USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. III > Part 29
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Their son, Horace Arnold Kimball, of whom this is primarily a record, received his early edu- cation in the public schools of Chepachet, his birthplace, and of Warren, Rhode Island, a nearby town. Later he attended the Phillips Acad- emy, at Andover, Massachusetts, and the Thetford Academy, in Vermont. Soon after completing his education he entered the business world as cashier of the Franklin Bank, at Chepachet, having been elected to that position when only twenty years old. For several years he continued in the bank until, becoming thoroughly familiar with finance, he left that field to become a manufacturer. Forming a partnership with Warren O. Arnold, of Chepachet, for the making of woolen goods, he remained in that business until 1867, when he dis- posed of his interest in the mill to Mr. Arnold and F. R. White and Company. In the period that followed, he was associated with several of the large manufacturing enterprises of Rhode Island and other parts of New England, and be- came the owner of several mills. Upon retiring from the first enterprise in which he had been in- terested, he bought the Lafayette Reynolds Mill at Pascoag, Rhode Island, which he operated until fire destroyed it in 1882. He also had a controll- ing interest in the John Chase Mill at Pascoag, and in mills at South Coventry, Connecticut, and Hampden, Massachusetts. He bought and oper- ated the Manton Mill, in Providence, where he remained active until the formation of the Amer- ican Woolen Company, of which he was one of the founders. The Manton Mill, with others over a widely scattered area, became a part of the gigantic combination of woolen interests that later came to be known as the woolen trust. Mr. Kim- ball was also owner of the Clicquot Company, of Millis, Massachusetts, manufacturers of the fa- mous "Clicquot Club" ginger ale and similar products, and president of this company. He owned, too, the Rubdry Towel Company, of Prov- idence.
For about forty years he occupied a prominent
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position in New England manufacturing circles, and was regarded as one of Rhode Island's ablest business men. A supporter of the Democratic party, he was one of the organization's leaders, and at one time was State Senator. In 1880, 1881 and 1882, he was his party's nominee for Governor of Rhode Island. In 1900 he was appointed one of the commissioners of the State House. He was a charter member of the Ponham Club, and a member of the West Side Club and the Rhode Island Historical Society. He attended the Cen- tral Congregational Church in Providence. Into all of these varied activities, as into his own busi- ness affairs, he put his fullest measure of enthusi- asm, with the result that he was esteemed in a wide circle of acquaintance. He continued active until his death at Belgrade Lakes, Maine, on September 1, 1911. His passing came as a cause of widespread sorrow and regret in Providence, as well as in business and industrial circles wher- ever he was known, for he had contributed richly to the well being of Rhode Island and its insti- tutions, and to the prosperity of New England. He is remembered as one of the kindly and gen- erous men of his time, and his memory serves to encourage and inspire those whose privilege it was to know him.
Horace Arnold Kimball married, on October 17, 1877, Sarah Ella Merewether, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Jane (Hicks) Merewether, who survived her husband and, in 1930, was a resident of Providence.
Her family is an old and honored one, the name being one of the most ancient of pure English cognomens, owing its origin to a nickname, "merry weather," and meaning a happy, genial, sunshiny fellow. The arms of the family are described as: "Or, three martlets sable; on a chief azure a sun in splendour, proper, for Merewether," and the crest as: "An arm embowed in armour garnished or, holding in the hand proper a sword argent, hilt and pommel or, entwined with a serpent vert." The motto was: "Vi et consilio." Many of the New England line are descended from Nicholas Mereweather, of England and Wales, who died in England on December 19, 1678. A tradition handed down through generations of the Virginia branch of the family is that he held a large land grant in the Colony of Virginia, given by Charles II of England in payment of a money loan. One of his five sons, also named Nicholas, married Elizabeth Crawford, daughter of David Crawford, of New Kent County, Virginia; and another, Thomas, born in England, married and had chil- dren. One of Thomas' children was William,
born in England May 21, 1780, who was early orphaned, came to America, settled at Providence, Rhode Island, and married, July 4, 1803, Betsy Gilmore, born June 25, 1782, died February 23, 1846, in his sixty-fourth year, daughter of Na- thaniel and Eliza (Crompton) Gilmore; William Merewether died at Providence on May 28, 1856, aged seventy-six years. His son, Thomas, born there May 21, 1820, educated in the city of his birth, was engaged in the grocery business until his retirement in 1885, having passed in those years from employee to executive, and also was active in other phases of business life; he was a supporter of the Republican party and took an intense interest in civic affairs, though he never was active in lodge or club work; his religious faith was of the Universalist denomination; he married Sarah Jane Hicks, daughter of Ranson and Nancy (Tompkins) Hicks.
And it was their daughter, Sarah Ella Mere- wether, who became the wife of Horace Arnold Kimball. Mrs. Kimball has long been active in the Society of the Mayflower Descendants; the Society of Colonial Dames in Rhode Island; the Daughters of the American Revolution, in which she is affiliated with the Independence Chapter; and the Rhode Island Woman's Club. Mr. and Mrs. Kimball had children: I. Bessie Mere- wether, born February 24, 1879, died March 8, 1889. 2. Horace Earle, born at Providence March 17, 1881, now active in the Clicquot Company, and treasurer of the W. and K. Mills, Nasonville, Rhode Island; he lives in Providence with his mother, at No. 142 Angell Street. 3. Edith Phyllis, born in Providence June 18, 1885, educated at the Lincoln School, this city, and Mrs. Hazen's School, Pelham Manor, New York; she became, on November 18, 1914, the wife of Chester Dun- ning Johnstone, of Henderson, Kentucky; they now live in Providence.
WILLIAM LEROY ADAMS -- A native of Connecticut but during the greater part of his life a resident of Providence, the late William L. Adams was for many years one of this city's lead- ing hardware and electric supplies merchants. He enjoyed a very high reputation, based on his un- usual business and executive ability, on the pro- gressiveness of his business methods and on his consistent adherence to the highest business prin- ciples. He was prominently active in Masonic affairs, a member of several country clubs, help-
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fully interested in religious work, and, though he never sought or held public office, always willing to support enthusiastically and energetically all movements and enterprises tending to advance the welfare of Providence, its people, and its insti- tutions.
William L. Adams was born at Phoenixville, Connecticut, April 1, 1869, a son of Augustus and Ruth (Miller) Adams. He was educated in the public grammar and high schools and, having graduated from the Providence High School, he became associated with the firm of Belcher & Loomis, well known Providence hardware mer- chants. In 1901, together with Charles Dudley, Fred Clark, and Clarence Angell, he organized the Union Hardware & Electric Supply Com- pany, becoming head of the electric department of this concern, taking a very active part in its management and development and sharing largely in making it one of the most successful and im- portant of its type in Providence. In 1911 Mr. Adams founded the Union Electric Supply Com- pany, of which he served as treasurer until his death. For many years prominently active in Ma- sonic affairs, he was a member of several Masonic bodies, including Orpheus Lodge, Free and Ac- cepted Masons; the Royal Arch Chapter; Cal- vary Commandery, Knights Templar; and Pal- estine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. An enthusiastic golfer, his membership in the Wannamoisett Country Club and in the Rhode Island Country Club made it possible for him to indulge frequently in his fa- vorite sport. He was very much interested in everything pertaining to the development of the radio and was regarded as an expert in this field, this interest dating back to the early days of radio development, being indicative of his pro- gressiveness. Keen in his judgment of men and affairs, he was just in all his dealings. His pleas- ing personality and his innate kindliness, which showed in his sparkling eyes and in his pleasant countenance, not only gained him a host of loyal friends, but also made him a delightful member of many social gatherings. His religious affilia- tion was with the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church of Providence.
Mr. Adams married Isabel Sanborn, a daughter of Evander Sanborn, of Eden, Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Adams had no children.
William L. Adams died at his home in Provi- dence December 6, 1929. His death, of course, was a great shock and represented an irreparable loss to his wife, to whom he was deeply devoted. And his death was also greatly regretted by a
large circle of friends and by the community in general. Mr. Adams will long be remembered in Providence as one of its most upright and sub- stantial business men, as a public-spirited and patriotic citizen, and as a man of high ideals and fine principles.
FRANK LESLIE VAUGHAN-A native of Boston, but during the greater part of his life a resident of Providence, the late Frank L. Vaughan was connected for more than half a century with the one concern, the Providence Engineering Works. It was characteristic of him that his en- tire business career should have been spent with the same firm and it was equally characteristic of him that, entirely as the result of his industry and ability, he rose from office boy to the position of treasurer. Widely known and very highly regarded in business and engineering circles, Mr. Vaughan was also active in Masonic and religious work and in every respect was representative of the highest type of useful and public-spirited citizen.
Frank L. Vaughan was born in Boston, Massa- chusetts, May 4, 1861, a son of Andrew Jackson and Esther (Norris) Vaughan. He received his education in his native city and, in 1879, was grad- uated with high honors from the Classic High School. Though studious by nature and very desir- ous to enter college, circumstances prevented him from doing so, a fact which he continued to regret throughout his life. Instead of continuing his edu- cation, therefore, he entered business life and ac- cepted the position of office boy for Mayor Doyle of Providence, who recommended him to the Provi- dence Engineering Works. Natural ability, close attention to the duties assigned to him from time to time and untiring industry quickly gained him recognition and he received numerous promotions to positions of ever-increasing responsibility and importance, until he was made treasurer of the Company. This position he continued to fill with much ability and success for many years. His work was characterized by exceptional accuracy, neatness and efficiency. A great reader and student and endowed with a wonderful memory he became a very entertaining and interesting conversational- ist and was very popular with all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was very fond of outdoor life and especially of walking, and many of his leisure hours were spent in this manner. His principal hobby was the collecting of old and rare firearms, and his collection, carefully and pains- takingly assembled during many years, contains
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many excellent pieces. He was a member of sev- eral Masonic bodies, including What Cheer Chap- ter, Royal Arch Masons. His religious affiliations were with the Pilgrim Congregational Church, until it was merged with the Union Congrega- tional Church.
Mr. Vaughan married, September II, 1885, Min- nie Hedly, a daughter of William H. and Joanna (Potter) Hedly, of Providence. Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan had no children.
Frank Leslie Vaughan died at his home in Providence, January 25, 1925. By his death his wife lost a loving and devoted husband, his many friends a genial and loyal companion, his business associates a keen advisor and a considerate em- ployer, and the community in general one of its most substantial business men and citizens. He will long be remembered for his many fine quali- ties
WILLIAM A. NEWELL-When Thomas Wilson Dorr, whose name is associated with rev- olution rather than with forward movements in education in which he was a leader, proposed creation of the office of superintendent of public schools, he had in mind an officer who would per- form for the scattered schools in a town or city system much the same functions which are re- lated to an overseer or superintendent in industry, whose major service is coordination. Dorr em- phasized administration rather than pedagogy as the principal business of the new officer; in mod- ern systems, comprehending millions of invest- ment in school estates and thousands of dollars of expenditures for salaries, supplies and main- tenance, the business functions of the superin- tendent increase in importance. A city which can find a good schoolman who is also an efficient administrator and whose training and knowledge extend into the fields of construction is fortunate indeed. A rare combination of excellent service qualities have made William Atwell Newell, Superintendent of Schools of Pawtucket, one of the best known in New England and his city proud of his achievements, which include in less than ten years as superintendent a complete reor- ganization of the city public school system, and the inauguration of a building program not sur- passed by any city of similar size and resources in America.
William A. Newell was born in Pawtucket, February 18, 1869, son of William F. and Ann Newell. He was educated in the public schools
of his native city, and on graduation from high school studied design and architecture at Pratt Institute. In 1893 he began teaching and was advanced rapidly as teacher and supervisor of art and industrial education. He was appointed as Superintendent of Schools in Pawtucket in 1922, and immediately undertook a reorganization of the public schools on the six-three-three plan, then so novel that few eastern cities had adopted it. To Superintendent Newell it appealed as at once an improvement agreeable to his purpose of mod- ernizing the schools under his supervision and also as the most advantageous solution of the high school problem facing Pawtucket particularly be- cause of large population and the post-war de- mand for broader educational opportunities. Plans for doubling the capacity of the city high school were underway, but Superintendent Newell fore- saw a need for more accommodations. Developing his plans he proposed a new senior high school, use of the old high school as a junior high school, construction of a second junior high school west- ward to accommodate children in a then growing part of the city, and ultimately a third junior high school toward the extreme east side of the city. The junior high schools would relieve not only the senior high school, but also the elemen- tary schools. Superintendent Newell had grasped also the economy of large school units in a modern system. The results appear in the finest senior high school building in New England and a phys- ical equipment not surpassed in any city of the same size as Pawtucket. Superintendent Newell proceeded with the belief that its schools indicate the aspirations of a community. In recognition of his splendid service Rhode Island College of Education awarded him the honorary degree of Master of Education in 1928. Into the splendid new school buildings constructed under his direc- tion in Pawtucket Superintendent Newell poured his skill in architecture; the buildings are beauti- ful, and afford maximum convenience. In equip- ment and apparatus they reflect the most modern principles of educational procedure. Into the or- ganization of secondary education he directed the results of years of careful study of the new sys- tem, including his own ideas as to the possibilities of improving what he had seen elsewhere.
Superintendent Newell has other interests than schools. He is a member of the Pawtucket Busi- ness Men's Association, of the Rotary Club, and a Mason, with membership in Blue Lodge, Royal Arch, Royal and Select Masters, Knights Tem- plar, and Shrine. He is a member of the Baptist
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denomination. He married Minda L. Brown, de- ceased, and Ruth J. Kent. His daughter, Minda Brown Newell, married Jerome H. Sherzer. Superintendent Newell is active, enthusiastic, and progressive, maintaining the appearance of youth and persuasive energy, and inspiring his associ- ates and his teachers with his own ideals in edu- cation.
JAMES IRA SHEPARD-Graduating from Harvard University at the moment the United States became forced to take part in the World War, James Ira Shepard, of Providence, instantly abandoned his intention to engage in the practice of law and became an officer student at the Platts- burg Training Camp. He has now for a decade practiced before the bar of this State, during which period he has achieved a high reputation, having membership in one of the leading legal firms in New England. In addition to his official activities he has taken a sincere interest in public affairs, but never seeking office, satisfied to assist where he could in the promotion of such enterprises as have engaged the attention of those who have at heart the best interests of the community.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, November I, 1892, he is a son of Harry H. and Agnes (Kent) Shepard. His father was for many years general manager of the plant of the National India Rubber Company at Bristol, Rhode Island, served as a member of the State Board of Charities and for several years as a State Senator. Both parents are deceased. James Ira Shepard acquired his educa- tion in the Moses Brown School and at Brown University, graduating from the last-named insti- tution in 1914 with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. He then matriculated at the Law School of Harvard University and from it was graduated, in 1917, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. In May, 1917, he registered at the Plattsburgh Training Camp and upon completion of the course was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Army and assigned for duty to the 304th Infantry, 76th Division, then located at Camp Devens, Massachusetts. With this unit he went overseas as a member of the American Expeditionary Forces in 1918 and remained in Europe until the signing of the Armistice, Novem- ber II, 1918. In December, 1917, he had been pro- moted to first lieutenant, and after the close of hostilities he was transferred to the 163d Infantry of the 4Ist Division and with that contingent re- turned to the United States in February, 1919,
when he was honorably mustered out. He then en- tered the law offices of Baker and Spicer, of Provi- dence, where he studied until the following Octo- ber, when he took the examination for admittance to the bar and passed it successfully, with license to practice in this State. On January I, 1922, he severed his connection with Baker and Spicer and associated himself with Curtis, Matteson, Boss and Letts, a firm that was dissolved on July 1, 1927, when Mr. Shepard became a member of the firm of Boss, Shepard and McMahon. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Protestant Epis- copal Church. He is a director of the Alice Build- ing Company, Incorporated, and of the Downey- Nash Company, Incorporated. He belongs to the Zeta Psi college fraternity and is a member of the Brown Club of Providence and of the Rhode Island Country Club. His favorite pastimes are horseback riding and golf.
James Ira Shepard married, November 17, 1917, Hazel Ford, of Memphis, Tennessee, daughter of Hugh Ford, for many years associated with the Pioneer Pole and Shaft Manufacturing Company.
EDWIN BRAGG FOSTER-The name Foster or its kindred in various spellings began as early as any surname and in the Middle Ages was of great significance, since it was derived from the office of forester, which under the feudal system was a position of great power and influence. The foresters of Flanders were created by Charlemagne to rule the savage wilderness which in his time composed the Western boundary of the Frankish Empire. They became powerful hereditary chief- tains and later, as margraves and dukes of Flan- ders, played a notable part in the history of West- ern Europe from the ninth to the twelfth cen- tury. Anacher, called the Great Forester (or Forster) of Flanders, died in the year 837, A. D., leaving a son, Baldwin I, of Flanders, sur- named "Iron Arm" because of his great strength and his skill in wielding the battle-axe. The Forest- ers, Forsters and Fosters of England trace their ancestry to Sir Richard Forester, brother-in-law of William of Normandy, who accompanied the Conqueror to England. After the battle of Has- tings, 1066, he was knighted and became the founder of the family which has figured conspicuously in English history since the Conquest. The American family is descended from several pioneers who came here before the close of the seventeenth century. The Fosters of Westerly, Rhode Island,
Faster
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form a distinct branch of the New England fam- ily and are descended from Corporal John Foster, of Salem.
Edwin Bragg Foster, eighth generation from Corporal John Foster of Salem, son of Ethan (2) and Anna Almy (Wilbur) Foster, was born in Westerly, Rhode Island, May 25, 1854. He was a member of the first class to be graduated from the Westerly High School and was a classmate of the late Governor Utter. He afterward at- tended the Moses Brown School in Providence and upon completion of his studies began his business career. He purchased one hundred acres of land in Florida and engaged in the cultivation of oranges. Upon placing the enterprise on a sound financial basis he accepted the position of agent with the Mechanics' Savings Bank of Westerly and for a few years lived in Illinois, where he nego- tiated farm loans and conducted other business of the institution in that State. In 1883 he returned to the management of his orange grove in Florida and also entered actively into real estate develop- ment. He built the hotel at South Lake Weir and leased it and in 1887 went to Independence, Kan- sas, to take the place of his brother, the late Henry Foster, in the Citizens' Bank there. In 1888 he assisted in the formation of a State bank at Le Roy, Kansas, in which State he lived for five years, returning annually to Florida to supervise the shipment of his crops of oranges. By 1891 his enterprise had grown to such proportions that it demanded his entire time and he went to Florida to make his home. He built a fine residence there, but suffered a serious setback through a devastat- ing frost in 1904, which destroyed his entire grove and he disposed of the property and returned to Westerly. Later he became interested in Okla- homa oil production and with his brother, Henry, leased an extensive tract of land from the Govern- ment and went actively into the work. Upon the death of Henry Foster he became head of the enterprise. The first car load of oil shipped out of Oklahoma came from the Foster wells. He re- mained at the head of the vast business until his death and made frequent trips to the fields, al- though retaining his residence in Westerly. He and his family were members of the Society of Friends. He died at his home in Westerly, De- cember 26, 1901.
Edwin Bragg Foster married, February 24, 1886, Lucy M. Wilbur, born in Fall River, Massachu- setts, August 1, 1858, daughter of Amos C. and Catherine (Smith) Wilbur. Their children were : I. Anna Ethelyn, born January 18, 1889, at Le Roy,
Kansas. She is a graduate of Mount Holyoke Col- lege, is a professional librarian, has served in such capacity at the Elmwood Public Library, Provi- dence, for several years, and at College Library, Lafayette, Louisiana, and took a special course at Columbia University, receiving the degree of Mas- ter of Science upon its conclusion. 2. Katherine Wilbur, born at South Lake Weir, Florida, April 3. 1894. She is a graduate of the New Haven Normal School of Gymnastics.
Amos C. Wilbur, father of Mrs. Foster, son of John and Lydia (Collins) Wilbur, was born in Hopkinton, November 25, 1796. He was educated in the local schools and for a few years taught in the Hopkinson school during the winter months, assisting his father on the farm during the re- mainder of the year. His ambition was to be a doctor and with that end in view he entered Bow- doin College in Maine, from which he was grad- uated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He began practice in Peace Dale, Rhode Island, but later removed to Fall River, Massachusetts, where he also conducted a drug store. In 1852 he visited England on a religious mission for the Society of Friends, accompanying the Rev. John Wilbur. In England he met and married, in 1854, in the town of Bakewell, Derbyshire, Catherine Smith, daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Holt) Smith. Returning to Fall River, Mrs. Wilbur died in 1861, while his death occurred there, December I, 1873. Their children were: John E., of Tampa, Florida, an orange grower; Lucy M., who mar- ried Edwin Bragg Foster. Mrs. Foster possessed a picture of the old Wilbur home on Diamond Hill in Hopkinton, built before 1739, where the Rev. John Wilbur was born.
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