The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 38

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 38

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).

Isaac and Alice (Tabor) Manchester had the fol- lowing children, all of whom were born at Tiverton, as follows: John, May 19, 1783; Otis, Jany. 28, 1786, died April 26, 1788; Lucy, born March 26, 1788; married a Mr. Hammond; Robert, born Aug. 21, 1790; Isaac, born Sept. 21, 1792; Otis, born March 17, 1795; Wil- lard, born May 12, 1797; George, born Aug. 20, 1799; Humphrey, born Aug. 10, 1803; Jacob, mentioned below; Eli, born Oct. 21, 1808.

(VI) Jacob Manchester, a son of Isaac (2) and his wife, Alice (Tabor) Manchester, was born at Tiver- ton, R. I., May 2, 1806, on the old homestead which had for generations been the seat of the family in that vicinity. He attended the public schools of Tiver- ton until he reached the age of twelve years, and then left home to go to Providence, R. I., there to study the science of surveying under the immediate tuterage of his brother Robert, who was at that time well known in surveying and civil engineering circles throughout the State. Jacob Manchester became quite proficient in this profession in a short time, and fol- lowed it with varying degrees of success until he became interested in and learned the trade of car- penter. This trade he followed with uniformly good fortune for some years, finally forming a partnership with Albert Dailey, of Providence, and engaging in the lumber business, with headquarters and yards on Dyer street, under the firm name of Manchester & Dailey. This firm continued until 1840, when Mr. Manchester left it to enter business as a dealer in builders' supplies, including soon after the handling of coal, and thus became one of the first coal dealers in the city. His offices at that time were on the Dor- rance street wharf. He took as a partner, in 1846, William H. Hopkins, and the firm name became Man- chester & Hopkins. When G. P. Pomroy and John H. Hopkins were later admitted, the name was again changed to Manchester, Hopkins & Company. He continued as the active head of this business until his death.

Mr. Manchester was a selfmade man in every sense the word implies. He began life with only a rudimen- tary education, and entered business with practically no capital except that which he was able to gather together through his own exertions. He became well known and popular throughout the city because of his honest dealings. He was honorable, enterprising and progressive in all walks of life, and eminently successful in business because of his high and well practiced principles, combined with a keenness and

148

HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

far-sightedness always chief among his characteris- tics. The long up-hill fight that he encountered at the beginning of his career would have been more than sufficient to sour the nature of many another man, but it had the effect of making Mr. Manchester only more patient of the faults of others, and more tol- erant of the adversities of life.

In politics, he was a pronounced Republican, taking a large interest in the affairs and government of his State and city, although the great amount of time and attention his business demanded prevented him from availing himself of the opportunities to fill the various public offices frequently offered him. He was one of the early members of the old Providence Fire Company.

He married (first) in Providence, R. I., September 3, 1827, Caroline Pettis, who was born September 19, 1806, and died June 6, 1838. He married (second), December 25, 1838, Thankful Stevens, daughter of Samuel and Abigail (Hilliard) Stevens, born at Barnstable, Mass., September 25, 1817, and died at her home on Friendship street, Providence, Sep- tember 15, 1892. She was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church on Chestnut street.

Jacob Manchester died at his home in Providence, June 29, 1871, at the age of sixty-five years, and is buried in the North Burying Grounds, in the latter city. Children by first wife, born in Providence: I. Caroline Frances, born Sept. 14, 1828, died Aug. 18, 1904; married Norval B. Lamb. 2. William Dart, born March 13, 1834, died Aug. 1, 1877, in Chicago. 3. Mary Ann, born May 31, 1838, died Oct. 1, 1838. Children by second wife: 4. Daughter, born March 15, 1840, died same day. 5. Lucy Hammond, born Sept. 22, 1841, died March 8, 1846. 6. Jacob, Jr., born July 24, 1843, died Feby. 14, 1846. 7. Emma Louise, mentioned below. 8. Mary Simmons, born Dec. 26, 1849. 9. Walter Howland, mentioned below. Io. Eleanor Lewis, born March 1, 1855, died Sept. 15, 1858. II. Willard, mentioned below.

(VII) Emma Louise Manchester, daughter of Jacob Manchester and his wife, Thankful (Stevens) Man- chester, was born at Providence, R. I., July 29, 1846. She and her sister, Mary Simmons Manchester, reside at No. 152 Adelaide avenue, Providence, in the section known as Elmwood. They are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Misses Emma L. and Mary Simmons Manchester are mem- bers of both the Rhode Island Woman's Club and Elmwood Woman's Club. Miss Emma L. Manches- ter has been a member of the board of the Providence Children's Friends' Society for over forty years; was manager many years and is now vice-president of the same.

(VII) Walter Howland Manchester, son of Jacob Manchester, was born in Providence, R. I., August 16, 1851. He received his early education in the public schools of his native town, and later entered and graduated from Scofield's Commercial College. He entered the employ of Manchester & Hopkins as a salesman at the age of eighteen years, continuing with that firm until 1878, when he became a partner in the firm of Manchester & Hudson, dealers in masons' and

builders' supplies, and located in Point street, ne the Point street bridge. In 1910 Mr. Manchest arose to the presidency of the company, when it w incorporated under the laws of Rhode Island, a holds that position to-day. Since his entrance in the firm the business has prospered exceedingly, a Mr. Manchester is known as one of the foremost a: progressive of Providence business men and me chants.

He is equally prominent socially; a member What Cheer Lodge, No. 21, Ancient Free and A cepted Masons; of Providence Chapter, No. I, Roy Arch Masons; of Providence Council, No. I, Roy and Select Masters; of Calvary Commandery, N 13, Knights Templar; Palestine Temple, Nobles the Mystic Shrine; and Rhode Island Consisto (thirty-second degree).

Mr. Manchester married (first), December 31, 187 Ida Davis, daughter of James and julia (Sherman Davis. She died September 8, 1905. Children : Child, died in infancy. 2. Ida Louise, born Oct. I 1875; died Feby. 15, 1878. 3. Edith Howland, ma ried Thomas J. Griffin, now of Abington, Mass., ar has had children: Thomas J., died in infancy; D borah Manchester; Thomas J. (2nd), and Edit Amanda Griffin. Bertha Simmons married J. Forre Perkins, of Providence. Mr. Manchester marrie (second), March 19, 1907, Ella (Patton) Bardee: widow of Bernard Bardeen, and a daughter of Lo: enzo Patton.

(VII) Willard Manchester, son of Jacob Manche: ter, was born at Providence, R. 1., July 27, 1857. H was educated in the Providence public schools. H was for years in the office of Manchester & Hudson and later engaged in the insurance business. He die at his home in Providence, May 1, 1910. He marrie Vesta Louise Trescott, and they had four children. I. Raymond Lindumon, born April 14, 1881, die April 12, 1893. 2. Helen Louise, born April 10, 188: 3. Ruth Frances, born May 22, 1886; married Howar W. Congdor, April 7, 1915; died Jany. 16, 1916. 4 Lewis Trescott, born Oct. 13, 1887, died in infancy

HORACE BROWNING KNOWLES-For mor than half a century the name of Knowles has been prominently identified with the undertaking busines of Providence, being represented here by Horace B and Ellmer F. Knowles, father and son, who suc ceeded one another as the head of the large estab lishment here. Since the death of the latter the busi ness has passed into the hands of his son, Horace E Knowles, and his son-in-law, Harold F. Sanderson It was founded in Providence in the year 1854 by Horace Browning Knowles, a son of John and Han- nah Knowles, of Hopkinton, R. I., where he was born, January 27, 1824. The Knowles family ir Rhode Island has figured prominently in Colonia and State history since the second half of the seven- teenth century. Henry Knowles, immigrant ancestor and progenitor of all of the family of ancient date in Rhode Island, came from London, England, to Ports- mouth, R. I., arriving on April 15, 1635. Of his three

I.49

BIOGRAPHICAL

sis only one, William Knowles, lived to perpetuate t line.

William Knowles, born in 1645, was a resident of Warwick, and of South Kingstown, where he was aive in official life for several decades, serving as duty to the General Assembly in 1706 and 1707. Fs sons, with the exception of John, who removed t Richmond, were residents of South Kingstown. Trough John Knowles descended the Knowles of Ichmond and Hopkinton, of which the late Horace I Knowles was a descendant.

Horace B. Knowles attended the Hopkinton stools, both public and private, until 1842, and then beame an apprentice in the establishment of a cabi- r:maker, where he learned the trade and became an epert workman. He continued in this line until 1854, ad then accepted the appointment as manager of t: undertaking department of Cleveland Brothers of Tovidence, then an important house. Mr. Knowles caducted his department with great skill and sagacity f. thirteen years, from 1854 to 1867, and then re- s,ned, having decided to employ his skill and busi- Iss genius on his own account. For seven years der leaving the firm of Cleveland Brothers he con- ccted an undertaking business in Providence in asociation with James Boyce, the firm being known a Knowles & Boyce, but in 1874 this partnership was osolved, and Mr. Knowles continued his enterprise one. After a number of years he admitted his son Jlmer F. to partnership. The latter eventually tcame his father's successor.

Horace B. Knowles was the first man in Providence t gain an expert knowledge of and to practice the ¿: of embalming. In fact, modern methods of under- ting in this city may be said to have had their Iginnings with Horace B. Knowles. Broad-minded id progressive, upright and honorable, he gave to Is calling a new dignity and a high purpose which krried him through his responsible duties with the list possible obtrusion or display. His successors I've followed in his footsteps, and the business which i known as Horace B. Knowles Sons, Incorporated, id which is the largest of the kind in the State is irried on in the most progressive manner. Every ivention known to modern undertaking has been iplied to its conduct and a mortuary chapel has len added to the establishment at No. 187 Benefit feet. Every detail of the surroundings reflect dig- ity and good taste, and the ability and high reputa- on both of its founder, his capable successor and In, and the present able owners and managers.

Horace Browning Knowles was always active in neral affairs in addition to the carrying on of his wn great business. He was elected the first presi- nt of the New England Undertakers' Association 1868. This organization, now merged with the assachusetts undertakers, was the first of its kind New England, and the second in the entire world. s in his private business, so in his public life, Hor- je B. Knowles was progressive, public-spirited and yal. He met every obligation of his life fairly, and hile modest and quiet by nature he shirked no duty ad left a record of tasks well performed and a busi-

ness greatly advanced from the conditions which had prevailed when he entered it. Although a man of more than seventy-eight years when he laid aside life's burden, he continued at the head of the business which he had founded up to the last, and while many years have elapsed since his death in 1902, his spirit still pervades the work of his successors.

Ellmer F. Knowles, son of Horace Browning and Eliza Mary Knowles, was born September 5, 1850, in Providence, and died there August 28, 1918, after a short illness contracted in his summer home in Maine. He was educated in the Providence schools, and completed his studies at the Scholfield Commercial School from which he was graduated. As a young man he became associated with his father in the lat- ter's undertaking business here, and during the years of preparatory training for greater responsibilities attended full courses of study and was graduated from the United States College of Embalming. As his father advanced in years the younger man naturally shouldered the heavier burdens of the business and finally became its head upon his father's death. In 1902 he admitted his son, Horace E. Knowles, to partnership, and this continued until 1909, when the business was incorporated under the name of Hor- ace B. Knowles' Sons, Incorporated, at which time Harold F. Sanderson was admitted to the business.

Mr. Knowles was a member of Nestell Lodge, No. 37. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Providence Chapter, No. I, Royal Arch Masons; Providence Council, No. 1, Royal and Select Masters; Calvary Commandery, No. 13, Knights Templar; Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and had attained to the thirty-second degree in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. In his youth Mr. Knowles enlisted in the First Regiment of Light Infantry, with which he served twelve years, later continuing his connection through membership in the Veterans' Association until his death. He was fond of the sports of forest and stream, and maintained a summer home at Bridgeton, Me. He was a man of genial manner and a cheerful disposition and was always ready to enjoy the lighter side of life. He was a capable, earnest and sympathetic business man, holding closely to the ideals of his father, which have also become those of the present management.

Ellmer F. Knowles married, June 12, 1874, Ella Frances Evans, a daughter of Charles Henry and Caroline (Jones) Evans, of Nantucket, Mass., where the former was engaged in the whaling business, and was a skilled mariner. Mr. and Mrs. Knowles were the parents of the following children: I. Hor- ace Ellmer, mentioned below. 2. Alice Ella, who mar- ried Harold F. Sanderson, of further mention.

Horace Ellmer Knowles, son of Ellmer F. and Ella Frances (Evans) Knowles, and grandson of Horace Browning Knowles, was born October 6, 1878, at Providence. He attended the public schools of the city, and on completing his studies entered business life in association with his father and grandfather, the three generations of the family remaining in partner- ship until the death of Horace B. Knowles in 1902. Horace Ellmer Knowles entered the business as office

150

HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

assistant, was admitted as partner at the time of the death of his grandfather, and since the demise of his father has become its active head. He has devoted his life to the great family enterprise and has famili- arized himself with its every detail. His devotion and loyalty to high ideals are a potent factor in its present success and high standing. He is a promi- nent member of the Masonic order and belongs to Corinthian Lodge, No. 27, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, being past master; Providence Chapter, No. I, Royal Arch Masons; Providence Council, Royal and Select Masters; Calvary Commandery, No. 13, Knights Templar, and Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Rhode Island Consistory, An- cient Accepted Scottish Rite.

Mr. Knowles married, January 22, 1908, Ann Mar- tin Parker, of Providence, and they are the parents of a daughter, Virginia, born September 17, 1909.

Harold Frank Sanderson, member of the firm of Horace B. Knowles' Sons, Incorporated, was born February 13, 1875, at Waterbury, Conn., and was educated in the public schools of that city. As a youth he obtained familiarity with the drug business, when ill-health compelled him to resign all active business responsibilities. In 1909 he became a partner in the present association and is now one of its active man- agers. For eight years Mr. Sanderson was a mem- ber of the First Regiment of Light Infantry, and for nine years of the First Regiment of Rhode Island National Guard. During the Spanish-American War he served in the First Regiment of Rhode Island Vol- unteers, with the rank of lieutenant, and is now a member of the Spanish-American War Veterans' As- sociation. He is also a prominent Mason, and is affiliated with the What Cheer Lodge, No. 21, An- cient Free and Accepted Masons; Providence Chap- ter, Royal Arch Masons; Providence Council, Royal and Select Masters; St. John's Commandery, Knights Templar; Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and the Rhode Island Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.

Mr. Sanderson married, January 20, 1902, Alice Ella Knowles, daughter of Ellmer F. and granddaug- ter of Horace B. Knowles.

It is an occurrence of sufficient rarity to excite comment, to find three consecutive generations of the same family in one business. The remarkable feature in this case is the fact that the sterling qualities of the founder of the business have been transmitted to his successors, and the successful accomplishment of the senior Mr. Knowles in building and maintaining on a high and modern level an establishment of the Knowles type has inspired the men in whose hands he left the guidance of his business to still higher achievements. The business integrity, the sterling worth, and the personal dignity of the successive heads of the firm have set a high standard among their asso- ciates in the business and professional world.

WILLIAM WINSOR HOPKINS, junior member of the firm of Brown & Hopkins, who run the general store at Chepachet, R. I., and a man of influence in his

community, was born May 8, 1867, at Gloucester, R. I. He is a son of Thomas and Sarah Josephine (Winsor) Hopkins, old and highly respected residents of that place. His father, Mr. Hopkins, Sr., was born October 22, 1829, at Cranston, R. I., but later came to Gloucester, where he passed the remainder of his life, and died March 23, 1897. He was engaged in the occupation of farming for many years, and was highly successful in that line. He married Sarah Josephine Winsor, who was born June 29, 1846, and who survives him, making her home at the present time at Chepachet. They were the parents of the following children: Hattie M., who married Henry Lamb, of Providence, now deceased; William Winsor, with whose career we are here espe- cially concerned; Ida B., who became the wife of Job W. Steere, of Burrillville, R. I., where she died Novem- ber 24, 1905; Minnie M., who became the wife of James Leon Brown, partner of Mr. Hopkins, whose sketch fol- lows; Ernest, who resides at Chepachet and is engaged in the lumber business here with his brother, William Winsor Hopkins; Flora, who became the wife of James L. Stott, of Gloucester.

William Winsor Hopkins received his education at the public schools of Gloucester, R. I., after which he came to Chepachet, where he engaged in the lumber business, and also worked as a teamster in this region for twenty years. He then purchased the interest of Mr. Potter in the general store at Chepachet and became the partner of Mr. Brown, with whom he is still asso- ciated. The business of this store is a large one, and it is now the most important establishment of its kind in this region. Mr. Hopkins is also very active in pub- lic affairs in this region, and is a staunch Republican in politics. He has served the community in the capac- ity of assessor of taxes for the past ten years, and has given complete satisfaction to the entire community. political friend or foe alike, on account of the efficient. manner in which he has handled this work. He is a! member of Chepachet Grange. He and his partner, Mr Brown, are the representative business men of this town; and stand high in the estimation of their fellow-citizens

William Winsor Hopkins was united in marriage September 29, 1892, with Lillian Gustell Brown, a sister of his partner, James Leon Brown. They are the par- ents of one child, Ella Maud, born May 15, 1897, and & graduate of Pascoag ( Rhode Island) High School. He has also adopted Robert H. Steere, his sister's son, who; was born in 1902, and now attends the Moses Browr School at Providence. Mr. Hopkins is the owner of : large farm in this region, where he spends most of his leisure time.

JAMES LEON BROWN, one of the proprietor: of the popular general store at Chepachet, R. I., and member of the firm of Brown & Hopkins, is a native o: Gloucester, R. I., where his birth occurred December 14: 1872. Mr. Brown is a son of James B. and Lucy Eller (Hopkins) Brown, of Foster, R. I. The elder Mr. Brown was a native of Gloucester, and for many years engaged in the lumber business there. Later ir life he took up farming, which he continued until hi: death, October 6, 1904. He was a prominent man ir Gloucester, and served on the Town Council there, and also as overseer of the poor. He married (first) Caro-

CE Lasley

151

BIOGRAPHICAL

e Sprague, of that place, who died in the year 1866, 1 they were the parents of three children: Eugene of Hopedale, Mass .; Frederick F., of Butte y, Cal .; and Nettie A., the wife of Harry :ere, whose death occurred April 13, 1914. James B. own married (second) Lucy Ellen Hopkins, of ster, R. I., whose death occurred March 31, 1890. Of s second union two children were born, as follows : lian Gustell, who became the wife of William Winsor pkins, and James Leon, with whose career we are e especially concerned.

The early life of James Leon Brown was spent at his ive town of Gloucester, R. I., where his education was ained at the local grammar school. After completing studies at that institution, he went to Spindalville, ass., where he secured a position with the West- t Spindle Company, guiding spindles, and held it position for two years. He then returned to his me at Gloucester, where he was engaged in farming * one year, after which he formed a partnership with illiam Horton, of Providence, R. I., with whom he iducted a meat market. After five years of this busi- ss he returned to the farm, where he remained for hteen months, and then purchased the general store at epachet, from Mr. Reed, and continues in this busi- ss at the present time. He is a man of good judg- nt and wide business foresight, and under his man- ement his enterprise has grown until it is one of the ost important of its kind in this region. He is a hard orker and devotes practically all of his time to running business. Although possessed of wide popularity d the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens, Mr. own has never taken any prominent part in local airs nor entered politics.

James Leon Brown was united in marriage Septem- r 26, 1900, with Minnie M. Hopkins, of Chepachet, tere she was born February 19, 1877, a daughter of homas and Sarah J. (Winsor) Hopkins. There have en no children born of this union, but Mr. and Mrs. own have adopted Ruth Evelen Steere as their daugh- . Their residence is at Chepachet, R. I.

CHARLES EDMUND LONGLEY-Barely a half natury of life was allotted to Charles Edmund Longley, t they were years gloriously spent, full of business ccess and honorable effort as a citizen. Thrown upon " own resources in his youth, he rapidly developed a markable business ability, and while yet a minor held portant managerial positions. He climbed the ladder success swiftly and for many years he viewed life bm an assured and eminent position. But there was pre of honorable achievement in his life than his rise the business world. He solved in his own circle the oblems arising between employer and employee, and all the ramifications of his large business the welfare his employees was scrupulously regarded, and he was liked upon by them as their friend as well as their ployer. This friendly, personal relation broke down barriers, banished suspicion and distrust, and estab- hed a true spirit of cooperation which worked for the god of all.

A successful business man, very popular with all Esses, genial, generous and open-hearted, thoroughly ve to his responsibilities as a citizen, Mr. Longley

was the ideal candidate, and as such attracted the envious eyes of the politicians who would have used his manly, personal qualities to further their own ends. Party leaders often importuned him to allow his name to be used as a candidate, the Governorship at one time being vigorously urged upon him. But never for an instant did he waver in his refusal to become a candidate for any public office, great or small, not that he lacked either patriotism or confi- dence in his own ability, but from a pure dislike for public office with its attendant obligation to sur- render so much of his personal independence and thought to conform to party needs. For he was not an opportunist, but held firmly to that which was right and as firmly opposed that which was wrong, party ties never binding his conscience. Hence he lived and died a private citizen, honored, respected and loved by all who knew him, his name a synonym for integrity in the business world, and for loyalty in his social and home circle.

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 38

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