USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. IV > Part 26
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60
404
RHODE ISLAND-THREE CENTURIES OF DEMOCRACY
fond of reading and spends much of his leisure time in the enjoyment of good books.
Mr. Hicks married, in 1885, Pearl A. Potter, who was born in Woonsocket, and who died in 1922. Mrs. Hicks was one of the first to gradu- ate from the Rhode Island State Normal School. By this marriage Mr. Hicks is the father of one daughter, Marjorie H. Hicks, who is now the wife of Clifton L. Tallman, of Newport, Rhode Island.
WILLIAM J. SMITH-Engaged prominently in the business life of Warren, Rhode Island, where he is widely known and highly respected, William J. Smith holds a position of esteem in his city and State. The drug business has occupied his attention for a number of years, and to this he has added, more recently, an undertaking enter- prise; and with these two fields and with a wide social and civic background, he enjoys the ac- quaintance of a large number of his fellowmen and takes a lively part in public affairs.
Mr. Smith was born in Warren, Rhode Island, on August 31, 1885, a son of William and Annie Smith. His father, a native of Providence, Rhode Island, was engaged in the textile business until his death; and the mother, who is still living, was born in England. William J. Smith, of whom this is primarily a record, received his early education in the public and high schools in Warren, Rhode Island, and later attended the Rhode Island Col- lege of Pharmacy. He is a graduate, too, of the Rhode Island College of Embalming. After com- pleting his formal studies at a pharmacy school, Mr. Smith entered actively into the drug business for himself in Warren, in 1907, since which time he has continued his work in this connection. In 1915, he added to his drug work an undertaking business, having studied embalming in the mean- time and having become thoroughly conversant with his new field of endeavor. In both lines of work he has been eminently successful from the very outset, with the result that he holds a high place today in community life and in the estimation of his fellow-beings.
Along with his business activities, Mr. Smith has been active in fraternal and political life. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in which order he belongs to Providence Lodge, No. 14; and to the Knights of Columbus, in which he is affiliated with the Warren Coun- cil No. 1112 and holds the rank of Deputy Grand Knight. Also a member of the Foresters of Amer-
ica, Mr. Smith belongs to the Lions' Club and is a leader in its affairs. His political sympathies are with the Democratic party, whose policies and principles he consistently supports; and since No- vember, 1928, he has been a member of the Warren town council. He also is a deputy fire chief of the town of Warren. His religious faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church, his parish being St. Mary's. Fond of all types of outdoor recreation, he is keenly interested in athletic events, which he fol- lows closely. No matter whether Mr. Smith de- votes his time to business, social life or play and recreation, he ever puts into the project at hand the same full measure of energy and enthusiasm, with the result that he is esteemed and respected in many and varied walks of life.
William J. Smith married, in 1907, Emma Crow- ley Nerone, a native of Bristol, Rhode Island. By this union there have been the following children: Fannie, Augustine W., Shirley A., Joyce R., and Mary.
JUDGE EVERETT L. WALLING-A mem- ber of an old Rhode Island family, Judge Walling has been a life-long resident of his native State. For some thirty years he has been one of the lead- ing lawyers of Providence, where he practiced his profession with much success. A keen sportsman and very fond of outdoor life, he has fished and hunted not only in many parts of the United States, but also in several foreign countries. He is an enthusiastic supporter of the cause of game and bird conservation and for many years has served most effectively as chairman of the Rhode Island State Commission in charge of this work. He is a member of numerous clubs and of sev- eral fraternal organization and is prominent in the social life of several cities, and in the legal circles in Rhode Island.
Judge Everett L. Walling was born in Provi- dence, April 25, 1875, a son of Martin V. and Caroline (Metcalfe) Walling. Both his parents were natives of Rhode Island, his father having been for many years a successful woolen manu- facturer in Pascoag and Millbury. Judge Walling was brought to Woonsocket as an infant follow- ing the death of his mother and received his early education in the public schools of that city. Later he attended the Mowry and Goff English School and the Classical School at Providence and then became a student at Brown University, Providence, where he was graduated in 1896 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He then took up the study of
405
RHODE ISLAND-THREE CENTURIES OF DEMOCRACY
law at Harvard University Law School, graduat- ing there with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1899. Admitted to the Rhode Island bar he estab- lished his residence in Union Village, North Smith- field and opened a law office in Providence, where he has since continued to practice. February I, 1929 he was appointed by the Rhode Island Leg- islature Judge of the Twelfth District Court of Rhode Island. As a lawyer Judge Walling has been very active and successful, being especially well known as a corporation and trial lawyer. He has also handled many important trust estates. In recent years his nephew, Lester S. Walling, has been associated with him in the practice of law under the firm name of Walling and Walling. For sixteen years Judge Walling served as town solicitor of North Smithfield. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party and for many years has been a member of the Republican State Central Committee. For fourteen years a member of the Rhode Island State Bird and Game Com- mission, serving thirteen years as its chairman. In this he has taken a great interest and has revolu- tionized the commission's methods and activities, until today it is considered one of the most effi- cient and effective bodies of its kind in the United States. Largely as the result of his efforts a game sanctuary has recently been established in the Providence water supply basin at Johnston and North Scituate, one of the largest in New Eng- land. His interest in this work is based on his fondness for outdoor life and sports. He has hunted and fished all over the United States, in Canada, France, England, and Scotland and for forty years has been an enthusiastic fox hunter. He is a member of the Turks Head Club of Prov- idence, the Ironstone Country Club, the Worcester Fur Club, the Western Massachusetts Fox Club, the New England Fox Hunters Club, the Cape Cod Trout Club, the Fish and Game Protective Association and the International Fish, Game and Conservation Association. He is also a member of the Providence and of the Woonsocket Chambers of Commerce, the Thayer Law Club and Delta Phi Fraternity, as well as of various Masonic bodies, including Palestine Temple of Providence, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. His religious affiliations, like those of the other members of his family, are with St. James' Protestant Episcopal Church of Woonsocket, in which he takes an active part.
Judge Walling married Anna Wood Marshall, a native of Millville, Massachusetts, and a daugh- ter of George K. and Helen (Wood) Marshall.
Judge and Mrs. Walling are the parents of one son, Metcalfe Walling, a graduate of Woonsocket High School, who later was a student for one year at Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts, from where he went to Brown University, Prov- idence, for one year, then becoming a student at the Sorbonne, Paris, France, as a representative from Brown University. Returning to the United States he reentered Brown University from which he graduated in 1930. He then entered Harvard Law School where he was a student at the time of this writing. The family residence is located on Great Road, Union Village, Woonsocket.
ROBERT S. PRESTON-One of the younger generation of Providence's insurance underwriters, Robert S. Preston has been identified with the insurance business since the completion of his edu- cation and during the last few years has been the junior partner of the well-known and long estab- lished Providence insurance firm of Spencer and Preston.
Robert Spencer Preston was born in Providence, February 8, 1904, a son of Howard W. and Flor- ence M. (Spencer) Preston, and a member of an old American family, being a direct descendant of John Preston, who fought in the French and In- dian War. Mr. Preston's father likewise a native of Providence, was a partner in the Preston and Rounds Company and is now State Director of Information, with offices at the State House. Mr. Preston's mother is a native of Voluntown, Con- necticut. Robert S. Preston was educated at the Moses Brown School, the Peddie Institute, and Brown University, which latter he attended for one year. He then left college and became asso- ciated with the insurance firm of Spencer and Boss, one of the leading insurance concerns of Providence. In 1929 he was made a junior part- ner of this firm, the name of which was changed at that time to Spencer and Preston. His offices are located at No. 29 Weybosset Street, Provi- dence. Mr. Preston is a member of the Providence Chamber of Commerce. He also maintains mem- bership in the Society of Colonial Wars; the Rhode Island Society; Sons of the American Revolution, of which he is the secretary; the Founders and Patriots, of which he is a charter member; the East Side Tennis, the East Side Skating, and the Turks Head clubs. Mr. Preston is also a mem- ber of the Masonic Order, including the follow- ing bodies : Orpheus Lodge, No. 36, Free and
406
RHODE ISLAND-THREE CENTURIES OF DEMOCRACY
Accepted Masons; Providence Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; Providence Council, Royal and Select Mas- ters; Calvary Commandery, No. 13, Knights Tem- plar ; and the various bodies of the Scottish Rite, up to and including Rhode Island Consistory, An- cient Accepted Scottish Rite, where he holds the thirty-second degree; also Palestine Temple, An- cient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party, and his religious affiliations are with the Central Congregational Church of Providence.
Mr. Preston married, August 10, 1928, Eleanor Cary, like himself a native of Providence. Mr. and Mrs. Preston have one daughter, Anne Perry Preston.
JAMES G. MILLER-To the guardianship of the peace of the city of Cranston, James G. Miller has given his attention in different capacities for nearly thirty years. He is now serving his sec- ond year in the office of chief, to which he was promoted from inspector as which he had served for more than fifteen years.
Robert J. Miller, father of Chief of Police Mil- ler, was born in Ireland. He came to America, became a miner, and was one of the "Forty-niners" at the time of the gold rush to the Pacific Coast. Returning to New England, he engaged in woolen manufacture until his death. He married Selma Kite, who was born in Providence, and is now deceased. Of their son, James G., see further.
James G. Miller was born in Blackstone, Mas- sachusetts, August 29, 1876, and completed his edu- cation in the public schools of that town. For three years upon leaving school he was connected with the men's furnishings goods business, and left that position to engage in civil engineering, and for another three years he was thus employed.
Chief Miller began his career as a police officer in 1902 with appointment as a patrolman on the Cranston force. For eleven years he faithfully patrolled his beat or executed special assignments. In 1913 he was advanced to inspector, which car- ried with it the duties of detective, the position holding promise of further important promotion. He discharged the duties of the inspectorship until February, 1929, when he accepted the commis- sion of chief of police. He is a member of the New England Police Chiefs Association and the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association. He is affiliated with the Arlington Volunteer Fire Com- pany of Cranston; Doric Lodge, No. 38, Free and
Accepted Masons; and Providence Lodge, No. 14, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Politi- cally, he votes as he thinks, independently, which is considered an approved policy for a public of- ficial who must serve the people as a whole irre- spective of party alliances.
Chief of Police Miller married, in 1897, Eliz- abeth Arnold, a native of Providence, and they have one child, Beverly S. The religious prefer- ence of the chief is Episcopal; and he is a devotee of the great national game, baseball.
CHARLES B. CHAMPLIN-A native and life-long resident of South Kingstown, Washington County, Mr. Champlin is today and for many years past has been one of the leading business men of his native town. Having engaged in the meat and produce business as a mere youth, immediately after leaving school, he has succeeded through hard work, untiring industry and energy and con- stant devotion to his business in building up a large and prosperous enterprise and in establishing for himself and for his business an unblemished reputation for honesty and fair dealing. His long career, covering now more than half a century, stands as proof of how successful he has been. For many years he has also taken a very active part in civic and religious affairs and in both of these directions his work represents important con- tributions to civic progress.
Charles B. Champlin was born at South Kings- town, Washington County, March 16, 1860, a son of the late Charles B. and Susan Emeline (Champ- lin) Champlin. His father, who was born Novem- ber 10, 1826, and who died October 2, 1912, was for many years one of South Kingstown's most highly respected and most substantial citizens. Mr. Champ- lin's mother was born August 26, 1836, and died July 6, 1892. Educated in the public schools, Mr. Champlin, by the time he had passed through the district schools, had decided to enter the meat and produce merchandising business. He was then only seventeen years old, but had already given such proof of his industry and reliability, that his father willingly provided the necessary equipment. With characteristic energy Mr. Champlin set to work to establish his business, which he began to operate in 1877. From the very beginning he met with marked success, a success which has continued ever since, until today his establishment is not only one of the oldest of its type in this section of Washington County, but also one of
Charles B Champlin
407
RHODE ISLAND-THREE CENTURIES OF DEMOCRACY
the most prosperous and most popular. Forty- eight years ago, in 1882, he built the home, which he still occupies, and the market, in which he still conducts his business. In spite of the fact that Mr. Champlin has always found it necessary to give the greater part of his time and attention to his business, he has not permitted it to absorb him entirely, but has always taken a very helpful and active interest in other phases of the com- munity's life. For many years he has served very effectively as director of public aid and, during 1929-30, he has represented his town in the Rhode Island Legislature. In politics he is a staunch sup- porter of the Republican party, in the affairs of which he has been very active and prominent, serv- ing for a number of years as chairman of the Republican Town Committee. His religious affilia- tions are with the Baptist Church, of which he is not only a very regular attendant, but also a very generous supporter. He possesses a host of friends, attracted to him by his genial and pleasant person- ality, his modesty and his honesty.
Mr. Champlin married, December 21, 1880, Eliz- abeth Browning, a daughter of Thomas W. Brown- ing, a prominent farmer of South Kingstown, Washington County. Mr. and Mrs. Champlin, who make their home in South Kingstown, have no children.
JAMES A. TABER-By trade a blacksmith, Mr. Taber followed this trade successfully during the earlier part of his career. More recently, for the last decade, he has been very prominently and successfully active in the automobile business in Newport as the county agent for one of the best known makes of automobiles. He is generally regarded as one of the most progressive and most successful automobile dealers in Newport and in Newport County.
James A. Taber was born at Tiverton, Rhode Island, August 12, 1877, a son of the late William H. and Phoebe C. (Peckham) Taber. Both his parents were natives of Westport. His father was a stone mason and successfully followed his trade until his death. Educated in the public schools of New Bedford, Massachusetts, Mr. Taber, after leaving school, learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for some thirty years. Next he spent one year in the restaurant business until 1920, when he took over the Studebaker agency for Newport County, continuing as president and manager of this business ever since. With offices
and sales rooms located on Bellevue Avenue, the establishment over which Mr. Taber presides, is one of the most successful and most capably con- ducted enterprises of its type in Newport County. Mr. Taber is also a director of the Tallman & Mack Fish & Trap Company. He is a member of the Rhode Island Automotive Association, the Rhode Island Automobile Dealers Association, the Newport Chamber of Commerce, the Hatchet Club and Newport Lodge, No. 104, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In politics he is a sup- porter of the Republican party, while his religious affiliations are with the Unitarian Church.
Mr. Taber married, in 1896, Lottie N. Russell, a native of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Taber have three children: I. William J., a veteran of the World War, during which he served in one of the infantry regiments of the United States Army, seeing considerable over- seas service in France with the American Expedi- tionary Forces and being gassed in action. 2. Lottie C. 3. Hattie E.
WILLIAM F. CASWELL-Born in New York City, but a resident of Jamestown since the year 1886, Mr. Caswell has been identified with public life in this town for four decades. During this long period he has served at different times in various important public offices, invariably proving himself an efficient, courteous and faith- ful public official, Since 1924 he has been post- master, this being his second term in this office, in which he previously served very effectively for eight years. He is also a popular member of sev- eral fraternal organizations, takes an active part in religious work and, indeed, in every respect rep- resents the best type of useful, vigorous and pub- lic-spirited citizenship.
William F. Caswell was born in New York City, October 25, 1865, a son of Albert and Adeline F. (Langley) Caswell. His father was a native of Jamestown and was for many years engaged in the drug business in Jersey City, New Jersey, until he retired in the year of 1886. Mr. Caswell's mother, also now deceased, was a native of New- port. Educated in the public schools of Jersey City and at Gaskell Business College, Mr. Caswell, dur- ing the early part of his career, worked for some time in the drug business. In 1886 he came to Jamestown and for the next four years was con- nected with a mercantile establishment in a clerical capacity. In 1890 he was elected town clerk of
408
RHODE ISLAND-THREE CENTURIES OF DEMOCRACY
Jamestown, in which important office he served very successfully for seventeen years. During this time he also served as tax collector and, for two years, was a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives and for four years of the Rhode Island State Senate. In 1908 he was ap- pointed postmaster of Jamestown, continuing to serve in this office until 1916. Next, during 1916- 1923, he was superintendent of the Jamestown water works, until, in 1924, he was again appointed postmaster, in which capacity he has continued to serve since then. In politics a staunch supporter of the Republican party, he has served four years as moderator of the town of Jamestown, several years on the school board, and several years on the Representative Town Committee. In these various offices Mr. Caswell has made many and important contributions to the welfare of James- town, and his frequent election to public office indicates, to how great an extent he enjoys the liking, respect and confidence of his fellow-towns- men. He is a member of Excelsior Lodge, Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows; Aquidneck En- campment; Newport Canton, No. 2; the Royal Arcanum; and the National Association of Post- masters. His religious affiliations are with the Baptist Church. Mr. Caswell is an inveterate reader and spends many of his leisure hours with his books.
Mr. Caswell married, in 1890, Robie H. Knowles, a native of Prudence Island, Rhode Island. Mr. and Mrs. Caswell have five children: Norman F., Frederick C., William Stuart, Elizabeth A., and Sherman C.
JOSEPH L. NUNES is a highly esteemed busi- ness man of Newport. Here he has an agency for the Chrysler Motor Car for this territory, being the first and only agent for this particular auto- mobile. He is much interested in promoting the civic interests of Newport.
Mr. Nunes was born on April 15, 1896, in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, son of Frank and Mary (Alves) Nunes. His father and mother were both born on Azores Islands. The former is engaged in farming in Middletown, Rhode Island; both parents are still living (1931). Joseph L. Nunes received his early education in the public schools of Middletown and Newport, after which he fol- lowed farming for two years. He then learned the trade of a carpenter which he continued for five years. At the end of that period he entered the
United States Naval Reserve Force in July, 1917, later joining the Naval Aviation Branch and was on duty in France and England, serving until Jan- uary, 1919, when he was honorably discharged. He was then employed as a carpenter, and in Decem- ber, 1919, entered the garage and repair business in Newport as a partner with Joseph F. Rodrigues, his sister's husband, in what was then known as the City Garage, on Collins Street. Later in Jan- uary, 1923, they built their own garage and this he now occupies. In 1923 he became the agent for the Maxwell Motor Car in Newport and Jamestown territories, and in 1924, established the agency for the Chrysler Car. In January, 1928, the firm name was changed to the present form, and in December, 1928, incorporated. On January I, 1929, his two brothers, Frank and Augustus, entered the business, Frank in charge of service, and Augustus in charge of used cars. Mr. Nunes was made president and treasurer of the Nunes Motor Company, Inc., their offices located at Nos. 66-76 West Broadway, Newport.
In his business affairs, Mr. Nunes has been suc- cessful from the outset, and has taken an active interest in the important affairs of the commu- nity. Fraternally he is affiliated with Newport Council, Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and American Legion Post No. 7. He is also active in the affairs of the Chamber of Commerce, and a director of the Newport Realty Trust Corporation. In his poli- tical beliefs he maintains an independent course, preferring to support worthy candidates and proj- ects instead of aligning himself with one or an- other of the major party organizations. His reli- gious faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church, his parish being that of Jesus Saviour.
Joseph L. Nunes married, in 1928, Mary Me- deiros, a former school teacher of Middletown. She is a graduate of Middletown and Newport public schools, graduate of St. Joseph's High School, and attended the summer sessions of a normal school. Mr. and Mrs. Nunes are the par- ents of one son, Joseph L., Jr., born September 23, 1929.
WESTON HOWLAND-A member of one of the oldest New England families, dating back to the Pilgrim settlers of Massachusetts, Mr. How- land, ever since the completion of his education, more than ten years ago, has been prominently identified with the textile industry in New Eng-
Neston Howland-
409
RHODE ISLAND-THREE CENTURIES OF DEMOCRACY
land. In recent years he has been treasurer of one of the leading textile establishments in Rhode Is- land and has also been connected in an executive capacity with several other textile and financial institutions. In spite of the heavy demands con- stantly made upon his time and energy by his large and important business interests, he belongs to that type of business man who does not permit his personal affairs to absorb him to the exclusion of other interests and for many years Mr. How- land has taken an active part in educational, be- nevolent, social and civic affairs.
Weston Howland was born at New Bedford, Massachusetts, July 3, 1895, a son of John Sedg- wick and Agnes (Ellis) Howland. He is a direct descendant of John Howland, one of the May- flower Pilgrims, and a member of a family long prominent in New Bedford. His father, still a resident of New Bedford, is one of that city's leading business men and financiers, and both he and his wife are natives of New Bedford. Mr. Howland received his early education at the Friends' Academy, New Bedford, Massachusetts, and then attended Moses Brown School, Provi- dence, from where he went to Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania, graduating there with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1917. Mr. How- land's family have been prominently identified for many years with the textile industry in New Eng- land and it was, therefore, only natural, that he himself should decide to become active in this field. In order to prepare himself still further for his future work, he attended, after graduating from college, the New Bedford Textile School. After that he gained his initial practical experience in the textile industry with the Sharpe Mills, New Bedford, Massachusetts, with which, however, he remained only a short time. He then became super- intendent of the Gosnold Mills, New Bedford, continuing to serve in that capacity for seven years. In 1925 he became associated with the Warwick Mills, Centreville, Rhode Island, of which well known and important industrial enterprise he has been the treasurer ever since then. He is also president of the Gluck Mills, Anderson, North Carolina; vice-president and a director of the Textile Patent & Process Company; and a mem- ber of the Corporation of the First National Bank, New Bedford, Massachusetts. His interest in edu- cational and benevolent work finds expression in his membership on the board of governors of the Sol-e-Mar Hospital of South Dartmouth, Massa- chusetts, of which board he is the chairman, and also in his membership in the corporation of
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.