USA > Rhode Island > Providence County > History of Providence County, Rhode Island, Volume I > Part 82
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Mr. Barnaby was married September 15th, 1857, to Josephine A. Reynolds, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Anthony) Reynolds, of this city. They had three children; Mabel, wife of John Howard Conrad, of Chicago, Ill .; Hattie A., who died in 1879; and Josephine Maud. After an illness of several years, Mr. Barnaby died on the morning of September 19th, 1889. The flag on the Board of Trade Building was placed at half-mast on the day of his death in tribute to his memory. Mr. Barnaby becanie a member of the Board of Trade February 26th, 1887. He was a regular attendant and a large contrib- utor to Grace church. He was buried September 25th, 1889.
WILLIAM B. BLANDING .-- In reviewing the names of those who have been, and are prominent, enterprising, respected citizens of Provi- dence, that of Blanding is one not to be last mentioned. The subject of this sketch, William B. Blanding, has in every way upheld the hon- ored name of his ancestors, who settled in this country at an early date. The first trace we find of them is at Plymouth, but subsequently they removed to Rehoboth, Mass., having been among its earliest set-
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tlers. Colonel Christopher Blanding was an officer of the revolutionary army, and his son William, until his death at Providence in 1845, en- joyed the companionship of Mary R. (Bullock) Blanding. To them, August 2d, 1826, was born William Bullock Blanding.
The public and private schools afforded Mr. Blanding a good edu- cation. When 18 years of age he entered, as a subordinate, the drug store of Edward T. Clark, at 59 North Main street, Providence, and soon attained a proprietary interest, succeeding to the business in 1849. To-day this is the oldest drug store in Providence. His increasing trade necessitated the establishment of a branch house, and in 1873 he bought the stock of Dyer Brothers, on Weybosset street, where he has since carried on an extensive business, and he also manufactures med- ical preparations. In 1882 he became proprietor of the drug store at 375 High street, and July 1st, 1890, associated with his only son, Wil- liam O. Blanding, the firm style becoming Blanding & Blanding.
Mr. Blanding's business career has been attended with success, and he is recognized as one of the oldest and most prosperous merchants of the state. Since the organization of the State Board of Pharmacy in 1870, he has been one of its members, and for the past six years has held the office of president. Of other associations in which he has held important offices, we may mention the Rhode Island Pharmaceu- tical, having been its president; vice-president of the American Phar- maceutical Association, and first vice-president of the National Whole- sale Drug Association. In 1853 Mr. Blanding became a member of the United Train of Artillery, for ten years held a lieutenant's com- mission, and is now a member of the Veteran Association connected with that organization.
He has long been identified with the Masonic order, having joined Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 4, of Providence, in 1854. He was one of the organizers of What Cheer Lodge, No. 21, in 1857, being its first mas- ter. and serving two years in that office. He also held various po- sitions in the Providence Royal Arch Chapter. In 1855, the order of Knighthood was conferred upon him by St. John's Commandery, and he was generalissimo of the same from 1858 to 1861. In 1860 he was one of the founders of Calvary Commandery, and was its commander in 1865-6. He has been senior grand warden and deputy grand mas- ter in the Grand Lodge of Masons, and generalissimo of the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He has taken all the degrees in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, including the 33d, which was conferred May 6th, 1863.
In politics Mr. Blanding is a democrat, and has always taken an active and prominent part in matters relating to the interests of the party, but never accepted any public offices until he was elected a member of the city council for the years 1885, '86 and '87. He was a representative in the general assembly in 1887-8, which position he filled with dignity and efficiency.
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November 13th, 1851, Mr. Blanding united in marriage with Mary A., daughter of Oliver and Electa A. (Bosworth) Remington, of Provi- dence. One son, William O., has been the fruit of their union.
In brief, Mr. Blanding may be described as a man of modest and genial manners, kind disposition, thorough in all undertakings, and loved most by those who know him best.
OBADIAH BROWN, a well known farmer throughout New England, and a member of the state board of agriculture, was born in the town of North Providence, November 30th, 1823. He is a descendant of Chad Brown, who came from Salem to Providence in 1637 (the year after Roger Williams) with his wife Elizabeth and his son John. Chad Brown was contemporary with Roger Williams and whether he was the first pastor of the church, as Moses Brown says, or the first after Roger Williams, has been a disputed point. He was a man of excellent character, and held various appointments in the community. On May 14th, 1770, John Brown, great-great-grandson of Chad Brown, laid the corner stone of University Hall, the name of which was changed to Brown University in 1804. Governor Elisha Brown, son of James, was a great-grandson of Chad Brown. James Brown, grand- son of Chad Brown, was one of the founders of the commercial house of the Browns, and his son Joseph Brown, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch (born May 5th, 1701), lived in North Provi- dence on lands now owned by Obadiah Brown. The lineal descent is as follows: Chad1, John2, James3, Joseph', Andrew5, Richard", Obadiah'. Andrew Brown had three wives, but there was issue only by the first, Dorcas Knight, whom he married June 27th, 1773. His son, Richard, was born June 17th, 1789. Richard married Penelope, daughter of Joseph and Hannah Farnum, February 23d, 1812. Their children were: Sarah Ann, Martha Ann, Dorcas K., Mary Jane, Obadiah and Joseph Farnum. Richard Brown was a well-to-do farmer, and a man of force and character. He held various offices of honor and trust, among which was that of representative of his town to the general assembly of Rhode Island. He died in 1840, at the age of 51, leaving Obadiah, then a youth of 17 years, in charge of the farm. Penelope was born April 12th, 1793, and died July 24th, 1869. Her father was a Quaker. He owned the grist mill and forge at Georgiaville, also extensive tracts of land in that vicinity.
Obadiah Brown was raised a farmer. His educational advantages were limited to the common district school, and even those were terminated, in early life, by the death of his father. From necessity he has been in management of the interests of the homestead from his youth. and to his share of this property he has added other posses- sions, comprising the beautiful site upon which he built his handsome residence in 1849. This house stands on Chalkstone avenue, on an elevated piece of land, commanding in extent one of the most delight- ful views in the county.
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Mr. Brown is distinctively a farmer in the best and broadest sense of that term, and as a leader in agricultural pursuits, his career empha- sizes the greater possibilities of those more intelligent husbandmen, who supply the world with the substantial products of life. As a farmer, he has secured prominence throughout New England because of his eminent services rendered to stock raisers, and to the producing class, and also because of the high positions held in both state and county agricultural societies. Almost from his youth he has been identified prominently with the Rhode Island Society for the Encour- agement of Domestic Industry, as also was his brother, Joseph Brown, who succeeded him in the vice-presidency and in the presidency of the society, both of which offices were held by each of the brothers for several years. In 1863 Joseph Brown entered into co-partnership with Mr. Andrew Winsor, under the style of Winsor & Brown, well known and extensive lumber dealers of Providence.
In 1884 Mr. Obadiah Brown became a member of the state board of agriculture, and still holds that position, his efficiency being recog- nized by every one. He has devoted much time to raising and in- proving fine stock. His barn, a model of convenience, built in 1851 and adapted for housing cattle, is at the present time full of some of the finest Ayrshires, of his own breeding, found in New England, and the many gold medals and first premiums received in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and other states bear testimony to his good judgment in this matter. At the Dairy Show, Madison Square Garden, New York, in 1888, first prizes were awarded him on some stock now in his barn.
Politically Mr. Brown is a republican, and socially he is a very pop- ular man, and has held his share of the public offices. In 1855, 1856, and again in 1857, he was representative from the town of North Providence to the general assembly of Rhode Island, under the guber- natorial administrations of Governors W. W. Hoppin and Elisha Dyer. In 1873, before the town was divided, he was elected state sen- ator from North Providence, and reelected in, 1874, being the last sen- ator of the old town before his part of the town was annexed to the city. In 1884 the city elected him representative to the general as- sembly again, and he served on some of the more important commit- tees of the house. During this official career, the public spirit of the man was manifest when the city of Providence made him commis- sioner of public highways. Subsequently he was appointed a member of the public board, and in these capacities his broad views have crys- talized and become a part of our magnificent institutions, and are monuments in themselves of his fitness for holding offices of trust and responsibility.
September 18th, 1849, he married Amey R. Angell, daughter of Na- thaniel and Asha (Smith) Angell, who is a descendant of Thomas An- gell, the ancestor of one of the most influential families in the state.
Obadiah Brown
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She was born August 8th, 1827. They have had six children, of whom the following are living: Anna M., Mabel, Adelaide V. and Florence.
HENRY R. BARKER, mayor of Providence city, is in every respect a representative man. He comes of an old and honorable family who were connected with the settlement of the Rhode Island colony and have always held positions of trust and importance in their respective communities. The first American ancestor was James Barker. He and his father sailed from England (1634) in company with Nicholas Easton. His father died during the voyage, and James, a boy 11 years of age, was cared for by Nicholas Easton, and subsequently removed to Newport, R. I. James' mother was Barbara Dungan, granddaughter of Lewis Latham, falconer to King Charles I. He died in 1702, after having served in public office many years. The genea- logical table prepared by John Austin enumerates the offices held as: corporal, ensign, member of the general court of elections, commis- sioner, assistant (member of upper house) for nine years, deputy (member of lower house) for twelve years, and deputy governor. We have not space to trace the line to Mayor Barker's parents. His father, William C. Barker, was a native of Newport, and came to Providence when 12 years of age. He was a member of the common council from the organization of the city government in 1832, to 1836, when he was elected one of the board of aldermen and remained in that body two years. At the time of his death (1859) he held a government office under the administration of President Buchanan. His mother's name was Sarah A. (Jencks) Barker, of Smithfield, R. I.
Mayor Barker was educated in the public schools of his native city, passing through every grade from primary, and graduated from the high school in 1859 with creditable rank in his class. The following year he was engaged as clerk for the Providence Mutual Fire Insur- ance Company (organized in 1800), and soon won the favor and esteem of his employers. When President Lincoln summoned the North to rally in defense of the capital, Mr. Barker, though still under age, enlisted as sergeant of Company I, of the Tenth Rhode Island Regi- ment. Having been honorably discharged at the expiration of the regiment's term of service, he returned to Providence intending to reënlist. As he entered the office of the Providence Mutual Insurance Company Mr. Joseph T. Snow, the secretary, greeted him as follows: "You must not go back to the army, Mr. Barker. One of us must remain to take care of the business, and as I have enlisted you are the man." He was accordingly installed as assistant secretary, and for upward of a year had full charge of the affairs of the company, then carrying insurance to the amount of about $12,000,000 in Providence and throughout Rhode Island. Mr. Barker was afterward elected secretary and subsequently president of the corporation, which office he still holds. The amount of business done by the company has
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doubled in the past 20 years, and much of the prosperity is due to Mr. Barker's careful management. It is now in a very flourishing condition.
With the Grand Army of the Republic Mr. Barker has always been an interested and active member. He is a charter member of Slocum Post, No. 10, and is still in active membership. In this Post he held the office of first adjutant, and served five successive terms as commander, and upon retiring from the command was elected quar- termaster, which position he still holds. He was elected commander of the Department of Rhode Island in 1879, and has represented the Grand Army of the state in several national encampments. He took a prominent part in the national encampment held in Boston in 1871, when General Burnside was elected commander-in-chief. When upon the death of General Burnside it was determined to erect a monu- ment to his memory, Mr. Barker was appointed on the committee and rendered valuable and efficient service in securing the necessary funds for its erection. At the dedication of the statue he was the chairman of the committee of arrangements and presided at the dedicatory exercises.
Mayor Barker's municipal service began in 1873, by representing the Ninth ward in the common council. He remained in the council seven years, the last one of which he was unanimously elected presi- dent of that body. He served on several important committees, and was chairman of the committee on education from 1875 to 1878, inclu- sive. In the latter year he was appointed chairman of the committee on the dedication of the city hall, and also rendered valuable service as chairman of the committee on the erection of a new high school. In this position he devoted a great deal of time, closely following the work of the erection of the building from the day of its inception to its completion. In 1879 Mr. Barker was promoted to the board of 'aldermen. He brought into that body the influence which his long and efficient service in the common council merited. He was appointed to the joint committees on police and railroads, and was chairman of the aldermanic committee on police. The election of Mr. Barker as chair- man of the committee on police was a tribute to his discretion and energy at a period which called alike for rare tact, prudence and firm- ness in the direction of affairs pertaining to that department, as may be seen by reference to the history of the Providence police. Mr. Barker amply justified the confidence exhibited in his judgment and abilities, and the following year continued on the same committees. He was unanimously elected president of the board of aldermen in 1882, and was a member of the joint committee on the city debt and the city engineer's department, and also the aldermanic committee on streets.
At the close of 1882 Mr. Barker retired from public life in order that he might give more attention to the growing business with which
inmy R. Backes
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he had been connected since youth. The public eyes were more than once turned toward him as a fitting candidate for mayor but Mr. Barker was not a man to strive for elevation. He did not affect to despise public office or to hold in light esteem those trusts which are in Rhode Island certainly the evidence of honorable repute and of standing in the community. But he felt that the people had his record to judge from, and that upon their judgment it was his duty to wait. His nomination and election by a decided majority proved that faith- ful service had not been forgotten, and that his fellow citizens believed him to be the right man to whom to trust the leadership of the munic- ipality. Their trust was not misplaced, as in January; 1891, Mayor Barker finished a term of office which has been as highly satisfactory and efficiently filled as any in the annals of mayorality.
Space forbids a complete account of the measures proposed and carried through by him, but a few of the more important may be noted. In his first inaugural address he called attention to the press- ing need of some method of public industrial instruction by which young men, in connection with other studies, should learn the general principles of the mechanical arts and trades. This recommendation he kept before the attention of the council so vigorously, and he was so aided by the consensus of opinion among the broadest minded educators of the city, that an appropriation of $70,000 was made to carry out his suggestion. In connection with this educational work Mr. Barker called attention to the need of an appropriation for the public library of the city. Hitherto this most useful of public institu- tions had been carried on by private contributions. Now $7,500 is annually devoted to its maintenance. He proposed the reduction of the number of the members of the school committee, and that body is now composed of 33 instead of 63 members as formerly, and busi- ness is greatly facilitated by this concentration. His most important service to the city's interest, aside from his strenuous efforts as well as success in securing rights of way for the development of a plan for a. comprehensive sewerage system whereby many thousands of dollars were saved to the city, lay in the direction of more improved terminal facilities for railroads. From the day of his inauguration he was in complete accord with the railroad managers, and by his conciliating measures, with a due regard for the rights of the people, the interests of the city were strictly guarded and those of the railroads promoted as well. Plans were soon adopted and work is well under way which will give Providence railroad facilities unsurpassed by any city in the country.
The aggressive and business like methods used by Mr. Barker have made him and his work appreciated, his characteristics being uniform courtesy, unfailing generosity, intense local pride, unswerving justice. He is president of the Boston Investment Company, a corporation with assets of more than two and a half millions of dollars; is also
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president of the Rhode Island Investment Company; has been for nearly ten years vice-president of the Roger Williams Savings Fund and Loan Association of Providence, and is a director in the Industrial Trust Company of Providence. He is a prominent member of the Masonic brotherhood. In 1862 he became a Mason, and was an officer in St. John's Lodge during the same year. He is a charter member and past master of Corinthian Lodge, and is a member of the Providence Royal Arch Chapter, and of Calvary Commandery, Knights Templar. In the latter body he has recently declined a reëlection as commander.
Mayor Barker's marriage relations have been most pleasant. He married in October, 1864, Annie C., daughter of Stephen A. Tripp, of New Bedford, Mass. Their union has resulted in two children: Henry A., who is at present with his father in business, and Jessie L., who is attending school.
JOHN PARK CAMPBELL, one of the four Campbell brothers engaged in business in Rhode Island, sons of Winthrop and Susan Dorrance (Gordon) Campbell, was born December 28th, 1822, in Voluntown, Conn. The history of this branch of the Campbell family runs back to Scot- land, and counts many highly worthy names in the various profes- sions and all the walks of life. Robert Campbell, born in Scotland in 1673, with his wife Janet and children: Charles. John, Sarah, Mary, James and Robert, emigrated to New England, and settled first, in 1719, at New London, Conn., and shortly afterward at Voluntown, being among the first settlers in this last region, then a wilderness, where he and his family were the chief actors in founding the Presbyterian church, organized in October, 1723. This worthy planter, the father of a very worthy family, died February 14th, 1725, in his fifty-second year.
Robert's son, John, known in history as Doctor John, on account of his professional skill, born in 1698, married Agnes Allen and had children; Jean, Sarah, James, Agnes, John, Moses, Martha and Moses.
This second John, well known as Deacon John, born September 23d, 1728, married Mary Ferguson, June 2d, 1748, and died December 4th, 1808, having children: George, Ann, Janet, Alexander, John and Rebecca.
This third John, who became a captain, born in 1758, married Jean Campbell and had children: Daniel (a doctor), Rebecca, Winthrop, Olive, Lydia and James. He was a solid farmer and of a stalwart type of character. He was a soldier in the revolution and shared the bitter winter at Valley Forge. He died in 1840.
Winthrop, a son of this last John, born December 16th, 1786, mar- ried Susan Dorrance Gordon, March 6th, 1814, and had children: Hora- tio Nelson, Daniel Gordon, Mary Gordon, Rosanna Stewart, John Park and Jane Ann (twins), James Monroe, Rowena and Emma Dor- rance. He was a devoted, enterprising, successful farmer. He and
Ap Cimpfull
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his family were in high repute for intelligence and virtue, and all his children rose to usefulness and honor. He died February 25th, 1867.
John Park, after a course of education in his excellent home and in the public schools, chose to enter upon a business career, and first and last, was associated with his enterprising brothers, Horatio N., Daniel G. and James M. His training in industry, economy and in- tegrity in his pure New England home, that had withal a genuine Scotch air, prepared him for fidelity and success in whatever he might undertake.
He first removed in June, 1840, to Westerly, R. I., and engaged as a clerk in the mercantile house conducted by Mr. Rowse Babcock, Jr., who was also a large and distinguished manufacturer, in which store his brother, Horatio N., had been for four years. In October of the same year Mr. Babcock removed his business to the corner of Broad and Main streets, into a new and larger building, and received as a business partner, Horatio N., forming the firm of H. N. Campbell & Co. John P. entered as clerk in the new house, and so continued till 1850, when he became a member of the firm. The house dealt in merchandise, manufacturers' supplies and wool. He rose to promi- nence in business by his activity, tact and good judgment.
In the spring of 1855 he retired from the firm of H. N. Campbell & Co., and forming a co-partnership with his brother James M., re- moved to Providence, where, under the firm name of J. P. & J. M. Campbell, was established a wholesale house, dealing in wool and cot- ton. The ability of the partners built up a sound and prosperous bus- iness. This firm continued till 1865, when James M. withdrew to en- ter upon other engagements, and a new firm was formed including Daniel G., bearing the name of J. P. Campbell & Co. At this point the tide of business was somewhat changed, adding to the trade in wool that of manufacturing woolen goods. First the firm took the well-known Belleville Mill in North Kingstown on lease. This mill was improved and run to good advantage.
Later, in 1876, the firm bought the mill property at Potter Hill, in the northern part of Westerly, ever after known as the Campbell Mills, one of the best woolen factories in Rhode Island. Here the firm nearly doubled the size and capacity of the mill, and did a profit- able business. In 1887 John P. bought out the interest of his brother Daniel G. in the Belleville Mill, and enlarged the mill, adding new machinery, making a first-class fancy cassimere mill. Of this mill James R. Wilson, a capable young man, being brought up in the mill, is now the agent, and owns in it a small interest, Mr. Campbell own- ing the balance, and being treasurer. The Campbell Mills at Potter Hill are now incorporated, John P. being president, and Daniel G. be- ing treasurer; Daniel A. Taylor being the agent or manager at the
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