USA > Rhode Island > Providence County > History of Providence County, Rhode Island > Part 49
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John Johnston, son of John and Mary (McQueen) Johnston, was born in 1848 in Glasgow, Scotland. He came to America and located in Woonsocket in 1871, working first for the A. D. Clark Shuttle Com- pany until 1881. He then, in company with John Shambow, bought out Bass & Hawkins, of the Woonsocket Shuttle Company. He was married in 1873 to Margaret, daughter of Alexander Watt, of Ren- frewshire, Scotland. He was educated in Scotland, and there he also learned his trade.
Levi C. Lincoln, son of Samuel and Olive (Cook) Lincoln, was born in Providence in 1858, and was educated at Mowry & Goff's school, Providence, graduating in 1875. He came to Woonsocket in 1877, was first employed in the Citizens' National Bank, and while there became connected with the Electric Machine & Power Company as treasurer, and since 1883 has been general agent. He married Nettie, daughter of Joseph R. Bailey, of Woonsocket, in 1877.
Very Reverend Michael McCabe, son of Patrick and Ann (Gray) McCabe, was born in 1826 in Ireland, came to America in 1851, and was educated in the seminary at Baltimore. He was ordained in 1854, after which he remained in the Cathedral from June, 1854, until Feb- ruary, 1855, when he came to Woonsocket as pastor of St. Charles' church. After being in Woonsocket eleven years he went to Provi- dence in charge of St. Patrick's church for three years, and in 1869 returned to Woonsocket, where he has been ever since.
Frank A. McKenna, son of John and Catherine (McCarron) Mc- Kenna, was born in 1852 in Lowell, Mass. He came to Woonsocket in 1880 and established the undertaking business, having previously worked at the business in Providence. He is a member of the Order of Foresters and the Catholic Knights. He married Margaret J., daugh- ter of Michael Connolly, of Smithfield, in 1879.
Amos Marshall, born in 1824 in Yorkshire, England, is a son of John and Sarah (Greenwood) Marshall. He came to America first in 1851, staying one year and returning to England. He came again in 1857, and in 1858 located at Woonsocket, going to work in the mills. For twelve years he had charge of woolen weaving in Boston, Carolina, Clayville, N. Y., and Philadelphia. He established the mineral water business in 1877 in Woonsocket. He married Sarah E., daughter of Joseph Batchelor, in 1863.
EDWIN BALLOU MILLER .- Jonathan Miller, the father of the subject of this biography, who was a farmer and a boat builder, lived and died in the town of Cumberland. By his union with Polly, daughter of Oliver Ballou of the same town, were born six sons and three daugh- ters, as follows: Louisa, Almina, Lorenzo, Leander, Almon G., Clemen-
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tina, Edwin B., Solyman and Lewis L. Edwin B. was born in Cum- berland on the 20th of April, 1824, and until the age of 21 remained at home, attending the country school and assisting his father in his varied pursuits. On attaining his majority he came to Woonsocket. and engaged as foreman for his uncle, who cultivated a farm and operated a cotton mill; on the death of the latter still continuing in the employ of his sons.
Mr. Miller soon after this began an independent business career as the purchaser of a livery stable, which he managed for a brief time. In 1855 he embarked in the ice business and at the same time began operations in real estate, which he has successfully continued until the present time, being one of the largest builders and real estate operators in the city. For 25 years he supplied the citizens of Woon- socket with ice and was also a considerable dealer in lumber, as well as a farmer. In 1861 he began the erection of stores and tenements, which industry has been carried on for many years. Some of these he sold, others are rented. The number of houses he has built within . the city limits will aggregate 50 or more, of which he still owns half the number.
Mr. Miller is a republican in his political faith and has for many years filled such local offices as member of the town council (before Woonsocket became a city), assessor of taxes and commissioner of highways. He was elected a member of the general assembly for the session of 1888-9. He was formerly a director of the National Globe Bank and is now a trustee of the Producers' Savings Bank of Woon- socket.
Mr. Miller was, in 1849, married to Lydia A., daughter of Luman Hardy, of New Hampshire. Their children are: Henry F., deceased; Mary Estelle, wife of Francis S. Weeks, Jr .; Medora, deceased; Ellen Frances, deceased; Ida E., wife of Stafford C. Clow; Adelaide L., mar- ried to Clarence C. Andrews, and Edwin P. The death of Mrs. Miller occurred February 15th, 1886.
George H. Miller, son of Lorenzo D. and Loretta W. (Darling). Miller, was born in 1840, in Franklin, Mass., came to Woonsocket in 1853, and was educated in the high school. He served three years during the rebellion in Troop D, First R. I. Cavalry, entering as a private and returning quartermaster-sergeant. He was on detached service as private orderly to General Duffie, and in active service during the whole of his enlistment, going through the Shenandoah Valley with Sheridan, and was also with Kilpatrick, Custer and Merritt. He grew up in the ice business with his uncle, and in 1880 succeeded to the business. Coal was added in 1888. He was elected alderman of the Fifth ward upon the formation of the city government. He was married in 1866 to Mary E., daughter of Albert C. Vose, of Lincoln.
George W. Miller was born in Germany in 1837, and came to Woon- socket when 16 years of age. He was first employed in the Woon-
Edwin & Miller
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socket Company's cotton mill for six years, then was employed in the Woonsocket Iron Foundry until 1865. He then started a repair shop, which he ran alone one year, and then took in as partner Joseph Bani- gan. One year later he bought out Mr. Banigan and carried the business on alone until 1869, and then sold out to the Woonsocket Rubber Com- pany, remaining with that company until 1879. He then started again in the machinist business and carried it on until January, 1884, then consolidated with the Woonsocket Machine and Press Company. He served as member of the town council for two years. He was married in 1858 to Katherine, daughter of Jacob Graff.
James C. Molten, son of M. and Sarah (Cutter) Molten, was born in 1822 in Newport. He came to Woonsocket in 1842 and engaged in the furnishing business, under the firm name of H. & J. C. Molten, which continued until 1846, then by J. C. Molten until 1880, when he retired. In 1844 he married Susan E., daughter of Joshua and Amy (Smith) Bacon, of Providence. He was representative to the general assembly in 1858, served on school committee, was member of town council in 1866-7, is school trustee, and has served before. He has been connected with the People's Savings Bank for 18 years. He was elected to the city council from the Fourth ward upon the formation of the city government in 1888, and was elected president of council in January, 1889.
James Murray, son of Edmund and Margaret (Connolly) Murray, was born 1846, in Ireland, came to America in 1856, located at Man- ville, R. I., and in 1868 came to Woonsocket. He married Sarah A., daughter of Matthew Hayden, of Charlestown, Mass., in 1887. He was elected moderator in 1886 and 1887 and re-elected in 1888. He has been for three years member of school board and is chairman of prop- erty committee; was president of temperance society and president of Business Men's Association. He established his present business of boots and shoes in 1873.
William F. Norton was born in Ireland in 1847, and came to America in 1853, locating in Albion, R. I. He came to Woonsocket in 1868, and went to work for the Harris Woolen Company, where he learned his trade, remaining four years. Then he went to Chicago, re- maining four years, and after the great fire returned to Woonsocket, where he has been ever since, establishing his business of contractor and builder in 1884. He married Kate, daughter of John Franey, of Greenfield, Mass., in 1875.
CHARLES NOURSE was born in Keene, Cheshire county, N. H., November 19th, 1814. He was the fourth child of Silas and Rebecca (Carpenter) Nourse. He received such education as the schools of that time offered Being of a mechanical turn of mind he chose the car- penter's trade in preference to the farmer's life, under which he was reared. He worked at his trade till 1851, when he became interested in cotton manufacture.
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Mr. Nourse was married to Mary Antoinette Heywood, daughter of the late Ephrahim Heywood of Charlestown, N. H., November 12th, 1840, by whom he had three daughters. The love and fidelity which he then pledged was fulfilled with a constancy which knew no wavering until her sudden death, December 11th, 1870.
Mr. Nourse came to Lonsdale, R. I., in 1848, to superintend the carpentry and machine setting of the Lonsdale Company. In 1851 he was appointed superintendent of the cotton mills at Ashton, R. I. In 1854 he assumed the superintendency of the Social Mills of Woon- socket, R. I., which position he held till his sudden death, March 1st, 1886. He was elected president of the Social Manufacturing Company in January, 1877, at which time he had become a considerable owner of its stock. In 1882 the new Nourse Mill was built and named in honor of its president and superintendent.
Mr. Nourse was elected president of the Producers' Bank in 1864, and re-elected president of the Producers' National Bank in 1865, which office he held till his death. He was six years a director in the New England Cotton Manufacturers' Association, and its vice- president in 1878. He was the first president of the Woonsocket Business Men's Association. He was also a member of the Providence Board of Trade. He belonged to the Woonsocket Commandery of Knights Templar.
Mr. Nourse was married a second time to Mrs. Anna Teston, March 13th, 1872, by whom he had no issue.
As a manufacturer Mr. Nourse ranked high. He was exceptionally devoted to his calling. He was an early riser, and for many years he rarely failed to be in or about his mills before the starting of the ma- chinery. He was methodical, prompt, exact and quick to perceive and adopt new advantages.
In politics Mr. Nourse was a republican. In his early days he be- longed to the old whig party, but on the formation of the republican party he eagerly transferred his allegiance to that organization. The great moral issues which convulsed the country from the inception of that party, enlisted his sympathies to the fullest degree. He was radical in speech and act. He found ample scope in his party for the execu- tion of his political doctrines. Clear as he was in his views, he seldom spoke in public. He was a delegate to the Cincinnati Convention in 1876. He was state senator in 1877 and again in 1878.
Mr. Nourse was an active member in the Woonsocket Universalist Society. Although he wasa regular attendant and a liberal supporter of the Universalist church, he never became a member of that com- munion.
As a citizen, Mr. Nourse was ever ready, by word and deed, to promote any measure which tended to the best interests of the com- munity in which he spent the best of his days. In all his going in and coming out before the people he was courteous, deferential, atten-
Eng by F Fran NY.
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tive, liberal. He was especially mindful of the feelings and comforts of the thousands of beings, which, from time to time, came under his supervision. He was fond of young men and delighted in their pros- perity. In his home lie was cheerful, indulgent and generous. He was hospitable and social in his nature, and he was never happier than with a houseful of neighbors with a large sprinkling of the young. He is mourned alike by old and young, and the tender memory which he leaves behind, is the best commentary on his happy and useful life.
JOHN OSBORNE .*- The impress made by John Osborne upon the memory of those who knew him, is largely due to his marked dignity of character. The chief events of his life can be quickly told, but it is far more difficult to give a distinct picture of his personality. He was the son of Marble and Elizabeth (Hanson) Osborne, and was born in Dover, N. H., February 17th, 1784. His father fought in the battle of Bunker Hill, but soon afterward entered the Society of Friends, perhaps in recoil from the cruelty involved in war. The simple faith in which John Osborne was nurtured, and to which he always adhered, was dear to him, yet catholicity was one of his characteristics. Neither his mind nor his heart could be satisfied without a large outlook. His desire for knowledge led him to save his earnings and go to Smith- field, R. I., at the age of 22, to attend the school of Elisha Thornton. The instruction and inspiration afforded by that gifted teacher were always a pleasant subject of reminiscence with his pupil, but the young man's connection with the school was brief. He soon accepted an invitation to act as temporary cashier of the Smithfield Union Bank.
After a short residence in Boston, New York and Providence, Mr. Osborne returned to Smithfield to become cashier of the bank. This position he retained until 1840. Upon resigning it in favor of his son, he was elected president, and he continued to serve in that ca- pacity until his death, fulfilling his duties with fidelity and judgment which commanded the confidence of the community. When the bank was somewhat embarrassed, he voluntarily relinquished a part of his salary-an act which was highly appreciated by his associates, inas- much as the salary paid by a country bank was small, and Mr. Os- borne had no other resources for the maintenance of his family. From 1845 to 1857 he was president of the Woonsocket Institution for Savings, and from 1857 until his death, president of the People's Sav- ings Bank of Woonsocket.
His clear and vigorous mind grasped with interest the elements and many of the details of common law. His neighbors relied largely upon this knowledge, and it was quite customary to secure his services in writing wills and other legal documents.
In 1816 Mr. Osborne married Elizabeth, daughter of Walter Allen, * By Katharine H. Austin.
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of Bank Village. After the death of Mr. Allen, this family joined his two unmarried daughters in the occupancy of his attractive estate. Mr. Osborne's love of nature was strong, and he took pleasure in beautifying this home by planting shrubbery and otherwise. On the smaller territory that he had hitherto occupied, he had had for many years a fruit garden which he personally tended, and which was ad- mired as a model. In these tranquil pursuits his life was passed. As he moved among his fellows, his presence, at once unassuming and dignified, genial and yet touched with a delicate reserve, won the re- gard of old and young, cultured and ignorant. Although conserva- tive in his tastes, he was a public spirited citizen, studying with inter- est the progress of events, and cherishing a strong faith in free institutions.
In the Society of Friends he held various responsible positions. For many years both he and his wife were members of the committee chosen by the New England yearly meeting of Friends to supervise its boarding school in Providence. In 1828, when dissension was pre- vailing among the Friends of Ohio, he was one of a small committee appointed to visit that yearly meeting in the hope of adjusting the difficulty. As there were no railroads, the journey was made by stage coach and private conveyance. Mr. and Mrs. Osborne were elders in the Society of Friends, that is to say, they were selected as counselors to the ministers, out of regard for their good judgment and spiritual discernment.
Mr. Osborne's excellent physical health seemed a fitting exponent of his intellectual and moral condition. To him might naturally be applied the familiar words of the Roman poet: " integer vite." His earthly life was suddenly ended by apoplexy, on April 28th, 1862.
Odilon T. Paradis was born in 1852, in St. Guillaume, Quebec, and was educated there. He came to the United States first in 1868, residing in Blackstone, Mass. He soon returned to Montreal, and came to Woonsocket in 1878 and established his present business of tea merchant, having stores in Woonsocket, Southbridge, Lowell, Chicopee and Gardner, Mass. He now retains only the Woonsocket store. In 1880 he began to issue the French Directory, and in 1882 changed it to the French Almanac, and in 1887 to the Catholic Annual, or L'Annuaire Catholique, a publication that has achieved much suc- cess, and been endorsed by high ecclesiastical authorities. He is con- nected with St. Jean Baptiste and St. Vincent de Paul beneficial socie- ties. He married Henrietta, daughter of Pierre Larivee, of Canada, in 1874.
FRANCIS M. PERKINS .- The parents of the subject of this biography were Josiah and Melintha (Smith) Perkins, whose children were: Anna M., Andrew J., Jane M., Francis M., Charles H., Eliza J. and Louisa A. Francis M. Perkins was born in Middleboro, Mass., July 25th, 1839, and while yet a child removed with his parents to Woonsocket.
Fall Parking
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On completing his education in the public schools he assisted his father in the book and periodical business. Subsequently entering the grocery trade with Daniel A. Cook, he continued this business association for several years, and later formed a co-partnership with George C. Wilder in the same branch of trade, in both of which ventures he was very suc- cessful. In 1868 he was made treasurer of the Woonsocket Rubber Company, and continued in this position until his death, May 10th, 1885. On assuming this responsibility the capital stock of the company, in which he was a shareholder, was $125,000. It now represents a capital of $1,500,000. Mr. Perkins was also a stockholder in the Bailey Wring- ing Machine Company, and a director in both the Woonsocket National Bank and the Woonsocket Institution for Savings. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and connected with Morning Star Lodge, No. 14, of that Order.
In all his undertakings, whether of a business or social character, he displayed remarkable energy, was faithful to every trust, honest in his dealings and efficient to a remarkable degree in his undertak- ings. Active yet quiet in all his works, he moved still onward to success with a determination and a purpose that were praiseworthy in the highest degree. He knew no faltering steps and walked not in doubt or fear. Discerning what he undertook with a clear vision, and guided by the unflinching courage of his convictions, he accomplished his work. Mr. Perkins felt great interest in the Universalist church and Sunday school, in the former of which he was leader of the choir, and in the latter musical director and librarian. He was also a mem- ber of the prudential committee of the society. A keen lover of music, many of his musical compositions were rendered in connection with the church festivities, and received with many marks of appre- ciation.
Mr. Perkins was married December 19th, 1865, to Ella F., daughter of George C. Wilder, of Woonsocket. Harold W. is the only survivor of three children.
LEROY BIDWELL PEASE, the eldest of the seven children of Walter Raleigh and Sophia (Bidwell) Pease, was born at Enfield, Conn., Feb- ruary 2d, 1842, in the paternal homestead that has been, and is now, in the possession of the family since the settlement of the town in 1680. The father of the subject of this sketch still resides on the land purchased from the Indians on the above date, as did seven genera- tions preceding. On his mother's side, also, he is endowed with the blood of the Puritans, the Bidwells having been among the first settlers of East Hartford, Conn. When Mr. Pease was but four years of age his parents removed to Manchester, Conn., where his father, who was a contractor and builder, began the erection of buildings for the now world-famed Cheney Silk Works. Leroy soon after entered the public schools of Manchester, and completed his education at Professor J. C. Howard's private academy for boys at East Hartford.
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Immediately he entered the Good Samaritan drug store at Hart- ford, and began reading medicine, but two years later, having a desire to learn the newspaper business, entered the employ of Curtis B. Wells, publisher of the Tolland County Gazette at Rockville, Conn. Remain- ing here until the fall of 1859, he returned to Hartford and worked as a journeyman printer until October 26th, 1861, when he enlisted as a private in the First Connecticut Light Battery, serving until October 20th, 1862, when he was mustered out at Beaufort, S. C., being one of the " lucky ones" to profit by a general order reducing the number of officers and men in light batteries. Returning to Hartford, he filled various positions on the newspapers of that city, New Haven and New York, until November 23d, 1863, when he re-enlisted in Company A, First Connecticut Heavy Artillery, and served until mustered out of the service on September 25th, 1865, several months after the close of the war. During a portion of this time he was engaged in special ser- vice for the government.
After the war the newspaper business was resumed in New York and Hartford, and in the summer of 1870 Mr. Pease went to Provi- dence. After short engagements on the Journal and Herald of that city, he went to Woonsocket and entered the employ of Samuel S. Foss, publisher of the Patriot, on November 10th, 1870. Here he re- mained until a few days prior to October 1st, 1873, on which date he started the first daily in Woonsocket, The Evening Reporter, having been since engaged in its publication and during which time he has pur- chased the Patriot and other competing publications.
In 1874 Mr. Pease married Helen A., youngest daughter of Colonel Samuel S. Mosely of Hampton, Conn. They have three children: Arthur S., Albert L. and Helen L. Mr. Pease has never held political office. He has devoted much time to temperance and philanthropic work, and is interested in most of the semi-public improvements of his adopted city. His newspaper business yields him a comfortable living, and he enjoys the respect of his fellow citizens.
Israel B. Phillips, son of Nathan and Amey (Fords) Phillips, was born in 1823, in Scituate, and was educated at the Scituate Academy. He established himself in the undertaking business in North Provi- dence in 1863, and came to Woonsocket in 1870, where he carried on the business until he sold out in 1883. He served as a member of the town council twice. He married in 1849, Harriet, daughter of Seril Peck, of Attleboro, Mass. She died in 1855 and he married again in 1857, Abby G., daughter of Mowry Lapham, of Smithfield, now Lincoln.
Aram J. Pothier, son of Julius and Domitilde (Dallaire) Pothier, was born in 1856 in Quebec, and was educated at Nicolet College, Quebec. His parents located in Woonsocket about 20 years ago. He has been connected with the Woonsocket Institution for Savings since 1875, has been a member of the school committee for four years,
L. B. Please.
euse,
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represented the town in the legislature from 1887 to 1889, and was commissioner for Rhode Island to the Paris Exposition in 1889. He was elected city auditor of Woonsocket upon the formation of the city government.
William Power, son of Patrick George and Maria (Lyons) Power, was born in the city of Waterford, Ireland, in 1833. His father was a lawyer of prominence and his mother was a daughter of a wealthy Waterford merchant. He came to America in 1847 and in 1848 to Woonsocket. He established his present business of grocer in 1860. In 1854 he was married to Johanna, daughter of Timothy McCarthy, of Providence." He was elected councilman of the Third ward upon the formation of the city government.
Reuben G. Randall, son of David and Ruth (Allen) Randall, was born in 1826, in Richmond, N. H., and was educated at the Friends' school, Providence. He came to Woonsocket in 1843, and was first employed in the counting room of Dexter Ballou & Co. for eight years. In 1853 he became connected with the First National Bank as cashier, which position he has held since. He was made treasurer of the People's Savings Bank in 1857, and treasurer of the Woonsocket Gas Company in 1859. He is also the president of the American Worsted Company. He married for his first wife, Sylvia Harrington. His present wife is Medora C., daughter of Willis Cook, of Woonsocket. He married her in 1856.
OSCAR JENCKES RATHBUN, son of Aaron and Julia E. Rathbun, was born in Woonsocket, R.I., March 12th, 1832. His education was ob- tained at the Worcester high school, Worcester, Mass., and the Clinton Liberal Institute, Clinton, N.Y., after which his business career was begun, at the age of 19, as clerk in the mercantile establishment of his father, located in his native place. Aaron Rathbun died in 1854, leaving all his interests in the hands of his son, meanwhile advising him to abandon mercantile life, which was not to his taste, and em- bark in business as a manufacturer. In deference to this expressed wish and in consonance with his own inclinations, he at once relin- quished the career of a merchant, and settled his father's estate. In 1856 Hon. Latimer W. Ballou, at that time cashier of the Woonsocket Falls National Bank, called upon Mr. Rathbun and requested his assistance in the bank. Not desiring to make banking the business of his life, he accepted the office conditional upon its relinquishment when other plans were fully matured. The next year he was ap- pointed cashier of the Citizens' National Bank, and treasurer of the Citizens' Savings Bank, which positions he filled until 1860.
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