The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 60

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 60

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Ariel Lindsey Cook, seventh son of Ariel (2) and iza G. (Sabin) Cook, was born at the homestead in imberland, R. I., December 11, 1823, and died in oonsocket, R. I., December 23, 1886. He grew to anhood at the homestead farm, later settling in Albion, I., where he became a prominent merchant dealing general merchandise. He married Mary Harris Phil- s, who died February 26, 1917. They were the par- ts of Samuel P., of further mention; Herbert L .; a F., married Charles H. Pond; Sophia E., married wight Clarence Lord.

Samuel P. Cook, son of Ariel Lindsey and Mary arris (Phillips) Cook, was born in Albion, R. I., July , 1852. He attended graded and high schools of oonsocket until 1870, then entered the employ of the oducers National Bank of Woonsocket, that bank ving a savings department bearing the same name. e developed unusual banking ability, and in 1885 was ected cashier of the Producers National Bank and asurer of the Producers Savings Bank. He held

that office until January 14, 1907, when he was elected president of the Producers National Bank, his present high and responsible office. He is a thoroughly capable financier, learned in the law of national finance as ap- plied to banking, conservative yet not timid, ready at all times to trust his judgment in financial matters. For twenty-five years he was treasurer of the city of Woon- socket and his business interests in the city are not in- considerable. Mr. Cook is a member of the State Bank- ing Association and of other societies, financial in their scope, is a Republican in politics, and an attendant at the First Universalist Church, his club the Squantum Association. He holds all degrees of York Rite Ma- sonry, belonging to Morning Star Lodge, Free and Ac- cepted Masons; Union Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and Woonsocket Commandery, Knights Templar. He is interested in the welfare of his adopted city and is generous in his support of all worthy aims.

Mr. Cook married, in 1883, Lucia G. Moses, and they are the parents of Theodore Phillips, born in Woon- socket, August 7, 1884, now receiving teller of the Pro- ducers National Bank, and a daughter, Gertrude Nourse, born April 15, 1886.

HENRY RICHARDSON-There are few older names in history than that of Richardson. The name exists in Durham, Yorkshire, in the counties of Salop, Warwick, Worcester, Norfolk, Gloucester, Nottingham, Sussex and Surrey. There are Richardsons also in Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. In England, as in America, the name is continued in many branches. From Burke's "Landed Gentry of Great Britain and Ireland," there is ample account of the family history. The family is doubtless of Norman origin, and its descendants attained eminence in many directions. Arms were granted to several branches of the family in 1561, and at later dates. Richard Richardson, Esq., of Bradford, in Yorkshire, afterward of Biesly, in that county, paid a fine of forty pounds in 1630 for declin- ing the honor of knighthood from Charles I. All of the Richardson families mentioned in Burke's "Landed Gentry" had armorial bearings, crests and mottoes, and were land holders. Many of them became prominent in literary, civil, military and ecclesiastical pursuits. Henry Richardson's first America ancestor was Samuel Richardson, who was born in England in 1610, and came to America in 1636, settling in Woburn, where his elder brother, Ezekiel, had preceded him. Thomas, a younger brother, also settled in Woburn. The Rich- ardsons became noted men among the other freemen of Woburn, and held positions of trust in the community. Henry Richardson's ancestors in this country were Samuel (1), Stephen (2), William (3), Stephen (4), Stephen (5), and Moses (6). Moses Richardson mar- ried (first) in Attleboro, Hannah Pond, of Mansfield, daughter of Stephen Pond of that town. To them were born three children, who died young. Moses Richard- son married (second) Eliza Andrews, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Gladding) Andrews. Her father was a son of Zephaniah Andrews, colonel in the Revolutionary Army, and her mother was a daughter of Nathaniel Gladding, of Providence. Mrs. Richard- son was a descendant of the Ingraham and Gladding families who claim the site of the city of Leeds, be-

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queathed to them from their English ancestor, Lord Joseph Wilson. The children of Major Moses and Eliza (Andrews) Richardson were: Hon. Thomas Andrews Richardson; Charles; George; Sophia Field, married Abel Foster; Henry; Albert; Major James Lippitt Richardson ; Oscar ;

Frank; and Elizabeth Andrews. Three of the sons and four grandsons served in the Civil War. The seven were in line at the first battle of Bull Run, Va., July, 1861. After the battle there were six of the line who met. Samuel Foster, Mrs. Abel Foster's son, was missing; and his fate was never known.

Henry Richardson was the fourth son of Moses and Eliza (Andrews) Richardson. He was born at the cor- ner of Benefit and Power streets, in Providence, R. I., June 9, 1818. There were ten children born to Moses and Eliza A. Richardson in that house, all attaining adult life except the youngest, a little daughter, who died in her sixth year. Henry Richardson received the ordinary school education of his time, supple- mented by a course at Mr. DeWitt's High School. Mr. Richardson entered into the jewelry business with his elder brothers in early life, learning the business, and afterward becoming a manufacturer himself. He was moderately successful. although the business was never a congenial one to him. He was a member of the First Light Infantry, and commanded one of the com- panies for several years. As orderly sergeant of "the West Point Company of New England," he partici- pated in the celebration of the completion of the Bunker Hill Monument in 1843. Henry Richardson was brought up in the intimate association of the First Congregational Church (Unitarian), where his par- ents were life-long members. With his eldest brother, Thomas, he afterward became interested in, and joined the Baptist church. He found great happiness in Bibli- cal research, and with Dr. Reuben Guild of Brown University, he was an invited guest at the First Baptist Meeting House for the ministers' Monday meetings, where Dr. Guild and himself were the only laymen. Mr. Richardson had no desire for political life, though he was frequently urged to represent his ward in the City Council. He held the position of assistant assessor in the internal revenue department in 1862 and 1863. Mr. Richardson married Lucy Fuller Armington, daughter of Asa Watson and Lucy (Fuller) Armington, of Providence, R. I. They had six children : Harry Arm- ington, Lillie Eliza Andrews, Albert Fairleigh, Sophie Foster. Harriette Potter. and Daisy Lucy. Harriette Potter. and a nephew, Henry Darrell, son of Albert Fairleigh and Edith W. Richardson, are the sole sur- viving members of this branch of the family. Mr. Richardson died June 30, 1808, a few days after his eightieth birthday. He was a man of unblemished character and highly respected by those fortunate enough to know him. One of his friends, writing to Mrs. Richardson after her husband's death, fitly ex- pressed the man and his character, "He was the purest minded and most honorable gentleman I ever knew," and the writer himself stood very high in the respect of the citizens of Providence.

Mr. Richardson's Revolutionary ancestor, Colonel Stephen Richardson, of Attleboro, raised many com- panies for the army; one marched to Roxbury at the

time of the so-called election battle. He also enlist companies for the secret service, both Howland Fer and General Spencer's secret expedition. He served 1 native town as assessor, town clerk, selectman, and 1777 was chosen representative to the General Con December 6, 1777, the town established a Superior al Inferior Court to hear and determine controversies th had arisen, or might arise. Of the seven inferior judge Colonel Stephen Richardson was one. March 19, 17; he was chosen a member of the committee of four prepare instructions to the representative of the tow Captain John Stearns. In 1777 he commanded a cor pany under Colonel John Daggett, stationed for o month on Rhode Island. In 1778, January 18, he at his brother, Captain Caleb Richardson, and five other were chosen to prepare instructions to the represent tive of the town relative to the "Articles of Confeder tion." August 2, 1779, Colonel Stephen Richards and two others were chosen members of the conventi. to meet at Concord the following October for the pt pose of forming a State Constitution. In 1783, 178 he was a representative of Attleboro.

HENRY REMINGTON EVANS-The importa business of Henry R. Evans & Company, Incorpo ated, contractors and builders, of Providence, R. was founded by Henry Remington Evans, about 18t five men constituting the force employed. It is no the oldest building contracting firm in the city, six men being employed in the various departments. modern mill is an adjunct of the business, the buil ing now occupied by the company being original erected by Henry R. Evans, about 1878. He bu up a high reputation and a good business, to whi he admitted his son, Henry L., in 1889. When t business was incorporated, April 25, 1907, Henry Evans was chosen the first president, and until 1 death, May 4, 1914, he was the active, executive he of the company. During the years which have inte vened since his death no successor has been elect to succeed him, the presidents' office being held sacr to the memory of the founder of the business, he t only man legally entitled to bear the title, preside.

This branch of the Evans family in New Engla traces descent from Richard Evans, an Englishma who with his wife Mary settled at Dorchest Mass., in 1635, and there died in 1661. He w succeeded by a son, Richard (2) Evans, who becar the first known white settler of Killingly coun There he and a son, Richard (3) Evans, lived un 1710, when they sold out and moved to Rhode Islar settling in what has long been known as the "Eva neighborhood," near the present town line of Smit field and Gloucester. By his wife, Rebecca, he h several children, this branch being traced throu; the son, David Evans, who married Esther Bishc and they were the parents of David (2) Evans, w. married Jemima Foster. Their son, Elisha Evar married Mary McDonald, they the parents of Je Evans, who married Amy Thornton, daughter William and Betsey (Madison) Thornton. Je' Evans was a farmer of Smithfield and Johnston, R. a man of energy but little known in public life. E.

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as head of a family of eleven sons and daughters, he of these, a son, Henry Remington Evans, father Henry Lester Evans, of Providence, head of the orporation, Henry R. Evans & Sons.

Henry Remington Evans, son of Jehu and Amy Thornton) Evans, was born in the town of Johnston, I., June 24, 1840, died in Providence, in May, )14. He was educated in the public schools of hnston and Gloucester, but his school years ended his fifteenth year, although later he attended Scho- eld's Commercial College, Providence, studying arch- ectural drawing for two terms. In 1856 he began arning the mason's trade under the direction of his dest brother, Elisha, with whom he served an prenticeship of five years. He then learned the trpenter's trade with his brother James, and until 366 was employed as a journeyman. In that year he egan business for himself as a contractor and milder, continuing alone until 1889, when his son, enry L. Evans, was admitted, the firm name then coming Henry R. Evans & Son. Dwelling houses ere the special line of construction, although he milt mills and business blocks when required. The m became a corporation, and is still managed by enry L. Evans, who has been connected with the 'm and corporation since arriving at legal age. Mr. vans was a man of high character and business putation, a thoroughly capable and reliable builder, d trustworthy to the highest degree. While ever dependent in his political course, Mr. Evans held le duties of citizenship sacred, and fulfilled his every hity. He served the city of Providence as superin- Indent of public buildings, and held that office by pointment of Common Council from 1901 until his st years.

Henry R. Evans married, November 20, 1859, in reenville, R. I., Anna McDermott, born September 1841, daughter of John and Bessie (Leonard) Mc- ermott. Children: Ann Eliza, born Oct. 2, 1860, arried Henry F. Horton, of Pawtucket; Abby, born ug. 30, 1865, died in June, 1872; Henry Lester, of rther mention; Fannie R., born June 28, 1872, mar- led John C. Budlong, Jr .; Sarah Bowen, born Jan. , 1875, married Frederick R. Harris; Edwin Bowen, orn February 10, 1878, a graduate of Brown Uni- esity, 1901, now connected with the firm, Waite, vans Company, manufacturing jewelers.

HENRY LESTER EVANS-The business of hich Henry L. Evans is the virtual, executive head, as founded by his father, a practical builder, who rly admitted his son to a close relationship therein. review of the ancestry of this branch of the Evans mily in Rhode Island precedes this review of the je of a twentieth century representative, whose entire fe has been spent in the city of his birth and whose tire business connection has been with the corpor- tion he now manages, Henry R. Evans & Company, ontractors and builders, No. 8-14 Mathewson street, rovidence, R. I.

Henry Lester Evans was born in Mansfield, Conn., eptember 4, 1867, eldest son of Henry Remington had Anna (McDermott) Evans. He was educated in

the public schools of Pawtucket, and after completing his school years entered his father's employ. Henry R. Evans was then conducting large contracting oper- ations, and the young man was given every oppor- tunity to learn every detail of the business which he now manages. Henry L. was admitted a partner in 1889, and when the business was incorporated, he was elected secretary-treasurer and appointed man- ager. Father and son were harmoniously associated during all the years until the death of Henry R. Evans, in 1914, a very large contracting and mill bus- iness rewarding their well-directed efforts. As sole manager, Mr. Evans meets the demands of the posi- tion he holds, the many years with which he has been head of the business giving him much familiarity with its every phase and detail. Henry L. Evans was a Mason as soon as he legally could be, at the age of twenty-one years. He is a member of lodge, chapter, council, commandery, and shrine, a communicant of St. James Episcopal Church, a member of the Wan- namoissett Country Club, and in politics a Republi- can.

Mr. Evans married, August 4, 1897, Florence Louisa Eaton, of Providence.

WILLIAM D. CROSS-Well preserved family tradition affirms that the Cross family of Rhode Island descends from John Cross, who with his brother, Ralph Cross, came from Scotland to the American colonies in the seventeenth century. The link connecting subsequent generations with the founder, however, is lost in antiquity. Members of the family were early located in numerous towns of Rhode Island, and the name is inseparably associated with many sections of the early colony and State, especially with Washington county, where the fam- ily has played a prominent part in civil, official, social and business life for a century and a half. The late Hon. William D. Cross, of Carolina, R. I., was a distinguished member of this family, a lineal de- scendant of Joseph Cross and of the founders, John and Ralph Cross.

(I) Joseph Cross, the first of the direct line to whom it is possible to trace authentically, is first on record in the town of Charlestown, R. I., where he settled in a locality which later became known as Cross' Mill. He was twice married and was the father of fifteen children.

(II) Samuel Cross, son of Joseph Cross and his first wife, was born in Charlestown, R. I., and was a life-long resident of that town. He married Ann Clarke, member of a prominent old Rhode Island family. Their children married into such notable families as the Babcock, Browning, Tucker, Clark and Perry.

(III) Joseph (2) Cross, son of Samuel and Ann (Clarke) Cross, was born in Charlestown, R. I., May 19, 1775. His entire life was spent in the town, and as a young man he rose to a place of prominence in its official life, which position he retained until his death. Joseph Cross was for many years justice of the peace of Charlestown, and for a long period rep- resented the town in the Rhode Island General As-

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sembly. He was a prosperous farmer and land owner. He married (first) Dorcas Reynolds; (second) Brid- get Browning, daughter of Stephen Browning, of Charlestown, and a lineal descendant in the sixth generation of Nathaniel Browning, founder of the family in Rhode Island. His third wife was Ruth Greene, also a member of a prominent family of the State. The child of the first marriage, Mary A., is deceased. Children of the second marriage: I. George W., born May 12, 1821, died in South Kings- ton. 2. Dorcas A., born Sept. 10, 1823, died in Prov- idence; married William C. Tucker. 3. Bridget B., born June II, 1826, died Feb. 15, 1829. 4. Samuel J., born Jan. 6, 1828, died in Pennsylvania. 5. Stephen B., born July 13, 1830, died Feb. 7, 1889. 6. William D., mentioned below. 7. Hannah W., born March 26, 1834, died July 6, 1835.

(IV) Hon. William D. Cross, son of Joseph (2) and Bridget (Browning) Cross, was born on his father's farm in Charlestown, R. I., November 5, 1832. He spent his boyhood on the farm. He received his ele- mentary education in the local district schools, and in 1857 became a student in the East Greenwich Acad- emy, where he remained for a year. On completing his studies he returned home, and until reaching the age of twenty-one years, he was his father's assistant in the management of the farm. On attaining his majority, however, he entered upon a business career, and for one year traveled in Georgia for a large publishing house. He then returned to Rhode Island, locating in Carolina, with which town he was identi- fied almost continuously thenceforward until his death. Here he entered the cigar factory of Tucker, Pierce & Company to learn the trade. Some of his time while learning was spent in East Greenwich. In 1868, Mr. Cross became manager of the cigar factory of L. W. Kingsley, of Providence, and remained in full charge of this enterprise for one year. At the end of this time, having amassed a considerable capital, Mr. Cross established himself independently in the cigar manufacturing business at Carolina. The venture, begun on a small scale, grew rapidly to large propor- tions through his judicious management, and was a success from the very outset. In 1872 Mr. Cross relinquished all other business interests in order to give his entire time and attention to the affairs of his cigar factory. He became widely known in manufac- turing circles in Carolina and the surrounding coun- try, and became a recognized leader in business inter- ests. Through prominence in business life he nat- urally was brought into the field of public affairs.

Mr. Cross became active at an early date in the civic interests of Carolina. He was a staunch believer in the principles and policies of the Republican party, but was never influenced against his better judgment by party precepts. He was a keen student of the affairs of the times, a man with an instinct for public service, which was backed by an unimpeachable moral and ethical code. In 1872 he was first elected to rep- resent his town in the Rhode Island House of Rep- resentatives. In 1880-81 Mr. Cross was a member of the upper house of the Rhode Island Legislature. In 1898 and 1899 he was again elected to the Assembly,

and in 1900, 1901 and 1902 was returned to the Ser ate. In 1869 he became a member of the Town Cour cil of Carolina, which office he filled ably and well i 1870, 1871, 1879, 1880, 1883 and 1884; from the latte year up to and including 1902 he was president ( the council, with the exception of the years 1891 an 1892. From June, 1897, to June, 1903, he was tow treasurer. In 1873-74 he was commissioner of India schools for the Narragansett tribe, which was the living on the reservation in Charlestown. In 1872, M Cross erected Samoset Hall, the only public buildin in Carolina. On the lower floor of the building h established his manufacturing plant. Mr. Cross wa widely known in fraternal and social circles in Carc lina and the vicinity. He was one of the pionee members of the Washington County Agricultural So city, and for two years was one of its vice-president He was a popular and influential member of Friend ship Lodge, No. 16, of the Independent Order ( Odd Fellows, of Carolina. Few men who were h contemporaries in the life of Carolina wielded larger or more beneficial influence in its affairs tha William D. Cross. He was a leader of more tha ordinary ability, inspiring immediate confidence, no only in his honesty and fairness, but in his whole hearted devotion to the interests of the town. H was identified prominently with every movemer which had for its end the advancement of public we fare, a subject always close to his heart. He was gentleman of the old school, sincere in his friendship kindly, courteous, and genial. His death was regarde as a personal bereavement by the entire communit

On May 22, 1869, Mr. Cross married Martha S. Fr daughter of James and Eliza (Wilder) Fry, of Care lina, R. I. They were the parents of the followin children: 1. Emma E., who became the wife of Free erick C. Barber, of Carolina. 2. Mary D., born No 14, 1875, died aged four years. 3. George W., marrie Maria Grimes; they are the parents of one so William D. Mrs. Cross, who survives her husband now at the age of seventy-six years, is the activ manager of his business and estate. She is vigorou and active, and an able business woman, directing th affairs of the Cross manufacturing plant and supe vising its books. She is widely known and eminent respected in social circles of Carolina. She is a men ber of the Free Baptist Church of Carolina. Ho William D. Cross died at his home in Carolina, R. : on January 14, 1916, in his eighty-fourth year.

SIMEON P. CLARK-The surname Clarke is or of the most ancient of early English patronymics. signifies literally "the clerk," who under the Englis ecclesiastical law of the feudal period was any of who had been admitted to the ecclesiastical state, ar had taken the tonsure. The application of the wol in this sense gradually underwent a change and "clerl became more especially the term applied to those minor orders. The word also developed a differer sense. In medieval times the pursuit of letters ar general learning was confined to the clergy, the on persons who could read and write, and who performe all notarial and secretarial work. In time the cler

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BIOGRAPHICAL

vas not necessarily a clergyman, but one who per- ormed the duties of notary, accountant, or mere pen- nan, etc. We therefore find the term widely applied, nd the office well established at the beginning of the urname era, which accounts for the frequent recur- ence of the surname in medieval registers, and for he fact that it ranks ninth among English surnames in point of popularity. Whether spelled Clark, Clarke, or Clerk, the pronunciation is identical, and is always with the broad "a."

The Clarke and Clark families of America descend rom several progenitors. The Rhode Island family of the name has played a most distinguished part in he affairs of the Colony and State for over two hun- red and fifty years. With the exception perhaps of Roger Williams, no man figured more vitally in the ffairs of the infant colony than Dr. John Clarke. His rother, Joseph Clarke, first a resident of Newport, nd later one of the early settlers of Westerly, also vas active in the official life of the Colony; he was he progenitor of the Westerly Clarks, and the ances- or of the late Simeon Perry Clark, prominent mani- acturer and well-known business man of Clark's Mills, R. I.

(I) John Clark, the first of the direct line to whom has been possible to trace, was of County Suffolk, England, where he was buried March 3, 1559.

(II) John (2) Clark, son of John (1) Clark, was orn in February, 1541, and was buried in County Suf- olk, April 7, 1598. He married Catherine Cook, aughter of John Cook.

(III) Thomas Clark, son of John (2) and Cath- rine (Cook) Clark, was born on All Saints Day, November 1, 1570, died July 27, 1627. Thomas Clark harried Rose Kerige.

(IV) Joseph Clark, son of Thomas and Rose Kerige) Clark, was born in England, December 9, 518, and baptized at Westhorpe, December 16th, allowing. He came to New England in 1637, in pmpany with his brothers, Dr. John and Thomas lark. After a brief residence in Boston, he settled Newport, R. I., in 1638, and in the same year was dmitted an inhabitant of the Island of Aquidneck. 1 1640 he was present at the General Court of Elec- ons, and in 1641 became a freeman. In 1644 he was ne of the original members of the First Baptist hurch. In 1648 he was a member of the General ourt of Trials. In 1655-57-58-59 he filled the impor- int office of commissioner. He was assistant in 1658- 3-64-65-78-79. The name of Joseph Clark appears the charter granted Rhode Island by Charles II. nder date of July 8, 1663. He was deputy to the hode Island General Assembly from 1668 to 1672 and again in 1690, representing the town of Westerly. 1 1668 he was a freeman in Westerly, and in May, 569, his name appears on a list of the inhabitants. 1 1677 he was a member of the Court of Justices of le Peace, chosen to attend to the matter of injurious id illegal actions on the part of the Connecticut Col- ny. In 1680 he was again a resident of Newport, here the greater part of his old age was spent; he said to have died at Westerly, on June 1, 1694. He

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The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 60

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