The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 69

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 69

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HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

the Masonic fraternity, and is a member of What Cheer Lodge, No. 21, Free and Accepted Masons, and is a past master: the Masonic Veteran Association; Providence Chapter, No. I, Royal Arch Masons; Providence Council, No. I, Royal and Select Masters; St. John's Commandery, No. I, Knights Templar; and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the North- ern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States, thirty- second degree. He is a member of Eagle Lodge, No. 2, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is past grand, and of the Grand Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the State of Rhode Island, of which he is a past grand master. In his religious belief Mr. Lansing is a Methodist and attends the Mathewson Street Methodist Episcopal Church of this city.

George Dow Lansing was united in marriage on Christmas Day, 1865, with Elizabeth Davis, a daugh- ter of Thomas and Mary Davis, who were natives of England, came to this country, and settled in Provi- dence in about the year 1846. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lansing, as follows: Willard Irving, born Nov. 22, 1868, and Charles Wesley, born Jan. 13, 1872. Both attended the public grammar and high schools of Providence. The eldest son, Willard Irv- ing, became associated with his father, as an equal partner in his business in the year 1897, and married Rillie Augusta Eager on December 13, 1894, who has borne him one son, George Dow Lansing, 2d, born Dec. 12, 1895.

Mr. Lansing is a man of strong domestic instincts, of a quiet and unassuming nature and exceedingly kind and generous impulses. In his seventy-sixth year, he has passed man's allotted time of three score years and ten and is still the possessor of a fine physique and strong constitution. It is with keen comfort and satisfaction that he can and does look back upon and review an active, successful and honorable business life of more than fifty years, and no man deserves better than he the typically American epithet, a "Self Made Man."

BENJAMIN THOMAS PECK, a successful mer- chant and business man of Providence, R. I., where he is engaged in business as a jobber in plumbers' and steam and gas fitters' supplies, is a native of this city and a member of a very old and distinguished New England family, the members of which for many gen- erations have been prominently associated with the towns of Barrington, Bristol, Swansea, Warren and old Rehoboth in this State. He is a descendant of Joseph Peck, the founder of the line in this country. and through him of an ancient English house. Joseph Peck, himself of Suffolkshire, was a descendant in the twenty-first generation from John Peck, of Belton, Yorkshire, in which part of England the family first appears.

(I) Joseph Peck, son of Robert Peck, of Beccles, Suffolkshire, England, was baptized at that place, April 30, 1587. He was one of those who fled from religions persecution in England, and in 1638 came from Hingham, Norfolkshire, where he was then resid-

ing, to the New England Colonies. He landed at Ipswich, but went to Hingham to make his home in the New World. He later lived at several different towns and finally at Seekonk, where he was one of the original purchasers of the tract of land from the Indians that afterwards became Rehoboth. His death occurred December 23, 1663. Joseph Peck married, in England, Rebecca Clark, and they were the parents of the following children: Anna, baptized July 27, 1616; Rebecca, May 25, 1620; Joseph, Aug. 23, 1623: John, mentioned below; Nicholas, April 9, 1630, all baptized at Hingham, England; Samuel, baptized at Hingham, Mass., Feb. 3, 1638-39; Nathaniel, Oct. 31 1641; and Israel, March 4, 1644.

(II) John Peck, son of Joseph and Rebecca (Clark) Peck, was born in England, and baptized about 1626 He came to New England with his parents in 1638 when about eleven years of age, settled first at Hing. ham, Mass., and finally made his home at Luther': Corners near Seekonk and Rehoboth. He became prominent in the affairs of the colony and represented his town in the General Court of Massachusetts. Hi death occurred in 1713. John Peck was married thre times and was the father of the following children Elizabeth, born Nov. 27, 1657: Esther, Jan. 7, 1659 Anne, Oct. 6, 1661; John, Oct. 7, 1664; Elizabeth Nov. II, 1669; Dorothy, June 28, 1671; Rebecca April 8, 1674; Anne, July 17, 1677; Nathan, mentione, below; Abigail, March 16, 1682.

(III) Nathan Peck, son of John Peck, was bor July 6, 1680, and is believed to have settled on land given him by his father, where his death occurre April 12, 1734. He married, June 11, 1719, Patienc Carpenter, and they were the parents of the follow. ing children: Jonathan, born Oct. 5, 1721; Nathai Dec. 31, 1723; Charles, mentioned below; Elizabet1 Aug. 6, 1726; Patience, Jan. 5, 1727-28; and Ami July 30, 1732.

(IV) Charles Peck, son of Nathan and Patience (Carpenter) Peck, was born January 5, 1725. H; resided on what has since been known as the Swee ing farm, where his death occurred April 15, 179 He married (first) December 7, 1749, Rachel Sweet ing, whose death occurred February 20, 1774, and h married (second) Lydia Fry. Mr. Peck was the fathe of the following children: Abigail, born April 2 1751; Susannah, Nov. 5, 1752; Charles, Feb. 17, 175 Rachel, Aug. 15, 1757; John, Feb. 19, 1760; Thoma mentioned below; Sarah, Nov. 7, 1764; James, Mard 5, 1767; Peter, June 15, 1769; Lucy, Nov. 8, 177 Lydia, May 8, 1775: Stephen, Sept. 18, 1776; As Feb. 13, 1780; and Mary, June 18, 1782.

(V) Thomas Peck, son of Charles and Rach (Sweeting) Peck, was born July II, 1762, and mat his home at Seekonk, upon what afterwards becan the Levi Fuller farm. He married, May 7. 178 Rebecca Chafee, daughter of Nathaniel Chafee, Seekonk, and they were the parents of the followir children: Huldah, born July 5. 1791; James, Nc 9, 1792; Thomas, mentioned below; Rebecca, Jan. 1796; Susannah, Sept. 20, 1797; Asa, Feb. 6, 179 Ruth, Dec. 25, 1800; Nancy A., May 1, 1802; Dani November II, 1803; Mary Ann, Nov. 28, 1804; Haj

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BIOGRAPHICAL

ah C., Dec. 20, 1806; Charlotte, July 31, 1810; and Darius, June 19, 1812.

(VI) Thomas (2) Peck, son of Thomas (I) and Rebecca (Chafee) Peck, was born September 2, 1794. After his marriage he settled at Swansea, Mass., where he became a wealthy farmer, and prominent in the community. He married, March 24, 1825, Elmira Cole, daughter of Aaron Cole, of Swansea, and they were he parents of the following children: William H., orn Dec. 29, 1825; Elizabeth B., Dec. 29, 1827, and became the wife of William Sherman; James C., Dec. 9, 1829; and Benjamin T., mentioned below.

(VII) Benjamin T. Peck, son of Thomas (2) and Elmira (Cole) Peck, and father of Benjamin Thomas Peck, of this sketch, was born June 22, 1832. He nade his home for a time at Assonet, Mass., and later t Providence, R. I., where his death occurred Octo- er 23, 1891. He married Louisa J. Davis, and they vere the parents of the following children: Louisa Adelaide, born April 12, 1860; Jennie; Benjamin Thomas, mentioned below; William Taylor, born Dec. 9, 1872.

(VIII) Benjamin Thomas Peck, son of Benjamin C. and Louisa J. (Davis) Peck, was born December 9, 1872, in Providence, and there passed his childhood nd early youth. As a lad he attended the local pub- ic schools, graduating from Point Street Grammar School. He began his business career in the capacity f clerk for Warren & Wood, of Providence, remain- ng there twelve years. He then was traveling sales- nan for one year, but in 1902, realizing an ambition hat he had long felt to be independent, he began his resent business, in association with a Mr. Cranston, he firm name being Cranston & Peck. The concern net with success from the outset and shortly after Ir. Peck bought his partner's interest, since which ime he has conducted the establishment alone. He ow does a large business as jobber in plumbers' and team and gas fitters' supplies, with a large store ituated at No. 249 to 255 Eddy street, Providence. It as been due exclusively to his own efforts that this usiness has grown to its present great proportions, nd he is looked upon by his associates and fellow- itizens as a most capable business man and substan- ial merchant. He is a member of the Men's Club of the Church of the Transfiguration. He was form- rly a member of the Central Baptist Church, but pon moving to Edgewood joined the Edgewood Con- regational Church. Mr. Peck is a member of Har- nony Lodge, No. 9, Ancient Free & Accepted Ma- ons; Providence Chapter, No. 1, Royal Arch Masons; Providence Council, No. I, Royal and Select Masters ; St. ohn's Commandery, No. 1, Knights Templar ; Providence "emple, and the Rhode Island Consistory, Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, and has taken his thirty- econd degree in Free Masonry. He is also a mem- er of the Central Club, Congregational Club, Cham- er of Commerce, and Noon-Day Club of Providence. In olitics Mr. Peck is a Republican, but has not taken ny very active part in public affairs here, being too nuch occupied with his private business interests.

Benjamin Thomas Peck was united in marriage, une 2, 1896, with Elsie G. Drew, a member of the R I-18

old Hopkins family, which is mentioned at length hereafter. One child has been born of this union, Benjamin Thomas, Jr., Jan. 31, 1898; he was educated in the Cranston public schools, and is now associated with his father in the latter's business; married, Feb. 15, 1919, Dorothy Hicks Stone, daughter of William Darling and Clara (Hicks) Stone, well-known resi- dents of Providence.

(The Hopkins Family).

Mrs. Peck, as above mentioned, is a descendant of the old Hopkins family, which is believed to have originated with William and Hannah (Goff) Hopkins, residents of Roxbury, Mass. William Hopkins mar- ried for his second wife Martha, a daughter of the notable Theophilus Whalley, who is related to Oliver Cromwell, and was one of the judges who condemned Charles I. to death. With the return to power of the Stewarts, he and his associates fled the country for their lives, and Theophilus Whalley settled at Narra- gansett, where he was well-known. It is not absolutely certain that Joseph Hopkins, the ancestor of Mrs. Peck, is descended from this William Hopkins, but the evidence is over-whelmingly strong in favor of that supposition.

(I) Joseph Hopkins resided at Kings Town, R. I., and was a prominent member of the community there. It is not known whom he married, but one of his children was Samuel, mentioned below.

(II) Samuel Hopkins, second son of Joseph Hop- kins, was born January 6, 1702-04 at Kings Town, R. I. He made his home on Hopkins Hill, where he was actively engaged in farming most of his life. He was also conspicuous in the public affairs of the community and held a number of important offices, including that of judge of the Court of Common Pleas. Judge Hopkins married, April 23, 1729-30, Honor Brown, daughter of Alexander and Honor Brown, of North Kingston, and granddaughter of Beriah and Abigail (Phenix) Brown, and Alexander and Elizabeth (Wightman) Huling, people of wealth and prominence in the region. They were the par- ents of a number of children, among whom was Samuel (2), mentioned below.

(III) Samuel (2) Hopkins, son of Judge Samuel (1) and Honor (Brown) Hopkins, was born October 15, 1734, and made his home at West Greenwich, which he represented in the General Assembly.

(IV) Rufus Hopkins, son of Samuel (2) Hopkins, was born in 1773. He was one of the pioneer manu- facturers of cotton goods in this part of Rhode Island and operated a mill in the town of Exeter for many years. Later he removed to Coventry, where his death occurred at a great age. He married Amey Shippee, and they were the parents of nine children, as fol- lows: Phebe, Layton, Halsey, David, mentioned below; Elizabeth, Mercy, Samuel, Cynthia, and Polly.

(V) David Hopkins, son of Rufus and Amey (Ship- pee) Hopkins, was born February 10, 1797, at Exeter, R. I. After spending his childhood on his father's farm, he was employed at the age of fifteen years in a cotton factory, which his father had just purchased in the northeastern part of the town of Exeter. In

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HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

1818 he removed to Nooseneck Hill, and there engaged in business on his own account as a manufacturer of cotton yarn. He was highly successful in this line, which he continued to follow during practically his entire life. As a young man he kept entirely out of politics, but later became quite a prominent figure on the Republican side in this region. His death occurred at his home on New Fenner street, Cranston, to which he had removed some years previously, March 17, 1881, and he was buried in the family cemetery at Nooseneck Valley. He married, August 11, 1818, Sarah Franklin, daughter of Joshua and Laurana (Allen) Franklin, and they were the parents of the following children: Julia A., who became the wife of Robert K. Sunderland, and died at West Green- wich; Caroline W., who became the wife of William S. Harris, of Rhode Island; Lyman Rhodes, men- tioned below; Marcy M., who became the wife of Charles Tripp, and died at Providence; Edwin W .; and Mary M., who became the wife of the Hon. Ezra K. Parker, of Providence.

(V1) Lyman Rhodes Hopkins, son of David and Sarah (Franklin) Hopkins, was born April 2, 1824, at West Greenwich. His education was obtained dur- ing the winter months at the public schools of his native region, and also by dint of independent study, which he pursued with the most commendable ambi- tion in spite of the fact that he was working hard in another occupation. During the spare hours from his school work, he was employed by his father in the lat- ter's cotton mill until he was sixteen years of age, when he accepted a position as clerk in a store belong- ing to his brother-in-law, beginning this work at a salary of one dollar per week. At the age of twenty, Mr. Hopkins engaged in business on his own account, erecting a small cotton mill at Robin Hollow, R. I., which he operated for five or six years with a con- siderable degree of success. He met with a great disaster in the failure of the New York house, which had consumed the entire production of his mill. In spite of this blow, however, he persevered in his busi- ness and having gained the entire confidence of his fellow-citizens, and others with whom he had come in contact, he gradually built up a new market. In the year 1858 he determined to visit New York City, and engage in mercantile and manufacturing activi- ties there. Accordingly, he went to that metropolis and opened a store at No. 46 Beekman street, and at the same time continued to manufacture cotton twine and wicking in Rhode Island. With his plant in New England he supplied his store in the city as well as several other consumers, and prospered to such an extent that in 1865 he was enabled to purchase an interest in the Merrick Thread Company. Not long after he became president of this concern and con- tinued in that position for a quarter of a century, until the concern was absorbed by the American Thread Company. At that time Mr. Hopkins was elected president of the new great concern, being thus the first president of the largest industrial organ- ization of its kind in the United States. Mr. Hopkins did much toward getting the company into working order, and it was principally through his efforts that

it has built up its great prosperity. He retired from his office in 1902. Mr. Hopkins was an intense lover of outdoor life, especially of such a kind as to combine quiet thought and meditation with gentle exercise such as hunting, fishing or tramping the woods. He owned a charming cottage at Lake View, Me., built by himself, deep in the woods, where, however, he afterwards erected a factory for the manufacture of spools, the material being furnished by the countless birch trees to be found in the region. At this place it was that he found his rest and recreation from the cares and efforts of business life. Lyman Rhodes Hopkins married (first) when but twenty years o age, Eunice Gardner, who bore him three children as follows: Charles, who died in early youth; Mary L., mentioned below; George L. Mr. Hopkins mar- ried (second) Rosalie Merceine Gilmore, of Brook- lyn, N. Y.

(VII) Mary L. Hopkins, daughter of Lyman Rhodes and Eunice (Gardner) Hopkins, was born in 1845 a West Greenwich. She married Bryant Drew, and they were the parents of one daughter, Elsie G. Drew who became the wife of Benjamin Thomas Peck, a: stated above.

ARTHUR WELLINGTON DENNIS, presiden of the International Braid Company, and half a cen- tury a notable figure in the cotton manufacturing industries of Rhode Island, was born in Providence, April 11, 1846, son of Captain John Robinson and Hope Ann (Rhodes) Dennis, and a descendant of Cap tain John Dennis, privateer and captain of severa vessels out of Newport ( 1745-1756).

John Dennis, the immigrant, came to the American: Colonies from England and became a large land owner in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He wa the son of Arthur Dennis, an English gentleman, and sergemaker of Minehead, England. The family ha held a prominent position among New England famil lies of early Colonial date since the middle of th seventeenth century.

Captain John Robinson Dennis, father of Arthu Wellington Dennis, was born at Somerset, Massi January 9, 1800, son of Arthur and Elizabeth (Robin! son) Dennis, of Swansea. For about forty years he followed the sea, during half of this period command ing vessels plying between Providence and New York. He married, at Pawtucket, March 4, 1804, Hope Anı Rhodes, daughter of Captain Charles Rhodes, of th merchant marine service, who was captured with hi vessel near Honduras by a British cruiser during th! War of 1812, and subjected to great loss and privation-

Arthur W. Dennis was educated in the publi schools of Providence, and was graduated from the Providence High School. During the year of 1863-64 he was a clerk in the office of the United States provos Marshal. in Salem, Ore., returning to Providence il 1865. From that year he was in the clerical service o J. L. Aldrich, cotton merchants. From 1884 to 189 he was agent for the firm of Woodward & Stillman" of New York. In 1893 he founded and was elected treasurer of the Elmwood Mills, manufacturers o shoe laces, and held that responsible position unti

Arthur M. Dewip

- -

Edwin A. Briggs

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BIOGRAPHICAL

1912, when he was elected president of the Interna- tional Braid Company, a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Massachusetts, with a capital of $1,648,000, for the manufacture of boot, shoe and corset lacings, and narrow goods for different pur- poses. Mr. Dennis is also a director of the Lawton Spinning Company, and a director of the National Exchange Bank of Providence, R. I. He has main- tained the International Braid Company with its varied interests in a most prosperous state, and occu- pies a leading position among business leaders in Rhode Island.

Mr. Dennis is a veteran of the First Light Infan- try Regiment; member of the Rhode Island Society of Sons of the American Revolution, of which he was president; was governor of the Rhode Island Society of Colonial Wars; is a vice-president of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Ani- mals; past master of What Cheer Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; past high priest of Providence chapter, Royal Arch Masons; past eminent commander of Calvary Commandery, Knights Templar. His clubs are the Pomham and West Side. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Dennis has been active in public life in Providence for many years. During the year 1888-89 he was president of the Providence Com- mon Council; in 1900 he was elected a member of the Board of Aldermen; in 1906, Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives; and in 1909, Lieu- tenant-Governor of Rhode Island. Mr. Dennis has long been interested in historical research, and has a valuable collection of early Colonial relics and fur- niture.

On September 26, 1866, Mr. Dennis married, in Providence, Anne Isabel Smith, daughter of Simri and Sarah (Fuller) Smith. They are the parents of a daughter, Hope Ann, and a son, John Rhodes. Mrs. Dennis died on August 7, 1918.

ROLAND HUNNEWELL BALLOU-Nintlı in the Ballon line of descent beginning with Maturin Ballou, who was in Providence as early as 1640, Ro- land H. Ballou, treasurer of the Manhassett Auto Tire Fabrics Company, and treasurer of Mt. Hope Spinning Company of Warren, R. I., carries responsi- bilities which mark him as of the same high order of ability that distinguished his honored father, Henry Latimer Ballou, an eminent citizen and active business man of Woonsocket, R. I., until his death. Through the maternal line he traces to Walter Cook, of Wey- mouth, Mass., 1643, his mother, Susan A. (Cook) Ballou, being of the seventh American generation, daughter of Willis and Cyrena (Thayer) Cook, of Woonsocket, R. I. Roland H. Ballou is a grandson of Latimer Whipple Ballou, banker and Congress- man, of Woonsocket, R. I .; son of Levi (2) Ballou, a wealthy farmer of Cumberland, R. I .; son of Levi (1) Ballou, a Revolutionary patriot, substantial citi- zen of Cumberland; son of Ezekiel Ballou; son of Obadiah Ballou, son of James Ballou, son of Maturin Ballou, the founder.

Henry Latimer Ballon was born at Cambridge, Mass., October 14. 1841, and died at Woonsocket. R. I.,

May 22, 1889. After completing his education, he entered business life in 1861, serving the Woonsocket Institution for Savings and later the Woonsocket Na- tional Bank as bookkeeper, assistant cashier and assistant treasurer. During his father's Congressional term-six years-the son acted as cashier and treas- urer of the two institutions, Mr. Ballou, Sr., being the regularly elected incumbent. Henry L. Ballou was also identified with several local business corporations of importance, was treasurer of the school district and of the Woonsocket Hospital Corporation. He was an able business man, and to his enterprise and public spirit Woonsocket owes a great deal. He married, October 6, 1868, Susan A. Cook, a lady of forceful character and culture, who survives him. She is deeply interested in philanthropy; is an ex-regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and active in church work. Mr. and Mrs. Ballon were the parents of two sons and a daughter: Latimer Willis, Marie Louise, and Roland H.

Roland H. Ballou, youngest son of Henry L. and Susan A. (Cook) Ballou, was born in Woonsocket, R. I., December 7, 1881, there passed the grades, entered high school, and in 1899 was graduated. He then pur- sued full courses at Massachusetts Institute of Tech- nology, receiving his degree B. S. with the graduating class of 1904. He at once entered business life, and as "Tech" graduates are highly regarded by cor- porations, he secured a most satisfactory engagement with the American Telephone & Telegraph Company at Providence, which continued for two years. The next three years were spent with the Woonsocket Machine & Press Company, his position with that corporation being surrendered to accept election to the office of treasurer of the Manhassett Auto Tire Fabrics Company of Putnam, Conn., with offices in Providence, R. I., a post he ably fills, his office No. 1406 Turk's Head building. Mr. Ballou is a Republi- can in politics, and in religion a Universalist. He is a member of the following clubs: Cumberland, Wan- namoisett, University of Providence, Turk's Head, Noon-Day of Providence, Rhode Island Country, Braeburn Country, Arkwright, Rubber Club of Amer- ica, City Club of New York, Old Colony Club, and the National Association of Cotton Manufacturers.

Mr. Ballou married, June 20, 1912, Janet Milne, daughter of Joseph D. and Georgie (Wright) Milne, of Fall River, and granddaughter of John C. Milne. Children: Richard Milne, born September 20, 1913; John Milne, born June 19, 1917.

EDWIN ALLEN BRIGGS-The late Edwin Allen Briggs, whose death occurred in the city of Provi- dence, R. I., on August 29, 1912, was for several decades one of the foremost wholesale and retail fruit dealers of the city, and one of its largest real estate owners.

Briggs Arms-Argent three escutcheons gules, each charged with a bend of the field.

Crest-An arm vambraced and hand holding a bow and arrow proper.

Edwin Allen Briggs was born in the town of Knightsville, Cranston, R. I., March 1, 1831, the son

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HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

of Alfred and Candace Allen (King) Briggs. His father, Major Alired Briggs, also a native of Crans- ton, was born December 31, 1795, and died July 4, 1868. Early in life he engaged in the trade of black- smith and wheelwright, which he followed successfully until his death. He was also prominent in military affairs in Cranston, and rose to the rank of major in the local militia. Alfred Briggs married Candace Allen King, daughter of Joseph and Alice (Mathew- son) King, who was born August 25, 1798, and died August 8, 1888, descendant of many notable early Rhode Island families. They were the parents of the following children: Andrew, Albert K., Henry Ly- man, Jeremiah M., William P., Edwin Allen, men- tioned below; Alfred H.

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The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 69

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