History of Providence County, Rhode Island, Volume I, Part 10

Author: Bayles, Richard M. (Richard Mather), ed
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: New York, W. W. Preston
Number of Pages: 1036

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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 65

preparation for this work had been made at the Brockton High School, Dartmouth College (class of 1871) and the New Church Philological School now located in Cambridge, Mass. He was always fond of the law, and used to spend his Mondays in court, hearing prominent law- yers discuss law points and matters of evidence. At last he began the study of law in earnest, with a view to making it a profession. January 1st, 1887, he entered the offices of Van Slyck & Van Slyck, city solicitors of Providence, as a student. By giving attention to it he covered the usual ground in his reading with greater rapidity than is usual, and passed the examination with ease. He also prepared an elaborate and accurate index or digest of the Rhode Island Law Re- ports, which is pronounced by those who have examined it as the most complete thing of its kind in the state. After being admitted to the bar he entered into partnership with Nathan W. Littlefield, and since April, 1889, has laid aside all ministerial duties, and devoted himself exclusively to the law. On October 9th, 1874, he married Alice Clark Wellington, of Brookline, Mass., by whom he has had seven children: Langdon, Margaret, Edith, Warren, Alice W., Mary E. and Arthur E., the eldest of whom died January 11th, 1887.

William Howard Sweetland was born in Pawtucket, R. I., Decem- ber 19th, 1857. His parents were William and Nancy Greene (How- ard) Sweetland. He was educated in the schools of Providence, and at Brown University, receiving the degree of A. B. in 1878, and of A. M. in 1881. He was admitted to the Rhode Island bar in the latter year, and settled in Providence, where he has since continued the practice of law. He was a member of the Providence school commit- tee in 1887; clerk of the Rhode Island house of representatives in 1888- 89; and was elected clerk of the district court of the Sixth judicial district in 1889. He was married, June 11th, 1889, to Florence Gar- diner Reynolds, and has a son, Reynolds Sweetland.

John T. Blodgett was born in Belmont, Mass., May 16th, 1859. He was educated in the public schools of that town and of Watertown, Mass., graduating from Watertown High School in the class of 1875, from Worcester Academy in 1876, and from Brown University, with the degree of A. B., in the class of 1880. He received from the same institution the degree of A. M. in 1883. On graduating he entered the law office of Benjamin N. Lapham, Esq., of Providence, and was admitted to the bar by the supreme court of Rhode Island in 1883, and by the U. S. circuit court in 1885. He is actively associated with the prohibition movement in this state, and has been placed in nomina- tion for many of the important offices -- representative to general assembly, mayor of city, and attorney general of state.

Augustus S. Miller was born in Plainfield, Conn., August 13th. 1847. F He is the descendant of Robert Miller, who settled there some 200 years ago. He prepared for college at Mowry & Goff's Eng- lish and Classical School in Providence, and graduated from Brown

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

៛ University in the class of 1871. He is engaged in the practice of law in Providence, and is also president of the American Enamel Com- pany. In politics he is a democrat, having held the position of chair- man of the democratic city committee in 1881 and 1882, and was one of the organizers of the Young Men's Democratic Club of Providence, and its first president in 1882 and 1883. He was a representative to the general assembly in 1884-5, a member of Providence city council in 1885, 1886 and 1887, being its president in 1887, and representative to assembly in 1889 and 1890, also speaker of the house during both those terms. He was married February 17th, 1881, to Elizabeth Le Moine Davis, daughter of Hon. William D. Davis of Providence. They have had two children: Mary E. D., born February 8th, 1883, died April 1st, 1886; and William Davis, born November 5th, 1887.

Cyrus M. Van Slyck, son of Nicholas and Lizzie P. (Manchester) Van Slyck, was born in Providence, January 9th, 1856. He was edu- cated in the public schools of the city, graduating from the high school in 1872. He then attended Brown University, graduating thence with the degree of A.B. in 1876. He next took a course in the Law School of Harvard University, receiving there the degree of LL. B. on graduating in 1878. He was admitted to the bar July 3d, 1878, and began practicing in Providence, where he has ever since continued. He held the office of city solicitor from June, 1888, to the present time; entered the militia service of the state in 1875, and after hold- ing various offices therein, became colonel of the United Train of Artillery of Providence, in 1884, and still retains that position. He was married in 1887, to Annie P. Crocker, of Fitchburg, Mass., and they have one child.

Samuel Norris, Jr., was born July 23d, 1862, in Bristol, R. I., in the home of his parents and grandparents. In 1865 he went abroad with his family, and remained until 1879, living meanwhile chiefly in Paris and London. He had an English tutor, and passed the matriculation examination of the London University in 1879, in the First Division. On returning to this country in the same year he entered Harvard in the fall, and was graduated in 1883. He then attended Harvard Law School for two years, and was admitted to the Rhode Island bar in 1885. Since then he has continued to live in Bristol, having an office there and another in Providence.

Edward F. Lovejoy was born in East Corinth, Maine, December Ist, 1861. He is the son of Azael and Zintha S. Lovejoy. He was graduated from Brown University in the class of 1885, and from the Boston Law School in the class of 1887. He has since practiced in Providence, being now connected with the firm of Stone & Lovejoy, whose offices are in Butler Exchange. The other member of the firm is Mr. Samuel S. Stone.

Erwin J. France was born in Burrillville, R. I., March Ist, 1856, being the son of James E. and Susan (Phillips) France. He was edu-

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

cated at Brown University, graduating in the class of 1876, and in the law department of Boston University, in the class of 1881. He has practiced law since that time in Woonsocket, and has been state sen- ator from that town, also a member of the school board. He is now a member of the law firm of France & Ballou, their office being at 239 Main street, Woonsocket.

George Newman Bliss, of East Providence, was born in Tiverton. July 22d, 1837. He graduated from Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., in the class of 1860. He enlisted as a private in the First Rhode Island Cavalry, in September, 1861, and was mustered out as a captain. May 15th, 1865. Wounded and captured at Waynesborough, Va., September 28th, 1864, he was confined as a hostage at Libby Prison for a confederate soldier who had been sentenced to be hanged. He was exchanged for hostage February 5th, 1865. Since the war he has practiced law, having an office in the city of Providence. He was a representative from East Providence in the assembly, from 1868 to 1873, and senator in 1882-3, and again in 1885. He was assistant com- missioner of shell fisheries, 1869 to 1879; major commanding First Battalion Cavalry, R. I. Militia, 1879 to 1883; trial justice, 1872 to 1886; justice of the Seventh judicial district since July, 1886; and member of the school committee since 1873. In politics he is a republican.

Stephen A. Cooke, Jr., is a lawyer by profession, and a republican in politics. He is located in the practice of law in offices at 37 Wey- bosset street, Providence. He served as a representative from the city of Providence in the general assembly from 1871 to 1874, and as senator from 1885 to 1887.

John P. Gregory, of Lincoln, was born in Central Falls, then a part of the town of Smithfield, March 3d, 1840. He was educated in the public schools and at the State Normal School, and was a teacher in the public schools for several years. He was admitted to the bar February 17th, 1866, and has since practiced law. He was one of the justices of the court of magistrates of Pawtucket from 1865 to 1871. and in 1886 he was town solicitor of Lincoln. He was representative from that town from 1878 to 1884, and senator from 1884 to 1886. In politics he is a republican.

Thomas P. Barnefield, of Pawtucket, was born in Boston, Mass., March 25th, 1844. He was educated in the public schools of Massa- chusetts, and has practiced law at Pawtucket since 1880. He has held the offices of judge of probate and city solicitor of Pawtucket; assist- ant judge advocate general of the state; representative, 1884-5, and 1886-7. During the civil war he enlisted as a private in the 35th Massachusetts Volunteers, in 1862, and was mustered out as a first lieutenant, in 1864.

James W. Blackwood was a lawyer who practiced in Providence until recently. He was trial justice of Providence from 1876 to 1886, and was justice of the Sixth judicial district from July 1st, 1886, for

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

a time. He was a representative in 1876-7, and again in 1885-7. In politics he was a republican.

William Winthrop Blodgett, of Pawtucket, was born in Randolph, Vermont, July 8th, 1824. He was graduated from the University of Vermont in the class of 1847. He was a member of the Massachusetts house of representatives from 1858 to 1860; in the Rhode Island senate, in March, 1862, being the first senator from the newly organized town of Pawtucket; a representative in general assembly 1863-65, 1869-71. 1882-85 and 1886-88. He was for 20 years judge of probate, in Paw- tucket; and was also commissioner of insolvency of Massachusetts, and Rhode Island bank commissioner.

Albert R. Greene was born in Apponaug, town of Warwick, March 3d. 1844. He was educated in Brown University in the years 1865- 66, and graduated from Cornell University in the class of 1870. He then studied law in the Michigan University Law School, and gradu- ated in 1871. He was admitted to the bar in 1872, and has since prac- ticed law. During the civil war he served in the 11th R. I. Volunteers and 78th N. Y. Volunteers, from September, 1862, to August, 1864, participating in the battles of Wauhatchie, Lookout Mountain and other engagements attending the capture of Atlanta, Ga. He has held the office of moderator of the town of Warwick almost continu- ously since 1872; was a member and president of the town council three years; served as trial justice and coroner, and was a representa- tive in general assembly some two or three years. He practices law in Providence, having an office at 37 Weybosset street.

James Harris, of Smithfield, was born in Burrillville, September 16th, 1860. He was educated in the public schools and in the private school of Merrick and Emory Lyon, at Providence. He has been a member of the school committee of his town since 1883. He was a representative from Smithfield several years, beginning with 1883. He also held the office of justice of the Ninth judicial district several years. He is a lawyer by profession, and a republican in politics.

Francello G. Jillson was born in Woonsocket, in the then town of Cumberland, September 22d, 1841, and was educated at the Woon- socket High School and New London, N. H., Academy. During the civil war he served as corporal in the First Rhode Island Volunteers, and first lieutenant in the Ninth Rhode Island Volunteers. He was town clerk from 1865 to 1874, inclusive; senator from the town of Woonsocket 1870-71; member and president of the town council two years; and representative from that town for several years, beginning with 1881. He was speaker of the house from January 30th, 1883, to May, 1885. He has for many years been practicing law in Woon- socket.

Francis W. Miner, of Providence, was born in Fall River, Mass., December 10th, 1831. He graduated from Brown University, and was admitted to the bar in 1859. He was a representative from Cranston

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

from 1861 to 1864, and again from 1868 to 1875, and was speaker of the house in 1862-3. He was a representative from",Providence in 1886-7. During the civil war he was major of artillery, performing important staff duty. He was a member of the Providence common council in 1886. In politics he is a republican.

John Carter Brown Woods was born in Providence June 12th, 1851. He was graduated from Brown University in the class of 1872, and from Harvard Law School in the class of 1874. He was admitted to the bar in December, 1874, and has since practiced the profession of law. He was a member of the common council of Providence from February 1st, 1877, to January, 1885, and was president of that body from 1881 to 1885. He was a representative five or six years, begin- ning November 22d, 1881. In politics he is a republican.

Christopher Marble Lee was born in Newport, October 18th, 1854. His father was Thomas J., and his mother Mary Lee. His education began in the public schools of Newport, and he graduated from there in July, 1873. In the fall of the same year he entered Brown Uni- versity, and graduated from there in 1877. In the fall of that year he entered the office of Francis B. Peckham, city solicitor of Newport, and remained there two years. Being admitted to the bar in Septem- ber, 1879, he began practicing law in Newport, and continued there until 1885. In that year he removed to Providence, and has contin- ued in practice there ever since. He was married June 1st, 1881, to Laura C. Gardiner, youngest daughter of Aldridge B. Gardiner, of Providence. They have no children.

William C. Baker was born in the village of Wickford, R. I., March 15th, 1858. His parents were David S. and Mary C. Baker. He at- tended the public schools during his boyhood, and prepared for col- lege at East Greenwich Academy; then entering Brown University, he graduated thence in 1881. He taught languages in De Veaux Col- lege, at Suspension Bridge, N. Y., two years. He was admitted to the bar of Rhode Island July 19th, 1884. He was superintendent of pub- lic schools in North Kingstown, R. I., from 1884 to 1888. In the latter year he was nominated for congress by the democrats, but was defeated in the election. He married Sophia, daughter of Jesse Metcalf, of Providence, May 24th, 1888.

Charles F. Baldwin, now practicing law at 19 College street, Prov- idence, was born in Plainfield, N. H., November 11th, 1852, being the son of Cyrus and Hannah Baldwin. He received the principal part of his education at Kimball Union Academy, N. H. He studied law in Providence, and was admitted to the bar in 1878. He was married in 1882, to Clara, daughter of John Howland of Jamestown, R. I. Since his admission to the bar he has practiced in Providence.

Samuel Slater Durfee was born in Providence, September 23d, 1858. His father is Thomas Durfee and his mother Sarah J. (Slater) Durfee. He was educated at the private school of Reverend Charles

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

H. Wheeler, in Providence, and at Brown University, graduating from that institution in the class of 1880. He studied law in the office of Thomas C. Greene, in Providence, and at the Law School of Boston University, after which he was admitted to the Rhode Island bar Jan- uary 29th, 1884. Since then he has practiced law in Providence. He is still unmarried.

Stephen G. Edwards was born at Glen, Nova Scotia, January 22d, 1855. His parents were William H. and Eleanor S. (Mount) Ed- wards. Until 17 years of age he lived on a farm with his father, receiving his early education in the public schools of Glen. At the age of 17 he taught school one winter, and then took a college preparatory course at Amsterdam Academy, and at Hungerford Col- legiate Institute, of Adams, New York state. Entering Brown Uni- versity in 1875, he graduated thence in 1879, after which he taught three years in Providence High School. During the last year and a half he was second teacher in the classical department. He studied law in the office of Bradley & Metcalf, and took the course at Boston University Law School, being admitted to the bar in 1884. Since then he has practiced law in Providence. In 1886-7 he was instructor in mathematics and logic at Brown University, but continued his law practice meanwhile. In 1889-90 he was a member of the Providence school committee; in 1890 was clerk of the house of representatives in the state legislature. He was married in 1887 to Ellen A. Chace, and they have two children, Walter A. and Helen C.

John Doran was born November 8th, 1858, in the town of Barring- ton, Bristol county, R. I. His parents were James and Catherine (Nolan) Doran. His early life was spent in Barrington, where he attended the district school, and afterward prepared for college in the private academy of Isaac F. Cady, at Barrington Centre. He entered Mt. St. Mary's College, at Emmitsburg, Md., in September, 1875, and graduated in June, 1879. In the spring of 1880 he com- menced to study law with James Tillinghast, Esq., of Providence, and was admitted to the bar in July, 1882. He has practiced in Providence ever since. In July, 1887, he formed a partnership with Mr. E. D. McGuinness, which he still continues. He was married July 10th, 1889, to Jane F. Ward, daughter of Patrick and Mary Ward, of Warren, R. I.

Ambrose Fealy, a lawyer of Olneyville, with residence in Woon- socket, was born in the latter place, September 2d, 1859. He re- ceived his education in the Jesuitical College of Worcester, Mass., graduating there, with the degree of A.B., in 1880. He then began the study of law, at first in the Boston Law School, and afterward in the office of F. L. O'Reilly, in Woonsocket, and was admitted to the bar in January, 1884. For two years he was in partnership with Mr. Charles E. Gorman, but since that he has been alone, practic-

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

ing law in Providence. Mr. Fealy is a democrat, and was elected to the assembly in 1887, and again in 1889.

Franklin P. Owen, of Scituate, was born in that town December 27th, 1853, and is a lawyer by profession. He was educated at the Lapham Institute and Amherst College, class of 1874. He is a demo- crat in politics and has served as state senator.

Samuel P. Colt was born January 10th, 1852, at Patterson, N. J., being the son of Christopher and Theodora G. (De Wolf) Colt. His school days were passed at Hartford and New Hartford, Conn. At the age of 14 he came with the family to Bristol, R. I., where they settled upon the homestead estate of General George De Wolf. his grandfather on the maternal side. He was educated at Anthon's Grammar School, in New York, for two years, and at the Massachu- setts Institute of Technology three years. He then passed a year in Europe, and then spent two years in Columbia Law School. He was admitted to the bar in New York in May, 1875, after which he studied law in the office of Thurston & Ripley, in Providence, and was admit- ted to the Rhode Island bar January 1st, 1876. He practiced law in Rhode Island, and was a member of the general assembly from 1876 to 1879. In the year 1879 he was elected assistant attorney general, and served in that position till he was elected attorney general, in 1882. In the latter position he served four years. He founded the Industrial Trust Company, of Providence, and has been its president from the start. He is also president of the National India Rubber Company, of Bristol, R. I., having re-organized the old National Rub- ber Company with $500,000 new capital. He was married in 1881, to Elizabeth M., daughter of Judge J. R. Bullock, of the U. S. court. They have three children-Samuel P., Jr., eight years; Russell G., seven years, and an infant in its first year.

Charles Staples, son of ex-Chief Justice William R. Staples of Providence, was born in Providence, May 29th, 1859. His mother was Evelina Eaton Staples, of Framingham, Mass. He was educated at Lyons and at Brown University, and then studied law with Win- gate Hayes, Esq., and his own father, Judge Staples. He was deputy secretary of state for three years under John R. Bartlett, and private secretary to Governor Ambrose E. Burnside during his term of office. After practicing law eight years in the city of Providence he studied medicine under Doctors W. O. Brown and George R. Kenyon. He was the first hospital steward appointed in the Rhode Island militia, and served in that capacity nine years, being attached to the First Light Infantry Regiment. He has been ward clerk of Second ward three years, secretary of the R. I. Society for the Encouragement of Domestic Industry, of the Providence Franklin Society, of the Zeta Psi Society, and of Company B, First Light Infantry Regiment. He is now in the United States employ, in the census department, and is also notary and justice of the peace.

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

Thomas W. Robinson was born at Pawtucket, March 23d, 1856, being the son of Thomas and Mary Robinson. He was born and brought up on a farm and was educated in the public schools, Bryant & Strat- ton Business College and also the Boston University Law School, graduating thence in the class of 1877. He was admitted to the bar of this state in 1888, and has had an office and practiced law in Paw- tucket ever since. He was a member of the town council in 1886, and a representative to general assembly in 1887 and 1889. He was mar- ried to Mary E. Tetlow, at Providence, November 3d, 1881. Two daughters have come to them-Lillian, six years, and Mary, four years of age.

Thomas Z. Lee was born September 26th, 1866, in Woonsocket. He is the son of Thomas and Helen M. Lee, and was educated in Woonsocket. He was admitted to the Rhode Island bar in 18SS, and began practice in Woonsocket, after reading law with Messrs. Browne & Van Slyck, in Providence. He was for a time connected with the Woonsocket Evening Reporter, and was clerk of the house of repre- sentatives in 1888 and 1889. On the 4th of November, 1889, he formed a partnership with Hon. Livingston Scott, in the practice of law. He is prominent in secret societies, and is well known in social and politi- cal circles throughout the state.

Clarke Howard Johnson was born at Moosup Valley in the town of Foster, November 18th, 1851. His father, Elisha Johnson, was an influential citizen of the town, and held many positions of public trust, among others that of president of the town council, state sen- ator, and colonel of the 13th Regiment in the old militia. The mother of our subject was Matilda Howard, daughter of Clark Howard, of Foster. He was brought up on the old Johnson homestead, which has been in the Johnson family since 1784, and in the possession of his ancestors of another family since about the year 1700. He worked on the farm summers, and attended the district school win- ters, until about 18 years of age. After that he prepared for college at Lapham Institute, in North Scituate, and entered Brown Uni- versity in 1873, graduating thence in 1877. He studied law in Prov- idence, and was admitted to the bar in 1879, and has been in prac- tice there ever since. He was elected to a seat in the state house of representatives in 1879, and again in 1880. In 1881 he was elected to the state senate. From 1881 to 1886 he was clerk of the house of representatives. In 1886 he was elected justice of the district court for the Eighth judicial district, which position he holds at the present time, having been re-elected in 1889.

Charles H. McFee was born in Haverhill, Mass., January 1st, 1861. His parents were Ilamden and Sarah C. (Scaly) McFee. He was educated at the high school in Haverhill, and at Harvard Uni- versity, in the class of 1882. He taught school, as principal of Washington Academy, at Wickford, R. I., one term, and as princi-

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

pal of the Consolidated Grammar Schools from September, 1882, to September, 1885. In the latter year he began the study of law in Woonsocket. He was a member of the town council in 1886 and 1887, being its president in the latter year. In 1887 he was elected a representative to the general assembly, where he was placed at the head of the committee on education. In 1886 he was elected a member of the school committee, and in 1887 was chosen clerk of that board. He was married April 18th, 1888, to Carrie V. Cook, at Woonsocket, and they have one son, Raymond F. McFee. Mr. McFee was admitted to the bar in October, 1887, and has been prac- ticing in Woonsocket ever since.

Charles C. Mumford was born at Medford, Mass., November 11th, 1860. His parents were Benjamin G. and Jane D. Mumford. His father died when Charles was about seven years old, and the family removed then to Providence. He was educated in the public schools of that city and at Brown University, where he graduated in 1881. He studied law with Messrs. Browne & Van Slyck, and was admit- ted to the bar in 1883. July Ist of that year he was appointed assistant clerk of the court of common pleas, and held that position until he was elected as clerk of the municipal court in June, 1884. In June, 1885, he exchanged that position for that of assistant attor- ney general of the state, which he held until May, 1886. Since that time he has devoted himself to the practice of his profession in the city of Providence, except about ten months spent in Buffalo, N. Y. He has held various positions in the Masonic fraternity, the Narragansett Boat Club, and other organizations. He was married to Miss Emma Van Slyck in April, 1887, and they have one child, Marion.

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History of Providence County, Rhode Island, Volume I, Part 10

Author: Bayles, Richard M. (Richard Mather), ed Publication date: 1891 Publisher: New York, W. W. Preston Number of Pages: 1036

Author: Bayles, Richard M. (Richard Mather), ed
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: New York, W. W. Preston
Number of Pages: 1036