The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 9

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 9

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(VIII) Benjamin Merrill Hubbard, son of Daniel (3) and Tamison (Wheaton) Hubbard, was born Feb- rnary 25, 1818, at Leicester, Mass. He was a lad of twelve years of age when his father came to North Providence, R. I., and after a somewhat meager school- ing he learned in the latter place the trade of shoe- making, but the youth was possessed of an unusual degree of mechanical skill and was exceedingly ambi- tious, so that after following his trade for a short time he secured a position with the old American Butt Com- pany, with which he remained in the capacity of super- intendent and general manager until the final dissolu- tion of the concern. He thereupon engaged in a broker- age business on his own account, and for a time had his son, George Whipple Hubbard, as a partner in this enterprise. The business was conducted under the name of B. M. Hubbard & Company, and so continued until his death, March 5, 1882. Benjamin Merrill Hub- bard was a very active figure in the life of the com- munity in those days, and was affiliated with a large number of different clubs and fraternal organizations. He was particularly prominent in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was a member of Hope Lodge and Moshassuck Encampment of that order. In his religion Mr. Hubbard was a Methodist and attended Trinity Church, Providence, R. I. It was this Mr. Hubbard, who in the year 1855 built the celebrated

HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

"Octagon House," at No. 397 Knight street, one of the earliest, if not the earliest, example of this type of house built in the city. He continued to reside in this house until his death.

Benjamin M. Hubbard was united in marriage with Sophia Annis. Mrs. Hubbard, who survived her hus- band, continued to live in Providence until January 10, 1905, when she died at the venerable age of ninety- seven years, eleven months and eleven days. They were the parents of the following children: James Whipple, who died at the age of four years; Candace T .. who became the wife of Marsden J. Perry, of Prov- idence; Martha T., who became the wife of Wanton S. Webb; George Whipple, mentioned below; and Ella Sophia, who died in infancy.

(IX) George Whipple Hubbard, son of Benjamin Merrill and Sophia (Annis) Hubbard, was born Sep- tember 18, 1846, in the city of Providence, R. I., and made that place his home and the scene of all his various activities. It was there that he received the elementary portion of his education, attending the local public schools for this purpose, and he later attended the Bryant & Stratton Business College at Providence, where he took a commercial course. After completing his studies in the latter institution, he secured a posi- tion as clerk with the firm of E. M. Aldrich & Company of which a cousin of his, Charles A. Hubbard, was a member. For a time thereafter he was employed as representative of the "Morning Star," and the "Evening Press." After spending a number of years in this line, he entered into partnership with his father who, as has already been stated, opened a real estate and money brokerage business. After the death of the elder man, George W. Hubbard continued the business alone under the same firm name until his own death, December 13, 1893.

Mr. Hubbard did not confine his activities to his business, however, but was prominently identified with many departments of the community's life. He was affiliated with a large number of social and fraternal organizations, among which should be mentioned Hope Lodge, and Moshassuck Encampment, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Honor. In his religious belief Mr. Hubbard was a Universalist and attended the Church of the Mediator in Provi- dence. Since his death his property has been managed by Mrs. Hubbard, who has shown an unusual degree of business talent in handling the valuable estate in such a manner that it is constantly increasing in value.

On March 16, 1875, George Whipple Hubbard was united in marriage at Providence, R. I., with S. Aug- usta Simmons, a native of Westport, Mass., a daughter of Henry L. and Susan M. (Dyer) Simmons. To them the following children were born: Sophia, born June II, 1876, who became the wife of Curtis A. Miner, of New Haven, Conn., and has one son, Marshall Hub- bard: Cora Augusta, born Feb. 13, 1882, married Carl B. Howland; George Whipple, Jr., born Oct. 24, 1884, attended the public schools of Providence, the Cheshire Academy at Cheshire, Conn., and later Trinity College at Hartford, in the State; now resides in New Haven, Conn., engaged in coal business.

There is no doubt that the career of Mr. Hubbard, successful as it had already been, would have known a still more brilliant future had not death so abruptly cut it short. One of the chief factors in his success was undoubtedly his remarkable power of making friends, but this power in turn depended upon some of the most fundamental virtues for its existence. That he should first attract those who came in casual association was doubtless due to the attractive exterior, the ready wit and simple candor, but the transformation of these acquaintances into faithful friends was possible only to the profound trust which all men felt in him, the perfect sincerity of his nature and the honest disinter- estedness of his intentions. The certainty of their con- fidence in him is nowhere better illustrated than in the common appeal that was made to him to settle disputes and quarrels. His popularity was very wide-spread, and the news of his death was felt as a loss in all parts of the State, but the strongest affection was felt for him in his own home district and it was there that he gave most generously of his friendship and service. His generosity was proverbial, and yet his benefactions were so unostentatious that but few were aware of their extent. It was truly said of him that the world was better for such men as Mr. Hubbard having lived in it. His death has left a gap in the life of his community which, despite the years that have elapsed, is still unfilled.

TIMOTHY V. WHOLEY-As president and gen- eral manager of the Wholey Boiler Works, Mr. Wholey has reached a high position in the iron and steel business with which he has been connected since 1896. The Wholey Boiler Works is located at No. 95 Whipple street, Providence, occupying 65,000 square feet with buildings 325 x 200 covering the entire area. The buildings and machinery are modern, private railway tracks enter the buildings, and one hundred men are kept constantly employed in the manufacture of steam boilers and tanks.

Timothy V. Wholey was born in Lawrence, Mass., December 4, 1874, son of Dennis and Ellen M. Wholey. He was educated in the public schools of Lowell, Mass., finishing with graduation from high school in 1893. He spent one year at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass., then for two years was a student at Mt. St. Mary's College, Emmitsburg, Md. In 1896 he completed his studies, then began learning the boil- ermaker's trade, and from that year he has been con- stantly connected with the iron and steel business, manufacturing steam boilers and tanks, now presi- dent and general manager of the Wholey Boiler Works. Independent in his political action, Mr. Wholey has never desired nor held public office. He is a member of St. Raymond's Church, Roman Cath- olic, Providence, and of the Knights of Columbus.

Mr. Wholey married, in Lowell, Mass., October 17, 1899, Elizabeth V. Skiffington, daughter of M. J. Skiffington, of Lowell. Children: Harold, Mary E., Edgar J., Joseph S., Robert D., Arthur T., Raymond G., George P., Ralph F., and Aileen M. The family home is at Pawtucket.

T.V. Wholey

Gregory D. Walcott.

BIOGRAPHICAL

GREGORY DEXTER WALCOTT-The Wal- cott family is of ancient English origin. The spelling still varies in this family, most of the Salem branch spelling the name Walcott, most of the Connecticut fam- ily using Wolcott. The late Governor Roger Wolcott was a descendant of the Connecticut branch, the immi- grant ancestor of which was Henry Wolcott (Woolcott or Woolcoot), who was born at or near Tolland, Som- ersetshire, England, about 1578, and came to Dorches- ter, Massachusetts, in the first company. He removed in 1636-37 to Windsor, Connecticut, where he became a prominent citizen.

(I) John Walcott, the immigrant ancestor of the family from which Gregory Dexter Walcott is descended, was born in England, doubtless at Glaston, whence he came to America in 1634 or earlier. He was a planter or yeoman, and was at Watertown, Massachusetts, March 4, 1634-35, when he was admitted a freeman of the colony. In the year following he was a householder at Cambridge, Massachusetts, but he shortly afterwards became a resident of Salem, Massachusetts. His life in this colony, however, was brief as he died at Salem, before July 17, 1638. He married (first) in England, Mary, surname unknown, and (second) Winifred, sur- name unknown, in this country. He was fined in Salem in 1636 "for refusing to bring his children to the ordi- nance and neglecting family duties." This was the Puri- tan way of punishing him for following Roger Williams. His brother William also received a grant of land at Salem in 1637, but was finally excommunicated from the Salem Church at the instigation of Hugh Peters, at the same time and for the same reason as Roger Williams, and, we are told, removed to Providence, Rhode Island, with him. John Walcott had five children, of whom Jonathan was the fourth child and second son.

(II) Captain Jonathan Walcott was born about 1638, in Salem or vicinity; married (first) January 26, 1664, or 1665, Mary, a daughter of John Sibley, who died December 28, 1683. He married (second), April 23, 1685, Deliverance, born September 9, 1656, a daughter of Thomas Putnam. She died after 1723. Jonathan Wal- cott was admitted a freeman, April 18, 1690, was elected captain of a military company in 1690, and was on the list of taxpayers of Danvers, Massachusetts, in 1692.

(III) Mary Walcott, daughter of Captain Jonathan. Walcott, became famous for the part she took in witch- craft persecutions. When she was only seventeen years old, she figured as prosecuting witness in no less than sixteen cases. Captain Jonathan Walcott himself fig- ured as the complainant in several cases, and appears to have been honestly carried away by the influence of the frenzy. Rev. Mr. Parrish, who was active in bringing the victims of the delusion to punishment, was finally accused of conniving with Abigail Williams, Mary Wal- cott and others. Mary was a witness against the vener- able Giles Corey, who was pressed to death under a pile of stones by the authority of the law after being condemned for witchcraft. Captain Jonathan Walcott died at Salem, December 16, 1699.

(III) William Walcott, a son of Captain Jonathan Walcott by his second marriage, was born at Salem, Massachusetts, March 2, 1691. He married, at Salem, August 6, 1712, Mary, a daughter of George and Han- nah Felt. She was born October 13, 1687, and died

before 1763. William Walcott died at Attleborough, Massachusetts (now Arnold Mills, Rhode Island), No- vember 3, 1777.

(IV) Benjamin Walcott, a son of William and Mary (Felt) Walcott, was born at Attleborough, Massachu- setts, October 16, 1729. His marriage intentions to Mary, daughter of John and Margaret Foster, were published March 3, 1753. His wife was born November 19, 1729, and died March 9, 1820. Benjamin Walcott's death occurred at what is now Arnold Mills, Rhode Island, July 20, 1781.

(V) Ebenezer Walcott, a son of Benjamin and Mary (Foster) Walcott, was born at Cumberland, Rhode Island, June 1, 1765. He married, at Attleborough, Massachusetts, March 20, 1788, Mary, the daughter of Simon Titus. She was born December 2, 1767, and died October 22, 1816. Her husband's death preceded that date, taking place Sepetember 20, 1806.

(VI) Lodowick Walcott, the son of Ebenezer and Mary (Titus) Walcott, was born at Attleborough, Mas- sachusetts, September 27, 1795. He married, at Smith- field, Rhode Island, June 21, 1825, Mary Dexter. He was engaged in cotton manufacturing at Ashton, Rhode Island. In the panic of 1837 he met with reverses that led to his failure, and, while attempting to retrieve his fortunes, contracted a severe cold which resulted in his death at Smithfield, Rhode Island, February 22, 1840.

Mrs. Mary (Dexter) Walcott was a lineal descend- ant of the Rev. Gregory Dexter, who came to Rhode Island as early as 1643 or 1644, and of his friend, Roger Williams. This latter line of descent was through Meribah Williams, who was a granddaughter of Roger Williams' son Joseph, and whose daughter, Ann Brown, through her marriage with Eleazer Whipple, became the mother of Betsey Whipple, who married Christopher Dexter. From this union there was born eight child- ren, of whom Mary Dexter, the grandmother of the subject of this sketch, was one. Of this line of an- cestry nothing further need be said, since the careers of Roger Williams and of many bearing that name are so well-known. The posterity of Rev. Gregory Dexter were also conspicuous in the early Colonial history of Providence, and through successive genera- tions they have been dwellers of Rhode Island from the time of his settlement there to the present period. He was a man of fine intellect, and many of his descend- ants have left their impress upon the communities in which they have lived. Some of them have been public benefactors. Dexter Asylum of Providence, a noble institution for the unfortunate poor of that city, and the Dexter Training Grounds there, are monuments to the name of their founder and donor, the late Ebenezer Knight Dexter. The achievements of the eminent sculptor and painter, the late Henry Dexter, whose statue of General Warren at Bunker Hill, associates the name with an historic event, reflects credit not only upon the family name but upon State and Nation. Not a few of these Rhode Island Dexters have adorned the professions and have become prominent and suc- cessful in the manufacturing world, and as a whole, they have been a respectable, industrious and thrifty people. By the marriage of Lodowick Walcott and Mary Dex- ter there were two sons, Charles Stuart and William Henry Walcott.

RI-3

HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND

'VII) Charles Stuart Walcott was born at Smith- field, Rhode Island, July 13, 1826. In his early life he helped in farm work, and also as a mill hand at Ashton, Rhode Island. He shipped before the mast from a New England port for a voyage to San Fran- cisco around Cape Horn. He became one of the "Forty-Niners" in California during the Gold Fever, but returned to the East after a brief residence in that locality. He then became a locomotive engineer on the old Providence & Worcester Railroad; also on the road from Providence to Warren, Rhode Island, establish- ing his residence in the latter place. Later he went to the Middle West, and was for a number of years an engineer on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad.

Returning East he volunteered in the Civil War, but was rejected on account of physical disabilities. He was for a while a stationary engineer for a large chemical plant in New York; also at A. T. Stewart & Company's (now John Wanamaker's) store. He was a member of the Episcopal church at Lonsdale, Rhode Island; a Whig in politics, but became a member of the Repub- lican party on its organization.

He married, in New York City, July 3, 1867, Mary Catherine Leary, born at Glendale, Long Island, New York, May 5, 1850, and died at Germantown, Pennsyl- vania, April 28, 1913. The children by this marriage are: I. Mary Dexter, born at Brooklyn, New York, May, 1868, wife of Edward M. Weeks. 2. Gregory Dexter, see below. 3. Charles Stuart Walcott died at Lincoln ( formerly a part of Smithfield), Rhode Island, April 6, 1871.

(VIII) Gregory Dexter Walcott was born at Lin- coln, Rhode Island August 29, 1869. His preparatory education was at the public schools of Lime Rock, Lonsdale and Moshassuck in his native State. After leaving school in the fall of 1883, he was employed for the most part in mercantile and manufacturing con- cerns. Amongst the former was a dry goods store operated by Sharpless Brothers in Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania. From 1884 to 1885 he was connected with the Providence Public Library, but during the following year he was engaged in farming in Lime Rock. He was for four years, from 1886 to 1890, with the Glasgow Knitting Mill at Woonsocket and Warren, Rhode Island, and Brandon, Vermont, with the exception of the fall of 1887 when he was with the Oakdale Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. He was for several months in 1890 with the Cutler Manufacturing Company of Warren, Rhode Island.

In 1890 Dr. Walcott resumed his studies and became a student at the Worcester Academy at Worcester, Massachusetts, from which he graduated with highest honors in 1893 to enter Brown University, where he spent four years, receiving the degree of A. B. upon his graduation. He entered Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary of New York City, in 1897, and spent the next three years at these institu- tions, receiving the degree of A. M. from Columbia University in 1899; Ph. D. in 1904; and B. D. from the Union Theological Seminary in 1900. In 1900-01 he went abroad and matriculated at the Bonn and Berlin universities in Germany. Returning to this country he was assistant minister for a year at the Central Con- gregational Church at Providence, Rhode Island, and

part of the year of 1903 had charge of the Sayles Memorial Church at Saylesville, Rhode Island. During the academic year, 1903-1904, he was a graduate stud- ent at the Union Theological Seminary and Columbia University, taking the doctor's degree in June as stated above. In the fall of 1904 he became a member of the faculty of Blackburn College at Carlinville, Illinois, as Professor of Greek and Latin. He became Dean of the college and Professor of Greek and Philosophy in 1905, and remained there until 1007, when he was elected to the chair of Philosophy and Psychology at Hamline University, St. Paul, Minnesota. This new department, which he established, became rather popular, for while all the courses were elective, at times more than sixty per cent. of the eligible students of the university regis- tered for the work. Dr. Walcott still retains his pro- fessorship in Hamline University, but was given in 1917-18 a year's leave of absence to teach psychology and lecture on ethics at Tsing Hua College, at Peking, China. This is a government institution supported by the Boxer Indemnity money refunded by the United States.

He is a member of the college fraternities, Delta Upsilon and Phi Betta Kappa; also of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the West- ern Philosophical Association, and the American Asso- ciation of University Professors. He has been men- tioned in "Who's Who in America" for three succes- sive editions, and in 1916 his portrait was secured by the Minnesota Historical Society for their collection of the Prominent Twentieth Century Men of Minnesota.

A Republican in politics, he is a member of the Pro- gressive branch of that party. In his religious affilia- tions he is a member of the Baptist church of Warren, Rhode Island. He is the author of "The Kantian and Lutheran Elements in Ritschl's Conception of God," 1904, and has contributed many reviews and articles in scientific, philosophical and other journals.

RT. REV. DENIS M. LOWNEY-While of high ecclesiastical station in the Providence diocese, it was as the head of St. Vincent de Paul Infant Asylum that Auxiliary Bishop Lowney first became widely known throughout Rhode Island. He was connected with that institution from its inception, and his devotion to the work of caring for the well-being of the thousands of little ones raised in the Asylum endeared him to the hearts of Catholics all over the diocese. The asylum was his most favored project, and he devoted himself unstintingly to its upbuilding and development, his efforts being largely responsible for its present con- dition.

Bishop Lowney was known throughout the diocese as one of the most charitable priests that ever labored here, and his willingness to dispossess himself of the comforts of life, in order that the needy might have them, brought him the admiration and love of his people early in his priesthood. His appointment to succeed Bishop Doran as Auxiliary Bishop of Providence was received with the utmost satisfaction throughout the diocese. The consecration ceremony in the Cathedral was regarded as in many respects one of the most notable functions in the history of the church of Rhode Island.

BIOGRAPHICAL 1136713

Denis M. Lowney was a son of Denis and Bridget Lowney, who were married in Ireland, came to the United States, and with their sons, Denis M., Patrick and Timothy, are residing at Fall River, Massachu- setts. Denis M. Lowney was born in Ireland, June I, 1863, and the same year was brought to Fall River, Massachusetts, by his parents. He began his education in Fall River parochial and public schools, and after exhausting their advantages passed courses of classical study in the College St. Laurent in Montreal, Canada, and Manhattan, New York City. Having completed his classical studies, he spent two years in the study of philosophy at Grand Seminary in Montreal, then began his studies in theology at the same institution, and on December 17, 1887, he was ordained a priest of the Roman Catholic church.

Immediately after ordination, he was assigned as an assistant to the rector of St. Mary's parish, Providence, there continuing until 1891, when he was called to the Cathedral by Bishop Harkins as assistant, and con- tinued for three years, at the end of which period he was made chancellor of the Providence diocese. In January, 1903, he was installed rector of the Cathedral, a high duty he well performed until June 3, 1905, when he was installed permanent rector of St. Joseph's Church at Pawtucket, succeeding Rev. Henry Kinnerny.

Father Lowney's rise to eminent distinctions in the Providence diocese was rapid but well-justified. His learning, piety and devotion formed an irresistible force, and he was widely-recognized as a man of un- usual mental ability and religious fervor. He was a vicar-general of the diocese, a member of the Bishop's Council, chairman of the board of examiners of the clergy, chairman of the school board, chairman of the board of trustees for Infirm Priests' Fund, diocesan director of the Eucharist League, and treasurer of the St. Vincent de Paul Infant Asylum. On July 13, 1917, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the diocese of Providence by the Pope, and on October 23, following, he was consecrated to his high office in the Cathedral with full pomp and ceremony. In 1912 Bishop Lowney observed his silver jubilee commemorating the twenty- fifth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. The manner of the celebration was most informal and simple, that being his especial request. At a mass of. thanksgiving held in St. Joseph's, at Pawtucket, twenty- five children from St. Vincent de Paul Infant Asylum occupied the place of honor in the center aisle. On that same occasion Bishop Harkins presented the faithful pastor with a handsome gold chalice and paten, a testimonial of his many years of devoted service.

Bishop Lowney died at the Episcopal residence on Fenner street, August 13, 1918, after an illness of sev- eral weeks, his two brothers, and a nephew, a priest, being the only members of his family at his residence. He was buried with full ecclesiastical honors at the Cathedral in Providence, August 16, following, Bishop Beaven, of Springfield, Massachusetts, officiating.

PATRICK HENRY QUINN, son of Peter and Margaret (Callaghan) Quinn, was born in Phenix, town of Warwick, Rhode Island, December 16, 1869. He attended the Warwick public schools, completing the

grammar school course in 1881. In that year he entered the finishing room of the Clyde Print Works, and there spent the succeeding nine years. These were nine formative years of his life in which, denied the oppor- tunity to complete an education, he studied books and men, developing those qualities of mind and heart that have always commanded the respect of even those who differ from him. It was during this period, when little more than a boy in years, that Mr. Quinn, through in- herent talent as an organizer and leader, became a prominent figure in the National councils of the Knights of Labor, and was a trusted lieutenant of Terrence V. Powderly, chief executive and the brainiest leader of the strongest labor organization of its period. The training and experience gained in this position and the opportunity it gave to develop his natural ability was the foundation upon which was built the successful record he has compiled as a lawyer and a man of public importance. He came of legal age in 1891, and two years following were spent as bookkeeper and salesman with William R. Brown & Company, of Prov- idence. He met and impressed his individuality upon Edward L. Gannon, of the law firm of Tanner & Gan- non, during the summer of 1892. The acquaintance ripened into a friendship so close that Mr. Gannon felt impelled to advise and even urge upon the young man that he study law. With his usual energy, Mr. Quinn began the study of law under the preceptorship of his friend. He retained his place with Brown & Company during the three years which he spent in study under Tanner & Gannon, giving Brown & Company, his services Saturdays and odd hours and evenings, thus earning part of the cost of his legal preparation.

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The history of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, V. IV, Part 9

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