The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 33

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 33

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

real estate operations on a small scale, has partially retired from business.

Always an admirer of nature, and a lover of flowers, Mrs. Cordelia W. (Lewis-Wilcox) Waterhouse has for many years given much of her time to the study and painting of flowers and fruits in water colors. Discov- ering her gift quite through accident, almost thirty years ago, she has since cultivated it seriously, and dur- ing that period of years has produced work which has brought favorable and flattering comment from artists of note. The inspiration to paint came to her through a purchase made primarily through kindness of heart from a small boy, from whom she bought an egg on which was painted a violet. Later, admiring the skillful handiwork, she borrowed her brother's water colors and copied it. Her ability was evident from the first and surprised her friends. Within a short period she had bought colors and begun the study of painting by her- self. Flowers and fruits she chose for her subjects, at times doing rural scenes and animals, and her home is filled with beautiful water colors. Mrs. Waterhouse descends from many noted New England families, and numbers among her ancestors many patriots. Her paternal great-grandmother, Rachel (Drake) Lewis, was a sister of Sir Francis Drake. Mrs. Waterhouse resides with her husband at Oakland Beach, R. I.

HAROLD B. ANDREWS-That a man hardly yet accustomed to the feeling that he had attained the full legal responsibilities of manhood could succeed to the sole ownership and management of so important a com- merical enterprise as the J. P. Rhodes Company was one of the wonders of the business world of Providence, a city of great enterprise and able' men. The company with which Mr. Andrews has been connected since his nineteenth year as clerk and proprietor was founded in Providence, in 1865, by James P. Rhodes, a cotton mer- chant, who successfully conducted it for thirty-eight years, then retired. Mr. Andrews had entered his employ the previous year, 1902, and the founder laid down the reins of management in 1903. His son-in-law, James F. Phetteplace, with Gardner Cornet, continued the business until 1906, when it was taken over by Mr. Andrews who associated with him Edwin H. Coleman. This partnership continued until 1915, when it was dis- solved, Mr. Andrews continuing the same to date. Com- ment upon the business capacity of a young man with the record Mr. Andrews has compiled is needless, as he could not be in the position he is and be what he is were not his quality of the highest.

Harold B. Andrews is a son of Franklin J. Andrews, now associated with the firm Kennedy & Company, clothiers, located at the corner of Westminister and Dorrance streets, Providence, who has the distinction of having served clothing buyers at the same corner from boyhood until the present. Franklin J. Andrews was born in Voluntown, Conn., but spent his early years in Westerly. then located in Providence, where he has since resided. Mr. Andrews married Cora Bell Baker, born in Burrillville, R. I. Her mother, Amy Ann Baker, is, yet living, and on October 24, 1918, celebrated her ninety-second birthday.

Harold B. Andrews, son of Franklin J. and Cora Bell (Baker) Andrews, was born in Providence, Sep-

I28

HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

tember 14, 1883. He completed the grades in the public schools, then entered classical high school, from which he graduated. He was offered a position in the Na- tional Exchange Bank in 1902, which he accepted, but resigned the following October to enter the employ of J. P. Rhodes & Company. In 1903 Mr. Rhodes retired, Mr. Andrews remaining an employee until 1906, then took over the business, and in 1915 became sole owner, operating under the firm name of J. P. Rhodes Com- pany. At the time of taking over the business he was but twenty-three years of age, and although the twelve years which have since intervened have added to his dignity of years they have not robbed him of the enthus- iasm of youth. He is one of the leading and rising young business men of Providence, and with the past as a criterion the future has much in store for him.

Mr. Andrews was a member of the finance committee of the old Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the board of directors of the new Chamber, and chairman of the house and quotation boards committees, and at his residence, Cranston, R. I., he takes a deep interest in town and city affairs. He was for five years a mem- ber of the City Council, two of those years he served as president of Council and two years as chairman of the finance committee. He was formerly chairman of the Republican city committee of Cranston, and served six years as a member of the ward committee. He was one of the "Four Minute Men" who rendered such valuable aid during the various Liberty Loan cam- paigns, and was a member of a committee to enter- tain the Belgian Relief Commission. He is a member of the Church of the Transfiguration (Episcopal), was one of the organizers of the Men's Club of that church, an organization which, beginning with thirteen members, has so well proved its right to exist that the member- ship roll now contains over three hundred names. Dur- ing his incumbency in the offices of secretary, vice-presi- dent and president, Mr. Andrews contributed largely to this result. He is a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 9, Free and Accepted Masons, and the Edgewood Yacht and Metacomet Golf clubs.

Mr. Andrews married, April 24, 1907, Bertha Phillips Tanner, daughter of Charles S. and Amy W. Tanner, of Cranston.

JOHN LYNDON THORNTON, president of the Thornton Brothers Company, manufacturing jewelers, was born in Warren, R. I., September 29, 1850. He was the son of James and Sophronia (Luther) Thornton. James Thornton was a cabinet-maker in Warren most of his life. He was the son of Captain Solomon Thorn- ton, a mariner, who was born in Pawtuxet, and died in 1888. His mother was a member of the Luther family of Swansea, and a daughter of Samuel Inther. She died in Warren in 1878. Three sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. James Thornton : James A., died in 1890, at one time associated with John Lyndon; Charles D., died in Fall River, where he was engaged in the grain bnsi- ness; and John Lyndon, of further mention. Their only daughter was Mary E., the deceased wife of Lor- enzo W. Shurtleff, of Providence, who died in 1903.

In 1856 John Lyndon Thornton removed with his parents to South Providence. He was educated in the schools of Cranston, and at the Schofield Business Col-

lege of Providence. After leaving school in 1866 16 entered the manufacturing concern of Sackett & D;is jewelers, remaining with them for three years, lear.ing the business. Later he learned engraving with Hur & Owens, and worked in that business for a short t'e About 1874 he formed the firm of Scott & Thornn jewelry manufacturers, located on Dyer street, in lie Dyer Street Land Company's building. In 1875,10 formed co-partnership with his brother James A., ic William D. Pierce. The firm was known as Thort' Brothers, manufacturers of lockets, and continued ti 1890, when they added the manufacture of fraternal all kinds of medals; such is their business to-day. business is a conservative one, and was incorporated, 1906 as Thornton Brothers Company, with John". Thornton as president and treasurer, and Charles ". phin as vice-president. The secretary was Albert Oakley, of Newark, N. J. For twenty years the concn was on Page street, then, in 1895, they removed to Metcalf building, where they remained until 1900, Wir they moved to their present location in the Manu: turers' building. Mr. Thornton is a member of le Jewelers' Board of Trade, of the National Jewell: Association, and a member of the New England J elers' Association. His residence is at his country es at Long Meadow, R. I. He is a member of St. Pa Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Republican. not an active one. His home is his club.

In 1873 Mr. Thornton married (first) Jessie Pierce, daughter of William D. Pierce, who died 1901. September 22, 1904, he married (second) Ir P. Baldwin, of Jersey City, N. J. They have two so John L., born in 1905, and Arnold L., born in 1908.

RALPH COLWELL-In the year 1887, the ma facture of worsted goods was hegun by Hopkins Rhode, at No. 9 Calender street, Providence, the bu ness soon afterward passing into the hands of the C wells, Uriah R. and Ralph Colwell, father and son, Ralph Colwell & Company. This business, in 1903, V. incorporated as the Colwell Worsted Mills, of wh. Ralph Colwell is secretary-treasurer and a direct His entire business life has been spent in the worst manufacturing business, the original mill manufactur worsted goods for men and women's wear. The C well Worsted Mills, incorporated under the laws of State of Rhode Island, was capitalized at $150,000.

Ralph Colwell is a son of Uriah R. and Zelote (Winsor) Colwell, who were married January 1, 18 she a daughter of Samuel Winsor, of Johnston, R. I., a son of Uriah Colwell, son of Stephen Colwell, son Joseph Colwell, son of Robert (3) Colwell, son Robert (2) Colwell, son of Robert (1) Colwell, 1 founder of the family in New England, who came 1 far from 1650, and is of record as the purchaser of house and house lot in Providence, April 28, 1654. P vious to December 31, 1670, he removed to Long Isla. The descendants of this Robert Colwell settled in Glo cester and Providence, R. I., and through intermarria with the Winsor family trace descent from Samnel a Mercy (Williams) Winsor, the danghter of Rog Williams, the "Apostle of Liberty," and founder Providence.

Uriah Colwell, of the sixth American generation, w

129

BIOGRAPHICAL

resident of Gloucester, R. I., a man of energy and use- ulness, who died in 1863. He married Deborah Bowen, nd they were the parents of children: Harley, a armer of Johnston, R. I .; Uriah R., of further men- ion; Joshua, born in 1832; William, who located in Providence; Sylvina, married James Brown, and resided in Providence; Lillis, married Jeremiah Tourlelotte; George; and

Uriah R. Colwell, second son of Uriah and Deborah Bowen) Colwell, was born in Gloucester, R. I., in 1830, nd became a textile manufacturer of Providence. He lied May 27, 1903. Mr. Colwell married, January I, 849, Zelote A. Winsor, of Johnston, R. I.

Ralph Colwell, son of Uriah R. and Zelote A. (Winsor) Colwell, was born in North Scituate, R. I., September 19, 860. He was educated in the public schools, finishing vith graduation from Providence High School in 1890. n that year he became associated with his father in the manufacture of worsted goods for ladies' and gentle- nen's wear, they forming the firm, Ralph Colwell & Company, out of which grew the present Colwell Wor- ted Mills, of which Ralph Colwell is the efficient secre- ary-treasurer. In addition to his official connection vith that company, he is president of the Richardson & Foster Company, dyers and finishers of piece goods and arns, with mill and offices at Central Falls, Rhode sland, No. 739 High street. The Colwell Worsted Mills ire No. 204 Hartford avenue, Providence, where fine vorsteds are manufactured.

While his life has been one of devotion to the business nterests which have been committed to his care, Mr. Colwell has not forgotten the social side of life, and hrough his country club memberships has catered to his great love for recreation in the open air as well as to enjoy the society of friends without conventionality. Ie is a member of the Rhode Island Country, Wanno- noisett Country, and Silver Spring Country clubs, and he family attend the Protestant Episcopal church. In political faith he is a Republican.

Mr. Colwell married, in Providence, R. I., June 7, 1904, Lillie S. Bishop, daughter of Charles A. und Lucy C. F. Bishop, and they are the parents of a laughter, Carolyn Angell, born January 31, 1913. The amily home is at West Barrington, R. I.

HEDLEY V. HAM, manager of C. P. Darling Company of No. 415 Charles street, Providence, R. I., ind a prominent citizen of this place, is a native of St. John, New Brunswick, Canada, born March 31, 1860, i son of Captain Mathias and Catherine (Stephens) Ham, old and highly-respected residents of that place. Captain Ham was a native of New Brunswick, but his parents were born in Holland, and came to this country early in life. He was for many years engaged in the umber business in Canada, but later formed an associa- ion with a brother-in-law, and became interested in hipping at St. John. He became master of one of their hips, and was finally lost at sea. His wife, Catherine Stephens) Ham, was of loyalist stock, her ancestors aving gone from New Haven, Conn., to Canada in 775. Her death occurred in 1916.

Hedley V. Ham passed his childhood in his native ity of St. John, and was there educated in the private chools and the business college of Bryant & Stratton.

As a young man he came to the United States and entered the employ of the Boston & Maine Railroad Company, working as a transfer clerk in the office of that concern at Boston, and also in the yard office there. He was successively promoted until he finally became yardmaster, and in 1893 was appointed transfer agent at New London, Conn., of the Norwich line of the New York & New England Railroad Company, which later became the New York, New Haven & Hartford sys- tem. He remained at New London until 1894, when he was given the position of commercial agent for the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Com- pany at Norwich, Conn., and worked for them in that capacity until 1903. It was in the latter year that Mr. Ham's connection with the business interest of Provi- dence began, a connection that yet exists. In the year 1909 Mr. Ham became manager of the C. P. Darling Company, an office which he continues to hold at the present time, and in which he is widely and favorably- known in business circles here. He came to this city first as agent of the Silver Spring Company, which is now owned and operated by the United States Finishing Company, and continued in that position until his trans- ference to his present post. The Charles P. Darling Company of Providence was established by Charles P Darling, in the year 1882, who ran it successfully until 1908, when he sold it to the United States Finishing Company, the latter concern being now the owner of a number of large mills in Providence and Pawtucket in this State and also in Connecticut. The name of this plant has always continued to be the C. P. Darling Com- pany, and it is now devoted to the manufacture of packing cases and box shooks, etc. In addition to this position as manager, Mr. Ham is also a director in the corporation and is an influential figure on that board. After the purchase by the United States Finishing Com- pany, the plant was greatly enlarged and brick buildings were erected in place of the old-fashioned wooden ones, which are equipped with all the most modern machinery for carrying on of this work. Mr. Ham has been very successful both as agent and manager, his ability as a business man having been fully tested and proven, and under his successful management the business of the concern has been greatly increased. Mr. Ham is a member of the British Empire Club, a director of the Rotary Club, and a member of the Chamber of Com- merce of Providence. In his religious belief he is a Baptist, and attends Calvary Baptist Church of this denomination here. He is a Republican in politics, but the demands made upon his time and energies by the great business of which he is the active head have made it impossible for him to take an active part in local public affairs.

Hedley V. Ham married (first), in the year 1885, Mary L. Fellows. He married (second), Laura B. Frain, of Providence, R. I., October 21, 1911. By his first wife the following children were born: I. Flor- ence M., became the wife of R. F. Dickerman, of Provi- dence, and they are the parents of Ralph and Ruth Dick- erman. 2. Ethel, who resides with her parents in Prov- idence. 3. Arthur, born May 2, 1888; a graduate of the Hope Street High School, and Brown University, at which institution he took his degree as civil engineer with the class of 1910; upon the completion of his stud-

RI-9

I30

HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

ies, he entered the employ of the Stone & Webster Company of Seattle, Wash., as an engineer on the con- struction of the various power plants owned by this con- cern in that region; Mr. Ham later resigned to pursue a special course in forestry at the University of Wash- ing, Seattle, after which he became identified with the Baker Lumber Company, of Baker, Ore., and was engi- neer in charge of the railway construction for this con- cern; when the United States declared war on Ger- many, April, 1917, he traveled three thousand five hun- dred miles to enroll; his qualifications were such that he was accepted for the Officers' Training Camp at Plattsburg, N. Y., and began his training there; not long afterwards, however, he was transferred to the aviation corps and assigned to the Military School of Aeronautics at Princeton, N. J., where he was commis- sioned as second lieutenant in the United States Signal Corps, air service; Lieutenant Ham served with the American Expeditionary Force in France.

DUTEE ARNOLD-William Arnold was one of the thirteen original proprietors of Providence Planta- tions. His brother, Thomas Arnold, followed him to the New England colonies, and settled in Rhode Island at a later date. Both these men rose to great prom- inence in civil and official life in the colony in the early decades of its history, and laid the foundations of honor and influence on which subsequent generations built the greatness of the family and the name. The progeny of these two men in Rhode Island is numer- ous. Numerous descendants of the founders have fig- ured with great prominence in Colonial and State his- tory, and have written their names large in the annals of the professions, finance, commerce, business, and public affairs. The family is closely allied through marriage with the foremost houses of New England. A most distinguished English lineage is claimed for Wil- liam and Thomas Arnold, extending from the twelfth century, over sixteen generations. The American found- ers were of the seventeenth generation in direct descent from Ynir, King of Gwentland, who flourished about the middle of the twelfth century, and was descended from Ynir, second son of Cadwalader, King of the Britons; the latter built Abergavenny in County Mon- mouth and its castle, afterwards rebuilt by Hamlet ap Hamlet, ap Sir Druce of Balladon in France.

The late Dutee Arnold, for several decades a notable figure in the life and affairs of East Greenwich, R. I., a well-known business man of the City of Providence, a widely-known inventor and promoter of mercantile enterprises, descended lineally through distinguished forebears from William Arnold, founder of the family in Rhode Island. He was born in Pontiac, R. I., Sep- tember 4, 1820, on the old Arnold homestead which had descended from father to son in the family for sev- eral generations. He received his early education in the local schools, but at the age of fourteen years quitted his studies and secured his first employment in the business world as a clerk in a grocery store. Sev- eral years later, having familiarized himself thoroughly with business methods, and amassed a small capital, he established, in partnership with his brothers, a shoe business in Providence. This venture proved highly

successful but, however, failed to engage his enti attention or to afford the stimulus which his activ mind needed. From earliest boyhood he had bee deeply interested in mechanics, and had displayed gre; mechanical and inventive talent. In conjunction wit his other business enterprises he continued his inver tive experiments. The first invention which insure his success and placed him in a position of prominence in this field in Rhode Island was the Spicer & Peck ham stove, now the widely-known Barstow stove. M Arnold became the head of the company organized t manufacture his invention, and for several years wa its manager, retiring only when ill health prevente him from engaging in active business duties. He wa widely known in mercantile and manufacturing circle in the City of Providence, not only as a man of grea inventive genius, but as an executive and organizer of great ability. Mr. Arnold was one of the founders of the Providence Wall Paper Company, and of the E H. Gladding Company, and was connected in officia and advisory capacities with many other business en terprises in the city. A man of keen foresight, thor oughly familiar with business conditions in the Cit of Providence, his judgment was often sought by me: about to launch new enterprises. Unimpeachable hon esty, and a high-principled sense of justice and equity characterized his every dealing in the business world and made him honored and respected by his friends and associates.

In 1868 Mr. Arnold purchased a large farm at Chepi! wanoxet, R. I., whither he removed shortly afterwarc. At the same time he bought Chepiwanoxet Island, :: tract of two and a half acres, which throughout hi life time was thrown open to the public as a free camy: ground for picnics. This site is now occupied by the Gallaudet Air Craft Corporation, of East Greenwich Ill health necessitated his retirement from active busi ness life and although he retained a minor portion o his large interests, Mr. Arnold spent the remaining years of his life on his farm. This he cultivated to some extent, but he maintained it largely for the res and recreation which it afforded, and because he wished his children to grow up in the healthful rural atmos phere, loving nature and the great out-of-doors. Afte. his removal to Chepiwanoxet he identified himself with the life of the town, and for more than fifteen year: prior to his death was a beloved and respected member of the community. He interested himself early in schoo affairs, and for many years was a trustee of the Cow- esett School. Mr. Arnold was active in church work and a generous donor to all religious endeavors. He purchased old St. Luke's Episcopal Church to aid the congregation in erecting a new church. The transac- tion represented an absolute loss financially, for he subsequently disposed of the property by giving i away. His gifts to charity were very large. He was not the impersonal philanthropist, but the friend of the poor and needy, and he was a staunch believer ir the principle of helping people to help themselves Numerous small homes he erected at his own expense and gave to needy families, furnishing land also for them to work. He was a tireless fighter in the cause of temperance. Mr. Arnold remained strictly outside the field of politics, although urged on numerous occa-

131

BIOGRAPHICAL

ions to accept public office. Fraternally he was affili- .ted with the Masonic order.

Mr. Arnold married (first), Mary E. Howard, daugh- er of the late Governor Preston Howard, of Rhode island. He married (second), Abbie Allen Patter. The children of the first marriage were: I. Nicholas. . Dutee (2). Dutee and Abbie Allen ( Patter ) Arnold vere the parents of the following children : 3. Phoebe Patter, now the wife of George F. Brownell, of Provi- lence. 4. Mary A .; on the death of her father, Mary A. Arnold succeeded him in his numerous philanthropic and civic endeavors, and has since carried on his work. . Harriet A. 6. Celia S., now Mrs. Eldridge C. Wheat, of Great Neck, L. I.

Dutee Arnold died at Chepiwanoxet, R. I .. on July 6, 1886, in his sixty-sixth year.

HON. WILLIAM BINNEY-The Binney family, of which the late Hon. William Binney, lawyer and urist of Providence, R. I., was a member, is one of the oldest families of historic lineage which were founded n the Colonial period of our history. In the several generations since its establishment the family has pro- luced men who have figured largely in the affairs of he Nation, in its commercial and industrial life, and ts religious and educational institutions and organiza- ions.

The Binney family in England is very ancient. Its origin, however, is Scotch, and the lineage of the fam- ly there greatly antedates the year 1500, when the branch of the family of which the immigrant ancestor of the American Binneys was a member settled in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, England. The progenitor of the English branch of the Binneys came from Scot- and in the year 1500. About one hundred and seventy- eight years later the first of the name is recorded in America.

Arms-Argent with a bend sable, between a cinque- oil in chief gules and a sword in pale azure, bladed or. Crest-A horse's head bridled.

Motto-Vertute et spera.

(I) Captain John Binney, progenitor of the family n America, was a native of Worksop, Nottingham- hire, England, and emigrated to America in 1678-79. He settled at Hull, Mass., where he died in 1698, aged ibout forty years. His wife, Mercy, who came with im from England, died in Hull in 1708, at the age of fifty years. John Binney and his son John were buried n the same grave, over which in 1883 several of their descendants erected a monument.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 33

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