The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 40

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 40

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out the problems which confront the manufacturer. His personal experience as a textile worker was varied and broad, and to this he has added extended tours of travel and study of the conditions which effect or would affect manufacturing interests. Many positions of responsibility and trust offered him have been re- fused, from the fact that to accept them would be equivalent to a surrendering of those things which had become his very life, his manufacturing interests. But from his coming to Rhode Island, nearly half a century ago, he has manifested a deep interest in the welfare and advancement of his community, and is one of the potent forces responsible for the good which has attended the passing of the years.

His work in purely local affairs may be told quickly, but the good accomplished cannot be told. As a Young Men's Christian Association worker, he has given liberally of his time and means, succeeding to the presidency of the Bristol branch, October 1, 1883, and ever continuing his interest. He was chairman of the committee in charge of the erection of Hydraulion Engine House, the Walley and the Oliver street school houses, and the purchase of the town waterworks. He was appointed sewer commissioner in 1900, and Bristol's fine sewerage system is due largely to his public spirit and interest. He serves as a trustee of the Public Library, and has kept in touch with his army comrades through the medium of Babbit's Post, No. 15, Grand Army of the Republic, with which he has been con- nected since its organization. Mr. Dixon is very prom- inent in Masonic circles, being a member of Saint Al- ban's Lodge, No. 6, Free and Accepted Masons, of Bristol, the Council of Warren, St. John's Command- ery, Knights Templar, of Providence, R. I., Con- sistory; also member and past noble grand of United Brothers Lodge, No. 13, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Bristol. He is a past department com- mander of Rhode Island and there is no better known or more highly respected member of the Grand Army in the State. Politically, Mr. Dixon is a Republican, was elected in 1907 to the House of Representatives from Bristol, and in 1908, he was elected state senator from Bristol. His senatorial career was marked by close attention to committee and floor work, his votes prompted by a careful consideration of each question submitted to him. Personally he is a man of agreeable manner and genial disposition, a friend to every man who will be friendly, upright and just in all his inter- course with his fellowmen. He is a member of the County Club, at Barrington, Turk's Head Club of Prov- idence, and various other organizations, also a member of the Southern New England Textile Club.

Mr. Dixon married, August 14, 1872, at Uxbridge, Mass., Annie Prest, daughter of William and Rebecca (Morton) Prest, both born in Blackburn, England. Mr. and Mrs. Dixon are the parents of three sons and two daughters: Fred Morton, born March 12, 1874; Ezra (2), Oct. 12, 1877; Annie Rebecca, Sept. 28, 1879; William Garfield, July 4, 1883; Fern, Jany. 13, 1888, the wife of Edward J. Leahy, of Bristol. The eldest child was born at Hopedale, Mass., the other chil- dren at Bristol, R. I. Nearing the age of three score and ten, Mr. Dixon can review a successful and happy life, and is a self-made man in every sense of the word.

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HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

WALTER ALLEN SCOTT, late head of the firm of J. B. Barnaby Company, and for a period of over twenty-five years one of the foremost figures in the fraternal and business life of the city of Providence, was born in the town of Cumberland, R. I., May 14, 1846, the son of Louis and Harriet (Jenckes) Scott. He was descended both paternally and maternally from several of the oldest and most notable of Rhode Island Colonial families. The town of Cumberland has been the home of the Scotts for several generations. The surname itself is of most ancient and honorable antiqu- ity, and is found in the earliest of Scotch and English registers. It signifies literally "the Scot," one who came from Scotland.

The founder of the Scott family in Rhode Island was Richard Scott, an English gentleman of culture and substance, who came first to Ipswich, in the Massachu- setts Colony, whither in 1637 he removed to Providence. Here he became the owner of a large estate. Richard Scott and his wife later espoused Quakerism and suf- fered persecution at the hands of the Massachusetts authorities for their belief. It is claimed that he was the first Quaker resident at Providence. His wife, Catherine (Marbury) Scott, was the daughter of Rev. Francis and Bridget (Dryden) Marbury, of London, and niece of Sir Erasmus Dryden, Bart., grandfather of the poet, Dryden. Their descendants settled through- out Providence county.

Walter Allen Scott was educated in the schools of Cumberland. At the outbreak of the Civil War he was but sixteen years old. After repeated efforts to gain admission to Rhode Island units, he finally succeeded in August, 1862, by misrepresenting his age, and was en- rolled in the Twelfth Regiment, Rhode Island Volun- teers. This regiment was formed from the overflow of the Eleventh in which young Scott had tried to enlist. The unit was sent immediately to the fighting front, and Mr. Scott took part in December, 1862, in the battle of Fredericksburg and in several of the major engagements of the spring of 1863. His father, who was a member of Battery B, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, was wounded at Fredericksburg. Mr. Scott served unscathed throughout the term of his enlistment and was mustered out of the service on July 29, 1863. He returned to Cumberland, where for the next two years he worked in a general store. He then began preparation for business life in the Bryant & Stratton Business College of Providence, from which he was graduated in 1868. In the same year he secured the position of assistant bookkeeper with the J. B. Barnaby Company of Providence, and thus began his connection with the firm of which he subsequently became general manager and president. Mr. Scott rose rapidly to a position of responsibility and importance in the firm, and was an active factor in its development and growth. He was an able organizer and executive, keenly alert to every changing phase of the business. He was a man of keen foresight, swift and sure in his decisions, and most progressive in his policies. He became presi- dent of the J. B. Barnaby Company, in 1900, and held the office until his death.

Walter Allen Scott was long a prominent figure in fraternal and patriotic circles in the State of Rhode Island. He was a member of Prescott Post, No. I,

Grand Army of the Republic, and has held numero offices in the department of Rhode Island. On Octobu 19, 1912, he was a elected junior vice department con mander. He was a member of Mount Moriah Lodg' No. 8, Free and Accepted Masons, of Lincoln; Pav, tucket Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Pawtucket Cour, cil, No. 2, Royal and Select Masters; Holy Sepulch !! Commandery, No. 8, Knights Templar, and Palestin Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Myst Shrine. He belonged also to the Roger Williams Se ciety, to Unity Council, No. 277, Royal Arcanum, ar to Providence Lodge, No. 182, of the Knights of Hono In all of these organizations he was highly esteeme

On November 22, 1868, Mr. Scott married Hele M. Whipple, daughter of Daniel Whipple, of Cun berland, R. I., and a descendant of the ancient Whipp family of Providence and Cumberland, which has fiş ured notably in Rhode Island affairs since the midd of the seventeenth century. Daniel Whipple married Adaline Peck, daughter of Jesse F. Peck, of Pelhar Mass., and a descendant in the seventh generation Joseph Peck, founder of the family in America. (S Peck VII). Mr. and Mrs. Scott were the parents four children, two of whom are: I. Walter Osgoo was graduated at the Massachusetts Institute of Tec! nology; is a chemist of note; married, in Providenc Louise Holworth. 2. Wilbur Allen, was educated the schools of Providence; is now engaged in leg practice and in the insurance business; married Sybel Sykes, daughter of Robert H. Sykes, of Augusta, Ga they are the parents of three sons, Wilbur Carleto Harold Leroy, Kenneth Allen. Mrs. Scott is a memb of the Elmwood Woman's Club and Ardirhebiah Clu and is well known in social circles in the city. SI makes her home during the summer months on the o. Whipple homestead at Diamond Hill, and during tl winter at No. 398 Blackstone street, Providend Walter Allen Scott died at his home in Providenc, December 30, 1912.

(The Peck Line).

The Peck families of New England take rank amor the oldest and foremost in the country. Several ir migrants of the name settled in the American Coloni in the seventeenth century. Foremost among thes however, were Joseph and the Rev. Robert Peck, son of Robert Peck, of Beccles, County Suffolk, Englan and descendants of a most ancient and honorable En. lish family whose lineage is traced for twenty gener tions prior to the founding of the family in Americ The surname is of great antiquity, and is found Belton, Yorkshire, at a very early date. From Belt( branches of the original house spread all over Englar and into every English-speaking country. A branch se tled in Hesden and Wakefield, Yorkshire, whose d scendants moved to Beccles and were the ancestors the American immigrants. The family in America h. figured prominently in history since the middle of tl seventeenth century. That part of Massachusetts whi borders upon Rhode Island has long been the home . the branch herein under consideration.

(I) Joseph Peck, immigrant ancestor, was baptize in Beccles, County Suffolk, England, the son of Robe and Helen (Babbs) Peck. In 1638 he and other Pur

& P Browns

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BIOGRAPHICAL

tas, with his brother, Rev. Robert Peck, their pastor, fl from the persecutions of their church to America. Try came in the ship "Diligent," of Ipswich, John Mrtin, master. The records of Hingham, Mass., con- ta the following entry: "Mr. Joseph Peck and his we, with three sons and a daughter and two men serants and three maid servants, came from Old Hing- ha and settled at New Hingham." He was granted a use lot of seven acres adjoining that of his brother, ar he remained at Hingham seven years, at the end ofthat time removing to Seekonk. At Hingham he w deputy to the General Court in 1639, and later held inortant town offices; was selectman, justice of the pece, assessor, etc. In 1641 he was one of the prin- cil purchasers of the Indian lands called Seekonk, airwards the town of Rehoboth; this tract included th present towns of Rehoboth, Mass., and Seekonk and Pvtucket, R. I. He removed, after 1645, to his new hoe. An incident of the trip is recorded in the town rords of Rehoboth. "Mr. Joseph Peck and three oters at Hingham, being abont to remove to Seaconk, ring thither they sheltered themselves and their hises in an Indian wigwam, which by some occasion to‹ fire, and, although there were four in it and labred to their utmost, burnt three of their horses to deth, and all their goods, to the value of fifty pounds." H was appointed to assist in matters of controversy at:ourt, and in 1650 was authorized to perform mar- ri;es. He was second on the tax list, and from all in cations was one of the wealthiest men of his time in he southeastern part of the Massachusetts Colony. Irsome instances land granted to Joseph Peck is still ouied by his descendants. His house was upon the pln in the northerly part of the "Ring of the Town," ner the junction of the present Pawtucket with the old B ton and Bristol road. He died December 23, 1663. H sons united in amplification of the written will wch was made on his death bed, and the court ac- cered it as part of the will. He married, at Hingham, E;land, (first), Rebecca Clark, May 21, 1617; she dil and was buried October 24, 1637. The name of hi second wife is unknown.

[I) Joseph (2) Peck, son of Joseph (1) and Rebec- ca( Clark) Peck, was baptized in England, August 23, if3, and accompanied his father to America in 1638, seling at Hingham. He later removed to Seekonk, wire he became a prosperous land owner. His will w dated March, 1701.

III) Jathniel Peck, son of Joseph (2) Peck, was 001 in Hingham in 1660. He settled near his father inRehoboth, and took an active part in local affairs ling his entire life. He was deputy to the General Cirt in 1721-22-23-26-27-28-29-30-31. He gave land to h church. Jathniel Peck died April 5, 1742, aged ilty-two years; his gravestone is still standing. His we Sarah died June 4, 1717, aged forty-six years.

[V) Ichabod Peck, son of Jathniel and Sarah Peck, w born in Rehoboth, Mass., March 9, 1600-91. He seled in that part of Attleborough which is now Cum- Mand, R. I., where he purchased lands as early as Dober 23, 1721. He purchased of John Sweetland a It of land with dwelling house, etc., lying at the 16th end of Red Earth Hill, on each side of the road c)iamond Hill. According to the records of Taunton

and the proprietors' records of Attleborough, Ichabod Peck was the owner of large tracts of land, laid out to him, and in right of his father and grandfather in the common lands. He was one of the leading citizens of Attleborough, where he held office frequently. He was also active in Cumberland affairs. He married Judith Paine, daughter of Samuel Paine; she died November 26, 1778. He died July 8, 1773.

(V) Solomon Peck, son of Ichabod and Judith (Paine) Peck, was born April 19, 1733, at Rehoboth, Mass. Early in life he settled in the southwestern part of Wrentham, Mass. Contemporary records show him to have been a wealthy gentleman farmer, a man of dis- tinction and influence in the community. He married Mercy Foster, who was born May 22, 1734, daughter of Ebenezer Foster, of Cumberland. He died December 31, 1802.

(VI) Jesse F. Peck, son of Solomon and Mercy (Foster) Peck, was born in Wrentham, Mass., April 2, 1777. He was a resident of the town of Pelham, and in the latter part of his life a prosperous farmer there, and a leading citizen. He married (first) Anna Cole, daughter of Joseph Cole, of Cumberland, R. I .; (sec- ond), Martha Tingley, daughter of Samuel Tingley.

(VII) Adaline Peck, daughter of Jesse F. Peck, be- came the wife of Daniel Whipple, of Cumberland, and the mother of Helen May Whipple, widow of the late Walter Allen Scott, of Providence. (See Scott).

LEONARD PEARCE BOSWORTH, one of the most progressive and prosperons business men of Bar- rington, R. I., where he is the owner of a large general store and mercantile business, is a member of an old and distinguished New England family, which was founded in this country as early as 1634 when Edward Bosworth, the immigrant ancestor, and his wife Mary, embarked for New England in the ship "Elizabeth and Dorcas." Edward Bosworth himself died when the ship was nearing the port of Boston, but his son, Nathaniel Bos- worth, who accompanied his parents, settled at Reho- both, then in Massachusetts, and the Mr. Bosworth of this sketch is of the ninth generation in direct descent from him. The line is as follows: Edward Bosworth, died at sea; Nathaniel, son of Edward Bosworth; Jos- eph, son of Nathaniel Bosworth; Joseph (2), son of Joseph (1) Bosworth, born Sept. 12, 1683; Joseph (3), son of Joseph (2) Bosworth, born Dec. 8, 1721; Cap- tain Samuel Bosworth, son of Joseph (3) Bosworth, born May 19, 1744; he was active during the Revolution and was a lieutenant of a Barrington company in 1775, and was appointed a captain by the town, Feby. 12, 1776, commanding two guns; he saw active service at Warren and Bristol; he died March 4, 1824; Pearce, son of Captain Samuel Bosworth, born Oct. 12, 1787; Leonard Smith, son of Pearce Bosworth; Leonard Pearce of this review.

Leonard Pearce Bosworth is a son of Leonard Smith Bosworth, who was born June 20, 1821, and resided at Barrington, R. I. Leonard Smith Bosworth was the founder of the great business now operated by his son at this place, and was a well known and prosperous citizen here. He married, Angust 10, 1848, Lanra Dunn, daughter of Henry and Rachel (Goldthwait) Dunn, of Northbridge, Mass., and they were the parents of the

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HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

following children : Caroline S., born May 21, 1852, and became the wife of Charles K. Reed, of Worcester, Mass .; and Leonard Pearce, with whose career we are here especially concerned.

Born November 7, 1856, at Barrington, R. I., Leonard Pearce Bosworth, only son of Leonard Smith and Laura (Dunn) Bosworth, passed his childhood in his native town, where he attended the private school of Professor Cady. At the age of sixteen years, however, he com- pleted his studies and commenced work in his father's establishment. The property owned by the Bosworth family has many historical associations, and the grounds now occupied by Harvard College were originally the Bosworth farm. They were also the owners of the old coal yard, which has remained in their possession for more than one hundred and fifty years and where one of the first trading posts in Rhode Island was estab- lished by his ancestors, and it was here that the young man first began his mercantile career. The original business at this place was in bunker coal, and in 1881 Mr. Bosworth, Sr., purchased a lot at Barrington Center, where he built a small store and added a busi- ness in grain to his original occupation. He also began dealing in groceries and in 1883 added a full line of mason's material. For four years the present Mr. Bos- worth operated this place, the combined business being conducted under the name of L. S. Bosworth & Son. In the year 1885 the firm completed the present store and here dealt in a full line of coal, lumber, mason's materials, wood, grain, hay, straw, flour, feed, paints, oil and groceries. In the year 1888 the elder Mr. Bos- worth died, but the business was continued under the same name until 1902, when it became known as it is at present, as L. P. Bosworth. Mr. Bosworth has greatly increased his establishment, having nearly doubled it in the past twenty years, and has increased his trade in other portions of the State. In politics Mr. Bosworth has always been a Republican and he has been active in public affairs, having served in several capacities here. For a year he was a member of the City Council and during that time proved himself an able and efficient public servant. He is a Congrega- tionalist in religious belief and attends the church of that denomination at Barrington.

Leonard Pearce Bosworth married, May 11, 1881, Evelyn Maxwell Peck, a daughter of Albert and Susan R. (Smith) Peck, and they are the parents of two children, as follows: Miriam Louise, born September 3, 1889, and Albert Leonard, born April 23, 1892, and now associated with his father in the management of the business.

PETER J. TRUMPLER, whose death occurred in Pawtucket, R. I., on June 26, 1910, had for several decades been a figure of prominence in the newspaper and printing worlds of Providence and Pawtucket. From the time of his entry into the business world he had been connected with printing and publishing en- terprises, and in the course of his career in Rhode Island newspaper circles, was a member of the staffs of the Providence "Sunday Transcript," the Providence "Even- ing Telegram," the Pawtucket "Times," and the Prov- idence "News."

Peter J. Trumpler was born in Germany, October

16, 1847, the son of parents in excellent circumsta es. He accompanied his parents to America early in fe, settling in the town of Mansfield, O., where het- tended the local public schools until he reached the ge of sixteen years. He was then apprenticed to the of D. Meyers & Brothers, publishers, of Mans id. After learning his trade he worked as a journeyma'in Ohio, until 1866, when he came East, and settlin, in Providence, R. I., became associated with the Pli- dence "Journal," and "Evening Bulletin," as a co- poser and pressman. He later became foreman of ne "Evening Press," of Providence, continuing in fis capacity until 1872, when he entered business indep'd- ently. In this year he published the first and fly official organ of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Islanchf the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; this was kn/n as the "Odd Fellow Register." In 1873 Mr. Trumjer entered into partnership with two gentlemen long's- tablished in the printing trade, under the firm nam of Reynolds, Mackinnon & Trumpler. This venture las successful, but was eventually dissolved, Mr. Trumler uniting with the Providence "Sunday Transcript," lad the Providence "Evening Telegram," with whichhe remained from 1880 until 1889. He next associed himself with David & Black, of Pawtucket, owner of the Pawtucket "Times," and was active on the 'f of this newspaper over twenty years, as business r'- ager, when he assumed the business management ofne Providence "News," which subsequently became he "News Democrat." For nearly forty-five years, t. Trumpler was active and prominent in newspaper cines in Providence and Pawtucket. He was an able or, 1- izer and executive, talented in handling men, and In in meeting and suiting the demands of the public. In December 12, 1868, he became a member of the Pri- dence Typographical Union, No. 33. He was :Il known in club and fraternal circles in Providence ld Pawtucket, and was a member of Roger Willi 1s Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of de Knights of Pythias, and of the Rhode Island Pas Club.

Peter J. Trumpler married, October 21, 1867, Ell:G. Chase, daughter of George and Alfreda (Burlinga :) Chase, of Providence, and member of a prominent ld Rhode Island family. Mrs. Trumpler survives er husband, and resides at No. 35 Main street, Pawtuc t They were the parents of one daughter, Mary, .10 married, April 24, 1912, Dr. W. A. Gaylord, of Pr- tucket, son of the late Dr. W. A. Gaylord, who is born near Westfield, Mass., June 17, 1820, was a gil- uate of Trinity College, and of the Harvard Mecal School, and for forty years was one of the foren st members of the medical profession in Pawtucket, FI. He died April 24, 1912. Mr. Trumpler died at his hue in Pawtucket, R. I., June 26, 1910.

GEORGE GOSLING-The surname Gosling isof ancient French origin, and found its way into Engl d at the time of the Norman Conquest. It is of baptis al classification, signifying literally "the son of Goce" if "Josse," and is taken from the diminutive Goceliner Josselin. It appears in ancient English registers un:r the forms Goslin, Gosline, Gosling, Goslings, Gostl' ?. The g is excresent. Goce and Josse track back to ,e

James lee 1

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BIOGRAPHICAL

ncient Latin and are cognate with joy and joyous in rigin. The name was rendered popular by St. Josse, he hermit, who refused the sovereignty of Brittany. "he parent name is nearly forgotton, however, but lives 1 the wide favor of the diminute Jocelyn. From the rst in England there was an interchangeable use of he initial letters G or J, and there was an attendant ifference in pronounciation. Thus it is that we have Gosling and Joscelyn, while both are the same name. branches of the family have been prominent in English istory since the Norman Conquest. Families of the ame were established in America in the early part of le seventeenth century, but the line herein under con -. ideration is English. The Gosling coat-of-arms is as ollows :

Arms-Gules a chevron between three crescents er- ine.

Crest-An eagle's head erased sable charged with a rescent ermine.

The late George Gosling, former president of the R. lews Manufacturing Company, of Central Falls, R. I., ne of the foremost manufacturers of New England ngaged in the production of spinning machinery, was native of England, where he was born, February 23, 345, in Hyde, Cheshire, the son of Thomas and Mary .. (Chadwick) Gosling. Thomas Gosling was born 1 Cheshire, and at the age of ten years secured employ- ient in the cotton mill of John Sidebottom, a manu- icturer of cloth. He worked gradually through posi- ons of minor importance to the post of manager of le mill. In 1850, at the beginning of a promising ireer, he died. He married Mary A. Chadwick, and ley were the parents of the following children: I. A mild that died in infancy. 2. Sarah, the widow of Hon. astwood Eastwood, of Central Falls, R. I. 3. John, ho was a member of the R. Plews Manufacturing ompany for several years prior to his death in South- ort, England. 4. Jane, who married John McAllen, f Pawtucket, and died in Pawtucket. 5. George, men- oned below.

After the death of her husband, Mrs. Gosling mar- ed (second), Robert Plews, and in 1856 came to merica with her family, locating first in Providence, hence she removed first to Pawtucket, and later to entral Falls. Here Mr. Plews engaged in the tinware isiness. A man of fine inventive ability, he invented, itented and became the manufacturer of the tin cyl- der for spinning frames, an invention which was idely acclaimed in manufacturing circles. He was ghly successful in the manufacturing business, which : conducted for several years. He later took his step- ins, John and George Gosling into partnership, the 'm name becoming R. Plews & Company. In 1871 r. Plews withdrew from the business, and retired om active business life. He died in Central Falls, ily 23, 1877; his widow died May 8, 1883; both are iried in Moshassuck Cemetery.

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The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 40

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