USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. IV > Part 35
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Direct from the university, Mr. Oldham entered upon his career as an educator, accepting the as- sistant principalship of the Greenville Grammar School at Norwich, Connecticut, where he re- mained three years. His next position was that of supervising principal of grammar schools at Moosup, Connecticut, which town retained his serv- ices for five years. He then went to Hamden, New Haven County, Connecticut, having accepted an invitation to be superintendent of that town's schools. His services there covered a term of four years. For three years thereafter he was super-
James R. D. Oldhuman
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intendent of schools of the towns of Bourne, Sand- wich and Mashpee, Massachusetts, the three con- stituting a superintendency district for the pur- pose. In 1911 he accepted the call of East Prov- idence to be superintendent of schools there, where he has since continued.
Mr. Oldham is a member of the National Edu- cation Association, the New England Association of School Superintendents, the Rhode Island Asso- ciation of School Superintendents, and October Conference of New England School Men. He be- longs to the East Providence Business Men's Asso- ciation and the Barnard Club, of which latter or- ganization he is a past president. His fraternal affiliations include Moosup (Connecticut) Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; and his political al- legiance is given to the Republican party. He is a popular member of the Lions Club, also the Uni- versity Glee Club of Providence. His religious connection is with the Haven Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is both trustee and steward, a member of the finance committee, and a licensed local preacher. He is active in church work, and is fond of outdoor life, much given to mountain hiking and motorboating, but none of these diver- sions does he allow to seriously invade his devo- tion to reading by which he keeps up his acquaint- ance with the best authors and with current events.
Mr. Oldham married, in 1902, Nellie I. Munroe, who was born in East Providence, and their chil- dren are: William D. G., Elizabeth M., Florence K., and Dorothy Ellen.
FRANK CHARLESWORTH-Connected with the Providence Fire Department since his early manhood, Chief Charlesworth's rise during the thirty-two years which he has served with it has been steady. For the last seven years he has been at the head of the department and in that capacity has shown himself an exceptionally able and conscientious public official.
Frank Charlesworth was born at Manchester, England, September 21, 1872, a son of the late Frederick and Ellen (Stevenson) Charlesworth, both natives of England. His father was an engraver. At an early age Chief Charlesworth came to this country with his parents and was educated in the public schools of Cranston and Providence. After leaving school he was em- ployed for a number of years as a clerk in a grocery store, and following this he worked with
the Providence Street Railways for one and one half years as a conductor ; this was when the street railways were still using horses. In 1898 he joined the Providence Fire Department as a substitute and one month later was made hoseman. In 1908, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and was assigned to the Harrison Street Station. Within one year, on July I, 1909, he became a captain, being assigned at that time to Hose Company, No. 3, Franklin Street. On December 20, 1917, he was made battalion chief, and on March 10, 1923, he became chief of the Providence Fire Department, in which capacity he has continued to serve since. He is a member of the Providence Veteran Fire- men's Association, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, of which he is also a director, the New England Association of Fire Chiefs, the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Club, of which he is president, and the Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Club. He is also a member of the Providence Safety Council. In his youth and prior to the Spanish- American War he served for three years in the Ist Light Infantry, Rhode Island National Guard. For many years, he has been a member of the following Masonic bodies: Unity Lodge, No. 34, Free and Accepted Masons; Providence Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Providence Council, Royal and Select Masters; Calvary Commandery, No. 13, Knights Templar ; Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Rhode Island Con- sistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, in which he holds the thirty-second degree; Royal Order of Jesters; Tall Cedars of Lebanon; Masonic Vet- erans' Association, and the National League of Masonic clubs. He is also an honorary member of the Ansar Temple, of Springfield, Illinois, An- cient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Another organization, in which Mr. Charlesworth maintains membership, is the Providence County Kennel Club. His religious affiliation is with the Protestant Episcopal Church.
Chief Charlesworth married, in 1891, Lizzie Roberts, a native of Lonsdale, Rhode Island. Chief and Mrs. Charlesworth have one daughter, Bertha Porter.
FRANK E. WATERMAN-Combining his own endeavors with a useful career of public serv- ice, Frank E. Waterman is today (1931) one of the highly regarded citizens of Providence, Rhode Island, his birthplace. Here he is president and treasurer of the Waterman Engineering Company, and is at the same time commissioner of public
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works, an office he has held continuously since 1927.
Mr. Waterman was born on August 24, 1869, in Providence, son of Franklin Alonzo and Hannah (Eddy) Waterman. His father, who was born in Johnston, Rhode Island, was engaged as a dealer in art until his death; he was a veteran of the Civil War, in which he served with the Ist Light Artillery, Battery D. He was also in Battery G and Battery F of the Rhode Island Volunteers, in which he held the rank of first lieutenant. He was an active member of Slocum Post of the Grand Army of the Republic. The mother, Mrs. Hannah (Eddy) Waterman, who is now deceased, was a native of Glocester, Rhode Island. Frank E. Waterman, of whom this is primarily a record, is a direct descendant of John Howland, of "May- flower" fame, as well as of Franklin Asa who fought in the American Revolution. He began his active career as a surveyor, after an education which took him through public and high schools in Providence, the Rhode Island School of Design, and the Technical Drawing School. His first em- ployment was with Joseph A. Latham, with whom he was engaged as a surveyor from 1887 to 1894. He then went into business on his own account and since that year has continued in business under the firm names as follows : Frank E. Waterman, to 1919; Frank E. Waterman Company, to 1924; and since then, the Waterman Engineering Company, with offices at No. 86 Weybosset Street, Provi- dence.
Mr. Waterman has by no means confined his activities to this one field of Rhode Island life. He has long been interested in politics and public life, and has been a regular supporter of the Re- publican party and its principles. In 1915 he was made real estate engineer of the engineering firm of the Providence Water Supply Board in 1917, became division engineer, in 1924, was appointed city engineer ; and three years later, in 1927, was appointed commissioner of public works, a posi- tion in which he still serves. He has also taken a lively interest in fraternal and social life, being affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons, in which he belongs to Nestle Lodge, No. 37; Prov- idence Chapter Royal Arch Masons; Providence Council, Royal and Select Masters; Calvary Com- mandery, Knights Templar; and all bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, including the Rhode Island Consistory, in which he has at- tained the thirty-second degree. He is also a member of the Providence Central Club, the May- flower Society, the Sons of the American Rev-
olution, the Sons of Veterans, the Eddy Family Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Providence, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and several professional groups. His memberships in the professional field include the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Bos- ton Society of Civil Engineers, and the Provi- dence Engineering Society. His religious faith is that of the Baptist Church. In all his labors in connection with these different organizations, Mr. Waterman has been an untiring worker in the interests of his city and its people; and his par- ticipation in the work of any group has come to be regarded among those who know him as almost synonymous with its success.
Frank E. Waterman married, in 1895, Annie Louise Mower, a native of Fitchburg, Massachu- setts. By this union there have been four chil- dren: I. Louise Seaverns. 2. Frances Eddy. 3. Marion Bruce. 4. Frank Mower.
REV. CHARLES AUGUSTUS LEWIS RICHARDS-One of the famous clergymen of Rhode Island was the late Rev. Charles A. L. Richards, D. D., rector emeritus of St. John's Episcopal Church at the time of his death. He was rector of this Providence church for forty- five years, and he built it up from a small but earnest congregation to the commanding position it now occupies.
Rev. Charles A. L. Richards was born in Cin- cinnati, Ohio, March 30, 1830, son of Wolcott and Indiana (Twiggs) Richards. His early education was acquired at the Woodward High School, even then noted for its excellence, and at the E. S. Brooks private school in Cincinnati. In 1845 he entered Yale University and graduated four years later, in 1849, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. On completion of his academic course, he began his professional training with the study of medicine at the Cincinnati Medical College; he continued his medical course at Jefferson Med- ical College in Philadelphia and graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1852. He found, however, that to his highly spiritual nature the work of saving men's souls made a greater appeal than ministering to their bodies. He there- fore entered the Theological Seminary of Virginia in 1855, and was graduated there in 1858, when he was ordained deacon. In 1859 he was ordained a priest of the Protestant Episcopal Church. The honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity was con-
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ferred on him by Griswold College in recognition of his constructive achievements.
The first church of Dr. Richards was St. James' Episcopal, at Great Barrington, Massachusetts, where he remained until 1861, when he was trans- ferred to the Church of the Saviour, at West Philadelphia. After four years there, in 1865, the young clergyman took charge of Trinity Church, in Columbus, Ohio, where he was occupied until 1869. It was in that year that he made the move to Providence, Rhode Island, his home through- out the remaining years of his life. He found the parish of St. John's small and struggling, and he nursed it with such care, such skill, such faith, that he made it one of the largest and most impor- tant in the city. While he was rector, the parish house was built and missions were established. The program of activities was full and richly con- structive. Dr. Richards retired from active charge of the parish on March 8, 1901, and was given the title of rector emeritus.
Rev. Charles Augustus Lewis Richards married, (first), in 1853, at Sandy Hill, New York, Emma Weston, who died the following year. He mar- ried (second), in 1863, Mary W. Wiltbank, by whom he had five children: I. Ethelind, wife of Charles C. Gardiner, now deceased, whose record accompanies this (q. v.). 2. John. 3. Margaret Richards. 4. Dorothy, now Mrs. W. F. Keach. 5. Elizabeth, now Mrs. Alfred Shurtleff.
Dr. Richards lived to the ripe old age of eighty- four, a man of gentle spirit, of keen human sym- pathy, of rare intelligence and broad learning. He died on March 20, 1914, leaving a family, a host of friends, and an entire city to mourn his passing.
CHARLES CARROLL GARDINER -- The economic importance of the firm of Potter & Gardiner, of Providence, Rhode Island, brought into prominence also the man whose efforts for more than three decades were a contributory fac- tor to its development. The late Charles Carroll Gardiner served the firm in many capacities and was its president at the time of his death. His abilities were recognized in Providence and his assistance and support requested for every worthy public movement.
Charles Carroll Gardiner was born in Provi- dence, January 23, 1863, son of Benjamin and Caroline (Greene) Gardiner. The father was born in Warwick, Rhode Island, July 1, 1821, and grad- uated from Brown University with the degree of
Bachelor of Arts in 1843. After a busy and pros- perous life, he became agent in 1894 for the P. M. Mathewson Estate, and he died November 2, 1901. His son thus had the background of a cultured family life, and he received his education in the excellent public schools of Providence. Mr. Gardi- ner devoted his whole business career to the lum- ber industry. His first employer, who taught him the fundamentals of the business, was Henry L. Angell, and his second was Edward E. Slocum. By the year 1886, when he was twenty-three years old, Mr. Gardiner was ready for the connection with the lumber firm of Potter & Gardiner which proved so mutually beneficial. He first worked as sales- man, and when James G. Gardiner died in 1887, became junior member of the firm. Through his own efforts and through his contributions to the growing business of the firm, he built up a wide- spread reputation for himself, as well as for the company. In his later years he was president of the Charles C. Gardiner Lumber Company and for many years treasurer of the L. H. Gage Lumber Company of Providence, wholesalers in hardwoods.
To other aspects of community advancement Mr. Gardiner also contributed. He was a Republican in politics, a supporter of the more honorable and more progressive men and measures advanced by his party, and loyal to its best ideals and tradi- tions. He belonged to the Providence Art Club and the Churchman's Club of Rhode Island. He was a communicant of St. John's Episcopal Church, a member of the vestry and a junior warden. Mr. Gardiner was also deeply interested in the Young Men's Christian Association, having served as its vice-president, and also as treasurer of its war fund to which he gave much of his time and effort to make a success.
Charles Carroll Gardiner was married (first), October 17, 1889, to Annie Louise Cooke, of Smithfield, Rhode Island, daughter of Edwin S. and Louisa F. (Whipple) Cooke. Mrs. Gardiner died May 21, 1893. He married (second), Novem- ber 8, 1900, Ethelind Richards, daughter of Rev. Charles A. L. Richards, whose biographical record precedes this (q. v.). A son was born of the sec- ond union: Charles Carroll Gardiner, Jr., born June 28, 1905.
The death of Mr. Gardiner at the early age of sixty-five, August 30, 1918, brought to a premature end a career still full of promise. He was an exemplar to others who recognized his lofty sense of honor, his faithfulness to every trust reposed in him, his remarkable business ability and his broad interests. He was a sincere Christian, a
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faithful worker in the interests of his church and of religion. Such a man naturally won and held a large circle of friends and the respect of the city. His passing marked the loss of a power for good to the community.
JAMES E. MONAHAN-A native and life- long resident of Woonsocket, James E. Monahan has been engaged there for many years in the hardware business. At first he was associated with his father, but since the latter's death in 1906, he has been the sole owner of the business. It has always been located in the same store on South Main Street, which has been occupied successively by Mr. Monahan's father and by Mr. Monahan himself for more than fifty years.
James E. Monahan was born at Woonsocket, November 14, 1870, a son of James and Mary A. (Murphy) Monahan. Both his parents were born in Ireland, but came to the United States in their early childhood. They were married at Dedham, Massachusetts, where Mr. Monahan's father was employed for a number of years in the textile mills. Later he removed to Woonsocket and there became a member of the police force, being the first policeman to wear the official uniform. He continued to hold this position for seven years and then established a grocery store and meat market at No. 7 South Main Street. This busi- ness he continued to carry on very successfully until 1897, when he entered the hardware business, remaining, however, in the same location. There he successfully continued in this business until his death in 1906. Since then his son, James E. Mona- han, the subject of this article, has carried on the business established by his father, maintaining it not only on the high plane on which it has always been conducted, but also greatly expanding its pros- perity and reputation. Mr. Monahan's place of business in a prominent location on Market Square naturally is one of the landmarks of the city, the building having been occupied by his father and by himself successively for a total of fifty years. He is considered one of the leading business men of Woonsocket and is a member of the board of directors of the Woonsocket Trust Company. In politics he is independent and he has never sought public office, but for the past seven years has been tax assessor. He is a member of the Be- nevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus and the Woonsocket Chamber of
Commerce. His religious affiliations are with the Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Monahan married Mary A. Reade, a native of Blackstone, Rhode Island, and a daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Sheridan) Reade. Mrs. Monahan died in August, 1928, being survived, besides by her husband, also by three daughters : I. Margaret, who married George E. Reiley and who is a resident of Wollaston, Massachusetts, having one son, James Reiley. 2. Mary A., who holds a responsible position with the Woonsocket Trust Company. 3. Gertrude, who makes her home with her father. The family residence is located at No. 353 Harris Avenue, Woonsocket.
GEORGE EDWARD ADAMS-For many years one of the outstanding agronomists of his native State, George Edward Adams has contrib- uted richly to academic life in Rhode Island; and since 1917 he has served as both professor of agronomy and dean of the agricultural department of the Rhode Island State College. For his achievements in these academic circles and for his broad knowledge of farming science, horticulture and related subjects, Mr. Adams has won the esteem and respect of his fellowmen.
He was born on May 12, 1874, in North Kings- town, Rhode Island, son of George L. and Annie (Gould) Adams. He was reared in town and on the farm, and in the schools of his birthplace received his early education. Later he became a student at the Rhode Island State College, the institution at which he was destined to become in future years one of the leaders in the academic phases of agriculture; and from that institution was graduated with the class of 1894, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Science. In 1897, and again in 1899-1900, he studied at Cornell Univer- sity, Ithaca, New York; and many years later, in 1916, took the degree of Master of Science in Agronomy at the Rhode Island State College. He began his teaching career at the Rhode Island State College, serving as assistant horticulturist from 1895 to 1901; and becoming, in 1901, assistant in agronomy in the experiment station. In that ca- pacity he continued until 1908, when he took a position as horticulturist, continuing thereafter in his new work until 1912. From 1907 to 1912 he was chief of the agricultural department, carry- ing on these duties in connection with those of horticulturist at the Rhode Island Experimental
Jamas E. monahan
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Station. In 1917 he was made professor of agron- omy, and in the same year was created dean of the agricultural department of Rhode Island State Col- lege.
Professor Adams is a member of the American Society of Agronomy and the American Genetics Association; and in these groups, as well as in all his various scientific affiliations, he has proven him- self to be a most useful worker. He is a life . member of the Massachusetts Horticultural So- ciety, having been elected to that position in 1913; and is also a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, in which he was created a Fellow in 1925. He is a member, too, of the Barnard Club of Rhode Island. From 1901 to 1914 he was State statistical agent in Rhode Is- land for the Bureau of Statistics of the United States Department of Agriculture. Since July I, 1925, he has served as director of the extension service of Rhode Island State College. Keenly in- terested in educational activities of all sorts, he was formerly a member of the South Kingstown school committee. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Phi Kappa Phi, the Rho Iota Kappa, and the Patrons of Husbandry. Modest and hard-working, Professor Adams is held in high regard by the student body; and he has been responsible for inculcating in them high ideals and giving them the benefits of his extensive knowledge in the field of agronomy.
George Edward Adams married, on October 20, 1903, Mary Gates Schermerhorn, of Malden, Mas- sachusetts.
JOHN L. SMITH-As superintendent of pub- lic schools of the town of Lincoln, Providence County, since 1917, Mr. Smith has proven him- self a most able educational administrator. In the many years, during which he has directed the school system of the community, he has gained for himself not only the respect of the teachers, the students and their parents, but also of the community-at-large. He has always taken an active and helpful interest in all movements tending to promote the welfare of the town and has made many valuable contributions to its de- velopment and prosperity.
John L. Smith was born at Narragansett Pier, Washington County, November 8, 1885, a son of James A. and Jessie M. (Murchison) Smith. His great-grandfather, Westcott Smith, served in the
War of 1812. Both his father and his grand- father, James R. Smith, were born at Narragan- sett Pier, the family long having been settled in the southern part of Rhode Island. Mr. Smith's mother was a daughter of a Scotch sea captain and for many years accompanied her parents on their sea voyages. Mr. Smith was educated at the Rhode Island State College, Kingston, from which he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science, and at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. In later years he pursued post- graduate work at Brown University, Providence, and received from that institution the degree of Master of Arts. He began his career in the field of education as a teacher at St. Andrew's, a private school at Barrington, Bristol County, Rhode Island. Later he was, for a short time, connected with the Metropolitan Park System. But he soon resumed his profession as a teacher, becoming connected with the public schools at Webster, Massachusetts, and later with those at Ludlow, Massachusetts, in which latter he taught science and mathematics. From there he went to the High School at Cranston, Rhode Island, where he served as head of the science depart- ment. Next he taught mathematics at Crosley High School, Waterbury, Connecticut, which po- sition he held until August, 1917, when he was made superintendent of the public schools of Lincoln Township, his offices being located in the Lincoln Memorial School at Lonsdale, Provi- dence County. He is a member of the Rhode Island Institute of Instruction, the Barnard Club, the Pawtucket Lions Club, also the following Masonic bodies, including Hope Lodge, No. 25, of Wakefield, Massachusetts; Pawtucket Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and Pawtucket Council, Royal and Select Masters. His religious affilia- tion is with the Congregational Church.
Mr. Smith married Mattie P. Knowles, who was a native of Narragansett Pier and a daughter of Roscoe Knowles. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of three children: Craig N., Bruce W., and Gordon L. The family makes its home at Lonsdale.
REV. JAMES J. O'REILLY-As pastor of St. Thomas' Church of Providence, Rhode Island, Rev. James J. O'Reilly has been devoting his abilities to the development of the temporal and spiritual welfare of the parish since July 28, 1921.
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He has the deep respect and the entire confidence of his people and has proved himself a faithful shepherd of his flock.
The parish of St. Thomas had its beginning as a mission, established by Rev. Thomas Carroll, when he was pastor at Georgiaville. As time passed the labors of Father Carroll bore abundant fruit, and the congregation of the little mission grew in numbers until, finally, April 7, 1887, the parish of St. Thomas was formally organized, with Father Carroll as its first pastor. He had erected a wooden building for the use of the parish, and he continued to give his best effort to the task of building up the church. On March 17, 1888, land was purchased as a site for a new church building, and on June 2, 1889, the corner- stone was laid. The church was dedicated No- vember 24, 1889, and soon afterward Father Car- roll was succeeded by Rev. William Doran, who ably continued the work of the first pastor. He built the present church and generally improved the material and spiritual resources of the parish. Father Doran redecorated the church and moved back to the rear of the church the chapel, which he remodelled as a recreation hall and club house. In July, 1921, he was assigned to the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, and Rev. James J. O'Reilly, the present pastor, took charge of St. Thomas' parish.
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