USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. III > Part 17
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Returning to the pursuits of peace, Mr. Harrop took up his business again at West Warwick, and was so engaged until 1922, when he was elected
chief of police of the town of West Warwick, serving in this important and essential office ever since.
Mr. Harrop is a Democrat in politics, and served for a time as a member of the police com- mission. He is affiliated fraternally with West Warwick Post of the American Legion, and also holds membership in the Rhode Island Police Chiefs' Association, of which he is past president, and in the New England Police Chiefs' Associa- tion. He is a member of J. P. Gibson Council of the Knights of Columbus, and of Providence Lodge, No. 14, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Harrop's chief recreation is fishing. He and his wife attend St. James Roman Cath- olic Church at West Warwick.
In 1928, Thomas E. Harrop married Margaret Cummiskey, who was born at Warwick, Rhode Island. They maintain their home in West Warwick.
WILLIAM HINCHLIFFE-Among the well- known textile experts of New England is Wil- liam Hinchliffe, superintendent of the Caro Cloth Company, of Carolina, of which concern he was one of the organizers. He has an extensive experi- ence in the textile processes and management of the business, covering many years.
William Hinchliffe was born in Huddersfield, England, January 16, 1878, the son of George and Jane (Pontefract) Hinchliffe; the former, deceased in 1911, was a native of Scholes, Eng- land, and engaged in the textile trade until his death. The mother, also a native of Scholes, sur- vives her husband. The son William attended the public schools of his native town, King Edward School at Bath, England, and the Huddersfield Textile College. Direct from school, he turned his attention to the textile business.
His first practical connection with the trade was made in 1897, when he entered a mill at Saddle- worth, England, where he was employed for two years. He then went to Bradford, England, where he was similarly occupied for one year. In 1900 he was in Montreal, Canada, as a member of the force of the Excelsior Woolen Company. At the end of one year he went to Maynard, Massachu- setts, and entered the service of the American Woolen Company, in whose employ he remained until 1903. He next became associated with the Darling Woolen Mills Company of Holliston, Massachusetts, where he filled the position of superintendent until 1905. In the latter year he
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went to the Passaic Woolen Mills, where he was superintendent until 1906. For a brief period he was superintendent of the Holden Woolen Mills, and in 1907 he accepted the invitation of the Peacedale Manufacturing Company to be its superintendent, filling the position until 1912, when he was made superintendent of the Stillwater Worsted Company at Harrisville, Rhode Island. He remained with that concern until 1913, when he went to the Waucantuck Woolen Mills at Uxbridge, Massachusetts, where he was superin- tendent until 1915. In that year he arrived in Carolina as superintendent of the Carolina Com- pany, continuing in that capacity until 1926, when he helped organize the Caro Cloth Company, of which he has since been the superintendent.
Mr. Hinchliffe is affiliated with Charity Lodge, No. 23, Free and Accepted Masons; Franklin Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Providence Coun- cil, Royal and Select Masters; and Narragansett Commandery, Knights Templar. He belongs to the Hope Valley Square and Compass Club, and in politics is a member of the Republican party. His religious connection is with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He gives some attention to tennis and other outdoor sports, and is a devotee of the musical arts.
Mr. Hinchliffe married, in 1910, Eva Cheney, who was born in Pembroke, New Hampshire, and they are the parents of four sons: I. Herbert W. 2. Malcolm C. 3. John R. 4. Roger D.
FENNER HARRIS PECKHAM, M. D .-- For three generations there has been a Dr. Peck- ham in the city of Providence. First came Dr. Fenner Harris Peckham, Sr .; then his son, of whom we write, took over the practice; and the grandson, Dr. Charles F. Peckham, succeeded him and carried on until his death. Dr. Fenner Harris Peckham, who lived to the age of seventy- one years, spent more than forty-five years suc- cessfully engaged in works of the medical world here, and at the time of his passing was recog- nized as outstanding. He was born in East Kill- ingly, Windham County, Connecticut, February II, 1844; died in Providence, December 25, 1915; and was the son of Dr. Fenner Harris Peckham, Sr., as noted, and Katherine (Torrey) Peckham. The family is numbered among the old lines of New England. Since the advent of the first Peck- ham in America, it has been most honorably rep- resented, supplying many men to professional, artistic, and commercial endeavors.
From his forefathers, Dr. Fenner Harris Peck- ham inherited qualities of great service to him- self, and of service, in turn, to his fellowman. He bore well the traditions of a distinguished race, and even in childhood manifested those tendencies which seemed to insure an unusual career of full accomplishment. After receiving a sound aca- demic preparation in the public schools-his par- ents had removed to the city of Providence mean- while-he read medicine with his father, found his interest in the profession was very real, and in due course entered Yale University, where he continued medical studies, and whence he gradu- ated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, 1866. He was now twenty-two years of age, on the threshold of a career destined to be of great ex- ample and usefulness to those around him. Dr. Peckham entered medical practice without delay, becoming associated with his father in Providence. He served in the Civil War as lieutenant of Com- pany B, 12th Rhode Island Volunteers. His father enjoyed a large practice, and to this he added con- siderably, and at his father's passing retained the old patients of years' standing as well as the new, whom he himself had secured. His reputation had become that of a foremost physician, and he added to this renown continuously until the time of his own death in 1915.
But while he gave deep thought and constant attention to the profession, Dr. Peckham still maintained outside interests which made him of note in commercial, financial and civic affairs. A Republican, he supported the party's principles steadfastly, and was a valued influence in its workings. He gave liberally to charity, both of funds of money and of service as a physician. He served his city and State as park commissioner and as president of the State Commission of Birds. Dr. Peckham was president of the West Side Club, a member of What Cheer Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Massachusetts Commandery, Knights Templar; the Loyal Legion; Rodman Post, Grand Army of the Republic; the Hope Club, the Squantum Club, Central Club, Agawam Club, the University Club, and was president of the Anawan Club. He was prominent in the Rhode Island Medical Association, the Providence Medical Association, and Providence Athenaeum. Connected with several business houses in vary- ing lines of endeavor, he held the post of vice- president of the Providence Telephone Company, was president of the Hope Webbing Company (largest plant of its kind in the world); a trustee of the Mechanics' Savings Bank; and a director of the Narragansett Electric Lighting Company,
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the Rhode Island Horseshoe Company, the Free Masons Hall Company, and the Wood River Branch Railroad Company.
Dr. Peckham married twice; first, he married Mary H. Olney, daughter of Elam and Helen (Fuller) Olney; and of this union were born children: I. Dr. Charles F., of previous men- tion, who practiced as physician in Providence until his death in 1915. 2. Alice. 3. William T. Dr. Peckham married (second) Mary Carpenter, daughter of Francis Wood Carpenter (q. v.). Mrs. Mary (Carpenter) Peckham survives her husband, and continues to reside in Providence.
In his life, Dr. Peckham afforded rich example of the benefits to be obtained through service of the unselfish kind. His works provided inspira- tion for numerous colleagues, and he will be remembered long as a foremost physician and citi- zen of Providence and Rhode Island.
FRANCIS WOOD CARPENTER-Promi- nent steel merchant, leader in financial circles of Providence and associated with numerous profit- able and constructive business enterprises, the late Francis Wood Carpenter had a career replete of good, and his record is entitled to an honored place in the annals of Rhode Island. Few men ac- complished more, during his period of activity, than he did for the common weal. He lived to the great age of ninety-one, and gave more than seventy years of effort to the advancement of Prov- idence as an industrial, commercial and cultural center. The effects of his work may be termed everlasting, in that they were of permanent benefit to the people among whom he spent his life. He inspired through example many men, who now hold prominent places in the city of Providence and elsewhere. As a citizen, as well as a business figure, he was a dominant personality, and will be recalled for many generations as a pioneer of the modern city on Narragansett Bay.
Francis Wood Carpenter belonged to one of the oldest families in the United States. Born in See- konk, June 24, 1831, he died in Providence in 1922. He was a son of Edmund and Lemira (Tiffany) Carpenter, being on his father's side a direct descendant of William Carpenter, who came from England and settled in that part of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, which now is included in Rhode Island, in 1638. From this first generation in America down to the last, the name has been borne by men of substance and progressive ideas, high character and cultured mind. On his mother's
side, Mr. Carpenter was descended from Squire Humphrey Tiffany, who came from Barrington, England, to Barrington, Rhode Island, in 1680. Hence through both paternal and maternal lines, Mr. Carpenter held pioneer Rhode Island blood, and cherished the finest traditions of this impor- tant State.
Following a course of academic instruction in Seekonk Academy, Mr. Carpenter went to work to prepare for college, studying under an uncle, who was a minister in Massachusetts. But he did not enter college. Gilbert Congdon, an iron and steel merchant, offered to take him as an appren- tice; and Mr. Carpenter accepted the proposal. This was, in fact, the important turning point in his career, for he continued in the steel and iron industry through the balance of his life. Soon after he had learned the various branches, duties and theories of the business, he was taken into partnership. The firm became G. Congdon and Company. Three years later it became Congdon and Carpenter, and in 1870, Congdon, Carpenter and Company. In 1892 articles of incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State, and the firm became the Congdon and Carpenter Company, Inc., which name style was retained thereafter. From that time onward, Mr. Carpenter served the organization as president. The business grew consistently to large dimensions under his guid- ance. Many other lines of enterprise claimed his attention as years went on. He was interested in the manufacture of horseshoes, and for many years served as president of the Rhode Island Per- kins Horseshoe Company. He was identified promi- nently with banking interests, and for twenty- eight years served as president of the American National Bank. He was a director in several im- portant institutions in the city, among them being the Providence-Washington Insurance Company. Associates in all lines admired him for his busi- ness acumen. They came to him for counsel in crisis, and found him always willing to extend a helping hand.
General affairs claimed much of Mr. Carpen- ter's time, though not to the neglect of his busi- ness interests. He was a member of the Central Congregational Church, supported the denomina- tion substantially, and was closely identified with movements of interest to it. He served for twenty years on the financial committee, and was active in the development and progress of church work in every department open to him. When the new church edifice was erected on Angell Street, he generously contributed to the building fund and gave the mural decoration in the apse. At a later
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date he gave the stained glass window in the west transept, which will be a memorial to him as long as the church shall stand. His interest always was commanded by welfare and charitable works. For several years Mr. Carpenter served as presi- dent of the Providence Young Men's Christian Association. He was a constant contributor to charities in the city, the home and foreign mis- sions, and to the large schools for the advancement of the negroes in the South. He held member- ship in the Squantum Club, Hope Club, and the Oquossoc Angling Association at Indian Rock, Maine, where Mr. Carpenter had a camp, and where he spent a month in the spring fishing for trout, when health permitted. Just as he loved mankind, so did he love nature, and enjoyed close communion with it.
Mr. Carpenter was twice married. He married (first) Anna Davis Barney. He married (second) Harriet Zerviah Pope. Surviving children are: I. Gilbert Congdon, who married Minnie Cham- berlain; and of their union were born five chil- dren: Elizabeth, Gilbert, Jr., Harriet, Francis Wood, and Victoria. 2. Mary (Carpenter) Peck- ham. 3. Idelette. 4. Harriet C. Thayer. 5. Julia S. 6. Hannah T.
His life was full, replete Of service to mankind.
Mr. Carpenter will be remembered through many generations for his useful, extended life of service.
JESSE A. CARPENTER-Engaged promi- ยท nently in the agricultural and civic life of the town of Cumberland, Rhode Island, in which he owned a farm on the Abbott Run road from 1886 until his death, January 23, 1923, Jesse A. Carpenter was widely and favorably known among his fellowmen. He was born on December 25, 1850, in what is now known as Adamsdale, or North Attleboro, Massachusetts, son of Louis S. and Cynthia A. (Cargill) Carpenter. His father was a native of Massachusetts, and his mother of Rhode Island. Jesse A. Carpenter received his education in his native community, and subse- quently was engaged in farming during the rest of his active career. On September 29, 1886, he bought a farm on the Abbott Run road which he cultivated, and where he continued to reside, this farm now belonging to the Carpenter estate, in which his widow has a life interest.
In addition to his agricultural work, Mr. Car- penter was active in civic and social affairs. In
politics a staunch Republican, he regularly sup- ported the policies and candidates of his party. He was a school commissioner of the town and also served as representative in the Lower House of the Rhode Island State Legislature. In these public offices he did much for community ad- vancement, and was always a worthy fighter in his constituents' causes. A leader in fraternal activities, he was a member of the Free and Ac- cepted Masons, belonging to the Blue Lodge, the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, the Council of Royal and Select Masters, the Knights Templar Commandery, also the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He was also an active member in the affairs of the Improved Order of Red Men. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as are also the members of his family.
Jesse A. Carpenter was twice married; first he married Dora Jencks, who is now deceased, and they had three children: Lester, John, and Wil- liam, all of whom are deceased; second, he mar- ried Ida M. Lees, born in Centredale, daughter of William and Winifred (Harrop) Lees. Both her parents were natives of England who came to the United States when very young and here were married. William Lees was a mill man by occupation, and he and his wife resided continu- ously in Centredale after their arrival here. To Jesse A. and Ida M. (Lees) Carpenter were born the following children: 1. Ethel W., wife of Mal- colm Gillis; they reside at Arnold Mills. Mrs. Gillis is a graduate of the College of Education, and teaches at the present writing (1930) in the Cumberland schools. 2. Jesse L., operates the home farm. 3. Thelma, a student at Kingstown, where she is taking a course in home economics.
The death of the father of this family, Jesse A. Carpenter, occurred on January 23, 1923. It was a cause of profound grief among his many friends and acquaintances throughout the Rhode Island district. He had contributed richly to community life, not only through his work in the different town offices that he held, but also through his daily farm activities and through the influence of a life well lived. His memory will long live to inspire and influence others for the better, in years to come, and he will be remembered as one of Rhode Island's finest citizens and men.
FRANK A. RIXFORD-Postmaster at Woon- socket since 1924, and a man of long experience in the government service, Frank A. Rixford has discharged the duties of his important position with
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complete efficiency and to the entire satisfaction of the community which he serves. He has been a familiar figure in various phases of Woonsocket life for many years, well known in civic, social, and fraternal affairs.
Mr. Rixford was born at Woonsocket, Rhode Island, on May 7, 1875, a son of Willis H. and Ella L. (Andrews) Rixford. He obtained his pre- liminary education in the public schools of East Douglas, Massachusetts, later attending Dean Acad- emy at Franklin, Massachusetts, and Bryant and Stratton Business College at Boston.
Soon afterwards he began his business career in the employ of the Rhode Island Furniture Com- pany, with whom he remained for one year before entering the service of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, as a clerk in the freight office. After a further period of three years in which he was initiated into railroad work, he en- tered the railway mail service. This was in the year 1895, and for thirty years Mr. Rixford con- tinued in this connection, until he resigned in 1924 to accept the appointment of President Coolidge to the postmastership at Woonsocket. In his years of government service he had distinguished himself by his consistent effort and the uniform high qual- ity of his work, so that his appointment as post- master was thoroughly well merited by his pre- vious record. The confidence reposed in him was more than justified by the efficient and progressive character of his administration as postmaster, and he was re-appointed to office by President Coolidge as a matter of course. He has continued in this position until the present time.
In politics Mr. Rixford is a member of the Re- publican party, standing high in party councils throughout this part of the State. He is a mem- ber of the Republican Club of Rhode Island, and his services are always available for the work of his party in the successful solution of governmental problems. Mr. Rixford is affiliated fraternally with the Free and Accepted Masons, and in this order he is a member of all bodies of the York Rite, including membership in the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the local Chamber of Commerce, and of the City Club of Woonsocket. With his family he wor- ships in St. James' Episcopal Church at Woon- socket, and contributes to the support of its work.
Frank A. Rixford married Mary E. Hough, who was born at Pawtucket, Rhode Island, a daughter of Mark and Mary A. (Wardle) Hough. Mr. and Mrs. Rixford are the parents of two children: I. Dorothy, the wife of E. Scott MacDermott.
She was graduated from Woonsocket High School and later attended Wheaton College. 2. Helen S., a graduate of Dana Hall, Wellesley College, and of Garland School, Boston; now the wife of Charles A. Root, Jr., of Uxbridge, Massachusetts.
WEBSTER KNIGHT-Strength to the finan- cial structure, industrial activities and political prestige of Rhode Island has been lent in a marked degree by one of Providence's own sons, Webster Knight, who is head of two banks, a director in other financial institutions and in a large public utility corporation, and generally known as a man of affairs throughout the State.
Born in Providence, August 10, 1854, Webster Knight is the son of Robert and Josephine L. (Webster) Knight. He was graduated from Brown University in the class of 1876 with his degree of Bachelor of Arts. In that year he be- gan a long and useful career in the textile manu- facturing world with the firm of B. R. & R. Knight, manufacturers of sheetings and shirtings, and in 1897 became a member of same, continuing this association until the business was sold out.
He has since been closely identified with finan- cial and other enterprises of major importance; chairman of the board of trustees of the Peoples Saving Bank, president of the Phenix National Bank, director of the Puritan Life Insurance Company, the Industrial Trust Company, the Providence Gas Company, and the Providence Mutual Fire Insurance Company.
Mr. Knight has filled a number of diversified public offices, always as a member of the Repub- lican party. In 1895 he was a member of the staff of Governor Charles Warren Lippitt, having the rank of colonel. From 1897 to 1911 he served as assistant quartermaster-general of the Rhode Island National Guard. He was a member of the Warwick (Rhode Island) Town Council for eleven years and its president four years. In 1904 he was a Republican presidential elector.
In many other organizations of a business, philanthropic and social character, Mr. Knight holds active membership. Of the Chamber of Commerce of Providence he is an influential member; former president of the Homeopathic Hospital of Rhode Island; and a member of the University Club, Squantum Club, Turks Head Club, Hope Club and Art Club. His religious preference is Episcopal.
Webster Knight married, January 27, 1881,
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Sarah Waldo Lippitt, of Providence, and they have two children: Robert Lippitt, and Adelaide. The family residence is at Natick, Rhode Island, Mr. Knight maintaining his business headquarters in Providence.
FREDERIC W. ROUNDS, of Woonsocket, has been a banker since his entry into the busi- ness world, and is favorably known in banking circles in that city and vicinity. He was born in Providence, May II, 1892, the son of Frederic W. and Hannah E. (Hubbard) Rounds, his father (1930) retired, having been for many years asso- ciated with the Household Sewing Machine Com- pany.
After attending the public schools of Cranston, Frederic W. Rounds became connected with the United National Bank of Providence, continuing with this bank from 1909 to 1915. In 1916 he transferred his interests to the Industrial Trust Company, but with the outbreak of the war in 1917, resigned his position to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Navy, and was commissioned an ensign, serving with distinction throughout the duration of the war, and receiv- ing his discharge in July, 1919. He then returned to the Industrial Trust Company, where he rose to a position of responsibility and for the last five years has been assistant manager of the Woon- socket branch. Mr. Rounds is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and has been Master of Adoniram Lodge, of East Providence. He is also a member of the Woonsocket City Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Lions Club. In politics, he is a Republican, and his religious pre- ference is the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Frederic W. Rounds married Frances Eddy. Their children are: Robert E., and Janice.
GEORGE W. PARK-Long one of the active workers in the industrial life of Rhode Island, George W. Park held a place of especial promi- nence for his labors in the railway industry. hav- ing been connected for many years with the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad Com- pany. Although not a native of this State, Mr. Park spent his entire life in New England, so that he was thoroughly familiar with the people and customs of this part of the United States, and was able to take a most helpful part in the affairs
of his community. An individual of kindly and generous impulse and strong public spirit, he com- bined with these traits a geniality of personality that readily won the hearts of those around him. Known as a useful citizen, a friend to many of his fellows, and an ideal husband and father, he oc- cupied a position of warm affection in the minds of those whose privilege it was to know him, and his death removed from this State a most sub- stantial citizen.
Mr. Park was born in Blackstone, Massachu- setts, son of Irving G. and Minnie (Young) Park. While he was still a small boy, his family removed to Providence, Rhode Island, where he attended the public schools. His first employment was as a conductor on the electric cars for the Rhode Island Railway Company. In 1902 he entered the employ of the New York, New Haven and Hart- ford Railroad Company, which promoted him through various positions, including that of pas- senger agent, up to the post of baggage master. From that last appointment he was forced to retire, in September, 1929, on account of failing health.
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