The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 114

Author: Bicknell, Thomas Williams, 1834-1925. cn
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: New York, The American Historical Society
Number of Pages: 978

USA > Rhode Island > Providence County > Providence > The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV > Part 114

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Mr. Lockwood married, December 31, 1908, at Lake- wood, R. I., Ella May, daughter of William F. and Emily Waterman (Hopkins) Corkom, of North Adams, Mass., Mr. Corkom having been for many years en- gaged in the foundry and machine shop business in that place.

Frank Earle Lockwood is shaping his career in ac- cordance with the honorable traditions of the stock from which he sprang. In business activities and in his life as a citizen he has made himself one of the

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men who count in his community, and everything indi- cates that the years to come will bring him larger opportunities of service resulting in successes more noteworthy and more fruitful than those of the past.

RALPH FRED LOCKWOOD, M. D., son of Frank William and Lillian May (Perkins) Lockwood (q. v.), was born at Buttonwoods, Warwick, R. I., October 16, 1889. He attended the public schools of his birthplace, and after the completion of his general education entered the Medico-Chirurgical College, Philadelphia, Pa., whence he was graduated M. D. in the class of 1912. Imme- diately after receiving his degree he began practice in Lakewood, in Warwick, where he has since continued, although much of his time has been devoted to work along the lines of sanitation and public health. His activities under this head have been so engrossing and his time spent in lecturing and research so long that he has been compelled to limit his private practice to his office and X-ray work, which has assumed large di- mensions.

Dr. Lockwood was health officer of old Warwick prior to the establishment of West Warwick, in 1916, and he is now health officer of Warwick, also filling the position of milk inspector. He is the founder of the Warwick Health League, one of the best known organizations of its kind in New England, an efficient means of health insurance in the community that has been of inestimable value. In March, 1919, Dr. Lock- wood entered upon the discharge of his duties as Pure Food and Drug Inspector for the State of Rhode Island, his previous experience and fruitful labor in the safeguarding of public health having won favorable notice. He has lectured on his subject throughout Rhode Island and adjoining States, and is known and quoted as an authority on community health. He is director of the Rhode Island Anti-Tuberculosis League, and has approached all of his work in dis- ease prevention and public instruction with the broad sympathy of the devoted humanitarian supported by the exact scientific knowledge of the specialist, a com- bination that has rendered his work effective to an unusual degree. Dr. Lockwood holds membership in numerous professional associations, including the Kent County and Rhode Island State Medical societies, the American Medical Association, the Philadelphia- Spitzka Anatomical. Association, the Forbes Anatomi- cal Association, the International Association of Dairy and Milk Inspectors, and the Philadelphia Chapter of Pi Mu fraternity, with which he became identified dur- ing his college years.

During the influenza epidemic, Dr. Lockwood gave himself completely to the public service with an ad- mirable spirit of sacrifice. At his own expense he secured a hotel, converted it into an emergency hospi- tal with a capacity of ninety patients, and during the prevalence of the disease abandoned everything in desperate efforts to halt its ravages. His community will long remember his generous contribution to the public welfare, a contribution made with no thought for personal risk that forms a noteworthy chapter in the record of his profession in their response to the great need of that time.

In politics Dr. Lockwood is a loyal Republican, and

is close to the party leaders in council. He is a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 9, Free and Accepted Masons, the Loyal Order of Moose, and James Wood Lodge of Odd Fellows. His work has brought him into contact with a wide circle of acquaintances throughout the State, and his personal popularity has aided strongly in the advancement of the causes he represented, which depend so largely for their success upon the intelligent and thorough cooperation of entire communities. His professional standing is high and his record as a public servant no less worthy.

Dr. Lockwood married, May 29, 1911, Louvan Amelia La Valley, of Apponang, R. I., and they are the parents of Louvan Elise and Ruth Ethane.

REV. ANTHONY BOVE-In charge of the Parish of St. Ann's since 1901, Father Bove has given wide scope to his pastoral work, and it is well within the facts of the case to state that no man, of clergy or laity, wields a greater influence among the Italian pop- ulation than he. His work, materially and spiritually, has been of incalculable value to his community, and his labors have been to lead his people in paths of righteousness, usefulness, and honor, of loyalty to and love for the country of their adoption.

Anthony Bove was born May 17, 1877, at Albano di Lucania, Italy, and is a son of Vincenzo and Mariannina (Malfese) Bove, his mother of an ancient and noble Italian family. After receiving a thorough classical and theological education in the institutions of his native land he was, by reason of high scholastic stand- ing, ordained at the early age of twenty-two years. Immediately thereafter he came to the United States, being first assigned to Thornton, where he organized the Italians of the district. In 1901 he was given charge of the difficult mission of St. Ann's, Providence, the congregation using an old town jail as a chapel. This building was remodelled for church purposes, and was dedicated in 1902 by Bishop Harkins. The com- pletion of the church was immediately followed by the development of religious activities and the organization of church societies. Father Bove published a Holy Name Manual in Italian, and organized a council of the Knights of Columbus, the second Italian council formed in the United States.

Early in April, 1909, the old church edifice on Haw- kins street was removed, and July 18, 1910, the corner- stone was laid for a new building, Rt. Rev. Matthew Harkins, D. D., Bishop of Providence, officiating, with Rev. Nicola Armento, pastor of Our Lady of Grace Church, of Johnston, R. I., as preacher. Work was prosecuted with remarkable vigor, and the dedication took place on October 16 of the same year, Bishop Harkins officiating, assisted by Rt. Rev. Louis A. Walsh, D. D., Bishop of Portland, Me. State and city officials were present, including Governor Pothier, with members of his staff, and Mayor Fletcher and members of the City Council. A pontifical mass was celebrated by Bishop Walsh, with Rev. Michael O'Hare, pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Con- ception, as deacon; Rev. Owen F. Clark, pastor of the Church of the Holy Name, as sub-deacon; Rev. Dennis M. Lowney, rector of St. Joseph's Church,

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Pawtucket, assistant priest, and Rev. E. E. Seagrave as master of ceremonies, assisted by Rev. Matthias Hebert. Bishop Harkins occupied the Episcopal throne, attended by Rev. Peter E. Blessing, pastor of St. Edward's Church, and Rev. Domenico Bellietti, pastor of the Church of the Holy Ghost. Among the priests seated in the sanctuary were Rev. J. F. Sul- livan, pastor of St. Agnes' Church; Rev. James C. Walsh, pastor of St. Michael's Church; Rev. Nicola Armento, of Silver Lake; Rev. Stefano Verciani, of Newport; Rev. Joseph R. Bourgeots, pastor of St. Jean Baptiste Church, Arctic; Rev. Eugene Lessard, pastor of St. James Church, Manville: Rev. J. D. Lebel, pastor of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Olneyville; Rev. Napoleon Leclerc, pastor of St. Ann's Church, Woonsocket; Rev. J. M. L. Geroux, pastor of the Church of Notre Dame des Victoires, Woon- socket; Rev. James T. Ward, pastor of St. John's Church; Rev. Fr. Kelley; Rev. George W. Brown, pastor of St. Anthony's Church; Rev. Francesco Albanese; Rev. J. H. Beland, pastor of the Church of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Central Falls; Rev. John O'Connor, O. C. R., of the Lonsdale Monastery; Rev. J. F. Haney, pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception. The sermon was by Rev. Roberto Biasotti, of New York City; he spoke eloquently of the growth of the parish and the beauty and usefulness of its properties, and com- mended the efficient work of Father Bove. After the Communion, Bishop Harkins congratulated the people on the completion of so magnificent a building, and expressed his gratitude for the presence of Bishop Walsh and the many clergy, as well as the chief execu- tive of the State and the city officials. After the mass, the clergy and guests were entertained at dinner in Wanskuck Hall, Guiseppe Zambarano acting as toast- master, the speakers being Bishop Harkins, Bishop Walsh, Governor Pothier, Mayor Fletcher, and various of the clergy. Governor Pothier spoke in terms of high admiration of the erection of so beautiful a tem- ple, and congratulated the pastor, Rev. Father Bove, upon so highly successful a completion of his arduous labors.

The new building is of Italian Romanesque style of architecture, with a campanile on one side. It is a style which has prevailed throughout Italy and is especially noteworthy in Venice and Florence, where color was used extensively in the material of construc- tion, as has been done in the new St. Ann's Church. In fact, the new St. Ann's Church is an exact copy of the artistic Church of Sts. John and Paul of Venice.

The building is 123 feet long by 65 feet wide, and 57 feet high. It is constructed of redfaced brick laid in white mortar joint, and trimmed with buff and red pressed stone and terra cotta. The campanile is eight feet square at the base and 116 feet high. The interior is finished in stucco, white wood and oak; a high altar of white marble, with yellow and blue panels, designed in Italy, has been installed, besides side altars and two shrine altars of marble composition to harmon- ize with the main altar. A fine organ has been installed in the church, and a fine peal of bells in the campanile. The new church is ideally located, facing Hopkins

Park, thus giving a fine perspective view across the park as one approaches the junction of Branch avenue and Charles street. The cost of the building alone was over $100,000. The architects were Murphy, Hindle & Wright, of Providence, while the contractor was the Granite Construction and Realty Company of Mont- pelier, Vt. The building has attracted a great deal of favorable comment both from the general public and those of a professional standing, requests having been made for permission to publish by several of the lead- ing architectural journals. Seating capacity, 1,000. Sacristy and vestry at either side of a large and square sanctuary. The basement, which is used for a lower church, is very high and has almost the same accomo- dations and seating capacity as the main or upper church.

A kindergarten was opened and placed in charge of the Maestre Pie Venerini Sisterhood, and in due time was completed the splendid parochial school, which was dedicated on October 29, 1916, by the Most Rev. John Bonzano, Archbishop of Mili- tena, the Apostolic Delegate to the United States. The building has accommodations for seven hundred pupils, who are under the supervision of the Sisters of Mercy, for whom, in 1916, Father Bove opened a con- vent. In addition to the regular English courses, in- struction in Italian is given in the many well lighted and well ventilated class rooms, and on the Monticello street side are the day nursery and industrial school, which have a capacity, respectively, of two hundred children and one hundred and seventy-five industrial pupils. This portion of the structure is entirely sep- arate from the main building, and in the evening, em- broidery, sewing, domestic science, and the Italian language are taught. In the basement, entered from Branch avenue, is an auditorium seating seven hundred, and among its attractions is a motion picture booth. The entire cost of this splendid structure, finely equipped as it is for the great and vitally important work for which it is designed, was $110,000.00. While planning its erection Father Bove, on the first Sunday of May, 1915, preached at all the masses in the Cathed- ral of Providence, explaining the design and appealing for cooperation in the work. During his campaign, to interest the general public in his plan for the educa- tion of Italian children, he delivered two hundred and eight lectures in English, French, and Italian. From Pope Benedict XV., Father Bove received a large auto- graphed picture of His Holiness, bearing a message of encouragement and blessing.

In 1915, Father Bove was commissioned through His Eminence, Cardinal Serafino Vannutelli, and repre- sented by his Vicar-General, Monsignor Giuseppe Quad- rini, P. A., to erect an orphan asylum in the town of Fiumicino, Rome. Upon the death of Cardinal Van- nutelli, Cardinal Antonio Vico succeeded, and recom- missioned Father Bove for this work. A subscription was opened in the Providence "Visitor," the official organ of the Providence Diocese, and under his guid- ance and patronage the necessary funds were realized, the publicity given the enterprise in the "Visitor" through the cooperation of Right Rev. Bishop Harkins,

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a valuable aid in its success. Also worthy of mention in this connection is John J. Ferreck, Jr., deceased, of Philadelphia, Pa., who was one of the generous donors. The institution was dedicated August 11, 1919, and Father Bove, who was then in Italy, in company with His Eminence, Cardinal Antonio Vico, and other pre- lates, attended the ceremony. The Episcopal delegate of the diocese praised the charity of the Providence diocese, and Father Bove, as the commissioned priest in this diocese, and the patron of the asylum, was pre- sented with a beautiful parchment and made a patron for life. In his response Father Bove extolled the gen- erosity of the people of the diocese of Providence, and disclaimed the hearty praise of his own efforts. On the same day he was honored by an audience with the Pope, which was unusually long.

At this time (1919) Father Bove has organized five Italian congregations, directed the building of four churches, established a day nursery in Providence, founded one parochial school, and put in operation one industrial school, in addition to his pastoral duties and the work mentioned above. For four years he has lectured in the public schools of Providence on Amer- ican history, under the auspices of the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The breadth of his service is shown by his supervision of children brought into the Juvenile Court, his interest in the affairs of the court having been so effectively manifested as to elicit from Judge Rueckert the state- ment that, "since Father Bove extended his care to the children, the number of arrests had appreciably dimin- ished and parole cases had improved to such an ex- tent that children were rarely obliged to appear in court." He was the first Catholic priest in the Rhode Island Diocese to volunteer for this work.

In 1910, Father Bove was a party to a lengthy dis- cussion, extending over four months, with the United Baptist clergy, regarding proselyting among the Ital- ians. This controversy was conducted in a dignified manner, and in all fairness and frankness, free from bitter denominational feeling, and the following year he published a book covering all phases of the question, which was favorably mentioned everywhere. In 1918 he also published a work, bearing the title "L'Ordine Figli d'Italia di fronte alla Cosciezna Cattolica."

On May 18, 1918, Father Bove received, through Bishop Harkins, a large silver medal, the gift of Pope Benedict XV., in recognition of services to the church in the Diocese of Providence. Accompanying this was a letter from the Pope expressing "the highest satis- faction with the work of the pastor of St. Ann's for the spiritual and moral betterment of the community, for entire and cordial obedience to the Bishop of Prov- idence, and for services rendered the Church in this diocese."

During these nineteen years of his work in the Dio- cese of Providence, he was identified with almost every religious and any other enterprise among the Italians, and particularly he was first instrumental and gave val- uable aid in the organizing of Italian colonies in Fall River, Mass., and Natick, R. I. For seven years he has been conducting missions in this diocese and through other parts of the United States.

In 1912-13, he organized the Italians of Barrington, R. I., and Warren, R. I. For the first, he built a fair- sized church, and for the second, he provided a chapel. He had these two missions in connection with St. Ann's Church in Providence, for almost four years. He is unidentified with any public activity.

FRED E. HORTON-The town of Cranston and the city of Providence derived a large share of ma- terial benefit and profit from the active life of Horace Francis Horton in the development of city and subur- ban property, a business he began almost half a cen- tury ago in Providence, where he now (1919) lives retired. The firm that he founded is continued under the direction of his son, Fred E. Horton, who in real estate and allied lines occupies prominent position in the business world of Providence, his operations ex- tending throughout the State and New England. The family of Horton to which they belong was founded by John Horton, who came from England and settled in Rehoboth, Mass., as early as 1640. There, five genera- tions of Hortons in this branch were born and lived, principally engaged in agriculture as a business. Hor- ace F. Horton, of the sixth generation, left the family home in Rehoboth and founded his branch of the family in Providence, where he has resided for more than half a century.

(II) The line of descent from John Horton, the founder, is through his son, Jotham, who had four brothers, John, Nathaniel, Jonathan, and David. Jot- ham Horton married (first) Hannah Martin, (second) Penelope Rounds, having issue by both. From Jot- ham Horton the line traces through his son, Lieuten- ant James Horton, the first born of his second wife, Penelope Rounds.

(III) Lieutenant James Horton was born July 10, 1741, died in Rehoboth, Mass., August 10, 1833. In March, 1776, he was commissioned a first lieutenant in Captain Stephen Bullock's Sixth company, Colonel Thomas Carpenter's first Bristol regiment of Massachusetts militia. He was later first lieutenant in Captain Sim- eon Crary's regiment, General John Fellow's brigade, and was in the list of men stationed in New York for five months, taking part in the evacuation of New York and the battle of White Plains. After that battle he was transferred to Captain Hix's company, Colonel John Daggett's regiment. Lieutenant Horton was in command of a company in Colonel Thomas Carpen- ter's regiment for eight days, August 1, 1780, to August 8, 1780, when the company marched to Tiverton, R. I., on an alarm. He was a very vigorous, active man, and lived to the age of ninety-two years. He was first buried in a neglected cemetery in Rehoboth, but later, through the efforts and at the expense of his great- great-grandsons, Everett S. Horton, of Attleboro, and Horace F. Horton, of this record, his remains and those of his son, Cromwell, were taken up and moved to the cemetery at Rehoboth Center. Lieutenant James Horton married Freelove Pierce, born November 8, 1742, died February 13, 1809. They were the parents of eight children, this branch descending from Crom- well Horton, the fifth child.

(IV) Cromwell Horton was born February 26, 1777, followed the occupation of farmer in Rehoboth, and

St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church, Providence, R. I. Founded by Rev. Antonio Bove. Dedicated in 1902.

St. Ann's Parochial School, Nursery, Industrial School, School of Domestic Science Founded by Rev. Antonio Bove. Dedicated October 16, 1916.

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there died in February, 1861. He married (first) in 1801, Pearcy Martin, born October 28, 1781, daughter of Hezekiah and Mary Pearse (or Pierce) Martin, granddaughter of Hezekiah Martin, and great-grand- daughter of John and Mercy (Billington) Martin. They were the parents of seven children, descent in this line traced through Ellis Horton, the eldest son. Cromwell Horton married (second) February 18, 1836, Lydia West.

(V) Ellis Horton was born in Rehoboth, died at Attleboro, Mass., February 16, 1849. He was engaged in farming at Rehoboth during his earlier years, but prior to his marriage he went to Savoy, where he mar- ried Mary Eliza Craw, and resided for several years. Later he located in Attleboro, where, until his death, he was employed in the grocery store of his brother, Gideon M. Horton. He was a man of upright, honor- able, Christian life, a faithful member of the Baptist church, and for many years superintendent of the Dodgeville Sunday school. His wife survived him sev- eral years, dying in Norton, Mass., November 6, 1857, aged fifty-seven years. Ellis Horton was buried in the cemetery at Rehoboth, Mass. Children: I. George E., a cigar manufacturer of Taunton, Mass., where he died, Feb. 28, 1905. 2. James G., a farmer, who also resided and died in Taunton. 3. John S., of Provi- dence, died in 1915. 4. Charles H., died in Taunton. 5. Horace Francis, of whom further. 6. Mary E., married Comfort Horton, and died in Providence. 7. Albert E., deceased, a farmer of Taunton. 8. William F., died in Rehoboth, June 17, 1861, in early manhood.

(VI) Horace Francis Horton, of the sixth American generation, son of Ellis and Mary Eliza (Craw) Hor- ton, was born in Rehoboth, Mass., January 2, 1836, now (1919) a resident of Cranston, retired from business He

cares. was cducated in the Rehoboth public schools and Scholfield's Business College, in Provi- dence, and in 1856, soon after leaving school, he began learning the jeweler's trade in Attleboro, being so em- ployed for several years. From 1859 until 1861 he was a partner with his cousin, Mayor Everett S. Hor- ton, in grocery dealings, and upon his retirement from the firm did not again engage in business until 1864, when he formed a partnership with Henry J. Anthony. They opened a store on Smith street, between Canal and North Main streets, Providence, their connection continuing for eight years, the firm dissolving in 1872.

While his business ventures had been successful in a degree sufficient to satisfy a large proportion of men, they had been but a prelude to the important work of his life, and it was not until 1873 that he found his real sphere of effort. In this year he opened an office in the Butler Exchange building, beginning dealings in real estate, insurance, and a general loan and mortgage business. Subsequently his offices were in the Wilcox building, then at No. 103 Westminster street, and finally at No. 87 Weybossett street, where his head- quarters were located until his retirement. His opera- tions increased to a large scale, one of his most im- portant undertakings the development of the tract of forty-three acres of pasture land, a part of the Arnold farm at Edgewood, in the town of Cranston, bordering Providence. In 1891 he began the promotion of that tract, planting it attractively, and presented it to the

public in a masterly, convincing manner. Large lots were sold, fine residences erected under careful restric- tion, and the property reached the high valuation of more than half a million dollars. The tract overlooks Narragansett bay and Roger Williams park, and through his wise guidance became one of the most beautiful and popular suburbs of Providence. An- other of Mr. Horton's interests was Oakland park, in Pawtucket, where for a time he maintained a branch office in charge of his son, Fred E. Horton, and he also participated in the development of Pawtuxet-by- the-Sea, in Warwick, a part of the Country Club grounds, and the Fairmont tract in North Providence. His business activity was combined with a public spirit that took strict account of civic responsibility and the duties of citizenship, and Cranston and Providence, as well as any district in whose expansion he had a part, profited by his high standards of service. Mr. Horton admitted his sons, Henry F. and Fred E., to partner- ship in 1898, the firm name becoming Horace F. Hor- ton & Sons. Henry F. Horton died December 21, 1899, and since the retirement of the founder the direc- tion of the firm's affairs has devolved upon Fred E. Horton.

In 1900 Mr. Horton made his entrance into public life, when he was elected for a two-year term to repre- sent the town of Cranston in the lower house of the State Legislature, although political conditions and public affairs had always interested him, without his having the time to devote to their pursuit. At the ex- piration of his term in the House of Representatives he was elected to the State Senate, serving continu- ously from 1902 to 1906, in 1904 a member of the finance, State properties, charities and corrections com- mittees, and in 1905 a member of the finance and chari- ties and corrections committees. He was chairman of the committee appointed to represent Rhode Island at the reinterment of General Nathanael Greene, at Sa- vannah, Ga., in November, 1902. Throughout the six years of his work in the Legislature he was known among his colleagues as a man upright and conscien- tious in the performance of his legislative duties, a Representative and Senator of firm views and convic- tions which he ably defended, and a public servant who tirelessly advanced the interests of his constituents. In January, 1907, Mr. Horton was appointed a member of the State Board of Charities and Corrections, and at the end of his term in 1913 was reappointed to the same position, serving until this commission was dis- solved by an act of Legislature in 1917. His previous service on House and Senate committees gave him leading qualifications for work on the State Board, and during the years of his membership he performed much valuable service in connection with the State institutions, his counsel an often sought guide to his associates of the board. His political faith has always been Republican.

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The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 114

Author: Bicknell, Thomas Williams, 1834-1925. cn Publication date: 1920 Publisher: New York, The American Historical Society Number of Pages: 978

Author: Bicknell, Thomas Williams, 1834-1925. cn
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: New York, The American Historical Society
Number of Pages: 978