USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. III > Part 19
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Mr. Perry married (first), in 1900, Kate S. Nichols, a native of Brooklyn, New York, who died in 1909. He married (second), in 1912, Alice Edge, a native of Downingtown, Pennsylvania. He is the father of eight children, three by his first and five by his second marriage: Dorothy N., Foster N., Katherine, Claire M., Robert B., Helen W., Alice, and Patricia. The family home is located in Westerly.
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EDWARD MARTIN BURKE-Early recog- nition of the legal abilities of Edward Martin Burke followed his establishment in practice in Westerly in 1895, he having been elected in 1898 the first judge of the Probate Court in this place, an office he has filled continuously ever since. Judge Burke is a citizen of high standing, a law- yer of finish and a jurist of impartial decisions. His popularity in legal, social and fraternal cir- cles is a matter of common knowledge and a host of loyal friends attest to an attractive character and friendly nature.
He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, No- vember II, 1869, a son of Michael W., a native of Ireland and a stone cutter by occupation, and Honora (O'Brien) Burke, a native of Massachu- setts, both deceased. The family came to Westerly in his youth and he received his education in this town, graduating from high school in 1889. He then attended Union College and received his de- gree of Bachelor of Arts in 1893, following this preparatory work with matriculation at the Law School of Yale University, from which institution he was graduated in 1895 with the degree of Bach- elor of Laws, cum laude. In that year he was admitted to practice at the Connecticut bar, and in 1896 to the bar of Rhode Island. Establishing himself in practice in Westerly, he became judge in 1898, as related. He is a member and past president of the Westerly Bar Association and is politically allied with the Republican party, having served on its town committee for fifteen years. During the participation of the United States in the World War he served as a member of the legal advisory board for Westerly. His favorite recreation is motoring and his club memberships include the Yale of Rhode Island and the frater- nity of Delta Upsilon. He is also a member of the Westerly Board of Trade, and of Misqua- micut Tribe, No. 19, Improved Order of Red Men, of which he has served as Great Sachem of the State of Rhode Island.
Edward Martin Burke married, in 1908, Mary E. Currier, of Sunapee, New Hampshire, deceased in 1927.
CHARLES E. CALLERY, D. D. S .- After having practiced his profession for about four years in Providence, Dr. Callery entered the United States Army Dental Corps in 1917. And after more than two years' World War service, he was connected for a time with the United States
Public Health Service and then for several years with the Dental Corps of the Regular United States Army. Eventually he returned to private practice, and since 1926, he has been one of the leading dental surgeons of Bristol. He enjoys a very high professional standing and a large prac- tice. He is prominently active in several dental associations, belongs to a number of fraternal, social, and patriotic organizations, and takes an active part in religious work. In every respect he is regarded as one of Bristol's representative pro- fessional men.
Charles E. Callery was born in Providence, May 14, 1888, a son of the late Patrick J. and Cath- arine (Rieley) Callery. His father was a native of Massachusetts, and until his death was en- gaged in the baking business. His mother, now also deceased, was born in Ireland. Dr. Callery received his early education in the public grammar and high schools of Cranston and then attended the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery of the University of Maryland, from which he was grad- uated with the degree of Doctor of Dental Sur- gery in 1913. Immediately afterwards he estab- lished himself in the practice of dentistry in Prov- idence, continuing with his professional work until 1917.
Shortly after the United States entered the World War Dr. Callery entered military service, and on August 23, 1917, he was commissioned first lieutenant, United States Army Dental Corps. Assigned at first to the depot brigade at Camp Devens, Massachusetts, he was later transferred to the 34th Machine Gun Division and afterwards to the Base Hospital at Camp Devens. With the rank of first lieutenant he received his honorable discharge from military service, in October, 1919. Immediately afterwards he was placed in charge of the dental clinic at the United States Marine Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained until September, 1920. For the next few months and until November, 1920, he was connected with the United States Public Health Service in Washing- ton, District of Columbia. At the end of this period he was commissioned a first lieutenant in the United States Army Dental Corps, in which he served until June, 1922, when he received his discharge. During his service with the regular army he was connected with the United States transport service, was then stationed at Camp Mead, Maryland, and finally attended the Army Medical Field Service School at Carlisle, Penn- sylvania, from which he graduated. In June,
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1922, he went to the Army Dental School, Wash- ington, District of Columbia, where he remained until 1926. During part of this period he toured the country lecturing on dentistry. In 1926, Dr. Callery established himself in the private prac- tice of dentistry at Bristol, where he has con- tinued with marked success since then, his offices being located at No. 471 Hope Street. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Southeastern New England Dental Society, the Rhode Island Dental Society, and the Bosworth Study Club of Rhode Island. He is also a mem- ber of the Alumni Association of the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery; Xi Psi Phi Fraternity and the Theta Nu Epsilon Fraternity; Kearney Post, No. 6, American Legion, of which he is vice-commander ; Carlisle Lodge, No. 578, Be- nevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Providence Council, No. 95, Knights of Columbus; Bishop Hendricksen Assembly, fourth degree, Knights of Columbus ; the West Warwick Country Club; and the Lions Club of Bristol. In politics he is a sup- porter of the Democratic party, while his religious affiliation is with St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, of Bristol. He is fond of outdoor life and is especially interested in golf and aviation. Dr. Callery is not married.
FRED PEARSON-A finished artisan in the silk spinning industry, Fred Pearson was for nearly a quarter of a century associated with his occupa- tion in Providence, where he served as assistant superintendent of the American Silk Spinning Company's plant.
Mr. Pearson was a man of quiet and retiring disposition, who was fond of his home and loved his garden and flowers. He made many friends, among whom were a number of intimates who were privileged to enjoy his charming Old World hospitality. He took an interest in everything per- taining to the good fortune of the community in which he lived and was a keen and critical student of the political situation, although he never en- tered into any of its activities. He was an able man in his business and a good citizen of Rhode Island, whose vacant place will not be readily filled.
Born in Brighouse, Yorkshire, England, May I, 1862, he was a son of Samuel and Betty Pearson, and was educated in his native land, there also learning the spinning trade and remaining there until 1899, when he came to America. Here he became associated with the American Silk Spin-
ning Company and was sent to its plant at White- hall, New York, where he remained until 1906, when he was transferred to Providence. Here he was first made foreman dresser, from which he rose to be assistant superintendent of the plant in 1913.
Mr. Pearson attended St. Thomas' Episcopal Church and was a member of the British Club. His death occurred in Providence, October 3, 1929.
Fred Pearson married Mary Prewry, of Lincoln- shire, England. Their children were: I. George P., who married Emily Hickey, and they are the parents of the following children : Walter, Audrey, and Esther. 2. Stanley, who married Lillian Kaiser, and they are the parents of the following chil- dren : Stanley, Shirley, and Kenneth. 3. Mary Alice, who married Edward Crabtree, and have children, as follows : Donald and Ruth.
Mr. Pearson will be remembered by a large circle of loyal friends for his genial personality and kindly nature, while to the industrial element of Providence, which came to appreciate his high attainments, his passing was a permanent loss to commercial progress.
IRA NATHAN GOFF-For many years en- gaged in the music business in the city of Provi- dence, Rhode Island, Ira Nathan Goff performed a most useful service to his fellowmen in this field of endeavor, as well as in whatever enterprises he undertook in the course of his most valuable life. From a boyhood of very modest circumstances, Mr. Goff built up his position in life until he be- came a leader in the business world, and, further- more, accomplished this end entirely by his own efforts and untiring labors. There was no phase of community life that did not enlist his atten- tion and often his active participation, with the result that, in many different walks of life, he was most esteemed and respected; while those whose privilege it was to be his close comrades and com- panions regarded him as a delightful and helpful friend, one ever loyal to those whom he trusted, and steadfast in his ideals as in his human rela- tionships. Strictest integrity, eagerness to help those whom he found in trouble, and a desire to do everything in his power for the public weal, he established himself upon a firm basis of leader- ship in the Providence community; and his death could not be thought of but as an occasion that marked a distinct loss to his city, his State and his fellowmen.
The American Historical Society
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Ira Nathan Goff was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on August 20, 1849, a son of Ira D. and Amy S. (Woodard) Goff and a member of one of the city's oldest and most honored families. His parents were both widely known and much re- spected citizens. His father died when Mr. Goff was only three years old, but his mother continued to live in this city until she reached the ripe old age of eighty-three years. Ira Nathan Goff re- ceived his early education in the public schools of his native city, and there proved himself an apt and industrious student. Upon completing his studies, he immediately set about the work of earn- ing a living for himself and his family, and entered the employ of the firm of Barney and Son, thereby making clear to all his choice for his life's work and placing himself in a position for learning all the details of the business in which he was destined to become outstandingly successful in the years to come. Here he applied himself diligently to the task before him; and, quick to grasp all the essen- tial matters related to the music business, he estab- lished a firm place for himself in the affairs of Providence and its environs. The firm of Barney and Son were dealers in pianos; and the junior member, James H. Barney, had married a sister of Mr. Goff. Through that connection Mr. Goff be- came connected with the music business. At the time of his employment by this firm, its business had become greatly run down, but the vigorous and intelligent young man was soon placed in a responsible position, and it was not long before its affairs were beginning to improve. Eventually he once more placed it upon a sound basis. He re- mained only a few years, however, with the Bar- neys; and then, in 1876, set up a similar business of his own on Westminster Street on the site of Dimond's present store and opposite the Boston Store. At this site he remained for more than ten years, in the course of which he developed the business to a point that rendered his old quarters inadequate. At the time when Mr. Goff started the business, he was engaging in an experiment ; but so efficiently and so well did he bring it to a state of outstanding usefulness that he now ad- mitted into partnership with him John O. Darling. The business name thereupon came to be Goff and Darling, a partnership that continued for thirty years and was only concluded then by the senior partner's death. Not long after Goff and Darling was established, the firm moved into new quarters, at No. 268 Westminster Street, where it has re- mained from that day to this. The establishment has continued to grow steadily until it is now one of the important business enterprises of the city,
whose reputation is one of straightforward and liberal dealing and whose place is second to none in its vicinity. This great and praiseworthy suc- cess has been largely the result of the high degree of business acumen and talent displayed by Mr. Goff and the masterly manner in which he has conducted the firm's affairs.
Never was he in any sense, however, a man of narrow interests. For the whole public life of his city and State absorbed his attention. He early identified himself with a number of organizations and movements of importance. In his religious faith he was an ardent Congregationalist, his parish having been Plymouth Church, in Provi- dence. He was a liberal supporter of the work in which this church was engaged, especially in its philanthropic works, and his assistance was missed by this organization when Mr. Goff passed away. He also belonged to the Congregational Club, and was ever prominent in its activities. He also was a leader in the affairs of the Horticultural Society, of Providence, which did a great many things for the good of the city, and performed the useful task of setting out fruit trees and many orna- mental shrubs and trees. Interested in all sort of civic and social life, Mr. Goff was also a student of politics and public affairs, was a constant sup- porter of the Republican party and its policies and principles, and was a man whose opinions exerted considerable influence upon the lives of others. He was, nevertheless, without personal ambitions for public office, having preferred at all times to de- vote himself exclusively to his own business and social undertakings. His greatest outside interests were probably those that he manifested at all times in horticultural activities, in connection with which he lost no opportunity to do what he could for the beautification of his city and its streets and parks, and in his lodge work with the Free and Accepted Masons, in which he belonged to the Blue Lodge, and St. John's Commandery. It was all the more remarkable that he should take such a lively inter- est in affairs of a general nature, in view of the fact that he had been compelled to spend so much of his time in advancing his immediate end-that of the welfare and well-being of his own family and of making a place for himself that was secure in the commercial world. But when success came to him, he was not one of those men who, worn out with the struggle, are not able to extend their life's activities into other fields; but, on the con- trary, he broadened the scope of his career, did many things that he believed would be of lasting advantage to others-things from which he could not possibly derive personal gain.
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Ira N. Goff married, in Newport, Rhode Island, November 19, 1874, Mary Attmore Whaley, daugh- ter of William and Abbie (Hazard) Whaley, of Newport, of which city she herself was a native. Mr. and Mrs. Goff became the parents of three children, who survive their father: I. William W., who is now living in Westerly, Rhode Island; he married Sarah Sheffield, of Westerly, and they have three children of their own: Robert V., Ed- gar S., and Mary Elizabeth. 2. Mary H., who be- came the wife of Stephen S. Dalgarn, of Charles- town, West Virginia, where they now live; they, too, have three children: Stephen, Jr., Ira Nathan Goff, and Mary Elizabeth. 3. Ira Nathan, Jr., who was superintendent of the Government plant at West Point, New York; he married Fern Fern- holz, and is now engaged in the steel industry in Chicago; they make their home in East Chicago, Indiana.
The death of Ira Nathan Goff, the father of this family, which took place on February 6, 1917, was a cause of widespread sorrow among all who knew him. He had been a leader in the business life of Providence and the State of Rhode Island, and here had won the rewards of diligent and suc- cessful endeavor. Never a man who sought the favor of others or tried to pry his way into public life, he established himself in the firm and sure place that was his merely through close and un- tiring application to duty and through constant, hard work. The world has heard much of "self- made men"; but that is exactly the term that de- scribes Mr. Goff. For he was "self-made" in the very highest sense of that term, in the sense that implies development along cultural and intellectual lines as well as in the world of business. His was not alone a material success, but was a success that extended into his human relationships, and which made those who associated with him better for the fact that he had been their companion and friend. His habits and manners of life were exemplary, his conduct unimpeachable. As hus- band and as father, as well as in the capacity of friend and advisor, he was a most excellent man, and one who will be sorely missed in the Provi- dence community and wherever he was known. But his memory will live on in the years to come, a pleasant and inspiring force in the lives of men who knew him, and an influence for good.
EDWARD A. SHERMAN-A member of one of the oldest and most prominent Newport fam- ilies, Mr. Sherman is a native and lifelong resi-
dent of this city. Here he commenced his career as a banker, immediately following the completion of his college education and here he began his publishing career, in 1918, as the owner of the "Newport Daily News." He has been for many years one of the outstanding figures in financial, business, public, and social affairs. In all of these phases of the community's life he has taken a prominent and effective part. Every movement, tending to advance civic progress and to increase the welfare and prosperity of his native city, has always received Mr. Sherman's energetic and help- ful support, and much of his work has been of lasting value to the community.
Edward A. Sherman was born in Newport, July 16, 1879, a son of Albert Keene and Mary Eliza (Barker) Sherman, and a direct descendant of several of the leading pioneer settlers of this city, including Philip Sherman, James Barker, and Governor John Coggeshall. Mr. Sherman received his early education in the public schools of his native city and then attended Harvard College, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1901, and from which he also received the degree of Master of Arts in 1902. In the latter year he returned to Newport and became connected with the Newport Trust Com- pany, with which he is still prominently identified. His first position was as a bookkeeper. His excep- tional ability and his constant devotion to the inter- ests of this well known financial institution gained him numerous promotions to positions of ever increasing importance and responsibility. In 1908 he became treasurer and in 1918 vice-president, which latter position he still occupies, being also a member of the board of directors. Though the major share of his time and attention is devoted to the publishing of "The Newport Daily News." Mr. Sherman has also been prominently active in the affairs of several other financial and commer- cial enterprises. He is secretary and a director of the Newport Gas Light Company, treasurer and a director of the Aquidneck Realty Company, a trustee of the Savings Bank of Newport, a direc- tor of William Leys Dry Goods Company, and president, treasurer, and a director of the T. T. Pitman Corporation. The latter owns the "New- port Daily News," which newspaper Mr. Sherman bought in July, 1918, from the late Mr. T. T. Pit- man and of which he has been the publisher since. Under his able and progressive management, this publication has extended its influence, increased its size, features and circulation, until today it is one of the leading daily newspapers of Rhode Island.
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Public affairs, too, have received much of Mr. Sherman's time and for many years he has been one of the recognized leaders of the Republican party in Newport and in Rhode Island. During 1904-10 he served as a member of the Newport School Committee, and during 1907-19 and again during 1920-26 as a member of the Representative Council of the city of Newport. He is now a mem- ber of the Sinking Fund Commission and of the Mothers' Aid Commission of the city of Newport, and since 1922 he has been a member of the Re- publican City Committee, to which he also be- longed from 1904 until 1920. In the latter year he was a delegate to the Republican National Con- vention from the First Rhode Island District, this convention, held at Chicago, nominating the late Warren G. Harding for President. In the same year Mr. Sherman also was a presidential elector on the Republican ticket. For many years he was prominently active in the Young Men's Republican Club of Newport, serving as its secretary during 1904-08, as vice-president during 1908-10, and as president during 1910-12. During 1908-14 he served on the personal staff of Governor Aram J. Pothier with the rank of colonel. For a number of years Mr. Sherman has given much time to the Red- wood Library, serving as its treasurer and as one of the directors. He is a member and a former president of the Rhode Island Society, Sons of the Revolution, and he also maintains membership in numerous Masonic bodies up to and including the thirty-second degree, Rhode Island Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.
Mr. Sherman married, October 22, 1913, Hazel Erma Poole, of Milton, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Sherman, who make their home at Newport, are the parents of two sons: I. Edward A. Sher- man, Jr., born June 19, 1915. 2. Albert K. Sher- man, born January 12, 1918.
ROSCOE M. DEXTER-A native and life- long resident of Central Falls, Judge Roscoe M. Dexter has been for many years one of that city's leading lawyers. He was born in Central Falls, November 3, 1877, a son of Theodore F. and Har- riett (Tingley) Dexter. He has always made his home in Central Falls, which at the time of his birth was still a village and part of the township of Lincoln. Judge Dexter's father was for many years a successful contractor and builder. His
mother lived to the age of eighty-five years. Judge Dexter received his early education in the public schools of Central Falls and, after graduating from the local high school, entered Brown Univer- sity, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1900. He then took up the study of law at the Harvard Law School, which he attended during 1901-02, continuing his legal studies after that in the office of James L. Jenks in Pawtucket. Admitted to the Rhode Is- land bar in 1903, and to the United States District and Circuit Court two years later, he became asso- ciated in the practice of his profession with Mr. Jenks, an association which continued for some twelve years. At the end of this period Judge Dexter opened an office of his own at No. 255 Main Street, Pawtucket, where he has since con- tinued to carry on his large and important law practice. During 1911-12 he served as probate judge, and during 1913-23 as clerk of the Eleventh District Judicial Court of Rhode Island. Since April 1, 1923, he has been judge of this court. Throughout his career he has taken an active inter- est in several legal organizations. He was one of the founders of the Pawtucket Bar Association, of which he served as secretary for ten years and as president for two years. He is a member and past officer of the Rhode Island Bar Association. Fraternally, he has been affiliated for many years with the Masonic Order, being a member of Union Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Pawtucket Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Pawtucket Coun- cil, Royal and Select Masters; Holy Sepulchre Commandery, No. 8, Knights Templar ; and Pale- stine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. His clubs include the University Glee Club of Providence, of which he was an officer for fourteen years, and an active member thereof for the past nineteen years; the Oak Hill Tennis Club; the Pawtucket Golf Club; the Uni- versity Club of Providence; the Sons of the American Revolution ; and the Sons of Union Vet- erans of the Civil War, of which latter organiza- tion he served for three terms as commander. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party. He has been a member of the Republican City Committee from his ward for over thirty years and has never missed a caucus in that time since he was a voter. He is a trustee and assistant sec- retary of the Memorial Hospital.
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