USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. IV > Part 17
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Of these, Gordon B. Ewing received his early education in the public schools of Lansing, Michi- gan, and then went to high school in Newton, Massachusetts. Upon graduating from the New- ton High School in 1911, he entered Brown Uni- versity, at Providence, Rhode Island, from which
he was graduated in 1916 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Entering the business world, he became associated with the advertising depart- ment of the Narragansett Electric Lighting Com- pany, with which he continued for a short time. At the end of that period, he entered the service of his country, remaining with the army from 1917 to 1919, during the period of American par- ticipation in the World War. After the close of hostilities, he was engaged for three years in the publishing business in New York City. In 1922 he started work in the advertising business for himself in Providence, Rhode Island, under his own name, continuing the firm of Gordon B. Ewing from that time onward. In 1927 he estab- lished the Greenwich Press, Incorporated, pub- lishers of the "East Greenwich News," a weekly newspaper, the first issue of which was circulated on April 21, 1927. Of this paper Mr. Ewing was the proprietor. He also operates the Greenwich Press, Incorporated, which does a complete line of job printing work and general publishing.
In the general life of his community, Mr. Ewing is one of the leaders, being a member of several organizations that lead in civic affairs. He be- longs to the Delta Upsilon Fraternity, which he joined in his student days, as well as to the Rhode Island Town Criers, and the East Green-
wich Chamber of Commerce. In the Chamber of Commerce he is a member of the executive board. He also is active as a member of the retail mer- chants' division of the Chamber. As vice-president of the Rhode Island Press Club, he is one of the leaders in newspaper publishing affairs in his State. He also is a member of East Greenwich Post No. 15 of the American Legion. His politi- cal alignment is with the Republican party, whose policies and principles he regularly supports. His military life began in 1917, when he attended the first Plattsburg training camp. After a time he was commissioned second lieutenant in the United States Army Coast Artillery Corps, having re- ceived that appointment in August, 1917. He was then assigned as instructor at Fortress Mon- roe, Virginia, and in November, 1917, was pro- moted to the rank of first lieutenant, and in Sep- tember, 1918, to that of captain. His discharge came on January 30, 1919, when he held the cap- tain's rank; and then, from 1920 to 1925, he served as captain in the 489th Field Artillery Reserve Corps. His religious faith is that of the Prot- estant Episcopal Church, his parish being St. Luke's, of East Greenwich, Rhode Island. His favorite recreational activities are the outdoor games of golf and tennis, in which he indulges to a considerable extent when not occupied with his business or publishing affairs.
Gordon B. Ewing married, in 1917, Ruth Stella Piers, born in Providence, Rhode Island. Their children are: Elaine, Jeanne E., and Virginia.
ALFRED A. CLARK -- For some four years ever since his admission to the bar, his native city, Newport, has been the scene of Mr. Clark's successful professional activities as a lawyer. Though one of the younger generation of New- port's lawyers, he enjoys an enviable reputation and a large and fast growing practice. A veteran of the World War, he has been prominently ac- tive since the end of the war in several military organizations and, since returning to Newport after the completion of his law studies, he has also taken a very effective part in politics.
Alfred A. Clark was born in Newport, Decem- ber 12, 1895, a son of Peter F. and Anne (Mc- Nulty) Clark. His father, a blacksmith and wheelwright by trade, is a native of Boston, while his mother is a native of New York City. Mr. Clark received his early education in the public grammar and high schools of Newport, and
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having graduated from Rogers High School, studied at the Army and Navy Academy, Wash- ington, District of Columbia. Next he became a student at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, from which he resigned in 1917 to enter the United States Army. He was commissioned a second lieutenant, United States Army, Field Artillery Corps, in October, 1917, and was then attached to the Army Service School at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In Feb- ruary, 1918, he was transferred to the 49th Regi- ment, United States Infantry, with which he went overseas, serving for nineteen months in France with the American Expeditionary Forces. He participated in the battle of St. Mihiel and in the fighting in the Meuse-Argonne Sectors. Gassed in action he was discharged with the rank of cap- tain in 1919. In the year 1928 he was commis- sioned a captain in the 118th Regiment of Engi- neers, Rhode Island State National Guard. On May 5, 1929, he organized Company F of the 118th Engineers, Rhode Island National Guard. In 1931 he was promoted to the rank of major and was placed in command of the second bat- talion, which consisted of three companies.
Following his return to civilian life, Mr. Clark attended the Law School of Georgetown Uni- versity, Washington, District of Columbia, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bache- lor of Laws, in 1924. He then returned to New- port and read law in the office of Hon. Mortimer Sullivan, one of the leading lawyers of Newport. Admitted to the Rhode Island bar in 1926, he established himself in the practice of his profes- sion in Newport, in which he has continued with marked success ever since, with offices at No. 239 Thames Street, in the Canonicus Building. Mr. Clark is a member of the Newport Bar Asso- ciation and of the Rhode Island State Bar Asso- ciation. He takes an active part in politics, being a staunch supporter of the Democratic party. He is a member and the chairman of the Democratic City Committee and president of the Newport County Democratic Club, and is also a member of the Democratic State Committee. Mr. Clark has also been very active in military organizations being a member of Newport Post No. 7, Ameri- can Legion, and of Newport Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, of which he is a Past Commander, having also served as State Judge Advocate of this organization. He also belongs to the Dis- cussion Club and to the Newport Council, Knights of Columbus, of which he is a Past Chancellor. His religious affiliations are with
St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church of Newport. Besides his professional work, Mr. Clark gives a great deal of time to the National Guard and to politics, while his favorite recreation is sports in general and swimming and football in particular.
Mr. Clark is not married and makes his home in Newport.
HOWARD S. PROCTOR is a native and lifelong resident of Rhode Island. After spending the first twelve years of his career in Providence as an employee of the United States Post Office, he became connected with a well-known business house of East Greenwich, eventually taking over this business and becoming its sole owner. He is prominently active in civic affairs, having held in recent years several important local offices, his continuous election to these indicating how highly he is regarded by his fellow-townsmen.
Howard S. Proctor was born at North Kings- town, March 14, 1886, a son of William E. and Avis A. (Bicknell) Proctor. His father is a native of England, his mother of North Kings- town, Rhode Island. Mr. Proctor received his early education in the public schools of his native town and then attended the East Greenwich Academy. Having completed his education, he went to Providence, where he was connected for twelve years with the post office. At the end of this period he came to East Greenwich and there entered the employ of A. H. Esten, with whom he continued for nine years. In 1927 he took over Mr. Esten's business, which he operates under the firm name of A. H. Esten Company, being now its sole owner. In recent years Mr. Proctor has become prominently active in civic affairs. Since 1926 he has been police commis- sioner of the town of East Greenwich. In that year he was also elected to the East Greenwich Town Council and since 1928 he has been presi- dent of this body. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party and since 1927 he has been chairman of the Republican Town Com- mittee. He is a member of the executive committee of the East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce and a director of the East Greenwich Savings Fund & Loan Association. His clubs include the Potowomut Golf Club. His religious affiliation is with the Baptist Church. He finds his recreation chiefly in collecting and studying Indian relics.
Mr. Proctor married, in 1907, Anna Idella Tingley, a native of King's County, New Bruns-
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wick, Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Proctor are the parents of two children: Ruth Bicknell, and Rich- ard Tingley.
WILLIAM M. OWEN-A native and life- long resident of East Greenwich, Kent County, Mr. Owen spent the first twenty years of his career in the paint contracting business as a partner of his father, but since 19II has been clerk of the Superior Court of Kent County. He is, of course, widely known throughout the county and is regarded as one of the most effi- cient and courteous of county officials. A mem- ber of numerous Masonic bodies, he is also active in various other phases of the community's life and is regarded as one of the substantial and representative citizens of his native town.
William M. Owen was born at East Green- wich, Kent County, November 17, 1878, a son of William A. and Mary (Morris) Owen. His father, a native of Chepachet, Providence County, was engaged in the paint contracting business until his death. His mother, now also deceased, was a native of England. Mr. Owen was educated in the public schools of East Greenwich and at East Greenwich Academy. After leaving school he became associated in business with his father, this connection continuing for some twenty years. In 1911 Mr. Owen was appointed clerk of the Superior Court of Kent County, in which ca- pacity he continues to serve. He is a member of the Varnum Continentals, which military organi- zation he helped to organize and of which he has served as captain. For many years Mr. Owen has been active in Masonic affairs. He is a mem- ber of the following Masonic organizations: King Solomon Lodge, No. 1I, Free and Accepted Masons; Narragansett Chapter, Royal Arch Ma- sons; Narragansett Council, Royal and Select Masters; Calvary Commandery, No. 13, Knights Templar; Rhode Island Consistory, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite; and Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. In politics he is a supporter of the Re- publican party, while his religious affiliation is with the Baptist Church. He finds his recreation chiefly in hiking.
Mr. Owen married, in 1902, Anna Congdon, a native of Boston, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Owen are the parents of one daughter, Reba C. Owen.
PHILIP A. DUFFY, D. D. S .- Established in the practice of dentistry in East Greenwich since 1919, Philip A. Duffy has attained a secure posi- tion in his profession and won the confidence and regard of the community. Progressive in his work and in his citizenship, Dr. Duffy is a member of one of the substantial and highly respected fam- ilies of Rhode Island, whose contributions to the progress of the State have been many and valu- able, in both professional and mercantile activi- ties. He entered upon his career well equipped by education, which has been supplemented by constant study of the best innovations of the science and a skillful application of his knowl- edge, elements in a professional career that are of vital importance to the man who aspires to eminence. His success has been proportionate and his future indicates that his reputation will advance as time passes and the public is brought more and more into contact with his achieve- ments.
He was born in West Warwick, Rhode Island, May 13, 1893, a son of the late Philip Duffy, a native of Harris, Rhode Island, and engaged in mercantile trade until his death, and of Margaret (Coogan) Duffy, of New York City. Educated in the public schools here, he afterward attended Tuft's College and was graduated in 1916 with the degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine. He began practice in West Warwick and continued there until 1919, when he removed to East Green- wich, where he still remains, having offices on Main Street. During the World War he held the commission of first lieutenant in the United States Army Dental Corps and served from 1918 into 1919. He is vice-president of the Rhode Island Dental Society and a member of the American Dental Association and of the Kent County Den- tal Society. He is a Roman Catholic in religion and belongs to J. P. Gibson Council, Knights of Columbus, and to the Royal Arcanum. He is a member and past commander of East Green- wich Post, No. 15, American Legion; member of Varnum Continentals, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Potowomut Golf Club. In politics he is a Democrat and his favorite recreation is golf. He attends Our Lady of Mercy Roman Catholic Church.
Philip A. Duffy married, in 1918, Gertrude O'Donnell, of Providence, and they are the par- ents of three children: Phillip A., Jr., Paul F., and Gertrude.
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JOHN J. DUNNIGAN-Manager of the Greenwich Theatre, at East Greenwich, Rhode Island, John J. Dunnigan directs this enterprise in a manner which makes it one of the assets of the community and an important factor in the city's life. He was born in this State at Provi- dence, on January 8, 1894, a son of John J. and Catherine (Quigley) Dunnigan, both born in Ire- land and both now deceased. The father was engaged in railroad work until the time of his death.
John J. Dunnigan, of this record, was edu- cated at St. Patrick's Parochial School in Provi- dence, and after completing his studies, began work with the Adams Express Company in that city. He started as a wagon boy, but in the eleven years of his service with this company he rose to the position of head waybill clerk. At the end of this period, seeking a field of larger op- portunity, Mr. Dunnigan became associated with the P. Lorrilard Company of New York, becom- ing manager of the little cigar department and window displays in Rhode Island, and Bristol County, Massachusetts. These duties occupied him for six years, in the course of which Mr. Dunnigan handled all work assigned to him to the complete satisfaction of company execu- tives.
Following six years with this company, he entered the theatre field, becoming associated with J. Fred Lovett in the management of the Royal Theatre, at Providence, for two years. In July, 1929, Mr. Dunnigan came to East Greenwich, be- coming manager of the Greenwich Theatre owned by the Smith Theatrical Enterprise of Bos- ton, Massachusetts. Under his capable direction this theatre has been established on a sound basis and is widely known throughout the Greenwich section for the high character of the entertain- ment it provides.
Mr. Dunnigan is a Republican in politics, and worships with his family in the Roman Catholic Church, attending the Cathedral at Providence. He is a member of the East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, and is also a member of the execu- tive committee and the retail merchants' division of this body. Mr. Dunnigan is fond of sports of all kind, and formerly played baseball in the Providence amateur league.
In 1916, John J. Dunnigan married Bertha Allen, born at Valley Falls, Rhode Island. They are the parents of one child, John J., Jr.
CHARLES A. STEARNS-Descended from pioneer New England stock, Dr. Charles A. Stearns, of Providence, represented in full measure the qualities of industry that his ancestors utilized in converting a wilderness into a great industrial hive that today sends its products to all the world. He inherited the love for agriculture that had been the occupation of many of his forebears and when not actively engaged in his professional work was happiest when devoting his time to some agricultural interest. Sincere and active in his civic associations, devoted to his profession, he held a unique place in the hearts of his fellow- citizens and was esteemed by an almost limitless number of acquaintances. For more than thirty years he was actively engaged in his work as a physician in Pawtucket, while for eleven years prior to his death he busied himself with affairs that were of importance to the progress of the community.
He was born in West Medway, Massachusetts, August 15, 1858, a son of Andrew J. and Mary (Andrews) Stearns. Educated at Worcester, Massachusetts, where he was graduated from the high school, he then attended successively Am- herst College and the Medical School of Harvard University, graduating from the last-named insti- tution with the degree of Doctor of Medicine with the class of 1884. He supplemented this by attending lectures and studying in practical work at the Massachusetts General Hospital, after which he established himself in practice, having been associated for a time with Dr. Frank Brig- ham, in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Withdraw- ing from this association he practiced in Provi- dence for a few months and then began practice in Pawtucket continuing until he retired in 1917. He was one of the organizers of the Pawtucket Medical Association and had held all offices therein. He was also a member of the Rhode Island Medical Society and the Medical Science Club, and the Business Men's Association, both of Pawtucket, and had served as medical examiner for many of the more important life insurance companies operating in the district. Deeply in- terested in education, he founded the Boys' Sum- mer Garden in Pawtucket and gave it his full assistance in every way possible. He was a Mason of the thirty-second degree, affiliated with the local lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and also was a member of the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows. His death occurred in Providence, Rhode Island, December 29, 1927.
Charles @ Steams
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Charles A. Stearns married Anna E. Greene, daughter of Warren A. and Anna (Potter) Greene, of Providence, whose ancestry is traced directly to Roger Williams, founder of the Provi- dence Plantations.
Dr. Stearns was the happy possessor of a most genial and engaging nature and, gifted with unique humor, he was an interesting and entertaining companion. It is known that his right hand never knew what his left was doing and that he never could remember to accept a fee for his profes- sional services when he knew that his patient was unprepared or unable to meet the obligation. Rhode Island was the richer for his citizenship and his name has been given a permanent place in the archives of the State.
JOHN F. MACK-Identified for a number of years during the earlier part of his career with the fishing industry, Mr. Mack again became con- nected with this line of business in 1912. Since then he has continued active in it, both as the owner and head of a wholesale fish firm bearing his name and as one of the executive officers of another company, well known among the fishing boat operators in Newport. Mr. Mack is regarded as a very able and successful business man, and much of the constant growth and prosperity of the enterprises, with which he is connected, must be attributed to him.
John F. Mack was born at Newport, June II, 1869, a son of George and Mary (Connelly) Mack. His father was a native of Austria and was for many years and until his death a follower of the sea. He was a veteran of the Civil War, during which he served in the United States Navy. Mr. Mack's mother, also deceased, was a native of Ireland. Mr. Mack was educated in the paro- chial schools of Newport, and after leaving school was connected with the textile business for two years. He then went to sea and engaged in fishing, continuing in this type of work until 1901. The next eleven years he spent in various kinds of work, until, in 1912, he became associated with the late Chester B. Tallman and together with him formed the wholesale fish firm of Tallman & Mack. This partnership existed until 1920, when Mr. Tallman died and when Mr. Mack purchased his former partner's interest in the business. The business has been continued since
then by Mr. Mack under his own name. In 1917 the firm purchased the C. B. Anderson Fish Com- pany and incorporated this business under the name of Tallman & Mack Fish & Trap Company, with Mr. Mack as treasurer and general man- ager. The headquarters of the company is lo- cated on Lee's Wharf, Newport. Mr. Mack is also identified with several other Newport enter- prises, being vice-president of the E. S. Peckham Coal & Ice Company and a director of the New- port Oil Corporation. He is a member of New- port Council, Knights of Columbus; Newport Lodge, No. 104, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; the Hatchet Club; Newport Chamber of Commerce; and the United States Fish Asso- ciation. In politics he is an Independent, while his religious affiliations are with St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church of Newport. He finds his recre- ation chiefly in traveling.
Mr. Mack married, in 1895, Honora Toomey, like himself a native of Newport. Mrs. Mack died in 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Mack had four daugh- ters : Mary E., Kathaleen, Irene, and Honora Mack.
CHARLES E. SHERMAN-One of the well- known citizens of Westerly, Rhode Island, Charles E. Sherman is president of the firm of R. A. Sherman's Sons Company, founded by his father. Mr. Sherman was born in Westerly, April 23, 1877, the son of Robert Arnold and Martha (Main) Sherman. Robert Arnold Sher- man was in the lumber business during his entire lifetime, and under the leadership of his son, the firm has extended its scope to include the sale of builders' materials and the carrying on of general contracting, being one of the most im- portant organizations of this kind in the vicinity. Mr. Sherman is a director of the Washington Trust Company of Westerly, and director and treasurer of the Westerly Automatic Telephone Company.
He was educated in the schools of Westerly, and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, from which he was graduated with the class of 1900. His political affiliation is with the Repub- lican party. His club memberships are in the Colonial Club, the Misquamicut Golf Club, also the Thames Club of New London, Connecticut, and the Turks Head Club of Providence.
Charles E. Sherman married Esther Evans, daughter of John and Esther (Hughes) Evans,
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of Westerly. Their children are: I. Robert A., who was educated in the schools of Westerly, the Taft School, and Princeton University, and who is now connected with the General Steel Castings Company, of St. Louis. 2. Esther, who was edu- cated at the Ogontz School of Philadelphia.
REV. JOHN F. REARDON-Since Decem- ber I, 1929, Rev. John F. Reardon has been in charge of St. James' Church of Arctic Centre, Rhode Island.
known as "Grove Hall" was built on it. In 1891 "Grove Hall" was remodelled into a very satis- factory church. It was opened August 15, 1891, when Mass was said in the basement, and on the third Sunday of November, 1891, Mass was first said in the upper church. At this time the Birch Hill mission was closed. Father Gibson died in January, 1892, and a few months before his death he deeded to the parish the Arctic Centre prop- erty, which he had kept in his own name and which was then valued at about $20,000. Father Gibson was succeeded by Rev. James Brady in January, 1892. Later in the year, 1892, the parish long known as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Crompton, was transferred to Arctic Centre, and the former mission of St. James gave its name to the older parish. Crompton became a mission of the Arctic Centre Church of St. James. A new house was built at Arctic Centre and a convent school was erected on the grounds. Father Brady served until February, 1896, when he was suc- ceded by Rev. William Flynn. After several years of faithful service Father Flynn was suc- ceeded by Rev. Edward J. Higney, now (1930) pastor of a church in Newport. Father Higney built the present convent and in numerous ways improved the value of the parochial property. Rev. Jeremiah O'Meara was the next pastor of St. James', or of St. Mary's as it later was called, and he was succeeded by Father Keefe, who had served in Arctic Centre for twelve years as a curate and was then made a pastor and placed in charge of the parish at Arctic Centre. For thirteen years Father Keefe labored for the advancement of the welfare of the parish, con- tinuing his work here until December, 1929, when he was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. John F. Reardon.
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