc.
To the north of the clianccl is the r()l)ing room, a cosy and
I comfortably ai^rangcd apartment for the rector of the parish.
The feature of the church that still remains to be noticed is the
high open roof, rising forty feet above the lloor of the church,
and b}' its rich coloring giving an added dignity to the building.
Attached to the church as a transept, is the l^arish House meas-
uring 00 by 40 feet. Here all the parochial activities are to find
rooms for their work. A door opening from the church, lea.ds to
two elas.s-rooms, beyond which is the Sundav school room. The
latter room will also be used for tlie week-day services of the
parish. Up one fiight of stairs is a large rdry room which is used
by the jiaroehial organizalitms. A sma.ll reading i-oom is also on
this fioor. In the basement of the Parish House are dining-room
and kitchen, showing that tlie soeial side of life is not to be
neglected. Throughout the church and parish house are found
the evidences of skillful architecture and tasteful coloring. The
architect was Howard Hoppin of Providence. Tliebnildings were
erected and deeded for church jiurposes by the Pontiac Manu-
facturing Company, consisting of Messrs, V,. ]). \- R. Knight, of
Providence, wlio, with the exception of ;^l,^lOO raised bv the par-
ish, bore the entire cost.
1024 UISTORV OF \VAS1IIX(;T<'X ami KICNT COUNTIES.
HiLl.'s GKnvi:.--'l'his is a thrivin-- little villa-e en the Stonini;--
ton railroad, that has sprtni;.,;- tip since the buildiiii;- of the lar^c
iron works and mills at this point. "The Rhode Island Mallea-
ble Iron Works were started here in K^OT by a company, with -
Thomas ]. Hill, president and treastircr; .^mith (Jniml)}-. super-
intendent, and Samuel W. Kilvert, ai^ent. They erected a line
brick edifice with a front of about -2-17 feet by r,(i feet, with an L,
iLsed as a mouldin-' room, 1 0,""i by CO. When in full t.peration it
employs lOO hands. Its business isthe manul'acture of all kinds
of malleable iron castings.
"The process by which these ea.stings are produced may le
briefly stated. In the meltiny- process, the iron does not come
in direct contact with the coal, as m ordinary furnaces used for
the production of common castings, but is in a receptacle
by it.self, where the refining process is carried on by carefully
skimming off the dro.ss as it collects upon the surface, leaving
only the pure metal for the moulder's ladle. This separation of
the iron from the coal in the process of melting incurs an in-
crea.sed e.xpenditure of coal, about a ton of the latter being re-
quired to bring a ton of iron to the desired ])oint. After cool-
ing, the eastings are closely packed in iron boxes, iron scales
being used in packing; the boxes are then placed in a furnace,
where they are subjected t<j a certain degree of heat for the
space of nine days, for the purpose of annealing them. The car-
bon i.s by this time thrown off. and they are found to be as tough
and pliable as wrought iron. A multitude of different articles
are thus manufactured, of all sizes and shapes, from garden rakes
and coffee mills to the larger pieces used in connection with cot-
ton and woolen machinery. They use principally for these pur-
poses the kind of iron known to the craft as cold blast charcoal
iron."
Elizabeth mill. No. 1 , at this point, was built by Thomas J.
Hill, a very prominent gentleman of Providence, R. 1. The mill
gives employment to two hundred and .sLxty-hve hands, and is
under the cliieient superintendence of William C. James, who is
also a part owner of the stock. The mill is a very large struc-
titre, 3-i4 by To feet, three stories high, and has an extension l^O
by 28 feet.' It operates •i(),000 spindles and manufactures hne
yarn thread and warj.s. There is a store m connection with the
mill, under the management of lienjamin C. Sweet. h:i)zal)eth
mill, Xo. -2, is the old Bay Mill of F.ast Greenwich. ^Ir. James
;i.-.-.s. ■',
.*\ '^
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^^1^'LO^Vr i'.'^ywCC/J^^^-L.^
insTOKV cu' \v.\sni.\(.n'ox and kext cxh'n rii:s. 302;')
took charj^-e of tliis mill in I JcccnibL-r, iyS'2. It em]'l<i_\s. ninety
hands and operates 1 .'t'rj spindles. This mill was jnirehased of
the Bay J>Iill Company. The firm iseomposed of Thomas J. Hill,
president: A]l.)ert Hill, liis son, seeretary and tre;isnrer; andAVil-
liam G. James, sui^erintendent.
Mktiiodis'I' Cili'kcil.- There is a ^lethodist elunxh in the ham-
let of Hill's Grove. The building- was ereeted in 1SS7, at a eost
of S^'/""'. having- a membershi]) of fifty })erst>ns, Serviees were
held prior to the buildini.;- of the new house in'the old hall now
used for school purposes. There is a S.alibath seho<:)l, under the
Siiperintendenee of Reverend Mi-. ."-Stetson, of sixty scholai-s. The
first located pastor w,as the Reverend Addis Albro, wlm canu: in
1882. He was followed bv Reverend ( ieorye K. iHinbar. and he
by Reverend W. H. Stetson.
Under the influence (jf such men as Messrs. Ouimb_\-. James
and others, who ha^•e i^iven eliaracter ti) the place, a temjierance
societ)' -was organized in Hill's Cirt)ve in 1881!, and is also in a
flourishing condition.
Mr. Thomas ]. Hill has also been of consideraljle help in all
matters pertaining to the jniblie welfare. Ik- built the school
house for the village years ago, and has in vari<:)us ways assisted
the public in all laiul;djlc undertakings. He is now a resident
of Providence, is pi-esidcnt of several large business undertak-
ings, and a m.an of considerable wealth. He is at this time
eighty-four years of age.
liiooKAi'iiic.M, sKiviriii:s.
DwKuiT R. Aii.\MS. — Henrv Adams, the ancestor of nearly all
who bear that name ii-i this country, was born in Ih-aintrec,
England, in the latter part of the reign of (Jueen ITi/.abcth, and
■with his eight sons and a daughter, who were also l)orn and edu-
cated there, emigrated to Xew hhigland abf)Ut the year ](i-)().
Dwight R. Adams, the sul)ject of this sketch, \\-as Ijorn in
Lisbon, New Lt)ndon ci>unl\-, Connt'cticut. December llth. I.'s21i.
He was the eldest son of ?\Iar\-in and Almira illaldwini Adams,
and of the eighth generation in direct lii-ie of descent fri>n-i the
emigrant Henry, of ISraintree, r^Iassachusctts. i Marvin', .Samuel
C.°, vSamuel'. I )a\-id', Heur}-'. h^dward" and Henry', i The early
life of ^Ir. Adams was passed in the si .uthc;istern ]);irt of A\'ind-
ham coui-it\-, C(.)nnecticut, where his yiarents h;ul h.icatcd soon
after his bii'th. In the public and private schools of the age
C5
1()2G iiisiOKV OF WASHixr/rox Axn kkxt couxties.
the elements of a substantial education were obtained, whieh in
later years, without the aid <>( the sehuc.l and the sehiMihnaster,
he developed and utilized fur praetieal and important results.
Farming- in the summer and teaehiny in tlie ])ub]ie sehofjls in
the winter r)ccupied the early vears of his manhood from 1^^ |0
to J 84!).
On the 7th of ( )etober, 1SI'.». he was united in marriage with
}iliss .Sarah ]., the youngest of the three daughters of Captain
S.amucl I., and IJelsey (Adams) Hough, t)f Canterbury, Conn.
She was the eighth generation in a direct line of descent from
Edward Hough of l-higland. (Capt.ain Samuel l..\ 1 )octor Walter",
John', ]olin', lolm'. William-' and l-^dward'.) In-imediately after
marriage he settled in Warwick" and enlt-red upon a career of
successful teaching- in several of the grammar schools of the
town, also six vears in Woonsocket and a year in Covcnty Cci-Kre,
retiring- from the work in June, IS.'-^O. He was elected by the
general assemblv in .May, ISSO, a n-ien-iber of the state Pjoard oi
Education and trustee of the State X(U-mal School, positions
which by triennial elections he still holds. To the local interests
of Warwick he has given n-ixich time and attention since he re-
tired from the teacher's chair. As a meml)er of the school com-
mittee for a dozen vears, and as chairman for the last eight
years, he has exerted an in-ipm-tant inlluence upon educational
matters in the town. In ISSo he was elected superintendent of the
public schools, and since his re-election in 1880, has continued
to fill that pcxsition.
He is .serving- his eighth year as town treasurer of Warwick,
was town auditor in bSTS-"?!"), and has been a director in the
Centreville National Bank since ISTO.
In politics Mr. Adams is a repulilican, ai-id was elected a repre-
sentative to the general assembly in 1878, and for live other
consecutive vears. beginning with 188<>. In the general assem-
bly he was chairman of the con-m-iittee on fisheries in 1880, and
from 1881 to 1881 was a member of the committee on education,
being- two years its chairman. He was chairman of a board of
commissioners ap])ointed under an act of the generrd assembly
to abolish the tribal relations of the Xarragansclt tribe of In-
dians, passed in 1881), the duties of which, including the pre-
liminarv work of 187'.), occupied the attention of the board from
1870 to 18S-I. The work was very successfully ;iccon-iplislicd.
His social proclivities led him in 18Go to unite with the ]\Iasonic
1^
j,;h --^-s.nn
\
N
K ;
^ /
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35
-^J^'-^^^i
HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOX AXIJ KHXT COUXTIKS. I'l-i?
fraternity, and finally carried him throu<;-h the Lod^^e. Chapter,
Council andCommandery. lie has constantly lield some official
position in his Lodge since receiving;- " liyht." also in liis Chapter
since its organization, and has presided in his C(.inncil ; he was
District Deputy Cirand Master of the state for four consecutive '
vears from Mav. 1S74. " I'reemasonry in Kent County," is from
his pen. iSee Chapter XIX in this work.)
Wi!.Li.\M (iiwiv/iA I'.KNNKi r.-Mr. ISeuuett is a son of Thomas
liennett. who resided in Newport during the revolutionary war,
and on the bombardment of that town made Old Warwick his
resideitcc. lie marric<l Lydia C,uarzia, daughter of Cajjtain John
Guarzia, and had live children : Esther, who died ;it an early
age; Esther, wife of Isaac Nichols: licnjamin. \Villiam (i. and
Elizabeth, wife (jf \\'illiam Hurden. All are riow deceased.
Captain fTuarzia, a Portuguese, was a brave and intrcipid offi-
cer. The luiglisl: shi]) "St, James " left Jamaica with CiiK^ tons
of .sugar, bound, in company with five other vessels, for l-^ngland,
under the protection of two convoys. They became sejxarated
in a gale off Cape llatteras, and sijcedily encountered Captain
Guarzia's gunl.ioat, manned by its commander and live men, and
carrying two six-jjounders. Aware of the rich prize that aw.ailcd
them, they determined to capture the h^nglish vessel, and con-
sequently aimed all their shots at the sails and rigging. After
a continuous assault of five days, on the sixth day she surrend-
ered with thirty men, the captain remarking, as he observed the
swarthy complexion of Captain Guarzia, that it was very •' humil-
iating to surrender to a nigger in a hog trough." This remark
so enraged the captain that he threatened to cut off the offend-
er's hsad with his sword if it were repeated. The " St. James "
was brought to the dock in Ea.st Greenwich, and the cargo di-
vided as prize money among the crew.
William Guarzia Ijcnnett was born September llth, 17'.)], in
East Green\\-ich, where he remained for main- years. \'er}- lit-
tle time was afforded for acquiring e\"en a modest education,
his early life having been devoted to hard labor. His industry
was rewarded with ninepence a day until greater devotion to his
task brought the increased sum of twcnty-fi\'e cents per day. On
attaining the years of manhootl he became a sailor, and for six
years followetl the sea, his obicctivc points being Knst Green-
wich and the coast of South America. ( Jn retiring from this
somewhat wandering life he became an ajiprentice under Stutk-
1028 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES.
ley Williams to the trade of cai-penter. and for a period of thirty
years pursued this trade in the vieinity of his home. He was for
many years employed as head carpenter at Xatiekbv Messrs. A.
& W. Sprague. meanwhile residing upon the farm he purchased
in Warwick, now tlie home of his son. William H. Bennett.
Here in the agreeable pursuits pertaining to the life of a farmer
his advancing years were pas.sed.
Mr. Bennett was in 1827 married to Cyrena, daughter of jabez
Williams, and a descendant in the seventh generation froni
Roger Williams, as follows: Roger', Joseph''. Thomas', Thomas',
John", Jaltez". Cyrena'. The cliildren of :\lr. and Mrs. Bennett
were: Leorra \V. (Mrs. Job R. Cardi. born July 27th, 1827 : Mary
Ann, January 7tli, 1829; William H., December 27'h. 18:58 ; and
Emma, who died 1 )ecember 12th, 1842. Mr. Bennett devoted the
later portion of his life to farming, and engaged in no other
business. He was iji pob'tics first a whig, and afterward a re-
publican, strong in his convictions, and true to his partv affilia-
tions. He was p:irticul;irly jn-onounced in his opposition to the
Dorr rebellion, and ready with influence and personal effort to
aid in suppressing the insurrection. He was reared in the
Quaker faith, which he revered, though not a con.stant attendant
upon its services. The death of Mr. Bennett occurred on the
8th of August, 187(1, and that of his wife September 1-lth, 18G7.
Their son, William H.. who now cultivates the farm, married
April 27th, ]8{;.""), Anna M.. daughter of Deacon James S. (Gard-
ner, of Xorth Kingstown, who died May 21st. 1881. ^Ir. Ik-n-
nett, while devoting nmch time to the farm, has also found op-
portunity for the development of his mechanical tastes. He is a
skillful carpenter and an adept in the construction of machinery.
his ingenuity and knowledge being of practical use in his daily
avocations. He was first in the town.ship to applv steam for ag-
ricultural purposes, and to adapt its use to cider mills.
John C. Ellis.— t^idcdu l-:ilis, the grandfather of the subject
of this biography, who resided in West Greenwich, was born in
October. 1724, and died September :!Oth. 170:]. He was thrice
married, his third wife being l':ii;;abeth Manchester, to whom he
was united on the 21st of }>larch, 17(;2. Among their seven chil-
dren was a son Arnold, burn September C.th, MCA. in West (~ireen-
wich, whose death occurred I-'ebruary 2ud, 1844. He was on the
31st of July, 17'.!]. married to .Mary Crandall. Their children
//
/ \
-0 < ^A^^^^
HISTORY OK WASirrNCrrON AND KKNT COUNTIES. lO'J!)
were; Alsey, L\'dia, Elizal;clh. Polly, Ruth, (Jidcon, Robert C,
Caleb G., Atlucy, ArnoUl and John C.
The last named and yoiinox'st of this number, John Crandall.
was born ]\Iarch 1st, 181-1, in West (rreenwieh, and speflt his
youth on the homestead farm. His edueation was eonfmed to
the rudiments of English acquired at the district .school. He,
however, po.ssessed a retentive memory and excellent judgment,
which made am.ends in a large degree for the lack of thorough
schola.stic training, and greatly aided iri establishing his success
as a practical business man. Mr. Ellis continued to interest him-
self in matters pertaining to the farm, of which he a.ssumed con-
trol some years before the death of his father. In 1S49, by spe-
cial bequest he came into posscssif)n of the property, upon which
he resided until the spring of isrio, the date of his removal to
East Greenwich. Here he a few months later entered upon the
duties of steward of the Greenwich Academy, and continued
thus employed until the spring of LS.')7, which he devoted to
travel. In 1858 he purchased property within the village limits,
and until 180.'' filled the office of postmaster, subsequently hold-
ing that of town clerk fcjr the year ISfi?. He was also made sec-
retary and treasurer of the Rhode Lsland Insurance Company.
Mr. Ellis, with his active energetic spirit, found it diflicult to re-
main idle, and on his retirement from these responsibilities held
the position of town auctioneer for twelve years, and also that of
collecting agent. In 1882, having effected an exchange of prop-
erty, he settled in Cranston, and two years later, on his removal
to East Greenwich, became pos.se.ssor of his present attractive
home on the boundary line in Warwick.
A democrat in his political convictions, he has ever been a clo.se
observer of political events, and participated in most of the move-
men.ts which affected his immediate locality. His election to a
seat in the state legislature in 184-1 was contested, but his claims
were strongly vindicated by re-election during the years 1845,
184G, 1849, 18.50 and hS.'i-i. In 18r)4 he was elected to the state
senate. In 18G4 he filled the same office as representative ftir
East Greenwich, his former constituenc}' having been in the dis-
trict of West Greenwich. He has since devested his time eliiefl\'
to the duties of collecting agent, real estate broker, ami auc-
tioneer.
Mr. Ellis was on the :!lst of May, 184C), married to Miss lluldah,
daughter of I'elcg I'^Ilis, of Di'vden, X. V. He united witii the
lO.ViO HISTORY OF \VASHIN(.10X AND KENT COUNTIES.
BajAist church in J yr)8, has since been zealous in the fiirthcrance
of its interests, a devout student of the liible as the best of all
books, and an earnest -worker in the Sunday school.
John R. (jOukkkw -Joshua Hiidfrev, the g-randfather of the'
subject of this bioyraph}-, resided in Ivist Greenwich, prioj' to
the war of the re^•olution, for which he was drafted, but not
finding it convenient to enter the service, secured a substitute.
He married Mary Cooper and settled in East Greenwich, where
his children, three sons and three daughters, "wl-re born. His son
Slocum Godfrey, who spent the greater part of his life on the
homeslead farm, married Sarah Reynolds, a daughter of John
Reynolds of Warwick, and his wife ]\Iary, daughter of Willi;im
Hall, a representative of one of the oldest families in Warwick.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Godfrey were as folhjws: Mary IT.,
wife of Daniel Bi'iggs ; Ruth, married to fames Place ; Abby,
John R., Catherine, wife of Albert Greene ; Joslnia S., Sarah,
and lilizabeth, wife of John Madison. But twt) of this number,
John R. and Mrs. (Treene, survive.
John R. Godfrey was born Marcli 7th, !&]. on the farm which
was the honre of liis maternal grandfather, and at the age of
four }-ears, removed with his parents to East Greenwich. After
a rudimentary education, the best the district at that time afford-
ed, he devoted his energies to the improvement of the farm,
and continued an invaluable aid to his father until his twenty-
sixth year, assuming full charge of the various departments of
labor, and exercising much judgment in the management of
affairs. In 1818 he removed to his present home in Warwick,
previously luirchased by his father, the land of which he culti-
vated for some years and finally received as his paternal inherit-
ance. Although an estate of fair proportions, it did not satisfy
the ambition of its owner, who has since added largely to its
dimensions. His life has been that of an enterprising and suc-
cessful farmer. Mr. fiodfrey has found his time fully occupied
-with his varied business interests, and has therefore avoided the
i busy arena of politics. A democrat in his convictions, he has
' filled no offices other than such eompai'ati\-ely unimportant ones
'(is pertain to his immediate locality. He was reared in. the
Quaker faith and worships with the Friends' meeting at East
Greenwich, though Mrs. Godfrey is a member of the Baptist
church of Aj)ponaug.
Mr. fSodfrev was on the 8th of T'ebruary, J 847, married to Eliza
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HISTOl;V OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES. lO:!!
G., daughter of Daniel Williams, of Coventry, and a descendant
in the direct line from Roger Williams. They have fonr chil-
dren, a daughter and three sons, as follo^vs : Anna C, the wife
of George Storrs ; Charles S., who assists his father on the farm ;
William H., engaged in business in Providence, and George W.,
who cultivates the homestead farm. Charles S. is married to
Isora Locke of Warwick ; the wife of William II. was forn:erly
Carrie Williams of Apponaug; and George W. is married to Ida
Briggs, of East Greenwich.
Simon IIenkv Greene was born in Centreville, in the town of
Warwick, R. I., I\larch 31st, 1709, and died at his own village of
Clyde, in the same tin\-n, April '2(ith, l^S.'i, being a little over SO
years old. His parents were Job and Abigail (Rhodes) Greene.
His father was the eldest son of Colonel Christopher Greene, of
the First Rhode Island Continental Regiment, and was in the
right of Colonel Greene, who was killed in the revolutionary war
prior to its formation, one of the members of the Rhode Island
Society of the Cincinnati. On the reorganization of this society
some years ago, vSimon Henry Greene was admitted a member
in the right of his father, and was elected its vice-president, in
which office he continued until his death.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the school in his
native village, at an excellent private school in Stonington, and
finally by Mr. David Aldrich, at Woonsocket, R. I. In ]Si:M4
he was employed by his brother-in-law, Abner M. Warriner, who
was then manufacturing cotton checks in Hartford, Conn., and
on his employer's death, returned home. In ISL") he took up a
permanent residence in Providence, remaining there until ISJS,
when he removed to Clyde, in Kent county. His first business
training was in the house of Aborn & Jackson, who were mer-
chants as well as manufacturers, being eventually associated with
them as agents of the Lippitt ^lanufacturing Company, under
the firm name of Aborn, Jackson cK: Greene. In 1S:?S he formed
a copartnership with Edward Pike, under the style of Greene iS:
Pike, for the purpose of bleaching and finishing cotton gcod.s
afterward adding printing machinery, which business he en-
larged after the death of Mr. Pike in 1S4-2, having acquired, by
purchase from the latter's heirs, the sole ownership of the prop-
erty now kno\\n as the Clyde Works.
Mr. Greene was a member of the Providence eiiy council from
is:}.") to the time of his removal to Warwick, in Jul}-, K^H.^. While
1032 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON ANU KENT COUNTIES.
a member of that body he was one of the City Audit, and was
prominent in remodeling the public aehool system and' m cre-
ating the office of superintendent, a system and office udiieh were
afterward adoj^ted, first by Boston and then throughout the corai- «
try. He was elected by the \'oters of his native town and final
residence, a representative in the general assembly in 1840 and
1842. On tlie death of his partner, Edward Pike, in the latter
year, he declined a re-election, but subsequently represented the
town four years in succession, from 1S.")1 to ISfi^. when he again
declined a re-election. In 18.")7, however, his fellow-citizens cIkjsc
him to represent them as a .senator in the general assembly, and
successively until 1S."39 he filled that lionorable office. In 1800 he
was elected a delegate to the Chicago Republican Conventiini,
and voted first for .Salmon P. Chase, and then for Abraham Lin-
coln as the nominee f(^r president of the United .States, lie was
also chosen for a presidential elector in 1804, and with his
colleagues, \'oted for the re-election of Mr. Lincoln. Mr. Greene
also served as a member and as secretary for a part of the time,
on the school committee of Warwick for fifteen years. He was
deeply interested in the cause of popular education, as evinced
by his long service in its behalf.
Besides the public offices enumerated above, there were many
others bestowed upon him by his friends and fellow-townsmen,
such as director in financial institutions, member of the t(nvn"s
committee on finance, the latter especially during the trying
times of the civil war, moderator of town meetings, chairman of
conventions acting in the transaction of public and ])olitical
affairs; and in :dl these his name was ever known as a synonym
of honor, uprightness and fidelity. It was through his sagacity,
strict sense of justice, and inflexible determination, that an act
•was passed by tlie general assembly, while he was a member of
one of its committees on finance, tliat a tax 'w'as levied upon the
deposits in savings institutions, which had been hitherto excm])t,
and a handsome addition was made to the revenue of the state,
without doing injustice to the depositors in those institutions. It
is a somewhat remarkable fact, that ^Ir. Greene never sought a
public office and was never amlntious for political preferment,
but believing that it was the duty of every good and hiyal citizen
to serve his fellowmen to the best of his ability whenever called
by them to perform public duties, he cheerfully, thoiigh at times
reluctantly, particularly when he thought h.is private interests
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES. 1038
might suffer in consequence, gave his time and talents for the
public good.
He was the last of the pioneers of the manufacturing industry
of the north valley of the Pawtuxet river, among whom were
Colonel Ephraim Talbot, Ex-Governors Charles Jackson and
Elisha Harris, James De Wolf, Doctor Caleb Fiske, Benjamin C.
Harris, Charles, Colonel Christopher and William Lippitt, Ben-
jamin Aborn, George Jack.son, Amasa and William H. Mason.
His father. Colonel Job Greene, was connected with a com-
pany for manufacturing cotton in 1794, and transferred to the
company land and water power by a deed bearing date October
3d, of that year. This was at Centreville, on the southwest
branch of the Pawtuxet. It is therefore seen that the family of
Simon H. Greene has been identified with cotton manufactur-
ing, by means of water power, almost from its very beginning.
Studious from early life, his mind was well stored with
useful learning, and his acquirements in general literature en-
abled him to write with both clearness and vigor of expres-
sion. In reading his preference was for religious philosophy
and while yet a young man he received the religious truths
taught by the eminent and learned Emanuel Swedenborg, and
finally became a member of the Providence Society of the New
Jerusalem church, commonly called Swedenborgians. His relig-
ious belief, founded as it was on the plain teachings of the Holy
Scripture, was in him the controlling cau.se of all his acts. It
had relation to his whole life, and its life in him resulted in be-
neficent acts, in whatever position he was placed, whether in his
own home where he presided with gentle firmness, dignity, ur-
banity and grace, mingled with the most affectionate care of his
family and dependents, or in the refinement, geniality and pleas-
ures of social life, or in public office, or in the affairs of his ex-
tensive business.
He was married March 13th, 1822, to Caroline Cornelia, eldest
daughter of Edward Aborn, of Providence. Their children were:
Edward Aborn, Henry Lehre, Christopher Rhodes, William
Rogers, John Waterman Aborn, Caroline Cornelia, George Fred-
erick (died in infancy), George Frederick (2d), Charles. Francis
Clinton and Abby Susan.
^ Henrv Lehre Greene, the second son of Simon Henry and
Caroline Cornelia Crreene, was born March 31st, 182.'), at the
Aborn homestead in Providence, and at the early age of three
1034 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES.
years entered a private schcxjl in that city. His studies were
continued until the age of fourteen, when with his parents he re-
moved to Clyde. He at once entered the Greene & Pike Bleach-
ery located at this point, as a common hand at fegular wages,
and continued thus employed until 1842, meanwhile becf)ming
thoroughly familiar with the business in all its details, and ren-
dering himself competent to manage each individual depart-
ment. On the death of the juni<jr partner in the year above
mentioned, he entered the office with a view to acquiring a
knowledge of the company's books, at the same time assisting in
the general management of the business. Leaving the olfice in
1845 his attention was mainly given to the practical working of
the establishment, now under his immediate supervision. Mr.
Greene acted in this capacity xmtil 1808, when much f)f the re-
sponsibility was relegated to other hands, and the mechanical
department of the works received his more especial oversight.
His connection with the business from early youth, his practical
acquaintance with its details, acquired by a thorough apprentice-
ship, and his taste for mechanics, have made his services invalu-
able and place him without doubt at the head of this great indus-
try. He drew the plans and specifications, located the machinery
and made the estimates for the spacious buildings now occupied
by the Clyde Bleachery and Print Works. Under his immediate
supervision the works were almost entirely rebuilt and enlarged,
and are now as thoroughly equipped as any establishment of its
character in the country.
The business which in 1842 was conducted in the name of S.
H. Greene, became, on a reorganization in 1SG5, S. H. Greene &
Sons, Mr. Greene, however, previous to this date participatingMn
the profits. A more adequate conceptifm of the growth of the
enterprise may be afforded by a comparison of the past with the
present. In the original establishment were employed thirty
hands. The list now numbers seven hundred. In 1838 one print-
ing machine was used, about 14,000 yards of cloth were bleached
per day, and 2,(>0it or more yards of indigo blue material was
printed and dyed. They have now in their bleachery a capacity
for 125 tons or 1,500.000 yards per week, and have nine printing
machines, whose aggregate production is 1.250,0(i(i yards per
week. For this vast material the United States affords a ready
market.
Mr. Greene, aside from the personal attention he gives to the
I HISTORY OF WASIUXCTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 1035-
I
I details of this extensive manufacturing interest, has fovind leis-
I ure for other projects. He is president of the Phenix Savings
I Bank, and in his early life was politically united with the whig
j party, to who.se candidates and measures he gave his cordial ainl
j generous support. He found it easy to transfer his allegiance to
j 'the republican party on its formation, and in IPy^ represented
I his constituency in the state senate. To this office he was again
elected in 1888 and assigned to the "important ;:ommittces on
finance and the judiciary. He has been since 1884 a member of
the Board of State Charities and Corrections, having been au-
pointed first for the unexpired term, and afterward for the full
period of six years. He has been largely identified witli local
affairs, was early elected to serve in ihe town council and later
made its president. He has also been an earnest sympathizer
with every measure tending to elevate the standard of education
in the town. Mr. Greene, although at an early age taken from
the school room to the workshop and counting room, continued
to discipline his mind and cultivate a refined taste, by judicious
reading, under the kindly direction and criticism of his father
and one or more wise counselors. He thus made amends in a
large degree for the lack of early schola.stic training and nut only
enlarged his range of thought, but became familiar with a wide
field in miscellaneous literature. He has occasionally responded
to demands for his presence on the rostrum, and delivered sev-
eral lectures and addres.ses on various .subjects, in his own and
other localities. He is a memberof the Swedenborgian church,
president of the society and leader of the services.
He was on the 13th of August, 18-19, married to :Marcv Good-
ing, daughter of Oliver C. Wilbur, of Providence, who died June
22d, 1879. Their children arc : Susan Aborn, Lucv Anna, wife
of Benjamin Aborn Jack.son of Providence; Caroline Cornelia
and Francis Whittier. Mrs. Jackson has two sons, Henrv Greene
and Donald.
Henry Whitman Gkeiai;.— Mr. Cireene's remote ancestor was
John Greene, a surgeon, son of Peter Greene, of Auklev tlall,
vSalisbury, Wiltshire-. England. He died m Warwick in KiOS
(O. S.), having been three times m/irried. His first wife, Joan
Tattersall, whom lie married in 1(519, was the mother of his six
children. John Greene landed in Boston in 1035, and at a later
date .settled in Providence, where he became one of the proprie-
tors, and ultimately located in Warwick. His second son, James,
1(13(5 HISTORY OF WASIIINGTOX AND KKXT COUNTIES.
was horn in 1G20 and died in 2()98. He married, first. Deliver-
ance Potter, of Warwick, and a second time Elizabeth Antbr)ny,
of Portsmouth. He Vjiiilt the orig'inal stone dwelling on the
homestead land, now owned by the snbject of this sketch, the
cellar walls of which are still standing. The house was demol-
ished more than seventy years ago, and the present residence,
erected in Kjy? by his son James, stands but a few feet from the
primitive structure occupied by his father. Within this build-
ing are various evidences of strength and antiquit}-. The mam-
moth fireplace, si.x by ten feet iri dimensions, the heavy oaken
beams and solid stairwaj's, all indicate the ancient and inde-
structible character of the work of that early day. The present
owner is justly proud of the fact that this ancestral property is
still his own, and has never passed from the Greene family.
James Greene, the second, died March 12th, 1712, at the age of
fifty-two. He was a man of much influence in his locality, the
first member of the Masonic fraternity in the county, and in
1702 captain of militia. His descendant, Henry W., has in his
possession a cane of which he is justly proud, brought from Eng-
land by his ancestor, and suitably inscribed, with the date 1087.
He has also preserved many deeds, records and parchmicnts bear-
ing the signatures of the early members of the family. Fones
Greene, one of the eight children of James Greene, died July
29th, 1758, at the age of sixty-seven. His oldest son, Captain
James Greene, the great-grandfather of Henry W., and oldest of
the si.x children of Fones Greene, was born in 171 '5. and married
Patience, daughterof Captain fohn Waterman, in 1740. Hedied
in 18^2, having been for more than sixty years a member of the
Baptist society. His son, James Green, was born on the hoiue-
stead, a portion of which he inherited. He married twice, his
first wife being Phebe Warner, who had five children. His sec-
ond wife was Deborah, daughterof John Gorton. His son, War-
ner James Greene, was born on the homestead inherited from
his father and grandfather. He married Harriet, daughter of
Henry Whitman, of Warwick, whose two children are Henry
Whitman and Robv H., wife of Benjamin Budlong.
The former of these, Henry Whitman Greene, was born on the
ancestral estate March 1st. 1814. The opportunities atlorded at
home for an ordinary Ivnglish education not being promising,
he pursued his studies in Providence, and on returning, began at
once the business of his life, that of a farmer. He has since
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HISTORY OF WASI'lNfiTON AND KENT COUNTIES. 10?>7
been known familiarly amon_e( his friends as " Farmer Greene of
the Buttonwoods." On the death of his father in 18-19, the estate
was divided between the son and dauL;'hter, ]\Ir. Greene reeeiv-
ing- the dwelling- known as the h(>niestead, witli land immedi-
ately adjaeent, whieh he li.as greatly improved, lie has gratified
his inclination in cultivating the paternal acres, and given time
and attention to this, to the exclusion of other business pursuits,
perhaps more attractive and less laborious. He was formerly a
trustee of tlae Gentrcville .'Savings Bank, and lias been for forty
years a member of Coventry Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons.
He has been since tlic casting of his first ballot a firm believer
in the principles of tlic whig party, and is now equally strong
in his defense of the republican platform. He has been a dele-
gate to state conventions, but alwavs declined office other than
that of member of the school board of his town. He was made
a major during the days when the militia was a power in the
state, and shouldered a musket when the Dorr rebellion inspired
the patriotism of Rhode Island citizens. On the election of Wil-
liam Henry Harrison to the presidency in 1840, Mr. Greene gave
a gigantic clambake on the homestead farm, when 10,000 gof)d
whigs cheered for " Tippecanoe and Tyler too." He celebrated
the election of his grandson, General Benjamin Harrison, in the
same hospitable manner in 1888. He is doubtless one of the best
informed men on matters of historical and antiquarian interest
in the town of Warwick. He adheres in religion to the faith of
his ancestors, that of the Baptist church.
Mr. Greene was married in 1842 to limcline, daughter of
Jeremiah Dexter, of Warwick, and granddaughter of Benjamin
Dexter, of Centreville, Warwick.
Richard Gkkene.— Richard Greene was born the 2d of April,
1827, on Warwick Neck in Kent county. The .schools of the
neighborhood afforded him opportunities for a rudimentary edu-
cation, and careful reading dr.ring the later years of his life did
fully as much as a more thorough course of study in the develop-
ment of a thoughtful halut of mind. He at an early age gave
considerable attention to the work of the farm and aided his
father greatly in his varied pursuit^;, meanwhile for five winters
assuming the charge of a district .school. In ]8.")4 he rented a
farm in the same town and found this venture so satisfactory as
to warrant a continuance of the arrangement for eleven years.
10:]8 HISTORY Ol' WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES.
On the death of his mother jNIr. Greene returned to the home-
stead farm, whieh he cultivated until 1871, when on tlie disposal
of his interest in the paternal estate, he purchased his present
home at Old Warwick. Here he erected a commodious dwel-
ling, and otherwise imjjroved the property, upon which he has
since resided.
He is one of the most representative republicans in his portion
of the town and exceptionally well ini\)rmed on all matters per-
taining to its interests. He was prominent in mvasures having
for their end a division of the town of Warwick in IXl'A -T."), wdiich
for the time being were del'eated. He was for six years an in-
fluential member of tlie town council and has held other less
important offices. He was one of the originators of the Old
Warwick I.ibrary Association, has been its devoted chamjuon
through manv vicissitudes, and is its present treasurer, his
daughter Ijeing the librari.an. He is a supporter of the P-ajitist
church of ()!d Warwick with which some of the family arc c<m-
nccted by membership.
Mr. Greene was on the 28th of September, 18.^)2, married to
Miss vSarah IMalvina Atwood, daughter of Jeremiah Atwood of
Pawtuxet. Their only daughter, Alice ])., is married to Robert
W. Greene, of Warwick, whose two children are Bessie A., now
living, and Marion, deceased. - —
The progenitor of the Greene family was Peter Greene, who
resided on his estate in Wiltshire, h^ngland. His son John, who
married Joan Tatter.sall, emigrated to America in ir>3.-). Their
fourth son Thomas was born in England in ^(^d'.) and admitted a
freeman in Warwick in 1G47. His death occurred in 1717. His
son Richard was born in ir(f57 and died in 1724, leaving a son
Richard, whose birth occurred in 17(i2 and his death in "1778.
Thomas, a son of the latter, was born in 1729 and died in ]81o.
His son Thomas Wickes was born in ]7(i0and died in ii^'A. He
married Barbara Low, wlio was born in 1770 and died in 18.")4.
Their son Richard Wickes, whose birth occurred in 171)1 and his
death in 1807, married P^etsey Wells Anthony, born in 171)(),died
in 18G(J. Mr. Greene, who was captain of a vessel engaged in
the lia.st Pndia trade, in 182(; purchased and afterward resided
upon the Wickes farm on Warwick X'eck. His son Richard, one
of seven children (three of whom are deceased) is the subject of
this biography.
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HISTORY or WASIIINC'IOV AND KKNT COUNTI?:S. 1039
Hkxkv D. HI:^T)|)^. — Mr. Ileydon traces his descent in the di-
rect line from ^^'illi.'lm Hayden, who was born in P^npland, and
probably eniig'ratcd to ^Vmeriea in l()oi). He was twice married,
his cliildren by the first union beini;': Daniel, born in liilO; Xa-
thaniel, in liil-J; and Mar)-, m l(i4S. Lieritenant Daiiiel Ilayden'
married, in JCifi-l, H.innah V\'il cock son, of Sti'atford, Conn., who
died in 172'J. Their children were: Daniel, born in irii'iC>; Han-
nah, in lOCiS; Nathaniel, in IfiTl : ^ViHiam, in in?:?; William, "Jd,
in 1076; Samuel, in ICTS; Ebenezer, in lOSl : and Mary, in KISS.
Ebenezer Ilayden, of llaydens, married, in 17oS, Mindwell dris-
wold, whose children were : I'.benezer, born December !)th, 17li9 :
Mindwell, April -Ith, 17i:i; and David, January "ilst, '17iri. The
last named of these children married, ]\Iarch ] 1th. I7(il, jemima
Ellsworth, who died l-\-bruary ]:jlh, 1S28. Their children wt're:
David, born in 1701 ; Jemima, in 17(11 ; Xewell, in 17(i!'i : Peletiah,
in 17(18: Oliver, in 177(1: Abijah, in 1772; L\-man, and ( )live.
Amon<4' these sons was Da\'id, grandfather of the subject of this
biography, a native of Ilarwmton, Conn., who remo\ed to lircen-
btish, X. Y., and died in IS:!."). lie v.-as three times married, and
had children: Manta, Miles Lester, born in 1704; liateman
Ellsworth, in 180'.); Julia, William Henry, Ann jemima, in 18'i(i;
and David." on the ^d of INIarch. 1822, in Greenbush.
David married, in 1819, Remima C. Johnson, whose only son,
Henry D. Heydon, was born December 25th, 1851, in Coventry,
R. I., and in childhood became a resident of Woonsocket, where
he remained until his tenth year. He then removed to Provi-
dence and .supplemented his course of study in the English
branches at the public schools bv a period at the Mt. Pleasant
Academy, in the latter city. He early began his business career
as clerk in a store in Pro\'idence, srimc vears later embarked in
the sale of groceries and di^y goods at Olneyville, and subse-
quently undertook for three years the management of an estab-
lished business at the same point. In 1874 ^Ir. Ileydon removed
to Crompton, and in behalf of creditors, assumed charge (>f a
general store located in that village. The promising outlook at
this point induced him si.x months .after to form a copartnership
with Daniel AV. IJatchelder, which relation has continued until
the present time.
Mr. Heydon has given some attention to public affairs, and
manifested much interest in matters connected with the town.
*Tlif unlu)Ki';i|iliy was in tliis ^^(■nciutioii c-Ikiiiki-iI to ireydoii.
i
'I /
]()40 HISTORY OF WASHING 1 OX AND KEXT COUNTIES.
He has since ]SS:-i been a member of tlie school board, for three
years filled the office of tcjwn audiloi', and wa.s for three and a
half years postmaster of Crompton. He was for the years 1870-
80 elected to the general as.sembly, and again the sneeessful can-
didate for that office in ]8!S8. He served as chairman of the
committee on unfmi.shed bn.sine.s.s, and is mnv a member of the
finance committee, considered the most important in the house.
He is a member and secretary of the board of examiners of the
State Normal School, and aide-de-camp, with the rank of colonel,
on the staff of Governor Royal C. Taft. }dr. Ileydonisa member
and past master of Manchester Lodge, No. 12, of Free and x\c-
cepted ]Masons, of Coventry : also member of Landmark R. A.
Chapter, No. ](), of Warwick, and has been for three years its
high priest. He is identified with Manufacturers' Lodge, No.
15, L O. O. F., of Olneyville, and a member of the Franklin Ly-
ceum, of Providence.
Mr. Heydon in 188] married Lottie A. Booth, daughter of
Wright Booth and Jane G. Bradley, of Crompton, R. 1. ^Ir.
Booth built, and formore than twenty-nine vears was landlord
of the Crompton Hotel. The only child of ]\Ir. and Mrs Heydun
is a son, Howard Raymond, l)orn January 2:>d. 1882.
Tho.mas J. Hii.i,.— The long and successful business career of
Thomas Jefferson Hill as a manufacturer in New England .sus-
tains an important relation to the development of a portion of
Kent county, and although his enterprises have been carried on
and his fortune secured chiefly out.side tlie county, yet, in this
record of the growth of manufacturing villages, among the peo-
ple here who have known him and respect him for his masterly
qualities of head and heart, something more than a passing men-
tion should be made.
The state of Rhode Island has produced but few men in this
century who will go down to history as his ]ieer. The son of a
Pawtucket mechanic in humble life, he found his school days
ended when he was but fi.iurleen vears of ag'c, and in the black-
smith shop of his father, at Cromwell Hill, his next two years
were passed. The next nine years probaljlv determined the
general channel in which his life wi_)rk was to be done. Pitcb.er
& Gay (afterward Pitcher iK: Brown i were manufacturers of mill
maehinerv, and ]Mr. Hilllieeame their apprentice, mastered the
business, and within tlie nine \'ears he was with tliem lie was
employing men and taking e(jntracts on his own risk.
1 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES. ]04l
i
I He went to Providence April lOth. ISoU, and took ehar.i^e of a
i machine shop connected willi a cotton ma.nnfactnry on luldy
i- street for Sanmel Slater. Four years later the business of the
f machine shop was reorganized as the Providence ^Machine Cwm-^
[ pany, in which }^lr. Hill liad an interest of forty per cent. In
j 1837, two years after Mr. Slater's death., the business havini;' rap-
( idly ini]5roved, Mr. Hill bought at Williniantic, Conn., the Lee
f mill, intending to remove tliere the machine manufacturing
j business. He, however, repaired the propei;tv at Williniantic,
! and making his own macluncry, started a tliread mill in Ib'-io,
j which in 1845 he sold to A. 1). & J. Y. Smiih. Within the two
I succeeding years ]Mr. Hill built a new machine shop, and ])ur-
I chased the balance of the stock of the Providence Machine Com-
pany. The company was reorganized under a charter in 1874,
with T. J. Hill as president and treasurer. The business, largel}'
owned by Mr. Hill, includes one of the best equipped plants in
the country for the manufacture of cotton and worsted mill ma-
chinery. Hi.^ fly-frames, now in general use, were first put on tlie
market in 1847.
In 1850 !Mr. Hill, with some Boston capitalists, organized the
Bates & Hill }ilanufacturing Company at Lewi.ston, r^le., and
built four cotton mills on the Androscoggin river. r^Ir. Hill.
built a foundry and rented a machine shop at Lewiston. where
he put up a large portion of the machinery for the Hour mills,
associating with him in this enterprise his former foreman,. Sam-
uel W. Kilvert. In 1804 Amos D. Lockwood and others pur-
chased pari of 'Sir. Hill'sstock and formed the Lewiston [Machine
Company, and two years later Mr. Hill sold his remaining in-
terest.
In 1859 he purchased the Peckham Mills on the bay at East
Greenv,-ich, manufactured part of the recjuired machinery and
started a cotton mill, which he named the liav ^lill, and later
gave it to his two sons. He now tiwns several hundred acres at
Hill's (Trove, in the town of A\'arwick, wliere he erected in 1875
one of his cotton thread mills, now under the management of
William (L James. This mill, with a capacity of '2(»,0()() spindles,
he named the h^lizabeth Mill, in honor of Mrs. Hill. The Bay
Mill, located at East ( ireenwich, i.-v now kimwn as the h^lizabeth
Mill No. 2. His splendid farm prnpci'tx- at Hill's (ii'ove is (jiie
of the finest on the line of the Stiuiington railroad, and in h';-.
various enterprises to build up a village here of pleasant homes,
1(»J;2 IIISTOKV (!!• \VASin\(;T(iN AXIJ KKNT COUNTIES.
lij has endeared himself to tlie hearts uf all l)y hislrroad sympa-
thies for the humble and the pan-.
In 1SG7 he heeame president and treasurer of the Rhode Is-
land Malleable Iron Works, then creeted at Hill's ("Trove, of whieh
Smith Ouimby is supei-intendent. }ilr. Hill paid half the cost of
tlie line depot bro'ldin-- there, and in ]S(i'.) erected and furnislied,
at a cost of over St, ()();), a villai^'e school hor.se, containing- also a
hall for religious meetings.
His sturdy good sense and keen business perceptions, as well
as his large private means, have made him a desirable adviser
among capitalists, and to-day we find him, besides directing the
manufacturing enterprises mentioned, completing a third of a
century as president of the Lime Rock National Rank of Rrovi-
dence, and he has served over twenty-six years as vice-president
and trustee of the City Savings Rank. In iy(j(i he organized the
Providence Dredging Company, and in lST4the Providence Pile
Driving and Rridge Ruilding Comj^any, and other combinations
of labor and c;ipital for the development of the material re-
sources of his native state.
He has given a little attention to politics, having been seven
years in the Ih-ovidcnee city council and once in the state gen-
eral assembly.
Mr. Hill's first wife, Retsey, who died in Mav, [&.i, was a "
daughter of vSylvanus and Ruth Rrown of Pawtuckct. All the
lines of descent from the subject of this .sketch will be traced
from this marriage. The second :\Irs. Hill, who died in Novem-
ber, 18GG, was Olive L., daughter of Stephe;] and Hannah k'arn-
hani of Canterbury, Conn. In 1809, after completing his .second
European trip, .Mr. Hill was married on the 9th of August to a
Warwick lady— Elizabeth C. Kenyon, daughter of John H. and
Ruth Kenyon- -vvdio shares with him their elegant home in
Providence, where he is passing his .serene and hale old age in
the enjoyment of tliat vigor of mind and body which wt)uld class
him with the men of sixtv vears.
His life has been long and eventful and cast in a remarkable
period of the country's growth. His native village, now a city—
his adopted city, a great manufacturing center~-t]ie plains of
Warwick, which he found almost useless, he has lived to sec
teeming with life and entcrp.rise ; and himself transformed from
the unknown blacksmith's boy to the millionaire whose career
HISTORY OK \VASII!\r;TON AN'D KENT COUNTIES. 10-13
will be made llic model i)f many another who aims at honors and
position to be fairly won.
Benedict .wd I'^nhs Latham.- The Lapliam family arc of
Engiish lineage, their jjroi^enitor being John Lapharii, a weaver,*"
born in 1085, wlio .■settled in ]'ro\-idenee, where he married ]vlar}-
Mann, daughter of ^Villiam Mann. John Lapham's son. Thoj-nas
was a deputy in the general assembly in 1747 and 1740, and a
judge in 17(5(1. Reverend Riehard Lapham. the father of Bene-
dict and Enos Lapham, married Rhebe A'rnold. He was a
farmer, and a mini.ster in the Wcsleyan Methodist clnireh, though
not settled as a pastor. His father, Levi Lapham, and his grand-
father, Jethro Lapham, were members of the Soeiety of Friends,
the former a minister, and both were pro.sperous farmers and in-
fluential eitizens. Rhebe ^Vrnold Lapham was the daughter of
Noah Arnold, a prominent citizen of lUirrillville, Rhode Island.
Benedict Lapham, born June 20th, 1810, was in early life em-
ployed on a farm, and in manufaettiring est.ablishments in Bur-
rillville, Rhode Island, and Ralmer and Douglass, Massachusetts.
He also for a time had charge of the farming interests of the
Albion Manufacturing Company at .Smithficld, Rhode Island.
In 1837 he attended Busliee's Academy at Bank \'illage, Rliode
Island, where he paid special attention to the study of n. "han-
ics. He then worked several years as a carpenter and wi. ■"-
Wright. In 1839 he hired the Tillinghast factory in E^ast Greei.
wich, and engaged successfully in the manufacture of cotton
goods until the fall of 1840, when the factory was sold and the
stock disposed of to the purchasers of the pn.jierty. He then re-
sumed farming, his father having conveyed to him the old home-
stead. ^Ir. Lapham afterward carried on the mantifacturmg
business in Xorth vScituate, Wallum Pond, and I'ascoag, Rhode
Island. In the stunmer of 18.")2 he bought of the executors of
the v.-ill of the late John Greene of AVarv,-iek, the estate in (_"en-
treville, embracing two-thirds of the water powei^, and all the
machiner}- of the old mills which v\'ere built in 1704 and IS07.
with later additions. Here ]Mr. Lapham and his brother Lnos
engaged in tlie manufacttire of cotton cloth with aliout '<.< f o
spindles. In ls;01 lie made a large addition to the mill, and in
1871 removed the old building, erecting on the site a new struc-
ture three hundred and three feet long, one of the finest mills in
the state, and proljably one of the largest. It has a cajiacity for
40, 000 spindles and emplovs botli steam and water iiowc;r. He
1044 HISTORY OF WASIIINGTOX AND KENT COUNTIES.
was his own architect, making- the phans and supervising- tlie
work of building-. ^Ir. Laphan-i was ahso eng-aged in the cotton
and grain trade, visiting the South and West in the interest of
this branch of his business.
During t!ie " iJorr Rebellion " he was captain of a n-iilitia e(->m-
pan)-. In ]840 lie was a member of the Rhode Island house oi
representatives from Scituate. In 1803 he was elected to the
state senate from Warwick to fill a vacancy, and re-elected th.e
following- year. He was appointed by Go\'err.or .Smith, state
comn-iissioner of the .Aniietam Cemetery, and reappointed by
Gf.ivernor Padelford. He was president of the town counc-il for
five years, justice of the peace, and the incumbent of other
offices. In 1803 he purchased the Smithville Seminary and gave
it to the Free Will Baptist Association. He afterward carried on
that institution for five years at his own e.\-p(.-nsc. He married,
in Xoveniber, l&VJ. Ann Eliza, daughter of the late Russell and
Catherine (l-^ssex) Austin, of Xorlh Kingstov.-n.
Mr. Lapham's business career extended over a period of more
than forty years, and was characterized by strict integrity and
ceaseless energy. He was a man of iron constitution, indon-iita-
ble perseverance, and great e.xecutive ability. He possessed a
thoroug-hly disciplined mind, and was master of his business,
comprehending- all its details, fron-i the buying of cotton in 'le
fields, through all the processes of n-ianufacturing-, to the s;ile o
all the products of his mills. His liberal spirit and interest iii the
public welfare led him to devote n-iuch of his wealth to the cause
of education and to benevolent purposes. His career was one of
great usefulness until his death, -which occurred June 10th,
1883.
Enos Eapham, also the son of Richard and Phebe (Arnold)
Laphani, was born in Burrillville, R. I., vSeptember 13th, J8'21.
When a lad, with onlv the educational opportunities afforded at
a district school, he entered a cotton mill as a mill hand. l->ut
he was bright and promising. At an age when the bo\-s of to-
day are still m the high school, he was running a little mill in
his native town, which he had leased. In 1830 he joined his
older brother, Benedict Lapham, in c>perating- a small factory
in East (Trecnwich, and although the business \\-as conducted in
the name of the older brother, they c^nitinucd together until the
latter's death. Enos was the practical mill man and superin-
tendent, while Benedict devoted his time io the business man-
'■'®5^
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HISTORY OF UASIIIXGTON AND KENT COUNTIES. lO'lT)
agement of the concern. Their \-cntnrc haviny ]3ros]K'red. they
remo\-cd to CcntreviHe and yreall\- extcndeil their niamifactiir-
ing interests, as lias liccn before stated. ( )n tlie death of his
brother, in ]88:i Mr. La])liam Ijecame sole owner of this valu-
able pro})erty. lie thns stands as a conspicuous example of the
possibilities of a jjoor lioy nnder the American system of indus-
tries and g"overnment.
The life of Enos Laphani has been one of keen and persistent
toil, devoted, with his brother, to the building up of a great busi-
ness. He is emphatically a man of the people. great-hcarted,Avhole-
souled, and cordially esteemed by those who understand him.
He is well known for hard commor. sense, often nujre ^■aluable
in legislative halls than college education or polished manners.
Reared in a Methodist frimily, he h.as becji a member of that de-
nomination nearly all his life, is a trustee of the church in Ccn-
treviHe, and a tlirector of the P!-o\-idence Conference Seminary
in liast Greenwich. The temperance cpiestion, which is one of
vital importance in Rhode Island, finds in him no luke^varm de-
fender. He is one of the strongest temperance advocates in
the state. In his school district no intoxicating licjuors are sold,
and none liavc for years past been allowed. He is identified
with the interests of the town as president of the CcntreviHe
National liank and the Ceiitrevillc Savings I'.ank.
In politics Mr. La])ham has been a republican since the In -<"
that party, is active in affairs connected with his locality, anrl ha
been for three years president of the Warwick town council. In
188G he was elected to the Rhode Island senate, and in 1HS.S was
the unanimous choice of his party for the office of lieutenant-go\--
ernor, which distinguished position he now fills. A man of pro-
gressive ideas, of much executive abiiit\-, evincinga deep interest
in public aff.airs, ;uid of genial nature, he has won a deservedly
honored place in the regard of his fellow citizens.
Mr. Lapham was married April '2'M. I^i^:;,tc) Abby li., daugliter
of the late Russell and Catherine (Essex) Austin, of North
Kingsto\\-n, who died ]\[arch 18th, 18S.1. Their onl\- child, l-"liz-
abetli S., is the widow of I'ranklin Treat, and has one Sfui, Rob-
ert Byron Treat. Mr. Laiiham was a second tinu- married, De-
cember :'!(ith. 1SS,"), to his present wife. Lydia Harriet, daughter of
the late Henry and Maria (Piercci Hamilton, of Centre\'ille, R.I.
The E()Ck\vi)(i|) I'amii.v. — Abrah.am Eockwood, -me of tlie
earliest if not the earliest represcntati\"c of this family in this
J(MO HtSTiiRV OF \VASlllXi,T(iX AND KKNT COL'NTn:S.
country, was born in the year ICiTd. lie settled in that part of
Warwick known as old \\'a]-wiek. His first wife Mas Sarah,
daughter of Amos and 1 )eb(irah i Stafford i Westcott, hv whojn he
had five ehildreri : Abraham, Amos, Adam, iJeborah and Sarrdi.
His second wife was I'riseilla, daughter of John and Ann (Goi-
toni Crandall and by wlnan he had no issue, lie '.vas possessed
of extensive real estate l^oth in A\'arwiek and in I'i'o\-idenee. He
died in the year 1747. his will being- admitted to probate in War-
wick jnne 7t]i, 1747, in which he devises liy far the greater por-
tion fif liis estate, both real and personal, to his son Adam, who
is appointed exeeutf>r.
Abraharll^ son of Abraham', musi liave been at cuie tirne a res-
ident ()f that part of l'i'o\-idcnee which is now Scitu.ate. as a deed
from his fatlier is in existence conveving to him re:d estate in
J-'rovidence (now Scitu.ate ) which tends to prove this fact. He
died in 17i'''i. His issue was five children: Abrrdiam, Joseph,
Jacob, Williani and Hamaris.
Amos\ second son of Abraham', ^vas born in Warwick in ]('''..C).
December 2:'d, H-T), he married Sar;di. daughter of William and
Ann (Stone) Utter. 'J\velve children were born to them: .\m:_)s,
Sarah, Ann, lienoni, Alice, ^lerey, Ruth. A\'ait, I'liebc, Ikirbara,
Abraham and Milliccnt.
Adam", the third son of Abraham', was jnarried 1 )ecember :24th,
1734, to Sarah, daughter of Henry Straight. Their issue was as
follows: Ann, Sarah, Abrahanu Hannah, Adam, I Deborah, Almy,
Patience, Adam, .Vbraharii and lienaja.h. The date of his death
is not certain.
Deborah', daughter of .Vbraham', was married in December,
1724, to Nathaniel Sti;>ne. Their children were three in number
— Sarah, Nathaniel and Deborah.
Sarah\ daughter of Abraham', was married June 1'kh, 1728. to
Abel Potter. Seven children were liorn to them: Phebc, Phcbe,
Prudence, [Margaret, ^ilcrcy. Dinah and .VijcI.
Benaiah', the youngest child of j\da.nr, niarried Abbie Webb,
by whom he had nine children: Mary, married John Mackenzie;
Sallie, married lohn Mackenzie after the death of his first -wife;
Russell, nuarricd Amev Arnold ; Aniey. married Chauncey x\n-
dros ; Celia, married Russell h'iskc : k'reclove, married John
Humphrev ; Thoriias, married his cousin Lucy Ann Lockwood ;
Henry, died in inf;incy, and k^li^a, married James 'i'itris of New
Jersey.
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/C^i<y-xr-xr--r>\_^
r HISTORY or WASmXOTOX AND KKXT COUNTIES. 1047
j The children of Thomas' and Lucy Ann Lockwood Avere fif-
j teen in number, four of whr.m died in infancy. Eleven reached
! maturity, viz.: ^>Iary M., married Albert riiillip.s; Thonias H.,
I married Adaline A. Titus,- daughter of James and I'diza* (l.ock-
I wood I Titus: IJcnoni T., married !Mar^aret J. Seamar, ; Abby F.,
( married (J) jolm Weaver I'i) John Searle ; Abraham, married
Sarah A. Carr; Lewis, married Anna K. Kna])p : Lucy Ann,
married Gcori^e T. Searle : Xancy, married A\'il!ard M. Lrigg.s ;
i Russell, unmarried: Elisha P., married Amey ^Austin, and L_vdia
C, married George Eukers. Six only survive, viz. : Thomas H.,
Abby F., Abraham, Xancy, Luc\' .\nn a.iid Lydia.
Thomas IL', son of Thom:is' and I>ucy A.nn Lockwood, was
born in Warwick, Marcli Otii. ]8-27. April 14th, IS.")!), he married
Adaline A., dauj^hter of ]ames and hLliza (Lockwood') Titus of
Tappan, Xew Jt-rsL}-. Their children are : Amanda Au,c;'usta,
born at Warwick Januarv 28th, l^.M (she w.is married l)L-ccniber
2r)th, 1872, to John Waterman, grandson of John R. Waterman
, and now resides in Providence, R. L): James T., and 1-Lliza
' Evelyn, born at Tajipan. Xew Jersey, Jidy .^)th, JS.Ml, unmarried.
James T. Lockwood', son of Thomas 11.' and Adaline A. Lock-
wood, was born at Providence, R. L, ]\I;iy 2()t]i, 18."i:;. lie attend-
ed the public schools of Providence, R. L, Xew Jersey and War-
wick until his seventeenth year; entcicd Mount Pleasant Ac"'' -
emy in the spring of 1809, graduated from that institution in
June, 1872, and in September of that year entered lirown Uni-
versity in the class of 187(1, graduated in June, 1870. During the
period from this time to 1881 he followed the occupation of
school teaching in X"ew Jersey and Warwick, R. L hi the autumn
of ISSl he entered as a student in the law oftice of Colwell &
Colt, two of the leading attorneys of Providence, R. L, and was
admitted to the Bar in the summer of 1883. From that time till
June, 1887, he filled the position of clerk of Attorney General
Samuel P. Colt, as well as being engaged in the practice of his
profession. October 21st, lS8<i, he married Alice K., daughter
of Andrew J. and ISIary A. Smith of Warwick, and granddaugl-
ter of ex-]vlay.jr h^dward P. Knowles of Providence. In June,
1887, he was eleCLcd to tlic oftice of town clerk of the town of
Warwick, which ofhee he now holds, removing from ( )ld AVar-
wick in Xovcmber, 1887, to Apponaug, R. I., where he now re-
sides.
104S
IHSTORV OK WASIIIXCIOX A.\I> KKNT COUN'lirS.
n.wii) PiKi:.- Th'.' subjcrl of lliis sketch is the- ^raiidscn of
Jiinas Pike, and the son of ]^j)!H-aini and Puey Pitman I'ike."
He was l)orn on the K!tli of Mareli. ]N()7, in Sterlin-, Conn., and
there spent liis ooylio<)d da_\-s. Mis fathier earried on tlie tr;ide
of a hatter and Ids son, nntil tlie a^ie of si.xteeri, di\'ideil tlie time
Ijctween the seliool room and tlie sliop, maln'r.i; Inmself in wirious
ways nsefid in the hitter plaee. In Js-JO lie removed to Lippitt,
Kent eounty, R. I., and entered a .--tore as elerk, Init thidiinj. this
employment yielded but little jin.ilit, he sou;..;ht an en:^;iyemeiit
in the cotton mills at that place. His jirst experience was in con-
nection with what is known as the dresser, after which he was
placed in the weaving; department, and ere lon"^- became over-
seer of that l)r,-incli of the mill indnsti'v. He found this labor
.somewhat circumscribed and on the death of his father be;^an
the manufacture of acids, then largely used in the pi'intini; of
fal)rics.
Mr. Pike next embarked in tcamiiiL;", wddeh prior to the con-
struction of railroads was an imiiortanl indusliA', and soon se-
cured a lari^e patronaL;"e. employinj^' many horses for the ])ur-
pose. lie be,y-;in at a later date the manufacture of jxiekini.; boxes,
and in conjunction with this con<lucted a lar;^-e lumber business
at River Point, the material IjciuL;- sliipped to Coweset, from
whence it was drawn by horses to its destination. Mi". Idlce's ver-
.satilc mind enabled him to master more th.an one enter])risc, and
soon a yrist mill was erected on the site of the present iihanini^'
mill. This was successfully operated until li^l'.',. when a disas-
trous fire laid it in ruins. Not discoura;,a'd bv this los.s, its own-
er, who had also been a considerable liuxer of grain, erected an
extensive Iniilding on the old site, which was deviited t(_) the
manufacture of sash, moulding and blinds, as also to planing
on a large scale. The firm, b\- the ailmission of his son as part-
ner, became in IS7.") l)avid Pike \- Son. With the exce])tion of
a farm owned and crdtivaled b\- him, this business abs(,)rbcd most
of his attention.
^Ir. Pike was a striking example of the results accomplished
by industry, thrift and solidity of character. He l)egan without
aid, in ycjuth was self-reliar.t and ]ierse\-cring, and from the com-
mencement maintained that firm adherence to jM-inciple, which
made his n.ame a synonym for honesty and probitv. His pidg-
nient wa.s excellent, his business habits meth<.)dical, and his word
a.s gc)od as his bond.
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HISTORY OF WASIIIXCrrOX AXn KENT COUNTIES. 1040
Mr. Pike wri.s twice married, his first Avife beiii.c;' ]\!artha,
daughter of Ephraim Coville, tu wlioni lie was united mi the 1st
of April, ]8:?7. They had one daughter, Susan, now deeeased.
He was again married .September 12th, ISHO, U> i Jrlanda. dauglit-
er of Ahira Hall, of I'rovidencc, one of the founders of the? 1'hil-
adelphia line of jiaekets running front that eity. Tlie ehildren
of this union are: Henrv. 1 )avid, iMuily and I.uey. deeeased,
and Edward who sueeeeded to the lousiness. Mr. Pike A\'as in
his i-eligious faith ;i .Swedenliorgian, and exum]ilified in da.ih-
life the principles of his belief. His deatli occurred January,
27tli, 1887.
Edward Pike married t)n the iTith of January. 1878, Jessie,
daughter of William Hunter, of (ilasgow, Scotland. Their ehil-
dren are : David, Lucy P., Jessie H., Edward H., \Villiam H. and
Donald H.
HoKA'lTo \V. P()!"|-i:K.--^Ir. Potter, one of the most energetic
and progressive business nu'ii oi Rix'cr Point, in \Var\viek, is
the grandson of Adam Potter, who w.as boim in vSeituate. Pro\'i-
denee county, where he spent his life in the employments (_il a
farmer. His children were: Hiram W., Gordon, Shehhui, Rich-'
mond, David T., ^liranda, Isabella, Cindarilla. wife of Charles
Mordack, and Hilary Ann. married to William Mordaek.
Hiram W. Potter was born in .Seituate November (ith, 18iM,
and in early life found employment on a farm. In 184:> he re-
moved to River Point, and until advancing years compelled a
cessation from labor, was one of the most industrious men in his
immediate locality. He married ^latilda, daughter of h^lihu
Burgess, of Xew York state. Their children are: Hiram \V.,
Jr., .Mary jane, Horatio W., Henrv W., Harrison W., Harley W.,
Harley W., 2d, and Mary jane, 2d, all of v/hinn, with the excep-
tion of Harley W., 2d, Harrison W., and the suijjeet of this
sketch, are deeeased.
Horatio AV. Potter was born November loth, IS'-VA. in Seituate,
and removed with his parents tf) River Point in 184:5. His in-
dustrious habits at an early age left little opportunity for study,
and rendered his education limited. He enteixcl the cotton mills
at River Point, and continued for several vears thus cm])l(n"ed.
The restless spii'it of the man chafed under the restraint im-
posed in the service of others, and sought a more extended and
indej)endent sphere of action. He then cmbaiked in •various
enterprises that pro\-cd profitable, and in 1801 rcmo\'cd to Fos-
1050 HISTORY OF W \S1[1.\(;T0X AND KENT COUNTIES.
ter, Providence county, in the same state, where he enj^ayed in
general trafficking'.
In 18(36 Mr. Potter returned to River l^oint and eslal)lislied a
general supply depot for the sale of masons' materials, coal,
Avood, land plaster, fertilizers of all kinds, hav, grain, harness,
ete. His business has so increased in pr')portions, as to necessi-
tate offiees and vwarehouses at both River Point and Coweset, to
which may be added a valuable farm at ^Mt. A'ernon, in Pr<)\-i-
dence county. ]Mr. Potter has sup]>licd a liljcrnl sliaie of tlie
building material used in his locality, and finds that attention to
business, h.onorablc dealing, and ;i quick i^erception of the wants
of the public, have brought a large and growing trade. lie gives
his time chielly to his several interests, and has not entered tlie
politiea] field. Ilis public spirit has, however, prompted him to
accept office on the to\yn connr.ittee as a representative of the re-
publican part}'. Though not a member, he is an attendant ujion
the services of the Congregational church at Ri\'er Point, and a
willing contributor to its needs.
Mr. Potter married, in 18."i."i, I Pan nail M., daughter of Doctor
William X. Clark, of Warwick. Their children are: Charles 1-..,
Emma M., Frank ]'.., and k'rcderick II., the f)nl}- survivor being
Frank E.
ROKEKT Reocu. — Mr. Reoch is of Scotch parentage, and the
grandson of Robert Reocli,who resided in Renfrewshire, Scotland,
where he was well known as a skillful calico printer. His ser-
vices were later in demand in Denny, ;l famous center for calico
prints, in Sterlingshire, from which point he moved to Ikirrhead,
in Renfrewshire, where his death occurred. lie married Pethia
Tennant, of Sterlingshire. Their children were: Archibald,
Abraham, Robert, Elizabeth, Margaret and Pethia. Robert, the
third son in order of birth, was a native of Denny, where the
greater part of his active life was spent. I'nder the instruction
of his father he became proficient in the art of calico printing,
and was employed both at Denny and Paisley, a large manufac-
turing point not far distant. He married Ann, daughter of Dan-
iel McNeal, who resided in the suburbs of Paisley. Their chil-
dren were : Robert (the subject of this biography i, Mary (]\Irs.
Faulds), and Archibald.
Robert, the onl\- survi\-ing cliild. was born ( )ctober 0th, 18-10,
in Renfrewshire, and in early childhood became an inmate of
his paternrd grandfather's home. He pursued the ordinary
.jt^>iii\--' ■ C\«^
x.
^'^:^
H!ST<.)KV OF WASIIINCK IN ANH Kl'NT Ci )r.\l 1 1'S. M\'>]
branches at lliccnnimdii scIhioIs until llftccn, tlu' a;;c' <>f his ap
prenticcsliip to the firm (if 'I'honias lioyd cV- v^^ons. at tlie !-\-reneze
Print Works at liarrhcad, l\enfi-c\vsliiic. Here lie I'einained for
seven years, and nieanwhik', desirinL.Mo bceonie thoroiv^rhly con-
versant with the science of chenii.strx' as applied Im colors, took
a special course under Tj-ofissdr I'enru at the A:idersonian Uni-
versity in (ilas;,^'o\v. ( )n tlie cmK'hision cf jiis appreutieeship lie
remained three years willi the I'ercnezc Print \\'orks as assist-
ant manaL;er of tlie colorin;;' tiepjartnient, and tlieii acce]ilcd an
engay'cment t(j act in the s;inie capacit\- with Mu'r, I'.rnwn \- Co.,
of Gia.sgow. While here .Mr. l\e<icli received from Messrs. S. II.
Greene & Smis, in ISdT, a Hatteriii;.^- offci to assume the manage-
ment of the Clyde i;ieaehei\- and I'l-int Works, loeated at River
Point, in KliU county, Rhode Island, which, after much deliber-
ation, he acceptecL
Under his able inana;4cment these extensive works have at-
tained a hij;-h decree of ]irosperity. In the coiiduel of the busi-
ness skill and ability have been displaved consjiieuotisly at criti-
eal times, 'idius in iSTri :!, when calico printiiv.;- was i.;reatly
depressed and most concerns were either runnini;- on very slioii
time or closed, tlieriydc I'lint Works were bcin;.;- operated much
of the tiiiH' both iii;.;lit and day on a newstvleof ])lack andi^rcen
prints, then desei'vedl\- popular. As the o-reen was a new color-
ing matter, wliich few printers were able tom.ake fast, the Clyde
works reaped a golden harvest. i\gain in \filCi (the Centennial
year) the calico jjrinling interests suffered severely. ])rices being
low and business extremely dull. S. 11. C.reenc \; .Sons em-
barked in the manufacture ut' jiriuted lla-s, which proved a sig-
nal success, and enabled them to run almost tiieir entire i\stab-
lishment for several mouths on this ar'.icic alone. 'I'hese included
United .States Hags, iSritish, I'rcnch, Cierman, and one or more
copyrighted international Hags, the l;ilt(_-r inchnling the flags of
all nations. In I,"-!?? the C'lyde Print Worksgave their attention
to a branch of industry ne\-er before introduced int<i the I'nited
States, the m.uuifacture of Turkey red handkereiiiefs. This also
for several years proved a lucrative business, and indicates the
influence of home indusLrics in reducing ratlier than enhancing
the price of goods. Previous to this aeliievement these hand-
kerchiefs retailed foi- twenty-five cents each, and three years
later an article equal in every resptct could be purchased for
seven cents. The present price is live cents. The Messrs.
1052 HISTORY or WASIIIXGTON AXO KKXT COUNTIES.
Greene i^- Sons are therefore, throucjli theii manager, the pioneers
in this braneli of industry, and Iiave kiid the foundation for a
larg-e Tnrl-:ey red trade, both in plain and i)rinted goods. These
facts will illustrate the progress and development of their ex-
tensive works under skillful ;ind energctie management.
Mr. Reoeh is viee-president of the Pawtuxet Valle^• Water
Works, of which he was one of the foremost pi'oicctors. He has
. happily adapted himself to his surroundings, and is identitled
with many enterprises in Pheni.x, hisresidenee, and its immedi-
ate vicinity. As a republican he has been jiresident of one or
more local clubs and given his inilucnce to the success of his
party. He is more especially interested in tlie advancement of
the musical taste of the community, and was president and con-
ductor of the Choral Union. Mr. Rcoch is a member of the Con-
gregational church of Rivei- I'oint, president of the socictv, and
has for sixteen years acted as its chorister. He is a meml)er of
the Cor.gregational Association of Providence, and has fre(|uen.tly
been a delegate to ecclesiastical conventions. He is also presi-
dent of th.e liritish-American Club of Pheni.x.
]\lr. Reoeh was married March :Usi, b^iiri, to Helen, daughter
of William Stewart, of I^.arrhead, above mentioned. Their chil-
dren are ; Lillias Stewart, born in Scotland, and Rol>ert A. S.,
William S., Helen :\I., Archibald T.. Hilary E., Xorman (i., and
John vS., born in Kent county. All, with the exception of the
youngest, are living.
CiiKisiTiiMiF.R Si'i;xci:r. — The name of Spencer has been one
of prominence in both Washington and Kent counties for more
than a century. Thomas Spencer, the grandfather of the sub-
ject of this biography, was a icsident of North Kingstown. His
son, William S])encer, a firm patriot during the period of the
revolutionary war. was, in June, 1770, taken prisoner bv an arn.-ied
force from the 13ritish ships lying near Hope Island, his stock
grazing in the field captured, and his f;irm produce appropri-
ated, leaving his family destitute of the means of subsistence.
William Spencer married Waite Spencer, daugliter of Walter
Spencer, of Plast Crreenwich. January -21 st, 177ii. They were the
parents of Christojiher Spencer.
The latter was born in Xortli Kingstown, ]May ]7th, ]7^:>. on
the farm, of the late Ciovernor Greene. The oppcnlunities for ac-
quiring a thorough education v.-ere at that time exceedingly lim-
ited, and he may theref(>re with propriety be regarded as self-
/
L^yt^U^t^
HISTORY C)l' WASIIIXGTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 1(l.")3
educated. He was reared on his father's farm, and much fif the
time resided v.itli liis })arents, occasionally teaching; school in
winter, and meanwhile impro\-inc( his leisure tin"'.e in study. He
remained at home until 17'.»7, tl:cn accompanied his parents to
East Greenwich, wliere he resided one year, wlien Cranston be-
came his home. Here he was .actively employed in f.armini;- for
six years, and hiter resided upi in various farms in the town of
Warwick.
In 1810 Old Warwiek became his honie. his father h.avini^' lea.s-
cd a farm at Conimicut Point, which he assisted in cultivatint^
until J8'21, and where the death of both his p.arents occurred.
Here he for several years was the genial landlord of a country
inn, the property purchased by him having formerly belonged
to his wife's fatlier. He also kept a eountry store and dealt in
yarn which was woven liy hand until it ceased to be jirotit.able.
Mr. Spencer was in 18-'-3 elected t(.) the house of representatives,
in which he served for four vears. He was afterward elected to
the state senate under the " old charter" and continued in office
for the same period. In 1S')C> he again represented Warwiek in
the house of representatives for one ye;ir. H'e held various
local offices, was for fifteen vears a member of the AVarwick town
council and part of that time its president.
In 18fi(j he sold the store that had witnessed his coming and
going for a period of forty-five }'ears, and retired frc^m active
business life. He was a man of great activity and alwa},'s occu-
pied, either with his store, farm, or public duties, occasionally
adding .surveying to his other pursuits. Mr. Spencer was much
esteemed in the community for his sound judgment, his enter-
prise, and his marked integrity of character.
He was a member of the Rhode Island Society for the lincour-
agement of Domestic Industry, in ^^■hich he wa.s much interested.
His death occurred May 11th, 1S70. in his eighty-seventh year,
on the fai'm which had been his houie for nearly half a century.
His remains were interred in the family burying ground on the
farm.
Mr. .Spencer ^\"as thrice married. He was in 181.'! united to
Celia Westcott, daughter of Captain Nathan Westcott, by wlmm
he had six children : William, Arnold W., Thomas. ICdwin,
George AV. .and John (J. A. Mrs. .Spencer died in 18"i7, and the
following vear he married Sarali C. S{xuicer of Ira. Vermont, by
whom he had two sons, Charles A. and John. Mrs. Spencer died
lOrA HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOX AND KENT COUNTIES.
in 1831 and in Is:]'.! he married Weltlian 'J'ilkmy of W;ir\vick.
■who survives him. Tlie .son.s now liviny are AVilliam, \vho re-
side.s in Providence, and George W. on the home.'-lead farm.-
William, the .^on of Christopher Speneer. wa.'^ l)orn in 1817,
and in 18:i] lie.Cian his mercantile career in Trovidenee as a clerk.
Six years later he became projirietor of a business which he still
continues in thial city. He is uncjuestionablv the oldest mer-
chant in point of service in I'rovidence. I\lr. Spe-ncer married
Penelope S., daughter of John Tiffany of Cromj->ion. He still
resides much of the year at Old Warwick.
George ^^'. Spencer, of Old W^arwiek, is also a son of Cliris-
toplier Spencer. His son George W., ]i\, is the principal of the
Spencerian Business College located in Providence, having
graduated first at the Rhode Island State Normal School in 188-1
and at ICaslman's Business College, Poi;ghkeepsie, in 1S8.'». He
is an active Odd Fellow and presiding officer of Perseverance
Lodge of that order, located at Ajjponaug.
Thomas vSpencer, of Old \Varwick, grandson of Christopher
Spencer, was born in ]8.-)l. He h:is been actively engaged in
business since 187'2, and has devoted some attention to puLdie
affairs. lie was for two ^'cars a member of the town cmnicil,
and one year re]n-esented his district in the general assembly.
For two years he was president of the A^'arwick League, and in
1888 a delegate to the democratic national convention held in
St. Louis.
Bic.xjAMix F. WATt:RH<)fSi;. — Thomas Waterhouse, the grand-
father of the subject o{ this biography, resided in ]\Ieltham,
Yorkshire, England, where he followed his trade as a weaver of
woolen fabrics. He had four sons — Samuel. Richard, James and
Matthew, and three daughters — ]Mary, Ruth and Martha. Rich-
ard. Waterhouse, a native of !Meltham, emigrated to America
in IS-tO, and was at once emplo\-cd in the wea\"ing department
of the mill owned by Messrs. \Vatcrhouse & Allen at Centreville.
He remained with this estal)lishment in the same capacity until
his death on the "id of January, 1804. He niarried Mary, daught-
er of John Hurst, of Meltham. Their children were: ^laria,
Benjamin F., Walker, Ricliard. Marth;i, I\Iary, Hannah. John,
Sarah, Maggie and rhnma, seven of whom are still living.
Benjamin F. Waterhouse was born in Meltham on the t.'>lh of
September, 1830. Unlike the youth of the present day, his op-
portunities for education were excecdingh' meager, l:eing lim-
/,"■
h
-■^
"/
HISTORY OF WASm.NCTOX AND KENT COi;XTIES. ] 'T)''
itcd til instructirm in the Siimlay .scluiol and study at his home.
At the age of nine yeai's he entered a woolen mill and beyan
windini^ bobbins, three ^■cars later havinc;' eontrol of a hand
loom vdiieh he cperatcd until 1S-l<i, the dale of his enii;.nat;on
with his ]i;ivents to America. ITc at once entered the weaving-
room of the mill at Centreville, where his father was emjdoyed,
and continued with the llrm until he had beeo'mc tlioroughly
proficient in the business of a wdolcn manufacturer. Mi'. \\"ater-
house then accei^ted an engagement as foreman of the weaving-
department iif ;i mill owned !.)y ]'>j-a Pollard at Kast Crreen-wieh,
and remained until 18o7, when a mill in the city of Philadcl]ihia
offered superior attracti(jns and kept him prDlltably er.-ipl<';-ed
for six years. Tn l&iTS he retui-ned to liasl (heenwich and for
the same length of time superintended a woolen mill for his un-
cle, James AVatcrhouse. He next acted in the same capacity at
Burrillvilie, R. I., and in 1.S72 returned to Centreville. Here' with
other partners he organized the Kent \\ onlen C'on-ipany, bec-an-;e
owner of one quarter of the stock, and its manager. In July.
1888, he purchased the property, of which he is now sole owner,
thus by inclustrv and application becoming- proprietor of the
mill which he first entered as a common hand. Of this organi-
zation he is president, George B. Waterhouse, treasurer, and
Richard E. Waterhou.se, superintendent. Elsewhere in the work
this mill and its operation are more fully di.scu.ssed, though it m.ay
be pertinent here to menti(jn its capacity as recently doubled,
and the working force largely increased.
Mr. Waterhouse is much absorbed in business and has little
time for interests not immediately connected with his daily pur-
suits. He isa republican in polities, a firm believer in protection to
home industries, and has participated in the ndn-iinistration of
local affairs. He is a member and senior warden uf the ]'r(.)test-
ant lilpiscopal church of Crompton,
Mr. Waterhouse was cm Xo\-ember loth, lS'>'.'y, married ti_> Mar-
garet, daughter iif loseph and Mar\' Eiddle, whi.i is of Scottish
descent. Their children are: iJeniarnin \V., ilenr}' x\.. I\.iehard
Edg'ar, tieorge 11, I-'anny V., M.-iggic M. and Charles L. Henry
A. married Genie Read and has tw(j children ; licnjamin 'W. is
i-narried to Sarah Adams and lias one daughter; Ivichard E. n-iar-
ried Dora Arnold. Henry .\. is a successful mill superintendent
at Pasct)ag, R. I. The remaining si_)ns are associated with their
father as manufacturers.
CHAP'J'lvR XXII.
TOWN OF EAST GREENVyiCH.
Genei-al PescriiHioii of tlie Town. --Division of I-.tihIs,— AVest (.;rf;L-n\\icl', S.-t
Off.— The Census nf 1774,— Teinpfiance.— Tlie Poor, How Ciuvd For.—
Town Officers in 18SS,— Tlie Fry l^;iniily.— Couiinere.' and the Fi.,l,,.|ies.—
The Spencer Funiily. — (;eor;_;e Washington ( ireeiie.— lliigli li^ssex and tlie
Okl Grist Mill.— Education.— The Village of E.ast Greenwich. —First Inhab-
itants and What Tliey Did.— Samuel King.— The .Aferciintile Tr.id..- Li-
braries.—Banks.— Fire Deiiartnient. — Water Works.— Electric Light.— Soci-
eties.— Churches. — Manufactures.— Biographical Sketches.
r~r~M
r
*iIE town of Ea.st Greenwich i.s .silualed upon t!ic western
.shore of the Xarrag'aiisctt bay, and i.s the shire town of
Kent county. It is bounded north by Warwick, cast by
the Narragansett bay, south by Nortli Kinostown, and wc.^t l.>\
West Greenwich. The surface is sf)nicwli;it uneven, and in some
sections a little rough and stonv. Much of the sccncrv is pic-
turesque and beautiful, and si-mic of thi- vic"^vs arc of imposing
beauty. The soil is coniparati\'cly fertile, and yields all agricub
tural products common to this section. It is a favorite summer
resort, as well as a seat of learning and a delightful place cif resi-
dence. Following is a list of the princiii.al ]il,-ices:
l'iI/:i}^L\ — East (.h'eenwicli. formerly called Xewtown for a long
■time. (See S. Tillinghast's Diary in R. I. II. Sneietyi.
/ArA'/A/.f.— Frenchtown i Huguenot, U)t>7); Shippeetown, Fry's
Four Corner's.
Urii/'i^is. — Kenyon's. Dancing, Hunt's, Massachug.
Historic. — .Sunset Rock, Fry's Woods, Old I'rench Fort at
Frenchtown.
The town dates its settlement from l(iT7. and was incorporated
October yist, in that \'ear. In June, 1078, the name was clianged
to Dcdford, but t!ic original name was restored m KJS'.i. This
change grew out <jf a boundary controversy between Connecti-
cut. Massachusetts and Rhode Island, rclati\-e to the jurisdicli^ui
of this territory The king Imally took coiUiol, and to obliterate
every vestige of its former title, called the Xarragansett country
HISTORY OF WASIUXC'RiX AND KENT COUNTIKS. lObl
the King's Province, nncl the Jiame of T'^ast (irecnwieh v/as
! ■ chang-cd to Dedford, Xnrth Kingstinvn to Rochester, and AW st-
j erlv to Haversliam. The settlement of the town began with, its
incorpoi"ation. ^J'he safet}" and excellence of its harlnir atti'aetcd
I many witliin its borders, and soon an aeti\-c and enterprising
I people wei'C settled ahmg its shores, engaged in th.c variotis avo-
l cations of trade and ennimerce.
{ At a general assembly held for the colony at Xewpi->rt, Muy.
i 1677, it was
t "Ordered that a certain tract of land in sonie convenient [dace
f in the Xarragansett country, shall be Laid fenlh into one luindrcd
/ acre shares, with the house lots, for the accommodation of so
I many of the inhabitants of this Coh^u}- as stand in need of land,
I and the Oeneral As.sembly shall judge fit to Ix' supplied.
' "In pursuance of said act of the General Assenddy, this prcs-
' ent court do enact and declare, that the said tract of Land be
forthwith laid forth to contain five thousand acres, which shall
be divided as follows : Five hundred acres to be laid in some
place near the sea, as commodious as may be for a town., which
said five hundred acres shall be divided into fifty house lots, and
the remainder of said five th(iusand acres, being four thousand
five hundred acres, shall be divided into fifty equal shaiws or
great divisions, and that each ]>erson hereafter named and ad-
mitted by this A.ssembly, to land in the said tract, shall have and
enjoy to him and his heirs and assigns forever, in manner and
form and tmder the conditions hereafter expressed, one oi the
said house lots, and one great division, containing in the \\hole
one lumdred acres.
"And further this Assembly do enact, order and declare, for
I ' the services rendered during King Philip's war, the persons here
I ' named that is to say : John Spencer, Thomas Nichols. Clement
^ Weaver, Henrx- Brightman, (Tcorge Vaughn, J<_>hn A\'eaver,
Charles i\Iacartv, Thomas Wood, Thomas I'hve, Peniamin Crriffin,
[ - ' . J '
i Daniel A'auglin, Tiiomas Dungin, John Pearce, Stejdien Peck-
ham, Jolm Crandal, Preserved Pearce, Heni-y Lilly, John Albro,
Samuel Albrti, Philip Pong, Richard Knight, John Pcckham,
j Thomas Peckham, A^'illiam Clarke, lidward Day, ICdward Rich-
mond, Edward Calvery, John Heath, Robert Havens, John
Strainge, John Parker, Cje(jrcre lirowne, Richard Ik'trnes. Samson
Balioo, John Remingion, Jonathan Dexdl, Pen.jamin Mowrey,
' Joseph Mowrev, William Wilbore, James lA^les I'earee, James
I " 07 ■
lU.-)3 HisiDisV oi' \v.\sinxf;-|i;-,x A\i) kknt col'x'i u:s.
IJattey, ISmjamiii (MUton, llcnr\- I 'yi-c, lohn k"i;i)w]cs, Slcplu.'n
Arnold, [ohn Sanfurd, ^\'illialll Ihiwldns, and fdlin llonlili'ii,
arc the pers(^ns iiuln \\liom the said tract of hmd is granted, ai'd
who shall possess tlie same, their lieirs and assi;^'ns accordiiiL^ to
the Irue intent and rneanin;^' of this present ;;r,nit.
" AikI to the end, tliat the said jiersons. and iheir sneeessors,
the proprietors of the said land, from time to time may be in the
better capaeit)' to inanaL^e their pnblie aif'airs, this Assembh" do
enaet and declare that the said jilant.ation shall be a town, l)y the
name and title of Ivist ( ireenwieh, in his Majesty's Colony of
Rhode Island and Pro\-idenee Plantations, with all the rijdits.
lilierties, and j)ri\'ile:.r(_'s whatsoever, nnto a town ;ippertainin;| ;
and that the said persons rd)o\-e mentioned, unto -a horn the said
grant is made are b_\- this present Assembh- and the anth<.>rity
thereof, made arid admitted the fi'eemen of the said tovn, and
they, and so many of them as sh.all lie then present, not bein^;-
fewer than twelve on the said hand, required and empowered to
meet together ujion the second ^Vednesday next, and constitute
a town meeting, b}- electing a Moderator and a 'I'own Clerk,
with such Constables as to them sliall seem re(|uisite: and also
to choose two persons their 1 )ei)iities to sit in C.encr.al iVssembly,
and two persons, one iu serve on the C.rand jury, and erne on the
Jury of Trials in the (^icneral Court of Trials, and so the like
number and for the said Court.
"And to the end that the said Plantation maybe speedily
settled and improved according to the end of this present in the
granting thereof ; be it enacted and ordained 'that each ])erson
mentioned in this jircscnt grant, sh.all, within one vear after the
publication thereof, make on his house lot, b^■ building a house
fit and suitable for habita.tion ; and in case an\' person who hath
any of the said hoirse lots shall neglect or refuse, b)- himself or
assignee to build aci.'ordingly, he shall forfeit both the house lot
and greater division, to be disposed of ]>y .any succeeding
Assembh- ;is ihev shall see cause.
"And fu.rther, this .\ssembh' do enact and declare, that if an\-
pcrson unto whom the said land is granted, bv this present act,
shall, at an_\- time within one and twenty years afti-r this hereof,
sell, grant, make o\-cr, or otherwise dispose of any l;ind or lands
hereby granted unto him, or unto anv other jjcrson or persons
interested in the said j^lant.-Uion, that then the said person or
persons whatsoe\-cr, without libert)- had been obtained from the
nrsTOkv of wasuino-iiin and ki:.\t counties. lO.VJ
General Assembly, thai Uien the said person or persons so sell-
ing or disposing of the said land shall lose all other lands what-
ever, that he is possessed of in the said ])lantal.ion, and also the
lands so disposed of. to be and remain to this Culon)-.
"And fnrther, it is enaeled by this Asseml)ly, tliat tlie freemen'
of .said town shall make and lay out eonvenient highways fnnn
the bay up into the eonntry tiireaighout the whole townshiji. as
shall be convenient for the settlement of the eof.ntry above and
about the said township."
In the year 1T0(X the boundaries of luist' Greenwieh were
enlarged bv an addition of thirty-five thousand acres of land on
the western Ijorder. 'Die old deed is as follows:
"Know all men by these presents, that We. Weston Clarke
and Randal -Ilolden, Richard Greene and Philip I'illmgha.-^t,
being a Committee appointed and fully empowered by the Ci(.>v-
ernor and Com])any of this her ^Nlajestie's Colony of Rhode
Island and Providence Plantations, to drspose and make saile of
the vacant lands in the Xarragansett country belonging to said
Colony, have, for and in consideration of the sum of one thousand
and one hundred pounds current nmney of Xcw l-^ngland, in
hand already, well and truly paid to us, who have received llie
s^mie in behalf and for the use of the Ciovernor aiul Company
aforesaid, of and at the hands of Benjamin Barton, Thomas Fry,
James Carder, John Spencer, Benjamin Greene, Pardon Tilling-
ha.st, John Waterman. Thomas Nichols. John Nichols, Malachy
Roades. James Greene and .Simon Smith, all inhabitants of
Warwick and Ivist Greenwieh. in the Colony above .said, have
bargained, sold, conferred, made and passed over from the fiov-
ernor and C<jmpany aforesaid, and their successors forever, a
certain tract or parcel! of land, being joart of the vacant lands
belonging to this Colony, lying in tlie Xarragansett Country,
within the jurisdiction of this Colony, westward of Ivist (jreen-
wich, butted and bounded on the north by Warwick's south
bounds; hounded on the east by ICast ( 7reenw]ch bounds, and
Jones his purchase b(.)unded on the south beginning at the south-
west corner of Jones his purchase and so to run due west.
parallel with Warwick's south l^ounds afore mentioned, until it
comes to the Colon)- line that divides this Colony from Connec-
ticut Colony, and bounded on the west Ijy the said dividing line
between .said Colonys. containing, by I^stimation. thirty-five
thousand acres, be the s.ame more or less, all wdiich, together
lOfHI HISTOID OK WASKINCTilX AXD Ki;\T CCiUA'llKS.
witli the jirivilcyx'S and ajipci tciianccs williin Iht- bounds alu)\-e-
said, Wf liavc sold as aljovesaid unto the afore naiued persons, to
Uiein and every of tlieni, tlieir ;ind every of llieir lieirs, ]ix-
eeutors and Administrators, and assigns fore\"ei' juintly and
sevei'ally to have .and to hold forever the \\hieh we will warrant
forever against the Ciox-ernor and Company n{ tlie Colon}- a1io\e
said, and their .sueeessors or any other person or ]iersons what-
soever l.awfidh' la\'in;:;' elaim to the al)ove bargained ]ux'miscs o\-
an)' ]Kn"t or pareel thereof. In-, through or undei' them the said
GcA'ernor and Compan\- oi' their sueeessor.s undei- what pretenee
soever, in witness v.diereof we lia\e hereunto set oiir hands .and
scales this thirtieth d.ay of June, in the eighth \-ear of her
Majesties reign Ann by the graee of Cod queen of C.reat liritt.ain.
Ireland and Fraijee, Anno que ])(»uini Xostri, 17()',»,
Wi;sr(i\ Ci.AKKic,
Randal Hni iii;\,
Rieii \i<i) (iKKKNi:.
I'm 1,11' Tii,i.L\(.HAsr.
"Signed, sealed and delivered
in the preseuee o[ us,
JosiCi'ii S_\mii,
Sa.muki. S\vi;i:r.
" The day .and year above written the Committee aeknowledged
this to be their aet and deed before me,
JOHN ]\i.iiKi;i), Cltil-."
Aceoi'ding to tliis old deed thii'teen individiuals owned what is
now the town of West Cireenwieh.
In the year 17-1(1 the township was divided into the towns of
East and West Creenwieh. V>y ;in entry bearing date 17-11, it
ap]icars that e\-ery town in the colon}' was entitled to di'aw a
certain suni out of tlie gener.al treasury of the colonv. East and
W^cst Cyreenwieh at that time belonged to the county of lYo\-i-
dcncc.
From the town reciirds we make the following cxtr.acts:
"We, the subscriljcrs, being Committees appointed bv the
Towns of East and \\'est f^reenwich, in the County of Provi-
dence, to proportion the Interest monev to l)e drawn out of the
General Treasury of the Colony, by the aforesaid two Towns;
we, having considered the premises, do mr.tually and unajii-
mouslv agree and order that out of each and every one hundred
HISTORY OK WASHINGTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. lOGl
and fifty pounds, to be drawn as aforesaid out of the said Gen-
eral Treasury, tlie Town of East Greenwich draws ICighty Five
pounds and seven shillings, and that the Town of \Vest Cjreen-
wich draws Sixty Four pounds and thirteen shillings, and so pro- ,
portionally for greater or lesser sums, in eoniirmation of whieh
we have hereunto set our hands, in said East Greenwich, the
Tliirty l^rsi da>- uf July, A. ]). IT-ll.
Jons Smcncek, j Couunittci
John Greene, « for
Benj'n Swee'I', ) Eait (jyc-mwuh.
TiKiMAS Sl'lvNCEU, | CoilimilttC
John J en kens, for
TiKiMAS Fry, Ji;., \ West Grcomkli."
" We, the subscribers, being the committee appointed by East
and West Greenwich, in tlie County of Providence, to proportion
the money now in the Town 'I'reasury of said l'>ast Greenwich,
and the poor in said Towns between the aforesaid Towns, now
order and agree that West Greenwich shall draw one Hundred
and Eighty Nine pounds and three shillings out of ihc Town
Treasury, including Captain Spink's bond for tlieir wliole pro-
portion of the monc)' now in the Treasury of said I'^ast (.ireen-
wich, and that West Greenwich be at one half of tlie charge in
keeping- and niaintaining tlic widow Elizabeth l^ow, in meat,
drink and lodging and washing and apparel for the future, and
to take effect at the division of said Towns. As witness, our
hands, at East Crreenwich aforesaid, this Thirtv First day of July,
A. D. 17-11.
John Spencer, ^ CoimnittCi-
John (tRei;ne, • for
iBi';Nj'N SwEEr, \ East Gricm^'ich.
Thomas Si'Enci:r, \ Connnittic
John Jenken>, for
Thomas Fry, Jr., \ \\\st Grii-nzouli."
The county of Kent was set off from the county of Pro\'idence,
and East Greenwich selected for the county town June the ].""ith,
IToO, according to the record which says :
" The General Assembly passed an act Incorporating I-last
(ireenwicli. West Greenwich, \Varwick and C<.i\-entr\' into a
County liy the Xamc of Kent, and l-^ast Greenwich Chosen for
the C(.)unty town through Great ( )pposilion,as a pait of Warwick,
](I03 inSTORY OF WASIIIXCTOX AND KENT COUNTIf:S.
and Providence in general doing their utmost endeavonr to stop
their proceedings."
The •■ great opposition " c,{ Warwick was owing- to the local
jealous}- of the two towns, as Warwick wished to be the county
town, and liave the court house and jail located at (Jld Warwick,
which was tlien considered the capital of Warwick, and ought to
be now. The citizens of hLa.st (Irccuu-ich agreed to furnish a lot
and build a court house and jail, upon the condition that the
gCJieral assembly and the courts should be held thvre.
'J~hc first e(/urt house and jail were both small and inconveni-
ent, and in lSi!."i were so much out of repair that the legislature
appropriated a sum sufficient to l)iiil(l the present court h(ju.se
and jail. The old j.ail Iniilding is now a dwelling house, stand-
ing on the corner of .Marlboro and Oucen streets, and owned by-
Mr. William X. Sherman. The present court house stands on
the sitcof the <.)ld on(.:.and is a large and handsome structure. It
fonnerl)- contained tlu' most beautiful court room in the state,
but it ha.s been altered and changed so often that it now has no
resemblance to its former apjiearance.
The following enlry shows that the first allusion to the court
house is an abstract from the town records in IT.'iO:
" At a quarterly meeting at the County House in the County
of Kent November the -JTth IToO. -
" Voted, That the Ouaricr meeting, and all otlier quarter iricct-
ings, shall be held in the County House in said Kast Cirtenwich.
" D rawed for the Crand jurors to attend the first Superior
Court of Common I'leas, and (ieneral Sessions of Law. to be held
ill East Cireenwich, in the County of Kent, within and for said
County, on the second Tuesda;,- of January next. Wm. Sweet,
Silas James, Thomas ]\Iadison and Colonel I'eter Mav.nev."
On the lov,-n records of lanuary the I'Jth. 17:!-', is this entry;
" \'oted and Ordered, That tlicrc shall f>e a good pair of stocks
and a Whipjjing Post, made at tlie Town's Cost, and i)Ut up at or
near the House of Capt. John Drake in said Town and ordered
that Robert Easter is appointed to build and put up the al.iove
said Stocks and Whipping Post, and to make return of his doings
therein to the said Town Council at their next meeting, and the
said Council to agree with said Robert, for making the same, and
to be paid for the same out of the Town Treasury."
From the census report taken under the authority of the col-
ony we give the names i>{ the heads of families, as the lists st<jod
f HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AXD KKNT COIINTIK?. 10(i3
I . in 1774, for this town : John Arnr,ld. Jr., Charles Andrew/lMion:-
. • as Aldridge, Matthew Aylsw.irth, Oliver Arnold, Pardon Alleri.
I John Arnold, William Arnold, Joseph Arnold, Thornas Arnold,
I Richard Aylsworth, Anthony Aylsworth, Rebecca Andrew, Benonl
! Andrew, Jonathan Andrew, Edmnnd Andrew, job Alsbane.Wil-
' liam Bailey, William l^.ailey, Jr., Tliomas B.ailcy, Joseph IJailey,
Geori:;-e Bailey, Daniel Bates, Robert Babeoc'k, Caleb Brings,
Olive Briggs, Edwin Briggs, Job Briggs, Thomas Ih'iggs, Xalhan
I3i'i.gg.s, John Briggs, Jr., Richard'Briggs, son of John ; Benjamin
Bennett, William Bcntley, John Brightman, William Bnrlin-
garne, John Burlingame, David lirown, Bial Brown, Amos Ih-own.
Clarke Brown, Amos Boose, Andrew liayaru. \Villiam Card, job
Card, Joseph Card, Charles Carr, Daniel Carr, Cornell Carpenter,
Morgan Carso, Jon.-iihan Capron, William Coggesliall, lieniamin
Coggeshall, Thomas Coggcshall, Nichols Coggeshall, Jo^iuui
Coggeshall, Thomas Corey, John Cooke, Hopkins Cook. Steplien
Cooper, Gideon Casey, 'J'homas Casey, Silas Casev, Archibald
Crary, Job Comstoek. Samuel Cahoone, Richard Cornell, Corne-
lius Clarke, S.amuel IXavis, Nathan I'.ly, Jeremiah I'^urbanks,
Benjamin Fry, Joseph kVy. Lemuel I'h-y, Thomas Brv. Bh.ineas
Foster, Nathaniel (h-cene, Nathan Greene, yose])h ( irceiie, Flisha
Greene, Sylvester Tirecne, Stephen (ireene, Rufus Greene, [(jna-
than Greene, ];)aniel Greene, Benjamin rireene. John Crreene,
Grififin Greene, Henry Greene, Christopher (Treene, AVilli.am
Greene, Augustus Greene, Matthew Greene, Nicholas (irccne,
George Greene, vSamucl Greene, Albert (ireene. Job Greene,
Oliver Gardner, John Gardner, Jlenry (iardncr, Jcjb (lard-
ner, Nicholas (ioddard, William Giles. John Glazier, John
(rrinnell, Archibald Graves, Joshua (iodfore, I'.benezer Hath,
Freeborn Hamilton, William Hamilton. Robert Hall. Oli-
ver Hazard, Joseph Hunt, Ezekiel Hunt, l^benczer Hall. An-
thony Ilolden. Nicholas Flyde, Daniel Holland, Mary Jennings,
Dowry Jenks, :MiehaelJenks, Isaac Johnson, John [ohnson, Jon-
athan Johnson, \\'illiam Johnson, Jabez Jimes. Silas Jones,
Josiah Jones, Abel Jones, J.xseph Joselyn, Philip Jenkcns, Ren--
ington Kenyon, Arthur King, James Lutlier, John Langford,
John Langford, Jr., Josej)h :\lot:, Stephen :Mott. Stephen :\Iott,
Jr., Robert Morris, Daniel Ma.xwell. Gideon .Mumford, Stephc-n
Mumiford, John ^Lattersfm, Augustus IMumford. Caleb ^lathcw,
Isaac Moore. Richard Mathewson, Pardon Mornev, John Nich-
ols, son of Elkan : Jonathan Nichols, George Nichols, Rich.ard
10C4 IIISrORV OF WASUINGTOX AXD KEXT COUNTIES.
Nichols, John Nichols, son of Thomas ; Frcelove Nichols, Thom,
.as Nichols, Alexandre Nichols, James Nichols, Robert Nichols-
Ruth Nichols, John Nichols, Job Pierce, Daniel Pierce, Thomas
Pierce, Steplien Pierce, Jolin Pierce, William Pierce, Jolm Pierce,
son of Benjamin ; James Pierce, Jeremiah Pierce, Preserved
Pierce, Ichabod Prentice, John Pitcher. Thomas Place, Thomas
Phillips, Aldrich Reynolds, .Samuel Relf, .Shippey Reynolds,
Thomas Reynolds, Jonathan Rouse, (Gardner Rouse, Pelcg- Rice,
John Spencer, IMichael .Spencer, Griffin Spencer, Thopias Spencer,
son of PenjaUiin ; Stephen Spencer, Walter Spencer. William
Spencer, Wilson Spencer, Henry Spencer, Nathan Spencer, Ca-
leb vSpencer, Ik-njamin Spencer, Jeremiah Spencer, George Spen-
cer, Ebenezer Spencer, Silas Spencer, Susannah Spencer, Rufus
Spencer, John Shaw, Merrit Smith. Ichabod Smith. Samuel
Smith, Thomas Slocum, Andrew Smart. Caleb Sheffield, William
Sweet, Ann Sweet, Sylvester Sweet. Steplien .Shippee. Thomas
Shippee, Rowland Sprague, Jeremiah Sv.-cet. lames Stafford, Jo.
seph .Stafford, James Sweet, Benjamin Sweet, .Samuel Sv.-cet,
Henry Sweet, Jonathan Tibbitts, Henry Tibbitts. IJenjamin Tib-
bitts, Robert Taft, Thomas Tillinghast, Philip Tillinghast,
George Tillinghast, Benjamin Tillinghast, Joseph Tillinghast,
Samuel Tarbox, Lsaac Upton, Samuel Uj^ton. James Mitchell,
Varnum, Daniel Vaughn, David Vaughn, Robert Vaughn. Chris-
topher Vaughn, Caleb Wceden, John Wh.iiman, Samuel Whit-
man, James Whitman, Smith Wilcocks. I-2phraim Ware. Robert
Whitford, Caleb AVhitford. Peleg Weaver, Benjamin Weaver,
George Weaver. Jonathan Weaver, Timothv Weaver, Clement
Weaver, Thomas Wells, Peter Wells. h:zekiel Warner, lo.seph
Winslow, Job Winslow, Joseph Whitmarsh, Hannah Wall, Ben-
jamin Wall.
The following document is the agreement subscribed by the
early settlers in East Greenwich:
" Know all men by these presents,, that we the subscribers,
whose hands and seals are hereunto affixed, being inhabitants of
Warwick and East Greenwich, in the Colony of Rhode I.sland
and Providence Plantations, having purchased a tract of land in
the Narragansett country, being part of the vacant lands belong-
ing to this Colony, and the committee appointed by said Coh^m-
to di.spose of said vacant lands, a Refference being had to the
deed of .saile bearing date eaven the same with these presents,
said land being butted and bounded as follows:
HISTORY OF WASIIINGTOX AND KENT COUNTIKS. 1005
"Vv'e, the subscribers, do covenant and a^jree upon the follow-
ing: First, -that wo will take in as many partners as will make
the number of fifty or sixty partners including- ourselves in said
number; And tl;e said land shall be divided into as many parts
or shares, and if one man will not take a whole share, there may
be so manv taken in as v\-ill represent a whole share for the rest
that are taken in said share.
"vSeeondl\-,--that in all matters that relate to the well manage-
ment and ordering- of said land aforesaid, the njajor part of the
partners present votes shall be valid and binding to all the part-
ners, to stand to both to them that are in the Deed as well as
them that are taken in for partners, who are to be equal with
those who are in the Deed, in all respects with ourselves.
"Thirdlv,— none are to be taken in as partners without the
consent of the major part of the purchasing partners, and not to
take in more than to make as n-iany .shares abovesaid.
"Fourthly, -that any man shail liave n-iore than one share, yet
he shall have but one vote about anx'thing relating to said land.
In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals
this 30th of June Anno Domini l(i77.
'■Signed, Sealed, and Delivered in presence us,
Bf.njami.v H.\k-ihx, John \Va-i'kkman.
Tuo.M.vs Fkv, Thomas Xu III lis,
Jamks Cakdi-.r, Mai.achi Riiodks,
John Si'Kxckk, Jamks r,Ki:KN::,
Benjamin Grki:xi;, Simeon Smith,
Pardon Tii.lini;ii vsr, Josi.rii Smiiii."
" May 29lh, 1730. That whereas Thomas Fry having taken up
the lot No. 27, and having erected a wharf and warehouse there-
on, which IS the condition that the said lot was granted upon,
therefore the proprietors do hereby make the said lot a good es-
tate in fee simple unto the said Thomas Fry, and to his heirs and
assigns forever.
"Voted, That the proprietors and inhabitants of the town are
granted liberty to build a .school house upon the southeast part
of the land that was allowed for a Town Douse, which said land
lyeth between John Coggeshall's lot and John Nichols' lot as it
appears on the plat."
"March 20111, 17:i4. \'oted, that whereas the ])roprietc>i-s are
desirous to e.\ehange six lots that are laid out for rocjm for a
burying place, and in lieu thereof to lay out several water lots in
lOCG HISl'ORV OF WASHIXmnx AM) KEXr COUNTIES.
the room of them, and whereas one of the ]<.)ts proposed to be ex-
chano-ed, be!ong-s to Thomas Vry. and in lieu he snail have the
liberty to take the choice of the lots that shall be laid out, and
the present committee to proceed to exchan-e the said lets upon
the shore accordino; to their discretion for the best conveiiienc}-,
for the accommodation, and for the promotiou of our town ; and
the lots so exchan.t;ed with tlie other land that thev decide for a
burial place, shall be and shall remain a burial place forever:
and whereas there is a jucce of land where the .■school hotrse
stands that was left for the building- of a tov.n house forever, we
order and grant that the said land shall be and rem;un for no
other use, but for building a Town House."
At a meeting in July, 17:M, an act was made, allowing a boun-
ty of two pence on the killing of all kinds of scpiirrels, except-
ing the flying scjnirrels.
That the authorities of the town early considered the evils
arising from intemperance is evident from the following acts,
but' different from our mode now of legislating against rum
drinking.
From the Council Records, Februarv 1-Jth, 17-2] :
"Whereas, the town council hath been informed that several
persons residing witJiin our jurisdiction doth give themselves so
great a latitude to drinking, to that degree that it is likely that
they may bring themselves and their families to poverty and so
become chargeable to the town ; for the picvcnting whereof it
was thought good to give out this admonition, that if there
should be any such persons within this town that thev take
warning, and let the time past sufliee, and refrain from all evil
practices for the future, as they will expect to answer the con-
trary at the utmost penalty of the law shall inflict, and that all
retailers take notice hereby to square themselves by the laws (jf
this colony relating to their duty in selling and keeping good
order therein, and that all housekeepers and heads of families
do order their children and servants upon the first day of the
week to repair to some place forthe worshipof Cod, t)r otherwise
to keep in their own houses, and that the Clarke of the council
transcribe copies thereof and sign them as Clarke of the cc.uncil
and post them up in the taverns and alehouses in the town."
"November 2.'>lh, 17,V>, William liaily, of said town, made
application to this Town Council that he might have l.ibertv U>
Retail Strong Liquor in less quantities than a Calloii, for the
HISTORY f)F WASinxcn'ON AND KENT COUNTIES. 1007
space of t\vo days and iif) more ; wliieh is fur two Muster 1 )ays
for the second con'ipan}'<:ir Train Ikmd belcinging' to Jiast (ireen-
wich, there lieiiii;' no house in said Company suitable for that
purpose.
"Resolved that the said William Baily have the liberty to
retail Stroni;- Liquor in less quantity than a (Gallon for the sjjace
of two da\-s as ahove said, he kee])in;^' good ru-der and l)ein,L;'
under the same reo-ulation as the other licensed houses."
In 1704 there were nine licenses _granted in East (ireenwieh
for the sale of stront;' licjuors.
In early days persons, in order to remove from town aeeordinjj
to law, were oblij^ed first to obtain a certificate of permission.
Wc find that durin;^' the year 17.'")() there were several removals
to North Kingstown and Iv.xeter.
September lUtli, 17.")t), a man formerly of North Kingstown
wa.s complained of by one of the overseers c)f the poor of East
Greenwich, that he, the said man, v/ould, by his ill conduct and
bad behaviour, probably become chargeable to tlie town, where-
upon he, with his seven small children, was t>rdered back to
North Kingstown forthwith, and the order was carried out by
the jMxiper officer. In November the man returned, in "eon-
tempt of authorit}-." He was then o dered to pay the sum of
forty shillings, and pay costs of prosecution, taxed at £1 0 and
4 pence, and that he remain in custody of the tiffieer until the
cost be paid, and thenceforth leave the town. Cases like this
are often found upon the records.
At a council meeting held August :?.")th, 17.")(), Captain Sylvester
Sweet appeared and informed the council that Abigail Sweet,
one of the poor of the town, wanted sr)me clothing, such as
"shifts and a gound," and whereu])on it was resolved by the
council that the said Sylvester Sweet provide for her two good
to\v cloth shifts and a good flannel " gownd," and exhibit his
account of the same before the council.
How the poor are eared for now can be seen from the report
made by Nathaniel G. Carpenter for the year "ending June l.st,
1887: Outside poor, S3:?;3.7r) ; grain and feed, $205.03; asylum
keeper, $200; Lillibridge & Holland, for coal, $27.83; J. A. Cap-
ron, for burial of poor, $23.r)() ; overseer of poor, $,")(); total,
§840.1 ].•■
The town officers for the year 1888 were: Moderator, Ilcnry
A. Thomas ; town clerk, lidward Stanhope ; town treasurer,
1008 HisroRV OF \vash[X(;t()N and kkxt counties.
Levi N. Fills: town sergeant, r.eoi-o-e S. Ijcnnctl ; town
council, James IT. Eldrcdo-c, l.ynian I lines, Joseph W. W'luglm,
Warren l.aurler, Christopher A. .Shippee ; assessors of taxes,
George C. tirecnc, Christopher A. Hunt; overseer of the ])i>or,
Nathaniel C. Carjienter : siqierintendenl of ]niblie schools, Al-
bert J. Coiiod<in ; school eoniniittee, James II. ICldrcdgc, Albert
J. Congdon, Arthur Knight, Almoii I'laee, Charles S, Wiglit-
man ; pound keeper, James E. S])eneer ; truant officer, C,eoi-ge ,S.
; Bennett: police constables, James K. l!eiim It, Jamvs i;. Til-
; . linghast, George S. Bennett, Alfred Fry, ( )\ven" MeCahey.
Thomas Fry came from England sometime before KKiO, and in
that year was admitted a freeman into the eolonv, and in the
year following was elected sergeant of the .olony. In 1(J77, with
forty-seven others, he became one of the ])roprielors of liast
: Greenwich, and was afterward deputy from East Greenwich,
and several years gen. :ral sergeant ..f the colony. He died be-
tween the years li;;j| and l(;i)(;. Thomas Iwy, Jr., his ,son, was
admitted freeman of Rhode Island from East Greenwich in iCDo,
and his brother Josejih, who had moved to Xew]iorl, in 1701.
Thomas Fry, Jr., was probably born about IOC;), and it was he
who became major, speaker of the house, and deputy governor.
\^ He had at least two sons - Thomas, b(irn rdjout iCjC). and John,
^i. born about inns. The third Thomas I'ry was freeman in ITJf).
V ;^ ,^ He was married to M.ary (Vreene isister to Governor Greene) De-
^^ .^cemberlilst. 171'.l. His children were : Thomas, .Samuel, lohn,
v^- .„^- Joseph, Richard, and Sarah. Thomas Fry" was born December
V \ 10th, ]7:>;!, and died December -^lld, JSO."). He married Penel..j)e
;S. Y Rhodes. Their children v,-ere : Thomas. '■ Rhodes, Benjamin,
! __, vPeleg, JefTrevTAniherst, and Sarah.
\ >; ^ " The'al'xive givesThe heads of v.irious families of the name of
V ^ Fry, many of whom have continued from Thomas h'rv, the i->rig-
A inal settler in East Greenwich, to reside in this town, and many
of them have fdled honorable positions. The old homestead
'i^ place is now' owned by Joseph 1m y. Thomas X. Frv, and also
Thomas G. Fry, prosperous farmers of this \icinilv, are descend-
ants of the original Tliomas, wlio came from l^ngland.
The following, an extract from the genealogical record of the
Fry family, compiled by Ilenj.amin Greene I'^ry, of Providence,
and published in Doetor (Greene's Ilistoi-y of East Cireenwich,
is worthy of jircservation. Mr. Frv savs :
HISTORY OF \V.\SHI.\-(;Tn\ AND KENT COUXTIKS. 1009
;. " The town of ]-:ast GreenwicJi previous to the revolutionary
' war had a larg-e eoasting- trade, in wliicli my grandfather, lien-
jamin Fry, was to some extent eni^aoed. x\mong other enter-
I prises, he imported a ear-(i of slaves from the coast of Africa,
some of vrhose descendants still remain, bearing the name of
I I--y.
I "In the war of the revolution a Captain (razzee, a resident of
j East Greenwich, fitted out a small schooner of fifty Ions, called
! 'Felicity,' as a privateer, and with her sur].rised and captured
a largo Englisli shipv.-ith a v.aluablc cargo of dry goods, brought
her into the harbor and anchored her in the upper end of the
cove. 1 have heard my father say that the l^hTglish captain was
so mortified at his capture that he .actually shed tears, and re-
marked had he been ca])turcd by a respectable force he could
have borne it with more fortitude, but to be captured by a d-d
old squaw in a hog trough was more than he could endure.
"Captain (yazzcc was a j'renchman with a very dark complex-
ion, hence the allusion to an Indian squiiw. lie left a number
of descendants, some of whom are still living; here.
"Within my own recollection many citizens of the town were
engaged in navigation : among others. Colonel 'William Arnold,
in connection with his sons, .'Major Stephen Arnold and Captain
Perry Arnold, employed two brigs and a schooner in the trade
with the Dutch colony of vSurinam and the West Indies, export-
ing mules, fish and stoves, rnid imjiorting sugar, molasses and
other products of the islands and the Spanish .Main, as South
America was then called. Colonel Arnold was the proprietor
of the old tavern, 'The Bunch of Grapes,' which is still occu-
pied as a hotel, with the identical sign, and now called the
Updike House.
"Jonathan Salisbury, Captain Joseph and Reynolds Spencer,
Joseph and Barney Greene and others, owned and em])loved
vessels in the coasting trade and cod fisheries. The fish were
caught and salted on the Xewfoundland coast, and then dried
on flakes on Ro-pe \V;dk Hill. My father. John l~ry, was for sev-
eral years engaged in the same business. I still remember the
names of some of his vessels, a sloop ealled the ' Industrv,' which
ran regularly to Xantucket, another the ' lietsey,' in the trade to
the James River and the cities of Norfolk and Richmond. \'ir-
ginia, and a schooner called the ' Beaver,' which was wrecked in
a hurricane in the Island of Antiqua.
jO/O IllsrOUV OF WASillXClOX AM) KKXT COrXTIl'S.
" Abcnu the year ISd'.t, a company was ()i-_^anize(l (<>r llic wlialc
fishery, and two sliips, the ' ] liidson ' and tlie ' 1 )ani)liin.' were
fitted out: Init tiie enihai'^o and the nun-intereonrse hiws, fol-
lowed b\- the war of IS|-J, put a eheek n])on all maritime enter-
prise, from whiehthe town has never reeo\-ei-ed. The ' Hudson '
was wreck'L'd at Tui'ks Island, and llu' ' I)aupliin " was dri\'en on
shore at the east end of l.on;^ Island 1)\- a lliilish ])ri\;iteer, and
thtis ended the whale- fishei-\- at ICast ( '.reLnwieh. 'Idie oil v.'orks
stood on ;i \\-harf at the foot of l)i\ision slrei-t."
The endxiryo law passed 1)\- eoni^ress in ISl'J was ver\' disas-
trous to the eommeree of hkist Cireenwieh. At that time a num-
ber of vessels were eni^a^ed in trade wilii the West Indies and
the southern ports of the I'nited States. A bri;^'. })artially loaded.
was lying' in the harlior near Long' Point when the news arrivt.'d
that the act liad beeome a l.aw. To escajH- the \-ij;ikince of the
collector, the \-essel was lo.ided at ni;.;-ht by Ijoats fiom ( )kl \\'ar-
wick harbor, and l.iy ni^ht escaped.
The Spencer family w'-ei'e earl)- and i)ror,iinent settlers of Mast
Greenwich. The Spencer homeste,t<l. now owned by \V. \V.
Spencer and Fones Ship])ee. is the oldest in the town, save that
owned and oeeu])ie(l b\' [ohn Kenyon. The farm above men-
tioned was purchased of John ("iodfre\- Ma\- (ith, 1 7."i k for /.TiO,").
Benjamin Spencer, son of John and brother of 1 )octor Thomas
Spencer, the pioneer phvsieian in the to\\-n, first came into pi.is-
scssion of the property. Wilson .Spencer built the house in
IT."):}. It then passed to his son, Wilson, Jr., and then to Wil-
son's son Caleb in ISJ7, and then to C.-deb's sons, Ik Ik and W.
P>. Speni,-cr in kSdk ;ind then to the ])resenl owners in ISS(i.
Benjamin Spencer was born in KiTO. His son "Waltei- ma.rried
Ann Wilson May jdth, M-JC. Wilson Spencer, son of Walter,
was a blacksmith. Wilson Spencer, Jr., man-it-d kdizabeth
Waite June "J.'»th, 1 7S(i, and his son, Ckaleb .Sjjeneer, married, first,
Margaret ISunn, ISiKi, June ■i(ith, and foi' his second wife Sarah
Andrews, on January i^-Jth, ks-i k His son. Ik Ik Spe-ncer, mar-
ried Mary A. Briggs April 7th, \i<rr].
George ^Vashing•ton (ii-eene, the histoi'ian, was boi-n .at kkast
Greenwich April Sth, k*-^!!, and died ;it k-ast (ireetiwieh in the
seventy-third \-ear of his :igi.-. Professor Greene was tiie son of
Nathaniel, who was the second son of M.ijor-General X.-dhanru-l
Cxrecnc of the rcvohuion.aml his mother w;is .vnna M.iri.'i Clarke,
niece of Go\-crnor .Samuel Ward, of the contincntrd eon<rress.
illSrOIlV OF \V.\SIIIN(, lOX AM) Kl'.NT ('( IL' .\Tli:s.
JO'II
He was lliiis CDniiccled by birlli witli Iwo of the most ',!istin-
};-iiished families in llieeai'ly eoloniai ])iTi(uls of Rliode Islainl
histoi'v. His mollier, a woman of rare eulliiieand lasle. taii-lu
liiin when a mere had fo lox'e I'ope and Addison and CohUniil li,
tliiis h-iyin;^- the foundation of pure taste antl a hi\e of ;_^oo(l reaJ-
in;;-. In the fall of 1 S-iJ. at the aj^e of fourteen, he entered I'.i'own
I'r.iversity. and thert- re-niained until liis junior \'ea!-, when he
abandoned his studies and travided in luirope. lie lemaini'd
abroad, with the exeeption of several visits houie, until IM7, a
period of twenty years. hhom IS:17 until JSI.'i he was eousul at
Rome. 1 Uirini;- his resideneeabro.ad he ])ublished in ihe .Wv ,'//
.-/w/c/vVr/// AVr/rrea series of ess.ays on lt;uian histor\- and litera
ture. lie at one lime intended to publish a historv of thai eoun-
try, and had already made ]iro;;ress in the work, when the [.'.ir-
tial loss of his eyesii^ht and a reeall to Amerie t interrupted his
plans. Soon after his return, in the spinij.; of IS IS. he w;is a])-
pointcd iuslruelor in modern lani.^u,i;.;es in llrown University,
a po.sitioii whieh his sujuuior eullure and seholai ship enabled
him to fdl with eredit and usefulness. In IS.'C he removed to
New York, where he devoted himsel f to teaehin;,;-, and espeeially
to hi.slorical researidi, the libraries of the eolle,^c aifordin;.^- am-
ple facilities for this purpose.
In lS5:i he married Uatheriue, daUL'.hter of Addison .and Ann
Porter, an<l ;4randdauL;hter of the l-^evereud 1 loetor 1 ).ivid I'orter,
for lwenty-ei;4-ht years jxistor of the Presbyterian ehureh in
Catskill, New \'ork. Her elder brother was the lamented and
gifted John .Addison I'orter. foi- several ye.an; ])rofessor of eliem-
istry in Drown Hniversity and afterward ])rf)fessor at \'ale. In
the year ISCli Professor ( ",reene remo\e(l with his famih' to his
h(nne in Ivast (ireenwieli, where he eontinued to reside until his
death.
Professor (".reene has been re,t;'ardc(l as one of the best of our
writers, espeeiall\- on historieal sidjjeets pertaiuint; to Ameriea.
Hi.s friend W.ashin- ton Irvine; wa.s aeeustomed to speak of him
as without an e(iual in this dejiartment of literary ellort. His
most im])ort,ant work was the life of his ;^randf.ithei-, .Major-
General (Ireenc. first published in the seeond sei'ies of Sjiark.s'
Amcriean Ihoi^raphy and afteiward enlar:_;ed to three royal
octavo volumes, and published in .\ew \"ork in IS(w '1*1 liis
other works, ;^-iven in the order of Iheii' pnlilieat ion, .are ,as fol-
lows : " I'rimary Les.sons in I'reneh," Xew \'ork, 1S4'.); new
1072 HisTouv OF WAsiii.xtrrox and ki;nt counties.
edition (;f •• I^ilv, and Arnold's Ancient ( iC'o;^-ra})hy and Ilis-
tor}-," New ^'ork, ISH); " t'nnipanion to Ollcndorf's l''rcncli
C.nunmar," Xow York, It^fiO; "Historical Studies, Chicllv on
Italian Snbji-ets," Xe\v York, lS."i(): " Ili.storv and ( "leog-rapliy of
tlie Aliddle Ayes," New Yoik, JSol ; -Addison's Complete
W^orks," Bishop llunl's edition, with notL's l.iy I'rofessor Circene,
six volumes, Xew York, It^o-l ; " Ilistdrical \'ie\v of the American
Revoltition." JIis latest works are: "(",ci-man IClement in the
American ^Var of Independence," Xcw ^V)rk-, 187(; ; and a " Sliort
History of Ivliode Island," I'rovidenee, li"^77. He also conlrilnited
many papers to the Xorlli Aiiuricau Kn-iiic, Chyistian Rcvuu',
Knickcrbockci- M,i;^a:.iiu\ Ilarpir's Maj^arii/i-, Piiliiaiu's Miii^cxzinc,
and other pei'iodicals.
In 1872 Mr. r,i-eene was ai)])ointed non-resident professor of
American history at Cornell University, m Ithaca, Xew York.
After entering upon the duties c)f his (jftiee, lookin;.;- forward to
years of useftd and honorable labor, he was stricken with, a
partial stroke of paral\-sis. which enfeebled and impaired the use
of his limbs fcir the remaindci- of his life. For several vears
after his removal from Xew York I'rofessoi- Tlreene rejirescnted
East Greenwich in the yx-nei-al asscmbh'. He was a mcinbei' of
several literary .societies of kkast (ireenwicli. He was one of the
fotmders of the Dante Club, which met rey'ularly at the house of
the poet Lont^fcllow.
The old o-rist mill formerly operated by Hugdi l'"s,scx on
Hunt's river, Potowontut, ^\•as built on lands now owned by
Russell Batcman, .'ind was a very early mill. Hugh Essex came
to America with his father about the year lOSd. and was an only
son, unmarried at the tintc of his arrival. He and his father
settled at Potow(j]nut, and thei-c he remained until he died. He
and his father carried on the Inisiness of clotliiers, fullers, dvers
and dressers of cloth, and carded wool fr;r the familv spinning
wheel, and also ground grain in their grist mill.
Hugh and Rebecca Corp Ms.scx had ten children. Hugl: ILssex
died at the age of 1)0 years and his wife at the age of 1)2 years.
Their seventh S(.in, Corp Mssex, the grandfatlier of Albert James
Congdon, of liast Creenwich, w.is drowned. The names (jf the
children were Richard, James, John, Dean, Benjamin, William
Fones, Cin^p, Xanc}- and Ivlizrdjeth. James Congdon married
Martha, daughtc-r of Corp lissex, and tlie\- resided on the old
homestead property.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KEN']' COUNTIES. 1078
The mill next passed into the hands df J;imes Cong-den, Jr.,
the father of Alfred James Congdon, of Ivist Oreenwich, who fell
in the mill pond and was nearly drowned in IS'2'S, when but tv.'O
years of aye. His father, at the time above mentioned, was in-
formed thai he lay at the bottom of the mill pond, and, swim-
ming' to the place, dove diiwn and brought him up, the ehild
having sunk for the last time iust prior to his reaching the place.
The lad was tumbled alxnit until resuscitated, then a doctor was
sent for, and by careful treatment he fidly recovered, and has
since been one of the prominent men of Kasl ( jreenwich.
The mill was afterward sold tt) Lewis lillis, who attempted to
move it over tlie ice to the tither side of the river, but the ice
melting before the work was accomplished necessitated the
building' being torn down, and it was never rebuilt.
Education. — Prior t<i 1S-}S there was no free public school
system in this town. We had the Academy, which is sp<>kcn of
elsewhere, and several piivatc schools in the village, and in the
rural district there were a number of small school houses in
which schools were kept during the winter month.s f)nl}\ main-
tained by jirivatc subscri]5tion or by fees for tuition. In the
southwestern part of the town, now District Xo. 4, was the sem-
inary, so called, built by a hjttery in ISO-l, the g;rant being for
the purpose of erecting a building f(jr religious niectings and for
schools, for which purpose it was used ; but only occasionally
until recently, when it has been wholly devoted to religious
meetings, another school house having been provided for the
district by the tov\-n.
The public .school system began in 1S28, when the state made
a small appropriation to the towns from the revenue derived
from what was called the vSchool ]"imd Lotteries; this town re-
ceiving the first year §180. In .May of this year, for the first
time a school committee was chosen. Charles Eldredge, Thomas
Llowland, Thom.as Tillinghast, Job R. Greene, Joseph P. Briggs
and Daniel C. Harris were the committee. They made their
first rcp<jri in 1S'2'.). They recommended the passage of a reso-
lution appropriating one hundred dollars to any district building
a school house approved bv the committee, also that the town ap-
propriate one hundred dollars in addition to the state monc}'.
They divided the town into districts, the boundaries ui which
have rem.ained unchanged, essentially, to this daw The first
appropriation was made by the town in ISIM. In this )'ear the
Gs
1074 HI5T0RV OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KENT COUNTIES.
roprcsentatix'cs of tlic town in the (^'uncral asscmljlv were iii-
strueted to prueure an act authoriziny.' the trnvn to build seliool
houses. Ill ]^fa^■, ]s:!l, freemen were notified that at the August
town nie-etini;' the ])roj)riety of bui]diny.' selioi:>l h(.)uses in the se\--
eral districls would be broui^ht Ix'fore the meeting-. The eom-
mittee reported in .August of this year tliat thirteen hundred
dollars would be sulheient to build the school house. It was
voted to build school houses of equal size in all the districts.
Five hundred dollars was appropriated'otU of this .year's tax.
In April, 1834, the committee rei)orted that they had contract-
ed with James A. Capjron to build four school Ikjuscs in Districts 2,
3, 4 and T), for one thousand and si.xty dollars -the Iniildings to be
twenty by twenty-five feet and eight feet posts, no contract be-
ing made for Xo. 1. In November of this year one hundred and
fifty dollars additional was a]5pro]iriated to District Xo. 1. To
this was added the subscriptions. of individuals and also of the
Baptist socict}-, mailing n sum sufiicicnt to erect a building- stieh
as was needed to accommodate the larger number of scholars in
this district and also to furnish a room for religious services for
the above named society as by agreement.
The whole town being nnw provided with suitable btiildings,
according to the idea of the times, the systenr of free })ublic
schools may be considered as fairly established. In these early
days of small appropriations frcnn state and town, about three
hundred dollars in all, it was expected that the regular free
school sh(juld be kept for three months in the^\•inter onh-. How
e-\-en this could ha\-c been done may seem a m^-stcry ; but we
mttst remember that the teachers' wages only were paid out of
this public money. He was to board around among his pupils
proportionally, so many days for each scholar, the better class
kindly offering to kccj) him f(jr those whose limited quarters
would not permit them to make the n-iaster comfortable. The fuel
and care of the house was also to be provided for by the patrons
of the school. The average wages of the teacher i ■ these early
years of the free .school could have been no more 'an twenty
dollars a month, and sometimes much less than this. These
small appropriations from the state and town were continued for
seven or eight years, when the state received from the general
government a large sum from the surplus in the treasury, which
was invested b\' the state as a school fund. The lottery system
was discontiiuted, and the appropriations became more liberal.
HISTORY OF WA^UIXCION AXLi KEXT COUNTIES. ] 07,")
The town also increasing;' its apprcipriation proportionally, a
summer term wa.s added, :md the wiritcr school prol<>ni;"cd In four
months and more libcrrd \va;.4'cs paid t() the teacher, securiiiL;'
thereby better service. I'rom this time on the amount ajipro-
priated b\- tlic town and st.ate has been steadily iucreasinj^- iinlil,
at this time it amounts, as b\- the rei)ort of the committee for the
year 1S87 S, tO' the sum of three thousand eight hundred and
eighty-two dollars, from the following sources : St:ite. yl,Cc'-1.71 :
Town, S1,G2-J.71 ; Registry Taxes. ;s-2^7; Do- I'und, ST.)0.-1(»; In-
come from IMaxwcll Fund, SJ:!',).7.') ; IJalancc frt^m last year,
$40.7.o = So,8S:?.;!2. .Schools have been kept in all the districts on
an average nine mcuiths. in school houses a.pi)ro\-ed l.>y the com-
mittee and on a much more liberal and generous scale than that
with which they began more than fifty ye;irs .ago.
The ■NLaxwell School i'und has :i peeuli.ar and interesting his-
tory. It is the gift of the late Robert Maxwell, of Philadelphia,
son of "pilaster" ^Maxwell, as he w:is called in his da)-; a
Scotch schoolmaster who taught the }'oung ]K-ijple uf this neigh-
borhood in the latter yearsof the last century. Robert ^laxwell
retained a fondness for the place of his birth, visiting it occasion-
ally to see his brother licnjamin, who was decrepit and de-
formed from his birth, and always a hcljiless invalid and pen-
sioner on his brothe]% who cared for him tender!}- all his long-
life. iSIr. Robert iMaxwell gave in his will ten thousand dollars
to the town of East (ireenwich. the place of his birth, for the
support of a school, where all the children of the t(jwn might
have the benefit of it. The leg.-icy was payable after the decease
of his wife. He died about the j-ear ]8:;(i, and before the decease
of his widow the projierty specified as the gift to this town, stock
in the United States Hank, at the time of his death worth a large
premium, had become entirely worthless, impairing his estate
very materially. His widt>w, in order to c.arr}- out the intention
of her husband as far as practicdjle, ga\-e in her will fi\-e th(nis:ind
dollars for the same purpt)sc. After some de' 'y and some de-
preci.ation also, and much expense in the way > state taxation
on legacies ])ayable o'lit of the state, twenty-five hundred dollars
was paid over to the treasurer of this tmvn, to be applied accord-
ing to the provisions of the will. The money was in\-ested by
order of the town in the stock of the I\.lujde Island Central liank,
an institution located here and supposed to lie si;l\-ent. This
bank very soon met with losses, which so impaired its capital as
1076 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON- AND KKNT COUNTIES.
to preclude all hope of dividends for some vears t(i come. After
three years or .so there was a demand for the stock of this bank
from jiarties who wanted to <;-et the control of it, and so the town
availing- itself of this wpportnnity. ordered it scild, and the pro-
ceeds invested in stock in some solvent banks in the city of
Providence, at the discretion of a trustee, in whose name it was
to be placed. The new investment was twenty-five shares in tlic
Bank of North America, good and sound from first to last, pay-
ing always dividends, and worth nowsixteen hundred dollars ;
and twenty-five .shares in the Arcade liank, good also and pay-
ing for a while, but meetir.g with losses, which reduced its capi-
tal twenty-five per cent. Recovering itself and under the new^
name of Rhode Island National Bank, this stock is now worth
nearly the original amount paid for it, and yields regular and good
dividends. The value of the Maxwell Fund, as now invested, is
twenty-eight hundred and eighty-four dollars, and the income
from it, as by the last year's report, was SloO.?."). This income is
apportioned equally among all the scholars in the public schools,
and prolongs the term so far as it may. For quite a while a sep-
arate account was made of the expenditure of this money, and a
return made of the .Maxwell school in each district; of late this
has fallen into disuse, and this money is merged with the other
moneys of the town and state and divided with them. It has
been proposed to devote this income to the purchase of scholar-
ships in the Academy, to be gi\-en to such scholars from the pub-
lic schools as, on examination, should be found to be most worthy,
but this has not 3'et been done. It would seem better to carry
out the design f)f the donor if appropriated in this way than as
it is now.
East Grehnwich Vii,i.ai;i:. -The village of Ea.st Greenwich
is situated in the extreme northeastern portion of the town of
Ea.st Greenwich on (Treenwieh bay. and on the mainline l --m
New York to Boston, fourteen miles from Providence, twci ;
from Newport, fifty-six from Boston and one hundred and sev-
enty-six from New York. The vStonington Line passes through
this pkace by steamer from New York to Stonington and thence
by rail to this place and Providence.
The village is partly on an eminence, the location being of sur-
passing beauty, ]iresenting a view of both shores of the bay.
From the higliesi j.oint in the village can be seen the bay, with
its peninsulas and islands, cultivated farms with their beautiful
HISTORY OF WASIIINGTOX AND KKNT COUXriES. ](»77
residences, extensive inland views of fields and forests equal in
many respects to those of Xaples. From the observatory on the
Academy building- may be seen with the naked fve ihe cities of
Providence, Fall River, Warren, P>ristol, and Xewpurt.
The seaside advantages here are excellent. Salt water bath-'
ing-, sailing, ro^ving^ and in winter, skating-, facilities for wiiich
are ample, combined with the- salubrity of the climate, render
this one of the most healthful localities in the w.^rld. lieing in
the southern section of New England, the climate is more mild
and equable than that of the eastern states generalb": the wind
being- tempered by the ocean which, though not far awav, is not
so near as to impart the usual harshness to breezes flowing from
the sea. Serious sickness is almost entirely unknown, due to a
pei-fect system of natural drainag-e, and the place is free from the
miasma! mists of many villages built on low lands. A nuuiber
of delicate plants and shrubs live through the winter in tiie open
air in East Orcenwich, which, in other places in the same: latitude
can be preserved only in green-houses.
The village is situated on a small bay, the harbor of which is
completely land locked so as to be perfectly secure from all
heavy winds ; and the shores so bold that vessels of all kinds can
approach very near. Formerly it was celebrated for its men-
haden fisheries, but of late years these fish have become very
scarce. One hundred years ago oysters were so plentiful here
that each family was in the habit of laying in a hundred bush-
els for winter consumption, but they are scarce now ; also clams
and quahaugs. those cheap and wholesome shell-fish, the chief de-
pendence of the poor. Escalops are very abundant and in their
season they furnish the principal food of a large portion of the
people of the village. During the summer months scup, tau'tog,
mackerel, flatfish, blue fish, suckertearg and a number of other
kinds of fine fish are caught. During the winter a la --e num-
ber of eels are caught with spears through holes in the .
The village of East Greenwich is the county seat of Kent
county, a favorite summer re.sort and a delightful place of resi-
dence. The liast Greenwich Academy is located in this village.
An extended description of this institution may be found in
Chapter XIX. The village formerly was called Xewtown for a
long time, to distinguish it from other sections of the town. As
a manufacturing center il has more advantages tluui have been
properly utilized. Appreciating its situation and facilities for
lOTS
IIISTORV OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KKNT COUNTIES.
commerce, its founders ami successors hoped that it mig^ht be-
come the emporium of tlic I'laiuations and relinquished this Impe
only after long elTorts to realize it. The villaye now has become
a center of various industries and it has a hi.story becairse of its
merits, destined to survive the succeedin;.;' ai;'es.
John Spencer was pnibably the fir.st settler in the village. His
name heads the list '>( those to wliom the assembly granted the
lands of East (ircenwiL-h townshij) for services rendered during
King Philip's war. (')f this large tract of l.'uul, consisting of five
thousand acres, granted to fifty individuals, five hundred of
which were " to be laid in some place near the sea as comnicdi-
ous as may be for a town, which said five hundred acres shall be
v||:,j|Jg1||
ja.t.AMW PfCJ.tl. sc.
-East CiKEKNWicH ACAiiEMY. (See page 897).
divicled into fifty house lots," etc.. and each person named wis
entitled to one of these lots, and his share in the remaining fou
thousand five hundred acres, making one hundred acres for each
individual.
]ohn Spencer, before mentioned, settled at East (Trecnwich
and died here in 10S4. His wife Susannah died m 1710.
He was elected freemaii in \W<fi. His seventh son, Thomas
Spencer, born on the •2:?d of July. 107'.). was the first English
child born in I-^ast ( jrecnwich. and he was the first physician who
practiced here. Doctor Thomas Spencer was a man of respecta-
ble attainments, and was tov^ui clerk from 17i:.i to 17r)2. He was
several times deputy t(j the gcnera.l assembly, a magistrate and
HISTORY or \VASlll\(,Tf)X AMI KENT COUNTIES. IT.?,)
large proprietor, and was a rccog'nized minister of the Society of
Friends for many years.
Doctor vSpenccr built the house in which he resided, on tlie
hill near the bluff at the southern termination of the ridge.
\vhich extends from Druni Rock, near Apponaug, to this point.
]\Ir. Henry ]'. Eldredge now resides in a house more recently
built on that site. I )oct(jr Spencer's house was a gem^'rous man-
sion of the f>lden time, subseciuently occupied by I'homas Al-
drich, and later by IJcnjamin Ilowland. The children of jolm
and Susannah Spencer were : John, born iVpril 2nth, 1 CiCiCi, died
1743; Michael, born ^lay L'8lh. KU^S, died 1748 ; lienjamin, born
1G70; AVilliam, born 1(;74 : Robert C, born 1074, and died 174S;
Abner, born 1071), died 17.-)!); 'J'homas, born 1079; Susannah,
born 1081 ; Peleg, born 108:1. died 170:i. The descendants of
John and Benjamin are still found in the town of I-^ast Cireen-
wich. R. C. Spencer, the author of tlie Spcneerian systen.i of
penmanship, al.so Piatt R., }iliehael, Caleb and others of this fam-
ily whose names are now household words, were from the town
of Exeter.
So impressed were the first settlers with the importance of the
place that the}- ])rovided for its realization when planning and
laying out the village, by making the principal streets wide and
straight, and giving them lofty and high-sounding names.
Main street, running north and sr>uth through the center <jf die
village, is sixty feet wide, as are also King street, fjueen street
and London street, running at right angles from 'Shun street to
the harbor ; while Marlboro, Duke and other short streets are
only half as wide. After laying out the requisite numlier of
streets to accommodate the house lots, certain portions of land
were reserved for public use. The triangular piece of "round
at the junction of Duke and King streets, now occupied ..^ ^he
steam grist mill and a few dwelling houses, was originallv in.-
tended for a market, and was to become the property of anv per-
son who should erect upon it a building of certain specified di-
mensions containing a certain number of .stalls and elio])pirg
blocks. Another piece of land near the depot is called tlie ex-
change, but buildings for other purposcsthan that of an excliangc
were built tliere. Two locations were set apart for shij) \-ard..s.
One of these yards was located at the foot of Oueen street, and
the other, near the railroad station, is now oecujuvd as a co;d
wharf. At this latter place brigs and schooners were built and
lOSO IirSTORV OF WASIIINGTOX AND KENT COUN'I IICS.
launched ; at thai time the tide flowed far above where the de-
pot now stands, but from natural causes the valley has since
been filled up, and what was then a salt marsh covered with
thatch and overflowing^ twice in twcntv-four hours, is now cov-
ered with houses and laid out into streets.
Previous to ITOO that part of King- street where the county jail
now stands was an open dock. Here the tide ebbed and flowed,
reaching- as far up as the i-ailroad bridge. vSuch was the situa-
tion of the village that most of the water from the neighboring-
hills found its way into tlie harbor through thi's street. The
consecpience was that such a vast quantity of sand was washed
down during tlie heavy rains that it was "Voted and Resolved
by this Town Meeting that the said Jeremiah Baile}- and IJenja-
min Ilov.-land, together witli such others as may be admitted by
them as partners, their heirs and a.ssigns," should have the priv-
ilege of filling up the harbor and building a wharf, and erecting
a store <-jr stores on said dock, and pay into the town treasury of
East Green\s-icli si.K shillings per year. This wharf and other
property now belong to Tliomas ]. Hill. ]\Iay 20th, J79'2, this
town dock was disposed of by the town authorities at public ven-
due to Charles Andrew for thirty pounds.
Prior to ISOO three exfensive hat manufactories were in East
Greenwich. The principal one was owned by John Case}-, who
employed a nuntber of workmen in a building located on the hA
now occui)ied by the large brick block until recently occupied
by Browning & Fitz. Another hat shop, owned by Daniel Davis,
was on the lot where the Greenwich iSank now stands; and the
third, owned and managed by Ezra Simons eK: Sons, on the corner
of Main and Queen streets. The sons were Chalmer, Caleb and
Harry. The first possessed a taste for painting and a genius for
caricature, which, had it been cultivated, would have made him '
celebrated. Caleb and Harry were steadv and industrious, ar,d
assisted their father in the hat business. The old man and his
two sons would make up a quantity of hats, and then, with as
large bundles as they could carry in their hands, would trudge
off among the factories on the I'awtuxct until their hats were
all sold.
On the summit of the hill on the east side of the village once
stood a long, low structure, called the rope walk. It was owncil
and operated by Joseph Greene and his two sons, Joseph and
Barney Greene. " ]\Iany now living in ICast (ireenwich can, in
HISTORY OF \VASin\r;TOX AND KENT COUNTIES. V 81
imagination." savs Doctor (ircene, " see the old man -walking-
sknvl}- backward ^vith a large bunch of hcni}) aro-and his waist,
spinning with his hngers. while one of his sons turned the crank
of the large wheel wliieh operated the spindles.
" When Ivast r,reen wieh v/as in its height of prosperity as a con-".-
mcrcial port, and extensively engaged in maritime affairs, this
rope-walk was cjuite an important concern, employing a niunbcr
of worknaen constantly, making cables and cordage for the
numerous vessels then owned here, while the air around was
filled with the agreeable odor of tar, with which the rojies were
saturated to protect them from salt water. The rope-walk was
used as long as tliere was business enough to support it."
Before the building of tiic St(.)nington railroad I^ast (".reenwich
village was a small collection of houses, generally unpainted, and
not a half-dozen shade trees adorned the streets. Aside fron-i
the indispensible cobbler, hatter and tailor, a few carpenters and
I blacksmiths, a few groceries, where a meagre traffic was carried
j on by retailing gin. West India rum, or the New lingland
j " staple," to thirsty customers, for Avhich process no license was
I required in those halcyon days, its limited commerce was c<in-
j fined to shi])ping- once in a year horses, mules and dried iish to
j Surinam and, the ^Vest Indian ports, for a return cargo of sugar
j and molasses. If there was any excitement in the village at
i that time it was about the wharves, when a few coasting sloops
I plied to Providence, Newport and Nantucket ; or fishermen, then
[ as now, went across the bay to Jarvis's Rocks, or the muscle bed,
1 in pursuit of shell v or finny ])rey. A tri-weekly mail supplied
1 all the demands of ccjrrespondence. The village contained one
i phvsician and one lawyer. Sixty years ago no perem])tory bell
\ called the early toilers to their monotonous tasks among the
I httmming spindles. No iron horse careered through our viln^^^
\ or wakened with its shrill whi.stle the drowsy echoes of the
hill-sides.
At that time the com]xact part of the town did not extend
southward lieyoiid the junction of h^m and Main streets, and
along the entire length of Elm street. There was only one
house on the eastern side i if the street. The hill between the
railroad and tlie cove, cnnvned by the ancient rope-walk, was
destitute of a single dwelling. The construction of the Provi-
dence and Stonington Kaib-oad, with its lieautiful and co.stly
granite bridge, the erection of the ( )rion steam mill, the Ba\'
108:2 fusTORV OF \VASiiixt;iox and ki;nt cduxties.
mill, the Woolen mill, and a hleacherv where the Xarrag-ansett
Print Worlcs no%v are, yave an activity which increased the
g-rowth of the villag'e in a wonderful manner.
Then the mail service was j:)erformed bv a stag'c coach, which
carried passengers from Kingston to Providence one day, and
returried tlie next. A public school house which would ace(mi-
modate about eighty pupils, who were governed In- a single
teacher, supplied all the demands for free education. It was sit-
uated on the " heater" piece of land, near the cornjcr of Duke
and King streets, and at the periods of violent rain and conse-
quent flood the unfortunate |)edagogue was obliged to convey the
scholars to dry land on his back. (Jn such occasions the school
was suspended sometimes for a week or more, as there was no
regular ferry.
An academic institution of learning, second to none of its class
in New England, with an accomplished faculty, has the best of
accommodations foi-over two hundred students. Spacious dwell-
ings, tastefully adorricd, have sprung u]> here and there, and no
village in New England is jn'otectecl and adorned by liner shade
trees.
Formerly, if the peo]:>le were devoutly inclined, they wor-
shipped either ^\ ith the I'ricnds or Presb\-terians ; but now the
religious devotee must be able to find among the congregations
of the ]\Iethodists, Paptists, Friends, and l-'jiiscopalians, at the
Marlboro Street chapel, or beneath the cross of the Roman Cath-
olic church of " Our .Sister of ]\Iercy," or within the plain Lu-
theran church on -Spring street, some form of worship that will
meet the requirements of his creed.
The natural beauty and local advantages of Ivast Greenwich
have alrea<ly been noticed. Xo town is better situated for the
pursuit of any domestic manufacture, for freight can always b'"^-
forwarded cither bv water or by rail. It mav be safely predic' i
that the next fifty years will show far greater changes than th..-se
that have marked the past fifty years.
Samukl Kixr,,-- a merchant connected in some way with the
house of Oliphant & Co., of New York, came t(j East Crcenwich
with his family about tlie year ISIS, retiring to this place on ac-
count of ill health, to lead a quiet life as an amateur farmer. His
family at tht- time he came here consisted of two daughters and
two sons, the daughters well gro\\'n up to v.nmanhood, and the
* By Jvmies II. EUhe.lge, .M. D.
f
i
i }IISTOKY OF AVASUlXGTiiX AND KENT COTNTIK.s. 10S3
sons also well ;^rnwii, l)nt still at school, One (.>f tlie dau;;hters
f was very beautiful and the othei' was rather plain, but both very
agreeable, with aeeoiniilished, lad\--like manners. 'J'he sous also
were very unlike, one a.n athlete, fond of all boyish j;"ames and__
! rough sports, the other of delicate organization, studiotis and
! scholarly. Three s(jns were born in this famih' during their
j residence here, with a wide gap between these and the older
{ brothers and sisters born elsewhere. !Mrs. King was a Vernon,
of Newport, of g0(jd family, and possessed, of what was' then
thought a handsome property — houses and lands in lliat ancient
town. Mr. King was also of Newport, his father, of the same
name, being a nautical instrument maker. The residence of
}Jr. King and his family in this town for fifteen years or so,
formed an ei)is(jde in its iiistory of no little interest. lie was a
man of cultivation ,'ind travel, had resided abroad in the capacity
of commercial agent for the house with which he was connected
in New York, and so had seen much of the world.
He soon became interested in local affairs — in repairing arid
rebuilding the meeting house of the Catholic Congregational
Society, in settling a minister and opening regular religious ser-
vices, which had for a long time been only irregular and occa-
sional. He was made a trustee of the Kent Acadeni}- and took
a lively interest in the school which had alwaj'sbeen maintained
here of a high order, edttcating many generations of young peo-
ple in the elements of polite learning, and fitting young men for
college. 'Sir. King became also interested in the Rhode Island
Central Bank, an institution founded here in the early years of
the century, and which was for many years the only one of the
kind in the count}-. He bought stock and was made a director
and president, and continued to hold that office for some time.
He was especially devoted tf) agriculture and gardening;
bought a farm near the village, enlarged the house a' i made it
his residence. He brought from Prince's Nursery, i. .1 Long Is-
land, choice varieties of fruits and flowers which he planted out
and distributed with a generous hand to all his neighb(^rs. The
first cultivated strawberries and raspberries and the rare varie-
ties of peaches, pears and cherries, were found in his garden.
Cuttings and grafts of all these were freely distributed. The
Hundred-leaf damask rose, the Scotch Burnett rose, were intro-
duced by him and arc still gro\\-iug wild, as it were, where they
were first planted out. Tulips, hyacinths, j(jnquils and crown-
IdS-i HISTORV OK WASIIIXC rox AM) KENT COUNTIICS.
imperials, now found L^Towin'^ in other jj^ardcns, are recognized
and named fur hint. In tlie more substantial affairs of aijricul-
ture he took a deep interest, ditching' and draining- thi' low.
grounds on his farm, building substantial stone walls and con-
vcinient barns fen- his cattle, improving his fields by the use of
sea manures and new methods of cultivating the soil.
He became a member of the Society f<n- tlie ICncouragement
of Domestic Industry and was a member of tiie c<immittee which
prepared for publication under the auspices of this SQciety, the
" Farmer's (Tuide." This work was distributed by the aliove
named societ\- for the instruction of tlic farmers in the new and
improved ways of cultivating the soil and also to introduce new
vegetable plants and grasses which were supposed to be adapted
to our soil and climate.
Tired, after a while, with the quiet life of a farmer, Mr. King-
engaged in business in Providence in a limited way, still li\ing
here and visiting his place of business in the city as occasii-m re-
quired. This enterprise was not a success and invoh'ed In'm in
liabilities which he could not meet at maturity. It is quite prol^-
able, too, that his exj.ienditurcs in amateur farming had been
larger than he had intended. His friends in New 'S'ork, not ap-
proving of his mercantile venture in Pr(-)vidence, had with-
drawn their support. All this led to an assignment, or failure,
as it was then called, a much more serious affair then than m
these modern days. His home was at once broken up. his farm
and stock sold off, and the family retired to a small house in the
village, where he soon fell into a despondent wa_\-. which led into
absolute dementia, in which condition he died in a little more
than one \'ear from the date of his financial disaster.
Mrs. King, her unmarried daughter and the three younger
sons remained here for twt> <jr three years and then remo\-ed to
Newport, where she spent the remainder of her days, living i>
very old age and retaining the beauty and grace for which sIk
■was noted in her young days, through all her life.
This little episode m the hisiorx- of a small town is v\-orthy of
this brief notice, showing, as it docs, in a marked way the perma-
nent, refining infiuence of an intelligent family over a large
circle and continuing, as it has, for mi)re than two g^-nerations.
MKKi_'.\xrn.i-; IU>ixi:ss. — After the building of the railroad a
new era of mercantile industry l)egan in the village, started by
John P. Roberts and others, and from that time the various
HISTORY OF WASIIIXfrrOX AXn KENT COUNTIES. KlS.-j
trades liave been cm tlie increase. Mr. Roberts was a \-ery pi-onii-
nent cand siieeessfiil merehant. continuing; in business for a j^reat
many years. In ISCiC. William (i. Browning eame to the village
in search of an opening, being attracted t(i thc})laee by the bcayty
of the village as seen while passing in a train of cars. He was
born in Soutli Kingstown in lS-10, and is a son of Santiiel K. and
grandson of Tliomas Browning, lie was graduated .at l",astman's
Business College in 186.5. The advent of j\Ir. Browning into the
mercantile circles of luast Greenwich was a.little singular, lieing
a stranger he inquired of a man at the depot for the most promi-
nent merehant in the place. ITe was told that John P. Roberts
was thiC man ; whereupr)n Air. Browning sought out the store of
-Mr. Roberts and friund the obieet of his visit sitting with heels
over his desk, and not in a very pleasant mood for entertaining
strangers. Mr. ISrowning. however, not abashed, made his re-
quests known, but was abruptly told that the clerks were idle
most of the time and that business was such that there must
needs be a diminution, rather than an increase in the force.
Mr. Browning then took a stroll through the store and found
things about as staled. Approaching ~S\r. Roberts again, he very
stoically remarked : " A good clerk can create new business." At
this juncture Mr. Rwberts turned upon his new comer with an in-
terrogation as to what business concern that was of his. when Mr.
Browning told him he came to the ])lace desiring to connect him-
self with the leading and oldest business merchant of the town,
that he might in the near future buy in as a partner and event-
ually succeed. He had been told that Mr. Roberts was the lead-
ing merehant of the place. As for himself, he could give ref-
erence, etc., etc. The idea to ]\Ir. Roberts' mind was a novel
one : he had. however, been thinking of that kind of a succes-
sor, but hardly knew where to find just the kind of a young man
he wanted. lie arose from his seat, took a second jok at the
stranger, then escorted hinr up to his house, and auer introduc-
tions, a good dinner, etc., bid him good-bve with a good promise
for the future. Mr. Browning went home, well assured of his
prospects and several months after received word to come to luast
Greenwich. lie did so, in ISOT, and after a clerkship of five
years bought Mr. Roberts out and is now one of the leading mer-
chants in the county. Im-oui lST-i to ISTi) the business was con-
ducted by ]!rowning& Fitz and since by Mr. Browning alone.
In 187G Mr. Browning erected his large brick block, and is at this
lUSO IIISTOKV OF WASHIN'GTON AND KV.ST COUNTIES.
time putting- up a large additiim. lie was ip. the town couiicil
one year.
Colonel William IJodfish was another ])romineni: and piicccss-
ful merchant in the place. He came to East (jreenwieh in ISA'A,
and, with slight interruptions, lias continued until recent!}', \\hen
he retired. In 1878 he built the lilock now occupied by Mr. (.i.
H. Fuller.
Russell Vaughn came to East Greenwich in 18-l.^i. as a clerk in
a Store. In lS-18 he established his prcscn.t business. lie was
born in 181G in Connecticut. His wife was a daugliter of Stephen
Place. They have three children. ^Ir. A'aughn was two years
in town council, two years assessor of taxes, and three years
state senator.
Albert A. Hall began manufacturing wine from the native
grapes in 18GU, and continued the business until 1880. lie
was very successful.
W. A. Hanaford (grocery and market) open.ed up a trade
in 1880. He succeeded H. ^Nl. Lillibridge. He v.-as born in
New Hampton, N. H., in 1851, and caine to East (Greenwich in
1S7G. He was elected to the legislature in 1888.
In February, ]87('i, Caleb R. Hill and his son, Charles G. Hill,
opened a store in East Greenwich as dealers in sto\x\s and tin-
ware, under the firm name of C. R. Hill & Son. Undertaking-
was made a part of their business three years later, and within
the next seven years the}- added a furniture business. The
senior Mr. Hill, now a resident of W'arwick, is a son of lV)nes
Hill. Charles G. became a resident here in 187(;. His wife is a
Tefft, of South Kingstown. Their two children are Frank R. and
Anna. The Hill store, lately purchased by Charles G. Hill, is
the old place which was Doctor Greene's residence and ofhce.
Of others now in business should' be mentioned : X. G. Car-
penter, who began in 1870; Enoch ^V. and AV. G. Lovell, tin and
hardware, who started in ]8.")0, and built their store in J8n-2
(they were successurs of James ]{. Pollard); Thomas L.Spencer,
boots and shoes, who began in 1818 with his bi"others, John and
Richard; I. D. ^Miner, grocery, ]88:->; John R. Rnowles & Co.,
grocery and grain business, in 1874 (!^\Ir. Knowles retired in 1881,
when Abel C. Kenyon succeeded; in 1887 ]\lr. Kenyt^i moved
into the old iJaptist church, now used as his store. This l)uild-
ing was dedicated in 1817); A. W. 1 lowland, ready-made cluth-
ing; George II. Fuller, drv goods, 187i/. Levi X. k'itz, a former
HISTORY OF \VASinX(;TO.\ AXD KENT COCNTIES. 1(»87
partner of juhii ]'. Rribcrts. afterward in companv Avith William
G. 15ro\vniny", has been iraclin;^' with Thumas II. lialvin since
J884, tinder the hrni name of L. X. ViV/. lV C'l 'i'lie new st';re
was eieeted in IS."^7. Mr. I'iiz was born in 'J~roy, X. Y., in 1S."i(»^
and eame to I-"a.st (ireenwieh in JS71. (.>n the dissolntion of the
firm of iJrowniny l\: Fitz lie beL;an Inisiness for himself, and in
1S81 took ^Ir. (ialvin as partner. ?vlr. Fitz is town treasurer.
Albert J. Congdon. the pioneer drui^'i^'ist in East Cireenwieh,
established a trade in groceries, drugs, ete., jn 1847. His sons,
now in eompany with ^Ir. Cundall, under tlie firm name of
Cundall & Co., are in charyc of the only drug business in the
village, in the old Congdon store. }ilr. Congdon is the present
town superintendent of sehools for East Greenwieh. l.dward
Stanhope, who has been town clerk since 1808, came to the
village in 18r)"2, and for a number of }-ears was a trader in. gro-
ceries, etc. A. & J. C. Xicliols have kept a meat market since
1S72, and David Wilbur a dry goods store since I8O1). E. A.
Gould wa.s born in 1841) in Dover, A't. lie came to East Green-
wich in 1S7S, and has been in the g"rocery and prcivision bu.^iness
since Xovember of that year. He has been secretarv since
October, 188r), of King S(jlomon's Eodg-e, Xo. U, A. E. l\: A. :\t.,
and is trustee of the Cldd Fellows. Davis & Kingley and other
traders might also be mentioned in this connection. Joshua G.
Arnold is a native of this town and a representative of the old
Arnold family, a name connected with the general interests of
the town. His is the oldest and prir^cipal livery business here.
Mr. Peleg F. liabcock has the onl}- other public livery stables
here of any considerable impcjrtaiice,
Lii;r.\rii:s."-' — .Somewhere about the lime of the foundation of
Kent Academy the East (.ireenwieh .Social I^ibrarv was estab-
lished, probably by the same persons and for the same pu'-'^- e—
the moral and intellectual improvement of the peopE of the
town and the neig'hborhood. Among the founders of this library
may be mentioned FJoctor Peter Turner and his sons, Henrv,
James and (leorge; the Hon. Ray Grreene, the Greenes of Poto-
womnt. Wanton Gasey, the Arnolds, Stephen and Perry; David
Pinniger, Jonathan Salisbury, Xathan Whiting, and otliers
whom we cannot now recall.
The books in this library were selected with great care and
good judgment, and were a choice collection of standard I-~nglish
* By Jame.s H. EKlivili:c, >E D.
1088 HISTORY OK WASHIXGTOX AM) KKNT COUNTIES.
authors of tlic time- ("liljbon. Robcrlsrin, Hiinic, Rollin unci
Goldsmith, in history: the works of P.acdii, iUirko, lIinnL, Mon-
taigne and ^lontescjuieu ; Shakespe;ire. Millim, I'opL, 'J'humpson,
and Dryden, and tlie translations of the elassio i)oets. " 'Tlie
Rambler," "The Idler," " Speetator," "The I'ecleralist," and
" Letters of Junius " ean be rememljered anions the books that
were on the shelves in an old eabinet in wliat was tlien tlie office
of the clerk of the supreme court, in the north l)ascment r>f the
court house. •
This choice collection of books was carefidh- preserved and
read, and it may be said studied by the youny people of th;s
town and nei^diborhood in the early years of this century, and
contributed verv niucli t<i the culture and refinement for which
this villaije was noted at that jicriod of its history. How ;m in-
stitution of this kind, with such a beginning' and such a sul)-
stantial foundation, could have fallen into disuse and dcca\- is a
mystery, but so it was. Tlie ndes so rigidly enforced in its
early years were neglected, the funds so necessary to sustain all
such systems of public charit\- were no longer contribute-d. The
books became scattered and lost to the liljrary, but not altogetlu-r
lost to the people : they were to be seen in the luiuses of the
older people of the town with the ^tamp of the h'ast Cireenwich
Social I^ibrar}' still upon them, not purloined, but kept foj- use,
and from the destruction to which tliey were exposed from
dampness and mould in the room in which they were kept, which
had been abanck)ned as unfit for a clerk's office, and so for most
of the time shut up ;ind inaccessiljle. To this more than to any
other cause may be attributed the decline and fall of this, the
first public library in East Greenwich.
The Jurst Grccnwicli Free Liluary Afiociatioii was established
under the provisions of Chapjter ]:;_', of the Public .Statutes, in
March, 18<)I), b}- the Hon. \Villiam Greene, Professor George ^^'.
Greene, Daniel H.Greene. Joseph \V. Congdon, Richard (j. How-
land, Silas R. Crane, vSamuel }il. Knowles, James T. Edwards and
others. Professor ( icorge W. (ireenc being the ])rincipal mover
and controller of tlie enterprise, his endea\'or being toestalilish
an instjtution for ilic education and instruction I'f the young peo-
ple of the town and neighl)orhoo(l, not confined to territoiial
limits, but extending to all who should wisli to a\-ail themselves
of its privileges.
/
HISTORY OF WASIIIXf.TOX AND KF-NT COUNTIES. K l89
Professor Greene w;is sustained and assisted in this work by
tlie ox-ncrous finaneial supiiort of (governor (ireene. who eontril^-
uted liberrillv for its foundation and for its su]5portas hnii;- as he
lived. The prominent idea of Professor Greene was to preserve
an institutitm of this kind earefully from the l)e;:4!nniny fnr its
legitimate purposes, to prevent its deterioration into a eolleetion
of worthless trash, the use of whieh would serve to demurahze
rather than instruet the re;iders in useful knowledge. To se-
cure thi.s he thoug-ht it neeessary ti.' be guarded in the admission
of members into the eiirpcn-ation. that the management m!!i,ht
I not pass into imj)roper hands : to preserve its shelves earelully
,' for the standard works in literaiure, history. bio!j;ra]-)hy, travel
t and .seienee, and exelude evcrythinj.;- like the works of modern
I romance, with whieh the young people everywhere were already
f supplied in abundance. While watching- so closely for this
! common err<'>r of the time, he subjected himself to tlie charge of
t exclusivencss. Members were to be admitted only on recom-
i mendation and bv standing, ]n-opounded from one annual n',cet-
i ■ ing- to another ; and so. perhaps very justly, the opprobrium ot
i a close corporation fell upon the association in its earliest for-
I mation.and hindered very much its successful progress. Becom-
! ■ ing- aware of this, while'^still adhering to his original idea of the
I great danger of destroying the healthy influence of a public
I . library bv crowding its shelves with works of fiction, he yielded
I to the advice of others, and a n-iore liberal system was adopted.
I All who would subscriljc to the constitution and by-laws and ])ay
j a small annual tax were admitted on non-iin;ition. 'J'his plan has
j been followed since its introduction, but it has been slow in re-
j moving the prejtidiccs against the association originating in this
t . conservative policy for the good and sufficient reasons n'Mued
i above.
I The meeting- for organization was held at the h(nise of the
j Hon. William (Greene on the 2;id of March, 18l"i'.). \Villiam
\ Greene was chosen president : (leorge AV. ( ireene. vice-president ;
\ James T. Edwards, secretary : James II. Kldredge, treasurer,
i and Joseph W. Congdon, librarian. Rooms were opened in the
V Salisbury building on ]\Iain street. May 'id, ]8(;0. ]\Iiss ]\lary
j • Brown being assistant librarian in charge of the rooms.
I ' The Schroeder library, a valuable collection of about fifteen
! htxnclred volumes, was purchased for the corporation in June.
1809. The sum agreed rrpon being eleven hundred dollars. Gov-
[ 69
1090 HISTORY OF WASIIIXGIOX AND KEXT COUNTIES.
ernor GrcL-ne assumed the payment of one half, and nllimatcly
paid tlu' wliole.
In November, 1800, a lot for a building was purchased for
eight hundred dollars, and at a meeting of the corporation Feb-
ruary 7th, ISTO, the president proposed that the association pro-
ceed to erect on the lot recently bought, a building suitable for
the uses of a free library, he engaging to ]iav one half the ex-
pense of the same, provided the whole ei.>st did not exceed five
thousand dollars. A building committee was appointed at this
meeting, consisting of James H. l^ldredge. George AV. Greene
and Richard G. Rowland. The committee was instructed to 'pro-
cure plans and estimates. .May 7th, 1870, the building commit-
tee presented plans and estimates, which were accepled and the
committee authorized to contract for a building, provided thai
the cost did not exceed the sum of four thousand dollars.
The building was finished and opened for use in February,
1S71. The basement was finished with a vault for preservation
of the town records from fire, and witli a iTjom for the meeting
of the town council, and it was rented for these uses for one
hundred and fifty dollars a year. In 1875 an appropriation was
made by the general assembly for the support of free libraries,
the association receiving from this source one hundred and
twenty-five dollars annually, to be expended in the purchase of
new books.
At the annual meeting in 1877, the Flon. William Greene de-
clined serving longer, on account of the infirmities of age, as
president. J. II. ]':idredge was chosen in his place. Professor
Greene still holding the office of vice-president. In 1879 Cicncr-
al Thomas W. Chace was chosen jjresidcnt in the place of J. II.
Eldredge, declined. At the annual meeting in January, 1884, a
committee was appointed to prepare resolutions commemorative
of the late Governor Greene and the late Professor George W.
Greene, both of whom had died within the last vear — Pi-ofe.ssor
Greene in February and Governor Greene in INIareh. The fol-
lowing report from the committee was presented at the next an-
nual meeting. January 2Sth, 1884:
"Since its last annual meeting this corporation has met with
great affliction in the death of two of its prominent members—
Hon. William Greene and Professor George W. Greene.
" Professor George W. Greene died earl}- in February last, af-
ter a lingering illness which had confined him to his house for a
HISTORY OF WASHIXrnOX AND KENT COVXTIKS. 1091
long time and j^revented him frum taking- an active part in the
affairs of the association, though still retaining an interest in its
welfare, and holding the i.ffice of vice-president, to ^vhich lie ^vas
elected at its first organization. To him we are indebted for the
plan and inception of this institution. From his appreciatir)n of
the value of a free public library as a means of instruction and
improvement, and from his suggestion other influential citizens
of the neighborhood were induced to join with him in organiz-
ing themselves as a body for establishing a libra^ry for the use
of all who should desire to avail themselves of its advantages.
As a member of the .State Board of Education he exerted his in-
fluence to secure the recommendation of the board to the Gen-
eral Assembly in favor of the act making an appropriation for
the aid of Public Libraries, without which this association could
hardly have continued its existence. To him the institution is
indebted for the character of the. volumes now upon its shelves.
He fully realized the importance of presenting to the young
standard books of instruction in history, biograpliy, science and
literature, instead of the transient fiction of the day. On these
especial points and for his general interest in the prosperity of
the institution the surviving.members, his fellow laborers in this
corporation, desire to place on permanent record their grateful
acknowledgments of the eminent services of their lamented late
Vice-President.
"The Hon. William Greene departed this life on the 2-}th day
of March, 1883, having completed his eighty-sixth year on the
first day of January previotis. He was the first president of this
association and continued in oflice until advancing }-ears com-
pelled him to decline it. To him the association is indebted for
the substantial aid which secured the nucleus for the library bj-
purchasing the valuable collection of books left by the late The-
odore Schroeder. He encouraged the erection of a library
building by offering to pav one half the cost thereof. He paid
from time to time the debts of the association when current ex-
penses had left it in arrears and finalh', when aid frf)m the town
treasury was withdrawn, took upon himself the responsibility of
guaranteeing the floating debt, which his heirs, in assuming,
have relieved the association of a heavy load. These repeated
generous gifts amount, in the aggregate, to more than ten thous-
and dollars. This marked liberality on the part of its principal
promoter and founder should prompt the managers of the insti-
j092 HISIOKY OF \VA.S!nNG-|'ON AND KENT COUNTIES.
tiition to carry out iv. the fiilure faithful !}■ tlie original design
for which it was established- the insiruction and improvement
morally and intcdketualh' of the ]ieople of this vicinity.
"It is eminent!}' iitting thai we slioidd thus place on jierma-
nent record the generous gifts and labors uf onr departed mem-
bers, acknowledge our obligations to them and pay onr tribute
of gratitude and respect to their memorv."
vSince the death of these eminent members of the association,
it has at times languished for lack of substantial aid. It has, how-
ever, in some wa\- struggled on. There are now on the shelves
something more than three thoxisand \'olumes, licsides pamph-
lets and public documents. lietween five and six tlnjusand books
are circulated annuallv. The rimms are opened d.ailv from thiree
to five and from six to eight 1'. ]\I. The state apjn'opriation fm-
the jnirchase of new books is one hundred and twenty-five dol-
lars, and from the town on_e hundred and fift)-, applied to cur-
rent expenses. Arrears are made up by subscription among the
members. The lot. the building, the books, and the furniture,
may be estimated at tv.-elve thmisand dollars.
RliniiE IsLAXn Ci;nti<ai. 1)ANK.-- — Any history of Kent county
would lie ineom])lete without soutc ni.itiee of the old Rhode Isl-
and Central ISank and some of the men connected with its or-
ganization and management. This bank was incorjxnated at
the October session of the general assembly in ]8<i4. It was or-
ganized in the same year, with a paid up capital C)f fifty thousand
dollars. An additimi was built at the noi'th end of the house in
which Ci:'lonel ^^'illiam (jrecne resided, on the main street, for a
banking room. The \'ault was a stone structure of great strength.
built up from the cellar beneath to the floor above, and covered
over by a massi\-e iron door, wjiich was raised and lowered by
a strong tackle and left on a poise during business hours, sup-
ported in this position by a wooden sliL^re. This crypt was rdjout
eight feet deep and fmir feet square. The descent into it was
by a ladder. The lid <_)r door was secured by a massive bolt,
turned by two ponderous ke\'s. first one and then the other be-
ing used to comjiletethc operation. This vault was supposed to
be fire-proof and burglar-proof, and so prr>ved itself to be so long
as it was used for this purpose. Here was held the treasure of
the Ijank and the valued treasures of the country about. Safes
and safe dejji'sits were not known in those days.
* Bv Juiiu-sII. Klihc-ilu'v, :M. D.
HISTORY OF WA'^inXGTOX AND KEXT COUNTIES. 'iO'.)?,
?2than Clarke wa.s Ihe first president, and Colonel William
Greene the first e;isliier. ^Ir. Clarke \vas born in Westerly (jr
Hopkinton, but hnd resided in Xcwporl must of his life, wliere
he was engaged in business, having ci^inneelioiis at the South in^
vSavannah and St. Mary's, Georgia. lie came to l^ast Cireenwieli
in 1802. and bought the house on I'rinee street vhieh the late ( -cn-
eral ]ames M. Varntun had Iniilt in the first years of the revolu-
tionary war. Here Mr. Clarke spent the remainer of his days,
dying in September. IS:':!, at the advanced yge of eighty-nine
years. Mr. Clarke was the father of the late Mrs. Anna -M.
Greene, who died within three years at the advanced age ol one
hundred and three, and the grandfather ol Doctor Xath;!nael
Greene, of Newport, and the late Professor Cieorge W. Greene.
He was also the grandfathei- of the wife of the Hon. (ieorgt' A.
Brayton, and of Samuel AV. Clarke, formerly town clerk of War-
wick.
Colonel William Greene, the first cashier, was the son of Cap-
tain Beniamin Greene, of A\'arwick Xeck, grandson of the first
Governor Greene, and the nephew and son-in-law of the second.
Prominent among the stockholders were William Arnold and
sons, engaged extensively in commercial business, Stephen Ar-
nold of this firm being among the most active in the manage-
ment as long as he lived. William Peter Maxwell came to Rhode
Island from South Carolina to complete his education, graduat-
ing at Brown Cniversity in the class of 1708. He soon alter
married the eldest daughter of Christopher Greene. Esq., of
Potowomut, bought a small farm on the Post road at Devil's Poot,
and settled down as a country gentleman, leading a quiet life,
but keeping open house to all the members of his family, north
and south, and to, his friends and acquaintances generally. Mr.
Maxwell was among the first stockholders and for many years a
director. William Revnolds, a noted member of the vSc)ciety of
Friends, living in North Kingstown, near the Potowomut tae-
tory, was an old stockholder and director, in the later years presi-
dent of the bank.
Colonel William lireene retired from the cashiership about
the year 181.-) and Wanton Cnsey was chosen to fill his place. ]\Ir.
Casev was the sou of Silas Casey, a prominent business man and
ship owner in Ep.st (Greenwich in the last half of the last century.
In one of his father's ships, near the close of the w;i.r of the revo-
lution, Mr. Casev was sent abroad to finish his education and es-
1094 fllSTORV OF WASIIIXGTON AND KKXl' COUNTIES.
pecially to learn the Frencli lan-'uage. For this purpose he re-
sided in Paris for two years, jnst prior to the exeitiiii;' times of
the revolution in that country. <if whiel: lie said there was no in-
dieation then. Returnini;' tu this country, he joined a company
of explorers to settle in the rich lands of CJhio, then a wilder-
ness, yiv. Casey remained in this frontier settlement foi- sev-
eral years, endtu'inj^' many hardshijis, married while in ()hio a
lady of Massachu.setts (]Miss (jocjdalei and returned to Rhode Is-
land with his wife, makin^^ the journey on horse back. .Xt) man
was more identified with h^ast (ireenwieh than Wanton Case)'.
His house was on the corner of Main and Division streets, a
prominent object as you entered the town from the north. Here
Mr. Casey reared a large family and his house was the center of
a lefined and cttltivated circle through all his long life. During
the years of his cashiership the Rhode Island Central Bank was
the very embodiment of solvency and good management. The
capital was increased to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars
and over, the stock sold for a high premium, good dividends were
regulai'ly paid and nowhere could the funds of the widow and
orphan be more safely invested than in this stock. A few per-
sons, and only a few can now rememlier the cashier on his way
to the banking rooms at the hour of nir.c o'clock in the moining
with his green baize bag of hea\'y keys._ In the winter season,
the first thing d(jne after opening the outside door was to re-
move the iron fender from around the tire ])lace and rake open
the glowing coals from the fire of the day before, then pile on
the walnut wood and start afresh the cheerful blaze which was
one of the pleasant features of this old fashioned ro<jm. This
done, the keys were turned in the lock, the hook in the block was
fastened to the ring in the ifon door (if the vault and with a hmg
pttll and a strong pull it was raised to its place a little aslant,
leaning against the wooden shoi'e that held it through the busi-
ness hours, till two o'clock in the afternoon. Then down tlie
ladder to the wuilt to bring up tlie treasure and valualdes need-
ed for the day's work. The room was divided into an inner and
outer apartment by a h;indsome mahogony counter. In this
inner room was a high desk and a round table and a goodly num-
ber of comfortable arm chairs for the accommodation of the
directors at their regular meetings. The wdrole aspect of the
place was dignilied and respi-ctable.
Mr. Clarke was succeeded in the presidency by ^dr. Samuel
HISTORY OF WASinXGT'iX AND KKXT COUXTIKS. ] 005
King', who held the office mnil his failure i:i 1^27, when ]V>cti>r
Charles Eldredg-e was chosen in his place, and held it up tu the
time of his death in ]S:!S. Xutices of ]\Ir. King and of Doctor
Eldredge are to be found elsewhere in this vohnnc.
Mr. Casey resigned liis ofilcc in 18'?,") on acccunt "( advancing
age, and Christopher W. (ireene was elected to 111! the place.
Mr. (ireene was of good family, the grandson of Colonel Chris-
topher Creene, of revolutionary fame, and the grandson, on the
mother's side, of Colonel AVillirim .\rnold. lie had been engaged
in business with his brother-in-law, Daniel Creene, and was
thought to be eminently fitted for the position b\- his careful
habits of business and by his strict integrity, and so he was ; Init
tmfortunately he ])ermitted himself to yield to the imp.ortuni-
ties of his former partner and relative for sonic tcmpoiarx' ac-
commodation which wiiuld not ])ermit of the delay of a formal
directors' meeting, and this entering wedge led on to alisoiute
ruin to himself, great losses to the bank, and endless disaster to
the town, which it would be painful to record as an item of in-
terest in a local history like this.
After this, with reduced capital, the bank passed into the hands
of Thomas Rhodes as cashier, and William Reynolds president.
Under this management, it was removed to the hi^useon the cor-
ner of Division and ]Main. ]\Ir. Rhodes, after a few years, resigned,
and Avas succeeded by the Reverend Lemuel 13iirge,of Wickford,
who held the place for ten or twelve years, until the in.st!tution
passed into the hands of adventiirers, horn whom it was taken
by the court and placed in the hands of a receiver.
Otiikr Bank?. — The East Greenwich Institution for vSavings
was incorporated in 1S49. The ineorporatoi's Avere : Lemuel
Burge, Joseph J. Tillinghast, A. E. Bradley, All^crt A. Hall. Ste-
phen Greene, "William I'oyd, Samuel .S. Whiting, Albert J. Cong-
don, John P. Roberts, Stukely Underwotid, AA'illiam R. Tilley,
John lliggins, AVilliam Bodfish, Christopher Hawkins, John G.
Reynolds, Russell A'aughn, Silas Weaver, El>cne/.er .Slocum,
Thomas R. Dawley, Joseph Winsor, Ashbel AVall. AA'illiam G.
WeaA-er, Benjamin W. Hendrick, fames Ik I'ierce, AVilliam P.
.Salisbury, George J. .\dams, James 11. Eldredge, Josiah West-
cott, Horace Tillinghast, William fk Brown, Isaac S. Whitford,
Ezra Pollard. Thomas Bateman, and Robert B. Hall. John C.
Harris, the first president, held the ofTice from 184'.> to l.'sco. He
was succeeded bv lohn P. Rofjcrts, who held the t)ffice from ISCO
109G HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOX AND KKNT COUNTIES.
to ]87'2; Sainutl "Wall I'iercc to ISS."), when Russell Vaui^lin, the
present inenmbent, assi.uned the clnties. The treasurers liave
been: Lemuel IJurye, Thomas R. Tilley, to February 2nth,
ISC.O: Silas A. Crane, to May, 1804, when Samuel M. Knowles,
the present treasurer, was eleeted.
The State Rank of East (Greenwich was ine(n'[)orated in 18.Vi,
and was changed iiuo a natiunal bank in 1,'-'(;."). Henry Sweet
was the first president of the eunipany. and held the offiee until
his death in .Se])ten:])er. 188S, when he was sueee:j_^dcd b\- James
Davis. Samuel ^I. Kn(.)wles has been cashier of this bank from
its incorporation.
The Exchang-e Bank was established in ]8ri-2. U did a lively
business until 18('i(), when it failed, owing to the defalcation of
its cashier.
FiRi: Diii'ART.MKNT. — The first fire engine company was or-
ganized under " An Act of the General Assemblv, I'ekn'tiarx' ses-
sion, ^V. J). ]7t)7." and the following named persons were the
incorporators: William (_irecne, Jmiathan .Salisbur_\-, Thomas
Arnold, Andrew Royd, David Rinniger, Caleb Coggeshall, Clarke
Brown, William Sweet. Edward vSpencei', ]ohn Sprague, Renja-
min Howland, John Case}', Othnicl ^Vightman, Daniel Reirce,
Danicl^'J'aylor, (iideon ^lumford, Caleb Creene, Rliilip I'eirce,
William Arnold, Richard ilathewson. Ezra Simrncms, ]\Iicah
Whitniarsh. (Jliver Wiekes. Releg Olin, Reter Turner, James
Miller, Henr}- Xiles, James Rierce, Samuel 'I'ripp, licnjamin
Winslow, John (jlazier, Nicholas I^. (.Gardner, Jonathan Xiles,
James Greene and Caleb A\'eeden.
The " Act of Rieorporation " was accepted at a meeting held
the 5th da}- (.)f Jimc, 1707, and the fc.illowing officers were elected :
Samuel Tripp, moderator; William Greene, captain; Clarke
Brown, lieutenant; Richard Mathewson. treasurer; Thomas
Arnold, clerk. At the sariie meeting Richard Mathewson and
Earl ]\Io\vry were appointed a committee to procure an engine
for the conrpany on the m(_)st reasonable ternts possible, and they
were authorized to draw on the treasur}- for that purpose. ^Fhe
engine procured consisted of a water-tii^ht box mounted (.m
wheels, with a double-acting force pump placed in the center of
the box, which was operated by brakes on the sides ; the water
was procured from wells, and conve}-ed to the engine in leather
water buckets b}- hand.
The old well and town pump originated with the ■' I'irc lui-
f HISTORY OF \VAS!IINGTi:)X AND KKXT COUNTIl'S. 11)07
i
^ fjine Company ;" at a mcelinr^ of said company held the '.]<} day
i of June, 180."), it was "voted that Clarke Brown, William Arnold
i and ]onathan -Salisbury be appointed a committee to apply to
j the Town Council for liberty to dit^" a well in the street where
? most convenient, and when they .c;'et liberty, to proceed and dig"
!' the well and stmie t!ie same." The well was \ery projierly lo-
cated in front of the preseiit court house which ^vas built about
the same time (ISO,")). The well is larye and commodious, evi-
j dently desig-necl for a fii'c well, being stoned up eight feet across,
I holding a large quantity of water ; and after suction hose was
I introduced, an engine jdaced at the well would draw the water
I and force it through a line of hose to a fire, doing great exe-
cution.
At the June session of the general assembly. 18-2(), tlic original
" Act of Incorporation " was amended as follows: "That said
Engine- Company be authorizL'd to assess and levy taxes for the
purpose of repairing the v^'ell and pumps belonging to said
compan)' in the same manner that they are by their char-
ter atithorized to assess and levy taxes for the purchase and
stipport of their Fire ICngine." The charter has been amended
from time to time as the need of increased powers ap-
peared, to facilitate and make more aggressive the appliances
for extinguishing lire, until we now have a formidable fire de-
partment, with an am})]e supply of water, with a iM-essure sufh-
cient to reach any extremit\- desired within the Ivast (Treenwieh
Fire District, which includes a part of the town of Warwick ad-
joining East (Treenwieh.
Watkr Works.- The National Water AVorks vSyndicate Com-
pany in ISyii put in water pipes leading f rom ;i large well i thirty-
feet across) near Hunt's river, on the old turnjiilce mad. and the
little village is nt)W supplied with the best of water. The ofti-
cers of the company are George Alexander, president, and B.C.
I Mudge, secretary and treasurer. The company put in fifty-five
I hydrants and three drinking fountains. The water is forced
into a lai-ge tank, located on an elevated place in the village, by
two engines, one of forty horse-power, the other of fifty-five, and
from there it is drawn out bv pipes as it is needed. The well
! from which the water is drawn is eighteen feet deep, and is well
constructed with filtering material, giving the inhabitants this
natural be\-erage in its purest form.
109S HISTORY OF WASlIINfnox AND KICXT COUNTIES.
Electric Liciri'.^-Josenh Dews, ainanufactuicrin East Green-
wich, has added materially to the place by his jjresenee. He
not only operates a lari;-e ^vodlen mill bnth night and day, in
which he runs seven cards and sixty-two looms and employs a
large force of hands, and is the t)\vner of an extensive coal yard,
but by his enterprise and ingenuity he has provided the village
with electric light. At the present time the village has erected
twenty-six lights, and in addition to this number the public
places of worship, halls, etc., have put them in. '
SociETll".S.--The Fanners Mutual Fire Ftsuramc Couipauv of
Rhode Island was incorporated in January. 18,')1, located in East
Greenwich. The incorporators were: Joseph Winsor, William
G. Bowen, Joseph J. Tillinghast, John C Harris, Lemuel liurge,
William ]5oyd, James II. Ivldrcdge, Thomas Philli}is, John
Mawney, A. V. Dawley, Eli.sha S. AVinsor. A. J. Congdon. Ashbel
Wall, Thomas R. Tillcy, Isaac S. Johnson, Nathan :,I. Spencer,
HoUis K. Jenks, Richard G. 1 lowland, ji'lTrev Davis, Samuel A.
Coy, Joseph Spencer, S. lI.A'aughn, Willi.am Hollowav, jr., Charles
Allen, Thomas J. Johnson, V>. \\ . Ilcndriek, Thomas 11. Rhodes,
Alexander lluling, William P. Salisburv, Samuel Pcirce. David
W. Hunt, Job Card. E. AVecden, ric(u-ge |. Adams and John
Place. The company was organized soon after, and' the follow-
ing officers elected: ]3enjamin B. Thurston, president: Xieholas
S. Fry, vice-president; Silas AA'caver, treasurer; Joseph AVinsor,
secretary.
The charter required that no pc>lieics should be issued until
applications should be made for insurance on pi"opert\' to the
amount of at least two hundred thousand dollars. And in (irdcr
to procure the requisite amount rif applications to enable the
compan)' to issue policies it was thought ncccssarv to offer such
inducements as would facilitate the (jbicct ; thus a uniform rate
was fixed at '•y.l\ cents on one hundred dollars for five \'ears.
The company was organized as a Farmers' Insurance Company,
insuring only farm buildings and other buildings in the country
not more hazardous, and the contents in said buildings. P^vi-
dently, it was the design of the managers of this company to do
a Rhode Island business exclusively, and, with a few exceptions,
this was the rule. The farming interest in the state being com-
paratively small, and very many of tlic farmers not inclined to
insure their property, it Avas soon discovered that an insurance
company could not be niaintaincd imder these restrictions, and.
I HISTORY OF WASHIXOTON AND KENT COUNTIES. 1009
' consequently, after aliout twelve years' experienee, the er)m]:)any
I was wound up, all elaiins beinc^' amieablv licpiiflated.
Ladies Soldiers' Aid Socicly.-lw :\lay, JSiW.or soon after the
{ fall of Sumter, the loyalty and patriotism of the ladies in ICast
( Greenwich were aroused. A meeting vx-as called throuj^h the
t The Rhode Island l\iidiiliuiu:\\\^ work commenced for the soldiers.
• It wa.s considered unnecessary at that time to organize a society,
as a speedy settlement of the unhappy diffierdties ^^•hich threat-
ened our belo\'ed countr}- was anticipated. It, was, however,
deemed essential that a village treasurer shoidd be appointed.
Mrs. William X. .Sherman received this appointment, and the
contributions for the benefit oi the Greenwich soldiers were
placed in her hands. It was voted that a subscription paper be
circulated, with the following heading :
"Several ladies, feeling the importance of thoroughly furnish-
ing our volunteers with such articles that are not provided, an.d
which will be needed bv them while :iwav from home, we eall
upon the patriotic and benevolent to aid them by contributions
in money."
The sum subscribed on this paper was SOU.-.?."). A concert by
amateur performers, conducted b)- D(jctor Jibcn Tourjee, for the
same object, was held. TItc awails of the concert were Srjl.fiS,
making the whole sum received by the treasurer Sl-l-t-O^.
Although Jio society w.as formed, ladies from all the religious
denominations co-operated and harmoni(_)Usly labored for the
general cause.
At a regular meeting, v.'hich was held IX-cember fith, 180], it
was proposed by ]\Irs. Reverend Dr. Crane that a society be
formed and known as The l^adies' vSoldiers' Aid Societ}-. This
proposition was seconded by ]\Irs. Louisa I). Mumford. The
meeting was organi/.ed for business by the choice of Mrs. Clara
A. Ludlow as president, and ^Irs. Mumford, secretary. The
officers of the society represented five religious denominations,
and were as follows: ^Mrs. William P. (Trcene, president ; Mrs.
William Cr. Lowcn, vice-president; ^Irs. AVilliam X. .Shfnnan,
corresponding and recording secretary; Miss Sallie (i. Allen,
treasurer; Mrs. Sheffield Arnold, collector.
It was "Voted, that the object of the society shall be to fur-
nish the soldiers with useful articles of clothing and sanitary
comforts;" and also "A'oted, that any lady may beeome a member
by donations in money or work."
IIOO HISTORY OF \VASllI.\(_;TO.\ AND KKNT COUNTIES.
Various means were adoiited ui obtain funds to carrv fr>i-\v;ird
the object of the society. Exhibitions of painting's, curiosities,
tableatix, fairs and festivals, were br<ni.^ht inti~) requisition.
Liberal donatinns in money and materials for work were grate-
fully recei\-ed from ladies and gentlemen who were not i-'on-
neeted witli the society. Among this number we would refer to
the late Mrs. Silas W. Holmes, whose unobtrusi\'e charities were
frequent and liberal, and to Robert 11, Ives, Jr., h^'^q.. who was
killed at the battle of Antietam, and whose name. mav well be
be cla.sscd among- that list of noble martyrs whose valuable lives
wei^e sacrificed for their "countr\-'s good."
Special donations were sent to Lovell Hospital, Portsmouth
Grove, in our ovs'n state : to ^Missouri, and through Miss I)i.\- to
the Washington hospitals. The Second, l^'ourth and h^leveuth
Rhode Island regiments, and the First Regiment Xew York
Mounted Rilles, received assistance from the society. Ten dol-
lai's were sent to the United States Sanitary Commission through
Russell Isl. Larned, Esq., agent for Rhode Island.
In November, 180:2, about thirty young ladies — some of them
members of the "Aid vSociety," organized a Rnitting Circle,
their si:)ecial object being to labor for our volunteer soldiers.
Gentlemen were permitted to attend the evening meetings Ijy
the contribution of money or yarn. It was estimated by the .\id
Society, that from the various organizations in which some of
the members of that society were equally interested that East
Greenwich ladies directly and indirectly aided the soldiers to the
amotmt of niore th;in three thousand dollars. This sum included
money, rubl.>'..>r bed blankets, hospital garments, winc.-^, jellies,
ice, vegetables and reading matter. (M'cr one thousand yards of
banclag;es and compresses prepared from surgeons' directions
were furni.shed by the society. Among other things which be-
longed to General AlcClellan"s grandmother and given to the
society by his aunt Miss Lucy McClellan, was old linen from
which a bo.x of prepared lint was made and sent to the hos-
pital.
The society existed until October 20th, l^t'Ci, when it v/as unan-
imously voted "to dissolve the Soldiers' Aid Society." On this
occasion the secretary wrote : " The Societv met agreeable to
adjournment with our i nd (..■ fat i gable co-laborer, Mrs. Charles \V.
Greene, whose unwearied exertions, self-denying efforts and lib-
erality have been devoted to the interests of the Society from its
mSTORV OF WASIIINCTOX AM) KVST COUXTIl.'^. 1]()I
foundation to the present lime. Mav she live manv years to
bless the world with her kind lienefaetinns."
The frr,;////,7/'s .!;,/ S,>cir/v wa.s nr.^^anized Oetober 29th, lt;(;:),
at the same meetim^- at whieli the Soldiers' Aid Soeiet\ v.-as dis-
solved, ^[rs. William V. Creene, president, oeeiipied the ehair,
and Mrs. William X. Sherman vas ehosen seeretarv. Owiny to
the ill health of :\Irs. (ireene, she deemed it nnwise f(n- her to at-
tempt to hohl any prominent position in the new ori^anizalion.
Devotion, faithfnhiess and zeal eharaeterized her i,nterest for her
country as the presidini;- officer of the former Society. The
officers of the I'reedmen's ,Vid Soeieiv were: President, }iliss
Sarah M. Clark: corresjxmdin;,;- and reeordin<:;- seeretarv, ^Irs.
William N. Sherman ; treasurer, :\Iiss Sarah M. Clark.
The Soldiers' Aid Society transferred to this society such ma-
terials as remained on h;ind at its diss.dntion, inclndini^ thirty-
five dollars in money, 'idie soeiety sent several of its well filled
boxes and barrels throngh the agency of Reverend H. G. Stew-
art, general agent of the Rhode Island Association for Frced-
mcn. to Mrs. Josephine S. C.rifHng, general agent of the Nation-
al Freedmen's Relief Association at ^\■ashingl.on. 1). C.
Ilaniioiiy /.od-c. Xo. ■', /. O. O. A'., chartered May '2;jd. 187-2, is
in a flourishing eondition. The otheers for the vear 18S8 were
as follows: Xoble grand, William E. Rrown; viee-grand. Wil-
liam II. lleald; recording secretary, Samuel A.Slocum; treas-
urer, En<x'h ^\^ Lovell : jiermancnt secretary-, Abiiah L. Jjrown.
King So/oii/oii's Lot/gL-. Xo. J!. A. F. & A. .1/., chartered Septem-
ber 4th, "1810, is also located at East (ireenwieh. The offieers for
1888 were as follows: William R. Sliarpe, W. .AI.: 1. H. AVad-
leigh, S. W.: William I'. Harrington, j. W.: J. C. Nichols, trea.s-
urcr; E. A. Could. seeret;iry: (). N. Carjicnter, S, I).: N. T.
Reynolds, J. D.: L. N. Fitz, S. S.; S. A. Slocum, J. S.: S. F.
Crompton, ehaplain ; T. W. iJieknell, marshall: Daniel Fur-
dick, sentinel : S. F. Cromjitop., musieal director; August Hall,
tyler.
Douglass Lodge. Xo. y,. I. 0. G. T., wa^ instituted November 4th,
18(iit. with 'ten members.
Si u ii;tv (IK Fki i:xi is. -The history of the .soeiety of Friends in
East Grcenwieh begins properly with the first meeting held in
the new meeting house ye 2d day of ve 7th month, ITno, -and
continued there on every First Day afterward for manv years.
The history of this ehurch is largely the history of individuals.
1102 IIISTORV OF WASIIIXGTOX AM) KENT COUNTIP:S.
Prominent among- these in an earlv day were Benjamin P.arton.
John Brig-gs, Jabez Greene, ^Villiam Knowles, Rowland Pobin-
Kon, Rbenczer Sloeum, Samuel Perry, Thomas Arnold, llenrv
Knowles, 'I'homas (jreenall, Joseph Hull, William Gardner, and
others. The first honse was ereeted on the lands of John Spen-
cer, about half a mile southwest of the village and just west of
Payne's grist mill. In 17(J-I the house and lot wei'e eonveyed to
the societ}'. Just one hundred }-ears afterward a new meeting
house was ereeted by John Smith r)n land purehased,of ]ithan
Clarke by Sylvester W'iekes. This house is still standing and is
now occupied by a small remnant who profess the faith and fol-
low these forms of worship. The house was awkwardly placed
on the lot, with gable end to the street and very near to it, front-
ing toward the south. In ISno it was moved back, also turned
around, and received some additions. In the year 184."! it was
painted within and without for the lirst time. i\Ir. Wiekes re-
sided in a house now owned bv Christopher Hawkins.
Mr. Abel Kenyon, an able writer, has left upon record a few
valuable sketches of the early preachers of this society, which
may be found in Doctor Greene's History of Ivast Green-
Avich. We refer our readers to these sketches ;ind to our notes on
the church in general for a full histor}- of the society. Among
those who are prominent now in this church arc Abel Kenyon,
Charles Earle, Solomon R. Knt)wles, Charles Kenyon, lulward
Buflington, Mrs. Lydia ^^laCumbcr, .Mrs. Mary Clapp, ^Nlrs. Cath-
erine Greene, Mrs. Julia Elman I'reeljorn and Lvdia Peckham.
First Baptist Curia ii. — About the year 17(io, a Six Principle
Baptist Church was organized in tlie town of l^ast trrcenwich.
A hou.sc of wor.ship was erected at this time, in that part of the
village known as ^Meeting House hill. It was overthrown by a
gale of wind in 172.""), and the congregation for some 5'ears after-
ward worshipped in the adjacent school house, and also in the
court hou.se. In the Baptist cemetery, near the ancient house of
worship, arc the graves (if many of the members of this church.
Among others are the remains of Rc\-erend John Gorton, ordain-
ed in 175o, dying in the pastoral office thirty-nine years after-
ward. In 17-13, when Reverend Daniel Fiske v.-as their pastor,
the church had fift)--three members. There were altogether
some three hundred members in the fellowship of this body.
For many years theirs was the only place of worship in the
village proper, the Friends and hLpiscopalians worshipping at
HISTOUY OF WASHLXflTON.- AND KKNT COUNTIES. 1103
points about a mile distant. It will be seen, therefore, that Bap-
tist principles have been more or less clearly tauj;ht in East
Greenwich for upward of one hundred and ei_L;hty vears. The
author of this sketch enjoyed the privileL;e, a few weeks since,
of conversing- with the venerable daughter-in-law of General
.Nathanael (irccne, of revolutionary fame, who still resides in
Newport, in the full possession of her cultured intellect, at the
age of ninety-seven years. This intere.sting lady related the fol-
lowing- incident that occurred in one of Elder Gorton's meetings
ninety-one years ago, when she was present. The elder's .sermon
was finislied, when, as the usual opportunity was given for ex-
hortation, a woman arose and stated that, having been for some
time under strong conviction, she entered the cellar of her house,
when suddenly it seeded to be wonderfully lighted up, and at
the same tin-ie her burden of guilt rolled away, and she became
a new creature in Christ. The church then and there accepted
her for baptism. She also refers to a well remembered scene in
one of Elder ;Manchester's meetings a few years afterward. In
the midst of his sermon he remarked that " when you can sprin-
kle a few grains of sand upon the face of your dead friend, and
call it a burial, you may sprinkle a few drops of water upon the
face of a convert and call it a burial with Christ in baptism."
As in other parts of the state the field has been relinquished
by the old Baptists, so here the oldest have taken their place,
and a more scriptural expression of baptistic faith and practice
was found in the organization of the present Baptist church in
the year 1839. Prior to this date, much valuable pioneer work
was done by faithful men of fervent evangelistic spirit, who went
everywhere along these Xarragansett coasts, preaching the word.
The earlier records of many of these churches present to us the
names of Jenkins, Curtis, and Xiles, whose labors here were
greatly blessed, the ordinance of baptism being often adminis-
tered by Dr. Gano, of Providence.
Among the resident Baptists was an ordained minister of good
report by the name of Thomas Tew. With excellent executive
ability and a warm heart he devoted hintself to the founding of
a regidar Baptist church. ( )n the :!(>th of January, 1830, a coun-
cil consisting of ten churches assembled at" his home to consider
the propriety of organization. Reverend Doctor John I )owling
^vas moderator, and Reverend E. K. Puller clerk. iJelegatcs
from the Pirst and Pine Street churches, Providence, Westerly,
1104 iiisTOKV OF WAsmxrnox axd kent couxttes.
Union Branch, North Kiiii^stnwn, l\ic]inion(l, AVickford, P;nv-
tucket, Exeter, Arkwrif;lit and iMskeville. AVarwiek and iiast
Greenwich were present. I'iie hfuisc ol" ^\•l>rship of the ]\letho-
di.sts was offered for the services of reeoi^rilion. 'Die seiinon
was preached by iJoetm- ])i)wHng-, Pastors I'alnier, <if Westerly,
Grofton, nf AVickford. I'.akc-r, nf Richmond, Ichnson, of Ark-
wriyht, Allen, of North Kingstown. Fuller, of I'awtuckct, and
Thomas Dciwling, (_)f Warwick and CcA'cntry, assisting'. The
constituency of the church numbered seventeen, whose names
were as follows: A. (r, Pittlefield, Thomas Tilley, Thomas 'ft-v.
Darius Hart, with their wives, kiesides Thomas li. Tillc\ . loseidi
Greene, !Maria Gardiner, Ilctty Remington, ]Mcrc\- ^Miller, h^liza
Miller, Isabella Miller, Phebe Prown and i^rjphia P,irkinson.
A few weeks after the organizatiim of the brjdvthey were prc-
.sented with a communion service by }\Irs. ]\'irdon ]^liiler, of the
First church. Providence, as a token of her deep interest in their
welfare. From tliis time <_>ri the church was acceptabp- supplied
with preaching by ISrother Tew until the year 184.'), when. Rev-
erend O. C. Wheeler was invited to the pastoral oflice. He was
introduced to the people by Reverend John Paker. of blessed
memory, who w;ls at this time a resident of the \-illage. lirother
Wheeler was called by the church ( ktober :!(ith, and w.as or-
dained on the P2th of Xovember, IS^.'i. Deacon James Tillev
was at the same time set apart to his ol'ticc bv the imposition of
hands.
Contemporaneous with the settlement of their first pastor
came the organization of a Sunday school. Hitherto the I'ap-
tists had labored with other denominations in union work, but
they now gave themselves to the special dcnominatii^nal training
of the young", and Brother Ashbel W'lxW was ap]:iointed sujierin-
tendentby the church, a position which he worthilv held for
thirteen )-ears. Brother -\. J. L'ongdon succeeded Brother Wall,
continuing in the office twenty years. Brother Abel C. Ken\'on.
Jr., is the piesent incumljent, having been elected in ^^8o. ps
membershiji numbers •Jl,-i. The school has alwavs been remark-
able for the large number of adults in its ranks, having four
good-sized Ihble classes.
In April. ISKl, a committee consisting of the pastor, Prother
Wheeler, with brethren Ashbel AVall, W. |. Sheldon and William
Bodlish. were app(.>inted to erect a meetinghouse at an expense
of not less than ,$3.0(iO. The .same was solemnly dedicated to
HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 1105
the wor^liip of Gcid in January. 18-17, Rc\'crcncl S. ]■>. lame.'^cTn,
of Pri)\-idcnL'c,piX'achiny the .sermon. In the ^\-inter of IS-IH the
cliureh secured from the leg'i.shiture an act of ineorporatum.
Brother V^hecler resigned in Xovember, 1S47. raid t(;ok up liis
residence in California. Ilis pastoral labors m East Greenwich
were abundant, and fruitful of excellent results. On the Oth of
February. ISJS, the church extended a unanimous call to Rev-
erend B. F. Hedden, a native of Stonington, Conn., whose labors
in this field were specially noteworthy in a pastoral way. 'J'he
congregation was so increased that the church enlfrrged their
house of worship, adding twenty-fonr pews. A belfry was
erected and furnished \\'ith a bell. The number of members
was nearly doubled. Mr. Hedden's labors terminated in Jtily.
1851, and in November of the same year the church unanimously
called to the vacant jiastorate Professor S. A. Archibald, whose
rich endowments of mind and heart would, doubtless, have pro-
duced the best results had it nt)t been for the discouraging
condition of the finances of the church at this time. He resigned
April 3d, 1853, and is now an honored jiastor in \'ermont.
On the 10th day of July, 1853, the church voted to unite with
others in forming the Xarragansett Association. The action
was subsequently rescinded, and it was not until the IGth of
June, ISGl, that the church finally severed its relations with the
Warren x\ssoeiation and united with the Xarragansett, which
assembled on the 25th of June in that year with the Wickford
church.
In October, 1853, the church extended a call to Reverend I^.
R. Warren to become their pastor, but he labored with them
only as a supply f(jr one year. ReverencLr^Ir. (iilbert also
labored in the same capacity from December, 1854, to Mav, 1855.
For four months afterward lirother Sherman G. Smith supplied
'the pulpit, with such acceptance that he was unanimouslv called
to the jjastorate, his ordination t)ccurring vSeptember Oth, l.'S."i.").
Brother Smith was inueh Ijlessed in his labors, his pastorate
continuing five years. God visited his pe<.'ple with cr/nverting-
grace, and many were brought into the fold. The house of
worship was frescoed and otherwise improved during his labors.
In October, 1800, Reverend John C. Wood was called to tlie
pastorate, but he labored only a few months. Ih'other George
Howell, of X^'antucket, was invited to supply the pulpit for three
months, at the expiration of which time he was recognized as
70
HOG HISTORY OF \VASni.\i:'l"(.i.\ AM) KENT COUNTIES.
pristor, Reverend Doctor Jackson, of Xcwporl, preachiny the
sermon. At the .same time ISrother lio-wen A'auyhn wa.s ordained
to the office of deacon. Brotlier Ilowell resigned May 2Sili,
1SG2, but continued to supply the pulpit until October, when he
left the comnrunity, and .shcirtiy afterward notified the church-
that he had resolved to join the Episcopalians. On the 12th of
October, 18fi2. the church unanimously voted to call to th.e pas-
torate Reverend Isaac Cheesebrouy;h. Mc accepted the call
and continued in the office until January 28th, 1800. He v.-as a
good pastor, and the church placed on record a testimonial of
his useful, untiring labors.
On the 14th of March, ]S(i(i, it was unanimously voted to call to
the pastoral charge Reverend C. "W. Ray, who had just left a
successful pastorate in North Stonington, Conn. Brother Ray's
labors continued vsr}- pleasantlv for two years, during which the
church was blessed temporally, the audience room being consid-
erably improved. An excellent pi]je organ was placed in the
church through the enterprise of the Ladies' Society. On the
2.jth of October, 1808, it was voted to extend a call to Reverend
Gilbert Robbins, of (Trafton, !Ma.ss. Brother Rol)bins' pastorate
continued ten years and one month, and was marked by peace,
if not by great enlargement. The membership studied to be
quiet, and were edified and built up in the fa.ith by his faithful
presentations of the "Word. U]:>on retiring from the field, the
church expressed in becoming resolutions their appreciation of
one who had labored sci long and so well. iJrother Robbins is
now, notwithstanding his advanced years, most pleasantly set-
tled with the church at Cape Xeddick, ]\lainc.
In INIarch, 1879, the church ''"a\'e a unanimous call to Ixeverend
E. S. Wheeler, of Pawtucket, who became their pastor April 1st.
At the beginning of this settlement there were some gracious
tokens of the divine presence, and some v.-ere added to the
church. The church increased its financial strength, and an
earnest effort was made to secure a new house of worship, the
congregation and Sunday school seeming to recpiire enlarge-
ment. The movement was nmst auspiciously begun, and would
have succeeded but for the difliculty as to location. It is very
desirable that the church .should make this advance as early as
possible, that they may hold such a position as Providence evi-
dently designs they .should in this community, VN-here liaptist
principles have prevailed so long. Near the close of the first
HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KFA'T COUNTIES. HOT
year of this pastorate, it was decided thai, for the present, at
least, some important repairs .-ind improvements should be made,
and the Sunday school and prayer-meeting- rooms were refur-
nished and decorated, the expense of which was easily met. The
pastor resigned his charge in July, 18S1, to accept a call fn>m the
church atOreenport, Long Island, where he resided at the time
of his conversion, twenty-three years previous. At the time of
resignation, as well as of the commencement of the pastorate,
the most cordial and unanimous good feeling e-xisted between
church and pastor.
Excepting the proceedings of the eVjuncil at the recognition of
the body in '\S?,0, no records were preserved prior to 184.'), which
will account for any lack of exactness in statistics, but the num-
ber of persons baptized into its fellowship is about four hundred.
Of the constituent members only one survives, our beloved si.s-
ter, Harriet Yl. Tillcy. The present numlier of members is 12-2.
Five of our brethren have worthily held the office of deacon,
namely, James Tilley, Bowcn Vaughn, Joseph Vaughn, James
L. Congdon, and Jesse R. Lillibridge. The fir.st two have pas.sed
to their rest. Brother Joseph Vaughn is now a worthy officer in
the Baptist church at Plainfield. Conn., while the last two are at
present in tlie service of the church. Brother James L. Congdon
also fills the position of church clerk.
In her ecclesiastical views and relations the church still main-
tains her position loyally in defense of the ancient faith. I\Iay
the blessings of the Great Head of the church be upon us in the
years to come.
Approved bv the church at a regular meeting. September 14th,
1881.
The Cathoeic Coxgregatioxae Church.— In October, 187-2,
the general assembly passed the following act, which gives the
first information connected with this church :
"Whereas a Number of the Inhabitants of Ea.st Greenwich,
of the Denomination of Christians, called Pre.sbyterians or Con-
gregationalists, preferred a Petition, and represented unto this
Assembly, That they have, for a long time, labored under the
Disadvantage of having no House to meet in for the public Wor-
ship of God: And that they are unable, of themselves, to build
one ; but have great Encouragement from their Brethren, in the
neighboring Governments, that they will assist, in Case they,
the Petitioners can obtain the Grant of a Lotterv for that Pur-
]]U6 }I1ST0RV OF \VASinXf.T(.i.\ AND KENT COUNTIES.
pose. And therefore prayed thi.s A.ssembly to grant them a
Lottery, for raisiii;.^- the .Sum of lifteen Hundred Dollars, for
building' a Presbyterian or C'ongregatic<nal ^Meeting House in
said Town, and that }.Iessrs. AVilliam Johnson, Gideon ]\hnnford,
James Searle, and .Vrehibald Crarw may be appointed ]\Ianagers
or Direetors of the same : On Consideration whereof,
"/■' !s I'oh-ii and Ai.u'/rtt/. 'J'hat the aforesaid Petition be, and the
same is hereby, granted, under the usual restrietions : Pj"oyided
that the said Lottery do not take jilaee until the ];'irst Lay of
j\Iay, A. D. 177:; : And that the Colony ineur no Expense
thereby."
The chureh edifiee was ereeted in 177-1. ;i sum sufheient for
this purpose being proeured from the proceeds of the lottery,
but there are no records of a church organization until October
loth, ISl."), when the following appears :
" The Congregational Church of Christ in East Greenwich- was
organized the fifteenth day of October Anno Oomini, (_.ne thou-
sand eight hundred and fifteen by the Rey. 1 )aniel Waldi), a mis-
sionary from the ^Nlas.sachusetts Society for promoting Christian
Knowledge. The persons who entered into coyenant were : —
Mrs. Mary Coggswell from the first Church in Newport, ]\h-s.
Ann M. Greene from the Second Church in Newport, 2\Ls. ^la-
hala .Salisbury from the first Church in Little Compton. Cap-
tain Silas Holmes and his Wife made a profession of religion,
and all of them united in giying their assent to the confession of
Faith :
There is nothing to indicate how long Reyerend Daniel Waldo
continued as pastor oyer the church, but the following entry on
the record :
"August 20lh, lS-i9. Church ^Meeting called and met at my
house for the purpose of giying a call to 2\lr. Michael Burdett to
settle oyer us as our Pastor; adjourned to meet the first Satur-
day of next September."
"At a Chureh ^Meeting held at my house (agreeable to^ ad-
journment) the meeting opened by I'rayer by the Rey. Daniel
Waldo."
" J'oh-d. That we giye Michael Burdett a call to settle with us
as our Pastor.
" Witness, John Brown."
" The Society haying held a meeting, unanimously concurred
in the call of Mr, Burdett, — of which ^Mr. Burdett being in-
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES. 1109
formed, .icccpted of llie call." He was ordained September 2od,
1820.
Jlr. Burdett remained as pastor until ]nly lOth, 1S;V,>.
"On the Gth of October, ISoG. An unanimous Call was {nvj'n
to the Rev. William G. Johnson, of Washini^ton VillaL;e Church
which was accepted ; from llial time he rcL^'ularly dispensed the
Communion in this Church, and removed here on the 'i-lth March,
1837.
" A Stmday School was commenced by t4ie Pastor on the 7th
of yiay, 18:57. A .Sunday School Society was also formed and a
Library commenced."
This was the first Sunday" school in East Greenwicli.
"May 14th, 1837. Moses and Harriet Pierce were received
members into this Church by letter from Fall River Church, it
being- understood that they had difficulties on Infant baptism,
and Slavery but waited for more light upon these subjects, there-
fore the Church agreed to admit them upon these terms, pro-
vided they did not agitate these subjects in the Church."
Wm. G. JfiHXSON, Minister.
It appears that ISlr. Johnson changed the name from the Con-
gregational Church of Christ to that of the Catholic Congrega-
tional Church, of East Crreenwich, as the new name now appears
for the first time :
" At a meeting of the Catholic Congregational Church, of East
Greenwich, held at the house of the Rev. Mr. Johnson, June 7th,
1837, the committee appointed to draw up articles of discipline,
not being prepared to report, it was
" l'o/C(i. That in all our Church meetings four Members shall
make a cptorum for business.
" J^offd, That John Brown be a Delegate to attend the Conso-
ciation to be holden at Bristol.
" I'ota/, That we intend to purchase a lot and build a House
for \Vorshi]i as soon as funds can be acquired by our own exer-
tions and the assistance of Friends."
At a church meeting January 22d, 1838, it was decided if funds
could be raised thev would build and at the next meeting ( Feb-
ruary 1st) Mr. Whiting was chosen treasurer to receive any
money that might be paid for building the house. About this
time the old house was torn down in order that the new structure
might be erected on that site, but the society, when they discov-
ered that thev were unable to build for lack of funds, concluded
mo nisr(:)Rv or wasiiingkix and kkxt counties.
to sell the lot and materials of the uld house to the Episeopa-
lians.
" February J 2th, ISijS. At a meeting of the members of the C.
C. Chureh. proposals were made by them to corporation of St.
Luke's chureh to give them a good deed of the place for S^ioo or
for an equivalent in land equal to said sum. (jcn. Xalhaniel
• Greene and Mr. Tliomas Rhodes acted as delegates for the church
to present otir proposals to Si. Luke's Corporation, which they
did on February loth, and wei'e to receive an aniiwer at the an-
nual meeting in March next."
" ^Larch l.'jth, L'^liS. The Catholic Congregational Church sold
their Lot of land to St. Luke's Corporation for SSoO, and the
agent was empowered by the C. C. Church to debate that sum to
$244.40. This day the Deed was signed by the Church."
"March ICth, ]8.'JS. At a Church meeting held at the Court
Hou.se a vote of thanks was passed by the majoritv of the Chureh,
to be given to General Nathaniel Greene and Nathan Whiting,
Esq., for their kind services in assisting this Church in recover-
ing her rights."
":March 20th, IS^IS. A Note for S244.4G was delivered to Na-
than Whiting, Esq., Treasurer, to the C. C. Church in East Green-
wich to assist the Chureh in purchasing a lot of land, or for build-
ing."
Here commenced the difficulties and misunderstandings which
finally ended in the dissolution of the society. The trouble be-
gan at the adoption of the new government, articles of faith and
covenant.
"Jtme 2d, 1838. A Church meeting was held at Capt. A.ndros's
where ten were present. The new articles for reorganizing
were read and approved of along with the covenant. The Arti-
cles and Covenant were agreed to by all })resent as true and
good, and some of the Articles of the old constitution Avere con-
sidered erroneous: but it was agreed that we would appoint an-
other meeting, and examine the articles one by one. which meet-
ing" Avas held and the articles and covenant were approved of, but
some objections were made to the Church nde 4th, therefore they
were not unanim.ously approved of."
"June 27th, 1838. A meeting of the Church was held at Capt.
Jonathan Andros's at 3 P. 2*1. when the Catholic Congregational
Church was reorganized by the Rev. Wm. G. Johnson, ^Mission-
HISTORY OF ^VAP!^^"GTO^- AND KENT COUNTIES. 1111
i ■ ary of the Rhode Island Home ^Missionary Society and Member
t; of the General x\ssembly of the Church of Scotland."
1 FoR^I OF Reor(;amz.\tion, juxk 27th, ISHS.
i " We, the Catholic Congregational Church of Ea.st Greenwich
I and members of said Church organized by the Rev. Daniel Wal-
do, in October loth, 181.!), Missionary from, the Massachusetts
Society for promoting Christian KnoAviedge — Do now volun-
tarily recognize ourselves as the same Catholic Congregational
Church, under the Pastoral care of the Rev. Wm. G. Johnson,
Missionary of the Home ^Missionary vSoeiety of R. I.sland. and
member of the established Church of Scotland with all our tem-
poral immunities, proj)erty possessions, rights and privileges (<f
every kind, temporal and spiritual which belong to us as said
Catholic Congregational Society of East (jreenwich, and for the
better promoting the spiritual interests of the Church, we now
renew and amend, our profession of faith, covenant and govern-
ment and discipline, and reorganize .said Church and arc mem-
bers of said C. C. Church by giving our assent to its Confession
of Faith, Covenant, Discipline and Government as thus amended
and reorganized."
" Being fully understood that this is the same Catholic Congre-
gational Church, on Congregational principles alone, with its
spiritual constitution altered and amended, and should any of its
members not unite with us, then we may become an Independ-
ent Church."
December 10th, 18:38, the church met and protested again.st
the advice of the Ecclesiastical Council that met at East Green-
wich on the 13th of November, 1838, and passed the following act:
" We, as a Church, have sold our Church property- to the Cor-
poration of St. Luke's Church on ;March lath, 1838, and if we
assent to the decision of the Council, then we nullify the deed
which we gave the Corporation of St. Luke"s Church, and also
nullify the mortgage which we have upon said Church, neither
of which we can do. Though the Council, through ignorance of
our affairs and want of due inquiry and deliberation, have vir-
tually recommended us to sacrifice truth, embrace error, sin
against conscience, break covenant with God, and break our
legal voluntary deed with St. Luke's Church, and deprive them
of that property which we sold them by the unanimous consent
and individual signature of each member of this Church."
1112 HISTORY OF WASnrXCiTOX Axn kext couxtif.s.
. In describing- tlic old church. Doctor Greene says:
"This church was a very lai'gc and convenient structure, two
stories in heiglit, with two rows of windows one above ancithcr,
like a dwelling--housc, the side of the building fr(jnting- on ]'e;ircc
street, a .square tower projecting f]-<:)in the north end of the build-
ing, vx'ith a door opening ijn a sniall cotirt i there was no street
there then I. The tower contained a winding stair-case leading
to a gallcr\\ which occupied three sides of the second st<.)rv,
with its rows of seals rising one alcove another like' those oi an
amphitheatre. This part of the church might be termed the
Cotirt of the Gentiles, as it would seem to lie intended for the
use and con\'enicncc of those \\'ho did not choose t(j remain
through the long and tedious sermons of those davs. Such per-
sons could pass in and out without disturbing th.e congregation
below. -The builders of churclics in those da)'s were certainly
more accommodatirig to the jniblic tlian at the ju'esent tirrie.
" The lower part of the church was furnished with slips in the
centre of the floors, with square pews at the sides ; there were
seats aroimd the inside of these ]:)ews. so that a ])ortion of the
occupants sat with their backs to the pulpit, which was also of
curious construction. It was a circular structure, elevated high
in the air, with a long, winding flight of stairs leading up to it.
There were two beautiful silver candlesticks at the sides of the
pulpit, which once adorned a dwelling house in Portugal.
" The church was never painted inside, and the awkward
tower at the end of the building was left unfinished until about
the year 1S20. when a small, odd-looking spire, shaped like an
old-fashioned extinguisher, was placed on its summit, while four
strange-looking objects called urns were fastened to the corners
of the tower.
" Up to this time no bell had ever rung out its solemn peal
from this old tower. The only bell in the \-illage at that time
hung in the belfr)- of the old Kent Academy, which then stood
very near the old church. The congregation, like ihe man who
borrowed his neighbor's knocker, had long depended upon the
ringing of the academy bell to call them to meeting: but on the
completion of this steeple the citizens of the village raised, by
subscription, a sunn to purchase ;i small bell, which is now in the
possession of the l-~piseopal Church.
"The old meeting-house, as it was then called, ccaitinued tri be
used by all denominations who wished t<.> oecup)- it, until the
HISTORY OF WASIHN'GTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 1113
year lS3(*i, when the buiklir.y and the lot on which it stood were
purchased bv the Episcopalians, who, after jnilling- down the old
strtictnre, built on its silc the first St. Luke's.
"For a long- tiuie after the <ild meeting'-house was Iniilt no
clerg-yman preached reLjularly there, but old printed sermons
were read there by different persons fnnn the villaoe. The good
people of those days c\'idently supposed that since they pos-
sessed a church they ought to use it. and that sermons read by
the laity were better than no preaching. Ajnong those who
often filled tlie pulpit was an old revolutionary officer. Captain
Thomas Arnold, who was not jiarticularly pious, and was very
much addicted to using strong language. One very warm day,
after reading a scrmcju, he remarked, on coming out of the
church, while wiping his forehead, that it was ' hard work
to preach.' "
St. Luke's Church. — The pari.sh of St. Luke's, East (jrecnwieli,
was organized on the loth day of August. I808, at a meeting of
sundry of the citizens at the Kent Academy, the Reverend Syl-
vester Nash being chairman, and John P. Roberts secretary.
Charles Eldredge and Joseph J. Tillinghast were chosen war-
dens; Daniel Greene, Howland Greene. Wicks Hill. Silas
Weaver, Kingsly Bullock, John G. Ladd, lunery Eiske, \\'anton
Casey and William G. Spencer vestrymen. Augustus Greene was
chosen treasurer, and John I'. Rol^erts was chosen seeietaiy.
Services had been held in the upper hall of the academy for
some weeks previous, and they were continued there regularly
until the consecration of the new church in April of the follow-
ing year.
The act of incorporation was passed at the January session of
the assembly in 1S34. This charter gives power to assess the
pews for necessary repairs and for insurance on the building,
but for no other piu'pose. This provision, or :ei?;// of provision,
has led to much embarrassment in the support of the services,
the contributions for this purpose being entirely voluntary.
On the 27th of August, the same year, it was voted " That
Daniel Greene and John P. Roberts be authorized to take proper
m.ea.sures to procure a lot for the purpo.se of erecting a house of
Public Worship, and to take a deed in trust for this Society." It
was also voted " that John P. Roberts, Kingsly Bullock and Dan-
iel Greene be a committee to erect an Episcopal Church on the
lot which may be jjrocured for that purpose." Also voted,
1114 HISTORY or ^VASIi!NL.TO.\ ANT> KI;NT' COUNTIES.
" That the wardens and vestry be a committee to solicit dona-
tions to carry the same resolution into effect."
Early in 1833, some time before the first-named meeting, the
old meeting hotise belonging to the Catholic Congregational .'r'c-
ciety had been taken down with the intention of building a more
commodious house upon the same lot. liut in consequence oi
some difficulty or dissension the plan was interrupted, and the
lot with the materials of the old structure were sold to the new-
organization. The building committee set about J;heir work
with earnestness, and the new church was iinished and ready for
consecration on the 13th of April, 1834.
Reverend Sylvester ]\ash was the first rector. Tlis term of
service began with the organizatiLm of the parish and continued
until the spring of 1840. Before leaving he raised by solicitation
from abroad a sufficient sum. to pay off the indebtedness of the
corporation, and thus cleared tlie property from incumbrance.
Mr. Nash v^-as ,'in carric^t worker in the church, had many waini
friends here, and retained a warm interest in the aff.airs of the
parish as long as he lived. His death took place in Wksconsin
in 18G3.
Reverend ^Villiam H. ]\Ioore was called to the rectorship in
May, 1840. He first officiated on the second Sunday in July.
After a residence here of a little more than a year he resigned
the charge.
In December, 1840, Reverend Silas A. Crane, made an engage-
ment to supply the church for the winter, not contemplating a
permanent settlement, but remained from that time until his
death, on the 12th of July, 1872. The following is from ihe litis/
GrccHicich Pcndulu lu :
"The death of Dr. Crane leaves a broken link in our commu-
nity that causes universal sympathy and regret. A good man
has fallen. IJr. Crane was emphatically a man of good words
and good works. For more than thirty years he was the highly
esteemed rector of St. Luke's Parish, and very few rectors have
left a better record. As a public Christian man he discharged
his duties faithfully, always doing his work strictly in accord-
ance with a tender conscience and with the ll'onL As a neigh-
bor and friend, we esteemed him as one of our choicest, and this
was the general feeling of our community toward Jiim. lie died
as he lived, strong in the faith, and ready to dej.iart and Ijc with
Christ. lie adopted and received strong consolation from St.
HISTORY OF WASHIN'GTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 1115
Paul's words, ' To live is Christ and to die is gain.' He has
gained the victory over death, gained a bright, immortal cro^vn
of glory, to be his forever.
" The funeral service was read in St. Luke's Church, Thursday
evening at 5 o'clock. The Church was draped in mourning, and
over the chancel there appeared in bright letters, ' Blessed are
the dead who die in the Lord.' Bishop Clarke accompanied the
services with some brief and exceedingly ajopropriate remarks.
The house was fdled with attentive listeners, and a large delega-
tion of clergy from abroad.
"The Doctor rests peacefully in the church yard near the
place where he so faithfully and for so many vears proclaimed
the peace of God which passeth all understanding."
For some time after L)octor Crane's decease there was no set-
tled rector. Reverend William S. Child, of Newport, officiated
in the autumn of 1872, until the communication by way of AVick-
ford was interrupted. Reverend Joseph ^l. Turner, of Philadel-
phia, had charge for a time, and then left to fill a previous en-
gagement, under Bishop Tuttle, in Utah. Reverend George P.
Allen had charge frtjm 1874 to 1879, when the Reverend Daniel
Goodwin, the present rector, took charge.
The Reverend Silas Axtcll Crane, D. D., for more than thirtj-
years the beloved rector of St. Luke's church, was born in Berke-
ley, Mass., the 21st of October, 1799, and died in East Greenwich,
July IGth, 1872. He was the eldest son of Benjamin and Alinda
Crane, and received his preparatory instniction for college from
the Reverend Thomas Andros, at that time pastor of the Con-
gregational chu'rch in Berkeley. In the summer of 1819 lie was
entered, after a creditable examination, to Brown University,
and graduated from that institution in 1823, vrith the second
honors of his class.
Just before entering college, he publicly professed his faith
and love toward his Divine ^Master, and in 182.'J he became a
communicant in St. John's, Doctor Crocker then being his rec-
tor, and in 1832 was ordained deacon by Bishop Griswold, in St.
Mark's church, AVarren, R. L
The year before his ordination he married Mary Elizabeth,
youngest daughter of the late Captain ;Martin. In 1833 he was
called to the rectorship of St. Stephen's church, Middlebury, A't.,
and in that quiet little town he passed some of the happiest and
not least useful years of his life. In the summer of 1834 he was
11IG HISTORY Ol' \V.\?IIIXr,TOX AXD KENT COUNTIES.
ordained to the ])riesthf)r,d, and scion after this time he ^vas in-
fluenced by the Ri-lit Reverend J. II. II.Mi]<in.s. Bi.shop of A\t-
raont, to accept a pn)fcssor.ship in tlie Thcdln^ical vSeminarv at
Burlington, Vt., hut in 1S:!1), after two years st;iv. he hesitated
between accepting a call to the ]->re,-;idency of the College of Ann
Arbor or to that of Kempt-r College, Si. Louis, but finallv re-
moved witli his family to Missouri, accepting the latter. Here
Doctor Crane met with severe disappointments. Instead of a
college in the Xew lingland sense of the word, he found himself
at the head of a boys' school, and in the autumn of ]S4], the ex-
periment having cost him a pecuniary saerilice. and desiring a
small parish, he accepted the call to the rectorship of St. Ridce's
church, where he lived the remainder of his life, not far fnan
his parents and the early friends of his wife, and in the hearts
of all tho.se who are likely to read this sketch.
On the twenty-fifth anniversary of Doctor Craiie's settlement
over the pari.sh of St. Luke's, at a social gathering of the jxarish-
ioners and friends, a committee was appointed to prepare resolu-
tions expressive of their api)reciation of his successful labor of
love and charity among them during his long stay, and the .same
being adopted by the wardens and vestry, were read and pre-
sented to the Doctor with a substantial gift accompanying the
same. On the thirtieth anniversary of his rectorship Doctor
Crane issued a pastoral letter to his parishioners, which has since
-been embodied in a published memorial, and is worthy of the
circulation it has received. lie died in East Creenwich, July
16th, 1S72, after a sickness of about six weeks, grcatlv lamented
by the communitv at large.
As a puldic Christian man, Doctor Crane discharged his duties
faithfully, always doing his work strictly in accordance with a
tender conscience and with the Word, and died, gaining the vic-
tory over death and the immortal crown, to be his forever.
Methodist Ei'isroi'Ai, CiURCiE- -The first Methodist sermon
preached in Rhode Island was in Charlestown. bv the Reverend
Jesse Lee, on the 3d of September, 17S9, when on a mi.ssionary
tour from New York to Bcston. It is not known just when the
Methodists began their career in Ivist (jreenwich, but it was
probably in 1702 and up to 18o7, when this town appears in the
list of appointments as a part of the circuit. During the vear
1S3] the society erected their house of worship, on the corr.er of
Main and Queen streets. Previous to this time thev held their
HISTORY OF WASmXGTOX AND KKXT COUNTIES. J ] 1 7
services in the court hi)iisc, an asylum for all societies v,-hich had
no church edifice of their owji. ]--or a hjug- time the Methodists
struggled hard for existence, Init are now, especially under their
present pastor, in a flourishing state.
In. 18-iO they built ;i handsome and convenient parsonage in
the rear of tlie church. In the year fS.'id they enlarged their
church building, and an excellent organ, the gift of the Power
.Street church. Providence, ^vas placed in the organ loft.
Since ]Si)7 the followingjiersdns have been the successive pas-
tors at East Greenwich: l.so?, I'liny Brett ; lS()S-9, Theophilus
Smith; ISIO, A. .Stebbins ; 1811 , F.lisha Sireeter; 1812, Warren
BannLster ; 18];5, Daniel Wentworth ; 18]-!, Joel Steele ; LSI."), lul-
ward Hyde; 181(;, Elisha Streeter; 1817, Daniel Dorchester;
1818, Jason Walker; ISP), Isaac St'jddard, Solomon Sias and
Benjamin Sabin ; 182<t, Ilezekiah Thatcher; 1821, Francis Dane ;
1822. Lewis Bates; 1823, Elisha Frink and Caleb Rogers; 182-1,
Elisha Frink and Ephraim K. Avery; 182,"'), B. Hazleton and M.
Wilbor; 1S2G, B. Hazleton and (J. Robbins ; 1827 8, Francis
■ Dane; 1820, Amasa Taylor and John D. Baldwin; 18:]n, An.i.asa
. Taylor ; 1831, Charles Virgin ; 1832, Robert Gould and Jonathan
Cady; 1833, Robert Gould and Hiram Cummings; 1834-5, James
Porter; 1830-7, Nathan Paine; 1838, B. K. Bannister ;" 1830,
Francis Dane ; 1840, Joseph McReading ; 1841, Benjamin F. Teft ;
1842, George F. Poole ; 1843-.5, Samuel C. Brown ; 1840, L. W.
Blood ; 1847-8, H. W. Houghton ; 1840, J. M. Worcester ; 18.')()-1.
Richard Liv.sey ; ]8.-)2-3, William Cone ;" 18.-)4-.-), X. Bemis ; 18.^)0,
W. H. Stetson; 1807, William Eivsey ; 18r»8-9, R. Donkerslcy ;
ISGO, Samtiel W. Coggeshall and James A. Dean; 1801, James A.
Dean; 1802, C. S. Sandford ; 1803-4, A. P. Aikin ; 1805, E. S.
Stanley; 1800, A. A. Wright and J. T. Benton ; 180T. ]. T. Ben-
ton; 1808, S. A. Winsor; 1800-72. J. F. Sheffield; 1873, James
jNlather; 1874, Wheeler; 1875, Wright; 1870,' J. O.
Benton; 1878, G. De Stoddard; 1870, W. F. Stec'le ; 18S(»-1, Wal-
ter J. Yates; 1882-4, William H. Starr; 188.V7, S. H. Day ; 1888,
J. B. Smith.
The membership of the church now is one hundred and fifty.
MARi.ii( )R( 1 Stri- i; T CilAi'iT..— •• The Marlboro Street chapel was
erected m 1872, at the sole expense (_)f William X. Sherman, I':sq.
The dimensions are tvN-enty-eight by fifty feet, and the edifice
was built of the best materials the market alTordcd, high between
joints, beautifully arched, and will seat about three hundred per-
1]jS JIISTORV of WASIIIXGTOX AXD KENT COUNTIES.
sons, and cost about S-").*""'- There are no pews, but settees
enough to seat all who choose to attend, and the room is often
crowded to its utmost capacity. It contains a pipe and a reed
organ.
" The desk has been regularly supplied by variotts mini.sters
of evangelical denominations, and the Sunday school and library
are supported almost entirely at the expen.se of Mr. Sherman.
The sittings are free. Many persons in this village are unable
to purchase a pew or hire a seat in any of the cluirches here, but
at the Friends' meeting house or at the ^larlboro Street chapel,
they can worship whenever they choose, free of expense. The
opening notice at the dedication, closed with 'whosoever will,
may come.'
"The mission has been successful. Introductory services were
held in the chapel at its opening, November loth, 1812.
" A church, which is a. n Independent Baptist, of liberal com-
munion, was formed June 13th, 1874, consisting of more than
sixty m.embers. In the belfry at the north end of the building,
hangs the finest toned bell in the village, the sound of which ea)i
be heard more distin.ctly th:m the others, on account of its clear-
ness and sweetness."
Our L.Miv ny Mercv. — The Roman Catholic denomination
erected a church under the pastorate of Father Fatrick Lanahan
at the sotith end of the village on Main street about the year
lSr)3. The pastors have been Fathers Patrick Lanahan, ]M. A.
Wallace, John A. Couch, William Hart, Thomas Cain, and W.
Halligan, the present pastor.
Swedish Church.— The .Swedish church was erected in 1874
on Spring street. This is a small church (Lutheran) and the ser-
vices are conducted in the S\vedi.sh language.
Manufactures. — Doctor Greene, in speaking of the mantifac-
tures of East Greenwich, says :
"At the commencement of the Revolutionary war, a man by
the name of L'pton came from Nantucket to East Greenwich,
and manufactured earthen ware for a ntimber of years. The
pottery where the articles were made, and the kiln where they
were baked, stood on the lot now occupied by the dwelling hoitse
of John Weeden, on the corner of King and Marlboro streets.
The articles made there consisted of pans, bowls, plates, ctips and
saucers. As there were no porcelain manufactories in Anierica
at that time, and the war prevented the importation of such arti-
HISTORY OF WASUINCnON AM) KENT COUNTIES. 1]]0
cles from Europe, many of the people here were oblic^x-d to use
these coarse clumsy plates, cups and saucers for want of better.
They were made of the coarse red earthen ware, which we see
at the present day in the form of milk pans, jars and jugs. A
table set out with such rou.qli looking .specimens of crockery
would look very .strange at tins day, but we presume that many
a good dish of tea was drunk out of those ttiiek, heavv cups and
saucers, and many excellent dinners were eaten off of those red
earthen plates. Tlie clay for making those articles was brought
from Ouidnesett at a pkace called Gould's ]\Iount, on the farm
now belonging to Henry Waterman, and where g-reat quantities
of the same kind of clay still remain. Shortly after the termin-
ation of the Revolutionary war :\lr. Upton returned to Nantuck-
et, and no earthern ware has been made here since.
"The Narragan.setts, or some other race who inhabited this
country previous to the Indians, manufactured articles of earth-
en ware from this same deposit of clay. iJirectly opposite the
villag-e of East Greenwich is a tract of land called Potowomul,
and at the north end of this tract are vast cpiantities of quahaug
shells. It is evident that the.se shells were carried to this spot
by the former inhabitants of this continent, as they still bear the
marks of fire. Among these shells are found great numbers of
stone arrow heads and fragments of ancient pottery. These
pieces of pottery contain the same coarse gravel which is found
in the clay from Gould's Mount, showing that the people who
made this earthern ware, were not pos.sessed of the conveniences
for sifting and grinding the clay, as the moderns do when pre-
paring it for use. The articles thus made were unglazed, and
evidently made from the clay in the same state as when dug from
the deposits. The writer has a number of fragments of this pot-
tery in his possession, and once had a complete jar or vase found
in an Indian grave, which is now in the po.ssession of Doctor
Parsons. The late Doctor U.sher Parsons .said it was made by
covering a crookneck squash with a coating of clav and then
baking in a wood fire until it was .sufficiently hard to retain its
shape. In this deposit of shells are found quantities of arrow
.and spear heads of stone. These arrows and spears are made of
a kind of flint called horn-stone, which is not found in Rhode Ls-
land, and we believe nowhere south of Xew Hamp.shire or
Maine-wherc it is very abundant. The race, therefore, which
used them, must have had some traffic with those who inhabited
1120 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KLNT COUNTIES.
these northern regions, or otherwL'-e tliey must have traveled a
great distance to pmcnre tliem.
"Extraet from judge Sta])le's 'Annals of Providence: ' 'About .
the year 17SS, Jolin rullani \vorked a stocking loom in Provi-
dence, and in 170-1 Messrs. Schaub, Tissot and Dubostine, ^vere
engaged in printing calicoes; they used cotton cloth imported
from the lilast Indies and \v()odcn blocks to impart the desired
figures and colors. Previous to this, however, by several years,
calico printing in the same manner was carried on, at luist
Greenwich ; this it is supposed was the first calico printing done
in America. The Rhode Island Historical Rociety have, in their
cabinet in Providence some of the calico first printed, and some
of the blocks first used." ^
" It appears, then, that our village has the credit of establish- |
ing the first calico printing works on this continent. A man by j
the name of Dawson first set up the business of printing calico ^
in East Greenwich, and the print works were in an old building ;
which formerly stood on the lot now belonging to ]^Irs. I'hcbe |
Davis and Mrs. Ruth Prown, at the north end of the village, and |
which was torn down within a few years. The printing was |
done on linen cloth, which was spun, woven and bleached by the j
women of our village and its vicinity. The linen thread of |
which this cloth was made was s]nin by hand on the small linen |.
wheel operated bv the foot, then woven into cloth on the ccmi- j
mon hand loom, and then bleached in the sun.^hine. This bleach- I
ing was a long and tedious process, and entirely different trom ]
the chemical bleaching of the present day. The long web of |
linen cloth was laid on the grass, stretched out and fastened to
the ground bv wooden pegs, and then constantly sprinkled with i
water, until the sun's rays, acting on the cloth, changed the
brown tow-cloth into pure white linen, ready for the calico
printer. A calico, or as it was then called a chintz dress, was at
that time a rare and co.stly article, and ranked as high in the
scale of fashion as the silks and velvets do now. As there was
little or none of the calico in the shops for sale, every family
made their own cloth, and then carried it to the printing estab-
lishment to be printed, each person selecting their own pattern
and colors. The patterns were very neat and pretty, and the
colors remarkably brilliant, much more si) than the calicoof the
present dav ; but those brilliant tints were owing to the material
on which they were printed, as linen will take color better than
HISTORY OF :VASniXGTOX AXP KEXT COUNTIES. 11-Jl
cotton. There are a number of specimens of this linen calico
printed here mure than ninety years ago, in this village at the
present time."
" During- the Revolutionary War saltpetre became a very scarce
article. Previously, all the nitre used in this eountrv was im-
ported from Europe; but at the beginning of hostilities the
supply from this .SDurce was cut off. Nitre being an essential
ingredient in the composition of gunpowder, the general govern-
ment gave its attention to the encouragement of the manufac-
ture of .saltpetre. Richard Mathewson united with others in the
undertaking of manufacturing it. The saltpetre works were
erected near the old windmill grounds on Division street, on a
lot still called the saltpetre lot. I'he earth which produced the
nitre was collected from cellars and from the dirt under the
foundations of the old buildings in the village.
"About the time of the erection of the .saltpetre works,
RichardJVIathcwson began the business of making wire. The
war preventing the intportation of the article, wire was very
scarce and expensive. Mr. IMathewson used horse-power for
drawing the wire, and the building occupied by him for this
purpose stood on the lot at the corner of Main and Meeting
streets.
"About the year ]70() Richard Mathewson and Eaid Mowry
commenced the manufacture of woolen cards in East Greenwich,
and this was the first establishment of the kind in this country.
"Earl Mowry invented and constructed all the different
machines nece.ssary for the business; these for puncturing the
holes in the leather and those for cutting and shriping the teeth.
Although at the present time machines are used for this purpose
which puncture the leather, cut, shape and insert the teeth in
the card, yet at that time a number of different proces.ses were
required to produce a card. First, the leather, after being cut
into suitable dimensions for the cards of different sizes, was put
into the machine which made the holes for the reception of the
teeth. These teeth were made by another separate machine,
which cut, bent and shajied the wire into the proper bjrm of
card-teeth. The wire, which was of different sizes, suitable for
cards which were to be used for fine or coarse wool, came in the
form of skeins like .skeins of yarn. It w:is jilaced on a reel,
whence it was wound off by the machine as it made the teeth.
The machine itself was a very complicated and curious aifair.
1122 HISrORV OF WASmXGTON AND Kp:xi' cou.\Tii:s.
ar.cl five or six of this clcscriplion -were required in tlie business
of card-making-, which was Uien a tedious process, \v]'ii]e at pix's-
cnl the requisite ap]>aratus t)ceupies a space of only two or three
feet. Then, after the leather was prepared, every card-tooth
was inserted separately b\- the fingers of women and children.
This card factory at that time furnished employment for a num-
ber of persons in tlic ^'illa!:;■e and \'icinit}-, and many families
dejjcnded on it as their onl\- means of support. They wei'e paid
by the dozen cards for inserting the teeth into the leather, or, as
it was called, 'setting cards.'
" S(j eommori was this empk)A-ment then, that when the women
went out to' spend Ihe afternoon' or e\-ening v,-ith their neighbors,
instead of their sewing, embroider}- or knittirig, the}' carried
their cards and tin-pan of teeth. A number of young girls also
found constant employment at the factory, occupied in examin-
ing the teeth, pulling out all that were crooked and defective
and inserting perfect ones in their jilaces.
"When ^Icssrs. !Mathewson and ^lowj-j- commenced the btisi-
ness tif card making the)- made what were called ' hand cards,'
used principally by the farmers' families for straightening the
fibres of wool and forming it into rolls, read)' for spinning.
But when the carding machines, driven by water power, went
into operation, and still later, when the birsiness of carding and
spinning cotton was begun in this country, they turned their
attention to making the larger and more expen.sive kind of cards
reqttired for this purpose. They fitrnished all the cards used in
this country for a number of years after the cotton manufacture
■was introduced, and indeed until the machine which does all the
•work itself was invented. The card manufactory was in the
dwelling house now owned by ^Irs. LeBaron, nearly ojiposite the
"LTpdike House.
"As early as IISO a number of tanneries were established in
East Greenwich. The earliest one was 1j)- Xathan Greene, on
the lot now owned and occupied by Doctor James H. Eldredge :
another, owned and worked by Caleb (Treene, was located a .short
distance above the Orion Mill, on the stream which supplies the
fountains for the use of the mill ; another on (Jueen street, be-
t-ween ^Marlboro and Duke streets, was owned by Martin Miller,
and another at the north end of the village, on Main street,
belonged to Robinson Pearee. The process of tanning at that
period was entirely different from the present niethod. It is
HISTORY OF \VASin.\(;TC>N AND KKNT COUXTIKS. 1123
now done in a short time by the use of eliemieals and maehinery ;
then it required several nionllis by hand laltov to eomplete the
process. Most of the bark used in lanniny Avas brought from
Maine and sold by the eord like firewood. The manner of
grinding- the liark was a very clumsy and ineflieient one. A
circular platform, with a deep ;4riio\'e on its outer edg'e, was laid
down; then a larij;e, heavy stone, shaped like a grindstone, was
made to revolve on its a.xis, with its edge in the groove, until
tne bark was crushed sufficiently f(n- use. Afterwards a bark
mill was invented, similar in its operation to the old-fasliioned
coffee mill,w]iich ground it much finer, with less time and labor.
The tan-vats were wooden tanks sunk in the earth, level with its
surface, filled with alternate layers of bark and hides, and left
to soak until tlie sn/Zs of tannin had converted the skins into
leather. The process was completed by saturating the leather
with a horrible-smelling oil, called gurry, the same which is now
used for medicine under the name of coddiver oil. Tliese tan-
neries supplied the surrounding country with all the leather
then used."
Thomas ^lay, an inventor in machinery for calico printing,
came from England to America in ISoO, and has identified him-
self with the business in this country in new methods for rain-
bow printing. ]\lr. ■May has crossed the ocean twenty-one times;
fourteen times his passage has been paid by manufacturers in
quest of his services in this particular line of business.
"The first cotton mill in the town of East Greenwich was in
the western part of the township, about three miles from the
village. It was built, I have been informed, by Dr. Tillinghast,
and was called the Tillinghast Factory. It was on a small stream
at the head of Hunt's river, and is still there, though enlarged.
It was built as early as V^l^i or 1814, and the cotton yarn spun
there was woven into cloth by the farmers' wives and daughters,
who resided in the vicinitv, on hand-lnoms,
"In the year 18:27 a company under the name of The East
Greenwich ^Manufacturing Co., built a steam mill at the foot of
King street near the Jail. It was a stone building four stories
in height, and in size about fifty b}- a hundred feet. Tlie com-
pany consisted of Daniel Harris, agent; l^zra Pollard, superin-
tendent; and Dr. Charles Eldredge, Albert C. Greene, Fones
and Wicks Hill, C. W. and Daniel Circeric and James P. Austin.
The mill contained about seven tliousand spindles and twenty
1124 HISTORY OF washixgtox and ki:nt countiks.
looms. The enterprise was not a success, and in a few years the
company became bankrupt. Previous to the failure of the con-
cern, Ezra PoHard left it. and built a woolen mill on Duke street.
The cotton mill was destroyed by fire February, 1839. I'he ru-
ins, with the site, were purchased by J. C. Sanford. of North
Kino'stown, and Waterman & Arnold, of Providence. After
laying the foundation for the present mill, they abandoned the
concern and sold it to the firm of Pierce. Salisbury tv- Co., who
erected the mill now standinc^ there. The present mill when
first built, was about the sainc size as the first one, but it stands
in a reversed position. In b'-^J."), I'ierce. Salisbury & Co. sold the
mill with the other jiropcrty connected with it, to J. C. Peckham,
of Providence, who filled it with machinery and wcn-ked it .about
four years, and then, after removing- the machinery to Olney-
ville, sold the whole coiicern to Tliomas J. Hill, who is the owner
at the present time. Mr. Hill afterward built an addition on the
south side nearlv as large as the original building, and named
the factory 'The I5ay INIill.'
"In lS:in C. W. and f). fireene. William P. Salisbury, and others
of New York, built a large brick mill on Main street, at the south
end of the village— then outside of the compact part — it was filled
with machinery for the manufacture of fine broadcloths and
called 'The Ibiion Mill.' The com])any, being unable to com-
pete with foreign jnuduction, soon failed, and after removing
the machinerv the mill ^vas closed for a number of years, when
it was purchased by Pjenjamin Cozzens. ^Ir. Cozzens built a
a large addition on the west end of the mill, and importing ma-
chinerv from I-higland put it in operatif)n as a cotton mill. After
Mr. Cozzens failed in business, the property was purchased by
Adams & Kutterworth, who now operate it for the manufacture
of print cloths. The mill is' now called ' The Orion ^lill,' and
rttns about 1.").o(iii spindles.
" During the year ]S:_)0 I-Lzra Pollard built a woolen mill on
Duke street and manufactured Kentucky jeans. It was a two-
story wooden structure, standing- at the north end of the village,
and operated two sets of machinerv. It afterward passed into
the possession of Richard Howland. In the year it was de-
stroyed bv fire and the next year Mr. Howland built a larger brick
mill on the site of the old one. The second mill contained three
sets of machinerv, and was f>perated by Mr. James Waterhouse
until the \-ear 18<i8, when it was again destroved bv fire. It was
inSTOHV OF WASIIIXd'ICiX AND KENT COUNTIES. 1125
rebuilt by Mr. Ilowland on a still larger scale, but was never put
in operation, and still remains vacant.
"The ' Green's Dale Bleachery ' was built by the East Green-
wich Manufacturing- Co., Moses Pearce and others. It was on a _
small stream at the south end of the villaLi-c, called the Masker-
chugg, but was operated by steam power. It was used asalileach-
ery for a time by a Mr. Th()rnly, and soori after came into the
possession of (ieoi-ge J. Adams, who converted il into a 'print
works' for printing- muslin delaines, where weve printed the first
goods of this kind in the United States. These delaines were a
rich and beautiful article, and were sold in Boston, New York
and other cities as of 1^'rcnch manufacture, very few people be-
lieving such elegant fabrics could be produced in this country.
Mr. Adams taking this hint, had tickets printed in the French
language attached to the prints, and many people wore dresses
which were printed in East Greenwich, supposing they were of
foreign production. The printing was done with wo<iden blocks,
bj' Scotch and linglish workmen, soinc of whom were fine artists
in arranging and combining various rich tints. Soon afterward
INIr. Adams was induced to remove to Tattnton, ^Massachtisetts,
with his same workmen and manager (Mr. Monoch), l)ut there
the business was a complete failure. For some reason iperliaps
want of pttrity in the water), lie cotild not bring otit those clear
and beautiful colors he was able to produce at East (ireenwieh,
and the restilt was he abandoned the works at Taunton and re-
ttirned to Maskerchtigg. After his return the "calico printing
machine' coming into use. he turned his attention to caliccj print-
ing, which he prosectited with success until the year 18.'")(>, when
the whole establishment, with the excejition of the dry sheds,
was btin-ied to the ground. The works were soon rebuilt, and
operated by George J. Adams for 'Blue Printing' until ]8."»3;
from ISnS to 1S.")G they were operated by Adams cV- Butterworth
in 'Madder Printing; ' from 1830 to ISoS they were operated by
James C. ButterwcM'th alone, when they were again destroyed by
fare. Undismayed by these calamities, the owners rebttilt the
works on a larger scale, and leased them to ^Ir. Theodore vSchroe-
der, who operated them until August 2d, 1802. Mr. Schroeder,
who was a native of Copenhagen. Denmark, continued to reside
on the premises until his death, in the vear 1807. Since 1802 the
print works have been operated by Adan-is & Butterworth.
H2G HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES.
"About sixty years ag-o Cromwell Salisbury operated a foun-
dry for making' brass andirons, shovels, tongs, and supporters,
on ^Marlboro street, lie was a very ingenious meehanie, manu-
facturing his own metal, inventing his own patterns, and mak-
ing the iron portion of his artieles at his ov.m forge and .'urs-il.
These artieles were very rare at tliat time, and .he supplied the
country around for a number of years. His patterns were very
beautiful; manvof them are still in e.xistence and highly valued.
Some of our re:;ders, ])erhaps, may not know what supporters
are. They are small pieees of brass in a semi-circular ft)rm, and
fastened each side oi a fire-place to support the shovel and tongs
in an upright position. Mr. Salisbury made many othei" useful
articles, which, ai that time e(_)uld t)nly be procured by importa- •
tion.
"In the year lS7o ]\Ir. John Earnsliaw commenced making i
coir mats and brushes, on fJuke street. He invented and pat- f
ented his oyn'u machines, and at present he is the only manufae- \
turer of coir brushes in the United States. Coir is made from »
the fibrous portion of the husk which covers the cocoanut. It is j
principally imported from Calcutta, although large quantities are \
made by the natives on the coast of Africa. i
"The fibrous portion of the husk, after being separated from j
the nut, is macerated in water, until by fermentation all the gel- !
atinous portion is di.ssolved. leaving the fibres in a state to be ' :
spun into a eoar.se kind of yarn. The natives spin the fibre by
rolling it on the knee with the hand until there is twist enough
to form it into a coarse thread, which is then made up into skeins
ready for export. It is imported in bales, each weighing about
two hundred and fifty pounds, in the form of small skeins, very
tightly packed, and will make four brushes to the pound.
" The first process in manufacturing the brush consists in reel-
ing the skeins on spools. These are placed on a frame in front
of a folding machine, then a boy with this machine folds the
yarn into lavers for two brushes, then compresses them and cuts
them apart at the rate of four hundred brushes per day. The
next process consists in bindiiig around the l)rush and stitching
it on, and it requires two binders to one folder. The brush is
then finished by shearing and trimming. They are used mostly
for scrubbing floors, and are called the ' coir scrubbing brush.'
"Mr. Earnshaw is also the inventor of the fiour sifter, on
which he receives a rovaltv on everv one sold, and a machine
HISTORY OF WASIUXf.TOX AND KF.XT COUNTIES. 1127
called the ' Earjishaw iieedle loom,' for %veavin<^ ribbons ni d
other narrow fabrics, whicli he sold to a firm in Xew Londcm,
Connecticut.
" In the year 184.") a two-story wooden bnildinL^- was erected at
the corner of Division and ^Marlboro streets, by .\sa Arnold, for
a machine shop. "Slv. Arnold was a descendant of the Snrithiield
Arnolds and the (ireencs of Potowomnt. lie was well known
throtighont Xcw England by the past generation, for his inven-
tion of the compound motion, or differential wheels, a.pplicd to
the cotton speeder. This invention has been in nsc on all cot-
ton speeder.s throughout the world for over fifty years, and has
never been superseded or improved upon.
"The machine shop was used for the fiT'st four or five year.s
for the building of cotton machinery, mechanics' tools, machines '
for making pressed brick, and doing repairs for the mills and
print works. ,Sincc 185(1 to the present time it has been occupied
by his son, Mr. I'cnjamin Arnold, for building machinery in-
vented by him for knitting seines and fishing nets."
The Pjolton Manufacturing Company was organized to succeed
Adams & Butterwoilh in the bleachery in 188.'!). The capacity
of the plant is .sufi^icient to bleach and fini.sh six tons of cotton
cloth per day.
The Bolton [Manufacturing Company is a stock company of
which E. P. ]\Iason is president, C. F. ]\Iason, treasurer, and X.
H. Baker, vice-president and general manager. These three are
Providence gentlemen. Their superintendent is William W.
Farrington, of East Greenwich, a native of England, who was
educated as a finisher of cotton fabrics at ^Manchester, England.
He came to the United States in 1S7G for W. E. & F. C. Sayles
to superintend the finishing of fancy cotton goods — a class of
work not before done in America. The bookkeeper, John F.
Straight, is also a resident of this village. Pie was born in Ex-
eter, where his father Aaron Straight, a son of Solomon Straight,
resided. He was educated as an accountant and was eleven
years at Attawanagan, Conn., as accountant for a firm operatirg
three mills and two stores. The superintendent and bookkeeper
have been here since July 1st, 188.').
In 188.3 the Coir ISrush Manufactory passed into the hands of
Pierce & "Wadleigh, who are continuing that business with marked
success. Julian Hawthorn, in the Ilirald of llicilth. says: "A
cocoanut fibre brush is the best, and to get at your back it is a
1128 HISTORY OF WASinXGTON" AND KENT COUNTIES.
good plan to have a cocoanut mat Imiig- against the twills to rub
yourself against. Keep up this friction at least ten minutes.
You could not invest the same amount of time more usefully."
r.iOGKArincAL skf.tchks.
,.-^ Coi.oxKL Wii.i.iAM I3iiiiFisii. - AVilliam Bodfish, who was of
•v English Uirtli, resided in vSandwieh, ]\Iass. His son William, a
•' native of the latter town, followed a seafariiig life, and at the
early age of nineteen was master of a ship .sailing from Boston
and engaged in the West India trade. His death in 183.") was the
result of a fever eontracted during his last ^•oyage. fie married
Deborah T. Hateh, whose ehildren were: Mary, wife of l'2dward
Landers, of Newport, and William, a native of Falmouth. Mass.,
who.se birth oeeurred February 2-Jd, 181. ">. Here his youth was
passed, though deprived in infancy of the affectionate eaie of a
mother. The common and private schools of Falmouth afforded
excellent opportunities for a thorough training in the hhiglish
branches, after which at the age of sixteen he removed tt.) Prov-
idence and began his apprenticeship to the trade of a tailor. At
the expiration of the fourth \-ear he returned to his native })lace.
spent several years at his trade, and again made Providence his
home.
In February, 1841], Colonel Pjodfish became a resident of East
Greenwich, and was for twc> years employed at his trade, after
which he established himself as a merchant tailor and dealer in
clothing. In 18.").") he was tendered the eashiership of the Rhode
Island Central Bank, which he filled until the financial crisis of
1857 caused a suspeiision of the bank. He then embarked in the
tailoring business in Pro\idcnce and continued thus engaged
until 1801, meanwhile retaining his home in East Greenwich.
The latter place again found him one of its 'prominent business
men from 1801 to 1800, when Taunton. ]\Iass., afforded an f)pen-
ing for a dry goods and millinery store, which was four and a
half years later removed to East Greenwich. This he continued
until 1880, the date of his retirement. In 187S he built the I^cd-
iish Block and occupied it until his discontinuance in business,
when George II. Fuller Ix'came the lessee.
Colonel Bodfish was in 1S3.J married to Elizabeth S. Synya, of
Providence, who died in April, 1803. They had eight children
as follows: William S.. born in 1837; Joshua L.. in 183'.); Mary
A., in 1841; Celia C, in 1844 ; William li., in 1840 ; Frances li.,
■5 ■'
:-.lA-
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/'^#fc ^ X
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HISTORY or ■\VAhlII\GTOX AND KKNT COUNTIES. 1129
in 18-JS: flcdri^-e W., in '\Sr^'\, and William 11., in 18.V2. Jo.shua
L. and William II. are Ih.e only .survivors of this numbL-r. Ik-
was a second time married Oetober 2d, IFCn, to Abbic I'ranees,
daughter of the late -Sidney S. 'J~i]lin_yhast. of East Circcnwieh.
Colonel liodfish began his iiolitieal earcer as a whig, later lie-
came a reptdjliean. and is now an carne.st prohibitionist, lie held
the office of elerk of the court of common picas for the years
ISoO and 1S.V2, and was elected to the state senate in ^S1'^ and
1874. He was a charter member of the East Greenwich .Savings
Bank, as also of the East (Greenwich ]SIutua'l Instirance Company,
of which he was both treasurer and agent. He is an active
ma.son and was master of King Solomon's Lodge, Xo. 11, of East
Greenwich. In 184.'! he j(jincd the Kentish Guards elsewhere
spoken of in this volume, was the following vear made paymas-
ter of the company, and in 1S4G held a commission as colonel of
the organization, in which capacity he served for eleven years.
Under the militia law of 18G2 he organized one of the county
regiments of which he was made colonel and held the position
until the repeal of the law. Colonel Hodfish was originally a
member of the Hajitist church in Providence, and aided in es-
tablishing the church of that denomination in ILast Greenwich.
He was one of the building committee on the erection of the
first edifice and chairman of the same committee when the pres-
ent beautiful house of worship was con.structed in 1884. He at
present fills the office of deacon, has been for a long period elerk
and treasurer, and for twenty-five years chorister of the church.
Genkkai. Thomas W. CiiAei;.--On the 22d of June, 18:!4, on
the southern shores of Rhode Island, in the town of Charlcstown,
a son was born to Isaac and Celina (Littlefield) Chaec. They
gave their son physical and intellectual vigor, christened him in
the name that heads this article, and to-day he is the widely and
favorably known General Thomas AV. Chace, of I'-ast Greenwich
and Providence. His mother, as the daughter of Captain Na-
thaniel Littlefield, of New Shf)reham, had in her veins some of
the best bhxxl of that island, while his father, the son of Maxon
Chacc, a soldier of the war of '1812, had lineally descended from
William Chace, one of the early settlers of the colony.
The general's fatlier was born in Westerly, R. 1., in 1807. and
died in New Shoreliam, R. I., in the thirty-eighth year of his
age. Soon after the death of his father, Thom.is W. removed to
Westerly. In September. ^SH>. he went to live with his uncle.
UoO HISTORY OF WASllIXGTOX AND KEXT COUNTIES.
T. W. Fuley. of Providence, with wliom, after receiving- a gcnd
■common school education, he learned the bttsiness of a merchant
tailor. On attaining hi,s majority, he purcha.scd the stock and
good will of the business of Mr. Foley. Since IS.-ji; he has car-
ried on business successfully in Providence. He still continties
business on Westminster street, under the firm name of T. W.
Chace c^v: Co.
For several years he was prominently identified with tlie mil-
itary organizations of the city and state.' In ]S.-)7 lie enlisted as
a private in the First Light Infantry Company of Providence,
and in ISGl he a.ssisted in the formation of the Burnside Zou-
aves, now known as the United Tram of Artillerv, and served as
adjutant and major of that command. At the Mav session of the
general as.sembly in JST-l ]ic was elected brigadier general of the
Fourth Brigade, Rhode Island ^lilitia, and in 187:^ and in J ST.")
was chosen to command the Third and First brigades respect-
ively, lie was mustered out of the service on tlie reorganization
of the militia in June, Is?'.). "The Governor and Commander-
in-Chief, in general order Xo. 11, series of 1S7!), returned thanks
to Brig.-Cyenl. Thos. W. Chace for his valuable services and con-
stant devotion lo tlic iiitcnsts of the State Mililiar Al tlie }>Iay
session of the general assembly, 187!), " It was voted to present
to Genl. Chace the colors and standards of this Brigade for his
efficient services in the State r\Iilitia."
In 1S7-1 he was elected member of the republican state central
committee, and from that time until the present he has held an
influential position in the party councils, and after serving ably
as chairman of that committee he declined a re-election in 1888.
In June, 1888, he was chosen for a term of four vears to repre-
sent Rhode Island on the Republican national committee. Fie
was an alternate to the national republican convention in 1870
and a delegate to Chicago in 1880. While giving much of his at-
tention to state and national politics, he has frequently taken
part in the more local affairs of East Greenwich, which town is
his present home. In 188:2 and in 188:5 he was elected to repre-
sent East Greenwich in the general assembly, and in 188.") and
again in 188G he was elected to the state senate from that
town.
In the January session of 1887, on the floor of th.e .senate cham-
ber, he demonstrated his strength as a debater and a leader, and
took a position on a great public (juestion, by which he became
r"
'v.
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^'■■'J^.;j::,nX-~yy
HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOX AXD KENT COUNTIES. ll'PA
at once better known throughout the state. The bill, now cha})-
ter 634 of the Laws of Rhode IsLand, was then on its passa'^e,
and Genera! Chace was credited by the friends of the prohib-
itory amendment with well directed efforts in the best interests-
of the cause.
He has belon.ycd to the great l-)rotherhood of ^Masons since
1859, and in the fraternity has filled important offices.
In 18.")? he united with the Central Baptist church of Provi-
dence, with which he is still connected. He a.«<sisted in the form-
ation of the Rhode Island Baptist Social Union in 1871, of whicli
he was for several vears treasurer and vice-president, h'rom
1SG3 to 1S7'2 he served as vice-president of the Young Men's
Christian Association, of which he was president from 187-2 to
1875. He married in February, 1SG5, Emily S. Starkweather, of
Windham, Connecticut.
JOSEFli IJkws was born May 13th, 1843, in Horbry, Yorkshire,
England, and when five years of age emigrated with his parents
to America. He first located at Trenton, three years later re-
moved to East Greenwich and at the expiration of the third year
made \Vesterly his home. When a lad he entered as an appren-
tice the Pollard Mill at East Greenwich, and until the age of six-
teen continued to serve in various mills between school seasons.
He attended the public schools, but being desirous of more thor-
ough opportunities than were possible in that limited educational
field, became a student of the East Greenwich Academy. In
1859 he entered the emiDloy of Messrs. II. X. Campbell cS: Co., in
their factory store at Westerly and remained thus occupied for
seven years, in the meantime taking a vacation for the purpose
of securing a commercial education at Poughkeepsie. Xew York.
He then became a partner with them in the purchase and sale
of wool.
In 1870 he made an engagement with Messrs. Brown, Steese
& Clarke, wool commission merchants, of Boston. ISIass.. and
continued this business relation until 1882. His ambition from
boyhood to become the owner of a woolen mill was now grati-
fied, as two years previously Mr. Dews had started a small mill
in Westerly, which he managed until his lease of the American
Mill Company's property at East Greenwich. He had already
experienced some of the vicissitudes peculiar to the manufac-
turer, but nothing daunted, thoroughly equipped the latter mill
with new and imprrived machinery and began operations with
1132 HISTORY OF WASillN'OTON AND KENT COUNTIKS.
eighteen looms. Uinler his successful maiKLgemcnl the demand
for his products greatly increased, sixty-three loonrs were intro-
duced and two hundred and eigluy hands eniphjyed in its vari- •
Otis departments. The sales during the last }-ear reached the
sum of SO'j.-i.ooo net. This is entirely the result of the ability,
and judgment evinced bv Mr. Dews in th.e management of every
detail of his increasing business, and places him among the lead-
ing manufactiirers of the state. lie has recently established in
East GreenwieJi tlie Phcenix 1-^lectrie Ligh.t tv Coal Company, of
which he is the sole owner, and is a director of the IIojk- Mutual
Fire Insurance Comp;iny of I'rtividence. He has never been di-
verted from the field of Inisiness to the arena of polities, but
given his tlKnight and attention moix- espeeiallx' to church mat-
ters as one of the vestry of St. Stephen's Protestant F.piscojial
church in Providence, of which he is a member.
Mr. Dev.s was in ISfKI m;irried to Anne M., da\ighter of Levens
Shumway of O.vford, IMass. 'i'heir children are : h'red. S., Mary
L., Annie Louise, Joseph Howard and hiessie S.
Thomas G. Fry. — Mr. h^ry is of linglisli descent. His grand-
father, Joseph Fry, spent his life on tlie homestead in F.ast fireen-
wich still in possession of the family. Among liis sons was
Thomas, born on the above spot, in tlie vicinit}- of which his
days were passed in the congenial pursuits of a farmer. He
was not, however, indifferent to the demands made u]5on his
time and ability as a good citizen, and devoted much, attention
to the public interests as member of the state legislature, judge
of the court of common pleas, and justice of the peace. In these
varied offices he indicated that strong common sense and prac-
tical knowledge which enabled him tf) maintain an inlluential
position in the county during the whole of his active life. He
married Hannah, daugliter of Nicholas Spink, of Ouidnessett.
To this union were born children : Nicholas ,S.; Eleanor, wife of _
Doctor Charles I'Lldrcdge : Anna, married to (jordon \V. Xichols ;
John; Ruth, wife of Joseph Arnold; jose])li ; Thomas Ct., and a
son Richard, who died in infancy.
Thomas G. Fry was born on the loth of August, ISP). on the
farm which is his present home. He became a pupil of the dis-
trict school, mastered there the elementary branches, and as a
lad helped in varicms wavs in the work of the farm. Tlie wln.ile
drift of his mind and the C(Mistitution i^i the man tended toward
the life of an agriculturist, and in obedience to his tastes he
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f HISTORY OK WASFllXGTON" AM) KENT COUNTIES. llSIi
p
I
I followed his father's pursuits. On the death of the latter, in
! 1831, he succeeded to the estate, each of the brothers reeeivin.c;- a
I farm as their inheritance. Air. Vvy continued thus actively cm-
l ployed until 1877, when, having;- ^i,aincd by industry and appli-
I cation a respite from further care, he relinquished the nianage-
j- ment of the jjropcrty In his son-in-hnv.
I lie was on the intli of February, 1811. married to ?^liss Hannah
i A. U., daughter of Jonathan Reynolds and sister of Hon. John J.
I Reynolds, of "Wickford, -whose family is more fully mentiimcd
elsewhere in this volume. Three daughters— Hannah, Susan
: Elizabeth and Helena — are deceased, and a daughter, Lydia, is
the wife of William A. A^aughu. Mr. l-ry cares little for the
busy .scenes of public life, and has, therefore, never sought oflice.
Positions of trust, both of a civil and business character, have
always been gratefullv declined by him. h-ormerly a whig, he
now supports the republican party. During the turbulent period
of the Dorr war he joined the law and order p;irty, and was a
member of a company enrolled fur the defense of the stale g'ov-
ernment. He was reared in the faith of the Society of Friends,
and worships with the East Cireenwich Friends' meeting.
LavristoX H. ( jKi:i:Ni;.--Elisha (ireene, the great-grandfather
of the subject of this biographical sketch, settled in Apponaug,
where he was, during the greater part of his life, one of its most
representative citizens. His son .Stephen was drafted during-
the war of the revolution, and, not finding it convenient to
respond, secured a substitute. He engaged in farming pursuits
in East Greenwich, and married Elizabeth AVhiteman, of Uuid-
nessett, whose children were four sons: (jcorge, who was lost at
sea; Elisha, Valentine and William : and four daughters : Alary,
wife of James Beattie ; Isabella, I'.etsey and Tabitha. AVilliam
Greene, who was born in 1781, spent his life as a farmer, residing
upon the homestead now the property of his son Lauriston H.
Greene, who has greatly improved the estate and remodelled the
dwelling, a view of which is given in this volume. Mr. Greene
was prominent in public affairs, served for successive terms in
the state legislature, and filled various town offices. He mar-
ried, in 18ln, Abagail, daughter of John Reynolds, of AVarwick,
who survives him and. in her ninety-tifth year, still resides with
her son upon the homestead. Their children were: John R.,
deceased; Thomas T., also deceased; William C, a manufactur-
ing iewcUer in Providence ; George 1*'. and Henry C, deceased ;
ll;-34 HISI'OKV OF WASHIXGTUX AND KENT COUNTIES.
Lauri.ston II.; lilislia and lilizabetli, dcCL-ascd ; .Mary, Mrs. ]osc])h
Fry; Elizaliuth I., 2\lrs. John I'ilc'iur, and two wbo died m
infancy.
Lauristou H. Greene was born on the IDthof July, lS:i:i on the
homestead -which is now his property. He applied liimsclf to
study in youtli and readily mastered the ordinary ]'hii.dis!i
branches. Xot at that time preferring the laborious pursuits of
a farmer to the bus)- life of a lar^i^e city, he repaired to Provi-
dence and learned the ti-adcof a manufacturini4- jeweler with his
brother. This he diligently followed for len years, much oi the
time acting- in the capacity of foreman. On the dcata of his
brother Geory-e I"., wIkt had meanv.lule raanayed the farm, he re-
turned to East Grceins'ich, settled the estate, and haviny pur-
chased the interest not already his own, beL;-an the life of a
farmer. It may be proyjcr to add that in t.aking- this step lie was
largely intluenced by filial aiTection to relinquish the attractions
of a city home for the dail_y routine of toil incident to the life of
a farmer.
j\Ir. Greene has given his support to the republican party and
been more or less prominent in its local councils, lie has held
various town offices but given little time to political affairs, his
private business I'equiriiig Ins exclusive attention.
Mr. Greene was on the 12tli of December. IS.")."), married to
Abby A. V., daughter of P.radford Ripley of Providence. Both
he and Mrs. (ireenc are nrembers of the Baptist church of East
Greenwich.
Thom.\s E. Ken'Von. — George Kenyon, the grandfather of tlie
subject of this sketedi, resided in the town of Hopkinton in
Washington county, Rhode Island. To his wife, formerly a !Miss
Ho.xie, were born thirteen children, one of whom was vSol5mon,
a native of Hopkinton, who married ICunice ,Shefrield, of Ports-
mouth, in Newport county, in the same state. Their children
--were: Martha, Peleg, Solomon 11., Catherine, George C., JohnT.,
Eunice S. and Thomas I^.
The youngest of this number, Thomas E.. v.-as born April -J 1st,
1S()7, in Richmond, Washington county, where a private school,
conducted during the winter months, afforded the only oppor-
tunities for education he enjoyed, the remainder of the year
being devoted to work upon his father's farm. He crmtinued to
reside with his pareiits until ]8:)(i, me.'inwhile for several }-ears
leasing the projierty. 1 )uring the year above mentioned, he pur-
r'
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES. IVSi')
chased a sir.all farm at Pawl.uckel, culli\-atcd the land imtil the
fall of JS^iS. and rcUirncd to I-lichmond, wlierc his iirsL experi-
ence as a farmer dccnrred. In 1842 IMr. Ken\'on beeanie the
owner of his })resent home in I'.asl (jreenwich, tlien embraeiny
thirty-five acres, which by industry and thrift be has siii.cc fully
doubled in area. He has made farntiny the business of his life,
and is ranked anion;;- the most successful agriculturists of the
town of ]*^ast (Jreen^vich.
He was many years since a director of the I\.hr)de Island ]",x-
chanyc I'ank of ]">ast Greenwich, and has borne a sontcwiiat crin-
spicuous p:\vl in affairs connected with his town and count}-. A
whig- of positive O])inions dttring the existence of that party, and
afterward a republican, he has been a member of the town coun-
cil and held other local offices. lie has twice been elected t'j the
state k'gislaturc. and been each time assigned to \arious imipor-
tant committees. He was educated in the faith of the Society of
Friends and still maintains his allegiance to that belief.
Mr. Kenyon has been thrice married. To his first wife, Marv
L. Pierce, of Richmond, were born two children, I'eleg (j and
John R. He was married a second time to Alar\- .\nn Gardner,
whose only son. Th.fimas E., is deceased. His j^resent wife is
Elizabeth X. .Vustin, of Coventry, whose children are Thomas
E., Albert A. and .Mary E.
John R. Ken}-on was born in iy:?l and married Clara, daughter
of Charles Nichols. Their four living children arc: lohn II.,
Frank T., Eunice X. (wife of Eewis A. Walton of Cranston) and
Solomon H.
Thomas AIav, of ]\Iayville, in East (Irreenwich, is a conspicuou.s
example of success in life as the result of industry and thrift.
The son of Thomas and ^lary ]\Iercer May"*, he was born in
]\Iilton, near Clitheroc, Bcnvland, '\'orkshire, h>ngland, on the Hist
of May, bS19, and spent the first four years of his life at this
point. Removing with his parents Lo W'hiteash, near Ijlackburn,
his father there started the first power loom and oijcrated it for
a period of two years. The town of Accrington then became
his home, where at the age (jf seven he entered the weaving
rooni, and was there engaged in carrving cops to the o]:)crati\-es,
at half a crown a week. \Vhile residing here he was left father-
less and largely dependent upon his own exertions. I'^njoj-ing
no op])ortunities for ed-acation, he was taught to read in the
Stindav school.
1130 HISTORY OF WASIIIXCTOX AND Ki;.\T COUNTIKS.
On the death of his father he lived for three years with a
fanner, and, rctnrniny ay"ain ti> his home, entered a spinning;
factory, \vhere he soon became conversant with the s])inner's
art. At the age of sixteen tire young man eniered the jirint
works near I'oltoir, in I.ancastersliire, lirst in the dye room, and
secf)nd in the department of printing. Here he ser\-ed ari
apprenticeship of seven %'ears, at eleven shillings per week for
two vears, twelve shillings for the succeeding two years, thirteen
.shilling.s for the two years following, and fifteen shillings^ for the
final year. Having been married on the "iOth of March', ibJ;!!'),
this apprenticeship w.as begun the day following. ( )n its con-
clusion he received thiriv-si.\ shillings, and later two ]iounds ]")er
week. He was then employed at Ilelmont, near ISolton, and as
foreman ];rintcr here introduced the then new style of rainl)ow
printing, at a salary of tifty shillings per week.
Mr. May has crossed the ocean twenty-one times, during seven
of which his wages were paid while absent, and on se\'eral occa-
sions his passage. The first of these trips occurred in f-'.-jd, in
response to a summons from the I Bunnell Print "Works at I'aw-
tucket, Rhode Island, where he was employed for one year. The
la.st was on the occasion of the Uueen's jubilee, with a wife and
two children. He returned again to I'higland, remained a year,
and in 18.')"2 settled in Manchester, New Hampshire, his wages at
this point being twenty-five dollars ])er week. The year IS')''>
found him again in l^ngland. at Syddall's Print Works at Chad-
kirk, near Stockport, in Cheshire. Mr. May had meanwhile
becoroe thoroughlv imbued with the American spirit, and in
1854 accepted an engagement at Crompton, Rhode Island, as
foreman for Abbott &• .Sanders. His voyage, with a v.dfe and
eight small children, on accepting this offer, was an eventful and
perilous one. Shipwrecked off Cape Race rock, and detained
amid many inconveniences at St. Johns. Newfoundland, for three
weeks, at the expiration fif the seventh week their destination
was reached in safetv. Mr. IMay spent the period between 1801
and 1802 in England, was for a brief time in Hover, Xew ll;imp-
shire, and then engaged in machine printing for the Richmond
Manufacturing Compan\- at Providence.
The vear 180(1 Mr. May spent in Cranston, and in 1807 made
Etl-st Greenwich his residence, having closed a contract as fore-
man for Messrs. Adams <.^- P.ulterworth. With the exception of
brief intervals of absence, this village has since been his home.
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HISTORY OF \VAS]IIX(;T0N AXn KENT COI'NTIF.S. 1137
His ■\vaj;cs have at limes been as hip^h as forty dollars per week,
indicating the appreciation in which he was held by his em-
ployers. Having by pnulencc and unceasing' industry gained a
competence, he has retired from active labor and invested his
savings in real estate at ]\hiyville, which hamlet is being con-
stantly iTnpro\'ed. Mr. May is tlic fatlier of nineteen children,
thirteen being daughters and six sons, l-'ifteen of these are liv-
ing. On tlic l.'itli of ( )cLobcr. ISSt^, he raised the stars and stripes
in celebration of the birth of the nineteenth child, a daughter.
He is not attached t(,> any political party, bi:t enjoys the pri\'ilcge
of the franchise and votes ffir the l)est man, irres]icctive of party
ties. He w.as educated in tlie faith of the \Vesle\an .Methodist
church, and still worships with that body. Mr. ^bly is in his
seventieth year, though still hale and hearty as a boy.
Ricil.xRl) Si'i:xri;k. — John Spencer, who came from England
on the 2-lth of ^K-^rch, IG;?;^, and died in ICi-IS. leaving no chiUlren,
was uncle to John Spencer, the progenitor of the family in hLast
Greenwich. 'J'he latter participated in the King Philip's \\'ar,
and was one of forty-eight settlers who purchased the territory
now embraced in ]<^ast and West (irecnwich. His son John born
m lOfiO, married Audrey (7reene, daughter of rX'puty-Ciovcrnor
John Greene. Their son William, born in IW'), was the father
of William, whose birth occurred in ]72l> and his death in 1777.
His son John, born in 17G(), and representing the fifth genera-
tion in line of descent, was the father of the subject of this biog-
raphy. He was drafted during the revolutionary war and finding
it impossible to leave, secured a substitute. By his marriage to
Hnldah Johnson were born five sons — John, William, Hezekiah,
Oliver and Richard — and two daughters — Huldali and IJctscy.
Richard Spencer was bc)rn May Oth, 179S, on tlie farm where
he lias during his lifetime resided. His education was received
in the school house his father assisted in building, after A\-hich
he began active life as a farmer. In consideration of the care
bestowed upon his parents in their advancing years, he was
given one half the farm, and purchased the remainder. This
embraced origin;dlv ninety acres, Init was reduced in its dimen-
sions by the sale of twentv acres with which a substitute was se-
cured for revolutiimarv service, when his father was drafted.
Richard Spencer has added t(j this until his landed possessions
now embrace three hundred acres, much of which is under a
high state of cnlti\'ation. He has been industrious and frugal,
1138 IlISrOKV OF WASIilXGTON AM) KENT COUNTIES.
realizing that eliligencc and intccn'ity in business are the pre-
requisites to success.
Always a democrat in his political con^•ictions, liis vlhcc has
been heard in the meetings nf .tlie town council, and the oflices
of auditor, overseer of highwa)-s for o\-er twenty }-cars,and man-
ager of the town as\-luni ha\-c been fdled b_\- him. lie was a])-
pointed iustiee of the pe;ice Ijut declined the honor, and likewise
refused all offers of legislative preferment. Freqixently made
executor and administratoi-, his jiulgment m^ less tha-n his stern
integrity, have made his services invaluable in the settlement of
estates.
Mr. Spencer regards the liusiness aspect of his life as of little
moment beside that larger religious experience which has been
to him the support and comfort of his later years. lie was
"born a second time," as he graphically describes it, in 18oS, was
chosen deacon of the .Six Pr:nci]ile liaptist church of 1-h-ench-
town in liast (.Greenwich the same year, and ordained to that
office in }ilarch, ISIi'.t. His life has since been a beautiful exam-
ple of the virtues which should adorn the Christian character.
Deacon Spencer married April lid, 1H17, Rob)-, daughter of
Joseph Tarbwx. 'I'heir children are: Richard Anthony, Audra
E., Joseph J., AVilliam A., Iluldah E.. E. Amanda, and two who
died in infancy. Richard Anthony died at the age of twenty-
seven, leaving one daughter, xVnna M., wife of John J. Sjicncer,
whose children are: Richard Augustus, William J. B. and Alfred
Earnest. Audra E. is now the widow of IJenjamin Spencer;
William A. is married to Mary E. Harrington ; Iluldah E. is the
wife of Daniel C. Bailey ; and E. xVmanda is married to Job
Briggs. »
Silas AVeaver. — The AVeaver family, having originally emi-
grated from AValcs, first .settled in Newport. lAitee AVeaver, the
father of Silas AVeaver, luid a revolutionary soldier, was born
Februarv 11th. IT.'jS, and resided im Ea.st Greenwich, where he
first pursued his trade as a tailor, and later engaged in the sale
of groceries and cultivated a farm he owned. lie filled the of-
fice of justice of the peace, and held other jiositious of local im-
portance. He married Almy Andrew, of East tireenwich, whose
children arc: I'hebe, married to Thomas Howland ; Arnold,
Evdia, wife of Christopher A\'eaver ; Jonathan, Paul X., luinicc,
married to Lewis Collings; Silas and Simeon. The death of Du-
tee AA''eaver occurred Aiay i)th, 1S42, in his eighty-fifth year.
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HISTORY OF WASIHXcniX .\\'i:> KENT COUXl'li:^. W-)'.)
Silas \\' caver, the yi»un!_;'est. willi one exrcptimi. of the abinx-
childrer., was bi>i-Ji March 'Jd, ISn-j. in F.a.st ' 'rrce:i v.ich. He I'c-
ceived prix'ate instruct icin, eliicfl\' at c\'eniiiL'; selio. il.-,. and initil
the age of twenty a\-ailed ]iinrself <>( any ojipmliniities ih.ai af-
forded an honest livelihood. Then entering; his fatlier's sVi*)]-)
he bct^'an the tailor's trade, and concludeil the pcrind of ]iis ajj-
prentieeship at Xantucket and Providence, kctiirninq- to F.ast
Greenwich in IS^ii he (opened a shoj). aiul soon found liinisclf at
the head of a pros[)crous business. 'I'his lie continued until IS I'i,
meanwhile working- assiduiiush- at his trade, and flnall)- for a
series of years abandoning an\' ;ieti\'e pui'suit. He e.arly es-
ponsed the principles of the democracy. ;ind has s'nee been ;!n
active and intluential member of the part)-. Mr. \\'eaver deter-
mined in ly:).") to enter the arena of politics, and was, in ( )ctolier
of tliat year, elected a representatixe to the genera' assembh".
and again for the two succeeding terms. 1\> this ofhce h.e \vas
again chosen under the new eli.'irter on the ."th of A]>ril, M<C>'>.
In June, ISV.), he wasm;ide town clerk, and acce]3r;d>l\ lilK-d tlie
office until IS*;."). He also held various other town ofilces prc-
viou.s to and after ]i^'.Vt. on many ijccasions rccei\-ing the sut"-
frages of the opposite party. He was appointed sur\-eyor of the
Port of liast Greenwich, R. I., in June, b'-^4."), and eontintied to
hold the office for four years, having been a]:)pointed by lames
K. Polk, then president of the United States. He has also Ijcen
and is a leading spirit in the business affairs of the t(.Avn. having
been chosen a director of the Rhode Island Central Bank of
East Greenwich, and held the same position in the Greenwich
National Rank since its organization. In ISI'j he enibaiked in
the business of a real estate broker, which was successfully con-
tinued until 1870. >■
Mr. Weaver was, on the ^Sth of July, ISG8, married to Sa-
rah K., widow of lir.idford C. Shaw, of Providence, and daughter
of the late Xathan \Vhiting, Escp, a native of Massacluisetts,
who graduated at Ihown I'l-iiversity, and practiced law for many
years in I'^ast Greenwich. Although reared in the faith fif the
society of hh-iends. Mr. Weaver and- his wife worshi]i with the
congregation of St. Luke's Protestant Episcoprd church.
CHAPTER XXIII.
TOWN OF WEST GREENWICH.
General Features of tlu' Town with I'oinis ot Iiilerrst. — Division Of 'tlie Lands .'
and Settlement of tlic Town.— SKetcln's of tlic Thirteen Ori^i?i:ii rnrchiiseis. !
— Town OrK.'iiiiziition, ICte. — Industries. — I'Idneation. — Theophiius AVlmley. —
Sketches of Some of the Leading Men of West (ireenwieh. — Xooseneek, its 5
Manufacturing; and Mercantile Inicicsts. — I'^scoheag. — West (irecnwich Cen- \
tre.--I{oliin Hollow.— Lil)erty. -The (.'liurches. '
'"T^lIIS town i.s an ao-riciiltiiral tciwii.ship, but its ]ack of easy ;
I commiDiication witli Xarrai.';ansctt bay and its tmcvcn siir- |
face have proved obstacles to its gfowtli and prosperity.
The town is about twei:ty-iive miles sonthwest of the city of '■
Providence, and is Ijoundcd on the north by Coventry, on the :
east by East (irecnwich, on the south b)- l^.xeter, and on the vest ;
by Connecticut. I'he surface of this town affords a pleasiny di- !
versity of hill and dale. There is one eminence called Ibjpkins' i
hill, from the summit of which the eye rests upon an interesting' j
landscape, interspersed with farms and hamlets beautifid to be- 1
hold. 'J^he principal places of note in the town are as follows : |
l'i//agcs. — Nooseneck, West (jreenwich Centre, Eseolieai:;, sup- ;
posed to signify origin of tliree ri\-ers. .n^
Hills. — Hopkins", Nooseneck, Raccoon, Weavers', Bald, Esco-
heag, Breakheart, Hanging, Fisher.
Ponds. — Carr's, Mishnock, Bailey, Wickerboxet, Tippecansett,
Nooseneck, Fry. 1
Ri:\?s. — Mi.shnock, Nooseneck or Fry's, Congdon, the three ;
main branches ilowing northerly into the PawtU-xct ; Great,
Mttddy Pirook and Hazard Brook, main branches of Wood river
flowing southerly into the Pawcatuck.
Su'aiii/>s. — iMishnock. Cedar, WIUdw, P.uar, liuflington. Ragged.
Rods. — Rattlesnake, Threshin''-, Saddle, Patience.
■The singukir fca.turc in the water shed of this t(.)wn is that
v.-hilc the Icngtli east and west is three times its width, yet a line
drawn from noi-th to soiitli di\-iding the town into two halves
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES. 1141
will show that the g'encral course of the ^vater in the easterly
part of the town is toward the north, while that in the westerly
section is toward the soutli. Thus the branches of the Circat
river drain the entire eastern section with the single exception
of the small territory around Mishnock pond, whose waters fh>w
north throug"h the .Spring- Lalce brook, and the branches of Wood
river the western section.
There are no important public enterprises in the town. No
telegraph nor railroad, nor any very extensive UKinufacturing-
establishments; no secret societies, nor have any ever been ov-
ganized; no post office until IS-jn. no stately town edifice in
which the freemen as.semble to exercise their inalien.ablc rights,
and no town asylum. The town has, however, facilities lor tak-
ing care of the poor according to the old ctistoni of letting them
out to the lowest biddci-. There dijes not seem to be any need
of further consideration than following the old system in \'(.igue,
as the o\-ersecr of tlic poor for the j-ear 188s i-eports but two
cases needing attention. The schools of the to^\•n are gDod.
There are twelve districts, and in each is a good house and a com-
mendable spirit prevails, the results of a true education, that of
the sacredness of all financial obligati(jns. In 1888 the sum of
$3,118.43 was paid out for the support of the schools of the town.
In 1833 an effort was made to establish a banking institution
at Noosencck to be called the West Greenwich Farmers' Bank.
The .stock was partially subscribed but not enough to warrant the
successful operation of an institution of this character, and the
project failed.
This portion of Rhode Island was not settled as early as some
other sections. It belonged to what is known as the Vacant Land
Tract. It consisted of oJ,(»UU acres and was sold for £1,100. The
purchasers of the town of West Greenwich were all from the
towns of Warwick and East Greenwich. For the sale of the
lands of West Greenwich, June 3nth, 17(i9, and for th.e division
of the same among the purcliasers, the reader is referred to the
history of the town of Kasi (ireenwieh in this volume. The fol-
lowing sketches of these purchasers, thirteen in number, were
prepared for this work by Mr. Charles W. Hopkins,'' of Provi-
dence, R. I.
•Valuable infoniiatinn lia;. hfi'ii olilniiu'd fiuni ••Austin's (ii_-iical(ij;ical Dic-
tionary o!' Hlioile Islaii'l " 111 tlir int'ijaiatiou of these sUetclies.
1142 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIHS.
]jI:njamin Barii in.-- I^>ciiiamin I'.artnn's name appears first in
tlie list of the thirteen oriy-inal proprietors of the tliirty thousand
acres of Land now eimipriseil in tlie town of AVest (jreenwieh.
The deed eonvevini;- tliis traet of land to them was exeented
June 30th, ]7n0. and the sum to be paid ^vas £"],l(i(t. 1-enjamin
Barton was the son of Rufnsand Margaret liarton.and was horn
in 1045, and married, June 18th, ir,72, Susannah, dau.ghter I'f Sam-
uel and Elizabeth (hirton, and resided in Warwiek. His lather
came from Xcw York to Portsmouth about l('i4(), and Jater re-
moved to A\'ar\viek, where he died in 1048. The early records
show Benjamin Barton to have been a man of considerable wealth
and prominence. He was a member of the assembly either as as-
sistant or deputy for many years during the period from 1074 lo
1717, and speaker of the house of deputies 1703-4. and a member
of the committee on the boundary line between the colonies of
Rhode Island and Connecticut. He died in 1720. In his will he
gave his daughters, Phebe and Naomi, land in I^ast (Treenwich,
and to his eldest son, Rufus, all lands, buildings and orchards
not otherwise disposed of. The inventory of his estate included
£503 silver money, plate and bonds, fourteen cows, horses, .sheep,
swine, and a number of Negro and Indian .servants.
Thomas Fry, son of Thomas and Mary ((iririin) Fry, was born
in 1000, married, February 1st, 108S, Welthian, daughter of
Thomas and Elizabeth dkirtoni (ircene. She was a neice of
Benjamin Barton, the first on the list of original proprietors of
West Greenwich. He was deputy from the town of East (jreen-
wich, with the exception of a few years, from 1000 to 1732;
justice of the peace from 1008 to 17(i4: in 17u0 was appointed on
a committee to run a boundary line between Rhode Island and
Massachusetts ; speaker of the house of deputies for a number of
years; was appointed, with Andrew Harris, in 1715, by the a.s-
sembly, to transcribe and prepare the laws of the colony for the
press, and in 1727-28-20 was deputy governor. He died Sep-
tember 3d, 1748. His inventory amounted to/:22.300, viz. : silver,
and plate, ^^228; bonds, i'l.:>0() ; groceries in shop, apothecary
wares, silk, (!vc., books, /^2i I; 2:1 bbls. cider, cider mill, 4 Xegio
.boys, ^850; Xcgro woman Juda and her three children, /"45(»;
40 sheep, &c. Each grandchild was to have a hiible and silver
spcon.
James CakI'EK, son of Richard and Mary Carder, was born
Mav 2d, 1055, and married Marv. daughter of John and Mary
i HISTORY OF WASH IXCK )N AND KFNT CCHINTIKS. U-i:)
i (Olney) Whipple. His father was of the minil.icr wlio, in ]Ci4:],
j bought of Miantinfimo, for M-l fathoms of wainpiiin, the tract of
1 land now comprised in the town of AVarwielc, and Liter in the
1 . same year, with others, was overpowered by the Massaehusetts
I soldiery and taken to I'.ci.ston, where he was tried before the
^court for heres\' and sedition, iinjirisfpned at Ro.\bur\-, and linally
I released and banished the eohaiy. James Carder was for a nnm-
I ber of years deputy for Warwick', was appointed on a committee
to run the boundary between Rhode Island and the colonies of
Massachtisetts and Connecticut, and was ;i])pointed in 1707, with
John Mumford, to survey ^'acant lands in Xarragansett. He
died ,\pril '2.")th, 1714. He is mentioned as "Captain Janies
Carder."
Joiix .Spi:N(T;k, son of John and Susannah vSpeneer, was born
April 2()th, KUU;, and m.arricd Andrcy, daUL^liter <>f John C.recne,
deputy governor, and his wife, Ann .Mm\-. John Spencer, Si-.,
was one of the original proprietors of the township of I'.ast
Greenwich. John vSpencer was dc-puty from Kast Creenwich for
a number of j-ears, and a j^ortior. of the time spealcer o\ the
house. In his will he gave to his son jolm the homestead and
his tanning utensils ; tii his son Willi;im a farm in 1-^ast Creen-
wich ; to each of two grandsons and two grariddaughters, a
house lot. He died in 17K).
Bexjamix Grkkxf,, son of John Crrccne, who removed from
Kingstown and became a resident of I'>ast Greenwich rdjout ITor),
seems to have been the I'.enjamin Greene who became one of
the original proprietors of AVest Greenwich. His father. John
Greene, came to Narragansctt about lfi:ill, and lived with Rich-
ard Smith at Wickford. lienjamin (ireene was, pre\-ious to his
removal to East Cireenwieh, a deputy to the geiferal assemljly,
surveyor of highways, member of town council, and ratcmaker.
In his will he mentions his wife. Humility, and twelve chil-
dren. To his five sons he gives the homestead and other farms.
He died in 1710.
Pardhx Till, inohast, born February IGth, KU'.S, was the so:i^
of Elder Pardon Tillingha.st, who was for many years pastor of
the first liaptist church in Providence. He bought land and
settled in East Crreenwich about the year 17(iO. He was appointed
justice of the peace, represented the tiiwii in the general assem-
^' bly, and died in I74:k He was a irian of wealth, and in his will
made man\- bequests to his children and grandchildren. To his
1144 ' msTOia' ok wasiiingiox and kent counties.
gnindson Pardun, son of John, the farm where he thvelleth, of '2(ii)
aere.s, a pair of oxen, blaek mare, and negro C:esar lor six years,
and then to have his freedom. To son Philip all the homestead,
he paying legaeies. To Avell-be!<3ved brethren of I'^apiisl ehureh.
under care of Timotliy I'eekham, his silver cup, for their use for
ever, and £'2') "towards defra.yir.g their necessary charges in
spreading the gospel." To the poor of Baptist ehureh, under
care of Richard .Sweet, /":?.'). His inventory amounted to ^f3,()89.
viz.: his wearing apparel, /Ml) ; bonds, iJ] .fiSIJ ; plate, /'2'i ; two
negro men, /'120; cattle, cooper and carjicnter tools, etc. His
grandson. Pardon Tillinghast, son of John, known as " M(jlasses
Pardon," was ii wealth)- resident of the eastern jjart of ^^'est
Greenwich.
Joil.v Waiiirman, .son of Resolved and Mercy (Williams)
Waterman, was born about lliCid. His mother was the daughter
of Roger Williams. He married Anne, daughter of Thomas
Olney.and received by deed of gift from his grandfather, Richard
Waterman, who was one of the original purchasers of \VaiwiLk,
one-half of all the grantor's lands in Warwick. He resided in
Warwick, and was frequently elected a member of the general
assembly, either as depiit}- or assistant, from ITiK.; to 172S. In
1710 he sold to Edward (ireenc, of King.stowne, all his lands in
the tract west of liast Greenwich. He died August L^Oth, 1728.
Amount of in\-entor3", /],'23S, including 40 or ."j(.) head of cattle,
17 horses, lOo sheep and lambs, ],()()() pounds tobacco, etc.
TlinMAs Xicilol.s, son of Thomas, was born August (Ith, lOCO.
He married }ilercy Reynolds and resided in Jiast (ireenwich.
He was appointed deputy to the general a.ssembly fnjm the town
of East Greenwich for a number of years, and died in 174."). His
father was one of the number to whom was granted ^),^^() acres
of land to be called East (jreenwich. In the will of Thonias
Nichols, Jr., the homestead was given to his grandson Tliomas,
son of Thomas: Jcseph Edmunds, vi Warwick, to be his guard-
ian, and to cause him to be learned to read, write and cipher
suitable to his degree. Lands were also given to other grand-
children.
John Wickics, of Warwick, R. L, was born August 8th, 1(>77.
He was the S(.)n of John and Rose iTownsendi Wickes, and the
. grandson of John Wickes, of .Middlesex county, li^ngland, who,
with his wife ]Mary, set sail from London in September. K'ilj.'i,
was a resident of Portsmouth in lC):i7, and in U!4:i, with ten
HISTORY OF WASHINf.TON AND KENT COUNTIES. 11-35
others, purchased of Miantinomn, Shawoinct or Warwick, for 1-11
fathoms of wamjmm. John AVickcs, the subject of this skcleh,
was for nearly thirty years town ek'rk of Warwick, and fur many
years represented the town in the j^^eneral assembly. 11 is wile.
Sarah (iorlon, was the daui^diter of Benjamin, son of Samuel
Gorton, of Warwick. John Wiekes died iJecember :27lh, 17-12.
The inventory of his estate amounted to /'],i)-17, and consisted
of bonds, book debts, a number of slaves, cattle, horses, sheep, etc.
JOIIX NuiiDi.s, of r.;ist dreenwieh, was born April Kith,- IC.CiO.
His father, Thomas Nichols, was one of the number of ]!ersons
to whom was c^'ranted r),0(t() acres of land to be called I'Last ( ireen-
wicli. John Nichols received from Ins father in TCiS'.l, I70:) and
1708 deeds of land in East Cireenwich for love, etc. lie was ap-
pointed deputy to the i^eneral assembly, and died in 17-'."). having
bequeathed lands lo his s.ms. John. Thomas, Robert and Joseph.
Malaciii RmuiKs, a resident of Wai-wick, was the eldest son
of Malaehi and Mary (Garden Rhodes, and grandson of Zachariah
Rhodes, one of the earliest .settlers of Rehobeth, 2\lass.. and
later, in 104G, a resident of Pawtuxet, R. I. Malaehi Rhodes
married Dorothy Whipple, daughter of John Whipple, lie re-
ceived b}' will from his father all housing and lands inAX'arwick,
and represented that town as deputy in the general assembly.
He died August 17th, 1714, having by will distributed lands in
various localities to his wife, his two sons and three daughters;
his wife to bring up the children and give them suitable
learning.
James Greene, of Warwick, was the son of James and Deliv-
erance (Potter) Greene and grandson of John Greene, surgeon,
who sailed from Southampton, h^ngland, April (ith. Ki:],"), and ar-
rived in Boston on the od of June following and two years later
became one of the early settlers of Providence. The subject of this
sketch was doubtless the James Greene named as one of the pur-
chasers of the tract of land now eom])rised in the town of AX'est
Greenwich. He was born June 1st, 1(;.")8. lie resided at Xau-
sauket, where in ](iS7 he built the old James Greene homestead,
a fine, historic building now standing near Buttonwoods and
owned and occupied bv Henr\' \Vhiiman Greene, l'>sq., a descend-
ant of John Greene, the surgeon. James (ireene was a deputy
to the general assembly and was app'iinted a member of a com-
mittee on lands in Narragansett. lie died March Tith, 1712.
He gave to his wife Mar}- one half o{ his house and farm, which
II-K; I.'ISTORV of WASIIIXOTOX AXl) KKXT COUXTIES.
after liei" decease was to belong- to !iis son James ; the other half
was given to his son Fones (ireene.
SlNfOX Smi III, sor. of I'.enjamin and Lydia (Carpenteri Smith-,
j^rried Mary Andrews and resided at Warwiek. I Ms father
was a mend)er of the general assembly for nearly fori}- \-ears
and upon his retirement from publie life in 170-1, his son Simon
was eleeted as his successor to re]iresent the town of AVar\\-iek m
the gericral assembly, which office he held until his death, which
occurred March 4th, 1712. At various times during. this period
he held the office of clerk of the assembly, speaker of the house
of deputies and attornc}- general. He served on the committee
appointed to revise the laws and was lieutenant and captain. By
will he gave t(.) his son Christopher, land at Westqtianaid, to his
son .Simon, land at Maslumtatack, to his daughters Hester, Mary
and Phebe, land at Narragansett.
Towx Orgaxizatfox, etc. — This town originally belonged to
East Greenwich and was incorporated as a separate town in
April, 1741. An act for incorporating the west end of the town
of East Cireenwich into a townshij). the same to be distinguished
by the name of West Greenwich, was passed by the general as-
sembly at its session in April of that year.
" IV/icnns several of tlie inhabitants of the afoix-said town of
East Greenwich by petition to this Assemljlv did set forth the
great disadvantage they labor under on account of the great ex-
tent of said town ; and as it is conceived, it will be m<')re for the
ease and benefit of all of its inhabitants in transacting and ne-
gotiating the prudential ;iffairs thereof to have a divisif'U n^r'.de.
"Be it therefore enacted by the (Tcnerrd .Assembly and by the
authority thereof it is enacted that from the westerly lin.e of the
old township unto the Colony line, be set off and incorjioi'atcd a
township and the same be distinguished and known by the name
of West Greenwich ; and that the inhabitants thereof from time
to time shall have and enioy, the like benefits, liberties, privi-
leges and immunities with other towns in this Colony according
to otir charter. And be it further enacted by the authority
aforesaid, that John Spencer, Esq., a justice of tlie peace li\-ing
within the aforesaid new town, remain in his office till the first
Wednesday in Ma\' next, and that he grant forth a warrant to
call the inhabitants uf said town together on the third Tuesday
of this instant April, to elect such town officers, as they shall ha-ve
oceasf6n for and the law directs, and to appoint the time oi their
HISTORY OF WASIlING'li'iX AM) Ki:\T COUNTIES. 1H7
town meeting; and the plaees. and to choose and elect two depu-
ties to represent tliem at the next (ieneral Assembly and as soojr
as by the charter is directed.
" And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that
said town shall .send one petit juror to the superior c<.>urt of judi-
cature, court of assize and general jail delivery, and one g-rand
and one petit juror to the inferior court of common pleas and
general sessions of the ]5eace.
"And it is further enacted that there be two trustees appointed
for the said new town, for the letting out of its proportionable
part of the $-2(),<J(io order to be emitted. Voted and resolved that
John Spencer, lisq., and ^Ir. John (rreene, be committee nren for
the town of West Greenwich, to let out their proportionable part
of the bank money."
vSoon afterward a town meeting was held to perfect an organi-
zation, at which meeting Ishmael Spink, John Greene, John Case,
Sam.uel Hopkins, Joseph Vaughn and John Greene, Jr., were
elected councilmen ; lienjamin Sweet, town clerk and Henry
Matteson, treasurer. 'I'he first meetings were held at the house
of jo.seph Xicliols. ^lost of the town meetings have been held
at Nooseneck. John Greene and Joseph Slocum were the llrst
deputies from this town to the general a.ssembly. In 1744 Jere-
miah Ellis, Joshua Spink. William Hall and Joseph Case were
appointed a committee to run out the boundary between ICxeter
and East Greenwich. Benoni Hall was surveyor.
The following- list gives the names of the treasurers of the
town of West Greenwich beginning from the organization of the
town in 1741 : 1T41, Henry IMatteson. Jr.; 17.0:5, Preserved Hall ;
1760, Thomas Rodgers : 17(17, Preserved Hall; 1777, George
Dyer; 1778, Jonathan Xiles; 1780, Elisha Greene ; *'1784, Abel
Matteson; 1780, Elisha Greene; 1788, William Nichols; 17;)2,
Elisha Greene; 1797, Job Spencer ; 1801, Levi Whitfoixl ; 18(l0,
Thomas Manchester; 1809, Elisha Greene; 1818, Silas James;
1830, Christopher Carpenter; 183."), Jason P. Stone ; i8:>0, George
Dawley; 1837, Thomas A. Waite ;' 18.V.». John T.Lewis; 1800,
Thomas A. Waite ; 1801, John T. Lewis ; JS04, Vernum Weaver;
186.5, John T. Lewis; lSb;;i, Pardon Hojikins, present incumbent.
The foUoAving list gives the names of the town clerks of the
toAvn of West (Trcenwich since the organization of the toA\ n :
1741, Benjamin Sweet ; 174:5. Joseph SIoluiu ; 1744, Jo'hn Spencer ;
lyoO, Griffin Sweet ; 1701, Thomas Rodgers; 170o, Job Spencer ;
1148 HISTORY OF WASTIIXOTOX A\D KENT COUNTIES.
1775, Thomas Gorton : ]77(',, Jonathan Dean : 1780. fiitlcon Waite :
1789, Benjamin Johnson : ISi:!. lienjamin Nichols: '[^'M, I'cnja-
min R. Hoxsie ; 18:58, John |anies : 18.")7. Pardon Hopkins; ISCil,
\Villiam N. Sweet; 18(1:?, Pardon Hopkins; ISi'iO, William X.
Sweet; 18G7, Pardon Hopkins; 1870. AVilliam X. Sweet, the ])res-
ent incumbent. ' '
The town ofiicers elected :May 2Gth, 1S88, were : ^Moderator,
Thomas J. Knig'ht ; town clerk, William X. Sweet ; town council, .
Benjamin R. Hoxsie, John A. Brown, Thur.ston CapweiP.Orman
E. Tarbox, Bnrrill F. Hopkins ; town trea.surer. Pardon Hopkins ; ?
town sergeant, Stephen H. Kittle; justice of the peace, Charles
F. Carpenter; auctioneers. Searles Capwell, Charles J. Matteson ; I
asses.sors of taxes, Charles F. Carpenter, Searles Capwell. Jrihn ^
Rathbun ; overseer of poor, William R. Matteson ; town audit(jr. I
Charles F. Carjienter ; town sealer, Isaac C. Andrews ; constable, !
Benjamin H. Shippee ; collector of taxes, Samuel Ketlellc ; school f i
committee, Charles F. Carp,enter, o years; Charles S. Hazard. 5 !
years; John AV. Rathbun, 1 year; pound keepers. Harrison (i. :
Nichols, at Xooseneek ; lienjamin V. Hurdick. at Ivseoheay; !
cordcrs of wood, John T. Parker, John W. Howard ; fence view-
ers, Benjamin F. Tarbox, Andrew B. Stone ; senator, Benjamin
R. Hoxsie ; representative, Alanson M. Albro.
Industries. — There have been various kinds of industries car-
ried on in the town of West (jreenwich during- the past iifty
or .sixty years. Farming has been the chief oecupati(m of the
people, and nearlv all other industries here have originated from
tilling the soil. The town is a thinly settled one, the popula-
tion being in 1883 but 8(;:'. In 1748 it was 700.
A considerable portion of the town is covered with a f^jrest
growth, the prevailing timber being white pine, oak, chestnut,
and birch. These extensive forests have always claimed the at-
tention of their owners, and have been a source of considerable
revenue. There are a dozen saw and shingle mills doing a' good
business. Mr. Jason P. Hazard erected a fine one in the western
part of the town some years since. ]Mr. George B. Vaughn has
a good one near Xooseneek Hill, and the mills of ]\Ioses ISarber
and others might be mentioned.
Education. — The pioneer school in this town was kept at
Kit's Corners, on the road north of Xooseneek. Schools then
and prior to that time were held at private hou.ses. Jonathan
Nicholiivson of Judge Xichols, of Xooseneek, was among the
HISTORY OF WASIIINC.TON AND KENT COUNTIES. 1149
first teachers. His scliool at tlie Corners numbered twenty-five
pupils. Wages at that linicwcre five dollars a month, the teach-
ers boarding "around." Ivich pupil was su])plied with a copy-
ing-book, into wh.ieh were co])ied the examples as they were
solved. In lS2y thei"e were eleven schools kept in the
town, and in }ilay, ]S-_'!), the town was divided into twelve dis-
tricts, the jiresent number. In IS'.V.f tliere was expended for
school purpo.ses So?."); in 1888 $;5,1J8.-13 was expended lor the
same purpose. Tlie schnol buildings in this town, as a general
thing, will compare favorablv with those of oilier towns.
TliKoriiilAis \VllAi.i'.\".'-'"- The story of the life of this early
settler of North Kingstown is invested with an unusual and ro-
mantic interest. Alth<,)Ugh a gentleman of attainments and of
a wealthy and prominent famih-, he for many years lived a se-
cluded life in the Xarragansett woods. It has been generally
supposed that he was a secreted judge of Charles I., but the true
history of his life is unknown, and a mystery surrounds his rc-
. markable career, which for more than two centiiries has remained
unsolved.
Wilkins Updike, l-^sc^., in his " History of the Xarragansett
Church," published in 1847, presents the following statement in
regard to Wlialc)' : "Who this Mr. Whaley really was is still
shrouded in mystery. Until Doctor Stiles' ' History of the Three
Judges ' appeared, there never had existed any doubt in Rhode
Island, and particularly in Xarragansett, that the Whalley who
lived in concealment at the head of the Pettacjuamscut Ponds in
Xarragansett was the real Colonel ^Vhalley. one of the regicide
judges, with the change of the Christian name of Theo])iiilus for
Edward. His children and descendants believed it, and those
now living believe it and are confident of the fact.'
Reverend Ezra Stiles, D.D., above referred to, a learned anli-
quarian, and president of Yale College more than a century ago,
care full}' gathered from agedperst)ns then living who had known
Whaley, all the facts that could have been obtained concerning
him, wliich were published in 170-1 in his volume entitled "A
Hi.story of Three of the judges of King Charles I., IMajor Gen-
eral Whallc}', Major Ceneral Goffe and. Colonel Dixwell, who at
/the Restoration, 1G(J(). fled to America and were secreted and
concealed in Massachusetts and Connecticut for nearly thirty
years, willi an account of Mr. Theopliilus Whale, supposed to
* By Cluiilfs W. Ilupkiius.
1150 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIKS.
have been also one of the |udL;;es."' The facts and circumstan-
ces recorded by Doctor Stiles throw much light upon the tnie
character of Whalcv and his manner of life at XarraL^ansett and
must form the basis of an\- authentic account of his career. The
more i7:i])ortant of these statements arc therefore ]n'escnted in
brief in tlie follnwin;.,;" sketch.
Thcophilus Whale, or Wlialev, as the name is now written by
his descendants, came from Virj^inia and settled at l^ini^stown
in the Xarrayansett country soon after King Ph.ilip's war, about
IGSO. He located at the head of Pettaquamscutt pond, near the
spot now celebrated as the birthplace of (lilbcrt Stuart, wlicre he
built a small house or hut near the shore of the pi)nd and pro-
vided for himself and family by fi.shing and weaving, and writing
for the settlers. A slight depressi<m in thehill side and a few
of the foundation stones still mark the site of his humble dwel-
ling. Although he li\-cd in great obscurit}- and was \-ery reti-
cent in regard to his previous history, it soon became apparent
to his neighbcn-s that he was a man of rense and ability, and it
became a matter of wonder to them that a man of such talents
and attainments should live in so reduced a manner. lie was
early suspected of being the regicide on account of his name,
and when cjuestioned concerning it his answers were so obscure
and ambiguous that they confirmed his acquaintance in that be-
lief.
The farm ujion which Whaley settled was owned by Andrew
Willett, a son of Thomas Willett. Esq., who was the first mayor
of New York city. Andrew had been a merchant in lioston un-
til ICSO, when he removed and settled at Boston Xeck and died
there in 1712, leaving the estate in the possession of his soy Col-
onel Francis Willett. Colonel Willett used to relate many anec-
dotes of the good old man, as he called Whaley, of whom he
talked with great pleasure. When a boy, he said, some of the
most distinguished men of T)i:)ston, who were the owners of the
fine tract of land at Boston Xeck, used once a year to visit their
estates and his father's house. As soon as they came they always
inquired after the ^^■elfare of the good old man, and his father
used to send him, wIk'Ii a bo)-, to call him to come and spend the
evening- at his house. As soon as Mr. Whaley came in, the gen-
tlemen received him with great ardor and affection and treated
him with great friendship and respect. They spent the evening
together, and the colonel said he never saw anv gentlemen treat
HISTORY OF WASIIINC TON AND KKNT t( )l'NTI i:s. Jl.>l
one anotlici' with such corclialitx' and i"L'S])cct. He nscd to won-
der at it, and could not account for it. Tliey kept shnt ti]-) in a
ronn b}- tlieniseh'cs and tlicre seemed to be an air of seerec)-
about the matter, ddieir inter\ie\v.s v.ere in the e\-ening' cmly
and continut-d late in tlie niL;ht. Cokmel W'illett add.s that when
tlie gentlemen were L;'one \\dialey ahva.ys hatl ]>lcnt',' of mono}'.
In Oueen Anne'.s war a .ship of war ancliorcd in the ba\-. 'J'lu-
name (jf the captain was \\'lialev, and he was a kinsman of Mr.
Wlialey, who lived but one mile o]f, and made hjm a visit, v,-hen
they recognized one another. After an ai;rccabk intei\'iew the
ca]3tain in\-itcd Mr. \\'hale\- to dine with him on board ship, lie
accepted the in\-itatiori and ])romised to come, but, ui)on furthei'
consideration, did not venture on board, renderini;' ,'is a reason
that this was truly his cousin, yet he did not know but jiossibiy
there mi_i;dU be some snare laid for him to take him. These and
similar .stories confirmed his acquaintance that he was a s(^.-reted
rcfricide.
Jiulge S;imuel Ilojikins, a yrandson f)f \Vhale\', \vho was about
eighteen \'ears of age at the time of his grandfather's death, well
remembers his grandfather; that he wa.s a Hebrew, Clreek and
Latin scholar, and that he was a constant student of his Crreek
Bible; that he wrote much in the Pettacpuimscutt purchase, and
that he was a large, tall man, si.K feet high when one hundred
years old, and that he then walked upright ; that he had been a
captain in the Indi.an wars inA'irginia, and an ofiicer in the j^ai'-
liamentar}' army in England ; that he would never tell his true
history. /'J'he most he talked about as to himself was that he was
of good descent and edueatit)n in ICngland : that in \'irginia he
was much in the Indian wars, and an ofiicer; that he there mar-
ried a young wife when he was old, but no tradition that he was
ever married befcjrc ; that he was a Baptist, and had some trouble
in Virginia about the mannei- of worship. Doctor Stiles' unpid)-
lished diary in the Vale College libi-ary also states that \Vhale\-
practised medicine in \'irginia, but that he gave it up, rendering
as a reason that he had not Ijcen regularly trained for the pro-
fession, anil that his conscience would not allow him tt) continue
the practice.
Theophilus \Vhaley's family consisted o{ his wife, h^lizabeth
Mills, whom he married in \'ii-ginia, antl his children: |oan,w]io
died ftged tin or 7(); Anna, who died single; 'ITieodosia, who
married Robert .Spencer; lilizabctji, who married Ch.arles Hazel-
1152 HISTORY OF WASIIINT;T0X AN'D KENT COUNTIES.
ton : Martha, who nKirried Joseph Hopkins, father of Jncls'e
Samuel Hopkins, and then married Robert Speneer; Lydia, who
married John Sweet : and Samuel, who married first Ilojikins,
sceond Harrin;.^ton. Some two or three of the first ehildren
were born in Virginia. After some thirty years his ehildren
.settled off and left him alone, and, his wife dying" some years
later, he left liis old home at the head of the ]'ettac|uam.seiitt river
and went to live with his daughter }slartha :it (.reenwieh, on
what is now known a.s Hopkins' Hill, in the ea.sterly ji.nt'of the
town of West (Ireenwieh, where he died about the year 17:20,
aged lo:?, and was buried with military honors in Judge Hopkins'
burial ground, where his grave may now be found. The farm
whereon his grave is loeated was at one time owned by \Vh;dcy,
having been transferred to him by the original jirojuuetors in
170'.), and vvas by him transferred to his son .Sa.muel in 171 1, and
bv e.xehange with Samuel, who removed to Kingston, where
many of his dcseendants now reside, bceame the property of
Joseph Hopkins, son-in-law of Theophilus.sinee whieh e.xehange
it has remained in the possession of the Hopkins family uintil
the present time, its present owner and oeeujiant being Henry
Clarke Hopkins. The descendants of Theophilus AVh.aley are
numerous, especially in Rhode Island, and are favoral.ily known
for their ability, enterprise and industry. They are Largely
represented by the Whalcy, Spencer and Hopkins families.
Notwithstanding the^many inquiries of his neighbors and the
members of his own family, he would never reveal himself, and
his .secret was buried with him. The conclusion of Doctor Stiles
is that "there is a mystery in Theophilus' character whieh can
never be cleared up, further than to ascertain that he was^not
one of the judges ; " and that " it is most probable that, like A.xtel
and others, he had a command am.ong the guards that attended
the king's trial and execution, and was very active in eom])assing
the king's death."
A careful studv of the life of Theophilus Whaley, and of the
additional facts whieh have been brought to light since the pub-
lication of "The Three Judges," nearly a century ago, enables
the writer to form the following conclusions: that Theophilus
Whaley had been an officer in the parliamentary army in the
civil war, and had taken an active part in the execution of the
king; that he was^of the Wh.dley family, a wealthy family
eloselv allied to the Cromwells, and prominent in the civil war;
HISTORY OF WASHIXOTOX AMI KENT COUNTIES. 1153
that lie was bijrn in England about KilT, and was the son (.>f
Richard and Frances (Cr<iin\\cll) Whallcv.and tliat he was iden-
tical with Robert Whallcv. a brother of Edward, the reyieidc,
who is said to have been "a lieutenant rinder Cromwell " and
"an offu'ci" in Hacker's rci^iment." Hacker commanded at the
execution of the kiny, and was himself executed in JCiCiO. In
support of this theory tlie folhjwiny evidence is adduced :
1st. His name, verified bv the account of the visitof hiscousin,
Captain Whale}', of the war sliip, which anchored in Xarragansett
bay in the time of Oueen Anne's war.
2d. His account of his family, their (ipidence, and of his early
life, verified by his education and general deportment.
3d. The mysterious visits from the wealthv and prominent
men of Ikiston, who secretl)- \-isited and sujiplied him with
money from time to time, an<l who had so favoraldy received
Whalley and Goffc upon their landinj;' in Boston a few years be-
fore, and who were probably the agents through whom the regi-
cides received their remittances from England, as stated by Gov-
ernor Hutchinson in his history, and who knew Theophilus to
be of the same family.
4th. The age of Theophilus, 103, and the date of his death, not
far from 1720, attested by three persons — Hon. Francis Willett,
who wrote his will ; the aged !Mr. Hamilton, who attended his
funeral, and his grandson. Judge Samuel Hopkins, fixes the date
of his birth near 1017, some two or three years later than the
birth of Edward AVhalley. Robert Whalley was a brother of
Edward, and is believed to have been a few years youjiger than
Edward. iToffe's journal mentions Robert.
5th. The recurrence of given names is noticeable. The ma-
ternal grandmother of Jxobert Whalley was Joan Warren, and
his mother, Frances, had a sister Joan Cromwell and a brother
Robert Cromwell, who was the father of Oliver, and who also had a
daughter Joan. Theophilus' oldest child was named Joan, and
a grandson, the son of his daughter }ilartha, with whom he passed
his declining years, was named Robert Hopkins, a name given
him presumably by his grandfather, Theophilus [Robert].
Of the family of Richard AVhallev and his wife, I' ranees Crom-
well, the following account is given. They had four sons ;uid
two daughters, \-i/,. : Thcjmas, who married Mary I'eniston ; iCd-
ward, the regicide, who married, first, Judith Duffel, and second,
Mary Middleton ; Henry, who married Rebecca Duffel, sister of
73
]]54 iJiSTOiiv OF wasi[i.\\;to?>- and ki;\t countii;;?.
Jiulith ; RolxTt, '• LieiUcnant under Cromwi-ll, died tnunarried : "
IClizabetli. Jane. There is no mention made of eliildreri of
Thomas. Edward's eldest son, John, was born in Ky.r.]. llcnrv
had a son Jolm, who died m ICDl. Elizabeth married William
Tiriin, of L<jndon. Jane married Reverend ^Vllliam llooke,
M. A., Trinity ColleL;e. ()xf.ird. R(,bert alone remains nnac-
counted for. aside fr(..m the meayer ree(jrd of the li.arlean Soei-
ety, that he " was a Lieutenant under Cromwell " and "died un-
married." l'])on the aeeession of Charles 11. in ](U;(), his friends
would naturally endeavor to sereen him from the' threatened
clanger, and after a prolon;.^-ed al;senee of years, the report that
he had died would gain eredenee.
The plain inferenee must be. that at the restoration he was
foreed to fl^-e for safety, and so eseaped the fate wdiieh befell
Hacker and others who had taken a prominent j.Kirt in the exe-
cution of the king, and that he doubtless fled from ]':ngland and
secreted hinrst'lf in Ameriea, and that his subsequtmt eareei' can
only be traeed in tJie reeord of the life of Theoi)hilus Whalev
in Virginia and in the Xarragansett eountrw
It IS believed that the foregoing presentation of the subject is
a more satisfactory solution of .the mystery which has hitherto
surrounded the life of Theophilus Whalcy tlian any yet present-
ed, and that future investigations will more fully verify the con-
clusions here set forth.
Pakixix lloi kixs.- Among the early .settlers of the tract of
land now comprising the town of West Cireenwich the Ilojikins
family was prominent, and by its enterprise and integrity con-
tributed in no small degree to the welfare and prosperity of the
town. Joseph Hopkins, the ancestor of this branch of the fam-
il}', is believed to have been the son of William andMlanr.ah
(Goffe) Hopkins, residents of Ro.xbury, Mass., and members of
Reverend John Elliott's church at that place. He married for
his second wife Martha Whaley, a daughter of the iioted The-
ophilus Whaley, of Xarragansett, and after a few vears' resi-
dence at Kingston, R, 1., removed about the vear 17i:! to the
locality now known as Hopkins' Hill, in the casterlv jxirt of the
town of Westf.'Treenwicl:, where he resided until his death, wdiich
occurred yinv l.-ith, IT:!.').
Samuel Hopkins, the second son of Joseph and :\Iartha, was
born in Kini^ston January Cih, J7(i;;-4, and died in A\'est (ireen-
wich April ]-ith, JTDO. He resided at the homestead on Hopkins'
y^^.
''^^ ^"^ '^ct^ ^t -/^fyC^/rj/z^/^/- f;.^
HISTORY OF WAMIIXl.ToX AXI) KENT COl'NTIKS. l]:C,
hill and was familiar]}- known as " Jiulyx- .Sam." In adclilic>n to
his farming interests he was aeti\'c]y cn^;agcd in ])ublie affaiis.
He was at various times, fi-om 17-13 to 17(i7, eleeted a member of
the general assemlilv fronr West (Ircenwieh and was for a ninii-
ber of years a justiee of the eourl nf eommim picas for Krnt
county. President Stiles of Yale College, who \-isit(,'d him Sejv
tember 2-lth, 17f^."), for the purp(_)so of i.ibtaining inloimation et.n-
cerning his grandfathor Theophilus ^\'llalev, in his "llislorv of
Three of the judges of King Charles I," speaks of him as fc>l-
lows : "I visited in 1783 j.")! Samu'.d Hopkins, l!ls(.j., aged SI of
West Greenwich, a grandson of A\'hale_\- and living on his gi'and-
father's farnr. lie w;is a man of good sense and ^aeenrate in-
formation, had been in civil improxxnienl, a menaber of the as-
sembl}- and Judge of the Court."
Samuel Hopkins married .Viiril '2'P>(1. 17:2!) :!i», Honor Ihown.
daughter of Alexander and Honor (Ihdingi I'.rown. of Xoilh
Kingstown, and granddaugliter of Dcriah and Al.'igail il'henix)
Brown and Alexander and Elizabeth iWightmani Hulmg, fami-
lies of wealth and inllnenee. lleriah l!ro\vn was a promint-nt
member of the Soeii.'l\- of I'riends and the A\'ightmans. accoid-
ing to tradition, were the descendants of l^dward A\'ig]itman,
who was the last to suffer martyrdom in lingland in Id] 1.
Samuel Hopkins, jr., the second son of " Jiulge Samuel." was
born October 15th, 1734. He also represented the town of
West Greenwich as deputy to the general assembh' and was ap-
pointed to fdl various other t<jwn offices.
Rufus Hopkins, the eldest son of Samuel, lr..wasbr)rn in 1773.-
He was one of the pjioncers in the mariufacture of cotton goods
in this region of the state. His family of nine children weic
somewhat remarkable f(jr their vigorous constitution and long
life, the }"oungest ha\'ing nearly reached the age of sixty years
before tlie first death occurred. 'J"he a\'erage age of the nine
children was seventv-five vears. Their names were: I'hebe,
Layton, Halsey. Da\id, lilizabeth, ^Merc}-, Samuel. C\'nthia and
Polly.
Layti^n Hopkins, the eldest son of Rufus and Amey iShippce")
Hopkins was born .\pril I'.ith, 170!.!. He was a farmer and re-
sided in the eastern part of the town of West Greenwich, where
he was widel)' known and respected for his excellent judgment
in business matters and for his kind and social disposition.
ll.'iG msroRV of wasiiingtox anu kkxt counties.
Such was the ancestry of T^ardon Hopkins, the son of Laylon
and Elizabeth (\\']iii furdj H(.)pkins, who was born in the town of
West Greenwich February 12th, lyi,"). His early years were
spent on liis father's farm and in acquiring the rudiments of an
education, such as the common sehools of those days afforded.
Later in life he learned the trade of a house carpenter. He has,
however, devoted the greater pari vi his life to the public affairs
of his native town, which he has almost uninterruptedly and
faithfulh' served in one ca])acity or another for neai'ly h.alf a
centur}'. For t\vent\- years he was town clerk and was subse-
quently elected to the ofiicc of town treasurer, which jiosition he
now (]8S8) holds. He also officiated as postmaster a numlicr of
years, and from time to time has served his fellow townsmen in
various other offices pertaining to their government, all of which
duties have beer, performed by him in a reliable and trustworthy
manner, as his frequent re-election to each office abundantl)' tes-
tifies. !Mr. Hopkins is an enterprising, self-reliant man, letain-
ing much of the vigor and activity of his earlier years; interest-
ed in the passing events of the day and the welfare of those
around him, and endowed with tho.se .sterling qualities of mind
and heart which have won for him the confidence and respect of
a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
He married first April '2d, 1837, Lydia A. Lillibridge, who died
January 5th, 1843. He married .second September l.st, 1844,
Phebe A. Palmer, who died February llith, 1857. He married
third February llth, 1858, Hannah C. Bailey. He has two sons
Charles W. Hopkins, born August 8th, 183!), now residing in
Providence, R. I., and William P. Hopkins, born July 10th, 1845,
residing in Lawrence, ^lass. ^
Thci.mas T. H.\zai;I), son of John Hazard, was born ^tlarch 2d,
1792, and died August 1st, 1874. Fie was a man of limited edu-
cation but possessed of good native talents and ability. He was
frequently offered honorable positions by his fellow townsmen,
but invariablv declined the favor with a single exception, that of
representing his native town of AVest Greenwich in the general
assembly of the state, which position he necupied either as sena-
tor or representati\'e for thirt\'-twt> vears. He was a member of
the senate of ten, cleeted with other state ofllcers during the
Dorr war, under the new constitution. He represented the town
in the senate until In.' withdrew from jniblic life.
He has three .sons: Jason P., born I'ebruary 21st, 1823 ; Robert
HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 1157
J., born August 1st, M<-2u. and Alexander L.. burn January S.lth,
1S3G. They all have families.
Jason P. i.s loeated on the homestead in West (ii'eenv ieh, R. 1.,
and has represented tlie town in the genei-al assembly. The
other two are in California.
Charles TiM.iNoiiAsr James, son of vSilas and Phebe James,
was born in West (ireenwieli September IHth, ISO,"), tie reeeived
a common seliool education, learned the carpenter's trade and
became a skillful ineehanie and inventor. His mechanical talent
and executive ability were of a hiyji order and soon ijlaeed him
in important positions. He l^ecame sujjcrintcndent of the Slater
Cotton ]\Ii]l in Providence, built the Atlantic JJc Laine Mill at
Olneyville, 1\.. I., and furnished plans and superintended the con-
struction of mills at Xewbur\-port mid Salem, Mass., at Peading,
Penn., and in the states of Xew York, [Maryland and Tennessee.
He vras chosen major general of the militia of Rhode Island, re-
ceived the hfinorary degree of A. M. at Ihown l'ni\-crsity in ]S:JS,
and in IS51 was elected a senator of the United States as a i^vo-
tective tariff democrat for the term of six )-ears. by the legisla-
ture of Rhode Island, and served as .senator from March 4th, ] S.M ,
to March 3d, 1867, a period marked by the passage of tlie ]\an-
sas-Nebraska bill and the consequent rescinding of the ]\lissi>uri
compromise and the organization of the republican party at the
north. He published pamphlets on the cultivation and manu-
facttire of cotton and on rifled cannon. The extraordinary abil-
ities and usefulness of General James were soon hjst to his na-
tive state and to the nation. He invented a rifle cannon and
while experimenting with one at Sag Harbor, lost his life by the
explosion of a shell October 17th, 1SG2. »
William N. Sweet, son of Burton and Eliza (Xichoi.s) Sv.-eet,was
born in West Greenwich in 1833. His ancestors are to be found
among the most prominent and .substantial of the early settlers
of the town, notably the Sweet, Nichols, ]Matteson and Hall fam-
ilies. His maternal grandfather, Jonathan Xichols, well known
throughotit the town as "Judge Xichols," was born in 177S and
died in 1850. He was the seventh of the ten sons of William and
Sarah (Hall) Xichols. He resided on Xo(.)seneek hill and was
town clerk of West Greenwich for a period of twenty-one years
from 1813 to 1834, and an excellent penman, as the pages of the
town records testify. He was also judge of the county court and
for many years prominent in the public aft'airs of the town. The
lloS HISTORY OF WASHINGTON" AND KKNT COUNTIES.
early years of llie subject of this sketch were spent upon his
^ father's farm,^vhere he became familiar with the active duties of
a farmer's'life, an occupation which in later vcars he has indus-
triously and successfully prosecuted. He attended the public
schofils of the town and by his studious habits readily acquired
a knowledge of the branches there taught, excelling- in some,
particularly mathematics, and proficient in all. The knowledge
thus acquired was supplemented bv a course of study at the
Providence Conference Seminary at East GreeuAvich. With this
preparation he devoted himself for a number of Nx-ars to teach- ;
ing- in the public schools of his native to\vn with marked sue- '
cess; his talent in this field of labor, his love of music and his I
genial disposition winning for him universal favor. He is the '
present town clerk of West Greenwich, an office which he has •
filled acceptably for eleven years. He married Miss Abby A. '
Gorton, daughter of Eenjamin T. and Amy (Greene) Gorton and )
resides at Nooseneck Village. R. I. ;
John James, the son of Judge Silas and Phebe (Tillingha.st)
^ James, was born in West Greenwich, R. I., May 7th, 1802. His •■• ■• -■
father was a soldier in the war of the revolution, and was present
at the battle of Punkcr Hill. His maternal grandfathei, Charles :,
Tillinghast, was a resident of Xorth Kingstown, and during- the '
war was taken prisoner by the Pritish and imprisoned at Xcw- 1
port. John James was educated in the common schools of his '
native town, and at Plainfield academy, Conn. He was a farmer f
by occupation, but devoted the greater part of his life --a period ''
of nearly fifty years— to the public affairs of his native town, i
and by his talent and address became a leading spirit in matters i
pertaining to town government. He was elected representative ;
to the state legislature from the town of West Greenwich, August -
■ 30th, 1831, Avhich office he held until April ]7th. IF.'IS ; also from !
April, 1S3G, to August, 1SM8: was president of the town council
and court of probate from :\lay 27th, 1834, to 1837; was town
clerk from May 29th, 1838, to May 25th, lS."i7; auctioneer from ■'
1833 to 18.52; surveyor of highways from 1832 to 1S,')7, and from
18G1 to 1S75. Ang-ust 31st. T841, he was appointed a deleg-ate to
the convention which met at Providence to form a constitution,
and again, August 3nth, 1842, was appointed a delegate to the
convention which met at Newport for the same purpose. He
has twice held the office of sheriff, the second titnc in 1842 and.
1843 ; was appointed postmaster in 1848, which office he resigned
HISTORY OF WAPiiixrrrox and kkxt couNTin?. lir.O
in ISOO ; was appnintccl commissidner to purchase the site for the
new custom house in Providence, and was disbursing;- agent for
the government until the building was finished. He was a
brother of the late Sihas James, 'M. J)., and of General Charles
Tillinghast James, United States senator. John |ames was in
politics a life-long democrat. He died in West (jreenwich, Jan-
uary 24th, IS?.').
Ben.|.\mix ]^i;vx(ii,i)S Hoxsfk, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth
(Spencer) Hoxsie, was born in West Greenwich, R. I.. April "J-hh,
1800. His father, Joseph Hoxsie. born October ]nh,17Sl,was
the .son of Benjamin and ]\Iercy Hoxsie. Formanv years Joseph
Hoxsie kept the tavern on Nooseneck Hill. He was county
judge, and represented the town of West Greenwich in the gen-
eral as.senibly of the state from J81(; to ISIS, and from 182.^ to
1828. His son, Benjamin R. Hoxsie, was educated in the com-
mon schools of the town and at the high school or academv at
Kingston Hill, R. I. He was elected town clerk of West C'Treen-
wich in 1834, and served the town in that capaeitv four years ;
also as a member of the general assembly from West Greenwich
from 1839 to 1843, and for the years ISfiT and 18:i8 : and as pres-
ident of the town council and court of probate from 184!) to
1851, and from IS.'? to 18.")',). He was for many years engaged in
the manufacture of cotton goods at Xooscncck, and in l^yj re-
rhoved to Providence, and died at Xayatt, R. I., July ;")th, 1878.
He was well versed in the public affairs of the town, a fine pen-
man, and of an affable and gentlemanly deportment. He
married Betsey Ann Ellis, daughter of Allen Ellis, of West
Greenwich. His son, Benjamin R. Hoxsie, Jr., was elected a
member of the town council of West (Tfcenwich in 188."); pres-
ident of the town council in 1887 and 1888, and senator'frem the
town of West Greenwich to the state legislature in 1888. He
was married in ISCiD to .Susan V>. Eldredge, who died, leaving
five children. He was married again in 1884, to Hannah C.
Perkins.
CHAK[.i:sTi[.i.iX(;ii.\sr was born at AVcsirTreenwich Sei)tcmbcr
10th, 1787. He was the oldest of a family of twelve children
born to Deacon Pardon and ^lary (Sweet) Tillinghast, wh.o were
among the first settlers of the town. The children of this large
family all lived to old age, as did als<j their mother, who was
four score and four years old when she died. Charles Tilling-
hast died in his ninety-fifth year. Charles assisted his father in
llfiO lII^roRY or WASIIINCIOX AND KKXT COUM'IKS.
clrarin;^- tlic farm wlicrc ihc lallci' liad settled, about a inih; to
till' sciulh ul" the plain, ami (Inriii;,^' his Ioul;', cvciitftil life was
iiDtcil for Ills i;r(.'at imlustry, his fni.^al and .slricll}- Icinpei'.atL'
habits, and his iiUlt abhorrunce of la/incss in others, lie was
justice of the ))eai.'e for many years, .uid was known as "S(|nire
Charle'^." lie earl\- professed the Christian reli^i(jn, and w;is
for nearl)- se\-eiUy \-eais ;in aeti\-e .and Immured niembei- of the
I'aptisl eluireh, of wdiiedi his brother, Mlder John, was pastor for
abonl fort)' \-ears.
I)i;a((i.\ Ai,i.i;n 'riii.iNciiAsi, son of 1 )eaeon I'ardon and M.ary
(Sweet) Tillintdiast, w,is born in West dreenwieh, .M.iy '.'(illi,
1790. l]e was the lillh of twid\-e ehildren, and was re.aied .-uiiidst
the rnii^^h. and at thai time almost wild siirroundini;s of his
parents' home, 'j'hat old-fashioned, slerlin;^' intej;rit\' and lo\-e
of the ri,i;ht, whieh we-re prominent \-irtues with his part'nts and
grand]);nents, seemed to be born Nvith him, and L;'rew\vilh his
growth a-nd strenL;thene(l wiili his strenj^th, until his name
anionyst his nei;,4hl)ors bee.ime a svnonym of C'hi'istian manli-
ness and truth. Mil.' united with tlie West ("ireenwieli li.iptist
chtireh in Ueeember, iNb'i, .and w.is elected a deacon of .s.iid
church June L'lst, b'^i'b.and luld that oHiec till the day of his
dealli, which c\-i_iit occurred .at the- a^c of ci;..dit\--three _\e;irs.
lie was laid to rest in the West ( ".reiiiwich Cemelt.']'}-, hn/aled on
his farm adjoiniiv,^ the 1 'l.iin nuetini; Imust-, and one of the most
beautiftd cemeteries in the sl;itc, \vhith w.as Laid out and ;i most
suljst.anlial stone u;dl binlt .around it .at his own expense.
I) A\ ID 1 [di'KiNs, son of Rufus.and A nicy Ibipkins, residents of
Coventry, was a ni.'inuf.ictnrer in the town of IC.xeter. .and std)se-
quenll)- at Xooscneek Hill, where he renicained .as lone; as he
continued cotton ni.anufacturim;. He hnally mo\-ed toCian^lon,
where lie died March 17th. ISSl, At the outset of his career Mr.
Hopkins establislK'd a charai-'lcr for intet^rity .ind jninctnalil}-,
being nuncd tlurcto b\- .i deep sense of moral obli;_;;ition. In
the first years of his residence in West (ireenwiidi he p.iid but
little attention to public .and ])olitical .affairs. ( ir.adualh', l;<.w-
cver, he was led to take a decided st.and in politics, .and upon the
side th.at h.as .arraA'ed in its I'aiiks ncirl)- .all the textile m.inu-
faclurcrs in thecountr}-. West (ireenwich w.as for ;i lout; time
a very Ciibraltar of d(.-inocr;ic\-. Mr. Hopkins and a few friends
bci.;an .a s]nrited opposition to it, liowe\a-r, and after seme haid
battles for a few \-ears, thc\' succeeded in rotitiii'.r eoin])k'lcl\'
HISTORY OF WASIIIXGIOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 11G1
the democratic forces, and from that lime until lie left town !Mr.
Hopkins and his friends remained masters of the situatir)n. He
repeatedly filled town <jflices and represented the town a number
of times in the state senate.
Lyman Rill iim;s Hi ii'KiNs.— The subject of this sketch is the
son of David and vSarah i hra.nklin i Hopkins, born in AVest (Green-
wich, R. I., April :2d, ]S-J4, and in early life worked in his father's
cotton mill, going- to school in the winter, and in that way rccei\-ing
a common school education. At aliout tlie age of si.xtcen he went
to work for his brother-in-i;iw, AVilliani S. Harris, attending his
store, for a salary of lifty doll.nrs per year and board. While in
this store he learned by himself, the art of cutting and making-
men's clothing, and for three or four years carried on the tailor-
ing business. About tlie year ]S4n he built what is known as
the Robin Hollov\- cotton mill, near Xooseneck Hill, and engaged
in the manufacture of cottoi-i warps and twine, which he followed
for several years. About the year ISOS he went to Xew York
and opened a small stcu'e at Xo. -ICi Beekman street, fnv the pur-
pose of selling his own gm^ds. Soon after he went to Xew A'ork
he commenced to furnish cotton and supjilies for son-ie two oilier
mills, one at Coventry Centre, and one at Richmond, R. I. About
the year 180.") he sold out the Robin Hollow mill to William Pot-
ter. Since that time he has been largely interested in the man-
ufacture of spool cotton thread at Holyoke, ^lass., in connection
with the Merrick Thread Company, and in 1R7S was elected its
president, which position he now (1S89| holds. He is also a di-
rector in the Xorf(jlk and Xew I-irunswick Hosiery Coiupany, of
New Brunswick, X'. |. He represented the town of West Circen-
wich in the state legislature of Rhode Island in the years ly.'.T
and ]S.')8. *
He married, first, lumice, daughter of George (jardner, and
had three children : Charles, Ak'H'V I-. -Tud Ceorge L., of whom
George L. is the only survivor. Charles died in childhood; ]\Iary
L. married Bryant 1 )ri*w and died, lea^■ing- a daughter, Elsie
Gardner Drew. After his removal to I:>rooklyn, X. Y.. in 18(1."),
his wife, Eunice, died, and he married, March l'2th, 1874, ^liss
Rosalie ^Nlercine Gilmore. His residence at this time is at ;i'.)l
Cumberland street, ISrooklyn, X. Y.
Edwin W. Hotkins. son of David and Sarah (Franklin) Hop-
kins, was born in West (Trecnwich, R. I., May Tth, 18;)1, He re-
ceived his education in the public schools t)f the to^^-n, supple-
nC2 HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KKXT COUXTIE^^.
mcntcd bv a course of study at tlic Worcester Academy. At the
atje of twenty-one, he entered into partnership with liis father
who •wfls engaged in tlie manufacture of cotton war]) at the vil-
lage of Nooscneck, R. I., in which business he continued until
the year ISCj, when the manufacturing property was sold to
Jonathan L. Spencer & Co. In isno he commenced the manu-
facture of carpet w;irp and twine at Xooseneck Village, where he
has been engaged in business until the present time (ISi'^Oi, and
is now manufacturing sash cord. He was elected senat^>r from
the town of West Greenwich to the state legislature in isi'iO, and
re-elected to the same office each successive year, until the year
18G7, when he removed to the city of Providence and was suc-
ceeded in office by his father David Hopkins. He married Celia
E. Woodmaney, daughter of Mr. Samuel Woodmanc\-, and re-
sides at 249 Broadway, Providence, R.I. He has a sorj, P.yron
F. Hopkins, who is engaged in stock raising at Cheyenne, and a
daughter Julia Annabel, wife of Mr. Fred. A. Sutton of I'rovi*
deuce, R. I.
Geokce T. Pkowx was born in AVest Greenwich, near Xoose-
neck hill, June 29th, 1848. His father's name was Peter T. Prown,
his mother's maiden name was Roxalana Potter. He attended
di-strict schools in the town until he was seventeen years r>f age,
v\-ent two or three terms to F.ast Greenwich Academy, then en-
tered the Newport High School, where he graduated in June,
1SG9. In September, 1809, he entered Ih-own I'niversity and
graduated in 1873. In September, 1874, he entered the Albany
, Law School, graduating in May, 187."). In October, 187.-), he was
admitted to the bar of Providence county, R. I., where he has
practiced law ever since, and in 1879 was admitted to practice in
the United States courts. In April, 1877, he was elected repre-
sentative to the general assembly from his native town. In
April, 1SS7, he was elected representative to the general assem-
bly from the city of Providence. In June, 1888, he was a dele-
gate from Rhode Island to the democratic national convcntiou
at St. Louis, which nominated Cleveland and Thurman. He is
now chairman of the democratic city committee of Providence.
Ezra Kxicht Pakki'-R, son of Joseph and Mary i Knight) Par-
ker, was born in Seituate. R. I., December 29th, 18:12. His boy-
hood was pa.ssed on his father's farm at •' Summit," a beautiful
location in the town of Coventry, R. I., whither the family had
removed in 1830. He received his early education in the public
HISTORY OF WASIUXCTdX AM) Kl'.NT COUNTIES. IKkS
schools of the town and made siicli pro.^ix-ss in his stndics tliat
he commenced teacliiiit;" sehoi)] at fifteen years of ai;'e. Later,
he was fitted fur enllcL^e al the University ( ".rammar Seliool in
I'rovidenee. I\. 1., and at Smilliville Seminary. Xnrtli Seitnale,
^f^ R. ]., and at the latter jdaee j^ave the valedictory address u]ion
o;radiiation. lie entered I)artmouth Collei^c, Andover, X. 11.,
and gradiiated in the class of IS.'i?. liavini^- achieved the honor of
beint^ first in rank of scholarship in his class of sixt)'-fi\-e c;radn-
atcs. The sjicakcrs wi're ch.iscn h\ lot. lie i.s a member of the
/'/// lU-ta Kappa and Alpha Jhi/a J'hi fraternities. Dnrin^^'thc
years ]S.-)9 and ISCiO he read law with \'ii\L;inins (). Carroll, in
Portsmonth, \'a. Soon after the opening; of the war. Scjitcmljcr
-1th, 18(il, he enlisted as private in liattcry 1), hhrst Rhode Is-
land Lii,^ht .\rtillcry. and was promoted to second lictitcn;\nt in
the same year, lie was a]ipointed A. A. ('.cncj-al of ArtilUi-y
Brigade, 1st A. C, Arrnv of the Potomac, .and in the spring;- of
1SG4 was promoted to first lieutenant and transferred *io Patter)-
E of the sanic rcgdment. Army of the Potomac and (Uh A. C,
and commanded said Battery E for the last six months of service,
until mustered out the last of June, lS(ir>. The (jflicial reports
show that these two batteries, of which Lieutenant Parker was
at times commandinc;' olficcr, wcrt; eni;aged in some of the most
memorable battles of the war, and that they were prompt and
efficient in performin,^- the duties assigned them. The war hav-
ing closed Mr. Parker returned to the old homestead in Cctvcntry,
where he engaged in the more peaceful occupations of farmer
and teacher until 1881, when he resumed the study of tlu' law
and was admitted a member of the Rhode Island bar in 188:j and
a few months later a member of the liar of the^l'nitcd .States
court, and is now practicing law in Providence, R. I.
He married Mar\- M., daughter of David Hopkins and has a
son and a druightcr: George P. Parker, representative from Cov-
entry in the state legislatui'c 1887, and Grace II. Parker, a
student of Boston Uni\-ersity.
NlOLSOx E. CllikCil was born in West Greenwieh, R. L,
November 1st, 18."iL His father, liben G. Church, now living, is
descended from a family long resident in Washington county,
R. L,and his mother, Eliza, also now living, is the only daughter
of Layton Hopkins, deccase'd, who, during a long and active life,
was a man jiromincnt in the alYairs of this town. The subject
of this article received his early educatitm in the ptdjlic schools
- ]104 HLSTOKV OF WASHIXG-rOX AND KKXT COUNTIES.
'^ of Providence, his parents having- taken u]i their residence in
that city upon their removal fmn: West Greenwich. When aliout
seventeen 3'earsof ag-e he became a student at I.apham Institute,
Scituate, R. I. During tlie three years of liis attendance as a
• schohar at this institution he assisted in the instruction of tlie
various classes in order to help defray the expense of liis edu-
p cation, lie was here prepared for eollegv, graduating at the
head of his class in July, 187], and in the following year entered
Yale college. In IS7-) a serious inflammatinn of, his eye.-; (.om-
. polled his immediate withdrawal from college, and for more
than two j-ears prevented him from resuming his studies.
.Seeing that the completion of his course at Yale was imprac-
ticable, he entered the law office of Pierce cV llallett, attorneys,
, of Providence, and in 1870 was admitted to the bar of Rlu)de
Island. He has practiced law at Providence ever since. In 1882
he was elected a member of the schcxd committee of Providence
from the ICighth ward. After his change of residence to Crans-
ton, in 188:1, he was elected twice t<> serve in the town council.
In lS8."i he was chosen trial justice of the town, and ^n 1887 was
elected representative in the general a.ssembly, serving one yean'
Charles Wv.M.vx liorKixs, who has kindly furnished us'the
MS. of the preceding sketches, is the son of Pardon and Lydia
Ann (Lillibridge) Hopkins, and was born in I-:xelcr, R. I., x\ug-
ust 8th, 18:19. He received his education in the public schools,
- and at the Providence Conference Seminary at East CTreenwich,
R. I. He taught in the public schools from the age of sixteen
to twenty-two, when he enlisted in the Seventh regiment Rhode
Island volunteers, and was assigned to duty at brigade head-
quarters, as chief clerk of the commissary departijicnt, Fii'st
brigade, Second division, Xintli army C(U-ps, and for three years
participated in the campaigns in which the Ninth corps was
engaged in Yirginia, Kentucky and Mississippi. After the close
of the war, as soon as his healfli, which had been .seriously im-
paired, would permit, he purchased the stock of goods in the
village store at Xooscneck, was appointed postmaster, and car-
ried on the business until he removed to Providence in ISC'J.
For a number of years he was in the employ of the A. & \Y.
Sprague Manufacturing Company, having had charge of their
store at Central Falls, R. I., and s'ince 1S74 has been in the
employ of the Providence Gas Company. In 1880, in anticipation
of the celebration of the SoOth anniversarv of the settlement of
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES. 11 Co
Providence, he made some original investig'ations in regard to
the car]y settlement of the town.whieh before had been deemed
impracticable on account of the destruction of the early docu-
ments of the town, the result of which he embodied in an
attractive quarto volume entitled " The Home Lots of the Early •
Settlers of the Providence Plantations, with Notes and l^lats,"
the importance and value of which has Ijeen acknowledged by
those interested in historical and antiquarian researches. He
married, May 1st. lS(i(), Jane ]<"rances Ivnight, daugliter of the
Reverend Daniel R. Knight, of Exeter, Ix. I., and resides at M
Richardson street. Providence, R. I. He has a daughter, Anne
Miller Hopkins, a graduate of tlic classical dcp.nrtmcnt Provi-
dence High School, and a music teacher.
Xo(>si:neck. — Xooseneck is a post office in ^A'est Cireenwich.
There have been several definitions given of this name, but the
following, by Sidney S. Rider, of Providence, R. I., is worthy of
credence. He says :
" The word Xooseneck is said to have been derived frrmi the
setting of running nooses for catching deer in the X'ooscneck
Valley. Whatever may be the derivation of the word, this ex-
planation is, of course, nonsense. I therefore propose advancing
a theory of my own concerning it. The tract of land designated
by the name Xccsr/zirl' is a narrow neck lying between two small
streams, which unite and become tributary to the Pawtuxet. As
you approach the scmrces of these streams, the land rises to a
considerable height, and is known as Xooseneck hill. The nar-
row neck, which consists of the lands through which the streams
flow, is an exceedingly beautiful valley. The name Xooseneck
is affixed to this locality on Benoni Lockwood's map of Rhode
Island, made in 1819. where it is printed as liere'written. I
have .been peculiarly struck by the pronunciation bv the resi-
dents, of this name, and I have frequently inquired the name
of the locality for the purpose of observing this singularity.
They invariably pronounced it Xoozeneck, pronouncing the s
like.z. This appears to me to possess peculiar significance.
There was once held in the Xarragansctt countrv, a large tract
of land by Harvard University. (.)n tlie tract was a fresh water
pond, which appears in the old records (107.')) by the name Xoo.^o-
/'c]!;t\ This word, yir. Trumbull informs us, came from two In-
dian words, )!oosup and Z^?//^.;,'', which mean bea^-er pond. ^Ir. Wil-
liams, in his Key, defines itoomp as a beaver. The corrupt spell-
IIGG HISTORY OF \V.i.-,inXc;TOX AND KENT COUNTIES.
ing in the old record indicales the pronunciation, wliich the in-
habitants of Xooseneck have uneonsciousi}' ]ireser\ ed d(.)\vn
through generations. Their name arose no duuljt Iruin this In-
dian word iioosn/^, l)ea\X'r. The small rivers with their l.ieautilul
valleys became the home of the beavers. The sites of their drans
are verv numercjus. llenee the hieaiilx" became kiKJwn as .AfW///
iicrk, corrupted in time as we now see it. I ha\'e noted this pro-
nunei;ition by peculiarity in .spelling, in a pamplilet printed here
in 1831, thus, Xn/sihLk. That this spelling is corrupt appears
from the Loekwijc^d map cited above, and printed thirteen years
previously. Hence it is significant only as indicating the pro-
nunciation of the peiiod.
"There is one other point upcin which I wish to touch. There
has been a suggestion to me tliat the name arose from the trans-
mission of iui>.'s by means of signals on top of tlie hill. Mad this
been the case liov.- came the word iiccl- to be used in naming a
hill? Mcn'eoN'er, this hill is far inland and not in the line for
communication with an}- si^ecialh' important ])oint ; and more-
over, it is quite clear that the term 'Xooseneck Hill' followed
the use of the term ' Xooseneck \'alley.' 'J"he \-alley was first
named, hence the use of the word //(■<■/■ was a rational use. Tiiis,
of course, is simjjly a theory sustained by such arguments as
could be easily brought to bear upon it, but it seems plausible,
and certainly worth consideration until something better can be
set up."
Xooseneck is the largest collection of houses in tlie town. The
river liowing through this valley has made a valualde privilege,
owing to the rapid fall.
Of the early manufacturing at Xooseneck Charles AV. Hopkins
writes : '
"About the year lyou, perhaps at an earlier date, a small
wooden building was erected at the village of X'ooseneck, in the
town of West Greenwich, for manufacturing jnirposes. It was
located on the north bank of the river thirty or forty rods above
the spot recently occnijied by the 'Stone ]\Iill ' owned by David
Hopkins. The site is overgrown by brush and trees but can
easily be identified, as the wheel pit and stone wall remain
plainly visible. This building was occupied as a carding mill
at first and supplied the woolen rolls from which were spun and
woven the clothing of the people of that locality. It was oper-
HISTORY OF WASIilNirroX AND KT.NT (.:OrN'I IKS. 11G7
ated by a ' flutter' or ' float wheel,' and was kr.own as the ' Bum-
ble Bee Mill.'
" This seems to have been the first attem]A made to maiiufae-
ture cotton or woolen goods in tliis part of the tiiwn by means of
water power. Later, about iNbi or 1812, Hall ]^Ialteson (.K: Co.'
purehased the mill and eomn.ieneed the manufaeture of eotton
yarn. The inaehiner}- used for this purpose was manufaetu.red
by Simon Reynolds and Sulnmon Arnold, resident nieehanies of
considerable skill; it must, however, have been \-er\- imperfect
and of primitive design. There were but two or three spirining
frames which were tjperated at a low rate of speed and sinm but
one size of coarse }-arn, about Xn. ]2. This yarn sold readih' tn
the people at eighty-ft)ur cents ])er pound, which at that time
was considered a low price. The cotton was prepared fur the
machinery by Ijcing ' picked ' by hand at a cost of fifty cents pei"
dozen pounds.
" The manufacture of cotton }'arn in this mill was discontin-
ued after fnur or live years and a comjiany fi)rmed and a l;irger
building erected upon the site nf the old Stone Mill rdready re-
ferred to. The persons engaged in this enterj)rise were Henry
R.Greene, son of Clark, Havens Hall, son of Caleb, Jeremiah
Lewi.s, son of Stephen of E.xeter, Sinnjn Hall, and jjcrhaps
others. The work was done by Martin Whitman of ^Vashing■ton
A'illage, who also erected the wooden building standing near Ijy,
known as the old store. The cotton yarn manufactured in this
■mill during the war of 1S12 was transported to Xcw V(jrk in ox-
teams by Ezekiel Whitford. Goods at this time did not sell for
enough to pay expenses and the property was sold to dilYercnt
parties and failure followed failure until the old mill was burned
about 1834 or 183."). Samuel Hopkins, son of'Rufus, was the
owner at this tinre and at once commenced the work of erecting
a larger and more substantial building, which has since been
known as the ' Stone IMill.' David Hopkins purchased the mill
of his br(.)thcr Samuel before its comjjletion, finished the build-
ing and let it to his son-in-law ^Villiam S. Harris. Looms for
weaving cotton cloth were first operated in this mill about the
year 1840. This business was carried on by Harris for a number
of years and finally the mill was destroyed by fire abtiut 18.-I7.
" The site of the st(jne mill was occupied one hundred vears
ago or more by a blacksmith slu)p, which contained a trip-ham-
mer operated b\- water power and at which a tlourishing business
nG8 HISTORY OF WASIHXGTOX AND KLXT COUNTIES.
was done. At that time nearly all the tools used for farming-
purposes, as well as Dther kinds, were made by hand. John and
Caleb Hall, two brothei^s. were the proprietors and workmen.
After awhile John si>ld out his interest in the business and re-
moved to the Royal (irant in Xew ^'ork state. Sloeum Sweet,
son of John, eame into pf)ssessic>n of the shop and after (jeeujJV-
incj it inan.yj-ears it was finally sold to the cotton eomnanv before
mentioned.
'■The two mills known as the ' Iloxsie mill ' and tlii,' 'Yard
mill,' located farther up the stream, were built about the year
1812, and used for the nianufaclure of cotton yarn. Joseph
Hoxsie, Simon Re)-n(ilds and juseph Wood built and owned the
Hoxsie mill, but the venture proved unsuccessful and after sev-
eral years of litigation the pro-pert}- came into the pussession of
Nicholas and Benjamin R. Hoxsie, sonsof Joseph. Nicholas sold
to his brother Benjamin ]\., who continued the manufacture (if
cotton yarn for a number of years and finalh' disposed ot the
propertv and removed to Providence, ]\.. 1.
" The mill was subsecjuentlv owned and run for a number of
years by Rhodes K. Edw.ards, who built a new mill a slnjrl dis-
tance below the old one and otherwise im])roved the iiroiierly.
The site of the ' Yard mill.' so called, was originally occupied by
a saw mill owned b\- Abel ]\latteson and his son Hall ^vlattestjn
and Silas Matteson. The ' Yard mill ' was built and owned by
vSilas and Roval ]\Iatteson. Jonathan Nichols (who was town
clerk), and Caleb Bailey. It was located about a mile above the
road. Nichols and Bailey soon ceased to be partners and Royal
Matteson continued the manufacture of cotton yarn until aljrmt
the year ISDO, when, having failed, the property fell into the pos-
.session of Christopher Matteson. After ^vlattescm's death his
heirs sold the estate to Nelson Andrew. The mill was sul)se-
queutly rhn for a number of \-ears bvCrideon Revncjlds and later
by Charles Tripp and J(.)hn Tillinghast. It was finally destroyed
by fire and the site again occupied as a saw mill.
'" The ' Old Red :\Iill ' was built about 1 822. The site was for-
merly occupied b}- a blacksmith shoji (>wned by Sloeum Sweet, a
rough building where work was all d(Tne by hand. David Hop-
kins fitted up the old shop and put in a few sjiinning frames and
commenced spinning cotton yarn. The enterprise pnn'ing suc-
cessful, the building was enlarged and more machincrv }ydi in
operation. After some years the mill was destroyed by fire and
V
HISTORY OF WASIIINCTOX AND KENT COVNTIES. 11 CO
Mr. Hopkins purchased and finished the stone mill of his brother
Samuel as before mentioned.
"The mill on the hill above the bridge was built by David
Hopkins about 1S:58 and used for the manufacture of cotton warp.
It was destroyed by fire and rebuilt about lS.-)2. and in ISn.") was
sold to jonathaii L. .Spencer 6c Co., and later to Rhodes K. Ed-
wards.
•• The mill below the road was built by David Hopkins about
l!S(i7 and is ni.)\v in the possession of his son ]-2dwin W. Hopkins,
who is engaged in the manufacture of braided "sash cord, warp
and twine."
There are two stores at Xoosencck Hill, and it is proljable
trading has been carried on in that place almost ever since the
beginning of the present centurv. ^Ir. William vS. Harris, a son-
in-law of David Hopkins, went to Noosencck in ISoT. Judge
Jonathan Nichols, (icorge Dawley. Xatlian Carr, David Hopkins
and Joseph lloxsie were then among the prominent men of that
vicinity. David Hopkins, Joseph Hoxsie and others had traded
in the place prior to that time. Joseph Hoxsie had been there
probably in business some ten years before. He kept a store as
long as he lived, and then his son Benjamin R. after him, until
he died in 1SS3. Benjamin R. Hoxsie, Jr., is living now at
Nooseneek.
Xathan Carr kept a store opposite Joseph Hoxsie, and also
traded there in a general way for many years. His father. Jesse
Carr, was a farmer, and the faniih' mo\'ed from Exeter. This
store was afterward wholly changed into a dwelling house and
another store built, where he afterward lived. ?Ie died in Sep-
tember, 1860, aged sevent\--three years. vSubsequently this same
store was kept by his son, Willis Carr, for a time. b«t in 18S0 it
was closed and the business moved on the hill, where ]\Ir. Carr
is now. Mr. John T. l^ewis came to Xooscneck Hill in 1840 and
kept store there till 1883, v,-hen he died. He was the son of
Colonel Moses Lewis, a farmer of Exeter. They moved to Xoosc-
neck and settled where Closes R. P.arber nf)w li\-es. In 1849 he
married Miss Sarah Lewis, and Willis Carr, son of Xathan Carr,
married Miss Annie ]\1. Lewis, their daughter, May.'kl, 1880, and
after the death of the father in 188'.!, took entire charge of the
old store on tlie hill. Mr. Carr has a good trade, and he carries
a good stock of goods for a country store. He is also postmaster
at Nooseneek.
74
"^^
1170 HISTORY 01' WASIIIXO'lOX AND KKXT COUNTIES.
The original stoi-e in the hollow was a little old building now-
standing near the residenee of Mr. William X. .Sweet. It wa.s
used for a .store, both before and sinec ]\lr. Harris -went there in .
18;37, and he kepi store there himself at one time. The seeond
•store was built bv I)a\-id Ilojikins. Following him in thisstoi'e
came W. S. Harris, hvman R. Hopkins, Edwin AV. llojikins,
Charles W. Hopkins, who went into business there just after the
war, and left for Providenee in ISO.): Daniel Hall, Joseph Arnold,
John H. Edwards, when it was burned.
The propert}' then aeross the wa_\- was sold to A. R. Andrews
in 1870, and in 1SS7 Isaae and Byron Andrews took possession.
W. .S. Harris owned the building before mc^utioned, and whieh
stands near I\Ir. .Sweet's residence. He himself first became en-
gaged in the manufaetuinng business in Xooseneek, and rented
his store building to Dexter .Stone, who traded there some two
or three years. In 18.')1 Mr. Harris moved to New York and sub-
■ sequcntly took u.p his residence in Providenee, R. I., where he
still resides.
Robert Hall built the hf>use now owned and occupied by
William N. .Sweet in bs-i2. He also built the grist mill now used
as a store. The building was first used for r. mill, then a store,
then changed into a tenement and a store, the last time about
fifteen years ago, when John H. Edwards first used it as such
after the burning of the store opposite. ^Ir. Edwards was then
pastor of the church at Xooseneek. He is now pastor of a IJap-
tist church at Exeter.
EscoilE.\(;. — This is a small hamlet in the southwestern por-
tion of the town and contains a post ofiice, a store and a church.
The post office was established in 1848, and is now kept by Ben-
jamin Tillinghast. The store, which is an extensive one for
country trade, is owned by Charles W. Brown, who has been
there a dozen years. Jason P. .Stone was also a merchant at this
point. Asahel Matteson, father of judge ^latteson, also traded
here formerly, but aftei'ward moved to Coventry. ']'he Hazards
have been prominent business men in this \-ieinit_\- for many
years. ^lany years ago John Hazard had a molasses factory
here, pressing syrup from cane. It was not a very suceessfid en-
terprise, however, and was abandoned, jason P. Hazard erected
a mill in this part of the town which has been a successful un-
dertaking.
The acid works in this part of the town have been a source of
HISTORY OF \VASlllN(,.li)N AND KKNT Ci 'UNTIF.S. 1171
income, and an inclnslry well worthy i>f mention. Tlic lir.st of
these was erected by William Pike abunt the year ISO:!, and .■sub-
sequently operated by his son James Pike. ISela P. Clapp X: Co..
of Pawtneket, also have a pyrolii^neons aeid works in liiis vicin-
ity and they extract hundreds of gallons of acid daily. Tiie ckass
of goods manufactured here finds a ready market. There was
formerlv a liotel at I^scohea;.;- but travel from tliis point has been
so diverted since the comin-- in of i-ailroads tluit tavern stands
here, as in manv places similarly situated, have become a thiny
I of the past.
West (jKKF.wvk ii Cfntkf. — This is a small hamlet containing-
I a store, a post office and a church, and is situated in the north-
■western portion of the town. Amoni;' the older merchants here
and in this vicinity should l)e mentioned Stephen AVccks. who
1 ' u.sed to keep store one fourth of a mile east of the Centre. I\lr.
I Weeks rraded many years and at one time kept the post office
I which was established at this [dace in 18-18. In 1S(VA Deacon
I Pardon T. Bates tool; the post office and has kept it ever since,
j ■ in connection with his store, ilr. Pates is a nephew of Fdder
I John Tillinghast, and has been one of the leadir.y; members of
I the religious society in this place. John A. lirown has also been
a trader in this vicinity. Jacob Weaver, John I'ry and his son
Josejdi Fry. were early settlers of this vicinity. Jacob AVeaver
owned a large estate (Ui Weaver's Ilill. iJoctor George ] ). Wil-
co.x, now of Providence, was a son-indaw of Joseph Fry, and at
one time practiced medicine in this part of the town.
LtUFirrv. — This place is the center of a manufacturing indus-
try and is located about three quarters of a mile nortliwest of
West fh-eenwich Centre. About the year 18n8 Ji:ihn ISlanehcster
built a mill here which was burned in 18-2-2. lie 'spun cotton,
dyed wool and fulled cloth. The mill was rebuilt and the busi-
ness continued by ^^Ir. }ilanchester until his death, which oc-
curred about the year ]84:]. In ISCV, W. \'. Pliillips pureha.sed
the property, altered the lower part of the mill, making out of it
a saw and shingle mill and a box factory. Mr. Phillips operated
it until it was destroyed again by fire in 1871, It ne.xt passed
into the hands of Albert Wells. Just below this privilege Air.
AVclls built a carriage shoj) in 18(;i;. The next year he put in a
saw and saws out cloth boards, jjicker sticks, etc.
Roiu.v HuFLoW is situated one mile west of Xooseneek Hill.
Lyman Hopkins improved the privilege at this jilaee m ]8-iri I'y
1172 HISTORY or WASIIINT/rON" AND KENT COUNTIES.
building- a small mill for sjMnning yarn. He sold it to "Wilham
I'otler, who sold it to a .Med iiimicss, who operated it a short linic,
when he sold to Kiehard liriggs, who ran it until it was destroyed
by fire in IST."). ('.eorge 11. A'auyhn ereeted a mill here in 1887
for turning bobbins and sawing- shingles. There is a blaeksmith
shop near the plaee. Thero is rdso a steam ]jortal)le saw mill
near Nooseneek Hill, whieh does a good business. It is owned
by iMoses Barber.
Churches. — There have been religious organizations in the
to-wn of West Greenwich almost ever sinee the first settlement
of the town. Probably one of the first was a society of -Calvinist
Baptists, at West (irecnwich Centre, whieh held meetings as
earlv as the year ]?.')(). This society continued to exist niany
years, and its iniluenee left an in-ijiress uj)ori the hearts and con-
sciences of men that became good and lasting, though the organ-
ization, as such, has long since been extinct. There \\'as also an
organization similar to the aljove at Xooseneck Hill, though of
more recent date. It was a branch of the East Cireenwich
Society, and flourished grcitly till about the year ISIT), when,
under the pastoral teachings of Reverend Caleb Cri-enc, the
society divided, evolving I'rcc Will Baptist churclics in its place.
Of the churches in the towii now doniinant the oldest is " The
Union Mcrti}!-^' //i'/tst\" .at X(n)sencck Hill. 'J'his church edifice
was an outgrowth of the \Vcst Greei-iwich and h>xeter Union
Society, which must have bi'cn chartered in 18(>8. March Dth,
1808, it was voted at this meeting that Stephen Allen, Thomas
Hall and Caleb Bailey should take a deed of the land " where the
meeting house siiould stand, in behalf of the society." This
house was commenced in ISdO.and was finished in 1811, Stephen
Allen preaching there first. The society was composed wholly
of subscribers, of whom there were one hundred and thirteen.
Each one subscribing five dollars was considered a stockholder
in the concern, with rights corresponding in the nianagcment of
the religions consociation.
Stephen Allen, Ik'riah Hopkins, Pelcg Arnold (all stockhold-
ers), f(_)r themselves and others, petitioned the general assembly
for an act of incorporation. According to the by-laws of this
societv, "the said meeting house shall be free for the use of any
Christian societv to hold meetings, whose speaker shall believe
in the doctrine of rewards and jnii-iishmei-its after death, accord-
ingf to the deeds done in the bod v, and who shall also be of good
I HISTORY OF WASHIXf.TON AND Kr':NT COUNTIES. 1173
moral character." These liy-law.s were .subscribed to by each
', member, and tlie amount ^^iven ath.xed after the name. The list
I . stands headed by Stephen Allen, wlio oave S-20(), which was the
; largest donation made. The ntliers o-ave various amounts:
;■ Oliver Rpink, S-IO; Jolm Wood, S'-U : Jonatlian Xichols, ^-22:
\ Bcriah Hopkins, S:2() : Henry Weaver. §1^0; Joseph Allen, $20;
i • Abel Matte.son, $2'!; Richard I'.oi.n, $1!) ; Caleb liailey, SH',;
i Thomas Tillinghast, ami manv otiiers, §10 each, and a L^-rcatcr
i numlier still amounts varying- fnim one dollar up to seven and
I eight, according as each had al)ilit\'.
{ This house, still standing, was Ijuilt on hinds given by Jonath.an
/ Weaver. It was erected two stones high, :i2 by :;S feet on tlie
I ground, with 10 feet p)sts. Amcnig those who preached here
f was Elder Thmuas Tillinghast, who was pastor of the l^ast
I Greenwich Society from i8:M to 1844. There is no pastor at the
I present tin^iC.
I The Six Principle P>aptist churches have been quite an impor-
tant factor in the town, although at present they are in decline,
through want of pastoral care. The dV.v/ Crcciiwich SixPriiiiiplr
Baptist Churclt was organized in 18:i:5. It was located near the
centre of the ttiwn. The Xoosciicrk Six I'riiiciplc Cliiircli was
organized in ISoti. Pardon Hopkins has been the clerk of the
latter for manv years. Xeilher of these churches have a settled
pastor at the present time, if indeed they have an organization.
The Free Will Baptist Cliureli is located in the Sharp street di.s-
trict. This society was an outgrowth of the old church on
i Nooseneck Hill, and it erected its building m ISC.-i. The mem-
I bership is small, but it is energetic, and a good work is being
1 accomplished. There is no regular pastor at p»'esent,but a gO(xl
1 Sabbath school is constantly maintained by the society. The
1 church is under the watchful care of Reverend li. }>I. Wilson,
\ state missionary. Reverend Joseph Carpenter, the present
f supply from ICxctcr, has conducted services here during the last
f two years. He succeeded Reverend John Edwards. The mem-
i benship of this society is about thirty.
[ ■ The Second l-'ree Will Bapt!st Clinreh, an offspring of the old
Nooseneck society, was organized about the year lS7:i, at P.utton
Corners. The late Reverend James CTreene was pastor here for
some time. He was followed by Reverend Charles C. Shippee,
who lives in h^xeter.
1174 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON ANT) KKNT COUNTIES.
The Jl'isf Gniiiz<.'ii-h Chitrcli, n free liouse, was erected in ISi-ri.
Reverend William C. Manchester was the first pastor, and tnider
his administration and one or two of his successors the society-
was in a most flourishing' condition. He ^\•as sueceedcd by
Riders Daniel and William Shicuin and John (kirdiner. From
that time the society has continued Calvinist Baptist. Elder
John Tillinghast was the first .-ukI only pastm- of this last-named
^society, and this venerable preacher continued his la'nors for
many years, and until his death, which occurred ^larcli KXh,
1878. There is no pastor at the present time. Deacon Pardon
S. Bates, a well-known citizen of the town, is a prominent mem-
ber of this church.
The AdvoU Church is located at Escoheag- Hill, and was erected
iu 1870 by Jason P. Hazard, a disting-uished menrber of this de-
nomination. This society is flourishing and maintains tlic usual
and necessary organizations for spiritual growth and foi" the
moral welfare of the community, which gives it a liberal sup-
port. Elder Wood of hlxeter officiates occasionally for this
people.
CIJAPTF.R XXIV.
TOWN OF COVENTRY.
Pescriiitioii.— Incoriioration, etc. — Tlic Coventry and \Va!v.i<-k Divi'linn; Line.—
Town Otlieeis.— Town Asyliun.— Coventry and Cranston TurniiiUc.— Kdnca-
tion. — Secret Societies. — fireenwood Cemetery. — Quid nick. — Tin TopClnircli.
— Anthony. — Coventry Com]iany. — .Stores. — Central Baptist Churcli. — ^I.-qile
Root Church. — Washint':ton Villatce and its Industries. — Washington Metlio-
dist Churcli. — Coventry Manufacturing Company. — Coventry Centre. — Siainj<
Lake.— Whaley. — narclay.— Summit.— The Cluislian Clnucli.— Greene.—
Fairbanks. — IJopkui.s' Hollow. — Harris, — Arkwright.— Bhick Rock.— Bio-
graiiliical Sketches.
THE town of Coventry is ."^itnatcd in the northwestern part
of the county of Kent, and wa.s incorporated An^^ust 21. st,
IT-Jl. It is the second town in the state in area and eon-
tains .08. n square miles. It is bounded on the north Ijy I'oster.
Scituate and Cranston, on the east by Warwick, on tlie south by
East and West Greenwich, and on the west by Connecticut. The
greater portion of this township is rock)- and hilly, .'-^ome sec-
tions, however, are level and possess comparatively fertile soil.
The following is a list of places of interest found in the town :
I'intigcs. — Washington, Anthony, (Juidnick (formerly 'J\-ift"s
Factory), Harris (formerly Harri.svillc), Coventry Centre (for-
merly Shoethread and Central), Spring Lake, Suijimit, (ireene.
Rice City, Hopkins' Hollow, Potterville, Arkwright, AVhitman.
Hills. — Waterman's, Bowen's, Carbuncle, Harkney. Perry,
Wickes', Boston, Xo Man's, Fiske.
Rivers. — Pa'wtuxet, Flat. Big, INIoosup, so named in honor of
the son of Miantinomo, r\Iishnock, Ouidniok.
Brooks. — F)yer, Buck's Florn, liear. Log Bridge, Black Rock,
Turkey Aleadow, Peep I'oad, Cook's, Salisbury's, Abbot's, Rac-
coon, Wickes'.
Ponds. — Ouidnick. 'i'iogue. Ff^nes', (iibbs'. Maple Root, r,rass,
Whipple's.
i^o-i7T'(v>.T.-Flat River, Potter's.
Sz<.'tii>i/>s. — Mishnock, ALaroon, Crass Pond.
1J70 IirSTUKV OK \VASH1X(,-|()X AND KENT CiU'NTlKs.
/i'zs/orit. -Old French Cainpiivj,' (iround, l.afayctte's Well;
Tifft's Fort, projected by Joshua TilTt, the rene;j;-ade, inTa.
Z^v4''c^'.--d''oster Ledge (opened by 1 lorace I'osler in ]8Ci:V). The
stone is of a granite formation a.nd is excellent I'or building pui'-
poses ; Ni]iunic LL-dgi-. The ruck is of a brownish color, is
quite seamy, but wlieu (fuarried and exposed to the air has a
dingy appearance.
The principal streams in the town are the south branch of the
Pawtuxet river and some other smallei- streams whivh furnish
some excellent sites for manufacturing jnirjxises. The J'/Uk'/iim/
Willcy Glcann republishes a sketch by Noah ). Arnold in the
" Xarragansett Historical Register," \\hich fuUv describes kdal
river and its tributaries, and as the sketch is wort])\- of perma-
nent record we here inst rt it :
" This stream (the southwest branch of the Tawtuxet rivt'ri
rises in the town of Foster, about one mile north of tlie little vil-
lage of Mount A'er.non. ricarwhat is called Howard hiil. Anoth.er
strt;am of about the same size rises in the southern part of h'os-
ter and unites with it in the town of Coventry, and the united
streams assume the name of Flat river. Two other small brooks
rise in the central part of Coventry and cmptv their cimLents in
Ouidnick pond, or what is now called (Juidnick ix-servoir. A
small ri\'er runs from that into Flat ri\er rdiout a mile east of
Coventry Centre. These streams and several others make 1-dat
river quite a large stream, ^vhich now pursues ;i southerly course
to Washington village. Five other streams rise in the town of
West Greenwich, three otliers m Coventry and one in the town
of Exeter, called Racccjon brook. ( )nc of the five streams named
above rises from Carr's pond, a natural i)ond of water almost as
handsome as ^loswansicut pond or lake, as we lune already said.
is one of the handsomest sheets of water in Ivhode Island. Th.ese
'I .
united streams form in^Vest <jreenwich what is called I!igri^cr,
which pursues a northerly course for about three miles, and unites
with Flat ri\-er about two miles v/est of Washmgtoi; village and
form what is called the southwest branch of the Pawtuxet ri\'er.
Alargcreservoir of one thousand acres was made some over thirty
years ago just below the junction of these rivers, b)- factory o\\n-
ers on the southwest branch and at Xatick, to furnish their mills
with water iluring the dr\" scascui. This reser\-()ir and Tiogue
below and Ouidnick a few miles abo\-c, have added greatly Iti the
water power (_)f the sotithwest branch of the Pawttixet, and of the
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES. IITT
PaAvtvixet after the unidii of those streams, adding- several tlioti-
sand more looms to the faeturies, with the aecompanyini;- ma-
chinery. Another stream rises in Mishnoek ])c>nd, a small Inil
handsome natural pond of pure water in the northeasterly ear-
ner of West ('ireenwieli, abotit half a mile long- by one-cjuarter of
a mile \vi<le. This stream pursues a northerl}' eourse, and unites
with the southwest braneh about one n-iile west of the Washing-
ton villag-c. The southwest braneh then runs easterly throngh
Washing-ton village, Anthony, (Juidniek, Cromplon, Centreville,
Arctie, River Point, and a few rods below there the southwest
braneh unites with the nortliwesl braneh, and these united
Strcan-is form the be;uitiful and usefid Pawtu.xet, whieh. now runs
through Xatiek and Pcmtiac to tide-water at Pawtuxet.
"This is the famed stre;un that snp]-)lies the good eity of Provi-
denee with water. This river an.d its braneiies eover the w.-ttei-
shcd of about one-tliird of the l.-ind jKirt of Rhode Island. Us
tributaries rise from nine of its towns. It draws the water of
nearly lialf of the town of (doeester, two-thirds of the town of
Foster, all of the towns of Scituate and Cranston, two-thirds o)
the lownsof Johnston and Coventry, more than h;df of the town
of West (ireenwich, half of the town of Warwiek and a pintion
of the town of I^xeter, eomprising, as before stated, about one-
third of the land portion of the state. Not a single trilnitar\- of
it rises in Conneetieut. It is therefore en-ip]iatieally a Rhode
Island river. This river and its br.-inelies have jirobably been the
means of adding- near one hundred thousand to the pojjulalion
of the state, and with the noble and beautifid P.laekstone, Pawea-
tuckand Woonascjuatueket, have added to the population, wealth
and enterprise of the state, and made Ivhode Island what she is.
one of the most populous and wealthy states in this nation in
proportion to its territory."
The northwest branch of the Pawtuxet, in its eourse from
Hope Village to Clydt', where it unites with the southwest
braneh, a distance only of two miles, runs through eight vil-
lages, viz.: Hope, Jackson's Factory. Fiskeville, Arkwriglit,
Harris, Phenix, Lippitt and Clyde. Two of these villages are
in the northeastern jiortion of the town of Coventry, The Flat
river for more than six miles above Washington A'illage does
not fall more than sixteen inches to the mile, and it is fron-i this
fact that the stream derives its name.
The Providence and Hartford railroad runs through this town
1178 HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTON AM) KENT COUXTIKS.
from east to west. The soil neirth of this road and in the
western portion of the town is stony; wliilc south of ilic road is
a large section of wood and s\vam]i lands. In tliis ])<n-tion of
the town is the large reservoir, which was constructed by the
manufacturers. It is said the irregular circumference of this
pond i.-i some fortv-three miles.
Town CjKi.AM/.A tlON, i;n;.— Several of the inhabitants of the
town of Warwick deeming the to\\-n loo large, petitioned the
general assembly to ha\-c the western part set off And a new
township established. Tlie generril assembly, on the third
Tuesday in August, 1741, passed the following act:
'• An act for incorporating the A\est end of the town of War-
wick into a townshi]), and the same to be distinguished and
known by the name of Covcntr\'.
"WiUCRKA.-, Several of the inhabitants of tlie town of War-
wick by petition to this .Vsscmbly did set forth the great rlisad-
vantages they labor under on account of the great extent of
said town, and it is conceived it will be more for the ease and
benefit of its inhabitants in transacting and negoti.ating tlie
prudential affairs thereof to have a division niade.
" Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly, and by the
aiithorit}' thereof it is enacted that the western part of the town
of Warwick be divided and set oil from the eastern jvii't thereof
by a north and south line drawn from the most western bounds
of the westernmo.st of the Coweset farms and incorporated a
township, and the same to he distinguished and knoAvn by the
name of Coventry ; and that the inhabitants thereof from time
to time shall have and enjoy the like benclits, liberties, privi-
leges and immunities with other towns in this colony according
to our charter."
The freemen of the town met in town meeting a few days
after the incorporation act, and organized by the election of the
following persons as town councilmen : Francis Keats, Aaron
Bowen, Joseph liucklin, Jnhn Nichols. Elisha Johnson, John
Lawton and Christopher Knight. Abel I\>tter was chosen clerk.
The names of the town clerks since the organization of th.e town
are as follows: Abel Potter, August, 1741; Amos Stafford,
August, 1744; Caleb tirccnc, August -jrith. 1747; John Rice,
August, nOT; William Stone, Atigust 'i.'ith. 1780; iJaniel C~.
Goff, August :2.'ith, Ks(.i4 ; John Remington, August. 18n7 ; Nathan
]]owcn, June 0th, 1814; (leorge Arnold, June, 1818; Ascl
HISTORY Ol' WASIIIM.idN AM) KEM' COrNTIES. 1179
Slone, Dccen-ibcr -Jth, lS--?n; Samuel Ariuild, June tith, ls:!(i:
Anthony Tarbox, November 2cl. ISlO; Samuel \V. (irifiin, June
3d, 1801, still in otfiee.
From the or<fanization of the town almost tti the presi-nt time
the dividing' line between the two towns seems in liave oeea-
sioned no little coneern. A committee seems to have been
appointed, for the general assembly on \Vednesday, ( )et()ber — ,
1741, take the following notice into consideration :
" Win:Rt,As, The Cicneral Asseml.d)- of the cokm}- aforesaiil at
their session held on the thii'd Tuesday in August last, did
amongf other things, enact that the west end of the town of \Var-
wick in the count}' of Providenct.'. should lie set oil and incorpo-
rated into a towjiship. and th.c same to l)e distinguished and
known by tlic name of Coventiw and for that ]nirpose apjiointed
Daniel Al'bott, John I'otter and Thomas S])encer, h.sqs., a com-
mittee to divide the same, who have made the following re-
port :
"We having met in said Warwick on the 24th day of jVugnist
last ])ast and proceeded to iim said line, beginning at the west-
ernmost part of the Coweset farms in said Warwick, and from
thence run one line south seven degrees west until we came to
the north bound of East ("Treenwich and the south bounds of said
Warwick where we made a large heap of stones, making several
heaps of stones in tlie said line and markingseveral trees in said
line with the letter W on the cast and the letter C on the west ;
then beginning at the first mentif)ned bounds and run north
seven degrees east until wc came to the north bounds of said
Warwick and the south bounds of Providence, making a large
heap of stones on the east end of a rock in said* liounds. and
made several heaps of stones and marked se\'eral trees in said
line as afoi'esaid ; the which we'now make as our return for the
fixed and certain bounds bet\veen the aforesaid town of AWarwicl^
and the aforesaid town of Coventrv, and that the said town (if
Coventry be bounded east, on the town of Warwick, south on
East and West (Ireenwich, west on the line that divides the col-
ony of Rhode Island, ttc. and the colony of Connecticut, and
north on the south btninds of the towns of Providence and Scit-
nate, which rejiort is \-oted to be .accejited."
William P>. SperiCL'r. in an article written in Ib^SSforthc (iliaiur,
says: " When the town of Co\'entrv was set off from Warwick in
1741 there wci'e nc> permanent bemuds erected to mark the line
nSO HISTORY OK WASillNi ni 'X AND KI'XT COUxXTIES.
between the two tuwns. The committee marked seA-eral trees
and made lar-e heaps of stones at eaeh end of the line, and made
several liea])sof stones in said line, and marked trees in said line
Avith the letter \V on the east side and the Ictti/r C on the west
sidc' of the trees. As the land became enltivaled the trees were
cut down, and the heaps of stones cotdd not be distinguished
from Iho.sc made by the farmers in eidtivatinjj;- the lan<l one htin-
dred years after the land was marked ont. and on the northern
part of the line many bnildin;.4S were erected and the inlfabitants
were desirous of knowing- wliether they were living in the town
of Warwick or Coventry. At the town meetings held in said
towns on the:ilsl d.avof A.ugnst, IS 17, the subject v.-asbnuight be-
fore said town meetings, and \Villiam IJ. lir.aytim was ap]i(.)intedby
the town of Warwick and 1 )a\-id S. Ilai'ris by the town of Cov-
entry a eommiltec to run the dividing line between said towns
and set the monuments thereon. The committee met iji Octo-
ber thereafter and again in Xm-ember and run a line between
said towns, but made no rejiort until November ."ith, ISS'i. when
tliey reported as follov.s :
"'To the ]'>lectors of the towns of Warwick and Coventry:
The undersigned, who were appointed on tlie :!lst day of August,
1847, by the t(.>wns of Warwick and Coventry, respectively, a
committee to run the dividing line Ijctween said towr.s and to
.set up monuments thereon, respectfully report that in jmi'suance
of their said ap]5ointment they proceeded to examine tlic Colony
Records to find the act of the general assembly authorizing tlie
division of the town of \Varwick into two tcnvns." The commit-
tee appointed bv the towns as afores;iid ntet (Jctober !2'.)th, 18-17,
near the south end of the reported line, accompanied by J»udge
George A. I)ra\-ton,and examined the lands near that jiart of the
line for any traces of bounds, and called on Daniel Tiffany, an
aged man, who had always resided n.ear the line, for informati'.jn
of any traditions relating thereto. He stated that tlte line at
that end had been twice run. l)ut did not know when or why it
was run the last time, but was saitl to have been run by Job
Greene, job Cireene was a land sur\'eyor. who died about J8o8."
From the time of the first survey in 17-11 to that of 18,")(), there
were a nttmber of committees appointed at different times and
many attemj^ts made by surveyors toestaldish the line, but with-
ottt avail. Mr. S])enecr's discussion of this subject in the iilnuur
is exhatistive, and we refer our readers to those articles for the
[ HISTORY OF ^Y.\SI^^•GTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 11 ■'^1
I complete reports of each survey. The last survey above rncn-
I ■■ tioned, though not satisfaetory to the two towns, established
! the following faets, as given by :\Ir. Speneer: " Mr. Harris com-
pleted the measurement to Cranston line next morning, lound
the whole di.stance from Coweset corner to Cranston line to be
(estimating width of river from stake on west bank at I'licnix to
I corner of abuttment east bank at J.")!) feet i 12,r;-i() or t2, OHO feet
I over tv.'O miles and making the entire length of the line from
I Cranston to liast Greenwich line 2."J.0].S or A^ miles, less <;5 feet
I (error of l.ono feeti. Dec. ll.lSoO, the committee met with S.
I B. Cushing, surveyor, and assistant, and with two chain men,
I run a line from Cranston line course soutli I'i deg. west moving
f- bound on the rock 2.1 feet west and leaving stubs at points in the
I line throughout the short di.stances of which minute record was
i made to Coweset corner, ricar Centreville, and it being .sunset,
adjmirn.ed to next day. December 12, resumed the running willi
the same force and run through to Ivist CTreenwich line, com-
pleting the line and came out at a point -I'.Kl feet east of old re-
puted bound 200 feet east of ^Valling's line in 18-t7.
"This survey did not .satisfactorily change the result reached
by the survey of the 12th. As in the survey by Walling, the line
run by Cushing crossed the reputed line twice in the distance
from Coweset corner to East (Greenwich line, a distance of some-
thing less than 2;';nnles, and if adopted would have required a
change of a large tract of land and some dwellings, witli the in-
habitants from Coventry to Warwick for residence and taxation,
with an additional highway to be maintained and many acres of
wood and pasture land from Warwick to Coventry. A severe
1 illness of one of the committee at that period the next yccar pre-
t vented operations for that year and for several successive years
I afterwards, and in consequence of other and pressing engage-
\ ments of the committee during subsequent years, and notably
from the fact that que.stions as to residence and taxation which
had arisen among citizens residing at Phenix village and south-
erly and which had led to the action by the towns, had been
solved and put to rest by the line as run and marked by the
committee there, the work has never been resumed."
The test oath passed by the general assembly at its June
session in 1770 was generally subscribed to by the citizensof the
town, and among others by Xalhaniel (Ireene. The oath reads
as follows: "We the sub.scribers solemnly and sincerely declare,
]]82 HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KKNT COUNTIES.
that \vc believe tlie ^var of resistance and op])'isilion in which
the Ignited States are now en.^'ag'cd ai^-ainst the fleets and armies
of dreat Britai:i is on tlie part of said States jnst and necessary,
and that we will not directly or indirectly offer assistance of
any sort or kind whatever to the said fleets and armies during
the continuance of ihe present vx-ar, Inil that we will heartily
assisi in the defense of the United Slates."
The town assemblies were originally held at the house of
Thomas Waterman, a celebrated tavern stand in its day.. It was
in the possession of Jonathan Whaley for many years. When
the French army rode through the toAvn they encamped oppo-
site this old tavern. In 18:!.") tlie town erected a commodious '
town-house at AVhalev, about two miles distant frcun Coventry '
Centre. The town meetings were held in tliis place until the
erection of the present neat structure in Washington village
in 18.S1. Tlic records of the town had been kept twenty years ■;
previous to this time in the basement owned liy John A. Chase, ^
the present postmaster. |
Steplien W. Griffin, the ju'esent town clerk, has filled this ^
office to the satisfaction of his townsmen for the past twenty- |
seven years. He came to the village of Washington in 1S5G,
and began working in the mills for 1!. II. Horton (.K: Co. He has I
also been superintendent of the town schools for the past fifteen
years. |
The town officers of Coventry elected June (ilh, 18S8, were: «
Moderator, Charles E. Potter; town clerk, Stephen AV. Griffin : i
town council, Horatio II. Calvin, Christopher Cushing, Henry i
A. Sisson. Charles C. Whitford and ]>ardon S. Pcckham ; town
sergeant, David A\'. R. T-cnnett ; auctioneer, William A.Stone: \
town treasurer. Pardon S. Peckham. Ir.; assessors of taxes.
Thomas t]. Whaley, James H. Brown, John Brown, Joshua ^l. \
Knight, Horatio H. Colvin and James H. Sweet ; overseer of the
poor, Reverend Xiehokas Battey ; constables, Hiram Pindall, !
James Franklin, [r., and Charles II. Owens; town auditor, '
Warren ^I. Cjrecnc: town sealer, AVarren M. Greene: fence
viewer, Leonard D. Greene; collector of taxes, David ^I.
Knight; survevor of land, Albert AV. Cjoff ; school committee, •,
Charles L. Ormsbee. M.D., George ]'>. Parker and Stephen W. i
Griffin. _ i
In the year 18.")1 the tow n purcluised four lots of James Briggs
for S2,2()(», on which a poorhoirse or asylum was located. The
IIISl'ORV OF \\.\smX;_,ToX AM.) KICXT COUNTIKS. 1 ] 8:3
farm is situated near the center of the town and has been im-
proved, and at present fnrnishes ani])le aeeommodations for the
town's de))endent eiti/.ens. The disbursements m;ide m 1SS7,
according- to the rejiort of the overseer, Horatio H. Cnlvin, were
I'llK Cii\ KNiRV AMI CiiAXsidN 'l"i i^M'i Ki;.— -Tile Coventry and
Cran.ston tnrnpikc was Iniilt in b"<bb The tild hiyi)wa_\- was more
circuitous and less direct than the route desired and laid out by
the turn]nke. It crossed the north branch of the river at l^d-
mond's bridye which was kept up till that time'at least and then
probably carried a\\ ay by a freshet. This old hii^hwayhas been
relaid and the norlhern jiortion chain^ed and enters the hioh-
way that was fm-nierly the Coventry and Cranston turnpike, op-
posite the railroad station on the Pawtuxet A'alley railroad at
l-'hcnix, and extends northwesterly passing- the house built by
William C. Ames, runnini^^- into Lincoln avenue, thence north-
erly, crossing the river near the l^anphear machine sliop, enters
the highway running through 1 larrisville. Many dwelling-
houses have been erected on both sides of this highway and on
Lincoln avenue.
Previous to ]8i:3 the people residing on the south branch of
the Pawtuxet river and those living farther south had n<.. direct
road leading from their place to Providence. There was a high-
way leading from Washington and Anthonj' villa.ges to Appo-
naug- and another road past Hope furnace. After the factories
were built the proprietors were anxious for a more direct road
leading to Providence and united with the projirietors of the
Roger Williams and Lippitt .Manufacturing Companies and
others, and petitioned the general assembly to have them lay
out a road that would be more convenient and direct to Provi-
dence.
At the session of the general assembly held on the fourth
Monday of February, 1S12, the following action was taken on
their j^ielition :
" On the petition of Joseph Manchester and others praving for
certain reasons therein stated that a public road and highway
may be laid out from the factories belonging to the Coventry
2vlanufacturing ComjKiny, bv or near the factories of the Lippitt
and Roger Williams Manufacturing Companies toward Monkey-
town and Providence. Resolved, that said petition be received,
and that Charles Ihayton, Jeremiah k'night and Theodore A.
11S4 HISTORY or \V.\S11INi;TOX ANn KENT COUNIIKS.
Foster })C and they hereby are appointed a eonnnitlec with full
power and authority to lay out and establish the said road upon
the route aforesaid in sueh manner as may be most for the ad-
vantage of the pablie and as little as may be to the iniurv of in-
dividuals; and that the road thus to be laid out bv said commit-
tee on reiJort of said eommiltee of their doings in the premises
being rnadt' to the general assembly, shall be a lawful highway
to all intents and purposes as if the sauie had been laid out under
the statute in sueh ease made and provided ; provided, ne\'erthe-
less, that said road shall not be laid out through the laml of anv
person who shall objeet to the same, and provided that no ex-
pense be incun^ed herein bv the state."
At the meeting of the general assembly in June, ]Sl'2, the
committee reported and were discharged.
At the session of the general a.s.sembly held the third Mondav
in February, 18i:>, a charter was granted to " Theodore A. Fos-
ter, Richard Anthony, William Anthony, I'^lisha Wightman,
Reuben Wightman, Christopher Lippitt, Christopher T>ippitt, jr.,
Caleb Atwood, ISenjamin Aborn, Amasa INIason, l-.lisha Williams,
Caleb Williams, James l)'\Volf, Philip 'SI. Fisk, Richard lackson,
Jr., William Walcntine, lames Ihirrill, jr., Samuel Arnold, AN'il-
liam Baker, I'eter Levallcy, and others their associates, succes-
sors and assigns, shall be and they are hereby created a corpor-
ation and body politic by the name of the Coventr\- ;ind Crans-
ton Turnpike Company and by that name shall be and hereby
are made able and capable in law as a bodv corjiorate to pur-
chase, have, possess and enjoy to themselves, their successors and
assigns lands not exceeding fifty acres, tenements, rents, tolls
and effects of what kind or nature soever, in establishing, mak-
ing, securing, maintaining and keeping in repair the road herein
described and in collecting the tolls hereinafter mentioned."
The general assembly decided that the road should be laid out
two and one half rods wide, and that the capital stock of the said
corporation should be divided into shares of not more than fifty
dollars each, and that "James B. Mason. Thomas Moldcn and
Jeremiah Knight be the committee to lay out said road and as-
sess the damages."
ScHOOl.s.— -The first school house in the town of Co\-entrv was
erected about the year 17(1."). 'I"he work of education, howe\'er,
began with the peri<.)d of settlement and prior to the year named
above, schools were kept in private houses. In tlie earlier
I HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KKNT COUNTIES. 1185
I ^ days of school liouses it is presumed ehildrer. went two and three
miles to school. The teacher received from five to ten dollars a
month, and " boarded around " or amony the ];atrons of his school.
The citizen who furnished the room in his house for the acctnii-^
' modation of the school received as compensation the tuition of
one scholar. About the year 177o there were at least thj-ee
school houses in the town, and these were used at irregular
periods for religious worshij). One was located at the fi.iot of the
eastern declivity of Waterman's hill, on the ijrain road ; another
near what is known as Sprinjj Lake, probably on the present
location of the public school house, and the thir-d on the main
j road leading from Washington, f)ver ilarkney hill to the Con-
I nectieut line, and southv/est from Summit station. The men
I who were especially prominent in the matter of education at this
I period were the three brothers Aaron, Israel and lehabod liuwcn,
[- Richard Waterman, Joseph Matteson and Caleb Vaughn, Jr. In
t; 1828 the general assembly had re-established free .schools
throuehout the state, at which time there were fourteen schools
■ in winter and .seven in summer : inh.ibitants, 3,139. All houses
built before 184G were held in .shares, and the owners were crdlcd
proprietors.
Before 1800, Ma.sters Crocker and Knox, natives of Ireland,
taught .school at Bowen's Hill and vicinity. Master Lemuel
Spaulding, from Plainfield, Conn., taught for a period of years
in a number of sch(jol houses. Besides the common branches of
education Master Spaulding also taught surveying and navi-
i gation, and was a strict disciplinarian. Mr. James ]\Iathewson,a
native of West Greenwich, taught a school at Whaley Hollow, at
j five dollars per month. Mr. \l. K. Parker, former superintendent
|. of the schools of Coventry, in speaking of the early teachers of
I that town, .says: "At a later date there came along a teacher
known by the //cw dc pluinc of Mr. A. B. It is a mystery to this
day unexplained what the true name of this man was. He came
like a phantom, proved himself a superior teacher, received no
compensation, furnished his scholars with books, won the hearts
of old and young, and at the close of his school disappeared as
mysteriously as he came."
" Soon after the re-establishmcnt of free schools other branches
were introduced, such as luiglish grammar and geography.
Among the foremost teachers to encourage these new studies
were the Reverend James Burlingame, now living, who taught
75
1186 HISTORV OK WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES.
evening schools, for his older pupils' benefit, two or three ni'i-hts
in the week, and for which he received no extra pay: Charlts
Horton and his brother Benjamin ; Asa Stone, son of x\sa. win.
was for a long- time town clerk — all, with the exception of Bur-
lingame, having been pupils of the Reverend Richard Stune, a
native of Coventry, and whc; for a number of 5^ears tauo-ht a
select normal school at Bridgewater, Mass. Thus the free
schools continued to increase gradually in efficiency and
interest."
"The next important date in the history of educational affairs
is 1846. Radical reform was introduced at that time by the
enactment of the new school law. To the credit of the town, it
can be said that but few of its citizens made any effort to ob-
struct the execution of this law. The people were generally
enthusiastic in its support. The school"houses were mostly pur-
chased by the school districts, thoroughly repaired and entirely
reseated. In some instances new hotises were built, and fur-
nished with a degree of elegance before unknown in this part of
the state. An efficient school committee was appointed, whicli
carefully examined candidates for teachers' places, and generally
lent its aid in carrying out the various changes that the new law
enjoined. Better wages were paid teachers, better talent was
engaged in the work, and better schools resulted. The citizens
of the town who were especially active, indefatigable and selt-
denying in educational affairs at this period were: Elisha
Harris, Peleg Wilbur, Thomas Whipple, John J. Kilton. James
G. Bowen, vStephen Waterman, Caleb Waterman, Isaac G. Bowen,
Israel Wilson, Robert N. Potter, in addition to the member.^ ■>{
the first .school committee under the new law, whose names were :
Samuel Arnold, Cromwell Whipple, Oliver G. Waterman. Jamc--
A. Fenner, Caleb Nichols."
In 1846-7 district school libraries were establi.shed at '\^ ash-
ington village and at Bowen's Hill, and complete school app;'-
ratus in several of the schools. Among the former pupils"!
the schools of Coventry who have become distinguished shoul.i
be mentioned the names of Honorable Henry B. Anthony.
senator in congress; Reverend Harris .S. Inman, Reverend .\.
K. Potter, Charles Matteson, late associate justice of the siiuc
supreme court; Samuel H. Albro, Eugene Warner, all gradua!f>
of Brown University, and Ezra K. Parker, a graduate nt I).irt-
mouth College; Tully D. Bowen, Chri.stopher Whitman ;ni<i
HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 1187
David Hopkins, manufacturers : William l-!(Avcn, L'nvver; John
McGregor, the surgeon, and Thomas A. \Vinlman, ilie banker.
Sf.cuf.t SficiFTfF.s. — Tliere are a number of lodges n.nd socie-
ties in the town (.)f Coventry. The great temperance reformation
•wa.s conimcnced in the valley of the ]-'awtu.\et in IS-J7 and ]S-2s'
A temperance society was for;ned in every village on b(.)lli
branches of the Pawtuxct, and most of tlie respectable people
joined them, and did all they could to reform the people from
the pernicious habit of intemperance, and tjiev succeeded most
gloriously. The approbation of heaven seemed to rest upon
their efforts. ]\[ost all the foremost business men joined these
societies, and great good was accomplished by them. The moral
atmosphere ^vas impi-ovcd in the whole state.
The Covoitry Temperance Union was organized in the village of
Anthony in May, 18-28. At its first meeting thirty-four members
signed the covenant of organization. Doctor Henry Cleveland
was chairman, Moses D. Snow was secretary, Perez Peck, Hiram
Cleveland, William Hammond and Peleg Wilbur, jr., were
appointed a committee to draft constitution and bv-laws. In
1840 this .society had a membership of five hundred and fifteen.
It afterward merged into the State Tempera nee I'nion.
Riverside Livii^e. Xo..lf). I. O. G. 7'., was instituted February ITth,
1807, at Anthony, with Andrew Potter W. C. 'i\ In J872 the lodge
discontinued its meetings, but reorganized in ]S70, with Albert
Potter W. C. T.
APaneltester Lodge, No. l.\ T. & A. J/., v%-as instituted November
28th, 1808. First officers were: M., Richard x\nthony; S. W.,
Joseph Rice; J. W., William Anthony. The .societv is flour-
ishing.
lof/ie Lodge. Xo. .'.s", /■'. C:'r A. JL, was instituted January Ifith,
1870. The first master was W. V. Phillips ; P. Tillinghast, sec-
retary. This lodge meets in Ionic Hall, in the village of Greene.
The lodge is free from debt and owns son:e propertv.
Ant /tony Lodge. Xo. ':.'!, I. O. O. F.. was instituted January 28th,
1872, with twelve charter members ; N. G., John J. Kilton. This
society pos.sesses pi'operty to the value of So.OOo.
The Knights of PytItias\^odi<gQ was instituted at Anthony, August
17th, 1871, with eighty members; Otis Reynolds, C. C. The so-
ciety holds meetings in Odd Fellows' Hall.
Eugenia I.odi^e. Xo. I!. I). A'., was instituied at Anthony, Febru-
ary l(!th, 187."). with twenty charter members. The first officers
1188 HISTORY OF WASHINCri'ON AND KENT COUNTIES.
were: N. G., Willi.im F. Poller: V. G., Mrs. Sarah J. Poller: R.
vS., William 11. Jordan : treasurer, Mrs. l^mily L. Freeman. The
lodge meets in Odd Fellows' Hall.
Gkeenwooii C'k.mf/ierv. — This beautiful eemelery covers in
area thirty acres of land that was purchased by William V>. .Spen-
cer Apiil 2od, 18,"')S, lliat a suitable place might be prejiared for
the repose of the dead. Prior to 1807 this g-round was covered
with pines, (jak, chestnut and other trees, which were cut down,
boulders removed and a substantial stone wall. 1 72 rods 4n length,
encircling- a twelve-acre' lot, was built, avenues laid out, etc., the
whole being the work of a gang of men for two years' time, and
at an expense to ^Ir. vSpencer of ten thousand dollai's.
After the grounds were prepared, avenues were marked out
and a plat made showing six hundred and nine lots, nearly all of
them twenty by ihirlv feel and alFfronting on an avenue. The
entrance to the grounds f;\>m the highway is in Ihe center. The
carj-iage way passes between two granite posts, 2-1 by 28 inches,
nine feet high above the ground ; the passage way is closed by
two iron gates. i)n each side of these posts is an entrance for
persons on foot, also closed by iron gates attached to stone posts
two feet square and eight feet high. Two hundred and sixty
feet from the highway, in front of the entrance, is built a receiv-
ing tomb of suffieienl size to hold forty bodies. The frcmt is Iniilt
of hammered granite, the door of the entrance is of North river
stone, the outer surface planed. The tomb is surrounded except
in front with evergreen trees.
There were manv pine and other trees left standing in differ-
ent parts of the grounds, and it was named Greenwood Ceme-
tery. The first body was put in the tomb October 2:3d, I80S;
since that time to August Isl, 1887, there had lieen oOo bodies
entombed, some remaining in the tomb one month and others
several years. One man deposited the body of his wife in this
tomb September 2d. 1806, and it now remains there, he having
paid more than one hundred and twenty-five dollars for entomb-
ing the body, and continues paying. Another man deposited
the body of his daughter in this tomb October 14th, 1877. and
continued paying for her bod\- i-emaining there ten years. The
first lot was sold September 2 Isl, b^riO.
There have been one thousand and twenly-nve bodies buried
within the enclosure, ninety-one lots have been enclosed with
granite curbing, and sixteen lots have monuments placed upon
IIISTOKV OF WASlilN'GTON AND KENT COUNTIES. 1189
them, and two lots have sarcojihagus placed on them, one of
marble, the other of yranile. Up to ihe present time the ceme-
tery has been owned by IJie person wlio laid il ont.bnt it should
be incorporated and the lots placed under per])etual care, sa
that they may be taken eare of when the owners have all passed
awa}-.
The cemetery is located in the town of Co\'entrv near the
Warwick line, about one-third of a mile south of the villaj^e of
Phenix.
QUIDXICK.-Steiihen Taft formerly owned the property about
Quidnick. lie had three factories and ran about a hundred and
twenty-five looms, and James M. Kimball, now a wealthy busi-
ness man, was one of the overseers. Previous to ^Iv. Taft's
owning- this property it was a jiaper mill, but it was altered into
a cotton factory. Stephen Taft at one time was rejmted worth
$Tr)U,()0(), but he undertook the calico printing business and
failed. He afterward went to California, and died there i)oor.
The property was purchased by the hrm of A. <!<: W. S]M-ague,
and Emanuel Rice became one of the eompanv. Two large
factories were built, containing 2.-),(in() siiindles and Ooo looms.
The old village was completely renf)vated, many new and larger
dwelling-houses were erected, and it became one of the hand-
somest villages in the valley of the Pawtuxet. Sj^rague named
it Quidnick, after the (Juidnick reservoir. After the failure of
A. & W. Sprague, the mills in IS??, fell into the hands of tJie
Union Company, who sold, April 17lh, 18N4, to a corporation of
whom AVilliam D. D:ivis and Henry A. Hidden aix- the largest
owners. They run ;!],4(Jo spindles and 877 looms. They em-
ploy oOO hands, and manufacture print eloth.^, sheetings and
twills.
Between this place and Anthony was the forge in which (ien-
eral Nathanael Greene worked when a boy.
The old Sprague store was established at (Juidnick in 1849.
The superintendents of the Spragues were Da.niel Maguire,
George Burton, Israel Potter, James Mattcson and Joseph Cong-
don. After the store left the hands of tlie Spragues Charles
Sweet, then Albert Knight took it. The managers of the store
were Mr, Wilson, AVilliam IIo}ikins, Frederick Cowperthwaitc,
Caleb T. P.owen, J. C. Page and Thomas Clarke, who is now of
the Centreville Rank. The store business was then wound up,
and no more was done until the mill projierty was sold to
1190 mSTOUV OF WASIIINGTOX AND KENT C0L:NTI1:S.
William Davis, when the store was rented to Hoxie Brothers.
^lertz & Valentine are now carrying on one of tlie most en-
tensive mereantile trades in the town. The hrm is composed
of Georg-e ^lertz and Geor^c' \'alentine. Mr. yicriz began busi-
ness in Anthony in isri? as a maeliinist, but on aceoimt of losing
an eye about tliirteen jears ago changed his business, ;it whicli
time he erected a part of the present store. Mr. (icorge
Valentine was also a machinist, working in tlie same j)]ace —
Peck's Machine Slaop cfnnmencing tlierc in ]8().'] and continu-
ing up to 18(JG, when he left the state, but returned in 1883, after
which the present partnei\ship was formed. The post ollice has
been kept in this store since June 1st, 188(i. Henry Maitcson,
the former postmaster, held the office a number of years.
Gushing & Girard, dry goods and groceries, started U]) in the
old Sprague store in 1SS2. They also do a lively business in hay,
wood, coal, etc. The Ouidnick .store, now operated by Hoxie
Brothers, was established by them in 1884. The brothers are
Nathan E., Stephen ]. and I'rcsbary. They also own stores in
Phenix, Lippitt, Harris and .Vrkwright, and arc among tlic most
enterprising men of tht; town.
The Tin Toi' Giiuucii. - The history of this church dates back
to October 21st, 180;-), " on which date a number of converts be-
longing to East Greenwich, Warwick and North Kingstf)wn, met
at East Greenwich, at the house of Mr. Caleb Mathews, and after
due consideration, decided ' to unite together under the namcof
the United Brethren and .Sisters of East Greenwich, Warwick
and North Kingstown.' (hi the 11th of November following, a
council consisting of delegates from the First and the .Second
Baptist churches of Providence, the one at Reholi'jth and tin; one
at North Kingstown, assembled, and after the usual cx.amina-
tions, recognized them as a Christian church, with tlie title of
'The Baptist Church of h^ast Greenwich, Warwick and North
Kingstown.' Thirtv-scvcn persons, nine of whom were men,
composed the organization. With the exception of Deacon Shaw
and his wife, who were recei\-ed 'uy letter from tlie First church,
Providence, they ap{)car to have been at the time but recently
converted. ^Vsa Xilcs, :in unordained brother, had been preach-
ing in East Greenwich .and Ccntrevillc, ;ind re\-iv.al blessings
had followed his earnest labors. (Juite a ntimhcr of persons
had been coitverted, who afterwaid united in the formation of
this church."
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES. 1191
The church worshipped at East Greenwich, a portion of the
time in tlic court house and also in the old meeting house that
has since been destroyed. At Centreville they worshipped in the
school house, a buildin^- erected for both .school and religious
purposes.
"The larger portion of the church residing in the region of
! ■ Centreville, it was finally decided to erect a suitable sanctuary
j where they would be better accommodated, and Ouidnick being
j a central position, was chosen as the place. . In view of this the
j church voted on the 27th of February, 1808, to change its name
I to the liaptist Church of Warwick and Coventry, which it still
i retains. This closes the first period of its history,
f "The first event of importance in the second period is the
f erection of the new meeting house, which soon became widely
f known as tlie 'Tip Top,' so called from the steeple or cupola
j being covered with tin. Its dimensions were sixtv bv fortv feet,
I ' with a commodioiis vestrv. Its galleries extended around three
j sides of the building. The building was framed in Prtividence,
I and rafted down the river and around to Apponaug, and thence
I drawn by teams to the place of erection. It is said to have been
I rai.sed and completed in two months, and cost S:3,:jO(t. The land
on which it stands was given by Mr. Jacob Greene. Probablv no
building erected in Kent county ever awakened so much interest
as this. People living miles away, with curiosity excited, came
and viewed it with wondering delight. Boys from the neighbor-
ing villages ran away from school, attracted by its glittering
tower. Large congregations gathered for worship within its
walls, and the church, with grateful pride, viewed the result of
their toils and sacrifices. They had assumed, Ijowever, more pe-
cuniary responsibility than they felt able to bear, ;ind, in accord-
ance with the custom of the times, they applied for and received
of the general assembly permission to rai.se S2,0(i(.i by a lotterv.
The plan did not succeed as well as was expected. After linger-
ing along for years, tlie grant was sold to ' Peirce & P.urgcss for
$500, and John Allen was authorized to spend the moncv in re-
pairing the house.' The ' Tin Top," at this period, oeeasionallv
resounded with the voices of other ministers beside that of the
pastor, and there are those now living who remember hearing
Doctor vStephen (yano.thc pastor of the First chureli. Providence ;
President Asa Mcsser, of P.rown I'niversity ; Doctor l!enedict,of
Pawtucket; Reverend J, Pitman, and others, within its walls.
1102 IHSTORV or WASniXCTOX and KKXT COUNTli:?.
On the lOl-b of Septc-mbcM-. 1S10, the churcli joined the Warren
Association. The church held Iheir stated Sabbatli worsliip in
the meetin<;- house imtil about 18;i(>. l"p to this time various
places were used for e\-ening wtirshi]), and frcquentl)-, upon the
vSabbath, in Ci'fnapton. Anmng the Ijuildiiv^-s used foi" such pur-
poses was the old 'Cotton House,' a building' since removed,
which strjod iust Ixack of the CronijUon Compan_\-'s stable, and
the old ' \\'ea\'e Shop,' not far from 1 )eacon Spencer's store, on
the opj^osite side of the rt)ad. ]'>lder Curtis taught an e\-ening
scliool there, as well a.s held meetings, arid man\' of his pupils
were there con\-ertcd. Idie ' ll.'dl ' house, that has since been
]-en"Hived fa.rthci' south .')n the turnj.u'ke. o^jpositethe site of the
old Cott(_)n house, was also used for religious purposes, and other
buildings as the\- could be (.'btaincd. up to the time when the
' Stf)re Chambe]' ' was fitted up foi" a jilace of worsliip. It is said
that the ])lace where the church was woi-shipping;, at the time
lilder Ross w.as the pastor. ' Lieeame too straight for the people,
and especiallv so for the minister,' and larger and better quar-
ters were provided in the Store Chamber. This item fixes the
time at alxiut ISIJO. when the\' (mtered the latter ])laee. The
church, fr(jm this time, held its regular .Sabbath services in
Crompton, instead of (Juidnick. The ' Tin Top ' was leased for
a time to other worshippers, and was fmall}' sold at pul)lic auc-
tion to William B. Spencer, I'^sq., in trust for tlic Rhode Island
Bapti.st State Convention, for the sum of SoSO."
In 18.T1 Reverend Jonathan lirayton began preaching for the
Ouidnick Society and remained there and at Crompton three
years, preaching i'U b(jth j)laces. At this time Reverend Mr.
Brayton, Pardon Spencer, Samuel lildred, Olix'cr Howard, Elisha
Andrews and some others secured an act of the general assem-
bly at the January session of 1852. incorjjorating the societv un-
der the name of the Ouidnick I5aptist Society of Coventry.
Reverend Mr. Brayton ^\ as succeeded by Reverend Thomas
Terry in 1S54. He was succeeded by the following j^astors:
Reverend T. C. Tingley to August Kith. I8G0; Ira Bates; H. S.
Ininan to 187."); supplies b)- Reverends Fuller, Shepherd and
others to 1877; C.L.Frost to April L>r>th, 1877; Thomas Cuul-
ginton (Crompton and Tin 'i'op churches) from July 18th, 1878.
to April I'Jth, 1879; A. C. Bronson October ir)th, died April 8th,
188:]; X. B. Wilson, September 28th, 1884, Fle rcsigucd in
I
i HISrOlvV OF WASHINGTON AND KKNT COUNTIKS. ]]9:i
i^
[. April, 18S."), when the present pastor. Reverend (.). R. Hunt, timk
i charge.
j- In ]8r)8 llie house was thorout^lily rep.iired. The . i^alleries
i were cut down and tlie new pul})it put in. In 188") tlie old Tin
f Top buildiny, that had stood the storms of sevcnt}--se\'en win-
! ters, gave w;i\' to the new ediliee, whieli \\-as dedieated L'eeeni-
i ber Jst, 18SC.. and eust al^out 8*i."<'". The present menihershi)) ol'
T the ehureh is one hundred and seven. 'Jdie Sabbath .sehool i.s
t tinder the su])erintendeney of Mi.ss Ella Mitehell. 1 )i.xtor |ohn
IMatteson has been elerk of the ehureh sinee 1878.
Antii<.in\'. -Tiiis is a llourisliing village a short distanee abo\c
Quidniek on the I'dat I'iver. These plaees taken together form
I one of the largest vill.iges in the- town. 'J'hey are eonneeted.
> The meehanieal and meixantile interests are well rcpi e.^ er.tcd.
; The plaee has a fine librar\-. eharlered in 18(18, under the name
of the CoN'entry Librai'\- v\ss<K-iation. Scnatcn- .\nthon\' ^\■as one
of the leading spirits of this enterprise and ga\-e the soeiely a
number of valuable books.
At this village was loeated the eelebrated maehine shop of
Perez Peek. It was built by the Coventi-\- Company -in 1810, and
let to Perez Peek, Cromwell Peek and John Trueman. In i8N
Cromwell Peek and Mr. Trueman sold out to Perez Peek and re-
tired from the eoneern. and Perez Peek ran it alone. He earried
on the business of making machinery for many years sueeess-
ftilly, and accpiired a handsome property. He was an honored
and devoted member of the Society of Friends. He spent his
days in the village, li\'ing to be nearly ninety vears old. Perez
Peek, Cromwell Peek and Jonathan Tiffany made the maehiner\'
in the old grist mdl on the premises. These men were all
mcehanics, but knew nothing of the construction of maehiner}'
I except what they learned as they went along in its construction
under the guidance and instruction of William Anthony, the
then superintendent, who was a good mechanic and ingeniou.s
man. The machine shop was subsecpiently removed to Cl\de
and the old building converted into a store and hall.
The ^Messrs. Capwell about the year of the centennial erected
a planing .and turning mill in the village.
The Coventr\- Comjxan}- erected one (jf the first cotton mills in
the state. The men \\ho cc)m})osed the eompan\- were some of
the pioneers (if cotton riianufacturing in the countrv. Samuel
Arnold was their agent in Providence, Richard Anthou)- agcr,t
1194 HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX ANIJ KENT COUNTIES.
at the mill, and William Anthony superintendent of the mill.
William and Riehard Anthony and cithers \vere the proj^rietors.
Work was begun in the autumn of 18(1.'), at which time the ■
trench was dug. The first mill was eighty feet long and was
finished in 18i)G. A subsequent addition of thirty-one feet made
the entire length one hundred and eleven feet. It oi)eratcd fif-
teen hundred spindles and was a large mill for those days, when
cotton spinning was in its infancy. In 1807 there was a great
freshet, and another in Alareh. l8L'"i. when serious damage was
threatened to the propert\'.
The Coventry Company built their second or new factory in
1810. It was six stories high at the south end and the building
one hundred and twenty-five feet long. It was said to be the
highest building in the state, and was an object of attraction to
all who saw it. Three stories were of stone and the three upper
ones of wood.
In ]81"i the c(.)tton nianufacturers coined money, but after the
war many of the young manufacturers had to stop, for the coun-
try was flooded with foreign goods.
In the eaVly days of cotton manufacturing the whipping ma-
chine, for cleaning cotton, had not been inven.tcd. It hatl to be
cleaned by hand. Women and children took the cotton to their
several homes in bundles of twelve pounds each, and after pick-
ing and cleaning it they would return it to the mill and receive
fifty cents for the twelve pounds. \Vomen and children ondd
be seen daily carrying cotton from and returning with it to the
mills. The power lo(jm was invented at this time, and started in
1817. Previous to this the yarn which was spun in the factiirics
was woven on hand looms. All cotton factoi-ies, as soon a.'^thc}'
could get them, put the power looms in their mills, and they
started again and once more commenced to make money. Some
factories went to work fifteen niinutes before sunrise and worked
for fifteen minutes after sunset, making fourteen and a half
hours labor for all. The smallest children had to work tliese
hours with the other help. In winter they went to work as earl}-
as they could see in the morning and worked until eight o'clock
in the evening.
Richard Anthony sold his right to the company in 1810, and
removed to North Providence. ^^'iIliam Anthony became the
agent and sole manager of the mill in Covcntrv, and remained
such until his death, which occurred Mav 17th. 184ri. aged seventv
}nSTOKV OF WASIllXCnOX AND KKNT COUNTIES. 1195
years. Not one of the original owners, or any of their descend-
ants, own any part of this great property now. It passed into
the hands of the kite Tully Bowen and Cynis and Ste])hen
Harris. It is now owned by a corporation. Ilenrv W. (lardiner
is a larg-e owner and Stephen Harris is agent. John Warner, the
superintendent, has been in cliarge of tlie mills twenty-three
years. Both of the old factories were taken down and a new
fir.st-class mill was built in ISTI] on the premises, a few rods south
of the old ones, with a capacity of ;^:-^,i:)-i spindles and I'AO looms.
The late Senator Anthon_\- was one of this eonijx-inv when he
died, and was the last of the descendants of the original pro-
prietors. The new mill, an elegant brick structure of five stories,
is 80 by 8G0 feet, with an L at each end.
The Coventry Compa.ny store was built in ISOT. It was
burned down in 18.-)7. The company did not run the store after
1848. It was tlicn conducted by Asahel ;\Iatte.son & Co. and two
nephews of Asahel, whti retired in 1884, succeeded. The ^lat-
tesons kept it to 1887, when it passed into the hands of John B.
Allen, the present owner. Daniel R. Whitman, formerly of
River Point, for the (Jrecne Manufacturing Company, was the
last superintendent of the mills of the Coventry Company.
William Round & Son traded in the village for a number of
years, but recently sold out. J. C. Johnson, dealer in men's
furnishing- goods, has been here since 18S.->. His store is in the
building- erected by O. R. Mattcscm, wlio also keeps a grocery
store in the same building. 1 )t)ctor Ira C. AVinsor and his
brother. Doctor Jolm \\'insor, came to the village in 18(;9, and
the latter in 1878 established his drug store. George II. Sterrat
is his clerk. The store has been recentlv enlarged.
Byron Read erected his large and elegant store i*ii 1882. It is
40 by 100 feet and has two stories and basement. It contains in
all 10,000 square feet of llooring. It is the largest building in
the town, and so creditably arranged and well managed that it
does great credit to the town. The business is furniture and
undertaking, which he began twenty-two years ago. He began
with his brother, Henry Read. Jr., in 18()('). and in 1872 com-
menced for himself. Isaac Aylesworth, one of the earliest
settlers of the town, established the furniture and undertaking-
business in Anthnnv. Henry Read, Jr.. brother of hSyron, began
working- for Aylesworth in 184S. and continued thereafter for
eighteen years, and then as .Vylesworth's successor for six
years.
1190 HISTORY or WASIIINC.TON' AND KENT COUNTIES.
Henry Read, Sr., was a farmei". lie was born in Cm-entry in
1801, and died Aug'ust llth. 1SS7. In the tindertakiro- business
Mr. Read buried a li(.>rse named "Old'J'dm," a few years ayo,
which had attended over ele\-en humlred funerals. The hurse
died ilay 2d. ISoti, tif dropsy. I)urin,e;' the past twelve years Air.
Read had been in business alone "( )ld 'i'oin " had been with
him. He was widelv known as a horse of e.\eni|)larv eharaeter
and sobriety, and lie apjnx-eiated fully the dignit\- as well as the
solemnity of his i^osition at the head of the proeession. h'rom
the day of his birth, tvv-enty-four years before his death, he had
never known a day of illness. Air. Read has four eosth- hearses,
and at times they aie all at worlc. His barn and house are
models of architeetural beauty and arrangement. The barn, for
convenience, ingenuity of arrangement, for eleanliuess and com-
pleteness in e\-ery detail, excites the admiration of every one
who has seen it.
C. E. IJov.'en, dealer in hardware, came to the place in ISHIl.
He had been formerh' engaged in the hardware trade at
Washington and River Point. His brother. Henry liowen, also
his father, were traders in River Point. Air. A. W. Alauehcster
built the st(.)re now occupied by P>. L. Richmond. Albert Potter
was the first to (.)ccu])\- this store, on the 8th of Alarch, ISo?.
After trading here awhile he went into the old store owned by
A. \V. Alanehester, but in two and one-half }-ears later srild otit
to R. L. Richmond, who kept in the old store abotit eight years,
then came to the present location.
Central Bai'ITst Cihr* h. -This church is situated between
Anthony and Washington. The church was formed in 1S40.
with forty-seven members. Elder Pardon Tillinghast w^is its
first pastor. April 2"id, 1840, he preached his last sermon. In
1850 the church had a membership of one hundred and cight\--
four, but soon after this a contention arose among the members,
and the Six Principle Baptists now control the building, lilder
Jeremiah Potter preached here many years. He was a native of
Seituate, was born August 17th, 18]."», and began preaching in
April, 1848. In 180'.) he moxed to Washington village. He now
preaches at the Alaple Root church and at Bethel, l\i\'er Point
and Kent place, Seituate, at each ]:)lace (.nice a month, holders
Jacqties and Young are the regular preachers now at this
church.
IlISTOUV OF WASIIIXCXriN AND KF.NT COUNTIES. 1]97
Maple Root CiirK(;n. — This sociely was organized October
14th, 17G2, witli twenty-six members, and was one of the niost
prominent of the early eluirehes in the county. In 1 TCi;.) Rev-
erend Timothy fireene was called to the pastorate, and \Yilliam
King was chosen deacon. In 1780 Elder Reuben Hopkins, of
Scituatc, was called to the pastorate. In 1782 Elder Thomas Man-
chester succeeded, at which time the church numbered seventy-
five members. In 1707 the societv built a new house, now known
as the l\Iaple Root church. It is located in the southern part of
the town. In 1811 Pardon Tillinghast assumed cliargc of the
society, which had increased to one hundred and eighty mem-
bers. In 1815 the membership was three htmdred ; in 1821 four
hundred, and continued increasing until it had as many as six
hundred names on its roll, when numei^ous branches began to
be set off from this, the mother church, and organized into other
societies. The church now has a niembersliij) of two hundred
persons, likler Jeremiah Potter is one of the pastors of this
church, and although the membership is less than foimerly, yet
they still continue to worship in the same simple and unosten-
tatious manner, and exerting the same good as formerly upon
the hearts of the community.
VVasiiin(;ton Vii.i..\i.K.-- This village is situated upon the
Flat river, also on the line of the Providence, Ilartfcnd and Fish-
kill railroad. The companv have here a turn table, an engine
house, a water tank, a freight house, and station. The first post
office established in the town was at this place, and is still
known as the Coventry post office. The village was formerly
called Braytontown, from Thomas Brayton, who owned the land
now covered by the village.
The business that was done in the village at that tinie was by
the grist, saw and fulling mills belonging to the Braytons.
Another fulling mill was built and run by Judge Stephen Potter,
a man of much note in those times, who did much in forming
the good character of the village. He died November 20th,
1796, aged 7.") years. Jonathan Bra3'ton sold to Henry AVhitman,
in 1797, for 81.1 "ii, a lot of land on which were two grist mills,
one saw mill and one fulling mill, vcith one-half of the water
power at this village. The other half was owned bv Judge Isaac
Johnson and William F. Pf)tter. Whitman sold the same in
1809 for S.'iOO, and three acres of land with it, it being his half of
the privilege, to Peleg Wilbur, Colonel Cicorge Arnold, and
1198 HISTORY OF WASUIXGrON AND KENT COUNTIES.
others. The name of the concern was then called the Washington
Manufacturing Company. This gave the name to the village,
which name it has since borne.
The village a few years ago had six small factories, but now
only four are running.
The Wa.shington Manufacturing Company built their first
mill in 1812. It contained l.ruX) spindles, and was a large mill
for those times. Colonel Peleg Wilbur, an able business man,
a good politician and a representative of the town of Coventry in
the legislature for a number of years, was chosen agent, a posi-
tion he held for three years until IS]."). The capital stock of the
company was divided into thirty-two shares. Among the share-
holders were Caleb Kilton and John Bis.sell. Mr. Bissell was a
miller and a man of more than ordinary natural abilities, and for
those times much of a mathematician. His opiniori was much
sought, and his decisions were generally final.
The mill was burnt down in 1820, together witli a saw mill,
grist mill, dwelling house, which was a tavern, and a calendering
mill on the opposite side of the river. It was a great fire. The
Washington Company owned twenty-four shares, and John J.
Kilton six .shares. These thirty shares comprised the whole
stock, two shares having been previously sunk. Colonel Peleg
Wilbur, Oliver C. Wilbur and Thomas B. Wilbur, three brothers,
now constituted the Washington Company, owning twenty-four
shares of the original privilege. They erected a stone factory
on the site of the one burnt in 1820, one hundred and tsventy-five
feet long, two stories in front and three stories on the river side,
with a good attic room, and started it with one hundred and four
looms and between 4,000 and 5,000 sjnndles. »
This mill has stood most of the time idle since 1873. George N.
Jacox afterward leased it for a period of four years, when he
failed.
The mill on the opposite side of the river was owned by Col-
onel Peleg Wilbur and Hon. Thomas Whipple, who did business
UTider the firm name of Wilbur cK: Whipple. They had a store
on the main street of the village and carried on business for
many years.
Hon. Thomas Whipple was elected several times one of the
senators under the old charter government and the present con-
stitution, and elected lieutenant-governor of the state on the
ticket with Hon. Henrv P. Anthonv. from 1811) to IS.")!. He was
HISTORY OF WASHINCTfiX AND KKNT ClJUNTIK?. 1199
an able man, a shrewd poh'licinn and a g'ciod statesman ; a gen-
tleman of great integrity and of noble prineijile. As a man of
sound judgment he had few sujicriors in the state. lie was the
father of the somewhat famous Cromwell \\'hip]5le, ^vho Un a few-
years figured so jn-ominently in the polities of Kent eountv.
This compan}- manufaetured yarn and cotton cloth. James &
Bowen in 1839 ])urchased the mill and continued tlie business,
but it has stood idle now for many years.
George H. Tyler & Co. are dyers and Ijleachers of woolen
yarns. I'hcy employ about thirty hands, and are oper.iting in
the factory built by John j. Kilton in \i^'.'>-2. The factory was
built sixty by thirty-six feel, two stories high, and ran. thirty-
two looms and about thirteen hundred spindles. It now has four
sets of cards and thirteen hundred and forty-four spindles. The
mills had stof)d idle a number of years. Mr. Kilton was the son
of John Kilton, who went down the bay with Commodore Abra-
ham Whipple and burned the Briti.sh sloop of war "daspee " in
June, ITT."). John Kilton operated the mill in a small way till
1850, then his son John J. took the business and continued till
1873, when nothing more was done with it till it was leased to
the present firm, George H. Tyler & Co., in 188L'.
Hines & Arnold about the year ISII), erected a machine shop,
about one hundred feet long and two stories high, but a few rods
below the Wa.shington dam, with abr)ut six feet fall, and made
machinery for the factories in the valley of the Pawtuxet. They
employed sixty men, which for those times was a large number.
The factories and this machine shop made AVa.shington one of
the liveliest villages in Rliode Island. Hines & Arnold failed,
and their machine shoji was turned into a factory. It was
first owned by Russell Chace and Martin .S. Whitman, but
not prospering in their business, ]\Ir. Whitman sold his h:df to
John Greene, of Centrcville, about 18:!:), and in a few years after
the Chace family bought Greene's half, and they run it them-
selves till 1810. Tile firm consisted of Ru.ssell Chace and his two
sons, Daniel and William Chace. They did not pro.sper. A few
.years afterward it was sold to Tully Howcn. After his death it
was sold to a ^Ir. Iliggins and others, who ran it a few years,
when it was burned some four or five years ago.
Russell Chace came here when a young man and li\'ed in the
village until he died July 18th. lJ-;."^i.'). In 18-Jl he went into the
manufacturing business. William Chace went into business
]2(,)0 HlSTCiKV OF WASHINGTON AND KKNT COUN'llKS.
with his father and his brother Daniel T. Chaec in IS Id ;ind re-
mained till 18.")."), when he went out.
The Muon mill stands on the site <.)f the old l>hie mill built b}'
'J'homas \Vhipple abont si.sty years ayo. 'I'he orii^inal mill was
r)(> by 20 feet, one and one half stories hiyh. Itw.as leased to
Joseph James, who operated it a few years for the mannfaeture
of stocking yarn. lie was sneceeded b}- Vaughn cV AVaimer and
they by Vaughn I.K: An gel 1. The mill w;is subsecpiently leased
to different parties. In ^S^l'.) Benj.amin Moon jjurehased the
property, the name of the mill was elianged to !Moon mill, and
the present structure was erected. In 1872 Welcome R. Arnold
leased the property and operated it a number of years. ]\Ir.
Aloon also bought another small facloi-y on the opposite side of
the river for a steam saw and shingle mill. ^Ir. Moon has a
machine shop in connection with tlie mill. He m;inufaetures
carpet warps, twine, etc. He employs about twenty hands. He
was born in West Greenwich in 1827.
The Washington store was of ver}' early date. Thomas Whip-
ple and Peleg AVilbur, Ray Johnson & Co., and Charles Moss
were traders in Washington Village, some of them ver_\- many
years ago. Joseph Cappell kept tavern in those da\'s, but the
house was burned about sixty-five years ago. In later times B.
H. Horlon & Co., in 1849 erected the building now used b}- (r.
W. Cutting. Colonel Wilbur, a gentleman of the old school, was
a member of the firm of Ilorton & Co. He began business a few
years before on the ojiposite side of the street, and traded there
awhile, licnjamin II. Ilorton was originally a school teacher
from Scituate. He was also active in Sabbath seho'.il A\»ork. He
died of apoplexy. B. H. Horton <.t Co. remained in business
some twenty years, when Mr. Ilorton bought up all Colc)nel Wil-
bur's interest and continued the btisiness some years.
John Chaec i!t Co., consisting of Chacc & Kilton, old under-
takers, succeeded in the store in ^March, 1881, and kept the post
office. They staid two }-ears and more, then moved where they
are now in ISS'A. In March, 1884, (1. W. Cutting came into tlie
old store. In 1887 Walter A. Kilton sold his interest to Mr.
Chace.who is now alone. Mr. Chaec took the post office in 188:>.
George J. Andrews and B. A. Sweet began trading in the vill.ige
and in 1884 Ralph & Shippee came, and in 1880 Peekliam cK:
Tuckci-. the present owners.
HISTORY OF WASlIIX(riOX AND KENT COUNTIES. ] 2( 1
The //(;/.'/■ ('/" A'.7//\vas liicatccl at lliu villaL;e of AVashing-Um and
was incoriKiratcd in Jinic, 181S, witli a cajiilai nf §.")(), (i(K). Caleb
Fiske was the first jiresidcnt and ]enks ]\andall was cdcLtcd
cashier at the same time. 'J"he bank eeased diseoimtin;:;,' papei'in
February, ]8(J7, and elosed up its Inisiness immediate]}- aftei"-
ward. The stoekh.olders received al>init fifty-lVmr dollars on a
sliare, the par vahie beiii;4 liffy dollars.
The Coventry National I Hiiik was organized in ]sri'2 with a capi-
tal of S3(),(»(HI, and witli Cliri.-.iopher A. AVhitm;in ]ircsident, and
Thomas A. Whitman cashier. In KSlir) it was reoi-ganized nnder
congressit)nal enactment as a national bank, with a capital stock
of $]0(),(K)().
l^hc Coventry Sav//{!;s IhiiiL- v.-as organized in 1872. The officers
consisted of eight directors, president and treasurer. Jolni Pot-
ter, Jr., was tJie first ynx'sident. and Edward li. Williams treas-
urer. The annual stalemcJil, made in 1887, 1)\" ^Ir. Williams to
the state auditor, reported the bank in liquidation.
The \Vashi)i;^toii Marl>lc Graiiito Worths were established by Or-
rin Spencer in 1882, at which time he oceuj^icd a site near the
Old Washington store building; in 18(18 he removed to the pi'es-
ent location near the railroad. Mr. .S]ieneer carried on the busi-
ness until about 1878, when Stephen F. Richmond purchased the
property. Mr. Richmond was married in ]8."'>2 to ISIary Ji. An-
drews and has five children.
WA.siiiiNtrrox I^lETiiODisr Ciiurc:ii. — This church is located in
the eastern part of Washington village. The society was origin-
ally chartered (in June, ]82o) as the I'irst Congregational eluu'ch
and dedicated in October, 18'j1. The church was organized with
a membership of six. The first pastor was R^everend Cilcs
Pearce. He continued his labors for about four years. A Jiew
charter was obtained in ]8.')0 under tlie style of the Christian
Union church, but for the last fifteen years or more it has been
known as the Washington ^.lethodisl church. Reverend Alex-
ander Anderson is the present pastor and is also supcrinlc-ndent
of the Sabbath school. Mr. .Vnderson succeeded Reverend iM'ed-
erick Baker.
CovEXTKV Mankiwcti Ki.\"(i Ci lM^AX^". - -" The Coventry }.Ianu-
factunng Company is one mile from Washington. The Coven-
try Company bought their ]iri\-ilege of Jacob Cireene, a brother
of the celebrated (ioneral Xathanael ( ireene of the re\'olutionary
army, for the sum of 81. •'''><>. < 'ctober 1-lth, 18(C).
70
1202 HISTORY ov WASiiixcrrox and kfxt couxtii:s.
" The stock of the company was divided into sixteen shares.
The following' yentlcmen composed the company, and lAvnud
the number of shares placed after their names: James liurrell,
three; Richard Jackson, John K. Pitman, AVilliam A'alentinc,
Richard Anthony, William Anthony, Xathan Jackson, t^\■o eaeli ;
Samuel Arnold, one.
" lion. James l^)urrell, b}' ,i;'eneral consent was classed amony
chc first men of the state. He was chosen for seventeen years
attornc)- general of Rhode Island, for several years speaker of the
house of representatives, chief justice of the supreme court, and
afterward senator in congress: a member of which he sickened
and died in the city of Washington, December 2r)th, 182<).
" Hon. ]\ichard Jackson, another of the proprietors of tlie Cov-
entry Company, ably represented this state in congress from
November 11th, 18(>8, to 181.^. He was president of the \Vashing-
ton Fire Insurance Company from its organization to the time of
his death. He was a gentleman of decided opinions, of sound
judgment, and at all times a reliable man. The late governor,
Hon. Charles Jackson, George Jackson, once editor of the Proii-
dcncc Journal, and Rev. IIcnr\' Jackson, 1).])., were his sons. The
late pious Phebe Jackson, lately deceased, was his daughter.
" Nathan Jackson, another owner, was a brother of Richard,
and likewise a noted man. He held the office of town clerk of
Providence for many years. Every official document that ema-
nated from the town authorities was signed ' Nathan Jackson,
town clerk." He was an honored member of the Society of
Friends.
"Samuel Arnold was an eminent merchant in Providence. He
was the father of the late Hon. Samuel G. Arnold, and grand-
father of Arnold Greene, Esq., of Providence, a distinguished law-
yer of this state.
"William Valentine, another owner, was likewise an eminent
merchant of Pro\'idencc, and acquired a large fortune for those
times. He was one of the founders of the Fall Ri\'er Iron
Works.
" Richard and William .Vnthony were sons of Daniel Anthony.
a noted surveyor and mathematician of his daw He, tijo, was ;i
• member of the Society of I'riends. William i\nthony was the
father of the late (Tcnend James G.Anthony, and of the late
Senator Hcnr\- 13. Anthonv."
HISTORY OK \VA?<IIINGTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. r203
Coventry Cextuk. — This little villaye is situated in the cen-
tral pan- of the town, on the Providence, Hartford and l''ishkill
railroad. It is the seat of the Peckhara Manufacturing; Company.
Coventry Centre was originally known as the Central l-actory,
which was built in IROD. Previous to this a grist mill and a saA\'
mill were running- here. These were blown down in the great
September gale of 181 5.
Quidnick Reservoir furnishes the water power for the mills at
this place and others on Flat river below. _Thc reservoir is a
natural pond of water, covering about four hundred acres of land,
and is about one hundred and fifty feet above the village. It is
fed by t\yo brooks. The river descends rapidly from the pond,
and in running one mile falls seventy feet and unites with an-
other brook running from the south. Tlie two run east to Cov-
entry Centre, where there is another large reseivoir, overflow-
ing what is called }iIaroon swam]j.
Joseph Wea^'cr o\\-ned the land here, on which were a saw
mill and a grist mill, probably erected as early as 17,")(t. In 1770
he sold his interests to Israel "Wilson, with fourteen acres of land.
for four hundred dollars. Wilson afterward bought of Nathan
Greene .sixty-nine acres additional, with two houses, for one hun-
dred dollars. Pie bought other lands, and in all owned one hun-
dred and twentv-thrce acres. lie owned and operated a grist mill
and fulling mill. His grandson, Israel Wilson, in 18-J.") sold the
pond and the fourteen original acres to the Ouidnick Reservoir
Company for thirty-five hundred dollars, for which his grand-
father paid seventy-five years before four hundred dollars. The
Quidnick Reservoir Company enlarged the pond, and it no-w fur-
nishes a constant supply of water for the mills below during all
the seasons of the year.
A forge was in operation here a hundred years ago, which
smelted bog iron dug in Maroon swamp. The forge and the
Wilson mills constituted the chief industries of the place prior
to the year Ipno.
Benjamin Arnold was born in 17-10. . He was the- father of
Lowry, Elisha, Welcome, Thomas and Owen Arnold, and great-
grandfather of Hon. Warren ('). Arnold, the member of congress
from the Western or Second district of the state. Lowry Arnold
built the Central Factory in 1800, which was tlie first cotton mill
here. It was subsequently purcliased by Reniamin Morse, who
continued the manufacture of varn. Gilmore, Kimball c\: ,\llen
1204 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES.
leased the property, and it subsequently passed into the hands
of Charles ]Morse, and afterward burned. Thomas Whipple was
manufacturing here in 184.").
In 1848 Pardon S. Peckham came into the village, and he
and his brother, Thomas C. Peckham, who subsequently arrived,
have been the leading men of the place since that time. In 1848
Mr. Pardon S. Peckham formed a partnership with ^Ir. .Spencer,
and Peckham & Spencer continued the manufacturing business.
In about one year Mr. Spencer sold out to Mr. Card, and the busi-
ness was continued by Peckham & Card four years longer, when
all interests were purchased by Pardon S. Peckham, and he op-
erated it alone from 18.54 to 18r)9. During the year last named
above the new mill was erected. It was 90 by 38 feet, three sto-
ries, and of sufficient capacity to give employment to about fifty
hands. In 18G4 an addition was erected 40 by 50 feet, and the
number of sets increased to eight. About the year ISGl Thomas
C. Peckham entered into partnership with his brother, Pardon
S., but subsequently the latter bought the former out and again
continued the business alone, Thomas C. going to Spring Lake. In
1865 there was a new corporation formed under the style of the
Peckham Manufacturing Company. It consisted of Pardon S.,
Thomas C. and John G. Peckham, and Hartwell&Co. The inills
owned and operated by the new firm were the two at Coventry
Centre and the mill at Spring Lake, which had been purchased
by Thomas C. Peckham. In 1870 Pardon S. Peckham traded his
interests in the mills at Coventry Centre for the mills at Spring
Lake, and from that time became the sole owner there.
From this time the Peckham Manufacturing Company has
continued the business at Coventry Centre. They now manu-
facture about $250,000 worth of woolen goods per annum.
They are running four sets in the upper mill and eight sets in
the lower one. They make cloth in the upper mill and yarn at '
the lower, and employ about one hundred and twenty-five hands.
The officers of the company are as follows: T. C. Peckham,
president ; H. F. Richards, treasurer, and M. H. Hartwell, sec-
retary. This companv is a serviceable one to the village.
They not only give constant employment to a large force of
help, but in a public-spirited way much has been done for the
village in the erection of tenement houses, a public hall, and
the maintenance of u well-stocked general store.
When Pardon S. Peckham came to the village in 1848, he pur-
HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX ANT) KENT COUXTIF.S. 1205
chased of Samiiel Arnold his store and his little grist mill. Tlie
latter was turned into a one-set woolen mill, and the store turned
into a tenement house about twenty-five years ago. (leorge R.
Bowen & Co., who operated the upper mill from 18-ir> to 1855,
had a store, liowen & Reynolds began trading soon after the
war. and are still in business. The Peekham ]SIanufaeturing
Company has kept a store since tlie year 187S. and ke])t tlie
post ofliee for some time. Israel Whaley also does a thri\"ing
trade here. He commenced in ]8S:!, and- is the postmaster.
He is a descendant of Tliomas Wh.aley, who came liere among
the very first settlers in the town, probably one hundred and
sixty years ago.
The Public Hall was built by Pardon S. Peekham about the
year J 853. The various societies in the place use it for stated
purjioses, as also the different churches. There is no church
building in Coventry Centre, but preachers of different denomi-
nations frequently hold services here. The hall is MO by 40 feet.
There is a flourishing .Sabbath school in the village which
meets in this hall.
Spkixc; Laki:. — This place is situated about one mile south of
Washington, on the Spring Lake brook, a tribut;iry of Flat
river. A mill was built here by Ezra Ramsdell ab.)Ut tlie year
1818, and was used for making warps. It bitrned inJ8:>o, and
was rebuilt by Christopher A. "Whitman, who admitted Gideon
B. Card as a partner, giving him a cjuarter interest in the busi-
ness. They manufactured cotton yarn. In 18G.") Thomas C.
Peekham & Co. purchased the property and improved the mills.
In 18G0 the Peekham ^Manufacturing Company, of Coventry
Centre, took Thomas C. Peekham into their company and pur-
chased all rights in the mills at Spring Lake, and the business
was then conducted by this large firm until 1870, when the
property again changed hands.
In 18G7 Paixlon S. Peekham gave up the business and moved
to AVatch Hill, ^vhere he remained five vears en account of his
health. In 1870 he traded his interest in the mills of Coventry
Centre for the one at Spring Lake, and in 1872 went into
business with his son, Samuel D. Peekham. They began v--ith
two sets. In 187.") they put in the third set, and other sets in
1877, 1880. 1884, until now there are six sets in all in the mill.
In 1881 they built the new mill for four sets, making ten sets in
all. They employ one hundred and fifteen hands at the jn'esent
12(16 HISIOKV OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES.
time. p. ,S. Peckhain and lii.s sons have carried on the 1)nsiness
under the firm name of P. S.l'eekham iS: Co. Tlie mills arc now
owned by Pardon S. Peekham, Jr., arid Samuel D. Peekham.
The products of these milks is knitting and stocking yarns of all
kinds.
^VII \[,EV.— 'J'his place is located about two miles distant from
Coventr)- Centre in a northwesterly direction. Thomas ^Vhaley
was the original settler there, coming to the place when every-
whcrearound was a wilderness and without a habitation. 'J'bomas
Wb.aley was a descendant of 'I'heophilus, whose histor}' has been
gi\-en in the preceding chapter. There are two branches of this
famil}'. the sou.lh bran.ch and llie Coventry branch of \\'halcys.
]]oth branches descend from .Samuel, son of Thcophihis. The
south branch e<_intains in ]i;ircntal line: 'Phefiphilus, Samuel,
Jeremiah. ]osf])li and l'>.ckiel. wlio died in March. 188S, aged 90.
The Coventry branch is as follows : Thcopliilus, vSamuel, Thomas,
Reuben and Isi'ael AVhalcy, the present postmaster of Co\-entry
Cc'itre. Samuel ^^'haley had two sons and fiPiC daughter. 'Jdioma.s
\Mualev, the si_>n of Samuel, look uj) a large tract of land here
and probably built tlic saw mill. This mill went down in the
time of Job Whaley, who was a very small bo}- T.\'hen his father
settled here. ]onatluan \\'hale\ at one time had possession of
the old ta\'ern now used as a residence, ^^■hich originallv be-
longed to Thomas Waterman and was where the town assemblies
were usually held.
In 1885 the town erected their commodious town house at this
place, and the business of the township was transacted here until
the records were removed to Washington village.
B.\Kci..\v. — This is a small hamlet, about one mile southeast
from Washington. In an early day Fones Potter manufactured
cotton 3-arn here in a two-story building, 30 by 40 feet. The
Anthonys then came in and extended the business. Jabez
Anthony first manufactured ropes and bandings, and was suc-
ceeded by his son William, in the same business, and he by
Edwin L. Anthony. The Anthonvs own a large reservoir here,
and have made important impro\-emcnts and additions to the
little old wooden building used by the Potters.
vSUMMlT. — The trading interests of this point dale back to the
building of the depot here in 18.")t;. 'Sir. Xichols built his
residence hert^ in 18.')."}, and liie next year the store. He was
station agent from 1S."')G to 1884, when he was succeeded by
HISTORY OF WASHIXCTON AND KENT COUNTIES. 1207
Ilalscy M. Tillin;^lj;ist,, the ])resent aj^ent. The followini^- lij-t
gives the storekeepers in the plnee, bef^'innini;- in ISnCi: (i. M.
Nichols, five years; Christoplier Carpenter, two )-e.'irs; 0. }.l.
Nichols, fi\-e years; II. S. A'.nnyhn ; Ci. M. Xiehols, five \'ears ;
A. H. Cornell, since ISS."). I\lr. Xiehols had the post ofliec twenty-
nine and one-half years, and was succeeded by Chester Franklin.
Mr. Nichols built the public hall in 1SS8. It is used for various
societies, meetings, etc.
The Order of I'atrons of Husbandry, Svimmit Grange, Xo, I.j,
meets here. It was organized X'ovcmber t.lLh, 1887, an.d now
numbers forty-one members. The chaplain is Mrs. Lucius A.
Cappell. Mrs. Alida Sweet is secretary, and K. A. Hall treasurer.
G. M. Nichols was the first chaplain.
Albert R. Johnson is blacksmith in the place, and Leonard R.
Matteso]! has a saw and .shingle mill. James Matteson ha.d a
saw mill near -Summit as carlv as T8L2.'
The CiiKls-riAX CnrKrn at Summit was organized Sei)leml)er
29th, ISO'J. Ciiles and Betsey Xiehols, Hiram and Hannah
Greene, Sarah Vaughn, Cynthia A. Waterman, ]ohn II. Austin,
Layton E.Seamans and Mercy Seamans were among the original
members, holder Caleb Tillinghast came here and {U'caclicd,
and was ordained here, at which time thirty-one were baptized,
and soon afterward ten more. AVilliam (J. Sweet, now of lli'oad
street, Providence, was the next pastor, lie was elected I'cb
ruary 22d, 1870. Following him came A. IX P.lanchard, two
years, then supplies until 1S87, when the present pastor, John
H. Carr, took charge. The church building is owned by a stock
company. Subscriptions were started in 1859, the building
erected in 1SG2 and finished in 1803, at a cost of $"0".
GRF.EXE.--This hamlet is in the western part of the town, and
is a station on the Providence, Hartford and Fishkill railroad.
The station Avas established here in 1856, and the business at
this point has had its growth since that time. It was named in
honor of General X'athanael (ireene bv the officials of the road.
In 18G7 Whipple V. Phillips, an enterprising citizen, erected a
saw mill, in which he jnit a shingle machine, a planer, and
st;irtcd a box factory, and carried on the business successful ly
for some years. In 1870 he erected a wooden structure -JO by 00
feet, two stories high. The lower story was used for a store-
room and tlic upper one was converted into a hall for religious
purposes. In 1877 the entire building was leased to the Gold-
1208 HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX AM) KF.NT COUNTILS.
sniilli (K: Whcatley Maniifacluriiig Compaii}-, wlio occiijjiud i)i>tli
stories in tlic manul'actui'e of hovn whalebone. 'J'his eomiiaii}'
empk)\-ed some fort\- operati\-es. and turned out nearly 2, (Kin
pounds of lione per week: but the business ilnalh- deereased, «^ '.
and has been discontinued fur years. \
Mr. Pliillips also kept store for a time in the house built b\- S. ■
G. ^^'ood. The house was l)uill pist before the war, but .Mr. \
Phillips ditl not t.ake charge of the store until fSCio. During' llie J.
war he li\-ed in a house now owned bv iJaniel 'I'illini^ha.st. lie [ .
kept store in all six }'ears, and was succeeded by Leonard 'J'il- i
ling'hast, who kept st(jrc about ten _\-cars ; then Amasa Tabor for |
two or three years. I'ollowin,*;- him came Benoni Lewis, where :
ISIr. Whitman kecjxs now. 'Idiis store was built by Caleb Jor- |
dan. Of those tradin;^- in the hamlet now Mr. C, T. Stone has |
the largest store, and is doing a good business in the old Phillips |
building. lie began in 1!SS(J. 11. .\. Whitman has been trading |
in Greene since xVpril (ith, 1882. C. S. Pi-own succeeded Oliver |
Lewis in a grocery store in 1882, and since Janiuiry, ]88('), has |
kept the post office. ?
The /o/u'r Lix/j^i.- was organized here January loth, 1870. They 1
have a larire society and are in a ilourishino condition. ?
A Methodist church building was erected in (ireene in 1870, i
but the society dates back to October 'M, 187o, when they had i
their first meeting. xVt that time (icorgc ^^', Rider, Lois A. Ri- }
der, Stephen S. Damon, II;innali A. Damon, Edward R. Rider, |
Lyman Davis, Serena Davis, lildward Pierce, I'lmcline E. Hop- | •
kins, Bessie A. Rider, limeline X. Griffith, Horace B. Wood, |
]\Lary F. Wo..d, Robie A. Phillips and :Mr. Whipple Phillips |
formed themselves into a church society for the purpose of \
holding religious services. Reverend George LIunt was their ;
first pastor. They worshipped first in ^^lasonic ILall, before the |
meeting house was built. They have no pastor nww. but enjoy I
occasional preaching In- pastors of other churchc;s. I
The station agent at Greene is X. M. Kennedy. The building j
tised for a dep(^l was m(_)ved from a sh<_irt distance below where i
it now stands. Years ago this building \s-as used as a wood . ■
station. i
Mr. Thomas Wilco.x operates a saw mill. It was put up in {
1887. yir. li. (t. Wood owns a blacksmith shop, and carries on ]
wagon making to a limited extent. \
HISTORV OF WASIIIXGTON AND KI-ZNT COUNTIES. J 2(1!)
FAiRiiAXKs. -This is a little hamlet where the :\lo(isiip river
crosses the Proviclenee and Norwieh mad. Mr. Thomas iUanel)-
ard commeneed biisine.ss here alxiut isoo. 1 Ic inviied a saw mill,
a g-rist mill, a carding- maehine and a fulling- mill. In IS'-T) be
sold ont to !•:. G. Fairbanks. Colonel :MeGreoor, who eommanrT-
ed at the execution of Major Andre, kept a taveni a short dis-
tance west of here in an early day. The sword lie r,sed on that
occasion is still kept in tlie family, Jeremiah :\le( ircgor, his son,
sticcecded to the business, and in ]8:jl hung out his temiierance
sig-n, and this was known as the lirst temjicrance tavern in the
town. Jeremiah .S. McGreg-or now owns the estate, lie is also
in possession of a museum of valuable relics, most interesting to
those who have had the plea.sure of seeing- them.
, Hopkins" Ilni. low.— This hamlet is situated about two miles
south of Greene Station. It consists of a small collection of
dwelling.s, has a store, a grist and saw mill, and a church, built
in 1SG9, being- a branch of the Rice City church. This part of
the town was first .settled by the Rices. Captain Rice built a saw
mill, also a g;vist mill, near the present one. lie erected the lirst
hou,se in the vicinity. His first mill was torn down to make room
for the .second one, which was taken away in 1847, for the third
one. His mill was replaced about the year bS^o bv one built by
Jeremiah Hopkins and his son Samuel. Ambrose S. Ho])kins
bought out his father and brother, and built another mill fur-
ther down the stream. S. Rathbun and William Pierce more
recently came into po.ssession of this property.
Harris.- This important manufacturing village is situated a
short di.stance above Phenix. It received its name from Governor
Elisha Harris, who represented bis town of Coventry in both
branches of the legislature under the old charter government,
and was governor of the state from 1847 to 1849. His brother,
John Clarke, was a social and gentlemanly inan, and ro.se in the
militia to be a brigadier-general. Governor Harris first started
manufacturing here in 18-2-2.
In 1809 Xathan Potter was the owner of a farm where the
village of Harris is now. His dwelling house was located where
the residence of Mrs. Christopher R. (Greene is situated. It was
the only house from the house near the Lanphear machine shop
to Arkwright village. \\'hen Harris village was built he sold
the company a number of acres fronr the northeast part of his
farm. At his death the property descended to his heirs, who
■J210 HISTDUY OV WASllIXGTON AND RENT COUXTiKS.
occupied the place a lunnlier o( years, wlieii it was si^d to tlie
Harris Conipan)-.
Elislui Harris resided in the lnuise standing- on Ihe nertli side
of the hiylnvay opjiosile the store in ids \-illa<4C, nnlil he Lniilt a
more comniodiuiis liouse at tlie nerthwest side of tlic \-illa!:;e,
where he resided until liis deatli, \vln\li eeeiirred l'\-bniary tst,
1801, in the seveiitietli year el' his a;j;e, leaving' a widow and two
daughters. Sarah Taylor Harris, widow of (lovernor Harris,
died in July, 18S3. (h.n'ei'iior Howaril inipro\-ed the house and
grounds by raising uj) the hou.se and Iniilding another story
under it.
Caleb Atwood & Sons built a small stone mill building, two
stories high, where the Lanphear machine shoji is now, about
the year 181 13. The stone building ^\'as used for a cotton factor)-,
and for some cause was called the l)umi)lin' Mould. In ]y-2-2 the
estate was divided betv.een Caleb and Daniel .Atwood. and a
few years afterward fell into Daniel Atwood's possession., a.nd he
built a two-stfiry house nearly opyxisite where Harris i.^- Com-
pany's office is now. He died June 4th, 18-11. This property
was purchased also liy the Harris Comjiany, and in 18.')1 David
Harris erected a fine house on the site from whieh this house
was moved.
August 'Jd, 18"i], Elisha Harris bought of Ceorge Ihirton one
undivided half of a lot of land in Coventry on the north side
of the north branch of the Pawtuxet river, cont;tining five
acres and eight rods; also onc-quartci- of an acre on the south
side of the ri\-er, between land of Xaihan Potter and Ivsick
Edmunds, for the sum of SlJdO.
November 4th, 1821, William Hines sr)ld to Elisha Harris qne
undivided half of two kits of land and water privilege in the
town of Coventry.
After securing a water privilege he built a dam on the north-
west part of his purchase, and dug a trench some ."">()(> feet long
to convey the water from the ]X)nd to where he l)uilt a factory,
about 34 by od feet, on the southeasterly part of his purchase
near the Atwo<.)ds' land, and commenced the manufacture of
hea\'y cotton sheetings for family use, which had a ready sale.
In the northeast end of the factory he h.'id a store wliere were
kept groceries for su]ipl\ ing the ]iersons working in the factory.
As the bu^;ine.ss jiroved successful addititins were made to the
factory until it now measures :54 bv b'O feet, witli two ells, one
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON .AND KENT COUNTIES. 1211
of which is 2^ by -1-1 fcL-t, tlic other -lO by 37 feet. AVhcn the
room- occupied by the store was wanted in wliieh to ])hice ma-
chinery, a stone l.)uildin_i;' "\\'as erected between tlie factor}- arid
the highway, frontin;^- northerly on the highway, and the L;oods
moved from the factory into it, and is now nscd for a store.
September 1st, 182.'i, he sold ti.> his brother, John C. Harris,
one undivided fourth jiart of all his right, title and interest
unto two lot.s of land 1joth cont.ainiiig fi\'e acres and forty rotls
on both sides of the river, dam, trenchvs. cotton factory and
machinery thereon, for tlic sum of S1,(KH). August 12th, ISL'.j,
George Burton, administrator on the estate of Ck'orge Atwood,
sold to Elisha Harris thirteen acres and eighty rods of land.
January loth, 1,S-1I, John C. Harris sold to l->lisha Harris all iiis
right, title and interest in the factor)' and lands.
May 11th, 18-11, the property of iJaniel Atw(.K)d was sold, in-
cluding the factor}' pri\-ilcge and Ijuildings, and came into the
possession of IClisha Harris, who had tlie dam rcmfjved and tlie
factory building torn dnwn, and the stone used in building the
foundation for tlie machine shop, which was built in IS 10 by
the Harris ilanufaeturing Compan}', ;ind occripie(.l January 1st,
1847, by Levalley, Lanpliear & Company.
In 18,")] Elisha Hari'is built a new stone mill, 48 by 174 feet,
with an ell 42 by 43 feet, some distance below his old mill on
the north side of the highway. He was several years engaged
in preparing the trench to take the water from the sanic pond
that supplied his iirst mill, allowing it to run jiast the mill and
around the side hill and crossing the highway aliovc the Ea.n-
phear machine shop.
In 18G0 and 1801 the Harris Company built a stone dam about
400 feet below the old one. In the Hood of' 1880 this dam v.-as
damaged by washing away one of the abutments, and in repairing
it the roUway was lengthened 40 feet, making it now.l,-i() feet in
length. At the ]\Iay session of the general assembly, 180,"), an
act of incorporation was granted to Henrv Howard, I)a\'id vS.
Harris, Alliert S. Callup and lulwin C. rTalluii, incorporating
them as the Harris [Manufacturing Com[)any. .Subseciuently ~Slv.
Hiirris and the ^^lessrs. (lallup retired, their interest being ac-
quired by tlie famil}- of the late Covernor Harris, since which
time, though the business has been carried on as a cr)rporate
enterprise, the ownerslnp has Ijcen in the family. The olTiccrs
at this writing are: H. Howard, president ; E. C. Bucklin. treas-
]21"i niSTdKV or \vasi!i\(;to\ and kknt counties.
iirer, and E. M. Howard, ac;-ciU. In l.'^S:! an addition of stone
7i) by IT") feet was built to the stone mill and used for ^vea\•ini4■.
The preparation of both mills, wliieh eontain Hl.icJS s]iin(lks,
the weave shop havin;^' 40S looms, making l)oth plain and twilled
eloth. P.oth mills are heated bv steam, and eaeh has a Corliss
enj^'ine for use in the summer when the water fails. The head
and fall of the old pri\'ile;>"e is less th.an tliat at the stone or new
mill; that bein^' further down the stream, ineludes what was the
Atwood priviley;e, and has ■j(ir,/n feet head and fall.
The Lanpliear Alaehine Slnip i.s the most extensive mannfae-
tory of this kind in town. Ivlisha Lanphear first boui^ht land oji-
posite the Harris Com]>any's mill and machine shop November
nth, 1S48, and on Deeembcr 1 jth, twenty acres of this land was
conveyed to David S. and FJisha Harris. ^^lareh 2i.)lh, bsCw,
Elisha Lanphear bought of William C. Ames land lyinj^- east (.)f
lii.s former purchase and adjoining it, and then sold one half of
the same to Henry Howard and tlic}- platted this land int(j house
lots and laid out Lincoln avenue.
After iMr. Babcock had removed from Phenix, Robert Leval-
ley, Thomas P. Lanphear, Elisha Harris and Oiles vSpeneer
formed a copartnership by the name of " Levalley, Lanphear &
Company," and continued the building of machinery in the same
building vacated by Mr. Babcock until January 1st, 1847, when
the Harris Manufacturing Company having erected a building
on the land where the Atwood factory formerly stood, Le\'alley,
Lanphear <!t Co. moved to this building and the old machine
shop was moved by Benjamin C. Harris on the lot he owned op-
posite Spencer Block and fitted u}) for business purposes, where it
remained tmtil May :24th, 1871, when it was destroyed b}' fire*
Levalley, Lanphear & Co. continued the building of machin-
ery at the latter place until May, 18('i7, when Thomas P. Lan-
phear, Lloratio A. Stone, hxlwin Johnson, Henry Howard and
Thomas J. Hill were incorporated by the name of "The Lan-
phear Machine Comjianv." and the Inisiness continued b\' the new
eompanv, Robert Levalley and Elisha Harris having died prev-
ious to the compan_\' being ineorjioi'ated. After the company
- was incorporated thii business became depressed and after con-
tinuing a number of years the Lanphear Machine Company gave
up building machiner\' and some of the stockholders sold their
stock.
HIST(:>RV OF WASniNC.TOX AMi Kl'NT COUNTIES. 1218
AUKWKi'.irr.- -Tin's llMurishiiig- ni:ini,;f;icUiring' villai^'c derives
its name from Richanl Arkwriylil, llu- great I'^nglisli in\-entor
and mainifaeUirer. It is situated in the extreme norllieastcrn
part of tlie town.
April :!d, ISOl), James De Wolf, of liristol, Doetor Caleb FiskP
and his son I'liiliji M. I'iske-, <jf Seiluate, and Asher Rol.)liins, at-
torncy-at-law, residing in Newport, bfinght of h^lisha Arnold
four and a half aei'es of land in the northeast eorncr of the town
of Coventry.
April 0th, ]8()n, another purchase %vas made of jabez and
James I'nrlingame of twenty-live acres, "with the mill seat and
water privilege thereoii, partly in Cranston and ]iartlv in Cov-
entry, and on both sides of the river and including the whole
stream."
April 2r)lh, J 8(10, another purchase was made from Nathan
Potter of 12 acres 47 rods. Having obtained the whole water
power of the river having a head and fall of 2:!r'.Mi feet, a dam
was erected acro.ss the river on the westerly jiart of the land
purcha.sed, and a factory Iniill on the southeasterlv ])art on the
south side of the river in the town of Coventry, and put in oper-
ation in 1810. A little below the dam a ])icker house was built,
where the cotton was prepared for carding and carried down to
the factory. The picker house stood between the trench and
the river and used the water fnjm the trench to ojicrate its
wheel. The parties formed themselves into a companv to be
known as the Arkwright Company and named the village Ark-
wrig-ht.
November 21tth, 18:!2, James De Wolf sold to AVilliam ^l. Cooke
a bleach house and other improvements for the sum of S17.U(!(),
"tog-ether with all the shafts, drums, calendar!^, boilers, pres.=es,
wheels, fixtures, machinery and appendages of every name or
nature, attached to or belonging to said bleach house ; also a
dwelling house and other buildings on the opposite side of the
highway: also, the fountain used for supplying said bleach
house with water, which said fountain is situated about h;ilf a
mile from the works, together with the leaden jiipes leading to
said bleach house : also, the right to use and draw from the liond
all the redundant oj- surplus watei- after fully supjdying the two
cotton mills and two picking houses belonging to the grantor:
the said grantee immediately to stoj) drawing water from said
mill pond when the same is needed for said cotton mills and
1214 HISTORV OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KENT COUNTiriS.
pickers; the c;-r;iiitor shall, at his own expense, keep the clam in
repair, reserving- the right in fill np the mills with niaehiner}'.
And it is further understdod, that tlie grantee, his heirs or as-
sign.s, shall ereet no grist mill, saw mill, nui" keep an\- tavern,
except a boarding- house for his own people, ncn- keej) any store
or slioj) for retailing goods i>f an}- kind lexeei^t that he ma}- fur-
nish his work people with }n-o\-isions and groceries for the use
of their faniilics) upon said premises, nor use nor occupy any
building now erected for any of the abo^■c purposes."
Mr. Cooke continued the bleaching business and added thereto
the printing of calico, and associated with himself (George ].
Adams, and they carried on the business until July, IS-ll), when
the works took fire and ^\'ere entirch' eoi'isumed and were not
rebuilt.
In 1822 another factory, loo by :]2 feel, 41 slories, was built
near the first factory and jnit in operation in 182-J. After tljc
death (.)f James 1)c Wolf the factories were rented to Crawford
Allen & Company. August, ISol, the first mill that was Ijuilt
■was destroyed by fire and was not rebuilt. Several dwelling
houses were built on the n(n-th side of the river in the town <A
Cranston.
December 'kl, ISol?, William A. Howard, senior, bought of
William Bradford DeAWdf for $8,1 oO, one undivided quarter part
of the Arkwright estate, and of !Mark Anthony DeWolf another
quarter part of said estate for ,s8,lo0, and purchased of the other
heirs of James DeWolf the remainder of the Arkwright estate,
and commenced manufacttiring, his son, Wdlian-i A. Howard,
Jr., residing in the village in said house as agent of the estab-
lishment. Aftci- the death of his father, an act of ineorpor;Uion
-was obtained at the ]May session of the general as.sembly in 1871,
incorporating- William A. floward, Henry T. Grant, Henry How-
ard and their associates by the name of the Arkwright Manu-
facturing Conijiany, for the ]-)ur}jose of manufacttiring cotton and
other go(-)ds. After the death of Willian-i ^\. Howard, Jr., the
estate passed into other h.ands, and at the ^lav session of the
general assembU', 188:), another act of incor])oration was obtain-
ed, incorporating ." lulvvard C. Pjueklin, h^lisha H. Howard, Wil-
liam 1". Sayles, I'rederick C. Sayles and Henry Howard by the
name of the Arkwright Con-ipanv, for the ]iurpose<jf transactii-ig
a general business in the manufacture and sale of textile faljrics,
the bu\-ing, selling and grinding of grain and other business in-
HISTORY OI" WASUIXGTOX AXIi KKNT COU.VIIF.S. ]2ir)
cidcnlal Iherelo." The sum of $180 paid b\- Uic Arkwriyht Com-
pany in-lS7] as a stale tax on t!ie ehcirter, was apj^ropriatcd toward
the tax on tliis eliarter, to pa^■ S;"-}() ni<_)re, the yenci'al treastirer to
give receipt in fuH. ]\L'i)' r)th. ISS'!, the name of tlie eompam'
was changed to " Interhirkin ^Mills," and is now known by that
name.
A new dam has been bniU of stone further down the rixx-r,
nearly (opposite tlie old school house, taking the place of the dam
built to operate the grist mill and sa\\' mill. The machinery
operating the saw mill has been taken out, .and the grinding of
grain only remains. In IFSI! buildings of brick \\ei'e erected be-
t*veen the grist mill and the dam, which are used f<.>r d\-eing and
finishing the goods m.ide in the uiill aljove, which has Ci.i't')Vi
spindles and l-Jo looms, making (ilxlij 4-1 inch goods; which,
after being colored and finished, are used for book cloth and
Holland shades. A. S. Ordwa}' is president and li. C. l>ueklin
treasurer. vV building for a store w;is built sevci-al years since
near the grist mill and occupied bv lloxic brothers, who furnish
dry goods and gniceries to the workmen of the mills and othei-s.
Black Ruck. --This place is situated between Anthony and
Arkwright on the east side of the ])ublic highway. Fones pond
is on land now occnined by Charles Stone. This farm in 1814
was owned by Foiies (ireene. March Nth, 1814. William (ircene,
William F. Greene, Samuel Creene, William (.ircene, jr., and
Jeremiah Greene agreed to enter into the manufacture of cotton
by the name of the lilack Rock Cotton [Manufacturing Company.
William F.Greene was aj)pointed principal agent at Providence,
and William Greene, Jr., was appointed agent at the factor}-. To
secure all the water needed the company entered into agreement
with Fones Greene to ditch his pond for their benefit.
The Ijlack Rock Company erected a small wooden building
and used it several years, but did not find the business profitable,
and April 0th, 18-J4, AVilliam V. Greene. Samuel Greene, James
Greene and William Greene, for 8-"">. '^old the factory privilege
and buildings to Xicholas C Potter, who used the factory for a
machine shop, and the estate is now owned by his son, Edwin
W. Potter. The stream of water, after passing this ]3lace, su]5-
plies the ]i.>wer for operating the maehiner\- in Pearce Ih-others'
factory, and empties into the north branch of the I'awtuxct river,
opposite the Lanphear machine shop.
1210
HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX AM) KENT COUXTIKS.
llliiCUAl'IIK \I. sKI/rcili;
Sri;i'iii:x Wa'i.s' 'X ( Jkii fin. iJen jamin ( "irinin, the i^Tandfalhcr
of Steplici; W. (Irillin, was a farmer in the town of \\'cst. (irccn-
wicli. r,y his marriage to .Mar\' Watson were horn two ch.ildren,
a son, lienjamin, and a dain^hter, ] )oreas. wlio l)eeaine the wife
of Jesse ^\'ood. lienjaniin ( iriflin, who was born l)eeeinlier J-ltli,
]7iJ8, in West Grcenwieii. settled on a farm in Ivxetcr, and mar-
ried Ivlizabeth, dati^hter of David and ]-:ii/.abelh (Gardner, of
South ]vinL;slown. 'J'heir ehiildreii were: Xieholas, Benjamin,
Jose]ili, Stephen \V.. Lewis, J-^li/.abetli, 'J'litjmas [., ]\[ar\' A., Ciai d-
ner W., William W., ( k-'iri^e A., and Al)by A. .Mr. (".riflin's death
oecurred April 2(itl., 1870, and that of his wife ( )etober Mth,
IcSo].
"J^heir fcnirtli son, Stephen AN'atsor,. was born August iid, ]S-?(i,
in I'^xeter, Washington eoiml}'. at tliat time the residenee' of his
parents. In eatly }-outh he remo\-ed to Cranston, his home un-
til the age of fotirteen, when tlie family loeated iji poster. Here
he was variously ot-eujjied for friur years, when the \oung m.an
at the age of eighte'cn began the battle of life, with no other eap-
ital than a sturd)' will and a suffieiently vigortjus eonstittition to
enable him to render his labor self-sup])orting. His first effort
was in the direetion of farm lalior, with the fall and winter
months devoted to sehool. lie thirs aecjuired m(jrt' than a ma.s-
tery of the I'lnglish branches, and ^\■as soon litte(.l to take eharge
of a neighboring school. lie at this time learned the trade of
brick m.aking. Mr. Ciriflin, howe\-er, early fotiiid another avenue
of usefulness open to him, and abandoned his trade to becon^c a
town oftieial. As a re]iubliean he was elected to the oflice of
town and probate clerk o( L\:ivcntr\'.and has each sueceeding yefir
been re-elected. He has, bv hisiidelit\', aectiracv arjd cijtirtes\-, witn
the regard of the puljlic, and stands in trusted and confidential
relations with mariv of his townsmen. He has also for t\vel\'e
years been clerk of the school committee of Cm-entrv. He is a
member (.f }vlassaclursetts Lodge. Xo. IL', of Free and Accepted
^Masons, of Anthony, and of Anthonv Lodge, Xi'. 'Jl , <^{ the Inde-
pendent ( li'dcr of Odd Lellows. He at lite age of seventeen bo-
came a member oi the Laplist eluirch of Sterling, Conn., and
now worshijis with and aids in the support of the Methodist
lipiscopal eluirch (.f Washington.
Air. Ciritlin. in the winter of IS."i"J. married Adeline .\., daugh-
ter of Hazard and Sarah Chamjilin, of Wa.^hington. Their ehil-
"2S
-taJe^ jj^iA^lfUn),
HISTORY OF WASIIINCTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 3217
dix-n ,'ire : ]ill;i !•" ranees, born July "iOth, ly.")."), and Sarah Eliza-
beth, whose birlh oeeurred July Ttli, JS.")7. Their nepliew. ( "lard-
ner \V. (Triflin, who resided willi ihem, was born April r20lh, ]i<(>i),
and died .May -J7th, ISSO.
J'^MIN J. Kii.TtiX. — The Kiltons came from England and settled
in Providenee. .\t a eonlla'^ralion of their d^\■ellinL; house in
Pr(n-idenee the early reeords of the family were destroyed.
Some of t!ie family wei'e buried in the XcnTh liurial (iround.
Tiiomas Kilton resided in Pro\-idenee, ^^dlere he died May 1 1th,
1749, aj^ed fifty-nine years. His son, Thomas, was born in
Providence, and married Sarah Pearee, sister of Samuel Pearee,
of Prudence island, who was the father of I)utee J. I'earcc.
Tliomas Kilton, like many ambitious youn;:^ men of his time,
chose a seaman's life, and rose bv the usual gradations to the
command of a vessel. Durint^' a tempestuous g-ale his bark was,
in 17."')3, wrecked on Cape Preton. As the unfortimate sc?amcn
were washed ashore by the breakers they were siirroimded by
savag'e Indians, and all. e.Kceptiny the mate, b.irbaroush' mur-
dered. Sylvanus Hopkins, son of Stephen Hopkins, one of the
signers of the Declaration of Independence, was one of the eix-w,
and suffered death. The mate returned to the colony with the
sad news of the slaughter of his comrades. The widow of Captain
Thomas Kilton, with her onl}- child, a son, resided in Prox-idence,
and was teacher in a school, of which Silas Downer was the
principal, whom she afterward married and had foui' daiighters.
Mr. Downer was a man of literary taste and ability, and was
prominent in the early histor\- of Providence, where he deli\-ered
a discourse at the dedication of the 'Ih-ee of I^ibcvty. Ivxtravagant
in his habits, he soon spent the property left his wife by lier
first husband. Consequently her son was in early life thrown
upon his own resources.
John Jenckes Kilton, onlv son of Captain Thomas and Sarah
(Pearee) Kilton, was born in Providenee ^^lareh 1st, 17-1'.), and.
there learned the trade of a tailor, at which trade he worked
most of his life, and by which and farming he supported him-
self and family. He was one of the her<.)cs vcho opened the great
drama of the .American revolution. In June. 1772, he, with a
brave party disguised as Indians, and led b\- John Prown, of
Providenee, boarded the British revenue sloop "Gaspee" and
set her on fire. He was fre(iucntly in service during the war
which followed, and was in Sulli\'an's expedition to the island of
77
121S iiisTOia' or WAsinxcnox axd kicnt counties.
Rhode Island in ITT."-!. lie mi'-AX'd from Providciu-c to Scituntc
in 1772, and afterward remo\-ed to (Nnx-ntrv, npun a farm a milc
north of \\'aslTiny'trin, where, witli his fainil}-, Iil- s])eiit tlie i"e-
mainder of his life. In 1771 he married Sar.di, daii!_;litor of
Franeis and .Sarah iPliillips) l!ra\'t()n. bh^neis Ihax'ton, when a
l.'id. nii^; rated with Ids elder l)r(iiher,'idi<)rnas, fnvin tlie island of
Rhode Island. Tlun' ^\■erc the hrst settlers in \\'ashiii,c^ton, and
from them it was first ealled l!i'a\'tontown. Here he resided till
he died. May, 1781,aL;ed sixty-three years. His body, with those
of his wife, ehiklren and grandehildrcn, three infant sons of his
daug-hter, .Sar.ah i l)ra\-ton) Kilton, are interred in the yard of the
Methodist ICpiseoi);d eluireh in W'.ashington. John Jenekes
Kilton died h'ebrnary 'iSth, IS-21, aged scventy-li\-e years. Ik-
was bnried on a spot seleeted 1)\' him on his own land as his
family burial jilaee, and n<i\v lies in Woodland eemetery. His
wife Died Deeember 1 st, 1S:;2, a;.;eil ei;.4dit\'-one \-i.';irs, and was
buried b\' his side. The}- h;id twehe ehiklren, of ^vhom three
.sons died in infa.nev.
John |. Kilton was born lanu;Lr\- t?-lth, I7SS. His ehildhood
Avas spent at his father's h.ome on the farm. He attended the
common sehools in his ntM(.diborhood, of whieh at one time his
sister lietsev was teaeher, and after\vard Sj)ent one oi' two terms
at the ;ieadem}' in I'lainlield. CNnineetieut. He worked on the
farm, and later bceanie an apprentiec under his eldest brother,
Thomas, to learn the earpenter's tr.ide, boardino^' in his family in
Washington. He worked ;it this and the maehinist's tr.ade till
over forty years of age. living in Arkwright a portion of the
time. In Deeember, 1S'J7. he married lane ]Me?vlurray, onh- elnld
of iVlexander and Ha.nnah H3ennett) ]\Ie]Murra}-. In April, ISl".),
he, with his wife, removed to AVashington, being employed as
maehinist by the AVashington ^lannfaeturing Company, who
owned a mill on the north side of the river, with fonr-lifths of
the water power. He afterward ])urcliased the remaining one-
fifth of this w.ater jiowerand land on the; south side of I he river,
in 1S;>1 built a mill, and the next year eommeneed wea\ing eot-
ton eloth. l!y the adviee of his friends, Governor Elisha Harris
and yiv. D.avid WJiitnian, he eommeneed the m;inuf;ielure of a
style of goods unlike nnx in the m.arket, earefully seleeting and
using the best kind of eotton. The Kiltem sheetings soon gained
a wide repul:ition, and orflers were reeei\'ed faster than eoukl
be filled. For them he reeei\ed many cliphjmas from the Rhode
'■ ./S^^^-
HISTORY OF WASllIXrnO.N' AND KICXT COUNTIF.S. ]'2I9
Island vSociety for the l^ncourag-cment of Domestic Industry, of
which he was for many years a member; and also fiom tlic
American Institute, New York. The latter, in IPo'i, awarded
him a silver niedal for the best brown shcctini^- then made. lie
had, by economy, been able to save onl}' an amount o\' mone'-
snfticient 1(j pa_\- for the kuid and water pri\'ile<;e, and wheii the
rnill was built and filled with machinery was in debt; )-et he
had no difficult)- in purchasin;^" all the slock and supplies needed
to commence work, yiviuL;- his note for eifjht months, without
indorser or security. For twenty years he h;id the entire man-
agement of this business, emplo3-ing no ai;ent or bookkeeper.
He bought the supplies for the mill, kept the l)(Hiks,and paid the
help, depending upon no watchman, but going through the mill
twice each night after wijrk had ceased, lie pmspered, and was
soon able to pay his entire indebtedness. Mr. Kilton then pur-
chased an estate near tlu' mill, and in IS 10 erected a house,
.where, with his familv, lie lived during the i-eniainder of his
life. After conducting the business about twcnt}- years he re-
linquished the management to his son. who bore his father's
name, and who finally leased the nril! in-operty. The last }-ears
of his life were devoted to farming, for which he retained his
early fondness.
He was for man\' years a director in the I'.ank of Kent, which
position he held until the institution was closed. He was also a
director in the Warwick Institution for Savings. IlewasaAvhig
and republican, and a ]i\\v and order man at the time of the Dorr
rebellion. He was neither a politician nor an office seeker. He
was identified with the anti-slaver}- reform ^\hen to be an aboli-
tionist rendered a man unpopular. He was always interested
in the temperance cause, and a member of 'the first temper-
ance society in his native town. Mr. Kilton took a deep in-
terest in the cause of education, was main- years a trustee of the
public school, and did much toward its impro\-emciit. He was
not a member of any church, but a bclie\-er in the truths of di-
vine revelation and a reader of the P.ible. He was a constant
attendant on public worship, and never al)sent from tlie ch'arch
on vSunday unless detained by sickness. He jjrcferred the Meth-
odist Episcopal church, of which his wife and his three elder sis-
ters were incmbers, and mainly through hisinlluence the church
property in Washington, of which he at the time (iwncd nearly
one-fourth, <«yas given to the Methodist lipiseopal church.
]220 HISTORY OF y\"acii[nc;to\ and Ki:xr cou.xtiks.
He o-ave liljcrally for the support f)f the church and for benev-
olent and charitable purposes: was modest, unassumini; and
cautious. His word was as i^ood as his bond. He was not bril-
liant, but dispkued ,c;"ood cc>nimon sense and business capacity,
lie was hospital)!e. felt a strong' attachment f(ir his family and
friends, and was a kind husband, father and brotlier. l!is death
cx'curred July 7th, It^T.'i. lie was buried in tlie familv burial lot,
now in Woodland Cemetery, whcix- a pkain granite montnnent
is erected to his memory and that of his wife, who died Jul}'
'27th, 1877. A scjn and daughlei' survi\e their jiarcnts.
Cli.vki.Ks ]\1ai'I i:s< lV, of Providence, associate justice of the su-
preme cc5urtof the state, is a native of the town of Co^'entr^■, and
was born March 21st. IS-K). He is a son of Asahcl and Julia M.
(Johnson) ^lattcson, of Anthony. Asahel Matteson, a native of
West Cireenwii,h, was a merchant at Ivseohcag, nfterw ard at Rice
City, where the s;d)ject of ov.v sketch was born ; and subsequerdly
in tlie cit\- of Providence, lie nt)W resides in tlie town of Cov-
cntr\-, where he cn)oys the confidence of the ]ieo])le, and v^'hel"e he
has held several important trusts. He was president of the Cov-
entry National Hank of Anthony for ten or twelve years, trustee
of the Coventry Savings liank, and also state senator from that
town for a number of years. Mrs. Julia M. Matteson is the
daughter of I'zal Johnson, \\dio Avas a resident of Lyme, Conn.
Judge -ilattcs(.>ii receiA-ed a liberal education, both in the lit-
erary and legal departments o"f learning, being a graduate of
BroAN'u University and a student of Harwird Law School. Ide
took his preparatory e(jurse of instruction in the Providence Con-
ference Seminary, now East (jreenwich Academy, and in
the Hniversity Cirammar School, Providence, graduating from
the latter institution in 'l8.-)7. In the meantime he clerked for
his father in his store in Anthony for two years. The cippor-
■ tunities here afforded the young student for reading character
from the miiltitude of faces that came and went from that jdace
of business, modified by so manv conditions and circumstances
in life, were not only educational in their tendencies, but the
advantages herein afforded did much ti> qualify the judge for
that high position, he has so long and al)lv lillcd on tlic bench.
In the fall of lS."i7 he was matriculated for Umwu l'ni\-ersily
and in 1801 he graduated from that institution with the degree
of A. M. In the year 18(;i he entered the olfice of Wingate
Hayes, U. S. district atton^y, and beg-an the study of law. He
./C.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES. 1221
was with I\Ir. Ilaycs two years and then entered Harvard Law
school. Here lie remained another year and then returned to
the office of Mv. Haves, and on January 'Jth, 180-1, he was admit-
ted to the bar of the supreme court of the state of Rhode Island.
From this time until his election as ass(3ciate ju.stice he prac-
ticed law, part of the time on his own account and then as a
member of the law firm of Hayes & ]\Iatteson. His success at
the bar y-aininy for him the confidence of his brothers in the
profession led to his election as associate justice; of the suiiremc
court of the state February ] Jth, 1875. (^n February 28tli, four-
teen years ag-o, he took lhe oath of office qualifying- him for the
duties of the bench, and he has held that position ever since.
Augu.st 2d, 1872, Judge^Iatteson was married to Miss ISelle,
daughter of Paul and vSally (Covil) Hincs of Warwick. Her
father was for many years superintendent of the IJrayton Foun-
dry at River IV.int. Three children were the result of this mar-
riage : Archibald C, George A., and Paul. At the time of his
marriag-e judge Matteson resided in Coventry, and froni tliat
town was elected senator in 1871, and re-eleetcd in 1872. In
1872 he removed his residence to Providence. His accjuaintance-
ship with members of the general assenrbly, by reason of his re-
cent service in that body, i:(rol)ably contributed largely to his
election in 1875. In188."3 he erected his present residence in the
city of ]^ro\'idence.
Parddx S. Pix'KiiAM. — The Rhode Island Peckhams are de-
scended from ICnglish ancestors. Judge Samuel, the grandfather
of Pardon S, Pcckham, resided in Charlestown, Washington
county, where he cultivated a farm, and also followed his trade
of cooper. He married PLannah Stanton of the same count)', to
whom were born eleven children. The birth of Daniel, tlie
youngest of this number who grew to mature years, occurred
September 10th, 171)0, and his death in April, 18(i2. He was both
a farmer and boat builder, occasionally engaged in contracting,
and was one of the most active and enterprising men of his
town. He was much interested in local military affairs, attained
the rank of captain of militia, and was familiarly kn(_iwn among-
his friends as "Captain Daniel." He married ( )]ive, daughter of
Pardon Kenvon, of Hopkinton. Their children were: Pardon
S., Samuel, Daniel, Olive A. F., Th.-mias C, and John C. Mr.
Peekham married a second time r^laria-l-hmis, of Cranston, whose
children were Leander W. and Lutlier A.
1222 IIISTOkY OF WASIII.NGTOX AM) KENT COUNTIES.
The eldest of tliese sons. Pardon S. ]'cekliaiii, was born Octo-
ber 2d, ly:il, in Cliarlestown. Rliode Island, from wh.ence he
renunxd at the aife of twelve years with his ])arents tc WL-steidy.
His ediieatidn \\'as olitained under dilTieidties, the \\'inter months
only beiny devoted to study at the nearest school, located nearly
two miles distant and re(|uii'inL;" a tedious wa.lk to and from his
home each da_\'. Su.eh. ho\vc\'er, was his determiiiaticm, that a
thorough kiKiwlcdge of the ihiylish branches was soon obtained,
and later a masterx- of clemerjt.-nv mathematics, th.at eontr.ibutcd
greatly to his success as a business man. At the aye of seven-
teen he remox'cd to Warwick, in Kent county, and was employed
to tend woolen cards in a mill near I'awtuxet. His skill and
fidelity to the work .assigned him soon placed him in eliarge of
that department, where he remaijied three ^'cars.when it ceased
operations.
Removing to Ap])onau.g, he entered the em])loy of Festus L.
Thomson as superintendent of the carding room, and later
assumed the management of the mill, which he })urclKisi.,-d in
l!^-lCi, forming a co-partnership with K. S. Peckham under
the firm name of Iv vS. & P. S. I'eckhani. This l)usiness as-
sociation lasted f(ji' two yeai's, the })rodu,et of the mill being
woolen stocking yarns, which found a ready sale and soon
established a reputation for the " l^eckham Yarns " as the most
popular and desirable goods of their kind in the market. Sell-
ing his interest in the spring of ISJS, he removed to Coventry
Centre and established the lirm of Peckham cK.- S|)encer, which a
year after became Peckham cV Card. ^Phis firm continued four
years in business, woolen yarns being their specialty, when the
senior partner in isy^] purchased the entire interest and eon-
ducted the mill alone until the year IStd, when his brother,
Thomas C. I'eckhara, was admitted to a cpuirier interest. This
relation existed foi' a brief time, when the sul)iect of this biog-
raphy again iiecamc the exclusi\-e owner and jnnchased in addi-
tion a cotton mill which underwent material changes and was
devoted to the manufacture of woolen yarns, his selling agents
at this time being Messrs. Tafft <.\: Co., of Providence. In the
year 1S6.") a corporrution formed under the title of the Peckham
Manufacturing Company operated the two mills above men-
tioned and a third, kicated at Spring Lake in the town of
Coventry. In 1870 yiv. Peckliam became sole owner of the .Spring
y"
/
fllSTORY OF WASIIINi-.TOX AND KKNT COUNTIKS. 1223
Lake property, a year after dissolving his eonneetiun with the
Peckham Manufacturing- Conipanv.
In 1881 his two sons, Saninel I), and I'ardon S., Jr., were ad-
mitted to a partnership under the firm name of P. vS. Peekham X"
Co., and have sir.ee assumed the management of the business. To
them is attriljutable in. a large degree its success, the senior
partner giving it little attention aside from a genei'al su])er-
vi.sion of the business of the concern. In 18S-1 a new and com-
modious mill was erected on adjacent gro'nnd. Ten sets of
woolen machinery arc now used, the amount of business for-
merly done multiplied by six representing the present capacity
of the establi.shment. This indicates the growth and success
of the woolen n-iill under judicious and successful management.
Mr. Peckham is a democrat in his political views, and a firm
believer in free trade principles. He has been for three years a
member of tlie town council and is now its president. He has
been actively interested in the cause of education, and for a long-
period held the office of school trustee. He was formerly a di-
rector of the Coventry Savings Bank. He was formerly identi-
fied with the Free Will Baptist church of Warwick and has since
espoused the belief of the Second Adventists.
Mr. Peekham in 1841 married 1 lannah E.. daughter of Cardner
Gorton, of Apponaug, who died in the fall of 18-17. He the fol-
lowing year married Sarah J., daughter of (icorge W. Pales, of
Warwick. Their children are: Samuel D., I-^llen P.. wife of
George II. Tyler, who has two children ; [Nlary Jane, deceased,
wife of George E. Rounds; Pardon S., jr., Olive A., married to
Mason Dewitt, who has five children; Sarah G., wife of X. P. Wars,
who has one child; William II., Charles IP, di-eeased ; Eva A.,
Emily B. and Walter W.
Samuel D. Peckham was born at Coventry Centre in 18-17. Af-
ter having spent five years at Westerly on a farm which his
father owned, he began in business with the Peckham Manufac-
turing Company. His wife is Eugenia, sister of George IP Tyler.
They have one son, Irving Peckham.
Pardon S. Peckham, Jr., was born in ]8.").j. His wife was Ella
Tucker, of Hopkinton, R. 1. He was educated for business as
was also his Ijrother, Samuel D., at the liryant & Stratton Busi-
ness College at Providence.
William II. Peckham was born in iMi:!. was married in 1881 to
Eunice A., daughter of Stephen and Maiv Cornell, and has two
sons.
]224 iiisroRY OF w asiii'mitox and kext corxiii;s.
TiloMAS C. ]''i;riCllAM. -Tlie name of I'eckham is largely i.K-:;.
lified willi the yrowlh and dc\'L'lopinciit of the town of (."(ax-iUi v.
and equally so with its manufacturing interests. 'Jdnmias c.
I'eekham was liorn December '21st, Ifi'.jC), in Westerly, R. I., wluMe
his parents at tliat time resided. .\i the age of fifteen he ren!o\--
ed to Covcntr}' Centre, and from that date until the present liis
life has been one of uneeasiuL;" industry. Mis education wa-^
chiefly ac(|tiired durinij,' the winter months, his time and ser\-in.s
for the remainder of the \'ear beini;' of more yalue oil the farm
and in the saw mill, lie also sought employment in the innvic-
diate yieinity, and tluis at an early age became self-reliant and
independent. Remoying to Coyentry Centre in JS.")!, he entered
the woolen yarn mill owned 1)_\- an older brother, l^ai'don S. Peek-
ham, \yhere he was assigned to the pickers and cards, recei\-ing
for this ser\"icc scYcn dollars per month and his board.
Two years later he ^\'as j)l.aced in eliai-gc of the cardir.g room,
and in JSni his indusir)- was rewarded with a quarter interest in
the business. This copartnership existed for a brief period, when
Mr. Peekham. on retiring, established the firm (;f T. C. Peckham
&: Co., rerno\-ed his btrsiness {o .S])ring L;d-ce in the same town,
and there purchasing a cotton mill, material!}' impr(j\-cd the
structure and converted it to the purposes of a ^yoolen mill. He
made many important changes in the property and its surrotind-
ings, placed in the mill four sets of machinery and contintied
the mantifacture of woolen yarns. In ]8(5.") the Peckhani Manu-
facturing Company was organizetl, its stockholders being Thomas
C. Peckham, Pardon S. Peekham, and the firm of llartwcll Rich-
ards & Co., of rh'ovidcnee. Three mills were operated, t^vo at
Coventry Centre and one at Spring Lake. Pardon S. Pjickham
in ISTOAvithdrew from this corporation .and purchased the Spring
Lake property. The sidiject of this biograph}-, who had previ-
ously acted as agent of the company above-mentioned, no^y as-
sumed the management of its mills at Coventry Centre, which
are devoted to the manufacture of voi'sted and stocking \;nn.-^,
fine underwear and tweeds. ]\Ir. Peckham is the president of this
corporation, and llartwcll Richards lK: Co. its agents. A more
detailed dcscrifjtion of the mills of the Peckham Mantifaettiring
Company %yill appear on another ])age of this volume. Their
successftd operation and the excellence of their prodticts is lai"gcl_\'
the result of the master mind at their head, who has added ex-
tensively to the projierty, erected a commodious and well e([uip-
/
k
■'/
v
fo^l
IlISTOkV CH'" \VASIIIXC;Tf)X AND KKNT COUNTIIlS. T^^."*
ped store, imincrDus liuildings fcir the comfort of his employees,
and infused into the little hamlet the spirit of progress and Lnisi-
ness. Through his inllueneea post ofilee was established, as also
a staticjn on the New York cS: Xew J-higiand railroad, lie is be-
sides interested in the ()neet> Manufacturing Company in Con*
necticut, of which he is st'eretar\- and treasui'er.
Mr. Peekham is an earnest champion of the principles of the
republican party, and has learned from practical experience the
necessity for protection to home industries. _ He was a delegate
to the republican national convention convened at Chicago in
1884, represented his town in the general assembly, as a member
of the house of representatives during the sessions of 1.S7."», 1S7(')
and 1877, and as a member of the state senate for the years
1882, 1883, 1884, filling among other positions that of chairman
of committee on accounts and claims, lie is actively interested
in all measures affecting the town, has been a niember of the
town council, president of the board of assessors, and for fitieen
years a school trustee. He has also attained to rank and in-
fluence in the ^Masonic fraternity, with which he has for years
been identified.
Mr. Peekham was on the Sth of March, 'iS')^, married to Mary
v., daughter of the late Daniel l^eynokls and Hannah II.
'Gardner of Washiugtim village, and granddauglitcr of John Cr.
Reynolds of East (.rreenwich. Tlicir children are: Daniel \\'..
born January -iCilh, IS^iO, who died April 18th, 18s] ; Annie F.,
wife of Louis L. Angell, born July -Jlkl, 18n(); ^lary K., wife nf
Sylvester L. Tillinghast, born June loth, 18G2. who died April
10th, 188:; ; Crace G., wife of Frank W. Tillinghast, bcirn :\Iarch
27th, 18(M: Hattie. born December 24th, \Hi;:> ; Amie G., Xo-
vembcr 14th, ]8(;8 ; Susie E., March :!nth, 1S7(I, Vlio died ( )etobcr
17th, 1881; Bertha v., born August i:Uh, 1872, whose death oc-
curred October ]Olh of the same year; Bertha h^., born INIarch
3d, 1874, wlio died on the :id of the following October; Isabella
B., born March 21st, 1871, and Charles Herbert, bom Decendjcr
29th, 187:..
The Peekham family are largely represented in Rhode Island,
and'pj-esumably trace their descent from the common ancestors,
lohn Peekham and his wife, who was a daughter of one James
Clark. Their son William was bom in J(i7r), and married Mary
Clark, whose birth occurred in H',SO. Tu this union v.-erc born
two sons, William and vSamuel, one of whom is the direct pro-
122G HISTORY or WASlllNinOX AM) KKXT COUNTIES.
genitur of the grandfather of the subjeet of this liiographieal
^■keteh, ludge Samuel Peekhain. lly the marriage of the latter
to Hannah Stanton were born e]e\'en eliiUlren, one of whom,
lJ)anieh married (Jli\-e, dangliter of Pardon Ken)'o)i, cif IIoj)kin-
ton. ^\'asllington eonntv. 'J'heir fonrlli son in older of birtli is
Thomas C'. Peckliam.
B\U(/N Ri;Al). the sid:>ject of tliis sketeh, whcise portrait aj:-
pears in this \-olnme, is tlic yonngC'st son of Ilcn.ry and Idiebe
(Wail I Ixead. and grandson of Josepli and Sabi'ia ( Ixnight idveacl,
and v,"as born in Coventr\', Ivent eonnty, R. I., April 7th, IS-lo.
His father was born in Co\-entry, R. I.. AjDril Ttli, lS(d, and died
August nth, 18n7. His nn)ther \\'as born Septend)er fith, 180-1,
and is still living. 'Jdiev had a family of thirteen ehildren, whose
nainc\s are as follows: Almond. Pe\'i P., Julia ^\. (the last tvv'o
twins), Rel.K-eea ^V., HeniA-, jr., .Sheflie'ld \V., Sybiel \\'., Josi^ph,
Sheldon, Christopher J.. Phebe W.. J;ine W., and Pyron. Those
deceased are Henry, ]r.. Slieldon and Jane ^V.
The father was a farmer, and the son, P)-ron. also followed
that hcinorable ealling until he beeame twenty-one rears of age.
His early edueation was sneh as could be obtained in the district
schools of his nati\-e town. 1 le showed, however, at a \'cry ea.rly
age, that he possessed both indirstry and persex'erance, and the
lessons learned, both on the farm and in the school, ha^■e not
been forgotten. In the 3-ear ]8(i(i he entered the employ of his
brother, Henry, jr., who was at that time engaged in the busi-
ness of undertaking, furniture and small hard\\are, in the village
of Anthony. He continued with his brother until 1S72. at which
time he bought a half interest in the business, and the firm was
known as H. Read, Jr., c*^: Co. *
In March, 187:], his brother died, and Pyron at once purchased
of the heirs their interest in the business and became manager
of the same, although the (jld firm name was allowed to be tised
for seven \-cars, when it was changed to that of his own. The
increasing trade demanding larger qr.artcrs and better facilities,
and as the building where he was located belonged to the estate
of Lsaae P. Aylesworth, who originally began the business. Byron
decided to erect buildings of his own, sufficiently large and con-
venient to meet the demands. Having previously purchased of
the Coventry Manufacturing (."ompaiiy a lot of land just opposite
the old .stand, he proceeded in the year 1878 to build a barn -10
by SO feet, with an L 20 bv .M feet, with compartments si)eeially
arranged and adapted to the needs of the trade. In 1882 work
A >
il
r
> '■■
X.
^.
■^^l^^^^
<^.£^^l^-^^.
HISTORY OI' WASIIIXCITDX AND KENT COU.\Tn;S. 12-27
was hep;un on tlie store, a Iniikliiii^- -In by loo foet, with ilirec
stories and bascmciU. Instead of j;ivinL; out tlie work to a con-
tractor and havin;^ an architect to sujierintend the work. ];)-ron
secured the services of his brother-in-law, Horace N. Foster, to
plan and execute the \\-ork, yiving it his own supervision.
In the liasement is the workshop and store room, where
all oT)ods are recei\'ed, also a room esj)eeiall\" desi,L;ned tor ern-
balmine;' purjioses. liy mea-ns of an elevator the i^oods are
taken from the store room Ijelow to llie \-arious compartuK, nts
above, wh.ile telephone, speakini,^ tubes and call Ijells jirovidc for
conversation with workmen in and :d)or,t the varii>us rooms and
adjacent business centers. In tlie center (jf tlie first or mam
floor, as you enter from the street, is the office and salesroom.
On the riyht i,s the carpet and i)a}>er-hari,L;in,t^- room; while on the
left of the office is a rf>um, second to none outside of P.oston and
New York for convenience in the display of funeral furnishing.s.
The second and third floors are reached either l)y elevator or
ea.sy flights of stairs and are used f<jr houseliold furniture of
every description. The entire Ijuilding is he.atcd by steam, and
thoroughly furnished with all modern apjdianccs for extinguish-
ing fire.
In June, 1870, ]\Ir. Read married Julia A., daughter of hxlward
S. and Eleanor (j(_)hnson) Pinckney, of Coventry Centre, and
granddaughter of Jacob and Sarah ( Fowler i Pinckney, of Prov-
idence, and by this union has two sons: Herman Ij\-ron, born
February 17th, 1S78, and Charles Sheldon, born Xovember 23d,
1879.
It now seemed desirable that he should have a more commo-
dious dwelling place, and in 1887 he purchased of I'^diza 1". Ih'iggs,
the estate of her father, Oliver Malteson, and removing the old
house to another lot, to be used for tenements, erected on the
old site, the house :>'.] bv -J-l feet, with ;ill modern improvements,
where he now resides. Thus, b}- his mdustr}', jicrseverance
and economy, Pvron Read has acquired a comjx-teney, and
gained the confidence of all with whom he has been associated.
J'le is a member of M,-incliester Lodge. A. F. and A. M., and of
Anthony Lodge, No. 21, I. ( ). ( ). V.
In politics he has alwavs suppiutcd the principles of the re-
publican party. He has declined .ill jiublie trusts tendered liim
and giving liis undivided attention to his business, has become
one of the leading business men in the county.
CHAPTICR XXV.
PERSONAL PARAGRAPHS.
MIRTH KINUSTdWX.
Dnnicl G. Allen was born in ]Sl(i. and i.s a descendant of WW-
liam Allen who was from Wales and came to Prudence island
in IGOO, and died in KJS."). The descent from William, the emi-
grant, is through John. Th.omas, Thomas, Judge John and
Thomas Gould Allen, who ^-as the father of Daniel (t. The
latter took a course of study at Middletown. C'.mn., and in IS:!!)
bought the old Kent Academ\', and was its ])rincipal until it
was succeeded b}- tlie liLast (ireenwieh Academy.
John Allen. b<_)rn in 18"27, is a son of [ames.son of Silas, son of
Christopher, son of Thomas, son of [ohn, who came to Xv.irth
Kingstown from Prudence island about 17iii> and settled in
Quidnessett X'ecl:. lie was a son of William Allen wlio was
bcn^n in ^\'ales about KI-K) and came to Prudence island in Ifido.
iMr. Allen spent eighteen years as a tin, copper and sheet iron
worker. He has been a farmer twenty-six }-ears. He has been
two years in the town council and three years town auditor. Ik-
was married in l^^-(S to F.sther A., daughter of Albert H. Alex-
ander. Their children are: [olin Albert, ]'"ll.-i. F. (died in in-
fancy), \\"iniam vS,, Ik-nry T., Ra^• James and Rich;ird F.
Joseph Allen, born l^-r.'."), is one of a family of nine children.
His father, George, was a son of Silas, mentioned in the pre-
ceding paragraph. Josejih was raised on the farm and married
in 18(38 to Fannie G., daughter of Joseph Prown, of' Rensselaer
county, X. V. ^Ir. Allen has been justice of the peace three
years.
William H. Allen was born m X'orth Kingstown in ISll. His
father was San.iuel D., son of Matthew, son of Penjamin, son of
Matthew Allen, who eniigratL-d from F^ngland to 1 Dartmouth,
Bristol county, Mass., about ITno. In 1712 he ])r.rehascd and
settled U]Kin a tract of land in Xorth Kingstown. Mr. .Mien lia.s
HISTORY. DF WASHINGTON ANT) K1:NT COUXTIlvS. 1229
been in mercantile business nearlv all liis life. In 1880 he re-
tired from the firm of Allen & J'ao-e of Wiekford. lie bulll the
store in 1870 that is now ocenpied by Vu'^v S: Potter. ^Ir. Allen
bought a store at Allenton in 1857 and kept it several yera's,
then s(.)ld it to John R. Nichols about 1878. "When a voung- man
he clerked about ten years. He was married in 18-1--' to .Mary
W., dangiiter of James (rreene. Their ehildix-n were : Samuel IJ.,
who died in West \'iroinia agx-d 2;? years, and William 11., Jr.,
who IS in the commission business at1(»8and 1b» Franklin street,
New York cit}-.
James H. Arnold, born in ISr);") in l^xeier, is a son of Stephen,
he a son of Josiah, whose father was ]o.^iah,son of Joseph, whose
father Samuel was a son of Josiah, he a son of William, he a
son of Caleb, whose father Benedict was a son of W'illiam Arnold,
who came from England in company with his brother Th(jmas
in 1035. Mr. Arnold came to Lafayette in 1883. and with his
brother Josiah S., built a barn and started a livery stable, which
they arc carrying on at the present time. He was married in
1877 to Olive H., daughter of William Tisdale of Exeter. They
have had one son, Artliur, who died at the ag'e of seven.
W^arren (r. Arnold, born in 1838, is a son of George and grand-
son of Peleg, whose father. Caleb Arnold, it is .said, came from
England. Warren Ct. was married in 1881 to Jennie L.. daughter
of Samuel ( )atley. They have <mc son, Clifford. ?\lr. Arnold
owns and occupies the old homestead of his grandfather, Peleg-.
He is a democrat.
Fones Austin was born in 1812 in North Kingstown. He is a
son of Russell, who died in 1847, aged 72 vears. The latter
was a son of James, who died in 182('i, aged 84 vears. Tames'
^ » - -'
father was lo.st at sea. Mr. Austin worked eleven vears in a
cotton mill and several years on the railroad in earlv life. He
has been a fanner about forty vears, and r)ccupies the old home-
stead of his grandfather, James. He wa.s married in 1845 to
Elizabeth P>. Arnold, who died in 1875, aged (U vears. Their
children are: rTeorge.R., Henry W., Enrily (deceased). Charles
(deceased), Mary M. (Mrs. Oscar Greene i, and Fannie E. (de-
ceased ).
Henry W. Austin, .son of Fones Austin, was born in North
Kingstown in 1847, and is a farmer and gardener. He was mar-
ried in iS'rJ to Anna, daughter of Rowland Perrv. Their chil-
dren are: Julia IJ., George F., Marv E. and Kate R.
1230 HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOX AND KENT COUNTIES.
Lyman Aylesworth. born in 1S3S, is a son of Samuel D. and
grandson of Arthur, who was a son of Arthur, whose father was
Philip and whose grandfather was Arthur. Lyman married
Matilda, daughter of Charles T. Hunt, and they have one daugh-
ter, Sarah Maria, now ]Mrs. Closes Shippee, of East Greenwich.
The first Arthur Aylesworth settled on Ouidnessett Xeck and
built his house one-fourth mile north of Lyman's residence
about 1079. He was then 2^) years old. He was of Welsh de-
scent, born in England. He died in 172.1. Lyman enlisted
October 11th, ISOl, in the First Rhode Island Cavalry. He re-
sided in Portsmouth for four years after the war, then moved
.to the Greene farm in East Greenwich and lived there sixteen
years. He came to North Kingstown in 188."). He is master of
the Davisville Grange, and has been noble grand of the Odd
Fellows' lodge in East Greenwich. He is also a j\Iason.
James B. Brayman. born 18-11, is a son of Benjamin W., born
1810, and grandson of Solomon Brayman. He was married in
1861 to Caroline A., daughter of Joseph H. Brown. They have
two children, Benjamin L. and Hattie, now Mrs. J. Irving Rose.
Mr. Brayman has been a member of the prohibition state central
committee five years. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum
Society. He has carried on the meat and ice business about
twenty years in Wickford. Prior to that he was a farmer.
Joseph Brown', born 1801; Stukley*, born 17o4 ; Ebenezer',
Alexander^ Beriah', who is the same Beriah that built the house
■ where Joseph now lives. ^Ir. Brown has always lived in the
house where he was born. He was married to Betsey X.,
daughter of Esquire Benjamin Lawton. Mr. Brown has been
surveyor of roads twenty-six years m succession. Politically he
is a republican.
Oliver R. Brown, born in 1832, is a .son of William and grandson
of Stukley. He was brought up on a farm. He opened a black-
smith shop in Wickford in 18.")0, and has since carried on business
there. He was married in 1861 to Abbie E. Hunt, who died in
1871. He was married again in 1873 to Sarah W. Tisdale. His
children are : Walter ()., Elisha P., Frank E. and Ella M.
James Burlingame, born 1819. is a son of Henry and grandson
of Xehemiah. He was married in 1848 to Abbie E., daughter of
Robert Sweet. She died several years ago. Mr. Burlingame
has always been a farmer. He is a democrat in politics.
iiisTORV OF w.\sinN(;Tr)X and kf.nt countiks. r2:>]
Samuel Carpenter, born in Xnrlli ]\int;'stu\vn in ISdfi, is a son
of Xatlianiel Cai'penler, whn died in IS.")'.!, ai^ed eighty ^■ear^^,
and Martha Carpenter, wlio died in ISliiJ, aged SS ycar.s. His
grandfcalher v."as Daniel \L. Carpenter. Mr. Carjient'er ^\'as in
ProN'idenee three years as hoirse earpenter, and has been a fariiitT
in North Kingstmvn abcuit .")."i years. lie was married in ]x-2'.) to
Elizabeth I'ieree, who died in. ISTCi, leax'ing; four ehildren :
William P.. Henry V\.. Charles J. and Bradford. Hi., j. resent
wife's maiden name was Cornell.
William r. Carpenter, sun of v^;imiiel, was Tjorn in North K'ings-
town in 'iti'.lO. lie is a farmer, and oecnpies the old homestead
of Nathaniel, his grandfather. lie was married in 187o to
Harriet, daughter of Joseph Congdon. He has been a member
of the Ouidnessett Baptist chureh for nearly thirty years.
Timothy Carroll, born in Ireland in 18-18, eame with his lather,
Nicholas Cai-roll, to Rhode Island in 18oL>. In KSI-l he married
Cordelia 1'-. lilanehard, widow of Allied Sanf^rd. Her ehildren
are : -Mary Sanford, Alfred A. ,S;infiird, William .Sanford, Cordelia
Sanford, Timothy K. Carroll and Murenee Carroll. Mr. Carroll
is a farmer. He buys horses, eattk- and slieeji in tlie West and
in Canada, and fits them for Rhode Island markets, making a
specialty of gcjod coach and draft lu)rses. He is serving his third
year in the town council.
Charles F. Chace was born at Centreville in the town of War-
wick, in 18-J,"). His father, Carlton Chace, w;is station agent at
Davisville about twent\'-eight years. He was a son of Hcanicl
Chace, of New Hampshire. Charles 1'. was in the war of the re-
bellion nearly three years, in company F, Seventh regiment. ^\f-
ler the war he was a farmer for a few years. In 1871! he went to
work on the New York, Boston & I'rovidcnce' railroad, and has
been conductor since 18T(i. He was married in ]8('i!.) to Lydia
Dyer who died leaving one daughter. ]\Iinnie Belle. He married
again in 1877 Sarah E., daughter of Charles F.lh-own. Mr. Chace
is a member of the Order of Raih\iad Conductors, Pro\idencc
Division, No. l.')l, and of the Royal Arcanum, No. 44-i, Pcquot
Council, and a member of the Coweset Council of Cood I'ellows,
No, .")2, of l:ast (ireenwich. He is a member oi Baker l\ist, No.
Ifi. (;. A. R. of Wickford.
Henry T. Chadsey was born in i8()() and married in 18:)(i. His
five stms are John W., Ceorge H., Jc'remiah V,.. Nathan B. and
I'rank W. He lias three daui-'hters.
1232 HISTORY or WA.SlIIXGTf)X AND KKXT COUNTIES.
Benjamin H. Cong-don, liorn 1821, is a son of Benjamin S.,
grandson of Daniel, and gn-at-y rand son of \Villiam. lie and his
wife Abbie A. have four ehildren : Adaline uMrs. John A. Cinr-
diner), Alphtinzri, Emma, who died at 'X) \-ears of age, and ^Mary
A. Mr. Congdcm is a re[)ubliean and farmer.
Eliza A. S. Congchm was boi'ti in ISdS in North Kingstown.
Sh.e is a daugliter of Uacn Spinl-:, and granddaugl.iter of Xieholas
Spink. vShe now lives with her daughter Mrs. ^lartha S. \\'all.
Slic was man"ied to TlKirnas Congdon (now deeeascdj in 182.").
They had live ehildren : Henry 11. ideeeased), Mary E. (deeea.s-
ed», Martha S. (widow uf Daniel Wall), Anna I'l, and Thomas,
jr. Mr. Daniel Wall was for sever;d j'ears prior to his death en-
gaged in the tinware business in Wiekford.
William W. Congdon, born in \S'A]. is a son of Stanton, grand-
son of Daniel and great-grandson of William Congdon. ]\Ir.
Congdon has kept a li\-ery stable in Wiekford about thirty years.
He used to run a stage U> what is now Wiekford Juneliou, He
was conduetcjr on the Newport tS: Wiekford railroad fifteen years.
He was married in 18."i."i to I'ranees x\., daughter of Cieorge (Gar-
diner. He is a republiean and h;is been deputy sheriiT one
year.
James U.Cooper, btn-n in 1819, is a son of Edmund, and grand-
son of Gilbert Cooper. Mr. Cooper has been a painter in North
Kingstown abo^it forty years. He was nrarried in 1842 to Eliza-
beth Cook. They have six ehildren living: Mary E., Eydia S.,
John B., James U.,Jr., Henry A. and William D. They have lost
seven children.
Hon. George T. Cranston has lieen representative sinee 1881
as a republiean. He has been a merehant here sinee 18T7,
when he succeeded Absalom N. Gardiner. He was born here in
1844. He is a .son of Cyrus N. Cran.ston, grandscm of Samuel,
great-grandson of Thomas and great-great-grandson of Calel).
He enlisted for three years in Company E, Third R. I. Hea\'_\'
Artillery and ser\-ed eighteen months; was then transferred,
and was eighteen nujnlhs ;i member c^f Horse Battery 1!. hirst
U. S. Regular Artiller\-. Thirty days after his disehargo he I'e-
enlisted in the. Tenth ^d.issachuselts \"olunteer Infautr\-. He
was 17 years old at his first enlistment. His wife is Elizabeth
P. Ciardiner. They have (.me son and one daughter. The
daughter is a student in the Rhode Island State Normal SeinMil.
Charles T. Crumbe has been town elerk sinee June, 188.'). He
}IISTORY OF ^VASIlI^•GTO^■ and KENT COUNTIES. 123)3
is a Democrat. He married Clara X.. ilaiij^hter of Joseph I^ailey
of Exeter. They have two daughters. Mr. Cromhe ^vas Ixm-u
ill Ct)nnectieut in ]824, and eanie here witli his father, Charles,
about 1830. He was at sea (whaling; and in merchant serx'icii)
till 3.") years old, and was ten years railroad aji'ent. He was
president of the town council several years, and has represented
North Kingstown in the general assend^lv.
Burrill H.Davis was born in Kxeter in I8,')-I,and resided there
until sixteen j'ears ago, when lie came to hafa}'ette as cleric for
A. C. Taylor. In 1887 he became a partner with .Mr. Tavlor at
the same point. He is a deacon and clerk of the Advent
Christian church of I'^xeter now. His wife is hhnma V. iirown.
Daniel Dver, born 1808, is a son of Samuel D. and grandson
of Captain Daniel. }>Ir. Dyer spent several years in early life in
a mill, after which he worked fourteen years in Providence as a
house carpenter. He has been a farmer alK)Ut thirty-two )-e;irs,
occupying a part fif the homestead of his father. He was mar-
ried in ]8."^iS to Sallie Merrill, now deceased. Their children are:
Carrie D. (who died in infancy), Sarah H., JohnC, Lucy K. and
Ruth R. He was married again in 1881 to Lucy Angell. Mr.
Dyer is a republican. He has been a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church over fifty vears.
William A. Eldrcd is a son of Islimael, who came to AVickford
in 1S2G, and built a house and started the harness making-
business, and grands(jn of 'I'homas. Ishmael l^ldrcd was married
in 1830 to Caroline, daughter f)f Thomas (7. Allen. The_\- have
three children, William A., Sallie and Alfred. William A.
Eldred carries on the harness making business with his father.
He was married in ]8o7 to Hannah, daugh,ter of Henry J.
Congdon. ]\Ir. Eldrcd is a member of the Wickford Lajjtist
church.
Albert F. Ellsworth was born at Tarrilfville, Conn., June loth.
1843. He is a son of Alexander Allen Ellsworth, son of Henry,
son of Alexander Allen Ellsworth, who is in the same line as
William ^lartin, once governor of Connecticut, and r)liver, who
was chief justice of the supreme court for five years (J 700 18<iiM.
Colohel I':imer V.. I'dlsworth (1837-]8(!ri was a grandson of this
Alexander Allen lillsworth. Alexander A., father of Albert 1<\
Ellsworth, was a woolen manufacturer for a numlicr of years.
He is the father (-)f three children, two of whom are living —
Albert E.and Eliza A. (^Irs. Melbourne C. Trow, of Providence).
78
1334 IIISTOKV or WASllINGTOX AND KKXT COUN'lIKS.
Mr. l'2!l.s\vortli first located in tlie town of North Kinystown in
jy(;4. He lias held sexcral ofliees in the town, lie was nian-ied
in jyCC) to Ilanna.h, daUL^-hter of Jonathan and Rnth (Cardiner)
Arnold. They have had five children: Mary E. P., ^lary A. P.,
Frank A. and Geor,ue \V. 1'., who arc deceased, and Ray I'^lnicr.
lie is a member of the following orders: Washington Lodge,
Xo. 0, .\. I". (.K- .V. M. ; I'h'anklin Royal Arch Chapter. Xo. 7 ; (iJis-
trict Depnty (Irand Master Fifth Ma.sonic district); I'eacf>n
Lodge, Xo. ns. I. (). of (). l'\; Uncas Fncampment, Xo. 1-1, of
Wickford.
Absalom X". Gardiner, born 1S3S, is a son of >Samnel (Gardiner
(a .soldier in the war of 1812), who was many years a black.smith
at Collation Corners. Prior to 1851 the son was engaged at the
shop with the father. From 1851 to ]87G he was a merchant at
the .same point. The store was burned in 1870, since which ]Mr.
Gardiner, N\'ith a fair competence from his twenty five years'
business, has lived somewhat retired. He has been a j'Ji-ominent
member and officer of the Odd Fellows Lodge here, and treasurer
of the lodge ten years. His wife is Phebe A. Carr. Their only
child living is AVallcr II. Gardiner.
Benjamin I'rank Gardiner, born 1835, is a son of Jeremiah
and grandson of Amos Gardiner. His wife is Caroline I'\ Pnr-
lingame. Their children are : Sarah P. (now Mrs. Stephen V.
Tefft), Izitt (Mrs. P. W. Tefft), and Frank A. Mr. (kirdiners
farm is the valuable property formerly owned by his uncle, the
late J. A. Prowning.
Daniel T. Gardiner, brn-n ]81(), is a son of Pardon T., who died
in 1888, aged eighty-four years. The latter was a son of Ezekiel
and gnmdson of Ezekiel. Mr. Gardiner lives on thc^iomestead
with his mother. He is a democrat.
Harrington X. Gardiner is a son of Zebulon X^. and grandson
of Benj;imin Giardiner. His mother was Elizabeth Rathbun, si.s-
ter of Xathan IX His farm is part of the old Rathbun place
once owned by his mother's grandfather, John Rathl)un. On
this place are the graves of the earlier generations of the Rath-
buns. Here alscj is the large S]:)ring, the source of water sup]il}'
for the RodiiKiii Mill. ;\lrs, Gardiner is a daughter of Randall
Gardiner. They have an adopted son, Herbert. ^Ir. (lardiner
spent two ye;irs coasting and for tweh'c \-ears was section mas-
ter on the r:iilroad. lie worked for several vears as a hotise car-
penter and has, since 1877, been engaged in f:irming.
HISTORY OF WASIIINC.TOX AXU KENT COUNTIF.S. ] 235
Owen G. Gardiner, born 1845, is a son of Captain Joseph. giand-
son of Gould, great-grandson of Huland, and great-great-grand-
son of Nicholas Gardiner. He was married in 1800, to Susan A.,
daughter of William ^fisdale. and has four children : l'^lcano(»(i.,
Clarence E., Dwen ().. jr., and Linwood A. Mr. Gardiner has
been town auctioneer two years, lie was business manager of
the Rhode Lsland Telc])hone three years, and has been engaged
in the wholesale confectionery Inisiness several }-cars on the
road. He is a member of Harmony Lodge, I. O. of ( ). !■'.
John S. Gladding was born in 1817 in Newport and is a son
of Henry and a grandson of Henry Gladding, who was of Scotch
•descent. His mother was Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Taylor,
and granddaughter of Robert Taylor of Scotch origin. Mr.
Gladding is a cabinet maker, having worked at that trade since
1833. He lias a shop in the rear of his residence, where he does
some repair work. He was married in 1842 to Hannali V...
daughter of IScnjamin V. Spink, The house where they live was
built in ISOG by William Pierce for a tavern. Mr. Cdadding is a
prohibitionist. He and his wife have been members of the Ilap-
tist church of Wickford since 18.10.
Abram B.Greene, born 1817, is a son of Nathaniel and grand-
son of Abram Greene. He married Abbie E., daughter of George
Arnold. She died leaving two daughters— Abbie Frances and
Alrnira, now ]Mrs. Oliver Joslyn. The only son of A. B. (jreene
was George N., who at his death left three daughters and a son
George Walter. ^Slr. Greene at the age of .seventeen learned the
trade of a carpenter and worked at it fifty years. He was tv^■o
years on a merchant ship and went to the West Indies. He
kept the light house at Poplar Point in Nc^-th Kingstown six
years.
James A. Greene, treasurer of the Hamilton Web Company,
is a son of Joseph W. and grandson of Captain James (ireene, a
name well known in Warwick. R. 1., where James A. Greene was
born. 2ilrs. Greene was a Pirooklyn lady. They have five chil-
dren living. Their three sc:)ns are with the Hamilton Web Com-
pan}-. Mr. Greene was formerly lo 1800. in the jewelrv business
wifh his father in New York citv.
ReynoldsGreene, deceased, was born in 1704 and died in 1881.
He was the son of D;ivid Greene, born 1728, and grandson of
David, born in 1701 and died in 17r)7. Reynolds C,reene was a
wcalthv farmer. His wife was ,Sar;di \V.. daughter of Oliver
]2;:<C IIISTORV OF W'ASHINGTOK AND KKNT COUNTIKS.
Watson, of South Kingstown. Three of their children arc living:
William, Oliver AV. and Rachel Richardson Greene, named for
her m'other's grandmother, Rachel Richardson.
Edward S. Hall, born ISi.j, is a son of Slocnm Hall, whose
father, .Slocum, was born in J74S. The latter was a son of Wil-
liam, born 172:5, grandson of John, born IGSl. and great-grand-
son of William. F.dward S. married in 1846 Hannah F., daug]-,-
ter of Chandler Xewell. Their children are: Ann F. (.Mrs.
Charles H. Phillips), Alzadah (2\Irs. Benjamin F. .Snow), and Slu-
cum. Mr. Hall followed railroading about thirtv-five vears, the
first seven years at track work and the ftjllowing twentv-cight as
station agent at Wickford Junction, during which time he v.'as
absent from the station but one vv-eek day. He has retired from
active service and resides at La I'avette.
Henry vS. Hall, brother of Edward S., was born in 1833, and
married Abby A. lirowncll. He is a farmer and occupies part of
the old Hall homestead.
William L. Hall, born J837, is a son of Isaac, grandson of IJcn-
jamin and great-grandson of William Hall. He manicd in 1883
Su.san Lawton. His mother was Amv Brown", daughter of
Beriah' (Bcriah', lieriali', Alexander, l^eriah'). lleriah Brown'
built the Ivjuse where Air. Hall lives. :Mr. Hall has a table that
was new when his great-grandmother began housekeeping in
1758. Mr. Hall is a democrat and is serving his third year in the
town council. He h;is been assessor of taxes two years.
Horace R Hammond, born 1834, is a son of Cranston and
grandson of Benjamin who built the Hammond mill. Benjamin
was a son of William and he a son of Joseph Hammond. JMr.
Hamtnond has been a carpenter ever since h« was seventeen
years of age. He learned his trade in Providence with John F.
Pitts. He worked in Providence fifteen years, then came to this
town. He built the wood work for the Belleville mill, the Wick-
ford mill, the Wickford National Bank, and repaired and built
the steeple on the Episcopal church. He was mai'ricd in bs')8 to
Eunice, daughter of Cary D. Slocum. Their only sun Edgar
died aged two years and seven months.
Rebpcc;i Hammimd. widow of George Hammond, was born in
New York. Her father was Joseph Girand, who was a descend-
ant of the French Huguenots who came from France. George
Hammond was a son of William, grandson of William and
great-grandson of Josejih Hammond, who was born in Eng-
HTSTORY OF ■^V.\SIII^■GTO\ AND KENT COUNTIES. 1237
land. George spent .several years in New York as a commission
nrerchant-on Front street. The latter part of his life was spent
in \Yiekford, where he died in 1870. jNIrs. Hammond's f^rand-
mother's brother on her mother's side, Ebenezer Hazard, was a ,
lawyer by profession and was an aide of (leneral Washington
and was appointed bv him as the first ])oslmaster general of the
United States. Mrs. Hammond's father was in an artillery com-
pany in the war of 1812 for the defense of tlie city of New
York.
Verrano \'. Hart, born in the town of Cranston in lS(i(», is a
son of l<2phraim P.. and grandson of Darius Hart. !Mr. Hart came
to North Kingstown in 1878. and bought the farm where he now
lives in 1880. In politics he is a republican.
Joseph R. Horton was born at I'awtuxet, R. I., in 1827. His
father Amos, born ]78,'_), died 18(V] , was a carpenter by trade and
a son of Simeon Horton. Joseph R. is a carpenter by trade. He
was married in 1S64 to Laura P>. Baker, and has one daughter
Mary L. He is a republican. He came to ^Yickford about tiairly
years ago.
Albro S. Kingsley, born 1S20, is a son of Dyer, born 178'.), and
grandson of Jonathan King.sley. He was married in 18r)3to Ann
I., daughter of Jesse Bieknell, and has two children, Lydia i Mrs.
William C. Davis) and John H. Mr. Kingsley has been connect-
ed with the Hamilton Mill about 37 years. He is a republican
and a Mason.
Albert E. King.sley, born 1828, is a brother of Albro S. He
married Mary E., daughter of Sylvester Himes. She was born
in 1834. They have had five children. Mr. King.sley has been
a machinist in the Shady Lea ^lill about 2.") year.*^. Prior to that
time he was a mill hand, carpenter and farmer.
Horace C. King.sley, born 1833, is a brother of Aibro .S. and
Albert E. In 18,-)3 he was married t(.> Amy, daughter of Jeffre)'
PI Gardiner. Their children are : Ann Sarah (deceased), Amanda
(Mrs. Charles Carn, Nellie (]\lrs. Th(_>mas Carr), Abbie A. (died
aged 8 months), Albro L. and Ivia \l. (deceased). Mr. Kings-
ley has been a mill hand all his life, and lias been connect-
ed with the Hamilton Mill about 37 j-ears. He is a member of
Beacon Lodge, No. 38, I. (). of O. F.
Philetus N. Lawton, born 1841, is a son of Isaac IL, born 1813,
diedl8o8; grandson of P)cnjamin. born 1773, and great-grandson
of Benjamin. His mother was Mariali W. Nichols. He was mar-
123S IIISTflKV CiF WASIIINCTOX AND KKNT COUNTIKS.
ried to MtTcy ]•>. C.ardincr in ]sri:5. 'J"iie\- lia\-e one dauyliK-r,
■ Laura AI. La^vLcln,■ now Mrs. Danitd luii^cne \\'ilcox. ]\Jr. l.awlun
has alvva\"s been a cleni(;crat. He now owns the homeslead of
Benjamin Lawton, Jiscj.
Joseph Slocnm Madison, born ISf'iO, is a son of John Harris
Madison, born 1828, died ]887. The latter was a son of Joseph
and j^randson of Ezekiel ]\Iadison. John H. married I'^lizabeth
A., daughter of Slocum Godfrey and vSarah Reynolds. The latler's
mother was }ilary, daughter of William Hall, and -granddaugh-
ter of John Hall. This John Hall's parents were William Hall
and Alice Tripp. Aliee Tripp eame in the " JAny/ca-fV." ]oseph
S. Madison graduated in 1881 from the Greenwieh Aeademy.
The family name is variously s])elled Madison, ^ilathewson and
Matteson. Joseph S. >,Ia(lis(_>n married in 1888 a daughter of
Nathaniel S. Allen, and granddaughter of the late lilder Allen,
of North Kingstown.
. William G. Madison, born in liast (.yreenwich, is a son of Green
r^Iadison, and a grandson of Ezekiel. He spent his early years
in a cotton mill until S,"") years old, at \'alley Falls, R. I. He
then came to North Kingst(nvn to aid his then feeble father
on the farm. He has been seven or eight years in the North
Kingstown town council as a democrat.
Mrs. Emily A. Madison was born in Cumberland, I^rovidcnee
county, in 1847, and is a daughter of George S. Havens. .She
was married in 1870 to Thomas E. IMadison, who died in 1885,
aged 5.") years. He was a son of Joseph Madison, and grandson
of Ezekiel. Mr. and ^Irs. ]\Iadison's two children are George E.
and Thomas E.
Isaac Nichols', born 1815 ( John', John", John'), is a farpier. His
wife, to whom he was married in 1841, was born in South Kings-
town, and is F.lizabeth R. Brown, a granddaughter of Governor
George Brown. They have three children living: Ruharaah,
(Mrs. Oliver Nichols, of South Kingstown); John R. Nichols, of
Providence ; and William I'^ Nichols, of Lincoln. ^Ir. Nichols
is a retired farmer. His father was a blacksmith.
George W. NorLhuix born in 18()',i, is a .son of Samuel Northup
and grandsou of Zebulon Northup. He was married in 'ii^'.i'.] to
i\Iary T., daughter of lienjamin W. ("Tardiner. They have eight
children: ICliza A., Stephen G., Mary F., Waitv J., George T.,
Susannah W., Samuel C., and Lvdia H. Mr. Northup lives on
the homestead of his father. He has alwavs been a farmer.
HISTORY OF WASIIIXfiTON AND KENT COUNTIFS. 1 SHO
Sall)^ Smith Xorthui), nov/ Mrs. Daniel T.. Arudlcl, was born in
1831, in the house where slie now resides. vSlie is tlie dauj^hter
of Abial Palmer A'orthup, wlio was born in It^no, and t;rand-
daiightcr of David Xorthuji, ^\■llo v.-as l)orn in 177S. She has
lived at this place all her life exeept abont twelve years. ThT'
house and chimney that now stand on this site are said to have
been built about L^OO years ago.
William 11. Nye was born in 18.'!l> in Coventry, and is a son of
George W. and grandson of John Xye. ijr. Xyc has Ixen a
railroad employe about twenty-five years of his life ]iri(.)r to
1881. He was married in 1850 to Abbie A., daughter of jdin
W. Jackson. They have two children. Amy Frances and Lewis
Allen. He is a member of the Advent Christian clnireh of
Providence.
Colonel Thomas J. Peirce, son of John V>.' (John". C.iles',
Giles', John", (jiles", Richard'), was born in 18o7, and is married
to Sarah, daughter of Caj^tain I\-k:g Wightman. He has bcm
deputy town clerk ever since he was a voter, and iustice of the
peace since b^TD. He was a deleg'ate to the democratic na-
tional convention in 1888.
Peleg F. Pierce, born in North Kingstown in ]&'.]'>. is a son of
William, who was a son of CHles", mentioned in the preceding
paragraph. Peleg F. married Harriet Newell Rodman. 'J1iey
have twc) children living- Walter Rodman and Harriet San-
ford. Mr. Pierce taught school .several terms in earlv lil'e, and
has given much of his leisure time to the study of local history.
He is engaged in farming.
John W. Phillips, born 1819, is a son of Peter (1781 -18(;;")) and
grandson of Thomas. He was married in ]84(; to Abbie A.,
daughter of Willet Himes. She died in 188^ Their children
are : James E., John W., Jr., and Ada. ^^Ir. Phillips has always
been a republican. He was formerly a railroad employee, and
is now engaged in farming.
Thomas Phillips, born in 181."), is a brother of John W., men-
tioned above. He was married in 1800 10 ?\Ielissa, daughter of
William Hall. Tlieir only son is George T. Mr. Phillips" farm
is a'part of the original Phillips hon-'.estcad.
George L. Prentice was born in 184'J in Pawrence, Otsego
county, N. Y. He is a .son of Joseph S. and grandson of
Joseph Prentice. His mother was Sarah S. Hull. Mr. Pren-
tice has been engaged in the livery business about twenty
12-10 IIISTORV OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KENT COUNTIKS.
years and Oldened the Wickford House in June, 1880. Ik- was
married in 1'S73 to Henrietta S. ^Vllite, who died in Deeeniber.
1S7G. lie was married ai^ain in 18S] to Ellen 1 ). Days, dan^;hter
of Anton Lucas, of I'rovineetown, Mass. Mc lias one son.
George L., Jr., Ijorn JSS:]. The west part of the house in whicli
Mr. Prentice now lives is said to Ik^-c been used in the days of
the revolution for the enlistment of soldiers.
Thcnnas W. D. R;il]il)un, born in 184-1, is a son of Nathan
D.' (John', John", Samuel'). Samuel Rathbun wa.s born in ITno.
He gave onedialf of his land to his son John, and part of this
is still in tlie famil)- name, being owned by Lorenzo I). Rath-
bun.' Thomas W. 1). was married in 1808 to Hannah I). Lewis.
They have three children : Hannah ;M.. Xathan C. and Martha
Alice. Mr. Rathbun was a meml.>er of the town council one
year and member of the school committee nine years. He has
been conference delegate of the Advent Christian church one
year. He is a carpenter and farmer. The Rathbun family
came to New England abcmt ICOd, to Rloek Island later, and
from there to North Kingstown.
Lorenzo D. Ratiibun, born in 18-ir., is a brother of Thomas
W. D. mentioned above. He married Ro.xana Simons and is
engaged in farming. His great-grandfather, John, was a soldier
in the revolution.
John H. Remington, retired, P. (). Wickford, was born in ]8]-l,
in Coventry, R. L, where his father, iJaniel, died in 181."). His
early years were passed in Ivast (Greenwich, where his mother
contracted a second marriage. There Mr. Remington was mar-
ried to Lydia Arnold, of Exeter. R. 1. His active life has been
passed in railroad business as contractor and as sitperintend-
ent of repairs for the I'nion Railroad Company, of Providence.
Since 187-J he has resided in North Kingstown.
Calis A. Reynolds, son of Albert S., grandson of JamiCS, greal-
grandson of Benjamin, and great-great-grandson of John Rey-
nolds, is jiroprietor of the Sand Hill woolen mill and store. His
wife was a Miss Jencks. of New York state.
Lucian B. Reynolds, born in Wickford in 184:;, is a son of
Henry R., who was a son of h^ldred, who was a son of John, who>e
will, bearing date 17!)4, Lucian ]!. Reynolds how has. Mr. Rey-
nolds now owns a farm in this town that is said to have been in
the Reynolds family about two hundred years. He was once a
postal clerk on the Boston, Providence and New York railrc.ad
HISTORY OFWASIIIXCTOX AND KEXT COUNTIES. 1241
14 months. Trie was married in 1877 U) Jennie I"., daug'hter of
Albert Rcvnolds Johnson. They have two children — Mary
Emma (ireen and Oral 2iln;in. In politics Mr. Reynolds is a
repnhlican.
Lncrctia S. Reynolds, widow, is a daughter of Alfred and
granddanglitcr of I'enjamin Smitli. whose father, William Smith,
died in 17-l."i, ayed S-2 years. She was married to Wilbnr T.
Reynolds (deceased) in \fi4'.). His fatlier was Nathaniel T., son
of (icorge Reynolds. Their children are: Nathaniel T., Anna
A. (now Mi-s. <jeor;4-e A, Spink), Alfred S., and Ella. Alfred S.
was married in ISTO to Ida A. Lawton. 'J'hey have two chil-
dren—\\'ill>ur T. and l-'annic Lonise. He is a meniber of the
Davisville vSranye, No. 8, P. of II. He was born in Rensselaer
county, N. Y., and has always been a farmer. In politics he is a
republican.
John A. j^osi; was born in 1801, in South King'stown. He is a
son of Alljcrt P. Rose and Mary A., daiiL^hter of John M. Tyler.
Mr. Rose lias been witli (rcorg-e T. Cr;inslon as clerk about four
yeans. He was clerk in the store at Allenton prior to that about
four years. He was married in 1882 to Ella J., daughter of
George Wilcox. They liave two children — Chester B. and
Henry A. He is a member of licacon Lodge, No. o8, I. i). of
O. F.,'of Wiekford.
William N. Rose", born 1S.")3, is a son of William G. Rose'
(George Rose', James Rose', John Rose", Thomas Rose' ). Thomas
was the first of the Rose family that settled here. William N. set-
tled at Slocumville about twelve years ago. .Since that time he has
filled the office of station agent and postmaster, and has ean-ied
on a general store here. He was married in 1874 to Elmina F.,
daughter of Harrison Gardiner. Their cliildren are: Mary A.,
who died aged three years; Herbert 1]., who died in infancy.
and Archibald G. Rose. ]\[r. Rose has been in the town council
and held several other tt)\vn offices. He is a deacon in the
Slocumville Baptist church and a member of Reliance Lodge,
No. 22, of Providence county, R. I.
M. J. Ryan was born 18.')7 in Ireland, and came to Greenville,
R. I., in'18(;i. He is a son of ]\Iorris Rvan. He has l)een a
merchant in Wiekford several vcars. In 188:> he was married to
Mary, daughter of Patrick Cassi<lv.
Joseph V. Sealy was born in 18.M) at Newark, N. J., and is a
son of Joseph Sealv. He is carrying on a news, book and
1212 IIIS'l'ORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTiiCS.
gTOcery store at ^ViL•kful•d. lie is a rncmlicr of lieacrm L<xlge,
Xo. oS, I. ( ). of C). F., and was one of the eliavter members of the
Royal Arcanum here.
Alpheus W. Sherman was burn in 184'.). I lis wife is a daughter
of Da\'id (ireenc. They liave two sons: Irving and TJiomas
Albertis. }.Ir. Slierman is past eliief r>f the 'I'emple of Honor.
James Sherman" was born in IN]], and is a son of l;mies''
(.Silas*, Eber', William', I'^ber'). Mr. Sherm;;n was married in
1840 to Phebe Arnold, who died in jyCT. 'Jliey have two children :
^Mary Jane, now .Mrs. Reuben D. Gevet, and Phebe Melissa, nc^w
^Irs. Orrin G. Thomjison. Jam.es vSherman was formerly a mem-
ber of th<; I'ree Will llaptist church of Sloeumville. He is a
democrat in ])olities, and lias been assessor of ta.xes'iine \-ear.
Robert J. vSherman was i,)orn in Xortli Kingstown in 1S2S, and
is a son of Peleg' and a grandson of James'', mentioned in the
preceding sketch. lie is a farmer, and owns tlie homestead of
his great-gTandfather, Silas Sherman'.-' He was married in lb;;")()
to Sarah Reed, and has two children : Peleg |. and Rol.iert l-'rank.
William G. Slierman was born in ^8■l] in .Xorth Kingstown,
and is a son of .Silas and grandson of Ca])tain Silas. His great-
grandfather was Sila.s*, previously mentioned. His mother is
Amy A., daughter of Elisha Ciardner. Mr. Sherman is a farmer
and stone ma.son. He has lived about one mile south of .Sloeum-
ville since IST-J. He was married in ISIw tc; a daughter of
Josiah F. Boss. They have five children: (ieorge W., Herbert
A., Mary E., Ida L. and William ("■., Jr.
William C. Sherman, Jr., born 1841, is a son of William C,
grand.son of Xathaniel and great-grandson of Marcus. He was
married in 1S03 to Harriet, daughter of Bowen Mitcljell. Their
children are: William H., Walter A. (deceased), Walter G. (de-
ceased), Mary E., Fred R., Frank H. and Haltie E. ^^Ir. Sher-
man has been a mill hand all his life. He has been clerk and
trustee of the .Vdvent Christian church of Lafayette. He is a
mcmlier of ]>eaeon Lodge Xo. :!,s. I. O. of O. F.
Charles H. Shijjpec' was born in IS.'i:) ( LLirace J'., William',
Caleb', 1749-1888. Thomas A.\ Thomas'-', Samuel'). .Samuel came
from the .valley of the Twex-d. Adoniram ]. Shijipce and
^lary E. Shippee are also of this seventh gener.ation. Charles
H. patented in 1880 a vertical ear coupler. Probably his most
valuable in\'ention is an unpatented device for opening and
closing house and car wind(.iws.
HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTi'iX AND KENT COUNTIES. ]243
Asa Sisson, born in Warwick, R. I., in ISk"), is a son of Asa,
grandson of Joseph and j^'rcat-p^randson of Richard Sisson, of
Portsmontli, R. I. Asa Sisson has been a machinist since IS'.'iA.
He became a partner in bSIi'J witli IVrez Peek cK: Co. in L'ovcn-
try, where lie remained tmtil b'^Ol. Jle married Perez Peek's
datighter Mary Ann, and has two cliihlrcn, Ch:irles and
Ernily Sisson. In 18G5 he came to Hamilton and mannfacttired
yarn at the Anaqiiatitcket mid. i^ater he was in a foundry and
machine shop with Ambrose Vl. \'auglin at Wickford.
Benjamin Smith, born J 81 7, is a son of Thomas and grandson
of Benjamin Smith. He was married to Susan (j. I'ieree. in 1842.
Their children are : Thomas A., Lj'dia A., John X. and Sarah
D. Air. Smith was town commissioner one year.
John S. Smith', born 1830, is a son of Harris" (Benjamin', Wil-
liam', 1CG3 — 174;")). LMrs. John S. Smith is Honor A., daughter
of Captain Christopher L. I'hillip.s' (Alajor Samuel", Christopher',
Samuel'j. Christopher I'hillips' was in the colonial legi.slatttre
in 1740. Samuel' was born in inCiO and died in ll'.M'). On the
2Cth of Alay, 17()9, he, in company with Colonel John I'ddrcd,
William Cole and johnCarr came from Newport to North Kings-
town and bought a tract of 28.") acres, incltiding Air. Smith's pres-
ent home, and built the house. Air. Smith is a machinist by
trade and h;is been railroad engineer and fireman. His only
child is Mary P., now Airs. James E. xVrnold.
Jeremiah Smith, bom 1825, is a son oi William Smith and a
grandson of Amos Smith. He was married in ]8(i3 to Pdiza A.,
daughter of Cieorge W. Northup. She died in 1873 leaving one
son, William A. Air. vSmith was married in 1880 to Lticy B.
Vaughn. His grandfather, Amos, was in the war of the re\-olu-
tion and was wotinded and received a pension the bal!mce of his
life.
George H. Smith, born in 1847, is a brother of John S. He
was one of eleven children, of whom there are seven now living.
He has always been a farmer and occupies the old homestead.
He is a republican and unmarried.
Joseph E. Smith, brother of John S.. was born in 1837. Alary
Sullivan, hi-s wife, was born in Castletown, Ireland, in 1840. Their
children arc: William A., Hannah A., Joseph E., Jr., Benjamin
F., Alary E., John II., Thom.'is C. tdied aged five months). Wes-
son Ct., Walter J., and Bessie E. (died aged eight years i. Joseph
E. was a member of the town council one year as a reptiblican.
1244 HISTORY OF WASmxCTOX AND KENT COUNTIES.
and was supervisor of roads three years. His business is farm-
Nathaniel Smith, born lcS27, was mai-ried in 1S47 to Ivebeeea,
daughter of James M. Gardiner. 'IMieir ehildrcn are: Susan,
now Mrs. fieorge Sutiny; lunma, who died a,L;ed three years;
Harriet, who is now ^Ti's. Juseph r\bulison ; fose])hine, now Mrs.
Georg-e Lewis; A)\-ina and Gertrude. Mr. vSmith has all his life
been a mill hand and has been eonnceted with the Hamilton
mill some twent\--seven years. He is a re])ublicani
John \V. Smith was b^rn in 183:] in North Kingstown, and is a
son of Charles Smith. He was in the war of the rebellion thi'ee
years in Company H, l'"ourth Rhode I.sland \'(»lunteers, and now
receives a pension. He was married in bs.")4 to Meicy Mitehrll.
They have had eight children, five Ix.iys and three girls.
William A. Spaukling was btn-n in Connecticut. His wife is
a daughter of Pardon T. Gardiner. They havi' one son. C.
Eugene Spaulding. ^^Ir. Spauldi.ng has been two years in the
town council as a democrat. In JSS(i he succeeded Crandall i.\;
Ryan ns merchants at >,'arragansett. 2\Irs. Spaulding's grand-
mother was a Tillinghast.
Albert Spink" (John'', Nicholas', John', Nichola.s', Robert')
married Celinda", daughter of Nathaniel Spink' ilshmaer, ]ohn'.
Nicholas', Robert' I. They have raised three sons: Nathaniel, of
Providence; WilliamAlbcrt, deceased, and John Pyron, who is
with his jiarcnts at the homestead. This farm is a part of the
tract of John."
Salma M. Spink", son of Ishmael' ( IshmaeP, jolm', Nicholas',
Robert'), was born in 1817. His wife is l-'rances [SI. Prown,
daughter of John Prown of Newport. They have tjiree chil-
dren: George B., in Dakota; Agatha, at home, and Ivannie L.,
now Mrs. CTCorge W. INIadison of Warwick, Kent county. }ilr.
Spink has been a farmer here for thiity-two years. He had
been a carpenter for twenty years prior. He has been m the
town council three years and in the legislature once.
George A. Spink', farmer. Ixirn in J844, is a son of Joseph",
grandson of .SamueP, and great-grandson of IshmacT. The tirst
Robert vSpink in 1 (;:;,"> left London for \'irginia. He was
in Newport in PUS, in North Kingstown about P;7:!, and bought
land in the Athert(Mi tract. George A. married Annie A.,
daughter of the late Will)ur T. Reynolds. They have one son
and three daughters. Mr. Spink has been assessor several
HISTORY OF WASIlIXcnoX AND KKNT COUNTIES. ']24r>
years, moderator fifteen years, and has settled a nnniber of
estates for his townsmen.
Samuel A. Spink, brother of ('.cori^e A., was born in 1S'2S. He
married for his first wife ^hiry Ann Eldred, and for his seeond
wife lier .siskT Merey, b\- wlioni lie had two sons, Henry Milton
and llc-rbeiT ll. Mr S])inh has ,'d w.ivs aeted witli the denioeratie
party and li.is served in tlu-town eouneil seme fdiirtern years,
aeting as ])resident of that body a part of the time. His oeenpa-
tion has been farmini,;' ;ind e-arjienterini;.
.Silas Spink', l)orn lyil.is a son of SanuieT and j;r.'indson of
Silas'. He allendcd Sehofield'sCommereial Collot^eal Providenee.
He enlisted the day he <;radnaled and was the first North Kint^s-
town man to volunteer for the eivil wai'. He has been in the
town eouneil one yvixr as a repid)li(.-;in. His business is f.-irniin;^.
His wife is Phebe [. Luther, of Massaehusetls. 'J'heir ehiidren
are Waller ]•',., Harriet A. :nid Miriuie ?\1.
John Thomas .Spink', born in bsHd. ('idiom,-ts Ciould Alk-u
S])ink", John', Xieholas*) married Sarah l!. ^lanehester, of llrislol,
R. I. 'Phey have two ehiidren, Susie ]',. and h'anuie. His f.arni
of 70 aeres is well loi'alcd and is where his f.-ither lixed.
Jonathan .\. .Spink, brother of [ohn 'idiomas, was born in ls:il
in North Kin;4'stown. His early days were spent on his father's
farm. He was then two years at Pioston in school and si.\ years
in the jn'oduee and provision business. He was four years in
the oil fields: was in Providence as eontraetinij machinist three
years; then locomotive building- for some time. He has bien
farming for the last foui- years. 1 le is a republican, i ie has one
son, Russell Spink. His wife was Sarah K. D.amuth. She has
taught school .seven years on (Juidnesselt Neck and i^i the Wick-
ford Academy as })rincii):d about three years, and in h^ast (ireen-
wich as }irinci]i:d foui' \'ears.
Benjamin W.S])ink is a son of Nicholas .\. Sjunk.of Wiekford.
He was born in Norlh Kingstown in 1SHS. He went to Provi-
dence at eighteen years of age. and three years Later took one-
third interest in the firm of Oliver Johnson cK: Co.. of which firm
he is still a UKMubci'. He has one son, Xichol.ns Carr Si)ink.
Daniel .Spink was born in ISICi at North Kingstown. He is a
son of Daniel, and gnmdson of D.aniel Spink. Mr. S]iink has
carried on the butcher's business in Wiekfortl about twenly-two
years. He succeeded his father, who eslablislied the market at
the same j)lacc about IS.")--'. He was married in J87S to Melissa,
124G HISTORY OF WASJIIXGTON, AND KENT COUNTIES.
danyhter of George ^Vhitnlan. Their ehiklren are: Nellie A.,
Daniel Herbert, and Mabel.
George N. Steere was born in 1^4:5 at vSuttoii. Mass. lie is a
son of Horatio, and grantlson of Nathaniel Sleere. Mr. Sleere
came to this town in lSi'i-2 and entered the Hamilton Mills, wlieie
he has been enij)loyed sinee. lie now fdls the plaee of .superin-
tendent of the web department. He has been a member of the
town eoiineil two j'ears as a democrat. He was married in It^dT
to Ann I'liza. daughter of Jeremiali Potter. Their children are:
George N., Jr., William Vanglm. Harry Howard, 'Sluvy ]i. (de-
ceased), and Edward II. (deeeasedi. Mr. Steere is a member of
Wa.shinglon Lodge, No. :>, A. V. and A. M.
Charles E. Sweet, born in IS;>7, is a'son of William A. and
Merey (Arnokl) .Sweet. He has eai-ried on the ice business six
seasons, running one wagon to East Greenwich and one in North
Kingstown. Mr. Sweet was in the war of rebellion nearly three
years, in Company II. .Seventh Rhode Island volunteers. He
was married in ESj? to Mary A. Taylor. Their children are:
Ida J., now Mrs. K. O. TiLus, and h^dgar A. Mr. Sweet is a mem-
ber of the I'>ast Greenwich Post, G. A. R. He is also a member
of Harmony Lodge. No. ."i, I. O. of O. F.
Daniel C. Sweet, born in Wickford in 1840, is a son of Rufus
Sweet, and a descendant of the fanu>us family of boncsetters
elsewhere mentioned. Mr. Sweet has been an insuranee agent
here about thirteen ye.irs. He represents the Home, Phoenix and
Liberty companies, of New York ; the Commereial Hnion and
Imperial, of London; the Travelers', of Hartford, Conn.; the
Commereial Life, of New York .besides several others. He was
in an offiee in Providence two vears before coming hei'e. Mr.
Sweet was married in 1880 to Harriet M.. daughter of James B.
Arnold. He has been a member <_)f \Vashington Lodge, No. .'5,
A. F. and A. M. about twentv-one years.
Ambrose C. Taylor', born 18;):) i Colonel William Taylor", born
1702, William Taylor, Joseph Taylor' i, was married to ^lary R.,
daughter of Potter Sweet, in 18(iO. Mv. Taylor has filled the
office of postmaster at La Fa\"ctte about eighteen vears, suc-
ceeding Robert Rodman. He was a merchant at the same place
seventeen years prior to 1887. Since that time he lias been the
senior partner of the firm of Tavku' & Davis. In l88'2 he caused
the building to be erected which they ni.)w occupy.
HISTORY OF WASHIXGTON AND KENT COUNTIES. 1247
Azel W. TelTl, burn ISI'l, is a son of Jns(j])h and grandson of
Thomas, tie was married in 1871 lo Alma S., daughter of 1 )avid
II. Wightman. 'Phey have had three ehildren : Artlnir R.,Jud-
son C, who died in infancy, and Eliza Alice, lie is a member
of the V,. A. R. and bears the title of aide-de-camp. lie was a
naval officer in tlie war of the rebellion two years as gunner's
mate of U. S. Ordinance ship " St. Lawrence." lie has been a
republican since the party was ffu-med.
Roxanna Titns, wife of X. C Titus, was born 3820. She is a
daughter of George Greene (h^lijah fireene', iilisha Gireene').
She was married in J8."il to N. G. 'J'itus. They have one son,
Benjamin G. Titus. ]Mr. N. G. Titus is a farmer at ILamilton,
where he also carries on a variety store.
George W. Tourjce, born 1812, is a son of Benajah, who was a
son of John, and he a son of I'eter, who came to Rhode Island
from I'Vance. Mr. Tourjce was married in J8;]0 to Ann Eliz.a,
daughter of {amcs Ca])ron. Their ehildren are: Celia N., Me-
lissa A., George A., John A., Jane A., Eoui.se E., Anna E. and
Eulalie D. In politics Mr. Tourjce is a republican.
Thomas M. Tourgce.born 1828, is a S(jn of I'hilip Tourgee and
grandson of William Tourgee. lie was married in 1852 to Eliz-
abeth llille, now deceased. lie was married in 1857 to Susan A.,
daughter of James Gardiner. He had two ehildren by his first
wife. They died in infancy. He was in the war of the rebellion
about three years, in Company H, Eourth Rhode Island Volun-
teers. William Tourgee was in the revolutionary war as a min-
ute man.
Jacob Turck, wh<.) was born in Ciermany in 1810, is a son of
Martin Turck. Jacob came to this country in 1854tand settled
in Wiekford in 1855, and started a boot and shoe store, where he
has been ever since. He was married to Anna Ossmann in 1850.
They have five children : Erank, ?vlargaret, Cornelia, Anna and
William }^Iartin. Mr. Turck has always been a democrat.
Sarah A. Waldron and Mary ]i. V. Urown are daughters of
John Brown, a son of Daniel, who married l^lizabeth Aylcsworth
in 1790, and he a son of Joseph I'.rown. Their mother was I'hebe',
daughterHif John Dimon", Ji->hn', whose father was Tliomas', who
came to America from I-2ngland. His father was Joliu", and his
father John', who spelled his name EcMont. Sarah and Mary
were educated at the ICast Greenwich Academy from 185:5 to
1348 HISTORY OK WASHINGTON AND KKNT fOUNTIES.
ISjCi. Sarah A. lias tauo-ht school nine years, and MaryE. V. has
taui^ht fifteen years, l^hey kept a millinery store at WesteTiy
seven years. Mrs. AValdron now keeps a fanev and \-aricty store
in Wickford. Sarah A. was married to llenr\' Waldron. of ]!ro(ik-
lyn, N. Y., who deceased the same vear.
Robert W. Watson was born in ISI-t in North KinL;sti)wn. He
is a son of Hazard C, son <.)f Robert, son of Rubert, son of ben-
jamin Watson. His mother is Mari;ery, a daughl(,-rt)f Jlenjamin
1". Spink, son of Isaac, snn of Ishmael S]iink. Mr. Watson is a
farmer. He has worked on a farm near Wickf(.ird Station, in the
villag-e of Wickford. He is the oldest of six eliildren, tive of
whom arc now livinj.;'. He was married in 387! to !Mary J. l!e-
m.ont.
William A. Weeden, born in bs:!7 in North Kin<;stown, is a
son of William S. A\'eeden and b^i/abeth, dau-hter of b'^^'tban
Arnold. Mr. Weeilen worked as a machinist seVL'n years, and
since that time has been a farmer, working at the mason's trade
a part f)f the time. He has a farm of ^;i.\■ty acres, near Allenton,
where he has liyed since b'Sli?. He Iniilt the hotisc where he now
lives at that time. He was married in ]8(!-] to I'hncline Crans-
ton, sister of flcorge T. Cranston, of North Kingstown. They
have have had two ehildren--C.eorgc Albert, %vho died aged bS
months, and billie I'.clle. He is a democrat.
Amos Whitford, born 181G, is a siju of Samuel S., grandson of
Amos and great-grandson of John. His mother was Clarissa,
daughter of Amos Mo\\-ry. He was married to L^■dia ']". (kirdi-
ner in 1812. They have one adopted sf)n — lv:hvin A. S. Whit-
ford. He has been in the town council twelve }"ears as a demo-
crat. He is a farmer. »
A. iV. Wilbur was born in Providence, R. L, in 18-b). His
fathei- was Thomas V,.. son of Wanton Wilbur, ^fr. Wilbur
lived several \-ears in Smithlicld, K. I. b'rom there he went to
Massachusetts, from there he entered the Fourth ]\Iassachu.'ctts
Hca\'y ^Vrtillery, Company i\. He was in the service of the
United States fifteen months. He came to Allenton in ]88r),
and with F. R. Frissell keeps the Allenton store and post office.
Mr. Wilbur was tnarried in 18715 to Harriet aL, daughter of Cal-
vin I'ratt. They have one daughter— Lorena R. He is a re-
publican.
HISTORY f)F V/ASniXGTOX AND KIIXT COUNTIES. 1249
SOUTH KIN(.;S'i( >\VN.
John Iloxsic was born in 1807 in South Kinystowii. He is a
son of Thomas, yrandson of lion. Sannicl, and i;r(.'at-y,"randson
of Stephen }Ioxsie. !Mr. Hoxsie lived in Exeter about forty years
prior to 1875, when lie moved todlen Rock in the town of South
Kingstown, where lie now resides. His vocation has hiccn farm-
ing. He has been in tlie general assembly three terms, in the
town council several terms, and assessor of taxes several ye:irs.
He was married in ISoO to Penelope, daughter of ]::zckiel James.
She died in 1807. Thev had nine children. He was m.arried
again in 18(;8 to Amanda li. AVilcox, daughter of Otlienial and
Nancy (Tillinghast I Wilcox.
HOI'KIXTON.
Herbert N. Phillip.s v>-as born iri Richmond and is the oldest
son of Alfred 15. Dnllips, son of Picniamin, son of joscjih Phil-
lips. His mother is l'>liz.-ibeth, daughter of Nicholas H. and
Mary (Johnson i Phillips. }ose])h Philli])s, spc>kcn of above, was
in the war of the revolution. Z^Ir. Phillips is the editor and pub-
lisher of the Sniliiii/-.l(/iurti.ui\ a weekly paper published at
Hope Valley.
EXE'tKR.
Joseph R. Arnold, born in 1818 in Exeter, is a son of Oliver"
(Oliver', Joseph', Samuel', [osiah Arnold"), ^ir. Arnold is a
farmer occupying the homestead of his fatlier and grandfather.
He kept a grocery store at Wiekford junction about nineteen
years prior to 1883. He built the house where he now li\es in
1841]. He was married in I8:)8 to Hannah, daughter of Closes
Mawney of East Greenwich. Thev have two sons, Edwin T. and
Frank H.
Peleg A. Arnold was born in 182n in North Kingstown. He is
a si)n of (icorge Arnold" i Peleg\ ]<)scph\ SamucF. Josiah", Wil-
liam', Calel)', Benedict", William', who came with his brother
Thomas from P.ngl;ind in l('i:j,"ji. His mother was Charlotte,
daugliter oV Amos Gardner. Mr. Arnold is a farmer and has lived
on his present farm since IS."):?. He was inarried in 18.")1 to Han-
nah \V., daughter of judge William lirowning. (if North King.s-
town, who died in 18.')0. aged sixty-five }ears. He was senator
and representative from North Kingstown several years. Pie
■19
]-250 HISTORY OF .WASIIINGTOX .\J^\) KKXT COUNTIKS.
was judg'c of the court of comir.on picas fur several }"cars. Ilis
wife was Maria, daughter of John and Hannah Watson. They
have tlirec daughters: Hannah ]\I., I'hriily C. and ^^lary J., all
married.
V\^illot M. Arnold, born in IS 17 in i^xctcr, is a son of hicnjamiii
L.'", son of Benedict", son of josiah", son of Jost.'ph' (see j^reccd-
ing paragraph). Willet 11. attended school at Mast (ireenwieh
Academy se\'eral ternis. He is a f.armer. He has taught school
eight terms, He was state senator in JS.S7. Hc^has been on the
.school committee and school superintendent four years. He was
married in 1872 to >.Iary K., daughter of ]esse P. Clark. They
have one son, Horace [. He is a democrat and a member of the
Baptist chui-eh of ]<Lxeter.
George F. l^arber, born in 1!S;!S in ]'>xeter, is a sou of (icorge,
and grandson of Ivllcrv, whose father, Revnolds, was a son of
Moses IJarber. His mother is Hannah M., daugliter of Nathan
1>. Lewis, who was grandfather of the present Judge Nathan ]).
Lewis. ;Mr. Uarber is a farmer, and has spent the most of his
life in Ivxeter. He has been in the town council ab(_)Ut ten terms,
and constable several }'ears. He was married in ]W[ to ?\Iary
F., daughter of James Lewis. They have eight children: lilla
F., Mary A. (Mrs. AValter F. l^.liven), Cieorge L., Charles S., Fred
C. Anna J., Arthur S., and Phebe A. Mr. Barber is a member
of Hope Valley Grange, No. 7, P. of IL He is a republican.
Manfred C. Barber was born in b'^4'.) in Fxeter. He is a so*
of Hazard, whose father, Peter B., was a son of Benjamin F
ber. His mother is Phebe W., daughter of Tillinghast Gor .i.
Mr. Barber is a farmer, and has lived cm the homestead of his
wife's grandf.ather, Tlmmas C. Barber, since 1877. lie was mar-
ried in 1870 to Mary A., daughter of Henry C. Barber. He is a
member of Hope V.alley (grange, No. 7, P. of fL, and has been
overseer of the organization since it was formed in L'~^S7. He is
a prohibitionist and a member of the West l^Lxeter church, which
is a branch of the West (Treenwich church.
John Bliven, born in M<-2 [ in ICxcter. is a son of " Jiulge" Wil-
liam B., and ;t grandson of William P.liven. His mother is ^\my,
daiighter.of Xathan Taylor. ViV. P>li\'en is a farmer and li\'es
on the hrimestcad of his f.ather. He has li\'ed in the s.amc house
since 1820. He was mai'ried in iSlCito H.annah C, d;uighter ot
Sheffield B.irber, whose f.ather. ]>anicl, was a son t)f Daniel. Fai'-
ber. Thev ha\'e h.ad fourteen children, seven of whom are li\'-
HISTORY OF WASlllXC'ION AXO KFNT COUNTIES. 1251
ing-, viz. : John S., Charles Iv, AinosT.. llaniKiI; l-\, Amy, II(->racc
B., and }i[;ir_\-. I'he names of Uiosc (Icceast-d are: l'\anny M., Jo-
seph B., Cieorge L., William R., Harriet, Mary, and ^Villiam
Byron.
Issac C. Barden, born in IR.ld in Scituate, is a son of William
M., whose father, Isaac, was a son of John Barden. His mother
■was Susan P., daughter of Lewis Peck. Mr. IJarden was a mill
operative until 1S.S4, since which time he has been a farmer, own-
ing a farm near Sloeumville, in ICxeter. He is one of se\-en
children, five of whom are n(jw li\'ing. He was married in ]SS()
to Anna J., daughter of Charles ^Vest.
Charles H. Boss, born in ISoO in ICxeter, is a son of Kzekicl J.,
and grandson r)f Joseph Ijoss. 1 lis mother is .\lmira, daughter of
John Richmond. Mi'. Boss was a farmer prior t(j IS^^^, when he
took the rake manufaetoi')' which his uncle, Joshua Boss, had
carried on for manv years. He carries on a small farm in con-
nection with the business. He was married in 1S77 to IMartha
P., daughter of C^eorge ]. Sherman. The)" ha\x' one son, Joshua.
He is a member of the " I'irst I'Lxeler " church.
Albert Briggs, born in 1881 in X<jrth Kingstown, is a son of
William and grandson of William Briggs. His mother was
Electa- iiJaker. Mr. Briggs is a farmer and has lived on the
farm that he now occupies about thirt}--thrcc }-cars. He has
lived in Exeter about forty years. Prior to that he lived
in North Kingstown. He was married in PSOG to Jane,
daughter of Simon Jordan. They had six children : John, Su-
san, William. Joseph, Clarke and Mar\-. His wife died in ISTS. ■
He was married in ISSO to ]\Irs. k^lizabeth ^M. (ireene, daughter
of Resolved Wilcox, tie is a member of the West Exeter
church.
Alton li. I-Sriggs, born in IS.")'.) in South Kingstown, is a son of
Edwin T. and grandson of ]ohn Briggs. His mother is Almira
C, daughter of iibenezer Briggs. .She was married in l^r):! to
Edwin T. liriggs, who died in 18()0. 2\Ir. Briggs is one of three
children.
Ebcnczer lirown, born in lSl-1, is a son of James Iv, and
grandson of Benedict Brown. His mother was Hannah 'J'homas
Brown, sister of Coggeshall and daughter of (George Thomas.
Mr. P>rown is a farmer, having lived in the same place since
1841'). He was married in 18:!;) to Alma ('... daughter of Water-
man Franklin. 'J'hey have h.-ul four children: Joshua 1'., Albert
IS.")? )IISTORV OF WA.SHIXf.TON AND KENT COUNTIKS.
G., Joseph 1'. ;nul Sarah ,M., now Mrs. Isa.ac II. (".ardncr. Jo.shua
•F. and Albert Ci. were l>otli in the var tif the rebellion, in Coin-
panv F, Seventh K. 1. V(ihuiU:ers. 'J'liev both died.
Stukelv l!ro\vn ideeeased ), son of James iC. and ,i;randson of
Benedict l!i-o\vn, \vas married in IIS.")? to Martlia, (lan;j;hter of
Ebenezc]- Sloeiim and ;^i-aiiddan,L;hter of I'-leazer Sloenni. Mr.
]iro\vn died in ISSI, a;.',ed i\'^ years. They liavc two children,
Mary Lncv, now Mrs. Herbert i!;iton. .and S. ICverctt.
S. Everett I'.rown was born in lS(i:{ inh-.vetcr. Ik' is a farn'icr,
oceupyin;^' the homestead of his father and yrandfathcr. He
has a farm of about 200 acres. He is a ])rohibitionist.
Georye \V. Corey, born in 1842, in F.\etcr, is a son of \\'illiam
and grandson of Clarke Corey, lie was married in 1870 to
Jessie V. A., dain^hter of lieniamin Carr. of ^Vcst Greenwich.
Thcv h.-ive live children : Alice M.. Jennie \'., I Jertha M, hA'cr-
ett B. and ( )scar M. Mi-. Corey and his wife are nu-mbcrsof
the lixeter Uaptist chnreh.
John Corey was born in 1827 in riainlield, C'onn. 1Ie is a
farmer and has li\ed on ICxetcr Hill since: 18,")1). Ik' has been
commissioner of the town asylum twc]\-c years. He was mar-
ried in ls."i8 to Mary, daughter of \'arnum W. G.ardiner. He is
a prohibitionist and a mend)erof I'.xcter Gran^^c, No. 12, }'. of li.
Willard H. 1 )awley, born in b822 in h>xeter, is a son of 1-ienja-
min and L;randsou of lleuiamin llawlcy. .Mr. 1 )awley was mar-
ried in 1817 to Abiah liallou. She died in 18r)H, U'avinj;- two
children: William H. and .\niKi 15. He was married a,t;ain in
1859 to Lvdia, d.aUL;htcr of S.'imuel I'inkham. He has lived
in P^xetcr since I8(i2. Prior to that he lived i-' _ about
twelve years. He was a mill operative about twenty \;ears, and
has since been a farmer.
Edwin !'. 1 )utemple, bcnii in 18-18 in ICxetcr, is a son of Nathan
Dutemple, whose father came from l-'rance. Nathan Dntemplc
is a blacksmith by trade. He operated a lilacksmith shoj) from
1S-1;> to 180'.), when lidwin 1'. became a partner. In 1874 they
added carriaj^c making and repairing-, which was continued in
the name of X. l)utcnt])le \- Son until 1887, when hxlwin V.
boui^ht out ])is father's interest and now carries on the business
alone. l*Alwin 1'. was married in ISOi) to Mary Iv., daui^'htei* ot
James V . Vauyhn. The)' have one son, h'r.ank iC, born m 187:>.
lie is a memln.r of \\'ashinL;ton Lodi;"e, .\'o. o, i\. h". and A. ^1..
is a charter member of h^xcter Lod'.4e, No. -i:j, I. O. of O. ]■'., a
HISTORY OF WASIIINdTOK AND KENT COUNTIES. 1 'if)']
member of F.xeter Tiranyc, No. 12, P. of II., and a member of
Uneas ICncampment, Xo. 14, of Wiekford. Me is a republiean.
Moses Ivssex was born in IS!!,"! in Cortland eoinily, X. Y. . Ili.s
father Daniel F., was a son of llenajah Essex. His mother was
Hannah, daughter of John \'auyhn, ni hLast (ircenwieh. Mr.
Essex is a farmer and sjieeiilator. He was mari-ied in IS.')-] to
Rhoda A., dan.L^luer of \Villiam I'roetor, of Providenee. She
died in ISHD and left four ehildren : Samuel 1'., Rhoda Maria.
Charlotte W., now Mrs. |ohn E. Taylor, and CeLja A., now 3.1 rs.
Daniel Iv Slillman. He was married again in ISH'.) to Phebe J.,
daughter of William Tisd.alc. They have one daughter.
. Anna W. Cardner was born in 1827 in I'lxeter, Her i'ather,
Robert, was the son of Zebulon, and grandson of Ezekiel Card-
ncr. Her mother was Merey, daughter of John, and gr.and-
daughter of " Molasses" Pardon Tillinghast, a deseendant of the
historie holder Pardon Tillinghast. 3Iiss Cardner is the young-
est of eleven ehildren and the only one now living.
Robert T. Gardner, born in 18:32 in h>xeter, is a .son of Stephen
A., born 1810, and grandson of John Cardner, born in 17.V1. His
mother was Merey ((iardiner) Cardner, daughter of Robert Car-
diner. Mr. (Gardner is a farmer oeeupying the farm that was
settled by the (Gardner family five generations ago. He has been
member of the town eouneil as a republiean. He was married in
18G7 to Mary A., daughter (.)f Curnel Bailey. She died in 1872,
leaving one son, Stephen B. He was married again in 1874 to
Sarah E., daughter of Albert vSweet. They have one son, Irving-
S. He is a member of the P'irst Bai^*--*^ i-hurch of h^xeter.
Frederiek Hadfield, born in 18:).. . .xie, England, is a son
of Edward and grandson of John Hadfield. I\Ir. Hadfield eame
from England to Rhode Island in 1848. He worked tor the
Spragucs, at Ouidniek, in the town of Coventry, twenty-seven
years. He was overseer of the wea\'ing shop about fifteen years.
He came to Exeter near Millville in 1882 and bought a farm
whieh he now works. He was mai'ried in ]8.')7 to a daughter of
John Moon. They have one son, Ira. born 18."'>7. Mr. Hadfield
was in the war of the rebellion m Comjxiny C, Twelfth Rhode
Island ^"l'>llnlteers about nine months.
George T. Hathawav was born in 18:'.."") in l^.^eter. His father,
Nathan, was a son of Xath.an, and he a son of Caleb Hathaway.
His mother was a daughter of job Dawley. He is a farmer, h;iv-
ing lived on the farm whieh he now occupies about twenty-three
]-2.'i-l HISTORY OK WASHINGTON AND KKXl' COU.NTIF.S.
yeai's. Me was mnrried in ]t-:.")S to Susan I'hilHps. She diud in
IS.'jfl. He was married ac^ain in IsiOl to Susan ^L l)a\vle\'. She
died in I^IU. lie married a third time in 388n, ^lary R.. daugh-
ter of George W. Re\-no]ds. They liave two ehildren, C.enrge
W. and vSusan K. lie is a member of the First I'lxeter ehureh.
Thomas G. Hunt, liorn in l.'-J-l.') in South Kinystown, is a son
of Daniel and grandson of John Hunt. Mr. Hunt has kept the
store at Exeter Hill sinee January. ISS:?, sueeecding James II.
Hendricks. He received a commission as postmaster I'ebruai'y
13th, 1S82. He was married in 1872 to Marv S., daughter of Al-
bert Franklin of Exeter. Tliey have two children, Clara }vl.and
Mary E. . He is a member of ICxeter Lodge, No. 4:], I. (). of ( ). E.
Pardon T. Joslin, born m 1827 in Exeter, is a son of Russell,
and grandson of Christopher Joslin. His mother was !Mary
(Hill) Joslin. Mr. Joslin is a farmer on the homestead of Rus-
sell Joslin. He keeps a grocer}- store on the "Ten Rod road,"
about two miles west of Exeter Hill. He has been a mcml)er of
the town council. He was married in 1840 to Harriet, daugliter
of William Mathewson. They liave had eleven children:
Stephen, Annie F. idied age thirty-two years- Airs. Arnold Ben-
jamin), Henry Plerbert, Leonard, Hattie (I\lrs. Samuel Parker),
Lydia L. (^Mrs. (')lney P)rown i, I'ardon, (.)]iver T., Ida E., Russell
and Etta M.
Amos A. Kenyon, born in 18.12. is a son of Edward R., \s'hose
father Samuel, was a son of George, and grandson of I>enjamin
Kenyon, wht> came from England to Rhode Island. His mother
is Eunice E. Kenyon, daughter of Russell Crandall, whose father
Elijah was a son of Joseph Crandall. ^Ir. Ken\')n was married
in 1878 to Eunice E., daughter of Amos \Mii* rd. Tbcy have
one daughter, Mary E. Mrs. Kenyon died i' 84. Mr. Kenyon
is a member of Exeter Lodge, Xo. 43, I. O. ,). F.
Herbert E. Lewis was born in 1S(;2 in K jter. He is a son of
Daniel C". (Closes ]'/'., James', James^ James", John Lewis'). His
mother was Lydia C, daughter of Edward RichnKind. yir.
Lewis is a farmer, owning the homestead of his father. He
has taught eleven terms of school. He has been justice of the
peace two years, and was elected assesso]- of taxes in 1888. He
was married in 1884 to Addie M., daughter of Gardiner Rarber.
They have one daughter. Xellic M. His father died in 1878 and
his mother in 187(1. He is a member of Ik)pe \'allcy Grange,
P. of H.
HISTdRV OF \VASTIIX(;T0X AM) KKXT COUNTIES. 12Cu->
Reynolds J. Lillibridgc, burn in 1S'>7 in ]L\etcr, is a son of
Willet R., w1k)sl' father Roynokls, was a son of Jonathan Lilli-
bridjfc. Ilis mother was Chh.ie ( iJarben Li]librid,L;e, dang^hter I'f
John liarber. Mr. l.illibridc;c has been a farmer for tlie last
fonrtecn years. He was a travelinfi^ a_^'ent several years prior to
that, lie is a member of Charity Lodge, No. 23, A. F. & A. M.
He was married in 1870 to Lydia M. Clark. They have one
daughter, Cora.
Reverend George R. Northup, born in 1821 in_Exeter, is a son
of John, who.se father, Anthony, was a son of Zebulon Xorthnp.
Mr. Northup was ordained as a Calvinist Baptist pre.aeher in
1856. , lie has preaehed twenty-seven years in sueeession. The
last five years he has had no regular eharge. He was married
in 1848 to Frances E. Peekham, who died in 18,V2. He was m;ir-
ried to his present wife, I'lsther P., in IS.j-J. They have two
children: Imogene, now Mrs. Charles II. Cook, and Lillian, now
Mrs. Thomas R. Rathbun. They have lost eight children.
George W. Palmer, born in IS.')'.) in Richmond, is a son of
William H., whose father, Amris, was a son of Reverend Phincas
Paltuer. His mother was Carolin.e C, daughter of William
Peckhain. Mr. Palmer is a farmer, owning nearly si.x hundred
acres of land. He built the house in which he now lives in
1880. He was married in 1883 to :\Ielissa D., daughter of Seth
W. Terry, who is a son of Moses, and he a son of Seth, whose
father, Seth Terry, came from Dartmouth during the revolution.
Mr. Palmer is a republicair and a member of Uueens River
church.
Eli.sha P. Phillips was born in 1827 at ' ainfield, Conn. He is
a son of Elisha P. and grandson of athaniel Phillips. His
mother was Mary, daughter of Beni .i Northup. ]\lr. Phillips
owns the lower mill at Millville, I .it by job Reynolds eK: Son
in 1834. They rented it the most of the time from then until
Job died in 18.')2. There had been a store connected with the
mill proj^erty since the time the mill was built. At the death of
Mr. Reynolds, in 18r)2, Mr. Phillips l)ought the lower mill and
store, which he still owns. The mill was burned in 188n, and
rebuilt in 1887. He was married in 1848 to Lucy, daughter of
Job Reynolds. She died in 1887. He has been a member of
the general assembly three terms, in the town council about
seventeen years, and superintendent of schools several yerirs.
He is a republican. He has been a member of Exeter church
about forty vcars.
12,"")n HISTORY OF \V.\.SIII.\(;i'OX AM) KENT CnUNTIE^.
William (i. ]s.(j.->c, born in 1S-}1 in ILxcter. is a scjn of (icori;^
W. and f;r;uKls(in' of James Rose. lie was a woolen mannfae-
turer until aboul. ten years aL;"(J. when he cngayetl in farmin<^.
He has lived in I'^xeter, near Slocnmville, sinee 1i<l'.l. lie has
been a member of the to\\-n eouneil several vears and was in the
legislature in IS.IT. lie was married in 184-1 to r^Iartha F. l)ixon,
who died in 18G:]. They had eiyht ehildren, seven of whom aix-
now living. lie was married again in ISCiO to Mary A. G. Tib
linghast, widow of Thomas W. Tillinghast. Air. Rose' is master
of Exeter Grange, ?\o. ]-2. P. of 11. He is a demoerat.
Caleb IT. Sherman was born in 18:!:3 in Exeter. lie is a son
of liber, whose father, I;"ber, was a son of Eber Sherman. Ilis
mother was Catherine, daughter of Stephen Gardner. Mr. Sher-
man is a fai^mer, oeeupving the homestead of the Shermans,
which has bucn owned by four generations. He has taught
school about twentyTive terms. He attended the Greenwich
Academy three terms. He has been in the town council .several
terms. He was married in 1871 to a daughter of Gideon linnvn.
They ha\-e rmc son, Caleb W.
Eber J. Sherman was born in LSKi in Exeter. His father,
grandfather and gre.at-grandfather were named liber. Mr. Sher-
man is a farmer, and has lived in Exeter all his life, except four
years spent in North Kingstown. He was married in ISIo to
Lydia H., daughter of Jonathan Record, who was born in 18(K) in
Newport and came t(_i Exeter in 18(11, where he lived until a short
time before his death, which oceuried in 1878. Mr. and ]\Irs.
Sherman have seven children: Samuel E.. Jonathan R., William
T., Robert J., Charles 11., Mary C. and Lydia R. [onalhan Rec-
ord w-as a house carpenter until 18:>8, and from that timfr until
1801 was a merchant.
George J. Sherman, born in 18'2<i in lixeter, is a son of Eber
and grandson of liber .Sherman. His uK^her was Patience,
daughter of Cxeorge James. Mr. .Sherman has lived in the town
of Exeter all his life excepting two years. He is a farmer, and
runs a grist mill and a shingle mill in connection with farming.
His wife, Rebecca C, to whom he was married in 1811, died in
1881, leaving three daughters: Martha P., Rebecca'and listella
B., all married. Mr. Sherman is a member of the First Exeter
church.
Winfield S. Shearman is a Scni of Arnold C. Shearman, and
grandson of Arnold, whose father, Robert, was a son of Jonathan.
HISTORY OF WASHIN'GTON AND KEXT COUNTIKS. ] -i.")?
His mother was Hannah vS.. dautjhtcr of Robert Rose. Hisorand-
'iTLOther, wife of Arnold Sliearman, was Catherine, daughter of
Josiah i\rnold. Mr. Shearman is one of iive sons, and lives witli
his father, Arnold C. Shearman, who owns the old homestead
that has been in the family for aljoiU two hnndied years. Jona-
than .Shearman's f;ilhei' was also named jtmathan, and he \\ns a
son of Renjamin, whose father, Philip, was ijorn in J'^.ni^land and
eame to Ro.\bur\', Mass., in hi:!:!, lie, with a few other men of
that state, was banished from the state, and settled in Id'.lS in
Portsmouth.
Eben Sloeum, |r., born in 1S48 in North ]vin;4'stown, is a son
of Ebcn, and (grandson of J-Lleazer vSloeum. His mother was
Hannah Congdon. Mr. Sloeum is a farmer, and has made buy-
ing and selling eatlle his prineipal business for the last iifteen
years. He has lixcd in l^xeter 1 lollriw sinee 1S80. He was mar-
ried in 1870 to Kate A., daughter of Jeremiah T. Knowles. 'Idiey
liave one son, Adelbert C\ M.
Jonatlian Spcneer ^\■as born in 17!)8 in h^xeter. He is a son of
Samuel, and grandson of lonathan, whose father, Samuel, was a
son of iMiehael Sjieneer. Mr.,Speneer has been ovei'seer of poor,
town sergeant, and eoUeetor of taxes several years, as a republi-
can. He was married in \^-2-2 to Xaney, daughter of John Plaee.
They had two ehildren - fohn, who was in the war of the rebel-
lion, in Company F, Seventh Rhode Island volunteers, and died
at Camp Dennison, Ohio; and IClizabeth, now Mrs. ^Alvin L.
Knight. Her son, Herbert E. Knight, lives with his grandfather,
Mr. vSpeneer. He was married in ]88() to Mary ^Nlatteson. Tlu_
have three ehildren. Mr. Spencer's wife died in 1882, aged 8:^
years.
Aaron Straight was l)orn in t8(i(i in West Greenwich. He rs a
son of vSoh^mon, and grandson of juhn Strrught. ]\Ir, Straight is
a farmer and has li\-ed on the farm that he now occupies since
1831. lie has been a member of the town council several years,
and is a member of Arcadia I'aptist church. .:\aron .Straight was
married in bSliO to Abigail, daughter of Allen and Ruth Tilling-
hast. They have had three children : Albert, who died in Fair-
fax Scmin;iry Hospital, in ISCi;! (he was a v(ilunteer in P.atter)-
B); ]ohn T.and Abbic. Albert was married to Angeline Til-
linghast, a sister of |udge Pardon Tillinghast. Abbie li\'es with
her father.
I'SGS HISTORY OF WASHINOTON AXD KENT COIINTIFS.
Stephen Straijrht was born in 1814 in West Circcnwich. He
is a son of Solomon, and L^randsnn of Jolm Straij^ht. I lis mother
was Susan, danohter of h;hlrid<;e Austin. Mr. Strai;.^lu is a
farmer and has lived in this towji about thirty-seven years. Ik-
was married in 18-1] to Ilopestill. daui^hterof Amos Hates. They
have two ehildren -Ann i:ii7.a. now .Mrs. AVilHam 11. 11. Wood-
mansee, and John A., who was married in Mr^V<i\ to Alibie V.,
daucrhter of Royal Phillips, and has had f.nir ehildren: Anna
F. (decea.sedV Stephen A. R., ]-:i]a S. A., and IClwin W. A.
John A. is a farmer and has lived in \Vest C.reenwieh about
twenty years. He is a member of West Ivxeter church. Ste-
phen is a])rohibitionist. He is a member of West I'lxeter church.
James W. Sunderland, born in bS;].") in Richmond, is a son of
Nathaniel C. and grandson of (leori^-e .Sunderland. His mother
was Emeline, daug-hter of Jo.seph Phillips. Mr. Sunderland is a
farmer, and has lived in Exeter about thirty-five years. He has
been town sergeant and consta])le. He was married in ]8(t! to
Mercy B., daugditer of Silas E. Moore. Mrs. Sunderland has been
postmistress at Eiberty since the oflicc was established, about
1882.
Olney Tanner, born in 1820 in West Greenwich, is a son of
William and grandson of Stillman Tanner. His mother was
Sarah, daughter of Noah I'arker. whose father was Stephen
Parker. Mr. Tanner is a farmer. He built the house where he
now lives in 1860. He is one (jf eight children, three of whom
are now living. In 1840 he was married to Elizabeth, daughter
of Nathan Palmer, son of Stephen l\almer. They have had four
children : ^[ary E. (deceased), Dorcas Ann (Mrs. Henry Austin i.
Ambrose O. (deceased), and Susan Abbic, now ^Ir,s. Joseph T.
Hopkins, of Coventry.
James 'J'efft, born in 1800 in Richmond, is a son of Thomas,
who was a son of Thomas Tefft. His mother was Lucv, daugh-
ter of George Tefft. Mr. Tefft is a farmer and owns the same
farm that his father owned at one time, a good manv vears ago.
He has owned it since 1807. He was married in IS42 to ( )live,
daughter of Othenial Wilcox. Tlicy have Iiad twelve children.
eleven of whom are now living.
Franklin P. Tefft, born in bs.-,:?, i.s a son of James, who.sc father,
Thomas, was a son of Thomas Tefft. His mother is ()li\c.
daughter of Othenial Wilco.v. .Mr. Telft is a farmer, and built
the house where he now lives in b'^8]. In 1880 he was married
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON' AND KKNT COUNTIES. ] 259
to Sarah P., daii.^'Iitcr v( Sclh AV. Terry. They ha\'e three chil-
dren : SiL'Ls P., Mcli.s.'^a j. and Cora. ^[r. '.relit has been a mem-
ber of the West Kingstiiwn Ayrienllnral Society about twelve
years.
George A. Thomas, l)(>rn in ]S4(i in North King•sto^vn, is a son
of William A., whose fallier C.Nio-^esliaH, was son of (.icori^'e, and
he a son of John Thomas. 1 lis muther is Ilctsey, daughter of
William Thrown. Mr. Th:)mas received most of his education in
the district schools, and attended ( ".reenwich Academ\- a short
time. He is a farmer and ha.s tanyht thirteen winte'r terms of
school, beginning at the age of twent\'-t\vo. lie was elected to
the legislature in 188"), 188(5 and 1888. He has been on the
school committee about Iwelve )-ears, and superintendent of
schools about six years. He has been tovn auditor and assessor
of taxes several years. He was married in IHCC) to Harriet P.,
daughter of Amos Whilford. 'i'hey have three children : I'ran-
cis W., ]-loy li. and Myra A. He is a member of the I-^xeter
(jrange, No. ]'2, P. of H., and a membci- of the Seventh Hay Ad-
vent church of Slocunn-ille. His father William A., was captain
of the state militia at one time.
John Tillinghast, born in 18:i('i in h^xeter, is a son of William
B. and grandson of job H. Tillinghast. His mother was a
daughter of Richard Vaughn. ^Ir. Tillinghast is a carpenter and
has worked at that trade aliout ten \ears. He has been sujjcr-
intendent of the Millville Mill for Havid L. Aldrich about six-
teen years. He was married in 1807 to Abbie ¥-... daughter of
George T. Collins. He was in the war of the rebellion thirty-
nine months in the Third Rhode Island \'oluntccrs.
William 13. Tillinghast, born in 18:'.") in Exeter, is a brother of
John Tillinghast mentioned above. ]\Ir. Tillinghast l?as been
superintendent of David L. Aldrich's print works at Arcadia
about seventeen years. Prior to that he was superintendent at
]\Jillville about five years. He is a carpenter, ha\-ing woj-kcd at
that trade abf)Ut se\'en vcars. He was married in 18.")n to Julia,
daughter of Charles Thompson, and has two sr)ns, George E.
and Frank W., living, and one. Charles, that died aged five
years. He was a member of the general assembly in 1874,
187ri and 1870, and has been on the school committee several
years.
George H. C. AVatson, born in 18:i(i in North Kiiigstown, is a
son of Thomas C, whose father. R(.)bcrt, was a son of lienjamin
1200 illSrORV OK WASIIIXGIOX AXD KliXT COU.\TII',>.
Watson. ITis mother was Ruth, daugliter of Benjamin and
Ruth XorthuiJ. Robert Watson's wife was Amy, daughter of
Thomas Champlin. ]\lr. Watson is a farmer and oeeii]iies the
homestead where his father, Thomas C, lived from lS:il» until
his death in 1877. Mrs. Watson is still livin;.^' in her SlUh year,
with George H. C. lie is one of six children, three of whom are
living, lie is a repid^liean. Thomas C Watson was a stone
mason by trade. He was in the ^^•ar of 1SI2.
Stephen 1!. Weeden, son of .Samuel L. and Phebe Weeden and
grandson of .Anthony Weeden, was born in ICast (ireenwieh in
1821. Samuel L. Weeden was lost at sea when about thirty-
three years old. Air. Weeden has lived on his present farm
since 18,")], and built the house in which he now lives in 18.^)4.
He has been senator two vcars, member of the town council a
number of terms, collector of taxes several years. (,)verseer of
poor fifteen years, and town moderator five years, lie was mar-
ried in 1845 to Doreas, daughter of IScnjarnin, .son of Henjamin
Dawlcy. They have three children: Samuel L., Harriet 1'".
(deceased), who was Airs. Charles 1'. Ih-own, and Charles II.
John W. Whitford was born in 1820 in ICxeter. He is a son of
Samuel S., whose father, Amos Whitford, was married twice.
His second wife, Alolly, daughter of " Alolasses " Pardon Tilling-
hast, was the grandmother of John W. His mother is Clarissa,
daughter of xXnios Alowry. Air. Whitford is a farmer, owning
and occupying the homestead of his father. The hotrsc where
he lives was built bv his father in the fall of 1828. He is (me of
seven children, three of whom are now li\-ing. lie was married
in 1850 to Alercy T., daughter of Charles Wilcox. She is also
connected with the Tillinghasts. They have six, children :
Anna G., Airs. Jonathan X. .Arnold ; Alary T., wife of Lewis F.
Whipple; Clarissa, now Airs. Svlvester R. Gardiner : Abbie F.,
Hannah T. and Samuel S.
Joseph L. Wightman was born in 1818 in Connecticut. He
is a son of Reverend John, whose father. Reverend George, was
a son -of Reverend Timothv. whose father, A'alcntinc, was a S(.)n
of George, wIkj came from luigland. His mother, Ilridget.
is a daughter of Reverend Rufus Allen. Air. Wightman has
given some attention to agriculltirc all his life. He was ordained
as a liaptist ])reaehcr in 18.")0. He was the pastor of " iMX-nch-
town " Baptist church about four years, and has been pastor ot
several churches in Washington conn I v. fie was married in
}nSTORY OF \VAS!I1X(,T(IX AND KENT COUNTIES. 1201
1843 to vS.irah ^l. Latham. She died in 18-11, and he was mar-
ried in 18.')! to Laura TelTt, who died in 187i).
John T. Wilieox was born in lS.-)2 in Exeter. His father and
grandfatlier were both named Noah Wilieox. His mother is ?\Iary,
dang;hter of .Samuel W. Sherman. .She was married in 1 s;!8 to
Xoah Wilieox. They have had six ehildren, four of whom are
livino-. John T. Wilieox is a farmer, occupying the homestead
of his father and grandfather, his father having died in 1883.
KU]l.\U»Xli.
George W. Aldrieh was born in 1830 in CJxbridge, ]\Liss., and
is a son of Thomas J. Aldrieh and Lydia C, daughter of Nathan
Varney, son C)f Sliubael. His grandfather was Abel, son of Jo-
seph Aldrieh. .Mr. Aldrieh is a farmer. He was in the war of
the rebellion about three years, in Company (i, I'irst Massaehu-
,setts cavalry. He was married in 18(U; to Martha ].. daughter of
Matthew C. Card, son of ImkjcIi, son of P.eniamin Card. They
have had two si)ns — Hueius, who died aged three years, and |o-
sejih H. He is a member of ^V^)od River liaptist church. He
has been clerk of the church about two vears.
John W. liaggs, born in Charlestown in 18.')r), is a son of John
F., and grandson of Josej^h IC. liaggs. His mother was Rebecca
L., daughter of .Solomon 1 )rown. .Mr. liaggs has been a mill op-
erative about thirteen years at Woodville Mills, and has been
boss finisher about six years. He is one of seven children, five
of whom are now living. His father died in 1887. He was mar-
ried in 1887. h:mma Eldora Baggs, sister of John W., lives in a
part of the house with her brother, and they own the homestead
together, where John F. had lived for several years prior to his
death in 1887. '
James C. Baker, born in 1811 in Richmond, is a son of Henry
C, and grandson of James Baker. His mother, FJizabeth, is a
daughter of Jonathan Kingsley. In IM.") Mr. Baker, in com-
pany with Alanson Barber, began the manufacture of print
cloths, which business was continued by them until ISOO, -when
their factoiy in Hopkinton burned. Since that time }>lr. liaker
has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He has been in the
town council. He was married in 183(1 to Sarah, daughter of
Jared liarbcr, who was a son of Caleb, and he a son of Caleb
Barber, who lived on the same farm where Mr. Baker now lives.
They have three children : Joanna L., now :Mrs. J. E. Dockrey ;
12(32 ursTORY ok washixc; iox and kkxt counties.
Sarah C, 11 mv Mrs. Tlionias \V. K'cnyon ; and jamcs II. T!iu
latter i.s mavricd and li\-c'.s with his father. Mr. Ilaker is a mem-
ber of the Second lia])tist cluiix'l'; of llupkinton. ;ind has been a
deacon about tliirly \-ears. Mrs. iJaker died in I8SS.
Clarke IJarbcr was born in ]S2i'' in li.xeter. lie is a son of
Thomas C, he a son of Moses, and lie a son of Moses liarber.
Ilis mother was Su.san, daiiL^'hter of John Conydon. Mr. Ikirber
has been a farmer. He has carried the Arcadia mail for about
thirty-fi\'e )'ears. lie lias lix'ed in the same house since his mar-
riage. He was in the general assembly in IST'.t, and has been a
member of tlie town council several years. He was married in
1S19 to Ahnira, daughter of l\deg Andrews. Thev have four
children: heander ^[.. Susan K. iMrs. A. R. Andrews), Tliomas
II., and Hannah C, now Mrs. ;\loses ]\ liarber, of West Cirecn-
wieli. ]\]r. IJarbcr is a prohibitionist. He is a member of Hojie
Valley Cirange, No. 7. P. of H.
Sniitum P. I'.arber, born in KS]8 in Richmond, is a son of I'ctci
and grandson of Benjamin Parber. His motlicr was Lucy,
daughter of .Smitum Potter. Mr. Parber livetl on liis farm in
Exeter until 18(59, when he removed to Arcadia, where he has
kept the boarding house for David L. Aldrich since that time.
He still owns and operates his farm in Exeter. He was married
in 1841 to Phebe, daughter of Moses Lewis. They have one son,
Moses P. Barber, of West Greenwich. He is a democrat.
Solomon Barber was born in 1823 in Soiith Kingstown. He is
a son of ]Moses, son of James, son of William, son of Moses,
whose grandfather James came from England in IS;!;; to B!)Ston,
and later to Newport. His m()ther is h:iizabeth, daughter of Jo-
seph Belcher. Mr. Barber learned the wagon maker".strade when
a lad, but in early manhood he left the trade because he wished
to be a manufacturer. He has been a practical manufacturer for
about forty years, mostly in Connecticut. In September, 1887,
he came to Richmond, near Wyoming, where he now resides on
a small farm. He was married in 1844 to }>Iaria Fdlen .M.. a
daughter of Asa Dye. They have had ten children. Mv. P.;irbcr
is a member of tlie First Ikiptist church of Hopkinton. He is a
member of the Masonic order.
Thomas H. Barber, born in ]^'<i'> in Richmond, is a son of Clark
Barber. Mr. Barber is engaged in fanning and the lumber busi-
ness. He Iniilt a saw mill at Barberville two \-ears ago, wdiith
he now runs. Prior to that he operated, in ]xartncrship with
HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KKXT COU.NTIKS. 12C:?
Moses P. Jiarbcr. a portable steam sriv mill in West Greenwich
about six years. He was married in KSSO to IJllian F., daughter
of Samuel K. iJarbcr, whose wife Hannah (Tillinghast i llirber.
is a sister of William I!, and John Tillinghasl of Exeter. 'J'hev
have one son, Harold T. Mr. IJarber is a member of Hope A'al-
ley Grange, Xo. 7, P. of H.
Thomas Perth, born in KS47 in .Mas.sachu.selts, is a son of Law-
rence and Catharine Perth. .Mr. P>erth came to Plainville in Jt^Sl
and since that time h,-is been boss dyer for AV. A. W;dton & Co.
I'rior to coming- here he was thirteen years in IMillburv, Mass., as
boss dyer. He was married in 187-2 to Pridget, daughter of Wil-
liam Marondy. 'I'hey have four children : ]':ilen J.. William H.,
Mary K. and I'rederick J.
John W. Jh-iggs, born in Jamestown, is a son of William,
grandson of Sweet and great-grandson of Job Ihiggs. His
mother was Rachel R., daughter of John Watson. Mr. Priggs
has been a mill operative mostly. He lived here prior to 1804,
and came back in I88(>. He has a small farm with three acres of
cranberries. He has been boss finisher in the Davisville mill
for about a year. He was married in 185:! to Sarah E., daughter
of Moses Parber and sister of Solomon ISarber, of this town.
Her father died in 1880, aged 98 years. Her grandmother llav-
garet died in lS.JO,aged 103 years and 8 months. :\Ir. Priggs has
two children: Elizabeth A., now Mrs. Henrv 1). Tucker, and
John E., who is married and has two children. ]-:iizabeth x\.
also has two children.
Solomon K. Prown, born in Richmond, is a son of Penjamin,
grandson of Penedict, and great-grandson of John Prown His
mother was Lydia, daughter of Pelcg Slocum. Mr. Prown. with
a sister and a brother, lives on the homestead where their father,
Benjamin, lived from about 1812 until his death in 18.50. They
have a large residence just south of Hope \'alley. whiel'i
they built in 1870. Ih: Prown is a farmer. He was married in
18.57 to Sarah A., daughter of Amos Palmer, son of Phineas
Palmer. She died in 1874. They had three children: Abbie
A., Charles P., who died in infancy, and lulward S., also died in
infancy. Mr. linnvn is a republican.
Walter E. Prowning was born in 18.50 in Charleslown. In
1854 he went from there to Hopkmton, whyre he lived until
1S85. In March of that year he bought out the interests of I'hil-
lips lK: Perkins in Ilojie Valley, and came to Richmond, where he
1264 HISTORY OF \VASlllN(rrO\ AND KI'NT COL"XTli:.S.
now lives and carries on the j^cneral store business, lie had a
store in Ilojjkinton ab(jnt fixx- \-ears prior to coniiiit;' to Hope
Valley. He was postmaster at Canonehel until tlie post office
was discfintinued. He was married in K^7o to I'hnma A.,dauj:;h-
ter of Peter P. Palmer. They have five ehildren. He is a dem-
ocrat.
James K. Carpenter, born in 1.S4T in South Kingstown, is a
.son of \Villiam II. Carpenter and Hannah ,M., dauidiler of John
Coswell. Mr. Carpenter has 1jeen ox'erseer of the spinning
department of the Hope Valley mill fi>r I). L. Aldrich about
fourteen years, and has \\-orked in the same mill about t\\X'Ul\--
four years. He was married in 1S('>\ to Mary A., daughter of
Benjamin 1". Vorden. They have two ehildren: Allie ]., now
Mrs. James R. P'rit^j^s, and William H. He is a I'epufiliean, a
member of Hope \'alle\' ]\Ieth(_idisL church, and a member of
Charity Lodne, Xo. 2:!, A. F. & A. M.
Nelstm K. Church, born in 18"2") in H(;])kint(_in, is a son of
Kbenezer K. and .Sophia iRobinsimi Clnii'(.-h. Ebenezei' K. was
a son of Rufus, and he a son of Caleb Church. Mr. Church is a
farmer and has lived at his present homo since 18(il. Prior to
that he tauj^'ht several terms of schord. He re])resented the
town in general assembly one year, has been on llie school
committee, and school sujicrintendcnt se\'cral terms, and has
been trial justice about ten \-ears. He was married in bS.Vi to
Marcy W., d.aughter of Jeremiah Whitford. He is a member
of Wood River church, member of Hope \'alley (jrangc. Xo. 7,
P. of 11., and a democrat.
George H. Clark, born in 18J7 in Charlestown, is a son of
Simeon P. Clark. ]Mr. Clark is the present owner (»f what is
known as Clark's mills. He was married in 1877 to Celia E.
Carr, of Jamestown. They have four children : George P.. Hat-
tie S., Henry G. and I'lorencc. He is a republican.
George R. Clarke, born in 18."i() in Richmond, is a sc;n of Rey-
nolds H. Clarke, grandson of Pid^e, and great-grandson of
Joshua Clarke. His mother is Lsabcdle AV., d.inghterof William
Nye. Mr. Clarke is a wagon maker, blacksmith and farmer.
He has a small f.'irm of about seventy-five acres, and has lived
here ten years. He was married in ]87r> to I"ann^•, daui' liter of
James C. Greene. Their three children are: Sidne\- W., Isa-
belle XT. and George R., Jr. He is a democrat.
HISTORY OF WASllIXGTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. V2(j')
Halsey P. Clark was born in 1S18 in RiL-hmond. ?Ie is a son
of David, son of ])avid, son of Jonathan, son of AVilliam, son of
Joseph Clarlc. llis mother vSnsan was a danohter of (iCdrj^c
Perry, son of lidward, son of Pcniamin Perry, wlio Ijoiiglit the
farni where Ilalsey ]'. now lives at sheriff's sale in 1747. It was
in the Perry family from that time until aliout 1828, when it
came into the possession of Mr. Clark's father, and in 18(i7 it
came into the possession of the present owner. Mr. Clark was
married in 1841 to ]Mary, d:inghter of Job Allem They have
seven children living and have lost one son. Mr. Clark has been
clerk of the town since 1S.")2, and has served in the general as-
senrbly three years. His father David was in the assembly
about twelve ye.ars.
Amos j. Dawlev was born in 1812 m Richmond, and is a son
of John and grandson of Michael Dawley. His mother was
Mary, d.aughter of William Harrington. ]\Ir. Dawley has lived
in Richmond since 18-l(i; prior to that time he lived in ]*;xeter.
He was married in 18t.") to Mrs. -Sally Tefft, a daughter of AVil-
liam r>. Bliven. They have one son living. A. John Dawley of
Providence. Thev lost three daughters. Angeline, Caroline and
Sarah. He is a democrat.
Warren Dawley, born inl8r)l in Hopkinton,is a son of AVilliam
H., grandson of Beriah, and great-grandson of Job Dawley. His
mother was Tryphena H. Tanner, yiv. Dawley is a farmer. He
was married in 187:^ to Susan C, daughter of Cycorge AV. James,
son of George ,S., son of Ezekiel. son of George James. They
have three children: Grace A., Edna E. and AVilliam J. Mr."
Dawley is a prohibitionist. He and his wife and oldest daughter
are members of Wood River Baptist church.
August A. Dobbrow was born in 1801 in Westerly. He is a
son of Frederick Dobbrow and grandson of William F. Dobbrow,
of Germany. Frederick Dobbrow came to .\merica about IS.'jS
and shortly after settled in Westerly. The family came to Plain-
ville in 1870. August A. has worked in the mill here since that
time. He has been overseer in the weaving department since
April, 188G. He has been assistant superintendent of the .Sunday
school here for a number of years. He has had charge of the
chapel about eight years. Fie was married in 1S,'S2 to Alice M.
Wilbur, daughter of Fones G., he a son of Nathaniel S. and he a
son of Jesse AVilbur. They have one daughter, Alice E. I'ones
G. Wilbur died in 188."). His wife now owns the old house where
80
12(3(3 IIISTORV OF WASIIIXGTcjX and KKNT COUXTILS.
Jesse Wilbur lived during- his life. Mr. Dubbrow is a rej^ubli-
can.
William ]■". Dobbruw was Injvn in ISiM in Westerly, aiul is a
son of I'rederiek iJobbrow. .Mr. iJobbrow has been a mill oper-
ative for many years. Ik' has been boss dresser about se\'en
years. He was married in It^^.") to Tryphena. daughter c^f Wil-
liam Jaekson, of Conneelieul. They liave one son, AVilliam
Frederiek. lie is a republican.
Charles Dobbrow was born in ]S(3:3 in Westerly, »and is a son of
Frederiek Dobbrow. Charles beyan in the mills as a bobbin
winder. He came to Plainville in 187(3 with his parents, and be
gan here in the card mom where he worked about three years;
then he worked at weaving- about six years, and has been bo.ss
designer aljout three years. He was elected assessor in ISSS as
a republican.
Henry R. Doekrey is a son of James K. 1 )ockrey. His mother
is Joanna L., daughter of James C. 13aker, son of Henry C, son
of James Baker. Mr. Hockrey has been in the machine shop of
the Nichols &- Langworthy Machine Company since Jy^.'^i. James
E. Doekrey and Joanna L. Baker were married in ISCiC They
have four children : Henry R., ]\1. Ida, C. Edward and Elizabeth
Lavergne, who is now Mrs. William A. AVatrous.
"John C. Ennis, born in IS-il in Richmond, is a son of Thomas,
and grandson of Paul Ennis. His mother was Abbie. daughter
of Jonathan Tefft. Mr. klnnis has ^vorked at wagon making
about twenty years. He had a grist and shingle mill m Kings-
town about four years. It was burned in 1SS7. He has been a
member of the town council two years and justice one }-ear. He
was married in 1879 to Amy R., daughter of (ieorge A. AVells.
They have three children : Mavy A., Frederick T. and John G.
He is a republican, a member of Carolina Baptist church, mem-
ber of Charity Lodge, No. 23, A. F. and A. 'M.. and a member of
the Ro3-al Arcanum of Stonington.
Samuel AV. Farnum was born in 1838 in Smithfield, R. I. He
is a son of Windsor, son of Xoah, son of John Farnum, "who was
a native of ( )xbridge. His mother was a daughter of 1 )aniel A.
Taylor, of East (Treenwich. Xoah I'arnun-; married Lydia,
daughter of Reverend Samuel Windsor. ]\Ir. Farntnn was a
soldier in the civil war in Conipany I, l-\iurlh Rh'ode Island A'ol-
unteers, from vSeptember, 18C>1. to C'ctober, 18(3rl. He then fol-
lowed farming for several years. He was superintendent ol
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES. 1267
schools for three years and was a member of the general assem-
bly four years fi-om Smithfield as a republican. In ISSO he went
to Connecticut and worked four years at woolen manufacturing'
for D. L. Aklrich. lie then came to Plainville, where he now
works for W. A. Walton & Co., and keeps the factory b(..arding
house. He was niarried in 1878 to xVnna F., daughter of Je.sse
S. vSwcet, son of .Albert 15., son of Ethan, son of :Matthew Sweet.
They have one son, Ernest C.
Stephen A. Field was born in 181-2 in Coijneeticut. His
father, Thomas, was a son of Joseph, and a grandson of Joseph
Field. The first ancestor of the family settled in Providence
in tlie early part of the seventeenth century. ^Mr. ImcrI's mother
was AbigaiHimerson. lie is a farmer and has lived in Rich-
mond about fourteen years. He has been deacon of the First
Baptist church of Norwich, Conn., about eighteen years. He
was in the war of the rebellion about one year, in Company
B, Eleventh Connecticut volunteers, under Burnside. He was
married in ISHf) to Ann E. Lathrop, who died in 187n. He was-
^ married in 1874 to ]Mrs. Mary A. Hi.seox. He has one daughter,
Emma M., by his first wife. He is a republican.
llary A. Gould is a daughter of CTCorge S. Gould' (George",
Daniel', Thomas^ Daniel', Thomas', DanieF, Jeremiah', who came
from England to Newport in 1G:]7). George S. came here from
Cranston in 18-19. He was married in 1844 to Anna A., daughter
of John KnowlesMJohn', John', John^ William', who came from
England). They have one son and two daughters. The son is
married and lives in Rome, N. Y. George S. has been in the
town council and as.ses.sor of taxes as a republican.
John Hacking, born in 18'20 in England, is a son of James
Hacking. Mr. Hacking came to this country from Lancashire,
England, in ISf)!, to [NIoosup, Conn. He came to Plainville in
1880, and in 1881 he built the house where he nowlixes. He
has been a mill operative most of the time since he came to
this country. He was married in 18.")() to Nancv P^rown. They
have three children : Alice (Mrs. Nathanic-l Westcottt, Mary J.
and John W. Tliey have lost five children.
E. A. Ilayward was born in 184.-) in Blackstone, :\Iass.. and is
a son of Imios Hayward. Mr. Ilayward was educated in the dis-
trict schools of Blackstone, Mass. He has been book-keeper for
W^ A. Walton since he came to I'lainville in 1880. He has been
engaged in book-keeping for twenty-five years. He was married
120S HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KENT COUXTIHS.
in ISC.O to Siis^i.n :M. I{cl->var(ls, of lilacksLone, Mass. They have
one son.
Chark-s A. Hoxsie, horn in 18S8 in Richmond, is a son of
Thomas ^\^, and grandson of Stephen Iloxsic. 11 is motiier was
Tabitha Tucker. He lives on the hoinestead of his father. He
came here in 1877 and started what is known as tlie White
Brook Trout ponds. lie lias the advantage of a natural pond,
besides eight artificial ponds. He has worked at railroading
about t\vent}--three years. He ran a locomotive on the Xcv>- York
Central road alx.ut eleven years. He was married in ISGO to
I\Iary A., daughter of AVilliam H. and Mary C. Davis. They have
four children ; Charles W. (died aged eight vearsi, Ida ^l.'. Fred-
die D., and Xellie M. He is a member of Temple Lodge, Xo.
14. A. F. and A. M.. and Royal Arch Chapter, Xo. ."i.
Elijah Hoxsie was born in ]8:?.'i in Richmond. He is a son of
Job, grandson of Elijah, a descendant of Lodowick Hoxsie, who
came from Scotland to I'lymouth in ] (;."i8. The name at that time
was spelled Hawksey. His mother was }ilartha, daughter of John
Wilcox. :\Ir. Hoxsie is a farmer and ov.ms ;uk1 oecui)ies the old
Hoxsie homestead. Hehasljcen in the town council, asse.s.sor
and collector of taxes, and overseer of the poor, as a democrat.
He was married in ]8:.f; to Abbie A. Woodmansee.
Gideon W. Hoxsie was a son of Enoch, and grandson of }3ar-
nabas Hoxsie. Flis wife was Lucy Letson. , Gideon W. died in
18S4, aged 82 years, and his widow in 1880, aged 7J ^ears. :Mr.
Hoxsie was a farmer, and since his death his daughter, jane E.,
has carried on the farm with hired help. He was in the town
council several years ; was a republican. ] le was a man of very
decided opinions, and a strong anti-slaverv man. »
^ Rowse F. Hoxsie, born in 18(r) in Richmond, is a son of
Franklin and :\lary A. (Clinton) Hoxsie. LTis grandfather was
Rowse Hoxsie. :Mr. Hoxsie bought out the store of George X.
Ennis in September. 1887. He was appointed postmaster in Jan-
uary, 1888. He was married in 1888 to Susan (;., daughter of
John S. Potter.
William C. Hoxsie, born in 18:>2 in Coventry, is a son of Sam-
uel A., and grand.son of Reym-lds R. Hoxsie,'v*lio was clerk of
the town of Richmond for fi .rty years m succession. His mother
was :\Ialinda, daughter of Gardner James. Mr. Hoxsie has been
a stationary and locomotive engineer. He was engineer on the
Wood River Rranch railroad from the time it was built until
HISTORY OF WASIIINCTOX AM) KENT COUNTIES. 1209
18S4, when he retired. Mis father was a inacliinist by trade. lie
wa.s a manufaeturer for a number of year.'=; prior to his deatii,
whieh oeenrred in ISf)-!. ;\!r. lioxsie was marriod in 18."i7 to l,u-
einda ]\I., daiuditer of John W. Tiieker, of Charlestown. Tliey
have one dauj^'hter. Ilattie E., now ^frs. Charles A. AVhilini;, of
Providenee. Air. Iloxsie has lived at Wyoniinc; about twenty-
two years. lie is a republiean.
(}eo]-ge S. janies, born in 1S4!} in Exeter, is a son of Cicorge
W. (leorg'e S'., ICzekiel", (ieorgc janies', llis niothej' is wSaiah,
daughter of James Saunders. ^^Ir. James is a farmer and runs a
saw mill at Hillsdale. He built the house wliere he now lives in
]t^S4. He has owned the farm abmit fifteen years. In IS'7.') he
was married to Abbie I'rances, daughter of Whitman Kenyon.
He is a member of Hope \'alley (irange, E. of 11.
Joseph James, born in 18-24 in West (ireenwieh, is a son
of Josejjh, and grandson of Jose])li ]ames. Air. James in ei>m-
pany with Jesse i'otter, opened a general grueerv store in llojie
Valley in ls."^i4, whieh tliey condueted under the firm name of
Potter cK: James for two years: then thev moved to Wyoming,
where they earried on the same business until 18711, wlien they
sold out. .Sinee that time Air. James has been a farmer. He has
been in the town eouneil, and on the sehool committee, and town
sergeant, as a repuljliean. He was married in iy."JS to Euey E.,
daughter of Jesse Potter. She died in 1S87. They had one
daughter, Edlen J., who died aged three and a half years.
Abial T. Kenyon, born in 1820 in Riehmond, is a son of John
T. Kenyon. His mother was Ruth, daughter of John Iloxsie.
Mr. Kenyon is a farmer living on a part of the old Hoxsie home-
stead, in the house that was built by John Iloxsie in 1784. He
has been asses.sor of taxes and is a republiean. He was married
in 1854 to Phebe P. T., daughter of Henry Greene, and grand-
daughter of Henry Greene. Her mother was Patience, daughter
of Allen Greene. They have three children living: Ray A.,
Lucy C. and Henry T., and two that died in infancy. Air. Ken-
yon has been a member of the Wood River Baptist church about
forty years and deacon about five years. His wife is a member
of the Carolina church. •
David P. Kenyon, born in Richmond, is a son of George, grand-
son of George, and great-grandson of Thomas Kenyon. His
mother was Rachel .Shcfiield. Air. Kenyon is a fanner and owns
400 acres of land, where he has lived since 18:!',). His father and
1270 HISTORY OF WASIHXCrOX AND KF.XT COUNTIES.
father's brother owned the farms before he took them, lie was
married in 7838 to Sarah A., daui.';htcr of Silas Clark, son of Silas.
son of (lideon Clark. The}- liavc had eleven ehildren : l)a\-id
C, Charles G., Creorye E., John II., llenr)- (1., Lewis vS., Albert
W., Emma E. (Mrs. C.eorj^e Iv. Hoxsie), C)rrin E. and two de-
ceased, INlary L. and an infant.
iJavid C. Kcnyon, born in IS-K) in Riehmond, is tlie oldest son
of iJavid P. KenvDn. ]\Ir. Kenyon is a farmer and millc dealer.
lie has sold milk in Kenyon's and Shannoek about eighteen
years. IIeboiiij,ht the farm where he now lives in 1888, having-
previously rented it for eight years. He was married in
1808 tQ Adelaide A., daugliter of Jonathan Tneker. They have
five ehildren: Alonzo D., Ada L., i-Llnora P., I-Aerett ( ). and Jen-
nie Ci. ]Mr. Kenvon has been in the town eouneil four years,
and lias held other town offiees as a repnbliean. He is a mem-
.ber of Richm(jnd Cirange, Xo. (>. P. of II.
David R. Kenvon was born in ISolJ in Riehmorid, and is a
son of Whitm;in, grandson of David, and great-grandson of
Thomas Kenydii. His mothei- was Abbie Lillibridge, sister of
Wanton and hklward Lillibridge. Mr. Kenyon has been a man-
ufaeturer most of his life. He was interested first in a mill at
Hillsdale with his brother, about four years prior to 187;), then
in South Kingstown about six months in 1880, and in 188r>he and
his son, Charles L., bought the AVillow A'alley mill, where they
are now engaged in making coarse earjiet y;irns. A part of the
time they have made cheap satinets. He wasnrarried in 1802 to
Sarah E., daughter of Thomas AVorden and granddaughter of
Samuel Worden. Her mother, I'dsie, is a daughter of John
Kenyon. They have two children, Charles L. ancl Estelle E.,
now Mrs. John C. vSheldon. Air. Kenyon has Ijcen a member of
the town council, assessor, moderator and constable. He is a
republican. He is a member of Mechanics' Lodge. Xo. LI. 1. C^.
of O. F., and of Eranklin Masonic Lodge. He organized the
Eighth Regiment State Alilitia. He served in the wai' of the
rebellion in C<,>mpanv A, .Seventh Rhude Island Volunteers;
was first lieuten.'int until he was wounded at I'h'edcricksliurgh.
He was then transferred to Company I of samt regiment, and
promoted captain.
John H. Kenyon, bc^rn in 1828 in Richmond, is a brother ol
David R. Kenyon, mentioned above. Mr. Kenyon has paid con-
siderable attention to cotton and woolen manufacturing all his
HISTORY OF WASHIXCTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 1271
life. The old mill at Hillsdale ynms built by AVanton Lillibridi;e
and Whitman Kenyon abniu is:!-i. Abrjut l^:.">rijnhn 11. and his
brother, A. W. Kenyon, bought it, and about 1858 they built the
new .stone mill. They operated the mills until about 1870, when
they S(.ild to II. X. Kenvon, whn continued until they both
biirned. The new one burned about 18V,), and the old one
burned two j'ears later, yir. Kenyon was married in 18(!1 to
Esther, daug'htcr (jf John Iloxsie, lie a sdu of Thomas, andihe a
son of .Samuel Iloxsie. They have two daughters,: Ann:i 1".,
now jNIrs. J. S. La ]\Iond, and Xellie 11. \Mr. Kenyon built the
house where he lives (at Hillsdale) in 1872.
Edward K. Kenyon was born in 182.5 in IJopkinton. lie is a
son of Whitman R., son of Corey, son of I')enedict, son of John
Kenyon. His mother was Mary IL, daui^hter of lildward liarber.
Mr. Kenyon is a farmer, and has lived on tlie homestead of his
father and grandfather about fifty years. His father was in the
general assembly iwo years. He has l)een a memljer of Wond
River church about forty-five years, and deacon about five years.
His father and mother were both members of the same church.
He was married in 18.'>2 to Lydia L., daughter of John Greene,
of the East Gi'cenwich family of Greenes. They had one son
Whitman G., who died aged ten years. ^Ir. Kenyon is a mem-
ber of Hope Valley Grange, No. 7, P. of H.
Hannah G. Kenyon, born in Richmond, is a daughter of Lewis,
and he a son of Elijah Kenyon, who was a farmer. Lewis Ken-
yon was a clothier by trade, and was the first of the famil\- to
live at what has always since th;it time been called Kenyon's
]\Iills. He died in 1839. aged fifty-five years. He was cajjtain
of a company in the war of 1812. He was at one time judge of
the court of common pleas. He was married in 1812 to Ann,
daughter of Thomas and Ann Sherman. The place was deeded
in 1820, by Thomas Holburton and wii'e, to Lewis Kenvon. The
house where Hannah G. and Susan E. Kenyon now live was
built by Thomas Ilolburt'in prior to 1820.
Hoxsie Ken}-(in, born in 182."» in Richmiind, is a son of John
T. Kenyon. His mother. Ruth, was a daughter of John Iloxsie',
(Stephen', John", Lodowiek Hoxsie'. who came fyom Scotland to
Plymouth in J(1.5S). The name was originally sjielled Hawksev.
Lodowiek's son John was the first of the familv to settle in
Rhode Island. Mr. Kenyon is a farmer, and has lived at his
present home about thirty years. He has been in the town
127r? History of. wasuixgtox a\d kext counties.
council two years. lie was married in IS.'iS to Mary, daiiolUcr
of Eber James, he a son of ]<]zekiel James, 'J'hey have "four
children :'.AI. Lizzie, Jiyron II. ideeeasedi, ^VaUer and Sarah |^
Mr. Kenyon is a member of Rielimimd (/.ran-e, P. <A II.
Susan E. Kenyon, born in I\.ielini(ind, is a daughter of l.oAvis
and g-randdaug-htcr of IClijah Kenyon. .Miss Kenyon is one of
eleven children, five of whom are now living-. One brother,
Isaac I.)., died in Ks(;4 in \'irginia. lie was first lieutenant of
Company (",, T\vent)--i'irst I'onneelieut \'oUmteers. In lune,
1803, he was promoted to captain of Com]X-iny 11 lie was in
command at Frederieksburgh, I )rury\s l!luff,Co'ld ilarbor.and at
Petersburyli, where he was mortally wounded.
Joseph K. Lanphear, b(n-n in JSCm in Richmond, is a son of
William C, grandson of Ilezekiah and great-grandson of Nathan
Lanphear. llis mother is Caroline P., daughter of Henry
Greene. ;Mr. Lanphear has taken a business course in Pryant
& Stratton's Bu,siness College of Providence, lie has been in
the store of E. Kenyon (.s;: Son al)out si.x years; was bookkeeper
about five years, and now has general charge of the store. He
has been assessor of taxes two years and notary public since
April, 1887. He is a member of Charitv Lodge, No. •2'S, A. F.
and A, M.
Thomas IVI, Lewis, born in 1813 in Exeter, is a son of Simeon
and grandson of Daniel Lewis. His nn^ther was Rhoda, daugh-
ter of Joseph Wood. :\lr. Lewis is a very thrifty farmer, and
has lived near Glen Rock since 1839. He has been m the town
council several years, and has also been assessor of taxes. He
was married in 183.") to Sallie R They have had eight children :
John H. (deceased), Clark, S. iMaria, Gideon H.,, Hannah D.,
James L., Rhoda J. (deeea.sed), and Thomas AV. idec'eased).
Wanton Lillibridge was born in 180G in Richmond. He is a
son of Amos, son of Edward, son of Thomas, son of Thomas Lil-
libridge. who settled in Newport in the latter part of the seven-
teenth century. He came to Richmond about 17J8 and seltkd
on the farm where Wanton now li\-es. It has been in the family
ever since that time. :\lr. Lillibridge has been a farmer. He
was in the general assembly three terms, member of tlie town
council several years, town treasurer two years, and assessor of
taxes. He is a republican. He was nuirried in 1S41 to Sarah A.,
daughter of John A. Champlin. They have nine children:
Sarah, now Mrs. Robert I. iMoore ; Amos A., who was killed in
HISTORY OF WASHIXOTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 1273
the battle of the Wilderness (he was in Company .\, Se\entli
Rhode Isl;ind \-o]niUeers ; CharlesAN'.; lulward 11.; Jcanetle, vnw
yivs. V. R. r>ro\vn ; John II.: \Villiaiii A\'.; Jennie, now Mrs.
Charles A. Stephens, and llattie. Mr. Li!libridL;e has been a
member of the Wurid River liaiitist elnirch al)out thii'ty-foiir
years.
Edward Lillibridge.born in bS].") in Riehmond, is a br(.>ther of
Wanton Lillibridye, mentioned ab(j\'C. ]\ir. billibridye li\es a
little west of the town hoiise of Riehmond. in a house 'whieh he
built in 1878, on a part of the homestead where his aneestor
settled about 17I8. lie was man-ied in 18-10 to Mary A., dauj.^!!-
ter of Peter Clark. .Slie died in 18s:]. He mai^ried ai^ain in 18S4
Abby B., daughter of John Almy. ^Ir. Lilliliridge was in the
general assembly live years, in the town council sever.al years,
sheriff of Washington county one year, and dejnit}' sheriiT
three ye;irs, and held other offices. He is a democrat.
Clark B. Lillibridge was l)oi-n in bS-Il in Richmond. He is a
son of Reynolds, son of Clark, son of Beniamin, son of
Thomas, son of Thomas Lillibridg'e. His mother was Julia A.
Hall. Mr. Lillibridge is a carjjenter, having worked at that
trade about five years. He bought his farm here about 187L
He built a driving park with a half-mile course in 1881. called
the "Wyoming Park." He was maiTied in ]8(i8 to Deborah,
daughter of Daniel L. ^loney, of Mxcter. He was married in
1874 to Anna C, daughter of Albert Sweet. They have one
daughter, ]\Iary A. He has been member of the town council,
assessor of taxes, and member of the general assembly one year.
William W. ]\Iaxon, born in ]8'2(i in Richmond, is a son of
Sheffield, and grandson of Jonathan Ma.xson. !Mr. !Maxon is a
machinist, and has worked for the Xichols tK: Langwortlf}" Com-
pany about nineteen years. He built the house where he now
lives in 1884. He was in the war of the rebellion about four
months, in Company K, Xinth Rhode Island volunteers. He
was married in 1801 to Sarah A. ]., daughter of John Hoxsie.
and granddaughter of Henry Hoxsie. They ^lave three chil-
dren : Walter S., Ida E., and Henrv X*.
George G. Palmer, born in 1841 in Richmond, is a son of Amos,
and grandson of Phineas, a descendant of A\'alter Palmer, who
came from lilngland to Charlestown in KJ.'io. He (Walleri once
owned nearly all the land where now stands the city of Boston.
Mr. Palmer is a very thrift}" farmer, and has lived at his present
1274 HISTORY OF. WASIIIXGTOX ANT) KCXT C0UXT1K-.
home since ISG.^. It is the place where I'^eynolds lloxsie lived,
and where he kept the town clerk's office for fortv years in suc-
cession, ifr. Palmer buih the house in which he now lives in
1S70. His father. Amos, was in the war of the rebelli; n nine
months, in the Twelfth Ke^iment. Rhode Island volunteers. lie
was married in ISC,^ to Xellic. dau;vliter of William Ihii^-s, and
g-randdaughter of William Ilriy-s. Their children areriunma
n., Rowland j;., and I-klwin I. He is a member of the First
Baptist church of Exeter.
Samuel M. Palmer was born in is:)r> in ICxeter. lie is a lirother
of George (',. Palmer, mentioned above. He was a mill operative
about twenty-eii^ht years, and for the last ten years has l)een a
farmer. He owns about one hundred acres, raises cranberries
and small fruits. He has lived at I'squcpauyh about thirtv-
seven years. He was married in lyf)!) to Al>bie P., dauc;iiter of
John C. WhitelKU'n. They have one dau;;hter, A. Jennie, and
one that died in infancy. .Mr. Palmer has been a member of
Exeter Baptist church al)out forty years. 1 lis wife and daugditer
are members of (Jueen's River Baptist church.
William Pcckham, born in ]S14 in South Kingstown, is a son
of Reuben S. Pcckham, and grandson of Stephen Peckham. His
mother was Hannah Whitehorn. Mr. Peckham has lived at
Usquepaugh since IS Jo. He Inult the house where he now lives
in]S4.">. He was a mill operative until about eighteen years
ago, and has since been a farmer. He was married in 1830 to
Anstress, daughter of Rowse I loxsie. They have two children-
Caroline, now :\Irs. William II. Palmer; and :\[ary W., now }*Irs.
Robert L. Knight.
George A. Perkins was born in ISCiO in Charl,estown. His
father, Austin A. Perkins, who was killed at the battle of An-
tietam, was in Company P,, Fourth Rhode Island volunteers. He
was a .son of Robert Perkins. His wife, Sarah yi.. is a daughter
of George B., son of Nathan Xewton. George A. attended Green-
wich Academy four terms, and is a commercial gradr.ate. He
came to Hope Valley in I SSI and opened a sfn-c in companv
with John ^\■. Phillips, firm n{ Phillips c\; Perkins. Thev contin-
ued about three years and six months, then sold to the present
owner, W. E. Browning. .Shortly before selling out Mr. Perkins
became book-keeper for I >. L. Aldrich, which position he now
holds. He has been a memlier of the school committee four
years, and chairman two years. He is the noble grand of ^le-
chanics' Lodge, Xo. 14, I. C ). of (). V.
HISTORY OF \VASIHXf;Tr)X AND KENT COUNTIES. 1 27r>
Oliver G. Perry, born in J 847 in CtiarlcstoAvn, is a son of Sam-
uel, grandson of Simeon, and g-reat-grandson of .Samuel Perry.
His mother ^vas Maria (ireene. ^Ir. Perry is a l)arber by trade
and has kept a shop at Wyoming abmit fourteen years. He also
deals in tol)aeeo and segars and keeps horses to lut. Prior to
1S71 he kept a general groeery store (about four years) at Cross'
jSIills in Charlestown. He was postmaster there for several
years. He was married in 187-1 to lunma (i., daughter of David
R. Larkin.
Reynolds C. I'liillips, Ixn'n in ]8:j2 in Richmond, is a son of
Beniamin P. and grandson of Joseph Plnillips. His mother was
Elizabeth Woodmansee. 'Sir. Phillips is a farmer, oeeupying the
homestead of his f.ather, where he has lived since 1875. The
farm was settled by the Webbs. He has been a member of the
town council several years, in the general assembly one year,
town sergeant, constable and town police. He is a rcpidilican.
He was married in 180.") to Desire, daughter of Prcst<_)n Lctson.
She died in ]8Sr>, leaving two sons, David 1". and John W. He
was married again in 188^ to Sarah k.lizabeth, daughter of
Thomas L. Palmer. They have had one daughter, Susan I).,who
died in infanc}'. ]\Ir. I'hillips served in Company A, Seventh
Rhode Island \'olunteers (in the rebellion) three years.
John W. Saunders, born in 1SGH in Hopkinton, is a son of Mil-
ton P." (William B.', Tobey', John', Tobey Saunders'). Plis
mother is Ablnc A., daughter of AVelcome Prosser, son of Isaac,
son of John Prosser. Mr. Saunders has taught .several terms of
school. He was principal of Wakefield public school two years,
and is now teaching his second year at Carolina. He attended
Grecnvv'ich Academy one year. His father died in 1888.
Edward W. Shedd, ci\'il engineer and farmer, was born in
1860 in Massachusetts. He is a son of J. Herbert .Shedd. who
has been a civil engineer since he was seventeen years of age.
]Mr. Shedd was educated at Brown University, of Providence,
graduating in 1884. He came to Richmond in 1881 with his
father, who bought a farm of ;](K) acres in the scjiUheastern cor-
ner of the town, where they both live. He was elected in 1888
to the office of t<.)wn council, town sergeant and school commit-
tee. He was married in 1886 to Jessie, daughter of Christopher
Dexter, of Providence. He is a republican. Pie is a member f)f
the (Juccn's River Ikiptist church of I'squepaugh.
12TG HISTORY OF \VASinX(;TO\ AXn KKXT COUNTIES.
John S. Sisson, boiii in IS-?:] in Richmond, is a son of IJarncy,
and grandson of Rodman Sisson. His motlicr was Mary Ann.
dauo-hter of John \Vilct)x. Mr. Sisson is a farmer, ownin-- llic
old Sisson homestead, which has been in the family for five -en-
eration.s. He is a man uf strict integ-rity, and has won the le-
spect of his fellow men. lie was married in \S\4 to Roxey, a
datig-hter of William Dawley, he a son of Xatlian, and he a son
of Nathan 1 Jawlcy. Tlieir children are : Mary i .Mrs. 15. V. :Moorc i,
George, Roxey :\1. (Mrs. C. T. Cottfell), Clark -and Jo.sephine
(Mr.s. J. II. Gardner).
Peleg D. Tucker, born in 18:!.") in Charlestown, is a son of I'elcg,
grandson of Simeon, and grcat-gratulson of Simeon Tucker, who
was killed in the war of ISI:?. His mother was .Marv, daughter
of Dennis h:nnis. }*lr. Tucker was in the war of the rebellion
about three years in Company G, First Rhode Island Light
Artillery. He was discharged in June, ISC.."). He has lived at
Wood River Junction since liSC.."i, engaged in wagon making.
Prior to that time he was a house carpenter. He was married
in bsn? to Alzada AV., daughter of William 15. Tucker, and
granddaughter of John Tucker. They have three children.
He is a member of lUirnside Post, Xo. "2. G. xV. R.
Welcome C. Tucker, born in ]y:!7 in Charlestown, is a son of
William Hand grandson of John Tucker. His mother was Ann,
daughter of Joshua Card. :\Ir. Tucker went to California in
1S."J2, and remained there until lS."i!l. He enlisted in August,
ISGl, in Battery B, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, was dis-
charged in March, LSG2, in August of the same year re-enlisted
in Battery Ct of the same regiment, and served until the war
closed. He worked at his trade at Wood Rivci" Junction about
three years, and in 1800 eame to Carolina and hired the shop and
tools of the Carolina ]\Iill Comp.any, where he has been since
that time. In 18G7 he obtained a patent on an iron wagon axle
and hub, which are known as W. C. Tucker's patent hub and axle.
He is a democrat and has been a member of the town council
six years. He is a member of Burnside Po.st, Xo. 2, G. A. R.
Nathaniel A. Westcutt, born in \S:]7 in Smithficld, is a son of
John C. and grandson of L^exter WestC(jtt. His mother is Phebe
A., daughter of Reuben Arnold. Her grandfather, Nathaniel
A. Arnold, was in the revolution and one of the men that
helped to lake General Prescutt prisoner of war near Newjiort.
Mr. Westcott has been boss finisher of woolen goods al)OUt
HISTORY OF \VASIlIXr,TOX AXD KENT COUNTIES. 1277
twenty-five years, lie has li\-ed at I'lainville sineclSns-svith the
exception of about two years, lie was married in J^il.l to Melora
Haultonstall. vShe died in 1878, leaving' two children, Myra 11
and John C. lie was married again in 1884 to Alice, daughter
of John Hacking. He is a prohibitionist. He is the treasurer of
the .Sxmday school.
John B. F. Wilbur was born in 1834 in Richmond. He is a
son of Nathaniel S. and a grandson of Jesse Wilbur, who once
owned all the land where the Wood River Mills now are located.
It was sold by Xathaniel R. to David L. Aldrich, who l)uilt the
mills. iMr. Wilbur was in the war of the rebellion from ^Nlarch,
1802, to June ISOo, in Company F, First Rhode Island Light Ar-
tillery, as a volunteer under General Burnside. .Since 18GG Ire
has Avorked at Wood River Mills the mo.st of the time as carpen-
ter. He is a member of Hancock Post, of We.sterl}-. He was
married in 1800 to Sarah P., daughter of John T. Dixon, who was
a son of James Dixon, whose wife was Sally I'eckham. Her
mother was S^arah A., daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Rudman)
Curtis. Thcv have four children : Sheffield D., Catharine L.
(Mrs. Charles II. Robinson), Anna Laura and Mary C. He is a
democrat.
Reuben H. Alexander was born in 1821. His father, Reuben,
was a son of Roger Alexander. Mr. Alexander kept a store at
Potowomut some fourteen years, after having run the mill there
two years. In 1802 he bought a farm and lived at Davisville for
a time and then kept a store at East Greenwich seventeen years.
He was in the East Greenwich tov.-n council and representative
from that town to the general assembly. His first wife was
Mary Lewis. His only child is ^Irs. Joseph H. Potter.
John II Allen was born in 184.'} in AVarwick, and resides in
that town. He is a son of John Allen. ]\Ir. Allen kept a variety
store at River Point twenty years under the firm name of
Nichols & Allen. He has run a general variety store at ^Vnthony
about one year in the new building owned by the Coventry
Company, built on the site wiiere the ^lattesons were burned
out one and a half years ago. He was married in 1870 to Martha
L. Bowen. They have three children : INIary B., Bessie W. and
John B., Jr.
1278 HISTORY OF \yAS!llNG-l(JX AXI) KF.XT COUNTIES.
Charles A. Ang-ell is a son of Abraham S. An^'cll of Coventry,
and grandson of Abraham S. Angell of North Scituate. \vho was
probably a son of Joshua Angell. Charles A. Angel! was born
in Seituatc in 1S37. As a boy and a young man he worked sev-
eral years in the woolen mills at Coventry Centre and at Spring
Lake, lie kept a livery stable at Hope and one at kippitt. and
in 1877 he began a meat business at Lipjiitl, whieh he still earries
on. In 188-J: he botight a farm at Old Warwiek, where he now
resides. His business at Lippitt is managed b.v his only son,
Charles H. Angell. :\lrs. Angell is l\aulina Potter of Scittiate.
Their only daughter, Annie A., is Mrs. Leonard Mvriek.
Ann li. Arnold is the only ehild of Colonel [ohn Waterman
Arnold, who died at his farm near Lawtn.\et in ]Sr2. His father
Israel was a son of Simon and grandson of Israel Arnold (1(;49-
1717). 'J'his Israel was the son of Stephen Arnold who died in
169a,and grandson of ^Villiam Arnold who was born in F.ngland
in I580 and settled near I'awtuxet in in:!(k Miss Arnold's "home
was the original home of Stephen Arnold, whose dwelling was
on the site of her present house. Miss Arnold's mother was
Eliza, daughter of John Harris of Cranston. Colonel Arnold was
one of seven ehildren, there having been two brothers younger
and one brother and three sisters older than he. The older
brother, Israel, and the youngest of the family, Ceorge G., set-
tled near Penn Van, New York. The other brother married and
always lived in the house built by his father. The family is de-
scended from Roger Williams.
John O. Arnold was born in 182(; and has lived sinee his earli-
est recollections in the house he now owns, whieh was the home
of his father John P., son of William Arnold. John P. Arnold
was a tailor in the early days of Centreville, acquired a fair
property and was for several years a director of the bank. John
O. is a director in the Centreville National Pank. His wife is
Anna P. Holden of Providence. They have one daughter, Har-
riot Hazard Arnold, and one son, ^Vi^iam P. Arnold. M.H., \\h<>
graduated in a class of J-1-1 members from Pellevtie Hospital
Medical College in March, 1888, taking fifth place in the compet-
itive examination for appointment to hospital practice in the
cit}', where he is now practicing under that a])pointment.
^Lalfred A. Arnold was born in ]s:iS. His father, Sion Arnold,
was a son of Sion Arnold of old Warwick. Mr. Arnold began
business as a lioot and shoe dealer in Arctic in ]87<>. In 1877 he
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES. 1279
extended his business b}- buying; out a boot and shoe store in
T^henix, tlie store. whicli l>rigiiani Deanc had earried oi: for two
years. Here Mr. Arnold does some maniH'aelurin;^ il.oiu) or
1,2U0 pairs per year) and carries a stock of shoe findings foi- the
local shops in this vicinit)'. He served four years in the late
war witli the Ninth Xew Y(jrk Cavalry as a non-commissioned
ofiicer. lie is now a member of McCireyor Post, Xo. 14, (t. A. R.
William il. Arnold was born in IS'.'C at Cron:]iton, where he
lived thirty-eiyht years. There he kept a^ hotel and li\'er}' six
years prior to IS?;], when he removed to Arctic Centre. Twelve
years prior to 1SG7 he worked at the River Point fottndry. He
was dejiuty sheriff three years under Ciovernor William Spi-at^iie,
and has been high sheriff of Kent county since Ma}-, 1887. His
father, Oliver Arnold, was a son of Peley Arnold of Coventry.
His wife is Dorantha ^l. Love of Coventry. The\' ha\x' one son,
William L. Arnold, and one datighter, Dora.
William Rhodes Arnold was born in Providence in 1830. His
father, George C, was born ISO^J, died 188j. His grandfather,
James Utter jVrnold, was a son of George, who was of the sixth
generation of Arnolds in America. This George Arnold in
1771 resided at Posnegansett, in Warwick, where W. R. Arnold
now has a farm and a summer home. Near his house, built in
1771, is the site of the first ^Vrnold homestead in Rhode Island.
Mrs. W. R. Arnold is a daughter of James Carpenter (deceased),
a founder and former president of the A'alley worsted mills, at
Providence. Since 188.") Mr. Arnold has been treasurer and gen-
eral manager of these mills. George C. Arnold's wife was a
daughter of William Rhodes, of Pawtuxet, a descendant of
Zaehariah Rhodes.
Nathan Atwood died in 188G. In the early history *of this
part of the town of Warwick the name of Atwood was promi-
nent among the large land owners. As early as 1747 Charles
Atwood bought a tract including the present site of the Lipjiitt
and the Phcnix mills. In 1783 the present site of the Lippitt
mill passed by deed to Nehemiah Atwood, who used the water-
power for a grist mill. His old ledgers, now kcjit by Jo.^ejih i\t-
v/ood, the only child of his son Nathan, show him to ha\-e been
a merchant in a da}' when general merchandise meant nail.s,
shoes, candles, cloth and rum. This grandson, Jo.seph, born in
18(38, succeeds to the homestead wliere his father. Nathan, died
in 1880. Nathan was a sergeant in Company C, with the Pirst
1280 HISTORY OF V.'ASIIINGTOX AXD KFA'T COUNTIES.
Rhode Island cavalry three years and seven months. He was a
carpenter by. trade, and worked at ]'rovidenee for the Corliss
Engine Company. His widow, .Mary A. Atwu<id, survives. ■
John H. Aylesworth is a brother of Judge lili Aylesworth, of
Providence, and a son of Arthur Aylesworth. He has been a
traveling photogTaphic arti.st for the last fifteen years. Ilis wife,
Lucina, is a daughter of Thomas Reynolds, of Cireenwieh, R. I.
Their children are: John II., Jr., Minnie and Winona. Politi-
cally he is a republican. 1 Fe has served as assessor three vears.
Starting without ca]Mtrd, .Mr. Aylesworth has now a nice land
property in addition to his business as photographer.
Ebenezer IJigelow was b^orn in New Brunswick. In 1875 he
removed to >>'ewport, and five years later to Warwick, where he
was engaged one season with William R. Arnold at farming.
The next year the)- began the Posnegansett ice business in the
northeast part of the town of Wa^'wick. This partnership is to
continue through the season of ]S,s;_t. In the mean time Mr.
Bigelov\-, in ISS,"), purchased Norwood lake (vSand pondi and the
land adjacent, and is erecting there a plant for a large business.
His family consists of his wife and two children, Eddv D. and
Mira E. The first year of the ice business three thousand tons
of ice were cut. In the season of 1 888 they used eighteen thousand
tons.. Mr. Bigelow has operated since 1884 the Arnold farm as
tenant.
Allan A. l^laek was born in Scotland in 384-J. His father
was a cousin of Neil Campbell. When Allan A. was a small
child he came to East Greenwich, R. I., and to River Point
in ISoO. He learned his trade in Providence, worked three
years in Apponaug, and afterward at Anthony and Lijopitt. In
1870 he came to River Point to work in the blacksmith shop of
the Greene Manufacturing Company. In 1870 he bought the
business, and has carried on this shop since. His wife (deceased)
was a ]\Iaine lady. .Mr. Black has three children.
Bowen 15riggs was born in 182;]. His father. Palmer, was
one of the ten children of Sweet P^riggs. His earlv days were
pa.s,sed as operative in a cotton factorv, after which he was a
grocer at Newport. Since J8(j2 he has resided at .-Vpponaug. en-
gaged in market gardening, occu]iying about thirtv acres of land
in the business. His residence is a house built by one Standish
about si.xty years ago.
HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX AXD KENT COUNTIES. 1281
Pierre Brouillard was born in Lower Canada in 1S3C, and came
to Rhode Island in 18.");'.. In 18.")0 he went to California, where
he resided ten years. Returning to Connecticut, he was en-
gaged in the grocery business there three years. He was in
business at Woonsocket from J87n to ISTO.'and in ]N77 he re-
moved to Arctic Centre, where he has since carried on a l>akery.
vSince February, 1880, he has also engaged in a meat business.
Mr. Brouillard was two years vice-president of the Sofii/i- .SV.
/id/i /'t7/n's/c- (ft- CiHtrLvilL-. Mr. Brouillard is one of a large
number of French people who have become citizens and suc-
cessful business men near here.
Henry Bryant Avas born of I-'rench parentage at St. Albans in
1832, and came to River Point in 18-18. He worked in cotton
mills until the breaking out of the civil war. He was exempt
from service, having lost an eye Jul_\' 4th. L'-ir)."), but he enlisted
in 1802 in the Seventh Rhode Island Regiment, and served three
years. During tl;is time he was wounded, and is now a pen-
sioner. Since the war he h;is been in the restaurant business
here. His first wife died, leaving three sons and three daugh-
ters. The sons are : Joseph, a barber at River Point : Henry J.,
a barber in Boston: and John F. One of the daughters is IMrs.
Peter J. Gough. here. His present wife is Susan, daughter of
Michael Carroll.
Henry W. Budlong, son of Benjamin Budlong (1 790-180.0), was
born in 1849. His mother, Roby K., is a sister of Henry W.
Greene. Henry W. Budlong's paternal grandfather was Ben-
jamin Budlong, a son of John and a grandson of John or Pearce
Budlong, whose home was the old house, still standing, on the
Budlons.' farm at The Buttonwoods, where Henrv W. now resides.
Hattie \V. Budlong, of Providence, is a sister of Henry AV., of
The Buttonwoods. Their father, Benjamin, was one of the
eighteen children of Benjamin and .Mniy Ihullong.
George W. Budlong, who was born in 1830, was the fourth of
the nine children of fieorge W. Budlong, av\i"o died in 1879. His
farm is the Budlong homestead near Xorwi)iid. where his grand-
father. Reverend John Budlong, a Baptist preacher, was well
known. Reverend John's father was John Budhmg. The pres-
ent George W. married Emilv Hopkins, of Providence. They
have one daughter living — Helena hL. Ihidlong.
Henry C. P.udlong, born 1830, is also a son of (icorge W. (de-
ceased i. He has a farm near Norwood. He is a member of the
81
1282 HISTORV OK WASHINGTON' AND KKNT COrNTIFS.
state ])olicc and has been eonijjlaining- officer under the licjiior
law (or Warwiek fi\-e years. As auctioneer, instice of the ])Laee
and in oilier minor positions, he has been an officer in the town
durini;- tlie past eio'htecn years. His wife is Mary E. Fisk, c^f
Providence. They have five eliildren.
Byron L. Ikirlin-anie is a son of (Norton ]]urlin;-;anie, who died
.at the age of 74 years, and was a son of (letirye \V., who lived to
his Ooth year. Byron l^s wife was Lucy E., a daughter of Ccorge
W. Williams, a descendant of Roger -Williams. Their children
arc ]\labcl A. and Lucy E.
Benjamin AV. Burlingamc was born at Xatick Hill in l^oT.
Mr. Burlingamc learned the eari)cnter's trade with his f;ither and
has worked at this business thirty years, iwenty years of this
time as a contractur. He served as a soldier in the civil war.
His wife was a daughter of Daniel Bowcn, of Coventry. Th.ey
have eight children.
ICzra J. Cady was l)orn here in ISbS and died in ISSo. He was
quite largely engaged in the manufacture of chemicals used in
calico printing, a business in which liis scientific knowledge
yielded hand.somc financial results. He served three years in
the town council and was three times member of the general
assembly. He was president of tlie savings bank from 187(i and
of the national bank from US7i) until his death. He left se\en
children, of whom four daughters and two sons survive. His
son. who bears his name, was born in ISoO and continues at the
homestead the mixed farming which was a part of his father's
business, and is also manufacturing pyroligneous acid, a product
from distilled birch wood used in calico printing.
Shubael Cady is a son of David and Catherine Lippitt Cady.
He was born in J 821. His father was a son of Jonathan Cady.
His mother was a daughter of Moses Lippitt "of the mill,"
who formerly owned the Cady place and had a tide mill at ^iill
Cove. Mr. Cady is now proprietor of Cadv's Hotel at River
View for summer boarders, a popular summer resort, accommo-
dating sixty guests. He is also station agent at River A'icw for
the Warwick and ( )akland Beach railroad. His wife was Abbic
Ann Hancs. Their children are : Christojdicr A., Catherine L.
(Mrs. Jctseph C. AVhitney) and hLllen L., now ^Irs. Isaac X.
Arnold.
Henry Capron was born in East Greenwich in 1822. His
father, William, was a son of lulward Capron. who was the
HISTORY OF WASIUXGTOiV AND KENT COUNTIES. ]5R3
grandfather of James A. Capron. of East frrcenwich. He began
life as a mill operative. I'rom ISC,:) to 18S(» he was in Ijnsine.ss
at Apponaiig, first as a grt.eer, then in a Inniber, fuel and feed
business. Sineel8S;]he ha.s lived retired at Centreville. His
wife, lately deeeased, was a daughter of Asa [Matteson, of AVc.-a
Greenwieli.
Stephen !•:. Card is a native of l^.xeter, from whieli town his
father, Robert, a son of linwen Card, removed to North Kings-
town, where Stephen K. lived until 1840, when he eame to Phe-
nix and began a business as dealer in coal and wood, doing team-
ing and livery Inisiness as now. His wife is a sister of Thomas
R. Parker. They have one daughter, Mrs. Ravmond R.
Whipple.
Clarence (.). Carpenter, son of Ceorge B., and grandson of
Joshua Carpenter, was born in Pontiae in 18.')n. His mother was
a daughter of Joshua Noycs, of North Kingstown, where Joshua
Carpenter resided, yiv. Carpenter was elected a member of the
school committee six years ago, and is still a member. He was
al.so elected tax a.ssessor in 1887 and 1888. His wife, Harriet A.,
is a daughter of Lafayette Xieholas. She is well known as a suc-
cessful teacher. The Carpenter farm is on the jjlains east of
Apponaug. The business is carried on as Carpenter lirothers.
John Carpenter is a son of Curnel Carpenter, whose father.
Curnel, ^vas a son of John Carpenter, of East Greenwich. He
was a lumber dealer at :\lystie. Conn., after ISfiO. Since 1800 he
has carried on a sasli and blind manufactory at Pro\idencc. [Mr.
Carpenter at one time built a planing mill in Georgia, which he
afterward sold. He built the Carpenter Dock, south of Apj)o-
naug, in 1887-88. His wife was Iluldah IJlanehard.of Coventrv.
Their children arc: -Mindia i Mrs. Charles H. Johnson), fohn h'.,
of Providence; Ella ^I.iMrs. Xelson E.. Harris), ^lary E., and
Jes.se.
Michael Carroll was born in the north of Ireland in 1800. He
came to River Point in 183-1, when this j.art of Wai'wick was un-
improved, and there were but two mills north of Centreville.
He worked for Greene ..K: Pike in the bleaehery fortwent\- vears.
Since then he has lived at his place at River IViinl, which was
the second hou.se built at Birch Hill. He was married in Ire-
land. He raised nine children, six of whom are living, five of
them near here. In 1838 Mr. Carroll brought t^) \\'arwiek the
first Catholic priest who was ever in the town. Mass was said
1284 IIJSTOKY OF \VASlIIX(nT)X AXl) KLXT COUXTIES.
in his house at Clyde before any CatlioHe ehiireh %vas erected in
Warwick. -
Isaac F. Chase was l)iirn in llarwiek, Cape Cod, in 18:32. He
is a descendant of "William Chase, wlm settled at Cape Cod in
lOIid. When he was Init twelve years (if at^e he went to sea, and
followed the sea until he was twenty-three years old. In 18.^0
he went to Xatick, where he worked in a mill as boss weaver.
From ]8(;i to 187.1 he was overseer in the Arctic ^ilill. In 1883
he bei;an his present business at Arctic, where he carries on a
book and job printinci,- nnice and stationery store. His wife was
Fannie X. Tli<>rnti)n, a ;,;reat-g-randdau;^lUer of John Thornton,
who lived in Johnston, R. I. Their family consisted of three
children, t\\o of whom are living, luiyene 1". and Isaac F. Chase,
Jr. The other son, Henry II., died when he was twenty-three
years old.
William Clapp was born in Warwick in ]78n and died in J87-J.
He was a son of .Silas, son of John, son of John, son of John, son
of Doctor Georj^c Gilson Clapp, who came to Xew "^'ork from
England. Mr. Clapp was clerk indifferent stores in Rhode Is-
land for about thirty years. He Imilt the house where Mrs.
Clapp now lives in 18."i-i. Mr. Clapp and Mary Reynolds were
married in 1820. She was Ijorn in J7'.i7 in Warwick. They had
one son who died in infanc}-.
Waterman Clapp was a son of John and grandson of Silas, who
came from Xew York to Rloek Island and then to Warwick. He
was a srin of John, he a son of John, he a son of John, and he a
son of Doctor Ceorge (lilson Clapp. who came to Xew York from
England. .Silas Clapp married ]\Iary C.retne, who inherited the
homestead of her father, which has been in the Glapp family
ever since. Mary and }>Iarcy Clapp. daughters of Waterman,
have much furniture and many dishes which belonged to ^lary
(Greene) Clapp. The house in which tliey now live was built by
John Greene, father of Mrs. Silas Clapp.
George W. Cole was born in 18:14. His father was William H.,
son of William Cole. His wife is Mercy, a daughter of Thomas
S. and granddaughter of I-:phraim Smith Xorthup, of South
Kingstown, who was a soldier in the war of 1812. Their chddrcn
are: Almv F. la dressmaken, ^lary Elta (a teaeheri, Minnie Ola
(telegrajih operator", and kdorence X.
John H. Collingwood was born in England in 18o0. At ten
years of age he came with his j^arcnts t<:i I'rovidcnce. He learn-
HISTORY OF WASIIIXG'COX AND KENT COUNTIES. 12S5
eel enanii-ling' and bec^an a business for himself in IS.'iS. In 1871
he bought a valuable farm at llillsyr(_ive. where he has smce ear-
ried on stock raising quite extensively, while continuing his busi-
ness in Providence. In JST.'i he was elected to the state legisla-
ture from Warwick, and in ISSn he vx-as elected high sherilf of
Kent county, which office he held six years. Me was one of the
charter members of Perse\-erance LikU'X-, I. O. of O. F., a.t A])po-
naug, and has been seven years district de])uty. His wife was a
]\liss Perry. Thc}- have one (laughter.
• A. W. Colvin was born in Phenix Seplemlicr 17th, 1S"1 . Ilis
father, Benjamin Colvin, a farmer, was a sen of Xathari Coh'in.
Mr. Colvin studied dentistry with Doctor Ira Ingr.Tham of Provi-
dence, prior to 18^7. He located at Phenix in 18.")8. where he is
still practicing. He has filled the oftices of con.stablc, deputy
sheriff and notary public. He has done and is still di.'ing a con-
siderable business in collecting for private individiuds and firms
in this connnunity. His iirst wife. Hannah, \\as a dauglUer of
Hiram Purlingamc of Coventr\-. The present ^Irs. Colvin is
Harriet C, sister of Penjamin W. iJuiiingame.
William Colvin. a fanner onAVarwick Plains, was born in iS'}!
in Cranston, where his father, (ieorge Colvin, was a farmer. I'n-
til thirty-seven years of age William Colvin worked as a farm
hand, wdien he bought the farm where he now resides. His first
wife, Nancy Tillinghast, died, leaving two sons, Thomas AA'. and
Loren D. Colvin. His pi'esent wife was ^Margaret .'^. Hughes.
They have one daughter, Betsey S., now ^Irs. Thomas Leonard,
who has one son, Irving Leonard.
John C. Conley was born in Ireland in 1839. He has resided
in Phenix since 18;")2. When a boy his home was in Providence.
He began work in a blcachcry there at SI .2.") per week. He
worked at the Clyde Print Works five or si.x years, learned weav-
ing and run looms for a few years. He also learned the shoe-
maker's trade, at which he worked here and in ^^lassachusetts
some ten years. The bulk of his propert\- has been acquired in
a wholesale liquor business.
Thomas and Beniamin F. Dawlcv are sons C)f Jesse, and he a
son of Shebna Dav\-le}', and he a son of Xathan I)awle}'. I'.cnja-
min F. Dawley has been one of the board of assessors six vcars
and chairman of the board two yeai"s. He is <.>ne of the school
committee. Thomas W. 1 )awlev was married in 1874 to Eliza
Shippcc. Their onl\- child is a son, Jesse.
, V2SG IIISTURV OF \VASIIlXOT>iX AND KKXT COUXTIKS.
William li. Evcleth is a son of IJeiiljridg-c I'vck-lh, who was
born ill New Hampshire in IS-J), and died in \Var\viek in ]SM'i.
Benbridge ]i;\elelh was, durin;,;' tlie last sixteen years of his life,
a resident of \\'arwiek, where he stieeessfnlly earried I'n dairy
farminy and market gardening;". He had been in Ijusiness ir.
Providenee ])rior to Xovenifier, IS7l>,^vhen he purehasedthe farm
where hisonly son, William l!. ICveleth, now lives. .Mrs. llenbridge
Evelcth was a 2\Iiss IJoss, of (me of the old families of Seitnate,
R, I. Their three dai;c;"hters are: Cieoryiana Oil's. Traey),
Islartha E. (Mrs. ISenjamin AUeni and I'raneenor (;Mrs. J. X. ().
Hoxsiej.
James. L. ImsIi was born in Ctmnceticnl in bSofJ. He served
in the army three years, and in J^i'i') settled in I'.xeter. Then he
worked in a faetory at Ihsherville. In ISfiO he remcn-ed to
East Greenwieh, where he kept a boarilin;.^- honse nntil 1873,
when, he removed to Pontiae, where sinee bSTS he h.as been in
the mereantile business. He also owns a farm of fifty aeres,
pleasantly kjcated and well improved. IHs wife, Roxellana, is
a datii^htcr of ]aeob Snrith, of Exeter. They have three ehil-
dren : Walter L., Albert L. and Addie Ik ImsIi.
Alfred Eisher was born in Warwiek in IS'J'S. His father.
James Eisher, son of Lewis ]"isher, was for many }'ears siir\'eyor
of the port of Pawtu.xet. He was also a member of thcAVarwiek
couneil a number of years jirior to his death m 18S2. Alfred
Fisher has been ehairman of the Ixiard of assessors ei;^ht years.
He was a meix'hant in Pawtuxet for about thirty years, and was
postmaster here twenty years. Mr. Fisher's grandmother, ]\lrs.
Lewis Fishei', was Rebeeea, daughter of Reverend William
Williams, the first ])reaeher in Wrentham, ]\Iass. ]\liis. Alfred
Fisher (deceased) was Luey A. ]Morse. a cousin of Professor S. E.
B. Morse. Her son, now li\'iny here, is Cicori^e A. hh'sher. !Mr.
Fisher's farm is part of the old Arnold place. His home, built
about J 78."). was the birthpkace of Marcy Arnold. His present
wife is Lucv A., daughter of Isaac Stowc. of Binyhamton, X. Y.
Alphcus Fisher was born in Xorth Providence in ]8-i4. His
father was kTx-eman Eisher and his mother was Catherine,
daughter of ]'>lisha Brown, wlio did service as a courier in the
revolution. Mr. Eisher has been twice married. His deceased
wife Hannah W. Jones, of I'almouth, Mass., left five children:
Catherine B., .^arah H.. Al;)bie, FJihu :ind Alphcus B. His pres-
ent wife ^LirLiUcrite Kellev, came from a ■■'ood familv of countv
HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KEXT COUNTILS. 1287
Gahvay, Ireland. Tliey liavc six cliildix-n : Harriet \A'., l^.vrnn S..
Freeman J. (w1k> enlisted in the Seventh United States Re^'jilar
Cavalry in Jidy. ISSTi, Mary A., Elisha l!. and Artlnir }*1. K. In
ISG.j yiv. I'islier remfived from Xnrth Prf ^idence. where he had
been a farmer, and ^vent tu Warwiek to manage a farm for ]!v-
ron -Sprague. One year later he piirehased his present farm of
eighty acres near Paitton woods, where he has resided since 18(w.
^mos C). h\.)ster is one of the foui' surxiving children of jere-
miah Foster. Ceorge J., :^]ary J. and John are the others of this
generation. Jeremiah Foster was born in South Kingstown.
His father Olhniel was born in Stonington. Conn. His father
John was a son of Carl, and grandson of John Foster, who came
from Salem, Mass., to southern Rhode Island or eastern Connec-
ticut at an early day. The family have been Friends for as many
as five generations, and this branch at Warwick have been
among the successful families of the town.
Florace P.. Foster was born in l^fiO. His father, John, was a
son of Ethan Foster, who was a brother of ihe Othniel Foster
noticed above. John 11. I-'ostcr, bLlizalieth F. ([Mrs. Leigh i, and
Edward H. Foster are of the same generation with Horace P..
Mrs. Horace B. Foster is ]\Iary J., daughter of Caleb P. Cope, a
substantial Friend, of Chester county. Pa. Their only .surviving
child is Charles K. Foster, who is of the seventh generation of
the family from John Foster, of Salem, }i[ass. Mr. Foster's
home is a part of the old AVilliam Alray property.
The vSpring Green farm, on Spring Green Cove, was the resi-
dence of the late Governor John Brown Francis. This prop-
erty was the home of Doctor John (ireene. v^■hose deed was dated
June Tith, lO:)."). This property was bought by John Br<.>\5,-n, whose
daughter, Abbie, became the wife of John Francis and the mother
of Governor Francis, whose two daughters now own and occupv
this old homestead. The governor also left a son, who died in
Rome in ISTn, and another daughter, ^Irs. ^larshall Woods. On
this farm is the grave of Deputy Gtn-ernor John Greene (ITtiSi.
Governor Francis was twice married ; first in I822, to a daugh-
ter of Hon. Nicholas Ih-own, Their daughter, whose children
are the only grandchildren of the governor, was married in 18-18
to Marshall Woods, F.sq. His father was the Reverend Alvah
Woods, D.D., who in R^."):! was the first of that increasing colonv
of new-comers to make a summer place on Warwick Xeck. The
two children of Mr. and :\Irs. Marshall A\'oods are ^Irs. S. A. B.
1:28S! HISTORY OF ■WASIIIXG.TOX AND KENT CdUNTIKS.
Abbott, of Boston, and J. C. 15. Woods, an attorney at I'lovi-
dence.
Tliomas AV. Gorton, of Providence and Bav Side, was born in
IS^L His father, Thomas W. (Uirton (d8(i:!-iy7] i, was one
of the seventeen children of Benjamin fiorton, sr.n of Doctor
vSainnel Gorton. The doctor was the son of Samticl, ^^•ho was a
descendant of the original Samtiel Gorton of K^.U'i. 'Mr. (Norton's
birth-place was the old Deacon Gorton place on the CVAveset road
in "Warwick, where he lived when th.c civil war broke (lut. lie
went otit with the Ele\'enth Rhode Lsland as captain of Company
B. After the war he bei_;an his present business in Prox'idcnce,
and in ]887 bought the l'>ay vSide Hotel pix)i)erty in AVarwick,
which he makes his summer hume. Ilis deceased wife was a
dang'hter of Burton B. Ikiker, of Apponaug. His present wife,
\ Eva, is a daughter of AVilliam Kent. They ha\'e one datighter,
^ Matide Gorton.
Albert A. Hall, born in 1S]7, is a son of Anthony II. H.all.
whose father, Thomas, was a son of Abial Hall, who was of
Welsh extraction. ]\Ir. Hall learned shoemaking, and worked
at that trade in East Greenwich from ] 8^0 to ]80n. From ]8(;ii
to 18S0 he was engaged in the manufacture of wines from nati\-e
grapes. The business of wine and champagne making was made
illegal about 188(i, and this business closed.
William H. Harrison is the son of William Harrison and
grandson of George liarrison, who came from Jilngland. A\'il-
liam was town clerk of this town and justice of the peace many
years. He was among the ardent .supporters of the Baptist
church, to the maintenance of which his sr)n lends sitbstantial
aid. He was a sea captain in early life, and at one time member
of and agent for the Roger Williams Manufacturing Company.
Mr. Harrison has lived retired here several years, enjoying a
competency which he acqtiired wholly himself. He was treas-
. . tirer and secretary of the Mechanics' Savings Ikank at Providence
from about 18.">-i to 18G(.i.
xMbert F. Hill was born in October, L'^44, in Foster, R. I.,
where his early life was passed. About 18(U he went to Prov-
idence, where he learned the carpenter's trade with Burdette &
Greene. He remained in Providence, working at his trade,
tmtil 1808, when he became a resident of Phenix, where he still
lives. During the past twent_\- }-ears, as carpenter and contractor,
he has built some of the finest buildin''-s here. Amonij' these
HISTORY OF WASni.VtJTOX AXD KENT criUXTIES. 1 280
are the Hoxsie brothers' store, I'hcnix Hotel, Musie Hall rind
the Lawton binUliny. lie \va.s in eompany Avith Cliarh.'s ];.
Angell two years or more. He lias clone the woodwork at the
state farm for four years. He was republiean memlier in tlie
sjcneral a;;sembly in 187."j-7t). His mother was of the Williams
family, in a direet line from Roncr Williams. He was inteix-sted
in securing- the present system of water supply for Phenix, and
is superintendent for the eomi)any.
Thomas :\I. Holden, in.suranee agent, was born in [Michigan.
He eame in IPCiUo Rhode Island. His insurance biisiness was
established in ]y7.1 He was nine years, from 187G, clerk f)f the
supreme court and the court of common pleas, and was next high
sheriff of Kent county. Mr. Holden is serving his fourth vcar
as worshipful master of Warwick Lodge, Xo. 10, A. F. ;ind A. M.,
of which lodge his grandfather. Captain Thomas Holden, was a
charter member. He is also past grand master of the state in
the I. O. of O. F. His present residence at River Point he erected
in ] 883.
William L. Holden, born in 1813, is descended from William
L'., William', freneral Gliomas', John', Charles', Randall'. His
mother was Phebe, a daughter of lienjamin and Phebe(\Veaver)
Nichols. He married Maria A. Harden, of [Mas.sachnsctts, who
at her death left two children, :\Irs. Levi B. Place and Charles C:
Holden. The present [Mrs. William L. Holden is Sarah S.,
daughter of Chri.stopher Greene. They have one daughter.
Anna F., who is a teacher in the grammar school at Fast Crcen-
■wich.
Governor William W. Hopjiin was born in Providence. He has
made Warwick a summer home since about 1835, when he came
here as a guest of John Holden. In ]8o.j he bought a part of the
Benjamin Greene farm and erected his present residence, •■ The
Anchorage," one of the most delightful country seats in War-
wick. He was educated to the law and was partner of Judge
Richard W. Greene. In 18X>, 18.")G and 18.J7 he was governor^)f
Rhode Island as a whig. He is a grandson of Colonel Benjamin
Hoppin, who was with Washington at Valley Forge. This en-
titles him to his present membership in the Order of the Cincin-
nati, in which order he is a vice-president. Governor Hoppin's
wife (deceased) was the only daughter of Titns Street, a promi-
nent citizen of Xew Haven, and sister of Augu.stus R. Street, a
liberal benefactor of Yale College. Governor Hoppin has two sons.
1290 lIISTOin' OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KENT COUXTIK-".
One, William AV., jr., was in the Union Army at Bull Run. was
attending .surg-i.()n in the battle of the Wilderness and is now a
resident of Xew York. The (.>ther son, h^rederiek, is now in
Europe, (lovcrnor lloppin i^raduated at Yale Collei^e in the
class of ls-28 and is now one of the twelve sur\'ivors of the elass,
then numberiuL;' ei^'hty-one.
Cottrell !•'. Iloxsie was born in b~^r28. His father Ji.^b Iloxsie
and his grandfather lilijah Iloxsie, were residerits of Ixiehmond.
R. I. Mr. Iloxsie eame to Warwiek in 3850 v.diere -he now ha.s
a fine farm oi 2."J() acres. Mrs. Iloxsie is Mary S., dau;_;hter of
James .S. Moore, of Exeter, R. T., whose lather Xathan and L;rand-
father Silas were residents f)f Richmond, R. 1. Silas Moore was
a son of David and a ;.4randson of John ]\Ioorc, ^\•ho eniii^'rated
from Eng;land and was buried in Richmond, R. I. ^Ir. and Mrs.
Hoxsie have raised four children : INlcrey h'llen i Mis. C.'lark J'cek-
ham), Frank E., Raljjh M. and Clara V. Iloxsie.
William G. James was born in Washinj^ton, R. I., in ]8.")'2. He
is a son of Albert G. and '<(randson of Perry G. James, both of
Coventry. His mother was a dau.ghter of Thomas Bowen. Mr.
James is naturally a mechanic and in early life learned carriage
building-, at which he worked until ISCiS. He had a carriage shop
at Lippitt which he ran three years. He was mechanic for the
Conant Thread Companv for a time but since the crccti(jn of
the Elizabeth [Mills in JSSo he has been superintendent there.
In December, ]8S:!. r^lr. Hill bought the E.ast Greenwich Mills
for making thread and yarn. Since then he has been agent for
both mills. His wife is a granddaughter of Israel lirayton.
Henry E. Johnson was born in Exeter, R. I., in '[S'>2. Hi.s
father, Gc(n"ge W., was a son of Freeborn Johnson.* who at
twenty-two years of age went into the revr)lutionary arm}", and
at the close of the war married Hearty Allen, of North Kings-
town, and settled in West (rreenwich. \\'hilc residing in West
Greenwich l'"reeborn lohnson built near his hcaise on Raccoon
brook a grist mill. Here his large f;imily was raised, of whom
George \\'. was the third S(m. The family is probal.>ly of French
extraction. Henry L.. in 18-lS. learned the blacksmith's trade in
Warren, R. I., and in 18()4, after having wi^irked in Fro\-idence
and other places some ten vcars, removed to a farm in Warwick,
oiie mile west of Pawtuxet. In ISi;.") he resumed blacksmith
work at Pawtuxet, and built his present shop in I87ii. He was
elected on the board of assessors in 1871. and ser\'ed five years.
HISTORY OF \VASIIINGTi')X AND KF.XT COUXTirP. 1201
He was ag-ain elected in 18S2, and annually since. He has
also been one of -the school committee several years.
Chai-les D. Kenyon was born in 1>S2G. His father, Judge [ohn
II. Kenyon (]781-184:3) was a son of George Kenyon, of Hopkin-
ton, R. I., who was born in ll'-V.i and died in 1810. Charles D.
Kenyon came to the town c)[ AN'arwick with his parents in I8:3(i,
and' until 18G1 resided on the farm now owned by x\mos ().
Foster. He then bought of llurrill Arnold's estate the store at
Centreville, now occupied by Duke &• Wood, in which he carried
on a mercantile business for ten years, when he was succeeded
by Charles Duke. His present home, which he purchased in
1881, is the John (Treene place. Mrs. Kenyon is a daughter oi
Daniel Rodman, of .South Kingstown. Their three sons are:
Plenry Rodman Kenyon, the artist, who is now in Europe;
Walter S., at the dental eolleg-e in Boston, and Charles 1"., a stu-
dent at the Friends' .school in Providence.
Albert W. Knight was born in 18.":>4. His father Richard, who
died in 18.")9, was a son of ]'~]der Richard Knight, who was well
known as a Baptist at South .Seituate, R. I. Mrs. Albert AV.
Knight is Ada F., daughter of Oliver li. Crandall. They have
three sons and a daughter. Mr. Knight was nine years teamster
for S. H. Greene 8z Co. before he began the teaming business on
his own account, a business in which he now uses fifteen horses.
He also deals at River Point in fuel, feed and masons' supplies.
Charles D. Knight was born in Seituate in 1833. He married
there a daughter of Potter Taylor, and was boss farmer for S. H.
Angell prior to 1884, when he bought in Coventry, near Phenix,
the .Snell place, formerly the property of Jabez Stone. ]\Ir. Knight
has three children ; Ann, Oscar S. and Everett B.
Harold Lawton was born in Oldham, England, in ]V.'2. He
came to New lingland at nineteen years of age and eontiinicd at
mill work, which had Ix'cn his principal employment from the
age of eight years. Nine years later, as the result of close ap-
plication and faithful effort, he liad mastered every department
'of mill work and became mill superintendent at Tilton, Xew
Hampshire. There and at North Grosvenordalc, Conn., he was
overseer until 188.'), when he became superintendent of the Lap-
ham mills at Centreville. He has an enviable position in busi-
ness and social circles ; is a director in the savings bank and also
in theCentreville National ISaiik. His ancestors are of the sturdy
stock of ICnglish (Juakers, while his wife is in direct descent from
lohn Alden.
1292 HISTORY Of WASIIIXGTOX AXD KEXT COUXTIES.
Henry Leonard in ly.jn came f nun Birniinyham, Ivnj;!and, io
New York. Here he remained l'_airteen years, and then re-
moved to Warwick, and purchased, north of Ap])onang-, the
farm on which he lias since resided, lie is a tin.?mith by trade,
and worked as snch princij^ally dttrini;- his residence in Xew
York. After lie hjcated in ^Varwick he worked at this Inisiness
some, in a shop on his premises. His oldest son, Thomas, is a
practical tinner in Providence. His .second son, Richard, is
superintendent of the B.aptist Sunday schrM.l at Apponaug. His
third son, William Henry, and his youngest daughter, Annie,
are witli him at the homestead. His oldest daughter, lunma, is
]\Irs. John Pitts, of Providence. ^Nlrs. Peonard, who came to
this country with him in JS.'iO, died at the homestead in April,
18S.S.
Xathan W. Pockwood was born in Ib'll. His fathci", Amos
Pockwood (died l^^lOi. was a son of Abran.i Pockwood, who died
here in 170ll. His father was Amos Pockwood. ^Ir. Pockwood
•is a house carpenter by trade, at which he was engaged here
froin 18U1 to 18G7. .Since then his farming interests have taken
most of his time and attention. He was a member of the town
council one year. ]\lr. Pockwood's first wife was Amey Perkins.
vShe left at her death three children : Jacob A., a carpenter. Amey
E., and Rebecca D., now Mrs. (ieorge IP Arnold. Mr. Pock-
wood then married a sister of his first wife, Phebe Perkins. She
died leaving one son, Xathan T. Pockwood.
Thomas H. Pockwood, son of Thomas and grandson of Penajah
Pockwood, was born in 1827. His wife is Adeline Amanda
Titus, of Xcw jersey. Their tlirec children are: Amanda A.
(ilrs. John Waterman ). James T., town clerk of ^Varwict, and
Eva E., at home. In 1S73 IMr. Pockwood bought part of the
Harris farm at Old Warwick, and built his present residence in
187P
William Arnold Pockwood is a son of All>e)-t Pockwood. who
was a son of Amos Pockwood, \y\v< died in 1810. Mr. Pockwood
was born in 1S47, and until 1872 was principally engaged in ag-
ricultttre here. vSince that time he has worked at his trade —
brick, stone and plaster mason work. Plis wife, Sophia, is a
daughter of Benoni Pockwood, brother of Thomas H. Pockwood.
Their home is at Pockwood"s Corners in Old Warwick. Mr.
Pockwood has been nine years deacon of the Shawomut Baptist
church.
HISTORY OF WASIIIXflTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 1293
John W. Martin, born in Connecticut in 1823. is a son of Otis
Martin. At efght years of age he began working in a mill : at
sixteen he went on a whaling voyage as cabin boy : at twenty
years he was mate and then captain on a voyage to West Indies
and South America. In b^-JO he went to California, returning in
ISitl, and was then a mercliant at Natick and Arkwright. In
IHli) he retired U> his farm. ]\Ir. [Martin was an active man and
filled vaiious town ofiiccs for some twenty years. His wife, ISlary
E., is a daughter of Ambrose Taylor of Warwick. ,
Bernard McCusker was born in Ireland and went to Scotland
in 1S49, where he learned bleaching. He served an apprentice-
ship at Glasgow seven years. He came to this country with
Robert Reoch in ISHT. Prior to coming here he had been over-
seer for ten years. Since coming to Pheni.x he has been over-
seer in the bleachery, and also has had charge of the white fin-
ishing department since 1871. His oldest .son, James, is foreman
in the bleaching department of a mill at Pontiac. Henry, his
second son, is in a like position at Lewiston, Elaine. John is
learning the business with his father in the Clyde Print Works.
William is assistant in the white cloth finishing department here.
The oldest daughter. Margaret }., a graduate of Rhode Island
State Normal .Sehool, is teaching at River Point. The three
younger children, Thomas E., Ellen and ^lary, are still at .school.
Lewis C. Merrill was born at Centreville in 1830. His father
is Josiah Merrill. His mother's maiden name was Phebe Greene.
Mr. Merrill's grandfather. William (\. ^Merrill, was a son of
Spencer Merrill. In 1847 he began to learn carriage painting,
and about 1800 he opened a shop of his own at Centreville. In
1880 he succeeded George P. Goidd. who had a carriage manu-
factory here, and here Mr. Merrill is still engaged in business.
He is a steward in the Methodist Episcopal church here. His
wife is a daughter <>t AVilliam P. Ai^nold of this town. Their
daughter is .Vnna L. ^Icrrill.
Edwin Millerd was born in 1841. His father was Xathaniel
Millerd and his mijther Hannah ]\1., nnw living at the age of
seventy-fi\-e, is a daughter of Hale (yoi-ton, granddaughter of
I5eniamin Gorton and great-granddaughter of Hezekiah Gorton,
who was a descendant of .Samuel ( iortiin. the proprietor. Mr.
Millerd's farm has l)ecn in the Gnrton family moi^e than two
hundred years, and cm this farr.i was the home of one of Samuel
Gorton's children, where it is believed .Samuel Gorton died.
1294 IIISTOKV OF WASmXGTOX AXD KKXT COUNTIES.
Edwin Millerd married Mary S. C. Sherman, daugiiter of Oliver
Perry Sherman of Olneyville. R. I. Mr. Millerd has served two
years as assessor, has been eonstable of the town and a member
of the republiean town er)mmittee.
Nehemiah Xieholas was burn in Carb<)ndale, Pa., in 1813. al-
thoug^h his fatlu'r, a ^Vell■hman, who died in California in 1840,
was a resident of Warwii.'!: before and after that d;ite. In 18.')'2
Jilr. Xieholas bei^an work in the Stephen ]l;irris mill, and three
years later heux-nt into the Spraij;ue mill at Xatiek, where within
ten years lie was made overseer of the spinning' and spooling
■department. 'J'liis position he retained while the Sprague
property passed to B. P). and R. Knight, and until January 1st,
1S8S, when he was made superintendent for the Knights at
River Point. ]Mrs. Xieholas is a Conneeticut lady. They have
one daug4iter and two sons.
John C. Xiehols was born in 18:39 in Charlestown, R. L He
came to East Cireenwieh \'illag'e in ]8."'i(.i, with 'J'ueker, Picixe &
Co., and learned seg'ar making-. In ]8(;i he made segars for T.
J. Tilley and in April, 187 J, he established a meat market at
liast Greenwieh village. His residence is in the town of War-
wick. He is i^ast master of King' Solomon's Lodge.
Captain John H. Xorthup was born at Apponaug. ^Vhen l)ut
eight years old he went into a mill at Xatiek. From thirteen to
seventeen he was at .sea— whaling. At eighteen he entered the
naval service of the United States, was in the service 39 months,
being promoted to quartermaster. After coming home frcm
the war he was for eight years in charge of " the lighters " in the
harbor in connection with Jordan, ISIarsh & Co's. print works.
For the last fourteen years his business has been furnishing
clams for Rocky Point dinners. His wife was a }iliss Grin-
nell. They have two boys and two girls. Their eldest girl is a
student in the academy.
William R. Xorthup, a son of Lebbeus Xorthup of Exeter hill,
and grandson of Benjamin Xorthup, was born there in ]8x?8. He
worked as a factory hand for several years, then learned the
machinist's trade, at which he worked until 18('il, when he enlist-
ed in the Seventh Reginient nnd served three years as a non-
commissioned oflieer, then until 187(') was employed as a machinist
for Thomas J. Hill. He was subsequently overseer of carding at
Manchester, X. IL, for the Langdon ]\Ianufacturing Company.
This enti'au'ement and others in Penns\-lvania and in some of the
HISTORY OF WASIlJxrnoX AND KICXT COUNTIES. V20o
vSouthcrn states covered eight years, when in l.'^y-l he took tlie
position of superintendent at Xorth Diyhton, :\jass., for the .Staf-
ford ^lanufaeturiiiLC Company, wlio now own the Potowomut
mill in Warwick, where since September, lir^t-."), Mr. Xorthiip has
been superintendent. His only daughter, Abbie. was the wife
of Walter Taylor. She died in INTU, leaving- Mv. Xorthup's only
grandchild. William R. Taylor.
Georg-c S. Xortluip. a brother of William R. Xorthup, was born
in Coventrv in ]S:)1. Until recently, he has been engaged in
mill work, having- been thirty years in the Lapham mill in Cen-
trevillc. lie served three years in the ITrst Rhode Island Cav-
alry as a non-commissioned ofiicer. lie was taken pris(,)ner on
the ]8th of June, [HiV.]. at }>Iiddlcburgh, Ya., and was in the ene-
mies' hands si.x; weeks. lie has a wife, Ann F. Baton, and eight
children: Alonzo (married, lives m Pr(ividencej, Orminda (Airs.
George Spink), vSarah R. (Mrs. Levi Shepard), George S., Jr.
(married, lives at Centrevillei, Annie F. (Mrs. Charles 11. Angell
of Lippitt), Ivlmer W. (married, lives at Ilarrisvillei, Edward E.
and Charles. Since ]\larch, JSS.j, 'Mv. Xorthup has been a poultry
farmer and market gardener at Old AVarwick.
James L. Phillips, the oldest living native of Warwick, was
born in 1800. He is a grandson of Jeremiah Phillips, who lived
and died here. In 1818, when he was less than nineteen years
of age, he became a preacher in the Free Will P,aptist church,
and was subsequently useful in organizing a church in Warwick.
His early school advantages were very limited, practically
nothing until he was twelve years old. Plis early days were
spent at farming and he made one sea voyage. He was pastor
of the Fourth Baptist church of Xewport for eight years, a
period covering the greatest growth in the bistort of that
church. His wife was Ann Xorthup of South Kingstown. They
have three children living: James, Elizabeth F. (Mrs. Albert S,
Austin, who has one son Herbert H.), and Susan T., widow of
Thomas Briggs of Xatick. :Mr. Phillips' son William R. (;de-
cea.sed) was a soldier in the civil war in Company K, Twelfth
Regiment. The Jeremiah Phillips abtive mentioned was a revo-
hitionary soldier.
Xathan I). Pierce, Jr., established at X(jrwood in ISTG the
Home Xursery, where he is still engaged in tlic propagation of
fruit and (u-namental trees. The nursery occupies seven acres.
Within the last five years he has sold i-l.(JO(i peach trees in the
1200 HISTORY OF WASiMXGTOX AND KENT COUXTIES.
State and has successfully advocated the renewal of peach ctil-
ture liere. ;\Ir. Tiei-ce was born in Providence, where his father
Nathan D. Pierce was for many years enc;-ac;ed as a blacksmith,
and where he in conii>any with Mr. Smith established the Ihiion
Coal Company. The family removed to that ])art of Warwick
which is now Norwood in ISO:;. Here the senior .Mr. Pierce -pur-
chased a farm, and be;.4-an yardeniuL;- and the cultivation of small
fruits, 'llie junior Mr. Pierce was educated as a manufacturin;^-
jewelcr, and worked at this until ISTC. He has been in the town
council of Warwick three years, and is now one of her represent-
atives in the general assemblv.
William 11. Place was born at East Greenwich Jtdv Pith, ISCL
His father, Levi P. Place, is a .son of Arba J. and a grandson of
Philijj Place. His mother is a daughter of William L. Holden.
He learned the blacksmith's trade of his father and worked with
him in the shop on the home farm in h^ast Greenwich until ISNl,
when he began bir^iness for himself at Arctic Centre, where he
is now carrying on general blacksmith ing.
l^lisha R. Potter, who ov,-ns and keeps the summer resort
known as Reed's Palace, was born in ]S:!0. His f.ather, l-:iisha,
was a son of Russel and a gramlson of Russel Potter. He n^ar-
ried Mary E. Vaughn, who deceased. His seond wife was Eli/a .
H. Tibbitts. Mr. I'otter was clerk of the courts from IF.')? to
ItSOo, and from ]S(;:J t(.. 1872 was pi.stmaster at E,ast Greenwich.
For several years he was vestr)-man of St. Luke's church at East
Greenwich.
James R. Potter was born in Cranston in is-JL He lived irt
Coventry fi-oin 18-2:i to L^44, when he removed to Phenix, where
he still resides. At Eiskeville he learned the wheelwright trade
and began business for himself at Lippitt in 18-14. Li 1847 he
bought a farm near Phenix, on a part of which he still resides.
Much of this farm he has divided into building lots. His wife
was Abbie K. AVhitford, of Charlestown, R. I. Tlieir children
are Carrie :\1. i^Irs. George Youngsi and Ered P.
Horatio A. Remington was born in Cranston, R. I., in ISHo.
His father, Henry A. Remingtrui, was a son of Ca]itain
Charles RemiTigton. who came from England and died in
1812. Henry A. Remington was a mechanic, but in 1842
he settled on a farm. Six years later the son, Horatio A., left
home to learn the machinist's trade. After working at his trade
for about seventeen years he in bsCiC. became junior partner
HISTORY OF W.VSIIIXCTOX AND KENT COUXTIKS, 1297
with S. Colvin &■ Co., at Riw-r Point, in the manufacture of
looms. lii.s wife wa.s I\Iartha A. Kni;4ht. Thev have two sons:
Charles liariks, now an Academy student, and Edc^^ar Wilson,
Jkl.D., of Providence.
Benjamin F. Remington (decea.sed) was born in 18(iG, and was
married in 1831 to Sarah A., dangditer of Samuel Tillinghast, son
of Stephen, son of Stukely, son (jf Pardon, son of John, son of
Philip, son of Pardon Tillinghast, who was born in England and
came to this country in KM,"). .Mr. l^emington . was a son of
Thomas, whose father, P.eniamin, was a son of Thomas Reni-
ington. Mr. and .Mrs. Pcnjamin V. Remington had four chil-
dren: Abbie E., Thomas T., Benjamin P., Jr., and James II.
Mrs. Remington survives her husband.
William G. Roelker was Ixirn in Cincinnati in 18.14. ?Te has
resided in Warwick since 18?:) at the homestead of his maternal
grandfather, the late Lieuten;int-(_iovernor William rireene.
Before taking up his residence in Warwick he sjient three years
abroad at Cicncva and I!erlin to cimrplete his education. lie
graduated at Harvard law school in 187.1, and was admitted to
the Rhode Island bar the following year. His practice is in
Providence.
Joseph -Shaw was born in 1810 at Carver, [Mass. In November,
1830, he came to Xatick as carriage maker for Covill & Wright.
He established a carriage business of his own in 1840, in which
Mo.ses Wightman was subsecpiently a partner. !Mr. Shaw was
for eight years employed in the machine shop of General Chrhs-
topher Rhodes' factory at Xatick. AVhile the ■Methodist society
was maintained here ]\Ir. Shaw was an official member. His
wife was Harriet K. Underwood, of Kingston Hill. ,Their-chil-
dren are : Lucy J. F. (Mrs. John C. Potten, Joseph A. and Irving
v., who -is a carriage painter.
Alfred Sherman was born in 1830. His father was Amos
Sherman, a boss spinner, in which business Alfred's early davs
were passed. Amos Sherman was a son of Elisha Sherman.
Alfred worked foi;rteen years ff)r Almoran Bur\'ce, who ran a
livery business at Xatick for more than forty years. Mr. .Sher-
man began a livery business at Xatick about twent^" vears since,
and in 1874 he entered into his present birsiness as general nrer-
chant.
Nathan A. Sisson was born in X'orth Kingstown in ]84:>. His
father John .Sisson, born in Xewport, was at dili'erent times a resi-
de,'
V2i)S HISTORY OF WASinxC.TOX AND KENT COUNTIES.
dent of Kent eomity. He died in ^V^.■.st CireenAvieh. where he was
a fanner. Mi-. X. A. Sisson served three years in the eivil war
with the Seennd reyinient, in wliieh he was a non-eoniniissioned
officei-. In ISO? he eanie first to Plienix as overseer in spinning,
having learned this trade before entering tlie army. In ]s;73 he
WL-nt to Fall River as overseer in the "King Philip " mill, where
he stayed until LSTC In 1S7S he was overseer at Harris, and in
]87iJ at I'awtnxet. In Xovcml)er, 1879, he eame to Phenix as
.snj)erintendent foi- the Ihijie .Mannfaeturing Company. ,
■ William A'. Sloeum was born in Phenix in liSo?. Ills father
Edward Sloenin, still living, is over So vears of age. William's
grandfather, Edward .Sloeum, lived in Xewpcirt and was one of
seven brothers who were sea eaptains. :\Ir. Sloeum reeeived his
education in the public schools here and in the River Point Clas-
sical .Seminary, from which he graduated in I.S-»7. lie began
teaching in the winter seasons when but sixteen years old and
continued for eigln years. lie was ])rincipal of the jniljlie school
in East Greenwich one winter, of the public school in Manne-
hawken,X. J,, one year, of the Phenix school two years, and sub-
sequently twelve other years at Phenix. Pie taught also at
Crompton and is now principal of the River Point school. He
was bookkeeper for the Hope Company nine vears and was at
the same time i\)r two years superintendent oi town schools.
Itis wife is a daughter of Henry Johnson. Thev have one son,
Edward L. Sloeum. who is now with Ccneral William R. \Valker,
an architect in Providence,
William H. Snell was born in Phenix in 1S2'A. He is a son
of Henry and a grandson of Thomas Snell, who was a farmer of
Scituatc. Henry Snell l)ecame a resident of Phenix before ]S2().
He was a farmer and teamster and did the hauling for the old
Roger William's Mill. AVilliam H, does a teaming business in
connection with his livery business. His party wagon is the
finest van this side of Providence. His wife is Susan M. Perkins,
of Connecticut. They have one daughter, :Mary E. Snell. Politi-
cally Mr. Snell has always been a republican.
Pardon Spencer, born 1S()3, is a son of Walter Spencer, whose
father Benjamin, was a son of Walter and grandson of Benja-
min Spencer. This branch of the Spencer family came threaigh
Nova Scotia to the United States prior to the war of the rev-
olution. Pardon Spencer's first wife was Sybil Spencer. Their
children were: Hannah A. (^Mrs. Benjamin N. Briggs),of Provi-
HISTOUY OF WASrllXCTdX AND KENT COUNTIES. 1200
dencc; Abrr.m Spencer, of Plienix ; William T., of Ilr.pkinlon. and
Eben (deceased). The present ]\Irs. Spencer is ^iary A., the
youngest and only surviving child of Samuel 15riggs. of Ajijio-
naug.
Thomas Spencer was born in Providence in IP.")!. His father,
Arnold W. Spencer, who died in l^ttS, was a son of Christopher,
an early merchant at Old Warwick, and grandson of William and
Waity Spencer, formerly of North Kingstown. In ]S72 Thomas
Spencer bought a small store then standing on the northwest
corner at Old Warwick, of ]. V. Woodmansee. In 1874 ^ir.
vSpencer erected his present building, the Old Warwick post
ofiice. Here he has ad<]ed to his general merchandise business
a coal, wood and ice business. J\Ir. Spencer was a member of
the town council two years, and in the assembly in 18S7 -8. He
has been president of the Warwick League two years, and in
1SS8 was a delegate to the democratic national convention at
St. Louis.
Thomas |. .Spencer, retired farmer at Apponaug, was born in
18J0. His father, (jidcon Spencer, was a son of (Gideon
Spencer, who was born in 1742, and lived in l^^ast Green-
wich. 2^Irs. Thomas J. .Spencer (Caroline Remington), who
died in 18,"i3, left two sons and fotir daughters, of whom
one son is deceased. The other son is the well known
dentist of Providence, Gideon .Spencer. Thomas J. Spencer's
father in 1833 originated a formula for a vegetable pill, the man-
ufacture of which ]\Ir. .Spencer has made a part of his business
for fifty years. He has been on the town school committee
since the public school system was organized in this town. Cn
his farm is the grave of Thomas Remington, who dit^d in 1710.
William Spencer was born in 1817. His father, Christopher
Spencer, was a son of William and Waity Spencer, of North
Kingstown, and a grandson of Thomas .Spencer. Christopher
Spencer was one of the ten senators under the old charter, and
was president of the Warwick town council. He died in 1872.
In 1831 William .Spencer went as a clerk to I'rovidcnce. In 18:>7
he bought a grocery business of \\'illiam L. I'^ield. He sold this
site in 18(i(jand bought a building opposite Xarragansett Hotel,
where he is still carrying on the same business he began fifty
years ago. He is the only survivor here of the business men of
that time. His wife, Penelope, is a daughter of John TilYau}-,
of Crompton, R. I.
1300 HISTORY OF WASin.\.GTOX AND KENT COUNTIES.
George V\". Spencer, ]r., is a son of Georye W. Spencer, who is
a brother of William Spencer above mentioned, lie \\as born in
Providence, btit was reared at Old AVar^vick. lie gradnated at
the State Normal School in ]88f, and at the Ponghkeejisie Com-
mercial College in 1!SS,-|. The same year, having" had experience
as a teacher in commcrci.-d schools, he founded the well known
Spencerian Business Colk'ge at Providence. In Warwick, where
he holds a residence, he is noble g'rand of the Apponaug Lodge of
Odd Fellows. His father, now retired, represented \\^arwick at
one time in the state legislature.
Nathaniel T. Spink, of Providence, is a son of Albert Spink,
of North Kingstown. He married a daughter of Peleg' C. Cong-
don. In jy.")?, when he was twenty-three years of age, he went
to Providence as a clerk. From ]8(il to JiSGLihe was in business
in Boston, and after a few years spent as a commercial traveler,
he became, some tweh'c }"ears since, the successor (if a firm in
which he had been successively an employee and a partner,
engaged in the liat, cap and furnishing business.
William :\I. S])ink was born in lyiG. His father, John I).
Spink, was a brother of ,Salma M. Sjiink, now a resident of North
Kingstown. John I), was for some vears in business at Wick-
ford, a member of the firm of AVaite <!<: vSpink. He removed to
Natick in I8-I1), where he was a merchant for twenty vears. Wil-
liam M. ,Spink began mill work at Natick in IS40. He became
an expert, and was made mill superintendent for the vSpragucs
in ]May, 1SG4. This relation to the Natick mills has continued
to the present time, whik- the mills have become the most im-
portant plant of the Ivnight system. !Mrs. Spink is Horcas P.,
daughter of Lym-in and granddaughter of Ebenezcr P)arjicy,of
Coventry. Their only child is Gertrude Spink.
John R. Stafford was born in bS14. He was employed thirt\-
years in the Natick mill, and was clerk at Apponatig, where he
was subsequently in business as partner with Henrv Capron,
and later with Edmond P.udlong. His father, Thomas -Stafford,
was a seafaring man. His grandfather was also named Thomas.
Mrs. John Raymond Stafford is Mary, daughter of Benjamin
Nichols, of North Kingstown. She is the only survivor of eight
children.
Lorey Stafford was born March 4th, ]S3'2. His father, Lorey,
also a farmer, was a son of Edward and grandson of Stukely
Stafford. The first of the Stafford family here were three men
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES. 1301
who came from England, one settling near Rocky I^oint, one
near The Buttonwoods, and one. the ancestor of Stukely Staf-
ford, settled on the Warwick town line, north of the present vil-
lage of Pontiac. Anios Stalf(ji-d and Thomas Stafford \vere a
generation older than Stnkclv Stafford. Lorey Stafford, now
living at Pontiac, is the only snrvivor of his generation. His
wife (deceased) was from A'ermont. Their only child is Walter
E. Stafford.
Stephen De.xter Stone was Ix-rn in l?4i). Ills wife is Elizabeth
H. Burgess. Thev have six children living- : Charles L. Stone,
Annie G. (Mrs. Charles II. lulwards), :M:iria L., Hattic Iv. Me-
dora.and Gertrude. Mr. Stone is a farmei- on Warwick Plains,
where he has a valuable fruit and vegetaljje farm of thirty-six
acres. 'J'he family is descended from Hugh Stone, who came
probably from Wales to tliis country between It;.-).") and 100."). He
was living in \\'arwit'k in fOOO, when his f)ldest son, Hugh, was
born. Another of his sons, John, was the father of \\'illiam,
who was the father of jabez, who was the father of Daniel, who
was the father of Daniel J. Stone, born TSIO, and still living
here with his son, Stephen D., who is of the seventh generation
in direct descent from the emigrant.
Captain George W. Taylor is a son of Ambrose and grandson
of Ambrose Taylor, who died in 1831. George W. was born in
1828. His grandfather bought of Jo.seph Ixaker. at Xausocket,
in 1800, the home where he died. He was a farmer and a chair-
maker. His son, Ambrose, also a farmer, was fc^ir several }-ears
at sea. Captain George went to sea at an early age, and fo]l(i\\-cd
the sea for many years. He was a sea captain from 18.">7 to
1886 in coastwise service. His deceased wife was LAxlia .S,, a
daughter of Stephen Williams, of Cranston, R. I.
William Telft was born at Pine Hill, in Exeter, in IS'^o. He
is the youngest of the ten children of Thomas Tefft, wIkdsc
father, Thomas Tcfft, was town clerk of Richmond. R. I. His
mother was Lucy, daughter of (leorge TelTt. His wife was ]Miss
Fannie Cobb. They have two children, William Tefft. Jr.. and
Susan Tefft. !Mr. Tefft has a pleasant farm of ninetv-seven
acres at Xatick Hill, on which he has lived twentv-four yeai's.
Benjamin W. Tibbitts is a son of Benjamin Tiblhtts land
grandson of AVatermam, who at his death left a familv, of
whom Benjamin W., Daniel and Susan A. are now li\-ing. Ben-
jamin Tibbitts was. at various periods of his life, a manufact-
1.jU2 history ok washinqton am.) KKNT COU.\TIr:S.
urcr, a painter and a farmer. lie was also judge of the eourt
of common pleas. Benjamin was a member of cmmcil for a
number of yc^'^rs, and also assessor of taxes for a long Lime. He
had five brothers, of whom Henry and John W.werc yjliysicians.
AVilliam C. Tibbitts is a son of William Tibbitts, a contractor
and builder, of the firm of Tibbitts & lludlong'. He began bus-
iness at Arctic Centre in ISntJ. after having been clerk for the
vSpragues some nine years. In bS80 he built his present store at
Arctic Centre, where his dry goods and grocery business is now
carried on. He belongs to the Masonic lodge and chapter and
to the Odd Fellows' lodge and encampment. His wife is from
Sterling, Conn. Their two daughters, living, are Cora E. and
Bertha^A.
Henry W. Tiffany is a son of Major Jonathan Tiffany and
grandson of Thomas Tiffany. He was engaged in a little cotton
mill which his father owned, three-fourths of a mile south of
Crompton, which mill was operated somewhat by the sons after
Jonathan Tiffany's death. The sons were also engaged as mer-
chants at Crompton for about fifteen years prior to ISoO. Jon-
athan Tiffany came to Crompton in 1S07 for the Providence
^Manufacturing Company, of which he was a member, and jnir-
chased of Captain William Rice the mill privilege and site now
occupied by the Crompton ^lanufacturing Company.
William Tiffany was born in Crompton, R. I., in 1828. His
father, John Tiffany, was a son of James and grandson of
Thomas Tiffau}-. Thomas' father, Benjamin, lived three-fourths
of a mile south of Crompton. He was killed by a falling tree,
and was buried in theScranton plot in East Creenwich. William
Tiffany is a carpenter by trade. He lived at Crompton until
1857. In 1849 he went to California. His father, John ']'ii*any,
owned the farm on Warwick Neck east of the main road and
south of the railroad. ^Irs. William Tiffany was Susan M. Rem-
ington. Their daughter, Fannie E., is !Mrs. John A. Hazard.
Their son is John Tiffany.
Samuel C.Tillinghast, born in ]8ii), is a son of Pardon Tilling-
hast, who died in 187.'^, and whose father was Colonel Allen
Tillinghast of Exeter, born 177:1, died 184o. The colonel's
father. Charles, was born in 1720. was taken prisoner by the
British and died on ISlock Island during the revolution. His
father, John, was born in ]C,Ol and was buried at Frenchtown,
Ea.st Greenwich, in 1777. His father. Pardon (lfi77-1743j, was
HISTORY OF WASIITXGTOX ANO KENT COUNTIES. 130:3
a so)i of Pardon, born in I^ngland in l(i-?-i, died in Pro\-idcnce in
lanuary, 1718. In 187<) .\Ir. S. C. 'l'il!in.;:;-liast bonght the carriaye
and blaeksn'iilh shop df Shaw (!v- \Viglitnian. liiyht years later
he bouy'ht the jiaint business and the real estate of Joseph
Shaw.
Joseph O. 'IMUinghast, brother of Samtiel C, was born in IfiAC.
In ISO.-) he bcg'an working here as a blacksmith. In 187(1 he
bought the business of Pcrcival Bennett, .successor to lienjamin
Williams. In 1878 he bought the old blacksmith .stand o{ tlie
heirs of Benjamin Williams, who was the blacksmith here fmm
1839 to his death about 18(1(1. Since 1873 Mr. Tillinghast has
practiced as veterinar}- .surgeon. His first marriage was with
Abbie S., daughter of Deacon Henry A. Bailey. She died, leav-
ing one son, Allen P. His present wife, Anna J., is a daughter
of George Capwell of Old Warwick.
George W. Tourjec was born in Xatick in 183S. His father,
Samuel W., was a son of Jeremiah Tourjee, of North Kings-
town, where other representatives of this old French family
still reside. In 1803, after ten years at mill work, Mr. Tourjee
established a livery business at Xatick. The real estate which
he now occupies he bought in 1873. From 187:2 to 1882 he was
local agent for Adams h^xjiress Company.
Albert Tyler was born in 184.^). His father, James Tyler, was
a son of John and grandson ()f James Tyler, whose father, jolm
Tyler, bought the Tyler tract, which is now a portion of the
town of Foster, R. I. Albert Tyler came to AVarwick in 1874,
and after being station agent at Centreville for eight years he
began, in 1884, a nrercantilc business at North Centreville,
where his residence and business are now located.
George H. Tyler is one of the twelve children tif William
Tyler, ten of whom reached adult years. He was lourteen j'cars in
business in New York city, the later and larger portion of the
time as dealer in malt, hops and brewers' supplies. He now is
a manufacturer at Washington, in the town of Coventry, Kent
county, R. I. His wife is a daughter of Pardon S. Peckham, a
well-known manufacturer. After having come to this vicinity
to regain his liealth he located here permanenth". and in 18,'^'G
completed his present residence in "Warwick, in the suburbs of
the village of East Greenwich.
Samuel J. Vickcry was born in liristnl, R. I., in ISI^). He
learned the cooper's trade and made several vo)-ages as cooper
1304 HISTCJKV OF WASIMNGIUX AND KENT COUNTIES.
on whale ships. He made fifteen vfiyaj.;es to the West Indies in
merchant vessels, lie was three years in Cuba as snperintend-
eni of a cooper's bnsiness for Israel Thoind}-ke, of Newport. In
18-12 he ptij-chased, in the northeastern ])art of War\\-ick. the
homestead ])art of the Simon Smith allotment in the I'awtnxet
tract, and has since impro\'ed and beautified it and its snr-
roiindinys. In J8S8 he laid out Silver Hook park, eii:;-ht acres on
the river, which he has liberall)- o])ened and set apart as a sum-
mer breathing- place. I\Irs. \"ickery is a daughter of Cajitain
Samuel Phillips, of Bristol, R. I. The old residence of Simon
Smith, with the date 1711 cut in its frame, is nou- a part of ^Iv.
Vieker}''s residence.
Daniel Warner was born in 1824. His father was James War-
ner, son of William, and grandson of John Warner, who was a
descendant of John ^\'al■ner, once town clerk of Warwick and
secretary of the house of dcinitics of the colony. James Warner
died in July, 1877, aged !»'.), being then the oldest Mason in Rhode
Island. Daniel \Varner wds engaged in the River Point Ciiin-
pany store for thirty-three years as clerk, l)ook-kec})er or su])er-
intendent. In 1881 he bought a part of the old Rice farm. He
was a republican member of the town cinincil for two years. His
■wife (deceased) was Amy, daughter of William Hall.
Isaac Walker was born in Coventry in ]8"28. Ab<.)Ul the year
]G30 a Widow WalkCr and her sons, Philip and James, came from
England and settled in Rchobuth (East Providence), ]\Iass. Mrs.
Walker is named in 1043 as one of the first owners of Rehoboth.
Her son Philip died in 1()79. His son Philip was the father of
Philip Walker, whose son Joseph was a soldier in the revolu-
tionar\- war. He settled at Summit, R. 1., in 17i;7. Joseph's s(jn
Stephen (17('i7- 1833) had a son, Ezekiel Walker, father of Isaac.
In 1870 Isaac Walker came tu River Point, where he still lives,
engaged as a contractcjr in mason work. He built by contract
the Crompton mill, and rebuilt the Pheiiix and Hope mills.
Since 1875 he has had charge of most of the mason work at the
State farm. Isaac Walker's first wife was ]\laria, daughter of
Corev Mattesi-in. She died, lca\"ing two sons, Pyron and lizia
M.. both masons. Isaac Walker's second wife, Mary Iv, was a
sister of his first wife. She also died, leaving two children, El-
mer E. inow an architect in Postoii) and a daughter, Mrs. Eucian
Searle.
HISTORY OF-WASHIXGTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. ISO.")
Levis Walker was bi)rn in Coventry in ISIxS. He is a son of
Ezekiel \Valker. wliosc father. Sle])lien, was a son of Joseph, and
grandson of, I'hiliji Walker. Mr. Walker's business was that of
carpenter and builder, at whieh he worked when he removed to
Clyde in 1807. In 1 SS4 he opened a general hardware store here, '
Pic is nt)w located in the Pike bkick. His wife is a datighter of
vSheldon l^riggs, of Coventry. They have tv.'o children— Lewis
M. and IMaryV. Walker.
Ezra ]M. Walker, son of Isaac Walker, was born in IS.")!;, llis
mother (deceased) was ]\laria, datightcr of Corey ^lattesmi. In
early life he learned his father's tra.dc and worked with him.
lie had charg'c of bttilding the brickwork at Natick [Mills for
B. B. & R. Knight. He is now foreman of the mason work at
the State farm, lie has been a contractor for eight years. His
wife, Mary, is a datighter of Ltician Searle (deceased), of War-
wick. They have one son, Howard, who is of the tenth genera-
tion of Walkers who have lived in New England.
James E. Whitford. born in 1822, is a son of Joshua, and grand-
son of Thomas. Mr. \Vhitford worked in a mill from the time
he was twelve years old until he was fcu'ty. He has li\-cd here
and been a farmer about nineteen vears. In 1842 he was mar-
ried to Sarah A., daughter of David John.son. Their children
are: Edward X., h^ A.. Mary II. (Mrs. Thomas H. Thurston),
James H., and John Charles, who is in California. In politics
Mr. Whitford is a re])ublican. He has been a member of the
First Baptist church of Crompton abotit twenty-three years.
Oliver A. Wickes was born in 1820. His father, Sttikelv, was
a son of Stukely and grandson of iJeni'amin Wickes. Mr. Wickes
spent several years as a sailor, was in California three vears, and
built the house where he now lives in L^."")."). II(? is a farmer. He
was married abottt 18.")8. His wife died, and he married again
in 1878. He has four children : Alma W., INIary L., AVilliant S.
and Edward .S.
Henry J. Wightman, son of Samuel W., grandson of George
and great-grandson of Colonel George AVightman, was born m
1810. Samuel W. Wightman was a cabinet-maker in Pawtu.xet.
His father, George, was a farmer on Uuidnessett Neck, in North
Kingstown, Colonel George Wightman was a resident of this
colony before the revolution, and k-ft the colonv to take a com-
mission in the P.ritish army, and died in London. Mrs. Henry
J. Wightman is Ann ^l.. daughter of James and grand daughter
130G HISTORY OF WASUINTriOX AND KENT COUNTIES.
of John Harris, of Cranston, R. I. Tliey have three living' chil-
dren : Maria A., Albert H. and Walter \V. Their oldest son,
James Harris, is deceased.
Oliver C. Williams was born in Xorth Providence in lS'2-2. He
is a descendant of Royer Williams. His home was in Massachu-
setts iintil he was about twenty-seven years old. In 1811) he went
to California and remained there for four years. His busines.s
for tVie last thirt\' years has lieen putting in electrical ajiparatus.
He has enarge of all the electric lines, including irrc and tel-
ephone lines connecting the state farm with Providence. ^.Irs.
Williams is a daughter of Randall Carder, who was cme of
the pillars of the democratic party here. He was a descendant
of Richard Carder, one of the twelve who purchased this town.
His name was one of the ten in the original deed from 2^1 i-
antonomi. Mr. and }ilrs. Williams have two daughters, twins,
Ada S. (Mrs. Ivlihu liriAvnell. of Providence) and Ida 1). (Mrs.
George W. Pearce. of Hillsgrovc).
Louis Windsor was born in Smithfield, R. I., in IS.")'.). He
was educated in the public .schools and at the Lapham Institute
at Springfield, and subsequently taught a few terms. He
worked several years for the Providence, D. 1>. cS: C. Company,
and became their assistant suj)erintendent. Since ISS,") he has
managed the farm properly in Warwick for theXicholas Jirown
estate.
Gilbert H. Wood was born at E.xeter, R. I., in ]8.-)2. Pie is a
son of Henrv G. and a grandson of Joab Wood, of Coventry.
He was associated with the acid works at West Greenwich about
five years. He came to Xatick Hill ten years ago, and five
years later bought the P'lisha Brown farm, where he still
resides. His brother is pastor of the Baptist church at Xatick.
He was married in 1871 to Plarriet M. Straight. They have
one son, Edgar A., a boy of ten years.
Charles H. Young was born in Burrillville, R. I., in 18:37. " He
has lived in River Point since 18.")2. He was overseer in the
cotton mills until about ISCid. and has since worked as carpenter
in constructing buildings to let as tenements. In 187o he
bought a plot of land at River Point and laid out twenty-four
building lots. On one of these in the following year he erected
his present residence, and upon the others he has built substan-
tial houses, which he rents. This portion of the ttiwn is called
Youngstown. Its principal street bears also the name of the
HISTORY- OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES. IHOT
proprietor. Mr. Youni;- has been poliee, constable and auction-
eer, and has held other offices in the town, lie has been a
member of the school bnard nine years.
EAST GkEENWtCll.
William X. Allen was born in ]8o."5 in A^'orth Kingstown, and
is a son of George Allen, of Hope Island, and a grandson of
Silas Allen. In ISoS he bought the grist mill he now owns at
Frcnchtown, and has run it since. He also owns and runs a
blacksmith and wheelwright sho]) and a paint shop. He was
married to a daughter of David Wightman. and after her death
to his present wife, daughter of Stephen A. Congdon. This old
mill was owned last prior by Horace K. Jenks, and before him
by one Johnson.
Timothy Andrews, son of John and grandson of Timothy, was
born in 1828, in Coventry, R. I., and is married to hhinice Mat-
teson, of West Greenwich. In 18r),'") he became a deacon of the
Six Principle Baptist church. I )eacon Andrews has been two
years in the town council and is trustee of school district Xo. 4.
Peleg Arnold, born in 1817 in Exeter, spent his early days at
the farm and managed the homestead until 1852. He came to
East Greenwich in 18.-)4 and opened a watch, clock and jewelry
bti.siness which he still carries on. He was in the state senate
one year as a democrat. His wife is Elmira Lawton. Mrs. Pe-
leg Arnold, deceased, was Dc:)lly !>., daughter of Peleg Lawton,
of South Kingstown.
Dutee J. P. Babcock was born in 1820 in Charlestown, this
county.- He is the second child in a family of eleven. In IS.'iO
he became express messenger on the New York Providence &
Boston railroad. For sixteen years he was route agent and was
local agent at Xew London, Conn., four years. He married a
daughter of Slocum Hall, of North Kingstown. They have one
child, Charlotte H. Her husband is George A. White, the pres-
ent express agent at East Greenwich. Mr. Babcock has been a
resident of East (rreenwich S(jme twelve or fourteen years.
Daniel C. Bailey was born in 1819 in this town, where his
father and grandfather, each named Jeremiah, lived, 'i'he ear-
lier generatitm of this family was William Bailey, who in 1780
built the house in Shippee town. Probably this William was a
grandson of Samuel liruley.son of Hugh Bailey of IGOO, whi"> em-
igrated from I-]ngland. ^Irs. Daniel C. Bailey is Deacon Spen-
]::^US HrsTORV OF WASIIIXGToX AND KEXT COUNTIES.
cer".s daug-hlLT lluldah E. Their Ihrcc cliildrc-n are : :^]ary E.
(Mrs. William FryK William I), wliose wife rs Maria J. Andrew.s,
and John S. l-iailey, whose wife is Lillian A. Vaughn. The early
generations of Lhe Bailey family were iM'icnds.
Reverend John H. Uaker was born in hSo.") at Stonington, C'tmn.,
and died at East (ireenwieh in INC.). His father was Elisha
Baker. His grandfather, Elisha Baker, was a soldier in the
Freneh and Indian wars, and his wife was Raehel Talmadge, of
Long- Island. Reverend J. H. Baker became a member of the
Baptist ehureh in lS'2-2, was ordained in 1831, preached in North
Stonington, Newport, Exeter. Wakefield and Wiekford. In lS:i:;
he was married to Mary }i]archant, who died eight ye:irs later.
In Charlcstown, Phenix, iMskeville, Hopkinton, Niantic, South
Kingstown and liloek Island, his pastoral and evangelieal l.nliors
are remembered. In IS-l'i he was married to Mrs. ^Marey }il.
(Spencer) ;Millard, who survives. Her children are: "William
Edwin Millard, died at eleven years of age ; John Edwin P>.aker,
now of Xew York, and ]\Iary 'M. (Mrs. KnowlesK died leaving one
daughter, ]Mary A. Knowles. Edwin Jcn-auld Millard, deceased,
Mrs. Baker's first husband, was the great-great-grandson of James
Jerrauld, a physician who came to ]\Ias.sachusetts in lOSO. doc-
tor Dutee Jerrauld, his son, settled in Warwick and married
Freelove Gorton, their son James being the father of M;irtha
(Mrs. Samuel IMillardi, the uKjther of this Edwin ]. ^Millard.
Daniel L. Briggs was born on the Warwick and I'^ast Green-
wich town line road, where his brother job now lives, in 18L'>.
His father, Eanicl Briggs, was a son of Sweet Briggs of South
Kingstown. Mr. liriggs was educated as a mechanic and worked
at carpentering. For the last twenty years he has been a farmer.
As a carpenter he helped build the five school houses erected by
this town in ]So4. ^Irs. Daniel L. Briggs. recently deceased,
was Mary H., a daughter of Slocum Godfrey, a well known de-
scendant of an old family here. Of their eight children four
are living: Amanda ( Mrs. David Capwelli, Sarah (Mrs. George
Remington), Xclson G. and John R. Briggs.
Daniel Burdick, son of Jared and grandson of Abel Burdick,
was born in lS-21. Prior to JSG-J he was railroad road master for
more than twenty years, since which he has worked at carpen-
try. He has been assessor of taxes and councilman. His chil-
dren are: Sarah B. (widow of Xathan Arnoldi, l)aniel P., Anna
J. and William L. The latter is Professor P.urdick of AVilliman-
tie. Conn.
HISTORY OF \VASHIXi;TO:s AM) KENT COUNTIES. 1 o09
James A. Capron, born in North Kiiv^.siown, R. I., has lived at
East Greenwieh about fiftv vears. lie is a son of James and y,rand-
son of Edward, who lived and died on Marlboro street, lu'isi ( ireen-
wich. ~Sh\ Capron learned the trade of house earpentcr of his
unele Jeremiah X. (iardiner of Warwick, to whom he was bound
when a child. He made hundreds of coffins in early days,
and is now a funeral director. He has had eleven children, ol
whom only two are living — a married daughter and a son. Clau-
dius F.
Albert J. Conydon was born in 18-21 in Exeter. He was edu-
cated at the East (jreenwich Academy and from 1843 to 1847
was in a factory store at Crompton. R. I. He began at East
Greenwich in 3.1arch, 1847, as dealer in dry goods, boots, .shoes,
crockery, etc. He ch;inged to groceries and added drugs. In
the drug business he was succeeded by his two sons. Richard E.
and Charles H., in May, 1873., He has been eight years on the
school board and is now secretary of the board and superintend-
ent of schools.
Miss Patience I!. Cook was born in 1803 in Tiverton, R. I. She
resided in New York prior to 18G1 with an uncle. Captain Silas
Holmes. Her father was John Cook, a son of Colonel John
Cook, an old shipping merchant of Tiverton. Her mother,
Phebe, was a daughter of Colonel William Arnold of East Green-
wich. The colonel built the Updike House as his residence, in
1790, on the site where in 1788 his former residence was burned.
The colonel was a shipping merchant at East Greenwich. His
sons were vStephen and Perry (_t. His daughter was Mrs. .Silas
Holmes.
Rowland Crandall.born in 1832, succeeded in 'Slay. 1873, David
C. Potter in the blacksmith business at East Giieenwich, where
he had worked fifteen years. His ancestors were of Richmond,
R. I. His wife, Lydia A., is a daughter of Pardon T. Wight-
man. Their daughter is ]\Irs. Charles E. Kennedy of Providence.
Mr. Crandall has lived retired since 188-2.
Benjamin Crompton was born in 18J.") in England. He came
to America (to East Greenwich) in 1841 as a dryer in the bleach
ery. He worked in varicnis bleacheries and print works until
1802, when he located a junk business here. He built his wharf
the year tif the great September gale. He added to his business
wood, coal, feed, lime, cement and phosphate. He bought his
present residence here in 1848. Pie has three children : Samuel
1310 HISTORY OF WASIHXGTOX ANT) KENT COUNTIKS.
F.. Alice M. (now Mrs. Richra-d Tluirnleyi. and Martha ]•>. (no-\v
]Mrs. Joseph Thornlcy).
Frank C. Cundall was born in Connecticut and raised in lloyi-
kinton, R. I. He was drug- clerk for Thumas A. I'arbcr of Ash-
away fi\'e and a half years and in l^oston two }-cars prior to
August, 1S77, when he located in I'^ast (jreenwich. lie niari'ied
a daughter of Nicholas l-iall of IJlock Island. IMr. Cundall
operates a drug store on Block Island in the summer.
Joseph Fry was born in liSO;") on the farm he now owns.. His
father was Judge Thomas I" ry, son of Joseph, and grandson of
Thomas. This Thomas dated his will 1773, and died within the
next ten years. ■ His son Joseph was :in officer of militia in 177<;,
and took by will the farm now the h.cnnestcad of the subject of
this sketch. ]Mr. l'"ry was colonel of a Kent count}- regiment of
militia before the Dorr war. He was ninrried to ]\Iary li. (ii-eene.
Their children were: Henry, of Providence ; Edward, (_)f Provi-
dence; William G., of East Greenwich ; and Lauriston, of Pro-\-i-
denee. Henry Fry was born in 1840. In ]8Gn he began to learn
the machinist's trade at Anthony with Perez Peck &- Co. Within
the next four years he was connected with the Purnside Rille
Company and the Brown & Sharp Manufacturing Con-ipan_\' at
Providence. In 18G4 he went to Fall River in a furniture busi-
ness with J. I ). Flint & Co. Since March, 1887, he has been half
owner in the Providence Furniture Company, prior to which
time he was eight or nine years partner with Anthony, Cowell
& Co. Edward Fry was born in 1841 at the homestead in East
Oreenwich. He remained at the farm until he was 2.") years of
age, when he removed to Fall River, where he was in btisiness.
He came to Providence as partner with his brother Hcnrv. to
succeed Flint & Co. as owners of the Providence Furniture Com-
pany, in March, 1887.
Thomas N. Fry was born in 1882 on or near the farni he now
owns and occupies in District No. 2, in East Greenwich. His
father, Nicholas S. Fry, who died in ]8(iS, was an older brother
of Joseph Fry above i-nentioned, they being sons of judge Thomas
Fr)'. whose father, Joseph, was a son of Thomas Fry, from whom
all in this town who bear the family name are descended. He has
always been a farmer here, where his father lived and died. He
has been in the town council two years or more, and has repre-
sented East Greenwich in the general assembly. His wife is
Matilda, a daughter of Job .Spencer. They have four sons and
two daughters living.
iiTsroRV OF WAsiirxorrix and ki;\t cr)i'XTiF.s, llJll
John J. Fry, of the firm of ]>. A. IJallou tV- Co., marmfacturiiio-
.jewelers of Providenee. i.^ a brother of Thoina.s X. Fry. of East
Oreen-wieh. He mm.s born in Jy:j!) at Ka.st CTreenAvieli, and in
38.-)S went to lUinoi.s and fanned there nine vear.s. lie was tlien
in business in East (ireenwieh three years, then beeame a nieni'
bcr of the above firm.
William C". (Greene is a brother of Fauriston IF (ireene, of
Fast (rreenwieh. lie was born in IS-JO. At the age of eighteen
he learned the jeweler's trade at Providence, and in FS-|!) estab-
lished a business there as ?\lathewson & Greene. Since 18C>Ci he
ha.s been at the head of the firm now known as AVilliam C
Greene & Co.
William W. Henry was born in 1S2S in South Kingstown. His
father, Eben Henry, came when a young- man from Sterling,
Conn. Wi11i:im W. was raised on the f;irm. He was overseer
of the carding nxim in tlie Centreville cotton mill .some nineteen
3'ears. Witliin tliat ])eriod he bought his present home at liar-
ton's Corners, in Ivast (rreenwieh, and is now engaged in agri-
culture. This farm was a ])art of the old Christoplier A'aughn
property. Ilcwas married to IClizabeth M., daughter of lulnvjud
■Bagley, of Richmond, R. F Their only son, Willi.im W., ]r.,
married Eva l^riggs, a granddaughter of Daniel F. Friggs, and
has two children — lildith and Frank F,
Abel C. k'enyon was born in Richmond, R. F, in J81F He is
a son of George, and grandson of Cicorge, who was known as
■" Quaker (k'orge." His mother was a Shcflleld. :Mr. Kenyon is
a machinist by trade, and worked several years at Hope Vallev,
R. F Fie came to East Greenwich in ]8."j(j. He married :Miss
Perrin, of Woodstock, Conn., and has had five children : George
H., Harriet (decea.sed), Oliver P., Abel C, Jr., c^nd Julia A.
Abel C. Kenyon, Jr., was born in 18-10. He began business
in Ea.st Greenwich as a grocer and grain dealer in June, 187-1:,
as junior partner with John F. Knowles. 3Ir. Knowles retired
in 188F yU: Kenyon's store is in the old Baptist church, which
was dedicated in 1847. His business has been in this building
since June, 1887.
John R. Kenyon was born in FK:i4. He is a son of Thomas
E. Kenyon, of this town. His wife is Clara Xichols, whose
father, Charles Nichols, lived and died in this town ,s(.uth of
Mr. Kenyon's present residence, which is the Howland farm.
They have four children living: : John IF, Frank T., Eunice X.
(now Mrs. Fewis A. Walton, of Cranst(.n), and Solomon Kenvon.
I i:j]3 HISTORY OF WASIIIXrrroX and KENT COUNTIES.
!
j Samuel }»I. Knowles, cashier of the Ea.st (Ireenwieh National
j Bank, was b(jrn ill ^Vesteliy in js;].'). Ilis fatlier was Joliii 'J\,
j and his grandfather Joseph M. (residents of AVesteri}-). :\Ir.
} Knowles eame here as a resident in iy."l. In IS'iO he became
I cashier of a state Ixank organized here. In ISfVIhe was elected
treasurer for the town of J':ast Oreenwieli, and held the office
[■ until 1887, excepting two years, lie married Sarah A. rierce,
of East Greenwicli.
Malcolm ];. Lindsay was born in .Scotland in l.^::?4. In 18.")2,
• aftei- one year at Newark, N. ]., he came to Mast rireenwich. He
^ was foreman for a time, and then partner with Riley Darling, if
East Greenwich, in a bakerv. lie served one vear in Company
K, Eleventh Rhode Island volunteers. 3ilrs. Lindsay was also
born north of the Tweed. Their children arc: .Sarah A., Chris-
tianna, Donald J., and Katie. Since 1877 Mr. Lindsay has car-
ried on^he bakery business here himself,
i Reverend Samuel K. Matteson was born in 18'2."). His father,
• Levi, was a son of i\aron and a grandson of Jonathan .Matteson.
He has been a member of the Six I'rinci].>le liajstist churcli for
forty years or more, and an officer more than thirty years. He
has been past(.ir f)f the Frenchtown church for tlie last twenty
years. His wife deceased was a Spencer, and his sectmd wife
I a Hopkins, a descendant of Theophilus Whaley. His first wife
'■■ left two children, who are now living: Calvin ^Matteson and
Maria (Mrs. Lorenzo Vaughn).
Isaac D. Miner was born in 18-1:2 in North Stonington, Conn.
He was raised on the farm, and began the grocery Inisiness in
his native t(_>wn in 187.'). In 188:5 he came to East (Trecnwich,
and succeeded P. 1". Johnson in a grocery at the East (y-ccnwich
depot. He bought the building in 188.'). He has two sons, Al-
bert D. and John D. Albert \). is in the store ; John D. gradu-
ated at East Greenwich Academy, and is now :i student at the
Wcsleyan University, ]\Iiddletown, Conn.
; A. C. Pierce, brother of Peleg F. Pierce, of North Kingstown,
was born in North Kingstown in 1829. For thirty-fi\x' years he
was engaged at \'arious mills. In 18G." he became a mill owner,
rebuilding the Silver Spring mill in North Kingstown, which
he operated until 18(]S. He eame to East (Greenwich in 1872, and
became a general dealer in farm produce and farmers' sujiplies.
The poultry business now owned by his sons, Merviii 11. and
William A., was begun by him in 1872. Pierce Brothers buy
HISTORY OF. WASIIIXcrrOX AND KF.XT COUNTIFS. lolo
live fowls, and dress for tlie Providence and Ijoston markets (.nie-
qnartcr to one and (me-half tons per week.
John I'itcher was born in 1818, and is a son of Andrew Pitcher,
wliose fatlier, John, lived in the western part of East Green-
wicli. i\lr. Pitelier is a thorou.^h and snccessfid farmer, and has '
a fine farm in hh-enchtown. Pic has Ijcen a member of the town
council. His wife was ]'^iizal)elh P (jreene, sister of Panrisfon
n.i.ireene, of this town. The}' have f<_inr daiic^hters li\-ini^-: Car-
rie (Mrs. 'Jdiomas \V. Pldredi, Abbie (]\Irs. Ck-orge S. .Spink),
Annie (Mrs. Thomas IP .Matteson) and l-'annie (]Mrs. (ieor;4e \V.
Parker). Jonathan Pitelier, a public man well known locally,
was a' brother of Andre\\' Pitcher al)o\ c.
Almon P Place was born at the home of his father, r)aniel W.
Place, in Ivast Cireenwich, in 18^1). lie was trained at the farm
and in the e.Kcellcnt schools which this tr)wn has always main-
tained.^and adopted agriculture as his Inisiness. He married
Sarah A. A'auL^hn, a dauj;'hter of Andrew (1. Vau^ghn, \vhose
father, Pr)dowick Wauglin, was a son of the 1 )a\'id A'aUL^hn who
built in 17.-)"i the old ancestral hon^e where ^Iv. and Mrs. Place
now reside, in that part of ICast (rrcenwich called Shippeetown,
in School District Xo. 3. Mr. Place is a member of the town
committee on schools, a suliject in which he is earnestly inter-
ested, lie has served three \-cars in the town council, and acted
as president of the council one vcar.
Daniel W. Place, born in 1811), is a s(~in of Arba ]. Place, who
died in 1840, and a grandson of I'hilip Place, who. after li\-ing
in Exeter, bought a farm on the town line between I--xeter and
East Greenwich. Mr. Place has always been a farmer. His farni
is in school district Xo. 4. He married Hannah R., daughter of
Oliver Arnold. Their children are : IMelissa E', Almon I. and
Oscar E.
John A. Place was l-xirn in 1810 on the farm lie now owns.
His father, Reverend William P. I'lacc 1 1 T'.i.'i- 18(irii, was a minister
of the old Six Principle Baptist church. The Reveicnd's father,
was John, a son of Thomas Place, who once lived in h^xeter.
The farm of Mr. Place, in district X'o. "2, was formerly the home
of Thomas H.all, whose grave is on this farm. !Mr. Place married
Ruth, a daughter of Slocum Godfrey. She died in 18,")(i, leaving
five children. Of these two are living, viz.: Josephine (now
Mrs. Edward Fry of Pid\-idencci and Henry (P Place. ( )ne of
the deceased children was Sarah, wife of ]Mr. Whitford. whose
83
]ol4 IIISIOKV OF WASHIXOTOX AND KKXI' COL'NTIKS.
daughter, l-^lla (j., is a member of Mr. Place's family. Another
of the deceased ehildren v( jnhn A. J'laee, William ]'.,left a S(.)n,
Frank A. I'laee. The present Mrs. Jehn .V. Place is Clarissa,
daughter of John "\V. julmsDn.
Thomas A. Revnolds' (William", Jabez', Jabez", I'"raneis%
James') was born at North Kingsto\\ii in .1817. lie has resided
here o\-er f(irt}' yeai's. lie was ten years in the li\-ery business,
and was atone time in the coal and grain traile. Since IST'.* he
has been engaged in life and fire insurance. The lirrn is now
Tilley & Reynolds. Mr. Iveynolds has been somewliat in politi-
cal life, having been scnatoi' four }-ears, town treasurer two
years, and several times in the town council.
David C. Potter was b(.>rn in 18r3(i in Foster, R. I. lie came
to Fast Oreenwieh at twelve years of age, and learned the
black.smith's trade with l-^lisha Potter. From 18412 until I'disha
Potter's death in ]Sy.], they were ^iartncrs as Elisha Potter &• C<>.
Then for twenty years David C. Potter carried on the bhack-
smith business in the same building \\here he had learned tlie
trade and which he still owns. He was one year in the town
council, and has been senator and representative as a republi-
can. His wife is vSarali 'SI. Tillinghast. Their children are:
Frederick 11. and Emma, now Mns. George A. I'^nmer, of Web-
ster, Mass.
Christojjher A. .Shijipee. farmer, of Exeter Hill, was born in
1840. His father was William W. Shippee, son of William, son
of Caleb, son of Thomas A., son of Thomas, son of Samuel,
who emigrated froTu Scotland or the north of hhigland. Mr.
Shippee married Rebecca, daughter of Benjamin Jones, whose
father, Jenkins Jones, was a son of Josiah Jones. Their resi-
dence in School District No. 4 was built in M(>2 by one 'Silas
Jones, an uncle of Josiah Jones.
Lodowick C. vShippee was born in 1848. His father, still living,
is Pardon V, Shippee, whose father, Allen, was a son of Caleb
and a grandson of Thomas Shippee. He was trained to the
farm, and at 20 years of age began learning carpentry. Since
ISTo he has been i)perating as a c<jntractor and builder at East
Greenwich. With James Holland, as Holland & Shippee, he
built the Henry P. Eldredge house and the Odd Fellows' hall,
the Colonel Bodfish block and others. Since operating alone he
has built several large structures here, including the carpenter's
work on the Baptist church, and the Town Hall, and Fitts &
HISTORY or WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES. Kl] 5
Co.'s block. His wife is a posthumous daughter of John Smith.
of North Kingstown, who in 1849 was lost at sea. Mr. and ]\hs.
Shippee have three sons and three daughters.
Manser C. Shippee was born in 1818. His father, I.odowiek
U., was a son of Caleb Shipjx'e. He worked at machine buihf-
ing with his father, who was a machinist, and in 18;j7 learned
weaving and became a boss weaver, and worked as such .Mime
twenty years. He married Harriet iJawley, of ]-"..xeter. They
have three sons and five daughters. ]Mr. Shippee is a member
of the Six Principle Bapti-st church, and has been a hmg time
.superintendent of the Sabbath .school.
Wanton Shippee, born in 1827, is a brother of .Manser aliove
mentioned. He has been engaged in fanning for the last twenty-
five years. He has been a member of the town council several
years. He married Zilpha B. Knight, granddaughter of I )r.
Nathan Knight, of jaouth Kingstown, R. I. Their only living-
child is Ziljiha K.,now ]Mrs.S. 1-^dwin Lillibridge. She has three
children: Jesse, !Maud and Bessie.
Christopher A. Shippee, born in IS:"!?, is a brother of Wanton
and Manser C. His wife is Leonora F. J., daughter of Reverend
Nicholas Johnson, a Baptist clergyman. Mr. Shippee was ]}ost-
master at East Greenwich from 1871 'to 188(i, and was the ne.xt
year deputy sheriff of Kent county, then trial justice. He has
been justice of the peace twenty-five years, and is now tax col-
lector for this town. He was on the first republican town com-
mittee, and served twenty-one years, fourteen of which he was
chairman.
Oliver W. Slocum, born in South Kingstown, learned house
carpentry, at which he worked sf)mc twenty-five years. I-^u" the
last twenty years his business has been pattern' making. Since
1S70 he has been foreman for William A. Harris, of Providence,
builder of Harri.s-Corliss steam engines. He represented East
Greenwich in the legislature of 1887-88, as a democrat, and has
been in the town council.
Benjamin B. Spencer, carpenter and builder, was born in this
town in 1820. His father, Caleb (1782 — 1871 ). was a son of Wilson
Spencer, liorn 1702, and grandson of Wilson Spencer, born 1730,
who in 17j3 built the old Spencer homestead now standing tm
the middle road in this town. His father was ^^'alter Spencer,
born 1701 , a son of Benjamin Spencer (1070 — 1723). This Ben-
jamin was the third child of the John vSpencer who is noticed
I'SIG HISTOl^V OF WASUlXC.TCiX AND KKNT COUNTIES.
elsewhere as the anecstor of Deacon Ricliard Spencer, of this
town. That Jcihn was t!ic nc]iiicw and heir of Jolin Spencer wlio
came from Eni^hmd Mareli •J4th. ](;:!;!, and died childless in Lon-
don in J04iS. ;Mrs. Benjamin I!. Spencer, deceased, was ]\Iary A.,
sister of Daniel D. I.Sriyg-s. Their only son is Leander B.Spencer,
whose wife, li^mma J., is a dau!j;hter of James E. .Spencer. Tlatt
Roo-ers Spencer, author of the -Sjjcncerian system of penman-
ship, is of the fifth generation from John S])encer, the ancestor
of this family in America.
Edward .StanliDjie, of Ent;disl-i extraction, born in ?sewport in
1811, came here in 1S.')'2 and opened a grocery store. In June,
18(i8, as a non-]);irtisan, he was nominated by both parties and
elected town clerk of I'ast (IreenAvich, a ])osition he still holds,
having been re-elected each year. His wife, deceased, was a
daughter of Stukeh- Wiekes. ]\Ir. Stanhope was vestr}-man in
St. Luke's church here, in which lie was se\"eral years secretary
and treasurer.
David Tarbdx is of Erench descent. He was born here in lyoS.
He is of the se\-enth generation of the family who have lived
in New l-lngLand. His father was Joseph, sun c>f Samuel, son of
John, son of jolm, son uf johji, son of John Tarbox, who in
1639 was a resident of Lynn, ]\lass. John Tarljox, the grandson
of the first John of I^\-nn, Mass., bought a farm in East Green-
wich, including the place wliere Joseph J. Sj^encer now resides.
Here this John Tarbo.x and sc\'eral generations of his descend-
ants lived, died and were buried in the family plot. Da\'id Tar-
bo.x, now living, married in lS:io Mary, daughter of AVilliam
Spencer, who was a brother of Deacon Richard Spencer. Of
their fourteen children three are living: Oliver C, \Veaithy P\
and Anna E. *
Joseph Tarbox, deceased, was born in ISIG and died in 1S88.
He was of the eighth generation of the Tarbox family in Xew Eng-
land, being son of Mattcson, son of David, son of Samuel, son of
John, son of John, son of John, son of the John Tarbox who settled
at Lynn, ]\Lass., in in:i9. Joseph Tarbox married in 1S41 Phebe W.
Bailey, whose father, George Bailey, was of the fifth generation
of Baileys in Xew h'ngland, being a son of Robert, son of jo-
sejih, son of Samuel, son of Hugh B.ailey, who came from Eng-
land about lOOO. Joseph Tarbox 1 18iri-L^88i was a farmer. He
owned and operated tlie granite quarries in West Greenwich,
where his sons are now interested. This quarry yields the line
HISTORV OF WASIIIXGTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 1:517
light granite in general use in this part of Rhode Island and
produced the major ]iortion of the eut stone in the village of
East Greenwieh. Joseph Tarbox's deseendants arc : William H.,
Daniel. Ann M. ( Mrs. Andrews), Charles A., Joseph .M.andPhehe
M. {Mrs. Cicorge C. Goodwin).
Richard Thornley was btjrn in 184:! in Lincoln. R. I., and came
to East Greenwich in iy."i7. He began business as dealer in wool
and cotton waste, buying new wool of the fanners. In 187'.» he
opened an office in Providence in the same business. He has Ijcen
in town council one year, representative 1880-87. and was elect-
ed to the state senate in 3.1arch, 1888. His wife is Alice M.,
daughter of Benjamin Crompton.
DoctcTr Charles J.Thurston is a native of East Greenwich. His
early days were spent in Western Xew York, where he learned
dentistry. After practicing that art in Buffalo and Philadelphia,
he returned to his native village in ISGG and continued work as
a practical dentist until about ten years ago, since which time he
has lived retired, devoting his leisure to such studies and inves-
tigations as are most to his taste.
Mumford D. Tillinghast was born in 1803 and died in 187<.'i.
His father was Job, a son of George. ]\lr. Tillinghast was prin-
cipally a farmer, but with that he combined, in a pn.ifitable way,
the ]nirchase and slaughter of cattle. }Iis farm where he lived
and died is in the old lluguema settlement in District Xo. Ti of
East Greenwieh. He married Clarissa, daughter of Henrv Tib-
bitts and she survives him. Their children are: Harriet N.
(Mrs. Albert .S. Reynolds), Caroline D. (Mrs. George ^V. Rey-
nolds), lilizabeth i^Mi-s. Nathaniel S. Allen i, John G., Henrv M.
(who was in the federal army in 18IJ1-0.")), and Isabella G. i^lrs.
Thomas Allen).
Charles A. \'aughn was born here on the h(jmestead he now
owns. His father, Christopher C, was a son of l-^benezer and
grandson of Christopher A'aughn. ]\Ir. \"aughn lives a plain
and rural life, and has had but little to do with public affairs.
He, however, has acted on the school committee and as tax as-
sessor. In 1800 he was married to Lydia E., daughter of Gardi-
ner Spencer. They have a family, the eldest of whom, their
daughter ^largarette, is a teacher.
Edward A. Vaughn, born in 18.10, is a son of Arnold A'aughn",
(Isaac', DanieP, Isaac", John'). Arnold Vaughn was born in the
town of Charlestown in 1819, and came here when seven vears
13]:S ]!I.-.T<JKY OF WASHlNr.TdX AND KENT COUNTIES,
of a<;-e. Juhn X'au^lui settled in Xorih Kinf;■.sl()^\•n abnut ]700.
His four sons were Calel), C"lirislu])lier, Robert and Isaae. Tlie
sons of Isaae were: Ji.ihn, Daniel. ^Varon and Joshua. IC. A.
Vaughn is of the firm of A. X'auf^hn iK: Son. They began busi-
nes.s in 1871 in a building now vaeant, known as tlie judge Til-
ling'hast store, a plaee where the judge dispensed West India
goods years ago. Mrs. JCdward A. X'auglm was hHizabeth Allen.
Tjieir ehildren are lierthia and f^thel.
vStukel}- B. \Viekes was born in lt^:]0 in AVarwiek. His father,
Stukcly, was a son of Stukely, wlio was a son of Stukely. He
began in ISO? as merehant tailor, when he suececded Colonel
Williarii Bodfjsh. Airs. Wiekes was Sarah J. .Aylesworth, a sis-
ter of Lyman Avlesworth, of Xorth Kingstown. Mr. Wiekes is
junior warden of St. Luke's ehureh.
George H. Wileox was born in J8'i7 in West Grecnwieh. His
father was A'arnum AVileox, and his grandfather was (joorgc
Wileox. He was edueated as an engineer, and eame to Ivasl
Greenwieh in I^oo, was engineer in a inill three years, and ma-
chinist se\'en years, and superinter.dent until Oetober, 188-i.
The mill was at Watlawanock. Then the name was ehanged
to "Bay Mill," then to I-:iizabeth :Mill Xo. '2. by whieh it is now-
known. They have one daughter wlui is married and away.
WEST GRi;i:N\vieii.
Nelson Andrews, son of John, and grandson of Timothy, was
born in 1849 in West Greenwieh. He is one of thirteen ehildren.
Mr. xVndrews owns a large farm in the southeastern part of West
Greenwich. He was a member of the general assembly in 188G,
and has been a member of the town council four terms in» suc-
cession. He was married in 187] to Phebe E., daughter of Jo-
seph J. Spencer, and has one son, Leon D., born in 1872. 'Sir.
Andrews is a republican and a member of Maple Root Baptist
church.
Moses P. ISarber, born in 1841 in I'.xeter, is a son of Smitinn
P., and grandson of I\'ter P). Barber. His mother was Phebe
Lewis. Mr. Barber was married in 1877 to Hannah G.. daughter
of Clark liarbcr. The}- have two children — John L. and Clif-
ford T.
Pardi.m T. liates, son of John G., and grandson of John, whose
father was John Bates, was born in J818 in West Greenwich. His
mother was Abbie (Tillinghast ) Bates. She married for her second
HISTORY OF WASIIIXOTOX AM) KENT COUXTIKS. K!]'.)
husband Mr. llowen. Slic was born in 18(t2, and was a dauL^hlcr
of Deacon Pardon Tillinj^hast. Mr. iSatcs is a farmer, oceiipyin;^'
the homestead of liis .i^rand father. John liales. He built the house
wliere he now lives in ]i<y-',. lie has worked at roir^h stonework
more or less for several years. He has been a deacon of the
First ]]aptist church of West firccnwich for about thirt^■ vears.
He was married in KS;iS to Olive, daui;htcr of Alexander I'eck.
They have tw(j children livinj^^- - [ohn A. and Xellie ];., now Mrs.
Charles S. IJrov.-n. 'J'hey have lost tliree— one that died in in-
fancy, Helen M. and I'ardonT., jr. Deacon Pardon 'i'illinyhasi's
wife died in JSo4, ag-ed about 8-1 years. At her death it is said
she had eleven children, sixty-seven grandchildren, and fifty-
seven great-grandchildren living.
Charles W. Brown, born in 1S24 in Connecticut, is a son of
John H., and grandson of Captain Xathan Brown. They are of
the same famil}- as the I^rowns of Xortli Kingstown. I\lr. Ih'own
is a successful farmer at ILscohcag Hill. He has also kept a dry
goods and grocery store since 1878. He has been senator one
year, assessor of taxes, and on the school committee. He was
married in 1841) to Abigail E.. daughter of Aniasa I'ratt. They
have two children — Charles A. and I'^llen M., now ]\lrs Caleb E.
Macumber.
Elisha l^rown was born in ]8]7 in AVest Crrecnwich. He is a
son of Solomon, whose father, Cideon, was a son of Caleb Ih-own.
He is a farmer and stone mason. He has been in the town
council several terms, and town sergeant about ten years. He
was married in ^S-\] to Louise P., daughter of Jabez Capwell.
They have had twelve children, seven of whom are now living.
He is a democrat and a member of the Sharp Street Baptist
church. '
John A. Brown, son of vScth and grandson of ,Scth, was born
in 183.") in West Greenwich. Mr. T'-rown is a farmer, and has
kept a grocery store since 187H. He lived in Connecticut aliout
ten years prior to J8f.ri. He has been a member of the town
council se\-eral years, and was senatm- three vears in succession.
He was m.arried in ]8."i;] to Lucinda Matte.son. Thev have one
son, Frank J. ]Mr. hSrown was in the rebellion about thirtv-five
months in Company V, Eighteenth Regiment Connceticiit A'ol-
unteers.
Charles Capwell, son of Charles and grandson of Randall
Capwell, was born in 18'2(; in West Greenwich. His mother was
1320 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES.
Plicbe, drmglitLT cif lira}-t<)n Austin. !Mr. CapN'.x-ll worked at
the trade of cari^cntcr from the aL;c of eiyhleen until he was
fifty )'ears old. vSinee then he has l)een a farmer, and owns aliont
40') aeres. He has been senatt)r tvo terms, in the general as-
sembly one term, in tile town eouneil two years and e(illeetoi- of
taxes four ye:irs, as a ix-publiean. lie is a member of Man-
chester I.odoe, Xo. 1-2. A. F. ..K: A. ^I. lie was married in ]i<:r>
to Abbie L., dau-liter of Stukely 11. Weaver. 'Ihcy have had
tliree children : I'A'anj.>;eline li., who died ayed eiL;hteen years;
John II. and hhuil}- I., now wife of Joseph A. Tillinyhast. who
was born in Tolland, Conn., in lS."iO. lie is a .son of Revei'end
Joseph A. Tillin;;hast. He has tau;;ht thirteen tei'ms of scjkm)].
He finished his education at ICastman's Business Colk_ye, Pouyh-
kcepsie, X. Y. He was m.Trried in 1S,S0. He and hi-s wife are
members of the Free Will IJaptist church of West (jreenwich.
jNlr. and Mrs. Capwell aie members of the same church.
Charles F. Carpenter, born in lS-27 in Coventr\', is a son of Job
S.' (Cyrir, Cyril", Comfort', Josiah*. A\'illianF, AVilliam', William').
William Carpenter' came from I'^n_e;land at an early day, \\-ith
his son andgrandson, AVilliam. Theysetlled in Rl hoboth. Mass.,
about KMl. Cyril, Jr., w.is the first of the I'amily t<) settle in
Kent county, locatiuL;" in Co\-entr\', near Rice Cit)-. Charles V .
attended Plainfield Academ\' and ,'sniithville .Semivar^■, where
he finished his edtication. He is a farmer. He has been one <;)f
the school committee several \-ears and a member of the town
council a: number 'of times,- actiny.;is chairman a jxirt of the time.
He was married in IS.'):! to AmandaT., daughter (jf Henr\- John-
son. Tliey have three children: Iv^'clirie F., now ]\Irs. Halse'}'
Tillinghast, of Coventry; liertha, .and job S.. who is a graduate
of Eastman's Pusiness College, of Poughkccps:- X'. V.' ^Ir.
Carpenter and his son are prohibitionists.
Joseph S. R. Carpenter was born in 1840 in AA'cst (jreenwich.
He is a son of John W. and grandson of Christopher, whose
father, John, was a son of Christopher Carjjcnter. 2\Ir. Carpenter
is a farmer, and lives on the old Car]ientcr homestead. He was
married in ISLjO to Mary A. (jorton. Tliey have eleven children :
Clemenza A., n(jw !Mrs. Daniel F. Cahoon ; John I'., Jtiscph L,
Hattie, (leorge W., Christopher C, Charlotte L., I'rank (i., Celia
yi., Robert T. and Alice C.
Willis A. Carr, born in 1S;J'2 in West Cireenwich, is a son of
Nathan and grandson of Jesse, whose father was Caleb Carr. ]\Ir.
HISTORY OF WASHIXOTON AND Ki:NT COUNTIES. 1321
Carr has kept a store at Xooseneck Hill since ]8Sri. and is the
present postmaster. Ilis father kept a siore here several vears
during his life. He was married in ISSD to Ann ]\1., daugluer
of John T. l.ewis.
Dexter B. Frye was born in ]S:5S in West Greenwicli. lie is a
son of Benjamin, whose father. Josepli, was a sf)n of Thomas
Frye. Mr. l''r}-e is a farmer, and lives on the farm that liis uncle,
Samuel ]"rye, formerly owned. The latter wasa coo])er by trade,
and spent several years of his life at whale fisliing, \'isiiing' the
West Indies several times. He died abmit ISt'io. 'Sir. Vvyc was
married in ISCi."), and has one daughter, 3.1ary L.. now 'Mv^. Hor-
ace B. ^Nlatteson. They had one son, Charles ])., who died aged
thirteen yeavs.
John W. Howard, son of Ephraim and grandson of Captain
John Howard, was bijrn in ]S:}G in A\'est Greenwich. He has
been a member of the town council four years. He was married
in 1S59 to I'Llizabeth :\I. Wood, who died in 188-1, leaving four
children : Anna E., Frank AV., Walter E. and Clarind.a. He was
married again in ISST to Hannah E., daughter of William C.
Sweet and granddaughter of Reverend Pentecosi Sweet. vShe
graduated from the Boston Training .School f(.)r Nurses in 18S(.)
and practiced until her marriage in 1887. Pentecost .Sweet was
in the war of 181:2. He was married in Rhode Island to h^liza
Fairman. They removed to Pennsylvania about 181t), where
they spent the rest of their lives.
Benjamin W. Kettelle, born in 1834 in AVest Greenwich, is a
son of Samuel, whose father Silas was a son of Edward Kettelle.
His mother was a Spencer and his grandmother- was ^^largarc*
Tarbox of h.ast Greenwich. Mr. Kettelle is a farmer li\-iug on
the homestead of his father near Carr's pond, in the eastei-n part
of the town. He has taught school. He pays some attention U<
the raising of fruit. He has been a member of the town coun-
cil, and one of the board of assess(jrs si.\ years. He wasmariied
in 18('i() to Mary A. .Spencer of lOast (irecnwich, daughter of Ben-
jamin Spencer. Thev have eight children; .Samuel, .S. Grant,
iMinnie 1.. (icnewa B., Eouis G., Benjamin K. and Mar\- 1'2.. twins,
and one that died in infancy.
Samuel Kettelle, oldest son of lienjamin A\'., was born in 'i^^^'il
in AVest Greenwich. He is collector of taxes and road .sur\-c)-i>r.
He was married in 18S-2 to Phcbc, daughter of William II.,
granddaughter of Simon and great-granddaughter of Anin.s
Revnolds.
1322 iiiSTOi;v OF \VAS[[iX(;Tr)x axd Kent couxtiks.
Dorcas W. Matlcson is a daiiylUcr of iSeiKmi, son of Ilavid,
son of David, son of- Josiah IMalteson. Htr mother was Alice.
dau<,f]itcr of Colonel lulward I'.orlicr. of llopkinton. Her o-rand-
molher, li^dward llarber's wife, was I'hebe (Tillingliasti liarber,
daiig-hter of Thomas Tillinc^'hast. a descendant of Elder Pardon
Tilling-hast. ^Miss ]\Iatteson lives with her father, Ilenoni, on
the farm where her g-reat-g-rcat-orandfather, Josiah, first settled.
Benoni Matteson was born in 1708 in AVest Greenwich. He wa.s
married in 1829 to Alice liirbcr, who was born in 1807.- They
have three daughters : I'hebe, who married AVilliam Tanner, whf>
died in the war of the rebellion ; Eunice, now Mrs. R. E. Waite.
of Providence, and Dorcas \V.
James Rathbun, son of Robert and grandson of John, was
born in 1847 in l^ast Greenwich. He lived in ICast (Greenwich
until about 1S7(>, then in LNiVLlitry about sixteen years, and has
lived in West Greenwich two years. He owns about four hun-
dred acres of land. He was married in 1800 [o Melissa D. Cap-
well. Their children are: lilmer J., James K., l^rank ]i. and
Fred. P,.
John W. Rathbun, born in 18.^)1 in North Kingstown, is a son
of John jV. (Xathan D°., John', Jfihn', .'^amuer, Thomas', John').
John Rathbun' settled at ISlock Island near the middle of the
seventeenth century. ^Iv. Rathbun is a farmer, and has taught
school about twenty terms. He bought a farm on the Pike road
near the Exeter line in 188:', where he now resides. He has
been a member of the school committee six years, school super-
intendent four years, and trial justice four vears. He was mar-
ried in 1874 to Eydia P., daughter of William Palmer. They
have three children.
Andrew H. Stone, son of Charles A. and grandson of Charles
Stone, was born in 1839 in Exeter. He is a farmer in the west-
ern part of the town, where he has lived several vears. He was
married in lS7o to Ellen A., daughter of Daniel H. Park, of Con-
necticut. They have two children : Prank K. and Edna E.
lidward A. Tarbox, son of Pones AV., and grandson of Joseph
TarboN, was born in 18:;8 in A\'est Greenwich. He is a farmer,
occupying the homestead of his father and grandfather. The
house where he lives was built by Joseph Tarbox in 181."). Mr.
Tarbox was married in 1871 to ,Susan Cleveland. Thevhave two
children — Alphonso and Bertha.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES. 1323
Horace Tarbox, son of Fones ^^'., -was born in ISoO in ^^'L■st
Greenwicli. He has been a mill operative, has worked at the
jeweler's trade some, and has been a farmer in AVarwiek. He
now owns a farm in ILxeter. He was married in :ib.'>(>to Adaline
A. Mitehell. She died in 188."). The)- have lost six children:
Evangeline E., Louisa A., Job, Xelson, Horace, [r., and Hassam.
There are fonr living: Adaline A., Benjamin, Hnlda T. and
Ella M.
Benjamin Tillinghast, born in 1817, is^i son of Judge Benja-
min, grandson of Captain John, and great-grandson of Thomas,
who.se father, John, is supposed to have been a son of Philip,
who was a son of Elder Pardon Tillinghast. ^Ir. Tillinghast has
taught school some thirty terms. He has been a farmer for sev-
eral years, and has been postma.ster at Eseoheag since Kovem-
ber, 1SG8. He has been a memberof the town council for:r years
in succession and assessor of taxes. He was married in 1841 to
Mary Lewis. They have two children — Francis A., a physician,.
and Agnes, who is now Mrs. Charles E. Hutchinson.
L. A. Tillinghast was born at the Ladd farm in West Green-
wich in 1848. In ]S.")1 his father Daniel Tillinghast bought the
Silas Waite place, which L. A. Tillinghast now owns. He has
purchased adjoining lands and now has a country seat m West
Greenwich of 800 acres, where he is making elaborate improve-
ments. He went to Providence in 1808 and since 1874 has car-
ried on an extensive business as confectioner and caterer at 231
Westminster street. Providence, R. L
COVENTRY.
James Abbott, born in 1828, is a son of Christopher O., whose
father Olney was a son of Pardon Abbott. Fie has been a farmer
the most of his life, and bought the farm where he now lives of
Sheffield Waite in 187n. Fie was married in 1870.
Curnel H. Andrew, born in Coventry in 1843, is a son of Per-
ry, whose father Stephen, was a son of Timothy Andrew. I\Ir.
Andrew was a farmer. He was police and town constable and
overseer of the poor in West Greenwich. He was married in
1802 to Ann Maria Wilcox. She died in 1880 and he was mar-
ried in 1887 to Lydia Greene. He is a memberof the :\Iaple
Root Baptist church and a member of Anthonv Lodge. No. 21.
I. O. ofC). F.
1324 mSTORV OF WASIIIXGTOX AXD KENT COUNTir.S.
Josiah Andrews, born in 1832 in Covcnlr)-, is a son of Ilolden,
whose father was George Andrews. He was married in lyf)? lo
Caroline F., daughter of Job Gorton. Me is a member of the
Christian chnrch and a member u( the .Summit (Grange, Xo. ].),
P. of II.
Edwin L. Anthony was born in 1812 at Coventry. John An-
thony eame.from i'higlan'd to this country about KMC. The line
of descent to lidwin L. is through Abraham, William, James,
Daniel, ]abez, and William II., who was the father of Ed.win L.
In the carlv part of the present cc^nlury Jabez Anthony bought
a mill site and ran a cottcm mill several years; then his son,
William H., succeeded him and took out the cotton machinery
and put up a rope walk about IS-18, and since that time the
business has been making cotton band rope. They buy the
yarn and convert it into vopv. F.dwin L. worked with his
father until his death in 1870, and has since continued the busi-
ness alone. He was married to Mary K. Sears. They have one
daughter, Myra.
Leonard Apes was born in 182!) in Connecticut. His father
and grandfather were both named William. Mr. Apes made
whale fi.shing his business from the age of M until he was -ht
years old. He was at first cabin boy and worked his way up to
captain of the ship. He came to (Juidnick in 1870 and built the
house that he now occupies in 1872. He was married in 1873 to
Maggie MeMillen, who was born in Scotland and came to this
country in infancy. He has one daughter 10 years old by his
present wife, and one son :?2 years old by a former marriage.
Sylvester H. Arnold w.as born in 1831 in the tOAvn of Warwick.
He is a son of George H. and grandson of J<.>hn Arnold.^ He
was married in 18j."i to Mary V.., daughter of r,eorge W. King.
]\Ir. Arnold's mother is a daughter of Anna ^Matthewson. who is
now living in this town, near I'.owen's Hill, at the advanced
age of 9.5 years. Her husband died a few years since, aged 94
years.
Beniamin Ash was born in 1824 in Canada, and is of Freneh
descent. He has lived in Rhode Island aliout twenty-four
years, and has kept a livery stable about five years. He was
married in 1844 in Canada, and has three children: Mary,
Lewis and Paul. The latter is married and has a son. Walter.
Randall R. Pates, born in 1827 in Coventry, is a son of Ezra D.
and "randson of William Pates. He is a farmer living on the
HISTORY OF WASHIXGTON AND KENT COUNTIES. 1:325
homestead of his father, lie was married in ISDS to Anna,
daughter of J^kler James lUuiinL^ame. They have two ehildren,
Willis C. and Luhi A. ;Mr. and Mrs. iSates are members of the
Chri.stian cluireh at Riee City.
Samuel D. Bowen, son of Isaae.was born in IS-JH in Coventry.
He is a farmer and lives un the old Bowen homestead in the house
w-here one of hisaneestors entertained deneral Cioorge Wash-
ington over night during the revohitionary war. This house
was built by Nathan Bowen. Mr. Bowen was married in 1807 to
Emily Gallup, daughter of Amos Gallup, of Conncetieut, who is a
son of David Gallup. They have three children. Mr. Bowen
is a member of lonie Lodge, No. 28. A. F. c^' A. M.
Susan K. Bowen was born in ]8;!8 in Coventry. She is a
daughter of James G., son of John, son of Israel, son of Aaron
Bowen, who was the first of tlie family to settle in this town.
vSusan K. lives on the farm .and in the house that was biiilt by
Israel U>r John liowen, vdiere he married in 17i)2. At the death
of James G., in 1874, Susan K. took eharge of the larg'c farm,
and since that time has run it. James G. was town moderator
several years and was a member of the general assembly, lie
was married in 18:i4 to hTiza, daughter of Amos Kimball. They
had two daughters, Maria E.,who died in IS.'iS, aged twenty-two,
and .Susan K.
Ulysses G. liowen. born in 1857 in Coventry, is the youngest
of the five children of Ivlmmul P., son of Thomas and grand-
son of Asaph, whose father was- Aaron, son of Aaron B(_)wen,
who came from Tiverton, R. 1., to Bowen's hill in J74(i. Mr.
Bowen has been clerk for Byron Read since !March, 1878. He
was married in 1877 to Phebe R. Card, wliois a daughter of Jon-
athan, who died in the late war.
Douglas F. Briggs, born in 18] 8 in Coventry, is a son of Olney
and grandson of Jonathan Briggs. He worked in different fac-
tories about twenty years, and has since been a farmer. He was
married in 1875 to Ann CapAvell. He has been member of the
Riee City Christian church since 1835, and is a republican.
George B. Briggs, born at 1839 at West Greenwich, is a son of
Gorton A. and grandson of Burton Briggs. He came to Coventry
with his parents at the age of one year. He has worked for the
Anthonys in the cotton roj^e works about twenty-five years. He
was married in 1802 to Phebe A., daughter of Gideon Hopkins,
13-30 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIES.
and has one son, Cliarles R. lie is a membcrof the Maple Rout
church.
John Brown, born in 18-J.") in West r,reenwich, is a son of
George W. and grandson of Soli-mon Brown. He has been a
blacksmith about twenty years, and has had a shop in Hopkins'
Hollow about eighteen years, lie lias also done wagon repair-
ing about twelve years. He was married in 18GS to Hannah !■".,
daughter of Wanion'^Iatteson, %vh(;se father is Thomas ^laUe-
son. Their ehildren are Willie II. aiid l-'rederick-J. Mr. and
IMrs. Brown are mendjers of the Cdiristian chureh.
Solomon A. Brown, born in 18:5:5 in Covenlr\-, isa son of Peleg,
v,diose father was Solomon Brown. His mother, Raehel Cornell,
died in 1808. Mr. Brown is a farmer, and oeenines the home-
stead of his father. He was married in LS.'jT to Abbie Jones, who
died in 188:3, leaving four children: Byron B., Nellie A. (IMrs.
Bradford W. Scott, ]r.), Aldrich S. and Phebe A., who died aged
twelve years. Mr. Brown was married again in ]88<; to Mary S.
Dowd. He is a member of Ionic Lt.)dge, Xo. ::^8, A. I'.and A. ]M.,
and of Suinmit Grange, No. l.""). P. of H.
Andrew Burlingame was born in Coventry in ]8:>8. He is a
son of Henry and grandson of ISeniamin, whose father, Stephen,
was a son of Ballanstone, who came from l-aigland about JTlo,
and built the house in 174,") where five generations of the family
have lived. Andrew occupied the old house until 188'i, when he
built a new one. The farm where Andrew lives has ne\'er been
deeded since Ballanstone took his deed from the English author-
ities. Mr. Burlingame was married in ISaS to Martha, daughter
of Otis Angell. They have one .son, Charles Henry, who is mar-
ried and lives at home. ,
Benjamin Burlingame was born in 18'3(i in Coventry. His
father Samuel, was a son of Benjamin, whose father Daniel Bur-
lingame once owned a part of the land where the ovu l^eds are,
Cranston, R. I. !Mr. Burlingame is a painter b)' trade. He was
deputy sheriff about three years and town sergeant at one time.
He was married in 1843 to Sarah E., daughter of David Salisbury.
Henry Burlingame, born in 1823 in Cranston, is a son of Uwen.
whose father Stephen was a son of Caleb Burlingame. Mr. Bur-
lingame has been in the hotel business thirty years and drove
a stage thirteen years. He is a farmer now. He was married
in 18j8 to Mary E. Sheldon, who died three weeks later. He
was married again in 18ij-1 to liiliza, daughter of John A. Spencer.
inSTOKV OF WAMIINC'lOX ANU KKNT COUXTII':S. 1327
Cliaiies Capwcll. born in 184'.) in Covc-nlry. is a son of Mandall,
Avhose father l^sck, was a son of James Capwcll. ^Ir. Capwell
lived in Providence and worked at the stable business twchc
3'ears and at ])resent works at farniiiiL;-. He was married in 1S8.")
to Mary ]i., daui^hter of Nelson and lluldah AVallini;-. ^Ir. Cap-
well IS a member of Ionic l.e'ck^e. Xo. "i.S. A. F. & A. ]\I.
David O. Capwell, born in l^:!^ in Coventry, is a son of Henry
J., whose father was Randall Capwell. ]\Ir. Capwcll is a thrifty
farmer and li\-es on the homestead of his g-randfathcr. He was
married in ISGitoMary A., dauyhter of Daniel L. l'rii;-y\s, and
has two children, \Villiam IS. and ^^lary E.
■ Perry G. Carr (deceased), son of William S. Carr, was born in
1828 in ]'>xeter. He w;is a blacksmith by trade and worked in
Anthony about thirty-eii^ht years. He was married in ISO:^ to
Eliza, dau_L;hter of John Xason. They have one son.
William Chaee is a son of Russel and grandson of .^Vbram
Chace, who died in ]7'.)."^^. When but seven years of age, William
began ^\■orking" in a mill and made mill-work his business until
ISaB, when he retired. Since 188.1 he has had charge of the
tenements and outside pro]3erty for C).-C. \Vilbur's estate.
"'"Leonard T. Colvin was born in Scituate in IS't'A. His father,
William K. Colvin, was born in 181.') and was married in ]8:>()
to Chloc ^latteson. He died in 1880. He was a son of Moses
and he a son of Benoni Cohdn. Leonard T. is unmarried and
lives with his mother on the homestead farm of AVilliam R-
Colvin.
'~^Lewis B. Colvin, born in Coventry in lSo7, is a son of Henry
B. Colvin who was born in 1822, married in 184G Almira W.
Knight, and died in 1877. Mr. Colvin is a farmer and lives on
the homestead of his father. He was married in J8S2 to Lillie
F., daughter of Henry Andrews. They have two children :
Bertha A. and Lena 'SI.
Burrill H. Comstock was born in 18.")1 in Coventry. He is a
son of Cyrus, whose father, Jowel, was a son of Jonathan Com-
stock, who catne from P^ngland. Mr. Comstock built a saw mill
in 1887 near Coventry Centre; he deals in lumber, ties and
wood. He was married in 187'-?.
Abel Cornell, born in 1820 in Coventry, is a son of Dutee. He
is a farmer and very pleasantly situated between AVashington
and Coventry Centre. He was married in 1848, and his wife
died in 1871, leaving one son, Henrv D.
132S HISTfJKV OF WASIIIXCnOX AM) KENT COUNTIES.
Albert H. Cornell, born iii ]fi'.',(> in Coventry, is a son of John
J., and grandson of Ik-njamin Cornell. Mr. Cornell is a wheel-
wright bv trade. He was in the war of the rebellion three years
as wheelwright in Company 1!, I'irst Rhode Island light artil-
lery, lie has- workecl ;il carpentry some. Ileworked on repairs
for the Peckham Mannfaetnring Com])any two years. In June,
1884, he took tlie store at Summit, sTieeeeding C.iles 'M. Xiehols.
He was married in IS.'iCi to Luey J. IJrand.and has four ehildren :
John J., who was married in 1870 to Mar}-I'>. Tillinghast ; Albert
II., IClla 1*\, now Mrs. Henry \V. Congdon ; and J.ane A., who died
aged 0 years. Mr. Cornell is a memljcr of Hope Lodge, Xo. -1,
I. O. of C). F., and a member of the Summit Crange, Xo. b"), Pa-
trons of Husbandry.
Charles \V. Cornell, born in 18-11 in Coventry, is a son of Ira,
whose father was Captain P.enjamin Cornell. ]\lr. Cf>rnell has
been boss farmer for the Ouidniek Company two years, and for
the Greene Mannfaetnring Company of River Point three years.
He was in the eivil war three years, in Com]-i;iny I), Fourth
Rhode Island P.attery, and aboard a man of war twt) years. He
was married in 18G('i to Sarah Matteson, and has one son — Her-
bert li. Mr. Cornell is a member of Washington Lodge, Xo. 11,
I. O. of O. F.
William P. Cruff was born in 1817 in Coventry. His father.
Henry A. Cruff, was a .'jon of Thomas Cruff. Mr. Cruff has
worked for Rvron Read since 187"2, making cofilns and repairing
furniture. He was a house carpenter three years prior to 1872.
He was married in 18fi.') to Mereelia, daughter of Thomas Wat-
son. He is a member of Anthony Lodge, Xo. 21, I. T). of O. F.
Cushing & Gerard established a partnership and begav busi-
ness in August, 1882, in the market part of the Ouidniek store.
In 1884 they built a small store where they are now located, and
in 1S8G and 1887 they enlarged the building. They deal in dry
goods, groceries, clothing, furniture and house furnishing goods,
stoves, crockery, hav, coal and wood. vSamuel J. Gerard was
born at Crompton in 18.'')G, and was married in 1877 to Ftta V.
Cushing. She died in 1884, and he was married again in
1S8C to Lelia Matteson. He is a member of Manchester Lodge,
No. 12, A. F. and A. M. Joseph H. Cushing was born in 18r)l,
and was married in 1881 to ^\nna E. Reynolds.
Thomas G. Dorrance was born in 1827 at Foster, R. I. He is
a son of George, whose father, ^liehael, was a son of James Dor-
HISTORY OT AVASIIINC.'IOX AND KENT COUNTIES. ] o^O
ranee, who came from Ireland aljoiit ]7"2(i. Mr. Dorranee is a
maehinist by -trade. He worked for the Laiiphear Maehine Com-
pany of I-'henix twenty \-(.'ar.s, and afterward for the Colvin AL'i-
chine Company abiuit six \'e;irs. lie has been station ayent at
Anthony about fimrteen }'ears. He was married in li<'>'2 to Sa-
rah W. Tarbox. She died in I8.">!), and he was ayain married in
T:80(t to Lamira I). Potter, wlio died in K'^SJ. He was married in
1884 to Leonora L. "^'( )un;.;-. I le lias one son— Geori^e R. Mr. I )or-
rance is a member of ^Varwi(d; hudgc, Xo. 10, A.-F. and A. M.,
of Landmark Roval Areh Ch;i])ter of Phenix, and of Antlumy
Lodge, No. -il, I. (). of (). F. He is a member of the Uuidniek
Baptist chnreh.
Elbridge G. h^iirbank was born in bS'i,"), and was married in
18G7 to l^mma A., daughter of Nathan }ilatlie\v.s<in. She was
born in 1835, and was a teaehei' before her marriage. She has
taught twenty-one terms. Mr. I'airbank ke])t a store near Kiee
City about fortv-fi\'e years ]irior to his death. He died in 1881.
leaving a wido\\- and one daughter, limma C. who graduated i]T
June, 1888, from the Friends' School of Pro\-idence.
John I'hske, born in I8:!7 in Coventry, is a son of Isaac, whose
father was ])aniel I'iske. Mr. J^hske is a carriage maker Ijy
trade, and worked at the trade eight years. Since the war he
has been a top roller co\'erer for ci)tt(m mills. He has worked
for the Coventry Company about twentv-three ^"ears. He w;is
married in 18Go to Phebe A. Hopkins. Mr. l-'iske was in the
war of the rebellion fmm August, 1801, to Augu.st. ]8(i:!, in"
Company C, First Rhode Island light artillery. He iX'cei\-ed a
wound at Malvern Hill which cruised the loss of a leg. He is a
member of Anthony Lodge, No. 21, I. ( '. (). F. ,
Patrick Fitzpatriek was born in Ireland. He first came to
Connecticut, then removed to Poughkeepsie. He has resided
here about thirty years. He kcjit the Nii>munk station nine
years before it was disci mtinucd. Since th;it time he has licen
a farmer. Mr. l^'itzjiatrick has been married three times. He
was married the last tiniL- in [anuarv, 1S88.
Horace N. F<_)ster was born in is:i(> in Scituatc, and is a house
carpenter and machinist by trade. He Iniilt the new (Juidniek
Baptist church. He has been town sealer two vcars and is a re-
publican. He was married in 18r)8 iv .Sybil \\'. Read, sister of
Byron Read. They ha\-e one d.iughtcr. ( )ra jane.
84
13W HISTORY OF WASinXGTOX AN"D KENT COUXTIES.
James Franklin, born in IT'JS in Coventry, is a son of .Samuel
Franklin. He now. lives witli his son James. Jr. He has had a
fami]}- of eig'ht ehildren, ilve of wliom are living-. James. Jr.,
was married in ISd.^ to J'Jiza J., daughter uf Henry Walker.
|i.)hn »\. Franklin, born in Coventry in l^n."), is a son of Jona-
than and grandson of John Franklin. He has been a farmer for
forty years. He was a mill o]jerative in his younger days. He
was married in 1S:^>() to Louisa Knight, who died in ii^T."). In
polities he is a republiean.
Stephen H. iM-anklin, l>orn in tsri-l in Coventry, is a son of
Horace C. and grandson of James, who was a son of Samuel
Franklin, yiv. ]'"ranklin is a fanner and oeeupies what is known
as the Alfred O. ?\Iatleson farm. }*Ir. Matteson was a farmer
here for many years. He l)egan a poor boy and when he died
he had 8i)() acres of land besides considerable .other property.
Mr. I'ranklin was married in 1877 to Sarah H., only daughter of
Alfred ( ). Malteson. They have had three S(>ns : Willnir < )., who
died in infancy; AValter and Arthur. Mr. iM-anklin and his wife
keep a little st<jre which was begun by ^Ir. !\Iatteson about four
years ago and at his death in February, 1888. IMrs. Franklin as-
sumed control of it. Mr. I'ranklin is a member of Ionic Lodge,
No. 2S, A. F. &• A. M., and a member of the Summit Baptist
church.
Daniel H. Freeman, son of Ira and grandson of Daniel Free-
man, was born in ]8'2:i in Coventry. He lived in Connecticut
twenty-eight years. He is one of seven children. Fie had three
brothers in the war of the rebellion. The youngest brother was
killed. ]\Ir. Freeman was married in 18-10 to l':mily S., daughter
of Nathaniel Robinsnn. He is a member of [Manchester I^odge,
No. 12, A. F. and A. M. He is also a member of Anthony
Lodge, No. '21, I. O. of O. F. He is a member of the Baptist
church of Sterling, Connecticut.
Albert W. Goff was born in 18-J] in Coventry. He is a son of
Raymond P. Goff. whose father Daniel C. was a son of William,
whose father Nathan was two generations from William or ^la-
jor-CiL-neral Gi>lT, wIk) earne from England to Rhode Island about
1G79. His mother is a descendant of the Whalcy that came
from ICngland with William Goff. Raymond P. Goff and Ellen
his wife have had three children-two boys and oric girl, (.hie
son, Amasa R.. was in the war uf the rel)ellion in Battery F,
First Rhode Island Light Artillerv. He died in Richmond, Va.,
HISTORY OF WASlII\(,TOX AND KENT COUNTIES. I'.V.il
in 1SG;1 The daughter, who was Mrs. John G. Peekham, died
aged 23 ye.ars.
Jason T. Crorton was born in 1^41 in West Greenwich. His
father IkMijaniin T., was a son of 'I'illinf^hast Gorton, wliose
father William Goilon, married a daughter of IJenjamin TillinL;--
, hast and o-randdaui^hter of Pardon. Pard(m's father. John, was
grandson of P.ardon Tillinghast. who came to this country and
settled in Providence, R. L .Mi-. Gorton has been station aL;cnt at
Coventry fifteen years and at Summit one year. ' Prior to that he
taught school about ten wiiiters. He was married in ]S(;t! to
Anna L., daughter of Charles Andrews, whose father was [anies.
Her mother was Hannah, daughter of Reuben Tillinghast,
who.se father Stephen, was a son of Stukely. and grandson of
Pardon, who was a grandson of P;irdon Tillinghast who settled
in Providence. R. I. Mr. and :\lrs. (Norton have five children:
Mabel H., Charles T., Frank R.. II. Maud and Loraina A.
Cyril Greene was born in 1818 in Coventry, lie is a .son of
Whipple, whose father Henry was a .son of John f^reene. Mr.
Greene has lived on the farm he now occupies about twentv-
eight years. He was married in 1840 to Rouisa, daugliter of
Warren Greene. Their children are: Clark, John, Cvril, ( )live
M. and Eunice, now Mrs. Edwin Littlefield.
Job W. Greene was born in 1820 in Coventry. He is a son of
Reuben, whose father James was a son of Isaac, who was a son of
James and grandson of Wardwell Greene. Mr. Greene has been
a farmer the most of his life. He was married in 18o4 to Louisa,
daughter of Horace, who is brother of Reuben and son of James
Greene as above.
Leonard D. Greene, son of Oliver and grand.'*(.)n of James
Greene, was born in 1840 in Coventry. His mother was Clara
King. He is a farmer and occupies the homestead of Oliver
Greene. He was married in 18<V) to Marv h^., daughter of Ste-
phen P. and Petsey (Winters) P>owen. They have three chil-
dren: p:iwin S., Clara ^I. and Leonard P)., Jr. They have lost
three: Estella P,., .Mary E. and Robin Roy.
Warren M. Greene was biMii in 1801 in Coventry. He is a son
of James PL, whose father. Reuben, was a son of James Clreene.
Warren M.'s grandmother was of the \Vhaley family, a sister of
Reuben Whaley, who is four gencratious removed from the his-
toric Theophilus Whaley. Mr. Greene has taught school about
eight years. He is town sealer and state sealer, also town and-
1339 HISTORY OF WASHING'lOX AXD KENT COUNTIES.
itor. He is the postmaster :it Coventry Centre, Israel Whaley
being his deputy. He was married in ISt^.") to Anna P.. daughter
of Clark Tillinghast, Sr. She is a direct descendant of Elder
Pardon Tillinghast.
William I). ( Greene was born in 1820 in Coventry. He is a son
of Spicer, whose father, Henry, was a son of John (irecne. Mr.
Greene has been an operative in cotton mills about forty-eight
years. He is a farmer now. He was married in 1S30 to Rhoda
Bennett, wlm died in 18."")-), leaving four children : William R.,
Duty S., Mary Ann and Matilda. He was married again in 18."i.">
to Sarah K. IVarce. vShe has had three children: Abbie E.,
Amanda and Frederick T.
Emory A. Hall was born in 183,1 in West Greenwich. He is a son
of Freeborn and grandson of Thomas, whose father was Havid
Hall. He has been a member of the town council three vears
and as.sessor of taxes one year. He was married in 18ri3, [n Sarah,
daughter of Fones W. Tarbox. They have live children: Ben-
jamin F., Charles A., Remns, Mary J. iMrs. K. W. Moor) and
Hannah A. (Mrs. H. A. Hopkins i. Mr. Hall is a member of
Summit Grange, No. 1.'), P. of H.
Job W. Flarrington was b(,)rn in West Greenwich in 18-J2. He
is a son of Whitman and grandson of |ob, whose father, job,
came from ICngland and settled in Exeter, R. I. ]Mr. Harring-
ton is the youngest of seven children. He was a fanner until
1883, when he succeeded William Stone in the store where he
now is. He keeps a general grocery store, and deals in hay,
grain and feed. At one time he paid some attention to short
wood and shingles. He owns a grist mill here that he bought
of Mr. Moon. He was married in 18(K), a]id his wife i:lied in
1875, leaving four children : (Jrville F., Antha J., Pernard A.
and William H. He was again married in 1879 to Evangeline
Iv, daughter of Dudley Hall. Tlieyhave three children : Irving
F., Job A. and Frank R. At West Greenwich he was in the town
council and overseer of the poor. He is a member of ^laple Root
church.
Joseph Hart, son of David and grandson of Joseph Hart, was
born in 1811 in Cranston. He is a farmer, and has lived in
Coventry since 1844. He has a farm of two hundred acres of
land on the r;ulroad, between -Summit and ('ireenc stations. Mr.
Hart was married in 183.") to Abbie, daughU'r of ( )lney Priggs.
.She died in I8S4. He is a republican and a member of Rice
Citv Christian church.
HISTORY OF WASiriNGTON AND KENT COUNTIES. 1333
Curnc] O. Havens, sou of Silas, ^s-as born in Co\cnlry in lSi)S.
He has been a fanner, and has lived at Coventry Centre about
forty-eiyht years. He was married in 1843 to Laura, dauyhter
of Nathan Relph. Their ehildren are: Asena :\I. F., who ^ied
aged twenty-seven years: Silas B. and Lucy A.
Shcfheld W. Havens, son of Silas, was I'jorn in ISl'J in Cov-
entry. He has been a farmer, but has retired from active lite
on account of ill health. He was married in lt^44 to Sally Austin,
who was born in 1819 at West (ireenwich. She died in 188.").
John Higgins, born in 18n8, is a son of Jo.seph Higgins, who
was born in England and was killed at the Lyman factory, in
the town of Providence, in ISIO. John Higgins began his career
as a mill man at the age of ten years. iXiring his life he has
been connected with several mills in this stale as owner, and
once in Massachusetts several years. In June, 1880. he with ]\lr.
Tisdale.of North Kingstown, bought the Chaee mill here, whieli
they ran until it burned in July. 188:2. Since that time he has
lived retired. ]\lr. Higgins has been a member of the genera!
assembh' one term. He was married in 18'2."J to L_\-dia Arnold.
Their ehildren are: ]>ydia, John H. and Mary, now Mrs. Levi
Chaee. ^Mr. Higgins, now 80 years old, is very genial and is
highly respected.
James H. Hill, born in 18.")4 in Providence, is a son of James,
whose father was Allen Hill. James and James H. Hill in 1877
established a business here of varnishing zinc for shoestring
tags. ]amcs PL lived here from 1874 until the death of his
father, in 1883. He then removed to Providence, where he is
engaged in shoestring manufacturing. He spends apart of the
' summer here with his t"amilv. The Hill farm h;is been in the
family about thirty years.
Joseph T. Hopkins, son of George P. and grandson of Elisha
Hopkins, was born in Coventry in 1824. He was married in
1851 to Harriet ^L Greene, who died in 1870, leaving nine chil-
dren. He was married again in 1882 iv Susan A. Tanner.
Norris Hopkins, born in Coventry in 182."), is a son of Elisha
and grandson of Elisha Hopkins. He is a farmer and has occu-
pied the farm where he now is about twenty one years. He was
married in 1848 to Ruby B., daughter of Thtunas 11. Ijowen, and
has three sons and three daughters. 'Sir. Hopkins has been a
member of the Si.x Principle Baptist church about forty-five
years.
j334 msTriKv (_>i' \VA^mN^■nl.\ and kp:nt cocntu'.s.
Dr. Prosper K. ITmcliinson was born in 1817. He y"raduatcd
first at Amherst, then at Yale College. He praeticed medi-
cine at Riee City about twenty-five }'ears. He was suryeun dur-
ing the rebellion for six months in the T\s-clfth Regiment Rhode
Island volunteers. He died in 187'i. He was married to Jane
A., daughter of Jeremiah Meliregor and granddaughter of Jcjhn
McGregor, who served seven years in the revolution. vShe was
born in 1817.
Philip Johnson was Ijorn in Ohio in 18'22. He is a son of
Philip, whose father, E/.ekiel, was a son of lizekicl. He was
married in 1840, and his wife died in 1800, He was married
again in 1807 to Phebe Payne, He has five children by his first
marriage: Hattie P., Philiji R., Tryphena H., Edna I-", and Pa-
tience T-: 'in'l one daughter by his second marriage, Zilpha W.
William H. Jordan, born in 1810 in Coventry, is a son of John,
whose father, Edmund, was a son of Edmund Jordan. Mr. Jor-
dan own.s and occupies the <jld hdmestead of the Jordans,
which has been in the family for four generations. He has been
in the cabinet department of the Household Sewirig Machine Com-
pany of Providence most of tlie time for several years. He was
in the war of the rebellion about three years, in Company K,
Seventh Rhode Island volunteers. He was married in 18C)-1 to
vSophia A. Harrington. They have three children: Sarah M.,
now Mrs. E. F. Watson ; Hattic V., who died aged six years; and
Willie E. Mr. Jordan is a member of Rockland Christian church,
a member of Ionic Lodge, Xo. :2S, A. F. and A. ^I., and of An-
thony Lodge, No. 21, I, 6. of O. F.
Allen E. Keach, son of George Reach, was born in 182:] in
Coventry. He has been overseer in cotton mills about twenty
years, and has been mill operative and watchman several years.
He married Rebecca, daughter of AVilliam Bowen. They have
eight children: Sarah k\, Romeo, Almoran (deceased i, Emma,
Varnum, Ella, Charles T)., and one that died in infancy.
Albert Knight was born in 18:U in West Greenwich. His
father. Welcome Knight, was btirn in 18(i."') in AVest Greenwich,
and was a son of Nathan Knight. Mr. Knight has been super-
intendent of mills about thirty years in different places. He has
been with the (Juidnick Company since October, 188;"). He was
married in 18,"'3 to Harriet W. Congdon, daughter of Stephen
Congdon, Thcv have three sons: Albert Franklin, Edward
Irving, and Walter Dlakc, }^lr. Knight is a member of St. Al-
bans Lodge, No. 0, A. F. and A. M.
HISTORY or WASIIIXGTOX AND KENT COUNTIES. IB-j.")
Clark Knig-Iu, bmn in 18-J9 in IV^vcntry. is a son of Wheat(in,
whose falher. Clark, \\-as a son of jonatlian Kni-lil. He is a
farmer and lives on the homestead of his grandfather, Clark
Knig-lit. He was married in IS.Mj to llarliara W., dau.i^'hter of
Reuben Greene. They have two children — Sarah E., now Mrs.
Byron 1!. Ih'own, and Wheaton A., who died in infancv.
Joshua :\I. Knight, born in 18:!:' in Coventrv, is a son of
Wheaton Knight. He is a farmer. He has been collector and
assessor of taxes. He was married in 3S02 to Lucv A. Ulan.eli-
ard. They have one son, Uavid :\I., who was married in J 887 to
Ida Jocoy, and one daughter, Heulah D. .Mr. Knight and his
son are democrats.
Thomas Manchester was born in 1840 at Anthony. His father,
John W., was a son of Joseph and grandson of Joseph, whose
father, Matthew Manchester, was born in Tiverton, R. I., in 17-J().
His mother is Rebecca W. Manchester. She is a sister of livron
Read and a daughter of Henry Read. She had hve children,
three of whom are now living. :\ir. .Manchester and his brother
Job carry on the business of farming on the old homestead in
partnership. They run a milk and ice cart in Washington, .An-
thony and Ouidnick. Thomas Manchester was married in 1800
to Su.san Matteson. daughter of ICzra, who was a son of Rufus,
he a son of Obadiah and grandson of Jonathan Matteson.
Ezekiel W Mathewson, born in 18:21, is a son of Will)ur. whose
father, Russell, was a son of Josiah .Mathewson. .Mr. .Mathew-
son is a farmer. He was married in 184:) to Harriet Bennett.
They have six children living: Amanda M. iMrs. Albert H.
Bentlev), Harriet (Mrs. Simeon S. Websten, Ceorge W., Daniel
W., John F. and Charles H. They have hjst three: .Marv M.,
Olive luneline and }-:ddie. '
Henry Matteson was born in 18i;! and died in 1880. He was
married in 18:53 to Almira Arnold, who survives him. She is a
daughter of Thomas (',, .Arnold, son of Benjamin, son of Benja-
min, son of Philip Arnold. Thomas C. .Arnold built the house
where .Mrs. Matteson now lives. He owned and operated the
acid works which were situated near the dwelling, from 18;)0
until his death in 1801. .Afterward .Mr. Matteson carried on the
business one year. He was a machinist by trade. Mr. and .Mrs.
Matteson have had four children : EVv/.u E. i.Mrs. Henry I). Spen-
cer), ILmcline i.Mrs. Anms Fuller), Albert H. and one v^■ho died in
infancy.
1336 HISTORY OF WASllIXCTOX AND KENT COUNTIKS.
Asahel Mattcson, son of Reiiben, was born in West (Treen-
wichin]81]. He. was president of the naticMuil bank at An-
thon}' several years. lie carried on a store at Anthony about
thirty-seven years. lie was in the senate three terms. lie was
married in 1S37 to Julia M. John.son. They have had three ehil-
dren : Charles, Amy A. and Ella J.
Henry IMatteson, son of Aslier and g-randson of Reuben Mat-
leson, was born in J82S in West Greenwich. He was in a stme
at Anthony about thirty years prior to January 18lh, 1SS7, when
the store burned. The last two years it was eoiidueted under
the firm name of J. Matteson (.1- Co., and prior to that A. Matle-
son & Co. Mr. Matteson was married in 18.'>1 to Lydia M. I!ar-
ber. She died and he was married in I8r)3 to Marv A. Rons, who
also died. He was married in 1873 to Susan M. Scott. He has
two .sons, \Valter H. and Arthur J.
Leonard R. Matteson, son of (Jlney Matteson, was born in b'-!3-?
in Coventry. He first learned carriage making of his father and
worked at that trade about ten years. He worked for the vSnuth
Bridge print works about seventeen years. He has resided at
Summit about five years, and runs a sawmill and farm. He was
married in 18()() to lillen S., daughter of Jason J. ]\)tter, and has
two children : (ienevieve ( Mrs. Alonzo Pearcc) and Ellen Fran-
ces.
Thomas ]\Iatteson, born in 181 ."5, is a son of Rufus, whose
father, 01)adiah, was a son of Jcmathan Matteson. He is a car-
penter and farmer, and has lived on the farm that he now occu-
pies about thirty-three }'ears. He was m.ariied in \i<4i) to Maria
James. Their children are : Mary Ann, John S., (Jeorge H. and
l^uey Jane, who is now ]\Irs. George ]. Andrews. ,
Stephen ^latteson was born in ISIS in Coventry. Cory Matte-
son, his father, was a son of Daniel Matteson. Mr. }>latteson has
worked at stone cutting about forty years and at farming about
twenty years. He was married in 1839 to Mary Ann Dyer.
They ha\'e two children, Philip H. and ]^lary .\., ^^dlo is Mis.
Christopher Cushing. Mr. and Mrs. Gushing live with her father.
'Mv. Matteson has been deacon in the Ouidnick Baptist church
about tliirly-si.\ years.
Caleb R. Xichi)las, l^orn in 1838 in Cranston, is a son of Caleb,
whose father, l);ivid, was a son of John Nicholas. Mr. Xieholas
is a farmer. He has been assessor of taxes several times. In
IS.");") he was nuirrieil to Marv M. L., daughter of Ambrose S.
HISTORY or WASIIIXGTOX ANM) KENT COUNTIES. 3 337
Hopkins, and has one son, Ambrose TI., born 1S.")7. ]Mr. Nichn-
las is a member ui the Christian ehnreh of Rice City, and a
member of Ionic Lodi^e, No. "28, A. V. S: A. INT. ^
Giles M. Nichols, born in 1817 in Coventry, is a son of William
and grandson of Renben, wlx'se fatlier was J(.)se])h Nichols. lie
has worked at house ear-penteriiiL;" twenty years. He came to
Summit and built a part of the Iniildin;.^- whieli is now his resi-
dence, and has added to it until he now lias a nice residence
with a store in the east end. He was postmaster twenty-nine
years and three months prior to ISS."), when he was succeeded by
Chester Franklin. He was statioii ag-ent from 1S,")G to about
1888. In]S-l(i he was married to Celia Iv 1 )avis. She died in
1803, and he was married in ]8(i4 to Retsey, dau;;hter of Josiah
Greene, son of Stafford, son of Reverend Elisha (irecne, whose
father was Reverend Philip Greene. Their children are: Ellen
H., Susan M. (died aged two years), Huldah D., Mary Iv (died
aged five years), and Angie E. Mr. Nichols has been in the
town council two vears and was in the legislature one year.
Nicholas -S. Northuj), son of Absalom, was born in ]83-i in
North Kingstown. He is a machinist and has worked at the
trade about thirty-tw(j years. He was married in b'sri-I to Lucy
Angell. They have six children : Orrin A., Isaac B., Horace H.
and Julia vS., twins, ^Nlary F. and Nicholas S., Jr.
William S. Pearce was born in l^ittle Compton, R. I., in 18-2-1,
and is a son of Nathaniel, a son of Isaac, son of Jeptha, son of
George, son of George Pearce, who came from England about
1687. Mr. Pearce was married in 18.52 to Amelia McDonald, and
has two children living — Jessie A. and Jane S. Mr. Pearce has
had a grist mill in Hopkins' hollow about twenty years. Prior
to that he was in New York state about thirty years as a miller.
His sister Mrs. Ann M. Rurlingamc is the widow of Reverend
James Rurlingamc, who was a soldier in the war of 1812, a
preacher sixty years in the Christian church, and died in 1881.
Alexander Peck, son of Alexander and grandson of Samuel
Peck, was born in b'-^2] in Coventry. He was a farmer in his
younger days and has worked at the car])enter trade aliout
twenty years. He has been town police sevend years. In 18-18
he was married to Mary.daugliter of Charles and granddaughter
of Pardon Tillinghast. Mr. Peck is a republican, and a member
of Ionic Lodt-e, No. 28, A. F. (.\: A. M.
I'.'joS HISTORY ())■ WASIIIXC.TOX AND KLXT CfiUNJIES.
Ilciiry Phillips, son of Palmer, wns hnvn in iy;!:2 in Connecti-
cut, lie was a machinist in Ilailford, Conn., about thirteen
years on locomotive repairing-. He has worked at the carpen-
ters' trade some, and is a farmer n(j\v. He also carries on a wood
yard in Washington. He was m.arried in liS.")? to Waitv An-
drews, daughter of P.enjamin Andrews, They have six children:
Lucy .\.. Penjamin P., AVilliam H., Ida M, (^Mrs. William Cham-
plin), Charles and Ceorg-e 1^.,
Braymon Pierce, born in lS."i.") in Poster, is a son of lie'noni.
whose father William was a son of fienjamin I'ierce. yiv. Pierce
is a farmer. Pie bought the farm on Powen's hill where he now
lives, in 1880. He was married in 188:] to vSeca PI ^P, daughter
of Pardon AVilliams, and has one son, Pewis B.
Samuel E. Place, son of Joseph, and grandson of Kncjch Place,
was born in ]8](i m l'\>ster, and is a retired farmer. He was
married in 1812, and has had five children: JoscjjIi, Andrew,
John, Sarali, and Sally, two cif whom are now living. John lives
with his father, lie was married in J 872 to Jane Frink, and
has five children.
David R, Potter, son of Robert, and grandson of'Mo.ses Potter,
was born in 181;") in Scituate. He worked twenty-seven years in
the grist mill of the Coventry Company, and has since woiked
at farming. He was married in 18:!(j to Paura A. Johnson, and
has one son, John.
Frank A. Potter, son of Daniel 1)., and grandson of Obadiah
Potter, was born in 18()l) in Coventi-y, and is a farmer. In 188U
he was mari'icd to Pelle, daughter of Randall Capwell, and has
one son. He and his wife are members of the Christian church
of Rice City. »
Horace Read, born in ISir) in Coventry, is a son of Anthony^'
(Benjamin', Benjamin', Daniel', Daniel", John Read', who was
born in England). He kept a retail dry goods and gr<_iecry store
in Providence fourteen years prior to 1807. He has lived cai a
farm here twentv-one years. He was married in 1847 to Hilary
R. Sweet, who died in 1877, leaving one son — Rodman S., born
in 18.")3. In 1880 he was married tf> ^lary Mitcludl.
Levi I;. Read was born in 1^2-1 in Co\'entry. His fatlur.
Plenrv Read, was a son of foseph Read, and a descendant of John
Read, who was born in England in 1.''.»8. !Mr. Read is a house
carpenter by trade. He worked at the trade fn-c }-ears, after
which he worked ;il wood work about thirtv vears for the Ouid-
niSTOKV OF WA-^UiXC.ToN AND KKXT COUNTir.S. ] 330
nick Manufacturing Comjjany. lie has worked at fanning for
the last six years. He has been a member of tlie town council
several years, assessor of taxes two years, and was a member
of the general assembl}- one term. In ]^i-IG he was marricM:l to
Cynthia Potter. She died in 18-18, and he was married in ISoO
to Abbie A., daugliter of Eowen Matteson. She died in lbS7.
His daughters were: Cynthia ]\I., who died in infancy ; ^Melissa
E., who died aged T years; and vSelinda ]\1., who died in 188S,
aged 32 years. He is a member of the Ikiptist clnircli.
Horace P. Relph.sonof Amasa, was born in IS-l'i. lie worked
on a farm until •2'> years of age, when he came t(^ \\'as]iington,
where he carries (.)n a wood }'ard. He built a large shop and does
planing, turning and general repairing. He has a fifteen hoi'se
power engine to drive liis machiner)-. lie was married in 1SG9
to Mary Jane, daughter of Powen Potter. He is a member of
the Six Principle Baptist church.
Jabez Relph, born in IS'il), is a son of Moses, whose father,
Hugh, was a son of Jabez Relph. Mr, Relph has been a farmer
all his life. He was in the town council four years and a mem-
ber of the board of assessors foiir years. He is a member of
Manchester Lodge, No. 12, A, F. and A. M.
William Remington, born in Scituate in 1842, is a son of John,
whose father, Thomas, was a son of Thomas Remington. Mr.
Remington is a carpenter, and has worked at that trade about
ten years.
Frank A. Reynolds was born in lS."Jfi in Coventry. He is a
son of Bowen, whose father was William Reynolds. He has
been bookkeeper for the Peckham ^lanufacturing Company
for fifteen years. He was married in 1882 to Lillian, daughter
of Thomas Jillson.
Gideon Reynolds, born in 1812, is a son of Gardiner, whose
father, Joseph, was a son of John Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds
was married in 1837 to Betsey, daughter of Stephen PJennett.
She died in 1883, and he was married in 188.') to Al)bie King,
wife of the late George G. King, who was in the war of the re-
bellion three years, in Con.ipany C, Fourth Rhode Island bat-
tery. He died in J880. They had seven children. Mr. Rey-
nolds has been justice of tlie peace and assessor of taxes several
times. He has been a member of Rice City Christian church
about fortv-five vears.
1810 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND KENT COUNTIF.S.
Henry A. Sisson, one of a family nf fifteen children, son of
]ohn-and AmyvSisson, was biirn lS-4(i in vSouth Kini.;stown. He
is in partnership with his brnlhei-, John \V., who was born in
1889. They came from ^\'est (Greenwich to Coventry about
nineteen years ago, bought a farm at that time of V.U acres, and
in 1S87- they bought l(iO acres more. They keeji about 80
cows and do general farming. Henry A. was a member of the
town council in 1887, and was re-elected in 1888. He had three
brothers in the war of the rebellion, f>ne of whom was killed,
BenonivSpmk, son of Benjamin and grandson of lle^nrv Spink,
was born in 1819 in West Greenwich. He worked as dresser
tender twenty-two years for the Spragues, but has been out of
the mill four years. He and his wife keep a boarding house at
Quidnick, He was married in 1844 to :Mehitabel T. Rcyn<.lds,
daughter of James, son of Amos, .son of James Reynolds. They
have four children: James V>. 1 deceased), hhneline (deceased),
George H. and Ik'uoni Adams (deceased).
Charles T. .Stone, born in 180.") in Coventry, is a son of Wil-
liam A., wh(jse father, William, was a son of William Stone. He
has owned a general store at C^reenc since November, 188(;.
The first year his father was a partner with him, Init since then
he has been alone. He was married in 1887 to Helen, daughter
of William Potter, . '
Daniel Tillinghast, born in 181;-). is a son of Sylvester and
grandson of Deacon Pardon Tillinghast, who was a descendant
of Elder Pardon Tillinghast, who came from England to Provi-
dence in 1048. Mr. Tillinghast has been a farmer and lumber
speculator the nmst of his life in West Greenwich. He was town
moderator in West Greenwich eighteen years, and has been
moderator in Coventry one year. He has been town auctioneer
about thirty-five years. He was married in 188r) to Halma,
daughter of Silas Waile. She died in 1 879, leaving nine children
living: Rhoda A., Henry C, Sylvester, Abel G., Mason W.,
Sti-san 11., jane A., Lloyd A. and limeline. :\rr. Tillinghast was
married in 1880 to Cynthia .A. Johnson, He is a member of
West Greenwich Baptist church,
Halsey M. Tillinghast was born in ^i<ry^ in West Greenwich.
His father, John, was a son of Pard<in, who.se father, Charles,
was a son of John and grandson of Philii^ and great-grandson of
Elder I'ardon Tillinghast, who came from England in 1(148,
Mr. Tillin'^hast has been st;ition :igenl at Summit since April,
HISTORY CiF WASlIIXCilOX AND KENT COUNTIES. 1 3 !]
188.'"!, and prior lu lliat was a L'ar])cntcr al^oiit ten years. lie
was married in lS7.'i to ICveline ]•". Carpenler. and has tlirt'o ehil-
dren : Susan A., Xellie and Cliarlcs C. He had l\V(.) brothers in
the ^var of the rebellion.
John A. Tillinydiasl. l)(irn in ]f<Ch>. is a son of Ira A., wlmse*
father Allen was a son of I'ardon. Mr. 'J"illin;.4'hast li\-es on the
homestead of his father, who lived here about thirt}- years, and
died in December. b'-i8:?. Mr. Tillin^hast was married in is^^:; i<,
Cora L., daughter of Henry iS.ittey. and has one dauglUei'. ISerlha
^lartin. Mr. Tillinghast is a memlier of Summit Ciran.ge, No.
15, P. of H.
Jose]:)h Tillingli.ist, liorn in 18i:i, is a son of Cliarles, whose
father was Pardon 'J'illingii.asl. lie has been a farmer the most
of his life, taught thii'ty-se\en winter terms of school, a memljtr
of the school committee about thirt\' years, in the town eour.eil
about eight \'ears and a member of the general assemblv one
term, lie lost his left leg from below the knee in ISo"). lie was
married in J84() to Lydia S. Xiehols. She died in ISf.l, leaving
two sons, Leonard and Warren II. He was mariied in ]8(i.'> to
Betsey G., daughter of Thf)mas 1!. Powcn. Mr. Tillinghast is a
republican and :i member of Rice City Christian church.
Mason W. Tillinghast, born in 18-11 m Coventry, is a son of
Daniel, who was a son of S\-lvester and grandson of jeihu Tilling-
hast, a descendant of Elder Pardon Tillinghast. Mr. Tilling-
hast went from Coventry to l'ro\-idencc in .18(>ii, and has kept a
restaurant there since J87.~i. He was married in ISlKJ to Laura
M., datightcr of William K. ami Lucy .\. Arnold.
Stephen (t. i'illinghast, born in J8"i8 in Sterling, Conn., is a
son of George, whose father Pardon was a Si.x Principle Paptist
preacher and a descendant of Elder Pardon Villinghasl. ^Ir.
Tillinghast li\'ed in Connecticut about four years. He has been
an ordained preacher about seven years. He was man'ied in
1848 to Lydia A., daughtei" of ( )bcd Small. He belongs to the
Free Will Paptist church.
George A. \'aughn, boi-n in I84;i in Coventry, is a son of ]ason,
son of John, son of Caleb, son of Caleb \'aughn. ^Ir. A'au.ghn
was married in J8C.'..) to Patience, daughter of Cicorge Randall.
They have one daughter, Harriet. He is a democrat and a
member of Riec City Christi.nn church.
Sheffield Waile was b(_>rn in ]S|-J in Coventry. His f.-ither was
Sheflield, son of Yelvcrton Waite, who was a major in the rcvo-
1342 HISTORY OF WASIIIXGTOX .\NI) KENT COUNTIFS.
lutionary army. Mr. Waite l)CL;an at the age (if eighteen to buy
and drive cattle and -fdl lowed that ocetijiation for :d)oiit twenty
years. Since that lime he has been a farmer and trader. lie
has recently retiied from acti\-e life. lie was mai'ried in \S'.]~ to
Judith A. JohnS'.ui, who died in isr)."), leaving ime son. William,
who died aged 3') }'ears. Mr. "W'aite married for his second wife
Mrs. Jane C. ISabson. His father ajid grandfather were both
farmers. Mr. \\'aite now owns a part of the old homestead of
Yelverton Waite.
Israel Whaley was born in ]S:?S in Coventrv. He is a son of
Reuben, whose father Job, was a son of Thomas and grandson
of Samuel Whaley, a descendant of Theophilus AVhaley, wht>
came from England to this country about ]('i70 in company with
Major (General (k)ffe and Colonel Dixwcll. ^Ir. Whaley estab-
lished a variety store in Coventry Centre in Itine, l^b'A. in the
new buildirig vhicli he had just completed. He has had charge
of the post ollice as deput\' since ()ctc>ber, iJr^v^,'"). He managed
the Coventry Centre store nine }'e;irs prior to November 1st,
1882, as agent for the company. He was married in ISGI) Uj Ad-
aline, daughter of Philip Havens. They have two children,
Benoni H. and Lottie. Mr. Whaley has been town council one
year and notarv and iustice several 3-ea,rs. He is a member of
!Maple Root church and a meml>er of [Manchester Lodge, No. 12,
A. F. & A. M.
Thomas (>. \Vh.aley, born in 1829 in Coventry, is a son of Al-
bert, whose father, yonathan, was a son of Thomas and grand-
son of Thomas, ^\'hose father, Samuel, was a son of Theophilus
Whaley the fii'st. }.lr. \\'haley is a machinist by trade. He
lived in I'rovidence fourteen vears, aiid in the \\'est two y^^ears.
He is now a farmer. He was president of the board of assessors
in 1887 and was re-elected in 1888. He was married in ]i<')'.] to
Altana, daughter of Alplieus Lurdick. Tlu-\- have two children.
He was in the war of the rebellion a short time in Company K,
Tenth Ivhode l.^land X'oluntcers,
Henry C. \Vhipple. son of Thomas and grandson of Joseph
Whipple, was Ijorn in 18;j?. His father was judge of the court
C)f common picas, represented Coventrv many years in the gen-
eral assemblw and was two \'ears lieutenant go\'ernor of Rhode
Island. He \vas a manufacturer here tmtil his death in 18.')9.
Henry C. was a memlier of the town council one vear and in the
state legislature one year. He carried on a livery stable at /
mSTClRV OK WASIIIXGTOX AXD KICXT COUXTIES. IS-iS
Washington scvfral years. After his father's death, he and his
brother-in-law were for some time interested in maniifaetnring-.
His wife vas lionise Kni^lit ]~rank]in. daughter of Arnokl
Franklin. Their daughter Anna is [Mrs. Ellery C. Anthon}- and .
their son is Thomas Whipple.
Cromwell Whipple, another son of (jovernor Th<nnas Whip-
pile, was a mail of considerable distint:tion in the to^s-n, and in
the general assembly he was a recognized champion of the tem-
perance cause until his death in isri.j, .\s a t(?ken of apprecia-
tion a monument h;is been erected to his memorw
John E. Whipple, son of Christopher and grandson of Jo-
seph Wlupple, was born in 18H8 in Coventry. He has been boss
farmer for the Co\-entry C'ompany about ten vcars. I'rior to
that he worked at the carpenter's trade ten years and before that
was a farmer. He was married in 1S."i7 to Kate, daughter of
Nicholas IJrown. The\' ]ia\'e twi daughters: .\nna, wjio is Mrs.
William M. Congdon, and Lillian, who is Mrs. hh-ederick R.
Reynolds.
Charles C. ^\"hitf(U•d was born in iy:i-l in West f b'een\\-ich. He
is a son of Jeremiah, whose father, Jeremiah, was a son of
Nicholas Whitford. :\Ir. Whitford has been a farmer all his life.
He bought the farm where he now lives in 18S4. He ^^•as mar-
ried in 180n to Hattie, daughter i;>f Philip Johnson, 'bheir chil-
dren are : Hattie L., Angeretta W.. Julia E., Lena ^^1., Olive L.,
Charles W. and Nelson J. The family is said to be of Vrdsh de-
scent.
Nicholas S. Whitford, biirn in 1S:>0 in Coventry/, is a son of John
and grandson of Nicholas AVhitford, who bought the farm of 7n
acres where Nicholas S. now lives, in 177-^ of Jcren"gah Ijlanehard.
This farm now contains :20o acres. [Mr. Whitford has been a
farmer cxccjiting about five years which he spent in a st(jre at
Centrevillc, from 1S71 to 187(;. The firm was Duke .K- Whitford.
He was married in 18(5:1 to Sarah A. Place, who died in 1871.
leaving one daughter, iClla ( Irace, He was married in 1881 io
Mary Ann P.lanchard.
Ruth P.. WhitftU'd was born in ISi'r^ in AVest. Greenwich. She
is a daughter of James A., son of William IL, son of E.zekiel.son
of T^e\'i. son of Nicholas Whitford, who came fi-om "Wales. Her
mother is Phebe (Sweet i ^Vhilford. daughter of Amos Sweet.
[Miss AVliitford recei\'ed her early education in district schools,
and is a gi-aduatc of the State Normal School of Pro\ider,ee.
1314
niSTOKV OF WASIUXGTDX AM) KKXT C0UXT]3=:S.
Shf taiighl schciol four yt-ars, twci \-e.:irs before she L;'ra(lualed
and two years sinee. Hei' paren'is were married in IS.'jT. 'J'hev
have had two daughters: Mrs. liyron l!. Andrews, and Rulh ]!.
lienjanim F. Williams, born in ]8-l'.i in A\'arwiek. is a son of
Ijenjami!!. a\ hose father was Pardori "Williams, yir. Williams is
a blacksmitli, and has worked at that business eii;diteen years.
He was married in ]S1C< to Sarali C. Read, daughter of ijenjamin.
whose fa.ther was Thomas Read. Tlieir ehildren are: Clara,
Mary, and Sadie. He had two brotliei's in tlie war of the rebel-
lion.
Erastus Young, son of John, v,-as born in 1818 in (.'onneetieut.
He was a mill operative al^out fifteen }-ears. He has li\-ed in
Coventry thirty-three years. He was married in J 8)0 to Rydia
E., daughter of Aaron AVood, of Foster. They have three chil-
dren : Albert H., vSusan E., and AValter E.
A ^/ .'-
' 7-4
7144
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