The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 28

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 28

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Mr. Linton married, in 1870, Elizabeth, daughter of ohn and Catherine Smith. They are the parents of even living children, three sons and four daughters.

WILLIAM SMITH FLYNN-At a period be- tween the years 1903 and 1907, four brothers were students at Holy Cross College, Worcester, Mass., all pursuing the same course. One of the brothers was William Smith Flynn, now a popular member of the Rhode Island bar and representing a district of that city in the Rhode Island General Assembly. He is a son of James A. and Elizabeth (Kelley) Flynn, both life- long residents of Providence, where the mother died in 1905, James A. Flynn now residing in Providence.

William Smith Flynn was born in Providence, August 14, 1885, completing graded and high school study there, graduating from the classical high, class of 1903. He entered Holy Cross College the same year, financing a four years' course there through his own personal efforts, being purser on one of the boats of a promi- nent line, and later ticket agent in the main office of the company. He was graduated A. B., class of 1907, and in the same year entered the law department of George- town University, Washington, D. C., receiving his degree of LL. B. at graduation, class of 1910. To finance his legal education the same methods were em- ployed, and in the immigration, commerce and navy departments of the government he held positions suffi- ciently remunerative to meet all his expenses. Too much importance cannot be placed upon the fact that this classical and professional education was secured entirely through the labor of his own hands and brain, for it gives the keynote to his character and explains why at the age of thirty-two he is well-established in a law practice, and has long been numbered with one of the rising stars of the political firmament. Hard work having brought him to a place in which his intel- lectual gifts became available, and in competition with men whose way had been made easier for them, he has proved the strength of his character and the quality of his attainment.

With his law course at the University completed, Mr. Flynn spent the next six months with Thomas A. Car- roll, of the Providence bar, in further preparation, be- ing admitted to the Rhode Island bar in 1911, to prac- tice in the United States District Court in 1913, and the United States Circuit Court of Appeals in 1916. In- cidentally it is of interest to know that he won his first case in both the United States District and Circuit courts. He began practice in Providence in 1911, and so continues, winning friends and constantly adding to his stature as a lawyer of learning, skill and honor. He is a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association.

From youth Mr. Flynn has taken a deep interest in politics and soon became known as one of the young men of his ward who could be depended upon for effective campaign work, both in platform and com- mittee. In 1911 he was the Democratic candidate for representative from his district, was elected and since has represented the same district continuously except- ing in 1915-16. During 1917-18 he was deputy floor leader of the Democratic party, and in 1919 was elected floor leader of the Democratic party. He is now a mcm- ber of the judiciary committee, having previously served on the militia and State property committees, and is an eloquent, forceful speaker, and very popular. In religious faith Mr. Flynn is Roman Catholic, belong-

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HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

ing to St. Michael's Church, Providence. His fraterni- ties are the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus ; his clubs are the St. Michael's, Catholic, Columbus and Pen and Pencil. He is art editor of his College Year Book, and is an ex-president of his college class.

BYRON SPRAGUE WATSON-While every graduate looks back with pleasure and pride upon his graduation day and the awarding of the coveted degree, the day is one of especial pride to Mr. Watson, for in the commencement day procession walked his grandfather, Rev. Elisha Freeman Watson, class of "40," and his father, Colonel Arthur Hamilton Watson, class of "70," his own class was "97," the first named a minister of the Gospel, the second a financier, the last named a wholesale merchant, all loyal sons of Brown. This family is distinctly Rhode Island through each of the eight generations herein mentioned. Both in direct and collateral lines eminent names appear, and Watsons have filled honorable stations from the coming of the ancestor, John Watson, who is first recorded in North Kingston, R. I., in 16,3. He was a man of influence, served as deputy in 1690, and was succeeded by his son, John (2) Watson, the first child born in Narragansett, R. I., after King Philip's War, who attained nonagena- rian honors and almost reached the century mark, dying November 8, 1772, aged ninety-seven years.

John (2) Watson became a large land owner and was an influential citizen, filling high stations. Thrice

wedded, he had eight children, fifty-seven grandchildren, forty-five great-grandchildren and three great-great- grandchildren, a large number of whom attended his funeral. The line of descent is through John (3) Wat- son, eldest son of John (2) Watson and his first wife, Hannah (Champlin) Watson. John (3) Watson mar- ried Isabella Sherman, and they were both members of the Society of Friends. Their son, Elisha Watson, born August 5, 1748, married (second) Susannah Perry, and they were the parents of Freeman Perry Watson, who married Phoebe Watson, and they were the parents of the Rev. Elisha Freeman Watson, grandfather of Byron Sprague Watson, of Providence, son of Colonel Arthur Hamilton Watson.

Rev. Elisha Freeman Watson was born at "Boston Neck," South Kingston, R. I., March 28, 1814, and died at his home, "Matunuck Farm," in the same town, January 16, 1900. He secured a good preparatory edu- cation, entered Brown University, was graduated A. B., class of 1840, A. M., 1843, pursued studies in divinity at the General Theological Seminary in New York City, completed his studies under the Rev. Francis Vinton, D. D., of Newport, R. I., and was ordained a priest of the Protestant Episcopal church in August, 1843. He was rector of St. Paul's, Tower Hill, and St. Matthew's, Jamestown, R. I., 1843-46; rector of Christ's Church, Lonsdale, 1846-49; retired, living on his farm in South Kingston, 1851-60; rector of the church at Otis, Mass., 1860-61; chaplain of the Eleventh Regi- ment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, 1861-64; and of the Seventh Regiment of Rhode Island Volunteers after returning from the front in 1864. He was one of the founders of the Republican party in Rhode Island, speaking all over the State and in Massachusetts, in

support of Freemont and Dayton in 1856, and was ardent Abolitionist. He was identified with the fit temperance movement that ever was organized in town, and had for his motto, "From the cradle to 1 coffin a temperance man." After retiring from the m istry he became more than ever the student, and ev when an old man he was devoting a great deal of ti: to the study of languages of other lands. He marri January 6, 1843, Mary Dockray, who died October 1904, surviving her husband four years.

Colonel Arthur Hamilton Watson, only child of R Elisha Freeman and Mary (Dockray) Watson, w born in Lonsdale, R. I., September 20, 1849, and di in Providence, November 16, 1913. He prepared public and private schools of Kingston and Providen and entered Brown University, whence he was grac ated A. B., class of 1870, just thirty years after his hc ored father's graduation from the same institution. 1871 he became a clerk in the wholesale boot and sh house, Greene, Anthony & Company, of Providen and on January 1, 1873, was admitted a partner. Frc that time until his death, forty years later, he cc tinned in the same business, becoming head of t house, the name Greene, Anthony & Company yet 1 maining unchanged, the house the largest of its class Rhode Island. Mr. Watson was the active head a practically the owner for many years, his only son 1 ing admitted a partner in 1903. At the time of 1 death he was president of the Providence, Fall Riv & Newport Steamboat Company; vice-president of t Nicholson File Company; vice-president of the Nari gansett Electric Lighting Company; a director of t Rhode Island Insurance Company; director of t American Screw Company; and director of the Uni Trust Company. For a number of years he was director of the Globe National Bank, formerly in oper tion in Providence; director of the American Nation Bank for fifteen years preceding its absorption by t Rhode Island Hospital Trust Company; was preside of the Commercial Bank from its organization un merged with the Union Trust Company.

From 1883 until 1896 he was a prominent figure city politics, serving for ten years as councilman frc the second ward, being president of council the la three years; was the Republican candidate for may of Providence in 1892; and for three years, 1893-( was a member of the Board of Aldermen, serving president of the board the last two years. He serv on many committees of councils, regular and speci. and was one of the active working members of the city legislative bodies. He gained his military title as aid de-camp, ranking as colonel on the staff of Govern Brown. His clubs were the Hope, Agawam, Comme cial and University.

Colonel Watson married, February 20, 1873, And P. Sprague, who died February 22, 1904, a member the Society of Colonial Dames, and of the Daughte of the American Revolution ; daughter of Colonel Byrd Sprague, of Providence. Colonel and Mrs. Watso were the parents of three daughters and a son: Hat riet Sprague, married John Bosworth Lewis; Byrd Sprague, of further mention; Mary Dockray, marride Mason Freeman Cocroft; Annie Hamilton, marrid Charles Fletcher.

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BIOGRAPHICAL

Byron Sprague Watson, only son of Colonel Arthur Jamilton and Anna P. (Sprague) Watson, was born ay 26, 1876. He prepared at the Berkeley School and University Grammar School, entered Brown Univer- ty and was graduated A. B., class of 1897, twenty- ven years later than his father and fifty-seven years er than his grandfather, received the same degree om the same institution and all were present at the mmencement day exercises, 1897; the grandfather ed eighty-three; the father aged forty-eight; the son red twenty-one.

Immediately after graduation Mr. Watson became sociated with the firm, Greene, Anthony & Company, holesale boots and shoes, beginning in a lowly posi- on and rising through every position to a partnership 1903. For ten years he was his father's partner and ose associate, and when the latter went to his reward 1913, the son remained the only surviving partner d head of the immense business, located at No. 36 ne street, Providence. He is also a director of the icholson File Company, Narragansett Electric Light- g Company, Union Trust Company, the Rhode Island re Insurance Company and Belcher & Loomis Hard- are Company. A member of the staff of Governor mball, Mr. Watson attained the rank of colonel. He a Republican in politics, but takes no active part in litical affairs, his prominence being in the business orld, his opinion there carrying the weight of author- His clubs are the Hope, Agawam, Hunt, Rhode land, Country, Commercial, Dedham Polo and others. Mr. Watson married, October 31, 1899, Isabel, daugh- r of Edward A. Loomis, and they are the parents of label Loomis, Annie Potter Sprague, and Hope Watson.

HENRY PEIRCE ELDREDGE-The association nich has existed between this branch of the Eldredge mily and the municipality of East Greenwich since 10 began with the coming of Dr. Charles Eldredge, a aduate of the medical department of the University Pennsylvania. Dr. Eldredge had no intention of per- anently locating in East Greenwich, but a malignant sease became epidemic in many parts of New England, td before he was really aware of it he had so extensive practice that the temporary arrangement under which : came became permanent settlement. Thus the family me to East Greenwich, this record tracing briefly the our lives which have been intimately connected with e life of the town: Dr. Charles Eldredge; his son, harles Child Eldredge, a farmer; his son, Henry eirce Eldredge, a merchant; his son, Henry Peirce (2) Idredge, a lawyer.

Dr. Charles Eldredge was a son of Captain Eldredge, Brooklyn, Conn., a brave officer of the Revolution, id his wife, Lucy (Gallup) Eldredge. He was born in rooklyn, Conn., July 31, 1784, and died in East Green- ich, R. I., September 15, 1838, and his remains were terred in the burying ground on Baptist Meeting ouse Hill, but later they were removed to St. Luke's emetery. He studied medicine with Dr. Thomas Hub- ard, of Pomfret, Conn., attended medical societies at e University of Pennsylvania, and for one season at ennsylvania Hospital. He came to East Greenwich, man of twenty-nine years, strong in physique and ind. and devoted to his profession. He was a disciple

of Dr. Rush, the eminent professor of medicine under whom he sat at the university, but he was not a blind follower of any school. He kept in touch with all advance in matters of the medical profession, adopting all that his judgment approved, and rejecting the sen- sational and untrue. He was a skilled surgeon, called upon in all critical cases for miles around, although it was his pride to avoid rather than to perform heroic operations. He often spoke with pardonable satisfac- tion of the many limbs he had saved by careful treat- ment, when amputation seemed the proper treatment. He was one of the original members of the Rhode Island Medical Society, was its president from 1834 to 1837, was an honorary member of the Connecticut Medical Society; and in 1835 received the honorary M. D. from Yale College.

Such was his medical career and it was most hon- orable. But his influence was far reaching, his interest extending to all town institutions and affairs. He was one of the founders of the Protestant Episcopal church of which Rev. Mr. Waldo was rector, he living to be a centenarian and being elected chaplain of Congress, after passing his one hundredth birthday. He was a trustee of Kent Academy, one of the original members of the Society for the Promotion of Domestic Indus- tries, and was useful in all things. Dr. Eldredge mar- ried Hannah Child, daughter of the Revolutionary soldier. They were the parents of two sons: Charles Child and James Henry, and of a daughter, Lucy Gallup, their second child.

Charles Child Eldredge, eldest son of Dr. Charles Eldredge, was born in East Greenwich, R. I., March 12, 1812, and died at his farm on Quidnessett Neck in the town of North Kingstown, August 7, 1845. He was educated in East Greenwich, and there spent his minor- ity, but he selected a farmer's life and consistently adhered to his choice of an occupation. He married Sarah Potter Peirce, daughter of Job Peirce, a merchant of East Greenwich, and their children were: Ellen E., James, Charles Child (2), Lucy, and Henry Peirce.

James Henry Eldredge, second son of Dr. Charles Eldredge, embraced his father's profession, was grad- uated M. D., Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1837, and for over half a century practiced his profes- sion in East Greenwich, without losing a day from sick- ness until his last illness, and only on the rarest occa- sions was absent from his post of duty. His life was a duplicate of his father in honor and usefulness, and in physique he closely resembled him.

Henry Peirce Eldredge, youngest son of Charles Child and Sarah Potter (Peirce) Eldredge, was born in East Greenwich, R. I., March 20, 1844, and died November 21, 1909. He was educated in the public schools and East Greenwich Academy, but hardly had his school days ended than he donned the Army blue, enlisting in 1862 as a private in Company D, Tenth Regiment, Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry. He was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of service. When a lad of fifteen he became a grocery clerk in East Greenwich, and after his return from the army he again entered mercantile life as a clerk with the wholesale flour, butter and cheese firm, Whipple, Weeden & Company, of Providence. Later, and until 1870, he was with Barton & Keith, then with Wheaton,

IIO

HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

Whitford & Company, later, Whitford, Aldrich & Com- pany, and still later, Eldredge & Company, Mr. Eldredge being admitted a partner in 1880. Mr. Eldredge is a Republican in politics and was elected senator, serving from 1897 to 1905. He was a member of King Solo- mon's Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and highly regarded by the brethren of the order.

Mr. Eldredge married, April 8, 1880, Amie P., daugh- ter of Lucius Gilbert, of New Haven, Conn., they the parents of four sons: Henry Peirce (2), of further mention : Lucius G., born March 11, 1883; Charles C., born April 18, 1888; and James H., a twin with Charles C.

Henry Peirce (2) Eldredge, eldest son of Henry Peirce (1) and Amie P. (Gilbert) Eldredge, was born February 26, 1881. He was educated in the English and Classical schools of Providence, Brown University, Harvard University, and Boston University Law School, receiving his LL. B. from the last named institution at graduation with the class of 1906. He was admitted to the Rhode Island bar the same year, and began the practice of law in the city of Providence, where he has since continued. He is well established in general practice, conducting his business alone and to the sat- isfaction of his clientele. He is a Republican in politics, deeply interested in public affairs, and entirely engrossed in his profession, seeking no public office. He is a member of the University Club of Providence, and has inherited membership in the Connecticut branch, Soci- ety of the Cincinnati.

DANIEL FARRINGTON GEORGE-Four pio- neers of the surname George came to New England- John who settled in Watertown; Nicholas in Dorches- ter ; Peter in Braintree; and Richard in Boston, Massa- chusetts. No relationship has been proven, although it is believed all were related. Daniel Farrington George, of Providence, R. I., is a son of James Augus- tus George, son of Thomas Metcalf George, son of Ensign Thomas George, son of Thomas, son of Rich- ard, son of Thomas, son of Richard George, one of the four pioneers above enumerated.

(I) Richard George, from whom this branch descends, was born in England, and came in early life to Boston, Mass. He married there, November 1, 1655, Mary Pell, and they were the parents of several children including a son Thomas.

(II) Thomas George, son of Richard George, was born in Boston, October 1, 1663. He and his wife Han- nah were early settlers in Wrentham, Mass., where he died October, 1704, leaving a son, Richard (2).

(III) Richard (2) George, son of Thomas George, and grandson of the founder, Richard George, was born in Wrentham, April 10, 1701, and there died February 17, 1749. He married, February 8, 1737, Jerusha Han- cock, and they were the parents of Hannah, Jerusha, Thomas (2), of further mention, John, Sarah, and Eliz- abeth.

(IV) Thomas (2) George, son of Richard (2) George, was born in Wrentham, December 12, 1742. With his brother John he responded to the Lexington Alarm, April 19, 1775, with Captain Samuel Cowell's company, Colonel John Smith's regiment. He saw later

service as lieutenant of the same company, Septembe 24, 1777, under Colonel Benjamin Haws, commandin, the Fourth Suffolk County Regiment. In 1778 he was lieutenant in Captain Samuel Cowell's company of th same regiment, then again under command of Colonel Haws. He again served with that company in 17& under Colonel Seth Bullard on the Rhode Island Alarm and in 1781 in a Rhode Island campaign under Captain Fisher. Lieutenant George married Hannah Brastow who died at Wrentham, February 22. 1841, aged ninety five years, daughter of Thomas Brastow, born in Eng. land, who settled in Bristol, Rhode Island. Children Richard, born. Oct. 24, 1768; Ensign Thomas (3). o. further mention; Hannah, born Jany. 9, 1772: War ren, born Dec. 28, 1775: Timothy, July 25, 1777; Sally born May II, 1779; Polly, May 19, 178! ; Artemas, May 7, 1783; Roxa, May 16, 1,85; Amanda, Oct., 1788 Lewis. born April 20, 1791.

(V) Ensign Thomas (3) George, son of Thomas (2) George, was born at Wrentham, Mass., July 25, 1770 He married there, December 17, 1795, Olive Cowell and they were the parents of a daughter Olive, born at Wrentham, Mass., Jannary 24, 1801, Thomas Metcalf George and their other children being born at either Mansfield or Foxborough, Mass.

(VI) Thomas Metcalf George, son of Ensign Thomas (3) George, was born in 1805, and became a lumber dealer of the town of South Foxborough, afterwards the town of Mansfield. He married, August 5, 1827, Rebecca Selina Farrington, born in Wrentham, January 17, 1810, daughter of Rev. Daniel and Rebecca Farring- ton, of Wrentham. Children, all born in Foxborough, Mass .: Thomas Metcalf (2), born May 21, 1828; Timothy Porter, Nov. 30, 1829; Daniel Farrington, Aug. 29, 1831; Rebecca Selina, June 24, 1833; Schuy- ler Stratton, June 7, 1836; Emily Cowell, June 6, 1838; Charles Henry, born July 14, 1839, a merchant of Providence, head of the hardware firm of C. H .! George & Company, bank director, president board of trade, postmaster of Providence, 1887-95; Edward Thurston, Dec. 17, 1841 ; Harriet Adelaide, Dec. 5, 1843; James Augustus, of further mention ; and Eldora Wilde, Sept. 17, 1848, died Oct. 21, 1887.

(VII) James Augustus George, son of Thomas Met- calf George, was born in Foxborough, Mass., January 9, 1846. When a young man he came to Providence, R. I., where he became a partner in the firm of C. H. George & Company, a hardware firm founded by his brother, Charles Henry George, in 1859. For several years he has been secretary of the Eastern Coal Com- pany of Providence. He married Mary J. B. Hubbell, of Bridgeport, Conn., and they are the parents of two sons, Daniel Farrington, of further mention, and Charles Henry, 2nd, now associated with the insurance firm, E. L. Watson & Company, of Providence.

(VIII) Daniel Farrington George, of the eighth American generation, son of James Augustus and Mary J. B. (Hubbell) George, was born in Providence, August 29, 1871. He prepared for college in the city public schools, passing from high school to Brown University, whence he was graduated A. B., class of "94." In 1898 he was appointed private secretary to William C. Baker, mayor of Providence, serving two

George H. Holmes

III

BIOGRAPHICAL

rs. He became the Providence agent of the New ven Steamboat Company in 1899, and later he was ointed assistant to the general superintendent of the rine department of the New York, New Haven & rtford Railroad Company, with headquarters in New rk City. Later he returned to Providence, where he . ered the banking and brokerage business, his present vity. In September, 1907, he became a member of firm, Miller & George, bankers and brokers, No. 96 stminster street. In 1911 the firm moved to their sent quarters, No. 336 Industrial Trust building, re they conduct a successful banking and investment iness. Mr. George is an ardent devotee of all out-of- r sports ; is a member of the Hope and the Agawam at clubs; and Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity of wn University.

EORGE HENRY HOLMES-Prominently iden- d with the jewelry business with which he has n actively associated for a number of years, orge Henry Holmes occupies a place of importance he manufacturing circles of Providence. He is a of William H. and Harriet (Handy) Holmes, was born in Providence, June 13, 1858. He nded the local schools and Bryant & Stratton's siness College. While still a youth he entered n his business career, securing a position in the :e of Samuel Slater & Sons, of Providence. He later ame bookkeeper for Brown and Monroe, whole- fruit dealers. In 1883 he became associated with ry T. Smith, and together they established a elry manufacturing business under the style of ith & Holmes. This partnership was dissolved 1884, and was succeeded by that of George H. Imes and Company, which, in 1904, became the rge H. Holmes Company, Inc., Mr. Holmes being sident and treasurer. The firm makes a specialty manufacturing a general line of gold-plated jewelry, r plant being located at No. 185 Eddy street. Mr. imes is a former president and now a director of New England Manufacturing Jewelers' and Sil- smiths' Association, and is president of the Free sons' Hall Corporation. In the Masonic order he been very active and has attained the highest k, holding the coveted thirty-third degree of the cient Accepted Scottish Rite. He is a member of elphoi Lodge, No. 33, Free and Accepted Masons, which he has served as master; Providence Chap- Royal Arch Masons; Rhode Island Council, al and Select Masters; St. John's Commandery, ghts Templar; Rhode Island Consistory, Ancient epted Scottish Rite; and Palestine Temple, An- it Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. In 1911 honorary thirty-third degree was conferred upon In 1916 he was made an active member of the reme Council, and in 1918 was made deputy of de Island.

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The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 28

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