The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 29

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 29

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[r. Holmes is a member and vestryman in All its' Episcopal Church. His club associations are Squantam, Turk's Head, Hope, and Wannamoisett ntry, and he is a member of the Society of Col- 1 Wars. In politics he is a Republican, and 'ed in 1909 and 1910 in the House of Representa-

tives from Providence. He became a member of the State Harbor Improvement Commission from its inception, and served six years, until consolidated with the State Harbor Commission. On October I, 1917, he was appointed fuel administrator of Rhode Island, by Dr. H. A. Garfield, and served until June, 1918, when he resigned.

Mr. Holmes married, October 17, 1883, Abby How- ard White, only child of Stillman and Lydia (Wors- ley) White, a sketch of whom follows. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes are the parents of two children: Stillman How- ard, born Nov. 17, 1888, died June, 12,. 1889; Ruth Wes- ton, who became the wife of James Taylor Wilson, of Providence.

STILLMAN WHITE-The history of the White family in America runs contiguous with the history of New England itself from the date of the earliest settlement made by white men in Plymouth. Wil- liam White, the first of the name to settle in New England, came in the "Mayflower." Several other immigrants of the name followed him closely, and became the founders of families which have figured notably in American life and affairs for two and a half centuries. The late Stillman White, for nearly half a century one of the foremost business men of the city of Providence, a well-known public man and a leader in Masonic circles, was a lineal descendant in the seventh generation of Nicholas White, of Dor- chester.

(I) Nicholas White, immigrant ancestor and founder, was born in England, and is first of record in the American Colonies in 1643, when he was made a free- man in Dorchester. In 1647 he purchased land in the part of Dorchester called Uncaty, now Milton, and built a house there. His purchase subsequently involved him in considerable litigation, the records of which give an interesting sidelight on an attempted land swindle in the infancy of the Colony. Before he had lived at Milton, Mr. White was sued by one Hutchinson, who claimed a prior title. Mr. White sued Woolcot, from whom he had bought the land, and obtained judgment against him, and Woolcot gave bills to satisfy it. Unknown to White, at the same time, he petitioned the General Court for a stay of proceedings and the annulment of the bills and the petition was granted. White then sent a petition stating the facts of the case, but the outcome of this is not known, though it is thought likely that he re- gained possession of the property, from records in 1659 and 1663, which mention White's land. In 1652 he mortgaged a part of his land to John Gill, of Dor- chester, and at that time was living in Dorchester. In October, 1655, he was a resident of Taunton, and in 1657 took the oath of fidelity there. He was very early an owner in the Taunton Iron Works, and was prominently connected with them for many years. He also owned a quarter of a saw mill on Mill river. This mill caused annoyance by preventing the free passage of fish up the river, and the court ordered that the owners make sufficient passage for the herring. He was one of the original sixteen pur- chasers of Block Island, or New Shoreham, in 1661,

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and went in April of that year with the others in a ship sailing for that place. He probably disposed of his right soon afterward, as his name is not in the first division, September, 1661. In 1668 he was one of the company which purchased the land called Taun- ton North Purchase, embracing the present town of Easton, nearly all of Mansfield and a large part of Norton. In 1672 he was among those who bought the Taunton South Purchase, consisting of Dighton and part of Berkley. Nicholas White was a large owner in Taunton's industries, and was of the wealth- iest men of his day in the town. He married, about 1643, Susanna Humphrey, daughter of Jonas and Frances Humphrey, of Dorchester.

(II) Joseph White, son of Nicholas and Susanna (Humphrey ) White was a resident of Taunton, and the owner of much property in that town in the vicinity of Scaddings pond and Watson's pond. He served with the Massachusetts troops during King Philip's War, and was wounded in the Swamp fight. In the records of Plymouth Colony, Joseph White is men- tioned as one of those paid for killing wolves. He married Mary - -, and died in 1724.

(III) Edward White, son of Joseph and Mary White, was born in Taunton, March 27, 1686, and was a lifelong resident of the town. He was a prosperous farmer and a large landowner. He married (first) May 3, 1710, Rebecca Wetherell; (second) Hannah Hewitt (?).

(IV) Elijah White, son of Edward White, was born in Taunton, in 1740-41, and died November 16, 1808. Elijah White served in the Colonial Wars of 1760, and in the American Revolution. Family tra- dition states that he was very short of stature, and in order to pass the height requirement of the army, stood on a brick to increase his height. He inherited a share of the Taunton North Purchase, and sold it on January 2, 1806. He married (first) (intentions published February 6, 1764) Rhoda White, daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Bretton) White, and a de- scendant of Nicholas White, the founder. On Octo- ber 23, 1791, he married (second) Anna Wild, of Raynham. Elijah White was a resident of Raynham.

(V) Rufus White, son of Elijah and Rhoda (White) White, was born May 5, 1778, in Raynham, Mass., and died in Walpole, August 20, 1865. He lived in Raynham, Wrentham and Walpole. His will, dated July 25, 1860, was proved March 6, 1866. On Janu- ary 16, 1796, he married Betsey Knapp, of Raynham, who was born January 12, 1772, and died December 14, 1867.

(VI) James White, son of Rufus and Betsey (Knapp) White, was born in Raynham, Mass., July I, 1798, and died in Canton, Mass., August 10, 1865. He was a mechanic and a farmer and lived in Wren- tham and Canton. His will, dated September 4, 1846, was proved December 18, 1865. On March 14, 1817, he married in Mansfield, Aurelia Howard, who was born in Chesterfield, April 30, 1799. They were the parents of eight children. Stillman White, mentioned below, was the sixth child and third son.

(VII) Stillman White, son of James and Aurelia (Howard) White, was born on February 5, 1832, in

Canton, Mass. James White was a prominent mi owner of Canton, and in middle life retired fro business. His son attended the public schools of Ca ton until he reached his sixteenth year. In 1847 came to Providence, and entered a brass foundry the city to learn the trade of molder. Finding in th field a life work, he began forthwith to prepare hir self to become a leader in it, and for several years, addition to familiarizing himself with every pha of the trade, studied bookkeeping and business ma agement in evening schools in Providence. In 18 he launched his first independent venture, beginni: the manufacture of all kinds of brass and bron castings on a small scale at No. 1 Bark street, Prov dence. The site of his plant was that of the fit manufacturing plant erected in Providence Plant tions. The venture proved a success from the ve outset, and under the management of Mr. White t business quickly assumed large proportions. 0 of the principal articles manufactured was the White Lining Metal, Mr. White's invention, whi has proved one of the best lining metals now in u. The new product found a ready market throughc the country, and was instrumental in popularizing t other articles which Mr. White manufactured. T history of the business was one of continuous su cess and expansion, and through the long period of 1 business career Mr. White occupied a position prominence in manufacturing circles in Providen

He was also widely known in political life in t city, and was for more than twenty-five years a pron nent figure in public affairs. In June, 1866, he w elected a member of the Common Council from t old first ward, and served until June, 1872. In Jar. ary, 1875, he was again elected to the office, which filled continuously until 1879. In 1882 he was aga returned to office for one term. In 1885 he repi sented the first ward on the Board of Aldermen, ser ing until 1887. For seven years Mr. White served a member of the Rhode Island General Assemb representing Providence from 1878 to 1883, and aga in 1888-89. He figured prominently in the old volt teer fire-fighting organizations of the city until th were disbanded upon the introduction of the prese system. In early life he became a member of t Waterwitch Volunteer Fire Company, No. 6. ( February 27, 1895, he was elected a member of t Board of Fire Commissioners, and served until Mar 3, 1902, when ill health made necessary his retireme To commemorate the incidents of half a century active participation in the affairs of the departme. Mr. White was presented with a sterling silver lc ing cup, which represented the contributions of eve one of its members, and was a token of the apprec tion felt for his indefatigable labors to advance t interests of the department. The cup bears the inscr. tion: "The Providence Fire Department to Stillm White, Fire Commissioner, February 27, 1895, to Febi ary 28, 1902."

Stillman White was widely known in Masonic c cles in the State, and had attained to the thirty-thi degree in Scottish Rite Masonry, In 1860 he w elected master of Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 4, and fill

Hitman Citate

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BIOGRAPHICAL

e chair two years. In 1876 he became a charter ember of Adelphoi Lodge, No. 33, Ancient Free id Accepted Masons, and was chosen the first Wor- lipful Master, serving in 1876-77-78. He was a mem- er of St. John's Commandery, No. 1, Knights Tem- ar. In 1892 he was elected to the office of Grand Taster of Rhode Island. His clubs were the Pom- im and Central.

On January 31, 1861, Mr. White married Lydia Torsley, daughter of John and Lydia (Bunn) Wors- y, of Barre, Mass. Mrs. White was an attendant : the Episcopal church, was active in charitable and :nevolent work, and for many years was a member the board of visitors of the Rhode Island Homco- thic Hospital. She died December 17, 1902, aged xty-nine years. Stillman White passed away in rovidence, April 3, 1903. Mr. and Mrs. White were e parents of one daughter, Abby Howard, who 'came the wife of George H. Holmes, of Provi- :nce.

George H. Holmes, son of William H. and Har- et (Handy) Holmes, is a member of the firm of eorge H. Holmes Company, manufacturing jewelers Providence. He is well known in business circles the city, and prominent in the Masonic order, in hich he has reached the thirty-third degree. Mr. id Mrs. Holmes are the parents of two children: illman Howard, who died in infancy, and Ruth Teston, the wife of James Taylor Wilson, of Provi- ence.

WALTER HAMMOND BARNEY-Admitted to fe Rhode Island bar in 1879, Mr. Barney was in con- muous practice in Providence for thirty-eight years, ing at the time of his passing senior partner of the w firm of Barney, Lee & McCanna. A learned and le lawyer, he long served a large and influential ientele, his practice being general in character, but later years he specialized as much as possible in Quity and the law of corporations. While the law ways held him closely, he did not neglect other tivities of city life, and in politics, athletic and sport sociations, in church and Sunday school work he as active and useful. He was for a quarter of a ntury one of the strong supporters of the game of iplicate whist, and was one of the men who in 1891 ganized the American Whist League, was an ex- 'esident and a life member of the league, and by ery member of the New England Whist Associa- on, and of the Narragansett Whist Club is regarded the father of those clubs, while all over the United ates whist clubs and organizations bear his name on eir rolls as an honorary member.

Mr. Barney traced his descent from Jacob Bar- y, of Swansea, South Wales, Great Britain, who me to New England in 1680, and settled at New- ort, R. I. His son, Joseph Barney, settled in Reho- both, Mass., in 1670, and owned there 640 acres. He arried Constance Saunders, and was succeeded by eir son, Joseph (2) Barney, who married Joanna artin. Their son, Martin Barney, married Abigail, tughter of Lieutenant Nathaniel Peck, and they ere the parents of the sons, Jonathan and Nathaniel.

Jonathan Barney, born April 24, 1755, married Ruth Perry, and they were the parents of John Barney, the grandparents of Josiah Kent Barney, and the great-grandparents of Walter Hammond, of Provi- dence.

John Barney, of the sixth American generation, was a farmer and also a contractor of mason work. He rebuilt the Washington street piers in Providence after the bridge had been swept away in 1815, built the Brook street sewer, and was employed in the erection of the stone wall around Dexter Asylum. He was a soldier of the War of 1812, his widow, Ruth (Viall) Barney, being granted land on account of his war services.

Josiah Kent Barney, son of John and Ruth (Viall) Barney, was born in Seekonk (now East Providence), December 17, 1830. He had completed a three years' term as apprentice to the machinist's trade when, on February 20, 1852, he left New York City for California, where he remained for two years working in the mines. He then returned to Providence, was asso- ciated with ex-Governor John W. Davis in the gro- cery business, 1855-60, and then went again to Cali- fornia. When he arrived in San Francisco, he found that the silver mines of Nevada were attracting the miners and there he spent two years mining, the Piute Indians adding greatly to the danger and discomfort of his life. He quit mining in 1863, and engaged in a mercantile venture until 1869, in the meantime serving as county commissioner of Lyon county, 1866-69, and as member of the Legislature during the session of 1868-69.

In 1869 Mr. Barney sold his business and returned to Providence, entering into a business partnership with Darins Davis, their place of business being on the site of the present Central House. This partner- ship was dissolved in 1871, the lease on the property expiring at that time. Mr. Barney then bought property, and in August, 1871, opened a grocery and market, and there conducted a successful husiness until his retirement. He was a past master of Amity Lodge, No. 4. Free and Accepted Masons, Silver City, Nev .; and was a member of the Grand Lodge of Nevada, and filled the office of grand sword bearer and grand junior deacon. He was a member of the Veteran Masonic Association of Providence, and of the West Side Club, a Republican in politics, and a member of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. He married Susan Hunt Hammond, daughter of Dr. John A. Hammond, of Seekonk. They were the par- ents of two sons, Walter Hammond and Charles Alfred, the latter born November 19, 1858.

Walter Hammond Barney, of the eighth American generation, was born in Providence, R. I., September 20, 1855, and died there, December 11, 1917. The years 1864-69 were spent in Silver City, Nev., his edu- cation having been continued in Providence, where he attended the public schools after the family returned in 1869. He completed his college preparation at Mowry & Goff's English and Classical School, and in 1872 was graduated therefrom with valedictorian honors. He then entered Brown University, whence he was gradnated with the degree of A. B. in the class

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of 1876, again being the valedictorian, having in his junior year won the Phi Beta Kappa. In 1879 he received the degree of A. M. from Brown University, and the same year was admitted to the Rhode Island bar, having been a student under Colwell & Colt of the Providence bar during the years 1876-79. Imme- diately after admission he began practice in Provi- dence alone, but three years later he formed a part- nership with hisformer preceptor, Francis Colwell, city solicitor, that association continuing for ten years, 1882-92. From 1893 until 1900 he was a law partner of Samuel Morris, and from 1900 until 1903 was sen- ior member of the firm of Barney & Lee, his partner, Judge Thomas Z. Lee. In 1903 Francis I. McCanna was admitted, the firm then being reorganized as Barney, Lee & McCanna.

- A Republican in politics, Mr. Barney was long active in party affairs, and for many years his was a potent voice in party councils. He represented Providence in the Rhode Island House of Represen- tatives during the sessions 1889 and 1890; was chair- man of the committees on special legislation, and as such' was in charge of the ballot reform act of these sessions, working hard for its introduction and pass- age. In 1889 he was elected a member of the Provi- dence school committee, and until June, 1904, he held that office, serving as president of the committee for nearly the entire period. He was a member of the Providence Common Council, 1891-92-93, and 1895, and held many important committee assignments, and for several years after retiring from the Council con- tinued as chairman of the special committees on puri- fication of the city water supply and of public parks.

Mr. Barney was one of the founders of the Uni- versity Club, of which he was a member until his death, and of the Providence . Athletic Association. In 1891 he aided in the organization of the American Whist League and was its secretary until 1896, vice- president for one year, 1896, president in 1897, and a life member of its executive committee. He was a founder and for three years was president of the New England Whist Association; and a life member of its executive committee. He was an ex-president of the Narragansett Whist Club, and was one of the best known devotees of duplicate whist in the United States. He was an official member of Trinity, now Trinity Union, Methodist Episcopal Church, of Prov- idence, from 1879, and from 1903 was president of the board of trustees. For fifteen years he was chief secretary . of the Sunday School Secretaries' Union. He was interested in all good works, and gave freely of his professional ability to the organizations to which he belonged.

Mr. Barney married, June 20, 1882, Sarah Lydia Walker, daughter of Ezra I. and Margaret (Lambert) Walker! Their only child, Walter Howard, was born in Providence, October 25, 1883.

STEPHEN COLVIN-The surname Colvin, one of the most ancient of English surnames, greatly antedates the Norman Conquest, and is found in the Domesday Book. Its origin is traced to the invasion of Britain iby the Romans. The name is of baptiz-

mal origin, signifying literally the son of Colv Colvin, or Colvinus, as the name appears in the La form in the Domesday Book, was a Devonsh: tenant-in-chief, and, held lands in the reign of Edwa. the Confessor. The surname Coffin, found in Court Devonshire, and with great frequency in New Er. land, is but a variant of Colvin in many cases.

The American Colvins date from the second ch! of the seventeenth century, and are traced withe exception. to John Colvin, immigrant ancestor Tal - founder of the : family, of Dartmouth, Mass., a. Providence, R. I. Rhode Island has been the hor of the most notable branches of the family since t time of its founding in the State, and the name carri an honorable repute in professional, business a industrial annals in the State .. The line of ancest herein under consideration is that of the late Steph Colvin, founder and for many years head of the fit of S. Colvin & Company, and manufacturer of t celebrated Colvin Loom.

(I) John Colvin, the progenitor, emigrated fro England to Dartmouth, Mass., at a date unknow He is first of record in Providence, R. I., in the ye 1705, when he purchased upwards of four thonsal acres of land. It is evident from this fact that Jol Colvin was a man of wealth. Little is known of } life, however. He made subsequent purchases of lai in Providence and the vicinity, and is thought to ha been a farmer on a large scale. He married (firs Dorothy Allan, daughter of Matthew Allan, of Dar mouth, Mass. He married-(second), May 30, 172 Mary Keach. . According to Austin, he died prior/ November 17, 1729.

(II) Rev. James Colvin, son of John and Dor thy (Allan) Colvin, was born November 24, 169 He resided first in Providence; later removing #: Coventry; R. I. On July 7, 1729, he bought of Randa Holden and his wife, Rose, sixty or seventy acres- land in Westquadnaig. On February 2, 1743, he mentioned as one of the executors of the will of Pet Roberts, who calls him brother-in-law. Rev. Jam Colvin married (first) -; (second) Ant

He died March 5, 1755, and his will, date February 24, 1755, was proved on March 29 follov ing. The inventory of his estate amounted to £57

(III) Caleb Colvin, son of Rev. James Colvin, il herited land under the will of his father. He was life-long resident of Coventry, R. I., and a prospe ous farmer there. He married, August 3, 1739, Anr. Burlingame, daughter of Rev. Thomas Burlingam of Providence. He died after 1773-

(IV) George Colvin, son of Caleb and Anne (Bu: lingame) Colvin, was born in Coventry, R. I., De cember 25, 1744. He was a resident of Cranston R. I., and served during the American Revolution :i the navy. He followed the sea for many years pric to his death. George Colvin married, March 13, 177. Mary Sheldon, daughter of' Nicholas and Abiga Sheldon, of Cranston, who after his death received pension from the United States government; she die December 30, 1841, at the. venerable age of ninety one years, seven months, six days. Mr. Colvin die December 19, 1806.

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BIOGRAPHICAL

(V) George (2) Colvin, son of George (1) and ary (Sheldon) Colvin, was in Cranston, R. I., May: 1779, and was a lifelong resident of the town. He, arried Huldah Davis,

(V) Sheldon Colvin, son of George (1) and Mary sheldon) Colvin, was born in Cranston, R. I., Feb- ary 21, 1781. He was a farmer and well-known tizen of Cranston for many years prior to his death,

November, 1871. He married Sarah Randall, who ed August 8, 1878. Their children were: I. Caleb, ho married Catharine Dawley, and died April 6, 82. 2. Mary Ann, died Oct. 1897. 3. Nehemiah. 4. ephen, mentioned below. 5. William Wallace, born ug. 27, 1825, died Sept. 22, 1851. 6. Daniel, born ine 30, 1830, died March 17, 1832. 7. Daniel, born ne 1, 1833.

(VI) Stephen Colvin, son of Sheldon and Sarah čandall) Colvin, was born in the town of Cranston,

Pippin Orchard, on February 24, 1821. He was ucated in the schools of the town, attending during e few short winter months, and leaving in the spring did all farmers' sons of the period in New England help with the work of the farm. "Despite these dis- Vantages in education, however, he found time for idy. He was an apt, student of mathematics, of an ventive turn of mind, and the wide knowledge of mathematics and mechanics which he gained in early ars later stood him in good stead in his business reer. At an early age he learned the trade of achinist at Black Rock, in the Valley section of arwick, and later entered the machine shop of Perez eck at Anthony. At a later date he was employed th Asa Sisson, builder 'of the once well-known sson Loom, in Anthony. Under Perez Peck and a Sisson, both inventors of considerable; genius, r. Colvin received training of great value. ' He niliarized himself thoroughly with every detail of om manufacture, and subsequently made some portant improvements in the loom manufactured Perez Peck. In 1862, in partnership with several ntiemen, among whom were Alden Williams and arles Case, Mr. Colvin founded the firm of S. Col- I & Company. In December, 1862, the firm began e manufacture of the celebrated Colvin loom, which thin a short period. came into very general use in ew England and throughout the South. The busi- ss grew to very large proportions, and under the ection of Mr. Colvin was one of the most success-

enterprises of its kind in Rhode Island. Lódo- ck Brayton became half-owner of the firm and the int was removed to Riverpoint, R. I., where the siness was conducted successfully until the death of r. Colvin.

Although widely known and eminently respected in siness and financial circles in: Rhode Island, the e Stephen Colvin, as far as was possible for a man his responsibilities, remained a private citizen. He s a Republican in political affiliation, but in no nase of the word an office seeker. A keen student the times, he was deeply interested in national d local issues, and. espoused every movement for the . vancement of the interests of the Valley. He was entially a worker, detesting idleness. His success

in life was distinctly the result of his own indomitable perseverance .and energy. The strictest integrity characterized: his every transaction in business, and he was widely known for the fairness and justice of his: dealings with men; For many years prior to his death he was a director of the Phenix Trust Company, and the Phenix -National Bank of Phenix, R. I., and he was also a. stockholder in other local enterprises. He was a member of Warwick Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted - Masons.

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The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 29

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