USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. III > Part 48
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Fraternally, Mr. Stranahan was affiliated with Thomas Smith Webb Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons, and in this order was also a member of Thomas Smith Webb Chapter, Royal Arch Masons and of Thomas Smith Webb Commandery, No. 51, Knights Templar. He was a member, also, of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, second class, and of the following clubs: the Harvard Club of New York, the Harvard Club of Rhode Island, the Turks Head Club, and the Art Club of Providence. Mr. Stranahan was associated with The Players, a local amateur theatrical organiza- tion, from the time of its establishment, and at one time was vice-president of the organization. Not only did he appear in many of the amateur productions, but he also directed many of them. Reviews of the plays staged by The Players in recent years referred to him as an intelligent and consistently capable actor who was successful in every rôle which he undertook. Notable among these was his appearance in "Rosemary" and as the Rev. Frank Thompson in "Outward Bound."
On June 6, 1894, Farrand Stewart Stranahan married Florence Gertrude Bruce, of St. Albans, Vermont, who died in March, 1926. They be- came the parents of one son, Farrand Stewart, Jr., who was graduated from Harvard in 1921, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and is now an officer of the Title Guarantee Company of Rhode Island. He married Gwendolyn Gray, and has three children: Noel Ann, Jacqueline, and Gail Fonda.
Mr. Stranahan died at his Providence home on May 30, 1930. He was just sixty-one years old. Word of his death was received with sorrow everywhere throughout the city, and his passing was deeply mourned by his wide circle of friends both in Rhode Island and beyond the borders of the State. At the last services to his memory many distinguished leaders of New England af- fairs were present, including the Governor and former Governor of Vermont. Others in all walks of life joined in tribute to his name.
YVON AMEDEE ARCHAMBAULT-A na- tive and lifelong resident of Arctic, Kent County, Mr. Archambault has been for many years one of that county's leading business men as the owner of the largest furniture business in Kent County. He is also active in civic, fraternal and religious af- fairs. A veteran of the World War, he proved his patriotism by more than two years' active military service with the United States Army, about half of which was spent overseas. In every respect he represents the useful, upright and public-spirited citizen.
John B. Archambault, the father of the subject of this article, was born in St. Cesaire, Province of Quebec, Canada, December 10, 1857, and came to the United States with his parents when a small boy. His father died when he was about eight years of age and his mother supported the large family of twelve by running the Natick boarding house. Early in life Mr. Archambault went to work in the Natick Mills, and saved enough of his earnings, after contributing his share to the fam- ily's support, to attend a college at St. Cesaire where he took the business course. After com- pleting this course, he returned to Natick and was employed at the O'Donnell store. He later opened a candy store at Arctic in a small building that stood on a part of the site now occupied by the Majestic Building. He sold out this store and established a dry goods store, where, in 1930, stood the Arctic Candy Kitchen. This business, too, he sold, and then opened a shoe store, after which he engaged for a time in the grocery business. Real- izing the need of a furniture store in the Pawtuxet Valley and anticipating the growth of the com- munity, he sold out his grocery business to enter the furniture and hardware line. In 1890 he erected a building on Washington Street, now occupied by the general furniture and hardware business which he established and which he actively conducted for many years. His business block, when it was con- structed, was some distance from the group of buildings that constituted what was then the shop- ping center, but at the present time it is in the heart of the business district, proof of Mr. Archam- bault's foresight. He had extensive real estate holdings and at one time owned twenty-five build- ings. He also conducted a gristmill near the West Warwick Station, actively managing this business until the World War.
In politics, Mr. Archambault from the time of the first administration of President Woodrow Wilson was a staunch supporter of the Republican
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party and its principles. Prior to President Wil- son's first régime he was a Democrat and was at one time a candidate for general treasurer on the Democratic ticket. He also served as Democratic member of one of the Town Councils in the old town of Warwick. Following his change to the Republican party, Mr. Archambault became a leader of that party and was elected a member of the Board of Tax Assessors of the town of West Warwick. His religious affiliation was with the St. Jean Baptiste Roman Catholic Church of Arctic.
He married (first) Rose D. Levesque, who died about 1923 ; and he married (second) Mrs. Matilda (Roberts) Dufresne. By his first marriage he was the father of the following children: Edgar A .; Joseph P .; Yvon Amedee, of this review, and of whom further; Leonie, now Sister Marie Rose Delina of the Franciscan Order of Quebec; Rose; and Elianna. Another son, Dr. Lionel Archam- bault, died in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Mr. Archambault also had twelve grandchildren. He died at his home on High Street, Quidnick, Sep- tember 13, 1928.
Yvon Amedee Archambault was born in Arctic, Kent County, October 1, 1893, a son of the late John B. and Rose D. (Levesque) Archambault. He received his early education in the parochial schools of his native town and then attended the Warwick High School. Having completed his education, he became associated with his father, the late John B. Archambault, in the furniture business conducted by the latter, the J. B. Archam- bault Furniture Company. By 1913, though then only twenty years of age, he had shown such busi- ness ability that he became a partner. Since 1917 he has been sole proprietor of this business, which for many years has been the largest and most suc- cessful furniture business in Kent County. Mr. Archambault is also a member of the board of directors of the Centreville Savings Bank. He is a member of the Catholic Foresters; Providence Lodge, No. 14, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; the West Warwick Post, American Le- gion; the Veterans of Foreign Wars; the West Warwick Country Club; the West Warwick Chamber of Commerce; and the Pawtuxet Valley Board of Trade.
During the World War he enlisted, April 12, 1917, in the Rhode Island National Guard and was assigned to the IIth Company, Coast Artillery Corps. In July, 1918, he was inducted into Federal service and at that time was assigned to the Head- quarters Company of the 66th Regiment, Field
Artillery, with the rank of first sergeant. He served overseas for eleven months, in France, and received his honorable discharge in May, 1919, with the rank of second lieutenant.
Mr. Archambault's religious affiliation is with the St. Jean Baptiste Roman Catholic Church. He finds his recreation chiefly in fishing and camping.
FREDERICK E. ANTHONY-Because of his notable contributions to the progress of the age, the late Frederick E. Anthony, of Providence, was known the country over as a mechanical genius. This appellation was properly used in connection with his name, although the products of his trained mind and cunning hand bore the imprint of the corporation, the Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Company, to whose success and prestige he gave the major portion of his life and the results of the gifts with which he was endowed. As for himself, he rejoiced in the rise and progress of the com- pany to which he was wholly devoted, and in the anonymity in which his own fame was to him of secondary consideration.
The name of Anthony has long been associated with forward movements in Providence and Rhode Island. The family is a representative one of the State, which has given of its members to local and State governments and worthy occupations.
Andrew J. Anthony, father of Frederick E. Anthony, was born in Mendon, Worcester County, Massachusetts, May 3, 1833, son of David Rich- mond and Catherine (Barker) Anthony. He re- ceived his education in the schools of East Provi- dence, Rhode Island, and Seekonk, Massachusetts, following which he was successfully engaged as a contracting mason and builder. He later had charge of the building operations of the Providence Gas Company.
His public career began in 1874 when he took his seat in the East Providence Town Council, where he remained a member for sixteen . years, one of the strong, reliable, aggressive local legis- lators. In 1889 he was elected to the State Senate, in which he served for ten consecutive years, show- ing marked ability in the proceedings of the high- est political body of the Commonwealth. Return- ing to his home, he again was chosen a member of the Town Council and was a helpful and re- spected member for four more years. He was treasurer of the original commission of the Watchemoket Fire District. His religious affilia-
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tion was with the First Universalist Church, of East Providence, of which society he was president, serving also in the office of deacon.
Andrew J. Anthony married, June 6, 1854, Har- riet Newell Martin, and they were the parents of six children : 1. Frederick E., of whom further. 2. Senator Henry F. 3. Archer. 4. Newton J. 5. Eva M., married R. B. Goff. 6. Hattie M., mar- ried E. L. Mitchell.
Frederick E. Anthony, son of Andrew J. and Harriet Newell (Martin) Anthony, was born in East Providence, October 8, 1864, died on his birthday, October 8, 1922, at the age of fifty-eight years. He was educated in the public schools of his native township and in his youth gave evidence of the mechanical ingenuity that was to be so prominently developed in the making of his career. At the age of seventeen he entered the service of the Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Company of Providence, one of the most widely known con- cerns of the country producing machines for the performance of high class and intricate work. His first employment was as apprentice, and having completed his term, he was attached to the shop staff as a finished mechanic. He remained with the company until 1890, when he accepted a posi- tion with the Eastman Kodak Company. Subse- quently he worked for the Bugbee & Niles Com- pany, of North Attleboro, Massachusetts. During this time he gave evidence of the extraordinary mechanical ability that made him an extremely valued employee of the companies he served. In October, 1898, he returned to accept an invitation to rejoin the force of the Brown & Sharpe Manu- facturing Company, with which he was identified for the rest of his life.
Mr. Anthony represented the highest type of a trained mechanic, whose work has made so much for progress along mechanical lines in this country. Based on his advice and the fruits of his rich ex- perience, the details of the automatic screw ma- chine were worked out and applied. It was he who was a major factor in devising ways and means for the attainment of results. There is hardly a large manufacturing plant in the country making use of this type of machine that is not employing the plans that he worked out.
Mr. Anthony's loyalty to the interests of the Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Company mani- fested itself in continually seeking to advance the solution of problems of its customers with many of whom he came into contact. As a companion and shopmate, his untiring energy, his courtesy and never-failing cheerfulness made him a friend of
all in the works. A Republican in political alliance, he was not active in political affairs. His religious preference was Episcopal, although he was not given to regularity of church attendance. He be- longed to neither club nor fraternity. He traveled considerably in the interest of the company he served. His chief delight was his home and the companionship of her who was to him its center and circumference.
Frederick E. Anthony married Ida P. Ramsden, daughter of John Ramsden, who was a veteran of the Civil War. Their only child is Clyde K. An- thony, an employee of the Brown & Sharpe Manu- facturing Company. He married Elizabeth Bres- lin, and they have a son, Robert Anthony.
CHRISTOPHER J. BRENNAN-A native of Providence, Mr. Brennan was born Septem- ber 5, 1893, the son of Christopher P. and Mary E. (Flynn) Brennan, both of whom were born in Providence. The father, who still resides in Providence, spent his life in the city in the trade of a master plumber. The subject of this sketch received his elementary education in the Provi- dence public schools and attended the Classical High School. At Holy Cross College he received his Bachelor of Arts degree with the class of 1915, and went from thence to the Harvard School of Law, but the entry of the United States in the World War interrupted his studies. In May, 1918, Mr. Brennan enlisted in the 112th Machine Gun Battalion, 29th Division, United States Army, and at once was sent overseas. With the American Expeditionary Forces in France he served one year, seeing action in the defense sector of Central Alsace, and at the battles of the Meuse and the Argonne. He re- ceived his honorable discharge in June, 1919, with the rank of sergeant-major.
Returning to America, Mr. Brennan was ac- corded his Bachelor of Laws degree by Harvard and that same year passed his examinations ad- mitting him to practice before the Rhode Island State bar. He opened at once the offices where he has since built up an individual practice, No. 333 Grosvenor Building. Mr. Brennan is a mem- ber of the Rhode Island State Bar Association. He is active in affairs of the Democratic party and received preferment from the hands of Gov- ernor William S. Flynn in the form of appoint- ment as his executive secretary. Mr. Brennan is
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a member of Tyler Council, Knights of Colum- bus, in which he has attained the fourth degree and which he has served as Grand Knight. A parishioner of St. Pius Roman Catholic Church, Mr. Brennan belongs to the Catholic Club. He is also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and is affiliated with the Metacomet Golf Club. Golf and automobiling comprise his out- door recreations while his books present his favor- ite form of indoor diversion.
Mr. Brennan married, in 1924, Margaret V. Dempsey, a native of Providence.
ALBERT SIDNEY ALMY-To the notable group of Americans who have contributed most to the progress which has made this one of the most remarkable periods in the history of mankind be- longs the late Albert Sidney Almy, of Bristol, Rhode Island, by virtue of his lifelong connection with shipbuilding. To the improvement of water craft he gave his very considerable abilities and his devoted attention. He was prominent in business and in civic activities, and a man of many warm and lasting friendships.
Albert Sidney Almy was born July 31, 1836, at Little Compton, Rhode Island, son of Isaac C. and Alice (Bateman) Almy, and descendant of a very old New England family founded in this country by one William Almy, born in England as early as 1601, and an immigrant to the American Colo- nies in 1631. William Almy went to Lynn, Massa- chusetts, where he settled, purchasing from the Indians property which he converted into excellent farm land which still bears the name of the Almy farm. In 1635 he brought over from England his wife, Audrey Almond Almy, and their children. The line of descent to Albert Sidney Almy fol- lows: William, the founder; Job, born in 1640, died 1684, who married Mary Unthank; Job, born 1681, died 1767, who married Bridget Sanford in 1705; John, born 1720, died 1808; Cook, born 1763, died 1861, married Charlotte Cook; and Isaac Cook, who became the father of our subject. Isaac Cook Almy was born May 4, 1813, and died Sep- tember 28, 1868, having married Alice Bateman, by whom he had four children: Charlotte, wife of James H. Corthell; Albert Sidney, of further men- tion; Alice, wife of Charles F. Herreshoff; and Darwin.
The boyhood of Mr. Almy was passed on his father's farm, his education being acquired in the
local schools. When he was sixteen, he left the farm and apprenticed himself to a carpenter in Fall River in order to learn that trade. He was an apt apprentice, as he had been a ready and eager student in school, and he quickly grasped the new craft in its essentials. For many years he worked as carpenter in Fall River and in Providence, hav- ing a part in the erection of many of the largest and handsomest buildings, business or residential, in the city of Providence, as in Fall River. In 1876 came his move to Bristol, Rhode Island, where he resided the rest of his life. He was associated with the Herreshoff Company, ship- builders, and he had ample opportunity to utilize his abilities and to make them count in the inter- ests of the company and of shipbuilding. He rap- idly became expert in this new field and rose to more and more responsible positions, finally being placed in charge of the yacht building department. In this capacity he superintended the construction of many famous racers, including the "Vigilant," the "Defender," the "Columbia," and the "Con- stitution." After a quarter of a century of con- structive association with the Herreshoffs, Mr. Almy retired and spent his remaining years in worthwhile community activities.
Public affairs had always had his interested at- tention. While a resident of Providence, Mr. Almy had joined the police force there and the old volunteer fire department, driving the Gaspee enginee with which the courageous men of that early day fought destructive fires. In his later years he threw himself heartily into community projects and won the respect and esteem of all his fellow-citizens. He was especially fond of yacht- ing and belonged to the Bristol Yacht Club, serv- ing on its house and executive committees. He owned the catboat "Nora," many times a prize winner, and he owned to only one hobby, the racing of this boat.
Albert Sidney Almy married (first) Louisa Bessey, by whom he had a son, Armond B., who died at the age of four years. Mrs. Almy died September 20, 1864. On January 2, 1866, he mar- ried (second) Cornelia Knight, daughter of Jere- miah and Niobe (Arnold) Knight, of Warwick. Children : Nora, wife of Alfred Earle of Bristol, and mother of two children, Albert and Henry Earl; Alice Bateman, who resides with her mother in Bristol.
At the advanced age of seventy-nine, February 10, 1915, Mr. Almy quietly laid down the burden of life. His had been a happy, useful and suc- cessful career, winning for him esteem and bring-
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ing to him the gratifying sense of public useful- ness. He was a domestic man, retiring, though friendly, and happiest in his own home. He was just and generous, faithful to friends and to duties, of such genuine value to his community that all Bristol felt the loss of this loving, loyal and able man.
LEWIS STANTON-A descendant of the first white man to settle in what is now Westerly and himself a native and lifelong resident of that place, Mr. Stanton is widely known not only as a member of one of the pioneer families of his native town, but also because of his prominence in the business, civic, fraternal and social life of Westerly. The owner of a successful painting and decorating business founded by his father and for many years connected with one of the leading banks, Mr. Stanton is regarded as one of the representative business men of the city. His public spirit has led him to take an active and very effective part in civic affairs, while his pleasing personality makes him a very popular member of the various fraternal and social organizations to which he belongs.
Lewis Stanton was born at Westerly on Jan- uary 5, 1880, a son of Courtland G. and Mary (Lewis) Stanton. He is a direct descendant of Thomas Stanton, one of the pioneer settlers of Rhode Island and the first white man to live in that part of the State now known as Westerly. Both of Mr. Stanton's parents were born in Con- necticut. Mr. Stanton received his education in the public schools of Westerly and then entered the employ of the Niantic Bank. His first position was that of office boy, but his ability and strict attention to his work quickly won him promotions until he eventually became paying teller. When the Niantic Bank was taken over by the Industrial Trust Company of Providence and became the Westerly branch of that bank, Mr. Stanton con- tinued under the new management and later was made assistant manager. He is widely known in business circles and is regarded as one of the most able of the younger generation of Westerly bankers. Also, he is the proprietor of the painting and decorating business established by his father under the firm name of C. G. Stanton Company. In spite of the extensive business interests thus shouldered by Mr. Stanton, he has found it possi- ble to give both time and attention to civic affairs. For many years he has been one of the most active
members of the Westerly Chamber of Commerce of which he is now the president. He is a member also of the board of water commissioners, moder- ator of the fire district and town moderator, as well as treasurer of the Westerly Chapter of the American Red Cross. Prominently active since his early manhood in Masonic affairs, he is a member and Past Master of Franklin Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons ; member of Westerly Chap- ter, Royal Arch Masons; the Mystic Council, Royal and Select Masters; a member and Past Commander of Narragansett Commandery, Knights Templar ; and Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Providence. His clubs include the Westerly Masonic Club, the Colonial Club, the Winnapaug Club, the Westerly Boat Club and the Palestine Shrine Club. In poli- tics he is a supporter of the Republican party, while his religious affiliations, like those of his family, are with the Calvary Baptist Church of Westerly.
Mr. Stanton married Charlotte Peabody, like himself a native of Westerly, a daughter of J. Alden and Augusta (Crumb) Peabody. Mr. and Mrs. Stanton are the parents of two children: I. Mary Augusta, a graduate of Wellesley College, from which she received the degree of Bachelor of Arts. 2. Alden Peabody Stanton.
ALFRED M. HALLIDAY-A native and lifelong resident of Rhode Island, Mr. Halliday has been connected with the Providence post office for almost a quarter of a century. From his first posi- tion as a substitute clerk he has been advanced at different times to positions of ever-increasing im- portance and responsibility until he became super- intendent of mails. His long experience in the various branches of the local post office made him especially well qualified to fill his present position. He is generally regarded as one of the most effi- cient, as well as popular, executives of the local post office. For many years he has been promi- nently active in Masonic affairs, and religious work, too, has received a share of his time and attention.
Alfred M. Halliday was born at Pawtucket, March 24, 1883, a son of the late Frederick F. and Sarah Jane (Cheek) Halliday. His father, a na- tive of New York City, was engaged in the car- penter's and builder's business until his death. Mr. Halliday's mother was a native of London,
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England. Educated in the public schools of Paw- tucket, Mr. Halliday, after leaving school, was employed for three years as a carpenter and pat- tern maker and then for one year was with the Providence Telephone Company. At the end of this period, in 1906, he was appointed a substitute clerk in the Providence post office. Later he was made assistant superintendent of mails and in this office gradually passed through all four grades, until, on January I, 1926, he was made superin- tendent of mails of the Providence post office. In this capacity he has continued to serve with marked ability and great faithfulness. He is a member of the Postal Supervisors Association of Providence and also of several fraternal organizations, the latter being connected with the Masonic Order and including the following: Jencks Lodge, No. 24, Free and Accepted Masons; Pawtucket Chap- ter, Royal Arch Masons; Pawtucket Council, Royal and Select Masters; Holy Sepulchre Com- mandery, Knights Templar ; and Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. His religious affiliation is with St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church of Pawtucket.
Mr. Halliday married, in 1909, Edna Johnson Jones, a native of Attleboro, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Halliday have two sons: Milton J., and Bertram E.
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