The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 51

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 51

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Mr. Phillips married, in Boston, Amy Emily Habich, of Brookline, Mass .; they have two children: Cath- erine, born July 31, 1910; Francis Abbott, July 13, 1912.

FREDERICK E. PERKINS, late president of the Rhode Island Perkins Horseshoe Company, and for many years a notable figure in business, financial and sporting circles in the State of Rhode Island, was a member of the Taunton branch of the old New Eng- land family. He was born in Taunton, Mass., Decem- ber 25, 1849, the son of Charles H. Perkins, founder of the Rhode Island Perkins Horseshoe Company, and his wife, Frances Lucretia (Bundy) Perkins.

Frederick E. Perkins was educated in the schools of Taunton, and on completing his studies secured his first employment with the Sprague Mowing Machine Company. He later became connected with the Com- stock Foundry Company. In 1867 the late Charles H. Perkins discovered an entirely new method for making horseshoes, and commenced their manufac- ture under the name of the Rhode Island Horse Shoe

Company, with A. & W. Sprague as financial backers, at the same time accepting the office of manager of the Sprague industries. With the failure of the Sprague interests in 1873, Charles H. Perkins with F. W. Carpenter and R. W. Comstock purchased the Rhode Island Horse Shoe Company. In 1874 the works were removed from Providence to Valley Falls, where a large establishment was erected to meet the demands of the rapidly growing business, the product having increased from half a ton to over sixty tons a day. The company, which was reorganized in 1891 as the Rhode Island Perkins Horse Shoe Company, is known internationally for the manufacture of the Perkins horseshoe and other accessories of a similar nature. In 1874 Frederick E. Perkins entered the employ of the company in the capacity of purchasing agent and for several years visited Europe annually to secure metals. He did not confine his attention solely to this department of the company's affairs, however, but made a comprehensive study of every phase of the working of the huge concern. Later he was chosen president, which office he held at the time of his death. He was an able executive, a man of considerable genius in the handling of large affairs, and he was widely known in business and financial interests in the city of Providence. He did not, how- ever, limit his activities solely to the business world. Mr. Perkins was long prominent in light harness and automobile racing in Rhode Island.

A lover of fine horses, he was an enthusiastic devotee of horse racing and a leader in the sport in Rhode Island until its decline with the advent of the automobile. He was the pioneer of grand circuit rac- ing and automobile racing, and in 1890 acquired the Narragansett Park track, which was second to none in the country. Here for several years were held light harness races of the finest calibre. The growing prejudice against horse racing led Mr. Perkins to dispose of the Narragansett Park track to a corpora- tion, under a mortgage to hold running races. The decline of the sport made it impossible for the owners to keep the terms of the contract and the property reverted to Mr. Perkins, who built an automobile race course. Here he staged the first automobile race in America, and subsequently engaged several meetings at which the leading drivers of the country partici- pated. He was also the founder of the Rhode Island State Fair Association, and was the first to present vaudeville as an attraction at an agricultural fair. He was an excellent marksman, and his favorite sport was quail shooting.

Mr. Perkins was an expert on road building and was twice appointed a member of the State Board of Public Roads, representing Providence county. His keen interest in the work and a desire to obtain the highest degree of efficiency caused him to tour Europe at his own expense for the purpose of studying at first hand the methods of road building used in England and on the Continent. Mr. Perkins later resigned his office because of a disagreement over the policy then being pursued by the State. In May, 1909, he was appointed by Governor Aram J. Pothier as honorary vice-president for Rhode Island of the International

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League of Highway Improvement, which had for its object the building of a system of connecting high- ways throughout the United States.

Mr. Perkins married Ella J. Walden, who survives him.

ALBERT FERDINAND HILL-The Hill family has figured prominently in the life and affairs of Fos- ter and surrounding townships for nearly two cen- turies. Members of the family have played impor- tant parts in civic, official, and business life in this section for several generations, and have made the name honored and respected by Rhode Islanders. The Hill family is among the most numerous in New Eng- land, tracing its origin in the early Colonial period to several immigrant ancestors and progenitors, between whom in most instances no relationship has been dis- covered. The name itself is ore of the oldest of English surnames, local in origin, signifying literally "at the hill." As every village required its smith, and thus made Smith the great English national occupative surname, so almost every small district had its rising ground called "the hill," residents thereon taking their surname from it. Early instances are found in the Hundred Rolls, 1273.

The line of ancestry herein under consideration is that of the late Albert Ferdinand Hill, for more than half a century prior to his death in 1918, one of the most vital figures in business, political and fraternal circles in the Pawtuxet Valley. Albert Ferdinand Hill was born in Foster, R. I., October 31, 1844, the son of the late Allen and Clarissa Williams Hill, and grandson of Captain Jonathan and Hannah (Gorton) Hill. He was descended in both the paternal and maternal lines from several of the foremost families of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.

Captain Jonathan Hill, grandfather of the late Al- bert F. Hill, was born in Foster, R. I., member of a family long-established and prominent there. He was a prosperous farmer on an extensive scale, and also followed the occupation of wheelwright. He was an expert mathematician of wide repute. He was active and influential in public affairs in the town, holding numerous offices, and also was a leader in military life. In May, 1798, he was commissioned by Governor Fenner ensign in the Third Company of Infantry, of Foster. In May, of the following year, he was com- missioned lieutenant. In May, 1800, he was raised to the rank of captain. Captain Jonathan Hill married Hannah Gorton, a lineal descendant of Samuel Gor- ton, through John, Samuel, William (I), and Wil- liam (2). Among there children was Allen Hill, men- tioned below.

Allen Hill, son of Captain Jonathan and Hannah (Gorton) Hill, was born in Foster, R. I., and was a lifelong resident and well-known citizen of the town. He married Clarissa Williams, a lineal descendant of Roger Williams, and they were the parents of the late Albert F. Hill, mentioned below.

Albert F. Hill was educated in the elementary schools of Foster, but at an early age quitted his studies and went to Providence, where he learned the trade of general contractor and builder, in which he

engaged as a journeyman for several years. In 1870 he removed to Phenix, R. I., with which town he was identified until his death. Here he established a gen- eral contracting business, which within a short period grew to very large proportions. Mr. Hill was highly successful in business, and was awarded the contracts for many of the largest and most important business blocks and public buildings erected in the valley dur- ing his active business career. He built the Spencer block, the old and the new Card buildings, the Hoxsie building, the Music Hall building, the Phenix Hotel, the Lawton block (now the Barber building), and numerous small business blocks and private residences. In conjunction with his work in Phenix he also car- ried on extensive operations in outlying towns. Mr. Hill was awarded contracts taking seven years for completion at the State Institutions; he erected sev- eral of the stone buildings of the old hospital for men- tal diseases, the chapel, and several of the cottages of the Boys' Reform School. He was a member of the commission which built the West Warwick High School, Robert B. Treat, and the late General Charles R. Brayton (whose biography may be found elsewhere in this work) having been associated with him in super- vising the construction of that structure.

Despite the constant demands of his large business upon his time, Mr. Hill maintained always a deep interest in local political affairs. He was in no sense of the word an office seeker, however. For many years prior to his retirement from public life, Mr. Hill was active in the interests of the school system of the old town of Warwick. Under the district system he served for a long period as a trustee of the Phenix Grammar School. . He was one of the first to support the consolidation of the schools under town control and served for more than twenty years consecutively as a member of the Warwick School Committee. His tenure of office expired in 1909. In political affili- ation he was a Republican, and for several terms served as a member of the Warwick Town Council, filling the office of president of that body for one term. His earnest and disinterested efforts throughout a long term of years in the service of the people of the town of Warwick brought him still further recognition. Some time prior to 1900 he was elected to represent the town in the General Assembly of Rhode Island. Mr. Hill served in this capacity for two years, in which time he was influential in securing the passage of much beneficial legislation. It was largely through his efforts that interest in the building of a high school for the Town of Warwick brought about the erection of the high school building at Westcott. Mr. Hill was the first chief of the Phenix fire department. He was a director of the Pawtuxet Valley Public Li- brary, in which he took an active interest. He was one of the pioneer promoters of the Pawtuxet Val- ley Water Company, one of its pioneer stockholders, a member of the board of directors and its superin- tendent for more than fifteen years. Failing health compelled his resignation from this post in December, 1917. His business genius and great executive and organizing ability were in a large measure responsible for the success of the enterprise, and his retirement

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rom the office of superintendent was widely regarded s a deep misfortune. Mr. Hill was a business man f keen foresight, a close student of conditions, famil- ar with every phase of the extensive interests which e handled. He was entrusted with a great responsi- ility which he discharged with such unimpeachable hitegrity as to win for himself a most enviable and potless reputation. His death was deeply mourned throughout the Pawtuxet Valley.

Mr. Hill was well-known and influential in fra- ernal and social circles. He had attained to the hirty-second degree in the Masonic order, and was member of St. John's Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Landmark Chapter, No. 10, Royal Arch Masons, St. John's Commandery, Knights Tem- lar, and of Palestine Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. For many years he was ctive in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and n the New England Order of Protection.

Albert F. Hill married (first) in 1871, Mary I. Nicholas, daughter of John and Lydia Nicholas. Mrs. Hill, who was the mother of Walter Allen Hill, men- ioned below, died in Phenix, R. I., in 1908. Mr. Hill narried (second) in 1910, Flora M. (Hill) Wooddell, of East Killingly, Conn., daughter of Job Hill, of Fos- er, R. I. Mrs. Hill, who survives her husband, makes her home in Phenix, R. I. She is well-known and minently respected in the more conservative of the social circles of the town. Albert F. Hill died July ?1, 1918, in his seventy-fourth year. A man of gen- rous impulses, kindly, courteous and firm in his riendships, he had endeared himself to hundreds to whom his death was a shock and deep grief.

WALTER ALLEN HILL, former postmaster of Phenix, R. I., and for several decades a prominent figure in public life in the town, was born in Phenix, March 12, 1872, son of Albert F. and Mary I. (Nicho- las) Hill. He was given excellent educational advan- tages, and attended the noted Mowry & Goff English and Classical School of Providence. Determining on a business rather than a professional career on com- pleting his studies at the above institution, Mr. Hill entered the Bryant & Stratton Business College of Providence, where he spent a year. After a short business experience he was made agent of the Adams Express Company at Phenix, which position he held for several years, resigning to enter the fire insurance business in Providence, in which he engaged success- fully until 1904. In the latter year, under the admin- istration of President Mckinley, he was appointed postmaster of Phenix, which at the time was a post- office of the fourth class. It was subsequently changed to a postoffice of the third class. Mr. Hill was retained in office under the administrations of Presi- dent Roosevelt and President Taft, retiring in 1912 to devote his time thenceforward to his business inter- ests. Mr. Hill is widely-known in business and official life in Phenix, and for many years has been actively identified with civic and educational interests. He was clerk of the school district of Phenix, and a member of the Phenix Fire Department, of which he has been elected treasurer thirty-two times. A Re-

publican in political affiliation, Mr. Hill has been influential in party councils for a long period, and is now treasurer of the Governor Beekman Republican Club of Phenix.

On November 21, 1894, Mr. Hill married Ruth Mabel Williams, daughter of Otis Williams, Jr., of Foster, R. I. Mrs. Hill descends lineally from sev- eral of the foremost of Rhode Island Colonial families, among them the Williams, Graves and Tourtellot families, the last named one of the most notable of the French Huguenot families which sought refuge in America after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes.

Otis Williams, Sr., grandfather of Mrs. Hill, was of the sixth generation in direct descent from Roger Williams, founder of Providence Plantation ; he married Maria Tourtellot, daughter of Roger Williams Tourtellot, and granddaughter of Gabriel and Elizabeth Tourtellot. Their son, Otis Williams, Jr., was born in Foster, R. I., in 1827, and died after a lifelong residence in the town in 1879. He was suc- cessfully engaged in the lumber, shingle and grain business in Foster on a large scale during the greater part of his life, operating extensive mills by water power on the original homestead of Otis Williams, Sr. He was a staunch Baptist, prominent in religious activities in Foster, and for many years a leader in town life. Otis Williams, Jr., married Ruth Graves, daughter of Elisha and Lucretia (Tripp) Graves. Their children were: 1. Henrietta M., who became the wife of E. B. Shippee, and died in 1914. 2. Clara D., wife of E. W. Phillips, died in 1900. 3. Edgar L,, a resident of Smithfield, R. I. 4. Charles S., died in 1883. 5. Cora Ellen, wife of Frank A. Phillips, died in 1914. 6. Ruth Mabel, wife of Walter Allen Hill.

Mrs. Walter Allen Hill received her early education in the schools of Foster, subsequently preparing for the profession of teaching. She attended the East Greenwich Academy, and graduated from the Rhode Island Normal School in June, 1891. On completing her studies she taught in the schools of the town of Gloucester, R. I., and in Phenix, where she taught the sixth and seventh grades for one year. Mrs. Hill later was instructor of English and history at the State College at Kingston, R. I., resigning her post there shortly before her marriage. Following her marriage and her removal to Phenix, Mrs. Hill found it difficult to abandon her profession. She became deeply interested in educational problems in her new home, and was eventually prevailed upon to help out in the Phenix schools and to lend the support of her experience and wisdom in the settling of difficulties arising in the schools. From year to year she con- tinued her connection, substituting at intervals in the

Warwick High School in the departments of English, history and mathematics. Mrs. Hill has been a prom- inent figure in club life in the Pawtuxet Valley for many years: she has also been active in civic endeav- ors. She is a member of the Coventry Women's Club, has held the office of president, and in 1916 and 1917 served as its director in the Rhode Island State Fed- eration of Women's Clubs. She has been for several years State treasurer of the King's Daughters, and

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for a like period treasurer of the Fresh Air Board of Managers of the Society. She was head of the Lit- erary and Social Department of the Epworth League of the Methodist Episcopal church of Phenix for many years, and is a member of the Philomathian Literary Society of Phenix. She has held all offices in the Rhode Island Normal Club, and is its perpetual president. She is a director of the Pawtuxet Valley Library Association. Mr. and Mrs. Hill make their home in Phenix, R. I.

CHARLES HENRY YOUNG- The surname, Young, has been continuous in those parts of South- eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island which bor- der upon one another, for a period of over two hun- dred years, throughout which time the name has been an honored and respected one. The Young family in America traces its origin to several immigrants of the name, who came to the New World in the opening decades of the colonization era, and became the pro- genitors of families whose branches are now to be found in every part of the country. The surname itself is of the comparatively large class which had their source in nicknames, and signifies literally, "the Young." Probably in numerous cases the nickname was applied in the sense of junior, to distinguish father and son, when both bore the same personal name. It appears in registers of as early date as the Hundred Rolls, 1273, in which we find the entry, Hugo le Yunge, of County Oxford. Families of the name have gained fame in English history, bearing arms and titles. It was Sir John Young, a knight, who accom- panied Mary Queen of Scots as her chamberlain on her return from France to Scotland in 1561, and received from her the grant of the manor of Leny. Several descendants of the American progenitors have figured largely in New England history, and have made the name an honored one among New Eng- landers.

The family herein under consideration has had its seat in what is now the town of Burrillville, R. I., since the close of the American Revolution, in which conflict Othniel Young, who is mentioned below as head of the family, served as a member of the Con- tinental forces.

(I) Othniel Young, great-grandfather of the late Charles Henry Young, for " long time one of the foremost dealers in real estate n the Pawtuxet Val- ley, was a resident of that section of Rhode Island which borders on the State of Massachusetts, in what is now the town of Burrillville, R. I. He enlisted as a private in a Providence company in .1776, and after- wards received a pension from the government for his services. He was drawing a pension March 4, 1831, at which date he was seventy-six years of age. Oth- niel Young resided in Burrillville, at the home of his son Alpheus Young, with whom he was living in 1840. The name of his wife is unknown.

(II) Zebeda Young, son of Othniel Young, was born April 30, 1780, in Burrillville, R. I., where he resided during the early part of his life. He was a prosperous farmer and land owner, and a well-known citizen. In late life he removed to Mendon, Mass.,

where he followed the trade of basket-making unt his death. Zebeda Young married Phila Alby, wh died May 15, 1867, in Mendon. He died in Mendor December 15, 1872.

(III) Daniel Young, son of Zebeda and Phil (Alby) Young, was born July 5, 1807, in Burrillvill R. I. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, an following his marriage engaged in agricultural pur suits in Burrillville until 1852. In the latter year h removed to Kent county, settling in Centreville, R. I where he entered the mill of Benedict Lapham. H subsequently removed to Coventry, where he was cor nected with the mills for many years. Following hi retirement from active business affairs, he removed t West Greenwich, where he died February 21, 1886, i his seventy-ninth year. Daniel Young married Merc Keech, who was born in Burrillville, R. I., daughte of Rice Keech, and who died at a venerable age

Daniel and Mercy (Keech) Young were the par ents of the following children: 1. Charles Henry mentioned below. 2. Daniel H. 3. Warren, of Crans ton, R. I. 4. Ellis, who served in the Union Army i the Civil War; now deceased. 5. Phila, who becam the wife of Powell Phillips, of Hope, R. I. 6. Zebeda died young. 7. Sarah, died young. 8. William Aller of Scituate, R. I.

(IV) Charles Henry Young, son of Daniel an Mercy (Keech) Young, was born near Herring Ponc in the town of Burrillville, Providence county, R. I April 1, 1836. He was educated in the schools c Burrillville, and in 1852 removed to the Pawtuxe Valley with his parents. Mr. Young secured his firs; employment in the manufacturing world in the Lap! ham mills at Centreville, R. I., where he received th munificent salary of four and one-half dollars pe| week in the carding department. A year and a hall later he entered the Lippitt Mills, where he remaine. for a year, at the end of that time going to the Shan nock Mills, where he spent two years. He nex learned the trade of stone cutting under Mr. Doty of Stonington, Conn., but finding the work distasteful abandoned it and returned to Rhode Island, wher! he located at Coventry, and worked for a year in th! weaving shop of Peleg and Bradford Wilbur. In th fall of 1856 he located at River Point, with which town he was thenceforth prominently identified unti his death, with the exception of a short period spen in Coventry in 1857, as foreman of the weaving de' partment of the mill of Bradford Wilbur. On hi return to River Point Mr. Young became foreman ir. the weaving room of what is now the Queen of the Valley Mill, holding the position for twelve years He resigned this position to learn the trade of car penter, which he followed successfully for a consider able period, but eventually abandoned in order to. give his entire time and attention to his growing rea estate business. In 1877 Mr. Young purchased a large tract of land in River Point, through which he opened a street, now known as Young's avenue. On thi- property he erected several houses. The venture proving highly successful, and giving promise of fur ther development, Mr. Young devoted all his resource: to bringing it up to a high standard. At the time of hi:

Charles Henry "Hrung

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BIOGRAPHICAL

eath he was the owner of over thirty houses and ores. Through the nature of his business he was rought more or less before the public eye in River oint, and for many years was prominently identified ith all movements which had for their end the Ivancement of civic interests. He was widely known id eminently respected in business circles. In politi- il affiliation he was a Democrat, and for nine years as a member of the school committee. Mr. Young erved one term as highway surveyor of District No. town of Warwick, and also as auctioneer and police nstable. He was once the candidate of the Demo- atic party for representative in the Rhode Island eneral Assembly.

One July 3, 1859, Charles Henry Young married irst) Julia A. Westcott, who was born in Johnston, . I., died in 1913, daughter of Samuel J. and Abby Burgess) Westcott, of that town. Mrs. Young de- ended both paternally and maternally from several the foremost families of Rhode Island. She was ell known in the more conservative social sircles of iver Point. Mr. and Mrs. Young were the parents f one son, Charles Willington, who was born January 1, 1860. He married (first) Mary Barber, and (sec- ad) Hattie Ingram, and resides in Providence, R. I. harles Henry Young married (second) Clara Belle ead, October 13, 1915, widow of Rastus M. Read, and daughter of Orran S. Joy and Clara Jane ( Ham- ond) Read, of Johnston, R. I.

Charles Henry Young died at his home at River oint, R. I., on November 1, 1916.

Arms-Gules. a saltire between four garbs or. Crest-On the stump of a tree vert, a falcon rising, elled and jessed or.

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PARDON SHELDON-This surname runs con- guous with American Colonial history from the year 75 to the stirring days of the struggle for inde- endence. From 1775 down to the present day it has ayed a prominent part in the development of New ngland, in public life, in business and industries. he name of Sheldon is found in very ancient Eng- sh records and has been established in Worcester- lire for many centuries. It is of local classification, id denotes literally one who originally resided in heldon. We find parishes of the name in counties evon and Warwick, and also a chapelry of Sheldon the parish of Bakewell, County Derby, England. L he American family in its several branches was unded by progenitors between whom no relationship known to have existed. The Rhode Island families f the name comprise the progeny of John Sheldon, hown as of Kings Town (Kingston), and John Shel- on, of Providence. The descendants of John Shel- on, of Providence, have lived largely in the several wns created out of ancient Providence, while those John Sheldon, of Kings Town (Kingston), have sided largely at South Kings Town (Kingston). The heldons have been allied by marriage with some of le first families of the commonwealth, among them le Williams, Arnold, Waterman, Potter, Anthony, reene and Olney families. The family was well

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The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 51

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