The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 17

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 17

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Always ready to bear the burdens of the drudgery of ublic office, Mr. Carpenter has served since 1884 on he school committee of the town, and since 1885 he as been the clerk of the board. From 1885 to 1890 he vas a member of the board of assessors, and from 1890 0 1895 he was a member of the town council of War- rick. He was also a trustee for a number of years of

the Buttonwoods School District. In 1899 he was elected a member of the General Assembly from War- wick, and served for five years; has been chairman of the Town Committee for several years, formerly being its secretary. He holds to the principles of the Re- publican party. These activities indicate, without com- ment, the esteem and confidence with which he is held by his fellow townsmen, a feeling which only grows as the years pass along.

Mr. Carpenter takes a deep interest in agricultural affairs, and is one of the trustees of the Worcester . (Massachusetts) Fair Association, which annually holds the famous New England fair. He is one of the trus- tees of the Kent County Fair Association; member of Central Grange No. 34. Patrons of Husbandry ; mem- ber of King Solomon Lodge, Ancient Free and Ac- cepted Masons, East Greenwich; Landmark Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. He is president and director of the Waco Braid Company of Harrisville, Rhode Island; member and president of the Warwick Central Baptist Society (Corporation) ; and is very active in church affairs.

Mr. Carpenter married, December 30, 1875, Harriet Arnold, daughter of Lafayette Greene and Pauline Elizabeth (Holden) Nichols, of Sterling, Connecticut. She died December 8, 1917. She had been a very suc- cessful and beloved teacher in Rhode Island schools, and her marriage did not diminish her activities in edu- cational lines.

PELEG W. BARBER-In 1869 Isaac P. Richards, a young Connecticut machinist, patented and improved a punch for iron and steel. In 1870 he established their manufacture, and in 1871 located in Providence, Rhode Island, and from that time The I. P. Richards Com- pany has been manufacturing United States Standard Punches for iron and steel, the punch originated and patented by Isaac P. Richards. In 1890 Peleg W. Bar- ber, a native son of Rhode Island, came to Providence, and obtained work with Mr. Richards as boiler tender and general handy man at the plant Mr. Richards had built at No. 23 Pemberton street. For over twenty years, until 1913, Mr. Barber was associated with Mr. Richards, and under him had that valuable schooling which made him the logical successor to the founder, when in 1913 he laid down the reins of management and went to his reward. The business had become a corporation in 1908, with Isaac P. Richards, president, and in 1913 he was succeeded by Peleg W. Barber. The business of the plant is one of steady volume, growing year by year, the shop watchword now as ever, "Quality."

Isaac P. Richards, the founder and principal owner of the I. P. Richards Company, was born in Ashford, Connecticut, June 15, 1834, and died in Providence, Rhode Island, July 4, 1913. At the age of seven years he was placed in the care of a farmer at Pomfret, Con- necticut, and there he remained eight years, receiving as compensation his board and clothing. His country school attendance was permitted by his doing his farm chores late at night and early in the morning. From fifteen to seventeen he worked on the Connecticut farms, then in 1851 he began work at the Plant Manufactur- ing Company's mill at Plantsville, and in 1853 began

HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

learning the machinist's trade with Paul Whitin & Son, of Whitinsville, Massachusetts, his wages $2.00 weekly, his board costing him $1.88. He continued with Whitin & Son for three years, finishing. in 1856, his former duties with that company, but remaining with them for two years as journeyman. It was during this period that he conceived the idea that later developed and manifested itself in the "United States Standard Punch." In 1858 he came to Providence and was employed by W. T. Nicholson, founder of the Nichol- son File Company. Later he was in the employ of J. R. Brown & Sharpe. During the next few years he was on the move, then in 1864 returned to Whitinsville and was placed in charge of the screw department of the shops. He remained there until 1871, and during that time patented a spindle bolster (1867), and an improved punch for iron and steel (1869).

Mr. Richards began manufacturing his United States Standard Punch in 1870 at Whitinsville, but a year later came to Providence, where he made an arrange- ment with his old employer, W. T. Nicholson, his brother-in-law, by which he could manufacture his punches at the plant of the Nicholson File Company. This arrangement prevailed for some years, but in 1885 Mr. Richards erected his own shops at No. 23 Pem- berton street, and there Richard's punches and dies have ever since been made. In 1908 the business was incorporated as the I. P. Richards Company, and so continues. The quality of the punches Mr. Richards made became well-known all over the country, his motto "Quality" being for everyday use, and every man in his employ was expected to live up to it. He married Marietta Nicholson, sister of W. T. Nicholson, of Providence. She died September 2, 1894, leaving two sons, Fred L., who died July 2, 1911, and George A., who died December 12, 1913. Their daughter Flora married George C. Arnold, of Providence, whose son, Lincoln R. Arnold, is vice-president of the I. P. Rich- ards Company.

Peleg W. Barber, president and manager of the I. P. Richards Company, was born at Exeter, Rhode Island, August 5, 1867, and until nine years of age attended the country school. He then began working in a cotton mill, that being his regular employment until eighteen years of age. In 1890 he came to Providence, and in his search for employment met Isaac P. Richards, who gave him a job in his shop, tending the hoiler, caring for the horses and making himself generally useful. The young man very soon became interested in the making of punches which pleased Mr. Richards and he gave him a chance at shop work. He advanced rapidly under the instruction of his employer, and soon was entrusted with important parts of the work. He was advanced to the hardening and tempering department, and finally there was no department of the factory with which he was not familiar. The I. P. Richards Company was incorporated in 1908, and Mr. Barber was elected in 1918 treasurer, and his years of service and his value to the company brought him the additional honor of being named "plant manager," a position he filled until 1913. A close friendship existed between the two men, the same spirit of striving for perfection of product and management animating them, and when Mr. Richards'

will was read it was found that in it he had giv Mr. Barber full control of the plant and business font term of twenty years, during which time he was continue to progress or dispose of the same. The has been no change in policy, and with the excepti of new machinery needed, the business flows alot accustomed channels, the present executive free acknowledging the superior quality of his predecess. in office, and honoring his memory with a reverer akin to love. President Barber now owns a controlli interest in the stock of the company of which he president and general manager. Lincoln R. Arnold vice-president, Harold E. Barber, secretary, and -

Clifford Howard, treasurer. The presidency of the P. Richards Company is Mr. Barber's sole busine connection, his home and his business being the ty great interests of his life. For twenty-five years he h been a member of Swart Lodge, No. 18, Independe? Order of Odd Fellows; belongs to the Maccabees the World; for many years has been a member of A Pleasant Baptist Church, and in politics is an Ind pendent.

Mr. Barber married, in January, 1894, at Providen Grace Elizabeth Smith, born in Hartford, Connectict they the parents of a son, Harold Ernest, born Mar 17, 1895. He was educated in the public schools of t city, and during his four years of grammar school stud won the honor for perfect attendance. He spent tv years at Technical High School, then became associat with the I. P. Richards Company, working his w. through the shops and office to his present post, secr tary of the corporation.

ALFRED BYRON ARNOLD-This branch the ancient Arnold family of New England, Englai and Wales, traces, according to a pedigree recorded the College of Arms, to Ynir, King of Gwentland. w] reigned in Wales about the middle of the twelfth ce tury. Ynir was the second son of Cadwalader, King the Britons, and from this source sprang Roger Arno of the twelfth generation, the first to adopt the surnar Arnold. From Roger in direct descent came Thom and William Arnold, who came to New England, at were the progenitors of the distinguished Arnold fami of Rhode Island. Alfred Byron Arnold is a descenda along both paternal and maternal lines, he being of ti branch of William Arnold who sailed from Dartmout England, with his family, May 1, 1635, and was first Hingham, Massachusetts, arriving at Providence, Rhode Island, in the spring of 1636, and two years later movit to Pawtucket. Sons of both William and Thom Arnold became prominent in public life, Benedict, son of William, being commissioner and assistant pres dent of the four towns then established, and govern for about ten years. Stephen, a brother of Govern Benedict Arnold, was many times deputy and assistar his homestead lying near Providence. The line ( descent from William Arnold, the American ancesto is through the son Stephen Arnold, who was the fathi of Stephen Arnold (2), a farmer and land owner of th Pawtuxet Valley. Philip Arnold, son of Stephen (2) Arnold, was a land owner in the town of Warwick, ne: Natick, where he resided until death. He married, Jur

C Alfred Q. Created

BIOGRAPHICAL

10, 1714, Susanna Greene, daughter of Captain Benja- min Greene, and among their children was a son, Philip (2) Arnold, born June 9, 1726.

Philip (2) and Phoebe Arnold were the parents of Philip (3) Arnold, a farmer of the town of Warwick, Rhode Island, and great-grandfather of Alfred Byron Arnold. Eben Arnold, son of Philip (3), was a farmer in the town of Warwick. He was born near Natick on the old homestead of Philip Arnold, in 1790, and died in 1855. He served as a member of the General Assembly of Rhode Island. He married Lydia Harris. Their son, Ray G. Arnold, was born on the homestead of his grandfather, near Natick. He married Caroline Matilda Arnold, also born in the town of Coventry, who died at the homestead, May 1, 1894, aged seventy-seven years, a descendant of Peleg Arnold, and a relative. After his marriage he moved to the town of Coventry, and there followed the life of a farmer all his active life. He died January 26, 1894, at the age of seventy- seven years. Ray and Caroline M. (Arnold) Arnold were the parents of one child, Alfred Byron Arnold.

Alfred Byron Arnold, son of Ray and Caroline Ma- tilda (Arnold) Arnold, was born on his grandfather's homestead in the town of Warwick, Kent county, Rhode Island, October 2, 1842, and began his education in the nearby district school. Seventy-six years have since intervened, and for the past quarter of a century he has lived in the house which had been the home of his father for eighteen years previous to his death. His education, commenced in the district school, was con- tinued in the schools of the village of Coventry; Peirce Academy, Middleboro, Massachusetts; Providence Con- ference Seminary of East Greenwich, Rhode Island; Rhode Island State Normal School, at Bristol; and Bryant and Stratton Business College. There were periods of teaching between these advanced courses; from the year 1861, when he began teaching in the Col- vintown School, until 1892, he was an educator well known and very highly regarded. His schools in the Pawtucket Valley, beginning with Colvintown, were The Plains and the Potowomut schools, his course at State Normal School following his service in the last named. The years following the Normal School work he was teacher in schools at Slatersville, Hope, Coventry Center, Washington, Anthony, Quidnick, Centerville, Chèpatchet, Middletown, Bristol and Warren, Rhode Island, and Canton, Massachusetts. After two years at Canton, he spent one winter as an instructor in Bryant and Stratton's Business College, Providence, going thence to Marlboro, Massachusetts, as a principal of the Washington Street School, where he served for three years. He then returned to the Pawtuxet Valley and the home farm, but continued teaching in Coventry, Phenix, and schools in old Warwick. He continued as a teacher until June, 1892, then retired, after thirty-one years of active service. Two years later, in 1894, his parents died, and upon his shoulders the care of the estate then devolved.

For one year Mr. Arnold was a member of Coven- try Town Council, and since 1907 has been a director of the Centerville National Bank. Since 1880 he has been a member of the Phenix Baptist Church, and in 1918 was elected clerk of the church for the thirty-

eighth time. Since 1908 he has been a deacon of the church.

Mr. Arnold is living practically retired, but conducts a truck garden in order to occupy his leisure time. Po- litically he is a Republican, and an advocate of prohi- bition. He married, August 16, 1866, Susan I. John- son, of Warwick, Rhode Island, and a daughter of Palmer T. and Isabel (Remington) Johnson. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold are the parents of a son and daughter : Alfred Ray, born August 1, 1873, died August 16, 1873; Bel Arnold, born May II, 1875, married, September 22, 1898, Herbert Allen Matteson, of Coventry, Rhode Island; they are the parents of one son, Raymond Arnold, born September 15, 1914.

The foregoing record shows Mr. Arnold as a man who has devoted the years of his youthful and matured manhood to the furtherance of the cause of education. Although, as with all who labor for the public good, results are hard to tabulate or even estimate, it is cer- tain that his work was performed in a spirit of devo- tion, and to the thousands of youths who sat under his instruction he has imparted some of his own spirit of loyalty, progressiveness and ambition to excel in any task undertaken.

GEORGE BOYD WATERHOUSE-Three gen- erations of this family have been associated with woolen manufacturing in Centerville, Rhode Island-Richard Waterhouse, an English weaver of woolen fabrics; his son, Benjamin F. Waterhouse, founder of the Kent Manufacturing Company, of Centerville, Rhode Island; and the latter's son, George B. Waterhouse, treasurer and director of the Kent Manufacturing Company, pres- ident of the Centerville National Bank, and vice-presi- dent of the Centerville Savings Bank. The Kent Manu- facturing Company, founded by Benjamin F. Water- house in 1872, later became his sole property, and its development and management became his great work. That company is an incorporated enterprise, operating under the laws of the State of Rhode Island, capitalized at $100,000, and officered entirely by the sons of the founder, who also comprise the board of directors.

Richard Waterhouse, the founder of this branch of the family in Rhode Island, was a son of Thomas Waterhouse, a Yorkshire, England, weaver of woolen cloth. He had children: Samuel, Richard, James, who came to Rhode Island and became a woolen manu- facturer ; Matthew, Mary, Ruth, and Martha. Richard Waterhouse, the second son, was born in Meltham, Eng- land, there learned the weaver's art, and lived until 1846, when he came to the United States, locating in Center- ville, Rhode Island, where he quickly found work at his trade. He resided in Centerville the remainder of his life, and was one of the highly-expert weavers of his day. He married Mary Hurst, daughter of John Hurst, of Meltham, England, and they were the parents of children : Maria, Benjamin F., of further mention; Walker, Richard, Martha, Mary, Hannah, John, Sarah, Margaret, and Emma.

Benjamin F. Waterhouse, eldest son of Richard and Mary (Hurst) Waterhouse, was born in Meltham, Eng- land, September 15, 1839, and there lived until 1846, when he accompanied his parents to Rhode Island. He had been

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HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

a mill worker from the age of nine years, beginning as a bobbin winder, and from the age of twelve had operated a hand loom making woolen cloth. On reach- ing Centerville, Rhode Island, in 1846, he secured em- ployment in the woolen mill with his father, and there continued until he had mastered all the operations involved in the making of woolen cloth. He then became foreman of the weaving department of the Ezra Pol- lard Mill at East Greenwich, Rhode Island, there remaining until 1857. The next six years were spent in a woolen mill at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the following six years he was superintendent of a mill in East Greenwich, owned by his uncle, James Waterhouse. He was then similarly engaged at a mill in Burrillville, Rhode Island, until 1872, when he returned to Centerville, ever afterward his home. The same year he organized with others the Kent Woolen Company, and began the manufacture of fancy cassimeres, worsted and meltons, Mr. Waterhouse owning one-quarter of the stock and holding the position of manager. In July, 1888, he bought the mill in which he first worked in this country, and in 1897 incorporated the Kent Manu- facturing Company, he having acquired sole ownership. He was the first president of the company which has always been known for the high quality of the goods produced. His son, George B. Waterhouse, was treas- urer of the company from 1889, and so continues under the corporation; Richard E., a superintendent, later succeeding his father as president. Another son, Charles L. Waterhouse, a vice-president of the company; Henry A. Waterhouse serving as, director.

Mr. Waterhouse, Sr., belonged to that old school of manufacturers, thorough masters of their business, active and energetic themselves and demanding the highest quality for any goods bearing their own or the corpor- ate name. Sturdy, upright, and honorable himself, he insisted upon his goods possessing the same quality. He only surrendered the management of the Kent Manu- facturing Company when the years became too heavy a burden, then turned the mills over to the capable sons, all of whom save Henry A. had been associated with him in the business. He was a devoted churchman, and for many years was senior warden of St. Philip's Epis- copal Church at Crompton.

Benjamin F. Waterhouse married, November 3, 1853, Margaret Liddle, daughter of Joseph and Mary Liddle. Mrs. Waterhouse died in 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Water- house were the parents of five sons and two daughters : Benjamin W .; Henry A., a long-time superintendent of the Sayles Mill at Pascoag, Rhode Island, and a pres- ent director of the Kent Manufacturing Company ; Richard Edgar, a mill worker from youth, associated with his father, and his successor as president of the Kent Manufacturing Company. He married Dora Arnold, who died in 1897, leaving a daughter, Iola, and a son, Richard Edgar Waterhouse, Jr .; George Boyd, of further mention; Fannie F., deceased; Margaret M., the wife of Rev. E. N. Curry, of Sharon, Connec- ticut ; and Charles L., vice-president and director of the Kent Manufacturing Company.

George Boyd Waterhouse, fourth son of Benjamin F. and Margaret (Liddle) Waterhouse, was born Sep- tember 29, 1863. He was educated in the public schools of Centerville, and East Greenwich Academy, finishing

his studies with graduation from the Academy in 1885 He then began his business career by entering hi father's employ, acting as bookkeeper for three years and in 1889 was elected treasurer. He has held the office of treasurer of the company from that time until the present, and since incorporation in 1897 has been : member of the board of directors. He has acquired other important interests, being president of Center. ville National Bank of Warwick, Rhode Island, a posi- tion of honor and trust which he has held since 1894 when he succeeded Enos Lapham in the presidency The bank is the largest in Kent county, and ranks among the strong financial institutions of the State. He is vice-president and trustee of the Centerville Savings Bank of Arctic, and a director of the Putitan Life, Insurance Company of Providence. Although a man of marked ability, Mr. Waterhouse takes no active part in politics but exerts his influence for the good of his community as a private citizen. He is a vestryman and treasurer of St. Philip's Episcopal Church of Cromp-, ton, Rhode Island.

Mr. Waterhouse married, October 12, 1912, Margaret Dougherty, of Centerville, daughter of Daniel S. Dougherty.

WILLIAM CHARLES HUGO BRAND-Since the year 1905, Mr. Brand has practiced his profession in Providence, Rhode Island, his preliminary practice in the office of Thomas A. Jenckes, and his training at Harvard Law School, having fitted him for the career he began in the year mentioned. He is a son of Wil- liam and Minnie Breul Brand, both now residing in Providence.

William Charles Hugo Brand was born in Providence,; Rhode Island, September 16, 1879, and obtained his pre- paratory education in the graded and high schools of the city. He entered the college department of Brown University, and was graduated A. B., class of 1901. Having selected a profession, he prepared at Harvard Law School, there completing his course and receiving his degree, LL. B., class of 1904. Returning to Provi- dence, he spent six months in the law offices of Thomas A. Jenckes, was admitted to the Rhode Island bar in 1905, began practice the same year, and is now well established professionally in his offices at No. 87 Wey- bosset street. He specializes in the law of real estate, but conducts a general practice. Mr. Brand is an In- dependent in his political action, and in religions faith an Episcopalian. He is a past chancellor commander of the Knights of Pythias, and a deputy grand chan- cellor, holds the degrees of Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery of the Masonic order, and is a noble of the Mystic Shrine.

Mr. Brand married, in Providence, June 28, 1906, Emelyn B. Bradford, a descendant of the early Colonial family founded by Governor William Bradford. Mr. and Mrs. Brand are the parents of two daughters: Bar- bara Bradford, born May 12, 1908; and Charlotte Eliza- beth, born May 29, 1912.

CHARLES FREMONT ANGELL-In 1874, at the age of eighteen, Mr. Angell, now president-treas- urer of the Providence Steel & Iron Company, came to the city of Providence, and during the forty-four

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BIOGRAPHICAL

years which have since intervened has risen from lowly to high and honorable position in the business world. He has kept pace socially with his business rise, and in the church, Masonic order and club life is highly- esteemed and popular.

(I) Mr. Angell is a descendant in the eighth genera- tion of one of the oldest families in the State, tracing his ancestry to Thomas Angell, who came to America with Roger Williams in the ship "Lion" in 1631, he then being thirteen years of age and an apprentice to Wil- liams. A more complete record of Thomas Angell is included in another part of this work.

(II) John Angell, son of Thomas Angell, was born in Providence, and there died July 27, 1720. He mar- ried Ruth Field, and their children were: Thomas, John, Daniel, Hope and James.

(III) Thomas (2) Angell, son of John Angell, was born in Providence, March 25, 1672, resided there until 1710, when he built a tavern in Scituate which was occupied as a public house for several successive gen- erations of the family. He died in Scituate in 1714. His wife was Sarah (Brown) Angell, and their child- ren were: Martha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Jonathan, Sarah, Nehemiah and Thomas.

(IV) Nehemiah Angell, son of Thomas (2) Angell, was a farmer and resided in Scituate one-half mile north of the Angell Tavern and there died. He mar- ried Mary, sister of Elder Reuben Hopkins, and their children were: Pardon, Nehemiah, Abraham, Zilpha, Martha, Mercy and Mercy (2).

(V) Pardon Angell, son of Nehemiah Angell, was born in 1750, and resided in Scituate where he was a farmer, a Revolutionary soldier, drew a pension, and died in 1838. He married (first), Anna Angell, born 1759, died December 24, 1806. He married (second), Susannah Wells, born August 7, 1780, died August 14, 1857. The children were all of the first marriage, namely : Nehemiah, born 1780; Solomon, born 1781 ; Lucy, born 1784; Mehitable, born 1785; Emor, born 1788; Mary, born 1789; Pardon, born 1792; John, born 1794; and Nancy, born 1796.

(VI) Emor Angell, son of Pardon Angell, was a farmer of Scituate, and there died in 1871. He mar- ried (first), Rachel Salisbury, born December 24, 1790, died October 9, 1839. He married (second), Celia Codding. The children were all of the first marriage, namely : Eliza, born November 25, 1811, became the third wife of Judge Eli Aylesworth, of Providence; Harley Pardon, born May 30, 1815; Ostrando, born April 21, 1822, died October 17, 1839; Amy Ann, born June II, 1826, married Abner Angell.

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The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 17

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