USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. IV > Part 34
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On January 3, 1923, Rev. Hormisdas Sylvestre was appointed pastor at Mapleville, succeeding Father Hebert, and from that time until 1927 his kindly genial ways, his faithfulness, and his sym- pathy gave him a large place in the affection of his people. He was deeply interested in horticulture and floriculture, adorned the grounds with beauti- ful flowers and plants, and took special pride in the kitchen gardens, where he grew a variety of vege- tables and laid out some flower beds. He planted fruit trees, and greatly enhanced the beauty and value of the grounds. He also looked well to the spiritual interests of the parish, establishing mis- sions and retreats, keeping the fervor and devo- tion of his people centered upon worthy ideals and achievements, and giving special attention to little children. From 1927 to July 12, 1929, Rev. George Cochet served as administrator, and then the pres- ent pastor, Rev. Donat L. Lussier, took charge.
Rev. Donat L. Lussier was born in Manville, Rhode Island, and received his early education in the schools of that district. He then went to Three Rivers, Canada, where he pursued academic and commercial courses and received his special prep- aration for the service of the church. His theo- logical and philosophical courses were received in Grand Seminary, Montreal, Canada, where he was graduated and ordained, December 19, 1908. He was first assigned to the Church of the Precious Blood, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, where he served as assistant for twenty years and six months, at the end of which time he was made a
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pastor and placed in charge of the Church of Our Lady of Good Help, in Mapleville, July 12, 1929. From that time to the present he has been giving splendid service in every department of the parish work. The parish includes the villages of Oakland and Mapleville, and its two hundred and thirty-five families aggregate about 1,060 souls. The church provides seating for about five hundred people, and the basement seats about four hundred. There is a Sister's home, with accommodations for eight Sisters, and Father Lussier, like his predecessors, keeps buildings and grounds in excellent condition. Church and parish societies are active and flourish- ing and include a Holy Name Society, Children of Mary, Sodality of St. Anne, Holy Rosary So- ciety, and an Altar Society. The splendid reli- gious spirit of the people of the parish has caused them to work harmoniously and effectively with each succeeding pastor, and to their generosity and zeal, directed by the skill and devotion of the pas- tors, is due the fine achievement which makes up the remarkable history of the parish.
Though he has been in charge of this parish a comparatively short time, Father Lussier has already won the hearts of his people and under his able leadership there is every indication that the achievements of the future will equal those of the past. The community recognizes the sincerity and devotion of Father Lussier and gives him the respect and the appreciation which his service merits.
ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH, NATICK-St. Joseph's parish was organized in July, 1875, with Rev. Napoleon Riviere as its first resident pastor. Until 1870 all of Natick had been included in the parish of Phenix, and Catholics of Natick went to Phenix for Mass. In the fall of 1867 the A. & W. Sprague Company donated a piece of land as a site for a Catholic Church for their em- ployees of Natick and Pontiac. On Thanksgiv- ing Day, 1870, the erection of a church edifice was begun, but the work proceeded so slowly that it was not until Christmas Day, 1872, that Mass was celebrated for the first time in the basement. There were very few French-Canadians in the district before 1870, but in 1873 Father Spruyt, pastor of St. John's Church in Centreville, put up a frame building in Natick for the French- Canadians. In July, 1875, Natick was made a separate parish with Rev. Napoleon Riviere as first pastor, and from that time until October, 1882, the church remained unfinished, regular
services being held in the basement. In Novem- ber, 1882, Father Riviere was succeeded by Rev. P. S. McGee, who remained for two years, until October, 1884, when Rev. James Gleason was appointed pastor of St. Joseph's. During all this time the church remained uncompleted, but on July 18, 1887, Rev. William Meenan was made pastor, and he set vigorously to work to improve conditions in the parish. He secured the willing cooperation of his parishioners and soon work was under way not only for the completion of the church as originally planned, but for the com- pletion of a greatly enlarged church. St. Joseph's was dedicated April 20, 1890, after a little less than three years of Father Meenan's administra- tion, and for almost nine years longer Father Meenan continued his vigorous leadership of St. Joseph's. In January, 1899, the parish was placed in charge of the Society of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, and Father Lehane was made pastor. At that time the parish was more than two-thirds French-Canadian, with a few hundred English-speaking Catholics, a large number of Italians, and some Poles. The parish then in- cluded the villages of Natick, Pontiac, Hill's Grove, and Oak Lawn. In 1904, Father Lehane was succeeded by the present pastor, the Very Rev. Pierre L'Esperance, M. S. C., who at the time of writing (1930) is ably serving.
Very Rev. Pierre L'Esperance was born in Putnam, Connecticut, received his early training in the schools of his birthplace, and then entered a theological seminary in New York State, where he completed his course and was ordained a priest in 1888. His first assignment was to a church in New York State, as assistant, where he remained for a period of twelve years. In 1901 he came to St. Joseph's at Natick, as an assistant, and in 1904 he was made pastor of the parish. Since that time he has been steadily and successfully working for the upbuilding of the spiritual and material resources of St. Joseph's. He has en- larged the rectory so that it now has twenty- three rooms, providing accommodation for the eight Fathers who live there, two of whom have charge of the State Institutions where four Masses are said every Sunday, and another of whom has charge of the Hill's Grove mission. The Fathers in charge of the near-by Italian church, which was originally a part of St. Joseph's parish, also reside at St. Joseph's Rec- tory. When the Italian church was built it took about two-thirds of the people of St. Joseph's, the remaining congregation numbering about one
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thousand souls. The church, which seats about six hundred people, has been much improved by Father L'Esperance. He enlarged the church and added a fine sacristy, remodelled the basement, and redecorated the interior of the church. A parochial school, and a convent were built, the former affording ample accommodations and modern equipment for two hundred pupils, who are taught by six Sisters of the Order of Divine Providence. The entire church property is kept in the best of repair. Spiritually, Father L'Es- perance has proven himself to be a faithful and in- spiring guide, and every department of the parish work is in a flourishing condition. The numerous parish societies, including a Holy Name Society, for men; the League of the Sacred Heart; Chil- dren of Mary; Ladies of St. Anne, etc., are all active and vigorous.
Throughout the community in which St. Joseph's parish is located, Father L'Esperance is known and respected. His sincere Christian char- acter, his ability, his winning personality, his courtesy and his insight, have made him known and loved not only by his parishioners but by all those who have been in any way associated with him in any activity. Unselfish devotion to his parish has brought rich rewards in growth and progress, and the parish of St. Joseph's acknowl- edges its debt to its loved pastor.
CHARLES L. WARNER-A native of Nova Scotia, Canada, but a resident of the United States since his early boyhood days, Mr. Warner, came from Connecticut to Woonsocket about a quarter of a century ago and has been a resident of this city since. Here he is engaged in the real estate and insurance business, in which he has met with great success. He is also prominently active in civic affairs and is a member of the City Council. Taking an active part in the affairs of a number of fraternal and social organizations, he is a popular member of them, and enjoys to an unusual degree the liking and respect of all who know him.
Charles L. Warner was born at Kingsport, Nova Scotia, Canada, April 10, 1870, a son of Lewis and Elizabeth (York) Warner. Both his parents were natives of Nova Scotia, where his father was a ship-builder. Mr. Warner came to the United States when he was only eleven years old and at first lived at Madison, Connecticut,
during 1881-87. In the latter year the family re- moved to West Haven, Connecticut, where Mr. Warner remained a resident until 1905. Since then he has made his home in Woonsocket. Mr. Warner received his education in the public schools of Nova Scotia and in those of Madison and West Haven, graduating from the West Haven High School. At the age of sixteen he became a clerk in a meat and grocery store at West Haven, Connecticut, continuing with that type of work until 1905, when he removed to Woonsocket as superintendent of construction for the Taft Pierce Manufacturing Company. He re- mained with this concern until 1922, when he re- signed and established himself in the real estate and insurance business, in which he has continued since then with success. He first opened his offices on May 22, 1922, and today (1931) they are located at Room 407, Stadium Building, Woonsocket. Mr. Warner carries on a general real estate and insurance business and enjoys not only a large and lucrative business, but also the full confidence of all his clients. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party and in recent years he has been effectively active in public af- fairs. First elected a councilman from the Fourth Ward in 1926, his service proved so acceptable to his constituents that they reelected him in 1928 for a second term of two years. On the City Council he is a member of the zoning board. For many years he has also been prominently active in Masonic affairs, and is a member of the various bodies of that organization up to and in- cluding Palestine Temple of Providence, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a past president of the Woonsocket Ki- wanis Club, a director and past president of the Woonsocket Chamber of Commerce, and a mem- ber of the Woonsocket City Club and the Win- nesuket Country Club. His religious affiliations, like those of his family, are with the St. James' Protestant Episcopal Church of Woonsocket. Of its Men's Club he has served as president.
Mr. Warner married Julia E. Smith, a native of West Haven, Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Warner are the parents of two daughters: I. Ruth C., a graduate of the public schools of Woonsocket and of the State Normal School; now a teacher in the Woonsocket schools. 2. Lila E., also a graduate of the public schools of Woonsocket and of a commercial college; now manager of the Retail Merchants Association of Woonsocket. The family residence is located at No. 163 Summer Street, Woonsocket.
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JAMES F. ROCKETT acquired a wide ex- perience as a teacher and as principal of various schools in Massachusetts, before coming to Woon- socket, where he has been superintendent of schools since 1925. In that position he has shown great ability as an educational administrator and he is well liked by his pupils, their parents and the many teachers, whose work he directs. He also takes an active and effective part in various civic activities and is prominent and popular in several fraternal organizations. He was born at Water- town, Massachusetts, December 29, 1884, a son of Edward and Ellen (Dee) Rockett. Both his par- ents were natives of Massachusetts, where his father was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years.
James F. Rockett received his early education in the public schools of Watertown, graduating from the old Philip High School in 1904. He then attended Holy Cross College, Worcester, Mas- sachusetts, where he was graduated in 1908 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, receiving from the same institution the degree of Master of Arts in 1922. The year following his graduation from college he attended the Boston Normal School and graduated from this institution in 1909. He then began his career as a teacher in the public schools of Boston and for some time was assistant in the Bigelow School in South Boston. Next he served as sub-master in the Oliver Wendell Holmes School, Dorchester, Massachusetts, and then as sub-master in the Sarah Greenwood School in the same city. During these years he also taught in evening school, being successively a member of the faculty of the South Boston Evening High School, the Charlestown Evening High School and the Bigelow Evening School, of which latter he was principal. At the same time he took post-graduate courses at Harvard University, Boston University and Boston College. In 1924 he came to Woon- socket as principal of that city's high school and at the end of his first year in that position was promoted to superintendent of the public schools of Woonsocket, which position he has since very capably filled. Under his able administration the public schools of Woonsocket have greatly ex- tended their usefulness. He is also active in the work of the Woonsocket Chapter of the Amer- ican Red Cross and of the Woonsocket Council of the American Boy Scouts. He is a member of the Woonsocket Chamber of Commerce, the Woon- socket Kiwanis Club, the Benevolent and Protec- tive Order of Elks and the Knights of Colum-
bus. His religious affiliations are with the Roman Catholic Church. In politics he votes independently.
Mr. Rockett married Cecilia O'Brien, a native of Boston, Massachusetts, and a daughter of Thomas and Mary O'Brien. Mr. and Mrs. Rockett are the parents of two children, James E., and Pauline M. Rockett. Mr. Rockett's office is located in the school administration building on North Main Street, while the family home is at No. 138 Park Place, Woonsocket.
EUGÈNE L. JALBERT-Born in Arctic Center (now West Warwick), Rhode Island, April 20, 1885, Eugène L. Jalbert is a son of Joseph and Julie (Danis) Jalbert, both natives of the Province of Quebec, Dominion of Canada, his father having been a grocery merchant. Both parents are deceased. After finishing the elemen- tary schools he entered the College of Montreal, and later the Joliette Seminary, affiliated with the University of Montreal, Province of Quebec, Canada, from which he was graduated in 1906, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Literature. He studied law at Boston University Law School from which he received in 1910 the degree of Bachelor of Laws, magna cum laude. He had, however, been admitted to practice law in Rhode Island the year before, namely, November 5, 1909. He began to practice law in Woonsocket while still in his third year at the law school. He still practices in Woonsocket. He is president and treasurer of the Woonsocket Spinning Company, and general counsel for L'Union Saint Jean Bap- tist d'Amerique, the largest French mutual bene- fit society in the United States; the Masurel Worsted Mills, Incorporated; the Verdun Man- ufacturing Company; the Enterprise Gar Knit- ting Company, and local counsel for the Lafay- ette Worsted Company.
Too busily engaged to give a thought to public office for himself, he is an ardent member of the Republican party and always at the command of those who may require his services to promote its success. He is a member of the Rhode Island State Republican Club. He also belongs to the American Bar Association; the Chamber of Com- merce; the Franco-American Chamber of Com- merce; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. His club is the Winnesuket Country. He is a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church.
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Eugène L. Jalbert married Nathalie Moreau, of Manchester, New Hampshire, in 1912, and they are the parents of: Heloise, Louis, Julienne, Jeanne, Eugène, and Roland.
LEGER JOSEPH MORISSETTE-A native of Canada, but since his early boyhood a resident of Rhode Island, Mr. Morissette, after having been connected for several years with different large manufacturing establishments at Central Falls, organized there a bank. As its treasurer during the last fourteen years he has shown ex- ceptional business and executive ability, qualities which have enabled him to build up this institu- tion into one of the leading banks of Central Falls. The same characteristics he has also shown in connection with his service as president of a motor car sales company in Providence and he is regarded today as one of the most substantial and successful of the younger generation of Rhode Island bankers and business executives.
Leger Joseph Morissette, a son of Honore and Olympe Morissette, was born in Canada, Octo- ber 27, 1883, one of thirteen children, the entire family now living at Central Falls. Mr. Moris- sette's father worked in various mills, but is now retired. Mr. Morissette received his education in the public schools at Victoryville, Canada. After coming to the United States, he studied for three years at the Rhode Island School of Design and then taught school for some time at St. Hyacinthe, Province of Quebec, Canada. Returning to Cen- tral Falls, he became time-keeper at the Sayles plant and later paymaster at the Philipsdale plant, which latter position he continued to hold until 1915. In that year he founded the Credit Union Bank at Central Falls, being elected its treasurer. In this position he has continued since then, de- voting his energy and marked ability to the build- ing up of this financial institution, which stands today a proud monument to his enterprise and ability. He is also president of the Nash Sales Company of Providence, treasurer of the Notre Dame Hospital of Central Falls, and treasurer of Notre Dame Parish. He is a member of the local St. Jean Baptiste Society, the Pawtucket Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and Jacques Cartier Society of Central Falls, of which latter he is general treasurer. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party, while
his religious affiliation is with the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church of Central Falls.
Mr. Morissette married Clara A. Auger, a daughter of William and Ermine Auger. Mrs. Morissette is a native of Woonsocket. Mr. and Mrs. Morissette are the parents of two children: Russell Auger, and Madeline Lucille.
ARIEL BALLOU EDWARDS-One of the well-known financiers of Woonsocket, Mr. Ed- wards is also one of the largest land owners in that city. Much of the valuable real estate man- aged by him is part of his father's estate, of which he is a trustee. Throughout his life very fond of outdoor life and sports, he is a member of many country, golf, hunting and fishing clubs, not only in Woonsocket, but also in other parts of Rhode Island, and in Massachusetts and Can- ada. Though he has never sought or held public office, he takes a keen interest in public affairs and he is also active in the social and religious life of the community, where he is highly re- spected.
Ariel Ballou Edwards was born at Woon- socket, in January, 1871, a son of Dr. Daniel Mann and Laura (Ballou) Edwards. His father was a native of Maine and a member of an old and prominent family of that State. However, he spent the greater part of his life in Rhode Island, where he practiced medicine, until impaired hear- ing forced him to give up his professional work. This affliction resulted from his service with the Ist Maine Heavy Artillery during the War Between the States. During the balance of his life he devoted himself to the management of his large real estate interests. Mr. Edwards' mother was a daughter of Dr. Ariel Ballou, for many years one of the leading citizens of Woonsocket, prominent in Masonic affairs, a member of an old Rhode Island family and a leader in the Dorr War. Dr. and Mrs. Edwards were the parents of three children: Ariel Ballou, Edith, and Dan- iel Mann, Jr.
Ariel Ballou Edwards was educated in the pub- lic grammar and high schools of Woonsocket and then studied for three years in Europe, spending most of that time in Paris, France. After his return to his native country he became a student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He then entered the cotton business with the expecta-
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tion of continuing permanently in it, but at the end of some ten years his father's failing health made it necessary for him to change his plans, and at that time he became associated with his father in the management of their large real estate holdings. Since his father's death he has had charge of them in behalf of the estate. Like his father he is and always has been a firm believer in the inherent value of Woonsocket real estate. As the result of his large holdings, he has for many years played an important part in the de- velopment and building up of his native city. Though not engaged in the real estate business in the usual meaning of this term, he has undertaken at times real estate developments of importance, which he has invariably carried out with success. He maintains an office in the St. James Hotel, No. 302 Main Street, Woonsocket. He is a member of the Woonsocket Chamber of Com- merce and has always interested himself helpfully in all civic movements tending to advance the welfare of Woonsocket, its people and its institu- tions. He is a member of many clubs, including the Cumberland Country Club, as well as the Woonsocket City Club, the Winnesuket Country Club, the Wonomoisset Golf Club of Providence, the Whitinsville Golf Club, the Ironstone Country Club, the Hermitage Country Club of Magog, Province of Quebec, Canada, the Appalachian Mountain Club, the New England Fox Hunters Club, the Brunswick Foxhound Club, and several other fishing and game clubs in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He is also a member of the Mayflower Society. His religious affiliation is with the St. James' Protestant Episcopal Church of Woonsocket, in the work of which he takes an active part, as he also does in that of the Woon- socket Young Men's Christian Association. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party.
Ariel Ballou Edwards married Lena G. Greene, a daughter of Arthur H. and Elizabeth (Cutting) Greene. Mrs. Edwards, born in Coaticook, Prov- ince of Quebec, Canada, has been a resident of Rhode Island for many years. Like her husband she is an active member of St. James' Protestant Episcopal Church, and she is also a supporter and an active worker in the Woonsocket Young Women's Christian Association, Day Nursery, Public Health and Nursing Association, and other charitable organizations. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have no children. The family residence is located at No. 236 Woodland Road, Woonsocket, and Mr. and Mrs. Edwards also maintain a summer
home at North Hatley, Province of Quebec, Canada.
JAMES R. D. OLDHAM-For more than a score and a half of years engaged in the teaching profession and allied activities, James R. D. Old- ham, for the past nearly twenty years has been an important factor in educational advance in East Providence as the superintendent of schools. Dur- ing his administration many improvements in the teaching personnel, the curriculum and the physical properties of the local school system have been achieved. Mr. Oldham enjoys an excellent standing among educators of the country, having affiliation with the principal organized bodies of his profes- sion. He came to East Providence with a fine background of service in different educator posi- tions in two of the New England States. He is well liked in East Providence and participates in various affairs, civic and social, as well as in com- munity movements.
Rev. John Oldham, father of Superintendent of Schools Oldham, was born in Hanley, Stafford- shire, England. He was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church for forty-three years, and at the time of his death was a member of the New Eng- land Southern Conference of that church. His wife before her marriage was Miss A. Roberts, a native, as was her husband, of Hanley, Stafford- shire, England. She, too, has passed away. Of their son, James R. D., see further.
James R. D. Oldham was born June 16, 1875, in South Coventry, Connecticut, where his honored father was preaching at the time. He attended public schools in his native State, in Massachu- setts and in Rhode Island, completing his prepara- tory course in the Woonsocket High School. Thence he entered Brown University, where he achieved an excellent scholastic record, and was graduated Bachelor of Arts in the class of 1897.
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