USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. IV > Part 56
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The name Ames is of great antiquity, being derived originally from the French amie, friend or beloved. The seat of the family in England has been traced to Bruton, in Somersetshire, where it is known that John Ames or Amyas was buried in 1560. Arms are recorded in the Ames name which indicate noble connection. Several mem- bers of the family are found in the early New England colonies. Hugh was an inhabitant of Boston in 1667. John, son of Richard Ames, of Bruton, Somersetshire, England, was born there in 1610, and came to America in 1640, settling at Bridgewater. He left no male issue. His brother, William, born in 1605, came to Duxbury, Massa- chusetts, in 1638, and afterwards removed to Braintree, Massachusetts, where he was admitted a freeman in 1647. William, son of the Rev. Wil- liam Ames, came to Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1637, removing in 1647 to Wrentham, Massa- chusetts. From one or another of these early settlers, most of those who bear their name in this country today are descended.
Most prominent among earlier members of the family was Fisher Ames, friend of Washington, orator, writer, statesman and member of Con- gress; a man held in such high esteem as patriot and orator that he was chosen by the State of Massachusetts to deliver a eulogy upon General Washington at the time of his death. Captain
John Ames laid the foundation of the fortunes of his branch of the family by establishing in Bridgewater, the shovel manufactory which made the name a familiar one all over the country. His son, Oliver, inherited the business and was in time succeeded by his sons, Oliver and Oakes, both of whom were intimately connected with the building of the Union Pacific Railroad. An- other Oliver Ames became Governor of Massa- chusetts, and the list might be extended indefi- nitely down to the present.
Judge Samuel Ames, grandfather of John Ormsbee Ames of this record, was for nine years chief justice of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island. He was a man of extraordinary talents and profound knowledge of the law, a field in which his authority was unquestioned. Jurist, able lawyer, author and public servant, his ca- reer was one of great distinction and success. He married, in 1839, Mary Throop Dorr, daughter of Sullivan Dorr, of Providence, and niece of Thomas Wilson Dorr, leader of the famous "Dorr Rebellion" of 1842. Judge and Mrs. Ames were the parents of four sons and one daughter, of whom the second son and child was William Ames, father of John Ormsbee Ames.
He was born at Providence, Rhode Island, on May 15, 1842, and like his father was a lifelong resident of this city and active in many phases of its life. Leaving Brown University at the out- break of the Civil War, he enlisted in the Union cause and on June 6, 1861, was commissioned second lieutenant of the 2d Regiment, Rhode Island Volunteers. This was the beginning of his military career which was to include service of the highest importance, participation in many famous engagements, and rapid promotion until, at the conclusion of hostilities he was honored with the rank of brevet brigadier-general of vol- unteers. In the closing phase of the conflict he had been chief of artillery of the Department of the South, and in recognition of his continuous, efficient service, gallant and meritorious conduct, he was honored by his State and Nation with the highest testimonials and the rank of brevet brig- adier-general of volunteers. In later life as a member of the Rhode Island Legislature, and of various State commissions, he rendered public service of the greatest importance to the people of the State, particularly as a member of the State House Commission, in planning, construct- ing, finishing and decorating the new capitol at Providence, to which he gave a full quarter cen- tury of his life. He was also for a time collector
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of internal revenue for the entire State, while in Rhode Island industrial life he occupied high place as an executive of the Fletcher Manufac- turing Company, and later of the International Braid Company. He was president of the Black- stone Canal National Bank, and a director of several financial corporations. On November 8, 1870 General Ames married Harriette Fletcher Ormsbee, and his death occurred at Providence on March 9, 1914. Two children were born of his marriage: 1. John Ormsbee, of whom further. 2. Harriette Fletcher, wife of Frank Mauran, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
John Ormsbee Ames was born in Providence, on January 9, 1872. He received his early edu- cation in the University and Berkeley grammar schools of Providence, and later entered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, at Bos- ton. With the spirit of independence which al- ways characterized him, he was anxious to begin the business of life, and at the age of eighteen entered the employ of the Fletcher Manufactur- ing Company, manufacturers of braid, webbing, wicks, and corset lacings, a corporation of which his father was treasurer. Mr. Ames' ability and loyal service won him merited advancement and in 1895 he was elected secretary of the corpora- tion, in 1902 agent, and in 1912 treasurer, to suc- ceed his father. In the same year the Fletcher Manufacturing Company was absorbed by the International Braid Company, and thus one of the oldest and most substantial manufacturing establishments in Rhode Island gave up its cor- porate existence. The business had first been established in 1793 by Thomas Fletcher, who gave it his name. Locating from the outset at Provi- dence, this enterprise was first incorporated in 1865, and for forty-seven years existed under the corporate name, the Fletcher Manufacturing Company. General Ames entered the Fletcher organization as agent and manager on June 12, 1875, and remained in this association until 1912, being vice-president and treasurer from 1904 to 1912.
With the absorption of the Fletcher company by the International Braid Company in 1912, John Ormsbee Ames, on March 26, of that year, was elected treasurer of the latter corporation, and in 1916 was chosen vice-president, succeeding in the course of time to the office of president, which he held with efficiency and distinction until his retirement in April, 1928. In addition to this connection, Mr. Ames is a member of the firm of Goddard Brothers, secretary of the Lonsdale
Company, a director of the Firemen's Insurance Company, the Morris Plan Company of Rhode Island, the Providence Gas Company, the Union Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and the Provi- dence National Bank. He is also vice-president and a trustee of the Providence Institution for Savings, and vice-president and a director of the Rhode Island Power Transmission Company.
In politics Mr. Ames is a consistent supporter of Republican principles, and is affiliated with the Delta Psi Fraternity. He is a member of several clubs, including the Hope of Providence, the Merchant's, and the Tennis and Racquet, of New York City. Mr. Ames is a leading church- man and a member of the general board of the Rhode Island Episcopal Convention.
On November 27, 1900, at Providence, John Ormsbee Ames married Madeline Livermore Ab- bott, daughter of Samuel A. and Abby Frances (Woods) Abbott, of this city. The family resi- dence is maintained in Providence at No. 121 Power Street, while Mr. Ames' offices are situ- ated at No. 50 South Main Street.
WALTER H. MERRISS-In many different branches of the life of Rhode Island, Walter H. Merriss has taken an important part. Former city auditor of Providence, his scope of service covers many different offices and departments of public work. For his achievements in these different fields, as well as in the business world, he is highly esteemed and respected.
Mr. Merriss was born at Lafayette, Rhode Island, on February 16, 1886, son of Charles and Ida A. (Larkin) Merriss, both of whom were born in this State. The father, a native of Charles- town, Rhode Island, has been engaged all his life as a carpenter; the mother, who was born in Hope Valley, this State, is now deceased. Walter H. Merriss, of whom this is a record, received his early education in the public schools of his native community at Lafayette, and attended high school in South Kingstown. He then at- tended Rhode Island State College, and upon the completion of his studies there, served for ten years as a salesman.
In 1914 he began his official duties with the Public Works Department of the city of Provi- dence, which he served in the capacity of clerk. In that position he continued until 1921, the year in which he was made secretary of the depart- ment. In 1926, he was elected tax assessor, and
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in this office served until February, 1930. He was then elected city auditor, which office he held until 1931.
Mr. Merriss' service to his city and State have been of great value, especially in the different public offices that he has held; but he has by no means confined his activities to these fields alone. He is also keenly interested in civic and social affairs, covering a wide scope, and is affiliated with a number of organizations that have long led in these phases of Providence and Rhode Island life. His political alignment is with the Republi- can party, of whose policies and principles he is a staunch supporter. He is a member of What Cheer Lodge, No. 21, Free and Accepted Ma- sons; Providence Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Providence Council, Royal and Select Masters. Mr. Merriss is also a member of Manufacturers Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He belongs, too, to the Providence Central Club and the Rhode Island Trowel Club. His religious faith is that of the Baptist Church.
Walter H. Merriss married, in 1917, Cora Smith, born in Peace Dale, Rhode Island.
S. MARTIN ROSE-A native of Block Is- land, Rhode Island, S. Martin Rose has continued a lifelong resident of this region; and, after serv- ice in a number of different fields, he took over his present duties as postmaster, in which he has done a great deal of valuable work. For his achievements in this position, and for his constant attention to the needs of others in all the different realms of life with which he has been engaged, he occupies a high place in the esteem of his fellow- men.
Mr. Rose was born on May 26, 1857, in Block Island, son of Samuel W. and Sarah N. Rose, both natives of this place. Both of his parents are now deceased. The father was engaged until his death as a fisherman, and was a beloved resident of this region of Rhode Island. In the public schools of Block Island, his birthplace, S. Martin Rose, of whom this is a record, received his earli- est formal education; and later he also attended the public schools of Newport. Upon completing his work at the Rogers High School, in Newport, he worked for twenty years at carpentry, in which he became a skilled craftsman. Then, for several years, he was a farmer, until, in 1913, he was
appointed postmaster of Block Island. In this ca- pacity he has served since that time, with marked success and with benefits to the people of this flourishing community.
Along with his activities in this connection, Mr. Rose has taken a lively interest in the affairs of a civic and social nature in this State. He has long been interested in fraternal life, and is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in which he belongs to Lodge No. 104, of Newport; the Free and Accepted Masons, in which his affiliation is with Atlantic Lodge, No. 31; and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which his membership is in Excelsior Lodge. He is also active in the National League of Dis- trict Postmasters. Although he has maintained independence in his political views, refusing to align himself permanently with one party or the other, Mr. Rose has served his State in public office. For two years he was assistant supervisor of public works in the city of Newport. He is also interested in religious affairs, being a mem- ber of the Baptist Church, in which he is a reg- ular attendant. In military life, too, he has per- formed his part, having served one enlistment with the Newport Artillery Company. He was also chairman of the fourth Liberty Loan drive, and in that office did much useful work. These many activities have naturally kept Mr. Rose a busy man; and he has not had the time that some men have had for participation in recrea- tional pursuits. He enjoys, none the less, different types of outdoor life, and is especially fond of hunting, which is a hobby with him. Into all his life's activities, as into his own business endeavors, he has consistently put his finest energies and his fullest measure of enthusiasm, so that he is esteemed one of the leaders of his community in many walks of life.
S. Martin Rose married, in 1881, Ella G. Shef- field, a native of Block Island. By this union there has been one son, Eugene L. Rose.
WILLIAM E. SHERWOOD-It is in the realm of public utilities that William E. Sherwood has for many years been active in Rhode Island affairs. He is now president of the Island Power and Light Company, of Block Island, this State; and, having held this position since the inception of the company in 1925, he occupies a high place
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in the estimation of his fellowmen. For his achievements in the light and power industry, as well as for his public-spirited attitude in civic matters, he has won the lasting esteem and respect of those who know of him and his work.
Mr. Sherwood was born in Norwood, Rhode Island, on September 6, 1888, son of Charles H. and Elizabeth (Charlton) Sherwood. His father, a native of St. John, New Brunswick, Canada, was engaged for many years in the ice business, and is now deceased; and the mother, also deceased, was a native of St. John. In the public schools of Rhode Island, William E. Sherwood received his early education; and later he took special courses in engineering. He followed these studies with work in electrical fields, and was for twenty years engaged actively in the electrical business. In 1925, as noted above, he came to Block Island, where he at once organized the Island Power and Light Company, of which he has been president since that time. This corporation supplies all the light and power for the island, working under a twenty-five-year franchise.
Although Mr. Sherwood has had, of necessity, to devote most of his energies to the industrial activities of his career, he has at the same time been a leader in the work of different organiza- tions. He has been secretary of the Chamber of Commerce since its organization; and his political alignment is with the Republican party, of whose policies and principles he has long been an active supporter. He is a member of the Free and Ac- cepted Masons, in which his affiliations are with St. John's Lodge, No. 1; Harmony Chapter of Royal Arch Masons; Doric Council of Royal and Select Masters; St. John's Commandery of Knights Templar; and Palestine Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. In the Protestant Episcopal Church he is an active worker and a devout communicant. Into all of these organizations and the phases of Rhode Island life that they represent, he has ever put his fullest measure of energy and enthusiasm, with the result that his is a place of leadership in both community and State. When not engaged with one or another of his business, civic or social activities, he enters whole-heartedly into the dif- ferent recreational pursuits of which he is fond; and he especially enjoys a number of outdoor sports.
William E. Sherwood married, in 1910, Maude M. Bellamy, a native of Providence, Rhode Is-
land. By this union there has been born one child, a son, Edward Bellamy Sherwood.
WILLIAM E. SMYTH-Town clerk of East Providence, Rhode Island, for the past thirty years, William E. Smyth has given his services freely in the public interest, and is now a well- known figure in the life of this section. He was born at Cranston, Rhode Island, on December 9, 1866, a son of Wayland R. and Cynthia W. (Pierce) Smith, both now deceased. The father, born in Southbridge, Massachusetts, was engaged in the dairy business until the time of his death. He was a veteran of the Civil War, serving as a member of the 43d Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, and later, an active member of Bucklin Post, Grand Army of the Republic. Cynthia W. (Pierce) Smyth, his wife, was born in Rochester, Massachusetts.
William E. Smyth attended the public schools of East Providence, Rhode Island, and following graduation from the high school, completed his educational training at Bryant and Stratton's Business College in Providence. He began his active career in association with his father in the dairy business, in which he continued from 1888 to 1891. At this time he was appointed assistant town clerk, serving until 1900. His efficient dis- charge of his duties brought him before the public attention, and in 1900 he was elected to the office of town clerk. Mr. Smyth has filled that office until the present time, completely justifying the confidence reposed in him by the people of the town by his able and successful administration of the duties of his position.
Mr. Smyth is a Republican in politics, while fraternally he is affiliated with Rising Sun Lodge, No. 30, of the Free and Accepted Masons. In the Masonic Order Mr. Smyth is also a member of Gibbs Chapter, No. 13, Royal Arch Masons, of which he is Past High Priest; a member of the Council, Royal and Select Masters; Calvary Com- mandery of the Knights Templar, and Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Smyth holds membership in Thomas R. Salsbury Camp, Sons of Veterans, and is a member of Howard Lodge of the Knights of Pythias, Enterprise Camp of the Modern Woodmen of America, and of the United Order of the Golden Cross. He is a member of the New
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England Town and City Clerks Association, the Rhode Island Town and City Clerks Association, and the East Providence Craftsmen's Club. Mr. Smyth worships with his family in the Baptist faith. He is a member of the Second Church of this denomination at East Providence, and a member of the board of trustees of the Lee Fund there. His principal diversion is automobiling.
In 1888, William E. Smyth married Mable I. Salsbury, who was born in Johnston, Rhode Island. They are the parents of two children: I. Jessie L. 2. Roscoe, who served in the World War with the United States Army Hospital Corps in both France and Germany.
SETH De BLOIS, M. D .- In the practice of medicine, Seth De Blois, M. D., a native of Rhode Island, has long held a place of importance and leadership in this State, carrying on his profes- sional work in both Newport and Portsmouth. Ideally fitted by temperament and training for the activities in which he is professionally engaged, Dr. De Blois contributes a great deal to the well- being and improvement of health conditions among the people of his community.
He was born at Middletown, Rhode Island, on March 29, 1883, son of Henry and Sarah Helen (Hazard) De Blois. His father, a native of New- port, was engaged in farming until his death; while the mother, a native of Bloomington, Wis- consin, is still living (1931). Seth De Blois, M. D., received his early education in the public schools of Newport, and later attended the Rogers High School. He then became a student at the University of Maryland, from which he was grad- uated in 1905 with the degree of Doctor of Medi- cine. Desiring to improve himself in his profes- sion and to make himself more useful to his fel- lowmen, he took special post-graduate work at Harvard University, as well as at Johns Hopkins University, which he attended from 1907 to 1909. In 1911 he took up the practice of medicine in Newport and Portsmouth; and his offices are now situated in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
Along with his professional activities Dr. De Blois is also physician and surgeon at the New- port Hospital, as well as an active worker in the Newport Medical Society, and medical examiner of Newport County. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, in which his affiliations are with Eureka Lodge, No. 29; Aquidneck Chapter,
Royal Arch Masons; De Blois Council, Royal and Select Masters; Washington Commandery, Knights Templar; and Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Wanupotonomy Golf Club and the Chamber of Commerce. His political alignment is with the Republican party, of whose policies and principles he is a staunch supporter. His record has also included public service in the capacity of school examiner for the board of health of the city of Newport. Along with his professional and civic activities, Dr. De Blois serves as director of the Newport Trust Company and president of the Aquidneck Realty Company, agents for the Buick motor car. His religious faith is that of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He has maintained a constant interest in football and for many years coached the Rogers High School in football, baseball and hockey. Dr. De Blois was for six months, by special appointment of President Woodrow Wilson, first lieutenant in the Regular United States Medical Corps, sta- tioned at Fort Adams. His service covered the months just prior to the war, and his work was instrumental in preparing the department of the army with which he was associated for the work that it was to do in the actual war days. Into all his work-civic, professional, military, social- he has ever put his fullest measure of energy and devotion, with the result that he is esteemed today as one of the very useful and substantial citizens of his community.
AUGUSTIN J. COTE-A native of Canada, but a resident of Woonsocket since his early child- hood, Mr. Cote has been connected with this city's fire department for almost thirty years and for the greater part of this long period has been its chief. In this important position he has proven himself a very conscientious and able public offi- cial and the department under his administration has always been maintained on a very high plane of efficiency and preparedness. Mr. Cote is nat- urally widely known throughout the city and he is greatly liked by all classes of people.
Augustin J. Cote was born in Canada, August 7, 1875, a son of Joseph and Agalee (Beaudett) Cote. Both his parents were natives of Canada. The family came to Woonsocket when the son was only three years old and he has lived there ever since then. His father was for many years
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successfully engaged in Woonsocket in the meat and grocery business. Mr. Cote received his early education in the public schools of Woonsocket, and then attended Holy Cross College, Canada. Having completed his education he became asso- ciated in business with his father for some time. In 1900 he became connected with the Woon- socket Fire Department as assistant chief, a posi- tion which he filled so ably until 1908 that in that year he was made chief. Since then he has con- tinued to hold this position with great credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the com- munity. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Woonsocket Trust Company, holding this position ever since the organization of the company. Fraternally, he is associated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and is also a member of the St. Jean Baptiste Society. In politics he is a sup- porter of the Republican party, while his relig- ious affiliations are with the Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Cote is not married and makes his home at No. 121 Wood Avenue, Woonsocket, while his office is located in No. 5 Fire House.
WILLIAM J. PETRI-A native and lifelong resident of Providence, the late William J. Petri was for many years one of this city's best-known haberdashers. His establishment on High Street, now Westminster Street, ranked for more than thirty years as one of the best equipped, most efficiently conducted and most reliable of its type in Rhode Island's capital. Naturally Mr. Petri's position in the business world was well estab- lished, and he enjoyed a very high and well deserved reputation for business ability and fair dealing. Though he never took an active part in politics, he was always greatly interested in pub- lic questions and could be counted upon to sup- port to the best of his ability any movement or enterprise promising the welfare of his native city, its people, and its institutions.
William J. Petri was born in Providence, Au- gust 17, 1859, a son of William C. and Margaret Petri. He was educated in the public grammar and high schools of his native city and, after graduating from high school, became a clerk in a local men's furnishings store. He continued in this type of work for a number of years and thus
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