USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. IV > Part 54
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Edward P. Champlin was born on Block Island, January 18, 1865, a son of the late Edward H. and Susan (Peckham) Champlin, both natives of Block Island. His father was born there in 1823 and was one of the Island's leading farmers, serv- ing also for twenty years as town treasurer. Mr. Champlin received his early education in the public schools of Block Island and then attended Providence State Normal School. Having com- pleted his own education, he devoted himself for one year to the education of others, teaching school during this period. He then took up farm- ing and devoted all of his time to agricultural pursuits until 1893, when he was elected town clerk. Since then he has continued to hold this important and responsible office, his frequent re- election indicating the extent to which he is trusted and respected by his fellow-townsmen. He has also continued farming during these years, but his agricultural interests now are only secondary, the chief part of his time and atten- tion being devoted to the duties of his public office. In politics he is a supporter of the Re- publican party and at one time he served for two years as tax collector. He is a member of Atlantic Lodge, No. 31, Free and Accepted Masons. His religious affiliation is with the First Baptist Church of Block Island.
Mr. Champlin married (first), in 1887, Evelyn H. Payne, a native of Niantic, Connecticut, who
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died in December, 1927. By this marriage he is the father of one son, Robert P. Champlin. Two ycars after his first wife's death, Mr. Champlin married (second), in 1929, Mary A. Sprague Dunn, like himself a native of Block Island.
WILLIAM H. GREENE-A member of one of the prominent old Rhode Island families, and himself a native and lifelong resident of Provi- dence, the late William H. Greene was for many years successfully engaged as a pharmacist in Rhode Island's capital. He enjoyed a very high reputation, and his establishment became known as one of the leading drug stores of Providence.
William H. Greene was born in the Greene homestead on Upper Weybosset Street, Provi- dence, October 31, 1842, a son of William H. and Nancy (Andrews) Greene, and a descendant of Nathanael Greene, famous general of the Revo- lutionary War and commander of the Southern Army from 1780 until the end of the war. Mr. Greene received his education in the public schools of his native city and then studied phar- macy. In 1868, at the age of twenty-six years, he opened a drug store of his own, which he con- tinued to operate with great success for many years, until his retirement from active business in 1890. At that time Mr. Greene was the oldest active druggist in Providence. His drug store was of the old fashioned type, not to be com- pared with the drug stores of today, which so frequently devote themselves more to the selling of various merchandise than to the dispensing and compounding of drugs. Mr. Greene himself was a very able chemist and apothecary of the old school and personally compounded many of the drugs which he dispensed. His carefulness and thoroughness gained him an excellent reputation and throughout his business career he enjoyed a very large patronage. He devoted the major share of his time and energy to his business, and spent such hours as were not required by it in the home circle. He took very little part in social or fraternal activities and, though always inter- ested in public questions, he did not participate actively in public affairs.
Mr. Greene married (first) Helen Field, who died young, leaving two daughters: I. Lucy F. 2. Florence C., who married Walter E. Moore, an insurance broker. Mr. Greene married (sec- ond) Sarah E. (Reed) Corey, widow of William J. Corey, and a granddaughter of Captain Josiah
and Elizabeth (Monroe) Reed. Through her grandmother, who was a daughter of Captain Jon- athan Davis, Mrs. Greene was a descendant of two of the principal figures of the so-called Dorr War-Captain Reed and Captain Davis, both having been prominent in this historical event. Captain Reed was the right-hand man of Gov- ernor Thomas Wilson Dorr, and, when Governor Dorr was forced to flee from the State, Captain Reed went with him, later being placed on trial and imprisoned together with Governor Dorr. An- other of Mrs. Greene's ancestors was William C. Monroe, a relative of President Monroe, a descend- ant of the Earl of Montrose, a famous Scottish chief, and well known in his days as president of a temperance league. Mr. Greene had no children by his second marriage.
At his home in Providence, William H. Greene died, January II, 1930, at the age of eighty-eight years. His death, though the natural conclusion of a long and useful life, was nevertheless felt as a distinct and irreparable loss, not only by his family and friends, but also by the community in general. For many years one of Providence's leading business men and a substantial and highly respected citizen, Mr. Greene will long be re- membered for his many sterling qualities.
DANIEL A. SCHOFELD-Owning seventy acres of farm land on the Sneach Pond Road in the town of Cumberland, Rhode Island, Daniel A. Schofeld there operates a farm and dairy, and maintains about twenty-five head of cattle, in- cluding various breeds of the better grades. Al- though a Canadian by birth, Mr. Schofeld has spent most of his life in this country, to which he came when he attained his majority, and here he has been eminently successful in his under- takings.
He was born in Nova Scotia on February 18, 1870, son of Charles Henry and Eunice (Web- ster) Schofeld. Daniel A. Schofeld received his early education in his native land, and there worked on a farm until he reached the age of twenty-one years, when he came to the United States and became a farm hand on the farm of Safford Razee. His parents remained in Nova Scotia. Mr. Schofeld continued farm work with Mr. Razee for about twenty-five years, and while engaged in that capacity bought the farm which he now operates himself. For six years previ- ously he had hired a farm of his own, but then
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purchased this one, which he came to operate personally after his quarter of a century with Mr. Razee. His first work was that of remodeling and rebuilding, and this was a task which had to be accomplished before he set about the next duty of establishing a sound and prosperous business. He erected a new home and new farm buildings, and after a time the property became one of the finest to be found in this part of the New England farming district.
Daniel A. Schofeld married Susie Long, a native of Nova Scotia who came to the United States as a girl. She is a daughter of James and Margaret (O'Leary) Long. To Daniel A. and his wife, Susie (Long) Schofeld, have been born the following children: I. Walter, who lives at Riverside, Rhode Island, and is a traveling freight agent with the railway company. 2. Perry, driver of the school bus. 3. Arnold, who lives in Connecticut. 4. Harold, station agent at Whit- ing, Rhode Island. 5. Helen, who became the wife of Waldo E. Franklin, a farmer in the town of Cumberland. 6. Carl, who is employed by the Blackstone Valley Gas Company. 7. Howard, a student.
Mr. Schofeld and his family are regular attend- ants at the Methodist Episcopal Church.
ZYGMUNT J. CZUBAK-A member of one of the earliest families of Polish descent to settle in Providence, Mr. Czubak was born in this city and made his home here until a few years ago, when he went to Central Falls to live, there fol- lowing his profession of law. As a lawyer he has met with marked success and his standing in this profession is very high. He has the distinction of having been the first law student of Polish descent to be admitted to the Rhode Island bar. For many years he has been prominently active in the affairs of a number of Polish organizations, and in several of these holds office.
Zygmunt J. Czubak was born in Providence, December 7, 1891, a son of Anthony and Sophia (Smolinski) Czubak. His parents were the third family of Polish descent to settle in Rhode Island. His father was a stationary engineer. Mr. Czubak was the oldest of nine children and received his early education in the public schools of Providence, after which he attended the Prov- idence Classical Academy. He then studied for one year at Brown University, being a member of the class of 1914. From there he went to Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, where
he studied law for the next four years in that institution's law school. During that period he also taught school, in order to earn sufficient money to pay for his education. Having com- pleted his legal studies, he was admitted to the Rhode Island bar, being the first law student of Polish origin to pass the Rhode Island State Bar examinations. He then established himself as an attorney and counsellor-at-law in Provi- dence, where he continued in the practice of his profession from 1916 until 1926. Since the latter year he has maintained law offices at No. 546 Broad Street, Central Falls.
For many years Mr. Czubak has taken a very prominent part in the affairs of a number of Polish organizations. He has served as general counsel for the Rhode Island State League of Polish Voters. He was also one of the founders of the Polish National House in Providence and served as its first president. In politics a sup- porter of the Republican party, he took an active part in the Harding Campaign, being in charge of the Polish vote in the East, with headquarters in New York City. He had the honor of being elected as the first president of the First Polish Republican State Club, which was organized in Connecticut. During the World War he served as a member of a Providence draft board under the selective service act and throughout the war period was very active in welfare work in be- half of all voters and citizens of Polish descent. Since his college days he has been a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He has served as secretary of this fraternity's national organiza- tion, which includes eighty-eight local chapters, and is now a member of its National Board of Councillors, with headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Pawtucket Bar Association. While a student at Brown University, he was on the freshman football and baseball teams. His religious affiliation is with St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church of Central Falls.
Mr. Czubak married Marcella Mocadlo, a na- tive of Meriden, Connecticut, and a daughter of Stanislais and the late Martha Mocadlo. Mr. and Mrs. Czubak are the parents of two children: Zygmunt J., Jr., and Marcella Harriett. The family home is located in Central Falls.
JOSEPH F. RYAN-A native of Providence, but a resident of the town of Cumberland for some four decades, Mr. Ryan is one of this
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town's well-known citizens. Joseph F. Ryan was born in Providence, August 20, 1863, one of the four sons of the late Peter J. and Bridget (Dwyer) Ryan. He is the only member of his immediate family still living. Both his parents were born in Ireland but came to this country in their youth, marrying in Providence. His father was for many years employed as a hostler. Mr. Ryan was educated in the public schools of Cum- berland, where he made his home for forty years. During the greater part of his life since he has left school, he has been connected with the bleach- ing industry. In recent years he has also owned and successfully operated a variety store on Brown Street, Valley Falls, and has acted as the district agent for the "Pawtucket Times." During the Spanish-American War he served with Battery C, 2d United States Heavy Artil- lery, remaining in military service for three years. After having served for two and one-half years as assistant highway commissioner of the town of Cumberland, he was elected highway commis- sioner in November, 1928, and still continues to hold this important office. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and of Woolley Camp, Spanish War Veterans. In politics he is a sup- porter of the Democratic party, while his reli- gious affiliation is with the Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Ryan married Mary C. Broderick, a daughter of Patrick Vincent and Anne (Kelly) Broderick. Mr. and Mrs. Ryan are the parents of seven children: I. Anne M., who married James C. McCoart, of Cranston, and who is the mother of one son, Charles Carroll McCoart. 2. Mary C., assistant town clerk of Cumberland. 3. Gertrude A. 4. Helen M. 5. Ethel L. 6. John J. 7. Claire J. The family home is located in Valley Falls.
FRANK EDWARD FITZSIMMONS-Upon attaining his majority, Frank Edward Fitzsim- mons of Lincoln became affiliated with the Demo- cratic political organization and almost from that moment has been active in the service of the people in public office. Certainly no man in Rhode Island is better known than he and his reputation for excellence of service, for keen business acumen, for uprightness and interest in the welfare of the community is of the highest character. His services in modest office were
given with all the skill at his command and when he rose to a' seat upon the bench his work was as notable in the interests of full justice and strictly adhering to the minute interpretation of the laws. Judge Fitzsimmons is one of the popu- lar men in the civic affairs of this State, evidence of which has from time to time been demon- strated at the polls and at the hands of appoint- ing officials.
He was born at Smithfield, now Lincoln, Rhode Island, July 26, 1863, a son of John and Cath- erine (McGuire) Fitzsimmons, and was educated in the public primary, elementary and high schools and also by private tutors. For many years he was an active newspaper man, having been editor-in-chief of the "Providence Tele- gram" from March 25, 1902, to March 10, 1906. He was also editorially associated with the "Prov- idence Tribune," "Providence World-Record," "Pawtucket Tribune," and other papers. Since 1908 he has been a senior member of the general insurance firm of Fitzsimmons, Johnson and Broderick, up to its dissolution in 1920, and since 1923 to the present time (1931) has been treasurer of the O'Malley-Fitzsimmons Company, archi- tects, Pawtucket. He is also a member of the Pawtucket Board of Fire Underwriters and of the Casualty Underwriters' Association of Rhode Island. Among the public offices he has filled are the following: treasurer of the Lonsdale Fire District from 1884 to 1887; postmaster of Lons- dale, 1887-91; school committee, various terms, 1889-1907, chairman in 1907; superintendent of schools, 1890-91; deputy town and probate clerk, 1889-90; judge of the Probate Court, various terms, 1902-10; member and secretary of the board of tax assessors, 1909; chairman bi-partisan commission to erect town hall, 1910; trustee, Rhode Island Institute and School for the Deaf, 1903, appointed by Governor Garvin but unable, through pressure of business, to serve; collector of customs for the district of Rhode Island and custodian of the Federal buildings, 1914.
He was a unanimously chosen delegate from Rhode Island to the Postmasters' National Con- vention, held in Washington, District of Colum- bia, in 1887, and in 1888 was a member of the committee of five to draft a bill for revision of the postmasters' compensation law. He was the Democratic candidate for Secretary of State in 1901-02-05; president of the State League of Democratic Clubs, 1896; chairman of several Democratic State Conventions, and in 1900 was unanimously chosen delegate to the National
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Democratic Convention in Kansas City, but de- clined this honor in order that the city of Provi- dence might have representation; alternate dele- gate to the Democratic National Convention in St. Louis, 1904; delegate to the Democratic Na- tional Convention in Denver, 1908, and member of the committee on platform; alternate, Demo- cratic National Convention, Baltimore, 1912; member for nineteen years of the Democratic State Central Committee and chairman from 1906 to 1914.
In the activities of war work and soldier wel- fare during the participation of the United States in the World War he was a potent factor for success, being a member of the State Execu- tive Committee and chairman of his town in the Liberty Loan, War Stamp, Red Cross, Knights of Columbus, St. Joseph's Hospital and other drives. He was also a member of the Pawtucket and Blackstone Valley Welcome Home Com- mittee and chairman of the speakers' committee for the Service Men's Reception exercises in Slater Park, Pawtucket, September 7, 1919, at which Ambassador Jusserand, of France, was the guest of honor. He also served as chairman of the bi-partisan commission to erect Saylesville gram- mar school, 1915, and of the bi-partisan com- mission to erect Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial School, 1919. Judge Fitzsimmons has also served on a number of civic betterment organizations, having been for two years secretary of the Catho- lic Total Abstinence Union of Rhode Island, and for several terms president of the Catholic Insti- tute Association of Valley Falls, the largest and wealthiest educational-recreational organization for young men and women in the diocese of Providence. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and has served as advocate and district deputy and is a charter member of the Diocesan Catholic Club and the Pen and Pencil Club. He has been ever active in diocesan educational and charitable endeavor, and is now vice-president of the National Council of Catholic Men of the Diocese of Providence.
Judge Fitzsimmons married, April 28, 1885, Mary Martin, daughter of Henry Martin, of Killyleigh, Ireland.
C. HERBERT POND-A man of long ex- perience and proved ability in the field of banking and finance, C. Herbert Pond is now assistant secretary of the Rhode Island Hospital Trust Company of Providence, and manager of the
Woonsocket branch of this corporation. In the several years of his association with the organi- zation his services have been a decisive factor in the continued success of the company and the growth of the branch at Woonsocket, in which city he makes his home.
Mr. Pond was born at Woonsocket on Novem- ber 15, 1878, a son of Charles H. and Ida F. (Cook) Pond. His father was engaged through all his active life in various mercantile enterprises here.
C. Herbert Pond received his education in the public schools of Woonsocket, and following the completion of two years in the high school, he began his business career in the employ of the Producers National and Producers Savings banks at Woonsocket. This connection was continued for thirty years from 1895 until 1925. He was employed at first in minor capacities, but he dis- charged all duties which came to him so ably, that he soon won merited promotion to positions of confidence and trust. Mr. Pond spared no effort to master every detail of banking operations and financial conditions to be met in the course of his work, and upon this solid foundation he laid the ground work for his future success. When the Producers National and Producers Savings banks were taken over by the Rhode Island Hospital Trust Company in 1925, Mr. Pond remained with the latter corporation, becoming assistant secre- tary of the organization and manager of the Woonsocket branch, both of which positions he has since continued to occupy with every success. Mr. Pond is also a director of the Woonsocket City Lumber Company, a director of the Woon- socket Building and Loan Association, and treasurer of the Winnisucket Country Club, of which he has been a member for some years. As in his business connections his services have proved of genuine value to the various non-com- mercial organizations in which he holds member- ship, including the Woonsocket Chamber of Com- merce, of which he is now treasurer.
Mr. Pond is a consistent Republican in poli- tics, from conviction, although he always exer- cises independent choice in giving his support to the various candidates for office or the proposals submitted to the electorate. In spite of the de- mands which his work makes upon him, he has always been interested in movements for civic advance and welfare, and has contributed gener- ously to charitable or benevolent enterprises. Mr. Pond worships in the faith of the Universalist Church.
alexander. S. Sales.
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HARRY S. RICKARDS, of Woonsocket, is recognized as having a wide knowledge of the different phases of banking, a field which he entered immediately upon leaving college. Mr. Rickards was born at Blackstone, Massachusetts, August 6, 1882, and is the son of Charles W. and Phoebe Frances (Williams) Rickards. His father, a wool finisher, was born in the County of Wales, and his mother, at Williamstown, Massachusetts. After attending school in Blackstone and Woon- socket, Mr. Rickards entered Dartmouth College, where he studied for two years. His first position was with the National Bank of America, which connection lasted until the bank was absorbed by the Union Trust Company. He then changed his affiliation to the Union Trust Company, and came to Woonsocket as its assistant manager in 1920. This position he filled with outstanding ability, and it led to his being selected by the Citizens National Bank as cashier, in July, 1928. In January of 1929, he received the appointment to his present position, manager of the Woon- socket branch of the Union Trust Company.
Mr. Rickards is a director of the Chamber of Commerce, and is one of its most active workers and most able advisers. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and belongs to the City Club and the Winnisucket Club. In political preference he is a Republican, and in religious affiliation, a communicant of St. James Episcopal Church, also serving as secretary of the Men's Club.
Harry S. Rickards married Lillian M. Halli- well, of Newark, New Jersey, and they were the parents of Elizabeth Frances.
LUCIEN W. JARRETT, of Woonsocket, is not only one of the city's prominent manufac- turers, but serves with faithfulness and ability as its police commissioner, a position to which he was appointed in 1926 by the Governor, after having served for six years on the board of police commissioners. Mr. Jarrett was born in Woon- socket, March 16, 1886, the son of Wilfrid and Anna (Pothier) Jarrett. His father was a mill in- spector for many years. Both parents were born in Canada, his mother, Anna (Pothier) Jarrett, being a sister of the late Governor Pothier of Rhode Island. After finishing the course of study at the Woonsocket High School, Mr. Jarrett at- tended La Salle Academy of Providence. His
entry into business life was in the mills of the Alsace Worsted Company, his association with this firm continuing for eight years. Desiring a more independent career, he formed a partner- ship with Moses Spencer, under the name of the Sydney Worsted Company, and when Mr. Spen- cer retired, he conducted the business himself until 1926, when E. P. Herbert, of Woonsocket, entered the firm as president, Mr. Jarrett becom- ing the treasurer. The company employs about two hundred persons, and manufactures worsted yarns for men's clothing, of a quality that has a wide recognition for excellence and dependability. Mr. Jarrett is a Republican in politics, belonging to the Republican Club of Rhode Island. In re- ligion he is a Roman Catholic, belonging to the parish of St. Charles.
Lucien W. Jarrett married Anna Moran, of Woonsocket. Their children are: Aram Pothier, Lucille Jean, and Elizabeth Ann.
ALEXANDER GRISWOLD FALES-A prosperous farmer of Bristol, Rhode Island, Alex- ander Griswold Fales is also an influential poli- tician and a public-spirited citizen who has ably filled several representative offices.
Alexander Griswold Fales was born in Bris- tol, May 17, 1868, son of Frederick N. and Hen- rietta G. (Warren) Fales, and a member on both sides of the family of excellent New England stock. The father, a native of Bristol, now de- ceased, was a large property owner there and a successful and much respected farmer. The mother, likewise born in the town, is also de- ceased. In the public and high schools of Bris- tol the son received his education, and on his father's farm he learned the agricultural prin- ciples which have guided him in what has been his major life work. After the death of his father, Mr. Fales continued on the homestead acres and conducted the fertile and well-administered farm which has since remained under his management.
In public affairs Mr. Fales takes a keen and constructive interest. He is a Republican and has served for several years on the Republican Town Committee. For seven years he was superinten- dent of streets for his town, and for many years was commissioner of birds for Bristol County, and since 1926 he has been a representative of the town in the Rhode Island General Assembly. He is a communicant of the Congregational
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