The Biographical cyclopedia of representative men of Rhode Island, Part 104

Author: National biographical publishing co., pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Providence, National biographical publishing co.
Number of Pages: 868

USA > Rhode Island > The Biographical cyclopedia of representative men of Rhode Island > Part 104

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

INKHAM, WILLIAM, manufacturer, and President of the Providence and Springfield Railroad, was born in Harmony Village, Glocester, Rhode Island, July 8, 1823. He is a lineal descendant of Hezekiah Tinkham, who came from England to this country some time within the period of the Revolu- tionary War, and settled in the southeast part of the town of Glocester, Rhode Island, where he pursucd the calling of a blacksmith. Hezekiah Tinkham died about 1812, being nearly one hundred years of age. He had four sons and two daughters. His son Nehemiah followed the trade of his father, and married and settled near Harmony, in Glocester. He had six sons and three daughters. He died in 1814, at the age of fifty. His son Nehemiah, who was born in 1800, was also a blacksmith, and continued the business established by his father. At the age of twenty - one he married Alyada Andrews, daughter of Thomas Andrews, a farmer in Glocester. They have three sons and three daughters, and the parents and chil- dren are all now living (1881). William, the eldest child and the subject of this sketch, remained at home during his minority, much of the time being employed on the farm and in the blacksmith-shop, where he learned the trade of his father. He received a good common-school education at the district school and at Smithville Seminary, now Lapham Institute, North Scituate, Rhode Island. In

462

BIOGRAPIIICAL CYCLOPEDIA.

1844, on account of poor health, he abandoned the black- smith's trade, and entered a store at Greenville, Rhode Island, where he served a short time as clerk, and after- ward purchased the business, which he continued until 1853, part of the time having a partner. He was then employed for a short time as clerk in the store of a manu- facturing company at Wakefield, Rhode Island. In July, 1853, in company with Job S. Steere, he hired a woollen mill of Daniel S. Whipple, at Mapleville, Rhode Island, and commenced the manufacture of tweeds and jeans, with one set of machinery. In the fall of that year they put in another set of machinery, and began the manufac- ture of satinets, which they continued until 1856. Very soon after he had entered upon the manufacturing busi- ness, Mr. Tinkham realized that in order to insure com- plete success, a thorough knowledge of the details of the business was essential, and he therefore determined to make himself competent to superintend every process in the factory. To attain this end he became an operative in his own mill, dismissed the assistant in the lowest room, and, taking his place, began by scouring wool. He then learned the art of dyeing, dismissed the boss, and hired an assistant. And so he went from room to room, working more hours per day than his help, and at the same time having his share of the care and general management of the business, until at the end of three years he was master of the art of manufacturing woollen goods. In 1856, Steere & Tinkham purchased of Jason Emerson the Harrisville Mill property for $30,000, paying $4000 in cash, and mortgaging the property for the rest. They then removed their machinery from Mapleville to the Harrisville Mill, and, putting in two other sets of machinery, began the manufacture of satinets on their own premises. In 1857 they built an addition of one hundred feet in length to the factory, for dye-house and other purposes, and made other improvements, amounting in all to $20,000. Consequently the financial crisis of 1857 found them heavily in debt, with no immediate prospect of business. The outlook was ex- ceedingly discouraging ; but Mr. Tinkham went out and made business, manufacturing partly on shares, and buying and selling in person. He then adopted the cash system, which he has ever since adhered to. Thus they carried on a profitable business while other mills stood still, and by January 1, 1860, had money enough to pay the balance of their first purchase. Previous to this time they had also made various improvements in the mill property not men- tioned herein. In 1860 they added four more sets of machinery to their mill, and commenced the manufacture of cassimeres. By January, 1865, they had paid all their indebtedness on their property, beside having a large sur- plus fund on hand. In the fall of 1868 Mr. Tinkham took up his residence in Providence, and at the same time com- menced running the Carolina Mills, in the town of Rich- mond, Rhode Island, in company with his brother, Ellison Tinkham, and F. Metcalf. IIe stocked the mill, and the

property was owned by the other parties. He was a mem- ber of this firm until 1876, when he sold his interest to his partners. The firm of Steerc & Tinkham continued at Harrisville until 1873, when Mr. Tinkham purchased the interest of his partner, and formed a partnership with F. S. Farwell, an experienced and successful manufacturer, who had formerly been superintendent of the Granite Mills, at Pascoag ; and the same business still continues under the style of Tinkham & Farwell, Mr. Tinkham's son, Ernest W., having also been admitted into the firm in 1878. The estimated cost of the mill property is $200,000, and the weaving and finishing capacity of the factory is equal to eighteen sets of machinery, although the carding is only nine sets. In 1866 Mr. Tinkham was elected a Repre- sentative to the Rhode Island General Assembly, and served acceptably. His life has been one of determined energy and persistent industry, and in no enterprise has his influence been more marked and powerful than in the pro- jection, construction, and successful operation of the Prov- idence and Springfield Railroad, of which he has been President since the organization of the company, and has been the General Manager and Superintendent since 1876. Mr. Tinkham married, March 16, 1847, Caroline M., daughter of Appleby and Ada (Steere) Smith, of Smith- field, Rhode Island. They have had four children, two of whom are living,-Ernest W., and Grace L. Ernest W. was born September 25, 1857, at Harrisville, Rhode Island, and was educated in the public schools of Provi- dence and at Dansville Seminary, Dansville, New York. In December, 1878, he was elected Treasurer of the Prov- idence and Springfield Railroad, which position he still holds. As before stated, he is also a partner in the manu- facturing firm of Tinkham & Farwell. He married, Feb- ruary 12, 1879, Margaret McCartney, daughter of Hugh McCartney, of Dansville, New York. They have one child, Miriam.

TRAPHAM, HON. BENJAMIN NEWELL, son of Alfred and Rachel (Newell) Lapham, was born in Smith- field, Rhode Island, April 21, 1821. He pursued his preparatory studies under the direction of George . H. Brown and Hon. Alfred Bosworth, late Associate Judge of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island, and gradu- ated at Brown University in the class of 1843. He studied law with Samuel Y. Atwell and Hon. Richard W. Greene, late Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and was admitted to the Rhode Island bar in 1845. From 1863 to 1865 he was City Solicitor of Providence. In 1863-64 he was a Representative from Providence to the General Assembly, and while a member of that body served as chairman of the Committee on Corporations. He was chosen as a mem- ber of the Providence Common Council in 1869 and re- elected in 1870. In 1876 he was a member of the Board of Aldermen. He was a member of the State Senate in 1876-77, and part of the time served as chairman of the

463

BIOGRAPHICAL CYCLOPEDIA.

Judiciary Committee. In 1880 he was again chosen as a Representative in the General Assembly, and is now a member of the Judiciary Committee. He married, June 24, 1847, Sophia M. Page, daughter of Martin and Prudence B. Page, of Seekonk, Massachusetts. They have four chil- dren, Sophia P., Julia B., Eliza B., and Louisa P.

ARNOLD, GENERAL OLNEY, President of the First National Bank of Pawtucket, son of Dr. Seth and Belinda (Streeter) Arnold, was born in New- ton, Massachusetts, January 17, 1822. He is a de- scendant, on the paternal side, of an old Rhode Island family, and his ancestors for several generations lie in a family cemetery at Woonsocket. His father is still living, at the advanced age of eighty-one. General Ar- nold's parents resided in Woonsocket prior to his birth, and after a brief residence in Newton, Massachusetts, they returned to Woonsocket, where his early life was spent.

In addition to a common-school education, he enjoyed the advantage of instruction at Bushee's Academy, in Smith- field. On attaining manhood, he engaged for awhile in mercantile pursuits, but in a few years became cashier of a bank in Woonsocket. In 1853 he was appointed cashier of the People's Bank in Pawtucket, to which town he re- moved. Here his financial knowledge won for him a high reputation among bankers, and when the Bank of Mutual Redemption went into operation in Boston in 1858, the position of cashier was tendered to him, which offer he declined. About this time he engaged with David Ryder and A. H. Littlefield, the present Governor of Rhode Island, and a few others, in an attempt to perfect the man- ufacture of haircloth by power, and after numerous discour- agements, succeeded in establishing a large and profitable business in that line. After the National Banking system was established during the late war, the First National Bank in Pawtucket was organized and merged in the Peo- ple's Bank, of which General Arnold became cashier. This position he continued to hold until 1875, when, on the death of the former President, he was chosen to that office. For more than a quarter of a century he has been treasurer of the Providence County Savings Bank, and also holds the position of treasurer of several manufactur- ing corporations. IIe has taken an active interest in mili -. tary matters, and been prominently identified with the State militia, in which he has held almost every office from cor- poral to Major-General. On the breaking out of the late Civil War, he was appointed an aid to Governor Sprague, and was commissioned to superintend the draft and organ- ize companies for service. Thinking that he could render more aid in this way than by service in the field, he re- mained in Rhode Island, and was subsequently chosen Major-General of the State militia. General Arnold has also held various civil offices. In 1846 he was elected a Representative to the General Assembly from Cumberland,

of which the village of Woonsocket was then a part, and he represented that town for several years. He afterward removed to North Providence, which for several years embraced the village of Pawtucket, and was chosen a Rep- resentative from the former town, and subsequently Senator. He also held the office of Treasurer of North Providence, and was President of the town council. When the village of Pawtucket was consolidated with the town of that name, he was chosen, for two years, President of the council of the new town. In 1853, General Arnold united with the Universalist Church in Pawtucket, and has taken an active interest in the denomination with which he is connected. For several years he has been treasurer of the Rhode Island Universalist Convention, and is a member of the Executive Board of that organization. He was for one year President of the United States General Convention of that denomination, and is treasurer of the High Street Universalist Parish in the town wherein he resides. On the 23d of January, 1844, he married Phebe Dudley, of Providence. She is a native of Douglas, Massachusetts. They have no children.

ENSHAW, REV. DANIEL, rector of All Saints Memorial Church, Providence, Rhode Island, son of Rt. Rev. John Prentiss Kewley and Mary (Gorham) Henshaw, was born at Baltimore, Mary- land, December 9, 1822. He pursued his prepara- tory studies in the Academical Department of the University of Maryland, spent between two and three years at St. Paul's College, Long Island, under Dr. Muhlenberg, and graduated from Yale College in 1842. He studied theol- ogy three years; the first and third in the Episcopal Theo- logical Seminary, in Fairfax County, Virginia, the second year in Providence, Rhode Island, under the direction of his father, who was then Bishop of Rhode Island. He was ordained deacon, June 29, 1845, in St. John's Church, Providence, and after eighteen months of missionary labor in Rhode Island, he was admitted to priest's orders in Grace Church, Providence, December 20, 1846, his father being the officiating bishop on both occasions. Early in 1847 he became assistant minister of St. Peter's Church, Baltimore, Maryland, with which church he was connected from his infancy, and until his father removed to Rhode Island, in 1843. Here he remained until the spring of 1849, when he took temporary charge of Trinity Church, in Washington, D. C., during the absence of the rector. In the autumn of that year he became rector of St. Paul's Church, North Kingstown, Rhode Island. This charge he resigned in 1853, not expecting to assume the care of another parish for some time. Circumstances, however, soon caused a change of purpose, and he took temporary charge of St. John's Church, Providence, the rector being absent on a European tour. He also officiated for a short time in Emanuel Church, Manville, Rhode Island, and

464

BIOGRAPHIICAL CYCLOPEDIA.

in Christ Church, New Haven, Connecticut. In the spring of 1854 he accepted an invitation to St. Andrew's Church, Providence, Rhode Island, and in the ensuing summer once more entered upon the duties of rector. He has contin- ued in this charge to the present time, more than twenty- six years. Within this term the original church edifice was greatly enlarged and improved ; and subsequently one of the finest stone churches in New England has been built, through the influence and exertions of the rector ; and in honor of his father's memory (Bishop Henshaw, who died in 1852), the name of the parish was changed from St. Andrew's to All Saints Memorial. For several years Mr. Henshaw filled the office of secretary of the Rhode Island Missionary Convocation; also secretary of the diocese, and of the Standing Committee. To these posi- tions he was annually elected until he declined longer to serve. He has for many years been a member of the Standing Committee of Rhode Island, and has been chosen as one of the deputies from that diocese to eight consecu- tive General (Triennial) Conventions of the Church of which he is a minister. He is also a trustee of the Gen- eral Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and a member of the Executive Committee of the Society for the Increase of the Ministry. He was re- peatedly a member of the School Committee of the city of Providence, which office he resigned after a long service in that body. He was married to Rebecca P. Greene, daughter of Mr. Joseph W. Greene, of Brooklyn, New York, October 16, 1862, and has had five children, two sons and three daughters: John, Joseph G., Rebecca Greene, Abby Frances, and Mary Gorham. Abby Frances died, 28th of November, 1875.

ARKNESS, PROFESSOR ALBERT, PH.D., LL.D., son of Southwick and Phebe (Thayer) Harkness, was born in Mendon, Massachusetts, October 6, . 1822. He prepared for college partly at the Wor- cester Academy and partly under the tuition of Rev. Mr. Atkinson, a Congregational clergyman at Mendon, and was a graduate of Brown University in the class of 1842. A few months after leaving college he received an appoint- ment as an instructor in the newly organized Providence High School, and was an associate with Professor Henry Day about four years, upon whose resignation he became the senior Master of the school, and was in this office for six years. Wishing to pursue his classical studies in the German universities Mr. Harkness resigned his place in the High School, and at the close of the academic year 1852-53 went abroad, and was absent a little over two years. He first attended lectures at the University of Bonn, under Pro- fessors F. T. Welcker, F. C. Dahlman, Frederic Ritschl, and F. Ritter. From Bonn he went to the University of Berlin, where he attended lectures under Professors M. IIaupt, A. Böckh, and Trenlenburg. Having accomplished

the purpose which carried him to Berlin he returned to Bonn, where he took the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. He completed his studies abroad at Gottingen, under Pro- fessors Dorner, F. G. Schneidewin, and C. H. Hermann. While in Europe Professor Harkness spent the spring vaca- tion of the academic year 1853-54 in Italy and Switzerland, and in the summer of 1854-55 he went to Greece, visiting many spots of interest to the classical scholar in that country, making a pleasant trip to the Peloponnesus, and passing several weeks in Athens. He returned home early in the fall of 1855, and at once entered upon his duties as Pro- fessor of the Greek language and literature in Brown Uni- versity as the successor of Professor Nelson Wheeler, de- ceased. In addition to the studies of his own department for several years he taught the classes of the University a part of their studies in the Latin language and literature in the place of Professor Lincoln, who for eight years was the Principal of a young ladies' school in Providence. Professor Harkness went abroad a second time in 1870 and was ab- sent over a year, spending a part of the time at the Uni- versities of Bonn, Heidelberg, and Berlin, and travelling very extensively in different parts of Europe. Besides at- tending to his duties as a college officer he has found time to prepare the following works for the press. I, Harkness's Arnold's First Latin Book, which has had a large circula- tion; 2, Harkness's Second Latin Book ; 3, Harkness's First Greek Book and Introductory Reader; 4, Harkness's Latin Series, to wit: Latin Grammar, published in 1864, which has had a larger circulation than any other Latin grammar ever published in this country. He is now engaged in the preparation of a new and improved edition of this popular work, Latin Reader, Introductory Latin Book, Practical Introduction to Latin Composition, and Elements of Latin Grammar. He has also edited and published Cæsar's Com- mentaries on the Gallic War, Cicero's Select Orations, Sal- lust's Catiline, and Preparatory Course in Latin Authors. He was one of the founders of the Philological Association, its first Vice-President, has been its Secretary and Treasurer, and was its President in 1876-77. He married, May 28, 1849, Maria A., daughter of Scott and Ada (Aldrich) Smith, of Providence. They have had two children, Albert Granger and Clara Francis.

LAFLIN, GEORGE LYMAN, only son of Lyman and Rebecca Gay (Starkweather) Claflin, and the oldest of four children, was born in Pawtucket, Massa- chusetts (now Rhode Island), December 22, 1822. His father was a successful manufacturer, and a man of influence in the community where he resided. He was devotedly attached to the Masonic institution, and a mem- ber of the order of Knights Templar. His grandfather, Oliver Starkweather, was well known to the public, having been an active member of the Legislature of Massachusetts, and also a member of Congress. One of his uncles, John

465

BIOGRAPHICAL CYCLOPEDIA.

Starkweather, a graduate of Brown University, was a prac- ticing physician for nearly fifty years in the town of Upton, Massachusetts. Another uncle, Samuel Starkweather, also a graduate of the University and afterwards a tutor, was for many years a Judge in Cleveland, Ohio. A third uncle, James C. Starkweather, became a successful manufacturer in his native town, Pawtucket, the name of the. firm being Starkweather & Claflin. Young Claflin enjoyed the usual advantages of a lad of good parentage and surroundings. He attended public and private schools, and also an acad- emy taught by Mr. Frederic Vinton. In the year 1842, at the age of twenty, he came to Providence and entered the store of John H. Mason & Co., druggists, on Weybos- set Street, nearly opposite the present City Hotel. He afterwards entered into the employ of Earl P. Mason & Co., where he remained until he hecame a member of the firm, continuing until a change was made, when the firm was known as Snow, Claflin & Co. In 1873 he purchased the stand and fixtures of the heirs of the late J. Balch & Sons, South Main Street, succeeding to their business under the name of George L. Claflin & Co. Here he has con- tinued until the present time, carrying on a large and suc- cessful trade as a wholesale and retail druggist. Meanwhile he has been actively engaged in banking, insurance, and other kinds of business. He has been a director of the Northern Bank from its organization in 1856, and also of the Coventry National Bank, and the Coventry Savings Bank in Anthony. He is now a director in the Jackson Savings Bank. He has been a director in the Roger Wil- liams Insurance Company, the Union Insurance Company, and has been connected with various other organizations. In 1843, soon after coming to Providence, he became deeply interested in religious truth, joining the Congre- gational Church, then worshipping in Westminster Hall, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Thomas T. Waterman. Upon the formation of the Central Church, under the pas- toral care of the late Rev. Dr. Swain, he at once became an active member, identifying himself with all its interests, and contributing liberally towards the erection of their house of worship. On the 4th of December, 1859, he be- came superintendent of the primary department of the Sab- bath-school. This position he has continued to hold until the present time, discharging its duties with rare tact, fidel- ity, and zeal. In 1870 he was elected a member of the Common Council from the First Ward, and in 1874, a member of the State Legislature. Public life, however, has but few attractions for him, being hy nature retiring, loving the quiet of his home, and being fully occupied with the cares and responsibilities of his own business, and in promoting the welfare of the church, to which he is de- votedly attached. He married, September 3, 1850, Louisa Sisson Whitman, daughter of the late Christopher A. Whit- man, of Coventry, Rhode Island, a leading citizen of the place, having been a manufacturer, president of the bank, member of the State Legislature as Senator and Represen-

tative, and an active and influential member of the Masonic fraternity. Three of their sons are now (1881) living, of whom the two oldest, Arthur W. and William L., are asso- ciated with him in business. In 1864-5 he erected a large and elegant house on the corner of Halsey and Pratt Streets, where he resides, surrounded with everything that can con- tribute to his comfort and happiness.

BUILD, REUBEN ALDRIDGE, LL.D., Librarian of Brown University, was born in West Dedham, Massachusetts, May 4, 1822, being the oldest but one of eleven children. His parents were Deacon

9 Reuben and Olive (Morse) Guild. In his childhood and youth he enjoyed the advantages of good public schools, and also of private schools taught by the accom- plished sisters Margaret and Elizabeth Davenport, and by Mr. M. T. Gardner. He was remarkably fond of reading and study, and possessing a retentive memory he readily acquired knowledge. The literary tastes thus early formed were cultivated and matured in after years. When a lad of twelve he narrowly escaped losing his life from the acci- dental stroke of an axe. This event made a serious and lasting impression upon his mind. Two years of his boy- hood were spent in a variety-goods store opposite his home. At the age of sixteen he left the parental roof and entered the store of Charles Warren & Co., wholesale and retail drygoods dealers, No. 92 Hanover Street, Boston. Here he also remained two years. Having resolved upon a collegiate course of study, he commenced his prepara- tory work at Day's Academy in Wrentham, finishing it at the Worcester Manual Labor High School, now the Baptist Academy. During this time he was an assistant teacher at Wrentham (the lamented Professor Charles C. Jewett being the Principal), and he also taught for two winters a public school in the town of Sterling, Massachusetts. In the fall of 1843 he entered Brown University, under the presidency of Dr. Wayland, the distinguished preacher, philosopher, and guide. During the four years of his college life he was noted for his frankness of character, his habitual cheer- fulness, and his diligence and faithfulness in the perform- ance of daily duties. He was graduated in 1847, with the sixth honors of his class. In March, 1848, he was appointed Librarian of the University, succeeding Professor Jewett, his associate at the academy. Having been his assistant in the library, and also having had charge for several years, while a student, of one of the society libraries, he was thus in a measure prepared for his new and responsible duties. This position he has continued to hold, with marked and increasing success, until the present time, a period of thirty- three years. Under his charge the library has been en- larged from 17,000 volumes, in 1848, to 54,000 volumes in 1881. In the early part of his professional life he added to a moderate salary by giving instruction to private pupils, one of whom was the late Commodore Thomas P. Ives.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

The Biographical cyclopedia of representative men of Rhode Island, Part 104

Author: National biographical publishing co., pub Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Providence, National biographical publishing co. Number of Pages: 868

Author: National biographical publishing co., pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Providence, National biographical publishing co.
Number of Pages: 868