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THE OLD STONE BANK HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01067 5434
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
Gc 974.5 H130 v.2 2233744
"THE OLD STONE BANK" HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND
On October 20, 1819, a group of public-spirited Rhode Island citizens met to formulate plans for the establishment in Providence of a bank which, acting as a community servant, would afford people a place for the safe-keeping of their savings with the additional advan- tage of accumulating interest. The above illustration depicts this first meeting which resulted in the founding of the Providence Institution for Savings. The figures in the picture (eight of which are reproductions from portraits) represent the following illus- trious gentlemen : seated left to right, Zechariah Allen, Thomas L. Halsey, James Burrill, Jr., Dexter Thurber, Thomas P. Ives (First President), Samuel G. Arnold, Nicholas Brown; standing in background, Josiah Whitaker, Charles Dyer, John Perrin, James Petty, Philip Martin, Obadiah Brown; standing in foreground, Benjamin Aborn, William Blodget, William Wilkinson.
"THE OLD STONE BANK" HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND VOLUME II
By JOHN WILLIAMS HALEY "The Rhode Island Historian"
PUBLISHED BY PROVIDENCE INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS 86 SOUTH MAIN STREET PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
1931
OLNEYVILLE BRANCH: 1917-21 WESTMINSTER STREET Olneyville Square
EMPIRE-ABORN BRANCH: EMPIRE AND ABORN STREETS Between Westminster and Washington Streets
Allen County Public Library Ft. Wayne, Indiana
HALEY & SYKES CO. FINE PRINTING 26 CUSTOM HOUSE ST. PROVIDENCE R.I.C
COPYRIGHT 1931 PROVIDENCE INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
2233744
FOREWORD
E ARLY in the year 1927 "The Old Stone Bank" initiated a series of newspaper advertisements dealing with historical events and the glorious traditions which have made the smallest State in the Union one of the richest in historical background. Events in Rhode Island history were featured in illustration and description, and soon persons of all ages came to appreciate that these words and pictures were well worth their attention.
It was suggested that these incidents be written about more fully, the facts carefully assembled, and presented on the radio as a regular weekly feature. Thus was conceived an unique character, "The Rhode Island Historian," who, from September to June, relates to his unseen audiences stories about interesting figures, historic events and traditions concerning which facts have been obtained from such sources as early histories, old documents, clippings, records and tracts.
These radio talks have been printed and the mailing list of those who have written requesting copies of the booklets includes the names of thousands who have heard the familiar voice of "The Rhode Island Historian." The edu- cational and historical value of these sketches has so appealed to those interested in Rhode Island history that "The Old Stone Bank" now presents this second volume of the weekly historical recitals.
Uninteresting descriptions, unimportant dates and dry statistics have been eliminated in the preparation of this brief review of important events and facts, arranged, as nearly as possible, in chronological order. To those who love their native or adopted State, "The Old Stone Bank" presents these added chapters in that never ending narrative of romance, bravery, adventure, ambition and achievement- Rhode Island History.
INDEX
RHODE ISLAND HISTORY
EARLIEST RHODE ISLAND VISITORS
13
GIOVANNI VERAZZANO
14
A PREDECESSOR OF ROGER WILLIAMS
16
INDIAN CURRENCY
18 20
ANNE HUTCHINSON
22
COCUMCUSSOC
SAMUEL GORTON
CAPTAIN BENJAMIN CHURCH
29
HAZARDS OF RHODE ISLAND
31
INDIAN TRAITS AND CUSTOMS
BUILDERS OF PAWTUCKET
34 36 38
AN UNSOLVED MURDER
KING PHILIP
40
THE QUEEN'S FORT
ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS OF BRISTOL
42 44 46
HISTORY OF LIGHTING IN PROVIDENCE
HUGUENOTS IN RHODE ISLAND
48 50
THE "DR. JOHNSON" OF NARRAGANSETT
52
A GENTLEMAN OF NEWPORT
54
FISH AND FISHERIES OF RHODE ISLAND
57 59 62
A GREAT COLONIAL ARCHITECT
64
SHERIFF ROBINSON
66 69
ON THE TOWER HILL ROAD
THE FIRST BAPTIST MEETING HOUSE
71
"P'INT, JUDY, P'INT"
74
RHODE ISLAND FERRIES
HANNAH ROBINSON
A TERRIBLE MAN OF WAR
PAGE 11
MARY DYER, A QUAKER MARTYR
25 27
PAGE
CHRISTMAS IN NARRAGANSETT
BROWN AND IVES
76 78
A YANKEE FROM CRANSTON
OLD RHODE ISLAND PRISONS
A COLONIAL COQUETTE
SAMUEL CASEY, SILVERSMITH
A REMARKABLE JOURNEY
OLD TAVERN AND STAGECOACH DAYS
THE KENTISH GUARDS
THE BOMBARDMENT OF BRISTOL
EAST GREENWICH POTTERY
AT THE POINT OF THE CANDLESTICK
· 99
SILAS TALBOT
100
THE OLD STONE CHIMNEY HOUSE
103
THE SPLENDID MANSION
105
THE FRENCH FLEET
107
CHRISTMAS IN 1780
109 111 114
BELLES OF COLONIAL NEWPORT
THE OLD MARKET HOUSE
116
A MARINER'S ROMANCE
118
CUDDYMONK'S "MOONACK"
120
CAPTAIN JOHN DEWOLF
123
THE CLIPPERS
ODD CHARACTERS OF OLD NARRAGANSETT
125 127 129
A RHODE ISLAND MORMON
THOMAS WILSON DORR
132
DOWN THE BAY
134
THE PASSING OF LINCOLN
136
BUILDERS OF THE CUP DEFENDERS
138
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80 82 84 86 89 91 93 95 97
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A NEWPORT LANDMARK
PROVIDENCE INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
IT IS characteristic of American initiative that actual savings banking was first I
undertaken in the United States, although to Europe-and more particularly to Switzerland-belongs the distinction of inspiring the establishment of such institutions.
In 1816 James Savage succeeded in persuading the Massachusetts Legislature to allow his bank to incorporate as a mutual savings society. At that time the financial situation in this new country was extremely chaotic, but order began to evolve out of confusion soon after the establishment of the Second Bank of the United States in 1816.
Although the first move to establish a mutual bank in a neighboring State had been undertaken earlier, it was not until 1819, when financial tension was somewhat relieved, that a group of public-spirited Rhode Island citizens, believing that the proper time had arrived, met in October of that year to formulate plans for the establishment in Providence of a bank which, acting as a community servant, would afford the people in this locality a place for the safe keeping of their savings with the additional advan- tage of accumulating interest. Accordingly, in November, 1819, the first savings bank in Providence commenced business under the name of the Providence Institution for Savings.
Among the founders were many of those whose names are listed in Providence history as men honored for their accomplishments in the interest of public service. The following officers: Thomas P. Ives, First President; Thomas L. Halsey, First Vice President; Obadiah Brown, Second Vice President; James Burrill, Jr., Third Vice President; and Trustees Nicholas Brown, Philip Martin, William Wilkinson, John Perrin, Benjamin Aborn, James Petty, Samuel G. Arnold, William Blodget, Charles Dyer, Zechariah Allen, Josiah Whitaker, and Dexter Thurber, were held in the highest respect and regard throughout the city as men of character and public spirit. The first meeting of this Board was held at the office of the Washington Insur- ance Company November 4, 1819, and the doors of the bank opened November 20th.
Many of the founders and officers of the Institution were interested in shipping and trading. They built and owned ships which sailed on every sea, and traded in every port. There are few names associated with the maritime interests of Providence but may be found on the list of the founders of "The Old Stone Bank" and their descend- ants. Position and wealth had already been attained by them, and it is obvious that this mutual savings bank was established because of a sense of altruism, and not for the purpose of self gain. Their high ideals are perhaps best expressed in a statement made at the time of incorporation. In part it is as follows:
" ... . Many frugal and industrious persons have laid by small sums which they intended as a relief in sickness, or in old age; but from the failure or death of those in whose hands they placed it, they have lost the whole, or if they have received it again, it has been without interest. In this institution
such persons will find a safe place of deposit, and have the satisfaction to know that it is constantly increasing."
At first "The Old Stone Bank" received deposits on but one day each week. This was Saturday, or pay day, when the bank was open from 12:30 until 2:00 P. M. As the bank proved its value to the community, it was gradually obliged to keep regular hours for the convenience of depositors, and by 1842 the resources of some 2100 depositors had grown to $300,000. Forty years later, the number had increased to nearly 28,000, and the deposits to more than $11,000,000.
The old "Providence Bank" (a national bank incorporated in 1791) was, in a way, the parent of this mutual institution, for it was on its lower floor that the savings bank initiated actual operations.
A constantly growing volume of business influenced the erection, in 1854, of a building for the exclusive purposes of the bank at 86 South Main Street, and further expansion led to the erection, in 1898, of the present building, now serving as the main office.
In 1925, a branch was opened in quarters at 186 Washington Street, which so well justified its inception that four years later a modern banking building was erected on Empire and Aborn Streets, in celebration of the 110th Anniversary of the founding of this Institution.
In 1927 a second branch office was established in Olneyville, affording to the citizens of that industrious and progressive community mutual savings bank facilities. The busi- ness of the bank is carried on in a building of modern construction and design, especially equipped for the exclusive needs of depositors in the Olneyville section.
Well into the second century of its existence, the resources of this mutual savings bank have grown, by the steady accumulations of thrifty persons, to figures far beyond the imagination of its founders. Always a ready aid to those it serves, both in times of prosperity and distress, this Institution has endeavored to carry out the ideals with which it was founded.
With a record of economic and social service to these Providence Plantations, and with even greater facilities for service in the future, the Providence Institution for Savings, popularly known as "The Old Stone Bank," will continue to encourage habits of economy among those for whose benefit it was established so many years ago.
RHODE ISLAND HISTORY
TT is a fact that information and literature about the history of Rhode Island are in constant demand in every section of the country. Writers of historical novels, stu- dents of history, newspaper men, lovers of the ancient and antique, all look upon the annals of this tiny State as a fertile field for research, study and entertainment. This is true partly because in Rhode Island and communities nearby began the history of the nation. It was here that the bold Vikings first tasted the sweet juices of luscious fruits; it was here that the exiled Roger Williams found a true haven of friendship where men might live in peace and com- fort apart from the vicious tongues of sel- fish and narrow-minded neighbors; from this land sailed daring adventurers who laid the foundations of commerce and interna- tional good-will; from these pleasant farms and peaceful hamlets have gone countless heroes of war and peace; art, science, in- dustry and law have counted among their outstanding leaders, men and women who boasted of their Rhode Island origin.
But, beyond that, it is inherent in man to love history, particularly the true history of his immediate surroundings. History is a never-ending panorama of men, women, and children whose destinies are shaped by circumstances, ambitions and emotions common to us all. We are all makers of history and children of history. Though we do not worship our ancestors as do the ori- entals, yet decisions of the present are guid- ed by the experiences of our predecessors. We are forever on the ascent looking back- ward at the rungs of the ladder upon which we mounted and upward to the bright fields of the future.
Crumbling castles, grass-covered ram- parts, andirons, Indian arrow-heads, old coins, gruesome battles are some of the countless stage-props that help build the setting for the play whose scenes live only on the pages of history, and in the lively imaginations of all of us who live, love and aspire.
Furthermore, the study of history is a
study in contrasts. We all like to compare men and events of centuries gone by with persons and affairs as we know them today. We all enjoy reading copies of newspapers published a century ago; the craze for an- tiques is growing, interest in genealogy is certainly not decreasing. Residents of this historic old city and State walk and live 'mid the time-honored landmarks of other ages. Colonial mansions, ancient taverns, ivy-covered walls, rusty cannon, shady churchyards, lofty spires, and old belfries are the daily reminders of men and days in Rhode Island that the passing of time can never erase from memory.
Who can pass the old Mansion House that still stands in all its dilapidated digni- ty on Benefit Street just behind the old State House and not paint a mental picture of the gay occasion when General Wash- ington honored the establishment with his presence during his historic visit to this city? Who can pass through the portals of the old State House and not picture, for a moment, august General Lafayette bow- ing low to the people gathered outside to greet him? Who can visit the magnificent John Brown House on Power Street and not imagine that wealthy merchant sitting at his richly carved Chippendale desk signing the papers that would send some fast-sail- ing merchantman away to the distant East Indies? Who can wander through the lower rooms of old University Hall and not see visions of tired French troopers amusing themselves with song and refresh- ment, here in this strange land?
And, who can view the lofty and beauti- ful spire of the First Baptist Church on North Main Street and not think of that dark day in September, 1815, when the city of Providence was the victim of one of the strangest pranks ever played by Nature? The Second Baptist Church succumbed and went to pieces under the combined force of the wind and waves but the tall spire of the First Baptist Church wavered and bent to the blast, but did not fall.
The Old Stone Mill, that grisly old mys-
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PROVIDENCE INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
tery of the past that brings thousands of the curious to the city of Newport each year, tells a mute story of an event hazy in Rhode Island history. The picturesque Pidge Tavern on the way to Pawtucket still has that delightful air of roadside hospitality that made it a welcome rendezvous for the weary traveler journeying by coach from New York to Boston. Those obscure pray- ing mounds scattered throughout the Nar- ragansett country could still be places of worship for the forgotten hordes who looked to the East at a huge stone representing the Sun and to the West at a smaller boulder symbolic of the moon.
Understanding of the events and circum-
stances that led to the present is essential to the complete understanding of the respon- sibilities of citizenship. The study of civil government and of history are identical, happily so for us since Rhode Island history is found to be highly entertaining.
The roots of the present lie deep in the past, and nothing in the past is dead to the man who would learn how the present came to be what it is. Though we must not distort the past in an effort to give meaning to the present, yet we can fully understand to- day only by a study of previous events; and the past, on the other hand, is appreciated only by those who realize the significance of the present.
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EARLIEST RHODE ISLAND VISITORS
0 F ALL the barbarians who ever raided Northern Europe and the British Isles, the fiercest were those giant blue-eyed chief- tains and warriors known as the Vikings. They were fostered in a land of bitter north- ern winds and hardened to the terrors of North Atlantic storms. Their famous ships, the "long keels," dominated the northern waters during the 9th and 10th centuries. From their homes in the Scandinavian peninsula these untamed savages, for such indeed they were, sailed out to conquer and plunder the whole Northern European coast as well as Scotland, England and Ireland. And well they succeeded, for at various times nearly the whole of Northern Europe was under their rule. It must not be in- ferred that these men were warriors only. They could easily adapt themselves to new possessions and immediately settle down to till new lands and plant new vineyards.
The name "Viking" is derived from the old Norse term vik (a bay), and means one who haunts a bay, creek, or fjord. Espe- cially did the name come to be applied to those who went on the raiding expeditions, leaving their homes in Scandinavia for the excitement of battle and conquest on for- eign shores. However, while the name it- self has a very narrow significance when applied correctly, it has come to be broadly identified with a definite period of Scandi- navian history.
Most of the history of the Vikings was first written by medieval Latin chroniclers writing in monasteries which had often felt the devastating hand of the raiders. As might be expected, these accounts stress the extreme cruelty and violence of the Vik- ings, whom they classed with pirates. It has only been since Scandinavian history has been fully revealed that we have had a chance to learn much of the true nature of the Vikings as a race and as individuals. Of course, the charge of cruelty and vio- lence is for the most part true. These men
were barbarians of the fiercest type. Know- ing no religion except one which idealized Fatalism, they had no more consideration for themselves than for their enemies.
They fought for fame, since they believed fame alone to be undying. Consequently, in battle they were without fear, so great was their desire to perpetuate their names in the sagas and heroic songs of their race. While, like other warriors of the European countries, they used the spear and two-edged sword, the characteristic weapon of the Vik- ings was their terrible broad-axe which they wielded with great dexterity and power. Again and again the "long keels" were beached on English shores, and the long- haired Norsemen, with their great horned helmets, beat back the defenders of the land. By one great English chieftain alone were they held at bay, and that was Alfred the Great. A mighty leader himself, he was able to organize the inhabitants of his country against the invaders, and drove them from the land during his long reign.
Russia, Germany, and Normandy all felt the Vikings' steel, in alternate waves of invasion and conquest. In the latter coun- tries the Vikings settled down on farmlands won from inhabitants, and turned to the business of starting vineyards. Of the two besetting sins of which the Norsemen were guilty, one was the immoderate love of wine, the other, of women. Especially in the aftermath of victory would they let their desires run free and spend many days and nights in wild carousal.
However, despite the evidence which would seem to imply that the Vikings were nothing but the most uncouth of human beings, they mixed with their savagery an astounding amount of knowledge. Again and again historians have remarked of this paradoxical state of affairs, when recording the history of this wild and crafty race of fighters. The Scandinavian peoples at the time of the Vikings were in a state of tran- sition. As a result there was much in both their theory and practice of life that savoured of utter barbarism, while at the same time in the development of certain
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PROVIDENCE INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
phases of human activity, especially war, trade, and social organization, they were considerably ahead of most of their Euro- pean neighbors. Particularly does the story of their slow and halting passage from heathenism to Christianity emphasize the barbarous side of their natures. As an ex- ample of their savage cruelty in war, it is only necessary to state what is commonplace among historians,-that the victorious Vik- ings had a custom of cooking their food on spits stuck in the bodies of their fallen foes.
In trade and social life, however, the Vik- ings were well organized. They studied sea- manship carefully, because they followed the sea in all their undertakings. They had none of the fanatical daring of other early seamen and explorers. Even in their most extensive exploring and foraging expedi- tions they placed the utmost confidence in their own knowledge of navigation and the staunchness of their ships. Trade only took place in time of truce, for the Vikings were much more inclined to take what they wished than barter for it.
The best example of their social organ- ization was in Iceland, where it was uninflu- enced by contact with any other European nation. The first settlements in this far northern outpost were made by Viking noblemen who could not abide the rule of one of their own chieftains. At first they made many isolated settlements in Iceland, but they soon found some form of organiza- tion was necessary. Leaders were chosen and laws set up, although it is doubtful whe-
ther the latter were obeyed to any great degree. There in Iceland a true Viking civ- ilization grew up, having even its own literature.
It was from the Iceland colony that expe- ditions were sent to Greenland and finally, in 1001, to Rhode Island, in the western hemisphere. The voyage of Lief Ericson, while among the first, was not the last to be made by the Vikings to the shores of this state. They were greatly attracted by the grapes which they found in abundance here, and had high hopes of making a permanent settlement. Three times they came, and on the last were driven away by the hostility of the natives. It may seem strange that these fierce fighters from the North could be so easily discouraged in their conquest of a new land, but it must also be remem- bered that those who reached these shores were few, a mere handful against the hordes of wily Indians who sought every oppor- tunity to drive out the invaders. In two bitter skirmishes the Indians were driven back into the forests by the Vikings, but the latter feared another attack, and gathering together their belongings they sailed back to Iceland. Never again did they visit these shores.
The Vikings were a race of fighting heath- ens, but they instilled a vital blood into all the peoples of Northern Europe. Without them as ancestors, the Normans would not have had the spirit that drove them to the conquest of England, nor would the Scot- tish Highlanders have risen to fame.
GIOVANNI VERAZZANO
D ESPITE the fact that France has always assumed leadership among nations throughout history, she was decidedly back- ward in participating in the discovery and conquest of the New World. For several decades the kings of England had been sup- porting expeditions which revealed new continents; Portugal had annexed Brazil, as well as the West Coast of Africa; and Spain, since the famous voyage of Colum- bus in 1492, had been steadily adding to her possessions and wealth in the new Americas. Not until 1523 did France, as
a nation, awake to the possibilities of the moment.
Not all the people of France had been dormant to the opportunities revealed by the first explorers. The hardy mariners of Brittany and Normandy, upon hearing the reports of John Cabot concerning the abundance of fish in the waters off New- foundland, had sailed west in their fishing boats, following the direction of the Cabots and the Cortereals. They were soon fol- lowed by the fishermen of Dieppe and Hon- fleur, and it became so commonplace for
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"THE OLD STONE BANK"
these French fishing vessels to frequent the newly discovered shores that it seemed to the people of their home provinces that such had been their custom from time immemo- rial. Consequently, a tradition arose that French fishermen had not waited for Columbus and the Cabots to show them the way west.
There was a first French voyage westward which was authentic, being sponsored by the people of Dieppe, in 1508. Becoming greatly envious of the discoveries made by the Spaniards in America, they equipped two vessels for the purpose of discovering whether on not that part of the world did not extend further northward. The com- mand of these two ships was given jointly to Thomas Aubert and Jean Verassen, two of their most skillful sea captains. The re- sult of this venture was the discovery of the river which they named St. Lawrence, in honor of the martyred Roman saint. While some authorities disagree, because of the lack of sufficient evidence, others be- lieve, and quite reasonably, that the Jean Verassen of this voyage in 1508, was none other than the Giovanni da Verazzano who was later to make explorations in the name of the French king, Francis I.
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