The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 19

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

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Dr. Dan King married, in 1816, Cynthia Pride, daugh- ter of Captain Absolom Pride, of Long Rock, Rhode Island, descendant of an honored Colonial family.

(VI) Dr. Howard W. King, son of Dr. Dan and Cynthia (Pride) King, was born in Charlestown, R. I., May 1, 1824. He was educated in public and private schools in Rhode Island, and on completing his studies engaged for a short period in manufacturing in the town of Smithfield, Rhode Island. The medical pro- fession had interested him deeply from early childhood, however, and he soon abandoned mercantile pursuits to enter upon the study of medicine under the tutelage of his father, who was then engaged in an extensive prac- tice. On finishing his preparatory studies, he entered Bowdoin College, where he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, immediately thereafter establishing himself in practice in Greenville, Rhode Island. Dr. King was highly successful in his practice, giving to it all his ability and his strength. With an art which only the country practitioner knows he made himself a place in the heart of the community. No man was more loved or more deeply respected for his work. On the outbreak of the Civil War he received a commission as surgeon of the Second Regiment, Rhode Island Cavalry, and served with his regiment in the stern campaigns of Mississippi and Louisiana. In 1864 he was elected surgeon-general of the Rhode Island militia, which office he held until his death. On the conclusion of peace he returned to Rhode Island

and settled in Providence. In 1868 he was elected president of the Providence Medical Association, and held the office until 1870. In 1874 he was vice-presi- dent of the Rhode Island Medical Society. In the latter year his health, which had been failing for years, broke down, and in hopes of rebuilding his strength he made a trip to Europe. This failed, however, and on March 15, 1875, he died, and was buried with military honors. The following tribute to his memory appeared in the contemporary press :

A good physician attaches himself to the homes wherein he ministers as by hoops of steel. It was so with Dr. King. He went to the sick room with such sympathy and manifestation of interest as soon found their way to the heart. He carried to the bedside of the sick a moral atmosphere which was of more value to his patients than the medicines he dispensed so skillfully. His patience with the invalid and his en- couraging words and manner will never be forgotten by those who have trusted themselves and their dear ones to his professional treatment. Dr. King loved his healing work and threw himself with rare devoted- ness into its prosecution. He was an observer and a student down to the very close of his life. Outside of his profession Dr. King made many friends. His kindness of heart, his courtesy, and gentlemanly man- ner, endeared him to a wide circle, who will gladly bear testimony to his personal worth and his genial. companionable nature.

(VII) Dr. Dan Ozro King, son of Dr. Howard W. King, was born Dec. 15, 1852. He received his ele- mentary education in the public schools of Smithfield, Rhode Island. He later attended Greenville Academy, and the Providence High School, where he completed his preparation for college. He matriculated at Brown University, from which he was graduated, and immed- iately thereafter entered Bowdoin College, where he continued his studies in the medical school. An inter- vening year was spent at the Detroit Medical School, but he later returned to Bowdoin, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1875. Dr. King began practice in Pontiac, in the town of Warwick, Rhode Island, where he remained for a period of fifteen years, building up a very successful and remunerative practice. He rose rapidly into the foremost ranks of the medical profession, and at the time of his removal from Pontiac was the leading physician of that part of Rhode Island. In 1891, Dr. King removed to Auburn, Rhode Island, where he con- ducted a highly successful practice until the time of his death. His reputation as an able practitioner and skillful surgeon was very great, and he was known in medical circles throughout New England. He was one of the first medical examiners appointed by Gov- ernor Bourne, in 1884, for six years, after the change in the medical laws. Warwick and West Greenwich, Rhode Island, were under his jurisdiction.

Like his grandfather, he was not only the physician, but the man of affairs and an able statesman. For many years he represented the town of Warwick, in both branches of the Rhode Island Legislature, and for a long period he served as a member of the Town Coun- cil of Cranston. He was deeply interested in political and public issues, well informed on current events, and a careful student of the times. Dr. King was well known in social and fraternal circles, and was a mem- ber of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was con- nected with several organizations of the medical pro-

HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

fession, among them the Rhode Island Medical Society. He was a man of broad sympathies, tolerant in his views, possessing the adaptability of the true cosmopo- lite. Dr. King was widely travelled, and was one of the first men of Rhode Island to go to the Klondyke, making the trip for the mere pleasure and adventure of it, and not in search for gold. He later visited nearly every quarter of the globe. The culture and refine- ment and the literary atmosphere of his home drew to it a society of thoughtful men, among whom were some of the leaders of professional life in Rhode Island.

On Oct. 10, 1876, Dr. King married Mary E. Harris, daughter of Wanton Harris, and a member of the well- known Harris family of Rhode Island, whose coat-of- arms is as follows :

Arms-Argent a chevron erminois between three hedgehogs or, a label for difference.

Crest-A hedgehog or, charged on the side with a key in pale azure.

Motto-Ubique patriam reminisci.

Dr. and Mrs. King were the parents of a daughter, Lucille, who died at the age of nine months. Mrs. King, who survives her husband, resides at the Minden on Waterman street, Providence, Rhode Island. She is well known in the more conservative of the social circles of the city.

Dr. Dan Ozro King died at his home in Auburn, R. I., April 8, 1917.

CHARLES PAYTON HARTSHORN, deceased, who was one of the foremost architects of Providence, Rhode Island, during the closing decades of the nine- teenth century, was born in Norfolk, Va., on July 31, 1833, son of Samuel W. and Amelia (Dana) Harts- horn, and the descendant of a family established in Massachusetts, in the early decades of the Colonial period.

At an early age he returned with his parents to Prov- idence, however, which had been the home of the fam- ily for three generations, and here he received his edu- cation in the public schools. He determined early to become an architect, and prepared for the profession under Thomas A. Tefft, one of the leading architects of the day. Under the latter he developed great prom- ise, and on completing his studies he followed his chosen profession, and later entered into partnership with Charles Wilcox, under the firm name of Hartshorn & Wilcox. This partnership continued until the death of Mr. Hartshorn. The firm rose rapidly to a position of large importance in the architectural world of Prov- idence, and was commissioned to design many of the finest buildings in the city. Among others they erected the Old Ladies' Home, the Olney Street Unitarian Church, the Wayland building and many of the finest residences of the city. In early life he was a Unita- rian, but later became a prominent member of the First Congregational Church of Providence. His gifts to charitable and philanthropic endeavors were liberal, and he took an active part in the Union for Christian Work. Of a broad, tolerant, and sympathetic nature, kindly and charitable, he had many friends to whom his death at the height of a successful career came as a painful shock. Charles Payton Hartshorn was a Republican in political affiliation, and although eschewing politics,

he served for many years as a member of the school committee of the city. He was well known and highly respected in Providence. The following tribute to him as a man appeared in the "Providence Daily Journal :"

Unostentatious in his manner, pure in his life, un- tiring in his devotion to his work, actively engaging in works of philanthropy, he quietly and firmly fulfilled the duties which devolved upon him with unswerving fidelity and honor. He was secretary of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Charles Payton Hartshorn married, June 5, 1865, Dr. Woodbury officiating, Helen Almira Snow, who was born May 14, 1833, and died March 11, 1897, daughter of Amos William and Almira Frances (Dorr) Snow, of Providence. They were the parents of one daughter, Stella Josephine, born Jan. 3, 1860, who resides at No. 189 Wayland avenue, Providence. Mr. Hartshorn died at Providence, Aug. 13, 1880.

WINSLOW UPTON-The Upton family ances- try in England is traced to the time of William the Conqueror, and the ancient manuscript of the De Upton family of Cornwall, of which the American Uptons are an authentic branch, is still in existence, though partly illegible, at the ancient seat of the family in Westmoreland. The English branch of the family traces an unbroken line of descent from John Uppeton de Uppeton, of Cornwall. The family in America dates from the second half of the seventeenth century, and has been prominent in New England life and af- fairs since its founding, in 1652. One of its most notable members was the late Professor Winslow Upton, one of the foremost astronomers of the United States, whose original research in the fields of astronomy and meteorology added much to the volume of knowledge in these sciences. The coat-of-arms of the Upton fam- ily is as follows : Argent on a cross sable five bezants.

(I) John Upton, founder of the family in America, came to New England about 1652. There is a tradition that he came from Scotland, and may have been one of the Scotch prisoners taken by Cromwell at Dun- barton, September 3, 1650, or at Worcester, in 1651. The last-named battle was fought near the town of Upton, England, the seat of the ancient family. Crom- well took seventeen thousand Englishmen and Scotch- men prisoners in these two battles, and many of them were sent to the American Colonies. John Upton was accompanied by his wife, who tradition states was Eleanor Stuart, a Scotswoman. He settled in Salem Village, now Danvers, Massachusetts, where he seems to have refused to join the Puritan church, which would indicate that he was a Presbyterian in religions views. He did not take the freeman oath until April 18, 1691, when it had been modified. His first appear- ance in the records is of date, December 26, 1658, when he bought land of Henry Bullock, in the south- west part of Salem Village. This estate, a large por- tion of which remained in the family of John Upton until 1849. was near the line of the present town of Danvers, half a mile from Lynnfield, and is now with- in the limits of Peabody. John Upton became a man of considerable wealth and large estate. He died July 11, 1699, aged seventy-seven years, and his will, dated Nov. 16, 1697, was proved July 31, 1699. He used a

Chas. P. Hartshown.

BIOGRAPHICAL

fleur-de-lis for a seal. From John Upton, the founder, the line descends through five generations to Pro- fessor Upton.

(II) William Upton, son of John and Eleanor (Stuart) Upton, was born in 1663.

(III) Caleb Upton, eighth son of William Upton, was born in 1722.

(IV) Robert Upton, fourth son of Caleb Upton, was born in 1758.

(V) Robert (2) Upton, son of Robert (I) Upton, was born in 1788. He married Lucy Doyle, of Salem, Mass.

(VI) James Upton, son of Robert (2) and Lucy (Doyle) Upton, was born in Salem, Mass., March 31, 1813. He was a partner in the firm of Upton & Nichols, of Boston, and a prominent business man of that city from 1865 to 1878. Prior to 1865 he had engaged in foreign trade with South and Central America, but withdrew from this on the outbreak of the Rebellion. A man of wide culture and an able linguist and con- versationalist, he was well known in literary circles n Boston. He was a member of the Essex Institute, and served as vice-president of its department of horticulture for many years. For nearly forty-six rears Mr. Upton was a member of the First Baptist Church of Boston, and a generous donor toward its support.

James Upton married (first), Oct. 27, 1836, Emily Collins Johnson, who died Nov. 12, 1843. He married (second). Oct. 9, 1845, Sarah Sophia Ropes, daughter f James and Lucy Ropes, who died Feb. 12, 1865. Mr. Upton died in Salem, Mass., March 30, 1879, at the close of his sixty-sixth year.

(VII) Professor Winslow Upton, son of James and Sarah Sophia (Ropes) Upton, was born in Salem, Mass., Oct. 12, 1853. He was prepared for college in the Salem High School, and matriculated at Brown University n 1871. He was graduated at Brown with honors in 875, and immediately thereafter entered the Univer- ity of Cincinnati, where two years later he received he degree of Master of Arts. In 1877 he was ap- jointed assistant in the astronomical observatory at Harvard, where he served until 1879; in that latter ear he became assistant engineer in the United States ake Survey at Detroit, where he remained until 1880. n 1881 he was appointed assistant professor and com- uter in the United States Signal Office. In 1884 he ame to Brown University as Professor of Astronomy, which chair he held until his death. When the I,add Observatory, gift of the late Governor H. W. I,add, was built in 1891, he became its director, having super- ised its building and equipment. At the time of its edication the Ladd Observatory was considered one f the finest observatories for teaching purposes in the ountry. Its facilities have been used chiefly to aid in he instruction of the university, in the maintenance of

local time service, and in regular meteorological ob- ervations in co-operation with the United States Veather Bureau. During the early years of his con- ection with Brown University, Professor Upton aught classes in mathematics, meteorology and logic.

Professor Upton was connected with numerous im- ortant scientific parties. He was a member of the United States astronomical expeditions to observe the

total eclipse at Denver, Colorado, in 1878, and at Car- oline Island, in the Pacific in 1883. He also observed the solar eclipse of 1887 in Russia, that of 1889 in Cal- ifornia, of 1900 in Fentress, Virginia, and during a sab- batical year, 1896-97, he was attached to the southern station of the observatory of Harvard College, at Are- quipa, Peru. The year 1904-05 he spent in California, where for a time he was connected with the Solar Ob- servatory of the Carnegie Institution, on Mount Wilson, near Pasadena.

A man of brilliant mentality, a facile and forceful writer, he made numerous contributions to astronom- ical literature. His work, however, was greatly inter- rupted and curtailed by the burden of his administra- tive duties. He was a member of many scientific societies, among them the American Association for the Advancement of Science, of which society he was a fellow, the American Philosophical Society, and the Deutche Meteorologische Gesellschaft. Professor Up- ton was secretary of the faculty of Brown University from 1884 until 1891, and was Dean of the University from 1900 to 1901. In 1906 his alma mater conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Science. Professor Upton was a member of the committee on organization to increase the university endowment. 1910-II. and for more than twenty years served on important adminis- trative committees.

Professor Upton was the author of numerous astro- nomical and meteorological papers in the publications of the Cincinnati, Cambridge and Washington Obser- vatories, and the United States Signal Service; also of Photometric observations, 18,9; the Solar Eclipses of 1878, 1879; report on observations made on the expe- dition to Caroline Island to observe the total solar eclipse of May 6, 1883, 1884; an investigation of cy- clonic phenomena in New England, 1887; meteorological observations during the solar eclipses, August 19, 1887, 1888; the storm of March 11, 1888; Star Atlas, 1897; he was the author of numerous other papers, and was a constant contributor of short articles to the "Astro- nomische Nachrichten," to "Zeitschrift für Meteor- ologie," "Siderial Messenger," "Popular Astronomy, Science, American Meteorological Journal," "Astro- nomical Journal," and other scientific publications. For over twenty years he wrote articles and letters on astronomical topics for the "Providence Journal," and was editor of the astronomical part of the "Providence Journal Almanac," from 1804 to 1910. He was a mem- ber of the Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi societies, and of the Delta Upsilon fraternity.

Unusual clarity and brilliancy of thought character- ized all the writings and public utterances of Professor Upton. He possessed in a rare degree the scientific and analytic mind, but at the same time had the power to establish firmly the correlation between his beloved science and human affairs. He was essentially the student, and continued his researches throughout his life. As a teacher he was not only respected but loved. He was a deep lover of good music and was a musician of fine ability, director of a glee club while in college and church organist. During the latter years of his life he was director of music in the Church of the Re- deemer in Providence. For many years Professor Upton was a well-known figure in the affairs of the

HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

Episcopal church in Rhode Island. At the time of his death he was senior warden of the Church of the Re- deemer in Providence, a member of the standing com- mittee of the diocese, of the cathedral corporation, and treasurer of the board of managers of diocesan missions.

Professor Winslow Upton married, Feb. 8, 1882, Cornelia Augusta Babcock, of Lebanon Springs, N. Y. They were the parents of two daughters, Eleanor Stuart and Margaret Frances Upton. Mrs. Upton sur- vives her husband and resides at No. 30 Forest street, Providence.

Professor Upton died in Providence, Jan. 8, 1914. His death came as a personal bereavement to scores of friends and to the entire academic community of the University to which he had devoted so many years of his life. President Faunce, of Brown University, said of him:

What struck me above all in Winslow Upton was the unusual clarity of his thought. Many a time I have seen him rise and heard him begin to speak at faculty and committee meetings and immediately things became clear and illuminated. For him con- fusion was Inconceivable. For a long time the organ- ization of this university will owe much to the clear, consistent thinking of Winslow Upton. For one year he was Dean, and I was brought into contact with him more than ever. But her nervous system was too del- icately organized for the position and at the end of a year he wished to give it up. The burden of every man was his burden, the disappointments of others were his disappointments. The tenderness of his heart was something which only those who came into close touch with him can know. He had an appreciation for all the higher and finer things in life, and he was a leader in the Christian church.

Professor Nathaniel F. Davis said on the occasion of Professor Upton's death :

The University faculty loses one of its most efficient members. He was not only a well-known specialist in his chosen subject, but he was a particularly gifted teacher. I have many times advised students to elect astronomy in order to come under his personal influ- ence. Valuable as has been his work as a teacher, it has been equalled, if not surpassed, by his work in connection with the standing and special committees of the faculty. No one has given more time and strength to work of this kind. A man singularly free from prejudices, he brought a sound judgment to the consideration of every question referred to him.

PETER WILLIAM McKIERNAN-A young lawyer, junior member of the law firm of Quinn & Mc- Kiernan, of Providence, Rhode Island, Mr. McKiernan is fairly started upon the profession he has chosen and is already reaping the reward of a profession which most generously repays honest effort and applied skill. He is a son of John McKiernan, who died in 1903, and his wife, Ellen (Sammon) McKiernan, who survived her husband until 1915. Mr. and Mrs. McKiernan were also the parents of two daughters, Catherine Helena and Margaret, and another son, John Francis. They are all residing in Providence.

Peter W. McKiernan was born in Providence, R. I., March 1, 1891. He finished the courses of Point Street Grammar School and entered Classical High School, but did not finish the course, instead entered Dean's Academy whence he was graduated in 1910. He studied in Boston University Law School, whence he was grad- uated LL. B., class of 1913, and the same year was ad- mitted to the Rhode Island bar, he choosing Providence as a location and becoming the junior member of the law firm of Quinn & McKiernan. He was barely twenty-

two years of age when he made his first appearance court, his first being in the Superior Court, he being 01 of the youngest men to appear as counsel in that cou! He is a member of the Boston University Law Scho Alumni Association, of Rhode Island, and of Dear. Academy Alumni Association, the Benevolent and Pr tective Order of Elks, of Providence, and the Church ( SS. Peter and Paul, Roman Catholic. In politics he a Democrat, and at the age of twenty-three was electe to the General Assembly; during the years of 1915 ar 1916 he represented the Twenty-fourth Assembly Di trict of Providence in the State Legislature, serving c committees on labor, legislation and education.

AUGUSTUS OSBORN BOURN-For over sixt years Mr. Bourn has been connected with rubber manı facturing, and for nearly that entire period has been partner or an official of the firm or corporation con manding his service. This period, 1859-1918, also cover most valuable service to his State as soldier, legislatc and governor, and to the Nation as soldier and diplo mat. His years, eighty-three, have been spent in hi native Rhode Island, in Providence and in the town c Bristol, with the exception of the years spent in th diplomatic service of his country. The last forty year have been spent in Bristol, where for twenty-two year: 1865-87, he was treasurer and active manager of th National Rubber Company, that enterprise then bein the principal industry of the town. His life has bee one of usefulness, and although now walking ami lengthening shadows, he retains a lively interest in th business he has always followed, and is the capabl treasurer and manager of the Bourn Rubber Compan of Providence.

A retrospective view of his life as a business mar. State senator, soldier, governor and diplomat, can giv him naught but satisfaction, and it is cause for an additional thrill of pleasure to know that no man il the Commonwealth stands higher in the estimation of his fellowmen. He will be remembered as the autho of the "Bourn Amendment" to the Rhode Island Con stitution, which gave to naturalized citizens equal fran chise rights with citizens of native birth. As governo: of Rhode Island for two terms, 1883-85, he ably admin istered the affairs of State and gave to public duty the same conscientious attention as to his private affairs While State Senator his powers of oratory were invoked to deliver memorial addresses upon President Garfield General Burnside, John F. Tobey, Henry B. Anthony and others. He also delivered an eloquent address upor the life and services of President Grant, before a large gathering at Bristol, Rhode Island. This ability to elo- quently voice his thoughts before great audiences has been one of the gifts liberally bestowed upon him and his State papers rank with the best literary work of Rhode Island executives. As a diplomat, his four years in Italy as consul general added to his fame, and com- mercial relations between the United States and Italy were wonderfully strengthened through his business- like administration of the consul general's office. He bears the military title, colonel, through his connection with the Rhode Island militia, in which he served from 1861 to 1885, advancing through every rank from pri- vate to lieutenant-colonel of cavalry.

Augustus . O. Down

111

BIOGRAPHICAL

Governor Bourn is a son of George Osborn Bourn, o as early as 1840 became interested in the making er of India rubber shoes, as they were imported from azil, making them over to more nearly conform to : shape of the foot. The shoes, as then made, were apeless affairs, the first attempt at manufacture be- ; by simply soaking the rubber shoes in hot water, en stretching them on lasts and allowing them to dry. this way they were made to retain something of the ape of the last. A strip of fur was then sewed und the top, and a coat of sponge varnish applied to : rubber. His first partner was David C. Winslow, firm, Bourn & Winslow, continuing from 1840 until 12. Mr. Bourn was then alone until 1847, when Col- el William W. Brown, of Providence, became his tner. Bourn & Brown continued until 1851, when : firm became Bourn, Brown & Chaffee, and so op- ted until 1859, when the senior partner died. This perience of nineteen years, 1840-59, ranks George O. urn with the pioneer rubber manufacturers of the Intry, and when he laid down the burden his mantle scended upon his son, Augustus Osborn Bourn. Ed- M. Chaffee, who was admitted in 1851, was the end and associate of Charles Goodyear, the inventor 1 patentee of the art of vulcanizing rubber, a dis- very which made it possible to manufacture rubber any desired purpose. Mr. Chaffee is credited with ing Mr. Goodyear in the experiments which led to discovery, and in 1836 he invented machinery for aking, reducing and working rubber into plastic dition, which is still of standard type and unim- ved save to give the machinery greater speed and ength.

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The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 19

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