USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. IV > Part 49
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The death of Edwin Halsey Reynolds, which occurred on July 21, 1878, was a cause of wide- spread and sincere sorrow in Providence and throughout the State of Rhode Island, for he had contributed extensively to the well-being and de- velopment of his community's best interests, and had come to be widely known among the people of this region of New England. A man of upright character and of warm sympathies for those less fortunate than himself, he was a valuable member of the Providence community, which lost in his death one of its most useful and substantial citizens. His place in the history of this city, especially in regard to the growth of its business and com- mercial life, was a most important one.
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HERMAN BYRON READ-Among the fam- ilies that have led for many years in the business and civic life of Coventry, Rhode Island, that of Read has held an outstanding place. For two gen- erations the Reads here were active in the furni- ture and undertaking business that was established by Byron Read, father of the man whose name heads this review; while Coventry has been the family seat for three generations. A man of kindly impulses and of finest instincts, Herman Byron Read was quiet and reserved in demeanor, and ever considerate and sympathetic in his human relationships. His place in the Coventry community was an important one, and the interests that he had in commercial and civic life were many. His death removed one of this community's most honored citizens, and a man whose life had been of outstanding usefulness.
He was born in Coventry on February 17, 1878, son of Byron and Julia A. (Pinckney) Read; grandson, on his father's side of the house, of. Henry and Phebe (Waite) Read, and great-grand- son of Joseph and Sabria (Knight) Read; and grandson, on his mother's side, of Edward S. and Eleanor (Johnson) Pinckney. The names of Read, Pinckey, Waite, Knight and Johnson, it is well known, have long occupied important positions in the life of Rhode Island and of New England. Henry Read, grandfather of Herman Byron Read, was a farmer; and Byron, his son, born April 7, 1845, worked for a time on his father's farm, until, at the age of twenty-one years, he became active in the undertaking business. In Coventry, while still working on the farm, he attended the public schools; and in 1866 he entered the employ of his brother, Henry F. Read, who was conduct- ing an undertaking, furniture and hardware enter- prise, in Anthony, Rhode Island. In 1872 Byron Read bought a one-half interest in this business, and in 1873 Henry Read, Jr., died, whereupon Byron Read purchased the remaining interest. In the years that followed, he continued prosperously, improving the business until his death. It was in June, 1870, that Byron Read married Julia A. Pinckney, daughter of Edward S. and Eleanor (Johnson) Pinckney; and of this union two children were born: I. Herman Byron, of whom further. 2. Charles Sheldon, born November 23, 1879.
Of these, Herman Byron Read received his early education in the elementary schools of Coventry, and was graduated from the University Grammar School in Providence. Later he graduated from
Bryant and Stratton Business College, in Provi- dence. When the time came for him to enter upon his active career, he became engaged in the furniture and undertaking business of his father, in which he continued from the time when he finished school until his death. He was also inter- ested in other business affairs, having been a director of the Phoenix National Bank, of Coven- try.
Active in town affairs, Herman B. Read, who was a staunch Republican and a supporter of his party's policies and views, served for many years as moderator, having been elected to this office on the Republican ticket. He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, in which order he belonged to Manchester Lodge of Coventry and of which he was a past master, and was a mem- ber of St. John's Commandery of Knights Tem- plar. He held membership, likewise, in the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He was eligible to the Society of the Sons of the American Rev- olution, but never completed his papers for admis- sion to this patriotic group. Into all of his many activities and into the organizations with which he was connected, Mr. Read continuously put his fullest measure of energy and enthusiasm, so that he came to be highly esteemed and respected in widely varying walks of life.
Herman Byron Read married Hannah M. (H. Maude) Gorton, daughter of Jason T. Gorton, and a descendant of Samuel Gorton, a Revolutionary officer. Mrs. Read is a member of the Daugh- ters of the American Revolution. By their mar- riage, Mr. and Mrs. Read became the parents of the following children: I. Herman Milton, born December 28, 1909, a student at the Rhode Island State College. 2. Virginia Maud, born May 20, 1916, a student at the Lincoln School for Girls, at Providence.
The death of Herman Byron Read, which took place on January 8, 1927, caused sincere regret in the community where he lived and throughout the business world in this region of Rhode Island, where his acquaintance was a wide one. Many and useful were his contributions to the well-being of his fellowmen and to the promotion of the best institutions of this Commonwealth. Generous to a fault, he gave freely to friends and to all who asked his assistance; and he will long be remem- bered as a thoroughly substantial citizen and as a man whose life was a source of encouragement and inspiration to those around him.
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COL. FRANK P. KING-A member of an old New England family and a direct descendant of the pioneer settlers of Plymouth Colony, Mr. King is a native and lifelong-resident of New- port. By profession an architect and civil engi- neer, he has devoted the greater part of his career to the public service and for more than a quarter of a century has served with much effi- ciency as deputy sheriff of Newport County. Col. King has been prominently active for many years in military affairs, having to his credit almost thirty years of service in the State Militia. He is also prominently active in many fraternal, civic and social organizations, takes a very deep inter- est in religious affairs and, indeed, in every respect he is one of the outstanding, highly re- spected and popular citizens of Newport.
Frank P. King was born at Newport, Novem- ber 13, 1868, a son of the late Oliver H. and Sarah A. (Slade) King. Col. King is a direct descendant of Mary Chilton, who came to Plym- outh in 1620 on the "Mayflower." On his mother's side he is also a direct descendant of Peleg Slade, who was an officer during the War of the Revolution, commanding the Ist Massa- chusetts Regiment. Col. King's father, a native of Newport, was connected with one of the city's manufacturing establishments as a foreman until his death. His mother, also now deceased, was a native of Fall River, Massachusetts. Educated in the public schools of Newport, Frank P. King, after leaving school, took a special course in architecture and drafting, continuing to study these subjects for three years. He then worked for two years at civil engineering. In 1903 he was appointed deputy sheriff of Newport County, filling this position so effectively and so entirely to the satisfaction of his fellow-citizens, that he has been continued in it ever since. Today (1931) he has the distinction of being the oldest deputy sheriff in active service in the State of Rhode Island.
In 1885 he enlisted in the Newport Artillery Company as a private. From then until he re- ceived his honorable discharge in 1914, he con- tinued to serve with this military unit, gradually being promoted through the various ranks, until he was made colonel, which office he held for five years. During the World War he saw service in the Intelligence Department. Col. King is an expert revolver and rifle shot and has taken many medals. He is a member of numerous fraternal organizations, including the following: St. John's Lodge, No. 1, Free and Accepted Masons, of
which he is a Past Master; Newport Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; De Blois Council, Royal and Select Masters; Washington Commandery, Knights Templar; Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Kolah Grotto, Mystic Order, Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm; Newport Lodge, Be- nevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Newport Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men; Newport Lodge, Loyal Order of Moose, of which he is a Past Dictator; Modern Woodmen of America. He is also a member of the Narragansett Bay Sojourners Club, of which he is a past president; the Heroes of 1776, of which he is secretary; the Newport Lions Clubs; the Newport Chamber of Commerce; the Newport Discussion Club; the Past Masters Association; the Providence Re- volver Club; the Miantonomi Club, of which he is president; the St. George Men's Club, of which he is president; and the Newport Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, of which he is first vice-president. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party, and for a number of years he has served as chairman of the Third Ward Re- publican Committee. His religious affiliation is with St. George's Protestant Episcopal Church, of which he is a vestryman.
Colonel King married Sarah Adelaide Mc- Mahon, like himself a native of Newport. Col. and Mrs. King are the parents of two daughters: Annabelle S. and Marguerite K. King. Col. King's offices are in the County Courthouse in Newport.
LEONARD P. BOSWORTH-For four dec- ades Leonard P. Bosworth has been widely and favorably known to the people of Barrington as a public-spirited citizen and successful business man. He is the owner of a long-established business, dealing in coal and lumber, groceries, hay and other merchandise.
Leonard P. Bosworth was born in Barrington, Rhode Island, November 7, 1856, son of Leonard S. and Laura A. (Dunn) Bosworth. The father was born in Barrington also. In 1852 he established the business, now operated by his son, in which he continued engaged until his death in 1888. The mother, born in Northbridge, Massachusetts, is also deceased. The son was educated in the Barrington public schools and at Cady's Private School. After completing his education, he worked with his father until he had sufficiently mastered the busi- ness to be taken in as partner in 1881. After the
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death of his father, who had founded the enterprise, the son took over the entire ownership and man- agement and greatly increased its operations and enlarged its facilities. It is now regarded as one of the important concerns in its field and section, with excellent business methods and a large pat- ronage which fully appreciates its quality of serv- ice. In 1920 the lumber end of the business was disposed of and Mr. Bosworth continued the gen- eral merchandise, groceries, hay, grain, and coal business, which is constantly expanding. Mr. Bos- worth belongs to the New England Coal Dealers' Association, the New England Builders' Supply Association, and the New England Grain Dealers' Association. He is a director of the Barrington Brick Company and the Kleistone Rubber Com- pany.
His political allegiance is given to the Republi- can party, and his religious support goes to the Church of Christ Scientist. His hobbies are his business and the sport of sailing.
Leonard P. Bosworth married, in 1881, Eveline Maxwell Peck, born in Barrington. They are the parents of Miriam L. and Albert L. Bosworth, who are associated with the father in the business.
NATHAN W. WHIPPLE, JR .--- A member of an old Rhode Island family and himself a native and lifelong resident of this State, Mr. Whipple, after having been engaged for a number of years in the wholesale produce business in Pawtucket in association with his late father, has been the suc- cessful operator of a well-known and extensively patronized gristmill at Arnold Mills, near Valley Falls. In this undertaking he has met with great success, partly because of his previous training and experience and partly because of his many fine qualities. Since locating at Arnold Mills, Mr. Whipple has taken an active interest in the various phases of the community's life and he is today one of the most respected and most popular members of it.
Nathan W. Whipple, Jr., was born in Pawtucket, October 2, 1880, a son of the late Nathan W. and Lavina C. (Mason) Whipple. Both his parents, now deceased, were natives of Rhode Island, in which State the family has been represented for many generations. His father for many years was successfully engaged in the wholesale produce busi- ness in Pawtucket.
Mr. Whipple received his education in the Paw- tucket grammar and high schools and then at-
tended Bryant & Stratton's Business College. Hav- ing thus prepared for an active business career, he associated himself with his father. In 1912 Nathan W. Whipple purchased the gristmill at Arnold Mills from Mr. Neil D. Mackenzie (q. v), and this he has since operated. This mill is located on a property which was originally intended for a machine shop, but which has been used as a grist- mill since 1900. In politics Mr. Whipple is a supporter of the Republican party. His reli- gious affiliations are with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a member of the board of trustees, and in the work of which he takes an active part.
Mr. Whipple married Louise A. Clark, a native of Valley Falls, and a daughter of John F. and Carrie (Jencks) Clark. Like her husband, Mrs. Whipple is interested in the work of the local Methodist Episcopal Church.
JAMES L. HANLEY was born in Providence, May 20, 1897, a son of James and Margaret (Henry) Hanley. Both his parents are natives of Ireland and residents of Providence, where his father is successfully engaged in the wholesale beef business. Mr. Hanley is a graduate of La Salle Academy, Providence, class of 1915. From there he went to Boston College, graduating there with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He received a Master of Arts degree from Brown Univer- sity in 1920, and a Bachelor of Laws from North- eastern University in 1927. He has taken several courses at the Rhode Island College of Education and has completed most of his work for the de- gree of Master of Education at Harvard Univer- sity. In September, 1920, he started his career as a teacher in the capacity of sub-master at the Central Falls High School and was made prin- cipal of that school in 1921. Five years later, in August, 1926, he was appointed acting superinten- dent of public schools and in February, 1927, the board of education of Central Falls elected him permanently to the position of superintendent, which he has continued to fill since then with much success and marked ability. He is a mem- ber of the Pawtucket Kiwanis Club, of which he is a past president; Providence Council, Knights of Columbus; the Barnard Club; and the Black- stone Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, of which latter he is a member of the executive committee, and the Boys' Work Committee, Young Men's Christian Association. He is also
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on the executive board of the local council of the Boy Scouts of America.
On August 22, 1929, Mr. Hanley married Mary R. Gorman, of Central Falls. They have one daughter, Margaret Mary, who was born Septem- ber 3, 1930.
JOSEPH WOOD FREEMAN, son of Edward L. and Emma E. (Brown) Freeman, has made commercial and book printing his life work in Central Falls, his native community. He was born on May 9, 1863, and has resided here most of his life. He received his early education in the pub- lic schools, prepared for college at the Mowry and Goff English and Classical School of Provi- dence, and entered Brown University, in Provi- dence, from which he graduated in 1885 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and in 1889 received the degree of Master of Arts. From 1882 to 1899 he was librarian in Central Falls. To the manage- ment and development of the Free Library in this place he has ever given generously of his time, being one of the three trustees under the will of the late Stephen L. Adams, who left $35,000 for the erection and maintenance of such an institu- tion.
The newspaper known as the Central Falls "Weekly Visitor" had been established by his father who had published it for many years. Upon completing his college work Mr. Freeman became the editor of this paper. In 1890 he began to devote his time to the general affairs of E. L. Freeman and Sons, as the firm was then called, and in 1893 took charge of the Central Falls printing office. Since that time he has taken a leading part in the growth and development of the company and is now its president and treasurer. Mr. Freeman is a member of the Rhode Island Master Printers' Association and is a director of the Industrial Trust Company and chairman of its Pawtucket branch. He is president of the Eastern Advertis- ing Company of Pawtucket, vice-president and director of the Pawtucket Mutual Fire Insurance Company and director of the Greenhalgh Mills.
Joseph Wood Freeman has been unusually active in community affairs, having held several offices in Lincoln before Central Falls was cut off from that town. He was secretary and chairman of the sewer commission, and was one of the special supervisors at the town election of 1890. At that time through his efforts, the notorious "tissue ballot" fraud was discovered and his testimony before the Supreme Court was of help in exposing the fraud. In 1900
Mr. Freeman was elected mayor of Central Falls, and in 1906 he was reelected. In 1900 he was a member of the school committee, and served as chairman from 1901 to 1907. From May, 1899, to February, 1907, he served the State as deputy rail- road commissioner. A member of the Masonic fraternity, Mr. Freeman was elected Worshipful Master of Union Lodge, No. 10, of Pawtucket in 1893. He is also a member of Pawtucket Chap- ter No. 4 of Royal Arch Masons, Pawtucket Coun- cil, No. 2 Royal and Select Masters, Holy Sepul- chre Commandery, No. 8, Knights Templar, also all of the Scottish Rite bodies of the State. For three years he served as Master of Rose Croix Chapter and in 1907 received the thirty-third de- gree. In 1905 he was elected Grand Master of Masons of Rhode Island. He is a member of the Lincoln Republican Association, the To Kalon Club, of Pawtucket, and the Rhode Island His- torical Society. He is also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Society of Colo- nial Wars, and the Society of Mayflower Descend- ants.
Joseph Wood Freeman married, June 23, 1886, Elizabeth King Fales, daughter of George S. and Frances (Baker) Fales, of Pawtucket. Her father was a leather manufacturer of that city. He was a brother of John R. Fales, of the Fales and Jenks Machine Company, both sons of David G. Fales, one of the founders of that company. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman are the parents of the following children: Edward Livingston; Elizabeth King Fales, now Mrs. Lester K. Little; Frances Louise, now Mrs. Minot J. Crowell; Richard Fales; and Joseph Wood, Jr.
REV. M. A. HEBERT-Seven years of loyal service as pastor of the Church of St. Cecelia, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, have enabled Rev. M. A. Hebert to accomplish much for his parish and church.
St. Cecelia's parish was founded in 1910 by Rev. H. Z. Sylvestre, who, with wise foresight, erected a school building so planned that a portion of it could be used for church services. There were six class-rooms in the building, making ample provi- sion for the seventy-five children who were placed in charge of the Sisters of the Holy Union for instruction. Father Sylvestre continued to serve St. Cecelia's parish up to 1923. Under his leader- ship firm foundations were laid for the new parish and thirteen years of growth and progress were wisely directed. The school grew steadily, also the
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membership of the church, and financially and spiritually, Father Sylvestre left the church and parish of St. Cecelia in excellent condition. He was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. M. A. Hebert.
Rev. M. A. Hebert was born in Canada, and is a brother of the well-known Senator Hebert. While Father Hebert was still a child his parents re- moved to the States, being among the first Cana- dians to settle in the Pawtucket Valley. He re- ceived his early education in St. John's parochial school, and then continued his studies in La Salle Academy, at Providence. When ready for his theological training he entered Grand Seminary, at Montreal, Province of Quebec, Canada, where he completed his course and was ordained in 1902. His first assignment was to St. Aloysius Church in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, and there he re- mained for six years. At the end of that time he was made secretary and chancellor to Bishop Har- kins of the Providence Diocese, with whom he remained for three years. In that position his task was to assist in the work of the diocese, organiz- ing recording, and generally making himself useful in a multitude of ways, and assisting in the Cathe- dral Church. While occupying this position he also organized the work among the deaf-mutes of the Diocese of Providence. In 1911 he was made a pastor and placed in charge of the Church of Our Lady of Good Help, in Oakland, Rhode Is- land, where for eleven years he worked faithfully and earnestly for the advancement of the welfare of the parish. In 1923 he was assigned to his pres- ent charge as pastor of St. Cecelia's Church of Pawtucket, where he has been successfully minis- tering to the present time. During the seven years of his pastorate he has achieved a great work. He built the present church, which provides seat- ing for 1,200 persons, has remodelled all the build- ings on the church grounds, and has purchased $60,000 worth of property. The original school building has been remodelled and enlarged by the addition of an annex so that its twenty-two class rooms now accommodate nearly 1,100 children, who are under the care of twenty-four Sisters of the Holy Union. The rectory, which was pur- chased by the first pastor, has been enlarged to eighteen-room capacity. The membership of the parish has more than doubled, and there is a Sun- day school with an enrollment of 1,100. The parish societies are active and growing and include a Holy Name Society for single and married men, a St. Agnes Society, a Children of Mary Society, and seven other societies, making provision for all
ages, from five years old up to a large and active Men's Club. There is also a gymnasium fitted up with every appliance and apparatus for effective physical training and for the enjoyment of every phase of athletic sport. A good library is provided for the use of the school, and every care is taken to guide and direct the minds and character of the young people of the parish along wholesome and Christian paths of endeavor. Two assistants aid in carrying forward the work of the parish.
Father Hebert is a well-educated, cultured gentle- man and a sincere Christian, and active in the edu- cational affairs of the State of Rhode Island as a well-known member of the State Board of Educa- tion. He has the deep respect and confidence of his parishioners and the high regard of the community in general.
JOHN P. B. PEIRCE-A member of an old New England family, Mr. Peirce has most worthily upheld the family tradition of public service by having spent his entire career since his graduation from college, more than two decades ago, in vari- ous important public offices. Since 1913 he has been town clerk of North Kingstown, as well as clerk of the Second District Court. In the former capacity he has the distinction of being the third member of his immediate family, representing the third successive generation, to serve as town clerk of North Kingstown. Of course, Mr. Peirce is widely known throughout the community and, hav- ing proven himself a most able and conscientious public official, he enjoys to a remarkable degree the liking, respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens. For many years he has also been prominently active in many other directions, being a member of the General Assembly of Rhode Island, a direc- tor of several important financial and public serv- ice corporations, a popular member of a number of fraternal, social and patriotic organizations, and prominently active in religious work. Thus he rep- resents through these varied activities the highest type of useful and substantial citizenship, and the contributions which he has made to the advance- ment of the community's welfare and prosperity have been very important, indeed.
John P. B. Peirce was born at North Kings- town, February 5, 1883, a son of Thomas J. and Sarah N. (Wightman) Peirce, a grandson of John B. and Mary (Brown) Peirce, and a direct de- scendant of Ezekiel Gardiner, the latter a recruit- ing officer during the Revolutionary War. Mr. Peirce's grandfather was born at North Kings-
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