The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 76

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 76

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(VIII) Arlon Mann Whipple, son of Eliab and Nancy (Grant) Whipple, was born in Cumberland, R. I., July 17, 1839, on his father's farm which was part of what is now the Diamond Hill Reservoir. He was educated in the local district schools, and until he reached his eight- eenth year remained on the Cumberland farm. In 1857 he went to North Attleboro, where he apprenticed himself to the clock manufacturing business, and later entered the employ of Henry Haskell in the nut and bolt manufac- turing business, remaining until 1863. He later removed to Kansas, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. This property he developed and improved by the use of every method then known to scientific farming. In 1880 he disposed of his interests in Kansas at a large profit, and returned to the town of Cumber- land. Here he purchased a farm of one hundred and ninety acres at Grant's Mills, which he at once began to cultivate, and under his direction and that of his daughter, Mrs. David W. Swift, the farm was brought to a high state of productiveness and efficiency. While maintaining supervision over his farming interests, Mr. Whipple found irksome the restraint and narrowness of farm life. For many years he was connected with the business of Joseph Grant, of Providence, as a tool maker. He was a man of boundless energy, essentially a constructive worker. He was well known and emi- nently respected in Cumberland. Although he displayed always a deep interest in the welfare of the town which had been the home of his ancestors for generations, he remained strictly aloof from public and political life. A man of magnetic personality, possessing the gift of making and holding friendships, he stood high in the regard of hundreds to whom his death came as a deep grief.

On January 27, 1864, he married at Woonsocket, R. I., Esther Weatherhead, who was born at Tower Hill, R. I., daughter of Horace and Louisa (Brown) Weather- head, and granddaughter of John Weatherhead and Elijah Brown, of Cumberland, where both the Weath- erhead and Brown families have been established for several generations. Mr. and Mrs. Whipple were the parents of three children, two of whom survive: I. Frederick Lester, died in infancy. 2. Alice Elvira, became the wife of Eugene J. Whipple; their daugh- ter, Esther L. Whipple, married Harold B. Monroe, the son of Senator Addison P. Monroe. 3. Edna L., married David W. Swift, of Foxboro, Mass. Mr. Swift came to Rhode Island in 1889, and for sixteen years was agent of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad at Central Falls. In 1905 he removed to Grants Mills and assumed with the late Arlon Mann Whipple the management of the farm there. Mr and Mrs. Swift are the parents of a son, David A. Swift, who married Mary Reed, of East Providence. Mrs.

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Whipple survives her husband and makes her home on the farm at Grants Mills.

Arlon Mann Whipple died at his home in the town of Cumberland, March 19, 1910.

EDWIN O. CHASE-Burrows & Kenyon, lum- ber dealers of Providence, R. I., is the firm with which the entire business life of Mr. Chase has been spent, a period of more than twenty-three years. In this time he has advanced from the place of office boy, the capacity in which he first joined the firm, to its presidency, while during the same time he has assumed responsible and honored position among the leading men of affairs of his State.

Edwin O. Chase is a son of John A. and Amy J. (Wade) Chase, his father a native of East Killingly, Conn., his mother born in Gloucester, R. I. John A. Chase was for many years engaged in contracting and building operations in Providence, his death occurring in 1917. Edwin O. Chase was born in East Killingly, Conn., April 12. 1877, and attended the public schools of that place until he was eight years of age, when Providence became the family home. In this city he continued in attendance in the public schools, graduating from high school in the class of 1893. For three years he was employed with his father, and in 1896 he became office boy in the employ of the Burrows & Kenyon Lumber Company. Two years later he became book- keeper for the same firm, and in 1903 his competent and faithful service gained him an interest in the business. Upon the incorporation of the company in 1908 Mr. Chase became secretary and treasurer, and in IOII, when death removed Mr. Kenyon from office, he became president and treasurer. Mr. Chase acquired the con- trolling interest in the company in 1917 and reorgan- ized the officiary as it now exists : Mr. Chase, president, Carlton C. Chase, vice-president, George E. Thurber, treasurer, and William Mc Kenna, secretary. The firm name has remained the same throughout the changes in the personnel, and the business they conduct in lumber and builders' supplies, wholesale and retail, is one of the oldest and largest in New England. Mr. Chase, in addition to his private business interests, serves the Citizens' Savings Bank as trustee. He is president of the Rhode Island Employers' Association, and through- out the wide territory that his operations and influence extend he is known as a progressive and able business man. The position he occupies represents the reward of unremitting labor and a fixed determination to achieve a responsible place, while in his advancement he has known no deviation from the strictest probity and the most upright methods.

Mr. Chase belongs to the Republican party and is a member of the City Counsel, representing the Sixth Ward. He has a wide following both within and with- out his party, for he is generally known as a supporter of men and principles rather than as an adherent to party form, and no good measure or movement in Providence has ever lacked his support. He is a mem- ber of the Providence Chamber of Commerce, and also belongs to the Wannamoisett Country Club, and the Turk's Head, Pomham, and Providence Central clubs. Mr. Chase has been active in the Masonic order all of his adult life, holding all degrees in the York and

Ancient Accepted Scottish Rites up to and including thirty-second, and in September, 1918, he achieved ultimate Masonic distinction when he was elected receive the honorary thirty-third degree, a rare hor reserved as a mark of the highest appreciation service rendered the order. Mr. Chase is an atter ant of the Episcopal church.

Mr. Chase married, June 20, 1899, Martha E. Thurt daughter of Emery E. Thurber, her father a long-ti' resident of Rhode Island, now living retired in Esmor Mr. and Mrs. Chase are the parents of one son, Les T., born in 1906, a student in the Moses Brown Sche of Providence.

ROBERT HAZARD CHAMPLIN-When in M 1911, Robert H. Champlin and his widow passed aw within one week of each other, two remarkable liv ended. For forty-three years they had trod life's pa way together and, when the gentle mother was borne her last resting place upon the shoulders of her fo manly sons, it did not require a prophet to realize tl. life's race was run for the aged father, whose ye: were then numbering eighty-two. And so it prov and six days later it was the mournful but sacred du of the sons to bear him to his last resting place best their mother. His monument is the business he founde he retired in 1891, and later the business passed in the hands of three of the sons who yet conduct it.

Robert Hazard Champlin was of the seventh gene tion of his family in New England, the founder which was Jeffrey, Jeoffrey or Geoffrey Champlin w is of record as early as 1628. He married and h male issue, the line of descent being traced through : eldest son Jeffrey, who was born at Newport, in 16 and is of record at Kingstown in 1715, leaving a s Jeffrey (3) born in 1670. Jeffrey (3) Champlin mi ried (third) a wife Susannah who bore him a s John, who is next in line of descent. Jeffrey (3) di. in 1717, and his will was probated March 10, 1718.

John Champlin, only son of Jeffrey (3) Champlin a his third wife, Susannah, was born February 12, 17 died September 8, 1772. He married Freelove Watse born in South Kingstown, died in Exeter, R. I., M 10, 1773, daughter of John Watson. Their second so Samuel, born July 17, 1746, died in Exeter, R. I., Nc ember 1, 1818, was the father of Russel Champlin a the grandfather of Robert Hazard Champlin, to who memory this review is dedicated. Samuel Champ married, Dec. 10, 1782, Alice B. Reynolds, born Ji 21, 1755, died Oct. 23, 1825. They were the parents six children, of whom Russel was the fifth.

Russel Champlin was born in Exeter, R. I., July : 1793, and there resided until two years after the bir of his son, Robert H., in 1829, then moved to E. Greenwich, R. I., and there resided until death. I married Mary Arnold and they were the parents Robert Hazard Champlin.

Robert Hazard Champlin was born in Exeter, R. April 24, 1829, died in East Greenwich, R. I., May ] IgII. He was brought to East Greenwich by 1; parents in 1831, there obtained his education, esta lished a prosperous business and resided until his deat eighty years after his coming, in 1831. His educatie was obtained at East Greenwich Academy; his i

Jedine D. Chase

Dr. FrankJecurdy

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BIOGRAPHICAL

ructors, professors Goodenow and Eastman. At the ¡e of seventeen years, his school ended, and from the ar 1846 until his retirement in 1891, he was continu- sly connected with the lumber business in East reenwich. He became head of his own business and lilt it up to large proportions, and "Champlins" were ladquarters in that section of the State for lumber ¿d building materials. He conducted the husiness very ccessfully until 1891, then sold out to Joseph Dews, d retired to a well-earned period of contentment and se. The business which he sold was conducted by r. Dews for five years and then sold by him to three ns of Robert Hazard Champlin, who own and operate e business founded by their father many years ago. For twenty years after his retirement from business, r. Champlin continued his residence in East Green- ch, enjoying to the full, the rewards of a long life honored usefulness. He was a man of quiet and me loving disposition and those twenty years were ent mainly at his home, with the wife of his youth d children. He was highly esteemed in his neighbor- od and in all things measured up to the full statue a man. His end was hastened, no doubt, by the ath of his wife, who succumbed to an attack of eumonia, May 13, 1911, and six days later on Friday, lay 19, he too passed away, and their four sons were e pall bearers at both funerals.

Robert H. Champlin married, November 26, 1866, ances Beulah Williams, of Clintonville, N. Y., who ed Saturday, May 13, 1911, aged seventy-two years, ughter of William Hilton and Mary Williams. The illiams family descended from Robert Williams, who me from England to Roxbury, Mass., in 1638. Mr. d Mrs. Champlin were the parents of sons and daugh- 's, as follows: 1. Mary Frances, of New York. 2. orence Beulah, of East Greenwich. 3. Jeduthan Rus- [1, of East Greenwich. 4. Samuel Arnold, died Dec. 19II. 5. Robert Hazard (2), conducts the firm, lamplin Lumber Company, of East Greenwich and enterville, dealers in lumber and builders' materials; now resides at Riverpoint, R. I. 6. William Hilton, Rochester, N. H., where he is engaged extensively lumber manufacture.

THOMAS FRANCIS KENNEDY, M. D .- The hoes from the recent terrific explosion in Halifax rbor had scarcely died away ere relief trains from e United States were speeding to the scene of dis- ter, laden with surgeons, physicians, nurses and med- al supplies. From Rhode Island, under the banner the Red Cross, fifty physicians and surgeons, quickly lunteered, and among those who made the journey as Dr. Thomas F. Kennedy, of Woonsocket, R. I. he quick relief rendered by New England was grate- lly acknowledged, and great as was the suffering, it ould have been much greater had not warm hearts id generous hands so quickly responded. The medical ofession has never failed in such an emergency, and e good accomplished by this band of fifty Rhode land doctors will ever live in grateful hearts. and herever deeds of sacrifice and courage are appreciated eir offering to the suffering people of Halifax will e remembered. Dr. Kennedy is a brother of Ambrose ennedy, United States Congressman from Rhode

Island, whose sketch follows in this work. There are two other brothers, Eugene A. Kennedy, M. D., of Mil- ford, Mass., specialist in eye, ear, nose and throat. and Edwin Kennedy, of North Smithfield, R. I., a dyer hy occupation, and two sisters, Mrs. Mary C. Quinn, of Woonsocket, wife of Timothy S. Quinn, a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, and Mrs. Angela F. Downey, wife of John J. Downey, who is at present postmaster at Blackstone, Mass.

Dr. Kennedy is a son of Patrick and Mary (McCor- mick) Kennedy. The father, a mill overseer at Black- stone, Mass., was a member of the Massachusetts Legis- lature in 1875 and 1876, and selectman, assessor, over- seer of the poor and collector of taxes in the town of Blackstone for a number of years.

Thomas Francis Kennedy was born in Blackstone, Mass., June 12, 1874, and there completed grade and high school courses. He then pursued a literary course at St. Hyacinthe College, St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada, after which he began the study of medicine at the University of Maryland, College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Baltimore, Md. He was graduated M. D. in the class of 1900 with highest honors in a large class, and afterwards, in 1906, 1907 and 1908, studied abroad in the hospitals of London, Paris, Vienna and Berlin.

Dr. Kennedy began the practice of medicine in Woon- socket, R. I., in 1900, where he has established a high reputation as a skillful physician and surgeon. He is a member of the Medical Staff of St. Joseph's Hospital, Providence, R. I., Park Place Hospital, Pawtucket, R. I., and Woonsocket Hospital, Woonsocket, R. I. He is also medical examiner for the Aetna Insurance Com- pany and for the Modern Woodmen of America. Dr. Kennedy is a member of Woonsocket District Medical, Rhode Island Medical and the American Medical asso- ciations, and keeps in closest touch with all medical and surgical advancement. Dr. Kennedy is past exalted ruler of Woonsocket Lodge, No. 850, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and a member of the Na- tional Grand Lodge of the order. He also belongs to the Knights of Columbus; the Modern Woodmen of America; is a member of St. Charles Roman Catholic Church; and in politics is a Republican. Dr. Kennedy made application for appointment in the Medical Re- serve Corps, United States Army.

Dr. Kennedy married in Blackstone, Mass., September 7, 1914, Margaret Isabel McCabe, daughter of John and Catherine (Smith) McCabe. Dr. and Mrs. Kennedy are the parents of two sons, Frank, born Jan. 22, 1916, and John Q., born July 3, 1918.

AMBROSE KENNEDY-As representative from the Third Rhode Island District in the Sixty-third, Sixty-fourth, Sixty-fifth and Sixty-sixth congresses, Mr. Kennedy has had a voice in shaping legislation, more important and far-reaching than any heretofore passed by any other American Congress. These con- gresses have been called upon to legislate on mat- ters affecting the whole world, have appropriated money for national defense and war purposes stag- gering in the total, and have passed laws unprece- dented in their character, when compared with former national legislation. So long as history shall be read, the proceedings of these congresses, particularly the

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Sixty-fourth and Sixty-fifth, will be regarded as epoch making, and the end is not yet in view. In all these proceedings, Congressman Kennedy has taken an im- portant part. He is a member of the House Commit- tee on Foreign Affairs, and his voice and vote in com- mittee and upon the floor of the House have been uni- formly in support of the truest American doctrine, and patriotic to the core.

Mr. Kennedy has been in the public eye from his college graduation, first appearing as principal of the high school and superintendent of schools in Black- stone, Mass. From the teaching profession to the law was an early transition, and from the law to the arena of politics was but a step. He has risen high in the political world, his rise being almost meteoric, and still a young man, Mr. Kennedy may face the future with confidence, his record proving his worth in these days which are trying men's mettle by the sternness of tests.

Ambrose Kennedy was born in the town of Black- stone, Mass., December 1, 1875, son of Patrick and Mary (McCormick) Kennedy. He there began his education, completing grade and high school courses. From high school he passed to St. Hyacinthe College, St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada, then to Holy Cross College, Worcester, Mass., whence he was graduated A. B., in the class of 1897. Holy Cross College con- ferred upon him the degrees of A. M. in 1901, and LL. D. in 1918. In 1899 he was elected principal of Blackstone High School, filling that position and that of superintendent of schools until 1904. He then en- tered Boston University Law School, whence he grad- uated LL. B. and J. B., class of 1906. The same year he began the practice of law in Woonsocket, R. I., where he soon built up a large practice. He is a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association, and has won high standing in his profession. He was admitted to prac- tice in the Supreme Court of the United States on March 15, 1918.

A Republican in politics, Mr. Kennedy made his first public entrance into political life as a candidate for the House of Representatives, being successful at the polls and serving two years, 1911-12. He was elected Speaker of the House in 1912, and during his legislative terms rendered valued service in the judiciary com- mittee, on the floor and as presiding officer. From 1909 until 1912 inclusive, he served upon the personal staff of Governor Aram J. Pothier, as aide-de-camp, with the rank of colonel, and became during those years one of the foremost men of his party, sought in counsel, and entrusted with important duties. His service in the House brought him prominently before the people of the Third Congressional District, and in 1912 he was the choice of the District for Congress. He has been reelected as each term expired and is now serving in the Sixty-sixth Congress, dealing with the many momentous questions connected with the war and the subsequent problems of reconstruction. Congressman Kennedy is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Colum- bus, and Modern Woodmen of America. His religion is Roman Catholic. On September 1, 1909, he married Anastacia G. Leahy, daughter of Michael A. and Julia M. Leahy, of Middleboro, Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Ken-

nedy are the parents of three sons: Ambrose A., bo: Jan. 6, 1911 ; James F., born Aug. 5, 1912; and John I born Jan. 29, 1915.

CHARLES A. WHITE-Although a permane resident of Narragansett Pier for several years, D White has also maintained a dental office at Wak field, R. I., and has divided his practice between th village and Narragansett Pier. He is a son of Deriv White, a boot and shoe manufacturer, and Loui Blanchard, who at the time of the birth of their so Charles A., were residing at Weymouth, Mass.

Charles A. White was born August 8, 1873, and w: educated in the public schools of Weymouth. He bega the study of dentistry with a Boston dentist, and final became an expert practising dentist. He was engage in his profession in Boston and other places until 189 when he opened an office in Providence, R. I., remai: ing in that city one year. He then located in Wak field, R. I., practising there during the winter month and going to Narragansett Pier for practice during th summer months. He makes his home at Narraganse Pier, and is still actively engaged in practice. For se eral years he was a member of the firm, Peleg Brow & Company, who had the agency for the Oldsmobil National, and Oakland automobiles for six years. ] 1915, Dr. White withdrew from the automobile busines and has since been active in real estate dealing at th Pier, in addition to his practice.

Dr. White has been very busily engaged in war wor serving as chairman of the board in charge of th Liberty Loan, chairman of the War Savings Commi tee, and has volunteered to do free dental work for th. soldier boys of the Pier. He married at Narraganse Pier, in 1890, Mary, daughter of Peleg Brown. D and Mrs. White are the parents of a son, Charles A (2) ; and a daughter, Julia Louise.

GEORGE PRESCOTT PETERSON, a promine and well known merchant of Providence, where he engaged in business as a dealer in hardware and wa paper, is a native of Marshfield, Mass., born March 2 1861. Mr. Peterson is a member on both the patern: and maternal side of exceedingly old and distinguishe New England families, and is a lineal descendant ( John Alden and Miles Standish, who were members ( the band of Pilgrims that landed in Plymouth, Mass from the "Mayflower," on December II (old style December 21 (new style), 1620, and of Peregrir. White, the first white child born on American soil, an the son of William and Susanna (Fuller) White, st. being a sister of Dr. Edward Fuller, also a membe of the historic "Mayflower" band. Mrs. William Whit had the unique distinction of being the mother of th first white child born in the colony, the first widow, th first bride (becoming the wife of Governor Edwar Winslow), and the mother of the first native bor governor of Plymouth Colony, Governor Josiah Wins low. Among other ancestors of his should be mer tioned Benjamin White, who sat as a member of th Continental Congress with Adams, Hancock and othe great men, who moulded the early destinies of ou country. Benjamin White was also a companion o Jeremiah Lowe, who confiscated the tea stored i

ett

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Marshfield, and took it to a place of prominence in the town, now known as Tea Rock, where it was burnt publicly, simultaneously with the burning of the tea in Providence, R. I., and the famous Boston Tea Party. They also took powder which had been stored in the town and hid it in Benjamin White's barn, and under the bed in his home, where it lay undiscovered during the time of a visit to the place by General Balfour of the King's Guards.

Mr. Peterson is a son of George J. and Betsy (White) Peterson, old and highly respected residents of Marsh- field, Mass. The elder Mr. Peterson was born in December, 1823, at Duxbury, Mass., and for many years followed the occupation of farming. He was a prom- inent man in the community and served on the Massa- chusetts State Board of Agriculture. He was one of the active anti-slavery men of his time. He was directly associated with Emerson, Garrison and Frederick Douglas. He died in 1893. He married Betsy White, a native of Marshfield, born February 3, 1843, and died in 1913. They were the parents of the following child- ren : Charles, now engaged in the shipbuilding in- dustry at San Francisco, Cal .; Alice, who became the wife of Moses Thayer, of Kingston, N. Y .; Irving G., who resides at Marshfield, Mass., where he is engaged in farming on the old homestead, originally a part of the Daniel Webster estate; George Prescott, with whose career we are here especially concerned.

George Prescott Peterson received his education in the schools of Marshfield, and later attended the Richards Business Academy at Marshfield Heights. He went to Attleboro, Mass., where he entered the employ of a jewelry establishment and remained there three years, learning that business. From there he came to the city of Providence and here established himself in independent business at his present location at No. 188 Charles street. Mr. Peterson was first engaged only in the hardware line, and in a small way, but his enter- prise has rapidly and consistently developed until it is now one of the larger of its kind in the city, including paints, oils, and decorative paper hangings. Mr. Peter- son had also established a branch store on Westminster street, opposite the office of the "Journal," but later sold out this store. In politics Mr. Peterson is an In- dependent and has not identified himself with any political party, preferring to remain free from all partisan influences in the exercise of his own judgment on public issues. In spite of this fact, however, so great is the respect and esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens, that he has been elected to a number of public offices as a Progressive and Inde- pendent, and has served as a member of the Common Council for seven years and the Board of Aldermen for two years, and in 1912 and 1913 represented the Fourth District of Providence in the State Legislature, defeating his opponent in one of the strongest Repub- lican districts in the State. Mr. Peterson is a member of the Rotary Club, a member of the John Alden Asso- ciation, and although not actually affiliated, is eligible for membership in the "Mayflower" Society and the Massachusetts Society, Sons of the American Revolu- tion. He is a member of the old South School Asso- ciation of Marshfield, Mass., the old South School being the first free public school established in the

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The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 76

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