USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. III > Part 12
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ceiving his degree of Bachelor of Laws at gradu- ation, with the class of 1908. He devoted the two subsequent years to the task of gaining practical law office experience, associating himself, for this purpose, with the firm of Vincent, Boss and Barne- field. In 1910 he applied for and gained admission to the Rhode Island bar; and, beginning his prac- tice in Providence, he has since then been eminently successful, winning the confidence of the public and of his professional colleagues, and acquiring a constantly stronger position.
Public life has always been a matter of interest to Judge Dunn, who has had a great deal of influ- ence, in his way, both through the positions that he himself has held and through the power that he has been able to exert by force of argument and persuasion. In 1911, and again in 1912, he was elected judge of the Probate Court of Johnston; but even before this time, in 1910, he had served as coroner. In 1915 he was elected to represent the town of Johnston in the General Assembly of Rhode Island; and he served, while in that body, on house committees, notably those having to do with rules and education, as well as on the joint committees of accounts and claims. In 1916 he was elected to the office that he has held continuously since that year, that of judge of the Eighth District Court of the State of Rhode Island.
In addition to his professional duties, which he has handled with dignity and distinction, Judge Dunn has figured prominently in the work of dif- ferent organizations and in varied realms of civic life. When the World War drew the United States into its maelstrom, he became a volunteer worker on many Federal and State boards and commissions, seeking always to aid in the bring- ing of victory to American and allied arms. He is active today, too, in numerous groups, including the St. Thomas Roman Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the St. Thomas Catholic Club, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Providence. He holds memberships also in several other social organizations. His political alignment is with the Republican party, of whose principles he has been a constant supporter. In each of the aspects of Rhode Island life covered by the groups named above, he has proven himself an interested and loyal worker; and his career as a lawyer and judge has been one of distinctive achievement.
Louis W. Dunn married, in 1919 Sylvia C. Cyr, and they have three children : Louis W. Dunn, Jr., Shirley C. Dunn, and Donald J. Dunn.
Chat Rockwell
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CHARLES BRISTED ROCKWELL, JR .- Vice-president of the Collins and Aikman Corpora- tion, operators of the Cranston Worsted Mills at Bristol, Rhode Island, Charles Bristed Rockwell, Jr., has succeeded his father as an executive of one of Bristol's most important industrial enter- prises. He was born at Cranston, Rhode Island, on October 15, 1889, son of Charles B. and Martha Briggs (Skerry) Rockwell, and member of an old New England family, descended directly, in the tenth generation, from Deacon William Rockwell, one of the three original selectmen of Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1630. Later, Deacon William Rockwell moved to Windsor, Connecticut, where a branch of the family was seated for several generations, and finally moved to Winsted, Con- necticut.
This family has produced many educators and jurists of note. Henry Ensign Rockwell, grand- father of Charles Bristed Rockwell, of this record, was in the Federal Government Service for many years, mainly as a commissioner of education. He left Yale University in his sophomore year to be- come principal of a high school, and later assumed the commissionership of the Fisheries Commission Station at Woods Hole, Massachusetts, before be- coming commissioner of education.
Charles Bristed Rockwell, Sr., son of Henry Ensign and Enerette (Munson) Rockwell, was born at Winsted, Connecticut, on September 25, 1848, and died on May 10, 1929, in his eighty-first year. At the age of thirteen, during the period of the Civil War, he accompanied his father about his duties in the Quartermaster's Department at Washington, and at the close of the war, was present at Fortress Monroe when Jefferson Davis was brought in there. At the age of sixteen he left home to enter business at Boston, and there- after made his way in life alone and unassisted. His long career was one of distinguished success. Determining to enter the textile field, he went to Germany in 1871 to study the manufacture of wor- sted yarns and cloth, earning his own way as he carried on his studies, and incidentally reporting the siege of Paris for the American press during the eventful Franco-Prussian War. Upon his re- turn to America he entered business independently and later formed the partnership of Rockwell and Skerry. In 1886 he brought about the establish- ment of the Cranston Worsted Mills at Cranston, Rhode Island, and in 1891 removed the factories to Bristol, where they have since been located. In 1927 this company was merged with the Collins and Aikman Corporation of Philadelphia.
After the turn of the century, Mr. Rockwell also purchased the Namquit Mill, which is now a part of the larger plant of the Collins and Aikman Cor- poration. Later the buildings which were formerly a part of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company on Burnside Street, were added, and a branch was also established at West Barrington, Rhode Island, in the plant formerly occupied by the O'Bannon Corporation. Mr. Rockwell's services were a de- cisive factor in the continued growth and success of his enterprise. He was an able and conscien- tious executive, sound in judgment and capable in the direction of large affairs. For a great many years before his death, Mr. Rockwell was a direc- tor of the Bristol Branch of the Industrial Trust Company. He was generous in his support of civic and charitable causes, and the best interests of Bristol were always a matter of deep personal consideration with him. He did much for Bristol. The Young Men's Christian Association Building, Rockwell Hall, was erected through his gift, also M. B. S. Rockwell Convalescent House, which is maintained by the family; and in the fall before his death, he graded and fenced the old DeWolf Inn plot on Thames Street at his own expense. Mr. Rockwell was a member of the Town Council for a time, and took an active part in all town affairs. He was a member of the vestry of St. Michael's Church.
Of his personal characteristics, the testimony of those who knew him speaks best. "Of a quiet re- tiring disposition," wrote a Bristol paper at his death, "probably no man was more looked up to and respected, either among his business associates or among his townsmen. His sincerity, simplicity and directness were such that no one could fail to be moved by his opinions when they were given. . Practically every resident of this town knew Mr. Rockwell personally, and the announcement of his death caused much sadness through the com- munity. It can be truly said that his employees loved and revered him, and he always demonstrated his personal interest in the affairs of each and every one of them."
In 1879 Charles Bristed Rockwell married Mar- tha Briggs Skerry, of Plymouth, a descendant of Myles Standish, and other members of the "May- flower" expedition. The ceremony was performed in Brooklyn by the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, one of the greatest ministers of the time. Martha Briggs (Skerry) Rockwell died in 1915, and Mr. Rockwell married (second) Sarah Nelson Guerin, of Sterling, New Jersey, who survives him. Three children also survive, all of the first marriage: I.
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Mrs. H. Wilson Moorhouse, of Ardmore, Penn- sylvania. 2. Mrs. Austin T. Levy, of Harrisville, Rhode Island. 3. Charles B. Rockwell, Jr., of this record.
Charles Bristed Rockwell, Jr., received his pre- liminary education in Bristol public schools, later attended the Hill School, and finally entered Princeton University, from which he was gradu- ated in 1912 with the degree in Civil Engineering. He began his business career as an associate of his father in the operation of the Cranston Worsted Mills, becoming vice-president and treasurer of the company. These positions Mr. Rockwell occupied until the merger with the Collins and Aikman Corporation in 1927, and since that time has been vice-president and treasurer of the latter corpo- ration.
Mr. Rockwell is a Republican in politics, and since the war has been a member of the Bristol school committee, serving now as its chairman. He also served on the water supply board of Bristol, was a member for three years of the Republican town committee, and is now chairman of the Church Street Park, which he donated to the town of Bristol. Mr. Rockwell is affiliated fra- ternally with St. Albans Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons, and in this order is also a mem- ber of Hope Royal Arch Chapter. He is a member of the Rhode Island Country Club, the Hope Club, the Princeton Club of New York, the Lions Club of Bristol, the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, of which he was president for two terms, and the Bristol Yacht Club. He is president of the Bristol District Nursing Association, vice-president of the National Association of Woolen and Worsted Spinners, treasurer of the local Young Men's Christian Association, and in 1928 was chosen one of three delegates from the United States to at- tend the International Wool Conference held in Paris, in 1928. During the period of the World War he was in charge of the Bristol Constabulary. Besides his connection with the Collins and Aikman Corporation, Mr. Rockwell is a director of the What Cheer Mutual Fire Insurance Company, president of the Millbury Spinning Company of Millbury, Massachusetts, a director of the Crown Worsted Mills of Olneyville, and a director of the Wallace and Tucker Lumber Company of Provi- dence, Rhode Island. Yachting and fishing are Mr. Rockwell's chief hobbies, while with his family he attends St. Michael's Episcopal Church. In his own career he has continued the tradition of promi- nence long associated with the Rockwell name in
Bristol affairs, devoting much of his time to serv- ice in the public interest.
In 1913 Charles Bristed Rockwell married Elea- nor Benson, born at Brooklyn, New York. They are the parents of five children : I. Charles Bristed, III. 2. Henry Benson. 3. Paul Standish. 4. Eleanor. 5. Martha.
ELMER E. TUFTS, JR., is a member of the law firm of Edwards & Angell, No. 1109 Hos- pital Trust Building, Providence, Rhode Island.
Mr. Tufts was born in Kingfield, Maine, Feb- ruary 27, 1891, son of Elmer E. and Nettie (Vose) Tufts. He was educated in the local public and high schools and attended Bates College in 1909- 1910. He then transferred to Bowdoin College, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1913.' Entering Harvard Law School, he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1917. Then came the interruption of his military service. He enlisted in the United States Army Ambulance Service, Section 510, June 2, 1917, with the rank of private, and sailed overseas the following Au- gust 7, and was attached to the 26th Division of the French Army. He participated in the follow- ing battles: Argonne; Verdun; Ourez; Vesle where he was gassed. He was honorably dis- charged on April 28, 1919.
The war over, Mr. Tufts came to Providence and was admitted to the Rhode Island bar in 1920. Since 1919 he has been associated with Ed- wards & Angell. He became a member of the firm in 1929. In January, 1929, he was also ad- mitted to the Massachusetts bar.
For six months in 1913 Mr. Tufts was sub- master at Bridgton Academy, North Bridgton, Maine, and in 1913-14 was principal of the high school at Kingfield, Maine. He is a member of the Delta Upsilon and Acacia fraternities. His adult fraternal affiliation is with the Free and Accepted Masons, Mt. Abram Lodge, No. 204, Kingfield, Maine, and Franklin Chapter, No. 44, Royal Arch Masons, Farmington, Maine, and Bris- tol Commandery, No. 29, Knights Templar, Attle- boro, Massachusetts. He is a member of the Uni- versity Club at Providence and of the Rhode Is- land and American Bar associations. He resides at Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Elmer E. Tufts, Jr., married, in 1922, Florence McClatchey, of Attleboro, Massachusetts. They have one son, Elmer E. Tufts, 3d.
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OSCAR W. JOHNSON has been throughout the course of his entire business career in the insurance business. When he came to it in 1912, he brought to his office as adjuster and super- visor of claims for the State of Rhode Island for the Employees Liability Assurance Corporation of Boston, a ripe experience gained through many previous years in the employ elsewhere of the same company. This experience has since been aug- mented until now he ranks as one of the most able insurance men in New England in his par- ticular field. Mr. Johnson is a public-spirited citi- zen of Providence whose cooperation can be relied upon to help further all projects looking toward the betterment of the city. He has a keen interest in sports, particularly baseball, football, and box- ing, and in the pursuit of this hobby, as well as in his business relationships, he has made a host of friends about Providence.
Born April II, 1880, in Roxbury, Massachusetts, Mr. Johnson is the son of John and Mary (Ander- son) Johnson, both natives of Sweden and now deceased. John Johnson was a piano manufacturer and cabinet-maker throughout his life and did much excellent work after his coming to New Eng- land. The subject of this sketch attended the pub- lic schools of Boston but at the early age of fifteen found employment with the insurance con- cern with which he has since been connected, the Employees Liability Assurance Corporation. He began his career with the organization as a junior clerk but, in 1904, after various intermediary pro- motions, he was made an investigator and ad- juster. In this capacity in the Boston office he continued until his transference to Providence in 1912, with the scope of his operations and respon- sibility extended to the entire State of Rhode Is- land. Fraternally, Mr. Johnson is affiliated with Doric Lodge, No. 38, Free and Accepted Masons, and his religious allegiance is with the Lutheran Church. While he maintains an attitude of inde- pendence for the most part in politics, believing that the personality and capabilities of the indi- vidual candidate rather than his party affiliations are important in the filling of local offices at least, Mr. Johnson has at times been closely associated with affairs of the Republican party and during his residence in Boston served as a member of the Republican Committee of Twenty-third Ward.
In 1904 Mr. Johnson married Alma J. Dahl- quist, who had come to America from Sweden, her birthplace. They became the parents of a son, A. Stanley Johnson, now an investigator with the Employees Liability Assurance Corporation, con- nected with the Providence office.
GEORGE W. HATHAWAY-A member of an old Providence family and himself a native and life-long resident of this city, Mr. Hathaway has been connected for more than four decades with one of the leading department stores of Providence, The Boston Store. Having started with this con- cern in a clerical capacity as a youth of some twenty-one years, his industry and his devotion to the various duties assigned to him from time to time gained him frequent and rapid advancement and for many years he has held an important executive position, being now one of the officers of the company. He is widely and favorably known in commercial circles in Providence and, indeed, in the entire State. A man of pleasing personality, he is a popular member of numerous fraternal, social, civic, and religious organizations and for many years has been especially active in Masonic affairs.
George W. Hathaway was born in Providence, December 4, 1866, a son of the late David A. and Mary J. (Kimball) Hathaway. His parents, now deceased, were natives of Providence, where his father was successfully engaged until his death in the sash and blind business. Mr. Hathaway re- ceived his education in the public schools of his native city and as a boy became connected with the Providence Public Library, with which he con- tinued for two years. Next he was for a short time with the American Electrical Works. In 1887 he became associated with the Callender, Mc- Auslan & Troupe Company, owners of one of the most successful department stores in Providence, popularly known as The Boston Store. His first position with this company was as entry clerk. Showing unusual ability, he was made, before very long, assistant treasurer and office manager. The latter position he still holds, but in the mean- time he has been promoted to the position of sec- retary of the company. Mr. Hathaway is re- garded as one of the leading business men of Providence and stands very high in the community. For many years prominently active in Masonic affairs, he is a member of several Masonic bodies, including the following: Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 4, Free and Accepted Masons; Providence Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; St. John's Com- mandery, No. I, Knights Templar; Palestine Tem- ple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Palestine Club and of the Providence Central Club. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party, while his religious affiliation is with the Central Baptist Church. He finds his recreation chiefly in bowling and for a number of years has served
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as president of the Department Store League of Providence.
Mr. Hathaway married, in 1902, Elizabeth I. Grant, like himself a native of Providence. Mr. and Mrs. Hathaway have no children. They make their home in Providence.
EDWARD T. HOGAN-Admitted to the Rhode Island bar in 1917, immediately following his graduation from one of the leading law schools of Washington, District of Columbia, Mr. Hogan deferred the start of his active career as a lawyer for almost two years, in order to serve during this period with the United States Army during the World War. Having received his honorable discharge in 1919, he established himself in the practice of his profession in Providence and be- came affiliated with one of the leading Providence law firms. More recently, since 1924, he has been the senior member of the law firm of Hogan & Hogan, the junior partner being his brother, Laurence J. Hogan. He is regarded as a very able and resourceful lawyer and enjoys a very high standing in his profession and in the com- munity-at-large. He is a member of several legal, patriotic and fraternal organizations.
Edward T. Hogan was born at Pawtucket, April 9, 1892, a son of Thomas S. and Mary J. (Forbes) Hogan. His father, a native of Pawtucket, is suc- cessfully engaged in the harness manufacturing and automobile accessories business. His mother was born in Johnston, Rhode Island. Mr. Hogan received his early education at St. Mary's Gram- mar School, Pawtucket, and later attended Paw- tucket High School, graduating in 1910. From Mount St. Mary's College, Emmitsburg, Maryland, he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1914, and he received the degree of Master of Arts in 1915. He began the study of law at Georgetown Law School, Washington, District of Columbia, graduating as president of the senior class with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1917. Admitted to the Rhode Island bar in November, 1917, Mr. Hogan did not immediately enter upon the active practice of his profession, but at first served in the United States Army until March 19, 1919. He was attached to the Judge Advocate General's Department, held the rank of army field clerk and was stationed at Governor's Is- land, New York City. Upon his return to civilian life, in 1919, he returned to Providence and be- came associated with the law firm of Fitzgerald
& Higgins, until 1924. In that year he formed a partnership with his brother, Laurence J. Hogan, under the firm name of Hogan & Hogan, of which he is the senior partner. Offices are maintained in the Grosvenor Building, Providence, and the firm enjoys a large and important practice. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Rhode Island Bar Association, and the Pawtucket Bar Association. He also maintains membership in Delaney Council, Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, Pawtucket Lodge of Elks, No. 920, and the Catholic Club of Providence. In politics he is a supporter of the Democratic party, although never a candidate for any office. His religious affiliations are with the Roman Catholic Church, and more particularly with St. Mary's Church of Pawtucket. He is fond of reading good literature, but also enjoys outdoor sports and outdoor life and is especially interested in golf and football.
Mr. Hogan married, in 1921, Catherine T. Mc- Kitchen, a native of Central Falls and a life-long resident of Rhode Island. Mr. and Mrs. Hogan are the parents of three children: Edward T., Jr., Thomas S., and Catherine T.
ALBERT FREDERICK FORD-A native and lifelong resident of Rhode Island, Albert Frederick Ford, after graduating from high school, entered the employ of the Lippit Woolen Company, of Woonsocket, and since then has continued to be connected with this important and successful indus- trial establishment. As its superintendent he oc- cupies a prominent position in the business life of Woonsocket.
Albert Frederick Ford was born in Woonsocket, December 18, 1881, a son of the late Albert A. and Ellen J. (Brown) Ford. His father was a native of Gloucester, Rhode Island, and for many years was connected with the Glenark Knitting Company. Mr. Ford received his education in the public schools of Woonsocket and, after completing the high school course, he entered the employ of the Lippit Woolen Company, Woonsocket. There he proved himself so capable that he was fre- quently promoted, advancing to positions of impor- tance and responsibility, until he was made superin- tendent of the company. The offices of the com- pany are located at No. I Main Street, Woon- socket. Mr. Ford is well known in the woolen industry and is highly regarded for his thorough knowledge of it and for his business ability. He
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RHODE ISLAND-THREE CENTURIES OF DEMOCRACY
is a member of a Woonsocket Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Woonsocket Chap- ter, Royal Arch Masons. He is also a member of the Cumberland Country Club, of which he was at one time the president and director. In politics he is a Republican, while his religious affiliation is with the Universalist Church.
Mr. Ford married Cora W. Carpenter, a native of Mendon, Massachusetts, and a daughter of Leslie N. and Clara (Wilson) Carpenter. Mrs. Ford's father was successfully engaged in agricul- tural pursuits for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Ford are the parents of two children: I. Herman W. Ford, who received his education in the Woon- socket schools and at the Moses Brown School. 2. Robert S. Ford, a student at Tabor Academy. The family residence is located at No. 118 Woodland Road, Woonsocket.
JOHN JAY WATSON, JR .- The branch of the Watson family here under consideration has played an important part in Rhode Island his- tory from colonial days to the present time, each succeeding generation adding fresh prestige to the family name. John Jay Watson who became a resident of New York City a few years ago, owing to certain developments in his business ca- reer, needs no introduction to the readers of this work; for he was prominent not only in the manufacturing and financial circles of his native State, but was also a very active participant in its political affairs. In this he carried out the tradition of the Watson family, generations old, that the measure of a man's ability is the meas- ure of his responsibility to serve his fellow-citi- zens in civic affairs.
(I) The Conanicut branch of the Watson fam- ily, to which John Jay Watson belongs, is de- scended from John Watson, whose name first appears on record at North Kingstown, this State, on November 7, 1673, when he and his wife Dorcas signed a deed as witnesses. He was con- stable in 1687, member of the grand jury in 1688, and in 1690 held the offices of conservator of the peace and deputy. He was a tailor by trade. His death occurred in 1728. His first wife was Dorcas, daughter of George and Herodias (Long) Gardiner. Herodias Long was a member of the Society of Friends, and it is said that she was so staunch and so uncompromising in her belief that she cheerfully walked to Boston with a
young child in her arms to receive a whipping at the post for her adherence to her religion.
(II) John (2) Watson, their son, was born July 22, 1676, and is said to have been the first white child born in Narragansett after the Indian War. He was made a freeman in Kingstown in 1712, and he resided in that section which became known as South Kingstown. He served as deputy in 1718, and from 1721 to 1726 inclusive. He died November 8, 1772. He married for his first wife, April 8, 1703, Hannah Champlin, daughter of Jeffrey Champlin, and great-granddaughter of Jeffrey Champlin, born in 1671, who established the family in this country when he settled at Newport. She died in 1720.
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