USA > Rhode Island > Providence County > History of Providence County, Rhode Island, Volume I > Part 85
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WILLIAM HENRY HOPKINS, coal merchant, belongs to one of the old and prominent families of New England. His ancestor, Joseph Hopkins, married Martha Whaley, supposed to be a daughter of the regicide judge of Charles II. John Hopkins, son of Joseph, settled in West Greenwich and died there in 1791. Jonathan Hop- kins, son of John, married Mary, daughter of Robert Whitford of East Greenwich, in April, 1760. In 1781 he moved to Jamestown, R. I. Their sons were: Job, Oliver, Fones and John. Oliver Hopkins, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a successful farmer, owning 80 acres of land of what is now Conanicut Park, and where he lived from the time he was 17 years old till his death in 1852. He was a licensed preacher of the Baptist church, in the town of Jamestown.
William H. Hopkins, son of Oliver and Rhody (Hathaway) Hop- kins, was born at Jamestown, R. I., April 7th, 1817. He received but
FMGilbert
RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM H. HOPKINS,
SEEKONK, MASS.
711
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
a common school education, but by native ability, energy, tact and perseverance, he has risen to prominence as a citizen of the state. In the fall of 1831 he first came to Providence and set himself to work to learn the jewelry trade. He remained in this business from 1835 to 1840, and was the first to use steam power in the manufacture of this line of goods. About this time his father's health greatly declined, and he went back to Jamestown to take charge of the farm. Outdoor ex- ercise proved healthful to him, and when he returned to the city he engaged in the teaming business. In 1849 he formed a partnership with Jacob Manchester, under the firm name of Manchester & Hop- kins, for the sale of masons' building materials, curbstone and coal, with general team work. The business of the new firm increased so rapidly they were obliged to seek new quarters, and they accordingly purchased 52,000 square feet of land in what at that time seemed to be an out-of-the-way place on Eddy street. Their equipments from the Dorrance street wharf were now moved into the new yard, where their facilities for handling coal, together with their methods of doing business, soon secured for them the largest retail trade, in that line, then carried on in any of the states of New England. In 1864 Mr. Gorham Park Pomroy and Mr. John H. Hopkins, both clerks in the establishment, were admitted as partners, and the firm became Man- chester, Hopkins & Co. June 30th, 1871, Mr. Manchester died and the firm became Hopkins, Pomroy & Co., Mr. Edgar Arnold Hopkins being subsequently admitted as a partner. In 1878 they disposed of their brick and lime business to Manchester & Hudson, their former clerks, since which time they have confined their own energies to the coal trade.
The company now occupy two extensive wharves, covering an area of nearly four acres. They operate nine engines, nearly 100 horses, carts and wagons, and own blacksmith and wheelwright shops for doing their work. Mr. Hopkins possesses an inventive mind, and at his suggestion, the best coal tub then in use was improved, manu- factured and patented by Focht & Warren of Reading, Pennsylvania, and was universally used until recently without an attempt at im- provement or change from its original design. He was the first to bring into use the four wheeled cart, now seen everywhere, and on which he would not, in consideration of our poor beasts of burden. take out letters patent. He was the first to build " pockets" for the storing of coal, and his plans were copied by persons who came to see them from all portions of the East and West. He was the first person, when in the jewelry business, to use steam power in the manufacture of jewelry, and his generous nature is such, that he has permitted his inventions to be used without royalty to himself.
In 1865 Mr. Hopkins purchased a handsome summer residence and about 60 acres of land in Seekonk, Mass. The farm has since that time been increased by various purchases until it now embraces 325
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
acres of beautiful meadow lands. It is situated about two miles from the city of Providence, and has on it four houses for his farmers, together with cattle, horse and carriage barns, and other equipments for a first-class, well regulated place. At each barn is a large wind- mill for pumping water upon the lawns, and for his stock at the barns. He has also a large steam engine for cutting and steaming fodder, and a large refrigerator in the creamery for cooling milk. Under his skill much of this land, once but dense swamps and worn out pastures, has been reclaimed and enriched, till now it is a beautiful and a fertile piece of property. Four thousand feet of vitrified pipe, and a large amount of tile and stone drain have been laid for underdraining it, and it is under a high state of cultivation, producing the best crops of all kinds of grain. In 1876 a fire broke out and consumed the barns and 65 head of the finest Jersey cattle in the state. The new barn was immediately rebuilt, being 60 by 145 feet, covering the foundation occupied by the four barns that were burned. Under this large barn he has eight silos, each of which holds over 35 tons of provisions for his cattle.
Mr. Hopkins has held numerous offices of trust in the gift of the people. From 1856 to 1864 he was councilman from the Fifth ward, and chairman of the committee on highways, a position involving a great tax upon his time and much prudence in management. From 1866 to 1871 he was alderman from his ward, and in 1871, 1872 and 1873 was elected to the general assembly. In the legislature he was chairman of the committee on charities and corrections. In May, 1874, he was appointed by Governor Howard a member of the board of state charities and corrections, which has in charge all the state eleemosynary and reformatory institutions, and was re-appointed by Governor Lippitt in June, 1875, for six years. Acting in this capacity without compensation, he has rendered important service to the state and humanity. Mr. Hopkins was active in the formation of the board of trade of Providence, of which he was vice-president for two years, and a member of the committee of council for several years. He was a director of the Charitable Fuel Association, and the Providence Aid Society, one of the directors of the Union Horse Street Railway Com- pany many years, and is a member of the Mechanics' Association, the Rhode Island Historical Society, the Rhode Island Society for the Encouragement of Domestic Industry, and the Providence Horticul- tural Society, in all of which he has held offices. He is also a director of the Bristol County Agricultural Society. In his official life he was always on the alert, in search of invention and improvement, and was the first to urge the introduction of the fire alarm, and the building of Point street bridge.
In 1836 Mr. Hopkins joined the Six Principle Baptist church of Providence, called the Roger Williams church, which has since passed out of existence. He now attends the Broad Street Christian church,
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
and for several years was the president of that society. He was one of four in Providence to aid in the organization of the Free Soil party, and afterward of the republican party.
He married June 29th, 1836, Susan Arnold Ellis, of Warwick, R. I., daughter of Halsey Ellis. They have had seven children: John Henry, who married first, Minnie Lawrence, and second, Ella Irons; Rhoda Hathaway, who married John Adams; Edgar Arnold, who married Anna Millen; Amy Elizabeth, who married Earl H. Potter; Susan Adelaide, died young; Ella Arrazine, deceased; Hattie Leverne, who married Frank Chaffee, and died December 29th, 1879.
HIRAM HOWARD was born in Woodstock, Conn., November 26th, 1834. He was educated in the district schools of his native town, and in the academies of Eastford, Ashford and South Woodstock, Conn., and Webster, Mass., and when 18 years of age he came to Providence and obtained employment with the firm of Moulton & Rodman as bookkeeper. His desires being more metropolitan than could be gratified in his adopted city, he went to New York and engaged with T. B. Bynner, a jobbing jeweler, remaining in his employ until 1858, when he was admitted to a partnership, the name of the firm being changed to T. B. Bynner & Co. He remained a member of the con- cern until 1861, and then enlisted in the Second Regiment Artillery, New York Volunteers, and was honorably discharged after three years' service. He again engaged with T. B. Bynner in 1864 as trav- eler, was soon admitted into the firm, and remained a partner until 1874. From March 1st of that year until January, 1875, he was with the firm of A. L. Kotzow & Co., selling their product of solid gold chains. He then formed a partnership with Mr. Nicoud, under the firm name of Nicoud & Howard, importers of watches, which relations lasted until 1880.
But during the meantime, in the year 1878, Mr. Howard com- menced at Providence, in a small way, the manufacturing jewelry business, under the firm name of H. Howard & Co., making a line of sets, which during those days were so popular with the trade. Thus when he relinquished his partnership with Mr. Nicoud, he had a busi- ness started which required his undivided attention, It had always been the desire of Mr. Howard to be at the fountain head, for as long ago as he had relations with Mr. Bynner, he worked persistently to get the consent of his partner to enter the manufacturing business, wishing to offer to their customers goods of their own designs and make, rather than depend upon the skill of others to produce the ar- ticles they could handle. In 1884 his son, Stephen C. Howard, was admitted a partner in the business, and the firm name adopted was Howard & Son, remaining the same ever since. Mr. Howard has been connected with manufacturing about twelve years, starting small, and doing a safe, steady and wonderfully increasing business.
In the fall of 1885 the firm conceived the idea of adding a separate
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
branch to their line of production, and The Sterling Company was formed, which since the start has been a ready means of increasing their sales and bringing the concern into the acquaintance of a new line of customers separate entirely from those purchasing the Ameri- can lever cuff and collar buttons.
When Mr. Howard started in the manufacturing business he stated that his ambition was to be at the head of an establishment where 150 hands were employed. This wish has been more than realized, for during the last year the firm have had in busy times upon their pay- roll, exclusive of their office force and salesmen, 180 operatives.
Mr. Howard was married April 18th, 1854, to Miss Mary Kenyon, a native of Providence, and the daughter of the late Stephen C. Ken- yon. His son Stephen is the only child they had. Mr. Howard has been connected with the Manufacturing Jewelers' Board of Trade since its organization, and has been a member of its board of directors. Mr. Howard is a member of Eureka Lodge, No. 243, F. & A. M., of New York city, also of the Reform Club of the same city.
OLIVER JOHNSON, son of Elisha and Asee (Albro) Johnson, was born at East Greenwich, R. I., June 14th, 1799. His paternal ancestor in this country came from Wales and settled on the island of Rhode Island, where, in company with his brother, he commenced the busi- ness of fulling and dressing cloth, which he had pursued in his native country. He subsequently removed to that part of East Greenwich now called Frenchtown, where he purchased a tract of land (part of which is still owned by the Johnson family) and erected a mill and dwelling house. Benjamin Johnson, the grandfather of Oliver, served for some time as judge of the common pleas court, and at the time of his death was one of the judges of the supreme court of Rhode Island, which position he had occupied for several years. Mr. Johnson's ma- ternal ancestors were of French descent. He was educated at the common school in his native town, and Washington Academy at Wiekford. At the early age of 15 he began to teach school, and thus worked his way through the academy, and was enabled to acquire a good education. He continued to teach until he was 23 years of age.
In 1822 he quit teaching, and, with Whipple A. Arnold, engaged in general merchandising at Centreville, R. I. After being thus asso- ciated for about two years the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Ar- nold continued to carry on the business alone. He next opened a variety store in a building owned and occupied by Doctor Sylvester Knight, and having a desire to learn the drug business, added drugs and medicines to his stock. For some time he was assisted by Doctor Knight, and studied with him until he had acquired a thorough knowl- edge of the drug business. He continued in business at Centreville until 1833, and a part of the time while there kept the Centreville Hotel, and also engaged in cotton manufacturing with John J. Wood.
yours truly Oliver Johnson
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
In April, 1833, he removed to Providence, where he has since re- sided. The year of his removal to Providence he and Doctor Knight opened a wholesale drug store on Weybosset street, where they con- tinued until the death of Doctor Knight in 1841. The stock and fix- tures of this store were then sold to Grosvenor & Chace, of Providence, and Mr. Johnson afterward opened a store for the sale of drugs, gro- ceries, cotton, cotton goods and manufacturers' supplies, at the present site of the Journal office, where he continued in business alone, and succeeded in building up a large and profitable trade. In 1846 he re- moved his business to 13 Exchange street, and has continued there until the present time. In consequence of increased trade, his store has been greatly enlarged, and now extends through to Exchange place. In 1852 he associated with his son, William S. Johnson, and the firm continued as Oliver Johnson & Son until 1859, when Benja- min W. Spink, who had for several years been in Mr. Johnson's em- ploy, was also admitted as a partner, and the business has since been continued under the firm name of Oliver Johnson & Co. They also have a large building on the corner of Eddy and Elm streets, where they grind white lead and colors.
Mr. Johnson is at present the oldest wholesale druggist in the state, and, though not now an active partner, being over 91 years of age, still retains a relish for the activity of business, and may be seen almost every day at his desk in the counting room. His uprightness of character and business qualifications have won for him the esteem of his fellow citizens, and caused him to be called upon to fill various public positions. He was justice of the peace and notary public in Warwick for some time; in 1841, '52, '53, '54, '56 a member of the city council of Providence, holding while there the offices of chairman of the committee on education, chairman of the committee on high ways, and was instrumental in locating and purchasing the present site of the city hall. He has been for several years a member of the school board. He was a representative in the general assembly of Rhode Island in 1854, '55 and '57, holding there the office of chairman of the committee on corporations, and was a member of the two conventions in 1841, called for the purpose of drafting the constitution of the state. He has been a director in several insurance companies; was a director of the City National Bank from 1834 to 1848, and has been a trustee of the Mechanics' Savings Bank since 1864, having been one of the incorporators in 1854. He has also been a director of the Westminster Bank several years.
He has been an active and prominent member of the order of Freemasons since June 7th, 1823, at which time he was initiated in Manchester Lodge, No. 12, at Coventry, R. I. Notwithstanding the religious and political persecution to which Freemasons were subjected during the anti-Masonic movement, Mr. Johnson remained firm in his adherence to the order. He was twice called before the church
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
of which he was then a member to answer the charge of being a Free- mason: but the charge was withdrawn. He received all the degrees in Ancient Masonry, and the orders of Knighthood, and was honored with the highest offices in the gift of the fraternity. He was elected grand master of Masons by the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island in 1855-6; (grand commander) eminent commander of St. John's (En- campment) Commandery in 1859; and grand high priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Rhode Island in 1860. He has received in all 44 degrees and orders, including the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rites. On the 6th of July, 1816, when 17 years of age, he joined the First Baptist church in Exeter, R. I., and has since been a member and prominent leader in many other churches.
He has been twice married: first to Hannah S. Davis, daughter of Ezra D. and Mahitable (Reynolds) Davis, of Davisville, R. I., Septem- ber 5th, 1824. She died May 24th, 1862, aged 57 years. They had two sons: William S. and Edwin A. Johnson. He married, second, February 23d, 1864, Cordelia M. Stanwood, daughter of Solomon and Jane D. (Hamoor) Stanwood, of Ellsworth, Maine. Mr. Johnson was for many years a member of the standing committee of the Rhode Island Society for the Encouragement of Domestic Industry, and has given considerable attention to agriculture, having for some time owned a farm on Coweset bay. in Warwick.
BENJAMIN BRAYTON KNIGHT, manufacturer, senior member of the firm of B. B. & R. Knight, was born in Cranston, R. I., October 3d, 1813. He is the son of Stephen and Welthan (Brayton) Knight, with whom he spent his early life, assisting his father on the farm. His educational advantages were limited to an attendance of a few terms at the district schools, during the intervals of labor, until he was 16 years of age. From 1831 to 1833 he served as an operative in the Sprague Print Works at Cranston, and then resumed farming for two years. In 1835 the initiative movement of his business career was begun. At this time he purchased a small building near the Sprague Print Works and opened a general grocery. In 1838 he removed to Providence, and with Olney Winsor and L. E. Bowen, under the firm name of Winsor, Knight & Co., engaged in the wholesale and retail grocery business. In 1842 Mr. Knight purchased Mr. Bowen's interest and continued the business alone until 1847, when his brother, Jere- miah Knight, became associated with him, under the style of B. B. Knight & Co. Subsequently D. T. Penniman, under the firm name of Penniman, Knight & Co., associated with him in the flour and grain trade, their stand being in the Amasa Mason Block on Dyer street, Providence. One year afterward Mr. Knight purchased Mr. Penni- man's interest and continued alone for about four years, doing a large and successful business. In 1849 he sold his interest in the grocery business to his brother Jeremiah, and in 1852 he sold one-half of his flour and grain interest to his brother Robert, and at the same time
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
purchased of the latter one-half interest in the Pontiac Mill and Bleachery, when the firm name of B. B. & R. Knight was formed. They soon afterward retired from the flour and grain business, and have since devoted their entire time to the manufacture of cotton goods. Of the immense business carried on by B. B. & R. Knight, now the largest of its kind in the world, we will presently speak. Aside from the manufacturing interests, Mr. B. B. Knight has served the public efficiently as a legislator and as a member of the city govern- ment of Providence. He has been twice elected to the general assembly. He served as alderman in the city government of Providence from the Sixth ward in 1865, 1866 and 1867, and was chairman of the finance committee while a member of that body. He has been president of the Butchers & Drovers Bank ever since its organization, July 2d, 1853, with the exception of about one year, and is a director in differ- ent insurance companies.
He has been twice married; first, in 1842, to Alice W., daughter of Elizur W. Collins, of Johnston, R. I., who died February 8th, 1850; and second, in December, 1851, to Phebe A., daughter of Abel Slocum, of Pawtuxet, R. I. There were three children by the first marriage: Henry, Mary W. and Walter (all deceased); and three children by the second marriage: Alice Spring, Henry Eugene (deceased) and Ade- laid Maria.
ROBERT KNIGHT, manufacturer, and a member of the firm of B. B. & R. Knight, was born in Old Warwick, R. I., January 8th, 1826. In his childhood his father, Stephen Knight, moved his family to the town of Cranston, and the lad was put to work in the Cranston Print Works when but eight years of age. He remained here but two years, and then became an employee in the cotton mill in Coventry, owned and operated by Elisha Harris. He remained here till 17 years of age, part of the time working 14 hours a day for $1.25 a week. Early in 1843 he went to Providence and entered the employment of his brother Benjamin, as a clerk in his store. Being desirous of securing an edu- cation, he staid at this place but two years, and then, through the aid of a friend, spent the 18 months following in the Pawcatuck Academy at Westerly, R. I. He next taught a district school in the town of Exeter, R. I., for four months, and in 1846 was employed by John H. Clark as a clerk in his factory store at Arnold's Bridge, now Pontiac. Mr. Clark was subsequently elected to the United States senate, at which time the cotton mill and bleachery were leased to Zachariah Parker and Mr. Knight for $5,000 a year. October 4th, 1850, Parker & Knight purchased the whole property from Mr. Clark for $40,000. The next year Mr. Knight bought his partner's interest and gave the village its present name of Pontiac.
Mr. Knight is distinctively a business man, never having held any public office, but devoting his time exclusively to his business. Janu - ary 1st, 1867, he was elected one of the directors in the National Bank of Commerce, of Providence, and held that office to January 8th, 1884,
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
when he was elected its president, which office he now holds. October 7th, 1874, he became an incorporator in the People's Savings Bank, and was elected director at the same time. October 4th, 1876, he was elected vice-president of this institution. January 17th, 1876, he was elected a member of the standing committee, and January 21st, 1884, was elected president, which office he now holds. He has also been connected officially with several insurance companies and other bank- ing institutions, and is now a director in the N. Y., P. & B. R. R. Company.
Mr. Knight married, March 5th, 1849, Josephine Louisa, daughter of Royal A. and Hannah C. (Parker) Webster, of Providence. They have had nine children: Josephine E., Robert W. (deceased), Webster, Franklin (deceased), Harriet (deceased). Clinton Prescott, Sophia, Edith, and Royal (deceased).
The business organization of this firm and their enormous interest is as follows: Benjamin B. and Robert Knight are the presidents and treasurers of their several corporations; the firm of B. B. & R. Knight are the agents; Edwin Knowles is the financial secretary of the firm in charge of the Providence office and the accounts of 17 of the mills; Dexter N. Knight, brother of B. B. & R., is in a similar position as secretary of the Hebron Company, comprising the Hebron, Dodgeville and Grant mills; Fred. B. Burt is the secretary of the Clinton Manufac- turing Company: Henry A. Fifield is assistant secretary to the firm, in charge of the accounts of the cotton and finished goods; William E. Wall is agent of the firm for the sale of the goods at the principal store in Worth street, New York.
Hebron Mill, Hebronville, Mass.
19,652 spindles.
Dodgeville Mill, Dodgeville, Mass. 21,300
Grant Mill, Providence. R. I 9,056
STEPHEN A. KNIGHT, brother of B. B. & R .. Providence, R. I., general man- ager, with resident superintendents at each of the above mills.
The Natick Mills (2), Natick, R. I 85,984 spindles.
WEBSTER KNIGHT, agent.
Queen of the Valley Mill, Knight's Station, R. I. 15,000
The Royal Mills, River Point. R. I.
50,000
PRESCOTT C. KNIGHT, agent.
Pontiac Mills, Pontiac, R. I.
27,926
Pontiac Bleachery, capacity, 132 tons per week.
White Rock Mills, Westerly. R. I.
27,500
Clinton Manufacturing Company, Woonsocket, R. I.
20,581
66
Readville Mills, Hyde Park, Mass.
19,000
Fiskville Mill, Fiskville, R. I
4,500
66
The Arctic Mill, Arctic, R. I
37,000
Lippitt Company Mill, Lippitt, R. I
10,500
Jackson Mill, Jackson, R. I.
4,912
Manchang Company, Manchaug, Mass
52.000
66
354,903 66
50,008
719
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
D. M. THOMPSON, Providence, R. I., general manager, with resident superin- tendents at each of the above mills.
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