The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 46

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 46

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).

For eight years Mr. Fales resided in New York City, but later purchased the fine old Whitcomb home- stead in East Providence, and there was the gentle- man farmer and poultry fancier. He has traveled widely in all countries, and twice has circumnavigated the globe. As an art lover of discrimination and tact, he has collected some of the best work of old and modern masters, and his library has ever been to him a source of rare pleasure. Perhaps no finer library can be found in a private home, and to its gathering he has devoted a fortune and a great deal of time.

Since his reelection as director of the American Brass Band, Incorporated, in 1909, he has had a new interest in life, and his nine years' leadership has gone far to restore the prestige of that organization, the oldest and one of the most famous bands in the United States, dating its history from 1837. The years since 1910 have greatly increased the appreciation in which he is held by music lovers, and he has done a great deal in an artistic way, and materially the band has wonderfully prospered through his connection. The band library was presented to him and to it he has added several thousand dollars' worth of music and accessories. The base drum used is the most notable in the United States, and although many manufacturers have attempted to duplicate it, they have always met with failure. This drum, with other noted instruments and the library, will eventually be placed in the Antiquarian Library. A large part of Mr. Fales' time is spent in this unselfish work of recreating a wonderful musical organization, his only motive being his regard for the organization and love of music. The only reward he can receive will be artistic success, and that he both craves and receives. A history of the American Brass Band will follow.

Mr. Fales is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to Union Lodge, No. 10, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Pawtucket; Royal Arch Chap- ter, Royal Arch Masons, Pawtucket; Holy Sepulcher Commandery, Knights Templar, of Pawtucket; and Palestine Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Providence. He is also a member of the Improved Order of Red Men; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 14, of Providence, of which he is past exalted ruler, and What Cheer Lodge of Harbor Pilots, of Providence. His clubs are the Rhode Island, New York Yacht, and Lambs of New York City, and he is an associate member of Prescott Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of Providence, and Providence Veteran Fireman Association.

He married (first) Carrie B. Hopkins, daughter of Harley and Sarah B. Hopkins, of Providence. Mr. and Mrs. Fales were the parents of Harrie Lee, an expert accountant of Providence, and Leroy Ather- ton, enlisted in the United States Navy, August, 1917, and is now an ensign in regular naval service. Mr. Fales married (second) Minnie L. Wheldon, of East Provi- dence. Mrs. Fales passed away June 9, 1914.

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN BRASS BAND AND ORCHESTRA.

Organized about 1837; Warren S. Fales, secretary- director. The following is a list of the fourteen origi- nal members and the instruments played :

Joseph C. Greene . E Bugle

Benjamin G. West. . 1st B Bugle Principal

Simon Packard. . B Bugle Primo

Esbeck B. MacDonald. B Bugle Secondo

Seth B. Cook, Jr

. E Trumpet

Henry S. Cartee. .

B Post Horn

Alfred Potter

. Small Drum

David T. Capron.

.1st French Horn

Joshua Hathaway

2nd French Horn

Benjamin J. Bliven.

. Tenor Trombone

Moses C. Dunbar .. Bass Trombone

Henry E. Barney. . Bass Horn

William G. Dickney. . Bass Drum

Benjamin P. Robinson Fife and Cymbals

180

HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

The band gave their first concert in 1838, directed by Joseph C. Greene, and in 1853, by special act of General Assembly, was incorporated. The following section 4 of the charter is notable by the fact that no other social organization of America was ever exempted from duties as per this enactment:

All members of said Band so long as they shall con- tinue regularly enrolled shall be exempted from bear- ing arms or doing military duty in the several com- panies or training bands in whose districts they may severally belong, and shall likewise be exempted from jury duty. They shall be required to perform such military duty as is from time to time required by law of the chartered military companies or militia of this State, and shall receive such compensation from time to time allowed to the chartered military companies or military of this State, such compensation to be paid by the general treasurer in the same form and manner upon the return of the president of the band, as is or may be required by law upon the return of military of the State; provided, that whenever the Second Bri- gade shall be ordered to appear for inspection and review, not more than once a year, said Band shall be required to appear with said Brigade without receiv- ing any additional compensation.

On April 15, 1861, it was voted that if the Band be called upon by the Governor to go to Washington with First Rhode Island Regiment, it would be their duty to go. J. C. Greene, Wm. E. Whiting and W. B. Kings- ley were appointed as committee to make necessary arrangements, inquire as to duty, obligations, etc. Afterwards they were visited by the Governor and Adjutant General, the Governor making a speech and accepting their services and ordered to hold them- selves in readiness. Each man gave his signature and voted to go irrespectful of compensation for their services.

On April 20, 1861, the Band left for Washington, an immense crowd witnessing their departure amid tre- mendous cheering. The following are the names of those who enlisted in the Government service for three months:

Joseph C. Greene, T. P. Fenner, William E. Whiting, William W. Hull, S. G. Whittemore, J. C. Harrington, S. R. Sweet,

B. G. Reynolds, A. Heise, George E. Mason,

E. A. Paine,

W. L. Reynolds,

E. L. Potter,

W. B. Kingsley, A. E. Mowry, S. J. Sweet, I. A. Heald, A. E. Dickerson,

C. J. Pullen, Wm. F. Marshall,

S. D. Spink (served 3 months 17 days);

W. L. Dunbar.

While in Washington, I. A. Heald was discharged, Willard Haskell carrying en and taking his place in the band. A few days after Henry Dana and Abijal M. Pond joined, making the number twenty-four pieces. All returned with their regiment, July 28, after par- ticipating in the Battle of Bull Run, July 21, none of them injured.

In November. 1861, J. C. Greene enlisted again with the Fourth Rhode Island Regiment of Volunteers. S. G. Whittemore, A. Heise in the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. T. P. Fenner and W. B. Kingsley enlisted in the Naval Academy Band at Newport.

On December 25, 1865, Joseph C. Greene, leader of the Band for twenty-eight years, sent in his resignation together with a beautifully composed letter full of regrets and sadness at the thoughts of leaving the organization with which he had so pleasantly been associated for so many years.

At a special meeting the Band accepted his resigna- tion with deepest regrets. Several resolutions were passed, one in particular being worthy of preservation; "That as a token of our respect and high appreciation of his past service, we tender him our gratuitous aid for a benefit concert every year as long as the present members can control the Band, said concerts to be given in Providence, Rhode Island."

The Band's next leader was D. W. Reeves, who be- came a member and leader, February 17, 1866. On November 7, 1887, the Band gave their fiftieth anniver- sary concert, directed by D. W. Reeves, the program a repetition of the first concert given in 1838. The then surviving members, all of whom took part, were: Joseph C. Greene, Benjamin G. West, Alfred Potter and Benjamin P. Robinson. The hall was filled to capacity

and many congratulatory telegrams were received by Mr. Reeves.

April 19, 1865, the Band volunteered their services with the Second Brigade for the funeral services of their loved and honored president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.

March 26, 1910, Benjamin P. Robinson, one of the charter members of the American Brass Band, died in his ninety-sixth year, the last of the charter members to pass to another world.

In March, 1900, D. W. Reeves, leader of the American Brass Band, passed away in Providence. At his funeral the church was filled to capacity and over two thou- sand people stood outside. A simple and impressive service of the Masonic order was read as the people passed out of the church. The floral tributes and remembrances were larger than at any previous funeral service in the city. The most noteworthy piece was that of the members of the American Brass Band, a conductor's music stand, four feet in height, on it a page of white with the clef and bars and three notes, at the bottom the word which marks the closing of the selection, "Finis." John Philip Sousa sent a basket containing two hundred bridesmaid roses, hesides seventy-five pieces and designs from his individual friends. Floral offerings were also sent by Corinthian Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Calvary and St. John Commanderies, Knights Tem- plar; Orpheus Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Leader Maitland of the Rockland Band; American Band Veteran Association; the National Band; Musical Club; What Cheer Assembly of Good Fellows; Mann Eccles; The Union Club; American Watch Factory Band; Felix R. Wendelschaefer; Bohe- mian Quintet; and Providence Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

The present officers of the American Band are: Joseph LeMaire, president; Warren R. Fales, secre- tary and leader.

On January 15, 1918, the band voted to offer their services as an organization to the United States. A letter, viz., was sent to Governor R. L. Beekman and the adjutant-general of the United States:

I do not know what importance is attached to mill- tary bands in the war, but I assume that there is some military music required. Therefore, I take pleas- ure in saying to your Excellency that the "American Band" of this city, which volunteered and served in the War of the Rebellion, is now ready to volunteer its services to the United States under such regula- tions as have been established for like organizations that enter the Federal service.

Very respectfully, (Signed) WARREN R. FALES,

Secretary.

In reply Adjutant-General Abbott said :

Mr. Warren R. Fales,

Director American Band:

Dear Sir :- His Excellency, the Governor, directs me to acknowledge with thanks your letter of the 15th instant, and to say that so far as volunteering for service to the United States is concerned he no longer has any authority in such matters, as the National Guard are all in Federal service.

Respectfully yours, (Signed ) CHARLES W. ABBOTT, Adjutant General.

WELCOME ARNOLD GREENE-There were among the early settlers of Rhode Island three men who bore precisely the same name-John Greene- who were the founders of eminent Rhode Island fami- lies, but who were, so far as is known, unrelated by birth to each other. One of these immigrants settled in Newport, one at Warwick, and the other at Quid- nesett Neck in North Kingston. All were founders of families which have figured prominently in the history of Rhode Island, and which to the present day rank among the foremost in the State. Welcome Arn- old Greene, a prominent figure in business life in

181

BIOGRAPHICAL

Providence in the latter half of the nineteenth cen- tury, was a descendant of the famous Dr. Greene, surgeon, founder of the well-known Warwick family of Greene, through his maternal ancestry, and of John Greene, of Kings Town, paternally. The coat-of- arms of the family is as follows:

Arms -- Azure three bucks trippant or. Crest -- Out of a crown a buck's head or. Motto-Nec sperno nec timeo.

(I) John Greene, known in the records as John Greene of Kings Town, came to Narragansett about the year 1639, living in the family of Richard Smith, as his testimony shows. In 1663, he with others of Wickford, declared themselves in favor of being under jurisdiction of Connecticut, rather than of Rhode Island. On May 20, 1670, having changed his alle- giance to the Colony of Rhode Island, he took the oath. On January 1, 1672, he with five others bought of Awashuwett, Chief Sachem of Quoheset, in Narra- gansett, certain land there. In 1678-79 he served as conservator of the peace. He was the owner of con- siderable land in the early settlement at Kings Town, and was prominent in affairs. He married Joan -, and they were the parents of four children, sons, all of whom settled in the vicinity of and about Kings Town.

(III) John Greene, grandson of John Greene, the founder, was of West Greenwich, R. I., where he was a prosperous farmer, and the owner of considerable landed property. He married, and among his children was Caleb, mentioned below.

(IV) Caleb Greene, son of John Greene, was of East Greenwich, R. I. He married, November 26, 1741, Mary Greene, daughter of Jabez and Grace V. (Whitman) Greene. (See Greene, of Warwick, IV). She was half-sister of Nathanael Greene, father of the famous Revolutionary hero, General Nathanael Greene. Caleb Greene died September 3, 1743, and his widow married (second) a Mr. Atwood.

(V) Nathan Greene, only child of Caleb and Mary (Greene) Greene, was born in East Greenwich, R. I., November 2, 1742, and died there May 19, 1809. He was a farmer on a large scale, and a prominent citizen of East Greenwich all his life. He married (first), January 14, 1764, Hannah Greene, daughter of James Greene, and a descendant of John Greene, surgeon. She was born October 5, 1743, and died May 11, 1789. He married (second) Abigail Arnold, who was born in May, 1754, and died in 1838, daughter of Jonathan and Abigail (Smith) Arnold, and a descendant in the fifth generation of Thomas Arnold, of Providence, founder of the family in Rhode Island.

(VI) Welcome Arnold Greene, son of Nathan and Abigail (Arnold) Greene, was born in East Green- wich, R. I., November 17, 1795, and died at Provi- dence, R. I., in 1871. On completing his education he entered the employ of his mother's brother in Provi- dence. For many years he went as supercargo for the firm on boats engaged in the coastwise trade, and subsequently was employed in the counting room of the firm in Providence. He was advanced to a posi- tion of great responsibility and trust, and in the course of his connection with the firm was sent on missions

to Russia and South America. At the time of his retirement from business life, he was a man of consid- erable means and property. Mr. Greene was well known in business and social circles in Providence. His home until his death was on Prospect Hill. In his latter years he gave much time and attention to historical research, and was a member and treas- urer of the Rhode Island Historical Society. Like many of his ancestors he was a member of the Society of Friends.

Welcome Arnold Greene married (first), November 11, 1826, Sarah, daughter of Zenas and Hannah (Hus- sey) Gardner, of Nantucket; she died October 30, 1833. He married (second), December 13, 1838, Caro- line Austin, daughter of Daniel and Rachel (Gardner) Austin. The living children of the second marriage are: Sarah, Nathan, John J., Carver, and M. Louise Greene. Sarah married, in 1868, Gustav Adolf Lenz, a native of Stutgart, Germany, who died in Provi- dence, in 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Lenz were the parents of the following children: i. Charles Howard, de- ceased, a wool broker of Providence. ii. Arnold Bechter, one of the foremost monumental designers of New York City, also a well-known composer of music. iii. Oscar Louis, a sculptor of note; studied under St. Gaudens. iv. Gustav Radeke, well-known singer. v. George Collins, connected with the Providence Ice Company. vi. Howard Greene, manager of one of the Liggett stores of Providence. Mrs. Lenz, who survives her husband, is well known in Providence. She is a member of the Society of Mayflower De- scendants, and of the Rhode Island Historical Society.

(Greene of Warwick).

(I) John Greene, surgeon, immigrant ancestor of the Warwick Greenes, was born in 1597, probably at Bowridge Hall, Gillingham, County Dorset, England, where his father and grandfather resided. He was a surgeon at Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, where he married (first) in 1619. He sailed for this country from Southampton, England, in the ship "James," April 6, 1635, arriving in Boston, June 3 of the same year. He lived first at Salem, Mass., for a short time, and in 1637 was of New Providence, where lie was brought before court for speaking contemptuously of the magistrates, and fined twenty pounds and ordered to remain outside the jurisdiction of Massachusetts. In 1638 he sent a letter to the court charging it with usurping the power of Christ and men's consciences, and again was ordered not to come within the juris- diction under penalty of imprisonment. On October 8, 1638, he was one of the twelve to whom Roger Wil- liams deeded land purchased of Canonicus and Mian- tonomi, and in the following year he was one of the twelve original members of the Baptist church. In 1642-43 he was made purchases of land. In the latter year he and others were summoned to Massachusetts court to hear the complaint of Pomham and Socco- nocco as to "some unjust and injurious dealing toward them by yourselves." The Warwick men refused to appear, declaring they were subjects of England and not under Massachusetts authority, and soldiers were sent to take them. They were besieged

182

HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

and all but Greene were taken to Boston, he fortu- nately escaping imprisonment. In 1644 he and two others went to England to obtain redress for their wrongs and were successful in their purpose. He served as commissioner in 1654-55-56-57; was made freeman in 1655. His will was dated December 28, 1658, and proved January 7, 1659. In 1668 his widow deeded the house and estate to her step-son, John Greene. John Greene married (first) in Salisbury, Eng- land, November 4, 1619, Joan Tattersall; (second) Alice Daniels, widow, who died in 1643. He married a third time.

(II) James Greene, son of John Greene, was born in 1626, and died April 27, 1698. He lived in War- wick, R. I., where he was made a freeman in 1655. He was commissioner in 1660-61-62-63; deputy to the General Court in 1664-65-66-67-68-69-70-72-74-75-85-86- 90, and assistant in 1670-71. In 1697 he deeded land to his son James. He was great-grandfather of Major- General Nathanael Greene. His will, dated March 22, 1698, was proved May 2, 1698. He married (first) Deliverance Potter, born about 1637, died about 1664, daughter of Robert and Isabel Potter. He married (second), August 3, 1665, Elizabeth Anthony, who died after 1698, daughter of John and Susanna Anthony.

(III) Jabez Greene, son of James and Elizabeth (Anthony) Greene, was born in Warwick, R. I., May 17, 1673. He inherited the Potowomut homestead, and was admitted a freeman of Warwick, May 5, 1696. He was a Quaker and a meeting of the Society of Friends was held at his home, December 3, 1699. He inherited also the forge at Potowomut, where his six sons and his grandchildren carried on the success- ful industry of manufacturing anchors and other iron work as late as 1820.' Jabez Greene married (first), March 17, 1697-98, Mary Barton, daughter of Ben- jamin and Susanna (Gorton) Barton, and grand- daughter of the Warwick pioneer, Samuel Gorton. She died March 6, 1712-13. He married (second), May 23, 1716, Grace Valentine, daughter of Valentine Whitman, of Providence. Jabez Greene was the grandfather of Major-General Nathanael Greene.

(IV) Mary Greene, daughter of Jabez and Grace V. (Whitman) Greene, married, November 26, 1741, Caleb Greene, of East Greenwich, R. I. (See Greene IV).

FRANK COLE-The first American ancestor of Frank Cole, of Pawtucket, R. I., was James Cole, of England, who traced to an ancestor known as the "Hawkfaced," who held estates and power in Essex and Hertfordshire, England, in the year 238 A. D. He married a princess of Eadde in North Essex, this marriage adding that principality to his possession. In later years the Coles owned estates in Essex, Wilts, Devon and Derby. In 1616, one James Cole resided at Highgate, London, who was a great lover of plants and flowers, and married the daughter of de Lobel, the famous florist, botanist and physician to James J., of England, after whom the plant and drug Lobelia is named.

(I) The American ancestor of this branch is James

Cole, whose wife Mary bore him children, James (2) born in England, about 1626; Hugh, born in England about 1627. James Cole is mentioned in Plymouth Mass., as early as 1633, when he was made a free- man. Cole's Hill at Plymouth is believed to have been given its name from him, and there he kept ar inn from 1638 to 1660, and is credited with being the first innkeeper in New England. Samuel Cole opened' the first house of public entertainment in Boston,! and "Cole's Hotel," the old stage coach hostelry in Warren, R. I., built in 1760, destroyed by fire in 1894, was one of the best hotels in Rhode Island.

(II) Hugh Cole, son of James and Mary Cole, was born in London, England, about 1627, and as early as 1633 was brought to New England by his par- ents and was admitted a freeman in 1657. Hugh Cole, in 1669 (then a selectman of Barnstable), with others, bought from Philip the Indian sachem five hundred acres in Swansea on the west side of Cole's river, which took its name from Hugh Cole, who resided previously and until 1657 in Swansea, at Cole's Sta- tion, now Touisset, Mass. At the outbreak of King Philip's War, two of the Cole children were made prisoners by the Indians and taken to Mount Hope. Philip, remembering his friendship for their father, sent the children home with a message advising Hugh Cole to seek safety in Rhode Island, as he might not be able to restrain his young men. The advice was quickly heeded and the family escaped injury, although their house was burned. The Swansea farm seems to have been turned over to his sons, Hugh and James, as after the war, in 1677, the father located on the east side of Touisset neck, on the Kickemuit river, in Warren, and there built a house. The farm with the well he sank in 1677 are yet in the possession of lineal descendants. Hugh Cole was deputy from Swansea in 1673-74-75-1680-83-84-85-86-87. He married (first) Mary Foxwell, of Barnstable, Mass., daughter of Richard and Ann (Shelly) Foxwell, of Barnstable. He married (second) Elizabeth Cooke, widow of Jacob Cooke. He married (third) a widow, Mrs. Mary Morton, who was the Widow Harlow before her marriage to Mr. Morton. By his first marriage Hugh Cole had children: James, born Nov. 8, 1655; Hugh, March 15, 1658; John, May 15, 1660; Martha, April 16, 1662: Anna, Oct. 14, 1664; Ruth, April 17, 1666; Joseph, May 15, 1668; Ebenezer, 1671; Mary, 1676; Benjamin, 1678.

(III) Benjamin Cole, son of Hugh Cole and his first wife, Mary (Foxwell) Cole, was born at Swansea in 1678, his will probated at Taunton, Mass., October 4, 1748. His house, built in 1701, is still standing at the old farm. He married Hannah Eddy, daugh- ter of Caleb and Elizabeth (Bullock) Eddy. Children: Hopestill, Jonathan, Benjamin (2), Foxwell, Israel, Ebenezer, Andrew and Hannah.

(IV) Benjamin (2) Cole, son of Benjamin (1) and Hannah (Eddy) Cole, was born at the homestead and there lived. He married (first) Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas and Hope (Huckins) Nelson, of Middle- sex, Mass. He married (second) Hannah Luther, widow of Job Luther, and daughter of Rich-

Frank Cole

183

BIOGRAPHICAL

ard and Mary Harding. Children: Isaiah, Hope Lois, Hannah, Andrew, Lillis, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Job, Parker, Richard and Ebenezer.

(V) Andrew Cole, son of Benjamin (2) Cole and his first wife, Elizabeth (Nelson) Cole, was born in Swansea, Mass., in 1738. He was a soldier of the Revolution, serving with Captain Isaac Woods' com- pany of minute men from Middleboro. He married, April 17, 1770, Lillis, daughter of Benjamin and Mil- licent (Alger) Butterworth. They were the parents of Joseph and Cyrus Cole.

(VI) Cyrus Cole, son of Andrew and Lillis (But- terworth) Cole, was born February 3, 1775, died Jan- uary 6, 1817. He was a justice of the peace in 1809-1I and held other offices. He married (first), February 27, 1800, Maria Jackson, daughter of Captain Thomas and Mary (Brown) Jackson. He married (second), August 9, 1806, Susan Langford. Children: Samuel Jackson, Jeremiah, Mary Ann, Susan, Eliza Ann, and Andrew.

(VII) Samuel Jackson Cole, son of Cyrus Cole and Susan (Langford) Cole, his second wife, was born in Providence, R. I., February 5, 1808, and died No- vember 9, 1873. He married, August 21, 1834, Frances Sessions, born in Providence, January 9, 1800, died June 28, 1870. Children: Cyrus, William Merchant, Susan Langford, Washington Leverett.

(VIII) Cyrus (2) Cole, eldest son of Samuel Jack- son and Frances (Sessions) Cole, was born in Provi- dence, R. I., May 14, 1835, his birthplace the Red homestead, corner of Cole and Sessions streets, four generations of Coles before him having been born there. In youthful manhood he moved to Norwood, in the town of Warwick, and in 1871 he bought a farm on the Apponaug road, Pawtuxet, in the town of War- wick, R. I. There he conducted successful farming operations for ten years, engaged in ice and milk dealing and built up a teaming business. He was a town surveyor and highway commissioner for the town of Warwick for sixteen years, and was the first man in that office to improve the highways by use of gravel. He served school district No. I as committee- man for sixteen years, and in 1884 was a member of the building committee which was in charge of the erection of the school house in Pawtuxet. He was one of the active supporters of the movement which culminated in the erection of the concrete bridge across the Pawtuxet river, served one term in Town Council, and one week prior to his death he was reelected to a second term. He was a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 9, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Pawtuxet, and was a man thoroughly respected and esteemed. He died June 26, 1886, and was buried with his kindred in the North Burying Ground in Providence. Six generations of his family have been laid at rest there.

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 46

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