The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 81

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 81

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He married, November 10, 1907, in Troy, N. Y., Laurina M. La Gue, of Providence, R. I. They have one son, Hailes La Gue Palmer.

FREDERICK W. HARTWELL, secretary and manager of the General Fire Extinguisher Company of Providence, R. I., from the time of the founding of the gigantic corporation until his death, was a figure of influence in business and finance in Rhode Island for a quarter of a century, ranking prominently among the master minds which controlled these fields in the closing decades of the nineteenth century.

Frederick W. Hartwell was born at Langdon, N. H., January 8, 1850, son of Samuel Estabrook and Lucy M. (King) Hartwell, and a descendant in the eighth generation of William Hartwell, the founder of the family in America. The Hartwell family dates from the year 1636, from which time to the present day it has figured prominently in New England life and af- fairs. Concord and Lincoln, Mass., were the homes of the family for several generations. Samuel Estabrook Hartwell, grandfather of the late Frederick W. Hart- well, was the first of the direct line to remove to New Hampshire, where he became the owner of a large estate, and where he settled permanently. His son, Samuel Estabrook Hartwell, Jr., inherited a large por- tion of his estate in New Hampshire, and remained there, a farmer on a large scale until his death.

In 1861, following the death of his parents, Fred- erick W. Hartwell came to Providence to make his home with his uncle, the late John Bryant Hartwell, who at that time was a power in mercantile life in the city of Providence, where he died December 9, 1872. He was given excellent educational advantages and studied in the elementary and high schools of the city.

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later attending the Kimball Union Academy at Meriden, N. H., for a year. In 1868 he began his business career, entering the offices of Day & Chapin as bookkeeper. Within a short time he was transferred to the Elm street woolen mill, operated by the latter firm, in the capacity of bookkeeper and paymaster. Here he re- mained during the five years following, but finding the field somewhat narrow and not altogether to his liking, he resigned shortly before his marriage, in 1873, to be- come bookkeeper in the offices of the Providence Steam & Gas Pipe Company, of which his father-in-law was at that time treasurer. From this position of compar- ative unimportance he rose rapidly in the firm, display- ing an ability for the handling of large affairs which in 1884 brought him the office of secretary and manager of the Providence plant of the newly founded million dollar corporation, the General Fire Extinguisher Com- pany. In 1893 the Providence Steam & Gas Pipe Com- pany, which had been manufacturing for some time a water sprinkler for installation in buildings and stores as a safeguard against destructive fires, the inventions and patents for which were then in their control, incor- porated with a western firm, the Neracker & Hill Sprinkler Company, which was engaged in the manu- facture of a similar device, under the firm name of the General Fire Extinguisher Company, with a capital- ization of $1,000,000, and Mr. Hartwell was elected secretary and manager of the Providence plant. In the years which followed he was a factor of greatest impor- tance in the upbuilding and development of the corpora- tion. In 1906 he became a member of the board of directors. He was also active on the executive boards of several other Providence concerns, and was a director of the Atlantic National Bank.

His interests, however, were not wholly confined to the field of business. He was at least as well known in the philanthropic circles of his city. For several years Mr. Hartwell served as a commissioner of the Dexter Donation. From 1899 to 1900 he acted as presi- dent of the Providence Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation, of which he had long been a member. remain- ing until his death a member of its board of managers. He never forgot the struggles and discouragements of his youth, and was always a source of encouragement to the many young men who came to him for advice and assistance in his later days. His service as a mem- ber of the Central Baptist Church of Providence, and as superintendent of its Sunday school from 1902, was marked by such devotion and such material support as to command the utmost admiration, especially since it came from a man whose business and public duties were of great magnitude. He applied to business affairs the code of ethics by which he governed his private life. The principles of equity, mercy and justice which gov- erned his every act made him honored, trusted and loved by men. "Faith in man and God, and an opti- nistic mien in the process of their service-these sum ip his loved and useful character."

On October 15, 1873, Mr. Hartwell married Mary Loring Hartshorn, who was born in Providence, R. I., August 14, 1851, daughter of the late Rev. Joseph Charles and Rachel (Thurber) Hartshorn. They were the parents of the following children: 1. Joseph C., porn at Warwick, R. I., Aug. 20, 1874; educated in the

public schools of Providence, prepared for college at the Worcester Academy, and was graduated from Brown University in the class of 1899, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts; he is now employed in the engi- neering department of the General Fire Extinguisher Company of Providence; he is a member of the Uni- versity Club among others, and makes his home with his sister in Providence. 2. John S., born Dec. 22, 1875, died in 1882. 3. Lucy King, born Feb. 16. 1878; at- tended the public and high schools of Providence, and was graduated from the Abbott Academy at Andover, Mass .; she married William B. Peck, of Providence, and they are the parents of three children: Mar- garet Hartwell, born July 19, 1904; Ruth Hartshorn, born Dec. 13, 1906: Virginia Hunter, born June 12, 1913. 4. Mary Hartshorn, born Nov. 21, 1882, died July 1, 1915; she attended the public schools of Providence, and continued her studies at Dana Hall, Wellesley, and Brown University; she married Leon- ard Woolsey Cronkhite, of Boston, and has one daughter, Elizabeth. 5. Helen Thurber, born Oct. 28, 1885; attended the public and high schools of Providence, and was graduated from Wellesley Col- lege in the class of 1908: she married Rev. W. Douglas Swaffield, now of East Boston, Mass .; they are the parents of three children: Esther Harding, born Nov. 17, 1913; Frederick Hartwell, born April 13, 1915; Marian Nichols, born Aug. 6, 1916. Fred- erick W. Hartwell died at his home, No. 77 Parade street, Providence, Oct. 9. 1911, and is buried in Swan Point Cemetery. Mrs. Hartwell, who survives her husband, resides at No. 16 Freeman Parkway, Provi- dence, R. I.

FREDERICK P. SANDS, deceased, for more than a quarter of a century one of the foremost citi- zens of Newport, a noted clubman and sportsman, was born in New York City, in 1854, the son of Dr. Austin L. Sands, and the descendant of a family long prominent in New York life and affairs. Dr. Austin L. Sands removed to Newport and established himself in practice in the city, subsequently rising to a posi- tion of influence in the medical profession. He brought with him his son, who was educated in the private school of Rev. William S. Child. On completing his studies he traveled extensively, and for many years gave his time largely to the pursuit of scholarly and sporting interests. He was an ardent sportsman, keenly interested in yachting, and was the owner at dif- ferent times of various yachts and speed boats, among them the "Uvira," "Daffodil," "Waif" and "Novice." Mr. Sands was a member of the old Newport Yacht Club, of which he was for many years commodore. He was also a member of the Warwick Yacht Club, which he served as rear admiral for four years, and of the Narragansett Bay Yachting Association. With the late Ogden Goelet and Woodbury Kane, he was instrumental in raising the Newport yacht racing fund, which was subsequently turned over to the Newport Yacht Racing Association. Of this organization Mr. Sands was an influential member for many years, serving at one time on the regatta committee, and for a long period as treasurer, resigning his office finally

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because of ill health. In 1889 he became a member of the New York Yacht Club, and was active in its affairs until his death. His deep interest in the sport in Newport was largely instrumental in bringing it to the high state of development which it attained during his lifetime. Mr. Sands was considered at one time one of the best amateur shots in New England. For many years he was a devotee of the sport of trap shooting, and was a member of several international teams, shooting at Monte Carlo and Nice. He was a member and one of the officers of the Newport Golf Club, and the Newport Reading Room. He was well known in club life in New York City.

In 1901 Mr. Sands purchased the Newport ship- yard, an historic yard which is among the oldest in this part of the country, and was famous throughout New England when the whaling industry was at its height. Here were launched and fitted out some of the most famous of the whalers of the nineteenth century. The yard was founded by Josiah Cottrell, and the wharf is still known as Cottrell's wharf. Under his management the business prospered, and Mr. Sands remained actively at its head until shortly before his death, when he disposed of his interests. He was an able business man, and a talented execu- tive, yet distinctly not in accord with the business world. Although he was in no way connected with political interests in the city of Newport, Mr. Sands was for many years actively identified with public life. The welfare and advancement of civic affairs was always close to his heart. He was widely known and eminently respected in Newport, and his death was sincerely mourned.

On November 19, 1884, Mr. Sands married Julia E. Simpson, daughter of the late Rear Admiral Edward Simpson, U. S. N., and his wife, Mary Ann (Ridgely) Simpson. (See Simpson). Mr. and Mrs. Sands were the parents of the following children: I. Mary Ridgely, wife of Lorillard Spencer; they are the par- ents of Lorillard Spencer, Jr. 2. Austin L. Sands, a graduate of Princeton University in the class of 1909, and now (1919) attached to the aviation service of the United States army, stationed at Ellington field, where he was made instructor: married Marianna W. Ful- lam, daughter of Admiral Fullam, U. S. N .; had one son, Frederick Parker Sands. 3. Julia Parker, mar- ried Roland Dickson, and is the mother of one child, Charles R. Dickson. 4. Elizabeth Sterett, residing with her mother. Frederick P. Sands died at his home in Newport, December 22, 1905. Mrs. Sands makes her home in Newport.

REAR ADMIRAL EDWARD SIMPSON, de- ceased, late of the United States navy, for a quarter century one of the foremost authorities on naval ord- nance in the country, was born in New York City, March 3. 1824, the son of Edmund S. and Julia Eliza- beth (Jones) Simpson, and the descendant of several notable old Colonial families. He was educated under private tutors, and on February II, 1840, enlisted in the United States navy as a midshipman. He was a member of the first class to enter the Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1845-46. A year later he was gradu-

ated and, receiving his commission, was sent fortl with to the Gulf of Mexico, where he participate in the action of Vera Cruz. Following the war, H served in the East India squad, with the rank of liet tenant. In 1857 he participated in the capture of th barrier forts near Canton, China, and at the close this campaign returned home to assume charge - the department of gunnery at the Naval Academ having gained distinction even at this early date fo genius in the field of ordnance. In 1862 he was mac commandant of cadets at Annapolis, serving in th capacity for a year, at the end of which time he r signed his office to serve actively in the naval force of the Union during the Civil War. In the cour: of the war he was promoted successively to the ran of lientenant commander, and commander. As capta of the Consolidated Gulf Squadron, he was prese at the fall of Mobile, and received the surrender of tl Confederate fleet at Tombigbee river. On Augu 15, 1870, he was commissioned captain, and short afterward sent to Europe on a special mission whic consumed the years 1871 and 1872. On his retur to America, in 1873, he was assigned to the Torpec Station at Newport, where he remained until 187 His stay in Newport entrenched him firmly in estee of the officers and men of the station. He was held high favor by the citizens of Newport, and his tran ference was deeply regretted. In 1875 he was mac commander of the station at New London, Conn., ar subsequently became commander of the League Islar Navy Yard at Philadelphia. On April 26, 1878, 1 was commissioned commodore, and on February 1884, raised to the rank of rear admiral, which } filled ably until March 3. 1886, when he retired 1 private life. From 1858, when he assumed charge the department of gunnery at Annapolis, until his r tirement in 1886, Admiral Simpson was regarded : an authority on all matters pertaining to ordnanc He was the author of three books on the subject no used as text books at the Naval Academy. Throng] out his entire career he had acted in advisory capaci- on questions and problems of ordnance, and one his last offices was that of member of the advisor board which designed the cruisers "Boston," "Chicago and "Atlanta."

Admiral Simpson married Mary Ann Ridgel daughter of Charles Serett and Elizabeth Ritt (Ho lingsworth) Ridgely. Among their children was Jul E. Simpson, who became the wife of the late Fred erick P. Sands, of Newport, R. I. (See Sands Admiral Simpson died December 1, 1888, in Washing ton, D. C.

GEORGE HENRY GARDNER-Since the tin of its founding in Rhode Island by George Gardne in the year 1638, the Gardner family has played prominent part in Rhode Island life and affair Every generation has produced men who have figure actively in public affairs, and have risen to influenti places in the world of business, finance and commerc The family ranks among the foremost in the Sta in point of social prominence.

The surname Gardner, variously spelled Gardine

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and Gardener, is of the occupative class, and signifies literally "the gardener." It is of ancient origin, and is found with frequency in medieval English regis- ters of early date. The earliest entries of the name show the particle le, i. e., Geoffrey le Gardiner, whose name appears in the Hundred Rolls. In the Testa de Neville, temp. Henry III. to Edward I., the name William Gardinar appears, showing that the particle had at this early date been dropped, and the surname in its present form well established. Among the de- scendants of George Gardner, the name is spelled variously Gardiner and Gardner. The line of ances- try herein considered is that of the late George Henry Gardner, of Philadelphia, a well-known manufacturer of that city, who was a descendant of the founder in the eighth American generation.

(I) George Gardner, immigrant and progenitor of the family in Rhode Island, was a native of England, whence in the third decade of the seventeenth century he came to America. Tradition, long preserved in the family, but according to the eminent genealogist, John Osborne Austin, not well founded, states that he was the youngest son of Joseph Gardner, and grandson of Sir Thomas Gardner, knight. He is first of record in Rhode Island, in 1638, when he was admitted an inhabitant of the island of Aquidneck. In 1640 he received a grant of fifty-eight acres of land. On March 16, 1641, he was made a freeman, and in the following year served as constable and senior ser- geant. In 1644 he was an ensign. It is evident that from that time forward he continued to rise in promi- nence in the colony, for in 1662 he was elected to the important office of comissioner. He died in Kings county, R. I., in 1679.

His first wife, Herodias (Long-Wickes) Gardner, was a Quakeress, and one of the Rhode Island women who suffered cruel persecution at the hands of the Massachusetts Puritan authorities. Their marriage took place in 1640; Herodias Long had previously been married to John Wickes, with whom she came to Rhode Island, where shortly after their arrival he deserted her and went to New Amsterdam with most of her property. She subsequently adopted Quaker- ism, and was married to George Gardner by the Quaker ceremony. In 1658 she, in company with a friend, Mary Stanton, and carrying an infant child, journeyed from Newport to Weymouth, to give her religious testimony, for which she was arrested by the Puritan authorities and taken to Boston. Here, be- fore Governor John Endicott, she and her companion were sentenced to be whipped. After the whipping she was confined in prison for fourteen days. In 1665 she entered proceedings for a divorce from George Gardner, charging neglect in providing for her and her large family, and raising the question of the legal- ity of her marriage to him. The divorce was granted, and she later married John Porter, a wealthy planter, who was one of the original Pettaquamscutt purchas- ers, who bestowed generous gifts of land on her sev- eral sons and daughters. George Gardner married (second) Lydia Ballou, daughter of Robert and Sus- anna Ballou; she married (second) William Haw- kins, and died before 1722. He died after 1677.

(II) Nicholas Gardner, son of George and Herodias (Long-Wickes) Gardner, was born in Newport, R. I., in 1654. On May 19, 1671, he took the oath of alle- giance, and in the same year bought land of John Porter. In 1673 he purchased of John and Horod Porter one hundred acres. On July 29, 1679, he signed the petition to the King. Nicholas Gardner also received a large farm from John Porter, his step- father, on which he settled in Kingston, R. I. He died in 1712, and administration of his estate was granted to his son, Nicholas. He married Han- nah

(III) Nicholas (2) Gardner, son of Nicholas (I) and Hannah Gardner, was born in Kington, R. I., about 1680, and was a life-long resident there. In 1714, as administrator of his father's estate, he appeared before the Town Council, and declared that his father had died intestate, but that he believed that the elder man intended his property to be divided equally among his three sons. Nicholas (2) Gardner accordingly deeded to his brother Ezekiel, a farm on the great plain, and to his brother George one thousand acres, when they should come of age, George to pay his brother Nicholas £40 on attaining his majority. Nicholas (2) Gardner married, on October 13, 1709, Mary Eldred, daughter of Thomas Eldred, of Kings- ton.

(IV) Ezekiel Gardner, son of Nicholas (2) and Mary (Eldred) Gardner, was born September 29, 1712, at Kingston, R. I. He married, August 29, 1734, Dorcas Watson (Rev. Ephraim Gardner officiating). They were the parents of Ezekiel Gardner, mentioned below.

(V) Ezekiel (2) Gardner, son of Ezekiel (1) and Dorcas (Watson) Gardner, was born about 1740, in Kingston, or the vicinity. He resided at North Kings- ton, where he was a large landowner and prosperous farmer. On May 17, 1763, he was married, by Elder Samuel Mayor, to Sarah or Susannah Congdon. Among their children was Ezekiel, mentioned below.

(VI) Hon. Ezekiel (3) Gardner, son of Ezekiel (2) and Sarah or Susannah (Congdon) Gardner, was born at North Kingston, R. I., January 19, 1768. He was a prominent figure in the life and affairs of old South county in his day, and was for many years a magis- trate, known familiarly as Judge Gardner. He mar- ried Ruth Tillinghast, of the old Tillinghast family of Rhode Island.

(VII) George Gardner, son of Hon. Ezekiel (3) and Ruth (Tillinghast) Gardner, was born in North Kingston, R. I., on the farm. He engaged in farm- ing on a large scale in North Kingston throughout his life. George Gardner married Mary Ann Bur- lingame. Both died in North Kingston and are buried in the Elm Grove Cemetery. George and Mary Ann (Burlingame) Gardner were the parents of the following children: I. Frances Ann, married Hon. William Washington Congdon, of Wickford. 2. George Henry, mentioned below. 3. Ruth Emeline, died unmarried. 4. Mary Esther, died unmarried.

(VIII) George Henry Gardner, son of George and Mary Ann (Burlingame) Gardner, was born at North Kingston, R. I., and received his elementary educa-

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tion in the schools of his native town. He later at- tended the Lapham Institute, and on completing his study, began his business career in the wool business, securing his first employment under the late Edward Harris, of Woonsocket. He rose rapidly to a posi- tion of importance in this industry, and on amassing a considerable capital, established himself independently in business in Philadelphia. Here he began the man- ufacture of blankets. The venture proved success- ful from the very outset, and developed to large pro- portions. Mr. Gardner removed to Philadelphia, which was his home up to the time of his death, which occurred April 9, 1919.

George Henry Gardner married (first) Nancy Gardner Greene, who was born in Providence, daugh- ter of William Ellery and Abby (Peckham) Greene; she was descended both paternally and maternally from several of the foremost families of Rhode Island, and traced her lineage from Surgeon John Greene, founder of the famous Greenes of Warwick. They were the parents of two children: I. George, who died May 26, 1913; was prominent in official life in Wickford, and was postmaster there for several years. 2. Abbie Peckham; Miss Gardner resided for many years with her uncle, the Hon. William Washington Congdon, of Wickford, and still makes her home in the town. George Henry Gardner married (second) Rachel Francenia George, of Philadelphia; their children are: Francis Murray, Ada Josephine, de- ceased; Harriet Langworthy.

COLONEL ARTHUR H. WATSON-The posi- tion that was held by Colonel Watson in the city of Providence was one that was accorded him not solely because of conspicuous business ability, not for un- selfish public service, not for social charm, but for the combination of these attributes, combined with lofty qualities of mind and heart, that endeared him to those whose privilege it was to know and love him. Colonel Watson was a descendant of John Watson, who is of record in North Kingston, R. I., in 1673, being on the tax list of 1687 and in the same year serving as con- stable. Later he was on the grand jury, was conser- vator of the peace, and deputy in 1600. He was twice married, first to Dorcas Gardiner and second to Rebecca Gardiner, daughter of George and Herodias (Long) Gardiner. His death occurred in 1728. His children were: John, of whom further; Samuel, William, Frances, Ann, and Herodias.

(II) John (2) Watson, son of John (1) Watson, was born July 22, 1676, died November 8, 1772, the first child born in Narragansett after the Indian War. He was early employed in many public offices and was a member of the General Assembly, performing his duties with strict fidelity and integrity. His health was ever ex- cellent and at the great age of ninety-six years he had never been confined to his bed until a few days before his death, and he retained his mental faculties unim- paired to the last. He had eight children, fifty-seven grandchildren, forty-five great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, a large number of whom followed his remains to their last resting place. Mr. Watson married (first) on April 8, 1703, Hannah

Champlin, daughter of Jeffrey Champlin, who died October 31, 1720; on April 22, 1722, he married (sec- ond) Abigail (Northrop) Eldred, widow of Samuel - Eldred, and daughter of Stephen and Mary (Thomas) Northrop, who died August 22, 1737; in September, 1738, he married (third) Sarah Mowry, who died March 12, 1764. In a diary kept by his son, Jeffrey, is a copy of the publication of the third marriage, which well illustrates the custom of the times.

Kings County, September, A. D. 1738. These are to publish the banns of marriage between John Watson and Sarah Mowry, both of South Kings- town, in the county aforesaid, and if any person or persons can show just cause why these two may not he joined together in matrimony they must make their application as the law directs, and not pull down or deface this publication at their peril. Given under my hand and seal in South Kingstown, this 10th day of September, A. D. 1738. Per ISAAC SHELDON, Justice.

In 1708, after his first marriage, John (2) Watson bought of William Gardiner seventy-five acres near Pettaquamscott Rock, and this land, with other land added to it, was in the possession of lineal descendants until a few years ago, when J. V. B. Watson disposed thereof. This was the first deed given since 1708, as it had been willed from father to eldest son, whose names for generations had been John. In the seventh generation the eldest son, John, having died, the second son, Joseph, succeeded to the estate, and it was his son who gave the deed. Five generations of Watsons and eldest sons are buried on the land. John (2) Watson became a large landowner, and the greater part of his lands he transferred to his sons by gift before his death. His children were all by his first and second marriages: Hannah, born March I, 1705, married (first) William Clarke, who died in 1746, and she married (second) David Greene; Ann, born March 27, 1708, married Ben- jamin Allen, and died in 1771; John, of whom further; Jeffrey, born April 3, 1712, married Bathsheba Smith, and died May 10, 1787; Elisha, born Sept. 14, 1714, died Sept. II, 1737; Dorcas, born Oct. 25, 1716, married Ezekiel Gardiner, and died in 1785; Amy, born Oct. 18, 1719, married John Lillibridge; Freelove, born in 1723, married John Champlin; and Mary, born in 1725.

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The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 81

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