USA > Rhode Island > Memorial encyclopedia of the state of Rhode Island > Part 23
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So greatly was the mind of Mr. Aldrich centered upon his business and upon the financial problems connected therewith that but little time or energy was left for outside interests, the only matters which shared at all largely his thoughts with these things being his family and his church. Mr. Aldrich was a Universalist in his religious belief and attended faithfully divine service in the church of this denomination in Woonsocket. He was highly interested in its work and gave liberally both of time and fortune to assist its objects, especially its philanthropic objects. But his attitude to the general aspects of the life of the community is well illustrated by that towards politics. Of keen mind and alert intelligence, it was impossible but that he should have opinions, and very pronounced opinions, upon the issues which confronted the country during his life, and more than this he kept himself well posted upon all that was going on and well abreast of the times. But he never took any part in them himself and did not even express his opinions, his remarks being often to the effect that business and politics did not mix and that he was a business man first, last and always. This must not be held to imply, even for a moment, that Mr. Aldrich was not broadly public-spirited and ever on the alert to do what he could for the advancement of the interests of his fellows and the common weal. On the contrary, there were few men in the community who could equal him in this respect, for he was always ready to assist in any way possible all movements that appealed to his good judgment undertaken in the interests of the com- munity, and he was well known for his generosity and liberality, being one of the most popular figures in the city. This could scarcely be better illus- trated than in the case of his relations with the Woonsocket Business Men's Club, an admirable organization designed to bring into closer association the various business interests of the city and foster the affairs of all. To this club Mr. Aldrich did not belong, but his relations with its members were
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the most friendly and helpful as is shown in the fact that they often asked his advice in business matters, a request that he never refused.
Mr. Aldrich was united in marriage with Mary J. Hendrick, like himself a native of North Smithfield, born November 25, 1878. Mrs. Aldrich was one of the nine children born to Daniel and Phebe (Browning) Hendrick, of North Smithfield, where her father for many years was a successful farmer. The name of Hendrick is one of the oldest and most honorable in the history of Rhode Island and Mrs. Aldrich traces her descent back to many distin- guished representatives of the family. The Hendricks are well represented in other states besides Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts, each has a number of branches of the family and it is in the latter that the name is first found at Haverhill in 1645, when Daniel Hendrick is recorded as a proprietor there. Members of the family distinguished themselves in the Revolution and up to the present time have continued to take a leading part in the affairs of their various communities. Mrs. Aldrich's brother, Hon. George Jencks Hendrick, was particularly prominent and was a member of the Rhode Island State Legislature as well as holding many other important posts.
For the amount of schooling that he had received Mr. Aldrich was a man of remarkably broad education and the widest reading. A good gen- eral education it is quite possible to gain in our public schools, but he was a man of unusual erudition and possessed great special knowledge on many branches of art and science. The reason for this is to be found in the fact that he was a natural scholar, one of those whose study by no means stops when they leave school for the last time. Indeed, it is then only commenc- ing and during their whole life they continue to be students, learning from everything with which they come in contact. It has already been remarked that Mr. Aldrich was devoted to his family and home. This was closely connected with another profound taste of his, namely, reading, and it has been said of him that if he was not to be found in his office you might count on his being at home with a book in his hand, deep in his lifelong task of acquiring knowledge. It was this habit, without question, that made him one of the most erudite and accomplished men of the city and an authority on many subjects of which most men of business are profoundly ignorant. He was a "self-made man" in a larger sense than that in which the term is generally used, in the sense, that is, that he made of himself everything that was possible in every department of his character and life. The phrase, as it is loosely used, conveys merely the idea that the one so designated has made a fortune or achieved position and no more, but in this sense it becomes a title of far greater significance and honor and implies that he has used to the utmost those talents intrusted to him by the Master. Mrs. Aldrich, who survives her husband, resides at the Aldrich residence, at No. 31 Orchard street, Woonsocket, which she erected since the death of her husband.
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George Carr Lamthan
6 vorge Carr Kamton
T HE DEATH of George Carr Lawton, at Newport, Rhode Island, on February 4, 1915, removed from that city one of the busiest and most prominent figures in its business world, a man who for many years had stood as a type of the conserv- ative and successful merchant, the substantial and public- spirited citizen. It is only of comparatively recent years that the inestimable benefits conferred upon the world by the sober business man and merchant are coming to have their due share of recognition, and that the records of such men are being set down alongside of those more showy ones connected with such activities as the military and political careers. And yet they are surely more truly representative of human life in the aggregate and more largely contributive to the sum of human happiness, and the instinct to praise them to-day and record their deeds is a correct one.
Born in Newport, August 9, 1873, Mr. Lawton was a son of the late William Stephen and Mary (McFarland) Lawton, highly respected resi- dents of that city. Mr. Lawton, Sr., was also a native of Newport, but his wife was born in Ireland and came to this country in her early girlhood. William Stephen Lawton was for many years a prominent business man in Newport and it was he who founded the famous Sea Side Market which has since been carried on with such success by his son. George Carr Lawton was the elder of the two sons of William S. Lawton and inherited from him his remarkable business ability. He was educated in public schools of New- port and there showed himself to be an apt pupil, but while still a mere youth he completed his studies and began to work for his father. Beginning thus early he gained a very complete familiarity with the details of the business and with business methods generally, and it so happened that, with the death of the elder man, he was able to take charge of the establishment and continue its large operations without any break. In this his younger brother, Frederick Lawton, was associated with him and for a year the two young men continued in partnership and then George Carr Lawton bought his brother's interest and from that time up to his own death conducted it alone. This remarkable establishment, the Sea Side Market of Newport, is cer- tainly one of the best known in the country and deserves a detailed descrip- tion far beyond what the limits of such a work as this will permit. Founded about 1879 by William S. Lawton, the market is in all respects unique. It was a sort of hobby with both the elder Mr. Lawton and his son, the former spending some twenty thousands of dollars in fittings for it and even mak- ing a special trip to Europe in search of handsome furnishings and returning with three beautiful Venetian glass chandeliers from Venice itself, which have since been much admired. There, too, was installed the first refrigerat- ing plant in New England. Mr. Lawton continued the progressive policy initiated by his father and has always enjoyed the very best trade in New- port. It has been his policy always to cater to the great summer colony for
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which Newport is celebrated throughout the world, and that with such success that he numbered among his patrons many.of the wealthiest families in America. Since the death of Mr. Lawton, his wife has continued the great business, the active management of which has been carried on by Mr. Gardner P. Reynolds, long a valued employee of the Lawtons,
Mr. Lawton was greatly interested in the public affairs of his home city and in its life generally. He was a staunch Republican in politics and, although no office seeker, making it rather his endeavor to avoid than to seek this kind of public notice, nevertheless held many positions of trust and re- sponsibility which were in a manner thrust upon him by his fellow citizens in such a way as to render it difficult, if not impossible, to refuse. Another aspect of the community's life in which he was prominent was that con- nected with the fraternal organizations and clubs and the social activities generally. He was particularly interested in Free Masonry, and he was not merely a member in all the local bodies connected with this great order, but sat in all their chairs. His first connection with it was when he joined St. John's Lodge, No. I, Free and Accepted Masons, in 1899. Seven years later he was elected its worshipful master. In 1901 he joined the Newport Chap- ter, Royal Arch Masons, and in 1906-07 was its high priest. In the former year he also joined the De Blois Council, Royal and Select Masters, and was elected its thrice illustrious, master in 1909. In 1902 he entered the Wash- ington Commandery, Knights Templar, and was its eminent commander in 1906. He was also a member of the Palestine Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and of the Scottish Rite bodies and was a thirty-second degree Mason. He was potent master of Van Rensselaer Lodge of Perfection, of Newport, and he belonged to the Providence bodies of this order. He was the treas- urer of St. John's Lodge and of St. John's Corporation, secretary of the Newport Chapter and grand principal sojourner of the Grand Chapter of Rhode Island. He was also a member of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Association of Knights Templar Commanderies and the various Masonic bodies, and was also a member of Excelsior Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Knights of Pythias.
On January 18, 1894, Mr. Lawton was united in marriage with Bertha Frances Burbidge, a native of Newport and a daughter of John and Eliza- beth Burbidge, both of whom were born in England, but who had been resi- dents of the Rhode Island city for many years. To Mr. and Mrs. Lawton seven children were born as follows: Annie Burbidge, who died at the age of seven years; Heyward F., William S., Harold R., Herbert A., Robert C. and John B. Mrs. Lawton and her six sons survive Mr. Lawton.
George Carr Lawton was of the best type of New England business. man. whose reputation for integrity and probity in all his transactions was unimpeachable. Of great energy and ready resource in every emergency, his great enterprise continued to grow uninterruptedly during his entire career. He was extremely public-spirited and always kept the interests of the city in mind and constantly aimed at serving them. He won, not only the respect and admiration of his fellow citizens, but their affection as well, and there were very few who might claim so large a circle of friends or such devotion on the part of those who made it up.
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George Winchester Paton
T N THE long ago John Paton, a Scotchman, and Mary Pearce, an Englishwoman, were united in marriage in England and located in the city of London, where John Paton, who was a baker by trade, operated a bakery and shop. There they passed their lives and died not long past middle age. Eleven children were born to them, all of whom remained in their native land save two, John, who went to Australia, and George Winchester, one of the younger children, who came to the United States and to whose memory this sketch is dedicated.
George Winchester Paton was born in London, England, May 15, 1839, died at his home in Riverside, East Providence, Rhode Island, January 25, 1910. He attended public schools until thirteen years of age when he left his home and came to the United States, being on the ocean five weeks, the sailing vessel being under command of a Captain Reynolds, who befriended the boy. The vessel landed in New York City, but, having an uncle in Provi- dence, Rhode Island, the stout-hearted lad made his way to that city.
Andrew Paton, uncle of George W. Paton, was an expert silversmith in the employ of the Gorham Manufacturing Company, who had brought him from England where most of the expert silversmiths were to be found in those days. George W. Paton made his home with his uncle, Andrew Paton, for some time, taking an evening course at the Scofield School. When still quite young he began learning the jeweler's trade with Aldrich B. Gard- ner. He continued to reside with his uncle until the death of his aunt, Mrs. Andrew Paton, then became an inmate of the home of his employer, Mr. Gardner, with whom he resided until 1861.
When President Lincoln issued his first call for volunteers to suppress the rebellion in the Southern States, George W. Paton was one of the first to respond in Providence, enlisting in the First Rhode Island Battery which left Fox Point in the steamer "Kill Von Kull" and were taken to New York, thence to Washington, D. C. He reenlisted after his first short term of service expired and remained in the army until near the close of the war when he was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant. He saw hard service, was in many battles but escaped all the perils of a soldier's life with the exception of one slight wound. His record is an honorable one, his promotions to corporal and sergeant coming for meritorious conduct and soldierly behavior. He was a brave soldier and officer, performing every duty cheerfully, winning the respect of his superior officers and the warm friendship of his comrades.
After the war Mr. Paton returned to Providence and the jewelry trade, working for the jewelry firm of Steel & Crooker for over twenty years. His health had broken during that period and in 1885 he moved to Riverside, East Providence, where he engaged in the real estate business, his health demanding outside employment. Riverside was then little more than a
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sunimer resort, very few families living there all the year round. It was Mr. Paton's work to change this condition and no man did more to create the prosperous village of to-day with its permanent population, good stores, church and schools. Soon after locating at Riverside he bought the old "Cedar Grove Hotel," a beautiful property which he remodeled, enlarged, renamed the "Riverside" and conducted as a summer hotel for many years. He caused about twenty cottages to be erected for the use of summer resi- dents, being the first to engage in that form of enterprise. In fact he kept fully abreast of the times and led in those matters of public improvement which stamp a community as progressive and desirable. He erected his homes on desirable sites and now they are nearly all permanently occupied. As his real estate business grew in volume Mr., Paton gradually withdrew from the management of the Riverside Hotel, finally disposing of it entirely. But the many friendships he had formed as "mine host" were ever retained and the warm hospitality and good cheer which had made the Riverside so popular was transferred to the home he built and there his friends were ever welcome and good fellowship prevailed.
While his energy did so much to develop Riverside as a village of per- manent homes, his example encouraged others to do likewise and much of the improvement with which he was not directly connected may be traced to his influence. He was the organizer of the Buckingham and Farragut Posts, Grand Army of the Republic, and to his continued energy and interest much of the success of these bodies of veterans is due. He was also a mem- ber of the Masonic order, and in political belief a Republican. He was often solicited to accept public office but he always refused. His home was the great joy of his life and there he found the love and appreciation he craved. He was most kindly, considerate and courteous to all, but it was in the home circle that he was at his best and there he was truly appreciated. He had a host of warm friends and after his death the many tributes and letters re- ceived by the family attested how highly he was regarded outside the home circle.
Mr. Paton married, August 11, 1861, Ellen Charlotte, daughter of Edward Saunders and Elizabeth (Katin) Harney, old residents of Provi- dence, Mrs. Paton's birthplace. To George W. and Ellen C. Paton were born three children: 1. Charlotte, deceased; married Edgar A. Mowry, who survives her. 2. Eliza A., married Edward C. Penniman, a prominent busi- ness man of Riverside, and has two children: Carlotta and Edward C. Pen- niman, Jr. 3. George Thomas, a resident of Boston. Mrs. Ellen Charlotte Paton survives her husband, continuing her residence at the homestead, No. 83 Lincoln avenue, Riverside, where with children and grandchildren her evening of life is being happily passed.
* لياتهذا- الخميس ٤ لم المثيرة
Andrew Linton
Andrew Linton
A YOUTH of sixteen years when brought from Scotland by his parents to the United States, Andrew Linton in Provi- dence and in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, demonstrated the value and strength of his manhood, and in his role of jewelry manufacturer added to the industrial prosperity of both cities. He was deeply interested in church and charitable work, temperate in all things,, domestic in his tastes, a patriotic, public-spirited citizen, a Christian and a gentleman.
His father, also Andrew Linton, was born in Ireland and when an infant was taken to Scotland by his parents. There he grew to manhood, follow- ing different occupations, and in 18.12 came to America, locating at Provi- dence, where he became an operator in the mills. At this occupation he spent the remainder of his life, which ended October 18, 1861, at the age of forty- seven years. His wife, Catherine (McCann) Linton, whom he married in Ireland, died October 18, 1851, and both were buried at the Catholic Ceme- tery in Providence. To Andrew and Catherine Linton were born a family of seven: One, who died in infancy; Andrew, of further mention ; Thomas J., who engaged in the jewelry business in Providence; Agnes, who mar- ried Charles E. Sheridan, and died in New York; Philip, a manufactur- ing jeweler in Providence, unmarried; Catherine, who married James E. Davis, of Providence, and Theodore, a resident of Brooklyn, New York.
Andrew (2) Linton, eldest son of Andrew (1) and Catherine (McCann) Linton, was born in Ayr, Scotland, in 1826, died in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, June 13, 1899. The first sixteen years of his life were passed in Ayr, where he was given such educational advantages as his parents could afford. In 1842 the family came to the United States, located in Providence, Rhode Island, where the father obtained employment in the mills, Andrew, the son, apprenticing himself to Andrews & Andrews, engravers of rolls for printing calicoes. The work was not congenial, but he manfully completed the term of apprenticeship for which he had contracted, then sought another sphere of activity. He later entered the employ of his brother, Thomas J. Linton, who had learned the trade of jeweler and started in business in Providence as a manufacturer of jewelry. This work was congenial and he remained with Thomas J. Linton until 1865, becoming thoroughly familiar with the jewelry trade as well as mastering the business methods employed in manufacturing and marketing the factory product.
It was in 1865 that Andrew Linton and his younger brother, Philip, formed a partnership and began manufacturing jewelry in Providence under the firm name of P. & A. Linton. They were very successful and continued in business for twenty years until 1885 when Andrew Linton moved to Woonsocket, Rhode Island, where he continued a manufacturer of jewelry until his death. He was a man of strict integrity, very kindly-hearted and generous, dealing fairly with his employees and in a public-spirited manner furthering the aims of the church he loved. He was a member of St. Charles'
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Roman Catholic Church, of which he was for several years a trustee, and in Providence was one of the founders of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. serving also as president of the society. He took little active part in politics, but was deeply interested in all that pertained to the "common good." He was buried in the cemetery of St. Charles' Church.
Mr. Linton married (first) Mary Ann Sheridan, of Montreal, Canada, who died in Providence, July 10, 1881, aged fifty-six years. He married (second) in 1885, Mary Jane (Wade) Donahoe, daughter of James and Mar- garet Wade, of Blackstone, and widow of Charles Donahoe, who died Janu- ary 13, 1876, at Woonsocket, and was buried at St. Paul's Cemetery at Blackstone. James Wade was born in Ireland and his was one of the first families of that nationality to settle in Blackstone. He spent his life in and around Woonsocket and there died in the full communion of the Catholic church. Mrs. Mary J. (Wade-Donahoe) Linton, since the death of her hus- band, has managed her large estate with excellent results, and in addition has enjoyed both the benefit and relaxation of extensive home and foreign travel. She is a woman of ability, kindly-hearted and highly esteemed by a wide circle of friends.
Many years have now passed since Andrew Linton was a living, breath- ing reality, but his memory is warmly cherished by those who were privi- leged to know the hearty clasp of his hand in friendship. He made the most of the opportunities offered him, acted well his part and left the world better for his having lived in it.
Richard Roscom
Richard Roscom
T HE PEOPLE of America are without doubt the most com- posite in the world to-day, if not of any time recorded in his- tory. Into this country has poured in an unending stream the surplus populations of most of the countries of Europe, of many divergent races to be completely mingled here and form, as we ardently trust and believe, the foundation of a new and virile race which will be, the first since the aborigi- nal red men with a valid claim to the name American. But although there are so many varying elements, each bringing with it its own particular char- acteristics, yet there can be no question that there is a certain dominant quality or tone to the people of this land which seems to survive each fresh inundation of foreign blood and asserts itself in the conduct of even the most outlandish after a certain period of residence here, and which very probably will characterize the coming American race. If one should inquire further as to what this character is and where it has originated, it will scarcely be possible to avoid the conclusion that, even as in the earliest period of our colonization, we are still dominantly English, that our traits, our institu- tions and customs, our whole social makeup have been derived from this source and that in spite of the fact that for many years we have drawn no recruits from England in comparison to the numbers that have reached us from other sources, yet even to-day we may still confidently congratulate ourselves upon being essentially Anglo-Saxon. Of course, the natural birth increase has been great and has kept a much larger proportion of English blood in our veins than might be supposed, but so far as our ideals are con- cerned there has been another factor at work. In the first place the ideals themselves are of an extremely definite character and of that positive type that is apt to impress itself upon others. Besides this we have always had the good fortune to have a great majority of people here who held to these ideals so that however great the influx of strangers they have always been im- pressed with them and turned into ardent supporters of what we call "Amer- icanism," ready in their turn to proselytize among the next group to arrive on our shores. While this is true, it is always pleasant to welcome to-day additional members of the people to whom we owe so much of our national life and character as additional leaven, so to speak, for the alteration of the great masses of outlanders reaching the United States. More especially is that welcome a warm one when those who come thence are of the best type of their countrymen, men of character and action, of culture and intelligence, the most effective unit possible to uphold and make prevail those ideals, that habit of mind in which so many of us put their faith for the future of the country. Such a man was the late Richard Roscow, a native of Lancashire, England, and later a resident of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, who, although less than half his life was spent in this country, had become most intimately and prominently identified with the life of his adopted community, so that his death on December 27, 1914, was felt as a loss to the city.
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