USA > Rhode Island > Bristol County > Bristol > Sketches of old Bristol > Part 23
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In closing it would seem most fitting to quote a few lines from Henry W. Longfellow's well-known poem, the "Village Black- smith":
"His brow is wet with honest sweat, He earns whate'er he can And looks the whole world in the face, For he owes not any man."
THE OLD BRISTOL AND WARREN BOUNDARY LINE
HOW far, at one time, Bristol extended into Warren, has always been a much mooted question. The railroad crossing, the Roman Catholic Institute, and even "as far as the railroad sta- tion", all have been mentioned at various times. Diligent inquiry has not enabled us to learn where this information was obtained; substantiation in every instance was lacking. However, in search- ing the town's records for anything that would shed a little light on the matter, the following was found.
In the town meeting records of Bristol, May 19, 1877, Book No. 6, Pages 242-243: "Bristol was incorporated by the General Assembly in 1746. The boundaries of the town have remained the same and unchanged until the passage of Chapter 339 of the Statute in 1873." This was the act of the General Assembly of
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the State of Rhode Island annexing a portion of the town of Bristol to the town of Warren, passed May 30, 1873. At that time, Crane's Lane (now Vernon street in Warren) was the northern boundary line of Bristol.
"This brilliant 'coup d'etat' was engineered with great success by John Turner, a very clever lawyer of those days, a native of Warren, although residing in Bristol." At that time his law office was in the Freemen's Bank building located on lower State street. There was a strong feeling about this changing of the boundary line carried out so successfully to the great advantage of Warren.
Professor Munro comments on this: "For many years the possession of a certain tract of land near the Warren boundary line was a source of contention between the two towns. Year after year petitions were presented to the General Assembly to have a certain part of Bristol set off to the town of Warren and year after year the petitions were denied. In 1873, the Assembly lent a favorable ear to their request, and Bristol awoke one morn- ing to learn that it had lost forever a goodly portion of its patri- monial lands."
Additional data: 1873-"A portion of the town of Bristol, of an average length of one mile, and of an average width of 1 1/4 miles, lying upon its northern border, was annexed to the town of Warren."
THE OLD FREEMEN'S BANK BUILDING
PREVIOUS to the time they moved into their new quarters in the Rogers Free Library building, in 1878, the First National Bank and the Bristol Institution for Savings had their banking rooms in the old Freemen's Bank building on lower State street. This is the red brick-faced structure still standing on the north side of the street, opposite the Bristol Hotel.
Years ago Freemen's Bank and the Savings Bank occupied the ground floor and back in the year 1859, John Turner, a very able
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lawyer of those days, had his law office on the second floor. In the nineties Richard S. Gladding had a stove and tinsmith's shop in the old building; at that time the small room at the easterly end was the local police station. The building was built to stay; the east, west, and rear walls are constructed of heavy stone.
In its early days Freemen's Bank probably had its banking rooms "one flight up", as did many of the banks in those days, for the original iron bars or grating are still on the upper rear windows.
PETER GLADDING, 1805-1883
PETER GLADDING was born in this town July 27, 1805. He was the son of Daniel and Sally (Alger) Gladding.
In early life he learned the business of sail-making, working in his father's sail loft. After learning his trade, he followed the sea for some time and eventually became a ship master, sailing from this port. He later resumed the business of sail-making, which he carried on for many years in this town.
In 1847 he was appointed town clerk, succeeding the late Col. William Throop, which office he held until April, 1882, when, on account of failing health, he declined a re-election. Having faithfully served the town as town clerk for thirty-five years, the town, at its annual meeting, gave him a complimentary vote. A rising vote was called for and taken-a glowing tribute to his long and efficient service.
In 1820 Mr. Gladding joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, and remained an active, consistent and worthy member during his life. For many years he was the chorister and also a member of the board of trustees, always taking a deep interest in everything that pertained to the welfare of the church.
Many years ago he joined the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows; he was also a member of St. Alban's Lodge, No. 6, A. F. & A. M., of this town.
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Mr. Gladding was twice married; his first wife was Mary Friend of Newport; she died in 1861. July Ist, 1862, he mar- ried Hannah Hall Easterbrooks of this town.
Mr. Gladding died October 22, 1883; he was in his 79th year.
Peter Gladding for more than a third of a century has admin- istered the duties of town clerk, a most responsible public office, to the entire satisfaction of all. The whole town mourns his passing.
THE "OLD DIMAN HOUSE"
1879-Another Ancient Landmark Gone
THE old mansion on Hope street,* known for a century past as the "Diman House", has recently been taken down to make room for a building of more modern style of architecture. The exact date of the house is unknown; there is a tradition, however, that it was erected by John Linzee about the year 1712, and that he sold it to Joseph Jacobs, and he in turn to John Bushee. The estate changed hands many times until the year 1762, when it passed into the hands of Haile Turner, who in 1769 sold it to Jonathan Diman. Mr. Diman and after him his widow occupied the house up to her death in 1826, and the estate has remained in possession of their heirs up to June 5, 1879, a period of one hundred and ten years.
Haile Turner here kept a public house, and this with the build- ing on the corner of Hope and Church streets, were the only inns, or taverns, in town. Mr. Turner was licensed to keep an "ordi- nary" for which privilege he paid £Io. In the southwest room town meetings were held, together with the sessions of the Court of Probate and Town Council; here, too, the town fathers would gather on the Sabbath at the close of the morning service and
*The house of the late Col. Chas. A. Greene, on the east side of Hope street now stands on the site.
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discuss the topics of the day and the merits of the sermon over a mug of flip or a bowl of punch.
The two north rooms were occupied as a parsonage by the late Rev. Dr. Wight of the Congregational church for several years after his ordination. In later years this part of the house has been used for various purposes, a drygoods store, schoolroom, and latterly as a tenement.
COL. WILLIAM R. TAYLOR, 1811-1890
COL. WILLIAM R. TAYLOR died after a lingering illness at his residence, corner of Hope and Bradford streets, April 30, 1890, in the 79th year of his age. He was born in this town August 25, 18II, a son of Col. Samuel and Fanny (Pierce) Taylor. When a lad of 13 years he was employed in the store of Munro and Norris. Subsequently he went into the ship chandlery and hardware business. His business has been con- ducted at the same location on Thames street for a half century, up to the time of his death.
Col. Taylor was commanding officer of the Train of Artillery for 13 years, from 1840 to 1852-53. He was one of the charter members of the Bristol Institution for Savings, and on the Board of Trustees from its organization in 1842. In 1878 he was chosen president of that institution, which office he held at the time of his death.
At one time he was the Collector of the Port of Bristol and Warren. For several years he served as Town Treasurer, Asses- sor of Taxes, and Town Auditor. Probably no man in Bristol ever settled so many estates as Col. Taylor. His was a busy and most useful life. Faithful to every trust, a wise counselor, a good citizen - an honest man.
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"GREEN LANE"
YEARS ago that part of High street running north from the corner of Franklin street was known as "Green Lane" because of the luxuriant growth of green grass that lined either side of the then narrow lane leading down to Perry's creek. There was a spring just about in front of the site of the Hydraulion fire sta- tion; the water from this spring always clear and cool, slowly seeking its way northward towards the creek, kept the grass fresh and green. A pond formed just a little to the north of where Oliver street cuts into the lane, and at times the water was deep enough for the boys to go swimming.
OLD WELL UNEARTHED
May, 1902
"IN EXCAVATING for the sewer on Bradford street, near Central street, the laborers came across an old well located in the middle of the street. The well was dug about the year 18 10, as far as can be learned, and the water from it was used by a distillery located where the Namquit Mill now stands. The Bristol Steam Mill Company purchased the land where the dis- tillery was located in 1835, and used the water from the well for a long time. The well at that time was 12 feet in diameter, and in 1841 the Mill Company caused the well to be stoned up and a boring was made in the bottom of the well to the depth of 175 feet. In 1863, the ownership passed to the Richmond Manufac- turing Company which had a large flat stone placed over the well and covered with earth."
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RT. REV. MARK ANTONY DeWOLFE HOWE,
1808-1895
ON THE fifth of April, 1808, Mark Antony DeWolfe Howe was born in the town of Bristol, the only child of his parents, John and Louisa (Smith) Howe.
From the village school, at the age of eight years, he went to the village Academy - then taught by two young men, who were students of divinity under Bishop Griswold, rector of St. Michael's Church; he remained at this school not more than two years. At the age of eleven he left home to go to Andover to the Phillips Academy; his stay there was not long. At the age of sixteen he entered Middlebury College, at Middlebury, Ver- mont, and passed there his freshman and sophomore years. Dur- ing his stay at Middlebury the climate was severe and the condi- tions of life were not easy. The colored servant at his uncle's house where he was staying, one morning reported the mercury as "all run down into the little hole," and the contents of the ink- stand stood up in a perpendicular stem of ice.
While there he wrote his father of his desire to attain pro- ficiency in the English language. "Do you think it of no moment to be able to address your fellow creatures in such a manner as to merit and fix their attention? I consider it very necessary, par- ticularly for men in public life, and I never wish to rise before a jury until I can do it in the character of a fine orator and a perfect master and writer of the English language. Indeed, I make it my constant aim to be a good orator."
On March 12th, 1826, he wrote to his father of his desire to leave Middlebury and become a member of Brown University. "My inclination leads me there. I always have expected to go to that college." That year he entered the junior class of Brown University. Dr. Francis Wayland was then the president of the University.
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While at Brown he wrote to his father "To have a little farm near Bristol, a good library, a pretty wife who has a relish for intellectual pursuits, and a good horse and chaise, my ambition reaches to this. I don't care to study a profession if I can get a living without it."
He graduated at Brown University in the class of 1828 and after a period of teaching in the public schools of Boston and later at Brown University, studied for the ministry under the guidance of the Rev. Mr. Bristed of this town. Divinity schools were few and far between in those days, and most candidates for the min- istry had no other recourse but the tuition of the older clergy. The need of ministers was urgent, and the long preparation now demanded was not then required.
On the 13th of January, 1932, he received his Deacon's orders from the same hands which had baptized and confirmed him- those of the venerable Bishop Griswold, who was to him truly a Father in God.
That eventful day in January, 1832, was never to be forgotten by one, the most deeply concerned of all those who witnessed the event-his mother. "It is the happiest day of my life"-this from a mother means all.
His life's work chosen, he immediately started on what was to be a long and successful career. He was then twenty-four years old.
A short stay at St. Matthew's, South Boston; Rector of St. James, Roxbury; and a brief period at Christ Church, Cam- bridge; and later editor of The Christian Witness, then and long after, the well known organ of the Protestant Episcopal Church, accounted for his time up to the year 1846. That year he was elected rector of St. Luke's Church, Philadelphia. His rectorship at St. Luke's extended over a period of twenty-six years, until his elevation to the episcopate of Central Pennsylvania in Novem- ber, 1871. His consecration by his uncle, Bishop Smith, of Ken- tucky, took place in St. Luke's Church, December 28th, 1871. For twenty-three years he labored in the building up of an effec- tive and harmonious organization in the new diocese. In his
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active career as Bishop, he frequently travelled yearly six thou- sand to ten thousand miles. The Apostle's phrase, "the care of all the churches", befits a bishop to the letter. No one who has not known the inner life of a bishop's house can comprehend the full meaning of the word "care" in this connection-care for all that concerns the external order of the Church, and care for its purity and peace, care for the adaptation of its clergy to their parishes, care for the support of the clergy, the care of all their cares and needs, care for the upbuilding of the institutions of the Church, its schools, hospitals, orphanages-great cares and small cares-these made up his life.
One of his sons says of him: "Our father needed no Saint Paul to tell him that a bishop must be 'given to hospitality'. This was a native instinct with both my parents, and our houses were con- stantly full of guests-clerical and other friends, when all the rooms were not filled with children and grandchildren.
"Our home became a veritable nursery of bishops and other clergy, too many to enumerate.
"There was plenty of good talk, the livelier for my father's inexhaustible store of anecdote and apt quotations.
"In the old New England town where we lived, nearly every- body was related to nearly everybody else, and my father was much more commonly accosted as 'Cousin Mark' than as 'Bishop Howe'.
"My father, twice a widower, was married three times-at twenty-five, at thirty-five, and at forty-nine. Of these three marriages eighteen children, of whom nine grew to maturity, were born."
A few years after his death his companion of so many years wrote of him: "Through much experience of both joy and sor- row, he knew how to rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep, and the power of this sympathy had won for him the best love and friendship."
That, after all, bishops are of the flesh and blood, this would seem to bear out the assertion. "When one of my parents used to linger outside St. Michael's Church after the Sunday morning
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service to chat with friends, I remember how the other would settle himself on the back seat of the carriage, impatient to be off, and mutter, 'More Last Dying Words of Richard Baxter!'"
In time advancing age and increasing work made it necessary for the Bishop to have some assistance (he was now seventy- six years old), and in 1884 the Rev. N. S. Rulison, D.D., was chosen and consecrated as Bishop Coadjutor. For eleven years they worked together in the true harmony of energy and ex- perience.
A long and severe illness, in the winter of 1891-92, so much enfeebled Bishop Howe that he began to look longingly to a home which would be a permanent one for the whole year. Where else could it be than in his beloved Weetamoe at Bristol? For sixty years it had been the Mecca of his annual pilgrimage- it was home.
In June, 1895, the final break was made with his diocese as a place of residence-his work was ended. Together, he and his companion of almost forty years, they came back to the old town where he was born so many years ago. The pleasure which for years he had looked forward to, came rather as the ghost of a past hope than as a happy ending.
Things did not awaken his usual interest, and in the family circle he was silent and preoccupied. It was rather the sad closing of a chapter of life than the hopeful beginning of a new one. On Tuesday, the 23rd of July, he drove to the cemetery with his eldest son, and told him his wishes as to his interment, and gave instructions as to the disposition of the several parts of the lot. The following night he was stricken-there was no rallying force, and on the 3Ist of July, in the early dawn, he entered silently into "the valley of the shadow of death".
"The light upon his face when the dark valley was passed was pledge to us that he had entered into the 'house of the Lord', and that he would 'dwell therein for ever'."
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JAMES DeWOLF PERRY, 1815-1876
AGAIN we are called upon to announce the death of another of our prominent and valuable citizens. Mr. James DeWolf Perry died at his residence Silver Creek on Saturday evening, Septem- ber 9, 1876, after a brief illness.
Mr. Perry was born in this town, September 2, 1815, the son of Lieut. Comdr. Raymond H. Perry, a younger brother of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. His mother, Marianne, was the eldest daughter of the late Hon. James D'Wolf. After the death of his grandfather in 1837, he was engaged in cotton man- ufacturing and for several years was agent of the Dighton Mfg. Co., of Dighton, Mass., and more recently in the coal business in this town.
He represented this town in the Legislature for the terms 1863-65 and 1866-67 and held many important offices of trust and responsibility, the duties of which he always discharged with great fidelity.
Mr. Perry was a devoted and valuable member of St. Mi- chael's Church from his youth, and for many years a vestryman and Warden of the Parish, and Superintendent of the Sunday School for twenty-five years. He was one of the original pro- prietors of Juniper Hill Cemetery and spent much time and expense in laying out and adorning the beautiful grounds in the enclosure where the remains of his forebears rest.
He leaves a widow and five sons, and a numerous circle of relatives and friends to mourn his departure.
At the time of his death his friend and fellow-townsman, Bishop Mark A. DeW. Howe, wrote of him:
"There is probably no citizen of Bristol whose sudden removal would have caused a deeper impression of surprise and regret. Mr. Perry has passed his whole life in this town and has been universally accounted one of its most intelligent and influential men. And in various offices of trust in Church and State he has
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enjoyed the tokens of public confidence and has justified the reli- ance placed in him by an exemplary fidelity to his representative duties which it would be difficult for any to excel. Mr. Perry was a man of ready and judicious mind. He wrought with and amongst his employees with an energy and diligence which few could equal. Mr. Perry believed and felt all he said, and for its assertion he was ready if necessary to suffer. He was a true friend and constant, through good report and evil report, and as prompt to do a service as he was to resent an injury.
"Mr. Perry was a gentleman. The hospitalities of his house he administered with ease and a generosity of welcome which made his guests unconscious that they were not at home; his lively conversation and ringing laugh and genial face were con- tributions to the common stock of enjoyment which will be long and sadly missed.
"Mr. Perry was a devoted member of the church. For many years (twenty-five) he superintended the Sunday School of St. Michael's and served as warden of the parish.
"In Diocesan and General Conventions he has been an hon- ored deputy. His own affairs were never so engrossing as to induce his refusal or neglect of office in which he might serve God and benefit mankind. 'He walked with God' and so sudden was his departure that we are fain to say of him: 'He was not, for God took him!' "
In 1931, Rev. H. Usher Monro, who was a member of St. Michael's Sunday School in the year 1867, wrote a very interest- ing account of the school and of the people connected with it at that time.
"Mr. James DeWolf Perry was at that time the senior warden and the superintendent of the Sunday School. He continued to be for many years afterwards. Mrs. Julia Perry, his wife, was a teacher of the older women of the parish, and Mr. Theodore P. Bogert was a teacher of a Men's Class. These two classes were largely attended and formed a not inconsiderable part of the School at that time.
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"Mr. Perry was a genial, kindly man, and gave the children not only his affectionate interest, but in return he won the regard and affection of the children. One of the pleasant things I recall was Mr. Perry's custom as superintendent, of reading frequently through the school year, some good book to us children. On the Sunday when the reading was to take place Mr. Perry would an- nounce to the school: 'We will have a short lesson to-day, for I have a very nice book to read to you.'
"This notice of course had its good effect upon the teachers and scholars alike, for we counted it always as fortunate if Mr. Perry would read to us. Among the many interesting stories which he read were those known at that time as the 'A. L. O. E.' series. I doubt if there are any young people in the parish now that know what books those were. In those days they were very interesting to us, and Mr. Perry never failed to make them so, and to explain and amplify the text as he read. I can look back to no pleasanter or more grateful memories than those early years spent in the St. Michael's Sunday School."
A PICTURE OF BRISTOL, 1866-1875 By LUNCINDA MASON PIERCE REID*
"Often I think of the beautiful town That is seated by the sea; Often in thought go up and down The pleasant streets of that dear old town, And my youth comes back to me. Longfellow"
THE High School, at the time of my attendance, was located in the Town Hall, on Bradford street. The assembly room was located on the second floor with two raised platforms on either
*Mrs. Reid, who now lives in San Francisco, Cal., is the daughter of the late David A. Pierce (1828-1905) who, years ago, kept a men's clothing store on the north side of lower State street.
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side of the entrance door which were occupied by the principal and his assistant. Another raised platform was in the rear. The usual blackboards adorned the walls. Two recitation rooms opened from each corner at the back, with a small room between which was the "Chemical Lab". The dressing rooms were on either side of the stairway, in front.
When I first became a pupil in 1866, Mr. Thomas W. Bicknell was the principal, and Miss Ellen R. Luther, assistant. The fol- lowing year I attended school in Boston. Returning to Bristol I resumed my studies at the High School; Mr. Bicknell had resigned, and Mr. Frank G. Morley had taken his place; Miss Luther remained as assistant for many years after.
"When the building was moved to the north side of Bradford street in August, 1857, a second floor was put in, and in its second story for a few years (1858-1864), the State Normal School found a home. In the rooms which the Normal School had occu- pied, the sessions of the High School were held, from the year 1865 to 1873."
Recently I made a list of the scholars who attended the school from 1866 to 1870 ** (as I remember them) and a little sketch of each. I was rather amazed my memory served me so well.
Andrews, Sylvia
Eddy, Annie
Manchester, Emily
Barns, Isoline
Eddy, Emily
Manchester, Rachel
Barrus, Jennie
Eddy, Susan
Munro, Lillian
Bennett, Julia
Edwards, Nellie
Noyes, Martha
Bennett, Minnie
Fitch, Annie
Peck, Jennie
Blake, Nannie
Fredericks, Minnie
Peckham, Hattie
Camm, Annie
Frisbie, Hattie
Perry, Josephine
Church, Nellie
Gifford, Abbie
*Pierce, Lucinda M. Pollock, Maggie Simmons, Ada
Coggeshall, Emily Coit, Emma
*Gray, Mary
Green, Hannah
Simmons, Geraldine
DeWolf, Clara
Guiteras, Gertrude
Simmons, Sally
DeWolf, Nellie
Horton, Sarah
Slade, Ella
Dodge, Hattie
*Ingraham, Abbie
Taft, Julia
Easterbrooks, Gertrude
Ingraham, Elizabeth
Toye, Agnes
** This is the only known list in existence. Unfortunately the school records of that period are missing.
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