History of Providence County, Rhode Island, Volume I, Part 72

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

USA > Rhode Island > Providence County > History of Providence County, Rhode Island, Volume I > Part 72

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

It will be of interest here to notice briefly some of the men who were prominent in the early history of the association. Elijah Bacon, at whose house the first meeting for organization took place, was a carpenter by trade, and a captain of militia. His shop stood on the east side of Union street, near Broad, opposite his residence. The shop was burned October 7th, 1790, with about $700 worth of sash, doors and the like. The association raised a subscription among its members to make up in part this loss. Captain Bacon died August 14th, 1801, aged 72 years. Barzillai Richmond was by trade a hatter. He was one of the founders of the Beneficent Congrega- tional church, in 1743. He was much interested in the education of youth, and in 1751, associated with Gideon Comstock, Alexander Frazier, Joseph Potter. Thomas Angell, James Field, and Nehemiah Sprague, obtained permission of the town to build a school house on the west side of the river. He died January 5th, 1796, in his 75th year, respected for his moral worth, by the entire community. Charles Keene was born in Providence, January 25th, 1733. He learned the blacksmithing business in his youth, and afterward en- gaged in the manufacture of edge tools. In 1757 he was associated with George Payson, and became joint owner in the water privilege on the east side of the Moshassuck, at the dam on Bark street. Two years later he purchased Mr. Payson's share of that property, and occupied the same until his death. About 1784 he engaged in the manufacture of scythes and axes. He was an active member of the association, and its president for three years beginning in 1790. He represented Providence in the general assembly in the years 1780, '81, '84, '85 and '86, and was for six years a member of the town council. Mr. Keene was remarkable for energy, integrity and in- telligence. He was a staunch patriot during the revolution, and served as a captain in Sullivan's expedition to Rhode Island. He

599

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

afterward received a major's commission. He died January 4th, 1794, universally respected and deeply lamented.

Amos Atwell was a descendant of Amos Maine, the original pro- prietor of the province of Maine. During the revolutionary war he received a colonel's commission in the militia, and in 1790-1 represent- ed Providence in the general assembly. He was the first treasurer of the association, and held the office three years. In 1793 he was elected its president, and held the office four years. He built and occupied the house on Weybosset street subsequently known as the Weybosset House, which wasdemolished in 1860, to give place to the Bank Building. For several years he and his son kept a West India goods and hardware store at the place mentioned. The son with- drew in 1796, and Mr. Atwell continued the business alone. He died August 10th, 1807, in the 77th year of his age, and was buried with Masonic honors.

John Carlile was a native of Providence. His grandfather came to this country with his relative, the father of Paul Revere, of revo- lutionary fame. On his maternal side Mr. Carlile was descended from James Franklin. After learning the trade he established himself here in the business of cabinet making. He married Nancy, daugh- ter of Nathaniel Dana, by whom he had 13 children. He built and occupied No. 14 George street. He was president of the association from 1817 to 1823, and was elected colonel of the United Train of Ar- tillery, which position he held for nine years, discharging its duties in a most acceptable manner. He was also for many years Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free Masons. He was prominent in town affairs, and was often called to the chair in town meetings. On the occasion of La Fayette's visit, in 1824, he was appointed to re- ceive that distinguished visitor, presenting the address to the general and presiding at the entertainment given on the occasion. He repre- sented Providence in the general assembly in 1801 and 1802, and was a member of the town council from 1818 to 1824. He died July 17th, 1832, in the 70th year of his age.

James Burrill was a native of Lynn, Mass., and learned the trade of a tin plate worker in Newport, R. I. He set up that business in Providence, and continued to labor in it nearly to the close of his life. For many years he occupied a shop in Waterman's Row, near the foot of President street, where the daily music of his hammer was a familiar sound for many long years. He was distinguished for the superior excellence of his manufactures. He was vice-president of the association in 1794, and held the office of president from 1797 to 1809. Mr. Burrill was a man of sound sense and practical wisdom. He was a representative of Providence in the general assembly in 1797, a member of the town council in 1793 and 1794, and frequently a moderator in town meetings. He died December 15th, 1825, in the 82d year of hisage. His son, James Burrill, Jr., was the distinguished

600

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

senator of the United States from Rhode Island in the years 1817 to 1821.

Bennett Wheeler was a printer. He was born at Halifax, N. S., in 1758. At the age of 18 he emigrated thence, and arrived in Provi- dence September 20th, 1776. In the militia he was several times pro- moted during the revolution, until soon after its close he was com- missioned brigade major for the county of Providence and inspector general of militia for the state. He was also appointed collector of excise in this county. In 1779 he began the publication of the Ameri- can Journal and General Advertiser, which was continued upward of four years, and in 1784, having resigned his military and civil offices, he established the United States Chronicle, which he continued to the year 1802. That paper advocated the adoption of the constitution of the United States and the general views of the federal party. Mr. Wheeler was the first secretary of the association, and held the office six years. He died April 13th, 1806, in the 47th year of his age.

William Barton was born in Warren, R. I., May 26th, 1748. He learned the trade of a hatter, married at the age of 22, and came to Providence and set up business previous to the revolution. He joined the regular army in the war as corporal, and by successive promo- tions reached the rank of colonel. He served with honor to himself and usefulness to his country. In repelling the attack on Bristol in 1775 he was wounded in the thigh, which confined him for three months. But the crowning exploit of his military career was the daring and successful expedition for the capture of the British Gen- eral Prescott. In this affair " he displayed a firmness of nerve, a fix- edness of purpose and an intrepidity of conduct not surpassed by any deed of heroism on the page of history." The military services of Colonel Barton were highly appreciated by congress, which presented him with a sword, bearing the inscription, "Gift of Congress to Col. Barton, 25th July, 1777." He also received a grant of land in Ver- mont. In 1802 he received the commission of general of militia of Rhode Island. He was an active member of the association, for two years its vice-president, and in 1790 presented it with an elegant silk standard. His residence stood on the site of the present Blackstone Block, 27 to 33 Weybosset street. He died October 22d, 1831, at the age of 85, and was buried with military honors.

William Richmond, son of Barzillai, was born in Providence Aug- ust 17th, 1744 (O. S.). He was a hat manufacturer, served as presi- dent of the association from 1809 for seven years, was an earnest ad- vocate of the encouragement of home manufactures, and occupied many local offices of importance. His tombstone bears this record: " He served in various publie trusts for more than thirty years, and was President of the Town Council of Providence from 1813 to 1825. In every station faithful, assiduous and energetic, watchful of the

601

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

public interest, and sparing of the public money. He died in the faith, hope and consolations of Christianity October 4. N. S., 1828."

Gershom Jones was a native of Somers, Conn., and after learn- ing the trade of a coppersmith in Norwich, he came to Providence at the age of 21, and was soon after married. In 1789 his residence was on Westminster street, west side of Pleasant, and his workshop was on the north side of Westminster, nearly opposite the west end of Whitman's Block. He afterward moved his shop to the rear of his dwelling house. In the militia he held the commission of a major. He is described as a large, portly man, active in the affairs of his time, a man of considerable musical powers and taste, and a promi- nent member of the Masonic fraternity. He died May 1st, 1809, in the 58th year of his age.

Samuel Thurber was born February 15th, 1757, in the house which his father had erected on Constitution hill about the year 1750. This house became 271 North Main street. In his early days young Thurber was employed in the store of his uncle, at the site later known as 283 North Main street. When Sullivan's expedition was making ready to go against the British on Rhode Island, he with one of his younger brothers joined it. His mother fitted them out, fill- ing their knapsacks with food and clothing, and charged them to go and behave themselves like men. He was afterward appointed commissary to the hospital which was established in what was later known as the Butler house, its site being directly in the rear of the present Church of the Redeemer on North Main street. In 1780 Mr. Thurber, with his father and two brothers, erected a paper mill in the north part of the town, on the same dam on which his father already had a grist mill. They were known as the Thurber Mills. He afterward kept a store at the foot of Star street, and also in the Hubbard house on North Main street, for the sale of paper and col- lecting paper stock. During the latter part of his life he was en- gaged somewhat in farming. He held the office of justice of the peace for several years, beginning with 1794. He was the son of Samuel, who was the son of Samuel, who was the son of James, who was the son of John, who came to this country from England in 1672, and settled at a place then called New Meadow Neck, now a part of Barrington, in this state. In 1797 he was elected treasurer of the Mechanics' and Manufacturers' Association, and held the office for 28 successive years, when he declined a re-election. Mr. Thurber was a man of plain manners, frugal habits, benevolent disposition and scrupulously exact in all his transactions. He died November 6th, 1839, aged 82 years, three months, and 22 days.

Robert Newell was a clothier. He was a thin, spare man of com- mon height, strong mind and aged appearance. His residence was on the west side of Charles street, a little north of Mill bridge. His coloring and finishing shop was somewhat nearer the bridge. His

602

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

fulling mill was further up this street, on a part of the lot where the works of the Franklin Machine Company now stand. In the chambers over the fulling mill he had a chocolate mill, where he manufactured an article which became celebrated for its good quality. On the same lot he had several other buildings, in some of which. between the years 1790 and 1800, he was engaged in calico printing and coloring some designs of wall paper. He was a prominent man in town affairs,. frequently serving on important committees. He died April 16th, 1810; and it was said of him-" He was a very worthy and respectable citizen-one who feared God and eschewed evil."

Stanford Newell was the youngest son of Robert Newell. With his brothers, John and Franklin, he continued the business after his father's death. Subsequently they set up a carding machine for card- ing wool; also a jack and jenny for spinning wool, with looms for weaving satinets and woolen cloths. This proved unprofitable, and was soon given up. Then Mr. Newell and others set up an iron foundry, at the same place, using the water power for operating the bellows. Some time later additions were made to the company and the manufacture of cotton machinery was begun. Mr. Newell was in- terested in this business until his death, which took place November 14th. 1843, in the 53d year of his age. He was at different times a member of the general assembly, a town councilman and an alder- man of the city, and was the first president of the Mechanics' and Manufacturers' Bank, which office he held for a number of years.

Isaac Greenwood came from Boston to Providence about 1778 or 1779, and commenced the manufacture of mathematical and optical instruments. Possessing some knowledge of dentistry, he added that department to his business, and in the course of a few years he made that the principal branch of his business. In 1790 he removed to New- port, but returned in 1793, and set up business in dentistry " directly opposite the Custom House." In 1803 he appears to have been en- gaged again in the mathematical instrument manufacture, which. indeed, he probably never entirely abandoned. In 1807 he erected the brick dwelling house on Westminster street later owned and occupied by Thomas C. Hoppin, Esq. Previous to 1812 Mr. Green- wood removed to New York, where he died.

John Howland, one of the most conspicuous figures of the city in the development of its manufacturing and various other public in- terests, was born in Newport, R. I., October 31st, 1757. He was the son of Joseph and Sarah Howland, and was of the fourth generation from John Howland, one of the founders of Plymouth, who was born in 1592. In his thirteenth year he came to Providence and engaged as an apprentice with Benjamin Gladding, in the hair dressing busi- ness. He grew to be a man of independent thought, and incorporated with his practice the principles advocated by Roger Williams. Hav- ing found what he considered as the right, he maintained it inflexi-

603

. HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

bly. With but very limited advantages for culture, his natural endowments were uncommon, his intellectual acquirements exten- sive, and his capacity to use them to the best advantage, singularly complete. After completing the term of his apprenticeship, he opened a shop on North Main street, near what was afterward known as the Manufacturers' Hotel. His shop soon became the resort of a superior class of patrons, among whom were the prominent men of the time in political and public affairs, and the intercourse with them thus afforded him gave him an excellent opportunity for de- veloping the powers of his own mind and the acquirement of a fund of practical information in regard to the topics of public interest at the time. He was married to Mary, daughter of John and Eliza- beth Carlile, and by this union became the father of 13 children, eight of whom died when less than three years of age. Among the offices of trust which he was at different times called to fill, he was a town auditor 14 years, town treasurer 14 years, treasurer of the Providence Savings Institution 21 years. president of the Peace Society 17 years, president of the Rhode Island Historical Society 21 years, a member of the school committee 20 years, and deacon of the First Congregational church 40 years. As an ardent advocate of temperance reform, an industrious founder of the pub- lic school system of the state, and an active supporter of the Mechanics' and Manufacturers' Association, the Institution for Sav- ings, the Historical Society, and other organizations for the promo- tion of the welfare of the people. Mr. Howland was one of the most conspicuous men of his time. He lived to a great age, and died, full of years filled with usefulness and honors, November 5th, 1854, at the age of 97 years. He thus lived to be the last one of the patriot band who enlisted under Captain David Dex- ter in the war of the revolution. He was also the last surviving member of Lippitt's regiment, the bravery of which drew forth the commendation of General Washington, and whose sufferings in the campaign of 1776 he so graphically described. "Gathered to his fathers in a good old age "like as a shock of corn cometh in his sea- son,' he still lives in the beneficent influence of his deeds. The mon- uments of his usefulness are with us; and while the Providence In- stitution for Savings and the Public Schools of Rhode Island exist, his memory will be held in honor."

Peter Grinnell was a native of Little Compton, and came to Provi- dence to engage in mechanical pursuits. He became an active mem- ber of the Mechanics' and Manufacturers' Association, was its vice- president for six years and its president for three years, and was a warm advocate of the free school system which was partially estab- lished in 1800. He was a representative of Providence in the general assembly in 1804, '5. '6, '7, '12 and '13, and it was said of him that he " discharged his duties as a public officer and a good citizen, with

604

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

honor and fidelity." His death took place September 13th, 1836, at the age of 72 years.

Gabriel Allen was the son of George Allen, who came from Eng- land to Boston and later settled in Seekonk, where he carried on the stone cutting business. Gabriel learned the trade and established himself in it in Providence. Here he married the daughter of Doc- tor Benjamin West, and was made assistant postmaster, while Mr. West held the post office. When the latter died, in 1813, Mr. Allen became postmaster, and he continued to hold the office until his death. During a time he held the commission of major in the state militia. His death occurred April 3d, 1824, in the 75th year of his age.

Samuel W. Wheeler, son of Bennett Wheeler, was born in Provi- dence in 1790. He learned the jewelry business with Messrs. Pitman & Dorrance, and afterward was employed as a book-keeper for the firm, and later engaged in the grocery business. He was secretary of the Mechanics' and Manufacturers' Association from 1829 to 1836. He died June 1st, 1857, aged 66 years.

Joseph Balch was descended from a family of that name in Essex county. Mass. He was by trade a tailor, but between the years 1790 and 1800, taught school in Whipple Hall, at the north end of Benefit street, and was distinguished for excellence in penmanship. For a time he held an office in the custom house. He was an original mem- ber of the association, and was its secretary from 1797 to 1805. He died July 25th, 1845, aged 79 years.

Joel Metcalf was a native of Providence, and a tanner and currier by trade. He was a prominent figure in the Mechanics' and Manu- facturers' Association, an original member, and vice-president for six years and president for one year. From 1795 to 1800 he was a mem- ber of the town council. He was an early and ardent advocate of pub- lic schools, and took a lively interest in all measures affecting the public welfare. He died November 25th, 1834, aged 79 years.

Joseph G. Metcalf, son of Joel, was engaged in the leather busi- ness. His life ran tolerably smooth, with not many changes of re- markable importance. but was spent chiefly in the routine of busi- ness and the quiet of a cherished home. He served the city in the common council, and was regarded as a judicious adviser. A man of quick sympathies and great kindness of heart, he manifested a ready interest in works of philanthropy. He was a worthy citizen, of un- obtrusive manners, and was universally esteemed for Christian recti- tude. He was elected vice-president of the M. and M. Association in 1842 and president of it in 1845. He died June 29th, 1854.

Henry Cushing was born in Hingham, Mass., May 10th, 1777. After learning the trade of a hat maker, in Bath, Me., he entered the printing office of his brother Thomas in Salem, Mass., and worked on the Gasette of that town. In 1800 he came to Providence and took possession of a book-store as the successor of Joseph Todd, and a little

605

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

later sold out this business and engaged in the manufacture of paper hangings. This business he bought of Colonel Thomas S. Webb, and he continued in it until 1840, when he was elected to succeed Mr. John Howland as the treasurer of the Providence Institution for Savings. Beginning with 1825, he was for 35 years treasurer of the M. and M. Association. He died June 22d, 1860, at the advanced age of 83 years.

Thomas R. Holden, son of Charles Holden, was a native of Provi- dence, and did business as a merchant tailor in Granite Block on Market Square. Previous to this, however, he had occupied a shop on North Main street, on the south side of Waterman street. He was three years president of the M. and M. Association, and for many years was connected with public affairs, as a member of the common council and board of aldermen, and for a time discharged the duties of the mayor's office, to complete the official term broken by the death of Hon. Samuel W. Bridgham. Mr. Holden took a deep interest in the prosperity of the public schools of Providence, and rendered import- ant services in the revision of the system. He died suddenly Janu- ary 7th, 1847, aged 66 years.

Grindall Reynolds was the second of seven sons of John and Dorithy Reynolds. He was born at Bristol, R. I., October 12th, 1755. At the age of nine years he was apprenticed to Jonathan Capron, a tailor, of Providence. For twelve years following 1780 he worked at his trade in a shop next north of the present No. 83 North Main street. He then removed to Norfolk, Va., but soon returned, and previous to 1795 engaged in the shoe business in Providence, in com- pany with James Temple. In 1796 he withdrew from the partnership and opened a wholesale boot and shoe store on the east side of North Main street, near Market Square. In 1801 he removed his store to the house of John Mason, next west of Mr. Aldrich's tavern on Weybosset street. He was a prominent and active member of the M. and M. A.s. sociation, and was a coadjutor of the leading spirit in the enterprise of establishing free schools in Rhode Island. He built the first public school house on the west side of the town, on land not long since owned by Peleg Gardner, on Claverack street. He was one of twelve who established a private Insurance Association, which, in 1799, was merged in the Washington Insurance Company. In 1808 he removed to Boston, and was subsequently concerned in different manufactur- ing establishments in that city and other places. He died May 8th. 1847, being 91 years of age, and his remains were brought to Provi- dence for interment.

Benjamin Tallman was born in Portsmouth, R. I., in the year 1741. He established himself in Providence as a ship-builder, and was re- garded as one of the most skillful naval architects of his time. He was the builder of about one hundred sail of merchant vessels, some of which were ships of the largest class built in those days. Two of them, the " Ann and Hope " and the "George Washington," attained

606

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

a distinguished reputation. A ship previously built by Mr. Tallman was one of the first vessels that sailed out of Providence for the East Indies. On her return trip, loaded with a valuable cargo, she was wrecked by running ashore on Block Island. In November, 1775, he was appointed major in a regiment then raised by Rhode Island and commanded by Colonel William Richmond. A year later, this regi- ment being disbanded, he was commissioned colonel of a regiment raised for the continental service, but four months later was induced to relinquish the field to superintend the building of a ship of war in Connecticut. In 1776 he built for the continental congress the frigate " Warren," which was launched in Providence May 24th. Colonel Tallman was vice-president of the M. and M. Association from 1795 to 1805. On retiring from business he passed the residue of his days with little incident to break the gradual but protracted dissolution of his physical powers. He died at his residence on Eddy street June 10th, 1836, at the age of 95 years, universally respected for soundness of judgment, integrity of character and moral worth as a citizen.

Levi Hall, a native of Marshfield, Mass., established himself in Providence as a leather dresser. His place of business was "at the sign of the Buck," on North Main street, opposite St. John's church. Here he manufactured small clothes, gloves and other articles of leather. He held for many years the commission of lieutenant-colonel in the United Train of Artillery, and at his death was buried with military and Masonic honors. He died June 28th, 1789, aged 45 years.

John C. Jenckes was born on the island of Rhode Island, a few years before the revolution. With his parents he fled to Westport, Mass., when the British took possession of the island. Some ten years later they removed to Providence, and here young John learned the trade of a jeweler with John Gibbs, whose shop was on the corner of Westminster and Exchange streets. In 1798 Mr. Jenckes formed a partnership with Mrs. Eliza Gibbs, widow of his employer, who was now dead, and the business was thus continued until 1800, when he set up by himself " opposite the Turk's Head." He afterward entered a partnership with Mawney Jastram, and later pursued his business for many years on his own estate on Friendship street. He died March 29th, 1852, at the age of 75 years.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Providence County, Rhode Island, Volume I, Part 72

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