USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. III > Part 42
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Howard E. Aylsworth married, in 1921, Hilda C. Selby, a native of Providence, Rhode Island, who today, like her husband, is one of the highly esteemed residents of Warren, Rhode Island.
JULIUS PALMER-Member of a family whose name has been connected through three generations with one of Providence's most impor- tant manufacturing enterprises, Julius Palmer was executive head of the firm of Palmer and Capron, manufacturers of jewelry, for many years. His guidance contributed decisively to the continued growth and success of the company, and he him- self was widely known as a prominent man of affairs.
Mr. Palmer was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on July 20, 1854, son of John Simmons and Frances M. (Prentice) Palmer. He was a direct descendant of two of New England's finest families, tracing his ancestry, paternally, to Wil- liam Palmer, who came from England in the ship "Fortune," and to John Alden, of the "Mayflower."
John Simmons Palmer, the father, was born at
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Newport, Rhode Island, on March 22, 1824, and died in Providence, on July 8, 1908. It was he who established the firm of Palmer and Stave in July, 1845, which became, in September, 1852, Palmer and Capron. He was apprenticed as a boy, in September, 1840, with the firm of G. and S. Owen, the former being his brother-in-law. Here he acquired a thorough and expert knowledge of the jewelry business, and in July, 1843, began his independent career. He formed a partnership at that time with Christian Stave, a Norwegian toolmaker, who later removed to Wisconsin. Later Mr. Palmer took into partnership, Lucien P. Lam- son, and upon the latter's death, Charles S. Capron became associated with Mr. Palmer to form the firm of Palmer and Capron. This association con- tinued until 1891, when Mr. Capron withdrew because of ill health and his advanced years. The name, however, remained the same through sub- sequent re-organizations. The founder was con- nected with this enterprise for more than fifty- five years, and at his death was succeeded in executive control by his son, Julius Palmer.
The company plant is still located on the original site, No. 167 Dorrance Street, Providence, an ad- dress which they have made famous in jewelry circles of New England and the East. From the beginning they have specialized in the manufacture of rolled plate and sterling silver rings, and have always been accounted one of the most successful manufacturers in this field. Palmer and Capron were one of the first houses to establish a New York office, opening a branch at No. 20 Maiden Lane, where they continued to do business for sixty years. Their present New York address is No. 9 Maiden Lane.
Julius Palmer, of this record, received his pre- liminary education in the Providence public schools and later entered Brown University, from which he was graduated in 1877 with the Bachelor of Arts degree. He decided to follow in his father's footsteps, and after the completion of his educa- tion, he became associated with the firm of Palmer and Capron. In 1891, after the withdrawal of Charles S. Capron, Julius Palmer was admitted to partnership along with Fenelon A. Pierce. Finally, when his father died in 1908, he suc- ceeded the elder man as active head of the busi- ness. This year also witnessed the entrance into the firm of John Simmons Palmer, II, of the third generation of his family to be connected with this enterprise. Julius Palmer was a man of sound judgment and varied talents. As executive head, he guided the Palmer and Capron Company most
successfully, and on January 1, 1916, retired to the leisure he had well earned.
Mr. Palmer's services were often sought by other important interests. He was a director of the old National Bank of Providence from 1866 until 1912, and from 1896 to 1902 was president of the bank which also benefited much through his services. From 1884 until his death he was a director of the Equitable Marine Insurance Company, and rendered valuable aid in the founding of other important Providence enterprises. Mr. Palmer was a member of the University and the Squantum clubs of this city, and an active contributor to many civic enterprises.
On October 16, 1878, Julius Palmer married Jessie F. Richmond, and they became the parents of three children: 1. John Simmons, II. 2. Laura Richmond. 3. Jessie F.
John Simmons Palmer, II, was born at Provi- dence on February 14, 1881, was educated in the public schools of this city and attended Brown University, which he left in 1904 in his junior year. He began his business career with Palmer and Capron, rose rapidly within the organization, and since 1908 has been a partner in the firm which has been established in Providence for more than three quarters of a century. He married, on June 14, 1911, Abbie Easton Green, of Barring- ton, Rhode Island. They are the parents of six children : 1. Julius, II. 2. Elizabeth. 3. Frances. 4. Jane Easton. 5. Ruth R. 6. Richard Simmons.
Julius Palmer died on March 29, 1920. At the time of his death he was treasurer of the Theta Delta Chi Fraternity in Rhode Island, with which he had been affiliated since his college years. Mr. Palmer's passing removed from Providence affairs a man who had long occupied distinguished posi- tion therein. He met the duties of life as they came to him, and the constructive influence of his career contributed appreciably to the city's prog- ress.
POWELL HELME-Rhode Island has been the American home of the Helme family since the early half of the seventeenth century, when the first of the name, Christopher Helme, is recorded as a sergeant and a member of a Court of Trials in Warwick, in 1647, his death taking place there in 1650. His youngest son was Rouse Helmc, who died in 1712, and his son James Helme was born in 1710 and married, in 1738, Esther Powell, who was a granddaughter of Gabriel Bernon, one of the most eminent of the
Gilbert R. Parker
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early French settlers in Rhode Island. He was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in 1717 and a judge on that bench for many years, besides having held numerous other public offices.
Samuel Helme, son of James and Esther (Powell) Helme, was born in 1755 and served as clerk of the court in Washington County. He was the father of Powell Helme, who married Eliz- abeth Kenyon. Powell Helme died October 20, 1861. He was for many years clerk of the Su- preme Court of Washington County and was town clerk of South Kingstown, Rhode Island. He and his wife were the parents of seven children: I. Samuel, died in infancy. 2. John, died at the age of twelve years. 3. Powell, died at the age of eight years. 4. Abby A., a resident of Kingstown. 5. Bernon, who is in charge of the Hazard prop- erties at Peace Dale, Rhode Island. 6. Nathaniel, meteorologist at the Rhode Island State College. 7. Mary, married Dr. William Hale, of Gloucester, Massachusetts.
GILBERT R. PARKER-When a citizen dis- poses of a profitable business in order to serve his State in office that is of more importance to the community than to the individual, he may be lauded for his public spirit without danger of diametric opinion. Such was the case of Gilbert R. Parker, late of Providence, who lived in this city all his life and did much for the public welfare in a busy career. Although of a retiring disposition, he made a host of friends by his genial manner and his con- vincing attitude on public questions. His character was above suspicion, his interest in social, religious and fraternal activities appealing to the members of organizations and cementing their regard and esteem. Exacting public duties were carried out by him with precision and his diplomacy at such times as occasion called for that attribute was un- usually effective. He made no enemies that were apparent, for his sincerity evoked nothing but ad- miration, while his loyalty to friends and to the public which he served was clean and spotless.
He was born in Providence, Rhode Island, June 16, 1864, a son of Thomas and Rachel (Ritchie) Parker, and after receiving his initial educational training in the local public schools entered the Pharmaceutical College at Ann Arbor, Michigan, from which he was graduated. He then returned to Providence and made a study of the drug busi- ness in the establishment of E. A. Calder, where he remained until 1886. He then left this place and with Walter N. Saunders formed a partnership and
established a drug business on Plainfield Street, Providence. This partnership was soon dissolved, Mr. Parker continuing the business alone until 1914, when he sold out, in order to devote his entire time to the duties of secretary of the State Board of Control and Supply, to which he had been ap- pointed by Governor Pothier in 1912. Before this he had served the people as a member of the School Commission of Johnston and as one of the pro- moters of the annexation of that district which became a part of Providence, then being Olneyville. In 1900 he served as a member of the Common Council and also served from that year continu- ously, with the exception of 1903, as alderman from the Eighth Ward. He was Past Grand Master of Manufacturers' Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and treasurer of the board of trustees. He was also a member of Nestel Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; and Ivanhoe Lodge, Knights of Pythias. He was past president of the Olney- ville Business Men's Association, trustee of the Olneyville Free Library Association, treasurer of the Eighth Ward Republican Club, and served as the first president of the Sunset Club. He died in Providence December 23, 1923. He also served as auditor of the city, elected April 11, 1918.
Gilbert R. Parker married Henrietta E. Hol- lings, daughter of Samuel A. Hollings, one of the oldest cabinet makers of Providence. Their chil- dren were: 1. Earl S., married Mabel Stalk, and they are the parents of one child, Earl S., Jr. 2. Roy L., married Anna Roy, and they are parents of one son, Gilbert R. 3. Gwendolyn G. H., mar- ried Harold A. Potter, and they have one child, Reid Harold.
Mr. Parker was a man of the highest principles and was invariably actuated by the loftiest motives in his public service as well as his private life. He was the soul of generosity and was ever ready with a helping hand for those whose pathway in life had suffered from a profusion of thorns. His rare judgment and unimpeachable honesty of thought and deed fitted him perfectly for the important office of city auditor, which he filled with distinc- tion and to the benefit of the people who elected him. He was a valuable and loyal citizen, whose death will long be deeply mourned.
JOHN BARLOW-As dean of sciences, pro- fessor of zoology, and acting president of Rhode Island State College, Kingston, Rhode Island, John Barlow has taken an active part in educational af-
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fairs in this State. His affiliations are many in scientific and civic circles, and his work has been outstandingly useful to his fellow-citizens.
Professor Barlow was born in Amenia, New York, son of Henry and Helen ( Benton) Barlow. He received his early education in the schools of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and subsequently became a student at Middlebury College, in Middlebury, Vermont, from which he was graduated in 1895. In the following year he was a graduate student at Brown University, Providence; and later he took a professorship at Fairmount College, in Wichita, Kansas. In 1902 he became professor of zoology at Rhode Island State College, and in this capacity has continued since that time. It was in 1924 that he became dean of sciences and profes- sor of zoology; and in January, 1930, on the death of Dr. Howard Edwards, former president of the institution, he took over the duties of acting presi- dent.
Keenly interested in town affairs, Professor Barlow at one time served the town of South Kingstown as a member of the Council. He is now one of the Commissioners of Birds of the State of Rhode Island, and is doing a great deal to fur- ther the protection of the feathered creatures of the air. He is also a fellow of the American Asso- ciation for the Advancement of Science, and a charter member of the Entomology Society of America. In the Masonic Order, he is a Past Master of Hope Lodge, Free and Accepted Ma- sons. In all these different phases of community life, as well as in the national scientific groups to which he belongs, Professor Barlow has long been an active figure; and his contribution to the aca- demic world has been outstanding.
Professor John Barlow married Caroline Miller, daughter of Henry Miller, of Providence, Rhode Island. Their children have been the following : John P., David E., and Caroline.
WINFIELD COREY POTTER, Ph. B .- In the educational affairs of West Warwick, Rhode Island, a man who has for many years taken an important part is Winfield Corey Potter, Ph. B., who has been serving since 1922 as principal of the high school of this place. Both in this position and in his previous work as teacher, Mr. Potter has contributed substantially to the well-being of his community and his fellows, and his efforts and achievements have brought him their esteem and respect.
Mr. Potter was born in Central Falls, this State, on October 6, 1888, son of Frank W. and Margaret (Ashworth) Potter. His father, also a Rhode Island man, was for many years superin- tendent of the J. and P. Coats Thread Company, of Pawtucket; he retired from his active endeav- ors about 1910, whereupon he removed to Van- couver, British Columbia, and resided there until his death in September, 1928. The mother prede- ceased her husband, having died there in Decem- ber, 1927.
Winfield Corey Potter received his early educa- tion in his native community, and was graduated from Central Falls High School. Later he studied at Brown University, from which institution he took his degree of Bachelor of Philosophy with the class of 1910. At the University he was a mem- ber of the Chi Phi Fraternity. Upon completing his academic work, he began teaching, remaining for one year at the high school in Milford, New Hampshire, and following that experience with a year each at the Amherst, Massachusetts, high school, and the Webster, Massachusetts, high school. Then, in 1922, he took his post as prin- cipal of the West Warwick High School, where he has continued down to the time of writing (1930). His record as an educator has been one of accom- plishment and success, and he is a principal much loved by his students, ever enthusiastically active in athletics and school sports. In civic life, too, he has always taken a lively interest, so that he holds a position of high character in the minds of friends and acquaintances.
Winfield Corey Potter married Ruth Riley, daughter of Timothy J. Riley, formerly mayor of Central Falls, Rhode Island. By this marriage there were two children: I. Dorothy Frances, who is a junior at the high school (1930). 2. Gordon Lloyd, born in 1918.
JOHN MICHAEL MALOY-For over sev- enty years John Michael Maloy, boy and man, was a familiar personage to the people of Warren, while for far longer than half a century he was a popular and prosperous merchant there. Quiet, unassuming, genial and courteous in all his associ- ations with his fellows, he was the soul of honor and a living example of the Golden Rule. His value as a citizen was recognized and he was called to public office, in which he served with dis- tinction and with value to the people. It is prob- able that no merchant in the city accomplished
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more with less apparent exertion than he, for his quiet methods were one of his most pronounced characteristics. He was both human and humane and gave generously when he was assured of the worthiness of the cause, yet so quietly did he go about it that few knew of the many benefactions that came from his kindly hand. His friends were as numerous as his acquaintances, for he drew men to him and retained their friendship through an absolute and unvarying loyalty and uprightness of character. He was a fine citizen of Rhode Island whose loss to the body politic was severe and widely mourned.
He was born in Swansea, Massachusetts, De- cember 5, 1857, a son of the late Patrick and Mary Maloy, who removed to Warren when he was five years of age. He began his career in the market and grocery business and never departed from that occupation. His first employer was M. B. Conroy in 1894 he bought out his employer and conducted the enterprise personally. He built up the largest trade in meats and groceries in this part of the State and did it for the reason that he demanded for himself the best the market af- forded and operated upon the principle that his customers were entitled to equal consideration. Deeply and sincerely interested in the welfare of Warren, he served the town for thirteen years as a member of its governing body, the council, while for ten years he was a member of the town finance committee and for four years its secretary. For thirty-five years he had been a member of the Court Warren, No. 33, Foresters of America, and during that period had served as its financial secre- tary. He was a trustee of Warren Council, Knights of Columbus, and for a number of years was a director of the Rhode Island Retail Grocers' Association. In St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church he had been a trustee for more than thirty years and was affiliated with the Holy Name and St. Vincent de Paul societies. He served on many church committees and was always ready with time, energy or money to aid their work. He died in Warren, December 29, 1929, in the seventy-third year of his age.
John Michael Maloy married, April 29, 1882, Catherine Duffy, daughter of John and Annie Duffy, of Bristol, Rhode Island. Their children are: I. John Michael, an organist in New York City. 2. Charles, married Aldea Mondina, and they are the parents of, Norma, and Rita. 3. William, married Elizabeth Geever.
Mrs. Maloy's father was a retired employee of
the International Rubber Company and died in January, 1930.
In the hearts of hundreds of his fellow-citizens the memory of John Michael Maloy will long be enshrined as one of the kindliest of men, one of the noblest of characters, one of the most im- portant members of the community which he graced for nearly three-quarters of a century. Men of his stamp can ill be spared and when they are taken from the scenes of their earthly activi- ties there is left a void that can never be closely fitted with another, for the mold is all too rare.
ROBERT BROWN-Among the younger members of the legal fraternity of Providence, few men have exhibited such keen mental grasp of the law in a wide variety of aspects and made so notable a place for themselves in a comparatively short space a time as has Robert Brown, whose offices are located at 442 Hospital Trust Building. Mr. Brown is counsel for the Automobile Service Association of Rhode Island and his clients num- ber many of the more important people of the city. He is possessed of an agreeable and likable personality and enjoys the high esteem of an ex- tensive group of friends and acquaintances.
Mr. Brown was born July 12, 1900, the son of Adolph Brown who conducted a watch repair busi- ness in Providence. He married Eva Cohen and the couple came to make their home in the United States when their son was a small boy. He there- fore received his elementary education in the pub- lic schools of Providence and was graduated from the Technical High School. At the Rhode Island State College he studied for two years, then went to Georgetown University Law School where he received the degree, Bachelor of Laws, with the class of 1923. He won admission to the Rhode Island State Bar that same year and has since car- ried on his practice in Providence.
Because of his youth, Mr. Brown did not enlist for service in the army during the World War until October, 1918. He was assigned to an infan- try division, but with the signing of the Armistice on November II, he received his discharge in De- cember of the same year. Mr. Brown is Republican in his political affiliations and a member of the Rhode Island State Bar Association. He attends services at the Hebrew Temple Bethel, and is a past president of the Order of B'nai B'rith. Fra-
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ternally, he is affiliated with the Overseas Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. Brown's favorite recreations are swimming and tennis.
HAROLD BENSON-Following two years' active military service in the United States Army during the World War, Mr. Benson then spent some time in business and later served for three years with the Rhode Island State Police. Since 1928 he has been a very efficient chief of police of the town of East Greenwich and during his in- cumbency of this office he has gained for himself to a remarkable degree the liking and confidence of his fellow-townsmen. He is a member of sev- eral fraternal and other organizations, in all of which he is very popular.
Harold Benson was born in Providence, October 7, 1895, a son of August and Hilda (Rydin) Ben- son. Both his parents are natives of Sweden. His father has been for many years connected with the American Screw Company. Mr. Benson was edu- cated in the public schools of Providence and, after leaving school, worked for several years as a private chauffeur. As soon as the United States had entered the World War he enlisted, April 3, 1917, with Troop M of the Rhode Island National Guard Cavalry. In August, 1917, he was trans- ferred to the 103d Field Artillery Regiment, 26th Division, with which he served with the American Expeditionary Forces in France for eighteen months. He took part in numerous important en- gagements including the fighting in the Soissons Sector, the Toul Sector, Chateau-Thierry, St. Mihiel, Verdun, and several others. He received his honorable discharge with the rank of first class private, April 29, 1919. After his return to civilian life he engaged in the electric motor repair busi- ness for his own account in Providence, continuing with this type of work for three years. In 1925 he became a member of the Rhode Island State Police, with which body he served for three years. Appointed Chief of Police of the town of East Greenwich in 1928, he has continued to serve in that capacity ever since then and his administra- tion of the police department has been very able and most acceptable to the entire community. He is a member of the New England Police Chiefs Association; the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Con- ference, of which he is the secretary; the East Greenwich Post, No. 15, American Legion; Over- seas Lodge, No. 40, Free and Accepted Masons;
and Providence Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. In politics he is a staunch supporter of the Republican party and since 1928 he has been its town sergeant. His religious affiliations are with the Baptist Church.
Chief Benson married, in June, 1928, Elizabeth E. Emery, a native of Wickford, Rhode Island.
GERALD M. RICHMOND-One of the most highly respected bankers and business men of Prov- idence, Rhode Island, during his active years was the late Gerald M. Richmond, of the firm of Rich- mond, Dorrance and Company. His knowledge of the financial world, his interest in his clients and his sagacious and honest advice for their economic welfare, and his straightforward and attractive personality brought to his office large and small investors, men and women of every type, whose confidence he won and kept. His was an important and constructive rôle in financial progress in Providence.
Gerald M. Richmond was born in Providence, January 12, 1876, son of Walter Richmond, who was born in Providence, July 27, 1839, he the son of George Martin and Anna (Eddy) Richmond. The first wife of Walter Richmond, and the mother of our subject, was Julia Coggeshall Anthony, after whose death Walter Richmond married Amy Ross. The son grew up in Providence, receiving his edu- cation at Mowry & Goff's private school, at the Worcester Academy, and at Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts, where he was a member of the class of 1897. He received the degree of Civil Engineer at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The business career of Mr. Richmond began in the office of Stone and Webster in Boston, with whom he advanced to the position of Providence representative. After his resignation from this company, he formed a partnership with Herbert R. Dorrance for the purpose of handling investment securities. He was very conservative and well- informed, and he advocated security, with small but dependable interest from safe investments. The firm of Richmond, Dorrance & Company pros- pered and attained a lofty reputation for probity and wisdom. The personality of Mr. Richmond, forceful, dignified, yet friendly, contributed much to the success of the business and to the large and loyal patronage enjoyed by the firm. He belonged to the Board of Trade and to several clubs, includ-
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