The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 24

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 24

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Mr. Cunningham married Mary E. Corcoran, in War- en, Mass., November 27, 1907.

WILLIAM WEST HUNT, M. D., one of the leading physicians of East Providence, where his name as been well known for the past three decades, is a member of a family which for generations has heen ssociated with this region and that part of Massachu-

setts lying near to Rhode Island. The Hunt family was founded at Rehoboth, Mass., in the early Colonial period, and various lines of descent from the immigrant ancestor, Lieutenant Peter Hunt, are represented at Attleboro and Seekonk, Mass., and at East Providence, Barrington and Pawtucket.

(I) Lieutenant Peter Hunt was at Rehoboth, Mass., as early as 1643, when we have record of him as being one of the proprietors of that town. He was a freeman there, June 4, 1645, and was also a town officer. He was married to Elizabeth Smith, daughter of Henry and Judith Smith, who came from Norfolkshire in England. Mr. Hunt's will was probated December 26, 1692, and he was buried on October 21, of that same year. His widow survived him until 1724, when she was also the widow of Isaac Williams, whom she had married later. Lieutenant Peter Hunt and his wife were the parents of the following children: Sarah, born Jany. 21, 1646; Judith, April 12, 1648; Peter, Jr., June 11, 1650; Enoch, Feb. 28, 1652; Elizabeth, March I, 1654; John, Oct. 15, 1656; Mary, June 15, 1658; Ephraim, mentioned below; Tabitha, Sept. 14, 1663; Daniel, Feby. 14, 1665; Benjamin, Sept. 29, 1668, and Nathaniel, Dec. 31, 1670. Lieutenant Peter Hunt, ac- cording to the author of the genealogy of the Hunt family. which was published in 1862-63, was a son of Enoch Hunt, who came from Tittenden, in the Parish of Lee, England, and who was at Weymouth, Mass., in 1640, and a town officer in 1651. Enoch Hunt's wife, Dorothie, was formerly the widow of - Barker. Enoch Hunt died before 1647, his wife surviving him.

(II) Ephraim Hunt, son of Lieutenant Peter and Elizabeth (Smith) Hunt, was born March 31, 1661, at Rehoboth, and died at that place, May 9, 1694, having resided there all his life. He married Rebecca - who survived him, later marrying David Carpenter, of that place. To Ephraim Hunt and his wife the follow- ing children were born: Daniel, July 12, 1687; John, mentioned below; Sarah, Oct. 16, 1690; and Hannah, June 26, 1693.

(III) John Hunt, son of Ephraim and Rebecca Hunt, was born March 9, 1688, at Rehoboth, and made his home there during his entire life, and there his death occurred October 15, 1751. He is spoken of in the old records as Lieutenant Hunt. He married, December II, 1712, Susannah Sweeting, and they were the parents of the following children: Sarah, born in 1716; Susannah, March 26, 1718; John, Feby. 20, 1719; Isaiah, July 16, 1721; Hannah, Oct. 1, 1722; Simeon, mentioned below ; Elizabeth, Ang. 21, 1726; Levi, Dec. 22, 1730; and Mol- lie, March 17, 1732.

(IV) Simeon Hunt, son of John and Susannah (Sweeting) Hunt, was born January 15, 1724, at Re- hoboth, Mass. It was Simeon Hunt who first came to Providence, R. I., where the latter part of his life was spent. He married Elizabeth Donnison, and they were the parents of the following children: John, mentioned below; Simeon, Jr., born May 3, 1757, died Jany. 12, 1758; Simeon, Jr. (2), May 4, 1761.

(V) John (2) Hunt, eldest son of Simeon and Eliza- beth (Donnison) Hunt, was born July II, 1755, at Providence, R. I., and died there May 31, 1819. He married Ruth Straight, and they were the parents of

HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

the following children : Simeon, born March II, 1789, died in 1872 at the town of South Cortland, N. Y .; Eliza D., born April 24, 1791, at Providence, died in that city, Sept. 18, 1872; Nancy, born June 7 or 9, 1793, died Aug. 1, 1794; John, born Aug. 8, 1795, died Sept. 31, 1795; John Donnison, born July 2, 1796, died Aug. 16, 1796; William Donnison, mentioned below; Mary Ann, born Oct. 3, 1800; and Abby S., born April II, 1809.

(VI) William Donnison Hunt, son of John (2) and Ruth (Straight) Hunt, was born December 29, 1797, at Providence, R. I., and made his home in East Provi- dence during part of his life. He was the owner of a large tract of land where Watchemoket Square in this city is now located. He was also the owner at one time of what afterwards came to be known as the old Mauren farm. In about 1836 he sold his properties in East Providence and purchased a large farm at Reho- both, where he spent the remainder of his days. He was a very successful farmer and became noted in this connection throughout the entire community. He was a man of broad and liberal views and of excellent judg- ment and strong character, and a great believer in the power of education, so that he saw to it that his child- ren had very superior advantages in this way, and as many as seven of them afterwards became teachers in the surrounding towns of Rehoboth, Swansea, East Providence, Pawtucket and Taunton. For many years he was a selectman of Seekonk, and also represented that place in the General Assembly of Massachusetts for a considerable period. William Donnison Hunt married, February 19, 1821, Lydia J. Chase, and they were the parents of the following children: Ann, born June 7, 1822, who became the wife of a Mr. Goff, of Attleboro, and the mother of Major W. H. Goff; John, born March 6, 1824, who was afterwards a member of the Massachusetts General Assembly; William D., born Oct. 19, 1825, died Oct. 28, 1847; Sarah Chase, born Oct. 15, 1827, became the wife of Horace G. Smith; Elizabeth Peck, born Feby. II, 1830, became the wife of George H. Carpenter; Catherine Jenks, born Feby. II, 1832, made her home at Rehoboth; Samuel M., born Feby. 17, 1835, died in California in 1894; Simeon, men- tioned below; and George Henry, born Dec. 16, 1839, died in Feby., 1905.

(VII) Dr. Simeon (2) Hunt, son of William Don- nison and Lydia J. (Chase) Hunt, and father of Dr. William West Hunt, of this sketch, was born April 27, 1837, at Seekonk, Mass. He became a very famous physician at East Providence, where he established the practice which his son now continues so successfully. In childhood he attended the local public schools of Seekonk, and afterwards became a student at the famous Friends' School of Providence, where he was prepared for college. He then entered Dartmouth College, where he took the usual classical course, and was graduated in 1862, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. As a young man he determined to adopt the medical profes- sion, and before his graduation from Dartmouth had already begun the study of this subject under the direc- tion of Dr. Phineas Spaulding, of Haverhill, N. H., in the winter of 1861. After leaving Dartmouth, he con- tinued his medical studies under Dr. A. B. Crosby, of

Hanover, and Dr. William D. Buck, of Manchester He was one of the seven members of his family who became a teacher and acted as instructor in a numbe: of schools, both public and private, between the year: 1857 and 1863. He also took two courses of lectures a Dartmouth Medical School, from which he was grad uated in October, 1864, with the degree of Doctor o Medicine. Immediately thereafter he went to Corry Pa., where he engaged in the practice of his profession and later continued this practice at Springfield, Eric county, in that State, until 1867, in which year he re turned to East Providence, and from that date unti his death, which occurred in 1916, continued to practise here. At the time of his death he was the oldest phyi. cian of East Providence, and a man who was looked up to and admired by the entire community. He de. veloped a very large practice and enjoyed a popularity during the many years of his service here second to no physician in the community. While a student a Dartmouth, Dr. Hunt became a member of the Kappa Kappa Kappa college fraternity, the only chapter of this fraternity, being founded by Daniel Webster, Rufu: Choate and Charles B. Haddock, in 1842. He was also a Phi Beta Kappa man, and in 1878 was honored with the degree of Master of Arts by his alma mater. He was for many years an active member of the Provi. dence Medical Association, the Rhode Island Medica Society, and the American Medical Association, and was also affiliated with the American Public Health Association. He was a charter member and afterward: an honorary member of the Rhode Island Medico-Lega Society, and held the position of medical examiner for the Tenth District of East Providence for six years between 1885 and 1891, being appointed to this respon- sible post by Governor Bourne. He was also a prom. inent Free Mason, being a charter member (1864) anc past master of Rising Son Lodge, Ancient Free and Ac. cepted Masons; and a member of Providence Chapter Royal Arch Masons; Providence Council, Royal and Select Masters; Calvary Commandery, Knights Tem- plar ; Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Noble! of the Mystic Shrine; Rhode Island Consistory, Scottish Rite; and of the Veteran Masonic Association. He also served his town as health officer from 1885 to 1887 and as a member of the school committee from 1880 to 1888.

Dr. Simeon Hunt married, October 25, 1865, Anna M. Balch, a daughter of Samuel W. Balch, of Lyme N. H., and they became the parents of the following children : Charles Balch, born Sept. 2, 1866, died in in- fancy; William West, mentioned below; Charles Balch. (2), born July 24, 1869, died in infancy; Fred Balch born Jany. 8, 1872, and was drowned Aug. 2, 1882; Archie John, born Nov. 3, 1878, and now resides in Mexico where he is engaged in the occupation of assayer.

(VIII) Dr. William West Hunt, son of Dr. Simeon (2) and Anna M. (Balch) Hunt, was born April 22. 1868, at East Providence. During his childhood Dr Hunt attended the East Providence grammar school and afterwards the Classical High School in this city, from which he was graduated with the class of 1886 and where he completed his preparatory studies. He then entered Dartmouth College, but a year later left that

The American Historica Straty

BIOGRAPHICAL

nstitution to enter the medical school at Columbia Jniversity of New York City. It is natural that his arly association with his talented and successful father hould suggest to him the idea of following in his ootsteps so far as his career was concerned. He con- inued his studies at Columbia University until 1890, when he was graduated with the medical degree, after which he did some special hospital work in the Hood- Vright Hospital. He then returned to Rhode Island nd entered the Rhode Island Hospital at Providence, emaining associated with that institution in the surgical ut-patient department for fourteen years. In the year 890 he joined his father in general practice in this ity, and continued thus engaged at the same time that e worked for the Rhode Island Hospital. He is now ecognized as one of the leading physicians of this ommunity, and is carrying on the splendid traditions stablished by his father of ability and absolute adher- nce to the highest ethical standards of his profession. ike his father, he is a prominent Mason, having at- ained the thirty-second degree of Free Masonry, and ; a member and past master of Rising Sun Lodge, No. o, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of East Prov- dence; Providence Chapter, No. 1, Royal Arch Masons, f Providence; Providence Council, No. 1, Royal and elect Masters, of Providence; past commander of Cal- ary Commandery, No. 13, Knights Templar, of Provi- ence; Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles f the Mystic Shrine; and Rhode Island Consistory, overeign Princes of the Royal Secret; past patron of Taomi Chapter, Order of Eastern Star. Besides these Masonic bodies, Dr. Hunt is affiliated with the Im- roved Order of Red Men and the Ancient Order of he United Workmen, of which latter he is a charter hember and has been medical examiner since its organ- cation here. He is also past master workman of this odge. Dr. Hunt has also been police surgeon for many years, and is a member of the Providence Med- :al Association, the Rhode Island State Medical So- iety, and the American Medical Association. In pol- ics Dr. Hunt does not identify himself with any party, ut is an independent voter.

Dr. William West Hunt was united in marriage, May I, 1892, at East Providence, with Eliza A. Johnson, a aughter of Pliny F. and Phoebe (Mann) Johnson. Or. and Mrs. Hunt are the parents of two children, as ollows: I. Frederick Johnson, born February 24, 1894; e was a student at the grammar school and Classical ligh School of East Providence, and afterwards at- ended Brown University, where he graduated with the lass of 1915, being one of the honor men of this class ; e received at that time his degree of Bachelor of Arts, nd afterwards had the honorary degree of Master of rts conferred upon him by his alma mater; he received is Phi Beta Kappa in his junior year and Delta Zeta hi in senior year ; he is at present connected with the ust department of the Rhode Island Hospital Trust company; Frederick Johnson married Josephine John- on, a lady who is no relation of his in spite of the iden- cal name, and they are the parents of one child, Eliza- eth Anna Hunt. 2. Arthur Balch, born July 26, 1897; e attended the grammar school and Classical High chool of Providence, and afterwards was a pupil at

the Rhode Island State University at Kingston for a short time; he is now taking a commercial course at the Bryant & Stratton Business College, Providence.

WILLIAM ANGELL VIALL is of the eighth generation of the family founded in New England by John Viall, who became an inhabitant of Boston, Jan- itary II, 1639, and was made a freeman, June 2, 1641, and on the same date joined Boston's first church, the Old South Church. This John Viall is he who pur- chased the "Ship Tavern" in Boston as early as 1662, and remained its proprietor until 1679. The "Ship Tavern" figures prominently in early Boston annals, and is one of the early famous Boston inns. John Viall moved to the Narragansett country in 1679, bought land at or near Annawomscott brook, and died February 26, 1685.

John Viall, the founder, was succeeded by his son, Benjamin Viall, a prominent citizen of Barrington, Mass., now Rhode Island, the line continuing through his son, Nathaniel Viall, a constable in Barrington in 1743; his son, Benjamin (2) Viall, he the father of Nathaniel (2) Viall, a private in the Revolutionary Army, and a pensioner of the Government on account of his army service. Nathaniel (2) Viall married Patience Richmond, who traced descent in the eighth generation from John and Priscilla Alden, both of the "Mayflower," she being the daughter of John Rogers and Hannah (Kinnicutt) Richmond. Nathaniel Viall, the Revolutionary soldier, was the father of An- son Viall, of Barrington, he the father of Richmond Viall, and the grandfather of William Angell Viall, this review especially dealing with the lives of these two men of the seventh and eighth generations.

Richmond Viall was born in Barrington, R. I., Decem- ber 16, 1834, and died in Providence, November 16, 19II. He attended public schools in what is now East Providence until seventeen years of age, then spent a term of four years as apprentice to the jeweler's trade in Providence, his employers being Briggs, Hough & Stone, the young man making his home with Mr. Hough, and being employed as a jeweler until 1861, then until January 5, 1863, was in the employ of Handell Daggett, a manufacturer of calvary sabres. On January 4, 1863, he returned to Providence and at once began his asso- ciation with J. R. Brown & Sharpe, an association which existed forty-eight years, and was only dissolved by death. Mr. Viall began as a machine hand, January I, 1864, was then advanced to foreman of a department, and eight years later, in 1872, he was given full charge of the sewing machine department of the company's business. Six years later, February 16, 1878, he was promoted to the superintendency of the entire plant, a position he filled until his death, November 16, 1911, the company in the meantime having increased in size time and time again, the Brown & Sharpe Manufactur- ing Company being one of the greatest of America's industrial manufacturing corporations. Mr. Viall had a hand in this wonderful expansion, and no name is held in higher regard among the men of the past who built up the great business than its long-time general superintendent, Richmond Viall.

HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

The following tribute appeared at the time of his death :

Able director of men and deviser of methods,

Always a teacher regarding his men as pupils.

Promoting the best in design and honest workmanship, A friend to all his workmen who numbered thousands, Loyal in service and wise in counsel, His labors remain an inspiration.

Richmond Viall married, June 1, 1859, Eliza Nelson Cole, and they were the parents of William Angell, of further mention; Richmond Irvin, born Nov. 6, 1863, died June 10, 1875; and Albert A., born Sept. 5, 1871.

William Angell Viall was born in East Attleboro, Mass., October 26, 1861, but in 1863 was brought by his parents to Providence, R. I., where he was educated in the graded schools, high school, and Brown Univer- sity. His university training consisted of a special laboratory course in chemistry at Brown, and later, in 1886, he went abroad and for two years was a student in Germany, specializing in chemistry. In 1888 he re- turned to the United States and at once began a two years' engagement at Cornell University as instructor in pharmacy. On September 1, 1890, he entered the employ of Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Company, and was elected secretary of the company in 1906, a position he now holds. He is a vestryman of Grace Episcopal Church, Providence; a Master Mason of Orpheus Lodge; a companion of Providence Chapter, and a sir knight of Calvary Commandery, Knights Tem- plar ; his clubs the University, Turk's Head, and Wan- amoisett, all of Providence.

Mr. Viall married, June 10, 1891, Harriet Elizabeth Warner, daughter of Carlos J. and Nancy (Loring) Warner, of Medina, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Viall are the parents of two daughters: Katherine, born Dec. 1, 1892, died July 23, 1893, and Virginia, born November 12, 1894; and a son, Richmond (2), born June 26, 1896, at present a lieutenant in the Royal Air Forces.

HENRY PAIGE-When just preparing to step into the rank of nonogenarians, Henry Paige received his final summons on March 6, 1918, having spent sixty of his years, eighty-nine, in the city of Providence, where he was living retired at the time of his death. He was a son of Martin Paige, of Hardwick, Mass., an expert dyer, who in the pursuit of his calling lived in many New England towns until ill health compelled his retirement, his last years being spent with his son in Providence, where he died December 7, 1872. He was a descendant of Nathaniel Paige, who came from Eng- land to Roxbury, about 1685. On the organization of the new government, June 2, 1686, he was appointed one of the two marshals of Suffolk county, and in 1688 bought land in Billerica, now Bedford, Mass., upon which he settled. He was one of the eight purchasers of lands from the Indians, from which the town of Hardwick was later erected. and a month later the same persons purchased the lands now embraced in the towns of Spencer and Leicester. He was a man of wealth and by will bequeathed his lands at Billerica, his wild land at Quaboag (Brookfield), and Worcester, to his two sons, Nathaniel and Christopher, and two hund- red acres in Dedham, bought from the Indians in 1687, to his two daughters, Elizabeth and Sarah. From this

ancestor sprang Martin Paige, who died December 1872, father of Henry Paige, to whose memory thi review of a long and useful life is dedicated. Th Paige ancestry also traces in maternal line from Gov ernor Dudley, of Massachusetts.

Henry Paige was born in Lowell, Mass., in 182 and died in the city of Providence, R. I., March 6, 1911 After completing his school years he became clerk in store at Baldwinsville, Mass., there remaining severa years. He was next employed in a wholesale grocery i Boston until 1850, going thence to Providence, R. I. where he had two brothers, Frederick A. and Georg Paige, in business, they having located in the city abou 1848, succeeding the old College street firm, Stimson . Hodges, groceries and provisions, the new firm tradin as G. & F. A. Paige. Henry Paige secured a positio with his brothers, and continued an employee until the death of George Paige, when he was admitted to partnership, the firm reorganizing as F. A. Paige Company. Henry Paige continued actively engaged i. business until 1888, when Paige & Company sold thei business to F. P. Garrettson. From that time Henr Paige was not actively engaged in business, but durin the thirty years of his retirement took an active intere: in all current affairs and aided by counsel and exampl in many movements tending to advance the commo good. He was a member of the Providence Board c Trade for many years, was an ardent Republican, an attended the First Congregational Church.

Mr. Paige married, August 22, 1859, Caroline M Warner, daughter of Giles Warner, of Hardwic! Mass. Mrs. Paige died December 4, 1893, leaving a sor George W. Paige, born in Providence, June 2, 186 educated in the public schools, and for many years wa associated with his father in the grocery firm of F. A Paige & Company. After that firm sold out he sper! six years with a Boston house, then returned to Prov dence, entering the employ of the Mercantile Mutu: Fire Insurance Company, in the office department. H is now engaged in the life insurance business represen' ing the Pacific Mutual. He is a member of the Narra gansett Boat Club. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Paige wer also the parents of daughters: Mary S. and Carolin M., the last named the widow of John C. Knight, an the mother of a son, Henry D. Knight.

HENRY MANCER SHIPPEE-The "Shippe Settlement" in the ancient town of East Greenwicl Kent county, R. I., was the birthplace of several ger erations of the ancestors of Henry M. Shippee, no retired, of Washington, R. I. Thomas Shippee, great great-grandfather, was born at the "Settlement" an built the house there. He was a member of the Rhod Island General Assembly, and was one of the signer of a declaration pledging assistance to the colonies, an appropriating money. Thomas Shippee was a grandso of David Shippee, the earliest known Shippee in War wick, R. I., he being of record there in 1664, the year c his marriage to Margaret, daughter of Thomas Scrar ton. In the record he is styled "of Maidfields," h; wife "late of Warwick, now Providence Island." H lived in Kingstown, East Greenwich, and Providenc R. I., the date of his death later than 1718. David an

Henry M. Shipfree

BIOGRAPHICAL

[argaret Shippee were the parents of : Elizabeth, Mary, amuel, David Thomas and Solomon, all except Sam- el living in Providence and Smithfield, R. I.

Samuel Shippee, son of the founder, married, Decem- er 29, 1702, Ann Leithfield, and lived in East Green- 'ich, R. I., where he died in 1740, his will being proved eptember 27, of that year. His widow survived him, leir children being Samuel, Stephen, Thomas, Eliza- eth, Ann, Mary, Margaret, Sarah and Deliverance.

Thomas Shippee, son of Samuel and Ann (Leith- eld) Shippee, was born in East Greenwich, and there ved, the father of the "Shippee Settlement." He sat 1 the Rhode Island General Assembly of 1776, and "as a staunch patriot, bearing his full share of the ublic responsibilities of the day. He married, Decem- er 24, 1732, Hannah Matteson, daughter of Thomas nad Martha (Shippee) Matteson, their children being corded in East Greenwich vital statistics. Children : .1my, born April 11, 1734; David, Aug. 26, 1739; Sam- el, Aug. 22, 1742; Caleb, of further mention; and homas, Jan. 26, 1751.

Caleb Shippee, son of Thomas and Hannah (Mat- :son) Shippee, was born in East Greenwich, R. I., .ugust 23, 1747. He married, February 12, 1775, Alice ooper Collins, daughter of Cupper Collins, of Cov- atry, R. I. Their children entered in East Greenwich ecords are: William, born March 15, 1776; Allen, [arch 18, 1778; Hannah, Feby. 26, 1782; Loise, July 5, 1784; John, Sept. 21, 1786; and Lodowick Updike, { further mention. These children were horn and :ared in the "Shippee Settlement" of East Greenwich, . I., so many descendants of David Shippee having ettled there that section was generally called by the imily name.

Lodowick Updike Shippee, son of Caleb and Alice ooper (Collins) Shippee, was born August 23, 1789. [e learned the trade of machinist, being engaged in at business for many years, having a shop in Center- ille, and in Compton, R. I. He married Mary E. pencer, and they were the parents of three sons, all orn in the "Shippee Settlement," East Greenwich, R. I .: lancer C., of further mention; Wanton, born in 1827; hristopher A., born in 1837, who became one of the ibstantial citizens of East Greenwich, and from 1871 1880 was postmaster of the village; Henry; Isaac; odowick U., Jr .; Margaret; and Maria, died in in- incy.

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The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 24

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