USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. III > Part 18
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Along with his activities in these different posi- tions, he took a leading part in the affairs of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, having been chairman of the local grievance committee from 1915 to 1922. He also served as delegate to the Brotherhood's conventions at Columbus and Cleve- land, Ohio. He was likewise one of the founders and an active worker in the Annis Club, a branch of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, as well as a member of the New England Railroad Vet- erans' Association. With strong fraternal affilia- tions, he was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose. His political alignment was with the Demo- cratic party, in whose local affairs he was ever a leader. In 1926 and 1928 he was a candidate for the office of councilman from the Fifth District of East Providence; and he was also at one time a candidate for tax assessor for the town of East Providence. Into all of his work -- political, civic, business-Mr. Park constantly put his best ener- gies, with the result that he was a valuable citizen in his Rhode Island community, and one who bore the love of his fellowmen.
George W. Park married, on March 17, 1899, Olive Bannetti, of Providence. To this marriage there were born two children: I. George Fred. 2. Lydia Charlotte.
The death of Mr. Park, on January 29, 1930, was productive of sincere sorrow and regret among his hosts of friends. For he was honored and loved by all who knew him. His pleasant nature
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and his ever-ready smile were qualities always associated with him in the thoughts of others; and for his wonderful personality, his clean and rigor- ous habits, his truthfulness and trustworthiness, he will long live in the memories of friends and acquaintances. Ambitious and gifted, he was inter- ested in every public endeavor, and his help in promoting worthy causes was of inestimable value. His love and kindliness were very marked, espe- cially in his own family circle, where he was a companion and a comrade to his children, with whom he often went on fishing or motoring ex- peditions, or spent many happy hours of leisure with them in his home. As friend, as husband and father, as citizen and worker, his name will live on in the years to come, source of encouragement and guidance to many.
DANIEL W. COGGESHALL-For the last decade, ever since his graduation from college, Mr. Coggeshall has been the local representative in his native city, Bristol, of one of the leading invest- ment banking houses of Boston. In this capacity he has become favorably known in business and financial circles and today he is regarded as one of the representative and successful of the younger generation of Bristol's business men. A veteran of the World War, he has since his return to civilian life, been prominently active in politics, and he has served several terms in the Rhode Island Senate of which he is still a member. In other directions, too, he takes an active part in the life of the community and enjoys to an unusual degree the liking, respect, and confidence of his fellow- townsmen.
Daniel W. Coggeshall was born in Bristol, Feb- ruary 20, 1895, a son of Daniel G. and Elizabeth (Canfield) Coggeshall. His father, likewise a native of Bristol, has been for many years a successful and prominent merchant in this city. He, too, is active in politics. At one time he served for nine years as postmaster of Bristol, and is now president of the Bristol Board of Tax Assessors. He has been for many years a member of the United Brothers Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a Past Grand of this organization. Mr. Coggeshall's mother was born at York Centre, New York. Daniel W. Coggeshall received his early education in the public grammar and high schools of Bristol and then attended Brown Uni- versity, Providence, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy, in
1919. Immediately afterwards he became associ- ated with the firm of Moore & Cabot, well known investment and security brokers, with headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts, and with an office in Bristol on Constitution Street. Mr. Coggeshall was still attending college, when in April, 1917, he en- listed in the United States Army for service in the World War, having been assigned to Company A, 10Ist Engineers; he later served overseas with the American Expeditionary Forces, in France, for two years. He received his honorable discharge from military service in May, 1919, with the rank of private, first class.
He is a member of Kearney Post, American Legion; and he is chairman of the World War Memorial Committee of Bristol; he is also a mem- ber of the United Brothers Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, of Rhode Island. After his return to his native city from the war and from college, Mr. Coggeshall immediately began to take an active part in politics. He is a supporter of the Demo- cratic party, and served in the Rhode Island State Senate in 1920, 1922, and 1924, and he was again elected in 1928. His religious affiliation is with the Congregational Church. He is fond of outdoor sports and is especially interested in baseball, though the major share of his leisure time is given to politics.
Mr. Coggeshall is not married. He makes his home with his parents.
RUDOLF FREDERICK HAFFENREF- FER-Executive head of many New England enterprises, Rudolf Frederick Haffenreffer has been a distinguished figure in the industrial life of this section for well over a quarter of a cen- tury. He was born at Boston, Massachusetts, on June 22, 1874, a son of Rudolf Frederick and Katherine (Burkhardt) Haffenreffer, both natives of Germany. The father, whose death occurred in 1929, was a farmer on a large scale, and pres- ident of the Haffenreffer Brewing Company of Boston.
Rudolf Frederick Haffenreffer received his pre- liminary education at the Chauncey Hall School, in Massachusetts, and later entered the Massachu- setts Institute of Technology, class of 1895. There- after he undertook postgraduate work at the Poly- technicum Institute, Stuttgart, Germany, and upon his return to the United States, became associ- ated with the Haffenreffer Brewing Company of
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Boston. He had received a thorough training as a chemist, and it was in this capacity that he began his active career.
But Mr. Haffenreffer soon extended the range and extent of his interests. In 1895 he went to Fall River, Massachusetts, where he established the Old Colony, King Philip, and Enterprise brew- ing and ice plants, and also, at New London, Con- necticut, the New London brewing and ice plant. He has continued as executive head and manager of these plants ever since. In 1917 Mr. Haffen- reffer also became president and managing direc- tor of the Utah Apex Mining Company, at Bing- ham Canyon, Utah, and in 1924, with a number of associates, he purchased the Herreshoff Manu- facturing Company of Bristol, Rhode Island. Those who are connected with him in this venture are: George Nichols, Junius Morgan, Harold S. Vanderbilt, Arthur Curtis James, E. W. Clark, of Philadelphia, Thomas Slocum of New York, and Harry Tiffany of New Bedford. Boating and yachting have always been hobbies of Mr. Haffen- reffer, and consequently he has been particularly interested in building up the famous old Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, which occupies a unique place in American yachting history. All his enter- prises, however, owe much of their success to his able direction of their affairs. Mr. Haffenreffer is also owner of the Mount Hope Farms of Bristol. Farming is another of his special interests, and he derives a great deal of pleasure from his manage- ment of this property.
In politics Mr. Haffenreffer is an independent voter, but this is not with him, as in many cases, merely an excuse for the evasion of civic duties. On the contrary he is keenly interested in the problems of government and civic progress. Fra- ternally, he is affiliated with Fall River Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. For twelve years Mr. Haffenreffer was chairman of the Wattupa Water Commission of Fall River. He is now a member of the American Mining Congress, the United States Conservation Com- mission, the Chamber of Commerce, and holds membership in many clubs, including the Fall River Technology Club, of which he is president, the University Club of Boston, the Bristol Yacht Club, of which he is rear commodore, the Queque- chan Club of Fall River, the Warwick Club, and the Fall River Yacht Club. Mr. Haffenreffer has spent much time in study of the Indians and the collection of Indian trophies. He owns one of the finest private Indian collections in the United States today.
In 1902, Rudolf Frederick Haffenreffer mar- ried L. Maude Munroe, who was born at Boston, Massachusetts. They are the parents of two chil- dren : I. Rudolf Frederick, 3d. 2. Carl W.
CHARLES H. KEYES-Devoted to educa- tional work since he completed his education, Mr. Keyes has held various important educational posi- tions in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. He has become known not only as a very able and successful teacher, but as an effective educational administrator, and during the twelve years, which he has served as head of the public school system of Barrington, he has gained for himself the respect and confidence of the com- munity. Popular with his pupils and their par- ents and possessing the confidence of the entire teaching staff, his work represents a valuable con- tribution to the progress and welfare of the town. Though his work as an educator has received the major share of his time and attention, Mr. Keyes has found it possible to devote a certain amount of his time to civic and religious activities, and he is also a popular member of several fraternal and educational organizations.
Charles H. Keyes was born at Sterling, Mas- sachusetts, September 30, 1884, a son of George H. and Malona (Cutler) Keyes. His father, now deceased, born also at Sterling, Massachusetts, was successfully engaged in farming until his death. His mother is a native of Boylston, Mas- sachusetts. Mr. Keyes received his early education in the public schools of Sterling, Massachusetts, and then attended the Worcester Academy, at Worcester, Massachusetts, from which he was graduated in 1904. He then went to Amherst College, graduating from there with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, in 1908. Following his gradua- tion he became vice-president and teacher of mathe- matics and science at the Dobbs Ferry, New York, Union Free School, and in this capacity he con- tinued to serve very successfully until 1911. While thus engaged he took special courses in educational subjects at Columbia University, New York City, during the winter of 1909 and 1910. Next he held the position of vice-principal and head of mathematics department at the New Britain High School, New Britain, Connecticut, during 1911-13, and then spent six years, 1913-19, as principal of the high school and union school at Millbury, Massachusetts. During part of this period, too, he pursued post-graduate work, this time at Clark
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University, Worcester, where he took special courses in the winter of 1914 and 1915.
In 1919 Mr. Keyes came to Barrington and since then has been superintendent of the public schools of this town. In 1924 he received the degree of Master of Education from the Rhode Island Col- lege of Education, where he took special courses. He is a member of numerous educational organiza- tions, including the following : National Educa- tion Association; The Department of Superin- tendence of the National Education Association of the United States; the Rhode Island Associa- tion of Public School Officials; the Rhode Island Institute of Instruction; the New England Asso- ciation of School Superintendents; the Educational Research Association; the National Society for Study of Education; and the Rhode Island Mental Hygiene Society, of which he is a director. He is also a member of the Rhode Island Amherst Alumni Association, as well as the Barrington District Nurses' Association and of the Barring- ton Parent-Teachers' Association, of both of which he is a trustee. Ever since his college days he has been a member of Delta Upsilon Frater- nity, and he also belongs to the Olive Branch Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Millbury, Massachusetts, and to the Washington Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. His religious affilia- tion is with the Congregational Church of Bar- rington. His principal hobby is genealogy.
Mr. Keyes married, in 1909, Carrie A. Bacon, a native of West Boylston, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Keyes are the parents of two children: Fredelle C., and George B.
WILLIAM HENRY THORNLEY-For
more than a quarter of a century active in the business and professional life of Rhode Island, where he was both a member of the bar and a prominent figure in business, William Henry Thornley held a place of esteem and affection in the consideration of his fellowmen. Many were the organizations with which he was affiliated, and his career was one of service to others. While Mr. Thornley acquired a certain amount of wealth in the course of his life, he was liberal in giving of his resources for the aid of those in need, for building up the community in which he lived, and for the furthering the best interests of his city. Though he was not a native of Providence, he came to be very fond of his associations here, where he was a very influential factor in the
upbuilding of industry, commerce and culture. He has now gone from the midst of his fellow-men, but his memory lives on, a source of encourage- ment and inspiration to those whose privilege it was to know him.
Mr. Thornley was born on December 10, 1869, at Halifax, Pennsylvania, son of William Henry Thornley, who was born at Oldham, England, and upon coming to America, settled in Rhode Island. Later, the father lived at Halifax, Pennsylvania, and after a time, returned to England, but subse- quently removed with his wife and family to Providence, Rhode Island. His wife, the mother of the man whose name heads this review, was Sarah Thornley, a woman of high ideals and char- acter. From his parents, William Henry Thorn- ley inherited those attributes which made him one of the foremost citizens of his place and day. He received his early education in the public schools, where early in boyhood he manifested marked abilities and a desire for academic achievement. After he had finished his preliminary studies, he matriculated at Brown University in the city of Providence, where he was not only a brilliant stu- dent, but also a leading figure in undergraduate activities. He was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity, which he joined while a student there, and was later honored by being awarded the Phi Beta Kappa key for distinguished attainments as a student. From Brown. University, he received, in 1897, his degree of Bachelor of Arts, and then in the fall of that same year, he became a student at the Harvard Law School, from which he was graduated in 1900, receiving the Bachelor of laws degree. He was admitted in the same year to the Rhode Island Bar, and at once became a mem- ber of the firm of Comstock and Gardner, of Providence. A few years later, he was also ad- mitted to membership in the New York State bar. His advancement in the legal profession came rapidly, and he took a leading rôle in the affairs of the bar, so that, in 1909, he became a member of the firm of Gardner, Pirce and Thornley. With this firm he continued until its dissolution in 1920, after which he was engaged in independent prac- tice of the law. He was widely recognized in Rhode Island and throughout the New England States as a lawyer of marked attainments, and one who possessed remarkable skill in directing the affairs of corporations and in handling large estates. From the outset, he was interested in financial matters, and his sound knowledge of economics enabled him to grasp quickly and thor- oughly the many problems presented by the rapid
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growth of Federal income and inheritance tax legislation during the years following 1916. His ability to recognize and cope with the constantly changing features of this complex new field of legal endeavor, gained for him a widespread repu- tation, both among taxation officials and among a large number of clients.
Along with his growth in his profession, Mr. Thornley was increasingly engaged in finance and business. He became a director of the National Bank of Commerce, of Providence, and through his relationship with this institution, was active in bringing about the revision of numerous banking laws in this State. He was also president and treasurer of the Tubular Woven Fabric Company ; the Chernak Manufacturing Company, of Paw- tucket, Rhode Island; and a director of the Lisk Manufacturing Company, of Canandaigua, New York, and the Narragansett Machine Company, of Pawtucket; and a trustee of the Peoples Savings Bank of Providence. Through his activity in the legal profession, Mr. Thornley was for many years a prominent figure in the management of several Rhode Island textile corporations; and at all times he maintained a broad scope of interest in industry, business, finance, and professional life. After his retirement from the firm of Gardner, Pirce and Thornley, in 1920, he devoted his time increasingly to his business interests, and his recog- nized executive ability brought him many clients who sought constructive suggestions and the benefit of trained judgment in their own fields of industry.
Mr. Thornley, busy as he was with his profes- sional and commercial activities, had time for ex- tensive participation in the civic and social affairs of his city and State. His political affiliation was with the Democratic party; and in politics, as in matters of religion and race, Mr. Thornley was ever tolerant of others, and was always a follower of the policy of honesty. During the World War he served as a member of the Citizens' Committee, and so rendered valuable aid to his country's cause. He was also a member of several clubs and lodges, and in the Free and Accepted Masons, his affilia- tion was with the Adelphi Lodge, of Providence. Mrs. Thornley is a member of the Central Congre- gational Church, to whose welfare and support her husband contributed substantially throughout the period of his residence in this city.
William Henry Thornley married, on January 15, 1902, in Providence, Rhode Island, Ellen Snow, daughter of Joseph T. and Mary A. (Andrews) Snow. Mrs. Thornley still lives in Providence, her home being at No. 38 Cushing Street. In his life
Mr. Thornley found his wife a source of constant help and inspiration, as well as of practical guid- ance in the perplexities of business affairs in which he was engaged. In many philanthropic enterprises they joined together in their activities, thereby making the family name well known for gener- osity to others.
The death of William Henry Thornley, which occurred in Providence, on October 5, 1926, was a cause of widespread sorrow among his fellowmen. Many individuals have lost a beloved friend, while the city and State have been deprived of one of their most valued citizens. Numerous were the ex- pressions of sorrow, especially on the part of the different business organizations with which he had been associated. Perhaps no more fitting comment could be made regarding his career than by quot- ing the statements of some of his business asso- ciates. The board of directors of the National Electrical Manufacturers' Association wrote in part :
His thoroughness and fairness, together with his skill as an organizer, given cheerfully and without reservation, contributed much toward the betterment of the electrical fraternity, particularly during the past two years, when he worked so hard to bring about a merger of all groups of electrical manufacturers into the National Elec- trical Manufacturers' Association, now an accom- plished fact.
Mr. Thornley's friendship, his unswerving in- terest in and regard for the association, his willing advice and prudent guidance, and his earnest de- sire for constructive progress in all branches of the electrical industry, are part of the history of the past, leaving a profound influence which will not easily be forgotten.
The National Bank of Commerce wrote :
His keen perception, analytical mind and strong sense of equity in regard to business problems rendered his judgment singularly correct. He was justly considered an expert in commercial law.
The Gerry Estates, Inc., wrote as follows:
This corporation perhaps owes its existence more to Mr. Thornley than to any other person; for he not only prepared its articles of incorpora- tion and by-laws, but up to the last guided its policies with that skill and judgment for which he was famous among all business men who knew him. At the top of his profession as a lawyer, both in this State and Rhode Island (Gerry Estates, Inc., was formed in the State of New York), his wisdom and advice to his fellow direc- tors enabled the corporation to grow and prosper without the numerous litigations and set-backs so often met with in ill-advised institutions.
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Said the Lisk Manufacturing Company :
Mr. Thornley had been associated with the directorate of this company for many years, and rendered invaluable service in the days of its receivership in conserving the interests of stock- holders and later in shaping its destiny in the re- organization of the company's affairs. His calm, dispassionate judgment and fair-mindedness dur- ing those trying times commanded the admiration and respect of all with whom he came in contact.
ARTHUR L. PERRY-Having become con- nected with the Westerly Savings Bank almost three decades ago, immediately following his col- lege days, Mr. Perry has continued to be identified with this bank and its successor, the Washington Trust Company of Westerly. After having served for twenty-five years as treasurer, he succeeded his father in the presidency of the Washington Trust Company in 1929. He is one of the promi- nent bankers of Rhode Island and a leading figure in financial and business circles of the State. He is also a director of several other corporations, takes an active part in civic, fra- ternal and reliagious affairs, and ranks as a rep- presentative and substantial citizen of his native town, Westerly.
Charles Perry, the father of the subject of this biography, was born in Westerly, March 3, 1851, a son of Charles and Temperance (Foster) Perry. He received his early education in the public grammar and high schools of his native town and then attended Friends School, Providence. Having completed his education, he became connected with the Washington National Bank of Westerly, of which he was assistant cashier during 1872-81, and cashier during 1881-1904. In the latter year he was elected vice-president of the Washington Trust Company of Westerly, in which capacity he served until 1906, when he was elected president. He con- tinued at the head of this well known and suc- cessful financial institution until his death in August, 1929, when he was succeeded by his son. For many years he served as a director of the Puritan Life Insurance Company and of the West- erly Textile Company. In 1893 he became president of the Memorial Library Association of Westerly and in 1921 of the Westerly Hospital. He was a former trustee of the Northfield, Massachusetts, School and also served as president of the Wheeler School and Library, North Stonington, Connect- icut. He was a member of the Colonial Club. In politics he was a supporter of the Republican party, while his religious affiliation was with the Society
of Friends. Mr. Perry married, January 19, 1875, Clara V. Foster, of Westerly.
Arthur L. Perry was born at Westerly, Feb- ruary 10, 1877, a son of Charles and Clara V. (Foster) Perry. He prepared for college in the public grammar and high schools of his native town and then entered Brown University, Provi- dence, with the class of 1900. Immediately fol- lowing his graduation he entered the employ of the Westerly Savings Bank as a clerk, and was made treasurer of this bank in 1901. When the Westerly Savings Bank was taken over by the Washington Trust Company of Westerly, in 1904, Mr. Perry became connected with the latter and was made its treasurer, serving in that capacity, until September, 1929, when he was elected pres- ident as the successor of his father. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Ash- away Line & Twine Company and of the Colonial Finance Corporation of Providence. His promi- nence in the banking world is indicated by the fact that he is a past president of the Rhode Island Bankers' Association. For many years Mr. Perry has taken an active and helpful part in civic affairs. He is a trustee and the treasurer of the Memorial Library Association of Westerly, a past president of the Westerly Chamber of Commerce, treasurer of the Misquamicut Fire District, and chairman of the Westerly Zoning Commission since its organization. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party and he served for many years as treasurer of the Republican Town Com- mittee. During the World War he served ef- ficiently as treasurer of various local drives and campaigns in support of the war and war work. His clubs include the Misquamicut Golf Club, the Lions Club, Watch Hill Yacht Club and the Colo- nial Club of which latter he was the first pres- ident. He is also a member of Franklin Lodge, No. 20, Free and Accepted Masons; Palmer Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and Narragansett Comman- dery, No. 27, Knights Templar. His religious affiliations are with the Protestant Episcopal Church, of which he is a vestryman. He is fond of outdoor life and finds his recreation chiefly in golf and fishing.
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