USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. III > Part 22
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Rhode Island State Senate, representing in both of these the town of Bristol. The town of Bristol has also benefited by his thirty years' service on its sewer commission, and it was Mr. Dixon who organized its modern sewer system. He is chair- man of the executive committee of the Rhode Island Soldier Relief. For many years one of the most active members of Babbitt Post, No. 15, Grand Army of the Republic, he has also served as Department Commander for the State of Rhode Island of this organization, while the Ist Light Infantry of Providence elected him to honorary membership. Prominently active in Ma- sonic affairs since his young manhood, he is a member of numerous Masonic bodies, including the following: St. Albans Lodge, No. 6, Free and Accepted Masons; Hope Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Webb Council, Royal and Select Masters; St. John's Commandery, Knights Tem- plar; Rhode Island Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; and Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the United Brothers Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is a past grand, and of Wampanaug Encampment. His clubs include the Rhode Island Country Club. In politics he is a supporter of the Re- publican party, while his religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal Church of Bristol, of which he has been a trustee for many years. He is also greatly interested in the local Young Men's Christian Association, of which he was president for nineteen years.
Mr. Dixon married, in 1872, Annie Prest, now deceased, who was born at Blackburn, England. Mr. and Mrs. Dixon were the parents of five children: 1. Fred M., now deceased. 2. Ezra, Jr., whose career is described in the following separate article. 3. Annie R. 4. William Gar- field. 5. Fern Dixon.
EZRA DIXON, JR .- A native and lifelong resident of Bristol, Mr. Dixon, after seventeen years in a business of his own, became associated with his father in the conduct of a company founded by the latter many years ago. This as- sociation of father and son has proved very agreea- ble to both. Mr. Dixon is generally regarded as possessing all of the many characteristics which have made his father for many years one of the leading figures in the world of business in Bristol. He is also prominently active in fraternal affairs,
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is a member of several social clubs and in every respect ranks as one of the representative and substantial members of the community.
Ezra Dixon, Jr., was born at Bristol, October 12, 1877, a son of Ezra and Annie (Prest) Dixon. His father, whose career is described in greater detail in the preceding article, is one of the lead- ing citizens of Bristol. Mr. Dixon received his education in the public schools and at Phillips Academy. After leaving school he entered the window screen business for himself and success- fully continued in it from 1902 until 1919. Since the latter year he has been associated with his father in the conduct of the Dixon Lubricating Saddle Company, of Bristol, engaged in the man- ufacture and sale of a saddle used in spinning machines, which was invented and patented by Mr. Dixon's father. On January 1, 1930, the business was incorporated as the Dixon Lubricat- ing Saddle Company, and Ezra Dixon, Jr., be- came president; his father, chairman of the board; William G. Dixon, treasurer; and F. M. Dixon, Jr., secretary.
For many years a member of the Masonic Order, he belongs to numerous Masonic bodies, including the following: St. Albans Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is a Past Master; Hope Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of which he is a Past High Priest; Webb Council, Royal and Select Masters, of which he is a Past Thrice Illustrious Master ; St. John's Commandery, Knights Templar; Rhode Island Consistory, An- cient Accepted Scottish Rite; and Palestine Tem- ple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the United Broth- ers Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, as well as of Herbert F. Bennett Camp, Sons of Veterans, of which he is a Past Commander. His clubs include the Rhode Island Country Club and the Metacomet Country Club, where he finds opportunity to indulge in his favorite sport, golf. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party. His religious affiliation is with the Meth- odist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Dixon married, on March 3, 1908, Carrie Luella Green, a direct descendant of General Na- thanael Greene.
WALTER E. SHANNON-A native and life- long resident of Wakefield, Mr. Shannon for many years has been one of its leading and most highly respected business men. After acquiring
his initial business experience by association for almost fifteen years in the retail shoe business with his father, he established himself in the in- surance business, in which he has since continued with marked success. He has the distinction of being the only man in Wakefield who devotes all of his activities to the insurance business. Nat- urally his standing in the community, both as a business man and as a citizen, is of the highest, and in every respect he is regarded as one of the most representative and substantial citizens of Wakefield.
Walter E. Shannon was born at Wakefield, February 23, 1886, a son of Daniel W. and Soph- ina (Blanchard) Shannon. His father, who was born at Southampton, England, has been engaged in the retail shoe business at Wakefield since 1884 and is the oldest merchant in Wakefield in respect to continuous ownership of one business. Mr. Shannon's mother, who was born at Burrillville, is now deceased. Educated in the public grammar and high schools of South Kingstown, Mr. Shan- non in 1903, became associated with his father in the latter's retail shoe store. He continued in this business as a partner of his father until 1916, when he entered the insurance business. His in- dustry and pleasing personality have enabled him to make a great success of his insurance business and he is today one of the best known and most successful insurance men, not only in Wakefield, but throughout this section of Rhode Island. In recent years his offices have been located in the Bell Block, Wakefield. He is a member of the National Association of Insurance Agents, the Rhode Island Association of Insurance Agents, and the Colonial Club of Westerly. Since 1928 he has served very effectively as building inspector of the town of Wakefield and as chief of the Union Fire District. During the World War he was a member of the Rhode Island State Guard. In politics he is an independent, while his relig- ious affiliation is with the Peace Dale Congrega- tional Church. He is very fond of reading, and much of his leisure time is devoted to this form of recreation.
Mr. Shannon married, in 1910, Esther B. Tay- lor, a native of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Shannon have no children and make their home at Wakefield.
LEONARD STANLEY HOLLEY-One of those citizens of Rhode Island who has for years taken a prominent part in the affairs of his State,
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Leonard Stanley Holley is vice-president of the Holley Ice and Transportation Company of South Kingstown. In this community, where he was born and has lived practically all his life, Mr. Holley has performed much useful work, and to- day he is highly esteemed and respected in the business life of his town and this Commonwealth.
He was born in South Kingstown, Rhode Is- land, on October 16, 1894, son of George A. and Lillian E. (Tucker) Holley. His father, also a native of South Kingstown, was engaged in the early part of his life in the mercantile business. In 1913 he started his career in the ice business, in which he commenced independently under the name of the Holley Ice Company. In 1920 he added a transportation business, and the name of the company was changed to the Holley Ice and Transportation Company, of which he has been president ever since that time. The mother, too, was born in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, where she still makes her home. Leonard Stanley Holley received his early education in the public and high schools of South Kingstown, and then became a student at the State College of Rhode Island, from which he was graduated in the class of 1916 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Upon completing his education he became associ- ated with the Holley Ice and Transportation Company, of South Kingstown, of which he has been vice-president since 1921. He has done much, naturally, to build up this business to its present state, and for his work in this connection enjoys a favorable place in the estimation of his fellow- citizens.
Along with his commercial activities, Mr. Hol- ley has been a leader in social and fraternal af- fairs. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, in which order he belongs to Hope Lodge No. 25; Unity Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, of which he is Past High Priest; Nestle Chapter of the Eastern Star, of which he is Past Patron. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he is affiliated with Columbia Lodge, and to the Beta Phi Fraternity. He is a member of Hope Square and Compass Club. His political faith is that of the Republican party, and his church is the Episcopal. When he is not busy with his many other activities, Mr. Holley enjoys nothing more than indulging in his favorite hob- bies, the healthful outdoor sports of fishing and boating.
Leonard Stanley Holley married, in 1917, Jen- nie M. Clarke, a native of Wakefield, Rhode Is- land. By this union there has been one child, a daughter, Shirley Elizabeth Holley.
HAROLD A. PECKHAM-After a success- ful business career in the provision trade, covering a number of years, Mr. Peckham identified him- self with investment banking. Today he is one of the best-known investment bankers in his native city, Newport, enjoying, to an unusual degree the confidence of his numerous customers. Other phases of the community's life, too, hold his inter- est and for many years he has been prominently active in fraternal and social organizations, as well as in civic affairs. Thus he represents a high type of useful, vigorous, public-spirited citizen.
Harold A. Peckham was born in Newport, Sep- tember 17, 1873, a son of the late Felix and Mary J. (Young) Peckham. His father, who was born at Middletown in 1800, spent the earlier part of his career in farming, but later engaged in the stationery business and also in banking. Mr. Peckham's mother, now also deceased, was a native of Windsor, Connecticut. Having received his early education in the public grammar and high schools of his native city and having gradu- ated from Rogers High School, Mr. Peckham at- tended Chauncey Hall School, Boston, Massa- chusetts, and then the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After he left college, he entered the insurance business in Boston, becoming connected with the John C. Paige Company, with which he continued for a year and a half. At the end of this period he returned to Newport and, together with Albert C. Landers, Jr., he formed the firm of Landers & Peckham, dealers in butter and eggs. This partnership continued until 1920, when Mr. Peckham withdrew and entered the investment banking business, becoming connected at that time with Gillespie, Meade & Company, with which firm he remained until 1924. At that time he went with the firm of Prince and Whitley, in- vestment bankers, of which he was the manager until 1926, when he became associated as manager with another well known investment banking house, Morrison & Townsend, with offices at No. 33 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. During the World War Mr. Peckham attended the second Platts- burg Training Camp. For many years he has taken an active and helpful interest in civic affairs, having served for several years as a member of the Newport Representative Council and, since 1922, as a member of the Newport Park Commis- sion. His clubs include the Miantonomi Club, the Newport Reading Room, the Newport Rotary Club, the Discussion Club and the Wanumeton- omy Golf Club. He is also a member of the New- port Chamber of Commerce, the New England Order of Protection, the Royal Arcanum, the Im-
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proved Order of Red Men, as well as of several Masonic bodies, the latter including St. Paul's Lodge, No. 14, Free and Accepted Masons, and Newport Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. In poli- tics he is a supporter of the Republican party, while his religious affiliation is with the Congre- gational Church.
Mr. Peckham married, in 1896, Sarah P. Land- ers, like himself a native of Newport. Mr. and Mrs. Peckham are the parents of one son, Harold L. Peckham, a veteran of the World War, dur- ing which he served with the United States Ma- rine Corps.
ALBERIC A. ARCHAMBAULT-A native of Canada, but a resident of Rhode Island since his early childhood, Mr. Archambault has been for more than twenty years one of the leading members of the Rhode Island bar and also one of the leading figures in Rhode Island politics. He has frequently been honored by election or appointment to important public offices, which he has invariably filled with great ability and con- scientiousness. To a remarkable degree he en- joys the liking, respect and confidence of his fel- low-citizens, and there are few men, indeed, in Kent County, who are more popular.
Alberic A. Archambault was born at St. Cesaire, Province of Quebec, Canada, February 9, 1887, a son of Lucien and Anna (Gareau) Archambault. Both his parents were born at St. Cesaire, but have spent the greater part of their lives in Rhode Island, where his father was successfully engaged in the mercantile business until his death. Mr. Archambault received his education in the public and parochial schools of West Warwick, Kent County, attended then the La Salle Academy, and afterwards took up the study of law at Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1908. Admitted to the Rhode Island bar in the same year, he established himself in the practice of law in Providence and also opened an office in West Warwick. In 1912 the law firm of Archambault & Archambault was formed, and ever since then Mr. Archambault has been senior partner of this firm. He is a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association and enjoys a large and important practice. He is also treasurer and a director of the Rosella Mills Company of West Warwick and a director of the Claremont Mills of West Warwick. Next to his professional work politics, perhaps, has received a greater share of Mr. Archambault's time and attention than any
other activity. In 1913 he served as town solicitor of Warwick and during 1921-22 he held the same office for the town of West Warwick. For six terms he represented West Warwick in the Rhode Island Senate, having the distinction of being the first Senator from this town, in 1914. He also served in that capacity in 1915, 1917, 1918, 1924, 1925 and 1926. After the prohibition law went into effect, Mr. Archambault was appointed as the first prohibition director for the State of Rhode Island, serving in that capacity during 1919-20. In politics he is a staunch supporter of the Demo- cratic party and ever since 1908 he has been one of the most active and prominent members of the Democratic State Central Committee, of which he served as chairman during 1920-21. Twice, in 1918 and again in 1928, he was the banner bearer of his party in Rhode Island, being honored in these two years by nomination to the office of Governor. In 1924 and again in 1928 he was also elected a delegate to the National Democratic Convention of these two years. A graduate of the first Plattsburg Training Camp, in 1916, he rendered important services during the World War, serving as chairman of the American Red Cross Chapter of West Warwick, as chairman of the Legal Advisory Board of Kent County under the Selective Service Act, as chairman of the Four-Minute Speakers for Kent County, and as Fuel Administrator for Kent County. His relig- ious affiliation is with the Roman Catholic Church of St. Jean Baptist of West Warwick.
Mr. Archambault married, in 1910, Louise A. Dion, a native of Norwich, Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Archambault are the parents of seven chil- dren: Justa Y., Cecile, Frances, Dion, Raymond, Gerald, and Aline.
COL. PATRICK HENRY QUINN-Pos- sessed of an inherent talent for organization and leadership, which was illustrated in graphic fashion during his early manhood, Colonel Patrick Henry Quinn, prominently identified with the bar of Providence for many years, is esteemed through- out Rhode Island for his high character and his great professional abilities. Although frequently engaged in important public affairs, he never neg- lected his private work and his clients were always his loyal friends, even though some of them may have been unsuccessful in their battles at law. His victories have always been materially greater than his defeats, for his erudition in the intricacies of the law has been coupled with an indefatigable
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industry and a great talent for impressing juries with the justice of the cause he represented. Called to represent the people in many public offices of honor and responsibility, he has never failed to justify the selection and has acquitted himself with credit in all cases. Espousing the Democratic cause in political campaigns, he has been a valuable instrument in bringing out the vote and a priceless lieutenant on the platform, where his oratorical powers were greatly appreciated and productive of desired results. His friendships are limited only by his acquaintances, for his personality is such that he retains all he makes.
He was born in Phenix, town of Warwick, Rhode Island, December 16, 1869, attended the Warwick public schools and in 1881, upon com- pleting the elementary grades, entered the em- ployment of the Clyde Print Works, where he spent nine years in the finishing room. These were the formative years of his life. Denied the oppor- tunity to complete his education at school, he studied privately and took pains to analyze men as they came under his observation. It was during this period that his talents as a leader and organ- izer came to the attention of the leaders in the National Council of the Knights of Labor and he became the trusted lieutenant of Terence V. Pow- derly, chief executive and the brainiest leader of what was then the strongest labor organization in the land. In 1891 he became bookkeeper and sales- man for William R. Brown and Company, of Providence, and during this period his abilities came to the attention of Edward L. Gannon, of the law firm of Tanner and Gannon, and that accom- plished lawyer advised him to study law. He took advantage of the advice and began his studies under Mr. Gannon, at the same time retaining his position with Brown and Company on part time, giving the house his services on Saturdays and at odd hours during the days and evenings, thus earning a part of the cost of his living while at work in the law office. He was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island in August, 1895, and to that of the United States Circuit Court, January 18, 1897. Willard B. Tan- ner, senior member of the firm of Tanner and Gannon, had been elected Attorney-General and upon Mr. Quinn's admission to the bar the firm of Gannon and Quinn was formed, which continued to function until the death of Mr. Gannon, March 15, 1896. For a number of years he practiced alone, eventually forming a partnership with Charles H. Kernan and, on January I, 1918, ad-
mitting to partnership Robert E. Quinn, a nephew of Colonel Quinn.
Even as a boy he was interested in politics and in 1880 assisted in the organization of a company of boys who marched in the parades for General Winfield Scott Hancock, who was running for the Presidency against James A. Garfield, of Ohio. When the Cleveland-Harrison campaign was opened he made speeches for the Democratic nomi- nee, although at the time he was under legal age, and since that year he has stumped the State for the Democratic party in both State and National campaigns. In 1893 he was a delegate to the Demo- cratic State Convention and since that year, with the exception of 1914, when he ran for Governor of Rhode Island, he has been a delegate at every convention. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention that nominated William Jen- nings Bryan at Kansas City in 1900; to that which nominated Alton B. Parker at St. Louis, in 1904; to that which nominated Bryan again, in Denver, in 1908; and in each instance was unanimously elected to his seat in the conventions. In 1898 he was elected secretary to the Democratic State Cen- tral Committee and served in that capacity for five years, then being elected chairman for three years. For ten years he was chairman of the War- wick Democratic Town Committee and in 1899 was elected Judge of Probate for Warwick, being the first judge elected, the Court of Probate having formerly been the Town Council. In the same year he was also elected town solicitor and in 1906 was again elected both judge of probate and town solicitor. In 1903 he was appointed senior aide on the staff of Governor Garvin and commissioned a colonel. As a unanimous public recognition of the esteem in which he was held, the citizens of War- wick, irrespective of political party affiliations, presented Colonel Quinn with a life-size portrait of himself, and in 1914 he was the standard bearer of his party in the race for the governorship. In 1916 he attended as a delegate the Democratic National Convention that nominated Woodrow Wilson at St. Louis and at this convention was chosen as Rhode Island's member of the Demo- cratic National Committee. He was delegate to the Democratic National Convention at New York in 1924, when as chairman of the Rhode Island delegation he cast the unanimous vote of this delegation one hundred times for Alfred E. Smith, and again in 1928 was chairman of the Rhode Island delegation when Governor Smith was nominated for the Presidency. He was prominent
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in the movement to divide the town of Warwick and was appointed by Governor Pothier one of the commission of five to make that division, whereby the town of West Warwick was created, and was elected first president of the Town Coun- cil of the new town of West Warwick. Colonel Quinn is secretary and a director in the Phenix Lace Mills and treasurer of the Warwick Lace Works. He is also a director of the Pawtuxet Valley Free Library Association; a past president of the Catholic Total Abstinence Union of Rhode Island; a founder and former president of the Catholic Club of Rhode Island; one of the founders of the Providence College; past chief ranger of Court Warwick, Foresters of America; a past grand knight of Gibson Council, Knights of Co- lumbus; member of the American Bar Associa- tion; Robert Emmet Literary Association; Provi- dence Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Warwick Aerie, Fraternal Order of Eagles; and Benjamin Franklin Lodge, Provident Frater- nity. He belongs to the Catholic, Radical, Turks Head, Columbus, and Noonday clubs.
Patrick H. Quinn married (first), November 12, 1897, Agnes G. Healey, of Providence, Rhode Island, whose death occurred February 10, 1907. He married (second), July 22, 1909, Margaret M. Connors, of Providence, and they are the parents of one son : Thomas Henry.
HUGO R. A. ANTHONY-Numerous enter- prises have engaged the attention of Hugo R. A. Anthony, at present Collector of Taxes of the city of Newport; and in all of them he displayed an ability that attracted the attention of the commu- nity to his ability and versatility. He has served in numerous public offices, is popular in social and fraternal organizations and belongs to the leading clubs. His civic interest has been thor- oughly tested and his spirit of patriotism is well known. Faultless in his integrity, he has held posi- tions of solemn trust and has carried out the duties with commendable skill and to the complete sat- isfaction of his business associates and all inter- ested in the enterprises in which he officiated. Mr. Anthony is an eminent citizen of Newport, with a host of loyal friends and countless admir- ers of the results of his official activities.
He was born in Stockholm, Sweden, October 15, 1891, a son of Andrew Anthony, a native of St. Olaf, Sweden, who was engaged here as a con- tractor and builder until his death, and of Olga
F. (Berghman) Anthony, who was born in Engle- holm, Sweden. Their son was educated in the public schools of Newport, was graduated from Rogers High School and then attended Norwich University for one year. He then became asso- ciated with Charles F. Harrington, Jr., as a part- ner in Tire Shop of Newport, and continued in this until 1914, when he accepted a position in the office of the United States Engineer at Newport, continuing there until 1916, when he entered the service, in the Newport office, of the Providence Telephone Company. He held this position until 1918, when he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve Corps, remaining in the service until De- cember, when he was honorably mustered out with the rank of machinist's mate, second class. He then returned to the telephone company and remained in its service until 1921, when he was appointed deputy collector of internal revenue at Newport, retaining that post until 1925, when he resigned in order to accept a position with the Newport Trust Company. In January, 1929, he resigned from this position to accept that of col- lector of taxes for the city of Newport, an office he fills (1931). He is a Republican in politics and served for four years as a member of the Newport Council. He belongs to the Young Men's Repub- lican Club; is a member of the Newport Lions Club, and has been its secretary; member of the Chamber of Commerce; Newport Post, No. 7, American Legion; and the Norwich Club of Boston, Massachusetts. Fraternally, he is affili- ated with St. Paul's Lodge, No. 14, Free and Ac- cepted Masons; Kolah Grotto; also the Modern Woodmen of America; Rhode Island Lodge, No. 12, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Aquidneck Encampment. He is a vestryman of Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church.
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