The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 30

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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.,On: May[6, 1868, Mr. Colvin married at Phenix, R. - I., Clara A. Turner, daughter of Charles P. and Caroline :(Hale) Turner. Mrs. Colvin, who survives her husband, resides at the. Colvin home in River- point, R. I. Mr. and Mrs. Colvin were the parents of. the following children :: I. Dr. Stephen Sheldon Colyin, born March 29, 1869; a graduate of Worces- ter Academy in the 'class. of: 1887, and from Brown University in 1891; on completing his studies he was employed for about a year on the: "Providence Jour- nal" and the "Telegram;" in 1895 he went to Berlin, where he pursued a course of study for several months, later going to Strasburg, where in May, 1897, he was granted the degree of Ph. D .; on his return to America, Dr. Colvin, taught at Worcester English High School for four years; in 1901 he was called to the chair of Philosophy and Natural Theology of the University of Illinois, at Champaign, Ill., where he remained about ten years, then came to Brown Uni- versity and is now head of the department of educa- tion; Dr .. Colvin, married :(first), Oct. 18, 1891, Edna Boothman, who died Jany. 19, 1893; he married (sec- ond), July 23, 1895, Eva : Mable. Collins, of Provi- dence; they are the parents of one son, Sheldon David, born Sept. 19, 1896, in Strasburg, Germany. 2. Sara Hale, born Aug: 29, 1878; was a graduate of Brown University in the class of 1899; she married, May 23, 1900, Lewis Anthony Colvin, son of James Colvin, of Worcester, Mass,; they have one son, Ken- neth Hale, born Jany. 5, 1902, and one daughter, Amey, born: Jany .. 3, 1909. 3: Vincent Livingstone, born Dec. 6, 1882, lives at home. Stephen Colvin died at his home in Riverpoint, R. I., Feby. 18, 1904.

. EVERETT L. SPENCER-One frequently turns to nature for a simile expressive of the growth of man's genius and- ability resulting in successful accomplishment. The great river that finds its source; in. the little spring, the strong and sturdy tree that sprang from the tiny seed, and many other phenomena of nature have been made the metaphorical expression of man's development. Any such would apply to the life record of Everett L. Spencer, who as a youth of nine entered the business world, and at the age of twenty-three became sole owner of one of the lead- ing jewelry manufacturing concerns of Providence.

Everett L. Spencer, son of Charles Edward and Sarah Jennie (Farr) Spencer, was born in Providence, April 29, 1867. His father came to America with his parents when an infant, the family locating in Rhode Island. Charles' Edward Spencer was a Civil War veteran. Everett L .: Spencer, left an orphan at an early age, secured a meager education in the public

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schools of Providence, and at the age of nine began earning his own living, operating a little fruit stand and selling newspapers. At the age of thirteen he secured his first employment, being with the jewelry firm of Waite, Smith & Company, later known as the Waite, Thresher Company. He remained with that firm ten years, advancing rapidly in rank, and spend- ing the last four years of his life as a traveling sales- man, meeting with a good degree of success in that branch of the business. In 1890, after ten years of faithful, continuous service with Waite, Thresher & Company, Inc., he resigned his position, and for a few months traveled in the West, representing the Providence jewelry firm of George H. Holmes & Company. In 1891 he entered into partnership with Albert A. Remington, forming the firm of E. L. Spencer & Company, and then began the manufacture of a general line of gold and plated jewelry. Their plant was formerly owned by Horace Remington. There the firm gained their foothold in the business world, but at the end of the first year Albert A. Rem- ington withdrew, Mr. Spencer purchasing his interest and becoming sole owner in 1892. For several years he followed the original line of manufactures, but was constantly making additions, each in its turn an advance in quality, design and finish. Finally he abandoned the manufacture of plated goods, and adopted a general line of solid gold jewelry, large quantities of goods for personal adornment being manufactured. Until the year 1900 the factory remained at No. 62 Page street, and in August of that year removed to the Emma building at the corner of Aborn and Washington streets. In 1905 the plant was moved to its present location, No. 95 Chestnut street. The company employs a large number of skilled jewelry makers, the machinery used being of the latest and best, the entire plant being operated to secure the best results. In 1903 the business was incorporated as the E. L. Spencer Company, Mr. Spencer being president and treasurer. The company also maintains a New York office, located at Nos. 15-17-19 Maiden Lane. He is a director of the Mer- chants' National Bank, and of the Manufacturing Jewelers' Board of Trade, and for many years a direc- tor of the Union Trust Company. He is past presi- dent of the New England Manufacturing Jewelers' and Silversmiths' Association, a member of the Na- tional Association of Manufacturers of the United States, and various organizations. He is active in Masonic bodies, and is a member of lodge, chapter, council and commandery, and the Rhode Island con- sistory. He is a member of the Commercial Club, Pomham Club, Anawan Club, Turk's Head Club, and various others.

Mr. Spencer married, April 29, 1890, Nettie James Waite, a daughter of the late Daniel B. and Sarah M. (Clewly) Waite, a pioneer jewelry manufacturer of Providence, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer are the par- ents of a daughter, Evelyn Waite.

It is with keen satisfaction that Mr. Spencer can review an active and successful business life, and as the architect of his own fortune, is a self-made man in every sense of the word.

FRANK H. HAMMILL-From the date of admission to the Rhode Island bar, Mr. Hammill 1is displayed deep interest in public affairs, and 1's devoted a great deal of his time to the public serve of town, county and State. A lawyer of learning al skill, he has served in judicial capacity and in 2 political arena, and has attained to the high hort of Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Frank H. Hammill, son of Patrick and Mary (Gr lagher) Hammill, was born in Bristol, R. I., Janua! II, 1878, and received his preparatory education the public schools of his native town, graduating frd Bristol High School in 1895. He then entered Broy University, whence he was graduated Bachelor Philosophy, class of 1900. He prepared for the leti profession at Harvard Law School, receiving 1; degree, Bachelor of Laws, class of 1904. In Ig he was admitted to the bar in Rhode Island. He! once began the practice of law in Bristol and Pro dence, and has since been an attorney-at-law, public service vieing with his legal business in i portance. For three years he was judge of proba and is standing register in insolvency for Bris county. He is justice of the District Court of t Fifth Rhode Island Judicial District. These pure professional offices have been supplemented by poli cal offices, his legislative career dating from 19 when he was elected president of the Town Coun of Bristol, a reelection following in 1908. In 190 IO-II he represented Bristol in the State Legislatu and in 1913 reentered the Legislature, having be returned from Bristol each year until the prese During the years 1913-14 he was deputy speaker, a in January, 1915, was elected Speaker of the Rho Island House of Representatives, an office he h held continually until the present (1918). He h proved a fair, impartial presiding officer, and in t: making of his committees has distributed his favo, without fear or favor, recognizing only fitness an, length of service in choosing his chairmen. He h the respect of his contemporaries of the House, at ranks among the able and honorable men of the Sta governing body. He is a Republican in his politic faith. He is a member of the Benevolent and Pr tective Order of Elks of Providence, and Knights . Columbus; also a member of the Ponham Club, ar a devotee of motoring and fishing.

Mr. Hammill married, April 17, 1914, Olivia M. . Day, of Providence, R. I.

GEORGE R. HUSSEY-When the flags flying half-mast on the City Hall at Providence announce to the city the death of Alderman George R. Husse the expressions of regret heard on every side wer most touching and heartfelt. Perhaps the though uppermost in the minds of all were best expressed b. Mayor Gainer, the dead alderman's intimate an valued friend: "His services to the city as a men ber of the board of aldermen for the past four year were of inestimable value. He was a man of hig ideals, of strong character, and of marked ability In his death the city of Providence loses a publi servant and a patriotic citizen of the highest type, an

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is associates at City Hall a lovable and faithful "iend."

Mr. Hussey had been intimately connected with the ity government for four years prior to his death, nd was to have retired on January 6, 1919, he having efused to accept nomination for another term as Iderman that he might devote all his energy to the ffairs of the Baird-North Company of which he was resident. It was his connection with this company hat brought him to Providence in 1907, a young man f twenty-three. His entire business life had been pent with the Baird-North Company, gold and sil- ersmiths, his father, William G. Hussey, its founder nd head until his death in 1908. As executive head f the company from January, 1908, until his own eath, December 27, 1918, George R. Hussey devel- ped the company until it ranked with the largest mail rder houses of the country. As a business man he as held in the highest esteem, and it was his high ense of honor and his ability, as displayed in the onduct of his private business, which gave him his tanding in the city and brought him prominently into le public eye. Just how popular he became with the oters of the sixth ward is best attested by the fact lat he was the first and the only Democrat ever lected to the Board of Aldermen from that ward. Tot only that, but he was reelected, and could have ad a third term but for his positive declination of the onor.

George R. Hussey was a son of William G. Hus- ey, of Augusta, Me .; Salem, Mass .; Providence, :. I .; and a descendant of Christopher Hussey, born 1 England, who came to New England with the lev. Stephen Bachelor on the ship "William and francis," to Boston, July, 1630. This Christopher Iussey was a suitor for the hand of Theodate Bache- or, and could only gain her father's consent to their marriage by promising to come to New England with is father-in-law. Christopher Hussey was one of the riginal grantees of Hampton, N. H., the first deacon f the church there, and a captain of militia, town lerk, representative and a royal commissioner. In 559 he was one of the purchasers of Nantucket, and ter was a sea captain. He died in Hampton, N. H., Iarch 6, 1686, aged about ninety years. Branches of is descendants settled in Nantucket and in Maine, George R. Hussey belonging to the Maine family.

George R. Hussey was born in Augusta, Me., May 9, 1884, and died at his home, No. 179 Ontario treet, Providence, R. I., December 27, 1918. He ttended the public schools of Augusta until 1892, hen his parents moved to Salem, Massachusetts. There he finished high school courses and attended ommercial college, also being for a time a student at Valtham Horological School. He attended Dart-

1011th College, and upon leaving became associated ith his father who had organized the Baird-North Company, gold and silversmiths. He passed in turn irough the different departments of the business, ecoming familiar with its every detail, then in 1907 ather and son removed the business to Providence. Villiam G. Hussey, the father, died the year follow- ig the removal to Providence, and was succeeded in

the management by his son, George R. Hussey. The removal to Providence had been actuated by a desire to benefit by the prominence of Providence as a jewelry manufacturing city, the business of Baird- North being largely done through the mails. Upon succeeding to the presidency Mr. Hussey greatly increased the scope of the business, and during the ten years of life remaining him he placed Baird-North in the very front rank of mail order houses.

In 1912 Mr. Hussey became interested in city poli- tics, and in that year was the Democratic candidate for Common Council from the sixth ward. While the sixth was a strong Republican ward, the excep- tional run made by the Democratic candidate focused the eyes of the party leaders upon him, and in 1914 he was made the party candidate for alderman. He also received the endorsement of the Independent organization of the ward, and at the ensuing election he won the verdict of the polls over his opponent, John H. Higgins. In 1916 he was reelected, but declined a third term, his private business interests demanding his entire time. As alderman he was closely associated with the financing committee and its work, he being a member of that most important committee during his entire four years of aldermanic service. He was a supporter of Mayor Gainer and his policies, there also existing a warm personal friendship between the two men.

During his eleven years of residence in Providence, Mr. Hussey became a well-known social figure, and in club and fraternal life was very prominent. He held all degrees of lodge, chapter and commandery of the York Rite of the Masonic order, and in the An- cient Accepted Scottish Rite had attained the thirty- second degree. He was a member of Providence Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and the Boston Athletic Association; his Providence clubs, the Central, West Side, and Metacomet Golf. In all these organizations he was active and popular, his genial, kindly nature responding to the fraternal and social spirit they engendered.

Mr. Hussey married, November 9, 1907, Julia Agnes Corbett, of Beverly, Mass., who survives him with three children: Robert Thurston, Ruth Carol, and Betty Loraine Hussey.

EMERY J. SAN SOUCI-While Lieutenant- Governor San Souci has gone far in political life and received high endorsement from his fellow-citizens, his career as a merchant is equally notable, and the San Souci Department Store has developed from a mod- est beginning to one of great volume and importance. He reviews a life of earnest effort, and has developed a strong character in which love of justice, upright deal- ing, and regard for the rights of others are pervading traits. To these he adds energy, industry, ambition, and a sincere desire to be useful.

The family is of French ancestry, early settlers in Canada, in the Province of Quebec, from whence came Euzebe and Marie Louise (Couett) San Souci, the former so thoroughly imbibing the spirit of our in- stitutions that he enlisted in the Union Army, although he had been a resident of the United States but six

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years. His loyalty to his adopted land stood the su- preme test, and he sleeps in an honored soldier's grave, meeting his death on the battlefield at Salem Church, Va. Nor was this the only sacrifice the family made that "a government for the people and by the' people" should not perish. A son, Francis Euzebe San Souci enlisted in the same regiment, and served until the war closed, was twice wounded, death finally resulting from these wounds ten years later. Such were the ante- cedents of Lieutenant-Governor San Souci who, left fatherless at the age of seven years, inspired by such family traditions, has so well fought the battle of life that he has placed himself at the head of a large retail mercantile house, and so impressed himself upon the public life of Rhode Island that he is serving his sec- ond term as lieutenant-governor of the State, and in the absence of the governor has, on numerous occa- sions, exercised all the right dutics and prerogatives of a governor.

Emery J. San Souci was born in Saco, Me., July 24, 1857, son of Euzebe and Marie Louise (Couett) San Souci, who came from their native, Province of Que- bec, Canada, to the United States. in 1856, settling in Saco, Me. In 1860. the family removed to St. Al- bans, Vt., where they were residing in 1861, when the father, Euzebe San Souci, enlisted in the First Regi- ment, Vermont Cavalry, He fought with his regiment and the glorious Army, of the Potomac until June, 4, 1864, when he fell during the battle of Salem Church, fatally wounded, death resulting June 10. He left his widow with nine children, some of them young, and she, like the strong resolute woman, she was, became both father and mother to them, taught them the way of honor and uprightness, so impressing her lessons upon those children that to-day "they rise up and call her blessed." She died in Greenfield, Mass., June 17, 1892, at the home of a daughter. Mr. and, Mrs. Euzebe San Souci were the parents of five sons and five daughters, the order of birth not here observed: Francis E., died in 1874 from wounds received in the Civil War, he serving in the First Regiment, Vermont Cavalry, with his father; Euphemia, Phoebe, Philomena, Martha, Vic- toria, Joseph O., Emery J., George H., and Alfred C.

The family left Saco, Me., while Emery J. was yet under school age, and he attended public school at St. Albans, Vt. The death of his father in 1864, and the necessity of adding his earnings to, the family purse, cut short his school years, but nevertheless he finished the grammar school course with graduation. His first work was in a Biddeford, Me., cotton mill, where he resided a few years prior to removing to Greenfield, Mass. There Emery J. was employed as a clerk in a shoe store until 1876, when he entered the service of Eben J. Beane, a shoe merchant at No. 1094 High street, Providence, R. I. One year later he transferred his services to the Clark & Holbrook Manufacturing Com- pany, makers of ladies' shoes, at Hartford, Conn. He remained with that company eleven years, 1877-88, then opened a' retail shoe store in Hartford, successfully conducting business there until 1890. He then, in asso- ciation with his brothers, Joseph O. and Alfred C. San Souci, purchased the Boston Shoe Store, at No. 125 Westminster street, Providence, which they maintained until 1900. In the meantime the San Souci Brothers

had opened a small department store in Olneyville, 1 Olney square, Providence, also established a shoe ste in the same neighborhood, they having at one ti four stores in successful operation. - Alfred C. £4 Souci, broken in health, retired from the firm, removi to California, and there died in 1916. In the year 1g., the four stores were consolidated in one, and the ber ness centered in the department store on Olney squal, No. 1957 Westminster street, Providence. The 'bui' ing there was enlarged, and is now one' of the larg in the city devoted to retail merchandising, its thi stories constituting the home of a modern departme store, with the omission of a grocery department on On November 16, 1909, the business was incorporat' as. the J. O. San Souci Company, Joseph O. San Sou president ; J. San Souci, secretary and treasurer. T business is a large one, sixty to one hundred a: twenty-five clerks being employed. The patrons of t store being largely mill operatives and workers, t store is busiest evenings and on Saturdays, when eve department store is taxed to its capacity. Mr. Si Souci, the treasurer, is one of the inspiring heads this great business, who have brought it to a conditie of successful, operation, which is a guarantee of t ability and business. genius of its managing head. I is also a director of the Union Trust Company of Proy dence, and a, director of St. Vincent, de Paul, Infa Asylum.

A Republican in politics, Mr. San Souci began } public career early upon making his. permanent loc tion in Providence, He was a member of the annex tion. committee, which in 1898 accomplished the anne. ation of a part of the town of Johnston to the city . Providence, and at the city election held in 1900 he w. chosen to represent the eighth ward (Olneyville), , Providence City Council, and served continuously un 1907, In all improvements looking to municipal or ciy progress, he took a public-spirited part, and it is to hi energy and enterprise that much improvement is du He was a trustee of the Olneyville Library Association but when Olneyville came in by annexation, Providen councils made no appropriation for the support of th Olneyville Library. As councilman, Mr. San Sou presented the matter to the governing body, argued i injustice, and secured the first appropriation, $50 which the library received from Providence. In th year 1908, Mr. San. Souci was appointed a member c. Governor. Pothier's staff with the rank of colonel, a honor he held six years. He was nominated and electe on the Republican ticket for lieutenant-governor i 1914, and in 1916 was re-nominated and re-elected t succeed himself in that high office. Perhaps nothin could better illustrate the lieutenant-governor's versa tility 'and genius for adapting himself to the work i hand than his career as lieutenant-governor, partict larly in his fulfillment of that part of his duty requirin him to preside over the Senate. He was not a parlia mentarian when elected, but he quickly mastered th rules as laid down in Reed, and no man presides ove a legislative body with greater fairness, dignity an ease than he. He is highly popular both as officia and civilian, being a man of most democratic nature an practice, the friend of every man who is willing to b his friend. He has risen above the arts of the dema

Nathan C. Wright

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ogue or office, seeker, has preserved his high char- cter and glories in the fact that every .. success which as come to him has been won honorably and fairly. le is strong in his party allegiance, a tower of strength the party, and is so recognized in party councils.

He is the oldest member of the Knights of Columbus 1.the city, in point of years of membership, and is a ast grand knight; he is an ex-president of the Provi- ence Catholic, Club, a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Cagles, the Sons of Veterans, and once held the second ighest office in the National body of that order. He . an honorary. member of Slocum Post, Grand Army f, the Republic; honorary member of Connell, Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars; member of the West Side nd Sunset clubs. In religious faith he is a Roman Catholic, being a member of St. Anthony's Parish, Proy- dence:

Lieutenant-Governor San Souci married Minnie A. Duffy, and they are the parents of two daughters : Lary- Louisa and Euphemia Maybelle San Souci. The amily home is No. 176 Webster avenue, Providence.

JUDGE JOHN DORAN, well-known in the legal rofession, is a son of James and Catherine (Nolan) Doran, of Barrington, R. I, where he was born, November 8, 1858, and there prepared for college in rivate schools, one of his instructors being Isaac F. Cady, of Barrington Centre, From preparatory school e went to Mount St. Mary's College, Emmittsburg, Id., there completing his classical study. After a ourse of law study and preparation, he was admitted o the Rhode Island bar in July, 1882, and at once began ractice in Providence, For five years, he practiced lone, and then formed a partnership with Edwin D. IcGuinness, which continued for fourteen years, 1887- 901, That partnership was then dissolved upon Mr. IcQuinness' death, He was elected to the, Superior Court of Rhode Island as associate justice, February 1, 1913 .; Judge Doran is a Democrat in politics, but umbers his friends and his supporters in both parties. Ie is a member of the University and Catholic clubs.

JOHN LINCOLN ALGER, A. M .- The position Professor Alger holds among the educators of New England is one of honor, and has been won by close levotion to the profession he embraced since 1890. His onnection with the Rhode Island State Normal School t. Providence began in 1908, and has resulted in in- reased professional reputation for. Professor Alger, nd in a higher plane of efficiency and usefulness for he institution. He is a son of Nathan Willis and Mary Ley (French) Alger, his parents residing in Vermont. John Lincoln Alger was born in Eaton, Quebec, Can- da, November 20, 1864. His education was completed t Brown University, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, class of 1890, making Phi Beta Kappa. n 1895 he was awarded the Master's degree with the lass of that year. Prior to graduation, in 1890, he egan teaching in the Rutland (Vermont) High School, nder the principalship of Professor George Grafton Vilson, then came to Providence and taught in the igh school until 1892, when he became instructor in jathematics at Brown University, a post he occupied

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The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 30

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