USA > Rhode Island > Providence County > History of Providence County, Rhode Island > Part 73
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Ponaganset is situated on the north branch of the Pawtuxet river in the western part of the town. Job Randall, John Barden, Jesse Arnold, John Hill and Thomas Hill were among the first settlers in
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
this vicinity. Job Randall settled on lands now owned and occupied by Joshua Wells, one-half mile north of the village. His son Job settled just below the village. From the town records we find the name of Job Randall as follows: deputy from 1739 to 1766, except the year 1749; deputy in 1769 and 1770; representative of the town in the general assembly from 1792 to 1810, from 1831 to 1833, 1842 and 1843; senator in 1843 and 1844. Probably father, son and grandson held these positions, as this official life extends over a period of 105 years. Hon. John H. Barden thinks Job Randall, Sr., settled here as early as 1675. It is said of him that he was a powerful man, capable of per- forming great physical feats, and that he was a noted wrestler.
John Barden was the grandfather of John H. Barden, the present owner of the village. His business was forging or making iron. The ore was hauled in a one-horse cart from the Cranston ore beds, and the business continued successfully in this way for a number of years. He came here about the year 1760, and died in a house where the village store now stands, about 70 years of age. The works stood on grounds afterward used for a grist mill. His son, John Barden, died in 1860, 75 years of age. He ran the saw and grist mills. He sold the property finally to the Richmond Company in 1826.
The first house built in Ponaganset was by Jesse Arnold. John Hill settled at Rockland. John Barden, the father of John H., built the grist mill here in 1815. John Barden and wife kept the first store in Ponaganset. The first wagon with thorough-braces in the place was brought here in 1828. Henry F. Ford was the first wheelwright. Peter King was the first blacksmith.
Honorable John H. Barden, the present proprietor of the village, was born August 7th, 1816. He received one year's schooling, and then began working in the mills at Remington. In 1847 he ran the mills there and continued the business till 1856, manufacturing print cloths, when Mr. Thomas Remington took the mills again, and he came to Ponaganset, where his record has been made in the interests of the people of his own native village. Mr. Barden was senator in 1870 and 1871, and representative in 1869.
The first store in the place was built by John Barden in 1832. It was leased to Alexander Allen, and after him came Joseph W. War- ner, then John H. Barden, who kept it four years, and then sold it to the Ponaganset Manufacturing Company. In 1865 this company sold it to Daniel A. Clarke, now of North Scituate, and in 1878 A. B. Bar- den, the present proprietor, came into possession. The new building was erected by John H. Barden in 1864. There is also a public hall and a library in the village, mostly the gift of John H. Barden.
The first mills here were built by John Andrews, William E. Rich- mond and Richmond Bullock, in 1827 or 1828. Additions were made from time to time, increasing the capacity, as was needed. The first company put in 24 looms and made yarn from 1828 to 1832, when they
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
added 24 more looms and continued till 1845, then sold to John T. Pit- man. He added 80 looms and continued till 1852, when the property was burned. In 1853 John H. Barden and B. A. Potter bought the property, rebuilt the mills, put in 78 looms, and began the manufac- ture of satinet warps. In 1860 Alanson Steere, Otis Steere, James H. Mumford, 2d, of Providence, and John H. Barden formed a company, took the property, added 123 looms, and began the manufacture of print cloths. They also made an addition to the building. In 1883 Mr. J. H. Barden and J. H. Eddy bought the property. In 1885 an- other addition was made to the mill. Mr. Barden operates 174 looms and employs 80 hands in the manufacture of print cloths. In 1883 the proprietors of the various mills on this stream built a substantial reservoir, at a cost of $54,000. The pond covers an area of 260 acres, having a water shed above that of 55 acres more. The reservoir is well stocked with black bass. As a piece of masonry the work done here will excite the interest and admiration of all who visit this beau- tiful village.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Gilbert Aldrich, born in Scituate in 1836, is a son of William, grandson of David, and great-grandson of Noah Aldrich, all of whom were residents of Scituate. Gilbert was married in 1881 to Susan S., daughter of Halsey Aldrich. He has always been in the lumber busi- ness and farming.
James Aldrich, born in Scituate in 1800, was a son of Oliver and grandson of James Aldrich, who came from Smithfield and settled in this town. He was married in 1835 to Abigail C. Colwell. They had six children. Two sons, James C. and William H. H., and two daugh- ters, Asenath S., wife of William A. Pirce, and Desire, are living. In early life Mr. Aldrich was engaged in mercantile business, but after marrying, settled on the farm now occupied by his children. He was elected senator from Scituate. He died in 1877.
Simon S. Aldrich was born in Scituate in 1845. His father was Arthur F. and his grandfather John Aldrich. Arthur F. was elected to the assembly several terms. He married Mary Harris. Simon S. married in 1874 Susan F., daughter of Lyman Brown. Mr. Aldrich has always been a farmer. He was elected to the town council in 1884.
Jonathan H. Arnold, son of Russell and grandson of Simeon Arnold, was born in Scituate in 1814. Simeon came from Smithfield and settled on a farm, a part of which is now owned and occupied by Jonathan H. He was married in 1844 to Minerva Arnold. They had one son, John A., who is a physician, and is now general superintendent of Kings County Hospital, N. Y. He was educated at the Lapham Institute and Harvard Medical School, and Bellevue Hospital College, N. Y., taking his degree in 1872. Minerva Arnold died in 1869, and Jonathan H. was married again in 1871 to Louisa Buffinton.
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
George A. Atwood, born in Scituate in 1820, is a son of William and grandson of Abraham Atwood, both being millwrights. George A., early in life, entered a store and made that his business for many years. He was married in 1846 to Harriet Monroe. They have no children. He was deputy sheriff for over 26 years and president of , the Scituate National Bank for the past 12 or 15 years.
William C. Atwood was born in Scituate March 19th, 1807. His father was Kimball Atwood, and his grandfather was John Atwood of Scituate. He was in the war of the revolution six years, and an officer in the continental army. William C. married Julania Andrews, Octo- ber 5th, 1827. She died in 1861. They had twelve children. There are living: Kimball, Richard A., John H., William A. and Adeline. She, with William A., resides with their father. He was married again in 1864 to Mary A. Phillips. She died in 1879. His mother's maiden name was Colegrove. He had four sisters and two brothers. One brother, John, settled in Killingly, Conn. He had two sons, James S. and William A. They were engaged in cotton manufacturing in Con- necticut. Both are dead. William A. left two sons, Henry C. and William E., and one daughter, Mary E. They are engaged in cotton manufacturing in Williamsville, Conn. James S. left two sons, J. Walter and J. Arthur Atwood, engaged in cotton manufacturing at Wauregan and Taftville, Conn. William C. has been a member of the South Scituate Baptist church for over forty years. He lives on what was called Blackmore farm, settled on by his father.
Olney H. Austin, son of Samuel Austin, was born in Scituate in 1819. He was married in 1845 to Maritta, daughter of Richard Bishop of Scituate. He is a mason and builder and has followed that busi- ness nearly all his life. He was elected to the assembly in 1862 and 1863. He is a member of Hamilton Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Clayville.
John H. Barden was born in Scituate in 1816. His father and grandfather were both named John. His father married Priscilla, daughter of John Hill. John H. married Ann E. Harrington in 1843. They had four children. None are living. He is engaged in cotton manufacturing at Ponaganset. He was elected to the assembly in 1869, and to the senate in 1870 and re-elected 1871. He was justice of the peace several years. In politics he is a republican.
Richard E. Barden, born in Scituate March 4th, 1827, is a grand- son of John Barden, and his father bore the same name. He was married June 12th, 1851, to Marcia A. Hopkins, of Foster. They have three daughters living: Clara J., married William T. Olney; Bessie P., married Benjamin Wood, and Annie M. His principal business has been farming. He was in the war of the rebellion, in Company I, First Rhode Island Regiment. He is a strong prohibitionist. Mrs. Barden is a poetess of considerable ability, her writings having been published in some of the leading papers of the state.
Robert L. Beckwith was born in Providence in 1855. His father
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
was Amos N., and his grandfather Truman Beckwith, both residents of Providence. Robert L.'s business has always been in cotton mills. In 1844 he came to South Scituate and engaged in cotton manufactur- ing for one year, then settled at North Scituate, manufacturing corset lacings and yarns. He was married in 1879 to Carrie Joslin. They have four sons and one daughter.
Charles A. Brayton, son of James M. Brayton (deceased), grandson of Israel, and great-grandson of Freeborn Brayton, was born in Scit- uate in 1850. He was married in 1873 to Adelaide V. Steere, of Scit- uate. They have two sons and one daughter. In early life he was in the insurance business in Providence, and later in the grocery and milk business. In 1878 he settled in Scituate on a farm formerly owned by his father and grandfather. He is a Six Principle Baptist.
George W. Brown, brother of Stephen and son of Henry Brown, was born in Scituate in 1817. He was married in 1840 to Betsey Phil- lips, who died in 1853. They had two sons, Gilbert and Leander W. Gilbert is living. He was married again in 1854 to Phebe Woodman- sie, daughter of John Woodmansie. Mr. Brown is a farmer. Gilbert married Pamelia Peckham, widow of Stephen Peckham, and they have one son and two daughters.
George W. Brown, 2d, born in Glocester, in 1836, is a son of Stephen Brown, and grandson of Henry Brown. He was married to Mary J. Mathewson in 1856. They have one son, Frank F. Her father's name was William Mathewson. Mr. Brown was a sash and blind manufacturer in Providence for about 30 years. Several years ago he settled in this town, and is extensively engaged in fruit growing.
George H. Burgess was born in Providence in 1843. His father, Samson, and grandfather, Welcome Burgess, were natives of Foster. He was married in 1868 to Amey M. Phinney, of Foster. They have one son, G. Frank Burgess. Most of his life has been spent in Fos- ter and Scituate. He was in the war of the rebellion, First Regi- ment, Battery E, R. I. Light Artillery. His father was in the same regiment.
Elber O. Card, born in Warwick, in 1861, is a son of Reverend Elisha Card. His mother was Harriet F. Taylor. His grandfather was Elisha Card, of Warwick. He was married in 1884 to Carrie A. Bucklyn, of Scituate. They have one son, Clifford E. He resided in Warwick until 1882. He has been a teacher, being engaged several years at North Scituate and other places. In 1889 he engaged in mercantile business at North Scituate.
Daniel A. Clarke, Sr., was born in Unadilla, N. Y., in 1818. His fa- ther was Daniel and grandfather Daniel Clarke, who settled in Foster. Daniel, Sr., was married in 1839 to Mary E. Harrington, of Foster. They had three sons and one daughter, two sons living, Daniel A. Jr., and Charles K., who is a physician. Mr. Clarke followed farming un-
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
til 1866, when he engaged in the mercantile business. Daniel A., Jr., is associated with him. Daniel, Jr., was justice of the peace three years, town sergeant six years, and was appointed deputy sheriff in 1888. He was born in Scituate in 1848, and was married in 1881 to Ella G. Randall. Daniel, Sr., has been member of the town council and collector of taxes, and has held other town offices.
John C. Colvin, born in Warwick, in 1835, is a son of John Colvin and Lucy Arnold. Moses Colvin was his grandfather, and Benoni his great-grandfather. They were farmers. John C. was married in 1881 to Matilda R. Lawton, of Scituate. They have two sons and two daughters. He has been notary public for over 15 years, and justice of the peace almost continuously since 1867, trial justice three years, and assessor in 1885. He was a member of the town council in 1884, 1885 and 1888, and president in the latter year. Although never ad- mitted to the bar, he has practiced in justice courts for many years.
Amos Williams Cooke was born in Glocester, R. I., September 28th, 1824, being the youngest of a family of ten children of William and Betsey (Burgess) Cooke. He was educated in the schools of his native town, and at Lapham Institute in Scituate (then Smithville Seminary). He was a diligent scholar, and remarkable as an expert mathematician. Subsequently he taught school several winters, work- ing on his father's farm summers, and reading such books as he chose from the Foster Manton Library. May 31st, 1852, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Tourtellot, daughter of Williams Tourtellot, who was a lineal descendant, in the sixth generation, from Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, also a lineal descendant from Gabriel Tourtellot, a Huguenot who came from France after the re- vocation of the "edict of Nantes." Mr. Cooke with his wife settled in Providence, R. I., where in connection with his brother, he was en- gaged in the lumber business nine years. In 1865 he purchased a farm in Scituate, where he has since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Cooke have two children: a son, William Tourtellot, born in 1853, a daugh- ter, Charlotte Elizabeth, born in 1860. Seven grandchildren have been added to the family.
Byron J. Cowee, born in Scituate in 1838, is a son of Ira Cowee, who came from Warren, Mass. He was married in 1860 to Mary E., daughter of William W. Durfee. He was superintendent of the machine shop of the Scituate Manufacturing Company for some years. From there he entered the counting room and was there for 15 years. His father was superintendent of this factory for 30 years. . Mr. Cowee has been cashier of the Scituate National Bank for nine years. He has also been treasurer of the town for the past nine years, and is a member of the town council. In 1889 he was made treasurer of the Moswansicut Manufacturing Company at North Scituate.
Leonard K. Durfee was born in Blackstone, Mass., in 1823. His father's name was Darius and his grandfather was James Durfee. He
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
was married in 1853 to Celinda M. Waldron. They had no children. She died in 1874. In 1880 he was married to Mrs. Emily F. Pray, whose maiden name was Corey.
William P. Durfee, son of Darius (married Mary Sweet, daughter of Jeremiah Sweet of Glocester) and grandson of James Durfee, was born in Glocester in 1821. He was married in 1853 to Emeline A., daughter of William Pray. They have two sons, William H., who married Agnes E. Vallett, and Charles A., who married Mercy A. Baton, and one daughter, Adeline, who married Herman G. Tucker. Mr. Durfee is a carpenter by trade and made it his business for 20 years. Later he engaged in farming.
Almond L. Field is a son of Caleb and grandson of Stephen Field of Cranston, and was born in that town in 1846. He was married in October, 1867, to Melissa J. Knight, daughter of William W. Knight of Scituate. They have one son and four daughters. He was in the war of the rebellion in Battery C, First Rhode Island Light Artillery. He is an Odd Fellow, a member of the G. A. R., and a member of the R. S. of G. F. He has been a resident of Scituate most of his life and is engaged in the milk business and farming.
Nathan Fiske, born in 1841, is a son of Ebenezer and Amey (Col- vin) Fiske. His grandfather was Stephen K. and his great-grandfather Daniel Fiske. Nathan was married in 1867 to Melissa E., daughter of Wardwell G. Matteson. They have one daughter, Pernella M. In early life Mr. Fiske was a farmer. Later he learned the machinist trade, which has been his business except from 1874 to 1879, during which time he was station agent at Hope. He is a member of War- wick Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M.
Isaac Groves, son of James, was born in Monaghan county, Ireland, in 1827, came to this country in 1853 and settled in Scituate, where he has resided since. He married Susan Somerville in 1859. They have one son and a daughter. For about 25 years he was in the employ of the Hope Company, and in 1882 engaged in farming.
Charles A. Harris, born in Scituate in 1812, was married in 1837 to Susan Fenner. They had one daughter, Georgiana A., who married Benjamin F. Smith. His wife died in 1867 and he was married in 1871 to Henrietta Tourtellotte. They have one son. He has been several times a member of the town council and assessor of taxes. His father, Charles, grandfather, Asahel, and great-grandfather, Gideon Harris, were all residents of Scituate. Mr. Harris owns and occupies the farm settled on by his grandfather.
George P. Howard is a son of Ephraim and grandson of John How- ard. His mother's maiden name was Hannah Green. He was born in West Greenwich in 1849 and married in 1869 Triphenia H., daugh- ter of Philip Johnson of Coventry. They have one son, George H., and three daughters, Hertilla B., Vivenia W. and Mary E. The early part of his life was spent in West Greenwich. In 1867 he settled in
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
Coventry and in 1888 came to Scituate. He is a farmer and milk dealer.
Richard G. Howland was born in 1840 in Warwick, R. I. His- father's name was Daniel, and also his grandfather's. They were residents of East Greenwich and were Quakers. His mother's maiden name was Susan Greene. He was married in 1868 to Isabel J. Allen. They had five children; one son, Daniel, and one daughter, Alice M., are living. Mrs. Howland died in 1884. In 1886 he was married to Alice Sisson. He settled in Scituate in 1868, and until 1872 was assistant superintendent of the Hope Company. Since that time he has been superintendent. He was elected to the assembly in 1870 and again in 1884. He was a member of the town council in 1870 and 1872.
William E. Joslin, born in Johnston, R. I., March 13th, 1842, is a son of Robert and grandson of George Joslin, who was a native of Thompson, Conn., and who married Eleanor Snowman. Robert mar- ried Eliza Thornton. Benjamin Thornton, her great-grandfather, came from England and settled in Rhode Island, holding title deeds to a very large tract of land situated in Providence county. This property was sold by the guardian of his son without any authority, and suit was afterward brought by Benjamin Thornton, grandson of the original owner, and James Smith to recover the same, but the courts of the state decided against them, not on account of non-validity of their title, but because of the length of time that had elapsed and the many hands the property had passed through. The case was finally thrown out of court. Robert Joslin was born on Fox Island, Maine. In 1865 he began the manufacture of thread at South Scituate, and was engaged in that business until 1876, at which time the factory was destroyed by fire .. The site was purchased by William E. Joslin, who rebuilt the mill in 1878, since which time he has been engaged in the manufacture of shoe and corset lacings. He was married in 1865 to Therese Joslin. They have one son, William H. Joslin.
Benoni C. Knight, born in Scituate in 1825, is a son of William W. and grandson of George Knight. His mother was Elizabeth Colvin. He was married in 1879 to Mrs. Eliza Colvin. Her maiden name was Potter. His principal business has been wood dealing and later farm- ing. There were 14 children in his father's family, 12 of whom are living.
Henry A. Lawton was born in Newport county, R. I., in 1811, and settled in Scituate when a young man. He was married to Sarah A. Searle in 1833. They had three children: Elisha G., Frances R. and Alice P. Mrs. Lawton died in 1840, and in 1841 he married Charlotte, daughter of Doctor William Richardson. They had six children: Theodore F., Henry A., Charlotte, Mary E., Sarah A. and Maggie G. His wife died in 1862. He married Mrs. Elmira Williams the same year. They had no children. He died in 1880. He was in the as-
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
sembly one term, and at the time of his death one of the largest farm- ers in Rhode Island, owning about 1,000 acres of land. This property is now owned by his son, Henry A. Lawton.
Albert N. Luther, born in 1843 in Scituate, is the only son of Rev- erend Nelson Luther, grandson of Abednego Luther and great-grand- son of Benjamin. He was married December 10th, 1876, to Ella L. Potter, daughter of Samuel P. Potter of Scituate. Mr. Luther was in mercantile trade at Rockland for about 20 years and postmaster at that place for nearly the same length of time. He was a member of the town council in 1879, 1880 and 1881, and was elected justice of the peace in 1888. His mother was Vesta, daughter of Peleg Rounds of Foster, R. I. Albert N. Luther finished his education at Eastman's College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., in 1865.
Wheaton H. Luther was born in Glocester in 1822. Soon after his parents moved to Foster and a few years later he came to Scituate and has resided there since that time. His father was Zadock, his grand- father Benjamin (he was sergeant in revolutionary war), his great- grandfather was Constant Luther of Johnston. Wheaton H. was mar- ried in 1842 to Amity, daughter of George Davis of Foster. In early life he entered a cotton factory and was afterward overseer and super- intendent of like institutions. He is at present engaged in under- taking at Rockland. He has been a member of the town council and is superintendent of the Scituate town asylum.
George W. Paine, born in Wrentham, Mass., in 1833, is a son of Thomas and grandson of Abner Paine, who was a resident of Cranston and was in the revolutionary war. George W. Paine was married in 1854 to Susan E. Wilbur of Warwick. They have two sons and one daughter. In his early days he learned the carpenter's trade and until 1888 was employed in factories in Massachusetts and other states. About 1886 he settled near North Scituate upon what is known as the Kimball homestead.
William N. Patt is a son of Captain David Patt, born in Warwick in 1770. He followed the sea for many years. William N. was born in Scituate in 1808, and married to Alzada Steere in 1827. They had nine children; two sons are living, David A. and Edward N., and one daughter, Rebecca A., who married Frederick Clark. He died many years ago. Mrs. Patt died in 1862, and in 1863 he married a Mrs. Waterman. In early life he was a builder, but for over 40 years has been an ordained minister of the Free-will Baptist church. He has always taken an interest in education and is an active worker in the temperance cause.
Stephen Peckham was a son of Stephen and was born in Scituate in 1801. He was married in 1826 to Elmira Phillips. They had one daughter, Elmira Louisa, and one son, Stephen, named after his father. He married Pamelia Ward. They had no children. He died in 1872.
James B. Phetteplace is a son of Arnold and grandson of Arca
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
Phetteplace. His mother's maiden name was Mary Smith. Her father was Rufus and her grandfather Richard Smith. Rufus. mar- ried Nancy Whipple. James B. was born April 22d, 1832, in Gloces- ter, and married in 1850 to Ann M. T., daughter of Sayles Brown. They have one son and one daughter. He carried on the meat and grocery business for over 20 years in Providence. He settled in Scit- uate some years ago and is engaged in farming, and with his son is engaged in the wholesale oil trade in Providence. He was elected to the town council in 1888 and 1889.
Virgil V. Phillips, born in Scituate in 1831, is a son of Eber and grandson of Elisha. He was married in 1877 to Sarah E. Sheldon of Johnston, daughter of Angell Sheldon. They have one son, Charles V., and one daughter, Josephine. In early life he worked in a factory, but since 1869 has carried on the business of carpenter and builder.
Josh'ua C. Potter was born in Richmond, R. I., in 1830. His father, Freeborn, and grandfather, Joshua, were both residents of that town, Joshua being in the war of the revolution. Joshua C. settled in this town over 25 years ago. He was married in 1849 to Lydia W. Thur- ber, of Scituate. They have two children living-Albert C. and Eliza. Mr. Potter has been engaged in the wood and lumber business, and is a farmer. He was a member of the town council in 1886, 1887, 1888. He is a member of Hamilton Lodge, No. 15, F. & A. M .; Royal Arch Chapter, No. 7; Covenant Lodge, No. 40, I. O. O. F .: Moshassuck En- campment, No. 2; and Mary Lodge, No. 10, Daughters of Rebecca.
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