The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 63

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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He was appointed by the Legislature in 1853 State Representative, to adjust the boundary between Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and in 1855 was one of the commissioners in charge of the work revising the statutes of Rhode Island, a work finished in 1857. He received the honorary degree LL. D. in 1855, and in May, 1856, was elected by the General Assembly to the office of chief justice of the Supreme Court, being appointed at the same time reporter of the court. His Reports, contained in the four volumes-IV, V, VI, VII-are "remarkable for their clearness, their learning, and their conformity to the settled princi- ples of jurisprudence," and remain a monument to the ability and industry of their author.

Judge Ames collaborated with Joseph K. Angell in an elaborate treatise, "Angell and Ames on Cor- porations," which has passed through many editions, and is regarded as a standard authority on the law of corporations. In 1861 he was one of the delegates from Rhode Island to the Peace Convention held at Washington before the outbreak of the Civil War. The Rhode Island delegation was composed of Sam- uel Ames, William H. Hoppin, Samuel G. Arnold, George H. Browne, Alexander Duncan. It was, however, by his labors on the bench and his rare qualities as a lawyer and erudite judge that his name will be preserved to posterity. Judge Ames sat as chief justice, 1856-65, failing health compelling his resignation, November 15, 1865. But the edict had gone forth, and on December 20, following, he passed away in Providence, the city of his birth and center of his life's activities. He was a man no less distin- guished for his social qualities than for the legal and political service and for his excellence as a man of learning and letters. He was a welcome contributor to the New England Historic-Genealogical Society of Boston, of which he was a keenly interested corre- sponding member, elected in 1845.

Judge Ames married, in 1839, Mary Throop Dorr, who survived him, a daughter of Sullivan Dorr, of Providence, and niece of Thomas Wilson Dorr, leader of the famous "Dorr Rebellion" of 1842. It was dur- ing this "rebellion" that Judge Ames distinguished himself by his patriotism and wisdom of conduct, standing always on the side of the constitution. Judge and Mrs. Ames were the parents of four sons and a daughter: I. Sullivan Dorr, a lieutenant during the Civil War; was executive officer of the United States Ship "Colorado," attached in 1865 to the Mediter- ranean squadron; Lieutenant Ames married Mary Townsend Bullock; he died Nov. 27, 1880. 2. Wil-

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liam, of whom further. 3. Edward Carrington, a lawyer of Providence, died Jan. 31, 1886. 4. Mary B., married William Gordon Reed, of Cowesset. 5. Sam- uel (2), born April 10, 1849, died Oct. 25, 1900; naval officer and lawyer; he married Abby Greene Harris.

Were the fame of General William Ames required to rest solely upon the public service rendered as member of the State House Commission in planning, constructing, finishing and decorating the new capitol at Providence, it would be sufficient to insure him the undying regard of his fellow-citizens. His work did not end when the massive, appropriately designed, well and honestly erected buildings was completed and turned over to the State, but he continued on the com- mission and supervised a great deal of the arrange- ment of the art treasures the State possessed, which were safely installed or hung in the new building. About twenty-five years of his life were thus spent in the service of the State, years during which he received no remuneration of any kind, except the unstinted praise which was bestowed upon him by every one who was familiar with the unselfish and valuable service of those years. From outside the State there also came generous recognition, and many laudatory editorials were written concerning the signal service this public-spirited citizen had rendered his State.

But that was a single item in his record of public service. He was just crossing life's threshold when war broke out between the States, and from 1861 until 1865 he "followed the flag," receiving his commission as second lieutenant at the age of nineteen years, and retiring four years later a brevet brigadier-general of volunteers.

His business career, in many respects, was a dupli- cation of the successes of his military and civic life. But he went further, and displayed an administrative ability that was a new feature in his life and new to his family and his friends. He was a capable, sane and yet very far-sighted manufacturer, presiding over the destinies of an old and well-established manufac- turing plant, keeping it steadily in the van of pro- gress, and developing its possibilities in a conserva- tive manner in keeping with the times and conditions that were being passed through.

General Ames might have gone far in the political field had he so willed it, for his many friends were willing and anxious to shower political honors upon him, both elective and appointive. But he preferred the quiet life, and after terms in Council and Legis- lature he declined all nominations or appointments save the non-political, non-partisan one on the Capitol Commission.

William Ames, second son of Chief Justice Samuel Ames, LL. D., was born in Providence, R. I., May 15, 1842, and there died March 9, 1914. He attended the city public and preparatory schools, entered Brown University in September. 1858, and continued until 1861, when he left the university to enlist in the war for the preservation of the Union. He was comis- sioned second lieutenant, June 6, 1861, and went to the front with the Second Regiment. Rhode Island Volunteers, the first Rhode Island Infantry regiment

to volunteer for the duration of the war. He was in the first battle of Bull Run, and after that first meet ing of the armed forces of the North and South ho was made a first lieutenant, his commission dated October 25, 1861. During the spring and summer o 1862 Lieutenant Ames was engaged with his regimen in the peninsular campaign, and in the battles fough before Richmond by the Army of the Potomac unde General McClellan. The Second Rhode Island wa in the advance guard at times, Lieutenant Ames ther being acting adjutant of the regiment. He saw hard service with the Army of the Potomac, and wa engaged in many of the hard-fought battles of th "Seven Days." On January 28, 1863, he was com missioned major and assigned to the Third Regiment Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, then engaged in be sieging Fort Sumter and the city of Charlestowr S. C. Later he was assigned to the command of For Pulaski, and on March 22, 1864, he was commis sioned lieutenant-colonel of the regiment. On Sep tember 27, 1864, in recognition of his ability and serv ice, he was appointed chief of artillery of the Depart ment of the South, and on October 10, 1864, was com missioned colonel of the Third Regiment, Rhod Island Heavy Artillery. Later, while on detache service, he was commander of the artillery brigad at the battles of Honey Hill and Devereux Neck He continued chief of artillery, Department of th South, until his regiment was mustered out of th service, September 14, 1865, Colonel Ames havin served throughout the entire war. In recognition c. his continuous, efficient service, gallant and meritori ous conduct, he was honored by his State and by th Nation with highest testimonials and the rank ( brevet brigadier-general of volunteers.

Upon his return to civil life, General Ames entere the office employ of the Allen Print Works, contint ing until September 14. 1869, when he was appointe by President Grant collector of internal revenue fc the first Rhode Island district. He continued collec tor of the first district until October 21, 1873, whe the districts were consolidated and General Ame made collector for the entire State. He held that pos tion until June 12, 1875, then resigned to enter th manufacturing field as agent and manager of th Fletcher Manufacturing Company. He continue with that company until 1912, being vice-president an treasurer from 1904. In 1912 the Fletcher Manufac turing Company and other concerns making simil: goods combined as the International Braid Compan of which General Ames became vice-president, a office he held until his death in 1914. He was als president of the Blackstone Canal National Ban director of the Providence Washington Insurant Company, Manufacturers' Mutual Insurance Compar of Rhode Island, and had other business interests.

General Ames was a Republican in politics, bi never partisan, on the contrary broad-minded and lil eral. He served Providence as a member of Coul cil and as Representative to the State Legislatur There he was appointed a member of the committe to choose a site for the new capitol the State ha decided to build. He was elected to the Legislatu.

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in 1898, but declined reelection in 1899. He was then at the height of his personal career, but for ten years he had been declining office after office, one of these being the postmastership of Providence, which was offered him more than once, and he was well aware that his appointment would please both the politi- cians and the people. In earlier years he was a fre- quent delegate to party conventions, and his wise counsel and advice were always sought and followed. But with the exceptions named he kept outside the political circle; however, he was always keenly alive to every duty and responsibility of citizenship.

General Ames was best known to the citizens of Rhode Island generally as a member of the State House Commission. His work on the site committee and on the commission, together with that of his fel- low-members, attracted country-wide attention, and was often held up as an example other commissions might well emulate. For nearly twenty-five years he was connected with that work, which began by author- ity of a resolution passed by the General Assembly of Rhode Island, February 27, 1890, appointing a com- mission to secure plans for a new State capitol and to secure proposals for a site. As a member of the first . commission, appointed by Governor Herbert W. Ladd, General Ames advised that the State should not be extravagant in erecting the new building; that it was imperative that the structure should be a sub- stantial, fire-proof edifice, simple in design, of a size to give ample accommodation to all departments then existing, and to preclude the possible necessity of enlarging for many years to come. He also advised that the location should be a commanding one, con- venient to the business section of Providence.

General Ames was made a member of the Second State House Commission which erected the State House, and took a conspicuous share of the work which finally resulted in the completion of the struc- ture with its beautiful terraces and highly ornamental grounds, June II, 1904. He approached his duties as commissioner with the same sound business princi- ples that characterized his own private business career, and his opinions had great weight with the board and were heartily endorsed by them. His sympathies were wide, and he served other good causes. He was a trustee and a member of the finance committee of the Rhode Island Hospital; was senior warden of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church for more than thirty- five years; member of Hope Club, Agawam Hunt Club, Squantum Association, and University Club.

General Ames married, November 8, 1870, Harri- ette Fletcher Ormsbee. They were the parents of a son, John Ormsbee, whose sketch follows, and a daughter, Harriette Fletcher, wife of Frank Mauran, of Philadelphia, Pa.

JOHN ORMSBEE AMES-With the absorption of the Fletcher Manufacturing Company by the In- ternational Braid Company, in 1912, one of the oldest and most substantial manufacturing establishments in Rhode Island gave up its corporate existence. The business was established in 1793 by Thomas Fletcher, who gave it his name. The business of the plant,

which was located in Providence, was the manufacture of braids and webbing in great variety, and numerous small articles used by merchants and manufacturers. In 1865 the business was incorporated, and for forty- seven years existed under the corporate name, the Fletcher Manufacturing Company. The Ames inter- est in the company became a large one, and in 1901 William Ames was treasurer, and his son, John O. Ames, secretary. The Fletcher interest was also long continued, a descendant of Thomas Fletcher, William B. Fletcher, being president in 1901. The Ames inter- est reappears in the official roster of the International Braid Company, John O. Ames being the present vice-president of that company, and a member of the board of directors. Mr. Ames has acquired large busi- ness interests since that day in 1890 when he began his business career as a clerk in the office of the Fletcher Manufacturing Company, is a member of the firm, Goddard Brothers of Providence, and holds high offi- cial association with many corporations. He is a son of General William and Harriette Fletcher (Orms- bee) Ames, a record of whom precedes this in the work.

John Ormsbee Ames was born in Providence, R. I., January 9, 1872. He was educated in the University and Berkeley grammar schools, Providence, going thence to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston. He began business life at the age of eigh- teen, beginning with the Fletcher Manufacturing Com- pany, manufacturers of braid, webbing, wicks, and cor- set lacings, a corporation of which his father was treas- urer. In 1895 John O. Ames was elected secretary of the corporation, in 1902 agent, and in 1912 succeeded his father as treasurer. The same year the Fletcher Manufacturing Company was absorbed by the Inter- national Braid Company, and on March 26, of that year, Mr. Ames was elected treasurer of the Interna- tional Braid Company, and in 1916 was elected vice- president, his present position. He is also a member of the firm, Goddard Brothers; agents for the Lons- dale Company, Rope Company and Blackstone Mann- facturing Company; director of the Firemen's Insur- ance Company, International Braid Company, Morris Plan Company of Rhode Island, Providence Gas Com- pany, Providence National Bank, Providence & Dan- ielson Railway Company; president of the directors in the Rhode Island Company, Rhode Island Power Transmission Company; vice-president of the Sea View Railroad Company; trustee of the Providence Institution for Savings; secretary of the Lonsdale Company. Mr. Ames is a leading churchman, and a member of the general board of the Rhode Island Episcopal Convention. His fraternity is Delta Psi, his politics, Republican, his clubs the Hope of Provi- dence, Merchant's, and the Tennis and Racquet of New York City.

Mr. Ames married, November 27, 1900, Madeleine Livermore Abbott, of Providence, the family resi- dence being at No. 121 Power street, Providence.

ARA PAINE-The surname Paine is derived from the Latin paganus, meaning peasant, and is of bap- tismal origin, signifying literally "the son of Pagan,"

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popularly Pain and Payne. Pagan, Pain and Payne were great favorites as font-names in the twelfthi, thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. Pagan or Payn was of Norman introduction, and as the name grew in popularity it underwent various changes, "y" grad- ually taking the place of the harsh "g." The softened form of pagan (a countryman) is found in Chaucer:

The Constable, and Dame Hermegild, his wife, Were payenes, and that country everywhere. Man of Lawes Tale.

In England early records mention the son of Payne and the daughter of Payne in times anterior to the adoption of family names. One Payne owned land in England prior to the Norman Conquest. The family rose to prominence in England in medieval times, and has since held a position of honor and importance in the Kingdom. Hugh de Payen, famous Crusader, was the founder of the Templars of the Cross, out of which grew the Knights Templar.

The Paine family in America dates from the early years of Colonial emigration. There were several of the name who came to the New England Colonies in the first decades of their history, and were the found- ers here of families which have attained wide promi- nence and great distinction in American affairs. The Paine families of Massachusetts and Rhode Island have given many sons to the service of their country, and the family has never relinguished the prestige of early generations.

Arms-Paly of six, argent and vert, on a chief azure three garbs or. Crest-A lion rampant proper supporting a wheat sheaf or.

Ara Paine, descendant of the early Rhode Island family, through a line of distinguished forebears, was born in Burrillville, R. I., in 1808, the son of Moab Paine, an early settler of the town, and a prosperous and influential citizen of the town. Moab Paine was a Methodist minister. He married Prudence Fair- field, member of a long-established family of Rhode Island. Their son, Ara Paine, was educated in the school of Burrillville, and on completing his educa- tion went to work on his father's extensive farm. He soon developed a deep interest in civic affairs, and even before attaining his majority was active in town life and in political circles. At the age of twenty-one years he was elected a member of the Town Council, and the fact that he was elected at so early an age to a post usually filled by men of mature years and responsibility evidences his unusual ability and gen- ius for public affairs, as well as the trust which the community placed in his wisdom and trustworthiness. Throughout his life he was an ardent champion of temperance, refusing to countenance the slightest license in this matter. Mr. Paine was active in bring- ing about sweeping reforms in Burrillville. At the time of his election to the Town Council he was its youngest member. Attending his first meeting he found liquor for the members on the council table. He refused to serve if the practice, a prevalent one of that day, was continued. The discontinuance of this practice was the first step in the work to which he devoted his entire life. Mr. Paine was a farmer on

an extensive scale, cultivating the farm which had been in the Paine family for over two hundred years. He was highly successful in agricultural pursuits. Later in life he purchased land in Blackstone, Mass., where he erected several buildings. He died in 1884, at the age of eighty-six years, after a most active and useful career devoted largely to the service of his fellow-men.

Ara Paine married Lydia Richmond, of Gloucester, R. I., daughter of David Richmond, of Newport and Gloucester. Her mother was a daughter of Lord Nelson, of Scotland. Ara and Lydia (Richmond) Paine were the parents of ten children, six of whom are mentioned, as follows: I. Benjamin Nelson, died aged fifty years. 2. Henrietta, married Judge West- brook, of Philadelphia, Pa., both deceased. 3. Dr. A. M. Paine, prominent physician of Woonsocket, R. I. 4. Ellen M., born on the Paine farm in Bur- rillville, and was educated in the public schools of her native town and in East Greenwich Academy; she married (first) B. Taft, a farmer of Burrillville, and they were the parents of one son, Dr. A. W. Taft, born in Burrillville, March 20, 1871, attended dental . college in Baltimore, Md., and Philadelphia, Pa., now has office in Providence, married Enima Haines, of Pawtucket, and they are the parents of three chil- dren: Earl H., an electrician, became a member of the Naval Reserves; Ellen Maria, engaged in govern- ment work in Washington, D. C., connected with adjutant-general's office; and Muriel, at home. Ellen M. Taft married (second) Lorenzo D. Millard, a real estate dealer and well-known business man of Provi- dence. In 1904 Mrs. Millard married (third) Mowry A. Arnold, son of Stephen Arnold, of Burrillville, mentioned below. 5. Nancy Armstrong, deceased, was the wife of Judge Thayer, of Blackstone. 6. Mary Elizabeth, married Sylvester Angell, of Bur- rillville, R. I.

Mowry A. Arnold was born at Burrillville, R. I., ! son of Stephen Arnold, and was educated in the schools of his native town. He matriculated at Brown University, from which he was graduated. Mr. Arnold later taught school for several years. At a subsequent date he studied for the medical profession, and for a long period practiced in Montana, where he became interested in ranching. For many years he was employed as a civil engineer. Mr. Arnold retired from active business life and returned to Rhode Island, settling in Providence, where he resided until his death, April, 1904, aged about seventy-three years. He is survived by two sons of a former mar- riage, John and Daniel Arnold. Mrs. Arnold sur- vives her husband and resides at No. 806 Broad street, Providence, R. I.

CHARLES GOODRICH KING-The surname King had its origin in the mock pageants and cere- monies of the English held in every village and ham- let of the kingdom in medieval times. The most festive of these ceremonies took place on May-day, when a King and Queen were chosen from each vil- lage. The office was one of honor, and the title adhered to the mock monarch long after the feast

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had gone past. In this manner the name became hereditary. Several families boast a most ancient and honorable antiquity. The American Kings de- scended from several progenitors. The late Charles Goodrich King, of Providence, R. I., a well-known figure in financial and brokerage circles in New York and Providence in the latter half of the last century, was a descendant of Thomas Kinge, of Cold Norton, County Essex, England, where the Kinge family has flourished for over five hundred years.

(I) Thomas Kinge, immigrant ancestor and founder, was born in Cold Norton, Essex, England, the son of George Kinge, who was the owner of large estates in Purleigh, Stow, St. Mary's, East and East Cannon, Woodham Mortymer, and Cold Norton. He was baptized February 24, 1613. He came to America, a passenger in the ship "Blessing" in 1634, and settled in Scituate, Mass., where he later took a prominent part in official and religious affairs. He was for many years ruling elder of the church in Scituate, selectman, grand juror and magistrate. He also rep- resented Scituate in "The General Court of Plymouth Colony." Thomas Kinge was a member of the "First Troop of Colonial Cavalry."

(II) Thomas (2) King, son of Thomas (1) Kinge, was born in Scituate, Mass., June 21, 1645, and died there in 1720. He married Rebecca Clopp.

(III) Daniel King, son of Thomas (2) King, mar- ried and had a son Daniel.

(IV) Daniel (2) King, son of Daniel (1) King, was born in Scituate, where he resided during the early portion of his life. He later removed to Digh- ton, where he married, January 11, 1727, Mary Hatha- way, daughter of Ephraim and Elizabeth (Talbot) Hathaway, of Dighton.

(V) Elijah King, son of Daniel (2) and Mary (Hathaway) King, was born in Dighton, Mass., De- cember 14, 1737. He removed to Warren, R. I., where he died in 1794. He was a planter, and owned large farms in Taunton and Dighton, Mass., and in East Greenwich, R. I. He was active in official life in Dighton and held many offices. He was commissioner n 1775. with Rufus Whitmarsh and Sylvester Rich- mond, 3d, to oversee the "condition of arms and Am- munition" among the people of Dighton. He served n the American Revolution under his cousin, Captain Ephraim Hathaway. After the Revolution, through he depreciation of currency and his inability to col- ect his loans, he was forced to sell his farms. On September 20, 1787, he disposed of his "Homestead Estate" in Dighton and bought a place on the Swan- sea-Warren line, at a point now called "King's Rock." Elijah King married in Dighton, October 23, 1763, Maria Cooke, who was born in Kingston, Mass., in [744, daughter of James and Abigail (Hodges) Cooke, and a lineal descendant of Francis and Hester Cooke, of the "Mayflower."

(VI) Elijah (2) King, son of Elijah (1) and Maria (Cooke) King, was born in Dighton, Mass., in 1773. He settled in Providence in 1794. He was a master- mariner and a wealthy ship-owner, engaging in trade with the West Indies. "In the fall of 1815 he invested all his available property in the cargo of seven of his

different vessels, and with them set sail on the 'Grand Turk,' September 15, 1815, for Martinique, West Indies, shortly before 'The Great September Gale' of that date, and he with all the other ships were lost at sea." Elijah King married in Milford, Mass., May 23, 1802, Nancy Jones, who was born in Milford, March 9, 1783, died in Providence, July 25, 1845, daughter of Joseph, Jr., and Ruth (Nelson) Jones.

(VII) William Jones King, son of Elijah (2) and Nancy (Jones) King, was born in Providence, R I., June 14, 1803, and died there August 8, 1885. After the death of his father and the loss of the greater part of the King estate, he became the sole support of his mother and her three younger children. In the period of years which followed prior to 1836 he was employed in various positions in Providence, eventually becom- ing cashier of the "Old Union Bank." In 1836 he resigned this office to enter business as a cotton broker, in partnership with his brother-in-law, Alex- ander Jones, and his father-in-law, Solomon Gilbert, under the firm name of William J. King & Company. The venture was immediately successful and the firm assumed a prominent place on the cotton exchanges of New York and Providence. Upon the retirement of Mr. Gilbert, Ebenezer Knight Glezen entered the firm as a silent partner. In 1865, following the retire- ment of Mr. Glezen, the firm of William J. King & Sons was formed, and the business expanded. The wharves, from which the company supplied mills in all parts of New England, were located at India and Fox points. Under the management of Mr. King the business weathered successfully the numerous financial and mercantile crises of the middle decades of the past century. He was widely-known in cot- ton brokerage circles throughout the East, and emi- nently respected for the unimpeachable integrity of his business methods. As an executive and organizer of more than ordinary talent, he occupied a place of im- portance in the business world of Providence. He declined public office consistently, although he was deeply interested in the welfare of the city and was often identified with movements for civic betterment.

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The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 63

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