USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. IV > Part 29
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Dennis Florence McCarthy, father of Mr. Mc- Carthy, was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, June 4, 1840, and died in Providence, Rhode Island, Feb- ruary 18, 1914, son of Owen and Mary (Colby) McCarthy. His father left Ireland in 1848 when Dennis F. was eight years old, and came to this country, settling in Providence, where he lived during the remainder of his life, and where Den- nis F. and the other children, James, Margaret, Patrick, Bridget, and John, were reared. Dennis F. McCarthy entered the public schools of Provi- dence, where he continued his studies until he was twelve years old and then began work in a screw factory on Eddy Street. Though earning his liv- ing in the daytime, however, young Dennis F.
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McCarthy did not let his education suffer. He attended the evening schools until he was sixteen, making good use of his time, and then, having carefully qualified himself for advancement when opportunity might offer, enter the employ of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad Company, with whom he remained for a period of thirty years. He continued to live in Providence until the time of his marriage, after which he removed to Willimantic, Connecticut, where he made his home for a period of twenty-two years, finally returning to Providence and spending the remaining years of his life there. During Presi- dent Cleveland's administration, in 1885, Mr. Mc- Carthy was appointed inspector of customs at Boston and later was transferred to Portland, Maine, where he served in the same capacity. In the meantime, his son, Eugene J. McCarthy, had established an undertaking business under his own name in Providence, Rhode Island, and when Mr. McCarthy resigned his position as customs in- spector he formed a partnership with his son under the firm name of D. F. & E. J. McCarthy. The business grew and prospered and when Eu- gene J. McCarthy, the founder, died in October, 1899, the father continued the business to the time of his death in 1914, associated with his son, Joseph F. J. McCarthy under the firm name of D. F. McCarthy & Son. Mr. McCarthy was a Democrat in his political sympathies and active in the affairs of the party and of the community, serving on the school board for twelve years, as a member of the board of aldermen from the Third Ward for ten years, and as chairman of the board of police commissioners for five years, and exerting a strong influence in State politics during the period of his active public life. He was an active and prominent member of the Brother- hood of Locomotive Engineers, serving as chief of the Rhode Island division for seven years, and was frequently a delegate to the conventions of the Brotherhood, representing his division on one occasion at a convention in San Francisco. From early manhood he was an earnest worker in the cause of temperance and by his devotion accom- plished much for the cause in the New England States. He became a member of the Knights of Columbus while a resident of Willimantic and later was one of the organizers of Tyler Council in Providence, of which he was the oldest mem- ber at the time of his death. A widely read man and a brilliant speaker, he was quiet in his per- sonal tastes and a lover of peace and progress,
though always ready to fight powerfully for what he believed to be right. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church.
Dennis Florence McCarthy married, May 15, 1864, Elizabeth G. Cantwell, who was born at Charlotte Town, Prince Edward Island, Canada, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (East) Cant- well, both natives of Ireland, her father a sailor who had visited practically every port in the world. There were four daughters in the Cant- well family: Mary, Ellen, Julia, and Elizabeth G. Dennis F. and Elizabeth G. (Cantwell) Mc- Carthy were the parents of six children: I. Eu- gene J., see next paragraph. 2. Robert E., mar- ried Ellen L. Raleigh, and has two daughters: Helen M., a graduate of Pembroke College, 1926; and Ann Raleigh, graduate of Pratt Insti- tute, 1930, and of Syracuse University, 1931. 3. George W., deceased. 4. Joseph Francis John, of further mention. 5. Henry G., deceased. 6. Mary E., who was born in Willimantic, Connecticut, is a graduate of Providence High School and of Renouard Training School for Embalmers, and has been actively associated with the business since graduation from high school and interested in its practical work since 1917.
Eugene J. McCarthy, founder of the business of D. F. & E. J. McCarthy, was born in Willi- mantic, Connecticut, March 2, 1865, and died in October, 1899. After leaving the public schools he entered Harvard Business College, where he prepared for an active business career. He then entered the employ of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company, first as book- keeper, and later serving as chief clerk. For seven years he continued that association and then came to Providence, Rhode Island, where he secured a position as general manager of the P. Quinn undertaking warerooms. Two years later he engaged in the undertaking business for him- self, under his own name, and when his father, Dennis F. McCarthy, resigned his position as customs inspector at Portland, Maine, the father became a partner under the present firm name, D. F. & E. J. McCarthy, and the partnership was continued to the time of the death of the son in October, 1899. Eugene J. McCarthy was promi- nent in the clubs of Providence and an energetic member of the Knights of Columbus, being twice elected Grand Knight, serving as District Deputy and also as State Deputy, and being elected Sec- retary of the first State Council. He was also organizer of the LaSalle Council of Providence.
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He was also a member of the Catholic Knights of America, Foresters of America, United Work- men, and the Washington Irving Literary Club. Politically, he was an active Democrat, serving on the State Central Committee of Rhode Island in 1897.
Joseph Francis John McCarthy, present pro- prietor of the business, was born in Willimantic, Connecticut, and received his early education there. After the removal of his parents to Provi- dence, he attended Brown University, class of 1901. He is a member of Phi Kappa Fraternity, and of Finnegan Council, Knights of Columbus, and well known in Providence as a successful business man and a public-spirited citizen. With the able assistance of his sister, Mary E. Mc- Carthy, he has kept pace with the most progres- sive undertaking and funeral directing establish- ments in the State, and is now (1931) at the head of a thoroughly modern concern equipped with all the latest conveniences and with all modern appliances for scientific service to his patrons.
Joseph Francis John McCarthy married Mary J. Hogan, and they have two daughters: Mar- garet E., and Katherine M., both graduates of Providence Classical High School, class of 1931.
CHARLES HERBERT HORTON was born in Rehoboth, Massachusetts, September 21, 1850, a son of Otis H. and Elizabeth (Kingsley) Hor- ton, both natives of that town. His father was a mason by trade and for a time resided in Woon- socket, coming here when he was twenty-one years of age and following at his trade. At the beginning of the Civil War he was employed as superintendent of a masonry enterprise at Woon- socket, with a three-year contract at $1,000 per year, a fine wage in those days. He later returned to Rehoboth, where he died in 1895.
His son, Charles Herbert Horton, was educated in the public schools of Woonsocket and gradu- ated from high school. He then took a position in the post office and continued for about three and one-half years. In 1870, when he was twenty years of age, he took a position as a bookkeeper for the firm of Day, Sprague and Company, of Providence, provision and grain dealers, which conducted its own elevators in Illinois, one of which he was put in charge of. He remained with this firm until 1872, when he returned to Woonsocket. With a small capital which he had
saved he purchased two horses and a wagon from Darwin M. Cook and entered upon a mercantile career, doing a wholesale business on wheels, carrying a full stock of Yankee notions and sell- ing to the stores, a common practice at the time. His selected route was from Woonsocket to Cape Cod and he continued it for four years, with such success that in 1876 he was able to purchase a retail shoe business, which was carried on in the old Music Hall. In addition to this the owner of the building in which Mr. Horton had his store left the collection of rents and the renting of the above hall to Mr. Horton and this took him into the theatrical business. In the year 1876 he purchased the patent rights to a perforated saddle pad for use on horses. This necessitated considerable travel but brought its reward, as did his shoe and theatrical enterprises. He was at that time the largest user of the services of the telegraph company in Woonsocket. Prospering with the years, in 1888 he became associated with the Producers' National Bank and also the Pro- ducers' Savings Bank, and remained with them for about forty years, advancing to the presi- dency of the savings bank which position he held until it was absorbed by the Rhode Island Hos- pital Trust Company. Mr. Horton has always been a Democrat in politics and when the city government of Woonsocket was formed he was elected to a seat in the city council, where he served for five year from the Third Ward. He also served as alderman from the Fourth Ward and later was elected to the Lower House, in which he was active in his labor for the people of Woonsocket to such a degree that they sent him to the State Senate, where he served for four years. He is a member of the Chamber of Com- merce and the City Club and since he became of age has been affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is now president of the Woonsocket Building and Loan Association.
Charles Herbert Horton married (first), in 1872, Mary Casto, born in Terre Haute, Indiana, whose death occurred in 1916, leaving one son, William T., born in 1875, who died in 1919. He was educated through high school and commer- cial college and married Florence Fitzsimmons and they were the parents of one son, Charles, who was a student at Holderness School for Boys, and now attends Boston College. Mr. Hor- ton married (second) Josephine P. Chase. They are both members of the Protestant Episcopal Church and spend the winters in the South.
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ARTHUR MOULTON ALLEN-Providence has been the scene of Mr. Allen's successful pro- fessional activities as a lawyer since his admis- sion to the bar. Today he is a member of one of the most prominent law firms of Rhode Island's capital and he is particularly well known as a practitioner of corporation law. His ability in that field and his exceptional business and execu- tive ability have brought him election to the board of directors of numerous important financial and industrial corporations, all of which have greatly benefited by his participation in the management of their affairs. He is also prominently active as a member of several law associations and of nu- merous well known clubs, not only in Providence, but also in New York City.
Arthur Moulton Allen was born in Providence, March 3, 1876, a son of Marvin E. and Sarah A. (Moulton) Allen. On his father's side he is a descendant of Captain John Allen, of Boston, to whom the city of Boston gave a sword in recog- nition of his distinguished services during the War of 1812. On his mother's side he is a de- scendant of Thomas Olney, an associate of Roger Williams and the first town clerk of Providence. Mr. Allen was educated at Brown University, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1897. He then took up the study of law at the Harvard University Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, graduating there with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1900. Admitted to the Rhode Island bar, he estab- lished himself in the practice of law at Providence, in which he has continued ever since then with marked success. He is also a member of the bars of the United States District Court, the Cir- cuit Court of Appeals and of the United States Supreme Court. He is now and for many years past has been a member of the law firm of Hinck- ley, Allen, Tillinghast, Phillips, & Wheeler, one of the leading Rhode Island law firms, whose business is so extensive that it occupies the entire twenty-second floor of the new Industrial Trust Building in Providence. Mr. Allen is a director of many corporations including the following: Baltic Mills Company, Baltic Water Company, Doe & Little Coal Company, Dryden Company, Franklin Machine Company, Knight Realty Com- pany, Phenix National Bank of Providence, Sprague Warehouses, Incorporated. He also takes an active interest in civic affairs and is a member of the board of trustees of the Homeo- pathic Hospital of Rhode Island and of the Knight Memorial Library Association of Provi-
dence. An occasional contributor to law journals, he has had several interesting articles published, including: "Criminal Conspiracies in Restraint of Trade at Common Law," published in "Harvard Law Review" (May, 1910), and "The Opinion of Mr. Justice Hughes," published in "Columbia Law Review" (November, 1916). He is a mem- be of the American Bar Association, the Rhode Island Bar Association, the Harvard Law School Association, and the Association of the Bar of the City of New York. He is also a member of nu- merous social clubs, including the following: Hope Club, Dunes Club, Providence Art Club, University Club of Providence, University Club of New York City, Agawam Hunt Club, Turks Head Club, Rhode Island Country Club, Har- vard Club of Rhode Island, Harvard Club of New York, and Bankers Club of America. Since his college days he has been a member of the honorary scholastic society of Phi Beta Kappa, to which he was elected in his junior year in recog- nition of his high scholastic standing at college. His religious affiliations are with the Congre- gational Church. He finds his recreation chiefly in tennis and golf. His summer home is at Seal Harbor, Maine.
On May 25, 1930, Mr. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Martha Baird, a Californian by birth, but recently residing in London, Eng- land, and they make their home at No. 184 Upton Avenue, Providence.
WILLIAM HENRY HOFFMAN was one of the commercial leaders of the State, and a public- spirited citizen of many charitable and civic in- terests.
He was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on July 26, 1867, one of four children of the late William and Charlotte (Engel) Hoffman, the others being Emma O., deceased, Frederick W., of Pawtucket and Henry A., of Barrington, His father, a citizen of Bavaria, settled in the United States in 1858, served in Company G, Ist Regi- ment of Rhode Island Infantry, during the Civil War and was a member of the Rhode Island State Legislature during the sessions of 1887 and 1888.
William Henry Hoffman was educated in the public schools of Providence and Pawtucket and began his business career with Mason, Chapin & Company of Providence. In 1898 the name of this firm was changed to Arnold, Peck & Com-
auto m. alles.
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pany, and in 1899 to Arnold, Hoffman & Com- pany. At the time of his death he was vice-presi- dent and treasurer of this company, which had become nationally known as a manufacturer of and dealer in dyestuffs and chemicals. He was also a director of the Industrial Trust Company and a member of the Hope, Agawam Hunt, Squan- tum Association, Anawan and Rhode Island Country clubs of Providence, and of the Que- quechan Club of Fall River and of the Wamsutta Country Club of New Bedford.
In 1892 Mr. Hoffman married Mira H. Smith, of New Bedford. They resided at Barrington, Rhode Island, and were the parents of two chil- dren, Arnold S., of Barrington, and W. Harold, of Providence.
Mr. Hoffman was a student of French History and a collector of Napoleona, of which he owned a valuable collection which has been presented by Mrs. Hoffman, since his death, to Brown Univer- sity, and is located in the John Hay Library.
He died at his home in Barrington on April 21, 1916, at the age of forty-nine. His character, outstanding ability and unostentatious charities brought him the respect and affection of his many friends and associates. His death terminated a life-time of achievement.
HUGH B. CARPENTER-One of the finest funeral parlors in the State of Rhode Island is the one connected with the establishment operated by the firm of Jenks-Carpenter, of which Hugh B. Carpenter is the active member. The beautiful residence, located at No. 131 Elmwood Avenue, in Providence, is the home of this well established business, and the high type of service it renders has drawn a large and exclusive patronage.
Hugh B. Carpenter was born in Waverly, New York, November 12, 1870. He received his early education in the local public schools and after graduation from high school entered Temple College, in Philadelphia, from which he was grad- uated. He had chosen the ministry as his field of service and after graduation from college entered Crozer Theological Seminary, where he completed his course and received his diploma. He ac- cepted a call to become pastor of the Baptist Church of Toms River, New Jersey, and there he served ably for a period of two years, at the end of which time he accepted a pastorate in South Norwalk, Connecticut. After nine years of faithful service there he came to Cranston Street
Baptist Church, where he remained for ten years. In 1917, however, after seventeen years of service in the ministry, he organized the funeral-direct- ing business which he now operates, and in 1919 he purchased the beautiful residence on Elmwood Avenue in Providence, which is the present home of the business. As this residence was one of the fine old places of the city, with very large rooms and pleasant surroundings it readily lent itself to conversion into one of the finest funeral homes in this part of New England. Mr. Carpenter has used his discriminating taste and his wide experi- ence in fitting and equipping this establishment in such a way as to meet the most exacting needs of his many patrons, and the business has grown to such proportions that he requires the services of two assistants, besides the help of his son, Linn M. Carpenter, who has become his able associate in the conduct of the rapidly growing business. The firm carries a full stock of caskets, trim- mings, robes, etc., and has established for itself a reputation which constantly draws to it new pa- trons. Mr. Carpenter is a member of the State and National Funeral Directors' associations, and is one of the very well known members of the Masonic Order. He is a member and Past Mas- ter of Thomas Smith Webb Lodge; and a mem- ber of the Chapter, Council, and Commandery. He is at present (1931) and has for many years, served as Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island. He has made many public addresses and is probably one of the best known members of the Masonic Order in the State. He is also a member of Swarts Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and of the Order of the Eastern Star. Upon the entrance of the United States into the World War he enlisted for service and was sent overseas, where he served as chaplain.
Hugh B. Carpenter was married, in 1899, to Carolina P. Faulkner, who was born in Waverly, New York, and they are the parents of two chil- dren: I. Linn M., mentioned above, who was reared and educated in Providence and became associated with his father in the funeral directing business. 2. Miriam J., who graduated from the Classical High School in Providence, and then entered Mount Holyoke College, from which she was graduated.
H. LLOYD ROONEY-Four years after he began his business career in Newport, the activi- ties of H. Lloyd Rooney were interrupted by the
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entry of the United States into the World War and he did not return to private life until 1919. Since then, however, he has continued to advance in business importance here and has built up a prosperous trade in the automobile enterprise of which he is the head and sole owner. Mr. Rooney holds many important offices in financial and in- dustrial organizations and is a popular member of numerous clubs and fraternities.
Born in Newport, Rhode Island, October 2, 1889, he is a son of Henry F. Rooney, engaged in the grocery and provision business, and Mar- garet (Collins) Rooney, deceased, both natives of Newport. He was educated in the local public schools, graduated from Rogers High School and then attended Lehigh University, from which he was graduated with the degree of Mechanical Engineer, with the class of 1913. He then became associated with his father in business and con- tinued in that occupation until 1917, when he en- listed for military service, joining the Aviation Section of the United States Army Signal Corps in October. He received instruction in military aeronautics at the Army School at Princeton, New Jersey, and was then assigned to Camp Dix and later to Taylor Field, Montgomery, Ala- bama. He was honorably mustered out of the service, December 11, 1918, with the rank of flying cadet. Returning to civil life, he obtained the Newport County agency for the White motor truck and in 1920 added the Cadillac car, with the La Salle a further addition in 1927. The offices and show rooms are located at Nos. 116 and 118 Bellevue Avenue, while the service station is at No. 25 Downing Street. Mr. Rooney is a member of the Rhode Island Automobile Dealers' Associ- ation. He is a director in the Aquidneck National Exchange Bank and Savings Company; director and vice-president of the Automotive Transporta- tion Company; director and vice-president of the Short Line, Incorporated; director of the Short Line Motor Freight, Incorporated; director of the Connecticut Motor Transportation Company. He is fraternally affiliated with the college society of Delta Tau Delta and belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Miantonomi, and Wana- matonomy Golf clubs. He is Independent in politics, indulges in golf as a special recreation and attends St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
H. Lloyd Rooney married, in 1923, Lilian Elizabeth Heffernan, of Newport, Rhode Island.
THATCHER T. BOWLER-After having served in his youth, immediately following the completion of his education, for several years in the Newport Post Office, Mr. Bowler, after a suc- cessful business career of some thirty-five years, again became identified with his native city's post office. As the head of it during the last six years he has proven himself an exceptionally able pub- lic official and through his capable administration of the duties of this office he has made impor- tant contributions to the welfare and progress of Newport.
Thatcher T. Bowler was born at Newport, January 8, 1867, a son of the late William T. and Esther (Dodge) Bowler. His father, likewise a native of Newport, was for many years and until his death successfully engaged in the livery busi- ness. Mr. Bowler's mother, now likewise deceased, was a native of Block Island. Educated in the public grammar and high schools of Newport, Mr. Bowler, after leaving school, entered the Newport Post Office in 1883 as a clerk. He continued to work there for five years until 1888, when he resigned and accepted a position with the A. C. Titus Company of Newport, with which well-known business enterprise he remained con- nected until 1923. Appointed at that time acting postmaster of Newport, Mr. Bowler was ap- pointed postmaster in January, 1924, and since then has continued to serve in that capacity to the entire satisfaction of the whole community. For many years prominently active in Masonic affairs, he is a member of St. Paul Lodge, No. 14, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is a Past Master and of which he is at present the secretary; Newport Chapter, No. 2, Royal Arch Masons; De Blois Council, No. 5, of which he is Past Thrice Illustrious Master; Washington Commandery, No. 4, Knights Templar, of which he is a Past Commander and at present the Re- corder; and Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Miantonomi Club, Newport Chamber of Commerce, and the National Association of Post- masters of the United States. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party and at one time he served for one year as a member of the New- port City Council. His religious affiliations are with the Congregational Church, and more par- ticularly with the United Congregational Church, of Newport.
Joseph V. Prodaniel
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Mr. Bowler married, April 16, 1890, Caroline Casttoff, like himself a native of Newport. Mr. and Mrs. Bowler are the parents of one son, Henry C. Bowler, a veteran of the World War, during which he served in the United States Navy as assistant paymaster, being stationed at the Newport Naval Training Station.
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