The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 32

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 32

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`his part of the old farm Mr. Wilbour has converted bra park, which he has improved and traversed with ds and paths, making all parts of its beautiful a accessible, to the public to whom he has opened it, 3 of charge or expense. He has devoted much time money to preserve this historic spot for future

generations. The beautiful drives reach the spots pre- served by tablet or inscription, and no part of the farm, no matter how important it may be to the business thereon conducted, receives the care and attention be- stowed upon Awashonks Park, which commemorates the worthy deeds of this so-called . "Savage" Queen. The development of its beauty and the preservation of its historical value has given him deep satisfaction, and it is with an honest pride that. he regards this chapter in his life's history. No trees are allowed to be moved until they mar the landscape, and forestry is combined with skillful landscape gardening to pro- duce the best results. To the natural timber Mr. Wil- bour has added different varieties with especial regard to their autumn coloring, selecting those whose colors will form with the native trees a beautiful landscape view full of warm color when the frosts of the autumn have developed their richest tints. For the later winter landscape he has caused to be planted the choicest evergreens, and thus in spring, summer, autumn and winter, some particular form of sylvan beauty is pre- sented in Awashonks, Park.

. MARSDEN J. PERRY-At the age of twenty-one, Mr. Perry cast his lot with the business interests of the city of Providence; In 1881, he became a director of the Bank of America, now the Union Trust Com- pany, and during the thirty-eight years which have since elapsed, 1881-1919, that relation has remained unchanged further than advancement to chairman of the board of directors, a responsible position which he resigned from in January, 1919. He is a man of wide and varied activities in business, heavily interested in public util- ities, manufacturing and finance; in social life a well- known clubman and member of many organizations of varied nature; in literature a disciple of Shakespeare, his collection of Shakespeareana, noted for its. rare editions and manuscript. He is not only a man of large business affairs, but is big mentally, broadminded, public spirited, a type we love to classify as. "American." He runs true to the type, and is a worthy twentieth century representative of the ancient New England family which gave the hero of Lake Erie to his country, and in every generation has produced men of similar merit.

Marsden J. Perry, son of Horatio Nelson and Mal- vina (Wilson) Perry, was born in Rehoboth, Mass., November 2, 1850. He was educated in the public school, and under private instructors, his business life beginning in 1871, with his removal to Providence, R. I. He at once took a part in the business affairs of im- portance, and in 1881 was elected a member of the Bank of America, a strong financial institution of Providence, known to the present day investors as the Union Trust Company. From that time Mr. Perry has been a potent factor in the business world, and is one of the strong men of his day. upon whose shoulders are laid heavy burdens of development and management. These burd- ens, however he carries lightly, and gives them only their proper place in his scheme of life. He served as chairman of the board of directors of the Union Trust Company, the Electric Bond & Share Company, the Norfolk Southern Railroad Company, and the John L. Roper. Lumber. Company, of Norfolk, Va. He is a

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director of the American-La France Fire Engine Com- pany, American Screw Company, Eastern Carolina Home & Farms Association, Electric Securities, Gen- eral Electric Company, Intertype Corporation, Nichol- son File Company, Pawtucket Street Railway Company, and vice-president of the Providence Cable Tramway Company, holding the same office with the Rhode Island Suburban Railway Company, Union Railroad of Prov- idence, United Traction & Electric Company, Denver & Northwestern Railway Company, and the Holding Com- pany of New York. He has long been interested in the development of Massachusetts and Rhode Island elec- tric lighting and street railway properties, his invest- ments being extensive beyond those named.

A man of public spirit and interested in all that in- terests his fellow-men, Mr. Perry has affiliated with many societies and organizations of varied importance, including the Chamber of Commerce of Providence, the famous Burgess Corps of Albany, N. Y., the Civic League of Newport, R. I., the Rhode Island Historical Society, and the Newport Historical Society. His clubs are "The Brook," of New York City, the Squan- tum Association, Turk's Head, Art, and Rhode Island Country of Providence; Yacht and Golf, of Newport; Sleepy Hollow Country, and Westchester Country.

Mr. Perry married Marian Lincoln, of Worcester, Mass., daughter of Edward Winslow and Katharine Von Weber ( Marston) Lincoln. They are the parents of a son, Marsden J. (2). The family summer home is "Bleak House," at Newport, the city residence No. 52 Power street, Providence.

JOHN SIMMONS PALMER, 2nd-Descending from William Palmer, who came from England in the ship "Fortune," in direct paternal line, and from John Alden, of the "Mayflower," 1620, John S. Palmer, of Providence, R. I., is of pure New England stock, and in his own life exemplifies the energies and virtues of a worthy ancestry.

He is a native son and the second John Simmons Palmer who has been identified with jewelry manufac- ture in Providence, his grandfather, John Simmons Palmer, who was born in Newport, R. I., March 22, 1824, and died in Providence, July 8, 1908, having es- tablished the firm of Palmer & Stave in July, 1845, a firm which in September, 1852, became as at present Palmer & Capron. The founder was succeeded by his son, Julius Palmer, who had long been his assistant and partner and who retired from partnership on Jan- uary 1, 1916. John Simmons Palmer, 2nd, of the third generation in the business, has been connected here- with since 1905, and since 1906 has been a member of the firm. The company plant is located at No. 167 Dorrance street, Providence, its longtime home, that has sheltered grandfather, father and son, the three generations at one time contemporary, the founder continuing active in the business for more than fifty- five years, his son Julius, since 1877, and his grandson, John S., since 1905.

John Simmons Palmer, Ist, was apprenticed in Sep- tember, 1840, with the firm of G. and S. Owen, George Owen of that firm being his brother-in-law, and after acquiring expert knowledge of the jewelry business formed a partnership in July, 1843, with a Norwegian

toolmaker, Christian Stave, who later removed to Wij- consin and the firm was dissolved. Lucien P. Lann then became a partner of Mr. Palmer and contin d until the former's death on November 15, 1852, win the firm was again changed by Charles S. Capron j- ing with Mr. Palmer. The firm was then organizedis Palmer & Capron and continued until 1891, when Capron withdrew on account of ill health and advar d age. The firm name was, however, retained, and Ju's Palmer and Fenelon A. Peirce were admitted to pl- nership. The firm has been noted for the manufact e of rolled plate and sterling silver rings from the berl. ning, and one of the most successful firms in the fi They were one of the first to establish a New Y office. In 1854 they located at No. 20 Maiden L: and remained at that address sixty years, and are 1; at No. 9 Maiden Lane, while the factory at Dorra? and Clifford streets, Providence, has been their hos since 1864.

Julius Palmer was born in Providence, R. I., J 20, 1854, son of John Simmons and Frances M. ( Pr tice) Palmer. He attended the public schools of Pr idence, after which he entered Brown University, fr which he received his degree of A. B. in 1877. U; completing his years of educational preparation became associated with his father in the jewelry ma facturing firm, Palmer & Capron, and from 1877 u the present has been one of the active men of jewelry manufacturing business. Julius Palmer 1 his father's close friend and valued partner until de claimed the veteran manufacturer, Julius then becc ing and continuing sole head of the business until Ic when John S., of the third generation, was admitt the firm name, however. continuing since 1852, Palmer & Capron. He has other business engagemer was director of the old National Bank of Provider from 1866 until 1912, and from 1896 until 1902 v president of the bank and highly regarded as a financi He has been director of the Equitable Marine Ins ance Company since 1884, and has rendered valued in founding and developing many Providence enterpris He is a member of the University and the Squanti clubs of Providence. He retired from partnership the firm, January 1, 1916. He married, October 1878, Jessie F. Richmond, and they are the parents a son, John Simmons Palmer, 2nd, of whom furthe and two daughters, Laura Richmond and Jessie F.

John Simmons Palmer, 2nd, only son of Julius a Jessie F. (Richmond) Palmer, was born in Providen R. I., February 14, 1881, and was there educated, co pleting grade and high school courses and enteri Brown University in 1901, and leaving in his juni years. He began his business career with Palmer Capron, and passed through all grades of promotic and since 1908 has been a partner in the firm which f nearly three-quarters of a century has been promine in jewelry manufacture and in the Palmer name. I has business interests of importance beyond the sphe of Palmer & Capron, and is one of the highly esteeme substantial young business men of Providence. He a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendant Sons of the Revolution, Zeta Psi, Barrington al Bristol Yacht clubs, being commodore of the latt (1919), yachting being his favored form of recreatio

Lavia albateman

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BIOGRAPHICAL

religious faith he is a Congregationalist, and his rary of well-stocked books is a source of great en- ment.

Mr. Palmer married, June 14, 1911, Abbie Easton een, of Barrington, R. I. They are the parents of son, Julius (2), and Elizabeth, Frances and Jane ston.

LEWIS ANTHONY WATERMAN-When Mr. aterman, now an eminent member of the Rhode Island , appeared for entrance examinations before Brown diversity authorities, he brought with him his diploma wing graduation from the Providence High School, i the only special honor the school could confer honorable mention." This in a measure prepared the ard for an excellent examination record, but when same young man in a class of one hundred and : ht, seeking entrance to the University, took the third ze in mathematics, the second prize in Greek, and second prize in French, they were truly surprised. the years that followed he compiled an exceedingly horable record, and was one of eight chosen in his lior year for the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the honor ng conferred for scholarship. His career at the bar ; borne out the promise of his college years, and he one of the leaders at a bar of strong men. He was arded the honor of carrying Democracy's banner in gubernatorial battles of 1910-19II, the fact that it s a "forlorn hope," not in any way detracting but her adding to the honor. He is a son of that sterling dier, Lieutenant Franklin Alonzo Waterman, of the st Regiment, Rhode Island Light Infantry, of whom colonel wrote: "I recall no one who earned more thfully the reputation of a brave, modest, and ex- plary officer than did Lieutenant Franklin A. Water- n." Lieutenant Franklin was a son of George Water- n, who, after a life spent in manufacturing, sailed for ifornia with the "Forty Niners," and consumed nine nths in reaching that place, via Cape Horn. His ond wife, and the mother of Lieutenant Franklin A. terman, was a daughter of Franklin Baxter, who 3 a quartermaster in the United States Navy for ty years.

The American ancestor of this Waterman family was onel Richard Waterman, born in England, in 1590, d in Rhode Island, 1673, whose great-great-grandson Captain John Waterman, a sea captain, who "went China voyages," and who was also known as "Paper 1 John," he erecting one of the first paper mills in erica. Captain John Waterman married Mary Olney, est daughter of Captain Olney, founder of Olney- e, R. I. Captain Olney was a son of James and llelujah (Brown) Olney, she a daughter of Daniel own, son of Chad Brown. Their son, John Olney terman, married Sally Franklin, a beauty and a belle, ghter of Captain Asa Franklin, a captain in the nch and Indian War, and an officer of the Revolu- . They were the parents of George Waterman, the tyr "Forty Niner," father of Lieutenant Franklin Waterman, and grandfather of Lewis Anthony Nterman, of Providence. Lieutenant Franklin A. terman, after the war, gained an enviable reputa- as an art connoisseur, conducting a fine art busi- Is on Westminster street, Providence, his patrons

coming even from Boston and New York. He married Hannah Waterman Eddy, born July 26, 1847, died August 22, 1890. Lieutenant Waterman was born in Johnston, R. I., February 16, 1844, died April 6, 1886.

Lewis Anthony Waterman, of the ninth American generation, son of Lieutenant Franklin A. and Hannah Waterman (Eddy) Waterman, was born in Providence, R. I., March 24, 1871. He obtained his grammar and high school education in the city public schools, grad- uating with the high school class of 1890, winning an "honorable mention." He then entered Brown Univer- sity, whence he was graduated Bachelor of Arts, class of 1894, going thence to the law department of Boston University, there accomplishing a two-year course in one year with the exception of one study. His legal preparation continued under the preceptorship of David S. Baker, of Providence, and during the last years of his life he was a member of the firm, Baker, McDon- nell & Waterman. In 1896 he was admitted to the Rhode Island bar, and as the years brought experience to reinforce learning and skill, he acquired an im- portant clientele. In 1906 he became senior member of the firm, Waterman, Curran & Hunt, and six years later (1912) senior member of the law firm, Waterman & Greenlaw. His practice has always been general in character, and for several years one of his clients was the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, he acting as associate counsel. He is a member of the city, State and National bar associations, and is held in high esteem by his brethren of the profession. He has given the strength of his manhood and his talents to his pro- fession, seeking no gain or place save the legitimate reward of legal service. In 1906 he consented to accept a legislative nomination, and was elected, serving two terms in the House of Representatives during 1907-08. This, with his candidacy for governor in 1910-11, are the only occasions he has consented to become a candi- date. His clubs are the University, and Providence Central; his religious home, Roger Williams Baptist Church, on Cranston street. His fraternities are Phi Beta Kappa (won for scholarship at Brown) and Beta Theta Pi. He is a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 1, Free and Accepted Masons; Providence Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Providence Council, Royal and Select Masters ; St. John's Commandery, Knights Templar.

Mr. Waterman married, August 24, 1896, Katharine Minerva Utter, daughter of John and Anna Whit- marsh (Spencer) Utter, a descendant of the Revolu- tionary officer, Micah Whitmarsh. Mr. and Mrs. Waterman are the parents of: Lewis Anthony (2), Katharine, Anna, John Franklin, Margaret, and Nich- olas Utter, they of the tenth American generation of the family founded by Colonel Richard Waterman.

HENRY D. SPENCER-The Spencer family in America comprises the progeny of four brothers, Michael, Jared, Thomas and William Spencer, who were living in New England in 1648. They were legatees of Sir Richard Spencer, of London, who is believed to have been their uncle, and were English- men of excellent family, coming of a house long estab- lished in Stotfold, England. These brothers were the founders of a large family which has been prominent in New England life and affairs since the middle of the

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seventeenth century. Michael Spencer settled first at Cambridge, Mass., whence he removed to Lynn; he owned, land on the Connecticut river .. William and Thomas Spencer · settled first in Cambridge, but later removed to. Hartford, Conn. Ensign Jared was one of the first purchasers of the town of Haddam, Conn.

The surname, Spencer had its origin in the feudal office of house-steward, called. a spencer, custodian of the. stores. Among royalty the office carried great dig- nity, and "la despencer," or "la spencer," was among the highest in the king's household, and proportion- ately great among the barons. The name of the office was in many cases retained as a family name, and Spencer families have for many centuries ranked among the foremost in England.

The early Colony and the State of Connecticut, have been the home of several distinguished branches of the early New England family of Spencer for several gen- erations. The late Henry D. Spencer, of . Coventry, R. I., for many years engaged in the coal and lumber business at Central Falls, R. I., and a well known busi- ness man of that section of the State, was a member of a long established Connecticut family. He was edu- cated in the public schools, and spent the early years of his life on his father's farm. At the age of nineteen years, Mr. Spencer came to Central Falls, R. I., where he entered the employ of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. He subsequently established himself in the coal and lumber business in Central Falls, in which he was actively engaged with a large degree of success until ill health prevented him from giving proper attention to his business affairs. Grad- nally the large business declined and he eventually failed. Broken in health and spirits by his failure in the business world, Mr. Spencer removed to Coventry, R. I., settling in the old Arnold homestead, where he died in 1909.

Henry D. Spencer married, in 1860, at Washington, R. I., E. Ellen Matteson, daughter of Henry and Al- mira (Arnold) Matteson, and a descendant of fam- ilies long prominent in Rhode Island. They were the parents of one son, Harry Arnold, who was born at Uxbridge, Mass., in 1871. He was educated in the ele- mentary and high schools of Uxbridge, and on com- pleting his studies entered the employ of the Gorham Manufacturing Company, of which for fifteen years he has been office manager.

(The Matteson Line).

The Matteson family of Rhode Island is of Danish origin, and was established in Rhode Island in the year 1678, by Henry Matteson, who was born in Den- mark, in October, 1646, and died about 1600. He was of Prudence Island, and removed from there to East Greenwich, R. I. No relationship has been traced between Henry Matteson and Francis Matteson, who on June 2, 1657, were granted accommodations with a house lot at the further end of Ship Cove, in Providence. Henry Matteson was the progenitor of the well-known Rhode Island families of the name, and it is to him that Mrs. E. Ellen (Matteson) Spencer traces her lineage.

Arnold and Waitstill (Barney) Matteson, grandpar- ents of Mrs. Spencer, were residents of the town of

Warwick, R. I., where Arnold Matteson was a pros perous farmer and highly respected citizen ..

Henry Matteson, son of Arnold and Waitstill : (Bar ney) Matteson, was born in Coventry, R. I., In 1813 and was educated in the schools of his native town He learned the trade of machinist, and within a shor period became an expert mechanic. Mr. Matteson wa employed in the capacity of chief mechanic, superin tendent and overseer in several of the largest mills o Rhode Island, among them the mills at Washington and Phenix. He was employed for several years in plants, in Connecticut. His home was in the town o Coventry, and he was well known in its life and af fairs, although he remained strictly apart from political circles, He was a Republican in political affiliation, ani an active member of the Congregational church.

Henry Matteson married, in 1833, Almira Arnold daughter of Thomas G. and Eleanor G. (Bowen) Ar nold, who was born in Warwick, R. I., in 1816, and died in Coventry, in 1881. Thomas G. Arnold, grand father of Mrs. Spencer, was born in Coventry, in 1786 son of Benjamin and Sarah (Greene) Arnold. H married, in 1806, Eleanor G. Bowen, who was born in 1789, and died in 1881, daughter of Asa and - (Brown) Bowen. Thomas G. Arnold was a well knowi educator in Coventry and the vicinity, and built th first school in Coventry, which his wife taught during the opening term. Henry Matteson and. his wife, Al; mira (Arnold) Matteson were the parents of the fol. lowing children: I. E. Ellen, mentioned below. 2. Em eline A., who became the wife of Amos Fuller, o Worcester, Mass. 3. Albert Henry, who was born a Scituate, R. I., and was educated at the Norwich Academy, Norwich, Conn; he subsequently received al, appointment as revenue officer, but resigned this to enter Brown University. After leaving college lie wa employed in the Greene .Mills at Norwich. Mr. Mat! teson later was connected with the Pullman Car Com pany, of Chicago, III., for ten years, but at the end o this period retired and returned to the old Matteson home in Coventry, where he resided for the remaining years. of his life. He was well known and eminent !: respected in Coventry, and took a deep interest. in it welfare, espousing the cause of the people against the political cliques. He was a Republican in politica affiliation. Albert Henry Matteson was a man of broad culture, a deep student, widely travelled, well versed in business affairs, and was looked up to on man; occasions for advice in town affairs.

E. Ellen Matteson, daughter of Henry, and Almir: (Arnold) Matteson, was born in Washington, and edu cated in the schools of her native town, later attending the East Greenwich Academy. On completing he studies and until her marriage she was a teacher ir the schools of Coventry. In 1860 she married Henry D. Spencer. Mrs. Spencer is well known in socia circles in Coventry. She has been prominently iden tified with charitable and civic welfare work for many years, and is now active in the Red Cross.

LEWIS-WATERHOUSE-The Lewis families o Massachusetts and Rhode Island, tracing from severa progenitors and immigrant ancestors, form one of the foremost of New England Colonial families, and for a

Stavold B. Audiens

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OVAJBIOGRAPHICAL

iod of more than two hundred and fifty years have Wed a prominent part in the life and affairs of that tion of the country. The different branches of the lilly have produced many men whose names carry inction in business, financial, professional and indus- 1 annals, and whose deeds have given the family I place which it occupies to-day. Many of the name le to America in the early part of the Colonial period, became the founders of large families. The Lewis t-of-arms is as follows37

rms- Quarterly, first and fourth, azure a stag trip- t""or, unguled and attired, and bearing between horns an imperial . crown or; : second and third, re a chevron between three eagles' heads erased or, rest-A stag tripping, and an eagle's head as in the 15.

wansea, Mass., has been the home of the branch ein under consideration for several, generations, and vas in this quaint town, which retains much of its onial simplicity and picturesqueness, that Deacon Jo- h Lewis, grandfather of Mrs. Cordelia W. (Lewis- [cox) Waterhouse, wife of Howard A. Waterhouse, Oakland Beach, R. I., well-known and successful real te dealer, was born. Deacon Joseph Lewis married y Peirce and settled on the old Lewis homestead in ansea, where his children were horn, among them am, mentioned below.

Tiram Lewis, son of Deacon Joseph Lewis, was born, Swansea, Mass., and about 1848 came to Providence, I., where for many years, he followed the trade of son and contractor. He was prominent in business les in Providence. He was a member of the Bap- church at. the corner of Broad and Fenner streets, vidence, in which he held the office of deacon. am Lewis married Mary Maccumber, daughter-of vanus and Wealthy (Peirce) Maccumber, and they e the parents of the following children: I. Eleanor, v, Mrs. Charles E. Fallett, of Providence. 2. Louisa, wife of William H. Tabour, of Little Compton, R, I. Cordelia W., mentioned below.

ordelia W. Lewis was born in Swansea, Mass., July 839, the daughter of Hiram and Mary (Maccumber) vis, and at the age of five years came to. Providence, [., with her. parents. She was educated in the city of yidence, and spent her early girlhood there. In. 1857 married (first) Martin. V. P. Wilcox, son of Jona- 1 and Mary (Huling) Wilcox, of Providence. Mr. cox was the owner of a large portrait business in ton, employing numerous artists and salesmen. This iness he conducted in partnership with his brother, r. Wilcox, with great success until the year 1910, en, having amassed a considerable fortune, he retired the old Wilcox homestead at Oakland Beach, R. I. was a lover of outdoor life, and of spirited horses, which he had a large number on his estate. Martin P. Wilcox died at his home, on June 2, 1903. Mr. Mrs. Wilcox were the parents of one daughter, Ida who was born December 16, 1858. She was a grad- of Wilbraham Academy, and later became the wife Frederick W. Sarle, a graduate of Brown University ; died January 15, 1909. Mrs. Wilcox married (sec- ), June 15, 1911, Howard A. Waterhouse, member a prominent Eastern family, who for many years actively engaged in the real estate business in ode Island. Mr. Waterhouse, although conducting

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The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 32

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