USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. IV > Part 10
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Ability, faithfulness, and unfailing tact and sym- pathy have endeared Father Sullivan to the people whom he has served so efficiently and have won for him the sincere respect of the community in which his field of labor is located.
ALBERT A. EDMONDS-Having entered the insurance business as an agent immediately after he had completed a very thorough educa- tion at several schools and colleges, Mr. Edmonds continued with this work until the entrance of the United States in the World War interrupted his career, like that of so many other young men. After two years of military service with an engi- neering regiment, he returned to civilian life, in 1920, and since then has been successfully estab- lished in the real estate and insurance business at Bristol. He is not only one of the leading realtors and underwriters of this city, but he is also promi- nently active in civic, fraternal and social affairs.
Albert A. Edmonds was born at Clifton, Pas- saic County, New Jersey, October 14, 1887, a son of Martin J. and Catherine J. (Marron) Edmonds. His father was a native of England, his mother
of New York City. The older Mr. Edmonds was a florist. The family removed to Bristol, in the public schools of which Mr. Edmonds received his early education. Later, he attended the Morse School, a well-known private school, as well as Burdett College, Boston Massachusetts, and Bryant & Stratton Commercial College, Providence. Hav- ing completed his education he became a division salesman for a large insurance company. Soon after the entrance of the United States in the World War, Mr. Edmonds joined Company A, 30Ist Engineers, with which he served as a non- commissioned officer for two years. In 1920 he returned to Bristol and there established himself in the real estate and insurance business, in which he has been successfully engaged since then, with offices at No. 41I Hope Street. He represents many of the leading insurance companies of the United States and Europe. One of the organizers of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, he has served as its secretary and treasurer and has done valuable work in building up this organization and in extending its usefulness and influence. He is also a member of the Rhode Island Insurance Agents Association, of which he has served as vice-president; the Fraternal Order of Eagles; and the Bristol Rotary Club, of which he is a charter member. In 1924 he was elected commander of Kern Post, Loyal Legion, and in 1925 vice-depart- ment commander.
Albert A. Edmonds married, February 7, 1917, Anna Callan, who died July 7, 1923. He has no children.
MICHAEL A. McCORMICK-Engaged in the building and contracting business in Newport for almost half a century, Mr. McCormick is generally regarded as one of the most able and most successful contractors and builders in his native city. Many of the finest public and private buildings stand today as a monument to his reli- ability and capability. He may well be proud of the fine reputation for probity which he enjoys and which has been his share throughout his entire career. He takes an active interest in civic affairs, belongs to several fraternal and other organiza- tions and is a generous supporter of the activities of his church. In every respect, indeed, he rep- resents the finest type of useful, vigorous and pub- lic-spirited citizen.
Michael A. McCormick was born at Newport, January 22, 1858, a son of the late John and Eunice (Gillen) McCormick. His father, who was
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successfully engaged as a mason contractor until his death, was a native of County Sligo, Ireland, while his mother was born in Killarney, Ireland. Mr. McCormick himself received his education in the public schools of Newport. After leaving school he learned the trade of carpenter and fol- lowed it until 1884. In that year he established himself in business as a contractor and builder under the firm name of M. A. McCormick, and today Mr. McCormick is still successfully engaged in the same business, although the style of the firm was changed in 1929. In that year Mr. Mc- Cormick took his son, J. Harold McCormick, into partnership and since then the name of the firm has been M. A. McCormick & Son. His offices are located at No. 137 Bellevue Avenue. Mr. McCor- mick's firm today is the oldest of its type in New- port, and ranks very high amongst the local con- tractors and builders. The latter fact is well illu- strated by the following partial list of the resi- dences and other buildings erected by Mr. Mc- Cormick: J. Mitchell Clark's residence, "Gray Craig," Newport ; Rogers High School, Newport ; State Armory, Newport; Hazard Memorial School; St. Mary's Rectory; De LaSalle Academy; E. Rollins Morse's residence, "Villa Rosa"; the resi- dence of the Hon. Lispenard Stewart, "White Lodge"; the residence of August Belmont; the Newport Historical Society Building ; Strand Thea- tre; and many others. Mr. McCormick is a mem- ber of Newport Lodge, No. 104, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and of the Newport Historical Society. In politics he is an Independent. At one time he served for six years as a member of the Newport Representative Council. His reli- gious affiliations are with St. Mary's Roman Cath- olic Church of Newport. His favorite form of recreation is motoring.
Mr. McCormick married, in 1896, Nellie M. Maher, like himself a native of Newport. Mr. and Mrs. McCormick are the parents of five chil- dren : Lillian E., J. Harold, Margaret E., Eunice and Aileen, the last two being twins.
ALFRED CLARKE BROWNING -- Thor- ough efficiency in farming operations has marked the activities of Alfred Clarke Browning, of Shan- nock, since 1924 the manager of the Horse Shoe Falls Farm owned by George Perry Clark. Aside from his professional occupation he is an ardent advocate of all measures of a public character that
are promoted for the community welfare, takes a great interest in military and fraternal organiza- tions and holds the respect of all who have the benefit of his acquaintance. In agricultural cir- cles he is regarded as one of the leaders of his craft in Rhode Island.
He was born in South Kingstown, Rhode Is- land, March 16, 1896, a son of Christopher and Susan (Whaley) Browning, both of that town, his father being a successful farmer. Educated in the public schools of his native town, he finished high school and for the following three years assisted his father with the work on the family acres. He then was engaged as manager of the T. de Coppett Farm at Hillsdale, Rhode Island, and remained in that position for six years, leaving that to take his present post at Shannock. He is a Republican in politics, and in 1929 was elected to membership on the Richmond town committee. In Novem- ber, 1917, he enlisted as a second class seaman in the United States Navy, served until April, 1919, and was honorably mustered out with the rank of quartermaster, first class. He attends the Baptist Church. Mr. Browning is a member of South County Post, No. 34, American Legion, of which he is adjutant; a member of the Charleston and Richmond Fire Company; troop committeeman of Shannock Troop, No. 2, Boy Scouts of America, and assistant district deputy commissioner of Nar- ragansett of that order. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons, with member- ship in Charity Lodge, No. 23, of which he is Past Master, and Franklin Chapter, No. 7, Royal Arch Masons. His favorite recreation is hunting.
Alfred Clarke Browning married, in 1919, Mary K. Curtis, of South Kingstown, and they are the parents of : Sarah Lynthea, Carolyn, and Barbara Curtis.
PHILO V. CADY-Enjoying the distinction of having served continuously for almost four decades as sheriff of Bristol County, Mr. Cady is one of the most widely known public officials in this part of Rhode Island. His long continuous service in this office stands as proof of his popular- ity, his efficiency and his integrity. In these re- spects he is a worthy representative of his fam- ily, settled in New England since Colonial days.
Philo V. Cady was born in Barrington, Rhode Island, May 23, 1856, a son of the late James J. and Experience (Smith) Cady. His father, who was born at Alstead, New Hampshire, May 30,
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1824, and who died September 21, 1897, was for many years successfully engaged as a ship-builder, continuing in this type of work until his death. Mr. Cady's mother was born at Bridgewater, Mas- sachusetts, January 1, 1828, and died March 3, 1886. Mr. Cady is a direct descendant of Nicholas Cady, who settled in Watertown, Massachusetts, and later at Groton, Massachusetts, about 1645. Mr. Cady received his education in the public schools of Barrington and Warren and, having completed his education, spent one year in his father's ship- yards. Next he learned the trade of cigar maker. At this time gold was discovered in the Black Hills, and Mr. Cady went there and spent the years of 1877-79 in Dakota, Wyoming and Colo- rado. Returning to Warren in 1880, he soon after- wards removed to Chelsea, Massachusetts, and there acted as foreman of the George H. Slade Company, until 1881. In that year he came to Bris- tol and established himself in the manufacture of cigars, continuing in this business with marked success for fifteen years until 1896. In that year he retired from business and since then he has devoted all his time to public affairs. In 1891 he was elected sheriff of Bristol County and ever since then he has been regularly reelected to this office. He has made for himself a most enviable record as a conscientious and capable public official. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party, in the work of which he formerly took a very active part, having served for several years as a member of the executive committee of the State Central Committee. He is one of the old- est members of Burnside Lodge, Knights of Pythias. His religious affiliations are with the Swedenborgian Church.
Sheriff Cady married (first), in 1875, Elizabeth McCormick, who was born at Bell Turbett, Ire- land, and who died April 18, 1889. He was mar- ried (second) to Florence May Maxwell, a native of Warren. He is the father of seven children, four by his first marriage and three by his second: Annie Newell Matheson, Grace Mapleton Dunbar, Harrison Victor, Lizzie B. Fisk, George Maxwell; Excie Smith, who died in infancy; and Mary Excie Wilson.
REV. WILLIAM J. FREHILL-Eighteen years of able and successful service as pastor of St. John's Church of Slatersville, Rhode Island, have been fruitful ones for pastor and people.
From April, 1912, to the present time (1931) Father Frehill has labored for the good of this parish-and he has not labored in vain.
St. John's parish was, in 1858, a part of the parish of Harrisville. Slatersville was then a small town belonging to the old Slater family. Originally, the Catholic families living in Slaters- ville were mostly Irish and English, but after 1865 French-Canadians gradually replaced the earlier families. By 1868 Mass was said regularly on Sunday in a large hall, and in 1873 Father Ber- kins was appointed the first resident pastor. Mean- time, land had come into the possession of the Catholics. The Slater family made a gift of a parcel of land to Sarah Devlin, an old servant who had been in their employ for many years. She deeded the land to Father Bric, who was pastor at Harrisville at the time, and preparations were soon made for the erection of a church in Slaters- ville. The land was transferred to the new parish September 14, 1871, the corner-stone of the church was laid December 26, 1871, and the church was completed and dedicated May 24, 1872. In 1873 Father Berkins took up his residence there and remained until the following year, when he was succeeded by Rev. Edward Carrigan. At the time of the establishment of the church in Slatersville, Father Bric, of the Harrisville Church had loaned the new Slatersville parish the sum of four hun- dred and eighty dollars to aid them in securing a church edifice of their own, and during the first two pastorates the debt necessarily grew, but the French-Canadian parishioners with characteristic zeal and self-denial gave generously and made a splendid start in the task of debt-reducing. Father Carrigan remained in charge until 1882, when the third pastor Rev. James Clark, took charge. Dur- ing all this time, the parish of St. John the Evan- gelist, at Slatersville, included various other vil- lages, such as what later became the Nasonville and ministered to these other districts, helping them, when the time came, to form new parishes. On January 8, 1888, Father Clarke left Slatersville to take up the task of organizing St. James' parish at New Bedford, and was succeeded by Rev. P. A. Mclaughlin as pastor of St. John's at Slatersville. Father Mclaughlin served the parish of St. John for nearly a quarter of a century, giving of the strength and ability with which he was gifted most generously and continuing his service until the time of his death, which occurred in March, 1912. The present pastor, Rev. William J. Frehill, then took charge.
Rev. William J. Frehice
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Rev. William J. Frehill was born in Maritime Provinces and received his early education in the schools of his birthplace and in Canada. Father Frehill entered the Grand Seminary, at Montreal, Canada, for his theological and philosophical stud- ies, and was ordained December 23, 1899. His first assignment, a temporary one, was as assist- ant in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Taunton, Massachusetts, but after a short term of service there he was transferred to St. Patrick's Church at Harrisville. There he won the respect and affection of both pastor and people, his excel- lent knowledge of French aiding him greatly in his work among the French-Canadians of that parish. He served in Harrisville until April, 1912, when he was made a pastor and placed in charge of the St. John the Evangelist Church, at Slatersville. A few days after receiving his appointment the regretful parish which he was leaving presented him, with their fervid approval of the pastor, a handsome testimonial in recognition of his twelve years of faithful and fruitful service among them.
Since coming to his present charge, Father Fre- hill has devoted his time to the task of forwarding the material and spiritual interests of the parish. He has redecorated the church, put in new Sta- tions of the Cross and a new altar, all gifts of the parishioners, and St. John's Church is now one of the many handsome small churches of the diocese. The altar is beautifully carved and on the lower panel is an exquisitely engraved reproduc- tion of Da Vinci's "Last Supper." Three beautiful. golden candlesticks in the center provide for special occasions, and the entire altar is most richly deco- rated. The main altar is flanked by two handsome side altars, and a lifesize statue of the Sacred Heart graces the altar on the right, while similar statutes of Joseph and Mary stand on the left. The altar rail, in imitation of marble, extends entirely across the sanctuary and there is a choir loft providing seating for about seventy-five sing- ers. At present the parish numbers some 1,000 souls. Until August, 1923, St. John's ministered to three missions, Nasonville, Mohegan, and Tar- kiln, but in 1923 Mohegan was organized as a separate parish with Father Desorchers as the first pastor.
Throughout the community, as well as among his own people, Father Frehill is known and re- spected. A man of refined taste and artistic ap- preciation, he brings to his work the "under- standing heart" which enables him to so ably serve his people.
CHARLES G. NYSTROM-Manager of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company of Bristol, Rhode Island, Charles G. Nystrom is an executive and engineer of wide experience both in this coun- try and Europe. He was born at Helsingfors, Finland, on April 18, 1882, a son of Carl Gustaf Nystrom, born in Helsingfors in 1856, died in 1918, and of Augusta Maria Lovisa (Melan) Nystrom, who was born in Helsingfors in 1858, and was still living in 1930. The father was an architect and professor of architecture in the Institute of Technology at Helsingfors, serving as president of that institution from 1904 to 1912.
Charles Gustaf Nystrom early determined to fol- low in his father's footsteps and took up the study of architecture at Helsingfors Institute of Tech- nology from which he was graduated in 1906. Thereafter he continued his studies in Germany, Sweden, and Denmark, and then returned to his native city to become associated with his father who carried on professional work under the name of C. G. Nystrom. As a structural architect, Mr. Nystrom built with his father many banks, hos- pitals, libraries, schools, and other public buildings, continuing this association for a period of twelve years. During a part of the World War, from 1916 to 1918, Mr. Nystrom represented a Finnish concern in Russia, and in May, 1919, came to the United States. From 1919 until 1921 he worked in archi- tects' offices, and in the latter year joined the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company organization as a draftsman. He has since continued his connec- tion with this company, quickly winning his way to positions of confidence and trust. From 1923 to 1925 he worked with Mr. N. G. Herreshoff on various private enterprises. In the fall of 1925 he was appointed superintendent of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, and in the fall of 1928 became its manager. At present he is engaged in the design of sailing and power pleasure yachts for the company, and is in complete supervisory charge of their building. Under his direction at present two prospective defenders of the Amer- ica's Cup are approaching completion. Mr. Nys- trom's talents have won wide recognition and have contributed much to the success of his company. He is a Republican in politics, a Lutheran in reli- gious affiliation, and his favorite recreation is boat- ing.
In 1924, Charles Gustaf Nystrom married Essey Margaret Oberg, who was born in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1898. They are the parents of two children: I. Louise Margaret, born in 1925. 2. Anne Marie, born in 1927.
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JOHN J. FITZGERALD-Prominent through- out New England as a trial lawyer, whose elo- quence swayed juries into acceptance of his point of view, John J. Fitzgerald, one time mayor of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was nationally famous as a "fighting" Democrat. His brilliant oratory and magnetic personality were weapons that he used well in opposing undesirable regulars of his party. No Rhode Island delegation to a Demo- cratic National Convention for twenty years or more was complete without John J. Fitzgerald. His stand on any question-local, national or inter- national-was a force to be reckoned with. He was a leader, whose defeat was always nearly victory, whose victory was overwhelming.
John J. Fitzgerald was born in Pawtucket on May 27, 1871, son of James F. and Mary (Glancy) Fitzgerald. Partly by his own efforts he secured a well-rounded education, beginning in the public schools of Pawtucket, continuing at Brown Uni- versity, from which he was graduated in 1893, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and com- pleting his work at Georgetown University, in Washington, District of Columbia, which bestowed upon him, in 1895, the degree of Bachelor of Laws, a year later, that of Master of Laws, and, in 1922, the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. While he was still a student, Mr. Fitzgerald began his self-supporting career by serving as clerk in the United States Treasury Department. His professional training completed, he returned to Pawtucket to start his active practice of the law. Immediately he proved himself to be a re- markably able advocate before a jury, and in that capacity he soon gained a reputation that he re- tained throughout his professional career. He was also rated a good chancery lawyer. Throughout most of his mature years, until the time of his death, he was law partner to ex-Governor James H. Higgins, of Providence and Pawtucket. One of his much discussed cases was the defense, in 1915, of Mrs. Elizabeth Mohr, indicted as accessory in the death of her husband, the outcome being acquittal for his client. Another defense in which Mr. Fitzgerald proved eloquent was that of Cap- tain George W. McVay in his trial before the Federal steamboat inspectors in a case growing out of the boiler explosion of the steamer "Mac- kinac" in August, 1925. His clientele was large and lucrative, and his conduct of a case much sought after.
In politics he won even greater renown. Simul- taneous with the beginning of his legal practice in Pawtucket was his share in politics. He estab-
lished himself at once as the foe of the "regulars" in the Democratic party. His candidate was elected mayor. In 1899 Mr. Fitzgerald was elected Rep- resentative from Pawtucket in the General As- sembly for a term, and on January 1, 1900, mayor of Pawtucket. He made his tenure of office notable because he supported the strikers in the street car strike which was a matter of national discussion. Organized labor always supported him. Thus intro- duced to the cognizance of the State as a whole, he became in 1902, an active candidate for the Democratic nomination for Governor. As he was not the candidate of the regular Democratic organ- ization, however, he was defeated in the prelimi- nary meeting by a vote of one hundred against the one hundred and eight which went to the successful candidate. In 1903 and 1905, Mr. Fitz- gerald again represented Pawtucket in the Rhode Island Assembly. For the next twenty years he was the most dangerous insurgent among the Rhode Island Democrats. His eloquence and his knowledge of politics made him almost invincible. He could literally bring men and women hearers to their feet with his oratory, beginning his speeches with some humorous sally, following this up with terse, fiery, verbal excursions which never failed to rouse his auditors to lofty enthusiasm. In 1900, he was a delegate to the National Con- vention which nominated William Jennings Bryan, and in 1912 took a fiery part in that which nomi- nated Woodrow Wilson. He fought to have the Democrats in San Francisco's convention adopt a resolution on the subject of Irish freedom, a plank in outspoken favor of the revolutionists. Indeed, he fought readily and happily, without fear, and consistently with his convictions. His mastery of the Democratic State Convention, in 1922, was spectacular, for he swung it from the virtually pre-ordained candidate to his own, William S. Flynn, electrifying his audience and sweeping them into the procession which voted for Flynn. While he was still in his brilliant prime, death came to him on May 28, 1926, at his Pawtucket home.
John J. Fitzgerald married, on June 10, 1902, Clara R. Osfield, of Pawtucket, who survives him, She was a daughter of Joseph J. Osfield, an attor- ney-at-law, who died on November 10, 1906. Seven children were born to this union: I. Margaret M., who was graduated from Trinity College and Bos- ton Law School, and who, on September 22, 1930, became the wife of John P. Cooney, Jr., of Provi- dence. 2. Catherine E., formerly a teacher, became the wife of James H. Hagar, Jr. 3. Clara R., who was graduated from Brown University (Pem-
L. g. Ward
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broke College for Girls) in 1928. 4. Elizabeth, who was graduated from Trinity College in 1930. 5. Agnes M., a student (1930) at Pembroke Col- lege for Girls, of Brown University. 6. John J., Jr., a student at the Notre Dame University. 7. Mary O., who was graduated from Pawtucket High School in 1930.
ROWLAND B. PALMER-A native and, with the exception of about five years spent in Providence, a lifelong resident of Washington County, Mr. Palmer has given practically his entire career to educational work. The greater part of this time he has been identified with the schools of the town of Exeter, of which he has been superintendent for the last decade. At the same time Mr. Palmer has been prominently and suc- cessfully active in agricultural affairs, both as the owner and operator of a farm of his own and in connection with several agricultural organizations. Civic affairs, too, have received a considerable share of his time and attention, and this is also true in respect to religious work. Thus, through a variety of interests, he has made many impor- tant contributions to civic progress and has set a fine example of useful, vigorous, and public- spirited citizenship.
Rowland B. Palmer was born at Richmond, Washington County, February 16, 1870, a son of George G. and Lucy (Briggs) Palmer. He re- ceived his early education in the public schools of Richmond and then attended the Greenwich Academy. At the age of eighteen years he began to teach in the Richmond schools, later transferring his activities to the Exeter schools. With the exception of five years, spent in Providence, in the employ of the United Electric Railway Com- pany, Mr. Palmer has given all of his time to educational work in his native State and county. When he returned to Exeter from Providence, after his short excursion into the field of business, Mr. Palmer resumed teaching in the Exeter schools, continuing with this work for six years. At the end of this period, in 1921, he became superin- tendent of public schools for the town of Exeter, which position he has since continued to fill with much ability. His long practical experience in the schoolroom, combined with his attractive person- ality and his keen understanding and sympathy with the aspirations and problems of youth, have made him an exceptionally successful educator and administrator. At the same time Mr. Palmer has
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