USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. III > Part 51
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At his home in Providence, Charles R. Make- peace died, February 9, 1926. His death was the conclusion of an exceptionally successful and use- fil career. His many professional achievements represented important contributions of lasting value to the economic development of many sec- tions of this country. All of his work was dis- tinguished by his consistent adherence to the highest professional and civic ideals, and the eminent professional standing which he enjoyed was fully deserved. For all this he will long be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. To his family, to which he was attached with great devotion, his passing, of course, meant an irreparable loss, a loss which was also shared by his many friends, who had always found him a loyal, genial, and kindly companion. Rhode Island's capital, for many years to come, will cherish his memory as that of one of its most loyal, helpful, and public- spirited citizens.
JONATHAN ANDREWS-Descended from Colonial stock and inheriting the best traits of his forefathers, who carved the path of civilization into the wilderness that confronted the settlers of New England and tested the mettle of that hardy company, Jonathan Andrews, of Woonsocket, has worthily followed the traditions of industry and progress that were handed down to him. He holds a secure place in the esteem of his fellow-citizens,
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as has been amply illustrated by his selection for important public office, in which he has served with commendable activity in the interests of the people. He has shown himself to be devoted to the best interests of the community and has long been popular in political, fraternal and social circles.
He was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, February 19, 1876, and is a son of Jonathan and Harriet (Mason) Andrews, both born in Woon- socket and both deceased. His father was en- gaged as a woolen manufacturer. His direct an- cestor was Jonathan Andrews, who fought in the American Revolution as a member of Colonel Jackson's 16th Massachusetts Regiment. He was born in 1758 and died in 1829. His descendant and namesake received his education in the public schools of Woonsocket and at Bryant and Strat- ton's Business College in Providence. His first business engagement was with a cotton manufac- turing house, where he remained for two years. He then went to New York City, where he was employed in the wholesale meat packing business for fifteen years, when he returned to Woonsocket. Here he entered the political arena and in 1916 was elected to a seat in the State House of Rep- resentatives, where he served through that and the following year and a part of 1918, when he was elected sheriff of Providence County ; he has served in that office since February 19, 1918. He is a Republican in politics and in religion a Quaker, attending the meetinghouse of the Society of Friends. His favorite recreation is hunting. He is a member of the Society of Sons of the Amer- ican Revolution, Providence Chapter; Adytum Lodge, No. 640, Free and Accepted Masons, of Brooklyn, New York; Woonsocket Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Woonsocket Council, Royal and Select Masters ; Woonsocket Commandery, Knights Templar ; Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and Woonsocket Lodge, No. 850, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Jonathan Andrews married, in 1918, Cora Dar- ling, a native of Woonsocket.
GEORGE A. BERGSTROM-Conducting the largest independent grocery and meat market in East Greenwich, George A. Bergstrom has built up the business to this point within less than half a dozen years by a close attention to every detail of the work and an unflagging industry. Mr. Bergstrom's interest in all progressive movements
of the community has been notable, and indicates the highest type of citizenship, as does his military record during that period when our country needed all its manpower to overcome the common enemy, and sent millions of soldiers overseas for that purpose. He has also shown a spirit of comrade- ship by his affiliation with many popular organ- izations and has through that attitude made a great circle of friends. He is one of the ve .. important elements of the commercial and social body of the State, contributing through his enter- prise largely to the general prosperity.
He was born in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, March 7, 1894, a son of John A., a native of Sweden and engaged here as a farmer until his death, and Mary (Benjaminson) Bergstrom, also a native of Sweden and now deceased. He was educated in the public schools of his birthplace and then entered business as a clerk in the grocery and market of F. O. Bergstrom, in East Green- wich. Here he continued until 1924, when he became proprietor of the enterprise which became the firm of George A. Bergstrom and Company. On April 27, 1918, Mr. Bergstrom enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to 310th Infantry, 78th Division. He served overseas with the American Expeditionary Forces for one year, taking part in the St. Mihiel offensive, Septem- ber 12 to 16, 1918; and other actions in that sector, including the Meuse-Argonne, October 1I to 16, 1918, where he was wounded in action; he returned to the United States and was honorably discharged and mustered out, with the rank of private, first- class, May 29, 1919. He is a member of the East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, being treasurer of the retail division; and belongs to the Nautilus Club and to East Greenwich Post, No. 15, Amer- ican Legion. He is a Republican in politics, at- tends the Swedish Lutheran Church, and enjoys fishing and touring as recreations. Fraternally, he is affiliated with King Solomon Lodge, No. 15, Free and Accepted Masons; and with Narragan- sett Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and other bodies within the organization.
George A. Bergstrom married, in 1919, Alice Jensen, of Granville, Massachusetts, and they are the parents of four children : Barbara Ann, David Allan, George Alfred, Jr., and Dorothy Alice.
CHARLES FRANCIS GILSON-Owner and operator of the Centerdale Pharmacy, at North Centerdale, Rhode Island, Charles Francis Gilson is a man of thorough training and wide experience
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in this field. His present enterprise is one of the important business establishments of the commu- nity, and one of the best of its kind in this part of the State.
Mr. Gilson was born at Providence, Rhode Is- land, on May 2, 1892, son of Thomas and Annie (Maher) Gilson, both now deceased. The father, born in Portland, Oregon, was engaged as a ma- chinist until the time of his death. The mother was a native of Ireland.
Charles Francis Gilson was educated in the Providence public schools, and having determined early upon his career, he then entered the Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated in 1910. Upon the completion of his education, Mr. Gilson began active work in his profession in the employ of H. L. Swindle, of Providence, with whom he remained for three years. Then for one year he worked with the Colonial Drug Company in that city, after which he came to Centerdale as an associate of John A. McKenna, in his drug business here. Three years later, Mr. Gilson returned to Providence and took a position with the Blanding and Blanding Drug Company. Finally in 1915, three years later, he was able to purchase the drug business formerly owned by Charles A. Keller of Centerdale, and has continued this enterprise at North Centerdale under the name of the Centerdale Pharmacy. Mr. Gilson is sole proprietor of this business, which he oper- ates with every success, supplying a fine phar- maceutical service to the community.
In other phases of local life, Mr. Gilson has also been active. He has been a member of the School Board of the town of North Providence, while since 1924 he has been tax collector, and since March, 1929, town moderator. To these offices he has given the same energy and ability which brought him his own business success. Poli- tically, Mr. Gilson supports Republican principles and candidates, being chosen to his present pub- lic offices as the standard bearer of this party. Mr. Gilson and his wife attend St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church of this place. His hobby and chief diversion is golf. Fraternally, he is affiliated with Providence Lodge, No. 14, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, with the North Providence Aerie, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and with St. Lawrence Council of the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Gilson is also a mem- ber of the Rhode Island Town Criers; the Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Association, of which he is past president; the Centerdale Business Men's Association, the American Pharmaceutical Associa-
tion, the Lions Club, and the Highland Country Club.
In 1929, Charles Francis Gilson married Jose- phine B. Case, who was born at Fall River, Mas- sachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Gilson maintain their residence at North Centerdale.
HARRY SHARP-A resident of Centerdale, Rhode Island, for many years, Harry Sharp is known as one of the most enterprising men of business in this section of the State. He has founded and operated several important projects, and is now president and general manager of the Yacht Club Bottling Works, manufacturers of carbonated beverages. Mr. Sharp established this enterprise in 1915, and under his guidance it has grown to be one of the largest beverage manufac- turing businesses in the State.
Mr. Sharp was born in Bradford, England, on December 9, 1882, a son of Michael and Eliz- abeth (Boothman) Sharp, both born in England. The father was born at Baildon, and was engaged in the textile business until his death. The mother is still living.
Harry Sharp was educated in the public schools of his birthplace. As a boy he learned the car- penter's trade and was engaged in this occupa- tion during the years of young manhood, until he reached the age of twenty-five. At this time, in 1906, seeking fields of larger opportunity, he came to Rhode Island and settled at Centerdale. Here he was engaged as a carpenter for one year, and then entered into the fish and chip business for himself, being the first man to begin the develop- ment of this field in his section of the State. Mr. Sharp was so engaged until 1915, building up a successful trade. At the end of this period he returned for a visit to England, and while there took the opportunity to familiarize himself with details connected with the manufacture of car- bonated beverages. Coming back to Centerdale, Rhode Island, in the latter part of the year, Mr. Sharp established himself as a manufacturer of carbonated beverages, operating under his own name until 1918. Then he adopted the tradename which he has since made famous throughout the State, the Yacht Club Bottling Works. He has continued the manufacture of carbonated bever- ages under this name ever since. Mr. Sharp is president and general manager of his company, and his offices and factory are located at No. 2239 Mineral Spring Avenue, Centerdale. He has been
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highly successful in building up a large enter- prise and now enjoys a fine trade throughout the State. Modern in every respect, maintaining the highest standards of quality, his plant is not only one of the largest in the State, but is known as one of the cleanest and finest in all New Eng- land.
Mr. Sharp is a Republican in politics, and since 1925 has been town treasurer of the town of North Providence. For four years he was also a member of the town council, serving the interests of the people of this section faithfully and well. In addi- tion to his own business operations, Mr. Sharp is a director of the Greenville Trust Company. Golf and football are his hobbies, while with this fam- ily he' attends the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Sharp is affiliated, fraternally, with Roger Williams Lodge, No. 32, Free and Accepted Ma- sons; he is also a member of Scituate Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Providence Council, Royal and Select Masters ; Calvary Commandery, Knights Templar; and Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Sharp is a member of the Centerdale Business Men's As- sociation and the Rhode Island Bottlers of Car- bonated Beverages, the American Bottlers of Car- bonated Beverages, the British Club of Provi- dence, the Greystone Social Club, and the Palestine Shrine Club.
In 1903, Harry Sharp married Sarah Marshall, who was born in Bradford, England. They are the parents of three children: I. Arthur N. 2. Elsie M. 3. Marion E. The residence of the fam- ily is maintained at North Centerdale.
JOHN FRANCIS KIRBY-In addition to holding a prominent place in business and banking circles in Woonsocket, John Francis Kirby has made a wide circle of friends through his activ- ities in various fraternal organizations, of which he is an active and well-known member. John Francis Kirby was born November 29, 1890, at Woonsocket, and is the son of John H. Kirby, now retired, who was born at South Walpole, Massachusetts, and Bridget (Kirrane) Kirby, born in Woonsocket. John H. Kirby was for twenty- five years a member of the board of assessors of Woonsocket.
John F. Kirby first attended the parochial schools, then St. Charles' School, from which he graduated with the class of 1904, and later La Salle Academy, from which he graduated in 1908.
He then entered Holy Cross College, receiving his degree in 1912. He made his entrance into the business world in Boston, first with an investment house, and then as an accountant for the Man- ville Jencks Company. In 1915 he started in busi- ness for himself as an insurance agent, and two years later added real estate. In 1916 he became the first manager of the Morris Plan Bank in Woonsocket. This position he filled with success, until October 13, 1917, when, on account of the World War, he resigned to enter military serv- ice. He was with the 301st Engineering Corps at Camp Devens, and attended the Officers' Train- ing School, receiving a commission as second lieu- tenant. He was then transferred to Camp Lee with the 155th Brigade and was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant. On receiving his discharge, March 3, 1919, he returned to Woonsocket and again became associated with the Morris Plan Bank. He also continued his insurance business, in which he is still engaged with his brother, C. L. Kirby. He is a member of the board of managers of the Woonsocket office of the Rhode Island Trust Company, a director of the Morris Plan Bank of Rhode Island, appraiser for the United States Bond and Mortgage Company, and has served as president of the Woonsocket Chamber of Com- merce. Representing the Republican party, he served in the State Legislature from 1920 to 1922. At present (1931) he is one of the members of the Board of Education of Woonsocket.
Mr. Kirby takes a prominent part in the activ- ities of various fraternal and social organizations of the city. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and also serves as a member of the board of governors of the City Club. He is a Past Commander of the Andrew F. Young Post, No. 3, of the American Legion, and is an active mem- ber of the Holy Cross Alumni Association, at present (1931) serving on four of the alumni as- sociations. In religion, Mr. Kirby is a Roman Catholic, belonging to St. Charles' Parish.
John Francis Kirby married Melora Farley, of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, a daughter of Edward and Delvina (LaCroix) Farley. Their children are: John Edwards, Richard Farley, and Aileen Francis.
MICHAEL JOSEPH LYNCH-With the passing of Michael Joseph Lynch, for many years one of the foremost builders and manufacturers in New England, the community lost a valuable
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member, while to a multitude of friends his place can never be filled. Not only was he a productive and progressive agent but he was of such sterling character that he attained a fame for rectitude that was not exceeded by that of any other man of his generation. His life was an exem- plification of the highest type of citizen, busi- ness man and loyal friend. He came here with nothing and erected a business monument to his industry and intelligence that will be immemorial. He was a man with whom it was a joy to deal, for his geniality, optimism, kindliness and clean code of business ethics attracted all men and made friends wherever his feet carried him. He was sound in his religion and in his generosity to the church, and to many other worthy causes he was conspicuous for giving with a liberal hand and maintaining silence of what he did.
Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, June 28, 1880, he was a son of Maurice J. and Mary (Kennedy) Lynch, who both came to this country about the same time and were married here. Maurice J. Lynch was born in Anniscaul, County Kerry, Ire- land, in 1837, and came with his mother to the United States in 1845, settling in New York for a time, but later removing to Holyoke. Here he received a public school education, after which he applied himself to learning the trade of brick- layer. Upon completion of his apprenticeship, however, he at once entered into business on his own account instead of working as a journeyman and took contracts in masonry in Holyoke. Be- ginning in a small way, his business ability soon displayed itself and his business grew by leaps and bounds until he became one of the largest contractors in the city. Many of the largest buildings in Holyoke still stand as a mark of the honest and enduring work done by Maurice Lynch. He also manufactured bricks, establish- ing a plant in South Holyoke, and in 1880 another and larger one at South Hadley Falls, where he was actively engaged in the work until his death, January 18, 1902. He had served on the city council and the board of aldermen, was for nine years a water commissioner and was chairman of the board at the time it established the fine water system with which Holyoke is now supplied. He was a prominent member of the St. Jerome Temperance Society and active in the affairs of St. Jerome's Roman Catholic Church. Since his death his extensive business enterprises have been carried on by his sons under the name of the Lynch Brothers Brick Company. He and his wife were the parents of thirteen children, of whom Michael Joseph is the sixth.
Following an education in the public schools of Holyoke, Michael Joseph Lynch prepared for college and entered Brown University, in Prov- idence, in 1900. In the Holyoke High School he had acquired a high reputation as a baseball pitcher and when he came to Brown his services were in demand in order to bring the university into first place. He demurred, telling the stu- dents that he had come to the university to study and not play ball, but the sentiment of the situa- tion finally overcame his scruples and he joined the team. His studies did not suffer from this, however. He was a really wonderful pitcher and in a memorable game with Columbia University he struck out twenty-one men. His batting rec- ord also was enviable and he was offered flatter- ing proposals to enter professional baseball. All of these he declined and his strength of char- acter was shown when the New York team of the American League went so far in its efforts to get him that it sent him a contract to sign and name his own salary, an offer which he declined. While he was a student at Brown he pitched the university to the front in intercol- legiate baseball and his clean sportsmanship and fine character made him one of the most popular men at the institution. He was chosen by Dean Meikeljohn on the first committee for college celebrations and on another occasion was spe- cially appointed by President Faunce to take charge of a celebration. Another honor he re- ceived was membership in the Cammarian Club, a body of thirteen representative students from the junior class, chosen each spring, to act as a sort of senate during the senior year to mediate between faculty and the student body and have general charge of matters of college interest. In 1904 he was graduated from Brown and then entered the professional baseball field, becoming one of the greatest pitchers of all time. Casper Whitney, at that time editor of "Outing," in pick- ing an "All American" team, spoke of "Mike" Lynch, as he was affectionately known, as fol- lows: "Mike Lynch pitched well for Brown and well for the Pirates. He made the transition with distinguished success." Even during his professional baseball days he began the study of law at Boston University Law School, from which he was graduated in 1908, his diploma be- ing awarded magna cum laude as a distinguish- ing mark of his accomplishments as a student. He then left professional ball and two years later, when United States Attorney John S. Mur- dock retired from the firm of Tillinghast and Murdock, where Mr. Lynch had been trained in
Michael & Lynch.
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the practice of law, he became the junior partner in the firm of Tillinghast and Lynch. His ability as a practitioner was as great as it was when he was a student or a baseball player and in try- ing before Judge Hughes the famous war-time prohibition act he attained a fame that brought him into national prominence. By this act Rhode Island was enabled to manufacture beer for three months after the rest of the United States was committed to a drought. He became a national authority on Federal law, prohibition and the Eighteenth Amendment. He was a staunch Re- publican in politics and served as a delegate to the National Republican Convention in Chicago when William H. Taft was nominated for the Presidency. During the World War he was aide to Governor Beekman and in Providence was director in several business corporations. He was a member of the Psi Upsilon and Phi Delta Phi fraternities. He and his family were among the first parishioners of St. Sebastian's Roman Catholic Church. His death occurred at the age of forty-seven years, in Tarrytown, New York, where he had gone for a rest, April 2, 1927.
Michael Joseph Lynch married, in Providence, Rhode Island, June 3, 1908, Mary T. Slattery, daughter of Michael J. and Elizabeth Mary (Coughlin) Slattery. They were the parents of two children: Joseph, deceased at the age of five years; and Maurice.
Volumes might be written of the high char- acter and the splendid achievements of Mr. Lynch, the citizen, or of Attorney Lynch, the advocate, of the man as a home loving, tender husband and generous father. Probably more people sin- cerely mourned his passing than is the lot of the average man, but he was not an average man but stood head and shoulders above that standard. His like has been seldom born and a duplication is hardly to be expected.
DAVID D. JOHNSTON-Having been elected for the first time many years ago as town clerk of Lincoln, Providence County, Mr. John- ston proved himself such a faithful and able pub- lic official that his fellow-citizens have reelected him from then on with the greatest regularity. During the quarter of a century which he has served his community as its town clerk, he has gained for himself to a remarkable degree the liking and respect of everybody. This, however, is easily explained by the fact that Mr. Johnston's
personality is very likable. He is a member of several fraternal organizations and in many other ways, too, takes an active part in various phases of the community's life.
David D. Johnston, town clerk of Lincoln, was born in Scotland, April 15, 1876, a son of John and Marcella (Walker) Johnston. Both his par- ents were natives of Scotland, from which place the family came to this country when Mr. John- ston was only five years old. From then on he has always been a resident of Lincoln Township, where his father was for many years manager of the Lonsdale Bleaching & Dye Works.
Mr. Johnston was educated in the public schools of Lincoln and in private schools in Providence. After leaving school he started to work in the mills in Lonsdale, continuing with this type of work until November, 1904, when he was elected for the first time to his present office as town clerk of Lincoln. Since then he has been reelected at every election, and today he has to his credit a continuous service in one and the same public office covering a period of twenty-five years, Naturally, he is one of the most popular and most widely known public officials in his part of the county. He is a mem- ber of several Masonic bodies, including the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council, and Commandery. He is also a member of the local Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, and of the Spanish-American War Veterans. His religious affiliations are with the Baptist Church, while in politics he is inde- pendent.
Mr. Johnston married Nellie G. Corry, a native of New Hampshire, and a daughter of Kirk and Henrietta (Chase) Corry. Mr. and Mrs. John- ston are the parents of one daughter, Henrietta Johnston, who was educated in the public schools and, after having graduated from Pawtucket High School, attended Brown University, Prov- idence, and the Missionary Training School in Chicago, Illinois, where she is now engaged in missionary work. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston make their home at Lonsdale.
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