USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. IV > Part 11
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also operated for many years his farm in Exeter. His interest in agricultural affairs finds expres- sion in his membership in the Washington County Agricultural Society, of which he has been treas- urer since 1926, and in the Slocum Grange, Pa- trons of Husbandry. For sixteen years and until he resigned, he served as treasurer of the town of Exeter. Another public office, which he has filled, since 1923, with credit to himself and to the benefit of the town, is that of road commissioner. Prior to this he had served in the same capacity for eight years, the town of Richmond. His reli- gious affiliation is with the Liberty Baptist Church, of which he has been a member for forty-two years, having served for a number of years as deacon. In politics he is a supporter of the Re- publican party.
Mr. Palmer married (first) Emma Sweet, a daughter of John T. G. Sweet. By this marriage he is the father of two children: I. Earl S., a resident of Dorchester, Massachusetts; married Jennie Hall, and is the father of two sons: Earl S., Jr., and Elmer. 2. Rowland Leslie, a veteran of the World War, and a resident of Dorchester, Massachusetts; married Marion Fulford. Mr. Palmer married (second) Lena F. Tallman, of Slocum, Rhode Island.
REV. LOUIS J. WARD-Since 1925 Rev. Louis J. Ward has been serving as pastor of St. Anthony's Church of Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
St. Anthony's parish was for many years a mis- sion of St. Mary's Church of Newport. The first land owned by Catholics in Rhode Island and the first building in the State called a Catholic church were the lot and school in Newport purchased by Rev. Robert Woodley, March 7, 1828. As early as 1798 Newport was visited by priests, and in 1802 Father Matignon was there. Bishop Carroll stopped there in 1803, on his way from the dedica- tion of Holy Cross Church in Boston-the first Catholic church in New England-and in Novem- ber, 1811, Father Matignon was for a time in Portsmouth and probably also in Newport. In January, 1827, Father Patrick Byrne went down from Boston to visit the Catholics at Fort Adams and gave the Sacraments to one hundred and fifty laborers on the fortifications. In 1828 Newport came within Father Woodley's district and he be- gan monthly visitations to the town. By 1834 a church was in process of building, and Father Corry, who was the pastor, ministered from New-
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port to Taunton, living, usually, in Taunton. On August 20, 1837, St. Joseph's Church at Newport was dedicated by Bishop Fenwick. From 1842 to 1844, however, Newport seems to have been with- out the services of a priest, except, occasionally, in the summer. In July, 1844, Father Fitton, who had been assigned to duty in Woonsocket, Pawtucket, and Newport, began his baptismal register in New- port. In November, 1846, Newport was made a parish with Father Fitton as pastor. There were then in the parish one hundred and eleven heads of families and a congregation of three hundred and seventy-five. In 1847 Father Fitton esti- mated his flock at five hundred and in 1848 at five hundred and sixty. A little more than a month after coming to Newport, Father Fitton, on Feb- ruary 2, 1847, purchased land on Spring Street for $4,000, the entire sum of which was, during the year, contributed by Mrs. Harper of Baltimore, who contributed nearly $3,000 besides. Newport, once famous as a seaport, was ruined, commer- cially, by the railroad, but was now beginning to recover its prosperity by becoming a "watering- place." The corner-stone of a handsome new church, designed by Keely, was laid June 14, 1848, and on July 25, 1852, it was dedicated by Bishop O'Reilly. Meantime, a school had been opened, January 10, 1846. Father Fitton was transferred to Boston in August, 1855, and Very Rev. William O'Reilly, a brother of the bishop, succeeded him. Father O'Reilly finished the church. During his pastorate the splendid, but too expensive, granite school building was erected at a cost of $80,000 and weighed down the parish with debt. Father O'Reilly died in 1868, and was succeeded by Father O'Connor, who remained but a few months, when the Rev. Philip Grace took charge, beginning his long pastorate of twenty-nine years, continuing his ministry until 1898. He cleared the church of debt and it was consecrated August 15, 1884, the first in the diocese to be consecrated.
For many years Newport had taken care of a small mission at Portsmouth, or, as it was long called, the Coal Mines. From the beginning of the century such priests as Father Matignon, Bishop Cheverus, Father Patrick Byrne, had visited the Coal Mines. Priests attached to Fall River had also visited there, and in later years its care had fallen to the priests at Newport. When the coal mines were worked, as they had been intermit- tently during the century, there were at times some hundreds of Catholics in the district. When the mines were shut down only the few Catholics who lived in the district, farmers or farm-hands,
formed the congregation. In 1882 a chapel was built at the Coal Mines, Portsmouth, and at that time Mass was said there once a month. Later, it was made a part of St. Joseph's Parish, in New- port and the people were expected to go there to church. Mass was rarely, or ever, said there on Sundays for a considerable term of years, but by 1899 the coal mines were opened up again, the place began to teem with life, and the mission began to prosper. In 1908 Portsmouth was made a separate parish under the patronage of St. Anthony, with Rev. Christopher Rooney as the first pastor. He remained until May, 1919. During that year failing health made it necessary that he give up his work for a time. He went to Ireland, but ten days after his arrival in his native land, died in 1919. He was succeeded by Father O'Rourke, who accomplished a splendid work for the parish, re- maining until 1925, when he was transferred to St. Christopher's Church at Tiverton, and the present pastor, Rev. Louis James Ward, took charge of St. Anthony's at Portsmouth.
Rev. Louis James Ward was born in Ireland and received his early education in the National schools there. When he was fourteen years of age he entered Black Rock College in Dublin, from which he was graduated and from which he received the first and second degrees in the arts, Bachelor's and Master's. He had already dedicated his life to the service of the church and for his theological and philosophical training he went to Paris, France. where, after five years of study, he was ordained a priest in September, 1902. A year later, in Octo- ber, 1903, he went to Africa and located in Nigeria where for a period of eighteen years he was iden- tified with the schools. The locality is under British rule and the population of more than 100,000 people sends 1,400 students to the schools at Calabar, to study medicine, law, pedagogy, and other professions. There are more than 8,000 peo- ple associated with the Catholic churches of the district, and Father Ward was charged with the supervision of more than two hundred schools. The magnitude of this task may be indicated by the fact that in one building alone there were then six hundred boys and nine hundred girls. Father Ward was aided by three assistants in this gigantic supervisory work, and as the language in use was Efik and Portuguese, also some French, Father Ward and his assistants found it necessary to have a fluent command of those two languages, also they found it necessary to gain command of sev- eral dialects. The years spent in Africa were a most interesting and instructive experience to the
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young priest. Conditions were very different from those obtained in this country, both in outward environment and in local church organization. The people subsist largely on game, which is found there in great abundance. Pigeons, partridge, and many kinds of game unknown in the United States came fearlessly into sight where they were easily brought down with a rifle, and even the large game from the jungle sometimes came into view. Father Ward tells of having seen as many as one hundred elephants at one time, and he had more rare, though not infrequent, glimpses of the kingly lion stalking from his lair in the vast forests. In the experiences of those years Father Ward's asso- ciates find a store-house of interest and charm, when he can be induced to entertain with per- sonal reminiscences.
In 1925 Father Ward was assigned to St. Anthony's parish of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and here he has been giving able and successful service for the past five years. The parish is a large one in extent of territory, extending over many miles, and having a membership of about 1,800 souls. One assistant aids Father Ward in his work and the parish is a center for special instruc- tion, which, in religious matters, is given to chil- dren twice a week and to adults of the parish as often. There is a well-organized Holy Name So- ciety, Children of Mary Society, Holy Rosary, St. Agnes, for the girls; St. Joseph's for the men, and all are vigorous and growing. The church seats about five hundred people. During the five years of his pastorate Father Ward has won the entire confidence of his people and the deep respect of those of the community not of his faith. He has won the affection of his parishioners, as well as their respect, and under his able leadership the parish is growing stronger both spiritually and materially.
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COURTLAND PENDLETON CHAPMAN
--- In medieval England the name Chapman meant a trader of any sort and the name Thomas le Chapman is recorded in the Hundred Rolls in 1273. The famous Cheapside of London is derived from the name and the word chap, now a slang term, originally meant a customer. The American Chap- mans do not all descend from the same origin here, but from several unrelated colonists who settled in different parts of the new country. The Rhode Island branches are the progeny of three founders, Hope, Ralph, and John Chapman, the last-named being the direct ancestor of Courtland
Pendleton Chapman, who was of the fifth genera- tion.
(I) John Chapman was the son of John and Joanna (Sumner) Chapman, who lived about fifty miles from London, England, and it is generally believed that he was the victim of a press gang of the British Navy, which put him aboard a ship bound for America and which landed at Boston when that city was the metropolis of the Massa- chusetts Bay Colony. He deserted and made his way to Rhode Island, where he found refuge in the home of Samuel Allen, in Wakefield. A weaver by trade, he later went to Stonington, Connecticut, where he worked at his trade until his death, in 1760. He married, February 16, 17 10, Sarah Brown. (II) Sumner Chapman, son of John and Sarah (Brown) Chapman, was born in 1723, and lived in Westerly during the greater part of his life. He married, February 23, 1756, Elizabeth Herrick.
(III) Israel Chapman, son of Sumner and Eliz- abeth (Herrick) Chapman, was born at Burden's Pond, now Chapman's Pond, in Westerly, June 27, 1770. When he was twenty-one years of age he went to Newport and worked there for four years. He then leased and cultivated farms in Connect- icut and at Watch Hill, Rhode Island, and in 1812 purchased the residence and property where he lived until 1840, when he moved to the farm that was later owned by his son, Harris P. Chap- man. He became the largest property owner in Westerly and was one of the leading citizens of the day. He served in numerous public offices and was a Democrat of the Jeffersonian school. He married twice: (first) Mary Kenyon, who was born February 5, 1781. Their marriage took place October 20, 1796, and she died November 4, 1810. He married (second), March 7, 1811, Nancy Ken- yon, sister of his first wife, who was born Feb- ruary 25, 1787.
(IV) John Chapman, son of Israel and Mary (Kenyon) Chapman, was born in Westerly, Sep- tember 30, 1801, and until 1833 was his father's assistant in the management of the farm and property in Westerly, in that year receiving. with his brother, Amos Palmer Chapman, the deed of the property. His brother was prominent in public and military affairs and on July 27, 1831, was commissioned captain by Governor Lemuel H. Arnold. He died in his seventy-sixth year, un- married. John Chapman married (first) in 1833, Sarah Fenton, of Hartford, Connecticut. He mar- ried (second) Rhoda Ann Sisson, daughter of Thomas Sisson, of Westerly, a family that has been prominently identified with the activities of
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the Commonwealth of Rhode Island for nearly three centuries. He married (third) Louisa Chap- man, daughter of John, and granddaughter of Joseph Chapman. John and Rhoda Ann (Sisson) Chapman were the parents of two sons: Israel, and Courtland Pendleton. Israel was prominent in public affairs in Westerly and successful in busi- ness. He married, December 2, 1864, Harriet E. Stillman, and they were the parents of one son, Wayland E., born October 8, 1865.
(V) Courtland Pendleton Chapman, son of John and Rhoda Ann (Sisson) Chapman, was born in Westerly, November 15, 1841, on the farm that he later inherited from his father and uncle. That period between the close of his early educational career and the end of the Civil War he spent on his father's farm. After the conclusion of peace between the North and South the rush to the gold fields of the West was renewed and, in 1866, fired with the enthusiasm that sent thousands of argo- nauts into the wilds beyond the Mississippi, he joined the pioneers and made the difficult jour- ney to Nevada, where he worked for three years as a miner. The West did not appeal to him, how- ever, and he returned to his Rhode Island home, where he later inherited the property herein re- ferred to, and until his death, in 1920, was one of the leading agriculturists of Washington County. He was one of the leading spirits in the organ- ization of the Westerly Grange and was its first master. In 1888 he was elected to membership in the town council and served with distinction, but declined a second term.
Courtland Pendleton Chapman married, Novem- ber 19, 1868, Martha A. Chapman, daughter of Sumner and Sarah (Brightman) Chapman, and granddaughter of Israel and Mary (Kenyon) Chapman. Their children are: I. Carrie L., born April 27, 1871; married Frank D. Holbrook, civil engineer, in government service; and they are the parents of two children: Martha Chapman, born June 22, 1902; and Frank D., born October 19, 1907. 2. John Hobart. 3. Courtland Palmer, born October 28, 1877; married Isabella Calder, and they are the parents of three children: Courtland Robert, born April 18, 1903; Elizabeth; and Isa- bella C.
In his eightieth year at the time of his death, Mr. Chapman was to the people of Rhode Island typical of the oldtime New England gentleman farmer. Representative of the pioneers who carved a pathway into the virgin wilderness and erected a great industrial machine that has sent its prod- ucts over all the world, he was keenly alive to
the interests of the farmers, whose work he knew to be of first importance to all other progress and was active in all movements that were inaugurated. to help them onward without discouragement. He was a vital and valuable citizen and one of our finest examples of public spirit and enterprise, ad- mired and respected by an army of acquaintances and loyal friends.
CECIL CLIFTON GETCHELL-An engi- neer of more than ten years' experience in respon- sible positions, Cecil Clifton Getchell is now man- ager of the Community Water Service Company at Bristol, Rhode Island. He was born at Augusta, Maine, on October 1, 1897, a son of Williams Bas- sett and Harriet Elizabeth (Whittam) Getchell. The father, a civil engineer, was born at Winslow, Maine, while the mother is a native of Searsport, in that State.
Cecil Clifton Getchell was educated in the public schools of Augusta, Kents Hill Seminary, and Bowdoin College. Thereafter he studied for two years at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and at the completion of his educational training, became associated with the Central Maine Power Company. Mr. Getchell remained in this connec- tion for about eighteen months, and then joined the Stone and Webster Company, of Boston, Mas- sachusetts, with whom he continued for a period of eight years. At the end of this time, in August, 1928, he came to Bristol, Rhode Island, as man- ager of the Community Water Service Company, occupying this position ever since. In the per- formance of his duties Mr. Getchell has proved himself an efficient executive, thoroughly com- petent to cope with the problems he is called upon to face.
During the period of the World War, in April, 1918, Mr. Getchell enlisted in the United States Army Infantry, was assigned to Camp Dix, New Jersey, and later went to the Officers' Training School at Camp Lee, Virginia. He received his discharge on November 13, 1918, and returned to his work in civil life. Mr. Getchell is a member of the American Legion, the Bristol Rotary Club, at Bristol, and the Rhode Island Country Club. He is also affiliated with the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, and holds membership in the Engi- neering Societies of Boston, the New England Water Works Association, and the American Water Works Association. In politics he is a Republican voter. With his wife he attends the
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Episcopal Church. He is fond of outdoor sports, particularly golf, and while at Bowdoin was promi- nent in athletics, winning his 'Varsity letter at football.
In 1929, Cecil Clifton Getchell married Bertha Gerrard, who was born at Bristol. They maintain their residence in this city.
EDWARD D. KUNZ-An important figure in the business life of Bristol, Rhode Island, for many years, Edward D. Kunz is owner of several prominent local enterprises whose affairs he suc- cessfully directs. Mr. Kunz was born at Marietta, Ohio on June 13, 1880, a son of John Kunz, who was born at Bergenfeldt, Germany, and of Harriet (Bruner) Kunz, a native of Walnut Bend, Penn- sylvania. Both parents are now deceased. The father came to the United States in 1849 that period in which so many of fine German stock came to the hospitable shores of America-and carried on his professional work as a mechanical engineer. He was a veteran of the Union cause, serving during the Civil War with the 39th Ohio Volunteer Infantry for three years. Harriet (Bruner) Kunz, his wife, was a member of a family which was represented among the earliest settlers of Pennsylvania. Those who bear this name have since been prominent in Pennsylvania's development, and it was one of this family who was among the first to discover oil in the great oil territory centering about Oil City, Pennsyl- vania.
Edward D. Kunz, of this record, attended the public schools of his birthplace, and then attended the high school, after which he took up the watch maker's trade. Coming to Bristol, Rhode Island, as a young man, he worked for seven years in the employ of Stevens and Company, jewelers and optometrists. In 1907 he was able to purchase this business, and has since continued it independently under the name of Edward D. Kunz, jeweler and optometrist, at Nos. 469-471 Hope Street, Bristol. This is one of the most important firms of its kind in the Bristol section of Rhode Island, hav- ing a wide and prosperous trade. In 1917, in addi- tion to his jewelry business, Mr. Kunz purchased the Hotel Belvedere with Henry Dio, operating it jointly with his partner until 1922, when Mr. Dio died. Since that time Mr. Kunz has continued this enterprise independently, being its manager and sole owner. Mr. Kunz is widely known as one of Bristol's most able business men. He has guided
his own ventures successfully and in so doing has contributed much to the community life.
In other phases of Bristol affairs Mr. Kunz is also prominent. He is affiliated fraternally with St. Albans Lodge of the Free and Accepted Ma. sons, and in this order is a member of Mt. Hope Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Bristol Rotary Club, the Bristol Yacht Club, and, with his wife, attends St. Michael's Protestant Episcopal Church.
In 1910, Edward D. Kunz married Katherine D. Salisbury, who was born at Bristol, Rhode Island, and who for fourteen years was assistant post- master here.
FREDERICK E. SUZMAN-Owner of the largest furnishings and wearing apparel store in Bristol, Rhode Island, Frederick E. Suzman has won his way to success through his own efforts. He was born in Poland, on January 12, 1876, son of Reuben and Frieda (Boroshie) Suzman, both natives of Poland and both now deceased. The father was also a merchant until the time of his death.
Frederick E. Suzman came to the United States when he was only ten years old, settling in Boston, Massachusetts. He had attended the public schools of his native land, but after coming to America it was necessary for him to begin the serious busi- ness of life immediately, and for a time he sold newspapers on the streets of Boston. Then he worked as a messenger for the Postal Telegraph Company, and for several years thereafter was employed in a tailoring establishment. For a year he worked in a cigar factory. At the end of this time Mr. Suzman was able to establish a shoe business in partnership with C. W. Hamilton, con- tinuing this connection for a period of nine years. Next he transferred the center of his activities to Hudson, Massachusetts, where he worked for two years in the shoe business. Finally, in 1900, Mr. Suzman came to Bristol, Rhode Island, where he has since made his home. Entering the field of furnishings and wearing apparel, he established a store which was necessarily small at first, but which has expanded under his able direction of affairs, until now it ranks as the largest of its kind in Bristol. Mr. Suzman's present place of business is situated at No. 547 Hope Street, and here may be found a complete line of ladies', men's, and children's furnishings and wearing apparel.
During the period of the Spanish-American War,
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in May, 1898, Mr. Suzman enlisted in Company M, 5th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infan- try. In 1899 he was promoted to corporal and was discharged in March, 1899, with that rank. Mr. Suzman has remained keenly interested in military affairs and developments, and for thirty years was a member of the Bristol Train of Artil- lery and at time of retirement held the rank of first lieutenant. He is a member of Allyn K. Capron Company, No. I, of the United Spanish War Veterans, and in addition is affiliated, frater- nally, with United Brothers Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Burnside Lodge, No. 34, Knights of Pythias, and Bristol Aerie, No. 953, of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He is a member of the Bristol Rotary Club, and a liberal supporter of all worthy movements for advance and progress in the community, whether of civic or benevolent nature. Mr. Suzman is an independent voter in politics, supporting those candidates whom he con- siders best qualified for office, and the principles which he is convinced are in the public interest. With his family he attends Chevera Aqudas Achim Temple at Bristol, is president of the Temple, and Provost of the Fraternal Hebrew Association, No. 34.
On January 9, 1900, Frederick E. Suzman mar- ried Sadie R. Solomon, who was born in New York City. They are the parents of the follow- ing : I. Robert B. 2. Ruth M. 3. Charlotte M. 4. Maynard F.
REV. J. R. CLARK, O. P .- Since September 18, 1929, Rev. J. R. Clark, O. P., has been the efficient pastor of St. Pius Church, Providence, Rhode Island.
St. Pius parish was organized under the auspices of Providence College, in October, 1918, and the first Mass was celebrated in the college building, October 27, 1918, by Rev. D. A. Casey, O. P., who had been appointed as pastor, and who was also president of Providence College. Services were held in the college building, and Father Casey con- tinued the task of building up the membership and strengthening the spiritual life of his people until September, 1921, when he resigned. He was suc- ceeded by Rev. W. D. Noon, O. P., who took charge in October, 1921, and remained in charge until June 14, 1927. Services were held in the college building under Father Noon who became pastor. In November, 1926, Rev. W. A. Sullivan, O. P., was appointed pastor, superseding as pastor, Father Noon, the president of Providence College.
Father Noon continued his labors as president of the college, until June 16, 1927, when he was succeeded by Rev. L. C. McCarthy, O. P. On September 7, 1927, a piece of land bounded by Eaton Roslyn, Fairoaks, and Elmhurst streets, was purchased from the diocese of Providence as the site for a church edifice, and in June, 1928, the contract was awarded for the erection of a build- ing which should serve as church and school. Work went forward as rapidly as possible, and the following spring the present Church of St. Pius was completed, the first Mass being cele- brated Easter Sunday, March 31, 1929, by the pas- tor, Rev. W. A. Sullivan, O. P. On April 22, 1929, a meeting of St. Pius Church Corporation was held and Father Sullivan, who was secretary and treasurer of the corporation, was authorized to purchase the home of Mr. Frey, situated on the west side of Elmhurst Avenue, opposite the church, for use as a rectory. The purchase was promptly made, repairs and improvements were at once be- gun, and on September 1, 1929, Father Sullivan moved into the present attractive and convenient rectory. On the same day Rev. F. D. Newman, O. P., came to the parish as assistant to Father Sullivan. During that month the parochial school was opened, offering the course of study for the first four grades. Four Dominican Sisters from Blauvelt, New York, took charge of the one hun- dred and ten pupils who enrolled at the beginning of the term. In the meantime, however, Father Sullivan was elected prior of St. Antonius' Con- vent, Newark, New Jersey, and went there soon after the school was opened, and on September 18, 1929, the present pastor, Rev. J. R. Clark, O. P., came from Madison, Wisconsin, to succeed Father Sullivan as pastor of St. Pius parish. Father Sul- livan left Providence for Newark, New Jersey, two days later, September 20, 1929, and since that time Father Clark has been actively and efficiently in charge of the parish.
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