USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. IV > Part 55
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Church. His club is the Bristol Gun, for he finds special pleasure in hunting, as well as in horse racing. He is treasurer of Defiance Hose Com- pany, and the Bristol County Farmers' Associa- tion.
Alexander Griswold Fales married Mary E. Gayton, who was born in Bristol, and they are the parents of three children: Stephen H., who enlisted in the Bristol Naval Reserve Corps and during the World War was in the Merchant Marine; Charles A .; and Mary H.
EDWIN M. CALDWELL-As distributor of the Marmon and Roosevelt cars, Edwin M. Cald- well takes an important part in the business af- fairs of Providence and this region of Rhode Island, having as his territory this State and a part of Massachusetts. Although not a native of this State, Mr. Caldwell has long been keenly interested in its affairs; and his participation in Rhode Island life has been such as to give him a position of leadership and esteem in his city and among its people.
He was born in Akron, Ohio, on August II, 1887, and his entry into the automobile industry was made through the rubber trade, in which he became interested while still in his native city, famous for its manufactures of rubber products. His parents were Albert B. and Hattie E. (Hall) Caldwell, both Ohioans by birth. His father was born in Akron, where he was engaged until his death as a merchant; and the mother, who was born in Palmyra, Ohio, was still living in 1930. In the public schools of Akron, Edwin M. Cald- well received his early education; and while still very young, he went to work with the Goodrich Tire and Rubber Company, of his native Akron. For six years he continued with that organiza- tion, and at the end of that period he took a posi- tion as sales manager of the Meller Rubber Com- pany, also of that city. For four years he re- mained in that capacity; and then it was that he took a position as superintendent and factory manager with the Davol Rubber Company, of Providence, Rhode Island. After another four- year period with this company, he went into the building business for himself, which held him for still another four-year period. Then, in 1928, he entered the automobile business, becoming dis- tributor of the Marmon and Roosevelt motor cars in Rhode Island and a part of Massachusetts.
His company has a sales and service station at No. 543 Elmwood Avenue, in the city of Provi- dence.
Mr. Caldwell, as might be expected from his interest in the automobile industry, is a member of the Rhode Island Automobile Dealers' Asso- ciation, and is keenly concerned with the newest developments in this great realm of industrial life. Also a leader in the affairs of his city and State, he is a student of politics, and is himself a supporter of the Republican party and its policies and principles. His fraternal associations are chiefly with the Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. Caldwell's religious faith is that of the Con- gregational Church. In all of his different affilia- tions, he has proven himself to be a man of un- usual abilities and accomplishments; and his par- ticipation in Rhode Island affairs has been such as to win him the esteem and affection of his fellowmen.
When not engaged with one or another of his business or social duties, Mr. Caldwell likes nothing better than outdoor recreational activities, in which he indulges to a considerable extent, notably fishing and hunting, of which he is par- ticularly fond.
Edwin M. Caldwell married, in 1908, Anna E. Kestner, a native of Massilon, Ohio. The chil- dren by this marriage have been: Edwin M., Jr., and Jack Raymond.
EUGENE J. McELROY-Immediately fol- lowing his graduation from high school, Mr. McElroy became connected with the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad and has con- tinued to be identified with this railway ever since. His ability, industry and devotion to the interests of the company gained him numerous promotions to positions of ever-increasing importance and responsibility. While thus occupied, he took up the study of law during his leisure hours by at- tending an evening law school. He was admitted to the Rhode Island bar and in recent years has been one of the members of the legal staff of the railroad, with offices in Providence. He is also active in civic, fraternal and religious affairs and, of the younger generation of Providence lawyers, he is regarded as one of the most representative and substantial.
Eugene J. McElroy was born in Providence, January 19, 1887, a son of Owen and Catharine
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(Hyde) McElroy. His father, now deceased, was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, but spent the greater part of his life in Providence, where he worked as a master boilermaker until his death. Mr. McElroy's mother, still living in Providence, is a native of this city. Mr. McElroy received his early education in the public gram- mar schools of his native city and then graduated, in 1905, from the Providence English High School. Immediately afterwards he became associ- ated with the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad as an office boy. Four years later, in 1909, he was made chief clerk, a position he con- tinued to fill very successfully until 1912, when he became tax agent. After seven years of effec- tive service in that position, he was advanced to the position of district claim agent in 1919. Dur- ing these years Mr. McElroy attended the night courses of the Northeastern University Law School, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1921. In the same year he was admitted to the bar of the State of Rhode Island. Since 1926 he has been assistant attorney of the New York, New Haven & Hart- ford Railroad, with offices in Union Station. He is a member of Providence Lodge, No. 14, Be- nevolent and Protective Order of Elks. During 1907-10 he served with the Rhode Island National Guard, being a member of the Hospital Corps. In politics he is a supporter of the Democratic party, and since 1928 he has done effective work as a member of the Providence School Committee. His religious affiliation is with St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church of Providence. Mr. Mc- Elroy has always been greatly interested in all forms of athletic sports and it is in this manner that he finds most of his recreation.
Mr. McElroy married, in 1917, Louise M. Brown, like himself a native of Providence. They have three sons: Eugene J., Jr., John L., and James Edward.
IRVING C. MITCHELL-Having carefully prepared himself for his professional work as a teacher, Mr. Mitchell commenced his educational activities immediately after graduating from the Rhode Island State College in 1913. Since then he has devoted himself continuously to educa- tional work, chiefly in the schools of his native State of Rhode Island, serving as superintendent of schools of Cumberland, Providence County,
for eleven years, 1918-29. In this position he displayed marked ability as a teacher and educa- tional administrator, his long continuous service being proof of the high regard in which he is held by the communities, the education of whose children he guided so successfully for many years. In 1929 he joined the State Department of Edu- cation as director of Surveys and Research. He is a member of numerous educational organiza- tions, as well as of several fraternal orders.
Irving C. Mitchell was born at Glocester, Providence County, January 24, 1891, a son of Franklin P. and Myrtilla (Steere) Mitchell. His father was a successful merchant throughout practically all of his active business life. Mr. Mitchell was educated in the public schools of Glocester and Burrillville, Providence County, and then attended the Rhode Island State College, Kingston, where he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1913. Im- mediately after having completed his course at the State College, he began to teach, his first po- sition being that of principal and teacher at the Charlestown, New Hampshire, High School. In 1915 Mr. Mitchell returned to Rhode Island, where he became superintendent of schools in a newly organized school district, including the towns of Smithfield and Glocester. There he re- mained for three years, resigning in 1918 to ac- cept the position as superintendent of schools of the town of Cumberland. He resigned from that position in 1929 to join the State Department of Education as director of surveys and research, with headquarters in the office of the commis- sioner of education, State House, Providence. Mr. Mitchell has met with success in his edu- cational work and is considered one of the able educational leaders in the State. Always eager to keep himself in touch with the latest develop- ments in the field of education, he pursued for some years post-graduate work at Brown Uni- versity, Providence, which resulted in his receiv- ing the degree of Master of Arts from that insti- tution in 1920. He is also a member of several educational associations, including the Depart- ment of Superintendence, a national organization for school superintendents, which includes in its membership many college and school leaders en- gaged in educational administrative work. He is also a member of the New England Association of School Superintendents, the Rhode Island In- stitute of Instruction, the Barnard Club, of which he was president 1929-30, as well as of the Brown University Teachers' Association, the
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Alumni Association of the Rhode Island State College, and the Polygon Club. For a number of years interested in Masonic work, he is a member and a Past Master of Unity Lodge, No. 34, Free and Accepted Masons, and, in 1929, was Patron of Electa Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party. His religious affiliation is with the Fourth Baptist Church, Providence.
Mr. Mitchell married Esther A. Aldrich, a na- tive of Pawtucket, Providence County, and a daughter of Irvin E. and Anna B. (Latham) Aldrich. Mrs. Mitchell's family, like that of her husband has been settled in Rhode Island for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are the par- ents of five children: Beryl, Olive, Myrtle, Caro- lynn and Barbara.
HON. WILLIAM SMITH FLYNN-A dis- tinguished member of the Rhode Island bar and an important figure in the public life of the State for some two decades, Hon. William Smith Flynn has spared no pains to develop the talents with which nature endowed him, and has won his way to the top through hard work and consistent effort. Even in his college days, when he financed his own way through the higher branches of edu- cation, it was evident that his strong determina- tion would bring him success. This early promise has been fully met by his notable record at the bar of his native State and by his equally notable record in public life. -
William Smith Flynn was born in Providence, Rhode Island, August 14, 1885, a son of James A. and Elizabeth (Kelley) Flynn, both lifelong resi- dents of this city, where the mother's death oc- curred in 1905. He received his preliminary edu- cation in the public schools of his birthplace and, following graduation from the Classical High School in 1903, he became a student at Holy Cross College. During the period between 1903 and 1907 three of his brothers were also students at Holy Cross, all four pursuing the same course. Mr. Flynn earned the Bachelor of Arts degree, which he received in 1907, not only by fulfilling academic requirements, but, in another sense, by financing his entire course through his own ef- forts as purser on one of the boats of a promi- nent line, and later as ticket agent in the main office of the company. Having determined upon a legal career, Mr. Flynn then entered George-
town University, at Washington, District of Columbia, taking the Bachelor of Laws degree at his graduation in 1910. Here again he paid his own way, holding various positions in the immi- gration, commerce, and navy departments of the government, which not only were more than sufficiently remunerative to meet all his expenses, but also gave him valuable insight into the prac- tice of government. For the next six months he was associated with Mr. Thomas A. Carroll, of the Providence bar, in further preparation for his career, and finally in 1911 he was admitted to the bar of the State. In 1913 he was admitted to prac- tice before the United States District Court, and in 1916 was admitted to the United States Circuit Court of Appeals.
Meanwhile his professional work was well under way. He began practice in Providence in 19II, and it soon became evident that the spirit which had won for him an education in spite of all obstacles, was to become a potent force in legal circles of the State. He possessed a thor- ough knowledge of all legal principles together with their application in modern court procedure, while his quick intelligence and ready tact made him a persuasive and formidable figure before a jury. He spared no effort to bring a case to a satisfactory conclusion, and his diligence on be- half of his clients resulted in many notable vic- tories for the causes which he espoused. It is interesting to note that he won his first cases in both the United States District and Circuit courts, and this served as an indication of what was to come. As the demands on his services con- stantly increased, he built up an excellent general practice of wide extent, and won a distinguished reputation as a lawyer of learning, skill and honor.
Mr. Flynn has always been much interested in civic affairs and governmental problems and early in his career entered the field of public service as an active member of the Democratic party. His effective campaign work, both on platform and in committee, brought him rapidly to the fore and in I911 he was the candidate of his party for representative of a Providence city district in the Rhode Island General Assembly. He was successfully elected and continued to serve in this capacity, with a brief interlude, for many years. During 1917-18, he was deputy floor leader of the Democratic party in the Assembly, and, in 1919, he was elected floor leader, which position of in- fluence he continued to hold until 1922. He served successively on the militia, State property and judiciary committees, giving his best efforts for
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the promotion of the welfare, not only of his constituents but also of the people of the entire State. Mr. Flynn's eloquent, forceful speeches won wide attention, and the warmth and charm of his personality made him many friends.
In 1922 William Smith Flynn was the Demo- cratic candidate for Governor and was elected, the first Democratic candidate for that office to be elected since 1907. Out of 158,410 votes he received 81,935, a plurality of 7,211 over his Re- publican opponent, Harold J. Gross. He served as Chief Magistrate of Rhode Island for two years, 1923 and 1924, his administration being one full term of useful service to his native State. In 1924 he was his party's candidate for the office of United States Senator, both for the unexpired term of the late Hon. LeBaron B. Colt and for the full term of six years, 1925-31. Though de- feated by his Republican opponent, Jesse H. Met- calf, of Providence, he had the distinction of poll- ing more votes, 88,138, than any other Democratic candidate had ever received in Rhode Island for the office of United States Senator. After the expiration of his term as Governor, Mr. Flynn resumed the private practice of law, in which he has continued ever since in Providence.
Fraternally, Governor Flynn is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Columbus, while he also holds membership in several clubs, including the St. Michael's Catholic Club, the Columbus Club, and the Pen and Pencil Club. He is a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association, was art editor of his college year book and is an ex-president of his college class. In religious faith he is a Roman Catholic, belonging to St. Michael's Church in Providence. Governor Flynn's offices are at No. 87 Weybosset Street, Providence, while his residence is at No. 252 Rhodes Street.
GILES P. DUNN, JR .-- Proprietor of two mercantile establishments, political leader, and financially interested in a number of leading hotels, Giles P. Dunn, Jr., is a citizen of recog- nized standing and influence in his native Block Island. In addition to being a member of the State Legislature, he holds a number of local, State and Federal government positions. Mr. Dunn conducts an extensive business as the larg- est fish dealer on Block Island, where he is also the only coal dealer. He is also interested in the corporation which furnishes light and power to its patrons on the Island.
Giles P. Dunn, Sr., father of Giles P., Jr., was born on Block Island. For many years he went down to the sea in ships, pursuing his occupation of fisherman. He was one of the first of the Islanders to use stake-traps in those waters. He married Abbie C. Littlefield, a native of Block Island, now deceased.
Born on Block Island, July 14, 1869, Giles P. Dunn, Jr., received his education in the local public schools. He then took up the vocation of fishing and continued in this line until 1904. In that year he started in the wholesale and retail sale of fish on the dock of New Harbor, Block Island. He later established a branch at Old Harbor, operating both places under his own name. Both as fisherman and fish dealer he has been unusually successful, having built up a fine line of trade on the Island and on the mainland. Knowing thoroughly the business from the source of supply to the consumer, he is enabled to meet the requirements of his customers in every way. He is known as the premier fish dealer of the Island, and he has the distinction also of being the only distributor of coal there. He is a stockholder in the Island Light and Power Com- pany, and he is interested in the Island's well- known record for hospitality, being a member of the companies managing the hotels, Spring House, Hotel Manasses, and Vail's Cottage.
Mr. Dunn is a staunch Republican and has been frequently honored by his party. He is a member of the Providence Republican Club. Since 1922 he has been a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, and has also served as tax assessor of the Island for the past fifteen years. For a like period he has filled the office of steamboat commissioner, and for five years has served as pilot commissioner.
He is also an influential member of the Block Island Chamber of Commerce. He is affiliated with Atlantic Lodge, No. 31, Free and Accepted Masons; Newport Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; DeBlois Council, Royal and Select Masters; Washington Commandery, Knights Templar; and Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. His religious interest is in the Free Will Baptist Church, which he at- tends and to which he gives generously of his means.
Mr. Dunn married, December 8, 1892, Hannah C. Mott, a native of Block Island, and they be- came the parents of a son, Otis Mott, who is now deceased.
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JOHN FRISBIE FARNSWORTH - For forty-four years of his life the late John Frisbie Farnsworth lived in Westerly and for forty-three he was in the employ of the machinery manu- facturing firm of C. B. Cottrell and Sons. He bore the highest of reputations for character, industry and loyalty to everything and everyone with which he was associated. A strong advocate of temperance, he was a real force in his gentle methods of guiding others along the paths of rectitude as he saw them. His life was an inspira- tion in loftiness of principle and in the works he did in accordance with his ideals.
Born in Washington, New Hampshire, and educated in that place, he came to Westerly in 1880. In his free hours from his business occu- pation he devoted himself largely to religious work and was one of the founders and the first president of the People's Mission in Westerly, of which his nephew, the Rev. Le Roy Farnsworth, was superintendent. He was an active member of the Pawcatuck Seventh Day Baptist Church and did splendid work for that religious body. His death occurred in Westerly, October II, 1927.
John Frisbie Farnsworth married (first) Ella J. Ball, who died November 4, 1920, and they were the parents of one daughter: Nellie, who married Albert W. Crandell; they are the parents of four children: Albert, Esther, Catherine, and Alanson. He married (second), on July 18, 1922, Lena (Barber) Richards, daughter of Captain Henry Barber.
To have done no man harm in a long life is a rare record and this is the tribute that his fellow- citizens have paid the memory of John Frisbie Farnsworth. He was upright and courageous, just and honorable, merciful and tolerant of the beliefs of others. He walked in a straight path, yet he was no bigot, and he was a true philan- thropist, for he truly loved his fellowman and sought to help in every way that his powers made possible. He was an honor to his adopted city and to the State of Rhode Island.
SILAS HOLMES-Known throughout Rhode Island and in this region of New England as a musician of considerable talent and ability, Silas Holmes took up the study of this art when he was very young and continued it for many years. He was a natural born musician; and his life was one of usefulness, the display of his talents serving to
enrich the enjoyment of others and make their lives happier.
Mr. Holmes was born in Bristol, Rhode Island, in 1847, son of Thomas G. and Elizabeth (Ward- well) Holmes. The son, Silas, received his early education in the grammar and high schools of his native town, and on May 1, 1867, he went to Taun- ton to learn the engraver's trade. So well did he apply himself that in six months time he was able to do better work than the average apprentice of two years. He remained, however, for only one year, and from then onward specialized in music, which he had already studied considerably. His talent for instrumental work, combined with his pleasing personality, brought him a host of friends, and he was quite well known throughout the State. While in Bristol at the beginning of his musical career, he taught violin, piano, and harp. He served as organist in the Bristol Congregational Church for ten years, and also played at many social af- fairs, including those of Colonel Colt, which were the leading events of their kind in this section of the State.
Aside from his music, Mr. Holmes was gifted with mechanical genius. Two beautiful clocks which were made by him and which are now in the possession of his daughter, are specimens of his fine work, and the frame of one of them is prob- ably one of the most exquisite pieces of work to be found in this country. He was also a beautiful penman, and specimens of his penmanship are to be found in various places. In 1879 Mr. Holmes purchased a farm of fifty-two acres on the Dia- mond Hill Road in the town. of Cumberland, Rhode Island, and there resided until his death.
Silas Holmes married Lois E. Razee, in 1876, daughter of Benjamin and Adeline (Follett) Razee, all natives of Cumberland, Rhode Island. Mrs. Holmes, after attending the Foxboro High School, taught at the Diamond Hill district school for a time. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes had one child, Eliz- abeth L. (familiarly known as Bessie), who was born on the family homestead on the Diamond Hill Road in Cumberland, and was educated in the school at Diamond Hill. She became the wife of Daniel W. Angell, Jr., in 1902, and they had a daughter, Elizabeth Holmes, born in Woon- socket, in 1909, came to Cumberland an infant and is now living with her mother. She grad- uated from Arnold Mills grammar school and Cumberland High School. It is through the cour- tesy of Mrs. Angell that the engravings of her parents appear in this work, given by her in lov- ing remembrance of their many fine qualities. The
Silas Holmes.
Lois & Holmes
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church affiliation of the Holmes family is with the Methodist Church at Arnold Mills.
The death of Silas Holmes in January, 1927, was a cause of sincere grief and regret to his many friends and acquaintances. Though he was eighty years of age, he had long been a highly respected citizen of this Rhode Island community. He had dene much to bring to the minds of others the appreciation of music that he knew and loved. As husband and father, he was ever kind and gentle, and was a companion to those about him, even in the last years of his life. He was of a very quiet and retiring nature. Kept himself very well in- formed with the present-day events of his time. His memory will long live to inspire and influence those whom he left behind.
JOHN ORMSBEE AMES-Descended of an old and distinguished New England family, whose members in every generation have been prominent in American life, John Ormsbee Ames has con- tinued the high traditions of the family in his own career.
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