The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 49

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 49

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Grafton, Vt., and for thirty-seven years until his death, in 1888, connected with the police force. Mr. and Mrs. Brayton were the parents of two children: Laura Frances, who married Edward Rogers, of New Bed- ford, both of whom are now deceased; and Alice Louise, who died in infancy.

THEODORE F. DEXTER, deceased, for several decades a prominent figure in business and public life in the city of Central Falls and vicinity, died at his home there, April 17, 1905, at the close of a career which had brought him the respect and love of his fellow men, and had shed honor on a name which has carried prestige and influence in Rhode Island affairs for two and a half centuries.

Theodore Frelinghuysen Dexter was born in Cumber- land, October 28, 1844, the son of John A. and Margaret Greene (Slocum) Dexter. He came of most distin- guished ancestry on both the paternal and maternal sides. Rev. Gregory Dexter, progenitor of the Dexter family in America, was conspicuous in the early Col- onial history of Providence. He had accompanied Roger Williams to America, and subsequently followed him in his exile to Providence. He was a man of great force of intellect, and an able leader, traits which have been marked in his descendants for many gen- erations. It was he who, in 1643, had printed for Roger Williams in London the first edition of the latter's dictionary of the Indian language. He was the first accomplished printer who came to the colony, and al- though he did not pursue the business here, he printed with his own hands the first almanac for the meridian of Providence. He was pastor of the Providence church in 1699, and of him it was written: "Mr. Dex- ter by all accounts was not only a wellbred man, but remarkably pious. He was never observed to laugh, seldom to smile, and so earnest was he in his ministry that he could hardly forebear preaching when he came into a house, or met with a concourse of people out of doors." Mr. Dexter was descended maternally from Major Slocum, who was descended from Giles Slocum, founder of the family in Rhode Island. The early family were members of the Society of Friends, and successive generations in some lines hold to the old faith. Theodore F. Dexter was a man of strong char- acter, and was but eighteen years of age when he en- listed in the Union Army, serving in Company F, Twelfth Regiment ("The Fighting Twelfth") Rhode Island Infantry. During the thirteen months of his service, he participated in several of the most stirring engagements of the war, among them the hard fought battle of Fredericksburg. At first a member of the Army of the Potomac, he later was transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, with which he was discharged. On his return home he resumed the trade of carpentry, and later engaged in contracting and building, establishing himself in Central Falls, in 1868. Here he rose to a leading position in the trade. From earliest manhood he was identified with the Republican party and held important offices in the organization. While living in the old town of Lincoln, he served as assessor of taxes and in other offices; he was first elected in 1801, and filled office continuously until 1897. In Central Falls he

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was elected a member of the Common Council in 1897, and was re-elected in 1898, 1899, and 1900. In 1001 he was elected alderman from the Third Ward. He was returned to office in 1902, and in both years was chosen president of that body. In 1901 he was elected a rep- resentative from Central Falls in the General Assembly, was renominated in 1902, and at the ensuing election, though defeated, ran far ahead of his ticket. He was a man of unblemished integrity, and in his entire tenure of office used his utmost endeavor to advance the cause of the public weal. He never let expediency affect his conduct either as a public man or as a private citizen, and always stood as a type of the ideal American, tak- ing his share in the burdens of the community, and serving it with faithfulness and unsparing zeal.

Mr. Dexter was past commander of Ballou Post, No. 3, Grand Army of the Republic, and for several years served as aide on the staff of the commander of the Rhode Island Department, and as a member of the staff of the National Commander-in-Chief. A few years prior to his death he was a delegate from the Rhode Island Department to the National Encampment, held at San Francisco. He was long prominent in Masonic circles in the State. He was a member and past master of Jenks Lodge, No. 24, Free and Accepted Masons, of Central Falls; Pawtucket Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Pawtucket Council, No. 2, Royal and Select Masters; Holy Sepulchre Commandery, No. 8, Knights Templar; Palestine Shrine, Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North America; and Rhode Island Consistory, Ancient and Accepted Scot- tish Rite.

Theodore F. Dexter married Harriet Emma Ting- ley, daughter of Lyman Lafayette and Bethia (Baxter) Tingley, and a descendant of the patriot, Benjamin Tingley, who rendered notable service in the Colonial wars and in the Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Dexter were the parents of the following children: I. Henry C., a sketch of whom follows. 2. Theodore Everett, born March 10, 1876, assistant principal of the Hope Street High School of Providence. 3. Roscoe Morton, men- tioned elsewhere. 4. Myrtle Tingley, born Nov. 3, 1879. 5. Ruth Augusta, born Jan. 8. 1887.

HENRY C. DEXTER-In the manufacturing cir- cles of Pawtucket, the name of Dexter is one held in high esteem, for ability, integrity and public spirit. The position won in the community by Henry C. Dexter is in accordance with the family tradition, and is at the same time the result of his own efforts and ability, and in no way owing to the prestige of the family name or the influence of another man's achievements.

Mr. Dexter is a son of Theodore F. and Harriet Emma (Tingley) Dexter. He was born May 12, 1869, in Central Falls, and as a boy attended the public schools of his native town. He was an ambitious boy, and his restless energy longed for the outlet which he hoped to find in a business career. His was not the type of mind fitted for scholarly pursuits. He wanted to be up and doing, and he early found employment with the Greene & Daniels Manufacturing Company, the position being that of junior clerk; he later became

bookkeeper for the company. From this he was prc moted to the office of treasurer, in which capacity h served for ten years. In all he was identified with thi firm for twenty-five years. During this period he ha become interested in other undertakings; among thes. was the Warwick Lace Works, of which he has been president since its organization. Mr. Dexter has twic visited European markets to purchase yarns and ma chinery for the company. The present flourishing stat' of the Warwick Lace Works is in large measure due to his business genius and his indefatigable efforts on it behalf. The plant is equipped with the latest and bes machinery obtainable. Since 1915 Mr. Dexter has been connected with the Fales & Jenks Machine Company o! Pawtucket as sales agent and as one of their mos valued and trusted men. Active in his business rela tions, with a ready courtesy and sympathy for all, ho is a man who is a conspicuous figure in the industria circles of the city. He commands the esteem of the whole community. Mr. Dexter is a Republican ir political affiliation, and takes an active interest in al. matters which concern the welfare of the community

Mr. Dexter is a member and an ex-president of the To-Kalon Club of Pawtucket, and was very active ir the building of the new club house in 1908. He is also a member and an ex-president of the Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Mr Dexter holds the office of Governor of the Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Rhode Island, and is also a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants He holds membership in the Rhode Island Country Club. Wannamoisett Country Club, Ninigret Country Club. Quacompaug Lodge, Squantum Association of Providence; the Turk's Head Club of Providence, and in several similar organizations. He is very active ir Masonic bodies, and is one of the foremost Masons of the State. He is a member of Union Lodge, No. 10 Free and Accepted Masons: Pawtucket Chapter, No 4. Royal Arch Masons; Pawtucket Council. No. 2 Royal and Select Masters; Holy Sepulchre Command- ery, No. 8, Knights Templar ; Rhode Island Consistory Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. He is an officer in the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts, and Rhode Island; a district deputy grand master of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island; past potentate of Palestine Shrine, Ancient Arabic Order. Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North America. Under appointment of Gov- ernor Beeckman, Mr. Dexter served as a member and chairman of the local board for Division No. 7, State of Rhode Island under the selective service law. He has been prominently identified with numerous war activities. He is a member of Captain A. K. Tilton Camp, Sons of Veterans, of Pawtucket. Mr. Dexter is also a member and ex-president of the Southern New England Textile Club; member of the National Asso- ciation of Cotton Manufacturers; and a member of the Rhode Island Historical Society.

ROSCOE M. DEXTER-A conspicuous figure in the professional life of the city of Pawtucket, and Central Falls, R. I., Roscoe M. Dexter is a leader among the progressive men of the community. He

Charles R. Brayton

This photo was taken on the day General Brayton enlisted in the U. S. Army, age 21, 1861, as First Lieutenant

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BIOGRAPHICAL

comes of fine old Rhode Island stock, and is the son of the late Theodore Frelinghuysen Dexter and his wife, Harriet Emma (Tingley) Dexter.

Mr. Dexter was born in Central Falls, R. I., Novem- ber 3, 1877. He was prepared for college in the public schools of the town, and matriculated at Brown Uni- versity with the class of 1900. After taking his degree at Brown, he attended the law school of Harvard University for two years. He was admitted to the bar in Rhode Island, May 23, 1903. Since that time he has continued the practise of his profession in Pawtucket, steadily making his way to the front ranks. A man of keen, alert and vigorous mentality, his integrity and his public-spirit endear him to a large circle of friends. He served as judge of probate in Central Falls for three years, and has served as the clerk of the Eleventh District Court since 1913. In political affiliation Mr. Dexter is a Republican, and for twenty years has been a member of the Republican City Committee, and was for three years chairman of the same. He is a member of Union Lodge, No. 4, Free and Accepted Masons; Pawtucket Chapter, No. 4, Royal Arch Masons; Paw- tucket Council, No. 2, Royal and Select Masters; Holy Sepulchre Commandery, Knights Templar, and Pales- tine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also active in club life, and is a member of the Pawtucket Golf Club, the To-Kalon Club, the Pawtucket Business Men's Association, and the University Glee Club of Providence, of which he is secretary. Mr. Dexter finds the leisure in a very busy life to devote some time to historical research, and has made himself to a certain extent an authority in this line. He is a member of the Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the American Revolution; was Govern- ment Appeal Agent for Central Falls under the selective service or draft regulations during the war; also mem- ber of the Legal Advisory Board for the town of Lin- coln; was engaged in all the Red Cross, Liberty Bond, Red Triangle and other drives during the war; is a member of the Sons of Veterans; past commander of Sylvester B. Hiscox Camp, No. 14, Sons of Veterans of Central Falls, and division counsellor of Sons of Veterans of Rhode Island.

GENERAL CHARLES RAY BRAYTON-The name Brayton is an ancient English patronymic of local origin, and is found in records and registers of an early date. The family in America dates from the beginning of Colonial immigration, and has been continuous in New England since the year 1643, when Francis Bray- ton, immigrant ancestor and founder, was received as an inhabitant of Portsmouth, in the Colony of Rhode Island. The name is a notable one in the history of American affairs. In the direct line of the late General Charles Ray Brayton were many men whose names are of vital interest in New England annals. The Brayton coat-of-arms is as follows :

Arms-Azure two chevrons between as many mullets or. Crest-A mullet or.

(I) Directly descended from the progenitor, Francis Brayton, through a line of forbears who helped to lay the foundations of Rhode Island, was Daniel Brayton,

a conspicuous figure in public life throughout the early colony prior to the American Revolution, a large land- owner, and gentleman of parts. Daniel Brayton mar- ried Elizabeth Atwood, and they were the parents of one son, Charles, mentioned below.

(II) Charles Brayton, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Atwood) Brayton, was born in the town of Warwick, R. I., October 31, 1772. He attended the local schools, but supplemented his education at home with the aid of his father and mother. Early in life he learned the trade of blacksmith, but later abandoned this to enter the field of public affairs, for which he was well fitted both by reason of diligent study and tastes. In 1794 he was admitted a freeman of Warwick, and in the fol- lowing year was elected to the office of constable.

At the outbreak of the Revolution he enlisted in the Pawtuxet Rangers and served under Captain Benjamin Arnold. In 1796 he was chosen first lieutenant of the Second Company of Warwick Militia, and in 1797 elected captain. In 1798 he became town sergeant and collector of taxes, in which office he served for five years. During this entire period he was studying ear- nestly to prepare himself for more important public posts. In 1804 Charles Brayton was chosen town clerk of Warwick, and continued to fill that office until his death, with the assistance of his sons in later years, when his time was employed with larger affairs. In 1813 he was chosen Chief Justice of the Court of Com- mon Pleas. In 1808 he became colonel of the famous Kentish Artillery, and commanded the corps for five years. In 1814 Judge Brayton was elected Justice of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island, and served for four years. Confidence in his integrity and ability to administer the duties of this important office was im- plicit, and so great was the general belief in his knowl- edge and sense of equity that many cases were privately submitted to him and his advice was accepted and sought as a finality in matters of controversy. Judge Brayton was elected to the Rhode Island General As- sembly in 1820, and returned to office for many years. In 1822 he was a member of the House called to revise the laws of the State. In 1824 he was a member of the convention called to frame a new constitution, which, however, was not accepted by the people. In 1827, on the reorganization of the judiciary of the State, he was elected judge of the Supreme Court, and continued to fill that office with great honor to himself and large service to the State until his death, which occurred November 16, 1834. He married, in 1795, Rebecca Havens, daughter of William Havens, of Warwick. They were the parents of four children: I. Charles At- wood, who died at the age of sixteen years. 2. Ann Mary. 3. Hon. George A. 4. Hon. William D., men- tioned below.

(III) Hon. William D. Brayton, son of Hon. Charles and Rebecca (Havens) Brayton, was born in the vil- lage of Apponaug, Warwick, R. I., November 6, 1815. His early education was received at home, and after attending private schools he entered Kent Academy, in East Greenwich, where he remained from 1827 to 1830, and in 1831-32 pursued his studies at Kingston Acad- emy under Hon. Elisha R. Potter. In 1832 he entered Brown University in the class that included Professor J. L. Lincoln, Rev. A. N. Arnold, D. D William H.

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HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

Potter, S. L. Dunnell, S. P. Shepard, and Hon. J. P. Knowles; but in the autumn of 1834 he left the Univer- sity on account of his father's death and his own im- paired health. From 1835 to 1838 he engaged in the lumber trade in the firm of G. A. & W. D. Brayton, acting also as deputy town clerk of Warwick.

In 1841 he was elected to the State Legislature, and re-elected in 1842, but resigned and was commissioned quartermaster of the Fourth Regiment of Militia, serv- ing in this capacity during the troublesome times of the "Dorr War." In 1844 he became town clerk of War- wick, and in the following year resigned this office to become a member of the town council, and for many years served in this body, finally becoming its presi- dent. In 1847 he was elected president of the War- wick Council, and in 1848 became Senator from War- wick, in the upper house of the Rhode Island General Assembly. In 1851 he was elected Representative to the General Assembly; in 1855 again chosen to the State Senate; and in 1856 was one of the electors of President and Vice-President. In 1857 he was elected State Representative to the Thirty-Fifth Congress of the United States, and served through the stormy period which preceded the Civil War until 1861. He was for many years a co-laborer of Hon. H. B. Anthony and Hon. N. F. Dixon and many others of the leading men of the State of Rhode Island. He supported the cause of the Union with all his resources, and was indefatig- able in enlisting, equipping, forwarding and paying soldiers, aiding them in procuring bounties, and in car- ing for their families. In 1862 he was appointed by President Lincoln, Collector of Internal Revenue for the Second District of Rhode Island. He resigned his collectorship in 1871, and in 1872 was a delegate to the National Republican Convention in Philadelphia.

Mr. Brayton was one of the commissioners to direct the erection of the State Prison. For some time prior to his death he had charge of the money order depart- ment of the post office of Providence. In political affiliation he was a Whig until the formation of the Republican party, of which he later became a member. He was earnest in his support, both public and private, of all efforts toward the improvement of public educa- tion and the development of civic resources. In 1859 Brown University conferred upon him the honorary degree of Master of Arts in recognition of his schol- arly qualities and public services. He was a member of the Baptist Church of Apponaug, and active in sup- port of its charitable undertakings. Hon. William Daniel Brayton married, in September, 1839, Anna Ward Clarke, daughter of Ray Clarke, of East Green- wich; she died in 1858, and he married (second), in 1866, Susan Josephine Baker, of Warwick, who died in 1874. Among the several children of Hon. William D. Brayton was General Charles Ray Brayton, mentioned below.

(IV) General Charles Ray Brayton, son of Hon. Wil- liam Daniel and Anna W. (Clarke) Brayton, was born at Apponaug, R. I., August 16, 1840. He was a nephew on his mother's side of General Nathanael Greene, of Revolutionary fame, and a direct descendant of Hon. Samuel Ward, of early Colonial days.

Charles R. Brayton received his early education in the public schools of Apponaug, later attending the

Providence Conference Seminary, the Classical Sem- inary at Kingston Hill, a boarding school at Brook- field, Mass., and the Fruit Hill Classical Institute, where he prepared for college. He matriculated at Brown University, and was pursuing his studies there at the outbreak of the Civil War. He left college be- fore his graduation and returned to Warwick, where he organized a company for the Third Rhode Island Volunteers. He was commissioned from Providence, August 27, 1861, for three years, and was mustered into the United States service at Camp Ames, R. I., on October 9. following, as first lieutenant in Captain John H. Gould's company, Third Rhode Island Heavy Ar- tillery. He was afterward transferred to Company H and then to Company C. Going immediately to the fighting front, he participated in some of the most stir- ring engagements of the war. The Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery was the largest military organization ever sent into the field by the State of Rhode Island. It was organized at Camp Ames in August and Septem- ber. 1861, and on September 7, the regiment consisting of nine companies embarked for Fort Hamilton, where, the tenth company was formed and the regimental or- ganization completed. The regiment was then nomi- nally a regiment of infantry, but the name was changed officially on December 19 to that of the Third Regiment Rhode Island Heavy Artillery. On October 12 it em- barked for Fortress Monroe, where the forces were gathering under General Thomas W. Sherman anc Commodore Du Pont preparatory to a descent upor the coast of South Carolina. While in camp at this place the regiment changed its uniform of gray for that of Union blue. On October 29 the expedition got under way, and after a stormy passage began to as- semble off Port Royal, S. C., November 4. The regi- ment was present at the naval engagement of Novem. ber 7 but did not participate, as planned in the capture of the forts, as the participation of the land force: had to be abandoned in consequence of the loss during the voyage of the greater portion of the means of dis. embarkment of troops. Two companies, however, F and C, were landed on the day of the engagement, and the remainder of the regiment on the following day This was the only expedition in which the regimen served as a unit. Never after this were the ten com panies brought together in any one combined move ment, and even when several companies served in the same campaign, they were not all in the same com mand. Soon after landing at Port Royal, the companie were separated never to meet again as a regiment, no even at their final muster-out.

Companies B and C, the latter commanded by Cap: tain Brayton, garrisoned Fort Wells on Hilton Head companies D and H, Fort Seward, at Bay Point, com pany I to Otter island to garrison Fort Drayton, an the remainder of the regiment manned the intrench ments which it helped to construct on Hilton Heac During its service the regiment, or detachment of i participated in the following engagements: Fort Pul aski, Secessionville, Pocotaligo, Morris Island, For Sumpter, Fort Wagner, Olustee, Drury's Bluff, Laure Hill, Honey Hill, Deveaux Beck, Fort Burnham, Pet ersburg, and many minor encounters. Company ( under Captain Brayton, on several occasions accom

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panied expeditions into the enemy's country for the capture of property and the rescue of slaves. This Battery served its light guns from the transport "John Adams," and rendered signal service, notably in the expedition up the Combahee river, in June, and again against Darien, Ga.

During the winter of 1863-64, a large part of the regi- ment remained on Morris island, and was almost con- stantly, day and night, under fire. In November com- panies A and E joined the six already there, and Lieu- tenant Colonel Brayton assumed command of these eight companies at the front, though Colonel Metcalf was at Morris island a part of the winter, as was also Major Ames. The return and muster-out of those who did not re-enlist took place at different times. On Aug- ust 24, 1864, Captains Strahan and Turner arrived in Providence with the first detachment, which was mus- tered out August 31. On September 30, 1864, Colonel Brayton and most of the field and line officers arrived with another detachment, who were mustered out Oc- tober 4, 1864. While on Morris island, Colonel Brayton was appointed Chief of Artillery on the staff of Gen- eral Gillmore, of the Department of the South. Charles R. Brayton was at all times with his command bearing a loyal part in its engagements and expeditions, and achieved a gallant record for brave and meritorious service, for which he was commissioned captain, Novem- ber 28, 1862, lieutenant-colonel, November 17, 1863, col- onel, March 22, 1864. On March 13, 1865, he was brev- etted brigadier-general, and was mustered out of the service in October of the same year. He was a force- ful and able commander, and through military genius and executive ability ' the troops under his command developed into an organization of exceptional fitness and excellence. He ranked among the foremost of New England generals .in the war, and during the period of his service acquired a prominence and prestige in mil- itary and public affairs, which, made him an honored figure in Rhode Island life until the time of his death. Returning to the North after the war, General Bray- ton held the office of Deputy Collector of Internal Rev- enue in Rhode Island. . He subsequently held the offices of postmaster of Port Royal, S. C., and captain in the Seventeenth United States Infantry Regiment, resign- ing the later post after two months. He next held the office of United States Pension Agent for Rhode Island.

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The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 49

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