USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. III > Part 50
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Clarence E. Sherman was born in Brooklyn, New York, January 14, 1887, a son of James H. and Josephine E. (Hamer) Sherman. His father, a native of Brooklyn, is engaged in street railway construction. Mr. Sherman's mother is a native of Jamaica, Long Island, New York. Having re- ceived his early education in the public grammar and high schools of Brockton, Massachusetts, Mr.
Sherman then attended Williston Academy and Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut, from which latter he was graduated with the degree of Bache- lor of Science in 1911. The next year he spent at the New York State Library School, graduating there in 1912. He then became assistant librarian at Amherst College, in which capacity he served during 1912-17. From there he was called to head the public library at Lynn, Massachusetts, which he directed very successfully during 1917-22. Since 1922, he has been connected with the Providence Public Library, first, until 1928, as assistant li- brarian, then, until 1930, as associate librarian, and finally, since 1930, as librarian. He has con- tributed materially to making the Providence Pub- lic Library more useful to the community and to extending its influence. At one time Mr. Sherman lectured for two years on library science at the Rhode Island College of Education and he is now a lecturer at Simmons College, Boston, Massachu- setts. During the World War he served as super- visor of transport service for the American Li- brary Association War Service. He is an ex- officio member of the board of trustees of the Rhode Island School of Design. He is also a member of the Massachusetts Library Association, the American Library Association and the Rhode Island Library Association, of which latter he is a past president. Other organizations in which he maintains membership include the following : Providence Chamber of Commerce; Providence Rotary Club, of which he is secretary; Providence University Club; Barnard Club; Players Club of Providence; and Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. In politics he is an independent Republican, while his religious affiliations are with the Westminster Unitarian Church of Providence, of the board of' trustees of which he is a past president and now a member. Mr. Sherman's principal hobby is books, and especially all books by and on Steven- son and Mayfield. He is also fond of outdoor life and spends much of his leisure time at Martha's Vineyard.
Mr. Sherman married, in 1913, Inez C. Copeland, a native of Brockton, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Sherman have four children: Stuart C., Carolyn, Louise C. and Richard D. Sherman.
EPHRAIM PERRY COLSON-Progressive work in the educational field of Rhode Island has been done since 1920 by Ephraim Perry Colson in
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the office which he has held during that period of superintendent of the schools of Scituate and Foster. A prior experience dating back to 1907 was brought to his present office and has materially assisted him in the efficient work he has performed in the system here. Sincerely devoted to his work, Mr. Colson has constantly sought to improve him- self while supervising that of the student body over which he has jurisdiction, with the results that his efforts have met with success and he enjoys both the confidence and the admiration of the community.
Ephraim Perry Colson was born in Rockland, Maine, September 1I, 1882, a son of John and Rebecca Crockett (Perry) Colson, both deceased. His father was a retail shoe merchant and also con- ducted a general mercantile business in Rockland. After completing his studies in the elementary and high schools of Rockland, he entered Bates College and was graduated from that institution with the class of 1907, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Since then he has taken supplementary sum- mer courses at Harvard, Cornell and Columbia uni- versities. He began his teaching in Old Mystic, Con- necticut, where he continued for one year and then spent four years in similar occupation in West- brook and two at Pawcatuck, Connecticut. He then came to Rhode Island and for five years taught at West Warwick, being called to Scitu- ate in 1920 as superintendent of its system. His office is located in the old Town Hall in North Scituate. He is a trustee of the North Scituate Public Library, and a member of the National Education Association, department of superin- tendents, and of the Barnard Club. He attends the Congregational Church; and in politics is identified with the Republican party. His favorite recreations are swimming, boating and outdoor sports, and he is fond of good music. Fraternally, he is affiliated with Temple Lodge, No. 18, Free and Accepted Masons, and Scituate Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and has served both bodies as musical director. He is also past president of the village and rural section of the Rhode Island Institute of Instruction.
NORMAN D. BAILEY-Though one of the younger generation of Rhode Island's educational administrators, Mr. Brady is regarded as one of the most able and most successful. In his capacity as superintendent of public schools of North Kings- town, a position he has filled very capably for
several years, he has brought the schools under his direction to a very high degree of efficiency and has greatly extended their usefulness to the community. His pleasing personality, his profes- sional attainments and his many other fine qual- ities have combined to gain for him the liking, respect and confidence alike of the student body, the teachers and the community in general.
Norman D. Bailey was born at Methuen, Mas- sachusetts, April 13, 1902, a son of the late Rev. Nathan and Alice N. (Murphy) Bailey. His father, who was born at Darwin, England, was active in the ministry of the Baptist Church until his death. Mr. Bailey's mother was a native of Boston, Massachusetts. After having attended the public schools of Providence, Rhode Island, and of New Bedford, Massachusetts, Mr. Bailey be- came a student at Oberlin College, Ohio, which well known institution he attended for three years. In 1921 he left college and accepted a teaching position at Dartmouth, Massachusetts, continuing with this work until 1923. He then resumed his studies at Boston University, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1925. In that year he was appointed principal of the Junior High School at Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, where he remained until 1926. Next he spent one year as supervising principal of the Penniman district, Braintree, Massachusetts. Since 1927 he has been superintendent of public schools at North Kings- town, with headquarters at Wickford. In this position he has met with marked success and the schools in his charge compare most favorably with other schools of their type and size in Rhode Island. He is a member of the National Educa- tion Association, as well as of Washington Lodge, No. 5, Free and Accepted Masons. In politics, he is independent; while his religious affiliations are with the Baptist Church of Wickford, of which he is choir director. He is greatly interested in music, but he is also very fond of outdoor life, and especially of boating.
Mr. Bailey married, in 1929, Anna G. Cogge- shall, a native of Bristol, Rhode Island.
DANIEL B. LUTHER-The business acumen and energy of Daniel B. Luther, of Warren, Rhode Island, has resulted in the upbuilding of an important enterprise, the E. M. Martin Lum- ber Company, which is one of the foremost busi- ness establishments of the city. Mr. Luther has long been associated with the company and since 1919 has been sole owner.
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Daniel B. Luther was born in Warren, June 17, 1867, son of Daniel B. and Susan E. (West) Luther. The father, also a native of Warren, was a sea captain all his life, and a gallant one, serving his country as a blockade runner during the Civil War. The mother, born at Seekonk, Massachusetts, is now living. The son was edu- cated in the Warren public and high schools and rounded out his preparation for business by a course at Schofield Business College in Provi- dence.
His business career began rather humbly as a grocer, where he mastered the rudiments of commercial practice and remained for three years. In 1891 he joined the staff of the E. M. Martin Lumber Company, for which he first served as yard man. He continued to advance to posi- tions of greater and greater responsibility and to make himself master of the necessary informa- tion for conducting a lumber enterprise. By the year 1909, he was able to become a partner in the E. M. Martin Lumber Company, and. a short decade later to buy out his partners and become sole proprietor. The enterprise prospers under his able and discreet management, for he knows the lumber industry thoroughly and knows the local and adjacent markets. Mr. Luther is a man of rare initiative combined with prudence, and his ventures are most successful. He is a member of the Board of Managers of the War- ren Branch of Industrial Trust Company; also a member of the Warren Lions' Club, and in politics he is an Independent. He attends St. Mark's Episcopal Church. His hobby is garden- ing.
Daniel B. Luther married, in 1907, Margaret Beam, who was born in Canada. They are the parents of a son, Edward Luther, a student (1929).
THOMAS F. KEEHER, JR .- One of the leaders of the younger generation of Newport's business men, Mr. Keeher, as the successor of his father in the building and contracting business established by the latter, has proven himself an exceptionally able business executive. Taking over this business immediately after his return from college, Mr. Keeher, though then only twenty-one years old, showed himself a "chip off the old block." Not only has he maintained the fine repu- tation built up by his father, but he has even extended the operations of the firm, so that it ranks among the leading establishments of its kind
in Newport. Of a pleasing personality and widely known and liked in his native city, he takes an active part in civic, social and fraternal affairs, and in every respect represents the finest type of useful, vigorous and public-spirited citizens.
Thomas F. Keeher, Jr., was born at Newport, April 14, 1905, a son of Thomas F., Sr., and Katherine (Duff) Keeher. His father, a native of Fall River, Massachusetts, was for many years and until his retirement in 1926, successfully engaged in the contracting and building business, a busi- ness which since his retirement has been continued by his son. Mr. Keeher's mother was born at Dufftown, Scotland. Both his parents are still resi- dents of Newport. Having received his early edu- cation in the public schools of his native city, Mr. Keeher later attended the Allen Military School, and then for one year, Dartmouth College, Han- over, New Hampshire. The next three years he spent at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. Having completed his education, he returned to Newport and, in 1926, took over the business of his father, of which he has since been the sole proprietor. This business, operated under the name of Thomas F. Keeher, was established by Mr. Keeher's father in 1909 and was built up by him into one of the largest and most successful con- tracting and building enterprises in Newport. Its success has been continued by Mr. Keeher, who has devoted himself with much ability and energy to the management of the business. Many impor- tant contracts have been handled by the firm, in- variably to the entire satisfaction of its clients. Among these should be especially mentioned the following: the Newport Gum Factory, the barns on the estate of the late Alfred H. Vanderbilt, the Newport plant of Armour & Company, Trinity Parish House, the remodeling work of the in- terior of the Aquidneck Bank, the New York Yacht Club of Newport, the Colonial Theatre, the new bathing section of the Newport Beach, various operations on the Arthur Curtis James estate, and many other important commissions. Mr. Keeher is a member of St. Paul's Lodge, No. 14, Free and Accepted Masons; Newport Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Sigma Chi Fraternity; the Miantonomi Club; Lions International Club; the Wanume- tonomy Golf Club, the Discussion Club, and the Newport Chamber of Commerce. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party, while his re- ligious affiliations are with the Protestant Episco- pal Church. He is fond of outdoor life and of out- door sports and is especially interested in baseball and horseback riding.
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Mr. Keeher married Florence Caswell, like him- self a native of Newport. Mr. and Mrs. Keeher have one child and make their home in Newport, where Mr. Keeher's offices are located at No. 28 Bellevue Avenue.
HENRY de WOLF ALLEN -- For thirteen years Henry de Wolf Allen has been superin- tendent of the widely known Colt Farm and has proved himself an able executive and a successful agriculturist.
Henry de Wolf Allen was born in Bristol, Rhode Island, October 9, 1886, son of Henry Crocker and Marguerite (de Wolf) Allen, and a descendant on the paternal side of Crawford Allen, and on the maternal, of Mark Anthony de Wolf, who settled in Bristol about 1740. The family has long been recognized as a leading factor in the progress of the community, and the succeeding generations have furnished forward- looking and loyal citizens. The father of our sub- ject, who was born in Providence, was engaged with the Allen Print Works until his death, and the mother, who was born in Bristol, died February 6, 1930. The son was educated in St. George's private school in Newport. He chose farming as his vocation in early manhood and farmed independently until 1917, when he assumed the executive position he now holds with the Colt Farm in Bristol. His political views are those of the Republican party, but his attitude is that of a thoughtful voter only, as he does not seek public office. Mr. Allen's hobby is the breeding of fine horses. He is a communicant of St. Michael's Episcopal Church.
Henry de Wolf Allen married, in 1914, Cath- erine Ann Reynolds, born in Bristol, daughter of John Post Reynolds, for many years superin- tendent of schools in the town. Her family is also notable, her ancestor, Joseph Reynolds, hav- ing in 1698 built the Reynolds homestead in Bristol, which was later visited by Lafayette. To Mr. and Mrs. Allen a daughter was born, Nancy.
ALBERT E. BROWN-For nearly half a century, Albert E. Brown has been a leading merchant of the town of Carolina, his business career having been in process of development since the time he left school in his youth. As proprietor of a meat and grocery establishment,
he has contributed to the commercial growth and prosperity of the community. His father, Ed- ward C. Brown, born in South Kingstown, was engaged in the grocery and provision business until his death. A veteran of the Civil War, he served with a regiment of Rhode Island Volun- teers, and was a member of Shannock Post, Grand Army of the Republic. He married Nancy R. Tucker, born in Charleston, who has since died.
Albert E. Brown was born in Carolina, Octo- ber 4, 1865, and was educated in the public schools of that town. He then associated himself with his father in the grocery and meat business, the firm becoming E. C. Brown & Son. In 1904 he became the sole proprietor and has since been engaged in building up a large and prosperous business.
A record of public service performed by Mr. Brown covered a period as tax collector. In political allegiance he is a Republican, and in fraternal circles affiliated with Friendship Lodge, No. 16, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is a Past Noble Grand; the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows of the State of Rhode Island; Charity Lodge, No. 23, Free and Accepted Masons; and the Order of United American Mechanics. His religious preference is Baptist, and he attends the church of that denomination in Carolina. His fondness for hunting urges him now and again to indulge in this sport.
Mr. Brown married, January 1I, 1893, Salomy C. Money, a native of this State, and they have children: I. Linton L., who served in the United States Navy Hospital Corps during the World War. 2. Iris C.
THOMAS P. BRIGHTMAN has been a life- long resident of Bristol, Rhode Island, rising te- his present position through his own efforts. He was born in Bristol, on December 6, 1882, a son of Thomas Brightman, who was born at Charles- town, Rhode Island, and has been engaged as a locomotive engineer for many years, and of Alice F. (Peckham) Brightman, born at Bradford, Rhode Island, and now deceased.
Thomas P. Brightman was educated in the public schools of Bristol, and later undertook the course of study at Bryant and Stratton's Business College. Beginning his active career, he became associated with the Herreshoff Manufacturing
Charles Roderick Makepeace
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Company, at Bristol, on May 6, 1901, with which he has since remained. He was employed at first as a clerk in the office, and in the follow- ing few years devoted himself to learning the details of the business. By strict attention to the duties which came to him, he attracted the favorable notice of his superiors, and in course of time won gradual promotion to positions of responsibility and trust. In 1912 he was made assistant to the secretary of the company, and in 1917 became assistant manager. In 1921 he was chosen vice-president and manager. Since 1924, with Rudolf Haffenreffer, who purchased the en- terprise with which he had been so long connected, he has been an executive of the new company. Mr. Brightman possesses a thorough knowledge of company affairs, and a wide background of general business experience. This enterprise owes much to his services, and he has been an important factor in its progress.
Mr. Brightman is a Republican in politics, sup- porting the principles and candidates of that party. He is affiliated fraternally with St. Albans Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons, and is also a member of Hope Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. During the period from 1900 to 1910, Mr. Bright- man served as a member of the Rhode Island Naval Battalion, Ist Division, and for the last two years of that time, he held the rank of lieutenant, junior grade, commanding the division. Mr. Bright- man's hobby is sailing.
In 1908, Thomas P. Brightman married Mary Louise Young, who was born at Bristol, and they are the parents of one son, Thomas P., Jr. Mr. Brightman and his family attend St. Michael's Protestant Episcopal Church, at Bristol.
CHARLES R. MAKEPEACE-One of the best-known designing and consulting industrial architects and mechanical engineers in the United States, the late Charles R. Makepeace was re- garded as an authority in his profession. During his long and exceptionally successful career he was identified with the erection of some two hundred and fifty plants in various parts of the United States, as well as in several foreign countries. Having always made his headquarters in Providence, this city naturally benefited ex- tensively by his wide-spread activities and by his high professional standing. He also took a very active and effective part in civic affairs, rendered valuable services during the World War, was
a member of several engineering, business and social organizations, and thus represented through his varied activities the highest type of useful, vigorous, public-spirited citizen.
Charles R. Makepeace was born at Fayette- ville, North Carolina, May 20, 1860, son of George H. and Marion (MacRae) Makepeace. He was educated in the local public schools and entered Trinity College, now known as Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, in order to complete his education, but owing to illness was forced to withdraw without graduating. Many years later, however, in 1920, his alma mater conferred upon him his degree as of the class of 1880. His early professional training was acquired in his father's mill at Fayetteville, where he learned the details of the equipment and operation of textile mills, which proved invaluable to him in his later career. In 1885 he moved to Providence to asso- ciate himself with the late D. M. Thompson in an engineering firm which occupied offices on the fourth floor of the Butler Exchange for nearly half a century. A few years after joining the firm, Mr. Makepeace became its head and after- wards conducted it under the name of C. R. Makepeace & Company. He specialized in textile mill architecture and engineering, designing and equipping all types of textile plants, including cotton and woolen mills, bleacheries and dye works, as well as incidental buildings, such as power and water plants. Mr. Makepeace was himself familiar with practically all the large mill properties throughout the country. especially in New England, and frequently acted in a con- sulting capacity in connection with changes, ex- tensions, and improvements to be made in mills throughout the United States. The following partial list of the plants erected by his firm gives an idea of the scope of his work: the Oak- land Mills in Rhode Island; the Dana Warp Mills in Maine; the Suncook Mills in New Hampshire; the Arlington Mills in Lawrence, Massachusetts; the Miami Woolen Mills in Ohio; the Woodbury Cotton Mills at Baltimore, Mary- land; the Eno Cotton Mills in North Carolina; the Clifton Manufacturing Company's Mills in South Carolina; the Cluett-Peabody Mills in Con- necticut; the Skenanadora Mills at Utica, New York; the Louisville Cotton Mills in Kentucky; the California Cotton Mills at Oakland, Califor- nia; the Alden Knitting Mills at New Orleans, Louisiana; and the Galveston Cotton Mills at Galveston, Texas. Hardly a State in the Union fails to have benefited by his skill, and Mexico,
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Canada, South America, and Australia contain factories designed and equipped by him. His professional success has rarely been equalled and was the result of his profound interest in indus- trial progress, his thorough knowledge of gen- eral principles as well as small technical details and processes, and his honesty of conception and execution.
Although he never sought public office or politi- cal preferment, Mr. Makepeace's outstanding abil- ity and his well-known public spirit brought him frequent calls for public service. He served as councilman from the Second Ward of Provi- dencc during 1904-10 and during this period served on several of the most important com- mittees. He was especially interested in the proj- ect of an East Side approach that would be prac- tical and afford an easy ascent to the hilly sec- tions to the east of the business centre. As chair- man of the city property committee, he displayed his customary thoroughness in visiting personally every school building in the city and in recom- mending improvements which were afterwards effected. Through his professional status as engi- neer counsel for the Hope Company, the Inter- lakcn Mill and the B. B. & R. Knight Com- pany, which owned nearly a dozen plants affected by the North Scituate reservoir project, he was able to further this project very effectively. As their representative in the arbitration conferences regarding compensation for the loss of power, he steered discussion amicably and so adroitly that no litigation was necessary to bring about a satisfactory agreement. Hc was a director of the United States Bobbin & Shuttle Company, the Firemen's Mercantile and the Narragansett Mu- tual Fire Insurance companies, the Rhode Island Investment Company, and the American Supply Company. He was also president and a direc- tor of the United Lace & Braid Manufacturing Company, and vice-president and a director of Res-Pro, Incorporated, as well as a trustee of the Hope High School Field Association.
During the World War Mr. Makepeace offered his services to his country as a "dollar a year man." He was a member of the sub-committee on parity of prices of the War Industries Board, and in association with J. E. Sirrins, of Greenville, South Carolina, fixed maximum prices on all cot- ton goods sold to the government by mills or brokers in any part of the country. His decisions, based on his wide experience and invariably rendered with clear judgment, honesty and fair- ness, were never questioned or disputed. He was
a life member of the American Society of Me- chanical Engineers and of the National Associa- tion of Cotton Manufacturers. His interest in social life and his fondness for the outdoors found expression in his membership in the Squan- tum Association and the Agawam Hunt Club. His religious affiliations were with the Congre- gational Church and for many years he was a deacon of the Central Congregational Church of Providence.
Charles R. Makepeace married (first) Kate A. Salisbury, who died in 1913, survived by three sons and a daughter: I. Colin Mac Rae, a well- known lawyer and formerly assistant attorney- general of Rhode Island. 2. C. Salisbury, asso- ciated in business with his father. 3. Roderick F. 4. Mrs. Malcolm D. Champlin, wife of Judge Champlin, of East Providence. Mr. Makepeace married (second), in 1919, Marion Mac Rae, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, who survives him with two children: 5. Marion. 6. Charles R., Jr.
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