The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 54

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 54

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Mr. Ames married, August 14, 1892, Annie J. For- syth, born in Hartford, Conn., where her parents died when she was very young. Mr. and Mrs. Ames are the parents of a son: Frank R. (2) Ames, who served during the great World War as personal adjutant, stationed at Camp Merritt, Tenafly, N. J .; and of a daughter, Helaine Ames, residing with her parents.

P. WILLIAM GEARY-In 1912, when Boston University Law School conferred upon him the degree of LL. B., Mr. Geary experienced that satisfaction which comes with the attainment of a hope long antic- ipated, and an ambition realized. Upon the conferring of that degree he returned to Providence, and in the city of his birth has since continuously and success-

fully practised his profession. He is a son of John F. and Johanna (Hayes) Geary, both residents of Provi- dence, his father now and for thirty-seven years con- nected with the city highway department.

P. William Geary was born in Providence, R. I., March 31, 1887. After completing public grammar school courses, he attended La Salle Academy, until graduation in 1905, going thence to Boston University Law School, whence he was graduated LL. B., class of 1912. He was admitted to the Rhode Island bar in October, 1911, and has since devoted himself to the practice of law, being junior member of the firm, Murphy, Hagan & Geary, No. 917 Turk's Head build- ing. He is a member of the Legal Advisory Board, special attorney for soldiers and sailors, and repre- sentative of the Alien Property Commissioner for the Rhode Island district in the Government service. He is secretary of the American Citizenship Cam- paign Committee. He is a member of the United States Supreme Court, the Rhode Island State and Providence Law associations, Boston University Law School Alumni, La Salle Alumni, ex-chancellor of the Knights of Columbus, member of the Catholic Club, Columbus Club, The Masters' Club of Boston, Oak- land Villa Association, Holy Name Society, and in politics is a Democrat. His college fraternity is Phi Delta Phi.

GEORGE R. SAUNDERS-Now living retired in the city of Providence, R. I., after twenty-eight years' continuous service with the Providence Line of steam- boats, Mr. Saunders reviews a most interesting life history which began in the year 1845 at East Boston, Mass. Not only is his personal history one of inter- est, but in its collateral and direct branches his family history touches many of the prominent happenings and families of New England early days, even to the May- flower Pilgrims, John and Priscilla Alden. He is a son of William Pratt Saunders, born in Boston, Mass., one of a family of sixteen sons and daughters. An- other ancestor was Thomas Worthley, born in Bed- fordshire, England, in 1691, who landed in Salem, Mass., in 1705, and at an early age was married in Worcester, Mass. He later moved to New Hamp- shire, and in 1751 became the third settler in the town of Weare, his farm which he wrested from the forest being in the neighborhood of the "Cold Spring," between Weare and Old Mill village. There he passed the remainder of his wonderful life, which was ex- tended beyond the century mark, one hundred and eight being the years of his life.

George R. Saunders was born in East Boston, Mass., October 28, 1845, and there was educated in the public schools. Although below legal age, he man- aged to enlist during the Civil War as a private of Company E. Sixtieth Regiment, Massachusetts In- fantry, and saw service in the West, guarding prop- erty at Indianapolis and elsewhere. After the war he returned to East Boston and was variously engaged there until 1874, when he made Providence, R. I., his liome, and there has ever since resided. His first employment in Providence was with the Providence Tool Company, as inspector, his work the inspection

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of rifles, the company then being engaged on a large contract for the Turkish Government. The next five years were spent in the service of the police de- partment of the city as patrolman, that post being resigned to take a position with the Prudential Life Insurance Company. He remained with the Pruden- tial two years, then began his long connection with the Providence Line of steamboats, first as delivery clerk, later as outside agent, creating business for the line. For twenty-eight years he continued in the serv- ice of the line, then retired, having been a factor in the wonderful development of that means of freight and passenger communication between Providence and New York City. He has always taken a deep interest in the Grand Army of the Republic, and is now com- mander of George H. Brown Post. He is a member of the Red Men, and of the Massachusetts Grand Lodge of that order, and now serving on the judiciary committee; is an Odd Fellow, and a Knight of Pythias, a prominent official of both lodges in earlier days. Through his early Colonial ancestry he is eligi- ble to many societies, and both he and his wife are members of the Society Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims. In political faith he is a Republican and in religious preference a Protestant.

George R. Saunders married Elsie Owens McKee, born in East Boston, Mass., daughter of William Owen McKee, of Boston, Mass. He was born in St. John, the commercial metropolis of New Brunswick, Canada, but was a descendant of one of the oldest Dutch families of the Hudson-Mohawk Valley, New York State. William O. McKee married Susanna Gates Ford, of Medford, Mass., who traced descent from John and Priscilla Alden of the "Mayflower," and from the Copelands, Trowbridges and Warrens, famous Colonial and Revolutionary families. From this ancestry Mrs. Saunders derives her membership in the Society Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims. Mr. and Mrs. Saunders are the parents of a daughter, Mande R., wife of Charles B. Hastings, of Greene, R. I.

HERBERT LAWRENCE, M. D., physician-in- chief of the Providence Emergency Hospital, and one of the best-known physicians of this city, is a native of Wakefield, Mass., where his birth occurred, Feb- ruary 8, 1878. He is a son of Henry and Ella (Hayes) Lawrence, both of whom are deceased.

Dr. Lawrence passed his childhood and youth at his native town of Wakefield and, as a lad, attended the local public schools. He was a student at the high school for two years, and then entered the Mt. Her- mon School for Boys at Mt. Hermon, Mass., where he was prepared for college. Upon completing his studies at the latter institution, Mr. Lawrence entered the medical department of the University of Vermont, where he established a splendid record for scholarship, and where he studied to such good purpose that he was graduated with the class of 1911, taking the degree of Doctor of Medicine. The circumstances of his family rendered it necessary for the young man to pay for his own tuition during his college career, and he did this by working as a medical nurse, both in general and private institutions. Upon receiving his degree,

Dr. Lawrence secured a post as physician for the Massachusetts School for Feeble-Minded, and re- mained there for two years, or until January, 1913. At that time Dr. Lawrence came to Providence, where he received his present appointment as physician-in- chief of the Providence Emergency Hospital. He also carries on a large general practice and is now justly- regarded as among the leaders of his profession in this community. In religious belief Dr. Lawrence is a Baptist and attends the Calvary Church of that denom- ination here. In politics he is an Independent Re- publican and, although an advocate of the general principles and policies of his party, holds himself free from all partisan considerations in the exercise of his judgment in local issues and on the merits of local candidates. Dr. Lawrence's residence is situated at No. 53 Parkis avenue, Providence, and he also main- tains an office at that address.

On October 9, 1912, Dr. Herbert Lawrence was united in marriage at Wakefield, Mass., with Emma Frances Tay, a daughter of William H. and Emily Frances (Smith) Tay, old and highly-respected resi- dents of Wakefield. To Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence two children have been born: Ella Frances, and Mary E.

WILLIAM HENRY CAMFIELD was born in Greeley, Weld county, Colo., September 27, 1883, the son of James E. and Ellen (McGovern) Camfield. His father died in Colorado, in 1888. That same year the family returned to Providence and there William H. completed his public school education, graduating from the Providence Classical High School in 1901. That same year he entered Brown University, and graduated from there in 1905 with the degree of A. B. Having made the law his choice of a profession, he entered Harvard, whence he was graduated with the degree of LL. B. in the class of 1908. He was admit- ted to the Rhode Island bar, May 7, 1909, and at once began practice, associating himself with the firm of Gardner, Pierce & Thornley. In August, 1915, he was appointed temporary assistant United States attorney for the District of Rhode Island, serving as such until April 30, 1916. On May 1, 1916, he was appointed a special assistant United States attorney for the Dis- trict of Rhode Island, a position he now holds (1918). He is a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association, Phi Beta Kappa, the University and Catholic clubs, Church of the Holy Name, and in politics is a Demo- crat.

Mr. Camfield married, in New Bedford, Mass., April 17, 1917, Agnes I. Black, of that city.

EDWARD THAYER, JR., secretary of the Leb- anon Mills Company-This company, one of the most important industrial concerns of its kind in New Eng- land, was established in the year 1867 by Alanson Thayer and his son, Edward Thayer, who purchased the old mill of the R. B. Gage Company, and began the manufacture of cotton yarn and knitted fabrics there. This mill, itself an ancient one, stood on the site of one still older, namely the historic Kent Mill, which is mentioned in the act incorporating Pawtucket in 1828. The two Mr. Thayers had both been engaged

William A. Confiela.

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BIOGRAPHICAL

in industrial enterprises before, and both were experi- enced business men at the time of the founding of the present concern. The father, however, had reached an age when he felt that retirement was appropriate, and two years later, in 1869, withdrew, leaving his son to carry on the growing industry alone. This he did with a high degree of success, and the Lebanon Mills Company, as it was known from the start, de- veloped rapidly in size and importance. By 1875 the business had doubled and Mr. Thayer admitted S. Eugene Wood as a partner, but in 1881 he purchased his interest and was once more the sole proprietor. In February, 1887, the mill was totally destroyed by fire, and the Payne building on Broad street was secured in which to carry on the work until a new building could be completed. This was soon accomplished, however, and the company moved into the building now occupied by the Pawtucket Dyeing & Bleaching Company. Mr. Thayer's death occurred at Pawtucket, February 13, 1899, and he has been succeeded in the management of the great enterprise he built up by his sons. Mrs. Thayer died December 31, 1918. The eldest son, S. Willard Thayer, is now president of the concern which was incorporated in 1896, Alanson Thayer, the second son, is treasurer, and Edward Thayer, Jr., the third son, secretary. Under the capable management of these men, worthy successors to their father, the enterprise has continued to grow until it has reached its present great proportions. The pro- ducts of the mills are rubber linings, astrakans, jersey cloths, knitted fabrics, men's, women's and children's flat-ribbed underware, cloths for sweaters, golf vests, cardigans, and sweater coats. One hundred and seventy spring-needle knitting-machines, fifteen latch- needle knitting-machines and one hundred sewing- machines are now employed there.

S. Willard Thayer, president of the Lebanon Mills Company, was born October 5, 1868, a son of Edward and Emma L. (Dexter) Thayer. He has become a very prominent figure in the business and industrial world of this region, and besides his presidency of this company is treasurer of the Dexter Yarn Company and a director of the Pawtucket branch of the Indus- trial Trust Company. He is a Republican in politics, and has served his city as a member of the City Coun- cil and the Board of Aldermen, and has been presi- dent of the latter body. He is a very prominent Free Mason, and is a member of all the Masonic bodies in this region, including the Scottish Rite bodies and the Mystic Shrine.

Alanson Thayer is now treasurer of the Lebanon Mills Company. He has been very active in Repub- lcan politics, and served his city on the Common Coun- cil. He is also a prominent Free Mason, and con- nected with the same bodies as his brother, and is a member of the Business Men's Association and the To Kalon Club. He married, April 19, 1893, Sarah Graham, a daughter of George Graham, of Pawtucket, and they are the parents of two children: Edward Alanson, and Oman Graham.

Edward Thayer, Jr., was born January 2, 1875, at Pawtucket, and there attended in childhood the local

public schools. He then entered Brown University, where he took a three years' course and distinguished himself as a student. He is now secretary of the Leb- anon Mills Company, director of the Dexter Yarn Company, and is prominent in the Masonic order, and a member of the To Kalon Club, and treasurer of the Nantucket Pilgrims. He married, September 5, 1906, Bessie L. Gelb, a daughter of Victor Gelb, of this city. They are the parents of one daughter, Caroline Louise, born September 12, 1907.

The Thayer family is a very ancient one, and was founded in this country by Richard and Thomas Thayer, who came from Braintree, in the County of Essex, England, and settled in the Massachusetts Col- ony as early as 1630. Thomas Thayer is the direct ancestor of the Thayers of Pawtucket, and from that early date to the present, the members of the family have held a conspicuous place in the affairs of this region.

JOHN EDWARD HURLEY, president of the Remington Printing Company (Remington Press), of No. 10 Abbott Park place, Providence, R. I., one of the largest and most progressive printing firms in New England, was born September 26, 1860, at Provi- dence, and attended the East Street Primary and Inter- mediate School and Thayer Street Grammer School. On August 25, 1875, he was employed as apprentice by the Rhode Island Printing Company, and there learned the printing trade in many branches, under the late Cap- tain Charles C. Gray. He attended Polytechnic Night School on Richmond street, a night high school main- tained by the city of Providence, many of the graduates of which have made their mark in this community. He remained with this concern quite a few years, then worked on several of the local newspapers as composi- tor. While employed with the Providence "Journal" he, with Charles Howland, as editor, produced the first Providence "Journal Almanac," the same being printed two pages at a time on an exceedingly small Hoe Stop Cylinder Press. In the autumn of 1893 he associated himself with P. S. Remington and Frank M. Mason in the firm of P. S. Remington & Company, at No. 153 Dorrance street, and in the spring of the following year purchased a one-third interest in the concern, which later moved to the Hanley building on Washington street. The name of the firm was then changed to the Remington Printing Company (Remington Press) and was incorporated. Mr. Remington's interest was later acquired by Benjamin P. Moulton, and still later Mr. Mason's interest was purchased by Mr. Hurley and Mr. Moulton. In August, 1912, they moved to their present location in the Waite-Thresher building, No. 10 Abbott Park place, their plant covering a space of about 10,000 square feet.

In politics Mr. Hurley is an Independent. He repre- sented the First Ward of the city of Providence in the Common Council in 1900. He was for two terms presi- dent of the Master Printers' Association of Rhode Island, is a past exalted ruler of Providence Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and repre- sented his lodge in the National Convention of the order in Los Angeles, Cal., in 1915. He is a past presi-

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dent of the Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Providence, is a member of the Knights of Colum- bus, Chamber of Commerce, The Town Criers of Rhode Island, Hundred Acre Club and Boston City Club. He is a resident of Edgewood.

John Edward Hurley was united in marriage, Sep- tember 28, 1892, with Ellen Louise Monahan, of Provi- dence, and they are the parents of one son, James Ed- ward Hurley, born August 21, 1893. James Edward Hurley was educated at the local public schools and the Technical High School, but before graduating from the latter institution, entered his father's establishment and was engaged in this business when the United States entered the great World War. He then entered the United States Navy and is still connected with it.

WILLIAM ROBERT McGUIRK, M. D .- Nearly a quarter of a century has elapsed since Dr. McGuirk began private practice in Providence, those years, 1894- 1918, having returned him richly the honors of his, the oldest of professions. He has made a specialty of surgi- cal cases, and is considered one of the most able and skillful. Dr. McGuirk is a native son of Massachu- setts, his parents, Michael Joseph and Jane E. (Crow- ley) McGuirk, both born in England of Irish parents. Michael Joseph McGuirk has gone to his reward, his widow now residing in Providence with her son, Dr. William R. McGuirk.

William R. McGuirk was born in Fitchburg, Mass., April 29, 1871. There he attended public schools until 1884, the family moving to Providence, R. I., in that year. He completed grammar school courses in Providence, then entered high school, finishing with graduation in 1889. He then took a year's pre- paratory course in medicine at Dartmouth College, going thence to the medical department of Columbia University, New York City, where he was graduated an M. D., class of 1802. He served as interne at the Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, for two years, then con- nected with surgical out-patient department for seven years. He entered private practice in that city in 1894, and there continues, an eminent surgeon and physician. Since 1894 he has been identified with St. Joseph's Hos- pital and for the past fifteen years has been visiting surgeon. He is a member of the American Medical Association, Rhode Island Medical Society, Providence Medical Society, is active in these societies, and holds the high esteem of his professional brethren. His prac- tice is large and principally surgical. An active member of St. Michael's Church (Roman Catholic), he was for years medical examiner of the Knights of Columbus, but the demands of his practice caused him to abandon that work and to resign his appointments as medical exami- ner for several leading life insurance companies. For the past two years he has been president of the Catholic Club, belongs to the Metacomet Golf Club, and is rated among the club's golf enthusiasts. In politics he is an Independent.

Dr. McGuirk married, June 12, 1907, Mary Alice Gil- bane, of Providence, who died October 30, 1912. His mother and two sisters, Ellen A. and Jane McGuirk, reside with him in his fine residence at No. 859 Broad street, Providence; a brother, Edward F., and a sister, Mrs. Edward A. McCaffrey, also reside in Providence.

ANDREW LINTON, JR .- The name Linton, or Lynton, as it is sometimes found to-day, is one of the oldest of English surnames. It belongs to that class which are local in derivation, that is, the class whose founders adopted the name of the community in which they lived as their own to distinguish themselves from their fellows. There are parishes of that name in the counties Cambridge, Devon, Hereford, Kent and York ( West Riding ), and townships of the name in the coun- ties Derby, Hereford and York ( West and North Rid- ing). No doubt all of these localities have furnished their share of families by the name, and it is only con- ! jectural which locality produced the line under con- sideration. Originally, in the early days when the name was used as a personal one, it held the meaning "of Lin- ton," and many representatives of the family are found in the early records of old England. From the Testa de Neville, sive Liber Feodorum, of the reign of Henry III. of England, we get the name of William de Lynton, a prominent resident of the County of Worcester. The Hundred Rolls, of 1273, contain the names of Richard de Linton, of London, and Robert de Lynton, of the County Cambridge. Hugh de Linton, York county, ap- pears among the names contained in the Placita de Quo Warranto, of the reign of Edward I., Laurencius de Lynton, of Lynton, was a prominent Englishman of the fourteenth century, The Linton family of Scotland bears arms as follows :

Arms-Gules an eagle displayed argent; on a chief of the last three roses of the first.

Crest-An eagle's head erased, holding in the beak an acorn stalked and leaved, all proper.

The family has long been a prominent one in the United States. Representatives were among the earliest colonists of the New England colonies, and in recent years members of the various branches of the family have attained success in every industry throughout the United States.

It has been the fortune of Providence and Woon- socket, R. I., to count among their citizens many men of an unusual type,-men, who, through their own un- remitting labors and an admirable display of genius, have risen from a small beginning in particular lines of business to the top of the industrial life of their communities. The late Andrew Linton, Jr., for many years one of the foremost manufacturing jewelers of Providence, R. I., and through the latter years of his life identified with the interests and development of the town and city of Woonsocket, R. I., was a native of Ayr, Scotland, the son of Andrew Linton, Sr., and a descendant of an old and honorable Scotch-Irish family. His father, born in Ireland, was taken when but a young boy by his parents to Scotland, where he grew to man- hood, following various occupations, until, in 1842, he took ship for America, and made his way to Providence, R. I. Here he found employment at his trade in the mills, and this work he continued throughout the re- mainder of his life. He died at Providence, aged forty- seven years, October 18, 1861. Catherine McCann, his wife, whom he wedded in Ireland, died October 18, 1851, and both are buried in the Catholic cemetery. To An- drew and Catherine ( McCann) Linton were born eight children, of whom one died in infancy. They were: I. Andrew, of further mention. 2. Thomas J., engaged

Lafay Ette Odwarch

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at the present time in the jewelry business in Providence. 3. Agnes, married Charles E. Sheridan, and died in New York City. 4. Philip, engaged at Providence in the jewelry manufacturing business. 5. Margaret, who died at Providence, unmarried. 6. Catherine, married James E. Davis, of Providence. 7. Theodore, a resi- dent of Brooklyn, N. Y.

Andrew Linton, Jr., son of Andrew Linton, Sr., and Catherine (McCann) Linton, was born at Ayr, Scotland, in the year 1826. When he was still very young his par- ents removed to America, locating at Providence, R. I. Andrew Linton, Jr., received some schooling, but his educational advantages were somewhat limited, since at an early age he was apprenticed to the firm of Andrews & Andrews, of Providence, engravers of rolls for calico printing. Here he remained until his term of apprenticeship expired, and then, the work not proving congenial, he entered the employ of his brother, Thomas J., who was engaged in the manufacture of jewelry. This work proved greatly to his liking and he deter- mined to some day own a business of his own; his native ability asserted itself, and the knowledge gained during the period in which he remained in the employ of his brother enabled him, in 1865, to form a partner- ship with another brother, Philip, under the firm name of P. & A. Linton. They were immediately success- ful, and in this occupation Mr. Linton continued until his death, at Woonsocket, R. I., June 13, 1899, where he had removed in 1885. He is buried in the St. Charles' Catholic Church Cemetery.

Mr. Linton's activity in the jewelry manufacturing business, which at that time, as in the present, was one of the principal industries of Rhode Island, brought him prominence in other lines, principally as connected with the church and charitable works. He was a prominent member of the Jewelers' Board of Trade, was one of the original founders, and for some years the president of the St. Vincent De Paul Society in Providence. He was

for many years a trustee of St. Charles' Catholic Church, a faithful member of the same, and greatly interested in the works and organi- zation of a charitable and religious nature iden- tified with that institution. His nature was genial, and his willing personality brought him hosts of friends. Ever popular in social circles, he neverthe- less found his greatest recreation from the turmoil of the business world in the quiet of his own family life. He was temperate in his habits, broad in view, and domestic in his tastes, a patriotic and public-spirited gentleman.

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The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 54

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