The Biographical cyclopedia of representative men of Rhode Island, Part 59

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

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To his Alma Mater, Brown University, he has continually manifested a pious devotion, having served as trustee for more than half a century, and he is now the oldest mem- ber of the corporation. The first published volume of the Rhode Island Historical Society is prefaced with the ac- knowledgment, that it was "printed from a manuscript copy of Roger William's Key to the Indian Languages, procured by Zachariah Allen from the Bodleian Library, at Oxford, in England." Numerous historical sketches and public addresses in relation to the early settlement of New England, and to the treatment of the Indians, show his long-continued interest in sustaining the usefulness of the Rhode Island Historical Society, of which he is now President. The most recent scientific work of Mr. Allen is a volume just published on the Source and Supply of Solar Light and Heat, and of the Gravitating and Molec- ular Forces; being the sequel of a previous work pub- lished in 1851, entitled, The Philosophy of the Mechanics of Nature, and of the Source and Modes of Transmission of Natural Motive Power. Although now (1881) eighty- six years of age, Mr. Allen continues vigorous and active, both physically and intellectually, in the enjoyment of " a sound mind in a sound body."

GREENE, LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR WILLIAM, son of Ray and Mary (Flagg) Greene, was born in Warwick, Rhode Island, January 1, 1797. His father for many years was Attorney-General of Rhode Island, and was a Senator in Congress from October, 1797, to May, 1801. His mother was the daughter of George Flagg, of Charleston, South Carolina. His grandfather, William Greene, was Governor of Rhode Island from 1778 to 1786; and his great-grand- father, William Greene, died while Governor of the colony, after having been elected to that office four times; first, in 1743, next, in 1746, and in 1748, serving to 1755, and lastly, in 1757, closing his useful life February 22, 1758. The subject of this sketch received his primary education under the teacher then familiarly known as "Master " Franklin, who distinguished himself in the use of Solo- mon's " rod and reproof." His preparation for college was completed in Kent Academy, at East Greenwich, Rhode Island, and at George J. Patton's school, at Hartford, and he graduated with honor at Brown University, in 1817, delivering the valedictory of his class. Among his class- mates were the subsequent Chief Justice Staples, Governor Charles Jackson, and others of distinction. Soon after his graduation Mr. Greene entered the law school of Judges Reeves and Gould, at Litchfield, Connecticut, which then

had a high reputation. While there Governor William Beach Lawrence was his room-mate, and J. Y. Mason, of Virginia, and John M. Clayton, of Delaware, were then attendants at tlie same school. After his graduation from this school Mr. Greene rode on horseback from Warwick

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to Columbus, Ohio, where he became private secretary to Governor Brown, and subsequently settled in Cincinnati, where he pursued the practice of law until 1862. While there he did much for the cause of education, in the for- mation of the school system of Ohio, acting as President of the School Board of Cincinnati. In the year last men- tioned he returned to his ancestral farm in Rhode Island, where he has since remained. This farm was owned by his fathers from the time of its purchase of the noble Chief Miantonomi to the present time, and the deed, now in pos- session of Mr. Greene, has the Chief's mark of conveyance. In Ohio Mr. Greene took an active part in the politics of the State, first as a Whig and afterward as a Republican. HIe was personally intimate with Clay and Webster, from whom he received many letters. Mr. Greene was elected Lieutenant-Governor of Rhode Island in 1866 and 1867, and was a delegate to the Chicago Convention that nominated General Grant for the Presidency. Latterly the infirmities of age have kept him in retirement, where he has enjoyed his well-earned affluence and much domestic happiness, amid the relics of his honored ancestors, who there wel- comed to their hospitality such men as Major-General Greene, Lafayette, Rochambeau, Franklin, Estaing, and others, who met in the room still preserved and distin- guished as the place where councils of war were held during the Revolutionary struggle. The chimney then standing now exhibits to the passer-by the date of " 1680," and will probably long remain there to indicate the home of a family distinguished through successive generations for virtue, intelligence, patriotism, and integrity. Mr. Greene married, April 30, 1821, Abby Lyman, daughter of Erastus Lyman, of Northampton, Massachusetts. She died July 18, 1862. They had two children, Annie Jean and Catharine Ray. The last-named married Dr. Fred- erick Roelker, in February, 1853, and died May 22, 1864. Mr. Greene's second marriage was to Mrs. Caroline Mathew- son, November 20, 1867.

AILE, HON. LEVI, was born in Warren, Rhode Island, in 1797, and graduated at Brown Univer- sity in 1821. Among his classmates were several who filled important and honorable positions in their professions in life, viz., Rev. Rufus Babcock, D.D., President Eliphaz Fay, of Waterville College, now Colby University, Dr. Ezekiel Holmes, Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, Rev. Joseph Muenscher, D.D., George R. Russell, LL.D., and Dr. Thomas H. Webb. On leaving college, the subject of this sketch commenced the study of law in his native town, where, upon being admitted to the bar, he opened an office. It is a proof of the place which he held in the regards of his fellow-citizens that they elected him, in 1824, very soon after he opened a law office in Warren, as their Representative to the General Assembly, and re- turned him to this office until 1835, when he was appointed

one of the Associate Judges of the Supreme Court of the State, Judge Job Durfee being Chief, and Judge W. R. Staples being the Associate. In June, 1843, a law was passed by the General Assembly providing that the Su- preme Court should consist of one Chief and three Asso- ciates. George A. Brayton was elected the third Associate Judge. While Judge Haile was on the bench, there oc- curred events which will always find a place in the history of Rhode Island. We allude to those connected with what is known as the " Dorr War." The chief actor in the scenes was in due time arrested, tried before the judges to whom reference has been made, and condemned to be imprisoned. " He was tried before a court," says Pro- fessor Goddard, " composed of men upon whose integrity, independence, and impartiality, calumny will in vain essay to fasten a reproach." This verdict in favor of all the gen- tlemen then on the bench is corroborated in the words of another, as applied to Judge Haile. "The arduous and laborious duties of his high office he discharged down to the day of his death. He was a man of amiable temper and much blessed in all the relations of life. As a member of the court he was patient, attentive to business, and kind and courteous in his intercourse with the bar. No member of the bar was more familiar with the judicial history of the State, and with questions of local law and practice than Judge Haile." In 1830 he was elected a Trustee of Brown University, and continued in office until his death, which occurred, after a brief illness, July 14, 1854.

ERNON, REV. THOMAS, M.D., the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Almy (Ellery) Vernon, was born December 20, 1797, in Newport, where his an- cestors for five generations had lived. He was fitted for college in his native place, and was a graduate of Brown University, in the class of 1816, taking a high rank as a scholar. On leaving college he com- menced the study of law in New York with the intention of devoting himself to the legal profession. Having be- come a Christian, he decided to give up the practice of law and devote himself to the work of the Christian min- istry. He studied theology with the celebrated Rev. Dr. John M. Mason, of New York. After completing his course of study he was settled as pastor of the Congrega- tional Church in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. Here he re- mained sixteen years, and then retired from his pastorate, in consequence of a disease of the lungs and throat, which rendered him unable to use his voice. For several years after leaving the ministry Mr. Vernon resided in Kingston, and was occupied in instructing young men who, as pupils, were placed in his family, preaching, as he was able, in the pulpit of the Congregational Church in that place. Satisfied that he would never be able to resume his chosen profession of the ministry, he decided to study medicine. To fit himself for the duties of a physician he attended the

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full course of instruction prescribed in the University of Pennsylvania, and received the degree of M.D., in 1852. He pursued the practice of his profession in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, for sixteen years. An attack of pneumonia compelled him, in 1868, to spend a year at the South. Recovering in good measure from his illness, he removed to Providence, and never resumed the regular practice of medicine. He did not cease, however, to be usefully em- ployed. In benevolent works, both as a minister of the gospel and as a physician, he devoted much time to the spiritual and physical welfare especially of the poor and the unfortunate, and deservedly secured the respect and esteem of the community in which he lived. For sixteen years, from 1844 to 1860, Dr. Vernon was a member of the corporation of Brown University, in its Board of Trustees. He mar- ried, in May, 1831, Adelaide Augusta, daughter of John Winthrop, of Boston, who, with a son and two daughters, survived him. He died in Providence, May 9, 1876.

ILLINGHAST, CHARLES FOSTER, son of Stephen and Theodosia (Foster) Tillinghast, was born in the city of New York, June 18, 1797, his parents at the time of his birth being temporary residents of that city. His ancestors were among the ear- liest settlers of Providence ; one of them, Pardon Tilling- hast, at one time an elder in the Baptist Church, being one of the first proprietors of the town in 1645. He was fitted for college in the schools of Providence, and graduated from Brown University in the class of 1814. He was ad- mitted to the bar of Rhode Island in 1816, having pursued his legal studies in the office of Hon. Samuel W. Bridg- ham for two years previous. For a short time he practiced in Chepachet, Rhode Island, and then, in July, 1817, be- came a partner with his former instructor, Mr. Bridgham. This relation continued for six years, when he opened an office by himself. Mr. Charles S. Bradley, afterwards Chief Justice Bradley, was received into partnership with him, in 1842, the relation continuing until 1858, at which time the connection was dissolved, and his son, Mr. James Tillinghast, became associated with him in business. Mr. Tillinghast ranked very high in his profession, and in cer- tain departments of that profession he had but few peers, and not many superiors. He shunned publicity, and never sought political office. For a single term he represented the city of Providence in the General Assembly, and was appointed on an important Committee, where his legal knowldge and abilities rendered him an efficient helper in the service to which he had been called. In 1822, May 22, he married Susanna Richmond, daughter of William Richmond, of Providence, who died before her husband. One son, James Tillinghast, Esq., and one daughter sur- vived their father, who died at his residence in Providence, August 3, 1864.

AURAN, JOSEPH, M.D., the son of Joseph Carlo and Olive (Bicknell) Mauran, was born in Bar- rington, Rhode Island, December 22, 1796, being the youngest of a family of ten children. He was of Italian descent on his father's side. His father was a native of the Mediterranean port of Villa Franca, near Nice, and was impressed on board of a British man- of-war when a mere lad. After several years he escaped from service, on the arrival of his vessel off the shore of Connecticut, and subsequently took up his residence in Barrington. During the Revolutionary War he held a naval command for a time. He died in 1813, leaving several children. His son Joseph prepared for college under the tuition of Rev. William Williams, of Wrentham, Massachusetts, and was a graduate of Brown University, in the class of 1816. Among his Rhode Island classmates were Dr. S. A. Arnold, Hon. John Carter Brown, Robert Hale Ives, Esq., and Rev. Dr. T. Vernon. Bishop Smith, of Kentucky, and Rev. Dr. Solomon Peck were also in the same class. Dr. Mauran studied medicine with Dr. Pardon Bowen, attended medical lectures in the Medical School of Brown University, and finished his course of study at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, which conferred upon him his degree in March, 1819. During the remainder of the life of Dr. Bowen, he was his associate, and on his decease took charge of his practice. For thirty-six years he devoted himself with great diligence and success to his profession, securing a very large practice in Providence and its neighborhood. In 1856 he retired from the active duties of his profession, and spent nearly two years in foreign travel, accompanied by his family, in his tour in Europe. Returning to Provi- dence in 1858, he partially engaged in practice, chiefly among the families who, for so many years, had been accus- tomed to rely on his professional skill. He relinquished his practice entirely when he had reached about the seven- tieth year of his age, and spent the greater part of his time either in New York or at the South. During his long pro- fessional life in Providence, Dr. Mauran interested himself in many ways in departments of service connected with his profession. He was one of the consulting physicians of the Butler Hospital for the Insane, and a Medical At- tendant at the Dexter Asylum from the commencement of the existence of these institutions to the time when he gave up practice. Twice he was chosen President of the Rhode Island Medical Society. Of the college in New York which had conferred on him his degree, he was a Trustee. In 1851 he was Vice-President of the National Association of Physicians for Revising the Pharmacopoeia. The pres- ent system of the Registration of Marriages, Births, and Deaths, and the office of Superintendent of Health are due to his interest in everything that concerned the sani- tary condition of his adopted home. He took a great interest in the founding of the Rhode Island Hospital. Among the somewhat numerous productions of his pen

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were, An Anniversary Discourse, which he delivered bc- fore the Association of the Alumni of the New York Medical College, and articles which appeared in the medi- cal journals on the effects of the Habitual Use of Tobacco on Health and Longevity, on the Non-Contagiousness of Yellow Fever, and on the Uscs of Opium in Rheumatism. He married, in October, 1820, Sophia (Russell) Sterry, who died in August, 1854. His death occurred in the city of New York, June 8, 1873, in the seventy-seventh year of his age.

OODS, ALVA, D.D., son of Rev. Abel and Mary (Smith) Woods, was born at Shoreham, Ver- mont, August 13, 1794, being the eldest of a family of six children. His father was a Bap- tist minister, and for fifteen years the pastor of the church in Shoreham, where his ministerial labors were eminently successful. He died in Hamilton, New York, August 11, 1850. He was the brother of the distinguished Rev. Leonard Woods, D.D., of the Andover Theological Seminary, and uncle of the accomplished scholar, Rev. Leonard Woods, Jr., D.D., President of Bowdoin College, Maine. The subject of this sketch was fitted for college at Phillips Academy in Andover, and was graduated at Harvard College in the class of 1817. Several members of that class have attained to distinction in their respective professions. Among these may be mentioned Hon. George Bancroft, Hon. Caleb Cushing, Rev. Dr. S. H. Tyng, and Professor John Doane Wells. Mr. Woods pursued his theo- logical studies at Andover, where he was graduated in the class of 1821, some of his classmates being Professor T. C. Upham, D.D., and Rev. Drs. Samuel Spring, J. Clement, and H. Jackson. On leaving Andover he was chosen Pro- fessor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in Colum- bian College, Washington, D. C. He was the incumbent of this office for three years, one of which was spent in Europe in the collection of funds for the college, and in attending courses of lectures in London, Oxford, and Cambridge. In 1824 he resigned his position in Colum- bian College to accept the Chair of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, to which he had been chosen by the Corporation of Brown University. He was in this office four years, and during a part of the year 1826-27 acted, pro tempore, as President of the University. In 1828 he was elected President of Transylvania University, Lexing- ton, Kentucky, and remained in office until 1831, when he removed to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to take the Presi- dential Chair of the State University. In this position he remained until the close of 1837. His baccalaureate and inaugural addresses at these two institutions are models of grace and vigor. They would make an interesting vol- ume if published, and a valuable contribution to letters. Leaving the South, he took up his residence in Providence in 1839, where he now resides. The honorary degree of

Doctor of Divinity was conferred on him hy Brown Uni- versity in 1828. IIe was made a member of the Board of Trustees of the University in 1843, and of the Board of Fellows in 1859. Five scholarships in Brown University, a lectureship in elocution in Newton Theological Institu- tion, of which for many years he has been a Trustee, a scholarship of $1000 in the Worcester Academy, and a generous contribution to the endowment of the Academy at Saxton River, Vermont, attest the sincerity of his in- terest in the cause of education, to which he has devoted so many years of his life. On the 11th of December, 1823, about a month after his return from abroad, Dr. Woods was married to Almira Marshall, eldest daughter of Josiah and Priscilla Marshall, of Boston, Massachusetts. With this most lovely and accomplished woman he was permitted to live happily nearly forty years, she dying April 5, 1863, in the sixtieth year of her age. Two children were the fruits of this marriage-a daughter, who lived but a few months, and a son, Marshall Woods, M.D., the honored and effi- cient Treasurer of Brown University.

ILLINGHAST, DEACON ALLEN, son of Deacon Pardon and Mary (Sweet) Tillinghast, was born in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, May 20, 1796, in the old Tillinghast homestead, and was a descend- ant of Rev. Pardon Tillinghast, the associate of Roger Williams. He was the fifth of twelve children, and brother of Rev. John Tillinghast, elsewhere sketched in this volume. His father was among the first to fell the forests of West Greenwich, and rear his home in the wild ; and was a man of mark and honor in his day. Though not favored with school advantages; he received the best of home-training, and grew up to self-reliance and great thoughtfulness. He was noted for his integrity, decision of character, kindness, economy, and perseverance. He early accepted the Christian faith, and made the Bible the textbook of his life. In December, 1815, he united with the West Greenwich Baptist Church, and was elected a Deacon, June 12, 1824, which office he held with honor to himself and great good to the church, until his death. Un- ambitious of public place, he persistently refused to accept political offices; yet he was ever ready to serve his fellow- townsmen in all humble stations. Unconsciously to him- self, and, indeed, to most of his associates, he was, by his weight of character, a controlling power in the town. He was a model farmer, and accumulated a competency. His hired men worked by his side and fared like himself, and all loved and reverenced him. The West Greenwich Cemetery-one of the most beautiful rural burying-places in the State-located on his farm, in the rear of the Plain Meeting-House, was laid out and inclosed with a heavy, faced granite wall at his expense. He ever stood firmly by his two brothers, Thomas S. and John, who were preachers. His co-laborers, as deacons, were Jason P.

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Alva Woods

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Stone and Josiah Greene. He married, August 28, 1817, Marcy Tillinghast, of Providence, daughter of Rev. Joseph Tillinghast, of Voluntown, Connecticut, and had four chil- dren, Lucy, Ira A., James A. (deceased), Lydia (Mrs. Gallup, deceased). Ira A. served with honor in the Sev- enth Rhode Island Infantry during the Civil War. Dea- con Allen Tillinghast was one of twelve children, only three of whom are now (1881) living; Charles, in his ninety-third year; Abigail (T.) Bowen, in her seventy- eighth year; and Tabitha (T.) Love, in her seventy-sixth year. Deacon Tillinghast died at the residence of his son, Ira A., in Coventry, December 30, 1879, at the age of eighty-three.

ERNOLD, RICHARD JAMES, merchant, son of Wel- come and Patience (Greene) Arnold, was born in Providence, October 5, 1796, and was a grad- uate of Brown University, in the class of 1814. For a short time after leaving college he studied law in the office of Hon. Tristam Burges. Soon, how- ever, he abandoned the purpose of following the legal profession, and engaged in mercantile pursuits, having formed a partnership with his brother, Samuel G. Arnold, who was largely interested in the China trade. He spent two years at this period of his life in foreign travel. He withdrew from his partnership with his brother in 1823, and went to Georgia, where he became the proprietor of a plantation in Bryan County, near Savannah. It was his practice to spend the winters on this plantation, and his summers in Rhode Island. At the South his pleasant home was the seat of genuine hospitality, where his friends were always welcome. When the Civil War broke out he decided to remain at the North. During his absence from his plantation he was subjected to great losses by the fortunes of war. He was connected in Provi- dence with institutions of various kinds, and proved him- self to be a good citizen and a lover of everything which tended to promote the prosperity of his native city. He was appointed a trustee of Brown University in 1826, to take the place of his brother, Samuel G. Arnold, made vacant by his death. He married, in 1823, Louisa Caro- line Gindrat, of Bryan County, Georgia, who died in Octo- ber, 1871. Mr. Arnold died in Providence, March IO, 1873. His children were Harriet, Louisa G., Richard, Thomas, Cornelia, Elliot, and Susan.

ARPENTER, GENERAL THOMAS FRANCIS, was born in Cranston, February 21, 1796, and was a gradu- ate of Brown University in the class of 1818, with the second honors of his class and with a high repu- tation as a scholar. He pursued his law studies in Providence, and during life practiced his profession in this city. At one time he held the office of Major-General of the

Militia of the State. Twice his name was used as a candi- date for Governor, his popularity being such that it was supposed he would command more votes than any other man of his party. He was not, however, an aspirant for public office, and declined the District Attorneyship of the District of Rhode Island, under the administration of Gen- eral Jackson. Soalso he declined the appointment of Col- lector of the Port of Providence, made by President Polk. He preferred the practice of his profession, in which he achieved eminent success, in preference to the uncertain- ties and dependence of public office. As a lawyer he stood in the front rank of his profession. It was said of him that " no man has ever risen to eminence in this State with less aid from circumstances. Nitor in adversum has been his motto. If at any time within the last ten years of his life any member of this bar had been asked, who, all things considered, was the most valuable ally, or the most formidable opponent in any case of litigation before the courts of the State, he would have named General Carpenter. His skill in the management of his causes was a topic of common remark. For several years he was the most successful advocate in the State, and few jury causes of much importance were tried in which he did not appear as leading counsel." The reader will find a highly appre- ciative notice on the character of General Carpenter, both .

as a lawyer and a private citizen, in The Providence Four- nal for July 15, 1854. He died at his residence on West- minster Street, Providence, Friday, July 14, 1854, at the age of fifty-eight years.

AZARD, GOVERNOR JEFFREY, was a descendant from Thomas Hazard, the common ancestor of the Rhode Island Hazards, in the sixth genera- tion, and was born in the town of Exeter. For many years he was in public life, occupying prominent and honorable positions, to which he was called by the suffrages of his fellow-citizens. For several years he rep- resented his native town in the General Assembly. He was chosen Associate Judge of the Supreme Court of the State in May, 1810, and continued in office until May, 1818. During his term of service the Chief Jus- tices with whom he was associated were Peleg Arnold, Daniel Lyman, James Burrill, Jr., and Tristam Burges. He was also for a time Chief Justice of the Court of Com- mon Pleas. In 1833 he succeeded Charles Collins as Lieu- tenant-Governor of the State, and was in office for two years -1833-35. His successor was George Engs, who was in office one year-1835-36. He was then chosen a second time, and held the office one year-1836-37. Four of the Hazard family have been lieutenant-governors of the State. Governor Hazard spent the last year of his life on his estate in Exeter, where he lived in the enjoyment of the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens. His death took place in December, 1840.

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The Biographical cyclopedia of representative men of Rhode Island, Part 59

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