USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. III > Part 45
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Seekonk and as a school trustee in East Providence Center. Fraternally he was affiliated with Enter- prise Lodge, No. 22, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He married, December 1, 1861, in Norton, Massachusetts, Mary Emeline Carpenter Martin, who was born April 3, 1838, in Taunton, Massa- chusetts, a daughter of Edwin M. and Sybil F. (Haskins) Martin. She was a member of the Newman Congregational Church in East Provi- dence until her death, April 22, 1888, two months before her husband died. Their children were: I. Mary Isabelle, born March 4, 1863, now deceased ; married, September 5, 1883, George Henry Curtis, associated with the Rumford Chemical Company, son of George E. and Elizabeth S. (Horton) Cur- tis, and grandson of Shubael and Matilda (Buffing- ton) Horton. 2. Edward Henry, born November 27, 1864; was a carpenter and resided in East Providence; he is now deceased; he married, No- vember 27, 1888, Nellie R. Cunningham, and they were the parents of two children: Edna May and Edward Elmer. 3. Anna Bradford, born Decem- ber 24, 1868, died September 20, 1869. 4. Alice Harriet, born May 10, 1870, a teacher. 5. Herbert Bradford.
Herbert Bradford Horton acquired his early education in the public schools and was graduated from the East Providence High School in 1892. He matriculated at Brown University in that year and was graduated in 1896 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. While at the University he be- came a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fra- ternity. Following the death of his father, in 1888, he became employed by the East Providence Water Company and for half a year was engaged with the Union Railway Company, which later became the Rhode Island Company. In 1897 he went to Ann Arbor and entered the University of Michi- gan, from which institution he was graduated in 1901 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. At the University he became a member of the Phi Rho Sigma Fraternity. Upon graduating and re- ceiving his degree he at once went to Dollar Bay, Houghton County, Michigan, where he was en- gaged as a contract physician at the copper mines. This work gave him valuable experience, a pur- pose for which he had taken the position. From that work he went to Laurium, Michigan, where he established himself in independent practice and where he remained until May, 1903, when he came to East Providence, practicing there until March, 1904, when he went to Lonsdale, Rhode Island. From January 1, 1906, until February I, 1907, he was superintendent of schools in East Providence and in May, 1907, he made his final removal to
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East Greenwich, where his death occurred, Feb- ruary 23, 1930.
In East Greenwich he was selected, by reason of his professional attainments and his civic enter- prise and public spirit, to fill the office of health officer and that of school medical inspector. Also, from 1919 to 1924, he was a member there of the Town Council and was town moderator. He was always a Republican. During the World War he served the country well as army medical examiner. Dr. Horton combined his professional and official activities with numerous social, fraternal and club affiliations. He was a member of the Rising Sun Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Laurium Lodge, Knights of Pythias; Modern Woodmen of America; Independent Order of Foresters, and the Nautilus Club of East Greenwich. His church attendance was divided between the Baptist and Congregational denominations, for he was a man of such wholesome Christianity that he preferred to support the creed of the whole Christian faith rather than to give allegiance to any one church. In that faith he lived and gave to his fellowman the service that he felt he was intended by the Creator to extend.
Herbert Bradford Horton married, in Provi- dence, Rhode Island, February 3, 1917, Elizabeth A. Swan, daughter of James and Charlotte Jane (Anderson) Swan.
Dr. Horton lived a life of high usefulness and left a heritage of labor well performed. His best monument is the memory he left of good deeds, of kindliness, generosity and loyalty to all mankind. He stood long in the bright light of public obser- vation and at no moment was there ever discerned the slightest tarnish upon the fine metal of his character. At the time of his obsequies his fel- low-townsmen paid him the honor of a military conclusion to a life of devotion to his fellows. The Kentish Guards, of which he had been surgeon for a dozen years, furnished an escort, commanded by Colonel Albert H. Hall, and three volleys from their rifles rang over the grave, while the solemn requiem of the soldier rang clear from the bugle that sounded "Taps."
EDWARD B. LAWSON-Becoming identi- fied with the automobile business more than a quarter of a century ago and immediately fol- lowing the completion of his education, Mr. Law- son since then at different times has been con- nected with practically all branches of this busi- ness, excepting only the manufacture of automo-
biles. He has always been especially interested in the sales and service phase of the automobile business, and since 1924 he has been a very suc- cessful local agent for Newport County for the Chevrolet motor cars. Mr. Lawson is regarded as one of the most substantial and most able men in the automobile business in Newport.
Edward B. Lawson was born in Baltimore, Maryland, October 29, 1885, a son of Charles and Mary (Connelly) Lawson, both natives of Baltimore and both now deceased. His father was engaged for many years and until his death as a contracting mason. Mr. Lawson received his education in the public schools of Washing- ton, District of Columbia, and after leaving school entered the automobile business in the National Capital in 1903. His first position was that of a mechanic, in which type of work he continued until 1907. In that year he went into the sales and service end of the business and during the next eight years he gained valuable and exten- sive experience in this field. In 1915 he came to Newport and established himself in business here, renting out private cars by the day, week and month. He continued in this type of business successfully until 1920, and then started in the sales and service business for his own account, specializing in the sale of used cars. Four years later, in 1924, he became the Chevrolet dealer for Newport County and since then he has con- tinued to represent this well known motor car in this territory. His offices and service station are located at Nos. 8-10 First Street, Newport, while the showrooms are at Nos. 117-119 Belle- vue Avenue. Under Mr. Lawson's very energetic and capable management his agency has enjoyed steady growth and prosperity, and his establish- ment is generally recognized as one of the most efficiently-operated and most modernly-equipped in Newport. He is a member of Newport Lodge, No. 104, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; the Fraternal Order of Moose; and the Hatchet Club. He is fond of outdoor life and is interested in all forms of athletic sports. In politics he is an Independent.
Mr. Lawson married, in 1913, Elsie Maddox, a native of England. Mr. and Mrs. Lawson are the parents of one son, William Lawson.
JAMES AHEARN-Connected with the Prov- idence Police Department for more than four decades, Deputy Chief Ahearn's rise was steady and for many years he has been considered one
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of the ablest and most reliable police officials in Rhode Island's capital. As deputy chief and deputy superintendent he has very ably assisted Chief William F. O'Neil in the administration of the Police Department during the last five years. Deputy Chief Ahearn is very popular with the citizens of Providence, and also enjoys to an unusual degree the liking and respect of the members of the Police Department.
James Ahearn was born at Brantford, Con- necticut, October 13, 1860, a son of James and Bridget (O'Brien) Ahearn, both now deceased. His father, who was a native of County Cork, Ireland, was engaged as a granite cutter until his death. Deputy Chief Ahearn's mother was born in County Limerick, Ireland. Educated in the public schools of Providence, Deputy Chief Ahearn, after leaving school spent six years at the trade of granite cutter. In 1887 he became associated with the Providence Police Depart- ment, starting as a patrolman. On October 6, 1903, he was attached to the detective bureau at the City Hall and several years later he was made a lieutenant. His next promotion came to him on February 3, 1918, when he was made a captain and inspector, and four years later, in 1922, he was made chief inspector. Soon after- wards, June 17, 1925, he became deputy chief and deputy superintendent of the Police Depart- ment, which position he has continued to hold ever since then and which he has filled with marked success and to the entire satisfaction of the community. His religious affiliations are with St. Sebastian's Roman Catholic Church of Providence. His recreation is found chiefly in fishing.
Deputy Chief Ahearn married, in 1900, Mary H. Hines, a native of Providence, who died in 1906. They had three children: I. J. Edward, a graduate of the English High School of Prov- idence, and later, for two years, a student at Providence College, now connected with the Providence "News-Tribune" as a reporter. 2. Joseph Leo, a graduate of the Classical High School, as well as of Brown University, class of 1926, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He then took up the study of law at the Law School of the University of Pennsyl- vania, Philadelphia, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1929, since when he has been successfully engaged in the practice of law in Providence. 3. William C., now deceased.
ELMER F. SEABURY-Having connected with the Industrial Trust Company of Provi- dence in a clerical capacity soon after the com- pletion of his education, Elmer F. Seabury has continued with this well known financial insti- tution for a period covering now almost four decades.
Elmer F. Seabury was born at Tiverton, Sep- tember 9, 1875, a son of the late Cornelius and Ellen (Negus) Seabury, both natives of Tiver- ton. His father was engaged in the grocery business in that town up to 1881, when he came to Providence and there engaged in a similar business until his death. Having begun his edu- cation in the public schools of Providence, Mr. Seabury later attended and graduated from Bryant & Stratton's Business College. His first business experience was obtained in the office of the At- lantic Mills, Providence, with which concern he remained for a year and a half. In 1892 he en- tered the employ of the Industrial Trust Com- pany as a clerk in its bookkeeping department. Made auditor in 1912, he became assistant treas- urer in 1916 and, four years later, in 1920, was elected vice-president. In the latter office he has continued to serve with benefit to the bank, to its customers, and to its stockholders. Mr. Sea- bury is a member also of the board of direc- tors of the J. C. Hall Company and auditor of the Exchange Real Estate Company; also, a member of the Providence Chamber of Com- merce and the Providence Better Business Bureau of which latter he is president. His clubs include the Palestine Shrine Club, the Turks Head Club, and the Mount Tom Club, of the latter of which he is secretary and treasurer. For many years Mr. Seabury has been active in Masonic affairs. He is a member of numerous Masonic bodies, including the following: Orpheus Lodge, No. 36, Free and Accepted Masons; Providence Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Providence Council, Royal and Select Masters; St. John's Commandery, No. I, Knights Templar, of which he is a Past Com- mander ; the various bodies of the Scottish Rite, including the Consistory in which he has attained the thirty-second degree; also Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Seabury is a member of the Mas- sachusetts and Rhode Island Association of Knight Templar Commanders, also Brown Club, consisting of alumni and friends of Brown Uni- versity. In politics he is a supporter of the Re- publican party. His religious affiliations are with the Congregational Church.
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Mr. Seabury married, in 1900, Annie Reed, a native of Providence. Mr. and Mrs. Seabury have one daughter: Ruth F. Seabury, who mar- ried on October 4, 1930, Frank C. Andrews, a teller in the Industrial Trust Company.
JAMES H. DUNN-For many years exten- sively engaged in the business and commercial life of Rhode Island, James H. Dunn has con- tributed his talents in this direction to several different fields of industry in his State; and at the time of writing (1930) is one of the leading automobile dealers of Newport. For his achieve- ments in his work and for his participation in social and civic affairs, he is highly regarded by his fellowmen.
Mr. Dunn was born in Fall River, Massachu- setts, on July 6, 1877, son of John F. and Mar- garet (Sullivan) Dunn. His father, a native of Staleybridge, England, was engaged until his death in the grocery and fish business; and the mother, who was born in Quincy, Massachusetts, is now deceased.
James H. Dunn, of whom this is primarily a record, received his early education in the pub- lic schools of his native Fall River, and after- ward attended the Durfee High School, also of Fall River. He then became a student at the Thibedeau Business College. Upon completing his formal schooling, he entered the liquor busi- ness, and so continued until 1919, when he en- tered the automobile business, taking the agency for the Chevrolet motor car for Newport County, Rhode Island. He continued as the sole proprie- tor of this agency until at length he took over the managership of the Newport branch of the Robert W. Powers Agency for Hudson and Essex cars. In this enterprise he has remained manager since that time, conducting, at No. 37 Mill Street, Newport, a sales and service station.
Along with his commercial activities, Mr. Dunn has taken part, too, in civic and social affairs. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protec- tive Order of Elks, in which he belongs to the Fall River Lodge, of Fall River, Massachusetts; and through this affiliation, he participates to a considerable extent in fraternal matters. His political support has consistently been given to individuals or projects rather than to parties, and he follows an independent course in such affairs. Keenly interested in promoting the well-
being of his community, he lends his talents in the civic field by membership in the Chamber of Commerce. His religious faith is that of the Roman Catholic church, his parish being St. Joseph's. His favorite hobbies are outdoor recre- ational pursuits, such as hunting and fishing, of which he is particularly fond. Into all of his activities, as into his own business life, Mr. Dunn has ever put his fullest measure of energy and enthusiasm, so that few men are more highly respected in Newport than he or more able to participate helpfully in the life of their com- munity and State.
James H. Dunn married, in 1903, Mary F. Murphy, who was born in Fall River, Massa- chusetts, and now makes her home, as does Mr. Dunn, in Newport, Rhode Island. By this union there were the following children :. Anna P., James H., Jr., and Benjamin F.
PRESTON E. PECKHAM-Well known in his native city, Jamestown, for the last twenty- five years as an able and successful business man, Mr. Peckham has also been prominently active in civic affairs and at different times has been honored by his fellow-citizens by election to important local offices. For the last five years he has been town clerk of Jamestown, in which capacity he has proven himself a very capable, efficient and conscientious public official. He also takes an active part in other phases of the com- munity's life and ranks as one of the representa- tive, public-spirited and popular citizens of James- town.
Preston E. Peckham was born in Jamestown, May 28, 1884, a son of the late Alvin Herbert and Lizzie (Flanders) Peckham. His father, who was born at Middletown, was for many years successfully engaged in the general teaming business as a contractor and also was for sev- eral years president of the Jamestown & New- port Ferry Company. He, too, was active in civic affairs and for several years served as a mem- ber of the Jamestown Town Council. Mr. Peck- ham's mother was a native of Martha's Vine- yard. Educated in the public schools of James- town and Newport, Mr. Peckham also took a course at the Newport Business College. Hav- ing completed his education, he entered, in 1905, business and for the next eleven years and until 1916 was a successful dealer in horses. At the
Frank Hill
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end of this period he followed in the footsteps of his father and became a teaming contractor, engaging in this business for himself and under his own name. He was successful in it and con- tinued until 1925, when he was elected town clerk of Jamestown, a position he has continued to occupy very effectively ever since then. At one time he also served for four years as a member of the Jamestown Town Council and he is also an auctioneer for the town of Jamestown. He was a member of the board of directors of the Jamestown & Newport Ferry Company for two years and serves as a director and the secretary of the Conanicut Land Improvement Association. In politics, he is a supporter of the Republican party, while his religious affiliations are with the Protestant Episcopal Church. He finds his rec- reation chiefly in horseback riding.
Mr. Peckham married, in 1905, Katharine A. Donahue, a native of Newport. Mr. and Mrs. Peckham are the parents of three children: Marion Preston, Helen Margaret and Alvin Her- bert Peckham.
FRANK HILL-After having taught school for several years following his graduation from college, Mr. Hill became associated with the Ash- away National Bank, Ashaway, Washington County, and ever since then has held the responsible posi- tion of cashier. He is widely known in financial circles throughout Rhode Island and New Eng- land and is regarded as one of the leading citizens of his town. His early connection with educational work led him to continue his interest in the cause of education and for many years he has been prominently active in educational work in Rhode Island, being now chairman of the Rhode Island State Board of Education.
Frank Hill was born at Ithaca, New York, June 28, 1861, a son of Frank and Mary (Green) Hill. Both his parents were natives of New York State and his father was for many years agent of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad at Ithaca. Mr. Hill received his education in the pub- lic schools of Alfred, New York, and then at- tended Alfred University, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1883, and from which he also received the degree of Master of Arts in 1885. Immediately after leav- ing college he taught school for one year in Ne- braska, after which he became connected with the public schools in Ashaway, Rhode Island. After three years of teaching in this town, he resigned
and became connected with the Ashaway National Bank, of which he was elected cashier, on July I, 1885. During 1893-98 he was a member of the Rhode Island State Legislature. For thirty-two years he has served on the Board of Education, of which he has been chairman for a number of years. He is now chairman of the State Board of Education. He also served as chairman of the Board Commission to build the new school at Ashaway. His religious affiliation is with the Seventh Day Baptist Church, while in politics he is a supporter of the Republican party.
Mr. Hill married, on October 6, 1885, Emma Green, a native of Alfred, New York, and a daugh- ter of Maxson and Hilda (LeTuir) Green. Mr. and Mrs. Hill are the parents of four children. I. Eveline, who married Earl J. Robinson. 2. Mary, who married Julian T. Crandall. 3. Frank M., who married Anna Wallace. 4. Helen Louise, a teacher of history at the Rhode Island College of Education.
PETER BEATON-Town clerk and tax col- lector of the town of Coventry, Rhode Island, Peter Beaton has been an important figure in the life of this section for many years. He was born at Coventry, Rhode Island, on October 7, 1890, a son of James and Belle D. (MacMackin) Beaton, both natives of Glasgow, Scotland. The father was engaged as a quarryman and contrac- tor until the time of his death. The mother is still living.
Peter Beaton received his preliminary education in Rhode Island public schools, later attended Warwick High School, and the Bryant and Strat- ton Business College at Providence. Beginning his active career, he went to work as a farmer and lumberman, and has continued in these enter- prises independently ever since. In the conduct of his own affairs, he demonstrated both execu- tive ability and sound judgment, and soon became known as one of the progressive residents of this section. In 1920 the people of the town decided to avail themselves of his services by electing him town clerk and tax collector, and these offices he has since continued to fill with every success. He has always considered service in the public interest no less worthy of his best attention than his own affairs, and in the con- duct of his office has given complete satisfac- tion to the people of the town.
Mr. Beaton is a consistent Republican in poli- tics, having been elected to office as the stand-
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ard bearer of this party. He is affiliated, fra- ternally, with Ionic Lodge, No. 28, Free and Accepted Masons; with Anthony Lodge, No. 21, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; with Lin- coln Council of the Junior Order of American Mechanics; and with David Papneau Post of the American Legion. He is also a member of the Rhode Island Town and City Clerks Associa- tion. Mr. Beaton worships with his family in the faith of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
After the entry of the United States into the World War, on April 17, 1917, Mr. Beaton enlisted as a private in the United States Army. He was assigned to the 21st Regiment of Infan- try, and served until December 2, 1918, when he was mustered out with the rank of corporal. Mr. Beaton, for the past ten years, has been troop committeeman of the Coventry Troop, Boy Scouts of America. His hobby is boys work.
In 1925, Peter Beaton married Florence B. Whipple, who was born at Coventry, Rhode Island. Mr. and Mrs. Beaton maintain their residence at Washington, Rhode Island.
HON. JAMES HEPBURN PARSONS-Dis- tinguished alike in the practice of the law and in the sphere of public service, the Hon. James Hep- burn Parsons was for many years an important and familiar figure in Rhode Island life. He brought to his professional duties unusual tal- ents. He devoted himself to his work with rare fidelity, and in seeking his own career he worked for the advancement of State and Nation.
Mr. Parsons was born at Williamsport, Penn- sylvania, on May 30, 1832, a son of the Hon. Anson V. and Mary (Hepburn) Parsons. He received his preliminary education in the schools of Philadelphia, and following graduation from the high school he entered Brown University, at Providence, where he took his degree in 1854. Having decided meanwhile upon a legal career, he commenced the study of the law under the direction of his father. He was admitted to the bar in Philadelphia, but soon afterwards came to Providence where he purposed to take up practice. For a time he was employed in the offices of the Hon. Thomas A. Jenckes, but soon began his independent career, winning immediate success. He possessed a wide knowledge of legal theory and procedure. His memory for facts was extraordinary. His powers of observation and desire for information were equally remarkable,
and his ability to commit to memory most astonishing. Mr. Parsons made full use of the many gifts which were his. He prepared his briefs with meticulous care, and in the courts of the State he demonstrated that he was a formidable antagonist. He was employed in cases of great importance, more especially in the field of equity practice to which he largely devoted himself, and his diligence on behalf of his clients resulted in many notable victories for the causes which he supported.
In public life Mr. Parsons was also active. At one time he was a member of the Providence City Court of Magistrates. In 1862 he served with distinction as a member of the General Assem- bly of the State, while in 1866 President John- son appointed him United States District Attor- ney for Rhode Island. In this office he discharged its difficult duties with the greatest efficiency and fidelity, considering service in the public interest no less worthy of his best attention than his own affairs. Whether in office or in private practice he was faithful always to the highest ideals of his profession and to the best interests of the people whom he so ably served.
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