The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 48

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 48

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).

five magistrates saw fit cause to send him away. When released, the penalty of a return to Massachusetts was to be death. On September 2, 1650, he was fined £2, 12s., at Providence. He was made a freeman in 1655, and in 1655-56-58 served as commissioner. In 1656 he was juryman, and in 1658 warden. On February 19, 1665, he had lot No. 79 in the division of public lands. Richard Waterman was a colonel of the militia, and for many years distinguished himself in many branches of public service. He lived at Providence and Newport. Richard Waterman married Bethiah ,who died October 3, 1680. He died October 26, 1673.

(II) Nathaniel Waterman, son of Richard and Bethiah Waterman, was born in 1637. On May 31, 1666, in Providence, R. I., whither he had removed with his father and family in 1638, he took the oath of allegiance to the King. He became a prominent figure in the life of Providence at an early date, and in 1668-78-80-81-83- 85-90-97-99-1702 was deputy to the General Court. On August 14, 1676, he was one of those to whom a whole share in the Indian captives was voted. He had been one of those who "staid and went not away" in King Philip's War. In 1676-81-82-83-86-87-89-91-93-94-95-96- 97-1700-1-2-3-4-5-6-7, he was a member of the Town Council. On July 1, 1679, "Nathaniel Waterman and his mother" were taxed 18s. 9d. In February, 1711, he deeded his homestead lot with all real and personal estate to his son Richard, half at date and half at death of himself and his wife. He married, on March 14, 1663, Susanna Carder, daughter of Richard Carder, and they were the parents of five children. Nathaniel Waterman died on March 23, 1712, and his will, proved on April 23, of the same year, was administered by his son Richard. The inventory of his estate amounted to £1,019, 3S. 7d. He was one of the wealthiest men of his day in Providence, a prominent figure in its life, and highly respected as a citizen and public servant. He had five children: Bethiah, born 1664, died 1742; Nathaniel, born 1665, died 1725; Richard; Benjamin, of further mention; Ann.

(III) Captain Benjamin Waterman, son of Nathaniel and Susanna (Carder) Waterman, was born in Provi- dence, in 1674, and died there, May II, 1762. He resided in Providence during the early part of his life, later removing to Johnston. On December 20, 1700, he had seventeen acres laid out. There is no record of his having taken an active part in public life. He was a farmer, and the owner of considerable property both in Providence and Johnston. On March 14, 1739, he deeded to his son Job, for love, etc., fifty and a quarter acres and thirty poles of land near Abbott's pond on the east side of the road to Killingly, also another acre, orchard and fencing. His will, proved May 29, 1762, names his son Job, and grandson Gideon Waterman, as executors. His sons Benjamin and Charles predeceased him. The inventory of his estate was rated at £ 3,214, 18s. This branch of the early Waterman family was one of the wealthiest of the time, controlling large estates. No record exists of the marriage of Benja- min Waterman. The names of his children appear, however.

(IV) Benjamin (2) Waterman, son of Benjamin (1) Waterman, was born in Johnston, R. I., in 1703, the eldest son, and first child. He was a prosperous farmer

188

HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

and large landowner of Johnston, and one of its first citizens. He married, and among his children was Benjamin, mentioned below.

(V) Benjamin (3) Waterman, son of Benjamin (2) Waterman, was born in Johnston, R. I., February 22, 1740, and died there, after a lifelong residence in the town, on November 30, 1832. He was a farmer and well-known citizen. Benjamin (3) Waterman married Sarah Sheldon, daughter of Nicholas Sheldon, of Johnston, R. I., in November, 1769, and among their children was Nicholas Waterman, mentioned below.

(VI) Nicholas Waterman, son of Benjamin (3) and Sarah (Sheldon) Waterman, was born in Johnston, R. I., October 19, 1780, and died there, December 17, 1867. He married Mahala Russell Smith, daughter of Alpheus and Mary Smith.

(VII) Jeremiah Randall Waterman, son of Nicholas and Mahala Russell (Smith) Waterman, was born in Johnston, R. I., November 11, 1815, and died there September 30, 1892. He married, on January 20, 1835, Polly Smith Knight, daughter of Sanford and Amy (Wilbur) Knight of Smithfield, R. I. They were the parents of two children : I. George M., who died March 2, 1842. 2. Alpheus Smith, mentioned below.

(VIII) Alpheus Smith Waterman, son of Jeremiah Randall and Polly Smith (Knight) Waterman, was born in Johnston, R. I., March 21, 1836. He removed to Providence in the early fifties, and established himself there in business at an early date. The firm of A. S. Waterman was favorably and widely-known among business and mercantile enterprises in Providence for several decades. Alphens Smith Waterman married (first) Betsy Harris Parkis. He married (second) Rebecca P. Remington, June 14, 1857, and died in Prov- idence, October 25, 1907.

(IX) Frank A. Waterman, son of Alpheus Smith and Betsey Harris (Parkis) Waterman, was born in Providence, R. I., September 22, 1854. He received his early education in the private and public schools of the city, and was graduated from the Benefit High School in the class of June, 1872. In July, of the same year, he entered the employ of the firm of Ivy Mason & Company, meat packers, of Providence. He rose rap- idly in the employ of the firm, and was advanced grad- ually through positions of importance. He continued his connection with Ivy Mason & Company until 1903, when he retired from active business life. He then became interested in the business of his father, Al- pheus Smith Waterman, and continued in the capacity of adviser and silent partner until the time of his death. He was a business man of keen foresight, and fine executive ability, and was well known and highly re- spected in business circles in Providence.

Mr. Waterman was a Democrat in political affiliations, deeply interested in the welfare of the City of Prov- idence. Although he fulfilled to the utmost his duty as a citizen, he had no aspirations toward public office. He was a member of Harmony Lodge, Free and Ac- cepted Masons. He attended the Universalist church of Providence, and was a loyal supporter of all its charities and philanthropies for many years.

On October 15, 1878, Mr. Waterman married, in Rhode Island, Frances Briggs, daughter of Christopher

Spencer and Barbara Cornell (Greene) Briggs. Mr: Briggs is a descendant of one of the best know branches of the famous Greenes of Rhode Island, an also traces her ancestry from the early Cornells. Sh is a member of the Daughters of the American Revc lution, and is well known in social circles in Providence Mrs. Waterman resides at the Waterman home at No 1020 Westminster street. Mr. and Mrs. Waterma were the parents of one son, Frank Briggs Watermar born July 17, 1881 ; he married, July 15, 1906, Hele: Isabel Marr, of Chicago. Frank A. Waterman died a his home in Providence, R. I., March 29, 1910.

WILLIS SIDNEY DRUMMOND-In November 1914, Willis S. Drummond was elected senator from th city of Cranston, his service to his State and cit. antedating his senatorial service by several years. H is a son of Horace H. Drummond, a substantial farme of Sidney, Me., who died in 1910, aged seventy years and his wife, Elmira ( Bowman) Drummond, who died March 25, 1874, aged twenty-nine. Mr. and Mrs. Drum mond were the parents of two sons: Willis S. and Clarence H., both residents of Providence, R. I., part ners in business, proprietors of Drummond's Hand Laundry, No. 121 Laura street.

Willis S. Drummond was born in Sidney, Me., March 25, 1870, and there was educated in the grade and higl schools, completing his studies at Oakland High School His youth was spent on the farm, but the life of ar agriculturist did not appeal to his active, energeti. nature, and he began his outside career as a machinist': apprentice, going six months later to the Bath Iror Works, Bath, Me., there remaining three years, learning blacksmithing. He next spent a year at Cambridge Mass., mastering tool making and dressing, coming to Providence, R. I., at the end of that period. In Provi- dence he gained his first introduction to the hanc laundry while filling the position of engineer to the American Laundry Company. He remained three years as engineer and washman, then was in business ir! Auburn, R. I., a few years, then in 1902 established ir Providence Drummond's Hand Laundry, in associatior with his brother. The first location was at Trinity square, but three years later increased business de- manded larger facilities, and a move was made to the present location, No. 121 Laura street, where a pros- perous business has rewarded the energy and ability which the partners have put into its development. Mr. Drummond is also a stockholder and director in the Swiss Cleaning Company, one of the most modern in- stitutions of its kind in New England.

A resident of Cranston, Dr. Drummond being in sympathy with the dominant Republican party, early and ably manifested his interest in public affairs, serv- ing as a member of the Town Council for one year, served in the Cranston Ward Committee, and was elected a member of the Republican State Central Com- mittee. In 1914 he was a candidate of his party for Senate, was elected, and since January, 1915, has served as a state senator, his committees, education, engrossed bills, judiciary, and pardons. Senator Drummond is a member of the Masonic order, affiliated with Doric Lodge, Providence Chapter, Providence Council, St.

W.S. Du nd

189

BIOGRAPHICAL

hn's Commandery, Knights Templar; and Palestine emple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, also a member the Knights of Pythias.

Mr. Drummond married, in Bath, Me., June 10, 1900, mma Mayo, daughter of Noah and Kate ( Healey ) ayo, of Bath, her parents deceased. Mr. and Mrs. rummond are the parents of two daughters: Mary leanor, born July 9, 1904; and Lois Sidney, born inuary 27, 1912.

HENRY TOWNSEND GRANT-Massachusetts id Rhode Island have been the home of branches of e Grant family since the middle of the seventeenth ntury. The earliest record of the name in New Eng- nd is found in Watertown, Mass., whither Christo- her Grant, who was born in England in 1608, immi- "ated prior to 1635. His descendants are numerous in [assachusetts. Branches of the family have achieved onsiderable distinction in American life and affairs. eneral Ulysses S. Grant, famous soldier, and eight- enth president of the United States, was a descendant E Matthew Grant, a Scotchman, who settled in Dor- Iester, Mass., in 1630. The family has contributed any famous men to the professions, the industries, id to public affairs.

The late Henry Townsend Grant, for many years a rominent merchant and manufacturer of Providence, . I., was born in Warren, March 3, 1817, the son of oseph and Sarah (Hubbard) Grant; he was a grandson f Shubael (1) and Elizabeth (Thurber) Grant, and reat-grandson of Joseph and Rosamond (Guernsey) rant, and was descended both paternally and mater- ally from notable Rhode Island and Massachusetts amilies. He was educated in the schools of Plainfield, nd on completing his education began immediately his usiness career. He was engaged in business with his ncle, Solomon Townsend, for several years, finally levering this connection to enter the cigar manufactur- ig business. In conjunction with this he conducted a wholesale and retail store on High street. At a later ate he became interested in cotton manufacturing rojects, and for a period engaged in cotton manufac- iring at Southbridge. He purchased the Columbian Till at Southbridge, which he controlled until his re- rement from active business life.

For several decades Mr. Grant was a prominent figure 1 public life and in political circles in Providence. He erved ably and well as a member of the Rhode Island tate Legislature, and later was elected a member of he Board of Aldermen. His service in public office ras of the most disinterested type. Deeply interested 1 the welfare and civic development of Providence, e esponsed every measure calculated to advance this nd. He was widely known in Providence and re- pected both in business and public circles for the un- impeachable integrity of all his actions. Mr. Grant was t one time captain of the fire department. His political ffiliation was with the Republican party. In addition o the business interests above mentioned, he was also ctively engaged in the real estate business, and built everal public buildings and private dwellings in Prov- dence. He was the builder of the Narragansett block. On October 5, 1841, Mr. Grant married Mary Mason

Howard. a native of Providence, daughter of William A. and Harriet (Barton) Howard. Mrs. Grant died in 1904. They were the parents of the following children : I. W. A. H., for several years connected with the busi- ness enterprises of his father; later engaged in the coal business and in manufacturing in Olneyville; he mar- ried Sarah Marsh, and they were the parents of a son, Howard Marsh Grant, who died April ;, 1916; he left a daughter Dorothy. 2. Henry Tyler, former president of the Mercantile Mutual Insurance Company, and at the time of his death, April 24. 1915. was also president of the Narragansett Company; was engaged in manu- facturing in Olneyville; married Annie Manton. 3. Frank B., manufacturer of cotton and woolen goods at Olneyville; connected with the Mathewson Alkali Com- pany; died August 2, 1917. 4. Mary, married Charles H. Bowker; children : Frank S., Charles Grant, Mary, now Mrs. Lincoln. 5. Jessie, a resident of Providence. Henry Townsend Grant died at his home in Providence, October 19, 1903.

GEORGE A. PERRY, one of the prominent citi- zens of Providence, R. I., where he lives retired, after an active life at No. 1335 North Main street, this city, is a member of an old New England family, his an- cestors having originally settled at Roxbury and Sher- burn, Mass., where for many generations they resided and followed the occupation of farming. He is a son of Edward and Hannah (White) Perry, both natives of Brookline, Mass., where the former was born in the year 1799. In the year 1826, Mr. Perry, Sr., moved from Brookline to Rhode Island and rented the Tom Arnold farm which he conducted for seventeen years, and then bought a farm near Providence, which is now the site of the Butler Hospital, and there carried on agricul- tural operations for two years. He also conducted a market for a time, but his principal occupation was farming, in which line he was engaged during practically his entire life. Later he sold this place to the Butler Hospital, and bought in place of it the farm known as the Tom Arnold place, consisting of some two hundred acres of valuable land. He was assisted in the operation of this place by his brothers, Dexter and William Perry, and made his home there until his death, January 4, 1850. He improved this place greatly, clear- ing it of rock, and planting it with many fruit trees, establishing there a large and successful orchard. In politics Mr. Perry, Sr., was a Whig and was for many years active in the affairs of this community. He mar- ried Hannah White, a native of Brookline, Mass., who survived him for many years, making her home on the old farm. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Perry were the parents of five children, as follows: I. Edward, Jr., who after his father's death carried on the operation on the old farm, and died there at the age of fifty-five years ; he married Frances Edwards, and they were the parents of three children : Edward D., a farmer, located on Rochambeau avenne, a part of the old Perry home- stead; Carrie F., who resides with Edward D .; and Charles M., a member of the House of Representatives from Coventry, a graduate of Brown University. 2. Lucy W., who died at the age of thirty-one. 3. Freder- ick R., who died in 1854. 4. Sarah E., who was em-

190

HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

ployed as a teacher in the schools of Providence for about twenty years, and died in 1910. 5. George A., with whose career we are here especially concerned.

George A. Perry was born May 2, 1842, on the Swan Point farm, and passed his childhood in this location. He remained on the old farm until 1882, in the mean- time gaining his education at the local public schools, and thereafter continuing the work on the place in association with his elder brother. In 1882, most of the property was sold and is now used as the beautiful Swan Point Cemetery, but about twenty acres still remain in the possession of the family, their property known as the East avenue plot, being a portion of the old place. In the year 1891 Mr. Perry purchased a valuable property on North Main street. Providence, and erected a handsome dwelling at No. 1335, and here resides at the present time. He has also purchased other property in the city, and built several handsome houses, located in the same general section of Providence. Mr. Perry has always made his home in the north end of the city since the time of his birth, and has become a well-known figure in the life of this region. In politics Mr. Perry is a Republican, but has never taken a very active part in public affairs.

George A. Perry was united in marriage, December 9, 1868, at Providence, with Ellen D. Potter, daughter of Alfred and Ann C. (Olney) Potter, and a descend- ant of old and highly respected Rhode Island families on both sides of the house.

EDWARD SUMNER MACOMBER is engaged in the cotton business as a broker and merchant with of- fices at No. 18 South Water street, Providence, R. I. He comes of a Massachusetts family, and was born near New Bedford, Mass., April 26, 1880, a son of Wil- liam P. Macomber, now deceased, and Nellie A. (Tucker) Macomber, who now resides in New Bed- ford.

After preparing for college at the old Friends' Acad- emy, he entered Brown University in the class of 1904. After three years at the institution his desire to take up a business career caused him to leave college and accept a position with P. C. Headley, Jr., a successful cotton broker of New Bedford. For three years he remained with Mr. Headley, learning the details of the cotton business in the meantime, and left him to become associated with the cotton house of George H. Mc- Fadden & Brother, of this city. This was the begin- ning of Mr. Macomber's residence at Providence, which has continued unbrokenly ever since. He remained with Mr. McFadden six years as salesman and then, severing his connection with them, opened his present office to engage in the same line of business on his own account. That was in the summer of 1912, and with untiring energy and attention to details Mr. Macomber was suc- cessful from the start and has now established a busi- ness which evidently is proving most remunerative. Mr. Macomber is not one to seek public offices, preferring rather to spend his spare time with his family or to engage in outdoor recreation,-horses and dogs being his hobbies. His home at No. 134 Blackstone boulevard, with its spacious grounds, is an example of attention to the smallest detail, characteristic of the owner. Within

may be found a collection of antiques, the pride f both Mr. and Mrs. Macomber and ranking among e finest privately owned. Mr. Macomber is a member f the Theta Delta Chi fraternity, a Free Mason, and ab a member of the Wannamoisett Country Club.

Edward Sumner Macomber was united in marriage June 5. 1907, at Providence, with Emily Brainard Dr, a daughter of James W. and Annie R. (Allen) Day, If this city. Mr. and Mrs. Macomber have two childry: Virginia Day, born Feb. 18, 1910, and now attend Lincoln School, and Brainard Tucker, born Aug. 1916.

GEORGE HOLMES BRAYTON-Both Mas chusetts and Rhode Island Brayton families desce from Francis Brayton, who was born in 1612, came New England, was received an inhabitant of Por mouth, R. I., in 1643, a freeman in 1655, a comm sioner, 1662-63, deputy, 1669-70-79 and 1684, and died 1692. Francis and Mary Brayton were the parents two sons, Francis (2) and Stephen, through whom 1 Braytons of early New England ancestry descer George Holmes Brayton, of Providence, R. I., traci through six generations, he the son of Francis, son Borden, son of David, son of Benjamin, son of Fran (2), son of Francis (1) Brayton, the founder.

(II) Francis (2) Brayton, son of Francis (I) Bra ton, accompanied his parents to Portsmouth, R. I., a: was admitted a freeman, April 30, 1672. He marri Mary Fish, who died April 4, 1747, daughter of Thom and Mary Fish. The line of descent is through Be jamin, the youngest of their six children. Francis ( Brayton died January 30, 1718.

(III) Benjamin Brayton, son of Francis (2) Bra ton, was born September 8, 1695, and died April 1749. He was a resident of Portsmouth, R. I., and one time lived in Tiverton, for in the records of th town the births of all his children are recorded. F married, November 12, 1719, Mary Butts, daughter . Zaccheus and Sarah Butts. The eldest.child of Benj min and Mary (Butts) Brayton was David Brayto great-grandfather of George Holmes Brayton.

(IV) David Brayton, son of Benjamin Brayton, w: born August 5, 1720. He was recorded in both Portsmou: and Tiverton. He was a man of importance in Nev port, moderator of town meetings, peacemaker, ar. general advisor. During the Revolution he was oblige to move across the river to Tiverton, where he had larg. holdings of land and cattle. He married, Novembe 25, 1742, Deborah Borden, of an ancient and influer tial family, and they were the parents of six children all of record in Tiverton birth lists.

(V) Borden Brayton, youngest of the children c David and Deborah ( Borden) Brayton, was born Ma 25, 1760. He married, September 12, 1784, Mary Rem ington, daughter of Joseph Remington, and in Tiverto the births of all their children are recorded. Thei children were: Deborah, born May 23, 1785; Thomas born Dec. 30, 1786, was captain of the first passenge boat which ran between Providence and Fall River and his son, Captain Benjamin Brayton, ran a steame between Providence and New York for thirty years Innocent, born Feb. 11, 1789; Abigail, Jan. 27, 1791

Jeward S. Macomber

The Amer

DrRevelou F. Dertien

Eng by I G Withoms & bro NY"

161

BIOGRAPHICAL

Javid, Oct. 16, 1792; Hannah, May 9, 1794; Francis, mentioned below ; Sarah, July 18, 1799; Patience, Nov. , 1802; Borden, Oct. 29, 1804; and Mary, June 10, 1808. (VI) Francis Brayton, seventh child of Borden and Aary (Remington) Brayton, was born in Tiverton, 2. I., March 20, 1797. He was engaged in farming a rood part of his life, and was also a manufacturer of oap at Fall River, Mass., and near New Bedford, Mass. He married Agnes Lake, of Tiverton, R. I., and hey were the parents of George Holmes, mentioned elow.

(VII) George Holmes Brayton, of the seventh Amer- can generation of the Rhode Island family founded by Francis Brayton, and son of Francis and Agnes (Lake) Brayton, was born at Fall River, Mass., July 18, 1838, and is now a retired resident of Providence, R. I., having just attained octogenarian honors. He grew ip upon the farm, and attended public schools, but had he great misfortune of being deprived of a mother's ove when but a small boy. At the age of sixteen years ne began learning the mason's trade under Gideon T. Sawyer, of New Bedford, Mass., and after becoming a journeyman mason came to Providence, R. I., and for sixteen years continued in the employ of Ellery Mil- lard, and other contractors of Providence. At the end of that period he abandoned his trade, and soon after- ward moved to New Bedford, Mass., where he opened a store at No. 448 South Water street, corner of How- land, for the wholesale and retail dealing in hay, grain, butter, lard, eggs, teas, coffees, and flour of all grades. This venture proved a most successful one, and as busi- ness increased Mr. Brayton enlarged his place, finally removing to a larger store on Dartmouth street, where he developed a very large business, especially in grain. He built up a high and honorable reputation for fair dealing, and in success and prosperity continued busi- ness in New Bedford until 1908, when he sold out and bought a Massachusetts farm. Later he retired from all connection with business and moved to Providence, where at his home, No. 8 East street, he is enjoying the rewards of a well spent life. For many years the Braytons have been connected in membership with the Methodist Episcopal church, while in his political faith Mr. Brayton is a Republican. He has never sought nor desired political office, but has ever taken a lively in- erest in public affairs, and neglected none of the duties of a good citizen. Wherever known he is esteemed, and no man has warmer, truer friends.

Mr. Brayton married, in Providence, in 1872, Maria Louise Crowell, born in Providence, daughter of An- hony and Hannah (Duncan) Crowell. Mrs. Brayton died in March, 1893. Anthony Crowell was a member of the firm, Nichols & Crowell, shipping merchants of Providence, he coming to that city at the age of seven- een, and there residing until his death in 1899, at the age of seventy-seven. He was a man of enterprise and public spirit, an ardent Republican, and highly regarded is business man and citizen. Anthony and Hannah (Duncan) Crowell were the parents of children: Free- nan W., who died in 1917, leaving a daughter, Mrs. Richard Moore, and a son, Frederick A. Crowell; Maria Louise, married George Holmes Brayton; Mo- lena F., married Charles Bradford Baird, he born in

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 48

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