The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 61

Author: Bicknell, Thomas Williams, 1834-1925. cn
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: New York, The American Historical Society
Number of Pages: 978

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married for the first time in 1642; his second wife, Margaret, died in 1694.

(V) William Clark, son of Joseph Clark, was born about 1645, and died September 30, 1683. He was commander of a sloop taken by the government during King Philip's War (1676), and was also captain of a company of militia. On August 1, 1679, he petitioned the Assembly concerning several Indians captured by him and his company in time of war. The case was referred to the town councils of Newport and Ports- month. In 1677 he purchased land in Boston Neck, North Kingston. William Clark married Hannah Weeden, daughter of William Weeden; she died in 1722.

(VI) William (2) Clark, son of William (1) and Hannah (Weeden) Clark, was born at Newport, R. I., May 27, 1673, and died at Richmond, February 28, 1767. He was a prominent resident of that part of Westerly which later became Richmond. He was the owner of extensive farm lands in the vicinity of Westerly, and deeded farms to his sons, William, Robert, Elisha, Caleb, Jonathan and Thomas. He also gave land at Jamestown and Dutch Island to his uncle, John Weeden. In 1711, 1730 and 1739 he was deputy to the General Assembly. He is called cap- tain in the records. His will, dated 1769, was proved March 7, 1770, at Richmond. On April 5, 1700, he married, at Newport, Hannah Knight, daughter of Jonathan and Hannah Knight; she was born May 3, 1680, and died in 1743.

(VII) William (3) Clark, son of William (2) and Hannah (Knight) Clark, was born at Newport, Au- gust 26, 1701. He was a resident of both Richmond and Charlestown. On September 4, 1738, he was elected town clerk of Charlestown, and filled the office until September, 1747. In 1742-44-46 he represented Charlestown in the Rhode Island General Court. On August 15, 1747, he was elected town clerk of Rich- mond, and in 1749 and 1756 was deputy. He married, September 1, 1731, at South Kingston, Rebecca Wells, daughter of Peter and Ann (Watson) Wells, of South Kingston; she was born December 30, 1710.

(VIII) Joshua Clark, son of William (3) and Re- becca (Wells) Clark, was born at Charlestown, R. I., on February 19, 1749. He settled at Shannock, where in 1771 he purchased a tract of land and the water privilege. This property has remained in the hands of his descendants in the direct male line to the pres- ent day, and the mill is now owned by his great-great- grandson, George P. Clark. On February 26, 1769, he married Elizabeth Dodge, who died January 23, 1826. He died July 7, 1796.

(IX) Perry Clark, son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Dodge) Clark, was born in Richmond, November 21, 1780. He inherited the property and water privi- lege of his father, and built a grist mill at Shannock. He also erected the old fashioned overshot water wheel. He operated both these mills for a number of years, carrying his products once a week to the markets of Newport and Providence. Perry Clark also conducted a general store at Shannock, the first of its kind in the village. He was one of the leading

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citizens of Shannock, and was long active in public life. On April 16, 1815, he married Penelope Perry, who was born May 2, 1784, and died March 19, 1884, in her one hundredth year. Perry and Penelope (Perry) Clark were the parents of the following chil- dren: 1. Perry, born Feb. 17, 1816; married, Sept. 13, 1837, Penelope Dodge. 2. Charles, born Jan. 23, 1818, died May 9, 1870; married Mary Clark; their children were: Charles P., who died unmarried on Dec. 25, 1870, and Martha. 3. Simeon P., mentioned below. 4. Mary, born Dec. 10, 1821. 5. Penelope Congdon, born Feb. 7, 1825.

(X) Simeon P. Clark, son of Perry and Penelope (Perry) Clark, was born at Clark's Mills, R. I., Feb- ruary 19, 1820. He was educated at Bacon Academy, at Colchester, Conn., and at the early age of fifteen years succeeded with his brother, Charles Clark, to the management of their father's mercantile and mill- ing enterprises. For several years he filled the posi- tion of bookkeeper for R. G. Hazard, who operated the mills at Carolina at that time. In 1849, in part- nership with his brother, Mr. Clark erected a mill and began the manufacture of cotton yarn, laying the foun- dations of the successful business in which his son and grandson succeeded him. The venture proved highly profitable, and the partnership continued until 1870, when the death of Charles Clark dissolved it. Pur- chasing his brother's interest, Simeon P. Clark became sole owner of the flourishing concern, and continued at its head until 1885, when he disposed of it to his son and retired from active business life. The loca- tion in Clark's Mills of industries of the size of those controlled by the Clarks did much to advance the village to a position of importance among the mill villages of Rhode Island. The welfare of the village was always close to Mr. Clark's heart, and although he remained strictly aloof from political circles, he was always prominently identified with movements which had for their end the furthering of civic interests. No man among his contempor- aries occupied a more enviable position in the life of Clark's Mills than he did. He was not only hon- ored and respected for the blameless integrity of his life, the unimpeachable honesty and fairness which characterized his every business dealing, but he was loved by the people in whose life he had been a domi- nant figure for nearly forty years. Simeon P. Clark was a member of the Baptist church in early life, but later became an Adventist. He died at his home in Clark's Mills, December 4, 1887.

On November 8, 1843, Simeon P. Clark married Catherine Perry, who was born at South Kingston in 1819, daughter of Walter Perry, and member of a distinguished branch of the old South county Perrys. She was her husband's companion and confidant, knew the most involved details of his business, and was fre- quently his counsellor and advisor. To her he attri- buted a large part of the responsibility for his succees in life. She was a devout Christian, a loving mother and a cultured gentlewoman. As a charter member of the Clark's Mills Woman's Christian Temperance Union she worked earnestly and effectively for its success. Catherine (Perry) Clark died on February 22, 1897. Simeon P. and Catherine (Perry) Clark were the

parents of the following children: 1. George He bert, born Aug. 6, 1847; president of the Columt Narrow Fabric Company, of Shannock; one of t leading business men of Richmond; he married, D cember 26, 1877, Celia E. Carr, daughter of Peleg and Catherine (Weeden) Carr; their children ar i. George Perry, born Jan. 13, 1879; treasurer a director of the Columbia Narrow Fabric Compan married Annie Mary O'Neil, daughter of Euge O'Neil, of Westerly. ii. Harriet Sumner, born Ja 15, 1880; a graduate of Smith College; president the board of trustees of the Free Public Library Shannock. iii. Henry Garfield, born May 28, 188 graduated from Brown University in the class of 19 with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy; seci tary and director in the Columbia Narrow Fab: Company of Shannock. iv. Florence, born May 1883; graduate of Wellesley College, and of t teacher's course at Columbia College; now teachi at West New York, Hudson county, N. J. 2. Cat erine Perry, born Aug. 7, 1848. 3. Nellie Augus born March 25, 1850. 4. Julia Wells, born Nov. 1854, who resides on the old homestead at Shannod 5. Harriet Sumner, born April 22, 1856, died Ap II, 1874.

WALTER ACKMAN PRESBREY, one of t most prominent and influential citizens of Providen where he holds the office of chairman of the Board Police Commissioners, and is engaged in manuf: turing on a large scale, is a native of this city, bc July 19, 1867, a son of Allen A. Presbrey, himself t subject of extended mention elsewhere in this wo and of Nellie A. (Peckham) Presbrey, old and high respected residents of Providence. Mr. Presbrey, S has been engaged in business at Providence for ma years in association with his son, Walter Ackm Presbrey, the firm being conducted under the name A. A. Presbrey & Son Company.

As a lad Walter Ackman Presbrey attended 1 public schools of this city. He entered Brown U versity, where he took the usual scientific cour He graduated from the last named institution with 1 class of 1890, taking at the same time the degree Bachelor of Philosophy. Eight years previous to graduation, however, Mr. Presbrey, although ther mere youth of fifteen years of age, had entered 18 employ of the city government, being given work do in the city engineer's office, and there he remair continuously during his collge course, until 1895, do ! a great deal of valuable work to the department ad proving eminently satisfactory to his employers. 1895 Mr. Presbrey was transferred to the Board Tax Assessors, where he served as surveyor to . board of six months, and then purchased the inter of his father's former partner in the manufacturig plant founded by the elder man. The name was th changed to that of A. A. Presbrey & Son Compa and under that style the business has continued s- cessfully to the present time. Mr. W. A. Presby was elected its secretary and continued to hold tt office with high efficiency, the present prosperity f the concern being due in no small degree to his ke business judgment and foresight and his wide grip

JEorge Palmer Poice

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BIOGRAPHICAL

f practical affairs. The same qualities that Mr. Pres- rey has exhibited in the conduct of his own business e has also shown in that of the city administration which he has served for so long and so efficiently. Ir. Presbrey has been active in other branches of le city government and has served both on the City Council and the Board of Aldermen for a number of ears. On these two bodies he also displayed great isinterestedness and ability in dealing with city ffairs, and has gained for himself the reputation of a lost spirited public servant, and in 1908 was appointed member of the Board of Police Commissioners. He ave the utmost care and attention to this extremely nportant work, and proved himself so valuable and ained so much with the work of the department that 1 1914 he was appointed the chairman and continues hold that office at the present time. The service hat Mr. Presbrey has done for the city in his very ble administration of the police department can carcely be overrated, the police force under his guid- nce and control having become one of the finest in New England, its general management and discipline eing a credit not only to. the Board of Commissioners ut to the public-at-large. He has also worked con- istently to remove all political corrupting influences rom the conduct of the department, and has done ood work towards purifying city affairs in this direc- ion. Mr. Presbrey indeed has always been very ctive in politics hereabouts and is justly regarded s one of the leaders of the Republican party here, o whose principles and policies he is a staunch adher- nt. He takes a most keen interest in the work of he police department and no one in the city is bet- er acquainted with conditions than he. He enjoys wide and well-deserved popularity and the entire ommunity, without regard to party differences, has xpressed itself eminently satisfied with his work. n addition to the police department which he so bly heads, Mr. Presbrey is a well-known figure in he general life of Providence and is a member of nany important organizations of various natures here. Ie is an honorary member of the International Asso- iation of Chief of Police, and is also prominent in he Masonic order, having taken his thirty-second legree in Free Masonry. He is affiliated with St. ohn's Lodge, No. 1, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he was master in 1894; Providence Chapter. No. I, Royal Arch Masons; St. John's Commandery, No. I, Knights Templar; and the Rhode Island Con- istory, Sublime Princes of the Royal Secrets. In the ear 1906 he held the office of grand master of the Rhode Island Grand Lodge, and is at the present time commander of St. John's Commandery, No. I. In his eligious belief Mr. Presbrey is a Universalist and attends the Church of the Mediator of this denomina- ion at Providence.

Walter Ackman Presbrey was united in marriage, anuary 5, 1892, at Providence, with Ada Helena Moore, of this city, a daughter of John and Charlotte Ramsden) Moore. To Mr. and Mrs. Presbrey three children have been born, as follows: Helen, born Feb. 20, 1893, at Providence, educated in this city, and became the wife of Arthur W. Cate; Louise A., born Nov. 16, 1897, educated in the schools of Providence

and at the Boston School for Physical Education; Walter A., Jr., born June 27, 1904, now a pupil in the Technical High School at Providence.

GEORGE PALMER PIERCE-The late George Palmer Pierce, former superintendent of construc- tion for the Lonsdale Company at Lonsdale, R. I., and for many years a prominent figure in official life in the town, was a native of Somerset, Mass., and a descendant both paternally and maternally of several of the foremost families of Southeastern Massachu- setts and Rhode Island. The Pierce family is of great antiquity and historic importance both in England, where it dates to the time of Galfred, and in America. The families of the name in America are numerous, and from the earliest days of the New England Col- onies have been prominent in official life. Among the pioneers who settled in America in the early decades of the seventeenth century were Abraham, of Plymouth, 1623, who bcame one of the original purchasers of Bridgewater; Daniel, of Newbury; John, of Dor- chester; a second John, of Dorchester and Boston; John, of Watertown; Captain Michael, of Hingham and Scituate; Richard, of Portsmouth, R. I .; Robert, of Dorchester; Thomas, of Charlestown; and Cap- tain William, of Boston. From Captain Michael Pierce, hero of King Philip's War, in which he lost his life, the late George P. Pierce, of Lonsdale, de- scended in the ninth generation.

George P. Pierce was born in the town of Somer- set, Mass., in 1848, the son of Andrew T. Pierce, and grandson of Ezrikum Pierce. He was educated and grew to manhood in Rhode Island. On completing his studies he apprenticed himself to learn the trade of mason and bricklayer with Hiram Read, of Provi- dence. He later became connected with the firm of Read & Richards, of Providence, with whom he remained in the capacity of foreman for many years. He was highly successful from the very outset, and had charge of building several important structures in Providence and vicinity, among them the Dorrance Hotel and the Court House. About 1878 he was retained by the late Gilbert W. Pratt, of the Lons- dale Company, as superintendent of construction for all the company's plants. In this capacity he directed the construction of all of the Lonsdale Company's establishments at Lonsdale, Berkley, Ashton and Blackstone. He was widely known in the contracting circles of Lonsdale and Providence, and eminently respected, not only for his consummate ability, but for the fairness and equity of his business principles. Mr. Pierce remained at the head of the construction department of the Lonsdale Company until 1913.

From early manhood he was deeply interested in civic welfare, and for many decades was identified with practically all movements for the advancement of Lonsdale. Not until 1903, however, did he accept nomination to public office, which had long been urged upon him. In this year he was elected a member of the Town Council of Lonsdale. He was a Republi- can in political affiliation, but was never swayed by party lines against the dictates of his better judgment. For four years he was returned to the Town Coun-

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cil, at the end of his last term refusing renomination. In 1910 he became a member of the Board of License Commissioners, of which he subsequently was made chairman. This office he filled until the time of his death. Mr. Pierce was also active in the Prospect Hill Fire District, and for many years was a member of the Board of Fire Wardens. In 1911 and 1912 he was moderator of the district. Mr. Pierce was well known in fraternal and social circles in Lonsdale. He was a member of Mayflower Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Royal Arcanum. He was an active member of Christ Church of Lons- dale, and for many years served it as vestryman.

In 1883, Mr. Pierce married Mary Boardman, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Howard) Board- man, of Lake Windemere, Westmoreland, England, who came to the United States on their wedding trip, and remained, settling in Rhode Island, where Mr. Boardman became connected with the Saylesville Mills, and later with the Lonsdale Company. He was one of the first members of the Lyceum, a man of studious inclinations, and was a lover of Shakespeare. Mrs. Pierce, who survives her husband, resides at the Pierce home at No. 97 Grove street, Prospect Hill, Lonsdale. She is a member of Christ Episcopal Church, and active in its charitable and benevolent efforts. George P. Pierce died at his home in Lons- dale, August 17, 1913.

STEPHEN HENRY CLEMENCE, JR .- The Clemence family in Rhode Island dates from the mid- dle of the seventeenth century, and while not large has been prominent in the history of Providence county since that date. Thomas Clemence, the founder, rose to a place of importance in the official life of the early settlement at Providence. His descendants have made their home for the greater part in the vicinity of Providence, and in the towns which from time to time have been created out of it. The name appears on Revolutionary rosters, and is well represented in the annals of business and finance. The late Stephen Henry Clemence, Jr., for many years one of the fore- most residents of Johnston, and a man well known in business circles in the city of Providence, was a lineal descendant of the founder, Thomas Clemence.

(I) Thomas Clemence, immigrant ancestor, was in all probability an Englishman. He is first of record in Providence, R. I., on November 3, 1649, when he was granted twenty-five acres of land, and all former grants made him were annulled. This indicates the fact that he was in Providence before 1649. On April 20, 1653, he endorsed the interesting document entitled "Salus Populi." On January 9, 1654, he purchased of Wissawyamake, an Indian, living at Sekescute, near Providence, eight acres of meadow. Thomas Clem- ence became a freeman in 1655, and subsequently became active in public affairs. On February 19, 1665, in a division of lands he drew lot 90. On June 12 of the same year he and his wife sold John Scott twenty acres. From 1666 to 1672 he held the office of deputy to the Rhode Island General Assembly, and in 1667 was town treasurer for Providence. He was one of those "who staid and went not away" in King Philip's War, and consequently had a share in the

Indian captives whose services were sold for a te of years following the cessation of hostilities. Thon Clemence married Elizabeth who died af 1721. He died in 1698.

(II) Richard Clemence, son of Thomas and Eli: beth Clemence, was a resident of Providence, whe he was a prosperous land owner and farmer. F name appears with considerable frequency in the la records. Richard Clemence married Sarah Smit who died October 14, 1725, daughter of John a Sarah (Whipple) Smith. He died October 11, 17: and his will, dated January 2, 1721, was proved Decei ber 9, 1723. Richard and Sarah (Smith) Clemen were the parents of six children, of whom two we Thomas and Richard. The descendants of Thom Clemence, the immigrant, trace their ancestry throug; these two.

(III) Thomas or Richard Clemence forms the ne link in the chain. Paucity of data and lack of ear records make it impossible to establish which of t two sons of Richard and Sarah (Smith) Clemen carried on the line herein under consideration.

(IV) Richard Clemence.

(V) Richard (2) Clemence, known in the recor as "Richard Clemence, Jr.," married, according Johnston records, on October 16, 1760, Alney (Olne: Wright, daughter of Stephen Wright. They were tl parents of Wright, mentioned below.

(VI) Wright Clemence, son of Richard (2) all Alney (Olney) (Wright) Clemence, was a resident the town of Burrillville, R. I., where he died. He w; a prosperous farmer and a large land owner. F married, November 1, 1788, Sarah Crossman, daught of Elam Crossman, of Glocester, R. I.

(VII) Richard Wright Clemence, son of Wrig and Sarah (Crossman) Clemence, was born in Burrill ville, R. I., February 8, 1791. At an early age } learned the carpenter's trade, and subsequently estal: lished himself in business as a carpenter and contra tor. He was highly successful, and developed hi business to a considerable size, employing many worl men. He furnished, and drew with oxen, the lun ber for the old Red Bridge at Providence. He als built a house, still standing on Broadway, which regarded as a landmark. After his retirement from active business life, he devoted his time to the mai agement of his farm at Glocester. Mr. Clemence wa a Democrat in political affiliation, punctilious in th performance of his duties as a citizen, but in no sens of the word an office seeker. He was an able busines man, and ranked prominently in his trade. Richar Wright Clemence married Mary Place, who died Ma 16, 1866, aged seventy-one years; she was the daugh ter of Reuben Place. Richard Wright Clemence die at his home at Glocester, R. I., November 28, 1873.

(VIII) Stephen Henry Clemence, son of Richar Wright and Mary (Place) Clemence, was born i Glocester, January 13, 1834. He was given exceller educational advantages, completing his studies in th Smithfield Seminary at North Scituate, then unde the preceptorship of the noted educator, Hose Quimby. For a short period he taught a selec school at Glocester, but abandoned this profession to engage in farming. In 1864 he removed to Johnston

James 1 Draper

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BIOGRAPHICAL

R. I., and settled on the Pardon Sweet homestead, which he had previously purchased. On this prop- erty, which is located on Greenville avenue, about one mile west of Manton village, Mr. Clemence has since been engaged in farming and scientific dairy- ing. After his removal to Greenville, he became actively interested in local affairs, and has since been one of the most valued members of the community. For many years he has been a director of the Na- tional Exchange Bank at Greenville. He is a mem- ber of the Democratic party.

On January 11, 1860, Mr. Clemence married in Smithfield, R. I., Elsie A. Paine, daughter of Mathew- son and FiDelia (Darling) Paine, who was descended both paternally and maternally from Rhode Island families of early Colonial date. Mr. and Mrs. Clem- ence were the parents of the following children: Mary A., born April 4, 1862; Ida M., born Feb. 18, 1864; Stephen Henry, mentioned below; Richard R., born March 24, 1870.

(IX) Stephen Henry (2) Clemence, son of Stephen Henry (1) and Elsie A (Paine) Clemence, was born at Glocester, R. I., June 24, 1867. He was educated in the local district schools and attended the private school of Mowry & Goffs, and on completing his studies became his father's assistant in the manage- ment of the farm and dairy, succeeding the elder man on his retirement from active business life. Mr. Clemence was successful in building up the large dairy product business of which he was the head until his death. He was a business man of the most progres- sive type, and was an able organizer. Mr. Clemence was widely known in business circles, and was active in the public affairs of Greenville, although he remained strictly outside the field of politics. In 1893 he purchased property within a short distance of the old Clemence homestead on the Greenville pike, and there erected a home.

On March 16, 1893, Mr. Clemence married Susan Alice Cary Flint, daughter of William H. and Frances J. (Brown) Flint, and a lineal descendant of several notable old Rhode Island families, among them the Brown family. Mrs. Clemence, who survives her hus- band, conducted his business for nearly two years following his death. She is prominent in social life in Greenville, and has been active for many years in charitable efforts. She is a member of the Rhode Island Society of Daughters of the American Revolu- tion by virtue of descent from John Flint, who served in the Revolutionary War. Noadiah Flint, grand- father of Mrs. Clemence, married Sarah Cary, a native of Johnston, R. I., and descendant of Cary, Viscount of Falkland, of the counties of Divon and Somerset. William H. Flint, father of Mrs. Clemence, was a native of Windham county, Conn., and in early life taught school in the town of Thompson. He later settled in Smithfield, R. I., with his wife, Frances Jan- ette (Brown) Flint, who was a native of Smithfield, R. I. They were the parents of three children: Edith M., Mrs. G. O. Ross, of Putnam, Conn .; Mary F., Mrs. J. M. Anthony, of Providence, R. I .; Susan Alice Cary, Mrs. Clemence. Mr. and Mrs. Clemence were the parents of the following children: I. Elsie

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The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 61

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