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PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS

250 YEARS.
III.
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FAMILIAR SCENES IN PROVIDENCE.
Market Square and South Water Street, showing Board of Trade and What Cheer Buildings, and County Court House.
South water Street, Crawford Street Bridge, Dyer Street, and View Down the Harbor.
Weybosset Street, looking toward Westminster, with the Custom House and Post-Office Building on the right.
Market Square, Union Horse Car Station, Washington Row, and Westminster Street.

T H E
DROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
FOR
TVO HUND RED AND FIFTY YEARS.
AN HISTORICAL REVIEW OF THE FOUNDATION, RISE, AND PROGRESS
OF THE
CITY OF PROVIDENCE,
With A GRAPHic DEscRiption of THE CITY AT THE PRESENT TIME, AND OF Its INDUSTRIES, CoMMERCE, MANUFActures,
BUSINEss INTEREsts, EDUCATIONAL RELIGIOUs, AND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONs, Civic, SCIENTIFIC, AND
MILITARY ORGANIZATIONs: ALso, SKETCHEs of THE CITIEs of -
NEWPORT AND PAWTUCKET, AND THE OTHER TOWNS OF THE STATE,
For which PRovide NCE is Tite CoMMERCIAL CENTRE, Together witH AN Account of the
CELEBRATION of the
TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SETTLEMENT OF PROVIDENCE,
INCLUDING THE ORATION BY CHIEF-Justice THoMAs DURFEE, List of ORGANIZATIONs AND SocIETIEs PARTICIPATING, AND OTHER MATTERs
CoNNECTED THERE witH, BEING AN. Historic AL Souvenir of this Occasion.
|LLUSTRATED
With MANY ENGRAVINGs of Historic Places, Old Buildings, AND with Views Showing Present AppEARANce of MANy of the ProMINest
Streets, Business Blocks, AND Reside Nces of the City; ENGRAviNgs of ANCIENT AND Notable Docuviests; Portraits of
MAYors, DistiNGUIs HED Gover Nors, EMIN ENT STATEsMEN AND DIVINEs, MILITARY HERoes, AND
PRoMINENT Citizens of Provide Nce AND THE STATE.
-
BY
WELCOME ARNOLD GREENE,
AND A LARGE Corps of WRITERs.
-
i
PROVIDENCE, R. I. : J. A. & R. A. REID, PUBLISHERS AND PRINTERs.
1886. -

\ tºo
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS FOR Two HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS.
ſ BY . -
WELCOME ARNOLD GREENE,
Assisted by -
Rev. WILLIAM H. FISH AND ROBERT. A. REID,
~
AND THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTING WRITERS :
Miss KATHERINE H. AUSTIN, - GEO. A. Stockwell, DR. GEORGE D. HERSEY,
Miss ANNIE CAMPBELL, . WALTER B. FRost, A. L. KINKEAD,
HoN. SIDNEY DEAN, ALBERT C. WINsor, W.M. E. B.Rown E,
Rev. H. W. Rugg, CourtLANDt B. DoRRANCE, R. E. O'NEIL,
D. F. HAYDEN, - - C. M. BARRows, FREDERICK RUEckert,
GEORGE J. SHEPLEY, DR. GEORGE B. Peck, AND OTHERS,
ILLúSTRATEP,
UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF JAMES A. REID, FROM PHotoGRAPHS BY
FRANCIS HACKER, A. L. BoDweLL, LEANDER BAKER, HoRTON BRos., AND OTHERs.
DESIGNS BY
SchELL & Hog AN, New York. FRED ScHELL, Philadelphia.
E. H. GARRett, Boston. º - A. L. BoDwell, Providence.
FRANK MYRick, Boston. . John BECKER, Boston.
ENGRAVINGS BY
RUSSELL & RICHARDson, Boston. J. P. MURPHY & Co., Boston.
KILBURN & CRoss, Boston. tº J. S. Foy, New York.
J. S. ConANT, Boston. B. P. SPERRY, Providence.
W.M. J. DANA, Boston. . GEORGE T. SUttER, Providence.
GEO. J. LACROIx, Boston. - CRosscuP & WEST, Philadelphia.
Moss ENGRAviNG Co., New York.
copyRIGHT BY
J. A. & R. A. REID.
1886.
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INTROBüCTION.
THE two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the settlement of these “Plantations” is an appropriate time to study the past
and consider the present that we may plan wisely for the future. To furnish material aid in such study and consideration is the great
object of the work submitted to the reader. e -
It was expected that our late Mayor, the Hon. Thomas A. Doyle, would have furnished the preface to this volume, and as no
person of the present generation has been more thoroughly identified with the growth and development of our city than he, there
was a peculiar fitness in his issuing to the present and future citizens the introduction to the history which aims to record the passage
of the city of his affection to and beyond the great bound of its two hundred and fiftieth anniversary. It was, however, otherwise
decreed, and this duty has unexpectedly devolved upon the author. -
This work is a history of the development of the Providence Plantations, the settlement made by Roger Williams, with, inci-
dentally, historical sketches of those in its neighborhood. Some of these settlements were crystallized under the Parliamentary Patent
as the Colony of Providence Plantations, and known later under the charter of King Charles II., as Rhode Island and Providence Plan-
tations, while others of them have been very lately added to our territory. The explanation of the name given in King Charles' .
Charter is found in the fact that at the time of its granting, and for one hundred years and more after, the island of Rhode Island in
importance occupied the place of precedence that Providence has since assumed. It is to be remembered that the present State of
Rhode Island was not settled as one corporate body, and therein lies a peculiarity of its career, to which history presents but few
parallels. Small as it is, the state is a combination of three colonies, founded with entirely different aims by their respective pioneers,
while still other portions of it were claimed for one hundred years or more by Plymouth and Massachusetts.
The views of Williams and his associates at Providence differed widely from those of the Antinomian settlers of the island of
Rhode Island, and it was far from the minds of either of these parties to unite in one commonwealth; and still further from their
thoughts was the consideration of a governmental union with the strange agglomeration of peculiar elements found in the Warwick
Colony. The three infant states sympathized with each other as good neighbors, but not as members of the same community.
When the persecution by “the New England League” forced them into one common mould, it was many years before they became
homogeneous, and this fact must be borne in mind to explain many apparently strange episodes in the history of the combination.
It has been no light task to give a consecutive narrative of the settlement, growth, and gradual development of the community
founded by Roger Williams. From the published works of Samuel G. Arnold, George W. Greene, William R. Staples, Henry C.
Dorr, and many others who have written on Rhode Island and Providence history, much could be drawn, but much more that was
needed to give sequence and fullness to the work could only be obtained by the study of original material, a great deal of which has
till recently escaped the notice of historians. For aid and assistance in getting at new facts and in correcting erroneous impressions
which had crept into common belief, and in some cases been printed in received works as facts of history, the author is indebted to
the Hon. Joshua M. Addeman, Secretary of State; to the authorities of the city of Providence; to the Rhode Island Historical
Society, and scores of its earnest members with whom he has come in personal relation in his researches; to the Rhode Island
Veteran Citizens' Historical Association and many of its individual members; to John O. Austin, whose years of labor in compiling
the Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island has placed at his disposal a greater mass of information in regard to the details of the
early lives, habits, and possessions of the first settlers than any other person ever possessed; to Fred A. Arnold, whose knowledge
of the early Indian deeds and subjects connected therewith is unsurpassed; to James N. Arnold, editor of the Narragansett His-
torical Register; to the Rhode Island Aistorical Magazine, of Newport, R. H. Tilley, editor; and to scores of individual inves-
tigators, of whom to name one without naming all would seem to be invidious.
In the presentation of the description of the Providence of to-day the author has relied mainly upon the aid of the able corps
of assistants to whom has been assigned the completion of the different portions of that section of the work. The sketches of the
various towns of the state are necessary to supplement that of the Plantations, in which attention is given to describing the growth
of the general community, without special regard to its effect upon each town.
We are now apparently entering upon an era of civic and material improvement, compared with which the advance made in
the last two hundred years must seem to the future historian but as a step in our career. What has been done is in the past,-
fixed and immutable, what is to be done is uncertain, and, under God's providence, depends largely upon ourselves and our
successors. The author's duty to the community is performed in showing its present state of development and the causes that led to
it, leaving to future writers to continue the history. It is believed that every reader will find in this work much information that
is new, interesting, and valuable, presented in such a manner that its perusal will afford pleasure, while the general history of the
community will be indelibly fixed in his mind.
- WELCOME ARNoLD GREENE.
º
PaBLISRERS' NgTE.
THE objects to be accomplished by the publication of this volume have been : to produce an appropriate work to com-
memorate the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Providence Plantations; to make a popular work,
at once attractive and inexpensive, with edition so large that all who desire may obtain copies; to so portray the past that
all may profit by a more intimate knowledge thereof; to so represent the present that this generation may become better
acquainted with what is now transpiring in our midst, and to enable our successors to form a correct estimate of the stage of
, development reached in religious, social, civic, and industrial matters at this period of our history.
The work has grown far beyond anticipation, causing greatly increased expense in its publication, but it is the belief
of the publishers that it will thereby the more successfully accomplish the objects intended, and increase its value with the public.
The publishers have met with the support of that class in the community which has had most to do with the upbuilding
of the industries of the state, but for which the volume could not be placed in so many thousands of our homes, to be a source
of untold pleasure and useful knowledge, nor distributed to so great an extent to Rhode Islanders and others throughout our
common country. -
&
THE PUBLISHERs.
CeNTENTS.
PART FIRST.
CHAPTER I.
ARRIval of Roger WILLIAMS AT PROVIDENCE, 1636, . 21
Providence Plantations a wilderness — Roger Williams, his arrival
in Massachusetts Bay Colony—Settlement at Salem—Persecu-
tion — Removal to Plymouth—Return to Salem—Renewed per-
secution —Driven into the wilderness — Settlement at Seekonk
Cove–Notified to quit—Canoe voyage to mouth of Moshassuck
River—Builds his wigwam — Ascends to summit of Prospect
THE
Hill — What he saw thence.
CHAPTER II.
ABORIGINAL Dw ELLERS IN THE LAND, 1636,
General characteristics of the Indians — Personal appearance — Re-
ligious beliefs—Morality—Hospitality—Government—Prop-
erty rights — Houses — Clothing—Arts and business charac-
teristics — Wampum money — Treatment of sick—Sports.
CHAPTER III.
EARLY DEvelopMENT OF PROvIDENCE, 1636–1644, e
Details of settlement—Scheme of lot ownership—Poverty of set-
tlers — Negotiations with Indians — Home life — Verin episode
—Development of colony–Blackstone and Williams — Anti-
nomians and their settlement at Aquidneck — Difficulties and
questions of jurisdiction —Birth of Providence Williams — For-
mation of First Baptist Church — First attempt at representa-
tive government — Samuel Gorton — His experience at Ports-
mouth — At Providence — At Pawtuxet – At Shawomet — At
Boston — Situation of Providence in winter of 1642–3 — Neces-
sity of a charter—Roger Williams goes to England–Obtains
a charter–Narragansett patent of Massachusetts Bay — Analy-
sis of charter—Return of Williams — His recéption by citizens
of Providence. -
CHAPTER IV.
Providence UNDER THE FIRST CHARTER, 1644–1663,
Situation of colony in 1644– Claims of rival colonies—Division
*
THE
titution of Providence, 1663–17or, .
among the colonists—Dutch traders—The Indian question—
Treatment of Indians by whites—The United Colonies of New
England–Sketch of Indian War—Peace negotiated by Roger
Williams-Home-life in the town—Grist-mill—Adoption of
charter-Warwick admitted—Organization of government—
Death of Canonicus – Coddington’s movement—Gold mine ex-
citement—Act of oblivion—Town charter of Providence—Ter-
ritorial quarrels—Coddington's new charter—Appeal to Eng-
land-Hugh Bewitt's trial—Coddington's charter vacated—
New jealousies — Letter of Henry Vane – Act of town for
“peace’s sake?”—Prison and stocks—Williams and Harris con-
troversy–Pawtuxet matter settled—Providence protects Qua-
kers – Claims against the colony newly pressed—Providence
appeals to the king–Dr. John Clarke — He obtains a charter—
Wampum abolished—Real estate titles settled —Wapweyset
Bridge – New meaning to Providence Plantations.
CHAPTER V.
CoNTINUED DEVELOPMENT, Destruction, AND Res-
Synopsis of King Charles' Charter — Boundary disputes – Votes
sent to Newport–Town developments, mills, etc. —War alarms
–Town-meeting feud — Treasurer's report in 1667 – Roger
Williams a toll-keeper – His poverty—Roger Williams and the
Quakers - No time-piece in the colony — Calm before the storm
24
27
33
39
— King Philip's War — Narragansett Swamp fight — Prep-
arations for contest — Peirse fight — Nine Men's Misery—Burn-
ing of Providence—Waiting — Capture and death of Canonchet
— Fate of the Narragansetts —Town-meeting, 1676 – Return
of refugees — Rebuilding town —Harbor developments begun—
Fast riding forbidden — Advent of luxuries — Slow growth of
town—Death of Roger Williams — Ascension of King James —
Rule of the Council – Rule of Andros — Fall of Andros — Pay-
ment of taxes — Small-pox — Phipps embroilments — First post-
office — Town unable to elect officers — Prison excitement —
Stocks — Inns — Fairs—Watch for Indians — Privateers and
pirates — North Burial-Ground — Providence regains its rank
in the colony – Evolution of land titles in Providence County.
CHAPTER VI.
THE Coloni AL GROwTH OF COMMERCIAL PROvIDENCE,
1701–1760, e c tº tº º © wº
Review of situation of colony and town—Life of inhabitants—
First houses for religious worship — Division of colony— Queen
Anne War — Tax receipt prices — Development of shore west of
town street – Reservation of ford and swimming-place to Wey-
bosset — First issue of paper money — Expedition against Port
Royal — First Weybosset Bridge—Ship building—The “banks”
—Providence protests against paper currency — Bounties on
wolves, etc.—Separation of “proprietor's government” from
“town government”— First Congregational Church and King’s
Church organized — Burning ague—Roads—Removal of Wey-
bosset Hill — House statistics, 1732 – Paper currency from 1715
to 1850— Governor Jencks — Veto power— First county-house
— Population in 1730 – First church bell—Set-off of Smithfield,
Glocester, and Scituate — Mill Bridge built — Improvements in
•Charlestown and at north end — Schools—Early physicians —
Condition of streets—Fuller's Ferry—War against Spain—
Beneficent Church— Weybosset Bridge improved — War with
France — Population — Suffrage — Growth of town — Benefit
Street—County work-house — First public library – Crans-
ton set off — Postal system — Destruction of county house
and public library—Early fire department—Johnston set off—
– First street pavements — Weybosset Bridge carried away
by a gale—Expeditions against Canada — New county house
—First printing office — First theatre in New England — First
newspaper in Providence — Lottery to fill up Westminster
Street — Brass foundry —Town council first meets on west
side of the river — The two brick houses in town — Losses of
Seven Years' War—Ward-Hopkins controversy—Result of pa-
per currency.
CHAPTER VII.
PROvid ENCE DURING THE STRUGGLE witH ENGLAND AND
THE REORGANIZING PERIOD, 1763–1790, ©
Providence in 1763–Comparative increase—General Assembly on
taxation —Stamp act — North Providence set off — Post-Office
removal to Shakespeare Head — Further taxation — Sons and
Daughters of Liberty – Liberty tree—First stage line to Boston
—Attempted town of Westminster—Post-Office at Market Square
– First restaurant—First free school — Origin of Brown Univer-
sity— Law of primogeniture changed — Streets in 1771 – First
Providence water works—“Ga-pee” affair—Bitterness against
England–Town market building—First Baptist meeting-house
– Providence first to advise a Continental Congress — Popula-
tion in 1774–Prepalations for the coming contest— Lexington
–Rhode Island's Tory governor— Preparations for defense and
aiding the patriot cause — General Washington's first visit to
Providence—Little Rhody the first state to declare her independ-
56
I 2
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
ence – Providence and the Rhode Island and United States
Navies – Commodore Whipple — Commodore Hopkins — Pri-
vateering—“At bay ”— General Greene — Lieutenant-Colonel
Ward — Providence during the war—Suffering — Depreciation
of currency — Providence and Newport — Cold-cut nails first
made — Capture of General Prescott— Battle of Rhode Island
—Evacuation of Rhode Island by British — Dark day–Cap-
ture of Yorktown–Peace – Results of war on Providence —
Flood — Currency questions — Bank of 1786 – Contest over
adoption of Constitution of United States—Manufacturing
prior to 1790 — Bowen Street and the Roger Williams home
lot. -
CHAPTER VIII.
PROvIDENCE CLOSEs its CAREER AS A Town, 1790–1832,
Changes since 1763 — Mail facilities—Shipping—Providence Bank
– First steamboat — New bridges—Town house—New streets
— Valuation, in 1796 — First dentist — Yellow fever — Water
Street—Night watch — Free Masons and town market building
— Suffrage — Free schools —Insurance — India Point in 1800 —
Great fire in 1801 – First map of Providence — Naming of
6,
streets — Flood of 1807 — Town in 1808 — Whipping-post —
Population, etc., in 1810 — Drifting into war—Patriotic action
of town — Oliver Hazard Perry on Lake Erie — Manufacturing
taking the place of foreign commerce — Improvement in means
of communication — First Congregational meeting-house de-
stroyed —Blockade—Preparations for defense—Irishmen’s day
— Peace — September gale, 1815–New Weybosset Bridge —
Stages—Providence to New York in two days—Steamer “Fire-
fly” — President Monroe's visit—The elephant—Fish market
— Institution for Savings — Population and business in 1820–
New era in business buildings—Street lighting—Shipping—
Sidewalk committee and their work— Steamer to New York —
Removal of snow — Smoking on the streets prohibited — Direc-
tory and map— Attempts to form a constitution— Ebenezer
Knight Dexter—Blackstone Canal—Its effect on Providence—
Second great fire — Babcock engines — New markets — Monu-
ment to Roger Williams—Temperance movement — Arcade—
Washington Insurance Company Bridge—Stages, railroads, etc.
— Anthracite coal and wood fuel — City charter proposed and
lost—Olney Street riots — City charter granted and adopted —
End of the town of Providence. . .
CHAPTER IX.
THE GRowth of the City of PROvid ENCE IN
TIMEs of PEAce, 1832–1860,
Providence in 1832—Anti-Masonic excitement — No legal govern-
ment—Attempt at a new constitution — Boston & Providence
Railroad — New York, Providence & Boston Railroad – Use of
Anthracite coal to develop steam — Tristam Burges — Literary
career of Providence — Franklin Society — Rhode Island His-
torical Socicty—Franklin Lyceum — Libraries — Athenaeum —
High School – Evening schools — Theatres — County jail —
Weybosset Bridge — Population in 1841 — Constitutional efforts
—“People’s ” party—“People’s ” constitution—Landholders’
constitution — Nominal election of Thomas W. Dorr — “Dorr
War”— Attack on the Arsenal — Dorr in Connecticut— Acote's
Hill affair – End of “ Dorr War” – Casualties of the “war ”
—New constitution adopted — Fate of Thomas W. Dorr — His
trial and its result.— Providence & Worcester Railroad — Build-
ing of Exchange Place, the central passenger depot, and the
Cove — Providence, Hartford & Fishkill Railroad—Telegraphs
— Growth of Providence – Gas works — Butler Hospital —
Swan Point— Business buildings and private houses—Change
in commercial relations — Know-nothing excitement—Provi-
dence, Warren & Bristol Railroad–Panic of 1856–7—Back Cove
lands – Fire department — Attempts to introduce municipal
water works – Introduction of steam fire-engines — General
prosperity. -
CHAPTER, X.
PROvIDENCE DURING AND SINCE THE WAR of the
REBELLION, 1860–1886, •
Providence in 1860 — Political situation of its inhabitants, national
and local—The Sprague-Padelford campaign —The end of vote-
buying in Providence —The national political campaign of 1860
— Results of the same — Waiting — Secession and its effects on
Providence — Firing on Fort Sumter — The participation of
Providence in the uprising of the North — The raising of troops
for the contest for the nation’s existence — Regiments and bat-
teries raised in Providence—Boundary controversies settled —
Horse-car system introduced — Further raising of regiments—
End of the war — Peaceful development — Schools — Water
89
supply— Increase of territoral limits —New bridges — Roger
Williams Park — Soldier's monument—Introduction of water
— Business buildings — Further annexations — Brook Street im-
provements — “Sprague failure’” and its results — Crawford
Street Bridge — New school-houses — Libraries — County Court
House — Providence in 1880— Boundary lines—Railroad ter-
minal facilities —Various plans–New schools — Homoeopathic
Hospital — Providence in 1885–Preparing for the 250th Anni-
versary—Death of Mayor Thomas A. Doyle — Tabular state-
ment of growth of population of Providence, 1636–1886— Busi-
ness development in same period.
PART SECQNB.
CHAPTER I.
THE CITY Gover NMENT of PROvIDENCE, &
First town-meetings — Places of holding them — The City Hall —
Terms of service of officials — Duties of the mayors — Past
mayors — Sketches of lives of the mayors—Presidents of the
board of aldermen — City clerks — Presidents and clerks of the
common council — City treasurers — Surveyors of highways —
Highway commissioners — Water commissioners — City au-
ditors—City solicitors—Judges and clerks of municipal court—
Superintendents of lights — Inspectors of buildings — Fire mar-
shals — Public administrators—Justices of the police court—
City sergeants — City messengers — Overseers of the poor—
Board of public works—City engineers — Collectors of taxes —
City registrars—Superintendents of health– Chiefs of the fire
IOI
CHAPTER II.
THE CITY Gover NMENT.— Continued, . ©
The Providence police force — First police regulations of the town
— Officers of police first appointed — First night watchmen —
I I3
Permanent organization of night watchmen, their duties, etc.— .
Police station on Market Square —The war watch of 1812– 15 —
Changes in the night watch—The old town house as the police
station — The city watch organized — Changes in the latter till
1848—First badges worn —Day police organized — Night watch
in two districts — In five — Headquarters removed to Canal
Street—Reorganization of police system under Mayor Doyle
— Chief of police — Uniforms — Later changes and additions —
List of city marshals — Chiefs of police — Present organization
of the department and complete list of its officers and members
— Providence Police Association — Its origin, organization,
department.
objects, and condition in 1886.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. * I 3
CHAPTER VII.
DEvelopMENT of EDUCATIONAL INTEREsts IN PRovi-
CHAPTER III.
THE CITY Government — Continued, tº e I 18
tº e DENCE, . gº & e ‘ e & © © o 161
The Providence Fire Department—The first firemen — Early rules
and regulations — First fire-engines — First suction engines — First schools — William Turpin, the first school-master — The
Hydraulion No. 1 — Formation of first volunteer companies—
The Hydraulion No. 1, second engine — First force-pumps –
First hook and ladder company—Chief engineers — Roster of
Fire Department for 1885-6–Notable fires in Providence —
Veteran Fireman Association — List of members.
CHAPTER IV.
Stamper's Street School — Proprietors’ schools—The Whipple
Hall School — Brown University—The Revolutionary period
— Presidents of the University—Nicholas Brown —The oldest
surviving professor—Public schools organized — John How-
land — First school committee — Roll of teachers in public
schools — Evening schools — Reform school —Normal School—
School for the deaf-School of Design — Friend's School —
The Bryant & Stratton Business College — The Berkeley School
— Other prominent schools of the city.
EARLY AND MoDERN TRANSPORTAtion FACILITIES,
127
The Indian paths — Indian canoes — Early sloops—Roger Wil- CHAPTER VIII.
liams' pinnace—The first ferry — First stage lines — Early coast
lines—Toll bridges and turnpikes—The first steamboat— Early
steamboating— Height of stage coach period —The Blackstone
Canal — The beginning and development of the railroad era—
The express business—Building of the Central or Union Depot
THE MILITARY AND GRAND ARMY ORGANIZATIONS OF
ProvidencE., . . e e Q • • &
177
Early organizations — The United Train of Artillery—The F irst
—Furniture wagons and low-gears—The omnibus period—The
horse-car system—Union Railroad Company—The Providence
Post-Office—Sketches of the great transportation companies
connecting with Providence —The Providence and Boston Rail-
road — The New York, Providence and Boston Railroad —The
Providence and Worcester Railroad — The Providence and
Springfield Railroad — The New York and New England Rail-
road — The Providence, Warren and Bristol Railroad — The
Providence, Norfolk, West Point and Baltimore line of Steamers
— The Winsor Line—The Providence Line—The Fall River
Line – The Continental Steamboat Company.
CHAPTER v.
Light Infantry — The Providence Marine Corps of Artillery —
The Slocum Light Guard — The Providence Horse Guards —
The Burnside Guards, Fourth Battalion — The Fifth Battalion of
Infantry — The Meagher Guards —The Emmet Guards—Wolfe
Tone Guards — The reorganization of the militia — Roster of
the state militia — Number of troops furnished by Rhode Island
during the War of the Rebellion — Battles in which Rhode Is-
land troops were engaged —The Grand Army of the Republic
— Its organization — The posts of the city — Prescott Post—
Slocum Post — Rodman Post — Ives Post – Arnold Post — the
Roster of the posts of Rhode Island — The Soldiers’ Monument
with its Roll of Honor. e
CHAPTER IX.
THE RELIGIOUs LIFE OF PROvid ENCE. I43
- & SECRET AND BENEvoleNT ORGANIZATIONs, 2C) I
The organization of the First Baptist Church—Historical sketches *
of the Central, the Union, and other Baptist Churches—The The Free Masons—The Odd Fellows — Knights of Pythias —
Quakers—The First Congregational (Unitarian) Society—The
other Unitarian Churches—The Beneficent, the Central, the Un-
ion, and other Congregational Churches — St. John’s Church,
Grace, St. Stephen's, and other Episcopal Churches—The Meth-
odist Churches—The First and Second Universalist Churches —
The Presbyterian Churches — Churches of the other Denomi-
nations—The Free Religious Society — Sunday School Super-
intendents’ Union—The Baptist Superintendents’ Union – The
Methodist Social Union.
CHAPTER VI.
Knights of Honor—Knights and Ladies of Honor — American
Legion of Honor—Royal Arcanum—The Order of Elks—The
Royal Society of Good Fellows — Ancient Order of United
Workmen –German Benevolent Life Association —The Alfred-
ians — The Ancient Order of Foresters — Caledonian Socie-
ties — The Order of Scottish Clans — The Beneficial Order of
Lucilius — The United Order of the Golden Cross — Order of
the Harugari – B’Nai B'Rith — Free Sons of Israel–Sons of
Benjamin — The colored Free Masons — The colored Odd
Fellows. -
CHAPTER x.
THE RELIGIOUS LIFE of THE CITY – Continued, • I55
INSTITUTIONS AND SocIETIES For THE ADVANCEMENT
The early Catholic Church in Rhode Island–Early missionary
work –The first Catholic Church in Newport — The first
Catholics in Providence—The first regular priest for Provi-
of the WELFARE of THE PEOPLE, . e o 208
The Rhode Island Hospital — The Butler Hospital — The Public
dence-Bishop Fenwick—In 1830 Catholics number 1,000 in
the city—Formation of the Hartford Diocese—Bishop Tyler
— Lives of the Bishops of the Diocese, Tyler, O'Reilley, Mc-
Farland and Hendricken—June, 1886, Bishop Hendricken es-
timates Catholic population of Providence 50,000— The New
Cathedral—Description of the edifice — Historical sketches of
Catholic Churches of the city—St. Patrick's — St. Mary's — St.
Joseph’s – Church of the Immaculate Conception—St. Mi-
chael's-St. Edward’s — St. John the Evangelist's Church—
Church of the Assumption — St. Charles Borremeo (French)
– Holy Name – St. Theresa’s –Society of St. Boniface (Ger-
man) — Our Lady of the Rosary (Portuguese)—St. Augustine's
Church Society (colored) – Italian Catholics—The Religious
Orders and Societies connected with the Church — Sisters of the
Order of Mercy — St. Aloysius' Orphan Asylum — St. Xavier's
and St. Mary's Academies — Little Sisters of the Poor—Acad-
emy of the Sacred Heart—Sisters of Charity –Society of Ursu-
line Nuns–St. Vincent de Paul's Benevolent Society.
Library — The Athenaeum — The Rhode Island Society for the
Encouragement of Domestic Industry — The Association of Me-
chanics and Manufacturers —The Franklin Society — The Board
of Trade — The Mechanics' Exchange — The Commercial Club
— The Commercial Travelers’ Association — The Butcher’s and
Marketmen’s Association — Rhode Island Historical Society —
The Veteran Citizens’ Historical Association — Society of the
Cincinnati—The Franklin Lyceum—The Brownson Lyceum —
The Narragansett Boat Club — The Rhode Island Peace Society
. — The Rhode Island Horticultural Society — The Roger Wil-
liams Monument Association — The Roger Williams Savings
Fund and Loan Association — Providence Marine Society —
The Home for Aged Men — Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Children — Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
— Charitable Fuel Society — Providence Lying-in Hospital —
Providence Mutual Health Association — The Rhode Island
Temperance Union — The Temple of Honor—The Sons of
Temperance — The Good Templars — Good Samaritans.
I4
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
CHAPTER XI. .
Wom EN’s Work, e 22O
Early pioneer life of women in Rhode Island—Daughters of Lib-
erty—Introduction of the straw braiding industry by Betsey
Metcalf — Farmers' daughters in the early cotton factories—
Charitable organizations conducted by women — The Female
Charitable Society—Society for the Relief of Indigent Women
and Children — Children's Friend Society—The Shelter for
Colored Children — Home for Aged Women—The Irrepressi-
ble Society — Women's Christian Association — Women's City
Missionary Society — Prisoner's Aid Association–Rhode Is-
land Homoeopathic Association — Women's Christian Temper-
ance Union —Young Women’s Christian Temperance Union —
Exchange for Women's Work—Society for Ministry to the
Sick — Indian Aid Association — Women's Educational and In-
dustrial Union—The Woman's Club—The Montefiore Benevo-
lent Association — The Florence Nightingale Association —
Ward Relief Associations — Women’s committees on the Cen-
tennial and New Orleans expositions—Authoresses and writers
— Betsey Williams' gift to the people.
CHAPTER XII.
SECULAR PROFEssions IN PROvIDENCE, . e e 226
The Providence Bar—Roll of the Profession—The Rhode Island
Medical Society—List of Fellows of the Society—The Provi-
dence Medical Association — The Providence Clinical Club— .
The Rhode Island Homoeopathic Society—List of Fellows of
the Society—The Providence Dispensary — The Dentists —
The Artistic Element in Providence — The Art Club — The
Musical Societies—The Arion Club — The Rhode Island Choral
Association—The St. Cecilia Choral Union — The Orpheus
Club — The Leiderkranz— The American Band — Other in-
strumental musical organizations.
CHAPTER XIII.
BANKING AND BANKS IN PROVIDENCE, PAST AND PRESENt, 235
The earliestarticles that constituted legal tenders—Spanish money—
First paper money—Early “banks” for circulation of “scrip” —
Depreciation of Colonial money before the Revolution – “Con-
tinental" money—Era of state banks—The roll of the banks of
the state — National Banks — Origin of the savings banks —
The savings banks of the state — Sketches of the Old Provi-
dence Bank and other banks in Providence—Sketches of the
savings institutions—The Rhode Island Hospital Trust Com-
pany—The Private Bankers. -
CHAPTER XIV.
THE MANUFACTURING INTEREsts of THE STATE, . 24I
Manufacturing in early colonial days — Manufacturing branches
introduced previous to the Revolutionary War—During the
Revolutionary period — Introduction of power spinning — Sam-
uel Slater—Print works — Introduction of the factory system
— Woolen manufacturing — Introduction of the power loom —
Extent of cotton and wool manufacturing in 1815—Introduc-
tion of steam as a manufacturing motor — Cotton manufactur-
ing statistics — Steam engine manufacturing, origin, and devel-
opment— Increase of machine shops foundries and tanneries
The screw industry – Rubber goods — Stove founding — Files
— Modern woolen industry — Brick, gas, boots, and shoes,
ready-made clothing, hair cloth,” and other modern indus-
tries — Families prominent in the development of these indus-
tries — The Browns and Brown & Ives — The Slaters —The
Spragues—The Grosvenors — The Knights — The Fletcher
Manufacturing Company — Other noted names in the manufac-
turing history of the state — Charles Fletcher — The American
Multiple Fabric Company—The Providence Dyeing, Bleaching
and Calendering Company—Town classification of textile
manufactories — H. L. Aldrich.
CHAPTER XV.
GREAT IRON INDUSTRIES OF THE CITY, . º e 257
Steam engine builders—The Corliss Steam Engine Company
—The Providence Steamr Engine Company — William A. Har-
ris–The Armington & Sims Engine Company — George M.
Cruickshank—The great machinery manufactories and kin-
dred industries — The Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Com-
pany—The Providence Machine Company—The American
Screw Company — The Providence Steam and Gas Pipe Com-
pany—The Phenix Iron Foundry—The American Ship Wind-
lass Company—The Corliss Safe Manufacturing Company—
The Nicholson File Company—J. & T. Hope — The House-
hold Sewing Machine Company—Stillman White.
CHAPTER XVI.
IMPORTANT SPECIAL MANUFACTURERS, . e e 273
The Gorham Manufacturing Company—Ladd Watch Case Com-
pany – Rumford Chemical Works—The Kendall Manufactur-
ing Company—The Union Oil Company – Perry Davis &
Son — Rice & Hayward —Davol Rubber Company — The
Heaton Button Fastener Company.
CHAPTER XVII.
SoME of THE HEAvy LINES OF TRADE, . º . 283
Coal, oil, and iron merchants — Hardware dealers—Dealers in
lumber and building materia's — Makers of and dealers in
manufacturers’ supplies. º
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE VARIous CHANNELs of FooD SUPPLY, . . 290
Early commerce of the city — An arrival of the “Ann and Hope”
—The wholesale grocers — Flour and grain dealers—Provision
and dressed beef dealers — Fruits and vegetables – Condiments,
etc.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE GREAT DRY Goods, Cloth.ING, AND FURNITURE
Houses, AND RETAILERS OF THE CITY, . o 295
The dry goods and cloth houses—The great clothiers — Hatters
and outfitters — Shoe dealers — Furniture and house furnishings
— Musical instruments — Photographers – Picture framers–
Retailers of jewelry. -
CHAPTER XX.
MERCANTILE, PROFEssionAL, AND MECHANICAL PUR-
SUITS, e © º © e © • º o 309
CHAPTER XXI.
THE NEwsPAPERs, PRINTING Hous Es, BOOKSELLERs,
NewsdeALERs, PAPER DEALERs, AND KINDRED
BRANCHES IN PROvid ENCE, © e © e 318
CHAPTER XXII.
THE WHOLESALE DRUG DEALERS AND PHARMACISTs
of THE CITY, e e e º e © e 325
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE MANUFActURE OF Jewelry AND KINDRED LINEs
IN PROvIDENCE, . o Q • º º Q 33 I
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
f 5
THE INsurANCE INTEREsts of THE CITY,
CHAPTER XXIV.
Origin and history of the marine policy — Individual under-
writing in London and formation of “Lloyds”—First fire in-
345
surance offices — First American offices— Individual underwrit- .
ing in the colonies – Oldest individual policy in the United
States—Individual underwriting in Providence —John Mason's
insurance office–The first Providence offices — Quaint features
of the business — Lottery insurance — Commencement and ex-
tension of the agency business — Rhode Island life and acci-
dent insurance companies — Inception and organization of the
manufacturers' mutual system by Zachariah Allen — Extension
of the system — Later Rhode Island fire and marine companies
and organization of the state insurance departments — Effect of
the great Chicagó and Boston fires on home offices— Receipts
of life and fire companies in the state from 1861 to 1865–Tariff
associations — Providence protective department.
CHAPTER XXV.
THE Homes of PROvIDENCE — SocIETIEs for PROMO-
tion of CHURCH AND Home INFLUENCEs—Hotels—
CLUBs — RESTAURANTs — THEATREs — PARKS AND
CEMETERIES, e gº tº * tº - G • 35 5
PART THIRB.
CHAPTER I.
MEMBERs of the STATE Government of RHODE ISLAND For 1886, witH SKETCHES OF THE LIVES OF ALL PAST
* (º © e e • ſº e © © © 362
Governors, © tº e e
PART FQūRTH.
CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER IV.
BRISTOL County, BRISTOL, WARREN, AND BARRING-
PAwTUcket, North AND EAST PRovidence, LINcolN,
AND CUMBERLAND, . . . . . . . 375 TON, . . . . . . . . . 403
- - Bristol — Early settlers — King Philip — First important events
Pawtucket — Its early settlers and their industries—The Slaters
—The Jencks—The Wilkinsons — The first minister and first
doctor — The city government — The city churches — Promi-
nent business enterprises of Pawtucket— North Providence —
Industries of the people — East Providence — First settlement
— The Revolutionary period — The boundary dispute — Shore
resorts—Lincoln and Cumberland —Blackstone and the Indians
—The Whipples of Cumberland — Early industries — The
Blackstone Canal — Recent manufactures in the towns.
CHAPTER II.
WooNsocket, North SMITHFIELD, BURRILLviLLE,
GLocester, AND SMITHFIELD,
Woonsocket — Its early territorial limits —The water-power of
the Blackstone—The first bridge — Early manufactories —The
Harris Institute Library—Free schools — Business enterprises
—North Smithfield—Early territory — Early settlers— Indus-
tries—Burrillville — Early settlers—Manufactures of the town
—Places of interest in the town — Population – Wm. Tinkham
& Co — Harrisville Mill — Glocester — Its population — Early
and recent industries—Large ponds of the town—Smithfield —
First town-meeting — Manufacturing industries of the town—
The reservoir system — School districts and churches.
CHAPTER III.
CRANSTON, JoHNSTON, Scituate, AND Foster,
Cranston — Early house — King Philip's War — Manufacturing—
The Spragues — The state institutions—The Budlong farm —
Johnston – Early manufacturing interests — Scituate — Early
settlers – Villages of the town — Industries — Foster — The
population — Eminent men.
393
398
— Commerce and manufactures — The Revolutionary War —
Present industries — Banks of the town — Business interests —
Warren — Early days of the town — Commerce and other indus-
tries —Educational interests—The manufacturing companies
of to-day — Other classes of business — Barrington — Peculiar
features of society among the settlers — Chief industries—
Chief settlements in the town.
CHAPTER v.
WARwick, Coventry, EAST AND WEst GREENwich,
Warwick — Early territory of the town — Early settlers — The
King Philip War — Revolutionary heroes — Early manufactur-
ing — The manufacturing villages of the town — The Clyde
Bleachery and Print Works—The Gleaner — Coventry—Vil-
lages of the town–Manufacturing, past and present—East
Greenwich — Early boundary disputes—Beautiful location —
Early manufacturing—Educational interests — West Green-
wich — Industrial interests of the town. -
CHAPTER VI.
THE NARRAGANSETT County, WASHINGTON County,
• 415
KINGstown, North AND SOUTH, EXETER, WESTERLY,
HoPKINton, CHARLEstown, RICHMOND, .
North Kingstown – Early settlers – Early territorial disputes —
The King Philip War—The various villages of the town–Early
and recent manufactures — South Kingstown — The Hazard,
Helme, and Potter families — Peacedale, and other villages in
the town – Exeter—Its ponds — Manufactories — Westerly —
Indians who inhabited the territory — First white settlers —
Manufacturing development – Hopkinton — Its villages and
business interests – Charlestown — The Indian reservation —
The great ponds — Fort Ninigret—Richmond — Early settlers
of the town — Industries of the people.
422
16
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
CHAPTER VII.
NEwpoRT County, THE CITY OF NEwport, Ports-
MoUTH, JAMEstown, TIVERTON, LITTLE CoMP-
TON, AND NEw SHOREHAM (BLOCK ISLAND), o
Newport, or Aquidneck — The Antinomian persecution — The ne-
gotiations with Plymouth — First form of government and
purchase of the island — Settlement at Pocasset— Peculiarities
of the colony — Settlement at Newport— Civic government of
the island – Rhode Island–Objections to the charter of the
Providence Plantations — Coddington's “usurpation ”— Gold
mine on the island — Coddington's commission revoked—
First naval commission of the colony — Rapid growth of the
colony—The Quakers — King Philip's War —The Andros usur-
pation— His capture at Newport—Small-pox—Pirates— Build-
ing of fort — Execution of twenty-six pirates – Governor Crans-
ton's administration — First resistance to British authority—
Newport establishes a watch — Set-off of Middletown — New-
port Mercury—Destruction of British sloop “Liberty” — Occu-
pation by British army —The wreck of Newport — Newport at-
tempts to be a city — Fall back to town government — Fifty
years rest— Revival of Newport as a summer resort — Newport
at the present time — Mayors of Newport—The churches —
Business interests — Middletown — Set-off from Newport — A
farming town — Portsmouth — Once Pocasset—Includes Pru-
dence, which was once an independent nation — Portsmouth
Ferry — Battle of Rhode Island — Coal mines — Fish industry
—Jamestown — Its early settlement and later history — Tiver-
ton — A Massachusetts settlement— Becomes a part of Rhode
Island — Little Compton — Land of the “Soughkonnets"—
Capt. Benjamin Church. New Shoreham — Manisses—Claudia
—“Adrian's Eyland,” Block Island—Its physical peculiarities
—Its history—Subject to piratical attacks—As a summer resort.
— Palatine light — Its harbor of refuge past and present.
PART FIFTH.
CHAPTER I.
THE MUNICIPAL CELEBRATION, AND THE WILLIAMs
FAMILY REUNIon,
The first day — Literary and historical exercises at the First
Baptist Church — Oration by the Hon. Thomas Durfee —The
school children’s festival at the park—The Rhode Island Choral
Association concert at Infantry Hall — The second day —The
civic and military parade — The afternoon’s trades procession —
The fireworks demonstration—The reunion of the descendants
of Roger Williams at Sayles' Memorial Hall, with roll of those
who attended.
MAPS.
PAGE.
MAP of PRovidence IN 1646, showING THE Home Lots of OR1GINAL PROPRIEtoRs,
(On page 37 the date in the title under the map should read “1646,” not “1664.”)
MAP of THE Town of PROvIDENCE IN 1823,
99
FAC-SIMILE of THE “DANIEL ANTHONY MAP,
MAP of THE STATE of RHODE ISLAND,
THE FIRST MAP EveR MADE OF THE Town of PROvIDENCE,
37
71
LIST er lullāSTRATIONS.
PAGE.
Abbott House, . te e º © e ſº © 49
ABBOTT “STILL’” House,_LATER YouNG's TEA StorE, 51
ALDRICH House, THE, . e e g © e * > 359
AMERICAN SCREw CoMPANY– THE EAGLE AND BAY
STATE MILLs, Q © e ſº º o e 264
ARCADE, THE, . © e © . . . . 77
ARMINGTON & SIMs STEAM ENGINE,--Two Views, . 26o
ARSENAL, THE, . tº e e © e e gº 85
Athenæum, THE, © e e © © e c 88
ATTACK ON THE CONFEDERATE Forts AT RoANokE, 181
BENEFICENT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, . e e I45
BETSEY WILLIAMs Hous E. . © . . e 361
BLANDING, WILLIAM B., DRUG House of, . o . 326
BLACKSTONE, THE, AT LONSDALE, tº • • © 390
BOARD OF TRADE, • . º e tº o © 93
Boston SHOE Store, . . ſº e e © e 3O3
BRISTOL ILLUSTRATIONs: **— .
BRIGGS, DR. L. W., RESIDENCE of, e e . 405
BRISTOL FROM THE HARBOR, e © de ſº 4O4
BURNSIDE, A. E., FoRMER RESIDENCE OF, . • 4O7
BURNSIDE.MEMORIAL BUILDING, . • * e 4O7
CoLLINs, CAPT. John, RESIDENCE of, . ge © 405
CoLT, S. P., RESIDENCE of, . • * • • 408
EASTERBROOKs, F. A., RESIDENCE of, . e © 4O9
GREENE, CHARLEs A., RESIDENCE of, . e e 406
HIGH STREET, VIEw of, tº e . e © 408
METHODIST CHURCH, . © © o e e 4O4
OLDEst House IN BRIstol, . e e e e 4O7
ROGERS FREE LIBRARY BUILDING, © tº e 4O7
St. MICHAEL’s CHURCH, e tº © & • 404
WARDwell, W. T. C., RESIDENCE of," . e 408
BRowN House, DEPUTY-Gov. ELISHA, e © © 53
BRISTOL FERRY, PortsMoUTH, . © . e. e tº 447
BRowN & SHARPE MANUFACTURING CoMPANY, Works of, 261
BROwn UNIVERSITY BUILDINGs, . e © º
BURNSIDE's WELCOME To KNoxville, * e º 183
BUTLER Exchange, . wº e • ©
BUTLER HospitaL For THE INSANE, . º e e *
BUTTONwooDs BEACH, WARwick, © e e e 418
CANDACE STREET GRAMMAR School House, . tº 169
CAPITOL AT WASHINGTon, THE, . . e © e I79
CHESTNUT STREET Methodist EpiscoPAL CHURCH, . I52
CITY HALL, THE, © e © e e . . . . I I5
CoFFEE House, THE OLD, . o tº o tº * > 67
CoNGREGATIONAL CHURCH, PEACEDALE, . © © 424
CoR.Liss SAFE, THE,--THREE Views, e * o 269
County Court House, THE, • e e c e 92
Court House. At KINGston, THE, e tº * > C 425
CRYSTAL LAKE, Roger WILLIAMs PARK, . © e 360
DAvol RUBBER CoMPANY's Factory, º o © 282
DoRR MANsion, THE, . © © e ſº © e 357
EAST GREENwich ILLUSTRATIONs:
ACADEMY, THE, . e o º e Q e 42 I
EAST GREENwich FROM THE WATER, . © o 42O
EpiscoPAL CHURCH, . gº e e e e 42O
STREET SCENE, . . e e e . • 42 I
Exchange PLACE AND UNION DEPot, . © e gº I 29
- PAGE.
FAMILIAR Scenes IN PROvIDENCE tº . FRONTISPIECE.
MARKEt SQUARE AND WESTMINSTER STREET, “
MARKET SQUARE AND South WATER STREET, “
SouTH WATER AND DYER STREETS AND CRAwford
STREET BRIDGE, . º ſº e FRONtispiece.
WEYBossET, LookING TowARDS WESTMINSTER
STREET, . . e e e • e 6 6
FALLs AT WASHINGTON VILLAGE, Coventry, . º 419
FEDERAL STREET GRAMMAR ScHool House, . . 172
FENNER House, THE OLD Gov. ARTHUR, . . • 399
FENNER House, THE OLD MAJ. THOMAS, . e © 399
FIREMEN’s STATUE, c o O & e e ſº I 22
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, . te ſº {} e º I43
FIRST CongregATIONAL CHURCH, © e © e I5 I
FIRST LIGHT INFANTRY BUILDING, & . . e 177
FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH, . © o g e I53
FLETCHER MANUFACTURING COMPANY., VIEw of, e 253
FostER & BAILEY’s MANUFACTORY, . g o . 338
Fox Point OBSERVATORY, . {- ſº O e e 88
FREEMAN, E. L. & Son, PRINTING House of, . ſº 322
FRIENDs’ School, . . . . . . . . 173
GoDDARD, R. H. I., RESIDENCE OF, . ge e e 356
GoRHAM BUILDING, NEw York, . e o e wº 273
GoRHAM MANUFACTURING COMPANY, WoRks of, © 274
GRACE CHURCH, . • • e © o o e I5 I
GREAT STORM of 1815, THE, . ſº e gº • 73
GREENE ENGINE, THE IMPRoved, ſº o e ſº 258
GREENvillE, VIEw of, © g * e e • 397
GRINNELL SPRINKLER,-Two Views, . e © º 266
HIGH SCHOOL, THE PROvIDENCE, • tº º tº 93
HoMOEoPATHIC Hospital, PROvIDENCE, . . © 224
HoPE VALLEY, HoPKINTON, . e º © e • 429
HoPPIN HomestEAD BUILDING, PROvIDENCE, . tº I75
HoTEL DoRRANCE, . cº • * . . . 358
Household SEwing MACHINE, . e e e º 272
HYDRAULION, No. 1, . e © & o e o I 20
HYDRAULION, No. 1,– SECOND ENGINE, . . . I2 l
INDIA Point, ABOUT 1840, . • • o G . 81
INDIANs FISHING, . © tº gº e º e . 26
INDIAN BURYING-GROUND, CHARLEstown, . tº • 429
INSURANCE Policy 1,155, FAC SIMILE of, e te 35o
Jewelry SHOPs, ANCIENT AND MoDERN, . . .338
KENNEDY, JEROME, ESTABLISHMENT OF, ... . º 3OI
KNIGHT, B. B., RESIDENCE OF, . & e © O . 356
LAKE MoswANSICUT, North Scituate, e Q e 4OI
LEAvens & BIRCH's STORE, . e e © & . 3O2
LIPPITT MANsion, e o © e e c & 357
LITTLE CAPTIVE, A, . e e º g © e 24
Lough LIN, F. H., OFFICE OF, e • . e e 3IO
McAUSLAN, John, RESIDENCE OF, ge e º o 355
MACULLAR, PARKER & CoMPANY's BUILDING, . º 3OO
MARKET SqJARE IN 1844, . e tº tº e G 87
MARKEt SQUARE AND UNION RAILROAD DEPot, * > I31
MASONIC HALL, . • • © o e e 201
MoDERN TRANSPORT, A, . © te e o te 127
MINUTE-MAN of the REvolution, A, tº º © 56
NARRAGANsett Hotel, * > e gº gº º . 358
18 | THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
NICHOLson FILE ComPANY, Works of, & o
Newport ILLUSTRATIONs:
ALONG THE CLIFFs, e e e o º
BEACH IN 1886, THE, . º G tº ſe
BELLEvUE Avenue, . ſº © © de
BIRD’s-EYE VIEw of NEwpoRT, . e e
BRENTon’s REEF LIGHT-SHIP, e e o
CASINO, THE, * e e © Q e
CHANNING MEMORIAL CHURCH, . e º
CoddingtoN Hous E, THE OLD, . e ſe
FAMILIAR SCENEs AT NEwPORT, . • e
Fort ADAMs, Q © © e © o
JEwish CEMETERY, ENTRANCE To, & e
LIME Rock LIGHT, e tº tº o e
LORILLARD VILLA, THE, . gº © ©
Newport FROM THE HARBOR, . © ſº
OLD MILL, . º e º • . e
PERRY, CoM. O. H., STATUE OF, . ſe e
PERRY, CoM. MATTHEw, STATUE OF, . •
Post-OFFICE AND CUstom House, e e
THAMEs STREET, . o gº tº g te
TRINITY CHURCH, . o © tº e e
WASHINGTON SQUARE, & e Q e
OAKLAND BEACH, WARwick, e © o e
OcEAN No. 7, FIRE ENGINE, © º º •.
OLD BALLOU MEETING House, CUMBERLAND, .
OLD BUTTERFLY FActory, LIN colN, . e tº
OLD FoRT DUMPLINGs, JAMEstown, . * o
OLD QUAKER MEETING House, LINCOLN, . .
OLD Town House, e tº e © © º
OLD WITCH House IN SALEM, . tº © ©
PAscoAG, VIEw of, . © & sº & ſº o
PAwtucKET AND CENTRAL FALLs ILLUstrations:
ALONG THE RIvER FRONT, CENTRAL FALLs,
CoNGREGATIONAL CHURCH, . . gº e
MAIN STREET, VIEw of, e e º e
MUSIC HALL, e tº e º • o
North MAIN STREET, . © e . .
OLD Jon Es ScHool House, . * © gº
OLD SLATER MILL, e e e e ©
PARK PLACE CongregATIONAL CHURCH, º
PAwTUCKET FALLs IN 1789, e º *
PAwTUCKET FALLs IN 1886, tº o
PAwTUCKET FROM THE BELFRY OF THE Congre-
GAtionAL CHURCH, . o © ©
PAwtucket FROM BELow DIVISION STREET
BRIDGE, VIEw of, . tº © e e
PUMPING STATION, tº tº © . .
THE RIvER FROM Exchange STREET BRIDGE,
TRINITY CHURCH, e * e e * >
UNIVERSALIST CHURCH, º • • ſº
PAwTUxEt River. At PHENIx, . * & tº
PAwtuxet River. At PAwTUxet, e e c
PRIMitive FIRE APPARATUs, o tº © ©
Potter’s PHARMACY, . o ſº . e O
Point StreET GRAMMAR ScHool, º o g
PROSPECT TERRAcE, . º © o o ſº
PROvIDENCE BANK, THE OLD, . * © º
PROvIDENCE FIREMAN, A, . e e e º
PROvIDENCE INSTITUTION FoR SAviNGs, e o
PROvIDENCE MACHINE ComPANY, Works of, .
PROVIDENCE, Norfolk AND BALTIMORE STEAMsHIP
CoMPANY, Docks of, . e . . g
PROvIDENCE PolicEMAN, A. ſº e e Q
PROvIDENCE Post-OFFICE, º e e e
PAGE.
271
43O
43O
43O
44I
432
434
445
436
43O
433
436
446
436
435
43O
446
446
43O
434
444
43O
417
I 23
39J
390
391
117
23
397
374
381
377
374
377
374,
387
384
382
381
381
4I5
4OO
II9
329
17o
97
75
I 18
235
262
I4I
113
I32
PROVIDENCE, VIEw of, FROM FEDERAL HILL IN 1808,
PAGE.
69
PROVIDENCE, VIEw of, FROM MANCHESTER HILL IN 1819, 79
PROvIDENCE, View of, FROM THE River, . TITLE
Providence, VIEw of, FROM SMITH's HILL IN 1827, .
PROVIDENCE, VIEw of, FROM SMITH's HILL IN 1886, .
PROVIDENCE WINDLAsses,—Two VIEws, . e o
RAID ON THE SETTLERs, A, tº º • e ©
REID, J. A. & R. A., PRINTING House of, & e
RHODE ISLAND Hospital, . © © © * > e
RHODE ISLAND Historical Society’s CABINET, e
ROCKY Point FROM THE BAY, VIEw of, . ſe e
RUMFORD CHEMICAL Works, OFFICE AND WARE-
House of, . * © e e º • •
RUMFORD CHEMICAL Works AT RUMFORD, © g
SABIN TAvERN, THE, . o e © & o ©
SAINT JoHN's CHURCH, . © © e e • ,
SAINTS PETER AND PAUL’s CATHEDRAL, . e e
SCHOONER “GASPEE,” DESTRUCTION of THE, . o
SECOND UNIVERSALIST CHURCH, . e e o e
SOLDIERs’ AND SAILORs' Monument, . . º e
STATE Hous E, PROvIDENCE, e . . . *>
STATE PRISON, CRANSTON, . e. tº © * tº
STUART, GILBERT, BIRTHPLACE of, . o © ge
SQUANTUM, EAST PROvIDENCE, . e e tº o
Swamp Fort, South KINGstown, SITE of THE OLD,
TAYLOR, SYMONDs & CoMPANY, Establish MENT OF,
THAYER STREET GRAMMAR ScHool House, . e
TINKHAM, WILLIAM & CoMPANY’s MILL, HARRIsville,
“Town Evid ENCE,” FAC-SIMILE OF, . . . . e
UNION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, . . & o
UNION No. 3, ONE OF THE EARLIEST ENGINEs, . e
VINEYARD STREET GRAMMAR School Hous E, . te
WARREN ILLUSTRATIONs:
BAPTIST CHURCH, . o tº o e iº e
MAIN STREET, e © & e e e º
METHODIst CHURCH, . & e e e te
WARREN FROM THE BEAcon, tº e e - ©
WATCH HILL LIGHT, . • • º g © ©
WATER WITCH, No. 6, AND FIRE Hose REEL, . e
WESTERLY ILLUSTRATIONs:
BROAD STREET, VIEw on, . e © e e
CoNGREGATIONAL CHURCH, . tº . . e
SEventH DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, . iº e gº
WESTERLY AND THE PAwcATUck River, View of,
WHAT CHEER PRINTING House, . ſº e & e
Woonsocket ILLUSTRATIONs:
BLAckstone AT Woonsocket, THE, . o e
FALLs AT WOONsocket, o o e © dº
HIGH SCHOOL, . e e e o © º
MAIN STREET, AND P. & W. PAssENGER STATION,
MARKET SQUARE, e tº c e e e
Monument Square, . . © ſº e e
Woonsocket FROM THE EAST; . * g e
Woonsocket, GENERAL VIEw OF, e º o
WoonAsquatucKET, JoHNSTON, VIEw ON THE, . e
..WICKFor D, A View of, © © e tº © e
WILLIAMs, Joseph, Hous E BUILT BY, . e © o
WILLIAMs, Roger, MEETING Hous E, SALEM, IN which
HE PREACHED, . © • . gº ge ©
WILLIAMs, Roger, INTERIOR OF OLD MEETING House,
WILLIAMs, Roger, LANDING AT THE SPRING, © cº
WILLIAMs, Roger, Monum ENT, . e tº d ©
WILLIAMs, Roger, STATUE OF, . e © e e
WILLIAMs, Roger, RETURN FROM ENGLAND, e ©
WILLAMs, Roger, PITCHER, © e • • gº
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INPEx To PORTRATS.
ADDEMAN, Joshua M.,
ALDRICH, NELson W.,
ALLEN, ZACHARIAH,
ANTHoNY, HENRY B.,
ATKINSON, JAMES,
BALLOU SULLIVAN,
BARNABY, J. B.,
BARTON, CoLONEL,
BARStow, AMos C.,
BEDLow, HENRY,
Bourn, AUGUSTU's O.,
BRADLEY, CHARLEs S.,
BRowN, Joseph R.,
BRow N, NICHOLAs,
BRIDGHAM, SAMUEL W.,
BURNSIDE, AMBRose EveRETT,
BURNSIDE, MRs. GEN. A. E.,
BUDLONG, JAMES A.,
BURDICK, J. TRUMAN,
BURGEss, THOMAS M.,
BURGES, TRISTAM,
CALvert, GeoRGE H.,
CARRINGTON, EDward,
CHAce, JonATHAN,
CHAFFEE, OLIVER, e
CHANNING, WILLIAM ELLERY,
CHARLES II., KING OF ENGLAND,
CHAMBERLAIN, WILLIAM E.,
CLARKE, GEORGE L.,
CLARK, RT. Rev. THOMAS M.,
CoRLIss, GEORGE H., .
CozzENS, WILLIAM C.,
CRANston, WILLIAM H.,
CROMwFLL, OLIVER,
CUTLER, CHARLEs R.,
DANFORTH, WALTER R.,
DANIELson, GEORGE W.,
DARLING, LUCIUs B.,
DAvis, PERRY,
Dixon, NATHAN F.,
DoRR, THOMAs W.,
Doyle, THOMAs A.,
DURFEE, THOMAs,
DYER, ELISHA, º
EAMEs, BENJAMIN T.,
FAIRBROTHER, Lewis,
FRANKLIN, Robert S.,
FREEMAN, EDwARD L.,
Folsom, A. A.,
GARDINER, J. B.,
GoFF, DARIUs,
GREENE, BENJAMIN F.,
GREENE, CHARLEs A.,
GREENE, NATHANIEL, . ſº
GR1swold, RT. REv. A. V.,
GRosvenor, Dr. WILLIAM,
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HALL, WILLIAM H.,
HAIL, GEORGE,
HARRIs, WILLIAM A.,
HARRIs, EDwARD,
HAYwARD, WILLIAM S.,
HENDRICKEN, Rt. REv. THOMAs F.,
HILL, THOMAS J.,
Hopkins, ESEK,
HoPKINS, WILLIAM H.,
HoPPIN, WILLIAM W.,
HowARD, HENRY,
JENCKES, THOMAS A.,
KENDALL, HENRY L., .
KINGSBURY, JoHN,
KLAPP, LYMAN,
KNIGHT, B. B.,
KNIGHT, JABEz C.,
KNowLEs, EDwARD P.,
LEE, CHARLEs A.,
LIPPITT, HENRY, ©
LITTLEFIELD, ALFRED H., .
MANNING, JAMES, D. D.,
Nicholson, WILLIAM T.,
PADELFoRD, SETH,
PARKER, SAMUEL A.,
Powell, JoHN HARE, .
PREscott, HENRY A.,
RICE, FITz JAMEs,
RoBBINs, GILBERT F., .
ROBINSON, E. G., D. D., LL.D.,
Rockwell, ELISHA H.,
Rodman, ISAAC P.,
Rodman, WILLIAM M.,
SAYLEs, FREDERIC C.,
SAYLEs, WILLIAM F., .
• SEARS, BARNAS, D. D., LL.D.,
SHEPARD, REv. THOMAS,
SLATER, JoHN,
SLATER, SAMUEL;
SLoCUM, JoHN S.,
SLoCUM, STEPHEN P.,
SMITH, JAMES Y.,
SPRAGUE, WILLIAM,
Stone, WATERMAN,
STUART, GILBERT,
Swinburne, WILLIAM J.,
TALBOT, SILAs,
TINKHAM, WILLIAM,
ToweR, LEvi,
TURNER, THOMAS G.,
VAN ZANDT, CHARLES C.,
WARD, SAMUEL, © e
WAYLAND, FRANCIS, D. D., LL. D.,
WETMORE, GEoRGE PEABODY,
WHITMAN, SARAH HELEN,
Woods, REv. ALVA, D. D., .
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PART
FIRST.
CHAPTER I.
ARRIVAL OF ROGER WILLIAMS AT PROVIDENCE – 1636.
PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS A WILDERNEss — RogFR will LAMs. HIs ARRIVAL IN MASSACHUSETTS BAY COLONY — SETTLEMENT
AT SALEM – PERSECUTION – REMOVAL TO PLYMOUTH – RETURN TO SALEM — RENEWED PERSECUTION - DRIVEN INTO
THE WILDERNESs – SETTLEMENT AT SEEKONK COVE – NOTIFIED TO QUIT – CANOE VOYAGE TO MOUTH OF MOSHASSUCK
RIVER – BUILDS HIS WIGWAM — ASCENDS TO SUMMIT OF PROSPECT HILL — WHAT HE SAW. THENCE.
THE OLD MEETING-HOUSE
In which Roger Williams Preached before his Banishment from the Massachusetts Bay Colony
in 1635. Now standing in Salem, Mass.
Two hundred and fifty years ago the section of country which
afterwards became known as “Providence Plantations,” and now
forms a most important part of the “ State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations” was an unbroken wilderness. No
white man, so far as is known, had ever climbed its hills or wan-
dered through its valleys.”
Its only human inhabitants were the Indian savages who had
several so-called “towns” within its borders. These towns were
simply groups of wigwams in which the red men gathered when
convenient, and left when whim or fancy seized them. Though
there were sometimes gathered around these towns the scanty
*We leave out of consideration the legends of the Norse settlements during the middle
ages.
plantations of the savages, yet there was nothing approaching a
permanency of individual property or residence in them, and
throughout the whole broad territory the wolf roamed unmolested,
and the wild fox dug his hole unscared.
Five years before that time, Roger Williams, a young and en-
thusiastic Welshman,—who had graduated from Pembroke Col-
lege, Cambridge, Eng., been ordained a minister of the Estab-
lished Church of England, and had dissented and separated from
that church on account of what he deemed its intolerance,—
came to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in search of a place where
he could live and profess, unmolested, the freedom of religious
thought, which he believed was an inherent right of every indi-
vidual soul. He was welcomed to Salem in that colony, made a
“teacher” or assistant pastor of a little church there, and openly
preached the right of the soul to free action in its religious con-
cernments. -
Unfortunately for his peace, he was far in advance of the views
of the colonial authorities. The “freedom to worship God”
which the Massachusetts Bay colonists had crossed the ocean to
seek, was a freedom to do it in their own particular way; and
when Roger Williams came among them and advocated the right
of each individual soul to seek communion with God in its own
way, his doctrines clashed with those held and practiced by the
rulers of the colony. They made his position in Salem so un-
comfortable that he deemed it best to go to the neighboring col-
ony of Plymouth, where more liberal principles were practiced.
He remained in Plymouth as an assistant pastor of its church,
two years, during which time he made acquaintance with, and
gained the life-long friendship of many of the best minds in the
colony and of the sachems of the Indian tribes locatedt herein,
and also devoted much time to the study of the Indian character
and language.
It would appear that he felt that he had acted wrongfully in
deserting the church at Salem, many of whose members still
held steadfastly to him and his doctrines on account of the per-
secution he received from the authorities at Boston, for, after
remaining two years at Plymouth, he returned and cast in his lot
with that church, resolved to “fight the good fight” on the old
battle-ground. He was so popular at Plymouth that when he
made this change many of his congregation there followed him
to his new pastoral field,

4.
22 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
Daggett Farm, on the north side of the Seekonk Cove,
openings in the ground, which tradition says are the
cellar holes of the houses erected by Williams and his
friends.
Having built their houses, and planted their little
fields undisturbed, they hoped that they had at last
found a place of safety from the persecution of the
General Court of the Bay Colony. But their plantings
had scarcely germinated and appeared above ground,
when Roger Williams received a letter from his friend
Governor Winslow, of Plymouth, to “lovingly advise
” that he was “fallen into the edge of their
bounds,” that they were “loth to displease the Bay,”
and that if he remove but to the other side of the water,
he would have “the country before (him), and might
be as free as themselves,” and “they should be loving
neighbors together.” This was, practically, a “notice
to quit,” and though couched in words of loving kind-
ness, yet, read in the light of those times, when men
were burned at the stake for the good of their souls,
and executed out of motives of kindness to save them
from the clutches of Satan, there was an unpleasant
lurid glare of persecution and possible execution in the
background if it was not obeyed.
It might seem, perhaps, that Governor Winslow's
influence should have saved the party from such evils,
but Roger Williams was on equally friendly terms with
ex-Governor Winthrop, of the Bay Colony, in fact,
more closely associated with him, for he was then, or
shortly after became, his business partner, and joint
him.
INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH IN WHICH ROGER WILLIAMS PREACHED, SALEM, MASS.
He had scarcely settled for the second time in Salem, when
the colonial authorities at Boston commenced another course
of persecution against the church and himself, which was con-
tinued for two years, and finally culminated on Oct. 9, 1635,
in a sentence that “it is therefore ordered that the said Mr.
Williams shall depart out of this jurisdiction (Massachusetts
Bay Colony) within six weeks now next ensuing.” This
period was afterwards extended till the following spring of
1636, on condition that he would not attempt “to draw others to
his opinion.”
Claiming that he had broken this condition, on the 11th of
January, 1636, the governor and his assistants sent for him to
come to Boston that he might be sent to England in a vessel then
ready to depart. He returned an answer to this summons that
“ he could not come without hazard to his life,” he being then
sorely ill. Upon receipt of this reply a “pinnace" and crew,
under command of Captain Underhill, was sent to take him by
force, and put him on board ship, but upon arriving at his house at
Salem, the captain found that Mr. Williams had been gone
thence three days. Alone and unprotected, save by his God, he
had started on his long wanderings, when, as he himself said, he
was “sorely tossed for fourteen weeks in a bitter winter season,
not knowing what bread or bed did mean,” and finally, about
April 30, 1636, found himself in the country of the Wampa-
noags, within the boundary of Plymouth Colony.
He obtained a grant from the Wampanoag sachem, Massasoit,
of lands on the east side of the Seekonk River; settled on the
northeast shore of Seekonk Cove, was joined there by his wife
and family, and by William Harris, John Smith, Joshua Verin,
Thomas Angell, Francis Wickes, and perhaps others, who,
with their families, came in the spring to join him, and com-
menced to build and to plant. To this day are to be seen on the
owner with him of the island of Prudence, and yet
Governor Winthrop's influence was not sufficient to
prevent his persecution and banishment by the Bay
authorities. It was a hard trial after all their suffering, to be
obliged to leave that lovely spot where they had spent so much
labor in making their homes and plantations; but Williams and
his friends were not men to spend time in useless repinings.
Accepting the situation as they found it forced upon them, a few
days after the receipt of the letter, apparently about the 12th of
June, O. S., 23d, N. S., he and his five before-named com-
panions embarked in a canoe and paddled out of the cove on to
the broad surface of the Seekonk, to seek an available place of
settlement to the west of the river.”
They found the west shore of the Seekonk to consist of a series
of high, forest-crowned bluffs of sand or gravel, with no desirable
supply of fresh water. They coasted down the west shore to a
ledge of slate rock which projected from under a bluff into deep
water, presenting just above the level of the highest tides, a large
flat surface; this was the “Roger Williams,” or “slate” rock, at
present far back from the water and many feet below the arti-
ficial surface of the ground. A small group of Indians were
gathered on the rock, and hailed, “Wha Cheer, Netop,” the first
salutation ever heard by a white man from the shore of Provi-
dence. Bringing their canoe alongside of the rock, they entered
into conversation with the friendly natives, but soon departed
thence and continued down the river. Passing under the steep
bluff of Tockwotton Hill, they rounded its southeastern shoulder,
and reached the open waters of the Narragansett Bay.
Here the shore stretched to the westward and was formed by
the southern slope of Tockwotton Hill, till it reached a series of
* A copy of a memorandum, made by Benedict Arnold, runs as follows: “Mem. We
came to Providence to dwell the 20th of April 1636, per me. Benedict Arnold.” This, if
true, places Williams (the first settler) there before that date; but the weight of historical
evidence seems to indicate about June 23 as the date of settlement, and that Arnold's
“mem,” made after the event, as published, bears a mistaken date, or else that the Provi.
dence referred to is the Seekonk Cove settlement.

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 23
smaller hills, this series terminating in Fox Hill, near Fox Point.
Rounding the Fox Hill point, they entered what they called
the “great salt river,” afterwards known as Providence River,
and followed its eastern shore in a northerly direction. Just
north of Fox Hill they found a cove, afterwards called Mile-End
Cove, stretching in between Fox Hill and the main hill on the
eastern side, which is now called Prospect Hill, offering a boat
harbor but no facilities for a permanent settlement.
On the west side of the river a series of flats and marshes
formed the shore back to where the land began to rise towards
the general level of a sandy plain beyond. The spot upon which
the Arcade now stands was an island. Near it, to the eastward,
was a high clay bluff, “Weybosset Hill,” rising out of the marsh,
around the southern and eastern edge of which what is now
Weybosset Street was afterwards laid out. A low point of land
ran down to what is now Washington Row, and these different
spots formed, according to the state of the tide, sometimes one, and
sometimes more islands, but around all stretched an uninviting
area of salt marsh. No place for a settlement could be found there.
Above Mile-End Cove the main hill, then called Moshas-
suck, now Prospect, rose abruptly from the shore, and they
coasted along its forest-clothed western edge till they came to
where the waters of the Woonasquatucket and Moshassuck rivers
meet. Here they found a beautiful cove stretching to the west-
ward, and at its northeastern shore, near the small estuary formed
at the mouth of the Moshassuck River, a copious spring of fresh
water flowed from the ground by the edge of a strip of com-
paratively level land that lay between the steep hillside and the
1°1 wer. -
At this place, a little below and to the westward of the present
site of St. John's Church they landed, and determined to form
their settlement, which, in recognition of God’s gracious kind-
ness and watchful care over them, and finally bringing them safely
out of the land of persecution, Roger Williams called PRov1-
DENCE. As in after days, the settlements spread in all directions
from this central point, they collectively received the name of
PROvid ENCE PLANTATIONs.
The first matter requiring the attention of Williams and his
companions was the preparation of shelter for their families; the
first erected consisted, probably, of mere wigwams of poles driven
into the ground and thatched with hemlock boughs and forest
leaves—the rudest form of a temporary Indian hut—but affording,
at that season of the year, a rain-proof shelter sufficient to last till
they could build the more permanent dwellings of wood, which
were erected during the summer. The making of one or more
wigwams was but the work of a few hours.
When he had built his wigwam and refreshed himself by the
waters, he (Williams) might have climbed, with Harris, the first
surveyor of our primitive wilderness, to the summit of the east-
ern hillside directly above his wigwam, to where Prospect Street
now runs, for a wider view of this new territory.
From a height of nearly two hundred feet they would have
looked through the openings in the oak woods westward over the
cove at the head of the great salt river, with its broad sandy
beaches on the eastern and northern shores, and a border of salt
marshes on the western and southern.
Into the cove from the north came the sparkling waters of the
Moshassuck River, leaping over the falls where it emptied into
the quiet estuary at its mouth; from their position they could
gaze northward up its fertile valley, which even in its wilder-
ness state, formed a scene of beauty, with its intervales thronged
by the graceful wild deer.
Into the Cove from the west came the clear waters of the
Woonasquatucket, cutting its way through a level plateau, mak-
|
---,
º |ººlſ º º -
**ººmºſ º
Aººſ,
- º º º º wº-
*** - *~~~~
ſº." ſº
wº
-
THE OLD WITCH HOUSE, SALEM, MASS.
Built by Roger Williams in 1634, afterwards occupied by Jonathan Corwin, Esq., one
- of the judges during the witchcraft trials.
ing what we now call the Woonasquatucket Valley, a portion of
which was flowed at times by the tide and covered with a coarse,
rank growth of “thatch,” from which those lands derived their
name, which still clings to them in the minds of the older inhabi-
tants, of “Thatch,” or “Thatch right lots.”
Between these two rivers, and to the south of the last and the
Cove, lay a level, sandy plateau, covered with pine forests and
stretching to the Indian “town” of Mashapaug on the south-
west, and the Pawtuxet Valley on the south. On its eastern side
this plateau sloped down to the edge of the tidal flow, near
where Eddy Street now stands, for a mile or more to the south-
ward, and below that reached out at intervals forming sandy bluffs
on the shore of the river. Between the edge of the tidal flow
and the open waters of the great salt river lay an area of salt
marsh studded with islands, and with the bold clay peak of Wey-
bosset Hill rising from it; down the river to the south, rose the
steep hills at Sassafras and Field's points, beyond which might
be seen glimpses of the lower bay and its forest crowned shores
and islands.
Immediately at their feet, and gradually diminishing in height,
to the south stretched the steep western slope of the hill on which
they stood, covered with a growth of oak and hickory, with Fox
Hill projecting into the bay beyond its lowest extremity.
The eastern slope of the hill descended by easy forest-covered
terraces to the level of the bluffs on the shore of the Seekonk,
about a mile to the eastward, forming at their southern extremity
the Tockwotton Hill, over which and the bluffs, might be seen
the Plymouth Colony shore.
To the northeast the view was cut-off by a higher eminence,
covered with oak and pine forest, while in all directions, except
to the south, over the bay of the “Nannhigansetts,” the gaze,
after appreciating the points described, was lost in an indistin-
guishable maze of forest-crowned eminences.
Such was “Providence Plantations” as it first appeared to
Roger Williams and his friend Harris.
In the following pages we shall show the successive steps
whereby the wilderness upon which they gazed on that June day
in 1636, became the rich, cultured, and prosperous city which
meets the view in this June of 1886.








CHAPTER II.
THE ABORIGINAL DWELLERS IN THE LAND – 1636.
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INDIANS — PERSONAL APPEARANCE – RELIGIOUS BELIEFs – MoRALITY – HospitaLity — Gov-
ERNMENT - PROPERTY RIGHTS - HOUSES - CLOTHING – ARTS AND BUSINESS CHARACTERISTICS – WAMPUM MONEY — TREAT-
MENT OF SICK — SPORTS.
WE left Roger
Williams and his
companion upon the
summit of the hill,
studying the land as
it lay in a bird’s-eye
view before them.
To understand the
early life of the col-
ony it is necessary to
know something of
the nature and pe-
culiarities of the in-
habitants of the coun-
try they were in-
º~"
i
i-
s
ſ
s
ſº
ſ
~
;
ſ
L
% § ing. It was th
% NRNA specting. WaS the
§ § country of the Nar-
§§ ~~ ragansetts, a power-
ful and populous In-
dian nation whose
main seat was on the
mainland to the
westward and north-
westward of the bay
to which they gave
their name, together with the islands in the same, and who exer-
cised a supremacy, as conquerors over subject tribes, extending
through all eastern Massachusetts on the one side, and over parts
of eastern Connecticut on the other.
The early New England writers agree in ascribing to this na-
tion a character more praiseworthy than to any other of the New
England natives. We find them exhibiting not only the savage
virtues of courage, endurance, and vigilance, but Christian hos-
pitality, tolerance, forbearance, and forgiveness in a far higher
degree than was practiced by their white neighbors. They were,
both physically and mentally, a powerful, active race, and in the
arts of life and business as practiced by the natives, they were
the leaders in New England. They carried agriculture to a higher
point than any other tribe. Their manufactures were celebrated
throughout the country as the best native ones attainable. They
possessed a mercantile system; they coined and issued the cur-
rency in use for hundreds of miles along the coast and far into
the interior; they had systems of religion, of government, and of
law, and fully appreciated the necessity and importance of per-
sonal morality, integrity, and honor.
There were amongst them the same varieties of character as
§
N
AP º N
n
° N
º,
A LITTLE CAPTIVE.
>
C
found in all races. Williams divides them broadly into “two
classes (as the English are) some more rude and clownish,” and
among members of the higher class we find instances of selfish-
ness, meanness, and treachery, as we find them among the white
men; but as a nation, their high standing at that time is undis-
puted. Contact with the whites caused their rapid deterioration,
and we shall have to trace the sad process as it went on ; but we
will first outline their condition before it commenced.
In personal appearance they were tall and erect, strong in phys-
ical proportions, and with high cheek bones, piercing eyes, and
straight black hair; their complexions were of a dark brown or
copper color. Their numbers are variously reckoned, but proba-
bly about thirty thousand would be a fair estimate. They lived
in towns scattered over the country so thickly that Roger Williams
often passed through a dozen of them in a journey of twenty miles.
Their religious belief was of the Pantheistic order. They be-
lieved in one god “Manit” or “Manitowock” who was and is
supreme — that he is the rewarder of them that diligently seek
him.
They also recognized a number of inferior gods,-Williams
gives the number as thirty-seven,_and any superior excellence in
a man, animal, or tree, they denominated “godly.” Their fa-
vorite god was “Cotantowit” the god of the southwest. He
sent them warm weather — the spring came from his home.
Thence had come their first seed corn and beans, and he watched
over and cared for their crops from the planting to the gathering
season, and at the close of harvest-time they had annually a great
thanksgiving festival in his honor. Their next god in rank was
the “Sun God” and at the close of December when he began
his return towards the northern heavens, they, in the words of
Williams, “run mad once a year in their kind of Christmas feast-
ing” in his honor. Their next god was the “Moon God,”
then the “Sea God,” and so on in a descending scale. They
believed in a soul that survives after death, and the good go
to Cotantowit while the souls of murderers, thieves, and liars
wander restlessly abroad. They taught that Cotantowit made a
man and woman out of stone, which, disliking, he broke in pieces
and then made another man and woman out of a tree, whence
sprang all mankind so far as they originally knew them. When
they became acquainted with the English, recognizing the vast
difference between them and the Indians, they thought that some
other god, unknown to them, must have made the white race.
“They have a modest religious persuasion not to disturb any
man in their (his) conscience and worship.” This statement is
given in the exact words of Roger Williams, as it is interesting to
know, on his own authority, that he was not the first to intro-




THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 25
duce freedom of religious worship in Providence, but came here
to practice a liberty in that respect which the ancestors of Canoni-
cus and Miantonomi had sanctioned from time immemorial.
Their ideas of morality were largely the same as the whites,
but their practice was better. Robberies, murders, and adulteries
were so scarce that Williams pronounces them as not known
amongst them. Drunkenness and gluttony were unknown vices
before the advent of the whites. Their most noticeable virtue was
hospitality, which they practiced towards all, of whatever race
or religion. If one entered their homes when they were eating they
offered him of whatever they were partaking even though the sup-
ply was scanty for themselves. If a stranger came at any time
they presently offered him whereof to eat and drink. They often
slept out of doors themselves to make room in their houses for
guests, and when an Englishman came to a house where there were
none but Indians the latter would all sleep out of doors to assuage
the fears of their guest. Roger Williams says of them in this
respect: “It is a strange truth that a man shall generally find
more free entertainment and refreshing amongst these barbarians
than amongst thousands that call themselves Christians.” Again
he breaks forth :
“The Courteous Pagan shall condemne
Uncourteous Englishmenn
Who live like foxes bears and wolves
Or Lyon in his denn.”
They held that the strictest observance in keeping engagements
was necessary; that every man’s word should be as good as his
bond, and they could not understand why an Englishman should
consider that words written on a piece of paper were binding
while mere spoken promises were easily disregarded. They
charged Williams with falsehood if he did not keep his appoint-
ments at the very time set, however he might be hindered; and
after Canonicus and Miantonomi had made a verbal grant to him
of land at Providence nothing more was deemed necessary till
two years later, after the land had been settled and divided amongst
various owners, when Williams, probably at the instigation of
the other owners, asked for and obtained a deed of confirmation
of the grant. They had an order of priesthood set apart from the
rest of the people to preside over the services in honor of the
gods. The priests were also to a certain extent physicians, and
by a process rather of mental than pharmaceutical influences
“ threatened and conjured out the sickness.”
Their government was monarchical and vested in sachems,
having a well settled system by which the descent was regulated.
Generally there were two sachems ruling jointly, for instance,
Canonicus and Miantonomi, later, Canonicus and Pessicus, then
Mexham and Pessicus, etc. They sometimes had queens who
ruled as sachems. There were sub-sachems, counselors, and
different grades of court officers attending their rulers. -
The sachems administered justice, preserved the peace, and di-
rected the warlike movements of the tribe. Narragansett tradi-
tions told that Tashtassuck, the grandfather of Miantonomi, had
been a great warrior and had conquered all the surrounding na-
tions, but that since that time under the wise counsels of Canoni-
cus' brother and himself they had pursued a course of peaceful
development, and this course they were desirous of pursuing
towards the whites and did do so to such an extent that Roger
Williams said in 1644: “I cannot learn that the Narragansetts
have ever stained their hands with any English blood either in
open hostilities or secret murders. Many hundreds of English
people have experimentally found the Indian people to be in-
clined to peace and love.”
The Narragansett notion of property in real estate was very pe-
culiar. The tribe owned all the land; no individual member had
any permanent right to any portion thereof. An Indian might
ROGER WILLIAMS LANDING AT THE SPRING,
An Ideal Picture by Darley.
choose any unoccupied ground and plant or build on it and was
entitled to its unobstructed use till he surrendered it. It is diffi-
cult to conceive of such a dense population carrying on the vari-
ous arts of life, peacefully, under such a system, but we are as-
sured of the fact by Roger Williams, and further that there was
very little disputing and quarreling among them. It was com-
mon for the sachems, representing the tribes, to buy and sell
land, but the individual members never did so, though they were
often compensated for their growing crops or houses on the land,
in which a right of property was recognized, when the English
desired the immediate possession. They recognized a right of
property in all kinds of personal chattels.
Their houses were made of long poles which the men obtained
from the forests and fixed into a frame. This was covered by the
women with mats, woven by them of coarse sedge, leaving an
opening at the top for the escape of smoke and the entrance of air
and light. The door consisted of one of these mats secured at
the top and hanging down over the entrance. Generally the houses
were round, and about twelve or fourteen feet in diameter, each
serving for one family, but sometimes several families lived in one
house, when the latter was made longer with provisions for two,
three, or more fires. Williams speaks of houses two hundred
feet long in which they gathered to hold festivals. The houses
were lined with finer mats of the same material which the women
made, and often ornamented by embroidery and painting. In-
stead of cupboards and shelves they had baskets and sacks hung
on pegs driven into the frame of the house. Summer houses were
often covered with bark of the birch or chestnut tree instead of
mats.
Their agricultural work was chiefly done by women, who
broke up the ground with hoes made of wood and shell, and who
afterwards cared for the growing crops. They were aided at
planting and harvesting by the men. Neighborhoods would unite
for mutual aid, men and women by the scores and hundreds com-
bining to build, plant, hunt, fish, and harvest, “in a very loving,
sociable, speedy way.” They understood the use of fertilizers, and

26 THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS.
- º
iyº'ſ
THE INDIANS FISHING.
used menhaden and seaweed as such. The tobacco crop was the
only one the women did not work at, it being exclusively cared
for by the men. -
The men pursued the different trades and occupations which
their state of civilization required, and practiced the principle of
division of labor. Some hunted, others made bows and arrows,
some made pottery, others pipes, etc., some were merchants,
others coined money, and so through all their various arts.
Their money was called wanpum, and was made from shells.
There were two denominations, one white, made from the shell
of the periwinkle, and one black, made from the dark spot in
the quahaug shell, and called wanpum peage. The shell was
clipped and ground into a round piece, about half an inch in di-
ameter and a fifth of an inch in thickness, with a hole drilled
through the centre, by means of which the different pieces were
strung on a line. Three pieces of the black equalled in value six
pieces of the white, and were equivalent to one penny in English
currency. In large transactions the wanpum was reckoned in
strings, each constituting a fathom ; the wanpum peage being
worth about six shillings to the fathom. This currency was
in use for six hundred miles along the coast and far into the in-
terior. The amount of it in existence was regulated, probably
by the sachems, on some principle, the particulars of which can-
not now be determined. The authorized coiners of it had proba-
bly some system of denoting the genuineness of their work by the
manner in which it was done, as we find that in after days, when
it was counterfeited extensively, the Indians were very expert in
detecting the genuine from the counterfeit. The use of this cur-
rency was adopted by the whites. Then it was counterfeited by
them, depreciated in value, and finally went out of existence,
about as the Narragansetts faded away, and is now only known
as a rare curiosity in the cabinet of some fortunate collector.
Their merchants are reported by Williams as “being marvel-
ous subtle in their bargains. Therefore they will beat all mar-
kets and try all places, and run twenty, thirty, yeaforty miles and
more to save expense. They are as full of business and as impa-
tient of hindrance as any merchant in Europe.”
Their canoes were cut out of the solid trunk of a tree, and
sometimes large enough to hold forty men. In them they made
quite long voyages along the coasts and to adjacent islands. They
often combined them into fleets and had regular sea-fights with
their enemies. They had a system of posts by which alarms
could be sent through the country, and an armed force quickly
gathered at any given point.
Their clothing consisted of a narrow apron about the
loins, stockings and shoes of deer skin, and a coat or cloak
thrown over the shoulders, covering the whole body, and girt
around the waist by a belt, a tobacco bag hanging at the neck
or tucked to the belt, and a head dress of leather decorated
with feathers or the tails of animals completed the costume.
The coats were made of the skins of deer, beaver, otter, rac-
coon, wolf, or squirrel, and the wealthiest of them had them
made of the finest of turkey feathers either woven or fastened
to a leather base. The dress of the sexes was the same in
style but that of the men was the more highly decorated. Both
men and women painted their faces for beauty, and the men
used war paint at appropriate times. The virgins were dis-
tinguished by a “bashful falling down of their hair over
their eyes.” When in the house they threw off their skin
coats, and their garb would appear to us somewhat immod-
est, yet Williams tells us in his quaint way that “custom
hath used their minds and bodies to it and in such a freedom from
any wantonness that I have never seen that wantonness amongst
them as (with grief) I have heard of in Europe.”
There were no beggars amongst them nor fatherless children
unprovided for. Their affection for children was very strong,
and the latter took advantage of it and were often “saucy, bold,
and undutiful.”
In their treatment of diseases, besides the offices of the priests
above alluded to, they made use of medicinal plants and a vapor
bath like the Russian bath of our day. Visiting the sick by
friends and neighbors was a custom to which a religious atten-
tion was paid in all cases of disease except infectious ones. Of
that class of disorders the natives had a panic dread so great that
they would take up their houses and move away from the one in
which such a case occurred; thus such a house might be in a
populous town on one day and on the next be standing alone with
its dead or dying inmates.
Amongst their sports were foot-ball playing, in which town
would be arrayed against town on some broad, sandy shore, and
at which they had great stakings, but seldom quarreled; a kind
of dice made of plum stones, painted, which they cast in a tray,
and for this game they had gambling houses set apart, and a game
“like the English cards, yet instead of cards they played with
strong rushes”; but their chiefest sport and game was their
harvest festival, when they resorted by thousands to their festival
houses and spent the time with feasting, dancing, and giving gifts
to the poor.
Thus they lived—a powerful, peacefully inclined nation of
barbarians with elements of good that under different auspices
might have developed a great nation of red men; but instead, they
were destined in the short space of a life-time to pass through all
grades of degeneracy, and, as a nation, fade out of existence
through the blighting influence of the white men.
Had Roger Williams had the power to perform what he had
the will to do, their later history would have been far different,
but as one warm wind from the home of “Cotantowit” does not
make a summer, so the advent of one Christian white leader could
not bring the summer of Christian civilization to this nation. The
influences that surrounded and followed Williams were so much
more powerful than his good will that he was forced to see these
Indians, his friends, cut off, root and branch, and could only save
his fellow-colonists from the withering influences to which the
Indians succumbed.

CHAPTER III.
EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF PROVIDENCE, 1636–1644.
&
DETAILS OF SETTLEMENT — SCHEME OF LOT OWNERSHIP — POWERTY OF SETTLERs — NEGOTIATIONS WITH INDIANS — HOME-LIFE
– VERIN EPISODE — DEVELOPMENT OF COLONY — BLACKSTONE AND WILLIAMS — ANTINOMIAMS AND THEIR: SETTLEMENT
AT AQUIDNECK — DIFFICULTIES AND QUESTIONS OF JURISDICTION — BIRTH OF PROVIDENCE willIAMs— FORMATION OF FIRST
BAPTIST CHURCH — FIRST ATTEMPT AT REPRESENTATIVE Gover NMENT — SAMUEL GORTON – HIS EXPERIENCE AT PORTS-
MOUTH — AT PROVIDENCE — AT PAWTUXET — AT SHAWOMET – AT ROSTON – SITUATION OF PROVIDENCE IN wiNTER OF
1642–3 – NECEssITY of A CHARTER – Roger will IAMs Goes TO ENGLAND — OBTAINS A CHARTER — NARRAGANSETT
PATENT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY – ANALysis OF CHARTER – RETURN OF wiLLIAMs – HIS RECEPTION BY CITIZENS OF
&
PROVIDENCE.
HAviNG thoroughly studied the land from their elevated posi-
tion, Williams and his companions would descend to the spring,
and join the rest of their friends in their preparations for the re-
moval of their families from Seekonk Cove.
It is a singular fact that we have little reliable information as
to the precise time when the settlement was made or the number
of people engaged in it. It is extremely improbable that the six
men who made the canoe voyage we have described, were all the
men of the settlement of Seekonk Cove. Common prudence
would have prevented their leaving their wives and families with-
out some adult male protection and representation while they
were away. It is more probable that the first day's journey re-
sulted simply in choosing a locality at the spring, and that even
the first rude shelter was not made till they had returned and con-
sulted with their companions and then made subsequent trips
to examine the ground more minutely, and that it was some days
thereafter before the others of “their loving friends and neigh-
bors” removed to Providence. -
Their first organized action seems to have been the formation
of themselves into a body corporate, to be ruled by the majority
in all purely civil matters, to which Williams made over in equal
division all his rights in the territory on which they settled. This
right consisted in a verbal grant from Canonicus and Miantonomi
made a year or more before, which he now, probably verbally,
conveyed to his associates. -
There appears to have been an acquiescence in this rather loose
title to the real estate till 1637, when a so-called deed of confir-
mation was made by these sachems, establishing the bounds of this
first grant. This deed also extended the grant to all the land
from the Moshassuck and Woonasquatucket rivers to Pawtuxet
River, as also the grass and meadows upon the Pawtuxet River.
Later, on May 9th, 1639, this grant was further confirmed and ex-
tended by Miantonomi. A fac-simile of this deed in its present
mutilated condition together with a printed copy of its contents
is shown on page 29.
On this rather informal instrument rests all the title of Roger
Williams and his fellow-colonists to lands in Providence.
Among their earlier acts was the laying out of the form of their
settlement, which in time developed into the following plan:
Starting from a point to the eastward of the spring, at the
foot of the hill, and following the line of the shore, a road was
*
laid out to the northern shore of Mile-End Cove. From near the
spring to its southern extremity this road was washed on its west-
ern side by the waters of the great salt river. From the spring
the road was continued northerly along the foot of the hill till it
reached a comparatively easy ascent, by the side of a ravine by
means of which it partially ascended the hill and thence continued
northward to a point now known as Olney Street. This was the
town street, and its general course was the same as the North and
South Main streets of to-day. In after years as the settlers
pushed their clearings further north on the line of the Indian
trail to Pawtucket Falls, this street was continued in that direc-
tion. & º •
To the eastward of the swamps in the valley of a brook run-
ning into Mile-End Cove, another road, known as the Highway,
was laid out in a course generally parallel with this town street.
This, in after years, was known as the Ferry Road, though it
never led to a ferry, and is nearly identical with the present Hope
Street. *
At the north and south ends these two roads were connected
by transverse ways, nearly corresponding to Olney and Wickenden
streets of to-day. There were also two transverse highways,
where Meeting Street and Power Street now respectively run;
these were probably left open to accommodate the two Indian
paths or trails, the “Wampanoag” and the trail to Watchemoket
and Montaup. The land inclosed in this irregular oblong was
divided into narrow lots, each having a front on the town street
and running back to the highway, and each supposed to contain
five acres. These were the “home lots” of the settlers. Be-
sides these “home lots” each settler had an out lot of six acres,
many laid out along the shore to the south and east of Mile-
End Cove, and east of the highway as far north as “What
Cheer,” a tract on which was located “What Cheer Rock,” and
which was given by vote of the town in addition to the northern-
most of these out lots to Roger Williams. Other out lots were
laid out on the north side of the Woonasquatucket, “ and by the
west river,” and perhaps elsewhere. The land not included in
these two classes of lots was the common property of the town,
and, as new settlers came and were received into the town fel-
lowship, new home and out lots were set off and sold to them,
the proceeds of such sale being divided among the townsmen, or
the town's proprietors, as they came to be styled in later years,
28 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
when a class of townsmen were admitted to partial town fellow-
ship, and without right in the common lands.
To whom belonged each of the home and out lots cannot now
be told, but on the diagram shown on page 37, giving a sketch
plan of the town in 1646, the home lots are approximately desig-
nated, as given in a list made by Chad Brown about 1646.
Roger Williams’ house was opposite the spring, and stood
about forty-eight feet to the east of the present North Main
Street, and about four feet north of Howland Street. Next north
of him was the lot and house of Joshua Verin. Next south,
that of John Throckmorton. North of Verin was the house of
Richard Scott. South of Throckmorton was William Harris.
Up and down the length of the town street were built the houses
of other settlers. •
Some of the temporary houses of the “first comers” may have
been patterned after the Indian wigwams.
From the beginning, the colonists were obliged to maintain a
stern struggle for existence. They had lost the season's crop
from the seed planted at Seekonk Cove; what they could harvest
from the ground the first year of their settlement must have been
a scanty supply, and they were obliged to depend largely on the
fish and shell-fish of the Cove and rivers, the game of the forests,
the natural productions of the earth, and what little corn and
beans they could get from the Indians, for their food. •
They were poor. Williams had money due him at Salem but
could not readily collect it; probably the others were in an
equally bad situation and they had strained their resources to the
utmost to build at Seekonk, and to plant that seed there whose
harvest they were destined never to gather.
that Winslow, Governor of Plymouth, making a visit to Williams
that summer, at sight of their condition, felt constrained to place
a piece of gold in Mrs. Williams’ hands, which was thankfully
received and the gift gratefully acknowledged.
Hardly had the colonists rested in their new habitations when
news came that a Mr. Oldham had been murdered by Indians at
Block Island. Williams immediately sent word of the matter to
his friend, Governor Vane, of Massachusetts. In consequence of
the revenge for this murder taken by the Massachusetts authorities,
Sassacus, chief of the Pequots, organized a league to destroy all
the whites in New England, and sought to enlist the powerful
Narragansett nation in the scheme. In very fear for their exist-
ence, the Massachusetts Bay Colony called on Roger Williams, as
the one man who might save them, to prevent such an union.
Williams immediately upon receiving this request, scarce taking
time to acquaint his wife, went to the home of the sachems and
for three days and nights staid with them, and in face of the Pe-
quot emissaries, broke up their proposed league and made one be-
tween the whites, Narragansetts, and Mohegans. Preparations for
the war against the Pequots took up the winter of 1636–7 and it was
not till March, 1637, that the sachems’ deed to Williams was signed.
Meantime, new comers had been arriving at the settlement. To
some had been allotted lands and fellowship, and to prevent the
clandestine entrance of obnoxious persons into the community,
an order was passed prohibiting any person from selling his lot
to any person but an inhabitant, without consent of the town.
There was no church in this new town, but there was no want of
religious interest, and meetings were held in the houses for relig-
ious purposes, both on Sundays and week days. Out of this
custom grew the first internal dissension of which we have record.
Joshua Verin's wife claimed the right to attend, against the will
of her husband, the week-day meetings at Mr. Williams' house,
and because he refused to allow his wife to attend such meetings
he was called before the town for censure. William Arnold ob-
jected, saying, that when he had agreed to an order of the town
that no man should be molested for his conscience he never in-
So poor were they
tended that it should extend to the breach of any ordinance of
God, such as the subjection of wives to their husbands. John
Greene replied that if they should restrain their wives from the
freedom the men enjoyed in such matters, all the women in the
country would cry out against them; whereat Arnold answered:
“Did you pretend to leave the Massachusetts because you would
not offend God to please man, and would you now break an ordi-
nance and commandment of God to please woman P”
Some went so far as to be of opinion that if Verin would not
suffer his wife to have liberty, the church should dispose of her
to some other man that would use her better, and in conclusion
of the argument, when they would have censured Verin, Arnold
told them that it was against their own order, for Verin did what
he did out of conscience, and their order was that no man should
be censured for his conscience. This reply, though witty, was
not effective, for a vote was passed May 21st, that “Joshua Verin
for breach of covenant in restraining liberty of conscience, shall
be withheld liberty of voting till he declare the contrary.”
The excitement attendant upon this matter lasted some time,
and pending it Roger Williams made his first, the celebrated
initial deed to his associates. The initials of Verin cannot be
found amongst those of this deed. Verin, disgusted, left the
community. This incident places in a clear light some phases
in the early life of the colonists.
About this time, the Pequot War was carried on by the com-
bined forces of Massachusetts and Connecticut, the Narragan-
setts and Mohegans, and ended in the extinction of the Pequots as
a distinct tribe. - -
The little colony was now, under favorable circumstances,
working out its “lively experiment” of the establishment of a
democratic community, governing its members “in civil matters
only.” In form it was a strict democracy, having no delegated
powers. The people met in town-meeting and passed whatever
rules and orders they deemed necessary, choosing a clerk and
treasurer at each meeting.
In the spring and summer of 1637, new houses were built
along the town street, fields were cultivated and the colony showed
signs of active permanent growth. The new settlers brought
some ready money with them; trade was opened with the In-
dians, and Williams was able to enlist Boston capital to aid him to
develop the resources of the country. With Governor Winthrop
he bought, and stocked with goats and swine, the island of Chiba-
cuwese, or Prudence, whence, in times of scarcity, supplies of
food might be obtained. Later, in the winter of 1637–8, Gov-
ernor Winthrop sent further supplies to the colony, and its pros-
pects began to look more cheering.
At about this time the only instrument in writing now extant,
showing the principles of their organization, was signed. It
runs as follows, and is evidently the same in tenor as the origi-
nal compact of organization: . - ... -
“We whose names are hereunder, desirous to inhabit in the
Town of Providence, do promise to subject ourselves in active or
passive obedience to all such orders or agreements as shall be
made for the public good of the body, in an orderly way, by the
major assent of the present inhabitants, masters of families, in-
corporated together into a town fellowship and such others whom
they shall admit unto them only in civil things.”
While this infant settlement was thus struggling for existence,
but six short miles to the northward was a smaller settlement,
which deserves mention on account of the similarity in its origin
to that of Providence; from the fact of its being on territory which,
though then considered in Plymouth, was afterwards decided to
belong to Providence; and that its commencement was, perhaps,
earlier in date than that of Providence. It was that of the Rev. Wil-
liam Blaxton or Blackstone. Between Blackstone and Williams
THE
PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 29
2. º ...,
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FAC-SIMILE OF THE “ Town EVIDENCE,” OR ORIGINAL DEED, (As it now exists) from Canonicus and Miantonomi to Roger Williams.
“A true Copy of the Town Evidence as followeth:
At Nanhiggansick the 24th of the first month commonly called March, in the second
year of our plantation or planting at Mooshausick or Providence. Memorandum, that we
Caunaunicus and Meauntunomi, the two chief sachems of Nanhuggansick, having two years
since sold unto Roger Williams, the lands and meadows upon the two fresh rivers, called
Mooshausick and Wanasquatucket do now by these presents, establish and confirm the
bounds of those lands, from the river and fields at Pawtucket, the great hill of Neotaconko-
nutt on the northwest, and the town of Mashapauge on the west. As also in consideration
of the many kindnesses and services he hath continually done for us, both with our friends
of Massachusetts, as also at Quinickicutt and Apaum or Plymouth, we do freely give unto
him all that land from those rivers, reaching to Pawtuxet river, as also the grass and mead-
ows upon the said Pawtuxet river. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands.
In the presence of The mark “ of Caunaunicus.
The mark - of Setash. The mark + of Meauntunomi.
The mark - of Assotemewit.
1639 Memorandum 3. mo. 9th day. This was all again confirmed by Miantonomi, he
acknowledged this his act and hand, up the streams of Pawtucket and Pawtuxet without
limits, we might have for our use of cattle. Witness hereof
ROGER WILLIAMS.
BENEDICT ARNOLD.”

5
3O . THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS:
there was a remarkable degree of similarity and dissimilarity.
Both were born in England. Each had a classical education.
Both had been ministers of the Church of England. Each dis-
sented from that church and came to New England in search of
“soul liberty.” Blackstone came earliest to Plymouth, before the
settlement at Massachusetts Bay, and, unable to agree with the
narrow views there promulgated and enforced, he withdrew and
settled, with his family alone, on the peninsula of Shawmut, or
Tri-mountain, as he named it. When the Massachusetts Bay
colonists settled at Charlestown, Blackstone noted the unde-
sirability of that locality, and at his advice and invitation the
settlers went to Tri-mountain, where they founded the city of
Boston. Blackstone was living there while Williams was living
at Salem, and as the persecution against Williams grew warmers.
the relations between Blackstone and the Bay authorities grew
cooler, till, at the same time that Williams made his enforced
departure from Salem, Blackstone gathered his household goods
about him, and with his family departed to the westward, a vol-
untary exile, firing back a parthian shot in this pithy sentence: “I”
left England to get rid of the Lord Bishops; I leave Boston to get
rid of the Lord Brethren.” &
Making his way to the Seekonk River, he settled on its eastern
shore near Study Hill, so named by him, built himself a house,
which he called Study Hall, and devoted himself to study and
reflection (that portion of the river henceforth bore his name).
His amusement was horticulture, and he is said to have planted
the first orchard in this part of the country, and also originated
a new species of apple. When weary of the solitary beauty of
Study Hill, he would visit his friend Williams at Providence, and
his calm, reflective, logical mind probably exercised great influ-
ence on the enthusiastic, sanguine Williams. The friendship
between them lasted till death, yet seldom are two friends found
with greater points of difference. Blackstone, quiet, studious,
courteous, and refined, in a different age and surroundings would
have been an ornament to the highest and best society, but, then
and there, was simply an impractical man. Williams, quick and
enthusiastic, often reckless and careless in speech, yet gentle in
action and wise in counsel, was the man of the times. Blackstone
worked out the problem of soul liberty as applied to his own case
only—his settlement never increased. Williams thought for the
world, and his settlement grew till the influence of its primal idea
re-acted upon and converted his very persecutors, and that idea has
since spread like a banyan tree, taking root as it grows, till it bids
fair to shelter the whole world from the blazing sun of religious
persecution. Study Hill is gone. A railroad track passes over
what was its base. No man knoweth where was Study Hall.
Except to the student of history, Blackstone's name and memory
are even now passing out of recollection, save as it is perpetuated
in the beautiful river he loved, and associated with one short,
pithy sentence, while the fame of Roger Williams has come
sounding through the intervening centuries to the present, and
will go resounding down the dim aisles of future ages as long as
the English language is spoken or the English race is known.
In 1637, new religious difficulties were experienced in Massa-
chusetts Bay. The so-called antinomian controversy had arisen,
and in consequence the air of the Bay Colony became as unhealthy
for the followers of that heresy as it had been two years before
for Williams and Blackstone. Under the leadership of William
Coddington and John Clark, many of them determined to remove
to the southward. Loading their heavy goods on a vessel, they
sent it around Cape Cod while they themselves went overland
to Providence. Received there by Roger Williams, he advised
their settling at Sowams in Barrington, or Aquidneck Island, and
he went with Clark and two others to Plymouth to ascertain if
they claimed Sowams as in their jurisdiction. Finding it was so
claimed, but that Aquidneck was admitted to be without such ju-
risdiction, the antinomians decided to go to the latter place, and
on March 24, 1638, commenced a settlement at Pocasset, after-
wards called Portsmouth, on the northern end of that island. .
This colony grew rapidly, and in the spring of 1639, a portion of
the inhabitants moved to the other end of the island and formed
the settlement of Newport. This colony at Portsmouth agreed
“to be judged and guided by the absolute laws of Christ,” but
this agreement being found too vague for practical use, to enforce
these laws Coddington was elected judge, with a council of three
elders who were enjoined by a vote of the freemen to be guided
by God's laws. The religious difficulties in Boston caused many
to leave there who were not in full sympathy with the antino-
mians, and some came to Providence, swelling the number of its
inhabitants. In the summer of 1638, the first instance of ruffian
violence amounting to murder, on the part of the whites towards
the Indians, occurred in the town of Providence. Four stragglers
from Plymouth committed the crime. The murderers were ar-
rested at Aquidneck. The questions raised as to their disposition
show the ideas then held as to jurisdiction. Roger Williams
thought they should be tried at Aquidneck where captured, or at
Plymouth where they belonged. The Aquidneck people thought
they should be tried at Providence where the crime was com-
mitted. Governor Winthrop thought that the ringleader should be
given up to the Indians and the other three held for further con-
sideration, “there being no English jurisdiction where the crime
was committed.” Unfortunately the men were delivered to Ply-
mouth for trial, and the latter colony afterwards claimed that this
was an admission of their right of jurisdiction. In the autumn of
this year Roger Williams' oldest son, Providence Williams, was
born, being the first white male child born in the settlement. In
this autumn, or the winter following, the first church in this col-
ony and the first Baptist Church in America was formed. It used
no church edifice, but the people worshiped in pleasant weather
in a grove, and in inclement weather gathered in private houses.
The year 1639 was quiet and uneventful and the colony, grew
and flourished, but by the year 1640, it was found that the origi-
nal purely democratic form of government, practiced up to this
time, was impractical with a larger and more diverse population,
and on the twenty-third day of July, an organization was resolved
upon which vested the care of the general interests of the town
in five “disposers,” but with a right of appeal from their decis-
ion to the general town-meeting. It provided that as “formerly
hath been the liberties of the town, so still to hold forth liberty of
conscience.” It provided a somewhat complex system of arbitra-
tion for the settlement of disputes among citizens, but, curiously,
it provided no means of enforcing the arbitrator's award. It pro-
vided that the disposers should hold office three months and meet
once a month ; arranged for a division between the Pawtuxet
purchase and the general common of our town of Providence,
and contained other minor provisions. This agreement consti-
tuted the town government for some years. * .
During this year came Samuel Gorton, “bewitching and be-
maddening poor Providence.” Samuel Gorton was one of the
most grotesque characters of this grotesque age. A man of great
ability and individuality, of perfect sincerity, of strong pertinacity
in his very peculiar views, both of religion and politics; he was
a man who had the courage of his convictions, and the stocks, w
the scourge, the prison, and even the overhanging shadow of the
gallows could not make him deviate a hair's breadth from what
he deemed to be right. He fully agreed with Roger Williams in
his views on soul liberty and freedom of conscience, but he also
believed that the government of the Providence Plantations was
fatally defective in not having an authority of royal charter as its
basis, and believing so, he did his best to destroy it, apparently
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 3 I
never thinking of the anarchy that would follow, at least till a
charter could be obtained, if his views were carried out. And
yet Gorton may not have been so far wrong as his enemies have
represented. It is certain that after a charter was obtained, he was
one of the best and ablest citizens of the state, a sagacious coun-
selor, a wise and able negotiator, he won the confidence of the red
and white men alike, lived long in the land, and died respected.
Nevertheless, his presence in Providence at this time came near
destroying the infant state. He had settled at Portsmouth after
S.
s
s
The fatal defect pointed out, of its not providing means to enforce
the arbitrator's decrees in a contest with a bold, determined man
like Gorton, developed its weakness. Pending this excitement,
many of the citizens, for peace's sake, moved away and settled on
the “Pawtuxet purchase.” A follower of Gorton, one Weston,
was summoned before the disposers, his case referred to arbitra-
tors, and he refused to perform their award. Appeal was made,
as had been at Portsmouth, to the citizens, but with different
result.
S
§
r
ºf
RETURN OF ROGER WILLIAMS FROM ENGLAND, WITH THE FIRST CHARTER, 1644.
From a Painting by C. R. Grant.
being driven from Massachusetts as a heretic, but on a trivial dis-
pute arising from an act of his servant maid, and she being sum-
moned before the court, he forbade her appearing there, went to
the court himself, and denied its authority. There was no ap-
peal but to the crowd of on-lookers, to whom Coddington, Judge,
said: “All you that own the king take Gorton away and carry
him to prison”; and Gorton said: “All you that own the king
take Coddington away and carry him to prison.” The on-lookers
sustained Coddington, and Gorton was imprisoned, whipped, and
banished from the island. He came to Providence about March,
1640, and applied for permission to become a citizen to the gov-
ernment whose right to existence he was at that very time deny-
ing, and was refused, when, instead of leaving, or keeping quiet,
he began to argue the point with them, and later on, made another
application to the same effect. This was refused for the reasons
given, among others, that he was an “insolent, railing and turbu-
lent person, that some of his company (followers) had insulted
the disposers, that they had distracted and divided the town into
parties aiming to drive away the founders, had been ringleaders
in breaking the peace”; and the disposer giving these reasons,
notifies the town that he will sell out and move away if Gorton
and his followers are received as townsmen. He led many away
to be his followers, and probably the agreement executed as above
described, was one attempt made to quiet the turmoil he created.
-
The citizens divided, riot ensued, blood was shed, and the
majesty of the law remained unvindicated. In this alarming state
of affairs, thirteen of the colonists, in November, 1641, feeling
that the town government was unable to protect them, allowed
their fears to get the better of their discretion and appealed to
the Massachusetts Bay government, reciting the facts, and pray-
ing assistance and advice. The reply was, that unless they sub-
mitted themselves to that government, they had no warrant to
interpose in their contentions – an evident bid for such sub-
mission, and a distinct refusal to recognize any authority in these
plantations.
Seeing that the result of a longer continuance of the conten-
tions would be the ruin of them all, Gorton and his company
soon after moved to Pawtuxet. Unable to live without quarrel-
ing with their neighbors, they so alarmed and disturbed the Paw-
tuxet men that four of their principal inhabitants, despairing of
aid from Providence, and remembering the reply received from
Massachusetts the year before, in the fall of 1642 submitted
themselves and their lands to the government of Massachusetts
Bay. The latter received their submission, appointed these four
of the inhabitants justices of the peace, and notified Providence
not to exercise jurisdiction in that country, and that, if force was
used against them, they, the Bay, would use force to right them.
The object of Massachusetts Bay in this action was to obtain a

32 . gº THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
hold in the Narragansett country, and an outlet into Narragansett
Bay. tº
The Gortonists, alarmed at this action, wrote a reply to the
Bay, denying its rights to jurisdiction beyond its chartered limits,
including in the reply an immense amount of abstruse theology,
application or misapplication of biblical references, and a storm
of the bitter invective with which the controversial documents of
that day abounded. It was practically a defiance. This done,
they wisely quitted the place, bought of Miantonomi a tract of
land known as Shawomet, extending from Namquit, now Gaspee,
Point down the bay to the end of Warwick Neck, and twenty miles
inland, and there settled. The Massachusetts Bay authorities,
nettled at this defiance, procured from Pomham, sub-sachem of
Shawomet, and Soconoco, sub-sachem of Pawtuxet, submission
of themselves and their lands to that government, and a denial, by
Pomham, of his having assented to the sale of Shawomet to the
Gortonists. The hollowness of this denial is evident from the
fact that Pomham was a witness to the deed of the land in ques-
tion by his superior, Miantonomi, but a figure-head was all that
was wanted, and Pomham was base enough to serve as such.
The Bay authorities then acquainted the Gortonists of these
facts and summoned them to answer the complaints of the
sachems before the court at Boston. To this the Gortonists sent
another defiance. The Bay Colony then, in September, 1643,
sent three commissioners and an army of forty men to speak
with the Gortonists; lead them, if possible, to see their misdeeds
and repent, but, if the latter refused to do so, to look upon them
as men prepared for slaughter. The Gortonists were not of a
class “to see their misdeeds and repent” at the dictation of an
enemy. Consequently the army marched to Shawomet, in the
portion now known as Old Warwick, committed great atrocities
on their families and goods, captured the Gortonists and carried
them off in triumph to Boston, compelling them to march in
irons all the way. As a specimen of the stuff that Gorton and
his associates were made of, we would say that on their arrival at
Boston they refused to attend church unless allowed to speak
after the sermon. This permission was granted. They went to
church. The Rev. Mr. Cotton preached at them in his most
invective way, taking for a text Demetrius and the shrines of
Ephesus. When he concluded Gorton arose, took the same text,
applying it inversely, and preached back, flinging invective for
invective, to the wrath and disgust of the congregation.
Gorton was tried for heresy — the complaints of the Sachems
were forgotten — and sentenced, with some of his companions,
to death by the magistrates, but the deputies refused to sanction
the sentence. Gorton and six others were confined in irons, and
threatened if they proclaimed heresy, they should suffer death.
Their cattle were sold to defray the costs of seizure and trial.
Notwithstanding this sentence they continued to promulgate
their doctrines, and the authorities, not daring to execute them,
discharged them from jail and banished them from all places
claimed to be within the jurisdiction of Massachusetts Bay, in-
cluding Providence and the lands of the subject Indians.
We have been led, in order to give a connected account of the
Gorton episode, a little ahead of events as they were transpiring
in Providence.
To return to the winter of 1642–43. The situation of Provi-
dence Plantations was perilous in the extreme. Plymouth claimed
jurisdiction over all the plantations in Narragansett Bay. The
Massachusetts Bay Colony claimed it over the towns of Providence,
Pawtuxet, and Shawomet, and some of the inhabitants of the last
two districts acknowledged such jurisdiction. The experience
with Gorton had shown the weakness of the government against
determined internal resistance.
The Dutch of New Amsterdam (New York) had formed
trading posts at Dutch Island and elsewhere, threatening the
colony in case of war. It was necessary that some authority
should be vested in the colony that all would respect. The only
resource was decided to be the obtaining a separate charter from
the home government, and Roger Williams was sent to England
for that purpose in 1643. -
Notwithstanding all Williams had done for the Bay Colony in
the time of the Pequot War and his friendly relations with many
of its chief men, he was refused permission to embark from Bos-
ton for England, and was obliged to go to Manhattan, now New
York City, for that purpose.
He arrived in England only to find it involved in civil war.
King Charles was practically powerless. Parliament ruled the
realm, and the administration of the colonies was vested in a com-
mittee of which the Earl of Warwick, “as Governor in Chief and
Lord High Admiral of the Colonies,” was chairman. From this
committee he obtained a charter incorporating the colony of
Providence Plantations on March 14, 1643–4, substantially cov-
ering the territory now of the state of Rhode Island.
It is a curious fact that a charter called the “Narragansett Pa-
tent” was alleged to have been obtained by the Massachusetts
Bay Colony from this colonial committee, covering the same
territory as that obtained by Williams, and dated Dec. 10, 1643,
three months earlier than that of Williams. If this charter was
really granted there seems to be no good reason advanced why it
should not have had precedence over the one granted to Williams.
On the other hand, it seems hardly probable that a deliberate for-
gery of a charter should ever be attempted by the agents of the
Massachusetts Bay Colony. Yet the fact that while eagerly
grasping every opportunity to get a foothold in these plantations,
she never seriously pressed this claim,_contenting herself with
a formal notification of it some twenty months later, seems to
indicate something wrong in its inception. Williams himself
wrote of it: “It is certain that ... the Lord High Admiral
President said openly in a full meeting of the commissioners that
he knew no other charter for these parts than what Mr. Williams
had obtained, and he was sure that charter which the Massa-
chusetts Englishmen pretended had never passed the table.”
The charter thus obtained by Williams granted to the inhabit-
ants of Providence, Portsmouth, and Newport, a “free and abso-
lute charter of civil incorporation to be known by the name of
the incorporation of Providence Plantations in the Narragansett
Bay in New England, together with full power and authority to
govern and rule themselves and such others as shall hereafter in-
habit within any part of said tract of land by such form of civil
government as by the voluntary consent of all or the greatest part
of them shall be found most serviceable to their estate and condi-
tion: and to that end to make and ordain such civil laws and con-
stitution, and to inflict such punishment upon transgressors, and
for execution thereof so to place and displace officers of justice as
they or the greatest part of them shall by free consent agree unto.”
A larger power, a greater acknowledgment of, and freedom to
try their experiment of a “free democratical government” could
not well have been granted.
With this charter, and armed with a letter of protection from
the Earl of Warwick, Williams landed boldly at Boston and re-
traced through the same wilderness where he had fled a fugitive
less than eight years before, his way to Seekonk Cove. Then he
was a homeless refugee—now the acknowledged agent of a
colony, largely the work of his own hands, the growth of his own
planting, with far greater powers of sovereignty than Massachu-
setts Bay itself. The inhabitants of Providence, mustered in ca-
noes, met him at Seekonk Cove, and in an aquatic triumphal
procession escorted him home over the same course pursued by
that solitary canoe whose voyage in 1636, we noted before.
CHAPTER IV.
PROVIDENCE UNDER THE FIRST CHARTER, 1644–1663.
SITUATION OF THE COLONY IN 1644–CLAIMs OF RIVAL COLONIES — DIVISION AMONG THE COLONISTS — DUTCH TRADERS — THE
INDIAN QUESTION – TREATMENT OF INDIANS BY WHITES — THE UNITED COLONIES OF NEW ENGLAND – SKETCH OF INDIAN
WAR – PEACE NEGOTIATED BY ROGER WILLIAMS — HOME-LIFE IN THE TOWN — GRIST MILL — ADOPTION OF CHARTER —
WAR WICK ADMITTED — or GANIZATION OF Gover NMENT – DEATH OF CANONICUs – CoddingtoN's Move MENT – GoLD MINE
ExCITEMENT – Act of oblivio N – Town CHARTER OF PROVIDENCE – TERRITORIAL QUARRELs — Codd'INGTON's NEw CHAR-
TER – APPEAL to ENGLAND – HUGH BEwitt's TRIAL – codo1 NGTON's CHARTER v AcATED — NEw JEALOUSIEs – LETTER
OF HENRY VANE – Act of Town For “PEACE’s SAKE ” – PRISON AND STOCKs — will IAMS AND HARRIs controv ERsy —
PAWTUXET MATTER SETTLED — PROVIDENCE PROTECTS QUAKERs – CLAIMS AGAINST THE COLONY NEw LY PRESSED — PRov-
IDENCE APPEALS TO THE KING — DR. JOHN CLARKE – HE OBTAINS A CHARTER – wa MPUM ABOLISHED — REAL ESTATE
TITLES SETTLED — WAPWEYSET BRIDGE – NEW MEANING TO PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
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THE KING PHILIP WAR — A RAID ON THE SETTLERS.
Provide NCE PLANTATIONs, in spite of all its drawbacks, had
grown in the eight years since its founding to very respectable
dimensions. In and around the town of Providence alone, we
are told, there were one hundred and one men fit for military duty.
In the sister settlements of Portsmouth and Newport there was a
much greater number. In Narragansett there had been trading
posts established by Richard Smith and Roger Williams, and
many families were scattered on the islands in the bay. Taken
together, it was a promising colony, and it is no wonder if Wil-
liams' heart swelled with pride as he saw the growth already
accrued to his little settlement, and tried to pierce the mists
of the future, and to discern what might yet become of this
community in spite of the clouds that seemed lowering over
its existence; and these clouds were many and dark.
It is true that he had obtained a charter that was all his
heart could wish ; but the enemies of the colony were many
and bold, both within and without its limits.
As we have seen, the Massachusetts Bay Colony claimed
jurisdiction over Shawomet, or Warwick, the “Pawtuxet
Purchase,” and the town of Providence itself. Plymouth had
been prompted to insist on the claim, first advanced in 1637,
of jurisdiction over the whole colony, and neither showed any
disposition to relinquish their claims on account of the charter
obtained by Williams. The home government in England
was weak and tottering. How the civil war might terminate
was unknown. If in favor of King Charles there was little
prospect that a charter issued under the auspices of Parlia-
ment would be respected. The inhabitants of the colony
were divided. Many adhered to the Parliamentary party,
many to that of the king, many more were afraid to take
strong ground for either party for fear it might prove the los-
ing one. There were petty jealousies among the different
towns of the colony, and each town was divided by warring
factions amongst its own townsfolk, and for these reasons, we
must suppose, the charter remained unadopted till the year
1647. -
The Dutch of Manhattan were trading in the colony against
the orders of the different towns, and though their trade was
a boon, the manner in which it was carried on was a menace to
the security of the colony. But above and over all, lowered the
fearful Indian question. Had Williams alone to do with the In-
dians there never would have been any trouble. He had their
confidence and they had his. Coddington and Clarke at Aquid-
neck, though not possessing the happy faculty of Williams with
the red race, would never have had any serious trouble with them.
Aquidneck was isolated from the rest of the territory and they
had only to keep the Indians away from it; which they straightway

34 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
proceeded to do. Gorton, though in some respects literally at
swords' points with Williams, agreed with him in respecting, and
in being loved and respected by the Indians, and so with Black-
Stone.
It was not the leaders of Providence Plantations that made the
troubles with the Indians. It was the other New England colo-
nies, supplemented by that disorderly element that has always
been found on the border between white civilization and the red
men, that caused the enmity that was gradually undermining and
demoralizing the Wampanoags and Narragansetts, and finally
caused their extinction at the cost of fearful suffering to the whites.
It will be remembered that almost the first act of Williams
after settling at Providence was to negotiate an offensive and de-
fensive alliance between the Massachusetts colonies and the Nar-
ragansetts against the Pequots. This resulted in the extinction of
the Pequots and the salvation of the whites. Canonicus and
Miantonomi and the Narragansetts faithfully lived up to this treaty;
but there soon came on to the stage a set of disorderly men who
abused both the natives and the whites, and over whom we have
seen that the settlements of Providence Plantations did not think
proper to exercise a punitive authority. The murder of 1638
was followed by other outrages and murders. Robberies were
perpetrated on the whites and charged to the Indians. As an in-
stance, it was charged that the Indians stole two hundred goats
from Prudence Island. Investigation showed that the resident
agent there sold goats to ship-masters, pocketed the proceeds, and
accounted for the missing stock by alleging its theft by Indians.
Unfounded rumors were frequently spread abroad that the chiefs
were conspiring against the English, and then these sovereigns,
allies of the English, would be haughtily summoned to Boston, as
if slaves, to account for their alleged action. Peace was main-
tained, but it was a precarious one and such as to keep the set-
tlers of Providence in a state of anxiety. When in 1642–3, Mian-
tonomi sold Shawomet to Gorton, that act satisfied the Massachu-
setts Bay authorities that he must be suppressed. First they dis-
membered the tribe by inciting the sub-chiefs Pomham and So-
conoco to rebel and submit themselves to that colony's jurisdic-
tion and protection. Second, when Miantonomi was, through
treachery, captured by Uncas, chief of the Mohegans, also their
ally, the latter, hesitating as to the disposition to make of him,
delivered him to the English at Hartford, and referred the ques-
tion to the “United Colonies of New England,” meeting by
their commissioners at Boston. That league directed the Mohe-
gan to take and slay him, but charged him to commit the act
within his own territory, shrewdly guessing that any revenge the
Narragansetts might take would be upon the Mohegans, and thus
both tribes be weakened. This decision was the more outrageous
because, since his capture, Miantonomi had been put to ransom
and the Narragansetts had impoverished themselves to raise the
ransom, which had been paid to the Mohegans and received by
them before the murderous instructions of the league were car-
ried out.
This league of the “United Colonies of New England ” did
not include Providence Plantations. It was formed by Massa-
chusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven in 1643, princi-
pally for mutual defense.
Providence Plantations repeatedly applied to the league for
admission, but it was always refused. Different reasons were
given for these various refusals, but apart from the want of sym-
pathy in views on religious freedom, one great reason was the dif-
ference in the ideas prevailing here as to the proper treatment of
the Indians, from those in the other colonies.
The Providence idea was to live at peace with them and to de-
velop peaceful relations between their several tribes; to let Chris-
tian civilization live side by side with Indian society till the lat-
ter, by force of example, might be induced to accept the former
and “we be all loving neighbors together.” -
The idea of the other New England colonies was to divide, dis-
turb, and destroy the Indian powers by helping the weaker,
changing sides as the relative strength of the tribes varied, in
their battles against the stronger; by inciting insurrections of
tributary chieftains, and fomenting rebellions on the part of sub-
Sachems, and thus reducing the powerful nations till their forces
could be destroyed by the arms of the whites. With these radical
differences between them there could be no sympathy between
the New England union and Providence Plantations, and the lat-
ter were left to their own resources for protection against a foe
whom the former were continually goading into enmity. To add
to their difficulties, all trade was denied to Providence by Massa-
chusetts, even to the buying of arms and ammunition.
The murder of Miantonomi in pursuance of the orders of the
New England League, took place while Roger Williams was
in England and Samuel Gorton was in jail in Massachusetts.
The Narragansetts were inflamed with fury against the Mohe-
gans, but, impoverished as they were by their efforts in raising
the unavailing ransom they had paid to the Mohegans, they
were for the time being helpless. Upon Gorton’s release from
prison he went to Aquidneck, and thence at their request he
went to the Narragansetts’ country to consult with the sachems,
Canonicus and Pessicus, the latter being brother and successor
of Miantonomi.
By Gorton's advice the Narragansett sachems declared their
submission and allegiance to the king of England upon condition
of his majesty's royal protection; executed an instrument to that
effect and appointed Gorton and three others agents to carry this
submission to England. Gorton and his companions went to
England, partly on this mission and partly to prosecute their own
claims for Shawomet, in which they were successful.
In May, 1644, the Narragansett sachems were summoned to ap-
pear in Boston. They refused to do so; but by letter informed
the Massachusetts authorities of their submission to the king—
thus making themselves the peers of the Massachusetts govern-
ment— and that they proposed to make war on the Mohegans.
The Massachusetts government tried in vain to dissuade them
from their purpose. Pomham and Soconoco, fearing punishment
from the Narragansetts for their rebellion, applied to Massachu-
setts for aid, and an officer and men were sent in July to erect a
fort in Shawomet and remain there for their protection. The
United Colonies succeeded in averting war for the present, but
only temporarily, and this was the condition of affairs that Roger
Williams found to face him on his return from England with the
charter. -
In the spring of 1645 the war broke out. The Narragansetts
attacked the Mohegans and defeated them with great loss. Con-
necticut and New Haven sent troops to aid the latter. Massachu-
setts attempted to negotiate with the Narragansetts through Bene-
dict Arnold, one of the Pawtuxet submissionists. The Narragan-
setts, alleging treachery on his part, sent for Roger Williams
to negotiate for them. The United Colonies attempted to make
peace but this attempt failed, and Roger Williams, deeming
war inevitable, could only negotiate a condition of neutrality for
Providence Plantations, and notified the United Colonies to that
effect and the latter at once declared war against the Narragan-
SettS. e
Troops were arrned by the United Colonies and sent to the
front. The Narragansetts were alarmed at the activity of the
whites as combined with their Indian allies (the Mohegans) and
feared the results of a war. The United Colonies feared the pos-
sible results of a conflict with the Narragansetts. Providence
Plantations, though they had negotiated a neutrality with the Nar-
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
35
ragansetts, were in a position to suffer all the
losses of the conquered in case of the failure of
that tribe.
Under these circumstances peace between all
the parties was desirable. The one man that
possessed the confidence of all and the ability to
negotiate a peace was Roger Williams. For him
so to act with reference to the interests of Mas-
sachusetts alone, as has been well said of him,
“argues something more than human in the way
of forgiveness.” We will assume that the in-
terests of his own colony had some influence on
his action. He did negotiate a treaty of peace
between the contending parties in the fall of
1645, and the “Indian question" temporarily
ceased to overshadow the colony.
Meantime the town of Providence, spite of all
these difficulties, was slowly and steadily increas-
ing in wealth and population. More home lots
were laid out on the town street, and the clearings
were extended out along the line of the Indian
trail towards Pawtucket.
The home lot proprietors built their little
houses on their respective lots, setting them
back from the road so as to give each house a
strip of greensward around it. An orchard was
generally planted in the rear of the house, run-
ning up the western slope of the hill, and near
where Benefit Street now runs each proprietor
laid out a grave-yard where the family proposed ~
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liams' house, which is supposed to have been
the largest in the little town, was, according to
the traditional record of its foundations, about
28 x 40 feet.
The furniture of the settlers was as rude as their dwellings,
home made, for each settler handled the axe, the hammer, and the
saw. Rude, but solid chests and tables stood on the sanded floors.
“Settles” took the place of the modern lounge and sofa, and
were drawn up along the sides of the tables to furnish seats for
the family at their meals; chairs were as yet almost unknown in
the houses.
Iron kettles, wooden trenchers, articles of pottery, and among
the wealthier class, of pewter, served all their culinary purposes.
The wood of the forest furnished their fuel. “Pine knots their
candles were,” and under their flickering light the colonists, after
their day's work was done, discussed the news of the civil war in
England, the prospects of Indian disturbances, the weird intri-
cacies of Gorton's religious views, the local matters of the time
and place, and the vital distinctions of anabaptism, pedobap-
tism, antinomianism, and the other religious sectarian doctrines
of their day.
In front of the house and on the town street each householder
built him a well, except where the houses were closely gathered,
OLIVER CROMWELL,
Preserver of the Territorial Integrity of these Plantations.
and there one well would do for a group of houses. These wells
were undoubtedly placed on the street from motives of kindness
towards wayfarers, but they must have tended to make progress
at night time along the unlighted streets dangerous in the extreme.
Between the house and orchard each settler placed his barn and
out-buildings, thus gathering his most valuable property under his
personal inspection.
At their first coming the inhabitants had no cattle, and for the
first few years their possessions in domestic stock were confined
to goats and swine; but they now possessed many cattle. The
home lots, as soon as cleared of forest, were mostly devoted to
fields, and the cattle were pastured on the common meadows of
Weybosset, at the west side of the river. An old Indian trail led
down at the north of the present Steeple Street over a “clam
bank” which made a fording place to a neck of the island reach-
ing to where Washington Row is now to be found, and every
morning the boys and servants drove the cattle across this ford,
and followed the trail round Weybosset Hill across the island
and a ford on its west side to the meadows. Weybosset meadows




36 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
was an extensive tract, and there was another way of reaching
it at the north by fording the Moshassuck River at its lowest falls.
At night the cattle were driven back to the barns of their owners.
In the year 1646 the first public improvement in the town was
commenced in the establishment of a grist mill under the town
direction, by “John Smith, the miller,” at the lower falls of the
Moshassuck. The town granted him the land and water-power.
He was to erect, and repair the mill at his own cost; the town
promising not to erect or permit another mill. The town directed
that the second and fifth days of the week should be for grinding
the corn of the town, the other days to be the miller's own. The
one-sixteenth part of every bushel was to be the toll for grinding.
The mill was a stamping mill, and copying the action of the
mortar and pestle, pounded the grain into meal. -
The erection of this mill fixed the business centre of the town
at the Moshassuck Falls, and there it long remained. The first
new street laid out was to give access from the town street to the
mill. The first bridge built in the town was across the Mo-
shassuck just north of the mill. Other mills, a tannery, the first
tavern, the pound, the jail, all were located in its close vicinity,
and the south part of the town was comparatively neglected.
Meantime events were taking place in Old England that re-
acted powerfully on the destiny of this little colony. We have
noted that sentiment was divided in the colony as to the advis-
ability of acting on the Parliamentary charter till the issue of the
civil war became more definite. For years that war was carried
on in England with varying successes, till in January, 1646–47,
King Charles was surrendered by his Scottish army to the Par-
liamentary powers. This seemed to make it safe to act under
the Parliamentary charter, and as soon as possible after the news
reached here a general assembly of the people was held and
the charter formally adopted. Warwick was not named in the
charter, but Gorton had, since its granting, practically won his
cause in England, and had sent his colleague, Holden, trium-
phantly home. The latter passed through Boston under the power-
ful safeguard of the Earl of “Warwick. Shawomet was again
taken into possession and settled by the Gortonists, its name.
changed to Warwick, after their protector, and it was admitted to
the same privileges with the other three settlements at the open-
ing of the session of this assembly.
The Assembly declared that the form of government established
in Providence Plantations is “‘DEMOCRATICAL,” that is to say, a
government held by the free and voluntary consent of all, or the
greater part, of the free inhabitants.”
They provided that the seal of the province should be an anchor,
not a foul anchor, as by some strange mischance later crept into
use, though now happily restored to its pristine form.
The executive branch of the government was vested in a pres-
ident of the colony and four assistants, one from each town.
These officers were all elected by the General Assembly and had
no part in legislation. The keeping of the executive power
apart from the legislative, even to the extent of denying to the
executive a veto power, seems to have been a radical element
in the earliest organization of the colony.
The General Assembly was not then, as now, an assembly of
delegates, but was, in theory at least, an assembly of all the free-
holders of the colony. e .
Each town had a court of commissioners composed of six
members. The combined courts of commissioners of the four
towns composed the general court of trials, having cognizance of
weightier offenses, and constituting a court of appeals from the
town courts. This court met twice a year and afterwards
developed into the lower house of the General Assembly. The
assistants gradually ceased to be an executive body, became legis-
lative, and developed into the higher house of the General
Assembly. -
There was also a general recorder, a public treasurer, a general
Sergeant, and later, a general attorney and a general Solicitor, ap-
pointed for the colony. These complex arrangements were the
struggling efforts of a community of strongly individualized citi-
zens, with no precedents to guide them, to establish a democrati-
cal system that should do equal justice to all and oppress none.
That the system had elements of weakness can be easily seen, but
it was the “lively experiment” of earnest men working out
through their own experience a system of local jurisprudence,
and legislative and executive powers which gradually grew more
perfect, as in time the various stages of growth were developed ;
and each stage was carefully and earnestly discussed by our ances-
tors by the light of their flickering candles and the reflection of
their glowing fires. º
A code of laws was adopted by this first General Assembly
and provision made for the passing of general laws. One of
the laws, curious as showing the nature of the times, was the
statute of archery. It required every man between the ages of
seventeen and seventy to keep a bow and four arrows, and to ex-
ercise with them. Every father was to furnish each son, between
the ages of seven and seventeen, with a bow, two arrows and
shafts, and to bring them up to shooting. The object of this
statute was to provide a means of defense in the contingency of the
colony being unable to provide gunpowder for firearms, as the
United Colonies of New England refused to sell any to this
colony, and consequently its source of supply was rendered pre-
Call 10UIS,
The desire for public office was so little felt that heavy penalties
were imposed on all who, after being elected, refused to accept
public positions. . -
The death of Canonicus took place June 4, 1647.
The union of the four towns under one government did not
settle the disputes by which they were disturbed, nor did it cause
the adjoining colonies to cease in their efforts to dismember and
absorb the plantations. These efforts were aided by discontented
inhabitants of the different towns. Mr. Coddington, of Newport,
who had been chosen president of the colony, but who never
took his engagement as such, led a movement of the islanders of
Aquidneck, which had now become known by the name of Rhode
Island, in 1648, to withdraw from the plantations and join the
United Colonies of New England. This scheme was de-
clined by the United Colonies on the ground that the island be-
longed to Plymouth, and unless her jurisdiction be recognized
the application must be refused.
A fear of Indian war again swept over the land in 1648, but
happily the danger was averted.
In 1649 a great excitement was created throughout the colony
by the supposed discovery of gold and silver on the island of
Rhode Island. It was probably a “find” of iron pyrites or
“fool's gold,” the discovery of which in those early days caused
so many foolish excitements in the different colonies. It was
considered of sufficient importance for the Assembly to pass an
act taking possession of the mines and forbidding the intermed-
dling of the inhabitants with the ore.
The violence of party spirit had at this time compromised so
many of the leading men in the colony that it was deemed nec-
essary to pass “an act of oblivion,” so as to wipe out old scores
and be enabled to start afresh.
In May, 1649, the town of Providence received its first town
charter from the General Assembly. * &
In 1650 the colony felt strong enough to open negotiations on
the much vexed “Pawtuxet” questions, and summoned the Paw-
tuxet men and the sachems of Pawtuxet and Shawomet before
its court. The parties defendant appealed to Massachusetts
Bay. The latter colony sent a peremptory order to Providence
Plantations not to disturb their dependents in the territory in
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
\ºw- -
\ºº Rogea wºuluanas:
NºrººfiñºcºmoRION-
wºu Li Harºl
**ś ††
-Thomas
Nºſs Wºº-
ºn WATEºs
Marl
nanu
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Nººr ºf
NTGEoºt Ricº ano.
- -
*Tº EURflº,
º * —
NTº Kºkºrº
Myºsºvº
w
MAP OF PROVIDENCE IN | 664, SHOWING THE LAYOUT OF THE HOME LOTS OF THE ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS, also showing Indian trails through surrounding country,
- the only “roads'' at that time.
question, and then commenced a negotiation with Plymouth by
which the territory was transferred, first by Plymouth to Massa-
chusetts, and then by Massachusetts back to Plymouth. Why all
this juggling transference of territory, admitted to be in the juris-
diction of another colony should take place, can only be ex-
plained on the theory that each province believed that any one
of them able to get and hold the territory, would be supported
by whatever home government might come out uppermost in the
turmoil then taking place in England. William Coddington
evidently had the same feeling, for he was then in England nego-
tiating with the Council of State for a charter, which he obtained
in April, 1651, making himself governor for life of the islands of
Rhode Island and Comanicut. With this charter he returned and
attempted to make himself autocrat of those islands. This action
of Coddington suspended in part the working of the charter of
Providence Plantations, and if sustained, threatened the founda-
tions of the colony. -
A powerful party on the islands were opposed to Coddington's
course, and Providence and Warwick, recognizing the danger
that threatened their existence, joined with them in sending Dr.
John Clarke, of Newport, and Roger Williams as agents of the
colony, to the Council of State in England to present their claims
and to obtain a repeal of Coddington's commission, together with
a confirmation of the charter. Pending this appeal to England
the islands quietly submitted to Coddington, and the mainland
towns kept up their organization under the charter, and the other
questions of jurisdiction were allowed to hang in suspense.
In April, 1652, Williams and Clarke presented a joint petition
to the Council of State which was referred to the Committee on
Foreign Affairs. In the May session of the General Assembly
in the year 1652, a law for the abolition of slavery was passed by
Providence Plantations, which is believed to be the second legis-
lative attempt on this continent, if not in the world, to produce
t;
that effect. In this year, as if to add to their other troubles, war
arose between England and Holland, and difficulties with the
Dutch traders of Manhattan were added to their complications.
In September, 1652, the Council of State of England granted
leave to the colony to go on provisionally under their charter, and
in October the commission of Coddington was vacated.
During the fall of this year a proposition was made by the
colony to Roger Williams that he should get himself appointed
by the home government governor of the colony for one year,
hoping thus to add stability to the government; but he, aware of
the danger of such a precedent, as recognizing a power in England
to appoint rulers for the colony, declined to accept the proposal.
During this same fall, Hugh Bewitt, one of the committee of
Providence, was charged with high treason, tried before the court
of trials, and found guilty. He appealed to the court of commis-
sioners; a trial lasting four days resulted in an acquittal.
In February following, the letters from England, containing the
repeal of Coddington's commission, arrived, and there appeared
to be no reason why the colony should not be reunited. But
now a new jealousy arose.
Providence and Warwick claimed that they alone were Provi-
dence Plantations. Their charter and organization had never
been suspended, and therefore, the General Assembly to receive
the orders of the Council of State should be held on the main-
land. The island towns claimed that it should be held on the
island. Neither party would yield, and the division continued
another year, to the eminent peril of the colony.
In May, 1653, two distinct general assemblies were convened
at the same time, one at Newport and one at Providence. Some
Providence and Warwick men, dissatisfied with the Providence
assembly, went to Newport, and assistants for those two towns
were appointed there; thus making two sets of assistants, one
appointed by one assembly and one by the other.



38 g THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
Mr. Coddington refused to surrender the records to the Assem-
bly, having received no order from England to that effect or any
proof that his commission was annulled. A more chaotic state
of affairs than then prevailed in the colony cañnot readily be
conceived. It seemed as if, between inter-colonial, Indian, and
foreign enemies without, and their own dissensions within, the
Providence Plantations were doomed. Sir Henry Vane, the best
friend abroad that Providence ever had, wrote an imploring letter,
urging them to reconcile their feuds “for the honor of God and
the good of their fellow-men,” in which he despairingly asks:
“Are there no wise men among you? No public self-deriying
spirits who can find some way of union before you become a
prey to your enemies?”
It would appear that there were none, for it was not till Roger
Williams returned from England in June, 1654, that peace was
made and a reunion effected between the contending parties.
Williams appeared to have more influence in effecting peace in
the rest of the colony than at home, for dissensions continued in
the town of Providence after they were quieted elsewhere, till
finally in Jane, 1655, the following vote was passed : “Whereas,
there has been a great deal of debate this day about Thomas Olney,
Robert Williams, John Field, William Harris, and others, con-
cerning the matter of a tumult and disturbance in the winter,
.—; it was at last concluded by vote that for the colony's
and for the public welfare, and for peace's sake it
should be passed by and no more mentioned.” A little more of
this spirit exercised a little earlier would have been a great boon
to the colony.
In this year all the inhabitants of the colony were required to
sign a submission to His Highness the Protector (Oliver Cromwell)
and the Parliament; if any refused they were declared to be en-
titled to “no benefit or privilege in any law of the colony.” This
action was caused by the fact, that upon complaints made to him,
Cromwell had written a letter confirming the charter and promis-
ing to protect the colony. This letter prevented further attacks
upon the colony by its neighbors during the life of the “Protector.”
In the same year a prison and a pair of stocks was ordered to be
erected in Providence, and in the following winter a fort was
erected on Stamper's Hill to protect the town from the Indians.
Previous to the year 1656, discord broke out between William
Harris and Roger Williams, and for specimens of hearty vitupera-
tion the charges and counter charges that passed between them
may be taken as models. Williams, however, was president of
the colony and as president he could and did in 1657 issue a war-
rant for the arrest of Harris on charge of high treason against the
Commonwealth of England. It does not appear that Harris had
committed any overt act. His crime, if such it could be called,
was in his teachings and should not have rendered him subject
to such a course of persecution. The charge of high treason was
subsequently dropped by mutual consent.
In 1658, the difficult matter of the “Pawtuxet men’’ who had
claimed to be under Massachusetts' jurisdiction since 1642, was
settled by their withdrawing their allegiance from Massachusetts
and acknowledging allegiance to Providence Plantations.
sake
Since 1656, the sect of the Quakers had been increasing in New
England, and had been fiercely persecuted by the United Colo-
nies. In Providence Plantations alone did they enjoy an unmo-
lested retreat.
The commissioners of the United Colonies wrote to these Plan-
tations urging them to banish the Quakers here, and prevent any
more entering the colony. The reply of the Plantations was that
“Freedom of Conscience is the ground of our charter and it
shall be maintained.” Again, in 1658, Providence Plantations
was urged to join in the persecution of the Quakers with threats
of exclusion from all intercourse or trade with the rest of New
England if she refused, but the little colony stood true to her
colors, and appealed to God and to Cromwell for protection and
support. Many citizens of the town of Providence were personal
sufferers in this persecution. Three of the family of Richard
Scott suffered publicly at Boston. -
In September, 1658, Oliver Cromwell died, and all New England
was in a state of uncertainty. What might happen in Old or New
England none could tell. His son Richard attempted to wield
his sceptre but after a short trial failed, retired, and in June, 1660,
Charles II., son of the executed king, ascended the throne.
Amongst the earliest acts of his reign was one nullifying all those
of the Long Parliament, thereby leaving Providence Plantations
without a charter. With matters in this condition and the pleas-
ure of the English Government as to the future of Providence
Plantations unknown, in 1661 Massachusetts asserted anew her
claim to the whole of the “Plantations from the Pequot River
to the Plymouth line,” and in the next year Connecticut put in a
claim that all west of the shore of Narragansett Bay belonged to
her. But the little colony felt stronger than in its earlier days and
boldly bade its sister colonies defiance, re-asserted its jurisdiction,
and appealed to the king for justice. -
Besides a just cause they had the confidence that comes from
having an able and trusty advocate. Dr. John Clarke, of New-
port, the agent of the colony, was one of the noblest productions
of that age. To his native abilities were added all the advantages
of superior education and those derived from intercourse with
men of all classes, from the common citizen to the highest rank of
rulers. He was actuated by the highest degree of patriotism, and
unselfishly gave his best energies to the interests of the colony of
his adoption, and to him more than to any other individual the
colony owed the successful attainment of its charter. Yet with
all these facts in their favor there must have been much trepidation
in the colony till the glad news came in November, 1663, that
Mr. Clarke had secured for the colony a charter re-affirming in
clear and explicit terms all the powers that had been granted in
the former one.
In the year 1662 three events occurred of great importance to
the business interests of Providence. The first was the abolishment
of the use of wampum peage as a legal tender. It had been for
years steadily depreciating in value, and its use as currency long
since abandoned, in other colonies, but in this, the home of its
coiners, its use had continued till the irresistible “ logic of events”
compelled its abandonment.
The second was the quieting and securing of land titles. These
had become so confused and so many of them rested on merely
verbal transfers that a law was passed vesting the ſee in whoever
should, having possession, record his title, after it remained a cer-
tain term undisputed.
The third, which was strictly local, was the building of the first
bridge in the town.* This was the bridge of Wapweyset over the
Moshassuck River near the town mill and close by, if not on, the
site of the present Stevens Street Bridge. This giving convenient
access to the northern part of the Weybosset meadows, was some-
times spoken of as the bridge to Weybosset, and by some later
writers has been confounded with Weybosset Bridge, which was
not built till half a century later.
With the advent of King Charles' charter the Colony of Provi-
dence Plantations ceased to exist. The colony was afterwards
known legally as Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, and
by common consent the title “Providence Plantations” became in
time restricted to Providence County, and to that we shall gener-
ally adhere in tracing its future history.
* Bridges had existed in the town before this. Previous to 1652 we find mention of
money paid for “mending the bridge”; and as early as 1642 citizens were forbidden to
cut timber “for their private use on the common lands of the town within two miles of the
bridge,” or bridges, the word is so blindly written that it may be singular or plural.
This bridge probably crossed the Moshassuck River at a point higher up than the Wapwey-
set Bridge.
CHAPTER V.
THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT, DESTRUCTION, AND RESTITUTION OF PROVIDENCE, 1663-1701.
synopsis oF KING CHARLEs’ CHARTER —BOUNDARY DISPUTEs — votes SENT TO NEWPORT – TOWN DEVELOPMENTS, MILLS, ETC.— .
waR ALARMs — Town-MEETING FEUD — TREASURER’s REPORT IN 1667— Roger WILLIAMS A TOLL-KEEPER – HIS POVERTY
— Roger willIAMS AND THE QUAKERs – No TIME-PIECE IN THE COLONY — CALM BEFORE THE STORM – KING PHILIP's
wAR — NARRAGANSETT swamp FIGHT — PREPARATIONs For CONTEST – PEIRSE FIGHT – NINE MEN'S MISERY — BURNING
of PROVIDENCE — WAITING — CAPTURE AND DEATH OF CANONCHET — FATE OF THE NARRAGANSETTS – TOWN-MEETING,
I 676 — RETURN of REFUGEEs — REBUILDING Town — HARBOR DEVELOPMENTS BEGUN — FAST RIDING FORBIDDEN – AD-
VENT of LUxURIES — SLow GRowth of town — DEATH OF ROGER WILLIAMS — ASCENSION OF KING JAMES – RULE
OF THE COUNCIL — RULE OF ANDROS — FALL OF ANDROS — PAYMENT OF TAXIES – SMALL-POX – PHIPPS EMBROIL-
MENTs — FIRST Post-office — town UNABLE to ELECT OFFICERs – PRISON ExCITEMENT — STOCKS — INNS — FAIRS —
watch FOR INDIANS — PRIVATEERS AND PIRATES — NORTH BURIAL-GROUND – PROVIDENCE REGAINS ITS RANK IN THE
colony—Evolution OF LAND TITLES IN PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
THE charter of King Charles II., while far more verbose and
voluminous than the Parliamentary one, can hardly be said to be
more broad, but it has great advantages in the way of specific
definiteness in many matters in which the earlier one was lacking
in that quality. As instances: The bounds of the colony are
given definitely, as is the right to freedom in all matters of relig-
ious concernment; so is the power to make such laws as, to the
freemen of the colony shall seem meet, and to rule, order, and
dispose of all matters and things; a system of government is
provided more in detail; power is given to organize such courts
as they shall think fit for the determining of all actions, cases,
matters, and things happening within said colony, and to enforce
the decisions of such courts; to raise, equip, and direct armies,
to declare martial law, and to destroy all persons who shall attempt
the destruction or detriment of said colony; to travel through and
trade freely with all other colonies. In all cases of dispute be-
tween this and other colonies an appeal is provided to the throne
of England and the territory is to be held in free, and common
socage and not in capite nor by knight service, yielding and pay-
ing therefor “only the fifth part of all the ore of gold and silver”
which shall be there gotten, in lieu of all services, duties, fines,
“claims, and demands whatsoever to be to us (the King) our
heirs or successors therefor or thereout rendered, made or paid.”
A due consideration of these powers and of the course of the
English government in the century following the granting of the
charter shows why our ancestors, with the most loyal feelings at
heart towards that government in the abstract, found themselves
in 1776, in arms against the administrators thereof. For the pres-
ent we confine ourselves to tracing the gradual evolution of the
events leading up to that climax. *
The settling of the boundaries by the charter did not finally
conclude the claims of jurisdiction over this colony’s territory.
It was necessary to use the right of appeal granted by the charter.
Upon such an appeal, in April, 1664, a royal commission was
granted to Col. Richard Nichols, Sir Robert Carr, George Cart-
right, and Samuel Maverick to reduce the Dutch provinces in
America to English subjection and to determine all questions of
appeal and of jurisdiction and all boundary disputes arising in
the New England colonies. Pending the action of these commis-
sioners, still another claimant for the territory of the colony arose.
This was the Duke of Hamilton, who claimed all the land from
the Connecticut River to Narragansett Bay, and to the north-
west from the head of the bay for sixty miles, thence in a south-
west course to the Connecticut River and all islands within five
leagues of those limits, by virtue of a deed of feoffment from
Plymouth Council to his father in the spring of 1635.
The seal of the colony adopted at this time was the name
“Rhode Island and Providence Plantations” with an anchor, and
the word “Hope” above it.
In the summer of 1664 the royal commissioners arrived in
America and proceeded to reduce the Dutch colonies. Pro-
vision was made to raise two hundred men in this colony to
assist in this measure, but fortunately their services were not
needed owing to the ready surrender by the Dutch.
In February, 1664–5, the royal commissioners attempted to fix
the bounds between this colony and Plymouth, but deeming it a
hardship to the latter to adopt the line as claimed by this colony,
adopted the east shore of the bay as a provisional line till the will
of the king should be known. The commissioners also received
submission of the Narragansett sachems to the king and pro-
vided a system of ruling their country by the government of this
colony. They settled the claims of Massachusetts Bay Colony in
regard to Warwick by a decision in favor of the Rhode Island
and Providence Plantations. Massachusetts appealed from this
decision to the king and in their address to him described the
inhabitants of this colony as “Indians, Quakers, libertines, and
malefactors.”
This appeal was unavailing, and though there were in after
years disputes with adjoining colonies as to portions of its terri-
tory, from this time forth the colony of Rhode Island and Provi-
dence Plantations was reasonably sure of its territorial integrity.
In the October session, 1664, of the General Assembly, to save
the freeholders from the necessity of personal attendance at the
General Assembly election, it was provided that the freemen who
4O - THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
did not attend in person might give their votes, sealed up and
with their own name on the outside, to a magistrate, at any
regular town-meeting, to be delivered to the executive at the
court of election in Newport, there to be opened and counted.
This was probably the origin of our custom of sending the votes
of the people to Newport there to be opened and counted at
“Newport election,” when all the freemen of the state are, in
theory, supposed to be gathered in Newport and there cast their
VOtes. -
Meantime in the town of Providence new settlers were entering
upon lands to the west and northwest of the original settlement
and the town was increasing both in wealth and population.
Though Providence owned no vessels at this time, yet a com-
mercial business was carried on, probably in vessels owned else-
where that loaded here with cargoes for the Barbadoes and per-
haps other West India ports. The nullification of the first charter
had raised doubts in many minds as to the validity of the town
charter granted under it, but falling back on their old time town
organization they had elected town officers till the General
Assembly passed an act prescribing the election of a town
council, clerk, constable, and sergeant in each town.
In 1667 England being then at war with France and Holland,
fears of an Indian war were prevalent through the state. In
Providence a council of war was organized. The “Train
Band ” militia which had been organized under the charter-
power to raise and equip armies, drilled into readiness for action;
all ammunition in private hands was required to be given up for
public uses, and a beacon was erected on Moshassuck, now Pros-
pect Hill, by which, in connection with others, an alarm might be
spread over the whole colony. Fortunately these measures of
defense proved needless.
In June of this year there was a town-meeting feud between
parties led by William Harris, whose difficulty with Roger
Williams we noted in a previous chapter, and William Carpen-
ter, assistants, on the one side ; and Arthur Fenner, the third
assistant, on the other. This was the earliest of those squalls
of which so many have darkened the political air of these
plantations since then. Each party called a separate town-meet-
ing, appointed separate town officers and delegates to the General
Assembly.
Harris, as assistant, entered a complaint and indictment against
Fenner for “acting in a route” (riot) upon town-meeting day.
A special session of the General Assembly was called to try the
question and each set of delegates applied for admission as mem-
bers of that assembly. The Fenner delegates were admitted.
Fenner with his deputies were acquitted of the charge against
them. The town officers elected at the Fenner meeting were
declared legally chosen, and Harris was fined fifty pounds for
causing, by issuing the indictment, the special session. Harris
was also expelled from his office as assistant. The fine was
never paid, but ultimately was remitted. In the next year, 1668,
Harris and two of his partisans were chosen assistants and the
Fenner party was dropped. It is to be noted that assistants from
the town of Providence were elected by freemen of the colony and
not by freemen of the town alone. The governor refused to admin-
ister the engagement of office to Harris. The deputy governor
qualified him, apparently regardless of the governor's views.
Warwick protested against such action and refused to acknowl-
edge Harris as a legal officer, and the town of Providence
petitioned the governor and council that Harris and coadjutors
might be declared disqualified for office; that the fine imposed as
above might be collected, and that the three men might be pro-
ceeded against for high treason. Evidently “politics ran high "
in those days. Of this petition no notice was taken.
In June, 1667, the town treasurer reported that during the pre-
vious year he had neither received nor paid out any money, a
singular state of affairs, to say the least.
In February, 1667–8, Roger Williams was appointed keeper
of Wapweyset Bridge, apparently to keep it in repair and re-im-
burse himself out of the tolls he might receive from strangers
for its use. Townsmen were to pay no toll but to contribute in
labor, etc., in certain proportions towards its maintenance. It
seems that no one else was willing to assume the burden and risk
of so doing, and Roger Williams, true to his nature, though now
in old age and poverty, came forward to help his fellow-townsmen
out of their difficulty. -
The local dissensions in Providence continued. Double sets of
town officers were appointed, and actions and indictments were
flung back and forth between the contending parties till, after
repeated attempts at pacification by the legislature, in 1670
peace was restored, and William Harris was not elected an
assistant. Roger Williams, William Carpenter, and Thomas
Olney were so elected. -
In this year, of a colony tax of £300, £57 were assessed on
Providence. Individually William Harris was assessed £3 Ios.,
William Carpenter £2 Ios., and Roger Williams Ios. When we
consider that originally the latter owned all of the plantations
and that he had spent his substance for the good of the colony,
these figures speak volumes of eulogy.
At or before 1671, a tannery had been established near the mill
and a highway laid out going down from the town street to the
bridge, mill, and tannery. This must have corresponded with the
present Hewes Street.
It will be remembered that in 1656 and later, when other
colonies were persecuting the Quakers, that sect found refuge and
toleration in Providence Plantations. The sect had thriven till it
included as its members many of the leading citizens of the colony.
Its head-quarters were on the island of Rhode Island, but its
disciples were scattered all over the mainland towns and the
colony was "often spoken of as approving of their doctrine.
Roger Williams felt called upon to make clear the distinction
between toleration and approval, by attacking the tenets of the
sect with as much zeal as he had showed firmness in defending
the bodily safety of its members. George Fox, its originator and
leader, was in this colony in 1672 and Williams challenged him to
a public disputation of doctrines to take place partly in Newport
and partly in Providence. At the age of more than three score
years and ten, the “old man,” as he was denominated in the
debate by his opponents, rowed himself to Newport to enjoy his
polemics. The challenge had not been delivered to Fox and he
had left the country in ignorance of it, but Williams went for a
discussion and he was accommodated. Quakers were there ready
and willing to dispute with him. For three days the dispute was
kept up in Newport and then adjourned to Providence where it
was afterwards concluded. The record of this controversy is
preserved in two works: one by Roger Williams entitled George
Fox digged out of his Burrowes, and one by George Fox and
John Burnyeate, the latter of whom took part in the discussion,
entitled A New England Firebrand Quenched, both of which
works redound more to the credit of their authors for zeal and
powers of invective than for logical acumen or discretion. The
result was the usual one in such discussions. Each side was
satisfied that it was right. To us, one of the most interesting
points revealed in the above record of the discussion is a state-
ment of Roger Williams from which it would appear that there
was not a watch, clock, nor “quarter-glass” to be had in New-
port. As Newport was its wealthiest place there was probably
none in the colony. -
After this episode came a period of peace and steady develop-
ment of the country. Joseph Jencks bought land in Providence
THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. 4 I
(at Pawtucket) and established a forge and
saw mill there and was able to furnish the
colonists with many articles of hard and
woodenware that before then could only be
obtained at great expense of importation.
There was some alarm in 1673, caused by a
Dutch fleet that was hovering off the coast,
but the conclusion of a peace between Eng-
land and Holland early in 1674 dissipated all
anxiety on that score. All then seemed to
indicate a long career of prosperity to Provi-
dence, but it was the delusive calm before a
storm. The most destructive tornado was
about to burst upon these plantations that
they have known since their settlement. It
was the old storm cloud—the Indian problem
— that was gathering its forces to break upon
them in ruin. Before it broke, one of the
actors of this historical drama, William Black-
stone, the recluse and scholar, peacefully
passed to the future world from his home of
Study Hall, ripe in years and reflection, and
happy in that he did not live a few weeks
longer to see his settlement destroyed by the
Indians with whom he had always lived at
peace, and amongst whom he had found that
opportunity for calm self-development denied
him in contact with his own race.
Metacomet or Philip of Montaup (Mount
Hope), the son and immediate successor of
Massasoit, chief sachem of the Wampanoags,
having seen tract after tract taken away from
his dominions by the English and in his own
words, “determined not to live till he had no
country,” had been planning for years a war
of extermination against the whites. The
war opened in Plymouth in June, 1675, and
Swanzea was utterly destroyed. To prevent
the Narragansetts from joining the Wampa-
noags, an army of the “United Colonies”
league, in violation of the rights both of this
colony and of the Narragansetts, marched into
their country and extorted from them a treaty
of alliance by which they became bound to
deliver up any of Philip's subjects who might
come within their power. This army then went in pursuit of the
Wampanoags. Hamlet after hamlet, town after town, and
troop after troop of men were destroyed by the Wampanoags in
Plymouth and Massachusetts.
Providence Plantations as yet found its security in the affection
of the Narragansetts. The latter, however, were thoroughly exas-
perated against the United Colonies and determined to disregard
the treaty that had been forced upon them. Accordingly when
the Wampanoags sent their women and children to the Narragan-
setts for protection from the whites they were received, and to the
demand of the league that they be surrendered, the haughty
Canonchet, son of the murdered Miantonomi, declared that “not
a Wampanoag nor the paring of a Wampanoag's nail should be
delivered up.” Thenceforth the league considered the Wampa-
noags and the Narragansetts as one – an enemy to be extermi-
nated. Against the chartered rights of Rhode Island and Provi-
dence Plantations, against the rights of the Narragansetts under
their submission to royal authority, and in violation of the guar-
antees of the king himself, the United Colonies of New England
in December, 1675, raised an army of over eleven hundred men
CHARLES II.,
King of England, Grantor of the “Charter."
and marched them through this colony to attack the Narragansetts
in their winter quarters which were in a swamp in what is now
South Kingstown. As a portion of that army marched through
Providence and Warwick many inhabitants of those towns were,
through fatal error or wicked perverseness, induced to join it as
volunteers.
The neutrality of Providence Plantations had been strictly ob-
served by the Indians, and no warlike blow was struck on its soil
till after its inhabitants had thus joined the forces of their enemies.
Could Roger Williams and Samuel Gorton have been gifted with
power to have controlled those thoughtless and irresponsible men
how different might have been the result!
The winter quarters of the Narragansetts, improperly called a
“fort,” consisted of an island covering three or four acres of
ground and rising but a few inches above the high water level of
the swamp in which it stands. It is about a quarter of a mile to
the west of the present railroad at a point nearly a mile and a half
southerly from the Kingston station.
The greater part of this island was covered with wigwams in
which lived the natives and in which were stored the reserves of

42 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
grain and food belonging to the tribe, collected for their winter
subsistence. Partially surrounding it was a rude hedge fence of
dead bushes and branches with a few rude block-houses, built in
clumsy imitation of those of the whites, to protect its weakest
points. There was a long gap in the hedge and no protection
was found in the surrounding swamp as it was frozen so that the
troops could march over it. The only protection at the gap was
a long tree trunk laid in it, one end resting at each side of the gap
and at a height from the ground such that an attacking force
could either creep under or leap over it. In this fort were
gathered the old men, women, and children of the tribe and prob-
ably the women and children of the Wampanoags, with some
Narragansett warriors. This “refuge’’ was attacked on Sunday,
Dec. 19, 1675. The white troops gallantly marched across the
frozen swamp, through the gap and passed under or over the tree
into the fort. They were driven out by the Indians, again
advanced, and after some three hours’ “fighting” at this point
some one set the hedge or one of the wigwams on fire. The wind
was from the northeast— the fire was set on the northeast side
of the island and leapt from one inflammable wigwam to another
till it spread over the whole place; the winter stores of pro-
visions were destroyed, the savages fleeing from the burning fort
shot or driven into the swamp to perish of hunger or cold,
and “it was a glorious victory.” This is in brief the history
of the battle as given in letters of Massachusetts soldiers and
officers, who took part in it and wrote “whereof they knew.”
The loss of the Indians in the battle will never be known. It is
estimated that one thousand perished, of whom three hundred or
more were burned. The loss of the whites was just eighteen
killed in the fight and fifty died after, probably mostly from suf-
fering caused by the precipitous retreat of some sixteen miles, to
Wickford, which this conquering army judiciously made before
they slept, on the night of what a Massachusetts authority con-
siders “one of the most glorious victories ever achieved in our
(Massachusetts) history.”
A pitiless war was now fairly entered upon.
Narragansetts ranged the forests, and it was known that those who
survived the hardships of the winter would spare neither age nor
sex of the whites who fell within their power. The army of
the league remained in Wickford till reinforced and resuscitated,
when they marched off and left the inhabitants of these plantations
to their fate. The inhabitants of Warwick, leaving a garrison in
one stone built house, removed bodily to the island of Rhode
Island and there kept up their town organization for fifteen
months till the war was over.
The town of Providence made an urgent appeal to Governor
Coddington for help but the latter felt, perhaps justly, that there
was not more than force enough on the island to secure it from
the foe; that by dividing his force he only ran the risk of losing
everything, and that he could properly do no more than to offer a
refuge on the island to all the inhabitants of the mainland towns.
This he cheerfully did. The women and children and all the
men of Providence except some thirty or thereabouts, of whom
we have the names of twenty-seven in a list of those “who
staid and went not away,” fled to the island.
The island was placed under martial law and a naval service of
armed boats kept a constant patrol surveillance around it. There
were two houses in Providence deemed capable of serving as
garrison houses. One was the fort whose erection on Stamper’s
Hill we have noted on page 38, and of this Roger Williams, who
was captain of the train band, took command with a portion of
the townsmen who remained. The other was that of William
Field, near the present foot of Hopkins Street, where Captain
Arthur Fenner with the other remaining men were posted. Dur-
ing February and early March, 1676, N. S., the war was
The exasperated.
carried on mainly in Massachusetts, and consisted of a series of
victories for the Indians. On March 16th, O. S., the town of
Warwick was attacked and every house except the stone one
mentioned was burned and one white man killed. On Sunday,
March 26th, O. S., Captain Peirse with a force of whites and
friendly Indians was ambuscaded on the Massachusetts side of
the Blackstone River, near where the Boston and Providence
Railroad now crosses the same, by the Narragansetts under
Canonchet. Finding themselves over-matched in the woods on
that side they crossed to the level plain on the west of the river
which was free from forest, and forming a circle, facing outward,
fought against the surrounding horde of savages for hours. As
man after man was killed they contracted their circle till it
became so small that all hope was given up and the survivors
made a dash for the woods on the hill to the west. But one
white man is known to have escaped. He reached Providence
and gave the inhabitants the first news of the battle. Nine are
believed to have been captured alive by the Indians, taken to a
swamp in Cumberland, and tomahawked at a rock in a dell on
some rising ground in the swamp, which rock has since been
known as the Nine Men's Misery. The bodies of these men
were afterwards found at the rock by the whites and buried on the
hill to the northward of the “Misery.” The place of burial is now
marked by a low mound of loose stones.”
On the following Wednesday an attack was made on Provi-
dence. It is said that when the Indians approached the town,
Roger Williams went out alone and unarmed and tried to induce
them to make peace by representing the smallness of their num-
bers compared with that which their enemies could bring against
them and received the reply, “Well, let them come, we are
ready for them, but as for you, Brother Williams, you are a good
man; you have been kind to us many years; not a hair of your
head shall be touched.” Williams returned to his fort, and there
appears to have been no actual attack upon either of the gar-
risoned houses, but the town was effectually burned by the
Indians. Exactly what was the number of houses destroyed can-
not be determined. One account says all but five. Allowing
two of these to be the garrisoned ones we are led to the conclu-
sion that every house out of musket range of the fortified houses
was destroyed. There are curious points connected with this
burning of the town. First, in view of the fact that a desperate
assault had been made upon the fortified house of William Car-
penter near Pawtuxet, in the vicinity of the present Roger Wil-
liams Park, one man killed, the house burned and the inmates
driven to Providence only a short time before, and of the desper-
ate and prolonged fight and massacre of Peirse's force but a few
days previous, it is strange that no attack was made on the garri-
soned houses, at least the Fenner one. Second, John Smith, the
miller, was town clerk and lived in a house opposite the mill on
the west side of the Moshassuck River. His house was burned.
The town records were in the house. They were partially
burned and saved from total destruction by being thrown out of
the window of the house into the adjoining mill-pond, and in the
words of Staples, “bear plenary evidence of the two-fold dangers
they escaped, and the two-fold injury they suffered.”
Who saved those records? The Indians would not, and it
would seem that if Indians fired the house, knowing that white
men were within, they would not have allowed the latter to have
thrown the records into the pond and then have escaped alive and
* Some of the bones, it is not known how many, have been removed from this grave.
A skull, bearing marks of the tomahawk, and certain bones, which to the knowledge of
the author were taken from the grave, are now in the museum at Brown University. The
author has heard of other bones and complete skeletons being taken thence but has been
unable to trace them. This note is entered that if ever in future, excavations are made at
the grave and the number of skeletons is found incomplete the cause thereof may be
known. -
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 43
unhurt to the fort. We have no record of a single man,
except at the Carpenter house and Peirse's fight as above
described, being killed, captured, or wounded in the town
of Providence.
It would almost seem as if the Indians had deter-
mined to punish the people in Providence for the part
taken by some of them in the war, but out of regard to
past friendship would not carry that punishment to the
point of inflicting death.
This was the darkest time of the war. Except the
trading post of Richard Smith near Wickford, the stone
house in Warwick, and the few buildings in Providence,
not a single house was left standing on the mainland of
the colony; even Blackstone's old home had been de-
stroyed by fire and from thence to the furthest bound of
Westerly, desolation and ruin reigned over all the former
homes of the inhabitants. Yet the Providence men
under Roger Williams and Arthur Fenner in their two
garrison houses still “stayed and went not away,” wait-
ing with firm faith in God’s providence for the “silver
lining ” of the cloud of adversity to show itself.
Nor had they long to wait. The doom of the Indians
had sounded and was rapidly overtaking them. Six days
after the burning of Providence the noble hearted Canonchet was
surprised and captured by Connecticut troops in the neighborhood
of Pawtucket. He was offered his life on condition that he would
procure the submission of his tribe to the league, and rejected the
offer with disdain. He was carried to Stonington and by a coun-
cil of war condemned to be shot. When told of the decree of the
council he answered: “I like it well; I shall die before my heart
is soft, or I have said anything unworthy of myself.”
His death was decreed by the “United Colonies.” He was shot
by the Pequots; decapitated and quartered by the Mohegans;
and by the Niantics under Ninigret, who claimed to have Narra-
gansett blood in his veins, the body was burned and his head
sent as a token of love and loyalty to the commissioners of the
league.
After the death of Canonchet, came, in rapid succession, a
series of reverses to the Indian power, and in four months it was
destroyed and King Philip slain.
With the death of these two chieftains the Indians lost all hope
and courage, and, excepting a few who kept up the fight a few
months longer, the rest doggedly accepted their fate. The car-
nage and suffering that the Indians had inflicted upon the whites
was retaliated upon them in ten-fold force. The leading sachems,
as fast as captured, were executed. The lesser captives were
exported to other colonies to be sold as slaves; and the number
slain and left to rot like dead dogs in the woods cannot be esti-
mated. -
Never were a people more thoroughly extirpated than were the
Narragansetts. When, in after years, it became expedient for the
whites to have some representation of the Narragansetts as a
figure-head, that people could not be found. They were obliged
to set up Ninigret and the Niantics, who, as we have seen, were
allies of the league, to masquerade as Narragansetts, and the
tribal organization that was kept up till within a few years, as of
the original nation, was more properly Niantic than Narragansett.
In April, 1676, the little band at Providence “that remained
and went not away” again applied to the government of the col-
ony for a garrison to hold the forts. It was deemed safe to grant
this request and a garrison of ten men was maintained by the
colony as long as danger from the Indians was feared, till the
following October. The presence of this garrison enabled the
townsmen to devote themselves to planting their fields and repair-
ing the damage done by the war.
THE SITE OF THE OLD SWAMP FORT, SOUTH KINGSTOWN.
Scene of the Great Swamp Fight in 1675, the Last Battle of the Narragansett Nation.
The annual town-meeting in June of this year was held
“before Thomas Field's house, under a tree by the water side.”
This house, one of the few left undestroyed by fire, was next
south of the William Field garrison house and stood about
opposite of the present Crawford Street.
At this town-meeting provision was made for the disposal of
certain Indian captives held in the town by selling them into a
limited slavery of from six to twenty-five years, according to age.
This action only referred to a very small number, and is interest-
ing mainly as showing the comparative mildness with which
Indian captives were here treated. By other colonies they were
doomed either to instant death or to perpetual slavery in foreign
countries.
After the death of Metacomet (King Philip) in August, the
refugees began to return from Rhode Island, and more strenuous
efforts were made to commence the rebuilding of the town. The
mill and tannery were rebuilt. The houses and barns and out-
buildings that had been burned were replaced as fast as the pro-
prietors found means to do so with larger and more substantial
ones. Houses of two stories and a garret, with two rooms to a
floor, now began to be erected. The town records were brought
back from Newport in June, 1677. Danger from Indians was
now deemed past, new-comers came to the town and settlements
began to arise in the outlying portions. The commerce of, and
travel to the town from Boston and Plymouth increasing the
ferriage facilities at narrow passage, now Red Bridge, which had
theretofore depended on the chance of a passenger finding a boat
on his side or being able to attract attention and a boat from the
further one, were, in 1678, made more definite by the grant of land
and a ferry franchise to Andrew Edmonds, an ex-soldier of the
King Philip War, on condition that he keep up the necessary
ferry accommodations. A decided change in the direction of the
tendency to improvement in the town was noticeable in this
revival of its interests. Before 1676 the tendency had been
northward from the home of Roger Williams. The mill, the
tannery, Wapweyset Bridge, the taverns, and the closest congre-
gation of houses were all in that section of the town and the
growth had been greatest along the path, or road, that followed
the Indian path, or trail, leading to Pawtucket, while many of the
home lots to the southward had never been improved by the erec-
tion thereon of homesteads. After that time the tendency was
distinctly in the opposite direction, and so much so that many of

44 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
the houses on the north road were not rebuilt or replaced till very
modern days. In the memory of men lately living, the founda-
tions of houses burned in 1676 were standing in vacant lots on
that road. & - -
The harbor and maritime facilities of the place at this time
began to attract attention and development. Heretofore the only
artificial harbor facilities known, if such they could be called, were
the utilizing of some rock that projected into the water so as to
afford a landing-place at all stages of the tide, by drilling into it
and securing a ring-bolt or staple to which canoes or boats could
be moored; but in 1679 Pardon Tillinghast built the first ware-
house and wharf erected in Providence.
the west side of the town street opposite his house and about
where Transit Street now lies, to the west of South Main. Joseph
Jencks had reëstablished himself at Pawtucket and continued
the development of its water-power by the erection of a better
saw mill and forge than those destroyed by the Indians. Farmers
settled in the “north woods” to the west and northwest of the
same. William Carpenter and sons erected a saw mill, probably
at Pawtuxet, and a third, which was probably at or near the mill
of John Smith, was in existence.
These mills furnished in large part the cargoes of the outgoing
vessels landing at Pardon Tillinghast's wharf, and it is amusing, in
view of the fact that the country was then covered with forests,
that in 1679 Daniel Abbott, then town clerk, prays the town to
erect a town house “before the boards and timber be most all
sent out of the township.” One was erected more than fifty
years later, “but before the boards and timber were most all sent
out of the township.” - Aº
The transit of goods to and from this wharf must have made
the town street seem a busy place to our forefathers and it was
deemed an unsafe place for fast traveling, for we find the first
town ordinance on the subject, passed in 1681, forbidding riding
at a gallop between the houses of John Whipple (now Star
Street) and Pardon Tillinghast.
With their commerce came the control of more facilities for
domestic comfort and greater luxuries, spinning wheels and cards
for making the wool of their flocks into yarn became more
common. Looms for weaving cloth were not unknown. Frying-
pans, gridirons, spits, and skillets added to the facilities of the
culinary department of the humbler homes, spoons, dishes, and
platters appeared more commonly on their tables, cider presses
were in use, and we have recorded evidence that in 1681,
William Harris, whose hot contest with his fellow-colonists we
have noted, possessed a warming-pan. Pine wood was still
used for candles, for the town, on Dec. 14, 1681, in town-meeting
assembled, having heard that some are determined to propagate
the running of tar from pitch wood, prohibited the same in order
that they might not be deprived of their pitch wood for candle light.
With all this activity, the resuscitation of the town was a slow
process. In 1670, of a colony tax of £300, Providence paid £57.
In October, 1678, of a colony tax of £300, Providence paid £10.
In 1680, of a colony tax of £100, Providence paid £7, and it was
not till 1701, when of a colony tax of £400, Providence paid £65,
that Providence occupied the relative position in regard to the
other towns of the colony as in 1670. Tax statistics are generally
dull reading, but there is a poetry in these, for they epitomize the
struggling revival of the town's prosperity as no words could
do it.
In 1683, the passage of travelers to and from the narrow
passage ferry, now Red Bridge, had so much increased that it
was deemed necessary to “state’” (declare) a highway from that
place to “ Ferry lane” now Hope Street. This was done sub-
stantially on the site of the present South Angell and Angell
streets.
It was located on
under the summons.
In this year Roger Williams, full of years and honors, passed
quietly away from this life. All the inhabitants of the colony
turned out to honor and to mourn for him. On the shoulders of
his friends and neighbors the rude coffin containing his mortal
remains was carried from his home up the steep hillside, and
placed in a grave in his burying-ground, there to remain till,
assimilated into new forms, their elements came forth to gladden
and refresh mankind. We cannot point to the ashes of Roger
Williams preserved in storied urn, but we feel that the elements
that composed his body in conserving the comfort and use of man-
kind, have fulfilled the destiny he would have preferred for them
infinitely more than to have had them locked in the stony embrace
of the pyramids. We attempt no eulogy of him. Providence
Plantations is his monument and his eulogy. -
Politically, Providence enjoyed a state of quietude from the
time of King Philip's War till after the death of King Charles in
February, 1684–5, and the accession of his brother, James II.
The change of rulership inaugurated a change of royal policy
in England both as to the home government and that of the colonies.
The first direct step with regard to this colony was taken by
Edward Randolph, who procured the issuing of writs of quo war-
ranto against this and other colonies for the purpose of revoking
their charters. A council with Joseph Dudley as president was
appointed for provisionally governing portions of New England.
Dudley came over to this country, and in June, 1686, assumed
the government of Narragansett or King's Province in pursuance
of the terms of his commission. He had sent Edward Randolph,
the secretary of the council, to Newport with its order upon the
quo warranto and a summons requiring the freemen of the
colony to act upon it. It chanced that the June adjournment of
the General Assembly met at the time of meeting of the freemen
On consultation the freemen left the matter
in the hands of the Assembly. The latter determined not to
stand suit with the king, which would have been not only useless
but probably have provoked greater severity from his tyrannous
administration, but to proceed by humble address asking of him
a continuance of their charter privileges.
This legislature passed an act providing for the local govern-
ment of the several towns by their citizens and then dissolved.
After this during the reign of James II., there was no session of
the legislature. The charter was practically suspended, and the
different towns of the colony were, so far as self-government
went, thrown back upon the general system that prevailed before
the issuing of the first charter.
The provisional government by the council was soon superseded
by the appointment of Sir Edmund Andros, in 1686, as Royal
Governor of New England, with power to take this colony under
his government and demand the surrender of its charter. That
opinions were divided as to the best course to pursue in these
chaotic times is shown by the fact that in October, 1686, an
address was sent to the king by some of the people of Providence,
resigning their charter, asking to be annexed to the general New
England government, and disowning the Assembly’s address.
Governor Andros arrived in this country in December, 1686,
and proceeded for two years and four months to govern the
country in violation of the principles involved in the different
colonial charters. It does not seem from a careful study of his
government that it was unjust or unwise. Andros. as a man was
kind, forbearing, liberal in his views, especially on matters of
religious toleration, and doubtless governed by an ardent desire to
benefit the subjects he ruled over; but it was his rule not theirs
that he was enforcing, and the determination to have a govern-
ment of the people was so strong in New England that they pre-
ferred to suffer from a harsh government, in which, however,
they themselves took part, rather than to enjoy his mild adminis-
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. - 45
tration. Probably, too, they thought that his mildness might be
accidental to him, and that if they once yielded the principle
involved in his appointment, the next governor might be a tyrant
in fact, and as well as in principle. Towards Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations Governor Andros was especially courteous
and kindly. He sustained her rights against the neighboring
colonies, and others who had revived old claims and made up new
ones to jurisdiction in different parts of her territory. He chose
of her citizens five out of the nineteen members of his council.
His letter demanding the surrender of the charter was a model of
politeness and was met by equal politeness from Governor
Clarke. Upon Andros' visit to Newport to receive the charter,
Governor Clarke immediately upon hearing of his arrival, sent
that document to his brother with instructions to conceal it in
some place to him (the governor) unknown, but in the knowl-
edge of the secretary. He then waited upon the royal governor
and invited him to his house. There he made in the presence of
Governor Andros a thorough search for the charter but was
unable to deliver it as he did not know where it was. As may be
easily surmised it was not found so long as Andros remained in
Rhode Island, but shortly after his departure it again found its
way to the hands of Governor Clarke.
Andros' power was confirmed and enlarged by a new com-
mission in 1688, and he continued his government very much at
his own will, levying and increasing taxes, changing province
and state lines, and doing many other acts contrary to what the
people considered their rights, while the latter sullenly submitted
and quietly bided their time. It came at last. The revolution in
England, in the spring of 1689, overthrew the power of James.
As soon as the news thereof was received in Boston, where
Andros then was, he was seized and imprisoned. Upon receipt
in Providence of the news of Andros’ arrest, a party of our
citizens seized Dudley, the Andros justice, and took him to Rox-
bury, whence he was committed to prison.
A call was issued for a General Assembly to gather “ before
the day of usual election by charter.” They met and resumed
the charter government, and sent an address to the supreme
power of England praying it might be confirmed to them, which
request was granted. -
Andros made an escape and fled to Rhode Island, but instead
of finding harbor there he was recaptured at Newport and sent
back to Boston. During the time of Andros but little of note
occurred in Providence. Under a despotic government there
could be but little political interest. So little that in 1689 no
town officers were appointed, and the inhabitants, having nothing
else to do, devoted themselves to acquiring wealth and the
development of their town. The return of a poll tax assessed in
January, 1687, shows 127 polls; in July of the same year, 181.
Owing to the scarcity of money, these taxes, and, in fact, all pre-
vious ones, were payable in produce and the rate at which the
produce was received was generally fixed in the tax-rate; thus, a
tax in October, 1687, was payable in corn at two shillings, and
rye at two shillings eight pence per bushel, beef at one and one-
halfpenny per pound, pork, at two pence, and butter at six pence
per pound.
How the tax collector realized on the goods received in
payment does not appear, though in later days where the
amounts collected were larger, they were sometimes authorized
to make shipments of them to foreign ports for that purpose.
In 1690 the small-pox broke out in Newport and raged
throughout the island as a veritable plague, and the October
session of the General Assembly was consequently held at Provi-
dence, meeting at the tavern of John Whipple about halfway up
the present Constitution Hill.
In 1691 Massachusetts and Plymouth were united under one
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Demolished May, 1886,
Formerly standing opposite Roger Williams Park, Providence.
charter, and Sir William Phipps was made governor of it with a
commission making him commander-in-chief of all the land and
naval forces in New England. This was in direct violation of our
charter, and to our citizens looked as if there might be another
Andros administration to contend with. This colony stood up
bravely for its rights and appealed to royalty for justice. For-
tunately it was decided to be an error made by the home govern-
ment and the cause of the charter was sustained.
Early in the year 1693 the first postal arrangements in the
colonies were established, and the king's post came regularly
from Boston crossing the Seekonk at Edmond's Ferry at narrow
passage, and going over the great salt river on the line of the
“Pequot path " towards Connecticut. The service extended
from Boston to Virginia. The rates were high — from Provi-
dence to Boston sixpence per letter, and in proportion to other
places, with a house delivery system after a letter had laid in the
post-office two days uncalled for, which delivery cost one penny
extra.
In this year another curious political incident took place. At
June town-meeting, a town sergeant and constable were elected.
The parties elected refused to serve. Another meeting was called
to complete the election. Every party elected refused to serve,
till after having met three days with like result of each meeting,
the town decided itself “constrained to cease further choice and
leave the matter to issue as it may.”
The same spirit seems to have ruled in 1695, when the town
being engaged in deciding upon the location of a prison ordered
to be erected by the General Assembly, “obstruction was made
by Samuel Windsor against the same, thereby causing such a
tumult amongst the people that the moderator was put upon to
dissolve the meeting.” There was no prison in the plantations
till the year 1699, but a pair of stocks had been erected on the
common lands forming the south side of Dexter's lane (now
Olney Street) at its junction with the town street in 1684, and
here whatever punishment the law required was inflicted. By
the stocks stood the town pound. Across the way on the other
side of the lane stood the hostelry of Epenetus Olney, while
William Turpin, first school-master in the town, tavern keeper,
legislator, and general mentor of the community, kept a “house
of entertainment” on the opposite side of the town street, near
the present corner of Hewes and North Main streets.
On this common land then called “highway,” and in the high-
way against John Whipple's house which was the third tavern
half way down the hill, and in the highway against William Tur-

46 - THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
pin's house, in the years 1696–97 and '98, were held annual fairs
with a “clerk of the market” appointed by the town. Why these
fairs were given up we do not know, but the fact that they were
holden shows that there must have been a large influx of people
and property over what the town could show a few years before.
Providence Plantations was still a border country, and, though
the Indians within its borders had lost all power of disturbing
the peace of the country by warlike movements, during the long
war between France and England that had been waged since the
year 1690, fears of an eruption of the northern Indians under
instigation of the French in Canada kept the citizens on the alert.
A warrant dated April 24, 1697, is still extant, directed to twenty-
one of the principal inhabitants of Providence as commanders of
scouting parties composed of ten men each, who were to range
the country beyond the limits of the plantations in pursuit of
Indians; each company serving for two days at a time and the
leader of each on his return to transfer the commission to the
captain of a company whose name stood next in order upon it.
This service was continued long afterward. It shows not only
the alarm of the inhabitants, but that the plantations had grown
so as to be able to keep on foot what was practically a standing
army of 2 Io men.
During this war the colony began its first experience in naval
warfare. Many privateers were fitted out, probably mostly from
the island, though citizens of Providence served in them. The
actions of some of these privateers were claimed to be too broad
for even the loose notions of the laws of privateering then extant,
and our bay furnishing peculiar facilities as a resort for those
rovers of the sea, the colony then obtained the unenviable reputa-
tion, which it retained long after any occasion for it had gone by,
of being a “nest of pirates.” This reputation was enhanced
by the actions of the notorious Captain Kidd, who in 1698 came
openly and boldly (though some say lured by treachery) into
Rhode Island. He was arrested on a visit to Boston, sent to
England, and there executed.
In March, 1697, the long pending boundary question as to the
southern limit of Providence was determined by statute making
the Pawtuxet River the southern bound. :
In June, 1700, the lot from the highway on the east, including
the North Burial Ground as originally laid out, and extending
westward to the Moshassuck River was voted by the town to
remain common for a “training field, burial-ground, and other
public uses.”
and for highways, this lot has since all passed into private hands.
This was the first public burial-ground established in the
plantations. Before then all interments of the dead had been
made in the private lots of the land-holders and the custom of lay-
ing the dead to rest in the family burial-ground had taken such a
strong hold upon the people that it was many years after before
this “ North Burial Ground ’’ came into more common use. It
was not till sixty years afterward when the laying out of Benefit
Street through the family burial-grounds disturbed the privacy of
the same, that interments in the public cemetery, to which many
of the bodies before then in the family grounds were removed,
became general. ' ©
It was not till 1701 that Providence had reached the rank and
proportion in the tax levies that it held previous to its destruc-
tion in 1676. The destruction of the mainland settlements then
and the driving of their inhabitants to Rhode Island, where many
of the most enterprising of them remained, gave a strong impetus
to the growth and development of the island towns. The harbor
facilities of Newport, unparalleled on the New England coast,
the comparative wealth gathered there and the superiority of its
citizens, as a class, in point of education, enabled these towns to
maintain and continue this development.
Excepting the portions reserved as a burial-ground
It is much to the credit of our ancestors in these plantations that
they were enabled in thirty-five years to regain their comparative
wealth and standing. -
Up to this period the maritime efforts of the plantations had
been feeble. Such as they were they tended as much to the
advantage of Newport, to which our markets were tributary, as to
ourselves. In the next chapter we shall detail the events of an
era of maritime growth which resulted, in connection with a war
that wrought for Newport a destruction almost as desolating as
that of Providence in 1676, in reversing their positions and giving
Providence that supremacy over Newport which she has since
maintained.
THE ORIGIN AND Evolution of THE TITLES TO REAL ESTATE
IN PROvIDENCE PLANTATIONs.
All through its existence in the seventeenth century and in
the first years of the eighteenth, Providence Plantations was
chronically convulsed by dissensions growing out of the question
of local land titles. Some allusions have been made to this sub-
ject, but the matters involved were too intricate to be treated
as the incidents thereof occurred. A sketch of that episode is,
however, necessary to enable the reader to understand the evolu-
tion of land titles from the hands of the Narragansetts to the pres-
ent owners, and also the various involvements beyond those
already detailed that vexed the minds of our colonial forefathers.
It will be remembered that the original deed to Roger Wil-
liams (see page 18) was, in 1639, confirmed by Miantonomi “up
the streams of Pawtucket and Pawtuxet without limits -
for use of cattle.” About the time that Roger Williams conveyed
all his rights under this deed to his twelve fellow-townsmen in
equal division with himself and such others as might be admitted
to town-fellowship, an agreement was made by the thirteen to
take in equal division all the meadow ground at Pawtuxet on
both sides of the river, each contributing his share towards pay-
ment of the same. This constituted the “Pawtuxet purchase,”
and was held to give the right to the land covered by it to these
thirteen and their heirs and assigns, distinct from any rights of
future “common proprietors” of Providence. -
Owing to indistinctness of limits in this arrangement there
began, even before the settlement of Pawtuxet, to be questions as
to the dividing line between the “Providence grand purchase,”
or town of Providence and the Pawtuxet purchase. A line was
agreed upon between them from the shore of the bay to Masha-
paug — near the present Mashapaug Pond—but to the westward
of that all was left indefinite. This want of definiteness in bounds
left open questions that afterwards convulsed and almost tore in
fragments the colony. -
In the other direction, Massasoit, the Wampanoag chieftain,
claimed title to large tracts in the northeastern part of the terri-
tory granted to Roger Williams, and it was deemed advisable to
pay him for the same for the purpose of quieting the title. The
payment was made, but no deed was taken from him. The deeds
from the Indians were construed to give a title, so far as jurisdic-
tion went, and a right to take up any lands unoccupied by the
natives; but if land occupied by them was wanted it was neces-
sary to satisfy the individuals for their losses in moving away.
The first “grants” were very irregular as to form, granting
clauses, and definiteness of limits. As new sachems came to
rule in place of the original grantors it was deemed advisable to
take other and more formal confirmatory deeds from them.
In view of these facts at a general court held in Providence
May 17, 1659, Providence was authorized to “buy out and clear
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 47
off Indians within the bounds of Providence as expressed in the
town evidence (first grant) and to purchase a little more in case
they wish seeing that they are straightened.”
Under this authority, in 1659 a more formal deed was taken from
Caujaniquanti, brother to Miantonomi, “to the men of Provi-
dence and to the men of Pawtuxet,” confirming the grant of
Miantonomi and enlarging its terms to cover the use of the land
for farms and plantations and fixing its limits to twenty miles,
“beginning to measure from a hill called Fox's hill, upon a .
strait line running up into the country between Pawtuxet and
Pawtucket rivers.”
In the same year a deed from Cussuckquansh and Nenecelah,
other brothers of Miantonomi, and sachems, to the same parties,
was taken. This deed also confirmed the territory between the
streams of these rivers and up these streams without limits or as
far as the grantees “should think fit,” reserving the rights of the
Indians removed to obtain compensation to their content before
removal, and declaring that the Indians thereon should not sell
any part of said lands to any person whatsoever.
Also in the same year another confirmatory deed was taken
from Scuttape and Quequaganewett, grandsons of Canonicus, to
the same parties covering the same lands with substantially the
same provisions. Later, in 1661, the old Wampanoag claims in
the northeastern part of this territory were revived and were
quieted by deeds taken from their ruling sachems to a committee
representing the town of Providence, covering all lands in the
northern part of the plantations except that covered by the
“Inman” and “Mendon ’’ purchases hereafter referred to.
In accordance with the extent of these purchases the town, in
1660, agreed that its western limits should be twenty miles west
of Fox Hill and a committee was appointed to run the western line.
It was also agreed that the dividing line between Providence and
Pawtuxet should be midway between Woonasquatucket and Paw-
tuxet rivers for twenty miles upward. This committee did not
run the western line of the town, nor did they run the line
between Providence and Pawtuxet as directed. On the contrary
they ran the famous seven-mile line, now forming the eastern
boundary of Burrillville, Glocester, and part of Scituate, which
commenced at a point seven miles to the west of Fox Hill. *
They ran the northern line of the Pawtuxet purchase to a point
at the southern end of said “seven-mile line,” near the Pocasset
River — a glance at the map will show that had they continued
the line as they were directed it would have given to Pawtuxet
more than half of the land in the colony west of the “seven-
mile line.” This committee did not make any return till 1668,
and, as might be expected, their return when made satisfied no
party. The Pawtuxet men claimed all the land on the upper
waters of the Pawtuxet, and further, that the later deeds of the
Indians being only deeds of confirmation, the Pawtuxet men had a
right to partake of the common lands thereby given to the town.
The town proprietors claimed that the later deeds of the Indians
taken as confirmation were frauds upon them (the Indians) but
as new grants they were valid and that, they being new grants,
the Pawtuxet people had no interest in the lands conveyed.
(Seeing that the Pawtuxet men were specially mentioned in these
later deeds as grantees, the ingenuity of this line of argument is
simply overpowering.) With such diverse views, and with such
indefinite deeds and agreements it will be readily conceived
that no satisfactory line could be run. This whole attempt at
*Fox Hill was the hill standing between Mile-End Cove and the salt water to the south-
ward. It was an important point in ancient times. During the Revolution a strong fort
was built upon it for the protection of Providence. It is now entirely demolished and
removed, but a view of it as it appeared in 1816 is shown in this work.
The line referred to in the text as seven miles west of Fox Hill was actually over eight
miles therefrom, but measurements of lands were liberal in those days.
running a line was but a compromise measure, as long before then
the parties had appealed to law. Here another difficulty had
arisen: the court to be appealed to consisted largely of Providence
men. Every leading citizen of Providence was a proprietor
either in the town or in the Pawtuxet purchase, and no assistants,
who composed the highest courts in the colony, could be chosen
from Providence but what were interested on one side or the
other. The idea of a judge refusing to sit in a case because he
was interested was a refinement the colonists had not arrived at,
and consequently neither side was satisfied of the justice of any
verdict given against them. The bitter feeling developed in
such a contest can scarcely be realized. William Harris from
the beginning was a leader in the cause of the Pawtuxet men and
the bitterness of his relations with Roger Williams grew largely
out of this contest. -
In 1677, despairing of obtaining justice here, Harris went to
England, laid his cause before the king, and obtained a decree di-
recting the four governors of New England to appoint commis-
sioners to decide the questions. The court was so formed and
a decision in favor of the Pawtuxet men was given in every
case; but when attempts were made to enforce the decisions by
executions it was found impossible to get them properly served.
Harris again started to go to England for further redress, but
on the way was captured by pirates, and though ransomed after a
year, his health was so seriously impaired by his sufferings that he
died upon his arrival in London, 1681.
After his death the dispute was kept up and not settled till the
year 1712, when by compromise it was agreed that the boundary
should run from Mashapaug west, fourteen degrees north, to the
seven-mile line; thence due south, continuing said line to the
Warwick line; thus giving the Pawtuxet men in lieu of very nearly
one-half of the present Providence County, as claimed by them,
only a little more than the present town of Cranston. -
It is proper to say that the Pawtuxet claimants considered them-
selves entitled in an equal degree to lands south of the Pawtuxet
and on its south branch, and maintained a contest of equal bitter-
ness with the Warwick settlers in regard to the same. -
This agreement gave, as between these two parties, all the
land west of the seven-mile line to the “proprietors of the town
of Providence.” There were three other claimants within the
limits of the county of Providence (excluding Cumberland, part of
Pawtucket, and East Providence, as later derived from Massa-
chusetts). Ist. The Westquanoid Company. This company
claimed all the land south of the north branch of the Pawtuxet
River to the Warwick line, by virtue of a deed from native owners.
The contest with them was wisely settled by compromise. 2d.
The Inman purchasers. This claim was based on a purchase
by Edward Inman and others, of land now mostly in Smithfield,
North Smithfield, south of the Branch River, and a part of
Woonsocket, purchased from “William Minion,” a Massachusetts
sub-sachem, acting under authority given him by the Wampa-
noag sachem. The proprietors of the town of Providence refused
at first to recognize the validity of his deed, but it was finally con-
firmed by the colony, and afterwards by the “proprietors.” 3d.
The Mendon purchasers. All the land north of the “Branch
River” appears to have been included in a purchase by the pro-
prietors of the town of Mendon in Massachusetts, and for many
years they exercised jurisdiction over it and collected taxes within
its limits. Excepting those derived from these three parties or
from the “Pawtuxet purchasers,” all titles to land in the county
of Providence (excepting those in Cumberland, part of Paw-
tucket, and East Providence), come through grants made by the
“proprietors of the town of Providence.”
CHAPTER VI.
THE COLONIAL GROWTH OF COMMERCIAL PROVIDENCE, 1701–1760.
REVIEW OF SITUATION OF COLONY AND TOWN — LIFE OF THE INHABITANTS – FIRST HOUSES FOR RELIGIOUS WORSHIP – DIVISION
of colony — QUEEN ANNE war — TAx RECEIPT PRICES — DEVELOPMENT OF SHORE WEST OF TOWN STREET – RESERVA-
TION OF Ford AND SW IMMING-PLACE TO WIEYBOSSET — FIRST ISSUE OF PAPER MONEY – EXPEDITION AGAINST PORT ROYAL
— FIRST wey BossET BRIDGE — ship BUILDING— THE “BANKS." — PROVIDENCE PROTESTs AGAINST PAPER CURRENCY —
* FROM “Town Gover NMENT * – FIRST CON-
Bounties on wolves, Etc. — SEPARATION OF “PROPRIETORs' GOVERNMENT
GREGATIONAL CHURCH AND KING's CHURCH or GANIZED — BURNING AGUE – ROADs — REMOVAL OF WEYBOSSET HILL —
House statistics, 1732 — PAPER currency FROM 1715 to 1850 — Gover NOR JENCKs — veto Power — FIRST COUNTY
House — PopULATION IN 1 730—FIRST CHURCH BELL–SET-OFF OF SMITHFIELD, GLOCESTER, AND SCITUATE–MILL BRIDGE
built — IMproveMENts in charlestown AND At North END – schools—EARLY Physicians—condition of streets
— FULLER's FERRY — war AGAINst SPAIN — BENEFICENT CHURCH —wey BossET BRIDGE IMPROVED — war witH FRANCE
— POPULATION — SUFFRAGE — GROWTH OF TOWN — BENEFIT STREET – COUNTY WORK-HOUSE — FIRST PUBLIC LIBRARY
— CRANston SET off — PostAL systEM – DESTRUCTION of county House AND PUBLIC LIBRARY — EARLY FIRE DEPART-
MENT — JoHNSTON SET off — FIRST STREET PAveMENTs — we YBossET BRIDGE CARRIED Away BY A GALE – EXPEDITIONS
AGAINST CANADA—NEw county House — FIRST PRINTING OFFICE – FIRST THEATRE IN NEw ENGLAND — FIRST NEws-
PAPER IN PROvIDENCE – Lott ERY TO FILL UP west MINSTER STREET — BRAss FOUNDRY —Town council FIRST MEETs on
west sIDE of River — THE Two BRICK Houses IN TOWN — LOSSES OF SEVEN YEARs' wAR —w ARD-HOPKINS contRoversy
— RESULT of PAPER CURRENCY.
Providence PLANtations by the commencement of the eight-
eenth century had fairly begun a career of commercial prosperity.
The old era of religious discussion and jurisdictional uncertainty
may be said to have mainly passed away and a new one of mate-
rial development have commenced. Before describing this pe-
riod, it is well to take a cursory view both of the colony and the
plantations at this date. *
The colony was under the government of Samuel Cranston,
of Newport, to whom, more than to any other person, it owes credit
for masterly skill in the management of its interests. For a period
of twenty-nine years, from 1698 to 1727, he filled the office of gov-
ernor by annual election, and never, during that time, was he
found wanting in skill and ability to meet any emergency that arose.
The total population of the colony at the commencement of
that period was about seven thousand one hundred persons, with
Newport having about two thousand, Providence, 1,500 ; King-
ston, 1,200; Westerly, 6oo; Portsmouth, 6oo; Warwick, 5oo;
East Greenwich, 3oo; Jamestown and New Shoreham, 200 each.
It is to be remembered that the territory of Newport was then
nearly the same as now, while Providence included nearly the
whole of the present Providence County and the population then
within the limits of the present city of Providence did not exceed
six or seven hundred. The freemen voters numbered about one
thousand. The militia included these and some hundreds more.
The chief town and head-quarters of trade was Newport. Of
the score or more of vessels owned in the colony, but two or three
belonged elsewhere. Ship building was then carried on only at
Newport. The colony traded with the West India islands, the
Western islands, Surinam, Curaçoa, and with the English colonies
in North America.
Its exports were lumber, staves, heading, hoops, beef, pork,
butter, cheese, onions, horses, candles, cider, Indian corn, and
wax. Its imports were sugar, molasses, salt, ginger, indigo,
pimento, rum, wine, many English goods, both woolen and linen,
and Swedish and Spanish iron, and a few slaves. (The slave-
trade never was active in this colony, the employers always pre-
ferring free labor.) There was no direct trade with England, all
commodities received from thence coming through the English,
French, or Spanish colonies. In its trade with Boston it remitted
more than twenty thousand pounds annually for English goods.
The defense of the colony depended upon its militia, its expedi-
tions by sea, its watchfulness, and a small fort on an island which
covered the harbor of Newport “mounted with fifteen pieces of
ordnance from six to nine pounds ball.”
It is to be noted that the greater part of the exports came from
the forests, farms, and mills on the mainland, and of these Prov-
idence furnished a liberal share. *
The appearance of the settlement of Providence had changed
very much since the period ending with the King Philip War.
The development of its commerce, though as yet comparatively
small, had enabled it to take on an appearance of wealth hith-
erto undreamed of.” In the houses of the merchant class of the
population, this was especially shown: as an instance, take the
house of Philip, son of Pardon Tillinghast, built about this time.
It was on the west side of the town street, on a point projecting
into the river, with gardens down to the water's edge. It was
about forty by thirty feet, two stories in height, with a kitchen
basement underneath, and a half story above in the attic roof.
The great room of the house was in the northeast corner, and
was sixteen feet square, with a height of over eight feet from floor
to ceiling. The south side of this room was entirely ceiled with
paneled wood-work, with ornamental pilasters running from
floor to ceiling on each side of a moulded mantel; under the man-
tel was a fire-place surrounded with a series of imported tiles
fifty-two in number, representing scenes in biblical history. On
the west side of the room let into the wall was a “beaufet” sur-
mounted by an ornamental arch. On the shelves and in the cup-
boards of this beaufet were kept the silver and glass-ware of the
family; under the windows of the room the walls were lined with
paneled wood-work to the floor. There were four other rooms
on this floor. The second story had the same division of rooms.
The more common houses of the better class were of two stories,
often with gambrel or hip-roofs, and having four rooms to a floor.
In these houses common chairs, armed chairs, and easy chairs
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 49
covered with leather were to be found. Collections r
of books that might properly be called libraries were
not uncommon. Dress goods of foreign make were
worn by some of the citizens. Fur, muffs, and gold
watches, seals, and gold headed canes were not un-
common. The poorer classes, however, depended
almost entirely for clothing upon the wool and flax
grown in the colony, which was carded, spun, and
woven in the homes of the people, and on the work-
manship of the colonial artisans for their implements.
Since Pardon Tillinghast built the first wharf and
warehouse in 1679, others had been built to the
northward thereof on the west side of the town
street, the land being filled out into the stream and
warehouses built thereon, leaving docks between the
several warehouses.
To the north, west, and southwest, up the valleys
of the Blackstone, the Moshassuck, the Woonasqua-
tucket, and the Pawtuxet, venturesome pioneers had
pushed their way, locating their scattered farms on
the most available sites, and more than half of the
inhabitants of the town lived in the country districts.
Previous to the eighteenth century the religious
sentiment of the colony never found expression in
the erection of houses for worship. Meetings were generally
held in the open air; when impractical to hold them thus, resource
was had to private hospitality. The first house ever erected
solely for religious worship was the private property of Pardon
Tillinghast, merchant, and pastor of the church, and was erected
near the north corner of the present Smith and North Main
streets, in the year 1700. It fronted on the town street, and its
rear was supported on piles driven into the river's bed. After
preaching in it for some ten years, he gave the house and lot to
the Baptist Society.
The second house of worship erected in Providence, and the
oldest one in this state belonging to the society that erected it,
and still in use for worship, was the Friends' Meeting-house, in
what is now Lincoln, erected in 1704. A larger addition has
since been added to the eastward of it, but the old house can be
shut off from the addition, and is habitually so used.
The colony was first divided into counties in 1703. As then
established there were two, Providence Plantations, including all
the mainland, and Rhode Island, comprising the island towns.
In the same year the western boundary was agreed upon by
commissioners of Connecticut and this colony. The citizens of
Connecticut were not satisfied, however, and new disputes arose,
and it was not till 1726–7 that this line was settled. Then it was
done by royal decree.
Queen Anne's War had broken out in 1702 and continued till
1713. The expense mainly of measures for the defense of the
colony, occasioned by the war, caused a colony tax of £1,000 to
be levied in 1705. In payment of this tax, wheat was to be
received at 3s. 8d. per bushel, rye at 2s. 6d., corn at 2s., barley
at Is. 8d., oats at Is. per bushel, and wool at 9d. per pound.
In this year, 1704, the first prison in Providence (near Short
Alley, Benefit Street) was destroyed by fire, and Joseph Latham
and John Scott were bounden to build a new one equally good, or
pay £33. The General Assembly refused to allow them to build
a new one, but compelled them to pay the money – £30 for the
new jail and £3 for incarcerating them. It was either a case of
incendiarism, or a very harsh proceeding.
The country on the western shore of the river was slowly in-
creasing in population, and as early as 1704, a bridge from the
town street by the present What Cheer block to Weybosset Hill
was discussed ; but it was too great an undertaking for the times,
and the inhabitants satisfied themselves for years with the facili-
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THE OLD ABBOTT Hous E, NEAR NORTH MAIN STREET, PROVIDENCE,
ties for crossing afforded at low tide by the ford over the clam-
bank, and the use of boats and swimming of cattle at high tide.
On the east side of the river demands were arising for ware-
house lots on the west side of the town street throughout its
whole length on the shore. Gideon Crawford and others were
rivaling Pardon Tillinghast's largest enterprises in the West
Indies and other foreign commerce. As showing, in their own
words and style, the state of affairs and the feelings of the pro-
prietors, the following quotation is given from a resolution passed
July 27, 1704:
“Whereas, There is a continual pressing upon the town by
people for grants of warehouse lots by the salt water side along
the town street in our town of Providence, the purchasers and
proprietors now meet together on this our quarter day, having
taken the matter into consideration, how greatly detrimental it
will prove and be unto the town—if so there should be a grant of
warehouse lots all along the salt water by the town street, by rea-
son that the people thereby would be so much obstructed of
recourse to and from the water-side, as they have continual occa-
sion for; and more especially from the southern part of Thomas
Field, his home lot, which lieth next to Gideon Crawford's lot,
and so up northward, because there is so constant a passing to
and from the town to Weybosset side, cross the water, and from
Weybosset side to the town, with canoes and boats, riding and
carting, and swimming over of cattle from side to side; and the
stream oftentimes running so swift, and many times rough water
by reason of stormy weather, whereby neither canoes, boats nor
cattle swimming, can make any certain place to land, but must
land where they can get on shore, which if the land by the shore
were appropriated it would hinder any landing and so damage
a CC1 U16.
“Therefore for the preventing of what inconveniences, other-
wise might ensue, and for that a free recourse may be, cross the
said waters without impediment of landing where the shore is
made, and for that carts horses people and cattle may up and
down the bank from the street to the water and from the water to
the street have free recourse.
“Be it enacted and ordered and it is hereby enacted and ordered
by the purchasers and proprietors aforesaid that from this day
henceforward there shall not at any time be any land appropriated
by any person, which lieth upon the side of the salt water by the
town street from the piece of land laid out for a town wharf to be:



















50 r THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
which is against the southern part of the said Thomas Field’s his
home lot, (now South Main Street near Crawford). There from
a big rock up the river northward along the town street unto the
north side of the now Thomas Olney, Sr., his home lot which was
formerly his father's dwelling place (now North Main Street near
Arsenal Lane).
time, to any person whatsoever, of any warehouse lot, or parcel
of land called by any other denomination lieing or being between
the aforesaid town wharf place and the north side of the said
Thomas QIney his lot; but that all the land lieing and being be-
tween the two places, all along between the salt water and the
west end of the home lots which belong unto people, shall be and
continually remain in common for the use and benefit of people as
aforesaid. And that there may be a free recourse also on Way-
bossett side to the salt water for passage or what improve else
may be made of the same by people or for cattle coming to the
salt water, travelling on foot or on horseback carting ferrying
&c. Be it further enacted and ordered by the purchasers and
proprietors aforesaid, and it is hereby enacted and ordered that all
that little neck of land which may properly be called Weybosset
Neck (all the firm land east of the present Dorrance Street) . .
shall perpetually lie and be in common and shall not be in any
part of it appropriated to any person whatsoever at any time.
Neither shall there be any grant made thereof nor of any part
thereof for warehouse lots nor portion of land under what denomi-
nation soever unto any person or persons, But that the said Neck
of land and Every part thereof shall be and Remain continually
in Common for the use and benefit of the people as aforesaid.”
The town street, the street leading from it down past Wap-
wayset Bridge to the mill, and perhaps Olney's Lane, were the
only streets in the town that were not frequently barred by gates,
as we now occasionally find drift ways in the country.
In 1710 the first issue of paper money was made by the colony.
This seems to have been a wise measure. A war had been
pending for years; the colony had exhausted its ready money in
providing means of defense; large expeditions were preparing
against the enemy in which this colony must take its fair share,
and there seemed to be no way of meeting the emergency other
than by the use of the colonial credit. The later history of the
colonial paper money had not the same excuse as its inception.
The town of Providence supplied to the expedition organized
in 17 Io a quota of forty white men and eight Indians,— the first
soldiers ever sent out of the state.
In the same year its citizens earnestly took up the business of
building a bridge to Weybosset, and in the next year it was fin-
ished. But little is known of the details of this first Weybosset
Bridge, but enough can be told to mark its contrast with the
present one. It reached from near the west line of the present
North Main Street to the firm land, a considerable distance to the
westward of Washington Row. It was from twelve to fourteen
feet wide, and though there was passing through it a consider-
able traffic to the wharves and ship yards (later established)
above, it had no draw. A section was so constructed that its
timbers could be removed when it was necessary for a vessel to
pass through. This clumsy contrivance was inconvenient and
expensive, but was submitted to till, in 1763, a new bridge with a
draw was built.
At the time the bridge was building a new road was ordered to
be laid out from the head of the bridge over the marsh towards
Plainfield, intersecting with another road, now High Street,
ordered in 1704. This road over the marsh was not built to be
passable till near sixty years later, but it is interesting to notice
the time of its first conception, for it has now become Westmin-
ster Street, in some respects the principal street of the city. At
this time, also, another bridge was ordered across the Moshassuck
River, near the town mill, on or near the site of the present Mill
And there shall not be any grant made at any
use it for building vessels.”
Street Bridge, but the time for the completion of that project did
not arrive till twenty years later.
In the same year, 1711, bridges were first built at Pawtuxet
and Pawtucket, and the business of ship building was established
in Providence. Nathaniel Brown had been building vessels for
some years at Bullock's Cove, then in Rehoboth, Mass., though
now in East Providence, and probably built there many vessels
for Providence merchants. He became a convert to the Church
of England, and refusing to pay a tax for the support of the relig-
ion established in Massachusetts, he was imprisoned at Bristol.
On his release he left Massachusetts, and was cordially received
at Providence. The town made him two grants of half an
acre each on Weybosset Neck, “on salt water, so long as he shall
This was a part of the land the pro-
prietors had declared seven years before should forever remain
common. It was a portion of the space now between Washing-
ton Row, Exchange Place, and Exchange Street. The suggestion
of ship building on that spot sounds curiously in modern ears.
The vessels built here were sloops and schooners, the largest of
which were of some sixty tons burden. They carried the colonial
exports to the West Indies and the Spanish main, and even to
the coast of Africa. The tide of commercial prosperity was
rising not only in Providence, but throughout the colony. Many
of the colonists attributed it to the issue of paper money in 1710
—'I I, amounting to £13,300, and thought that if that issue pro-
duced so much benefit the issue of more would produce a
greater; that there was practically no limit to the scheme, and
the plan was discussed of issuing the so-called banks. The best
method of explaining this term, as then applied, is to describe
one of the “banks,” taking that of 1715 as an instance: the
colony issued £40,000 in bills of credit, being the colony's prom-
ises to pay to bearer in given amounts. These were divided by
the legislature among the several towns, and delivered to certain
of the freeholders upon their severally giving mortgages to the
colony of their real estate, in double the value of the bills re-
ceived, to secure the payment to the colony of five per cent. per
annum interest, and the repayment of the loan in ten years.
Who selected the freeholders to receive the loans cannot be
definitely determined, but probably the town councils made the
selections for their several towns.
The anticipated results of the plan were that the leading men
of the state would obtain a currency issued by the colony that
would command more general credit than their individual notes.
That the general public would have a currency with which to
transact its business. That the colony would obtain an income
from the interest paid by the takers of the loan, thus reducing the
amounts to be raised by taxation, and at the end of ten years the
amounts issued would be redeemed by the payment of the mort-
gage debts. The radical defects of this scheme are easily seen,
being thrown into full view in the light of history.
Had the banks been restricted in number and amount, the
plan might have developed more favorably, but in a democratic
republic, and such the colony had practically become, there could
be no reason given why one freeholder should have loans granted
to him, and his neighbor, with equally good mortgage security,
should not. With the advent of plentiful currency came an in-
flation of prices, and with that inflation came a call for more
banks. With the issue of currency beyond the normal limit, came
a depreciation of the same. For years, while the amount of the
currency was comparatively small, the depreciation was not great,
but as bank after bank was issued till the amount grew into
hundreds of thousands of pounds, the paper money depreciated
from its first value of eight shillings to the ounce of silver to about
one hundred and seventy-five shillings to the ounce of silver.
The citizens of Providence foresaw the disastrous results of the
system, even before the first bank was issued, and formally, in a
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 5 I
town-meeting held in 1712, protested against any further issuance
of paper money. Their protest was unavailing, and they were
compelled to work out their commercial salvation as best they
could through the next fifty years, which may be called the colo-
nial paper money era.
So late as in the year 1716, wolves were a source of trouble in
these plantations to such an extent that a bounty of twenty shil-
lings per head was offered for them. Bounties were also offered
for wild cats, black birds, gray squirrels, and in 1723 one of two
pence per head for rats.
The town proprietors, though a separate body from the free-
men, had always transacted their business in the town-meetings
and had their records kept by the town clerk.
Originally, all the townsmen were proprietors, but after a time
townsmen were admitted as freemen without their having any
right to the proprietary common lands. After the number of the
propietors had reached 100 no more were admitted.
As the number of townsmen increased, in case of a diversity of
opinion between the proprietors and non-proprietors, the latter
class could outvote the former. It therefore became expedient
for the proprietors to have a separate organization, which was
effected in the year 1717, and has ever since continued.
There was one peculiarity of this proprietorship interest which
is probably without a parallel in the history of the world. There
were always, after that number was once reached, IoI proprietors,
and they were and are immortal. Whenever a division of land
was made it was divided among these IOI proprietors, though
they were all long since dead. In 1718, IOI lots of land were
divided amongst them, and in 1724 the “stated common lands,”
a large tract now in the first and tenth wards, was divided out to
Roger Williams, Robert Williams, William Harris, Chad Brown,
Benedict Arnold, Stukely Westcott, and their companions, to the
number of IoI, of whom there was not one that had not been long
sleeping under the sod.
If a meeting were held to-day the votes would nominally be cast
by the original proprietors, and the proceeds of any sale would
be received by them and receipted for in their names; the votes
being cast and the sums received by the heirs or assignees of the
original proprietor, but in his name. -
The last meeting of this peculiar organization was held about
1836, when the late Hon. William R. Staples,
author of the Azzzza/s of Provideſzce, was clerk
of the proprietors. Their records are now in
the hands of his son.
Though having had no meeting in the last
generation, the body is still legally existent, and
if occasion arose might divide to-morrow among
Roger Williams and his one hundred co-proprie-
tors as if they were all now living.
About 1719 the first Weybosset Bridge was
carried away by a freshet, and a new and wider
bridge, sixteen feet broad, was built.
With the exception of the Baptists and Friends,
there had been no organized religious societies
in the plantations since their settlement, but
shortly previous to the year 1720, a movement
to erect a Pedo-Baptist Congregational Church
was inaugurated, and in 172 I Dr. Hoyle, one
of the most active and efficient of the parties in-
terested, visited the neighboring colonies to solicit
pecuniary aid. He was successful in his mission.
and on his return, without the concurrence of his
associates, commenced the erection of a church
near and westward of the present junction of
High and Broad streets.
A church was certainly not desired at that
----
---
of North Main Street.
--~ :- - -
~~~~~~~
place, and the building was torn down, as tradition says, in the
night time after it was partially erected. This action did not,
however, stop the movement towards a new church, and in 1723
a meeting-house was erected a short way up the hill in the rear
of the town street, on what is now the corner of Benefit and
College streets, the present site of the County Court House. A
lane, now College Street, was laid out from the town street to
give access to the meeting-house. This was the first highway
laid out easterly of the town street since the foundation of the
town, when the primitive ones were located.
The church building was enlarged at a later date, and in 1794
it was sold to the town and still lives in the memory of many of
our citizens as the old Town House.
Coeval with this movement there was an awakening of interest
among the townsmen favoring the Church of England. Nathan-
iel Brown, the shipbuilder, and Gabriel Bernon were the chief
promoters of the movement. Gabriel Bernon was an affluent
Huguenot exile, who came to Providence, purchased of the pro-
prietors the “Spring lot,” where Roger Williams first landed,
and there built the first dwelling-house erected on the west side
It is interesting to note that the chief
movers in establishing here the first church of the established
religion of England were exiles for religion’s sake. A society
was organized, and in 1722 a church building was erected. This
was called King's Church, and occupied the site of the present
St. John's Church. The land was given by Nathaniel Brown for
the uses of the society. It formed a part of the original home
lots of Joshua Verin and Widow Reeves.
In 1723 a disease called the burning ague desolated the town —
eighteen men, sixteen women, and nine children, in all forty-
three persons, died of it in the course of three months, and of all
who contracted it between July 1 and October, but two, one of
whom was Maj. William Smith, recovered.
The only practical road to the westward was one under and
around to the south of the bluff of Weybosset Hill. This bluff
extended full across the proposed road from the head of the bridge
to the country (now Westminster Street) and proved an effectual
barrier to the opening of the road. The removal of this obstruc-
tion became practicable through the introduction into the town of
a new industry – that of brick making. Weybosset Hill was a
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THE ABBOTT STILL '' HOUSE. – LATER, YOUNG'S T EA STORE BUILDING,
Formerly at the corner of South Main and College Streets,


52 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
|
clay bluff, and in 1723 Thomas Staples petitioned the town for leave
to dig clay from it to make brick. The town granted him full
leave to dig all he wanted provided he disturbed no highway in so
doing. He must have done an extensive business for the times, as
in a few years the hill was leveled and the refuse earth being used
to fill in the marshes around formed a terra firma near the bridge
and allowed the compact part of Providence to step over the river.
With this movement in progress, the town in 1725 declared the
road following the “Pequot path" a town highway as far as the
Warwick line. This road had been the only practicable carriage
road to Connecticut. Bridle paths existed in other sections but
the first wheeled vehicle that ever reached Providence from Con-
necticut by a road north of that, arrived Sept. 29, 1722.
After the building of the bridge and the leveling of Weybosset
Hill the reservations of the east and west shores made in 1704,
seemed of less importance and the lands were sold off till the re-
served space approached its present limits.
That the growth of the town was slow is shown by the fact
that there were in 1732 in the compact part of the town but seventy-
two houses on the east, and but twelve houses on the west side of
the river. The latter being all on Weybosset Street.
To return to the financial history. In 1721 a new “bank” had
been issued of £40,000, and in 1725, when the bank loans of the
bank of 1715 came due, the time of payment of those loans had
been extended three years and after that period elapsed, it was fur-
ther extended, and the loans made payable in ten annual payments
of ten per cent. each. At the same time, 1728, another bank of
£40,000 was issued, and currency to the amount of many thou-
sands of pounds was directly issued by the colony without the
intervention of the banks. The townsmen of Providence were
not blind to the inevitable results of this course and made a stub-
born fight against it, but the colony seemed wild on the subject.
The colony within twenty years had increased in wealth and
population at a rate never known before and the people generally
attributed this increase to the paper money issues, and argued that
if what had been issued had caused such great benefits, the issue.
of more would cause greater ones. After years of contest a “hard
money” candidate from Providence, Joseph' Jencks, of the vil-
lage of Pawtucket, was chosen governor in 1727. The bank of
1728 was issued against his protest, but when in 1731 a further
bank of £60,000 was ordered by the legislature he did more than
protest. For the first (and last) time in Rhode Island history its
governor claimed a veto power, and he vetoed the bank. This
was revolution. The legislature refused to recognize any power
of veto in the governor. The governor referred the matter to the
crown officers of England. They decided that the governor, as
a member of the legislature, had the power of casting one vote,
but was concluded by the action of the majority. -
This decision gave a new impetus to the paper money party.
At the next election Governor Jencks was retired, and thereafter
a series of governors from the south part of the state, favoring
paper money, were elected for the next twenty-two years. Banks
were issued in 1733–38–40–’43 and in 1750; the hard money
party still maintaining a stubborn but unavailing contest against
the issues; till further issues were forbidden by act of Parliament.
In 1729 Providence County was sub-divided, Kent County being
set off, and a county house ordered to be erected in Providence.
The site was to be determined by the citizens. The main part
of the town was still near the mill, but the southern part was
growing. The party of the north wished the court-house on
Olney's Lane (street); that of the south on “Gaol Lane,” (now
Meeting Street). After a hot contest the “down town party"
was successful, and the “Page lot” (being the one next east of
the present Friends' Meeting-house lot on Meeting Street) was
selected. A house for legislative, county, and town uses was
commenced thereon in 1730 and finished in 1731. Pending its
completion town-meetings were held in the Friends' Meeting-
house adjoining. This county house, intended to accommodate
the legislature, the courts, county officers, and the town govern-
ment, was forty by thirty feet, with eighteen feet posts, and a chim-
ney from the chamber floor. It cost £654, 9s.
The first church bell ever used in the town was placed upon
“King's Church,” in this year. -
In February, 1730, the outlying towns of Smithfield, Glocester,
and Scituate were set off from Providence. Smithfield, as set
off, comprised the present towns of Smithfield, North Smithfield,
Lincoln, and part of Woonsocket; Glocester, the present towns
of Glocester and Burrillville; and Scituate, the present towns of
Scituate and Foster. Their area was about three-fourths that of
the original town of Providence, and their combined population
about two thousand, being a little more than that left in the town.
In 1733 the first bridge on the present site of Mill Street Bridge,
was built, and Mill Street laid out to it and the mill. Before
that there had only existed a bridle path and cattle driveway to
the ford and mill. Soon after the bridge was erected the present
Charles Street was laid out from it to the road over Wapwayset
Bridge (Stevens Street). The part of the town between the
Moshassuck River and the hill to the westward, and Smith Street
at the south, and Orms Street at the north, was known for gene-
rations as Charlestown, and after the building of this bridge
became the most thickly settled part of the town. .
The first plat of house lots in the town was made by the
descendants of John Smith, the miller, in 1754, being the sub-
division of his home lot, and covered this territory.
In 1735 George Taylor, schoolmaster, petitioned for leave to
teach school in the chamber of the Court House, and it was
granted him on condition that he keep in repair the sun dial in
the street. This is the earliest reference found to anything in the
nature of a time-keeper for public use, and Mr. Taylor's has been
supposed to be the first recorded school. -
The first educational movement in the plantations was in 1663,
when the proprietors ordered that Ioo acres of upland and six of
meadow be laid out to be reserved for the maintenance of a school.
The land seems never to have been set apart, and in 1864 John
Whipple prayed that the same might be laid out, but it was not
done. William Turpin was the first professional teacher in town.
He came here about 1684, and in the next year petitioned the
town council, reciting that he had been induced to come by the
above order, that the land might be laid out to him. No atten-
tion seems to have been paid to the petition.
In January, 1696, William Turpin, John Dexter, William
Hopkins, and five others, petitioned the town for a piece of land
on Dexter Lane, or Stampers Hill, on which to erect a school-
house. Of this, Staples’ Annals says “the petition was granted,
and there our information ends.” It has recently been discovered.
that this school-house was built on a lot on the east side of
Stampers Street, some fifty feet north of Olney Street, about the
year 1697, and that it was known as a school-house, and used
as such for fifty years; that George Taylor owned a share in it,
and probably taught in it before making the petition for leave to
teach in the Court House above referred to. *
The first permanent resident physicians of the town were
settled here about this time. The first professional medical man
in Providence Plantations was John Greene, surgeon, a contem-
porary of Roger Williams, one of the “first comers,” but he
soon after went to Warwick. Roger Williams himself practiced
medicine in a mild way, and the leaders of the colony seem to
have kept on hand a supply of drugs and prescribed for the ail-
ments of the citizens till 1720, when a Dr. John Jones was em-
ployed to take care of the sickly poor of the town and to be paid
“if he cured them.” About that time Dr. Jabez Bowen, the
first of a line of illustrious physicians of the Bowen name, came
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 53
from Rehoboth, Mass., and settled here. His house
and office were on the town street, near the pres-
ent Bowen Street, he having purchased the John
Throckmorton home lot.
At a somewhat later day came Dr. Vandelight
and Dr. Gibbs. Dr. Vandelight married Mary
Brown, a sister of the celebrated four Brown
brothers, of Providence. He introduced here a new
process of extracting spermaceti and making candles
therefrom, that had been discovered by the Dutch,
and with the aid of the capital of his brothers-in-
law established a thriving business. He was the
first to give practical instruction in anatomy in these
plantations, and was the principal druggist of the
town. He lived between College and Hopkins
streets, where his house is now standing, (Young's
Hotel,) and died about 1755.
As late as in the year 1735 there had been no
attempts at drainage of the streets of the town. The
first attempt consisted in an order that persons own- ;
ing land on the town street should provide subter-
ranean drains, leading under it and down to the sea
the water that flowed down upon it “as soon as
they conveniently can.” These owners did not find
it “convenient” to go to that expense, and in 1736
the town appointed officers with sufficient power to secure a safe
condition of the highway. There were no pavements for a gen-
eration later, and sidewalks never came into existence in the town
till the present century.
By 1739 a ferry from Tockwotton to Watchemoket was estab-
lished and known as the “lower” or “Fuller's ferry.”
In 1739 England declared war against Spain, and during the
following year Providence raised a company of Ioo men under
Capt. William Hopkins, to take part in the disastrous expedition
against Carthagena. At this time another important step in the
westward growth of the compact part of the town was taken.
This was the construction of a bridge at “muddy dock” (con-
necting the present Weybosset and Broad streets). The passage
here had hitherto been a fording place and now for the first time
one could walk dry shod from the town street to the main land on
the west side of the river.
On the eastern side of the river the business of distilling rum
from the West India molasses had been largely entered upon. A
distillery faced one side of Market Square, another looked upon
the present First Baptist church-yard, whilst others were located
above and below on the town street.
The first house of public worship erected on the west side of the
river was built by the Beneficent Congregational Church in 1744,
on the lot where stands their present building. In the same year
a lottery was granted in aid of a new bridge to take the place of
the Weybosset Bridge; the new bridge was widened to eighteen
feet and its length reduced by building out abutments thirty-four
feet. This was a great undertaking for the town, and its construc-
tion required two years, pending which a ferry was kept in oper-
ation to serve in lieu of a bridge.
In 1744 war was declared between England and France. The
participation of Providence in this war was mainly through its
privateers.
In 1747 a partial settlement of the long contested eastern bound-
ary line was reached, Massachusetts giving up to this colony the
towns of Little Compton, Tiverton, Bristol, Warren (including
Barrington), and Cumberland.
In 1748 the population of the town was 3,452, 3, 117 being
white, 225 negroes, and fifty Indians. There were thirty-one
licensed taverns and ninety-six voters. To explain the small
number of voters it must be stated that the voting franchise had
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Located on North Main Street, north of Olney,
been jealously restricted. As early as 1724 it was restricted to
white men owning £100 value in land, or land bringing in an an-
nual rental of forty shillings, and the oldest son of such owner.
In 1730 it was further restricted to those owning land to the value
of £200, and their eldest sons. In 1746 it was still further re-
stricted to those holding land to the value of £400, and their
oldest sons. The fact that the large land-holders were the ones
who received the benefit of the banks so frequently issued may
explain this increased restriction.
In 1749 a light-house was built at Beaver Tail Point. This
was of great advantage to Providence shipping and is said to have
been the first light-house erected on the American continent.
Since 1739 two or three roads had been laid out on the western
side of the town. The wharves had stretched further down from
Weybosset Street and warehouses had been built on them with
gangways running down between. The same progress into the
river bed was taking place from the west side of the town street,
but to the eastward therefrom the home lots still stretched out un-
broken by any highway to Hope Street. A street in the rear of
the town street was advocated as early as in 1743, but such a
street would run through all the ancestral burial-grounds of the
home-lot owners, and their souls rebelled against the proposition.
After a stubborn contest, in February, 1747, a committee was ap-
pointed to “inspect and examine the land whether it was con-
venient to lay the new street, to be called ‘Back’ Street or Benefit
Street, from Powers' Lane so far northward as the great gate of
Capt. John Whipple (a little north of Star Street) or not.”
The street was ordered in 1747, but the land-owners contested so
persistently against it that it was not finished till 1756, and its
extension northward to the town street at the head of Constitution
Hill was not made till 1758, and then only on condition that a
gate be kept up at the north end. This gate was retained for half
a century. The street wound and crooked about so as to avoid as
far as possible the disturbing of graves in the grave-yards it passed
through. In later years the inmates of these graves were gradually
removed—mostly to the North Burial Ground. The street was
then widened, straightened, and extended to the south, but it was
a century from the time it was begun before it assumed the pro-
portions we see in it now.
In 1752 a school-house had been erected by the town on a lot
to the west of the town street, opposite the Court House Parade.










8
54 - THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
It was cared for by a committee of the town, who appointed
Stephen Jackson schoolmaster in 1753. This was the first school-
house built and owned by the town. Six years later, after the
destruction of the Court House, the town purchased the Page lot
on which it had stood in lieu of the above school-house lot, which
was then sold, and have continued to use the Page lot to the
present day for educational púrposes. - &
In 1752 another school-house had been authorized by an ar-
rangement similar to that of 1696 in regard to the Stampers
Street school-house, to be built on the west side, and was con-
structed near the corner of Mathewson and Broad streets.
In September of this year, 1752, Providence, together with
other British possessions, adopted the new style of dating, the
third day of September being called the fourteenth, and the legal
year thereafter commencing on the first day of January.
In 1753 a county work-house for paupers was erected on a lot
north of Smith Street, and between Charles Street and the river.
The principal work of the paupers was “picking oakum” for
caulkers' use in the ship yards to the east and north of the work-
house. Sometimes vessels built above would drop down to the
workhouse wharf and have their decks caulked there. The
greater part of the ship building of the town was then carried on
in the Moshassuck River, above the present Smith Street. Ships,
brigs, schooners, and sloops were here built to serve in the for-
eign commerce of Providence, and as privateers in the Spanish War.
About 1754 a public library, “the Providence Library Com-
pany,” was organized, Stephen Hopkins, Daniel Jenckes, Capt.
John Cole, Ephraim Bowen, and Nicholas Brown, being the lead-
ing members. They raised money by subscriptions and sent it to
London to buy their books. The state granted to the society the
use of the north and west sides of the state council chamber in the
State House for shelving for a library, and there the literati of
Providence met, and studied, and discussed. A verbatim report
of one of their meetings would be most interesting. Unfortu-
mately the library and its records were all destroyed in the fire
that burnt up the County House on Christmas evening, 1758.
In 1754 the town was further divided, Cranston, with 1,460 in-
habitants, being taken away from it. Notwithstanding this loss
the number of inhabitants of Providence in 1755 was but 464 less
than in 1748, showing an actual gain to the town of 1,000 in
seven years. The town now contained 747 men, 741 women,
655 boys, 754 girls, 262 blacks, * 275 men able to bear arms, *406
enlisted soldiers, 349 small arms, 181 swords, fifty-six pistols, 762
pounds of powder, and 3,871 balls.
In 1758 the communication by the old king's post gave way to
the colonial postal service established by Dr. Franklin. Mr.
Samuel Chace, the first postmaster of Providence, opened in
February the first post-office, on the west side of the town street,
opposite the present St. John's Church.
In March and April of this year 2,000 troops of the king's
army, destined to take part in an expedition to Canada, were
quartered here temporarily. Perhaps the observation and study
of these troops gave the Rhode Island militia that precision in
drill on which they were complimented by General Washington
at the siege of Boston. The haymarket had been moved to the
south and was established where the east end of the city building
now stands on Market Square. º
On Christmas eve, 1758, the County House on King Street
(Meeting Street) was destroyed by fire.
As early as 1754, a movement had been made by Obadiah
Brown, an uncle of the four “Brown brothers,” and others, to
purchase a large water engine, (what we should more improperly
call a fire engine,) and a law passed that each citizen should pro-
vide two good fire buckets and keep the same in readiness for
* These data are taken from Staples’ Annals of Providence, page 203. Probably these
figures are misplaced and should read 406 men able to bear arms and 275 enlisted soldiers.
whipping post at its eastern end.
use, but the interest dropped till after the burning of the County
House. In the next February, 1759, an act was passed appointing
presidents of fire wards, giving them and fire wardens under them
proper powers. An engine was bought, and in December, 1760,
another was provided. These engines were simply large force
pumps, the tanks of which were filled by the citizens using the
fire buckets above mentioned. When a fire occurred two lines of
citizens were formed leading from the nearest water supply to the
engine, one line passing the full buckets to the engine, the other
passing the empty ones back to the supply source alluded to.
Such was the commencement of our present fire department.
The hydraulion engine, one combining a suction and forcing
power, was a developement of two generations later.
In March, 1759, the town of Johnston was set off from Provi-
dence with about seven hundred inhabitants.
In 1761 there were no pavements in the streets of Providence.
The market place, now known as Market Square, was all that
was left unsold by the proprietors of the reservation of 1704
Abbott's still-house formed its southern side; at its east end was
the Hayward; facing the east end was a steep bank of earth,
part of the ancient hill; on the north stood a row of wooden
houses of two stories, with narrow projecting gables; at the west
end stood Weybosset Bridge, eighteen feet in width, with the
In the centre was a long nar-
row dock, afterwards covered by the market building, now occu-
pied by the Board of Trade, which was all that remained of the
ancient river bed. A town wharf lay to the south of this dock,
occupied by venders of fish, lobsters, and “such ilk.” The
square itself to the north of the dock was cumbered with heaps of
stone and the rubbish of the neighborhood. In wet weather the
square and the town street to the north and south of it formed a
quagmire fearful to behold and dangerous to venture across.
Here in 1761 began the first attempts at paving the Providence
streets led on by the Brown brothers, who were then beginning
their prominence in Providence history, Nicholas Cooke, and
others. A lottery of three classes was granted to raise £6,000 :
the net proceeds of class 1 to be devoted to paving from the
square up town, as far as the money should go; of class 2 to
pave from the square down town, as far as the money should go,
and of class 3, to pave the bridge and along Weybosset Street, so
far as it should go. These pavements were of large round stones, .
and extended from building to building across the street, having
no sidewalk, and in the middle of the street was a row of larger
stones, higher than the others, called the “crown of the cause-
way,” on which, in wet weather, walked the ladies and all others
particularly careful to preserve their dress from contact with mud
and mire. That the reader may see that the condition of Mar-
ket Square as above described is a fair picture of the streets gen-
erally of Providence at that time, we quote from an act of the
Assembly regarding the next most important street—the one lead-
ing from the town street to the mill : “Twenty or thirty rods of
said road is overflowed every spring tide, and is impassable for
carts or people on foot during the tide being up, which is a great
damage both to the town and the country. The road is
so worn by the great quantity of water that falls from the hill
that it is not possible for more than one cart to pass at a time.”
On the 24th of October, 1761, there was a hard gale of wind
which brought the highest tide into the harbor of Providence that
“hath been known in the memory of man, and carried away the
great or Weybosset Bridge.” In consideration thereof the legis-
lature granted £1,000, old tenor, towards rebuilding it, and later,
in 1763, authorized a lottery to raise £900 to make a “draw” in it
to prevent the inconvenience that the want of that apparently
simple apparatus had caused in the previous structures.
From 1757 to 1760 Providence had its quotas of troops to fur-
nish for expeditions against the French in Canada. When we
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 55
consider that large numbers of its younger men were serving at
sea as privateersmen, it will be seen that the draft for war pur-
poses on its working population was large. - -
After the burning of the first County House on King Street it
was decided to build one on the present State House site, and it
had been slowly gathering into shape. Lotteries were granted
and issues of currency made to pay for the building, to pay for
the lot, and to renew the Providence library, and at length, in
1762, it was finished, at a cost of over fifty-one thousand five
hundred pounds, a sum far above all estimates. It was taken
possession of, with the renewed Providence library finding quar-
ters in its chambers; and with various alterations since made, it
still serves the purposes of a state house. -
In 1762 the first printing office was established in Providence
by William Goddard. The first articles printed were a “broad
side” entitled “Moro Castle Taken by Storm” and a play bill.
This latter was for one of the first” theatrical performances in
New England which was exhibited in a building on King (Meet-
ing) Street, east of Benefit. The theatrical season was short—
a theatre was too much for our ancestors. They were rapidly
assimilating new customs and ideas, but they “drew the line”
at theatres. A prohibitory act was passed against them, and for
the time they passed away.f
The establishment of a printing office was soon followed by
that of a newspaper—Providence Gazette and County Journal
—whose initial number appeared on Wednesday, the 20th of Oc-
tober, 1762, edited and published by William Goddard. It was
printed at Shakespeare's Head in King Street, opposite the Court
House. *
In this year Bowen's Alley, now Howland Street, running
from the town street through Roger Williams’ home lot to Benefit
Street, was granted to the town by agreement of adjacent owners,
each giving six and one-half feet. This was the third street
laid out between the town street and Benefit Street, the present
Hopkins Street being the second one. In the same year a lottery
was granted to raise £100 for filling up and rendering passable
the new street running from the new bridge to the westward
(Westminster Street), the inhabitants of that district being too few
in number to perform the work without this aid.
The industry of brass founding was introduced in this year
from Boston by Daniel Jackson, who located “west of the great
bridge.” As showing the comparative growth of that part of the
town we find that in this year the town council met on the west
side for the first time at Thurston's, Sign of the Golden Lion, on
Weybosset Street. -
At this time there were but two brick houses in these plantations,
both of which were built by descendants of Chad Brown and are
now in existence. One, the house of Col. Richard Brown, on
the Swan Point road (in the Butler Hospital grounds), and the
other built by Deputy-Governor Elisha Brown, about 1760, on
North Main Street. -
The bricks of which these houses were composed were probably
home made, there being at that time three brick yards in the town.
The close of the Seven Years' War in 1763 enabled the citizens
to count up the cost of the same to them. Besides the loss of life
and heavy taxation, the loss in vessel property from this town
amounted to two ships, three snows, nine brigs, thirteen
schooners, and eighteen sloops—in all forty-five vessels.
A sketch of these times would be incomplete if it did not refer
to the “Ward-Hopkins controversy” which raged between 1754
and 1768. - .
*Staples says the first, but Mr. Charles Blake, in his history of the Providence Theatre,
claims to the contrary.
* It is said that the sheriff who was to publish and enforce the act was a theatre-goer
himself, and finding on his arrival from Newport that a play was to take place that even-
ing, went to the theatre and witnessed it before publishing the law, which he did after the
fall of the curtain on the finale of the play,
Samuel Ward, of Westerly, was the leader of one party, which
found most of its support in Newport and the south part of the
state. Stephen Hopkins, of Providence, was the leader of the
other, whose strength centered chiefly in and around Providence.
These two men were the political Titans of the state. Ward was
the more cultured, Hopkins, perhaps, the more downright. There
were many points on which the people of the state were divided.
On that of paper money Providence was antagonistic to the views
entertained in the southern parts. In the assessment of taxes
Providence and the north part of the state, under the leadership
of Hopkins, contended that they were unjustly treated, and in
other matters the different communities of the state were at vari-
ance. Gradually every question of public policy, and many of
local as well, were taken up and supported by one side and op-
posed"by the other, till it seemed as if all that was necessary in
a new question to have the support of one party was to obtain
the opposition of the other; and personality was carried so far
into politics that Ward and Hopkins, from being merely leaders
of opposing parties, seemed in the eyes of their followers to have
engaged in a bitter individual strife. Both leaders were sin-
cerely patriotic, each believed himself to be right and had the
courage of his convictions. The state was nearly evenly divided.
Sometimes we had Governor Hopkins, sometimes Governor
Ward, as either party prevailed. For thirteen years this con-
test was kept up, and during all that time, except a short interval
of nine months from May, 1757, to February, 1758, one or the
other of these men filled the governor's chair, and in the last four
years of that time by yearly alternation. There has never been a
time in Rhode Island when political parties have been so long
and so evenly divided under the same leadership, and it is not
surprising that people outside of its influence sunk the principles,
and looking only at the personal aspect of the matter have grown
to consider it in the light of a personal quarrel. The controversy
ceased, not because either side won decisive victory or convinced
the other that it was right, but by both leaders and partisans
sinking all questions of difference, and joining forces to meet the
common danger that was seen to be rapidly approaching in the
form of a struggle with England.
The issues of paper currency to date of 1750 have been de-
scribed. The depreciation had long before then reached a point .
where it was necessary to recognize it, and in the law authorizing
the bank of 1740, it was provided that one shilling of that issue
should equal four shillings of the previous issues; and in the later
banks it was provided that the currency should have a fixed sil-
ver value. But legislation cannot control the laws of political
economy. Finally recognizing this fact, the legislature assessed
heavy taxes to provide means for calling in the outstanding paper,
paying for it, however, not its par value, but the depreciated one.
After 1750 no paper money was issued by the colony, except the
“Crown Point” issues so-called, to provide the means of fitting
out troops to act against Canada, which was considered an excep-
tional case. These last issues were called in as soon as possible,
and never depreciated to a large extent. About 1763 there were
in use in the colony four kinds of money : I. gold and silver
coin, amount unknown; 2. lawful money, amount outstanding,
£66,403; 3. Crown Point old tenor, amount outstanding, £2,321 ;
4. old tenor, amount outstanding, £83,687. The depreciation of
each of the last three was different, and varying from day to day.
The trouble, confusion, and loss caused to the mercantile and
other classes by this state of affairs cannot be adequately described.
The Hopkins party was in favor of the complete retiring of all
these paper currencies, and strove manfully to succeed in it. By
dint of heavy taxation they had gone far on that road when the
troubles with England, with the new issues, both state and conti-
nental, of the Revolutionary period, were met. -
These will be treated in the ensuing chapter,
CHAPTER VII.
PROVIDENCE DURING THE STRUGGLE WITH ENGLAND AND THE REORGANIZING PERIOD, 1763–1790.
PROVIDENCE IN 1763 — compar ATIVE INCREASE – GENERAL AssBMBLY ON TAXATION – STAMP ACT – SET-OFF: OF North PROVI-
DENCE — POST-OFFICE REMOVAL TO SHAKESPEARE HEAD — FURTHER TAXATION — SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF LIBERTY —
LIBERTY TREE – FIRST STAGE LINE TO BOSTON – ATTEMPTED TOWN OF WESTMINSTER – POST-OFFICE AT MARKET SQUARE
— FIRST RESTAURANT IN PROVIDENCE — FIRST FREE SCHOOL – ORIGIN OF BROWN UNIVERSITY — LAW OF PRIMO GENITURE
CHANGED — STREETS IN 1771 — FIRST PROvIDENCE water works—“GASPEE * AFFAIR – BITTERNESS AGAINST ENGLAND —
TOWN MARKET BUILDING — FIRST BAPTIST MEETING-HOUSE – PROVIDENCE FIRST TO ADVISE A CONTINENTAL CONGRESS —
population IN 1774 – PREPARATIONS For THE COMING CONTEST – LExENGTON – RHoDE ISLAND’s Tor Y Gover Nor —
PREPARATIONS FOR DEFENSE AND AIDING THE PATRIOT CAUSE – GENERAL was HINGTON's FIRST VISIT TO PROVIDENCE –
LITTLE RHODY THE FIRST STATE TO DECLARE HER INDEPENDENCE – PROVIDENCE AND THE RHODE ISLAND AND UNITED
STATES NAVIES – COMMODORE WHIPPLE – COMMODORE HOPKINS — PRIVATEERING — ‘‘AT - BAY " — GENERAL GREENE –
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL WARD — PROVIDENCE DURING THE WAR – SUFFERING — DEPRECIATION OF CURRENCY — PROVIDENCE
AND NEWPORT – COLD CUT NAILS FIRST MADE – CAPTURE OF GENERAL PRESCOTT — BATTLE OF RHODE ISLAND — EVACUA-
TION OF RHODE ISLAND BY BRITISH – DARK DAY. — CAPTURE OF YORKTOWN — PEACE — RESULTS OF WAR ON PROVIDENCE —
FLOOD — CURRENCY QUESTIONS – BANK OF 1786 – contest OVER ADOPTION OF CONSTITUTION OF UNITED STATES — MANU-
FACTURING PRIOR TO 1790 – Bow EN STREET AND THE ROGER WILLIAMS HOME LOT.
than half a dozen houses on Benefit Street; all “com-
pact” building was to the westward of it. On the west
side of the river, Weybosset Street, Broad Street, Clem-
ence Street, and High Street, with Westminster
Street, largely under water, and a proposed highway
down to the cowpens, were about all the streets made
or proposed. To the west of North and South Main
streets the land had been filled out nearly to the east
side of South Water and Canal streets, warehouses
and wharves built thereon, with narrow gangways
and wider streets running down between, the only
reserved space being Market Square. Weybosset
Street to the east and south was in like manner bor-
dered by made land, and wharves, and warehouses,
with gangways between. It is difficult to conceive
how almost entirely the Providence of the present
day, in its material aspect, is the work of the past four
generations, it might be said of the last three genera-
tions, for the one which lived in the period of which
this chapter treats, though they laid the foundations
broad and sure for that growth, were too much occu-
pied in the “struggle for existence” to effect much
towards the actual development of that growth.
And yet, comparing the Providence of 1763 with
that of the close of the preceding century, a great
development had taken place. The population (with-
in the present city limits) had more than quadrupled.
Almost the whole of the then known world, England,
France, Spain, and Holland, with all their colonies,
Sweden, Russia, Germany, Africa, and China, were
represented in their productions in the stores of the
Providence merchants. Articles that in the year
1700 were only found as rare luxuries of the wealthy,
had become necessities of the common classes. A
regular postal communication “with the outside
r)
rº
A MINUTE MAN OF THE REVOLUTION.
IN 1763, one hundred and twenty-seven years after its founding,
the “compact part of the town of Providence” consisted of Charles
and Back streets, Mill Street, Hewes Street, North and South
Main streets, Benefit Street, Olney Street, Howland, Meeting,
College, Hopkins, Power, and Wickenden streets, on the east side.
(We give the present names of the streets.) There were not more
world” was established; packet lines were running to Newport
and New York. Churches, schools, and physicians, which were
lacking before, were established in the town, and the stock strength-
ened for that rapid growth, which, though retarded for the next
generation by the events we are about to detail, has, during the
last ninety years, continued in an almost unchecked succession.

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. . 57
The attempts of the English government to lay a tax upon the
American colonies, which a perusal of the charter will show to
be a violation of the organic law under which this colony at least,
was established, seemed to culminate in the passage in 1765 of
the stamp act so called. This action caused the General Assem-
bly of this colony to pass an act declaring that none but them-
selves had a right to impose a tax on the inhabitants of this colony.
This was an open defiance of Great Britain. º
The Assembly also directed all officers to proceed in the execu-
tion of their duties as usual, in disregard of the stamp act. The
people of the town and colony resolved to use unstamped docu-
ments in their transactions. The opposition both in the colonies
and at home to this obnoxious act was so great that it produced
its repeal in 1766. At this time the citizens of Providence were
full of loyalty to the British government, but they did not pro-
pose to have that government trample upon their organic rights.
It was the course of that government in systematically encroach-
ing upon their chartered rights that roused the citizens to that
open act of warfare, the destruction of the “Gaspee” eight years
later. o
In 1765 North Providence was first set off from Providence.
Its southern limit was the Woonasquatucket River from the John-
ston line to Four Stack Meadow on the north side of the Cove,
(see map of Providence, 1823); thence to Mill Bridge; thence
easterly to the Seekonk River. This did not divide the com-
pact from the incompact parts of the town. On the contrary, it
ran through the most compact part of it. Living north of this
town were many adherents of Ward and the division in this way
enabled the town of North Providence to send Ward members to
the legislature, while Providence was strongly Hopkins. It was
an outrageous case of gerrymandering, though Gerry had not yet
given that name to the process. It was so unreasonable that two
years afterwards it was corrected by a new line being run from
Four Stack Meadow to the north end of the North Burying
Ground, and thence easterly to the Seekonk River, which remained
for a century the line between the two municipalities.
In 1766 the southward growth of the town was indicated by
the removal of the post-office from opposite St. John's Church
to “over against the court-house” (Shakespeare Head) on King
(Meeting) Street. . r
In 1767 the English government made a new attempt to levy
taxes on the American colonies by taxing paper, glass, paints,
tea, etc. The people of Providence resisted this, resolving not to
import nor use, nor to allow to be imported or used, the taxed
goods; and non-importation associations were formed, which
crystalized under the name of Sons of Liberty, while, a little
later, in Providence (the only community in the country where
such an association was known) the women came forward and
organized as Daughters of Liberty to help on the cause.
On July 25, 1769, the “liberty tree” of Providence, in front of
the tavern of Capt. John Olney, on Olney's Lane, was dedicated
with appropriate services by the Sons of Liberty.
In 1767 the first permanent stage line to Boston was established
by Thomas Sabin, who kept a tavern in the house now standing
at the northeast corner of Planet and South Main streets.
By 1768 the west side of the town had grown to contain one
hundred and two houses and nine hundred and eleven inhabi-
tants, and in this and the next year strong efforts were made to
form a separate town of the west side, free from the “aristocratic
dominion of the east side proprietors.” This new town was to
be called Westminster. Fortunately for the town, the jealousy of
the south part of the state against an increase of the power of
Providence in the General Assembly prevented the completion of
this plan, and the only present effect of the movement is the
change of the name of Back Street to Westminster Street. Be-
wanted.
tween the junction of Westminster and Weybosset streets and the
Weybosset Bridge, the street was known for generations as Mar-
ket Street.
In this year the post-office was moved to Market Square. It is
interesting to note that the first oyster house and restaurant in the
town was opened by “Manna” Bernon, an emancipated slave
of Gabriel Bernon, at about this time. . .
In 1769 the first free school in the town was established in a
school-house erected on the Page lot, where the first County Court
House had stood on King (Meeting) Street. This was the out-
growth of an attempt begun in 1767 to provide free education for
all the children in the town. Most of the wealthier inhabitants
were in favor of it, but the poorer sort, those who would be most
benefited, by it, were opposed to it. We find the Browns,
Jenckes, Arnolds, Greenes, Keenes, Thurbers, Sessions, Bowens,
Hopkins, and nearly all the prominent names of the time in favor
of it, but the poorer taxpayers were opposed, and they constituted
a majority; as a compromise the Page lot school-house was built,
the lower part by the town and the upper part by “proprietors.”
In the lower part a free school was kept, in the upper part a
private one; all the other schools in the town were private. The
town from this time on exercised a supervision over both this
public and the private school, but the coming on of the Revolu-
tionary War prevented the development of the school system, in
fact prevented their continuance, and there was no free school
system established till the close of the century.
In the same year the citizens of Providence showed their love
of, and proficiency in, the high science of astronomy by taking an
observation of the transit of Venus, which was highly esteemed
by astronomers all over the world on account of its correctness
and thoroughness. This observation was taken by Dr. Benjamin
West and Joseph Brown, assisted by Gov. Stephen Hopkins,
Moses Brown, Dr. Jabez Bowen, Joseph Nash, and John Bur-
rough, names of which Providence may well be proud.
As early as 1762 a movement was instituted by James Manning
to establish in Rhode Island a university upon a broad basis of
religious freedom, but under the special care of the Baptists. He
was discouraged at first by many, even of the Baptists, “from an
unhappy prejudice against learning.” Nevertheless, encouraged
by those exempt from such “unhappy prejudice,” in July, 1763,
he secured, as he supposed, the passage of such a charter as was
The charter was to be prepared by the Rev. Ezra
Styles, a Congregational minister of Newport. When presented
for passage, Daniel Jenckes, Esq., member of the legislature from
Providence, noticed that the governing power was given to a
Presbyterian body, from which Baptists were excluded. He
caused the vote to be postponed. After consultation with other
Baptists he secured the postponement of consideration of the
charter to the next session, and borrowed the copy of the charter
from the files of the house to show to parties in Providence.
Between the two sessions this paper mysteriously disappeared so
that Mr. Jenckes was unable to return it to the Assembly at its
next session. Upon his failure so to do he was charged with bad
faith, “which brought on very disagreeable altercations and bick-
erings.” This document was found half a century later among
the papers of Dr. Styles’ (Presbyterian) Church. How and
when it left Providence and reached Newport is unknown. At
that session the pressing of a new charter to a vote was given up
“for peace's sake,” but on February, 1764, after much “alterca-
tion and bickering,” a charter, as originally intended by the pro-
moters of the scheme, was passed, the name of the corporation
being the “Trustees and Fellows of the College or University in
the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
in New England in America,” with power to change the name.
The corporation was organized, and the Rev. James Manning
58 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
appointed president, but no active work was done in teaching till
1766, when the tuition part was begun in Warren by the president.
He soon had eight scholars, which brought on the first Com-
mencement, Sept. 7, 1769. The college growing stronger, it
was proposed to build permanent buildings in Warren during the
year 1770, but dissensions arose, and it was finally agreed to locate
the university in the county which might raise the most money in
support of it. “Some of the principal men of Providence, led by
the Browns,” advanced a sufficient sum to secure its location in
Providence. So close was the competition that on Jan. 12, 1770,
Newport was leading, but on the 7th of February following the
corporation by a vote of twenty-one to fourteen decided that the
college edifice “be built in the town of Providence and there be
continued forever.” Ground was broken for University Hall on
the 26th of March, 1770, and on the 14th of May following the
corner stone was laid by John Brown. For many years this was
the only edifice of the university. In 1804, in view of the munif.
icent donations of Nicholas Brown, the name of the institution
was changed to Brown University. *.
The law of primogeniture, viz., that the eldest son should in-
herit all the real estate of the father, he dying intestate, had been
brought to this colony by the early settlers, and though the citi-
zens had seen its injustice and inconsistency with our conditions,
yet it never was changed till the year 1770, and then not fully.
Provision was made then that an intestate's estate should be
divided into a number of shares greater by one than that of the
children, that the eldest son should take two of these shares,
each of the other children one.
of primogeniture was wholly abolished.
In May, 1771, a highway was ordered where a portion of
Transit Street now is. In this year pavements had been extended
from Market Square north to the Friend's Meeting House, south
to Crawford Street Bridge, and west along Weybosset Street to
Muddy Dock (Dorrance Street). There were four houses on the
south, and one on the north side of Westminster Street. Pros-
pect Street was laid out from Olney Street to Jail Lane (Meeting
Street), and in 1772 Waterman Street, from Benefit east to Hope,
was laid out. This was the last street improvement made till
after the close of the Revolutionary War.
The island formed by filling out from the island of Weybosset
had been found an excellent locality for commerce, except that no
good fresh water could be obtained there. The first system of
carrying water in underground pipes ever attempted in the town
was established to convey water to this district in 1772. The first
supply was brought from a fountain on the land of Capt. John
Field, on the main land to the southwestward, and was carried
through pipes of hollowed logs to this section three-quarters of a
mile, in the year 1772. In the October following, the Rawson
Fountain Society was formed to supply other low lands on the
west side of the river. They also used bored wooden logs as
pipes, and drew their supply from a fountain dug in the land of
the heirs of Stephen Rawson. Later two other supply com-
panies were established on the west side of the river. The com-
mercial development of the low lands in and on the west side of
the river only became practical by means of these companies.
They continued supplying the inhabitants of these parts till after
the introduction of the present efficient system of water supply.
In 1772 the English government saw fit to send to the waters
of Narragansett Bay a vessel called the “Gaspee” to enforce the
revenue laws. Vessels for that purpose had for years been sta-
tioned in Newport Harbor. Some had been very obnoxious to
the townsmen, and in 1769 a British sloop, the “Liberty,” had
been destroyed by the indignant citizens of Newport for what
they deemed infringements on their rights, but that seems to have
been a local rather than a national dispute.
It was not till 1792 that the law
day,
This “Gaspee,” an armed schooner under Lieutenant Dud-
dingston, in addition to other indignities, compelled every vessel
passing her to strike its flag and submit to be examined. Provi-
dence merchants, claiming their chartered rights, refused to sub-
mit to this claim. On June 8th the schooner “Hannah,” Capt.
Benjamin Lindsey, sailed past the “Gaspee” and refused to strike
her flag or to “come to,” though fired upon by the “Gaspee.”
The latter immediately made sail and pursued the former, which
kept on her way to Providence. Captain Lindsey, knowing his
ground, made an apparently foolish “reach” in towards the shore,
and Lieutenant Duddingston striving to cut him off ran aground
on the hidden point of Namguit (since called Gaspee Point).
The tide was falling, and no efforts of the crew could get her off
till the next tide had risen to a height equal to that when she
touched ground. This would be after midnight. The “Hannah”
pursued her voyage to Providence. Captain Lindsey notified
John Brown, Welcome Arnold, and other leading men, of the
situation of the “Gaspee.” A meeting of consultation was
arranged to be held in Sabin's Tavern. A drum was beaten
through the streets accompanied by a crier, calling on all Sons of
Liberty to join in this meeting. After discussion the participants
in the meeting went to the wharf and embarked in eight long
boats under command of Abraham Whipple, afterwards a captain
in the Continental navy. The little squadron rowed to Namguit
Point, surprised, boarded, and captured the “Gaspee,” wounding
its commander in the action, and -
“Then set her men upon the land
And burnt her up we understand.”
The surprise was so complete that the crew of the “Gaspee”
had no opportunity to discharge her heavy guns. Commander
Duddingston fired his pistols at the party, and Joseph Bucklin, one
of the attacking party, fired a gun at Duddingston and wounded
him. That was all the firing there was in the melée, but it was
the first combat and interchange of shots between armed parties
representing respectively the British government and the colonists,
and is therefore properly considered the first combat of the Revo-
lutionary War. -
The crew of the “Gaspee” were set ashore and the vessel was
totally destroyed. The boats returned to Providence before morn-
ing, and “nobody knew who did it.” . The apparent condition of
ignorance amongst the townsmen in regard to this matter might
almost justify the considering them a class of idiots and non-com-
petents. Somewhere from sixty to one hundred adults out of a
total adult population of about twelve hundred, had taken part in
it, and had forgotten all about it; those who remembered seeing
them start and return could not identify a single soul amongst
them. Even the deputy-governor, Darius Sessions, had only heard
a drum beating about the streets, but just then important business
had called him out of town and he knew nothing of what had
happened further. In the words of the doggerel poetry of the
“Now for to find these people out
King George has offered very stout,
One thousand pounds to find out one
That wounded William Duddingston.
One thousand more he says he’ll spare,
For those who say they sheriffs were;
One thousand more there doth remain
For to find out the leader's name;
Likewise five hundred pounds per man
For any one of all the clan.”
Yet none of these munificent rewards awakened any recollections
of it. Years after this abnormal state of memory, or rather dis-
memory, gave way to a reaction in the opposite direction, and
after the Revolutionary War there were probably a thousand
citizens of Providence who distinctly remembered their personal
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 59
experience in the expedition. An investigation in regard to this
affair was ordered by the British government. The commission
appointed by them held its sessions in the colony for nearly a year,
and the manner in which our ancestors implied, without any
actual false statement in the matter, that they had nothing to do
with it, and proved those who said that they took part in it to be
unworthy of belief, deserves credit for its ingenuity, if nothing
else. The result of it was simply to increase the bitterness of
the colonists against the home government.
the town felt unequal to perform the task till August, 1771, when
it resolved to erect a market near the bridge. The townsmen of
the north end claimed the market should be there, and those of
the west end claimed that if any market were to be built at the
town’s expense they should have one also. This triangular con-
test delayed the matter still further. Finally a peace was made
between the parties. A grant of a lottery from the General As-
sembly to raise the money to build a town market-house was ob-
tained. The money was so raised and work was commenced in
DESTRUCTION OF THE SCHOONER ‘‘ GAS PEE.”
From an old Engraving.
In 1773 the British government, not satisfied with taxing the
colonists on articles if they used them, attempted to compel them
to use the taxed goods, especially tea. No tea was shipped to
Providence, but shortly after the destruction of tea in Boston
Harbor viz., on Jan. 19, 1774, a town-meeting here voted its full
approval of that act and pledged its coöperation with Boston
against every other unconstitutional measure, and the tea act in
particular.
In May, 1774, the town of Providence passed a resolution, the
first of the kind passed in any of the American colonies, favoring a
congress of representatives of the colonies for establishing a union
against the power of Great Britain.
At the same town-meeting they directed their representatives to
try to obtain from the legislature an act forbidding the importation
of negro slaves into this colony, and that all negroes born in this
colony should be free after attaining a certain age.
There were in those days no private markets; purchasers of
domestic supplies were obliged to seek sellers, or sellers pur-
chasers, as best they might, and for years a place where they might
meet had been deemed the greatest need of the town. In 1758 a
petition for permission to build a market house on the town's
land at the east end of Weybosset Bridge had been granted, but
so hampered with conditions that no citizen availed himself of it.
It was felt that the town should erect and own the building, and
Market Square on the twenty-fourth day of May, 1773. The
first stone was laid by Nicholas Brown on the eleventh day of
June following. Stephen Hopkins and Joseph Brown were the
committee who had charge of the enterprise. This building,
with the addition of a third story and a slight change in the
eastern end, now stands on Market Square and is occupied by
the Board of Trade.
In June, 1774, ground was broken for the erection of the pres-
ent First Baptist Meeting-house. It was built on the site of an
orchard of the Angell family, lying between the town street and
Back (or Benefit) Street. This church was opened for public wor-
ship for the first time on May 28, 1775. It will be long ere we
have occasion to note any other civil or religious improvement, and
we gladly pause to notice these at the eve of the commencement
of the Revolutionary War.
In a census taken at this time, apparently in preparation for
the coming struggle, there were found to be in Providence:
1,219 males over 16 years of age : 850 under that age; total
males. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2,069
1,049 females over 16 years of age; 832 under that age;
total females. . . . . . . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1,981
Indians, 68; negroes, 303. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 I
Total inhabitants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.32 I

60 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
In August and November of this year aid was sent to Boston
for the poor of that town, showing that in the union for the
struggle with England, the coming of which was now patent to
all, every vindictive recollection of earlier causes of animosity
had faded away. - *~
In pursuance of recommendations of the Colonial Congress, a
committee of inspection was appointed Dec. 17, 1774, to aid in
forwarding patriotic measures. The people almost to a unit sup-
ported this committee, and on Thursday, March 2, 1775, to show
their sympathy in the struggle, a bonfire was kindled on Market
Square, yhere, to the accompaniment of tolling bells and appro-
priate speeches, some hundred weight of tea were burned while
the assembled Sons and Daughters of Liberty pledged themselves
not to use the East Indian herb till they could do so free from
English taxation.
Week by week, day by day, the impending crisis was seen to
be approaching. Cannon were cast in the foundry of John
Brown & Co., muskets were made by Jenckes, of Pawtucket
Falls, pruning hooks were beaten into swords, gun powder was
made from domestic sources. The militia were drilled, and in-
dependent companies of artillery, infantry, and cavalry were
formed, and systems of “minute men,” ready to start at a mo-
ment's notice to defend the cause of the colonies, were formed,
till, on the 19th of April, 1775, the “gun heard round the
world” was fired at Lexington. On the second day thereafter
1,000 troops had marched, and more were ready to march from
Providence to the scene of combat. On the 22d of April a
special session of the General Assembly was held and the colony
placed in a posture of defense and readiness to aid her sister col-
onies. e .
Rhode Island was troubled by the possession of a governor,
Joseph Wanton, who believed in the royal cause, and who de-
clined to sanction any measure inimical to it. He refused to give
commissions to the officers appointed in the army for defense of
the state and aid of patriots at the siege of Boston. The legisla-
ture, therefore, suspended him from his office, leaving the Hon.
Nicholas Cooke, of Providence, deputy-governor, to act in his
stead, and in June placed the army of observation raised by this
colony under command of the commander-in-chief, then Gen.
Artemas Ward, of the combined American army, stationed in
Massachusetts. On November 7 Governor Wanton was formally
deposed and Nicholas Cooke made governor and commander-in-
chief, after which the cause of freedom in Rhode Island suffered
no more from paralysis in the official head. Pending these diffi-
culties with the governor, several British war vessels remained
stationed in Newport, which, it must be remembered, was the
chief place of the colony, or were cruising in the bay, and the
sessions of the General Assembly were held on the main land,
generally at Providence. To protect Providence from the enemy's
fleet breastworks were thrown up between Field's and Sassafras
points, and a battery of eighteen pounders erected on Fox Hill.
(See map of Providence, 1803, for its location.) Esek Hopkins,
afterwards first commodore of the Continental navy, was ap-
pointed commandant of this battery. A floating battery was con-
structed. - - e
August 22, the “Rose,” “Glasgow,” and “Swan,” British
war vessels, with their tenders, were seen off Nayatt Point. An
alarm was given, the batteries and intrenchments manned, and
the military companies of the town appeared under arms. The
enemy, however, did not come nearer the town and that evening
dropped down the bay. In October scows were filled with com-
bustible materials and kept in readiness to act as fire-ships, and
nel. Most of these arrangements for defense were made by the
town alone, unaided either by the colony or continental authori-
ties. Later the colony assumed the direction, completion, and
maintenance of these works. A beacon was erected near the
junction of Prospect and Meeting streets, which when fired (as a
test) was seen from Newport, New London, Norwich, and Pom-
fret in Connecticut, and Prospect Hill in Cambridge. Further
works were built on Prospect Hill, to the north of the beacon, on
the former home lots of Roger Williams and Joshua Verrin, the
spot whence we have assumed in chapter I. that Roger Williams
inspected the surrounding country. Across the mouth of the
Seekonk River, on the height back of Hogpen Point, (now called
Fort Hill), the town of Rehoboth in November erected a fort,
effectually closing to the British fleet the mouth of the Seekonk
River. g -
Besides providing for its home defense, Providence sent more
than its full proportion of men to assist in the siege of Boston.
A census taken at that time shows in Providence:
Inhabitants: Families. Men. Arms.
On the east side. . . . . . . ... ... tº e º ºs e º e e 2,678 431 419 305
On the west side. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,677 310 307 I92
4,355 741 726 497
After the British troops evacuated Boston in March, 1776, the
American army took up its line of march for New York. General
Washington arrived here (his first visit to Providence) on the 5th
of April. He was escorted into town by the cadets and light in-
fantry companies, and two regiments of Continental troops.
On May 4th the colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plan-
tations formally renounced its allegiance to the king of Great
Britain, thus declaring its independence two months prior to the
declaration of the United States and prior to that of any other one
of them. Thus “Little Rhody,” as she came to be styled, drew
the sword, threw away the scabbard, and plunged into the strug-
gle for a national existence as a separate empire.
To the Declaration of Independence by Congress on July 4th,
1776, the General Assembly of this state gave its unhesitating
sanction. The signatures of Stephen Hopkins and William
Ellery to that document were unhesitatingly endorsed by their
constituents. The signature of Hopkins was the only one to that
instrument that was signed with a trembling hand, but it has
been well said of him that “though his hand trembled his heart
did not,” and the disease that affected his palsied arm did not
have any effect upon his mind. *
On the twenty-fifth of the same month the first “Fourth of
July celebration” was held in Providence. The governor and
members of the Assembly were escorted by the cadets and light
infantry companies to the Court House, where the declarations
by the legislature and Congress were read. Salutes of thirteen
guns were then fired by the artillery and the Continental ships
in the harbor, and the day closed in feastings and festivities.
Though the townsmen celebrated this as a joyful event it was not
because they were unaware of the nature and possible conse-
quences of the acts they were celebrating. They knew that they
had placed their hands in the lion's mouth and that they must
choke the lion into submission or perish for their temerity, but
they had deliberately determined to suffer death rather than to live
deprived of their liberty. -
The fortifications for defending the town above described were
never attacked. Newport, Bristol, Warren, and other places on
the lower bay were captured and occupied, or sacked and burned
during the war, but Providence behind her intrenchments lay
secure throughout the whole period. Save by unsparingly fur-
nishing her men and means in the cause and partaking equally in
the general suffering of the country, Providence never felt the
effects of the war on the land side, but in her maritime interests
she was sorely wounded, and by that arm she struck back. By
her privateers she endeavored to take from the enemy an equiva-
lent of what they had seized from her, and from Providence
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 61
came the beginning of the American navy in ships, officers, and
1nnell.
As early as in July, 1775, the General Assembly directed the
chartering of two vessels, one of ten guns and eighty men, and
the other of less force, to protect the trade of the colony. The
vessels came from Providence, the men to man them were found
in Providence, and Abraham Whipple, of Providence, was in-
vested with the command of both, with the title of Commodore of
the Rhode Island navy. Commodore Whipple commenced oper-
ations against the British force in the bay on the day he received
his commission, and on that day fired the first cannon in naval
warfare, and captured the first prize taken in the Revolutionary
struggle. In August the Rhode Island navy was increased, and
the General Assembly directed the Congressional delegates to
impress upon Congress the need of a Continental navy. This
suggestion was favorably received, and Esek Hopkins, brother
of ex-Governor Hopkins, (of the Ward-Hopkins controversy,)
was appointed commodore and commander-in-chief of the Con-
tinental navy in October, 1775. Commodore Whipple, of the
Rhode Island navy, with his largest vessel, the “Katy,” after-
wards named the “Providence,” was ordered to carry Commo-
dore Hopkins and his men (recruited at Providence) to Phila-
delphia, with instructions to join the Continental navy if they
were ordered to cruise off New England.
Commodore Whipple was transferred from the state to the Con-
tinental service, and placed in command of the ship “Columbus.”
The fleet, under Commodore Hopkins, sailed to the Bermudas,
thence to and captured Nassau, seized all the cannon and military
stores there, and brought them to this country, arriving at New
London, April 8, 1776. The fleet subsequently came to Provi-
dence in time to partake in the celebration of July 25, 1776.
Meantime two large vessels, the “Warren” and the “Provi-
dence,” were in construction at the Providence ship-yards for the
Continental navy, and were launched in May, 1776.
Newport from the commencement of the struggle had been
made the head-quarters of the British cruisers on the coast, inter-
fering with the trade of Providence and preventing the patriotic
inhabitants of the islands from contributing in aid of the Revolu-
tionary cause. Dec. 8, 1776, a large force of British troops took
possession of the island, and their fleet then blockaded the mouth
of the bay. The Continental fleet, being of inferior force, never
penetrated this blockade as a body, but, one by one, the vessels
stole out to sea. The town of Providence now went largely into
privateering, and throughout the Revolutionary War the greater
part of the foreign goods that reached here came through that
source. For three years the British at Newport and the Continen-
tals at Providence, sometimes in large force, lay watching each
other. During this time the man with whom Providence and the
rest of the state was more occupied than with any other was Gen.
Nathaniel Greene. A native of Warwick, born on Potowomut
Neck, he became the distinctive man of the whole state, not,
perhaps, more of Providence Plantations than of other parts, but
the one from other parts in whom Providence took the most pride.
He was acknowledged as the second man in the struggling nation
of America, and had any accident happened depriving the cause
of the illustrious services of General Washington, Nathaniel
Greene would undoubtedly have been the man chosen to succeed
to his place. -
As General Greene in the northern part of the state, Lieutenant-
Colonel Ward of the southern part was holding a high place in
the estimation of the citizens of this town. A son of Governor
Ward of the “Ward-Hopkins” controversy, no shade of bitter-
ness was left growing out of that contention, but as his patriotism
shown brighter and clearer as the years of the war passed on, the
appreciation and admiration of him grew greater in the town of
Providence as well as the remainder of the state.
All this time Providence was a camp. The college build-
ing was used as a barracks and its campus as a parade ground.
Later it became a hospital for sick soldiers, but for long years it
ceased to perform its intended functions, and its professors and
students were alike serving their country in the tented field.
Whipple Hall and the brick school-house on Jail Lane, now Meet-
ing Street, were both used as laboratories in the preparing of am-
munition, and the rising generation suffered from the want of
educational facilities.
The outlook was dark and gloomy. A petition drawn up in
August, 1777, informs us that in the six months before the number
of polls had diminished one hundred and thirty; that real estate had
sunk at least twenty-five per cent. in value; that since the blockade
it had cost the inhabitants to live, on an average, three shillings
per week more than their earnings. Another petition of the same
year says: “Our port has been blockaded more than twelve
months. Our stores and shops are almost empty. Our navigation
demolished. Our ship-building at an end. . . . Our most
wealthy inhabitants have packed up their fortunes and removed to
places of greater security. The common sort of people who are
left behind are mostly out of employment, and the poor are yet
among us to be supported by the remaining persons of property.”
To save the poor from starvation the town raised $43,200, and
sent it to Connecticut to buy corn, directing it to be insured if
sent by water, offering fifteen per cent. premium for insurance
from the Connecticut River to Providence. This shows the war
risk. Corn cost $20 per bushel; rye $25 per bushel. The whole
country was suffering from a currency that was depreciating to an
extent unknown in its previous history. In April, 1778, it had
depreciated to four for one in silver, and continued depreciating till
it was described as “taking a bushel of money to buy a bushel of
corn.” A few quotations, taken at random through the next three
ESEK HOPKINS,
The First Commodore of the United States Navy.

9
62 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
years, are given to
show the rate and in-
crease of depreciation :
in June, 1778, $4.25
for one silver dollar;
August, 1778, $4.75 for
one ; November, 1778,
$5.45 for one ; Jan-
uary, 1779, $7.42 for
one : March, 1779, $10
for one ; June, 1779,
$13.41 for one ; Sep-
tember, 1779, $18 for
one ; December, 1779,
$25.93 for one ; March,
1780, $37.36 for one :
April, 1780, $40 for
one ; April 30, 1780,
$44 for one ; May 15,
1780, $49 for one ; June
15, 1780, $68 for one :
Sept. 15, 1780, $7.1 for one ; Feb. 27, 1781, $75 for one; May
15, 1781, $8o for one ; May 30, 1781, $160 for one. It is un-
necessary to carry the scale further. It kept on till the bills
practically ceased to have any value as money.
But if Providence suffered, Newport was blighted, almost de-
stroyed; her citizens were driven away by the insults of a ruthless
soldiery; her shipping was captured and burnt; her houses de-
stroyed. She received a wound from the British occupation from
which she has never yet recovered. Distressful as was the posi-
tion of the citizens of Providence, they could yet reciprocate the
kindness of the island in 1676, and offer an asylum to its dis-
tressed citizens, of which many availed themselves.
In July, 1777, one of the most brilliant dashes of the war was
made by Lieutenant-Colonel Barton, who with forty militia
rowed in open boats across the bay and through the English fleet
in Newport harbor, landed on the shore, passed up to a farm
house in the outskirts of Newport, half a mile from the place of
landing, which was the head-quarters of General Prescott, burst
in the door of his apartment, a negro of the party using his head
as a battering ram for that purpose, seized the general, carried
him to the boat, and conveyed him off through the British fleet to
Warwick Neck.
In the midst of this war and suffering we find relief in recording
one triumph of peaceful mechanical ingenuity. In 1778 the first
cold cut nail ever produced was made by Jeremiah Wilkinson, of
Cumberland, which was now well established as a part of Provi-
dence Plantations.
News of the alliance of the United States with France was re-
ceived in Providence, April 22, 1778. Salutes were fired, and
the townsmen in other ways testified to their joy.
In August, 1778, an unsuccessful attempt was made to capture
the British forces on Rhode Island, in which the Providence
militia took part. After its failure the parties fell back into their
former positions of mutual watchfulness.
In October, 1778, the hearts of the people were lightened and
their hopes raised by one of the most daring and successful ex-
ploits of the war. The British force included a floating battery
or “galley” of 300 tons, mounting eight twelve-pounders, pro-
tected by strong boarding nettings, and manned by forty-five men.
It was anchored off the mouth of the Seaconnet River. Maj.
Silas Talbot, an officer of the Revolutionary War, who had sig-
malized himself by his gallantry in the siege of Boston, planned
and executed its capture by means of a small sloop mounting two
three-pounders, and manned for the occasion by sixty men. He
carried his prize in safety into Stonington. It was converted into
GEN, NATHANIEL GREENE,
First in Command under Washington,
an United States vessel, and under his command did good service
against the British along the coast.
In March, 1779, General Sullivan, who had commanded the
Continental troops in this section, with head-quarters at Providence,
left the command, and was succeeded by General Gates. On
Oct. 25, 1779, the British evacuated the island of Rhode Island,
thus relieving our townsmen of a portion of their anxiety, and as
their fleet left the bay, giving some chance for a hazardous com-
merce to be carried on.
On May 19, 1780, occurred the phenomenon known as the
“dark day.” It suddenly grew so dark as to require artificial light.
Fowls and wild birds went to roost at noon time. It grew lighter
towards night. This phenomenon has never been satisfactorily
explained.
With various alarms to cause excitement, and the steady drag
and strain of the depressing influences above described continually
bearing upon their minds, the years of the war passed drearily on
till October, 1781, when the news came of the capture of Cornwal-
lis' army at Yorktown, and Providence felt proud to learn that it
was her troops that first entered the breach, and that the first pa-
triot order given within the enemy's works was, “Capt. Stephen
Olney's men form here,” given by that gallant leader as he passed
the crest.
Again came weary years of waiting, of doubt and uncertainty
as to the future; of precarious commerce; of the marching to and
from the town of armies; the remaining here through the winter
of 1782 of the second division of the French army in camp at the
head of Camp Street; the people waiting, waiting patiently, but
drearily, the action of the diplomatists, till the preliminary articles
to a treaty of peace and independence was signed at Versailles in
January, 1783; and on the 11th of April following, a proclamation
was issued by Congress declaring a cessation of hostilities.
Then, and not till then, did the worn and impoverished people
feel that the victory was won; that their suffering had not been
vain, and a celebration of the joyful event was held on the twenty-
second day of April. Far, however, from any feeling of self-
glorification, their rejoicings were toned by the Rev. Mr. Hitch-
cock to the text of “Not unto us, O Lord, but unto thy name
give glory.” Cannons were fired; bells rung; flags displayed;
speeches made ; the proclamation repeatedly read, and, in fact, the
town never before nor since has shown such general rejoicing.
And it had reason to, as it never has had before or since. It could
now sit down and calmly estimate the cost and the result of the
war. In numbers they were about the same as at its commence-
ment. The loss from the war had a little more than kept pace
with the normal increase of the population. In 1774 there were
4,321 inhabitants; in 1782, there were 4,306. The loss of prop-
erty was incalculable. Their commercial interests were destroyed.
The currency of the country was valueless. All exchanges of
property were reduced to a barter system. Providence, however,
was not a town whose inhabitants would sit down and aimlessly
wring their hands over their losses. During the latter part of the
war they had made strenuous efforts to revive their trade. Their
still-houses had been kept in operation, and trade with Africa and
the Spanish and French West Indies had been kept up ; and
immediately upon the establishment of peace this trade was ex-
tended and enlarged and the coasting and European trade cul-
tivated, while John Brown, and others after him, embarked in
the East India trade, making their head-quarters at India Point,
which soon became the most flourishing section of the town.
One result of the war with the misfortunes of southern parts of the
state, was to make Providence the leading town, a supremacy it
has ever since maintained.
The development of the growth of the town was now renewed.
A new highway was laid out in 1783 from Back or Benefit Street
to Ferry Lane. This last name, instead of belonging, as Too years

- THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. 63
before, to Hope Street, was now given to the way leading from
Hope Street to the upper ferry, and both Ferry Lane and the new
street were later united under the name of Angell Street, now
Angell and South Angell streets.
In January, 1784, there was a flood on the Moshassuck, carry-
ing destruction in its course nearly to the Weybosset Bridge. It
was computed that the destruction wrought by this flood was
nearly as great, relatively, as that caused by the burning of the
town in the King Philip War, and that only the opportunity
afforded by the Cove for the waters to spread and abate their force
saved the town street from total destruction.
In February of this year, 1886, we have seen, on a smaller scale,
what the Moshassuck may do “when its angry waters rise,” and
have appreciated the advantage of even the present reduced Cove
in the same way.
In 1785 ex-Gov. Stephen Hopkins died. -
The currency question was the main one of the day. The Con-
tinental currency had depreciated till it had gone out of use. Many
inhabitants of the state were yet believers in the old bank system
of the colonial days. The citizens of Providence were almost
unanimous in the desire that nothing but gold and silver should
be used as a currency. The country was as unanimous in favor of
the bank, and a feeling of antagonism between the “town’ and
“country” (the “town” being Providence and the “country”
the rest of the state) grew out of this dispute, remains of which
are sometimes seen in the legislature to this day. The country
party commanded the most votes in the legislature, and a bank of
4 loo, Ooo was ordered issued in May, 1786. The depreciation
commenced immediately, and in June, 1786, the state by legisla-
tion affixed a penalty upon the refusal to receive its issues at par,
to force its use upon the town party. The merchants and traders
forming the latter thereupon closed their stores. The farmers who
had received the bills and mortgaged their farms for the same, then
resolved not to bring any produce of their farms to market. It
was a sad and solemn state of affairs, and the farmers were the
losers by it. The merchants and traders could and did send abroad
for food supplies. The farmers had no facilities for so obtaining
merchandise. The indignant farmers called a convention, resolved
that the money should pass current, and at a special session of the
legislature, passed a more stringent law to enforce the use of the
bills. The law so passed was declared by the Supreme Court in
the case of Trevet vs. Weeden, to be unconstitutional. The
country party enraged at this decision, cited the judges to appear
before the legislature at a session held in October and answer for
it. The judges, through David Howel, the youngest member of
the bench, declared that “for the reasons of their judgment upon
any question judicially before them they were accountable only to
God and their own consciences,” and proceeded to demonstrate
the unconstitutionality of the law. The legislature declared the
judges at fault, and proposed to discharge them from office; but
fortunately for the credit of the state, wiser counsel prevailed and
the judges were finally excused from attendance on the legislature.
Many wild plans were proposed. As an instance, a law was
pressed that every citizen should on a certain day make oath or
affirmation that he would use his best endeavors to give the cur-
rency a value equal to gold and silver, and any one refusing to do
so was to be deprived of the right to hold office, the right to vote,
and the right to testify in the courts. Fortunately, this bill and
others equally wild never became laws.
Finally a reaction to common sense came on. The bank issue
was steadily and rapidly depreciating, and in September, 1789,
the law making it a legal tender was repealed. From February,
1793, it was destroyed as fast as received, in payment of taxes,
and in May, 1803, £96,646 had been destroyed. The following
table shows the rates of depreciation fixed at different times by the
legislature on this unfortunate issue:
LIEUT.-COL, SAMUEL WARD,
A Distinguished Officer of the Revolution, and Son of Gov. Samuel Ward
July, 1786, 6 shillings in silver equal. . . . . . 9 in bills.
October, 1786, 6 shillings in silver equal. . . 18 “
January, 1787, 6 shillings in silver equal. . . 24 “ “
April, 1787, 6 shillings in silver equal. . . . . . 34 “ “
April, 1788, 6 shillings in silver equal. . . . . 38 “ “
July, 1788, 6 shillings in silver equal . . . . . 45 “ “
January, 1789, 6 shillings in silver equal. . . 6o “ “
July, 1789, 6 shillings in silver equal. . . . . . 90 “ “
At this latter rate these bills have been received in payment of
taxes as late as 1819.
While this contest was convulsing the state and tending to
paralyze its development, another one of equal violence was for-
mulating. The Articles of Confederation which had held the thir-
teen United States together during the Revolutionary War were
deemed unsuitable for a permanent government, and in March,
1787, Congress recommended the several states to appoint dele-
gates to a convention to revise the same. The General Assembly
of Rhode Island declined sending delegates. Nevertheless, the
convention was held, and the constitution of the United States
framed during the summer of that year.
It was laid before the October session of the legislature, with
the request that it might be laid before a convention of the people
of the state. The legislature ordered it to be printed and circu-
lated and the question of its adoption referred to the freemen at
their several town-meetings. There is no doubt but that the
several states were all opposed to the adoption of this constitution
as it originally stood. They were averse to the giving up of their
state sovereignity. Those who did accept it only did so on a
tacit understanding that the amendments proposed at the first ses-
sion of Congress should be adopted, and even then they only ac-
cepted it as a choice between two evils. Rhode Island waited
till those amendments were made before she adopted it. The
first reference of the question of its adoption to the people was
simply farcical. In Providence there was one vote cast on the
subject by Samuel Sampson, and that one against it. In the state
generally, more than one half of the freemen abstained from voting,
and the only towns that voted for it were Bristol and Little Comp-
ton, and they only voted for it from the feeling that the town

64 . THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
party was against it, and the country party must vote against the
town. In less than two years, however, the town party was in
favor of the adoption of the amended constitution, and the country
party against it. The constitution of the United States was no-
where more thoroughly discussed and understood than in Provi-
dence and Rhode Island. When it was finally adopted it was
done understandingly, and this state has ever since stood loyally
by it. Before the year 1789 Providence was largely in favor of
adopting the constitution as it stood, with the expectation that it
would be immediately amended. -
The convention framing the constitution had agreed that it
should go into effect when nine of the thirteen states adopted it,
and that then the old Articles of Confederation should be consid-
ered canceled. In June, 1788, New Hampshire, the ninth state,
adopted it. The news reached here on the 24th, and a general
celebration was held. The church bells were rung through the
whole day, salutes fired, schools dismissed, students and professors
in college paraded, speeches made, etc., and the citizens on the
27th decided to celebrate this event as well as the declaration of
independence on the next fourth day of July, by services in the First
Baptist Meeting-house and a barbacue on Smith's Hill, then called .
Federal Plain, inviting the public of town and country to join
with them, and extending special invitations to all general state
officers. This was gall and wormwood to the country party.
The services at the church might be all right, but “theré were
several thousand countrymen would know the reason why ’’ an
ox should be barbecued to celebrate the success of such an instru-
ment of evil as the constitution of the United States and that insult
should be added to injury by inviting the members and leaders of
the “country,” who were opposed to it, to join in the festive
occasion. Accordingly, armed with flint locks, pitchforks, flails,
and other bucolic weapons, they came to investigate. If it was
simply a celebration of July 4th, well and good. If it was a
celebration of the adoption of the United States Constitution by
nine states, then it was a matter that must be stopped, even at
the expense of internecine war. -
It seems absurd and almost incredible, but the sandy soil of
Smith's Hill came near being drenched with human gore on that
occasion, and the heated blood of the bucolic visitants, who stood
guard on the grounds during the long hours of a rainy, drizzly
night and morning, only cooled down when, after conferring to-
gether, “it was agreed on the part of the town that they would
not celebrate the day on account of the adoption of the new con-
stitution in any respect whatsoever; that no salutes should be fired
or toasts drunk in honor of such constitution, or in honor of any
state or states which have adopted said constitution. . . .
That the celebration of the day should be in honor of the inde-
pendence of America, and that only,” etc., etc.
It required a committee of five leading citizens of the town,
headed by Welcome Arnold, and one of seven, headed by William
West, judge of the Supreme Court, of the country, to negotiate
this delicate piece of diplomacy or tomfoolery, whichever the
reader prefers to consider it. * &
In this month of July Virginia and New York accepted the
constitution of the United States, and in November, 1789, North
Carolina, the twelfth of the thirteen original states, had adopted
the constitution, leaving Rhode Island standing out alone. This
state of affairs could not last long. Rhode Island was liable to
be treated by the rest of the United States as a foreign country.
When the first Congress met in March, 1789, petitions had been
sent to them that Rhode Island might be considered for commer-
cial and tariff purposes as a member of the Union, and this re-
quest had been temporarily granted. At this session of Congress
the first eleven amendments of the constitution were proposed and
submitted to the people of the several states for ratification. These
amendments removed many of the objections to the constitution,
and the feeling of Rhode Island in its favor grew stronger.
In the January session of the legislature, held at Providence,
1790, Benjamin Bourne, Representative of Providence, renewed a
motion for a convention to decide on the adoption of the consti-
tution. A majority of the Representatives voted for it. In the
Senate a majority of one voted against it. The vote was taken
on a Saturday night and the Senate adjourned till Sunday. One
of the opposing Senators was a pastor and felt that his duty to his
church called him away from the legislature on Sunday. When
the vote was considered on that day there was a tie vote and the
governor's casting vote determined the tie in favor of the conven-
tion. “On how small a pivot turns the wheel of destiny.” On
that Sunday morning the churches were almost deserted and the
halls of legislation, with the grounds around the County House,
were thronged with anxious citizens, unable to withstand the im-
pulse that called them there, and when the question was decided,
the usual quiet of a Providence Sunday was rent in fragments by
the glad shouts of cheer that rose to heaven. This calling of a
convention was, however, but one step towards the adoption of
the constitution. A majority of the country party was violently
opposed to it, and the convention was to meet at South Kings-
town. Opposed to the constitution, yet afraid to set the state in
foreign relations to the United States, as an absolute rejection
would have done, the convention temporized and adjourned till
the last Monday in May, 1790, to meet in Newport.
The United States authorities were disgusted with this trifling,
and it was well understood that Rhode Island must take its stand
in or out of the Union—one or the other. The freemen of Provi-
dence in town-meeting assembled, instructed their delegates in case
the convention should not adopt the constitution, to protest against
such action and to take measures as a town to join the United
States. The committee which prepared these instructions con-
sisted of John Brown, Welcome Arnold, John Dorrance, Ger-
shom Jones, Jeremiah Olney, George Benson, Zephaniah An-
drews, Joseph Nightingale, and David Cooke – all good men and
true, wise men and patriotic men. What disintegration might
have followed had the delegates been obliged to use the powers
thus vested in them, it is impossible to say. Fortunately the
necessity did not arise. The convention met on Monday. After
a week's exciting session the question was put on Saturday after-
noon and decided in favor of the constitution by a majority of
two. The news reached the anxious citizens of Providence early
the next morning, and for the second time in this contest the usual
quiet of Sunday was broken by the spontaneous outbursts of joy
from the hearts of the people. On Tuesday, following, the day
was devoted to rejoicings commemorative of the event — cannon
roared, bells rang, flags flew, speeches were made, and all the
usual signs of rejoicings testified to the joy of the citizens that
Providence and the state had entered upon a new era in its career.
The adoption of the constitution of the United States put an end
to all possibilities of future emissions of paper money by the
state. All future banks are those where the term is used in the
modern sense of the word.
While the minds of the towns-people had been mainly occupied
with these political matters, an era of manufacturing prosperity
had dawned upon them so quietly that, immersed in the fog of
politics, they were unaware of the sun' burst that was about to
shed its glory around them. Since 1783 the attention of the
people of Providence and vicinity had been given largely to at-
tempts to spin cotton and wool by power. Machines were made
and set up in Providence by Providence mechanics as early as
1787, that would spin cotton yarn, but they were never practically
available, being too heavy to run by hand and too loosely built to
stand the strain of greater power. The Providence mechanics
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 65
would probably have overcome their defects but for the fact that
Samuel Slater came to this country, bringing in his head designs
of the Arkwright spinning machinery. He was employed by
John and Moses Brown to attempt to run the Providence in-
vented machines, above mentioned, by water-power at Pawtucket.
He found the machines unavailable, and built from his own de-
signs Arkwright machines for the Browns, and at Pawtucket the
first cotton yarn (filling) ever spun by water-power in America
was made in 1790.
In 1788, one John Fullem worked a stocking loom in Provi-
dence, and in March of the same year a calendering machine
worked by water-power was set up in the same town. From
cotton spinning to wool spinning by power was a short step, and
then commenced the development of the great textile manufactur-
ing industries that to-day form such an important industrial ele-
ment of Providence. With the increase of the cotton and woolen
industries came the decline of one once deemed the main hope of
the colony, the flax and linen industry. In the early days all
cloth made in the colony was woolen or linen. Before the intro-
duction of power spinning cotton was never made into a yarn
strong enough to serve as warp, and cotton was only used as a
filling with a linen woof; but with the coming of Slater and
power spinning came the ability to make a cotton yarn suitable for
warping, and to-day there is no linen cloth or yarn made in Provi-
dence.
Bow EN STREET AND THE Roger WILLIAMs HoME LOT.
In 1786 Bowen Street was accepted and adopted between Main
and Benefit streets. It ran through the former homestead of Dr.
Jabez Bowen, who had become possessor of the John Throck-
morton home lot, the northern half of which he conveyed to
Benjamin Bowen, his son, whose executors laid out this street.
The Roger Williams home lot is largely connected with the later
development of this street to the eastward. At Roger Williams'
death his home lot descended, under the law of primogeniture,
to Providence Williams, his oldest son. Upon Providence's de-
cease, childless and unmarried, about 1685, it passed to his oldest
brother, Daniel, and upon his death to his son Peleg. It is inter-
esting, as showing the mode often adopted in those days of dis-
posing of one's estate, to note that Daniel Williams, while upon
his death-bed, caused deeds to be drawn up, the execution and
delivery of which would have divided his real estate among his
children, instead of its all going to Peleg under the law of primo-
geniture. He died, however, before executing them. Peleg find-
ing himself heir to the whole, with an honesty and integrity
worthy of his honored grandfather, caused deeds to be prepared,
and “for love and good will” conveyed to the other children
what his father had in-
tended them to have. By
such a deed the home lot
was conveyed to his
younger brother Roger.
This Roger, after selling
off small portions on the
west end, sold the balance
of the estate to his son-
in-law, David Thayer.
David Thayer, after con-
veying sundry small lots.
to various parties, sold
the remainder to the
above - named Benjamin
Bowen, whose executors,
after laying out Bowen
Street and selling a few
º
>
-
-
-
ſ
ſº
S$
SILAS TALBOT,
The Hero of the “Pigot'’ Affair.
lots at the west end, sold the S.
whole of his estate over to
Ferry Lane (Hope Street),
including the Roger Wil-
liams home lot and one-half
the Jabez Bowen homestead
estate east of Benefit, to
Zachariah and Philip Allen. %
They and their ...'s. é AW/ -
since laid out Bowen Street Zººs º § º
eastward to Hope Street. Øs S$ Nº |
From Congdon Street to ~\Nº. - §§ -
Hope Street it is a fine \ * 1ſ
avenue sixty feet wide, and
the south line of the Roger -
Williams home lot lies with-
in its bounds. The north
line of this home lot can still
be traced, with scarcely an interruption, in the boundary lines of
estates from Hope to Congdon streets, and by continuing said line
it passes some thirty feet to the northward of the site of Roger
Williams' home intersecting with North Main Street about fifty-
two feet north of Howland Street. From Congdon to Hope
streets this line is between ninety and one hundred feet north of
the line of Bowen Street, and is straight except one angle, be-
tween Prospect and Thayer streets, making a change of two
degrees in the course. The average width of the home lot was
about one hundred and twelve feet, and, as above remarked, the
south line (east of Congdon Street) is in Bowen Street. By
continuation said south line intersects North Main Street about
twenty-eight feet north of the north corner of Bowen and North
Main streets. As the last one hundred and ten feet of this south
line was not straight with the rest, but angled slightly to it, the
point of intersection can only be given approximately.
It would seem as if, in case this street were improved to sixty
feet in width from Benefit Street to Hope Street, there would be
a peculiar appropriateness in naming it Roger Williams Street,
as it would be the only one in the city composed in such large
part of and bounding in so long an extent on Roger Williams'
|
-
s
s
=
º
º :
->
COLONEL BARTON,
The Captor of General Prescott,
home lot.
The period covered by this chapter was most essentially a
period of preparation — of fixing and determining the founda-
tions on which a future development should rest. Politically,
the first twenty years were passed in determining the relations
between the plantations and the home government, England,
and the last seven years in determining the relations, first, be-
tween the “town party,” having its head-quarters mainly in
Providence, and the “country party,” with its head-quarters in
the agricultural portions of the county and state; and second, its
relations to the United States government.
In commerce, manufactures, and means of transportation, the
development of the town was practically suspended until the lat-
ter period, and that period was spent in feeling for and preparing
the way to the extraordinary development that the next forty
years witnessed.
In methods of transportation it was also a period of prepara-
tion. The vessels of the beginning of this period present a
marked contrast with the vessels of its close, when a more sea-
worthy class was being constructed.
In the matter of land transportation the same process was going
on. By 1790 the roads had been much improved, and the people
were fast being educated to a degree that led to the inauguration
in the next decade of what may be called the “turnpike era " of
our state, which is described in the chapter on transportation
facilities.









66
TH
E PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
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CHAPTER VIII.
PROVIDENCE CLOSES ITS CAREER AS A TOWN, 1790–1832.
CHANGES SINCE 1763 - MAIL FACILITIES — SHIPPING – PROVIDENCE BANK — FIRST STEAMBOAT — NEW BRIDGES – TOWN HOUSE-
NEW STREETS — VALUATION IN 1796 — FIRST DENTIST — YELLOW FEVER — WATER STREET — NIGHT WATCH – FREE MASONS
AND TOWN MARKET BUILDING – SUFFRAGE – FREE schools – INsur ANCE – INDIA PoſNT IN ISOO– GREAT FIRE IN 18or –
FIRST MAP OF PROVIDENCE — NAMING OF STREETS — FLOOD OF 1807 – Town IN 1808 — whip PING POST — POPULATION,
E.T.C., IN 1810 – DRIFTING INto wAR — PATRIOTIC ACTION OF Town — Oliver HAZARD PERRY ON LAKE ERIE — MANUFAC-
TURING TAKING THE PLACE OF FOREIGN COMMERCE — IMPROVEMENT IN MEANS OF COMMUNICATION — FIRST CONGREGATIONAL
MEETING-HOUSE DESTROYED — BLOCKADE – PREPARATIONS FOR DEFENSE — IRISHMEN’s DAY. — PEACE – SEPTEMBER GALE,
1815 – NEW WBYBoss Et BRIDGE – STAGEs – PROVIDENCE to NEw York IN Two DAYS – STEAMER ‘‘FIREFLY” – PRESIDENT
MONROE’s VISIT – THE ELEPHANT — Fish MARKET – INSTITUTION For sAvi NGs — PopULATION AND BUSINESS IN 1820 —
NEW ERA IN BUSINESS BUILDINGS — STREET LIGHTING – SHIPPING — SIDEWALK COMMITTEE AND THEIR WORK – STEAMER
TO NEW YORK — REMOVAL OF SNOW — SMOKING ON THE STREETS PROHIBITED — DIRECTORY AND MAP — ATTEMPTS TO
FORM A CONSTITUTION – EBENEzER KNIGHT DExTER – BLACKSTONE CANAL – Its EFFECT ON PROVIDENCE – SECOND GREAT
FIRE – BABCOCK ENGINES — NEW MARKETS — MONUMENT TO ROGER WILLIAMS — TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT — ARCADE –
WASHINGTON INSURANCE COMPANY BRIDGE – STAGEs,
RAILROADs, Etc. — ANTHRACITE COAL AND WOOD FUEL – CITY
CHARTER PROPOSED AND LOST — OLNEY STREET RIOTS – CITY CHARTER GRANTED AND ADOPTED — END OF THE TOWN OF
PROVIDENCE.
AN OLD LANDMARK.—‘’ THE COFFEE HOUSE.''
Formerly at the Corner of canal street and Market Square,
At last the long and weary “struggle for existence” is over.
After an almost continuous contest of 154 years against first the
sister colonies and the Indians, then foreign foes and civil usurpa-
tions of the home government, then the armed forces of that
home, now ceased to be home, government, and finally the
jealousy of the country as against the town, Providence had at
last, as an integral portion of the State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations, which latter, in turn, was an integral por-
tion of the United States of America, settled into a career of
peaceful development, which, so far as domes-
tic tranquillity is concerned, has never since
been disturbed save by the short flurry of the
Dorr War in 1842. A verbal view of Provi-
dence in 1763 has been given. One in 1790
shows but little change. The Market House
had been built; the Rhode Island College at
the top of the hill had been established; Pros-
pect Street had been laid out from Olney Street
to Jail Lane, now Meeting Street; Angell and
Waterman streets, east of Benefit, had been
laid out to Hope Street, with a few cross
streets; Howland, Bowen, Hanover, now Col-
lege, and Hopkins streets, established between
the main or town street and Benefit. A few
streets were laid out on Tockwotton Hill, but
there were very few buildings upon them ; the
south side of Wickenden Street in that section
was partially built upon ; Main Street (South
and North) was paved from Crawford Street
on the south to Meeting Street on the north.
The new County House, now State House, the
Whipple Hall school-house, the town school-
house on Jail Lane, now Meeting Street, and
a little more frequency as to houses in the
country parts constitute about all the changes
to be seen on the east side, save a gradual im-
provement in architecture of buildings, with a general filling out
and building of wharves further to the west of the town street.
On the west side a greater change was visible. Westminster
Street was built upon generally on both sides, and so was Wey-
bosset and a part of Broad Street, with some cross streets be-
tween the two. On the Cowpens and Eddy’s points were
wharves and buildings, but between Weybósset Street and Eddy’s
Point was a large cove, covering twenty or more acres.
The mail facilities were much increased; one to the West and

* 68
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
South closing on Mondays and Thursdays, and arriving on Tues-
days and Fridays; while the eastern mails closed on Tuesdays
and Fridays, and arrived on Mondays and Thursdays.
The town is described at this time as being “a place of more
navigation than any of its size in the Union; and there is a
greater number of vessels belonging to this port than to New
York.” The number by actual count in March, 1790, was : ships,
9; brigs, 36; schooners, 20; sloops, 45; giving a total of IIo,
having a burthen of Io,590 tons, without counting river packets,
boats, and shallops. And as showing the growth of the town we
may state that in June, 1791, about a year later, it was: ships,
12 : brigantines, 35; snows, 1 ; polaccas, 1 ; sloops, 56; schooners,
25; total, 130; burthen, 12, Io9 tons. -
The only attempt at police regulation, besides the election of a
town sergeant and constables, was a night watch established
since 1775, first of four, and after 1778, of six men, who went
their rounds after ten o'clock in pairs. --
In October, 1791, the Providence Bank, the éarliest and conse-
quently now the oldest of our banks of discount and deposit was
organized on the third of the month, and at the session of the
General Assembly on the last Monday of that month it received
a charter of incorporation. . - -
In 1792 the first steamboat ever seen in Providence waters,
and one of the first ever seen in the world, was constructed by
Elijah Ormsbee, a Providence mechanic. He called it the “Ex-
periment,” and it was used successfully on the Providence River.
It was considered rather as an interesting mechanical phenomenon
than as an article of use. The men of Providence did not dream
of the future of steam navigation, and waited till the genius of
Fulton inaugurated its era.
In 1792 Weybosset Bridge was rebuilt and enlarged, a sure evi-
dence of prosperity. It was widened from twenty to fifty-six
feet, and the eastern abutment was extended forty feet into the
river to allow room for a proposed “Water Street” to pass over.
A draw was placed in it to allow of vessels passing to the wharves
to the northward. This draw was the subject of an acrimonious
discussion between the different sections of the town. The south-
ern and western portions contending that it was not needed, while
the northern part, loath to lose their ancient facilities, demanded
it. The north end had force enough to secure its claims, and the
bridge was built with a clumsy old-fashioned draw, liable at any
time to suspend traffic across it. w
This seemed to be a bridge building year, for John Brown, a
India Point, in the same year, secured the building of the Wash-
ington Bridge across the Seekonk at Fuller's Ferry, and Moses
Brown initiated the building of the Moses Brown, Central, or
Red Bridge, as it has been variously called, at the upper, Ed-
monds', ferry. This latter bridge was finished in 1793.
The southern part of the town increased in wealth and popula-
tion rapidly. In 1793 it was proposed to raise the town Market
House and provide a town hall in the added story, but after much
discussion the matter was finally settled by the town purchasing
the Congregational Church at the corner of Benefit and Hanover
(College) streets, which then became the old Town House of the
last generation, and providing that the town clerk should keep his
records, and the town council should meet, in the Market House
chambers. -
The Congregational Society, after the sale of their meeting-
house and lot, purchased the lot now occupied by them on the
east side of Benefit Street, (corner of Benevolent) and erected a
beautiful double-spired building, shown in view of Providence in
1808 on page 69.
In 1794 George and Williams streets were laid out from Ben-
efit east to Hope Street, and the use of land to the east of Benefit
Street for residences greatly popularized. Williams Street was
named after Roger Williams by his descendants, the Thayers,
through whose land it ran. The west side was not behind the
east in improvements. New streets were laid out, new dwel-
lings and stores erected, and in 1794, the first building erected ex-
clusively for use as a theatre was built on Westminster Street, on
the site of the present Grace Church. r
The actual and comparative growth of the town can be well
seen in statistics. In 1782, the valuation of the town was £217,-
ooo, say $1,085,ooo, which was about one-fifteenth the valuation
of the state ($14,500,000). In 1796, it was $2,950,000, which
was nearly one-fifth the total valuation of the state ($15,500,000).
It is apparent that while Providence was rapidly advancing in
wealth, other parts of the state were actually retrograding.
About this time, commenced the very important, to the comfort
of our citizens, art and practice of scientific dentistry. Hitherto
the “barber surgeon,” or, at best, the empiric practice of the
physicians and surgeons had been the only resource of the towns-
men for dental care and relief. The earliest advance from the
old practice was in October, 1791, when J. Greenwood (from
Boston) advertised that “he transplants teeth or grafts natural
teeth to remaining roots in the jaw; and a late discovery has en-
abled him to substitute teeth, from one to a complete set, that will
vie in beauty with the most brilliant natural ones, without ex-
tracting the fangs or producing the least uneasiness. . . . As
he proposes to stay but a few days in this place (owing to his en-
gagements elsewhere), he solicits immediate attention.”
He found sufficient patronage to induce him a few years later to
make this town his permanent home with an office on Westmin-
ster Street. In spite of his advertisement specimens of his work
and tools, undoubtedly in the highest style of the art of that day,
now in the possession of the veteran dentist of our city, Dr. J. S.
Thornton, would seem to one accustomed to the present high
state of the art, to be “worse than the disease.” The old-fash-
ioned “turn-key ’’ then in use was sure to do one of two things
—it drew the tooth or broke the jaw. The artificial sets he
made furnished teeth, but gave the lower part of the wearer’s
face the appearance of a prognathous ape.
In 1797 the town was afflicted with a scourge of yellow fever,
which, feeding on the exhalations from the stagnant docks west
of the town street, swept off many of the most prominent citizens.
We have noted that when, in 1792, Weybosset Bridge was re-
built, it was arranged for a “Water Street” to run on its eastern
side. Since then the land had been filled out and the street made,
then North Water, now part of Canal Street, north of the bridge
as far as Steeple Street. There it stopped short for a generation.
It was not till the building of the Blackstone Canal in 1826–28,
that it was continued to Smith Street; to the southward nothing
was done towards it (the South Water Street of the present day)
till three successive scourges of the yellow fever had taught the
townsmen some severe lessons in sanitary science, and the devas-
tation wrought by the September gale of 1815 necessitated re-
building along its course. Then its construction was begun.
In 1796–7, it was deemed necessary to re-organize the night
watch; twelve men were chosen, six serving on each alternate
night. These men gathered in a watch-house, twelve feet square
and seven feet high, erected on Market Square, and thence issued
in three pairs at ten o’clock. One pair went north; one went
south, and one went west, and continued patrolling the streets
till the ringing of the “sunrise bell.” They wore the old-fash-
ioned camlet cloaks, and each carried as his badge of office a staff
about six feet long with a hook at the end. Of the class of men
employed, it is sufficient to say that the council found it necessary
in 1800 to forbid them entering any house during their beat for
the purpose of obtaining intoxicating liquors. These men were
ordered to stop any man found on the street after eleven o’clock,
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 69
and take his name; the refusal to give one's name was conclusive
evidence that the party was “a disorderly person,” and justified
his arrest.
In 1797 the town granted to the Saint John's Lodge of Free
and Accepted Masons the privilege of adding a new story to the
upper part of the Market building, to be used by them as a hall
until the town should see fit (paying them for the improvement)
to take possession, they in the meantime to keep the roof in re-
pair. When this improvement was completed the building as-
sumed, save the eastern projection for a staircase afterwards
A VIEW OF PROVIDENCE IN
before its repeal Providence established a free school system in
the year 1800, and has maintained it ever since.
They provided four schools: one in Whipple Hall, on Benefit
Street, north of Halsey; one in the Brick School House (on Meet-
ing Street); one to be erected in the south part of the town (on
Transit Street), and one to be erected in the west part of the town
(corner of Friendship and Claverick streets); raised a special tax
of $6,000, and appropriated other funds to pay the expenses of the
same. The new school-houses were built, and on the last Mon-
day in October, 1800, all four schools were opened, that in the
| 808, FROM FEDERAL HILL.
Drawn from a Scene painted on an Old Drop Curtain, by Worrall, of Boston, and used from 18 || to 1832 in the Old Providence Theatre, which formerly
stood on the present site of Grace Church.
added, the external appearance the building occupied by the
Board of Trade presents to-day.
Providence has always been in advance of the rest of the state
in the movement to enlarge the suffrage. In 1798 the suffrage
party succeeded in enlarging it so as to cover all male citizens
owning $134 worth of real estate, or real estate producing an in-
come of seven dollars per annum, and the eldest son of such owner.
With the first revival of interests after the Revolutionary War,
renewed attempts had been made to introduce a free school sys-
tem. In 1785 several private schools were taken by the town, and
funds set apart for payment of rentals and repairs, fuel, etc., so
that the expenses to be borne by the pupils were reduced to that
of tuition only. Further attempts were made in this line in 1791.
In September, 1792, the town resolved to establish free schools,
but the matter ended in “resolution.” In 1795 the town again
resolved to establish “schools for the free education of the inhab-
itants of the town, and that the expense of supporting the same
be defrayed out of the town treasury,”—as vain a resolution as the
preceding one. In February, 1799, the Providence Association of
Mechanics and Manufacturers, with John Howland as chief actor
in the movement, presented to the legislature a petition to provide
for the establishment of free schools in every town in the state.
After a severe contest between the friends and enemies of the
measure, lasting a year, in February, 1800, a bill to that effect be-
came a law. This law was too advanced to meet with general
approbation throughout the state, and was repealed in 1803, but
first district, Whipple Hall, under Mr. Dexter, with 180 scholars;
that in the second district, Brick School House, under Mr. Noyes,
with 230 scholars; that in the third district, Transit Street, under
Mr. Farnum, with 240 scholars; that in the fourth district, cor-
ner Friendship and Claverick streets, under Mr. Wilson, with 338
scholars.
For forty years and probably more, before the close of the
eighteenth century, insurance (mostly of marine risks) had been
adopted as a business by private underwriters in the town of
Providence, but the first instance of their combining into a cor-
porate body was that of the Providence Washington Insurance
Company, organized in February, 1799. This company not only
gave stability and security to insurance interests, but in many
other ways was of material moment in securing the future pros-
perity of the town.
By the census taken in the year 1800, we find the population
of the town of Providence had increased to 7,614. At this time
the southern and eastern part of the town was growing faster
than the western, having about two-thirds of the total population.
The East India and China trade was centred at India Point, with
distilleries, rope-walks, a glass house, and auxiliary trades there
located. The West India trade had its shipping with head-quar-
ters in Providence River to the north of Transit Street, while still
further to the north, even to Smith Street, the coastwise traffic
mainly found wharfage. From the town street a road had been
laid out across Mile End Cove and round Fox Hill, called shore

10
7o THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
sº
road, now (in part) India Street, to connect with the India Point
wharves, and a solitary wharf, near where the Bristol railroad
depot now stands, projected from the hill into the river,- the
... precursor of the present Fox Point. -
But as the town was thus rapidly advancing, she was smitten
with a cruel disaster. On the 21st of January, 1801, an alarm of
fire was given from John Corlis' large brick store, on the west *
side of South Main Street, nearly opposite Planet. It was bit-
terly cold and the wind blowing fiercely from the north drove
the flames from building to building on both sides of the street.
The feeble, ineffectual engines of those days could not stop the
ravages of the fire, and it was only by blowing up with gunpow-
der, and then pulling down the débris of the buildings to leeward
of it, that its progress was finally checked. The conflagration
destroyed thirty-seven buildings, sixteen of which were dwelling-
houses, ten, stores, and eleven, outbuildings, in all valued at
$300,ooo. The community has since suffered from fires where a
larger amount of property has been destroyed, but never in its his-
tory since King Philip's War have so many families been ren-
dered homeless at one burning.
In 1803 Daniel Anthony, who had been for years the leading
surveyor, constructed the first map of the town ever made. For-
tunately, although copies of it are now rarely seen, we are able to
reproduce on page 71 a fac-simile of it, and a study of its out-
lines shows a remarkable variance from those of the present day,
and enables us to trace the topographical changes from 1646
(page 37) to that in 1823 (page 66), and thence to that of to-day.”
In 1805 the streets of the town were first authoritatively named.
Before that time many streets had no distinctive names. Some
names were at various times given to different streets: thus, Ferry
Lane was at one time given to the street now called Hope Street;
at another, to the streets now South Angell and Angell from the
Edmond's ferry (Red Bridge) to Hope Street; at another to
Wickenden Street leading to the south (Fuller's) ferry. Meeting
Street was at one time called Jail Lane, at another, King Street;
College Street (between Market Square and Benefit Street) was
at one time called Hanover Street, at another, the lane to the
Congregational meeting-house; Hopkins Street was at times called
Bank Lane, and Howland Street was, when first laid out, known
as Bowen Alley. Different parts of the same street had at times
different names—thus the town street, now North and South
Main streets, was sometimes called Main Street, and at one time
its different parts were called, commencing at the north, Main
Street, Constitution Hill, Prince Street, (from foot of the hill to
Williams' home lot), Williams Street, (from thence to Court
House Parade), Main Street, (from thence to Steeple Street),
Cheapside, (from thence to Market Square), Main Street, (from
thence to Planet Street), Broadway, (from thence to Williams
Street), and Water Street (from thence to its then termination).
The confusion resulting from this multiplicity and frequent pop-
ular change of designations, led to the naming of the streets by
town ordinance. - -
In 1807 occurred the most disastrous flood that the town has
suffered since the memorable one of 1784. On the Seekonk,
both the Central (Red), and the Washington bridges were carried
away, leaving the town dependent on ferriage for its communica-
tion to the eastward, while the angry Moshassuck bore off on its
upraised back both the Mill and Smith Street bridges, and but for
the pacifying influence of the Cove, again saving the lower part of
the town, would have wrought untold damage. Fortunately, the
town was in much better condition to bear such losses than in
former years, and all these bridges were speedily rebuilt. Recov-
* It must be remembered in consulting this map that Mr. Anthony in making it, (as has
been done by map makers of a later date), inserted projected improvements as already
made, and thus the wharves and docks and streets around Fox Hill were mostly in embryo at
that time, and when constructed, did not always coincide with those indicated on the map.
ering herself from this disaster, the town pressed forward in the
development of its resources. We are able to present to the
reader a pictorial view of the town taken in 1808, which gives a
more vivid impression of the appearance at that time of a large
portion of it than words can do. The view was taken from near
the present junction of Atwell's Avenue and Broadway. Its
northward limit is at about the present corner of Cushing and
Prospect streets, and its southern at Mile End Cove. In judging
of the town by this view, it must be remembered that all the re-
gion known as Charlestown, and which many years before had
been the principal part of the town, as well as what was then the
most prosperous and rapidly growing portion, India Point, are
not here shown.
Up to the year 1810, for a generation or more, the east end of
the Great Bridge, or the space adjoining it, had been decorated
with the whipping post and stocks, and there culprits were at
stated times “whipped upon the bare back” for the benefit of
humanity and themselves. The blood-curdling screams of the
victims reëchoed in the precincts of Market Square, till finally a
sentiment grew up that such sights and sounds must at least be
banished from the centre of the town. The time was not ripe
for the total abolishment of such penalties, but the whipping post
and accessories were, as a compromise, removed to the State
House yard. When this particular post became worn out, the
(now) second tree from North Main Street, on the right hand side
of the walk was used as a whipping post. A spike was driven
into the west side of the tree a little more than six feet from the
ground. The victim was lifted till his manacled wrists were
caught over the spike. Then, he hanging by his wrists, his feet
were drawn around the trunk of the tree and secured together,
after which the stripes were laid on his bare back in the presence
of an admiring crowd of onlookers. It is not pleasant to be re-
minded of such things, and yet it is well, at times, in the pride
and self-glorification of this age to recollect that but little more
than fifty years ago (the last public whipping took place at this
tree about 1834) such things were not uncommon in our city.
By 1810 the population of the city had increased to Io,071. In
this year by the private returns of Dr. John Mackie (no public
mortuary records were then kept,) the number of deaths in the
town were: men, 40; women, 53; children, 43; total, 136; equal
to 134% per 1,000; and the number of births in the same-period
was 334. -
In 1811 the country was drifting into a condition that culmi-
nated in the declaration of war against Great Britain in 1812.
Providence being mostly commercial in its business relations, was
greatly a sufferer by the aggressive acts of the British government,
yet its townsmen did not believe in war as an advisable source of
relief, and testified to their belief by petitions, resolutions, and re-
monstrances, addressed to the nation and to its government.
When the President's proclamation declaring the war was re-
ceived it was considered that a public calamity had fallen upon
us. A day was set apart as a day of mourning therefor. The
bells of the several houses of worship were tolled the greater
part of the day. The shops and stores were generally closed, and
the flag of the town on the Great Bridge and those of the ship-
ping at the wharves were displayed at half-mast. It was not
want of patriotism, but a sincere conviction that the course of the
government was wrong, that prompted this action. In August of
the same year the freemen of the town unanimously pledged
themselves, “at the hazard of all things, to aid in the
support and complete execution of the laws promptly,”
and on all occasions to resist, and, if possible, to repel, all hostile
invasions of the enemy, and recommended all persons capable of
bearing arms to be ready at a moment's warning to aid in defense
of themselves, their families, and their country. During this
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 7 I
war, 1812–15, there was some privateering carried on by the
townsmen, but it was very little compared with that of the Rev-
olutionary War. The attention of our people was being slowly
diverted from commerce to manufacturing, and while in former
years the uncertainties of commerce growing out of the Napo-
leonic wars in Europe, the aggressive action of Great Britain in
impressing men from American vessels, sometimes not leaving
force on board sufficient to bring the vessels safely to port, had
driven men's minds that way, this war seemed to impress more
strongly upon them the advisability of developing home indus-
tries, rather than those in their nature semi-foreign, and the
cotton, woolen, iron, and other metallic industries, together with
the manufacture of jewelry, that have since made our city a hive
of activity and caused its rapid development, had mostly their
inception, or the inception of their prototypes, during the period
ending at this time. In the manufacture of cotton and woolen
goods at this time, the spinning was done by power, but the
weaving was done by hand, being in the earlier days put out in
webs to be woven by weavers in the neighborhood. In later
days weave shops were built in connection with the spinning
mills and the weavers were gathered together at the mills. It
was not till after 1817 that power looms were introduced, and the
cotton and woolen industries received the great impulse that bore
them on to their present condition. In these times, and even later,
a cotton or woolen mill running 700 spindles was a large one,
and almost none ran more than one thousand. Yet small as the
separate mills were, there were 140,000 spindles in use within a
FAC-SIMI LE OF THE *
radius of thirty miles from Providence in 1815 engaged in cotton
spinning, and using 29,000 bales of cotton, producing 27,840,000
yards of cloth. The weaving of this cloth cost eight cents per
yard. The great textile industries only awaited the invention of
the power loom before their era of supremacy should commence,
and in 1817 a native of Providence Plantations, David Wilkinson,
of Pawtucket, in North Providence, was the first person in Amer-
ica to perfect and operate a practical power loom.
The means of cemmunication had become developed to the
extent that a stage left Boston at 9 A. M., reached Providence the
same day; left at 4 A. M. next morning, reached Hartford at 7
P. M. the same day; left there at 8 P. M., and arrived in New
York the next morning. On the return trip they occupied thirty-
nine hours from New York to Providence, stayed there over
night and reached Boston the next day. This was a great im-
provement on the first attempts at staging between Boston and
New York, when a week was required to make the trip. Be-
sides this land route there were “palatial packets” (sloops of
from sixty to one hundred tons), running from Providence to
New York, which made the trip in from two days to a week or
two, depending on the weather and tides.
Life in the town was very quiet during the first two years of the
war. The merchants contracted their business and had as little
at stake upon the ocean as possible. No enemy was feared upon
land, and except the feeble movements in manufacturing, a state
of stagnation resulted.
The war had opened with a series of disastrous attempts
DAN" L ANTHONY MAP’’ OF THE TOWN OF PROVIDENCE IN 803.
The first map ever made of the town.

72 . THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
against the British on the northern frontier. Misfortune seemed
to await on every movement made by the American forces. On
land they were defeated. On the waters of the great lakes the
enemy were known to be in superior force, and the defeat of the
American flotilla was expected, when, in September, 1813, the
country was electrified by the dispatch received from Lieutenant -
(afterwards Commodore) Oliver Hazard Perry: “We have met
the enemy and they are ours; two ships, two brigs, one schooner,
and one sloop.” Though Perry was a native of Washington
County, yet Providence took almost as great pride in his achieve-
ment as if it was by one of its own citizens.
This seemed the turning point of the war. After this time on
the ocean the American navy did much to compensate the disas-
ters on the land, while the capture of Detroit and the battle and
victory of New Orleans seemed to retrieve the credit of the land
forces of the nation.
On June 14, 1814, the first destruction of a meeting-house by
fire in the town took place, and the First Congregational Church
on Benefit Street was destroyed. It is supposed that the fire was
caused by an imbecile, who wished to see what kind of a sight the
two steeples would make burning and falling to the ground, A
reward was offered for the detection of the incendiary, but no one
was ever punished for it, though if the people of that day were to
be believed, there was no doubt as to who did the deed. The
church was rebuilt as we see it now, immediately after.
In July, 1814, a British fleet appeared off this coast, and on the
16th of that month they blockaded the bay and captured several
of the Providence packets running between here and New York.
Immediately a state of excitement and defensive preparations
arose, second only to that which existed during the Revolution-
ary War. -
The growth of the town in the interval is well shown by the
location of these defenses. In 1775 a fort on Fox Hill and one on
Prospect Hill were the main works, and one on Fort Hill in Mas-
sachusetts was subsidiary, while defenses on Field's Point were
considered as outworks. In 1814, the main works were at Field's
Point, with intrenchments and breastworks running thence to
Mashapaug Pond, and a minor fortification on Kettle Point in
Massachusetts (now East Providence), opposite Field's Point,
After these were erected, the old forts on Fox Hill and Fort Hill
were placed in fighting order, and a fortification erected near the
hospital on the west side of the river. Fortunately, no necessity
to make use of these defensive preparations ever arose, and the
ruins of some of them stand to-day, a monument only to the pa-
triotic zeal of the townsmen of this and adjacent towns, who
dropped their usual avocations, and one- and all, farmers, me-
chanics, merchants, clerks, lawyers, doctors, professors, students,
and laborers, joined in the heavy work of the spade and pick axe
for their construction. - .
In this movement, the Irishmen, resident of the town, first be-
came noticeable as a body. On October 9, after referring to the
services of Brown University students and of the clergy in the
past week on the fortifications, it is noted in the Gazette, that
“on Monday next the inhabitants of Glocester will volunteer
their services. Thursday next is the day the Irishmen of this
town and vicinity have volunteered to assist in a body in repairing
the old fort on Fox Point.”
A few months were passed in wary watchfulness, when on the
evening of Sunday, the twelfth day of February, 1815, the usual
quiet of the close of the Sabbath day was disturbed by men rush-
ing wildly through the streets shouting “Peace Peace l’” Here
and there the reports of guns in feu de joie were heard, and as
the astonished townsmen opened their windows and doors to in-
quire what it meant, the only answer received was, “Peace
peace is declared l’” No one seemed to know when or how the
news came, or how far.it could be depended upon, but tears of joy
fell from eyes long unused to them, and sobs of gladness choked
the utterance of strong men as they joined in the general rejoic-
ing, though not a little in fear that the report might be disproved
on the morrow. But on the morrow the news was officially con-
firmed, and then the citizens gave unchecked rein to their rejoic-
ings. Flying flags, roaring cannon, glad clangor of bells, con-
gratulation between man and man, and in the evening a general
illumination, all testified to the universal happiness. One can
scarcely realize how much our townsmen were opposed to, and
suffered from this war till he knows the details of their rejoicing
over its termination.
Business revived immediately. Says the Gazette of Feb. 25,
1815: “The noise of the axe and the hammer begins again to
be heard in our workshops and on our wharves, and the busy
note of preparation presages the return of those halcyon days
from which we have been too long and unnecessarily estranged.
Already are a number of our best ships fitting up with every
possible degree of dispatch, confidently expecting that no inter-
vening cloud will obscure the bright prospect of free and unin-
terrupted commerce throughout the globe.” *
Thus every prospect seemed bright and fair for the long de-
pressed town of Providence, but how little is known of the evils
or benefits Providence — God’s providence—has in store for us.
After a spring and summer of unexampled activity and prosperity,
on the twenty-second day of September an ordinary “line storm’
seemed to have commenced. The wind was northeast and the
usual amount of rain fell, and the townsmen went to bed antici-
pating the usual results. In the night the force of the wind in-
creased. On the morning of the 23d the wind had changed to the
east and blew with increased force. At about nine o’clock A. M.,
it veered to east-southeast, and at ten, or before, to southeast, and
blew a hurricane for nearly two hours.
Before twelve o’clock the wind had changed to the southwest,
had calmed down, and the sun was shining brightly on the ruin
and devastation those two short hours had wrought. The water
had stood twelve feet higher than the spring tide-mark. It had
extended from well up towards Benefit Street on the east side
nearly to Aborn Street on the west. With the first burst of the
hurricane the East India ship “Ganges,” belonging to Brown &
Ives, of over five hundred and twenty tons burthen, and the
largest in the harbor, had been forced from her moorings and
hurtled against the Weybosset Bridge. Without a pause she
smashed through the bridge, swinging her bowsprit into, and
wrecking the upper story of the Washington Insurance building,
as an angry elephant with his tusks destroys an enemy without
stopping in mad career, and sped onwards till she reached the
firm land at the head of the Cove where she ended her career for-
ever. Through the gap which she made poured other craft and
wreck stuff till the shores of Smith’s Hill and the Moshassuck
River were strewed with the wrecks of three ships, nine brigs,
seven schooners, and fifteen sloops, besides houses, lumber, casks,
and every imaginable sort of material that the angry flood had
raised from the shores below and flung to the end of its reach.
The succeeding vessels passing through the breach in the bridge
had, by striking against its sides, widened it till no bridge was
left. Nearly every vessel in the harbor had gone that way, and
one sloop was carried into the limits of North Providence. All
the vessels in the harbor, save two, had been driven from their
moorings. As the waters abated—almost as rapidly as they rose
— a large sloop was seen reposing in Eddy Street, between Wey-
bosset and Westminster streets, against a three-story brick house,
her mast showing proudly above it.
To the south of the bridge, the wharves, “on which had been
stored the riches of every clime,” exhibited a most sad and repul-
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 73
sive aspect. “Scarcely a vestige remained of the stores, many
of them very spacious, which had crowded the wharves border-
ing on Weybosset Street but two short hours before. Most of
those on the east side from the south of the Market House clear
round to India Point, suffered the same fate.” The wharves
themselves were washed away, wrecked, and in many places
utterly destroyed. Many of the streets in the lower part of the
town were “almost barricadoed" by an accumulation of lumber,
scows, boats, etc., and as soon as the waters receded were
crowded by anxious sufferers desirous of identifying and saving
Westminster Street.
planned and constructed as far south as General Carrington's
wharf, and substantial brick and stone buildings erected on its
eastern side; Fox Hill in large part leveled off and its materials
used to fill up the Mile End Cove and the land between the shore
and harbor line, making Fox Point substantially as we see it now.
Southwest Water Street, now Dyer Street, was constructed be-
yond the ends of what, in 1815, were the wharves bordering on
Weybosset Street, and substantial buildings, many of them now
standing, erected on its western side, and docks built to the east-
ward of it, while, in the summer of 1817, the Dorrance Street
Market Square.
THE GREAT STORM OF - || 8 || 5.
From an old Painting in possession of the Rhode Island Historical Society.
any of their property that had escaped destruction. Many dwell-
ings were carried away from Eddy’s Point, while from other
homes every article of furniture, clothing, and provision, was lost.
The Second Baptist Meeting-house succumbed and went to
pieces under the combined force of the wind and the waves,
while the tall spire of the First Baptist Church wavered and bent
to the blast, but it fell not. The streets in the upper parts of the
town were strewn with the ruins of chimneys, trees, fences, and
houses. At India Point houses and wharves were destroyed.
The Washington Bridge was floated from its piers and destroyed,
while the east end of the Central (Red) Bridge, suffered the
same fate. Five hundred buildings were destroyed in this storm.
It was “short, sharp, and decisive.” Never before, and it is to
be hoped, never again will two hours witness an equal destruc-
tion in Providence. Fortunately the loss of life was small, but
two men, David Butler and Reuben Winslow, having perished,
both at India Point. The pecuniary loss was estimated at the
time at one and a half million dollars, which was about one-
fourth of the total valuation of the town. This loss fell on the
most enterprising and active members of the community.
Instead of being stunned by this blow, the townsmen rallied
under the shock. The bridges were rebuilt, Weybosset Bridge
this time without a draw. The long designed improvement in
filling in the docks to the southward of the market in great part
carried out; a harbor line established ; South Water Street
Association filled in the large cove that the map of 1803 shows as
existing between Weybosset Street and Eddy’s Point. New
manufacturing enterprises were started. Snuff, chocolate, and
hat manufacturing were three important industries of those days
that seem to have entirely passed away from this city.
By Oct. 21, 1815, the temporary bridge at Weybosset was pas-
sable for carriages. Nine vessels had been floated from the head
of the Cove and carried below the bridge, while as many more,
including the “Ganges,” still lay stranded on Smith's Hill. At-
tempts were made to float the “Ganges” but they were unsuc-
cessful, and she was finally sold and broken up where she
stranded. The permanent Weybosset Bridge was finished in
July following. It was 120 feet long, ninety-five feet wide, the
north sidewalk being twenty-two feet, and the southern one nine
feet wide. It was built on sixty-five posts driven into the water.
The public means of communication between Providence and
the rest of the world were rapidly improving. Daily, and in busy
seasons more frequently, stages ran to Boston, to Worcester, and
to Hartford and the west. In March, 1817, a partly steamboat
and partly stage line ran between Boston and New York via
Providence. The stage left Boston early in the morning, reach-
ing New London late at night. The steamboat left New London
the next morning, made New Haven that night, took on a new
supply of wood, and reached New York next morning. Thus a
journey to New York from Providence only occupied two days,

74 * THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
and three-fourths of that time was spent on an “elegant steam-
boat.” .
On Wednesday, the 28th of May, 1817, the steamboat “Fire-
fly” arrived in our harbor. This was the first steamboat that ever
rounded Point Judith, and the first practical steamboat ever seen
in our waters. She “ attracted considerable notice,” as the Ga-
zette naively remarks. On the next Friday she made the round
trip to Newport and return in eleven hours. The “Firefly ”
ran for a time between Newport and Providence, but the enter-
prise was not a pecuniary success. Probably the expense of run-
ning her was too great for the limited traffic and sharp competi-
tion between Providence and Newport. She showed what could
be done by steam in moving machinery, and soon afterwards we
find steam introduced as a motive power in foundries and mills,
though the expense of wood fuel checked that general develop-
ment of its use, which came after the introduction of anthracite
coal. -
On Monday, June 30, 1817, President Monroe, on his tour
through the Eastern States, arrived from Bristol on the “Firefly,”
landing at Carrington's wharf, whence he was escorted by the cit-
izens, amidst firing of cannon and ringing of bells, to Chapotin's
Hotel (now the Mansion House). The next morning “after
showing him all the beauties of the town,” he was escorted to
Pawtucket, whence he passed into Massachusetts. It may be in-
teresting to note that in August, 1818, the first elephant came to
town. Before then, when the boys wished to see the elephant, they
were obliged to content themselves with some counterfeit present-
ment on a signboard or a picture in a book.
In 1819, a public fish market was established in a wooden build-
ing north of the Great Bridge, partly built over the water, and
facing East, on Water (Canal) Street.
There being at this period large amounts of money disbursed
among the laboring classes, it was deemed desirable that some
means should be found whereby the poorer people could combine
their individual savings and so use them as to draw an income
therefrom. With this end in view the Providence Institution for
Savings was incorporated, with Thomas P. Ives, first president,
in 1819, and has successfully performed since its incorporation the
functions for which it was designed.
By 1820, the growth of the west side of the river had ap-
proached that of the east, there being 5,118 inhabitants there
against 6,627 on the east side. Of these people, 1,371 were emi-
gaged in manufacturing, and 322 in commerce, sixty-four in agri-
culture, and there were thirty-nine unnaturalized foreigners resi-
dents of the town. - ©
On the 5th of September, of this year, there were counted 126
wagons loaded with fruit and vegetables standing on Market
Square, while only seven years before the presence of forty-nine
such wagons had excited surprise and remark. In those days the
marketing of the townsmen was all done at Market Square.
In 1820, a fire hook and ladder company was established. In
the same year the Franklin House was built fronting on Market
Square, inaugurating a new era in the style of business buildings.
It was followed the next year by the building next north of it, and
about four years later by the brick buildings, faced with granite,
on the corner of Market Square and North Main Street. Soon
after this the Mallet buildings were erected on South Main Street,
and the post-office moved into the front one by Postmaster Mallet.
Previous to 1820 the streets had been unlighted at night save
by the moon and stars, and the townsmen were obliged to blunder
through the streets on cloudy nights or pick their way by the un-
certain light of lanterns carried by hand. After a long discussion
the people were finally, in that year, educated to appreciate the
importance of lighting the streets by municipal authority, and
the wise economy of the saving expense caused thereby.
and driving the packets out of the business.
The shipping of Providence had largely increased in tonnage
since 1800. It now comprised in foreign trade seventy vessels,
viz.: 31 ships, 2 barks, 31 brigs, 4 schooners, 2 sloops, total ton-
nage, 15,491 ; and coasting trade, sixty vessels, viz.: 3 ships, 14
brigs, 12 schooners, 31 sloops, with a tonnage of 5,2O4; giving a
total of 130 vessels, with a tonnage of 20,696 tons.
On Aug. 22, 1821, the steamship “Robert Fulton” arrived at
India Point from New York, being the first steamboat arrival
direct from New York. * -
During this year the subject of sidewalks was agitated, and
after a discussion somewhat similar to that of the year before on
the question of lighting the streets, it was decided in the face of
much opposition that the streets should have sidewalks and gut-
ters. A committee on sidewalks was appointed and in March,
1822, they commenced their labors on the west side of South
Main Street. The old, uneven pavement of round stones extend-
ing across the street from building to building, was broken up
and flag stones substituted. Steps of houses that had long been
trespassers on the highways were removed, and the sidewalk
brought to an even grade. The opposition to this improvement
did not cease, however, and as late as August, 1827, the sidewalks
on North Main Street, between North Baptist Lane (Thomas
Street) and Thomas Greene's estate, near Meeting Street, were
not made. In the year 1822 the expediency of numbering the
stores and houses was discussed and finally the improvement
was decided upon.
In June of the same year, owing to a controversy between the
states of New York and Connecticut, the steamboats commenced
running direct from New York to Providence. They made the
trip in twenty-three hours and consumed fourteen cords of wood
in the passage.
Communication with Boston had by this time become so de-
veloped that by starting at five o'clock in the morning one could
go to Boston, have two hours to do business there, and return to
Providence by seven o'clock in the evening. The steamship
“Providence” was plying between Providence and Newport,
She made the trip
from Newport to Providence, against wind and tide, in three
hours. -
In April, 1823, the first ordinance was passed requiring snow
to be removed from sidewalks in twenty-four hours after falling.
On July 4th of this year, 1823, a town ordinance prohibiting the
smoking of cigars on the street, went into operation and met with
universal compliance. The fire wardens, whose duty it was to
complain, were determined not to suffer one offender to escape.
This measure was adopted as a prevention against fires, and as
the department became more efficient the interest in enforcing it
waned. How many people are there, who, as they walk along
the streets to-day, smoking a cigar, realize that they owe the
privilege to the efficacy of the fire department?
The town had grown to such an extent that a directory was
felt to be needed, and the first one was issued bearing date 1824.
The condition of the town as to growth at this time is well shown
by the Daniel Anthony map of 1823, a reduced fac-simile of
which is here shown. -
By 1824 the valuation of the town had increased to $9,500,ooo,
that of the state being $32,640,000, while the population had
augmented till it was over fifteen thousand nine hundred. These
figures show the energy with which the people reacted against
the blow received in the storm of 1815. -
Ever since the adoption of the constitution of the United States
efforts had been repeatedly made towards the adoption of a writ-
ten constitution for this state, and the townsmen of Providence
had always led the movement. It was not, however, till 1824
that the citizens of the state could be induced to call, through the
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
75
legislature, a constitutional convention. This convention pre-
pared a constitution and submitted it to the voters. Providence
voted largely in favor of it (623 for, and 22 against it), but the
vote of the state stood 1,668 for, and 3,206 against it, and the
movement was defeated.
On the 12th of August, 1824, Ebenezer Knight Dexter died, in
the fifty-second year of his age. His benefactions to his native
town will cause his name to be remembered so long as Provi-
dence shall exist. The Dexter Asylum, the Dexter Training
Ground, and the Dexter Donation Fund in aid of the poor of his
native town, will keep his name in remembrance far better and
longer than storied monument of stone or bronze.
On the 23d of the same month, Lafayette visited Providence
for the first time since the Revolutionary War, and was joyfully
greeted by the citizens.
As early as February, 1796, John Brown had planned a canal
to Worcester and obtained a charter to enable the Rhode Island
end of it to be built, but Massachusetts refused a charter for that
portion in her limits, and the project slept. It was not aban-
doned, however, and in 1823 the desired charter was obtained
from Massachusetts, and the corporations were united in interest
by the legislatures of the two states. The stock subscription of
the company was opened for $400,000, at Franklin Hall, Wed-
nesday, April 27, 1825, at ten o’clock, and by one o'clock $1,130,-
Ooo were subscribed. The company organized in the following
month. Edward Carrington, Stephen H. Smith, and Moses B.
Ives were chosen commissioners, and entered at once upon the
prosecution of the work. -
The canal when built, proved, in a commercial sense, to be
a failure, the most disastrous one that, up to that time, Providence
capitalists had ever engaged in. Looking back at it from this
distance it would seem that it was very near being a success, and
had a different course been pursued, would probably have been
to-day, one of the most influential corporations in the state.
They seem to have made three mistakes: First, they did not
build a canal to Worcester; it was built nine-tenths of the way,
and depended on slack-water navigation for the other tenth. The
fatal results of this were that at low stages of the river the boats
would ground on the bars and shoals of the slack-water por-
tion and lie stranded for days and sometimes weeks, waiting for
a rise in the water to lift them off. This destroyed all certainty
as to the time of arrival of freight at its destina-
the large amounts of money distributed among and spent by them
affected the general business of the town, causing great activity.
Second, the construction of its lower end led to the completion
of the long proposed North Water Street, from Steeple to Smith
streets, and the lining of its west side with wharves for canal boat
traffic with the building of storehouses on its east side. The
street was then named Canal Street. Third, the canal with its
defects, was an improvement on teaming over the roads, and but
for the speedy introduction of railroads, and the increase of
manufacturing, requiring the use of all the water-power on the
Blackstone River, might have been a partial success. For some
years a considerable business was done over its waters. A fleet
of twelve freight boats and one packet, all belonging to the
Providence and Worcester Canal Boat Company, and eleven pri-
vate boats ran on its line, each freight boat carrying from twenty-
five to thirty tons. These made a great deal of local business.
The canal was opened for business on the first day of July,
1828, when the packet boat “Lady Carrington” passed over the
course to Worcester in one day returning on the next. The
“Lady Carrington’’ was considered a triumph of naval (canal) ar-
chitecture. She was seventy feet long, nine and one-half feet wide,
and when loaded with passengers her draft did not exceed eight
or nine inches, at least so said the veracious reporter. She was
“covered on top, having below a cabin nearly the whole extent
of the boat, conveniently and neatly arranged.” Drawn by two
horses she “might be conveyed with ease four or five miles per
hour.” The summit level of the canal at Worcester was 450 feet
above the tide level at Providence. This was overcome by forty-
nine locks, forty-eight of which were of hewn stone, costing
$4,000 each.
In May, 1825, the second great fire in Providence occurred. It
broke out about eleven o’clock at night at the corner of Union and
Westminster streets, and extended up and down the street. It
was feared that it might reach to the bridge, but fortunately its
ravages were stopped.
As showing the ingenuity of Providence mechanics, we note
that the Babcock Boiler Engine, a Providence invention, by a Mr.
John Babcock, enabled the steamer “Babcock” to run from New-
port to New York in August, 1826, with the consumption of only
one and three-quarters cords of wood, a marked contrast with the
fourteen cords consumed by the “Fulton” on her first trip from
tion. Second, they miscalculated the cost, always
a discouraging matter to stockholders when it is
discovered. Had they called for a million or more
dollars when the subscription was opened they
could easily have gotten it; but when they declined
to accept more than $400,000 from Providence and
$100,000 from Worcester, on the ground that it
was sufficient for all purposes, and then found that
the canal cost $750,000, the public lost faith in it.
Third, they did not pursue a placatory policy towards
the water-power owners along the river, but there
was continual quarreling between the canal men
and the manufacturers. Had they made their sub-
scription larger, bought the whole water-power of
the ri - - ~. -
e river, and made a canal and water-power com Tºº,
pany of it, it would probably have been a success to #3 mº
this day. | º º
As it was, the investment proved a total loss to ſº
-
the stockholders, but was of great benefit to the
town in many ways. First, it gave employment to
a great number of laborers and citizens of Provi-
dence, (5oo laborers, besides artisans, being em-
ployed on it at one time in this town alone), and
*== -: |||ſ|
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L. NITſ. Tººlſ.”
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THE OLD PROVIDENCE BANK,
As it appeared nearly 100 years ago, still standing, with some change in appearance, on South Main Street.

76 . THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
New York to Providence. Mr. Babcock subsequently established
a machine shop and engine building works, which establishment
has developed into the Providence Steam Engine Company, now
carrying on business on the spot where Babcock first established it.
In 1826 a new market was incorporated, and a brick building.
for it was erected at the junction of North Main and Mill streets.
In the next year the west side, not to be outdone, obtained a char-
ter and built a brick building for a market at the present junction
of Broad and High streets. There were no private markets in
the town. f
The first recorded movement to erect a monument to Roger
Williams resulted in an attempt to pass an ordinance providing
for the erection, on some suitable spot, of a massy and durable
monument to contain this inscription :
To ROGER WILLIAMS,
Founder of the Town of Providence, 1636.
By the Citizens of Providence, 1827.
This monument will crumble into dust;
His memory remains the same,
The passage of the ordinance was objected to in the April town-
meeting of 1827. It was referred to the next meeting, and that
was the end of this movement.
In the same April the first public meeting of the citizens friendly
to temperance, was held in the First Baptist Church. This in-
dicates a great change in the feelings of the people of the town
since 1782, when De Chastellux said of it that “its chief business
was distilling and the slave-trade,” and was the commencement
of a movement that has ever since gone onward, till, in 1886, we
have seen its consummation in the adoption of an amendment to
the constitution to the effect that “the manufacture and sale of in-
toxicating liquors for use as a beverage shall be prohibited.”
The improvement in business buildings since the great gale,
and more especially since the year 1820, has been noted, but in
1827, it seemed to have reached its climax in the erection of the
beautiful, and even now unique, Arcade, fronting on Westmin-
ster and Weybosset streets, seventy-four feet on each. It is 216
feet in length, built of granite, and of the roof, thirty-two feet in
width and 188 feet in length, is glazed, constituting a lighted and
sheltered court running through the centre, on which open the
three tiers or stories of stores, with galleries in front of the two
upper ones running around the entire court. It was built on
ground before then occupied by “a nest of most combustible
sheds,” by the Arcade Corporation and Cyrus Butler, each own-
ing one-half. It cost about one hundred and forty-five thousand
dollars; was finished in 1828, and is a monument to the energy,
good taste, skill, and courage of its constructors, of which their
descendants and our city may well be proud.
The bridge across the river next north of the Weybosset Bridge.
and a bridge along the west side of the river between the two
constituting the present Washington Row, were built in 1827–8,
by the Washington Insurance Company at their own expense,
they being authorized so to do by the town. At the same time
Weybosset Bridge was rebuilt and widened to about one hundred
and four feet, and the fish market removed to the north of the
new Washington Insurance Company Bridge. A road was then
projected round the south shore of the then Cove, designed to
protect that body of water from any further encroachments by
filling from the south end. A second fire hook and ladder com-
pany was established about this time, (May, 1827,) to be located
on the west side.
The stage lines were developed to such an extent that one
might go to Boston at any hour of the day for $1.50. The days
of stage coaching, however, were soon to pass away. A railroad
to Boston was the subject of local discussion. It was not expected
to use steam-power locomotives thereon, but it was estimated
that a railroad to Boston could be built for $350,000, and by its
use a single horse could drag eight tons of freight at the rate of
three miles per hour for seven hours, or could carry twenty-five
passengers nine miles per hour, and a charter was, in 1828, ob-
tained for such a road. This charter was afterwards repealed and
a new one granted in 1831. -
The time consumed in a steamboat passage from Providence to
New York had been reduced to fifteen and one-half hours.
The townsmen had discovered that anthracite coal was cheaper
than wood, and it was gradually coming into use, “new pattern
stoves” being made and sold for that purpose; and the working
of coal mines in Prospect Hill, east of Benefit Street, was seri-
ously proposed, coal having been discovered in veins five feet
thick at various points along that line. Wood, however, was
still the principal fuel, and the only one used for generating steam.
In November, 1827, we read that “fuel is scarce and high ; wood
nearly eight dollars as bought from the wagon. Charcoal is high
and poorer in quality than usual; there is no Schuylkill coal in
the market, and not more than enough Lehigh to supply the mar-
ket for one week, and the condition of the fuel market in the win-
ter of 1828–9 was about the same.” * * *
In these days there were two political projects especially dear
to the hearts of Providence townsmen. One was a written con-
stitution for the state, with an enlarged right of suffrage, and for
this they had been struggling in vain against the rest of the state
for forty years. The other was a city charter for the growing
municipality. The feeling in favor.of the latter had been strength-
ening for years. In 1829, a proposition to adopt a city government
was adopted by the freemen by a vote of 312 against 222. The
population of the town was nearly seventeen thousand, and the
smallness of the vote vividly impresses one with the effect of the
restricted suffrage of those days. The General Assembly of the
state at its next January session granted a city charter on condi-
tion that it was approved by a three-fifths vote of the freemen of
the town. Feb. 15, 1830, a vote was had, resulting in 383 votes
for, and 345 votes against it. Consequently it was lost, and the
municipality kept on under its town government. The political
attention of the citizens being mainly divided between the then
growing anti-Masonic excitement, the temperance question, and
attempts of the town authorities to enforce order among the un-
ruly class of the population brought here by the exigencies of the
canal business, which had settled at its mouth, in Snowtown, on
the west side, and on the east to and up along the south side of
Olney Street (the court end of the town but fifty years before).
A contemporary writer says of this district: “The town coun-
cil use every exertion to quell the riots which frequently happen
in that vicinity. It is but a few weeks since that the reputable
citizens were disturbed during the night by a riotous assault in
three or four houses in Olney's Lane, and almost every night they
are disturbed by the shouts and noise of rioters in the neighbor-
hood.”
On the night of Sept. 21, 1831, several sailors, on mischief in-
tent, visited Olney Street. After they had made much disturb-
ance by uncouth noises and throwing of stones, one of the fright-
ened inhabitants of that locality discharged a gun, which caused
the retreat of the disorderly crowd to the west (lower) end of the
street, or lane, as it was then called. Soon after, five sailors, who
had not been concerned in the disturbance, walked up the lane.
A colored man, on the steps of his house, thinking them among
the disturbers, presented a gun at them and ordered them to keep
their distance. After threatening to take the gun from him, the
sailors pursued their walk a little further and stopped. The col-
ored man ordered them to “clear out” or he would fire. They
dared him to do so, and he fired, and one of them fell dead. The
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 77
rioters from the foot of the lane then returned, tore down two
houses, (standing about where Pratt Street now enters Olney
Street), and broke the windows of the neighboring ones.
All through the next day there was great excitement in that
neighborhood. In the evening the sheriff of the county and other
peace officers were there present, and as the mob increased in
numbers and violence, they were ordered to disperse and some of
them taken into custody. Others were afterwards arrested but
were rescued by the mob. The sheriff then called for military
aid, and at midnight the First Light Infantry Company marched
to his assistance. The mob pelted the soldiers with stones, and
the latter finding that they could not quell the mob without firing
upon them, withdrew. It was the old mistake of trying to show
mercy to a mob of rioters. Encouraged by the retreat of the
soldiers, the mob destroyed six other houses on Olney Street and
then went over to Smith Street, where they destroyed one more
before four o'clock in the morning, when they temporarily dis-
persed.
On the next day, the 23d, an attack on the jail being expected,
the sheriff called for military aid, and the governor, Lemuel H.
Arnold, ordered the Light Dragoons, the Artillery, the Cadets,
the volunteers, and the Light Infantry companies to be in arms at
six o'clock. As the mob appeared in small numbers that evening
and did but little mischief, the military were dismissed till the next
evening.
On the evening of the 24th, the mob appeared in force, and com-
menced destroying houses in “Snowtown’’ (under the then bluff
of Smith's Hill, to the south of Smith Street, the present Gaspee
Street). On the call of the sheriff, by the governor’s order, the
military marched up Smith Street, pelted on the way with stones
by the mob, and took post on the hill over Snowtown. Here the
governor and sheriff both remonstrated with the mob and endeav-
ored to induce them to separate. As might have been expected,
this proceeding proved ineffectual, and the soldiers were ordered
to retreat. Down the hill they marched to the east end of Smith
Street Bridge (the one over the canal). This action left the mob
as they thought, masters of the situation. The air around the
retreating soldiers was thick with flying missiles. Several of the
soldiers were seriously injured. When east of the bridge they
were halted, turned on the mob, the riot act read, and the soldiers
ordered to fire. Smarting from their wounds they did fire, and
with ball cartridge, right into the midst of the rioters, and after
four disgraceful days of mob rule, that riot was quelled in about
three minutes. Four men—rioters all—were known to be
killed. Many were wounded, how many is not known, as the
sufferers wisely kept the facts from the public knowledge. Dur-
ing those four days of mob rule, six houses on Olney Street and
nine in Snowtown were destroyed.
On the morning of the next day, Sunday, the 25th of Septem-
ber, a town-meeting was held. The concourse was too great for
the town-house to contain it, and an adjournment was had to the
Court House Parade. Resolutions lamenting the occasion and
approving the course of the civil magistrates were passed.
Believing that this event grew out of the inefficiency of a town
"government, the freemen, in town-meeting assembled, on the fifth
day of October, unanimously resolved it to be expedient to adopt
a city government. They appointed a committee consisting of
John Whipple, Caleb Williams, William T. Grinnell, Peter Pratt,
George Curtis, and Henry P. Franklin, to draw a proposed char-
ter. This committee reported on the 12th of the month. The
meeting then adjourned to the 22d, to take the opinions of the
freemen on that day, by ballot, resolving that if three-fifths of
them voted in its favor the representatives in the legislature of the
town should be instructed to urge the granting of the charter by
that body.
On the 22d,
47 I free men
voted for, and 175
against, the pro-
posed charter,
and the represen-
tatives of the
town presented
III.
is
T.I.
the matter before º
the next General ſºiºſº || || | - |
Assembly. At ºne. |E|| || H. = || | º
the same session iſſ |Hººf: [[iºſ] H.
|
|
some residents of tº Hº ºlº tº Hº
|
the west part of |
the town pre- -
sented to the Gen-
eral Assembly a
petition praying
that the city, if
in corporated,
should not extend
west of Broad
Street, (Broad
Street then ran from Weybosset Street to the present junction of
High and Westminster streets), and that the rest of Providence
might be set off and formed into another town. In view of this
movement, the General Assembly granted a charter for the incor-
poration of the city of Providence, to go into effect on the first
Monday in June, 1832, on condition that three-fifths of the free-
men voting at a town-meeting to be holden on the twenty-second
day of November then next, should approve of it. At that town
meeting, 647 freemen voted: 459 voting for the charter, and 188
against it. This action determined the fate of the town of Provi-
dence. The few months of existence remaining to it were spent
in preparation for its transmutation into a city.
On the fourth Monday in April, 1832, Samuel W. Bridgham
was elected mayor of the future city. Dexter Thurber, Charles
Holden, John H. Ormsbee, William T. Grinnell, Henry R.
Greene, and Asa Messer, were chosen as aldermen, one for each
of the six wards that composed it; and as common councilmen
were elected the following citizens: for the first ward, Thomas
R. Holden, Jesse Metcalf, William R. Staples, Peter Daniels;
for the second ward, Isaac Brown, Samuel Pearson, Joseph
Cady, Cyrus Fisher; for the third ward, Joseph S. Cooke, John
Church, William C. Barker, Asa Pike; for the fourth ward,
George Baker, president, James M. Warner, Benjamin D.
Weeden, Thomas B. Fenner; for the fifth ward, Samuel Jack-
son, 2d, Hezekiah Anthony, Pardon Clark, William Tallman;
and for the sixth ward, Caleb Williams, William Olney, Thomas
Seekell, and Sterry Baker. With these officers the new city
organized on the first Monday in June, 1832.
And here we close the history of the town of Providence. It
has grown under our observation in population from the six
homeless refugees that landed on its wilderness shores in 1636, to
a busy commercial and manufacturing town of over seventeen
thousand inhabitants; and in wealth, from £30—the first fixed
valuation of its lands—to a real and personal valuation of over
thirteen millions of dollars.
We have seen it pass
THE ARCADE.
“Through days of sorrow and of mirth,
- Through days of death and days of birth,
Through every swift vicissitude
Of changful time,” until it stood,
casting off the old chrysalis of town government and entering
upon its career as a city.

11
CHAPTER IX. -
THE GROWTH OF THE CITY OF PROVIDENCE IN TIMES OF PEACE, 1832–1860.
PROVIDENCE IN 1832 – ANTI-MASONIC EXCITEMENT – NO LEGAL GOVERNMENT — ATTEMPT AT A NEW CONSTITUTION – BOSTON
& PROVIDENCE RAILROAD – NEW YORK, PROVIDENCE & BOSTON RAILROAD – USE OF ANTHRACITE COAL TO DEVELOP
STEAM – TRISTAM BURGES – LITERARY CAREER OF PROVIDENCE – FRANKLIN SOCIETY – RHODE ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY
— FRANKLIN LYCEUM – LIBRARIEs – ATHENAEUM – HIGH SCHOOL – EVENING SCHOOLS – THEATREs – COUNTY JAIL – WEY-
BOSSET BRIDGE — POPULATION IN 1841 — constitution AL EFFORTs — ‘‘ PEOPLE's '' PARTY – PEOPLE's constitution —
LANDHOLDERS’ CONSTITUTION – NOMINAL ELECTION OF THOMAS W. DORR- “DORR war ’’— ATTACK ON THE ARSENAL –
DoRR IN CONNECTICUT – Acot E’s HILL AFFAIR – END OF ‘‘DORR wAR”— CAs UALTIEs of THE “w AR”— NEw constitution
ADOPTED — FATE OF THOMAs w. DoRR – His TRIAL AND ITS RESULT – PROVIDENCE & Worcest ER RAILROAD – BUILDING OF
Exchang E PLACE, THE CENTRAL PASSENGER DEPOT, AND THE COVE - PROVIDENCE, HART FORD & FISHKILL RAILROAD –
TELEGRAPHS – GROWTH OF PROVIDENCE – GAS WORKS - BUTLER HOSPITAL – SWAN POINT BUSINESS BUILDINGS AND PRI-
VATE HOUSES – CHANGE IN COMMERCIAL RELATIONS - KNOW-NOTHING EXCITEMENT – PROVIDENCE, WARREN & BRISTOL
RAILROAD — PANIC OF 1856–7 – BACK COVE LANDS — FIRE DEPARTMENT – ATTEMPTS TO INTRODUCE MUNICIPAL WATER
works — INTRODUCTION OF STEAM FIRE ENGINES - GENERAL PROSPERITY.
* "Tº º
iii. Hi º
T
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mTºw Tūllſ
THE RHODE ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S CABINET,
Waterman Street, Providence.
Provide NCE commenced its life as a city with an area of some
five and one-half square miles, traversed by about forty miles of
streets and roads; a population of over seventeen thousand
inhabitants, about one-half of whom lived on the west side of the
river; a valuation in real estate of $6,863,300, and in personal
of $5,282,900, in all, $12,121,200, and a city debt of $108,814.97,
—with educational institutions equal if not superior to those of
any city in the country. To carry on the city government re-
quired $40,000 per year, and the rate of tax was $3.30 per $1,000.
Of her business population the larger proportion was engaged
in manufacturing ; the remainder almost entirely in wholesale or
retail commerce. She was growing in every respect with a vig-
orous development, and yet there were elements of danger about
and in her, such that it required the greatest firmness, the most
sagacious prudence, and the broadest patriotism on the part of
her leaders and rulers to save her fair prospects from wreck and
ruin. Fortunately, the men who had brought her to her then po-
sition were able to keep her in a wise course, and as they passed
away to the great hereafter their successors were men brought
up in the school which they had established, who, aided by wise
and able minds drawn hither by the attractions they had fixed
here, have kept the growth of the city ever onward and upward
to the present day.
One of the greatest of these weaknesses was the inability to
keep the peace against domestic violence. From the days of its
first settlement the inhabitants of these plantations had been so
devoted to the principles of personal liberty that they were loth
to submit to even a police surveillance and control. To bring
them to the submission to a strong government without exciting
fears that the latter would prove too “anti-republican * in its na-
ture, required tact, firmness, and time.*
Looking back over the history of the city, we can say that this
has been thoroughly effected, and though slowly, as rapidly as
the necessities demanded. The calling out of the soldiery to
resist defiance of municipal authority has never been necessary
since the organization of the city. A second great evil from
which our citizens suffered was the restricted suffrage then pre-
vailing throughout the state, from which Providence suffered
more, perhaps, than any other portion. How this was met and
in part remedied will be described later in this chapter. The
other dangers as they were met and averted will be described.
No history of these times would be complete if without refer-
ence to the peculiar mental disease, it can hardly be otherwise
denominated.— known as the “ anti-Masonic excitement.” A
body of the Masonic fraternity (St. John's Lodge) had existed
* It was not till 1851, when the population of the city had increased to over forty-two
thousand inhabitants that a day police force was established.

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 79
in Providence since the year 1757, and many of the best citizens
had been prominent members thereof.
In 1827 a man named Henry Morgan mysteriously disappeared
from the western part of the State of New York. It was charged
that the Masons murdered him to prevent his revealing the secrets
of the order. The matter was taken up as a political issue, and
not only the Masons of the lodge to which Morgan was alleged to
1838. The fever had its run and passed away, and to-day no
man knows the cause of its inception or the reason of its termi-
nation. To the student of human nature it presents a curious
psychological phenomenon. To the practical man it teaches the
lesson that he should look carefully into living political issues, as
some of them may seem as absurd to the next generation as this
one does to us.
THE TOWN OF PROVIDENCE IN | 8 || 9.
belong, but all Masons of all lodges in the United States were
alleged to be guilty of complicity in the matter. In the course
of two or three years the charge grew to statements that the Ma-
sons as a class were guilty of all the crimes in the Decalogue. Ar-
ticles demonstrating that a Free Mason could not be a Christian,
nor a patriot, nor an honest man, floated throughout the land in
the public prints. One article was entitled “Masonry, the Pi-
rate's Friend,” and many others bore similar appellations. In
June, 1832, a writer in a Providence paper proclaimed the pre-
tentions of Masonry to be “a lie, so colossal that it takes a month's
reading by an expert in detecting falsity to appreciate its enor-
mity"; “its claims to religion and morality more blasphemous
then we could conceive.” In the next month the same paper
shrieks “Where is Morgan? Ye blood-stained institution, where
is Morgan ” And this was moderation compared with the state-
ments made on the stump by orators of the anti-Masonic party.
In 1832, a speaker addressing an assembly on Market Square as-
sured his audience that 5oo Masons, citizens of Providence, had
suffered death in the lodge room of the St. John’ Lodge, whose
windows looked out upon them.
The Free Masons of to-day, secure in the esteem of the com-
munity, can afford to smile at the falsities then so recklessly thrown
at them, but at the time it was no smiling matter. Many lodges
in the United States surrendered their charters through fear, and
though none in Providence did so, yet a member of the St. John's
Lodge, for fear lest it might be induced so to do, removed the char-
ter from its proper place and hid it in his own house for seven
years, till the fever passed away. The records of the lodges show
that not a single member was admittted to the Mount Vernon
Lodge, the St. John's Lodge, nor the St. John's Encampment
of the Temple, from the close of the year 1828 to that of the year
FROM MANCHESTER'S HILL.
Drawn and Engraved from the Original Painting in the possession of Dr. Charles T. Metcalf.
Growing out of this excitement and the peculiar division of
parties resulting therefrom, came the fact that in 1832 no gov-
ernor, lieutenant-governor, nor senators were elected in the state.
Five several attempts were made, the last on November 21, to
complete an election, but there were three parties in the field,
each equally obstinate. Neither would yield a vote to the public
interest. Neither had a majority, and under the charter a major-
ity was necessary to elect. Each insisted that the public interest
required the other two to yield to it. Such a condition of affairs
was unprovided for in the charter, hence there was no legally
organized legislature and no legal governor.
Fortunately the sense of the people taught them to submit
that the senators, lieutenant-governor, and governor elected in
1831 hold over till 1833; but the whole episode showed strongly
the necessity of a constitution suitable to the times. This neces-
sity was so obvious that in 1834 authority was granted by the
legislature to the electors to hold a constitutional convention at
Providence in September of that year. The convention met,
adjourned till November, met again, and adjourned till February,
1835; then met and adjourned till June 29, 1835. Then Thomas
W. Dorr, of Providence, and Dr. Metcalf Marsh, of Smithfield,
who were the only delegates present, “performed the obsequies
of the convention.” The extension of the suffrage was the rock
on which this convention struck and wrecked itself, and well
nigh the state. The thunder of the voice demanding it was mut-
tering in the heavens, but the delegates would submit to all the
inconveniences of the charter rather than offer to the people a
constitution granting it, while at the same time they dared not
proffer a constitution without it, and they relieved themselves
from this dilemma by “dodging,” viz., absenting themselves.
y ging g
It was in this same month of June that the first railroad train

8O - THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
drawn by a locomotive engine ran to and from Providence. It
was over the Boston and Providence Railroad. This road had
been chartered, as stated in the last chapter, in 1831. In 1834
cars drawn by a locomotive ran from Boston to Canton, but till
the completion of the viaduct at Canton, in June, 1835, all cars
running from Providence to that point were drawn by horses.
The terminus of the road at Providence was at India Point, near
where the trains crossed the Seekonk River by a draw-bridge.”
The Boston and Providence Railroad had no sooner been proved
to be practicable than, in 1832, the New York, Providence and
Boston Railroad was incorporated. This company built the line
from Stonington to Providence, striking the bay shore north of
Sassafras Cove, and running northward along the shore to about
the present Hill's wharf. This line was opened in 1837. A
steam ferry-boat was run between the two railroad termini. The
residence of James B. Mason on the hill above the Boston depot
was purchased and transformed into a hotel, the Tockwotton
House, and again India Point, which had been waning for the
past ten years, became the busiest part of the city.
While this great improvement in transportation was develop-
ing, one equally important to the community in manufacturing
facilities was worked out. It was shown in 1835 that by the use
of a fan blower, anthracite coal might be utilized in developing
steam. We have since dispensed with the blower. The impor-
tance of this development can scarcely be exaggerated. Coeval
with this discovery was the commencement of the great coal
traffic, which from insignificant figures in 1837, has grown to
amount in 1885 to 870,147 tons brought in vessels alone to our
port. -
The literary career of Providence had been onward and up-
ward. The Providence Association of Mechanics and Manufac-
turers had, before the commencement of the present century,
initiated a series of lectures by its members for the improvement
of the society and the public. This practice, though discontinued
at times, was revived in 1831. The Providence Franklin Society
had been organized, a charter having been granted them in 1823,
and sought to awaken interest among its members by scientific
discussions, and among the public by popular scientific lectures.
One of the most noted individuals of this time, as lawyer,
statesman, orator, and master of belles lettres, was Tristam Bur-
ges. He was born in Rochester, Mass., Feb. 26, 1770, came
early to Providence, and graduated from Brown University in the
class of 1796. He studied law under Judge Barnes, and was
admitted to the Providence bar in 1799, was elected a member
of the General Assembly in 1815, and was professor of oratory
and belles lettres in Brown University from 1815 to 1828. He
was elected a Representative of the State of Rhode Island in the
Congress of the United States, and served in Congress till 1835.
He was one of the most noted orators in Congress, and is remem-
bered as the only one who ever silenced the sarcastic John Ran-
dolph, of Roanoke (Va.), by paying him back in his own coin.
Though a master of sarcastic oratory, it was not in that that he
excelled. He was a leader in every class of elegant attainments,
and his influence in the development of literary excellence in
Providence may yet be felt. It has been well said that of none of
its citizens of that day has Rhode Island better reason to be
proud than of Tristam Burges.
In June, 1822, the Rhode Island Historical Society had been
organized, and at this period was industriously accumulating that
invaluable collection of historic matter that now fills its cabinet,
erected in 1844, on Waterman Street. We cannot refrain from
saying that but for that collection and the aid and facilities afforded
by that society, this work could never have been written.
*This was probably the first steam railroad in active operation in New England. The
Boston and Lowell road was opened about a month sooner, but as stated in the text, this
road was running trains to Canton a year before it was opened its full length.
poses.
The Franklin Lyceum was organized in 1831, though not incor-
porated till 1843, and sought to increase the literary development
of its members and the public generally. Sixty years before
there had been but one library accessible to the Providence public.
Now, the Providence Library, the Providence Athenaeum, the
Mechanics’ and Manufacturers’ Association, the Franklin Society,
and the Franklin Lyceum were all offering books on terms easily
available by the public, while the Brown University Library was
rapidly assuming larger proportions. In 1836 the Providence
Library and the Providence Athenaeum were united under the
name of the “Athenaeum,” and in 1837 the elegant building now
occupied by that institution was erected. -
In early days the scant productions of Providence authors had
been mainly sermons and other productions of the ministers,
who then constituted the literary class, together with the effusions
of statesmen and politicians, some of which were very able and
deserving. But at this time poets and novelists, historians and
essayists, and writers on science and art, were bringing Provi-
dence into an enviable fame by the excellence of their work.
Recognizing the fact that this fame could only be maintained by
sustaining and increasing the general high state of education in
the community, as well as the importance of such a course in
respect to every other desirable development of the city, the
advanced citizens made every effort to improve the free school sys-
tem. For years a high school was felt by them to be needed to
complete it; much opposition was raised, however, by those who
did not appreciate its advantages, and by many who believed,
or professed to believe, that none but the children of the wealthy
would ever seek its advantages, and that it was not just to tax the
poor to educate the children of the rich. In spite of this op-
position, in 1838 provision was made by ordinance for the estab-
lishment of a high school, and a building was erected at the
junction of Waterman, Angell, and Benefit streets, (now State
Normal School). The opposition to a high school did not cease,
however, and even after the building was nearly completed, an at-
tempt was made to devote it to a city hall instead of school pur-
poses. The friends of a higher free school education stood firmly
by the cause, and on the 20th of March, 1844, the high school was
opened with eighty male and eighty-four female pupils. The
prophesies of its opponents have never been verified. The High
School of Providence has always been a benefit, pride, and honor
to the city. Evening schools for those unable to attend the day
schools, were first established in Providence in 1842, under the
auspices of the ministry at large, a charity sustained mainly by
the Unitarian Congregational churches of the city, and superin-
tended by the Rev. E. M. Stone. After they had, through a
course of years, demonstrated their usefulness, such schools were,
in 1849, adopted by the city as a part of its school system.
In 1837, the site of the theatre on Westminster Street, after the
destruction of the building by fire, having been sold to the Grace
Church corporation, a large and commodious stone building was
erected on the east side of Dorrance Street for theatrical pur-
The building is still standing, but was not long devoted
to the uses for which it was originally designed.
The County Jail, on North Main Street, opposite the Court
(State) House, had long been a disgrace to the rapidly improving
city, and in 1838, a new State and County Jail was erected on
Great Point, at the north side of the Cove.
In 1839–40, Weybosset Bridge was rebuilt for the last time.
It had been repeatedly shortened and widened till its width much
exceeded its length, a marked contrast to the first bridge of
twelve or fourteen feet in width, erected there in 1711. It has
since been further widened, and practically extended south to
Crawford Street Bridge, forming a beautiful plaza in the heart of
the city.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
81
By 1840 the population had increased to 23, 172, and its val-
uation to $17, 195,700.
In the latter part of the year 1840, the question of a constitution
was again pressed forward. In many points the charter was
deemed defective. The judiciary system needed reforming. Pro-
vision was needed for government in cases where the people failed,
as in 1832, and again in 1839, to elect officers. The system of
representation in the General Assembly was claimed to be unfair,
and needed reformation, but the great evil to be corrected was
the restricted franchise. With a population of free white male
citizens estimated at twenty-three thousand, the voting power
rested entirely with the freeholders, who formed a body of less
than ninety-five hundred. Many of the best and ablest men of
the state were debarred from voting by the existing laws. The
On July 24, the People's state committee, Samuel H. Wales,
chairman, issued a call to every American male citizen of over
twenty-one years of age, who had resided in this state one year
preceding such date, to unite on Aug. 28, 1841, in the election of
delegates to a constitutional convention, to be held at the State
House, in Providence, on the first Monday in October next. Del-
egates were elected August 28, and the convention met at the
State House, and after various intermediate adjournments, on the
eighteenth day of November it presented to the people a form of
constitution, afterwards known as the “People's Constitution,”
to be voted on by all the people that would by it, if in force, be
entitled to vote on the twenty-seventh day of December the next,
and the five following days. Every person voting on the question
was required to, and did vote, by a written or printed ballot, with
|NDIA PO|NT.
ABOUT | 840.
Showing Tockwotton Hill and House, and the Old Boston & Providence Railroad Depot. From an old Painting in the possession of the Rhode Island Historical Society.
doctrine was growing into favor that all power of the govern-
ment rested solely in the consent of the governed, and the action
of the governing party, especially in the convention of 1834–5,
seemed to set at naught the hope of an enlargement of the fran-
chise by that party. In 1840 a suffrage association was formed in
Providence, and this was followed by the organization of similar
associations throughout the state.
In January, 1841, the General Assembly called the freemen of
the state “entitled to vote for general officers,” to elect delegates
to attend a convention in Providence, on the first Monday in No-
vember, 1841, to frame a new constitution, “in whole, or in part.”
On the 17th of April, of that year, a mass meeting of the friends
of suffrage was held in Providence, and again in Newport on the
fifth day of the ensuing May. This last meeting appointed a
state committee to superintend the affairs of the suffrage cause,
and adjourned to meet on the 5th of July, following. Pending this
adjournment, an attempt was made in the May session of the leg-
islature to enlarge the number of citizens voting for delegates to
the constitutional convention, by adding all tax-paying white
male citizens of the full age of twenty-one, but the bill to that
effect was voted down by a majority of fifty-two to ten. This ac-
tion was considered as showing the intent of the landholders (the
anti-suffrage enlargement party) to continue the suffrage restric-
tions, and the state committee of the Suffrage, or People's party,
on the 11th of June, issued an address, explaining the objects and
aims of the party, and recommending the calling of a convention
to frame a constitution.
On the 5th of the following July, the mass-meeting of that
party held in Providence, approved and sanctioned the call of the
committee for a convention, and pledged themselves to each other
and to the public, to sustain and carry into effect the constitution
so formed if it should be adopted by the people.
his name written across the face, and a certificate that he was an
American citizen, of the age of twenty-one years, that he had a
permanent home in this state, and whether or not he was qualified
to vote under the then existing laws of this state. If any per-
son voted otherwise than in the required form, such votes were not
counted. It will be seen that the greatest care was taken that
there should be no fraudulent voting, and, as the votes were pre-
served and tabulated, that the number of votes and how given
can be now told, even to the extent of telling how each man
voted.*
On the first Monday in November the Landholders' Conven-
tion had met, and it was formulating a constitution when the vote
was taken on that of the People’s. The People's Convention met
by adjournment in January after the election, and having counted
the votes declared the result, and that the constitution was duly
adopted. The results of the voting was 13,944 votes for the
constitution and 52 against it. To comprehend the situation an
analysis of the voting power in the state as well as of this vote is
necessary. The total population of the state was about one hun-
dred and nine thousand. The total number of votes actually
cast in 1840 was 8,622. By the most careful estimates attain-
able the number of persons capable of voting under the law at this
time did not exceed nine thousand five hundred and ninety.
* The author has almost lost patience at times, in the course of his investigations, at the
persistency with which some honest men, desiring to cast odium on this movement, have
declared that the whole election was a fraud and a sham; some going so far as to say that
they, personally, though under age at the time, voted five or six times for the People's Con-
stitution. The recollections of such persons must have played wild havoc with the facts.
The election was declared to be illegal, and in that sense it might perhaps be said to
be a fraud, but in no sense was it a sham. The author has studied the record of votes cast
and it agrees with the returns given in the text; further, in several cases where such state-
ments as referred to have been made, a consultation of the record shows no vote of the
party making the statement. Either his recollection was at fault, or his votes, if cast, were
not counted. It is a fact that some votes were thrown out for informality.

82 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
The whole number of free white male citizens of the state over
twenty-one years of age, excluding aliens, insane, and those
under similar disabilities, was about twenty-two thousand six
hundred and seventy-four. The 13,944 votes cast for the People's
Constitution were by a majority of such free white male citizens.
Of these votes, 4,925 were cast by persons who certified them-
selves to be entitled under the laws to vote, constituting a clear
majority of the voters of the state. .
If the right to change the form of government rested in the
majority of the free white male citizens alone, then the People's
Constitution was unquestionably adopted.
Whether it did so rest was the question to be determined. The
People's party claimed that it did. Their convention, at the Jan-
uary meeting referred to, sent to the governor, Samuel W. King,
a communication stating their above recited actions. He referred
it to the house of representatives of the legislature then in ses-
sion, and they indefinitely postponed its consideration. After this
action, the legislature at that session directed that the constitution
then in process of formulation by the Landholders’ Convention
should be voted on as to its adoption, not only by the legal voters
of the state, but by all those who would be voters by its provis-
ions in case it should be adopted. - -
On the 17th of February, the Landholders' Convention com-
pleted their form of constitution, and submitted it to be voted on
by the people on the twenty-first, twenty-second, and twenty-
third days of March, 1842. This constitution greatly enlarged
the suffrage over what it had previously been, and had such a
constitution been granted in 1835, would probably have satisfied
the people and avoided the present dissensions; but issued as it
was, after the People's Constitution had been declared adopted,
and failing to meet the views of those who favored what the
People's party fancifully called “birthright suffrage,” it met with
a different fate. The difference between these two constitutions
in this respect was, briefly, as follows: The People's Constitu-
tion gave the suffrage to every white male citizen of the United
States of twenty-one years of age or upwards who had resided in
the state for one year, and in the district where he offers to vote
six months previous to the election. The other or Landholders’
Constitution gave the right, first, to every white male citizen of
the United States, twenty-one years of age or over, and pos-
sessed of freehold real estate in the town or city where he votes
of the clear value of $134, with the residence requirement as in
the other constitution; second, to every white male native citi-
zen of the United States who shall have had his actual perma-
nent residence and home in this state for the period of two years,
and six months before election in the district where he offers to
vote, but not allowing such voter to vote on a motion to impose
a tax or incur expenses in the town unless he pay a tax on prop-
erty valued at $150, and third, all white male naturalized citizens
of the United States who shall have lived in this state three years
after their naturalization, and six months preceding election in
the town or city where they offer to vote, and shall have freehold
real estate in the town or city where they offer to vote of the value
of $134.
Upon submitting this constitution to the people it was rejected
by a vote of 8,013 for it and 8,689 against it, and the constitution
was declared rejected by a majority of 676.
The People's party now claimed that their constitution was the
supreme law of the state, and on the fourth day of April Governor
King applied to the President of the United States, John Tyler,
stating that this state was threatened with domestic violence, and
calling for the protection required by the constitution of the
United States. President Tyler in reply informed him that the
United States did not perform police duty in the states to prevent
insurrections, but assuring the governor that if one arose he
would secure the recognized existing government; he advised that
the Rhode Islanders settle their difficulties among themselves.
This reply was a careful, candid statement of his position, but it
satisfied neither party. A convention of the People's party was
held in April, and Thomas W. Dorr was chosen candidate for
governor, and candidates for other offices and positions provided
in their constitution, were nominated. .
Mr. Dorr did not seek the office. It was only after others had
been nominated and declined that he accepted “the weighty
trust.” He was at this time one of the foremost and most trusted
men of the state, a practitioner at the bar, one of the state com-
missioners of the Scituate Bank, the president of the school com-
mittee of the city of Providence, the treasurer of the Rhode Island
Historical Society, and holding other trusts, both public and
private, of great importance and responsibility. He was no mere
adventurer or political free lance, as some in later and more prej-
udiced days have represented him. He had been early interested
in the suffrage movement, and thoroughly believed in the right-
fulness of it. Just before Mr. Dorr's election, on April Ioth,
another appeal was made to the President by John Whipple, John
Brown Francis, and Elisha R. Potter, calling themselves “the
committee from Rhode Island,” stating the facts of the case, and
reminding the President “that the existing government of Rhode
Island is the one that adopted the constitution of the United States,
and has ever since been represented in the United States Senate
and House of Representatives. That it is at this moment the
existing government of Rhode Island, and is the only government
in the state entitled to the protection of the constitution of the
United States.” - ...” -
On the third Wednesday in April an election under the People's
Constitution took place peaceably throughout the state.
The votes under the charter took place the same as usual this
year; the votes were sent to Newport. The legislature convened
there on the first Wednesday, the fourth day of May, and the
votes were counted in due course and Governor King declared
reëlected.
On the first Tuesday, third day of May, the legislature elected
by the People's party, met in Providence. Mr. Dorr and other
members elect were escorted by a large number of enthusiastic
citizens, some of whom were armed, from the Hoyle Tavern,
to a building called the Foundry, on Eddy Street, where the legis-
lature organized, counted the votes, declared the result, and Gov-
ernor Dorr delivered his inaugural address. This legislature then
requested the surrender of the State House to its use, but this re-
quest proved unavailing. On the second day of their session they
passed an unanimous act, requiring all persons to deliver into the
hands of the “proper party” the possession of all public property,
and then proceeded to immediately adjourn, leaving Mr. Dorr to
carry,the act into effect as best he could. Before adjourning they
directed the governor “to inform the President of the United
States, and the governors of the several states, that the government
of the State of Rhode Island had been duly organized under the
constitution of the same. That the General Assembly are now in
session and proceeding to discharge their duties according to the
provisions of said constitution.” The adjournment was to meet
again at Chepachet, on the fourth day of July the next.
On the same day, May 4th, the General Assembly at Newport
resolved, “that there now exists in this state an insurrection
against the laws and constituted authorities thereof,” and called
on the President of the United States for aid in suppressing the
Sa Iſle.
The President, under date of May 7, replied, “that his opinion
as to the duty of the United States government to protect the
State of Rhode Island against domestic violence remained un-
changed, but he understood that the lawless assemblies had been
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 83
dispersed, and the danger of domestic violence was hourly
passing away, and again recommended that Rhode Islanders
should settle their domestic affairs amongst themselves. He
added, that if resistance be made to the execution of the laws
of Rhode Island by such force as the civil possé should be
unable to overcome, then on application of the governor,
under the authority of the resolutions already transmitted,”
he should support the state. -
Immediately after the adjournment of the “People's legis-
lature "Mr. Dorr left the state in order to urge the people's
cause before the citizens of other states, and at the urgent
request of his friends he went to Washington, but his visit
there was without avail. In New York and elsewhere,
however, he was promised liberal aid in men and money,
in case the United States government attempted to suppress
“freedom of suffrage" in Rhode Island. He returned to
Providence, where he was received by about fifteen hundred
citizens, some three or four hundred of whom were armed,
and escorted to his head-quarters, at the house of Burrington
Anthony on Federal Hill. On the 16th of May he issued a
proclamation, calling on the military to hold themselves
ready for immediate active service, and declaring that if the
United States interfered, aid from other states would be at
hand, the contest would “ become national, and our state
the battle-ground of American freedom.” After issuing
this proclamation he asked if the armed escort that had
greeted him were ready for active service and was told
“no, they were only out on parade.” The moment active
service was spoken of the “military" and citizens began to
retire to their homes, and Mr. Dorr was soon left protected
only by a few friends. He had entered so far into the
stream that “to go back were worse than to go o'er,” and
feeling that he was supported by the citizens of Rhode
Island, or that, if he was not, it was time to prove the hol-
lowness of the pretentions on which his acts were based, he con-
tinued his attempt to raise a military force sufficient to enable
him to take possession of the public property, and they slowly
gathered from town and country, until on the afternoon of May 17,
he was at the head of about two-hundred and fifty armed men.
Meanwhile the constituted authorities had not been idle; the
militia companies of Providence were kept under arms and on the
alert. Companies from other towns were notified to be ready to
march to Providence at a moment's warning, and the arsenal, (to
the south of the Dexter Training Ground, near Cranston Street.)
where the state arms were kept, was garrisoned.
On the afternoon of the 17th of May, Governor Dorr sent a
requisition to the United Train of Artillery, for the field pieces
in their possession, (four in number), to be used in the public
service. After some demur and threatened effort on the part of
the Dorr forces to burst in the doors, the key was delivered to
them, on their promise that the guns should be delivered back
again to the corps. The Dorr forces took two of the cannon and
carried them to Dorr’s head-quarters, whence in the evening Dorr
and his forces marched to the arsenal, and placed the cannon
loaded with powder, ball, and bags of slugs, in position for an
attack. That evening the moon rose in a clear and cloudless sky,
but before preparations for an attack had been completed a
penetrating fog set in, so dense that at a dozen yards distant a
man was indiscernible. Towards midnight a summons was sent
by flag of truce, to the parties in the arsenal, to surrender to Colo-
nel Wheeler, in immediate command of the Dorr forces, or to
Governor Dorr. The officers in command at the arsenal declined
to recognize such parties, and refused to surrender to them. Upon
the return of the reply one of Dorr’s officers, in command of
ninety men, remarked “there is danger here,” and in a few min-
HON. TRISTAM BURGES,
The Distinguished Rhode Island Senator and Orator. From an old Engraving.
utes he and his command disappeared in the fog, and were no
more seen there. Nearly all of Mr. Dorr's chief officers also dis-
appeared in the fog.”
An attempt was then made by those of the Dorr forces “who
stayed and went not away,” to fire the cannon at the arsenal, but
the cannon could not be discharged. Repeated attempts were
made to fire them, but they only flashed, and the fire did not pen-
etrate to the powder in their chambers. After this attempt and
failure, still further desertion of Mr. Dorr’s forces followed, leav-
ing only about fifty or seventy-five men remaining on the ground.
Mr. Dorr seeing the hopelessness of his cause, at about day-break
ordered his troops, then reduced to twenty-five or forty men, to
withdraw, and with them left the field. At about this time the
state troops from the city marched over to the “battle-ground,”
stood quietly in front of the disabled cannon, till the Dorrites with-
drew them, and then took possession of the field.
Later in the morning preparations were made to attack the
Dorrites at their head-quarters on Federal Hill, to which they
had betaken themselves with their cannon. The latter had ap-
pointed new officers in place of those who had deserted, bored
out and re-loaded their cannon, and given the signal for their
friends to rally to their support; but, in Thomas W. Dorr’s words,
“they did not answer the summons. Many who had left their
* One of Mr. Dorr's chief officers who did not desert him, testifying at a later day, said
that it seemed as if the coming up of that unexpected fog was a providential interposition.
Certainly in view of the facts, it seems as if there was a double meaning in that statement.
+ It has been stated that the guns were spiked, but on the next morning the touch-holes
were found to be filled with a disintegrated incombustible mass that required to be bored
through with a gimlet before an open passage to the chamber could be made. Whether
this condition resulted from that “providential fog '' acting on the powder, or whether the
guns were practically useless when taken from the arsenal, and the “Dorrites” were too
excited to look to the condition of the pieces before loading them, is an open question.


84 * THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
_*
arms piled at head-quarters did not return. Not a few who had
voted for the constitution, and who had sustained it with their
ability, their zeal and means, some with the eloquence of the lips
and the pen, appeared in arms that day in the ranks of our oppo-
nents.” -
They were ready to argue, vote, and act peacefully in the cause
of extended suffrage, but not to participate in open, warlike
contest with the constituted powers. There they drew the line.
Mr. Dorr's bitterness in speaking of them is natural. He was
ready to, and practically had, staked position, fortune, standing
in the community,+ matters that to him were of far more value
than life itself- in the cause, and to see these men, whose
solemn pledges to support him to the last had led him to place
himself in that position, thus desert him, must have been exas-
perating. They, on the other hand felt that
* “He who fights, and runs away,
May live to fight another day,
While he who is in battle slain,
Can never live to fight again,”
and did not not see the usefulness or patriotism of sacrificing
themselves or their families in a hopeless cause, more especially
as practical guarantees had been given by the authorities that the
rebellion once suppressed, a new constitution, with an enlarged
suffrage, would be immediately drafted and submitted to the people.
At seven o'clock on that morning, Mr. Dorr had but twenty-
seven men supporting him. The rallying signal was given but
not responded to. On the contrary, Mr. Dorr received word
from many friends of the cause on whose aid he had depended,
that under the circumstances they could not assist him. The
troops of the state, from Providence, Newport, Bristol, and War-
ren, were all concentrated at Providence, and preparing to march
against him. Under the circumstances, recognizing the inev-
itable, he withdrew from the field about half-past eight o'clock,
and the officer commanding his troops ordered their dismissal.
Soon after the state troops marched onto the ground, finding
twenty-seven Dorrites there who had not dispersed, and demanded
the surrender of the two guns. The reply was, that the guns
would be re-delivered during the day at the armory whence they
were taken, if the state troops withdrew. The state troops there-
upon withdrew, and the guns were returned that afternoon as
promised. When Mr. Dorr left the state he assured his partisans
that when the people of this state were ready to support their
governor, (himself,) he should be prepared to return and join
them. -
Mr. Dorr was next reported as making his head-quarters in
Connecticut, just west of the Rhode Island line, engaged in
enlisting men and collecting arms for a further attack on this
state. Upon the strength of these reports, Governor King made
another call on the President for aid, assuring him that the state
could take care of its own insurgents, but if the bands then
organizing in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York should
make the attack as threatened, with Dorr at their head, assistance
would be needed. To this President Tyler replied, May 28,
promising the required assistance, if needed and called for. Let-
ters were sent to Colonel Bankhead, commander at Fort Adams,
Newport Harbor, and to Brigadier-General Eustace, commander
of United States forces at Boston, directing them to obtain all the
reliable information possible. as to the state of affairs in Rhode
Island. Other preparations were made, so that the intervention
of the United States forces, if needed, should be speedy and
effectual.
About the middle of June a number of the adherents of the
People's party selected “Acote's Hill,” a small eminence near
Chepachet, in Glocester, and proceeded to establish what was
called a fortified camp, with the avowed object of protecting
their legislature at its coming July session. Five cannon were
mounted, probably equally available with those used against the
arsenal, embankments thrown up, and armed men began to
gather there about the 20th of June. Mr. Dorr was then in Kil-
lingly, Conn., and, upon representations being made to him that
his appearance in this state would be the signal for the uprising
of at least fifteen hundred armed adherents to sustain him, with
more to follow, on Saturday, the twenty-fifth day of June, he left
Killingly and entered the camp. He found about two hundred
men there, and issued a proclamation calling out the citizens of
the state to sustain him. It did not meet with any response,
further than to increase his force to about two hundred and
seventy-five men. He was informed that the state had raised
some three thousand troops, to attack his force, and that their
head-quarters were at Greenville and Scituate, but six or eight
miles distant; that many of his warmest political friends and
officers under the People's Constitution had not only resigned their
offices, but had joined the state forces, and that Colonel Bankhead
was at Providence, only awaiting orders to march the United
States forces against him.
The position at Acote's Hill was, in a military sense, poorly
chosen. He had not ammunition sufficient to continue an active
combat for half an hour. His military chest contained only sev-
enty dollars. Under these circumstances a council was held June
17th, and it was resolved to disband the forces forthwith. The
order for this purpose was drawn and issued about four o’clock
in the afternoon and read to the assembled troops, who thereupon
leisurely dispersed. Mr. Dorr remained at the village till about
seven o’clock in the evening, when he retired to Connecticut.
Previous to so doing, he caused a copy of the order disbanding
the troops to be made and sent it to Providence for publication.
It was received in Providence before dark, and immediately sub-
mitted to General McNeil, commander of the state forces, and to
the governor and council. . The next morning at about eight
o'clock the state troops advanced and captured Acote's Hill.
This affair is always spoken of as the “storming” or the “cap-
ture” of Acote's Hill, and with special propriety, for excepting
the five old unloaded cannon frowning down upon them, the hill
was all there was for the attacking party to capture. Thus ended
the Dorr War.
Though the matter, looked at as illumined by the cold light of
history, seems in some respects almost farcical, it must be remem-
bered that it was very serious to the participants. The excite-
ment created was intense, and after the resistance to “consti-
tuted authority” was suppressed, there followed a series of ar-
rests for treason, of parties who had taken part on the losing
side. There was some unavoidable suffering, and no doubt
much that seemed like persecution; but we are happy to say that
no one was executed, no man in Rhode Island lost his life in the
war; we were about to say that no bloodshed resulted, but we
are reminded that after the capture of Acote's Hill, the victorious
troops did accidentally wound one man, and that on the twenty-
seventh day of June, in the village of Pawtucket, in North Prov-
idence, a bullet, carelessly fired from a loyalist's musket, went
outside of the state and killed a man in Massachusetts. This was
the extent of the casualties of the war, so far as reliably reported.
Though the war practically ended at the taking of Acote's Hill,
yet it was not known at the time but that Mr. Dorr might be in-
duced to again enter the state and make another attempt against
its government. The state was therefore kept under martial law
till the eighth day of August, when that law was suspended till
September 1, and on August 30 it was suspended indefinitely.
It has been stated that one reason of the falling off of Dorr’s
adherents was that they had received satisfactory assurances that
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
85
if the rebellion were put down, a constitution correcting the
grievances existing under the charter, would be instantly for-
mulated, and submitted to the people. In June, while the camp
at Acote's Hill was in existence, a bill to call another consti-
tutional convention was passed. This convention met, and on
November 5, at East Greenwich, formulated and submitted to the
people the constitution which is now, with sundry amendments,
the constitution of the state. It was voted on by the people, on
Nov. 21, 22, and 23, 1842, and adopted by a vote of 7,032 for,
and 59 against it. As regards the franchise, it is to a certain
extent a compromise between the restricted suffrage under the
charter and the general suffrage claimed by Dorr.
Though a great gain to those who contended for extended suf-
frage, its adoption by the people was a solemn admission that all
/awful changes in government must be made by and with the
consent of the constituted authorities. That point is fixed in our
institutions.
The government under the new constitution was organized May
2, 1843. It seems proper at this time to conclude the history of
Mr. Dorr, before returning to other matters relating to the city of
Providence. After leaving Acote's Hill, he remained in the New
England States, passing freely from one to another. Efforts were
made by the Rhode Island authorities to have him arrested, but
without success. The governors of the states where he was
alleged to be, freely granted warrants for his arrest when properly
applied for, but the officer charged with the warrant could never
find Mr. Dorr. The sympathies of the governments and people
of the other states, and as is evident from the correspondence, of
the President of the United States, were all with Mr. Dorr, and
except in the most perfunctory manner, nothing would be done
against him. He received notice of each warrant sent out against
him as soon as it was issued, knew who had it in possession, and
how to avoid its service. Had life been spared him, he could
probably have lived to this day without being arrested, had he
desired so to do. Had he been the cowardly traitor he was stig-
matized by the more virulent of his enemies as being, he would
have done so. He did remain out of the state so long as he
thought that he could in any way help the party and cause to
which he had devoted his life; and when he felt that the party
had given up the struggle by adopting the constitution, he vol-
untarily came into this state in October, 1843, appeared on the
streets, and submitted himself to its tribunals. He was arrested
on a charge of treason, and committed to jail; he made all efforts
to obtain as speedy a trial as possible, considering that he never
had been guilty of treason as he had acted in pursuance with the
expressed will of the majority of the people. His trial com-
menced April 26, 1844, and continued until the twenty-fifth day
of the next June. The court decided against him on almost every
point he raised. The jury found him guilty. He was sentenced
to imprisonment for life, and committed to jail the same day. The
true key to his character is found in his address to the court when
asked if he had anything to say why sentence should not be passed
against him ; after a short address, he closed his remarks by say-
ing: “Better men have been worse treated than I have been,
though not often in a better cause. In the service of that cause I
have no right to complain that I am called upon to suffer hard-
ships. All these proceedings will be re-considered by
that ultimate tribunal of public opinion, whose righteous decision
will reverse all the wrongs which may be now committed and
place that estimate upon my actions to which they may be fairly
entitled. The process of this court does not reach the man
within. The court cannot shake the convictions of the mind,
nor the fixed purposes which is sustained by integrity of heart.
From this sentence of the court I appeal to the people
of our state and country; they shall decide between us. I com-
| in
| | º |
*º
THE ARSENAL,
Benefit, between Thomas and Meeting Streets.
mit myself, without distrust, to their final award. I have nothing
more to say.”
His final appeal to the people was not in vain. Scarcely one
year had passed away before, in June, 1845, the legislature passed
an act discharging from prison all persons who had been con-
victed of treason against the state. He retired from prison to the
seclusion of his home, where he lived quietly for years. In 1854
the General Assembly passed an act repealing, reversing, and
annulling the sentence of the Supreme Court against him. It
would almost appear that his sole object in life was to witness the
public vindication of his character, for on December 27 of the
same year, he deceased.
The two railroads already opened from Providence having
proved very beneficial to its business interests, and the Blackstone
Canal having shown its inability to meet the demands of the
traffic of the Blackstone Valley, the plan of building a railroad to
Worcester was discussed in 1843–4. The population of the towns
through which it would pass, including Providence and Worcester,
was in 1844 about seventy-four thousand. The amount then paid
for freight and passenger (stage) traffic was $213,482. In view
of these facts such a railroad was deemed advisable, and in May,
1844, a charter for the Rhode Island portion was obtained. In
the preceding month of March a charter for the Massachusetts
portion had been obtained from the legislature of that state, and
in October, 1845, the General Assembly of Rhode Island author-
ized the two corporations to combine in one. The first question
was, where should be the Providence terminus. In 1845, the
company proposed to the city council to make the Cove below the
state prison, on Great Point, into an elliptical basin, of its present
dimensions, with a street round the basin eighty feet wide. The
westerly section of the ellipse from Sabin Street to the state
prison not to be completed at that time. Canal and Cove streets
to be made eighty feet wide. The space between these streets
and the street round the Cove basin to be occupied by railroad

12
86 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
tracks, depots, and railroad buildings. Any filled in land not so
occupied to be public highway or grounds, and if thereafter any
portion of such lands should cease to be used for railroad pur-
poses it should become open for the use of the public. The
road was to build the walls, streets, culverts, and bridges neces-
sary from the state prison round to Sabin Street, and dredge out
the Cove to a given depth, and the city to maintain these erections
except those used for railroad purposes only; the railroad to have
a right to charge reasonable compensation from any railroad
hereafter entering said made land from the west of Exchange
Street. In February, 1846, a detailed plan substantially as above,
was agreed to by the city council and the railroad, and work upon
it was immediately begun. The details of the plan appear not
to have been fully conformed to, and there were disputes between
the railroad and the city in regard to such non-conformance till
February, 1850, when the city accepted $11,000 from the railroad
in lieu of all demands on account of this matter. In October,
1847, the Providence and Worcester road was opened to traffic,
using its freight house as a passenger station, the central passen-
ger station not being then completed.
The Boston and Providence road having an arrangement with
the Providence and Worcester road to enter the city on its track,
laid a branch track to it from the “East Junction,” and in
August, 1848, both roads ran trains into the completed central
station. In 1847 the New York, Providence and Boston Rail-
road was authorized to enter the city from the westward, and
connect with the central depot, filling in parts of the Cove to the
westward of the station for railroad purposes and public use.
No sooner was this completed, in 1848, than the through route
from Boston to New York via India Point and the steam ferry
was given up, and busy, bustling India Point became a com-
paratively neglected locality.
In 1852 the Providence, Hartford and Fishkill Railroad was
THOMAS W. DORR.
allowed to enter the city and central depot on land to the north-
ward of that of the New York, Providence and Boston Railroad,
and to fill in lands for railroad purposes, on condition that they
completed the building of the ellipse and built certain retaining
walls. The city afterwards received a certain sum of money in
lieu of the retaining walls specified, and built the retaining walls
as they now stand. In later times the city has filled in the land
back of the retaining walls till the Cove has assumed its present
appearance, a marked contrast with that shown on the earlier
maps.
The relations of the city’s business centre to the railroads was
hardly established on a satisfactory basis before the question of
introducing a still more rapid means of communication inter-
ested our citizens. A system of telegraphing by signal posts
with movable arms attached had been agitated years before.
Such a system, called a “telephore,” had been in practice in
France many years, and one was discussed to be put in operation
between here and Boston, but later the far more definite, reliable,
and certain system of the magnetic telegraph was invented, and
in 1847 the Rhode Island Magnetic Telegraph Company was
incorporated, with power to connect different places in our state
by aerial lines of wire, and to connect such lines with other lines
out of the state, for use in the transmission of telegraphic mes-
sages. The manner in which this was to be done was incompre-
hensible to most of the people, but many who deemed it impos-
sible have lived to see uses of electricity still more marvelous, till
to-day the question seems to be, not what can be done, but what
cannot be done by that subtle and powerful agent.
The growth of Providence was exemplified in many other
ways in this year.
In every direction the city was stretching out its Briarean arms.
New streets were growing all around it, new manufactories were
springing up in every quarter. Cotton and woolen mills, en-
gine works, foundries, jewelry manufactories, and numerous
minor branches of manufacturing were being rapidly devel-
oped. Encouragement was given to all business enterprises
that seemed to be hopeful, and when, as must have been the
case, some failed of success, the citizens quietly accepted
their loss and pressed forward the more successful ones.
As showing the desire of the people for better and more
light, the Providence Gas Company, which was incorporated
in 1847, commenced the manufacture and supply of gas in
December, 1848. In its charities, –the Butler Hospital
opened its doors for the reception of patients Dec. 1, 1847.
In its care for the last resting-places of the bodies of its dead
— the beautiful Swan Point Cemetery then came into char-
tered existence.
This successful business activity continued, and soon brought
about a change and improvement in the business buildings of
our city. The What Cheer block, built in 1850–51, was a
specimen of the new order of buildings. To this building
the post-office was removed, and remained till its transfer to
its present quarters, in the close of the year 1857. Since that
time there has been an almost uninterrupted course of im-
provements in the direction of business buildings. The old
erections of that class have been removed, and new and more
elegant ones taken their places, till now there are left standing
in the heart of the city but comparatively few, and they of
the best class of buildings, that were standing in 1847. A
similar improvement has taken place in the private residences
in the city.
By the year 1850, Providence had grown to be a city of
41,503 inhabitants, of whom the majority resided on the
west side of the river, and with a valuation of $31,969,600.
During the last two decades a marked change had taken

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. - 87
place in the commerce of the city. The old East India trade had
entirely passed away. The only remnant of the trade with the far
East that remained was that of Rufus Greene, whose ships and
barques continued as late as the close of the decade 1850–60 to
arrive at Fox Point from the Mozambique country, bearing car-
goes consisting of dates, palm oil, ivory, and gold-dust, gathered
by his smaller vessels along the eastern shore of Africa. The
foreign commerce generally, was in a state of decadence. Vessels
occasionally arrived at our wharves from Europe, but such arrivals
The devotion of our citizens to the development of the city
was interrupted in the years 1853–55 by another political whirl-
wind, as strange and unreasonable as the anti-Masonic excite-
ment, which swept over the country, more baleful in its results
if it continued to prevail, but fortunately not so long in continu-
ance. It was the Know Nothing excitement, and took the form
of a secret political organization, with the cardinal principle that
none but native-born citizens should hold office, or have a voice
in controlling the destinies of the country. If inquired of as to
*Tn.
- Nī S.
ºf
Manufacturers' Hotel, the Old
Stage Rendezvous.
Old Coffee House.
The Old City Building.
Franklin Hall.
Franklin House. Hoppin Building.
MARKET SQUARE IN 1844.
were rendered conspicuous by their infrequency. The earliest
and latest foreign trade of the city, that with the West India
Islands, was fast declining, and this generation has seen its total
decay. The whaling business had grown to a considerable prom-
inence and utterly passed away. In lieu of the foreign trade there
had grown up a domestic commerce with the other states of the
Union, which in its bulk and amount had dwarfed and rendered
insignificant the foreign commerce of the early days. That com-
merce has kept extending till its proportions are now, compared
with those of the earlier commerce, gigantic.
Of late a great deal has been said of the decay and falling off
of Providence commerce, meaning thereby its maritime inter-
ests; but the fact is, that the maritime commerce of to-day is
greater than it ever was before, and that it has never for any long
period, declined during the last century. There has been simply
a change of direction and of methods. Instead of a few scores of
thousand tons of freight from foreign shores annually landed on
our wharves, as in former days, there are now millions of tons
from points on the coast of the United States. This consists
largely of merchandise of which our ancestors scarcely knew the
use: as an illustration, anthracite coal, of which, seventy years
ago, scarcely one ton was brought here, while last year, 1885,
$20,510 tons were delivered by vessels at this port; or cotton, of
which, in 1815, less than Io,000 bales were received, while last
year 245,605 bales were received.
the purposes or personality of the organization, it was required
that each member should “know nothing,” hence the name.
Absurd as it seems, the Know Nothing influence spread like a
contagious fever all through the land, from Maine to California,
taking Providence Plantations in its course. In 1855, combined
with the Whigs, they elected the governor of Rhode Island by a
four-fifths vote. In other states it was equally powerful. In
1856, fortunately, it had ceased to exist.
Another railroad, the Providence, Warren and Bristol Rail-
road, was added to the system centering at Providence in the
year 1854. This road, so far as giving dividends to its stock-
holders is concerned, has never yet proved a successful enterprise,
but like the Blackstone Canal, it has been of great benefit to the
interests of the city.
The most disastrous financial panic that Providence ever en-
dured commenced in the fall of 1856. It was not confined to
Providence—the whole country suffered from it, and the causes,
reactions, and effects of it are matters rather of national than of
local history. We can, however, take pride in remembering and
noting that amid the general crash of mercantile houses, the
failures and suspensions of banks and banking firms, the stop-
page of manufactories, the harrowing uncertainty of the wealthy
classes, whether the coming day would find them millionaires or
penniless, Providence came nobly forward and provided work
and food for her poorer classes during the hard winter of 1856–7.

88 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
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FOX POINT OBSERVATORY.
An Old-time Place of Resort, on the site of the Fox Hill Fort.
Those absolutely unable to work were provided with food and
fuel without the ignominy of going to the poor-house, and to
employ the able ones the city took this opportunity to furnish
them occupation in bringing Smith's Hill, before then a level
plain ending in a high bluff, to its present grade, using the earth
thence removed to fill in the back Cove lands. This was done
regardless of the fact that the state might claim title to the lands
after they were filled.* This action of the city enabled the able-
bodied poor to live through that winter without sacrificing their
independence by becoming recipients of charity. During the next
year the financial storm passed away and business revived.
Financial reverses of perhaps greater dimensions have since been
experienced in our city, but none have threatened such wide-
spread suffering as did those of that disastrous season.
Interesting, as showing the drift of the city to the westward,
centering on what in Roger Williams' day were the marshes and
flats of the great salt river, is the fact that the post-office at the
close of the year 1857, was moved to the granite building on the
made land east of Weybosset Street, where it is now located.
The Custom House was also removed from its previous location
on the east side of the river, South Main Street, to its larger
quarters in this building, thus acquiring needed space for its
largely increasing business.
Standing north of this building is what was eighty years ago the
Washington Hotel, then one of the most popular of the taverns of
the city. The westward movement of the town has affected the
hotels as well as other branches of business, and we find them
now nearer what were formerly the corn-fields on the western side
of the town, but are now covered with costly buildings. A com-
parison of this old landmark, the upper stories of which present
much the appearance of eighty years ago, with the modern Nar-
ragansett Hotel, corner Dorrance and Broad streets, or the Hotel
Dorrance, between Westminster and Fulton streets, is interesting
and instructive, as is also the contrast in architecture of this build-
ing with the custom house and post-office building by its side.
With the steady growth of the city, the increase in number,
size, and height of its buildings, and the storage therein of larger
amounts of inflammable merchandise, came a necessity for
greater protection against fire. We have shown how the “hy-
* The state did claim such title and the city of Providence was obliged to pay to the state
$200,000, to extinguish such claim of title, though it is a question whether the title did not
really belong to the “proprietors.”
draulions” took the place of the older bucket and pump engine
system. The hydraulion engines were also supplemented by
stationary engines, consisting of force pumps, each worked by a
large number of men, the engines being connected with fire wells
or cisterns, and capable of forcing a powerful stream of water
through 1,000 feet of hose. These machines, both stationary and
hydraulion, were each worked by a volunteer company, and to
belong to a fire company was an honor sought after by the enter-
prising young men of the town.
In process of time, as the extinguishment of fires became re-
duced to a system, it became necessary to abolish the volunteer
system, and in 1854 this step was taken, and thenceforward the
crews of the engines were regularly paid officers of the city.
This greatly improved the efficiency of the fire department, but
the risk was growing faster than the means of meeting it, and the
need of a plentiful supply of water running through all the prin-
cipal streets was felt to be a vital one. The growth of the city,
with the density of its buildings, also made the procurement of a
supply of pure water for domestic purposes a matter of difficulty.
In view of these facts an attempt was made in 1856 to induce the
city to establish a system of municipal water works, taking the
water from the Ten Mile River in Massachusetts, but for various
reasons, chiefly that the supply was deemed inadequate, the meas-
ure was not supported.
Again in 1858, the matter was pressed to a vote of the citi-
zens, and again the decision was against it. Some fearful catas-
trophe from fire might have resulted from this delay on the part
of the citizens, but for the introduction of steam fire engines, in
the years 1858–9. No sooner was the effectiveness of this inven-
tion demonstrated, than a liberal policy was pursued in procuring
an ample supply and properly locating them over the growing
city. Through them and their effective control and management
by a skillful fire department, our city was saved from its greatest
danger, a conflagration, till in later years an enlarged policy de-
cided to furnish the city with an ample supply of water from the
Pawtuxet River. Since this last measure was effected few cities
have been better guarded from loss by fire, than Providence.
During the years '58 and '59, Providence seemed to have fully
recovered from the disastrous effects of the financial crisis of
1856–7, and as time rolled on in its appointed course, the year 1860
came in with every prospect bright before the city, and no sign
visible upon its horizon of the lurid tempests that were even then
gathering their forces to break upon it. How little we know of
the future, and how fortunate it is we know so little ! Could our
citizens have foreseen on the 1st of January, 1860, what the next
few years would
bring forth, there
would have been
little heartiness in
their greetings of
a “Happy New
Year ’’ on that
day, but as it was,
lulling themselves
with the thought
that the hardships
of the past were
all over, they gave
way to New Year's
rejoicings, and in
that spirit we leave
them at the close
of this chapter.
- Himi’ſ Tºlº
TITLº Lº: -
==
THE ATHENAEUM.
Located corner of Benefit and College Streets.
















CHAPTER X.
PROVIDENCE DURING AND SINCE THE WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1860–1886.
PROVIDENCE IN 1860 — PoliticAL situation of its INHABITANTS, NATIONAL AND LOCAL – THE SPRAGUE-PADELFORD CAMPAIGN
— THE END OF vote-BUYING IN PROVIDENCE – THE NATIONAL PoliticAL CAMPAIGN OF 1860 – RESULTs of THE SAME –
wAITING — SECEssion AND ITs EFFECTS ON PROVIDENCE – FIRING ON Fort suMTER—THE PARTICIPATION OF PROVIDENCE
IN THE UPRISING OF THE NORTH — THE RAISING OF TROOPs For THE CONTEST FOR THE NATION’s ExistENCE – REGIMENTs
AND BATTERIES RAISED IN PROVIDENCE — BOUNDARY CONTROVERSIES SETTLED — HORSE-CAR SYSTEM INTRODUCED — FUR-
THER RAISING OF REGIMENTS – END OF THE war — PEACEFUL DEVELOPMENT — SCHOOLS — WATER SUPPLY — INCREASE
OF TERRITORIAL LIMITS — NEW BRIDGES — ROGER WILLIAMS PARK — soldiers' MONUMENT — INTRODUCTION OF WATER —
BUSINESS BUILDINGS — FURTHER ANNExATIONs — BROOK STREET IMPROVEMENTs — “SPRAGUE FAILURE * AND ITS RESULTS
— CRAWFORD STREET BRIDGE — NEW SCHOOL-HOUSES — I-IBRARIES — COUNTY COURT HOUSE — PROvIDENCE IN 188o — Boun D-
ARY LINES — RAILROAD TERMINAL FACILITIES — VARIOUS PLANS — NEW SCHOOLS — HOMOEOPATHIC HOSPITAL – PROVI-
DENCE IN 1885 – PREPARING FOR THE 25OTH ANNIVERSARY — DEATH OF MAYOR THOMAS A. DOYLE – TABULAR STATE-
MENT OF GROWTH OF POPULATION OF PROVIDENCE, 1636–1886 — BUSINEss DEVELOPMENT IN SAME PERIOD.
GEN. AMBROSE EVERETT BURNSIDE.
WE find Providence entering upon the year 1860 with a pop-
ulation of 50,666; a valuation of $58, 131,800, and a debt of
$236,186.63. The annual expenses of the city were about $326,
OOO. These were provided for by a tax of $5.60 on each one
thousand dollars’ worth of property.
The prosperous condition of the city is well shown by the fact
that the expense of caring for the poor in the year ending in
June, 1860, was $1.5oo less than in the preceding year, and less
than it had been in any year since 1848.
The number of miles of streets and roads had grown from
about forty in 1832, to about seventy—the increase being almost
entirely in streets, in distinction with roads in the country parts,
which latter remained almost the same.
The fire department was being steadily developed, and in the
summer of this year was farther improved by the introduction
of an electric fire-alarm system, one of the earliest introduced
in this country. Every other department of the municipality
was in a high state of efficiency, and as the city was growing,
was developing to meet its needs.
To properly appreciate the history of Providence for the next
four years, it is necessary to understand the political condition
both of the nation and the state at the commencement of the
year 1860. In national politics the citizens were divided
broadly into two parties, the Democratic and Republican, with
a minor party, the Constitutional Union, composed of the
déðr's of the Know Nothing and other dead parties. There
were minor points of dissension, but the main issue between
them was the question of the introduction and spread of slavery
into the parts of the country (the territories) that were not or-
ganized into states. The Democratic party claimed, and with
historic ground for the argument, that the normal condition of
the inhabitants of the United States was that of a slave-holding
people. That the free states were incidental developments
arising after the formation of the nation. It followed, they
claimed, that a slave-holder had a perfect right to hold and
enjoy his property in slaves anywhere in the lands belonging
to and controlled by the national government. This being
granted, it followed that if a majority of citizens favoring
slavery were inhabitants of a territory organizing as a new
state, such state would be a slave-holding state, or slave state,
as it was called.
The Republican party claimed that the rights of humanity in
the “living present” were of greater weight than arguments
drawn from a “dead past,” and that justice, humanity, and moral
obligations required that the United States government should,
so far as its power under the constitution extended, limit the
holding of slaves to the then present slave states and forbid its
introduction into the territories.
The question was not a new one; it had been often, and some-

90 THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS.
HON. HENRY B. ANTHONY,
United States Senator.
times fiercely and bitterly, discussed in the halls of Congress
between Northern and Southern statesmen, but rather as an inci-
dental question among other party issues of the day. Attempts
had been made to settle it by compromise many years before, as
in the Missouri Compromise, 1821, whereby it was agreed that
slavery should not be allowed in future north of the parallel
36°30' of north latitude; but the matter would not stay settled,
and after the meteoric course of the Know Nothing party in
1853, the Republican party gradually grew into power, absorbing
the Free Soil and other minor parties opposed to slavery, with, as
its cardinal principle, the exclusion of slavery from the territories.
The Republican party was the smaller of the two, but its mem-
bers were the most united. They were almost entirely citizens
of the free (non-slavery permitting) states. The Democratic
party, while it embraced the majority of the voters of the nation,
was divided into two factions: the ultra-Democrats, mostly res-
idents of the slave states, who maintained their doctrine to the
extent that the United States should maintain and enforce the
rights of slave-holders till the territory became a state, and the
Squatter Sovereignty party, or Douglas Democrats, as they were
afterwards called from their leader, Stephen A. Douglas, of Illi-
nois, who claimed that as soon as a territory was sufficiently set-
tled for a territorial government to be organized in it, this and
other questions should be left to the settlers to be by them deter-
mined. The strength of this faction was mainly in the free
states.
Since 1856, Rhode Island had been considered, politically, a
Republican state, the vote standing in 1859 about two-thirds
Republican to one-third Democratic. Early in the year 1860,
the Republicans nominated Seth Padelford as candidate for gov-
ernor. Many Republicans were dissatisfied with this nomina-
tion, and calling themselves Conservatives, they joined with the
Democratic party and nominated William Sprague, of Provi-
dence, for the same office.
William Sprague was the son of Amasa Sprague, who, with
his brother William, had early in this century formed the house
of A. & W. Sprague, which adopted and continued a busi-
ness of cotton manufacturing which had years before been
established by their father, William Sprague, of Cranston.
As the cotton manufacturing interests developed, this firm be-
came rich and powerful. In the anti-Masonic and Dorr War
times the members of this firm had been influential factors,
William (then of Warwick) having been governor in 1838, and
receiving the greatest vote of any candidate for the office in
1839. Amasa Sprague had been murdered in Cranston in 1845,
leaving two infant sons, who, in the course of years, after the
decease of their uncle William, had succeeded to the possession
and control of the business of the firm, with their cousin Byron
as an inactive partner. William was, in 1860, but twenty-eight
years old. He was possessed of great pecuniary resources,
and determined, for what he considered the honor of the family,
that he should be elected. On the other hand the Republican
party were determined that the “rents and remnants” of the
party, as the Conservatives were disdainfully called, should not,
by an alliance with the Democrats, be enabled to rule the state.
Both sides poured out money like water. It was used freely
for legitimate and illegitimate election expenses. Every pos-
sible vote that could be gathered, begged, or bought, was
obtained on either side. In the heat of the enthusiasm, men
ordinarily of strict integrity, seemed scarcely conscious of moral
distinctions as applied to politics, and when William Sprague
was elected governor by a majority of 1,399 in a vote of 23,-
349, and the passions of election had time to cool, both parties
were thoroughly ashamed of themselves. Neither party blamed
the other. Each took shame to themselves. Each resolved
that whatever the other party might do, its own skirts should be
clear of the stain of vote-buying in the future. These resolves
have been generally kept; whatever individuals may have done,
whatever other form of corruption may have crept into political
management, the buying of votes has always been sternly repressed
by the management of all political parties since the campaign
of 1860.
This election had an effect on the national destiny beyond that
of ordinary Rhode Island elections. At the time it was held the
Democratic party were preparing for a national convention, held
in Charleston, S. C., April 23d, and the result of this election
was heralded to them as a Democratic victory in the Republican
state of Rhode Island, an evidence of increasing power of the
Democratic party in the North, and had an effect in giving to the
South a confidence that in case of secession they would have a
“ divided North’’ to fight against, which was a large element in
their traitorous plans. At this Charleston Convention dissensions
immediately arose between the two wings or factions of the
Democratic party, and the Southern delegates withdrew from the
convention. The convention adjourned to meet at Baltimore,
June 18th. The Southern wing “bolted” the acts of the con-
vention and adjourned to meet at Richmond, June 11th.
May 9th, the Constitutional Union party, at a convention in
Baltimore, nominated John Bell, of Tennessee, and Edward
Everett, of Massachusetts.
A National Republican Convention was held at Chicago, May
18th, and nominated Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, and Hannibal
Hamlin, of Maine, as candidates for President and Vice-President.
The Democratic Convention at Richmond nominated John C.
Breckenridge, of Kentucky, and Joseph Lane, of Oregon, to the
same offices.
The regular Democratic Convention at Baltimore nominated
Stephen A. Douglas, of Illinois, and Hershel V. Johnson, of
Georgia, to the same offices.
Throughout the summer and fall the most exciting political

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 91
campaign was had that the country has ever known. It seemed
in a great measure to absorb all other interests. The Southern
Democrats freely threatened that the slave states would secede
from the Union if the Breckenridge ticket was not elected, but
this was considered at the North as a mere campaign threat.
When the election was held, November 6, the Republican or
Lincoln ticket secured 180 electoral votes, having all the free
state votes except that of New Jersey. The Bell ticket had the
thirty-nine electoral votes of Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee;
the Douglas ticket the twelve votes of Missouri and New Jersey,
and the Breckenridge ticket the seventy-two electoral votes of the
remaining slave states.
The popular vote was as follows: Lincoln, 1,866,452; Doug-
las, 994, 139; Breckenridge, 669,082 ; Bell, 575, 193; Fusion
tickets opposed to Lincoln, 575,327 ; total 4,680,193.
It is seen that Lincoln's popular vote was less than two-fifths
of the total vote of the country; and that he was elected by votes
from the free-state section of the country. These facts were
brought prominently forward in affecting public opinion by
statesmen of the Southern States.
Having elected the Republican President, the country at large,
including the citizens of Providence, waited to see what would
be the next act of the defeated parties. The main question was
whether the threats made in the South that if the Republican
party were successful the Southern States would secede from the
Union would be carried into effect. The whole country was
waiting with no little anxiety to see what course would be
adopted. Nor had they long to wait.
The State of South Carolina called a convention to meet De-
cember 17th, to discuss the question of secession, and on the
20th of December that convention adopted an ordinance of seces-
sion, giving for reason the hostility of the Republican party to
slavery. State after state of the slave-state group followed in
such rapid and unvarying succession that by May, 1861, eleven
had formally seceded, while the remaining ones, Tennessee,
Kentucky, and Maryland, hung trembling in the balance.
Till the 4th of March, 1861, President Buchanan sat supinely
in the Presidential chair, lamenting the action of the seceding
states, but believing that while they had no right to secede, he
had no right to prevent such action. The seceding states mean-
while seized the United States property within their limits, and
when Mr. Lincoln assumed the Presidency only Fort Sumter, in
Charleston Harbor, Fort Pickens, at Pensacola, and the fort at
Key West remained of the garrisoned posts in the Southern States
in the hands of the United States officers, and of these the first
two were closely besieged.
While these events were taking place at the South, the feelings
of the citizens of the North were at first those of utter astonish-
ment. They could not believe that the Southern people seriously
meant to destroy the Union. Then as the movement spread and
increased in force they felt that, whether sincere or not, the
movement should be suppressed, and when President Buchanan
professed his legal inability to “coerce " the seceding states, a
vague feeling of alarm pervaded the community, as no one knew
how far such doctrine might infect other citizens of the Northern
States; but when the forces of the seceding states besieged the
United States forts and no movement was made to actively resist
them; when border states that had been relied upon to check the
movement gave voice in its favor; when General Twiggs, in
Texas, surrendered fully half of the army of the United States
to that state; when, as the several states seceded, Cabinet officers
and trusted army and navy officers of high rank resigned or left
the service of the United States and entered that of the seceded
ones; when it was realized that under orders of such resigning
Cabinet officers nearly all the available arms of the United States
had been collected in the seceded ones and seized by them ; that
the one-half of the army that remained was mainly scattered over
the western territories, beyond the reach of railroad or telegraph,
and that the navy had been sent off to foreign service, a feeling of
alarm that well-nigh grew into terror was developed throughout
the North among the loyal citizens, and was fully experienced in
Providence.
The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations had
been strenuous and prompt in its offers of aid to the government.
Governor Sprague early offered assistance to President Buchanan,
who rejected it. Again, on Jan. 1, 1861, Secretary of State John
R. Bartlett wrote to the Secretary of War, making the same prof-
fer, which was disregarded. -
Again, on the twenty-fourth day of January, Governor Sprague,
through Maj. William Goddard, made an informal offer of the
troops of this state to serve in the protection of the United States
government. This last offer was made to General Scott, who
felt compelled to decline it in the absence of authorization to
accept it from his superiors, the President and Secretary of War.
Henry B. Anthony, of Providence, at this time Senator from the
State of Rhode Island, was also conspicuous for his efforts in the
cause of the Union.
It was a time that tried men’s souls. We of the north were
lying supinely on our backs, held by reverence to the forms of
WILLIAM SPRAGUE,
The first ''War Governor’’ of Rhode Island,

92 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
the law, while the Executive, whose duty it was to enforce the
laws and protect the country, was allowing the vulture of seces-
sion unobstructedly to tear out its vitals. How long would it
last, and would the process be so far completed by March 4th,
1861, that Mr. Lincoln would then find only a shattered, disinte-
grated country, unable to control itself, much less suppress its en-
emies, to rule over, were questions anxiously asked by agitated
citizens during those momentous months. The citizens of Prov-
idence bore their full share in this suffering. Even when a Brit-
ish army and fleet was thundering in our bay, the citizens of Prov-
idence never bore such a weight of anxiety and uncertainty as in
the winter of 1860–61 ; and the darkest days of the war that fol-
lowed it, seemed light in.comparison with those of that season.
On the 4th of March, 1861, Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated
President of the United States, and announced his determination
to preserve the integrity of the Union.
The army of the United States after the surrender of General
Twiggs and forces under his command to the State of Texas,
consisted of about six thousand men, who were mainly scattered
over the Indian frontier. How far its officers were infected by
the secession spirit was unknown. It behooved President Lincoln
to act slowly and with caution. To many his announced deter-
mination to maintain the integrity of the Union seemed Quixotic.
The North, however, had by this time recovered from the stupor
of its first astonishment at attempted secession as an existing fact,
and was rapidly crystallizing to support the national government.
When the secessionists, on April 12, opened fire on Fort Sumter,
its voice was heard in indignation, and when, on April 14, Major
Anderson was compelled to surrender the disabled fort, the North
resolved that at all hazards secession should be crushed. On the
15th of April President Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for
75,000 volunteers for three months’ service in putting down the
rebellion, and then the citizens of Providence, as well as the rest
of the North, breathed more freely, and felt more confidence in
the future than for months before. There was to be no more
listless inaction in the face of an active enemy. Instantly a
change came over the appearance of the city. The American
flag was seen
flying from
almost every
house, and
men hastened
to the recruit-
ing offices to
offer their ser-
vices to the
government.
Ambrose
E. Burnside,
then treasurer
of the Illinois
Central Rail-
road, and a
resident of
the city of
New York,
was sitting in
his office in
that city
when he re-
ceived the
telegraphic
dispatch from
Gover n or
Sprague :
THE COUNTY COURT HOUSE,
Corner of Benefit and College Streets,
“A regiment of Rhode Island troops will go to Washington this
week; how soon can you come on and take command?” The
reply was flashed back over the wires: “At once.” The next
morning he was in Providence, had received his commission,
appointed his staff, and commenced the work of organizing and
equipping the regiment.
The streets of Providence now resounded with the tramp of
armed men and the notes of martial music. The vestries of the
churches, halls, and private dwellings were filled with women at
work upon the outfit of the soldiers. The country towns vied
with Providence and Newport in the good work. Twenty-five
hundred men volunteered for service in this regiment, and the
fifteen hundred not allowed to depart in it felt as if they had met
a personal loss. The regiment was selected from this array of
volunteers as follows: six companies from Providence, one from
Newport, one from Pawtucket, one from Westerly, and one from
Woonsocket.
In five days after the call was issued the first half of the regi-
ment, numbering some five hundred rank and file, under the
command of Col. Ambrose E. Burnside, left Providence for
Washington. Four days later the second half of the regiment,
under Lieut.-Col. Joseph S. Pitman, left the city for the same
destination. This regiment was among the first troops that
arrived at the threatened capital of the country, and was an im-
portant factor in saving it from seizure by the “Confederates.”
A battery of artillery was also organized in Providence by Capt.
Charles H. Tompkins, and under command of the Hon. Samuel
G. Arnold, lieutenant-governor elect of the state, left Providence
on the 18th of April, and after remaining ten days at Easton,
Penn., perfecting its drill, reached Washington on the second
day of May, being the first volunteer battery that entered the
field.
To raise and equip this regiment and battery, a great deal of
money was required. The state was unprepared for the emer-
gency, and the legislature could not be called in special session
in time to authorize the necessary expenditures. At this crisis
Governor Sprague and the house of A. & W. Sprague came for-
ward and offered their guaranty that the accounts should be paid,
and thus enabled the Rhode Island troops to be sent to the front
far more speedily than could have been done had the ordinary
course of state expenditures been pursued. Thus, to a large
extent, the safety of Washington in the early days of the Rebel-
lion was due to Providence. If the secessionists derived comfort
and encouragement from the election of Governor Sprague in
1860, his action and that of his supporters in 1861 speedily de-
stroyed all hopes based on such false premises.
The organizations under the first call of the President were
hardly forwarded before it became obvious that the rebellion had
assumed such proportions that all hopes of quelling it in ninety
days were illusory, and the President issued a call for more men
to serve for three years or the war. On the 8th of June, Gov-
ernor Sprague issued an order for the organization of a second
regiment of infantry and battery of artillery, and a camp for that
purpose was established on the Dexter Training Ground, with
Maj. John S. Slocum of the First Regiment, who had also
creditably served in the Mexican War, as colonel, and Col. Wil-
liam Goddard, of the governor's staff, as temporary lieutenant-
colonel. The latter, upon being appointed for other duties, was
relieved, and Charles T. Robbins appointed temporary lieuten-
ant-colonel in his stead. At the request of Colonel Slocum, Col.
Christopher Blanding assisted in drilling the regiment. The
First Regiment and Battery had been raised mostly in Providence
and vicinity, but in the Second and other regiments raised in later
periods of the war, the other portions of the state took their pro-
portional part and showed themselves to be not behind Provi-

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 93
dence in patriotism. With the Second Regiment Governor
Sprague himself took the field, and arrived in Washington on
June 22d. He remained most of the time at and near Washing-
ton, for some weeks giving whatever aid was in his power to the
sorely beset national government.
On the 28th of July the First Regiment, having served out its
term of enlistment and voluntarily remained to take part in the
first battle of Bull Run after their time of enlistment had expired,
returned to Providence, where they were enthusiastically received
by the citizens. It is due to this regiment to say that it served
as a school for officers, and a very large proportion of its mem-
bers served afterwards as officers in the later formed regiments.
In August Governor Sprague ordered the organization of a
third regiment of infantry. The camp for this regiment, Camp
Ames, was on the Spring Greene Farm, in Warwick. On Sep-
tember 7th this regiment left Camp Ames, marched to Provi-
dence, and embarked on the steamer “Commodore” for a camp
on Long Island, which was under command of Gen. T. W.
Sherman. On the 17th of February, 1862, authority was given
to increase the regiment to twelve companies, and to change it
from infantry to heavy artillery. -
The furnishing of men was not the only service that Providence
was giving to aid the national cause. The Burnside Rifle Com-
pany and the Providence Tool Company were supplying the gov-
ernment with rifles of the best known manufacture, cannon were
being made by the Builders’ Iron Foundry, on High Street, while
mills and tailors were busy at the work of supplying uniforms
and clothing for the “boys in blue.”
In September a fourth regiment was organized, having a camp
at Camp Greene, in Warwick, which left Providence October
2d, for Washington, commanded by Col. Justus I. McCarty, who
was succeeded by Col. Isaac P. Rodman, October 19th. Again,
in October, a fifth battalion of infantry was organized, firstly at
Camp Greene, and then transferred to Camp Slocum, at Dexter
Training Ground, in Providence. This battalion, commanded
by Maj. John G. Wright, left Providence on the 27th of Decem-
ber, to join, at Annapolis, the expedition against North Carolina
under General Burnside, the former colonel of the First Rhode
Island. This battalion was afterwards recruited to a regiment
of ten companies, and transferred from the infantry to the artil-
lery branch of the service, and Col. Henry T. Sisson succeeded
to the command.
Meantime a regiment of light artillery had been organized
under Col. Charles H. Tompkins, who was efficient in organiz-
ing the First Battery and consisted of the following batteries:
Battery A, mustered into service June 6th, Capt. William H.
Reynolds; Battery B, mustered into service August 13th, Capt.
Thomas F. Vaughan ; Battery
C, mustered into service August
25th, Capt. William B. Weeden;
Battery D, mustered into ser-
vice September 4th, Capt. John
A. Munroe; Battery E, mustered
into service September 30th,
Capt. George E. Randolph :
Battery F, mustered into service
October 29th, Capt. James Bel-
ger; Battery G, mustered into
service December 21st, Capt.
Charles D. Owen; and another
battery, Battery H, was mustered
into service Oct. 14, 1862, under
Capt. Jeffrey Hazard, complet-
ing the regimental organization.
Each of these batteries consisted
º
*
THE BOARD OF TRADE BUILDING,
Market Square,
of six guns,
and all were
recruited at
Providence,
though citizens
from all parts
of the state
came to Provi-
dence to join
them.
The First
Rhode Island
Cavalry Regi-
ment, under
Col. Robert B.
Lawton, was
organized in
the autumn of
1861. Its camp
was establish-
ed at P a w-
tucket, where
it passed the
THE HIGH SCHOOL, SUMMER AND POND STREETS.
winter until,
March, 1862, it moved to the front before Washington.
Besides these volunteer organizations, many citizens of Provi-
dence entered the United States regular army and naval services,
not only during this but the subsequent years of the war. During
this and the next two years the main business of Providence
seemed mostly connected with the war. Not that Providence
was a camp as during the Revolutionary War, but there was most
of the time a camp in Providence, and the business connected
with warlike preparations was most prominent to the public eye.
While these exciting questions were pending, a dispute which
had existed since the times of Roger Williams and on which the
fate of the colony had often seemed to depend, was settled by
compromise, almost unnoticed by the citizens, so much were they
occupied by national matters. It was the matter of the eastern
boundary of the state, which was finally determined as it now
stands, on a decree of the Supreme Court of the United States
(to which jurisdiction over the subject matter had been conferred
by agreement of both parties to the dispute) entered in Decem-
ber, 1861, to go into effect March 1, 1862. This settlement
added to Providence County the then town of Pawtucket and that
of the present East Providence, both of which had before been
claimed and possessed by Massachusetts.
In the summer of 1862 it was found that more troops would be
needed, and further measures were taken to organize regiments.
One of the first attempts in any Northern state to raise a regiment
of colored troops was made at Providence, in August, 1862, which
regiment was to have been the Sixth Rhode Island, but owing to
jealousies of different kinds arising the organization was not
completed.
The Seventh Regiment was organized at Camp Bliss, in South
Providence, under command of Col. Zenas R. Bliss, and on
September 10th left for Washington.
An Eighth Regiment was planned of volunteers for three
months, but the Ninth and Tenth regiments, both for that period
of service, having been dispatched before its organization, it was
deemed that no more short-term soldiers were needed, hence the
Eighth Regiment was never organized.
The Ninth Regiment, comprised of emergency men to protect
Washington for the term of three months, was organized by Col.
Charles T. Robbins and left Providence in two detachments, the
second of which departed on May 28, 1862.


13
94 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
JAMES Y. SMITH,
Mayor of Providence from June, 1855, to June, 1857.
Governor from 1863 to 1866.
On the night of May 25th a dispatch was received announcing
a further special and immediate need of troops to defend Wash-
ington. At one o'clock, A. M., of the 26th, an order was received
from Governor Sprague to organize the Tenth Regiment from
the members of the National Guard of Providence. By seven
o'clock, P. M., the regiment was reported to the governor as ready
for duty, and at request of Colonel Shaw, Zenas R. Bliss was
made its colonel. It was organized as the Tenth Regiment, and
on the next day started for Washington in the midst of a severe
storm. At the same time the Tenth Light Battery, for three
months’ service, was recruited under the supervision of Capt.
Edwin C. Gallup. On reaching Washington it remained nearly
the whole period of its term of service near Fort Pennsylvania,
the head-quarters of the Tenth Rhode Island Volunteers.
The summer of 1862 was the darkest period of the war. The
movement of the loyal forces against Richmond had recoiled in
failure, and Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia were threat-
ened by the advancing armies of the rebels. In September this
army had crossed the Potomac. Experience had shown the
United States authorities that three months was too short a term
of enlistment even for emergency men, and in the month of Sep-
tember another regiment, the Eleventh, enlisting for a period of
nine months, was organized by Col. Edwin Metcalf, having their
camp on the Dexter Training Ground, known as Camp Stevens.
Two companies were furnished this regiment by Pawtucket and
Central Falls. The remainder was recruited in Providence. On
the evening of October 6th this regiment left the city of Provi-
dence for Washington.
On the 18th of September, 1862, George H. Browne was com-
missioned colonel of the Twelfth Regiment (yet to be raised)
Rhode Island Volunteers. By the 13th of the next month the
regiment had been organized, raised, equipped, and mustered
into the United States service, and on the 21st of October it left
Providence for Washington.
During this period when the city was occupied almost con-
tinually with raising troops for the war, the citizens were not
unmindful of their business interests as well. All sorts of man-
ufacturing interests were pressed forward, and while an the one
hand
“The air was filled with farewells to the living
And mournings for the dead,”
on the other, the business of the city was never more prosperous
than at that time.
In this period horse-cars first made their appearance in Provi-
dence. The old stage coaches had long passed out of existence
on the main lines of communication, where railroads had taken
their places, and on the shorter lines of communication between
the city and its suburban districts, Pawtucket, Olneyville, Crans-
ton, Elmwood, and Pawtuxet, which were now rapidly growing
in population and business, regular and frequent lines of omni-
buses had been established for years. These last, however, proved
unequal to the growing demands of business, and the first horse-
car railroad line was established between Providence and Paw-
tucket.
This proved so successful that in the course of a year lines
were planned and charters obtained to build them to Cranston,
Olneyville via Broadway, Olneyville via High Street, Elmwood,
Pawtuxet, and South Main Street. These lines were partly built
when it was found that some of them bade fair to be successful,
while others could not reasonably be expected to be so, and it
was admitted by all that a proper development of a Providence
horse-railroad system required the building of them all. The
result of this condition of affairs was the formation of a new
corporation in 1865, the Union Railroad Company, which united
in one ownership all these minor lines except the Providence and
Pawtucket, whereby the strong lines helped the weak ones, thus
securing to Providence adequate horse-car facilities. The Union
Railroad Company has since absorbed the Providence and Paw-
tucket line, and greatly extended its other lines in every direc-
tion.
On the thirty-first day of August, 1862, an order was issued
from the War Department for raising the Second Rhode Island
Cavalry. It was composed of two battalions, under command
of Maj. A. W. Corliss. It proceeded to New Orleans and per-
formed active service in the Department of the Gulf until Jan.
14, 1864, when the organization was transferred to the Third
Rhode Island Cavalry.
In December, 1862, a company of infantry known as the Hos-
pital Guards was recruited by Col. Christopher Blanding, and
detailed for guard duty at Portsmouth Grove, where the United
States government had previously established a hospital desig-
nated as the “Lovell General Hospital.” This company was
enlisted under the orders of the War Department, and was com-
posed of men who had been disabled in the field, but yet were fit
for garrison duty. -
In the summer of 1863, a regiment, the Fourteenth Rhode
Island Volunteers, of 1,800 men —negroes—commanded by
Lieut.-Col. Nelson Viall, the commissioned officers being all
white, was organized at Camp Fremont, on the Dexter Training
Ground. A portion of them were transferred to Dutch Island,
in Narragansett Bay.
In July, 1863, a third regiment of Rhode Island Cavalry was
organized under Col. Willard Sayles, which left for New Orleans
in December of that year. These and one company of a seventh
squadron of Rhode Island cavalry, under Maj. Augustus W. Cor-
liss, consisting of a company recruited from Dartmouth College
and Norwich University, joined to a company enlisted in Prov-
idence, raised for three months’ service, were all the organ-
izations raised in Providence for service during the war.
During the entire war, however, recruiting was actively main-
tained to keep these organizations full in compensation for the
losses consequent upon active service. Nor was the service of

THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. 95
Providence in the war confined to the providing of men to go to
the front. Emulous of the record of the “Daughters of Liberty”
during the Revolutionary period, the ladies of Providence were
strenuous in their endeavors to help along the good cause. A
powerful branch of the National Woman's Sanitary Commission
was established in Providence, which did much towards supply-
ing the soldiers in the field and in hospitals with comforts, and a
soldiers’ home was established, mainly by ladies of Providence,
in 1862, which furnished aid and comfort to many discharged
soldiers passing through the city to their homes in other states.
The war dragged its slow length along, the forces of the
country, like an anaconda, tightening fold on fold their grasp
around the dragon of secession, till in April, 1865, Richmond
fell and secession was crushed. This was accepted as equivalent
to the successful termination of the war, and the rejoicings over
it were commensurate with its importance. In the midst of them,
however, came the baleful news of the assassination of President
Lincoln, like a lightning stroke from a clear sky. No President
of the United States, not even Washington, has ever held so
closely to the hearts of the people as did Abraham Lincoln.
None of them was ever taken away under such peculiarly tragic
conditions. When the assassin Booth fired at the beloved Presi-
dent the shock of his bullet affected the heartstrings of every
community in the land, and Providence felt it in common with
the rest of the country. All signs of rejoicing ceased, and in
twenty-four hours the whole city was draped in a mourning garb,
which testified to a general sorrow more deep and more sincere
than has at any other time been felt in our city. While mourn-
ing the untimely loss of the President, the war was closed, the
soldiers returned to their homes, and the city devoted itself to the
arts of peace and repairing the losses of the war.
When the war closed the currency of the country had depre-
ciated to between forty and fifty cents on the dollar, yet despite
this disadvantage and the losses of men and money consequent
thereon, the course of Providence had been ever onward and
upward. From the year 1860 to that of 1865, its population
had increased from 50,666 to 54,595, and its valuation from
$58,131,800 to $80,564,300.
Immediately upon the close of the war all energies were
devoted in peaceful directions. The Burnside Rifle Works were
reorganized as the Rhode Island Locomotive Works. The Provi-
dence Tool Com-
pany devoted itself
mainly to the mak-
ing of tools and sew-
ing machines; and
the city, instead of
making its greatest
expenditures for
war purposes, ap-
plied them to edu-
cational ones in the
erection of the
Thayer Street
Grammar School,
an elegant and con-
venient building, on
the east side of the
city. A few years
later the palatial
Point Street Gram-
mar School was
constructed.
In 1866 the ques-
tion of introducing
THE SOLDIERS AND SAILORS’ MONUMENT,
Exchange Place,
THE BUTLER EXCHANGE.
a supply of water to the city was again raised, and after much
discussion it was decided to introduce the water of the Pawtuxet
River.
In colonial days a hospital for the benefit of those undergoing
inoculation for the small-pox had existed on the west shore of the
river in the south part of the town. In later times a United
States Marine Hospital had been built near it; but no general
hospital had ever been erected in Providence, and the absence of
such a charity was considered as constituting a crying want, and
rather a disgrace to the city. Realizing this a fund of $500,000
was raised and the present Rhode Island Hospital built on the
site of the previous ones. It was dedicated in 1868. It is now
one of the best organized institutions of its kind in New England.
It will be recollected that in the early days of its settlement
Providence included nearly all the present state. That the term
became restricted first to the mainland west of the bay, then to
Providence County as then bounded, then as towns in Providence
County were set off, the meaning of the term was restricted till a
little before the time of the Revolution it was reduced to a terri-
tory of less than six square miles. After remaining within this
restricted area for a century, the city began to grow again in area,
absorbing back from the towns land that had been previously
given to them. This process has given to the city at this time an
area of fifteen and one-half square miles, and bids fair in the near
future to give it largely increased limits. The first stage of this
incrementary growth was passed in 1868 when, on June 10th,
the populous suburb of Elmwood, a portion of Cranston, to-
gether with a strip of the town extending to the bay at the south
of the city, was annexed to the latter, thereby constituting the
greater part of what is now known as the ninth ward.
The growth of the city to the west and south was so great that
a bridge (Point Street Bridge) was deemed necessary from the old
Cow-pens Point across the river to South Water Street, and was
finally completed in 1870. This bridge was built with a swing-
ing draw opening on each side the central pier, giving two clear
passage ways of 120 feet.
By 1870 the population of Providence had increased to 100,675.
and its valuation to $93,076,900.
While Providence was rapidly improving in almost every direc-


96 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
tion, its accommodations to the actors and patrons of the theatric
art had long been unworthy of a country town. Realizing this,
in June, 1871, the Providence Opera House Association was
chartered and organized with a capital of $100,000. The asso-
ciation immediately began building an edifice on the corner of
Dorrance, Pine, and Eddy streets, and since its completion, Prov-
idence has no cause to feel that her theatrical accommodations
are unworthy of her.-
Besides caring for the widows and orphans of the soldiers and
sailors who perished during the war of the Rebellion, it was
early felt that some more enduring monument to their patriotism
should be placed in the city, and the Soldiers’ and Sailors' Mon-
ument on the west end of Exchange Place, bearing the names of
all Rhode Island soldiers who perished in the war on its bronze
tablets, was erected, and dedicated with appropriate ceremonies
on St. John's Day, Sept. 16, 1871.
In November, 1871, died Betsey Williams, a lineal descendant
of Roger, in possession of real estate then in Cranston but now
in the city, that had been in the possession of the Williams family
ever since the time of Joseph Williams, son of Roger, who had,
even previous to the King Philip War, lived in a house near the
same and probably on the site of the Joseph Williams house,
which survived till the 11th of May, 1886, when it was de-
molished. This real estate was conveyed by will of Betsey
Williams to the city for a park, and now constitutes the Roger
Williams Park. - .
Since the decision to introduce the Pawtuxet water, the work
on this immense project, involving an expense of some five mil-
lions of dollars, had been pressed forward with all the rapidity
consistent with thoroughness in its execution, and on Thanks-
giving Day, the last Thursday in November, 1871, at noon, the
water was delivered through a large pipe on the east end of Ex-
change Place, sending a jet of water through the aperture—the
mains being three feet in diameter — higher than the adjacent
buildings. The day was intensely cold, the thermometer stand-
ing below zero, with a fierce northwest wind. The water froze
in the air before it fell, and and the streets and bridges to lee-
ward were soon filled with a mass of sludgy ice, several feet in
depth. Parties, attempting to cross this treacherous mass, were
caught in its embrace, and came near freezing to death in the
presence of the thousands of spectators. Fortunately they were
all rescued in time to prevent any serious injury, but the exhibi-
tion was cut short as soon as its danger became apparent.
The improvement in business structures in the city is well
shown in the Butler Exchange, erected in 1872. Standing as it
does, on the north side of Westminster Street, opposite the Ar-
cade, this building not only shows the highest development of
that class of structures in 1872, but presents an instructive con-
trast with the most beautiful production of 1828, as shown in the
opposite building.
Further steps were made in March, 1873, in the way of absorb-
ing additional territory from adjacent towns. The portion of
Cranston devised by Betsey Williams, as before stated, to the
city of Providence was added to the ninth ward on the south,
while the land included in the North Burial Ground and Swan
Point Cemetery, and not heretofore in the city limits, were added
to the first ward. In March of the next year, 1874, Providence
absorbed the tenth ward from North Providence, and assumed
its present territorial limits — 15.5 square miles, with 121.70 miles
of streets.
The sewerage of Providence had been — since the first crude
attempts to underdrain the town street, 150 years before—rather
of a fragmentary nature, than upon a consistent plan embracing
the necessities of the whole community. When, however, it was
decided to introduce water, it became evident that some system
of carrying off surplus and waste water was equally necessary.
The remainder of Fox Hill, south of the Brook Street district,
was deemed an obstruction to any proper system embracing the
sewerage of the east side, and in 1873 the “Brook Street im-
provement,” so called, was entered upon. This improvement
consisted in the entire removal of the historic Fox Hill, bringing
it to a grade, and also filling to a grade of a large portion of the
western bed of the Seekonk River. The “Slate Rock,” where
Roger Williams traditionally first landed, was by this measure
covered with some twenty feet of made land. -
For the last thirteen years and more the business career of the
city had been one of unexampled and almost unchecked pros-
perity. Wise and conservative men had felt grave and anxious
when the paper money of the country had depreciated to less
than fifty cents in gold to the dollar, and claimed that a day of
reckoning must come, when debts would become due in gold
valuation and assets would shrink from inflated paper valuation
to the same standard. But that day had been so long delayed
that these men were laughed at and called croakers by the more
enthusiastic and younger men of the community. So many new
enterprises were opened, and so easy was it to obtain money, that
there was a constant temptation to enlarge business beyond a safe
limit and to embark in new projects, and many who passed for
conservative men found themselves, almost without being aware
of it, carrying more commercial sail than their vessels could stand
under, even in favorable winds. The great house of A. & W.
Sprague had especially indulged in this expanding of their inter-
ests; with a capital that seemed almost invincible they had not
been content with the control it gave them, but had increased
their business and were using millions of borrowed capital, while
the number and variety of their interests were too great for the
ordinary mind to appreciate.
There came a time when capitalists became timid, when loans
could only be obtained by the payment of interest beyond all pro-
portion to the legitimate business earnings of money. In 1873,
twelve, fourteen, sixteen, eighteen, and even twenty per cent. was
demanded for loans, and houses that were dealing with borrowed
capital were compelled to pay it. No resources, however great,
could long stand this strain, and in October, 1873, even the house
of the Spragues was obliged to suspend payment. So great were
their interests, and so involved with banks of deposit, savings
banks, and manufacturing and real estate interests all over the
state, as well as largely out of it, that men stood aghast at the
bare idea of the Spragues failing. Every effort consistent with
safety was made by the capitalists of the city and state to save
them, but after a critical examination into their affairs it was
deemed impossible and, it only remained for men to hold hard to
whatever financial support they could find and let the storm blow
over, taking their chances of whatever wreck or ruin might come.
With the downfall of the Spragues came that of scores of lesser
concerns that were in one way or another dependent upon them,
while the loss and suffering to the poorer classes who had their
accumulations of earnings deposited in the savings banks which
had loaned so largely to the Spragues and associated interests as
to be wrecked in their ruin, is simply incalculable. Real estate
in and around Providence sank in value from twenty-five to fifty
per cent., and in many cases even more. The Spragues them-
selves made an assignment for the benefit of their creditors with
a showing on paper of nineteen millions of dollars in assets
against eleven millions of dollars in liabilities. The assignee, Mr.
Zechariah Chafee, called in the debts, issued new notes known
as Sprague paper, for the amount of debts, and attempted to
carry on the paying business of the firm and with its earnings,
aided by the conversion of their other assets into money, pay the
indebtedness. A series of poor business years prevented the
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 97
assignee from being able to pay even the interest on the Sprague
paper. The creditors became impatient, claimed that the as-
signee was not making proper use of the firm’s estate, carried
the matter into the courts, and for years the determining of
Sprague suits became a main business of our higher courts.
The general drift of the decisions was to sustain Mr. Chafee, but
the estate was, amidst this contest, rapidly wasting away. The
matter is not finally settled yet, but the nominal estate of nineteen
widened out over the river to their present appearance as shown
in the frontispiece. This improvement cost $59,390; and in 1876
the Doyle Avenue Grammar School was erected at a cost of
$53,000 for the building alone. Again in 1877 two new gram-
mar schools—the Oxford Street and the Candace Street—were
erected at a combined cost for buildings alone of $90,000, and
during these two years the city was building the new City Hall,
finished and dedicated in 1878 at a cost of $1,000,ooo, and the
PROVIDENCE, FROM PROSPECT TERRACE, CONGDON STREET,
millions has dwindled to the actual realization of less than two.
The creditors have received no interest on the Sprague paper for
years, and have received on account of the body of the indebted-
ness about twenty per cent., with small chance of getting any more.
It is a sad chapter in our financial history, and it is to be hoped
that Providence may never see another such. The depositors in
the savings banks involved have lost the interest on their deposits
for years; have received dividends varying in amounts from
twenty-five to eighty-five per cent of their principal, and have a
faint chance of ultimately receiving the balance of such principal.
Probably no other city in the country of its size could have
endured such a disaster without a lasting check to its develop-
ment. As it was, and owing to the fact that for the first two
years after the failure the people generally had faith that the
Sprague paper would be paid in full and it could be sold at
varying rates of discount, thus giving time to prepare for the loss
and prevent its coming all at one blow, the general development
of the city was not permanently retarded ; yet we find that the
valuation of the city sank from 1874, when general faith in the
Sprague paper prevailed, of $123,682,8oo, to 1879, when faith
in it had been generally lost, of $115,581,700; and not until last
year was the valuation of the city greater than in 1874.
In spite of these disasters the city kept on its course of devel-
opment, and in 1875 the Weybosset Bridge was widened, the
Crawford Street Bridge built, and the streets between the two
new High School at a cost of $160,000. When the new City
Hall was completed the old Market building on Market Square
was given up so far as municipal uses were concerned, and
shortly after rented to the Board of Trade. With the transfer of
the High School to the new building the old High School build-
ing on the east side being no longer needed for school purposes
by the city, was occupied by the State Normal School.
The rise of libraries of a public nature in Providence has been
noted, but more recent times have developed a new basis for
literary collections. A library was formerly esteemed only as a
combination of capital and common ownership of the works it
contained. It is now considered by many the duty of every
prosperous municipality to provide a free public library for its
citizens. The experiment had been tried in many cities and with
unvarying success, but Providence, probably owing to the excel-
lence of her libraries and the ease of access to them, was slow
to adopt a free public library. After long discussion the Mechan-
ics’ and Manufacturers' Association in 1875 donated their library
and sufficient money to bring the value to $10,000 to the city in
trust for the uses of a free public library. This formed a nucleus,
and agglomerations attached themselves to it, till in 1878 the city
was able to open the free public library.
Besides these improvements by the city, the state erected in
1877 the present County Court House on the site of the old
Town House, corner of College and Benefit streets. And at last,

98 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
in 1879, after nearly two centuries, and fifty-two years after the
first resolution to that effect was introduced into the town council,
a monument was erected to Roger Williams.
By the year 188o the population of Providence had grown to
104,857; its valuation was $115,921,000, and the annual expense
of carrying on the government was $1,626,825.20. The number
of miles of graded and curbed streets was 135. These figures
would certainly have startled Roger Williams could some prophet
have foretold them to him. *
• The want of means for speedy communication of late years
had led largely to the introduction on private lines of various
telegraph systems where the letters could be printed and read off
as the message was spelled out instead of the Morse system; but
the introduction of the telephone, being so much more convenient,
in 1881, superseded all these devices. A still further use of elec-
tricity for lighting purposes was introduced in 1882, and in 1883
Westminster Street was lighted by this agent. Its use has in-
creased since.
The northern boundary of Providence Plantations had never
been definitely settled. Independent of the claims of Plymouth
and Massachusetts of the whole of Providence, it is an indisput-
able fact that in early colonial days the town of Mendon, in Mas-
sachusetts, claimed and exercised jurisdiction as far south as the
Branch River, and in later days there were always two different
lines claimed by the two states, and a provisional or jurisdictional
line between them settled upon to serve the purpose of a boundary
till the true one could be agreed upon. March 22, 1883, a line
was definitely and finally agreed upon, and then for the first time
in its history the inhabitants of Providence Plantations knew the
boundaries of their territory. The boundary line of the State of
Rhode Island is not even yet entirely settled. There is a tract of
country between Westerly and the Long Island Sound which may
be called “no man's land” or “no state's land.” It is claimed by
both Connecticut and Rhode Island, but neither state dares exer-
cise jurisdiction over it for fear it will be decided to belong to
the other.
We have shown how in 1846 and later the old Cove lines were
filled in and restricted mainly in the interests of the railroads.
We have also shown how in times past the existence of the
ancient Cove has saved the town of Providence from the fearful
damage liable to result from floods on the Woonasquatucket and
Moshassuck, and southerly tempests acting on the bay. Within
the last few years the main question agitating the public mind
has been one in regard to the Cove and the railroads terminating
in Providence. When the arrangements were made for filling
up in part the old Cove it was deemed that such arrangement
would give all the space needed for railroad purposes for all time.
Our fathers little appreciated the extent to which the railroad
interests would be extended. Of late years the roads centering
in Providence have been so choked with freight that they have
been obliged to use large yards distant from their freight depots
to store the loaded cars till the previously received cars could be
unloaded. This arrangement causes much vexatious delay. More
space is imperatively necessary; but where to obtain it is the
question on which the people are divided. One class of people
advocates the filling up the Cove basin and using that space for
railroad purposes, at the same time carrying the passenger trains'
through the city on an elevated track with passage-ways under it
for roads. To this it is objected that the Cove basin and sur-
rounding park is of great use to the city in a utilitarian sense and
as an ornament, and if converted into land could never be so use-
ful to the city as now. Second, that the region back of Smith's
Hill is largely cut off now from ready and safe communication
with the centre of the city and that it would be still more so were
this space filled with railroad tracks and moving cars. The
elevated track project is strongly opposed by these objectors, they
gº
denominating it a Chinese Wall to shut them out from the heart
of the city. -
Another plan is to bring all railroads from the north round
west of Smith's Hill, tunneling or cutting where necessary, and
having a depot in the Woonasquatucket Valley. This would give
ample room and would leave the Cove basin and park as now,
and also relieve the Smith's Hill people of the isolation to which
they are now subjected. To this it is objected that the proposed
depot site is too distant from the city centre, that the proposed new
route of entrance is too costly for the railroads to adopt it, and that
having at great expense secured a plant where they are located,
they will not give it up without an adequate consideration.
A third plan is to carry the railroads round to the north of the
Cove basin and promenade, close under Smith's Hill, so that
streets coming down from Smith's Hill can bridge over the tracks
without disturbing the grade, and placing a union passenger
depot west of the Cove promenade, and giving, like the second
plan, the whole of the Woonasquatucket Valley, if needed, to
the railroads for freight purposes. To this many of the same
objections are made as to the second described plan. Numerous
other plans have been projected in the hope of combining all the
people upon some compromise plan, but the three plans outlined
contain all the essential features of the matter, and it would seem
as if one of the three or a modification thereof must be adopted.
As a matter of fact the discussion has been going on for thirteen
years, for the last three of them in an almost bitter manner, and
the people and the railroads are as far from an agreement upon
it as ever. It is an open question for the citizens to decide, on
the proper decision of which depends in large measure the future
welfare of the city.
In 1883 another grammar school building was erected, at a
cost of $50,000. It was located on Vineyard Street, in Elmwood.
There having been for some years a feeling that a hospital
where the homoeopathic practice should be followed, was needed
in this community, funds had been raised, a house and grounds
on Olney Street purchased, and the hospital was dedicated in
the year 1885.
By the census taken in 1885 it was found that the civilized
inhabitants of Providence had grown from “we six in a canoe '’
in 1636, to I 18,070; instead of one main street running one mile
over the unprotected surface of the earth, as in the first years of
the town, we have 152.37 miles of graded and paved or metaled
streets with about one hundred and thirty miles of platted streets
that have not been accepted by the city. Instead of meeting in
the groves for worship, the congregations of our citizens gather
in church edifices of which any people might well be proud. In-
stead of the governmental head-quarters of the place being in a
private residence, we house our officers when performing official
duties in our City Hall. The reflection on these and similar facts
led to an awakening of special interest in the two hundred and
fiftieth anniversary of Roger Williams’ coming, and it was de-
cided to commemorate that event on the 23d and 24th of June,
1886, in a manner worthy of both the event and the celebrants.
The state joined with the city in doing honor to the occasion. In
these arrangements no one took a greater interest than Mayor
Thomas A. Doyle. He had been mayor of the city most of the
time for twenty years past. Unfortunately he was stricken down
by paralysis, and his life closed on June 9th, 1886.-
Before entering upon the description of the Providence of to-
day, it may be well to take a summary view of the growth of the
plantations from 1636 to the present day, both in matters of pop-
ulation and in business. -
For the first one hundred years the increase of population of
the plantations was larger outside than within the limits of the
present city of Providence.
THE PROVIDENCE
99
PLANTATIONS.
In the second century the increase was gradually reduced to
more nearly the same proportions, while it was only within the
last thirty-six years that the population of the present city out-
grew that of the rest of the “plantations,” using the latter term
as it has been used for nearly two hundred years to designate
Providence County without the additions from what was origi-
nally esteemed part of other states or colonies.
In the following table may be seen the growth of Providence
Plantations in population, both before and after the set-off of
other towns from the town of Providence. “‘Providence Planta-
tions,” as therein set down, represents the whole of the present
county except additions from Massachusetts as above. Scituate
and Glocester being the earliest towns set off, their progress has
been noted as showing relatively the advance in population of
the city and those towns.
It will be noted that for a period of years, 1755 to 1765, the
population of those two towns combined was greater than that
of the town of Providence, though the town of Providence then
included much more than its present area, but after the era of
manufacturing progress set in, the growth of the town, and later
the city of Providence, has been continual, till now the city con-
tains over I 18,070 inhabitants, while the outside towns of the
original plantations contain but 64, 169.
THE STATE HOUSE, NORTH MAIN STREET,
Of these, Scituate, 2,523
Glocester, 4,009–6,532
Providence Plantations, . -
Town of Providence, - -
Towns outside town of Providence, - - - -
Burrillville having been set off from Glocester since last
Census.
Of these, Scituate, 2,568
Glocester, 2,310–4,878
Providence Plantations, -
Town of Providence, - -
Towns outside town of Providence,
Of these, Scituate, 2,834
Glocester, 2,504 – 5,338
Providence Plantations, . - -
Town of Providence, - - -
Towns outside town of Providence,
Of these, Scituate, 3,993
Glocester, 2,521 – 6,514
Providence Plantations, . - -
City of Providence, -
Towns of Providence Plantations,
Of these, Scituate, 4,090
Glocester, 2,304 – 6,394
Providence Plantations, -
City of Providence, . - -
Towns of Providence Plantations,
Of these, Scituate, 4,582
Glocester, 2,872 – 7,454
Providence Plantations, - -
City of Providence, - -
Towns of Providence Plantations,
Scituate, 4,251
* * Giocester, ſº 6,6;s
Providence Plantations, - -
Additions from Cranston and North Providence to the city
since last census.
City of Providence, . - -
Towns of Providence Plantations,
Scituate, 3,846
Of these, Glocester, 2,385 – 6,231
Providence Plantations, -
City of Providence, (additions from Cranston and North
Providence since last census,)
Towns of Providence Plantations,
Scituate, 3,810
Of these, Glocester, 2,250 – 6,060
Providence Plantations, - -
City of Providence, . - -
Towns of Providence Plantations,
Of these, Scituate, 3,606
Glocester, 1,922 – 5,528
POPULATION OF PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONs.
1636. Roger Williams and the “first comers ” (probably not more
than 50 or 60 souls).
1644. IoI Fighting men (probably about 500 souls). -
1676. At the time of King Philip's War 28 are recorded as “men
who staid and went not away,” others are known to have
stayed, and the probable population in March, 1676, was
about 33 males.
1708. The total population was, (less than half living in the pres-
ent limits of Providence City), - - - - - 1,446
1730. (Less than half living in the present limits of the city), 3,916
1748. Providence Plantations, . - - - - - . 6,337
Town of Providence, . - - - - - - • 3,452
Towns of Glocester, Scituate, and Smithfield having been
set off since last census. Towns outside town of Provi-
dence, . - - - . 2,885
Of these latter, Scituate, 1,232
Glocester, 1,202 – 2,434
1755. Providence Plantations, 9,864
Town of Providence, - - - - - - - 3, 159
Town of Cranston having been set off since last cen-
sus. Towns outside town of Providence, 6,705
Scituate, 1,813
Of these, Glocester, 1,511 – 3,324
1774. Providence Plantations, - - - I7,477
Town of Providence, - - - - - - 4.32 I
Johnston and North Providence having been set off since
last census. Towns outside town of Providence, 13,156
Scituate, 3,601
Of these, Glocester, 2,945–6,546
1776. Providence Plantations, - - - 16,793
Towns of Providence, - 4,355
Towns outside town Providence, 12,438
Of these, Scituate, 3,289
Glocester, 2,832 – 6,121
1782. Providence Plantations, 16,992
Town of Providence, - 4,312
Towns outside town of Providence, - - - 12,68o
Foster having been set off from Scituate since last census.
Of these, Scituate, 1,628
Glocester, 2,791 –4,419
1790. Providence Plantations, - - 22,427
Town of Providence, - 6,38o
Towns outside town of Providence, 16,047
Of these, Scituate, 2,315
Glocester, 4,025–6,340
18oo. Providence Plantations, - - 23,798
Town of Providence, 7,614
Towns outside town of Providence, 16, 184
1810.
1820.
1830.
1840.
1850.
1860.
1870.
1880.
1885.
28,659
10, 171
18,588
33,083
11,767
21,316
43,345
16,836
26,509
52,848
23, 172
29,676
80,865
4I,513
39,352
99,460
50,686
48,774
I24,494
68,904
55,590
I 43,917
iO4,857
39,060
182,239
118,070
64, 169

IOO
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
The population in 1885 of Providence County as now consti-
tuted is 220,606, there being a population of 38,367 resident on
portions of the county that were won from Massachusetts during
the long struggle over the eastern frontier line.
The business growth of the plantations is not so easily meas-
ured. The first occupations of the colonists were almost entirely
agricultural, and Roger Williams himself seems to have been the
only one of the “first comers” who might have been properly
called a trader. His trading operations were mostly with the
Indians, having his head-quarters at Wickford. Thirty years later,
his sons, Providence and Joseph Williams, seem to have adopted
this business which Roger had been obliged to give up, owing to
other engrossing cares. Pardon Tillinghast and Gideon Craw-
ford, at the close of the seventeenth and beginning of the
eighteenth centuries, seem to have been among the first to carry
on business transactions with foreign countries, mainly with the
West India Islands and also with the North American British
colonies. It was not till the days of James and Obadiah Brown,
1730, and later, that the trading operations of Providence mer-
chants became extensive, and stores in the settlement became
common. These stores were generally on the lower floor of the
residences of the dealers, or in the case of the more extensive
ones, in the lower story of their warehouses. Manufacturing was
confined mainly to lumber, with a few iron-working establish-
ments. One of the earliest enlargements of the sphere of man-
ufacturing was the introduction of the distillation of New Eng-
land rum from West India molasses. This was a very extensive
business in and for its day, but has passed entirely away within
the last generation. Brewing was also carried on to a limited
extent; this business has been lately revived on a large scale.
Another early branch of manufacturing was the manufacture or
extraction of spermaceti, which after furnishing much wealth to
the citizens, has passed entirely away from the plantations. Tan-
ning was also extensively carried on in the early days of the
colony, but all these varied branches of industry were carried on
on a limited scale, and there is an absence of available data to
enable us to determine their extent. One other course of trade
was entered into in which the citizens of to-day will take little
pride, and that was the slave-trade; but few slaves were brought
here, the most of them being carried to the West Indies and
exchanged for molasses, “the latter being brought here to be dis-
tilled into rum, which was taken to Africa and bartered for
negroes to be taken to the West Indies, thus making the round
trip.” During the Revolutionary War, when all other occupations
except privateering seemed paralyzed, it was said of Providence
by an impartial observer that distilling and the slave-trade con-
stituted the main business of the town. Fortunately, the state of
society that permitted such a condition of affairs has passed away.
After the close of the Revolutionary War there was a rapid
revival of commerce, so much so that in 1791 there was a greater
number of vessels belonging to this port than to New York, being
1 Io sail of Io,590 tons burthen, exclusive of river packets, boats,
and shallops. In that year the amount of duties on merchandise
received here was $23,647, and the growth of business is shown
by the fact that by 1801 the amount of duties increased to $290,-
302.38. e -
For the ten years ending Jan. 1, 1810, the amount of duties
averaged. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $278,474
For the ten years ending Jan. 1, 1820, the amount of duties
averaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For the ten years ending Jan. 1, 1830, the amount of duties
averaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . e e o e o 'º e º 'º e º e e 22O,243
Since that time it had largely fallen off, getting as low as $19,-
o43.75 in 1849. Since then it has revived, and by 1870 it had
again risen to $232,905. I5. The cause of this falling off was not
a decrease in the amount of business done, but a change of the
nature of the business. Instead of foreign commerce the shipping
2 I5,542
coming to the port were engaged in domestic commerce, and the
amount of commercial business transacted in our harbor to-day is
simply astounding when compared with that of eighty years ago.
Coal, iron, moulding-sand, and cotton, articles that were then not
known as matters of trade, or only brought in lots of a few tons
each, are now brought in quantities that aggregate millions of
tons. More lumber is brought here annually than would have
then sufficed to build the town and a like increase may be noted in
many other commodities.
With this advance in the marine business of the town has come
a far greater one in its manufacturing interests. At the time of
the Revolutionary War the making of textile fabrics was un-
known, except as a domestic matter, producing home-spun goods.
In 1815 there were, within thirty miles of Providence, 140 man-
ufactories containing more than 140,000 spindles spinning 29,000
bales of cotton, producing 27,840,000 yards of cloth, annually.
In 1860 there were in Providence County 113 manufactories,
employing II,431 hands, paying them $2,405,138, and producing
$11,506,855 worth of finished goods.
In 1870 there were 130 manufactories, employing 17,055 hands,
paying $5,754,740, in wages and producing $26,084,219 worth
of finished goods. . -
In 188o there were I 15 manufactories, employing 18,642 hands,
paying them in wages $5,045,397, and producing $23,788,076
worth of finished goods. -
In iron and steel industries but a few thousand dollars' worth
were annually made at the time of the Revolutionary War. By
the year 1860 there were in Providence County 6o establishments
in those industries, employing 3,203 employés, paying for wages
$1,308,336, and producing $4,056,394 worth of goods annually.
In 188o there were III establishments, with 6,586 employés,
paying in wages $2,719,700, and producing $9,137,689 worth of
finished goods. -
In the same period the woolen industries had grown to employ
175,644 spindles, and produce annually $15,410,450 worth of
goods. - -
In the manufactory of the precious metals there were in the
town of Providence, in 1805, 30 establishments, producing $40,-
OOO worth of goods; in 1815, 175 establishments, producing
$350,000 worth of goods; in 1880, 161 establishments, producing
$8,148,38o worth of goods.
Providence Plantations in lieu of the unbroken wilderness
found by Roger Williams in 1636, has developed in this 250
years into one of the most populous districts on the face of the
globe. Only by taking portions of the greatest cities of the earth
and their suburbs can an area of equal extent with an equal pop-
ulation be found. It possesses the greatest amount of wealth
divided the most equally among the largest number of inhabitants
of any territory of equal extent in the world.
From its earliest foundation, basing its social organization on
the primal idea of perfect freedom of conscience to all its citizens,
to the present time, it has always been found favoring the advance-
ment of principles that tend to the enlargement of the sum total
of human happiness. In patriotism it has never been found want-
ing. In the development, by proper means, of a “democratical"
form of government, it has ever been foremost. The so-called
“New England system of town governments,” which has been
declared to be the most perfect political system ever originated,
found its first exemplar, free from the embarrassments of religious
complication, here. While the tendency of its citizens has been
to perfect the development of popular right and power, they have
yet been strictly conservative—“proving all things: holding fast
to that which is good” — and if, in some respects, they seem
now behind the hurried movement of some parts of our common
nation, it is only that they may make sure that the change is
“good” before adopting it.
PART SECOND.
CHAPTER I.
THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF PROVIDENCE.
FIRST TOWN-MEETINGS — PLACES OF HOLDING THEM — 'THE CITY HALL — TERMS OF SERVICE OF OFFICIALS — DUTIES OF THE
MAYORS — PAST MAYORS — SKETCHES OF LIVES OF THE MAYORS — PRESIDENTS OF THE BOARD of ALDERMEN — CITY
CLERKS — PRESIDENTS AND CLERKS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL — CITY TREASURERS – SURVEYORS OF HIGHWAYS — HIGH-
WAY COMMISSIONERs – water COMMISSIONERs – CITY AUDITORs – CITY SOLICITORs – JUDGES AND CLERKS OF MUNICIPAL
Court — suPERINTENDENTS OF LIGHTs — INSPECTORs of BUILDINGs — FIRE MARSHALs — PUBLIC ADMINISTRATORs—JUs-
TICES OF THE POLICE COURT — CITY SERGEANTS – CITY MESSENGERS — OVERSEERS OF THE POOR — BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
— CITY ENGINEERS – COLLECTORS OF TAxEs— CITY REGISTRARs – SUPERINTENDENTS OF HEALTH – CHIEFS OF THE FIRE
DEPARTMENT.
THOMAS A. DOYLE,
For Eighteen Years Mayor of Providence,
THE first town-meetings in Providence were held in the open
air in pleasant weather, often “under a tree by the water side,
before Thomas Field's house.” In inclement weather they were
held in private houses, usually, it is believed, in the house of Roger
Williams, supposed to have been one of the largest in town. In
the earliest days a town clerk was appointed at each meeting.
When, later, a more permanent town clerk was chosen, the meet-
ings of the town council were commonly held at the house of the
town clerk.
Towards the close of the seventeenth century, and later, the
town council meetings and town-meetings, when they could be
accommodated, were held in the taverns, at first principally in
that of John Whipple, on the east side of North Main Street,
part way up Constitution Hill, and later in Turpin's Tavern, near
the present corner of Hewes and North Main Street. In 1731–2
the first Town and County House was built on Jail Lane, now
Meeting Street, next east of the present Friends' Meeting-house
lot. While it was in process of building the town-meeting was
held in the Friends' Meeting-house adjoining. The town-meet-
ings and town council meetings were held in this building until its
destruction by fire in 1758. The present State House, on Benefit
Street, was built for the same purposes, and town-meetings were
held there for many years. The town Market building was
erected in 1773, and town council meetings were held in the
upper chambers of the same. In 1795 the First Congregational
Meeting-house, at the corner of College and Benefit streets, was
purchased by the town for a Town House, and the town-meetings
were there held, while the meetings of the town council and the
office of the town clerk were maintained in the town Market
building. Town-meetings were held in the old Town House
until the incorporation of the city government. When the need
of space for the city government became greater, the use of the
city (town) Market building was given up as a market and the
whole building devoted to purposes of the municipal government.
With the increasing needs of the growing city, this building
was found to be insufficient, and many departments of the govern-
ment were located in offices in other buildings near by, till, in
1876 it was decided to erect the present City Hall.
The corner-stone of the new City Hall was laid June 24, 1875,
by the Masonic fraternity of the state with impressive ceremonies,
attended by the mayor, city council, and other city and state
officials, and a vast company of citizens. It was dedicated on
Thursday, Nov. 14, 1878, by the city authorities, to its future offi-
cial uses with appropriate exercises, and with an able and eloquent
oration by the Hon. Abraham Payne. The hall is built of cut
granite, four stories high, with the main entrance fronting upon
Exchange Place, and occupies the entire square bounded by Dor-
rance, Washington, Eddy, and Fulton streets, entirely surrounded
with a massive sidewalk of thick granite blocks from five to six
feet wide and eighteen to twenty feet long. Externally the hall
presents a plain but imposing front; and the very attractive and
effective view from Exchange Place excites the interest and ad-
miration of all beholders. The basement, with doors on each

14
I O2 THE
PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
SAMUEL W. BRIDGHAM,
From June, 1832, to December, 1840,
First Mayor of Providence.
side, is occupied by the police department, superintendent of
health, superintendent of public schools, board of public works,
and sealer of weights and measures, the sub-basement, of same
size, containing the four fifty-horse power steam boilers, for heat-
ing the building and shops of the water department and the
elevator machinery. -
On the first or main floor are the offices of the mayor, city treas-
urer, tax assessors, recorder of deeds, city auditor, city messenger,
and the reception-room. The two chambers of the board of
aldermen and common council occupy the entire front of the
second floor, overlooking Exchange Place, with the rooms of the
city clerk, city solicitor, municipal court, and various committee-
rooms on the same floor. The city engineer department, super-
intendent of lights, superintendent of public buildings, and com-
mittee on claims, occupy all the rooms on the third floor. On the
fourth floor is a suite of four rooms fitted and furnished as a tene-
ment and residence for the janitor of the hall, the other rooms on
that floor being used for storage; above this, next to the roof, is
the battery-room that operates the electric fire alarm bells and
electric clocks. Still higher a circular stairway leads to the sum-
mit of the great dome, more than one hundred feet above the
street, from which there is a grand and inspiring view of the whole
city and suburbs, the harbor, and upper Narragansett Bay. The
entire building is furnished with every comfort and convenience
for its official inmates and all that visit them, for the efficient and
economical transaction of municipal business in all departments.
The commissioners under whose authority and directions the
City Hall was constructed were as follows: commissioners from
1874 to 1876, James Y. Smith, George H. Corliss, William G.
R. Mowry; from 1876 to 1878, William G. R. Mowry, Henry
G. Russell, William M. Bailey.
The cost of the City Hall, with furniture, exclusive of the land,
amounted to $1,066,987.8o. The assessed valuation of the same,
including the land, amounts to $1,129,560.
The term of office of city officials was formerly from June to
June. In 1873, the term was extended to January, and since
then from January to January has been the official term.
The mayor of the city by authority of the charter, is made its
chief executive magistrate, and ex officio a justice of the peace,
with all the powers of sheriffs and other officers to suppress all
riotous assemblies and preserve the peace and good order of the
city, with power to commit any disorderly person to prison for
twenty-four hours; he is also empowered to enter any building
reasonably supposed to be inhabited or occupied by dissolute or
disorderly persons, and to disperse or arrest and imprison all such
persons for forty-eight hours, if, in his opinion, the good order and
peace of the city require it, and for this purpose he can command
the aid of every other officer and citizen. He is required to in-
spect the conduct of all city officers and cause their prosecution
and punishment for all violations of duty; he has power to call
meetings of the board of aldermen and common council, or of
either branch, although one of them or both of them may have
been adjourned to a more distant day, and at times shall com-
municate to either of them such information and recommend such
measures as the interests and business of the city may in his
opinion require; he is the presiding officer in the board of alder-
men, and in the joint meetings of the two boards, but has only a
casting vote, and the general duties and demands of his office
require the mayor of the city to be active and vigilent in causing
all the laws to be executed and enforced to effectually preserve its
peace and good order. The salary of the mayor was fixed by the
charter for the first year, 1832, at the sum of $1,000 per annum
and no more, his salary afterwards, to be fixed by the city council
in the month of March, yearly, payable at stated periods, with no
other emolument, the charter providing further that no regu-
lation to diminish or increase the compensation of mayor shall
take effect during his term of office. Since that time, however,
with the growth of the city and the largely increased official duties
and responsibilities of the mayor, the salary has been increased
several times until it now is $3,300 per annum. The mayors
of Providence have been :
Samuel W. Bridgham, from June, 1832, to Dec. 31, 1840, who
died in office.
Thomas M. Burgess, from Feb. 2, 1841, to June, 1852.
Amos C. Barstow, from June, 1852, to June, 1853.
Walter R. Danforth, from June, 1853, to June, 1854.
Edward P. Knowles, from June, 1854, to June, 1855.
James Y. Smith, from June, 1855, to June 29, 1857.
William M. Rodman, from June 29, 1857, to June, 1859.
Jabez C. Knight, from June, 1859, to June, 1864.
Thomas A. Doyle, from June, 1864, to June, 1869.
George L. Clarke, from June, 1869, to June, 1870.
Thomas A. Doyle, from June, 1870, to January, 1881.
William S. Hayward, from January, 1881, to January, 1884.
Thomas A. Doyle, from January, 1884, who died in office
June 9, 1886.
Gilbert F. Robbins, by virtue of his office as president of the
board of alderman, became acting mayor upon the death of
Thomas A. Doyle, for the unexpired municipal term.
The HoN. SAMUEL WILLIAM BRIDGHAM, the first mayor of
the city, was born in Providence in 1774. He was educated at
Brown University, where he graduated at the age of twenty.
Two years later he was admitted to the bar. He became a
member of the General Assembly, and was Speaker of the
House from May to October, 1826. For four years, 1814–18,
he was attorney-general of the state. -
He was elected trustee of Brown University in 1821, and chan-
cellor in 1828, both of which offices he filled until his death,
December, 1840.
When Providence became a city, in 1832, he was chosen its
first mayor, and to this office he was reëlected eight years in suc-
cession. Mr. Bridgham stood high in the estimation of his fel-

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
low-citizens, and ranked well in his chosen profession. In his
long period of public service as first mayor of the city he laid
well the foundations for a good municipal government.
The HoN. THOMAS MACKIE BURGEss, the second mayor of
Providence, was elected to that office as the successor of S. W.
Bridgham, in February, 1841, and filled the office by annual re-
election until 1852. Mr. Burgess was born in Providence,June 6,
1806, and graduated at Brown University in 1822. He spent a
time in the study of law, but finally turned his attention to mer-
cantile pursuits, in which he was successful.
His term of office covered the period of the “ Dorr War,” in-
volving grave responsibilities. He encountered much opposition
to his progressive measures while mayor. He was subsequently
chosen president of the Providence & Boston Railroad Company,
which office he filled several years. He died Oct. 17, 1856.
AMos C. BARstow was born in the city of Providence on April
30, 1813, and is a descendant of William Barstow, who was the
first settler of what is now Hanover, Mass., formerly part of Scit-
uate. He enjoyed the benefit of Providence public schools, and
three terms in Luther Ainsworth’s private school. He began com-
merce at an early age, and has been extensively engaged in differ-
ent branches of business, particularly the manufacture of stoves
and other branches of iron castings. He was the builder of
Roger Williams Hall, and later, of Music Hall. Mr. Barstow
has been director of several banks in the city, and for several
years president of the City Bank. It was largely through his
influence and means that the Mechanics Savings Bank was estab-
lished. Mr. Barstow has several times been elected to positions
of public trust. He was the candidate of the Temperance party
for mayor in 1847, but failed of an election. In 1851 he was
elected to the General Assembly of Rhode Island, and the same
year was made chairman of a committee to whom was referred
important temperance movements. His speech on the Maine
/
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AMOS C. BARSTOW,
Mayor from June, 1852, to June, 1853.
\\ º \ \
º \
º
Mayor from February, 1841, to June, 1852.
Law, delivered in the House of Representatives, Jan. 27, 1852,
was well received and had great influence.
In 1852 he was elected mayor of Providence. Several times
Mr. Barstow has been elected to the General Assembly by the
Republican party, and in 1870 he was Speaker of the House.
Mr. Barstow recommended the site for the City Hall and was
chairman of a committee to purchase the same, and also of the
committee which submitted plans for the City Hall.
Mr. Barstow has occupied many positions of public trust. He
was one of the Rhode Island delegates to the Southern Loyalist
Convention, held in Philadelphia, Sept. 12, 1866, and the report
of that body was given by him. He was one of the com-
missioners for building a bridge and foundation for a market
building across Providence River. Mr. Barstow has been a
trustee of the Dexter Donation Fund, also of the Rhode Island
Hospital Trust Company, and president of the Butler Hospital
for the Insane.
He was the first president of the Providence Young Men's
Christian Association. He has been president of the Providence
Association of Mechanics and Manufacturers, and of the Rhode
Island State Temperance Union. His influence has been wide
and positive in all moral and religious reforms. Mr. Barstow
became a member of the Beneficent Congregational Church in
1832. In 1834 he helped to form the High Street Congregational
Church, and later was made one of its deacons. For twenty-six
years he superintended the Sabbath School of this church. On
the union of the High Street with the Richmond Street Church
he became a member and officer of the Union Congregational
Church, and in 1872 was made deacon of the same. Several
terms he has served as president of the Congregational Club.
Mr. Barstow is still leading an active life, business and social.
WALTER R. DANFORTH was born in Providence, April 1,
1787, and graduated from Brown University in 1805. He devoted
himself to the study of law, and for eleven years (1807–18)




















IO4
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
was most of the time clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for
the County of Providence, in the Court of Common Pleas. In
1820 he became editor and joint proprietor of the Providence
Gazette, in the management of which he showed great ability
and tact, as also in the management of the Microcosm, the
Zxpress, and the Republican Herald, the successors of the
Gazette. For ten years he was a member of the town council
of Providence. He was mayor of the city during the year 1853.
Mr. Danforth was a faithful and efficient public officer, a highly
respected citizen, and a vigorous and polished writer. He died
at his home in Providence, Aug. 11, 1861. -
Edward P. KNow LEs was born in Providence, April 13, 1805.
His school privileges were limited, but by industry he pushed his
way forward to prominence and public esteem. He engaged in
various business enterprises, and became active in military, civil,
and political affairs. He was a member of the common council
of Providence from 1835 to 1841; alderman from 1841 to 1854,
and was repeatedly chosen acting mayor. He was finally elected
mayor in 1854. He took an active part in suppressing the Dorr
Rebellion. He was many years a member of the school com-
mittee, and it was he who first interested the authorities in the
question of evening schools. He was a member of the General
Assembly in 1844 and 1858, and in each case refused a reëlection.
For many years he was director of the Fifth National Bank, also
president of the old Butler Insurance Company. His influence
was always strongly exerted in favor of the temperance reform.
He held the position of vice-president, and later of president of
the Mechanics Association.
Mr. Knowles was largely engaged in real estate transactions,
and his knowledge of law and thorough acquaintance with the
city records, rendered his services valuable in questions of munic-
ipal rights. He always manifested a deep interest in education
and in all benevolent enterprises.
JAMEs Y. SMITH was born in Groton, Conn., Sept. 15, 1809.
N
WALTER R. DANFORTH,
Mayor from June, 1853, to June, 1854.
His mother, Priscilla (Mitchell) Smith, was descended from
Priscilla Mullens, of “Mayflower” fame, the heroine of Long-
fellow's poem of the “Courtship of Miles Standish.”
Mr. Smith was early trained to habits of industry. His boy-
hood was spent on the farm and at school. At thirteen years of
age he entered a country store. In 1826 he came to Providence
and engaged in the lumber trade. Following this he engaged in
general wholesale merchandise for a number of years with his
brother, Amos D. Later he was engaged in the manufacture of
cotton goods in company with his two sons-in-law, in which
enterprise he continued his interest until the time of his death.
Mr. Smith devoted much time and effort to public service.
For several years he was Representative in the General Assembly,
and for a long time a member of the school committee. He was
mayor of the city in 1855 and 1856, and governor of the state
from 1863 to 1866, when he declined a renomination. At his
election as governor in 1865 he received a majority vote in every
town and ward in the state, a case never paralleled in the state
history. After retiring from the office of governor, Mr. Smith
served on various public commissions. He was chairman of the
commission to build the new City Hall, and was on the building
committee of three of the prominent churches in the city. He
was three years president of the Board of Trade. At the time
of his death he was president of a bank of discount, of two
savings banks, director in eight insurance companies—in some
of which he was president, director of the Providence & Wor-
cester Railway Company, of the New York & New England
Railway Company, and a member of five commissions under the
city government. He was remarkable for his approachable and
generous spirit, his friendliness being recognized by all who
knew him. He died March 26, 1876, mourned by rich and poor.
The funeral obsequies of few men of the state have attracted so
general public notice as did his.
WILLIAM M. Rod MAN was born in Newport. He was edu-
cated in a school taught by his father, who is still remembered in
Newport as the Quaker school-master. At about the age of six-
teen Mr. Rodman came to Providence and was apprenticed to
the firm of E. C. & T. Wells, then the leading tailors of the
town. After completing his apprenticeship he engaged in busi-
ness for several years, winning the regard and confidence of all
who knew him. In 1857 he was elected mayor of Providence,
which office he filled with great acceptance for two years. Prior
to his election as mayor he had been a member of the school
committee and of the city council. For some years prior to his
death he was engaged in the insurance business, and at the time
of his death he was secretary of the Firemen’s Mutual Insurance
Company, of Providence.
Mr. Rodman was a man of more than ordinary ability. He
possessed a poetic temperament, and was a ready writer both
of prose and verse, and also a good public speaker. He had a
great tact for public duties in general. As a man he was above
reproach, and in private relations enjoyed universal esteem and
regard. Mr. Rodman died at his home in this city, Dec. 11, 1868.
MR. JABEz C. KNIGHT was born in Centreville, in the town
of Warwick, in this state, July 31, 1815. He came to Providence
in 1830, where he has resided most of the time since. He was
elected mayor of the city in May, 1859, against two opposing
candidates, and was reëlected the four next succeeding years
without opposition. The fact that no candidates appeared against
him is sufficient evidence that his administration was satisfactory
to his constituents. He retired from office in June, 1864, having
declined another nomination. Mr. Knight had previously served
three years in the common council and four years in the board
of aldermen, and terminated eight years' service as one of the
board of license commissioners, in June, 1886. Mr. Knight

THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. IO 5
was also a member of the board of commissioners of the Dexter
Donation for twenty-one successive years, and for several years
was one of the board of trustees of the Providence Reform
School, and in those several positions his duties were always
conscientiously performed with a view to the best interests of the
city and of his fellow-citizens. He held the office of paymaster-
general of the state for twenty-four years, and during the war
paid the state bounty to the various members of our regiments
and batteries, amounting to more than three millions of dollars,
and his accounts were always found correct. Mr. Knight has
been connected with the Butler Hospital for the Insane as one of
its board of trustees for thirty-five years, and has always main-
tained a lively interest in its prosperity and usefulness, which
interest he continues to feel in the discharge of a duty so important
to the welfare of a great number of his unfortunate fellow-beings.
Mr. Knight has represented the citizens as a member of the Gen-
eral Assembly, and has also been a member of the school com-
mittee of Providence for many years. He is still enjoying the con-
fidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens.
GEORGE L. CLARKE was born in Norton, Bristol County, Mass.,
Aug. Io, 1813. He came of good stock on both sides. His
father, the Rev. Pitt Clarke, was for forty years pastor of the
First Congregational Society, in Norton, and remained its pastor
from the time of his settlement in 1793 until his death in 1835,
and was known and beloved throughout Bristol County, and in-
deed, throughout the state, as among the wisest ministers of the old
Congregational denomination. His mother was Maria Jones,
daughter of Dr. Jeremy Stimpson, of Hopkinton, Mass. She
was a woman of fine presence, of rare intellectual qualities, and
as beautiful in person as in character. Such was the immediate
ancestry of Mayor Clarke.
The pecuniary circumstances of a country minister in those
days were such as made it necessary that his sons should be
thrown upon their own resources at an early age. The only
education Mayor Clarke was able to obtain was such as he could
receive from his parents at home, and a few months “schooling”
in the winter district school of his native town, and one or two
quarters in a private academy until he became sixteen years old.
At that age he was placed in a store in Providence, and went
through the various grades, from doing a boy’s work in a store
to the top round of the ladder.
He supplemented his meagre education by reading, by attend-
ing the “Lyceum Lectures” of those days, and also such few
scientific and literary lectures as were to be heard forty or fifty
years ago. In his early manhood he became interested in the
anti-slavery cause, and was well known in this city and state as
among the staunchest of the abolitionists in the days when that
name was a stigma of reproach, and to be known as an aboli-
tionist meant social and political ostracism. He has had the satis-
faction of living to see the whole system of slavery overthrown,
as the result of the overwhelming anti-slavery sentiment of the
North ; and of beholding a regenerated country growing and
prospering under the inspiring rule of freedom.
He was an active member of the old Liberty party, and of the
Free Soil party, and when those parties became merged in the
victorious Republican party of the state and Union he was among
its earliest members and supporters. He was repeatedly sent to
the General Assembly from the city of Providence. In 1866 he
was elected Speaker of the House, and served with general ac-
ceptance.
In April, 1869, he was elected Senator from Providence to the
General Assembly, and it was largely through his efforts at that
session, that the Cove lands, now so valuable, were deeded by the
state to the city. -
In May, 1869, after an unusually exciting contest, he was
&
*WWW
º N
elected mayor of Providence by a large majority. After leaving
the office of mayor he was, without opposition, elected alderman
from the first ward of Providence, and served in that capacity
until he declined a reëlection. He was for many years one of
the board of commissioners of the Dexter Donation, and also
served several years on the school committee.
Mayor Clarke's life and character are the legitimate outgrowth
of the training which he received in his early home life, and of
the influence of the example set before him there. It has not
ceased in its influence on his fellow-citizens with the close of his
official career as mayor, or with his retirement from other official
relations. He lives still, retaining a deep interest in all the affairs
of the city, and his counsel and advice, it is hoped, will long be
of interest and usefulness to the present generation in their labors
for the development of our municipal interests.
WILLIAM. S. HAY ward was born in the town of Foster, R.I.,
Feb. 26, 1835. His youth was spent on the farm and at school.
At the age of twelve years he removed to Old Warwick, R.I.,
where he remained four years, working upon a farm summers and
attending school during the winter months. He came to Provi-
dence in 1851 and found employment in the bakery of Rice &
Hayward. In 1860 Mr. Hayward became a partner in the busi-
ness, which has been successfully prosecuted up to the present
time. Mr. Hayward was elected a member of the common council
of Providence from the sixth ward, in May, 1872, and was con-
tinued in that office until 1876, when he was elected a member of
the board of aldermen from the same ward. This position he
filled annually until the year 1881, being president of the board of
aldermen the three latter years. November, 1880, he was elected
mayor of the city of Providence, and served in that office three
years, 1881, 1882, and 1883, and filled the office acceptably to
his fellow-citizens, declining a longer service on account of the
demands of his private business. Mr. Hayward is now a member
of the board of state charities and corrections, and is also serv-
ing a second term in the General Assembly as a Representative
from Providence. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Knights of Pythias,

I of
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
WILLIAM M, RODMAN,
Mayor from June, 1857, to June, 1859.
the First Light Infantry Veteran Association, of Providence, the
Franklin Lyceum, and other societies.
THOMAs A. Doyle was born in Providence March 15, 1827.
He enjoyed the advantages of the city schools, and graduated
from the Elm Street Grammar School. At the age of fourteen
he entered the counting-room of Benjamin Cozzens, Esq., where
he remained six years. He then held for five years the position
of chief clerk for Jacob Dunnell & Company. In 1853 he was
elected cashier of the Grocers and Producers Bank, which position
he occupied two years. Later he became stock broker and auc-
tioneer of real estate. In 1848 he was elected ward clerk for the
sixth ward. This position he held for six years, after which he
held office under the city government almost continuously till his
death. In 1852 he was elected a member of the common council
from the fifth ward. He was chairman of various important com-
mittees, and president of the council in 1854 and 1855. In 1855
he was chairman of the board of assessors. For eighteen years he
served on the school committee. In June, 1864, he was inaugur-
ated mayor of the city. To this office he was annually reëlected,
with the single exception of 1869, until January, 1881.
He again resumed the office, January, 1884, which he occupied
until his death, June 9, 1886. Mr. Doyle was a prominent
Mason, and was made Grand Master in 1857. During his
administration as mayor, the city more than doubled in population
and wealth, and at his instigation many important improvements
were made. The city police were drilled and uniformed, water
was introduced, an excellent system of sewerage was adopted, the
Roger Williams Park given to the city and improved, many
public buildings were erected, and a general spirit of progress
infused into the city government. In 1881 he was elected Senator
to the General Assembly. For many years Mr. Doyle was a
consistent member of the Unitarian Church. He married, Oct.
21, 1869, Almira, daughter of Amasa and Fanny Sprague, and
sister of ex-Senator William Sprague.
GILBERT F. Rob BINs, acting mayor of Providence since the
death of the Hon. Thomas A. Doyle, was born in Burrillville,
Aug. 26, 1838. His parents, people of sterling worth, were
farmers of the town, who gave their son such education as the pub-
lic schools afforded until he was seventeen years of age. He then
attended the academy at East Greenwich for a while, after which
he removed with his family to this city, where they took up their
permanent abode. Preferring business to professional life, young
Robbins availed himself of the commercial training then given
by Messrs. Potter and Hammond to acquire a good hand-writing
and a knowledge of book-keeping.
Soon after finishing his course of study an opportunity came for
him to engage in business with his brother-in-law, Mr. Serril
Mowry. They were located on Washington Row for many
years, engaged in the ready-made clothing trade. The business
of the firm prospered from the outset. In the spring of 1884 the
firm removed to the corner of Westminster and Dorrance streets,
where they still conduct the business under the name of Mowry,
Robbins & Company.
Though closely attentive to his own business, Mr. Robbins has
been actively identified with public affairs in the city for many
years, and has proved an efficient and trustworthy officer in vari-
ous positions of public responsibility. He was a member of the
common council from the seventh ward during the years 1879,
1880, and 1881. He was chairman of the committee on high-
ways, and was one of the committee on the Brook Street district.
In 1882 he was elected to the board of aldermen, becoming pres-
ident of the board in 1883, which office he still holds, and by
virtue of which he is now acting mayor of the city. While be-
longing to that body he has been chairman of the committee on
police, and a member of the committees on lamps and finance.
He was also a member of the joint committee on the city engi-
neering department, and the joint special committees on sewer-
age. During the years 1880, 1881, and 1882, he was a member
of the lower house of the General Assembly.
Mr. Robbins is a prominent member of the order of Odd Fel-
lows, in which he has held various offices. He was Grand Mas-
ter of the Grand Lodge in 1875 and 1876, and was elected by that
body as delegate to the Sovereign Grand Lodge.
The private life and public career of Mr. Robbins has been
such as to win for him the confidence and respect of the citizens
of Providence.
PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN.—This office was
created in September, 1863, by an ordinance providing for the
election of one of the aldermen as president, to preside at all
meetings of the board in the absence of the mayor, and in case of
the death of the mayor or his disability from any cause, appointing
the president of the board acting mayor until another is duly
elected. The following-named aldermen have officiated as presi-
dent since 1863 :
James S. Ham, from March, 1863, to June, 1864.
John D. Jones, from June, 1864, to June, 1868.
Henry J. Angell, from June, 1868, to June, 1869.
George P. Tew, from June, 1869, to June, 1871.
Amos W. Snow, from June, 1871, to June, 1873.
Addison Q. Fisher, from June, 1873, to January, 1878.
William S. Hayward, from January, 1878, to January, 1881.
Robert E. Smith, from January, 1881, to January, 1882.
Henry R. Barker, from January, 1882, to January, 1883.
Gilbert F. Robbins, from January, 1883, who is now in office.
City CLERK.— The city clerk is the official clerk of the
board of aldermen, whose duty it is to record all votes, orders,
resolutions and ordinances made and passed by the city council;
to furnish the names of certain committees to the proper authori-
ties, certify copies of votes relating to the several departments
as required by the heads of the departments, and various other
clerical duties. He is also authorized to prepare the City
Manza/ and to superintend the printing of all documents ordered
by the city council. This office has been filled by the following-
-

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 107
named gentlemen, there having been but four city clerks in the
office since the incorporation of the city:
Richard M. Field, from June, 1832, to Dec. 1, 1843. Died in office.
Albert Pabodie, from Dec. 7, 1843, to Jan. 2, 1860. Died in office.
Samuel W. Brown, from Jan. 5, 1860, to Jan. 6, 1879.
Henry V. A. Joslin, from, Jan. 6, 1879, who is in office.
PRESIDENT OF THE COMMON CouncIL.-The president of the
common council is elected annually, and his official duties are
to preside at all meetings of the council, to preserve order and
decorum, and to decide all questions of order. He can, by vacat-
ing the president's chair, discuss general questions of debate like
other members, and in speaking on questions of order he has the
precedence of other members. The following-named well-known
citizens have filled the office of president of the common council
since the year 1832 :
George Baker, from June, 1832, to June, 1834.
George Curtis, from June, 1834, to June, 1837.
George W. Jackson, from June, 1837, to June, 1839.
Thomas B. Fenner, from June, 1839, to June, 1842.
Stephen T. Olney, from June, 1842, to June, 1844.
William S. Patten, from June, 1844, to June, 1845.
James C. Hidden, from June, 1845, to June, 1847.
John J. Stimpson, from June, 1847, to June, 1848.
Edward S. Williams, from June, 1848, to June, 1849.
Christopher C. Potter, from June, 1849, to June, 1850.
Thomas P. Shepard, from June, 1850, to June, 1851.
Walter Paine, Jr., from June, 1851, to June, 1852.
Wingate Hayes, from June, 1852, to June, 1854.
Thomas A. Doyle, from June, 1854, to June, 1855.
Charles T. Robbins, from June, 1855, to June, 1856.
Stephen Waterman, from June, 1856, to June, 1860.
John N. Francis, from June, 1860, to June, 1863.
William Binney, from June, 1863, to June, 1871.
Nelson W. Aldrich, from June, 1871, to June, 1873.
Nicholas Van Slyck, from June, 1873, to Aug. Io, 1874.
Horatio Rogers, from Aug. Io, 1874, to January, 1875.
Francis Colwell, Jr., from January, 1875, to January, 1876.
Abner J. Barnaby, from January, 1876, to January, 1877.
Charles P. Robinson, from January, 1877, to January, 1879.
Henry R. Barker, from January, 1879, to January, 1880.
George H. Burnham from January, 1880, to January, 1881.
J. Carter Brown Woods, from January, 1881, to January, 1885.
Rathbone Gardner, from January, 1885; still in office.
CLERK of THE COMMON CouncIL. — The duty of the clerk
of the common council requires him to act as the recording clerk
at all its meetings, and to keep a correct record of all its official
proceedings; also to act as the clerk of the city council at all
joint sessions of the two boards; to transmit from the council to
the board all papers and business requiring joint action; to trans-
mit to the mayor all papers" and communications requiring his
action, and also serve as the clerk of several of the committees of
the council. The following-named gentlemen have filled the
office from its origin, there having been but five in all, or really
but four, Mr. Thomas B. Fenner, the first clerk, officiating only
at the organization of the city government in June, 1832, Mr.
Allen O. Peck being elected second in the position the same
month, and serving two years. Judge Albert G. Greene, was
elected clerk in June, 1834, and resigned the office in February,
1867, after a faithful and continuous service of almost thirty-four
years:
Thomas B. Fenner, from June 4, 1832, during organization.
Allen O. Peck, from June, 1832, to June, 1834.
Albert G. Greene, from June, 1834, to Feb. 11, 1867. Resigned.
Joshua M. Addeman, from Feb. 25, 1867, to Jan. 2, 1882.
Daniel F. Hayden, from Jan. 2, 1882; still in office.
CITY TREASURE.R.— The city treasurer is the legal custodian
of all the moneys and monetary transactions of the city, and his
office is the repository of all money due to or from the city. He
is also the collector of taxes to whom all city taxes must be paid.
In this capacity he has received the enormous sum of $350,000
in a single day. In his office are made up all the pay-rolls for
the payment of the school teachers, policemen, firemen, lamp-
lighters, and other city employés. All the water bills, nearly
twelve thousand in all, are paid in his office and all interest on
the city bonds, notes, etc., is also paid by him, all the finances of
the city being managed and controlled by this department of
the city government. The following-named gentlemen have sev-
erally filled the office of city treasurer in the order named :
Stephen Tillinghast, from June, 1832, to June 15, 1840. Resigned.
Robert Knight, from June 15, 1840, to July 27, 1840. Resigned.
Benjamin Clifford, from July 27, 1840, to Nov. 22, 1843. Resigned.
Stephen Tripp, from Nov. 27, 1843, to Feb. 14, 1849. Died in office.
George W. Hall, from Feb. 19, 1849, to March 11, 1850. Resigned.
Esek Aldrich, from March 11, 1850, to June, 1855.
Marinus W. Gardner, from June, 1855, to Dec. 1, 1862. Removed.
Joseph C. Peckham, from Dec. 2, 1862, to Aug. 20, 1868. Died in office.
Benjamin Tripp, from Aug. 24, 1868, who is now in office.
SURVEYORs of HIGHw AYs.—There have been eight surveyors
of highways elected from the time the office was created, in 1832,
until it was abolished in 1872,- a term of nearly forty years.
Mr. Henry G. Mumford, who was elected one of the surveyors in
June, 1833, very ably and efficiently filled the office for thirty-three
consecutive years, until he retired from it in 1856. He was a very
well-known and highly esteemed public-spirited official and citi-
zen. The office of surveyor has been filled consecutively by the
following-named incumbents until it was abolished, April 10,
1872, by an ordinance adopted by the city council, that transferred
its several powers and duties to the newly-created office of high-
way commissioner:
William T. Grinnell, from June, 1832, to Aug. 27, 1832.
Dexter Thurber, from June, 1832, to Aug. 27, 1832.
Pardon Mason, (for west side,) from Aug. 27, 1832, to June, 1833.
Warren Batcheller, (for east side.) from Aug. 27, 1832, to June, 1833.
Henry G. Mumford, from June, 1833, to June, 1856.
William Batcheller, from June, 1856, to June, 1858.
Samuel B. Durfee, from June, 1858, to June, 1866.
Thomas W. Hart, from June, 1866, to April 10, 1872.
Sºº-ººs
Ž
Ž
%
%
JABEZ. C. KNIGHT,
Mayor from June, 1859, to June, 1864.

















IO8
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
The total number of miles of received streets in the city is
about one hundred and fifty-two; number of miles of platted
streets about one hundred and thirty-two; thirty-five horses are
employed in the street department, and in the summer time about
three hundred men, including sweepers; one steam rock crusher,
two steam road rollers, and two horse street-sweepers are owned
and used by this department. The streets least used are swept
one, two, or three times a week, according to location. The
principal streets in the business centre of the city are swept daily
by hand, and some portions every night by the horse machines.
HIGHwa Y CoMMISSIONERs.-Under the provisions of the ordi-
nance adopted by the city council for the purpose early in 1872,
the following-named gentlemen were elected highway commis-
sioners, and served the city in that office in the order and for the
time named below: - - * * *
Samuel L. Blaisdell, from Feb. 7, 1872, to May 26, 1876. Resigned.
Charles Anthony, from Feb. 7, 1872, to May 24, 1878. .
Gideon Bradford, from Feb. 7, 1872, to Nov. 6, 1874. Died in office.
Lemuel S. Harris, from January, 1875, to January, 1879.
Thomas W. Hart, from Feb. 5, 1877, to Nov. 5, 1880.
Obadiah Brown, from May 24, 1878, to Nov. 5, 1880.
George E. Thompson, from January, 1879, to Nov. 5, 1880. .
Mr. Thompson was the last of the highway commissioners,
the office having been abolished by an ordinance of the city
council, which terminated its existence and conferred its powers
and duties upon the board of public works, creating a new city
department April 15, 1880, which has had the entire supervision
of all the city highways and roads since that time. -
WATER CoMMissionERs.-The ordinance of the city council
creating the board of water commissioners, under the authority
granted by the General Assembly, was adopted Sept. 20, 1869.
This ordinance provided for the election of a board of water com-
missioners, comprising three members, to have the entire charge
and supervision of the construction of the water works for the
introduction of the Pawtuxet water into the city. The first of
these commissioners, elected Sept. 27, 1869, were Messrs. Joseph
J. Cooke, Charles E. Carpenter, and Moses B. Lockwood, their
successors being severally and separately elected to fill vacancies
as they occurred, until the "office was abolished April 15, 1880,
and its powers and duties thus transferred to the then newly-
organized board of public works. Mr. Lockwood died in office
in 1872, and Mr. Cooke resigned the office of chairman of the
board in 1876. The seven commissioners who have filled the
office, and their terms of service, are as follows:
Joseph J. Cooke, from Sept. 27, 1869, to Nov. 1, 1876.
Charles E. Carpenter, from Sept. 27, 1869, to Nov. 1, 1876.
Moses B. Lockwood, from Sept. 27, 1869, to May 13, 1872. Died in office.
William Corliss, from May 23, 1872, to Nov. 1, 1876.
Lodowick Brayton, from Nov. 1, 1876, to Nov. 5, 1880.
Nathaniel F. Potter, Jr., from Nov. 1, 1876, to Nov. 5, 1880.
Henry L. Parsons, from Jan. 18, 1877, to Nov. 5, 1880.
CITY AUDITOR.— The city auditor's official duty requires him
to receive and audit all accounts presented to him from the vari-
ous departments of the city government, and to draw drafts on
the city treasury for the payment of all accounts accepted as cor-
rect. He is also required to make an annual auditor's report to
the city council of the expenditures of the city in detail for the
past fiscal year, and also a report of the estimated expenditures
for the ensuing year. Since its institution Aug. 9, 1847, the five
successive auditors have been as follows, Mr. James M. Cross,
the present auditor, having filled that responsible position since
1863 with the honorable record of twenty-three years' continuous
service: *
Stephen T. Olney, from Aug. 9, 1847, to June, 1850.
George B. Jastram, from June, 1850, to June, 1854.
John J. Paine, from June, 1854, to June, 1863. .
Henry A. Webb, from June, 1863, to June 8, 1863.
James M. Cross, from June 8, 1863, now in office.
CITY SoLIcItoR.—The city solicitor is the law official of
the city whose duty it is to advise and instruct the various officials
and departments on all law questions that may arise involving the
interest of the city; to appear as the legal counsel of the city in
all cases that come to trial in the courts, and to have the general
direction and control of all the law department of municipal
affairs. Since the office was instituted June 15, 1853, the follow-
ing-named solicitors have filled the position for the terms named :
James M. Clarke, from June 22, 1853, to Aug. 23, 1854.
Willard Sayles, from Jan. 29, 1855, to June, 1855.
James M. Clarke, from June, 1855, to June, 1863.
Benjamin N. Lapham, from June, 1863, to June, 1865.
Francis Colwell, Jr., from June, 1865, to June, 1866.
John P. Knowles, from June, 1866, to September, 1867.
Charles H. Parkhurst, from June, 1868, to June, 1874.
Nicholas Van Slyck, from Aug. Io, 1874, and he is now in office.
JUDGEs of THE MUNICIPAL Court.— The Municipal Court
is a court presided over by a judge of probate, who has the legal
charge of the probate of wills, the administering of estates, the
appointment of administrators, of guardians over minors and all
other incompetent persons, the adoption of children, and what-
ever other duties may be imposed upon the same by law. This
court has criminal jurisdiction, either original or appellate, over
all offenses against the ordinances of the city council and the
ordinances and the rules of the board of aldermen, and of all
cases arising under the truancy acts. -
This court was instituted with the incorporation of the city, in
the year 1832, since which time the following-named judges have
been elected by the city council and have served for the several
terms stated with their names:
Thomas Burgess, from June, 1832, to June, 1853.
Francis E. Hoppin, from June, 1853, to June 14, 1858.
Albert G. Greene, from June 14, 1858, to April 8, 1867.
Amasa S. Westcott, from April 8, 1867, to July 3, 1884.
Joseph E. Spink, from July 18, 1884, who now continues in office.
CLERK OF THE MUNICIPAL Court.—The duties of the clerk
of the Municipal Court include the recording of all the wills pro-
bated by the court, the issuing of certificates to administrators and
executors appointed, and the keeping of a correct and attested
record of the entire proceedings of the court. The office was
created with the court in 1832, since which time six clerks have
been appointed, as here given, with their term of service:
Allen O. Peck, from June, 1833, to June, 1834.
Albert G. Greene, from June, 1834, to July 21, 1857.
Samuel W. Peckham, from July 24, 1857, to Aug. Io, 1857.
Levi Salisbury, from Aug. Io, 1857, to June, 1868.
George B. Nichols, from June, 1868, to July 18, 1884.
Charles C. Mumford, from July 18, 1884, to July 2, 1885.
Clifford A. Harrington, elected July 2, 1885. -
SUPERINTENDENT OF LIGHTS. — This office was instituted
Aug. 12, 1864, and filled by the appointment of a police con-
stable to the position until Oct. 5, 1874, when, by ordinance, it
was constituted a new department, with the superintendent elected
annually by the city council. The superintendent has entire con-
trol of the erection and operation of all the public lights of the
city, and is required to make an annual report of the cost and
conduct of his department to the city council. Including the
superintendent, sixty-seven men are employed in this department,
of whom sixty-three are lamp-lighters. The present number of
street lights of all kinds are as follows: gas lights, 2,552; gaso-
line, 613; naptha lights, 1,008; electric lights, 175. The electric
lights are furnished and operated by the Narragansett Electric
Lighting Company, using the Thompson-Huston system, and
the Rhode Island Electric Lighting Company, using the United
States system, about half the number by each company, under
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 109
special contract with the city at a cost of thirty-three cents per
night, or very nearly the same expense as the three gas lights for
which it is deemed an improved substitute; each electric light
taking the place of three gas lights, this change relieves the depart-
ment of the charge of over five hundred gas lights, the two electric
companies caring for and operating all their own lights. The
arc light only is used in all the electric street lights, giving a
more brilliant, effective, and satisfactory illumination of the high-
ways and byways of the city than the gas light, or any other kind
yet used. The Providence Gas Company has always furnished
all the street gaslight, under contract; the light department sup-
plying all its naptha lights. There have been but four superin-
dents of lights, in all, as follows:
John M. Clarke, from Dec. 1, 1864, to March 12, 1876.
Joseph C. Whiting, Jr., from March 12, 1867, to October, 1867.
Charles M. Smith, from October, 1867, to April 14, 1879.
Samuel B. Swan, from April 14, 1879; now holding the office.
INSPECTOR of BUILDINGs. – The duties of the inspector of
buildings, as defined by the statute, require him to officially and
carefully inspect the location, construction, and materials of all
buildings erected within the city limits, and secure from all build-
ers and contractors a strict conformity with all the laws “in such
case made and provided.” It is also his duty to require all owners
or builders of mills, factories, or blocks employing more than a
certain number of persons, to provide for them such fire-escapes
as the law requires, of sufficient capacity for each building.
There have been but two inspectors appointed since the office
was established, April 12, 1878, as follows:
Oliver E. Greene, from April 12, 1878, to January, 1884.
Spencer B. Hopkins, from January, 1884, who is now in office.
FIRE MARSHAL.-The city council, May 27, 1881, adopted
an ordinance creating the office of fire marshal, with the duty
of officially investigating and carefully inquiring into the cause
and extent of all fires occurring within the city limits, and giv-
ing him the jurisdiction of all other matters properly and legally
connected with all such fires, with instructions to make an annual
report on each case, in detail, to the city council. So far there
has been but one marshal elected, as named below:
Elias M. Jenckes, elected Jan. 20, 1881, and now officiating.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR.— This office was created by the
city council, June 2, 1876, to provide for the lawful administra-
tion of all estates and properties left by deceased owners or
possessors, not otherwise provided for, in this city, the ordinance
requiring the appointment of this city official by the Municipal
Court. There have been but two public administrators appointed,
as follows:
Daniel Burrows, from Feb. 5, 1877, to Feb. 6, 1882.
Jonathan G. Parkhurst, from Feb. 16, 1882, who still remains in office.
JUSTICEs of THE PolicE Court.—The police court was
organized with the city charter in 1832 to consist of so many jus-
tices of the peace, not exceeding three, as shall be annually se-
lected by the city council, and oftener in case of vacancy, any one
making a quorum, to have exclusive original jurisdiction of all
suits for offenses against the ordinances of the city. The follow-
ing-named gentlemen, many of whom have since been prominent
at the bar in the higher courts, have been the justices of this court
up to the present time:
Robert G. Knight, Charles F. Tillinghast, Albert G. Greene, selected
June, 1832.
William R. Staples, Alpheus Billings, selected June, 1833.
William R. Staples, Thomas White, selected June, 1834.
Robert Knight, Albert G. Greene, Henry L. Bowen, selected June, 1835.
Thomas White, William P. Olney, George F. Man, selected June, 1836.
Henry L. Bowen, Walter S. Burges, selected June, 1838.
Robert Knight, Henry L. Bowen, Walter S. Burges, selected June, 1839.
|
| |
|
GEORGE L. CLARKE,
Mayor from June, 1869, to June, 1870,
Henry L. Bowen, Walter S. Burges, Edward H. Hazard, selected June,
1840.
Henry L. Bowen, Edward H. Hazard, Walter Paine, Jr., selected June,
1842.
Henry L. Bowen, Charles Holden, Jr., Charles Hart, selected June, 1844.
Henry L. Bowen, Samuel Brown, Joseph S. Pitman, selected June, 1845.
Samuel W. Peckham, Henry L. Bowen, Francis E. Hoppin, selected
June, 1846.
Samuel W. Peckham, Francis E. Hoppin, James M. Clarke, selected
June, 1847.
Samuel W. Peckham, Francis E. Hoppin, Charles Hart, selected June,
1849.
Samuel W. Peckham, Charles Hart, selected June, 1853.
Henry L. Bowen, William Knowles, selected 1855.
Henry L. Bowen, Samuel W. Peckham, selected June, 1857.
Samuel W. Peckham, Horatio Rogers, Jr., selected June, 1861.
Samuel W. Peckham, Lucius C. Ashley, selected June, 1862.
Lucius C. Ashley, William H. Greene, selected June, 1867.
Francis A. Daniels, Stephen Essex, selected June, 1868.
Stephen Essex, Elias M. Jenckes, selected June, 1872.
Elias M. Jenckes, Lorin M. Cook, from 1872 to 1875.
Elias M. Jenckes, and Joseph S. G. Cobb, who are now in office.
CITY SERGEANT. — The city sergeant, whose office origi-
nated with the city government in 1832, may be properly styled
the peace officer of the city, his principal duty being to serve all
the legal notices issued by the authority and in behalf of the city.
There have been but three incumbents of the office to the present
time, as named below:
Edward Harwood, from June, 1832, to April 10, 1848.
James C. Sheridan, from June, 1848, to June, 1861.
Edward S. Rhodes, from June, 1861, and now in office.

15 -
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
WILLIAM S. HAYWARD,
Mayor from January, 1881, to January, 1884,
CITY MEsseng ER.—This office was created Sept. 1, 1854, by
an ordinance of the city council, which constitutes the messenger
the legal custodian of the City Hall and its contents, and gives
him the charge of all city documents published, and to attend to
the general wants and requirements of the various city depart-
ments. He is also required to notify members of all meetings of
the city council, and the various committees of their appoint-
ments, meetings, etc., besides other duties. There have been
but two messengers elected, as follows:
James C. Sheridan, from Sept. 18, 1854, to June, 1861.
Edward S. Rhodes, from June, 1861, who remains in office.
Overse ER OF THE Poor.—The office of overseer of the poor
was established by the city charter in 1832, to provide sustenance
for all indigent persons having a proper claim upon the city for
support, at the Dexter Asylum or some of the charitable institu-
tions of the state. It is one of the most important departments
of the city government, and has always been conducted with such
ability, discretion, and economy in the management and preven-
tion of pauperism as to win a national renown, more especially
for the system originated and very successfully operated by Mr.
Wightman, the present overseer, of furnishing labor to all un-
employed mendicants. The following digest of the business done
by the overseer of the poor for the year 1885, shows but faintly
the importance, efficiency, and extent of this department of the
city’s charities and corrections.
The Dexter Asylum, on Jan 1, 1886, contained Ioz inmates
about the present average number. The total expense for 1885
was $32,445.43; $16,871.22 of which was the proceeds of the
farm, $14,918.29 from the Dexter Donation Fund, the balance
of $655.92 from other sources. Total number assisted by the
overseer at the charity building in the year 1885, 2,990, of whom
638 were adults, and 1,552 children. Total expense of this out-
side assistance for the year was $16,899. Io, the expense of this
department being greatly reduced by employing able applicants
at paid labor. During 1885, lodgings were furnished and 2,062
meals given to 163 women and 60 children, and 1,356 meals given
to 189 men who had worked the required time to pay for them. .
In addition to the meals given on the recommendation of city
physicians, 189 quarts of beef tea and I 14 quarts of milk to in-
valids under their charge during the year.
The following-named gentlemen have been the four overseers
of the poor in office since 1832; George W. Wightman, the
present overseer, first elected in June, 1858, has held the office
for more than twenty-two consecutive years:
Joshua Rathbun, from June, 1832, to June, 1839.
William F. Greene, from June, 1839, to Oct. 16, 1854.
Stephen A. Phillips, from Oct. 16, 1854, to June, 1858.
George W. Wightman, from June, 1858, and he is still in office.
BoARD OF PUBLIC WORKs.—This office was created by an
ordinance passed by the city council, April 15, 1880, providing
for the election of three commissioners to be entitled the board of
public works and giving to said board the entire control, supervis-
ion, and direction of the water supply and sewerage, the city en-
gineer and the highway departments of the city and transferring to
it all powers previously exercised by other officers in these several
departments of the public work. A brief synopsis of the present
extent and condition of the water supply and sewerage and other
public works in their charge is appended.
The entire supply of water for the city water works is taken
from the Pawtuxet River, (or Pocasset River as then called), at
a point in the town of Cranston about six miles from the centre
of the city, where are located the three large pumping engines, in
three separate buildings, well known as the Pettaconsett Pump-
ing Station. The construction of the water works, commenced
in the spring of 1870, was so far completed that the water was
first let on to the city Nov. 18, 1871, at which time but thirty
miles of water pipe had been laid. The net cost of construction
and maintenance of the works to Nov. 1, 1876, was $4,473,008.79.
At Pettaconsett the water is pumped through a large pipe up into
the Sockanosset Reservoir, about a mile from the river on the
top of Sockanosset Hill, 180.5 feet above the level of the river, of
sufficient height to flow the water through the mains to the Hope
Reservoir, on Prospect Hill, in the city, about one mile from the
business centre of the city and six and a half from Sockanosset,
which being on the same level is kept full by the natural gravi-
tation of the water through a thirty-six-inch conduit. The mains
also supply the low service distribution embracing all portions of
the city below an average elevation of eighty-five feet above mean
high tide in Providence River.
All sections of the city located higher than the above-named
elevation are supplied with water pumped from the Hope
Reservoir, pumped by one of the large force pumps located there
for the purpose. The city has also recently secured land located
in North Providence, directly north of the city, to build a still
larger and higher reservoir, to provide for the future demand.
About fifty men and a number of horses are now employed in
operating the water works. The total amount of water consumed
in the city, during the year 1885, was as follows: average daily
consumption, 4,730,556 gallons; average monthly consumption,
137,580,339 gallons; total annual consumption 1,650,964,062
gallons.
CITY ENGINEER. — The office of city engineer was created
May 29, 1869, by an act of the city council which defines his
powers and duties as follows: He is authorized and directed to
superintend the construction and maintenance of all the city
water works, sewers, highways and bridges, and as overseer of
bridges is required to make an annual inspection and report their
condition and need of renewal or repair to the board of aldermen.

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
I I I
He is also required to make surveys, estimates, and plans for all
streets, water works, sewers, etc., decide and to define all lines
and grades of highways for all persons giving notice of their in-
tention to build.
The sewerage of the city, which followed the introduction of
water as a very natural and necessary result, was commenced in
the year 1871, under the plan known as the confined system of
sewerage, and although as great progress has been made in the
construction of sewers in all parts of the city up to the present
time as could be reasonably expected, it will probably be many
years yet before the system is so far completed as is deemed
absolutely necessary for the best welfare of the city. There have
been seven members of the board of public works, whose names
and terms of service are stated below:
Samuel B. Swan, from Nov. 5, 1880, to March, 1883.
Obadiah Brown, from Nov. 5, 1880, to March, 1882.
Charles Anthony, from March, 1882, to March, 1884.
Frederick E. Anthony, from March, 1883, to March 24, 1884. Resigned.
Clinton D. Sellew, from March, 1884.
Charles E. Carpenter, from May 15, 1884.
Charles H. Hunt, from Feb. 4, 1884. These last three named being now
in office.
His official duties also embrace all such professional service
for the city as properly comes under the direction of civil engineer
or surveyor. There have been but two city engineers from the
first, whose names and terms of office are given below:
Charles E. Paine, from June, 1869, to Feb. 5, 1877.
Samuel M. Gray, from Feb. 5, 1877, who is now in office.
CoLLECTOR OF TAxEs.—In the earlier days of the town gov-
ernment the town taxes were received by the collector, either in
money, or in goods at an appraised value that was fixed in
the act assessing the tax, and then realized upon by the collector
selling the goods received for taxes under the direction of the
town council, but in later and better times, when money be-
came more plenty, that only was received in payment of taxes.
For two centuries the collector who was appointed by the town
council for the purpose, called personally upon each taxpayer to
make his collections, paying over all the money he collected to
the town, or later, city treasurer, receiving a ſºro rata commis-
sion in payment of his services. This system of collection of
taxes continued until October, 1868, when the office of tax
collector was abolished and all taxes made payable at the office
of the city treasurer, by an act then adopted by the city council,
conferring the duties of the collector upon the city treasurer,
which method has prevailed ever since. Appended is a sum-
mary of the city tax for the year 1885: valuation of all property
assessed—real estate, $92,887,400; personal estate, $31,314,600 ;
total, $124,202,OOO ; amount of tax raised, $1,800,929. The fol-
lowing-named four tax collectors have filled the office from 1832,
to October, 1868, when it was abolished and its powers and duties
conferred upon the city treasurer, who has since officiated :
John Hill, from June, 1832, to June, 1837.
Robert Knight, from June, 1837, to June, 1839.
James Mumford, from June, 1839, to June, 1859.
Nehemiah S. Draper, from June, 1859, to October, 1868.
CITY REGISTRAR. — The city registrar keeps an official record
of all the births, marriages, and deaths occurring in the city,
of which an unofficial report is published in the Providence
Daiſy Journal every week; an official monthly report is also
published in the Journal and in pamphlet form. The regis-
trar also publishes in the public press and in pamphlet form an
official annual report of marriages, births, and deaths; issues
marriage licenses and certificates of all births, marriages, and
deaths, which are recorded in his office, upon the application of
parties interested. This office was created in July, 1855, and
is now held, after an uninterrupted and continuous service of
more than thirty-one years, by the present and only registrar:
Edwin M. Snow, from July, 1855, to present time.
SUPERINTENDENT OF HEALTH. — In the early history of the
town it had no health or sanitary department, and the disposal of
'all sewage matters and nuisances was left to the option of each
citizen. The first great foe to the public health was the small-
pox, for which the only remedy sought, before the discovery of
vaccination, was an inoculation of the same disease under favor-
able circumstances, and a hospital was established near the site
of the present Rhode Island Hospital, where persons would go
to take the disease in that manner, and remain there until recov-
ery. Early in this century the yellow fever scourge ravaged this
town three times, the last attack being just before the great gale
of September, 1815. It was supposed to have derived its virus
from the exhalations of the stagnant docks along the river front.
These docks were soon after mostly filled, the fever disappeared,
and a better sanitary condition soon prevailed. The town council,
acting as a board of health, then took charge of all matters relating
to the public health until the city government was organized in
1832, when that, with all other departments, were transferred to
the new government.
The present thorough and efficient system of conserving the
public health was not inaugurated by the city until July, 1856,
when Dr. Edwin M. Snow, who has earned a world-wide repu-
tation as a sanitary specialist, was elected superintendent of health
by a general vote of the citizens, which office he held for eighteen
years, until 1884, when he was succeeded by the present incum-
GILBERT F. ROB BINS,
Acting Mayor since June 9, 1886.

I I 2
THE PROVIDENCE PIANTATIONS.
bent, Dr. Charles V. Chapin. The superintendent of health
serves the board of aldermen as its agent of health, the city gov-
ernment providing no board of health, and, by the authority of
the city council, he has the charge of the removal of swill and of
all types of nuisances and also of the public vaccination. Every
child, before being allowed to enter any public school in this city,
must present a certificate of vaccination to the teacher. If not
already done, vaccination, free of cost, will be performed by the
superintendent of health at his office, for any parent or pupil who
desirés it. In case of a threatened epidemic from small-pox, it is
the duty of the superintendent to see that all persons have been,
or are vaccinated. The virus used by him is always the best
possible that can be procured. The following gentlemen and
physicians are the only two persons yet elected to this office:
Edwin M. Snow, from July, 1856, to January, 1884.
Charles V. Chapin, from January, 1884, who is now in office.
CHIEF ENGINEER of THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.—This office
was established by act of the city council July 11, 1853, since
which time it has been filled and its duties very efficiently per-
formed by six successive chiefs.
fire department has the sole command and entire control and
supervision of that department, his official duty requiring him to
keep all its property and materials always in such condition and
repair as to be constantly ready for efficient use, and is authorized
and directed to certify all accounts against the city chargeable to
the fire department. He can make or change any rules or regu-
lations for the government of his department, and can appoint or
discharge any or all other officers or members of the fire de-
partment, although all such action of his is always subject to the
approval of the joint standing committee of the city council
on the fire department. He is required also to make an annual
report to the city council of the existing condition of the fire
department, together with a list of the fires occurring in the city,
statistics of the estimated amount of losses by fires, and all other
matters properly connected with the department. The following-
named six well-known chiefs have filled the position since it
was established :
*
Joseph W. Taylor, from July 11, 1853, to June, 1859.
Thomas Aldrich, from June, 1859, to June, 1862.
Charles H. Dunham, from June, 1862, to July 10, 1865. Resigned.
Dexter Gorton, from July 10, 1865, to June, 1869.
Oliver E. Greene, from June, 1869, to July 2, 1884. Resigned.
George A. Steere, from July 2, 1884, still in office.
DEPUTY CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.—
This office was created March Io, 1883, the principal duty of
the deputy being to fill the position of the chief in his absence.
This office has had but one incumbent, who served only from
March 10, 1883, to July 2, 1884, when he resigned to accept the
office of chief, which he now holds, and since then the office has
been vacant:
George A. Steere, from March 12, 1883, to July 2, 1884, when he
resigned. -
RECoRDER OF DEEDs.-The office of the recorder of deeds
was established by the city council in 1866, and is now located in
the large open fire-proof hall, designed and constructed for the
preservation of the records, in the new City Hall, where all these
records are made and kept, and where they are always open to
public inspection, under proper restrictions, during official busi-
The chief engineer of the
ness hours, which are from nine o'clock, A. M., to five o'clock,
P. M., daily, except Sundays and legal holidays, closing at three
o'clock Saturday afternoons, these being also the regular business
hours of all other offices in the City Hall. The duties of the
recorder of deeds are to keep in the most proper and durable
books, correct and certified records of all deeds of transfer of real
estate, all mortgages of personal estates, and all liens and attach-
ments made on real estate within the jurisdiction of the city, the
recorder having three assistant clerks needed for the proper per-
formance of his bfficial duties. The recorder has in his charge
the most important and valuable of all the city properties, the
series of records of deeds in his office being complete from 1676
to 1886, a period of 210 years, a municipal manuscript library
indispensable and invaluable. The records kept previous to 1676,
both of deeds and town action, so far as they have been preserved
and copied, are to be found in the earlier books of records in this
office. There has been but one recorder of deeds, Mr. William-
son having ably filled the office for thirty years: -
Gustavus A. Williamson, from June, 1856, who continues in office.
HARBOR MASTER.—It is the duty of the harbor master to
visit officially all vessels arriving in or departing from the city
harbor, to require their conformity to all maritime and municipal
laws and regulations provided for their government, to exercise an
official supervision over them during their detention in these
waters, and to have a general charge and oversight of all com-
mercial business of the city. The office was created Aug. 15,
1853, since when it has been filled by the gentlemen named below
at the times and for the terms stated :
Nathaniel S. Mauran, from Aug. 15, 1853, to June, 1854.
Nathaniel Church, from June, 1854, to June, 1858.
Daniel Joslin, from June, 1858, to January, 1884.
Thomas W. Waterman, from January, 1884, to January, 1885.
James T. P. Bucklin, from January, 1885, who is now in office.
SUPERINTENDENT of PUBLIC Buildings.--This office and
department was created by an ordinance of the city council,
adopted Dec. 28, 1868, which conferred upon the superintendent
the charge of the construction of all school-houses and fences and
other public buildings, and the custody and care of all such
buildings when completed, and their premises, also requiring a
constant oversight of all the city property in his department, and
authorizing him to make repairs and employ help as he may need,
acting with the advice and consent of the city council, and
exercising a general official supervision of the construction, re-
pair, and maintenance of all such buildings or other structures as
may be erected by the city. He is also required to present to the
city council an annual report of all the transactions in his depart-
ment of the city business, which has become quite an extensive
and growing one, it having now IOO buildings in its charge,
fifty-five of which are school-houses. The time of the super-
intendent is fully and economically occupied with his work in
constructing new buildings and repairing, altering, and improving
old ones. Expenditures last year for this department were $65,-
ooo, including the pay of the large corps of janitors of school-
houses. There has been but one superintendent, Mr. Obadiah
Slade having so satisfactorily filled the position for the entire
seventeen years, since its creation, that no successful opposing
candidate for it has ever been nominated to the city council:
Obadiah Slade, from Jan. 25, 1869, and who still remains in office.
CHAPTER II.
CITY GOVERNMENT OF PROVIDENCE.-CoNTINUED.
THE PROVIDENCE POLICE FORCE – FIRST POLICE REGULATIONS OF THE TOWN – OFFICERS OF POLICE FIRST APPOINTED — FIRST
NIGHT WATCHMEN – PERMANENT ORGANIZATION OF NIGHT watchMEN, THEIR DUTIES, Etc.— PolicE station on MAR-
KET SQUARE – THE WAR WATCH OF 1812– 15 — CHANGEs IN THE NIGHT WATCH — THE OLD TOWN HOUSE AS THE POLICE
STATION – THE CITY WATCH ORGANIZED — CHANGES IN THE LATTER TILL 1848 – FIRST BADGES WORN — DAY POLICE OR-
GANIZED - NIGHT WATCH IN TWO DISTRICTs — IN FIVE – HEAD-QUARTERS REMOVED TO CANAL STREET – REORGANIZATION
OF POLICE SYSTEM UNDER MAYOR DOYLE — CHIEF OF POLICE – UNIFORMS — LATER CHANGES AND ADDITIONS — LIST OF CITY
MARSHALS – CHIEFS OF POLICE — PRESENT ORGANIZATION OF THE DEPARTMENT AND COMPLETE LIST OF ITS OFFICERS AND
MEMBERS - PROVIDENCE POLICE Association — Its or IGIN, ORGANIZATION, objects AND CONDITION IN 1886.
THE first requisite of civilized so-
ciety is the conservation of order among
the various members thereof. Every
man feels a desire to gratify all his
wants, and is frequently tempted to do
so at the expense of others. The first
lesson of social organization is, that for
the general good and the maintenance
of peace, certain powers must not be
exercised. The regulation of society
which we call police consists of the
curbing and controlling of those powers
which if left in unlimited sway would
produce anarchy and disorder. Just
where the line is to be drawn between
the powers properly under police sur-
veillance and those not under such con-
trol, has always been a delicate ques-
tion. Two hundred and fifty years
ago the world generally believed that
religious worship was one of the powers
and duties of man to be so regulated.
The distinctive feature of Providence Plantations was that
within its limits.religious worship and belief were not to be so
regulated. To other communities it was incomprehensible that
a state of society so organized could exist. They thought that
if religion was not under police surveillance then nothing could
be ; hence arose the idea then common in many parts of the
country, that Providence was a lawless assembly of free-thinkers.
A perusal of the history of the colony shows that one of the
earliest documents to be found is an agreement of the townsmen
to subject themselves “to the orders made for the public good of
the body, by the major assent of the present inhabi-
tants, masters of families incorporated together into a town fel-
lowship, and such others whom they shall admit unto them only
in civil things.”
This was the first Providence provision for police regulation
and is supposed to have been executed about 1637. In 1640, the
population having increased to an extent that mere agreement to
abide by rules would not suffice, a regulation was made providing
for five “disposers” who had charge of the police and other
regulation of the town affairs, who were appointed for three
months, held meetings once a month, and left all cases of dispute
to arbitration, and in the last resort to arbitrators chosen by them,
A PROVIDENCE POLICEMAN,
and arranged that if any man abused another in person or goods
that all the inhabitants would combine to assist in the pursuit of
the party delinquent, “but if any man raise a hubbub, and there
be no just cause therefor,” the party that raised the hubbub to
satisfy men for their time lost in it.
The whole town population then constituted the police force,
with the disposers for chiefs of police and the arbitrators for
police courts. This system was not long practicable. It soon
became evident that an officer must be appointed to specially care
for the town's peace. This officer was the town sergeant, and
Hugh Bewitt was the first incumbent of that office, in 1651.
The town sergeant besides caring for the police preservation
of the town, also served civil process of the courts. In later
times the town sergeants had constables appointed under them to
aid in the preservation of the peace. None of these officers
received salaries or devoted their whole time to the performance
of their duties; the compensation consisted of fees, and the town
sergeant was, at a later date, entitled to assess upon each ratable
free holder of the town one shilling per annum.
These officers and the “hubbub '' or possé comitatis of the
town seemed to be sufficient in the earlier days to maintain the
peace of the growing commonwealth. It was not until the period
of the Revolutionary War that anything approaching a regular
police force was established, and that was only for service in the
night-time. In May, 1775, a night watch was established, which
consisted of four men, two of whom watched each night. In
1796–97 the night watch was reëstablished with at first six and
afterwards twelve men. Of these twelve six watched each alter-
nate night, issuing from the town watch house, which was a
building seven feet high and twelve feet square, on Market Square,
in three pairs, at ten o'clock; one pair going north to Mr. Ben-
jamin Cozzen's house, one going south to India Point, and one
“west as far as Mr. Hoyle's house,” and perambulated the streets
of “the compact part of the town till the ringing of the sunrise
bell.”
These watchmen were appointed under the direction of the
town council and were paid one dollar for each night of actual
service. Many citizens maintained that it was improper to pay
the watchman for the performance of this duty, claiming that
every citizen owed such service to the community and that all
should give their services freely to the town, each in rotation.
In 1797 this matter of the town watch and how to maintain it
was submitted to a committee consisting of J. W. Corlis, Thomas
P. Ives, and Amos B. Atwell.

1 I4
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
The committee reported against the plan of the citizens serving
in rotation and in favor of employing a regular permanent force
who were to be paid from the proceeds of a direct tax on the
property of the citizens. This report was adopted and from that
time forth the night watch remained a permanent institution. It
was organized under the direction of the town council and
governed by rules and regulations established by that body. They
were ordered to inspect carefully all houses, stores, and work-
shops, as they passed them, in order to prevent fires gaining head-
way, to suppress all riotous conduct in the streets; to commit
all refractory persons to the bridewell, and to note and report to the
president of the town council all houses containing riotous or dis-
orderly company. A year or two later they were ordered to call
on all persons appearing on the street after eleven o’clock, and if
they refused to give their names they were to be deemed as dis-
orderly and detained in the watch house until the next morning.
They were forbidden to enter any house while on their beat for
the purpose of getting spirituous liquors. The badge of the watch
consisted of a staff about six feet long with a hook attached to one
end. Their costume consisted of the oldest worn clothing they
could procure, in order to save the spoiling of better in case of
personal conflict, and over all, in winter, a huge camlet cloak.
The lot of the night watchman of those days could not have
been a very happy one. Street lights were unknown; but very
few of the streets were paved and those that were had not the side-
walks of to-day, but were paved from side to side with cobble stones
while from adjacent houses steps projected here and there into the
street, affording traps for the unwary. The watchmen on a dark
night struggling along by the faint glimmer of lanterns carried by
themselves, were considered a fair butt for the wit of practical
jokers, whose attempts to break their lanterns and escape unde-
tected, if successful, were applauded by their confreres in mischief.
Adding to this the danger from the actually ruffian element of
society, who, gathering in crowds, could hold the isolated pair of
watchmen at their mercy, it is easy to see that the post was one
of no inconsiderable risk and danger. -
The beats covered by the watchmen were so extensive that the
existence of the system gave little protection against theft. In
the year 1800 this difficulty was partially remedied by the ap-
pointing of a supplementary watch to guard the south part of the
town, more especially the wharves, where much property was
necessarily exposed. This force consisted of four men, two watch-
ing in pairs each night. They were appointed and authorized by
the town council to arrest all suspicious persons, but were not-
paid by the town, their expense being defrayed by contribution
amongst the parties interested in maintaining the watch.
In 1806, as if to add to their difficulties, the watch were obliged
to make their presence and whereabouts known to all by pro-
claiming in a loud voice the hour of midnight, thus giving effectual
notice to any evil-disposed persons within hearing to cease their
depredations for the time being.
In 1808 and in 1812, supplementary watches on the same
system as that of 1800 were established, the latter covering the
property between the Weybosset Bridge and Olney's lane, and
was continued till September, 1813, when the public watch was
increased in number to sixteen men, and their pay increased to
$1.25 per night's service. This increase of force and pay was
deemed to involve too great an expense for the suffering town, it
being then in the midst of the war of 1812–15, and in March,
1814, the watch force was reduced to twelve men, and their wages
to $1.00 per night. Shortly after a British fleet was reported as
off the coast and a night watch of six men with carriage guns
was stationed on a vessel anchored between Kettle and Field's
points. In August this guard and vessel were withdrawn. Shortly
after the night watch were ordered in case of alarm of fire or
invasion to gather at the town clerk's office for the purpose of
taking care of and saving the records and other property of the
town. This arrangement left the rest of the town unguarded at
the very time when such guard was most needed. To reinforce
the town watch various volunteer night watch associations were
formed in this year. The members of these associations were
granted the same power as members of the night watch when
on duty. .
In October, 1814, the night watch was increased to twenty
men, and their wages advanced to $1.25 per night. They were
ordered to arrest all persons who persisted in smoking cigars on
the streets and gangways of the town.
* The increase of force in October, 1814, was evidently a war
measure, for in March, 1815, after the arrival of the news of the
peace negotiated with Great Britain, the watch was again reduced
to twelve men. In September, 1815, the night watch was again
increased, this time to forty-four men; sixteen on the west side of
the river and twenty-eight on the east side, one-half of the force
acting in pairs each night. This system was only continued for
one month, when the total police force dropped again to twelve
men. During this period the voluntary watch associations dropped
out of existence. *- -
In November of the next year, 1816, the watch was increased
to twenty men, formed into five patrols; and the captains were
to see that no two men traveled together as partners for a longer
time than one week. -
In March, 1817, the watch was again reduced to twelve men.
In November the watch was ordered to meet thereafter at the
Hydraulion Engine House, then newly established on Exchange
Street, and the twelve by twelve foot watch-house on Market
Square was removed. -
In October, 1824, the hour of commencing the patrol was
changed to eight o'clock. In 1826 the watch was increased to
twenty-four men. Inspection of the town records shows that this
question of the night watch was the exciting local political one of
the day; that the town was nearly evenly divided as to whether to
pursue a liberal or a niggardly policy in the matter, and as one or
the other party prevailed, the rapid and apparently inconsistent
changes in the treatment of the matter above recorded, took place.
In September, 1828, the head-quarters of the watch were re-
moved to the Old Town House on the corner of College and Benefit
streets. The inefficiency of the old town watch in keeping order
under the new state of affairs existing and increasing with the
rapid growth of the town, became evident by the increasing rioting
in the north part of the town, near the mouth of the Blackstone
Canal, which culminated in the Olney Street riots in September,
1831. & ! -
Largely growing out of these disturbances came the incorpora-
tion of the city, with a city watch of twenty-four men, divided into
two watches, Avery Allen being captain of the first watch and
David E. Man, captain of the second watch. The pay of the
captains was fixed by the city at $1.25 per night, and that of the
men at $1.00 per night. - --
In July, 1833, the department was further improved by the
establishment of a city marshal, who became chief of the depart-
ment. Henry G. Mumford was elected to this office.
Early in 1837 numerous attempts at incendiarism caused the
ordering of the night watch to commence their duties at half-past
six o'clock each evening, and in December of the same year these
attempts had so alarmingly increased that sixteen additional watch-
men were appointed. In November, 1838, the number of men
was again reduced to twenty-four. In 1839, owing to renewed
prevalence of incendiarism, sixteen extra watchmen were again
placed on the force and maintained till February 17, of the next
year, after which date the watch was reduced to twenty-four men,
THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. II 5
the pay being reduced to eighty-three cents per night. It was
afterwards advanced to eighty-seven and a half cents per night, and
the captain's pay fixed at $1.o.o.
In 1848, the first badge to be worn on the clothing was adopted.
It consisted of a brass star. The men were much opposed to
wearing them in sight, preferring to carry them in their pockets,
and two years later it was found necessary to pass an ordinance
compelling them to wear them on the lapels of their coats.
In 1851 the first movement was made towards the formation of
the day police force as at present constituted. Ten men, Wil-
liam H. Hudson, Jabez J. Potter, George A. Billings, Thomas
W. Hart, George W. Wightman, William G. Slack, William B.
Cranston, Nathan M. Briggs, William G. Merriweather, and
John M. Shaw, were appointed by the city council in joint com-
mission to patrol the streets in the day-time under the supervision
of the city marshal.
In July, 1852, the night watch was increased to thirty-two men
and divided into two districts, Captain Allen continuing in com-
mand of the division having head-quarters at the Old Town House,
and Simeon Sherman being placed in command of the other
division with head-quarters in the old stone school building which
stood on the northwest corner of Summer and Pond streets. In
November, 1853, the night patrol was increased to forty-six men,
divided into five districts. Each of these men was to do duty each
night. The Old Town House was the first and central station ;
the second was at the corner of Mill and Charles streets; the third
on Wickenden Street, west of Benefit; the fourth on Summer
Street, corner of Pond ; the fifth at the corner of Richmond and
Tippecanoe streets. Each of these stations was in charge of a
sergeant. The captain visited each station once every night.
Under this organization the watchmen all assembled at the first
station, and at nine o’clock in the evening the men of the other
four districts proceeded to their local head-quarters to commence
their rounds. In March, 1854, the night patrol was increased to
fifty-six men.
In the latter part of 1860, the Old Town House was torn down
and the watch and police head-quarters were temporarily located
in the second ward ward-room adjoining on Benefit Street, where
they remained till the completion of the Central Police Station on
Canal Street, in April, 1861, when they were removed to that
building. In the last days of the old system the night watch
received $1.50 per night, and the day police received $2.00 per
day. The cost of maintaining this system in the last year of its
existence, 1863–4, was $49,097. 12; the population of the city at
that time being about fifty-four thousand nine hundred.
In June, 1864, Thomas A. Doyle was first elected mayor, and
then commenced that remarkable term of service which, with
slight interruptions, lasted till his death in office, June 9, 1886.
To him, more than to any other single person, is Providence
indebted for its present efficient system of police supervision.
From the very commencement of his official life he devoted much
of his attention to the improvement of that branch of the municipal
organization, and by September 30, a system was planned which
on that date took the place of the former one. Under the new
system the night and day men were granted equal authority, and
their compensation was fixed at $2.00 per day. The new organi-
zation consisted of ninety-nine men, with Thomas W. Hart, city
marshal; Thomas J. A. Gross, captain ; William B. Cranston,
superintendent of hacks; Albert A. Slocum, clerk; Warren G.
Slack and Ira B. Willson, warrant officers; and John M. Clark,
superintendent of lights.
Sergt. Benjamin A. Newhall was placed in command of the
first station, from which thirty-eight men issued to patrol; twenty
on night service and eighteen on day patrol. The second station,
at the corner of Mill and Bark streets, was commanded by Sergt.
THE CITY HALL, EXCHANGE PLACE.
Frederick W. Perry, with twelve patrolmen; the third station,
on Wickenden Street, with Sergt. Edwin Tripp and twelve pa-
trolmen; the fourth station, with head-quarters at Knight Street
fire station, with Sergt. Simeon Sherman and twelve patrolmen;
and the fifth station was on Richmond Street, with Sergt. James
W. Sanders and twelve patrolmen.
The head-quarters of the department were located in the Cen-
tral Station, Canal Street. The relative efficiency of the new sys-
tem is shown by the returns of their first year: they made 2,531
arrests, provided lodgings for I, 147 persons, returned 115 lost chil-
dren to their parents. The whole amount of property reported
as lost or stolen in that year was $18,946.65, of which the police
recovered $12,643.75. The cost of maintaining this force for the
year was $86,872.83. -
In 1865 seven patrolmen were added to the force, and a detec-
tive police department was added to it, of which George A. Bil-
lings and James G. Swan were made members.
In 1866 the office of chief of police was created, and Nelson
Viall chosen to that position. Up to this time no uniform or mark
of authority other than the badges heretofore referred to had been
used. In 1864 provision for a uniform had been made but they
were not procured till 1866. This uniform was made of blue
cloth and about the same style as used at present with lettered
brass buttons, black belts, locust clubs, and at first, caps made of
the same material as the clothing. These latter have since been
superseded by helmets. The old system of traveling in pairs was
also abolished, and now each day or night patrol paces out his beat
unaccompanied. In 1868 seven more patrolmen were added to the
force. In 1870 the force was increased to 122 men. On Aug.
16, 1871, the third, fourth, and fifth stations were opened for day
service, and the force increased to 142 men, while the introduc-
tion of telegraphy in aid of the service, rendered it much more
efficient. In 1874 the force was increased to 186 men, owing to
the annexation of over six square miles of territory taken from the
town of North Providence, now known as the tenth ward. In
this district a sub-station of the fourth district was established, with
roundsman Patrick Egan in charge, and seven patrolmen centred
there.

I 16
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
On Jan. 4, 1875, further improvements in the organization of
the force were made by ordinance, authorizing the appointment
of a deputy chief of police, seven captains, and seven sergeants.
In this year the force was increased to 190 men, but even with
this increase and though the efficiency of the service was added
to by making an electric connection between all stations except that
at Olneyville, a large amount of extra duty, averaging thirty-six
days of extra service to each man, was required this year.
In 1876 the present station house in the third district was
erected on Wickenden Street. In 1877 the present brick station in
the second district was completed and occupied. In 1878 upon
the completion of the City Hall, the head-quarters of the police
department were removed thereto, at the corner of Washington
and Dorrance streets. -
In 1879 the number of men were reduced to 175, and a
mounted patrol of ten men in the surburban districts was organ-
ized. This mounted patrol has proved very effective.
In July of this year the office of roundsman was abolished and
that of lieutenant created. The sergeants were promoted to
lieutenants, and the roundsmen made sergeants. Telephones
were substituted for telegraph instruments, and the men employed
to operate the latter were added to the patrol service. These
changes added ten men to the latter service. Two boys were
appointed as messengers, one in the mayor's and the other in the
chief's office. The Olneyville or sixth station in this year was
opened for day as well as night service; this was the last station
not so open. In the same year an ambulance of the most approved
pattern was purchased for police use, and has been in almost daily
use since. .
In 1882 the number of the force was increased to 185 men.
In 1885 fifteen men were added to the police force, which now
consists of 200 men, under the command of one chief, one deputy
chief, six captains, six lieutenants, and eight sergeants. This
number includes ten mounted police.
City MARSHAL.-In June, 1833, the second year of the city
government, the office of city marshal was organized by the
city council as the commander of the police force of the city in
place of the first captain of the watch, which office was thus
abolished. The city marshal was the chief officer and head of
the police force with the duties of his office and his position as
commander of the force more definitely defined and established
than ever before. This office existed until 1866, twenty-six
years, during which it was held by the following-named well-
known heads of the police department of those earlier days of the
force : ©
Henry G. Mumford, from June, 1833, to June, 1845.
Jabez J. Potter, from June, 1845, to June, 1848.
JDaniel K. Chaffee, from June, 1848, to June, 1854.
William H. Hudson, from June, 1854, to June, 1859.
Thomas W. Hart, from June, 1859, to June, 1866.
CHIEF of PolicE. — The next prominent change made in
the organization of the police department was in June, 1866,
when the city council abolished the office of city marshal and
substituted for him as the head of the police force a new officer
with the title of “chief of police,” to whom the office of his
predecessor, with some additional powers and duties, was trans-
ferred by the ordinance creating him chief and since then there
has been no further change, the office having been successively
filled by the eight following-named gentlemen at the times and
terms stated below:
Nelson Viall, from June, 1866, to June, 1867.
Albert Sanford, from June, 1867, to June, 1869.
William Knowles, from June, 1869, to June, 1870.
Thomas J. A. Gross, from June, 1870, to August, 1871.
John M. Knowles, from Aug. 14, 1871, to Sept. 13, 1877.
William H. Ayer, from Sept. 30, 1878, to May 4, 1879. Died in office.
Charles H. Hunt, from May 22, 1879, to Nov. 1, 1880. Resigned.
Benjamin H. Child, from January, 1881, who is now in office.
Died in office.
. Granville S. Baker,
The following is the present organization of the police depart-
ment and complete list of its officers and members: -
Chief of police, Benjamin H. Child; deputy chief of police, John T.
Brown; clerk of police, Seth L. Horton; detectives, James O. Swan,
Patrick Parker; warrant officers, Edwin R. Jones, Isaiah Long; super-
intendent of hacks, George H. Norcross; property clerk, Stephen F.
Blanding; messenger, Carleton E. Hunt.
First Station.— Station house at the corner of Canal and Haymarket
streets. Joseph Marston, captain; George H. Dary, lieutenant; Frederick
A. Rankin, Constant S. Horton, John A. Murray, sergeants; patrolmen :
Robert Arnold,
John E. Bowen,
Chester H. Blood,
Peter B. Cannon,
LeRoy T. Bennett,
Charles B. Baird,
Joseph Bradbury,
Richard A. Clark,
Joseph B. Curtis, Eugene Dailey,
John H. Colton, Charles E. Fort,
Frank E. H. Campbell, Thomas Gibbons,
Frederick A. Daniels, Duty J. Greene,
William Gardiner, Wm. H. Gale,
William H. Lawrence, Allen F. Grant,
Edmund J. Munroe. William F. Hayden,
Joshua A. Nickerson, Thomas W. Jacobs,
John V. Simonds, Alfred S. Keach,
Jefferson G. Longfellow,
Herbert M. Willard,
Andrew P. Martin,
Frank L. Martin,
Frank H. Morton,
Albert E. Nickerson,
John W. Poinier,
Edmund E. Robinson,
Frederick E. Reed,
Samuel W. Thomas,
John K. Tripp,
Thomas D. Tyler,
Nahum Willard.
Second Station.— Station house on Chalkstone Avenue. Benjamin F.
Payne, captain; Reuben R. Baker, lieutenant; J. Henry Wilbur, sergeant;
patrolmen :
Frank W. Ayer,
Joseph R. Boss,
George W. Boss,
Frank M. Miller,
John F. Mathewson,
Peter H. McCready,
A. Frank Mowry,
Francis J. French,
Alfred H. Gates,
Marcelle Hannon,
John B. Hartnett,
Harvey A. Jenne, George F. Nye,
Ira C. Johnson, Nathan M. Russell,
Christopher J. Leavitt, Theodore Rutherford,
Edward J. Smith,
Frank R. Bartley,
George B. Lapham,
William A. Kent,
Eugene W. Armstrong, Michael Madden,
A. Sidney Tucker.
Third Station.— Station house on Wickenden Street. Patrick Egan,
captain; Eugene Stevens, lieutenant; Benjamin T. White, sergeant;
patrolmen :
George A. H. Collins,
George N. Cobb,
John J. Carey,
Lorenzo D. Prosser,
John B. McGuiness,
George A. Reaves,
Joseph A. Arnold,
James Ash,
Daniel E. Hurley,
Walter E. Jordan,
Wm. C. McCallion,
Benjamin A. Newhall,
John J. Sullivan,
Charles E. Smith,
Robert Walsh,
Job S. Yeaw.
Thomas H. Bennett,
Herbert C. Blood,
Ezra A. Burlingame,
Skinner A. Collier,
Edwin S. Conkling,
George E. Cooke,
Matthew Fitzpatrick,
George H. Grover,
Fourth Station.— Station house on Knight Street. William H. Cory,
captain; Edward O'Neill, lieutenant; James P. Scott, sergeant; patrolmen :
Francis H. Dunlavey, George F. Lewis,
William H. Fergurson, William A. Munroe,
Frank Field, Henry F. Morse,
James A. Flynn, Joseph F. McGinnis,
John B. Gormley, William A. O’Brien,
Anson M. Grover, Hart B. Pierce,
Charles B. Gorey, Henry H. Place,
Robert T. Hathaway, Joseph W. Pratt,
Peter H. Healey, Michael Reynolds,
Elwin E. Hewitt, William P. Whipple,
Theodore R. Holloway, William M. Wyman.
Andrew J. Kennedy,
Varnum Fuller,
Hiram Hart,
Alexander Charnley,
Abel G. Whidden,
James L. Sherman,
Hiram Allen, 3d,
Timothy T. Arnold,
Warren B. Arnold,
Otis W. Baker,
George A. Clark,
Daniel T. Colwell,
Peter F. Duffy,
Fifth Station.— Station house on corner of Plane and Borden, formerly
on Richmond Street. Jeremiah Costine, captain; William H. Leavitt,
lieutenant; Thomas D. Topliff, sergeant; patrolmen :
Josiah Bennett, William E. Bowen,
Alfred H. Knowles, Hartley W. Brown,
John B. Livesey, Elden W. Doe,
Joseph A. Prout, Thomas Harvey,
John Tracy, Charles S. Young.
Abel C. T. Wheeler, Edward Hanniford,
Edward W. Baker, Benjamin F. Nicholas,
Owen E. Brahaney, James O'Sullivan,
William Bradbury, Chandler B. Robinson,
William S. Longfellow,
David F. O’Connor,
George E. Ordway,
Charles Mayno.
Murdock C. McKenzie,
Isaiah B. Sherman,
Isaac W. Taylor,
Sylvester Tracy.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. I 17
Sixth Station.— Station house on Capron Street. Patrick J.
Magill, lieutenant; George Crane, Jr., sergeant; patrolmen :
George W. Bowen, Isaac A. Austin, Frank A. Mathews,
James A. Cooke, William W. Chase, Hugh F. McCusker,
William J. Booth, Charles A. Daggett, William N. Sherman,
William H. Rowe, John N. Dyer, Patrick A. Sullivan,
Lewis L. Allen, James Feeley, Joseph A. Wyman,
Welcome U. Foye.
Retired officers.-Thomas J. Lucas, James W. Sanders.
PROVIDENCE PolicE Association.— The subject of
organizing a coöperative society for mutual benefit in
cases of sickness, disability, and death, was frequently
discussed among the members of the police department,
but not until March 9, 1870, was the matter brought into
definite form, and application made for a charter.
The nucleus of the permanent fund was obtained
through the generosity of Messrs. Barker, Whitaker & Company,
who, in consideration of the services of the police at a fire where
their goods were exposed, made a donation for the general benefit
of the department. About the same time the late George M.
Richmond, Esq., for protecting and recovering his property dur-
ing a severe freshet in 1867, forwarded to Gen. Nelson Viall,
then chief of police, a check to be used for the same purpose.
Other small sums were added from time to time, until the or-
ganization of this association, when the total sum amounted to
$358.07.
The General Assembly at the January session of 1870, granted
the charter of the association upon the petition of the following-
named gentlemen : Benjamin A. Newell, Joseph Marston, Ben-
jamin H. Child, Seth L. Horton, John T. Brown, William H.
Cory, and Joseph W. Pratt, as its charter members under which
it was incorporated, March 9, by the name of the “Providence
Police Association.” Its object is to assist all active members of
the police force who may join it, whenever injured or disabled in
the line of their duty, or who from sickness, death, or other mis-
fortune may need aid and assistance, as provided by the by-laws
of the association. Its charter allows it a capital of $50,000, and
requires it to hold an annual meeting for choice of officers and
transaction of business. Any member of the police force retiring
honorably after five years' continuous service, may continue a
member of the association by conforming to its by-laws, but no
one serving on the force less than five years can remain a member
or have any claim to the property of the association, though it
may continue to aid him in its discretion. Section fourth of the
charter provides that it shall not, in any manner, relieve any mem-
ber of the police force from any duty or liability under the charter
and ordinances of the city; and in case of the death of the wife of
any active member of the police force, each member of this associ-
ation is paid $200 from its funds and by its rules.
The first meeting of the board of directors was held at the
THE OLD TOWN HOUSE.
Originally the First Congregational Church. Formerly located at the corner of Benefit and
College Streets. For many years the Town Hall and Police Station.
º:Immi
º TE:
THE STATE PRISON, AT CRANSTON.
Central Police Station, June 12, 1871, when the following-named
officers were elected at the organization of the association:
William H. Cory, president; Richmond J. Stone, vice-presi-
dent; William H. Ayer, secretary; John M. Knowles, treasurer.
No member can receive any benefit until after seven days'
sickness, or during any illness resulting from any improper or
immoral conduct; active members of the police force are paid
$1.00 per day when receiving full pay from the city, and $2.00
per day when the city pay ceases; all applications for aid must
be made to the secretary in writing, within two weeks from the
beginning of the disability.
The captain's morning report of sick or disabled members is a
sufficient notification to claim benefits; all absentees from the city
must give indisputable evidence of their sickness to the directors
to entitle them to receive any benefits.
Within five days after the death of any member of the association,
who is then in good standing, there shall be appropriated from
the funds the sum of $700 to be paid “to the widow, child or
children, or parent or parents, brother or brothers, sister or sisters,
of such member" under provisions to secure each heir their legal
claim of the funeral benefit, as it is called, and all claims must be
made in writing to the secretary within ninety days from the death ;
when there are no claimants for such benefits, the association in-
ters the deceased member in its lot in the North Burying Ground,
erects a tombstone over him, and the balance of his fund reverts
to the associational treasury.
During the sixteen years from its organization to the present
time, but twenty-four members of the police force and the associa-
tion have died.
The late Peleg W. Gardiner, a successful merchant, well known
in this city, with a characteristic peculiarity, gave his personal
attention to bestowing gifts from his ample means on those he
selected as deserving and worthy objects of charity, among whom
he especially favored the wives and families of deceased police
officers. Desiring to perpetuate this beneficence after his decease,
on Jan. 11, 1877, he transferred to this association sixteen shares
of the capital stock of the National Bank of North America, of
the par value of $800, to be held in trust, and the income to be
used for its charitable purposes forever. The income from this
fund up to January, 1886, has been $267.22.
The treasurer reports that the amount of receipts and expendi-
tures for 1885 were as follows:
Total receipts for the year, $4,930.25; total expenditures,
$4.041.53, for the following purposes: sick benefits to thirty-five
members, $1,017.57; on death of three members' wives, $600 :
on death of three members, $2,100; miscellaneous expenses,
$323.96. Amount invested and in the treasury, Jan. 1, 1886,
$17,855.26. -
The entire disbursements of the association, from its organi-
zation to Jan. 1, 1886, have amounted to the sum of $26,345.87.


16
CHAPTER |||.
THE CITY GOVERNMENT.— CONTINUED.
THE PROVIDENCE FIRE DEPARTMENT – THE FIRST FIREMEN — EARLY RULES AND REGULATIONS — FIRST FIRE-ENGINES - FIRST
SUCTION ENGINES — HYDRAULION NO. I — FORMATION OF FIRST VOLUNTEER COMPANIES – THE HYDRAULION NO. I SECOND
ENGINE – FIRST FORCE PUMPS — FIRST HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY — CHIEF ENGINEERS – ROSTER OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
FOR 1885–6 – NoTABLE FIRES IN PROVIDENCE – vet ERAN FIREMEN’s Association — LIST OF MEMBERS.
“THE Volunteer Fireman was a man who
day and night and without pay was on the
alert for an opportunity to imperil his life in
saving the lives and property of his fellow-
citizens.” – G. W. S.HELDoN.
EveRY citizen of Providence
may feel a just pride in the history
of the Providence fire depart-
ment, especially all those whose
ancestors were members of it,
for it has among its honored
names, governors, mayors, al-
dermen, councilmen, and others
who have occupied prominent
positions in the city and state.
Judge Staples in his Anza/s
of Providence gives 1754 as
the first year when measures
were taken by the government of
the colony or town, to protect its
property from fire. This year
the inhabitants of the compact
part of Providence petitioned for
power to purchase a “large water engine.” Obadiah Brown
and James Angell were appointed a committee to “rate the
housing and all other things in the compact part of the town of
Providence which are liable to be destroyed by fire * a sum suffi-
cient to purchase the engine petitioned for. A law was also
passed by the colony requiring each house-keeper to be provided
with two good leather buckets, containing at least two gallons
each, with his name distinctly painted upon them. They always
hung in the “front entry” and were only used in case of fire, and
if no male person was then in the house to take them, they were
placed upon the front door-steps to be used by the first passer-by.
These buckets were annually inspected by the town sergeant
or one of the town constables who visited each house, and reported
to the town council the names of all delinquents, who were fined
for allowing the buckets to be in a useless condition.
Fire buckets were undoubtedly the first apparatus for extin-
guishing fires used in this city, and elsewhere in the country,
being then the best and most readily available. Large syringes
or squirts were the first improvements devised for the projection
of water upon fires higher than it could be thrown from buckets.
The destruction of the Court House by fire, in 1758, recalled
the attention of the town to the subject, and in February follow-
ing an act of the Assembly was passed giving the town power
to appoint presidents of firewards, and firewards.
The rate for their engine was paid in April, 1759, though the
engine was purchased some time before. In December, 1760, the
town authorized the purchase of another engine in Boston, and
A PROVIDENCE FIRE MAN.
engine men were first appointed by the town in June, 1763, and
this was the commencement of the fire department in Providence.
The duties of the president of firewards were to superintend
the use of gunpowder for blowing up buildings in case of fire,
or of pulling them down, to arrest the spread of conflagrations.
The fire wardens carried huge speaking trumpets, through which
they shouted their orders in a tone heard above the roaring of the
flames, the din of engine strokes, and the uproar of the surround-
ing multitude. Their duty to preserve order was rendered more
difficult by the common custom of drinking strong liquors from
pails passed around and provided with handy dippers. There
were no temperance societies in those days to moderate or control
these excesses of the men, and the fire wardens had the double task
of controlling fires in the buildings and also in the men.
The citizens also formed an association for mutual assistance
in removing furniture and valuables from destruction. Each
member carried a sack for the removal of valuable articles from
burning buildings, and they kept alive their organization and zeal
by quarterly suppers and good cheer.
In 1792 four engines had been imported from London for the
use of the fire department. No. 1 was stationed on North Main
Street, opposite the First Baptist Church ; No. 2 at the south end
of Benefit Street; No. 3 at the north end, and No. 4 on Wey-
bosset Street where Dorrance Street is now located. They were
rude, oblong, plank boxes mounted on small wheels or rollers,
made of solid plank, turning on axles at each corner of the box,
and steered by a tail-like lever behind when drawn by ropes
hooked to the forward corners. Each had two brass cylinders
for pistons worked by side bars, and a vertical air vessel sur-
mounted by a platform on which the pipe director stood while
holding the pipe. Sewed leather hose was used which burst so
easily and was so poor that the firemen avoided using it as much
as possible. They were also provided with suction hose of
leather for self-supply, but so porous was the leather that water
could not be lifted more than five or six feet in it, and conse-
quently the suction pipes were never used.
For these reasons the engines were stationed near the fire and
the water was supplied to them by buckets passed by men ar-
ranged in a double line, one for handing the full buckets and the
other for returning them to be refilled. This arrangement was
called “forming a lane,” and it was the primary duty of the fire
wardens to keep up the water supply.
“The following are the RULEs and REGULATIONs for the Gov-
ernment of the Inhabitants of the Town of PROvid ENCE,
in Cases of FIRE, as reported by a Committee, and adopted
by the Town, at their Meeting holden by Adjournment on
the Fourteenth Day of February, A. D. 1801.
“FIRst. That upon the cry of Fire, every person give information (if
within his knowledge) where the Fire is ; and that the several Sextons re-
pair immediately to their respective meeting-houses, and ring the bells until
the fire be extinguished.

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
I IQ
“SEcoRD. The Engine-Men, the two attending Fire-Wards, and the
Watermen, should repair immediately to their respective engines, and con-
duct them with dispatch to the fire. The Wardens are to see that the pipe,
suction, hose, buckets, copper pump, and all other apparatus thereto be-
longing, be forwarded with the engine.
“THIRD. That all other able-bodied male inhabitants repair immediately
with the buckets belonging to their respective families, to the fire; taking
care, if in the night, to put on their clothes before they go out; and ever
house should have lights put in the windows, and carefully attended until
the fire is extinguished, and the people returning.
“FourTH. That the thirty house and ship-carpenters, annually ap-
pointed for taking down buildings, &c. have the care of the fire-hooks,
ropes, ladders, axes, saws, crow-bars, and shovels, and immediately con-
vey them to the fire, and there exert themselves to extinguish the same,
under the direction of the Presidents and Fire-Wards; and they are to
meet the day after their appointment, and elect one to be their Chief, and
such other officers as they may think proper; and to consult and agree
on the best method to speedily convey the apparatus under their care to
fires, and of using the same when there in the most effectual manner: —
Their badge of office shall be the leather cases of the axes, painted white.
“FIFTH. The Presidents should each have, and take with them, a
trumpet painted white, and the Fire-Wards, each, one painted red, as their
badge of office, and that they may be the better heard and understood.
And let all who have a right to command at fires, take great care to appear
calm and firm, and give their orders and directions with clearness and
authority, and be careful not to contradict each other.
“Sixth. When the people are assembled at fires, let them be silent,
that they may hear the directions of those whose right it is to give orders;
and let them be executed with the utmost alacrity, without noise or contra-
diction.
“SEVENTH. Let none vainly imagine that the great authority given to
the Presidents, Fire-Wards, and others at fires, is, that they may domineer
over their neighbors; this is not the case, but authority and order are abso-
lutely necessary, and the safety of the whole thereon depends; and there-
fore ought to be cheerfully submitted to, and willingly obeyed, on these
extraordinary occasions.
“EIGHTH. The twelve suitable persons appointed for the removal of
goods, shall each have authority to give orders, and command assistance
for the removal, preservation and safe keeping of goods; and though the
owners of goods may pack them up in order for removal, yet none of them
should be ordered out, except of houses actually on fire, unless by the di-
rection of the owner, or of some one of the said persons, who should be
careful to give seasonable orders, that they may be carried a proper dis-
tance to windward of the fire, that no goods be lost which can be removed.
The badge of this class of officers shall be a white wand or staff, of six feet,
which they are to take with them.
“NINTH. In point of authority and subordination, the Presidents of the
Fire-Wards have the supreme executive over all the fire officers, and are
to call upon whomsoever they judge proper, for aids, messengers or assis-
tants, in time of fires. The Fire-Wards are to attend to the general sub-
ject of extinguishing and preventing the spreading of fire, direct the stands
and operations of the engines, forming of lanes for conveying of water,
further the exertions of every department, and encourage the citizens at
large in active and persevering attention to the preservation of the lives
and property of their fellow-citizens in immediate danger, and the general
safety and interest of the town. They are to meet at the Council-Chamber
the day after their appointment, annually, and afterwards as often as they
may judge proper, to select two of their number to pay particular atten-
tion to each engine, and see that they are supplied with water, and the En-
gine-Men duly assisted with frequent, sufficient, and fresh aid to work the
engines, and to confer on the general subject of preserving the town from
fires, and the best method of extinguishing them, in concert with the Presi-
dents, who are requested to meet with them, and appoint such other times
for general conference and consultation on this interesting subject as they
may judge proper.
“TENTH. The Engine-Men are to keep near the engines; to be always
in readiness, under the direction of their respective captains, whom they
shall appoint, to remove the engines from place to place; to work them
with or without suction, with or without hose; to convey water from the
river, fountains or wells, to other engines; to give place to or exchange
stands with other engines, as the Fire-Wards may direct; and at all times
F. : º
Ball |- W.
- | *
| |3||
-
-
T
º
-
-
*
* º, -
bee’s
UNION NO. 3.
One of the earliest Engines used in Providence,
to keep the engines and appa-
ratus in good order, fit for use, at
the town's expense; and the cap-
tains are to name, at every fire,
one or more of their respective
companies to have particular
care of the hose, suction and ap-
paratus immediately connected
with the engines; to see that
they are kept in safety from the
fire, and ready for instant use.
“ELEVENTH. That the Town-
Sergeant, for the time being,
cause all the buckets left, after
every fire shall be extinguished,
to be forthwith carried at the
town's expense to the Market-
House, before night, if there be
time, if not, the next day.
“Twelfth. The Presidents
of the Fire-Wards, as often as
they judge proper, at least once
a year, are to give public notice
to all the fire officers under ap-
pointment by the town, and all
other inhabitants that are free to
attend with their buckets, to
punctually collect the several
engines, at the time and place
they shall assign, in order to go
through all the necessary man-
oeuvres usually required with
the apparatus used in extinguish-
ing fires, for their own improve-
ment by experience, and for the instruction of the rising generation.
“THIRTEENTH. When people begin to assemble at a fire, before the en-
gines or any appointed authority arrive, they should not wait for orders, but
immediately proceed to carry water from the nearest and most convenient
place they know of, to the fire; and as soon as more are assembled than
can get convenient access to the fire, they should begin to form a lane from
the fire to the most convenient place for water, and from thence towards
the fire. The youth who are not able to endure the fatigue of handing full
buckets, should all form on that side of the lane that brings their right
hand towards the water, and their left towards the fire, this being the side
for returning the empty buckets, and where they may perform the service of
men. When more water can be procured from the place where the first
lane is formed than one row of buckets will convey, let a double lane be
formed, by adding a third row of men on the outside of the youth's row or
that which returns the empty buckets, and let every other person in the
youth's row face about towards the new-formed row, that they may with
more convenience pass the empty buckets to the water as fast as the two
rows of full buckets require, until more people arrive to form another row.
And as water is passed much easier, in buckets as well as hose, down hill
than up, care should be taken to bring it from higher ground, when it can
be got at nearly equal distances.
A true Copy: Witness,
NATHAN W. JACKSON, Town Clerk.
Providence, February 20, 1801.
zero-azz.co.zºº”
THE PRIMITIVE FIRE APPARATUS OF
PROVIDENCE,
Before street lamps were introduced in Providence, in 1819,
the trouble of the inefficient light of the tin lanterns was some-
what lessened by a law requiring all citizens to place lighted
candles in their windows in times of fire at night, and later was
greatly improved by the use of torches by the fire companies as
more effective substitutes for the dim glimmer of the tin lanterns.
Boys commenced service in the fire department by handing the
empty buckets, and in early times active women sometimes as-
sisted in this duty in cases of great danger. So much of the water
was slopped over and wasted in passing the buckets along the
lines that the supply was not sufficient to keep the engines going
steadily, and the small amount of water thrown on the fire was so
ineffectual that the burning building was generally left to its fate,
and all efforts devoted to wetting down and saving endangered
surrounding structures, which the firemen deemed the best use of
these crude engines.
Volunteers were then induced to serve in fire companies by
exemption from both militia and jury duty, but so many alleged
firemen evaded their duty with trivial excuses to escape the fines
and penalties inflicted for violation of the rules and non-attend-
ance at roll calls and regular meetings, to avoid which vexatious
shirks some of the companies established as a by-law, that “no
excuse for non-attendance shall be received except a certificate
from a physician or undertaker . "
Mr. Zachariah Allen, who was first elected a member of the




I 20
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
town council in 1822, being greatly impressed with the crudeness
and inefficiency of the fire departmentimmediately began a strenuous
and successful effort to improve it, and a town-meeting was soon
held which appointed Zachariah Allen and Elisha Dyer, Sr., a
special committee to procure a more efficient fire-engine and appa-
ratus. Messrs. Sellers and Pennock, of Philadelphia, the engine
builders, who invented and patented the first copper riveted hose
in 1818, after requisite correspondence, furnished the town with
its first really efficient fire-engine, which was a very greatly im-
proved substitute for the bucket line system, pumping through
a long line of hose, and projecting water much farther than was
possible before.
This new engine was so powerful that it required thirty-six
firemen to fully man and operate it, and with it were secured 1,000
feet of the new copper-riveted hose, a copper suction pipe with
folding joints, with other requisite fixtures and appurtenances,
making it the most complete and powerful automatic, self-sup-
plying fire-engine then invented, and capable of lifting water from
the river and discharging it on a building on fire a thousand feet
distant, thus enabling thirty-six men to do more effective work
than six hundred men, women, and boys under the old system.
All the doubts and fears then prevailing among the firemen rela-
tive to the power and ability of the new engine were very effect-
ually settled and dispelled by its first practical trial, when it was
stationed on the wharf at the foot of Steeple Street on North
Water Street, now Canal, with hose laid up Steeple, Thomas,
and Angell streets to the house of the late William Almy, and
drawing water from the Cove eight feet through the suction pipe,
it forced it through the long line of hose up hill the entire dis-
tance, with such force as to easily throw a good-sized stream over
the chimney of Mr. Almy's house. The original cost of the new
engine was $725, but its subsequent elaborate ornamentation, at
the expense of the company, increased it to $3,000. The com-
pany voted to name it the “Hydraulion,” under which title both
machine and company were very illustrious in their way and day.
The handsome gilded eagle that was one of its most prominent
ornaments, is now a valued relic in the hall of the Veteran Fire-
men's Association. -
The first fire where it was practically used, was in a large
stable on Westminster Street, near the present site of the Butler Ex-
change, (which burned so fiercely that Mr. James, a venerable citi-
zen, dropped dead at the sight,) when several citizens aided in lay-
ing the hose and placing the suction pipe in the Cove and the
Hydraulion speedily put a stream on the now raging fire, and so
quickly extinguished the fire without the use of buckets as before,
HYDRAULION NO. I. -
The first successful Suction Engine used in the United States.
under the direction of Zachariah Allen and Elisha Dyer, Sr., in 1822.
Built for the town of Providence,
as to win universal approval of the new machine and method,
completely establishing the new, and abolishing the old system of
extinguishing fires.
The introduction of this improved system made an era in the
history of the Providence, fire department, and of all the United
States also, for it was the first successful and complete suction fire-
engine yet made, far excelling and superseding all preceding fire-
engines and systems; in fact, the only real improvement since
made to it are in matters of detail and the substitution of steam
for manual power, with the greater gain of saving men as well as
money.
The citizens were all delighted by the success of their new fire
apparatus. Major Quincy, of Boston, hearing of its famous suc-
cess, came to Providence to inspect the operation of it, and he at
once induced the city authorities to adopt the new system for the
future service of the Boston fire department.
A large company of the most influential and wealthy citizens
was promptly formed to work the new engine. Gen. Edward Car-
rington was elected foreman, and George Curtis, clerk, and the
roll of its members contained the names of Moses B. and Robert
H. Ives, Zachariah Allen, Thomas C. Hoppin, Elisha Dyer, Jr.,
Thomas Aldrich, Alexander F. Adie, Amos D. Smith, Amos M.
Warner, Thomas Harkness, Anthony B. Arnold, and others, of
whom Elisha Dyer, Thomas Harkness, and Amos M. Warner, are
prominent survivors.
The engine was located in a one-story wooden building, a
tower in the rear, erected on spiles over the water for elevating
and drying the hose, at the north end of Hydraulion Street, now
Exchange, between Robert Murray's turner shop and Joseph Fen-
ner's stone yard. This building having no accommodations for
the company's meetings or comfort, a two-story brick building
was erected on the east side of Exchange Street, between the
store formerly occupied by Cornett & Nightingale and the Hamil-
ton building, where all company meetings were held in a large
hall in the upper story, which was very attractively furnished and
decorated by the company. Hydraulion Company No. 1 created
and sustained a very earnest esprit de corps.
This engine was disposed of in 1849, after twenty-seven years'
active service, and replaced by a machine of similar design, built
by John Agnew, of Philadelphia, which remained in service un-
til 1855, when it was sold to the Messrs. Sprague at the Cranston
Print Works, and a smaller engine purchased for the company's
use, built by L. Button & Company, of Waterford, N. Y., and
known in the fireman's parlance of that day as a “Button Tub.”
An event occurred of great interest to the firemen, as shown in
the records of a meeting of No. 4 Engine Company, held Dec.
28, 1829, to hear a memorial read on a threatened prosecution
of all firemen not complying with the so-called “Fire Bucket
Laws,” a subject which then greatly excited the entire depart-
ment. This memorial, addressed “To the Firemen of the
Town of Providence,” and complaining of injustice to the firemen,
was prepared by W. Coleman, John R. Shearman, and Reily
Brown, committee; after a very warm discussion and the free
use of strong language and spicy epithets, a large majority voted
to publish the memorial. The five voting in the minority being
refused the privilege of signing the memorial as opposers of it,
demanded a vote of expulsion from the company, which was
granted with gratifying qualifications, as the following record
shows: “A motion was then made that W. Earle, C. Ellery, Ira
B. Winsor, G. A. Humphrey, and C. B. Arnold be voted from
this company sºme die, which was carried. We would add this:
As citizens we respect them.”
The first hook and ladder company was established in 1820.
The “Firemen's Relief Association,” which was incorporated
in 1829, upon the petition of Amasa Manton, Benjamin Dyer,

THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. I 2 I
and Zachariah Allen, for the benefit of disabled firemen, with an
authorized capital of $20,000, worthily and successfully accom-
plishes its benevolent purposes.
The first force pumps ever used in this city, made to replace
the bucket system, was designed and built by Albert H. Man-
chester and John T. Jackson, brass founders and machinists,
located on Broad Street, and proved the most efficient water works
yet devised for the city, and were operated by manual power
applied to brakes, the first pump being located on Broad, near
Mathewson Street. There were sixteen of these force pumps,
seven on the east side and nine on the west side, placed in the
most effective and convenient locations. Benjamin Dyer, Jr., a
prominent man in his time, who caused the first of these pumps
to be built on Broad Street, also organized a volunteer company
of firemen to operate it, the first meeting being held at his house,
and Jacob Manchester was elected first captain. A thousand
feet of hose, with carriage, and a hose house with drying tower
were secured, the house being located on Middle, now Chapel
Street; the company was named the “ Invincible, No. 2,” and at
one time numbered ninety men; Albert H. Manchester was
second captain, who afterwards served in the volunteer depart-
ment for seventeen years with but one absence from roll-call.
No. 1 company, “Canopus,” was located on Benefit, near College
Street. This system of water supply for fire purposes was used
until superseded and extinguished by suction engines.
Reports of presidents of fire wards for 1834–5 show that the
department then comprised 546 men and 8 hand engines, 2
hydraulions, 8 hose carriages, 15 stationary forcing pumps, 2
hook and ladder trucks, 14 ladders, 22 axes, 5, 194 feet of leading
hose, 38 ice creepers, 118 fire buckets, etc. Companies located as
follows: Company No. 1, John Branch, captain, 27 men, foot
of Bennett's Hill, Olneyville; Company No. 2, Luther Angell,
captain, 26 men, junction of North Main and Stampers streets,
Constitution Hill; Union, No. 3, Henry L. Kendall, captain, 41
men, Weybosset, near Dorrance Street; Gazelle, No. 4, Henry
D. Beckford, captain, 22 men, Transit, near Benefit Street;
Phoenix, No. 5, William L. Thornton, captain, 34 men, Summer
Street; Water Witch, No. 6, Joseph W. Taylor, captain, 46 men,
corner of College and Benefit streets; Engine Company No. 7,
Pardon S. Pearce, captain, 24 men, Field's Street, now Richmond,
south of Ship. Hydraulion Company No. 1, Amos D. Smith,
captain, Iog men, Hydraulion Street, now Exchange Street;
Hydraulion Company No. 2, Allen Baker, captain, 50 men, Canal
Street, near Haymarket; Forcing pump, Invincible Hose, No. 2,
Albert H. Manchester, captain, So men, Middle, now Chapel
Street; Forcing pump, Canopus, No. 1, Roger W. Potter, captain,
54 men, Town House lot, College and Benefit streets; Hook and
Ladder Company, No. 1, Stanton Thurber, captain, 88 men, corner
of Benefit and College streets: Hook and Ladder Company, No. 2,
Shelden Young, captain, 21 men on Union Street. Reservoirs:
one at Stow's Pond, one at the Ravine on Federal Street. Foun-
tains: Rawson's, near Dean’s tan yard; Field's, between Friend-
ship and Clifford streets. These fountains were used by the
hydraulions in case of fire. The report says that “water had
been conveyed by a forcing pump and hydraulion 2,500 feet and
supplied an engine in thirty minutes from the first alarm.” Also,
that a new suction engine is contracted for, to be located at Eddy’s
Point. Value of the buildings and apparatus was then estimated
at thirty thousand dollars.
By 1842 the department had largely increased, and then con-
sisted of three presidents of fire wards, eighteen fire wards, and
600 firemen belonging to the several companies. The entire ex-
pense for that year was $4,748.84. In September, 1847, a house
was built in the rear of Codding Street, west of Hoyle Tavern,
and a new company established there, with old engine No. 7,
HYDRAULION N.O. .
Second Engine of the name built for this Company.
renewed, and called Hope No. Io, afterwards the Atlantic. In
the fall of 1848, Robert Manchester, Jr., Daniel E. Carpenter
and Thomas J. Hill, a committee of the city council, sold the old
wooden house of No. 7 company, and built them a new one of
brick, 28 x 40 feet, two stories, corner of Richmond and Tippe-
canoe streets, and in August of that year the city council appro-
priated $1,400 for a new engine for Hydraulion Company No. 1.
In 1849, William Jeffers, of Pawtucket, built a powerful new fire-
engine for No. 9 company, called the “Gaspee,” which became
very famous all over New England, winning prizes in almost
every contest it entered. This veteran machine was drawn by
the veterans in the firemen's division at the celebration of the
250th anniversary, June 24th last, and since then has been pur-
chased by the Veteran Association, who will preserve and cherish
it as a noted and valuable relic of their volunteer days and nights.
The volunteer fire department reached the zenith of its fame in
1852, when it possessed new and expensive engines of the most
effective design and costly make, elaborately and expensively
adorned with gold and silver decorations and paintings; handsome
halls, furnished richly as parlors, for social and other meetings;
brilliant and showy uniforms, and withal a lively spirit of rivalry
and emulation in each company to excel and lead all others in
these points. These luxuries, with the added expenses of splen-
did parades, receptions, and excursions of those days, sometimes
cost the lavish firemen more than they could well afford.
In July, 1853, the board of fire wards was abolished, the
office of chief engineer created, and Joseph W. Taylor was the
first man elected to fill that position. During the year strife
and contentions prevailed between the firemen and the heads of
the department, and at the Arnold block fire, Oct. 11, 1853,
occurred the fight between the members of Niagara No. 2 com-
pany, and Gaspee No. 9, which resulted in the death of Neil
Dougherty, of No. 9 company, which excited such universal
comment and general censure of the volunteer department that
it was soon after abolished and the new paid fire department
system permanently established. In November, 1853, the city
council appointed Councilmen William Goddard, Abram Payne,
and Walter Paine, Jr., with Alderman Joseph F. Gilmore, a
committee to report an ordinance establishing a paid fire depart-
ment, and January 25th this joint committee reported to the
council an ordinance for the purpose that was adopted.
This report, after reviewing the whole subject and giving the
best reported results of several paid fire departments as then pre-
vailing in Europe and in this country, and the new steam fire-

I 2.2 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
engines in use in Cincin-
º nati, in contrast with the
- T. results secured by the volun-
teer system in Providence,
strongly advocated abolish-
ing the volunteer system,
and establishing in its place
a paid fire department. The
report was accepted and the
council voted to make the
change it recommended.
A convention, or indig-
nation meeting of the fire-
men was soon after held, at
which the report adopted
was severely criticised, and
after a very exciting discus-
sion, on motion, the meeting
voted unanimously that on
the first day of March, 1854,
the foreman of the different
companies, excepting Moo-
shausic No. 2, a new com-
pany, should deliver to the
chief engineer, at Hydrau-
lion No. 1 house, Exchange
street, the keys of all the
engine-houses, and all other
department property in
their possession, and declare
through their officers that
they withdrew themselves from, and ended all connection with,
the fire department. This was the last act of the volunteer fire-
men and ended their existence. Though there were unavoidably
some reckless men among the many volunteer firemen, the ma-
jority were inspired by the highest motives to labor for the public
good, and deserved the high honors they won, the record they
made, and the memories cherished by every veteran and citizen
of those days.
The board of fire wards reorganized the department under the
new system and had put it into working order by April 1st, and
Sept. 1st, 1854, a new ordinance went into effect establishing
a board of engineers, consisting of a chief engineer and five
assistants and 450 firemen. The first annual review of the new
paid department was held on Exchange Place, Oct. 22, 1855,
when Mayor James Y. Smith complimented the firemen on the
fewer fires and the much smaller loss resulting from their effec-
tive work under the new system. October 31st, the first chief was
presented by the firemen with a silver trumpet in token of their
esteem. The board of engineers in April, 1859, contracted for
two steam fire-engines, first with Reaney, Neaffe & Company, of
Philadelphia, and second with Silsby, Mynderse & Company, of
Seneca Falls, N. Y., at a cost of $3,500, and these new steamers
were tested September 19th, and accepted by the city authorities.
The entire mechanical force of the department, June 1, 1860, com-
prised three steam fire-engines, seven hand-engines, hooks, ladders,
carriage force pump, hydrants, and other necessary apparatus and
implements. This year the council appropriated $1,000 to erect the
fire alarm telegraph invented by Councilman Charles E. Carpen-
ter, a veteran fireman, consisting of a single line of No. 8 galvan-
ized wire connecting all the engine-houses with the bell-ringing
stations, the entire line being about four miles long, cost less than
eight hundred dollars, and worked effectively for ten years, until
the Gamewell fire alarm system was introduced in December,
1870. During 1863, a new engine-house was built on Haymar-
m
Ef HLº
m
THE FIRE MEN'S STATUE.
North Burial Ground.
ket Street for a new steamer and hook and ladder truck, built by
Moulton & Remington, of this city. In March, 1866, the city
council appropriated $34,000 to purchase four new steam fire-
engines, four hose carriages, two hook and ladder trucks, and
7,000 feet of leading hose.
By June 1, 1867, four new engine-houses, two new hook and
ladder stations, with all the accommodations and requisites for
both firemen and horses, were completed and occupied in the
following-named locations: first ward, No. 5, North Main, head
of Randall Street; second ward, No. 6, Benevolent Street; fifth
ward, No. 7, Richmond Street; eighth ward, No. 8, Harrison
Street. With these improvements completed, the remaining five
hand-engine companies were disbanded, and a complete steam
fire department established comprising eight steam fire-engines,
three hook and ladder trucks, and a force of 117 officers and
men. Below is given a complete list of the hand-engines of both
the volunteer and paid departments, with the location, number,
name, and changes in the name, and motto of each.
1. Hydraulion, J. W. Taylor; Exchange Street. “Always Ready.”
2. Cascade, Niagara, Mooshausic; North Main Street, near junction of
Benefit, moved to Mill Street. “Believing in equality, we
acknowledge no superior.”
2. Hydraulion, Columbia, (12); Haymarket Street.
our drink, water.”
3. Union, S. C. Blodget, Union; Broad and Page streets. “Excelsior.”
4. Gazelle, John B. Chace; Benefit, Transit, and Wickenden streets.
“Our duty, our delight.”
5. Fire King; Summer Street. “’ Mid the raging flames the Fire King
reigns.”
6. Water Witch; Benefit, near College.
impelled by emulation.”
7. Star, Patrick Henry, Blue Pointer, Ocean; Chestnut Street and
Richmond Street. “We conquer to save.”
8. What Cheer; Benefit Street, near Transit. “We seek but thanks
for duty duly done.”
9. Express, Gaspee; Carpenter, near Dean and Pallas streets. “Where
duty calls there you will find us.”
Io. Hope, Atlantic; Codding and Knight streets.
saw, we conquered.”
11. Pioneer; South Main, near Power Street.
“Our food, fire;
“Actuated by benevolence;
“We came, we
“Onward.”
The first serious accident to the new department occurred Sept.
20, 1870, at a fire at the corner of Cooke and Benevolent streets,
when the boiler of steamer No. 6 exploded, and fatally injured
Assistant Engineer John H. McLean and a citizen named
George T. Benson.
The Providence water works were completed, and water was
first introduced into the city Nov. 30, 1871, thus securing an
abundant and unfailing supply of water for all fire purposes,
with improved hydrants at every available location, and with suf-
ficient pressure to reach all points with water to extinguish fires,
excepting in the most elevated sections of the city.
This new and full water supply superseded almost entirely the
steam fire-engines which were afterwards held in reserve for emer-
gencies, and only used since as occasion required. During 1882,
two chemical engines were added to the service, one located at the
Benevolent Street station, and the other at the Richmond Street
station, and during this year the office of deputy chief engi-
neer was created, and George A. Steere was the first elected to
fill the office.
The city council in March, 1885, adopted an ordinance abolish-
ing the board of engineers, and transferring all its powers and
duties to the chief engineer and the joint standing committee
of the council on the fire department. March 19, 1885, Assistant
Engineer Holden O. Hill was elected deputy chief engineer.
The fire alarm telegraph system, which now numbers 149 sig-
nal boxes in all, is in the charge of Charles G. Cloudman, ex-
foreman of Hose No. 1, elected superintendent in March, 1883,





THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
I 23
under whose supervision it has been kept in excellent working
order, greatly increasing the efficiency of the department.
The present entire manual force of the fire department com-
prises 2 Io men in active service, with five steam fire-engines,
twelve hose carriages, three hose wagons, six hook and ladder
trucks, two chemical engines, one protective wagon, fourteen ex-
ercising wagons, with all the horses and apparatus and appli-
ances required for the most speedy and effective use of the depart-
ment, which has earned, and now sustains a position and repu-
tation for celerity, efficiency, and discipline not excelled by any
similar organization in the entire country.
At the municipal celebration of the 250th anniversary on the
24th of June last, the firemen’s division in the procession, with
their antique engines and other ancient fire apparatus, represent-
ing so effectually and strikingly the historic progress made in
the methods of extinguishing fires, attracted great attention and
earnest and enthusiastic appreciation along the entire line of
march, as one of the most noted features of the day. This fine
display was excellently arranged by a committee of the Veteran
Firemen Association, as shown in the order of the procession in
the programme of the day.
Since the office of chief engineer was established in 1853, the
following-named gentlemen have filled the position as stated
below:
Joseph W. Taylor, from July 11, 1853, to June, 1859.
Thomas Aldrich, from June, 1859, to June, 1862.
Charles H. Dunham, from June, 1862, to July 10, 1865.
illness.”
Dexter Gorton, from July 10, 1865, to June, 1869.
Oliver E. Greene, from June, 1869, to July, 1884.
George A. Steere, elected July, 1884, and still holds the office.
Resigned from
The following is a complete list of the names of the offices,
officers, and members of the Providence fire department at the
present time: -
Chief engineer, George A. Steere; deputy chief engineer, Holden O.
Hill; first assistant engineer, James M. Baker; second assistant engineer,
Stephen S. Shepard; third assistant engineer, Leander M. Walling; fourth
assistant engineer, James Golding; fire alarm telegraph, City Hall: super-
intendent, Charles G. Cloudman; batteryman, Nathaniel G. Totten; line-
man, Leander D. Dawley.
Hose Company, No. 1.- Washington : foreman, James M. Curtis, Jr.;
assistant foreman, William H. Rounds; hosemen, John W. Morrow,
Thomas F. McNeal, Thomas F. Sisson, Robert Nichol, Earl C. Downing;
driver, George Barbour.
Hose Company, No. 2.- Pioneer: foreman, Lewis A. Cutler; assis-
tant foreman, Thomas J. Colburn; hosemen, Thomas R. Farrell, Alpheus
Read, Herman F. Fischer, Charles W. Peck, Henry Charlwood; driver,
John E. Carlin. -
Hose Company, No. 3–Fire King: foreman, Oscar F. Millett; assis-
tant foreman, Thomas McCoid; hosemen, Nicholas B. Duff, Frederick S.
French, William A. Sawin, Ira B. Booth, Edward Warner; driver, James
H. Morrissey.
Hose Company, No. 4.—Franklin : foreman, Henry R. Beehler; assis-
tant foreman, George A. Church; hosemen, John H. Cook, Thomas F.
Edwards, Charles C. Smith, George H. Noon, Charles G. Ingraham;
driver, George C. Woodbury.
Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 5.-Niagara : foreman, Isaac L.
Blackmar; assistant foreman, John H. Goulding ; hosemen, Daniel Bur-
dick, John G. McIntosh, William H. Myers, Benjamin N. Brown, Murdock
>
WATER WITCH, NO, 6. THE FIRE HOSE REEL.
Used in the later days of the Volunteer Fire Department.
OCEAN, NO. 7.
Type of Engine used by the Volunteer Fire Department of Providence.
C. McKenzie, John Hutchinson; steamer driver, John R. Babcock; ten-
der driver, Frederick L. Capron. -
Hose Company, No. 6. – Water Witch: foreman, Thomas W. D.
Reynolds ; assistant foreman, Henry A. Wilkey; hosemen, Daniel P.
Douglas, Granville M. Borden, Daniel C. Goff, Edward D. Fuller; driver,
Edmund B. Peck.
Hose Company, No. 7.—Ocean : foreman, Horace P. Griswold; assistant
foreman, John H. Capron ; hosemen, James A. Major, Archibald Martin,
Abner G. Allen, William E. Smith; driver, David McGale.
Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 8–Atlantic: foreman, Joseph H.
Penno; assistant foreman, Merrill E. Hicks; hosemen, Telesford Stahl,
Charles W. Higgins, John A. Vaughan, Robert D. Spencer, John H.
Cottrell, John P. Fuller; steamer driver, Frank E. Taber; tender driver,
John L. Mathewson.
Hose Company, No. 9 –John W. Tillinghast: foreman, Philip W.
Kelly; assistant foreman, William A. Walker; hosemen, John F. Pierce,
Henry M. Briggs, Charles R. Burke, John F. Braids, John S. Campbell;
driver, Frank H. Munroe.
Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 10. – Washington: foreman, Fran-
cis D. Chester; assistant foreman, Thomas Branigan; hosemen, George
Hunt, William A. Slocum, Jeremiah W Miller, Edwin C. Arnold; steamer
driver, Byron I. Keech; tender driver, John A. Worth.
Hose Company, No. 11. – Elmwood: foreman, Frederic H. Field;
assistant foreman, Benjamin F. Harrington; hosemen, Edward T. Maher,
Walter R. D. Vaughan, John H. Brown, Charles F. Eldridge; driver,
Alonzo B. Clark.
Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 12. — Stillman White: foreman,
George F. Battey; assistant foreman, Benjamin F. Clark: hosemen, Ben-
jamin F. Worsley, Thomas H. Jenckes, George A. Sayer, Le Roy R. Whit-
man, Charles A. Cook, George E. Jenckes; steamer driver, Joseph W.
Smith; tender driver, Edward Meegan.
Hose Company, No. 13–Good Will: foreman, Hiram D. Butts; assis-
tant foreman, Lewis A. Lusignan; hosemen, John S. Little, William H.
Porter, Nicholas Waterman, Everard E. Goff, Richard N. Sewall; driver,
Walter H. Durfee.
Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 14.— General Putnam : foreman,
William H. Glassgow; assistant foreman, Robert G. Haskins; hosemen,
James F. Maginn, Joseph E. Shaw, John F. Chapman, John B. Corcoran,
William J. White; steamer driver, Peter Greene; tender driver, John
Casey, Jr. - -
Hose Company, No. 15.-What Cheer: foreman, William H. Johnson;
assistant foreman, Charles T. Mitchell; hosemen, Edward W. Hall,
William Patterson, Otis P. Underwood, Frank H. Dodge, John H. Witch-
ell; driver, Frank B. French.
Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1.-Hayes: foreman, Charles E.
White; assistant foreman, Thomas Nichol; laddermen, William L.
Prosser, Lewis H. Streeter, Elwyn A. Wood, Edmund G. White, Richard
M. Young, Moses Pine, Gilbert J. Lewis; tillerman, Zenas B. Sprague;
driver, Howard E. Sherburne.
Hook and Ladder Company, No. 2. – Gaspee: foreman, William H.
McGrath; assistant foreman, Leonard N. Austin; laddermen, William H.
Garvin, Solomon F. Searle, Thomas Atkinson, Orin S. Mowry, James
Ragan, Alexander Stewart, Charles Wilcox, Joseph W. Carpenter; driver,
Thomas H. Atwood.
Hook and Ladder Company, No. 3.- Union: foreman, James C. Hub-
bard; assistant foreman, George Golding; laddermen, James Dowling,
William H. Buffum, George W. Mereweather, Edwin H. Day, J. Frank
Stackpole, Benjamin N. Burbank, William H. Holbrook; driver, Thomas
J. Donovan.
Hook and Ladder Company, No. 4.—John B. Chace: foreman,
George J. Gammill; assistant foreman, Burdett L. Vaughn ; laddermen,
John L. Hilliard, Frank Kenny, Thomas M. Dawson, John R. Sherman,
Joseph Little, James R. Davis, Gordon Kerr, Clarence H. Lovell; driver,
Patrick Mulvey.


I 24
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
Hook and Ladder Company, No. 5. — William H. Luther: foreman,
Benson W. Johnson; assistant foreman, Henry E. Simmons; laddermen,
Henry W. Wallace, William Dolan, Henry J. Bemis, Henry B. Hall, Joseph
A. Wells, Thomas H. Mullen, Crawford A. Cornell; driver, Walter H.
Sherburne.
Hook and Ladder Company, No. 6.- Hayes: foreman, Charles J. Con-
nor; assistant foreman, Thomas H. Duffy; ladddermen, Joseph Farrell,
William F. Mulgrew, Frank E. Atkinson, Matthew McCartin, Hugh F.
Stratton, William E. Sullivan; tillerman, William W. Kelly; driver,
James McCartin. -
Chemical Engine No. 1. — Hosemen, Adelbert Hopkins, William F.
Gavitt; driver, Charles Baker.
Chemical Engine No. 2. — Hoseman, William H. Salisbury; driver,
Reuben D. Weekes. -
Providence Protective Company, No. 1, organized Feb. 1, 1875 : fore-
man, Charles H. Swan; assistant foreman, David G. Knott; members,
Charles E. Wilcox, Calvin L. Nye, John W. Allerton, Thomas W.
Greene, John H. May; driver, George A. Bugbee.
Providence Association of Firemen, officers for the year 1886: president,
James Golding; vice-president, Benson W. Johnson; secretary, Edward
W. Hall; treasurer, Charles H. Swan; relief committee, Edward W. Hall,
Charles H. Swan, Robert Nichol; resource committee, Daniel P. Douglas,
Richard M. Young, John S. Little; finance committee, Benjamin F. Wors-
ley, Horace P. Griswold, Charles J. Connor; committee on burial lot,
James Golding, William H. McGrath, Thomas McCoid.
Joint committee of the city council of the fire department.— Chair-
man, Ira Winsor; committee, James Randall, Ephraim B. Moulton, Dex-
ter Gorton, Stillman White.
NotABLE FIRES IN PROVIDENCE.
During the King Philip War, March 30, 1676, the settlement of Provi-
dence was nearly destroyed when thirty houses in the north part of the
town were burned, entailing great suffering and loss, including the partial
destruction of the town records. -
The Court House, then located on the north side of Meeting Street,
between Benefit and North Main was burned Dec. 24, 1758, in the evening,
with its entire contents, including the whole collection of books belonging
to the Providence Library Company, loss $3,600.
The greatest fire that had then ever visited this city, commenced in the
loft of John Corlis' large brick store, on the west side of South Main,
nearly opposite the foot of Planet Street, at about ten o’clock, A. M., Jan.
21, 1801, an excessively cold and windy day. It rapidly extended along
both sides of South Main Street, from No. IOI to 143, until it was finally
checked and stopped, about three o'clock, P. M., by blowing up and pulling
down several buildings to the leeward of it. It destroyed thirty-seven
buildings in all—sixteen dwellings, ten stores, and eleven other buildings,
filled with valuable merchandise, the loss being estimated at over three
hundred thousand dollars, a sum that, considered in proportion to the
taxable property of that time, was equivalent to a very much larger
amount of money at present.
In consequence of the heavy losses on bonded merchandise by this fire,
Congress allowed a remission of duties; but such a multitude of petitions
for similar losses in other places immediately followed that this was the
only time Congress ever granted any such remission.
An inscription recording this fire still exists over an arched doorway on
the west side of South Main Street opposite Engine Station No. 2, at a
point where the widening of the street marks the sweep of the fire.
The First Congregational Church, on the corner of Benevolent and
Benefit streets, was entirely destroyed by fire on the morning of June 14,
1814, the first church burned in the town. It was a wooden edifice, with
two towers or spires. It was said to have been fired by an insane incen-
diary who escaped arrest.
The First Universalist Church, formerly at the corner of Westminster
and Union streets, was destroyed by fire, with several adjoining buildings,
on the evening of May 24, 1825. A new church edifice was soon built, and
occupied by the society until sold to Messrs. Callender, McAuslan &
Troup for a site for their fine business, block, and the much larger and
finer new church was then built of brick, at the corner of Greene and
Washington streets, which is now occupied by this society.
On the morning of March 20, 1828, about half-past three o'clock, Mr.
Edward S. Sheldon’s auction and commission store, up town, was burned,
and the adjoining houses of Miss C, Allen, the Misses Towers, and Mr.
Mowry, were seriously damaged by the same fire. The remarkable feat-
ure of this fire was the sudden death of Mr. Joshua Weaver, a member of
the Hydraulion Company, who was there instantly killed by a rafter fal-
ling from the burning building which also seriously injured John Calder
and George Weeden, hosemen.
The hardware store of Peter Grinnell, at 17 South Main Street, was de-
stroyed by fire in December, 1837. This is recorded and remembered as one
of the memorable fires of the old times because the weather was so intensely
cold as to freeze the water in the hose and disable the engines, and
many of the firemen were very badly frost-bitten in their hands, feet, and
ears, and it was long a noted event with the firemen of those days.
The old “ Dorrance Street Theatre,” standing on Dorrance, near Pine
Street took fire soon after it was closed, on the night of Oct. 25, 1844, when
its interior with valuable theatrical and other contents was entirely con-
sumed, leaving only the bare walls of concrete standing next morning.
Several adjoining dwellings, shops, and stables were also burned, making
it a destructive fire with heavy losses, insurance against losses by fire not
being so general then as now. A valuable collection of paintings was
also burned. The celebrated “Planetarium,” a very ingenious, elaborate,
and costly mechanical model and practical illustration of the movements
of all the planetary bodies of our system, invented and constructed by Dr.
Dionysius Lardner, a famous scientist of that day, and exhibited in this
country, with great renown, by Mr. George Haswell, was also burned
with this building.
One of the most thrilling and memorable conflagrations that has ever
occurred in this city, involving the loss of eminent and valuable lives,
broke out at about three o'clock on the morning of Nov. 20, 1849, in the
mansion house of Mrs. Anna Jenkins, situated at the corner of Benefit and
John streets, which was built of wood and soon entirely consumed, Mrs.
Jenkins and her oldest daughter, Sarah, perishing in the suffocating
smoke and flames, whilst a younger daughter and son saved their lives by
escaping from a window to the roof of the addition in the rear of the
mansion from which they were carried to safety by the firemen. Until
the latter told their rescuers the awful truth that their mother and sister
were still in the house it was not known to the large company of friends
and neighbors that had gathered there, and then they were past all human
help with the entire house enveloped in furious flames. It was generally
thought and said by those first arriving that all the family had escaped,
but when it was fully realized that Mrs. Jenkins and one daughter were
burning to death before their eyes but utterly beyond their aid, the excite-
ment and anguish manifested by the painful moans and silent tears of the
intensely agitated multitude of friends and witnesses, exceeded anything
ever seen at any previous fire or other calamity in this city. The horrors of
that dreadful night were a sad but very vivid memory to all witnesses of
the frightful scene for years, and it is one of the city’s most fearful legends
to this day. Mrs. Jenkins was the widow of William Jenkins, one of the
most worthy citizens of his time, and his widow was a true philanthropist.
and a most excellent Christian woman, whose whole life and means were
devoted to the good of others, and her fearful death was universally and
sincerely mourned by the entire city and state. The mansion was one of
the largest and grandest then in the city; in size, style, and all other
respects, almost an exact duplicate of the well-known John Carter Brown
mansion, still standing at the corner of Benefit and Williams streets.
Messrs. Tallman & Bucklin’s planing mill, in the rear of Dyer Street,
near the Steam Mill, caught fire at noon on Sept. 4, 1850, “Commence-
ment Day,” and was, with its contents, entirely destroyed with a large.
three-story stone building on Dyer Street, and some smaller buildings and
a large lot of lumber in the yard of Albert Dailey & Company. This was
quite a serious fire and kept most of the firemen on duty until five o’clock
the next morning.
Aug. 5, 1851, early in the night, Cleveland’s turning works, situated on
Mill Street, were burned, with several other buildings, eleven of which
were on fire at one time. The light of this fire was so great that the
firemen of Pawtucket thought a great fire was raging here and two com-
panies of them with their engines came voluntarily to the assistance of
the Providence fire department. -
The Richmond Street Free Congregational Church caught fire from a
burning barn, located in the rear and very near it, and was entirely con-
sumed, together with several adjoining buildings, in the early morning of
Oct. 13, 1851. º
The “Arnold block,” a new business building, located at the foot of
Waterman Street, on North Main, and but recently completed, was
entirely destroyed by fire, in the day-time, Oct. Io, 1853. .
Howard block, then the largest and finest business block in the city,
located as now, on Westminster and Dorrance streets and Exchange
Place, caught fire at midnight, Oct. 26, 1853, and with the large new
Museum building on the next lot east, and several other buildings, all
the property of Mr. George H. Howard, were consumed, at an estimated
loss of $300,000. So great and bright was the illumination of the sky
over the city that our Pawtucket neighbors were greatly alarmed and
between three and four o’clock in the morning, two of their fire com-
panies, fully manned, rushed to the city in time to render valuable aid
to the city firemen, who warmly welcomed them with all their character-
istic cordiality. The noise of this noted fire was very remarkable, the
falling in of the large roofs and floors caused a roaring and crashing so
unusually loud as to be heard all over the city and was quite astonishing
to all hearers. The records of Union Company, No. 3, say of this fire:
“Our engine was stationed three times and worked in all eighteen hours.”
The Roger Williams Free Baptist Church original church edifice,
standing on Burgess Street, was entirely burned by a fire that caught in
it, Jan. 5, 1855. This church edifice was one of the prominent land-
marks of the “Christian Hill' district, its spire having a conspicuous
town clock and its bell, tower a fine bell that was famous as a fire alarm
bell in those very clamorous days and nights when nearly all the church
bells rang out all the fire alarms, and everybody ran through the streets
shouting “fire f-i-r-e ’ ”— sights and sounds existing now only in the
stirring memories of the old firemen and other veterans.
The extensive steam planing works of William B. Dean, located on the
north side of Dorrance Street, between Pine and Friendship, quite a large
brick building, took fire on Monday, Jan. II, 1857, and the interior and
contents were all destroyed, leaving only the bare walls standing. The
loss was estimated at $30,000, without insurance. &
Grace Church building, corner Westminster and Mathewson streets,
caught fire from a defective furnace, Saturday, March 14, 1857, when its
interior was damaged by fire and water to the amount of $7,000. It was
fully insured.
A very large pile of pine wood, for locomotives, belonging to the Boston
& Providence Railroad Company and stored in their yard at India Point,
took fire Wednesday evening, May 13, 1857, and about one thousand cords
of the wood were burned before the fire was subdued, the fire being diffi-
cult and long continued. The fire records show that No. 4 Engine
Company worked twenty-seven hours, and Gaspee No. 9, ten hours con-
tinuously at this fire.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
125
Qne of the most extensive and notable fires of the city was that which
entirely destroyed the large rubber works of Nathaniel Hayward, located
on the corner of Eddy and Clifford streets, on Thursday, Oct. 9, 1857, at
which one life was lost. At seven o’clock in the morning, just as the
engine was starting the works, the steam boiler exploded and that started
the fire which consumed the whole concern. The exploded boiler, weigh-
ing over four tons, was thrown across the street with such force as to
break short off an elm tree trunk, nine inches through, and obliterate the
entire side of a dwelling-house opposite. Mr. Ira Smith, a machinist, on
his way to work in another establishment, was passing the place just as
the explosion occurred, which prostrated the brick wall of the building
upon him and crushed him to death; he was the only one killed, though
several of the employés were severely injured. The fire consumed the
five separate buildings, comprising the entire works, and occupying an
area of 20,000 feet of land, with all their machinery and other valuable
contents. -
A fire was discovered in the basement of the Howard block about eight
o'clock Monday evening, Nov. 15, 1858, and through the open hoisting-way
it quickly rushed up to the fifth story, and soon the north portion of the
block was all in flames. The ladder men having no ladders long enough to
reach the fire with water, the firemen were unable to save the block and it
was soon burned to the ground. The Museum building next to it was
also entirely destroyed, and its walls in falling, crushed a small building
belonging to Walter R. Danforth and occupied by Charles Snow, shoe
dealer, and Henry Whiteman & Company’s clothing store. The buildings
opposite, on Westminster Street, were at times in great danger, but were
finally saved by the firemen, although the goods in the stores were badly
damaged by water and removal. These two buildings, with others, were
burned before, in 1853. Howard block then contained the finest hall in
the city. The theatre building, but recently repaired and repainted was
not occupied. The property belonged to George A. Howard, whose loss
was estimated at $150,000, with an insurance of $65,000 on the Howard
block and $29,000 on the Museum. The firemen were on duty from eight
o'clock that night until five the next morning, and after three hours' relief,
continued active duty until night. The origin of the fire was unknown,
but supposed to be incendiary. ~ 2
The Providence Dyeing, Bleaching & Calendering Company's build-
ings, on Sabin Street, occupied by them, the Providence Hair Cloth
Company, and by Dexter N. Knight as a flouring mill, were burned Dec.
6, 1860, with a large loss to all the tenants, Mr. Knight losing over one
thousand barrels of flour and one thousand bushels of wheat; the total
loss amounting to nearly fifty thousand dollars. -
Hope Iron Foundry building, situated on Eddy Street, was partially
burned Feb. 6, 1864, with loss estimated at nearly thirteen thousand dollars.
April 1, 1864, Swarts Hall, formerly the Second Baptist Church, corner
of Pine and Dorrance streets, was entirely consumed by an incendiary fire,
with a loss of $9,000. The church bell, which had long been used for fire
alarms, was saved in good condition, and afterwards placed on Mr. Swart's
residence, opposite the old church, where it continued to ring fire alarms
until the electric system superseded it.
The Elm Street Machine Shop building, corner of Elm and Butler
streets, was partially destroyed by fire, April 21, 1865, with a loss on
building and contents of $10,000.
The Valley Worsted Mill, on Eagle Street, was destroyed by fire Feb.
2, 1866, when the firemen were on duty all night and suffered much from
the bitter cold weather. The mill and contents were consumed with an
estimated loss of $200,ooo.
Alexander Duncan's building, corner of Dyer and Custom House
streets, occupied by the Providence Press Company and several other ten-
ants, took fire Dec. 31, 1868. It proved a difficult fire to manage and
burned a long time, inflicting a loss of $21,000.
Messrs. Tucker & Swan's coal yard, buildings, and pockets on Dor-
rance Street wharf, caught fire, June 28, 1870, and were seriously damaged,
the loss being nearly seventy thousand dollars.
The Boston block, a tenement house on Langley Street, was burned on
the evening of July 4, 1870. The fire department were then having a
torchlight parade in honor of the day, and were passing up Westminster
Street when they heard the alarm, broke ranks, and ran to the fire. They
had arranged for a collation at the fifth ward room at the close of the
parade, and also the presentation of a silver trumpet to Chief Engineer
Greene. After working at the fire all night the firmen repaired to the
ward room and carried out all their holiday arrangements which this
untimely fire had so vexatiously interrupted, with all the spirit and enthu-,
siasm of the old style of firemen.
Allen's Print Works, on Printery Street, were damaged by fire, Feb. 3,
1874, to the amount of $75,000.
Albert Dailey & Company’s planing mill and lumber yard on Dyer
Street, was injured by fire on June 25, 1875, to the amount of $25,000.
This mill was the successor of Tallman & Bucklin’s, burned on the same
site several years previous.
The buildings of the Rhode Island Bleachery, on Eddy Street, were con-
sumed by fire, Sept. 15, 1876, with a reported loss of $35,000. Three fine
dwelling-houses, situated on Parade Street, were burned Dec. 1, 1876, with
a loss of $16,500. -
On the evening of Sept. 27, 1877, a fire broke out in the paper box
manufactory of Charles W. Jenckes & Brother, in the Aldrich building
on Pine Street, and Harkness Court, which was very quickly destroyed,
the fire immediately igniting and completely destroying the fine Daniels
and Vaughan blocks on Custom House Street, and seriously damaging the
Eddy building on Custom House Street, and the Durfee, Almy, and Even-
ing Press buildings on Dyer Street. The fire department of Pawtucket,
and the steamer from Cranston Print Works responded to the call for as-
sistance, and zealously gave the city invaluable aid in its hour of need.
Assistance was asked from Boston, but before the train with the apparatus
was ready, the fire was under control and the order countermanded; the
loss was about $300,000. This was one of the most serious, extensive,
and dangerous conflagrations in the history of the city.
17
The Fletcher building on the corner of Westminster and Eddy streets,
was badly damaged by fire, June 4, 1878, with a loss of $16,000, only the
efficient management and working of the fire department saving the build-
ing and preventing the much greater loss which was seriously threatened.
Mackee, Edwards & Company’s large dry goods store on Westminster
Street, caught fire on Dec. 26, 1879, and was damaged thereby to the extent
of nearly twenty thousand dollars.
The large mill of the Wanskuck Woolen Company took fire on the
night of April 1, 1880, and was damaged to the amount of $25,000. This
mill is located in the tenth ward near the northern line of the city, and
considering the long distance the firemen had to run to reach the fire,
great credit was given them for their promptness and success in so quickly
subduing it.
The Dyer Street Land Company's large brick manufacturing block, which
occupied the whole square bounded by Dyer, Peck, Friendship, and Orange
streets, took fire Dec. 23, 1880, and before it was extinguished the loss
amounted to $24,000. -
The large cotton mill of the Oriental Manufacturing Company, siuated
on Admiral Street near Charles, was damaged to the extent of $25,000 on
the 25th of April, 1881.
Rowley's extensive sale and livery stable, at the corner of Dean and
Fountain streets, was destroyed by fire, with a large number of valuable
horses and carriages, and a total loss of $23,000, Aug. 13, 1882.
One of the most notable and disastrous fires ever known in this city with
the largest loss of life and infliction of serious injuries, suddenly broke
out about ten o’clock Tuesday forenoon, Nov. 1, 1882, in the “Callender
building,” as it was called, located at No. 25 Callender Street and belong-
ing to the Slater Mill and Power Company of this city, a building four
stories high, 48x8o feet, entirely occupied for various manufactures by
several tenants and operated by steam power. The fire started in the dye-
house of Charles T. Melvin, on the third floor, from the ignition of the
vapor of naptha used in his business. Alarm was instantly given and all
on the third and lower floors escaped without trouble, but the rapid flames
almost instantly enveloped the only stairway leading to the fourth floor,
and thus imprisoned and threatened with the most fearful of deaths all on
the upper floor, employers and employés, in all more than fifty men and
women, this floor being occupied by mº."g jewelers, William H.
Grant & Company and William H. Robinson Company, together
employing over fifty hands, mostly young girls. O
All were soon driven by the furious flames to the north end of the build-
ing, and there then being no fire escape for them, they immediately
began to jump from these upper windows to the roof of a shed directly below,
and to the ground, two of the girls, Bessie Cobb and Emma Gassett,
being killed by the fearful fall, and many others, men and women, were
seriously and some fatally injured by plunging from the windows in their
terrible fear of the fire, before it was subdued. By this time a large crowd
had collected, to suffer as helpless witnesses of this awful immolation of
innocent victims, and it was then a scene of excitement and distress
unparalleled in the history of our city, the firemen, policemen, and
many others sparing no effort, but doing all that men could possibly do to
reach and save these terror-stricken mortals from their great peril. A
heroic deed that excited spontaneous shouts of admiration was when
Christian Timmans, a stalwart teamster, rushed up the long ladder to the
fourth-story windows, and brought down in his firm grasp two of the
endangered girls, his brave act winning their gratitude with that of the
vast throng that witnessed its humane performance. A coroner's inquest
censured the owners of the building for lack of facilities to escape from
fire, and the excitement following this disaster resulted in the passage
of a law by the General Assembly compelling the erection of efficient
exterior fire escapes on all buildings of certain classes where men or
women are employed in numbers. The firemen fortunately extinguished
the fire in time to save many of the imperilled lives, and without serious
injury to the valuable property, the estimated loss being only $5,000.
The mill of Mr. Charles Fletcher, situated on Valley Street, and filled
with the valuable machinery used in the manufacture of fine worsted and
woolen goods, was nearly destroyed by fire Feb. 17, 1883, incurring a loss
of $32,000.
The dry goods store known as the “New York Store,” in Butler Ex-
change, Westminster Street, was totally burned out on the night of Dec.
8, 1883, with a loss of $31,000. -
The new Vaughan block on Custom House Street, built to replace the
* ºned a few years before, was again nearly destroyed by fire Jan.
Iö, I&4.
Fire was discovered burning in a bale of cotton on the wharf of the
Norfolk & Baltimore Steamship Company, on the afternoon of April 23,
1884, which rapidly spread to the large number of other bales lying on
the wharf, from the high wind prevailing, threatening the destruction of
the whole lot, but the prompt arrival and efficient service of the fire de-
partment saved the greater part of it, the estimated loss being only $10,000.
Oliver Johnson & Company’s wholesale drug store, on Exchange Street,
containing a large stock of paints, drugs, and dye-stuffs, was damaged by
fire to the extent of $13,000, on the morning of May 26, 1884.
There were no very important or extensive fires in the city during the
year 1885. The most notable that did occur were the wholesale grocery
store of Sanders, Whitford & Bartlett, No. 99 Dyer Street, March 5th,
when their stock was mostly consumed, with a loss of $12,000; and the
“Round House ’’ of the Providence & Springfield Railroad Company,
located on the Cove lands, which was burned August 20th, with a loss
estimated at $11,000. •
For the current year, from the first of January to the last of September,
1886, there were no very large or destructive fires, the most notable being
the large double dwelling-house Nos. 64 and 66 Bridgham Street, January
II, occupied by two tenants who were burned out, losing $4,000 in their
household goods, and $2,400 on the building; insured for $8,000. The
fire in Althan’s bakery, occupying from No. 155 to 157 Brook Street, on
the early morning of June 28, when buildings and stock were damaged to
the amount of $5,000, with insurance for $1,500, and the fire in Orville A.
126
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
Hodges’ coal and wood yard, June 30, which was put out with a loss of
$3,000, and was insured for $3,100. -
This fire threatened to be a serious and extensive conflagration, more
than twenty separate buildings being set on fire by the burning embers
and sparks scattered over a large area from it by the wind. The roof of
the old Normal School building on High Street caught fire, and a second
alarm was rung, but the quick and efficient work of the firemen soon sup-
pressed the fire. There were 103 alarms in all rung during this time, but
most of the fires were slight, with small loss.
PROVIDENCE VETERAN FIREMEN Association.—This asso-
ciation of the veteran firemen of the city originated six years ago
from the lively interest then awakened in the subject by the earn-
est zeal of 'such prominent and influential veterans as the Hon.
Zachariah Allen, Gen. W. H. P. Steere, Charles E. Carpenter,
Dexter Gorton, Ira Winsor, Stillman White, John W. Briggs,
John W. Tillinghast, Richard W. Comstock, George W. Cady,
James M. Baker, Martin S. Budlong, Samuel R. Cornell, George
H. Jencks, John H. Kenyon, John P. Walker, and other active
associate veterans. These pioneers in the work announced their
object to be the formation of a society of veterans for the purpose
of collecting for permanent preservation all records, papers, docu-
ments, legends, memorials, and relics relating or pertaining to
the volunteer or paid fire department of the city, and to hold meet-
ings to foster good will and encourage professional fraternity for
mutual benefit and pleasure, with the society name of the “Prov-
idence Veteran Firemen Association.” The constitution and
by-laws governing the society were adopted Jan. 11, 1881. By
them all past firemen, of good character, who have honorably
served ºne year prior to 1870, and all present firemen who have
served one year since 1870, but ten years at the least, previous to
proposal as members of the society, upon the approval of the
standing committee, are eligible to membership of the association.
They also provide all other requisite rules and regulations for its
proper support and government. The first annual meeting was
held Jan. 25, 1881, when the following-named veterans were
elected its first board of officers: -
President, Zachariah Allen; first vice-president, George W.
Cady; second vice-president, George H. Jencks; third vice-pres-
ident, Martin S. Budlong; fourth vice-president, Edward Cory;
secretary, Charles E. Carpenter; treasurer, John P. Walker.
President Allen died suddenly, Friday evening, March 17, 1882,
but two months after his election, aged eighty-five years, “full
of years and full of honors,” and as a mark of respect for his
venerated memory, his office was left vacant for the remainder of
his term by an unianmous vote of the society. At the next annual
meeting in January, 1883, Charles E. Carpenter was elected
president and Albert E. Winsor, secretary, the other officers con-
tinuing unchanged. Mr. Carpenter was president two years, till
1885, when George W. Cady was elected president, and served
one year, until January, 1886, when George H. Jencks, the
present president, was elected. --
After occupying various temporary locations, late in the year
1885 the association secured permanent head-quarters and home
in the Bank building, 98 Weybosset Street, which was dedicated
on Monday evening, January 25th, by holding there the annual
election and appropriate dedicatory exercises with addresses by
Mayor Doyle, several aldermen and councilmen, veterans from
Boston, and other guests, to a large and delighted company of
veterans and their invited guests. Their new quarters comprise
the large hall and ante-room, formerly occupied by the Mechanic's
Association, very eligibly located, pleasant and spacious, on the
rear upper floor of the Bank building. Their hall already contains
many interesting relics and historical memorials of heroic deeds,
and its walls are picturesquely adorned with antique hats, fronts,
badges, belts, buckets, and various other emblems and symbols,
eloquent reminders of the by-gone days of the volunteer fireman,
.*
including some valuable fraternal tokens from Boston veterans.
The regular meetings are held the last Tuesday evening of each
month, the December meeting being that for the annual election
of officers; the annual tax is one dollar. The annual excursion
that the association makes every summer is a prominent feature
in the yearly life of the association, all it has yet made having been
very pleasant and successful anniversary ſestivals. The association
is now an established, flourishing, and valuable institution, with
an excellent reputation and standing with all its contemporary
societies, and with all their fellow-citizens as well.
The following-named members were elected as officers of the
association at the annual meeting in December last, for the year
Arnold, Stephen G.,
Black, James B.
Cottrell, John H.
I886:
President, George H. Jencks; first vice-president, Martin S. Budlong; second vice-
president, Edward Cory; third vice-president, James M. Baker; fourth vice-president,
Stillman White; secretary, Albert C. Winsor; treasurer, Joseph Kelly.
The officers compose the standing committee. The roll of members is as follows:
Allen, Zachariah * Chickering, Chas. E. Kelly, Ira D. Read, Samuel G.
Allen, James S. Comstock, W. G Knowles, J. A.” Richards, Charles L.
Allen, Lewis L. Chace, Lewis Jenkins §§ Reynolds, William H.
Atkinson, Thomas Carpenter,Sturges P.” Kent, William A. Rounds, Albion
Allen, Lewis C. Dyer, Elisha Knight, Nehemiah Ross, Thomas B.
Almy, William C.
Anthony, David S.
Arnold, William A.
Angell, Jonathan S.
Kilvert, Samuel W. * Rounds, George
Richardson, Horace S.
Reynolds, George T.
Robunson, Frank V.
Duncan, Alexander
Downing, George M. Little, John S.
Dillaby, William F. Lamb, Edwin G.
Davis, Lewis E. Little, Thomas
Arnold, Thomas F. Dodge, Jared C. Lewis, Kingsley T. Reed, Alpheus
Allen, Fenner R. Dodge, Horace Lawton, George F. Slade, Obadiah.*
Arnold, Timothy T. , Dean, Henry W. Lassell, Augustus G. Spencer, John E.
Swan, Thomas, Jr.
Shepard, Stephen S.
Scott, Walter
§º udson
Sherman, William N.
Swarts, Benjamin P.
Legg, George o
#. ğ. B.
Little, Christopher B.
Lewis, Wellington
Lilley, Asa K.
Lapham, E. E.”
Ardoene, George M.” Duff, Nicholas B.
Austin, Leonard N. Davis, Sturges
Douglas, Daniel P.
Drown, John y
Drown. Alfred M.
Earle, 3. D.
Aldrich, William H.
Arnold, William H.
Arnold, Henry A.
Arnold, William J. Eddy, Pembroke S. Mason, Stephen G. Sherman, William R.
Angell, Edmund W. Eager, Lyman W. Manton, George A. Salisbury, Thomas R.
Aldrich, Frederick J. Everett, Richmond P. Millett, Thomas A. Spooner, William A.
Angell, Edward T. Esten, Samuel J. Makee, J. Frank Sprague, Thomas
Fisher, William C. Macreading, Wm. E. Steere, George A.
#. Albert G.”
Budlong, Martin S. Farrell, Thomas R. Matthews, Joseph G.
Briggs, John W. Fuller, Albert F. . Martin, Archibald
Burdon, Levi L. Fowler, Lewis P. Morrow, Robert
Blanding, William B. Farmer, Edward G. Munroe, Thomas J.
Burdick, Daniel Fenner, Hardin H. Munroe, William H.
Baker, James M. Gorton, Dexter Millett, Oscar F.
Briggs, Christopher S. Glasgow, Wm. H., Jr. McCoid James
Stone, Isaac
Swan, William H. H.
Sprague, William
Smith, William E.
Snow, Charles
Sabin, Jesse
Swan, Charles H.
Barker, William H. . gº; &l. In CS Myers, Jacob L. Salisbury, Stephen P.
Buffum, James B. Gray, braham A. Mason, James P. Shepard, William H.
Batchelder, Wm. W. Goff, Cyrilius E.” Manchester, Albert H. Sheldon, Francis J.
Bennett, Lysander, , Goldsmith, Samuel J. Mason, John L. Sweet, Orin
Brightman, Samuel A. Greene, Charles H. Martin, William J. Smith, Andrew W.
Bucklin, William N, Griswold, Horace P. Mowry, Orrin S. Sprague, William H.
Bradbury, §. Gorham, William H. McIntosh, J. George Sawin, William A.
Brayman, George W. Gurney, Charles H. Munroe, George H. Tillinghast, John W.
Burns, Joseph M. Grant, James R. Miller, William H. Thurston, George S.
Baker, Elijah E. Grant, Daniel Morse, Henry F. Taylor, º
Bates, Reuben H. N. Grant, Allen F. Mason, Hervey Tillinghast, Chas. H.
Buckley, John Gale, John W. Messinger, Lewis G. Tinker, Alfred"
Bucklin, John C. Gardner, Charles Nye, Calvin L. Tripp, Abel W.
Bennett, John A. Garside, Frederick Nichol, Thomas Truman, Henry H.
Burton, David Goff, Nathan B. Najac, Munson H. Tucker, Charles A.”
Blackmar, Jason A. Goff, James Newhall, Edwin T. Totten, Nathaniel G.
Thurston, Samuel W.
Thomas, Samuel W.
Tripp, Joshua W.
Tinker. Edward W.
. . . Hayward, William S Ormsbee, John S.
Bennett, William A. Henry, Thomas R. . Osgood, Everett R.
Bliven, Alexander M. Harrington, Wm. W. O'Neil, John
Bennett, William E. Hall, Edward W. Oakes, John R.
Bucklin, James T. P. Havens, Edward Olney, Henry S. Trask, H. K.
Burr, Calvin C. Hathaway, Elias B. Ormsbee, $ºe F. Tillinghast, Harvey*
Bamford, George S. Ham, Edward I. Olds, Franklin Underwood, Otis P.
Bull, Thomas R. Howland, John Prentice, George W. Underwood, Nicholas
Blanchard, Truman Hutchins, Shubael Pearce, Frederick P. Underwood, O. D. M.”
Butts, Hiram D. Hall, Alfred K. Peck, Charles W. White, Stillman
Bradford, Edwin S. Ham, Benjamin W.” Potter, Henry K. Winsor, Ira
Brown, Thomas Humphrey, Amasa Patterson, William Walling, Leander M.
Brown, Samuel F. Holden, Warren Perry, Lucian N. Wilbur, Orrin K.
Brown, John H. Harrington, Chas. N. Peck, William H. Williams, W.I.
Bennett, C. W. B.” Heathcote, John Pool, Abner T. Worsley, Benjamin F.
Carpenter, Charles E. Hammond, John H. Prentiss, Edmund F. West, jº.
Cory, Edward Horton, George B. Perkins, William A. Webster, Josiah L.
Cornell, Samuel R. #: R& ames S. Phillips, Thomas West, Nathaniel
Chester, Frank D. Hicks, Merill E. Pinkham. Darius woodbury, Sewall C.
Pierce, Henry E.
Palmer, John S.
Patterson, James
Carlisle, William A.
Capron, John H.
3.º. B.
Hutchins, George
Henley, Charles A.
Hallett, Isaac N.”
Cory, William H. Hunt, George Pope, Charles F.
Campbell, Walter A. Hunt, Thomas Potter, Arnold L.
Cloudman, Charles G. Holmes, Willard R. Pullen, Wm. H., Jr.
Wilkinson, James-A.
Wild, Samuel S.
Winsor, Paris
Wells, Joseph A.
‘Walker, John P.
Winsor, Albert C.
Gheney, Charles T. Harrington, Caleb B. Potter, Charles H. White, Benjamin T.
Church, John Hall, º T. Peckham, I.ewis Waterhouse, Eben W.
, Chace, John H. Hawkins, Amos M. Paddock, George H. Warner, Edward
Clark, George Lewis Hemingway, S. A. A. Potter, Alfred S. Worsley, Charles H.
Chace, Willard * Haskins, Robert G. Patt, Frank H.
Campbell, George F.” Hill, Holden O. Peck, James C.
Collyer, Samuel S.* Harwood, Charles S. Petty, Amos
Cady, George W. Handy, Thomas F. Pearce, John B.
Child, John E. Ingraham, Charles G. Rounds, Thomas M.
Cornell, Benjamin J. lae, Welcome E. Rounds, James P. Wilbur, Pardon
Carlin, John E. Jencks, George H. Reynolds, T. W. D. Wiggin, Charles
Claflin, Henry A. Johnson, William S. JRodman, Henry W. White, Charles E.
Clarke, William J. ..º. F. Rutherford, Theodore Waterman, Benjamin
Cooke, James Johnson,William H. Read, Josephus Westland, Charles S.*
Chadwick, Horace E. Johnson, Benson W. Rathbun, Walter N. Wing, Augustus.W.
Cleveland, George E. Kinyon, John H. Richardson, Varnum Young, George A.
Cutler, Louis A. Kelly, Philip W. Reeves, George A. Yarwood, Henry
Knowlton, George H. Read, Hiram S.
Warren, James
Winship, Augustus J.
Wright, John S.
Wilkinson, Fayette
West, Caleb B.
* Deceased Members.
CHAPTER IV.
EARLY AND MODERN TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES.
THE INDIAN PATHS – INDIAN CANOEs – EARLY SLoops — Roger willi AMs’ PINNACE – THE FIRST FERRY — FIRST STAGE LINEs –
EARLY COAST LINES – TOLL BRIDGES AND TURNPIKES — THE FIRST STEAMBOAT — EARLY STEAMBOATING – HEIGHT OF
THE STAGE COACH PERIOD — THE BLACKSTONE CANAL -— THE BEGINNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE RAILROAD ERA —
THE EXPRESS BUSINESS – BUILDING OF THE CENTRAL OR UNION DEPOT — FURNITURE WAGONS AND LOW GEARS — THE
OMNIBUS PERIOD — THE HORSE CAR SYSTEM — UNION RAILROAD COMPANY — THE PROVIDENCE POST-OEFICE – SKETCHES OF
THE GREAT TRANSPORTATION COMPANIES CONNECTING WITH PROVIDENCE – THE PROVIDENCE AND BOSTON RAILROAD —
THE NEW YORK, PROVIDENCE AND BOSTON RAILROAD — THE PROVIDENCE AND worc ESTER RAILROAD — THE PROVIDENCE
AND SPRINGFIELD RAILROAD — THE NEW YORK AND NEw ENGLAND RAILROAD — THE PROVIDENCE, WARREN AND BRISTOL
RAILROAD - THE PROVIDENCE, NORFOLK, WEST POINT AND BALTIMORE LINE OF STEAMERS — THE WINSOR LINE – THE
PROvIDENCE LINE – THE FALL RIVER LINE – THE CONTINENTAL STEAMBO AT COMPANY.
- - | intº
| | ||| | -
Nº. º
M
W. º Nº à - | & } | º f
* Nº. Lººſ.
in Iº ==
A MODERN TRANSPORT.
It is altogether a mistake to suppose that the wilderness found
here by Roger Williams two hundred and fifty years ago, was a
“pathless” one. The state of civilization developed among the
Narragansetts was sufficiently far advanced to develop roads, in
the words of Roger Williams, “as hard and firm as any roads in
England.” Through these roads the Indians traversed the coun-
try at all seasons of the year passing from town to town with their
merchandise. The “Pequot path” was the main one, not only
of the Narragansetts, but of travelers of other tribes going from
the west to the east, or vice versa. It entered the Narragansett
territory about where Westerly now stands, passed to the north
of Charlestown Pond near the so-called “Fort Ninigret” over
Kingston Hill, through East Greenwich, and following Greenwich,
Broad and Weybosset streets, crossed the head of the bay by a
ford from Washington Row to the foot of Steeple Street.
The town street of Providence was not first used as a thor-
oughfare by the white man; for generations before their com-
ing the Indians had used it as such ; the Pequot path was there
met by other paths— one led up a gorge to the eastward, the
site of the present Meeting Street, and thence to a ferry at the
present “Red Bridge,” whence the Indians passed over into the
country of the Wampanoags towards Taunton and Plymouth.
Another path led southward to Power Street, where it ascended
another gorge under “Bewitt's Brow,” and passing round under
Tockwotton Hill, by another ferry crossed to Watchemoket, and
thence to Sowams (Warren) and Montaup (Mount Hope). An-
other path went northward up a third gorge, Constitution Hill to
Stampers Street, thence outward to Pawtucket Falls, and thence
into the Wampanoag country, probably towards Shawomet (Bos-
ton). Still a fourth path is known to have passed up Mill Street,
crossing the Moshassuck by a ford, and following the present
Charles Street into the Louisquisit country. Other paths fol-
lowed up the Woonasquatucket Valley, and ran from town to
town between the main paths. Thus it is evident that accord-
ing to the development of the Indian civilization, Providence,
even before its settlement by the whites, was a centre of quite a
system of transportation facilities established by the aborigines.
These “paths,” it must be understood, were not the roads of
the present day, but were equal to the emergencies for which they
were intended, viz., the passage of foot carriers and their burdens.
Their width varied, probably, from six to ten, or at the outside,
twelve feet.
The bay was always present, and the means of water transpor-
tation which it furnished had been from time immemorial, taken
advantage of by the Indians, and were readily seen and seized by
the whites. The first means of transportation over its waters
were the canoes of the Indians, but we find in early days that
Roger Williams had a pinnace, (probably a square-bowed, square-
sterned craft, partially decked over at each end with a mast or
masts, and sail or sails in the centre, intended to be propelled by
the latter ordinarily, but which in case of emergency could be pro-
pelled by oars,) which he used on the bay and its head waters as
far as Taunton. The facts of the Taunton Iron Works having been
early opened, its transacting business with both Boston and
Plymouth parties, and that Roger Williams apparently sent his
“pinnace” habitually to Taunton, indicate that one of the earliest
routes of commercial communication from both Boston and Ply-
mouth to Providence, was via Taunton by road, thence by water
to Providence.
At the time of King Philip's War, 1676, a communication
with other colonies and the West India Islands had been estab-
lished from Newport, and Providence Williams, at least, pos-


128
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
sessed a sloop with which he made trips occasionally to Provi-
dence from that point, but probably the main means of communi-
cation was by canoes and boats, for we find that in 1672, when
Roger Williams was in a hurry to go to Newport in order to
take part in a religious discussion, he rowed himself there.
The first development of local transportation facilities after the
King Philip War, was the establishment of a ferry at the present
Red Bridge, and of local roads, more properly paths, to the various
settlements. At a later day bridges were constructed on some of
*
the main roads, where they crossed the larger rivers. Carts were
not much used for transportation of goods till after the beginning
of the eighteenth century. For heavy transportation between the
different parts of the colony, boats and vessels were used as much
as possible, and this fact explains why all the commercial centres
were situated on navigable waters. - -
The first regular stage line to Boston was established by
Thomas Sabin, who kept a tavern at the northeast corner of
Planet and South Main streets. The line was first advertised by
newspaper in 1767, and the stage made one trip per week from
the house of Richard Olney, inn-keeper, who kept a tavern on
North Main Street, opposite Court House Parade. Stage lines
about this time ran in competition with the packets and sloops
which plied between Providence and Newport, and Providence
and New York, the latter starting twice a week, and their speed
and accommodations were claimed to be unsurpassed.
As late as just before the Revolutionary War the condition of
the roads leading out of Providenec was such that a trip from
Boston to New York via Providence and New London, the most
frequented road in New England, consumed a week.
In May, 1776, the road to Pomfret was in such a condition that
Mr. S. Thurber was two days in going the distance of thirty-six
miles with a horse and chaise, and he adds, “such was the gen-
eral state of our roads at that time.”
During the Revolutionary War the inland roads of the country
were rather improved than otherwise, as they were much used for
transportation of supplies, the coasting communication being cut
off by the British fleets, and as little had been done in their inter-
ests before, what was done then as a military necessity served to
better their condition. X-
After the Revolutionary War, a great improvement was made
in the facilities for transportation, both by water and land. Ves-
sels were built of greater tonnage than were before used, and lines
of vessels running to the coast ports were established.
The various ferries in the state were then maintained in a state
of efficiency before unknown. Lines of stages were established to
Taunton and New Bedford, Worcester, Plainfield, Springfield,
etc., and the Boston and New York line, via Providence, was so
much improved that the time of the trip was reduced to three
days. Lines of teams for transportation of goods were also estab-
lished on the same routes. The great obstacle to rapid (as the
word was then understood) communication and transportation by
land was the condition of the roads. The citizens along the main
lines of communication did not feel called upon to put the roads
in a first-class order for the benefit of strangers who might want to
use them or for that of foreign stage owners. Nor did the owners
of stage and transportation lines care to put the roads in like
order when the residents along the line of the same would get the
chief benefit of their expenditures. e -
This state of affairs led to the introduction of what may be
termed the turnpike era in this state. By this turnpike system a
corporation assumed the care of a particular road and charged
every one, neighbor or stranger, a given fee for the use of it, every
time he made such use, the fee being varied according to the extent
of the use made, thus a wagon or team with four cattle was charged
less than one with more ; a single horse and chaise less than a
a coach and more horses, etc.
The idea of such a gauge of rates seems to have been derived
from the system on toll-bridges which had been erected before
then. The original idea of the toll-bridge was that while those
originally building the bridge (the neighborhood) were entitled
to the use of it free, yet strangers using the same ought to bear
their fair share of the expenses of maintaining it, thus we find
that as early as the time of Roger Williams, the Wapweyset
bridge, one of the earliest bridges erected in Providence, was free
to all citizens of the town, while strangers were obliged to pay
toll for the use of the same. This primitive principle developed
in the course of a century or more into the erection of bridges by
corporations, as the Washington and “Red” or Moses Brown's
bridge and others, where charges were made against every person,
even foot passengers, using the bridge, and in time was trans-
ferred to turnpike roads.
The first turnpike road of which we find any record in the
statutes was, as might have been expected, on the line from Bos-
ton to New York, and was the Providence and Norwich turnpike
which had been commenced in the limits of Rhode Island pre-
vious to the year 1798. The Providence and Boston turnpike
was in existence previous to the year 1800, having been built
under an act of the Massachusetts legislature, and an act to incor-
porate the same in this state was passed on Oct. 29, 1800. Turn-
pikes to East Greenwich, Glocester, on the island of Rhode
Island, to Smithfield, Louisquisit, Pawtucket, Wickford, the
powder mill, turnpike, turnpikes to Coventry, Cranston, Foster,
Cumberland, Worcester, and other places, were incorporated in
the course of the next thirty years, and before the introduction of
railroads the turnpike was considered as the highest development
of land communication.
This system has since passed entirely away, but it is well to
recall it as one of the steps leading to our present system. As an
instance of the rates charged, we here publish the table of the
Boston and Providence turnpike — probably a fair specimen of
the best development of them all — the road being longer than
most, and the traffic greatest:
“A wagon cart, or ox-sled team, not exceeding 4 cattle,
12}c.
A team of more than four cattle, . o Q & gº I5
A sleigh with more than one horse, e • • I2%
A one horse sleigh, e e ſº • G - e. e 6}
A coach; chariot or phaeton, . e tº e e tº 4O
A chaise chair or sulky, . c tº º © . .. 2%
A horse and horse cart, . © • • •. tº e 64
A person and horse, e * • e © e 64
- Draft horses and neat cattle in droves, per head, . e 2
Swine in droves—for every fifteen, tº ſº . . IO
For less number than fifteen, each, . e º gº I
Sheep and store shoat,- each, e e e º tº %
Mail stage, e e te © º e tº * tº 64
“And foot passengers shall not be liable to any toll, nor shall persons
passing in said turnpike road for the purpose of attending public worship
or funerals; nor persons living within four miles from the place of the
turnpike, passing on said turnpike road for the purpose of attending
town-meetings or other town business, or going to or from mills, or for
the purposes of husbandry.” - -
The general adoption of the turnpike system, both in this and
adjoining states, led to great improvements in the stage facilities.
By the year 1805 the time between Boston and New York was
reduced to about fifty hours, and team transportation facilities
were increased in like proportion.
In all cases where it was practical water transportation was
preferred for the heavier classes of freight, and it was on the
water that the first application of steam to locomotive purposes in
America, at least, was made. -
It is to the credit and at the same time to the discredit of Prov-
idence that one of the earliest, if not the first, steamboats ever
constructed was made here and plied on Narragansett Bay and
Providence Harbor. It 1792, years before Fulton's attention was
THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS.
directed to this subject,
Elijah Ormsbee con-
structed his steamboat,
the “Experiment,” and
showed that a steamboat
was a practicable, attain-
able thing, and not
merely the dream of an
enthusiast, as it was up
to that time claimed to
be by practical men.
This event is a monu-
ment to the ingenuity of
the Providence me-
chanic of that day, but
the fact that the inven-
tion was not utilized
does not speak so highly
of the foresight and abil-
ity of the capitalists of
the town.
The development of
steamboats waited—
Ormsbee was ahead of
his times—till the days
of Fulton’s “Clermont”
on the Hudson, and its successors, and it was Wednesday, the
twenty-eighth day of May, 1817, before a commercially practical
steamboat ever entered our harbor.
This was the “Firefly,” of New York construction, and the first
steamboat that ever rounded Point Judith. She “attracted con-
siderable notice,” and on the next Friday made the round trip
from here to Newport and return in eleven hours. She ran for a
time between here and Newport, but the enterprise was not pe-
cuniarily successful and was abandoned. Before this time steam-
boats had been made use of to shorten the trips to New York, the
stages running to New London, where the passengers embarked
on a steamer which ran to New Haven, stopped there over night,
“wooded up,” and reached New York the next day.
It was Aug. 22, 1821, before a steamboat ever arrived at our
wharfs direct from New York. This was the “Robert Fulton,”
on an excursion trip.
In June, 1822, a steamboat line between Providence and New
York was established. The boats made the trip in twenty-three
hours, consuming fourteen cords of wood in the passage.
The first point to be obtained after the demonstration of the
possibility of a steamboat, was the reduction of the fearful expense
of running those early boats. In this matter Providence came to
the front, and by his “Babcock boiler engine,” John Babcock,
a Providence mechanic, ran the steamer “Babcock” from New-
port to New York in August, 1826, with a consumption of only
one and three-quarters cords of wood.
These boats were very different from the boats of to-day. The
“Washington,” one of the best boats of the time, lost in May,
1831, owing to a collision with the “Chancellor Livingston,”
was valued at from sixty to seventy thousand dollars. In August
of the same year, the newest and most improved boat on the
Sound, the “Boston,” is described as “150 feet long, and the
massy copper boilers of her two engines give the most satisfactory
assurance of her being an entirely safe boat.” The “President,”
the new wonder of the deep, had three decks, lower cabin, state-
rooms, closets for washing, etc. It was 160 feet long, thirty-two
and one-half feet beam, eleven feet depth of hold, was of 500 tons
burden, had thirty-four state-rooms, 150 berths, two separate low
pressure engines, and massy copper boilers.
EXCHANGE PLACE, AND THE UNION DEPOT.
By this time stage lines were running from Providence to Taun-
ton, New Bedford, Worcester, and most of the country towns, as
well as on the main line between Boston and New York. The
point of starting and arrival for most of them was the Manufac-
turers' Hotel, where the What Cheer block now stands, (shown
in view of Market Square in 1844,) and it was no uncommon sight
to see a dozen or more coaches, each with six horses, drawn up
in the highway, in front, above, and below this building, and
when into this cluster of equipages came the arriving stages pell-
mell at top speed, each striving to get in first, the scene became
one of excitement, and sometimes of danger. With regard to
the time made by these coaches, we find in 1832, the editor of
the Gazette proclaiming exultantly “we were rattled from Prov-
idence to Boston last Monday in four hours and fifty minutes
including all stops on the road. If any one wants to go faster, he
may send to Kentucky and charter a streak of lightning, or wait
for a railroad, as he pleases.”
After the New York boats came here there was a special stage
line started from the boats to go to Boston, and which came to the
boats with passengers from Boston. The keeping and baiting
of the horses used on these stage lines formed no inconsiderable
business in those days for numerous livery stables. Probably a
greater number of them were cared for at what is now Cope-
land's stable, than at any other single one. A signal system was
established between this stable and Field’s Point. The boats
arriving there would signal the number of passengers for Boston,
the signals were then repeated to the stable, and then there was
hurrying in hot haste. The steed, the mustering squadron, and
the clattering coach, went pouring forward with impetuous speed,
and swiftly forming in the ranks of stages, thundered down to the
wharf, and were there stationed and ready for passengers by the
time of the arrival of the boat.
At this time it was possible to go to Boston and return the
same day, spending two hours there, while the running time of
the boats between here and New York was reduced to less than
seventeen hours.
The next development of transportation facilities was the Black-
stone Canal, opened in 1828. This was a very useful institution
for the town and city of Providence, and towns along its route, as

I 30
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
it enabled freight to be carried at greatly cheapened rates. There
were some twenty or twenty-five freight boats used upon it with
an aggregate freight capacity of about eight hundred tons. It
was, however, far from a success to those who invested in it. In
an experience of some twenty years the total dividends declared
upon the stock was two dollars and seventy-five cents, paid during
the first eight of those years; the par value of the shares was
$37.5o each, and when it was finally wound up the whole capital
was lost. •
By the year 1829, the stage coaches and wagon teams over the
turnpike roads were considered as too slow and costly, and a
railroad was looked to and talked of. An idea of the extent of
the business over the turnpike roads of that day can best be ob-
tained by the statistics then compiled. It was computed that
twenty-seven thousand tons of freight were carried annually
between Boston and towns adjacent to the road at one end, and
Providence and like adjacent towns at the other, whilst of this
amount, only 3,400 tons were carried by water, the remainder all
going over the turnpike. .
The number of passengers carried by two lines only of stages
between these points was 24, IOO. .
It was considered that this business could be more expeditiously
and cheaply carried on by means of a railroad. It was figured
that one horse on a railroad could carry twenty-seven passengers
eleven miles per hour for seven hours in a day, and could haul
eight tons of freight for ten hours per day at the rate of three miles
per hour; that it would cost to build and equip the road $400,000.
On this estimate the Boston and Providence Railroad was first
planned and chartered. The first charter for this road was after-
wards revoked so far as Rhode Island was concerned, but a new
charter was granted in 1831, under which, in connection with a
charter granted by Massachusetts, the road was built, equipped,
and operated. It will be noted that up to this time there was no
thought of a railway having for motive power a steam locomo-
tive, and that it was expected that every individual could employ
his own carriage and horse-power on the road, paying toll there-
for. In fact it was a railroad turnpike. Without this fact being
born in mind some of the provisions of the charter would seem
unintelligible, thus, section six provides that the directors of said
road may erect toll-houses, establish gates, appoint toll gatherers,
and collect toll upon the road when completed, and upon such
parts of the road as shall from time to time be completed. Sec-
tion five provides that “the transportation of persons and property,
construction of wheels, the form of cars and carriages, the weight
of loads,” etc., are to be according to the rules, regulations, and
provisions established by the directors.
The first suggestion of a railroad using steam locomotives as a
source of power, emanating in print from Providence, was on June
26, 1832. Noting a passage by steamboat from New York to Prov-
idence in the unprecendented time of fourteen hours and twenty-
nine minutes, and that eight coaches of the Citizen's line started
with passengers to Boston, the editor of the Providence Gazette
ventures to say: “We hope before many years to see a steam
carriage on a railroad between this city and Boston.”
His hopes were realized—in 1834 locomotive engines drew
cars from Boston to the viaduct at Canton, connecting there
with stage coaches; and in June, 1835, locomotives ran the whole
length of the road to its then Providence termings at India Point,
and the doom of the turnpike and stage coach was sounded in the
shrill scream of the locomotive whistle. * -
But one turnpike company was incorporated in Rhode Island
after that date, the Peacedale Turnpike Company in 1842.
The interests involved, however, were too great for them to
yield at once. At first the turnpikes and stage lines made com-
II]. On Call Se against the railroad, and attempted to run it out of
existence by a vigorous competition, but the railroad could make
the trip to Boston in the beginning in two hours and a half, and
they gradually reduced the time required till it is now made in
one hour. No amount of speedy horses or frequent relays could
drive a stage coach from Boston to Providence in two hours and
a half. The stage lines then sought business by lowering the
price, but here also the railroad could meet and discount them,
and reluctantly the stage lines and turnpike corporations yielded
to the inevitable and accepted their fate. The same destiny has
since overtaken other lines and turnpike roads as other railroads
came into existence, and it is now believed that there is not a turn-
pike and but very few stage lines in existence in the state.
Before the opening of the Boston railroad, and before the idea
of using steam as a railroad locomotive power, in June, 1832,
another railroad with rights and powers similar to those of the
Boston and Providence, known as the New York, Providence &
Boston Railroad, was authorized to construct a track from Provi-
dence to Westerly. This company in connection with a Connec-
ticut company, built a line from Stonington to Providence, strik-
ing the shore just north of Sassafras Cove, and running up the
west side of the harbor to the present Hill's wharf. This line
was opened in 1837. Soon afterwards a steam ferry boat con-
nection was made between the New York, Providence and Boston
Railroad and the Boston and Providence Railroad in connection
with steamboats running from Stonington to New York, thus giv-
ing a second all steam line from Boston to New York.
About this time the express business was originated, its first
application on a large scale being on the line between Boston
and New York. -
The next great movement in the way of increasing transporta-
tion facilities, was the building of the Providence and Worcester
Railroad. The Blackstone Canal had proved its inefficiency, and
in May, 1844, the Providence & Worcester Railroad was incor-
porated. .
This corporation built the central railroad station now in use
on land filled in by them from the old Cove and made arrange-
ments with the Boston & Providence Railroad by which the latter,
building a branch track from East Junction to near Valley Falls,
came into the city on their tracks and used the same central
station.
This action was followed by the New York, Providence &
Boston Railroad in constructing a new entrance into the city and
using the same central station. These arrangements were all
completed in 1848, and since then the main passenger station in
the city has been the central one, and around it are grouped most
of the freight stations of the city.
About this time came the development of a means of transpor-
tation of an institution that is said to have originated in Provi-
dence. We refer to the so-called “furniture wagons,” a species
of light, strong wagons, which with the development of uphol-
stered seats have become the “excursion wagon” of the present
day. •.
The “low-gear” of Providence, which is seldom seen elsewhere,
and when seen is merely a copy of a Providence institution, was
also a production of this period. These conveyances are matters
which, though calling little attention from the world at large, are
worthy of notice as practical triumphs of Providence mechani-
cal ingenuity. -
In 1852, the Providence, Hartford and Fishkill Railroad was
allowed to enter the city and central depot on land to the north-
ward of that of the New York, Providence and Boston Railroad.
This road, though late in its coming, added greatly to the trans-
portation facilities of Providence. It is now a part of the New
York and New England Railroad system. -
Still another means of transportation was afforded in 1854 by
~
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. I 3 I
the Providence, Warren and Bristol Railroad to the system cen-
tering in Providence. It has proved of great benefit to the com-
mercial and other interests of Providence in bringing her into
relation with the towns and villages located on the east side of
the bay, and in southwestern Massachusetts.
In the early times of railroad development, a railroad was
planned in Massachusetts, to run from Boston down somewhere
towards Cape Cod, and called the Old Colony Railroad. A rail-
road was also planned, chartered, and constructed from New
Bedford to Taunton, another from Taunton to Mansfield, meeting
there the Boston and Providence Railroad.
In course of time the Old Colony Railroad has extended its lines
over to Taunton, absorbed the New Bedford and Taunton Rail-
road, the railroad from Taunton to Mansfield, built a shorter
track from Taunton to Attleboro, and has obtained control of a
railroad bridge and piece of track connecting the Providence,
Warren and Bristol Railroad with Fall River, in Massachusetts,
has built a railroad from Fall River to Newport, and numerous
other local lines, and thus while entirely a foreign corporation,
holds a prominent place as a feeder of the commerce of all south-
eastern Massachusetts to our state.
The old stage coach lines had mainly passed out of existence.
There were a few still running into the sparsely settled parts of
the country, where, as yet, the railroad had not penetrated, and
there was also a “survival '' of the most effective features of the
business in the shape of “omnibus lines,” so-called, to local vil-
lages in the near vicinity. Pawtucket, Olneyville, Elmwood, and
Pawtuxet, each had its omnibus line running to it, which, while
an improvement on, was an evolution from the stage coach busi-
ness, and as the latter had yielded to the steam railroad, so was
the omnibus destined to yield to the horse-car railroad.
The omnibus period, if it may be so called, commenced to close
in the year 1863, when the first line of horse-cars from Providence,
— the Providence and Pawtucket—was built, and in the winter
of 1863–4 was put into successful operation.
In the course of the next year horse-car lines were projected and
incorporated to run between Providence Bridge and Cranston,
Olneyville, Elmwood, Pawtuxet, and to various points in the
city. Before these lines were built it was found that it would
be necessary for
many of these com-
panies, all center-
ing at the Great
Bridge, to run in
some parts of the
city over the same
lines of road, which
would create con-
fusion and annoy-
ance. To obviate
this difficulty a new
corporation, the
Union Railroad
Company, was or-
ganized in 1865,
which united in
one ownership all
the minor lines.
This Union Rail-
road Company has
since, in 1872, ab-
sorbed the Prov-
idence and Paw-
tucket line and is
now the owner of
the numerous lines
of street cars running in all directions from the centre of the city.
In 1867, the present Union Horse-car depot on the north side
of the Great Bridge was erected. It was largely destroyed by fire
in February, 1875, and rebuilt in the following spring.
As the demands of the business increased, the company laid out
new routes in different directions till now the whole city is exten-
sively “gridironed ’’ with street railroad tracks, and there is no
populous portion of it but what is supplied with ample street rail-
road facilities.
The company at present builds its new cars, and does all the
repairing of its old ones. It also builds and repairs its tracks,
shoes all its horses, and makes their harnesses, employing a legion
of operatives in this way,
The road is under the management of Mr. D. F. Longstreet,
who was made secretary and treasurer of the company in 1870,
and in 1872, on the retirement of Superintendent George H. Smith,
assumed his duties and has had the general superintendence of the
road since. In 1884, Mr. Longstreet was elected vice-president
and general manager of the corporation.
The company now operates fifty-three miles of track, with 146
box cars and 126 open or summer cars. It has ten stables situated
at different points in the outskirts of the city in which are kept
about one thousand three hundred and fifty horses. Its extensive
repair and building shops are located in South Providence, where
it employs about fifty hands. It employs 150 conductors, 150
drivers, eighty-five hostlers. In all departments about six hun-
dred and fifty people are employed. During the year ending
Sept. 30, 1885, the company transported 13.360,000 passengers,
and drove their horses 2,378,000 miles. The total number of
passengers carried since the company was organized in 1865 to
the above date is 144,000,000. -
The Union Railroad Company is one of the most successful
horse-car companies in the country. We use the term successful
not in reference to the pecuniary dividends derived from it, which
are a fair but not excessive return for the capital invested, but as
having a higher meaning in providing for a want of the commu-
nity and doing it to the satisfaction of the people.
The company early perceived the growing needs of the city,
and have with a large comprehension of the necessities of their
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I 32
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
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THE PROVIDENCE POST-OFFICE.
system, pursued a course that, while not always productive of
immediate earnings, has enabled them to keep abreast with the
community in increasing the facilities it could afford them.
Especially is this course to be noted since the administration of
Mr. Longstreet began. Whilst the interests of the company have
been narrowly looked after by him, yet it has been done in such
a way, and with so much regard for the interests of the people at
large, that there is very little adverse criticism of the acts of the
corporation, and that little is growing less and less each year.
The change to steam navigation has largely swept away the
numerous lines of packets, sloops, and schooners which used to
ply between Providence and other coast ports. As we have seen,
the first attempt to supersede sails by steam between Providence
and Newport proved a failure, but in a few years, as the science of
cheaply producing and using steam became better understood,
and the importance of saving time, and having a certainty as to
time of arrival became better appreciated, the steamboat grew
more in favor, and the packet lines of sloops on that route have
gradually passed out of existence; the same is true of the other
packet lines to other places in the bay, to New York, Philadel-
phia, Norfolk, and Baltimore, and other places on the coast, while
the introdution of the system of large barges towed by tugs, has
converted the business of transporting even coal into one em-
ploying steam power.
There is yet, however, a very large amount of commercial
interchange by means of sailing vessels with points on the United
States coast, and some with foreign ports. The chief connec-
tions of Providence with the commercial world by railroad are
the Boston and Providence Railroad, the New York, Providence
and Boston Railroad, giving with connections a through all-rail
route to New York, the New York and New England Railroad,
the Providence and Worcester Railroad, the Old Colony Railroad,
connecting with the Boston and Providence Railroad, and also the
Providence, Warren and Bristol Railroad, the Providence and
Springfield Railroad, and numerous other short lines of road which
connect with these roads in various parts of the state, some of
which prove very important feeders to the commerce of the city.
THE PROvIDENCE Post-OFFICE.-Intimately connected with
the business of transportation is that of postal communication.
Early in the history of the colony, in 1693, the King's post was
established, but there seems never to have been any “post-office”
located in the town of Providence until Benjamin Franklin estab-
lished the inter-colonial post-office system in 1758.
The first post-office was located on the west side of North
Main Street, opposite the present St. John's Church; after a
year or more it was removed further south on the street, but
again removed to its old quarters. In 1766 it was carried finally
to the southward and located at Shakespeare Head, “over against
the Court House” on King Street, which was the south side of
the present Meeting Street. With the southward movement of the
town the post-office was moved to different points on Main Street,
until it reached Market Square, and was located on the south side
of that thoroughfare. Under the administration of General Mal-
lett, in the days of President Jackson, it was removed to the “Mal-
lett building,” on South Main Street. After its removal from the
Mallett building it was located for a time in the Union building
on the south side of Westminster Street, and at about 1850 it was
located in the rear building of the What Cheer block. There it
remained till it was removed in 1857 to its present quarters, when
for the first time it was located in a building belonging to the
United States government.
It is what is known as a first-class office, and its statistics indi-
cate the amount of business carried on in the city. In the office
there are eighty-five employés, forty being letter carriers em-
ployed to deliver letters at houses and places of business, and
bring in the letters that are deposited in the various street letter
boxes. The number of mails received vary from eighty-six to
ninety, and the number of mails despatched from ninety-four to
a hundred daily. The number of pieces handled in a year aggre-
gates twenty-four millions, and weighs about seven hundred and
fifty thousand pounds, or three hundred and seventy-five tons.
Besides the local delivery of the carriers there are 1,500 private
letter boxes in the office, where mail matter is received by those
hiring the boxes.
The average number of letter stamps sold in a single month is
seven hundred and fifty thousand, while of postal cards 150,000
are sold in a month. Scattered over the city are 190 street letter
boxes, from which are collected at stated hours the mail matter
deposited in them by the inhabitants.
The money-order business of the office is very large, the num-
ber of transactions being above sixty thousand, and amounting
to more than a million dollars yearly.
The number of registered letters handled annually is about
fifty thousand and constantly increasing.
The office employs three horses and wagons to transport mails
to and from the depots, two more are used at night in making col-
lections from the street boxes, and three horses and wagons are
used for the delivery of mails.
The class of houses that receive and deliver the largest amount
of mail matter are the various print works, the American Screw
Company, the great dry goods houses and similar business con-
cerns. It is not an uncommon occurrence for the office to receive
Ioo, Ooo circulars from some of the leading firms in the afternoon
to be dispatched. Christmas and St. Valentine's seasons also
cause a large amount of extra work for the employés of the office.
The largest amount of any one issue of a publication mailed at
the Providence Post-Office was /Peñds' ſºad/road Gazāde, for
October, 1886, which weighed two tons.
The idea of civil service reform has long been in practice in
this office, and skilled employés are not removed on account of
political belief. There are employés in the office who have been
members of its working force for a long period, the longest term
of any one of those at present employed being twenty-five years.
The business of the post-office, at present, is carried on under
the direction of Henry W. Gardiner, postmaster, and Charles H.
Williams, assistant postmaster.

THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. I 33
In tracing the history of the great transportation companies
connected with Providence, not only a comprehensive knowledge
of the means afforded for the growth and development of these
plantations is obtained, but they illustrate as well the earliest
stages of traffic by steamship and rail, and exhibit the high state
of perfection now attained in the various methods of transporta-
tion.
THE Boston AND PROVIDENCE RAILROAD.—As the occupant
of the luxurious car that whirls him from Providence to Boston
in a single hour recalls how old Tom Sabine and his brethren of
the whip used to give a week's notice before setting out for the
same metropolis, and then take two days to get there, he must be
keenly sensible that the transition from the stage coach to the
boudoir railway coach marks an epoch of material progress that
has stamped a radical impress on New England, solving the
problem of rapid transportation as printing solved the question of
the diffusion of knowledge. Nor will the force of this thought
be lost if he consider what difficulties had to be overcome before
he could enjoy the advantages of travel that have followed the
advent of steam as a motive power in land transportation.
When in the spring of the year 1828, the board of directors
of internal improvements of the State of Massachusetts applied
to the General Assembly of Rhode Island for leave to survey a
route for a railroad to connect Providence and Boston, steam
railways had not been tried in this country, and the only thing of
the kind was the few miles of horse railroad connecting the West
Quincy granite quarries with tide-water. The rural dwellers
along the line looked upon the proposed railroad as an innovation
destined to cripple local industry, and ruin their market. But
the persistent, far-seeing spirit of progress refused to be deterred
from its purpose by staid conservatism, the survey was made, and
in June of the same year the General Assembly passed an act
authorizing the commonwealth of Massachusetts or any corpora-
tion in that state to lay out and construct the proposed track,
which inferred, however, that the scheme contemplated was to
consist of two continuous parallel lines of granite blocks em-
bedded in the earth, on each of which would be firmly bolted
thick straps of iron, constituting tracks for the wheels of clumsy
cars drawn by horses. But the fears of the country folk were
premature and
the scheme abor-
tive. Yet by it
public attention
was directed to
the subject, and
the way paved
for a second
attempt to ac-
complish the
same object, and
some of the
board of direc-
tors of the aban-
doned scheme
be came mem.
bers of the cor-
poration that
subsequently
built the road.
In 1831 the
present Boston
and Providence
Railroad Corpo-
ration was char-
tered by the
Massachusetts
A. A. FOLSOM,
Superintendent of the Boston and Providence Railroad.
J. B. GARDINER,
Superintendent of the New York, Providence and Boston Railroad.
legislature, and authorized to construct a railroad from Boston, or
some suburban point, to the boundary line of the state in Paw-
tucket, (then a part of the Bay State), or Seekonk. The prelim-
inary survey was made by William Gibbs McNeil and William
Raymond Lee, and the work of construction was begun by sec-
tions the following year.
As the work of building the road approached completion, it
was seen that in order to derive its full share of benefit therefrom,
the State of Rhode Island must continue the track to the city of
Providence, and for that purpose the Boston & Providence Rail-
road & Transportation Company was organized. To this the
General Assembly granted permission to build the desired exten-
sion.
The work of building this important thoroughfare was finished
in 1835, and a drawbridge across the river at India Point com-
pleted the junction at the state line; and although the stone
viaduct at Canton, Mass., was not finished until later, the first
train passed over the line from Providence to Boston on the
second day of June. It was drawn by horses, however, instead
of steam, because the locomotives ordered from Philadelphia had
not arrived.
In the practical working of the road it was found that the
management of so short a line by two distinct corporations was
inconvenient, and although no change was made during the first
eighteen years of its career, an act of the General Assembly was
passed in 1853, under which the Boston & Providence Railroad
& Transportation Company conveyed its interest to the other cor-
poration, and the entire track passed into the control of the
Boston & Providence Railroad Corporation.
The principal officers of the Boston and Providence road have
been Massachusetts men, although a considerable portion of the
capital stock is held in this state. It has had seven presidents,
the succession being as follows: Thomas B. Wales, from 1831 to
1835; William W. Woolsey, from 1835 to 1838; Josiah Quincy,
Jr., from 1838 to 1841; Joseph Grinnell, from 1841 to 1846;
Charles H. Warren, from 1846 to 1867; John H. Clifford, from
1867 to 1876; Henry A. Whitney, from 1876 to the present time.
Five treasurers have successively held the office, namely: Wil-
liam Appleton, from 1831 to 1832; John F. Loring, from 1832 to
1841; Henry Dalton, from 1841 to 1861 : David Tyler, from
1861 to 1867; Benjamin B. Torrey, since 1867.
The road has had only four superintendents, all gentlemen well
fitted by their previous knowledge of the road to fill the position
with credit. William G. McNeil, who made the first surveys


18
I 34
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
and was very active in promoting the interests of the corporation,
was chosen superintendent in 1831, and held the office until 1835.
His successor was William Raymond Lee, who had also been
closely identified with the enterprise from its inception, and mate-
rially aided in securing its completion. He managed its affairs
until 1853, and then gave place to Daniel Nason, who was one of
the men engaged in the construction of the road, and subsequently
in operating it, until he became superintendent. In 1867 the
present incumbent, Albert A. Folsom, was chosen to the position,
and for nearly two decades he has filled the office with signal
ability. He is a native of Exeter, N. H., and in 1854, when but
twenty years of age, was appointed general ticket agent of the
road. Six years later he was promoted to the office of superin-
tendent of transportation in this city, and in 1864 he became assist-
ant superintendent. Three years later, as already stated, he as-
sumed the duties of his present office and removed to Boston.
When Mr. Folsom resigned the office of superintendent of
transportation, the vacancy was filled by Mr. Henry A. Chace,
of this city, who had been in the employ of the corporation for
six years, and who held it up to the time of his death in 1884,
when the management appointed to succeed him, Mr. George L.
Greene, who had been a faithful servant of the road for fifteen
years, and who still performs the duties of his position with
acceptance. There are two other citizens of Providence whose
long and honorable connection with this railroad entitles them to
mention: Mr. John Daily, one of the oldest employés, who is
still on the company’s pay-roll, though he retired from active
service several years ago; and Mr. Hezekiah Martin, who has
been one of the most popular conductors on the road for twenty-
two years. *
The present officers of the corporation are: president, Henry
A. Whitney, of Milton, Mass.; treasurer, Benjamin B. Torrey,
of Boston; clerk of corporations, Winslow Warren, of Dedham ;
superintendent, Albert A. Folsom, of Boston; general passenger
agent, James Daily, of Boston; general freight agent, William
H. Morrell, of Dedham. *º
The main road has a double track of steel rails throughout its
length, is kept in excellent order, and is one of the safest roads in
the country. Most of the passenger stations on the line are pro-
vided with new and costly buildings, and that at the Boston ter-
minus is one of the most elegant in the world. The rolling stock
and other equipments are second to none, the passenger tariff is
reduced to the minimum rate, and it has been the uniform policy.
of the management to afford the patrons of the road every reason-
able accommodation.
The last annual report of the board of railroad commissioners
for the State of Massachusetts contains the following interesting
statistics for the year ending September, 1885: total income,
$1,667,066. 13; total operating expenses, $190,374.71 ; number of
passengers carried, 5,612,410; number of passengers to Boston,
including season ticket holders, 2,076,982; number of passengers
from Boston, including season ticket holders, 2,147,488; num-
ber of tons of freight, 709,853; total miles of road owned by the
corporation, 63,752; number of locomotives, 57; number of pas-
senger cars, 150 ; number of parlor or sleeping cars, 24; number
of baggage, mail, and express cars, 25; number of freight cars,
503; number of other cars, 392.
THE NEw York, PROvIDENCE AND Boston RAILROAD.—
The projection of a railroad to connect the cities of Providence
and Boston drew the attention of capitalists to the importance of
extending the line westward to New York, and the General As-
sembly of Rhode Island passed the necessary act of incorporation
in June, 1832, and the gentlemen named in the charter were
Oliver D. Wells, Samuel Whittemore, John Y. Gray, Robert P.
Bell, Joseph Goddard, Isaac Champlin, Charles Perry, John H.
tension and greater usefulness of the line.
Cross, Lyndon Taylor, Paul Babcock, Jr., George W. Gavitt,
• George Wells, Jesse L. Moss, Peter Crary, Courtlandt Palmer,
John S. Crary, S. F. Denison, C. H. Phelps, Gurdon Trumbull,
and their associates. By the terms of the legislative act this cor-
poration was to be known as the New York, Providence & Boston
Railroad Company, and was authorized to locate and construct
a railroad from the city of Providence to the state line of Connec-
ticut, at a point on the Pawcatuck River in the town of Westerly.
In furtherance of the enterprise the General Assembly of Con-
necticut prepared the way for an extension of the line, by incor-
porating during the same summer the New York & Stonington
Railroad Company, with power to construct a road between the
Pawcatuck River at the eastern boundary of the state to the
borough of Stonington. Thus by the almost simultaneous legis-
lative action of the two states nearly fifty miles of the proposed
road was chartered, and to facilitate the operations of the two
companies, the General Assemblies concurred again in constitut-
ing the stockholders in each company stockholders in the other,
so that whenever the New York & Stonington Company located
its road at Westerly, the two companies should be united and
constitute one corporation, under the name of the New York,
Providence & Boston Railroad Company, a provision which was
complied with Sept. 24, 1833.
The work of building the road occupied several years, but it
was substantially finished, so that the track was open for travel be-
tween Hill's wharf in Providence and Stonington, March Io,
1837. By the provisions of the charter it was also obligatory on
the company to establish a line of steamboats to run between Ston-
ington and New York, and for this purpose the steamer “Stoning-
ton” was procured and placed on the line. This was the only
passenger boat in use until May, 1838, when arrangements were
made to run one boat belonging to the Boston & Providence
Railroad & Transportation Company, and another belonging to
Cornelius Vanderbilt, of New York. Another important con-
nection required under the charter was the ferry plying between
the terminus of this road on the west side of the harbor and the
terminus of the Boston and Providence Railroad at India Point.
The road had been successfully opened and its trains were run-
ning with a good degree of regularity, when, in 1839, its opera-
tions were embarrassed and its continuance threatened by finan-
cial troubles. A large amount of bonds issued by the company
fell due, and in consequence of their failure to pay either the
principal or interest, the trustees under the second and third
mortgages took possession of the property of the road, and it was
five years before the corporation was able to redeem it. Still they
managed to keep the road in operation, and in 1843 new bonds
were issued to holders of the defaulted obligations and the debt
was reduced one-half, so that the directors were allowed to regain
possession of the property. -
The financial cloud resting on the road did not prevent the
officers of the company from devising means to promote the ex-
As early as 1842 the
directors were authorized to use their influence to secure legis-
lation in Massachusetts favoring the construction of a “link” to
run through the city of Providence and the village of Paw-
tucket, to connect their road with the Boston and Providence, a
project that was consummated in 1848, after the Providence and
Worcester road was built. The desired union was effected by
means of an extension of this road from Hill's wharf to a point on
the Cove where the Union depot was subsequently erected, and
the building of a branch of the Boston and Providence Railroad
from East Junction to the track of the Worcester road which had
already extended its line to the Cove. By this arrangement the
ferry across the harbor was avoided, and passengers could ride.
between Stonington and Boston without changing cars.
THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS.
Another enterprise of which the New York, Providence &
Boston Railroad Company never lost sight, was the continuation
of their track along the Connecticut south shore until eventually
they should possess an “all rail” line from Boston to New York
City. In pursuance of this idea the company obtained authority,
in 1858, to lease such portions of the New Haven, New London
and Stonington Railroad as in the judgment of the company would
promote the public interest. But as this road was unfinished be-
tween New London and Stonington, steps were taken to have
that portion built and ready for use in January, 1858, by which
means the company extended their lines to New Haven, and
made connection with the road already in operation between that
city and New York. Six years later by the purchase of the link
between Stonington and New London, the company became
owners of the entire main line in their possession to-day.
In September, 1860, the steamboat terminus of the road was
removed from Stonington to Groton, where the water approaches
seemed to be more advantageous. It remained there until 1866,
when the burning of the depot buildings, wharf, and the steamer
“Commonwealth,” necessitated an immediate return to the Ston-
ington terminus, which was put in thorough repair at considerable
cost, and has been retained ever since.
No permanent branch roads have been constructed by the com-
pany, but in January, 1880, they leased the Pontiac and the Paw-
tuxet Valley branches, already built, and in the following June,
purchased the Warwick and Oakland Beach road. In 1884, they
purchased also the Pontiac branch.
Since the road was established there have been many changes
in the principal officers of the corporation. The presidential suc-
cession has been as follows: John S. Crary, from 1833 to 1837;
Courtlandt Palmer, from 1837 to 1843; Elisha Peck, from 1843 to
1847; Cornelius Vanderbilt, from 1847 to May 14, 1849; Daniel
Drew, from May 14, 1849, to May 29, 1849; Elisha Peck, from
May 29, 1849, to 1850; Charles P. Williams, from 1850 to 1856;
Giles F. Ward, from 1855 to 1858; Matthew Morgan, from 1858
to 1860; James I. Day, from 1860 to 1867; Samuel D. Babcock,
from 1867 to the present time. The treasurers of the road have
been : John S. Crary, from 1833 to 1837; Nathaniel Thurston,
from 1837 to 1838; John L. Tiffany, from 1838 to 1839; Francis
Amy, from 1839 to 1863; Ira H. Palmer, from 1863 to 1867;
Henry Morgan, from 1867 to 1885; A. R. Longley, Jr., from 1885
to the present date.
No superintendent was appointed until the year 1850, but A.
S. Mathews was road-master from 1837, when the road was opened
for traffic, until his appointment as superintendent in 1850. He
discharged his official duties and managed the affairs of the road
with great ability until failing health compelled him to resign in
1879. His successor, Mr. J. B. Gardiner, had been a well-tried,
faithful servant of the company for many years before he was
promoted to the superintendency, and was very popular; at one
time he was a conductor, and for several years previous to the
resignation of Mr. Mathews, he had performed the duties of his
superior, in the capacity of assistant superintendent, and was
acting superintendent for a while after the vacancy occurred.
Mr. Gardiner is thoroughly identified with the success of the
road, and as a citizen of Providence is public-spirited and highly
esteemed.
Ever since the line of the road has been continued to New
Haven the company has had to provide transportation across two
wide rivers, the Thames and the Connecticut, which was effected
in both cases by ferry boats until 1870, when a substantial draw-
bridge was built across the latter river, and although a similar pro-
vision for the Thames has been discussed at the annual meetings,
the boats as yet continue to be the only means of crossing.
The present officers of the road are: president, Samuel D. Bab-
WILLIAM E. CHAMBERLAIN,
Superintendent of the Providence and Worcester Railroad.
cock, of New York; vice-president, George M. Miller, of New
York; general manager, J. W. Miller, of New York; superin-
tendent, J. B. Gardiner, of Providence; secretary and treasurer,
Andrew R. Longley, Jr., of Stonington; general ticket agent,
O. H. Briggs, of Providence; general freight agent, E. F. Brad-
ford, of Providence; general auditor, W. D. Basley, of Ston-
ington; purchasing agent, J. L. Hayden.
The annual report of the directors for the fiscal year ending
Sept. 30, 1885, contains the following statistics of the business
and property of the road; gross earnings $1,139,886.05; total
operating expenses, $761,515.66; capital stock, $3,000,000; total
number of passengers carried, 1,431,264; amount of freight car-
ried 403,359 tons; total miles of road operated and controlled by
the company, 82.76; double track Providence to Mystic, 53 miles;
number of locomotives, 33; number of passenger cars, 47; num-
ber of baggage and mail cars, 11 : number of baggage crate flat
cars, 3 ; number of merchandise cars, 154; number of other cars,
239; number of ferry boats, 2.
The road is in excellent condition. The roadway, tracks,
bridges, depots, buildings, and rolling stock are kept up to a high
standard. All real improvements are adopted by the company
which are conducive to the comfort and safety of passengers and
for the rapid handling of freight.
THE PROvIDENCE & WorcestER RAILROAD CoMPANY. — In
1835 railway communication was opened to the east—to the
chief city of New England,-and in 1837, quick transportation
was introduced to the south and south-west—to the capital com-
mercial city of the Union. The next demand in the march of
progress was a track through the Blackstone Valley. In March,
1844, the Providence & Worcester Railroad Company was
incorporated by the legislature of Massachusetts, and in May of
the same year, by the General Assembly of Rhode Island. The
names given in the charter are: Amherst Everett, William
Rhodes, Ebenezer Kelley, Josiah Whitaker, Alexander Duncan,
Moses B. Ives, Harvey Chace, Christopher S. Rhodes, James
Y. Smith, Joseph Carpenter, Isaac Thurber, Edward H. Sprague,
William Jackson, Samuel Wood, John W. Lincoln, Welcome
Farnum, George C. Ballou, Allen O. Peck, George W. Hallett,
William Foster, Thomas Kinnicut, Wilbur Kelley, Samuel
Greene, Paul Whitin, and Robert R. Stafford.
By the terms of the charter the corporators were made the
directors of the company until the first Monday in February,
when the first annual meeting was held. The charter stipulated

I 36
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
also that the stock, Io,000 shares at $100 each, should be sub-
scribed on or before the first day of June, 1847, and that the
railway be completed on or before the first day of June, 1850.
Both conditions were fulfilled. The directors first elected by the
stockholders in 1845 were: Alexander Duncan, Moses B. Ives,
Harvey Chace, James Y. Smith, Christopher S. Rhodes, Orray
Taft, A. O. Peck, George W. Hallett, William Foster, Earl P.
Mason, Charles S. Fisher, Moses B. Lockwood, Jacob Little,
John Barstow,'N. F. Potter, Duty Greene, Charles Dyer, Gideon
L. Spencer, and Aaron Rathbone. •
At the first meeting of the directors to elect officers, Alexander
Duncan was made president, Allen O. Peck, clerk, and Joseph
Carpenter, treasurer. The Cove question became prominent early
in the history of the company, and led to as much discussion as
employed forty years later. Authorized by the General Assem-
bly by ficts passed in 1841 and 1845, the city council granted to
the Providence & Worcester Railroad Company, the right to use
a part of the Cove for railway purposes on various conditions,
the fulfilling of which left the Cove practically as it is to-day.
This grant was made in January, 1846. Opponents strong in pur-
pose appeared, and petitioned the city council to stay proceed-
ings. One argument of the memorialists was that the filling of
the Cove would “seriously injure, if not endanger, the very
existence of the natural channel of our river” between Fox Point
and Weybosset Bridge. Another memorial presented the same
plea, but was devoted chiefly to the theory of a park. The
names of some of the signers of this petition appeared as re-
monstrants against the further filling of the Cove basin in 1885.
The remonstrants applied to the General Assembly for relief, and
were met by a counter petition signed by Alexander Duncan,
accompanied by a memorial to the city council, signed by 1,350 of
the business men of the city. The outcome of the whole matter
was the adoption of, or the adherence to, the plans that placed the
Cove in its present environment.
At the first meeting of the stockholders after the union of the
Massachusetts company and the Rhode Island company, the
following directors were added to those already given : John W.
Lincoln, Joseph Carpenter, Paul Whitin, Joseph Thayer, George
T. Rice, and John F. Pond. In 1846 John Barstow was elected
president of the company, John R. Balch, employed in the
office of the company at its organization, was appointed clerk in
1847, and has held the office to the present time, serving as treas-
urer, also, since 1850. ge
The first passenger train passed over the railway on Sept. 27,
1847. It was a “great event” in the history of the Blackstone
Valley. The inhabitants along the route of the railway and
from regions remote assembled to see the train go by, or to ride
upon it, that it might be said of them that they were among the
passengers on the first train. The day was a holiday throughout
the valley. The railway was soon in complete running order,
and the first annual report dates from January, 1848. The pas-
senger station on Exchange Place was completed in 1848. This
structure remains to-day. In 1848, Orray Taft was elected pres-
ident, and remained in office till 1853, and his successors have
been : Welcome Farnum, 1854 to 1858; Horatio N. Slater, 1859;
Earl P. Mason, 1860 to 1872; William S. Slater, 1873 to 1878;
George A. Leete, who became president in 1879, and died in
office on April 12, 1884; he was succeeded on June 11, 1884, by
Estus Lamb who is now serving. -
The first superintendent was T. Willis Pratt, who was engaged
in the survey for the railway. He served till 1848, and was fol-
lowed by Isaac Hinckley. He was succeeded by Isaac H.
Southwick in 1849, who was in office till 1854. He was followed
by John B. Winslow, 1855; Stephen H. Taber, 1856 to 1865;
William D. Hilton, 1866 to 1877; William E. Chamberlain, 1878
to the present time.
In the annual report for 1879 is the following paragraph : “The
directors would congratulate the stockholders on the improved
condition of the company brought about mainly in the last two
years by a system of thorough" economy, in the carrying out of
which we have been most ably seconded by our efficient superin-
tendent, Mr. William E. Chamberlain, who, with most inde-
fatigable industry and untiring perseverance in the management
of the affairs of the different departments under his charge, has
most successfully contributed to the reviving prosperity of the com-
pany, and we feel that we cannot let this opportunity pass without
speaking in terms of commendation as to his management, integ-
rity, and ability.”
William M. Durfee entered the employ of the company in 1853,
at Worcester, as ticket and freight clerk. In 1857 he returned to
Providence, and became general ticket agent, and auditor of
passenger and freight accounts, holding these offices till 1866.
In that year Mr. Durfee was appointed general passenger and
ticket agent, and assistant superintendent, and in these capacities
has served the company to the present time. Previously to 1867
the freight traffic was under the supervision of an agent at each
terminus. These agents continue in office, but in 1867 the office
of general freight agent was created, and Julius E. Bacon was
appointed to the office, which he still retains. The agent in
Providence is John Sanford. The present directors of the road
are: Estus Lamb, Gideon L. Spencer, E. B. Stoddard, Lyman
A. Cook, M. B. I. Goddard, Frederick Grinnell, Joseph E.
Davis, Oscar J. Rathbun, David K. Phillips, Jonas G. Clark,
B. F. Thurston, Charles E. Whitin, J. W. Danielson, and Wil-
liam E. Chamberlain.
As early as 1854, the laying of a second track was proposed,
but no action was taken till ten years later. In 1865 a double track
was completed from Boston switch to Lonsdale; in 1867 to Ash-
ton; in 1868 to Albion, and in 1869 to Waterford. Work was
suspended till 1872, when a second track was completed from
Worcester to Farnumsville, and to Whitins in 1881. In 1882 the
double track was completed, except half a mile of track near
Whitins, and an eighth of a mile near the Millville ledges; in 1883
the Whitins part was built, in 1884 the part near Millville, and in
1885 the double track was opened to traffic throughout its length.
The marginal railway on Dyer Street was laid to Dorrance Street
in 1852, and a part of the track on South Water Street was com-
pleted in 1853. It was extended to Fox Point by way of South
Main Street in 1855, and in 1867 through South Water Street to
the same terminus. The East Providence branch was ready for
use in 1874, and the Wilkesbarre property was purchased in 1883.
The first dividend, amounting to six per cent., was declared in
1852. The Union station in Worcester was entered in 1878; the
Westinghouse air brake was introduced in 1878, and the system
of electric switches and signals, in 1882. The gross receipts in
1850 were $202,751 ; 1860, $393,588; 1870, $661,716; 1880,
$1,069,644; 1885, $1,077,166. Statistics, 1885: capital stock,
$2,500,000; funded debt, $1,242,000; length of main line, 43.41
miles; length of double track, 42.38 miles; total length of road,
50.41 miles; length of branches, 7 miles; length of track com-
puted as single track, 131,335 miles; passengers carried, 2,561,-
618; tons of freight carried, 828,861.
The increase of business on this road has been remarkable for
its regularity, and year by year the small hamlets along its line
have matured into large villages and cities. The interests of
these towns and villages have been promoted by the company
with ample and even elegant accommodations in the way of sta-
tions, train equipments, and effective service on the part of its
employés. .
THE PROVIDENCE AND SPRINGFIELD RAILROAD.—The corpo-
rators of the Woonasquatucket Railroad Company, chartered in
1857, were Daniel L. Salisbury, Jason Emerson, Albert L.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 137
Sayles, Ira P. Evans, Clovis H. Bowen, Horace Kimball, Otis
Sayles, George H. Browne, Nathan B. Sprague, Thomas Barnes,
Anthony Steere, William Winsor, Elisha Dyer, Zachariah Allen,
Philip Allen, Jr., Amos D. Smith, and Henry B. Lyman. The
charter provided for the completion of the railway on or before
the first day in January, 1868, but owing to the events of the late
war the conditions were not complied with, and in 1867 the time
was extended to March, 1871 ; then by successive legislative acts
it was finally fixed as March, 1876.
In 1871 the name of the corporation was changed to Provi-
dence & Springfield Railroad Company, and the General Assem-
bly at the same time authorized the town of Burrillville to sub-
scribe $50,000 to the capital stock of the company, and to issue
bonds of the town in payment of such subscription. The city of
Providence, also, was given authority to exchange its bonds for
the bonds of the company to the amount of half a million dollars,
or to guarantee the bonds of the company, to this amount, the
company giving a mortgage on its property as security.
The citizens of Burrillville who had shown great interest in
the enterprise, voted by a large majority to issue bonds for the
payment of the desired subscription; and the council of the city
of Providence voted to guarantee the bonds of the company to
an amount equal to one-half of the cost of the construction of the
railway, the amount not to exceed five hundred thousand dollars.
The directors executed a mortgage upon the railway property to
James Y. Smith, Royal C. Taft, and Lodowick Brayton, trustees.
In 1871 the preliminary surveys for the location of the railway
were made by Mr. L. M. E. Stone, who, after the organization
of the company, became chief engineer, and under his direction
the road was built. The main line is a fraction less than twenty-
three miles in length, branching from the New York and New
England railroad in Olneyville, and extending to the village of
Pascoag. The roadway follows the Woonasquatucket River,
the Tarkiln River, and the Clear River, a course favorable for the
construction and operation of the road. The directors named in
the first report, made Dec. 2, 1872, were William Tinkham, Al-
bert L. Sayles, Edward Pierce, Amos N. Beckwith, M. B. I.
Goddard, L. M. E. Stone, Henry C. Clark, Horace A. Kimball,
and James O. Inman. William Tinkham was president; Jabez
C. Knight, clerk and secretary; Lemuel M. E. Stone, superin-
tendent and treasurer.
The road was opened to travel in 1873 and trains began to run
on the 11th of August. In December of that year, Milton A.
Clyde and John L. Ross were added to the board of directors.
In the first report, covering an entire year, made Sept. 30, 1874,
the following interesting data are given : Capital authorized by
charter, $1,000,000; capital authorized by vote of the company,
$500,000; stock paid in, $500, 150 ; shares issued, 5,OOI ; par
value, $100; capital stock issued per mile of road, $22,329;
floating debt, $25,156; funded debt, $500,000; proportion of debt
to mile of road, $23,533; total cost of road to date, (September,
1874,) $909,297; cost per mile, $45,056; cost of equipment,
$99,714; equipment per mile, $4,451 ; passenger tariff, 3} cents
per mile ; passengers carried, IOO,576; merchandise carried, 24-
960 tons; income from passenger traffic, $40,345; from freight
traffic, $31,313; total income, $74,004; income above operating
expenses, $17,821 ; total net income after paying $17,154 interest,
$666.
The original intent of the corporators was to extend this road
to Springfield, Mass., which would give the city of Providence
a short, direct route to the West. In May, 1881, the General
Assembly incorporated the Providence, Webster & Springfield
Railroad Company. The corporators were William Tinkham,
Albert L. Sayles, Horace A. Kimball, James O. Inman, John L.
Ross, and Henry Lippitt. The time allowed for the construc-
President and Superintendent of the Providence and Springfield Railroad,
and Manufacturer.
tion of the road was limited to the first day of May, 1886, but
owing to various unfavorable circumstances, the prosecution of
the enterprise has been delayed. -
Mr. William Tinkham has served the company as president
since its organization, and its success in great part is due to his
interest and fidelity. Sidney Dillon, of New York, was elected
a member of the board of directors in 1875, J. D. Nichols in
1877, and Edward Pearce, Jr., in 1879. Jabez C. Knight has
been the clerk of the company since 1873. Treasurers, Lemuel
M. E. Stone, 1873; Frank W. Grammont, 1874; William A.
Leete, 1877; E. W. Tinkham, 1878. Superintendents: L. M.
E. Stone, 1873; Orrin S. Gardiner, 1874. Since 1874, William
liam Tinkham has acted as president and superintendent.
The future of this railroad has to do with the future of this state
and people. The carrying out of the original design will work
great good to both. When accomplished this people will be
nearer the great West, and nearer to the great bread fields of the
world.
WILLIAM TINKHAM & CoMPANY.—The town of Burrillville is
noted for the beauty and diversity of its scenery. Rough and
rugged it may be in wooded upland, but smooth, gently-sloping
valleys lie between. In one of these sheltered and sheltering
lowlands on the bank of the Clear River is the handsome mill
property of William Tinkham & Company. The cluster of
buildings is an attraction in itself, and with its picturesque en-
vironment is fair to look upon from any of the surrounding hills.
The property is located in the village of Harrisville, one mile
from the centre of Burrillville town. The business carried on
originally was established in 1856, by Messrs. Steere and Tink-
ham. In 1873 the firm was Messrs. Tinkham & Farwell, and in
1879 Ernest W. Tinkham was admitted to partnership, and the
firm's name became Tinkham, Farwell & Company. Mr. Far-
well withdrew from the company in 1884, and the style of the
firm became William Tinkham & Company.

138
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
When the works were established, the manufacture of satinets
received the attention of the company, but in 1860 the machinery
was changed to accommodate the manufacture of fancy cassi-
meres until 1881, when fancy worsteds became the staple manu-
facture. This has been the product to the present day, and it has
made its own way in the market and established a high reputation.
The goods known under the names of “Newmarket” and “Em-
pire” brands have no superior competitors. The total out-put of
the mill is handled by Messrs. Hinck & Company, of 53 Worth
Street, New York City.
The main part of the mill structure is of stone, 40 x 165 feet;
a wing on one side measures 60 x 106 feet, and another on the
other side, 22 x 105 feet, the whole building occupying an area
of about a third of an acre. The power is water, supplemented
by steam. Ten sets of cards and 124 broad looms are employed.
The mill's machinery has been changed three times in the course
of its history, and the mill is to-day equipped with the best appli-
ances known for the production of textile fabrics. The persons
employed number about three hundred and seventy-five.
WILLIAM TINKHAM, president of the Providence & Springfield
Railroad Company, was born in Harmony village, Glocester, on
July 8, 1823. He is a lineal descendant of Hezekiah Tinkham,
who came from England during the Revolutionary War, settled
in Glocester, and was a blacksmith by occupation. William
Tinkham is the son of Nehemiah and Alzada (Andrews) Tink-
ham, and the oldest of six children. The parents and children
are all now living. William Tinkham received a good educa-
tion, begun in the district school and finished in the Smithville
Academy, later widely known as the Lapham Institute of North
Scituate. According to the good practice followed in earlier
days, he learned a trade—the trade of a blacksmith, but unable
to follow it, owing to ill-health, entered, in 1844, a store in
Greenville. Here he served as clerk for a few months, and then
became proprietor.
In 1853, associated with Job Steere, he hired a woolen mill in
Mapleville, and, with one set of machinery, began the manufacture
of tweeds and yarns. Determined to follow the business of
manufacturing, Mr. Tinkham began in the lowest position in his
own mill and worked his way by the side of his operatives, passing
through all grades of work, and perfecting himself in every
branch. In 1856 the firm of Steere & Tinkham became owners
of the property included within the village of Harrisville, and
improved the plant by a large outlay. The business was suc-
cessful, and has steadily increased to the present time. Mr. Tink-
ham has made his home in Providence since 1868, and has been
closely identified with its interests—social, commercial, religious,
and political. In 1868 he became interested, with his brother and
Franklin Metcalf, in stocking and operating the Carolina mills,
in the town of Richmond. This partnership ceased in 1878.
The firm of Steere & Tinkham was dissolved in 1873, when Mr.
Tinkham purchased his partners' interest and formed a new com-
pany with Mr. F. S. Farwell, the firm's name being Tinkham &
Farwell. Mr. Ernest W. Tinkham, son of the senior partner,
was admitted to partnership in 1878. Mr. Farwell withdrew
from the firm in 1884, and the firm's name was changed to Wil-
liam Tinkham & Company, and thus remains at the present time,
1886.
Mr. Tinkham was elected to the General Assembly in 1866,
and became president of the Providence & Springfield Railroad
Company in 1871, and has also been president and general man-
ager of the road since 1874. The success of the enterprise from
its inception is due mainly to the energy and perseverance of its
president.
THE New York AND NEw ENGLAND RAILROAD.—The
first section built in this state of what is now known as the New
York and New England Railroad, was constructed by the Provi-
dence & Plainfield Railroad Company, from Providence to the
state line of Connecticut. This corporation was chartered by
the General Assembly in June, 1846, and granted permission to
unite with any other company which should subsequently con-
tinue the road westward, and form one company. This union
was virtually affected in 1852. In 1849 the legislature of Con-
necticut granted the New York & Hartford Railroad Company
and the Hartford, Providence & Fishkill Railroad Company per-
mission to consolidate as the Hartford, Providence & Fishkill;
and in 1852 the Providence & Plainfield Company was merged
into this union, which operated the road between Providence and
Waterbury, Conn. August, 1863, an agreement was made be-,
tween the Boston, Hartford & Erie Railroad Company, chartered
by Connecticut in July of the same year, and the Hartford, Prov-
idence & Fishkill Company, conveying the road owned by the
latter to the former company, both by deed and by a lease for
nine hundred and ninty-nine years. This company, the Boston,
Hartford & Erie, was dissolved in 1873 by a decree of the Con-
necticut courts, and the New York & New England Railroad
Company obtained possession of the road. Desiring to estab-
lish a line from Boston to Providence, this company leased the
road of the Rhode Island & Massachusetts Company, which was
originally chartered in 1865 as the Rhode Island Mining Railroad
Company, and opened for traffic in 1872. This link connected
their main line at Franklin, Mass., with Valley Falls, and in
1877 the New York & New England Company established a
Providence line, via Valley Falls, and over the track of the Prov-
idence and Worcester road to the Union depot in Providence. By
means of the Hudson River extension, so-called, built from Wa-
terbury to Fishkill-on-the-Hudson in 1881, the road has a direct
line of communication, via Newburgh to the West.
THE PROVIDENCE, WARREN & BRIstol RAILROAD Com-
PANY took its present name in 1852, but was originally chartered
as the Providence & Bristol Company in 1850, by the General
Assembly of Rhode Island. At that time the portion of its track
between East Providence and Barrington lay in territory belonging
to Massachusetts, and in 1852 a charter was also obtained from the
legislature of that state. The road was opened for traffic in Janu-
ary, 1855, and has always been owned and operated by the cor-
poration by which it was built; but the Boston & Providence
Railroad Company have a controlling interest in its stock, and
the president of that road, Mr. Henry A. Whitney, holds the
same office in this company. Mr. A. A. Folsom of the Boston
& Providence, is also its general superintendent. The first
superintendent was George S. Greene, under whose supervision
the road was constructed. He was appointed superintendent
June 23, 1855. He was succeeded by L. M. E. Stone, May 7,
1856. Waterman Stone succeeded his father, L. M. E. Stone,
in the superintendency of the road June 13, 1871, and has contin-
ued to conduct the affairs of the road to the present time. Many
improvements have been made under Mr. Stone's direction, the
most important, perhaps, being the change whereby the switching
of the engine is avoided at East Providence, enabling trains to
enter the city without stopping, thus saving much time.
THE FALL RIVER, WARREN & PROVIDENCE RAILROAD CoR-
PoRATION was formed by the consolidation of the Fall River
& Warren Company, chartered in Massachusetts, and the War-
ren & Fall River Company, chartered in Rhode Island. The
road was opened May 22, 1860. The property was sold to the
Old Colony Railroad Company about twelve years ago, and is
now owned and operated by them.
THE PRovidence, Norfolk AND BALTIMoRE LINE. — The
Merchants and Miners Transportation Company, of Baltimore,
Md., was incorporated by the General Assembly of Maryland,
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
I 39
April 24, 1852, with a capital stock of $100,000, with the privilege
of increasing it to $300,000. But little was done to organize the
company for business until 1853, when a committee visited Boston,
but they met with so little encouragement, that further efforts
were postponed until 1854, when the subscription lists were again
opened, and were pushed with energy and crowned with such
success that $120,000 were soon subscribed in Baltimore and
$80,000 in Boston, making the capital stock $200,000, and Messrs.
J. W. Pottle & Company, of Boston, being the largest subscribers,
were appointed the Boston agents of the new line.
Two new large side-wheel steamers comprised the new line,
the “William Jenkins” and “Joseph Whitney,” the “Whitney”
making the initial trip to Baltimore in sixty hours, Dec. 28, 1854.
In 1859 the company increased its capital stock from $200,000 to
$300,000, and added the new steamers “Benjamin Deford” and
“S. R. Spaulding.” In 1861, the “Whitney” was sold, and the
“Deford ” and “Spaulding” leased to the government for war
transports, and in 1864 the new steamers “William Kennedy’”
and “George Appold * were added to the line, and by 188o its
business had grown so large that its capital stock was increased
to the sum of $1,000,000.
The line from Providence to Baltimore was first started in Jan-
uary, 1859, but the experiment proved so unremunerative that it
was continued but a short time then, but the Providence line
was reëstablished in 1873, this time to ply between Providence,
Norfolk, and Baltimore, and since that time has done a successful
and growing business; in 1878, West Point, Va., where connec-
tion is made with the Piedmont Air Line Railroad, was added
to the regular route of the Providence line.
The Savannah line was purchased by this company in 1876,
and put upon a firm foundation. By this line connection is made
at Savannah with the Central Railroad of Georgia, the Savannah,
Florida and Western Railroad, and with all the steam lines ply-
ing between Savannah and other Georgia and Florida ports, and
this appendix to the line has built up a large and growing busi-
ness, profitable from the start. The Merchants and Miners Trans-
portation Company's fleet now consists of eleven staunch steam-
ships, the last six ships being built of iron with a much larger
tonnage than any of their older ships. The company owns in
addition to their numerous vessels other valuable property in Nor-
folk, Baltimore, and Savannah.
The notable increase in the business of this company during the
preceding fifteen years was manifested by the addition to the line
since 1869 of these six new iron steamships, with so vast an in-
crease of tonnage over their old steamers, and the extension of
their lines to Savannah, Ga., West Point, Va., and New York
City.
All this company’s lines continue to do a prosperous and grow-
ing business with an assurance of further future improvement
from the fact that the present management has been in control
for the past fifteen years, during which period the company has
made its most rapid and extensive advancement.
The “Boston, Norfolk and Baltimore Line,” “Providence,
Norfolk and Baltimore Line,” and “Baltimore and Savannah
Line,” are the official titles of the various lines with three large
steamers now running from Providence, as follows:
Providence, Norfolk and Baltimore Line—steamships “Johns
Hopkins,” 1,500 tons, Henry D. Foster, commander ; “George
Appold,” 1,370 tons, E. R. Warren, commander; “Blackstone,”
1,150 tons, S. Ryder, commander.
The steamers of this line connect at Norfolk with the following
named railroad and water routes: the Virginia and Tennessee
Air Line, to Selma, Montgomery, and New Orleans, and all inter-
vening points by local connecting routes; Chesapeake and Ohio
and Kanawha Dispatch Line, connecting at Newport News, Va.,
WATERMAN STONE,
Superintendent of the Providence, Warren and Bristol Railroad.
(the deep water terminus), and with the Baltimore and Ohio and
Continental Fast Freight Line at Baltimore, for all points west
and southwest; with the Atlantic Coast Line, through Weldon,
Goldsboro, and Wilmington, N. C., to Florence, S. C., connect-
ing there with the Georgia Railroad for all points further south :
the Seaboard Air Line, from Portsmouth, Va., to Weldon, N. C.,
connecting there with other railroad routes, and at Franklin, Va.,
with the Black Water River steamers, connecting at Norfolk,
also, with the James River steamers for Old Point Comfort and
Richmond; with the Clyde Line and Old Dominion steamers to
New Berne, N. C., by the sea route, and by the Norfolk and Wash-
ington steamers with Washington, sailing past those great historic
places Fortress Monroe, Mount Vernon, and Alexandria, up the
Potomac River to the national capital.
The following-named gentlemen are the present board of offi-
cers of this company: president, George J. Appold, Baltimore,
Md. ; vice-president, Henry A. Whitney, Boston, Mass.; secre-
tary to the president, George P. Maris, Baltimore, Md. Agents:
Elisha H. Rockwell, agent, John H. Gregory, assistant agent,
Providence, R. I. : George E. Smalley, agent, C. P. Gaither,
soliciting agent, Boston, Mass. ; A. L. Huggins, agent, C. R.
Gillingham, assistant agent, Baltimore, Md. ; V. D. Groner,
agent, James N. Bell, assistant agent, Norfolk, Va.
This line is now firmly and permanently established as one of
the most extensive and successful commercial enterprises and
institutions of our city and time, that has grown to its present
magnitude and prosperity, and therefore has largely contributed
to the general business interests and welfare of the city and state,
under the able management, direction, and control of the Provi-
dence agent, Elisha H. Rockwell.
Mr. Rockwell is also agent for Providence and vicinity for the

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
ELISHA H. ROCKWELL,
Providence Agent of the Providence, Norfolk and Baltimore Steamship Company.
Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia and Air Line Railroad; the Atlantic
Coast and Piedmont Air Line; the Chesapeake and Ohio and
Baltimore and Ohio railroad lines; the Continental Fast Freight
and Kanawha Dispatch lines. -
Elisha Hutchinson Rockwell, the Providence agent of this line
from the time it was reëstablished here in 1873, was born in the
town of Lebanon, Conn., Oct. 16, 1829, the fifth son of Jabez and
Eunice (Bailey) Rockwell, of that town, who were the parents
of ten sons and three daughters. At the early age of eight and
a half years he was “bound out,” as it was then called, to Mr.
Timothy E. Metcalf, of the same town, to work on his farm —
which for boys of those days meant long hours and hard labor
at all kinds of farm work—for three years, for the small compen-
sation of his board and clothing and four months’ schooling in
the winter of each year. At the end of this term of service, when
nearly twelve years old, he went to work on the farm of David
S. Woodworth, in the same town, and on the same terms, and
served with him two years. He next took a position in the woolen
mill of Henry Gillette, at Bozrahville, Conn., being then about
fifteen, and remained there two years, and then took a better
position in the woolen mill of the Rockville Manufacturing Com-
pany, at Rockville, Conn., and after two years' service there he
went to Norwich, Conn., when he was about twenty, to learn the
trade of lettering monuments and tombstones at the marble works
of his older brother, John M. Rockwell, where, after serving two
of his three years of apprenticeship, he bought his time for the
third year, for a nominal sum, and then left that business.
The steamer “Charles Osgood,” built at Norwich, Conn., in
1850, to run in opposition to the Norwich and New York line
of steamers, was then nearly ready to ge upon the route, when
Mr. Rockwell was offered and accepted the berth of clerk on the
new steamer, but before starting she was transferred from the
opposition to the regular line, he retaining his position as clerk
to the “Osgood” for the next eighteen months. The Norwich &
New London Transportation Company, in 1852, tendered to him
the New York agency of their line of freight steamers, which he
accepted at the age of twenty-three years, with his office located
at Pier No. 12, North River, New York, filling this position for
six years, creditably and satisfactorily to his employers, until the
line was discontinued in November of the panic year of 1857.
When the steamers “Charles Osgood * and “ Osceola " were
started as an opposition line between Norwich, New London,
and New York, Jan. 1, 1858, Mr. Rockwell was appointed the
New York agent of the new line, but had held that position only
eighteen months, when he was engaged by William P. Williams,
Esq., of New York, (the well-known steamship manager and
originator of the Neptune Steamship Company’s Line to Provi-
dence,) as one of the agents for his line of steamers to Providence
and Boston, when the new steamers then being built at New York
by Van Dusen Brothers were completed, but the Civil War break-
ing out before they were ready for use on the line, they were
chartered to the government for transports, Mr. Rockwell con-
tinuing in the employ of Mr. Williams to the end of his two years'
engagement. He next became a partner in the shipping and
commission house of Bentley, Smith & Company, at No. 72
South Street, New York, remaining there but one year. He then
rečngaged himself to Mr. William P. Williams for another term of
two years as agent of the Neptune Steamship Company, for their
line to both Boston and Providence, direct from New York, at
first taking the agency at Boston for the outside line direct to New
York, with office on Central Wharf, and also for the inside line
via Providence, with office at No. 15 State Street. Not long
after the steamers of these outside lines were sold to the Metropol-
itan Steamship Company, the management changed, and Mr.
Rockwell retired from the agency of the line, but continued with
Mr. Williams in other employ until the end of his two years'
term.
In 1867 he was appointed the Providence agent of the Provi-
dence & New York Steamship Company, and at once inaugu-
rated the business of the new line with two steamers, “Warrior ’’
and “Triton,” which were run temporarily from the Boston Rail-
road dock, where the old Boston station and Union Oil Company’s
mill now stand on India Street, until the new Neptune Line
steamers, then building, and the new dock at Fox Point Wharf
were ready, where they were moved six months later. He occu-
pied this position six years, the first four under the general super-
intendence of the late Benjamin Buffum, and the last two under
the management of William Sprague, until 1873.
The Merchants and Miners Transportation Company soon
after reëstablished their business at this port and started their
present line from Providence to Norfolk and Baltimore, and im-
mediately secured Mr. Rockwell’s services as their managing
agent for Providence and its environs, late in the year 1873, which
responsible position he has since so ably filled, and still holds.
THE WINso R LINE OF STEAMERs to PHILADELPHIA.— The
“Winsor line” of steamers, at first called the “Empire line,”
and later the “Keystone line,” was first established to run as
freight steamers between Providence and Philadelphia, in 1866, by
J. M. Huntington & Company, of Norwich, Conn. In 1872 the
line was sold to Henry Winsor, of Philadelphia, by whom a new
company was soon afterwards formed and incorporated by the
Massachusetts legislature, with the title of the “Boston & Phila-
delphia Steamship Company,” with its shipping port at Provi-
dence, transporting the freight received here to Boston and else-
where by rail.
The new line commenced business here early in 1866, with its
first office at the Boston Railroad Company’s wharf on India
Street, at the foot of Ives, remaining here six years until the

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 141
s
ſº
| | lº
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º
THE DOCKS, FREIGHT HOUSES, AND YARDS OF THE PROVIDENCE, NORFOLK, AND BALTIMORE STEAMSHIP COMPANY, INDIA STREET,
business was removed to the wharf on India, foot of South Main
Street, in 1872. In 1875 the great increase of business with the
line imperatively demanding larger facilities for receiving and
shipping its steadily augmenting freight lists, it secured the larger
quarters it required at Ives wharf, where it now has a water
front and wharfage of 225 feet, with a freight and store-house
225 by 60 feet, with over two acres of yard room and spur tracks
connecting with the railroads on India Street; with ample appli-
ances for the receipt, quick discharge, and careful storage of
freight.
The line at present comprises three large screw steamers: the
“Saxon,” 1,500 tons, Capt. Samuel G. Sherman ; the “Cath-
erine Whiting,” Soo tons, Capt. John H. Briggs; the “Aries,”
1,200 tons, Capt. W. Loveland, and the “Tonawanda,” Soo tons,
kept at Philadelphia as a spare steamer. These staunch and com-
modious vessels are well adapted to the service, one of which
leaves each port of the line every Wednesday and Saturday after-
noon, and the line is now firmly established as a favorite with
New England shippers to the south and west, and receives from
them large freights of all kinds of manufactured goods, of cottons,
woolens, hardware, machinery, etc., with large return cargoes of
raw materials, comprising cotton, wool, leather, iron, hides, and
other southern and western products.
Though this line is independent of all others and terminates
here and at Philadelphia, its agents forward freight from the latter
port west by the Pennsylvania Railroad, and south by the Ocean
Steamship Company to Savannah, and all desiring a more speedy
delivery of their shipments than is possible by an “all water
line,” can thus be accommodated by the fast freight lines from
Philadelphia over the Pennsylvania Railroad, with nearly equal
advantages over the southern connections, an arrangement which
satisfactorily meets the urgent requirements of the large class of
shippers, to whom it offers the additional inducements of the best
management, care, and expeditious delivery of all freight.
The present officers of the line are as follows: president, Henry
Winsor, of Philadelphia; treasurer, Edward Whitney, of Boston;
secretary, James Hill, of Boston. Agents: Henry Winsor & Com-
pany, at Philadelphia; E. B. Sampson, at Boston. Mr. George
A. Kilton has been the Providence agent of this line from 1872
to the present time.
THE PROvIDENCE LINE.-The history of the steam navigation
of Narragansett Bay begins away back in 1792–almost a hun-
dred years ago — with Elijah Ormsbee's little whale-boat steamer
“Experiment,” and continues from that ancient-time nucleus,
with many chapters of vicissitudes, fluctuations, and phases of
great and exciting interest, slowly advancing, with many long, in-
active intervals, but always and ever progressing, extending, and
improving in ways and means and methods, until it has cul-
minated in the magnificent sea-going passenger steamships
“Rhode Island ’’ and “Massachusetts,” which comprise the
present favorite Providence Line.
The first regular line from Providence to New York was
started by the Rhode Island & New York Steamboat Company,
July 12, 1822, with the steamers “Connecticut” and “Fulton.”
This line was followed by numerous other lines and steamers
during the ensuing half century, with varying fame and fortune,
among them the Neptune Line, started by the Spragues in 1864.
On May 7, 1877, the through passenger line between Boston and
New York — which had been abandoned for the thirty years
since 1847 — was revived by the present company, under the
name of the Providence Line, continuing as a through line but a
few seasons, when the connection with Boston again ceased, since
which time this company has continued to run their steamers as
a direct line from Providence to New York. Every summer sea-
son, extending from May to October, since starting in 1877, one
of their popular steamships has sailed every secular day with
freight and passengers for New York, and it has become a firmly
established and favorite line under the management of Samuel D.
Babcock, of New York, president, and of Zephaniah Williams, of
this city, as the Providence agent.
THE FALL RIVER LINE, one of the first and most favorably
known lines on the bay, was started by the Fall River Iron Works
Company, in September, 1828, to run regularly with passen-
gers and freight from Fall River to Providence, its first steamer
being the “Hancock,” Capt. Thomas Borden. Four years later,
in 1832, the “King Philip’’ was built for, and added to the line,

19
f42
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
on which she ran for the next twenty years or more, without
serious accident, until sold. The now famous “Bradford Durfee,”
Capt. Richard Durfee, was next built and added to the line, on
, which she continued for nearly thirty years, burning to the water's
edge and sinking at her berth in Fall River in 1870. She was
raised, rebuilt, and run again, until she was disabled and broken
up in 1884. The “Canonicus,” the largest, and since most noted
of their steamers, was next built for, and added to the line in 1849,
to run between Newport, Fall River, and Providence, and on ex-
cursions. She was a very handsome and powerful boat, 178 feet
long, 28 feet beam, 540 tons, commanded successively by Captains
Childs, Simmons, Allen, and William H. H. Borden. She was
sold to the government in 1861, the first year of the war, used as
a transport until 1865, when she was bought back by this com-
pany, restored to her old place on the line, and for the last twenty-
two years, under the command of Capt. Amasa P. Orswell, has
been a favorite and fortunate regular and excursion boat, escap-
ing all disaster to the present time. The “Metacomet,” built
and put on the line in 1862, was soon sold to the government for a
gun-boat, renamed the “Pulaski,” and never returned here after-
wards. The “Richard Borden,” their largest, fastest, and last
new steamer, was built for and placed on the line in 1874, Cap-
tains Orswell, Durfee, and Mason in command, successively, and
since, with the “Canonicus,” has made the regular line between
the two ports, with both boats still running. The prominent
characteristics of this long established line have always been reg-
ularity, security, and stability, for which its reputation is un-
excelled, with remarkable terms of service of its officers, Captains
Durfee and Orswell for over thirty years, Engineer Stephen Col-
lins and Clerk Seth R. Durfee for over forty years. Thomas
Brownell is superintendent at Providence, David C. Lawton,
agent at Fall River. When the Fall River Iron Works divided
their various interests into five separate corporations in 1880, this
line of steamers was reorganized as the “Fall River and Provi-
dence Steamboat Company,” as it is now known. -
THE CONTINENTAL STEAMBOAT COMPANY.—The American
Steamboat Company was instituted by Benjamin Buffum to run
a regular line to Newport, and excursion steamers to shore resorts
on the bay; and was incorporated and organized in the spring of
1865, with Earl P. Mason as first president, Benjamin Buffum,
treasurer and manager; and their line of splendid excursion
steamers, including the well-known “Bay Queen,” “Day Star,”
“Crystal Wave,” and others, was established, which during
the past twenty years have safely carried so many thousand ex-
cursionists over our beautiful bay. In 1876 this company was
reorganized as the Continental Steamboat Company, without
material change of ownership, and with more steamers and in-
creased facilities still continues the business, and has always sus-
tained the excellent name and character of the line.
THE ExPREss CoMPANIES.— The father of the express busi-
ness in America, which now employs 50,000 men, was William
F. Harnden, of Boston. He was a conductor on the Boston and
Worcester Railroad, which had then been in operation only a few
years, and in March, 1839, he entered into an agreement with the
Boston & Providence Railroad Company and the New York
steamboats running from Providence, to carry his express pack-
ages between the cities where their lines terminated, four times
a week. In the course of a year after the enterprise was started
the business had increased to such an extent that Mr. Harnden
required the assistance of his brother, Adolphus, who perished
at the burning of the Sound steamboat “Lexington,” Jan. 13,
1840, at which time the express lost $30,000 in specie, and a con-
siderable amount of merchandise.
Stimulated by the success of Mr. Harnden's business, two com-
peting expresses were established in 1840, one by Alvin Adams and
P. B. Burke, of Boston, under the style of Burke & Company;
the other by Benjamin D. and George B. Earle, of Providence,
called the Earle Express. After a few months Mr. Burke sold out
his interest to his partner, who then gave his name to the business,
by which it is now well known in all parts of the country. From
that time the Adams Express Company prospered, and in 1854
purchased the line established by Mr. Harnden, and two years
later absorbed also the Earle Express business. The Adams Ex-
press has, therefore, retained a foothold in Providence for nearly
half a century, a period in which its growth has been phenomenal.
It is said that for some months after starting in the business Mr.
Adams might have stowed all he carried in his hat. To-day it
requires long trains of cars to hold the goods entrusted to the
charge of this great company. The money it annually transports
for the government and other parties amounts to millions of dol-
lars, and the present value of its plant cannot be less than twenty
millions of dollars.
The management of the Providence business of the Adams
Express Company is in charge Mr. William Stone, who after an
honorable service in the late war, which he entered as a private
and quitted as captain of Company E, Eleventh Rhode Island
Regiment, immediately assumed the duties of his present respon-
sible position. About forty men are employed in this city and
twenty-five horses, which are kept in one of the finest stables in
New England. The office is on the corner of Dorrance and Broad
streets, where more than half a million packages are handled
yearly. The business is largely of a monetary character, and for
the security of valuables everything that ingenuity could devise
or money obtain has been provided. During the last five years
an adjunct of the Adams, called the New Express, has been
opened, of which Mr. F. W. Sawyer is the local agent.
Very soon after the Providence and Worcester Railroad was
opened for traffic, an express route, using its trains, was started
by Col. Wm. E. Ross, of Providence, and continued for several
years, when it passed into the hands and control of the Earle
Express Company. - r
In March, 1867, Mr. William H. Earle, a son of George B.
Earle, the veteran expressman, in company with Henry Prew,
established the express which is now so widely known by their
copartnership name. They have lines running to Boston, Wor-
cester, and Springfield, by rail, and to New York by the Ston-
ington line steamboats, and are also general express forwarders
to all parts of the United States. Their office is at Nos. 58 to
66 Eddy Street; their local business gives employment to forty
men and twenty-three teams. -
The International Express Company was formed in 1882, by
the consolidation of the Metropolis and the New England Dis-
patch companies. The headquarters are in New York City, and
the local office in Providence, at No. 7 Washington Street, was
opened March 1, 1884, under the management of Mr. O. S.
Alers, agent. -
Besides these companies there are numerous local expresses,
a few running over trains, others running wagons to the various
parts of the city, and to the different near towns and villages
where such communication is most convenient.
CHAPTER V.
THE RELIGIOUS LIFE OF PROVIDENCE.
THE ORGANIZATION OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH – HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF THE CENTRAL, THE UNION, AND OTHER BAP-
TIST CHURCHES – THE QUAKERs—THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL (UNITARIAN) SOCIETY — THE OTHER UNITARIAN CHURCHES
—THE BENEFICENT, THE CENTRAL, THE UNION, AND OTHER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES-ST. JOHN’s CHURCH, GRACE,
ST. STEPHEN's, AND OTHER EPISCOPAL CHURCHES — THE METHODIST CHURCHES – THE FIRST AND SECOND UNIVERSALIST
CHURCHES — THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES — CHURCHES OF THE OTHER DENOMINATIONS – THE FREE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY —
sun DAY SCHOOL super INTENDENTS’ UNION – THE BAPTIST super INTENDENTS’ UNION – THE METHODIST SOCIAL UNION.
THE early relig-
ious history of this
colony is of signal
interest, because it
was here that the
state first recog-
nized the independ-
ent existence of the
church.
The first civil
code of the colony
was so framed as to
leave the church en-
tirely apart from
the state organiza-
tion. Here was the
cardinal point of
Roger Williams’
peculiar tenets.
Firstofall, he would
have every person
left to the “free
exercise of con-
science” in all mat-
ters of spiritual con-
cernment, with no
civil interference.
“Equal rights”
for all men in mat-
ters civil as well as religious, however, formed the basis of the
broad, just, and generous plan of the honored founder of our state.
No religious organization appears to have been attempted until
about two years after the planting of the colony, though meetings
were frequently held in private houses and in the open air, often
conducted by Roger Williams, and sometimes by others.
Perhaps the varied religious beliefs then rife served as a barrier
to church organization. Both religious and civil matters were
in a transition state. Perhaps the need of such organization was
not deeply felt, owing to the fact that nearly all of the settlers
were members of Christian churches elsewhere.
At length in March, 1638, Roger Williams and eleven other
persons organized a church, the peculiar tenets of which were
“liberty of conscience” and separation from state, and the recog-
nition of immersion alone as scripture baptism.
It was the first church of this order in America, and the second
in the world. This church was then called and continues to be
known to the present day as the
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
Erected in 1774–5, the third edifice belonging to the Society.
This church was organized in March, 1638, and is the oldest
Baptist Church in America, and the second oldest in the
world. The first pastor was Roger Williams.
FIRst BAPTIST CHURCH of PRovide NCE. – This church, unlike most
churches of the Baptist faith, has never adopted any written creed or
covenant. Whatever variations of belief or divergencies of faith it has
had to encounter, have been judiciously and successfully adjusted by the
ruling “moral sentiment” in the church, rather than by appealing to
any written articles of faith.
This was the only church in Providence for nearly a century, except the
Quakers or Friends and two other Baptist churches, one in what is now
Smithfield, which was organized in 1706, and one in what is now Scituate,
organized in 1725, and no other Baptist church was organized here for
about one hundred and seventy years, or until the formation of the Second
Baptist Church in 1805.
The first in the long and honored line of pastors, was Roger Williams,
who served the church in this capacity from the time of its organization,
though only for a short period; according to Winthrop, three or four
months.
At the end of this period, for some reason which does not clearly appear,
he became dissatisfied with his baptism, and thereupon, with three or four
others, he withdrew from the church which he had been largely instru-
mental in forming, and thereafter never united with any other church,
though he continued to preach and to worship in public with others. The
following is a list of Williams' successors in the pastoral office:
Chad Brown, William Wick- James Manning, D. D. . . . . . . . . . 1771-1791
enden, George Dexter, Thos. Jonathan Maxcy, D. D. . . . . . . . . . 1791, 1792
Olney, Pardon Tillinghast... 1638–1718 Stephen Gano, M. D. . . . . . . . . . . . 1792–1828
Ebenezer Jenckes.............. 1719–1726 || Robert E. Pattison, D. D. ... 1830-36, 1840–42
James Brown.................. - till 1732 || William Hague, D. D. . . . . . . . . . . 1837–1840
Samuel Windsor...... - - - - - - - - - 1733–1758 James N. Granger, D. D. . . . . . . 1842–1857
With Thomas Burlingame as Samuel L. Caldwell, D. D. ..... 1858–1873
colleague..................... 1733 || Edward G. Taylor, D. D... .... 1875–1881
Samuel Winsor, 2d............. 1759–1771 T. Edwin Brown, D. D. . . . ... 1882–
Since 1775, sixty ministers of the Gospel have been connected with this
church besides its pastors, in addition to fifty more who have been licensed
by this church to preach the Gospel. The most of these have been con-
nected with the college, either as officers or as students.
Owing to an almost total lack of church records prior to 1774, after
which the records are nearly complete, much of the early history of this
church must ever remain unknown. Yet there is sufficient data to reveal
a broad contrast between olden times and the present in many practical
workings of the church.
For more than a century, singing and music in worship were con-
demned, and the preacher received no compensation for his services. The
opinion generally prevailed “ that all those who took anything for preach-
ing were like Simon Magus.”
The Rev. Pardon Tillinghast, though refusing to accept remuneration
himself, still advocated the scripture precept, “The laborer is worthy of
his hire,” which precept began to be practiced upon the induction of
Manning to the pastoral office. President Manning at first received a
salary of fifty pounds, which was doubled in 1786, and tripled two years
later, two-thirds of which were raised by assessment on the private prop-
erty of members of the church and society, and the balance by pew tax.
From that time to the present, the pastor has not been without a salary,
liberal of late, varying, however, from time to time, according to the period
in which each respectively has served.
For more than sixty years after its organization, this church had no
house of worship, meetings being held in private houses or in the open
air. About the year 17oo, Pardon Tillinghast secured a lot and built a
house at his own expense, both of which “in consideration of the love
and good will he bore the church,” he gave by deed to the church about

I 44
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
17 II, while serving it as pastor. This house was located on the west side
of North Main Street, a little north of Smith Street, and tradition says
that it was “in the shape of a hay-cap, with a fire-place in the middle, the
smoke escaping from a hole in the roof.”
A larger house was built to take the place of this one, located on the
lot next adjoining south, which was raised May 30, 1726, as appears from
a memoranda, copied from an old account book of Richard Brown, who
for many years was clerk of the proprietors:
“May the 30th, 1726. The account of what charge I have been at this
day as to the providing a dinner for the people that raised the Baptist
meeting-house in Providence, (it being raised this day,) is as followeth :
One fat sheep, which weighed forty-three lbs., the quarter, £o, I4,04
For roasting the said sheep, etc., . Q e • • © 8
For one lb. butter, e tº e º e g e © I
For two loaves of bread which weighed fifteen lbs., © tº 2
For half a peck of peas, . • o e. e e e I,03
December the 6th day. To money which I delivered to Mr.
Thomas Olney, which I give toward the furnishing said
house, e e © & ſº * g 3, 13,06
This house served the church for about fifty years, or till the building
of the present large and commodious house in 1774-5, located on its pres-
ent site on North Main Street, which was erected “for the public worship
of Almighty God, and also for holding commencements in.” It was built
at an original cost of about seven thousand pounds. Since then the house
itself, its fixtures and surroundings have undergone many changes. The
bell belonging to this church has a varied and unique history. It was
first cast in London with a weight of 2,515 pounds, bearing the follow-
ing inscription, viz.: te
“For freedom of conscience the town was first planted,
Persuasion, not force, was used by the people:
This Church is the eldest and has not recanted,
Enjoying and granting bell, temple, and steeple.”
In the spring of 1787 this bell was broken in ringing and was recast at
the Hope Furnace. It served for fifty-seven years, not alone to call
people to the house of worship, but also to indicate the hour of sunrise, of
noon, and of nine o'clock at night on each week day. This bell was again
broken and recast twice during the year 1844. There are now two
inscriptions on the bell as follows, viz.:
“This church was founded in 1639 by Roger Williams, its first pastor, and the first
asserter of liberty of conscience.
“It was the first church in Rhode Island, and the first Baptist Church in America.”
On the opposite side is inscribed:
“This bell was imported from England in 1775.
Recast at Hope Furnace, R.I., in 1787.
Again recast in Boston, 1844,
By Henry N. Hooper & Co.”
With the first bell came also a clock which served as a town clock for
nearly a century, when, May 2, 1873, it was replaced by the present one
with illuminated dials, given through the efforts of Mr. H. C. Packard.
Mr. Nicholas Brown, the most liberal benefactor of the First Baptist
Church and Society in their early history, died in 1791. Soon after his
death his family furnished the means for building a parsonage, for pur-
chasing the chandeliers, and for making various other improvements.
In 1804 the old spirit of opposition to singing had again appeared on the
proposition to use a bass viol in worship, but this prejudice with others,
gave way to the progressive spirit and better enlightenment of the present
age. An organ was placed in the church in 1834, the generous gift of
Nicholas Brown, 2d. In 1838 a baptistry was constructed at the cost of
over six hundred dollars. e
Prior to 1802 the basement of the house had been let as a cellar. After
this time it was used as a vestry, having undergone various changes and
repairs, notably in 1856–7, when it was newly excavated, enlarged, and
much improved. About this time extensive improvements were also made
in the grounds, fences, and walks surrounding the house. The early
shade trees, some of which were Lombardy poplars, brought from North
Italy, were cut down and elm trees were set in their places.
The first important change made in the main audience-room took place
in 1832, when the square pews gave place to those of a more modern style,
the sounding-board was removed and the pulpit altered. -
Important changes were again made in 1885, when about nineteen
thousand dollars were laid out in repairs by the society exclusive of special
individual gifts. The society placed a new organ in the church, at a cost
of $6,000. The pulpit platform was completely remodeled, and a new
baptistry was constructed. To afford adequate room for these changes an
“apse ’’ was built on the east side of the house. Back of and above the
pulpit was placed a large stained window, presenting a life-size picture of
the scene of our Lord's baptism, at a cost of $1,000, the gift of Mrs.
William Gammell. The new pulpit furniture presented on that occasion
is the gift of Mrs. Marshall Woods.
During the summer of 1884 a new parsonage was built on the site of the
old one on Angell Street, of the old colonial style of architecture, at a cost
of $15,000. . 27
This church has experienced several marked revivals, notably during
the thirty-five years of Dr. Gano's ministry, in which time there were
eight special revival seasons. Worthy of special notice is that of the year
182O, when 147 persons were baptized into the church. During this pas-
torate, which is the longest in the history of the church, the roll of mem-
bers was increased from 165 to 505, besides more than one hundred
others who were set apart to help form other churches. The present
membership of the church is 545, under the pastoral care of the Rev. T.
Edwin Brown, D. D. k
The deacons are James H. Read, Albert Harkness, John L. Lincoln,
Elisha Park, William C. Greene, and Almon H. Townsend.
The Sabbath School superintendent is Thomas J. Morgan.
The societies connected with the church are the Charitable Baptist
Society, Female Missionary Mite Society, Female Charitable Society,
Woman's Baptist Foreign Missionary Society, Young Ladies' Missionary
Association, and Maternal Association.
THE CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH was organized May 1, 1805, with sixteer.
members, as the “Second Baptist Society,” which title was changed in
1831 to “Pine Street Baptist Society,” and in 1853 the present title was
assumed. From the time of organization till June, 1806, the church wor-
shiped with the Richmond Street Congregational Society, in the house of
the latter. During the year 1806, a house of worship was erected on the pres-
ent site of the Masonic Hall, Pine Street. This house was swept away and
destroyed by the “great storm” of 1815, and in the following year a new
house was built on the same site, at a cost of about ten thousand dollars.
A steeple was added later, and in 1837 the house was enlarged.
The present edifice, located at the junction Broad and High streets, was
erected in 1857, at a cost of about sixty-five thousand dollars. In 1882 it
was improved at a cost of about thirteen thousand dollars. The first
pastor was the Rev. Joseph Cornell. The church now numbers 591,
under the pastoral care of the Rev. Richard Montague. The deacons are
James H. Butler, Charles H. Swan, James S. Kenyon, Stephen Greene,
Frederick W. Hartwell, Thomas E. Carpenter, Benjamin F. Clarke, and
George H. Coffin. e
The church sustains a prosperous mission at Manton, superintended by
George H. Coffin. - - -
The societies connected with the church are Central Baptist Society,
Ladies' Sewing Circle, Woman's Foreign Mission Circle, Young Men's
League, Christian Builders. - . -
THE UNION BAPTIST CHURCH.—The present Union Baptist Church was
formed by the union of the Third Baptist and the Brown Street Baptist
churches. The Third Baptist Church had its origin in the need felt on
the part of a few members of the First Baptist Church, residing in that
part of the city where the Third Church was originally located, for better
religious facilities in that neighborhood.
Mr. George Dods was a leading spirit in the movement for a new church,
which began to be agitated some time prior to 1819. For several years
religious services had been held in the old Transit Street school-house.
In 1819 a lot was secured on Tockwotton Hill, with a view of building a
house of worship. In the spring of 1820 a Sabbath School was organized
in Jeremiah Tillinghast's barn on Transit Street, and on the 9th of Novem-
ber, following, the Third Baptist Church was organized with sixteen mem-
bers, who had taken letters for this purpose from the First Baptist Church.
For nearly a year the new church worshiped on the Sabbath with the
parent body, but held their own weekly prayer and conference meetings.
In 1821 the church called to the pastorate Mr. Allen Brown, a licentiate
of the First Baptist Church, who was ordained Jan. 31, 1822, and served
the church four years. On the 27th of June, 1823, a new meeting-house
was dedicated, located on Wickenden Street, corner of Hope.
The church prospered under various pastorates for twenty years, during
which the membership had increased from sixteen to 200.
It was blessed with several marked revival seasons, notably one in the
year 1840, when nearly one hundred persons united with the church, and
again in 1842, when the church was favored with the labors of the dis-
tinguished evangelist, Elder Jacob Knapp, resulting in 147 baptisms.
In July, 1860, it sent out a colony of eighteen members, who formed the
Second Baptist Church of East Providence. The Third Church continued
to labor with varying success until its union with the Brown Street Church
in 1878.
THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. I45
From about 1845 there was a growing feeling of need for another church,
to be located at some point between the First and Third Baptist churches.
The movement was headed by the Rev. Horace T. Love, a returned mis-
sionary from Greece, who raised a subscription of $15,000, secured the
refusal of a suitable lot, and the incorporation by the General Assembly
of the subscribers to the fund as the “Power Street Baptist Society.”
By reference to the legislative records we find a long list of prominent
members of the First and Third Baptist churches on this roll of corpo-
rators, headed by Francis Wayland.
But the conditions were not yet ripe for this movement. Means were
at hand, but membership was wanting. Many were ready to help with
their money, but none were ready to separate themselves from their acus-
tomed places of worship. There was perfect unanimity. “All agreed that
a church ought to be formed, and that some one besides themselves ought
to form it.” The subscribers had pledged their money, not to meet their
own need, but for the benefit of others, and to help the cause at large.
But as the Žersonnel for a church proved inadequate at that time, the
project was dropped, and slumbered for ten years, when it was again
revived, and the cherished desire which had prompted this initiatory move-
ment was realized in the formation of the Brown Street Baptist Church,
Nov. 13, 1855, with 111 members, fifty-nine bringing letters from the First,
forty-six from the Third Baptist Church, and six scattering. At the same
meeting the Rev. C. W. Richards was elected pastor.
The question of locating the church and securing a lot involved much
anxiety and controversy. Finally a lot was secured at the corner of Brown
and Benevolent streets, where a substantial brick house was erected, and
dedicated June 5, 1860. When first organized, for some time this church
was known as the “New Interest.” For three and a half years it had
worshiped in Armory Hall, on Meeting Street, between Benefit and
Congdon, and one year in the vestry of the meeting-house.
The cost of the house and lot exceeded fifty thousand dollars.
The church grew rapidly and was greatly prospered, especially under
the pastorates of the Rev. H. C. Graves, 1863–1874, and the Rev. E. H.
Johnson from 1875 till its reunion with the Third Baptist Church, which
took effect April 1, 1878.
The old Brown Street edifice was abandoned, and the now united body
known as the Union Baptist Church occupied the new edifice which the
Third Church had erected in 1876, at the corner of John and East streets,
under the pastoral care of the Rev. E. H. Johnson, who had been serving
the Brown Street Church.
For the formation of the Union Church, the Brown Street Church fur-
nished 225 members, and the Third Church 267, making a total member-
ship of 492.
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THE UNION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH,
Broad Street,
THE BENEFICENT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH,
Broad Street.
The present pastor, and successor of the Rev. E. H. Johnson, is the Rev.
Joseph S. Swaim. The present membership is 420.
The deacons are Merrick Lyon, Emory Lyon, David W. Hoyt, Andrew
J. Crossman, Mortimer H. Champlain.
The Sunday School superintendent is Andrew J. Crossman.
THE FourTH BAPTIST CHURCH.--The initiatory steps looking to the
formation of this church, date back to the great revival of 1820, when I47
persons were added to the First Baptist Church. Then began to be felt
the need of pushing out and building up new enterprises. The first relig-
ious movement in this part of the city was led by the Rev. Henry Tatem,
of Cranston, and the Rev. Ray Potter, of Pawtucket. The former baptized
a number of converts into the fellowship of the First General Baptist
Church of Cranston, located at Knightsville, of which he was pastor.
The Fourth Baptist Society was incorporated May, 28, 1821, and this
corporation, prior to the formation of a church, built a house of worship
which was dedicated Aug. 26, 1822. The society went still further, and
appointed a committee to invite to the pastorate the Rev. Abner Jones, a
minister of the Christian denomination, “the Unitarian wing of the
Baptist family”; which reveals the denominational tendency of the
majority of the corporation at that time when doctrines and creeds were
not so firmly settled as they are to-day. The preliminary measures for
church organization, however, were fast pushing to issue. Those baptized
into the fellowship of the Cranston church held but a nominal relation to
that body. Cranston was too far away for the accommodation of these
branch members, who finally took letters, and July 5, 1823, formed the
Fourth Baptist Church with thirty-two members. For four years the
church had no covenant, and, till many years later, no written creed.
The prevailing sentiment in the church at that time is said to have been
“decidedly anti-Calvinistic,” in favor of “free communion.”
The first pastor of the church was the Rev. Zalmon Tobey, a Free Will
Baptist minister who assumed this office in September, 1823, and filled it
nearly ten years.
The church edifice was first constructed at a cost of about six thousand
dollars on the present site, corner of Scott and Bacon streets. An organ was
placed in the church in 1846. In 1850 the house was enlarged by seven-
teen feet in length. Later improvements have been made at a cost of about
twenty-five thousand dollars. The present church furnishings are esti-
mated at seven thousand dollars. The longest pastorate of this church is
that of the Rev. A. H. Granger, D. D., extending over twenty-three years
from May, 1854, during which the church made large advancement in
Christian doctrine, in numbers, and in influence. -
It has supported a prosperous mission near Branch Avenue, where a
church of fifty members was formed in May, 1886; and also a mission on
Smithfield Avenue, about to be removed to Pawtucket Avenue. The
present membership is 379. The church is now without a pastor, the Rev.
James M. Taylor having resigned in May, 1886, to take the presidency of
Vassar College. The deacons are Philip W. Martin, Luther Salisbury,



146
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
Elijah Bent, George H. Bailey, James L. Crowell, Charles F. Wilcox, and
David Wilmot. - -
THE JEFFERson STREET BAPTIST CHURCH was organized in 1847. The
present house of worship is a substantial brick, building, located at the
corner of Jefferson and Common streets, and was erected in 1868 at a cost
of about forty thousand dollars, including grounds. The first pastor was
the Rev. Samuel Richards, and the present pastor is the Rev. W. M. Mick.
The deacons are Warren G. Noyes and Charles E. Hall. The Sunday
School superintendent is H. F. Horton; and the societies connected with
the church are the Social Workers, Ladies' Missionary Circle, Children’s
Mission Band and Juvenile Templars. The church experienced a special
revival in 1885.
THE STEwART STREET BAPTIST CHURCH was organized Feb. 3, 1851,
with ten members. The church edifice is a substantial, plain brick struct-
ure built in 1852, and located on Stewart Street, near High. The first
pastor was the Rev. George R. Darrow, and the present pastor is the Rev.
W. M. Lisle. It has a membership of 300. The deacons are D. W. B
Bennett, Silas A. Sweet, Joseph Mason, Joseph Lippett, E. J. Doe, and
the Sabbath School superintendent is Aaron B. McCrillis.
THE FRIENDSHIP Street BAPTIST CHURCH was organized Dec. 28,
1854, with ninety-seven members who were formerly connected with the
Fifth Baptist and with the South Baptist churches, both of which dis-
banded with a view to uniting and forming another church. The present
edifice, located on Friendship Street, above Beacon, was erected in 1854,
largely through the efforts of the late Rev. Bradley Minor, who was
pastor of the South Baptist Church from 1850 to 1854. The first pastor
was the Rev. Austin H. Stowell. The present pastor is the Rev. Edward
Mills, and the present membership is 286. The deacons are George Burr,
Giles Manchester, James B. Buffum, James Loring, James A. Hudson.
The Sabbath School superintendent is Thomas W. Waterman. The socie-
ties connected with the church are the Ladies' Sewing Society, the Young
Men's Union, the Gleaners’ Society, and Busy Bees, all missionary and
social.
THE South BAPTIST CHURCH was organized Aug. 7, 1860, with twenty-
four members. A church edifice of moderate dimensions was erected in
1860 on Potter's Avenue, corner of Plain Street, and a large and well-
arranged house was commenced in 1884, which it is hoped will be com-
pleted in 1886. The first pastor was the Rev. E. K. Fuller, and the present
pastor is the Rev. T. E. Bartlett. The present membership is 172. The
deacons are Edward H. Grafton, Edward M. Jepson, George E. Carleton;
and the Sabbath School superintendent, Simon K. Goff. The benevo-
lent and social societies are the South Baptist Society of Providence,
Ladies' Church Aid Society, the Young People's Welcome Society.
BROADwAY BAPTIST CHURCH. — This church owes its existence to the
efforts and coöperation of the Rhode Island Baptist State Convention, at
whose instigation a preliminary meeting was convened, Oct. 7, 1864, at
the residence of Dea. Thomas G. Northup, after which public services
were commenced in Armory Hall, on Sunday Oct. 16, 1864, conducted by
the Rev. John Blain, who continued to hold services for six months. At
the end of that time a church was organized, May 7, 1865, with ten mem-
bers, called the Broadway Baptist Church. The present edifice, located
on Broadway, corner Harris Avenue, was built in 1868–9, at a cost of about
forty thousand dollars.
In 1883, galleries were placed in the audience-room at a cost of $2,500.
From the time of its organization this church has been blessed with
frequent revivals. During the present pastorate, covering the past four
years, the church has received 263 additions, 167 by baptism. Its Sabbath
School has the largest average attendance of any school in the state. The
first pastor was the Rev. H. S. Inman, and the present pastor is the Rev.
J. V. Osterhout. The present membership is 370. The deacons are B. S.
Magoon, J. S. Eddy, J. S. Hodgson, Simon Taylor, W. H. Rhodes, and
the Sabbath School superintendent is Charles W. Calder. The societies are,
Incorporated Society of Broadway Baptist Church, Young Men's Union,
Young Ladies' Circle, Woman’s Missionary Society, Ladies’ Benevolent
Society, Boys’ Working Band, Girls’ Look-up Legion, and Mission Band.
RoGER WILLIAMs BAPTIST CHURCH was organized Dec. 26, 1876, with
thirty-nine members. The present church edifice, a substantial stone struct-
ure, located on Veazie Street, Wanskuck, was built in 1867 at a cost of
$3,000. The lot was given by Mrs. Jesse Metcalf. The first pastor was
the Rev. Francis Smith, and the present pastor is the Rev. B. L. Whit-
man. The present membership is 195. The deacons are, James Stokes,
John Danford, Samuel Fryer; and the Sunday School superintendentis B.
L. Whitman. It has an organized temperance society.
THE CRANSTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH was organized in 1870 with
fifty-six members, and the church edifice in its original form was built
before any church or Sunday School had been organized. It has been en-
larged three times to meet the growing demands of the church and school,
and is now a stately and spacious building with sixteen rooms besides the
auditorium. The church has had a steady growth with more or less addi-
tions every year. The whole number received to the church is over eight
hundred, and the present membership is 604. It is a strong and vigorous
body, united, earnest, and progressive. There have been very few changes
among the officers, and they have had only one pastor, the Rev. M. H.
Bixby, who gathered and organized the church. Robert B. Holden,
Andrew Comstock, Harvey W. Pepper, and Edward A. Sanger were
chosen deacons in the beginning and are still in office. Ollys A. Jillson,
and Herbert E. Maine have recently been chosen to the same office.
The Sunday School membership for twelve years or more, has been
above six hundred, and now it embraces more than nine hundred. Since
its organization more than five thousand different persons have been
connected with the school. Robert B. Holden is superintendent, and has
been from the beginning. For sixteen successive years he has been
elected annually by the school and church, without a dissenting voice.
The Cranston Street Baptist Society was incorporated in 1870. Ray-
mond E. Barrows was the first president and died in office, greatly re-
spected and lamented. B. F. Arnold was elected the second president,
and still holds the office. The society is composed of the members of the
church, all of whom have a right to vote after they are eighteen years of
age. Andrew Comstock has been the treasurer of the society from the
beginning. The society has always been harmonious, and its affairs are
managed with promptness and efficiency.
The church is thoroughly organized for missionary work, both at home
and abroad. Several of its members are engaged in missionary work in
the South and West, and in Burmah, India. '
The Young Ladies’ Home Mission Society, Lydia Dyer, president, is a
very efficient body, composed of young ladies, members of this church.
The Willing Workers, made up of children, have raised in the course of
years, more than one thousand dollars for various missionary purposes.
The Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor, recently organized,
Clinton R. Stevens, president, is already doing efficient Christian work,
and has before it a bright future. The field occupied by this church pos-
sesses almost unlimited possibilities. The Sabbath congregations are
large, intelligent, and steadily increasing, and the church has a pros-
perous outlook.
MoUNT PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH. — This church was organized
March, 1883, with twenty-five members. The house of worship, at first
erected for the use of the Sabbath School, was removed to its present site
on Academy Avenue, corner of Roanoke Street, enlarged and improved
in 1883, at a total cost of $8,000. The first and present pastor is the Rev.
Wesley L. Smith, and the present membership is fifty-nine. The deacon
and Sabbath School superintendent is William H. Hobson. The socie-
ties are Mount Pleasant Helpers, for mission work, Ladies' Aid Society,
Ladies’ Foreign Mission Society, Young People's Christian Union.
THE BRANCH Avenue. BAPTIST CHURCH was organized May 19, 1886,
with fifty members, and the Rev. Edward P. Teller was ordained and in-
stalled pastor the same day. This church is located on Branch Avenue,
and is the outgrowth of a mission Sabbath School organized and sus-
tained by the Fourth Baptist Church for about six years. The chapel
building with grounds cost about five thousand dollars.
CoNGDON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH was organized Dec. 8, 1840, with
nine members. It was originally organized as a Free Will Baptist Church
in April, 1835, and was located on Meeting Street. The present church
edifice was built in 1871 at a cost of about fifteen thousand dollars. In
1871 the church exchanged their lot on Meeting Street for the one now.
occupied, on Congdon Street, by act of the Supreme Court, and by act
of the legislature the name of the society was changed from Meeting
Street to Congdon Street Baptist Church. A vestry was dedicated April
21, 1874. The first pastor was the Rev. Jeremiah Asher. The present
pastor is the Rev. Henry Scott. The present membership is 120. The
deacons are Edward Jackson, Nelson Morgan, Edward Peters, and Nicholas
Greene. The Sabbath School superintendent is Edward Peters. The
societies connected with the church are Congdon Street Baptist Society,
Christian Aid Society, Sewing Circle Society.
THE FIRST FREE BAPTIST CHURCH, Olneyville, was organized Nov. 8,
1828, with eleven members. The present church edifice, located on Plain-
field Street, was erected in 1883, at a cost of about thirty thousand dollars.
The first pastor was the Rev. Martin Cheney, and his successor, the pres-
ent pastor, is the Rev. Aura L. Gerrish. The present membership is 330.
The church maintains a prosperous mission on Potter’s Avenue, where a
chapel was erected in 1875, at a cost of about thirty-five hundred dollars.
. The deacons are Thomas Sawyer, J. Davis Hubbard, Samuel N. Bud-
long, Byron D. Remington; and the Sabbath School superintendent,
Albert O. Bates. Connected with the church are the Dorcas Society,
and Young People's Alliance Society for Christain Endeavor.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
I 47
Roger WILLIAMs FREE BAPTIST CHURCH. — This
church was organized March 22, 1830, with thirteen mem-
bers. The first house of worship was built on Burgess
Street, in 1833, and was burned in 1855. The present
brick edifice, located on High Street, corner of Knight,
was built in 1855. This church has supported several
successful missions. Its first pastor was the Rev. W. C.
Manchester, and the present pastor is the Rev. O. E.
Baker. The present membership is 500, and the deacons
are S. Kelley, J. D. Hawley, L. S. Harris, L. W. Anthony,
E. E. Pierce, and F. W. Marden. The Sabbath School
superintendent is H. R. Clark, and the school numbers
540. The societies connected with this church are the
Ladies’ Social Circle, Young People's Society, Woman's
Missionary Society, Young People's Society for Christian
Endeavor, Busy Gleaners, Normal Bible Class.
THE PARK STREET FREE BAPTIST CHURCH.-This re-
ligious body was organized in 1851, with sixteen members.
The church first worshiped in Canal Market Hall, then
in Brown Hall, South Main Street, after which it pur-
chased and occupied a house located on Constitution Hill,
from which it removed to its present large and convenient
house on Park Street, corner of Jewett, erected in 1868, at
a cost of about twenty thousand dollars. The church was
blessed with a marked revival in 1885, when fifty persons
experienced religion. Its first pastor was the Rev. Wil-
liam Archer, and the present pastor is the Rev. John T.
Ward. It has a present membership of 166. The deacons
are Thomas G. Earle, Stephen I. Lincoln, John L. Barker;
and the Sabbath School superintendent, Irving L. Blanch-
ard. Its organized societies are the Ladies' Aid Society,
Woman's Missionary Society, the Temperance Guards,
and the Little Helpers' Mission Band.
THE GREENwich STREET FREE BAPTIST CHURCH was
organized Aug. 15, 1870, with thirty-five members. The
church edifice, located on the corner of Greenwich and
West Friendship streets, was built in 1870–71 at a cost of
$16,000. Extensive repairs were made in 1882-3, and again in 1885–6,
costing in all nearly six thousand dollars. A fine pipe organ was placed
in the church in 1885, the gift of Mrs. Pheby Swarts. This church has
been favored with several revival seasons. Its first pastor was the Rev.
Jason Mariner, and the present pastor is the Rev. E. W. Ricker. The
present membership is 175. The deacons are Jacob Swarts, O. W. Hop-
kins, D. A. Winsor; and the Sabbath School superintendent, George W.
Burroughs. Its societies are Cheerful Helpers, Ladies’ Social Circle, and
Woman's Auxiliary Mission Society.
THE SocIETY OF FRIENDS or QUAKERs.-The Society of Friends or
Quakers constitute the second religious organization in the state, in the
order of time, and plays a most important part in the early history of the
colony. The Quakers first appeared in New England in 1656. All of the
New England colonies except Rhode Island enacted stringent laws against
them, and attempted to compel her to do the same. But Rhode Island
proved true to the principles of religious toleration and freedom on which
she had been founded, and the Quakers were freely received by her, afford-
ing a refuge for many who had suffered sore persecution, some by scourg-
ing, and others even unto death.
The Quakers were a plain, industrious, and conscientious people. They
were highly prosperous, and soon gained an honorable place in Rhode
Island, and won followers from nearly every town in the colony. Richard
Scott, one of the original settlers in the state, is said to have been the first
to join them in Providence.
Meetings were held in Providence and Newport in 1656 or '57.
The first “yearly meeting” of the Quakers held in America was “set
up " in Newport in 1661. It was set off from London as a regular yearly
meeting for discipline in 1683.
In 1666 Thomas Burnyeate, of England, held meetings in Providence,
and in 1672, George Fox, the founder of the sect, attended the yearly
meeting of Quakers at the house of Gov. William Coddington, on the
island of Rhode Island. Gov. Nicholas Easton, himself a Quaker, with
his suite, accompanied Fox on this visit to Providence. While making
this tour through New England, Fox held a meeting in Providence “in
a great barn which was thronged with people,” which doubtless gave rise
to the challenge which Fox received from Roger Williams for a public
debate on the “rights and wrongs of Quakerism.” At this time the
Quakers had so far increased in numbers and in power as to control the
government of the colony. Their first organization on the main land,
was the Greenwich Monthly Meeting, which served for a time to accom-
º
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Willſ
ST, JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
North Main Street.
modate the Quakers of Providence and the territory adjacent thereto.
A week-day meeting was established in 1701, and in 1703–4 a meeting-
house was built in what was then a part of Providence, now the town of
Lincoln. The second and larger part of this edifice was erected in 1745.
The Quakers were then strong and prosperous in the colony, so that a
larger room was needed. Meetings are now ordinarily held in the smaller,
or old part of the house. This is now the oldest meeting-house of any
denomination in the state.
In 1718 the Providence Monthly Meeting was set off from the Green-
wich Monthly Meeting. This name was changed in 1731 to Smithfield
Monthly Meeting.
In 1719, the Quakers built a second meeting-house in what was then a
part of Providence, now Union Village in the town of Woonsocket, which
served till 1775, when it was replaced by a new house. This house was
burned May 12, 1881, and the present house was erected the same year,
on the site of the old one. The present Providence Monthly Meeting
was set off from the Smithfield Monthly Meeting in 1783.
Those worshiping in Providence at present number about one hundred
and fifty. The first Friends meeting-house in what is now Providence,
was built in 1725 on Stamper's Hill, and was removed to the corner of
North Main and Meeting streets in 1745. This house was used at times
for town-meetings and for school purposes. To this an addition was
erected in 1784–5. This house was removed to Hope Street and converted
into two dwellings. The present house of worship, at the corner of
North Main and Meeting streets, was built in 1844–5.
A fourth meeting-house was built by the Quakers in what was formerly
part of Providence, now Cranston, about 1730, which is now used by the
Baptists at Oaklawn.
While the relative number of Quakers or Friends is comparatively
small in Rhode Island to-day, it should be borne in mind that principles live
while institutions decline. We cannot well estimate how much Providence
is indebted to the Quakers for their past teaching and honorable record,
or how much they are indirectly effecting to-day by the principles which
they have promulgated and which are now incorporated into the daily life
of the world.
The following are recognized ministers of the Friends in Providence,
viz.: Phebe R. Gifford, Huldah M. Beede, Sarah K. Reynolds, and
Robert P. Gifford. The clerk of the Providence Meeting is Thomas J.
Battey.
As the city has grown in population and material wealth, its religious

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
RT, REV. A. W. GRISWOLD, D. D.,
Consecrated Bishop of the Eastern (Episcopal) Diocese in 18 ||. Chancellor of Brown
University from 1815 to 1831.
denominations have also multiplied. But such increase is of compara-
tively recent date. It is hard to realize now that in the beginning of the
present century there were but six religious organizations — one Baptist,
one Friends, one Episcopalian, and three Congregational — in what is
now a city comprising nearly one hundred churches. And it is worthy
of notice that the earliest religious order to apply for admission to the
colony, after the first two had become established, was of the same per-
suasion that had banished Roger Williams from Massachusetts Bay.
The different denominations appear, mainly, in the order of the date of
establishment in the city, as nearly as can be determined, and the various
churches of each respective denomination in the order of their organiza-
tion. The Congregational and Episcopalian denominations became
established here at nearly the same time.
THE FIRST CongregationAL CHURCH (Unitarian.) — The First Con-
gregational Society was formed in 1721, but the church was not organ-
ized until 1728, when Josiah Cotton was installed as pastor, nine members
constituting the church. He was the first Congregational minister or-
dained in the colony of Rhode Island, and this was the third religious
society establishing worship in Providence, although Congregational wor-
ship had been maintained since 1720.
This society erected its first house of worship in 1723. It was the build-
ing afterwards known as the “Old Town House,” and stood where the
present County Court House stands, on the corner of College and Benefit
streets. This house was used for public worship until 1795, when it was
sold to the town, and the society dedicated a new and spacious house on
the corner of Benefit and Benevolent streets, the site occupied by the
present church edifice. This house was occupied by the society for nine-
teen years, when it was destroyed by fire June 14, 1814. The society pro-
ceeded at once to rebuild, and erected the present beautiful stone edifice
which was dedicated Oct. 31, 1816. The house faces to the west, and is
77 x 80 feet in dimensions. The spire is 189 feet, 11 inches high from the
ground. The house is beautifully finished inside, with galleries and a
lofty interior dome. The seating capacity is 1,000; the original cost was
over fifty thousand dollars. In 1863 it was thoroughly repaired and newly
furnished, at a cost of over twenty-two thousand dollars. A chapel was
built by the society in the rear of the church in 1840, at a cost of $2,500,
which was replaced in 1877 by the present granite chapel, costing $16,000,
which was designed to conform to the architecture of the church itself.
The first pastor of the church, the Rev. Josiah Cotton, served from the
the time of his installation in 1728, until 1747. It was during his pastor-
ate in 1743, that the first secession from the church occurred, due in part,
perhaps, to the influence of Whitefield's preaching. Several members of
the society in the First Congregational Church separated from it, claim-
ing to see in their minister “an opposer of the work of God's Spirit, a
preacher of damnable good works or doctrines, a hypocrite,” etc. At his
own request, Mr. Cotton was dismissed in 1747, and five years later the
Rev. John Bass became pastor of the parent church and served until 1758.
The next pastor was the Rev. David D. Rowland, who served from 1762
till 1774. The pulpit was supplied during the year 1775 by the late Rev.
Dr. Lothrop, of Boston.
In 1780 the Rev. Enos Hitchcock was called to this pulpit, was installed
in 1783, and remained pastor until his death in 1803. His ministry was
faithful and successful, and he left to the church a legacy of $6,000.
He was succeeded by the Rev. Henry Ecles in 1805, during whose pas-
torate of twenty-seven years, the church adopted a new covenant, and
became avowedly unitarian in theology. In 1828, one hundred years
from the formation of the church, certain members separated in a friendly
way and formed the Westminster Congregational Society. On Nov. 14,
1832, the Rev. Edward B. Hall was installed pastor of the First Congre-
gational Society. His pastorate of nearly thirty-five years, ending with
his death, March 3, 1866, was signally faithful and prosperous. His dec-
laration in his letter of acceptance that he would “devote his life and
strength to the interests of the church he served,” was abundantly fulfilled.
His ability, character, and fidelity left their impress upon the whole com-
munity.
Dr. Hall was succeeded by the Rev. A. M. Knapp, who served the
society from 1868 to 1871. The Rev. C. A. Staples was pastor from 1872
to 1881. The present incumbent, the Rev. Thomas R. Slicer, was called
to the pastorate in June, 1881. In 1882 the church still further simplified
its covenant, which now reads: “In the love of the Truth, and in the
Spirit of Jesus Christ, we join for the worship of God and the service of
man.” The present congregation numbers about two hundred families.
The Sunday School has about one hundred and fifty members.
THE WESTMINstER Congreg ATIONAL CHURCH (Unitarian) was or-
ganized in 1828, with eighteen members, and has a church edifice located
on Mathewson Street, which was erected in 1829. This house of worship
is an exceedingly beautiful and striking structure. The first pastor was
the Rev. Frederick A. Farley, D. D., and the present minister is the Rev.
Augustus Woodbury, who has been its pastor for many years. The
deacons are James Tillinghast, Frederick N. Seabury, and the Sunday
School superintendent, J. Thomas Smith. The societies connected with
it are the Relief Circle, and Westminster Unity Club. The missions are
the Children's Mission, and the Ministry at Large.
THE OLNEY STREET CongregATIONAL CHURCH (Unitarian) was or-
ganized in 1878, and is the outgrowth of a mission sustained several years
by the First and the Westminster Congregational societies. The house of
worship, located on Olney Street, was erected in 1870, at a cost of $40,000.
The pastor is the Rev. Alfred Manchester, and the Sabbath School super-
intendent, Samuel Herbert Tingley. The societies are Good Will, Mite,
Little Helpers, and Church of the Disciples.
THE BENEFIcENT CoNGREGATIONAL CHURCH.- The first Congrega-
tional Church on the west side of the river was formed March 7, 1743,
under the leadership of Joseph Snow, who afterwards became their pastor
and teacher. After a successful and useful pastorate of fifty years, he with-
drew with a minority of the membership, and formed another church.
The greater number remained with the Rev. James Wilson, who had
been settled as assistant pastor, and who continued to minister to this
church for a period of forty-five years. He was a remarkable man, of fine
presence, agreeable personal qualities, and natural eloquence. In the
early years of his pastorate, he taught school, and was for a long time the
principal teacher on the west side. Many hundred of children and youth
received the larger part of their school education from him.
The first house of worship was built in 1748, on land given by Daniel
Abbott, who also gave the open lot or park adjoining the church, which
bears his name. Many celebrated men preached in this ancient building
among whom were George Whitefield, Robert Sandeman, and Bishop
Asbury. In this old building, also, was held the first college commence-
ment, and the following ones for several years.
The present church was erected on the same site, and dedicated on
Jan. 1, 1810. The beautiful chapel which fronts on Chestnut Street, was
the gift of Henry J. Steere, Esq., as a memorial of his father, the late
Jonah Steere, for many years a member of this church.
There have been but seven pastors in a period of more than one hun-
dred and forty years. In the old vestry of this church was held the first
Sabbath School regularly organized on the west side, and more than
twelve thousand children and older persons have shared in its blessings.
While there have been eleven churches of this fellowship in the city, of

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
I49
which nine only exist at the present time, it may be said that this church
has been the mother of them all. Nearly all have sprung directly from
her care, and most of them have received largely of her bounty. Ten
ministers of the Gospel have gone forth from her membership, several of
whom have been missionaries at the West. One young lady has gone
forth as a missionary physician to the women of India. The member-
ship of this church is still larger than ever before, and its hopes of use-
fulness yet bright and clear for the future.
UNION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.-The Union Congregational Church
was organized March 31, 1871, with 581 members, by the union of the
Richmond Street and the High Street Congregational churches, the for-
mer contributing 287, and the latter 294 members.
The Richmond Street Church had a varied and unique history, and
was the outgrowth of a division in the Beneficent Church in 1793. It
built a house of worship on Richmond Street, and in 1808 assumed the
name of the Pacific Congregational Church. In 1821 a division arose in
this church, when sixteen members separated themselves and formed what
was known as the Calvanist Congregational Church. After four years'
separation these churches were reunited and jointly known as the Union
Congregational Church; but on taking possession of its new house of
worship on Richmond Street, May 8, 1827, the name was changed to the
Richmond Street Congregational Church. This house was destroyed
by fire Oct. 13, 1851, and a new one (now occupied by the Free Congre-
gational Church) erected in its place in 1852–3.
The ministry of the Rev. Thomas T. Waterman, covering a period of
ten years, and of the Rev. Jonathan Leavitt, from 1840 to 1862, are specially
deserving of mention. During the pastorate of each, more than four
hundred were added to the membership of the church. The last pastor of
the Richmond Street Church was the Rev. E. H. Richmond, from 1863
to '67, and during his ministry seventy-two members were received.
After this the church was supplied by different preachers until its union
with the High Street Church.
THE HIGH STREET CoNGREGATIONAL CHURCH was organized in 1834,
with forty-one members, mostly from the Richmond Street and Beneficent
churches. The ministry of the Rev. Stephen R. Dennen, from 1865 to '68,
was blessed with more than one hundred conversions. This church dis-
missed eighty-eight members to help form the Pilgrim Congregational
Church. The proposal to unite the Richmond Street and High Street
churches was due partly to the inconvenient location of the Richmond
Street Church for the accommodation of most of its members, and partly
to a growing demand on the part of the High Street Church for a larger
and more convenient house. This plan for union also contemplated the
formation of the present Pilgrim Church on Harrison Street, and the
transfer of the Richmond Street Church edifice to the Free Evangelical
Church. The union was consummated in August, 1868.
The corner-stone of the house of worship on Broad Street, corner of
Stewart, erected by the two societies at a cost of $200,000, was laid April 19,
1870, and the house was dedicated June 27, 1872. The first pastor of the
church was the Rev. Kinsley Twining, and the present incumbent, the
Rev. J. Hall McIlvaine. The present membership is 714. The deacons
are A. C. Barstow, T. Salisbury, S. Tabor, Z. Williams, J. McAuslan,
and C. A. Pabodie; and the Sabbath School superintendent, W. W.
Rickard. The societies are the Union Congregational Society—business;
Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor, Ladies' Home Mission
Society, Ladies' Foreign Mission Society.
THE CENTRAL CoNGREGATIONAL CHURCH was organized March 18,
1852, and occupies a fine brick structure, located on Benefit Street, near
College Street, built in 1852. The first pastor was the Rev. Leonard Swain,
and the present pastor is the Rev. Charles W. Huntington. It has a
membership of 466. The deacons are Thomas B. Stockwell, M. E. Toney,
Edwin Burrows, John W. Danielson, Frederick H. Fuller, and H. W.
Wilkinson; the Sabbath School superintendent is E. B. Floyd. The
societies are Woman's Home Missions, Central Church Auxiliary, Rhode
Island Branch Woman’s Board of Missions, Junior Auxiliary Rhode Island
Branch Woman’s Board of Missions, Young People's Alliance, O. B.
Mission Club.
THE FREE EvangelicAL CoNGREGATIONAL CHURCH was organized May
4, 1843. This church occupies the house built by the Richmond Street Con-
gregational Church on Richmond Street in 1852, and valued at $50,000,
in which the sittings have always been free, and it is mainly supported
by free contributions, on the weekly and monthly offering plan. The
church has been blessed with several revival seasons. The edifice has
undergone important interior repairs since occupied by the Free
Church Society, and an ice water fountain for public use placed in the
church yard. The first pastor was the Rev. Thomas T. Waterman. The
present pastor is the Rev. John H. Larry. The membership is 330. The
RT, REV, THOMAS M. CLARK, D. D.,
Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Rhode Island.
deacons are Joshua H. Work, J. C. Thompson, Nathan J. Shepley, John
Childs, Edwin F. Allen, and Simon F. Smith; the Sabbath School super-
intendent, John McCausland. The auxiliary societies are the Woman’s
Board of Missions and Young People's Social Union.
THE North CoNGREGATIONAL CHURCH.-The Charles Street Congre-
gational Sunday School was organized Sept. 7, 1856, in a chapel (then in
North Providence) near Corliss Engine Works, and was fostered by the
Central Congregational Church of Providence. June 6, 1865, the Charles
Street Congregational Church was organized. Jan. 29, 1880, the name
of the church was changed to North Congregational Church. The first
acting pastor was the Rev. George Huntington. The church edifice, loca-
ted on Walling Street, at the head of Pettis, was dedicated in 1883, and
the Rev. Adelbert F. Keith, the only pastor, began his labors with this
church in 1877, and was installed July 9, 1883. The deacons are Thomas
P. Smith, Levi Holt, William Corp, and Edward Birge; and the Sabbath
School superintendent, Charles H. Philbrick. The societies are North
Congregational Society, Home Circle, and White Ribbon Army.
THE PILGRIM CoNGREGATIONAL CHURCH was organized June 2, 1869, and
is the outgrowth of a mission Sabbath School organized Dec. 24, 1865,
with twenty members, under the direction of Mr. Andrew J. Rogers, a
student of Brown University. The present church edifice, a fine brick
structure located on Harrison Street, near High, was erected in 1874. Its
first pastor was the Rev. Thomas Laurie, D. D., who served from the time of
his installation, Nov. 24, 1869, until 1885; since then the church has been
without a pastor. The present membership is 335. The deacons are
Edwin Knight, John L. Smith, George Jepherson, Samuel A. Winsor;
and the Sabbath School superintendent, James E. Alden. It maintains a
social circle.
THE PLYMoUTH CoNGREGATIONAL CHURCH was organized March 6,
1878, with thirty members. Its house of worship is located on Richardson
Street, near Broad, and was built in 1880–81. The first pastor was the Rev.
Henry B. Roberts, and the present pastor of the church is the Rev. Henry
A. Blake, who resldes at No. 63 Ocean Street. The present member-
ship is 188. The Sunday School superintendent is Charles A. Campbell.
The societies are Plymouth Congregational Society, consisting of all the

20
I 50
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
male members of the church; Plymouth Home Missionary Society, con-
sisting of young ladies; Ladies' Aid Society, Ladies’ Foreign Missionary
Society, and Young Folk's Union.
ACADEMY Avenue CoNGREGATIONAL CHURCH was organized June 23,
1886, with seventy-three members, and is the outgrowth of a Sabbath
School organized in September, 1884. Its house of worship is located on
Academy Avenue, above Atwell's Avenue, and was built in 1886, at a cost
of $8,500. The first and present pastor is the Rev. Albert L. Kelly. The
deacons are John Anderson, D. H. Randall, and Edward Auty; and the
Sabbath School superintendent, the Rev. Albert L. Kelly. It is in charge
of a board of trustees, who are Daniel W. Fraser, D. S. B. Allardice,
John Anderson, Jr., David Slingsly, Frederick Howarth, and Alexander
Gray Hoardley. g -
St. John’s CHURCH (Episcopal).—In the year 1721 Gabriel Bernon, a
Huguenot refugee from La Rochelle in France, for some years previous
resident in Providence, entered into correspondence with the Rev. Mr.
McSparran, a missionary of the Church of England in Rhode Island, with
a view to settling “in our town of Providence one learned minister of
good condition — an Old England gentleman minister.” Providence was
then a town of Io,000 inhabitants. The following year the frame of the
first Episcopal church in this city was begun on St. Barnabas' Day, June
11, 1722, and its attendants were organized as King's Church. It became
“St. John's Church in Providence,” by act of incorporation in 1794.
Its original place of worship was a wooden building with low belfry and
round headed windows; it was taken down in 1810, and the present stone
structure, in the Gothic of the period, erected. The church was enlarged
by the addition of transepts and recessed chancel in 1868, and the interior
remodeled and decorated in 1871. The adjoining chapel was built in
1853, and the rectory in 1867. -
The first ministers of King's Church were missionaries of the Society
for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. Volumes, the gift
of that society, are still in the library of the rector. The Rev. George
Pigot was in charge from 1723 to 1725. Messrs. O'Hara, Brown, and
Checkley followed. The Rev. John Graves was rector from 1755 to the
outbreak of the Revolution. During the period of the war the church was
kept open by occasional services. From 1783 to 1786, Thomas F. Oliver,
first as lay reader, then as rector, was in charge. The Rev. Moses Badger
followed, from 1786 to 1791, and the Rev. Abraham Clarke, from 1792 to
1800. Two years later the long ministry of the Rev. Nathan B. Crocker,
as lay reader, deacon, and finally as rector, began. With the exception
of a period of ill health, from 1805 to 1807, when the Rev. John L. Black-
burn served in his stead, Dr. Crocker continued in charge of St. John's
Church until his death in 1865.
Duane, succeeded him, resigning his rectorship in 1869. He was followed,
in December of that year, by the present incumbent, the Rev. C. A. L.
Richards.
The wardens of St. John’s Church are Messrs. Oren Westcott and John
W. Vernon; Mr. Charles T. Dorrance is the parish treasurer; and Miss
S. A. Potter, the parish missionary. There is a communion list of about
four hundred names. The benefactions of the parish have been large for
many years.
has been averse to changes, and slow to adopt new methods. Con-
tinuing, mainly, in well-worn paths, it has sought to be a steady influence
for a broad and tolerant churchmanship in this community.
GRAcE CHURCH (Episcopal) was organized in 1829. The present
church edifice on Westminster Street, was erected in 1845. The church
sustains three missions as follows: Trinity Chapel, Pawtuxet; St.
Bartholomew's Church, Cranston, and St. Mary's Church, East Provi-
dence. The first rector was the Rev. Samuel Fuller, D. D., and the present
rector is the Rev. Daniel Greer, D. D., with Rev. H. U. Bartlett and the
Rev. George R. Spink, assistant ministers. It has a present membership
of 880. The wardens are John B. Anthony and Charles Morris Smith, and
the Sabbath School superintendent is George A. Buffum. The societies
connected with this church are Employment Bureau, Missionary Society,
St. Margaret's Society, St. Elizabeth’s Society, St. Agnes’ Society, and
Grace Memorial Society.
CHURCH of THE SAVIOUR (Episcopal) was organized in 1838. Its
house of worship is located on the corner of Benefit and Transit streets,
and was erected in 1840. The Rev. Francis Vinton was the first rector, and
was succeeded by the Rev. H. Monro. The present membership is 115.
The wardens are James M. Cross and Waterman Stone, and the Sunday
School superintendent is Henry A. Keath. The societies are Dorcas
Sewing Society and Workers for Benevolent Purposes.
St. STEPHEN’s CHURCH (Episcopal.) — This church was admitted
into conference June 11, 1839, and incorporated in October of the same
year, with seventeen communicants. The first rector was the Rev. Fran-
His assistant, the Rev. Richard B.
Its direct work among the poor is increasing. This parish
Peter's Free Chapel Mission.
cis Vinton, D. D. A house of worship was built at the corner of Benefit
and Transit streets in 1840, which was consecrated on the twenty-sixth
day of November in that year, by the Right Rev. Dr. Griswold.
About 1850, steps began to be taken looking to the erection of a new
church edifice, which, in time, resulted in the building of the present
imposing stone structure, one of the most beautiful in New England, on
George Street, near Thayer, at a cost of about seventy thousand dol-
lars, including the lot. The corner-stone of this house was laid Sept. 21,
1860, by Bishop Clark. The house was consecrated Feb. 27, 1862, and
is built according to ancient Catholic usage, east and west, with the altar
in the east. The architecture is of the middle pointed Gothic style, and
the plan included a nave, choir, north and south aisles, lady chapel,
tower, and spire. The spire has never been completed. The material is
stone from Smithfield, with trimmings, mouldings, and pillars of brown-
stone from New Jersey and Connecticut. It is about 120 feet long, 86 wide,
and 68 feet from the floor to the highest point of the roof. It has a high,
open roof, with a clear story, the timbers which support the roof being of
stained pine. Six massive pillars of solid stone separate the nave from
the side aisles. The lady chapel, which is under the same roof, is sep-
arated from the church by an open screen of black walnut. There are
many memorial windows in the church, among them two to Bishops
Griswold and Henshaw.
In 1883 the church was rearranged with new ornaments, and furniture
of carved oak, comprising altar, reredos, rood screen, choir stalls, and
pulpit, which were solemnly consecrated to the glory of God, and in
memory of Henry Waterman, D. D., James Henry Eames, D. D., and
Freeborn Cogshall, M. A., by the bishop of the diocese on St. Stephen’s
Day, Dec. 26, 1883. In design and execution these memorials rank high
as works of ecclesiastical art. -
The following are the officers of the parish : rector, the Rev. George
McClellan Fiske, M. A., 43 George Street; vestrymen, Resolved Water-
man, John S. Ormsbee, Robert H. I. Goddard, Lyman Klapp, William
Ames, Edward B. Carpenter, Moses P. Forkey, Freeborn Coggeshall,
Charles E. Godfrey, John H. Ormsbee, George B. Burton, William Con-
rad Rhodes, and William Wurts White; senior warden, Resolved Water-
man; junior warden, William Ames; deputy senior warden, Robert H. I.
Goddard; clerk, Lyman Klapp ; treasurer, Charles E. Godfrey; musical
director, William Conrad Rhodes; organist, William H. Arnold; choir
master,William M. Skinner; Sabbath School superintendent, Theodore P.
Bogert; Sabbath School librarians, John C. McNamara, George W. McNa-
mara; sexton, Richard Conway. Teachers seventeen, scholars 175. Pre-
sent number of communicants belonging to the parish, 330. The organi-
zations connected with the parish are: Parish Work Association, for chari-
table and missionary work; St. Faith's Guild, for general works of mercy
and the maintenance of an industrial school ; St. Augustine’s Guild, of
men, for church work and devotion; St. Vincent's Guild for Boys, devo-
tional; Altar Society, for the care of church vestments, the altars of the
church, etc. 8
In April, 1885, a guild house was begun on the eastern end of the
church property. It was formally opened with an office of benediction
on July 2, 1885. The parish societies meet there for their work. The
guild house is open every evening to give the parishioners—men and
boys especially — the benefit of the reading-room and library maintained
there by the Guild of St. Augustine. In 1885 a house on George Street
was purchased by the parish for a rectory.
ALL SAINTs’ MEMORIAL CHURCH (Episcopal.) — All Saints' Memorial
Church had its origin in the union of St. Andrew's Church and St.
St. Andrew’s Church was organized in
1846, and for many years struggled for existence. It was served by four
rectors and other ministers during the first seven years of its history.
The Rev. Daniel Henshaw assumed charge of the church in 1853, and did
much to promote its future prosperity. In 1858 he organized the first boy
choir in this city, and the third in this country. Jan. 1, 1860, a Sabbath
School was formed, and an evening service established on High Street,
near Knight, which enterprise was named St. Peter's Free Chapel Mission.
It was carefully fostered until 1863, when steps were taken towards the
erection of a house of worship, so located as to accommodate both church
and mission. The lot and the building, which is a brown-stone structure
located on the corner of High and Stewart streets, was procured at a cost
of $15,500. The corner-stone was laid by Bishop Clark, June 29, 1869;
the first service held in it Easter-Day, 1872; and the house was conse-
crated on All Saints' Day, 1875. . - *
Mr. Henshaw became rector when the church was organized, and still
holds the position. The labors of Rector Henshaw have been uniformly
prosperous during the thirty-three consecutive years that he has served
the two churches named. This church has several mission and other soci-
eties for organized Gospel effort.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 1 5 I
A peculiar interest attaches to this church by reason of its many and
costly memorial gifts, such as the polished column with carved capital, in
the chancel, and the beautiful mural tablet at the west end of the church,
presented by one person; the chancel window; the large front window;
the pulpit; the organ, and the Italian white marble; the silver service for
the Holy Communion. The number of communicants is 390.
THE CHURCH of THE REDEEMER (Episcopal) was organized April 5,
1859. The present church edifice, located on North Main Street, near
Lippitt, was built in 1859, at a cost of about twelve thousand dollars. The
first rector was the Rev. Charles H. Wheeler, and the present rector is the
Rev. Frederic J. Bassett. The present number of communicants is 150.
The Sabbath School superintendent is George D. Briggs. This was the
first Free Episcopal Church in Providence, and by the terms under which
its property is held, it is to be maintained only as a free church.
CHRIST CHURCH (Episcopal) was organized in 1865. The present
church edifice, located on the corner of Eddy and Oxford streets, was built
in 1867. The church is the outgrowth of a mission, which for the autumn
of 1866 was in charge of the Bishop Seabury Association of Brown Uni-
versity until Easter, 1867, when the Rev. S. H. Webb became rector, and
still continues to hold the position. They hope soon to build a new church
edifice. The present membership is 190, and the societies are the Ladies’
Aid Society, Young Ladies' Auxiliary Society, and Young Men's Guild.
St. JAMEs' CHURCH (Episcopal) was organized March 6, 1867. The
present church edifice, located on Gesler Street, corner Tell, was erected in
1868. The parish was admitted to the diocesan convention in 1869. The
first rector was the Rev. William D. N. Sherman, and his successor the
present rector, the Rev. W. F. B. Jackson. The number of communicants
is 125. The Sunday School superintendent is Christopher Blanding.
The societies are Parish Guild, Sewing Society, Sewing School, and
Young Women’s Club. The parish is in a prosperous condition, and is
governed by the rector, two wardens, and six vestrymen. The parish
clerk is William M. P. Bowen. -
THE CHURCH of THE EPIPHANY (Episcopal) was organized in 1873,
with fifteen members. The present church edifice, located on Potter’s
Avenue, was erected in 1880, at a cost of $10,000. This church sustains a
mission at Auburn, organized in 1885. The first rector was the Rev.
Charles L. Newbold, and the present rector is the Rev. Henry Bassett.
The present membership is 120. The wardens are Edward D. Bassett
and William Hulton, and the Sabbath School superintendent is Edward
D. Bassett. The school numbers 340. The church societies are Ladies’
Parish Aid Society, Parish Guild and Literary Society.
St. PAUL’s CHURCH (Episcopal) is located on Carroll Street. The first
rector was the Rev. Mr. Perry, and the church is now in charge of the
Rev. I. T. Bagnall. The present membership is 125.
THE CHESTNUT STREET METHoD1st EspiscoPAL CHURCH.- The year
1815 marks the beginning of Methodism in Providence, although some
pioneer work was done by Methodist ministers here as early as 1790, and
a class was formed in 1798. The Chestnut Street Church was organized
in 1815, through the efforts of the Rev. V. R. Osborn, who became its first
pastor. By his efforts a house
of worship was erected at the
corner of Aborn and Washing-
ton streets, and dedicated Jan.
1, 1816. It is believed that the
first Sabbath School in Prov-
idence was organized by the
Rev. Mr. Osborn in connection
with this church in 1815. In
1820 it became necessary to
have a larger house to accom-
modate the growing congrega-
tion, and a lot was secured at
the corner of Clifford and
Chestnut streets, on which the
present house of worship was
built, and dedicated Jan. 1, 1822.
In 1836 the house was remod-
eled, a spire built, and a bell
supplied, and instrumental mu-
sic introduced. In 1852 the
house was raised and still fur-
ther remodeled, and the organ
now in use put in its place. The
spire was blown down in the
gale of September, 1869, but
THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, was soon replaced by the present
Benefit Street. One.
This is one of the
strongest churches of
its denomination in
New England, and
has been served by
some of its ablest min-
isters.
The following
churches have been
formed wholly or in
part from its member-
ship : Hope Street,
Mathewson Street,
Broadway, Trinity,
a n d St. P a u 1 °s
churches. The pres-
ent membership is
about four hundred,
and the pastor is the
Rev. H. C. Westwood.
H O P E S T R E E T
METHODIsT EPISCO-
PAL CHURCH was or-
ganized Jan. 1, 1834,
with thirty-seven
members. For several
years Sunday services
were held in a house
on the corner of Power
and South Ma in
streets. The present
edifice, located on the
corner of Hope and
Power streets, was erected in 1874, at a cost of about thirty-eight thousand
dollars, including the lot. The vestry was furnished in 1883, and a pipe
organ was placed in the church in January, 1886. This church has been
blessed with a number of marked revivals, one of which resulted in the
addition of more than one hundred to the church. The first pastor was
the Rev. Jotham Horton, and the present pastor is the Rev. Thomas J.
Everett. The present membership is 188. The deacons are John R.
Harris, William Mansfield, Herbert W. Cobb, N. H. West, W. S. Ed-
wards, A. M. Baker, M. A. Durfee, and A. M. Browne; and the Sabbath
School superintendent is William Mansfield. The societies are Ladies'
Aid Society, Willing Workers, and Chautauqua Literary and Social Circle.
MATHEwson STREET METHoDIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH was organized
Oct. 19, 1848, with twenty-eight members, twenty-one coming from
Power Street Church, six from Chestnut Street, and one from the East
Greenwich Methodist Episcopal Church. Worship was maintained for a
time in Hoppin Hall, No. 33 Westminster Street. The present church
edifice, located on Mathewson Street, was erected 1850–51, and exten-
sively repaired during the pastorate of the Rev. E. F. Clark. The church
has been blessed with a large number of extensive revivals, notably under
the pastorates of the Revs. David Potter, Jr., and Frederick Upham. This
church took a prominent part in the organization of the Trinity and the
Asbury Methodist Episcopal churches. It also became distinguished for
zeal, liberality, and self-sacrifice in promoting the Federal cause in the war
for the Union. During the years 1864 and 1865 the members contributed
for the Union cause more than three thousand dollars. The first pastor
was the Rev. David Potter, and the present pastor is the Rev. N. T.
Whitaker. The present membership is 383. The Sunday School superin-
tendent is Joseph A. Latham, and the present officers of the church are
John Kendrick, Josiah L. Webster, Pardon M. Stone, Charles F. Hull, Jere-
miah Knight, Marius S. Daniels, Isaac Sperry, Joshua M. Addeman, Morris
Deming, William H. Washburn, Albert J. Manchester, Thomas Wil-
liams, Samuel Boyd, Thomas J. Gardiner, Joshua L. Latham, George W.
Lamphear, Edward Shaw, 2d, William R. Sherman, Eli H. Howard,
George D. Lansing, Andrew Hutchinson, Frank H. Maynard, Franklin
A. Smith, Jr., Albert F. Davis, Olin Hill, George B. Darling, and Fletcher
S. Mason.
BRoadway METHoD1st EPIsco PAL CHURCH was organized April 28,
1851. The present edifice, located on Broadway, was purchased from the
Wesleyans, in 1855, and in 1859 it was removed to its present site and
enlarged, at a cost of $2,000. The present membership is 300, and the
present pastor is the Rev. C. B. Pitblado. The Sabbath School superin-
tendent is Albert W. Rounds. The societies are Ladies' Aid Society
and Literary Society. -
St. PAUL's METHoD1st EPIscoPAL CHURCH was organized in 1854.
GRACE (EPISCOPAL) CHURCH,
Westminster Street.


I 52
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
The present house
of worship, located
corner Plain and
Swan streets, was
erected in 1870, and
was enlarged and
repaired in 1885, at
a cost of $6,000.
The first pastor
was the Rev. J. T.
Be n to n.
church was sup-
plied a number of
years by local
preachers, and the
present pastor is the
Rev. C. H. Ewer.
The present mem-
bership is 265. The
Sabbath School
numbers about five
hundred, and is sup-
erintended by Eu-
gene Lawton. Con-
nected with the
church is a Ladies’
Aid Society.
THE TR IN IT Y
METHopist EPIs-
CoPAL CHURCH was
organized in April,
1859, with thirty-
five members. A Sunday School had been formed in January of the same
year. The initial steps towards the erection of a church edifice had been
taken in January, 1858, when services were conducted for a time in Lester
Hall, Cranston Street, by the Rev. Andrew McKeown. In 1865 measures
were taken for building a new house of worship, which was successfully
accomplished. But owing to various causes, among them the rapid
rise in cost of building materials, the expense of building far surpassed the
estimates that had been made, and thereby the society became deeply
involved in debt. But the Methodist churches of this city came to the
rescue, and helped to raise the debt. The cost of the house was about forty
thousand dollars. In its spiritual work this church has been uniformly
successful from the time of its formation. The first pastor was the Rev.
William McDonald, and the present pastor is the Rev. Charles L. Goodell.
The church has 493 members, and the Sunday School, under the super-
intendence of George W. Smith, numbers 850. The trustees are E. F.
Curtis, John C. Hobbs, Samuel G. Allen, George Hunt, George W. Bates,
Charles E. Hill, and Lloyd C. Eddy; the stewards are George W. Smith,
George H. Chenery, Charles H. James, William Jamieson, John W.
Cornell, William H. Chenery, Addison Edwards, Walter H. Barney,
Albion S. Doane, Edwin Tetlow, Charles H. Burt, Samuel G. Pellett,
and Walter B. Jacobs. The societies connected with Trinity Church
are as follows: the Cheerful. Workers, Ladies’ Social Circle, and the
Oxford League. -
THE Asbury METHOD1st Episcopal CHURCH was organized April 5,
1868, with twenty members. The first service was held in interest of
this church on March 22, 1868. The present church edifice located corner
North Main and Hewes streets, was erected in 1868. Plans have been ac-
cepted for a new house to be built of brick with granite trimmings during
the present year, on the site of the old house, at a cost of $25,000. Its
first pastor was the Rev. John Livesey, and the present pastor is the Rev.
William J. Smith. The present membership is 4or. The Sabbath School
superintendent is Allen P. Young. The society is the Ladies' Church Aid
Society.
THE CRANston STREET METHopist EpiscoPAL CHURCH was organ-
ized March 9, 1882, with fifteen members. This church is indirectly the
outgrowth of two Sabbath Schools which had been formed at different
times on Christian Hill, under different auspices. Both had ceased to
exist prior to the occupancy of the field by the Methodist mission, which
was formed in 1881, and which developed into the present Cranston Street
Church. The present church edifice, located at 435 Cranston Street, was
erected in 1883, at a cost of about seven thousand dollars, and is a model
of neatness and convenience. The church conducts a mission Sabbath
School at Cranston. The first pastor was the Rev. W. H. Stetson. It was
supplied for a time by the Rev. Fred. C. Baker, and the present pastor is
the Rev. H. E. Cooke. The present membership is ninety-seven. During
THE CHESTNUT STREET METHODIST EPISCOPAL
CHURCH.
The
the two years of Mr. Cooke's pastorate, sixty-nine have been added to the
church. The Sabbath School now numbers over two hundred scholars.
THE HARRIson Avenue METHoD1st EPIsco PAL CHURCH was organized
March 7, 1883. The house of worship is located on Harris Avenue,
Olneyville. The church has been much blessed by revivals. The first
pastor was the Rev. Charles F. Sharpe, and the present pastor is the Rev.
Edwin F. Jones. The present membership is 140. The Sabbath School
superintendent is the Rev. Edwin F. Jones. The trustees are Samuel
Wynn, William Mills, S. S. Nicholson, William Lawrell, William Had-
field, Robert Newton, and William Annear. The societies are Ladies’
Aid Society and the Home Mission Society.
AFRICAN METHoD1st EPIscoe AL Zion CHURCH was organized by col-
ored people, in 1837. The present edifice, located on Gaspee Street, was
built in 1858. The first pastor was the Rev. Nathan Blount, and the pres-
ent pastor is the Rev. R. R. Morris. The present membership is 250.
The Sabbath School superintendent is Abram Ward, and the school num-
bers 300.
THE MoUNT ZIon METHodist EPIscopal CHURCH (colored) was or-
ganized in 1861. Services were held for a time in a private house. The
present house of worship, located on Lilac Street, was built in 1863. In
1883 this church withdrew from the New England Conference and remains
an independent church. Mrs. Annie F. Freeman is the pastor. The
church has prospered under her labors, and the present membership is
eighty. The officers of the church are Joseph Brown, John Williams,
Daniel Smith, James Quinten, Henry Cleggitt, Nash Purnell, John H.
Smith, Nathaniel Prout, George Burton, Frederick Gilmore.
THE FIRst UNION METHoD1st CHURCH (colored) was organized in
1860, with seventy-five members. The present house of worship, located
on Clayton Street, was erected in 1860, at a cost of $700. The first pastor
was the Rev. Daniel L. Smith, and the present pastor is the Rev. J. W.
Leekins. The present membership is twenty-five. The Sabbath School
superintendent is Samuel Osburne, and connected with the church is the
society of Willing Workers.
THE FIRst UNIVERSAL1st CHURCH.- A few persons interested in the
doctrines of Universalism held a meeting in the Court House, April Io,
1821, out of which grew the organization known as the First Universalist
Church of this city, founded Aug. 18, 1823. The church worshiped
several years in a house located on the present site of the Boston store
on the corner of Westminster and Union streets. The present edifice,
located corner Washington and Greene streets, was erected in 1872 at a
cost of about forty-five thousand dollars. The first pastor was the Rev.
David Pickering, and the present pastor is the Rev. Henry J. Cushman.
The present membership is 201. The deacons are Alanson Pitcher, Albert
Briggs, Benjamin B. Edwards, Ephraim Goff, and Daniel H. Matthewson.
The Sabbath School superintendent is Charles E. Carpenter. The socie-
ties are First Universalist Society, the Ladies’ Humane Society, and the
Literary and Social Union. The trustees are John M. Buffington, Israel
B. Mason, Sylvester G. Martin, Shirley A. Elsbree, Charles E. Carpenter,
and William Oscar Cornell.
THE CHURCH of THE MEDIAtoR (Universalist) was organized in 1840.
Services were maintained a few years in a hall with small promise. In
1845 the society was reorganized, and a church edifice was built on Broad
Street in 1848, which was used for worship twenty years.
The present house of worship on the corner of Cranston and Burgess
streets, is a fine brick structure, erected in 1868–9, at a cost of about
seventy thousand dollars. The first pastor was the Rev. James M. Cook,
and the present pastor is the Rev. Henry W. Rugg. The present member-
ship is 196. The deacons are William E. Whitney, George H. Leavens,
and William B. Westcott; and the Sabbath School superintendent, Wil-
liam S. Johnson. The president of the parish organization is Lyman
Pierce; secretary, George H. Burnham; treasurer, Daniel N. Davis. The
societies are the Young People's Missionary Association, and the Parish
Union.
THE BRoad STREET CHRISTIAN CHURCH was organized July 4, 1834,
with twenty members. The present edifice, located corner Broad and Fen-
ner streets, was erected in 1841. The first pastor was the Rev. Elijah W.
Barrows, and the present pastor is the Rev. C. A. Tillinghast. The pres-
ent membership is 200. The deacons are John P. Dunham, John F. Pills,
Henry S. Vaughn, and Marcus W. Morton. The societies are Ladies’
Social Circle, Ladies’ Foreign Missionary Society, Helping Hand Lit-
erary Society, and Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor.
- THE CHURCH of THE NEw JERUsALEM (Swedenborgian) was organ-
ized in 1839, with nine members. The present church edifice, located cor-
ner of Broad and Linden streets, was erected in 1870–72, at a cost of about
thirty thousand dollars. The first pastor was the Rev. T. D. Sturtevant,
and the present pastor is the Rev. Warren Goddard, Jr. The present
membership is 107. The Sabbath School superintendent is George E.

THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. - I 53
Manchester, and the church has a flourishing young people’s society.
Through the generosity of Joseph A. Barker, Esq., this church owns a
permanent free bed in the Rhode Island Hospital, for the use of poor
needy persons, irrespective of religious belief.
THE FIRST UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH was organized in May,
1847, with twenty-two members. The present church edifice, located on
Broadway, corner Hicks Street, was erected in 1848. The first pastor was
the Rev. Joseph Sanderson, D. D., and the present pastor is the Rev.
Matthew S. McCord, A. M., 55 Vernon Street. The present membership
is 250. The elders are Daniel McIntosh, Alexander Blaikie, John James
McKenzie, Thomas J. Taylor, William McKenzie, and the Sabbath School
superintendent is William McKenzie. The societies are the Home Mis-
sion Band and Young Ladies' Aid Society.
THE FIRST PREs BYTERIAN CHURCH was organized Oct. 25, 1872,
and the present church edifice, located on Clifford Street, was built in
1875–6, at a cost of $38,000. The first pastor was the Rev. John Dixon,
and the present membership is 300. The church is now without a pastor,
the last pastor, the Rev. R. D. Sproull, having resigned in June, 1886.
The elders are Robert McMeehan, Daniel Glover, John Tenace, David B.
Forbes, John McGregor, and Robert Marshall, and the Sabbath School
superintendent is Daniel B. Forbes. The mission work is carried on by
the Ladies' Missionary Society.
THE CHURCH of THE YAHVEH (Evangelical Adventists) was organized
in 1850. The present house of worship, located corner Pearl and Provi-
dence streets, was dedicated in December, 1878. The first pastor was
the Rev. N. Hervey, and the present pastor is the Rev. L. Osler. The
present membership is 376. The church is Congregational in form and
is incorporated. The deacons are R. R. Knowles, H. Leland, J. Glover,
and E. Baker; and the Sabbath School superintendent is J. Glover. The
societies are Ladies' Aid Society and Home Missionary Society.
THE ADVENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH was organized in 1871, with ten mem-
bers. The present church edifice, located on Hammond Street, near Di-
vision, was erected in 1873. The first pastor was the Rev. Marshall Phete-
place, and the present pastor is the Rev. Norman P. Cook. The present
membership is 145. The deacons are Nathaniel Phillips and Harris O.
Potter, and the Sabbath School superintendent is Josiah B. Baxter. The
societies are Ladies' Aid Society, and Band of Hope.
THE FREE
RELIGIOUs So-
CIETY Was Or-
ganized in Feb-
ru a ry, 1874.
This society is
independent,
and leaves its
members en-
tirely free in
the exercise of
religious be-
lief. Meetings
a re held in
Blá clº stone
Hall, on the
c or n e r of
Washington
a n d S now
streets. The
first and pres-
ent minister,
the Rev. Fred-
e r i c k A.
Hinckley, was
settled in Oc-
to be r, 1878.
The Sun day
School was or-
ganized Oct.
13, 1878. The
president of
the society is
A r n old B.
Chace ; secre-
tary, M is s
Charlotte R.
Haswell; treas-
u rer, George
Lewis.
THE FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH,
Greene Street,
THE SECOND UNIVERSALIST CHURCH,
Cranston Street.
THE Swedish Mission METHODIst EPIsco PAL CHURCH was organized
June 4, 1883, with twenty-five members. Services are held in Slade Hall,
45 Eddy Street. The first and present pastor is the Rev. Niles Elkland,
and the Sabbath School superintendent is A. J. Pettreson. The present
membership is ninety. -
THE UNION SEA AND LAND MIssion has been in operation for a
score or more of years. It is unsectarian, and the services are conducted
in the open air, either on the wharves or on shipboard. It is superin-
tended by the Rev. Charles H. Plummer.
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTs’ UNION of Providence and
vicinity was organized in October, 1884, its object being to promote the
general effectiveness of Sunday School work. Any superintendent of any
Evangelical Sunday School in Providence or vicinity is eligible to mem-
bership. General meetings of the union are held on the second Friday
evenings in October, January, and April of each year. To meet the ex-
penses of the union an annual tax of one dollar is assessed on each mem-
ber. Special meetings are held whenever deemed necessary by the exec-
utive committee. Mr. J. William Rice is president of the union; Mr.
G. W. S. Burroughs, secretary, and Mr. T. W. Waterman, treasurer.
THE BAPTIST SUPERINTENDENTs’ UNION, of Providence and vicinity,
was organized in September, 1882. The constitution of the society states
that its object is “to suggest and promote the best methods of Sunday
School work.” The superintendent of any Sunday School in Providence
or vicinity is eligible to membership. Officers are elected annually at the
September meeting. Meetings are held on the third Fridays of September,
November, January, March, and May. To meet the expenses of the asso-
ciation, members are assessed at each meeting a sum not exceeding fifty
cents. The following-named gentlemen are the officers for 1885–6: T. W.
Waterman, president; H. F. Horton, secretary; E. H. Fry, treasurer.
THE METHODIst SocIAL UNION is the name of an organization that was
formed in Providence in January, 1882. The object of the association is
stated to be “to promote the spirit of fraternal intercourse and Christian
enterprise among the members and congregations of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church in Providence and vicinity. This object is said to have been
fully accomplished. The association rapidly grew in numbers, and is now
in a very flourishing condition. Regular meetings are held on the third
Friday in the months of January, March, May, and November, and special
meetings at the call of the executive committee. The following are the
officers for 1886: president, Walter H. Barney; vice-presidents, Albert J.
Manchester, Samuel H. Bailey; secretary, J. E. C. Farnham; treasurer,
George W. Lamphear; corresponding secretary, William Jamieson; direc-
tors, George Nicholson, Ellery Millard, Williston A. Cady, William N.
Johnson, John T. Haslam.


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THE SS, PETER AND PAUL'S CATHEDRAL, PROVIDENCE.






CHAPTER VI.
THE RELIGIOUS LIFE OF THE CITY..—ContinuBD.
THE EARLY CATHOLIC CHURCH IN RHODE ISLAND – EARLY MISSIONARY work — THE FIRST CATHolic CHURCH IN NEwpoRT – THE
FIRST CATHoLics OF PROVIDENCE – THE FIRST REGULAR PRIEST FOR PROVIDENCE —BISHOP FENwick — IN 1830 CATHOLICS
NUMBER I, OOO IN THE CITY — FORMATION OF THE HARTFORD DIOCESE — BISHOP TYLER — LIVES OF THE BISHOPS OF THE
DIOCESE, TYLER, O'REILLEY, McFARLAND, AND HENDRICKEN–JUNE, 1886, BISHOP HENDRICKEN Estimates CATHoLic PoPU-
LATION OF PROVIDENCE 50,000 — THE NEw CATHEDRAL – DESCRIPTION OF THE EDIFICE — HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF THE
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF THE CITY — ST. PATRICK's — ST. MARY's— ST. Joseph’s – CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
— ST. MICHAEL’s — ST. EDwARD’s — ST. JoHN THE EVANGELIST’s CHURCH – CHURCH OF THE AssumPTION — St. CHARLEs
BORREMEO (FRENCH)—Holy NAME – ST. THERESA’s — sociFTY OF ST. BONIFACE (GERMAN) — our LADY OF THE Rosary
A (Portuguese)— st. AUGUSTINE’s CHURCH society (color:ED)—ItaliaN CATHoLics — the RELIGIOUS ordERS AND socie-
TIES CONNECTED witH THE CHURCH – SISTERS OF THE ORDER OF MERCY — St. ALOYSIUs’ ORPHAN ASYLUM – ST. xAv1ER's
AND ST. MARY’s AcADEMIEs—Little SISTERS OF THE POOR — ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART — SISTERS OF CHARITY –
SOCIETY OF URSULINE NUNs — St. VINCENT DE PAUL’s BENEvoleNT sociFTY.
To those unacquainted with the early history of Catholicity in
Rhode Island the story of its continuous and rapid growth when
once firmly established, and a recital of the privations and hard-
ships which the early Catholics endured for their faith, when,
instead of a daily mass it often happened that months would pass
without seeing a priest, can but prove interesting and instructive.
Sixty years ago the Catholics were but few in number, and had
not the means to erect a church. The announcement that mass
would be said at the house of some friend was hailed as a bless-
ing sent from heaven, and visits of the missionary priests sent
from Boston were among the brightest and pleasantest days of
their lives. In remembering them, they kept alive their religious
faith until the missionary's return increased it still more.
The Catholics in Rhode Island to-day enjoy their services as a
matter of course, without realizing that they are heavenly pleas-
ures which their fathers or ancestors labored diligently to obtain.
The first historical knowledge of the presence of Catholics in
Rhode Island was during the Revolutionary War, when the French
troops came to Newport in 1778. The State House was used as
a chapel and hospital, and mass celebrated there by the chaplains
under Count D'Estaing. Whether a few of the residents became
converted or some of the French remained after the departure of
the fleet, is not stated, but it is certain, however, that there were
Catholics in Newport after the visit of the French to its shores.
As early as 1811, the Rev. Dr. Matignon, an exiled French
missionary, who was sent by Bishop Carroll to Boston in August,
1792, and the Right Rev. John De Cheverus, consecrated the
first bishop of Boston in 1810, visited the town of Bristol to
celebrate mass and baptize the children of the French-American
Catholics residing there. &
Providence was the third place in Rhode Island where a small
colony of Catholics was found in 1813. The Rev. Dr. Matignon
and Bishop Cheverus, after they visited Bristol, came occasionally
to Providence from 1813 until 1828. The first service was held in
an old wooden school-house on Sheldon Street, near Benefit, that
was blown down in the “great gale” of 1815. The principal
members of the church at this time were Luke Higgins, William
Rumford, Charles Delahunty, and Francis McGill.
From 1815 until 1828 mass was celebrated in private houses,
anywhere it could be said with safety. On several occasions it
was said in the old police station, in the old building corner of
Richmond and Pine streets, and in the basement of a house still
standing on Aborn Street, near Sabin. The parents of the Rev.
Father Campbell and Mr. Michael Campbell, of this city, one
of whom is still living, were regular in their attendance at these
services, being two of the seven Catholics in the city in 1820.
In 1827 the Catholics in Providence and vicinity asked Bishop
Fenwick, then the bishop of Boston, for the special services of a
priest. The Rev. Robert D. Woodley, who had labored in the
Boston diocese for two or three years, was appointed the first
pastor of Rhode Island and Connecticut, officiating during his
ministry at Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Newport, Hart-
ford, New Haven, New London, and Taunton.
The first public Catholic service in Providence was a mass cel-
ebrated by the Right Rev. Bishop Fenwick, in Mechanics Hall,
on April 14, 1828. He preached a discourse during the mass,
and at its conclusion administered the sacrament of confirmation
to five persons. It was a memorable day for the Catholics of the
-state, and likewise for the many Protestants that attended the ser-
vice, several of whom are still living.
Meanwhile David Wilkinson, Esq., of Pawtucket, had pre-
sented the Catholics in that vicinity with a suitable lot on which
to erect a church. The bishop went to Pawtucket the day fol-
lowing the service to thank Mr. Wilkinson for his generosity. A
church was erected upon the lot in 1829, and thus the first mass
in Pawtucket was celebrated by the Rev. Father Woodley, in old
St. Mary's. r -
The Catholics at this time numbered from one hundred and fifty
to two hundred. The Rev. John Corry, commonly called Curry,
succeeded Father Woodley in 1830. While he was pastor the
civil authorities of the town granted the Catholics the use of the
“Old Town House,” where services were held for four or five
years. A site for a church in Providence was purchased Jan. I7,
1832. The Catholics had been looking for a suitable location
for some time, and as the fact became publicly known, they found
it impossible to obtain any, so strong was the feeling against the
project. Francis Hye was commissioned to purchase the lot for
Father Corry. The purchase was made in Duty Greene's store
on Christian Hill, between William Hye and Isaac Matthewson,
who did not know the purpose for which the lot was bought until
the deed was drawn. The lot measured fifty feet on High Street
and extended back to Pond Street 210 feet, and cost $1,500.
After the purchase was made, Mr. Matthewson offered $100 and
finally $500 more than was paid for the lot, if Mr. Hye would re-
convey it to him. The last offer was considered by the Catholics
for some time, as $500 was a large amount to them at that time.
I 56
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
Father Corry, with whom the decision was left, after viewing
the site remarked that “In a few years there will be no such
place in Providence as this for a Catholic Church,” and told Mr.
Hye to refuse the offer. The building of the church, however,
did not commence until three years later, as the Catholics were
very poor and had little money with which to erect the building.
They numbered at this time about three hundred. In November,
1832, Father Corry was sent to Taunton, and was succeeded by
Father Connelley, who attended both Pawtucket and Provi-
dence. Father Lee succeeded in May, 1834, for three and a half
years. In 1835 Father Lee commenced the foundation of the
cathedral which measured 80 x 44 feet.
From 1830 until the church was finished, the Catholics enjoyed
the privilege of services in the Town Hall, through the generosity
of the people, where Bishop Fenwick for the second time said
mass in Providence, to encourage the building of the church, and
preached to the Catholics of the city, estimated at one thousand.
They had rapidly increased in five years, owing to the construction
of the railroad and other works in the city, in which many Irishmen
were employed. There were many difficulties to be surmounted
after the foundation of the church was laid, the principal one
being the lack of funds to carry on the work. The mechanics
threatened from time to time to lay an attachment on the building
for their wages, and on every such occasion the bishop was
obliged to aid the people, although very poor at that time. The
work was discontinued from October, 1836, to September, 1837.
Father Lee's successors were Fathers Lynch, McNamee, and
Miller. •
Rev. Father Corry again took charge of the congregation in
May, 1837, and aided the completion of the church so that service
was held in it for the first time on the second Sunday in Advent,
December 1, of the same year. The church was thirty-four feet
high, with a basement containing two large school-rooms. The
walls, which were paid for with money sent to the Catholics from
Germany, were built of slate-stone covered with cement. During
the next summer the interior was fittted up and although not
entirely finished, on Nov. 4, 1838, Saints Peter and Paul's
Church was dedicated. The church was $5,000 in debt, but
through the appeal of the bishop to the generous, Protestants as
well as Catholics, at the ceremonies, the amount was considerably
lessened. - - , - . -
At Christmas, 1838, Philip Allen & Son presented the church
with a Spanish bell weighing 1,000 pounds, and later contributed
$300 towards a bell for St. Patrick's Church. The organ was
placed in the church in 1841.
During the ten years from 1837 to 1847, there were 2,259 bap-
tisms and 594 marriages. * *
The Rev. James Fitton succeeded the Rev. Father Corry in
October, 1843. He improved the cathedral by causing windows
to be placed in the church on the east as well as the west side,
and one of his first movements was to establish Catholic schools
wherever a sufficient number of scholars could be assembled.
In 1844 the diocese of Hartford, including the states of Rhode
Island and Connecticut, was formed, as there were then 4,817
Catholics, three priests, and four churches in Connecticut, and
5, 180 Catholics, three priests, and four churches in Rhode Island.
The Right Rev. William Tyer, D. D., was consecrated the first
bishop on March 17, 1844. On his arrival at Providence, the
city in which he had selected to reside, he chose Saints Peter
and Paul's Church as his cathedral.
He immediately began the work of enlarging the original build-
ing to more than double its original dimensions, and purchased, in
November, 1845, and March, 1846, two lots at a cost of $29,000
for the two wings. The work upon the additions was superin-
tended by the bishop himself, and he also paid the workmen.
The Rev. Father Fitton, who now attended Woonsocket, Paw-
tucket, and Newport, erected the sacristy on Pond Street shortly
afterwards. There were no more changes in the building until
it was re-decorated and frescoed while the Rev. Hugh Carmody
was pastor. The church caught fire while this work was in
progress but the results were not serious.
Bishop Tyler's episcopal residence was a small one-story, one-
room wooden building. His labors during his five years' episco-
pate were very arduous and difficult, as he had in both states but
six priests, at first, to assist him. -
The Right Rev. William Tyler, D. D., the first bishop of the
Hartford and Providence diocese, was born in Vermont, in 1804,
of Protestant parents, but became a Catholic at eighteen years of
age. He was ordained priest in 1828, by Bishop Fenwick at Bos-
ton, and consecrated first bishop of Hartford, at Baltimore, on
March 17, 1844. He came to Providence to reside, and made
Saints Peter and Paul's Church his cathedral. He purchased two
lots and enlarged the building, adding the Fenner Street wing.
He died of rheumatic fever contracted at the council of Baltimore
on June 18, 1849, and was buried in the basement of the cathedral
June 20. Professor Jantz, the present cathedral organist, was
assistant director of the musical portion of the funeral service.
When the cathedral was torn down, his remains were removed to
the pro-cathedral, where they now lie under the altar. As soon
as the services cease in the building, the remains will be placed
in the opening of the crypt of the new cathedral, directly over
the remains of Bishop Hendricken.
The Right Rev. Bernard O'Reilley, the second bishop of Hart-
ford, succeeded Bishop Tyler after the see had been vacant a year,
and meanwhile the number of Catholics in Providence had in-
creased to 5,000. He was consecrated bishop Nov. Io, 1850,
and a short time after went to Europe. While there he ordained
Bishop Hendricken a priest at Dublin, in 1853, and invited him to
come to America. While returning from a second visit in 1856,
on the steamer “Pacific,” he and all on board found a watery
grave. The grief of the Catholics at the tidings was deep and
sad beyond description.
The Right Rev. Francis Patrick McFarland, the third bishop
of Hartford, was born in Franklin, Penn., in 1818. He gradu-
ated from Mount St. Mary’s, Emmettsburg, Md. ; was ordained
priest on May 18, 1846, and consecrated bishop March 14, 1858.
Bishop McFarland made many parishes, and built many churches
in Providence. He laid the corner-stone and dedicated St.
Mary's, St. Michael’s, St. John's, and the Assumption.
In 1870, within a quarter of a century, the Hartford diocese
had 100 churches, 64 chapels, 95 priests, and a congregation of
200,ooo; so, at the beginning of the year 1872, the diocese of
Hartford was divided and Providence made a separate see.
Bishop McFarland left Providence, taking with him several
clergymen, Sisters of Mercy, and members of other orders, and
went to Hartford to reside. He administered the affairs of the
Hartford diocese until his death, which occurred Oct. 12, 1874.
He was beloved not only by his flock in Providence and Hartford,
but also by every person, Protestant or Catholic, who made his
acquaintance.
The Right Rev. Bishop Hendricken was consecrated and began
his episcopal labors April 28, 1872, with twenty churches and about
thirty-five priests. In six years he had introduced four new relig-
ious orders into the diocese, established thirteen new parishes
and erected the brick episcopal residence upon Pond Street and
the pro-cathedral upon the garden plat belonging to the Sisters of
Mercy's estate, on the corner of Broad and Foster streets, in pre-
paration of his great life work, the building of the new cathedral.
The old cathedral, though only forty years built when destroyed,
was not a substantial edifice, and upon the Holy Thursday pre-
THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. I 57
vious to its destruction, portions of the ceiling
fell upon the assembled congregation and
created considerable excitement. The fare-
well services in the “old church,” as it was
generally called, occurred Sunday, May 5,
1878. At the nine o'clock service the bishop
administered for the last time the sacrament
of confirmation to 300 candidates. Mass was
celebrated for the last time at Io.30 o'clock
by the Rev. Father McSweeney, then the
rector of the cathedral, in the presence of a
sad congregation, to many of whom fond
memories clustered about the sacred walls of
a church at whose first service they had also
been present. The bishop preached the fare-
well discourse, and was visibly affected, as it
was in the cathedral that he preached his first
sermon and celebrated almost his first mass.
At the conclusion of the mass, the bishop
gave the pontifical benediction to the congre-
gation. In the afternoon he assisted at the
last vesper service, one for the children.
In another week the “old church ' ceased
to exist, and with its demolition the history
of the new cathedral commenced. The con-
gregation has since held services at the pro-
cathedral, which contains the pews, altars,
furniture, and organ of the old cathedral.
They will continue to do so until the new
building is completed.
The Rev. Joseph F. McDonough has been
the rector for several years, assisted by the
Rev. William Stang and the Rev. James
Coyle, who, on being appointed pastor of St.
Joseph’s, Newport, was succeeded by the
Rev. Charles J. Burns, formerly a Paulist mis-
sionary. Father Stang was appointed pastor
at Cranston, but was recalled to the cathedral
by Bishop Hendricken shortly before his death.
The parish has now a congregation of 6,000,
two parochial schools, and two academies.
In June, 1886, Bishop Hendricken esti-
mated that there were about fifty thousand
Catholics in the city of Providence. There
are five parochial schools, six academies,
seven chapels, thirteen churches, and twenty-
seven priests in Providence at this time,
showing a wonderful growth for any religion
in a single community in fifty years. In the
diocese there are sixty-five churches and one
hundred priests, ninety-seven secular, and
three regular.
Pending the appointment and consecration
of a new bishop, which will probably not occur until the begin-
ning of a new year, the affairs of the diocese are under the charge
of the Very Rev. Vicar-General McCabe, appointed adminis-
trator of the diocese by the Most Rev. Archbishop Williams, of
Boston, the week following the death of Bishop Hendricken.
The Right Rev. Thomas Francis Hendricken, D. D., first
bishop of Providence, was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, in May,
1827, of Irish parentage. His theological studies were pursued
in the Royal College, Maynooth. He was ordained priest in
1853, by Bishop O’Reilley, of Hartford, and with him came to
Providence. In 1854 he was appointed curate at St. Joseph’s and
the old cathedral, and later in the same year became pastor at West
Winsted, Conn., where he cleared the church of a heavy debt,
THE RT. REV. THOMAS F, HENDRICKEN,
The First Bishop of the Providence Diocese. Consecrated April 28, 1872: Died June 1 1, 1886.
and laid the foundation for other churches. He was transferred
to Waterbury in 1855, where, in the seventeen years of his min-
istry, he built the Church of the Immaculate Conception, a con-
vent, a pastoral residence, a parochial school, in which he him-
self taught, and laid out a cemetery. In 1872, the Hartford
diocese was divided, the diocese of Providence created, and Dr.
Hendricken appointed its first bishop by Pius IX. He was con-
secrated by Cardinal McCloskey, April 28, 1872, in the old
cathedral. During the fourteen years of his bishopric he more
than doubled the number of clergymen, made thirty-five new
parishes, superintending the erection of a church in each, and
founded the Sacred Heart Academy, St. Mary's Seminary, the
Ursuline Convent, besides introducing French Sisters into Fall

21
158
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
River, and the Little Sisters of the Poor into this city. To im-
prove and increase the educational facilities for his flock was ever
one of his chief ambitions, and thus he founded parochial schools
in every part of the diocese. In the cathedral parish he liquidated
the debt upon the old cathedral, erected the episcopal residence
and the pro-cathedral. His great life work and an everlasting
monument to his labors, was the building of the new cathedral.
Friday, June 11, 1886, within two weeks of the date upon which
he had hoped to see the edifice consecrated, he died, after a short
illness caused by a cold contracted while collecting money for the
building. His last episcopal visit was at the Church of the Holy
Name, on Sunday, May 24. He was most fittingly buried in the
new cathedral, with a wealth of ceremonial that was never before
seen in our city, on Thursday, June 17. His remains lie in the
crypt under the main altar, in the basement of the edifice. His
loss is daily more keenly felt, not only by the Catholics of the state
and diocese, but also by the entire community.
&
THE NEw SAINTs PETER AND PAUL’s CATHEDRAL. — The project of
erecting a new cathedral was simultaneous with the formation of Provi-
dence into an episcopal see. * -
Immediately after his consecration, Bishop Hendricken arranged to
secure the erection of a cathedral for his new diocese, by purchasing
additional land, building the pro-cathedral and making other necessary
preliminaries. The work of preparation was slow, but when commenced
progressed steadily. The contract for building the basement was made
on April 10, 1878. On May 5, the work of demolishing the old cathedral
commenced, and on August 13, the construction of the basement began.
On Thanksgiving Day of the same year in the presence of Archbishop
Williams, four bishops, fifty priests, and about ten thousand persons, the
corner-stone of Irish marble, was laid in the northeast corner of the
building. The discourse was delivered by Father Fidelis, (the Rev. James
Kent Stone), a Passionist missionary. The day was one of great rejoic-
ing among the Catholics of the diocese, and was the greatest event in the
history of Catholicity in the diocese, its consecration marking the second
epoch. The new cathedral occupies the site of the old one, one of the
most prominent locations in the city. It is erected in the form of a cross,
with the foot on Pond Street, and the head on High Street. The building
extends 120 feet upon High, 198 upon Fenner, and 136 upon Pond Street.
Its extreme length is 198 feet; extreme width 136 feet; width at nave 50 feet;
height, 74 feet. The front will have two magnificent towers, each 156
feet, crowned by spires, and two turrets, one at each corner. It is built
of brown stone and its foundations are of the most solid character. The
& main floor is supported by fifty-six iron pillars, resting on a foundation sim-
ilar to the church walls. The basement is fifteen feet high, and is lighted
by thirty-five windows. It is finished in keeping with the design of the
interior and will be used by the young people of the congregation. The
old cathedral organ, now in use at the pro-cathedral, will be placed in the
basement at the right of the sanctuary. The beauty and design of the
interior is not excelled by any church in the United States. None but skilled
artists, who have achieved and merited their high rank, have been engaged
in its finest work. The five circular paintings in the ceiling and above
the altars, were the work of the celebrated German painter, Lamprecht;
the stained glass window, of the Pustats, of Innspruck; the cartoons,
Professor Kline, of Munich; the marble pillars, Theis and Trueg, of
Munich; the decorator, Bodes, of New York; statues and statuary,
Sibyl & Birk, New York. The floor of the vestibule, aisles, porches,
sanctuary, and chapels are tiled with white American marble, and white-
veined Italian marble. The marble wainscoting of the walls is gray
Ophite for three feet, and red Wakefield marble panels. Twenty-six
pillars of Ophite marble, no two alike, including four clusters of three,
support the galleries and arches. On the pillar capitals are I2O groups of
statuary, representing emblems of the old and new sacrifice and all types
of nature from the time of Adam to the present age. The groups upon the
clustered pillars are constructed according to Scripture. Four large statues
of the Evangelists occupy niches above the capitals of the four clustered
pillars. The most prominent feature of the interior is the ceiling, com-
posed of colored woods divided into oblong panels, decorated in Mosaic
patterns and garnished with ebony, African wood, and gold. The grand
central feature of the ceiling is the painting of the Transfiguration, sur-
rounded at equal distances by four smaller paintings of Peter and Paul, the
patron saints of the church, and Moses and Elias. They cost $30,000. The
windows on the west side of the church are filled with scenes from the New
Testament, and on the east from the Old Testament. -
The pews and confessionals are of light oak stained in cherry. They
will seat 2,000 persons, and the treforium galleries 5oo more. The five
marble altars are of Gothic design and cost $10,000. The organ, built by
Roosevelt, also cost $10,000, and is believed to surpass every other instru-
ment in the city in purity of tone. To complete the edifice Bishop Hen-
dricken intended placing a clock in one tower and a chime of bells in the
other. Jan. 1, 1886, the bishop had expended $316,617.67 upon the build-
ing. The additional amount necessary to complete the work, part of
which is now spent, will be nearly one hundred thousand dollars. It is
estimated that the building could not be duplicated at the present time
for less than $1,000,ooo.
P. C. Keeley, of Brooklyn, is the architect. The date of its dedication
or consecration cannot be decided upon until the appointment of Bishop
Hendricken’s successor. Its first dedication, however, will be always con-
sidered to have occurred at his funeral service upon June 17, 1886. The
second service in the building was the “Month’s Mind,” on July 13, 1886.
St. PATRIck’s CHURCH, State Street, is now the oldest church in the
city, and has the wealthiest congregation. The accommodations of the
old church being insufficient for the Catholics of the north end, Bishop
Fenwick was asked to come to Providence and approve of a site for a new
church upon State Street. The Rev. William Fennelly, of Pawtucket,
organized the church, and said mass for the congregation in Franklin and
Masonic Halls during the building of the church, which was commenced
April 19, 1849. The Rev. Denis Ryan succeeded in the charge of the
building, but it was completed under the supervision of its first pastor, the
Rev. William Wiley, appointed Jan. 16, 1842. The first mass was said
on Dec. 25, 1841. July 3, 1842, it was dedicated with a solemn pontifical
mass, the first celebrated in the state. Bishop Fenwick was the celebrant,
and Bishop Hughes, of New York, preached the discourse. The Rev.
Edward Murphy, the oldest priest in the diocese, is the only priest now
living who assisted at this service.
The church cost $18,270, but will soon have to be replaced by a new one
as it is falling to pieces. The Rev. Christopher Hughes, pastor since 1869,
has erected a pastoral residence, parochial school, a new convent, and has
secured for the church all property between Davis and State streets, on
Smith, but one estate. His present curates are Fathers McNamara and
Goodwin. The congregation numbers about four thousand.
St. MARY's CHURCH, Broadway, has one of the largest congregations
in the diocese, numbering 8,000 persons. The small wooden building now
on Barton Street accommodated the people but thirty-four years ago. In
1832 its corner-stone was laid, but the church was not formally opened until
1853, when the Rev. John Quinn, D. D., who is buried at the present church
door, was appointed its pastor. The pastoral residence was shortly built,
and is the one now used. In 1863 Father Quinn, seeing the necessity of a
new church, removed the old one, broke ground for the new one in 1864, and
lived to see it dedicated on July 11, 1869. His successor, the Rev. Robert
J. Sullivan, is the present pastor, assisted by the Rev. J. C. Tennion and
the Rev. T. L. Kelly. Father Sullivan has opened a parochial school in
the old church building, and purchased an estate adjoining the church
property upon Broadway as a convent and academy for young ladies,
first occupied by the Ladies of the Sacred Heart but now by the Ursuline
Nuns. The church celebrated its thirtieth anniversary on Sunday, Aug.
21, 1882. .
St. Joseph’s CHURCH was organized in 1851, by the Rev. James K.
O'Reilley. The first services were held in a hall on Benefit Street, now, it is
said, a tenement structure upon Transit and Ives streets. The site of the
present church edifice, on Hope Street, was a grave-yard that extended to
Brook. The church was dedicated by the Very Rev. James Hughes in the
absence of Bishop O’Rielley, in 1853. Father Hugh Carmody built a paro-
chial school, taught by the Sisters of Mercy, on the north side of the
church facing Hope, that was afterwards turned into a pastoral residence,
by Father Peter Brown. While Father Peter Kelly was pastor, the church
took fire and had to be nearly all rebuilt, as the work upon the building was
very imperfect. The last secular pastor was the Rev. Daniel Kelly, who
died Feb. 17, 1877. He is buried under the monument erected to his mem-
ory by the parishioners, in the southeast corner of the churchyard.
The year 1877 also marks the introduction of the Jesuit order into the
diocese by Bishop Hendricken. St. Joseph’s Church was given to them
as best fitted for their charge, and the venerable missionary, the Rev.
Father Bapst, s. J., was the first Jesuit pastor. Since the Jesuits have
been at St. Joseph's, they have erected a large brick parochial school, for
the past two years open to small boys as well as girls; added a large
sacristy at the rear of the church, and very much improved the church
grounds and surroundings. While the Rev. Father Cleary, s. J., was pas-
tor, the exterior of the church was repaired and the interior entirely redec-
orated. The church has now 5,500 members, and is under the pastoral
charge of the Rev. F. William Gockeln, s. J., assisted by the Rev. J. B.
Nagle, s. J., and W. J. Hamilton, s. J. The school building will soon be
enlarged and in a short period the Jesuits will open a college in the city.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. Q
I 59
THE CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE ConCEPTION was formed by the
Rev. Edward J. Cooney in 1857, who found the place sparsely inhabited,
the land rough and uncultivated, and the field entirely uninviting. He
was sent by Vicar-General O’Reilley to build up this important parish, now
numbering 6,000, and during his twenty-one years as pastor he built the
present edifice, the parochial school adjoining, the parochial residence
opposite, and the convent and academy, taught by the Sisters of Charity.
He died on Thanksgiving Day, 1878, while the corner-stone of the new
inconveniences were so great that in May, 1883, the present pastor, the
Rev. James C. Walsh, bought land and erected the church building which
includes a hall in the basement, first used for services, four school-rooms that
will soon be used for the education of the children, and the chapel situated
upon the third floor. The building was dedicated by Bishop Hendricken,
March 29, 1884. Father Walsh has also erected a fine pastoral residence,
facing on Camp Street, and has formed, among the congregation of 1,500,
four societies.
ST, THERESA’s CHURCH is an outgrowth of St. Mary’s and a small
portion of St. John’s parishes. The church was formed and the first service
held Jan. 15, 1884, in Unity Hall, Olneyville. The Rev. Edward Murphy,
assistant at St. Mary’s was appointed its pastor. After a few months of
services at the hall, a sufficient amount was collected to commence to build
a church, and as soon as the basement was completed, services were held
there, and early in the year 1885 the building was dedicated, the first
service being held April 20, 1885. During Father Murphy’s absence in
Europe, Father Luby became pastor, and is now retained as curate. The
congregation numbers 2,000.
OUR LADY of THE Rosary is the name of the Portuguese Catholic
Church on Wickenden Street. It was originally a skating rink, but with
the aid of Bishop Hendricken, was secured and converted into a church by
the Portuguese Catholics, who mainly reside in that section of the city.
For years they had attended St. Joseph’s Church, and held special service
the third Sunday of the month, conducted by the Rev. Father Freitas, of
New Bedford. He had charge of the church from its dedication, Sunday,
March 23, 1885, until Father Eliott was appointed its first pastor, pending
the ordination of the Rev. A. L. Serpa, the first Portuguese clergyman
ordained in the diocese. Father Serpa's congregation is about one thousand.
ST. AUGUSTINE’s Society is composed of the colored Catholics of the
city, many of whom were born in the faith, but the majority are converts.
When only ten in number they were instructed by the Rev. Father
Hughes, at St. Patrick's, but were subsequently instructed at the cathe-
dral. Dec. 16, 1875, they were formally organized by the Rev. P. P. Car-
lin, and have since held special meetings every Sunday evening in the
basement of the pro-cathedral.
chaplain, and now the Rev. Charles J. Burns, of the cathedral, is in
charge until a spiritual director is assigned them.
THE ITALIAN CATHoLIC population of the city are principally resi-
dent in St. John's parish, and have occasionally received instruction in
Italian, by the Rev. Henry F. Conboy. Bishop Hendricken a few days
before his death estimated that there were one thousand German, Italian,
and colored Catholics in the city.
THE SocIETY OF ST. Boniface was formed by the German Catholic
population of the city under the Rev. Father Shafile, now pastor of St.
Boniface's Church, in New Haven, Conn. He was appointed to the
charge by Bishop McFarland, and said mass for them regularly in old St.
*
The Rev. Father Stang was their last
Mary's Church, Barton Street. Since 1878 they have been under the care .
of the Rev. William Stang, of the cathedral, for whom the bishop sent
especially to Germany. Father Stang at special periods, also preaches to
German Catholics in the other cities of the diocese. A special service is
cathedral was being laid. The present pastor, the Rev. J. J. Maguire,
appointed Oct. 30, 1882, has redecorated and refitted the interior of the
church and school-house, and improved the church property consider-
ably, while lessening its debt. The Rev. John McCarthy is the curate of
the church. The Society of the Children of Mary is one of the largest in
the diocese. -
St. MICHAEL’s CHURCH, Prairie Avenue, was formed in 1859, when Vicar-
General O’Reilley purchased an old Baptist meeting-house, situated on the
site of the present edifice, and after alterations were made, dedicated the
building to St. Bernard, and appointed the Rev. Bernard V. Coit, a native
of Bristol, its first pastor. His death occurred in the fourth year of his
labors. The Rev. Daniel Mullen was then pastor for seventeen months,
and was succeeded by the venerable M. A. Wallace, D. D., L.L. D., who,
though in feeble health, is still its pastor.
The building, unable to accommodate the increasing congregation, was
in 1867 removed to a lot in the rear, purchased for the purpose, and is now
used as a part of the asylum institution. The new church was commenced
in 1867, and was dedicated by Bishop McFarland. The sacristy has since
been added, and the parochial residence erected upon Prairie Avenue at
the right of the church. The congregation now numbers about four thou-
sand. During the absence of the Rev. Father Wallace the past year, the
Rev. William J. Galvin has had charge of the parish. •
St. Edward’s CHURCH, Wanskuck, was from 1865 to 1873 a mission
attached to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, under the name of
St. Joseph’s. It was made an independent parish in 1874, its name
changed to St. Edward's, and the Rev. James N. Finnegan appointed the
pastor. The parish was enlarged in 1878, and increased so rapidly in num-
bers that a new church was found necessary. The building is now being
constructed on Branch Avenue, under the supervision of the Rev. Father
Finnegan, still its pastor. The corner-stone was laid Sunday, June 13,
of this year, by the Very Rev. Vicar-General McCabe, the death of Bishop
Hendricken not postponing the ceremony. The church will cost $30,000,
and will amply accommodate the 1,500 members.
St. JoHN THE Evange LIST’s CHURCH, Atwell's Avenue, was formed by
the present pastor, the Rev. John J. McCabe, M. A., April 8, 1870, of mem-
bers of the cathedral and St. Mary's parishes, resident about Federal Hill.
In May, 1871, the present brick edifice, corner Atwell's Avenue and Sutton
Street, costing $100,000 was commenced. Its corner-stone was laid by
Bishop McFarland in the same year, and was dedicated Sept. 19, 1875, by
Bishop Hendricken. Father McCabe has erected a fine parochial resi-
dence on Sutton Street, adjoining to and connected with the church. St.
John's has ten societies with a total membership of 1,500. It has the
largest Holy Name Society (men) in the diocese; membership, 340. The
congregation numbers 5,000. The Rev. John A. Coughlin is Father Mc-
Cabe's present curate. The choir of the church is the largest in the diocese.
THE CHURCH OF THE Assumption, commonly spoken of as the “Elm-
wood Church,” was formed by the Rev. Michael M. Clune, in May, 1870,
and in September of the same year the small wooden church edifice, on
Potter's Avenue, was erected. The congregation numbers 3,000, and owns
property valued at $30,000 including the pastoral residence which adjoins
the church. Father Clune, for some time past has had an assistant, the
present curate being the Rev. J. A. Hurley. It is the only Catholic church
in the city that now has a bell to announce its regular services.
THE CHURCH of ST. CHARLEs BorroMEo, (French Catholic) was
organized in August, 1878, under the name of St. John's Society, by the
Rev. C. P. Gabouy. The French Catholics of the city belong to the
society, attend its meetings and services, formerly held in the hall of La
Salle Academy, on Fountain Street, until a sufficient amount was realized
to erect the present building on Harrison Street. The church was dedicated
by Bishop Hendricken, in July, 1881, and called St. Charles Borromeo.
The building also includes the parochial residence, which is situated in the
rear of the church. During the present year pews have been placed in
the church and a tower upon the front. The French Catholic congrega-
tion of the church and city is 1,200. They are still in charge of the Rev.
C. P. Gabouy.
THE CHURCH of THE Holy NAME was formed by the Rev. J. V. Bren-
nan of members of St. Joseph's, Immaculate Conception, and St. Patrick's
parishes, resident in the north end of the city, in November, 1882. Until
the erection of the present edifice upon Jenkins Street, services were held
in the hall in Angell building, at the head of Constitution Hill. The
held on the third Sunday of each month in the pro-cathedral, as they are
not yet numerous or wealthy enough to build a church.
SocIETIES ConnecteD witH THE CHURCH.
THE SIsTERs of THE ORDER OF MERCY were introduced into the dio-
cese by Bishop O'Reilley, March 12, 1851. Five sisters under Mother
Xavier Ward, the foundress of the order in America, came to Providence
and resided for a short time in a small house on High Street. It was the
fourth-branch house of the order, the first or mother house being at Pitts-
burg, Penn., the others at Chicago and New York, under Mother Xavier
Ward. From Providence, the noble woman went to Manchester, where
July 16, 1858, she founded another house and remained there until her
death which occurred Nov. 17, 1884.
In the latter part of 1881, the sisters came to the old stone mansion,
corner Broad and Claverick streets, on the Stead estate, which was pur-
chased for them by the bishop at a cost of $30,000. In September of the
same year the sisters commenced to teach a day school, opened by the
bishop in the basement of the old cathedral, St. Patrick's parochial
school, and also opened an academy in the convent for young ladies.
St. Aloysius Asylum, the first Catholic Orphan Asylum, was founded
at the same time and was a small wooden building, still occupied, in Wins-
low Place, situated on the site of the brick building on Claverick Street.
Its first occupants were little girls from Hartford, Taunton, and Boston,
as well as Providence. In 1856 the asylum was removed to the right wing
of the brick convent building, which was erected to afford better accom-
modations for teaching, and for the orphans. The left wing, making the
building as it now stands, was added in 1865, the old and new buildings
being connected by a long wooden corridor, divided into sections as play-
rooms for the children.
160 - º
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
pressing needs of the rapidly increasing number of orphans. On Easter
Sunday, 1861, the orphans were removed to the asylum under the care of
Sister Patricia and ten sisters. They were then forty in number. At
present there are 125 boys and I 15 girls in the institution, and more
accommodation is wanted for the many that are pressing for admittance.
They are under the care and direction of Mother Leo, assisted by a large
number of sisters who teach them in the old St. Bernard’s Church, clothe,
feed, and sew for them, and administer to all their physical and spiritual
wants. The institution depends upon the contributions of the public for
its support, and has until within three years received the proceeds of the
annual “Orphans' Fair.” They are now dependent upon church collec-
tions and voluntary contributions. The amount of work that has been
accomplished by the sisters for the orphans, from 1851 to 1886, cannot be
told in words. - -
St. XAVIER’s ACADEMY AND St. MARY’s SEMINARY. —St. Xavier’s
Academy, both a day and boarding-school, was removed to the new building
in 1865. The continued increase in the number of day scholars encroached
upon the boarding-school, so that in April, 1874, the old Vue de l’Eau
estate, in East Providence, was purchased by the sisters for a boarding-
school, and is known as St. Mary's Seminary, Bay View. A study, hall,
chapel, and dormitory were added soon after the seminary was opened.
In 1884, as additional accommodations were wanted for the requirements
of the pupils, a second and larger addition was commenced, and was com-
pleted for Commencement Day, June, 1885, when the new hall was used
for the first time. The second floor of the new building contains a library,
music-rooms, studios, painting, and tapestry rooms, for the teaching of
the fine arts for which Bay View has become famous. St. Xavier’s
Academy is now a day school only. Among its graduates are the ma-
jority of the Catholic ladies of the state, as when a boarding-school it was
the popular educational institution for both Catholic and Protestant young
ladies. It has now special classes and tuition in every kind of needlework,
painting, and especially wax-work, in which one of the sisters has equals,
but not superiors. Though now mainly a teaching order, its principal
object besides, is to visit the poor and sick in the hospitals and anywhere
they are called upon to go. There are now eleven houses in the diocese,
and one hundred and fifty sisters under the direction of Mother Mary
Bernard Read and the Rev. Mother Thomasina. It was the intention of
Bishop Hendricken to erect, upon the completion of the new cathedral,
a new convent for the mother house for $100,000, and two new brick
parochial schools for the children of the cathedral parish.
THE LITTLE SISTERs of THE Poor, a French order, came to Provi-
dence in March, 1881, by the invitation of Bishop Hendricken, from the
mother house in Brooklyn. They were five in number, and had neither
money, food, nor shelter, as they depend entirely upon the contributions
of the public for support. With the assistance of the bishop and other
generous friends, they found a home in the General James mansion upon
Slocum Street, and were soon provided with food, furniture, clothing, and
money. Their object in coming here was to find a home for all aged per-
sons over sixty years of age of every creed, color, and nationality. Within
a week the Little Sisters had two aged inmates, and before the end of the
month the number was increased to twelve. Their mode of supporting
themselves and their inmates is as follows: every morning two sisters, in
a covered wagon, which is now a familiar sight in our streets, call at all the
hotels, restaurants, saloons, markets, and stores, for victuals and food of
any and every description, which they convert into palatable dishes for
their inmates, and afterwards for themselves. Two other sisters, taking a
different portion of the city each inorning, solicit contributions of money
and clothing. This mode is the same at every institution of the kind.
The greatest benefactor of the institution since its opening has been Mr.
Joseph Banigan, who, dissatisfied with the building, determined to erect a
handsome new home at his own expense. The building, which is situated
upon Main Street, Woodlawn, is the finest institution possessed by the order.
May 29, 1884, it was dedicated with imposing ceremonies, which occurred
in the spacious chapel of the building, and were attended by.distinguished
religious and officials. After the ceremonies, the keys of the building,
deeds of the land, and insurance policies, to the amount of $80,000, were
formally presented by Mr. Banigan to the sisters. -
The building, beside the basement, is four stories high, and has every
improvement and convenience for the requirements of the institution. At
the opening of the new home there were sixty-four inmates, twenty-four
men and forty women. Bishop Hendricken then appointed the Rev. W. B.
Meenan as chaplain of the home, and he has since had charge of the spir-
itual instruction of the aged inmates and the Catholics in the immediate
neighborhood. There are now over two hundred inmates in the charge of
fourteen of the Little Sisters, the Rev. Mother Donatienne Marie, Superior.
In 1860, the building of St. ALOYSIUs’ ORPHAN. As YLUM on Prairie
Avenue was commenced by Bishop McFarland, to accommodate the .
THE AcADEMY of THE SACRED HEART at Elmhurst, was opened in
1875, as an educational institution for the children of the higher classes,
but the order was introduced into the diocese in 1872. The “madames,”
as the members of the order are termed, are either converts to the Catho-
lic faith, or wealthy Catholic ladies who devote their lives and fortunes to
the teaching of the higher branches, fine arts, and deportment. They do
not go out in the world and are never seen in public except when obliged
to travel from one house to another. . The madames first occupied the
convent on Broadway, now the home of the Ursuline Nuns, until the Gros-
venor estate at Elmhurst, was secured for them. Under Madame White,
whose sisters are familiar to the literary world, the institution attained
a high rank, graduating two well-known young poetesses, resident in Bos-
ton. There are now twenty-eight madames, under Mother Edwards. The
Rev. G. Dougherty is chaplain of the institution, and resides in the lodge
upon the grounds. There is also a free school in connection with the
institution that was dedicated and opened in 1884 for the education of the
poor children of the immediate neighborhood.
THE ORDER of THE Sisters of CHARITY was introduced into the
diocese Aug. 14, 1867, by Bishop McFarland. For two years they resided
in a small wooden house at 34 Walling Street, during the building of the
convent which they now occupy, by the Rev. Father Cooney. The house
was founded by Mother Mary Celestia and five sisters, the mother house
being the famed Mount St. Vincent, on the Hudson, one of the finest
convents in the United States, and a remarkable educational institution.
Sister Celestia remained here in the interest of the order for four years,
and is now in charge of the Roman Catholic Protectory, near Mount
St. Vincent. Their mission here has been principally in the Immaculate
Conception parish, where they have instructed and educated thousands of
children. They have charge of the parochial day and Sunday Schools,
and have an academy in the convent building. There are at present nine
sisters, in charge of Sister Aloysia Gonzaga. The order is mainly a
teaching order, and is a branch of the Order of Charity, founded by
Mother Seton through St. Vincent de Paul. It is the only convent of the
order in the diocese. - - -
THE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SocIETY of the city and state is the oldest
society under the immediate supervision of the church, and is and has
been of the greatest benefit to the Catholic poor. Its head-quarters are in
Paris, where it was organized fifty years ago by St. Vincent de Paul to
relieve the suffering and poor, and is now found in every portion of the
Catholic world. No record has been kept of its exact introduction into
the state, but it was probably about 1835. Every church, except St.
Theresa's, which, however, is about to organize one, has its conference,
that is composed of the young and married men of the congregation, who
meet weekly. All cases of poverty, sickness, or want, are reported by the
pastor of the church to the conference, members of whom are delegated
to investigate the case and afford relief by money, food, clothing, or shel-
ter, as circumstances may require. In this way 2,749 visits were made last
year in the city by the society, and $2,756.90 expended for the relief of the
poor, about $2,500 of which amount were for groceries. Some winters the
conference support entire families, last year thirty-five being on the roll.
The amount of good accomplished by the 300 members of the society in
the city and the aid it is to the overseer of the poor cannot be faithfully
represented. The funds are obtained by charity sermons,church collections,
and entertainments of various kinds, a few subscribing members and gen-
eral subscriptions. The pastor is the spiritual director of each conference,
assisted by a staff of officers, who form the Particular Council of the city,
of which John W. Keily is president, John G. Hanrahan, vice-president,
Thomas F. Keefe, secretary, and John Behan, treasurer.
It is the intention of the society, as soon as practicable, to erect a large
brick building, centrally located, for the education, entertainment, and
recreation of young men, on the plan of the Young Men's Christian Asso-
ciation. The fund, commenced a few years ago, is gradually increasing.
St. MARY's AcADEMY, Broadway, both a day and boarding school, is
conducted by the Ursuline Nuns, a cloistered order, and is the only con-
vent of the order in the state or diocese. The history of the Ursulines is
very interesting and forms an important part of the history of Catholicity
in the United States. The Providence branch is the only one that has
been formed in the Eastern States since 1834 when the community of Mt.
St. Benedict was obliged to disperse on account of the burning of their
convent. Eleven nuns under Mother Rose, came to Providence in August,
1877, and occupied the building formerly the Convent of the Sacred
Heart. Under the the present superioress, Mother Gonzaga, there are
sixteen members who have under their direction, in addition to the board-
ing and day academy, the parochial school of several hundred scholars,
and the various sodalities attached to St. Mary's Church. The com-
munity claim as their mother house, St. Joseph's Ursuline Convent, of
Morrisania, N. Y.
CHAPTER VII.
DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS IN PROVIDENCE.
FIRST SCHOOLS — will IAM TURPIN, THE FIRST SCHOOL-MASTER — THE STAMPER’s streET school — PROPRIETORs’ schools — THE
WHIPPLE HALL SCHOOL - BROWN UNIVERSITY — THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD — PRESIDENTS
OF THE UNIVERSITY —
NICHOLAS BROWN – THE OLDEST SURVIVING PROFESSOR – PUBLIC schools or GANIZED — JoHN HowLAND — FIRST scHool
COMMITTEE – ROLL OF TEACHERS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS — EVENING SCHOOLS – REFORM SCHOOL – NORMAL SCHOOL — SCHOOL
FOR THE DEAF - SCHOOL OF DESIGN – FRIENDS SCHOOL -— THE BRYANT & STRATTON BUSINESS COLLEGE — THE BERKELEY
SCHOOL – OTHER PROMINENT SCHOOLS OF THE CITY.
E. G. ROBINSON, D. D., LL. D., *
President of Brown University.
PROvIDENCE was settled mainly by adults. There was little to
induce one with a family of young children to come to these plan-
tations but the love of religious freedom, and those few who had
this feeling sufficiently strong in their minds to induce them to
bring the younger members of their families here, and also those
to whom children were born here, preferred to superintend the
education of those children themselves, rather than to have them
taught by a town school-master with the possibilities of religious
bias that such a process might originate. Consequently we find no
mention or suggestion of a school or the desirableness of one till
* THE REv. Ezekiel G. Robinson, D.D., LL.D., now president of Brown University, and
the successor of Dr. Caswell, was born in Attleboro, Mass., March 23, 1815. After grad-
uating from Brown in 1838 with high honors, he took a theological course at the Baptist
Seminary in Newton, Mass., and was ordained pastor of the Baptist Church in Norfolk,
Va., in 1842. Three years later he was settled over the Baptist Church in Cambridge,
Mass., for a year, when he resigned to accept the professorship of Hebrew in the theological
institution of Covington, Ky. In 1849 he was again settled as pastor of the Ninth Baptist
Church, Cincinnati, O., but in 1852 resigned and took the chair of Christian theology in the
Theological Seminary, Rochester, N. Y., of which he was elected president in 1860. In
1872 Dr. Robinson was clected to his present office at the head of Brown University and
professor of moral philosophy and metaphysics, which he fills with eminent success.
the year 1683, and then there was merely an order passed that land
be set apart for the maintaining of a school. So far as known no
professional school-master was established in the town until the
coming of William Turpin, in 1684. He taught, apparently,
private pupils, either as boarders with him or giving lessons to
them at their residences, till about the year 1687, when he and
others joined in erecting a school-house on Stamper's Street,
where he and others afterwards taught. f
The action of our ancestors during these two generations, from
1636 to the end of the century, in apparently neglecting public edu-
cation, though probably prompted by a high and worthy motive,
was so far a mistake in that they should have sought to obtain
and maintain schools without the religious bias that was then
discernible in all the town schools of Massachusetts and Connec-
ticut.
They should have remembered that it was as possible to sep-
arate the schools from religious despotism as to separate the
political government from such influences. They did not, how-
ever, and they suffered the consequences of their error. Private
household education, however carefully attended to, will never,
save in exceptional cases, produce as good results on the pupils
as the bringing them into classes and association with each other.
Many errors that the teacher is unable to notice and appreciate
are obliterated by the unconscious attrition of the minds of the
pupils with each other in this class intercourse.
Other towns in the state either established schools (in New-
port as early as 1640), or sent their young men to schools estab-
lished in neighboring towns.
The consequence of this course was soon perceptible, while
the first generation of the settlers existed, we find Providence and
its inhabitants exerting a large influence on the colony. Roger
Williams, Gregory Dexter, and Benedict Arnold, who first settled
at Providence and afterwards removed to Newport, exercised a
great influence on the fate of the community; but after the first
generation passed away we find no governor of the colony elected
from Providence till 1727, or a generation after the establish-
ment of the school above noted, and excepting Governors Jencks
and Hopkins, not one from Providence was elected till after
the establishment of Brown University at that place. This is true
in the same or a greater respect regarding all other prominent offi-
cers of the state. Thus, of forty-three deputy-governors chosen
previous to the year 1769, there were but four chosen from Provi-
dence. Of secretaries of state, not one; of attorney-generals,
none till the year 1766. Of general treasurers, none.
It would seem as if the inhabitants of Providence realized, when
too late, the results of this neglect of education, and attempted to
overcome the difficulty by the introduction of a system of schools.
The first school, as already mentioned, was established in 1687, or
thereabouts. The next school of which we have any mention
was established by George Taylor in 1735 in the chamber of the
Court House on King Street, now Meeting Street, next east of the
f See page 59.

162
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
JAMES MANNING, D. D., *
First President of Brown University.
Friends Meeting House. This and the previous school located on
Stamper's Street seem to have been what would be called to-day
private schools, though established under authority of the town.
In 1747, or before, a lot opposite the Court House Parade, on the
west side of North Main Street, was set off for a school-house,
and the town, in 1752, appointed Nicholas Cook, Joseph Olney,
Esek Hopkins, Elisha Brown, and John Mawney “to have the
care of the school-house, and to appoint a master to teach in said
house.” The next year the town appointed as school committee,
Nicholas Cook, John Mawney, Nicholas Brown, Elijah Tilling-
hast, and Daniel Abbott, apparently to have charge of the school
taught in this house. The next year this school-house was leased
to Stephen Jackson, school-master, for three months from March
1st. Mr. Jackson probably occupied it till 1763, when the town
clerk was authorized to lease it again.
Besides these three schools, about 1751 a school-house had
been built on the west side, near Broad Street, by Gideon Com-
stock, Alexander Frazier, Joseph Potter, and associates. This
school must have been similar to that on Stamper's Street, and
belonged to the proprietors thereof, though built by authority of
the town. After the Court House, in which Mr. Taylor's school
was located, was burned, in 1758, the town endeavored to obtain
possession of the lot on which it was built, in lieu of the one on
the west side of North Main Street, and in 1765 this purpose was
effected.
We now come to a period in its history when Providence made
a determined effort, the first, so far as known, of any town in
this country, to institute a system of free public education for all
the children in the town, under the supervision of the school
* THE REv. JAMEs MANNING, D. D., first president of Rhode Island College, now
Brown University, was born at Elizabethtown, N.J., Oct. 22, 1738. He was graduated
from the College of New Jersey in 1762, and in the following year ordained as a minister
of the Gospel. He was one of the most active leaders in founding Rhode Island College,
was the first principal of the University Grammar School, and pastor of the Baptist Church
in Warren for six years prior to 1770. He was elected president of the college in 1765, and
while holding the position was pastor of the Baptist Church in Providence for twenty years.
In 1786 he represented his state in Congress, was a member of the Providence school com-
mittee for many years, and died July 29, 1791.
+ Nicholas Brown, whose liberal benefactions to the institution caused the corporation,
in 1804, to assume the name of Brown University in his honor, was born in Providence,
April 4, 1769, and was graduated from Rhode Island College in 1786. He was a success-
ful merchant. He contributed towards the founding of the Providence Athenaeum, and
left a bequest of $30,000, which led to the establishment of Butler Hospital for the insane;
but his larger charities were bestowed on the institution in which he was educated, his dif.
ferent gifts aggregating $160,000. His death occurred Sept. 27, 1841, and his memory is
held in grateful regard by all the sons and daughters of his native city.
committee. On Dec. 8, 1767, they resolved to purchase or build
three school-houses for small children, and one for the youth of
the town; for this purpose John Brown, John Jenckes, Nathaniel
Greene, Charles Keene, and Samuel Thurber, were appointed a
committee to select locations for the houses, and to purchase land
and make contracts for their erection. Darius Sessions, Samuel
Nightingale, Jabez Bowen, and Moses Brown were appointed to
prepare an ordinance for the building, supporting, and governing
of the schools. These committees reported to an adjourned
meeting, holden on the 1st of January, 1768. We extract from
the report of the last committee, made in the handwriting of the
eminent philanthropist, Moses Brown, as follows:
“The education of youth being a thing of the first importance to every
society, as thereby the minds of the rising generation are formed to virtue,
knowledge, and useful literature, and a succession of able and useful men
are produced with suitable qualifications for serving their country with
ability and faithfulness; and institutions of this kind are the more useful
by how much the more liberal and free the enjoyment of them is — . . .
it is hereby enacted that four school houses be erected or purchased within
the compact part of the town . . . one . on the west side of
the Great Bridge, at or near the place where the school house at present
stands; one . . . at the southerly part of the town on the Back (Bene-
fit) Street, near Power's Lane; one . . . be built at the northerly part
of the town in the back (Benefit) Street, near Richard Brown's lot, and that
one larger one be erected on the lot where the old Court House formerly
stood.”
The large school-house was to be built of brick, the smaller
ones of wood. The town was to be at all the expense of building,
keeping in repair, and heating said houses, to provide school-
masters, and furnish instruction freely to the children of every
inhabitant of the town. The instruction was to be in “reading,
accenting, pronouncing, and properly understanding the English
tongue, writing, arithmetic, the various branches of mathematics,
and the learned languages.
NICHOLAS BROWN, +
Merchant, Philanthropist, and Benefactor of Brown University, for whom the College was named.


THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
=
Hºſhi. -
Iſſ
BROWN UNIVERSITY, PROVIDENCE,
It was unfortunate for the town that this liberal and wise sys-
tem could not be adopted—but the town at large was not yet
fully awake to the importance of popular education. The account
of its reception and fate, in the words of Moses Brown, is as
follows:
“ 1768. Laid before the Town by the Committee, but a number of the
inhabitants (and what is most surprising and remarkable, the plan of a
Free School, supported by a tax, was rejected by the foorer sort of the
people,) being strangely led away not to see their own as well as the public
interest therein, (by a few objectors at first), either because they were
not the projectors, or had not public spirit to execute so laudable a design,
and which was first voted by the town with great freedom. M. B.”
Mr. Brown's criticism on the “poorer sort” of the people
seems to demand some explanation. As that expression would
be now understood the criticism was hardly justifiable. The
poorer sort of the people were not landholders and under the
restricted suffrage of those days could not vote. Again, when in
the close of the century, the free school system was introduced
into Providence, the “poorer class,” especially the mechanics,
were mainly instrumental in bringing about the state of public
opinion that demanded it. It is scarcely probable that one gen-
eration only separated two such marked qualities of the “poorer
class.” It seems to be a fact that the wealthiest and most intelli-
gent class in Providence were in favor of free schools and free
instruction for all, but that there were a large number – a major-
ity of the voters—of the less wealthy, and who to Moses Brown
might seem, by comparison, the “poorer class,” who were op-
posed to it; or perhaps, for, like John Gilpin, Moses Brown was
a witty man, he may have used the expression “poorer" to de-
note quality and not wealth. However that may be, the reports
of these committees were rejected, thus repealing the action of
Dec. 8, 1767. The town, as a compromise, resolved to build one
brick school-house, on Meeting Street, to be paid for, in part,
out of the proceeds of the school-house lot on North Main Street,
opposite the Court House Parade, which was sold in 1765. This
house was to be paid for, in part, also, by a tax of £100, and
£182 17s., to be raised by private subscription. This subscrip-
tion was not met, and on the 1st of February it was voted to
build this house, so far as the town's money would go, if individ-
ual proprietors would finish the house and keep it in repair, the
town to have the use of the lower story for a free school, and the
proprietors the upper story for a proprietors’ school. This ar-
rangement was finally consummated, and in the course of the
ensuing summer the building now standing on the lot, was erected.
This building has ever since been occupied by the town and city
for educational purposes, and is the oldest building now in the city
used for such purposes. From this time forth the town frequently
appointed masters to keep school in their part of this house, and
passed rules for the government of both the schools, public and
proprietary, kept in it, and the private schools kept in other houses
in the town.
The need of a school in the northern part of the town was felt,
and the Stampers Street school having been given up and the
title thereto vested in the proprietors, a new proprietary school
was started in the north part of the town, called the Whipple
Hall school-house, on a portion of the land now occupied by the
old first ward school-house. This school was instituted and did
good work previous to the Revolutionary War.
From this time till after the Revolutionary War but little was
done in regard to the public schools. The times were not auspi-
cious for such action. The attention of the people was entirely
given to warlike action.
After one hundred years of comparative insignificance in the
affairs of the colony, which may be traced to the want of educa-
tion in the northern part of the colony, many of the citizens had
arisen to a sense of their failings in this particular, and of the need
of improvement therein. The most highly educated people had
realized the importance of education for themselves and the

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
FRANCIS WAYLAND, D. D., LL.D., *
Fourth President of Brown University, from 1827 till 1855.
people generally. Many, like the Hopkins, who had obtained
their education from force of native genius, pointing out their
course of study, and of whom it has been well said they studied
men more than books; the Bowens, who had obtained theirs
from a high home education and study; the Browns and the
Arnolds, who had gained it in mercantile pursuits; the Sessions
any other families, who had learned enough from the defective
schools of those days to realize the importance of higher educa-
tion, were coming to the front. At this period there were two
changes in the affairs of the people that were so remarkable and
so connected that they must be treated together. One was
political, the other educational. As we have seen, Providence
had little political influence on the affairs of the colony from the
first generation of settlers up to this time. With the exception
of Gov. Joseph Jencks, from 1727 to 1732, Providence had not
furnished a governor to the colony under the government of the
charter of King Charles II., till 1755; from then till 1768, Gov-
ernor Hopkins, of Providence, served five years. Since 1775
Providence County has furnished the governor of the state for
nearly three-fourths of the time, and other leading officers from
the state have been largely chosen from that county. Is not this
remarkable change largely due to the attention given in Provi-
dence to the furtherance of educational interests? The other and
correlative change referred to, is purely educational, and has refer-
ence to the establishment of Brown University at Providence-f
The facts of history certainly show a revolution in the minds of
a large proportion of the people in regard to the need of education
in the community, and in connection with the history of Provi-
dence show the early commencement of that public sentiment
which has made her, educationally, what she is to-day. The
charter of this college has been regarded as one of the best college
charters in New England. It recognizes throughout the grand
Rhode Island principle of civil and religious freedom, while
saving to the majority of its coördinate factors a Baptist or Anti-
paedobaptist influence. The corporation consists of two branches,
that of the trustees and that of the fellows, each branch having
separate powers. There are thirty-six trustees, of whom twenty-
two must be Baptists or Antipaedobaptists, five Quakers or Friends,
five Episcopalians, and four Congregationalists. The number
of the fellows, including the president, who must always be a
fellow, is twelve. Of these, eight must be Baptists or Anti-
paedobaptists, and the rest indifferently, of any or all denomina-
tions. The president must always be a Baptist.
When this college was removed to Providence it was under the
presidency of James Manning.
The removal took place in pursuance of a vote passed at a
special meeting of the corporation, held at Warren, Feb. 7th,
1770, and very shortly after the corps of instructors consisted of
two — President Manning and Professor Howel. Grounds were
obtained for it upon the hill on the east side (part of the pres-
ent college grounds), and on the 14th of May the corner-stone
of the first college building, now known as University Hall, was
laid by John Brown.
The first college estate consisted of about eight acres, and was,
in part, a portion of the home lot of Chad Brown, the ancestral
settler of that Brown family which took such a lively interest in
the transfer of the college to this place, which has done so much
for it since, and in memory of the munificent gifts of one of whom
it owes its present name. During the months after its removal
and before the commencement and completion of its building,
the college occupied the upper, or proprietor's story of the brick
school-house on Meeting Street. It gives a striking impression
of the growth of the institution, after examining its many build-
ings of to-day, to visit the little school-house on Meeting Street
and reflect that for more than a year the second story thereof fur-
nished all the accommodations used by the college.
During the summer of 1771 the college building was so far
finished that it could be occupied, furnishing accommodations for
upwards of one hundred students. Its facilities were fully util-
ized till the troublous times of the Revolutionary War.
The number of the graduates annually increased till 1774,
amounting then to twenty-four, thence it fell off till the year 1777.
when it was but seven, and for five years thereafter there were
none. During this period there were gloomy times for the edu-
cational interests of Providence.
On Saturday, Dec. 7, 1776, Sir Peter Parker, the British com-
mander, with seventy sail of men-of-war, made his head-quarters at
Newport, landed a body of troops and took possession of that place.
Providence was at once thrown into confusion and alarm. The
arts of war took possession of the places theretofore occupied
by those of peace. College studies were interrupted, and the
students, at the call of their country, gave up the peaceful pur-
suits of learning and indulged in those of war, and the college
buildings were used as a barracks for the armies of the country.
Not only were the buildings of the college devoted to warlike pur-
poses but the school-houses of the town and of the proprietors
were also thus devoted from their original aims. Whipple Hall,
and the brick school-house on Meeting Street were both used as
* FRANCIS WAYLAND, D.D., LL.D., the fourth president of Brown University, was born
in New York City, March 11, 1796. He was graduated from Union College in 1811, and stud-
ied medicine; but before beginning to practice decided to study divinity at Andover Theo-
logical Seminary. He served as a tutor in Union College for four years, and in 1821 be-
came pastor of the First Baptist Church in Boston, for five years, and then returned to
Union College as professor, until his appointment as president of Brown University in
1827. He held this position for twenty-eight years, during which his merits as a scholar
were recognized, and he received the degree of D.D. from his alma mater and from Har-
vard University. He was a powerful preacher, active in works of benevolence, and the
distinguished author of several works on intellectual and moral philosophy and kindred
subjects. His death occurred Sept. 30, 1865.
f See pages 57 and 58.

THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS.
laboratories for the manufacture of ammunition. All thought of
literature and study seemed for the time to be abandoned, and war
– grim-visaged war – seemed the sole thought, object, and aim
of the people.
No sooner was the life and death struggle of the Revolution over,
however, than the thoughts of the people reverted to intellectual
culture. Before the war was legally finished,—while it was
doubtful whether a new call to arms might not be made,- the col-
lege was reorganized and a new commencement was held in
1782. From that time to this, no break has ever occurred in
the continuity of its course of instruction.
Mr. Manning remained president of the college he had founded,
nurtured, and conserved, till the time of his death in the summer
of 1791. He was succeeded in that office by Dr. Jonathan
Maxcy, who had graduated from the university in 1787 at the age
of eighteen years, and had barely attained his majority when
made president. For ten years Dr. Maxcy maintained a brilliant
career as executive head of the college, and the graduates of that
time were men of whom the university and Providence had spe-
cial reason to be proud.
In 1802 Dr. Maxcy was succeeded by the Rev. Dr. Asa Messer,
a graduate under President Manning, of the class of 1790. Dr.
Messer held the office till 1826, when he was succeeded by the
Rev. Dr. Francis Wayland. Dr. Wayland was the executive
head of the college for more than twenty-eight years, until he re-
signed in 1855, after an eminently successful career.
He was succeeded by Rev. Dr. Barnas Sears, who continued
in the office till 1857, when, having been appointed agent of the
board of trustees of the Peabody Educational fund, he resigned
his position and was succeeded by the Rev. Dr. Alexis Caswell.
Upon the death of Dr. Caswell the Rev. Dr. E. G. Robinson, a
graduate of the class of 1838, was elected to the office and entered
BARNAS SEARS, D. D., LL.D., *
President of Brown University from 1855 to 1867.
REV, ALWA WOODS, D. D., +
The oldest surviving Professor of Brown University,
upon its duties in the fall of 1872. His adminstration has been
very successful.
For fifty years after its establishment in Providence, the college
building, or University Hall, was the only erection in use. It is
true that a preparatory school had been erected by subscription
in 1810, and donated to, and the building and ground on which
it stands still belongs to the university, but this can hardly be
considered as coming within the scheme of the college. The
first expansion of the university proper was the erection of Hope
College at the expense of Nicholas Brown, in 1822, who named
it after his sister, Hope (Brown) Ives, and added it to his other
gifts to the institution. Again in 1834, Mr. Brown presented
“Manning Hall,” which was named after his own instructor, the
first president of the college, to the corporation. In 1840, Rhode
Island Hall was erected and given to the institution, and in the
same year the “president's mansion * was added to the posses-
sions of the college. These last two buildings were paid for by
contributions of interested parties, in which Mr. Brown took a
large part. The next addition was in 1862, when the chemical
* BARNAs SEARs, D.D., LL.D., fifth president of Brown University, and one of the noted
educators of this country, was born in Sandisfield, Mass. He was educated at Brown
University and Newton and Andover Theological Seminaries, and was afterwards a settled
pastor in Hartford, Conn. In 1829 he became a professor in Hamilton Literary and Theo-
logical Institution, New York; in 1836 was a professor, and later, president, of Newton
Theological Institution, Massachusetts, was secretary of the Board of Education, in Mas-
sachusetts from 1848 until his appointment as president of Brown University in 1855. In
1867 he was elected general agent of the Peabody Educational Fund, and held the office
until his death, in 1880. Dr. Sears was one of the foremost educators of his time, and the
author of several text books, and other writings.
+ THE REv. Alva Woods, D.D., the oldest surviving professor of Brown University,
was born in Shoreham, Vt., Aug. 13, 1794. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1817
and at the Andover Theological Seminary in 1821. He served as professor of Mathe-
matics and Natural Philosophy in the Columbian University, Washington, D.C., and in
Brown University, aggregating seven years. He served as president and professor of
Moral and Intellectual Philosophy in the State University of Kentucky, Lexington, and in
the University of the State of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, aggregating ten years. His son, Mar-
shall Woods, is a trustee of Brown University, and for some sixteen years rendered very
important services to the college as its treasurer. His grandson, John Carter Brown
Woods, is also a trustee of the same institution. In his various relations with Brown Uni-
versity, as a professor, as president pro tempore, as a trustee, and as a fellow, the Rev.
Dr. A. Woods has been connected with this university nearly fifty years.


22
166
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
laboratory was erected through the exertions of Prof. N. P. Hill,
late United States Senator from Colorado, a graduate of, and for-
merly professor of chemistry in the college. In 1878, a bequest
of John Carter Brown, son of Nicholas Brown, was utilized in
the erection of the library building, a beautiful structure, said to
be one of the finest and best proportioned for its object in the
country. The library, which was begun in the year 1767 by a
collection of books made by the Rev. Morgan Edwards, now
numbers more than sixty-three thousand bound volumes with a
large number of unbound pamphlets.
It has been seen that the Browns were largely influential in
causing the college to be located in Providence. That influence,
which in 1763 they attempted to exert in favor of common school
education, seems to have been later given largely to this uni-
versity. Joseph Brown entered it as a professor of moral
philosophy, and the last years of his life were devoted to its ser-
vice, and in 1786—just one hundred years ago—Nicholas Brown
was one of its graduates, though then but seventeen years of age.
He is the member of the family from whom the university derives
its name, given it in memory of his many gifts. His first gift
was in 1792, when he was but twenty-three years of age, and
consisted of $500, to be expended in the purchase of law books
for the library. In 1804 he presented the sum of $5,000 as a
foundation for a professorship of oratory and belles-lettres. It
was on the occasion of this gift that the college changed its some-
what cumbrous title of Trustees and Fellows of the College or
University in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence
Plantations in New England in America, to the simpler one of
Brown University. º
The aid which Nicholas Brown gave to the college did not
cease with this occasion but continued throughout his life. In
summing up his donations to this institution, after his death in
1841, it was found that he had given to the college more than one
hundred and sixty thousand dollars.
In 1879 a new dormitory, Slater Hall, was erected and given to
the university by the Hon. Horatio N. Slater, one of the mem-
bers of the board of fellows. In June, 1881, was dedicated the
last of the buildings erected for the institution. This is the
Sayles' Memorial Hall, erected at the expense of the Hon. Wil-
liam F. Sayles, in memory of his son, who died while undergoing
his college course in this institution. It is a beautiful structure
of granite and freestone, and one of the most imposing of the
group of college buildings.
The funds of the university by report of the treasurer, Arnold
B. Chace, in April, 1885, amount to $812,943.
The number of members of the class graduating in 1886 was
sixty-one, while the whole number of students is 239.
The members of the faculty are as follows:
modern languages; Otis Everett Randall, A. B., instructor in mathematics;
Charles Alfred Potter, assistant instructor in analytical chemistry; Gug-
lielmo D'Arcais, instructor in modern languages; Hermon Carey Bumpus,
B. P., assistant in the museum and the zoölogical laboratory; Reuben
Aldridge Guild, LL. D., librarian; John Milton Burnham, A. M., assistant
librarian; Gilman Parker Robinson, registrar; Archibald Grant Delaney,
steward.
Before the close of the Revolutionary War, the schools in Próv-
idence, both public and private, were resumed, and in 1785 new
attempts were made to establish a system of free schools. The
“Whipple Hall” proprietors and the proprietors of the upper story
of the brick school-house on Meeting Street offered those premises
to the town for a reasonable rent if the town would keep public
schools in the same and keep the buildings in repair. The town
accepted the charge of these houses on these terms, and set apart
all moneys which should be received from the state or the United
States for damage done the “brick school-house” during the
Revolutionary War, all rents received for market-house cellars,
chambers, and stalls, and all wharfage to be received on the mar-
ket-house lot, as a fund for the support of public schools. These
funds were only sufficient to keep the houses in repair and pay
the rents demanded, so that, practically, scholars attending the so-
called public schools were obliged to pay the tuition demanded by
the instructors. -
In 1791 a new attempt was made to establish “public schools,”
as the term is now understood, and the town, in August, 1791,
directed the interests of the proprietors in the Whipple Hall
and brick school-houses to be purchased, but the arrangement
was not consummated. Again, in September, 1792, the town
resolved to establish free schools and directed the town council
to carry into effect the arrangement of August, 1791. In 1794
and in 1795 new efforts were made in this line, but they only serve
to show that there was an active element in the town struggling
continually, but ineffectually, to bring about the free education
of the children in the town. * . • -
During this period a new element had come into organized
existence and was exerting a gradually increasing power. This
element consisted of the mechanics of the town, who, incorporated
under the name of the Providence Association of Mechanics and
Manufacturers, and under the leadership of John Howland, sup-
ported by the active aid of the leading citizens of the town, finally
succeeded in establishing the system of free education in the town.
By the influences they were able to bring to bear upon the legis-
lature, an act to establish free schools throughout the state was
finally passed in February, 1800. The law met with great oppo-
sition in the state generally, and was repealed at the February
session in 1803.
Providence was the only town in the state in which it was car-
ried into effect, and from that time to this the free school system
has been continuously in operation here. Four schools were
organized. The number of scholars was beyond anticipation,
and a fifth school was soon required. The principal part of the
instruction in these schools consisted in “teaching, spelling,
accenting, and reading, both prose and verse, with propriety and
accuracy, and a general knowledge of English grammar and com-
position; also, writing a good hand, according to the most ap-
proved rules, and vulgar and decimal fractions, including tare
and tret, fellowship, exchange, interest, etc.” Such were the
free schools and such the extent of the tuition established in Prov-
idence after this long struggle. Limited as the scope of tuition
appears to us, it was far in advance of what was authorized by
public opinion in any other part of the state.
Providence alone maintained her schools after the repeal of the
school law in 1803, and it is probably to this cause as much as to
any single one, that the prominence of Providence in the state is
Ezekiel Gilman Robinson, D. D., LL.D., president, professor of moral
and intellectual philosophy; John Larkin Lincoln, LL. D., professor of
the Latin language and literature; Albert Harkness, PH. D., LL. D., pro-
fessor of Greek language and literature; Benjamin Franklin Clarke, A. M.,
professor of mathematics and civil engineering; John Howard Appleton,
A. M., Newport-Rogers professor of chemistry; Timothy Whiting Ban-
croft, A. M., professor of rhetoric and English literature; Eli Whitney
Blake, Jr., A. M., Hazard professor of physics; * Elton professor of
natural theology; John Whipple Potter Jenks, A. M., professor of agri-
cultural zoölogy, and curator of the museum; Alonzo Williams, A. M.,
professor of modern languages; William Carey Poland, A. M., assistant
professor of Latin and Greek; Alpheus Spring Packard, M. D., PH. D.,
professor of zoölogy and geology; Nathaniel French Davis, A. M., assis-
tant professor of mathematics; William Whitman Bailey, B. P., professor
of natural history (botany), and curator of the herbaria; the Rev. Elisha
Benjamin Andrews, D. D., LL.D., professor of history and political econ-
omy; Winslow Upton, A. M., professor of astronomy; Howard Malcom
Ticknor, A. M., instructor in elocution; Charles Value Chapin, M. D., in-
structor in physiology; William Shields Liscomb, A. M., instructor in
*At present, instruction in natural theology is given by the president of the university.
due.
THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS.
For twenty-four years there seems to have been no
material advance in the schools. Sept. 20, 1824, John
Howland, writing of them, describes them as five in
number, and their condition in the same terms that might
well have described them in 1800. It was not till 1828
that a new law was passed providing for a free school
system throughout the state. This law was the product
of a revival of interest which produced an effect in en-
larging the educational facilities of the town both public
and private. Thus we find that in 1828 there were eight
public schools, six or seven academies where the higher
branches were taught, including the Friends' Seminary,
and probably eighty or ninety private schools. In 1821
there had been of the latter fifty-four, ten of whom were
kept by men and forty-four by females.
About the year 1828 the system of primary schools was
introduced. Previous to this the children of all ages, in
each district, had been gathered into one room and re-
ceived instruction in all the branches taught; but after
this period children between the ages of four and seven
years were placed in separate school-rooms, under the
care of female teachers. Under this reorganization great
advantages were obtained. In the same year a school
for colored children was established in the brick school-
house on Meeting Street. Nine years later one on the
west side, on Pond Street, was also opened. Since 1865
both of these schools have been abolished, and the col-
ored children have attended the same schools and joined in the
same classes as the white children.
In 1832, when Providence adopted a city charter, the welfare of
the schools was a special interest of those controlling the same.
The first school committee under the charter consisted of Samuel
W. Bridgham, mayor of the city and president of the committee;
Dexter Thurber, Charles Holden, John H. Ormsbee, William
T. Grinnell, Henry R. Greene, Asa Messer, George Curtis,
Moses B. Ives, Robert H. Ives, Peter Pratt, Thomas H. Webb,
Frederick A. Farley, William Aplin, George Baker, Alexis Cas-
well, David Pickering, Pharcellus Church, Robert Knight, and
Robert E. Pattison. In 1835 movements were made towards a
high school, which was finally dedicated in 1844.
In 1838 provision was made for appointing a superintendent of
public schools in the city, and Mr. Nathan Bishop, who had been
a tutor in Brown University, was appointed to the office, being, it
is said, the first superintendent of schools elected in any city in this
country. Mr. Bishop continued to perform the duties of the office
till 1851, when he resigned to accept a similar position in Boston,
and was succeeded by Mr. Samuel G. Greene, who had had a
large experience as a teacher in the Boston public schools.
a little singular that Boston should choose a superintendent from
Providence and Providence one from Boston, and yet both cities
be benefited by the exchange. Mr. Greene instituted the plan of
bringing the teachers of the various schools together, at stated
times, to receive from him such instruction as might be of essen-
tial service to them in their daily work. He also suggested a
normal class, to be formed out of such graduates of the schools
as wished to become teachers, in which they would go through a
systematic drill in the art of teaching. After four years' service as
superintendent, Mr. Greene resigned to accept a professorship in
Brown University, and was succeeded by the Rev. Daniel Leach,
D. D., in 1855. After twenty years of efficient service Dr. Leach
resigned, and was succeeded by Horace S. Tarbell, the present
superintendent. Under the control of Mr. Leach, aided by the
city authorities, great changes in the way of the introduction of
new branches of study and the erection of new buildings, have
taken place, and the work of improvement is now carried on
It is .
ul-Intº
º |J. .
|T|T.
|H. uu.
º
THE THAYER STREET GRAMMAR SCHOOL HOUSE.
with equal zeal and ability under the present superintendent.
Instead of four ungraded schools, in each of which scholars of
all ages between four and twenty were received, with one teacher
and one usher to each school, with which the system started in
1800, there are now included in the public schools, one high
school, embracing an English and scientific department for boys,
with five teachers; a classical department for boys, with four
teachers; and a department for girls, with fourteen teachers; nine
grammar schools, with one hundred and five teachers; thirty-
nine intermediate schools, with seventy-seven teachers, and forty-
four primary schools, with one hundred and thirty-seven teach-
ers, making a total of ninety-three schools, with 342 teachers.
Besides these there are four teachers of music, two of sewing,
and one of French, who give instruction in the different schools.
Instead of nine hundred and eighty-eight pupils, as in the year
1800, there are now over sixteen thousand eight hundred pupils.
The annual cost of maintaining the schools, instead of about
three thousand dollars per year, as in 1800, is now about two
hundred and forty-three thousand dollars.
The school committee and teachers of the public schools are
as follows:
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Nicholas Van Slyck, president; Sarah H. Ballou, secretary.
First Ward–John H. Sweet, Anna M. Aldrich, George B. Peck, Jr.,
Alfred Metcalf, Henry R. Rogers.
Second Ward — Thomas I. Morgan, Isaac H. Southwick, Jr., Adeline
E. H. Slicer, Charles H. Parkhurst, Freeborn Coggeshall.
Third Ward – Merrick Lyon, William Caldwell, Hezekiah U. Monroe,
Thomas E. Studley, Thomas A. Millett, Zechariah Chafee, Jr.
Fourth Ward–James G. Vose, William F. Morrison, J. William Rice,
Emulous Rhodes, George Lewis Gower, George E. Barstow.
Fifth Ward — Elisha H. Rhodes, Henry A. Howland, Nicholas Van
Slyck, John C. Thompson, Charles H. Leonard, John R. Gladding.
Sixth Ward–James H. Smith, John A. McCloy, Richard M. Sanders,
Albert C. Day, Lester S. Hill, Albert F. Blaisdell.
Seventh Ward–Martin C. Day, John W. Case, John G. Massie, Hunter
C. White, Edward B. Knight, Arthur W. Dennis.
Eighth Ward–Alfred A. Harrington, Henry W. Rugg, Moses H. Bixby,
Amos M. Bowen, Edwin Winsor, Daniel Perrin.

168 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
Ninth Ward — Orsmus A. Taft, William Y. Potter, Edward D. Bassett,
Samuel H. Webb, William N. Johnson, Henry A. Blake.
Tenth Ward–John Randolph, Richard McGuy, Bernard J. Padien,
Alexander A. McCaughin, Thomas J. Bannon, Cornelius A. Murphy.
Members ex-officio — Gilbert E. Robbins, mayor; Rathbone Gardner,
president of the common council : Fred. I. Marcy, chairman of the joint
committee on education.
Horace S. Tarbell, superintendent of public schools.
Sarah H. Ballou, secretary of the school committee.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Teachers in the High School —English and scientific department: David
W. Hoyt, principal; Benjamin Baker, Will C. Ingalls, Arthur C. Barrows,
John Daboll, Henry O. Tripp, assistants.
Classical department: William T. Peck, principal; Walter G. Webster,
Walter B. Jacobs, William C. Burwell, assistants.
Girls’ department: Sarah E. Doyle, principal; Alice D. Mumford, Re-
becca E. Chase, Agnes F. Williams, Rosamond R. Leavens, Harriet L.
Hayward, Ellen Dodge, Bessie G. Merriam, Elizabeth J. Chase, Harriet
M. White, Helen S. Joy, Elizabeth C. Shepley, Ellyn A. Clarke, Lizzie E.
Olney, assistants.
GRAMMAR SCHOOLs.
The Branch Avenue Grammar School: Martha B. Teel, principal;
Ellen Le Garde, assistant.
.The Bridgham Street Grammar School: Levi W. Russell, principal.
The assistants are: Julia A. Osgood, Mary L. Brown, Ellen L. Brown,
Sarah C. Padelford, Addie M. Stockbridge, Emeline A. Sayles, Harriet
A. Swan, Harriet R. Greene, Mary C. Hazard, Anna F. Dean, Helen M.
Cook, Lucy M. Beane, Celia F. Cowing, Ednah L. Swan, Clara F. Ca-
pron, Laura I. French.
The Doyle Avenue Grammar School: John Milton Hall, principal. The
assistants are: Rhoda A. Esten, Sarah D. Coleman, Lemira S. Tingley,
Harriet A. Rea, Eva T. Ring, Susan R. Joslin, Lizzie L. Forbes, Maria
L. Taft, Helen F. Getchell, Charlotte K. Clarke, Geneva A. Cooley.
The Point Street Grammar School : James M. Sawin, principal. The
assistants are: Ellen A. Salisbury, Angeline Haskell, Lucy C. Stanley,
Georgianna M. Hall, Delia E. Harvey, Abbie M. Harvey, Emma R. Osler,
Laura E. Almy, Abbie L. Bowker, Isabelle F. Martin, Anna F. Cranston,
Annie E. McCloy, Nellie G. Johnson, Catherine D. Pike.
The Federal Street Grammar School : Joseph E. Mowry, principal.
The assistants are: Emma A. Durfee, Phebe A. Cutting, Kate K. Bull,
Rebecca L. Ring, Eleanor M. Harris, Martha W. Hall, Clara B. Harvey,
Anna M. Gerald, Louise M. Balch, S. Amelia Glaser, Anna F. Baker, N.
Esther Lindsey.
The Elmwood Grammar School : George F. Weston, principal. The
assistants are: Harriet E. Hewitt, Adelaide D. Padelford, Emma Shaw,
Emily P. Wilbur, Laura C. Burroughs, Esther A. J. Porter, Harriet E.
Humes, Lydia S. Durfee, Anna T. Farrell.
The Mount Pleasant Grammar School : Lewis H. Meader, principal.
The assistants are: Annie E. Campbell, Elizabeth Owen, Dorcas B. Teel,
Elizabeth Coleman, Hannah M. Crocker, Lizzie B. Sawyer, Maria L.
Judkins, Florence N. French.
The Candace Street Grammar School: Eli H. Howard, principal. The
assistants are: Wilhelmina A. Luft, Amey F. Collins, Helen N. Bowen,
Clara L. Hull, Gertrude H. Duffy, Elizabeth M. Noonan, Harriet E.
Wood, Mary J. Behan, Ella Blackburn, Elizabeth J. Molloy.
The Thayer Street Grammar School: Albert J. Manchester, principal.
The assistants are: Stella C. Allen, M. Isabel Daggett, Mary A. Lee,
Sarah A. Purkis, Mary J. Nichols, Juliet A. Allen, Caroline A. Vaughan,
Juliana T. Armington, Mary L. Peck, Frances H. Fowler.
The Oxford Street Grammar School — George E. Church, principal.
The assistants are: Charlotte Blundell, Ida M. Thomas, Lillian R. Wil-
loughy, Ellen McCrillis, Mary E. Johnson, Minerva G. Curtis, Anna L.
Bliven, Annie L. Campbell, Clara F. Perry, Martha Case, Clarissa S.
Estes.
The Manton Avenue Grammar School — Sarah D. Barnes, principal.
THE INTERMEDIATE Schools.
Admiral St., Mary L. Harding, principal; Georgiaetta Lord, assistant.
Amherst Street, Mary F. Waterman, principal.
Arnold Street, Rebecca B. Armington, principal; Charlotte C. Ingra-
ham, Fannie A. Greene, assistants.
Beacon Street, Elenora Read, principal; Caroline E. Work, assistant.
Benefit Street, Elizabeth Passmore, Anne P. Walker, Abby V. Barney,
assistants.
Berlin Street, Ella McLane, principal; Eliza F. Gorman, assistant.
Branch Avenue, Catherine C. Gorman, principal; Anna L. Gorman,
assistant.
Carpenter St., Adela N. Padelford, principal: Lucy A. Frost, assistant.
Chalkstone Avenue, Arabel E. Barber, principal.
Camp Street, Eleanor H. Burroughs, principal; Elizabeth J. D’Arcy,
assistant. -
East Street, Mary W. Armington, principal.
Federal Street, Nellie Branch, principal; Anna E. Cobb, assistant.
Friendship Street, Marietta P. Pearce, principal; Mary A. Huntington,
assistant. -
Graham Street, Harriet C. Randall, principal.
Greenwich Street, Maria F. Dunham, principal; Louise W. Pierce, Alice
F. White, assistants. -
Hammond Street, Phebe A. Andrews, principal; Abby P. Hopkins, as-
sistant.
Harris Ave., Abby W. Harvey, principal; Julia A. Waterman, assistant.
Hospital Street, Abby F. Butler, principal; M. Emily Cushing, assistant.
Harriet Street, Ella S. Dawley, principal; Anna F. Davenport, Eliza C.
Hunt, assistants.
Jackson Avenue, Lilly McNaughton, principal.
Manning Street, Ellen M. Hopkins, principal.
Messer Street, Flora E. Angell, principal; Ellen J., Gage, Eudora E.
Joslin, assistants. - \
Africa St., Adelaide M. Waterman, principal; Ella L. Phillips, assistant.
Chester Ave., Ella M. Pierce, principal; Elizabeth L. Towne, assistant.
Potter’s Ave., Carrie M. Conant, principal; Amelia P. Kimball, assistant.
Public Street, Eleanor Dunn, principal; M. Louise Peterson, assistant.
Elm Street, Abby A. Evans, principal; Nellie F. Webster, assistant.
Ring Street, Maria H. Wilbur, principal; Lizzie M. Emerson, assistant.
Sabin Street, Kate L. Murphy, principal.
Smith Street, Sarah J. H. Bacon, principal.
State Street, Anna B. Clapp, principal; Mary G. Tasker, assistant.
Summer Street, Elizabeth J. Cory, principal; Julia D. Greene, assistant.
Thayer Street, Sarah A. Allen, principal.
Thurber Avenue, Abby B. Metcalf, principal; Mary Salmon, assistant.
Warren St., Emma L. Dunham, principal; Janette R. Tingley, assistant.
Walling Street, Belle M. Rich, principal.
Eddy Street, Mary E. Bicknell, assistant.
Coville Street, Nellie F. Crocker, principal; Mary C. Devereaux, Julia
A. Dunham, Mary J. Kenney, assistants.
THE PRIMARY SCHOOLs.
Admiral Street, Minnie J. Schubarth, principal; Jennie M. Macomb,
assistant.
Aldrich St., Martha A. Rounds, principal; Martha M. Jones, assistant.
Amherst Street, Emma P. Hussey, principal; Adah S. Watson, Fannie
B. Brightman, Mary J. Cooney, assistants. t
Arnold Street, Adeline Y. Armington, principal; Jane F. Bucklin,
-Ellen A. Chace, Ella A. Greene, Elizabeth K. Phillips, assistants.
Beacon St., Sarah F. Randall, principal; Florence E. Bowen, assistant.
Benefit Street, Nancy A. Collins, principal; Martha Stone, Etta G.
Bailey, Corrine C. Johnson, Anna W. Capron, assistants. -
Berlin Street, Elizabeth M. Duffy, Emma J. Craig, Anna Duffy, Carrie
L. Hall, assistants. --
Branch Avenue, Eva F. Goff, principal; Abby S. Vose, assistant.
Carpenter Street, Lois A. Felton, principal; Mary E. Like, Martha
Winchester, assistants.
Chalkstone Avenue, Hannah S. Bowen, principal; Mary R. Leavitt, Ida
A. Howard, assistants.
Camp Street, Anna B. Caffrey, principal; Mary E. Tempest, Pauline
E. Tingley, assistants.
East Street, Emma F. Armington, principal; Ada E. Mason, Carrie A.
Jencks, assistants.
Elm Street, Mary Cobb, principal; Imogene A. Truman, S. Francis Pike,
Amy S. Bucklin, assistants. tº
Federal Street, S. Ida Phillips, principal; Bessie M. Schofield, Mary
L. Anthony, Minnie M. Mason, assistants.
Friendship Street, Alice J. Dennis, principal; Ida M. Budlong, Carrie
A. Myrick, assistants.
Graham Street, Joanna S. Sweet, principal; Julia Folsom, Harriet E.
Hughes, assistants.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
169
Greenwich Street, Edith R.
Allen, principal; Eliza J. Hop-
kins, S. Carrie Brown, Hattie
B. Paine, assistants.
Hammond Street, Harriet N.
Lovett, principal ; Celia A.
King, Charlotte E. Danforth,
Fannie M. Otis, assistants.
Harris Avenue, Alice I. Rob-
erts, principal; Fannie G. Liv-
sey, assistant.
Hospital Street, Mary E.
Arnold, principal ; Cora I.
Hudson, Ida E. Morse, Caroline
M. Johnson, assistants.
Jackson Avenue, Lucy M.
Peirce, principal ; Elma M.
Knowles, assistant.
Julian St., Mary A. McEntee,
principal; Hortense T. Vallily,
Agnes McIver, Maggie L. Ham-
nill, Albina J. Vallily, assistants.
Manning Street, Emma S.
Hayward, principal; Josephine
Dillon, assistant.
Manton Avenue, Grace B.
Sweet, principal.
Messer Street, Annie W.
Field, principal; Carrie L. Rice,
Alice J. Greene, Mary C. W.
Bowen, Esther A. Smith, Mary
C. Wheeler, Lena D. Sheldon,
Florence G. Reynolds, assist-
ants.
Meeting Street, Elizabeth H.
Smith, principal.
Mount Pleasant, Maggie L. Kane, principal; Rachel G. Linton, Nora
O. Sullivan, Luella B. Snow, assistants.
Harriet Street, Martha J. Marshall, principal; Elizabeth J. A. Farrell,
assistant.
Plain Street, Dora W. George, principal; Mary E. Weld, Emma Schaffer,
assistants.
Chester Avenue, Leonette D. Mooney, principal; Mary A. Farrell, Mar-
tha A. Halton, assistants.
Africa Street, Catherine M. Hackett, principal; Lottie Y. Gladding,
Lucy A. Like, Charlotte Snow, assistants.
Potter’s Avenue, Orianna E. Nichols, principal; Irene C. Briggs, Agnes
Wright, assistants.
Public Street, Mary E. Wood, principal; Emma E. Pfanner, assistant.
Ring Street, Ella C. Bradley, principal; Adaline F. Bennett, Leonora
L. Ballou, Minnie B. Higgins, assistants.
Sabin Street, Flora G. Henry, principal; Lucy A. Metcalf, assistant.
Smith Street, Margaret H. Brennan, principal; Elise T. Magnus, Kate
O'Rielly, Jane L. Holt, Amelia E. Berg, assistants.
State Street, Mary A. M. Pierce, principal; Myra E. Colwell, Matilda
M. Clapp, Annie F. Bartlett, assistants.
Summer Street, Phebe F. Wilbur, principal; Jennie F. Work, Emma F.
Greene, Annie C. Kenyon, Emma M. Budlong, assistants.
Thayer Street, Abbie C. Seymour, principal.
Thurber Avenue, Sarah W. Browning, principal; Abby W. Potter,
Lillian A. Potter, Antonia F. L. Schubarth, assistants.
Walling Street, Hattie I. Swan, principal; Mary S. Houghton, Alice J.
Eastwood, assistants.
Wanskuck, Avis A. Hawkins, principal; Lizzie A. Martin, assistant.
Warren Street, Elizabeth S. Robinson, principal; Fannie W. Robinson,
Anna C. Magnus, assistants.
THE TEACHERs of Music are: Benjamin W. Hood, principal; Mary J.
Muir, Sarah M. Farmer, Dora E. Curtis, assistants.
THE TEACHERs of SEwing are: Mary E. Cary, Mary E. Engley, Mar-
tha L. Whitaker.
THE TEACHER of FRENCH, is: Mons. Jean E. Guilbert.
Besides these schools and teachers there are twelve evening
schools maintained in the city for about eighteen weeks in the year,
employing about one hundred and twenty-eight teachers, exclusive
of those above named, but whose appointments are temporary in
Tººlſ º Flºſſ. T
T
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THE CANDACE STREET GRAMMAR SCHOOL HOUSE.
their character, and instructing 2,259 pupils, nearly one-fourth of
whom are females, who are from the nature of their occupation
unable to attend at the day schools, but are thus enabled to obtain
or to supplement their already obtained rudimentary education.
The German School is a free school maintained partly by the
city and partly by the German School Society, it is the result of
a long felt desire on the part of the German-American residents
of Providence to have their children taught the German language.
In consequence of the efforts of those interested in this plan, and
notably of the untiring zeal of John M. Schmid, E. J. F. Bar-
ton, C. H. Banspach, Dr. G. Radeke, and Dr. William Von
Gottschalck. The present society was organized in 1874. After-
wards, on Feb. 26, 1885, it was incorporated by the General As-
sembly.
The officers of the society are Max Naumann, president; Ernst
Ruckert, vice-president; Frederick Ruckert, secretary; John H.
Althans, treasurer. The funds for carrying on the school are
raised by taxation of the members of the society, and by volun-
tary contributions. A most generous and unstinted support has
always been accorded. By permission of the city authorities the
school occupies rooms in the old school-house on Richmond
Street. As many of the pupils attend the public schools during
the week, the instruction is given only on Saturdays. Children
of any nationality are admitted and many Americans take advan-
tage of the opportunity of having their children instructed in the
German language. There are now seventy scholars under the
management of Miss Ella L. Senft, as principal, and Miss Ber-
tha Roeper, and Miss Hannah Morlock, as assistants. Consider-
ing the short time allowed for study, the progress thus far made
has been most gratifying to the friends of the school.
THE PROvIDENCE REFORM ScHool.-Though this institu-
tution was penal in its nature, yet it was also educational and a
portion of the home missionary work of Providence citizens. It
was established by a law passed in January, 1850, and was in-
tended to receive such children under the age of eighteen years

17o THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
as were convicted of certain offenses by the courts of the state,
also to receive children at the request of the parent or guardian,
with the consent of its board of trustees, thus providing for the
care and education of children who were not amenable to pa-
rental discipline. The children were kept under proper discipline,
educated, and at a proper age generally bound out as apprentices
under the direction of the board. The school was early located
at the old Tockwotton House, and there remained so long as it
existed. During its existence it proved a most valuable institu-
tion, and many youths who would probably have grown into
hardened criminals but for this establishment, were, through its
means, made desirable citizens of the community. As it was highly
desirable that the benefits of this system should be enjoyed by
children from other parts of the state, and in that case, unjust that
Providence should be at the expense of supporting it, a transfer
of it was made to the state, taking effect July 1, 1880. In the fol-
lowing year buildings on the state farm in Cranston, were fitted
for it and the school removed from the Tockwotton House to that
location.
There are many special schools now or formerly located in the
city that have been established by the state, and form, and have
formed, an important element in the community; these are the
State Normal School, the State School for the Deaf, and the
Rhode Island School of Design. Of these the State Normal
School is actually, if not nominally, the oldest. Its origin is to
be traced to the labors of Commissioner Barnard before the year
1844, as is also the establishment of the “Teachers' Institutes,”
a very important element in our system of education. The first
practical working, however, in this direction, was the incorpo-
ration into the course of Brown University of a normal depart-
ment, or professorship of didatics, in the year 1850.
This department was designed to do the work of a normal
school in specially instructing its members to become teachers,
and Samuel S. Greene, superintendent of the public schools of
Providence, was permitted to accept the professorship thereof, in
connection with his duties to the city. It soon became evident
that to do its best work, this institution must stand in closer rela-
tions to the schools for whose benefit it was organized. To effect
this purpose a normal school was opened in Providence as a pri-
vate enterprise, by Samuel S. Greene, he having resigned the
professorship in didatics in Brown University, and others for
that purpose, Oct. 24, 1852, and for two sessions of five months
each. It was largely attended, but to give it permanency, munic-
ipal or state sanction and control was deemed necessary.
The city of Providence then came to the front, and in 1854
determined to maintain a normal school. Before this school was
established, however, the General Assembly, in May, 1854,
passed an act establishing a state normal school, which was con-
sidered the better measure of the two, and the city normal school
was never established.
On the 29th of May, 1854, the State Normal School was inaug-
urated, Mr. Dana P. Colburn being principal, and Mr. Arthur
Sumner, assistant. This school was continued at Providence
with success until the fall of 1858, when it was removed to Bris-
tol. This seems to have been an unfortunate move, for after a
precarious existence of less than seven years, the school was sus-
pended July 3, 1865, and was not revived till 1871, when it, or
rather a new normal school, under the control and direction of
the state board of education, acting as trustees, was established
in Providence. This school was opened with J. C. Greenough,
principal, and a corps of six assistant teachers, and having five
lecturers, on Sept. 6, 1871, in Normal Hall, in the city of
Providence. It began with a large number of pupils, and has
since continued in a prosperous condition. After the removal of
the Providence High School to its new quarters in 1878, the old
high school building on Benefit Street was occupied by the nor-
mal school. Mr. Greenough has been succeeded by Thomas J.
Morgan, the present principal. From the time of the opening
of the present school
in 1871, to the close of
the year 1885, there
have been in attend-
ance 976 students.
The average age of
those entering has
been nineteen years.
The total number of
graduates during this
time has been 341.
All the graduates,
with scarcely an ex-
ception, have taught,
and a large propor-
tion are now teaching,
and very many of
those who have left
the school with out
graduating have
taught. Every part of
the state shares in its
advantages. The nor-
mal school may be
regarded as having
entirely passed its ex-
perimental stage, and
is as one of the estab-
lished permanent insti-
tutions of the state.
Its present faculty
THE POINT STREET GRAMMAR SCHOOL HOUSE.

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 171
consists of T. J. Morgan, principal, instructor in peda-
gogy, psychology, logic, and ethics; William E. Wil-
son, physiology, botany, zoölogy, physics, and methods
of teaching arithmetic and the natural sciences; Frances
W. Lewis, language, grammar, rhetoric, and history;
Sarah Marble, chemistry, mineralogy, reading, English
literature; Charlotte E. Deming, geography, geology,
geometry; Ella M. Short, arithmetic, algebra, astron-
omy, drawing: B. W. Hood, vocal music; A. J.
Manchester, penmanship. The number of students at
present enrolled is 129.
THE RHODE ISLAND School. For THE DEAF.—
This school was established under the auspices of the
state, aided by the city, April 2, 1877, with five pupils,
whose parents had petitioned the General Assembly
during the January session of that year for a day school
in the city where instruction should be given by the
‘‘ oral ” method.
Previous to this time, excepting one institution, origin-
ally a private one, in Chelmsford, Mass., afterwards
removed to Northampton, in the same state, and estab-
lished with aid from that state, the only provision for
educating deaf-mutes was on the “sign” system at Hart-
ford, Conn.
The new system taught the simply deaf pupil to
articulate and use spoken language, though he could
not hear himself, and to read the answers from the
signs of articulation from the visible vocal organs of the
speaker. Impossible as this may seem, the author has
been in intimate relations with a pupil of one of these
schools, who has often been associated with him in
lengthy conversations with outside parties who have
never suspected the deafness of the pupil till informed
of it at a later period.
In the case of deaf-mutes, if such a class existed, it
would of course, be necessary for both persons taking part in a
conversation to read from the vocal organs, but the teachings of
this school and others on the same system would seem to show
that amongst persons possessing the full complement of organs
of speech there is no such thing as a “mute’— the deaf persons
who cannot speak are simply disabled from speech because they
have never been properly taught, and it is the glory of this school
that it does bring that class into articulate communication with
the rest of mankind.
This system has great advantages over the sign or manual sys-
tem — even when the latter is reduced to its greatest perfection
by use of the deaf and dumb manual alphabet.
In pursuance of the above petition an appropriation was made
by the legislature, and the superintendent of public buildings for
the city of Providence allowed the school to be opened in a room
of the school-house, corner of Benefit and Halsey streets. Mr.
Joseph W. Homer was the first principal of the school. He was
very energetic in laboring for its establishment. Upon his res-
ignation, in 1882, Miss Kate H. Austin, who had been one of
his assistants since September, 1880, became principal of the
same. The legislature and the city continued the school from
year to year as an experiment, and its success became so marked,
that in the winter of 1881–2, the legislature passed an act estab-
lishing the school permanently.
In September, 1882, the school was removed to its present
location,- in the old Fountain Street school-house. By report
of the principal for the year ending Dec. 31, 1885, it appears
that there were during that year thirty-two pupils — sixteen girls
and sixteen boys — that of these, fifteen were congenitally deaf or
made deaf before the age of two years. Seven lost their hearing
before the age of four years, ten after that age.
THE WINEYARD STREET SCHOOL HOUSE, ELMWOOD.
RHODE ISLAND ScHool of DESIGN.—This institution was
chartered by the General Assembly in 1877. The objects are to
furnish such instruction in drawing, painting, modeling, and
designing as may be required of all classes of artisans; to provide
for the systematic training of persons that they may become suc-
cessful art teachers, and to promote the general advancement of
art culture. This institution is located in the city of Providence,
in the Hoppin Homestead Building. The school has been recog-
nized by the state, and a law enacted whereby an annual appro-
priation of $500 is made to the school, and also authority conferred
upon the state board of education to appoint a certain number of
persons as state beneficiaries of the school, the annual appropria-
tion for that purpose being $1,000, which is devoted to furnishing
gratuitous instruction to deserving pupils. The course of the
school includes free-hand drawing from models, mechanical
draughting and design, perspective, applied design, geometric
figures and combinations, botanical analysis, and lectures upon
anatomy.
THE STATE HOME AND ScHool. For CHILDREN.—This is an
establishment authorized by the state in 1884, and intended to
provide for the children in the state whose education was not
otherwise provided for.
The establishment is located at Fruit Hill, it includes a farm,
and at present comprises twenty-seven pupils. It is as yet in the
nature of an undeveloped experiment, but the results of its course
to the present time indicate that its future history will be that
of a highly successful movement in aid of the poorer class of
humanity.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN PROvIDENCE.- For the first one hun-
dred and seventy-four years, or till the year 18oo, all the schools
in Providence were more or less “private,” as the word is now

I 72
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
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THE FEDERAL STREET GRAMMAR SCHOOL HOUSE.
-
understood, that is to say, the pupil had to pay all or a part of
the expenses of his education. At first the town only gave the
land for the school-house; the pupil paid all other expenses.
Later, the town paid for the land, building, and heating thereof,
and it was only after the year 1800 that the expenses of teachers
were paid by the town. At this day it is a question of debate
whether the pupils should be made to pay for their stationery and
books, the advocates of a more advanced system claiming that
they should not, but the practice in this state heretofore being
mainly that they should.
Previous to the year 1770, private schools were few and far
between. Samuel Thurber records of them at that day as being
“but little thought of; there were in my neighborhood three
small schools, perhaps about a dozen scholars in each. Their
books were the Bible, spelling book and primer.” After this
time James Manning “ did great things in the way of enlight-
ening and informing the people.” Schools revived by means of
his advice and assistance. Previous to this it was not uncom-
mon to meet with those who could not write their names.
Until after the Revolutionary War it was not to be expected that
educational interests should be much encouraged, and during the
period from 1800 till 1828, when the town of Providence was the
only one in the state maintaining any public schools, it might be
expected that the development should be mainly in private schools.
The highest school that was established during this period was
the Friends' Yearly Meeting Boarding School.
THE FRIENDs’ School. IN PROvIDENCE was founded by Moses
Brown, the youngest of the four Brown brothers of Providence.
He became a Friend, April 28, 1774. A subscription was made
by the Friends of New England in 1780, to raise a sum of money
to found a school. Moses Brown gave to this fund $575. The
school opened Nov. 8, 1784, in a small upper room in the old
Friends' Meeting House, at Portsmouth, R. I. The house is still
standing. Isaac Lawton was its principal. The school continued
four years and was discontinued.
Moses Brown on the fourth day of May, 1814, proposed to give
in trust to the Friends of New England, forty-three acres of land,
the present site of the school, for a permanent institu-
tion of education. He also informed them at the same
time that as treasurer of the Portsmouth School he
had $9,300 to be used in the establishment of a new
school.
The use of the funds of the former school in the new
institution, and the additional fact that the same body of
persons had charge of both schools, establishes their
continuity and identity, and fixes the date of its founda-
tion in 1784.
The school opened at its present location, Jan. 1,
1819, in the central building with wings forty-four feet
long which were each soon extended to eighty-four feet.
The school in 1822 received $100,000 by the will of
Obadiah Brown, the only son of Moses Brown. It is
an interesting fact that this money was largely the pro-
ceeds of the first manufacture of pure cotton goods in
this country. He was a partner with Samuel Slater.
This connects the school directly with one of the great
industries which has contributed so much to the pros-
perity of Providence and the interests of New England.
A new building was erected in 1831 in the rear of the
west wing for the use of a classical department then
established. Samuel J. Gummere, afterwards presi-
dent of Haverford College, Pennsylvania, was the in-
structor in it in 1832. John Griscom, LL.D., became
principal of the school in 1832, and continued in that
office until 1835. He was an accomplished scholar with
a national and foreign reputation. There were other teachers in
the school at that time who became eminent. It has been ac-
counted a Periclean age in its history. President Jackson and
his Cabinet in their eastern tour honored it with a visit in 1833.
But unfortunately this golden age was brief. These men were
not well supported in their efforts for higher education and they
soon retired.
Joseph and Gertrude W. Cartland were principals from 1855 to
1860. They raised the standard with great success. They estab-
lished a four years' course of study and introduced a higher grade
of instruction, which has ever since been maintained.
Albert K. Smiley succeeded them in 1860, and continued in office
during the following nineteen years. The school was exceedingly
prosperous during this period. Alumni Hall was constructed in
1869 and in 1872 the boys' wing was extended seventy-six feet. It
assumed a broader and more general educational work. It ex-
tended its departments and increased their efficiency. Augustine
Jones, its present principal, was the successor of Mr. Smiley in
1879. The school, during his administration, has received nearly
fifty thousand dollars in donations. Six thousand dollars in value
has been contributed in engravings, etchings, photographs, draw-
ings, portraits, and busts, giving a very cheerful, homelike effect in
all the principal rooms. Two thousand volumes have been added
to the library, which now numbers more than six thousand vol-
umes. The school possesses the largest astronomical observatory
in the state. Some of its works of art are of rare excellence.
This time-honored institution has assisted in the education of a
large number of citizens of Rhode Island. Less than one-third
of its pupils for a quarter of a century have been members of the
Society of Friends, and one-half of its instructors are not Friends.
Its greatest effective work is in the direction of non-sectarian pub-
lic education. It is a public charity as a college is. It gives
free education, including board and tuition to twenty-three or
more students annually, and a large share of these student are not
Friends. There is a disposition in certain quarters to depreciate
boarding-schools. No doubt such schools have been sometimes
inefficient and even corrupt. Indeed, all good things have been

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 173
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º
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THE FRIENDS SCHOOL, PRCVIDENCE.
counterfeited and misused. Dickens may have been just in de-
scribing the bad school.
But the great truth remains, that when the public sentiment in
one of these schools is correct and healthy, when the scholarship
and culture is of a high order, the constant family influence of the
multitude is most stimulating and effective, particularly where
coeducation exists, and no mere day school can be as efficient in
study or character building.
Children will seek greater freedom, but the restraint and in-
fluence of the ardent cultured masses is most healthful. It is the
duty of Rhode Island to cherish and support this institution. It
has grown up with the state, and is one of the most beneficent
sources of pure culture it possesses.
Whittier writes of it:
“Not vainly the gift of its founder was made,
Not prayerless the stones of its corner were laid;
The blessing of Him whom in secret they sought
Has owned the good work which the fathers have wrought.”
—The Sºuaker Alumni.
The next school of importance was the Preparatory School con-
nected with the college.
THE UNIVERSITY GRAMMAR ScHool, of Providence, is lo-
cated on College Hill, directly opposite the grounds of Brown
University, and while near the business centre of the city is suffi-
ciently retired to secure the quiet favorable to study. The school
is designed to prepare boys for college or business, as they may
prefer, and the studies are arranged with a view to the successful
accomplishment of these results. For young pupils not far
enough advanced to enter upon regular courses of study, there is
a preparatory department, covering a period of two years, during
which the elements of arithmetic, geography, United States his-
tory, reading, spelling, writing, and French are taught. The
grammar school department comprises a course of four years,
where, in addition to the branches of the preparatory course, gen-
eral history, algebra, physical geography, geometry, physiology,
book-keeping, English literature, philosophy, rhetoric, trigonom-
etry, chemistry, astronomy, and geology are studied. The course
in the classical department extends through four years, in which
boys are thoroughly fitted for admission to American colleges,
taking, besides the studies of the grammar and high school de-
partment, Latin, Greek, and ancient history.
The University Grammar School is the oldest educational in-
stitution in the State of Rhode Island. It was originally called
the Latin School, and was established in Warren, in 1764, and
removed to Providence in 1770. In earlier times it was specially
a fitting school for Brown, and as such was under the immediate
care of the college faculty. It is now taught by Merrick Lyon,
A. M., LL.D., principal of the classical department; and Emory
Lyon, A. M., M. D., principal of the English department; assisted
by special teachers in the several departments of study. The
school has always maintained a high reputation for thoroughness
and discipline, and under the present management, sixty-four
premiums for excellence in the preparatory studies have been
awarded to its graduates on entering Brown University. It has
numbered among its instructors the Rev. Dr. James Manning,
first president of Brown University; Judge David Howell, the
Hon. Tristam Burges, member of Congress in John Randolph's
time; Prof. George W. Greene, the historian; the Hon. Thomas
A. Jenckes, LL.D., the originator of a civil service reform bill;
Prof. Henry S. Frieze, LL.D., and other men of note in the state
and nation.
There were numerous other private schools established during
this period. In 1821 there were ten schools of this nature in the
town taught by men, and forty-four by females. This number
was largely increased in the course of the next few years, and by
the year 1828, when the general state law fixing the present edu-
cational system of the state went into effect, it was estimated that
there were from eighty to ninety such schools in Providence alone.
The most celebrated of these schools was the Providence High
School, established by G. A. De Witt, with John Kingsbury as
assistant, in 1826.
After teaching in this school for about two years, Mr. Kings-
bury became satisfied that a school where young ladies would be
instructed in the higher branches of education would be well sus-


23
I 74
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
tained in Providence. The school met with great success, evi-
dently supplying a want felt by the community. The number of
the pupils was at first limited to thirty-six, but was soon extended
to forty. This school was under the charge of Mr. Kingsbury
for thirty years or until Feb. 5, 1858, when it passed into the
hands of the Hon. Amos Perry, and by him, in September, 1858,
it was transferred to Prof. J. L. Lincoln, L.L. D.
Professor Lincoln maintained the school with a prosperity simi-
lar to that of its career under Mr. Kingsbury, till the fall of 1867,
when Dr. Stockbridge took charge of it. -
After continuing the school for ten years, with varying success,
Dr. Stockbridge closed the same, and, it became a thing of the
past. -
Among the numerous private schools of Providence are many
special ones to which mention is due as having a part in the de-
velopment of the career of the town. To the artistic and orna-
mental branches, music, painting, etc., we cannot here allude; to
the social and athletic, dancing, fencing, boxing, etc., we cannot
speak further than to say that professors in those arts have not
been wanting. The matter of commercial colleges seems to de-
serve greater mention.
In 1846 Albert G. Scholfield settled in Providence, coming
from Connecticut. He found, as the result of a careful canvass,
that very few, if any, of our merchants used the double-entry sys-
tem of book-keeping. ~
Believing that there was a want of knowledge in this commu-
nity as to that system, he determined to devote himself to filling
the same, and founded the Scholfield Commercial College in June
of that year. Writing and book-keeping were at first the only
branches taught, and its patronage was mainly from men in actual
business. So successful was this school that single-entry book-
keeping soon became comparatively rare — the more scientific
double-entry system taking its place to the great advantage of the
community. Having won the confidence of the business com-
munity by this test, the school acquired a reputation which caused
it to be sought by beginners in the acquiring of a commercial ed-
ucation, and in their interest the common English branches and
mechanical drawing were added to its curriculum. Thus was
established the first commercial college in this city.
THE PROvIDENCE BRYANT AND STRATToN BUSINEss Col-
LEGE.—A quarter of a century ago Hall's Mercantile Magazine
said that the business colleges then existing in this country were
in their infancy, and the public had scarcely begun to realize the
good they were capable of doing. Since that time great progress
has been made both in the scope and methods of instruction, and
still it may be said with truth that business colleges are in their
infancy, though destined in the near future to become as indis-
pensable a means of practical education as the common schools
are to-day.
Business schools, like polytechnic and normal schools, began
as experiments, and were carried on for years under many dis-
couragements before they gained public recognition and con-
fidence. They were devised by far-seeing, earnest men, who
understood the public need and by wisely forecasting the future,
could confidently predict their ultimate success. When those
worthy pioneers in the work of business training, Messrs. Bryant
and Stratton, founded in the cities of the United States and
Canada the chain of commercial colleges to which they gave
their partnership name, scarcely a merchant had ever dreamed
that there was any other way for a boy to do who wished to learn
the mysteries of the counting-room, but to serve a long appren-
ticeship under a head book-keeper; and when, in connection with
Mr. Mason, the first resident principal, those resolute gentlemen
opened a business college in the city of Providence, the solid men
of Rhode Island looked upon the new institution as a school-
master's castle in Spain.
prietor and principal.
The Providence link in this educational chain seems to have
been peculiarly fortunate in its management and steady growth in
popular favor. It was founded Jan. I4, 1863, and during a
period of twenty-three years it has drawn its patronage and sup-
port from an ever-widening territory. After it had become well
established the school passed into the hands of Messrs. Warner
and Ladd, teachers of experience, whose theories of education
were in advance of the times, and who multiplied and developed
its resources. After the retirement of his partner Mr. Warner
became proprietor, and with the aid of an ample corps of
teachers, which included the present principal, carried on a large
and flourishing school. It was through the enterprise of Mr.
Warner that liberal provision was made for the future growth of
the college by securing for its use the pleasant and convenient
quarters it now occupies, in one of the finest buildings in the
State of Rhode Island. He introduced many improvements,
enlarged the scope and usefulness of the school, and laid the
foundations of a commensurate prosperity.
July 1, 1878, Mr. Warner disposed of his interest in the col-
lege, and from that date Mr. T. B. Stowell has been sole pro
When he assumed the helm, the school,
already in good standing among its sister colleges, began to show
signs of new activity; traditional routine was banished from its
doors, and the work of teaching was conducted on a new and
original plan. This change was followed by a corresponding
increase in the number of students attending, and the gratifying
results achieved prove conclusively that Mr. Stowell's way is a
way of eminent success. -
The location of the college is one of the best in the country.
It occupies a commanding site on the principal street of the
capital and business centre of the state, and enjoys the advantages
of close proximity to Brown University, with its museums and
libraries, accessible to the students of this school, the Public
Library and free reading-room of the city; and a well-appointed
gymnasium. The fourth floor of Hoppin Homestead building
was designed expressly for the use of this college, and has an
area of 13,000 square feet, conveniently arranged for the use of
teachers and students. It is thoroughly lighted and ventilated,
heated by steam, reached from the street by stairways and ele-
vator, and is a model of adaptation in all its appointments.
Students in this college enjoy the advantage of individual in-
struction by efficient teachers, each of whom is an expert in his
department; and the different studies of the course are taught
both as a science and as an art, as theory and as practice. The
doors are open to both sexes, and there are evening sessions for
the accommodation of pupils who are unable to attend at any
other time. -
The range of studies pursued in the college includes those
deemed requisite to a sound and liberal business education. The
fundamentals are book-keeping, the writing of business papers
and correspondence, arithmetic and commercial law, political
economy, penmanship, and pen and brush-lettering. To meet
the recent demand, phonography and type-writing have been
added to the course. Spelling, grammar, rhetoric, composition,
and elocution are also taught as essential to the outfit of a man of
affairs. * * -
After mastering the principles and theory of the subject, the
student is admitted to the department of practice, in which he
applies the knowledge acquired. Here he engages in a great
variety of actual business operations, which he is obliged to con-
duct and become responsible for. He buys and sells, keeps the
books, manages the finances, and learns, by actually doing it, the
various duties that devolve upon the merchant, manufacturer, and
tradesman.
The aim of the college is to fit students thoroughly for a definite
work, but in doing this to so train them as to develop all their
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 175
powers to the fullest extent, and enable them to
attain the highest manhood and womanhood.
Throughout the school the rule of action is progress
on the best lines of work, and thoroughness is the
undeviating motto. Nor is this in any sense an
ideal or unattainable standard. What it claims is
an accomplished fact; and the best evidence that
such is the case is furnished by the thousands of
graduates from the institution, who, in all parts of
the United States, are actually doing the work for
which they have been in training, to the entire satis-
faction of their employers. The familiar ease with
which graduates of the school undertake any work
offered them in counting-rooms, and the correctness
and rapidity with which they accomplish it, estab-
lish beyond question the success and practical utility
of the means by which they have been trained.
The spirit of progress which has made the work
of each new year more valuable than the last, will
not forsake the school in years to come. There are
better things and greater advantages in store for
every entering class than any of the graduates have
enjoyed. Each class receives the benefit of what-
ever has proved helpful to its predecessors, and
profits by every improvement that live, earnest
teachers are able to introduce into their methods of working.
The career of this college is, therefore, a constant growth in the
best direction ; and encouraged by a successful past, it purposes
by faithful and well-directed effort to maintain a place in the fore-
front as a training-school of business.
THE BERKELEY SCHool was opened on Monday, Sept. 17,
1883, at No. 21 Brown Street, by the Rev. George Herbert Pat-
terson, A. M., LL.D., sometime headmaster of St. Mark’s School,
Southborough, Mass., and president of De Veaux College, Sus-
pension Bridge, N. Y., both notable fitting schools for the uni-
versities, etc. The new enterprise enjoyed the hearty coöpera-
tion of the Rev. James W. Colwell, A. M., rector of St. Stephen's
Church, and of Mr. John B. Wheeler, A. M., both already well-
known in the city as experienced and successful teachers.
The Right Rev. Dr. Thomas M. Clark, bishop of the diocese
of Rhode Island, had for many years known and esteemed as edu-
cators the gentlemen concerned in organizing the new school,
which, therefore, from the outset, enjoyed his cordial approval —
in fact, he gave it the name of Bishop George Berkeley, whose
residence at Middletown, R. I., 150 years ago, gave great im-
petus to the cause of godly and good learning.
The school began with twenty-eight pupils.
creased, and their convenient instruction compelled a transfer in
April, 1884, to ample quarters in the First Light Infantry build-
ing, Nos. 108 to 132, South Main Street. The Year Book for
July, 1886, shows a list of forty-six pupils, embracing the names
of many well-known and honored families.
The memory of Bishop Berkeley is yearly honored by the fes-
tivities of Berkeley Day — the anniversary of the school. The
first Berkeley Day, June 16, 1884, was specially marked by the
delivery of a discourse on the subject of “Bishop Berkeley’s
Visit to America and its Effects on Education,” by the Rev.
Prof. Moses Coit Tyler, L.L. D., of Cornell University.
The academic purposes and methods of the school are indi-
cated in the following extracts from the Year Book for July, 1886:
Numbers in-
THE BERKELEY School prepares pupils for the universities, West
Point, Annapolis, technical, and professional schools, or for business,
and it offers three courses of study — classical, semi-classical, modern
languages, -looking to the usual classification of electives, and a fourt/
course designed specially for those who intend to go directly from school
into business. In history, mathematics, physical sciences, and all general
THE HOPPIN HOMESTEAD BUILDING,
The Home of the Bryant & Stratton Business College in Providence.
-
-
subjects, the courses are identical; their distinction lies in the following
particulars:
1. The classical course includes Greek, Latin, French.
2. The semi-classical course includes Latin, German, French.
3. The modern language course includes German, French, English
Literature.
4. The English or business course includes English Literature, com-
mercial law, political economy, book-keeping, and commercial arithmetic.
The occurrence of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the
city of Providence, hastened the incorporation of a board of trus-
tees, a feature of the original plan, to take the school under its
fostering care, as a permanent institution of the Diocese of Rhode
Island. Accordingly an act was passed by the General Assembly,
April 23, 1886, to incorporate the “Trustees of the Berkeley
School, in the City of Providence.”
The corporation respectfully invites gifts and endowments for the estab-
lishment and maintenance of the school contemplated by its charter, and
it ventures to indicate particularly the need of land and permanent build-
ings of its own; of endowments for special masterships, and of scholar-
ships for worthy pupils.
Bishop Clark called attention to the school in his address to
the convention of his diocese, June 8, 1886, in the following
words:
“This popular school, recently opened by the Rev. George Herbert Pat-
terson, has now become incorporated, with a board of trustees, as a
permanent diocesan institution. The success which it has already attained
may be regarded as an indication of the greater prosperity to which it may
be destined in the future, while its permanence is secured by the new
foundation upon which it is to rest. It is to be hoped that, in process of
time, donations and bequests from those who are interested in church edu-
cation may be bestowed upon the school as the basis of more extended
usefulness. The diocese will be benefited by the fact that provision is
made for the free education of postulants and candidates for the ministry
on the recommendation of the bishop. It is, of course, impossible to fore-
tell what may grow out of the incorporation of the Berkeley School in
days to come; the foundation is securely laid, and we trust that a solid and
abiding superstructure may be reared upon it.”
TRUsTEEs.— The Rt. Rev. Thomas M. Clark, D.D., president; the Hon.
John H. Stiness, vice-president; the Rev. Daniel Henshaw, D. D., Col.
Robert H. I. Goddard, the Rev. Geo. J. Magill, Mr. LeRoy King, the Rev.
Charles G. Gilliat, PH. D., Claudius B. Farnsworth, Esq., treasurer; the
Rev. Daniel Goodwin, Prof. Winslow Upton, the Rev. William P. Tucker,
the Rev. Emery H. Porter, Mr. Francis M. Smith, Gen. Elisha Dyer, Jr.,
Mr. George C. Nightingale, Jr., secretary; Mr. Charles T. Dorrance, Gen.

176
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
William Ames, the Rev. Samuel H. Webb, the Rev. Geo. McClellan Fiske,
the Rev. Geo. Herbert Patterson. i
“Dieu avec nous.”
THE MoUNT PLEASANT ACADEMY was established in 1865
by Mr. Jencks Mowry, and had for its origin the object of afford-
ing a more thorough and extended course of study in the English
branches than was at the time found in the public schools in the
immediate vicinity. - -
The number of scholars increased, and there arose a demand
for a more extensive course of study. In 1872 a new school
building was erected, and the course of study was so extended as
to include the higher mathematics and French and the college
preparatory classics, and it became the aim of the principal to
afford a thorough disciplinary and complete preparation for ordi-
nary pursuits, or for admission to our colleges. It has also been
the aim of the school to afford to both sexes equal advantages,
the entire course being open to both, and both having the same
privileges in selecting the studies to be pursued.
There are at present two departments, a preparatory and an
- academic. Thus the range of studies has been extended, and
now includes, in addition to the ordinary English, classical, and
commercial studies, freehand and mechanical drawing and instru-
mental music. -
In course of time Mr. Joseph E. Mowry became associated
with his father, and continued that relation until April, 1885,
when he withdrew to become principal of the Federal Street
Grammar School, where he now remains, and Mr. Jencks Mowry
associated with himself in the principalship of the academy,
Charles H. Smart, A. M.
These two gentlemen, with a competent lady assistant, and
special instructors in drawing, penmanship, elocution, and music,
form the present corps of instructors. The location, thorough
instruction, broad range of studies, and steady growth, presage
well for the permanency and future usefulness of this school.
Evening sessions are held a number of months in the year at
this school, for the study of reading, spelling, writing, arithmetic,
and book-keeping, and other studies if desired, for those who are
unable to attend the day sessions. - r
THE PROVIDENCE ENGLISH AND CLASSICAL ScHool, located
on Snow Street, was established in 1864, by Messrs. Mowry and
Goff. It has earned a prominent place among the private educa-
tional institutions of the city, and prepares boys for business life or
for the colleges. It is now conducted by Messrs. Goff, Rice,
and Smith.
Among the private schools for masters and misses, in this city,
that kept by Mrs. J. W. Harris, at 281 Washington Street, enjoys
the confidence and liberal patronage of the community. The
principal, who is a native of Rhode Island and a graduate of
East Greenwich Seminary, had a varied experience as a teacher
before coming to this city, where her skill and tact in managing
pupils have won for her an enviable reputation. Mrs. Harris
established her school in 1858, on the street where it is now
located, and within a block of the present site. Her system of
instruction is so arranged that the courses of study provide a pre-
paratory department for young pupils, an intermediate for those
pursuing grammar-school studies, a junior grade for those more
advanced, and a senior department for those who take the higher
English studies and languages. Elective courses are provided
for pupils who do not wish to be graduated, and diplomas are
given to those who complete the full curriculum. At present
there are about one hundred pupils in attendance, and the prin-
cipal is assisted by several special teachers.
THE PROVIDENCE SCHOOL of LANGUAGEs. – Mr. Edward
Larcher, of Paris, became a teacher of languages in Providence
in 1881, associated with Messrs. Berlitz, Dubois, and Lecliq-
mann, in the Berlitz School of Languages. This relation termi-
nated on Sept. 1, 1884, and on the next day Mr. Larcher organ-
ized the Providence School of Languages. The school is located
in the Butler Exchange building, occupying rooms 9, 10, and Io;.
The languages taught are French, German, Spanish, Italian,
Greek, Latin, Hebrew, and Sanscrit. The school is under the
personal direction of Professor Larcher, who is aided in the in-
struction of pupils by teachers skilled in the art of imparting
knowledge in their several departments. .
The school is conducted in a manner wholly new and original,
and calculated to give all who wish, fluency, ease, and correct-
ness in the use of a foreign tongue. During the last ten years the
increase of commerce and travel between this country and Europe,
and the greater interest aroused in foreign literature, has led to
the study of languages as a positive advantage and a possible
necessity. Many methods of acquiring a speedy knowledge of
• unknown tongues, some of which are wholly useless and mis-
leading, have been presented to American students. Professor
Larcher does not claim that he has found the only way to a knowl-
edge of foreign speech; nor does he claim that it is an easy road
lightly tripped over in a few weeks. The person who expects
proficiency by some of the quick methods advertised, must be
told that a life-time is not long enough to acquire an exhaustless
knowledge of one language. But Professor Larcher does claim
that the method followed in the Providence School of Languages
is the best yet introduced, that a more practical knowledge is
acquired than by any other, and that the progress is rapid and
satisfactory. The school continues throughout the year, and is
open every day from eight o'clock in the morning until nine in
the evening. On Wednesdays a lecture is delivered in the Ger-
man language, and on Saturdays one in French. The school has
already an established reputation in New England, and among
its students are, and have been, those foremost in thought, cul-
ture, and in social life.
Professor Larcher is widely known, and has held various posi-
tions of honor: secretary of the treasurer of the Sixty-fourth Light
Infantry; president des Mines de St. Faurent; vice-president and
major of the Military School of the Fort Washington College,
New York, and membre de l’Alliance Française, 2 Rue St.
Simon, Paris. .
St. XAvLER’s ACADEMY, a day school conducted by the Sisters.
of Mercy for the education of young ladies, is one of the oldest
and leading educational institutions in the state. Pupils of every
denomination are received and are carefully instructed, in addi-
tion to the common English branches, in Latin, German, French,
vocal and instrumental music, the sciences, and higher branches.
Classes in drawing, painting, and needlework of every kind and
variety, and the art of wax-flower making, have special or pri-
vate instruction outside of the regular school hours. Several
young ladies and teachers of our public school belong to the Sat-
urday painting and sketching classes. -
The pupils are daily instructed in etiquette and lady-like de-
portment, and have every instruction required to make useful and
practical young women, as well as recognized additions to the
society circles in which they move. During the thirty-five years
the institution has been established, it has sent out a large num-
ber of graduates, including the most prominent of the Catholic
ladies of to-day, and also several of other denominations. The
Rev. Mother Thomasina is director of the academy, which is
located upon Claverick Street, near Broad.
There are many other smaller private schools in the city, rang-
ing from the kindergarten, for children, to those in which the
higher branches, below a collegiate course, are taught to young
ladies and gentlemen, which are doing commendable work in
the cause of education.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE MILITARY AND GRAND ARMY ORGANIZATIONS OF PROVIDENCE.
EARLY ORGANIZATIONS — THE UNITED TRAIN OF ARTILLERY — THE FIRST LIGHT INFANTRY. — THE PROVIDENCE MARINE CORPS OF
ARTILLERY —THE SLOCUM LIGHT GUARD — THE PROVIDENCE HORSE GUARDS—THE BURNSIDE GUARDS, FOURTH BATTALION
— THE FIFTH BATTALION OF INFANTRY. — THE MEAGHER GUARDS — THE EMMET GUARDS — WOLFE TONE GUARDS — THE
REORGANIZATION OF THE MILITIA — NUMBER OF TROOPS FURNISHED BY HIHODE ISLAND DURING THE WAR OF THE REBEL-
LION — BATTLES IN WIIICH RHODE ISLAND TROOPS WERE ENGAGED — THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC — ITS ORGAN-
IZATION – THE POSTS OF THE CITY – PRESCOTT POST — SLOCUM POST – R.ODMAN POST —IVES POST — ARNOLD POST — THE
SOLDIERS’ MONUMENT witH Its Roll of Honor.
- ºlº. | j. i. ||||| D
| ||. L º C º:
THE FIRST LIGHT INFANTRY BUILDING,
South Main Street.
“THE first record of the election of military officers in Provi-
dence was in 1654. The election was made on the 6th of No-
vember. Thomas Harris was chosen lieutenant, John Smith,
(the miller), ensign, and Benjamin Smith, sergeant. At the
same meeting it was resolved ‘that one man on every farm one
mile from the town might be left at home on training days.”
In 1655 the town directed there should be four military train-
ings in each year. In 1656 a law was passed requiring publi-
lication of intended marriage to be made either in a town-meeting
or on a training day at the head of the company.’ In May,
1676, the General Assembly sent a committee to Providence with
full power to act on a petition of the inhabitants of Providence
for a garrison for protection from the Indians, resulting in the
establishment of a garrison consisting of a captain and seven
men, which was called the king's garrison, with Arthur Fenner
as captain. In 1730 the militia of the colony was divided into
five regiments, and there were five companies of militia in Prov-
idence. In 1755 there were in Providence 275 men able to bear
arms, 406 enlisted soldiers, 349 small arms, 181 swords, 56
pistols, 726 pounds of powder, and 3,871 balls. In 1757 the
militia, under Colonel John Andrews, had started on their way
to serve his majesty against the French in America, but returned
after getting as far as the house of the widow of Resolved Water-
man, in Smithfield, by order of Moses Brown, the French and
Indian army having gone back.”
In September, 1774, the Light Infantry and Cadet companies
were required by the sheriff of Kent County to disperse a mob
there assembled and threatening to destroy the town. An express
arrived in Providence about 2 A. M., and the companies reached
the place about 9 A. M. After their arrival, Mr. Stephen Arnold,
one of the judges of the inferior court in that county, who had
been charged with propagating principles unfriendly to Ameri-
can liberty, and had been hung in effigy, and who had incited the
uprising, acknowledged his indiscretion, signed a paper declar-
ing himself to be a friend of liberty, and the military returned
home. At the outbreak of the war of the Revolution, Providence
did not organize any companies of minute-men, their places being
supplied by the independent companies, so-called. Staples says:
These consisted of volunteers from the militia, incorporated by
the General Assembly, with the privilege of choosing their own
officers, subject only to approval by the governor or governor and
assistants. They were not attached to any particular regiments
of the militia, nor subject to the general or regimental officers,
but received their orders immediately from the governor as cap-
tain-general. Hence the name of the independent companies.
An artillery company had been incorporated in 1744. In June,
1774, they assumed the name of the Cadet Company by permis-
sion of the General Assembly, and were commanded by a colonel.
At the same session of the Assembly a light infantry company
was also incorporated, and soon after this a grenadier company
was formed. This was chartered in October, and in December,
following, the Providence Fusileers, a company of horse, and
another of artillery.
In April following the Fusileers and artillery were united in the
United Train of Artillery. As early as January, 1775, Stephen
Jenckes, of North Providence, had supplied several independent
companies in Providence with muskets of his own manufacture.
On the morning of April 21, the several independent companies
of Providence and neighboring towns and a body of the militia, in
all 1,000 men, marched, or were in readiness to assist their Mas-
sachusetts brethren. When the battery of six eighteen-pounders
was erected on Fox Point, seven men were appointed to each
gun, and Esek Hopkins was appointed as commandant, Samuel
Warner, lieutenant, and Christopher Sheldon, gunner. In Feb-
ruary, 1776, a census of the arms and men able to bear arms in
Providence was taken by order of the town, when there were
found on the east side of the river 419 men, 305 arms, 431 fami-
lies, and 2,678 inhabitants; on the west side, 307 men, 192 arms,
31o families, and 1,677 inhabitants: a total of 726 men, 497 arms,
741 families, and 4,355 inhabitants. In 1792, a company known
as the Providence Light Dragoons, was formed, and acted as
escort to President Adams on his visit to Providence in August,
1797. They also formed a part of the military escort on the rec-
ognition of the death of General Washington with the Independ-
ent Volunteers and United Train of Artillery, and also when
President Monroe visited Providence in 1817. In September,
1831, the First Light Infantry, the Light Dragoons, the Cadets,
Artillery, and Volunteers aided in the quelling of the memorable
riots as a result of which a municipal form of government was es-
tablished. Brief sketches of the chartered military organizations
are herewith given, as also the organization of the state militia in
its present brigade formation.

178
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
UNITED TRAIN of ARTILLERY.—While Rhode Island was
yet a colony of Great Britain, the frequent collisions with the
agents of royal authority, due to the independent spirit of the col-
onists, drew their attention to the expediency of military organ-
izations, probably long before the Revolutionary War. In De-
cember, 1774, the General Assembly passed two acts incorporat-
ing military companies in the town of Providence, the “Train of
Artillery in the town of Providence” and the “Providence Fusi-
leers.” The first guns of the Revolution at Concord and Lex-
ington very soon thereafter, inspired and secured a union of these
two companies, for better results, which was effected in 1775,
under the name of the “United Company of the Train of Artil-
lery in the town of Providence.” Of this organization the first
officers were as follows: Colonel, Daniel Tillinghast; lieutenant-
colonel, Daniel Hitchcock; major, John Crane; captain, Levi
Hall ; lieutenant, Elihu Robinson; clerk, William Denison.
Eventful days soon came, and gave the warlike spirit of the
company its opportunity, and of the 1,000 Rhode Island troops
that soon joined Washington's army in Cambridge, the United
Train formed a part. In the Revolutionary War it did gallant
service, both as heavy and field artillery, and among its members
were many who distinguished themselves by special deeds of
bravery, Colonel Hitchcock being personally thanked by Wash-
ington after the battle of Princeton for the bravery of the Rhode
Island troops, and in many other battles the Train did important
service. - -
In 1795 Col. Robert Taylor succeeded to the command, fol-
lowed by Col. Nathan Fisher, in 1796, and Col. John Carlisle, in
1802. Col. James Burr was in command during the War of 1812,
when the United Train again proved its patriotism and devotion to
its country's cause. It also took an active part in building the for-
tifications for the defense of Providence against.the enemy at old
Fort Independence on Field's Point and the works on Fort Hill.
At this time the name and fame of the Train was such that by act
of the General Assembly its membership was increased to one
hundred and fifty, exclusive of officers, and the organization held
constant drills and kept ever ready for service. The following
officers held command in the succeeding years: 1815–19, Col.
John Andrews; 1820–22, Col. Thomas Chace; 1823, Col. Gar-
diner Vaughn ; 1824–26, Col. Bradford Hodges; 1827–28, Col.
Christy Potter; 1829, Col. John Hopkins; 1830, Col. John
Fisher; 1831, Col. William Blanding; 1832, Col. Alvers Ben-
son; 1833–34, Col. Sylvester Hymes; 1835–37, Col. Elhanan
Martin; 1838, Col. Thomas J. Griffin; 1839, Col. Westcott
Handy; 1840–41, Col. William B. Cranston; 1842, Col. George
W. Bennett; 1843, Col. Bradford Hodges; 1844–46, Col. Wil-
liam G. Mereweather; 1847–59, Col. Christopher Blanding;
1860–69, Col. Nicholas Van Slyck; 1869–70, Col. Charles D.
Jillson; 1870–71, Col. Harry Allen; 1872–74, Col. Oscar Lap-
ham; 1874–77, Col. William E. Clarke; 1878–81, Maj. Edwin
R. Holden; 1881–83, Col. Frank G. Allen; 1884, Col. Cyrus
M. Van Slyck, to the present time.
Though not participating in the Mexican War as a company,
the Train was well represented there by several gallant members,
but when the war of the Rebellion broke out the United Train
quickly responded to the President's call for troops, enlisting as
Company B, First Rhode Island Detached Militia. Subsequently
its membership was largely recruited for the Second Rhode Island
Volunteers, and for Company E, Third Regiment Rhode Island
Volunteers. Gallant and distinguished service throughout the
war was done by the United Train. It participated in the first
battle of Bull Run, returning home with a brilliant record. Com-
pany B was the rear guard on the thirty-three mile march from
Williamsport to Frederick City, and afterwards, during the entire
war, the members of the United Train were found on almost
every field, in every branch of the service, performing the bravest
of heroic deeds in arms. - x
After the war the name of the organization was changed to the
“Providence Artillery.” The ranks, which had been depleted
and scattered by the war, were recruited by the Burnside Zou-
aves, and in 1870 the name was changed by act of the legislature
to that of “Burnside Zouaves,” and the next year was again
changed to its original name of the United Train of Artillery, its
present name. .
The United Train originally organized as a skeleton regiment,
with both field and company officers; in 1872 was reorganized as
a battalion and its charter amended to permit the formation of
ten companies. The uniform has several times been changed.
Before 1871 it consisted of blue with scarlet artillery facings. In
that year a new uniform was adopted, consisting of white broad-
cloth, swallow-tail coat, gold trimmings, and blue trousers. The
uniform was again changed last April by the substitution of a
white tunic coat for the dress coat, more in accordance with
modern usage. The hospitality of the United Train has been one
of its noteworthy features, as its fraternal relations with well-
known commands in other cities and exchanges of courtesy have
been frequent. Some of the best remembered trips of the United
Train have been their first trip to Philadelphia in 1871, their
second one to the same city during the Centennial, 1876, Colonel
Clarke commanding, when they were accompanied by the Amer-
ican Band, and participated in the great parade and review of
40,000 troops. In October, 1884, a notable trip was made to
Worcester, on the occasion of the two hundredth anniversary of
that city's foundation. -
FIRST LIGHT INFANTRY REGIMENT.—The creation of this
military organization grew out of a literary organization known
as the “Greene Association.” It held meetings in the Hamilton
building, located where now stands the Atlantic building, and
the preliminary meetings of the First Light Infantry were held
in its room. Perhaps the fact of Gen. Nathanael Greene's name
being attached to the literary body suggested the soldierly organ-
ization to the young men who achieved it, but more probably the
law then existing, requiring every male-citizen between eighteen
and forty years of age to arm and equip, was a more direct cause
than that given. The first meeting for organization was held
April 21, 1818. A name was adopted April 25. At the May
session of the General Assembly Job Angell, Stephen K. Rath-
bone, John Padelford, John Hartshorn, William P. Rathbone,
Richard C. Martin, Cary Dunn, Job Carpenter, 2d, Caleb West-
cott, Jr., Stephen P. Richardson, William Weeden, Orville
Mann, J. G. Gladding, William Field, Jr., Arlon Mann, Samuel
S. Young, Charles Derby, N. G. Sumner, S. C. Hoyle, John
A. Peck, Benjamin F. Taylor, Benjamin Clifford, Jr., William
Church, Jr., Jacob P. Thurber, Samuel Palmer, John C. Cady,
Samuel Davis, Joseph G. Metcalf, Ebenezer P. Brown, Edwin
H. Harris, Elisha Manton, Joseph Armstrong, Isaac H. Cady,
Lawson D. Maynard, Gershom Jones, John W. Oldham, Par-
don Miller, Israel H. Day, John J. Stimson, J. Bassett Nichols,
Stanton Bebee, William H. Hale, Henry Pearce, George W.
Backus, James Temple, and Samuel M. Taber, were incorporated
by the General Assembly to form a military company, to be
known as the “First Light Infantry Company;” and to consist
of not more than one hundred men, its officers to be elected by
the body itself, subject to the approval of the governor and Gen-
eral Assembly. The first officers elected were Job Angell,
captain; Stephen K. Rathbone, first lieutenant; John Padelford,
second lieutenant; and John Hartshorn, ensign.
They made their first public appearance “on independent day,
in this town, and gained great applause for their remarkable pro-
ficiency in tactics.” The first escort duty done was at the college
\
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 179
THE CAPITOL,
commencement in the autumn of 1818, acting as escort to the col-
lege students. The membership fee was $1.00, but the company
was always self-supporting, and assessments met contingencies.
Captain Angell served for two years, when Stephen K. Rathbone
was made his successor. Captain Rathbone instituted in the com-
pany the office of drill sergeant, and appointed two of these offi-
cers. In 1821 the company gave its first reception, receiving a
company of cadets from West Point. These young West Point
cadets infused a new emulation in the First Light Infantry.
Their drill service was adopted by Captain Rathbone, and “the
new Light Infantry” Company soon equaled their teachers.
The first excursion was a march to Bristol, via Barrington,
July 25, 1822. September 19, this same year, the new uniform
adopted was a military coat with plumed cap. The first Wash-
ington's birthday parade was made in 1824, with fifty men in line.
This year a committee was appointed to build an armory. Shares
in the enterprise sold at $5.oo each, and the building was ready
for use April 7. It was a small, rude structure, on Benefit Street,
south of the State House, opposite the Mansion House. The
company marched into camp at Lime Rock this year, and on
their return were presented with an elegant new flag, which the
donors swung from the staff on the armory to greet them. When
La Fayette visited the city in August, 1824, the Infantry paraded,
and were supplied with wine at the public expense. The follow-
ing March, $350, raised by the company, was expended in pur-
chasing a stand of arms, which were of old flint-lock muskets.
Captain Rathbone was succeeded, in 1826, by Capt. John J.
Stimson. The important event of this year was the visit to New-
port to participate in the funeral of Commodore Perry, of Lake
Erie fame, whose remains were then at last transported from Trin-
idad. Captain Stimpson had Capt. William L. Field as his suc-
cessor in 1829. That year a visit to Worcester was made in a canal
boat. Capt. James Shaw was elected in 1830. In 1831 occurred
the Olney Street riots, when the Infantry was called upon to pre-
serve the peace. Captain Shaw ordered out his command at 11
AT WASHINGTON.
o'clock, Friday night, and twenty-two men appeared. With
Governor Arnold and the sheriff they marched to Olney Street,
each man supplied with two blank and two ball cartridges. The
mob did not disperse at this show of arms, as was hoped, and to
avoid a conflict the men were marched back to their armory, with
thirteen of them injured by missiles. The next night, with other
companies, they were again ordered out by the governor, and
marched to Smith's Hill, the Infantry being placed upon the right
of the bridge. The mob attacked them at once, when Captain
Shaw gave the order to fire, killing four men in the mob and
quelling the riot. This is said to have been the first instance in
the United States of the use of militia to quell a public riot. The
next Sunday night the Infantry were under arms again for a few
hours. The following winter the old “Light Infantry Drill” was
practiced for the first time. In 1835 Captain Shaw was suc-
ceeded by Capt. William W. Brown. Gray trousers were adopted
in 1836. In August of this year the Infantry appeared in line at
the 200th anniversary celebration of Providence. In January,
1837, the members appeared at the Washington ball, in the City
Hotel, dressed in white coats, waistcoats, trousers, and stockings,
with steel clasps on the shoes, and “hair trimmed without curl-
ing.” This year the American Band first appeared in public, at
the parade which took place in the afternoon of the day of the
annual election of the company officers. Up to this time there
had been no local band music obtainable in this city, and the
birth of the American Band was largely compelled by the exis-
tence of the First Light Infantry. The second armory was built
in 1839, at a cost of $3,000. It is still standing on its original
site, Meeting Street, west of Benefit. In 1841–42, the days of
the “Dorr War,” the Infantry gained great popularity by espous-
ing the side of “law and order.” They marched to Acote's Hill,
Chepachet, and returned victoriously with the other troops.
The Infantry attended the Bunker Hill anniversary in Boston,
June 17, 1843, wearing a new uniform of red coats, and black
trousers with white stripes. About this time “Joe” Greene,

18O
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
with his bugle, and the American Band, were induced to remain
at Providence. In 1844 the First Light Infantry Company with
the other chartered military companies of the state, by act of the
legislature were endowed with full regimental titles for its officers.
In 1845 the “bear-skin.” headdress was adopted. In 1858 Colonel
Brown resigned to become major general of the state militia, and
Col. Nathaniel W. Brown was elected his successor. The same
year Col. W. W. Brown resigned his major-generalship of the
state, and Col. N. W. Brown resigned to allow him to again be-
come colonel of the First Light Infantry. In 1860 the Infantry
visited Cleveland, O., on the anniversary of the battle of Lake
Erie. When they returned one of the chime bells of Grace
Church was purchased on the condition that the chimes should
always be rung on the September 10th, the anniversary of Com-
modore Perry's victory. The bell, inscribed with the name of
the Infantry, is still rung annually as provided. The First Light
Infantry were the first volunteers to respond to President Lin-
coln's call for three months’ troops in 1861, were enlisted and
organized under the personal direction and inspiration of Gen.
A. E. Burnside, and went “out” in two companies: Company
C, under Capt. W. W. Brown, and Company D, under Capt.
N.W. Brown, for the time resigning the regimental rank and title
of its officers. But the old members organized while the young
men were off fighting, and elected Capt. Joseph W. Taylor, colo-
nel. In August, 1861, the companies returned, and again Capt.
William W. Brown, became the commandant.
continued in office until 1867, when Capt. Charles R. Dennis suc-
ceeded. In February, 1872, Captain Dennis, who had already
added largely to the efficiency and strength of the organization,
and influenced full regimental organization of the First Light
Infantry by a legislative act, was elected the first colonel of the
First Light Infantry Regiment. In 1874 he resigned, and was
succeeded by Col. Robert H. I. Goddard. In 1876, at the Cen-
tennial, in Philadelphia, the First Light Infantry had the right of
line—the “post of honor”—in the Centennial Legion.
The event in late years of the greatest import has been the
abandonment of the old Infantry building on Dorrance Street for
the new Infantry Armory on South Main Street in 1880. The
new quarters were built by a stock company of friends of the or-
ganization, and furnished by the Infantry itself at a great expense,
a grand fair in 188o helping the finances. Colonel Goddard re-
signed in 1883, and William H. Thornton held the command, as
major, until 1886. At the last annual meeting he was elected
colonel, and is at the head of this celebrated organization at the
present hour. -
Upwards of one thousand eight hundred names are said to be
on the roll of the First Light Infantry, and there has been no
time in its history when it has not had a full company of men,
full complement of officers, full equipments and uniforms for
duty, and every commanding officer, captain or colonel, has been
promoted from the ranks. It would be impossible to give in this
sketch any more than a brief outline of the social life of the regi-
ment as a social body in this city, or as a military body among
military organizations, and it must suffice to say that no military
organization in this country has been received, and has received
so many times, and none has earned a higher reputation.
THE FIRST LIGHT INFANTRY VETERAN Association was or-
ganized June 3, 1869. Every man who has been a member of the
regiment for five years is entitled to membership. More than
four hundred veterans now belong, and the colonel is the veteran
William W. Brown. -
THE PROvIDENCE MARINE Corps of ARTILLERY, as its name
indicates, had its origin in the Providence Marine Society. Hence
all its officers and most of the men were at first members of that
society — practical seamen. The charter was framed in imita-
Captain Brown
tion of the provisions of the British service of contemporaneous
date (18or) for a naval branch bearing a similar name. It author-
izes the election of a lieutenant-colonel, two majors, one captain,
and two lieutenants. The corps was armed originally with two
heavy iron cannon, probably eighteen-pounders, which were drawn
by horses. The men marched on either side and carried heavy,
short swords. Subsequently the iron guns were replaced with
brass field pieces; but in other respects their armament and drill
were not materially changed until after the Dorr War, in which
little “unpleasantness” the command took an active and promi-
nent part in behalf of the “law and order” party. To the Che-
pachet expedition it contributed eighty-nine muskets and two
field pieces, with the requisite number of bombardiers, besides its
quota of officers. On the 4th of July, 1842, it paraded with
muskets and was equipped in scarlet caps, trimmed with brass,
black fountain plumes with scarlet tips, blue coats trimmed with
scarlet, scarlet epaulettes, white pantaloons, black belts and car-
tridge boxes. The Hon. George C. Nightingale, of this city, was
in command upon that occasion, the charter having twice been
amended by the legislature, in 1830, to allow two of the officers
to be chosen from persons outside the Marine Society, and in
May, 1842, removing all restrictions, thereby dissolving all con-
nection with that society save in sentiment and history.
In 1843 the Marines accepted the provisions of a militia law
then passed by the Assembly, whereby the skeleton regiment
organization was disseminated through the state, and its officers
became a colonel, lieutenant-colonel, major, captain, and lieu-
tenant, with full staff. This continued until the repeal of that
law in 1862, when the corps revived again the provisions of its
charter. This period may well be termed the golden age of its
history. On May 12, 1848, it paraded for the first time as a light
battery of four guns, under Col. Walter C. Simmons, upon the
occasion of the funeral of Maj. John R. Vinton, who had been
recently killed in the Mexican War, and whose remains were
interred at Swan Point Cemetery. This was then the only bat-
tery of “flying artillery” in the United States, outside of the
regular army. That very summer the corps made a trip to New
Bedford, taking guns, caissons, and horses there by road, which
is recorded as the first excursion ever made by volunteer light
artillery. In 1852, under command of the late Joseph P. Balch,
(more recently major of the First Regiment of the Rhode Island
Detached Militia, in charge of Burnside's Regiment at the first
Bull Run), the Marines made a week’s excursion to Boston,
encamping on the Common. Sherman's regular battery, also of
four guns, had visited that city some time before, but their drill
was looked upon simply as spectacular. When, however, the
Bostonians saw the exhibition repeated by a militia battery, in a
manner which elicited their highest encomiums, though drench-
ing rains fell almost every day, their enthusiasm became un-
bounded. They set to work at once to organize a similar com-
pany, and in a few weeks the officers of the first battery of light
artillery that ever existed in the Massachusetts militia came to
Providence, and were drilled by Colonel Balch and his officers
in the Arsenal on Benefit Street. Thus the Marine Artillery is
the own mother not only of all Rhode Island, but also of all
Massachusetts batteries, and from these gradually sprang all others
since organized east of the Rocky Mountains. But two other
pleasure trips have been made by the corps outside the state—
one, with muskets, to Stonington in 1842; the other, with full
battery of six twelve-pounder Napoleons, battery, wagon, and
forge, to Hartford, by rail, in 1869.
When the Hon. William Sprague was elected to the command
of the corps, he secured two additional brass pieces, thus making
it a six-gun battery, with complete equipment. The finest parade
it ever made was the complimentary reception tendered Colonel
THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. - 181
RHODE ISLAND IN THE REBELLION.— THE BURNSIDE EXPEDITION.—ATTACK ON THE CONFEDERATE FORTS AT ROANOKE ISLAND.
Sprague on his return from Europe, Jan. 24, 1860, and immedi-
ately prior to his first election to the gubernatorial chair. On
that occasion it numbered 105 men and seventy-three horses.
When the Rebellion broke out, the Marines started for Washing-
ton as a company, with 142 men, under command of Capt. Charles
H. Tompkins, leaving their armory on Thursday afternoon, April
18, at 3 o'clock, and marching to Fox Point, whence they sailed
at 5 P. M. for New York. They were the second command to
start for the protection of the national capital, the Thirteenth
Massachusetts preceding them but a single day. Again, in 1862,
and for an equal period (three months), the Marines entered the
field, this time under command of the late Capt. Edwin C. Gallup.
In the summer of 1863 the corps, with a small infantry support,
performed coast-guard service at the Bonnet entrance of West Pas-
sage for a month, under its state organization, Edwin C. Gallup
serving as lieutenant-colonel commanding the post. Prior to its
annual election in 1863, 1,552 men had enlisted, mostly at the
Arsenal, for the Light Artillery Regiment, and left the city under
the command of thirty-six officers. Moreover, 435 men, under
fifteen officers, enlisted here for the Third Regiment Heavy Artil-
lery. Hence, during the first two years of the war, there left the
armory of the Marine Artillery — sent from its armory to the
front — some two thousand two hundred and sixty-two men and
sixty-two officers. Verily, the old corps justly claims the proud
title of “Mother of Batteries.”
Of the active and past Marines that entered the national service,
forty-seven held commissions, from second lieutenant to brevet
brigadier-general in the three several arms and in the staff corps,
among whom were Gen. Charles H. Tompkins, Chief of Ar-
tillery of the Sixth Corps; Gen. John G. Hazard, Chief of the
Second Corps; Lieut-Col. John Albert Monroe, Chief of the
Second and Ninth Corps; Lieut-Col. William H. Reynolds, of
the First Rhode Island Light Artillery; Col. Henry T. Sisson,
of the Fifth Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers; Col. George
L. Andrews, of the Regulars; Col. Joseph Andrews, of an Iowa
Regiment; Col. Charles T. Robbins, of the Ninth Rhode Island
Volunteers, and Brevet Brig.-Gen. Joseph P. Balch, already men-
tioned, and besides Governor Sprague's chief officers, Adjutant-
General, the late Edward C. Mauran; Quartermaster-Gen. Ly-
man B. Frieze, and Paymaster-Gen. Jabez C. Knight.
During the ten years immediately succeeding the Rebellion,
the Marine Artillery maintained its independent existence, and
received orders from the governor alone. On the 19th of April,
holds the Arsenal.
1875, however, being willing to sacrifice many of its own inter-
ests for the general good of all, it voted again to accept the
provisions of the state militia law, and has faithfully observed the
various amendments that have been enacted from time to time.
It is represented in the line by Battery A, Rhode Island Militia,
all of whose officers and most of whose men are members of
the Marine Artillery, through the charter of which the battery
Capt. John A. Russell, of the battery, is, at
the same time, lieutenant-colonel of the Marine Artillery.
Among those who have faithfully served the Marine Artillery
in their day and generation, may be mentioned the late Mayors
William M. Rodman and Thomas A. Doyle, Chief-Justices
William R. Staples and Samuel Ames, Gov. Seth Padelford.
Senator Henry B. Anthony, Gov. Henry Lippitt, and Adjutant-
Gen. Elisha Dyer, Jr., have also been very efficient officers.
THE VETERAN Association of THE PROVIDENCE MARINE
CoRPs of ARTILLERY was organized Jan. 21, 1874. Its object is
to afford occasional opportunities to revive pleasant memories of
the past, to unite in sympathy graduates separated by many years,
and to secure, for the active corps, the benefit of their interest,
influence, and strength. It numbers about one hundred and fifty
members. Charles R. Myers is the present colonel, and George
B. Peck (late Lieutenant of Second Rhode Island Volunteers) is
adjutant, having held that position eleven years.
THE SLoCUM LIGHT GUARD. — The Mechanics Rifles were
chartered in October, 1854. The charter members were William
G. Pettis, George T. Dexter, James Seamans, Eben B. Cole,
Laban Tift, Thomas Bull, George O. Gorton, James S. Hudson,
William Whittaker, Samuel Brightman, Benjamin Himes,
George D. Cole, Abiel L. Leonard, Joseph Dudley, Daniel
Mathewson, Edward A. Luther, Edwin G. Luther, N. G. Totten,
James Houghton, Charles H. Snow, L. H. Tillinghast, Albert
C. G. Smith, Andrew J. Billings, Charles Bowers, William N.
Rounds, William H. Sherman, Henry B. Franklin, William B.
Spooner, Allen Hawkes, George B. White, Ezra Aylsworth,
George A. Williams, Benjamin F. Hancock, Mumford Read,
Erastus C. Eldridge, David R. Sherman, William H. Tanner,
Robert S. Brownell, and William Talbot.
It was originally chartered as a company, with captain and
three lieutenants. The first commander was First Lieut. Wil-
liam G. Pettis. The uniform consisted of a dark blue frock coat
with green trimmings, light blue trousers with green cord stripes,
black shako hat and green pompon. The equipments were

24
182
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
a white cross belt, with breast plate lettered “M. R.,” with the
old Austrian rifle with sabre bayonet for arms. This uniform
was regulation style of the United States Rifles, and fifty men
were enrolled. The charter was amended by the Assembly in
January, 1856, permitting regimental officers. At the April elec-
tion, 1855, Col. John S. Slocum was elected captain, and at the
next April election he was elected colonel, and held his position
until September, 1858, when his name was placed on the hon-
orary list, and Thomas F. Vaughn was immediately elected his
successor. At the April election following, Henry T. Sisson was
elected colonel. In January, 1861, Morris B. Morgan was lieu-
tenant-colonel ; David Heaton, major; James Aborn, adjutant;
George Capron, surgeon; George R. Whipple, paymaster;
Edwin G. Luther, quartermaster. They were organized at this
time as a battalion of three companies, A, B, C, Captains
David A. Peloubet, A. G. Bates, and Charles W. H. Day. In
the same year Morris B. Morgan was elected colonel, Charles
W. H. Day, lieutenant-colonel, and David Heaton, major. On
April 15, 1861, at the breaking out of the Rebellion, recruiting
for the First Regiment for three months’ duty began, and 309
men were soon enrolled, with Colonel Slocum, as major of the
regiment, and he was afterwards detailed by the War Depart-
ment to recruit the first three years’ regiment, the Second Rhode
Island Regiment, of which he became colonel, and was killed in
its first engagement at Bull Run. There were 124 recruits at the
armory for service in this regiment up to July 24th, and by August
26th, of the same year, 164 other recruits were received. The
battalion was thus practically broken up by the enlistments, and in
April, 1861, a Home Guard was formed, of which Jonathan M.
Wheeler was elected colonel. Colonel Wheeler resigned to take
the position of captain in the Fifth Rhode Island Volunteers.
William T. Lewis succeeded Colonel Wheeler in April, 1862.
In April, 1864, Stephen C. Arnold was elected lieutenant-
colonel commanding; and on May 30th he was promoted to the
colonelcy, and resigned Dec. 9, 1868. He was succeeded by
Charles H. Scott in April, 1869, and on November 22, of that
year, Colonel Harvey was elected. The next officer succeeding
Harvey was Col. John Worden.
In January, 1870, the charter was amended, changing the name
to the “Slocum Light Guard,” in honor of Col. John S. Slocum,
the name it still retains. A new uniform was adopted of white
bearskin cap, dark blue skirt coat with white trimmings, light
blue pants with white stripe; white waist-belt with silver buckles,
black enameled cartridge box and scabbard, with the monogram
“S. L. G.” thereon, with muskets of the old Springfield pattern
fifty-calibre, for equipments. Colonel Worden was succeeded
in April, 1870, by D. A. Dolan, and he by Maj. James H.
Smith as lieutenant-colonel commanding in April, 1872. In
April, 1873, Stephen C. Arnold was again elected colonel, and in
the next year Col. B. P. Swarts was elected colonel commanding
and held his office until 1877. In April, 1877, W. B. W. Hal-
lett was elected colonel, holding his commission for a year. Then
Colonel Swarts was reëlected in 1879, and held the office until
April, 1883, and was succeeded by Col. B. McSoley until 1885,
when Col. J. P. H. Wilbur was chosen present commanding offi-
cer. The organization was attached to the Second Brigade and
was known as Company B, Fourth Battalion. Upon the reorgan-
ization of the militia in 1879 under the present brigade system, the
Fourth Battalion, Companies B and D, were transferred to the
Second Battalion and were known as Companies E and D, which
name they now hold. The first armory of the corps was on Page
Street, formerly a fire-engine station, and the next was the hall of
No. 6 fire company, corner of Benefit and College streets. From
thence they moved to the Anthony building on Exchange Place,
then to the Reynolds' building on Weybosset Street, and in 1875,
they occupied their present quarters corner of Broad and Byron
streets, one of the most convenient and best appointed armories in
the city. On the present company roll there are forty-three men
and three officers. Captain, G. A. Forsythe, elected June 9, 1882,
first lieutenant, F. L. Forsthye, elected at the same time, and
second lieutenant, H. E. Williams, in 1885. Under the present
officers the company has attained a high order of discipline and
proficiency, and ranks among the best drilled corps in the state.
They have visited and entertained commands from New York,
Connecticut, and Massachusetts, and were also the first military
organization in the state to engage in a systematic rifle practice
under the Creedmoor system. There were several excellent marks-
men in the corps, who won the leading prizes at the establish-
ment of the Greenwood range. It was also the first organization
to tender an escort to the Grand Army on Memorial Day, and its
relations with that order are of the most fraternal character.
THE PROVIDENCE HORSE GUARDs were organized in September,
1842, after the close of the Dorr War, and incorporated under the
charter granted by the General Assembly, at its October session
for that year; and for many years after it was the only cavalry
company in the state. Almon D. Hodges, George W. Hallett,
Samuel G. Arnold, William W. Hoppin, John Giles, Moses B.
Ives, John A. Wadsworth, and Thomas J. Stead, were among
the charter members. The charter limited the organization to
2OO men, exclusive of officers. It declared that on the third Mon-
day of April in every year the company should meet to elect a
captain, four lieutenants, one adjutant with the rank of lieutenant,
and all other officers necessary for the training and disciplining of
the company. The captain, lieutenants, and adjutants were com-
missioned by the governor and engaged like the officers of the
militia. It was demanded that they should meet four times every
year for drilling, training, and field duty, and that whenever the
company shall be reduced to less than thirty members the charter
shall become null and void. The first election of officers was
held Sept. 17, 1842, and resulted as follows: Almon D. Hodges,
captain; George W. Hallett, first lieutenant; Samuel G. Arnold,
second lieutenant; William W. Hoppin, third lieutenant; John
Giles, fourth lieutenant, and John A. Wadsworth, adjutant. Under
the command of Captain Hodges it became a most efficient and
thoroughly drilled cavalry company. Upon his resignation,
April 25, 1845, George W. Hallett was unanimously elected to
succeed him. April 26, 1847, Captain Hallett declined a reëlec-
tion and William H. Potter was elected to command, but the in-
terest of the members soon waned and the organization went out
of active existence in a few years. Captain Hodges went to Rox-
bury, Mass., and organized and became the first captain of the
Roxbury Horse Guards at the time the war of the Rebellion
opened. -
In 1861, immediately after the first call for troops, the charter
was revived and the command reorganized in regimental form.
George W. Hallett was elected colonel; Henry L. Kendall, lieu-
tenant-colonel; Albert S. Gallup, major; Robert Manton, cap-
tain; Royal C. Taft, lieutenant; Thomas L. Dunnell, paymas-
ter; Usher Parsons, surgeon; Washington W. Hoppin, assistant
surgeon. The command was made up of prominent and wealthy
members of the community. Messrs. Alexander Duncan, Moses
B. Ives, Augustus O. Bourn, and others, were privates in the
ranks. The uniform adopted comprised a blue frock coat with
short skirts, brass shoulder scales, and yellow trimmings; dark
blue pantaloons with yellow stripes. The hat was of black felt,
with a high crown, with brim turned up on the right side and
fastened to the crown with a brass eagle. Black ostrich plumes
drooped backward from the crown, and crossed sabres ornamented
the front. A portion of one day in each week was devoted to
a field-drill on the IDexter Training Ground, and under the effi-
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
cient command of Colonel Hallett, with the aid of a
drill officer, detailed by the War Department, the
company was soon in condition to respond to any call
that might be made. The First Regiment of Rhode
Island Cavalry was composed of members of the
Horse Guards, consolidated with the New Hampshire
cavalrymen. The regiment was organized and drilled
at Pawtucket before proceeding to the front.
The training in the Horse Guards fitted a large pro-
portion of them to be efficient officers, and they dis-
tinguished themselves on many a bloody battle-field,
fighting bravely, as the records of Antietam, Kelly's
Ford, and other conflicts well show. Colonel Duffie,
in his official reports of these battles to Adjutant-Gen-
eral Mauran, spoke in enthuiastic terms of the courage
and good conduct of the men. He said: “ They have
fully justified every high hope, every noble impulse,
with which you sent them, and with which they came
to the field of war, to share either its glories or its
honorable graves.” While the war was in progress,
the organization at home was kept up, and prepared
many men for efficient service. In September, 1862,
the corps was detailed for special guard duty, under
the command of Lieut.-Col. Albert S. Gallup, at the
United States General Hospital, at Portsmouth Grove.
They were sworn into the United States army for this
service, and received many complimentary notices for
he excellent manner in which they performed their
duties. In 1863, when the riots in New York occurred,
the Horse Guards were on guard duty in this city three
days and nights. After the close of the war the inter-
est in the organization waned again, but the members
maintained a sufficient number of names on the roster,
and held their annual elections to keep their charter
valid.
During its earlier organization the company had no
armory, but used various halls and the armory of the
Marine Artillery. From 1863 to 1865 they occupied
the old armory of the First Light Infantry, on Meet-
ing Street, from there removing to Westminster Hall,
Westminster Street. Previous to 1863 all the uni-
forms and equipments were the property of the company, and all
the expenses were paid by the members. At that time the state
issued horse equipments, and in 1865 clothing was issued by the
general government. In January, 1870, the company met for the
annual inspection. The membership had dwindled down to less
than fifty men, and their only uniforms were of the regular army
pattern, given by the government at the close of the war, and not
fit for further use. Their sabres, saddles, and bridles, were of the
old condemned Washington lot, and worthless. Their muskets
were those used by the First Rhode Island Volunteers at the battle
of Bull Run. The company was about to disband, when Col.
Frederick Miller, its commander, inspired the members with new
life and courage. A meeting was held after the inspection, and
the command was reorganized. In a short time two companies
of fifty men each were formed, and new uniforms were procured.
These consisted of red frock coats, with short skirts, and blue,
yellow, and gold trimmings; light blue pantaloons, with broad
yellow stripes, and an Austrian metal helmet, mounted with an
eagle's head and a flowing white horsehair plume. Col. Frederick
Miller was reëlected. J. Lippitt Snow was elected lieutenant-
colonel; Stephen Brownell, major; Charles F. Taylor, adju-
tant; Sylvanus Burgess, quartermaster; Charles A. Hubbard,
paymaster; George B. Earle, commissary; and Thomas H.
Perry, surgeon. Augustus O. Bourn was elected captain of troop
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RHODE ISLAND IN THE REBELLION.— BURNSIDE'S WELCOME AT KNOXVILLE.
A, James A. Paine, first lieutenant, and Edwin Dean, second
lieutenant; Charles H. Sprague was elected captain of troop B,
John H. Joslin, first lieutenant, and Josiah A. King, second lieu-
tenant. The command prospered from that time. March 27,
1874, Colonel Miller was appointed brigadier-general of the
Second Brigade and resigned his position in the Horse Guards.
J. Lippitt Snow was elected colonel; Stephen Brownell, lieu-
tenant-colonel; Augustus O. Bourn, major; and Henry V. A.
Joslin, adjutant. When the state militia law was revised in 1875
the Providence Horse Guards and the Pawtucket Horse Guards,
organized in 1864, were consolidated in the First Battalion of
Cavalry. J. Lippitt Snow was made colonel; John W. Leckie,
of the Pawtucket company, lieutenant-colonel; Henry V. A.
Joslin, major. The Providence Horse Guards preserved its char-
tered regimental organization.
In 1879, when the militia was again reorganized, the Battalion
of Cavalry was reduced to two companies. Company A, of Provi-
dence, was disbanded, and the offices of colonel and lieutenant-
colonel were abolished. Maj. Henry V. A. Joslin commanded
the battalion until August 19, when he resigned. He was suc-
ceeded by Maj. George N. Bliss, who served three years and
was succeeded by Maj. Alexander Strauss, who is now in com-
mand, with the following field and line officers: Adjutant,
Thomas Child; surgeon, Charles Hayes; quartermaster, George




184
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
S. Tingley; paymaster, Holbert L. Gates; commissary, Ferdi-
nand Bray; chaplain, L. S. Woodworth. Company A, Paw-
tucket: captain, M. S. Boles; first lieutenant, Henry McIntyre;
second lieutenant, Curtis H. Bennett. Company B, Providence:
captain, A. L. McLaughlin; first lieutenant, William A. May-
nard; second lieutenant, Warren B. Hadley. They wear the state
uniform of blue with yellow trimmings. The Providence com-
pany now occupies commodious quarters on North Main Street.
The Providence Horse Guards have maintained their inde-
pendent organization, but they have not had any drills or parades
since they received and entertained the Roxbury Horse Guards
in 188o.
THE BURNSIDE GUARDs, FourtH BATTALION, RHODE ISLAND
MILITIA.—After the close of the war of the Rebellion, the colored
soldiers of this city who served with distinction in that great
struggle, resolved to form a military command, to be attached to
the state militia, and after the subject had been carefully canvassed,
Messrs. Moses F. Brown, Samuel Dorrell (formerly captain of the
old National Guards, a company in existence before the war), Zeb-
edee Howland, Leonard G. Phenix, John H. Munroe, and others,
issued a call for the purpose of forming a colored military com-
mand. An organization was effected on the evening of Aug. 14,
1867, in Richmond Hall, on High Street. Over one hundred
persons attended the meeting. Two companies of infantry were
formed under the name of Burnside National Guards, which were
afterwards attached to the Second Brigade, Rhode Island Militia.
The first officers of the Burnside National Guards were as fol-
lows: Major, Moses F. Brown; adjutant, George H. Black; quar-
termaster, John A. Creighton; paymaster, Ezra J. Morris; ser-
geant-major, Jerome Morgan; chaplain, the Rev. Thomas A.
Davis. Company A: Captain, John H. Munroe; first lieu-
tenant, William Scott; second lieutenant, William Johnson.
Company B: Captain, Zebedee Howland; first lieutenant, Leon-
ard G. Phenix; second lieutenant, Thomas Brinn.
When first organized the Guards were furnished with a uni-
form by the state, consisting of forage cap, dark blue dress coat,
and light blue trousers, the same as worn by the United States
army, and armed with Springfield muzzle-loading rifles. Their
first parade in public was on the occasion of the annual fall mus-
ter of the Second Brigade at “Camp Sheridan,” on Dexter
Training Ground, Oct. 11, 1867. Their next public appearance.
was on the occasion of the grand reception tendered to Gen.
Philip Sheridan in this city, Oct. 23, 1867. In December of this
year Company C was formed and added to the battalion, and it
was officered as follows:
Company C : Captain, Charles C. Johnson; first lieutenant,
Daniel Perry; second lieutenant, William A. Harris.
The three companies together made a public demonstration on
Jan. 1, 1868, accompanied by the full American Band. In 1870
the battalion purchased an independent uniform, consisting of
dark blue dress coat trimmed with light blue and gold, light
blue trousers with dark blue stripe, and shako with blue and
white pompons and white cross belts. This was in vogue until
the adoption of the present state uniform. Since its formation
the battalion has taken part in nearly every important military
display in the city and state, and has entertained as guests the fol-
lowing-named organizations: Schouler Guards, of New Bedford,
Mass. ; Shaw Guards, of Boston, Mass.; Cambridge Guards and
the Twenty-Ninth Union Guards, of Hartford, Conn.; Virginia
Guards, of Portsmouth, and the Petersburg Guards, of Peters-
burg, Va. The battalion has occupied since its inception, as
armories, Richmond Hall, High Street; old Infantry Armory,
Meeting Street; hall in Phenix building, Westminster Street;
hall 87 Canal Street, and their present commodious hall in the
third story of the building corner of Winter and Cranston streets.
From its beginning the organization has made an annual excur-
sion and visited outside of the state as follows: New Bedford,
Mass., 1868 and 1869; Hartford, Conn., 1871. They made an
excursion to Washington, accompanied by the Johnson Drum
Corps, of Worcester, Mass., to attend the inauguration of Presi-
dent Garfield. They were quartered in Georgetown, D.C., and
on the morning of March 4, 1881, went to Washington and were
assigned a position as the sixth organization in the first division
in the grand parade. During their stay in the capital they were
the guests of the Capital City Guards and the Washington Cadets.
Upon the reorganization of the militia in 1874, the Burnside
Guards, of Newport, were attached to the battalion as Company
D, and the name of the battalion changed to the Sixth Battalion
of Infantry and attached to the First Brigade. On the reorganiz-
ation of the militia again in 1879, the present Fourth Battalion
was formed by disbanding Company D, and consolidating Com-
panies A, B, and C, and reforming Companies A and B. The
past commanding officers of the Burnside National Guards are as
follows: Maj. Moses F. Brown, from 1867 to 1869; Maj. Zebe-
dee Howland, 1870, '71, ’73; Maj. George Black, 1872.
Sixth Battalion: Col. John H. Munroe, from 1874 to 1877;
Col. Lewis Kenegee, 1878. -
Fourth Battalion: Maj. Albert E. Smith.
The officers at the present time are as follows: Major, George
T. Smith; adjutant, Thomas Brinn ; commissary, Joseph H.
Munroe; quartermaster, William F. Jackson; paymaster, John
G. Brown; chaplain, the Rev. Mahlon Van Horne. Non-com-
missioned staff: sergeant-major, Edward B. Wheeler; commis-
sary sergeant, Archibald M. Smith ; quartermaster-sergeant,
George Mills; hospital steward, Edward A. Watts.
Company A : Captain, William H. Beckett; first lieutenant,
Elsey A. Rollins; second lieutenant, Robert W. Blunt.
Company B: Captain, Stephen J. West; first lieutenant, John
E. Fraser; second lieutenant, Franklin A. Brown.
John O. Creighton, drum major, ten pieces.
FIFTH BATTALION INFANTRY, (Rhode Island Guards).—
The battalion known as the Fifth Battalion of Infantry was
organized in 1865, soon after the late war of the Rebellion, and
named the Rhode Island Guards, as, at that time, none of our
military organizations were designated by numbers. -
It was organized under the general militia law of the state,
which, a year or so before, had been revised considerably. The
membership was made up almost entirely of men who had
seen service in the war just then closed; and who favored an
organization more in accord with, and in conformity to, army
regulations than the old charter companies, which, with their
numerous officers and meagre number of men, in comparison,
did not admit of. The present military system of the state con-
firms the soundness and desirability of the position then assumed.
Up to that time there had not been any really successful bat-
talion organization of our militia.
There were regiments formed during the war, under a general
militia law, which the condition of the times seemed to demand,
when it was thought necessary that every able-bodied man should
qualify himself for the performance of a soldier's duty, but they
enjoyed only an ephemeral existence.
The companies composing the battalion, and the dates when
their organization was officially recognized by the state authori-
ties, are as follows: Company A, in Providence, on Aug. 1, 1865,
and elected James Moran, captain; B, in Pawtucket, on the 14th,
with Michael McCarthy, captain; C, Central Falls, on the 16th,
Erastus E. Lapham, captain; D, Providence, on the 17th, John
Daily, captain; and E, Woonsocket, on the 18th, James O’Reil-
ley, captain, their commissions bearing the dates, respectively,
of the 1st, 14th, 19th, 20th, and 21st of August, 1865.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. - 185
The company officers met on Oct. 13, 1865, and perfected the
organization of the battalion, by electing Joseph Pollard, major.
He appointed, as his staff, commissions dated the 16th, Michael
O'Byrne, adjutant; John P. Cooney, quartermaster; and Frank
Johnson, assistant surgeon. He resigned on March 7, 1866, his
staff having resigned Feb. 22d, preceding. On June 11, 1866,
James O'Reilley, of Woonsocket, was elected major; but not
having accepted his commission within lawful time, Matthew
Curran, who had been captain of the Central Falls Company, was
elected major September 11th. He appointed as his staff, Patrick
Quinn, adjutant; John P. Cooney, quartermaster; and Frank
Johnson, assistant surgeon. Their commissions were dated Sept.
20, 1866.
Company F was organized in Olneyville, on May 15th, and
G was organized in Bristol on Aug. 27, 1866.
June 3, 1867, the number of companies now attached to the
battalion by law entitling them to a lieutenant-colonel, Matthew
Curran was elected to that position, and Patrick Quinn, major.
Colonel Curran appointed James Murphy, adjutant; James
Glancy, quartermaster; William Turner, assistant surgeon; and
the Rev. F. A. Lenihan, chaplain.
dated June 24, 1867. Adjutant Murphy was elected captain of
Company C, August 26th, and was succeeded by Henry E. Nut-
ting, on Sept. 16, 1867.
Company F, of Olneyville, was disbanded on April 29, 1868.
The next election was held on June 1, 1868, and Matthew Cur-
ran and Patrick Quinn were reëlected lieutenant-colonel and
major. The estaff was made up by the appointment of James
Kehoe, adjutant; James Glancy, quartermaster; William A.
Turner, assistant surgeon; and the Rev. Bernard O'Reilley, chap-
lain, all of date of June 24th. James Kehoe declined the ap-
pointment, and Peter Smyth was appointed on Oct. 30, 1868.
At the election held on June 8, 1869, James Moran was
elected lieutenant-colonel and James W. Smyth, major. Colo-
nel Moran had been captain of Company A, but within a month
resigned and went abroad, spending considerable time away, and
was elected lieutenant-colonel about a year after his return.
Major Smyth had been captain of Company E, of Woonsocket.
The commissions of the staff appointed were dated June 20,
1869. The following gentlemen constituted the staff: Charles E.
Gorman, adjutant; John P. Cooney, quartermaster; Thomas
J. A. Ryan, assistant surgeon; and the Rev. Matthias McCabe,
chaplain. June 7, 1870, James Moran was reëlected lieuten-
ant-colonel, and James W. Smyth, major. The staff of the year
before was reappointed. *
June 6, 1871, Colonel Moran was reëlected and James Larkin,
of Pawtucket, was elected major. Daniel J. Mykins, who served
in a New York regiment, reaching the rank of captain, and who
was with Colonel Moran on the other side of the water, was ap-
pointed adjutant; John P. Cooney, quartermaster; and Dr. Ryan,
assistant surgeon, reappointed; the Rev. William Halligan, chap-
lain. All commissions dated June 6, 1871.
In the election of 1872 there was no change made in the roster
of officers of the previous year. The Lonsdale Light Infantry,
a company organized a few years before, was attached to the bat-
talion as Company F, by order from the adjutant-general’s office,
they having by vote requested to be so assigned.
In 1873, by special act of the legislature, at the January session,
two more companies were added to the battalion, making eight
in all, and a full regimental organization was thus provided for.
The Wolfe Tone Guards, for some years past an independent
company, became Company G of the regiment, and a new com-
pany organized in Olneyville, Company H. The election for
field officers, held on May 5, resulted in the choice of Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Moran as colonel; Maj. James W. Smyth was elected
*
Their commissions were :
was elected major.
lieutenant-colonel; and Capt. John J. Moriarty, of Company C,
Central Falls, major. The staff appointed was James E. Sulli-
van, adjutant; John O'Connor, quartermaster; James Larkin,
commissary; Michael E. O'Brien, paymaster; and the Rev. John
S. Flynn, chaplain. Adjutant Sullivan resigned July 1oth and
Paymaster O’Brien was appointed to succeed him July 25th;
John McManus, of Providence, was appointed paymaster, same
date, vice O’Brien.
On Sept. 15, 1873, he having sent it in to the adjutant-general
of the state some weeks previously, Colonel Moran's resignation
was accepted; and in the election that followed to fill the vacancy,
Henri E. Bacon, of Pawtucket, who had been in the legislature
for several terms and had been very friendly to the battalion and
regiment in various ways, was elected colonel. &
At the election held on May 4, 1874, Jeremiah Costine, who
was captain of Company G, Wolfe Tone Guards, from its
formation up to that time, became colonel; James Larkin, lieu-
tenant-colonel, and Patrick Farrell, of Pawtucket, major. Thomas
Brady was appointed, adjutant; Garrett Walsh, quartermaster;
Michael A. Farrell, paymaster; John M. Brennan, commissary;
and Thomas C. Hennessey, surgeon. James Larkin did not
accept his commission and was succeeded by Francis L. O'Reilley,
of Woonsocket, as lieutenant-colonel on September 9th. Major
Farrell did not accept his, and was succeeded, same date, by
William Kelley, formerly captain of Company B, of Pawtucket.
The next election was held on May 10, 1875, and resulted in
the reëlection of Colonel Costine, with Edward A. Moran, for-
merly captain of Company A, of Providence, lieutenant-colonel,
who declined the commission; Hugh Hammill, of Providence,
Thomas Brady and Garrett Walsh were re-
appointed adjutant and quartermaster to date, May 14, 1875.
Colonel Costine resigned May 20, 1876, and the commissions
of his staff officers expired with his resignation. He was suc-
ceeded, June 8, 1876, by James Larkin, as colonel; Hugh
Hammill was elected lieutenant-colonel, and John McManus,
major. The staff appointed was James H. McGann, former
captain of Company A, adjutant; Patrick Farrell, quarter-
master; Patrick H. Egerton, of Central Falls, paymaster; James
H. Kelly, of Pawtucket, commissary; and the Rev. Robert J.
Sullivan, chaplain. -
June 8, 1877, Colonel Larkin, Lieutenant-Colonel Hammill,
and Major McManus were reëlected, and the staff of the previous
year was reappointed. All commissions bore date of June 8th.
During this year there was a reorganization of the militia, and
two companies, F, of Lonsdale, and H, of Olneyville, were dis-
banded and the name of the Rhode Island Guards ceased to be
officially recognized. By orders from the adjutant-general’s office
it was hereafter to be known as the Fifth Battalion of Infantry.
Under the new organization, on May 13, 1878, Major Mc-
Manus was elected lieutenant-colonel, and James Lyons, of Cen-
tral Falls, major. The old staff, according to law, having been
reappointed, held their commissions continuously. The new
appointees, Timothy O'Neill, surgeon, Edward Roach, paymas-
ter, and Edward M. Young, commissary, were commissioned to
date, July 31, 1878. &
The General Assembly at its January session, 1879, adopted
the militia law, under which the brigade of Rhode Island Militia
is now maintained. The necessary reorganization that followed,
was completed, as far as this battalion was concerned, June 16,
1879. Two more of the companies of the battalion, B, of Paw-
tucket, and E, of Woonsocket, were disbanded in order to reduce
the number of companies in the state to the number provided for
in the new militia law. * e
Colonel Moran, who had had no active connection with the bat-
talion for some years, was once more elected lieutenant-colonel,
186 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
BRIG.-GEN, ISAAC P. RODMAN,
Mortally Wounded at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. In honor of whom Rodman Post, No. 12,
G. A. R., Providence, was named,
and James Lyons, major. The staff which was appointed were
Edwin D. McGuinness, adjutant; William F. Kenney, surgeon ;
James E. Downey, quartermaster; William McPherson, com-
missary; Anthony Mungiven, paymaster; the Rev. Christopher
Hughes, chaplain,_ all of Providence, whose commissions bear
date of June 16, 1879. As provided for in the new law, the
terms of these officers were extended to four years; that of com-
pany officers to three years. Major Lyons resigned July 6, 1880,
having removed from the state; Adjutant McGuinness was elected
in his stead Jan. 19, 1881 : Paymaster Mungiven succeeded the
adjutant April 5; he was elected captain of Company D, July 7,
1883, and was succeeded by J. Joseph Devenish, of Providence,
whose commission bears same date. Surgeon Kenney resigned
March 13, 1882, and was succeeded by Dr. Dennis J. Sullivan,
of Providence, April 17. He resigned June 15, 1886, and the
position of surgeon is now vacant. Timothy F. Dwyer, of Provi-
dence, was appointed paymaster, vice Mungiven, April 5, 1881,
and now holds the position. Commissary McPherson was elected
captain of Company B, on June 27, 1882, and was succeeded by
Thomas Brady, of Providence, a former adjutant of the battalion,
June 29, of the same year, who continues in office.
At the election of field officers in 1883, there was no change in
officers or staff except those noted.
The battalion, as such, has attended to all calls for duty issued
by the state authorities during its existence, with promptness,
always appearing in good numbers. It has made many parades
in Providence, Pawtucket, and Woonsocket, independently, but as
an organization never left the state. All the companies now
attached to the battalion have made excursions to several adjoin-
ing states, and always creditably represented the military of
Rhode Island wherever they went.
The battalion, or some of the companies, have, almost every
year, entertained one or more companies from other states, and
fully sustained the credit of our own for hospitality.
The most notable military demonstrations in which the bat-
talion took part were, the reception of General Sheridan, the dedi-
cation of the Soldiers’ and Sailors' Monument on Exchange Place,
the reception of President Hayes, the funeral of General Burnside,
and the 250th anniversary of the founding of Providence.
The struggles of the battalion for existence, in its earlier years,
would make an interesting chapter in its history, but it must suf-
fice now to say that in the twenty-first year of its existence it
holds a creditable position beside the other military organizations
of the state and country.
During the encampment of 1886, of the Brigade of Rhode Island
Militia, at Camp U. S. Grant, Oakland Beach, the members of
the battalion thought it an appropriate time to observe their
twenty-first anniversary, so they selected the evening of Thurs-
day, September 9, and presented an entertainment consisting of
selections by the National Band, Thomas W. Hedly, leader;
readings by Mr. Dennis O'Reilley, of Providence, and a num-
ber of solos and quartettes by well-known male singers, under the
direction of Professor Jantz, organist of the cathedral, Providence.
all receiving the grateful thanks and appreciation of the entire
battalion and of the committee in charge — Colonel Moran, Com-
missary Brady, and Captains McPherson, Mungiven, Hackett,
and Neary.
A large number of invitations were sent out to the friends of the
battalion, also to state and city officers, and to all the military
officers on duty in camp. It was understood, of course, that the
rank and file of the brigade were welcome to be present, and a
goodly number of them were on hand. The entertainment was
given in the large mess tent of the battalion, which was filled to
overflowing with an appreciative audience, including a great many
ladies. The most notable personages present were His Excellency
Governor Wetmore, General Rhodes, commanding the brigade,
and Colonel Best, U. S. A., commanding at Fort Adams. Other
prominent men, in various walks of life, were present, but we
must omit the pleasure of making mention of them. The only
regret was that the programme could not be prolonged, owing to
the rules of the camp and the departure of the last train of the
night for the city.
MEAGHER GUARDs.-The Meagher Guards, now the crack
company of the Fifth Battalion, and for years one of the best
drilled and disciplined commands in the state militia, was organ-
ized in the Armory of the Mechanics Rifles, on Exchange Place,
on Tuesday evening, May 5, 1865. The promoters of this organ-
ization were veterans of the war of the Rebellion who had lately
returned from the field, and it is probably due to the excellent
discipline which they early enforced that the company has ever
since maintained such a high standard of excellence. The name
“Meagher Guards" was adopted as a compliment to General
Thomas Francis Meagher, and the company received official
recognition very soon after its organization. The first captain
was James Moran, the present lieutenant-colonel commanding the
Fifth Battalion, but he resigned his commission on the 22d of
August, as he was compelled to visit Ireland on important busi-
ness. Michael Costello succeeded to the command of the com-
pany, resigning on April 18, 1866, and Edward A. Moran was
elected captain and served until April 14, 1874, when he resigned.
James H. McGann next assumed command of the Meaghers,
remaining until Dec. 1, 1874. James E. Sullivan, now city physi-
cian of Fall River, followed Captain McGann as commandant of
the company, Dec. 1, 1874. Peter McHugh received his com-
mission as captain on May 30, 1875, and resigned July 24, 1876.
Thomas H. Powers was in command of the company on July 24,

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 187
1876, and resigned June 9, 1885, after a continuous term of ser-
vice of nine years. Captain Powers was succeeded by Bernard
Hackett, the present commandant.
The Meaghers first occupied the armory of the Mechanics Rifles,
later the Hawkins Hall on Canal Street, hall on Weybosset Street,
opposite the Post-Office, hall in the Harrington Opera House
building, hall in H. B. Aylsworth’s building, North Main Street;
the Meal Chest on Canal Street; Cooney's Hall, Canal Street;
Hennessey's Hall, Canal Street; Hope Hall, in Young & Lyon's
building, North Main Street, from which the Meaghers removed
to their present quarters, the old Infantry Armory on Dorrance
Street. The Meagher Guards have always been a hospitable and
enterprising organization. On the 21st of September, 1872, they
received and entertained the Jackson Guards, of Boston. On the
24th and 25th of August, 1874, they received and entertained
with an excursion, grand ball, and banquet, Company K, of the
New York Sixty-ninth Regiment. The cost of the reception and
entertainment was $1,150, yet so skillfully was everything man-
aged that more than $200 remained in the treasury after all bills
had been paid. The Meaghers participated in the centennial
celebration of the battle of Bunker Hill on the 17th of June,
1875, as guests of the Jackson Guards. Two months later the
Meagher Guards received and entertained the Jackson, Emmet,
and Sheridan Guards, of Boston. In May, 1882, the company
visited Portland, Me., as the guests of the Montgomery Guards.
They were accompanied by the American Band, and were royally
entertained by the Montgomeries at a grand ball and exhibition
drill. In August the Montgomery Guards came to Providence as
the guests of the Meaghers, and after an excursion to Rocky
Point they returned to the city and made a splendid street parade,
in which Companies E and F of the Second Battalion, Companies
A and D of the United Train of Artillery, Companies A and B,
First Battalion of Cavalry, and Companies A and B, Fourth Bat-
talion of Infantry, joined, making one of the finest military pro-
cessions seen in the streets of Providence for many years. In the
evening the Montgomery Guards were entertained at the ball
given in Infantry Hall, at which a splendid exhibition drill was
given by the visitors and the Meaghers. A banquet followed at
the Meagher Guards' armory on Dorrance Street. The company
participated in the parade at the inauguration of President Cleve-
land on March 4, 1885, leaving the city on Monday evening,
March 2d, and returning on Saturday morning, March 7th. The
Meagher Guards was one of the companies composing the old
battalion known as the Rhode Island Guards, and when the
militia was reorganized in 1879, the command became Company
A, Fifth Battalion of Infantry, and has ever since, as it had pre-
viously, maintained an enviable reputation for excellence in drill
and strict discipline.
THE EMMET GUARDs.-One of the prominent Irish-American
companies of the city and state is the Emmet Guards, Company
D, Fifth Battalion Infantry, which has played quite an important
part in the history of the militia of Rhode Island. On the 20th
of April, 1869, a meeting was held in the hall of the engine com-
pany on Page Street for the purpose of organizing an idependent
military corps. At this meeting Mr. James E. Downey acted as
chairman, and after the formation of a military organization had
been decided upon, it was determined to call the corps the “Em-
met Zouaves,” Capt. John Driscoll, Messrs. J. E. Downey and
M. F. McKenna were appointed a committee to draft a suitable
constitution and by-laws. The corps was organized and the first
colonel was James E. Downey. One of the most notable events
in the history of the Emmet Zouaves was the reception and en-
tertainment of the Sarsfield Guards, of New Haven, Conn., and
the Montgomery Guards, of Boston, Mass., on Sept. 20, 1869.
The visitors were taken to Ocean Cottage, where they enjoyed a
clam dinner and a day's outing, and on their return in the even-
ing the guests were given a grand ball in the City Hall. A year
or two after this the Emmet Zouaves were merged in the Emmet
Guards, which formed Company D of the Rhode Island Guards
Battalion. Capt. William H. Grimes was elected in 1871, and
was succeeded in 1872 by Capt. John Revens. In October, 1873,
James E. Curran was elected captain, and he held that position
until his death, in 1876. In May, 1877, Capt. John McElroy as-
sumed command of the company, and in July, 1884, Anthony Mun-
given, the present commandant, succeeded him. The first armory
of the Emmets was in the Harrington Opera House building, and
from that place they removed to the old market building at the junc-
tion of High and Broad streets. The old assembly rooms in the
Arnold Block on North Main Street was their next armory. From
there they removed to the hall in the building No. 98 Weybosset
Street, and from thence to their present quarters in the historic
old Academy of Music, Phenix building, on Westminster Street.
The Emmet Guards have now the best drill hall of any organiza-
tion in the brigade, and they promise to improve every opportu-
nity to aid in placing them still higher on the ladder of efficiency
and discipline. When the militia was reorganized the Emmet
Guards became Company D, Fifth Battalion Infantry.
WolfE Ton E GUARDs.- On the Ioth of July, 1869, a meet-
ing was held for the organization of an independent military com-
pany by a number of young Irish-Americans. This meeting was
so successful that in a few weeks the organization had been com-
pleted. The first captain was Jeremiah Costine, now the effi-
cient captain of the fifth police district. William McPherson
was the first lieutenant, and James Campbell second lieutenant.
This company was entirely independent, having no charter and
COL, JOHN S, SLOCUM,
Killed at the first Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861. Slocum Post, No. 10, G. A. R., Prov-
idence, was named in his honor.

188
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
receiving no state aid for a number of years, but supporting itself,
purchasing uniforms, arms, equipments, etc. Captain Costine
continued in command until 1872, when he was elected colonel
of the Battalion Rhode Island Guards. First Lieut. Wm. Mc-
Pherson was then promoted to the command of the company,
and he was succeeded in July, 1879, by Capt. John J. Dwyer.
Captain Dwyer remained in command of the company until
July 1, 1882, when he resigned, and Capt. Wm. McPherson was
again elected, and has since remained in command of the Wolfe
Tone Guards. In 1876 the Wolfe Tones became a part of the
Battalion Rhode Island Guards, and received recognition by the
state. During the greater part of its history this organization has
occupied the old Assembly rooms in the Arnold block, on North
Main Street, and its armory is there to-day. The Wolfe Tone
Guards have always extended military courtesy and true-hearted
hospitality to all visiting organizations, and have frequently been
the recipients of like courtesies. The Wolfe Tones compose B
Company of the Fifth Battalion Infantry. It is an organization
composed of young, bright, and active men, and the excellent
position they have already won is a guarantee of what may be
expected of them in the future. -
REORGANIZATION OF THE MILITIA.— For some time the plan
of reorganizing the militia had been under discussion, but not
until 1879 did the scheme begin to assume a tangible form. On
April Ioth, of that year, the General Assembly passed an act for
the reorganization of the state forces, which up to that time had
consisted of twenty-three companies of infantry, three of cavalry,
and two light batteries of artillery, all exclusive of three independ-
ent chartered organizations. The militia was organized with
one division of two brigades. Just before this act was passed the
Pawtucket Light Battery had applied for a change of their arm of
service from artillery to infantry, and the petition had been ap-
proved by the intermediate commanders and authorized by a spe-
cial order from adjutant-general’s office.
The new law allowed for but twenty companies of infantry,
two of cavalry, and one light battery, to be arranged as one brig-
ade, making it necessary to disband four companies of infantry and
one of cavalry. The law also provided that all members of the
militia should enlist for a term of years. The commanding offi-
cers of all companies in the state were appointed recruiting offi-
cers for the enlistment of the old men who desired to go into the
new service, and to take such numbers of suitable recruits as
would fill the quotas of the companies. The same authority was
conferred upon the commanders of independent companies, and
the limit allowed for recruiting was May 20, 1879, when all com-
panies desirous of entering the line were to report with at least
forty enlisted men. The order for recruiting was dated April
12, and about thirty-five days were allowed for the-work. When
that time had expired it was found that twenty-eight compa-
nies were ready to go into the line, that none of the independent
companies had recruited up to the required number and that one
only had attempted to do so. This made it necessary to disband
five companies, and on May 28, the order was issued from the
adjutant-general’s office for the disbandment of Company B, Fifth
Battalion of Infantry located at Pawtucket; Company E, Fifth Bat-
talion of Infantry, located at Woonsocket; Company D, Sixth
Battalion of Infantry, located at Newport; Company A, First
Battalion of Cavalry, located at Providence. By the same order
Companies A, B, and C, of the Sixth Battalion of Infantry, at
Providence, were consolidated into two companies, leaving but
twenty-three authorized companies in the state, which were mus-
tered into the state service on June 9, 1879. &
The militia having been accepted and mustered into service,
the company officers were chosen on June 9th, battalion officers
June 16th, and on the 23d of June the field officers elect assem-
bled in convention and nominated Elisha H. Rhodes for brigadier-
general. Gov. Charles C. Van Zandt approved the nomination
and appointed General Rhodes on June 25th, and thus the reor-
ganization of the militia of the state was completed. All the
officers who were in commission when the new law was passed
and who were not reëlected or reappointed were given honorable
discharges as fast as their services would be dispensed with. This
reorganization, one of the most radical ever attempted in the his-
tory of our militia, was accomplished with the highest degree of
success, and without any serious trouble. The brigade of militia
thus constituted consisted of three battalions of infantry of four
companies each ; one battalion of infantry of six companies; one
battalion of infantry (colored) of two companies; one two-com-
pany battalion of cavalry, and one battery of light artillery, at-
tached directly to brigade head-quarters. In May, 1879, an appro-
priation of $2,500 was made by the legislature for uniforms and
$7,500 for camp and garrison equipage. The first encampment
of the brigade was at Oakland Beach on September 2d, 3d, and
4th, the camp being known as “Camp Van Zandt.” The attend-
ance at camp was . Officers I 13, men 877; absent, officers 6,
men I 17; average per cent. present, 86.6. The discipline of the
camp was good. In 1880 $30,000 was appropriated for uniforms.
The attendance at camp, which was extended to five days that
year, was 88.2 per cent. In 1881 the Third Battalion of Infantry
was brought under discipline for non-attendance upon drills,
etc. Company C, located at East Greenwich, and Company D,
of Apponaug, were disbanded, and Companies A and B, of West-
erly, were attached to the First Battalion, the field and staff offi-
cers being honorably discharged. This reduced the militia to
151 officers and 1,242 men, the change in the Third Battalion
cutting off 16 officers and 108 men. In 1881 the attendance at
camp was 78.2 per cent. In that year the Signal Corps was or-
ganized with six members. In 1882 the brigade had 153 officers
and 1,085 men, and state colors were supplied to First, Second,
and Fifth Battalions of Infantry. In 1884, 1,10o rifles of the cal-
ibre of .45, 200 sets of infantry equipments, and two wrought-iron
three-inch guns were obtained from the War Department at
Washington. In the same year the militia began target practice.
In 1885 two Gatling guns were added to the state armament.
RostER of the Rhode Island MILITIA.
Governor and staff: George Peabody Wetmore, of Newport, governor,
and commander-in-chief; Brig.-Gen. Elisha Dyer; Jr., of Providence,
adjutant, inspector, and paymaster-general; Lieut.-Col. Hunter C.White, of
Providence, assistant adjutant-general; Brig.-Gen. Charles R. Dennis, of
Providence, quartermaster and commissary-general; Brig.-Gen. John C.
Budlong, of Providence, surgeon-general; Lieut.-Col. George H. Kenyon,
of Providence, assistant surgeon-general; Brig.-Gen. George Lewis Gower,
of Providence, judge advocate-general; Colonels Melville Bull, of New-
port, Charles A. Wilson of Providence, William P. Sheffield, Jr., of New-
port, Frank G. Harris, of Newport, Theodore A. Barton, of Providence,
and Isaac L. Goff, of Providence, aids to commander-in-chief.
Brigadier-General and staff: Brig.-Gen. Elisha H. Rhodes, of Provi-
dence; Lieut.-Col. Philip S. Chase, of Providence, assistant adjutant-
general; Lieut.-Col. George W. Carr, of Providence, medical director;
Maj. William J. Bradford, of Providence, assistant inspector-general;
Capt. John J. Jencks, of Providence, quartermaster; Capt. C. C. Maxon,
of Westerly, commissary; Capt. B. M. Bosworth, Jr., of Warren, judge
advocate; Capt. John Howe, of Providence, engineer; Capt. Thomas W.
Manchester, of Providence, provost-marshal; Captains John F. Clark and
Fred B. Burt, of Providence, aids-de-camp.
Signal corps: Capt. Peleg Macomber, of Providence, signal officer.
First Battalion of Infantry, head-quarters, Providence: Lieut.-Col. Wil-
liam H. Thornton, of Providence; Maj. Samuel T. Douglas, of Provi-
dence; First Lieut. James F. Phetteplace, of Providence, adjutant; First
Lieut. George A. Brug, of Providence, surgeon; First Lieut. Hezekiah
Martin, of Providence, quartermaster; First Lieut. Henry A. Claflin, of
Providence, commissary; First Lieut. Thomas F. Fessenden, of Provi-
dence, paymaster; First Lieut. Thomas R. Slicer, of Providence, chaplain.
Company A, Providence: George L. Butts, of Providence, first lieu-
tenant.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
189
Company B, Providence: Frank W. Peabody, of Providence, captain;
Oscar F. Hoxie, of Providence, first lieutenant; Henry B. Rose, of Provi-
dence, second lieutenant. sº -
Company C, Providence: Hiram Kendall, of Providence, captain; Wil-
liam Gottschalck, Jr., of Central Falls, first lieutenant; Allison W. Traf-
ford, of Providence, second lieutenant.
Company D, Providence: Edwin Draper, of Providence, captain; Sam-
uel J. Weeden, of Providence, first lieutenant; Arthur V. Warfield, of
Providence, second lieutenant. -
Company E, Westerly: Everett E. Whipple, of Westerly, first lieuten
ant; George V. Rogers, of Westerly, second lieutenant. º
Company F, Westerly: Rufus V. Woods, of Westerly, captain ; George
W. Norman, of Westerly, first lieutenant; Charles H. Ledward, of West-
erly, second lieutenant. -
First Machine Gun Platoon :
tenant. -
Second Battalion of Infantry, head-quarters, Warren: Lieut.-Col. Ben-
jamin B. Martin, of Warren; Maj. Bartholomew McSoley, of Providence;
First Lieut. W. Howard Walker, of Pawtucket, adjutant; First Lieut.
Byron Whitford, of Providence, surgeon; First Lieut. Charles S. Davol,
of Warren, quartermaster; First Lieut. Alfred H. Cheetham, of Paw-
tucket, commissary; First Lieut. Richard A. Sanderson, of Providence,
paymaster; First Lieut. Joseph J. Woolley, of Pawtucket, chaplain.
Company A, Warren : John W. Simister, of Warren, captain; Richard
R. Howland, of Warren, first lieutenant; Daniel S. Morrissey, of Warren,
second lieutenant. -
Company B, Newport: Philip F. Schneider, of Newport, captain; Wan-
ton W. Carlisle, of Newport, first lieutenant; Robert T. Mathewson, of
Newport, second lieutenant.
Company C, Bristol : John S. Morrissey, of Bristol, captain; Patric
McGovern, of Bristol, second lieutenant. -
Company D, Woonsocket: Frank M. Cornell, of Woonsocket, cap-
tain; Willard F. Bourne, of Woonsocket, first lieutenant; Walter I. Pierce,
of Woonsocket, second lieutenant.
Company E, Providence: George A. Forsyth, of Providence, captain;
Frank L. Forsyth, of Providence, first lieutenant; Henry E. Williams, of
Providence, second lieutenant.
Company F, Pawtucket: Charles Rittmann, of Pawtucket, captain;
Giles W. Easterbrooks, of Pawtucket, first lieutenant; Louis P. Rittmann,
of Central Falls, second lieutenant.
Fourth Battalion Infantry, (colored), head-quarters, Providence: Maj.
George T. Smith, of Providence; First Lieut. Thomas Brinn, of Provi-
dence, adjutant; First Lieut. William F. Jackson, of Providence, quarter-
master; First Lieut. Joseph H. Monroe, of Providence, commissary;
First Lieut. John S. Brown, of Providence, paymaster; First Lieut. Mah-
lon Van Horne, of Newport, chaplain. -
Company A, Providence: William H. Beckett, of Providence, captain;
Elza A. Rollins, of Providence, first lieutenant; Robert W. Blount, of
Providence, second lieutenant.
Company B, Providence: Stephen J. West, of Providence, captain;
John E. Fraser, of Providence, first lieutenant; Franklin A. Brown, of
Providence, second lieutenant.
Fifth Battalion of Infantry, head-quarters, Providence: Lieut.-Col.
James Moran, of Providence; Maj. Edwin D. McGuinness, of Providence;
First Lieut. J. Joseph Devenish, of Providence, adjutant; First Lieut. James
E. Downey, of Providence, quartermaster; First Lieut. Thomas Brady, of
Providence, commissary; First Lieut. Timothy F. Dwyer, of Providence,
paymaster; First Lieut. Christopher Hughes, of Providence, chaplain.
Company A, Providence: Bernard Hackett, of Providence, captain;
Robert H. Ormsbee, of Providence, first lieutenant; John Kelley, of Provi-
dence, second lieutenant.
Company B, Providence: William McPherson, of Providence, captain;
Thomas H. Donahoe, of Providence, first lieutenant; William P. Dillon,
of Providence, second lieutenant.
Company C, Central Falls: John Neary, of Central Falls, captain;
Thomas W. Curran, of Central Falls, fifst lieutenant; John Walsh, of
Central Falls, second lieutenant.
Company D, Providence: Anthony Mungiven, of Providence, cap-
tain; John F. Reilley, of Providence, first lieutenant; James Dunn, of
Providence, second lieutenant.
First Battalion of Cavalry, head-quarters, Providence: Maj. Alexander
Strauss, of Pawtucket; First Lieut. Thomas Child, of Providence, adjutant;
First Lieut. Charles Hayes, of Providence, surgeon; First Lieut. George
S. Tingley, of Pawtucket, quartermaster; First Lieut. Ferdinand Bray, of
Pawtucket, commissary; First Lieut. Hobert L. Gates, of Providence,
paymaster; First Lieut. Leverett S. Woodworth, of Rumford, chaplain.
Company A, Pawtucket: Michael S. Boles, of Central Falls, captain;
William Ely, of Providence, second lieu-
25 .
Henry McIntyre, of Pawtucket, first lieutenant; Edward T. Jones, of Paw-
tucket, second lieutenant.
Company B, Providence: Arthur McLaughlin, of Providence, captain;
William A. Maynard, of Providence, first lieutenant; Warren B. Hadley,
of Providence, second lieutenant. -
Battery A, Light Artillery, Providence: John A. Russell, of Providence,
captain; Andrew Gray, of Providence, senior first lieutenant; Edgar R.
Barker, of Providence, junior first lieutenant; Charles H. Weaver, of
Providence, second lieutenant. -
Newport Artillery, Newport: Col. Jere. W. Horton, of Newport; Lieut.-
Col. George A. Brown, of Newport; Maj. Alvin A. Barker, of Newport;
Capt. George C. Shaw, of Newport; First Lieut. John H. Witherell, of
Newport, adjutant; Maj. S. H. Sears, of Newport, surgeon; First Lieut.
William C. Stoddard, of Newport, assistant surgeon; First Lieut. Ed-
ward T. Bosworth, of Newport, paymaster; First Ilieut. William T.
Stevens, of Newport, commissary; First Lieut. Thatcher Thayer, of New-
port, chaplain.
United Train of Artillery, Providence: Col. Cyrus M. Van Slyck, of
Providence; Lieut.-Col. E. Winsor, of Providence; Maj. J. F. Duffy, of
Providence; First Lieut. David J. Snyder, of Providence, adjutant; First
Lieut. Max Stirn, of Providence, quartermaster; First Lieut. Edmund C.
Danforth, of Providence, paymaster; First Lieut. William N. Otis, of
Providence, commissary; Maj. Albion D. Weeks, of Providence, surgeon;
First Lieut. George F. Keene, of Providence, assistant surgeon.
Company A, Providence: E. M. Clarke, of Providence, captain.
Company C, Providence: Benjamin W. Smith, of Providence, captain;
Robert R. Carr, of Providence, first lieutenant; J. T. Downing, of Provi-
dence, second lieutenant.
Company D, Providence: J. F. Mumford, of Providence, captain; John
F. Hennessey, of Providence, first lieutenant; John Prior, of Providence,
second lieutenant. -
Bristol Train of Artillery, Bristol : Col. Clark H. Straight, of Bristol;
Lieut.-Col. M. J. O’Connor, of Bristol; Capt. Thomas H. Brown, of Bris-
tol; Lieut. Frank H. Duffy, of Bristol.
RHODE ISLAND IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION.
The annual report of Adjutant-General Crandall for the year
1865, at the close of the war of the Rebellion, shows that “The
quota of Rhode Island under all the calls for troops made by the
President of the United States, during the continuance of the
war, was 23,778. Of the gallant men thus furnished by the state,
13,338 were placed in the army and navy under the administra-
tion of Gov. James Y. Smith; the residue, Io,440 men, having
entered the national service under his immediate predecessors in
office, Governors William Sprague and William C. Cozzens. It
is a fact creditable to the state, in the highest degree, that the
number of men it sent into the field was in excess of all liable
under the law to do military duty. But one state in the Union has
furnished to the general government so large a force in proportion
to population.” -
“The entire forces sent into the service by the State of Rhode
Island consisted of eight regiments of infantry, (three for three
months and two for nine months), three regiments and one squad-
ron of cavalry, (the squadron for three months), three regiments
of heavy artillery, one regiment of light artillery, consisting
of eight batteries, two light batteries, (unattached) for three
months’ service, and a company of infantry stationed at Lovell
General Hospital, Portsmouth Grove, as hospital guards,” and
were as follows: *
First R. I. Volunteers, Infantry, three months, 58 officers, 1,112 men.
Second R. I. Volunteers, Infantry, three years, 167 officers, 1,506 men.
Fourth R. I. Volunteers, Infantry, three years, 138 officers, 1,074 men.
Ninth R. I. Volunteers, Infantry, three months, 48 officers, 819 men.
Tenth R I. Volunteers, Infantry, three months, 47 officers, 601 men.
Seventh R. I. Volunteers, Infantry, three years, Io; officers, 937 men.
Eleventh R. I. Volunteers, Infantry, nine months, 63 officers, 990 men.
Twelfth R. I. Volunteers, Infantry, nine months, 80 officers, 1,044 men.
Hospital Guards, Infantry, three years, 3 officers, 106 men.
First R. I. Cavalry, three years, 147 officers, 1,351 men.
Seventh Squadron R. I. Cavalry, three months, 9 officers, 175 men.
Second R. I. Cavalry, three years, 35 officers, 814 men.
Third R. I. Cavalry, three years, 66 officers, 1,223 men.
I 90
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
Third R. I. Heavy Artillery, three years, 219 officers, 2,155 men.
Fifth R. I. Heavy Artillery, three years, Ioo officers, 1,231 men.
Fourteenth R. I. Heavy Artillery, three years, 82 officers, 1,814 men.
First R. I. Battery, three months, 6 officers, 140 men.
Tenth R. I. Battery, three months, 5 officers, 142 men.
First R. I. Lt. Art., Battery A, three years, 21 officers, 284 men.
First R. I. Lt. Art., Battery B, three years, 21 officers, 351 men.
First R. I. Lt. Art., Battery C, three years, 17 officers, 273 men.
First R. I. Lt. Art., Battery D, three years, 15 officers, 293 men.
First R. I. Lt. Art., Battery E, three years, 19 officers, 375 men.
First R. I. Lt. Art., Battery F, three years, 15 officers, 302 men.
First R. I. Lt. Art., Battery G, three years, 19 officers, 300 men.
First R. I. -
Lt. Art., Battery H, three years, 14 officers, 337 men.
The naval record of enlistments from this state is as follows:
Regular navy, 52 officers, 477 men; marine corps, I man; clerks,
etc., 3 men; volunteer naval force, I 12 men.
The number of enlistments divided among the several arms of
the service is as follows: Infantry, Io,832; cavalry, 4,394; light
artillery, 2,977; heavy artillery, 5,644; navy, 645. *
The First Regiment Rhode Island Detached Militia being a
three months’ regiment, was engaged only in the first battle of the
Rebellion, that of the first Bull Run, on Sunday, July 21, 1861,
in which its loss was one officer, Lieut. Henry A. Prescott, of
Company D, and eleven men killed, and thirty-two men wounded.
The regiment was mustered into the service April 20, and mus-
tered out Aug. 2, 1861. -
The Second Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers was recruited
early in the summer of 1861, by Col. John S. Slocum, in re-
sponse to the call of the President for troops to serve three years
or during the war, under an order from Governor Sprague, at
Camp Burnside, on the Dexter Training Ground, in Providence.
The regiment left Providence June 22d, and encamped in Wash-
ington until the battle of Bull Run, July 21st, in which it lost
heavily in officers and men, but made a record for bravery and
steadiness which it ever after sustained. Colonel Slocum, Major
Ballou, Captains Tower and Smith, and twenty-eight men were
killed, and fifty-six officers and men wounded. During its three
years of service, later, it fought in the battles of Yorktown, Wil-
liamsburg, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Marye's
Hill, Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, Wil-
derness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Fort Stevens,
and Opequan, and by orders from the War Department, March
7, 1865, the names of all these battles in which it had borne so
meritorious a part, were authorized to be inscribed on its colors.
The regiment was mustered in at Providence, June 19, 1861,
and the three years’ men were mustered out at Providence, June
17, 1864. Companies A, B, and C of reënlisted veterans re-
mained on the field, and new Companies D, E, F, G, and H,
were recruited and sent forward to serve during the war. The
regiment was mustered out at Hall's Hill, Va., July 13th, and
reached home at midnight, July 17th, receiving the royal wel-
come it deserved.
The Fourth Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers was recruited
and organized by Col. Justus McCarty, of the regular army, at
Camp Greene, between Olneyville and Apponaug, in September,
1861. On the 2d of October it embarked at Providence for
Washington, and arrived there on the 6th.
The regiment was with Burnside in the Ninth Army Corps, in
the North Carolina Campaign, and afterwards joined the Army of
the Potomac, on the Peninsula, and engaged in many of its bat-
tles. From the time of its departure from Providence to Sept.
9, 1863, the Fourth broke camp eighty-five times, made heavy
marches in three rebel states, going within eight miles of Rich-
mond, and took part in the battles of Roanoke Island, New Berne,
Fort Macon, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Suf-
folk, Weldon Railroad, Poplar Spring Church, and Hatcher's
Run so meritoriously, that all these battles are inscribed on its
colors by orders from the War Department, March 7, 1865. Dur-
ing its three years' service it enlisted 1,025 men, and lost 295 in
killed, wounded, and by disease. It was mustered out at Provi-
dence, October 15th, and 175 veterans reënlisted and served to
the close of the war. Patriotism and fidelity are the sum of its
honorable record.
The Ninth Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers was organized
in May, 1862, in Providence, in four days, by Col. Charles T.
Robbins, when Stonewall Jackson's rebel army was threatening
Washington. Colonel Robbins accompanied the regiment to
Washington, where Col. John T. Pitman took command July 3,
1862, and marching the regiment to Tennallytown, established it in
“Camp Frieze” for a month of drill. It passed a hot summer
in garrison duty, relieving the Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Regiment
to join McClellan on the Peninsula. Though not engaged on the
field, the important duties assigned to it were so well and faith-
fully performed, that it was a credit to the regiment and the
state. Its term of enlistment expired in August, and it reached
Providence on its return Aug. 31, 1862, and was paid off and
mustered out a few days afterward. -
The Tenth Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers, drawn from
companies in Providence belonging to the “National Guards,”
which had been organized for state defense or any other emer-
gency, was organized under order of the governor, on receipt of
the news of the defeat of General Banks in the Shenandoah Val-
ley. May 26th at 1 o'clock, A. M., the governor issued orders to
the National Guards to organize for active duty; at 9 o'clock the
companies met at their armories; at 7 o'clock that evening, 613
men reported to the governor ready to march, and the next day,
27th, the regiment left for Washington in command of Col. Zenas
R. Bliss, arriving on the 29th. July 1st it marched to Tennally-
town, and passed its three months' term in garrison duty in
the earth-work forts defending Washington. August 6th, Colonel
Bliss resigned to command the Seventh Regiment, and Col.
James Shaw, Jr., took command to the end of the term. It
returned to Providence late in August, and was mustered out of
service September 1st. It returned to Providence with 674 men,
two having died during the term of service. Ex-Gov. Elisha
Dyer served as a captain in the Tenth Regiment.
The Seventh Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers was recruited
and organized to serve during the war under general orders issued
May 22, 1862, by Welcome B. Sayles, of Providence, who was
commissioned lieutenant-colonel. “Camp Bliss” was established
at South Providence for drill and camp duty, and September Ioth,
with nearly its maximum number of one thousand men, the regi-
ment broke camp and in command of Col. Zenas R. Bliss, left
for Washington and arrived there on the 12th. Its first engage-
ment was at the battle of Fredericksburg, December 13th, where
it exhibited the most unflinching bravery, but suffered severely,
14o being killed or wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Sayles was
instantly killed by a fragment of a shell; Maj. Jacob Babbitt
mortally wounded, and Adjutant Page and eight other officers
wounded. The regiment next went with General Burnside and
the Ninth Corps to the “Department of the Ohio,” where it
served until April, 1864, when it returned to the Army of the
Potomac, with which it continued until mustered out of service
at Alexandria, Va., June 9, 1865, with a good record and with
the battle names of Fredericksburg, Siege of Vicksburg, Jack-
son, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Wel-
don Railroad, Poplar Spring Church, and Hatcher's Run inscribed
on its colors by general orders of the War Department, for its mer-
itorious services on these fields. The Seventh enlisted during its
term of service 1,041 officers and men, of whom twenty-nine
were killed, 300 were wounded, and 157 died from disease.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 191
The Eleventh Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers was enlisted
at Camp Stevens, on the Dexter Training Ground, in Providence,
in the late summer of 1862, under the call issued by Presi-
dent Lincoln, August 4, for 300,000 men to serve nine months,
the people of Rhode Island responding to that call with great
promptness and enthusiasm. Under the direction of Capt. Al-
bert C. Eddy, Soo men were soon enlisted in this city, including
two entire companies raised through the efforts of the Young
Men's Christian Association, and with 200 more recruits from
other towns, the ranks were filled by September 23, with Col.
Edwin Metcalf (formerly major of the Third Rhode Island Heavy
Artillery) in command. October 1st it was mustered into service:
on the 4th it performed escort duty at the funeral of Gen. Isaac
P. Rodman, in Providence; on the evening of the 6th broke camp
and left for Washington where it arrived on the 8th. It was
engaged in various camp, garrison, picket, and supporting duties
until May 22d, and, though several times drawn up in line of
battle, was never called into action, but suffered greatly from the
heat and long marches. At the expiration of its term of service,
it left camp for home July 20 and arrived the 6th, receiving a
warm welcome with military honors and a banquet, and a few
days after was mustered out of the service. The regiment re-
turned home with 838 men and 38 officers, leaving 55 men in
the hospital, I commissioned officer and 3 privates on detached
service. Seven deaths occurred during the nine months’ service
of the regiment, from disease.
The Twelfth Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers, the next nine
months’ regiment from this state, commenced recruiting at “Cannp
Stevens,” on the Dexter Training Ground before the Eleventh
had left for the front. The Hon. George H. Browne, of this
city, was appointed its colonel Sept. 18, 1862, and in less than a
month, under his energetic efforts, eighty officers and over one
thousand men were enlisted. October 13th the regiment was
mustered into the service of the United States, and on the 21st left
for Washington. December 13th it was engaged in its first battle
at Fredericksburg, where it doggedly held one of the hottest posi-
tions on the field until night, and only retreated after it had fired
away all its ammunition, when it joined the retreating column
and fell back to its former position at Fredericksburg. Roll call
after this battle showed Io9 killed and wounded and ninety-five
missing, though many of the latter afterwards came in. After
remaining in camp until Jan. 9, 1863, it went with the Ninth
Corps to the Peninsula and camped on the James River until
greatly improved in health. After various marchings and counter-
marchings, it was ordered to Vicksburg to support General Grant,
and made long and weary marches in Kentucky, but before
reaching Vicksburg, was ordered to return and arrived at Som-
erset, Ky., June 9, 1863, after marching over dusty roads and
under a broiling sun 100 miles in six days, but when the regi-
ment halted and stacked arms, the roll was called and every
man was found in the ranks. The term of service of the Elev-
enth expired July 12th, and it arrived in Cincinnati on the 15th,
on its way home, but at request of General Burnside, remained
there a week guarding the approaches to that city against a
threatened attack by Morgan's guerrillas, and started for Provi-
dence again on the 19th and arrived on the 22d, receiving mili-
tary honors and a cordial and enthusiastic welcome home from
the multitude that crowded the streets, and a feast at Howard
Hall, provided by the state. The regiment returned with nearly
eight hundred men, 706 of whom answered the roll call for
duty on their arrival here, and were paid off and mustered out
of the service July 29. During its nine months’ service, the
Twelfth traveled 3,500 miles, 500 miles of it on foot, which gave
the regiment its familiar camp name of the “Trotting Twelfth,”
which it is still called by the veterans.
MAJ, SULLIVAN BALLOU,
Killed at the first Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861. Ballou Post, No. 3, G. A. R., Central
Falls, was named in honor of his memory.
The Hospital Guards, Rhode Island Volunteers, was a company
of infantry enlisted under an order from the War Department,
dated Oct. 4, 1862, and was mustered into service by Capt. William
Silvey, U. S. A., December 6, for garrison and guard duty at the
National Hospital, at Portsmouth Grove. Early in 1862, the hos-
pitals being then crowded with sick and wounded soldiers, through
the efforts of friends of Rhode Island sufferers to aid them, and
on May 19th on application of Governor Sprague, the Surgeon-
General of the United States authorized a hospital for sick and
wounded Rhode Island soldiers, to be established at Portsmouth
Grove, which was entitled the “Lovell General Hospital,”
located at the above named place on the west shore of the island of
Rhode Island, in charge of Surgeon Harris of the Seventh Regi-
ment Rhode Island Volunteers. Gen. Charles T. Robbins was
ordered, July 26, by Governor Sprague to detail a guard from
active militia, for military duty at the United States Hospital, Ports-
mouth Grove, as a military police to preserve internal order and
to prevent intrusion from without. This arrangement continued
until November 15, when a detachment of the company being en-
listed by Capt. Christopher Blanding under government orders, as
a permanent garrison of the post, as stated above, was sent to the
hospital to relieve the militia. Only such soldiers as had been
disabled in the field but were fit for garrison duty were allowed
to join this company. Capt. Christopher Blanding, Lieuten-
ant-Colonel of Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, was dis-
abled by field service in the South : Lieut. William S. Chace, Cap-
tain of the Fourth Rhode Island Volunteers, wounded in the face
at the battle of New Berne, and Lieut. John H. Hammond, shot
through the arm and leg at the battle of Fair Oaks while serving
in the First Rhode Island Light Artillery, and all the privates

19
2
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
CAPT. LEV1 TOWER,
Killed at the first Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861. Tower Post, No. 17, G. A. R., Paw-
tucket, was named in his honor.
were also disabled men. The duties of the company were regu-
lar garrison duties; a chain of sentinels encircled the camp, and
the guard house was under the commander's control, to which all
prisoners were committed, and the company was the provost
guard to execute the rules and regulations of the hospital, and
enforce the discipline necessary in so large a camp of soldiers
from different regiments of the Union Army. The hospital was
composed of several one-story wooden buildings, cool in summer,
and comfortably warm in winter, and occupied quite a large area
of ground, with every convenience and appliance for the comfort
and convalescence of the sick and wounded soldiers gathered
there from this and other states, and under charge of Surgeon
Edwards, was deemed one of the best army hospitals in the coun-
try. After one of the battles in the South, a large number of
rebel soldiers were brought here, and received the kindest care
and treatment, some of whom died and were buried on the island.
During the summers of 1863–64–65, the Lovell Hospital was a
popular place of resort, and was constantly attended by ladies and
children from this city and other places in the state, who bestowed
upon the sick and wounded soldiers, generous supplies of luxuries,
delicacies, and necessaries, to their relief and gratification. Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Freedley, U. S. A., when mustering out the com-
pany in August, 1865, complimented it as being composed of the
best behaved troops he had discharged from the public service
in Rhode Island. The “Lovell General Hospital” was closed
Aug. 25, 1865, and the guards discharged and resolved again into
private citizens.
The First Regiment of Rhode Island Cavalry was originally
composed of three battalions, two of which were recruited by this
state and one by New Hampshire, under a modification of an
order of the War Department, dated Sept. 27, 1861, for organiz-
ing a regiment of cavalry to be composed of companies or squad-
rons recruited in the New England States. General Gould, with
Maj. Willard Sayles and Maj. William Sanford, were actively
engaged in enlisting men in this state, while the squadron of four
companies were enlisted in New Hampshire under the direction
of Col. Robert B. Lawton. The regiment was organized in
the autumn of 1861, to serve three years, or during the war,
under command of Geo. W. Hallett, temporarily, who was sub-
sequently appointed Chief of Cavalry for Rhode Island. March
12th the Second Battalion, under Major Sanford, left for Washing-
ton, followed on the 14th by the First and Third Battalions. On
the 3oth of March the regiment was attached to General Hatch's
cavalry brigade of the Fifth Corps, commanded by Major-General
Banks, then in the valley of the Shenandoah. From this time
it was in active duty with the Army of the Potomac, until it
marched to camp at Manassas, June 17, much worn by hard ser-
vice, and here received a visit from Governor Sprague. Colonel
Lawton having resigned, Maj. Alfred N. Duffie, an accom-
plished French officer of the Second New York Harris Light
Cavalry, was appointed colonel to succeed Colonel Lawton.
After a varied active duty in the field through 1863–4, and
engaging in several battles and many skirmishes, always
winning credit, early in August, 1864, the regiment joined
General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, and with his force,
participated in his movements against Gen. Jubal Early. It
was engaged in skirmishes and battles at Charlestown, Kernys-
ville, Smithville, Berrysville, Summit Point, Opequan Creek,
Winchester, Fisher’s Hill, Milford Creek, New Market, Waynes-
boro’, (where Capt. George N. Bliss was wounded and taken
prisoner,) Kernstown, Cedar Creek, and Road's Hill. Jan. 1,
1865, it was consolidated into a battalion of four companies, and
after the battle of Waynesboro’, where General Early’s forces were
routed, returned to Winchester in charge of the prisoners cap-
tured, and August 23d was mustered out of the service at Balti-
more. The regiment, now a battalion of 335 men, arrived in
Providence August 5th, and was received with a salute by the Ma-
rine Artillery, an escort by the Providence Horse Guards, Col.
Fred Miller, and a handsome collation provided by Com-
missary-General Crandall, and the men were paid off and dis-
charged, August 15th, by Paymaster Major Hapgood, U. S. A.
This regiment had enlisted, during its service 1,498 officers and
men, of whom 11 were killed, 43 wounded, and 73 died from
disease.
The Seventh Squadron of Rhode Island Cavalry consisted of
two companies. Company A, Capt. Christopher Vaughn, was
enlisted mostly in Providence, and Company B, Captain Sanford,
was composed of students of Dartmouth College, New Hampshire,
and of Norwich University, Vermont, who offered themselves to
Governor Sprague for three months’ service, and were accepted
by him. The student company arrived in Providence June 18,
1862, and went into camp on the Dexter Training Ground.
The squadron was mustered into the United States service
June 24th, and on the 28th departed for Washington, where it
arrived next day and quartered first in “Camp Clark,” and after-
wards in “Camp Sprague.” July 25th the squadron was trans-
ferred to General Wadsworth’s command, and located at Alexan-
dria, Va., and from there it moved to Winchester where it was
constantly engaged in picket duty and scouting until September,
and while there, though its three months' term had nearly expired,
the officers and enlisted men volunteered to remain on duty until
the rebels were all driven out of Maryland, and on September 24,
it was sent on a scouting expedition as far as Newtown and Middle-
bury, and took several rebel soldiers prisoners. Finding Win-
chester on fire on their return, at night, they joined the other

THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. I 93
troops in their retreat to Harper's Ferry. Picket duty filled up
their time here until they started for Greencastle, Md., where it
arrived September 17th, in good temper and condition to take
part in the bloody battle of Antietam, had it been called to that
duty. With the expulsion of Lee's army from Maryland, the
work of the squadron was finished, and it started for Providence,
arriving here Sept. 26, 1862, and was quartered in the Silvey
Barracks, and a few days after was given a complimentary dinner
at Humphrey's rooms, by Capt. Albert C. Eddy. Though the
service was short, it was creditable to the squadron, to its com-
mander, Maj. Augustus W. Corliss, of Waltham, Mass., and to
the state.
The Second Regiment Rhode Island Cavalry was organized
in 1862. On the thirty-first day of August of that year the War
Department of the government issued orders for the First Bat-
talion to be commanded by Maj. Augustus W. Corliss, then the
senior officer of the Seventh Squadron of Rhode Island Cavalry.
The First Battalion was filled by Dec. 24, 1862, and the Second
by Jan. 9, 1863, and Major Corliss was promoted to be lieu-
tenant-colonel. The two battalions were ordered to join Major-
General Banks, and arrived in New Orleans in time to take part
in the first advance on Port Hudson, March 14, 1863. Company
B was detailed, and acted as body-guard to General Banks until
March 25th. The regiment was with the force engaged in the
Tèche Expedition and participated in the battles of Bisland and
Franklin, and during the siege of Port Hudson was actively em-
ployed in scouting and foraging. June 20th the regiment with
the Fifty-second Massachusetts and the Sixth and Seventh Illinois
Cavalry, in all about six hundred men, were sent to protect a forage
train between Clinton and Jackson, La., and were attacked by two
Arkansas regiments, a heavy cavalry force, and two pieces of artil-
lery. In this fight one of the enemy was killed, seven wounded,
and four taken prisoners. Colonel Corliss lost two men taken
prisoners, and two men were wounded. Lieut. Edwin C. Pomroy
was severely wounded in the mouth and neck. In an attack made
upon the hospital at Brashear City, by the rebels, June 12, Major
Anthony of the regiment, who was there on sick leave took com-
mand but was compelled to surrender to the much larger force, and
taken prisoner to Camp Ford, Texas, where he was held thirteen
months until exchanged July 22, 1864, at the mouth of the Red
River. In the fight at Springfield Landing, July 24, the regi-
ment lost one man killed, four severely wounded, and thirteen
taken prisoners, of whom ten were paroled. Reduced now below
the minimum allowed by general orders, Aug. 24, 1863, the regi-
ment was consolidated into one battalion of four companies, and
united with the First Louisiana Cavalry, September 1st, contrary
to the wishes of both officers and men, for which reason the field
and staff officers resigned and were honorably discharged. Gov-
ernor Smith sympathizing with their feelings, used his influence
to prevent the regiment being broken up, and requested it should
be transferred to the Third Rhode Island Cavalry, on their arrival
at New Orleans, which was done by General Banks, Jan. 14,
1864, pursuant to an order, and with the Third the reorganized
Second finished its term of service.
The Third Regiment Rhode Island Cavalry was organized in
1863. Recruiting for this regiment of volunteer cavalry was com-
menced here July 1, 1863, by Col. Willard Sayles, who was ap-
pointed its commander by Governor Smith, under the authority of
the Secretary of War, the camp being established at Mashapaug.
August 18, the 150 men then enlisted were transferred to “Camp
Meade,” in Jamestown, Conanicut Island, where all subsequent
recruits were sent from the recruiting offices in Providence, by
Captain Bushee, formerly of the First New York Chasseurs, the
officer in charge. The First Battalion, Major Davis, with full
ranks, embarked for New Orleans, Dec. 31, 1863, and reported
LIEUT. HENRY A. PRESCOTT,
Killed at the first Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861. In his honor Prescott Post, No. 1,
G. A. R., Providence, was named,
to Major-General Banks, commanding Department of the Gulf,
Jan. 14, 1864. On the passage two severe gales were experienced,
and fourteen horses lost. The battalion received on Feb. 2, 1864,
an addition of two companies from the First Louisiana Cavalry,
formerly Second Rhode Island Cavalry, transferred to this regi-
ment Jan. 14, 1864, by order of Major-General Banks. The
regiment crossed the Mississippi River, March 3, 1864, and began
a march that was continued, almost without cessation, through the
State of Louisiana for three months, and was known as the Red
River Expedition. The Third, now, with the Fifth Brigade, as-
signed to General Franklin's corps, was engaged in the battle of
Pleasant Hill, April 9, where after a gallant and severe fight, the
enemy was defeated, and the loss of this regiment was three
wounded and left on the field, two wounded, and two missing.
The regiment arrived at Alexandria, April 25, 1864, where it
was joined by Lieut.-Col. Charles H. Parkhurst, with Compa-
nies E, F, and L. These companies had embarked on board
steamer “Superior,” April 20th, for Alexandria, under convoy of
a gunboat up the Red River, but suffered from a galling fire by
guerrillas on the river bank before they reached Alexandria, losing
two men killed and having seventeen wounded; subsequently it
took part in the battles of Marksville Plain and Yellow Bayou,
with small loss of wounded and prisoners, and reached Fort
Banks, near New Orleans, June 3, 1864. Companies G and H
having arrived May 8, and reported for duty in the field, joined
the regiment at Greenville, June 10, 1864, when it had completed
a march of a thousand miles. From June to September it was
dismounted, and served temporarily for that time as infantry in
the defenses of New Orleans. September 27th it was reorganized
and remounted, and finished its term as cavalry in 1865. It was

I 94
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
concentrated at Napoleonville, June 3, 1865, to join General Sheri-
dan's proposed expedition to Texas, but on that being counter-
manded, the regiment was again scattered and constantly engaged
in scouting for guerrillas and bushwhackers, and protecting plan-
tations until mustered out of the service at New Orleans, Nov.
29, 1865. Though not an attractive field of service for men am-
bitious of military glory, it was important and effective, and the
part performed in it by the Third Rhode Island Cavalry, gave it
a record honorable to itself and its state.
The Third Regiment Rhode Island Heavy Artillery was first -
organized as the Third Regiment of Infantry, in 1861, under
orders issued by Governor Sprague, Aug. 12, 1861. Gen. Charles
T. Robbins was appointed acting colonel, and Col. Christopher
Blanding acting lieutenant-colonel, who, with Majors Balch and
Sinnott, constituted a board to examine those recommended by
companies for commission, and “Camp Ames” was established
for it on Spring Green Farm, on Old Warwick Road. Capt.
Ashur R. Eddy, U. S. A., was appointed its colonel August
19th. September 7th the regiment, in command of Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Blanding, left Providence for camp at Fort Hamil-
ton, Long Island, under command of Gen. W. T. Sherman,
where it immediately began a thorough course of light and
heavy artillery drill, under direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Bland-
ing. Colonel Eddy resigned in October, and was succeeded in
the command by Col. Nathaniel W. Brown, who continued the
daily artillery drills until the regiment was embarked, October
12th, for Fortress Monroe, where it arrived on the 14th, and en-
camped about a mile beyond, towards Hampton. October 23d
the regiment embarked with the expedition under General Sher-
man and Admiral Dupont for Port Royal, S. C., and after a
boisterous passage, arrived off that place November 4th. The
regiment landed two companies during the naval action, Novem-
ber 7th, and next day the rest of the regiment landed and took
charge of Fort Welles. Dec. 17, 1861, Lieutenant-Colonel
Blanding was commissioned major of the Third Rhode Island
Volunteers, and began recruiting for the regiment, and Feb. 19,
1862, he started for Hilton Head with 225 men, arriving there
March 23d, after a rough and dangerous passage from New York.
Feb. 17, 1862, by general order, the name of the regiment was
changed to the “Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery,” with au-
thority to increase its force to twelve companies of 150 men
each, and recruits were sent out in detachments until the ranks
were filled. From this time, the winter of 1862, until its term
expired in 1865, the Third Heavy Artillery was engaged in ac-
tive and onerous military duties, as heavy and light artillery, on
the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia at Port Royal, Hil-
ton Head, Danfuskil, Otter Island, and other places, where it
did as much to advance the Union cause as any other body of
troops in the service, and won a reputation which made it more
widely known than any other regiment in the Department of the
South, and for its meritorious services on these fields, Maj.-Gen.
Q. A. Gilmore, by order of the War Department, directed it to
inscribe upon its colors the names of the following battles: Fort
Pulaski, Honey Hill, Petersburg, Morris Island, Fort Sumter,
Poctaglio, Fort Wagner, Laurel Hill, Fort Burnham, Olustee,
Deveaux Neck, Drury's Bluff, and Secessionville. Col. N. W.
Brown died of fever Oct. 30, 1862, and was succeeded by Col.
Edwin Metcalf until Feb. 5, 1864, and he by Col. Charles R.
Brayton until Oct. 5, 1864, when Lieut.-Col. William Ames was
promoted to the command which he held until the close of the
Rebellion. At the expiration of their term of service, in 1865,
the regiment came home in detachments, Companies B and D,
the last discharged, arriving here with Colonel Ames, September
IIth, and like all preceding regiments and detachments, was
royally welcomed, received, and entertained by their grateful
fellow-citizens. The services of this regiment were very miscel-
laneous, as it was almost always scattered, but both General
Hunter and General Mitchell placed it among their most reliable
forces and praised its officers and men for their “patriotic and
sturdy endurance.” The Third Regiment enlisted 1,289 officers
and men, of whom 23 were killed, 75 wounded, and 97 died from
disease. . .
The Fifth Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers was organized
at Camp Greene in October, 1861, and was drilled on the Dexter
Training Ground. Five full companies departed for Annapolis,
Md., December 27th, and were subsequently made a part of the
brigade under General Parke in the fleet destined to Hatteras Inlet.
February 7th, a landing was effected, and the battle of Roanoke
Island was fought, after which the regiment took part in the battles
of New Berne, Fort Macon, Rahl's Mills, Kingston, Whitehall,
Goldsboro’, and Little Washington. While defending Croatan
on the Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad, Company A, com-
manded by Captain Aigan, was suddenly surrounded by a supe-
rior force of guerrillas, and throwing his men into an old fort, he
fought desperately, until his ammunition was exhausted and then
reluctantly surrendered. As prisoners these men endured great
suffering before they were exchanged. The regiment remained
on duty until the close of the war, and was mustered out of ser-
vice at New Berne, June 26, 1865. -
The Fourteenth Regiment Rhode Island Heavy Artillery (col-
ored), was enlisted during the summer and fall of 1863, and the
companies when organized were drilled at Camp Smith and Dutch
Island. On the 19th of December, the First Battalion sailed for
New Orleans, commanded by Maj. Joseph J. Comstock, Jr., and
Jan. 8, 1864, was assigned to garrison duty in Fort Esperanza,
Matagorda Island. On the same day, the Second Battalion under
Capt. Nelson Kenyon, sailed for New Orleans, and reported to
Gen. J. J. Reynolds, commanding the defenses of the city. In
March, it was ordered to Plaquemine, 160 miles above New Or-
leans, where it engaged in putting the defenses in order, and had
some skirmishes with guerrillas. The Third Battalion was de-
layed for awhile on account of small pox which broke out in the
camp, but April 3d sailed for New Orleans, and was assigned to
Camp Parapet. The whole regiment being then in the Depart-
ment of the Gulf, its designation was changed to the Eleventh
United States Heavy Artillery, (colored). The regiment was
engaged chiefly in garrison duty during the entire period of its
enlistment, and its ranks were depleted by disease and exposure,
but the men were not engaged in any battles. They were mus-
tered out of service October, 1865.
The First Light Battery Rhode Island Volunteers consisted of
the Marine Artillery, which organized for three months’ service
under Capt. Charles H. Tompkins, and proceeded to Washington
under the general command of Col. Samuel G. Arnold, of Gov-
ernor Sprague's staff. It was mustered into service May 7th, and
after remaining awhile about the defenses of Washington, went
to the front in June to join General Patterson near Frederick City.
The next day it was recalled, and a month later it joined General
Patterson a second time. July 1st, it was attached to the brigade
of General Thomas, and marched to Bunker Hill, Va., but dur-
ing its term of service the battery was never engaged in battle, and
returned to Providence and was mustered out Aug. 6, 1862.
The Tenth Battery Rhode Island Volunteers, enlisting for three
months, was recruited under supervision of Capt. Edwin C. Gal-
lup, and left Providence in May, 1862, for Tennallytown, near
Washington. After drilling in Camp Frieze until June 23d, it
was assigned to the command of Gen. N. P. Banks, but was not
called into action, and having spent its full term of service at Fort
Pennsylvania, returned home and was mustered out Aug. 30,
1862.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
I95
Battery A, of the First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery,
was enlisted and organized simultaneously with the Second
Rhode Island Infantry, and was encamped with them on the Dex-
ter Training Ground. It was mustered into service June 6, 1861,
in command of Capt. Wm. H. Reynolds, and was attached to
Burnside's brigade, Hunter's division, McDowell's army corps,
and remained at Camp Sprague, near Washington, until the first
battle of Bull Run, July 21st, in which, after fighting nobly, the
guns were abandoned. In the campaign of the Peninsula it was
engaged at Yorktown, Fair Oaks, Peach Orchard, Savage's Sta-
tion, Charles City Court House, and Malvern Hill. Later on it
participated in the battles of Marye's Heights, Gettysburg, Bris-
toe Station, Mine Run, Morton's Ford, the Wilderness, Spottsyl-
vania Court House; North Anna, Cold Harbor, and Gaines'
Farm. The three years' term of enlistment expired June, 1864,
and the battery was mustered out of service June 18. A small
number of the men remained on the field, under the command of
Lieut. Gamaliel L. Dwight, who reorganized the battery, and it
was assigned to General Birney’s division. September 30th it
was consolidated with Battery B.
Battery B, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, was
recruited under Col. William H. Parkhurst, and on reaching
Washington, Aug. 13, 1861, was assigned to General Stone's com-
mand in the Army of the Potomac. Under Capt. Thomas F.
Vaughan, it was in a large number of engagements, and did ex-
cellent service. The battery was under fire at Ball's Bluff, York-
town, Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, Antietam, the two battles at
Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Bristoe Station, Ream's Station,
Mine Run, Wilderness, Po River, Spottsylvania, North Anna,
Tolopotomy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and Deep Bottom. Dur-
ing the latter part of the war, Battery A was consolidated with
this, and the men were mustered out of service June 13, 1865.
Battery C, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, was
enlisted in Providence, went into Camp Ames, and was mustered
into the United States service, Aug. 25, 1861. It reported at
Washington on the first day of September, and subsequently
joined Porter's division of the Army of the Potomac. Aug. 28,
1864, while the battery was in the Shenandoah Valley under
General Sheridan, forty-four men, whose term of enlistment had
expired, were mustered out, and in December following the
remainder were consolidated with Battery G. Battery C was
engaged in the battles at Yorktown, Hanover Court House, Me-
chanicsville, Gaines' Mill, Malvern Hill, the second Bull Run,
Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Rappa-
hannock Station, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor,
Petersburg, Opequan, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek. It was
commanded by Capt. William B. Weeden, and later by Capt.
Richard Waterman. .
Battery D, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, was
enlisted in Providence, and mustered into the service of the
United States, Sept. 4, 1861. On its arrival in Washington,
September 15th, Capt. John A. Monroe, promoted from Battery
A, assumed command. Captain Monroe was made major, Oct.
21, 1862, and was succeeded by Capt. William W. Buckley,
who resigned Sept. 20, 1864, and was followed by Capt. Elmer
L. Corthell. This battery did good service in many of the sever-
est battles of the war, and at the close was mustered out of ser-
vice July 17, 1865, with a most honorable record. It took part
in the engagements of Fredericksburg, North Anna, Rappahan-
nock Station, Sulphur Spring, Groveton, the second Bull Run,
South Mountain, Antietam, Campbell's Station, Knoxville, Ope-
quan, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek. It returned to Providence
and was mustered out July 13, 1865.
Battery E, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, did
effectual and gallant service in many battles of the war, with very
ber 26th on a veteran furlough of thirty-five days.
little loss. It was enlisted in Providence, proceeded to Washing-
ton early in October, 1861, and was commanded by Capt. George
E. Randolph until December, 1863, and subsequently by Capt.
Wm. B. Rhodes. Its first winter on the field was passed at
Camp Pohick, near Fort Lyon, Va. On the following April it
entered the Peninsula campaign, and remained mostly in Vir-
ginia during the continuance of the war. In May, 1863, four
members of this battery, William Torpy, John McAlles, Martin
Harvey, and Albert N. Colwell, received the Kearny Cross, in
recognition of meritorious service. At Gettysburg, Captain Ran-
dolph commanded General Sickles’ brigade. The men returned
to their homes and were mustered out June 14, 1865. The battles
inscribed on their colors and guidons were: Yorktown, Charles
City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, the second Bull Run, Chantilly,
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness,
Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg.
Battery F, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, was
raised and sent to Washington in October, 1861, and later on
joined the North Carolina Expedition under General Burnside, and
experienced the discomforts and perils of the voyage to Hatteras
Inlet. Under Capt. James Belger the battery proceeded to Roa-
noke Island, a few weeks after the battle, and remained there until
ordered to New Berne. Later on, it was under fire at Little
Washington, Little Creek, Whitehall Ferry, and Goldsboro’
Bridge. April 9, 1863, it engaged the enemy at Blount's Creek,
where Captain Belger was severely wounded; July 6th, at Free
Bridge; a few days later at Potocasy Creek, and at the end of the
month reported in Albermarle Sound. Its later battles were those
of Richmond and Petersburg Pike, Drury's Bluff, where Captain
Belger was taken prisoner, Petersburg, and Chapin's Farm. The
battery was mustered out of service, June 27, 1865. “. .
Battery G, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, after
being recruited at the battery camp at Mashapaug, left for Wash-
ington Dec. 7, 1861, in command of First Lieut. Charles D.
Owen, who was soon after promoted to the captaincy of the bat-
tery. It went into camp at “Camp Sprague,” where it remained
drilling until Feb. 3, 1882, when it went to Darnestown, Md.,
and encamped there. March 29th it left Washington by trans-
port to join McClellan's advance on Richmond, landed at Fortress
Monroe, marched up the Peninsula, camped seven miles from
Yorktown, and took position within one thousand yards of the
rebel fortifications, and during this siege was constantly engaged in
picket duty and skirmishes with the enemy. On their abandoning
their stronghold during the rest of the campaign it shared the dan-
gers and fatigues of Sedgwick's division to which it was attached,
and during the “Seven Days' Fight,” it rendered specially valuable
services on the retreat. It then withdrew from the Peninsula, and
embarked for Alexandria. September 6th it was at Arlington
Heights, and September 17th fought in the battle of Antietam,
under Captain Owen, with great bravery, and on December 13th
joined in the assault on Fredericksburg. Captain Owen resigned
December 24th, and was succeeded by First Lieut. George W.
Adams, of Battery B, promoted to this position Jan. 30, 1863.
In the second battle of Fredericksburg, May 2 and 3, 1863, Bat-
tery G was in the hottest of the fight, losing twenty-four men,
killed or wounded, and sixteen horses; Lieut. Benjamin E. Kelly
was mortally wounded and died at the Lacy House next day.
The battery also took a gallant part in the battle of Gettysburg,
under Captain Adams, July 1st and 3d. October 17th it was at
Chantilly in the movement to check General Lee's advance on
Washington, and in the battle of Mine Run, November 27th,
it expended 111 rounds of ammunition, and had but one man
wounded. It went into winter quarters near Brandy Station,
where twenty-eight men were reënlisted, and went home Decem-
Early in May,
196
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
1864, the battery broke camp, and marched with the grand old
army on its final and successful campaign. May 12th it fought
at Spottsylvania, and June 2d at Cold Harbor, with but two
wounded in both actions; in the hot battle of Cedar Creek, Octo-
ber 19th, the battery was warmly engaged and lost six men killed
and twenty-one wounded, including Lieut. Charles V. Scott,
who died soon after; thirty-six horses were also killed, and two
guns and caissons lost. By order of General Meade, the names of
battles in which it had meritoriously participated were inscribed
on its colors or guidons: Yorktown, Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill,
Antietam, Fredericksburg, Marye's Heights, Gettysburg, Rap-
pahannock Station, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor,
Petersburg, Opequan, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek. It arrived
at Providence June 16th, and was received with Battery H, with
military honors, and handsomely entertained, and was mustered
out of service June 28, 1865. - -
Battery H, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, was enlisted in
camp near Mashapaug, by Capt. Charles H. J. Hamlen, where
it recruited more than four times its complement of men to make
up depletions from the batteries in the field, before it was com-
pleted, and left for Washington Oct. 23, 1862. Captain Hamlen
soon resigned, and First Lieut. Jeffrey Hazard, of Battery A,
was promoted to the captaincy of Battery H. After arduous
duty in various positions in the defenses of Washington from
March to August, 1863, it went into camp near Fort Richardson,
August 31st. August 17th Captain Hazard resigned, and Lieut.
Crawford Allen, Jr., was promoted to fill the vacancy. From
May to October, 1864, it was on active duty at the front in the
Shenandoah Valley in various locations and positions, until Oc-
tober 25th, when it reported at City Point, head-quarters of the
Army of the Potomac, and October 30th was assigned to the
artillery reserve. Jan. 3, 1865, the battery joined the artillery
brigade of the Sixth Army Corps, and took an active part in the
final grand assault on the rebel works before Petersburg, April
2d, in which action four men and ten horses were killed, and
sixteen wounded. April 6th it was in the action at Sailor's Run,
and from April 1st to 13th had expended 630 rounds of ammuni-
tion. The battle of Sailor’s Creek resulted in the entire rout of
the enemy, and Lieutenant-General Elwell, with four of his
general officers and most of his troops, were captured. April 9th
General Lee surrendered to General Grant, in honor of which
glorious triumph, Battery H with the other artillery, joined in a
national feu de joie. It then started for home, encamping in
Danville, after a march of Ioo miles in four days, and arrived
in Providence June 16, 1865, where it was received with mili-
tary honors, and handsomely entertained with Battery G, and
was paid off and mustered out of the service June 28, 1865.
THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.—This grand, patriotic
institution originated in the earnest desire that inspired the minds
of the honorably discharged soldiers and sailors of the army, navy,
and marine corps of the United States, with those remaining in
active service, who aided in maintaining the honor, integrity, and
supremacy of the national government, during the late Rebellion,
to unite and establish a permanent association of these veterans
and comrades-in-arms, based upon the principles of fraternity,
charity, and loyalty.
Fraternity; to assist and strengthen those kind and fraternal
feelings which bind together the soldiers, sailors, and marines,
who united to suppress the late rebellion, and to perpetuate the
history and memory of the dead. Charity; to assist such former
comrades-in-arms as need help and protection, and to extend
needful aid to the widows and orphans of those who have fallen.
Loyalty; to maintain true allegiance to the United States of
America, based upon a paramount respect for, and fidelity to, its
constitution and laws; to discountenance whatever tends to
weaken loyalty, incites to insurrection, treason, or rebellion, or in
any manner impairs the efficiency and permanency of our free in-
stitutions; and to encourage the spread of universal liberty and
equal rights and justice to all men.
The Grand Army of the Republic was organized at Decatur,
Ill., April 6, 1866, by Dr. B. F. Stephenson, of Springfield, Ill.,
who had servéd as surgeon in the Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, and
at the close of the war returned to his practice in Springfield,
where, in February, 1866, he first suggested the idea of this or-
ganization, and made the draft of a ritual. After consulting
several army friends, he deputed Capt. John S. Phelps to super-
vise the printing of the ritual in the office of the Tribune, at
Decatur, the proprietors of which, Messrs. Coltrin & Pryor, with
their compositors, had all been Union soldiers. Through the
united efforts of these veterans Post No. 1 was formed in Decatur,
as stated above. Post No. 2, at Springfield, soon followed, and
immediately thereafter posts were rapidly established throughout
Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, and Missouri. The first
Department Convention was held at Springfield, Ill., July 12,
1866, when Comrade John M. Palmer was elected department
commander, and a resolution adopted recognizing Maj. B. F.
Stephenson as the head and front of the organization, and tender-
ing him the thanks of the soldiers, and the gratitude of all loyal
men, for his energy, loyalty, and perseverance manifested in orig-
inating and organizing the Grand Army of the Republic, and
pledging him their sincere friendship at all times.
Dr. Stephenson then assumed charge of the organization of
posts in other states, and issued orders as provisional commander-
in-chief. Oct. 31, 1866, he issued the call for the first National
Convention of the Grand Army of the Republic, which was held
in Indianapolis, Ind., November 20th, with representatives from
Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania,
Ohio, Iowa, Kentucky, Indiana, and District of Columbia. Gen.
John M. Palmer, of Illinois, presided, Gen. Stephen A. Hurl-
burt, of Illinois, was elected commander-in-chief, and Dr. Steph-
enson, adjutant-general. Comrades F. D. Ledergerber, Missouri;
J. L. Wilson, Indiana; B. F. Stephenson, Illinois; Clayton
McMichael, Pennsylvania; William Vandever, Iowa; H. K.
Millwards, Kentucky; Charles G. Mayers, Wisconsin, and J. L.
Greene, Ohio, the committee on “work and ritual,” reported a
form of ritual and rules and regulations, embracing twenty-three
articles, which were adopted, and have since been altered,
amended, and perfected.
The second encampment was held in Independence Hall,
Council Chamber, Philadelphia, Jan. 15, 1868, when Gen. John
A. Logan was elected commander-in-chief, and N. P. Chipman,
adjutant-general. -
The National Council of Administration, October 1st to adopt
a design for membership badge, recommended the appointment
of a committee “to revise the rules, regulations, and ritual,”
to consider the subject of degrees and a uniform for the Grand
Army of the Republic, to report at the next meeting of the
National Encampment, and in general order No. 18, Commander-
in-Chief Logan appointed as such committee, Comrades James
Shaw, Jr., Rhode Island; Louis Wagner, Pennsylvania; the Rev.
A. H. Quint, Massachusetts; O. M. Wilson, Indiana; Thomas
W. Higginson, Massachusetts; Thomas L. Young, Ohio; F.
W. Sparling, Tennessee; Wm. W. Douglas, Providence, R. I.,
secretary. This committee reported to the next National Encamp-
ment, held at Cincinnati, O., May 12, 1869, when their report,
with slight amendments, was adopted.
The National Encampment has held annual sessions since its
organization, in 1866, in the several cities named below, and
comrades have been elected commander-in-chief in the order
named :
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
I97
Stephen A. Hurlburt, of Illinois, at Indianapolis, Nov. 20,
1866; John A. Logan, of Illinois, at Philadelphia, Jan. 15, 1868;
at Cincinnati, May 12, 1869; at Washington, May 11, 1870;
Ambrose E. Burnside, of Rhode Island, at Boston, May 1o,
1871 ; at Cleveland, May 8, 1872; Charles Devens, Jr., of Mas-
sachusetts, at New Haven, May 14, 1873; at Harrisburg, May 13,
1874; John F. Hartrauft, of Pennsylvania, at Chicago, May 12,
1875; at Philadelphia, June 30, 1876; John C. Robinson, of
New York, at Providence, June 26, 1877; at Springfield, June 4,
1878; William Earnshaw, of Ohio, at Albany, June 17, 1879;
Louis Wagner, of Pennsylvania, at Dayton, June 8, 1880; George
S. Merrill, of Massachusetts, at Indianapolis, June 15, 1881 ;
Paul Van Dervoort, of Nebraska, at Baltimore, June 21, 1882;
Robert B. Beatte, of Pennsylvania, at Denver, July 25, 1883; John
S. Kountz, of Ohio, at Minneapolis, July 23, 1884; Samuel S.
Burdett, of Washington, D.C., at Portland, June 24, 1885; Lu-
cius Fairchild, of Wisconsin, at San Francisco, Aug. 6, 1886.
Total number of veterans mustered into the Grand Army dur-
ing the past year, 60,000. The grand total of members of the or-
ganization at the present time is 366,000.
ROSTER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF RHoDE ISLAND, G. A. R., FoR 1886.
Department officers: Commander, Theodore A. Barton, Providence;
senior vice-commander, Benjamin L. Hall, Providence; junior vice-com-
mander, Gideon Spencer, East Greenwich.
Department staff. Assistant adjutant-general, Peleg Macomber, Prov-
idence; assistant quartermaster-general, Franklin A. Chase, Providence;
inspector, James A. Abbott, Providence; judge advocate, George A. Wil-
bur, Woonsocket; chief mustering officer, Benjamin F. Davis, Pawtucket,
medical director, William H. Traver, M. D., Providence; chaplain, the
Rev. Frederic Denison, Providence; senior aid-de-camp, George Edward
Allen, Providence.
Council of administration: W. O. Thatcher, Post No. 9; G. T. Lan-
phear, Post No. 7; George W. Barry, Post No. 1; F. B. Butts, Post No. 8;
George Carmichael, Jr., Post No. 2.
Representatives to National Encampment: George O. Eddy, delegate
at large, Post No. 15; George A. Wallace, alternate at large, Post No. 1 ;
Davis Cook, 2d, delegate, Post No. 4; Henry C. Luther, alternate, Post
No. Io.
Assistant inspectors: William Frankland, Post No. 1; Alvin C. Cash,
Post No. 17; John W. Sayles, Post No. 4; J. O. Chandler, Post No. 7;
Orland Freeborn, Post No. 8.
Assistant mustering officers : G. A. Wallace, Post No. 1; C. H. Baker,
Post No. 17; C. F. Gordon, Post No. 9; James H. Taylor, Post No. 5;
Henry S. Olney, Post No. 10.
Past Department Commanders.
*Ambrose E. Burnside . . . . 1868 Fred A. Arnold . . . . . . . . 1878
Horatio Rogers . . . . . . . . 1869 Henry R. Barker . . . . . . . 1879
Charles R. Brayton . . . . 1870–71 Charles C. Gray . . . . . . . . I88O
Elisha H. Rhodes . . . . . 1872–73 *William H. P. Steere. . . . . I881
Edwin Metcalf . . . . . . . . . 1874 Henry F. Jenks . . . . . . . . 1882
Edwin C. Pomroy . . . . . . . 1875 Philip S. Chase. . . . . . . . 1883
Charles H. Williams. . . . . . . 1876 Andrew K. McMahon . . . . . 1884
Henry J. Spooner . . . . . . . 1877 Eugene A. Cory. . . . . . . . 1885
First Department officers elected May 24, 1868: General commander,
Ambrose E. Burnside; senior vice-commander, William Ames; junior
vice-commander, Thomas Foy; inspector-general, L. H. Jencks; quar-
termaster-general, William H. Reynolds; surgeon-general, H. W. King.
Council of administration: Charles Morgan, John Aigan, John M. Barker,
Thomas W. Higginson, James L. Shearman; representative-at-large,
Henry Allen.
PREscott Post No. 1, Providence, was chartered April 12, 1867. The
commander is James H. Fairbrother; adjutant, W. H. Chenery; quarter-
master, Philip S. Chase; members, 308.
BURNSIDE Post, No. 2, Shannock, was chartered Dec. 4, 1882. Com-
mander, Levi J. Cornell; adjutant, George Carmichael, Jr.; quartermaster,
John F. Flier; members, 20.
BALLou Post, No. 3, Central Falls, was chartered Sept. 2, 1867. The
commander is William Quinn; adjutant, Leonidas Franklin; quartermas-
ter, George W. Gooding; members, 104.
ARNOLD Post, No. 4, Providence, was chartered Jan. 9, 1877. The com-
* Deceased.
26 e
mander, John T. Drinan; adjutant, B. Matthew Sullivan; quartermaster,
Thomas B. Viall; members, IoI.
CHARLEs E. LAwToN Post, No. 5, Newport, was chartered Dec. 25,
1875. The commander is William G. Bailey; adjutant, John Y. Hudson;
quartermaster, Andrew K. McMahon ; members, 158.
RENo Post, No. 6, East Greenwich, was chartered Feb. 17, 1883. The
commander is Ozias Hewitt; adjutant, Samuel W. K. Allen; quarter-
master, Hudson A. Thomas; members, 76. - -
SEDGwick Post, No. 7, Peacedale, was chartered April 18, 1884. The
commander is W. M. Prouty; adjutant, Patrick Lyon; quartermaster,
Geo. T. Lanphear; members, 70.
FARRAGUT Post, No. 8, Riverside, was chartered May 9, 1884. The
commander is W. C. Severance; adjutant, Thomas Monroe; quartermas-
ter, Frank Monroe; members, 66.
SMITH Post, No. 9, Woonsocket, was chartered Sept. 1, 1884. The
commander is Henry P. Williams; adjutant, Peter Riley; quarter-
master, Lewis Reed; members, 128. -
Slocum Post, No. 10, Providence, was chartered Feb. 27, 1868. The
commander is C. Henry Alexander ; adjutant, Theodore A. Barton;
quartermaster, Henry R. Barker; members, 362.
THOMAS Post, No. 11, Apponaug, was chartered June 5, 1872. The
commander is Chas. C. Phelps; adjutant, John L. Bissell; quartermaster,
John H. Northup; members, 38. -
Rodman Post, No. 12, Providence, was chartered March 23, 1868. The
commander is D. F. Longstreet; adjutant, Franklin A. Chase; quarter-
master, Chas. L. Stafford; members, 45. J
IvEs Post, No. 13, Providence, was chartered April 23, 1868. The
commander is John H. Francis; adjutant, John H. Pettiford; quartermas-
ter, Geo. H. Black; members, 50.
McGREGoR Post, No. 14, Phenix, was chartered Dec. 3, 1885. The
commander is William Johnson; adjutant, Henry King; quartermaster,
M. A. Arnold; members, Iofl.
BABBITT Post, No. 15, Bristol, was chartered Aug. 21, 1885. The com-
mander is George O. Eddy; adjutant, Herbert F. Bennett; quartermas-
ter, Allen M. Monroe; members, 76.
CHARLEs C. BAKER Post, No. 16, Wickford, was chartered May 11,
1886. The commander is Geo. T. Cranston; adjutant, A. W. Tefft; quar-
termaster, N. B. Lewis; members, 34.
ToweR Post, No. 17, Pawtucket, was chartered April 1 1, 1874. The
commander is Josiah W. Seabury; adjutant, P. D. Warburton; quartermas-
ter, James E. Child; members, 254. -
BUDLoNG Post, No. 18, Westerly, was chartered April 14, 1874. The
commander is J. Alonzo Babcock; adjutant, Peter Cahill; quartermaster,
Aldrich C. Kenyon;-members, 96.
JAMES C. NICHOLs Post, No. 19, Rockland, was chartered May 15,
1886. The commander is Smith Robinson; adjutant, J. H. Penfield;
quartermaster, Frank Carr; members, 20. -
BUCKLIN Post, No. 20, East Providence, was chartered Oct. 26, 1886.
The commander is David S. Ray; adjutant, Orland Freeborn; quarter-
master, A. N. Cunningham; members, 60.
THE SoLDIERs' AND SAILORs' MonumENT was solemnly
dedicated with impressive ceremonies, on Saturday, Sept. .
16, 1871, the sixth year after the war, with what was then
pronounced the grandest and most imposing military and
civic memorial demonstration ever made or seen within
this state. The military procession, arranged in four bri-
gades, comprised nearly all the veterans of the state, who
held the post of honor, the right of the line,— wearing
their war-stained and faded uniforms, and proudly bearing
aloft their battle-scarred shreds of flags, torn with the shot,
and soiled with the smoke of the great conflict in which
they fought so well, on bloody fields, where so many of
their brave comrades fell, together with nearly all the state
militia, all under the command of Major-Gen. Ambrose E.
Burnside, as chief marshal, with many distinguished vet-
erans, officers, and soldiers, for his assistant marshals and
aides. This grandly imposing procession marched through
many of the principal streets of the city, where most of the
dwellings and stores were finely decorated with flags and
banners and other appropriate and fitting emblems. The
sidewalks of the entire line of march were densely crowded
198
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
with people who received the imposing column, as it ma-
jestically marched into their view and past them, with a
grand spontaneous ovation of patriotic applause. Passing
from Exchange Street to Exchange Place, the line, in full
division front, marched up that wide avenue, through “a
great cloud of witnesses,” to the spacious stage that sur-
rounded the veiled monument, which was crowded with
two thousand people, including many of the prominent
officials and citizens of the city and state, and a large com-
pany of singers, all earnestly desiring to honor the great
occasion by their presence.
The dedicatory services were opened with the grand
descriptive overture, “Grandeur of America,” specially
composed for this occasion by D. W. Reeves, and per-
formed by the American Band; the chorus “God of Israel,”
was next sung by a chorus of 500 selected voices led by
Edwin Baker; His Excellency Gov. Seth Padelford, as
master of ceremonies, then made a brief opening address,
closing with a direction to unveil the monument, and as he
gave the signal, the drapery which hid it from view quickly
fell away and revealed its grandeur and artistic beauty to
the vast crowd that thronged around it and filled Exchange
Place to overflowing, who greeted the view with enthu-
siastic and prolonged cheers of appreciation and approval.
Prayer was then offered by the Rev. Dr. T. Thayer, of
Newport. The Rev. Augustus Woodbury, of Providence,
Chaplain of the First Rhode Island Regiment, next deliv-
ered an eloquent oration, after which an original memorial
hymn, written for the occasion by Mrs. Sarah Helen
Whitman, of Providence, was sung by the chorus. These
are the opening lines:
“Raise the proud pillar of granite on high,
Graced with all honors that love can impart;
Lift its fair sculptures against the blue sky,
Crowned with the triumphs of genius and art.”
The benediction was then pronounced by the Rev. Dr. Alexis
Caswell, President of Brown University, and these cere-
monies were finally closed with a soldierly salute to the
monument and the heroes it honored, fired by the Marine
Corps of Artillery, of Providence. In honor of the day
business was generally suspended throughout the entire
state, and the centre of the city was crowded all day with its
citizens, and those of the other cities, towns, and villages of
the state who gave a general and generous expression of
their great delight and satisfaction with both the monument
and the dedicatory ceremonies. The universally expressed
opinion was that this was the grandest demonstration ever
made in this state, and was a suitable and appropriate
recognition by the people, of the service and sacrifice given
to their state and country by those brave sons of the com-
monwealth who now “sleep for the flag,” and whose heroic
deeds and sacred memory they had endeavored thus to
perpetuate to all coming time in the enduring granite and
bronze of this noble monument, on which their honored
names were now so permanently inscribed by their grate-
ful fellow-citizens, with the tenderest emotions of love and
devotion.
The Soldiers’ Monument” stands at the head of Exchange Place, on a
solid foundation of piles, facing down the place, or nearly east. The
granite work is thirty-two feet high, surmounted by an allegorical represen-
* See page 95.
tation of America (America militant) eleven feet high, making the sum-
mit forty-three feet from the foundation. The statue of America, with the
other statues and all the bronze work, is of the finest Munich bronze.
She is represented with a cap of liberty and a crown of stars; her right
arm is extended, bearing a wreath of laurel, and her left rests on her
sword and holds a wreath of immortelles. Underneath the plinth on
which she stands are stars and wreaths of laurel in bronze.
The next section bears on its front the coat-of-arms of the State of
Rhode Island, on its rear the United States coat-of-arms, both in bronze;
the two sides show plain granite panels, while on each of the four angles
are bronze fasces, indicating “In union there is strength.”
The next section is a paneled shaft resting on a cornice, plain on three
sides and the angles, bearing on its front in plain, raised bronze letters,
the inscription:
ERECTED BY
THE PEOPLE OF RHODE ISLAND
TO THE MEMORY OF
THE BRAVE MEN WHO DIED THAT THE COUNTRY MIGHT LIVE.
On the same section, at each corner, resting on a plinth above a cornice
surmounting a double pedestal, are four statues, seven feet three inches in
height, representing the four branches of the service, infantry, cavalry,
artilléry, and navy, each in the uniform of his respective branch, and in
appropriate service positions, which every soldier or sailor recognizes at
On Ce.
On the next section are four bronze panels, on which are allegorical
representations in bas-relief, (life-size figures) of War, Victory, Emancipa-
tion, and Peace, on the east, north, west, and south sides, respectively.
War is represented with a drawn sword and shield; Victory as resting on
her sword, while one hand bears aloft a sprig of palm; Emancipation is a
slave who has just broken the shackles that have bound her; Peace extends
the olive branch with the right hand, while resting the left on an overflow-
ing horn of plenty. Between these panels, at each corner of the monu-
ment, and projecting diagonally with it, are the pedestals on which the
service statues stand, on each of three sides of which, resting on a die, is
a bronze tablet, seven feet three inches high, by two feet eight inches wide,
making twelve tablets in all. Sunk into these tablets, in plain and easily
readable letters are the names, rank, and regiment of 1,727 officers and
men from this state, who served in the United States Army and Navy
during the war, and who were killed in the service, or died from wounds
or disease contracted in the service.
The next section is the base proper, and consists of four large, square
corner-stones, or buttresses, also situated diagonally with the monument,
between which, square with the allegorical panels, and running to the
inner top of the buttress, are flights of stone steps, the whole base agree-
ing in form with the section above and leaving a walk entirely around the
foot of the panels and tablets. On each buttress is an eight-inch mortar,
which, after rendering good service, has been put on the retired list, and
given by the United States Government to this state for this purpose.
Groups of cannon-balls are placed below the mortars. The magnitude
of the monument is strongly suggested by the fact that the bronze statue
of America alone weighs three tons, and the straight granite shaft with
the dedicatory inscription, weighs fourteen tons.
The stone work is all of the blue Westerly granite, the best in the world
for like purposes, from the Rhode Island Granite Works, and was pre-
pared, and the monument erected, under the supervision of Alfred Stone,
architect, of this city; Mr. A. R. Canfield, of Hartford, Conn., had charge
of the erection of the monument. James G. Batterson, of Hartford, was the
contractor who furnished the granite.
Mr. Randolph Rogers, the finished American artist, furnished the design
of the monument and carefully supervised its erection; the statuary,
basso-relievo and all the bronzes were designed and modeled by him at his
studio in Rome, and were all cast at the Royal Bronze Factory of F. Von
Müller, at Munich, and when erected, competent judges pronounced them
faultless.
The cost of the monument to the state, was $57,000; $50,000 for the
design of Mr. Rogers, and $7,000 additional, the cost of changing the plans
from marble to more enduring granite, and for placing the names upon
the bronze tablets. The noble monument is well worth the price, and
worthy the state and her brave defenders, in whose honor it is erected, as
are these deceased defenders equally worthy the honor their state has thus
conferred upon them.
The committee chosen by the General Assembly to construct the monu-
ment were: Maj.-Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, the Hon. John R. Bartlett,
the Hon. William Binney, the Hon. George W. Greene, the Hon. William
Grosvenor, the Hon. Rowland G. Hazard, the Hon. James DeWolf Perry,
the Hon. Charles C. Van Zandt, and the Hon. John E. Weeden. wº
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
199
Rºma- T - i
º º
III it e
ſº
- FP wº. ſº - t
S … Jú!"
*N
º:
2%
THE ROLL OF HONOR.
Upon the twelve bronze tablets of the monument, cast in plain Roman
letters, as verified by comparison with the tablets themselves, are the fol-
lowing names of Rhode Island soldiers and sailors who sealed their devo-
tion to the country and to freedom with their lives:
I. C.
Samuel
, John
R.
Spencer, R. H.
Taylor, John H.
Tibbitts, H. C.
Toye, Robert,
H. Thurber, D. N.
#. Charles R.
Tucker, Charles W.
Tarbox, Benjamin R.
First Tablet—Centre of south pedestal–Gen-
eral and Staff Officers:
Maj.-Gen. Isaac I. Stevens,
Brig.-Gen. Isaac P. Rodman,
Lieut. Robert H. Ives, Jr.
FIRST REGIMENT RHODE ISLAND INFANTRY.
2d Lieut. Henry A. Prescott,
Sergt. James H. Peckham, ., Jr. $º Alonzo
Corp. Samuel Foster, 2d. alter M. Vâtelacaice, Joseph
Privates. J. Warren,
Wilson, John A.
Wilcox, George W.
Winsor, Pitts S.
Wilcox, Caleb
Whippie, Ethan, Jr.
THIRD RHODE ISLAND HEAVY ARTILLERY.
Col. Nath'l W. Brown
1st Lieut. Fred Metcaif,
1st Lieut. Geo. Carpenter,
1st Lieut. E. W. Keene,
1st Lieut. H. Holbrook,
2d Lieut. E. S. Bartholomew,
2d Lieut. Walter B. Manton.
Sergeants.
J. J. Carpenter Jr., George J. Hill,
Martin Heeney.
Corporals.
Rice Hawkins, W. D. A.
. H. Harrington, Thos., Jr.
Harrop, John
Luther, H. H.
Knowles, Frank H.
Melville, Hugh
Penno, Å. B.
Peckham, J. P.
Quirk, Matthew
Remington, H. H.
Schocher, Herman
Tillinghast, H. L.
y ... White, A. J.
SECOND REIODE ISLAND INFANTRY.
Col. John S. Slocum,
Maj. Sullivan Ballou,
Capt. Jos. E. McIntyre,
Capt. Levi Tower,
Šam.
C.
Capt. S. James Smith, J.N. Bogman, I. H. Pinckney,
Capt. Edw. K. Sherman, William Cady, F. S. Peck,
Capt. John P. Shaw, Thomas Miner Chas. D. Stalker,
Capt. Chas. W. Gleason, Čhas. W. Weeden.
Capt. Thorndike J. Smith, Privates.
1st Lieut. Thos. H. Carr,
1st Lieut. Wrm. H. Perry,
2d Lieut. Clark E. Bates.
Sergeants.
S. E. Moon,
James C. Nichols,
. A. Newman
James E. Stanley,
James Seamans,
Henry L. Taft,
James Taylor,
Raul Visser
William C. Webb,
Samuel Wight.
Corporals.
John W. Hunt,
L.
Chas. E. Bagley,
E. J. Blake,
H. T. Blanchard,
Henry J.Cole,
B. Chamberlain,
Jas. H. Coyle,
Henry A. Greene,
Caleb B. Kent,
James A. King,
tº.
S
Wm. P. Bentley,
Privates.
Austin, Jacob Henry, John
Anthony, Wm. J. Harrington J.
Abbott, A. J. W. Hopkins, Wm. S.
Bumpers, S. opkins, A. B.
Burn, Daniel Horton, J. B.,.
Purns, Timothy Johnson, Phili
Bane, Wm. H. Johnson, Elija
Burdick, S. M. Jefferson, Jas. W.
Bliss, Sam. D. Jenens, Relson
Boss, Dan. A. Johnson, J. F.
Buker, Chas. C. Kenworthy, J. R.
Brownell, W. D. Relley, Geo. W.
Briggs, Chas. H. Kelley, Geo. A.
Ballou, Geo. E Rettlé, Charles
Card, J onathan
Collum, George
Cameron, D.
Lyons, Thomas
Lake, Thos. C.
Lynch, Edward
Chapman, H. Livesey, Theodore
Clark, John T. McNeal, P.
Crandall, D. McDonald, Ed.
Costigan, C. Myrick, Samuel
Carr, Wm. H Moon, Josiah
Chase, John W.
Curtis, Samuel
Chaill, Nathaniel
Durgan, P.
Daily, Daniel
Davis, James
Donnegan, H.
Davis, Chas. E.
Martin, George.
ſcGowan, William
McNamee, H. M.
Miller, Wm. A.
Murphy, John
McCabe, M.
McKee, Andrew
M
M
|
Mattison, J.
Edgers, E. anchester, Thos.
Fitzgerald, J. McCaudles, R.
Frisby, Silas Murphy, C.
"ish, Henr O'Marra, Thos.
Oliver, Joseph
Pike, Ephraim.
G h
Gavitt, E. D Rathbun, L. W
Gladding, H. F Roe, Jacob
Hopkins, Allen Roberts, Henry
Hardman, R Ready, john
#º John Randall, James
ſealy, Thaddeus Reynolds, A. F.
Fourth Tablet–Centre of Northeast Pedestal.
J. Thornton, Aug. T.
Tripp, Allen
Tourtelotte, Reuben
Tyler, Archibald A.
Tyler, Edwin
Tew, Hichard T.
Tourjee, J. F.
Wood, Čeo. M.
Williams, R.
Walker, James
Winterbottom, J.
3. Weaver, Benoni
FIFTH REIODE ISLAND HEAVY ARTILLERY.
uar. Mas. M. H. Gladding,
uar. Mas. Wm. W. Prouty,
uar. Mas. C. E. Lawton,
apt. James Gregg,
Capt. Jos. McIntyre,
1st Lieut. Wm. W. Hall,
1st Lieut. Geo. E. Turner,
1st Lieut. H. R. Pierce,
2d Lieut. Chas. E. Beers.
Sergeants.
M. Kennedy,
L. V. Ludwig,
Joseph G. Havens.”
Samuel R. Eddy,
homas Hanley,
Charles Perrigo,
Fifth Tablet — Northeast Pedestal, facina
** Victory.”
Wm. *on,
Joseph S. Sweet,
John K. Hull, James B. Spencer,
Chas. A. Knowles, D. D. Westcott,
H. L. Morse, William T. Wood.
Corporals.
P. Bridgehouse, Manuel Open,
K. B. Briggs, O. £º
Samuel G. Brown, F. W. Potte e
Samuel O. Follett,
A. H. Howarth,
John E. Hopkins,
A. A. º
I’,
Charles Rhowarts,
Samuel E. Rice,
D. B. Sherman,
S. F. Simpson,
John McDevit George H. Smith,
Joseph A. Marcoux, L. Whitcomb,
Isaac Nye, O. A. Whitman. .
Privates.
Benj. K.
S. G.
H.
. G.
B.
Jos. H.
S.
Thos. H. Barker,
John Burk,
T. O. H. Carpenter,
P. Carroll,
*A*āśth
Stephen Hoiſanā,
Chas. A. Haile
'Lewis B
Thos. J. Kelley,
. T. Matteson,
James Mansell,
Alex. Mills,
Woah A. Peck,
Samuel T. Perry,
ſoel E. Rice,
George H. Reed,
F. C. ROnan,
Fred W. Swain,
Esek B. Smith,
Benj. W. Sherman,
Stephen Shaw,
Job Tanner,
D. E. Vallett,
i
§
º
. Wilson.
Privates.
Armstrong, James
Allen, George M.
Arnold, Leander M.
Arnold, William A.
Aldrich, Wilson
Atwood, George B.
3rennan. John J.
Blair John
|
Bartlett. Reuben
Burns, Wiiiiam B.
Brayton, G. J.
Barton, j oseph
Bailey, John
Butler, James D.
Cole, Alfred C.
Cooper. Thomas
Cobb, Isaac N.
Card, Peleg W.
Calligan, James
OS.
S.
Geo. W.
George
R.
, JameS
Third Tablet — Northeast Pedestal, facing
$4 War.”
Ketchum, A. S. 9
Luther, Jos. T.
Lambe, John
Leonard, A. L.
Moon, H. N.
McQuillin, F.
Malone, D.
Morgan, Chas.
McCool, John
Mowry, M. B.
McGahan, Jas.
Monroe, Chas. H.
Megan, 'Mi.
Corporals.
E. O. Colvin, S. H. Grimwood,
Chas. H. Eddy, W. W. Paull,
John George, M. Riley,
J. M. Galligher, Chas. A. Slocum.
Privates.
Allen, John M.
3ane, Frederic
Brady, James
Ballou, Dennis G.
Boss, Edward F.
Brown, John
Bugbee, L. W.
Barnes, Sam. A.
Bourne, I. D.
Collins, Thos.
Copeland, James
Campbell, D.
Chace, Chas. F.
Clark, Cha *
Callahan, l
Chase,
Cooney, Thomas
B.º. Charles
Doyle, James
Doolittle, Geo. L.
Dean, Geo. B.
Devin, Charles
Eaton, Ames
Eddy, Jas. M.
Farrell, P.
Fee, Arthur
Flood, John
Frazier, R.
Fielding, P.
roudy, John
Harvey, Wm.
Freen, John
Hardner, Thaddeus
rould, A. E.
reenup, I. W.
ampstead, J.
ſawkins, D. F.
ornby, John
Hopkins, Geo. W.
Haskell, A., Jr.
#; Lewis
Hill, Smith ſºrry
H
|
I
:
i
l
ſ
!
i
aines, Pasco, Jr.
[ait, M.
Ivars, Daniel
Johnson, A. J.
Thomas
|
Siacth Tablet — Northwest Pedestal, facing
“Victory.”
Smith, Thos. E.
Simmons, Geo.
Turner, Chas.
Thomas, Geo. A.
Taylor, £dwin
Taylor, Jas. J.
Underwood, P. G.
Worden, Chas. H.
Whipple, Olney,
Willis, Abel, Jr.
Trainor, M. Winsor. A. A.
Tourjee, Wm. Wood, Öiiver
Taylor, S. J Whitman, R. I.
Wright, H. C.
NINTH RHODE ISLAND INFANTRY.
Corp. Hollis Taylor, Jr.
Privates.
Arnold, S. B. Simonds, Jos. N.
TENTH RHODE ISLAND INFANTRY.
Atwood, Wm. F. Meggett, M. McA.
Franklin, Augustus B.
Fahey, John
Greene, William
Greene, Daniel -
Greene, George W.
Graves Samuel W.
Gibson, Daniel
Hunter. A. B
Hunt, Joseph
Hall, John C.
Second Tablet - Southeast Pedestal, facing
66 War.”
A.
H.
V, B.
McKenna, John
Mace, Geo. W.
Nailan, Peter
O'Sullivan, Jas.
O'Donnell, Jas.
Prew, M.
Potter, I. A.
Rice, George
Rounds, Chas. H.
FOURTH RHODE ISLAND INFANTRY.
Lieut.-Col. J. B. Curtis, .
Quar. Mas. Brayton Knight,
Capt. C. H. Tillinghast,
2d Lieut. George W. Field,
2d Lieut. John K. Knowles,
Sd. Lieut. Jas. T. Farley
Surgeon George J. Šmailey.
e Sergeants.
Geo. R. Buffum, Chas...A. Gorton,
Geo. H. Church, Jr. C. P. Myrick,
Chas. E. Guild, J. N. Parker,
Gus. E. Gardner, Fred. J. Peabody,
Alexander Sanford.
Corporals.
Benj. F. Burdick, H. W. Hopkins,
Thomas Bloomer, John Hays,
Byron W. Dyer, T. A. Langworthy,
m. S. Denham, H. R. Thayer,
Thos. B. Tanner,
Geo. S. Thomas,
W. P. Wilcox.
James Grinrod,
Sam. Harvey,
R. Hayden,
1st
Weed,
SEVENTH RHODE ISLAND INFANTRY.
Lieut.-Col. W. B. Sayles,
Major Jacob Babbitt,
Bvt. Maj. P. E. Peckham,
1st Lieut. A. L. Smith,
1st Lieut. A. A. Bowles,
2d Lieut. C. H. Kellen,
Lieut. Samuel McElroy.
Sergeants.
Geo. W. Congdon, Darius J. Cole,
M. Flaherty.
*Died in service.
Name omitted on Monument.
ELEVENTH RHODE ISLAND INFANTRY.
Hosp. Steward Jacob S. Pervear, Jr.
Privates.
Atwood, Wm. Gould, E. F.
Bliss, F. M. Horton, R.
Clarke, B. W. Northup, G.
Carpenter, T. M.
Chrystol, Chas. P.
TWELFTH RHODE ISLAND INFANTRY.
1st Lieut. R. A. Briggs,
1st Lieut. S. M. Hopkins,
1st Lieut. Jas. M. Pendleton, 2d.
Sergeants.
T. G. Davis,
Isaac Gorham.
Phinney, John D.
Wyman, Wm. J.
Geo. W. Arnold
Samuel išabcock,
Corporals.
L. C. Huntington,
Lorenzo Stow.
Privates.
Caswell, John
Conley, Dan. W.
Chissold, Stephen
Crandall, D. A.
8; %. H.
onnelly, Terry
Dorsey john
Duffy, join C.
Gifford, Russell
A. H. Bennett,






































2OO
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
Geo. E.
W.
P.
L.
e Williams,
HOSPITAL GUARDS.
- Privates.
Carr, Stephen A. Tanner, Chas. H.
Higgins, John Taylor, John
FourTEENTH RHODE ISLAND HEAVY ARTIL-
LERY (Colored).
Capt. Henry Simon
§: A. #.
ist Lieut. Charles W. Munroe,
2d Lieut. James P. Brown.
Sergeants.
A. Atwood, . H. F. Davis.
Seventh Tablet -cent; of Northwest Pedes-
L. J. Fry, William H. Mann,
M. Graham, Simon Niles,
S. R. Jarvis, John Pell,
Joseph Smith,
Willis Jones,
Isaac Smedus,
Samuel Mason,
Josiah Walker.
Corporals.
Anderson, William L. Humbert,
E. Brown, L. E. Hicks,
M. Brown, A. G. Jackson,
I. R. Lowe,
W. Cartwright,
G. Freeman,
C. Gardner,
Henry Mason,
Charles H. Moore,
C.
J.
J.
Yūjiº, Chase
A.
B. H. J. Thompson.
Privates.
R. B.
L.
william L.
. f. G.
H.
Charles
William
James
L.
P.
B.
P.
N. G.
Eighth Tablet – Northwest Pedestal, facing
“Emancipation.”
land, George
William
i. Wm. H.
. H.
W.
GeO. H. H.
D.
T.
Wm. T.
Jas. M.
L.
E.
W.
E.
S.
Sam.
O.
John
C.
Wm. W.
C., 2d
8.II 1628
Judson
J. S.
&\S.
»
George
9
T.
Ed.
E. A. S. L.
W. J. J. H.
Olling,
e w w - Outer, Jas. R.
FIRST RHODE ISLAND LIGHT ARTILLERY.
Bwt. Capt. Chas V. Scott,
2d Lieut. Benj. Kelly.
Ninth Tablet — Southwest Pedestal, facing
“Emancipation.”
1st Lieut. Peter Hunt.
2d Lieut. J. S. Milne.
2d Lieut. Francis A. Smith.
Sergeants.
Chas. H. Adams, Jacob F. Kent,
George P. Carpenter, Frank S. Moies,
Benj. H. Draper, A. A. Phillips,
John T. Greene, Geo. A. Perry
Aug. S. Hanna, Čhas. M. Read,
Chas. H. Kimball, Albert Straight,
E. Sullivan.
Corporals.
H. H. Ballou, J. B. Mathewson,
James A. Cole, Benj. F. Martindale,
H. E. Chase . C. Olney,
Wm. A. Tickerson, Ernest Simpson,
George A. Eldred, Wm. M. Tanner,
Wm. Hamilton, Wm. B. Thompson,
Otis F. Hicks, A. H. Prescott,
Wm. Jones, A. A. Walker,
T. N. Morse, Jr., Geo. H. Watson.
Privates.
R. Green, John
* § John
T. Galloughly, J.
Galvin, Ed.
Greene, L. A.
Gavitt, James L.
GO - e
Gardner, Chas. G.
Goff, Thos. J.
endrick, A. E.
unt, C. F.
ſolden, Geo. W.
ſewitt, Henry
am, Geo. W.
arvey, M.
; Jğ.
1881DS, GrêO.
Hazard, Job
*# Wm. B.
all, Henry
torton, A. C.
Orton, H. R.
ſorton, Jas. H.
Johnson, J. H.
King, David B.
King, Wm. H.
Kenyon, W.W.
Lawrence, J. H.
Lannegan, P.
Luther, Joseph
phear, Thos. F.
La Fount, Louis
LêV1InS, iM. M.
Larkins, R. E.
Lewis, W. H.
Marcy, A. W.
Moran, John
Moffett, Thomas
Montgomery, F. E.
Mull F
ſ
f:---
.
McNeigh, H.
McGovern, John
Moore, Charles
Morris, M. M.
Mason, William
McCaffery, fid.
Medbury, L. A.
Matteson, E. A.
McComb, John
18.
Inc
McCabe, P.
Mars, T. F.
McManus, C.
Manter, Wm. G.
Nason, Henry
Norris, B. J.
Nesbitt, Wm.
e, J. #.
O'Brien, P.
O'Rourke, John
Peckham, Wm. S.
Pickett, Erastus
Pratt, jas. S.
Potter, Elisha
Pomeroy, E.
Phillips, John
Reynolds, John T.
Ryan, Daniel . F., Jr.
Tenth Tablet — Centre of Southwest Pedestal.
*
Richard
J. L.
Terry, David Worsley, H. B.
Thursby, S. ilcox, º
Thayer, E. D. WinSOr, W. W.
Testen, H. E. Ward, jgº L.
Traverse, A. F. Webb, Ed. J.
Traff, John Watson, C. H.
Turner, Andrew Whitman, Benj.
Tracey, Charles Wilbor, W. B.
Tracey, Geo. E. Williams, J. L.
Vose, W. S. Young, E. S.
Vaslett, Charles Zimila, John
FIRST RHodE ISLAND CAVALRY.
Capt. Wrm. P. Ainsworth,
2d Lieut. Jos. P. Chedel, Jr.,
2d Lieut. Jas. P. Taylor,
2d Lieut. Chas. A. Sawyer,
2d Lieut. H. L. Nicolai,
2d Lieut. Geo. T. Slocum,
Lieut. L. D. Grove,
Q. M. Sgt. G. W. Harris.
Sergeants.
Chas. B. Delanah,
J. Fitzgerald,
GeO. P. Streeter.
Corporals.
Allen R. Paine,
J. R. Peterson
GeO. T. Reynolds,
Joseph W. Vincent.
Privates.
John H. Austin,
John S. Brown,
R. Barrows,
Thomas Burton,
George W. Gorton,
E. P. Gardner,
J. C. Kiernan,
John
E.
A.
W.
est,
John est,
Chas. L. Ork,
SECOND RHODE ISLAND CAvALRY.
Q. M. Sergt. C. H. Kennon,
Sergt. F. C. Ewins.
Privates.
Allen, H. F. Little, S. B.
Beese, Wm. M. Lemains, R.
Brown, Chas. Meagan, E
Davis, Wm. Neagal, Jas.
Ewin, Thomas Saltonstall, R.
£aton, Charles Sherman, C.
3ibson, GeO. F. Smith, Charles
illman, D. Smith, R. F.
Wright, M.
THIRD RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY.
Capt. Henry C. Fitts,
1st Lieut. Albert º
1st Lieut. Wm. A. Teft,
Lieut. Jas. A. Wade,
2d Lieut. Clij. Hammett,
Serg. Maj. P. M. Sullivan.
Sergeants.
Mattias Gannon,
Wm. A. Fiske,
W. E. Goodenough.
Eleventh Tablet — Southwest Pedestal, facing
“Peace. ”
J. H. Hawkins, John N. Parker,
H. S. Keith, William Swan,
Jas. McCormack, H. A. Sunderland,
Aug. Mowry John Sullivan,
John McCarthy, Ezra A. Tennant.
Corporals.
William Burnett, L. T. Moffitt,
Philip Cain, - Chas. Murray,
I. A. Cleveland, T. M. Magee,
Jas. L. Douglas, Amos Perry,
S. W. Ellis, N. J. Sweetland,
Peter Gilroy, Chas. H. Symonds,
Edward Loque, Nat. #º:
S. Loeffler, Wm. H. Wilcox,
Wm. H. Walker.
Privates.
Angell, S. A. "Baggs, N. D.
Aiºi. S. A. Brown, P. B.
Barton, Lewis Burrows, Sam. A.
3.
M.
. B.
UNITED STATES REGULAR ARMY.
Qapt. J. Blanding, 21st Vet. Res. Corps.
Lieut. John A. Duvillard, 12th U.S. fluf.
Q. M. Searle, 5th U. S. Cavalry.
Sam. R. Bell, 5th U. S. Cavalry.
F. M. Padelford, 12th U. S. Inf.
John Charnley, 14th U. S. Inf.
R. Swindles, 14th U. S. Inf.
Twelfth Tablet — Southeast Pedestal, facing
“Peace.”
Christopher C. Brown, 15th U. S. Inf.
A. W. #.º U. S. S. Corps.
J. E. Elliott, U. S. S. Corps.
Gus. H. Field, U. S. S. Corps.
C. M. Latham, U. S. S. Corps.
S. M. Johnson, U. S. S. Corps.
Wm. H. Leaver, Wet. Res. Corps.
REGIMENTS OF OTHER STATES.
Col. Sylvester G. Hill, 35th Iowa.
Adjt. George F. Hodges, 18th Mass.
Qapt. Wm. T. Hodges, 4th Mass. Cav.
Capt. Frank B. Ferris, 12th Ill.
Capt. I. D. Kenyon, 21st Conn.
Capt. Howard Greene, 24th Wis.
Lieut. S. H. Southwick, 24th Ind.
h N. Y. Cav.
& G. E. N.Y. Inf, .
Sergt. H. H. Wildman, 16th Ill. Cav.
Sergt. J. M. Parker, 1st Regt. Cav.
Corp. F. S. Gray, 58th Mass.
W. H. Niles, 54th Mass. Inf.
A. F. Waite. 15th Mass. Inf.
J. B. Randall, 2d Mass. Cav.
Geo. P. Read, 2d Mass. Cav.
J. B. Jenckes, 12th Mass. Inf.
#º. J. Eddy, 22d Mass. Inf.
R. S. Ch
.S.. Angell, --- Mass. Inf.
William Gunn, 5th Conn. Inf.
William iłough. 5th Conn. Inf.
George Lane, 5th Conn. Inf.
Wm. P. Clarke, 8th Conn. Inf.
A. H. Greene, 10th Conn. Inf.
T. W. Grace, 26th Conn. Inf.
Geo. H. Paine, 64th N. Y. Inf.
George Wheeler, 61st N. Y. Inf.
J. A. Cleveland, #º, Y. Inf.
B. J. Kilton, 58th Ill. In
A. E. Barber, 59th Ill. Inf.
M. M. K. Sayles, 8th Ill. Inf.
E. W. Butts, 5th Ill. Cav.
Thos. A. Moore, — Ill. Inf.
John D. Weld, - Ill. Inf.
Sam. A. Eldredge, 3d Minn. Inf.
C. H. Fessenden, 49th Mo. Inf.
E. G. º 3ói bail inf.
G. H. Arnold, 115th Ill. Inf.
UNITED STATES NAVY.
S. Newcomb.
P. Ives.
H. Earle.
Cook,
























































CHAPTER IX.
SECRET AND BENEVOLENT ORGANIZATIONS.
THE FREE MASONS – THE ODD FELLOWS – KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS — KNIGHTS OF HONOR — KNIGHTS AND LADIES OF HONOR — AMERI-
CAN LEGION OF HONOR – ROYAL ARCANUM – THE ORDER OF ELKS – THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF GOOD FELLOWS – ANCIENT
ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN – GERMAN BENEVOLENT LIFE ASSOCIATION – THE ALFREDIANS — THE ANCIENT ORDER OF
FORESTERS – CALEDONIAN SOCIETIES – THE ORDER OF SCOTTISH CLANS — THE BENEFICIAL ORDER OF LUCILIUS – THE
UNITED ORDER OF THE GOLDEN CROSS – ORDER OF THE HARUGARI — B’NAI B'RITH — FREE so NS OF IsrAEL — so NS OF BEN-
JAMIN – THE COLORED FREE MASONs — THE COLORED odd FELLOws.
Tººlſ
--- ºn Tºlº
º
willºut
HIllinºi
|Nº|| ||
|||||}|\{*||.
| -------
| - ºn-in.
ſº | |
***...]. A
Tººl wº º
*"lºº"
- - ºt
\
º
*IITſ, º
THE NEW MASONIC HALL,
Dorrance, Pine, and Eddy Streets, Providence, Wm. R. Walker & Son, Architects.
THE origin and antecedents of Freemasonry involve questions
which are still unsettled. By tradition, the institution is linked
with a remote past. By numerous legends it is connected with
events and personages of antiquity, while in the system itself, as
now applied, there are many features which ally it to those great
secret organizations, having social and moral aims, which existed
long ago. The actual historic period of Freemasonry does not,
however, extend over the wide range covered by tradition and
legend; indeed, it hardly goes back of the eighteenth century.
No doubt there were societies bearing the Masonic name long
before 1717, when the four old lodges in London united to form
the Grand Lodge of England; but the records preserved of such
societies are fragmentary and obscure. Probably they were oper-
ative guilds, for the most part, the outgrowth of the builders'
associations which flourished so extensively in the middle ages.
Thus, by a farther process of development and modification, came
the modern institution of Freemasonry, established on the basis
of brotherhood and mutual helpfulness, and illustrating manifold
truths and precepts by a rich and varied symbolism. So it has
grown strong, entered into large accomplishments, and attained
a foremost place among the social and moral forces of the world.
Organized Freemasonry was unknown in this country until
1730, when St. John's Lodge of Philadelphia, was established,
under authority derived from England, and supposed to have been
exercised by Daniel Coxe, of New Jersey. In 1733 Henry
Price, of Boston, was appointed by the Grand Master of Masons
in England, as Provincial Grand Master for all North America,
and under his authority, during that year, St. John's Lodge, in
Boston, was duly organized. It was not until several years later
that the institution entered upon its organic life in Rhode Island.
St. John's Lodge of Newport, was chartered on the 27th of
December, 1749, by St. John's Grand Lodge of Boston, being
allowed at the first to confer only the degrees of Entered Appren-
tice and Fellow Craft. In 1759 permission was granted the New-
port brothers to work the Master's degree. At the time when
the Newport organization was effected there were but eight other
masonic lodges in North America, viz., St. John’s, Philadelphia;
St. John’s, Boston; the Holy Lodge of St. John's, Portsmouth,
N. H.; First Lodge, at Charleston, S. C. : First Lodge in the
West Indies, at Antigua ; Lodge of Masters, Boston; Halifax
Lodge, Halifax, N. S.; First Lodge, St. John's, Newfoundland.
The movement for organization at Newport was soon followed
by like action on the part of Freemasons in Providence, and in
response to a request of John Gerrish and sundry other brethren,
a charter was issued Jan. 18, 1757, authorizing the establish-
ment of St. John's Lodge in the town of Providence. The first
meetings were held at the “White Horse Tavern,” on North
Main Street, afterwards at the house of the Widow Kilton, the
tavern designated by the sign of the “Two Crowns,” and at other
inns and private houses, as was found most convenient. The
lodge flourished at the outset, being composed evidently of excel-
lent material. John Burgess was the first master. Joseph Brown,
John Brown, and Moses Brown were among the first candidates
initiated. The last-named brother was chosen secretary in 1758,
and continued to hold the office and discharge its duties for eleven
years, during which time he attended eighty of the ninety-seven
meetings of the lodge. Joseph Brown was likewise active dur-
ing those years; he succeeded John Burgess in 1762, and presided
at every meeting until 1769.
Of that earliest period in the history of organized Freemasonry
in this state, but scanty records have been preserved. There is
sufficient testimony, however, to show that the brethren, both in
Newport and Providence, were animated by a very commendable
zeal in their support of the Masonic institution, and that they



2O2
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
made it serve social and moral uses, besides doing a benevolent
work which then, as now, was reckoned of the first importance.
Still later, during the war of the Revolution and just afterwards,
Freemasonry made progress and occupied a position of honorable
influence, making itself known and felt, not only in the cities
where it was formally established but in the adjoining commu-
nities. -
The formation of a Grand Lodge in 1791 constitutes a notable
event in the history of Rhode Island Freemasonry. There were
only the two lodges at Newport and Providence which united to
form the Grand Body; but thus established, the Grand Lodge has
maintained a well-ordered and vigorous life to the present time.
At first the offices were divided with great care between the two
sections represented, the grand master being selected alternately
from Newport and Providence. Christopher Champlin, of New-
port, was the first grand master, being succeeded, in 1794, by
Jabez Bowen, and a few years later by Moses Sexias, all of whom,
with others, rendered important services to the institution.
During the closing years of the eighteenth century several new
lodges were organized, viz., Washington Lodge, of Warren ;
Washington Lodge, of South Kingstown; Mount Vernon Lodge,
of Providence. Another indication of prosperity at this time, was
the establishment of the craft in Providence under their own roof-
tree, they having become owners of a hall in the Market building
in that city. This hall was dedicated with appropriate services,
conducted by Grand Master Jabez Bowen, Dec. 27, 1797. An
address was given by Amos M. Atwell. During the first decade
of the nineteenth century, St. Albans’ Lodge, of Bristol; Friend-
ship Lodge, of Chepachet, Mount Moriah Lodge, of Lime Rock,
Harmony Lodge, of Pawtuxet, Union Lodge, of Pawtucket, King
Solomon's Lodge, of East Greenwich, Manchester Lodge, of
Anthony, and Morning Star Lodge, of Woonsocket, were organ-
ized. The number of Freemasons in Rhode Island at this time
was about seven hundred. The active workers in the fraternity
were for the most part earnest and intelligent men, and the insti-
tution in their hands was greatly prospered. Among the leaders
who then contributed much influence was Thomas Smith Webb,
who came to Providence in 1801, and almost at once became
prominent in shaping Masonic affairs. Taking membership in
St. John's Lodge of Providence, he was called to fill important
offices in the Grand Lodge, being elected junior grand warden
in 1802. He afterwards served three years as grand senior
warden, two years as deputy grand master, and two years,
1813–14, as grand master. He was an enthusiastic Mason, fairly
well versed in the history of the institution, and led by a strong
desire to recast and extend the Masonic system. In Royal Arch
Masonry he was especially active and conspicuous. He origin-
ated the degrees of Most Excellent Master and Past Master, as
connected with the American system, and “made over” the
rituals of both the Mark and the Royal Arch degrees. Some of his
work on these rituals was well done, but some of it is justly
open to adverse criticism. Webb was at the head of Providence
Royal Arch Chapter in 1801–2, and was grand high priest in
1803 and until 1815. He was the prime mover in the establish-
ment of the General Grand Chapter, and drafted the constitution
which was accepted, in 1799, as the governing law of that body.
He was largely influential in its affairs and held the office of
deputy general grand high priest at the time of his death, in
July, 1819. In the Order of the Temple he wrought no less
efficiently. He was the chief promoter of the movement, in
1802, for the establishment of St. John's Encampment (now
Commandery) in Providence, and he presided over that body for
twelve years. In 1805 he helped to organize the Grand Encamp-
ment of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, being its first grand
commander, and holding that office for twelve years. He did
more than any other one man in organizing the Grand Encamp-
ment of the United States, established in 1816. His work and
accomplishments are closely interwoven with the history of Rhode
Island Freemasonry in the early part of the present century, dur-
ing which time it greatly flourished. In 1825, just previous to
the breaking of the anti-Masonic storm, there were nineteen
lodges in the state, – St. Paul’s Lodge, Newport, Hamilton
Lodge, Foster, Warwick Lodge, Warwick, Evening Star Lodge,
Smithfield, Temple Lodge, Smithfield, and Lafayette Lodge,
Cumberland, being those added to the list as previously given.
There were four organizations of Royal Arch Masons, viz.,
Providence Chapter, constituted in 1793; Newport Chapter,
constituted in 1806; Temple Chapter, Warren, constituted in
1807; and Pawtucket Chapter, Pawtucket, constituted in 1820.
These bodies were allegiant to, and under the control of the
Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Rhode Island, formed in 1798, in
which organization Moses Sexias, Thomas S. Webb, John Car-
lisle, William Wilkinson, and Moses Richardson, bore a conspic-
uous part. The Order of Knights-Templars was represented by
two strong organizations, viz., St. John's Encampment (now
Commandery), Providence, and Washington Encampment, New-
port, both being subordinate to the Grand Encampment of Mas-
sachusetts and Rhode Island, which, as already stated, was
formed at Providence in 1805.
In 1828, the anti-Masonic feeling took form, exciting an intense
opposition against the fraternity in Rhode Island, as elsewhere.
The institution was weakened, but also purified, by the pro-
tracted discipline to which it was subjected; it emerged from its
adverse experience with a reduced membership and greatly dimin-
ished resources, but it had learned some wholesome lessons by
its trials, and was ready to undertake new work and larger accom-
plishments. In 1840–41, a marked revival of interest took place,
though on account of civil disturbances which at that period so
much engrossed the attention of the citizens of Rhode Island, it was
several years later before the full force of a returning tide of Ma-
sonic prosperity was felt in this state. The first initiation in St.
John's Lodge, Providence, after the revival, took place Aug. 21,
1844. From that time until now the history of Freemasonry in
Rhode Island, is marked by a constant, steady advancement, in
all the elements which impart strength to an institution. It has
become popular and influential as in the earlier period of its es-
tablishment. It has come to be recognized among the organized
and well-approved forces of social and benevolent endeavor in the
community.
The strength of the Masonic institution in Rhode Island is in-
dicated by the following summary: There are thirty-five work-
ing lodges in the state, having about four thousand members.
These lodges are subordinate to the Grand Lodge of Rhode
Island, which has an honorable record extending over nearly a
century. In the annals of that body are the names of Brethren
Atwell, Wilkinson, Bowen, Webb, Field, and Doyle, among the
illustrious dead; Hutchison, Johnson, and Ballou, among the
honored living, who have rendered conspicuous services to the
institution and won the enduring affection of their fellow-crafts-
II].CI1,
Freemasonry is represented in Rhode Island not only by the
Grand Lodge and these thirty-five subordinate lodges, but like-
wise by organizations of other branches of the institution. The
Royal Arch and associated degrees are conferred in chapters, of
which there are ten in the state, all subject to the general control
of a Grand Chapter. There are about eighteen hundred Royal
Arch Masons in Rhode Island, of which Providence Chapter has
nearly eight hundred. There are six commanderies of Knights-
Templars in the state, viz.: St. John's, Providence, organized in
1802; Washington, Newport, 1814; Holy Sepulchre, Pawtucket,
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
2O3
1849; Calvary, Providence, 1860; Woonsocket, 1867; Narra-
gansett, Westerly, 1869; these bodies being allegiant, with the
commanderies of Massachusetts, to the Grand Commandery of
Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
The Cryptic Rite in Rhode Island has maintained a separate
existence under its Grand Lodge only since 1861. There are
councils of this rite at Providence, Newport, Warren, Paw-
tucket, and Woonsocket, their aggregate membership being
nearly nine hundred. The Scottish Rite has had a well defined
recognition in this state, almost from the time of its first estab-
lishment on the Western Continent, but latterly it has acquired
a large increase of favor and influence. Active, well-sustained
organizations at Providence and Newport, include a membership
gathered from all sections of the state. Newton D. Arnold, of
the thirty-third degree, of Providence, is the deputy in charge of
the working of the Scottish Rite as thus established.
The officers of the several governing organizations for the year
1886, are as follows:
GRAND LODGE OF RHODE ISLAND.—Newton D. Arnold, grand master;
the Rev. W. N. Ackley, deputy grand master; George H. Kenyon, senior
grand warden; David S. Baker, Jr., junior grand warden; Darius B.
Davis, grand treasurer; Edwin Baker, grand secretary; Stillman White,
Fayette B. Bennett, W. T. C. Wardwell, Dexter B. Potter, Zeuner M.
Jenckes, district deputy grand masters; the Rev. H. W. Rugg, grand chap-
lain; Benjamin A. Reynolds, senior grand deacon; William H. Perry,
junior grand deacon; Forrest A. Peck, senior grand steward; Edward F.
Anthony, junior grand steward; Cyrus M. Van Slyck, grand marshal;
Albert L. Chester, grand sword bearer; C. H. Alexander, grand pursui-
vant; John P. Smith, grand lecturer; E. B. White, grand tyler.
GRAND Royal ARCH CHAPTER of RHODE ISLAND.— Henry W. Rugg,
grand high priest; Charles H. Wheden, deputy grand high priest; Ste-
phen H. Sears, Jr., grand king; Osmond H. Briggs, grand scribe; John
P. Walker, grand treasurer; William R. Greene, grand secretary; the Rev.
Wm. R. Ackley, grand chaplain; Joseph O. Earl, grand lecturer; Edward
F. Anthony, grand captain of host; Lester S. Hill, grand principal
sojourner; Henry D. Hayden, grand royal arch captain; Charles E.
Thomas, George E. Greene, Charles H. Titus, grand masters of veils;
John P. Luther, grand senior steward; H. K. Blanchard, grand junior
steward; Edwin Baker, grand musical director; S. M. Walling, grand
tyler. º
Briggs, grand master; Horace K. Blanchard, deputy grand master; Wil-
liam J. Huntington, P. C. of work : S. C. Arnold, grand treasurer; W.
R. Greene; grand secretary; the Rev. H. W. Rugg, grand chaplain; Fred
H. White, grand captain of guard; A. H. Armington, grand conductor of
council; Isaac Gill, grand marshal ; John W. Pettis, grand steward;
Willard Kent, grand lecturer; George H. Lincoln, grand musical director;
E. B. White, grand sentinel.
GRAND COMMANDERY OF KNIGHTs-TEMPLARs of MAss AcHUsetts AND
RHODE ISLAND – George H. Burnham, grand commander; Edward P.
Chapin, deputy grand commander; George H. Allen, grand generalis-
simo; Edward L. Freeman, grand captain general; the Rev. John W. Dad-
mun, grand prelate; James Swords, grand senior warden; John P. San-
born, grand junior warden; James H. Upham, grand treasurer; Alfred F.
Chapman, grand recorder; Eben D. Bancroft, grand standard bearer; D.
Frank Robinson, grand sword bearer; S. O. Daniels, grand warder; W.
H. H. Soule, grand captain of guards; Samuel G. Stiness, Robert H.
Chamberlain, Charles Harris, grand lecturers; Benjamin F. Nourse,
grand sentinel. -
The Freemasonry thus organized and represented stands for
good fellowship among its members, together with mutual sym-
pathy and helpfulness, according to determinate lines of duty and
limitation. It has a well-defined ministry in the direction of
morals and religion, justifying its existence not merely by the
social features it makes prominent and the benevolent work that
it performs without any flourish of trumpets, which counts for
much in the expression of its genuine spirit, but likewise by its
inculcation of the duties of good citizenship, and some contribu-
tion of influence designed to lead men to devout thought and holy
living. Having such a purpose and functions, Freemasonry
GRAND CouncIL of Roy AL AND SELECT MASTERs.— Osmond H.
takes it place among the associations and fraternities that grace
and bless our modern life, and receives as a right a generous
recognition from society and the world.
The Masonic bodies in Providence are:
PROVIDENCE CouncIL, No. 1, R. AND S. M., established 1818. The
officers for the present year are: T.I. M., George W. Pettis; D. M., George
H. Kenyon : P. C. of W., John P. Walker; treasurer, Daniel N. Davis;
recorder, William R. Greene; chaplain, Albert H. Cushman; C. of G.,
Horace S. Richardson; C. of C., Charles B. Manchester; steward, Arnold
P. Mathewson; musical director, William R. Greene; sentinel, R. Chad-
wick. -
PROvIDENCE ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER, constituted 1793. The officers
for the present year are: H. P., Horace S. Richardson; king, George H.
Kenyon; scribe, Forrest A. Peck; treasurer, Amasa C. Tourtellot; secre-
tary, William R. Greene; chaplain, the Rev. Henry W. Rugg; C. of H.,
Albert L. Anthony; P. S., Joseph O. Earle; R. A. C., Arthur H. Arming-
ton; M. third V., Hunter C. White; M. second V., Leander G. Sherman;
M. first V., Eugene Stevens; S. S., Richard Chadwick; J. S., Edgar G.
Windsor; musical director, W. R. Greene; tyler, Richard Chadwick.
St. John’s CoMMANDERY, No. 1, OF KNIGHTS-TEMPLARS, organized
1802. The officers for the present year are: C., John Heathcote; G., Darius
B. Davis; C. G., William H. Perry; P., John W. Pettis; S. W., Forrest
A. Peck; J. W., George W. Pettis; treasurer, John G. Massie; recorder,
William E. Husband; Stand. B., Andrew J. Kelley; S. B., Hunter C.
White; warder, Andrew B. Eddy; C. of G., Rodney F. Dyer, Jr., Charles
L. Rogers, Frank D. Livermore; musical director, William R. Greene;
sentinel, Amon R. Thurston.
CAlvary CoMMANDERY, KNIGHTs-TEMPLARS, organized 1860. The
officers for the present year are: C., Cyril A. Babcock; G., Eugene
Stevens; C. G., Albert L. Anthony; P., the Rev. William F. B. Jackson;
S. W., Duncan Campbell; J. W., Arthur A. Armington; treasurer, Amasa
C. Tourtellot, recorder, Clarence H. Guild; Stand. B., George P. Whit-
ney; Sword B., William H. McCormick; warder, William J. Nichols;
guards, John M. Dean, Clarence H. Carpenter, Spencer B. Hopkins; sen-
tinel, Rensaelaer B. S. Hart; musical director, George H. Lincoln. -
RHoDE Island CoNSIstory, S.'.P.'.R.'.S.’.32°.—Ill. Com. in Chief,
Joseph O. Earle; Ill. 1st Lieut. Com., William G. Stevens; Ill. 2d
Lieut. Com., Edward S. Jones; Min. of S. G. O., James Fludder; G. C.,
George M. Carpenter; G. S. of K. and S., William E. Husband; G. T.,
Edward B. Knight; G. E. and A., Robert S. Franklin; G. H., Edward
B. Knight; G. M. of C., Vernon O. Taylor; G. S. B., J. Gottlieb Sping-
ler; G. C. of G., Hunter C. White; G. S., Charles E. Harris.
St. John's Lodge, No. 1, chartered 1757. The officers for the present
year are: W. M., George W. Pettis; S. W., George Fuller; J. W.,
Albert G. Bates; treasurer, George H. Burnham; secretary, John P.
Walker; chaplain, Thomas C. Cocroft; S. D., William E. Husband; J. D.,
Charles H. C. Carter; S. S., A. H. Cushman; J. S., John W. Pettis; mar-
shal, James H. Smith; sentinel, Walter C. Shurtliff; musical director,
Linneaus V. Kennon; tyler, Richard Chadwick. e
Mt. VERNoN Lodge, No. 4, chartered 1799. The officers for the pres-
ent year are: W. M., William H. Silloway; S. W., Lemuel H. Forster;
J. W., the Rev. Alfred Manchester; treasurer, William H. Perry; secretary,
Marcus M. Burdick; chaplain, Stephen M. Greene; S. D., Charles Lark-
ham; J. D., Charles B. Manchester; S. S., Horace S. Richardson; J. S.,
Charles H. Dodge; marshal, John B. Benson; sentinel, Albert F. Mowry;
musical director, Andrew B. Eddy; tyler, Richard Chadwick.
WHAT CHEER Lodge, No. 21, chartered 1857. The officers for the pres-
ent year are: W. M., S. Penrose Williams; S. W., Arthur H. Armington;
J. W., Samuel G. Colwell; treasurer, Lory J. C. Andrews; secretary, Ed-
win Baker; chaplain, Josiah L. Webster; S. D., Frank S. Congdon; J. D.,
Elton A. Cook; S. S., Spencer B. Hopkins; J. S., Amos B. Bradley; mar-
shal, Alonzo D. Amsden; sentinel, James Edward Potter; musical direc-
tor, Edwin Baker.
CoRINTHIAN LoDCE, No. 27, chartered 1868. The officers for the pres-
ent year are: W. M., John S. Kellogg; S. W., Charles S. Pettee; J. W.,
Edmund S. Hopkins; treasurer, Horatio A. Hunt; secretary, Thomas A.
Walling; chaplain, Andrew Hutchinson; S. D., Charles C. Newhall; J. D.,
James E. Tillinghast; marshal, Cyril A. Babcock; S. S., Henry C. Arm-
strong: J. S., Cyrus M. Van Slyck; sentinel, John A. Howland; tyler,
Albert Fuller.
ADELPHol LoDGE, No. 33, chartered 1876. The officers for the present
year are: W. M., Edwin L. Spink; S. W., George H. Holmes; J. W., Wil-
liam N. Otis; treasurer, Israel B. Mason; secretary, Oliver E. Greene;
chaplain, John W. McKnight; S. D., D. Russell Brown; J. D., John M.
Buffington; S. S., John Heathcote; J. S., John W. Tillinghast; marshal,
2O4
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
Fred. I. Marcy; sentinel, Thomas F. Arnold; musical director, Smith S.
Sweet; tyler, Cornelius E. Bourne.
REDwood LoDGE, No. 35, chartered 1878. The officers for the present
year are: W. M., Michael Green; S. W., William H. T. Mosely; J. W.,
Abraham Pakas; treasurer, Louis Frank; secretary, Lorenzo Traver;
chaplain, Meyer Noot; S. D., James E. Boulester; J. D., Hyman Krohne;
S. S., Adolph Cohen; J. S., Sidney P. Flint; marshal, Henry Green;
sentinel, Thomas W. Lind; musical director, William R. Greene; tyler,
Leopold Hartman.
ORPHEUs Lodge, No. 36, chartered 1879. The officers for the present
year are: W. M., George H. Bunce; S. W., Allen W. Peck; J. W., Theo.
E. Allen; treasurer, Henry Baker; secretary, William B. Bennett; chap-
lain, Leander G. Sherman; S. D., Charles C. Mumford; J. D., John C.
Davis; S. S., George C. Noyes; J. S., Lewis A. O’Brian; marshal, John
E. Kendrick; sentinel, D. C. H. Tinkham; musical director, Charles L.
Kenyon; tyler, George H. Freese.
NESTELL Lodge, No. 37, chartered 1880. The officers for the present
year are: W. M., Albert H. Williams; S. W., Edward F. King; J. W.,
Hosea Q. Morton; treasurer, John W. Randall; secretary, George Robin-
son; chaplain, William H. Barron; S. D., James W. Lees; J. D., William
H. Patt; S. S., Frederick G. Styles; J. S., John R. Crossley; marshal,
Thomas K. Booth; sentinel, J. H. Rhodes; musical director, D. Leroy
Holmes; tyler, Daniel Heaven.
AMERICAN ODD FELLOwsHIP dates its history from April 26,
1819, when the first lodge was organized. It was located at Bal-
timore, Md., and was named Washington Lodge. This lodge
was the result of the efforts of Thomas Wildey, who thus became
the originator of the order in the United States. It is claimed
that Odd Fellowship existed in Rhode Island prior to the estab-
lishment of Washington Lodge, but there is no authentic evidence
of the existence of the order in' this state previous to 1822, when
Massachusetts Lodge, of Boston, entered on its minutes a record
of a resolution passed by that body, congratulating the Odd Fel-
lows of Providence on the opening of a new lodge. This lodge
was evidently short lived, for in 1826 a petition was presented to
the Grand Lodge of the United States asking for a dispensation
for a lodge in Providence. Nothing came of this petition, and it
was not until June, 1829, that, at a special meeting of the Grand
Lodge of the United States, held in Baltimore, a charter was
granted “to Friendly Union Lodge, to be located at Providence,
R. I.” Soon after the granting of this charter, Grand Sire
Thomas Wildey, assisted by Representative Small, of Pennsyl-
vania, instituted the lodge, of which the original members were
Henry Hobson, Walter McFarland, John Doran, Francis Chad-
burn, James Bury, and John Bowcock. James Wood, who after-
wards acquired the title of “the Father of Rhode Island Odd
Fellowship,” attracted attention at this meeting by an able speech
on the aims and benefits of the order. This gentleman was inde-
fatigable in behalf of the society in this state, and was greatly
beloved by his brethren, who repeatedly elected him to the
highest offices of trust and honor in their power to bestow.
He died Jan. 17, 1867. Friendly Union Lodge was instituted
at Mechanics' Hall on Market Square. Its meetings were held
at the Manufacturers' Hotel and at the old Union House, No. 24
Weybosset Street, until August, 1834. No regular meetings were
held from August, 1834, to Aug. 19, 1843, when the lodge was
reorganized at Mechanics’ Hall. From that date the meetings
were held in Manufacturers’ Hotel until Dec. 11, 1843, when
the lodge removed to a hall in Dyer’s block, on Westminster
Street. It returned to Mechanics' Hall on Jan. 23, 1845, and
remained there until Sept. 3, 1868. No meetings were held
from the last date to April 7, 1870. After this date the
lodge met in Odd Fellows' Hall, at No. 97 Weybosset Street
until April 5, 1877, when it removed to Rhodes' block, at the
corner of Westminster and Union streets. On May 21, 1885, it
removed to the hall it now occupies, Elks Hall, in Low's Opera
House on Westminster Street. The officers of the lodge for the
present year are: N. G., Charles A. Peabody; V. G., James
Clary; R. S., Lewis F. Beckford; treasurer, John A. Hamilton;
P. S., Edward T. White. Previous to the year 1843, Friendly
Union Lodge was the only organization of Odd Fellows that had
maintained its existence for any length of time in the State of
Rhode Island. In that year it was revived, the interest in the
order renewed, and other lodges were instituted. Narragansett
Encampment was organized and constituted in 1844, in the lodge-
room of Friendly Union Lodge. This encampment held its
meetings in Franklin Hall until it was removed to its present
quarters, at No. 97 Weybosset Street. The officers of this en-
campment for the present year are: C. P., James A. Davis; H.
P., Edwin A. Bezely; S. W., George S. Brown; R. S., Edward
Edgers; F. S., Oliver C. Stanley; treasurer, Oliver C. Stanley;
J. W., James A. Charnley. The Right Worthy Grand Lodge
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Rhode Island was
constituted in June, 1844. For twenty years the meetings of the
Grand Lodge, when held in the city of Providence, were con-
ducted in a hall in the Exchange building ; for several years after
that in Weeden's Hall, until September, 1869. The head-quar-
ters of the Grand Lodge have been in Odd Fellows' Hall, 97 Wey-
bosset Street, since 1870. The officers of the Grand Lodge for
the present year are: M. W. G. Master, George D. Lansing, of
Providence; R. W. D. G. Master, Eugene H. Lincoln, of Provi-
dence; R. W. G. Warden, Samuel L. Carpenter, of Provi-
dence; R. W. G. Secretary, Marcus W. Morton, of Providence;
R. W. G. Treasurer, Stephen O. Randall, of Providence;
R. W. G. Representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, Gilbert
F. Robbins, of Providence; W. G. Chaplain, Charles E. Howes,
of Pawtuckct; W. G. Marshal, William H. T. Mosley, of Provi-
dence; W. G. Conductor, Leander G. Sherman, of Providence;
W. Guardian, George W. Brown, of Providence; W. G. Herald,
Henry H. Truman, of Providence.
The degree of Patriarchs Militant, which was first known as
the degree of Uniformed Patriarchs, originated in Moshassuck
Encampment, No 2, of Rhode Island. In the year 1871 that
encampment passed a resolution to uniform its patriarchs. Soon
after the district deputy grand sire of the Sovereign Grand
Lodge visited Moshassuck Encampment and complimented the
patriarchs upon their novel and attractive uniforms, but said their
regalia was contrary to the law of the order. At the next meet-
ing of the Sovereign Grand Lodge the matter of uniforming the
patriarchs was brought up for consideration, and John F. Driscoll
and Herbert E. Dodge, members of Moshassuck Encampment,
urged the Sovereign Grand Lodge to sanction the wearing of uni-
forms by the patriarchs. A decree was promulgated at this
meeting allowing the encampments to uniform their patriarchs,
and in 1874 the Sovereign Grand Lodge approved the style of
uniform worn by the Patriarchs of Providence. The officers for
the present year of the First Regiment of Patriarchs Militant of
Rhode Island are: Colonel, Marcus W. Morton, of Providence ;
lieutenant-colonel, Lindsay Anderson, of Providence; major,
Harvey Huestis, of Providence; major, William H. Guerney, of
Pawtucket.
Commissioned Staff: Captain and adjutant, Thomas I. Hudson, of
Providence; captain and quartermaster, Edward M. Luther, of Provi-
dence; captain and commissary, William H. T. Mosley, of Providence;
major and surgeon, John T. Patterson, of Valley Falls; captain and
acting surgeon, William Fred Fish, of Bristol; captain and chaplain,
James M. Charnley, of Providence.
Non-Commissioned Staff: Sergeant-major, Peter Trumpler, of Provi-
dence; quartermaster-sergeant, Edward B. Luther, of Providence; com-
missary-sergeant, John B. Battey, of Providence; trumpeter, Thomas C.
Perkins, of Providence.
The membership of the Order of Odd Fellows in Rhode Island,
at the last annual report was . Of lodges, 5,292; encampments,
1,499; and cantons of Patriarchs Militant, 326. The degree of
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
2O 5
Daughters of Rebekah, to which women are initiated, was orig-
inated by the Hon. Schuyler Colfax, of Indiana, and has 1,491
members in Rhode Island. Many of the lodges of the order in
this state own the halls in which their meetings are held, and the
order is active and flourishing. The Grand Encampment of Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows of Rhode Island, was constituted
in 1856. The officers for the present year are: G. R., Lester S.
Hill, of Providence; G. H. P., Samuel A. Whelden, of Prov-
idence; G. S. W., George W. Brown, of Providence; G. S.,
Marcus W. Morton, of Providence; G. Treasurer, Stephen O.
Randall, of Providence; G. J. W., Wm. Fred Fish, of Bristol;
Grand Representative to Sovereign Grand Lodge, William S.
Johnson, of Providence. *
Connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Rhode Island
is the Odd Fellows' Beneficial Association of the State of Rhode Island.
This association was chartered in April, 1872, and its object is to insure
the lives of such Odd Fellows as are members of it. At the death of any
member of the association, the sum of $1,000 is paid by it to the widow
or heirs of the deceased. This sum of $1,000 is raised by assessments on
the members, each one of whom is taxed at a rate regulated by the age
of the Odd Fellow at the time he joined the Beneficial Association.
Besides the Narragansett the Providence Encampments are:
MoshAssucK, No. 2, instituted May 13, 1845. The officers for the pres-
ent year are: C. P., Richard Sanford; H. P., Edwin S. Ross; S. W.,
Melvin Parker; R. S., Marcus W. Morton; F. S., George W. Davis;
treasurer, William T. Kilton; J. W., William F. Laurence.
PLYMOUTH, Nó. 11, was instituted March 25, 1872. The officers for the
present year are: C. P., Leonard Wilkinson; H. P., George Alexander;
S. W., Christopher A. Murray; R. S., Frederic D. Toof; F. S., Roderick
Ross, Jr.; treasurer, Jesse Sabin; J. W., George L. Robinson.
MAzeppa, No. 12, was instituted June 1, 1872. The officers for the
present year are: C. P., Rufus G. Sprague; H. P., Eugene H. Lincoln;
S. W., William Crighton, Jr.; R. S., Henry F. Campbell; F. S., William
Devon; treasurer, Henry A. Remington; J. W., James T. Potter.
MINNEHAHA, No. 16, was instituted July 6, 1873. The officers for the
present year are: C. P., Henry F. Carpenter; H. P., Samuel A. Whelden;
S. W., Andrew J. Glover; R. S., John Lees; F. S., Thomas G. Carr;
treasurer, George F. Aldrich; J. W., Byron W. Bowen.
The cantons of the degree of Patriarchs Militant in Providence:
SHAFFNER, No. 1. Its officers for the present year are: Captain, L. An-
derson; lieutenant, E. A. Bezeley.
WHAT CHEER, No. 2. Its officers for the present year are: Captain, H.
A. Claflin; lieutenant, H. A. Barney; ensign, J. I. Davis.
PROVIDENCE, No. 4. Its officers for the present year are: Captain, S.
A. Whelden; lieutenant, C. A. Brown; ensign, H. A. Carpenter.
MAzeppa, No. 6.
Campbell; lieutenant, G. W. Brown; ensign, E. H. Lincoln.
The subordinate lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, in Providence, are: -
EAGLE Lodge, No. 2, instituted April 29, 1843. The officers for the
present year are: N. G., William Brines; V. G., Frederic W. Folsom ;
R. S., George H. Slade; treasurer, Marcus W. Morton; P. S., Herbert
E. Dodge, Jr. -
ROGER WILLIAMs, No. 3, instituted April 3, 1844. The officers for the
present year are: N. G., David B. Neil; V. G., Frank M. George; R. S.,
Samuel Eastwood, 2d; treasurer, Alva Carpenter; P. S., John E. Sher-
Iſlan.
HoPE, No. 4, instituted July 31, 1844. The officers for the present
year are: N. G., George S. Apley; V. G., William R. Hudson; R. S.,
Henry F. Brown; treasurer, George W. Beedle; P. S., George W. Davis.
CANONICUs, No. 9, instituted April 8, 1845. The officers for the pres-
ent year are: N. G., Richard Sanford; V. G., Herbert M. Shove; R. S.,
George H. Remington; treasurer, William S. Johnson; P. S., Edward S.
Chapin.
Swarts, No. 18, instituted March 22, 1871. The officers for the pres-
ent year are: N. G., William H. Lowe; V. G., James C. McCallister; R.
S., William A. Austin; treasurer, Thomas J. Hamilton; P. S., Frederic
D. Codding.
PILGRIM, No. 19, instituted Dec. 11, 1871. The officers for the present
year are: N. G., George H. Dean, Jr.; V. G., George L. Robinson; R S.,
Charles M. Young; treasurer, Albert Fenner; P. S., Elmer G. Conant.
27
Its officers for the present year are: Captain, E. W.
UNITY, No. 20, instituted Dec. 16, 1871. The officers for the present
year are: N. G., Charles E. Blundell; V. G., Henry F. Campbell; R. S.,
Rufus G. Sprague; treasurer, Henry J. Campbell; P. S., Frank L.
Vaughn. -
FRANKLIN, No. 23, instituted July 13, 1872. The officers for the present
year are: N. G., Charles H. Allen; V. G., Charles E. Frankland; R. S.,
William T. Kilton; treasurer, Edward W. Hall; P. S., George H. Mc-
Gregor.
CRESCENT, No. 24, instituted July 19, 1872. The officers for the present
year are: N. G., Forrest T. Tebbetts; V. G., William D. Walker; R. S.,
Erdix F. Dustin; treasurer, William T. Huntington; P. S., Eben S. Rob-
inson.
North STAR, No. 25, instituted July 6, 1872. The officers for the pres-
ent year are: N. G., Walter F. Joy; V. G., Charles F. Nichols; R. S.,
Albert E. Fish ; treasurer, Alfred H. Washburn; P. S., Edward T. Davis.
WESTMINSTER, No. 27, instituted Sept. 12, 1872. The officers for the
present year are: N. G., Henry G. Lassen; V. G., William E. Viall;
R. S., Charles W. Oberton; treasurer, Isaac C. Potter, R. S., Martin
M. Johnson.
JAMES WooD, No. 30, instituted April 3, 1873. The officers for the
present year are: N. G., G. Edwin Rounds; V. G., Albert A. Hopkins;
R. S., James R. Perkins; treasurer, Hollis M. Coombs; P. S., Daniel
McCarthy. -
MAY FLower, No. 31, instituted May 28, 1873. The officers for the
present year are: N. G., Charles H. Button; V. G., Frank W. Norris;
R. S., Herbert C. Clemence; treasurer, John Heap ; P. S., William H.
Hamilton.
OLIVE BRANCH, No. 37, was instituted Jan. 1, 1875. The officers for
the present year are: N. G., Allison H. Ainsworth; V. G., Maurice
Ettinger; R. S., William J. Lowhy; treasurer, Amos Pettey; P. S.,
Charles D. Poole.
MoUNT PLEASANT, No. 44, instituted July 23, 1886. The officers for
the present year are: N. G., Charles F. Charnley; V. G., Frank H.
Jackson; R. S., Frederic Bowman; treasurer, John Cosgrove; R. S.,
James B. Foyer.
THE INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLows, MANCHESTER UNITY,
was first represented in Rhode Island by Bellevue Lodge, No. 6435,
instituted in 1881 at Providence. There are now eight other lodges
in the state, under the jurisdiction of the Rhode Island District, which
acknowledges the authority of the Grand Master of the Manchester
Unity, an English organization of Odd Fellows, with head-quarters at
Manchester, England. The order has a membership of 756 in this state.
It is a secret benevolent association, and combines sick benefits with
insurance. The sick benefits are $5.00 per week and the payment of the
physician’s fees during the illness of a member. At the death of a mem-
ber his widow or heirs receive sixty dollars; at the death of a member's
wife the member receives thirty dollars; and the fund from which the ben-
efits and insurance are paid is levied by assessment upon the members
in a district.
THE KNIGHTs of PYTHIAs, a secret, benevolent order, was organized at
Washington, D. C., Feb. 15, 1864, by Justus H. Rathbone. The first
lodge instituted in Rhode Island was Union, No. 2, located at Providence
There are now in the state sixteen lodges, whose total membership is
I,3OO.
The Grand Lodge in this state was constituted Feb. 17, 1871. The offi-
cers of this body for the present year are: P. G. C., Charles E. Chicker-
ing; G. C., Charles Morgan; G. V. C., F. L. Forsyth; G. P., Andrew
Glover; G. K. of R. and S., William A. Wilson; G. M. of E., John Galling-
ton; G. M. at A., George A. Moore; G. I. C., George L. Clarke; G. O. G.,
F. Peyke. -
The order combines sick benefits with insurance of members. Sick ben-
efits are paid in stated sums as agreed upon by each lodge to a member
while his illness continues, if not longer than fifty-two weeks. A death
benefit is also paid by the order, which is not the insurance to which mem-
bership in the Endowment Rank entitles a knight, and which in amount
is regulated by the by-laws of the lodges. The Endowment Rank is an
insurance which is mutual and levied by assessments upon members of the
rank. These assessments are graded by the age of the member, and the
policies of insurance issued by the rank are for $1,000, $2,000, and $3,000.
THE KNIGHTs of PYTHIAS, SICK BENEFIT Association of RHODE
IsLAND is under the control of the Grand Lodge officers, and was organ-
ized in 1879. The members of it are assessed fifty cents per month and
when ill are entitled to its benefits as long as the sickness continues.
THE KNIGHTS OF HONOR is a secret, benevolent order that was estab-
lished in June, 1873, the payment of a death benefit being one of its
objects. Each member pays as quarterly dues such sum as his lodge
decides upon, but which cannot be less than three dollars per year. The
2O6
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
society has grown rapidly, and extends all over the United States. The
Supreme Lodge is the head of the order, and is composed of its officers
and of representatives from Grand Lodges. The Grand Lodges are com-
posed of representatives from each subordinate lodge in the state. Sub-
ordinate lodges are composed of members admitted upon petition by
ballot. The petitioner must be a white man between the ages of eighteen
and fifty years. There are five lodges of the order in Providence, as fol-
lows: Providence Lodge, No. 132; Excelsior Lodge, Golden Rule Lodge,
Harmony Lodge, and Narragansett Lodge.
THE KNIGHTS AND LADIEs of Honor is a secret, mutual insurance
order, of which there are four lodges in Rhode Island. These are What
Cheer, May Queen, and Amity, located in Providence, and Berkley, lo-
cated at Newport. The membership of the order in the state is from four
hundred to four hundred and twenty-five. The insurance is divided into
three classes: Class A, which is the entering class, pays at the death of a
member $1,000. In addition, members may take Class B, which pays
$2,000, or Class B}, which pays $3,000. No member is insured by the
order for more than three thousand dollars.
THE AMERICAN LEGION OF HONOR, a secret, benevolent society, was
organized in the city of Boston in 1878, and in 1879 incorporated under
the laws of Massachusetts. Applicants for membership must be between
the ages of eighteen and fifty years. The amount of death benefit ranges
from five hundred dollars to five thousand dollars, the assessment being
proportioned to the amount and the age of the member when admitted.
The society has grown very rapidly. Dec. 31, 1879, it had only 1,445
members; Dec. 31, 1885, the membership had increased to 58,192, and
the society during the latter year paid out to beneficiaries the large sum of
$1,935,509. There are two lodges or councils in Providence: Providence
Council, No. 566, Rhode Island Council, No. 1123.
THE ROYAL ARCANUM is a secret, beneficiary order, that, although
organized only a few years, (June 23, 1877,) has a large membership. The
operations of the order are restricted to territory free from epidemics, and
under this rule a number of Southern States are excluded. In forming the
rules for its government, what were believed the best features of similar
organizations were adopted. The main objects of the order are the estab-
lishment of a fund for the relief of sick and distressed members, and a
widows’ and orphans' benefit fund, from which, on the death of a member,
a sum not exceeding three thousand dollars, will be paid to his family.
Every precaution has been taken to avoid fraud in the management of
financial matters, all the officers being under heavy bonds for the faithful
performance of their duties. There are two lodges of the order in Provi-
dence, Delphi Council, No. 7, of which Leon Hamlin Coffin is regent, and
Gardner Blandin, secretary; and Unity Council, No. 277, William H.
Lowe, regent, and Oscar A. Carleton, secretary.
THE ORDER of ELKs.— Providence Lodge No. 14, of the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks was organized Nov. 13, 1881, and chartered
Feb. 19, 1883. As its name implies, it is a benevolent and protective
organization, combining sociability with its benevolent features. It is
regarded as one of the most liberal of all similar organizations. It takes
care of its sick members, pays the funeral expenses or those who die, and
provides for their widows and orphans. At the time Providence Lodge
was instituted, in 1881, there were only thirteen lodges of the order in the
United States. From 1881 to 1886, forty-three new lodges have been in-
stituted, making the number now fifty-six, and applications for new lodges
will increase the number to one hundred by the spring of 1887. The
inception of the first lodge took place in 1868. It was composed mainly
of members of the theatrical profession, who gathered together, after their
laborious duties, for social enjoyment. It grew in numbers so rapidly that
it was decided to form it into a benevolent institution, and from this the
order has risen to its present proportions. The Grand Lodge was char-
tered by the State of New York in 1871, and meets annually in December.
The charter members of Providence Lodge numbered twenty-four, and up
to the present time have increased to 236. The first elective officers of
the lodge were Orville M. Remington, exalted ruler; Edward D. Chase,
esteemed leading knight; John D. Hopkins, esteemed loyal knight; Ste-
phen Parker, esteemed lecturing knight; Edward J. Collins, secretary;
Charles F. Haskins, treasurer; Frank A. Page, tyler; William H. Low, Jr.,
George J. Hackett, and William F. Waldron, trustees. The present officers
of the lodge are: James A. Ross, exalted ruler; Walter A. Hudson, es-
teemed leading knight; Charles H. Rice, esteemed loyal knight; William
F. Hall, esteemed lecturing knight; Frank A. Page, secretary; Charles
F. Haskins, treasurer; William H. Monroe, tyler; William H. Low, Jr.,
Charles A. Wilson, and William J. McCall, trustees. The annual election
of officers takes place the first week of November. Providence Lodge meets
every Friday evening at their beautiful lodge-room, Elk's Hall, 192
Westminster Street, Low's Opera House building, which is said to be one
of the finest lodge-rooms in the country. Providence Lodge, though
*
are two lodges of the order in Providence, viz.:
comparatively a young organization, is one of the wealthiest in the order,
having about twenty thousand dollars in property and cash. The order
has a monthly paper, published in New York, devoted wholly to its in-
terests. -
THE Roy Al SocIETY of GooD FELLows is a secret, beneficial society
which originated in Providence when the first lodge was organized in 1882
by Mr. James G.Whitehouse, who now holds the position of premier of the
Supreme Assembly. The object of the organization was to afford its mem-
bers the cheapest and most reliable benefit insurance; to afford mutual aid
to each other in business, and to assist each other in obtaining employ-
ment. The amount of death benefit is from one thousand dollars to three
thousand dollars according to the amount of assessment paid. Members
are prohibited from residing in certain unhealthy sections of the country.
For the first three years of its existence the order was confined to Rhode
Island, but it is now spreading through the United States and has a
membership of over five thousand. There are now three lodges in Prov-
idence, having over two thousand two hundred members. Their names
are as follows: Providence Assembly, No. 1; Lincoln Assembly, No. 2;
Columbia Assembly, No. 3.; What Cheer Assembly, No. 20, which was
organized with a larger list of charter members than any other similar
organization in the history of beneficial orders.
THE ANCIENT ORDER of UNITED WorkMEN is a wide-spread organiza-
tion. It is a secret beneficial society, conducted on the assessment plan.
The first lodge of the order was organized in this city in December, 1882,
and was called Providence Lodge, No. 3. Another lodge, the Narragan-
sett, has since been established, and the membership of both has largely
increased since their formation. The society claims to have many advan-
tages over similar organizations, and that the expense of insuring in it is
less than in any other. The jurisdiction of the lodges here comprise only
the New England States, and the members composing the lodges in this
section number over four thousand. The death benefit is limited to $2,000.
THE PRovidence GERMAN BENEvolent LIFE Association.—This is
a local independent life assurance association among the German-Ameri-
cans of Providence, organized June 5, 1871. An admittance fee according
to age, is charged, and upon the death of a member, an assessment of
$1.15 upon Severy member is immediately made, which, after deducting
expenses, is paid over to the relatives or legatees of the deceased. The
society is in a thriving condition, and has about one hundred and fifty
members. The present officers are: Gustave Bender, president; Thad-
deus Knebel, secretary; William Schroeder, treasurer. The society meets
twice a year, for transaction of business, in Turner Hall. -
THE ORDER OF ALFREDIANs is a beneficial society composed of English-
men and their male descendants, and was instituted in Rhode Island in
1873. Members are paid $5.oo weekly in case of sickness, and at death
$50 are paid their heirs. The order in this state has now a cash capital of
$8,000. There are in the state four lodges or brigades, located as follows:
One in Providence, one in Wanskuck, one in Olneyville, and one in Paw.
tucket. The aggregate membership is two hundred and fifty.
THE ANCIENT ORDER OF Foresters, a secret, benevolent society, estab-
lished October, 1873, is represented in Providence by Court What Cheer,
No. 6011. This is the tenth lodge of the order in the United States.
They are all under the jurisdiction of the English High Court. The sub-
sidiary High Court of the United States changes its head-quarters every
two years. There are thirteen courts in Rhode Island, and also a district
court which pays funeral expenses and death benefits. On the death of a
member $100 is paid, and on the death of the wife of a member $50.
There is what is called an endowment fund connected with the order, but
which is really an assessment insurance fund, the rates being as follows:
on $500, fifty cents; on $1,000, one dollar; on $1,500, one dollar and fifty
cents. The insurance is payable on the death of the member. The order
in this state is in a flourishing condition, and has from fourteen hundred
to fifteen hundred members. In August of each year Court What Cheer
gives an excursion, at which games of various kinds are played, and in
the evening the festivities wind up with a ball and banquet. The officers
of this court are as follows: Frank E. Burke, chief ranger; William M.
Young, sub-chief ranger; treasurer, Edward Parkinson; secretary, James
Abraham. The District Court officers are: George A. Burt, Valley Falls,
district chief ranger; Frank Flynn, Providence, district sub-chief ranger;
Henry Midwood, Providence, district treasurer; James Lee, Ashton,
district secretary. There is now a balance in the district treasury of about
eight hundred dollars.
ment of sick benefits.
THE CALEDONIAN SOCIETIEs are secret, benevolent organizations, insti-
tuted in 1870. They pay $5.00 per week to their members when sick, and a
death benefit of $50 to the widow or children of a deceased member. There
The Providence Cale-
donian Society, organized Nov. 1, 1870, and the Providence Caledonian
Each local court has a separate fund for the pay-
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
207
Club, organized July, 1879. They meet twice a month. Both are in a
flourishing condition, and have a fund of $1,000 in the treasury. Once a
year they give an excursion to Rocky Point, where Scottish games are
played and a day of social enjoyment spent. -
THE ORDER OF Scottish CLANs is a secret, benevolent society, the
objects of which are to unite Scotchmen, sons of Scotchmen, and their des-
cendants into a fraternal brotherhood; to aid its members when sick, and
establish a benefit fund for widows and orphans of deceased members; and
to cultivate fond recollections of old Scotland, its customs and amusements.
The order extends all over the United States. The Royal Clan of the
United States embraces all of the grand and subordinate clans, and has
charge of the insurance and collects the assessments. The latter are at
the rate of $1.oo for each active member, with an additional five cents for
necessary expenses. When the number of members in the insurance fund
exceeds two thousand, the assessment is proportionately reduced, $2,000
being the limit of benefit money paid. The grand clans have jurisdiction
over the subordinate clans, and remit dues to the Royal Clan. Subordinate
clans pay their members $5.00 a week sick benefits, for a period not
exceeding twelve weeks, and $2.50 afterwards, so long as his illness con-
tinues. There are four clans in Rhode Island, the Grand Clan of Rhode
Island, Providence; Clan Cameron, No. 6, 39 members, Providence;
Frazer Clan, No. 11, 55 members, Pawtucket; McGregor Clan, No. 20,
2O members, Newport.
THE BENEFICIAL ORDER OF LUCILIUs is the name of a society, the
first regularly organized meeting of which was held in Providence May 5,
1885. It was chartered by the General Assembly April 15, 1886. The
order is purely beneficial and its object to aid and assist its members in
sickness and distress, to advance the principles of friendship, fidelity, and
love; to draw the great brotherhood of humanity nearer together in an
all-pervading sympathy, and to extend the hand of charity wherever duty
calls. At the first meeting of the society, J. W. Merrithew was elected
president, and the honor of past president was conferred upon W. A.
Cornell. The membership was then fifteen, which number has since
slowly increased. The finances of the order are in good condition. They
have paid some sick benefits, are out of debt, and have a handsome bank
account. ge
The present officers are as follows: President, C. F. Newcomb; vice-
president, H. P. Crowell; recording secretary, A. O. Makee; financial
secretary, G. L. Graham; treasurer, C. W. Tilton; chaplain, J. W. Mil-
ler; conductor, F. E. Burke; inner guard, L. F. Clark; outer guard, H.
A. Knox; past president, C. K. Durkee.
THE UNITED ORDER of THE GoLDEN CRoss is a secret, beneficial society,
furnishing death benefits, and admitting persons of both sexes to member-
ship. Male members are admitted at the age of eighteen and over, and
ladies at the age of sixteen and over. Its death benefit insurance ranges
from five hundred dollars to two thousand dollars. Its assessments are
graded according to the ages of the members, the older ones paying larger
in proportion to their greater risks. Members are prohibited from using
intoxicating liquors as a beverage. It is restricted from yellow fever dis-
tricts, where no lodge of the order can be established. It is claimed that
the admission of ladies, with equal benefits of all kinds, has greatly con-
tributed to the success of the order, which is now in a flourishing condi-
tion. There are four lodges or commanderies of the order in Rhode Island,
viz.: North Star, Providence, instituted Feb. 18, 1879; Miantonomi, New-
port, instituted Oct. 25, 1880; What Cheer, Providence, instituted March
9, 1881; Narragansett, Johnston, instituted Jan. 7, 1886.
ORDER of THE HARUGARI: The Germania Lodge No. 266, D. O. H.,
and the Cherusker Lodge, No. 315, D. O. H., are lodges of the “Order of
the Harugari,” a German-American organization extending throughout
the United States, with charitable and benevolent pyurposes, similiar to
those of the Odd Fellows and Freemasons. The order was founded
March 9, 1847, in the city of New York, at a time when emigration from
Germany to the United States was beginning to assume extensive propor-
tions. The organization spread rapidly, and now there is scarcely a state
in which there are not several lodges carrying into effect its objects, to
visit and assist the members in sickness and adversity, and provide for
the widows and orphans of deceased members. Its aim also is to preserve
the German language and literature in America.
THE GERMANIA, No. 266, the first Harugari lodge in Rhode Island, was
organized in Providence, April 18, 1872. The next was the Cherusker,
No. 31.5, organized July 4, 1874. There are also sister lodges in Paw-
tucket, Woonsocket, and Newport. These lodges on the 19th of October,
1875, formed a State Grand Lodge, which exercises supervision over the
inferior lodges. There is also a United States Grand Lodge, which holds
its sessions biennially and to which the grand lodges of the several states
send delegates.
lence,” has always been faithfully observed in this city, and carried out
with great earnestness and zeal, and the effect of the existence of the order
The motto of the order, “Friendship, Love, and Benevo-
has been beneficial to the resident German-Americans in every respect.
The Providence lodges hold their regular meeting every two weeks, in
Fletcher’s Hall, Westminster Street. The officers of the Grand Lodge at
present are: Alexander Strauss, G. B. ; Rudolph Hanke, D. G. B. ; Carl
Tost, G. secretary; Otto Gerlach, G. treasurer; Ernst Rueckert, G. M.;
Thaddeus Knebel, G. F., William L. Wildenhain, G. A. -
THE INDEPENDENT ORDER OF B’NAI.B'RITH is a secret society, which
has taken upon itself the mission of uniting Israelites in the work of pro-
moting their highest interests and those of humanity; of developing, ele-
vating, and defending the mental and moral character of the race; of in-
culating the purest principles of philanthropy, honor, and patriotism; of
supporting science and art; alleviating the wants of the poor and needy;
visiting and attending the sick; providing for, protecting, and assisting
the widow and orphan on the broadest principles of humanity. As
might be expected, an organization founded on such a comprehensive
scheme of well-doing, and appealing to the best instincts of the Jewish
people, has met with the success that it so well merited, and wherever in the
United States there is a Jewish community sufficient in numbers to form
a lodge of the B’Nai B'Rith, one is to be found. The amount of good
accomplished by the society, though little known to the general public, is
very great. The order is represented in Providence by Haggai Lodge,
No. 132, which was incorporated in 1869, and is composed of about seventy-
five members, and at present governed by the following officers: Presi
dent, Leopold Dumont; secretary, Newman Pineus.
Providence LoDCE, No. 78, INDEPENDENT ORDER FREE SONS OF IS-
RAEL, was organized on Thanksgiving Day, Nov.29, 1876, by Leopold Hart-
man and John H. Spitz. It is a secret, benevolent organization, and a branch
of the original order, of which there are 146 lodges in the United States. It
pays the widow of a member, in case of his death, $1,000; takes care of
sick and needy Israelites of all countries, as well as looking after the wel-
fare of its own members in general, and their widows and orphans. Provi-
dence Lodge has forty-five members, and is in a prosperous financial condi-
tion, having a large reserve fund. The officers are as ſollows: President,
Harry Lamb; vice-president, S. Crowen; financial secretary, B. B. Led-
erer; secretary, David Frank; treasurer, N. Pineus.
THE INDEPENDENT ORDER of the SoNs of BENJAMIN is a mutual ben-
efit and social organization, composed principally of German citizens of the
Hebrew faith. It provides for the widows and orphans of its members, and
takes care of the sick and needy. At the death of the husband, the widow
receives $1,000, and at the death of the wife the husband is paid $500.
There is one lodge of the order in Providence, called the Judah Touro
Lodge, No. 59, so called after a philanthropic citizen of Newport. There
are about one hundred members. It is one of the youngest of the Jewish
secret societies. &
FREEMAsoNRY among the colored people of Rhode Island, was first
represented by Harmony Lodge, No. 1, located at Providence, and insti-
tuted Dec. 11, 1826. Seven other lodges have since been organized in the
state, two of them are located in Newport; these are Stone Mill, No. 3,
and Boyer No. 8. The other lodges are located in Providence, and are
Celestial, No. 2; Radiant Sun, No. 4; King Solomon, No. 5; Star of the
East, No. 6, and Mount Moriah, No. 7. These lodges are under the
jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons (colored)
of Rhode Island. Previous to 1885 there were two grand lodges, Har-
mony Grand Lodge and Union Grand Lodge; the former was instituted
June 24, 1858, and the latter, June 24, 1870. These organizations united
in 1885 and formed the present Eureka Grand Lodge, of which the officers
for this year are: M. W. G. M., Edward B. Hebrew; M. W. D. G. M.,
George H. Worthington; M. W. G. S. W., William H. Brown; M. W.
G. J. W., William H. Turner; M. W. G. Treasurer, James H. Stephenson;
M. G. W. Secretary, Joseph H. Banks; M. G. W. Tyler, David A. Min-
ton.
The Celestial Chapter of Royal Arch Masons (colored) was constituted
in 1859, with Ezra J. Morris, high priest.
Simon Commandery of Knights-Templars (colored) was constituted
in 1866, with Edward B. Hebrew as eminent commander.
THE GRAND UNITED ORDER OF ODD FELLOws (colored) was insti-
tuted in Providence, Jan. 31, 1862, by E. B. Hebrew, Ezra J. Morris,
Jonathan Watson, and others. It is a secret, beneficial society, having
the same objects in view as all others of a similar character. There are
four lodges of the order now in Providence, viz. : Weybosset Lodge, No.
1834; Westminster, No. 2408; Hope, No. 11.19; Narragansett, No. 1541.
There is also one Past Grand Master Council, No. 21, with nineteen
members; one Household of Ruth, No. 43, seventy-five members; one
Patriarchic, established in 1883, and one District Lodge, of which Joseph
Turner is grand master; Henry W. Cooper, deputy grand master; James
Chase, grand secretary, and Robert Cato, grand treasurer. There is
altogether in Providence 225 members of the order, which is represented
to be in a flourishing condition.
CHAPTER X.
INSTITUTIONS AND SOCIETIES FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE.
THE RHODE ISLAND HOSPITAL – THE BUTLER HOSPITAL – THE PUBLIC LIBRARY — THE ATHENAEUM – THE RHODE ISLAND SOCIETY
FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT ON DOMESTIC INDUSTRY — THE ASSOCIATION OF MECHANICS AND MANUFACTURERS - THE
FRANKLIN SOCIETY — THE BOARD OF TRADE — THE MECHANICs' ExCHANGE — THE COMMERCIAL CLUB - THE COMMERCIAL
TRAVELERs’ Association — THE BUT CHERs’ AND MARKETMEN’s Association — RHODE ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY - THE
VETERAN CITIZENS’ HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION – SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI — THE FRANKLIN LYCEUM – THE BROWNSON
LYCEUM – THE NARRAGANSETT BOAT CLUB — THE RHODE ISLAND PEACE SOCIETY — THE RHODE ISLAND HORTICULTURAL
SOCIETY — THE ROGER WILLIAMS MONUMENT ASSOCIATION — THE ROGER WILLIAMS SAVINGS FUND AND LOAN ASSOCIA-
TION – PROVIDENCE MARINE SOCIETY -— THE HOME FOR AGED MEN — SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO CHIL-
DREN — SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS — CHARITABLE FUEL SOCIETY – PROVIDENCE LYING-IN
HOSPITAL – PROVIDENCE MUTUAL HIEALTH ASSOCIATION — THE RHODE ISLAND TEMPERANCE UNION – THE TEMPLE OF
HONOR — THE SONS OF TEMPERANCE — THE GOOD TEMPLARS — GOOD SAMARITANS.
THE RHODE ISLAND HOSPITAL.
THE RHoDE IsLAND Hospit AL.- Among the many noble charities
which the city of Providence contains, there is none of greater magni-
tude or merit than the Rhode Island Hospital. Conceived in the broadest
spirit of sympathy for all suffering humanity, its benefits are alike
extended to all who are unfortunate enough to need medical or surgical
aid. In a manufacturing city like Providence, where so many thousands
of working people are employed, the need of such an institution is appar-
ent. For this class it was specially intended, and they naturally form the
great majority of its beneficiaries.
Moses Brown Ives died Aug. 7, 1857, and bequeathed $50,000 to be
devoted to such objects of public beneficence as the trustees of the bequest
should select. They, previous to the year 1863, expended $10,000 in what
they considered worthy charities, and in that year these gentlemen, Mr.
Robert Hale Ives and Mr. Thomas Poynton Ives, decided to set apart the
balance of the bequest ($40,000) towards the establishment of a hospital
in Rhode Island.
In 1863 the preliminary steps were taken towards establishing the hos-
pital by the formation of the Rhode Island Hospital Society, composed
of a few of the leading physicians and citizens of Providence, such as
Usher Parsons, Joseph Mauran, Lewis L. Miller, Richmond Brownell,
Samuel Boyd Tobey, George Capron, S. A. Arnold, Hervey Armington,
C. W. Fabyan, George L. Collins, J. W. C. Ely, W. Owen Brown, and
others. At the January, 1863, session of the General Assembly, the
society was chartered under the name of the Rhode Island Hospital. Sub-
scriptions were at once solicited for the erection of a building, and a gen-
erous response was the result. On the 1st of October, 1868, the building
was finished and occupied, and on the 6th of that month the first patient
was received. The hospital building is located on grounds fronting on
Eddy, Hospital, and Lockwood streets, and is one of the handsomest, as
well as one of the largest architectural edifices in the city or state. It is
in the Italian Gothic style, composed of a main building and two wings
or “pavilions,” and has a total length of 410 feet. The walls are of brick,
inclosing an air space to protect the interior from the influence of sudden
changes of temperature, and in the other details of its construction no ex-
pense has been spared to render it a model institution of its kind. Its
total cost was over five hundred thousand dollars. The expenses of the
institution are defrayed almost entirely by voluntary contributions, the
number of pay patients being very small. In supporting it the people
have shown a most liberal spirit. At present the personal property of
the hospital corporation amounts to $407,000, all of which has been
acquired by donations, legacies, etc. During the past year 672 patients
received treatment in the hospital, and of this number only 252 were pay
patients. In addition to this there were 5, Ioo dispensary patients who
received free medical advice and treatment. These figures speak elo-
quently of the vast good accomplished by this beneficent institution, and
the pain and suffering it has alleviated. Its founders and the benevolent
people who sustain it are alike entitled to all the honor that such philan-
throphy so well merits.
The board of trustees of the Rhode Island Hospital at the present date
are: President, Samuel R. Dorrance; treasurer, Royal C. Taft; secre-
tary, John C. Pegram. The other members of the board are : Thomas P.
I. Goddard. Henry G. Russell, Henry J. Steere, Albert L. Calder, Ed-
ward A. Greene, Robert I. Gammell, Arnold Greene, Eli W. Blake, Jr.,
John McAuslan, John W. Danielson, ex-officio, the governor of Rhode
Island, the mayor of the city of Providence, and the mayor of the city
of Newport. The auditing committee are: Jesse Metcalf, Charles D.
Owen, and John W. Vernon.
THE BUTLER HospitaL For THE INSANE, located at Providence, had
its origin in a bequest of the sum of $30,000, by the Hon. Nicholas Brown,
who died in 1841, and whose name has been perpetuated by the many
monuments of his good works. In his will occurs the following clause,
which defines his intention in respect to the bequest mentioned above,
and declares the sum of $30,000 to be set aside for the establishment of a
hospital “where that unhappy portion of our fellow-beings who are by
the visitation of Providence deprived of their reason, may find a safe
retreat, and be provided with whatever may be conducive to their comfort
and to their restoration to a sound state of mind.”
For the purpose of carrying out the intention of the testator the Rhode
Island Asylum for the Insane was chartered in 1844, and steps were at
once taken to place the institution upon the firm and legal basis insisted
upon by the terms of the bequest. Soon after the charter was granted, a
committee of the incorporators, consisting of Thomas Burgess, Amasa
Manton, Moses B. Ives, and Alexander Duncan, addressed a letter to Mr.
Cyrus Butler, and solicited for the humane enterprise his moral and
financial support. A plan of a building, which had been approved by a
majority of the incorporators, was also submitted to him. He made a
most generous and dignified reply, which set forth fully his intentions
and wishes in the matter of a hospital for the insane. To his munificent
gift of $40,000 to the asylum he annexed two conditions — that the execu-
tors of Nicholas Brown should pay to the trustees the sum of $30,000,
and that a sum equal to his own donation should be raised from other
sources — with the perfect understanding that if the building should cost
more than the estimated sum, viz., $60,000, the additional cost was to be

THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS.
raised by subscriptions, and leave a sum of $50,000 as the endowment
fund of the institution. All these conditions were complied with, and at
a meeting of the trustees held on Friday, Nov. 8, 1844, by unanimous
vote the name of the institution was changed to that which it now bears—
the Butler Hospital for the Insane. At the same meeting, a committee
previously appointed, reported the purchase, for the sum of $6,000, of the
Grotto Farm, a tract of land lying northeast of Providence, containing
114 acres, and bordering on the Seekonk River. A plan of building pro-
posed by Dr. Bell was submitted and approved. Dr. Isaac Ray was
selected by the board at this meeting to become the superintendent of the
hospital. This choice was a peculiarly fortunate one, securing for the
institution in its infancy the services and skill of one of the most
learned and able mental scientists America has produced. His works on
the mind are many, but his most noted publication is the Medical juris-
Żrudence of Insanity, which is accepted in all the courts of the United
States as authority on legal questions relating to insane persons. He
remained with the hospital twenty-one years, acting during that time as
its superintendent.
The building, which is 290 feet long, and two stories high, is divided
into main building and the east and west wings, and has accommoda-
tions for Ioo patients.
It is delightfully situated on a plateau, and commands, from the east
wing, many views of the Seekonk River, which resembles an inland lake
as it spreads out at this point. The scenery of the grounds, which have
been enlarged by subsequent purchases, is the most varied of any institu-
tion of like nature in the United States, and presents, as it is concisely,
and correctly stated in one of the annual reports of the hospital, the var-
iety of “grove, grotto, and meadow.” It might be added that it included
the diversified panorama of a farm. Here rambling at will, restrained only
by the company of the attendants, the patients can find rest and amuse-
ment, either loitering in the dells, sitting or lying under the trees, engag-
ing in out of door games, or employed in the chores and hard work of the
farm. Whatever they do is of their own choice and for their diversion.
No work is exacted of them and they are restrained only from escaping
from the grounds and from indulging a destructive propensity. In 1867 Dr.
John W. Sawyer succeeded Dr. Ray, and remained as superintendent of
the hospital until his death, which sad event occurred Dec. 15, 1885. Dur-
ing his administration many additions were made to the buildings. In
1874–75 was erected the David Duncan Ward, which was built at the expense,
chiefly, of Alexander Duncan, as a memorial to his son, who was for a
long time a member of the board of trustees, and who died at Cannes,
France, Jan. 26, 1876, aged thirty-eight years.
the east side of the grounds, is connected with the east wing of the main
building, overlooks the Seekonk River, is 124 feet long, thirty-two wide,
two stories high, and cost $57,000. It is used for female patients. Ray
Hall was erected in 1875 by Alexander Duncan and Robert H. Ives, and
named for the first superintendent of the hospital. It contains bowling
alleys, billiard tables, library, pianos, and other means of amusing and
entertaining the patients. In 1879 Mrs. Corda Sanford, a former patient,
presented to the hospital a conservatory, called the “Corda Sanford Con-
servatory.” It is ninety feet long, twenty-five feet wide, and twelve feet
high, and contains every variety of flowers and plants. In 1881. Dr. Ray
died in Philadelphia, and bequeathed to the hospital his entire library,
and after providing for his family, made the institution in which he had
labored for so many years, the residuary legatee of his fortune, subject
only to the life estate of his wife.
In 1882 Mrs. Elizabeth A. Gammell, unsolicited, but of her own generous
impulse, gave the munificent sum of $50,000 to establish at the hospital
the Robert H. Ives Beneficiary Fund, the income of which should be for
the assistance of “such patients as are not able to pay the entire cost of
their board and treatment.” Mr. Robert H. Ives, whose name is com-
memorated by this gift, was connected with the hospital as secretary or
the board of trustees from the first meeting in 1844 to his death, which
occurred in 1875. This generosity on the part of Mrs. Gammell was
emulated on the part of others, who gave, though not so largely, fully as
liberally. Mrs. Elizabeth S. Bartlett, of Slatersville, gave her check for
$5,000, and established the Elizabeth S. Bartlett Beneficiary Fund, the
income of which is to be used for the aid of indigent women who become
patients in the hospital. The William F. Weld Memorial Fund was estab-
lished by the family of that gentleman. It is $25,000, the income to
be used for the assistance of poor patients. For the same purpose is the
income of the Thomas Withredge Fund, $12,000, given by that gentle-
man, who was born at Tiverton, R. I., and thus patriotically assisted the
institutions of his native state. There is also a general beneficiary fund
of $19,300, made up of subscriptions from generous persons who desired
to aid their fellowmen. In all, the available beneficiary fund, not includ-
ing the sum of $9,000 bequeathed to the hospital by Prof. George I. Chace,
This ward is situated on
BUTLER HOS PITAL FOR THE INSANE,
amounts to $111,000. It is the desire of the board of trustees to increase
this fund to $150,000, and it is sincerely to be hoped that the humane cit-
zens of Rhode Island will materially aid the board in their efforts to
enlarge the fund to this amount. The stable erected in 1881 was due to the
efforts of the then and now treasurer of the board of trustees, who per-
sonally solicited the sum of $15,000, the cost of the stable, from the friends
of the hospital. This institution has had the most liberal support, as the
annual statements of the treasurer show. Beginning with the bequest
of its founder, the resources of the hospital have increased until it is free
from debt and has in invested funds a balance in the treasury of $198,053.
Although this amount has been carefully invested by the managers, there
is every year a deficiency, the income from the investments not being
sufficient to pay the expense of the charity that is dispensed within the
environs of the hospital. There are many pay patients, but all of these
are not able to pay for the treatment their cases require. There are very
many who are unable to pay for any part of their treatment and board,
yet their cases require the most skilled attention. It is thus the deficiency
is caused; humanity will not allow the charity patients to suffer, and as a
consequence, at the end of each year it is discovered that the funds have
been more than exhausted. The deficiency is always promptly made up by
the friends of the hospital. It is the aim of the institution to treat those
who have been accustomed to refined surroundings and cultivated society,
to surround its patients with refining influences; to place them under the
care of the most skilled and patient attendants; to allow them to use and
to place within their reach any and every means to divert the current of
their thoughts from their mania and its delusions. This object the insti-
tution accomplishes to the best of its-ability, and that it may be remarked,
is very great, but yet it is in a measure restrained by lack of funds to pro-
vide sufficient buildings in which to care for the patients. It is the pur-
pose of the present superintendent to increase the number of attendants,
to devote time and care to their instruction, and to erect a building on
the east wing for the violently-excited male patients; and while his
predecessors have met with the greatest encouragement in their work,
his efforts to alleviate the condition of the insane, should also call forth
ample and generous pecuniary aid from those who rejoice in theposses-
sion of sound mind and memory.
Since the opening of the hospital there have been admitted as patients
3,278 insane persons; of these 1,094 have recovered, 984 have improved in
their mental condition to such an extent that they have been allowed to
return to their friends, 644 have died, and the remainder have been sent to
institutions in their own states, or to the Asylum for Incurable Lunatics.
There are at the present writing, 172 patients in the hospital, who are
under the care of the superintendent, Dr. William B. Goldsmith, formerly
superintendent of Danvers Lunatic Asylum, of Danvers, Mass. He is
assisted by Dr. Henry C. Hall and Dr. James W. Craig, and a corps of
fifty carefully selected attendants. This institution has always had the
support, both financial and moral, of the leading business men of the com-
munity and state, but there is always room for increased labors in this
beneficent work, and those who engage in it at a sacrifice of their per-
sonal ambitions and comforts, should be encouraged by the continued
donations of the charitably-disposed, so that they can provide for and treat
all who knock at the gates of the hospital praying to be restored to a
sane mind. -
The officers of the institution for 1886, are: Amos C. Barstow, presi-
dent; William Butler Duncan, vice-president; trustees, Jabez C. Knight,
Rufus Waterman, Royal C. Taft, Rowland Hazard, Stephen Brownell,
Daniel Day, William Gammell, William Goddard, William G. Weld, John
Nicholas Brown; Moses B. I. Goddard, treasurer; Charles Morris Smith,
secretary; J. W. C. Ely, M. D., George W. Carr, M. D., board of consulta-
tion; William B. Goldsmith, M. D., superintendent and physician; Henry
C. Hall, M. D., James W. Craig, assistant physicians; Mary A. Marvin,
matron.
THE PROvid'ENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY. —The subject of a public library
was agitated nearly sixty years ago, although no definite action was
reached until 1871, and eight years more elapsed before such an institu-

2 I O
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
tion actually opened its friendly doors to the public. Meanwhile there
were in the city established libraries which, at a trifling cost, could be
made available at any time, and it is a fact worthy of note that the first
library for public use in the city was founded nearly a quarter of a cen-
tury before the Revolution.
The Free Public Library, conveniently located on Snow Street, was or-
ganized in 1871, but though quite a collection of books was accumulated,
they were not placed at the service of the public until Feb. 3, 1878, when
the library-room was opened in Butler Exchange. The books were then
placed in charge of Mr. Wm. E. Foster, a graduate of Brown Univer-
sity, who, at the time of his appointment, was connected with a Massa-
chusetts library. After remaining in Butler Exchange a little over two
years, the library was removed to more suitable quarters in the lower
story of the new building occupied by Messrs. Mowry and Goff's English
and Classical School. At that time the shelves contained about 18,OOO
volumes, properly catalogued and arranged conveniently for public use.
Since that time large additions have been made, and the number given
in the last annual report is 33,047 volumes. Several notable additions
to the stock of books have been made since 1881, among which are a
bequest of 2,596 volumes from the library of the late Joseph J. Cooke;
the purchase of 244 volumes from the library of Alexander Farnum, two-
thirds of which are out of print and rare; from the Caleb Fiske Harris
collection of works on slavery and the Rebellion, 1,122 volumes; 1,521
reports, and 5,257 pamphlets, purchased with what is known as the Hos-
pital Fund; a gift of 232 volumes, I45 reports, 692 pamphlets, and 77
volumes of periodicals from the library of Sullivan Dorr, a part of which
supplement and complete the Harris collection; a gift of 1,323 govern-
ment documents from the late Henry B. Anthony.
As an index of the extent to which the books of this library are circu-
lated, the last annual report states that 27,056 persons hold cards entitling
them to draw books for home use. The number of volumes issued dur-
ing 1885 for home use was over ninety-three thousand, more than twenty
thousand being consulted at the library. The latter figures, however, do
not include the use of the very valuable collection of several hundred
reference books, which are accessible outside the counter, and therefore
not registered. -
The value of such a collection of books consists not alone in the fact
that the public is free to take them from the shelves and read them. What
makes this library eminently useful; is the means taken by the custodian
to acquaint each inquiring reader with the contents of this treasure-house,
and direct his researches to the particular sources of information he needs
to consult. The average book-taker, wishing to inform himself on a given
subject, might hunt in vain among the shelves for the information he
seeks, for the simple reason that he does not know what has been pub-
lished, or where to look for it. But as modern libraries are managed, it
is the business of the librarian to assist the reader and enable him to
find, at once, the books that will be helpful to him. One means of
accomplishing this end is the classified catalogues, on which the librarian
and his assistants are constantly at work; another is the consulting
drawers, in which the titles of books and the names of authors are found
arranged alphabetically on cards; still another, and one of the best helps,
is that which the librarian is able to give from his own knowledge of the
books and their contents. There is no occasion to assure the patrons of
the Providence Public Library that Mr. Foster and his assistants perform
in a most admirable manner these functions of a custodian of books, and
that through their ceaseless efforts, every real help that ingenuity has
devised or personal tact suggested, is furnished to users of books belong-
ing to that institution. With such facilities for making its contents avail-
able, the free library takes rank with the pulpit, the free schools, and the
newspapers as an educational force in the community, and becomes a
means of untold good to the rich and poor alike in the city of Providence.
THE PROvIDENCE ATHENAEUM.—The oldest library in Providence, and
by far the largest collection of books available for public use, is what is
known as the Providence Athenaeum, on Benefit Street, opposite the
Court House. One of the two smaller book collections which served as
a nucleus for this library was begun a quarter of a century before the
Revolution. This was the Providence Library, only a partial record of
which has been preserved. It was established in 1753, and the books were
stored in the town house. How many volumes there were and what was
their character may never be known, for the house was destroyed by fire
on the night of Dec. 24, 1758, and only about seventy volumes were saved,
that chanced to be taken out by proprietors. This was no trifling loss in
those days of few books and expensive printing; but by the exertions of
several of the proprietors the library was reëstablished by an importation
of books from London. Two yeara later, by permission of the General
Assembly, the library company furnished the “east end of that elegant
room,” the council chamber of the new Court House, at their own ex-
pense, as a place of deposit for their books; and when the Rhode Island
College was founded in 1770, the faculty and students were allowed the
free use of the library books, until they had one of their own. This
library was chartered in 1798, the corporators being Jabez Bowen, Moses
Brown, William Richmond, John Smith, Nicholas Brown, Joseph Jenckes,
Paris Jenckes Tillinghast, Joseph Tillinghast, and Theodore Foster. A
catalogue of this primitive library, issued in 1768, shows a total number
of 911 volumes. This library was the only one of a public character in
the town until the summer of 1831, when a second library association was
formed which took the name of the Athenaeum. The only persons whose
names appear in the instrument of incorporation are Cyrus Butler, John
Mackie, Charles Dyer, and Richard W. Greene. The first president was
Tristam Burges; the first secretary, Thomas H. Webb; and the first
treasurer, John R. Bartlett; and Lemuel H. Arnold, Thomas Burgess,
Richard J. Arnold, Thomas C. Hoppin, William T. Grinnell, Richard W.
Greene, Charles Dyer, William Butler, John Taylor, and Stephen Tripp
constituted the first board of trustees.
In 1836 the Providence Library Company and the Providence Athe-
naeum, after ineffectual attempts to unite, voted to dissolve their corpora-
tions and dispose of their property to a new corporation to be called
the Athenaeum. There were 283 corporators, who chose as directors :
Zachariah Allen, William Tomkins, John Carter Brown, Frederick A.
Farley, Thomas H. Webb, William L. Patten, Thomas B. Fenner, Owen
Mason, William Butler, Amasa Manton, Stephen Tripp, John J. Stemson,
and Henry Anthony. John Pitman was the first president; William G.
Goddard, vice-president; William R. Staples, treasurer; and Thomas
White, secretary. Library rooms were first opened in the second story of
the Arcade, on the westward side of the corridor. Shortly after organ-
ization the heirs of Thomas P. Ives offered to donate to the Athenaeum
Company the lot on which the present building stands, together with
$4,000 toward the erection of the structure, and $6,000 for the purchase of
books, on certain conditions which were promptly complied with, and a
building of Quincy granite was erected under the provisions of the gift,
which was finished and ready for occupancy in 1838. Samuel W. Peck-
ham was the first acting librarian, and Stephen R. Weeden the first
elected librarian. In October, 1836, the number of books belonging to
this library was 4,080, and for some years the additions were largely
imported English books. It now contains about 46,000 volumes. The
department of reference books is very complete; the number of bound
volumes and sets of periodicals is very large, while history, biography,
poetry, belles-lettres, science, law, theology, philosophy, education, and
travel, are well represented. The department of fiction and juvenile
literature also keep pace with the demands of the times. The par value
of shares is $15.oo, each of which is taxed $5.00 a year, and subscribers
may enjoy the privileges of the library by the payment of $6.00 a year.
Parties not share owners or subscribers can use the books only by
courtesy. The present officers are: President, Augustus Woodbury; vice-
president, Royal C. Taft; treasurer, Stephen H. Arnold; secretary, Wil-
liam M. Bailey. The librarian is Daniel Beckwith.
THE RHoDE Island SocIETY FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF DOMES-
TIC INDUSTRY was first formed in 1820. On the 25th day of February, in
that year, a number of business men met at Blake's Hotel in Providence,
and adopted a preamble and by-laws. The preamble sets forth the claim
of Rhode Island to the honor of being one of the earliest seats of mechanic
arts, sustaining the character of a manufacturing and agricultural district,
and declaring that an association should be formed embracing the friends
of manufacturing and agricultural interests, who should unite in pro-
moting domestic industry, and adopting its present name. The by-laws
provided for its officers, defining their duties, and establishing the place
of its meeting at Pawtuxet.
A charter was granted by the General Assembly in October, 1820. The
charter members embraced such names as James Rhodes, who for many
years was president, James Burrill, Samuel Slater, James DeWolf, Elisha
Watson, Dutee Arnold, Richard Anthony, Christopher Rhodes, William
E. Richmond, Charles Dyer, Dexter Thurber, Samuel F. Mann, Jeremiah
Whipple, and a host of others whose names give character to any institu-
tion with which they were connected. The society held its first fair in Oc-
tober, 1820, and with varying success and intermittent dates up to 1880.
Since that date the fairs known as the State Fairs have been held yearly,
and with increasing success until now it owns the fee of the best agricul-
tural exhibition grounds in New England. It has at times interested itself
in agricultural, historical, meteorological, and literary subjects, varying
according to the bent of mind of its secretary. At present it devotes all its
energy to the promotion of agriculture in our state, and in that line is
doing a vast amount of good. Under its supervision a course of lectures
on agricultural subjects is held each winter, and experiments are carried
on at the state farm.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 2 I I
The Hon. James Rhodes was the first president, and continued in office
until 1843, when the Hon. John Pitman was elected and served until 1851.
He was succeeded by Josiah Chapin, Esq., who held office until 1855, when
Joseph J. Cooke was elected and served one year. In 1856, the Hon. Elisha
Dyer was elected president and served till 1859.
The presidents of the society with their terms of office are as follows:
James Rhodes, 1820 to 1843; John Pitman, 1843 to 1851; Josiah Chapin,
1851 to 1855; Joseph J. Cooke, 1855 to 1856; Elisha Dyer, 1856 to 1859;
Elisha R. Potter, 1859 to 1861; James DeWolf Perry, 1861 to 1863; Ed-
ward D. Pearce, 1863 to 1865; William Sprague, 1865 to 1875; Obadiah
Brown, 1875 to 1880; Alfred B. Chadsey, 1880 to 1881; Joseph F. Brown,
1881 to 1883; Charles H. Peckham, 1883, now in office.
The secretaries have been as follows: William E. Richmond, Feb. 25,
1820, to Oct. 16, 1822; Charles N. Tibbitts, (assistant secretary,) Dec. 19,
1821, to Oct. 15, 1823; John Brown Francis, Oct. 16, 1822, to Oct. 21,
1828; Palemon Walcott, Oct. 21, 1828, to Oct. 14, 1829; Richard Ward
Greene, Oct. 14, 1829, to Oct. 15, 1834; William W. Hoppin, Oct. 15,
1834, to Jan. 18, 1843; Elisha Dyer, Jr., Jan. 18, 1843, to Sept. 27, 1843;
Christopher S. Rhodes, Sept. 27, 1843, to Oct. 4, 1848; Elisha Dyer, Jr.,
Oct. 4, 1848, to Jan. 21, 1851; Elisha Dyer, Jr., (corresponding secretary)
Jan. 21, 1851, to Feb. 15, 1855; Henry Howard, (recording secretary) Jan.
21, 1851, to Mar. 16, 1853; Stephen H. Smith, Mar. 16, 1853, to Feb. 15,
1855; Christopher T. Keith, Feb. 15, 1855, to Jan. 21, 1856; William R.
Staples, Jan. 21, 1856, to decease, Oct. 19, 1868; William F. Channing,
Oct. 28, 1868, to Mar. 1, 1871; Joseph S. Pitman, Mar. 1, 1871, to August,
1880; Charles Staples, August, 1880, to January, 1881; Charles W. Smith,
January, 1881, now in office.
Treasurers: Stanford Newell, Feb. 25, 1820, to June 16, 1824; William
Rhodes, June 16, 1824, to Oct. 15, 1845; Henry W. Lothrop, Oct. 15,
1845, to Mar. 16, 1853; Stephen H. Smith, Mar. 16, 1853, to Jan. 17, 1855;
Henry W. Lothrop, Jan. 17, 1855, to Feb. 15, 1855; Christopher T. Keith,
Feb. 15, 1855, to Jan. 21, 1856; William R. Staples, Jan. 21, 1856, to
decease, Oct. 19, 1868; William F. Channing, Oct. 28, 1868, to Mar. 1, 1871;
Joseph S. Pitman, Mar. 1, 1871, to August, 1880; Charles H. Peckham,
August, 1880, to January, 1881; Charles W. Smith, January, 1881, now in
office.
The offices of members of the Standing Committee have been filled at
times by our best and most distinguished citizens, and we find on the
rolls, in addition to the above, such names as James Burrill, Elisha R.
Potter, William Wilkinson, Dutee Arnold, Samuel King, Wilkins Up-
dike, Nathan F. Dixon, the elder, Moses Brown Ives, John Carter Brown,
Richard Ward Greene, James F. Simmons, William G. Goddard, John H.
Clarke, Alexander Duncan, Rowland G. Hazard, William W. Hoppin,
Charles S. Bradley, and many others, whose names are held in high
esteem by the people of the state.
A paid service for the secretary was not adopted until about 1850, when
the society became established in Providence, its home hitherto having
been at Pawtuxet, the last fair being held there in 1848. Governor Dyer
was elected secretary in 1848, and in 1851 was elected corresponding sec-
retary, and held that office for four years, but no successor to that office
has since been elected. -
During the few years succeeding 1848 the attention of the society was
given largely to developing its mechanical and industrial resources. In
1856 Judge Staples was elected secretary, and the society seemed to turn
more attention to the geology and mineralogy of the state and to chron-
ological events, and during his administration the gathering of obituary
notices of deceased members was begun. William F. Channing and Gen-
eral Pitman successively fol'owed Judge Staples, and during the latter's
term of office the society took on more of a literary character, yet holding
agricultural matters to the front and holding fairs occasionally. The fairs
resulted, generally, in loss to the society or but a very small margin of
profit, until the fine property of sixteen or eighteen thousand dollars was
largely reduced; in fact, the society was on a fast race to bankruptcy. In
the fall of 1880, however, an effort was made to resuscitate the old society,
The late Hon. Joseph F. Brown was induced to accept the presidency, and
after much solicitation, C. W. Smith, of Warwick, consented to relinquish
a valuable business and accept the position of secretary. The first year
of effort was found to be uphill work. People were indifferent as to the
success of the society, having lost entire confidence in its management,
and the members no longer took any special interest in its affairs. It was
decided to immediately commence preparations for a fair, the managers
saying, we will either make a success or lose our remaining capital. The
secretary believing strongly in the power of printers’ ink, advertised the
fair extensively, and at the appointed time the fair was held. It proved
the most attractive of any held up to that time, yet the receipts did not
exceed the expenditure. The next year some changes were decided neces-
sary and reforms in certain quarters were instituted at the suggestion of
the secretary, the president, and general superintendent, Mr. Peckham,
ably seconding the suggestion, so that the second year the expenses were
reduced over one thousand dollars in the horse trotting department
and about four hundred dollars in the hay and grain departments, and
several hundred dollars in the various other departments, so that the fair
of 1882 was considered a great success and netted the society a profit of
about seventeen hundred dollars.
Since then our state fairs have gained in reputation and attendance,
until at the last fair, 1886, the gross receipts fell not much below eighteen
thousand dollars. The society is now on a high road to prosperity. It
owns the fee of Narragansett Park, a property originally costing over
three hundred thousand dollars, on which are the finest appointments for
a trotting track in New England, and a mile track said to be the best in
the world, on the purchase of which they owe $30,000, having paid quite
a large portion of the purchase money from the profits of the last fair.
In addition to the above payment, the society had heretofore erected
buildings at a cost of about twelve thousand dollars, all of which had
been paid for. The personal property inventoried in 1881 at about
four thousand dollars, has been increased to about seven thousand dollars,
and remains as an investment outside the real estate.
THE PROVIDENCE Association of MECHANICs’ AND MANUFACTURERs,
probably the oldest organization in this country for the promotion of the
mechanic's arts, was chartered in March, 1789, and has preserved a con-
tinuous existence to the present time. The society was composed of
tradesmen, mechanics, and manufacturers, who were associated for their
mutual protection and assistance, and for the advancement of the interests
of the town of Providence. A brief outline of the history of this organi-
zation will illustrate the practical manner of accomplishing its objects.
Soon after its formation the society adopted resolutions for the protection
of home trade by discouraging the purchase of goods of foreign manu-
facture; it defended the freedom of the elective franchise; it prevented
the sale of goods of bad manufacture and the non-fulfillment of contracts,
except for Just cause by its members—a committee of the society having
power to investigate charges against its members preferred by a citizen
of Providence; it was largely instrumental in promulgating the sentiment
that had led to the adoption by Rhode Island of the Federal Constitution.
In 1821 it established a library for the use of its members; in 1847 it took
an active part in the promotion of the temperance cause, and was influ-
ential in the establishment of the Reform School; in 1850 it instituted a
course of lectures to raise money to be devoted to the erection of a monu-
ment to Roger Williams, and the sum thus procured was supplemented
by subscriptions of the members, and deposited as a nucleus of the monu-
ment fund. In 1870, through the influence of the president, Mr. Zacha-
riah Allen, the society donated its library to the city of Providence as a
beginning of a public library. The books of the association library were
valued at $5,250 and the gift was increased to $10,000 by contributions of
the members. Thus it is evident that the association has had a marked
influence for good, having been active in the course of education, of free-
dom, temperance, and of protection to home industries, and having been
greatly influential in increasing the wealth of the city by establishing the
reputation of its manufactures. The present officers are: President, Mr.
John P. Walker; treasurer, Mr. Sylvanus Tingley; secretary, Mr. Samuel
Tingley. The rooms of the association are at No. 54 North Main Street.
The annual election is held the second Monday of April, and the regular
meetings are held on the second Monday in April, July, October, and
January. The present membership is about two hundred and fifty.
THE PRovidence FRANKLIN SocIETY. — The Providence Franklin
Society was incorporated by an act of the General Assembly, Jan. 28,
1823. As an organization it was formed in 1821, under the name of the
Philosophical Association. Among the founders and earliest members
were W. T. Grinnell, Joseph Balch, Jr., Daniel S. Lawrence, Charles
Hadwin, Stanford Newell, Owen Mason, and Zachariah Allen. .
In the earlier days of the society, it directed its attention largel y to chem-
ical science, gradually enlarging the scope of its work, until it compre-
hended natural history in its various branches. Lectures and experiments
were prominent in its early work. In 1828 the “new hall” on South
Main Street was occupied, and at about that time the museum was begun
by a donation of minerals from W. T. Grinnell. From this time for a
number of years the increase of the cabinet was rapid; the donations
including valuable specimens, illustrative of mineralogy, geology, con-
chology, ornithology, and other branches. There is also a valuable col-
lection of ores from Colorado, and a rare set of the war, boating, and other
utensils of the Fiji and other South Sea Islanders.
Lectures and experiments were prominent in the earlier work of the
society. Some of these were public courses, which were very popular.
Latterly, lectures, short papers, discussions upon special topics of scientific
interest, and familiar talks upon various natural history specimens, have
2 I 2
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
constituted its work. The meetings occur fortnightly, and are sustained
with 'credit.
The special object of the society is not alone the improvement of its
members, but the propagation of a taste and love for the things and phe-
nomena of nature among the people. Hence, the meetings are practically
free, and the public are usually invited to the “field days” and natural
history excursions of the society. w
In May, 1871, an amendment to the by-laws was passed, by which ladies
“of scientific attainments '' were admitted as “corresponding members”;
and later they were permitted full membership.
From time to time men have joined the society whose names are
widely known for their high character and scientific attainments. At
present there are about two hundred and fifty members who pay the small
annual tax.
Up to the present time there have been as the chief officers of the society,
twelve presidents, sixteen vice-presidents, six treasurers, and thirty-one
secretaries. These officers have proved a “citadel of strength.” A tabu-
lated list of the presidents is given below: William T. Grinnell, 1821 to
1836; Owen Mason, 1836 to 1840; John Kingsbury, 1840 to 1843; Moses
B. Lockwood, 1843 to 1845; Thomas M. Burgess, 1845 to 1850; George
Baker, 1850 to 1852; George L. Collins, 1852 to 1854; J. W. C. Ely, 1854
to 1855; Charles W. Parsons, 1855 to 1859; Stephen T. Olney, 1859 to
1869; W. Owen Brown, 1869 to 1880; L. W. Russell, 1880, still president.
THE PROvIDENCE BOARD OF TRADE.—The Providence Board of Trade
was incorporated by the General Assembly at its May session in 1868, upon
the petition of Amos D. Smith, William J. King, Amasa Sprague, Henry
Lippitt, William Goddard, Thomas J. Hill, James Y. Smith, Stephen T.
Olney, Allen O. Peck, George C. Nightingale, Lyman B. Frieze, William
H. Hopkins, Richard E. Hamlin, and their associates and successors, for
the purpose of promoting trade and commerce in the city of Providence
and vicinity, with all the powers and duties, liabilities and restrictions set
forth in the revised statutes, excepting authority to traffic in goods, wares
and merchandise of any description.
The board held its first monthly meeting on Monday, March 18, 1868,
and at a later meeting, held June 1st, it was organized by accepting its
charter and electing a temporary board of officers, who served until June
29th, when the first regular board of officers was elected to serve until the
first annual election in January, 1869, the object of the association being
to provide a business men's exchange, where the members could frequently
meet, at some central location, conveniently accessible for all, for consul-
tation on business or other topics; to secure for the use of all every busi-
ness day the regular telegraphic reports of the money, cotton, grain, oil,
and other chief markets of this and foreign countries; to secure a news-
room, furnished with the principal daily newspapers, and other business
papers and books for reference, with all other desirable and useful facili-
ties, and to endeavor, by every advisable means and methods to increase
the business and promote the progress, best interests, and welfare of the
city, and to give the association an attractive social character by bringing
its members into more frequent intercourse and more cordial and fraternal
personal and public relations. -
The first location of the board was at the “Turk's Head,” at the junction
of Westminster and Weybosset streets (now occupied by the offices of
William H. Church and Robert E. Smith & Company), which was occupied
nine years, from 1868 to 1877, and their quarters were then removed to the
Wilcox building, No. 36 Weybosset Street, now occupied by the Mechanic's
Bank, where they remained three years, until 1880, when they secured a
lease of the old city building on Market Square, formerly the City Mar-
ket for many years, to which they removed in 1880, and have since occu-
pied, thus securing the much larger, more commodious and every way
desirable advantages and greater space, which their increased and growing
membership urgently demanded, having now three large, well-lighted and
airy rooms, very pleasantly and centrally located, open on all sides, but
three steps above the level of the street, with the control and rental of the
entire building, greatly improving and elevating the character and influ-
efice of the association with the whole community.
The main or business room is about forty feet square, including the
entire lower floor west of the main entrance, and is the place where the
business men of the city “most do congregate ” in the early hours of the
day, and until noon is usually the most active and interesting business
focus in the city. On its walls, between the windows, are large permanent
black-boards, on which are written by the secretary or his clerk, at frequent
intervals, as they occur and are received, the changes and fluctuations in
the various market prices of money or staples, while the solid men of Provi-
dence sit and smoke and joke to while the time away, as, with various
emotions, they watch the rise and fall of the financial tide, or listen, in
fancy, to the strident clicking of the “ticker” that tells them such short
but exceedingly interesting stories.
The two rooms in the east end are nearly as large as the main room, the
north side is the reading-room, supplied with files of fifteen to twenty of
the principal daily newspapers of this and other cities: the south room is
the secretary’s office, with numerous reference books, desk, safe, and all
other requisite clerical facilities, convenient lavatories, toilets, etc., both
apartments being so handsomely furnished, carpeted, and decorated as to
make them attractive resorts to members and visiting guests.
The first monthly meeting of the board was held March 18, 1868, when
the following-named temporary officers were elected to serve until the
second Monday of June following: President, Truman Beckwith ; first vice-
president, Amos D. Smith; second vice-president, William J. King; direc-
tors, Amos C. Barstow, Tully D. Bowen, Amasa Sprague, Henry Lippitt,
William Goddard, Thomas J. Hill, James Y. Smith, Lyman B. Frieze,
Stephen T. Olney, Allen O. Peck, George C. Nightingale, William H.
Hopkins, Albert Dailey, Joseph H. Bourn, Richard E. Hamlin; treasurer,
Joshua Wilbour; secretary, Louis W. Clarke; committee of arbitration,
Edward D. Pearce, James T. Rhodes, Moses B. Lockwood, Franklin H.
Richmond, and Alexander Farnum.
At the first regular election of the board, held June 29, 1868, the follow-
ing-named members were elected its officers, to serve until January, 1869:
President, Amos D. Smith; vice-presidents, William J. King, Henry Lip-
pitt; directors, Amasa Sprague, James Y. Smith, William Goddard, Ly-
man B. Frieze, Thomas J. Hill, Samuel S. Sprague, Stephen T. Olney,
Allen O. Peck, William H. Hopkins, Albert Dailey, Joseph H. Bourn,
Richard E. Hamlin, Dexter B. Lewis, George P. Tew, Jacob Symonds,
John D. Jones, Henry T. Cornett, Benjamin Buffum, Oliver A. Washburn,
Jr., Albert S. Gallup, Robert Knight; treasurer, Joshua Wilbour; committee
of arbitration, Edward D. Pearce, Moses B. Lockwood, Royal C. Taft,
Franklin H. Richmond, Alexander Farnum; committee of appeal, James
T. Rhodes, Henry A. Hidden, Joseph C. Hartshorn,ſohn B. Hartwell, James
S. Phetteplace; treasurer, Joshua Wilbour; secretary, Louis W. Clarke,
who served until September 18ih, when Freeman P. Little was first elected
secretary.
The following-named gentlemen have officiated as the officers of the
board from 1869 to 1885;
1869, president, James Y. Smith; vice-presidents, William J. King,
Henry Lippitt; treasurer, Joshua Wilbour; secretary, Freeman P. Little.
1870, president, Henry Lippitt; vice-presidents, James Y. Smith, Ste-
phen Waterman; treasurer, J. Wilbour; secretary, William W. Chapin.
1871, president, Henry Lippitt; vice-presidents, James Y. Smith, Ste-
phen Waterman; treasurer, J. Wilbour; secretary, William W. Chapin.
1872, president, James Y. Smith : vice-presidents, William Grosvenor,
Francis W. Carpenter; treasurer, J.Wilbour; Secretary,William W.Chapin.
1873–4, president, James Y. Smith; vice-presidents, William Grosvenor,
Francis W. Carpenter; treasurer, J. Wilbour; secretary, F. P. Little.
1875-'76–77, president, William Grosvenor; vice-presidents, Frank W.
Carpenter, William H. Hopkins; treasurer, J. Wilbour; secretary F. P.
Little.
1878, president, Nelson W. Aldrich; vice-presidents, Charles Warren
Lippitt, Gorham P. Pomroy; treasurer, Benjamin W. Persons; secretary,
F. P. Little.
1879–80, president, James H. Chace; vice-presidents, Charles W. Lippitt,
Henry A. Hidden; treasurer, Benjamin W. Persons; secretary, F. P. Little.
1881, president, Charles Warren Lippitt; vice-presidents, Henry A. Hid-
den, C. B. Farnsworth; treasurer, Virgil Fisher; secretary, F. P. Little.
1882, president, Charles W. Lippitt; vice-presidents, H. A. Hidden, C.
B. Farnsworth; treasurer, Virgil Fisher; secretary, F. P. Little.
1883, president, Charles H. Merriman; vice-presidents, C. B. Farns-
worth, Harvey E. Wellman, treasurer, Robert E. Northam; secretary, F.
P. Little.
1884, president, Charles H. Merriman; vice-presidents, C. B. Farns-
worth, Harvey E. Wellman; treasurer, Robert E. Northam; secretary, F.
P. Little.
1885, president, Arnold B. Chace; vice-presidents, Harvey E. Wellman,
Herbert W. Ladd; treasurer, R. E. Northam; secretary, F. P. Little.
The following-named members of the board were elected its officers,
June 20, 1886, for the ensuing year, and are the present incumbents:
President, Arnold B. Chace; first vice-president, Harvey E. Wellman,
second vice-president, Herbert W. Ladd; treasurer, Robert E. Northam;
secretary, Freeman P. Little; directors, Isaac M. Potter, Charles A. Traf-
ford, Frederic A. Barker, Zephaniah Williams, Henry F. Richards,
Marvin E. Allen, Bailey W. Evans, Samuel R. Dorrance, James C. Kim-
ball, Samuel S. Sprague, Joseph U. Starkweather, Hiram B. Aylsworth,
Francis W. Reynolds, Thomas A. Randall, Henry R. Chace, William S.
Granger, Robert B. Chapman, William A. Tucker, John McAuslan, John
B. Kelly, William W. White; committee of arbitration, Richard H. Dem-
ing, Israel B. Mason, Arnold B. Chace, George L. Claflin, William A.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
2 I 3
Spicer; committee of appeal, Elisha S. Aldrich, Henry L. Aldrich, Chas.
R. Day, George B. Calder, Edward H. Robinson; cotton classification
committee, James P. Rhodes, Thomas A. Randall, Jeffrey Hazard. There
have been but three secretaries of the board during its eighteen years of
existence: Louis W. Clarke, the first, was elected in June, and resigned
in September, 1868; Freeman P. Little, elected in September, 1868, resigned
in June, 1871; William W. Chapin, elected in January, 1871, resigned in
December, 1872; Freeman B. Little, reëlected in January, 1873, and now
in office, has filled that position nearly sixteen years in all.
' The Board of Trade has always taken an earnest and active interest in
inaugurating and promoting all public improvements since its formation,
and all movements and measures that have promised to promote and secure
the public good have received its official endorsement and support. Early
in February, 1869, its first year, William H. Reynolds presented a resolu-
tion, which was adopted, appointing a committee to consider the question
of the introduction of water into the city, and as far as practicable and
proper to assist citizens in forming an intelligent opinion and influencing
them to give a favorable vote on the subject, and at the next meeting, soon
after, Messrs Henry Lippitt, John Gorham, Lyman B. Freize, Oliver A.
Washburn, William W. Hoppin, William H. Reynolds, Jesse Boynton,
Charles Akerman, John Kendrick, Robert Knight, and Henry Lippitt,
chairman, were appointed a committee to consult and act with the com-
mittee of the city council on the subject of the introduction of pure water
into the city for the purpose of securing, if possible, an affirmative vote
upon that important question, at the special election to vote on that ques-
tion, to be held Feb. 15, 1869, and undoubtedly this action of the board
had great influence in securing the affirmative vote which then resulted in
giving the city its unrivaled water-works system, the immeasurable ben-
efits and advantages of which it has been in the full enjoyment for a number
of years past. As in this, so in all other proposed works for the general
good that have agitated the public mind since that was so successfully
accomplished, the Board of Trade has made an excellent record as one of
the most important and influential institutions of the city and state.
THE MECHANICs ExCHANGE of the city of Providence was organized
on April 25, 1878, and incorporated in May, 1886. Mr. George W. Cady
and Mr. David W. Barney were active in the formation of this society,
whose object is to afford facilities for information and the interchange of
views on social, architectural, and industrial questions; for the transaction
of business, and to establish an arbitration committee for the settlement of
all disputes arising between members, and for the assessment of damages
in cases of non-fulfillment of contracts. The Exchange rooms are at No.
9 Custom House Street. The front room is occupied by desk owners, and
the main hall is used by the members for their business transactions. The
income of the society from assessments and desk rents is about three thou-
sand dollars, and the membership is about one hundred and seventy-five,
representing the trades and various manufactures of the city connected
with the building industries. - .
The officers of the Exchange are: president, Mr. Thomas B. Ross; vice-
presidents, Mr. John W. Briggs and Mr. Richard Hayward; treasurer, Mr.
Freeborn Johnson; secretary, Mr. William F. Cady.
THE COMMERCIAL CLUB of Providence was organized in 1878. Its
object is the advancement of the mercantile and manufacturing interests of
the city “through social intercourse and the mutual interchange of opin-
ion among its members.” The membership, limited to sixty, is now full,
and the club is composed of the leading manufacturers and merchants of
the city. The annual business meeting is held in October. On the fourth
Saturday of each month, from October to May inclusive, the members of
the club convene for the discussion of questions concerning the industries of
the city and country and of other important subjects of the day. Usually at
these meetings, which tend to the enlightenment of the community on the
various subjects there debated, an address is delivered by a distinguished
gentleman, who is present by invitation as a guest of the club. Each mem-
ber has the privilege of inviting friends to these meetings, which are held at
the Narragansett Hotel, and at which the order of exercises is : business
meeting, from 5.45 to 6 P. M.; dinner, from 6 to 8; speeches and discus-
sion, from 8 to Io. The presidents of the club have been : Mr. Royal C.
Taft, 1878–79; Hon. Nelson W. Aldrich, 1879-'81; Mr. William B. Whee-
don, 1881–83; Mr. Charles W. Lippitt, 1883-'84. The present officers are:
president: Mr. Francis W. Carpenter; vice-president, Mr. H. W. Ladd;
secretary, Mr. H. Hartwell; treasurer, Mr. Arthur H. Watson; executive
committee, Messrs. Alfred Stone, J. U. Starkweather, and Mr. W. S. Hay-
ward. 42
THE RHODE ISLAND COMMERCIAL TRAVELERs' Association was or-
ganized July 23, 1881, the membership reaching two hundred and seventy-
six. The first officers were Charles H. Blake, president; Henry C. Arm-
strong, vice-president; E. S. Richards, secretary; George H. Grant, treas-
urer. The executive committee: Benjamin M. Earle, chairman, James R.
Sayles, Charles E. Hazelton, Edward Colton, William B. Ballou.
28
The sentiment of the organization is as follows: “We believe that
association and the occasional meeting together of men engaged in the same
pursuit, tends to maintain a high sense of business honor and strict ful-
fillment of obligations entered into, and that a halt now and then on the
dusty routine road of trade, to rest and refresh ourselves beneath the
shade of work well done, and amid the pleasant influences of old and new
acquaintances, revives our spirits and gives us new energy to press forward
towards our individual goals.”
The summer and winter reunions of this organization have been bril-
liant affairs. Some of the most eminent men of the city and state have
participated at the gatherings, notably, United States Senators, Henry
B. Anthony, and Nelson W. Aldrich, Congressman Henry J. Spooner,
United States Judge LeBaron B. Colt, ex-Gov. Augustus O. Bourn,
Gen. E. H. Rhodes, Ex-Mayor William S. Hayward, Col. Nicholas Van
Slyck, the Rev. Richard Montague, Charles H. George, Esq., Hiram B.
Alysworth, Esq., and many others, also prominent gentlemen from other
states, including ex-Mayor Palmer of Boston. -
The coronation of the late Hiram D. Maxfield as “King of the Clams,”
at Oakland Beach, July 7, 1883, by this association was a red letter day in
its history, and a notable occasion, most of the prominent gentlemen
mentioned in this sketch having been participants—in fact it was called
an assemblage of statesmen; the speeches were equal to any ever delivered
at any gathering in this state. Senator Anthony made his last speech
upon this occasion, and it may be added that no greater respect could have
been shown any man than was accorded him by the Commercial Travelers
upon his appearance in their midst, and the reception moved him to tears.
The music at the reunions has been of the highest order. The Ameri-
can, National, and White's Military Bands, Reeves' Orchestra, and the
Steinert brothers having been severally engaged.
The association has recently been merged into the Rhode Island Trav-
elers’ Social Club, the present officers being: Henry C. Armstrong, presi-
dent; George H. Grant, vice-president; Oscar A. Carleton, secretary and
treasurer; Edward Colton, Charles H. Blake, William H. H. Brayman,
membership committee. Mr. Anthony has served as president continuously
since Dec. 30, 1881, and has presided at every reunion.
THE BUTCHERS AND MARKETMEN’s Association OF RHODE ISLAND
was organized in September, 1885. The objects of the association are for
the purpose of mutual benefit and establishing a better social acquaintance
with each other of those engaged in the above named lines of business;
and of meeting and discussing questions touching their trade interests. For
the better carrying out of these purposes, certain days in every year are
appointed for recreation and enjoyment, an excursion down the bay being
a feature of these latter assemblages. Their last excursion of this kind was
attended by about one thousand people. The association now numbers
two hundred and seventy members. The annual meeting for the election
of officers is held in January of each year, and regular meetings are held
on the second Wednesday of every month. Hollis K. Clark, of Provi-
dence, is president of the association; J. F. Abbott, Pawtucket, vice-pres-
ident; C. E. Harris, Providence, secretary.
THE RHode Island Historic Al SocIETY.— Fortunately for Rhode
Island, there were far-seeing men within her borders sixty years ago and
more, who realized the value of historical relics and took steps to collect
and preserve them. It is to the earnest spirit of these men that the
state owes the origin of that invaluable institution, the Rhode Island
Historical Society. It was incorporated in 1822, “for the purpose,” as
the charter certifies, “ of procuring and preserving whatever relates to
the topography, antiquities, and national, civil, and ecclesiastical history
of this state; and by the name aforesaid shall have perpetual succession.”
The original thirteen charter members of the Historical Society were:
Jeremiah Lippitt, William Alpin, Charles N. Tibbitts, Walter R. Dan-
forth, William R. Staples, Richard W. Greene, John Brown Francis, Wil-
liam G. Goddard, Charles F. Tillinghast, Richard J. Arnold, Charles Jack-
son, William E. Richmond, and James Fenner. The institution has had
the following eminent men as presidents: James Fenner, from 1822 to
1833; John Howland, from 1833 to 1854; Albert G. Greene, from 1854 to
1868; Samuel G. Arnold, from 1868 to 1880; Zachariah Allen, from 1880
to 1882; William Gammell, from 1882 to the present time. Among those
who did a great deal of earnest, efficient work in behalf of the society at
a period when there was a lack of public interest in the objects it aimed
to promote, were Moses Brown, Samuel Y. Atwell, Theodore Foster,
Philip Crapo, Thomas F. Carpenter, Samuel W. Bridgham, Joseph K.
Angell, Tristam Burges, John Pitman, Moses B. Ives, Samuel Greene,
Job Durfee, Usher Parsons, Joseph L. Tillinghast, Burrington Anthony,
Francis Wayland, John R. Bartlett, Romeo Elton, Cyrus Butler, Lemuel
H. Arnold, Thomas W. Dorr, and Rowland G. Hazard.
The depository of the collections of the Historical Society is located
on Waterman Street, overlooking the grounds of the university, and to
the common eye they might present the aspect of a heterogeneous mass
2I4
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
of books, pictures, old newspapers, and curiosities, of doubtful value.
But while the capacity of the building is insufficient for the proper dis-
play of these objects of interest, it is also true that, through the efforts of
the Hon. Amos Perry, the custodian of the property for the last six years,
the entire collection has been classified and arranged in a scholarly and
orderly way. With the spirit of a true antiquarian, he has discerned the
true historic value and relation of each and every article committed to his
care, and has at length reduced a confused mass of materials to its proper
classification. As now arranged, the contents of the building may be
described as consisting of (1) a library of 16,000 bound volumes, 40,000
pamphlets, files of newspapers, and invaluable manuscripts; (2) a cabinet
comprising, not mere curiosities, but articles that illustrate the domestic,
social, commercial, and military life of an age unlike our own; (3) por-
traits of the prominent actors in the colonial and early state history of
Rhode Island, together with other historic pictures. Neither department
can be said to be full, for contributions are received from time to time;
nor will they cease to flow into those archives so long as the state remains
in the control of men who know the value of history. A card catalogue
arranged in drawers is now at the service of any one who examines the
books; the pamphlets are sorted and filed, the newspapers bound into
volumes, the relics displayed as far as the limited space permits, and the
portraits hung conspicuously on the walls. This result, which involves
the patient labor of years, is due to the librarian; and among the many
objects of interest to which he thus invites the attention of the student
of historic lore, may be named a few of rare value that could not well be
duplicated. Among the books is a copy of Elliot's Indian Bible, pub-
lished in 1663, which but one living man in this country is able to read;
Maj. John Andre’s little poem, “The Cow Chase,” composed in 1780 and
printed a few years later; “George Fox Digged out of his Burrow,” and
“The Bloody Tenant Yet More Bloody,” the only copies accessible to the
public of those two curious works of Roger Williams. In manuscript
there are the Tillinghast papers, the Price papers, the Moses Brown
papers, the Boundary Line papers, the Hopkins papers, old deeds of
Providence lands, etc. The newspaper files contain a partial set of the
Newport Mercury, the oldest newspaper in the state; full volumes of
the Providence Gazette, from 1762 to 1825, inclusive; the United States
Chronicle, beginning with the initial number; and the Rhode Island
American, started in 1808. There is a scrap-book of valuable newspaper
clippings on the Dorr War, and a large amount of biographical material
classified for easy reference. Elswhere may be seen among the relics a
model of the second meeting-house belonging to the First Congregational
Society, of Providence; the manuscript of the charter granted to the .
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations by King Charles II., in 1662;
a fac-simile of a belt of wampum delivered by the Indians to william
Penn at the great treaty under the elm tree "at Shackamaxon, in 1682;
several autograph letters of Roger Williams; a bunch of carved grapes
that hung over the door of a dry goods store on Cheapside (now North
Main Street), when that was the fashionable shopping quarter a hundred
years ago. -
The present board of officers of the society consists of the president,
William Gammell; two vice-presidents, Francis Brinley and Charles W.
Parsons; a treasurer, Richmond P. Everett; and a secretary, librarian,
and cabinet keeper, Amos Perry.
RHoDE ISLAND VETERAN CITIZEN's Association.—There is scarcely
any subject upon which an intelligent old or middle-aged citizen is more
interested than historical reminiscences of his native place. Everything
connected with the days of his boyhood, and his father's boyhood, if he
be of the second generation, “native and to the manor born,” has a
peculiar charm for him. Old stores, old hotels, old theatres, even old barns,
have a history that he can recite himself or loves to hear others tell. It is
not a matter of wonder, therefore, that the Rhode Island Veteran Historical
Association has enlisted in its ranks so many respected citizens of Provi-
dence. To these veterans every historical spot within the corporate limits,
and indeed, far beyond, is sacred ground. They reverence the memory of
the men who by their enterprise, thrift, and business sagacity, placed Prov-
idence in the foremost rank of commercial and manufacturing marts. The
old mills that these men built, the stores that they occupied, the offices in
which they toiled to lay the foundation of the city's present greatness,
are Meccas which the patriotic old citizen loves in memory to visit and
revisit. In keeping alive the most beautiful of all good impulses — a love
for one's native place and its historic associations — the “Rhode Island
Veteran Citizens’ Historical Association” is doing work which is at once
pleasant and useful. Without in any way wishing or attempting to trench
upon the ground so well filled by the Rhode Island Historical Society, this
organization of veteran citizens supplies many missing links in local his-
tory that its more pretentious contemporary laborer would find it difficult
to supply. The Historical Society cheerfully acknowledges this, and its
president (Mr. Gammell) in an address to his association pays the follow-
ing handsome tribute to the Veteran Citizens’ Historical Association:
“This association now numbers about one hundred members, (one hun-
dred and fifty,) and holds meetings monthly, at which is brought together,
alike in written and in oral statement, a vast variety of information as to
nearly every subject of public interest relating to the town and the state
in the generations preceding our own. By its agency many historical
memoranda have been brought to light, and important historical papers
have been prepared for publication, some of which have been deposited in
our own archives. I have referred to this Association of Veteran
Citizens which has been formed in Providence, not only on account of the
useful service it is rendering in creating an interest in local history, but
also that I may express the hope that its good example will be followed in
other towns of the state, in so many of which local history has been
greatly neglected.” -
Such pleasant rivalry as this must be more than pleasing to the members
of both societies, and incite them to mutual effort and energy in their
historical labors. The present officers of the Rhode Island Historical Vet-
eran Citizens’ Association are: B. B. Hammond, Providence, president;
the Hon. Thomas Davis, first vice-president; the Hon. Thomas Cogges-
hall, Newport, second vice-president; the Hon. W. B. Brayton, Apponaug,
third vice-president; the Hon. C. Russell Bullock, Bristol, fourth vice-
president; William H. Hazard, M. D., Wakefield, fifth vice-president; Mrs.
H. A. Hatton, Providence, treasurer; the Rev. Frederic Denison, Provi-
dence, secretary; executive committee, Henry J. Steere, Thomas J. Hill,
John A. Brown, the Rev. Frederic Denison, and Henry Howard, all of
Providence. -
SocIETY of THE CINCINNAT1.—Just before the continental line of the
American Army of the Revolution disbanded, a meeting of officers was
held, May 13, 1783, at which the society of the Cincinnati was established.
Major-General, the Baron de Steuben, presided, and the object of forming
the order was to preserve inviolate the rights and liberties they had
fought to preserve; to promote and cherish state union and honor; to
perpetuate cordial affection among the members, and assist those officers
and their families who might need pecuniary aid. Recognizing" the
blessings of freedom vouchsafed after a conflict of eight years as the gift
of the Supreme Governor of the universe, the surviving officers, “in the
most solemn manner,” combined into a society of friends, “to endure as
long as they should endure, or any of their eldest male posterity, and in
failure thereof, the collateral branches who may be judged worthy of be-
coming its supporters and members.
The society thus formed was divided into thirteen state societies, and
provision was made for occasional meetings of delegates from each state,
constituting the General Society, which should exercise supervision of the
affairs of the order. A relief fund was also created by the contribution
by each member of a sum of money, equal to one month’s pay of the
rank which he held. The first meeting of the General Society was held
in Philadelphia, May 3, 1787, at which General Washington was chosen
president, and General Knox, secretary. e
The Cincinnati of Rhode Island was organized at a meeting held in
Providence, Dec. 17, 1783, and was perfected by the signing of the rules
and articles of the order, and the choice of Maj. Daniel Lyman, secretary
pro tem. The following permanent officers were then elected to serve until
July 4, 1784: president, Maj.-Gen. Nathanael Greene; vice-president,
Brig.-Gen. James M. Varnum; secretary, Col. Henry Sherburne;
treasurer, Lieut.-Col. Jeremiah Olney; assistant treasurer, Maj. John Dex-
ter. Job Greene, of Warwick, was admitted as a hereditary member, in
right of his father, Col. Christopher Greene deceased ; and Gov. William
Greene, the Hon. Jabez Bowen, deputy-governor, the Hon. Henry Ward,
secretary of state, the Hon. William Bradford, Speaker of the House of
Representatives, the Hon. Ray Greene, and the Hon. William Greene,
grandson of the governor, were elected honorable members of the society.
Before adjournment, Major-General Greene, Brigadier-General Varnum,
Lieutenant-Colonel Olney, and Maj. Daniel Lyman, were chosen dele-
gates to the general society.
After several years, the removal of original members by death, and the
failure of many hereditary successors to avail themselves of the privilege
of membership, caused a decline in the interest previously taken in the
society; but at the present time the members show a lively desire to pre-
serve the organization of the ancient order, and the officers are: presi-
dent, Nathaniel Greene, of Middletown; vice-president, Wm. W. Hoppin,
of Providence; secretary, Henry E. Turner, of Newport; treasurer,
William D. King, of Sandwich, Mass.; assistant secretary, Asa B.
Gardiner, of Garden City, N.Y.; assistant treasurer, Daniel W. Lyman,
Providence.
THE FRANKLIN LYcEUM was established in the summer of 1831 by
Levi Holden, Daniel A. Jackson, and William B. Shove, who were then
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
pupils of Mr. DeWitt's
school on Waterman
Street. The first name
chosen for the organiza-
tion was the ‘‘ Providence
Lyceum,” but on April 28,
1832, the present title was
adopted. The purpose of
the society was the en-
couragement of literary
pursuits among its mem-
bers, and the discussion
of various questions of
general interest. The
first meetings of the
lyceum were held at the
homes of the different
members on Friday even-
ings. A steadily increas-
ing membership encour-
aged the society to secure
a room, and begin the
collection of a library.
The basement of Mr.
Shove’s house on Benefit
Street, was selected, and
the meetings were held
there until a larger room
was secured, opposite Dr. Hall's Church on Benefit Street.
Thence the meeting-place and library of the lyceum were removed to
various places in the city not remaining long in any location, until they
took the hall in Hoppin's block, on Westminster Street, in 1850, and occu-
pied it until November, 1858, when they removed to their rooms in the
new “Lyceum building,” which had been designed and constructed espe-
cially for the occupancy and use of the lyceum, at No. 62 Westminster
Street, by the proprietor of the building, the late George W. Danielson,
editor of the Providence %urnal, and an active and highly esteemed
member and officer of the lyceum. At the dedication of this large and
handsome permanent home of the lyceum, Nov. 19, 1858, a fine statue
of Dr. Franklin, placed in a niche in the front centre of the second story,
the first public statue erected in this state, was unveiled with appro-
priate ceremonies. Since its formation, the lyceum has issued many
manuscript magazines, with original articles written by members of the
society. In the winter of 1839–40, the lyceum gave its first course of lec-
tures, the first series of which were a course of six lectures by Ralph
Waldo Emerson, on the subject of “ Human Life.” These series of lec-
tures proved a feature of the literary life in the city, and were the means of
entertaining and instructing great numbers of the people. On the list of
orators appear the names of the most distinguished men of our country,
including Daniel Webster, John Quincy Adams, Edgar A. Poe, Theodore
Parker, Charles Edward Everett, Horace Mann, Park Benjamin, Rufus
Choate, Lewis Cass, Gen. Sam Houston, of Texas, Gen. John A. Dix,
Mark Hopkins, Wendell Phillips, Richard H. Dana, John P. Hale, Thomas
Starr King, E. H. Chapin, Benjamin F. Butler, Charles Sumner, Elihu
Burritt, Jared Sparks, Horace Greeley, Nathaniel P. Willis, Louis Agas-
siz, E. P. Whipple, Horace Bushnell, Caleb Cushing, George William
Curtis, Bayard Taylor, Henry Ward Beecher, John B. Gough, George
Vandenhoff, and a long list of many others of the most distinguished and
eloquent orators and speakers of the times.
The Franklin Lyceum was the first literary society to inaugurate and
establish the modern system of popular platform lectures in this city and
state, if not in the country, at such a moderate cost as to bring them within
the reach of the enormous audiences they so long attracted, and from
the initial lecture by Ralph Waldo Emerson, in 1840, for the forty ensu-
ing years to 1880, they flourished with such large and growing success as
to give great credit and reputation to the now famous lyceum lectures.
No institution in this country has such a roll of honored names on its
records of orators and lecturers as that given above, which are but a few
of the most distinguished of the great number that have edified and
instructed the lyceum and its vast audiences of past and present citizens of
this city. During these more than thirty annual courses, lectures were given
by the most distinguished men of letters, arts, sciences, and professions on a
greater range of topics and popular subjects by far, than any other course
ever given in this city, and which were universally acknowledged to exert
a wide-spread, elevating, and enduring educational and moral influence
upon the rising generation, a large majority of the audiences attending
being almost invariably young people of both sexes. The lecture com-
PROVIDENCE, FROM SMITH'S HILL.
mittee was always esteemed a high post of honor in the lyceum, and its
ablest men were annually elected to that position, often only after a very
warm but friendly canvass for rival candidates, who, as soon as elected,
labored to secure the best talent for the lyceum, which the growing rivalry
of other lecture courses made it more difficult to obtain without early
effort, though the best of men and lecturers were always pleased to
receive and accept proposals from the lyceum first of any from our city.
The demand for tickets to these most popular lectures steadily increased
from year to year, until the opening sales of seats were attended by great
crowds of competitors, many of whom would hold their places in line the
entire preceding night to secure choice seats.
The lyceum, moreover, is well-known as the literary nursery of many of
the most prominent men of the city and state, in various high positions
and professions for two generations, as it was in this society that our
embryo statesmen, senators, judges, governors, mayors, and many other
young men learned their first lessons in parliamentary law and proceed-
ings, and young orators, counsellors, and advocates acquired most valu-
able instruction in the art of oral argument. The lyceum has also been a
public benefactor by the excellent library which it has provided and sus-
tained from the very small nucleus at its origin, to the thousands of vol-
umes it now circulates to its members and their families, of the best works
in past and present literature, embracing the most judicious selections of
books, by an always able and competent library committee, during all
the years of its existence; connected with its fine library, for many years,
a pleasant and attractive reading-room has been provided and furnished
with the best of daily and illustrated newspapers and magazines, both
domestic and foreign, and a fine, large, and handsomely decorated hall
for its meetings, debates, and other purposes. Beside, and greater than
these many material advantages, the lyceum offers to all young men with
noble aspirations the incentive of the high character that this society has
honorably earned and worthily maintains among the best public institu-
tions of the city, for its long and earnest labors for their benefit, instruc-
tion, and elevation, thus eminently deserving their continued support
and encouragement of its great moral influence upon the community
with that of all other citizens who desire to promote the public good.
The successive presidents of the lyceum have been : Levi H. Holden,
Daniel W. Vaughn, William B. Shove, Crawford Nightingale, Thomas
L. Dunnell, William M. Rodman, William C. Allen, Henry C. Whitaker,
William Knowles, Albert Dailey, Richard E. Hamlin, Charles Burnett,
Jr., Henry T. Beckwith, Albert Harkness, Henry Howard, Franklin Dick-
man, Jacob H. Martin, William Sprague, 2d, Thomas A. Doyle, William
G. Weeden, Jerome B. Kimball, Charles F. Brownell, Israel G. Bixby, N.
Van Slyck, F. N. Seabury, Francis W. Miner, William D. Hilton, George
W. Danielson, William W. Paine, Henry J. Spooner, Samuel H. Wales,
Joshua M. Addeman, Ervin T. Case, Edward C. Ames, Cyrus C. Arm-
strong, Francis A. Daniels, Charles Warren Lippitt, Edward Tripp,
Henry S. Olney, Henry W. Allen, Augustus S. Miller, Daniel R. Ballou,
Gilbert E. Whittemore, John G. Massie, Clarence A. Aldrich, Charles H.
Smith, Charles D. Kimball, who now occupies the chair. The other

216
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
officers are, vice-president, John T. Blodgett; secretary, John Doran;
librarian, Miss M. A. Bassett; treasurer, N. H. Truman. The number
of members at present is about three hundred and twenty-five, a large por-
tion being life-members; the number of volumes in the library is 6,000.
THE BRowNson LYcEUM, located at No. 159 Westminster Street, Prov-
idence, is a Catholic literary society, which was organized in 1858, and
afterwards incorporated. It is an outgrowth of the St. Vincent de Paul
Society, having been founded by members of that charitable organization.
Messrs. Michael A. Sullivan, Arthur McGuire, Frank Dyer, and Mathew
Gherity were its principal promoters. The incorporators were John
Charlton, E. A. Cosgrove, T. J. McCabe, Michael A. Sullivan, Patrick
Power, M. W. Pendergast, Mathew Gherity, and John Whitney. The
lyceum was named after Dr. O. A. Brownson, a distinguished Catholic
author and controversialist. Soon after its formation a course of lectures
was established, the first of which was delivered by Dr. Brownson. Lec-
tures are still occasionally given during the winter, and also monthly en-
tertainments, consisting of readings, declamations, and music. There is
also a dramatic society connected with it that has given several successful
public entertainments. The lyceum has a library of 1,100 volumes, 625
of which was the bequest of the late Bishop T. F. Hendricken. Weekly
meetings are held every Wednesday evening, the exercises consisting of
debates, readings, declamations, etc. The members now number about
one hundred and fifty. Since its organization, the following named gen-
tlemen have acted as presidents of the society: M. A. Sullivan, J. G. Han-
rahan, J. E. Hanrahan, D. D. Sullivan, E. D. McGuinness, P. J. Mc-
Carthy. A number of young men who have been members of the lyceum
have since attained positions of prominence in medicine, law, journalism,
and theology.
THE NARRAGANSETT BoAT CLUB.—During the summer of 1837, there
was organized by a few young men of this city, a six oared crew, for the
purpose of obtaining such benefit, as rowing could afford. They pur-
chased a boat which they named the “Swallow,” and commenced daily
practice upon the river. Soon after their appearance, a race was arranged
between the “Swallow ’’ and a crew formed sometime previous called the
“Rienzi.” This race was rowed Oct. 30, 1837, and was won by the
“Swallow.” Among those now living who rowed in the “Swallow,”
were the Hon. George C. Nightingale and Ex-Gov. Henry Lippitt.
From this crew was organized the Narragansett Boat Club. George C.
Nightingale was elected president; William Allen Greene, vice-president;
Henry Lippitt, secretary; Rufus Waterman, treasurer; Sullivan Dorr, Jr.,
William C. Allen, and Charles Arnold, standing committee; H. A. Man-
chester, first coxswain, and Tristam Burges, Jr., second coxswain.
The first signer to the constitution is George C. Nightingale, followed by
the above officers, and Ezra W. Howard, Samuel G. Arnold, G. L. Brown,
Nathan Truman, E. Carrington, Jr., Albert Dailey, Samuel A. Bowler,
George A. Allen, Hosea Ballou, Jr., Henry E. Hudson, L. P. Childs, Hor-
ace A. Manchester, and George W. Bowers. Many names have since been
enrolled, embracing men prominent in various walks of life. Governors,
senators, representatives and judges, delight to recall their old boating
days, when the cares and vexations of the day were quickly dispelled by a
vigorous “pull" on the river. The Narragansett Boat Club is to-day
the oldest organized rowing association in America.
The first boat-house (in 1838), located where the Daniels building now
stands on Custom House Street, was, in 1845, removed to Dyer Street, near
Peck, between where now are the docks of S. D. Andrews, and Hopkins,
Pomroy & Company.
In 1860, a house costing about three hundred and fifty dollars, was
erected on the Seekonk River, but the interests of the club suffered dur-
ing the impending war in common with other associations. At the end
of the Rebellion, new life and vigor were infused into the club, and in
1866 the house was removed from the Seekonk, to Mr. H. C. Clark’s
dock, at the foot of Peck Street, where it remained until 1883, when the
club moved into its present luxurious house on the Seekonk River. The
club has a complete outfit of shells, gigs, barges, and pleasure boats, all of
modern build for the use of its members. The prowess of the various crews
and scullers that have represented the club, is well known both at home and
abroad. The present membership of the club consists of about two hun-
dred of our young business men. It is well governed, is in a healthy finan-
cial condition, and bids fair to occupy a prominent position in our history
for generations to come. -
THE RHODE ISLAND PEACE Society was founded in 1818, and is the
oldest organization of the kind in the United States. Many of its mem-
bers, including its first and third presidents, were in the Revolutionary
War, and many of them took part in the war of 1812. The society has had
for its vice-presidents and trustees, some of the most distinguished
citizens of the state, among whom may be named Nicholas Brown,
Tristam Burges, William Chace, Henry Cushing, Samuel Osgood, and
Thomas P. Ives. The following named gentlemen have from time to
time acted as officers of the society: Presidents, William Jones, Asa
Messer, John Howland, Edward B. Hall, Gilbert Congdon, Alexis Caswell,
E. G. Robinson, Jonathan Chase; secretaries, Barnabas Bates, George
Benson, Allen Brown, Abner Kingman, Usher Parsons, William A. Smith,
Gideon Thornton, John A. Hamlin, Stephen S. Wardwell, E. O. Bartlett,
Samuel Austin, Amos Perry; treasurers, Obadiah Brown, Moses Brown,
Hugh H. Brown, Stephen S. Wardwell, David R. Whittemore. The
society, in its early days, enlisted the sympathy of the best people in the
community. The country had but lately emerged from a terrible war,
the horrors and privations of which were yet fresh in the public mind;
and the people readily espoused the cause of a society whose object was
to avert similar scenes in the future. To promote the cause of peace all
over the world has been the aim of the society ever since. For several
years its annual meetings were brilliant gatherings, all its members being
men of high standing in the community. The celebrated musician and
composer, Mr. Oliver Shaw, for many years conducted the musical exer-
cises at these annual meetings. The funds of the society were always
judiciously invested, and its finances are yet in a satisfactory condition.
It continues to hold its annual meeting on the third Wednesday in Octo-
ber. The officers of the society for the years 1885–6 are: president, the
Hon. Jonathan Chace, Cumberland; vice-presidents, Augustine Jones,
Providence, John B. Foster, Westerly, the Hon. L. W. Ballou, Woon-
socket; secretary, Amos Perry, Providence; treasurer, D. R. Whittemore,
Providence; trustees, Joseph H. Atwater, Samuel Austin, Robert P. Gif-
ford, Arthur Given, James H. Chace.
THE RHoDE ISLAND HORTICULTURAL SocIETY was formed nearly half
a century ago,- Sept. 6, 1845. The society sprung from the Franklin
Society, an association originally called the Philosophical Association.
The culture of fruit and flowers were among the numerous subjects that
engaged its attention, and resulted in becoming a prominent feature of
the proceedings, and finally in the establishment of an agricultural depart-
ment in connection with the society. At one of the meetings of this
department held Sept. 1, 1845, at the house of one of its members, Ben-
jamin W. Comstock, Esq., the unexpected display of fine fruits and flowers
suggested the desire and a plan to improve the general taste and
knowledge of horticulture by organizing a society for that purpose. At
that meeting the Rhode Island Horticultural Society was formed, and
has since continued to grow and flourish. It has now about seven hun-
dred members, and holds four fairs each year— in March for green-house
plants; in June, for strawberries and out-of-door flowers; in September,
for fall fruits, flowers, and plants, and in November, for chrysanthemums
only. These exhibitions are all well attended, and year by year the
exhibits have grown larger and more interesting. Since its organization
the following-named gentlemen have acted as its presidents, and taken an
active interest in its management: Stephen H. Smith, John J. Stimpson,
Americus V. Potter, William W. Hoppin, William Viall, Royal C.
Taft, James Y. Smith, Joseph H. Bowen, W. F. Channing, Louis Dexter,
Charles A. Nichols, George Hunt, Samuel H. Wales, Henry T. Root,
Silas H. Manchester; the late George W. Danielson was also an active
member of the society. The state contributes $500 annually to the society,
its other resources being made up from contributions by the members,
sale of tickets, etc. It distributes about seven hundred dollars annually
in premiums. Its finances are now in good condition, with a cash balance
of $1,500 in its treasury. The present officers of the society are: Presi-
dent, Silas H. Manchester; vice-president, Charles Sidney Smith; record-
ing secretary and treasurer, Charles C. Armstrong; corresponding secre-
tary and librarian, Thomas K. Parker.
THE ROGER WILLIAMs Monument Association is, as its name indi-
cates, an organization formed for the purpose of raising funds and erecting
a monument therewith to the memory of Roger Williams, the founder of
Rhode Island.
The society was formed in May, 1860, and incorporated in the following
month. The first movement towards a monument to Roger Williams was
in 1850, when the Providence Association of Mechanics and Manufacturers
made a deposit of $100 in the Providence Institution for Savings. This
fund was subsequently increased by the association to $250, and on May 8,
1886, with interest, amounted to $707.53.
In 1865, Mr. Stephen Randall, a descendant of Roger Williams, depos-
ited in the People’s Savings Bank, the sum of $1,000 to be devoted to a
monument to his illustrious ancestor. At the beginning of the present
year, the funds of the association amounted to $6,695.91. It is the pur-
pose of this organization to erect at some future day, on the summit of
Prospect Hill, near the spot chosen by Roger Williams as his family
burial plot and where in colonial days the beacon flashed the tidings of the
approach of an enemy and summoned the colonists to the defense of their
homes, a monument to the great apostle of soul liberty. The funds are not
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
217
yet sufficient to erect a suitable memorial, but even if no further contribu-
tions are made, the funds now in the association will in fifty years amount
at six per cent. interest, to the sum of $150,000. So by the time the city of
Providence celebrates her three hundredth anniversary, there will, in all
probability, be a beautiful and costly monument to Roger Williams on
the hill over which the rising sun looks down upon the city which in
gratitude to God for guiding him to so lovely a spot, he called Providence.
THE Roger WILLIAMs SAviNG FUND AND LOAN Association, of
PROvIDENCE, R. I., is an organization, the primary object of which is to
enable working men to purchase their own homes, and thus avoid pay-
ing high rents. The association was incorporated by act of the "Gen-
eral Assembly in January, 1879, with an authorized capital of $100,000,
which in 1882 was increased to $500,000, and again in 1885 to $1,000,000,
its present limit. The great success of the association shows the popu-
larity of the plan it has adopted, which may be thus briefly explained : The
corporation issues shares of the estimated value of two hundred dollars
each, upon which the holder pays a monthly installment of $1.oo each,
until by direct payments and the credit of interest and profits they amount
to $2Oo. Then the shareholder receives the face value in cash, and the
shares are canceled. If no interest or profits were credited, it would
require 200 months to mature a share, but under this plan they mature in
nine or ten years, as the money paid in by the shareholders is immediately
sold at auction to the highest bidder, and the interest and premium
received placed to the credit of the shareholders. The expenses of the
association are very light, there being only two salaried officers, the secre--
tary and treasurer. The entire monthly payment on a loan seldom
exceeds the amount usually paid for rent, thereby enabling the tenant to
become his own landlord. First mortgages on real estate are required as
security for the loan. The association has now (1886) 7oo members, has
issued 4,000 shares, and has an income of $5,000 per month. Regular
meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month. The officers
are as follows: John McAuslan, president; Cyrus C. Armstrong, secre-
tary; George W. Lanphear, treasurer. • *.
THE PROvIDENCE MARINE SocIETY is one of the oldest and most mer-
itorious beneficial organizations in the city. Its charter was granted at a
session of the General Assembly held in June, 1798. The object of the
society, as set forth in the charter, is “for the purpose of promoting mar-
itime knowledge, and alleviating the necessities of marine captains and
their respective families.” These objects the society has faithfully carried
out. Its relief rolls number about five hundred. The annual meeting is
held on the 4th of July, at which the members partake of a roast pig din-
ner. The society now consists of forty members. Among those who
have heretofore belonged to it and are now dead were many of the most
skillful and intrepid navigators who have ever sailed from this port. The
perils that beset a mariner's life are many, and the necessity of making
provision, in case of his death, for those dependent upon him is apparent.
This society, managed by men of his own calling, furnishes the very best
guarantee that the widows and orphans of its members shall not suffer for
the necessaries of life. The officers elected at the last annual meeting
were: President, Capt. Cyrus B. Manchester; vice-president, Capt. James
R. Potter; treasurer, Capt. John H. Purkis; secretary, Capt. George W.
Brown. -
THE Home For AGED MEN was first suggested by the Rev. Edwin M.
Stone in his report to the Ministry at Large, about the year 1867. He
urged the formation of a society to provide a home for aged men who
had been used to refined surroundings and who shrank from the cold
hospitality and coarse companionship of the county home. In 1876
Mrs. Mary A. Holden offered to donate the sum of $1,000 towards the
establishment of a home for aged men. This led to a call for a public
meeting at which an organization was determined upon. Mrs. James C.
Bucklin was very active in her interest in this cause, and the first meeting
was due to her personal efforts. At a second meeting, on the 9th of July,
1874, a constitution was reported and adopted; soon after a house suitable
for a home at No. 64 Point Street was rented, and furnished, principally
by the free-will offerings of friends. It was capable of accommodating
comfortably, twelve to fifteen persons, and was opened Oct. 21, 1874.
“Thus, within four months from the initiation of the enterprise, the Home
for Aged Men took its place among the best charitable institutions of the
city.” The home was incorporated by act of the Assembly in 1875. Con-
tributions to this humane enterprise have been most generous — in sums
large and small,— not from the old only, but from the young who had no
warrant that they should reach old age, but who were eager to help make
glad the days of those whom the burden of many years had exhausted,
and who could no longer struggle for the necessaries of life. Notable
among the larger contributions to the home may be mentioned : $5oo
from Mr. Smith Owen; $1,000 from Mr. Joseph A. Barker; a building lot
from Mr. Joseph J. Cooke; a legacy of $25,000 for building purposes from
report there were sixteen inmates of the home.
CHILDREN was organized and incorporated in 1883.
Mr. Stephen T. Olney; $3 ooo from the estate of Mrs. Henry Gladding;
$1,000 from Mrs. Frances J. Vinton; $5,000 from the estate of Mrs. George
Hall; $5,000, from the estate of Mr. Henry L. Kendall; and the crown-
ing gift of all, the munificent donation of the large and cheerful house
and pleasant grounds now used by the society as a home for aged men.
It is located at the corner of Chestnut and Clifford streets and was the
gift of Mr. Henry J. Steere. Since the formation of the home until the
issuance of the last report, thirty-four aged men have found within its
walls a refuge from the harrassing woes of indigent age. At the last
The officers of the home
for the present year are: President, Mr. Henry J. Steere; first vice-
president, Mrs. James C. Bucklin; second vice-president, the Rev. James
G. Vose, D. D.; secretary, Mrs. C. H. Knight; treasurer, Mr. William
Knight; superintendent of the home, Miss Caroline M. Thurston.
THE RHODE ISLAND Society For THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY To
The name of the
society clearly indicates its object. The managers soon found that such
an organization was sadly needed. A large number of cases of cruelty,
neglect, and abuse of children by their unnatural parents, relatives, or
guardians have been brought to the attention of the society, investigated
by its agent, and the little sufferers rescued from inhuman treatment and
debasing influences, and placed in private homes or public institutions
where they are properly cared for. A temporary home for the children
has been established on John Street, Providence, where their immediate
wants are supplied, and where they can remain until a permanent place is
found for them. The society receives $1,000 a year from the state, a sum
entirely inadequate to carry on the work, but which a kind-hearted public
largely supplements by liberal contributions. Its expenditures for the
year 1885 amounted to $2,041.51. During that year it investigated cases in
which 228 children were involved. Of these ninety-eight were transferred
to other homes, hospitals, institutions, and families. The officers of the
society are: Herbert W. Ladd, president; Charles W. Jencks, secretary
Mrs. Albert G. Durfee, treasurer; Charles H. Thurber, agent.
THE SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY to ANIMALs, was
founded and incorporated in May, 1870, by Gen. A. E. Burnside, Messrs.
Amos D. Smith, Alexander Farnum, Albert A. Gallup, Thomas F. Hoppin,
Elisha Dyer, Richard Sherman, Thomas G. Turner, James S. Phetteplace,
and others. The first meeting was held in the Horse Guard's Armory,
Oct. 27, 1876, at which Gov. Seth Padelford presided. The society has
since continued in active operation, and is now in a vigorous condition.
It has had, and still exercises, a potent influence in restraining cruelty
toward, or abuse of, dumb animals. The earnest work of past years has
caused a wholesome fear of the society to exist, and as a result few broken
down animals are now seen on the streets or highways, and prosecutions
for aggravated cases of cruelty have become comparatively infrequent. The
society has also had a salutary influence in educating the general public
to a proper appreciation of the necessity for kindness and thoughtful
care for all classes of dumb animals. Seven hundred and ninety-four
y
prosecutions have been conducted by the Providence branch of the society
since its organization, and as many more by the state agents outside the
city. This association is supported wholly by voluntary contributions,
and such is the interest taken in it by kind-hearted people that it has
never lacked funds to carry on its good work. The society holds its
annual meeting for the election of officers on the second Tuesday in April.
The present officers are: the Hon. Rowland Hazard, president; C. W.
Smith, general agent and secretary; Freeman P. Little, treasurer; Charles
H. Thurber, prosecuting agent.
THE PROVIDENCE CHARITABLE FUEL SocIETY is one of the oldest
benevolent organizations in Providence, its organization dating back to
1826. It was incorporated in 1877, and in 1884 celebrated the fifty-eighth
anniversary of its foundation. The object of the society is to furnish fuel
to persons in temporary need, but not to provide for paupers. On the
1st of December of every year it commences its benevolent work, giving
a quarter of a ton of coal at a time, and in cases of sickness and where a
larger consumption of fuel is on that account necessary, half a ton. This
distribution is continued until the 1st of April. The Providence Gas
Company yearly donates IOO chaldrons of coke to the society. About
four thousand dollars’ worth of fuel was dispensed during the winter of
1885–6 by the society. The fºnds are kept up by regular annual con-
tributions by its members. The officers of the society are: the Hon. Wil-
liam W. Hoppin, president; the Rev. Augustus Woodbury, vice-president
and treasurer; Robert B. Chambers, secretary.
THE PROVIDENCE LYING-IN Hospital is a charitable institution that
owes its existence principally to the efforts of Dr. O. C. Wiggin and Mr.
William M. Bailey. Seeing the need that existed for a hospital of this
character, in 1884 these gentlemen succeeded in interesting some other
benevolent people in the enterprise and at the January session of the legis-
218
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
lature, procured the passage of an act incorporating the institution under
the above name. The object of the corporation is “to provide a place for
the confinement of women who are without means, and suitable abode at
the time of child-birth, and of such other women as may wish, from any
cause, to pay a stipulated price for the privileges afforded by a well regulated
hospital.” The hospital is supported by the annual membership dues,
and such voluntary contributions as those friendly to the institution may
make. The annual membership fee is ten dollars. Twenty-five patients
were treated in the hospital during the past year, most of them being emi-
grants and poor people. The last report of the trustees showed a surplus
of $900 in the treasury. The old General Jones house on High Street is .
being used temporarily for hospital purposes. It can accommodate from
eight to twelve patients and is in charge of a matron. The officers of the
association are : Oliver C. Wiggin, M. D., president; William M. Bailey,
vice-president; D. Russell Brown, secretary; Charles C. Harrington,
treasurer; the Rev. David H. Greer, William G. Roelker, Benjamin A.
Jackson, John W. Mitchell, M. D., John McAuslan, Eugene Kingman, and
Hiram Kendall, trustees.
THE PROVIDENCE MUTUAL HEALTH Association is the name of a
society organized in Providence in 1868, and which was chartered by the
General Assembly the following year. The association was formed with
the benevolent purpose of furnishing working men and their families
with medicines and medical attendance when sick or in any way dis-
abled, on their becoming members of the society and paying a small sum
quarterly as dues. The association now numbers fifty members. The offi-
cers are as follows: President, Isaac H. Sisson; vice-president, Edward
G. Field; secretary and treasurer, W. D. Ripley; physicians, H. S. Lam-
son, M. D., S. S. Burton, M. D.
THE RHODE ISLAND TEMPERANCE UNION.— The Rhode Island Tem-
perance Union was organized in the month of October, 1867, and incor-
porated by the Act of the General Assembly in 1874. Its avowed object
is the promotion of total abstinence, the suppression of the liquor traffic,
and the alleviation of the sufferings of those who are under the curse of
intemperance. It is non-sectarian and non-partisan. Its membership is
made up of those who become life members by the payment of twenty
dollars or more at one time, or annual members by the payment of one
dollar per year. It holds an annual meeting in the month of October for
the election of officers and the transaction of business. To this all
churches, Sabbath Schools, and temperance organizations are invited to
send delegates. These delegates, with the presiding officers of temperance
organizations, superintendents of Sabbath Schools, and pastors of
churches, are added to the membership of the body for one year ex-offcio.
Some of the most pronounced temperance men in the state have been
connected with it officially. Its presidents have been the Hon. Amos C.
Barstow, the Hon. William F. Sayles, Charles E. Carpenter, Esq., the
Hon. Edwin Metcalf, and Alonzo D. Vose, Esq. -
It has had three agents in its employ since its organization, viz.: the
Revs. Messrs. Seth Reed and William Harris, for four months each, and
H.-W. Conant, the present incumbent, who completed his eighteenth con-
secutive year of service Oct. 1, 1886. It has employed a great number of
speakers of both sexes, and some of the best musicians. It has held mass
meetings, children's meetings, occupied pulpits and platforms, circulated
the pledge of total abstinence, and millions of pages of temperance litera-
ture. It circulated petitions to the General Assembly for the passage of a
prohibitory law for several years previous to its enactment in 1874, and
remonstrated against its repeal in 1875. It was the only body that pro-
tested against the repeal of the 400 feet school-house clause in 1884.
It has been constant in its efforts to keep up the agitation of this ques-
tion, and to combine, as far as possible, the moral, educational, and legal
forces of the state in its behalf. Addresses have been given in Sabbath
Schools and public schools, and the first petition in circulation for the pas-
sage of the law requiring instruction in the public schools on physiology
and hygiene, embracing stimulants and narcotics, was issued by its board
of managers.
The officers and executive committee, chosen at each annual meeting,
constitute a board of managers, who meet on the second Monday in each
month to hear the written report of the agent for the preceding month,
discuss plans of work, and take such measures for the advancement of the
cause as they deem best.
After the repeal of the prohibitory law in 1875, it was manifest that
something more permanent was necessary if we would destroy the liquor
traffic; but it was not until March, 1879, that the agent formally presented
the proposition to engage in efforts to place prohibition in the organic law
of the State of Rhode Island by the adoption of a constitutional amend-
ment. -
This proposition was variously discussed in the monthly meetings of
the summer, and it was finally decided to present a petition for the sub-
mission of such an amendment to the January session of the General As-
sembly. The first arguments before that body in support of such petition
were made by the Hon. Edwin Metcalf, president of the union, and the Rev.
H. W. Conant, its agent. The work was followed up with petitions and
otherwise, until the final submission to the vote of the people and the mem-
orable campaign which culminated on the 7th of April, 1886, in the adop-
tion of the prohibitory amendment.
From the first inception of its work until to-day, the union has advo-
cated and demanded the enforcement of all existing laws, either regulat-
ing, restricting, or prohibiting the liquor traffic. It demands that law shall
be respected and obeyed.
THE TEMPLE OF HoNor. — While the fundamental principles of this
organization is the suppression of intemperance; its labors are by no
means terminated with the attainment of this object. By impressive
ritual and solemn lesson it tends to lead its members to a noble and vir-
tuous manhood and binds them as one in a strong, lasting, and united
fraternity.
It is not to be expected that an order, where the highest morality is
required from its membership, should attain to the numerical standing of
others where pecuniary considerations carry great inducements, yet thou-
sands have become rescued by its labors from lives of drunkenness and
debauchery, and to-day are living exemplars of the value of its work in the
community. . \
Some forty years ago a Temple of Honor was established in Providence,
and for several years did valiant service for temperance and virtue; cer-
tain causes, however, prevented it from being permanently successful, and
afrera brief existence of about three years, it was disbanded. For nearly
ten years thereafter, the order had no substantial footing on Rhode Island
soil, but seed had been planted by that early temple that was destined to
take root, spring forth, and bear fruit a thousand fold.
Sept. 28, 1858, may be said to date the permanent establishment of
Temples of Honor in our state, for on that day Mount Hope Temple, No. 1,
was established in Providence, and since that time the order has main-
tained an honorable position in our commonwealth. From 1858 until the
spring of 1861, the order made a commendable growth, and at the com-
mencement of the Southern Rebellion, numbered some two hundred breth-
ren, divided among five temples, four of these being in Providence, and
'one in Pawtucket; while a Grand Temple for the state had been instituted
(Dec. 27, 1861,) to oversee the general interests of the order. During the
Rebellion, the order, in common with others of a similar nature, suffered
severely in membership; three of the five temples were obliged to dis-
band, and were lost to the order. At the fourth annual session of the
Grand Temple, held June 3, 1864, there were but two temples, Nonpareil,
No. 4, of Pawtucket, and Roger Williams, No. 5, of Providence, with a
reported membership of eighty-five brethren; as a matter of fact, however,
there were probably less than twenty active members of the Temple of
Honor in the jurisdiction, but from that time the order began to increase
in numbers and influence.
The first apparent “rift in the clouds” was the institution of Woon-
socket Temple, No. 6, on May 17, 1865, followed on the 7th of the fol-
lowing September by the formation of Olive Branch, No. 7, in the city of
Providence. During the years 1866-'67, four more temples were organized,
and at the annual session of the Grand Temple in June, 1868, there were
eight temples with 517 members. The succeeding year saw the institu-
tion of two more temples in Providence, both of which had successful
futures, and one of which is still enjoying a flourishing existence (Unity
Temple, No. 9). - -
In June, 1870, there were thirteen temples with a membership of 1,042.
About this time the Temple of Honor became “the rage,” and the
increase for the succeeding two years was abnormally rapid, both in the
number of temples formed and in membership gained. In almost every
section of the state temples were planted. The popularity of the order
was such that a temple could be organized with but little effort. At the
session of the Grand Temple in June, 1872, there were thirty-two temples,
with an aggregate membership of 3,750 brethren.
The zenith of the order so far as numbers are concerned, had for a time,
at least, been reached, and from that year the membership steadily grew
less until in 1878 the number of temples was but twenty, with a membership
of 650. From 1878 to 1885 there was a less rapid decrease, and in June of
the latter year, there were about four hundred and seventy-five brethren
in fourteen temples. Many causes led to this retrograde movement, but
“bed rock” has at length been reached and the order is surely climbing
upward again. .
The present membership in this state is in excess of six hundred, and
there are now sixteen temples, of which two are located in Providence.
The Council Department has control of the degree work. In the Social
Department ladies give the benefit of their presence in advancing the
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS,
2 IQ
cause of total abstinence; and in the Junior Department boys from twelve
years of age can be admitted and have the benefit of moral and temperance
instructions. All of these departments are firmly planted in the state in
connection with the subordinate temples.
Such, briefly, is the history of the Temple of Honor in Rhode Island,
and though the order can point to no massive buildings, nor great array of
imposing figures, yet the members have the proud consciousness that they
have performed a work of most lasting benefit to humanity and labors for
which posterity will hold them in grateful remembrance. “Let the temple
be supported.” -
TEMPLES IN RHODE ISLAND, APRIL, 1886.
Rising Sun, No. 2, Valley Falls. Twilight, No. 21, Central Falls.
Nonpareil, No. 4, Pawtucket. Reliance, No. 22, Arkwright.
North Star, No. 5, Providence. Niantic, No. 24, Westerly.
Woonsocket, No. 6, Woonsocket. Vesper, No. 25, Pascoag.
Unity, No. 9, Providence. Phenix, No. 27, Phenix.
Narragansett, No. 11, Charlestown. Howard, No. 31, Ashaway.
Annaquatucket, No. 16, Wickford. Waverley, No. 50, Wakefield.
Guiding Star, No. 17, E. Providence. Perseverance, No. 51, Anthony.
CouncILs IN RHODE ISLAND, APRIL, 1886.
Fidelity, No. 3, Woonsocket.
Union, No. 4, Providence.
Fraternity, No. 1, Providence.
Hope, No. 2, Pawtucket.
Excelsior, No. 5, Westerly.
SocIAL TEMPLES IN RHODE ISLAND.
Howard, No. 9, Ashaway.
Narragansett, No. 12, Charlestown.
Garfield, No. 13, Central Falls.
Friendship, No. 14, Woonsocket.
Washington, No. 2, Providence.
Lincoln, No. 3, Pawtucket.
Golden Crescent, No. 6, Providence.
Niantic, No. 8, Westerly.
SECTIONS OF JUNIOR TEMPLARS IN RHODE ISLAND.
Guiding Star, No. 1, E. Providence.
Annaquatucket, No. 2, Wickford.
Nonpareil, No. 3, Pawtucket. Garfield, No. 7, Ashaway.
Twilight, No. 4, Central Falls. Waverley, No. 8, Wakefield.
Grant, No. 9, Westerly.
Phenix, No. 5, Phenix.
Trinity, No. 6, Providence.
SoNs of TEMPERANCE:-The Washingtonian temperance movement
which swept over the country in the years 1840, '41, '42, was the means of
reforming thousands of intemperate men, who, when they were assailed
by the temptations on every side of them, soon fell away again, victims to
the appetite for strong drink. So many were the unfortunates that it was
a matter of very serious concern that something be done to retain them
and prevent a recurrence of former evil habits. Isaac J. Oliver, a printer
in the city of New York, conceived the plan for an organization for
reformed men, that should combine enough of secrecy to allow discipline
and care of those who violated their pledge of total abstinence from intoxi-
cating liquors, and combining a relief feature in a temperance organization.
On the twenty-ninth day of September, A. D. 1842, a meeting was called,
at which sixteen persons organized themselves as New York Division, No.
1, of the Sons of Temperance, which body is now in existence and doing
good work. The order extended into Brooklyn and New Jersey, and the
Grand Division of New York was soon organized and extended into other
states.
On the 17th of June, A. D. 1844, the National Division was instituted,
now known as the National Division of North America, embracing the
Dominion of Canada as well as the United States in its jurisdiction. This
body also is the fountain-head for ceremonies, pass-words, etc., for the
world. The order was planted in this state by the institution of Providence
Division, in the city of Providence, on the 31st of July, A. D. 1846, but
under the pressure of circumstances it was broken up. Fraternus Division
was instituted in Pawtucket in October, A. D. 1846, and Providence Division
was reinstituted Dec. 31, 1846, as No. 2; Narragansett Division, No. 3,
was located at Warren, and Fountain Division, No. 4, at Woonsocket.
The order had been under the care of Massachusetts Grand Division, but
now, April 3, 1847, the Grand Division of Rhode Island was instituted at
Pawtucket, with George R. Keymer, of that place, as Grand Worthy
Patriarch. Channing Division, No. 5, Providence; Ocean Division, No. 6,
Newport; and Moshassuck Division, No. 7, Providence; William Penn
Division, No. 8, Pawtucket; Putnam Division, No. 9, at Pascoag; Olney-
ville Division, No. 10, at Olneyville; South Providence Division, No. 11,
at South Providence, soon followed, and later there were divisions organ-
ized as follows, viz.: Harmony, South Scituate; Mount Hope, Bristol;
Rainbow, Central Falls; Victory, at Olneyville; Manville, at Manville ;
Silver Bell, at Apponaug; Wickford, at Wickford; Atlantic, at Newport;
Olive Branch, at Greenville; Garrison (colored), at Providence; and
Lincoln (colored), at Providence; Mechanics, at South Providence;
South Providence, at South Providence; Pawtuxet, at Pawtuxet; Washing-
ton, at North Scituate; Clinton and Chepachet, at Chepachet; Excelsior,
at Coventry; and Excelsior, at Providence; Friendly Union, at Phenix;
Jewett, at Natick; Woonasquatucket, at Allendale; East Greenwich, at
East Greenwich; Saukatucket, at Wakefield; Usquepaugh, at Usquepaugh;
Pawcatuck, at Westerly; Roger Williams, at Hopkinton; Jefferson, at
Fisherville; Carolina, at Carolina Mills; Hope, at Crompton; also Hope,
in Providence; and later, Hope, in Slatersville; Olive Branch, at Brand's
Iron Works; and again in Greenville; Blackstone, at Valley Falls; Union,
in Johnston; Sowamsett, in Warren; Friendship, in Cumberland; Mount
Vernon, in Foster; Lafayette, in Georgiaville; Sumner and Fraternity, in
Providence; Noose Neck, in West Greenwich.
In October, 1847, Thomas Cogswell, of Pawtucket, was elected the
head of the order in the state, succeeding George R. Keymer. He was suc-
ceeded at the following elections by the Rev. Henry Bacon, Nathan Por-
ter, Clement Webster, Philip B. Stiness (Senior), years later by Philip B.
Stiness, Jr., the Rev. Henry W. Conant, William G. Dickinson, Edwin
Metcalf, William D. Hilton, Prince G. D. Morton, Charles H. Higgins,
Frederick L. Fairbrother, Henry S. Woodworth, William J. Lowry, the
Rev. J. M. H. Dow, Howard Meeks, A. D. Welch, and Henry Blundell,
all of Providence; Thomas W. Wood, Ara Hildreth, the Rev. Charles
Howard Malcolm, and the Rev. C. H. Titus, all of Newport; George D.
Cross, of Westerly; Cromwell Whipple, Albert Anthony, and Asa Sisson,
of Coventry; the Rev. Robert Allyn, of East Greenwich; Daniel Wilkin-
son, the Rev. David Boyd, of Pawtucket; the Rev. J. W. Willett, A. D.
Vose, William H. S. Smith, Albert G. Robinson, of Woonsocket; E. J.
Valentine, of Chepachet; Gaius W. Hubbard, of Glocester, and Arnold
Lapham, of Warwick.
In 1886 there are: Providence Division No. 2, Victory, No. 3; South
Providence, No. 11; Excelsior, No. 16, in Providence; Fountain No. 4,
(but not the original), Silver Bell, No. 5, at Apponaug, Hill's Grove,
No. 12, both in Warwick; William Penn, No. 8, at Pawtucket; Atlantic,
No 6, at Newport; Rainbow, No. 1, at Central Falls; Blackstone, No. 30,
at Valley Falls; Hope, No. 19, at Slatersville; Mohegan, No. 17, Maple-
ville, No. 18, and Harrisville, No. 5, at Harrisville, all in Burrillville;
Woinkheige, No. 9, and Olive Branch, No. 7, at Greenville, in Smithfield;
Chepachet, No. 14, at Chepachet, and Harmony, No. 13, at Harmony, both
in Glocester.
THE INDEPENDENT ORDER OF GOOD TEMPLARS is a secret society having
for its object the promotion of temperance. A pledge of total abstinence
from intoxicating liquors is required from each member. The order was
established in Syracuse, N. Y., in 1851. The first lodge in Rhode Island
was established at Westerly. There are now fifteen lodges in this state,
with a total membership of about eight hundred. The lodges in Providence
are as follows: Grand Lodge of Rhode Island; Providence Lodge, No. 3;
Silver Star Lodge, No. 7; Crystal Wave Lodge, No. 7. The annual meet-
ing of the Grand Lodge is held on the second Tuesday in April, and a semi-
annual session on the second Tuesday of October. -
THE INDEPENDENT ORDER OF GooD SAMARITANS AND DAUGHTERs of
SAMARIA of North AMERICA was established in New York, in 1847. It
is a secret society and its object the promotion of temperance. When first
organized it was composed of white and colored persons, but the colored
element being in a large majority, the white members gradually withdrew.
A Grand Lodge of the order was established in Providence, in 1873, with
the title of the “Roger Williams Grand Lodge of Rhode Island.” There
are now ten lodges within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, with a
total membership of 391. The first lodge in Rhode Island was organized
at Newport in 1862, and was called Smith Lodge, No. 1; Providence
Lodge, No. 2, was formed at Providence in 1863; Brown Lodge No. 3, at
Newport in 1864; Hope Lodge, No. 4, at Providence in 1865; Friendly
Union (now Love and Truth) Lodge, No. 5, at Providence in 1867;
Good Intent Lodge, at Providence in 1874, and Golden Rule and Sam-
aritan Lodges at Providence, in 1875, and Mount Olivet in 1879. The Ce-
lestial Degree Lodge and Prudence Lodge are also in Providence.
CHAPTER XI.
WOMEN'S WORK.
EARLY PIONEER LIFE OF. WOMEN IN REIODE ISLAND — DAUGHTERS OF LIBERTY — INTRODUCTION OF THE STRAW BRAIDING INDUSTRY
BY BETSEY METCALF — FARMERS’ DAUGHTERS IN THE EARLY Cotton FActor IEs — CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONs conDUCTED
BY WOMEN – THE FEMALE CHARITABLE SOCIETY — SOCIETY FOR THE RELIEF OF INDIGENT WOMEN AND CHILDREN — CHIL-
DREN’s FRIEND SOCIETY — THE SHELTER For coLoRED CHILDREN – Hom E For AGED wom EN – THE IRREPREssible
wOMEN’s CITY MISSIONARY SOCIETY — PRISONER's AID Association — RHODE
SOCIETY — woMEN'S CHRISTIAN Association
ISLAND HOMOEOPATHIC ASSOCIATION — woMEN’s CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION — YOUNG wom EN’s CHRISTIAN TEMPER-
ANCE UNION — ExCHANGE FOR wom EN’s work — sociFTY FOR MINISTRY TO THE SICK —INDIAN AID Association —
wOMEN's EDUCATIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL UNION – THE woman’s CLUB — THE MONTEFIORE BENEvoleNT Association —
THE FLORENCE NIGHTING ALE Association —w ARD RELIEF Associations — woMEN'S COMMITTEES ON THE CENTENNIAL AND
NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITIONS – AUTHOREsses AND writ ERs – BET's EY williams' GIFT TO THE PEOPLE.
SARAH HELEN WHITMAN,
IN accordance with the prevailing idea of woman's sphere, the
activities of colonial female life in the Providence Plantations
were restricted to household duties and the interchange of neigh-
borly services. To provide for the needs of the family was to
cook and brew, to gather medicinal herbs, to cure, break, and
hatchel flax, to card wool, to spin and to weave, to prepare dye-
stuffs, to make garments, and to do much miscellaneous work
incident to pioneer life. These occupations could have left little
time except for ministries to sick neighbors and attendance upon
religious meetings. -
The glimpses of the domestic life of the colonial women
afforded by history are very meagre indeed, and it is only inci-
dentally that the student is enabled here and there to discover
vague allusions to it. It is easy to believe, for example, that the
wife of Roger Williams had a kindly heart, because of the tender
care she bestowed on Thomas Roberts, a poor, sick soldier from
the Pequot War who was left at her house. That the servant
question had even then begun to trouble the good housewives
appears in the statement that “the Indian yomen could not be
taught to wash English clothes or render any valuable domestic
work.” But though the door to interior home life in the early
settlements is kept so closely shut, there is evidence that now and
then a woman passed beyond the limits of the family circle, and en-
gaged in remunerative enterprises outside. In the quaint language
of the time it is recorded of Mary Pray that in the year 1681 she
was licensed by the town council to keep a public house of enter-
tainment “for the relieving of travelers and strangers, providing
both for horse and man, as also by retail to sell unto the inhabi-
tants beer, wine, or strong liquor for one whole year, she not to
suffer any unlawful game in the house, nor any evil rule there.
She was to pay 20 shillings for the license, but being willing to
give liberty to the town for the town-meetings to be kept there,
the council accepted it in lieu of the 20 shillings.” And in 1696,
Mary Edmonds, widow of Capt. Andrew Edmonds, was allowed
to keep the ferry at Narrow Passage, now Red Bridge. The
privilege had been granted to her husband in 1679 for “his service
done in the war time,” that is, in King Philip's War. Mrs.
Freelove Crawford, daughter of Arthur Fenner, and wife of
Gideon Crawford, continued the mercantile adventures of her
husband for several years after his death, which occurred in 1707.
She appears to have displayed much energy of character, and
largely augmented the family estate. Her wealth at the time of
her death, in 1712, included sixty-three books, a fur muff, with
case, a scarlet cloak, a gold-headed cane, high-heeled shoes, an
arm-chair, fourteen chairs, six of these covered with leather, four
pictures, side-saddle, silver tankard and salt-cellars, two silver
porringers and seven spoons; two brass fire dogs, one wine-cup
of silver, and one rum-cup ; gold, £12, besides several sloops
and schooners. -
The women of the colonial household devoted much of their
time to the processes of spinning yarn and weaving cloth for
domestic use; and if we could have looked into the houses, we
might have seen a little linen-wheel, or foot-wheel, at which the
spinner sat, with her foot upon the treadle. Still more common
was the large wheel for wool, which had no treadle, but the
spinner walked to and fro, twisting and winding the yarn. Some
families owned looms, while others sent their yarn to the neigh-
boring weavers to be made into cloth.
As to quilting-frames — those centres of conversational enjoy-
ment, affectionately remembered by persons not yet aged, - these
must have been set up as soon as the colonists were a little at
leisure from subduing the wilderness, and for more than two hun-
dred years these evidences of thrift were common possessions.
Freely borrowed and lent, they summoned groups of neighbors,
who worked busily in the service, now of one housewife, now of
another.

THE PROVIDENCE PLANATIONS.
22 I
Arnold's History of Rhode Island contains an interesting
sketch of an association of women, to whose industry patriotism
was the especial spur: “Organizations, under the name of Sons
of Liberty, a term first applied to the Americans by Colonel Barre
in his famous speech against the stamp act, had sprung up in all
the colonies; but we believe that to Rhode Island was reserved
the peculiar honor of initiating a similar order, composed of the
gentler sex, known as the Daughters of Liberty. Its origin is
ascribed to Dr. Ephraim Bowen, at whose house eighteen young
ladies, belonging to prominent families in Providence, assembled,
and employed the time from sunrise till evening in spinning.
They resolved to purchase no more British manufactures unless
the stamp act should be repealed and adopted other resolutions
to accomplish this desirable end. They were handsomely enter-
tained by the doctor at dinner, but cheerfully agreed to omit tea
at the evening meal, to render their conduct yet more consistent.
The association rapidly increased in numbers.
The repeal of the stamp act, a few months later, was received
with unbounded joy. The fourth of June, the king's birthday,
was selected as a day of public rejoicing. The next evening a
grand ball was given to the Daughters of Liberty, and upon that
occasion “there was the most brilliant appearance of ladies this
town ever saw.” Similar societies were formed in other towns
of the colony.
Some idea of the kind of textile goods worn by the women of
the period may be formed from the advertisements of articles for
sale in stores, which included shalloons, tammies, durants, sag-
athees, duroys, garlix, allopeens, callimancoes, duffels, grisettes,
silveretts, prussianetts, demitteens, silk dresdinetts, ticklenburg,
and oznabrigs. More intelligible is the announcement of “scarlet
broadcloth for men's and women's long cloaks,” for sale “at the
Sign of the Golden Eagle, near the Court House.” -
It was deemed proper work for women in Providence to tend
shops, and a newspaper of the time, commenting on the thrift of
this class, says: “It is a remark frequently made by Foreigners,
that the Industry of the Women in this Country surpasses the
CEconomy of the Men; and, in Fact, that there are but few Points in
which the Ladies seem to be inferior.” -
Very little attention seems to have been given to silk-making
in any New England State except Connecticut, where, even before
the Revolution, sewing-silk had been made in many families, and
as early as 1747 a silk coat and stockings had been woven for
Governor Law. But it is known that shortly before 1800, Miss
Lucy Buffum, daughter of William Buffum, of Smithfield, and
afterwards wife of Walter Allen, was sufficiently persevering to
raise silk-worms, wind the silk from the cocoons, twist and weave
the fabric required for her wedding dress. At about the same
time, a young lady of Pawtucket made a suggestion which anti-
cipated the rise of another manufacture. The first cotton-mill in
the United States had been established in 1790 by Samuel Slater
and the enterprise of capitalists. Miss Marcy Wilkinson, whose
sister afterwards married Mr. Slater, asked the latter if he could
not make thread from cotton, since linen was so uneven that it
was hard to use. In reply he gave her some cotton which she
herself spun into thread, probably the first ever made in America.
She wound it upon a large spool, and many years later presented
it to the Rhode Island Society for the Encouragement of Domes-
tic Industry, at whose rooms it may be seen.
Of the embroidery, lace-making, and other exquisite handi-
work of those days, fortunately many specimens have been pre-
served, and occasionally some of them have been brought together
in interesting loan exhibitions, where modern decorative art
studies with admiration their variety of stitches and their con-
scientious precision of execution.
In 1798 an industry, hitherto unpracticed in the United States,
was started by the ingenuity of a twelve-year old Providence girl.
29
It appears that in 1798, Cöl. John Whipple kept a variety
store on North Main Street, at the foot of Constitution Hill. His
wife assisted him, and, having decided taste, she was in the habit
of trimming for her customers the imported Dunstable bonnets
which she kept for sale. The locality of this store was the seat
of female fashions in the old town of Providence. It abounded
then, and for years afterwards, with milliners’ shops. Among
the admirers of the Dunstable bonnets in Mrs. Whipple's win-
dows was Betsey Metcalf, a young daughter of Joel Metcalf, who
for several years had been a highly respected citizen of Provi-
dence. The little girl resolved to try to make a similar bonnet
for herself. The story of her experiments and her success is told
in a letter which she wrote sixty years later:
“WEST DEDHAM, Feb. 11, 1858.
“In compliance with your request, I will write an account of my learn-
ing to braid straw. At the age of twelve I commenced braiding. My
father, Joel Metcalf, brought home some oat straw which he had just
mowed,—in June, 1798. I cut the straw, and smoothed it with my scissors,
and split it with my thumb nail. I had seen an imported bonnet, but
never saw a piece of braid, and could not tell the number of straws. I
commenced the common braid with six straws, and smoothed it with a
junk bottle, and made part of a bonnet, but found that it did not look like
the imported ones. I added another straw and then it was right. An
aunt who resided in the family encouraged me, while most of my friends
said I should never learn. She would sit and hold the braid while I braided
many yards, thus keeping it straight and in place. We could not make it
white by exposing it to the sun; and knowing that brimstone would
whiten other things, she put some in a pan, with some coals of fire, and
set it out in the garden; then standing to the windward, she held the braid
in the smoke, and thus bleached it. I then braided all sorts of trimming,
but it was difficult to ascertain the number of strands. The first bonnet
I made was of seven braid, with bobbin put in, like open work, and lined
with pink satin. This was very much admired, and hundreds, I should
think, came to see it. * - *
“Soon after, I visited Dedham and learned the ladies here, and made
bonnets for several of them. There has been a story reported that I
braided enough in the stage to defray my expenses. I did braid several
yards, but not enough to pay my fare. After my return to Providence I
learned Sally Richmond, a near neighbor, to braid all kinds. She went
on a visit to Wrentham the next spring, I think, and learned them there.
It has been published that they first began to braid in Wrentham, but it is
a mistake. Mrs. John Whipple, after she was aged, told some one that she
thought it was Hannah Metcalf who first braided; but this was a mistake,
for she never braided. I learned them to braid from nearly all the towns
around Providence, and never received any compensation for it. I learned
all who came to make bonnets, free of expense. Many said I ought to get
a patent; but I told them I did not wish to have my name sent to Con-
gress. I could easily earn one dollar a day, and some times one dollar
and fifty cents, for several weeks at a time. It became very profitable
business for several years.
“Yours, etc., .
“Betsey BAKER.”
In the possession of the Rhode Island Society for the Encour-
agement of Domestic Industry is a capacious bonnet, kept in a
glass case, on which is the following inscription: “Braided and
sewed by Mrs. Betsey Baker, July, 1859, aged 73 years, in imita-
tion of one made by her in 1791, being the first straw bonnet
braided in this country.” It was made by sewing together rows
of plain seven-strand braid, and open-work stripes consisting of
three-strand “bobbin” braid. In these stripes ribbons were in-
serted. .
The industry thus initiated by Betsey Metcalf soon became a
source of revenue to many a family.
When the power loom was introduced into factories about the
year 1821 to be run by water, to attend it was considered an easy
and quite genteel sort of work for young women who were
accustomed to milking cows, making butter and cheese, and doing
the cooking in their homes, and then spinning stocking-yarn or
doing hand-weaving between whiles; and a farmer's daughter
who had hitherto done the family work for board and clothes, or
had made one in a neighbor's household, where she did the same
222
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
for seventy-five cents or a dollar a week, often fled to the weaving-
room in the mill, and considered it promotion to get lighter work
for better pay, while she in nowise endangered her social posi-
tion by this change of occupation. Gradually a greater variety
of occupations opened for women, and to-day surprise is scarcely
awakened by learning of any enterprise being conducted by them.
Concerted effortin women's philanthropic work appears to have
had its beginning in the present century, the union known as
“Daughters of Liberty,’” being the only exception on record.
Moved by the pitiable spectacle of the indigent sisterhood in their
midst, benevolent ladies of Providence formed the Female Char-
itable Society in 18oo. They worked earnestly and with such
gratifying results that in 1802 the permanence of the society
was secured by a legislative act of incorporation, with the fol-
lowing officers: president, Mrs. Elizabeth Nightingale; treasurer,
Miss Mary Bowen ; secretary, Miss Sarah Halsey.
There are records, more or less complete, of the organization
of ten other benevolent societies during the first quarter of the
century, as follows: Female Mite Society, founded 1806: presi-
dent, Mrs. Nathan Waterman; treasurer, Mrs. Zilpah Teel;
secretary, Mrs. Sally Kendall. Dorcas Society, founded 1818:
first directress, Mrs. Elizabeth Wood; treasurer, Miss Abby
Eddy; secretary, Miss Mary Martin. Providence Female Trust
Company, 1815; president, Mrs. Mary Vinton; treasurer, Mrs.
Harriet F. Chace; secretary, Miss Celia Kingman. Lydian
Society, date not given: president, Mrs. Sarah Shaw ; vice-presi-
dent, Mrs. Harriet Burroughs; treasurer and secretary, Mrs. Julia
M. Eddy. Beneficent Female Association, 1816: president, Mrs.
Abby Williams; treasurer, Mrs. Esther D. Rathbone; secretary,
Miss Clarissa Richmond. Female Benevolent Society, 1815:
president, Mrs. Elizabeth Nightingale; treasurer, Mrs. Sarah
Miller; secretary, Miss Mary Ann Clifford. African School
Society, date not given: president, Mrs. Harriet F. Chace; treas-
urer, Miss Penelope Lippitt; secretary Miss Maria Gano. Provi-
dence Auxiliary Jews Society, date not given: first directress,
Miss Harriet Ward; treasurer, Miss E. B. Gano; secretary, Miss
Anne Bowers. Pacific Industrious Society, date not given: presi
dent, Mrs. Abigail Parks; treasurer, Mrs. Zebial Adams; secre-
tary, Miss Charlotte Low. Methodist Female Mite Society, date
not given : president, Miss Martha Clarke; treasurer, Miss Susan
Adams; secretary, Almyra Randall. During the same years like
societies were organized in different parts of the state, notably,
the Female Beneficent Society, and Female Prayer-Book and
Tract Society, in Pawtucket; Tract Society, Mite Society, and
Cent Society, in Johnston; Mite Society, and Female Charitable
Society, in Warren ; Charitable Society, in East Greenwich ;
Tract Society, and Female Charitable Society, in Bristol; Female
Tract Society, in Little Compton; Female Charitable Society, in
Barrington; Benevolent Female Society, in Newport.
Besides the organized work thus done by the church, there
were established in the city contemporary societies conducted by
women, for philanthropic work on an independent footing, as
follows:
2 •
THE PROVIDENCE FEMALE SocIETY For THE RELIEF of INDIGENT
Women AND CHILDREN was organized in April, 1800, and obtained a
charter in October, 1802. Its object is to furnish employment to poor
women, to aid them in sickness, to assist in clothing their children, and
provide for their education. More than four thousand six hundred indi-
viduals and families have been assisted by it since it began its work.
Though other societies have sprung up to perform some of the functions
for which this society was established, it still dispenses its aid to many
who would suffer without its assistance, and is still conducted by descend-
ants of the women who organized it, including five of the fifth genera-
tion. The president is Mrs. Henry G. Russell, and the secretary, Mrs.
William Ames.
Providence CHILDREN’s FRIEND Society.—This society was founded
in 1835, through the influence of Harriet Ware, a teacher, who had been
employed as an instructor in a poor and degraded part of the city.
Through her labors in that location she became convinced of the necessity
of taking children from their evil surroundings in order to do them per-
manent good. A charter was granted in 1836 by the General Assembly,
which specifies the object of the society to be that of “providing for the
support and education of indigent children of both sexes, not otherwise
provided for, and who, for want of paternal care, are in a suffering and
dangerous condition.” A commodious brick building was erected in
1861 at No. 47 Tobey Street. The institution is now called the Children's
Home. Children between the ages of two and twelve years are admitted,
either as boarders at $2.00 a week, or without charge, if necessity requires.
If orphans or friendless, they are indentured to the society by the proper
authorities. They attend the public schools in the vicinity of the Home.
The number received since the society's organization is 1,467. There are
at present 118 children under the care of the society; of whom thirty-
nine are placed in families and seventy-nine are inmates of the Home. The
president is Mrs. Sarah F. Tobey; recording secretary, Mrs. Mary A. Tal-
bot; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Arba D. Smith.
PRovidence SHELTER For Color ED CHILDREN.—This charity was
called into existence in 1838 by the late Mrs. Anna A. Jenkins. She ap-
pealed to women who were interested in the African race to gather into a
comfortable home colored orphans who would otherwise be exposed to
neglect and corruption. Great discouragements were overcome by the
untiring energy and faith of these ladies. Funds in aid of this object
came in very slowly at first, and it was not until 1849 that a house was
built, at 20 Olive Street, upon land presented by Mrs. Jenkins. The work
was carried on in a small building loaned the society by her. By econ-
omy and frequent appeals to the public for aid, the society has succeeded
in sheltering several hundred children, in repairing the house, and in
making considerable additions thereto. There are now twenty-five children
under its protection. Some of these are orphans. Others are the children
of persons who are so situated as to be unable to take proper care of them,
and accordingly pay a small price for their board. After the boys and
girls are old enough to be placed elsewhere, great care is used in providing
them suitable homes, and with scarcely any exceptions, the children nur-
tured here have become useful members of society. The president is
Miss Phebe Jackson; recording secretary, Miss Caroline B. Weeden; cor-
responding secretary, Mrs. Helen A. Lathrop. o
THE Home For AGED WomeN.—In 1856, through the earnest efforts
of a few Christian ladies, a society was formed for the purpose of offering
refuge to aged and homeless women. A small house was hired, into
which five inmates were received. In 1864, the present large and com-
fortable home was built, at the corner of Tockwotton and East streets,
overlooking Narragansett Bay. It provides a home for thirty-two inmates,
and applicants are always waiting to fill the vacancies. Only American
widows or unmarried women, who have resided in Providence at least ten
years, are admitted. The presidênt is Miss Maria M. Benedict; record-
ing secretary, Miss Mary Grinnell; corresponding secretary, Mrs.
Thomas J. Morgan.
THE IRREPREssIBLE SocIETY was organized in 1861, and is composed
of young ladies who furnish sewing to needy and deserving women, and
pay them weekly for doing the work. After the enterprise became too
large to be conveniently carried on in private houses, a room was obtained
for the operating headquarters of the society, where the work is cut and
given out to the sewers, which now include more than a hundred women.
Funds for carrying on the business are liberally subscribed by charitable
people of means, and supplies of cloth and other materials are often pre-
sented to the society by manufacturers and dealers. The garments, when
made, are disposed of at yearly public sales, conducted by the members,
who personally, and through the aid of the police, investigate cases of
alleged need, and thus assist worthy persons who would shrink from mak-
ing their wants known, or taking the attitude of beggars. The society is
regularly incorporated, and works largely in conjunction with the city
missions. The president of the society is Miss Cornelia Hartsthorn;
secretary, Miss Charlotte K. Vose.
THE WomeN's CHRISTIAN Association was organized in March, 1867,
and incorporated by the General Assembly of Rhode Island in January,
1870. It provides comfortable board and lodging for young working
women in the city, whose earnings are small, and who are in need of a
Christian home.
In 1873, an estate at No. 66 Fountain Street was purchased and enlarged
to accommodate forty-five boarders, at a total cost of $31,000, and in 1884,
the balance of the debt thus incurred was extinguised by a legacy of
$10,000, left by Mr. Henry L. Kendall. In 1878, the association establishing
a seaside home for the benefit of working women needing an outing for
change, and rest, an old farm-house at Conanicut Park, on Narragansett
Bay, was kindly offered for their use, free of rent, by a member of the
THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. 223
board, which the society purchased in 1882, together with an adjoining
estate containing a commodious cottage, to be used for mothers and chil-
dren. In 1884 the usefulness of the association was still further extended
by the purchase of another building on Mathewson Street, which was con-
verted into a boarding-home for those requiring permanent or transient
accommodations at a very low cost. The president of the society is Mrs.
John L. Lincoln; and the secretary is Mrs. Emory Lyon.
THE WOMEN's CITY MIssion ARY SocIETY was organized in March,
1868, to assist the poor in efforts to help themselves, and to engage in
general missionary work in the city, providing homes for women who
desire to reform, where they may be enabled to earn an honest livelihood,
and aiding poor girls to procure respectable homes and employment.
This work is carried on by boards of visitors in differenu wards, who also
solicit funds from charitable people, to be used in promoting the cause.
The president of the society is Miss Sarah C. Durfee; and the secre-
tary, Mrs. William H. Thurber.
THE PRIsoSERs’ AID Association was incorporated in 1874, for the
purpose of providing a temporary home and remunerative work for re-
leased female prisoners, belonging in any part of the state. In 1881 it
founded the Sophia Little Home, as a place of refuge for its beneficiaries,
which was for a time located in a hired house, and three years later trans-
ferred to the premises now occupied, in South Providence. One hundred
and twenty-nine women have been received into this home since it was
established, which at present contains about twenty inmates. Mrs. Sophia
L. Little is the honorary president; Mrs. Francis W. Goddard, acting
president; Miss Jane W. Bucklin, secretary.
THE RHoDE IsLAND HomoeoPATHIc Hospital was opened in 1886.
The first step towards its establishment was taken in 1874, when the
Ladies’ Rhode Island Homoeopathic Hospital Aid Association was formed
with Mrs. Clifton A. Hall as president. The first movement of the asso-
ciation was opening, with the aid of the homoeopathic physicians, of a
dispensary, recently located in the rear of Mr. Otis Clapp's drug store, on
Westminster Street. The physicians gave their services to the dispensary
and the association paid the rent of the room, which they continued to do
until the opening of the hospital. The ladies of the association made
earnest efforts to raise the funds necessary to furnish a hospital, and in
1882 had accumulated the sum of $10,000—when the Rhode Island
Homoeopathic Hospital Corporation was chartered by the General As-
sembly—the association maintaining its existence and laboring for the
benefit of the hospital. In 1884 negotiations were begun for the purchase
of the Nichols house and grounds, at No. 151 Olney Street. The house
and barn are of granite, and are said to have cost originally $100,000, but
became the property of the hospital corporation for $30,000–$10,000
cash and a mortgage for the balance. The grounds slope gradually to
their limit on the hillside, and comprise 90,000 square feet. A fine view
towards the east is had from the upper floors of the hospital, which has
now twenty-one beds, with room for more. The ladies' association is
striving to pay off the mortgage and free the institution from debt, and
it is to be hoped their efforts will meet with substantial encouragement
from all persons who are humanely inclined, for this is not in any sense a
private institution, but in all respects a public beneficence for the sick of
the worthy poor. The payment of $150 annually pays for a free bed for six
months of each year. The payment of $1,000 provides a free bed three
months in each year during the donor's life. At his decease the money
goes to the general fund of the hospital. Miss Emily Waterman be-
queathed to the hospital $3,000 for the establishment of a free bed, which
will be done as soon as the interest of the money compounded will make
the bequest $4,000.
The officers of the Ladies’ Rhode Island Homoeopathic Hospital Aid
Association are: President, Mrs. Clifton A. Hall; vice-president, Mrs.
James L. Wheaton; secretary, Mrs. William Von Gottschalck; treasurer,
Mrs. Thomas J. Hill.
The officers of the Rhode Island Homoeopathic Hospital are: Presi-
dent, Charles E. Carpenter; vice-presidents, the Hon. Henry W. Gardner,
Isaac H. Southwick, William R. Greene; secretary, Mrs. Harriet T. Hall;
treasurer, George W. R. Matteson.
THE WOMEN’s CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION, of Providence, was
established in March, 1874, through the efforts of Miss Phebe Jackson
and Mrs. Berg. Subsequently, a general interest in the cause was awak-
ened throughout the state, and in January, 1875, at a convention called by
the Providence Union, the Rhode Island Women’s Christian Temperance
Union was organized. The Providence society operates through standing
committees, in evangelistic work, public meetings, in the public schools
and Sunday Schools, by disseminating temperance literature, influencing
the press, persuading churches to use unfermented wines at communion,
in prisons and jails, through legislation and the franchise, ward mission-
aries, and auxiliaries in the churches. The state organization comprises
MRS. GENERAL A. E. BURNSIDE.
forty-eight local auxiliary unions, a larger number in proportion to the
population than exists in any other state. The president is Mrs. George
F. Martin; recording secretary, Mrs. Walter E. Gladding; corresponding
secretary, Mrs. George P. Smith.
THE YouNg Wom EN's CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.—This is an off-
shoot of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and was formed in
February, 1882. Its aims are similar to those of the parent association,
but its energy was chiefly devoted to the young people of the city, for
whom it provides regular meetings and entertainments, made attractive
by musical and literary exercises. In 1884 the society established the
Young Women’s Tea Room, No. 149 Broad Street, where mid-day lunches
are furnished at low rates to women and girls of slender means. The
president is Miss Fannie C. Thompson; recording secretary, Miss Ednah
B. Hale; corresponding secretary, Miss Alice Sprague.
THE RHODE ISLAND Exchang E For Wom AN’s Work was established
in April, 1880, to provide a place for the sale of woman's work of every
description and receive orders for the same. Its aims and methods are
unique. It acts as a middle party to place the orders of patrons in the
hands of needy and deserving women competent to execute them, by pro-
viding a place where ladies of taste and culture, suddenly thrown on their
own resources by misfortune, and others, may turn skilled art or other
handiwork to remunerative account. The society has about two hundred
and fifty members who care for its interests and contribute to its funds,
and the rooms are located at No. 341 Westminster Street. Any person
may leave there an order for any kind of work done by women, and the
officers will see that it is put into the hands of a skillful person who de-
pends on doing such work, wholly or in part, for her income. The Pres-
ident is Mrs. Charles Emerson Bailey; secretary, Mrs. William Ames.
THE SocIETY FoR MINIsTRY TO THE SICK.- In 1880 a few ladies who
were in the habit of visiting poor families, perceiving how much they -
suffered in illness for lack of proper food and other comforts, organized
this society. While ministering to their bodily wants, the way is often
found for a word of Christian help and consolation. The society fre-
quently supplements the work of the Women’s City Missionary Society.
It has a visitor for each ward of the city. The president is Mrs. Ellen K.
Buffum ; secretary, Mrs. Albert Babcock.
THE RHoDE ISLAND INDIAN AID Association was organized in Feb-
ruary, 1884, an auxiliary to the Women's National Indian Aid Association,
which had been in active operation since 1879. It seeks by every legiti-
mate means within its power to remove the oppressions practiced upon

224
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
*
THE
HOMCEOPATHIC HOS PITAL, PROVIDENCE.
M. Emstein; treasurer, Mrs. John Schuman. The society is sup-
ported by voluntary contributions.
Another field of useful female endeavor is occupied by
societies in which the two sexes labor conjointly. These
are: the Rhode Island Institute of Instruction, organized
in 1844; Rhode Island branch of the Universal Peace
Union, organized in 1866; the Union for Christian
Work, organized in 1868; Rhode Island Woman’s Suf-
frage Association, organized in 1868; Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, to which a woman's
auxiliary was formed in 1872, that joined it in 1883 :
Home for Aged Men, established in 1874; Rhode Island
School of Design, established in 1878; Providence Art
Club, organized in 1880; St. Elizabeth’s Home, organ-
ized in 1882; Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Children, organized in 1883; Grace Memorial Home,
established in 1884; Free Kindergarten Association,
organized in 1884; Providence Lying-in-Hospital, organ-
ized in 1884; Bethel Coffee House, established in 1886.
In this connection should also be mentioned the board
of seven women annually appointed by the governor to
visit the penal and correctional institutions of the state in
which women are confined, and report their action to
the General Assembly,– a committee which, while in-
vested with no legal authority, exerts an indirect influence
for the benefit of the criminal classes within its reach.
Women’s work during the War of the Rebellion, both
at home and at the front, was undertaken by the ladies
of this state with commendable energy, nor should it be for-
gotten that it was a daughter of Providence who by her sympathy
and wifely devotion, cheered the heart of Rhode Island's greatest
military chieftain amid the dark hours of the conflict, thus link-
ing Mrs. Burnside to the earnest sisterhood that labored to sustain
their brothers at the front.
THE FLORENCE NIGHTING ALE Association in Providence,
was a spontaneous organization that took effective form the day
succeeding the attack on Fort Sumter, and almost its earliest
work was to make tunics for the volunteers hurrying to the defense
of Washington. In August, following, it was organized on a
broader scale, and took the name of “Providence Ladies' Volun-
teer Relief Association.” Its object was to aid in fitting out the
Rhode Island Volunteers, and contributing to their comfort while
absent. Contracts from the government were taken for garments
needed by the volunteers, giving to 575 needy needle-women the
benefit of the employment; articles were made for the soldiers
not furnished by the government and forwarded to the camps and
hospitals. In carrying out the general objects, 29,030 garments
were made on contracts from the quartermaster’s department
of the state and the United States, and 19,012 for hospital
The treasurer received $13,034.37. Of this $5,338.31
were in payment of contracts, and $7,696.06 from private contri-
butions; $7,510.99 were paid to the employés, and $5,523.38
expended for materials for hospital use, transportation of boxes,
etc. The organization was somewhat changed in the spring of
1863, and took the name of the Rhode Island Relief Association,
Auxiliary to the Sanitary Commission, and its direct work was in
aid of that body, doing such incidental, outside service as discreet
judgment dictated.
The Providence Third Ward Ladies’ Relief Association was
abundant in patriotic work, and contributed to the army and hos-
pitals, values to the amount of about five thousand dollars.
The Providence Fifth Ward Ladies’ Relief Association was
organized July 25, 1861, and was unwearied in its labors. From
July 1, 1861, to Dec. 1, 1862, it contributed 7,755 articles for
the red men, to secure to them their rights under the laws of the land,
and to promote educational and missionary work among them. The presi-
dent is Mrs. Maria T. Richards; recording secretary, Helen N. Lathrop;
corresponding secretary, Mrs. Alonzo Williams.
THE WOMEN’s EDUCATIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL UNION was formed
March 15, 1884. Its object is to promote coöperation and mutual sympa-
thy among the sex. Its rooms, at 135 Broad Street, where may be found
papers, magazines, and books, are open daily to all women. The educa-
tional department provides lectures and classes; the industrial department
receives for sale, on commission, the handiwork of women; the protec-
tive department aims to develop sympathy between the employer and the
employed, and to secure sums unjustly withheld; the employment depart-
ment registers names of women desiring positions as book-keepers, stenog-
raphers, copyists, matrons, nurses, seamstresses, etc.; the hygiene
committee provides practical talks on health; the befriending committee
strives to help in various ways homeless women. Social gatherings,
free to all, are held on the third Friday evening of each month. The
president is Mrs. M. M. Brewster; recording secretary, Mrs. F. H. Peck-
ham; corresponding secretary, Mrs. O. C. Wiggin.
THE RHoDE ISLAND Wom AN's CLUB.—During the present century, and
more particularly within the last thirty years, societies of this kind for
the reading and study of Shakespeare and other standard authors, courses
of history, practice in reading in a foreign language, and the like, have
exerted an excellent influence in elevating the popular taste and stimulat-
ing a desire for intellectual culture. Tending to the same general end,
the Rhode Island Woman’s Club was established in 1876, to provide
courses of public lectures and concerts for the entertainment and instruc-
tion of working women. An active leader in this enterprise was Mrs.
Elizabeth K. Churchill, and what is known as the Churchill Memorial
Fund, for the support of such entertainments, was chiefly raised by this
club.
The president is Mrs. William H. Palmer; vice-president, Mrs. Mary
E. Kilburn; recording secretary, Mrs. Charles Matteson; corresponding
secretary, Miss Ellen G. Hunt.
THE MONTEFIoRE BENEvoleNT Association, formerly known as the
Ladies’ Hebrew Benevolent Association, a charitable organization, was
formed in 1880, and has for its object the relief of all persons, of
whatever nationality, who are in distress. The Rev. Jacob Varsonger,
now a rabbi in San Francisco, was the founder of the society. It has
forty-two members, and is connected with the synagogue as an auxiliary
religious helper, the name being recently changed to the “Montefiore
Benevolent Society.” The officers of the association are as follows: Presi-
dent, Mrs. Falkenberg; vice-president, Mrs. L. Dimond; secretary, Mrs.
uSeS.

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
225
volunteers in the field and the hospitals. Numerous letters from
officers, soldiers, and surgeons, bear testimony to the great value
of the services thus rendered. - -
In Newport, Bristol, Warren, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, in fact,
in every town in the state, similar associations were industriously
engaged in like works.
The frequent calls made upon the president of the Providence
Fifth Ward Relief Association during the summer of 1862, by
invalid soldiers returning to their homes in other states, and the
many found at the railroad station destitute of the means to pro-
vide themselves with a night's lodging, suggested to her the utility
of establishing a home where this class could obtain shelter and
food, and be otherwise made comfortable until able to resume their
journey. The plan was laid before several gentlemen interested
in the welfare of discharged volunteers, by whom it was cordially
approved, and through the active exertions of a gentleman ap-
pointed for that purpose, $2,000 were at once raised to commence
and carry on the institution for one year. The state, through
Governor Sprague, who warmly favored the movement, granted
the use of the Marine hospital, which was soon neatly fitted up,
a steward and matron employed, and in October the work begun
under the direction of an organized board of managers. Of this
board Mrs. Edward Carrington was chosen president; Mrs.
Francis Wayland, vice-president; Mrs. William T. Grinnell,
treasurer; and Mrs. A. N. Beckwith, secretary. Subsequently
Miss Sophie B. Dunnell, of Pawtucket, became secretary. The
professional services of Drs. Collins, N. Miller, Baker, O'Kie,
and McKnight were gratuitously given to the home. At the end
of the first year it was closed. During its operation 750 soldiers
were furnished a single meal or longer entertainment as their
cases required, which number embraced many wasting away
under disease engendered by the exposure and wounds.
Many Rhode Island women took great interest in the welfare
of the freedmen, and a number of them taught in the schools
established for their instruction.
As the one hundredth anniversary of American independence
approached, women as well as men were mindful of its claims,
and on Jan. 18, 1875, the Woman's Centennial Executive Com-
mittee for the State of Rhode Island was formed, with the follow-
ing officers: Chairman, Mrs. Francis W. Goddard; secretary,
Mrs. Charles S. Bradley; assistant secretary, Mrs. J. S. Man-
chester; treasurer, Mrs. Adnah Sackett. The chairmen of the
ward sub-committees were: Mrs. John Gorham, ward I; Mrs.
John R. Bartlett, ward 2; Mrs. Albert G. Durfee, ward 3; Mrs.
Miss Elizabeth E. Andrews, ward 4; Mrs. James C. Bucklin,
ward 5; Mrs. Clifton A. Hall, ward 6; Miss Minnie S. Knight,
ward 7; Mrs. William H. Reynolds, ward 8; Mrs. Leafis T.
Downes, ward 9; Mrs. Jesse Metcalf, ward Io; Mrs. Henry T.
Brown of the Cumberland committee, and Mrs. Thomas W.
Chace of the East Greenwich committee. By means of various
festivals, relic-exhibitions, and personal effort, much money was
raised toward the expenses of the exposition. The Herald of
the Centennial, a monthly paper, was published by the com-
mittee from February, 1875, to January, 1876, inclusive, for the
purpose of stimulating interest and imparting information. One
permanent memorial of these labors exists in Providence, inas-
much as the surplus money returned to the committee at the close
of the exposition was appropriated as the nucleus of a fund
toward establishing the Rhode Island School of Design.
The New Orleans Exposition of 1884–85 possessed especial
interest from the fact that the whole nation was invited to partici-
pate in the revival of prosperity upon Southern soil. It was a
festival of peace and industry, which strongly appealed to many
of the same women who had worked untiringly for the Union
during the dark years of the Civil War. Again a society was
promptly organized, and again ward committees were formed,
which easily secured chairmen of approved efficiency. Speci-
mens of all kinds of work done by women were solicited, and
the response was quite general.
The officers were Mrs. Francis W. Goddard, president; Miss
Ellen T. Hunt, recording secretary; Miss R. A. Haskell, cor-
responding secretary; Mrs. James Shaw, treasurer; Mrs. Rob-
inson Pierce, Chairman of Ist ward committee; Mrs. William
Von Gottschalck, 2d ward; Mrs. Albert G. Durfee, 3d ward; Miss
Elizabeth E. Andrews, 4th ward; Mrs. O. C. Wiggin, 5th ward;
Mrs. A. B. Hawes, 6th ward; Mrs. Horace A. Kimball, 7th
ward; Mrs. G. W. R. Matteson, 8th ward; Mrs. George P. Tew,
9th ward; Mrs. Charles P. Norton, Ioth ward. Mrs. Charles
S. Cleveland, of Providence, was appointed commissioner to take
charge of the exbibit in New Orleans. .
Among the daughters of Rhode Island may be found a goodly
number of clever writers, who have published books and pam-
phlets, or acquired reputation as newspaper contributors. Indeed,
the first notable success in this direction seems to have been of an
editorial nature, when, in 1766, Mrs. Goddard took the place of
her son as manager of the Providence Gazette. In 1829 a Provi-
dence printer issued a volume of poems by Mrs. Catherine R. .
Williams, which elicited favorable comment; and in 1840 Miss
Anna C. Lynch, of New York, published her Rhode Island
Book, containing selections from the writings of ten authoresses
of the state. It is also a notable endorsement of the female lit-
erary talent of the state that Griswold's Female Poets of America
contains specimen verses of the following writers, who have, at
some time, lived in Rhode Island: Mrs. Sophia L. Little, Mrs.
Louisa J. Hall, Miss Frances H. Whipple, Miss Cynthia Fag-
gart, Mrs. Sarah Helen Whitman, Miss Anne C. Lynch, Mrs.
Frances Sargent Osgood, Miss Sarah S. Jacobs, and Mrs. Julia
Ward Howe.
Among the books and pamphlets contributed to the literary
department of the New Orleans Exposition were fifty-seven
written by women who were at some time residents of this state.
The list included the poems of Mrs. Whitman; stories by Nora
Perry, Mrs. E. F. Keene, and Mrs. E. T. Smith; the travels of
“Marjorie Deane”; the writings of Mrs. M. T. Richards; the
art studies of Mrs. Wm. H. Shedd ; a translation of “Beethoven,”
by Miss Randolph ; and a translation of “Princess Ilse,” by Miss
Beckwith.
Several other notable productions have been Rhode Island
Tales, by. Miss Avis Howland, of Newport; and the Hugue-
nots in Rhode Island, by Miss Esther B. Carpenter, of Provi-
dence. Among the contributors to the Providence Journal and
other newspapers who have acquired a good reputation, are Miss
Emma M. Converse, whose astronomical articles are copied all
over the country; Mrs. Elizabeth B. Chace, whose appeals in
behalf of human rights are in the most trenchant style of journal-
istic composition; her daughter, Mrs. John Wyman, Miss Helen
Garlin, Miss M. E. Wardwell, Miss Grace Peckham, Miss Kate
Austin, and Miss Annie Campbell, who are all known to readers
of the city papers. -
Roger Williams Park will ever remain a perpetual reminder
of the noble gift of a woman, the worthy descendant of the
founder of the city, Betsey Williams, who honored herself as well
as the memory of her illustrious ancestor by bequeathing her.
estate to be forever devoted to the uses of the people.
Not alone by those whose single deeds or personal devotion
have made them famous has the work of women in the state been
carried forward. By hundreds of noble mothers toiling in their
home, by hundreds of teachers guiding the youthful mind with-
out thought of fame, has the purest and sweetest service wrought
by gentle hands and loving hearts been done. Names of these
may not appear in history, but their life work makes the world
better, and posterity will pronounce their memory blessed.
CHAPTER XII.
SECULAR PROFESSIONS IN PROVIDENCE.
THE PROVIDENCE BAR — ROLL OF THE PROFESSION — THE RHODE ISLAND MEDICAL SOCIETY — LIST OF FELLOWS OF THE SOCIETY
— THE PROVIDENCE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
THE
PROVIDENCE CLINICAL CLUB — THE RHODE
ISLAND HOMOEOPATHIC
SOCIETY — LIST OF FELLOWS OF THE SOCIETY — THE PROVIDENCE DISPENSARY — THE DENTISTS — THE ARTISTIC ELEMENT
IN PROVIDENCE – THE ART CLUB — THE MUSICAL SOCIETIES — THE ARION CLUB — THE RHODE ISLAND CHORAL ASSOCIATION –
THE ST. CECILIA CHORAL UNION — THE ORPHEUS CLUB — THE LEIDERKRANZ — THE AMERICAN BAND — OTHER INSTRUMENTAL
MUSICAL ORGANIZATIONS.
THOMAS A. JENCKES,
A Distinguished Lawyer, and Member of Congress from Rhode Island.
ONE of the most interesting features of the development of
Providence Plantations is that of its judiciary system.
In the beginning we find only a few house-holders meeting
together and agreeing to abide by the decision of the majority
“in all civil things.”
This compact, resting on simple agreement, seems to have held
the place of all organization: it was constitution and statutes.
The majority of the townsmen was the government, executive,
and court of the community, and the idea of any of the towns-
men refusing to abide by the decision of the majority seems not
to have entered the minds of the constituent organizers.
For two years or more, this crude organization was the only
one. Then as the inhabitants became more numerous, a more
complex organization became necessary, and an attempt at some-
thing like a court was made. This consisted of “five disposers”
appointed by the town, who had power in case men, disagreeing
amongst themselves, refused to submit the matter of disagree-
ment to arbitration (which was considered the way “most suita-
ble to our condition ” of settling all disputes) to compel the
refusing party to choose two arbitrators, or in case of his further
refusal, to abide by their “compelling ” to choose two arbitrators
for him. Four arbitrators, two appointed in each interest, if able
to end the cause, constituted the court, and the disposers were to
see their determination performed, and that the “faultive ’’ pay
the arbitrators for their time spent in it. If the four men did not
end it, then the disposers were to choose three men to put an end
to it, the three men to be chosen by a majority of the five dis-
posers, and the major part of the three men to end the cause,
having power from the five disposers, by a note under their hand,
to perform it, and the “faultive” not agreeing in the first, to pay
the charge of the last arbitration. The arbitrators were to fol-
low no employment until the cause be ended, without consent
of the whole that have to do with the cause.
“Instance: In the first arbitration the offender may offer reason-
able terms of peace, and the offended may exact upon him, and
refuse and trouble men beyond reasonable satisfaction; so, for the
last arbitrators to judge where the fault was in not agreeing to the
first to pay the charge in the last.”
This crude system, which, as will be seen, covered only the
decision of civil cases and did not provide any legal means of
enforcing the decrees of the arbitrators, seems to have been the
only approach to a court established previous to the organization
under the first charter. In criminal matters there was a still
greater lack of what in modern days, would be deemed necessary
judicial organization. The town council was the only body
exercising criminal jurisdiction. From their decision there was no
appeal, save that of force, and the time came when Samuel Gor-
ton and his followers, believing, as they did, that the town coun-
cils were illegal bodies, did not hesitate to resort to that appeal,
bringing on a state of affairs that utterly discouraged Roger Wil-
liams, so that he seriously thought of leaving the plantation and
retiring to Patience Island. After the reception of the parliamen-
tary charter, a higher organization was formed. Each town had its
petty courts, which had exclusive jurisdiction over all causes be-
tween their own citizens, while the president of the plantation,
with his assistants, composed the general court of trials, which
had jurisdiction over all aggravated offenses, and in such matters
as should be by the town courts referred to them as too weighty
for themselves to determine, and also of all disputes between the
different towns, and between citizens of different towns and
strangers.
At this time a “body of law” was drawn up, being the first
code of general law ever enacted for the colony. This digest of
1647, “embracing the foundation of the whole body of law, for
vigor and originality of thought and boldness of expression, as
well as for the vast significance and brilliant triumph of the
principles it embodies, presents a model of legislation which has

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
never been surpassed.” “Besides special enactments,
it adopts generally the common law of England, so far
as the nature and constitution of our place will admit.”
In 1649 the charter granted to the town of Providence
gave it power to pass laws and organize courts, appoint
officers to enforce their decrees, etc., in all cases not in
the jurisdiction of the court of trials. In 1651, a law was
made that all causes should be tried “in the first place” in
the town courts, with the exception of certain criminal
CaSeS.
In 1664, after the organization under the King Charles
Charter, a provision was made for a court of trials to be
organized for jurisdiction on the mainland to meet twice
annually, once at Providence on the second Tuesday in
September, and once at Warwick on the second Tuesday
in March. It was provided that at least three assistants
must sit as judges; the assistant for Providence to preside
at the Providence term, and the assistant for Warwick
to preside at the Warwick term. Twelve jurymen were
provided, six each from Providence and Warwick. This
was the first legislative provision for a court of trials for
the mainland of the colony distinct from that on the island,
though during the separation of the mainland towns from
the island towns, in the years 1652–54, “courts of tryals”
had been held on the mainland,- those towns claiming to
be the colony in the then chaotic state of affairs. Besides
these courts there was a large jurisdiction in what are
now considered matters proper only for the judicial branch
of the government exercised by the legislature or general
court. This general system was maintained till the year
1729, when the state was divided into counties, and in-
ferior and superior courts created for them, the lower one
known as Courts of Common Pleas, the higher as Courts
of General Sessions. All equity powers were still reserved
to the legislature, which also granted divorces, and heard
and decided appeals from the judgment of the Superior
Court, and in certain criminal cases exercised original
jurisdiction.
The first court known by the name of a court of equity in the
colony was one to hear and determine all appeals in personal
actions from the judgment of the Superior Court. It will be seen
from the above brief description that the ideas of the early col-
onists as to the distinct functions of the different branches of the
government were vague. The courts were not in an independent
position as regards the legislature; they could not declare an act
to be unconstitutional and invalid. Their proceedings were
always open to repeal and reversal by the legislature. It was not
till more than a century later that, in 1851, the Court dared to
place on its records a decision denying all power of reversing
and annulling its decisions in the legislature. The practical work-
ings of the system were very unsatisfactory, as instanced in the
case of the suits on the Pawtuxet purchase claims.;
The Cornell case is interesting as showing how criminal matters
were tried in those early days. One day in 1763, Thomas Cornell's
mother was sitting in a room alone — he went out of the room
where the family were at supper to see her, and returned saying
that she would not join them at the meal; soon afterwards smoke
was seen issuing from the room, and upon entering it Mrs. Cor-
nell, the mother, was found dead on the floor, with her clothes
on fire, and a slight wound in the body. It was shown in evi-
dence that she had stated that months before she had thought of
killing herself with a pen-knife, but had decided “to resist the
devil that he might flee from her.” But all the evidence in Cor-
*Arnold's History of Rhode Island, Vol. I., page 206. see page 37. tsee page 47.
ft Orator on the occasion of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of
Providence.
THOMAS DURFEE, -
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island.It
nell’s favor seems to have been over-balanced by the declaration
of a witness, that after her death Mrs. Cornell appeared to him
in a vision, and made statements inculpating her son. A careful
examination of the testimony so far as it has been preserved, leads
to the conclusion that had Thomas Cornell been tried at a later
date, he would not have been sentenced and executed.
As may well be imagined there was no “bar” at this period.
A body of men trained in the learning of the law and traditions of
an independent court, to boldly protect the interests of their
clients was needed, as shown in the above case; but it would
seem as if the law of political economy applied, and the demand
was not sufficient to bring on a supply, in other words the courts
did not do business enough to call forth a class of barristers. It is
not meant that each man always pleaded his own case, the parties
to a suit often employed the town or other officers, or their more
influential or fluent neighbors. As might be expected the greater
wealth, higher education, and superior liberalism (in all matters
save religious) of Newport, caused the first professional lawyers to
appear there. Yet even in Newport there seems to have been no
person devoting himself to the representing of clients in the
courts as a profession till the day of Henry Bull, who was brought
up as a carpenter, and who gives an account of his legal training
substantially as follows: When he made up his mind to practice
law, he went into the garden to exercise his talents. In addressing
the court and jury, he selected five cabbages in a row for judges,
and twelve in a row for jurors, and after arguing with them for a
while, he went boldly into the court and took upon himself the
duties of an advocate. He added that he found the same cab-

228
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
bages in the court that he thought he had left in the garden, five
in one row, twelve in another.
Despite his account of his legal education, he became a man of
great power as an advocate; he was able in debate, and possessed
strong intellect and energy. He commenced practicing about
1721. After he commenced the practice of the law, James
Honeyman, Daniel Updike, Augustus Johnson, and others, com-
menced with better educational facilities the practice of the law
in Newport, and there has been since then a continual series of
advocates settled in Newport.
It seems difficult to realize now that East Greenwich had an
advocate settled within its bounds before any located in Provi-
dence, but Archibald Campbell, a Scotchman, educated in his
native land, settled in East Greenwich about 1750, and practiced
law in Kent County up to the time of his death in 1769.
There seems never to have been a professional advocate settled
in Providence till 1762, when Oliver Arnold, of Glocester, came
to Providence. He was born in Glocester, in 1726, and prac-
ticed law there for a period that cannot now be determined, and
arrived to a considerable fame before coming to Providence; in
1766 he was made attorney-general.
The next member of the bar to settle in Providence was John
Cole, a native of North Kingstown. He studied law in the office
of Daniel Updike, then attorney-general of the colony, at New-
port, was admitted to the bar there, married the daughter of Mr.
Updike, and settled in Providence in 1763. He was a man of
marked ability, was made associate judge of the Supreme Court
in 1764, and chief justice in 1765. *
The first attorney-general that the records of the Supreme Court
show to have been regularly admitted in this county, was Joseph
Applin, on March 7, 1765. - .
The only attorney admitted after that date to the Providence bar
by the Supreme Court previous to the Revolutionary War, was
Senajah Allen, in 1774. Of him little but the bare fact of his
admission seems to be known. One of the most noted of the
members of the bar, who may be claimed as a Providence County
man by education was James Mitchel Varnum. He was born in
Dracut, Mass., in 1749, was a graduate from Rhode Island Col-
lege, now Brown University, in its first class, and with the first
honors of his class. The college was then located at Warren,
R. I. He studied law with Oliver Arnold, in Providence, and
settled in East Greenwich in 1771, being admitted, probably, to
the Kent County bar. After successfully practicing law for some
years, having a leaning toward military life and prompted by pat-
riotism, he entered the Kentish Guards, then the Rhode Island
Army of Observation, and finally the Continental Army of the
Revolution in which he became a brigadier-general. After a
brilliant career in that service, he resigned in 1779, owing to there
being more general officers than the number of enlisted men re-
quired, and returned to civil life, where he made himself eminent
as a lawyer, orator, poet, and statesman. In 1788 he moved to
Ohio, and died at Marietta on Jan. Io, 1789.
As might be expected, from the beginning of the Revolution-
ary War till a period some years after its close, there were but
few members admitted to the bar. Probably some members
practicing here were members of the bar of other places who
had removed here; thus we find Samuel Sampson practicing here
in 1787, but no record of his admission to the bar.
The first members admitted to the Providence County bar after
the Revolutionary War were: Adam Gordon, September term,
1790, and Peregrine Foster, March term, 1791. Before this
time, in 1780, the idea had germinated in the community that
the judicial and legislative powers ought not to be united in the
same persons, and it was enacted that no member of either house
of the Assembly should be a member of the Supreme Court. This
was the first step towards an independent judiciary body, and
its legitimate consequence came in the declaration of David
Howel, Junior Judge of the Supreme Court, in the case of Trevitt
vs. Weeden,” that “for the reasons of their judgment upon any
question judicially before them, they, the court, were accountable
only to God and their own consciences.”
An independent judiciary was an indispensable prerequisite to
an able bar. Important judicial functions were still held as be-
longing to the General Assembly. It was not till 1789 that the
court was authorized to grant divorces. Jurisdiction in cases of
insolvency was retained by the legislature till 1832, and an
appellate jurisdiction in these matters was claimed by them till
almost the present day. Chancery powers were granted slowly
to the court. In the colonial days and later, the feeling was
strongly felt which was crystalized by John Whipple into the
statement that the General Assembly was “the best Court of Chan-
cery in the world.” The people felt a jealousy against the then
unfamiliar proceedings in equity, and it was only in 1843, upon
the adoption of the constitution and the revision of the statutes
that followed, that the Supreme Court was vested with the com-
plete equity powers it has since enjoyed.
With the courts occupying such a subordinate position, and
with judges chosen annually, and consequently the footballs of
political partisanship, it is not surprising that many of the judges,
notwithstanding the glorious examples set by some of them, were
not men possessing a proper appreciation of their positions and
duties. It was seldom, if ever, that a judge charged a petit jury.
His control of trials seemed confined mostly to deciding in rela-
tion to the admission or rejection of evidence, and in that matter
he was not governed by any fixed system. Thus in the case of
John Dorrance vs. Arthur Fenner, tried in Providence in 1801,
we find the chief justice declaring that in his rulings he should
not confine himself to the law as stated in the books, nor to the
custom of the country, nor even to the previous practice of the
court. On overruling objections to certain questions put to one
of the witnesses in this trial, he refused to give any reasons for his
decision further than “that it is the opinion of the court that the
witness go on and tell all he knows.” When the jury reported,
after being “out” from nine o'clock Saturday till Monday morn-
ing, the trial having commenced the previous Tuesday, the judge
informed them that he was of the opinion that their disagreement
was owing to an unaccommodating public spirit, and sent them
out again. In the afternoon, they brought in a verdict, signed
by all of them for the defendant but on being asked by the clerk
if it was their verdict, one of the jury disavowed it, and others
rose to make explanations. Thereupon the judge stopped them,
dismissed the jury, and against the protest of the plaintiff’s coun-
sel, ordered the verdict entered as a good one, seeing it was signed
by all the jury. - .
The judge who conducted the trial was a high-minded, honor-
able man. He had been for years, by annual election, presiding
justice of the Supreme Court, or, as it was then called, the Supe-
rior Court of Judicature, and filled many other positions of high
public trust. He seemed to have no idea of the wrong he was
doing to the community in placing his ideas of what in those days
was known as “natural justice” above that application of justice
under the spirit and forms of the rules of law which is the only
safeguard of the state. The case is recalled not in a spirit of criti-
cism, but as showing the ideas then prevailing here in regard to
the administration of the law. In such a condition of affairs, the
growth of an independent county bar, such as Providence shows
at present, could not be looked for, but it was the dawn of better
times, and the seed was then sown that germinated in the growth
during the last seventy or eighty years into the present system.
* See page 63.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 229
CHARLES S. BRADLEY,
Ex-Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island.
The court records show the admission to the bar in this county
in the September term, 1799, of Jonathan Russell; in September,
1802, of Theodore A. Foster; in September, 1800, William E.
White; in September, 1804, of John Holroyd, Mathew Daven-
port, John Whipple, and Lucius Cary – four at one time; Wal-
ter R. Danforth and Isaac Lee, in the September term, 1808, and
Charles Marten in the September term, 1810. Benjamin Cozzens
was admitted in the September term, 1813, and Charles A. Tib-
betts in the September term, 1814.
It must not be understood that the persons named were the only
ones who practiced law in Providence County. On the contrary,
any person admitted to the bar in one county in this state is thereby
permitted to practice in any of the courts of the state, and the bulk
of the practice of those early days was by lawyers from Newport
and Kent counties.
In 1812 and thence till 1845, the United States Circuit Court, in
Rhode Island was presided over by Judge Story, of the United
States Supreme Court, and to him more than to any other one
person is due the present oganization and efficiency of the Provi-
dence County bar.
The high character of the judges of the Supreme Court of the
United States caused the courts presided over by them to be
looked upon as models by the members of the bar and people of
the state.
This was especially notable after the advent of Judge Story.
His deep learning, perspicuousness, and enthusiasm in the de-
velopment of a system of law as against the ideas of natural
justice then prevalent, made the period of his presiding here an
era in the growth of the Providence County bar. When he first
came to Providence there were less than a dozen members of its
distinctive bar; the most of the legal practice here was in the
hands of members of the bar admitted elsewhere. When he left
it there was a large membership of that distinctive bar and it gave
tone to the bar of Rhode Island, of which Justice Story said
that he found nowhere an abler one.
Under the guidance of his court, such men as Samuel Y.
Atwell, Thomas F. Carpenter, Charles F. Tillinghast, Samuel
Crapo, Albert G. Greene, Benjamin F. Hallett, Richard W.
Greene, Samuel Ames, afterwards Judge of the Supreme Court,
Thomas W. Dorr, who, though his name is linked into the his-
tory of the state in another and less desirable connection, was a
lawyer of high repute; Charles S. Bradley, later Judge of the
Supreme Court; Thomas A. Jenckes, who has a national reputa-
tion as originator of the United States bankruptcy law; John P.
Knowles, later Judge of District Court; Samuel G. Arnold, the
historian; Abraham H. Payne, and others who came to the bar,
were lead to appreciate the benefits of a higher judiciary system,
and the responsibilities and honors deservedly belonging to the
bar under such a system.
The people of the state were also led in the same direction,
and gradually the Supreme Court was made to assimilate more
and more in its sphere to the court in which Judge Story pre-
sided, till finally in the constitution of 1843, a divorce was com-
pleted between the judicial and legislastive branches of the gov-
ernment, and judicial tenures in the Supreme Court were made
for life, subject only to removal for cause instead of, as before,
being subject to annual elections.
This latter measure made the court, in a great degree, inde-
pendent of political partisanship, and with the independent and
efficient bar, which had grown as above described, from which
to choose its judiciary, enabled it then to commence the career
which has led it to the commanding station at present held by the
Supreme Court of our state. To enable the lay reader to under-
stand the frequent references to the Supreme Court and the Provi-
dence County bar, it is necessary here to explain that there is,
properly speaking, no Supreme Court of the State of Rhode
Island. The court so named by the constitution and laws is
really an aggregation of five different county courts, which though
having the same judges, have each separate jurisdictions, separate
records, separate clerical and executive officers and a separate bar.
Members of the bar of one court having, however, a right to
practice in all of the others. This will explain how in early
days, the practice in Providence County was carried on with, at
times, no bar of its own, and how to-day the practice in other
countries is largely carried on by members of the Providence
County bar. -
The first judge under the reorganized Supreme Court was Job
Durfee, father of the present Chief Justice Thomas Durfee, and
since his time all the chief justices — Richard W. Greene, Wil-
liam R. Staples, Samuel Ames, Charles S. Bradley, George A.
Brayton, and Thomas Durfee, have been chosen from Provi-
dence County, most of them having laid the foundations of their
professional career in the time of Judge Story.
The last associate justice of the Supreme Court to be appointed
from any other county than Providence was Elisha K. Potter,
from South Kingstown, in Washington County, a most worthy
member of the long list of eminent lawyers who made that county
conspicuous in the history of the colony and state. Since his
decease every member of the court has been from Providence
County, showing the confidence that the people of the state at
large have in the Providence County bar.
Of late years the practice of the bar has experienced great
changes. Formerly its most conspicuous branch was on the
criminal side; the most eminent lawyers were those of the most
readiness and quickness of wit and speech ; but little reliance
was placed upon formal pleadings, and written or printed argu-
ments were almost unknown. For this reason, our knowledge as
to the brilliant forensic efforts of the giants of the bar in its early
days depends almost entirely upon tradition.
In later times a most important practice has grown up, bearing

30
230
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
on questions of real estate ownership, the law of patents, the
rights, duties, and liabilities of corporations in all their varied
relations, including, as a special branch, rights and liabilities of
cities, towns, and other municipal corporations, and in questions
of constitutional law, which are now met and decided by a court
as powerful and as independent as the law-making body.
The old questions came up almost entirely before the law
court, there being practically no equity one, save that referred to
above by John Whipple. Now, by far the larger part of the
most important questions are determined by the court sitting in
equity. .
In this branch of the court the pleadings and arguments are
much more fully set out upon paper, and it is not uncommon in
the present day for the most important cases to be submitted to
the court mainly on written or printed arguments.
The system and practice of the law has become so extensive
that it has become necessary to specialize it, and most of our
leading lawyers confine themselves to "some few of the special
branches of the profession, as the Hon. B. F. Thurston, to patent
practice; and others, as Charles S. Bradley, ex-Chief Justice,
J. Tillinghast, T. C. Greene, B. T. Eames, and Arnold Green,
are seldom seen in any other than a court of equity; a few, like
Francis A. Miner and James M. Ripley, seem to have a happy
faculty in many different branches; but the tendency to special
lines of practice is very strong and is growing stronger year by
year. This is carried so far that many of the ablest members of
the bar profess themselves as little acquainted with many
branches of the law which are outside their special lines.
The Supreme Court, as now constituted, consists of Thomas
Durfee, chief justice, and Charles Matteson, John H. Stiness,
Pardon E. Tillinghast, and George A. Wilbur, associate justices.
The following list gives, in alphabetical order, the present
members of the Providence County bar, and shows especially, in
view of the excellence of standing of its members generally in
regard to learning, energy, boldness, and fidelity, that there is
now no necessity of going outside of the county to obtain legal
talent proper for almost any occasion:
Burbank, Robert W. Fitz, Gerald O. E.
Butterworth, Charles F. Foster, L. H.
Case, Daniel R. Fowler, Willis
Champlin, C. E. Gardner, Rathbone
. Addeman, Joshua M.
Aldrich, Clarence A.
Aldrich, Edwin
Allen, Edwin P.
Allen, S. W. K. Champlin, Irving Glezen, E. K.
Almy, Herbert Church, Nelson E. Goldsworthy, J. E.
Ames, Samuel *-*. Cobb, J. S. G. Gorman, C. E.
Angell, Louis L.
Angell, Walter F.
Arnold, Frank S.
Arnold, John J.
Ashton, Charles F.
Babcock, H. S.
Baker, David S., Jr.
Baker, William C.
Baker, William H.
Baldwin, Charles F.
Ballou, Daniel R.
Barney, Walter H.
Barrows, George B.
Bassett, Edward D.
Beach, William B.
Bean, A. D.
Blackwood, James W.
Bliss, George N.
Blodgett, John T.
Borden, Bailey E.
Bosworth, Benjamin M.
Bradley, Charles
Bradley, C. S.
Brennan, John M.
Brown, Arthur L.
Brown, George T.
Collins, James C.
Colt, Samuel P.
Colwell, Francis
Comstock, Richard B.
Cook, Lorin M.
Cooke, George L., Jr.
Cooke, Stephen A., Jr.
Cosgrove, Thomas F.
Cushing, A. J.
Dennis, B. L.
Doran, John
Douglas, Samuel T.
Douglas, William W.
Dubois, Henry J.
Durfee, Samuel S.
Eames, Benjamin
Eaton, Amasa M.
Eddy, John
Eddy, William W.
Edwards, Stephen O.
Ely, Joseph C.
Essex, Stephen
Farnsworth, Claudius B.
Feeley, Ambrose
Fink, D. W.
Fitch, William
Gower, George Lewis
Granger, D. L. D.
Green, Arnold
Greene, Albert R.
Greene, Thomas C.
Greene, Welcome A.
Greene, William H.
Hallett, W. B. W.
Hammond, B. B.
Harrington, Chas. N., Jr.
Harris, James
Hart, Charles
Hayes, Frederic
Hayes, Henry W.
Hazard, Edward H.
Hopkins, E. S.
Hoppin, F. S.
Hoppin, William W.
Hughes, Peter F.
Jackson, Frank H.
Jenckes, Elias M.
Jenckes, Thomas A.
Jillson, Francello G.
Johnson, Clark H.
Kimball, Jerome B.
Lange, James H.
Lapham, B. N. Page, Charles H. Smith, Benjamin w.
Lapham, Oscar Palmer, John Smith, John Wilson
Lapham, S. S. Parker, Ezra K. Southwick, Isaac H., Jr.
Parkhurst, Charles H.
Parkhurst, C. Frank
Patton, Andrew B.
Payne, Arthur D.
Payne, Charles H.
Peckham, S. W.
Pegram, John C.
Perce, W. R.
Perkins, J. H.
Pierce, Edwin C.
Pitman, J. Talbot
Plummer, Cornelius C.
Potter, D. B.
Randolph, John R.
Rickard, William W.
Ripley, James M.
Risley, John E., Jr.
Roelker, William G.
Robinson, Charles P.
Rogers, Horatio
Rueckert, Frederick
Salisbury, Charles M.
Salisbury, Levi
Sayles, Lycurgus
Sayles, Willard
Scott, Philip C.
Slocum, Ziba O.
Lee, Christopher M.
Lincoln, Eugene H.
Littlefield, Nathan W.
Lockwood, James T.
Lonsdale, John F.
Markland, James G.
Marsh, Henry, Jr.
Mathewson, Rollin
McCarthy, P. J.
McCaughin, Alex. A.
McGill, James J.
McGuinness, Edwin D.
McKenney, H. A.
Metcalf, Edwin
Miller, Augustus S.
Miner, Francis A.
Mowry, Elisha C.
Mowry, M. D. L.
Mowry, Raymond G.
Mulholland, P. H.
Mumford, Charles C.
Murphy, Thomas F.
Murray, John F.
Nickerson, Stephen W.
Nolan, James J., Jr.
Norris, Samuel, Jr.
Owen, Franklin P.
Spink, J. E.
Spooner, Henry J.
Staples, Charles
Steere, Charles L.
Stevens, I. James
Stiness, Walter R.
Sweetland, William H.
Thomas, N. P. S.
Thompson, Robert
Thurston, B. F.
Thurston, John D.
Thurston, Wilmarth H.
Tillinghast, James
Truman, N. H.
Van Slyck, Cyrus M.
Van Slyck, Nicholas
Vincent, Walter B.
Warner, E. F.
Webster, George E.
West, Ambrose E.
West, George J.
Westcott, Amasa S.
Whitman, Henry B.
Williams, J. W.
Wilson, Charles A.
Wood, Herbert B.
Woods, J. C. B.
MEDICAL PRACTITIONERs.-The first “regular ” medical
“practitioner” in Providence County was “John Greene, sur-
geon,” and after his departure in 1641 to join the Warwick men
it was many years before another appeared.
The leading men of the colony, Roger Williams; Chad Brown,
and later Pardon Tillinghast, kept light stores of drugs, and sold
or gave medicaments for lighter illness, but in more serious cases
recourse was had to John Greene, of Warwick; Dr. Clarke, of
Newport, or the physicians of Rehoboth ; or, as often happened,
the patient gave himself up to die and “left the matter in the
Lord’s hands to do as He would.”
The first physician in Providence of whom we have later notice
was a Dr. John Jones, with whom, in the early part of the
eighteenth century, the town agreed that he should care for the
poor, and to pay him “if he cured them.” About the same time
Dr. Jabez Bowen came here from Rehoboth and established him-
self. His descendants have formed a line of eminent physicians
down almost to the present day. *
In the middle of the last century, Drs. Vandelight and Gibbs
were conspicuous for their abilities and services rendered to the
townsmen. In the Revolutionary period Dr. Stephen Randall
and Dr. Hewes were conspicuous members of the profession,
though not rivaling the Bowens who maintained their supremacy
down to a recent date. -
At present the physicians of the city belong to some one of the
following associations.
THE RHodE IsLAND MEDICAL SOCIETY was incorporated in
1812. New fellows are elected annually from such physicians,
either men or women, resident in the state, as pass the required
examinations. The present membership is 200.
The annual meeting held in Providence on the second Thursday
in June, is devoted to anniversary exercises, and the reading of
the annual address and reports. Quarterly meetings held in
March, September, and December, are occupied with reports of
cases, and the reading and discussion of papers.
The Fiske Fund, founded in 1834, by a legacy of Dr. Caleb
Fiske, of Scituate, is administered by the president and two vice-
presidents, of the society. From its income premiums have been
awarded to thirty-six essays, which have been printed and dis-
tributed among the fellows and the principal public libraries,
THE PROVIDENCE
23 I
PLANTATIONS.
The library in Arnold’s block, 54 North Main Street, com-
prises 6,000 volumes and 2,000 pamphlets. This collection con-
sisting largely of files of modern medical journals, and state
reports concerning sanitary science and public health is open for
reference daily, from 2 to 6 P. M., George D. Hersey, M. D.,
librarian. The museum, William J. McCaw, M. D., curator, is
open at the same hours for the use of physicians and students.
The society has been prominent in procuring important legis-
lation in matters pertaining to public health. The law regulat-
ing the registration of births, marriages, and deaths was secured
in 1852 by the efforts of a committee of this society, and the first
twenty-five yearly registration reports, 1853–1877, were prepared
under its supervision. The original movement for the examina-
tion and registration of druggists, out of which grew the State
Board of Pharmacy; the successful petition for a law awarding
suitable compensation for expert testimony in the courts of this
state, the recent reform in the coroner system, and the effort to
increase the efficiency of the state board of health, also form part
of the services which this society has rendered the community.
The officers for 1886–87, are: President, Horace G. Miller,
M. D.; first vice-president, Albert Potter, M. D.; second vice-
president, John W. Mitchell, M. D.; secretary, George D. Her-
sey, M. D.; treasurer, Charles H. Leonard, M. D.
The following is a list of the fellows of the society in 1886:
PROVIDENCE.
Albert E. Ham,
Edward M. Harris,
George D. Hersey,
William W. Hibbard,
Lester S. Hill,
Wm. F. Hutchinson,
George F. Keene,
Stephen S. Keene,
William F. Kenney,
George H. Kenyon,
Eugene P. King,
Stephen H. King,
Eugene Kingman,
Albert M. Knapp,
Charles H. Leonard,
Byron J. Lillibridge,
Samuel H. Mann,
Adrian Mathews,
William J. McCaw,
Robert Millar,
Horace G. Miller,
John W. Mitchell,
George A. Monroe,
James R. Morgan,
William F. Morrison,
Walter L. Munro,
Timothy Newell,
Thomas K. Newhall,
Robert F. Noyes,
Charles O’Leary,
Timothy H. O'Neill,
William H. Palmer,
Edward S. Allen,
Emory A. Angell,
Walter E. Anthony,
George P. Baker,
Charles O. Ballou,
Homer D. Batchelder,
Jetson W. Bentley,
Albert F. Blaisdell,
W. Shaw Bowen,
Welcome O. Brown,
Albert G. Browning,
George A. Brug,
Sanford S. Burton,
Franklin P. Capron,
George W. Carr,
R. Herbert Carver,
Samuel L. Caldwell,
Edward T. Caswell,
John Champlin,
Charles V. Chapin,
Franklin C. Clark,
George L. Collins,
Clarence B. Davis,
Charles H. Douglas,
James W. C. Ely,
Charles W. Fillmore,
Charles H. Fisher,
George R. Fisher,
Frank L. Forsyth,
Henry K. Gardiner,
Clarence T. Gardner,
Clarence M. Godding,
Wm. B. Goldsmith,
Adoniram J. Greeley,
Willard H. Greene,
Henry C. Hall,
Nelson Perrin,
Ezra H. Perry,
George W. Porter,
Thomas G. Potter,
Gustav Radeke,
Augustus Remick,
Albert O. Robbins,
Edgar B. Smith,
Sheffield Smith, Jr.,
Edwin M. Snow,
Dennis J. Sullivan,
Gardner T. Swarts,
John B. A. Tanguay,
Vernon O. Taylor,
Herbert Terry,
Sophronia A. Tomlinson,
Lorenzo Traver,
William H. Traver,
William A. Tremaine,
Anita E. Tyng,
Fred A. Vinton,
Edward F. Walker,
William V. Wallace,
Albion D. Weeks,
Stephen A. Welch,
Francis L. Wheaton.
William R. White,
Byron Whitford,
Charles D. Wiggin,
Chase Wiggin,
Oliver C. Wiggin,
Horace N. Williams,
Charles W. Parsons, Charles E. Woodbury,
Fenner H. Peckham, Marshall Woods,
Fenner H. Peckham, Jr., Frank L. Wyman.
Edward W. Penney,
PAwtucKET.
John E. Conway,
Frank B. Fuller,
Lloyd Morton,
Woonsocket.
Joseph Hils,
George W. Jenckes,
Peter H. Madden,
Joseph C. Maranda,
NEWPORT.
Stephen H. Sears,
Horatio R. Storer,
Phanuel E. Bishop,
Gonzalo E. Buxton,
Levi W. Clapp,
George H. Stanley,
Charles A. Stearns,
James O. Whitney.
William C. Monroe,
Ara M. Paine,
George R. Smith,
Henry W. Stillman.
Gideon Archambault,
Ariel Ballou,
John J. Baxter,
Daniel M. Edwards,
Ezra Dyer,
Francis H. Rankin,
Henry E. Turner.
BENJAMIN T. EAMES,
Formerly Representative in Congress, and a Distinguished Member of the Rhode Island Bar.
Lemuel W. Briggs,
Herman Canfield,
Abraham Z. Falcon,
Augustine A. Mann,
OLNEYVILLE.
Elmer B. Eddy,
Elmer S. Fiske,
Thomas C. Lawton,
Frank A. Payan.
Albert C. Dedrick,
KINGSTON.
William H. Birckhead,
Philip K. Taylor.
CHEPACHET.
George A. Harris,
Albert Potter.
RICHMOND Switch.
Alvin H. Eccleston.
LONSDALE.
Lucius F. C. Garvin.
RocKLAND.
William H. Bowen.
FISKEVILLE.
Charles K. Clark.
HowARD.
Herbert J. Pomroy.
WASHINGTON.
Frank B. Smith.
Os AwotoMIE, KAN.
Edward P. Stimson.
AsHAway.
Alexander B. Briggs.
PAWTUxET.
William J. Burge.
PONTIAC.
Dan O. King.
WICKFORD.
Samuel B. Church,
S. Oscar Myers.
BRIstol.
James B. Erskine,
George A. Pike,
CENTRAL FALLs.
Joseph E. V. Mathieu,
John P. Sweeney,
WESTERLY.
George F. Bliven,
Henry N. Crandall,
John H. Morgan,
Fred. T. Rogers.
CENTREvil LE.
Moses Fifield,
VALLEY FALLs.
George B. Haines,
Thomas J. Smith.
RIVER PoſNT.
Job Kenyon,
Napoleon B. Kenyon.
EAST GREENwich.
James A. Eldredge.
APPONAUG.
James B. Hanaford.
Foster CENTRE.
Henry Arnold.
HoPE VALLEY.
Elisha P. Clark.
MADURA, INDIA.
Mary P. Root.
North SCITUATE.
Walter J. Smith.
FALL RIVER, MAss.,
James E. Sullivan.
MILFORD, MAss.
Christopher D. Albro.
PortsMoUTH.
Benjamin Greene.
PHENIx.
Henry King.
NATIck.
George T. Perry.
Henry S. Swan.
James E. Tobey.
EAST PROVIDENCE.
Frederick B. Carpenter,
George E. Carpenter,
Simeon Hunt.
M. Joseph E. Legris.
ANTHONY.
John Winsor,
George L. Wood.
WARREN.
Gilbert L. Church,
Joseph M. Merchant.
NEw York City.
George V. Foster.
DANVERs, MAss.
Arthur H. Harrington.
AYER JUNCTION, MAss.
Joseph N. Baratta.
WAKE FIELD.
John E. Perry.
CARolin A.
Albert A. Saunders.
SLATERsville.
George W. Stanley.
AUBURN.
George W. Wheeler.
PAscoAG.
Henry J. Bruce.
CUMBERLAND HILL.
Thomas W. Hague.
GREENE.
Charles L. Ormsbee.
THE PROvid'ENCE MEDICAL Association was organized in
1848.
There are eighty members, who reside in Providence and
vicinity, and are fellows of the Rhode Island Medical Society.
The association meets on the first Monday of each month, except
July and August, in the medical library. The most important
British and American medical journals are taken for the benefit


232
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
of the members, and a report on recent progress in some branch
of medical science is presented at each meeting. The present
officers are: President, John W. Mitchell, M. D.; secretary,
Herbert Terry, M. D.; treasurer, G. Taber Swarts, M. D.
THE PROvIDENCE CLINICAL CLUB was organized in 1884 for
the observation and examination of facts connected with disease.
Its meetings are held fortnightly, from October to June, at the
houses of the members. Members: F. P. Capron, R. H. Car-
ver, C. V. Chapin, F. B. Fuller, C. M. Godding, G. D. Hersey,
G. F. Keene, W. J. McCaw, R. F. Noyes, H. J. Pomroy, G. W.
Porter, G. T. Swarts, H. Terry, W. R. White, B. Whitford.
THE RHODE ISLAND HomoeoPATHIC SOCIETY was incorpo-
rated May 15, 1850, in compliance with a petition of A. H. Okie,
G. S. Stevens, Henry C. Preston, Ira Barrows, Washington Hop-
pin, C. G. McKnight, D. H. Green, J. J. De Wolf, and others.
Dr. A. H. Okie was the first president of the society. Its object
is the advancement of the science and practice of medicine, by
meeting for the mutual interchange of the opinions and experi-
ences of its members. For this purpose meetings are held quar-
terly, on the second Wednesday of January, April, July, and
October. The association now numbers forty-five members, and
its officers are as follows: George B. Peck, president; George
D. Wilcox, vice-president; Charles Hayes, secretary; Charles
A. Barnard, treasurer. The present members are as follows:
PRovidence.
Peck, George B., Gottschalck, Wm. Von, Walker, P. F.,
Wilcox, George D., Knight, E. B., Gates, Edgar C.,
Hayes, Charles,
Hall, Robert,
Budlong, John C.,
Green, Charles L.,
Brown, A. W.,
Sawin, I. W.,
Mann, T. H.,
WESTERLY.
Babcock, Lucy A.,
Rose, Henry W.,
BURRILLVILLE.
Barnes, George L.,
Caldwell, William,
Hicks, Darius,
Carpenter, P. B.,
Matthews, Mary M.,
Thurber, Emily M.,
WOONSOCKET.
Reed, R. G.,
PAw'TUCKET.
Wheaton, James L.,
Phillips, Emma A.,
SOUTH SCITUATE.
Howland, C. C.,
Read, Georgiana D.,
Hasbrouck, Sayer,
Jackson, H. A.,
Stone, W. H.,
Giles, C. H.,
Kingsbury, E. N.
EAST PROvIDENCE.
Whitmarsh, H. A.,
WARREN.
Mann, F. W.,
CENTREDALE, R. I.
Barnard, Charles A.,
Roberts, J. E.,
MYSTIC BRIDGE, CONN.
Barber, Oscar M., Hadley, C. H.,
Auburn. BRISTOL. CENTRAL FALLs.
Bradbury, Fred W., Shipman, Thomas H., Gottschalck, Wm. Von,ſr.
THE PROVIDENCE DISPENSARY was incorporated in 1830, by Nicholas
Brown, S. N. Richmond, Zachariah Allen, and a number of other benevo-
lent-minded citizens. Its object is to provide physicians and medicine for
worthy persons who are unable to pay for them. The members of the
association pay $2.00 each per annum, or as much more as is necessary to
defray the expenses of the society. The city is divided into six districts, for
each of which there is an attending physician appointed, and two consult-
ing physicians are engaged when necessary. Applications for relief must
be made through some member of the society. There are now nearly two
hundred members.
DENTISTRY, as a science is a modern creation. Previous to
1791 the “tooth sufferer" in Providence depended on uneducated
aid for relief. Then Dr. Greenwood came from Boston and
stopped here, temporarily, with great promises of aid for dental
ailments. To judge from the specimens of his work, now ex-
tant, it might almost be said that the remedy was worse than the
disease, but he was followed by operators of a higher class, and
as dentistry became a science and was pursued as such, the class
of Providence dentists rose in charactertill it is now equal in pro-
fessional attainments to that of any city in the country.
THE RHODE ISLAND DENTAL Association was organized in 1878, and
has now between twenty-five and thirty members and six honorary mem-
bers. The object of the organization as set forth in the preamble to its
constitution is “to create a more friendly intercourse, to facilitate the
interchange of ideas, and to promote the progress of the theory and
practice of dentistry.” Quarterly meetings are held the first Tuesday in
January, April, July, and October, at the offices of members, and the
annual meeting at the Aquidneck Hotel, Newport. These annual meetings
Battey, Henry F.,
BLOCK ISLAND.
are made very interesting events to the members by the discussion by able
members of the profession of subjects relating to dental surgery, etc.
The society has a fine library containing several hundred volumes. The
officers of the association for 1886 are: F. G. Eddy, D. M. D., Providence,
president; A. W. Buckland, D. D. s., Woonsocket, vice-president; L. L.
Buckland, D. D. s., Providence, secretary; W. L. Church, Providence, treas-
urer; W. L. Church, D. D. R. S.. Providence, librarian; W. P. Church,
Providence, A. D. Roberts, Woonsocket, S. E. Greene, Newport, executive
committee.
Present members of the dental profession in Providence:
George H. Ames, E. P. Hawes, Martin Y. Simmons,
William Barker, Ira Ingraham, E. P. Small,
S. M. Borden, A. A. Jackson, M. W. Small,
W. W. Bridge, C. B. Johnson, C. L. Spencer,
L. L. Buckland, James S. Johnson, Gideon Spencer,
Charles H. Cannon, A. T. Kirby, Mrs. H. C. Spencer,
M. F. Carll, John F. Lennon, T. Frank Spencer,
W. L. Church, H. F. Marshall, Frank D. Stoddard,
W. P. Church, William B. Mead, Jonathan T. Thornton,
William H. Thornton,
George J. Thurber,
H. T. Thurber,
W. H. Tillinghast,
James M. Peck,
William D. Porter,
Richard T. Rowe,
F. N. Seabury,
Henry L. Dickerman,
Forrest G. Eddy,
Joseph Eldridge,
M. S. Eldridge,
F. A. Gay, F. W. Seabury, F. A. Twitchell,
Charles H. Gray, F. W. Shattuck, N. B. Whitaker,
A. B. Hawes, L. P. Shattuck, N. A. Wood.
ART IN PROvIDENCE.-Fifty years ago, art received but little
encouragement in Providence. A few good specimens of the
work of foreign masters, and two or three portrait painters of
more or less merit, were all that the city could boast. But as the
century advanced, a growing interest became visible. Several
young, enthusiastic artists settled in Providence, and opening
studios, made them the centres of small but intelligent coteries
who regarded art as a serious matter for discussion and study.
The Rhode Island Art Association was established during the
latter part of the sixth decade of the century. This institution
collected paintings, casts, engravings, and other works of art;
founded classes in drawing from models, and endeavored to ad-
vance the cause of art in every possible way, but ceased to exist
from causes unknown, within a few years of its foundation.
Meanwhile the artists were struggling with lack of apprecia-
tion among the art collectors, who scarcely deemed a work worth
buying unless it bore a foreign name; with the materialism of a
large community almost entirely given to mercantile and manufac-
turing pursuits, and especially with lack of means to obtain proper
instruction in their profession. Nevertheless they worked on, con-
fident in the future, and taking comfort from the fact that their cause
seemed, at least, not to decline; deprived of the instruction and
inspiration of a great school of art, they turned to nature for as-
sistance, and endeavored through their own feelings to interpret her
wayward moods. They were not always correct; they sometimes
fell by the wayside, but they were earnest and sincere; they over-
came many obstacles now happily removed from the path of the
art student, and could boast of having laid the foundations of art
permanently in the city. Within the last two decades, a very
great change for the better has been perceptible. Local work has
risen both in quality and public esteem. Classes have been formed
for instruction in drawing and painting. Many artists of both
sexes have opened their studios to pupils, and have more appli-
cants than they can accommodate.
Several private clubs have been founded for the cultivation of
art in an amateur way, thus bringing the principles and practice
of art into the very life of the people. In 1880 was incorporated
the Providence Art Club, which, by its public exhibitions, lec-
tures, and meetings for art discussion, has done a great work and
had a potent influence upon art in the city and state. The incor-
poration of the Rhode Island School of Design, in 1878, the
object being to furnish such instruction in modeling and design-
ing as artisans may require in the mechanic arts and industries,
was another strong impetus to the art life of the city, and its
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
233
good effects are already visible in the local workshops and
factories. - e
Several large and valuable collections of foreign and American
paintings have been brought together by wealthy and cultivated
amateurs. These collections contain the best examples of the
leading modern schools, and not a few representative pictures of
the highest spirit of the age in art. One collection, indeed, was
cited a short time since as the finest of its class ever brought
together within the walls of a gallery. It was a representation of
the Romantic movement in French art.
Another collection is a most successful attempt at forming a
group of the works of the leading American artists. The col-
lector of this group has also devoted much time and money to the
formation of a collection of the “best portraits in engraving.”
A collection unique in its class, and winning the highest com-
mendation from critics in other cities.
A collection of etchings, representative of the leading etchers
of this country and of Europe, has also been made by a gentle-
man well known in art circles. This collection is especially rich
in specimens of the French and Belgian schools.
Two collections are each unique in their class. One, of old
prints, illustrating the great schools of the past and the art of
engraving during its golden age, and the other of the works of
the great engravers of the last hundred years. The latter also
comprises a most interesting group of “Sistine Madonnas,” from
the gravers of different artists. -
There are also several other collections, each one meritorious
in its way; and many good works of art are to be found here and
there in the mansions of our citizens.
In the year 1884 the Amateur Photographic Association
appeared,—a body of young people, many of them mere lads,
devoted to the study of photography in its various forms and
aspects. The association has held three or four exhibitions, re-
ceived a diploma of merit at the New Orleans Exposition 1885–86, ,
and is constantly advancing on the pathway of progress in its art.
In this year the prospects of art in Providence are constantly ris-
ing; the different schools are earnestly working for the improve-
ment of the student; new studios are continually being opened.
The older artists are still pursuing their chosen profession and
rejoicing in the glad promise of the future. The younger men are
working earnestly, each according to his ideal; their works are
accepted, and their names known in every city in the United
States, and we may be certain, at least, that whatever the future
may bring, it will not bring decay.
THE PROVIDENCE ART CLUB.—In February, 1878, upon the evening of
the 12th, a number of artists assembled in the studio of Edwin M. Bannis-
ter, at No. 2 College Street, to discuss the plan of an Art Club. This plan
had been suggested by George W.Whitaker and Charles Walter Stetson, as
a means for bringing the artists, amateurs, and art collectors of Providence
together. The artists there assembled issued cards of invitation to ladies
and gentlemen well known in artistic and literary circles, to meet them at
the studio of Mr. Eimrich Rein. In his studio the Art Club first took
form. In the course of two years the club increased in numbers, influence,
and strength to that extent that the necessity for further organization
became apparent, and Messrs. James S. Lincoln, Charles E. Carpenter,
Eimrich Rein, Edwin M. Bannister, William B. Weeden, Henry Pitman,
and Miss Rosa F. Peckham were empowered to apply for a charter, which
was granted by the legislature, April 15, 1880.
The present constitution was adopted Jan. 6, 1886.
The club includes artists, amateurs, art collectors, and persons of both
sexes interested in artistic and literary culture.
The object of the club is to promote the general interests of art in the
city and state, by holding exhibitions and giving lectures and informal
talks upon various subjects connected with art, by bringing the members
together in friendly intercourse at receptions and meetings of the club and
by means of classes in drawing from the living model. The club, in the
course of its six years’ existence, has held some thirty exhibitions in vari-
ous branches of art, — paintings, water-colors, blacks and whites, etchings,
engravings, laces, damasks, miniatures, etc. e
Several loan exhibitons, the works being culled from the finest collections
in the city, have been held, thus bringing the public into the knowledge
of the first masters of Europe.
The government of the club is vested in a president and board of twelve
managers, elected at the annual meeting in January of each year. The
principal officers for 1886 are: President, John C. Pegram; vice-presi-
dent, Courtlandt B. Dorrance; treasurer, Edward I. Nickerson; secretary,
George L. Collins. The club occupies the third floor at No. 35 North Main
Street, at present, but is rapidly accumulating a building fund, with the
intent of erecting a suitable club house in the near future.
MUSICAL SocIETIES.—Of the early musical history of Provi-
dence little can be said. Roger Williams and his associates and
their descendants were occupied by other and more important
matters than chords and discords in matters of sound. It was
matters of sense that they looked after, and for the first hundred
years of the colony history the drum seems to have been the
only musical instrument in vogue in the colony. By that instru-
ment, alarms in case of Indian attack were beaten, and the legis-
lature and town councils called together, and by it the town crier
was accompanied as late as 1830. But as luxuriant civilization
advanced, even before the Revolutionary War, the harpsichord
came into use in families, and following it the primitive piano of
our ancestors. Mr. Shaw in the early days of this century, taught
music on these instruments and the violin, and paved the way for
the higher musical development, of which the following societies
are the organized exponents to-day.
THE ARION CLUB was formed in 1880 for the study and production of
light and classical music for male, female, and mixed voices. Four concerts
have been given annually, two with and two without orchestra, that are
always well attended by the associate members and friends of the chorus,
as the concerts are not open to the general public by the sale of tickets.
The club has achieved a deserved reputation for the fine quality of its work,
under Mr. Jules Jordan, its conductor, by earnest, diligent and persis-
tent application. Throughout the country the club has become known by
the initial production of several special works, afterwards repeated by the
choral societies of larger societies. The club has rendered light and
heavy music by Schumann, Bruch, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Wagner, Gade,
Reinecke, Rubinstein, Raff, Rheinberger, and others, and has accomplished
a great deal in improving the musical taste of the Providence people.
The most important event in the club's history was the prominent part
taken in the city's two hundred and fiftieth anniversary. Three original
and meritorious compositions, written for the club by prominent local
organists and musicians, were sung at the exercises in the First Baptist
Church. The careful training and work of the organization was never
more apparent, and its labors of the day were the best it has ever performed.
It has now an active membership of 225 in addition to the large associate
membership. The officers of the club are: President, Mr. William God-
dard; treasurer, Mr. Johns H. Congdon; secretary, Mr. R. B. Chapman;
librarian, Mr. H. N. Campbell; pianist, Mr. John H. Mason. The weekly
rehearsals are held on Monday evenings in Blackstone Hall, and the con-
certs are given in Infantry Hall in the early part of November, January,
March, and May.
THE RHODE ISLAND CHORAL Association, a musical organization
which represents the state, was organized March 26, 1886. The member-
ship, which numbers sixty names, includes some of the most distinguished
men of Rhode Island. The chorus of the association numbers 341 singers.
Among the objects of the asssociation are: A supplementary musical
education of the graduates of the public schools; the development of
musical taste and culture throughout the state; the creation of a stronger
public sentiment in favor of the maintenance of a first-class orchestra, and
a more general and extended cultivation on the part of the people of a
fondness for music, both as a science and an art. Besides giving con-
certs, the association intends to have annual musical festivals similar in
character to those given by the Worcester County Musical Association.
The association gave its first concert in Infantry Hall, May 3, 1886. At
the request of the city council, on the occasion of the celebration of the
250th anniversary of the settlement of Providence, the association gave a
concert in the same hall, June 23d. At both concerts the chorus was
under the direction of the celebrated conductor and musician, Carl Zerrahn.
Officers of the association: President, F. W. Goddard; vice-president,
Henry J. Steere; secretary, W. W. Douglas; treasurer, H. W. Ladd; libra-
rian, Fred. A. Chase. Directors: Prof. J. L. Lincoln, Dr. E. T. Caswell,
C. D. Owen, John Carter Brown, J. U. Starkweather, Edward Hoffman,
Robert Bonner, W. O. Fuller, B. W. Hood, D. W. Reeves; conductor,
Carl Zerrahn. Accompanist, Victor E. Hammerel.
THE ST. CECILIA CHORAL UNION is composed principally of the mem-
234
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
bers of the Catholic Church choirs of Providence, Pawtucket, and vicinity.
It was informally organized July 30, 1886, for the purpose of forming a body
of Catholic singers that could, when the occasion required, render Catholic
choral works of the great masters. The necessity for such a union was
manifest at the obsequies of Bishop Hendricken, and the immediate forma-
tion of such a body was then suggested. The first rehearsal was held on
Tuesday evening, Oct. 5, 1886, with 26o active members in attendance.
There is also a large associate membership that will probably be doubled
at the end of this, the first season. Rehearsals are held every Tuesday
evening in Elks Hall, under Mr. Calixa Lavallee, the conductor of the
Boston Oratorio Society. The officers of the union are: Joseph Banigan,
president; C. O'Leary, M. D., vice-president; J. H. O'Loughlin, treas-
urer; F. A. O’Neill, secretary; P. H. Mullen, librarian.
THE ORPHEUS CLUB was organized Nov. 13, 1861, the officers being:
President, Edwin Baker; vice-president, C. Henry Alexander; secretary
and treasurer, John W. Noyes; musical director, Lewis T. Dorrance.
Mr. Baker continued in office for twenty consecutive years, and when on
April 29, 1879, the club became a Masonic lodge, he was the first master of
the lodge. All the other gentlemen named, were repeatedly and unani-
mously reëlected to the offices they originally held. The object of the club
was the cultivation of vocal music, and the formation of a chorus of male
voices. In the early part of its history, it gave many concerts, in which
leading vocalists and instrumentalists of the United States appeared.
This club has frequently given concerts for the assistance of charitable
institutions in the city, and made no charge for its services. For twenty-
five years this club has been regarded as the choir of the Grand Lodge of
Masons in Rhode Island, and has furnished all the music at public Masonic
ceremonies, and, by order of the Grand Lodge, at its annual meetings.
There is now no Orphues Club as an independent organization, but the
majority of the members of Orpheus Lodge of Masons attend regular
rehearsals, and are always prepared to furnish vocal music for Masonic
ceremonies. - -
THE PROVIDENCE LIEDERKRANz.— With an inborn love for music and
song, it is not strange that the Germans who made Providence their
adopted home should have a singing society. To foster this love for song,
and at the same time offer an opportunity for social intercourse is the
object of the Liederkranz, although a quartette and glee club had existed as
early as 1857. The society itself was organized in 1861. Dr. William Von
Gottschalck, Jacob Brug, Fritz Krauss, Otto Gerlach, and John L. Rem-
linger, taking an active part in its formation and subsequent growth. The
first meetings were held at the residence of Dr. Von Gottschalck, afterwards
the hall at 7o Weybosset Street was rented, later, the hall in Weeden block,
and then the hall on Market Square. - - -
The most noteworthy occurrence in the life of the society, as it was also
a memorable event in the history of this city, was the grand reunion of
German-American singing societies here in 1866. The Arion, Lieder-
kranz, Teutonia, Maennerchor, all of New York, the Saengerbund, of
Philadelphia, the Eintracht, of Newark, the Orpheus, of Boston, and also
Worcester, and other societies from the several cities of New England, came
to Providence and were given an enthusiastic and generous reception, the
Americans vying with the Germans in cordiality. A chorus of one thou-
sand voices with a picked orchestra of German artists gave four concerts in
the old Harrington's Opera House to packed and appreciative audiences.
Although the effect was to stimulate and elevate the sentiment for vocal
art, yet it took the Liederkranz several years to meet the expenses incurred
by the venture. The first musical director of the society was Prof. Eugene
Henri, who in turn was succeeded by Profs. Carl Weise, Victor E. Ham-
merel, and Carl Peiler. At present Professor Henri is again in charge of
the rehearsals which occur weekly.
The officers are Jacob Brug, president; E. J. F. Barton, vice-president;
Emil Paris, secretary; Peter Dehn, treasurer; Frederick Breitschmid,
financial secretary; Charles Martin, archival.
THE AMERICAN BAND.—At about the year 1825, our limited musical
resources for military and civic occasions suggested an inquiry as to
whether Providence had not the native talent requisite to organize a band
of wind instruments. -
This led to the formation of the “Providence Brass Band,” of which
the leader was Mr. Joseph C. Greene. It was also called the “Martial
Team.” The band was formed and sustained by the co-operation of
Messrs. William W. Brown, J. M. Earle, and Elisha Dyer, Jr., who formed
an advisory committee, and the medium through which the pecuniary aid
of the citizens was extended to it. The instrumentation of the band was
two bugles, two trombones, two bass, Eb clarinet, fife and bass drum.
Favorite tunes played by this band were “Wood-up,” the “Nightingale,”
and “Number Ten,” written by a Mr. Eaton. In the execution of “Wood-
up,” Mr. Greene achieved fame, and was always called on for a repeti-
tion. This gentleman was considered an expert at double tonguing on
the bugle. The other members of the band were: Messrs. Benjamin
Bliven, Benjamin Capron, Alfred Potter, Benjamin Robinson, and W. G.
Dickey. The band room was over B. & W. Earle's ship chandlery store
on South Water Street, corner of Transit Street. This band was reorgan-
ized in 1837, and became known as the American Brass Band, with the
following members and instrumentation: John C. Greene, Eb bugle,
leader; Benjamin G. West, 1st Bb bugle; Sihon F. Packhard, 1st Bb
bugle; Esek B. Macdonald, 2d Bb bugle; Seth B. Cook, Jr., Eb trumpet;
David T. Capron, 1st horn; Joshua Hathaway, 2d horn; Benjamin J.
Bliven, 1st trombone; Henry S. Cartee, 2d trombone; Moses Dunbar,
bass trombone; Henry E. Barney, bass horn; Alfred Potter, side drum;
W. G. Dickey, bass drum; Benjamin P. Robinson, fife and cymbals. Of
these gentlemen there are living at present, Messrs. Greene, West, Potter,
and Robinson, all of whom hope to be present at the fiftieth anniversary
of the band, soon to be celebrated. Among the first public performances
of this musical organization was a series of six concerts, given early in the
year 1838. The programme on these occasions was varied and entertain-
ing, and was interspersed with solos and glees. “Old Bristol” was a tune
played by the band when on the march, and was a great favorite. Many
of our veteran military men have marked time to its accompaniment.
When the call for volunteers was made by President Lincoln, this band
marched at the head of the First Rhode Island Regiment and continued
with it during the war. At the battle of Bull Run the bass drum be-
longing to the band was captured, much to the grief of all the members.
After the war an attempt was made to regain the drum, but it was fallen
to pieces when discovered in a music lumber-room in Richmond. For
twenty-eight years Mr. Greene was the leader of the band, from the date
of its organization until 1865, and this statement does not refer to the time
he was connected with the “Martial Team.” In 1865 he was succeeded by
the present brilliant musician, talented composer, and skillful leader, Mr.
D. W. Reeves, whose personality has been so decided, and his influence so
great, that this band, second to none in the United States, has come to be
known as Reeves' American Band. And why this change in the accepted
name of the band, its incorporated title being the American Brass Band P
Above it has been faintly hinted, and by the terms “personality” and “influ-
ence,” nothing is meant but this : that Mr. Reeves, who was the solo cornet
in Dodworth's Band, of New York, the leading musical organization in the
country of that day, brought with him a large and varied musical expe-
rience, which enabled him at once to begin the work of reorganization.
He directed his attention at first to the improvement of the instrumenta-
tion and has brought it to the highest pitch possible with the number of
men in the band, and the instruments in use, in our day. The instrumen-
tation in 1866, as follows: Piccolo, I Eb Clarinet, 3 Eb Cornets, 2 Bb Cor-
nets, Eb trumpet, Ab alto, 3 Eb altos, I trombone, 1 Bb tenor, 1 Bb bass,
2 Eb basses, drums and cymbals. At the present time it is: flute and pic-
colo, Eb clarinet, 5 Bb clarinets, oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, 4 Bb cor
nets, 4 horns, 3 trombones, euphonium, Eb bass, double Bb basso, tym-
pani and drums. &
The members of the band having long been under Mr. Reeves, he has
learned the peculiarities of their playing, and has been able to arrange
their music in such a manner as to insure harmony in the rendering of a
composition by the full band. Mr. Reeves, who has composed very much
of the music played by the band, has always kept before him the indi-
vidual player when writing for a particular instrument, and it is his power
of adaptation which enables the band to produce so harmoniously the
music he has composed for them. He is the author of seventy pieces of
music, principally marches, all of which have been first produced by this
band, and forty-five of which have been published. Among these may be
mentioned “Down the Lane,” “Fifth Maryland,” “Narragansett,” and
“Second Connecticut,” the latter being a great favorſte with all military
bands in the United States, and has been frequently played in Europe, notably
by the great band of France, the “Bande of the Garde Republicaine.”
Mr. Reeves, as a composer of military music, is equaled by few, excelled
by none. Since its organization in 1837 until now, the American Band
has been the source of music for the city of Providence, but in later years
its fame, at first only local, has become national, and while it has contin-
ued to take part in the celebrations and civic occasions of Providence, it
has also been called to very many other cities to assist in celebrations or
to play in concert. In this way it has visited the cities of Boston, New
York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Richmond, Charleston, S. C., Augusta,
Ga., Detroit, Cleveland, Portland, Albany, and many others in the United
States; also Montreal, Toronto, and Hamilton, in Canada,where they have
received the most flattering receptions ever accorded to an organization of
this kind. From the inception of this celebrated band the citizens of
Providence have always manifested a justifiable pride regarding it, and its
extended fame has been as great satisfaction to the people as to the mem-
bers of the organization itself.
THE NATIONAL BAND, T. W. Hedley, leader, and WHITE's
MILITARY BAND, W. E. White, leader, are also bodies of musi-
cians who have attained high places in the public estimation.
Besides these organizations, there are several smaller bands, drum
corps, and orchestras of more or less prominence in Providence.
CHAPTER XIII.
BANKING AND BANKS IN PROVIDENCE, PAST AND PRESENT.
* *
THE EARLIEST ARTICLES THAT CONSTITUTED LEGAL TENDER – SPANISH MONEY — FIRST PAPER MONEY - EARLY ** BANKS ’’ FOR CIR-
* >
CULATION OF “scrip” – DEPRECIATION OF coloni AL MONEY BEFORE THE REvolution – “CONTINENTAL" MONEY - ERA
OF STATE BANKS – THE ROLL OF THE BANKS OF THE STATE — NATIONAL BANKS – ORIGIN OF THE SAVINGS BANKS - THE
SAVINGS BANKS OF THE STATE – SKETCHES OF THE OLD PROVIDENCE BANK AND OTHER BANKS IN PROVIDENCE - SKETCHES
OF THE SAVINGS INSTITUTIONS – THE RHODE ISLAND HOSPITAL TRUST COMPANY - THE PRIVATE BANKERS.
THE OLD PROVIDENCE INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS.
For many years after the landing of the founders of New Eng-
land, the same men who declared their independence in spiritual
affairs were forced to seek temporal support from the land of
their nativity. While the wilderness of the new world yielded
them game and a scanty supply of grain, it contained neither
mart nor mint, and the self-exiled children had no other recourse
but to apply to the mother country for whatever else was need-
ful to their material sustenance. Defiant and suppliant at the
same time, however, these dissenters from the Established Church
enjoyed no royal favor, and the English merchants with whom
they traded took advantage of the situation to enrich themselves
at the expense of their colonial customers.
Equally hard and grudging was the financial policy pursued
by Great Britain towards American subjects. They brought to
these shores neither gold nor silver, and while the home govern-
ment granted them a small allowance of lawful currency, the
colonists were obliged to pay for their imports partly in coin,
and the balance of trade being constantly against them, their
scanty hoard was soon exhausted and the country impoverished.
Domestic trade was carried on among the early settlers by
means of commodities, and in the absence of cash, barter became
a purchasing medium. The Rhode Island colonists adopted
these expedients in common with their New England neighbors,
and constituted corn, wheat, barley, and other staple crops legal
tender for debts and taxes. They also availed themselves of the
shell coin, or wanſºm/eag, in circulation among the Indian
tribes, fixing for it as well as colonial barter, a value based upon
the English monetary standard. But such pecuniary makeshifts
could not long answer the requirements of even the severely sim-
ple life of the plantations. The interests of the growing settle-
ment demanded a freely-circulating currency,
and business could not proceed without it.
It is true that after commercial relations had
been established with Spanish ports, the
depleted treasury was partially replenished
from that source, and when John Hull be-
gan to issue “pine-tree” money from the
mint in Boston, some of that coin may have
found its way to the borders of Narragan-
sett Bay; but the financial situation was
really desperate, and the straits into which
the Rhode Island colonists were driven
forced them to resort to a system of paper
currency for immediate relief, which in the
end was suicidal. -
The first paper currency in the Rhode
Island settlement was issued in the form of
treasury notes authorized by the General
Assembly, ostensibly to provide the colony
with means to pay its share of the expense
attending the recent unsuccessful invasion
of Canada. The amount was £5,000, and before it adjourned
the Assembly sanctioned the emission of an additional amount of
£2,000, in small sums for the convenience of the colonists. In
1715 another emission of £30,000 was ordered, in denominations
of five and ten pounds; and becoming infatuated with the apparent
benefits of scrip, the same legislative body created a commission
empowered to make and issue bills in such amounts as they
deemed advisable, and loan them to borrowers at the rate of five
per cent. per annum, taking mortgages as security, and stipulating
that the principal should be paid in ten equal annual installments.
Each emission of these bills was termed a “bank,” by the com-
mission empowered to issue the paper money.
On being appointed, this commission at once issued £10,000
in bills and put them in circulation as the first bank. A second
bank of £40,000, payable in five years, was issued in 1721, on
which the annual interest (payable in hemp and flax) was de-
voted, one-half to the use of the colonial treasury, and the other
half to the different towns by apportionment. There were serious
drawbacks to the success of this scheme of the early inflationists.
The bills were so extensively counterfeited that in 1724 the whole
had to be called in and new bills substituted ; and the holders of
the money being unable to fulfil the conditions of payment, the
time had to be extended and a corresponding depreciation ensued.
But with reckless disregard of consequences the commissioners
issued a third bank of £40,000 in 1728, extending the time for
which the issue should run to thirteen years. For several sub-
sequent years it is impossible to determine from records at hand,
what amounts of the bills were put on the monetary market, but
a bank of £100,000 was placed in 1733, and another for the same
amount five years later. The next step taken was to render a

236
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
report of the financial status to the General Assembly, from which
it appeared that the total loans were £1 17,000, in round num-
bers; of which £105,704 had been called in and burned, while
£11,296 remained in circulation. Still the issues continued, a
bank of £20,000 being placed in 1740, and another of £40,000,
in 1743. †
So far as official reports are concerned very little notice appears
to have been taken of the rapid depreciation of the currency,
until the year 1749, when the showing was as follows: Total
amount of bank bills issued, £210,000; value, £35,445, 9s., 2d.;
treasury bills issued, £1 Io,444, 2s.,3}d. ; value, £1,040, 7s., 5d. ;
so that a money circulation whose face value was $1,557,357.22,
had an actual value of only $177,321. After ten years more of
inflation and depreciation, the “grand committee of finance,”
made an adjustment of the currency accounts, and reported £41-
869 in worthless bonds, £8,400 in unsatisfied payments on bonds,
and £35,000 to be collected.
During the years 1762 and 1763, the colonial authorities seem to
have been seized with a spasmodic impulse to reform the depleted
currency. £4,500 sterling received from England was used to
redeem the bills issued in 1759, and the General Assembly passed
an act declaring gold and silver to be, thereafter, the only lawful
money, and requiring all debts to be paid in coin unless otherwise
agreed at the time the contract was made. A bill fixing the
value of bills of different issues in Spanish milled dollars was also
prepared.
To still further check the tendency to multiply paper money,
not only in Rhode Island, but elsewhere, a joint committee ap-
pointed by the legislatures of the New England States to investi-
gate and to report on the financial situation, recommended that
no more bills of credit be issued, except in cases of absolute
necessity, when the emission should bear four per cent. interest,
and be made payable in three years. To conform as far as
might be to the spirit of this advice, the General Assembly of
1776 ordered a loan of £40,000, for which notes payable in two
years at six per cent. per annum were to be given; and the next
year £50,000 more were borrowed in the same way, and the notes
thus given were made legal tender for all debts. Meanwhile the
country declared its independence, initiated war, and began to
issue what was known as “continental" money, which Rhode
Island put in circulation and sanctioned by law, declaring any man
who refused to take this national currency an enemy to his country.
But though the people were suffering from the evils of inflation
and the state had no credit, the disease was not cured, and soon
broke out afresh. Another bank of £100,000 was created, and
the bills made legal tender for debts. So great was the interest
in the finance question, that, in 1786, it was made a political
issue, and the paper-money party carried the pending election.
Having got control in the General Assembly the advocates of “soft
money” secured the passage of legislative acts between the years
1783 and 1789, providing for the liquidation of the entire state
debt with “bank” currency; and all parties having claims against
the state were required to present them within a prescribed time
and accept the proffered money in payment, or forfeit the legal
right to collect them. The effect of this mandate, however, was
not what was desired, for out of £152,717 owed by the state only
3278,897 were presented for redemption. Another result of this
deplorable condition of public finances in the several colonies was
the institution of banks of circulation under the authority of each
state; modeled after the continental and the older bank of Eng-
land.
The era of state banks practically began with the nineteenth
century, although one bank in Providence and one in Newport
had been established a few years earlier. Between 1800 and
1864, when most of the state banks became national, about a hun-
dred had been incorporated by the General Assembly of the state,
a brief history of which is here subjoined.
Of the different state banks in Providence, the following rec-
ords are obtained : The oldest is the Providence Bank, which
was chartered in 1791, and is still in operation as a national bank.
The Exchange, chartered in 1801, is also a national. Roger Wil-
liams Bank, and the Manufacturers, of Pawtucket, were char-
tered in 1803; the latter removed to Providence in 1831, and
both became national banks in 1864. The Union was incorpo-
rated in 1814, and has remained a state bank; and the Pawtuxet,
chartered in the town of Pawtuxet during the same year, was
removed to Providence in 1831, and a few years since went into
voluntary liquidation.
In 1815, the Burrillville Agricultural and Manufacturers Bank
was chartered, but did not begin business until 1818; it is now
the First National Bank of Smithfield, located at Slatersville.
In 1818, the Merchants and the Eagle were chartered, and are now
national banks. Five of the present city banks were chartered in
1823, which are now national banks: The Farmers and Me-
chanics, removed from Pawtucket in 1829, and now known as
the Phenix; the Lime Rock, incorporated in Smithfield, and
removed to Providence in 1847; the Mechanics; the Bank of
North America; and the Mount Vernon, removed from the town
of Foster in 1857. The Mechanics and Manufacturers Bank was
chartered in 1827, and is now the Fifth National. The High
Street Bank was incorporated in 1828, and remains a state insti-
tution. The original charter of four of the present national banks
dates back to 1831. The Blackstone Canal, Globe, Weybosset,
and Rhode Island, the latter being originally the Arcade Bank.
Four more were incorporated in 1833, and were the Commercial,
City, American, and National, all of which are now reorganized
as national, and the latter being called Old National, by way of
distinction. The Traders Bank was chartered in 1836, and the
State Bank in 1850, the former becoming national, and the latter
remaining a state institution. In the year 1851, the Bank of America
and the Bank of Commerce were chartered, the former still exist-
ing as a state bank, while the latter has become a national. Five
banks came into existence by acts of incorporation in 1853: The
Butchers and Drovers, which is now a state; the Grocers and
Producers, which has failed; the Atlantic, now a national ; the
Continental, now the Fourth National, and the What Cheer,
which is no longer in operation. In 1854 seven more were char-
tered : the Mediterranean Navigation, which did not go into op-
eration; the Atlas, which failed; the Westminster, which is now a
national; the Liberty Bank, now in liquidation; the Bank of the
Republic, which failed; the Jackson Bank, which is still a state
bank; and the Mercantile, now the First National. The Marine,
the Moshausic, and the Northern were incorporated in 1856; the
first is now the Third National ; the second did not go into opera-
tion, and the third went into voluntary liquidation. The Pawners
Bank, chartered in 1864, did no business.
The banks of the city of Newport were incorporated as follows:
the Bank of Rhode Island, in 1795; Newport Bank, in 1803;
Rhode Island Union Bank, in 1804; Merchants, in 1817; New
England Commercial, in 1818; Exchange, in 1834; Traders,
in 1836; Aquidneck, in 1854, and the First National, in 1865.
The Merchants, New England Commercial, and Exchange
remain state banks; the others are national.
The history of the Pawtucket banks runs thus: the New Eng-
land Pacific, chartered at Smithfield in 1818, and removed to
Pawtucket in 1826, has become the Pacific National ; the North
Providence Bank, chartered in 1834, was closed many years ago;
the People's Bank, chartered in 1846, is also defunct; Slater
Bank, incorporated in 1855, is now a national, and the First Na-
tional was chartered in 1865.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
237
The oldest bank now in operation in Woonsocket, was incor-
porated in Smithfield in 1805, as the Smithfield Union Bank,
and removed to Woonsocket in 1848, where it became the Na-
tional Union; Woonsocket Falls Bank, chartered in 1828, is now
the Woonsocket National; Providence County, chartered at
Smithfield in 1834, was moved to Woonsocket in 1858, and now
is the Globe National ; the Citizens, now National, was chartered
in 1851; the Railroad, chartered the same year, is the First Na-
tional ; and the Producers was chartered in 1852.
The Rhode Island banks originally located outside of the cities
already mentioned are given below with the dates of incorpora-
tion, as fully as possible: Washington, in Westerly, 1800; War-
wick, in Apponaug, 1818; Landholders, in South Kingstown,
1818; Eagle, in Bristol, 1818; Scituate, in Scituate, 1818,
became Hamilton in 1841; Cranston, in Cranston, 1818, re-
moved to Providence in 1850, and to Olneyville in 1865; Bank
of Kent, in Coventry, 1818; Phenix, in Westerly, 1818; South
Kingstown, in South Kingstown, 1818, subsequently became
North Kingstown, then Wickford National; Mount Hope, in
Bristol, 1818; Burrillville, in Burrillville, in 1818; Hope, in War-
ren, 1822; Smihfield, in Greenville, 1822; Cumberland, in Cum-
berland, 1823; Rhode Island Agricultural, in Johnston, 1823;
Bristol Union, in Bristol, 1823, removed to Tiverton in 1830, and
now the Fall River Union; Centreville, in Warwick, 1828;
Greenwich Farmers, in West Greenwich, 1833; Citizens Union,
in Scituate, 1833; Exeter, in Exeter, 1833; Pascoag, in Pascoag,
1833, became the Granite in 1851 ; Wakefield, in Wakefield,
1834; North Kingstown Exchange, in Wickford, 1847; Coven-
try, in Anthony Village, 1850; Hopkinton, in Hopkinton, 1850;
Richmond, in Richmond, 1850, removed to Hopkinton, in 1865;
Phenix Village, in Warwick, 1850; South County, in Wakefield,
1851 ; Rhode Island Exchange, in East Greenwich, 1852; Peace-
dale, in South Kingstown, 1853; Bank of New England, in East
Greenwich, 1853; Elmwood, in Cranston, 1854; Pocasset, in
Tiverton, 1854; Niantic, in Westerly, 1854; Sowamset, in War-
ren, 1854; Wickford, in Wickford, 1854, became Farmers in
1855; Tiverton, in Tiverton, 1855; Ashaway, in Hopkinton,
1855; Pokansket, in Bristol, 1856; Washington County, in Rich-
mond, 1856, moved to Charlestown in 1863; Greenwich, in East
Greenwich, 1856. In 1865 national banks were established in
the towns of Coventry, Bristol, Hopkinton, Warren, and Pascoag.
Soon after its passage in 1864, most of the state banks of Rhode
Island availed themselves of the provisions of the act of Congress
to provide for a national currency and redemption, and became
what are now known as “national" banks. The terms of con-
version from a state banking institution to a national banking
association allowed the officers and division of stock of the for-
mer to continue ; but required under its lawful name as a state
bank the execution of certain prescribed articles of association
and organization, certificate to be filed and approved, after which
the organization as a national bank could be completed. Such
an association must then deposit with the treasurer of the United
States, to be held by him in trust as security for its circulating
notes, registered United States bonds to the amount of at least
one-third of its capital stock actually paid in, and was then en-
titled to receive from the comptroller of currency circulating
notes of different denominations, not to exceed ninety per cent. of
the par value of its deposited bonds. These notes could be put
in circulation by the bank, subject to the conditions prescribed,
provided the said association kept on hand not less than twenty-
five per cent. of its outstanding circulation in gold or silver coin
of the United States.
Besides the institutions already considered, there is another
class of banks that handles and invests a large amount the people's
funds. These are savings institutions, designed to help people
31
take care of and safely invest the small sums of money they are
able to spare from their earnings. Savings banks were originally
established by benevolent persons. The earliest of which any
record exists was founded in Hamburg, in 1788. Another was
established in Berne, Switzerland, in 1787, and the first one in
London, in 1806. The writings of John Bone, an English social
economist, and the personal efforts of the Rev. Henry Duncan,
of Scotland, drew attention to the subject in Great Britain, and,
stimulated by the example of the mother country, the people of
New England were led to make similar provision for the pecun-
iary welfare of the poorer classes. *
Twelve of these institutions are located in Providence, and are:
the Citizen's Savings Bank, the City Savings Bank, the Cranston
Savings Bank (now in the hands of a receiver), the Franklin
Institution for Savings (now in the hands of a receiver), the Jack-
son Institution for Savings, the Mechanics Savings Bank, the
Merchants Savings Bank, the Peoples Savings Bank, the Provi-
dence Institution for Savings, the Rhode Island Institution for
Savings (now in liquidation), the Union Savings Bank (now in
liquidation), and the Rhode Island Hospital Trust Company.
The other Savings Banks now in operation in the state are:
the Ashaway Savings Bank, Ashaway; the Bristol County Savings
Bank, Bristol; the Coddington Savings Bank, Newport; the
East Greenwich Institution for Savings, East Greenwich; the
Franklin Savings Bank, Pawtucket; the Hopkinton Savings
Bank, Hope Valley; the Island Savings Bank, Newport; the
Kingston Savings Bank, Kingston; the Mechanics Savings Bank,
Westerly; the Mechanics Savings Bank, Woonsocket; the
Niantic Savings Bank, Westerly; the Pawtucket Institution for
Savings, Pawtucket; the Peoples Savings Bank, Woonsocket; the
Phenix Savings Bank, Phenix; the Producers Savings Bank,
Woonsocket; the Providence County Savings Bank, Pawtucket;
the Savings Bank of Newport, Newport; the Smithfield Savings
Bank, Smithfield; the Wakefield Institution for Savings, Wake-
field; the Warren Institution for Savings, Warren; the Warwick
Institution for Savings, Centreville; the Westerly Savings Bank,
Westerly; the Wickford Savings Bank Wickford; the Woon-
socket Institution for Savings, Woonsocket.
The Pascoag Savings Bank, Pascoag, has paid its final dividend
and ceased business.
The amount of deposits in the several savings banks in the
state in the year ending Nov. 17, 1885, (the latest year reported,)
exceeded that of any previous year, and was $51,816,390.42. The
number of depositors was 116,381. The same report gives the
deposits in the Providence savings banks as follows: Citizens,
$2,122,321.22; City, $1,000,801.71 ; Cranston, $534.660. I4;
Franklin, $607,584.83; Jackson, $400,016.41 ; Mechanics,
$6,241,711.46; Merchants, $421,480.49; Peoples, $902,335.36;
Providence, $11,090,075.22; Rhode Island, $132,764.44; Union,
$362,938.07.
THE CITY BANKS AND BANKERs.
THE PROvIDENCE NATIONAL BANK has a history covering nearly a
century. It was the first bank created in the state, and the fifth in the
United States. It was chartered in 1791, and opened in a small wooden
building on Hopkins Street, then called Bank Lane, which was erected
by Joseph Brown, in 1774, and is still standing. It has occupied the
present location on South Main Street since Oct. 13, 1801, no other bank
in the country having occupied one building for an equal number of con-
secutive years. The first president was John Brown, a public-spirited
citizen and distinguished merchant. His successors have been : John Innis
Clarke, Jabez Bowen, ex-deputy governor of the state; Thomas Poynton
Ives, the most distinguished merchant of his time; Moses Brown Ives,
Robert Hale Ives, and William Goddard. It was reorganized in 1865, as a
national bank, with a capital of $500,000. Andrew R. Matteson is cash-
ier, and William Goddard, Marshall Woods, M. B. I. Goddard, William
Gammell, R. H. I. Gammell, George W. R. Matteson, and John Carter
Brown Woods, are the directors.
238
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
THE ExCHANGE NATIONAL BANK was chartered in 1801, as the first
state bank organized in the city. The first cashier was Stephen Jackson,
and the presidents have been : Amos Troup, Cyrus Butler, George Jack-
son, Samuel Nightingale, Benjamin Aborn, John Barstow, Elisha Dyer,
Alexis Caswell, Rufus Waterman, Henry L. Kendall, and Nicholas Shel-
don. Mr. Jackson was succeeded as cashier by George Curtis, afterwards
cashier of the Bank of Commerce, in New York; Henry E. Hudson, Henry
G. Gladding, William H. Corey, and C. H. Sheldon. It became a national
bank in 1865, with a captial of $500,000, and the present directors are:
F. S. Brownell, Nicholas Sheldon, John A. Brown, Amos G. Nichols,
Lyman Klapp, Henry T. Beckwith, and William H. Pope.
THE ROGER WILLIAMs NATIONAL BANK was incorporated as a state
bank in 1803, and was the third bank chartered in Providence. The first
president was Seth Wheaton, and his successors have been Nehemiah R.
Knight, ex-governor; Jabez C. Knight, ex-mayor; Cyrus Harris, James
W. Taft, and Charles H. George, to the present time. The cashiers have
been : Nathan Waterman, Jr.; Nathaniel Smith, Wm. H. Waterman, and
Moses E. Torrey, the present incumbent. The original banking-house was
built on Market Square, in 1824. In 1865 it became a national bank, and
had a capital of $499,956, and a surplus of $100,000. The officers are:
Charles H. George, president; M. E. Torrey, cashier; directors: Gor-
ham Thurber, James W. Taft, Gorham P. Pomroy, Charles H. George,
J. B. Mason, Stillman White, Edward S. Aldrich.
THE MANUFACTURERs NATIONAL BANK was incorporated as a state
institution in 1813, and located in Pawtucket. The first board of directors
were: Oziel Wilkinson, Thomas Arnold, Joseph Harris, Samuel Arnold,
Ebenezer Tiffany, Samuel Slater, Jacob Dunnell, Timothy Greene, Samuel
W. Bridgham, Abraham Wilkinson, Thomas Burgess, Richard Waterman,
and Charles Dyer. It was removed to Providence in 1831, and has had as
presidents: Oziel Wilkinson, Samuel Slater, William Jenkins, Thomas
Harkness, Wm. A. Robinson, and Thomas Harkness, now in office. Joseph
Wheelock, Pardon Sayles, H. G. Usher, Daniel F. Carpenter, William S.
Patten, and Gilbert A. Phillips, now in office, constitute the successive
cashiers. It was reorganized as a national bank in 1865, with a capital
stock of $500,000, and a surplus of $240,000. Caleb Seagrave, Thomas
Harkness, Jeffrey Hazard, George W. Congdon, Elisha S. Aldrich, Gilbert
A. Phillips, Newton D. Arnold, and Charles Matteson, are the present
directors.
THE UNION BANK, which has always remained a state institution, occu-
pies a building near the bridge on Westminster Street, which was erected
for them, but unfinished in 1815, when the great gale caused the water in
the river to rise as high as the second story windows. It was chartered in
1814, and the first directors were: Ephraim Brown, Amos M. Atwell,
Samuel Aborn, Elisha Dyer, Amasa Mason, Samuel Ames, Ephraim Tal-
bot, James Rhodes, Benjamin Clifford, Isaac Bowen, Jr., and Richmond
Bullock. Six gentlemen have served in the presidential office, including
the present incumbent: Ephraim Bowen, Benjamin Clifford, Amasa Mason,
Elisha Dyer, John W. Ormsbee, James Y. Smith, Charles Nicols, Henry
G. Russell. Among the directors have been : Hezekiah Anthony, who
served in the office for fifty-three years; and Samuel G. Arnold, author
of a state history, and a lieutenant-governor. Its cashiers have been :
Richard Lippitt, Thomas B. Fenner, William J. King, James B. Haskins, and -
J. C. Johnson, who now holds the office. The capital is $500,000.
It discounts on Mondays, holds elections on the first Monday in Sep-
tember, and pays dividends the first week of January and July. George H.
Corliss, Henry G. Russell, Elisha Dyer, Jr., John H. Congdon, William
W. Dunnell, Joseph C. Johnson, William A. Tucker, and Johns W. Slater,
are the present board of director.
THE MERCHANTs’ NATIONAL BANK received its charter as a state bank,
under date of Feb. 18, 1818, and the first directors chosen were : William
Richmond, Andrew Taylor, Peleg Rhodes, Truman Beckwith, Samuel A.
Richmond, Randolph Chandler, Stephen H. Smith, John B. Wood,
Charles Porter, George S. Rathbone, Charles S. Bowen, Nathan Tingley,
and Grovenor Taft. Its affairs have been managed by three successive
presidents and seven cashiers, to the present time. William Richmond
presided from the commencement of business until 1850; Josiah Chapin,
until 1868; and Royal C. Taft, since that date. The cashier’s office has
been filled by Joseph Wheelock, Henry E. Hudson, Henry P. Knight, W.
B. Burdick, A. M. Tower, Charles T. Robbins, and John W. Vernon. It
became a national bank in 1865, with a capital of $1,000,000. Monday
morning is devoted to discounts, officers are elected on the second Tuesday
in January; and in April and October dividends are paid.
THE NATIONAL EAGLE BANK, No. 27 Market Square, was incorporated
February, 1818, as a state bank, and reorganized in April, 1865, as a
national bank, with a capital of $500,000. Its officers are: president, James
H. Mumford, 2d ; cashier, Charles F. Sampson; directors: Robert B.
Chambers, Edward A. Swift, John S. Palmer, James H. Mumford, 2d,
Robert Barton, Beriah Wall, William S. Hayward, John Waterman. Dis-
counts are made on Monday at Io.30 A. M. The annual election is held
on the second Tuesday in January. Dividends are made on the 15th of
May and November. Its past officers have been : presidents, Wheeler Martin,
William Church, Benjamin D. Weeden, William Sheldon, James S. Rhodes,
and Joseph Sweet; cashiers: John Lippitt, Stephen S. Wardwell, and John
A. Angell. Joseph Whitaker was one of the directors from 1818 to 1871,
and William Sheldon from 1818 to 1872. -
THE PHENIx NATIONAL BANK is the present name of the Farmers and
Mechanics Bank, of Pawtucket, chartered as a state institution in 1823, and
taking the present name when it was removed to Providence in 1829. The
first president was James F. Simmons, late United States Senator, who was
succeeded by Samuel B. Wheaton, and Edward Pearce. Jesse N. Olney
and Benjamin White were the first cashiers. It was reorganized as a
national bank in 1865. It has a capital of $450,000, and a surplus of $335,-
ooo. The officers are: Jonathan Chace, president; George E. Martin,
cashier; directors: Smith Owen, Franklin H. Richmond, John S. Orms-
bee, Scott W. Mowry, Jonathan Chace, Edward Pearce, Jr., George E.
Martin, Webster Knight, Henry A. Munroe.
THE LIME Rock NATIONAL BANK, No. 41 Westminster Street, was in-
corporated as a state bank in January, 1823, and reorganized as a national
bank on June 30, 1865, with a capital of $500,000. Its officers are: Thomas
J. Hill, president; John W. Angell, cashier; directors: Thomas J. Hill,
James Phetteplace, John W. Angell, Lyman Pierce, Fred. B. Evans,
James C. Goff, and John D. Lewis. Discounts are made on Mondays at
II A. M. The annual meeting is held on the second Tuesday in January.
Dividends are made on the fifth day of June and December. The name of
this bank is derived from that of the village in Smithfield, where it was
first located, and from which it was removed to Providence in 1847. The
cashier has been with the bank for thirty-three years. John Jenks was the
first president.
THE MECHANIcs NATIONAL BANK, No. 46 Weybosset Street, was incor-
porated in June, 1823, and reorganized as a national bank in 1865. It has a
captal of $500,000, and a surplus of $192,000. James H. Chace is presi-
dent, and Samuel H. Tingley, cashier. The directors are: Lewis Dexter,
Charles D. Owen, Eugene W. Mason, James H. Chace, Howard O. Sturges,
Rowland G. Hazard, 2d, Mortimer H. Hartwell. Discounts are made on
Mondays at 1o A. M. The annual election takes place on the second
Tuesday in January. Dividends are made January 1st, and July 1st. In
receiving subscriptions to the capital stock of the bank, a preference was
given to mechanics. The first board of directors consisted of Thomas
Howard, Peter Grinnell, William Pabodie, Stanford Newel, William T.
Grinnell, George Baker, John Larcher, William P. Greene, Joseph Howard.
Peter Grinnell was elected the first president, and Stanford Newel the first
cashier. Mr. Newel, however, resigned before the bank commenced busi-
ness, and Josiah Lawton was appointed in his place. -
THE NATIONAL BANK of North AMERICA, No. 48 Weybosset Street,
has a capital of $1,000,000. Its officers are: Jesse Metcalf, president; C.
E. Jackson, cashier; directors, Jesse Metcalf, Charles H. Merriman, A. D.
Chapin, Arnold B. Chace, Charles D. Owen, Lucian Sharpe, E. C. Buck-
lin, William Wanton Dunnell. Discounts are made on Monday, at IO.30
A. M., other days at 12 M. The annual election takes place the first Mon-
day in January. Dividends are made on the first Monday in January and
July. This bank received a state charter in 1823, and afterwards became a
national bank. The first president was Cyrus Butler; the second, Amory
Chapin; the third, Elisha Harris; the fourth, Seth Padelford; the last two
were governors of Rhode Island. -
THE FIFTH NATIONAL BANK, No. 54 North Main Street, has a capital of
$300,000. Its officer are: P. M. Mathewson, president; William R. Dun-
ham, cashier; directors, Parley M. Mathewson, James H. Read, Henry Sta-
ples, Henry J. Steere, Frank M. Mathewson, Joseph B. Knowles. Discounts
are made on Mondays and Thursdays at Io A. M. The annual election is
held on the second Tuesday in January. Dividends are made January 6th
and July 6th. It was incorporated as the Mechanics and Manufacturers
Bank in 1827, and became the Fifth National, March 30, 1865.
THE HIGH STREET BANK was incorporated in 1828, and has continued as
a state bank. The present capital is $120,000, and its officers are: Presi-
dent, John Austin; cashier, Elijah Allen; directors, Aaron B. Curry, Henry
Fiske, James B. Paine, Lester S. Hill, William H. Waite, Henry A. Grim-
wood, and John W. Briggs. Discount days are Monday and Thursday;
annual elections are held on the first Monday in August, and dividends are
declared in August and February.
THE BLAckstone CANAL NATIONAL BANK, No. 25 Market Square,
was chartered as a state bank in January, 1831, and organized as a national
bank in June, 1865, charter extended in June, 1885. Its capital is $500,000.
The officers are: William Ames, president; Oren Westcott, cashier; Robert
G. Manton, teller; William Chace, book-keeper; directors, F. S. Hoppin,
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
239
William Ames, Amos N. Beckwith, Charles F. Page, Herbert F. Hinckley,
Edward P. Chapin, Charles H. Sprague, George W. Butts, Jr. The bank
discounts on Mondays at 12 M.
THE GLOBE NATIONAL BANK, No. 48 Weybosset Street, was incorpor-
ated as a state bank in January, 1831, and reorganized as a national bank
in 1865. Its capital is $300,000. The following are its officers: President,
Benjamin A. Jackson; vice-president, Henry J. Steere; cashier, Theophilus
Salisbury; assistant cashier, George C. Noyes; directors, Benjamin A.
Jackson, Christopher Robinson, Henry J. Steere, Jesse Metcalf, Charles S.
Bush, Charles D. Owen, C. H. Sheldon, Jr., D. F. Longstreet. Discounts
are made on Monday at 12 M.
THE WEYBossET NATIONAL BANK, No. 55Westminster Street, was incor-
porated June, 1831, as a state bank, and reorganized as a national bank
in June, 1865, with a capital of $500,000. The officers are: George B.
Calder, president; Allys A. Jillson, cashier; H. F. Manchester, clerk;
directors, George B. Calder, F. M. Ballou, George W. Whitford, Augustus
Q. Bourn, James Tillinghast, George C. Eliott, Robert E. Northam, James
F. Field, Frank E. Seagrave. Discounts are made on Mondays at 11 A. M.
Dividends are paid on the sixth day of February and August.
THE RHODE ISLAND NATIONAL BANK, Nos. 19 and 21 Custom House
Street, was incorporated as Arcade Bank in June, 1831, and reorganized
under its present name in March, 1865, with a capital of $600,000; it has
now a surplus of $130,000. The officers are: Henry Lippitt, president;
F. A. Chase, cashier; directors, Henry Lippitt, Benjamin F. Thurston,
John R. Balch, W. W. Hoppin, E. Philip Mason, S. S. Sprague, William
T. Nicholson, F. I. Marcy, John McAuslan, Charles Fletcher. Discounts
are made on Mondays at II A. M. The annual election is held on the
second Tuesday in January. Dividends are made on the 1st of January and
July. Earle P. Mason and George B. Holmes were among the incorpor-
ators of this bank.
THE Commercial NATIONAL BANK, No. 53 Westminster Street, was
incorporated in 1833 as a state bank, and reorganized in 1865 as a national
bank, with a capital of $1,000,000. The officers are: Daniel E. Day,
president; Henry G. Arnold, cashier; directors, Daniel Day, Daniel E.
Day, Andrew Comstock, Eugene W. Mason, Thomas Harris, Amos C.
Barstow, Jr., Edward P. Taft, Isaac M. Potter. The bank discounts on
Mondays at 11 A. M. Dividends are declared January Ioth, and July 1oth.
THE CITY NATIONAL BANK, No. 98 Weybosset Street, was incorporated
as a state bank in 1833, and reorganized as a national bank in 1865. Its
capital is $500,000, and it has a surplus of $160,000. Amos C. Barstow is
the president; Henry A. Howland, vice-president; and Edwin A. Smith,
cashier. The directors are: Amos C. Barstow, Henry A. Howland, T.
A. Richardson, Charles Dudley, William B. Greene, Rowland Hazard,
Edwin A. Smith, Amos C. Barstow, Jr., and Joseph Davol. Discounts are
made on Mondays and Thursdays at IO.30 A. M. The annual election is
held on the second Tuesday in January, and dividends declared in January
and July. Mr. Barstow has been president since 1846, and a director since
1839. Anthony B. Arnold was the first president. Among the cashiers
were William R. Watson, Henry Earle, and Amos W. Snow.
THE OLD NATIONAL BANK, No. 21 Weybosset Street, was incorporated
as a state bank in October, 1833, and reorganized as a national bank, June
2, 1865, with a capital of $500,000. Its officers are: Christopher Lippitt,
president; Francis A. Cranston, cashier; directors, Henry C. Cranston,
James E. Cranston, Christopher Lippitt, Fred. W. Arnold, William T.
Barton, Charles J. Wheeler, D. Russell Brown, Julius Palmer. Discounts
are made on Monday at II A. M. The annual election takes place on the
second Tuesday in January. Dividends are made in January and July.
THE AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK, located at No. 97 Westminster Street,
was incorporated by the state in October, 1833, and reorganized as a
national bank in August, 1865. The capital is $1,437,650, and the officers
are: president, F. W. Carpenter; cashier, Horatio A. Hunt; vice-presi-
dent, E. N. Robinson; directors, Thomas Brown, E. H. Robinson, Wil-
liam Grosvenor, Jr., Francis W. Carpenter, Alfred A. Reed, George C.
Nightingale, Jr., Jeffrey Davis, Stephen H. Arnold.
THE TRADERs NATIONAL BANK, No. 4 Westminster Street, was incor-
porated as a state bank in 1836, and reorganized as a national bank in 1865.
It has a capital of $200,000. The officers are: Henry A. Webb, president;
Edwin Knight, cashier; directors, Henry A. Webb, Henry G. Tucker,
Lewis W. Anthony, Albert H. Manchester, Jr., William A. Tucker, Almon
Wade, William Sessions. The first president of this bank was Earl Car
penter, the founder of the ice business in this city. *
THE STATE BANK, No. 65 Westminster Street, was incorporated as a
state bank in May, 1850. It has a capital of $77,225. The officers are :
James B. Arnold, president; Henry B. Dean, cashier; directors, Samuel
W. Peckham, James B. Arnold, Henry B. Dean, Benjamin F. Arnold,
Hiram Kendall.
THE BANK of AMERICA, now located at No. 62 Weybosset Street, was
incorporated by the state in May, 1851, and has a capital of $200,000. Its
officers are : Zechariah Chafee, president; A. C. Tourtellot, cashier; Wil-
liam A. Capwell, clerk; directors, William Spencer, Zechariah Chaſee,
Solomon Tyler, William S. Hayward, Zechariah Chafee, Jr., Marsden J.
Perry, Leander R. Peck.
THE NATIONAL BANK OF COMMERCE, No. 4 Market Square, has a paid-
in capital of $1,709,200. The officers are: President, Robert Knight; vice-
president, Harvey E. Wellman; cashier, John Foster; directors, Edward
A. Greene, William B. Weeden, Robert Knight, George C. Nightingale,
Harvey E. Wellman, Henry F. Richards, Dutee Wilcox, Frederick Grin-
nell, William A. Spicers. Discounts are made on Monday at Io.30 A. M. The
annual election is held on the second Tuesday in January. Dividends are
made in April and October. This bank was incorporated as a state bank
in 1851, with Amos D. Smith as its first president. In 1865 it became one
of the national banks.
THE BUTCHERS AND DRovers BANK was incorporated by the state in
1853, and has a capital of $150,000. Its officers are: Benjamin B. Knight,
president; Newton C. Dana, cashier; directors, Benjamin B. Knight, Jere-
miah Knight, Edwin Knowles, Charles M. Sheldon, Newton C. Dana,
Edward Shaw, 2d, Henry Fiske.
THE ATLANTIC NATIONAL BANK is located at No. 62 Weybosset Street.
It was incorporated as a state institution in May, 1853, and reorganized as
a National bank April 6, 1883. Its has a capital of $225,000. The officers
are: Caleb G. Burrows, president; William R. Greene, cashier, and Walter
B. Angell, clerk. The following-named gentlemen are directors: Caleb
G. Burrows, Henry F. Richards, Charles Dudley, Henry P. Richmond,
Louis H. Comstock, Joseph Davol, William H. Ballou, and Herbert W. Ladd.
THE FourTH NATIONAL BANK was originally the Continental, a state
bank incorporated in 1853, and was reorganized as a national bank in
1865, with a capital of $500,000. Mr. Benjamin R. Almy was the first
president, and Rhodes B. Chapman the second president, who served about
forty years, and resigned in 1886 on account of ill health. Bailey W.
Evans is the third president. Albert G. Durfee was cashier until 1872, and
was succeeded by Henry R. Chace, and Thomas Boyd, Jr. The directors
are Bailey W. Evans, Ezekiel Owens, Christopher F. Keith, Henry R.
Chace, James Tucker, Thomas Boyd, Jr.
THE WESTMINSTER BANK, No. 56 Weybosset Street, has a capital of
$200,000. The officers are: Eli Aylesworth, president; A. W. Simons,
cashier; Ira C. W. Aylsworth, teller; directors, Eli Aylesworth, Arnold
B. Chace, George H. Darling, Edward D. Bassett, Oliver Johnson,
Henry A. Cary, William O. Cornell, William H. Washburn, Micah J. Tal-
bot. Discounts are made on Mondays at 11 A. M. This was incorporated
as a state bank in 1854, with a capital of $109,000.
THE JACKson BANK, No. 29 Weybosset Street, was incorporated as a
state bank in May, 1854. It now has a capital of $344,450. The officers
are: President, Cornelius S. Sweetland; cashier, George E. Leonard;
teller, Edwin T. Herrick; directors, Cornelius S. Sweetland, Amos M.
Warner, Theodore B. Talbot, Thomas F. Peirce, George W. Bradford, Gil-
bert F. Robbins, George E. Leonard.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK, No. 47 Westminster Street, has a capital
of $500,000. Its officers are: H. H. Thomas, president; G. L. Littlefield,
vice-president; C. E. Lapham, cashier; directors, H. H. Thomas, F. N.
King, George H. Dart, Z. Chafee, G. L. Littlefield, Samuel P. Colt, B. B.
Knight, S. A. Jenks. Discounts are made on Mondays at 12 M. Dividends
are declared in May and November. This institution succeeds the Mercan-
tile, a state bank chartered in 1854, and was organized as a national bank,
Feb. 25, 1863, and twenty years later its charter was extended. The presi-
dents have been Amasa Sprague, William Sprague, Samuel Foster, Nelson
W. Aldrich, William J. King.
THE THIRD NATIONAL BANK, No. 137 Westminster Street, was organized
in 1864, with a capital of $500,000. The officers are : Oliver A. Washburn,
Jr., president; Frank W. Gale, cashier; directors, Oliver A. Washburn,
Jr., William F. Sayles, William P. Chapin, A. L. Sayles, George W. Snow,
John Eddy. This bank was organized from the Marine Bank, which was
incorporated in 1856.
THE Second NATIONAL BANK, No. 56 Westminster Street, was incor-
porated in 1864, and has a capital of $300,000. Its officers are: James M.
Kimball, president; William W. Paine, cashier; directors, James M.
Kimball, William W. Paine, John P. Campbell, James H. Chace, Edward
P. Taft, John C. Wyman.
THE CITIZENs SAVINGs BANK is located at the rooms of the High
Street Bank, and is mainly under the management of the same persons.
The president is John Austin; secretary and treasurer, E. Allen; and the
directors are: William S. Hayward, James B. Paine, Henry Fisk, Fitz-
James Rice, Silas A. Sweet, Lester S. Hill, John W. Briggs, Fred. M.
Kenyon, and Charles Law. The dividends are payable in January and
July, and interest on deposits begins with the first of each month. The
number of depositors is 3,169; the largest amount due any one depositor is
$41,241.25; the average rate of dividend for the last three years is four and
24O
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
five-sixths per cent. per annum; the amount of deposits is $2,122,321.22.
There has been a steady increase in the number of depositors in this bank
for the past ten years, as well as in the amounts on deposit, which have
been : $565,838. II, $780,467.80, $837,087.23, $843,282.OI, $966,029.09,
$1,102,518.06, $1,199,553.58, $1,587,837. 18, $1,922,230. II, $2,122,321.22.
In 1876 there were 756 depositors reported; in the last report of the state
auditor the number is given as 3,169.
THE CITY SAviNGs BANK, located at No. 21 Weybosset Street, directly
opposite the Post-Office, may be considered as the outgrowth of the Old
National Bank located in the same building, since the offices of each are
largely held by the same gentlemen. President, Henry J. Steere; vice-
presidents, Henry C. Cranston, John S. Palmer, James E. Cranston;
treasurer, George K. Cranston; secretary and treasurer, E. Allen; directors,
Christopher Lippitt, Dutee Wilcox, Amos M. Beckwith, Charles J. Wheeler,
J. W. Crooker, Jeffrey Davis, D. Russell Brown, George W. B. Brown,
J. U. Starkweather, John H. Cady. It is open every legal business day,
and declares dividends semi-annually in January and July.
JAckson INSTITUTION For SAVINGs, in connection with Jackson Bank,
No. 29 Weybosset Street, is a favorite place of deposit for women and
minors, because by its charter they are allowed to control their deposits.
Charles A. Boyd is the president; Albert H. Manchester, Amos A. War-
ner, and Gilbert F. Robbins, vice-presidents; George E. Leonard, treas-
urer and secretary; Gilbert F. Robbins, Alexander Manchester, George
W. Bradford, Lorin M. Cook, and A. W. Codding, directors. It declares
dividends in February and August.
THE MECHANICs SAVINGs BANK was incorporated in July, 1854, and
though more recently organized than some older savings banks, ranks
second only to the oldest, the Providence Institution for Savings, in extent
of business and amount of deposits. The saving's bank is located at No. 98
Weybosset Street, and is the offspring of the City National Bank which occu-
pies an adjoining bank room, and was incorporated as a state bank in 1833,
and reorganized as a national bank in 1865. The condition of the Mechanics-
Saving's Bank, as shown by the last annual return made to the state audi-
tor in November last is as follows: Total amount of deposits to date, $6,-
241,711.46; whole number of depositors, Io,241; largest single deposit,
$39,426.28. The following-named gentlemen are the present officers of the
Mechanics Savings Bank: president, Amos C. Barstow; vice-presidents,
Rowland G. Hazard, Charles Anthony, Zechariah Chafee; directors,
Thomas A. Richardson, Oliver Johnson, Charles Dudley, William B.
Greene, Henry F. Richards, Charles H. Sprague, John McAuslan, Edward
P. Chapin, Louis H. Comstock, Edwin A. Smith, Henry T. Root, Charles
C. Harrington; treasurer and secretary, William Knight.
THE MERCHANTs SAVINGs BANK is located in the banking rooms of
the Lime Rock National Bank, No. 41 Westminster Street. James S.
Phetteplace is president, and George W. Whitford, Edwin G. Angell, and
Fred. B. Evans are vice-presidents. The directors are: Henry B. Met-
calf, Elisha W. Peirce, Bailey W. Evans, Sylvester G. Martin, Charles F.
Sampson, Christopher R. Drowne, Augustus F. Lamb, James C. Goff,
Frank E. Seagrave, and William Sessions. John W. Angell is treasurer
and secretary. The bank is open daily for business, and dividends are
made in January and July.
THE PEOPLEs SAVINGs BANK, the next oldest after the Providence
Institution for Savings, was incorporated in May, 1851, and is located on
the ground floor of the Bank building, No. 1 Market Square, corner of
Canal Street, the former site of the famous old Coffee House. The
Peoples Savings Bank has always maintained the leading position it
still firmly holds among the financial institutions of the city, and has
weathered all the monetary panics since its organization without the
slightest loss of its credit and reputation. Its present status is shown by
its last annual return to the state auditor to be as follows: Total deposits,
$5,232,921.79; whole number of depositors, 8,135; largest single deposit,
$43,674.81. The names of its present board of officers are as follows:
president, Robert Knight; vice-presidents, Edward P. Taft, Eugene W.
Mason, George C. Nightingale; directors, Charles E. Carpenter, Henry
F. Smith, Francis W. Carpenter, Daniel Day, John B. Anthony, Daniel
E. Day, Andrew Comstock, Horatio N. Campbell, Alfred A. Reed, Jr.,
Webster Knight, James H. Chace, Harvey E. Wellman; treasurer and
secretary, John G. Massie; assistant treasurer, Gilbert H. Hogan; clerk,
Frank D. Ford.
THE PROvIDENCE INSTITUTION For SAVINGs, the first savings bank
established in this city, was incorporated by the General Assembly in the
year 1819, and in November of the same year opened banking-rooms on
the west side of South Main Street, nearly opposite the Providence Bank,
and commenced business under its new charter, receiving deposits at first
only one day in the week, every Saturday, from 12.30 to 2 o'clock, P. M., and
since has held the leading position among the savings banks of the city
and state. The old Providence Bank was the parent of the Institution for
Savings. For many years the savings bank business was done in the base-
ment story of the Providence Bank House, until it was removed to the new
granite building erected for it on South Main Street, next south of the
Providence Bank building, to secure the larger rooms that the great in-
crease of the business of the bank required.
After a career of steady progress in business for twenty-three years, in
January, 1842, this institution had 2,150 depositors, whose total deposits
amounted to $297,547. During the forty-four years that have elapsed since
that time, both depositors and deposits have enormously augumented in
number and amount until now, the annual return of the bank, made to the
state auditor last November, shows that the total deposits then were $11,-
ogo,075; total depositors, 27,879; largest single deposit, $7,500. The
present officers of the bank are as follows: President, William Goddard;
vice-president, Royal C. Taft, George W. R. Matteson, Lucian Sharpe;
directors, William W. Hoppin, William Gammell, Samuel R. Dorrance,
Robert I. Gammell, R. H. I. Goddard, Rufus Waterman, S. M. Noyes,
William B. Weeden, H. N. Campbell, Jr., Edward D. Pearce, Jr., John W.
Danielson, Howard O. Sturges; treasurer, William A. Hoppin; assistant
treasurer, Le Baron Bradford; accountant, S. T. Ball; clerks, Joseph Balch,
John H. Ormsbee, Arthur C. Miller, William H. Congdon; janitor, John
E. Church.
For many years this venerable banking institution has been familiarly
known to this community as one of the financial land-marks of the city,
and is an object of interest to many besides its fortunate depositors.
THE RHoDE ISLAND HospitaL TRUST CoMPANY, No. 60 South Main
Street, was incorporated as a state institution in May, 1867. It has a capital
of $800,000. The officers are: Herbert J. Wells, president; William H.
Latham, vice-president, ; Edward S. Clark, secretary; directors, Amos
C. Barstow, Zechariah Chafee, Christopher Lippitt, Samuel M. Noyes,
Royal C. Taft, R. H. I. Goddard, G. W. R. Matteson, S. S. Sprague, Wil-
liam D. Ely, Robert I. Gammell, William Binney, William B. Weeden,
Rowland Hazard, Edward D. Pearce, Jr., Henry J. Steere, Horatio N.
Campbell, Robert Knight, John W. Danielson, Herbert J. Wells, John C.
Pegram. Deposits are received and interest allowed upon daily balances.
Deposits may also be made with this company upon the same principle as
in savings banks, and depositors will be entitled to participate in the profits
of the company. The company issues letters of credit available in all parts
of the world. The company is empowered by its charter to act as admin-
istrator, assignee, or receiver, whether by appointment of courts or indi-
, viduals.
Within the last thirty-five years private banking houses have been estab-
lished in Providence that have exerted considerable influence in financial
circles. One of the pioneers in this line was the house of D. W. Vaughn
& Company, founded in 1853. Three years later, the house of Jackson &
Butts sprung up, which after various changes in the partnership, is now
represented by Wilbour, Jackson & Company. A. Wall & Son began busi-
ness in 1859, and after the senior retired, in 1865, the son, Beriah Wall,
continued until 1877. D. I. Brown & Company, and Joseph Bourn & Com-
pany, were among the older concerns which have passed away. Henry C.
Cranston, who is doing a prosperous business at 37 Weybosset Street, and
who sustains an unblemished reputation as a banker, may be classed with
the veterans in the business, as may also Henry Pearce, at 45 Weybosset
Street, he having first engaged in this business as clerk, in 1857.
Messrs. Spencer Trask & Company, general bankers and brokers, opened
business at No. 13 Westminster Street, in April, 1883, and were at that
time the only members of the New York Stock Exchange doing busi-
ness here; they were also the first brokers to offer Providence investors
the advantages of the regular stock-exchange commission of one-eighth
of one per cent. This enterprising firm is composed of Mr. Spencer
Trask and Mr. George F. Peabody,+both members of the New York Stock
Exchange, and resident in that city,+and Mr. Samuel C. Blodget, Jr., who
resides in Providence, and manages the local office. By means of their
excellent business connections, the house is able to offer exceptional facil-
ities in the way of private wires to New York, Boston, Philadelphia,
Albany, and Saratoga. They make a specialty of railroad and municipal
bonds, and stock commission business. The house also receives deposits
and allows interest on balances, negotiates loans and commercial paper,
and deals in miscellaneous stock at the usual commissions. The charac-
ter of the New York house, of which that in Providence is a branch, is
above reproach, and it is regarded to-day as one of the leading houses
on Wall Street. With such a reputation and backing, the business in this
city has steadily increased from the start, and it now ranks as one of the
best stock houses in New England. The business was established in its
present location, Nos. 5 and 7 Exchange Street, in October, 1886, in offices
especially built and arranged for the firm.
Among the other prominent private banking and brokerage firms, are
Chace & Butts, and Mead & Earle. * *
CHAPTER XIV.
THE MANUE ACTURING INTERESTS OF THE STATE.
MANUFACTURING IN EARLY COLONIAL DAYS — MANUFACTURING BRANCHES INTRODUCED PREVIOUS TO THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR —
DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD — INTRODUCTION OF POWER SPINNING— SAMUEL SLATER — PRINT WORKS – INTRODUC-
TION OF THE FACTORY SYSTEM — WOOLEN MANUFACTURING – INTRODUCTION OF THE POWER LOOM – EXTENT OF COTTON
AND WOOL MANUFACTURING IN 1815 – INTRODUCTION OF STEAM AS A MANUFACTURING MOTOR — COTTON MANUFACTURING
STATISTICs—STEAM ENGINE MANUFACTURING, ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT – INCREASE OF MACHINE SHOPs, FOUNDRIES AND
TANNERIEs—THE SCREw INDUSTRY –RUBBER GOODS–STOVE FOUNDING-FILEs—MODERN woolEN INDUSTRY — BRIck,
GAs, BOOTS AND SHOEs, READY-MADE CLOTHING, HAIR CLOTH, AND OTHER MODERN INDUSTRIES — FAMILIES PROMINENT IN
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE INDUSTRIES — THE BROWNS AND BROWN & IVES — THE SLATERS — THE SPRAGUES — THE
GROSVENORS — THE KNIGHTS — THE FLETCHER MANUFACTURING COMPANY — OTHER NOTED NAMES IN THE MANUFACTURING
HISTORY OF THE STATE — CHARLES FLETCHIER — THE AMERICAN MULTIPLE FABRIC COMPANY — THE PROVIDENCE DYEING,
BLEACHING AND CALENDERING COMPANY — TOWN CLASSIFICATION OF TEXTILE MANUFACTORIES — H. L. ALDRICH.
SAMUEL SLATER,
''The Father of American Manufactures,”
IF by the term manufacturing is meant what is the literal ren-
dering of the word, the process of making by hand either through
the use of mechanism or immediately, then manufacturing has
always been carried on by man since the first rude effort of the
barbarians formed the handle on a broken bough and made of it a
club. In this sense of the word the Narragansett Indians were
manufacturers, and they had developed the principle of division
of labor to a large extent. There were among them coiners, who
made and issued the wanpum money in use along the coast,
canoe makers, spear makers, bow and arrow manufacturers,
pottery makers; and many other branches of art were carried on
by natives of the tribe, who were devoted each to his specialty.
In the same sense the word must be used in describing the
manufactures of the colony for the first one hundred years and
more of its growth. Within the last century, however, a new
use and meaning for the word has sprung up. As at present
applied, it refers to a system whereby large amounts of machinery
for perfecting and cheapening the process of making goods are
gathered in factories, and persons are there collected to operate
such machinery. The products of such factories are what is now
generally meant when we speak of manufacturing products, and
the process as effected in such factories is meant, unless the phrase
is specially qualified by “manufacturing processes,” while the
persons, firms, or corporations controlling such processes and
workmen are known as manufacturers. This distinction is well
illustrated in the boot and shoe manufacture, one of the latest
to make the change. A man working at the bench and making
a shoe through all its parts with his own hands and hand tools,
is a shoe-maker; a man owning a factory, where division of labor
is practiced, where machines are used as far as possible in each
branch of the work of making shoes, is a shoe manufacturer,
and is often totally ignorant of the handicraft of the business he
follows. This distinction needs to be carefully observed while
reading this chapter, as the development of the manufacturing
interests of Rhode Island was not so much the increase of manu-
facturing in the first sense of the word as it was the evolution of
the system implied in the latter. Yet it was from the first that
the latter grew. The first phase resulted from the ability of the
people to perceive that they could utilize the material furnished
by the country by a process of manufacturing, so that the product
could be sold at a profit. The second phase resulted from
the development of mechanical skill, by which improved goods
could be made in a cheaper manner, and thus the markets con-
trolled. The tracing out of the growth of these early industries
is an interesting process. The first branch of manufacturing, ex-
clusive of those entirely domestic, excepting, perhaps, the grist
mills, which were introduced at the same time, was one that
applied to the utilization of the forest products. In Rhode Island,
lumber was sawed “at the pit” as early as 1639–40. The home
prices were fixed by law at eight shillings a hundred for sawed
boards, seven shillings for half-inch boards, and a proportionate
rate for clap-boards and fencing. This lumber trade grew rapidly
and the number of saw-mills increased. From the facilities fur-
nished by this business early grew the manufacture of ships, a
vessel of 150 tons having been built in Rhode Island — probably
at Newport — in 1646, and the business soon afterwards became
firmly established in Narragansett Bay. With the ship-building
came blacksmithing, the making of tar, rope making, and the
preparation of other ship stores, which, with its commerce, made
Newport a place of great activity in the early days.
In Providence, there were at that time a grist mill, saw mills,
blacksmiths, and cordwainers (shoe makers). Tradition says that

242
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
the earliest lime used in the colony was shell lime, but as early
as 1662 permission was granted by vote of the town to a Mr.
Hacklet, to burn lime, and to take wood and stone from the
Common for that purpose. This vote probably referred to lime
from the deposits in Lincoln, as the deposits in Johnston were
not worked until a later day. Before King Philip's War, joiners,
as they were called, began in Providence the manufacture of vari-
ous articles of household furniture. This branch of manufactur-
ing had probably been earlier introduced at Newport.
The first extensive iron works in the colony were established
by Joseph Jencks on the Providence side of the Blackstone River,
at Pawtucket Falls before King Philip's War. His works were
destroyed during that war, but were rebuilt and enlarged imme-
diately thereafter. He was a large manufacturer for those days,
having a blacksmith's forge, a saw-mill, and a carpenter's shop,
and it is interesting to note that some of his descendants ever since
that time have been engaged in some branch of the iron indus-
try. The next iron industry of importance to be established in
the colony was the anchor forge of the Greene family, on Poto-
womut River, established between 1720 and 1730. Here General
Greene passed his early days, and here were forged the anchors
for most of the shipping made throughout the Narragansett Bay
up to the time of the Revolutionary War. The Greenes had
also, in connection with their forge, a grist mill.
In 1735 Samuel Waldo erected Hope Furnace, on the Paw-
tuxet River. This appears to have been one of the first successful
foundries within the colony, though at the time it was built there
had been three furnaces at Cumberland, which were, however,
then, or shortly after, abandoned. These furnaces were in the
nature of smelting furnaces and foundries combined. They used
Rhode Island bog iron ore mostly, mixing it with ore imported
from Pennsylvania.
About the year 1738, the manufacture of axes was introduced
into Rhode Island and Connecticut by Hugh Orr. Later in the
century scythes were largely made on the Branch River, in the
northern part of the state.
The coal used in these iron industries was charcoal, manufac-
tured in the colony; in fact, the manufacture of charcoal was one
of the earliest industries introduced here, the first blacksmiths
making use of it.
Besides these successful industries, the colony through the
earlier part of the eighteenth century made strenuous efforts to
encourage the growth of flax and hemp, and the manufacture of
these products into merchantable goods. Liberal bounties were
offered, and William Borden was granted a loan to establish a
manufactory of “ duck” at Newport. After he had continued his
efforts for many years the colony finally became discouraged,
withheld its bounties, and the industry declined. Before the year
1745, a fulling mill was established at Newport,- of the extent
of its business we have no means of determining. Efforts were
continually made to diversify the manufacturing interests of the
country, but they were as constantly checked by the course of the
English authorities, who used every means in their power to pre-
vent the manufacture of any goods here that could be advanta-
geously made and sold by English manufacturers. Tanning was
from early days an extensive industry, especially at Providence,
as this was not supposed to conflict with the English interests;
but almost every other branch of manufacturing was discouraged
by them to the utmost of their power. An attempt was made to
introduce the raising and manufacture of silk, that being an in-
dustry exempt from English competition, and in 1758 silk was
raised and sold at Newport, but it never proved a profitable
venture.
About the middle of the eighteenth century, Dr. Vandelight
introduced in Providence the new Dutch process of separating
the spermaceti from the sperm oil, with which it is combined in
the natural state. This was very successfully practiced here for
years; but that manufacture has since passed away. In 1765
there was a large and complete paper mill established at Olneyville,
near where Daniel Rutenburg had established a mill of the same
kind twenty or more years before.
At a period just previous to the commencement of the Revolu-
tionary War, Newport, if not the largest, was the busiest town on
the coast of North America. It had five rope-walks in operation in
1769. Its distilleries and ship-building establishments were num-
erous, and in the various branches of handicraft manufactures it
was probably more fully equipped than any other town in the
English colonies. In the matter of distilleries, Providence was
not much behind Newport, and Bristol and Warren each did an
ample share. In Providence, brass-founding was introduced
about 1762 by Daniel Jackson, and new iron foundries were
erected about this time. Up the Blackstone Valley, above the ex-
...tensive iron works at Pawtucket, at Union Forge so called, now
Manville, was an extensive blacksmithing establishment, where
Oziel Wilkinson, with his seven sons, all of whom afterwards
became noted in the industrial history of the state, was engaged in
the business of iron working. At Woonsocket was a small grist-
mill and a saw-mill. In Coventry, the Greenes had opened an
extensive works, being a branch of their establishment at Poto-
womut, above mentioned, and a smelting furnace was being
opened by John Brown & Company, in the same district. With
the exception of a few saw and grist-mills these include nearly all
the manufacturing interests then in the colony, and these were all,
compared with the establishments of to-day, very small concerns.
From just before the commencement of the Revolutionary War
to its close no advances were made in manufacturing, except in
those matters directly connected with the war. Gunpowder,
cannons, guns, muskets, swords, and pistols were made in and
around Providence. Ships were built for the continental navy
and for the navy of the State of Rhode Island, and to serve as
privateers. The only invention in the arts of peace noted during
the Revolutionary War, was the cold-cut nail, made by one of
the Wilkinsons, who had previous to that, in the year 1775, sig-
nalized himself by making the first cold-cut tacks known in
America. After the close of the Revolutionary War, John
Brown established at India Point a glass-house, and rope-walks
and a ship-building establishment were located in the same region.
About this time a great ‘interest became excited in Providence
and elsewhere in the United States, as to the possibility of spin-
ning cotton, woolen, and flax by some more expeditious means
than the old-fashioned spinning wheel. We realize the need
of this improvement, when we find that there were made in the
households of Rhode Island, in 1790, thirty thousand yards of
woolen cloth, and in 1791, twenty-five thousand two hundred and
sixty-five yards of linen, and five thousand eight hundred and
fifty-eight yards of “cotton,” (probably a cloth with a woolen or
linen warp and cotton filling, as cotton, with the means then in
use, could not be spun into a yarn of the quality required in a
“warp.”) In 1787 Daniel Anthony, in connection with three
other mechanics, made a spinning frame of thirty-two spindles,
which was set up and operated by hand-power, making the first
thread ever spun in this state, if not in the country, by other
means than the spinning-wheel. This machine was valuable
chiefly as showing what could be done in that line by machinery.
It was too heavy to be worked by hand-power, and too loosely
built to stand the strain of running it by water-power, as was
shown when the same was sold to Moses Brown and he at-
tempted to operate it by water-power at Pawtucket. It was
known in the United States that Richard Arkwright had, years
before, in England, discovered a system of power spinning, but
THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. 243
the secret had been well kept, and American mechanics had been
forced to rely on their own inventive powers to overcome the
difficulty of the problem. In 1790 “jennies” and “billies,” with
cards for spinning of cotton filling which could be used with
linen warps, had been set up at Providence and other places in
the United States, but their imperfection was so great as to pre-
clude the manufacture of cotton cloth or cotton yarn for warps.
During this year Samuel Slater, who had been in the employ of
Strutt & Arkwright, makers of the Arkwright machines in Eng-
land, came to this country, and was employed by Moses Brown to
operate the above-mentioned Anthony “jennie,” at Pawtucket.
Upon seeing it, he pronounced it worthless, for the reasons above
given, and offered to construct a series of machines on the Ark-
wright plan, he having at the time no model or drawing of the
same, but a knowledge of their construction from having worked
upon them. Mr. Brown had faith enough in Mr. Slater's ability
to accept his offer, and in fourteen months a complete series of
machines on the Arkwright plan was constructed by him and in
operation at Pawtucket. On it was made the first cotton thread
ever spun by water-power in the United States. It was found
capable of spinning cotton warps superior to linen. While these
experiments had been made in cotton spinning, the fly shuttle
seems to have been introduced into the United States in 1788, by
Joseph Alexander, at Providence. The manufacture of cards
had been introduced into Rhode Island ; and it is said that in
1789 a carding factory at Providence sold cards in England at
a profit. In 1789–90, John Fullem, an Irish stocking-weaver,
set up a stocking frame at East Greenwich, which he after-
wards sold to Moses Brown. In 1794 a chocolate mill stood
on the site of the Franklin Foundry and in it Schaub, Dissot &
Dubosque opened a print works. India cottons were used in this
establishment. The printing was done by wooden blocks, each
block requiring a separate engraving. The cloth was spread on
a table, and the stamping done by hand. At about this time an
extensive business was done that has since entirely passed away—
the manufacture of chocolate. Beside the chocolate mill above
spoken of, there were a dozen mills or more in Providence and
vicinity engaged in that manufacture, and the now thriving vil-
lage of Central Falls was known as Chocolateville. In 1790
David Wilkinson patented a machine for making screws. Then,
or shortly after, at Pawtucket Falls, North Providence, there
were three anchor forges, one slitting mill, two nail-cutting
machines, one turning mill, one oil mill, three snuff mills, one
grist mill, one cotton factory, one clothier's works, and three
fulling mills, all carried by water.
The introduction of power spinning seems to have marked a
period of the commencement of the change in manufacturing from
the old handicraft system to the modern factory system. The
first introduction of this factory system was mainly applied to the
making of cotton yarns, though it was applied soon after to many
other branches of manufacturing, as improved labor-saving and
perfecting machinery was invented and applied to them. As
might be expected, the general principles of cotton spinning was
soon applied to the spinning of wool, but the first attempt at
woolen manufacturing in a factory in Rhode Island was at Peace-
dale, South Kingstown, in 1804, when Joseph Congdon and John
Warner Knowles set up a carding machine at that place. At this
time all the weaving of cloths in this country was done on hand
looms. The first power loom employed in this country seems to
have been employed in the woolen industry, and was invented by
Thomas R.Williams about the year 1812, intended for the weav-
ing of saddle-girths and other webbing. These looms were
started in 1814 at Peacedale, South Kingstown. The first power
looms employed in the cotton manufacture were made by David
Wilkinson, being an improvement upon a Scotch power loom
JOHN SLATER,
One of the Earliest Spinners of Cotton.
which was brought to this country by William Gilmour, and the
improved loom was set up in the Lyman Mills, North Provi-
dence, in 1817. Although laboring under the disadvantage of
depending upon hand-work for their weaving, the cotton-spin-
ning mills had been increasing rapidly within the last twenty
years, and in 1815 there were, within a radius of thirty miles
of Providence, over one hundred and forty thousand spindles in
use, spinning and using 29,000 bales of cotton, and making
27,840,000 yards of cloth annually. These mills were in small
buildings, and one with 700 spindles was, for that day, con-
sidered large; while a mill of from one hundred and eighty to two
hundred and forty spindles was not a rarity. This will give an
adequate idea of the number of mills at that time; and the ratio
of the growth of the industry is shown by the fact that there
were in Rhode Island in 1807 but twelve cotton mills; in 1810
there were eighteen cotton mills in operation and seven in pro-
cess of construction, all but one being located near Providence.
These seventeen mills in operation in 1810 contained 14, 196
spindles, consumed annually 640,000 pounds of cotton, produc-
ing 510,000 pounds of yarn. From the yarn was woven tickings,
which sold at from fifty-five to ninety cents per yard; checks,
sold at thirty to forty-two cents per yard; sheetings, at thirty-
five to seventy-five cents per yard. The cost of weaving was
eight cents per yard. In 1811 there were thirty-seven mills in
Rhode Island, operating 32,786 spindles. In 1813 the cotton mills
of Providence and vicinity operated 120,000 spindles and con-
sumed 6,000,000 pounds of cotton per annum, making II,000
pounds of yarn weekly.
In the woolen industry, Rhode Island had in 1810, twelve mills.
There were thirteen rope-walks and twenty-eight saw-mills in
the state, and a very large interest in the hat and cap manufac-
ture. In 1809 there were made in Rhode Island 50,000 hats and
caps, and in 181o fur and wool hats were made in Providence to
the value of $269,992. The fluctuations of this business has
been very great.
The jewelry interest was rapidly growing into importance,
as will be seen in the chapter devoted to that subject. The com-
paratively new interest of machine building was growing with
the demand for cotton, woolen and other machinery. In 1812,

244
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
the Providence Woolen Manufacturing Company, whose works
were at that time the largest of the kind in the United States,
producing daily from thirty to sixty yards of woolen cloth, in-
troduced steam as a motive power in their works. This was the
commencement of still a new era in manufacturing, but the im-
perfect machinery of those days, and the enormous expense of
making steam with wood fuel, prevented its rapidly coming into
vogue. The improvements in steam engines, largely the work
of Providence talent, together with the substitution of mineral
coal for wood, has not only built up the immense steam engine
building industry, but joined with the energy and ability of our
citizens, has rendered it possible for all other branches of manu-
facturing to assume their present proportions. The second steam
engine used in manufacturing in Providence, was erected by
Whitney & Hoppin, in 1814, in the Providence Dyeing and Calen-
dering establishment. It was built by Evans, of Philadelphia,
and cost including transportation, war insurance, etc., $17,000.
We note as a matter of history, that the hemp and flax goods
manufactory, on which so much time, talent, and money, had been
expended in the colonial days, ceased to exist in Rhode Island in
this same year of 1814. The paper manufacturing industry, of
which we have spoken, continued to exist. We find that in 1820,
there were five paper mills in Rhode Island. About 1820 there
was a lively interest excited, and renewed attempts made, at culti-
vating and manufacturing silk, and in 1823, Dr. Benjamin Dyer
wore at the fair of the Rhode Island Society for the Encourage-
ment of Domestic Industry, an entire suit of silk, which had
been made from silk raised and manufactured by his family. It
is interesting, perhaps, as a matter of history, to know that a
suit has been made from silk raised and manufactured in Rhode
Island; but commercially considered, the industry has not been a
success. By 1826 cotton manufacturing had grown to such pro-
portions that Rhode Island contained 110 mills, averaging seven
hundred spindles each, each spindle consuming one hundred and
forty pounds of cotton per annum. From that time to 188o the
enlargement of the cotton business may be summarized as
follows:
STATIstics of THE Cotton INDUSTRY OF RHodE ISLAND FROM 1831
* TO 1880.
Year. Mills. Spindles. Looms. Employes. Male Female Youth and
- Employes. Employes Children.
1831 - . 116. . . .235,753. . . . . 5,773. . . . . 8,500. . . . I,731 . . . .3,297. . . . . . .3,472
1850. I58. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Io,875. . . . 4,959. . . . 5,916. . . . . . . . . . . .
1860. . I53. . . .814,554. . . . . 17,315. . . . I4,077. . . . 6,353. . . .7,724. . . . . . . . . . .
1870. . 139. , 1,043,242. . . . . 18,075. . . . 16,745. . . . 5,583. . . .8,028. . . . . . . 3,134
1880. . II.5. I,764,569. . . . . 29,669. . . . 21,174. . . . 8,045. . . . 9,199. . . . . . . 3,930
Capital Invested. Wages Paid. Pounds of Cotton Consumed.
1831 . . . . . $6,262,340. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . * @ e º te e º 'º Io,414,578
1850. . . . . . 6,675,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . e e e o e º e s e e e º e o e e º e 22,820,850
1860. . . . . . Io,052,2OO. . . . . . . . . . . $2,847,804 . . . . . . . . . . . . 41,614,797
1870. . . . . . 18,836,300. . . . . . . . . . . 5,224,650 . . . . . . . . . . . .44,630,787
1880 . . . . . . 28,047,331 . . . . . . . . . . . 5,32O,3O3 - - - - - - - - - - - 81,137,172
COTTON INDUSTRY FOR 1889.
Value of raw materials. . . . . . . . . . • * * * * * ... • - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - . . . . . . $12,291,437
Goods manufactured (pounds) . . . . . . . o e e o e s e e e e e e º e o e o e o e o e s e 60,905,642
Value of products. . . . . . . . . . . . . © tº e º ſº e º e º e > tº e º O Q & e G c e º e º e o e e e
$2,257,511 greater than any other census year.
Since 1880 the business has been increasing in each of its departments.
In 1817, the steamboat “Firefly” first entered the waters of
our harbor. Excepting ineffectual efforts by the Providence
mechanic, Elijah Ormsbee, this was the first steamboat ever seen
in our waters. It was not a success. The engine was cumber-
some and awkward, and the expense of the consumption of wood
fuel was so great for the result in the way of locomotion pro-
duced, that the vessel could not compete with the fleet sloops
running from here to Newport. There were, however, men
in Providence who saw the possibilities concealed under this
failure, and devoted themselves to the problems involved in steam
navigation. When in the year 1822, steamers commenced run-
ning between here and New York, making the passage in twenty-
three hours, and consuming fourteen cords of wood per trip,
John Babcock was at work upon his improved engine and boilers,
by which, in 1826, he was enabled to propel the steamer “Bab-
cock” from Newport to New York, with a consumption of only
one and three-quarter cords of wood, and at a much higher rate
of speed. Babcock subsequently established himself as a steam-
boat engine builder, at the east side of the Providence River.
This may be said to be the practical commencement of steam
engine building in Rhode Island. Engines had been built here
before, — even as early as shortly after the Revolutionary War a
steam engine had been constructed by Joseph Brown, of the
“Brown brothers,” to remove the water from the pits of their ore
diggings at Hope Furnace, —but not by parties making the build-
ing of engines a regular business.
At about the same time a smelting furnace, iron refinery,
machine shop, and engine works, were started on the west side
of the river, where our fathers hoped to perform every process,
from the smelting of the ore to the completion of the perfected
engine at one establishment. This enterprise was too complex,
and, as might be expected, was a failure. Mr. Babcock's enter-
prise continued to exist, and, with varied changes of ownership,
has come down to us as the Providence Steam Engine Company.
With the increase in the cotton and woolen mills came an
increased demand for, and production of, many other manufac-
tures incidentally connected with them. Machine shops and
foundries increased in number and extent. The tanneries found a
large increase in their business in furnishing belting and other
mill supplies. With the improvements in the manufacture of
steam engines, came a greater demand for them to furnish power
for manufacturing in lieu of water-power, which had been almost
solely depended upon up to this time. New branches of the iron
manufacture were produced, nails and other species of hardware
were made in factories established within the state.
In 1837 Philip B. Stiness came to Providence and associated
with Mr. Cullen Whipple, who had invented a new machine for
the manufacture of screws, and with Mr. Henry Hopkins, engaged
in the manufacture of wood screws on Canal Street. The screw
invented by Mr. Whipple did not have a gimlet point. About
this time the New England Screw Company was organized, and
shortly after, the Eagle Screw Company. These two companies
obtained the control of the then new patent, for a gimlet-pointed
screw, and commenced a successful business. In 1860 they were
absorbed into the American Screw Company, of Providence, R.I.,
which has since controlled the manufacture of wood screws for
this country, and, practically, for the world.
The manufacture of rubber goods was also commenced in
Providence about the year 1837, under the Goodyear patent, and
has since been a prominent industry of Rhode Island, having in
1880 two establishments, with a capital of $710,000; 687 male,
and 320 female employés, paying in wages $313,715; using in
raw material a value of $1,617,ooo, and producing finished goods
valued at $2,217,000. Earlier than this, in the year 1834, the
manufacture of doors, sashes, and blinds had been isolated from
other carpentery work, and made a specialty in Providence. In
1836 the manufacturing of carriages had been introduced into this
state, and has since remained a prominent business.
With the introduction of anthracite coal, came the use of coal
stoves, fitted for the new fuel, and in 1836 the Barstow Stove Com-
pany first introduced the manufacture of that class of goods.
In 1839 the manufacture of files, which has since grown to
enormous proportions, was introduced into Providence.
About 1840, imported French delaine goods were imitated by
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
245
Rhode Island mills, at a less price than the importations. Since
then great advances have been made in the perfection of woolen
manufacture in every one of its branches, including woolens,
worsteds, knit goods, and the more modern shoddy, the extent of
which is shown by the following statistics from the census
tables:
Year. No. of Capital Cost of Raw Annual Value of Hands Wool Used,
Establ’ments. Invested. Material. Products. Employed. Pounds.
1860 59 $3,176,000 $4,077,914 $6,929,205 4,239 6,832,600
.865 83 5,233, IOO IO,788,567 21,172,151 6,595 13,343,228
1870 76 IO,467,500 9,826, 15 815,394,067 7,894 I4,421,967
1875 67 6,704,700 II,8O3,OIA I7,463,240 8,557 17,258,549
The manufacture of brick was introduced as early as 1723 in
Providence.* .
Shortly after that there were at least three brick-yards in Provi-
dence. In the early part of the present century a brick-yard was
extensively worked on Bucklin's Island, in the Seekonk River, and
a more extensive one near Nayatt Point. This latter was incor-
porated in 1847 as the Nayatt Brick Company, and is at present
the only successful brick manufacturing company in the state.
In 1847 an entirely new industry, which has since grown to
very large proportions, was inaugurated at Providence, in the
formation of the Providence Gas Company. This branch of man-
ufacturing has since spread throughout the state. In the same
year the Providence Tool Company was established, which, after
experimenting in various directions, embarked largely in the
manufacture of fire-arms, and has given Providence a world-wide
reputation in that line.
In the next decade is noticed among new manufactures, the
factory production of boots and shoes, which had augmented in
1860 to sixty-six establishments, with a capital of $104,695, using
raw material valued at $156,137, and producing $315,759 worth
of finished goods. In 1870 this industry produced $570,854 worth
of finished goods.
In the same decade, 1850–60, the factory production of ready-
made clothing became established as an industry. Including
male and female clothing, it had grown in 1860 to an industry of
sixty-one establishments, employing four hundred and six male
and three hundred and eighty-six female employés, paying in
wages, annually, $274,860, with a capital invested of $322,700,
and producing finished goods to the value of $1,154,202, and in
1880, with sixty-five establishments, producing finished goods to
the amount of $2,118,210.
About 1856 the business of making hair-cloth was commenced
in Pawtucket by Daniel Ryder & Company. It subsequently
became vested in the Pawtucket Hair Cloth Company, which
since removed to its present location in Central Falls, and has
carried on a very successful business.
Since 1860 the manufacturing business of the state, with the
exception of a few country towns, has developed in a degree un-
parelled in its previous history. The number of the new branches
is legion, but they would mostly come under the general head of
textile, iron, or wooden-ware industries, though there are some,
as chemical works and the preparation of food supplies, etc.,
which could not be so included. The general results may be
given as follows:
Year. Establishments. Capital. Hands. Wages Paid.
186O I, I91 $24,278,295 32,490 $ 8,760,125
1870 I,850 66,557,322 49,4I7 I9,354,256
I88O 2,2O5 75,575,943 62,878 21,355,619
In the remainder of this and in other chapters the principal
industries of the city, county, and state will be alluded to, but in
the first instance a brief history will be given of some of the
families most influential in introducing and managing the textile
industries of the state.
* See pages 51 and 52.
32
THE BRow NS AND BRowN AND Ives.—Any attempt to show
the development of Providence Plantations would be incomplete
without a recognition of the influence 6f the Brown family.
From the day to which Roger Williams referred when he said,
speaking of those early dissensions which well-nigh destroyed the
infant community, “The truth is that Chad Brown, that Holy
man, now with God, and myself brought the remaining after-
comers and the first twelve, to a one-ness by arbitration,” down
to the present time, the family of Chad Brown (and mostly in
one line) has been in the very forefront of the community.
When a struggling agricultural settlement, Providence had
mainly the one idea of securing to the world a state based on
religious freedom, it found political leaders and the pastors of
its favorite church in that family. When it grew to be a com-
mercial community, one of the oldest, and certainly the longest
lived, of its commercial houses was established by the great-
grandsons of Chad Brown, and now the successors of that house
are in this era, when manufacturing has taken the place of com-
merce as the chief business of the community, among its largest
manufacturers. s ſº
The first attempt to introduce free schools ever made in America
was largely due to the “four Brown brothers” in 1767. The
first attempt at scientific astronomical observation of the transit of
Venus in 1769 was mainly due to them. The first paving of the
streets of Providence, the incorporation of the university by the
colony, its final location at Providence, the building of the town
market-house, were all enterprises in which they were largely
instrumental.
The first effective blow at Great Britain, the destruction of the
“Gaspee,” was directed by John Brown. We probably owe the
architectural perfection of the First Baptist Church to Joseph
Brown. All through the Revolutionary War the Browns were
earnest in maintaining the cause of the colonies and afterwards in
securing the adoption of the constitution of the United States.
They were among the earliest to favor an enlargement of the suf-
frage in Rhode Island. -
In the line of commerce they extended the business of the com-
munity to realms then unthought of as within its reach. They
were foremost in the risks, experiments, and expense incidental
to the introduction of manufacturing as a great business in the
plantations. Brown University recognizes the debt it owes to this
family in its adopted name. -
Their efforts either in initiating or in actively coöperating with
others, gave to the city our first bank, the first of our savings
institutions, the Blackstone Canal, our early railroads, the Friends
School, the Providence Athenaeum, the Butler Hospital,— in fact,
there are few great pecuniary, charitable, or literary enterprises
that have in the past risen to success without the hands of some
of this family being felt in them.
The first comer of the family was Chad Brown. He reached
Providence about 1638, and with twelve others signed an agree-
ment to submit to the orders of the town “in all civil things.”
At that time the inhabitants were beginning to realize that their
first crude attempt to establish a purely democratical government
was a failure, and Chad Brown was largely instrumental in draw-
ing, and inducing the citizens to subscribe, the first instrument
providing for a representative town government ever acted upon
in these plantations.
This instrument also contains the arbitration decision, to which
Roger Williams, as above quoted, refers. Chad Brown was later
one of the committee to draw up a revised list of lands and mead-
ows allºtted to the inhabitants, and it is to this work, the most
important to us of any done in the colony in those early days, that
we are indebted for our knowledge of the location of the home
lots and other properties of the first settlers. -
246
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
His own home lot we find to have been one fronting on the
town street (now South Main Street and Market Square), with
the southerly boundary to the southward of the corner of College
and South Main streets. It was about one hundred and twelve
feet wide, and extended, as did all the other home lots then
alloted, eastward to the “highway,” now Hope Street. A large
portion of this lot is included in the present college grounds of
Brown University.
Chad Brown was one of a committee to attempt to negotiate a
peace between the Warwick men and Massachusetts Bay in the
troublous times of 1643, and was also the first settled pastor of the
oldest church of Providence. -
John Brown, the son of Chad, who was eight years old when
his father came to this country, grew up to be an elder in the same
church, was a freeman of the town, and at different times was
moderator, commissioner on union of towns in 1654, member of
town council, deputy in legislature, assistant, and filled many
other offices of trust. He died about 1706, leaving among other
children, a son James, born in 1666. This James, after a career
of usefulness shown in many ways, spent the closing years of his
life as pastor of the same church in which his father and grand-
father had been prominent.
drew, and grand-daughter of William Harris, and died in 1732,
leaving ten children.
Of these, the second son, James, was born in 1698, and an eighth
son, Obadiah, was born in 1712. Another son, Elisha, became
deputy-governor of the colony, being the third person from the
town of Providence elected to that responsible office' in the
course of more than one hundred years. The two sons, James
and Obadiah, were founders of the commercial house of the
Browns. James, the elder, married Hope, daughter of Nicholas
Power, and grand-daughter of Pardon Tillinghast, in 1723. e
Pardon Tillinghast was the greatest merchant of Providence in
his day, as well as pastor of the First Baptist Church, and it is
probably due to his counsels that the mind of James Brown
received its first mercantile bias. James and Obadiah were en-
gaged in business a few years after the marriage of the former,
Obadiah probably entering as copartner when he became of age
in 1733. s -
The chief business of this colony at that day was with the West
Indies and the Western (Azores) Islands, – the productions of
this colony being taken to those islands and exchanged for their
products, their importations, and for money. There was then no
direct trade between Providence and Europe, but some with other
English-American colonies, through which, and the island trade
as above, we received English and European goods at second-
hand. Such was the nature of the business of the Brown house
in its commencement, but they were among the first of Providence
merchants to extend it and cultivate a direct trade with England
and Copenhagen.
There was another family of the Brown name, at this time
largely important in the building up of Providence, and which,
though totally unconnected with Chad Brown's descendants, has
sometimes been confounded with them. The first of that family
to come to Providence was Nathaniel Brown, a ship-builder of
Massachusetts, who, at Bullock's Cove, had, years before he left
Massachusetts, built vessels for Providence merchants; driven
thence by religious persecution, he settled in Providence about
1711, established a ship-yard at Weybosset Neck (north of West-
minster Street), and for a generation built the vessels used by
Providence traders. Q
He was one of the founders of King's Church, the predecessor
of the present St. John's Church, while at that day all the de-
scendants of Chad Brown were of the Baptist faith.
James Brown died in 1739, leaving six children: James,
He married Mary, daughter of An-2
Nicholas, Mary, Joseph, John, and Moses, the oldest but sixteen
and the youngest only one year of age. James, the elder son,
died at Yorktown, Va., at the age of twenty-six, unmarried. The
daughter married Dr. Vandelight, of whom we shall have occa-
sion to speak, and died leaving no issue. The remaining four
children constituted the “Brown brothers,” so noted in the history
of the town, colony, and state.
As they grew to proper years the brothers were successively
taken into the counting-house of their uncle Obadiah, and under
his watchful eye and firm discipline imbibed the principles of
commercial skill and integrity, of which, in later years, they made
such good use. As they grew to maturity and developed sufficient
ability they were one after the other received as copartners into
the house, till at the time of the death of Obadiah Brown, in
1761, the three oldest of the brothers were copartners with him.
Not content with commerce alone, they had even then embarked
in manufacturing. Dr. Vandelight, a graduate of Leyden, and a
skillful chemist, who had married the sister Mary, had brought
from Europe the knowledge of the then new Dutch process of
separating spermaceti from its oil; aided by his brothers-in-law
he introduced this branch of manufacturing, which proved of great
value to the growing town.
Obadiah Brown, while principally devoted to mercantile mat-
ters, took a large and liberal interest in the matters of the town
and colony, and was prominent in all movements tending to fur-
ther their interest, especially in the contest against paper money.
In 1763 Moses entered the firm, which, since the death of his
uncle Obadiah, had been reorganized under the name of Nich-
olas Brown & Company, and the four brothers combined, greatly
enlarged the amount and extended the sphere of the business of
the house. Each of these brothers had his peculiarity of char-
acter. Joseph was the more inclined to philosophical study,
especially in the higher natural sciences. Moses, while studious,
and a lover of mechanical experiment and development, was
more especially of a religious and philanthropical turn of mind.
Neither of these two brothers enjoyed such robust health as the
other two. Both were of retiring dispositions, and withdrew
early from the firm to devote themselves to their favorite studies.
John was the most active, forward, and daring of the four. He
loved to mingle with his fellow-men as a promoter and leader of
new enterprises, whether of a political or commercial nature.
On account of these peculiarities he appeared in the minds of
many to be the principal, and has been spoken and written of as
the eldest of the brothers. Nicholas, the eldest, appears to have
possessed the best balanced and most fully rounded mind of them
all. With the philanthropy of Moses, the love of science and
learning of Joseph, a business activity equal to that of John, he
did not allow any single one of these traits to become predomi-
nant, each was kept in check by the others, and resulted in devel-
oping a conscientious, conservative, bold, strong man of business,
and a judicious patron of the arts and sciences.
While extending their business to a degree then unparalleled
in the town, the Browns did not allow its cares to absorb them
from the local and general interests of their fellow-townsmen.
From 1760 to 1790 scarcely a year passed without finding one
or more of them in the General Assembly. In local matters
Moses was the leader in the first movement to introduce paved
streets in 1763. Nicholas and John were early interested in the
university, appearing in the charter as “undertakers in this de-
sign,” and Nicholas was one of the “trustees.” In 1767 the
brothers joined in a persistent effort to introduce a system of free
school education in the town. In 1769 Joseph and Moses took
an active part in the observation of the transit of Venus. In 1770,
the brothers were influential movers in the locating of the university
in Providence, and on the fourteenth day of May the corner-stone of
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
247
its first building was laid by John Brown. In 1769 they, with
others, engaged in the development of iron ore beds in Scituate, and
established in Providence a foundry that did good service to the
country in furnishing cannon during the Revolutionary War. In
1772, John Brown was leader in the movement to destroy the
“Gaspee.” In 1773 Stephen Hopkins and Joseph Brown were
the committee to build the town market-house, and Nicholas
Brown laid the first stone.
In 1773 the union that had existed in the firm was broken by
the retirement of Moses, the youngest brother. His health was
feeble and he preferred retirement and study rather than the active
pursuits of business. He shortly after joined the Society of
Friends, and during the Revolutionary War remained in seclusion,
keeping apart from movements of which he could not approve.
His only recorded appearance in the legislature during that period
was in 1781, when he appeared as petitioner asking to be allowed
to pass through the military lines some books that he had pur-
chased in London. The request was granted. The inactivity of
Moses in public affairs during the Revolutionary period was under-
stood, and his motives were appreciated. The other brothers
were conspicuous all through the struggle. The business of the
firm during this period was necessarily contracted and hazardous,
and during this period Joseph retired from the firm and became
a professor of experimental philosophy in the university. About
1782 John Brown retired from the firm, leaving Nicholas alone.
He associated with himself Mr. George Benson, a merchant from
Boston, and the firm name was changed to Brown & Benson.
At this time Thomas P. Ives first entered the service of the firm.
After withdrawing from the original firm whose head-quarters
had always been on the Chad Brown home lot, John Brown went
to the south shore of Tockwotton Hill, since, from the business
he established there, called India Point, and entered upon the then
bold enterprise of establishing a direct trade with the East Indies.
The enterprise proved successful. Brown & Benson followed
the course he indicated, establishing warehouses at India Point;
others joined in like undertakings. Rope-walks, a glass house,
distilleries, and ship-yards were established there, and India Point
became the most flourishing section of the town. Though sepa-
rated in business, the three brothers, Nicholas, John, and Moses,
(Joseph died in 1786), always remained firm in brotherly concord,
and through the violent disputes while the “Empire of Rhode
Island,” as it has been called, was demonstrating from experience
its unfitness to exist, united in every effort for the public good, and
had a large share in educating the citizens of this state to a readi-
ness to adopt the constitution of the United States. Not content
with this service, John Brown initiated and carried through, the
plan of building the first bridge across the Seekonk River, Wash-
ington Bridge, lately removed; and Moses Brown stood in the
same relation to the second, the “Moses Brown,” Central, or Red
Bridge, as it has variously been called. The first crude experi-
ments in textile manufacturing by power as distinguished from
hand work were carried on at this period, mainly at the expense
of the Browns, and it was in the employ of Moses that Samuel
Slater commenced his American career.
Nicholas Brown, the eldest brother, died in May, 1791, leaving
a son Nicholas, then twenty-two years old, and a daughter, Hope,
eighteen years of age. The son had entered the firm upon be-
coming of age, and the firm then became Browns & Benson.
After the death of Nicholas Brown, Sr., Thomas P. Ives entered
the firm, in March, 1792, which then assumed the name of Brown,
Benson & Ives. Mr. Ives in the same month married Hope, the
sister of Nicholas Brown.
Mr. Ives, a native of Massachusetts, and left an orphan at an
early age, had come from Boston when but a boy of thirteen, and
entered the employment of the house of Brown & Benson. He
had grown to manhood, studying and mastering its methods of
doing business and contriving how possibly they might be im-
proved and enlarged. He had become a man of broad views, but
with sufficient caution not to be led into dangerous risks, and
sufficiently self-controlled never to reveal any anxiety.
It is said of him that as a large party whom he had invited to
dine at his house were sitting at their meal, he received news of a
very great loss to the firm through failure of a correspondent, but
that he sat with them in his usual mood of equanimity and none
of the guests saw the least shade of anxiety on his countenance
or suspected that he had received unfavorable tidings.
With the advent of Mr. Ives to the firm, began a still further
enlargement of the sphere of operation of the house. This en-
largement became so great that Mr. Benson, not caring to enter
so largely into its risks, withdrew from the house in 1796, and the
firm then took the name of Brown & Ives, with Mr. Ives as its
leading spirit, and from this period commenced the large opera-
tions which gave to the firm of Brown & Ives a reputation that
may be said to have been world-wide. -
The mode of transacting business of this firm was different from
that of previous times and entirely different from any now in use.
A vessel would be fitted out with a cargo to the East Indies and
placed in charge of a supercargo (and sometimes two), who
sailed on the vessel and was sent out with a “roving commis-
sion,” namely, to any port he saw fit to enter in that part of the
world. The supercargo would go in the vessel to a given East
Indian port, and, if he deemed advisable, sell the cargo there.
If he judged, from advices there obtained, that some other port
or ports, would furnish a more desirable market, he would pro-
ceed to such port or ports, and sell there the cargo, or so much
of it as he deemed expedient, replacing it with merchandise there
obtainable, with which he would proceed to still other ports, sell-
ing the rest of the original cargo, or portions of it, as he deemed
best, till he obtained a cargo suitable for some other portion of
the globe to which he would then sail, there reëxchanging cargoes
and start thence for the home port. The selling of the cargoes
and purchasing new ones was, subject to general instructions,
left entirely to the supercargo. It was no unusual thing for a
vessel to go to Batavia, in that neighborhood sell out its cargo,
take a new one for the Russian North Pacific ports, there take
on a third cargo for Copenhagen or St. Petersburg, in Europe;
then at those ports take a fourth cargo of European products for
Providence, and arrive home after a voyage of two years, during
which time the supercargo and the owners would have no com-
munication with each other except at long intervals. It will be
seen that an immense power and responsibility rested on the
supercargo; and it was largely on their skill in the discernment
of human nature and the choice of men for such posts that the
firm of Brown & Ives depended for success.
This firm also extended their business by having fleets of smaller
vessels in foreign countries, whose business it would be to take
lesser cargoes from some central port to smaller markets, exchange
these for the merchandise in such markets, and return there with
to the central ports, at which — like the ships King Solomon sent
to Tarshish— the larger vessels of the firm would call at stated
periods to receive the gathered cargoes and transport them to other
parts of the world. Brown & Ives were the first of Providence
houses to introduce this system, and it is to Mr. Ives that the in-
ception of the plan was due.
Taking into consideration the fact that the ordinary risks of
business and navigation were increased by pirates in the Eastern
seas, by wars raging in Europe, and consequent danger of meet-
ing unforeseen blockades and embargoes, that much of the time
war was threatened, and from 1812 to 1815, actually existed be-
tween the United States and England, making American vessels
248
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
subject to seizure by the enemy, it will be seen that the cares and
responsibilities of merchants of those days were far different and
greater than those of the present. But with the increase of busi-
ness interests the firm did not allow their attention to be diverted
from the common interests of their fellow-townsmen. Mr. Ives
followed in the traditionary course of the Browns, and with
Nicholas Brown, his partner, and the two surviving brothers,
John and Moses, was as forward in every new enterprise for the
public good as the four brothers had been. The Providence Bank,
the Washington Insurance office, the free schools system of Provi-
dence, finally established in 1800, through the instrumentality of
John Howland, all felt the favoring influence of Brown & Ives.
When John Brown died in 1803, Nicholas Brown and Thomas
P. Ives seemed called upon to renewed efforts to support the
prestige of the family. The donations of Nicholas to the favorite
university are known to every Providence man, and Mr. Ives
always remembered that his children would be of the family if not
of the name. Moses Brown, the last of the four brothers, died in
1836.
We have shown how the Browns had initiated and encouraged
the early attempt at manufacturing. In 1804 the development
had been such that it ceased to be an experiment, and the firm of
Brown & Ives took a large interest in the proposed cotton mill at
Blackstone in Massachusetts. This was the only interest in the
cotton manufacture till 1830, when in the same way they became
interested in a cotton mill proposed to be built at Lonsdale. These
two concerns were large in their day, though small compared with
the immense mills and groups of mills they have grown into in
the present. -
About the time of the formation of the Lonsdale Company,
came a more marked change in the business of the firm. Greater
attention was paid to manufacturing interests and less and less to
commercial. Vessel after vessel was sold, account after account
was closed, and the firm gradually prepared to retire from the
field of commercial navigation. e
In 1832 John Carter Brown, son of Nicholas, and Moses B.
Ives and Robert H. Ives, sons of Thomas P., entered the firm,
which still retained the name of Brown & Ives. Mr. Thomas
P. Ives died in 1835, and after his decease Mr. Nicholas Brown,
feeling the approach of failing health, withdrew almost entirely
from active participation in the affairs of the firm. The closing
of the commercial (as the term commercial was then understood)
business was then more rapidly completed, but so large and ex-
tensive were their interests that it was not till 1838 that their last
ship, the “Hanover,” was disposed of, thus practically closing
the mercantile career of the house. Since then, the attention of
the house has been mainly given to manufacturing. The mills at
Blackstone and Lonsdale have been developed, till Lonsdale, in-
cluding Ashton, is one of the largest establishments in the state,
under one corporate control, and a model for any in the world;
while the Blackstone Mill could not be now recognized by one
who knew it only in 1804. - .
Nicholas Brown died Sept. 27, 1841. The total of his bene-
factions to Brown University alone was $158,848. By will he left
a fund of $30,000 for founding a hospital for the insane, in which
the Butler Hospital had its origin, and there was not a deserving
charitable or literary association in Providence which was not ben-
efited by his helping hand. -
In 1845 the firm became interested in the Hope Mills in the
town of Warwick, which have since increased rapidly.
Mr. Thomas P. Ives left a daughter Charlotte, who had mar-
ried Prof. William G. Goddard. Some of his sons developing a
talent for the management of manufacturing interests have since.
become the agents of the firm. In 1872 the firm organized the
Berkeley Mills in the town of Cumberland.
Moses B. Ives died Aug. 7, 1857, leaving two children,
Thomas Poynton Ives, who died in 1865, leaving no issue, and
Hope B. Ives, who married Henry G. Russell, and is now surviv-
1ng.
Robert H. Ives died July 6, 1875, leaving one surviving daugh-
ter, the wife of Prof. William Gammell. -
John Carter Brown died June 10, 1874, leaving three young
children.
The present members of the firm are: William Goddard, T.
P. I. Goddard, Moses B. I. Goddard, Robert H. I. Goddard, and
Robert Ives Gammell, son of Professor Gammell, and grandson
of Robert H. Ives. g
THE SLATER FAMILY.--The first of the Slater family in the
State of Rhode Island was Samuel Slater, who came to Paw-
tucket, as heretofore described, in 1790, and entered into the
employment of Moses Brown. The part which he took in the
establishment of the cotton spinning industry has been described
in the introductory portion of this chapter. He was born at Bel-
per, in the county of Derbyshire, England, in the year 1768.
He soon became associated with the firm of Almy & Brown. In
1799, Samuel Slater with Timothy Green and William Wilkin-
son, his brothers-in-law, and Oziel Wilkinson, his father-in-law,
under the firm name of Samuel Slater & Company, erected the
second cotton mill built at Pawtucket. In 1803, Samuel was
joined at Pawtucket by his brother, John, from England. In 1805
Samuel Slater and his brother John selected and purchased the
site for a cotton mill in what is now Slatersville. John Slater
went into the wilderness and superintended the erection of a
dam, cotton factory, and other necessary buildings. The Slaters
in this matter, were acting as agents of the firm of Almy & Brown,
as well as themselves, and the original firm name of the Slaters-
ville establishment was Almy, Brown & Slater. William Almy
and Obadiah Brown, being a son-in-law and son of Moses Brown,
the first patron in this country of Samuel Slater. On the 4th of
July, 1807, the first spinning frames were set running in this
mill. In 1833 Messrs. Samuel and John Slater purchased the
interest of Almy & Brown in the firm. Before then, in 1823,
S. and J. Slater purchased and put in operation the cotton mill at
Jewett City, Griswold, Conn., and in 1825 John Slater purchased,
on his own account, the mill property on the Pachaug River,
three miles above Jewett City. -
After the death of Samuel Slater, in 1835, John Slater con-
tinued the firm for a time with the heirs of Samuel Slater. John
Slater then obtained control of the business at Slatersville. Upon
his death, May 27, 1843, his sons, John F. and William S. Sla-
ter, succeeded to the business, forming the firm of J. & W. Slater.
John S. Slater afterward retired from the firm to Connecticut,
receiving the Connecticut properties of his father as his share of
the estate, leaving William S. Slater in control of the Rhode
Island properties, and the Slatersville business was then carried
on under the name of William S. Slater, until the recent death of
Mr. Slater, since when the business has been carried on by his
son, John W. Slater. The manufactures of the Slatersville firm
consist of twills, sheetings, cheviots, ginghams, ticks, and cotton
dress goods. The number of employés at present is 650. Besides
the interests mentioned, the Slaters have been, and are now,
largely engaged as stockholders in various other manufacturing
enterprises. -
THE SPRAGUES IN RHODE ISLAND.—One of the most impor-
tant factors in the history of Rhode Island manufactures has been
the business founded and carried on by the Sprague family. For
more than fifty years, from the time that calico printing became a
considerable industry in the state, these active mill owners were
building factories and extending their facilities, until their prop-
erty, at the time it passed into the control of a trustee, was
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
249
valued at sixteen millions of dollars. The origin of the business
may be considered as dating back to the year 1808, when Wil-
liam Sprague, 2d, converted a small grist mill in Cranston into a
factory for carding and spinning cotton yarn by hand. Not that
the founder of this enterprise devoted himself to the sole business
of making cotton cloths as some of his successors have done, for
he was a stirring farmer; but from that humble beginning the
Spragues became identified with that industry, which developed
in their hands with surprising rapidity. In 1813 the little mill
was burned, and immediately replaced by a stone building of
larger dimensions, filled with improved machinery. In 1821
William, 2d, purchased a half interest in the water privilege at
Natick Falls, in Kent County, where, in connection with Chris-
topher and William Rhodes, he built a stone mill Ioo by 44 feet,
and four stories high. In 1852 the entire property was acquired
by the firm of A. & W. Sprague, and the cluster of mills and
tenements now located there, form what are known in the estate
as the Natick Mills. In 1824 Mr. Sprague began to bleach
cloths and print calico at his mill in Cranston, in a machine that
printed only two colors, and any additional colors that were de-
sired were stamped on by hand with blocks. This pioneer in the
business is represented as a man of quiet habits, plainly dressed,
who believed in, and practiced, sterling honesty in all his dealings,
and was wholly absorbed with his own business until the time
of the popular excitement caused by the reputed murder of Wil-
liam Morgan by Freemasons, when he became a zealous anti-
Mason, and in 1832 was the unsuccessful candidate for governor
on the anti-Masonic ticket. He was interested about that time in
the organization of several state banks, and was one of the first
directors of the Globe. During the last years of his life his
political influence was very great, and on his sudden death in
1836, the business passed into the hands of his two oldest sons,
Amasa and William, 3d. These young men had worked in their
father's mill from boyhood, and were thoroughly familiar with
the business, which, under their energetic management, became
a leading industry in the state. Amasa developed extraordinary
executive ability, and assumed thé management of the employés,
while his brother, William, 3d, had an ingenious mind, and
when scarcely of age invented one of the first power looms ever
seen in the country. He had also some political aspirations, and
represented his town of Warwick as state representative in 1829,
1830, 1831, 1832, and 1840; was Speaker of the House in 1832;
Representative in Congress in 1835; governor of the state in 1838,
and United States Senator in 1842 and 1843, when he resigned on
account of the death of his brother, Amasa, who was murdered
Dec. 31, 1843. The cause of this crime was the revenge of a
liquor-seller named Gordon, whom Sprague had prevented from
getting a renewal of his license. This so incensed the bar-
keeper and a brother interested in the business with him, that the
latter waylaid Sprague as he was walking across a field, and shot
him. In 1848 William Sprague, 3d, who carried on the business
under the same style after his brother's demise, purchased a pro-
perty on the Flat River in Coventry, where in the following year
he built two cotton mills, one with a capacity of five hundred
looms, and the other of two hundred and fifty, which afterwards
became known as the Quidnick Mills. In 1852 another site on the
Pawtuxet River was purchased by the firm, on which was erected
a mill 312 by 68 feet dimensions, and four stories high, with an
L 92 by 50, and three stories high. The capacity was 612
looms, and it was named the Arctic. A few years later the Bal-
tic Mills on the Shetucket River were erected, one of the
largest ever owned by the company. 'The main building was
644 by 68 feet; the east wing, 191 by 52 feet; the west wing, 119
by 52 feet; and the two towers, 22 by 22, and 13 by 14 feet re-
spectively. After laying ample foundations for the immense
sixteen millions.
business, William, 3d, died in 1856, at fifty-seven years of age.
His successors were his son, Byron, and the two sons of his
brother Amasa, Amasa, 2d, and William, 4th. The business was
continued under the same firm name, but sixteen years later
Byron retired from active participation in the affairs, and the en-
tire management devolved on his cousins. In dividing the care
between them, Amasa, 2d, chose to take the general superintend-
ence of the mill premises, while William, 4th, attended to the
purchase of supplies. Amasa, was a great admirer of horses,
and the originator of the Narragansett trotting park. He fre-
quently represented the town of Cranston in the General Assem-
bly, and in the late war was on the staff of his brother, then the
war governor of the state. .
The last and most widely known representative of the rich and
powerful firm of A. & W. Sprague in the days of its prosperity,
was William Sprague, 4th, whose personal and public record
gave him a national reputation, and will be found elsewhere in
this book. Early in life he manifested a genius for business, and
when the responsibility of the great concerns of the house was
vested in him, he proved his ability to manage them. Even in
the crowded years when the state and the national government
were looking to him to raise and send the Rhode Island regiments
into the field in the time of the war, he still gave personal atten-
tion to his mills and controlled the business of the firm. Under
his management the Morgan Mill, at Johnston, and the Linen
Mill, at Central Falls, were purchased, and real estate and water
privileges were secured in Maine, Georgia, and South Carolina.
The interests of the company had assumed gigantic proportions,
so that at the time the property became involved and was placed
in the hands of a trustee, the appraisers valued it at not less than
The company owned and operated nine large
mills, and were probably the largest producers of cotton cloth and
printed calicoes in the world, their average being eight hundred
thousand yards of cloth, and one million four hundred thousand
yards of calico per week.
Since his appointment as trustee, Mr. Zechariah Chafee has
disposed of a large portion of the mills to parties who are now
operating them, and has further reduced the estate by sales of
other kinds of property, while a considerable balance still remains
in his hands at this time. .
THE GRosvenoR-DALE ComPANY.—French River, in a course
of two miles, turns the wheels of one of the largest cotton-
mill plants in the country. Cutting in twain the township of
Thompson, it traverses a valley of natural beauty enriched by
the hand of art. This home of ceaseless activity, though fixed
within the borders of a neighboring state, was created by Provi-
dence capital, is owned and managed by Providence men, and
may, with perfect propriety, be considered a Rhode Island rather
than a Connecticut industry. Here, within an area of less than
a thousand acres, lies the compact factory property of the Grosve-
nor-Dale Company, whose head-quarters and business office are
located at No. 17 North Main Street. -
Grosvenor-Dale, as it stands to-day, a worthy monument to the
sagacity and enterprise of a substantial citizen of Providence, com-
prises four distinct mills and an unimproved water privilege,
devoted exclusively to the production of high grades of cotton
shirtings and other textile fabrics. These mills, all facing the east
along the river bank, form two separate groups about three-fourths
of a mile apart, and are called Grosvenor-Dale and North Gros-
venor-Dale. Considering the range of the corporate property,
however, which extends a distance of about four miles along the
stream, the factories and village make a single cluster, and the
mills are designated on the records of the company by numbers,
counting down the stream from the north.
In general outline, Grosvenor-Dale may be described as a wind-
250
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
º
3.
% º
%
§
º:
DR. WILLIAM GROSVENOR, OF PROVIDENCE,
A Distinguished Manufacturer.
ing valley, lying between a place called Wilsonville, near the
north line of the town, and Mechanicsville, near the south line.
The higher land on either side slopes gently towards the basin of
the river, which widens into ponds and narrows into rapid cur-
rents alternately. A bird’s-eye view discloses a varied landscape
of farm and forest land, threaded by well-made streets and dotted
with neat, thrifty houses, grouped in neighborly proximity, or
planted separately within the area of a well-kept house-lot.
Churches, school-houses, stores, the great central factories, and
the track and stations of the Norwich and Worcester Railroad,
complete the home-like picture.
The water that supplies power for the mills is collected in two
large reservoirs, one at the extreme north towards Wilsonville, and
a smaller one between the upper and lower groups of mills. This
water is led to the wheel-pits through long, expensive raceways
or canals, cut parallel to the river bed, and both streams are
spanned by bridges wherever needed. The mill structures them-
selves present a massive appearance, as their walls of brick and
stone, overtopped with handsome towers, confront the beholder.
Number 2, especially, is a model of architectural proportion,
beauty, and adaptation of design, and each has a distinct history,
significant of the complex origin and growth of the industry.
No. 1, the northernmost mill, stands on the west side of the
river, and is the smallest of the four. It is a four-story stone struc-
ture, with an L, and the floor dimensions are: main building,
1oo x 57 feet; L., 37 x 21 feet; cloth-room, 50 x 21 feet. About
two hundred feet below this mill stands No. 2, on the same side
of the stream, a four-story brick structure with basement and
attic, filled with machinery, which for general style and convenient
arrangement has no superior in New England. The main part
is 464 x 72 feet. There is an L of 130 x 67 feet of equal height
with the factory, a continuation of it and at right angles with it,
of 157 x 50 feet, with separate buildings for steam engine, boilers,
and gas works.
No. 3 is on the east side of the river and raceway, and consists
of two older mills joined by a new section built more recently.
The north and middle sections are of stone and the other of brick.
The north section is 80 x 40 feet and four stories, with basement;
the middle, 60 x 60 feet, and four stories, and basement; the
brick section, 90 x 40 feet, and four stories, with basement;
wheel house, 32 x 45 feet, and built of wood and stone; picker,
45 x 35 feet, stone; gas house, 43 x 30 feet, stone; cloth house on
the east side of the street, 65 x 30 feet, with an L about half the
size. No. 4, the lowest mill, is a five-story brick structure just east
of Grosvenor-Dale station on the railroad, occupying the original
site of the Swamp factory of earlier date. The main mill is
160 x 66 feet; L, 30 x 40 feet; machine shop, 52 x 32 feet; the
last two parts forming wings to the main building. The several
mills are amply supplied with substantial buildings of brick and
stone for the storage of cotton, cloth, and other supplies.
Considered in chronological order, the Swamp factory, which
was removed to the opposite side of the street to make room for
mill No. 4, and is now occupied as a tenement house, was the
first cotton mill built and operated in Grosvenor-Dale. The
southerly section was erected in 1812 by the Thompson Manufac-
turing Company, organized by John Mason, whose brother, Gen.
James B. Mason, of Providence, soon purchased a majority of
the stock. It was a four-story building of wood, 60 x 38 feet in
dimensions, and bore the nickname by which it was so long
known, because it stood in the midst of a malarious swamp,
which has since been drained and converted into fertile fields.
The capacity was 1,600 spindles, the machinery of primitive pat-
tern, and small as it now appears, the enterprise was one of great
magnitude at the time it was undertaken. In 1840 William H.
Mason, a younger brother of the two gentlemen above-named,
became actively interested in the property, added forty feet to the
length of the building on the north, increased the capacity of the
mill to 2,700 spindles, and called it Thompson factory. A year
later he sold the property to the Masonville Company, then oper-
ating the stone and brick mills higher up the river, under the
management of his older brother, Amasa, who erected the mills
and owned a majority of the stock.
The old stone section of mill No. 3 was built by the Masonville
Company in 1826. It was 80 x 40 feet in dimensions, and had a
capacity for 2,500 spindles, considerably more than the Swamp
factory was then running. It was well managed, and made a
specialty of a fine grade of sheetings, manufactured from the Sea
Island cotton.
Mill No. 1 was built in 1828 by the Thompson Village Com-
pany, consisting of C. G. and T. B. Fenner, of Providence, Wil-
liam Fisher, John Nichols, Jr., and Darius Dwight. The work
was completed and the mill set in operation the following year,
with a capacity for 2,488 spindles.
In 1831 the Masonville Company, desiring enlarged facilities,
built what now forms the brick or southerly section of mill No. 3,
a structure 90 x 40 feet, as at present, and four stories high, with
a capacity of 2,500 spindles.
These separate manufacturing enterprises were carried on with
varying success until the year 1848, when the retirement of Amasa
Mason from the agency and management of the Masonville Com-
pany, made room for a successor who infused the business with
new life, and by a skillful development of available resources,
started it on a career of continuous prosperity.
Dr. William Grosvenor, of Providence, a son-in-law of James
B. Mason, became, from that date, the controlling spirit of the
company, and, on accepting the agency, took every opportunity
that offered to strengthen his power by purchasing shares of stock.
It was through his influence that the partners were induced to
adopt an aggressive policy and increase their facilities for the
production of goods.

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 25 I
Under the progressive management of Dr. Grosvenor, the mills
showed a marked improvement, and in the course of five years
he became so large an owner in the property that he was able to
inaugurate very important changes, for which he had been mak-
ing preparations. In 1857 the stone and the brick mills belong-
ing to the company were joined by the construction of a middle
section, forming the present mill No. 3. In 1862, in spite of the
critical condition of the country and the general depression
caused by the reverses suffered by Northern arms, Dr. Grosvenor,
in connection with Lucius Briggs, superintendent and part
owner, with unshaken faith in the ultimate triumph of the Union
in the pending struggle, began the costly work of building mill
No. 4, furnishing the principal part of the capital himself. The
old Swamp factory was removed to another site, and the bold
undertaking was completed and the new machinery put into
operation in 1865, when the suppression of the Confederate
rebellion attested the wisdom of the policy adopted, and infused
new life into the business of the country.
The new mill proved a profitable investment, and in 1864 a
further enlargement was made, by which the company acquired
possession of the Fisherville property, and another large water
privilege called Grosvenor's, lower down the stream, which still
remains unimproved. As soon as the different interests were
consolidated under one management, the foundations of mill No.
2 were laid, and the great structure finished and filled with ma-
chinery in 1872. At the same time a large outlay of time and
labor was expended in making the water-power fully available,
and finishing the grounds and approaches to the mills. The fac-
tories were also supplied with large Corliss steam-engines to sup-
plement the water-power in seasons of drought.
In 1868, after the purchase of Fisherville and the small interest
in the Masonville Company hitherto held by William S. Arnold,
the entire property was consolidated under one management.
Until this time there had been four distinct properties, locally
known as Fisherville, Masonville, Swamp or Thompson factory,
and Grosvenor's. These being practically united in one under
the following proportions of ownership, viz.: three-fourths by
William Grosvenor, one-eighth by William Grosvenor, Jr., one-
sixteenth by James B. M. Grosvenor, and one-sixteenth by Lu-
cius Briggs, were appropriately named Grosvenor-Dale.
On resigning, in 1883, the superintendence of the mills over
which he had presided with enterprise and ability for a period of
thirty years, Mr. Briggs disposed of his share, and the entire
property passed into the hands of the Grosvenor family.
It is not easy to realize by inspection or statistics the magni-
tude of such an industry as that carried on at Grosvenor-Dale.
Compared with a single mill of known capacity, the product may
be estimated to be a certain number of times as large ; but when
we write the figures that represent in linear yards the webs
of cloth woven on all those looms in the space of a year, we
cannot grasp the measure, and the number is meaningless ex-
cept for the impression of immense quantity conveyed to the mind.
A manufacturer might get an approximate estimate of the truth
from the statement that the aggregate number of spindles in the
four mills is about one hundred thousand; but what does that sig-
nify to the general public? Some idea of the volume of business
may, perhaps, be formed by expressing the sum in terms of labor,
for most working people know what a man is able to accom-
plish with his two hands in a day or a week. The number of
operatives varies, of course, with the fluctuations of trade, but
exceeds twelve hundred. But even this estimate measures the
intelligence that oversees and guides, rather than the producing
agency; for it is the machinery that does the work and its pro-
duct is rated by the yard.
It is fitting that something should be said concerning the men
B. B. KNIGHT,
Of the Manufacturing Firm of B. B. & R. Knight.
who have created and now keep in operation the industry that
gives employment and bread to a whole village-ful of people. The
pioneers in the enterprise, as the reader already knows, were the
brothers, John, James B., Amasa, and William H. Mason, men
of good old Massachusetts stock, who removed to Thompson,
Conn., while the region was still sparsely settled. The fam-
ily soon made Providence their permanent home, and engaged
in mercantile business with a success that enabled them, when it
was needed, to furnish the capital required to start the enterprise
projected by the eldest brother. In building up the enterprise
the brothers worked harmoniously and successfully for the com-
mon end. During the earlier years James B. Mason was the
controlling spirit, who gave practical direction to the work; and
after his death his younger brother, Amasa, showed eminent
ability and sound judgment in carrying out the subsequent steps
in the development of the business, and proved a competent
manager. But it remained for another generation to finish the
work so well begun, and fully develop the resources of French
River Valley.
Dr. William Grosvenor, who has devoted the best energies of
a long life to the mill business herein described, was born in
Killingly (now Putnam), Conn., April 30, 1810. He was the
son of a successful physician, who wished him to study the same
profession and take his practice. Accordingly the boy, William
Grosvenor, having prepared in the local schools, went to Phila-
delphia and took the course in Jefferson Medical College and
Pennsylvania Hospital. He then returned to Killingly, and for
several years was associated with his father in medical and sur-
gical practice. At length, however, he removed to Providence
and engaged successfully for several years as a wholesale dealer
in drugs and dye-stuffs, giving special attention to the stocking of
calico printers, by which means he was brought into immediate
contact with cotton manufacturers, and acquired some knowl-
edge of the business, which proved of value when, in 1848, he
accepted the agency of the mills at Masonville. During the
years of the late war Dr. Grosvenor was a member of the state
senate, and was largely influential in securing the prompt and
effective legislation which made Rhode Island one of the fore-
most states to respond to the call of President Lincoln for troops

252
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
to aid in preserving the supremacy of the national government.
As chairman of the committee on finance, then a very responsible
post, his firm faith in the strength of the Union and clear insight
were of great value to the state and the nation as well.
William Grosvenor, Jr., one of the younger members of the
Grosvenor-Dale Company, was born in Providence, Aug. 4,
1838, was graduated from Brown University, and was trained to
business in his father's office. Since the incorporation of the
company, he has been its treasurer and general agent. James B.
M. Grosvenor, the junior partner, born in Providence, Feb. 12,
1840, was also educated at Brown, and is now the senior part-
ner in a dry goods commission house in New York City, where
most of the goods made at the mills are sold.
Robert McArthur is the local agent and manager at the mills.
B. B. & R. KNIGHT.-One of the great cotton manufacturing
companies in Rhode Island is that of B. B. & R. Knight, whose
business office in this city is located at No. 3 Washington Row,
and who are both influential residents of Providence, whose finan-
cial standing is strong beyond question.
When the two brothers, Benjamin and Robert, formed a co-
partnership in 1852, one of their first business transactions was
the sale of a half interest in the Pontiac Mills by the latter to the
former, thus making them equal owners. . This factory was sit-
uated in the village then called Clarksville, after Mr. John H.
Clark, one of the earlier proprietors of the mill property. The .
first cotton mill on the premises was built about 1820; in 1832
the stone mill was erected, and in 1834 the first bleachery was
established. Twelve years later Robert Knight and Zachariah
Parker leased this plant, formed a partnership, and purchased
the property, but Parker soon sold his interest to Mr. Knight,
who was consequently sole owner at the time he joined fortunes
with his brother, Benjamin, in 1852.
Having put the Pontiac Mills into successful operation, the firm
of B. B. & R. Knight purchased the premises which have
since grown into the flourishing village of Hebronville, in the
town of Attleboro’, Mass. It contained at that time a small
woolen mill located on the Ten-Mile River, close beside the track
of the Boston and Providence Railroad. The new proprietors
immediately set about the work of putting this structure in thor-
ough repair, when it was struck by lightning and destroyed. In
its place they built a brick structure, which, when ready, they
filled with cotton machinery and set in operation. The capacity
of this mill is 21,000 spindles, and its product is the brand of
goods known in the market as the “Fruit of the Loom.” In
making provision for the operatives and their families, the firm
has gradually built up a considerable village of neat tenement
houses, and has recently contributed liberally towards the erec-
tion of a handsome edifice for the use of the Methodist Episcopal
Church and Society of the place. The town of Attleboro' has also
provided the village with a new and commodious school-house.
About a mile higher up the stream, in the village of Dodgeville,
was another mill, one of the oldest cotton mills in Massachusetts,
built in 1809 by the Attleborough Manufacturing Company.
This the Knights purchased in 1854, and subsequently enlarged
to the capacity of 23,000 spindles. Around this has also sprung
up a village, and the two factories thus closely associated produce
the same brand of goods, and with the Grant Mill in Providence,
are run under the style of the Hebron Manufacturing Company.
In 1872 the firm acquired possession of another Massachusetts
mill of 48,000 spindles, located in Mauchaug, a village on a
small branch of the Blackstone River, in the town of Sutton.
About six years later a fourth purchase in that state was made in
the portion of Hyde Park called Readville, on the Boston and
Providence Railroad, nine miles from Boston.
Natick Mill, purchased from the Sprague estate in 1882, is now
the largest factory operated by the Knights, and one of the largest
cotton mills in the country. It is located on the northerly side
of the Pawtuxet River, nine miles distant from Providence, and
when the entire floor space is filled with machinery, it will be a
model textile industry. As carried on by the Spragues in years
past, these premises consisted of four separate mills, engaged in
the making of print cloths; but the present proprietors have united
the buildings in one, and built additions, so that one continuous
roof covers a brick and stone factory 1, 183 feet long, the main
part of which is sixty-three feet in width. It contains six floors,
and the entire machinery is now devoted to the manufacture of the
fine brand of cotton goods known as “Fruit of the Loom.” As
soon as the new machinery is set up and ready for use, a force of
2,000 operatives will be employed. Besides the changes made in
the factory buildings, extensive improvements in the grounds and
surroundings of the mill are in progress. The river bed is being
widened and walled up on either side, an iron bridge has been
stretched across it at the lower end of the factory, and the bank
of the stream is to be leveled and converted into an ornamental
plot of ground. The village of Natick, which has grown up
around the mill privilege, is pleasantly located, and contains at
the present time probably about fifteen hundred people, but new
houses are going up in all directions, which will be in immediate
demand as homes for the families of additional operatives who
are soon to find employment on the premises.
A short distance below Natick the company owns another large
imill, known as Pontiac, acquired in 1852, and about the same
distance up the stream is situated River Point Mill, started by the
Knights in 1885. Still further up the river is the Arctic Mill,
which was also purchased from the Sprague estate in 1885; and
on a small branch of the Pawtuxet stands the Fiskeville factory,
which the company has run since 1877. White Rock Mill, which
is about the size of the Pontiac, was purchased in 1874, and is
situated on the Pawcatuck River in the southwestern corner of the
state. Besides these the company controls one other large mill,
the Clinton, in Woonsocket.
The elder of the two brothers, Benjamin B. Knight, was born
in Cranston, Oct. 3, 1813, and during his minority enjoyed
meagre opportunities for schooling, and worked as a farmer's
boy. He began the grocery business when he was twenty-two
years old, in a small store near the Sprague print works, and in
1838 formed the copartnership of Winsor, Knight & Company,
wholesale grocers in the city proper. After eight years Mr. Knigh
became engaged in an extensive flour and grain trade, of which
he was sole proprietor, which he carried on successfully until the
cotton manufacturing company was formed. He has given some
part of his busy life to the public service, as a legislator and
member of the city government of Providence. In 1852 he was
elected to the General Assembly, and in 1872 was again chosen
Representative to the lower house, where he served as chairman
of the finance committee. -
Robert Knight was born in Warwick, Jan. 8, 1826, and like
his brother, was obliged to forego educational advantages for the
most part, and give his boyhood years to toil in the cotton mill.
This experience, however, enabled him to acquire an intimate
and thorough knowledge of the mechanical part of the business,
which proved valuable in later life, when he became manager of
large manufacturing interests of his own. He has been closely
devoted to the care of his mills ever since the copartnership with
his brother was formed, but has been a director in the Bank of
Commerce for several years, and was one of the corporators of
the Peoples' Savings Bank, of both of which he is now president.
The success of these two brothers in the manufacturing busi-
ness is without parallel in the annals of New England. Their
entire business has been built up within the life of one generation,
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 253
while many other manufacturing concerns of like promi-
nence, have inherited the results of fostering care for a
number of generations. The Messrs. Knight are believed
to be financially the strongest house doing business as a
“firm * in the United States, and the wealthiest concern
engaged in manufacturing in Rhode Island. They employ
about six thousand persons in their various industries, and
operate 32O,OOO spindles.
THE FLETCHER MANUFACTURING COMPANY. — The
business of the Fletcher Manufacturing Company was be-
gun in Boston, Mass., in 1793, by Thomas Fletcher, a
cotton weaver, who came from Manchester, England, in
1791. -
Mr. Fletcher had been thoroughly trained in that branch
of weaving pertaining to narrow goods, tapes, fringes, ruf-
flings, lamp wicks, and similar wares. Two years after
reaching America, availing himself of the supply of cotton
yarn at that time appearing in the market, he began to
weave the narrow goods already referred to. The first
place of manufacture was in a small room on Cornhill, Boston.
The Argand lamp was introduced into this country from France
soon after Mr. Fletcher began business. He entered at once into
the manufacture of the wicks required by the new lamps, and he
was the first person in this country to make them and to meet
the demand for them.
Mr. Fletcher continued the business in Boston until 1808, when
he removed to Providence, R.I., and established his manufactory
on South Main Street, near the site of the Providence Institu-
tion for Savings. In 1809 he removed to a house on Charles
Street, near Smith Street. In 1820 another change of place was
made to the corner of Davis and Cross streets, where Mr. Fletcher
remained until his death in 1824. He left three sons, Thomas,
William, and Joseph, who, having a thorough knowledge of the
business, were well qualified to take up the business where their
father laid it down. The older sons, Thomas and William, en-
tered into partnership under the name of T. & W. Fletcher,
The younger brother, Joseph, who possessed great mechanical
skill, was in the service of the new firm, and to his industry and
inventive genius was due mainly the success of the firm.
In 1826 a number of braiding machines were erected, and the
firm began the manufacture of boot, shoe, and corset laces. In 1837
Joseph Fletcher was admitted to partnership, and the firm name
became Fletcher Brothers. Three years later, 1840, the manufac-
tory was removed in order to obtain water-power, to the mill on
Charles Street, known in the early history of Providence as the
“town grist mill," and to-day as Lewis’ Dye-wood Mill. At
that place Fletcher Brothers began to spin their own yarns, and
operated 300 spindles. In 1844 they purchased the land on Charles
Street now occupied by the company’s factories, and erected the
first building, or mill No. 1.
In 1860 the firm was changed by the admission of John S. Orms-
bee, son-in-law of Thomas Fletcher, William B., son of William
Fletcher, Henry, son of Joseph Fletcher, and Samuel G. Trippe.
The firm name was changed to Fletcher Brothers & Company.
The company was incorporated in 1865 under charter, with a
paid up capital of $300,000. The first officers were the follow-
ing: president, Thomas Fletcher; vice-president, William
Fletcher; treasurer, John S. Ormsbee, and secretary and agent,
Henry Fletcher.
With the discovery of petroleum and the use of one of its pro-
ducts, kerosene oil, in 1858, came a greater demand for lamp wicks.
Their manufacture was increased, and to-day the company’s out-
put is larger than that of any other factory in the United States.
Thomas Fletcher, the first president of the company, died in 1867,
and William Fletcher became president, and Joseph Fletcher,
VIEW OF THE FLETCHER MANUFACTURING COMPANY'S WORKS.
vice-president. William Fletcher died in 1869, and was succeeded
as president by Joseph Fletcher, whose place as vice-president
was filled by the election of William B. Fletcher. Henry Fletcher,
who served with much ability as secretary and agent of the com-
pany, died on May 6, 1875. The office of secretary and agent,
made vacant by the death of Henry Fletcher, was filled by the
election of William Ames, who served with honor through the
war of the Rebellion, attaining the rank of brigadier-general of
volunteers. On returning from service in the field, he was
appointed collector of internal revenue for the State of Rhode
Island.
Joseph Fletcher died on April 10, 1885, and was succeeded as
president by William B. Fletcher, and John S. Ormsbee was
elected to be vice-president. The Fletcher Manufacturing Com-
pany takes rank in its especial line as the largest in the country.
The employés number about seven hundred and fifty. The
buildings of the company cover more than four acres of earth
space. Although the product of the concern is known as “ small
wares,” yet its fame has spread to every dealer in this country, if
not to many far beyond it. The product consists in part, of boot,
shoe, and corset laces, silk and cotton shirt laces, lamp wicks,
stove wicks, macremé twines, rick rack, plain braids, bobbins,
harness and seine twines, wrapping twines, braided and twisted
spindle banding, yarns from twenty to sixty, in skeins, on spools,
or ring tied.
The management of this company has always been character-
ized by an honorable and liberal policy in its relations with its
employés, a course which has led to long terms of service of the
most skilled and intelligent class of workmen and women, people
of sterling worth in the community. The company has distrib-
uted a vast amount of money in the northern part of the city, and
has been one of the principal factors in building up its material
prosperity. -
Besides the families whose industries have been, to some extent,
above described, there are many others who have been greatly
instrumental in the building up of the manufacturing industries
of the state, and have left their indelible traces in its history. Of
the descendants of John Greene, surgeon, some have been
engaged in either the iron or cotton industry ever since the
early days of the eighteenth century, more especially in connec-
tion with the textile industries. The Dyers, the Chases, of Valley
Falls, the Watermans, the Richmonds, in the cotton printing,
and the Lippitts in Providence County, have each, for two gen-
erations, been notable as successfully engaged in pursuing the
cotton interests, and now take prominent rank in the same line.
The Grosvenors, who, though their mills are outside of the state,

33
254
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
may yet be ranked as Providence manufacturers, are the direct
successors in line of Amasa Mason, the father-in-law Dr. William
Grosvenor, may also be considered as representing an industry
existing for two generations, and bidding fair to last many more.
The Dunnells, of Dunnell's Print Works, Pawtucket; the Hoppins;
Sayles,— W. F. and F. C. Sayles, who, besides being largely
interested in many cotton and woolen mills, are proprietors of
the largest bleachery in the country. The Conants, of the
Conant Thread Mills, of Pawtucket; the Goff, Littlefield, Mason,
and Pierce families are all, in the present generation, largely en-
gaged in some branch of the cotton manufacturing, while the
Metcalf, Owen, and the Taft families, and the Sayles, of Burrill-
ville, are now actively engaged in woolen manufacturing, all in
the same county.
In past days, the Arnolds, the Rhodes, for two generations,
the Smiths and the Anthonys, each for two generations, the
Nightingales, the Jacksons, Edward Harris, of Woonsocket, —
the giant in wool manufacturing business of his day, and whose
work still is carried on, — have all been largely instrumental in
developing the cotton or woolen, and in many cases both, manu-
facturing in their day.
In Kent County are found the Laphams, who commenced the
manufacturing of cotton goods in an humble way two generations
ago, and control now some of the largest and most successful
mills in their part of the country; and in Washington County,
the Hazards, who were pioneers in the woolen manufacturing in
1804, have kept up the interest successfully, passing it down from
father to son, to the present day.
During the present generation this business has been carried on
in a much greater degree than formerly, by large corporations,
having a greater number of small stockholders than formerly,
and family names may not be so prominent in its connection in,
the times to come as they have been in the past.
There are many others than those whose names are mentioned,
engaged in the textile industries, some of whose enterprises
promise, in the future, to rival in size and importance those of the
past.
THE AMERICAN MULTIPLE FABRIC CoMPANY are engaged in.
the manufacture of hydraulic and fire hose, and other textile
goods, under patents which secure to them the exclusive control
of a weaving process and machinery for producing fabric of any
desired thickness at pleasure. No other concern in the country
possesses the same facilities for doing this work, consequently the
goods made by this company meet with very little competition in
the market, and are rapidly gaining favor with consumers.
This company was originally organized by Seth W. Baker,
the inventor of the process by which the goods are manufactured,
and on being chartered under the state laws, in 1873, the corpor-
ation was called the S. W. Baker Manufacturing Company, under
which title the business was carried on until 1884, when the pres-
ent corporate name was assumed.
The factory owned and operated by the American Multiple
Fabric Company, stands on Hartford Street, in Olneyville, a few
rods west of the great Atlantic Mill, and was formerly used as a
batting mill. It is not an extensive plant compared with some
mentioned in this chapter, but the space is so well economized,
and the peculiar machinery employed so well adapted to the use
required, that the factory has a capacity for producing an enor-
mous amount of goods. It is under the competent supervision of
Mr. William A. Wilkinson, the agent and treasurer of the com-
pany; and Mr. Charles Fletcher, a very successful manufacturer
and well-known business man, is president of the corporation.
The Multiple Fabric Company enjoys the advantage of know-
ing the practical secret of producing a fabric of great strength and
durability, with a texture both firm and pliable, which may be
woven of any desired thickness. For some purposes they manu-
facture the heaviest cotton fabrics made in the world, and the
machinery by means of which such results are accomplished is
fully protected by patents owned by the company.
One branch of the work done at this mill, is the production of
textile hose, for the use of fire companies and for other hydraulic
purposes, which combine points of excellence that would seem to
leave little else to be desired. In the first place, the strength of
the tube is beyond question, being capable of enduring a far
greater pressure to the square inch than the severest tests ever
require. In the next place it is made absolutely impervious to
water by the introduction of a continuous rubber lining. Again,
the hose is woven seamless, thus possessing an obvious advantage
over that which is riveted; it is also woven flat, which prevents the
breaking of the threads when it is reeled. These tubular pipes are
manufactured in all sizes, and vary in thickness from one to six
ply. The sales of the goods in this line are effected through the
Gutta Percha and Rubber Manufacturing Company, of New
York City, which receives the woven fabric as it is made at the
mill, inserts the rubber lining and puts it on the market.
Another important branch industry carried on in connection
with hose-making is the manufacture of the Baker patent evap-
orating horse blankets, which are well-known to owners of horses
in all parts of the country. They are both light and warm, and
by the rapid evaporation of the moisture absorbed by the fabric,
promote the comfort of the animal; and for durability, these
blankets excel every other make in use.
A class of goods akin to the blankets are the endless aprons
for the use of worsted yarn manufacturers, made by the Multiple
Fabric Company, and sundry supplies for paper-makers and
calico print works, for the production of which they have an
established reputation.
The management and rapid growth of the business of the
American Multiple Fabric Company well illustrates the success
which sometimes attends the manufacture and introduction of
articles of real merit when skillfully handled by men of enterprise
and energy.
THE PROvIDENCE DYEING, BLEACHING AND CALENDERING
CoMPANY.—The state prides itself not only upon the worth and
stability of its industries, but also upon their age and permanency.
Certainly it is something in favor of an industry that it has been
carried on uninterruptedly and successfully one hundred, fifty, or
twenty-five years. Many of the city's and state's manufactories
have this recommendation—a long life, full of honor and useful-
ness—productive of good to others as well as to themselves.
The Providence Dyeing, Bleaching and Calendering Company
was founded in 1814, and was known then as the Patent Calender
Company. The place of business was on Sabin Street, and the
works have been regarded as a land-mark in the history of the
city. Its reputation has been the highest from the beginning. Its
service in the market for more than seventy years has been ren-
dered to a long line of customers, and has been in the highest
degree satisfactory. The original proprietors were famed men in
their day, and to their heirs, no less successful and widely known,
is due the usefulness and standing of the establishment. The
company was founded by John B. Mason, Benjamin Dyer, Charles
Dyer, Benjamin Hoppin, T. C. Hoppin, Henry Hoppin, Elisha
Dyer, Smith Bosworth, Olney Dyer, and Hercules Whitney.
The company employs two manufactories. The older one, on
Sabin Street, occupies about an acre and a half of land, upon
which are erected dye-house, bleach-house, engine and boiler-
house, and storage buildings. One hundred and fifty persons are
employed. The equipment of machinery is full and complete,
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
255
and comprises the latest and the most improved patterns. The
company operates another manufactory in Olneyville, where about
fifty operatives are employed. This addition was made in 1846.
The business of the company is that of bleaching and finish-
ing shirtings, nainsooks, lawns, handkerchiefs, butter and cheese
cloths, cambrics, etc. Dyeing was abandoned in 1885. The
reputation of the firm is sufficient to attract goods from all large
manufacturing centres. The company was incorporated in 1842.
The following members of the corporation have been presidents
in the order named : Elisha Dyer, Sr., Benjamin Hoppin, Charles
Dyer, Benjamin Dyer, Ex-Gov. Elisha Dyer, Jr., Benjamin Hop-
pin, Jr., Ex-Gov. W. W. Hoppin, (fourteen years), and Stephen
Cornell, now in office. Smith Bosworth was agent and super-
intendent from the time of organization in 1814 to 1835, when
he resigned the agency and acted as superintendent until 1841.
William C. Snow was clerk from 1821 to 1831, and agent from
1835 till his death in 1872. Stephen Cornell was superintendent
from 1841 to 1866, and agent and treasurer from 1872 till 1883.
The present officers of the company are: president, Stephen
Cornell; treasurer, Charles A. Hoppin; agent, John B. Farns-
worth; directors, Thomas Brown, Henry W. Gardner, Augustus
Hoppin, Frederic S. Hoppin, William W. Hoppin, Jr., Daniel
W. Lyman, Howard Richmond, F. P. Sheldon, and Stephen
Cornell.
Cotton AND WoolEN INDUSTRIES IN THE VARIous Towns.
Bristol, though not a factory town, contains the mill of the Reynolds
Manufacturing Company, which has 11,552 spindles, 245 looms, and pro-
duces sheetings, shirtings, and yarn; the Richmond Manufacturing Com-
pany runs the Namguit Mill, having 9,952 spindles, 264 looms, and pro-
duces print cloths. .
In Burrillville, James Legg & Company's mill has 4,000 spindles, and
produces yarn and warps; also a woolen mill producing fancy cassimeres;
the Plainville Mill manufactures cassimeres; the Rhode Island Worsted .
Company produces worsted suitings; Gilboa & Carson at the Nason
Woolen Mill, make worsted coatings, dress goods, and suitings; the Glen-
dale Woolen Company makes fancy cassimeres; Graniteville Mill produces
worsted suitings and cassimeres; the Harrisville Mills make fancy cassi-
meres; the Mohegan Woolen Mill produces doeskins and fancy cassimeres;
J. D. Nicholls & Son's mill makes fancy cassimeres; J. M. Wilson makes
shoddy and yarn; Clear River Woolen Mill makes fancy cassimeres and
cheviots; J. T. Fiske, Sayles & Nichols, and A. L. Sayles are manufac-
turers of fancy cassimeres; G. O. Fairfield produces shoddy.
In Coventry, the Coventry Company’s mill has 33,152 spindles, 606
looms, and produces print cloths, sheetings, and shirtings; the Harris
Manufacturing Company’s mill has 17,520 spindles, 408 looms, and pro-
duces silesias, sheetings, and shirtings; the Interlaken Mill has 6,652
spindles, 148 looms, and produces muslins; Geo. M. Jacocks & Com-
pany's mill has 8,000 spindles, and produces spool cotton; Quidnick Man-
ufacturing Company’s mill has 33,000 spindles, 860 looms, and produces
print cloths; Benjamin Moone's mill has 1,500 spindles, and produces
yarn and twine; E. L. Anthony's mill produces rope and twine; Peckham
Manufacturing Company produces hosiery yarn, Kentucky jeans, German-
town yarn, doeskins, and tweeds; Geo. S. Tyler & Company and P. S.
Peckham & Company are yarn makers. -
Cranston contains the Turkey Red Dyeing Company's mill for damasks;
and the Cranston Bleachery, Dyeing and Printing Company; Richard
Thornly is also a manufacturer of shoddy and scours wool and waste.
In Cumberland, at Valley Falls, the Abbott Run Company's mill has
3,500 spindles, 86 looms, and produces print cloths; Ashton Mills are
operated by the Lonsdale Company; the Berkeley Company's mill has
49,000 spindles, 928 looms, and makes cambrics, Victoria lawns, nain-
sooks, and sateens; Cumberland Mills Company has 6,300 spindles and
2,080 twisting spindles, and manufactures yarn and thread.
East Greenwich Bay Mills Company, runs 5,628 spindles, and makes fine
shirtings; Pottowomut Mills have 4,750 spindles producing yarns; the
Phenix Woolen Mill produces fine fancy cassimeres; the Bolton Bleach-
ery produces five tons of white goods per day.
In Exeter, at Pine Hill, A. A. Crandall & Company make carpet warps;
Thomas T. Hoxie has 1,100 spindles producing yarn; Elisha P. Phillips
has 972 spindles making yarn; A. L. Chester produces woolens.
In Glocester, Hawkins & Houghton are makers of yarn and satinet
warps; Henry C. White and E. J. Valentine produce cassimeres.
In Hopkinton, Ira G. Briggs & Company, Canonchet Mill, the Centre-
ville Manufacturing Company and Moscow Mill, produce yarns; Ashaway
Line and Twine Manufacturing Company and D. L. Aldrich produce
twine and cordage; Locustville Mill has 3,688 spindles, 82 looms, and
makes print cloths; Wood River Mill, Ashaway Woolen Company, Clark
Falls Company, and Bethel Mill, produce cassimeres.
Johnston factories comprise the American Multiple Fabric Company’s
mill, in Olneyville, which produces woven fire hose, horse blankets, etc.;
the British Hosiery Company making 1,000 dozen a week; Thornton
Worsted Mill making worsted, camel, and mohair yarns; and L. W. Peck-
ham and J. E. Pierce & Company, shoddy pickers.
In Lincoln, the Albion Company's mill has 29,760 spindles, 635 looms,
and produces print cloths and sheetings; the Valley Falls Company’s
mill has 37,000 spindles, 90o looms and makes sheetings, print cloths,
seersuckers, and colored goods; the Lonsdale Company’s mills have 151,
824 spindles, 2,878 looms, and make bleached goods and silesias, and are
building another large mill — they have also an extensive bleachery; the
Manville Company's mill has 75,000 spindles, 1,700 looms, and produces
plain and fancy fine goods; Thurber, Horton & Wood, are producers of
cheese cloth, sheetings, print cloths, and yarns; the Central Falls Woolen
mill produces cassimeres and doeskins; W. F. & F. C. Sayles have an
extensive bleachery.
In North Kingstown, the Anaquatucket Company’s mill at Wickford has
1,504 spindles, and produces warps and yarn; Hamilton Web Company’s
mill has 5,228 spindles, 75 looms, and produces boot webbing, warps, and
yarn; Narragansett Mills have 1,536 spindles, and produce hosiery yarns
and warps; the Rodman Manufacturing Company’s mill has 3, IOO spin-
dles, and makes warps and yarns; Belleville Manufacturing Company’s
mill produces fancy cassimeres; C. A. Reynolds and G. W. Reynolds &
Company are manufacturers of Washington jeans; Wickford Worsted
Works produce fine worsted goods; the Rodman Manufacturing Company
has also a woolen mill for the production of doeskins and jeans, at Lafay-
ette Village; Wickford Worsted Works make fine worsted goods.
At North Providence the Allendale Company runs II,000 spindles and
25o looms in the production of sheetings and quilts; James Campbell’s
Greystone Mill produces shoddies; the Lymansville Company's mill makes
worsted suitings; and H. A. Kimball's mill produces fancy cassimeres.
Pawtucket contains a large number of both cotton and woolen mills.
The American Hair Cloth Padding Company runs 108 looms; Blodgett &
Orswell produce yarn and glazed thread; H. A. Briggs & Company
manufacture yarns, bats, and bandings; the Conant Thread Company
produces the Coates spool cotton; the George Cooper Knitting Company
makes stockinets, undershirts, and hosiery yarn; the Dexter Yarn Com-
pany produces knitting and tidy cotton, and yarn; G. C. Douglass makes
shoe and corset laces; W. A. Fuller knits stockinets; B. A. Gage & Com-
pany are stockinet knitters; Henry Gill manufactures tapes and webbing;
the Globe Braid Company makes tape; the Greene & Daniels Manufac-
turing Company produces spool cotton, shoe thread, yarns, warps, seine
and druggists’ twines; the Hope Thread Company makes spool thread,
yarn, and knitting cottons; the Huntington Thread Company manufac-
tures cotton thread; the E. Jencks Manufacturing Company makes band
ings and twine; E. R. Johnson & Company are producers of yarn; John J.
Kenyon makes tape, braids,and small wares; the Lebanon Mill Company
manufactures stockinets, thread, and yarn; Littlefield Brothers produce
thread, yarn, and warps; the Lorraine Manufacturing Company makes
women’s cotton and woolen dress goods; P. M. Mathewson & Company
are yarn spinners; the Pawtucket Hair Cloth Company produces hair
cloth; the R. B. Gage Manufacturing Company produces yarns; the
Slater Cotton Company has 47,000 spindles, and makes sheetings, shirt-
ings, cambrics, muslins, and lawns; H. E. Smith & Company are warp
makers; the Slater Mill produces yarns; Stafford & Company make spool
cotton and dressed thread; the Stafford Manufacturing Company has 13,000
spindles and makes spool thread and yarn; the Union Wadding Company
manufactures wadding and batting; the United States Cotton Company
produces print cloths; D. Goff & Sons are makers of worsted yarns and
braids and mohair plush; the Lorraine Manufacturing Company (woolen
department) produces worsted dress goods; John Lyon is a hosiery
knitter; N. W. Pierce makes cardigan jackets and leggings; the Slater
Stocking Company knits cotton and woolen hosiery; the Providence
Hosiery Company produces stockinets; the Globe Braid Mills make
tapes and petershams; the bleaching business is carried on by the Demp-
sey Bleaching and Dye Works, Greene & Daniels Manufacturing Com-
pany, Home Bleaching and Dyeing Company, and R. D. Mason &
Company.
In Providence, the Nottingham Mills have 23,000 spindles, 556 looms,
and produce dress goods and fancy weaves; the Oriental Mills have 15,878
256
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
spindles, 4oo looms, and produce print cloths and dress goods; the White-
stone Mills have 15,000 spindles, 300 looms, and produce sheetings, twills,
and fancy goods; the Riverside Cotton Mills have Io,000 spindles, 200
looms, and produce 40-inch twills; the Harrison Steam Mills have 8,000
spindles, 128 looms, and make print cloths and sateens; the Hope Web-
bing Company make gaiter webs and tapes; the Atlantic Mills have 40,-
OOO cotton spindles and 22,000 worsted spindles, and produce worsted and
cotton warp goods; the Elmwood Manufacturing Company has 9,000
spindles, 200 looms, and produces shirtings; the Fletcher Manufacturing
Company makes boot, shoe, and corset lacings, braids, and yarns; the
Pawtucket Thread Company makes spool cotton; the American Tubing
Company are wicking weavers; Elba Woolen Mill manufactures fancy
cassimeres; Geneva Worsted Mill makes worsted coatings; the Hill-
side Woolen Mills make cloakings and dress goods; the National Worsted
Mills make worsted coatings; the Providence Worsted Mills make mohair,
genappe, and worsted yarn; the Riverside and Oswego mills make worsted
coatings and lastings; the Steere Worsted Mill makes worsted yarns; the
Valley Worsted Mills make yarns, knitting worsteds, floss, zephyr, and
Saxony yarn; the Wanskuck Company makes worsted cloakings and
coatings; the Weybosset Mills make fancy cassimeres and worsteds; R.
Berry & Company knit hosiery; Henry A. Davis is a maker of shoddy;
Thomas Mabbett spins woolen yarn; William Nugent makes woolen and
hosiery yarns; J. E. Pierce & Company are shoddy manufacturers.
Bleaching and dyeing is done by the Rhode Island Bleach and Dye Works,
Silver Spring Bleaching and Dyeing Company, and Pontiac Bleachery.
Richmond factories are: the Arcadia Manufacturing Company’s mill,
which has 7,000 spindles, 14o looms, and makes print cloths; E. Ken-
yon & Son have 1,024 spindles, and produce fancy cassimeres; David L.
Aldrich has 3,500 spindles, and manufactures carpet warps; Willow Val-
ley Mill makes carpet warps; Alvah Crandall and Wyoming Mills make
yarns; Carmichael Manufacturing Company are shoddy makers.
Scituate, which derives abundant water-power from the Pawtuxet and
its tributaries, has quite a number of cotton factories. The Hope Com-
pany’s Mill has 44,448 spindles, 818 looms, and produces shirtings; the
Rockland mill has 9,200 spindles, 200 looms, and produces print cloths;
the Scituate Manufacturing Company’s mill has 8,62o spindles, 230 looms,
and produces print cloths; the Ponagansett Company's mill has 6,500
spindles, 150 looms, and produces print cloths; the Ashland Company's
mill has 5,200 spindles, Ioo looms, and produces light sheetings; the
Jackson Mill Company’s mill has 5,000 spindles, 124 looms, and produces
print cloths; the Fiskeville Mill has 4,000 spindles, 98 looms, and pro-
duces sheetings and shirtings; the Clayville Mill has 5,000 spindles and
produces yarns; the mills of Wm. E. Joslin & Company (Robert Joslin
and Wm. E. Joslin) manufacture shoe and corset lacings.
In Smithfield, the Forestdale Manufacturing Company has 15,216 spin-
dles, 342 looms, and makes sheetings and shirtings; John W. Slater's mill
has 25,000 spindles, 696 looms, and makes ticks, stripes, cheviots, and
ginghams; the Enfield Mills have lo,508 spindles, 225 looms, and make
print cloths; the Greenville Manufacturing Company has 3,800 spindles,
8o looms, and produces sheetings and shirtings; the Granite Mill Company
has 6,300 spindles, IoS looms, and makes sheetings; the Winsor Mills,
with 6,000 spindles and 120 looms, make shirtings; the Stillwater Woolen
Mill makes cassimeres, coatings, cloakings, and sackings; the Woonasqua-
tucket Mills make fancy cassimeres. .
In Warren, the Cutler Manufacturing Company's mill has 23,000 spin-
dles and produces yarn and warps; the Inman Manufacturing Company
manufactures lacings; the Warren Manufacturing Company's mill has
58,000 spindles, 1,400 looms, and produces sheetings and print cloths.
Warwick abounds in factories. Centreville Cotton Mill has 30,000 spin-
dles, 62o looms, and produces sheetings and print cloths; the Crompton
Company’s mill has 40,000 spindles, 1,000 looms, and produces print
cloths; the Arctic Mills have 35,000 spindles, I, IOO looms, and make print
cloths; the Elizabeth Mill Company runs 20,000 spindles and makes fine
combed yarns and thread; the Lippitt Company's mill has Io,640 spin-
dles, 222 looms, and produces print cloths and sheetings; the Natick Mill
has 84,000 spindles, 2,200 looms, and produces sheetings and shirtings;
the Bernon Manufacturing Company has 29,000 spindles, 675 looms, and
produces print cloths; the Pontiac Mill and Bleachery has 27,ooo spindles,
725 looms, and produces sheetings and shirtings; the Greene Manufactur-
ing Company's mill has 27,000 spindles, 57o looms, and makes sheetings;
Richard Howard & Son and Pearce Brothers are woolen yarn manufac-
turers; bleaching and dyeing is done at the Pontiac Bleachery.
Westerly contains the Moss Manufacturing Company’s mill, with 11,408
spindles and 341 looms, which makes dress goods and shirtings; White
Rock Manufacturing Company’s mill, with 27,300 spindles and 675 looms,
making sheetings; the Carmichael Manufacturing Company’s mills,
which make cloakings, cassimeres, and flannels; the Stillman Manufactur-
ing Company’s mill producing cassimeres and cloakings; the Westerly
Woolen Company’s mill producing cassimeres.
Woonsocket is another large manufacturing town, and contains the fol-
lowing mills: Ballou Mill has 12,000 spindles, 230 looms, and produces
shirtings and print cloths; the mills of the Clinton Manufacturing Com-
pany have 21,000 spindles, 512 looms, and produce sheetings; the Eagle
Mills have 16,000 spindles, 360 looms, and produce dress goods and
sateens; the Hamlet Mills have 17,35o spindles, 354 looms, and make
sheetings and shirtings; the Harris Woolen Company's mill has 10,000
spindles, 122 looms, and makes sheetings, shirtings, and drills; Ray,
Rathbun & Company’s mill has 8,200 spindles, 21o looms, and makes
shirtings; J. P. & J. G. Ray's mill has 7,000 spindles, Ioo looms, and pro-
duces sheetings, warps, and seamless bags; the Social Manufacturing
Company’s mills have 121,264 spindles, 2,710 looms, and produce sheet-
ings, shirtings, and silesias; the Woonsocket Company’s mill has 16,000
spindles, 337 looms, and makes print cloths; the Woonsocket Yarn Com-
pany are yarn spinners; the American Worsted Company produces dress
braids, cardigan jackets, and yarns; the Bradford Manufacturing Company
makes silk noils, yarns, and upholstery goods; the Glenark Knitting Com-
pany manufactures stockinets and jerseys; the Harris Woolen Company
makes fancy cassimeres and overcoatings; the Leicester Knitting Company
makes jackets, mittens, and leggins; the Lippitt Woolen Company makes
cassimeres and coatings; the Perseverence Worsted Company makes men's
worsted goods.
The Peacedale Mill at South Kingstown, manufactures shawls;-cassi-
meres, and worsted coatings; Harrison H. Robinson makes satinets.
HENRY L. ALDRICH.— The character of the cotton trade, of
which Providence has long been an important centre, has mate-
rially altered within the memory of the older merchants now
engaged in it. In ante-bellum times Northern dealers did a cash
business, bought directly of Southern planters, kept a large stock
on hand, and sold directly to the consumer, without the inter-
vention of middle men. The market was very active during the
continuance of the war, and it was no uncommon thing to make
a profit of three, five, or even eight cents on a pound in selling a
cargo. Since then different methods of doing business have been
adopted, the practice of selling futures has come into vogue,
prices have become fluctuating, brokers divide the slender profits
with the principals, and the constant demand for credit saps the
life of the trade. One of the heaviest cotton dealers in this city,
who has survived these changes and is still holding a foremost
rank, is Mr. Henry L. Aldrich, whose commodious office is at
No. 37 Weybosset Street. The house was established in 1855
by Mr. Andrew A. Kimball and himself, under the style of Kim-
ball & Aldrich, but about three years later the senior member
retired from the firm, and Mr. Aldrich became sole proprietor,
and has continued the business in his own name. In his efforts
to adapt his methods of doing business to the conditions that ob-
tained after the war began, Mr. Aldrich was the first dealer in
this city, and probably in New England, to initiate the now com-
mon practice of selling cotton for future delivery, and it was a
long time before his contemporaries in the business could see the
wisdom or necessity of his course, or be persuaded to adopt a
like course. Another means by which he took advantage of the
opportunities for increasing trade during the years of the war
was by owning and running his own transportation boats to New
York and Southern ports, and into this service he pressed the
steamers “City of Providence,” “Vicksburg,” and the “Annie.”
During the last twenty years Mr. Aldrich has had the good for-
tune to retain his best customers, who give him their trade from
preference. He continues to do a leading business with Provi-
dence buyers and throughout New England. He also receives
frequent consignments of cotton to sell for friends at the South,
and as agent of the Baltic Mills furnishes all the raw material
used in that extensive factory. His two sons are salesmen in the
office and have an interest in the business. Besides Mr. Aldrich,
there are several other cotton dealers now doing business in this
city, who form an important element in the commercial life of
the city. -
- CHAPTER XV.
GREAT IRON INDUSTRIES OF THE CITY.
STEAM ENGINE BUILDERs – THE CORLISs stEAM ENGINE COMPANY — THE PROVIDENCE STEAM ENGINE company — willi AM A.
HARRIS – THE ARMINGTON & SIMS ENGINE COMPANY -- GEORGE M. CRUICKSHANK —THE GREAT MACHINERY MANUFACTORIES
AND KINDRED INDUSTRIES – THE BROWN & SHARPE MANUFACTURING COMPANY — THE PROVIDENCE MACHINE COMPANY —
THE AMERICAN SCREW COMPANY — THE PROVIDENCE STEAM AND GAS PIPE COMPANY — THE PHENIX IRON FOUNDRY — THE
AMERICAN SHIP WINDLASS COMPANY — THE CORLISS SAFE MANUFACTURING COMPANY — THE NICHOLSON FILE COMPANY —
J. & T. HOPE – THE HOUSEHOLD SEWING MACHINE COMPANY — STILLMAN white.
GEORGE H. CORLISS,
Inventor of the Corliss Steam Engine.
IN the development of the vast industrial interests of the world,
Rhode Island justly claims the honor of originating and fostering
many of the most important mechanical inventions, among which,
from its far-reaching influence, we may rank the improvement of
the steam engine as one of the greatest in usefulness. Over sixty
years ago steam engines of considerable merit were built here.
Now, Providence is known to be the home of the most perfect
type of the steam engine, which has been adopted by the prin-
cipal engineering firms in all countries, and the builders of the
steam engines in Providence to-day seem emulous of increasing
this fame by their ever-improving productions.
THE Corliss STEAM ENGINE WoRKs which for many years
have contributed largely to the material prosperity of Providence,
were built to develop the inventions of Mr. George H. Corliss,
a man of ingenious mind, who came to this city to reside about
the year 1844. He was born in Easton, Washington Co., N.Y.,
June 2, 1817. His father was a physician, who gave his son
such common school advantages as the times afforded, after which
he attended the academy in Castleton, Vt. After acquiring his
education, he engaged for a time in teaching, and afterwards
in trade; but as subsequent events proved, found his life-work
when he turned his attention seriously to the improvement of the
mechanism on which commerce and manufacture chiefly depend
for motive power.
In order to produce steam engines combining his inventions,
Mr. Corliss projected and caused to be built, in accordance with
his own plans, the extensive works now known as the property
of the Corliss Steam Engine Company, which cover an area of
nearly five acres of land, and require a great capital for their suc-
cessful operation.
When the Academy of Arts and Sciences in Boston awarded
to him the Rumford Medal, in 1870, the president said: “In the
opinion of those who have officially investigated the matter, no
invention since Watt’s time has so enhanced the efficiency of the
steam engine, as this for which the Rumford Medal is now pre-
sented to you.”
The Corliss steam engine supplied the motive power for the
machinery on exhibition at the Centennial Exposition, where its
operation was witnessed by a great multitude.
Besides the Rumford Medal awarded to Mr. Corliss by the
Academy of Arts and Sciences, he received the highest prize at
the Paris Exhibition, in 1867, although it was contested by more
than a hundred of the most noted engine builders in the world.
At the Vienna Exposition of 1873, he received the grand diploma
of honor.
Although Mr. Corliss has reached the age at which, usually, a
man's life-work is considered done, he has recently undertaken the
remodeling of his workshops, machinery, patterns, and tools, it
is understood, for the production of steam engines in greater
perfection, and with greater economy than heretofore attained, a
work which with most men would be the labor of a life-time.
The establishment is known as the Corliss Steam Engine Com-
pany, with George H. Corliss, president and treasurer.
THE PROVIDENCE STEAM ENGINE COMPANY. — Quite an im-
petus to the recent growth of the industry of engine building in
Providence has been created by the Providence Steam Engine
Company. They have combined very important features of in-
vention with proper methods of construction and just proportion
of parts —their improved Greene engine is a model of perfection.
The origin of this industry dates back to the year 1821, when R.
L. Thurston commenced the manufacture of steam engines. In
1834 he, with others, originated the Providence Steam Engine
Company, which in 1838 was changed to Thurston, Greene &
Company. In June, 1845, their buildings were destroyed by fire.
Then Mr. Greene visited Europe and procured the necessary ma-
chinery to again commence business. This firm continued until
1854, when Henry W. Gardner joined it, and the firm was Thurs-
ton, Gardner & Company up to 1863. Previous to 1863, G. G.
Hicks, who had been a member of the firm, and R. L. Thurston
retired. In 1863 the company organized under an existing char-

258
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
ter, as the Providence Steam Engine Company, with Byron
Sprague as president, W. W. Paine as secretary and treasurer,
and Henry W. Gardner as agent. In 1866 Byron Sprague died,
and W. H. Reynolds was made president. Soon after Mr. Paine
resigned and Mr. Gardner was appointed treasurer, with T. W.
Phillips as secretary. Subsequently Mr. Gardner was chosen
president and treasurer. From 1861 until 1884 these works were
very largely engaged in the manufacture of marine engines and
boilers, particularly for the United States government. When
in 1861, the government found it necessary to largely increase
the navy, this company was amongst those first called upon.
The first contracts taken were for the machinery to be used
in the double-enders, “Patuxent” and “Algonquin,” a class of
vessels for river service.
They received orders for the machinery to propel two sloops
of war, having engines of about three thousand horse-power each.
They contracted for this work under the then existing conditions
of the market on which the cost of labor and material was based,
and notwithstanding the large advance which occurred, involving
an actual loss of more than twice their capital, they completed
and put into successful operation all the steam machinery con-
tracted for, with the exception of one pair of engines which
were duly constructed and delivered. These two engines have
since been put into a vessel by the government. The operation of
this machinery was so eminently satisfactory as to call forth from
the Navy Department the most complimentary letters, and since
that time, when the government was in need of steam machinery
this company has always been invited to make proposals, and
has been favored with many orders.
In 1855 Noble T. Greene, of Thurston, Greene & Company,
patented an improvement for steam engines known as the “Greene
drop cut-off,” combining with it the fly-ball governor of Watt.
This engine met with success, numbers of them having been
placed over the country; but litigation arising it was unfortunately
enjoined. The injunction expired by limitation in 1869 when the
manufacture was recommenced.
In connection with a general description of the engine some
interesting and special features are very prominent.
In the making of steam engines, after the particular type has
been chosen, there are usually certain controlling motives devel-
oped in carrying out the design. First, cheapness of construction
THE IMPROVED GREEN E ENGINE.
Built by the Providence Steam Engine Company.
is the ruling desire with some builders; on the other hand comes
a disregard for cheapness, in order to make a machine of such
nature that the destructive wear shall be reduced to a minimum,
and also to give such liberal proportions that the strains and insen-
sible vibrations cannot in time cause a giving away of the parts,
– in other words largely passing the limits for calculated strains,
instead of keeping close to the danger line. Second, disregard
for convenience in methods for repairs; on the other hand, so con-
structing an engine that all parts are of the easiest possible form
for repairs.
In this engine all that could be effected to secure the best con-
struction has been most liberally done in a strikingly mechanical
manner. Description : The improved Greene engine, unlike
the usual type of drop cut-off engines, has a separate eccentric
for both the inlet and exhaust valves. The object of this is two-
fold. First, the inlet or steam valves permit the steam to be cut
off at any period up to three-quarters of the whole stroke; this gives
the engine much better regulating powers where the load is sud-
denly thrown off or on. Second, the exhaust valves can be set
with any lap desired so that suitable compression can be given for
high speeds.
Plain flat slide valves are used for both steam and exhaust valves,
which insures a just wear and continued tightness. The exhaust
valve seats are easily accessible for inspection or repairs. The
closing of the steam valves is largely aided by steam pressure
against the stems, which are designed of a suitable size for this
purpose,_thus a very rapid closing is given to prevent wire-draw-
ing of the steam. The steam valves are so connected with their
stems, or rods, that in case of water coming into the cylinder with
steam from the boilers, or from the hot well of a condensing engine,
the water forced back by the piston can easily and fully raise the
steam valves to give free exit to the water, which might otherwise
cause a break down of the engine. As the regulator is driven by
a belt, an ingenious provision stops the engine in case the belt runs
off or breaks; this is very important as the absence of the engineer
at such a moment would otherwise allow an engine to run at a very
dangerous speed. A further admirable provision exists by which
the engine may be stopped from any room in the mill by simply
pulling a cord which instantly throws out the opening mechan-
ism of the steam valves. The main cross-head guides, or bars, are
easily removable for repairs. The further features of the engine
are readily understood from the illustra-
tion. The economic working of this
engine is well established, and what is of
the highest importance is, that the whole
construction has been made to insure sta-
bility, durability, and ability to continue
the same economy in fuel that exists at the
first working of the engine.
In the construction of any machinery
subject to great strains and wear, it requires
a mind of a very high type to be able to
properly consider all questions of strength
of parts. If this statement be doubted, let
the doubter carefully collect statistics of
the breaking of parts of engines during
past years and his astonishment would
be great. The Providence Steam Engine
Company are particularly fortunate in
having the services of a mechanical en-
gineer in the person of Henry J. John-
son, who has brought this engine to its
present high standard.
The business management of the com-
pany is conducted by Henry W. Gardner

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
259
as president and treasurer, and by T. W. Phillips as secretary.
The latter has been the active business manager for about ten
years.
WILLIAM A. HARRIs. – One of the industries that contributes
largely to the material prosperity of the city of Providence, is that
established and managed by William A. Harris, builder of the
widely-known Harris-Corliss steam engines. The premises cover
148,120 square feet of land on the corner of Park and Promenade
streets, near the old State Prison. The group of buildings in
which the work is carried on, were built for the special accom-
modation of the business, and consists of a machine shop, pattern
shop, blacksmith shop, iron foundry, brass foundry, pattern store-
house, and other structures, containing in all 96,625 square feet of
floor space, which is fully utilized in operating the business. A
large force of workmen is employed in the establishment, varying
with the fluctuations of trade, from two hundred to three hundred,
well skilled in the work they have to perform. One reason for
the excellent system and freedom from friction that prevails among
the mechanics in the shops is, doubtless, the fact that a very large
proportion of them learned their trade in the works under the in-
struction of the superintendent and foremen of the different rooms,
and thoroughly understand what is expected of them, while at the
same time they merit and enjoy the confidence of the proprietor.
Through the unique and admirable apprenticeship system de-
vised by Mr. Harris, and improved and perfected by the expe-
rience of years, he is enabled to fill his shops with the best of
trained workmen, whose ability and temper can be relied on.
Briefly stated, this novel system constitutes the engine works a
manual or industrial training-school of the best practical kind,
covering a period of three full years, during which the learner is
thoroughly taught to execute every part of the complex work in
the best manner, so that at the end of his apprenticeship he is
master of one of the best trades in the world, and a competent
judge of the quality and mechanism of the products of his skill.
The terms of admission to this school of practical mechanics and
the discipline to which the learner pledges himself to submit
are exceptionally just to both parties to the bargain, and well cal-
culated to develop in the young workman manly perseverance,
and a lively interest in what he is learning to do. The written
conditions of apprenticeship subscribed to by each candidate
require a service of three years of 310 days each, and lost time
to be made up. The first six months are probationary, during
which he may retire if not satisfied, or may be discharged for
cause. At the end of the probation, he must, if determined to
continue, give an acceptable bond that he will remain as an
apprentice for the full term, and the proprietor on his part be-
comes obligated to accept his service and give him full instruction
in all branches of the work. This indenture constitutes each
apprentice a student or pupil under instruction, who pays his
tuition in service from which the proprietor derives profit. In
view of the future value to him of the knowledge acquired during
the three years, the learner would get a liberal return for his time
and labor were he to receive no other compensation for his ser-
vice. But the conditions further provide that he shall receive
forty-five cents for each day’s service during the entire three
years. Further than this, he is encouraged to do his best by
the promise of a gratuity of $100 at the end of the period, in
case he displays aptitude for the work and fidelity to the in-
terests of his employer. A new applicant is received once in
six weeks, on an average, who usually has to wait some time
for a vacancy to occur before he is admitted. About twenty-
five can be instructed at the same time, and three-fifths of them
merit and receive the promised gratuity, and only about one in
twenty of those who enter leave during the probationary six
months. Of the ISO boys who have served this apprenticeship
N
N
§
WILLIAM A. HARRIS,
Builder of the Harris-Corliss Steam Engine.
since the system was adopted, it is stated that not one has “gone
to the bad,” while all are getting a good living, and many hold
high positions.
The machinery and tools were invented and made specially
for use in these works, and the products of the shops comprise a
great variety of stationary engines, ranging from Io to 2,000
horse-power, and when run to their full capacity the works will
produce half a million dollars’ worth of merchandise annually,
which is shipped to all parts of the United States, to Cuba, Mex-
ico, and Spain. The Harris-Corliss engines are used in many of
the largest and best known manufactories in the country.
The proprietor of this business, William Andrew Harris,
was born in Woodstock, Conn., March 2, 1835, and is the eighth
generation from William Harris who came to these shores with
Roger Williams in the ship “Lion.” From this ancestor and
his son, Andrew, Mr. Harris derived his name. Mr. Harris
came to Providence in the spring of 1838, and in the autumn of
1840, went to North Adams, Mass., where he lived until October,
1846, then returned to Providence, where he has since resided.
He attended school at the Fountain Street Grammar School until
1849, when he entered the high school.
In the spring of 1851, he left the high school to attend board-
ing-school at South Williamstown, Mass., then under the charge
of B. F. and J. A. Mills. During the following winter of 1851–
'52, he occupied his time at home, practicing drawing. In March,
1852, he entered the Union Bank of this city as clerk, during the
presidency of Elisha Dyer, (father of ex-Governor Dyer,) and the
cashiership of James B. Hoskins; he remained there for three
years, until 1855, when he entered the employment as draughts-
man, of the Providence Forge and Nut Company, since known as
the uptown works of the Providence Tool Company, and now
the Rhode Island Tool Company; he remained there until the
consolidation of the Providence Forge and Nut Company with
the Providence Tool Company, early in 1856, at which time he

260
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
THE ARMINGTON & SIMS ENGINE–Single Disk.
Manufactured by the Armington & Sims Engine Company, Providence.
entered the employment, as draughtsman, of the Corliss Steam
Engine Company, temporarily only, but he remained until Aug.
1, 1864, when he commenced business on his own account on
Eddy Street, in the old building formerly used in Dorr times as
his head-quarters, now used as a gold refinery by James B.
Arnold; he remained there until the occupancy of his present
works corner Park and Promenade streets, where he started Nov.
17, 1868.
During the time he was employed at the Corliss Steam Engine
Works, he entered the service of the United States in Company
D, Tenth Rhode Island Volunteers, serving three months, when
he was honorably discharged.
In 1883 Mr. Harris was a member of the common council
from the first ward, and one of the committee on the fire depart-
ment. In April of the same year, he was elected a member of
the lower house of the General Assembly, and appointed on the
judiciary committee, and has held the office every year since; he
has also been chairman of the committee on rules and orders since
May, 1885.
THE ARMINGTON & SIMs ENGINE COMPANY. —The Arming-
ton & Sims Engine Company was organized and business estab-
lished in July, 1883, by Pardon Armington and Gardner C.
Sims, who came from Lawrence, Mass., in 1882. The mem-
bers of the company are: President, Henry Howard; vice-presi-
dent, John W. Danielson; secretary, Theodore An-
drews; treasurer, Pardon Armington; assistant treas-
urer, Henry C. Cranston; general manager, Gardner
C. Sims. The place of business is on High near
Knight Street, and the product is high speed steam
engines.
. Although an invention comparatively new, yet the / 2
Armington & Sims engine has already demonsrated 4(, -
the fact that it may wield a tremendous power in the A
world. It has been recognized as one of the reliable E.
motors of the day. The advantages of the Armington H
& Sims engines are these : simplicity; absence of ->
parts requiring frequent adjustment; regularity in
speed; small cost, especially for the greater powers:
small space required for the engine and fly-wheel; a
compact form and consequent rigidity in stationary
and moving parts, unattainable in engines of long
stroke; the employment of short and nearly parallel
belts in place of long converging ones; the avoidance
of intermediate gearing to produce the speed required;
and the great saving in room, building, and founda-
_ºº.
~ A.
tions. The automatic cut-off regulator is
original in every respect, it is perfect in its
operation, all its parts can be readily reached,
and are always in sight. It is attached directly
to the valve rod, and varies the point of cut-off
as the resistance requires, from the beginning
to seven-tenths of the stroke, without changing
the lead — a feature peculiar to this regulator.
It acts instantaneously, and whatever the
change in load or pressure of steam, the speed
remains constant. The variation in speed,
from an extreme light load to the capacity of
the engine, will not exceed two per cent. The
valve, which is an important factor in the
economy of this engine, is perfectly balanced,
and surrounded at all times by live steam. By
its unique construction it permits the full boiler
pressure to be maintained in the cylinder up to
the point of the cut-off.
The cut at the top of the page represents a
single disk engine, principally for mills and manufactories.
These engines range from seventy to seven hundred horse-power.
and are used and in high favor in manufactories where great
motive power is required. The cut at the bottom of the page
represents a double-disk engine. These engines range from ten
to one hundred and fifty horse-power, and are self-contained,
requiring small space, while they furnish steady power, a quality
of great value, especially in the making of electricity for lighting
purposes. They are used by the Brush, the Edison, and other
electric lighting companies. Mr. Thomas A. Edison said of this
engine: “I fail to see what improvement in its mechanism can
be suggested. The Edison Company have about three hundred
of these double-disk engines in daily use, – those at the Central
Lighting Station, in New York, giving a regular duty of over
one hundred and fifty horse power at a speed of three hundred
and fifty revolutions per minute without heating, and this for
many days together without slackening speed.
More than two thousand engines have been built by this
company, and are in daily use in all countries of the world, fur-
nishing power for cotton mills, grist-mills, saw-mills, breweries,
steamships, yachts, machine shops, paper mills, foundries, rolling-
mills, electrical lighting stations, -in all of which they do their
work satisfactorily.
Many medals and awards have been conferred upon this com-
E
I-
|
Vº
N
2/
lı Illuminum
wº-ºº:
THE ARMINGTON & SIMS ENGINE–Double Disk.



























THE PROVIDENCE: PLANTATIONS. 26 I
pany for the excellence of their engines. They received the
highest award at the Cincinnati Exposition, in 1883, for quick
acting steam engine; at the Industrial Exhibition Association at
Toronto, Canada, in the same year, for high-speed engines; at
the Southern Exposition, in the same year, for the best quick
acting steam engine for electric lights, and a gold medal from the
International Inventions Exhibition, in London, 1885.
The Armington & Sims engines have rapidly gained a leading
position among the high class engines of the day, and they are
noted for their economy of fuel, workmanship, simplicity of con-
struction, durability, and moderate price.
GEORGE M. CRUICKshANK.— Providence might very well be
styled the steam engine city, on account of the extent and variety
of the engine building carried on in her midst. Not the largest,
but one of the most reliable parties devoted to this industry, is Mr.
George M. Cruickshank, a native of Scotland, who learned his
trade in a most thorough manner on the Clyde, and then came
here to put it in practice. He occupies a large stone building at
No. 286 Dyer Street, with his machinery and tools, and the
standard products of his shop are stationary, portable, and yacht
engines, and general machinery. Mr. Cruickshank is not only a
skillful mechanic, but also a man of great practical ingenuity,
and the inventor and patentee of several valuable machines,
among which is a small and very compact stationary engine,
which he manufactures and for which there is a large and in-
creasing demand.
The engine that propels his own machinery is a type of the
engines of his construction; and a practical artisan, in looking
about the establishment, would detect many valuable improve-
ments in the mechanism of the works that have been contrived
and introduced by the ingenious proprietor.
Many of Mr. Cruickshank’s engines are in operation in Provi-
dence, showing the appreciation of them in the home market.
GREAT MACHINERY MANUFActor IES AND KINDRED
INDUSTRIEs.
THE BRowN AND SHARPE MANUFACTURING CoMPANY. —
The foundation of this company was laid nearly half a century
ago by Mr. Joseph R. Brown. He was the son of David Brown,
born in Attleboro, Mass., in 1781, a man of the highest integrity,
and remarkable for strength of will and purpose.
David Brown was established in Warren, R.I., in 1804, in the
manufacture of jewelry and silver-ware. Later when business failed
and wants were pressing, he traveled through the valley of the
Connecticut, and ground razors and fine cutlery on a machine,
WORKS OF THE BROWN & SHARPE MANUFACTURING COMPANY.,
JOSEPH R. BROWN.
Founder of the Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Company.
which he wheeled before him, and on which he carried silver-
ware of his own manufacture. For three years he followed this
itinerant occupation, and not only cleared himself from all debt
but laid by something.
In 1828 David Brown removed from Warren to Pawtucket, and
in 1833 formed a copartnership with his son, Joseph R. Brown,
and not long afterward was founded in Providence the establish-
ment which became the Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Com-
pany.
The son, Joseph R. Brown, was born in Warren, R.I., Jan.
26, 1810. With mind fashioned after his father's, full of mechan-
ical thought and ingenuity, he began early to toy with tools, and
to use them with practical results. In 1827 he entered the ma-
chine shop of Walcott & Harris in Valley Falls, and began his
life-work. He developed unusual ability, and soon abandoned
the coarse work upon which he began, and was entrusted with
that requiring more careful manipulation. In the spring follow-
ing, however, he returned to Pawtucket, and entered his father's
shop in which tower clocks were in process of construction for
the towns of Pawtucket, Taunton, and New Bedford.
In 1831, now of age, Mr. Joseph R. Brown
opened a shop on his own account, and began
the manufacture of small tools and lathes.
Two years from this time, the father and son
united forces, and started in business at 6o
South Main Street, Providence. In 1837 the
factory with contents was destroyed by fire, and
the $2,OOO insurance was the capital with
which to begin again. The works were im-
mediately rebuilt, but in 1839 the place of
manufacture was removed to 69 South Main
Street, where the business continued till 1848,
under the sole care of Mr. Joseph R. Brown
after 1841. Again a removal was made to 115
South Main Street. In 1853 Mr. Lucian
Sharpe, who had been an apprentice in the
employ of Mr. Brown for five years, became
a member of the firm, and the house of Brown
& Sharpe was established. The new firm
employed fourteen workmen, and occupied a
floor space of 30 x 60 feet. In 1858 the firm


34
262
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
|
º i.
Tillº -
*-**
WORKS OF THE PRCVIDENCE MACHINE COMPANY.
made a contract with the Willcox & Gibbs Sewing Machine
Company to manufacture their entire product. Since that time
the machines manufactured number over four hundred thousand.
The business of the firm increased rapidly, requiring large addi-
tions to the body of workmen, and to the working space. In
1865 the number of employés was nearly three hundred. In
1868, the company was incorporated under the name of the
Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Company.
The growth of business had been large and rapid ; it had out-
grown its original place of prosperity, and ampler space must be
provided ; and in 1870, the site now occupied was purchased.
The buildings are constructed of iron and brick, and fire-proof;
they front on Promenade Street, near Park Street, and overlook
the Woonasquatucket River. In 1852 Mr. Brown invented the
linear dividing engine, for graduated divisions in scales of meas-
urement. It was the first automatic machine of the kind oper-
ated in this country. The company has acquired an extended
fame by its steel rules, gauges, and calipers for fine, accurate meas-
urements. These are manufactured to be used according to the
American, English, or French standards of measure. Mr. Sam-
uel Darling was admitted as partner to this branch of the busi-
ness in 1866. This business is separate and independent, but is
carried on in the same building under the superintendence of
Mr. Darling, and the firm name of Darling, Brown & Sharpe.
Mr. Brown's inventions cannot all be mentioned, but prominent
among them is the universal milling machine with gear cutting
attachment, a revolving headscrew machine, a universal grind-
ing machine, a tapping machine, and a screw slotting machine.
The death of Mr. Brown occurred on July 23, 1876, at the
Isle of Shoals, N. H.
The works of this company are divided into the factory or
machine shops, the foundry, the smith shop, store-house, etc.
The factory is commodious, well ventilated, admirably lighted
from all sides, and arranged especially for the work executed upon
its various floors. It is three-story, with basement and two
wings, one of which is seventy-five, and the other fifty feet in
length. The factory is 291 feet long and fifty-one feet wide.
Thus it has, including the wings, a floor space of 83,000 square
feet. Attached to the main building is the boiler-house, contain-
ing a battery of six boilers, of fifty horse-power each, also a case-
hardening room with three furnaces. The first and second floors
are devoted to the manufacture of heavy machinery, and the third
floor to the manufacture of hair clippers and the Willcox & Gibbs
sewing machines, and to the finer classes of light machinery.
Each floor of the building is a complete workshop, and is con-
nected by telephone with the office, the other floors, the case-
hardening room, and the foundry. The company use 586 machine
tools, nine wood-working machines, nineteen polishing wheels,
five smith shop hammers, seven foundry rattlers, and nine grind-
stones in the works.
The foundry is 265 x 67 feet, with pattern shop attached, and
the smith shop is 130 x 50 feet. In these various buildings, under
most skillful direction, and in the most thorough system, the
manufacture of the various products of this company is conducted.
From five to six hundred employés are at work here daily, receiv-
ing from their employers the utmost consideration for health and
comfort, and having access to a library provided by the company
and containing several thousand carefully selected volumes. It is
a model manufactory throughout that this company owns and
directs.
THE PROVIDENCE MACHINE CoMPANY. — One of the most fav-
orably known and important of the iron industries of Providence,
and one having a history of more than half a century, is that of
the Providence Machine Company, of which Thomas J. Hill is
the president and treasurer. These works have occupied one
extensive site on Eddy Street for the last forty years. They are
bounded on the west by Eddy Street, on the north by Crary
Street, on the east by that extensive tract of water frontage and
land, known to all Rhode Islanders as “Hill's Wharf,” on the
south by the American Screw Company’s buildings, and have
always been known locally as “Hill's Machine Shop.” In the
building of this concern began the remarkable business career of
Thomas J. Hill, at a time when manufacturing of all classes
was in its infancy. From Mr. Hill's works have been sent forth
machines representing the highest type of every stage of improve-
ment made in cotton and woolen machinery, and the product of
these works to-day is abreast of every demand of the modern
manufacturer. The establishment throughout is now, and long
has been, one of the most complete and perfect in New England.
Mr. Hill was born in Pawtucket, in 1805. Early in life he
engaged in mechanical pursuits. In 1830 he came to Providence
and took charge of a machine shop in connection with the steam

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
263
mill, then owned by Samuel Slater. In 1834 he purchased an
interest with his employer, and the business was organized under
the name of the Providence Machine Company. A year later
the death of Mr. Slater left the business in the hands of Mr.
Hill, who built up the industry to such an extent, that in 1845,
larger quarters being then necessary, the buildings now used were
erected. In the following year Mr. Hill became the sole pro-
prietor of the business. The works have had a very prosperous
career from the first, and though Mr. Hill has been actively
engaged in many other business enterprises of great magnitude,
he has always made this business the object of his watchful care
throughout its existence. A charter for a corporation had been
secured in 1867, and in 1874 a company was organized, with Mr.
Hill as president and treasurer; his son, Mr. Albert Hill, secre-
tary; and Mr. George J. Hazard, the present active manager,
as agent.
The present manufactures of the company tax the works to
their full capacity, and comprise cotton roving frames, combers,
and lap machines, worsted drawing, slubbing, and roving frames,
and worsted spinning and twisting frames. About three hun-
dred hands are employed on the different branches of the work,
which are carried on in separate buildings adapted to the purpose.
The main building covers an area of 60 x 220 feet, and is three
stories in height; the pattern building is 40 x 80 feet; and the
blacksmith shop 40 x 100 feet. All parts of the machines are
made by the company, including castings and wood work, and
all the machinery made is finished in the most substantial and
thorough manner. Mr. Hazard, who gives every part of the
work personal supervision, is a thorough machinist. He was
born in the old Maj. Thomas Fenner house,” in Cranston, in the
year 1836, and came to Providence in 1854. He learned the busi-
ness, as an apprentice, with the company of which he now has
charge, and has been constantly identified with the works from
that time, except between the years 1861 and 1865, when he was
engaged with the Providence Tool Company in manufacturing
arms for the Union army. Few men have done more, individu-
ally, than has Mr. Hill, the president of this company, to pro-
mote the business interests of the state and country. In 1837 he
bought the Lee Mill, at Willimantic, Conn., which he ran seven
years as a thread mill. In 1850 he joined with some Boston
capitalists in organizing the Bates and the Hill Manufacturing
Companies, which located extensive cotton mills at Lewiston, Me.,
where he also built an iron foundry. In 1859 he purchased the
Peckham Mills, at East Greenwich, R. I., and started there the
Bay Cotton Mill. In 1866 he organized the Providence Dredging
Company. In 1867 he organized the Rhode Island Malleable
Iron Works, and founded the village known as “Hill’s Grove,”
about seven miles from this city; and in 1875 he started a cotton
mill there of 20,000 spindles, which he named the Elizabeth
Mill, in honor of his wife. In 1874 he organized the Providence
Pile-driving and Bridge-building Company. Beside attending to
his personal business, Mr. Hill found time to devote to the finan-
cial institutions of the city, and has been president of the Lime
Rock National Bank upwards of thirty years, and vice-president
of the City Savings Bank, and one of its trustees. He has
served as a member of the city council during the years 1848–
1852, 1855–56 and 1878, and has also associated through life
with a great number of the famous manufacturers of the country,
furnishing machinery for their mills as well as being largely en-
gaged in textile manufacture himself, he has watched the growth
of New England industries nearly from their birth, and he is
to-day, as actively engaged in furthering the industrial progress
of the state as when associated with Samuel Slater, the “father
of American manufactures,” over half a century ago.
* See illustration.
THOMAS J. HILL,
Founder of the Providence Machine Company, and Manufacturer.
THE AMERICAN SCREw CoMPANY-No industry in these
plantations has become more widely known than the manufacture
of screws. It has been of great advantage to the city and state,
and many of the citizens of both have regarded the American
Screw Company as an institution secure and infallible as a bank
in which their means of life and fortune were on deposit. The
prosecution of this industry has been a great factor in building
our commercial prosperity, and in contributing to the success of
other industries dependent upon its product.
It is not known when the first screw was made or used, but as
far back as the record goes, the blank was forged, the head of the
screw was made by compressing it when red hot between dies,
and the thread was added by the slow process of filing. Ma-
chinery was not applied to screw-making until 1569, when a
mechanic in France, named Besson, invented a screw-cutting
gauge to be used on a lathe. In 1841 improvements were made
in this machine, and for many years it was in general use among
the watchmakers of England.
The first English patent for screw machines was issued to Job
and William Wyatt on May 14, 1760. At this time three ma-
chines were required to manufacture a screw —one to make the
blanks, one to nick the heads, and another to cut the threads, and
the Wyatt patent covered the three. Previous to 1840 ten other
patents were issued in England, only one of which, however, had
especial merit—merit only of principle invaluable—namely, the
invention of Miles Berry for making the gimlet-pointed screw.
But this invention, save the idea, was valueless, because the space
diminished between the threads toward the point. Every turn of
the screw forced it into the wood to a depth greater than the

264
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
THE EAGLE AND BAY STATE MILLS – AMERICAN SCREW COMPANY.
space between the threads, and hence the screw was more diffi-
cult to drive than the one with a blunt point.
The first American patent for screw machines was issued to
David Wilkinson, a celebrated mechanic of Rhode Island, on
Dec. 14, 1798, and the next patent obtained in this country was
granted to Jacob Perkins, of Newburyport, a mechanic as dis-
tinguished in Massachusetts as Wilkinson was in Rhode Island,
—on March 23, 1813. On May 4, of the same year, a patent
was granted also to Jacob Sloat, of Ramapo, N. Y. In 1831
Thomas W. Harvey, of Ramapo, applied the toggle-joint to the
heading of screws, rivets, and spikes, and in 1834 Mr. Harvey
and Frederick Goodell established a small screw factory at
Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
In 1835 the gimlet-pointed screw was produced, and this
began a new era in the manufacture of screws, and in their con-
venience and use. In this year Mr. Harvey invented machines
for heading, nicking, and shoeing screws. Employing these and
a thread-cutting machine purchased of the inventors, Sloat and
Springsteen, Messrs. Harvey and Goodell produced the gimlet-
pointed screw.
Screw manufacture in Providence received attention in 1837.
In January, 1838, a company was chartered with a capital of
$20,000, under the name of the Providence Screw Company.
The principal incorporator was Clement O. Read, and the ma-
chinery used by the company was claimed to be the result of
his invention. Later in 1838 another company, known as the
Eagle Screw Company, was incorporated by John Gorham,
James Humphreys, John Proctor, Pardon Miller, William G.
Angell, Jabez Gorham, James M. Warner, Benjamin Holbrook,
Jonah Steere, George Hail, Silvanus G. Martin, Philip W. Mar-
tin, Arnold Whipple, Thomas Proctor, John Barstow, Whiting
Metcalf, and Stanton Thurber. The capital stock authorized was
$75,000. The company purchased machinery and the right to
use from the Providence Screw Company, which company con-
tinued operations till 1840, when the manufactory was destroyed
by fire, and as the business had been unprofitable, the enterprise
was abandoned. Of the Eagle Company, William G. Angell was
elected agent, and James Humphreys, treasurer.
Soon after the company began business, a suit for $20,000 was
brought against it for infringement of the Pierson patent in the
machinery purchased of the Providence Screw Company. The
payment of this and the costs required more than one-half of the
working capital. Owing to the losses incurred in the suit, the
company was crippled, and its business was carried forward with
great difficulty till 1850.
The New England Screw Company was chartered in 1840 and
its incorporators were Cullen Whipple, Henry Hopkins, Heze-
kiah Willard, and seven others. This company in 1849 made
the pointed or gimlet screw, which proved to be of such value
that the business of the company was greatly increased. About
this time the attention of Mr. Angell of the Eagle Company was
drawn to an invention of Thomas J. Sloan, of New York—a
patent covering the form and construction of the pointed screw.
The patents were bought and the Eagle Screw Company changed
its machines to involve the principles of the Sloan machine. In
1854 the company was authorized to increase its capital stock to
$500,000. The facilities of manufacture were greatly increased,
and in 1860 the buildings used by the company included all those
on the south side of Stevens Street.
In 1856 the principal screw manufactories in the city made an
arrangement for a combination of sales. In 1860 the Eagle and
the New England Screw companies were consolidated ; the new
company taking the name of the American Screw Company, and
its capital stock was $1,000,000. William G. Angell was chosen
president; Albert C. Angell, agent; Edwin G. Angell, treasurer;
and William H. Henderson, secretary. In 1860 the company
purchased the property of the Utica Screw Company, of Utica,
N. Y., and in the following year the plant of the Bay State Screw
Company was secured.
The success of the American Screw Company has been re-
markable — an epoch of local history to which all interested refer
with pride. At this time of more than seventy firms and incor-
porated companies engaged in the manufacture of screws, only
three were successful, the American, the Bay State, of Taunton,
and the National, of Hartford. Mr. William G. Angell, presi-
dent of the American Screw Company, died in May, 1870. He

THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. 265
was one of the guiding spirits of the enterprise and to him is due
in great measure its success.
The next most prominent promoter and originator of this cor-
poration was Mr. George Hail, of Providence, to whose foresight,
determined persistence, and ability to inspire and lead others, is
ascribed in a great degree the success and fame of the American
Screw Company.
The capital stock of the company was increased in 1876 to
$3,250,000. The present officers of the company are: president,
Edwin G. Angell; treasurer, William H. Henderson; secretary,
Charles T. Salisbury.
WILLIAM GoRHAM ANGELL, the eldest son of Enos and Catherine (Gor-
ham) Angell, was born in Providence, Nov. 21, 1811. He was a lineal
descendant, in the sixth generation, of Thomas Angell, who came from
England in 1631 with Roger Williams, and was one of his associates in the
settlement of Providence. He received the benefit of such educational
advantages only as the public schools of his native town then afforded, but
quite early in life he developed marked mechanical ability and genius.
He was early interested in the manufacture of wood screws in this city, as
recited in the foregoing history of the business, and when the two original
screw companies were combined in one, in 1860, under the name of the
“American Screw Company,” he was elected the first president of the new
company, and subsequently held that position until his death, in 1870.
His long experience and mechanical skill gave him an intimate and prac-
tical acquaintance and familiarity with the entire history of the manufac-
ture of screws and with the principle, construction, and operation of every
machine used in this country or Europe for making screws, and this com-
prehensive knowledge of all the minute details of the business, combined
with his great executive and administrative ability, his devotion and
urbanity gave him rare qualifications for the position of president of this
great corporation which he so long and so ably filled. After a service of
nearly thirty-five years of complete devotion to the interests thus confidently
committed to him, Mr. Angell died in Providence, May 13, 1870, aged sixty-
nine years. His wife was Ann R. Stewart, whom he married Jan. 4, 1836.
Their children were Edwin Gorham and William Henry. The former suc-
ceeded his father as the president of the American Screw Company; the
latter died in his early manhood.
GEORGE HAIL was born in Warren, R. I., June 12, 1793, the son of Bar-
nard and grandson of Deacon Amos Hail. He commenced his business
career with only a common school education, in the twelfth year of his
age, as a grocer's clerk, in Providence, where, in subsequent years, he
established himself in the same line of business, in which he became a
prominent and successful merchant. When William G. Angell was mak-
ing his early and earnest efforts to establish the manufacture of screws by
machinery in this city, in 1837–38, Mr. Hail was his chief adviser and sup-
porter, and when the “Eagle Screw Company” was chartered and organ-
ized in 1838–39, he was one of its principal members and its largest stock-
holder, which he continued to be ever after. The present high position,
large possessions, and unrivaled business success and reputation of the
American Screw Company is admitted to be justly attributable more to
the energy, integrity, and determination and tenacity of purpose of Mr.
Hail than to any other cause, as it was his judicious advice and liberal
financial aid that carried the company safely through all its early embar-
rassments and monetary vicissitudes. Mr. Hail happily lived to enjoy the
wonderful success of the great business he had so largely aided in creating,
which result he had always so confidently predicted and sincerely believed
in ; to see, also, the wisdom of his policy indorsed and supported by all his
former opponents, and this great business, so important a factor in the
progress and welfare of our city, firmly and permanently established here
in Providence.
At a meeting of the corporation, held soon after his decease, the follow-
ing memorial of respect was unanimously ordered inscribed upon the
records of the company:
“The intimate official connection of George Hail, recently deceased, with the origin
and progress of the screw business in this city, renders it eminently fit that a minute,
expressive of our appreciation of his services, be placed upon the records of this company.
“On the organization of the ‘Eagle Screw Company' in 1839, Mr. Hail was elected
one of the two directors. In 1840 the name was changed from ‘directors’ to “finance
committee.” In this capacity, having for a colleague the late Asa Pierce, he served that
company till it was merged in the “American Screw Company,’ in 1860. In the position
of financial adviser, Mr. Hail, by his good practical knowledge of business, his sound
judgment, his firmness of purpose, and his unswerving confidence in the ultimate success
of the enterprise, rendered most important service to the company in some critical junc-
tures of its affairs. -
“By the adverse decision of a patent case at a very early period of its history, the com-
pany was amerced in heavy damages. Some were disheartened. To preserve the commer-
cial credit of the company, so important at that time, Mr. Hail assumed large personal
GEORGE HAIL,
For many years one of the principal Directors in the management of the American Screw Co.
responsibilities, which men less confident of success, would have declined. The result
showed that his confidence was well founded.
“On a later occasion, strong inducements were urged upon the company to remove to a
location in New Jersey, where ample water-power, abundant capital, and the consolidation
of several companies presented facilities for the business which it was thought could not
be secured in Providence.
“The proposition was gravely and by some, favorably considered. Mr. Hail persist-
ently withheld his consent to such remova', and the project was abandoned.
“The business was thus retained in this city, to the subsequent gratification, it is
believed, of all concerned. Mr. Hail, by original subscription and subsequent purchase,
became quite the largest stockholder in the Eagle Company. On the formation of the
American Screw Company, by the union of the Eagle and New England companies, in
1860, Mr. Hail still held a like prečminence in point of ownership. On the organization
of the consolidated company he was elected one of the three directors, which place he con-
tinued to hold by annual election till his death, on the sixth day of December last.
“Thus for a period of thirty-five years the business of manufacturing screws occupied a
large portion of his attention. He kept well informed of its condition and progress.
“His judgment in all practical matters was sound and conservative, and seldom in
error. He was cautious about taking any risks or contracting any pecuniary liabilities
beyond the clear necessities of successful and legitimate business.
“These qualities not only made him a safe adviser, but gave weight to his counsels
through the long period of his service.
“It may be added that in all his official relations he was modest, courteous, and unas-
suming, and he always maintained the most friendly intercourse with his associates. All
his business transactions bore the impress of fairness and integrity.”
Mr. Hail was prominently identified with the religious and moral inter-
ests of the community, and in 1832 he united himself with the First Baptist
Church, of Providence, and was for many years an active and devoted
member of that venerable church. He united with other prominent Bap-
tists of the city, in 1855, in forming the Brown Street Baptist Church, was
elected chairman of the building committee for the erection of its church
edifice, and contributed liberal subscriptions towards the payment of that
and the current expense of church support, and by his will established a
fund of $20,000, providing that the income therefrom should be expended
for preaching the Gospel in the Brown Street Baptist Church perpetually.
Mr. Hail’s first wife was Mary Ann Gibbs, daughter of John and Mary
Gibbs, of Newport, R.I., by whom he had several sons and daughters,
most of whom are now living. She died in Providence, Aug. 6, 1857.
Aug. 20, 1861, Mr. Hail married Mrs. Martha N. Arnold, of Warwick,
daughter of Robert and Mary Perry, of South Kingstown, who survives
her husband without children. During the closing years of his life, Mr.
Hail returned to Warren to reside, and here, in the peaceful and quiet re-
tirement of his native village, he calmly and hopefully passed the remnant
of his days on earth, surrounded by his family and loving friends until
his death, which occurred Dec. 6, 1873.
THE PROVIDENCE STEAM AND GAs PIPE CoMPANY. — An
anusual interest attaches to the Providence Steam and Gas Pipe
Company, from the development by them of a new industry of
unusual importance and magnitude. Their works are located in
the centre of the city, on the corner of Pine and Eddy Streets.

266
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
This company dates its origin thirty-six years ago, when in 1850
the business was started in a small way by William Barbour and
Thomas Angell. During the same year Joseph C. Hartshorn
joined the firm. Various changes of partners occurred up to
February, 1869, when Frederick Grinnell purchased the interest
of John H. Clark. The company was incorporated in 1865,
with Mr. Clark as president, and Mr. Hartshorn as treasurer.
Their general business had been all work appertaining to the
use of steam in manufactories, fire apparatus for the same, and the
building of gas works for lighting such establishments; they have
attained an excellent reputation for good and successful work,
and are widely and favorably known. A part of the business of
this firm was to put into mills, warehouses, and manufactories,
what are known as sprinkler pipes. They consist of perforated
pipes placed near the ceiling of rooms and connected with a sup-
ply-pipe, through which water may be introduced and forced out
of the perforations in small jets, when after the discovery of a fire,
valves are opened by hand. While this method proved itself
of sufficient value to warrant its somewhat extensive introduction,
there were defects inherent in the system. The inconsiderate
opening of many valves was certain to result in dispelling the
water over too much surface, and thus fail to extinguish a fire,
but a very few mills have a water supply sufficient for use on
more than one story at the same time. Much damage came from
an excess of water, as the sprinkling was not confined to the
exact locality of the fire. The greatest objection to this system
was that it did not act automatically, as it has been well known
that nearly all destructive fires in mills have occurred at night
and a large proportion of them are caused by spontaneous com-
bustion; thus it is apparent that a properly made automatic
sprinkler would be especially effective in such cases.
The history of attempts to produce automatic sprinklers for
extinguishing fires goes back to the beginning of the present cen-
tury, when a distinguished English engineer, Sir William Con-
greve, gave much attention to the subject; but it was not until
1874 that actual practical use was made of automatic fire extin-
guishers. In that year Henry S. Parmelee, of New Haven,
Conn., produced his successful sprinkler, which in its best form
consisted of a reaction turbine covered by a cap held in place
by a solder which would melt at a comparatively low tempera-
ture, 155° to 160°. These extinguishers were placed about ten
feet apart, near the ceiling of a room, and attached to a system of
water pipes; the caps being soldered water-tight permitted the
water to stand in the pipes ready for delivery, when ascending
heat should melt the solder and liberate the water, which would
thus be sprayed over a space twenty feet in diameter. The Par-
melee invention was adopted by this company, and Mr. Grin-
nell made many improvements in its manufacture. They intro-
duced about one hundred and fifty thousand into prominent mills
through the aid of the New England Manufacturers' Mutual In-
surance Companies, it being the aim of the executive officers of
these companies to have the most efficient apparatus possible for
the protection of the property which they were insuring. In
April, 1878, a paper was read before the New England Cotton
Manufacturers’ Association, by Frederick Grinnell, discussing
the relative merits of fire apparatus in general use in factories,
including perforated sprinklers, and the automatic sprinkler.
This led to the appointment of a committee of manufacturers to
investigate the automatic sprinkler system. The result was
favorable, and justified the officers of the mutual companies in
urging its adoption.
The numerous attempts to make automatic extinguishers had
been mainly directed to one idea, to retain the water by valves
held in place by solder, the latter placed away from the body of
metal which contained the water, thus the solder would be far
more sensitive to heat, but difficulties apparently too great to
overcome, stopped all real progress in this direction. The cap
or water joint sprinkler invented by Mr. Parmelee was resorted
to as a necessity rather than chosen for its merits, after repeated
efforts to make one of satisfactory design with a valve. It has
received the name of water joint sprinkler from the fact that the
soldered joint of the cap is always in contact with water; it is
necessarily slow in its action for the reason that a body of water
has to be heated before the solder melts.
There was reserved to Mr. Grinnell the honor to invent and
successfully introduce a system of automatic fire extinguishers,
which by their con-
struction, and effec-
tive operation during
the past five years,
show, on his part,
that he fully compre-
hended and overcame
the difficulties which
all others have en-
countered. In this
extinguisher is a type -
of valve seemingly -
impossible to pro- " Grinnell Sprinkler.
OPEN.
duce : (1) a valve
capable of moving before it opens, yet (2) firmly closed by water
pressure, and forced open by the same pressure when the retain-
ing levers are released by heat. The first is necessary to com-
pletely rupture the solder joint before any water can escape to cool
it; the second is necessary for absolute tightness under all con-
ditions of pressure or water hammer. Patents for this invention
have been granted to Mr. Grinnell in this country and abroad.
Description: One of the above cuts represents the sprinkler
closed water-tight, the other shows it open for the discharge of
water. A thin metallic diaphragm, capable of yielding to inter-
nal water pressure, forms the bottom of the sprinkler body. In
the centre of this diaphragm is an opening about one-half an inch
in diameter, through which water is discharged. Around this
opening is a projecting ring or valve seat, formed on the dia-
phragm. The valve proper or cover which closes up against this
seat is a disc of soft metal held in a circular brass plate, about one
and three-fourths inches in diameter. This brass plate has a
toothed edge and is a deflector, or means by which the stream of
water issuing from the opening is cut into spray and distributed
on both ceiling and floor. The soft metal disc is held against the
seat ring on the diaphragm by a pair of compound levers, one of
which bears centrally on the deflector which holds the disc.
These levers fulcrum on a thin brass yoke, secured to the body of
the sprinkler, and the long arm of the second lever is held to the
yoke by fusible solder.
To prevent the possibility that either water pressure or water
hammer may act to force apart the solder, which is feeble in its
strain-resisting power, an L shaped pin intercepts and takes all
the strain ; it is held in place at the point where the second lever
is soldered, but readily and surely falls when the fusible solder is
melted by heat. This pin is a feature of so much importance
that it should be understood at its full value. Without it, the
fusible solder would yield as it does in all cases where valves are
forced to their seats by the pressure of screws, which put a heavy
strain upon the weak solder, in addition to the water pressure and
water hammer.
While the sprinkler is closed, it cannot leak, as the greater
the water pressure the closer will be the contact between the seat
and the valve.
When the heat of a fire softens the solder joint between the
The Grinnell Sprinkler.
CLOSED.

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
267
second lever and the yoke, the diaphragm with its valve seat and
the valve move together a sufficient distance to completely sever
the solder joint before any water can escape to cool it; then the
levers are thrown from the yoke; the deflector with the valve is
forced from the opening to the notches which formed the fulcrums
that held the levers, and the deflector is in position to dis-
tribute the escaping water, as shown in one of the cuts.
There is no question as to how soon a fire ought to be put out
after it starts, as it is certain that the damage likely to be done
increases in a very rapid ratio in proportion to the time it burns.
Careful experiments show that it requires under varying con-
ditions only one-tenth to one-fifteenth the quantity of heat, as
measured by time and temperature, to operate the Grinnell sen-
sitive sprinkler that it does to operate a water joint sprinkler.
As was to be expected, a great variety of sprinklers have been
presented to the public and pressed upon the notice of the officers
of the Mutual Insurance Companies, who have been compelled in
the interest of the insured mill owners to adopt the Grinnell ex-
tinguisher as the standard of excellence with which to compare
any which may come to their notice.
A just idea of the attention given by Mr. Grinnell to methods
for putting out fires in mills may be judged of by the fact that he
has been granted above thirty patents bearing on this subject.
The Grinnell system of automatic extinguishers for fires has
been introduced into more than one thousand cotton and woolen
mills, warehouses, and mercantile establishments. It protects
property to the value of several hundred millions of dollars.
This invention takes rank with the great inventions of the
century when considered with reference to the complete solution
which it gives to the problem of ample protection from fires to
the enormous wealth employed in our manufacturing industries.
When by superior ability to understand all the requirements for
the development of a new invention, and to fully comprehend its
future possibilities, an inventor carries it forward to a great suc-
cess, he opens up a field to many followers; if the benefit to the
world is very great then large is the number and great the desire
to reap with him the fruits of his labors, this invention proves to
be no exception to the rule.
Frederick Grinnell is a native of New Bedford, Mass. Having
received a scientific education at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Insti-
tute, Troy, N. Y., he first entered the Jersey City Locomotive
Works as draughtsman and mechanical engineer, in 1855. In 1860
he came to the Corliss Steam Engine Works, and was soon elected
treasurer of the company, and acted as superintendent of the
works. In January, 1865, he accepted the position as manager
of the Jersey City Locomotive Works. In October, 1865, Mr.
Grinnell was elected superintendent of motive power and machin-
ery of the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad, having first
visited Europe in the interest of this company. As before stated,
in 1869 he purchased an interest in the Providence Steam and
Gas Pipe Company, and became its president and active manager.
The other officers are R. W. Grinnell, vice-president; F. H. May-
nard, treasurer; F. W. Hartwell, secretary; D. C. Moulton,
superintendent.
THE PHENIx IRON FoundRY owes its beginning to the youth-
ful enterprise of Mr. George D. Holmes, who organized the
original stock company in 1830, including with himself Dr. John
McKie, and the brothers, Benjamin, Charles, and Paris Dyer, who
then belonged to the firm of B. and C. Dyer & Company. The cor-
poration was chartered two years later, with Dr. McKie as presi-
dent, and Mr. Holmes, the only active member, as agent and
treasurer.
The original capital stock was fixed at $14,000, but the amount
has since been augmented to ten times that sum. The first build-
ings, erected in 1830, covered a small portion of the space now
occupied by the works, and the land on which they stood was
leased. In 1848, another machine shop 65 x 200 feet, two stories
in height, was built, fronting on Elm Street, corner of Butler. In
1863 the corporation purchased the lots which are situated on
Eddy Street, between Elm and South streets, on which are a
machine shop 30 x 100 feet, a foundry 70 x 160 feet, a fire-proof
brick pattern house 3ox 130 feet, a shop for wood work 3ox 90
feet, and a blacksmith shop 40 x 60 feet.
The manufactured products of the company are both foundry
and machine shop wares, comprising as leading specialties,
castings for gears, pulleys, machinery for dyeing and bleaching,
for print works and mills. In fact, nearly every bleachery in the
United States has been fitted up by this company.
A variety of gearing, tenter dryers, hydraulic presses, (the first
ever made in this country, now in their possession) shafting,
pulleys, etc., are mentioned in the catalogue of products. This
merchandise is sold and shipped to all parts of the United States.
The average number of men employed at the works when busi-
ness is good is one hundred and seventy-five, and a larger number
is often required to enable the house to keep pace with its orders.
Mr. Holmes managed the business as agent and treasurer with
great ability until 1868, when Mr. James S. Anthony succeeded
him as agent. On the death of Mr. Holmes which occurred in
1879, Mr. B. C. Gladding became treasurer.
In 1885 the vacancy caused by the death of the agent was filled
by Mr. Amos W. C. Arnold.
The founder of the house was a man long identified with the
public affairs in Providence, was a member of the General Assem-
bly for several years, and a director in several banks and iron
companies.
THE AMERICAN SHIP WINDLAss CoMPANY.—Prominent
among the special industries of the city of Providence, and one
in which we may take a just pride, is that of the American Ship
Windlass Company.
Their works are located at the corner of Waterman and East
River streets, in the eastern part of the city, on the banks of the
Seekonk River, quite away from the general hum of business.
But a very few of our manufactories are so widely and favorably
known. Their steam windlasses, steam capstans, improved
hand windlasses, and hand capstans have been put upon thou-
sands of vessels, and are carried by them over the oceans of
the world and our great lakes. From a small beginning in 1857
the business has grown to extensive dimensions and employs
a large capital. This company, with ample facilities in its
shops and tools, devotes itself exclusively to this one work of
supplying the vessels of our navy, merchant steamers, pleasure
yachts, and sailing vessels with reliable machinery for handling
their heavy anchors, loading and unloading, warping ships, etc.
Great excellence is usually attained wherever any industry
admits of sufficient expansion, so that all tools may be especially
adapted to one purpose, and workmen become expert from con-
tinually reproducing duplicate machines.
In looking over the many hundreds of testimonials from the
press, and from eminent officers of the navy, heads of depart-
ments, experienced commanders of vessels, and naval engineers,
as to the efficiency of the American Ship Windlass Company's
products, there is ample evidence that patient, persistent, and
well-directed efforts have been put into this business by the
manager.
In the years now long past there were only small vessels, and
ropes were used instead of the chains of to-day for anchoring.
and an upright wooden windlass stood in the bows of a vessel;
then with handspikes of wood inserted in the windlass many
sailors walked around, and by main strength brought up the
anchors; now on the leviathans of the deep the seaman stands by
268
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
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THE ". PROVIDENCE' PATENT STEAM CAPSTAN WINDLASS, NEW STYLE,
An important Providence invention, to be found on many great ships of the world. Manufactured
by the American Ship Windlass Company.
to see the work better done by steam,_ now two sailors can easily
anchor a three-thousand ton ship; to do this in the old way
would require about twenty-five men, and take twenty times as
long. A man-of-war can in five minutes have anchor up and be
under headway. Sailing ships supplied with steam windlasses
when anchored in deep seas like the English Channel, can be off
and out of sight before a vessel rigged in the old way can get her
anchors aboard. Many dangers of the seas are less to be dreaded
with these ample provisions for anchoring. When on a lee shore,
or when getting under way in a gale of wind,-then the value of a
good windlass is shown ; at such times the whole cost is paid for
in a few moments. This is an unquestioned statement, that on
steamships, next in importance to the engine comes the windlass
with its chains and anchors.
The modern vessel, whether propelled by steam
or by sail, to hold its own against the active com-
petition of to-day, must have the most complete
labor-saving appliances, and no company has done
more in this line than the American Ship Wind-
lass Company, under the active management of
their agent, Frank S. Manton.
It is a just matter of pride to the citizens of
Providence and the state that a long list of familiar
naval vessels and famous steamers have been fitted
with these machines, and to state the fact that all
the steel and iron ships built in the last ten years on
the Atlantic coast and great lakes are provided with
this windlass, and, further, that seven-eighths of all
the vessels of the country have them in use to-day. --
THE Corliss SAFE MANUFACTURING CoM-
PANY. — As the traveler enters Providence by the
New York, Providence, and Boston Railway sys-
tem, he observes the substantial and extensive build-
ings of the Corliss Safe Manufacturing Company,
located in the beautiful suburb known as Auburn.
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idols of others, it was incumbent on him to build anew.
Here is established a manufactory which, while a matter of
importance and pride to citizens locally, is also one whose product
is among the most valuable of the unique inventions for which
Rhode Island has been so widely noted. The works were planned,
built, and supplied with special machinery for the manufacture
of the Corliss patent burglar-proofs.
The special characteristics of the Corliss safe are fully set forth
by the inventor, in a treatise on the general design and construc-
tion of burglar-proof safes. It includes a detailed description of
square safes, and the Corliss safe, also an explanation of the dif-
ference between them, and a comparison of the relative merits of
the two systems of construction as adapted to the safe keeping of
valuables.
When serving as a bank director, and while acting on a com-
mittee to purchase a burglar-proof safe, the question came to the
mind of William Corliss as to the ability of any known form of
safe to successfully resist attack by burglars in the limited time
and with such means as they can employ. Mr. Corliss was ac-
customed to the use of all known mechanical appliances, and by
a few carefully directed tests proved that the then existing forms of
safes could not successfully resist attack. Having thus broken the
It is
possible to say of the Corliss safe that there is no method by
which an opening can be made into its interior by burglars under
the conditions of time and means before named.
Each successful bank robbery has increased the demand for
burglar-proofs. Many of these robberies are famous not only for
the great ingenuity displayed in their accomplishment, but also
for the large sums obtained in money and securities.
No ordinary mind could have so completely solved the problem
of protection to the moneyed wealth of the world, and very little
praise is given for this invention in saying that the Corliss safe
is the result of a great amount of original thought; - the com-
prehensive use of the resisting value of the spherical form, the
selection and adaptation to this new use of chilled iron, the
strength, fitness, and perfection of the moving parts, the imposing
character of the safe as a whole—all these compel a feeling of
the highest admiration, especially from those cultivated by contact
with things original and far reaching in their effect to forward
the world’s progress.
we can say that here in Providence has been sounded the death-
knell of the professional bank burglar, we may believe that his
race is to be ended in our day.
Corliss safes may be found in use in Providence, Boston, New
York City, Baltimore, Chicago, and Pittsburgh, Scranton, and
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THE PROVIDENCE - PATENT STEAM Pum P BRAKE WINDLASS, NEW STYLE.
Manufactured by the American Ship Windlass Company.













THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. 269
other places in Pennsylvania, in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut,
New Jersey, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska, and
Dakota. The city of Providence reverses an old adage, as
twenty-five of these safes are in use within its limits. -
Description of the Corliss burglar-proof: Chilled iron is the
material used, and it is interesting to state that this iron has for
many years met the exacting requirements of the American
car-wheel. The main body of the safe, four to eight inches
thick, forms two-thirds of a sphere. The opening is closed by
about one-third of a sphere; this latter, when acting as a door,
is moved forward from the interior against a beveled and stepped
face. An expanding steel ring or flange fitting into a groove
around the periphery of the door is expanded into a correspond-
ing groove in the stepped face of the annular opening of the large
sphere. Thus the door cannot be forced out or driven in. Two
locks are used, either one of which acts in case of failure of the
other; the very ingenious manner of their use insures that while
THE CORLISS SAFE – Closed.
their accidental or intentional derangement is a matter of the
smallest possibility, such derangement can in no wise be an aid
to those felonously attempting to enter the safe.
To open to the interior, the door is caused to recede a little,
and is then turned upon its upright pins or trunnions, exposing to
the front, shelves for the reception of books, bonds, etc. In the
lower part of the interior is ample room for specie and other val-
uables.
Provision is made for great surplus strength in the moving parts,
also, they are carefully covered in to protect them from the acci-
dental intrusion of anything.
When the Corliss safe is of the same external dimensions as
one of the best burglar-proofs of the square pattern, the latter is
nearly double the weight and double the cost of the Corliss safe.
in view of their comparative internal capacity.
In the manufacture of the Corliss safe, difficulties were encoun-
tered and overcome which could not be foreseen, for in the use of
chilled iron, before only employed in very simple forms, failure
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THE CORLISS SAFE – Half Open.
followed upon failure, eluding all former experience. In order
to convey to the mind of the reader an idea of the magnitude of
this undertaking it seems only necessary to say that the largest
iron chill, or mould, in which these safes are cast, weighs 80,000
pounds.
The inventor, William Corliss, president of this company and
its active manager, is a younger brother of George H. Corliss, of
steam-engine fame, and was born in Greenwich, N. Y., in 1835.
He came to Providence in 1854, and entered the draughting room
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THE CORLISS SAFE – Open,



35
270 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
WILLIAM T. NICHOLSON,
Founder of the Nicholson File Company.
of Corliss & Nightingale, but became a student in Fort Edward
Collegiate Institute in 1855. Returning to Providence in 1857,
he was employed by the Corliss Steam Engine Company, and
served as its treasurer from 1863 until January, 1871. The same
year he was chosen one of three commissioners to construct the
Providence water works for supplying the city with water.
THE NICHOLsoN FILE COMPANY.-Prominent among the
industries of Providence is the manufacture of files by this com-
pany. A file, though a little thing, plays a part in the progress
of the mechanical arts of inestimable advantage. Many of the
great inventions of man, remarkable as they may be in their per-
fected ingenuity, owe to discriminating touches with the file
much of their beauty and worth. Insignificant as it may appear,
the file cuts its way to a foremost place among the implements
employed in building up and controling the mechanical energies
of the world.
The Nicholson File Company was incorporated in 1864.
The founder, W. T. Nicholson, began a busy life very early,
with no capital but his industry and a quick, ingenious mind.
He was the son of William Nicholson, and was born in Paw-
tucket on March 22, 1834. At the age of fourteen he commenced
to learn the machinist's trade under his father's guidance, in the
machine shops of Paul Whitin & Son, in Whitinsville, Mass.
After serving nearly three years at this place, his ambition soon
led him to Providence, where he found employment with Halsey
Hadley in the construction of screw machinery for the Eagle
Screw Company, later in steam ard gas piping for Arnold &
Barber (since the Providence Steam and Gas Pipe Company),
and still later for Joseph R. Brown (the founder of what has since
become the Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Company), in the
construction of surveyors' instruments, watch and town clocks,
and a variety of rules and gauges for the most accurate measure-
ments. With this establishment he remained six years, occupying
the position of mechanical manager of their works during the last
two years.
In the spring of 1858, Mr. Nicholson feeling qualified to en-
gineer for himself, associated Mr. Isaac Brownell with him, and
under the firm name of Nicholson & Brownell commenced the
manufacture of jewelers’ tools and light machinery, at 85 Eddy
Street. In 1859 he became sole proprietor, and in 1860 moved
to 1 Io Dorrance Street, where room was found for considerable
additional machinery required to meet the wants of a growing
business. - -
The outbreak of the civil war, although at first attended with
such general depression to the industries of the country, soon gave
him ample use for his increased facilities. At this time his works
were largely employed in the manufacture of tools and machinery
used by the national and other armories, in the production of the
small arms required by the government.
By the purchase of the good will, tools, and machinery of the
firm of Foster, Luther & Company, his plant was nearly doubled,
and we find him making rifling machines (used by the Burnside
and the Spencer Repeating Rifle Companies), lock plate edging
machines, six-spindle drills, milling machines, revolving head
lathes, besides a variety of tools and specialties used by jewelers,
silversmiths, and others.
His mechanical ability was soon sought in the production of
certain parts of the Springfield rifle, and in the prosecution of
this business he was in partnership with Mr. H. A. Munroe,
under the firm name of Nicholson & Company. They soon pro-
duced upwards of Io,000 rear sights per month, also large num-
bers of the bands, swivels, and side washers required in the make-
up of this arm.
Such is, in brief, the early history of one who was soon after
to battle with the really difficult problem of producing by machin-
ery the almost innumerable varieties of files required in the arts.
While the war was at its height, in March, 1864, Mr. Nichol-
son disposed of his gun interest, and devoted his entire energies
to the development of his inventions (patents of which had just
been granted), by the construction of machinery for producing
what has since become well-known as the increment cut file —
employing his entire machine shop force for this purpose.
At this time, file making by machinery had not been a success,
either in a financial point of view, or in supplanting the imported
hand-made files to any considerable extent, and but little machin-
ery was available, that was to Mr. Nicholson's mind, suitable.
The task, therefore, was not a light or an easy one, but one
requiring special fitness to undertake — a prolific fund of original
mechanical ideas, coupled with a keen discrimination as to what
was practical, and a thorough knowledge of the construction of
machinery; all this must be joined to business ability, and the
requisite nerve and vim, to insure the possibility of success.
No better evidence of the fitness of Mr. Nicholson to undertake
this task is needed, than can be found now, after a struggle of
nearly a quarter of a century, in the model plant and extensive
works of the Nicholson File Company – undoubtedly the largest
of its kind in the world—located near the heart of our city, upon
a plat of four acres of land, two-thirds of which is covered by
substantial brick buildings, devoted entirely to the production of
files, rasps, and filers' tools.
Here are manufactured when in full blast, 1,500 dozen of files
and rasps per day, ranging in size from the largest “rubbers,”
weighing ten pounds each, to the finest files used by watchmakers,
having 300 teeth to the inclu, and requiring 430 files to equal one
pound.
This enormous production is distributed throughout every sec-

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 27
WORKS OF THE NICHOLSON FILE COMPANY, PROVIDENCE,
tion of our country and to some extent abroad, and the honor-
able distinction acquired by this company, has become enviable
throughout the land.
Few persons can comprehend the serious thought and patient
industry which has been bestowed during the past quarter of a
century, in the development of this business to make it conform
to our American way of effecting every operation possible by
labor saving machinery. Unlike the construction of a -modern
cotton mill, or machine shop, in which capital alone is necessary
to assemble the accumulated thoughts and inventions, Mr. Nich-
olson found little of practical value to start with, and from the
commencement to the present time, the use of a draughting room
and machine shop have been constantly necessary in develop-
ing new ideas and constructing the necessary machinery–Mr.
Nicholson having obtained twenty-eight patents on his improve-
ments in product and process in file making, during the period
above referred to. .
While much yet remains to be done, the Nicholson File Com-
pany has made such strides during its brief history as to surprise
our leading American mechanics, and even excite the wonder of
the Sheffield and Warrington file makers of England, who in 1864
felt that file making by machinery was beyond the reach of even
American ingenuity, but who have since seen the entire file im-
ports of this country reduced to less than $50,000 in 1885.
Such original creations as the Nicholson File Company are
monuments to, and are the best evidences of the fruits of, protec-
tion; whether such as is found in our patent laws, or such as our
revenue laws provide, against foreign half-paid labor. The ex-
tremely low prices at which files can now be bought, compared
with what they cost in 1864, conclusively demonstrate the truth
of this statement.
Mr. Nicholson has been aided materially during the past few
years by his sons, Stephen and Samuel Mowry, the former act-
ing as superintendent, and the latter as secretary of the company.
Although not a politician, Mr. Nicholson takes an active interest
in what pertains to the welfare and prosperity of the city, in 1882
representing the first ward in the council chambers, and in
1883–4 as alderman.
He has taken a lively interest in the Providence Public Library
since its conception, and was elected as one of its trustees in
March of 1877, and now holds the office of treasurer. He has
also for several years been a director in the Rhode Island
National Bank, and is a member of the American Society of Me-
chanical Engineers.
John AND THOMAS HoPE, engravers and builders of engraving
machinery. Fabric printing is dependent upon the arts and sci-
ences. As they have become finer and more exact, the more satis-
factory is the result that proceeds from their combination.
Before the introduction of the pantograph system, the engraving
of rolls for calico and delaine printing was accomplished by
means of dyes, clamps, and machine work. The preparation thus
required, was long, tedious, and expensive, and would now be
inadequate to supply the demand for the great variety of designs
necessary to the full attainment of the object desired.
The manufactory of John and Thomas Hope established in this
city in the year 1850, has acquired a high reputation for its prod-
uct of new and effective machinery required by engravers. Mr.
John Hope has the credit of the invention of the first pantograph
engraving machine that had practical merit, an invention taking
rank with the more ingenious inventions of the age. The process
of engraving rollers with this machine is thus described: The
pattern to be engraved, enlarged to any desired dimensions by a
camera, is laid upon a table, a part of the machine, over which
the operator guides a stylus. This is connected with ingenious
mechanism, by which a number of gravers or diamond points
are brought in contact with the roller, and trace upon its surface
the exact copy of the pattern, reduced to the size of the original,
but perfect in all its parts. The rollers are covered with varnish,
and the gravers mark out the pattern on the varnish, cutting
through and slightly into the surface of the metal. The next
process is to rotate the roller in nitric acid, and in this bath it
remains until the metal has been eaten away to the required depth,
the varnish preserving the surface from any action of the acid ex-
cept at the places where the diamond points have penetrated to
the metal surface of the roller.
The pantograph system of engraving was at the commence-

272
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
--~77rs
THE HOUSEHOLD SEWING MACHINE.
A Providence Production.
ment more rapidly and generally introduced in this country than
in Europe. This was owing to two causes, viz.: the superiority
of the invention, and the more ready adoption of labor-saving ma-
chinery by the manufacturers here.
Recent improvements patented by John Hope have been added,
by which a great variety of forms can be made from one object
or figure, thus opening a wide field for the development of new
and unexpected results in design.
In combination with the pantograph the Messrs. Hope are
now making machines for the finer branches of steel and copper
plate engraving, such as ruling, lettering, and geometrical work.
In 1882 the firm erected the building now occupied by them
on Mashapaug Street, Elmwood. The manufactory is the only
one of the kind in the United States, supplying all the calico
printing establishments in this country and some in Europe, and
is one of the most interesting and important among the indus-
tries of the plantations.
THE Household SEwing MACHINE CoMPANY was organized
and incorporated in August, 1882. The works are located in two
large buildings, one on the corner of Wickenden and South Main
streets, where the machines are made, the other on Crary Street,
which is devoted to cabinet work and specialties in wood. The
company employs about four hundred hands. The officers are:
Oscar J. Rathbun, president, and George H. Dart, secretary and
treasurer.
The stove and furnace manufactory of SPICERs & Peckha M.,
successors to Dutee Arnold & Company, was established in 1850.
The office and salesroom are on Exchange Place, and the
foundry on Cove Street. The wares comprise every kind of heat-
ing apparatus; and one of their most popular lines of goods at
present are the “Model” ranges and stoves. The products of
this house have attained a high reputation throughout the United
States and in foreign markets.
The business of the BARstow Stove CoMPANY was founded
in 1836 by Amos C. Barstow, and the company was incorporated
in 1859. The works are located on Point and Chestnut streets,
and the products are sold through agencies in New York and
Boston. The trade is largely domestic, but extends to all parts
of this and other countries.
STILLMAN WHITE.-Mr. Stillman White came to Providence
when sixteen years of age, and began the solving of the problem
of life. He had only his hands to help him, but they
were sufficient. Industry brought its reward. Mr.
White advanced from one position to another, and had
such success in all that in 1856 he became established in
business on his own account. The business was small
at first, but it advanced rapidly into popular favor.
For thirty years, or since 1856, Mr. White has been
engaged uninterruptedly in the prosecution of the indus-
try that produces every kind of brass, bronze, or com-
position castings. The reputation which these products
of manufacture have gained, has led to their introduc-
tion throughout the country. Mr. White's specialty
is the “S. White Lining Metal.” For twenty years
this has been a chief product, and early in its history
was established on its own merits, which are recog-
nized to be of a very high order. Its general use in
the bearings of light and heavy engines is proof of the
excellence of its qualities and its adaptability to serve
as designed. In one large engine manufactory, the
lining metal has been employed for fourteen years in
the bearings of wheels weighing from one to fifty tons,
and not once has the service been otherwise than satis-
factory. It has become, in this part of the country, at
least, a lining metal in more general use than any other.
Mr. White's place of business is on Bark Street, a street run-
ning parallel with and on the eastern bank of the Moshassuck
River, and here it has remained since the time of establishment.
This is historic ground. On the site of the foundry and elsewhere
in the immediate neighborhood was begun the first manufactur-
ing in the plantation. Ship-building was carried on in the early
days near this place.
While business has expanded, and the product has proved its
worth in the markets of the world, the proprietor has been en-
larging his sphere of action as well as usefulness. Mr. White
represented the first ward in the General Assembly, House of Rep-
resentatives, in 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881, and 1882. He has served
twelve years in the common council of the city government, and
is now in office for the second time as a member of the board of
aldermen.
Among other principal manufacturers are: the Franklin Ma-
chine Company, Charles Street, which was chartered in 1836, but
the water privilege on this site was used for manufacturing pur-
poses in colonial times. The Granger Foundry and Machine
Company, Gaspee Street, makers of calico printers' machinery;
the Builders’ Iron Foundry, machinery makers and founders;
the New England Butt Company; the City Machine Com-
pany, Harris Avenue, corner of Acorn Street; Elm Street Ma-
chine Shop, produces mill machinery; Henry Blundell & Com-
pany, Clifford Street, one of the oldest concerns in this line in the
city, make jewelers' tools and other machinery; the “Diamond’”
Emery Wheel and Machine Company, No. 34 Beverly Street,
manufacture a high grade of tools; the Allen Fire Department
Supply Company, Nos. 167 and 169 Eddy Street, make fire
department supplies and fine machinery; the Willetts Manufac-
turing Company, No. 57 Clifford Street, make jewelers’ tools and
other machinery; the Rhode Island Braiding Machine Company,
Aborn Street, produce braiding machines and manufacturers'
machinery; John Heathcote, No. 176 Eddy Street, makes drying
machines and general machinery; the Star Tool Company, corner
of Beverly and Mason streets, manufacturers of tools; the Thurs-
ton Manufacturing Company, No. 419 Eddy Street, make special
and fine machinery; the George W. Stafford Manufacturing
Company, corner of Clifford and Page streets, manufacture jew-
elers' tools and general machinery. In addition to these concerns
there are numerous other small machine shops located in different
parts of the city.

CHAPTER XVI.
IMPORTANT SPECIAL MANUFACTURES.
THE GORHAM MANUFACTURING COMPANY - LADD WATCH CASE COMPANY — RUMFORD CHEMICAL WORKS — THE KEND ALL MANU-
FACTURING COMPANY — THE UNION OIL COMPANY — PERRY DAVIS & SON – RICE & HAYWARD — DAVOL RUBBER COMPANY —
THE HEAT ON BUTTON FAST ENER COMPANY.
THE GORHAM COMPANY'S BUILDING,
New York City.
THE GoRHAM MANUFACTURING COMPANY. — The vantage
ground of art is as wide as the field of thought. Its theory or
practice enters into all the complications of life, and obedience to,
or even regard for, its laws shows the possession, not only of a
higher education, but also of the highest appreciation of all that
comprises man’s enjoyment and well-being.
Art is aristocratic, but not exclusive. It stands forth in the
sculptor's model, and in the painter's masterpiece, and, also, in
the handiwork of the artisan, whether he fashion drain-pipe or
royal jewel. When these plantations were new the highest in art
— in nature — was present to cheer and lead up. As time went
on, and something more than a support of existence was the prod-
uct of labor, cunning workmen began to copy what was so
lavishly strewn around them. Gothic art, rude as it was, began
to grow ; the forest arch entered into the construction of buildings
and the bough's line of beauty appeared on door-posts and lintels,
and the leaf and the fruit had representation on table ware of un-
polished clay.
As the colony increased and its wealth mounted up, there was
a reaching out for something beyond itself. The spirit of the
times was in advance of the possibilities of the colonists. They
did not long for the flesh-pots of Old England, but when surplus
silver began to accumulate, the treasures of the mother country
found their way thither. Very paltry in value those relics may
have been, but their possession indicated wealth, as wealth was
then regarded, and what is more important, their acquisition sig-
nified the appreciation of qualities not included in intrinsic value
or usefulness. At first the oaken settle, the “pewter” ware,
and the wooden trenches were sufficient. Later, better things
were made at home, and in the welcome ships came silver spoons,
brass warming-pans, sugar bowls, silver candlesticks, curiously
wrought salt-cellars, and pieces of furniture of carved mahogany.
These were so highly prized that they were included in inventories
of property, and this estimation in good part was based upon the
fact that they were, for that time, indeed, for all time, products
of art, — that they possessed a quality which attracted, lifted up,
made better, educated.
It may be claimed that this has little relation to what is techni-
cally recognized as art, but if this desire for the beautiful does not
show the presence of art, it at least indicates the possession of the
art idea, which is art's builder. The artificers of any time are
always in advance of the idea, and lead it on and up to a standard
more perfect. This has been going on for two hundred and fifty
years on our own soil, and the result is to-day that we may boast
of the highest attainment in art, and of the highest type of pur-
veyors to the art idea, or to art itself. Thus the Gorham Manu-
facturing Company stands to-day, in its relation to the people,
where the ambitious, though comparatively rude artificer stood
in the earlier days of the commonwealth – in the position of edu-
cator and leader to greater refinement and more exact culture in
the arts. Its growth and the ſame of its productions have been a
source of pride at home and of wide commendation abroad. Its
rise is due to the energy and care in building, characteristic of
the founders, and their gifts of mind, or their adaptability to the
mastering of the mechanic arts which they sought to control.
One man may make a spoon, and another man may make a
spoon. Both are spoons in one sense, but they are wholly at
variance except in name, and while one is considered a valuable
acquisition, independent of its coin value, the other is only bul-
lion. It is simply a matter of taste, – that indefinable, yet essen-
tial quality, that ministers to the senses, – educated and refined.
It may be said, in truth, that the Gorham Manufacturing Com-
pany owes a good share of its popularity to the exercise, on the
part of its builders, of taste in the aesthetic sense, - of that nicety
of discrimination not introduced into, but born with, the soul.
Another acknowledged factor, possibly the foundation of all, is
the company’s library. It is varied and extensive, abounding in
works of art pertaining to sculpture, painting, architecture, and
kindred subjects. The object of the designer who studies is not to
copy. Originality,+ another factor, must be the outcome at any
cost, and as he looks upon the engraving, or reads its history, he
catches the spirit and enthusiasm of its maker, and copies not
what the artist or sculptor has painted or chiseled, but that
which, unexpressed, remained in his mind. Taking up the ideas
unexpressed, which must have been present to produce what is
before the designer, he, the designer, gives them expression in
another and different channel.

274 THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS.
VIEW OF THE GORHAM MANUFACTURING COMPANY'S WORKS,
Canal, Steeple, and North Main Streets, Providence,
The operations of the company are not confined to the manu-
facture of gold and silver ware, but has extended to include work
in other metals, the memorial in bronze to Senator Anthony be-
ing a late production.
Jabez Gorham, the founder, was born in Providence, Feb. 18,
1792. He served an apprenticeship of seven years, to a jeweler,
and on reaching his majority entered into partnership with Chris-
topher Burr, William Hadmen, George G. Clark, and Henry G.
Mumford. About five years afterwards these business relations
terminated, and Mr. Gorham continued the business alone, and
at the place occupied by the firm, on the corner of North Main
and Steeple streets. Within a year or two he removed to Steeple
Street, to a smaller building, the nucleus around which gathered
the various structures constituting the present manufactory. The
jewelry business was carried on here until 1831, when silver
spoons became a specialty. Until 1840, the product was spoons,
chiefly, although thimbles, combs, and occasionally napkin rings
and forks were made. The firm at this time was Gorham & Web-
ster, and later it became Gorham, Webster & Price. An old
print shows the little shop with these signs upon it: “Gorham,
Webster & Price. Silver Spoons and Jewelry,” and “Silver Thim-
ble Manufactory.” At this time the American House, afterwards
known as the Earle House, occupied the southwest corner of
North Main and Steeple streets. At the age of fifty, Jabez Gor-
ham retired from business and was succeeded by his son, John
Gorham. The father died on March 24, 1869.
John Gorham, born in Providence on Nov. 18, 1820, became
first a partner in the business on the retirement of Mr. Webster,
and, in 1847, the sole proprietor. In the meanwhile the industry
had taken great strides in advance, not only in the extent of
manufacture and in merit of product, but also in methods and
facilities employed. In 185o the manufacture of hollow ware was
begun, and every variety of silverware for use or ornament. In
February, this year, Gorham Thurber, cousin of John Gorham,
became a partner, and the firm was known as Gorham & Thur-
ber. Between this time and 1852, Lewis Dexter was admitted to
partnership, and the firm name
was changed to Gorham &
Company.
. In the meantime, Mr. Gor-
ham went to Europe and visited
the establishments of the chief
silversmiths, and in a manu-
factory in London he worked
three weeks by the side of a
moulder skilled in his art, that
he might acquire knowledge of
the details of fine moulding.
He also secured several artisans,
adepts in their specialties, for
service in the home manufac-
tory. Mr. Gorham returned in
1852, and the result of his study
and labor abroad was apparent
at once. Its expansion and
prosperity continued up to the
beginning of the war of the
Rebellion, at which time two
hundred persons were em-
ployed. Mr. Dexter retired
from the firm in 1861.
In May, 1863, the Gorham
Manufacturing Company was
incorporated. John Gorham
was elected president; Gorham
Thurber, treasurer; and J. F. P. Lawton, secretary. The capital
was $300,000, and in May, 1872, was increased to $600,000, the
limit being twice the amount. The capital at the present time,
1886, is $1,000,ooo, with a surplus.
In 1872 the number of persons employed was 450, and the
manufactory had been increased to occupy all the area included
between North Main, Steeple, Canal, and Friend streets, ex-
cept a small building on the corner of North Main and Friend
streets. In January, 1878, Mr. Gorham resigned the office of presi-
dent, and was succeeded by William H. Crins, the other officers
mentioned continuing to serve to the present time. George Wil-
kinson is superintendent of the works, and Edward Holbrook is
the New York agent of the company. The number of employés
at the present time is over seven hundred and fifty.
The manufactory is one of the wonders of the country if not of
the world. It is a labyrinth of work-shops, forges, and furnaces.
When its workmen and its countless appliances are in the full-
tide of the day’s work, the whole presents a picture, a history of
extraordinary interest. The equipment of the works is, in the
highest sense, complete. Every labor-saving mechanical device
known is employed, and the results of the latest researches, and
discoveries in arts and methods akin, are kept pace with and in-
troduced as soon as proved practicable. Steam is the great agent.
Innumerable odd-shaped, odd-moving machines contribute to the
general result –“ machines for rolling, shearing, milling, punch-
ing, shaping, and embossing: ponderous dye-stamping machines,
lathes, drills, and planing machines for wood and metal; found-
ries for casting iron, brass, silver, gold, and other metals; a
blacksmith's shop ; large rooms devoted to melting and refining
furnaces, electro-plating and gilding, photographs, and metal
spinning ; rooms for artists, draughtsmen, engravers, chasers, em-
bossers, die-cutters and die-hardeners, tool-makers, weighers, and
packers, and case-makers in wood, morocco, and velvet.” About
twenty different trades are carried on, and to each boys are regu-
larly apprenticed. Through all the mechanical complications
and the various processes of manufacture the object in progress

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
275
passes, as though regulated by clock work, so related, each to
each, as to form a harmonious whole — a single machine, as it
were, into which enters the raw material and out of which comes
the perfected product.
THE LADD WATCH CASE CoMPANY.—The trade of the jew-
eler and arts akin, are among the foremost in the city of Provi-
dence. Their growth and development, and the agencies and
accessories thereto, form one of the most interesting chapters of
the business history of the city.
The house of J. A. Brown & Company was founded in 1858,
and entered upon the manufacture of lockets of various designs
and qualities. The product of manufacture found great favor
with the people, and the business prospered and extended its pro-
ductions in every direction. During the war of the Rebellion
the firm established an agency in London for the sale of its own,
and the products of others. This was the first venture of the
kind made by any American jeweler. American lockets, pencils,
and pencil-cases, were then unknown in Europe, and hence their
sale was large and rapid. The firm was well founded, for in the ups
and downs of business that followed the close of the war, it stood
fast and kept its credit unimpaired, and from the beginning the
firm maintained the standard quality of its wares, and hence in the
market the highest equivalent was obtained. The firm of J. A.
Brown & Company continued till 1883, when it was changed to
the Ladd Watch Case Company, an incorporated company which
was granted a charter at the May session of the General Assem-
bly in 1882. Mr. J. A. Brown was elected president and treas-
urer of the company; George W. Ladd, vice-president; George
S. Ladd, superintendent; and P. S. Allen, secretary.
In 1853 Mr. George W. Ladd began to experiment with gold
stiffened watch cases, having in view a case that should be
superior in service to solid gold, and cost one-third or one-half
less. These experiments were carried on for several years,
now laid aside, now resumed again. In 1865, in company with
Mr. John A. Brown, operations were begun anew, and in the
spring of 1867 the gold-stiffened watch case, substantially like
the Ladd patent case made to-day, was perfected and offered
in market. Like everything else, the business crept before it
ran, but the interval between infancy and maturity was short.
In 1867 twenty cases only were sold, and the next year the
number increased to three thousand, and to-day nearly one hun-
dred and fifty thousand are in use. The rapid growth of the
business led at once to the enlargement of facilities, and the
employment of every helpful means. Messrs. J. A. Brown &
Company were the first in the city, or in the country, to employ
power presses in the manufacture of watch cases.
The gold-stiffened cases are made from plates of gold and
nickel composition, soldered together, forming a solid bar, which
is reduced between rollers to the thickness required. With the
improved methods now employed, this gold case may be made,
not only equal in strength and durability to solid gold, but also
fully up to the standard of beauty imparted to any case by the
designer's and engraver's art. The nickel composition has quali-
ties similar to those found in gold. It is elastic, yet the fibre is
remarkably strong and tenacious. This composition, of course,
occupies the inner place in the case, solid gold being upon the
surface to meet the wear consequent upon use.
It is apparent that beyond the thickness necessary to permit
engraving and engine-turning, the gold in a watch case, while it
gives greater intrinsic value, serves the same purpose, and serves
it no better than a baser metal. Making the gold-stiffened watch
case is in harmony with general economic principles; it is very
much like building a house. The best lumber is placed on the
outer side, to give the greatest resistance to the wear and tear of
wind and weather, but between the outer shell and the inner
jeweling, different material may be used; it must have strength
and durability, but may be of less cost. A rough stick of ordi-
nary wood will make as good a rafter as one of polished mahogany.
This watch case is constructed on this principle. The support-
ing metal within the watch cover may be inferior, without affecting
the beauty or durability, and, at the same time, make the cost so
much less, that it is within the reach of moderate means. This,
at least, is a great point gained. -
The solid gold watch requires, at all times, gentle treatment,
and sometimes very tender care. It resents hard or common
usage, and begins to “batter up * before the owner is aware of
it; it receives indentations and abrasions from unknown sources,
and gradually loses its beauty, and perhaps its only charm. Many
entirely solid gold cases are made so fragile, in order to reduce the
cost, or rather to economize material, almost to the point of loss,
that they become unfit for service in a few months. The covers,
having no substance of pith, spring and stay sprung out of shape,
the hinges break away, having little to which to cling, the heads
give up their hold, and the rims being of such tender structure,
either whole or in part, become detached from the rest of the
case. So thin were all these parts as originally put together, that
their readjustment, even by the most skillful art of soldering, is
often impossible, and if such a reunion be accomplished, it is at
the expense of the beauty of the cases. If these frail cases had
been of substantial thickness, the added cost would lessen their
sale. Ordinarily, men do not wish to carry two or three hun-
dred dollars in their vest pockets, or anywhere about them, espe-
cially when the amount is in one piece, that may be lost or
stolen.
If the thin cases referred to had a staying inner structure—
ribs and a backbone — they would have endured to accommodate
a second set of works. The same amount of gold would be in
the cases, and would be made serviceable ; whereas before, its
intrinsic value was its only merit. People are often deceived by
“solid gold * watches of low carat value. They are highly
colored, and while the coloring remains the owner is satisfied;
but it does not remain, and when it is gone, its beauty is gone, its
real character is discovered, and the watch, if carried long after, -
is not consulted freely in the presence of spectators.
The gold-stiffened watch cases are equal in appearance to solid
gold, and cannot be distinguished from solid gold cases in ordi-
nary use; any embellishment that may be given a solid gold case
may be engraved upon a gold-stiffened case; indeed, as far into
the case as any process of engraving may go, there is only solid
gold; the stiffening composition is beyond. The service rendered
by the stiffened case is longer and more satisfactory; it does not
mar at every unusual touch, but preserves its beauty as long, or
longer, than most works are useful. The gold stiffened case, equal
to solid gold in appearance, and more serviceable, costs one-third
or one-half less, and, if repairs be necessary, the gold-stiffened
case may be returned to its former state of beauty and usefulness,
and this certainly cannot be said of many solid gold cases. On
these merits the Ladd patent case has stood firmly since 1867, and
has strengthened its position every year. Its use is likely to be
more universal than that of any other of its class. The main prod-
uct of the firm is gold-stiffened cases, but it manufactures also,
solid gold cases when required, and silver cases. During nearly
the whole period of its existence, business has been carried on at
one and the same place, IO4, 106, and Io& Eddy Street, Provi-
dence. -
THE RUMFORD CHEMICAL WoRKs.—The industries of Rhode
Island are varied and interesting as well as extensive and pros-
perous. It has been declared that Rhode Island makes what the
world makes. If this be not founded on exact truth it may serve
to define the diversity of manufacture. Certainly the inhabitant
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
THE RUMFORD CHEMICAL WORKS, AT RUMFORD, R. I.
who must be content with what is produced within the limits of
the state would stand in “no suffering need " of good and ample
means to aid in the support of life and in the pursuit of happiness.
The Rumford Chemical Works commends itself to the people,
not of Rhode Island simply, but of the world, for it is an ally of
good digestion, and hence of good morals and good government.
In 1854, George F. Wilson and Eben N. Horsford erected a
chemical laboratory near the city of Providence, and began the
manufacture of chemicals required in the culinary art, the firm
name being George F. Wilson & Company. Professor Horsford
formerly was the Rumford professor of chemistry in Harvard Uni-
versity. Before filling that office he was principal of the Albany
Academy, in Albany, N. Y., his native state. For several years
previous, Professor Horsford studied in Germany under the tui-
tion of Baron Liebig, the celebrated chemist and naturalist.
In honor of this professorship and its founder, Count Rumford,
the works and the village in which they are located took the
name. For nearly twenty years, Professor Horsford filled the
chair of chemistry in Harvard University, and during that time
its reputation was the highest. In 1873, he visited the Vienna
Exhibition, as a member of the United States Scientific Com-
mission, and prepared the exhaustive report of the commission on
bread. The study of the grains and their conversion into food
has occupied a large part of his life, and he has given, probably,
more attention to this important subject than any other person
living. He is regarded as an eminent chemist, and one on whose
skill the people have learned to rely with confidence. In 1843,
Professor Horsford received the degree of Master of Arts, from
Union College, and in 1847, the same degree was conferred by
Harvard University.
One clause in the agreement of the founders of the company,
which is unusual in the modern business arrangements, and
worthy of record, declares their purpose to be that of “building
up a chemical manufacturing establishment of respectability and
permanency, such as shall be an honor to ourselves and our chil-
dren, and a credit to the community in which it is located, and
which shall afford us a means of reasonable support.” Probably
they had only a faint conception of the magnificent results which
in a few years, followed the union of their talents and energies.
The product of the Rumford Chemical Works comprises gen-
eral and special chemicals, particularly preparations of the phos-
phates suitable for food and medicine, such as Horsford's cream
of tartar substitute, bread preparation, baking powder, Rumford
yeast powder, and Horsford's acid phosphate. About the year
1854, Professor Horsford began an investigation into the subject of
baking powders, which resulted in the production of an acid
phosphate of lime, as a substitute for cream of tartar, which, when
introduced into the flour with bicarbonate of soda, leaves phos-
phate of lime, an essential constituent of all grains, and phosphate
of soda, both being indispensable elements in the construction of
all animal tissues. It is well-known that a deficiency of phos-
phate of lime in food is a common cause of ill health, and of
defective development and retarded growth in children.
Now, by the use of common or brewers' yeast in the making of
bread, carbonic acid is obtained at the expense of certain nutri-
tious elements of the flour. While by the process laid before the
public by Professor Horsford, the flour is not decomposed; its
nutritious constituents are wholly saved, and it becomes by the
addition of the acid phosphate of lime, more easily digestible. It
restores a portion of the phosphates which were in a greater or
lesser degree removed with the bran in the process of bolting.
Briefly, the Horsford method preserves the nutritious constitu-
ents of the flour, restores the phosphates removed with the bran,
secures a uniform, excellent result, furnishes a bread which retains
its moisture longer and is more digestible than yeast bread, while
its accuracy reduces the measure of skill required to a minimum.
The Rumford Chemical Works were established for the pur-
pose of manufacturing this product. The progress made in
its production and sale, considering the many obstacles over-
come, is considered a wonderful achievement, and one that reflects
great credit upon its originators and prosecutors. The product
has a national reputation, and even national importance, con-
sidering the character of the service it performs for the benefit
of man. The late Baron Liebig, one of the greatest chemists of
modern times, said of this preparation: “I consider this inven-
tion as one of the most useful gifts which science has made to
mankind. It is certain that the nutritive value of flour will be
increased ten per cent. by your phosphatic preparation.”

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 277
The product is packed for market in several forms, namely:
Horsford's cream tartar, Horsford's bread preparation, Horsford's
baking powder, and Rumford yeast powder. The acid phosphate
is also prepared in liquid form as Horsford’s acid phosphate,
which is used largely by physicians in cases of mental and physical
exhaustion, diseases of the stomach, and nervous disorders.
This use of the phosphate, as shown by the comparative state-
ment of sales founded upon per cent. of increase has become
general, and has extended to foreign countries far and near. It
may be said, without resorting to exaggeration, that indigestion
and all allied ills which menace life and rob it of its peace and
well-being, never received such a check, and were never so gener-
ally put to flight, as when acid phosphate became a medicinal
agent, and the base of a delightful beverage.
The product has been increased lately by a new manufacture,
namely, a sparkling beverage which has been named “Phosa.”
It is prepared from Horsford’s acid phosphate and pure fruit
juices, and charged with carbonic acid gas. It serves as a de-
lightful, healthful, and refreshing drink. It has come into such
prominence as a mid-summer cooler that every public soda fount-
ain and many private sideboards place part dependence on phosa.
The greatest care is observed in selecting the materials for the
composition of phosa, and the most approved apparatus has been
secured for the purpose of making the beverage the best—the
one that shall be chosen before all others. This machinery was
made in Belfast, Ireland, and was selected in preference to all
others in consequence of its extraordinary merit and adaptability
to the service required. Further arrangements have been com-
pleted recently to distill in large quantities the water required in
the preparation of phosa. Distilled water only is used, and
hence the beverage may be said in truth to be absolutely pure
and free from the impurities that exist in the best spring water.
In addition to the products specified, the company manufacture
in large quantities Horsford’s anti-chlorine, a fine white powder
for “killing ” chlorine in paper, an agent used by the manufac-
turers of fine writing and ledger papers. The works also pre-
pare Horsford's sulphite in general use as a cider preservative.
The company was incorporated in 1858 as the Rumford Chem-
ical Works, and from this time on, as from the beginning, the
advance was rapid and well founded. The tract of land owned
and occupied by the works is on the east side of the
specific and general directions, but, also, various other papers
pertaining to its virtues or merits as shown by testimonials.
This part of the business is fully equipped throughout, and is
subject to the oversight of a practical printer; indeed this de-
partment is equal in the execution of the work to any printing
office in this city, and the facilities for the work are equal to any.
About twenty-five machines, including presses, cutters, folding,
stitching, and binding devices, are in constant operation. The cir-
culars, labels, and directions for use, must be in the language of the
country in which the goods are sold, and hence they are printed
in nearly all the modern languages—German, French, Spanish,
Portuguese, Italian, modern Greek, and others. The commodities
of the company are therefore of international as well as national
importance. They are offered in the markets of Mexico, the West
Indies, Central and South America, Great Britain, India, Ger-
many, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Egypt, Turkey, Japan, China, Af-
rica, Australia, the Sandwich Islands, Netherlands, Belgium,
France, Switzerland, Greece, East India, Azores and Canaries,
and Palestine. A traveler in Syria referred in a letter to paying
a dollar for a small bottle of acid phosphate. Recently a letter
from Bangkok, Siam, gave the information that this acid phos-
phate had been administered to a native ill with the cholera, and
that it proved to be a healing and helpful physician.
The accurate out-put, for prudential reasons, cannot be given,
but of one product—the acid phosphate—it may be said that the
sales, four years from the time it was actively placed upon the
market, had increased 3,000 per cent. The consumption of all
the products of the company is simply enormous. Mr. Newton
D. Arnold is treasurer and business manager. In Boston, W. G.
Shillaber is agent; New York, H. M. Anthony; Philadelphia,
M. Clark; Baltimore, W. H. Crawford & Company; Richmond,
Va., Spotts & Gibson; and in St. Louis and Chicago there are
branches of the works. A large force of workmen, many of
them specially educated to do what is required of them, press the
product forward from one process to another, and to the con-
sumer. The company and its co-laborers are entitled to great
credit for ministering to the better digestion of the people of many
commonwealths, and hence contributing to all the good forces
within the control of man.
Seekonk River, in the town of East Providence, and
about three miles from the centre of the city. A
well-kept village, known as Rumford, has grown up
around the works, on the land owned by the com-
pany. Its area is about two square miles, and
through it pass branches of the Boston and Provi-
dence, and the Providence and Worcester railways,
and also the Ten-Mile River. The floor space of
the different buildings is nearly equal to an area of
five acres in extent. The main offices, packing
and printing departments, have place in a spacious
building occupying the square bounded by South
Main, Power, South Water, and Bullion streets, in
the city of Providence. This building, known for- || *
merly as the Fall River Warehouse, has been pur- -
chased recently by the company to supply the space
required to meet the demand for the out-put of the
concern. Here the goods sold in small packages
are prepared for shipment.
In an establishment of this kind and magnitude, a
vast amount of printing and kindred service is
necessary. Every package, however small, goes
forth on its mission, accompanied not only by an
attractive, and, perhaps, illuminated label bearing
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OFFICE AND WAREHOUSE OF THE RUMFORD CHEMICAL WORKS,
South Water Street, Providence.




36
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
HENRY L. KENDALL,
Founder of the Kendall Manufacturing Company.
HENRY L. KENDALL was born in Watertown, Mass., June 25,
1Sos, and died in Providence, R. I., July 10, 1883.
He came to Providence in April, 1827, and established the soap
business at the corner of Friendship and Page streets, which was
continued under the name of H. L. Kendall & Company until
1860, when the Kendall Manufacturing Company was incorpo-
rated, which now continues the business.
In 1846 he became manager of the New England Screw Com-
pany, and in April, 1849, he successfully produced the famous
gimlet-pointed screw, and during the succeeding five years the
New England Screw Company monopolized the production of
these screws. During his management he planned and built the
factory corner of Eddy and Henderson streets.
He continued as manager of the New England Screw Com-
pany until January, 1860, when the New England and Eagle
Screw Companies consolidated, under the name of the American
Screw Company.
He was president of the National Exchange Bank of this city
for seven years preceding his death.
He was one of the original incorporators of the Union Oil Com-
pany of this city and New Orleans, La., and president of the
company at the time of his death.
By his will the various public charities of Providence were re-
membered to the amount of $40,000, and the Providence Public
Library made residuary legatee of his estate. The library will
probably receive more than $300,000 from this bequest, which is
the largest sum ever given to any public institution in this city.
THE UNION OIL CoMPANY AND THE AMERICAN Cotton OIL
TRUST.— Providence has the honor of having been the place
where the first mill was erected for the manufacture of cotton
oil, thus utilizing what was formerly a waste product, but which
to-day supplies material for one of the most important industries
in the cotton-growing sections of our country. The growth and
development of this business has been most remarkable.
Lyman Klapp, the founder of this vast industry, was born in
Westhampton, Mass., A. D. 1827, and is a descendant of Capt.
Roger Clap, of Salcombe Regis, Devonshire, England, who came
to New England in 1630, and was commander of the Castle –
now Fort Independence – in Boston Harbor from 1655 to 1686.
The family name, variously spelled in the old English annals, is
Saxon, and can be traced back to the time of Edward the Con-
fessor.
Lyman Klapp devoted his early life to scientific studies, espe-
cially chemistry. In 1853 he sailed for the east coast of Africa
with the intention of making a journey to the interior of that con-
tinent, stopping at Cape Town, South Africa, to perfect arrange-
ments to meet Dr. Livingston, who was then exploring the
country opposite Mozambique. But upon arriving at the port of
Mozambique it was impossible to carry out his plans owing to
slave wars between the coast tribes. After waiting several
months, which time was spent in studying the products of the
countries adjacent to the coast, and the customs, laws, and tradi-
tions of the natives, he returned to the United States. Immedi-
ately upon reaching home, he commenced a series of experiments
for the purpose of devising suitable machinery and processes for
manufacturing and refining vegetable oils, visiting Europe for this
purpose. Returning to Providence, he here perfected machinery
for hulling cotton seed, and having discovered a process for
refining the crude oil made from this seed, he founded in 1855, the
Union Oil Company, of Providence and New Orleans, of which
corporation he is the president. He is also one of the trustees
of the American Cotton Oil Trust, and a member of the execu-
tive committee of this organization, whose central office is located
in New York. He is a director of the National Exchange Bank,
the second oldest bank in Providence; a member of the board of
managers of the Freemasons' Hall Company, and has been for
many years a vestryman of St. Stephen's Church. He was made
a Freemason in 1853, and has held many offices in the various
bodies connected with this fraternity, and for three years was
Grand Master of Masons in Rhode Island. He married in 1858,
Allis, daughter of Captain Silas Billings, of Hatfield, Mass. Mr.
LYMAN KLAPP,
Founder of the Union Oil Company of Providence and New Orleans,


THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. 279
Klapp was not only the founder of the Union Oil Company, and
of the oldest cotton-seed oil mill in the country, but he was the
first person who was successful in making and refining oil from
Upland cotton seed. At present there are upwards of one hun-
dred and twenty cotton oil mills in the United States.
Within a short time, the capital stock of nearly all these cor-
porations has been acquired by an organization known as the
American Cotton Oil Trust, which to-day is one of the largest
business enterprises in this country, representing a capital of
over thirty-five million dollars. The mills belonging to this trust
crush annually about six hundred thousand tons of cotton seed,
producing about twenty-two million gallons of oil, four hundred
and fifty million pounds of cake and meal, and some fifteen million
pounds of cotton. The oil has been introduced into every civil-
ized country on the globe, and is used principally as an article of
food, which, owing to the perfection of the refining processes,
makes it one of the most healthful as well as palatable substances
known. It is also used extensively for burning in mines, for soap-
making, and for various other purposes. The cotton-seed oil
cake and meal is the richest animal food known, and for pro-
ducing milk and fat is now generally used in this country, Eng-
land, Scotland, Holland, and the northern countries of Europe.
It is also largely used as a fertilizer, especially on the cotton and
sugar plantations of the South.
From the foregoing, it will be seen that the manufacture of cot-
ton oil, which was first commenced in this city less than a third
of a century ago, has during the life of its founder grown to
large proportions; and it would seem reasonable to expect, in
view of the fact that to-day the American Cotton Oil Trust em-
braces under one management the accumulated experience of the
past and all the business talent and enterprise which heretofore
has been divided among individual mills, that the future of this
industry will far surpass even the marvelous growth of the last
thirty years.
PERRY DAvis & SoN.—The medicine chest or closet of each
household contains preparations that, from long knowledge of
their effectiveness as remedies, are regarded by the members of
the family as necessities. They become a part of the household
economy. One of these medicines is Perry Davis’ Pain Killer,
which has soothed the suffering and cured a multitude of afflicted
persons. This remedy is compounded at No. 136 High Street,
where are located the manufactory and the offices of its proprie-
tors, the heirs of Mr. Perry Davis. For a long period Mr. Edmund
Davis was associated with his father, Mr. Perry Davis, and was
the active manager of the business. He died in October, 1880.
The business is still conducted under the firm name of Perry
Davis & Son.
The laboratory is in charge of experienced chemists. Here the
remedy is compounded, the process requiring about ten days. When
completed, it is taken to the bottling room, where a large number
of women and girls are engaged in filling with it the bottles of
various sizes in which it is sold by the retailers. In the same
department the bottles are labeled. As the Pain Killer is sold all
over the world, care is taken to put on each bottle a label printed
in the language of the country to which it is to be consigned.
The filled and labeled bottles are next taken to the packing room,
where they are placed in boxes of different sizes, and from there
shipped to their destination or taken to the warehouse and added
to the stock on hand. The warehouse is a large building in the
rear of the office, and always contains a great number of packed
cases of the medicine. The head-quarters of this house are in a
two-story office that fronts on High Street. The area covered by
the various buildings of this establishment comprises 15,000
square feet. On the wall of the upper office, fronting the stairs,
is an oil portrait of Mr. Perry Davis, who died in 1862. Gazing
PERRY DAVIS,
Founder of the House of Perry Davis & Son.
at it, one feels that he is still present, directing in person the de-
tails of the business he founded.
The system of this house, whose agents are almost numberless,
is simple, effective, and free from ostentation. So quietly is the
manufacture conducted, so unpretending the manner of its mana-
gers and the deportment of its employés, that one is not impressed
by appearances with the magnitude of the business, yet the
trade is great and far-reaching. No quarter of the globe is so
remote but that the knowledge of this medicine has reached
it. Chemists and physicians have analyzed the Pain Killer, but
the manner of its preparation remains a secret until this day,
except with those to whom its manufacture is entrusted. But the
house do not rely upon the secrecy in which their prescription is
kept for sales, but upon the record the remedy has made as a
potent pain-killer. It was the result of the investigations of a
sufferer. Mr. Perry Davis was subjected to almost constant pain
from a combination of disorders—kidney disease, pains in the
side and back, and a severe cough — all due to a cold. He sought
in vain among physicians for relief. Finally he determined to
experiment with one preparation and another, hoping to concoct
some medicine that would free him from his misery. At last he
succeeded in making a liquid that gave him some relief. He
continued to take it and was restored to health.
Thus convinced of the efficacy of his discovery, Mr. Davis,
having made and bottled some of his remedy, placed a lot of it
in a basket, and set out on foot to Boston to sell it. But he could
find no druggist in Boston who could be induced to buy his
medicine, or to even place it on sale. At last, becoming dis-
heartened, he gave a bottle of his precious remedy to each cripple
or sick person he met, until his basket was empty, and then set
out for home, which he reached a poorer man than when he left
it. His neighbors, however, discovered the power of his prepa-
ration, and a home demand for it sprang up. In an humble way
he began its manufacture. His trade increasing, he employed an
assistant, but for a considerable time the sales and reputation of
the Pain Killer were entirely local. When the cholera appeared
in the United States and the people were terrorized, every remedy
was resorted to for relief from the dire disease. The Pain Killer,
among others, was tried, in a hopeless sort of way. Others failed,
but not only did this alleviate the suffering of the victim, but
wrought, in many cases, a complete cure. At once it attained
fame. The health reports spoke of it. Its reputation became

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
FITZ JAMES RICE,
Founder of the Rice & Hayward Industry.
national, and extended around the world. Its other virtues were
spoken of highly. A demand from all nations arose, and Mr.
Davis began its manufacture upon an extended scale. Steadily
the demand for it has grown. No other imitations, or original
compounds, have been able to drive it from the markets, or dwarf
its sales. To-day, in the purity of the original prescription, it
is to be obtained in every city and town in the United States, and
in every country of the world.
Mr. Perry Davis was born in Dartmouth, Mass., July 17, 1791.
He was the son of Edmund and Sarah Davis. When he was
four years old his parents removed to Westport, Mass. He
continued to live at this place for many years, and being of an
inventive turn of mind was constantly occupied in devising new
machinery and contriving new appliances. It was to put in
operation a flour mill of his design that in 1837 he came to Paw-
tucket, R. I.
This was successful in its working, but was destroyed by fire
on the same day that many visitors had assembled to congratulate
Mr. Davis on its operation. He was impoverished by this calam-
ity. From Pawtucket he went to Taunton, and there made the
discovery that was the basis of his fortune, and enabled him to
pay all his debts contracted in building his mill at Pawtucket. In
1840 he removed to Fall River. Then when he began to feel pros-
perous the fire fiend once more robbed him. He received a por-
tion of the money sent from Boston for the aid of the sufferers by
this conflagration. He came to Providence in 1843, establishing
himself at the present location of the business. He here con-
tinued in active business until his death in 1862.
He was a devout Christian and a generous giver to the aid of
the church. One of his philanthropies was the erection of a
chapel for the Fifth Baptist Church of this city. This edifice was
dedicated by appropriate services, at which Mr. Davis, who was
a licensed preacher, delivered the sermon. Later he built at his
own expense the handsome church edifice now occupied by this
congregation, and located at the corner of Pond and Stewart
streets. His life was one of long usefulness, and his death was
deplored by the community.
RICE & HAYw ARD.—This firm, which has built up a very
extensive baking establishment, consists of Messrs. Fitz James
Rice and William S. Hayward as copartners. The business
was established in the year 1849, at the present location, corner
of Broad and Pearl streets, by Fitz James Rice and George W.
Hayward. At this time, the variety of bakers' goods was very
limited, the principal articles being white and brown-bread, gin-
ger-bread and cookies, and common or Boston crackers and soda
biscuits. There were but two bakeries in the city whose busi-
ness was at all extensive — Mr. Benjamin Balch, on Cranston
Street, and Mr. A. D. Yeomans, on North Main Street. Rice &
Hayward commenced business with two 9 x 12 feet ovens, which
were sufficiently large to furnish the goods desired, until 1851,
when two more ovens of similar size were built.
There were used at this period about one hundred barrels of
flour per week, and not exceeding ten men were employed in the
business. The increased oven capacity was needed to supply the
growing demand for a larger variety of cakes and sweet bread,
which had become pressing. Business continued to improve,
and the constant demand for new goods increased to such an
extent that in 1856 two other ovens, 14 x 16 feet, were built, and
a new shop was erected, which was devoted to the exclusive
manufacture of biscuits and nick-nacks. At about this time the
pie-baking business of Mr. Calvin Rockwood, of 152 South Main
Street, was bought and transferred to this establishment on Broad
Street, the addition of which in connection with the gradual
increase of the other parts of the business, tended to a brisk trade
and a large increase in the product of the manufactory.
The goods were sold in our own state and the adjoining por-
tions of Connecticut and Massachusetts; one wagon was run in
the city of Boston, dealing exclusively in nick-nacks. This en-
couraging state of affairs continued, and Aug. 27, 1860, Mr.
William S. Hayward, who had been in the employ of the firm
for nine years, purchased an interest, and was admitted as a part-
ner in the business, the firm style being Rice, Hayward & Com-
pany. The new company improved its quality of goods and con-
tinued to increase its sales largely thereby. In November, 1861,
the firm of Rice, Hayward & Company in company with L. H.
Humphreys & Company established the “Rhode Island Bakery"
on Sixth Street, in the city of Washington, D. C. Mr. Wil-
liam S. Hayward and Mr. L. H. Humphreys, of these respective
firms, were delegated to manage this branch of business. At this
time there was a very large number of troops encamped in and
around the city of Washington, and the prospect of large profits
in the baking business was flattering.
For two months business was satisfactory, but an order issued
by President Lincoln for the army to march “on to Richmond,”
on the 22d of February, 1862, removed the demand for bakers’
goods to the front, where, of course, it was impossible for them
to be delivered.
Under this state of affairs, and believing, with the majority of
the people of the North, that the war would not last over ninety
days, after this “forward movement” the Washington venture
was closed by the sale of the bakery at no inconsiderable loss,
and the junior partners of the two firms returned to Rhode
Island, poorer in pocket but wiser in experience.
On May 16, 1863, the senior partners, Messrs. Fitz James Rice
and George W. Hayward, having become weary in the prosecu-
tion of the business, sold out their interests to Mr. William S.
Hayward. Mr. Hayward immediately commenced to introduce
new and improved machinery. A steam engine was put in, in
the place of horse-power which had previously been in use, and

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
281
a new patent revolving oven was erected, more than doubling the
capacity of the establishment. In consequence of these additions
and improvements, the quality of the goods was very largely
improved, resulting in corresponding increase in the demand for
them. - -
All the soldiers enlisted for the war of the Rebellion in the
State of Rhode Island, while in the state, were furnished with
bread from this bakery.
Mr. William S. Hayward carried on the business alone from
May 16, 1863, until Nov. 11, 1865, when Mr. F. J. Rice desir-
ing to again engage in active business, was taken into copartner-
ship, and the firm name again became Rice & Hayward, and has
continued until the present time — twenty-one years.
Oct. 20, 1870, Rice & Hayward bought out the business of the
Providence Union Baking Company, who were the successors of
the Rhode Island Aerated Bread Company, situated at the corner
of Langley and Hospital streets. After continuing the business
at this location for two years the ovens, engine, and machinery
were removed to the establishment on Broad Street, where new
buildings had been erected for their reception. º
In 1872 two patent rotary ovens 20x20 were erected, in addi-
tion to the reel oven, removed from Langley Street.
It is believed that the improvement in machinery and mode of
manufacture, in the product of this establishment, has kept pace
with the improved methods of other branches of manufacturing
business.
While at the time of the establishment of this concern, the vari-
ety of goods could be numbered by two figures, at the present
time there are at least one thousand different varieties of baker’s
goods produced.
The market for the product of this establishment is found
largely within the city of Providence and in Rhode Island, but
goods are shipped to every part of New England.
This firm has now, three patent reel ovens, one rotary oven,
six ordinary brick ovens and two steam ovens, making a capacity,
for converting into food 125 barrels of flour per day. -
Mr. George W. Smith, the efficient and reliable superintendent
of the works, entered the service of the establishment April 1,
1864, and has been constantly identified with the business from
that time. The present number of employés in the establishment
is sixty-five. -
Fitz JAMEs RICE was born in Barre, Mass., July 14, 1814.
Mr. Rice lived in different towns in Massachusetts, until he
was twenty-three years of age, and learned the baking business
of Wesley P. Balch, in Medfield. In 1837 he removed to Provi-
dence, and after working in the bakery of Benjamin Balch five
years, he went into the same business for himself. In 1849 he
formed a partnership with George W. Hayward, who had been
an apprentice with him at Medfield, and laid the foundation of
the present large business of the firm.
Mr. Rice was a member of the city council of this city, from
the sixth ward, in the years 1868 and 1869, and a representative
to the General Assembly from this city for the years 1881 and 1882.
He joined the High Street Congregational Church under the
pastorate of Rev. Dr. Woolcut, in 1856, and is now a member
of the Union Congregational Church, and has been a life member
of the Young Men's Christian Association since 1877. He has
been a member of the What Cheer Lodge of Masons since 1857.
Mr. Rice has resided on Christian Hill, in the sixth ward, for
more than forty years, and has always been highly esteemed for
his business ability and integrity, his excellent social qualities, and
benevolent disposition.
WILLIAM S. HAYwARD* was elected a member of the common
council from the sixth ward, in the years 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875,
*See pages 105 and 11o.
corporation are:
and 1876; elected a member of the board of aldermen in the
years 1876, 1877, 1878, 1879, and 1880; president of the board
of aldermen in 1878, 1879, and 1880. Elected mayor of the city of
Providence three times and served during the years 1881, 1882,
and 1883; elected Representative to the General Assembly in 1882
and 1886; appointed by his excellency, the governor, a member
of the board of state charities and corrections in 1884, to fill the
vacancy caused by the death of Prof. George I. Chace, and reap-
pointed for six years at the May session of the General Assem-
bly in 1886, now in office.
THE HEATON BUTTON FASTENER CoMPANY.— One of the
most unique industries of this city is the Heaton Button Fastener
Company. It sounds more like fable than reality to affirm that
the manufacture of a small brass contrivance to take the place of
thread in fastening boot buttons has grown into a large and
important industry, carried on by power machinery, and furnish-
ing remunerative work for many hands; and yet the first and
second floors of two large buildings, extending from No. 2 Io to
No. 224 Eddy Street, and containing over a hundred thousand
square feet of space, are devoted to just such a business, managed
by the officers of this company. This corporation was chartered
by the General Assembly of the state in 1875, and was organized
July 3, 1877, with a capital stock of $300,000, Mr. David Hea-
ton, of this city, the inventor of the button fastener, being chosen
president. The right to make and sell the fastener was at first
secured by six patents, and a demand for the article must be cre-
ated before orders to any great extent could reasonably be looked
for. But the volume of business has so increased that the factory
is now consuming the sheet brass out of which the fastener is
made, at the rate of several tons a week, and shipping the prod-
ucts everywhere. These fasteners are used by manufacturers on
the better grades of shoes. The patents have been increased to
more than two hundred in this country alone, and a like protec-
tion has been secured in Canada and European countries. The
first work was done in a small factory on Grove Street, with
machinery by no means perfected; then larger space was secured
on Potter Street; but in the fall of 1878, the works were removed
to the present location, where improved machines have been con-
structed, that turn out finished fasteners at the rate of over two
hundred a minute.
An apparatus for applying the fastener to the boot has also
been invented and perfected, and placed on the market by the
company. This machine secures the button-fastener to the shoe
with a rapidity limited only by the skill of the operator. With
the Heaton button fastener may be found on sale at all first-class
shoe stores, a small hand instrument to be used in securing but-
tons to the shoe with the Heaton fastener. This is designed for
family use, and once introduced in a home becomes one of the
most indispensable articles of the household. Especially when
families are large is the button-fastener valuable. For many
years fashion has dictated that only button shoes for gentlemen,
and button “boots” for ladies may be considered dressy, and
buttons for fastening shoes upon the feet promise to remain the
approved way for many years to come. Buttons properly fas-
tened to the shoe with the Heaton fastener, never come off. The
shoe may be entirely worn out, the button may pull from its loop,
but the button fastener never gives way. If the work accom-
plished by this fastener were no more important than that of
securing buttons to the shoe which pull off after a few days wear,
it would still have proved a wonderfully beneficial invention. The
buiness is rapidly increasing, and extending to a still wider field
of usefulness the company's productions. The officers of the
President, John D. Earle ; treasurer and sec-
retary, George W. Prentice.
282
PLANTATIONS.
THE PROVIDENCE
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DAWOL RUBBER COMPANY'S FACTORY,
Point Street, Providence.
THE DAvol RUBBER CoMPANY. — This company was estab-
lished under the name of the Perkin's Manufacturing Company,
in 1875, with Mr. Joseph Davol as proprietor, but not taking an
active part in its management until 1878, or about two years
later, when he took control of the business, changed the name of
the company, and at the May session of the General Assembly in
1882, had it incorporated under the title of the Davol Manufac-
turing Company, Mr. Joseph Davol being elected president and
treasurer at a meeting which was subsequently held. Continuing
the business under the above title for a time, it was decided at last
that as the product of the factory was a special line of rubber
goods complete in all its branches, the name of the concern should
more fully designate the character of its goods, consequently the
General Assembly was petitioned for an amendment to the char-
ter, which was granted at the January session, 1885, changing the
name to that of the Davol Rubber Company, under which title
and with the same executive officers it continues the business of
manufacturing fine rubber goods of every description, for the
drug, surgical, and stationery trades. India rubber, or caoutchouc,
as it is technically named, is so extensively used, and forms such
an important element as part of the manufactures and commerce
of the varied industries of the United States, that a few statistics
to show the wonderful increase in the consumption of the crude
material may not be out of place. In the year 1872 there was im-
ported into the United States alone 5,100,000 pounds of fine Para
rubber, and 6,760,000 pounds of what is termed Central Amer-
ican, or other coarse grades, giving a total of 11,860,000 pounds
for the year.
In 1885, or thirteen years later, the demand called for an im-
portation of 14,400,000 of fine Para alone (or more than the total
consumption of all grades in 1872), and Io,471,000 pounds of the
Central and coarser grades, making a total of 24,871,000 pounds
used during the year, or more than double the entire quantity used
in 1872, and the demand is constantly increasing. India rubber is
grown in South America, Central America, Africa, and the East
Indies, the finer grades coming from the place whence it derives
its name, Para, in Brazil. The tree which produces the rubber
or caoutchouc, as the natives term it in South America, grows
about sixty feet in height, with few leaves, excepting at its top,
where it has a rich foliage of dark green, very thick and glossy.
The tree has a smooth bark, and bears a sort of whitish almond
which is sometimes eaten by the natives. The Davol Rubber
Company's entire product are what is termed fine rubber goods,
embracing the varied assortment used by druggists, surgical and
dental depots, the stationery trade, and all the finer grades of
goods used by the rubber trade generally. Into all these goods
pure Para rubber enters extensively, and the amount of the crude
material used every year by this company alone is very large, on
account of the class of goods they manufacture. The machinery
and general plant were all put in with especial reference to the
production of the goods in the various stages by the company
itself, and as far as practicable, this idea is carried out, all the
rubber and metallic parts composing the goods being made in the
factory, under the supervision of able and experienced foremen.
New machinery and additions to the factory having been made as
occasion required, the company can consistently state that they
have the best equipped and most commodious work-rooms for the
manufacture of goods in their line, that there is in the United
States.
When the company first begun the manufacture of their goods
many articles in the druggists’ sundry line were imported into the
country, some of them extensively, but the character of the goods
manufactured here soon displaced those of foreign manufacture,
and materially enlarged and extended the home production, besides
making a name for the goods which to-day stands at the head. The
company has unequaled facilities for the production of fine rub-
ber goods of every description and do exclusively a manufacturing
business, having an outlet for their goods directly through the
leading wholesale and jobbing houses in the United States and
Canada, and through the export trade have introduced their
specialties in all the larger cities in Spanish America, Germany,
Australia, China, and Japan. As the trade of the company
calls for the manufacture of a large variety of special rubber
goods requiring distinct tools and moulds for their production,
this feature of the business has received due attention, their
machine shop having skilled workmen and all the latest improve-
ments in lathes and machinery for the rapid execution of any
work of this nature with which they may be entrusted.


CHAPTER XVII.
SOME OF THE HEAVY LINES OF TRADE.
COAL, OIL, AND IRON MERCHANTS – HARDWARE DEALERS- DEALERS IN LUMBER AND BUILDING MATERIALS – MAKERS OF AND
DEALERS IN MANUFACTURERS’ supplies.
WILLIAM H. HOPKINS,
Of the Firm of Hopkins, Pomroy & Company,
THE largest quantity of coal received at Providence in any one
year was in 1878, when the total of cargoes amounted to 982,740
tons; and fully two-thirds of the coal landed at this port is
shipped by rail to points in the interior of the state and contiguous
portions of Massachusetts. Five-eighths of the total receipts are
steam coals, and the balance furnace and stove; and the average
consumption for domestic purposes is a ton per annum to every
inhabitant, or about 120,000 tons for the city of Providence. The
capital invested in the business here, including the Wilkesbarre
property and appliances for transportation and handling at home,
is estimated to be a million and a half of dollars. The importa-
tions for a number of different years are given in the following
table :
YEARS. Tons, YEARS TONs.
1856. . . . . . . . . . . . - - - - - - - - I99,473 1879. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 740,835
1860. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186,113 1880. . . . . . . - - - - - - - - - - - - - 683,400
1865. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .273.406 1881 . . . . . . . . - - - - - - - - - ... 783,852
1870. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512, 146 1882. . . . . . . . . . . . . 821,837
1875 . . . . . . . . . . . . . - - - - - - - 691,347 1883. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 860,410
1876. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 610,359 1884. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 796,410
1877 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - - - - - - 642,480 1885 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 820,570
1878 - - - - - - - - - - - - --982,740
HoPKINs, Pomroy & CoMPANY. – In 1843, Mr. William H.
Hopkins, who had abandoned the manufacture of jewelry for the
business of teaming, not finding sufficient work to keep all his
teams busy, concluded to make employment for those who were
idle by supplying coal in quantities to the manufacturers, or in
smaller lots to the housekeepers of Providence.
Accordingly Mr. Hopkins ordered a cargo of coal which was
shipped to him in a small schooner of about one hundred and
fifty tons burthen. When he had disposed of that invoice he
ordered another, and so he continued until finally he gave up the
business of hauling for others, using all his teams in the deliv-
ery of coal and wood — the latter he began to sell soon after he
embarked in the coal business. This is the history of the origin
of the house known as Hopkins, Pomroy & Company, whose
central office is at No. 35 Weybosset Street. In 1849 Mr. Jacob
Manchester, who had been in the brick and lime business, became
associated with Mr. Hopkins as a partner, and under the firm
name of Manchester & Hopkins they continued until 1855, when
they purchased the property at the corner of Dyer and Eddy
streets and opened the extensive yard which is used by the pres-
ent firm for the storage of coal and wood. During the year 1864
Mr. John H. Hopkins and Mr. G. R. Pomroy, who had been
clerks since 1855 with the firm, were admitted to partnership and
the firm name became Manchester, Hopkins & Company. Mr.
Manchester died on the 30th of June, 1871, when the title by
which the firm is now known was assumed. Mr. E. A. Hop-
kins, a son of Mr. William H. Hopkins, was then admitted to
partnership. At one time the firm were the largest dealers in
builders’ materials in the city, but they disposed of that portion of
the business. An idea of the magnitude of their trade can be de-
rived from the fact that in the last year they sold and delivered
two hundred and thirty-seven thousand tons of coal, besides the
many cords of wood which they supplied to their customers.
They employ one hundred men and one hundred and twenty
horses. Their coal is shipped here from Philadelphia, Elizabeth,
Hoboken, and Rondout, and gives freight to a small fleet of three-
masted schooners and barges whose capacity varies from 5oo to
1,500 tons. The iron steamers that ply between here and Phila-
delphia bring them the Franklin coal. The three-masted schoon-
ers hail from the same port and deliver this firm their bitumous
coal, which they sell at the rate of 20,000 to 30,000 tons annually.
The barges are towed from the other ports mentioned above and
their cargoes are made up solely of anthracite. Their facilities
for receiving, storing, and shipping are commensurate with the
magnitude of their business. Their wharf property and storage
yards occupy the entire square lying between the Providence
River, Eddy Street, Tallman's Lane, and Elm Street, and
embraces an area of over three acres, the greater part of which is
covered in. In addition to this they also occupy Hopkin's coal
pier on Dyer Street, giving storage room for thousands of tons.
The latter is called the railroad wharf and here all their rail ship-
ments are made, as the cars can run in under the chutes and re-
ceive their loads. This railroad coal pier is the property of Mr.
William H. Hopkins.
William Henry Hopkins, the senior member of Hopkins, Pom-
roy & Company, who has so long been one of the most active
and prominent merchants of the city, was born at Jamestown, R.
I., April 1, 1817. He was the son of Oliver Hopkins, a native
of East Greenwich, and a descendant of Joseph Hopkins, who
removed from Kingston to East Greenwich in 1713. Joseph
Hopkins was a prosperous farmer, and also a licensed preacher in
the Baptist church. Mr. Hopkins received such education as a
good country school could afford. In 1831 he came to Provi-
dence, where he served an apprenticeship to the jewelry business,
and in 1835 started in that business on his own account, and con-
tinued in it for five years. In 1840, owing to his father's ill-
health, he abandoned his business here and returned home to take

284.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
charge of the farm. He found that out-door life agreed much
better with him than the in-door work of the factory, and return-
ing to Providence, engaged in teaming, which led to the present
extensive business of the firm.
Several years ago, Mr. Hopkins purchased a farm in the town
of Seekonk, Mass., which he has highly improved and stocked
with the finest breeds of cattle, and has had much to do with ad-
vancing the grades of stock and farming interest generally in the
country. He has held many public positions of honor and respon-
sibility. In 1836 he was elected councilman from the fifth ward in
the city of Providence. In 1866 he was chosen alderman from
the fifth ward, which position he held until 1871, when he was
elected to the General Assembly, and reëlected in 1872–3. In
May, 1874 he was appointed a member of the State Board of
Charities and Corrections, and reappointed by Governor Lippitt,
in June, 1875, for six years. Mr. Hopkins took an active part in the
formation of the Board of Trade in Providence, and for two years
was its vice-president. He has taken an active interestin all move
ments calculated to enhance the prosperity of the city. He is a
member of the Broad Street Christian Church and is a man of
generous sympathies, who dispenses his charities in an unostenta-
tious manner.
THE PROVIDENCE CoAL CoMPANY is one of the largest and
oldest coal concerns in the city. Their yards and elevators are
located on the Dorrance Street wharf, corner of Dorrance and
Dyer streets.
R. B. LITTLE & CoMPANY are very extensive coal dealers hav-
ing two large yards, their receiving yards and elevators being
located at No. 13 Point Street, on the river front, with an exten-
sive branch yard at No. 39 Pearl Street.
JoHN R. WHITE & Son have a wharf and yard at No. 167
India Street, and another on South Water Street. gº
RoBERT E. SMITH & CoMPANY., at No. 78 South Water
Street, are also one of the old established concerns of the city.
While all the firms mentioned do a large retail business in
addition to their wholesale trade, they, with a few other coal
brokers and dealers, sell to about eighty retail coal dealers who
supply the families of the city.
OLNEY BROTHERS.– Since the changes caused by the decline
of the whale fisheries and the introduction of mineral oils into
general use, no dealers in these commodities have achieved a
better success than Messrs. Olney Brothers, No. 7 South Water
Street. Their house was originally established in 1872 by the
present proprietors, Henry S. Olney and Albert H. Olney, at
which time they took the New England agency for the Bingham-
ton, N. Y., Oil Refining Company, whose goods they have
handled ever since. By pursuing a liberal policy and conducting
their affairs with energy and skill, these gentlemen have suc-
ceeded in developing a large and profitable trade in New England,
where they rank as a leading house. The varieties they handle
may be classed as cylinder, spindle, illuminating, German spindle,
sperm, lard, wool oils, etc. They also manufacture a superior
article of “petrolina” from native petroleum, which is prepared
with great care, without the use of acids or alkalies, and is therefore
strictly pure. This is therefore one of the safest and most effect-
ive healing ointments that can be applied to bruises, cuts, and
other flesh wounds, and both externally and internally for the
cure of coughs and sore throats. It has an extensive sale among
chemists and druggists throughout the world. The firm has
ample and commodious facilities for the storage and shipment of
wares at the home office, and during the last eight years has
maintained a branch house at No. 140 Congress Street, Boston,
Mass., through which an enlarged trade has been secured. It
would be difficult to give a just estimate of the volume of busi-
ness transacted by this enterprising firm, but it is safe to say that
locality, or any particular territory.
their customers and sales have steadily increased during the four-
teen years that the house has been established, and that their oils
are demanded in every mart for lubricating and illuminating pur-
poses. The two members of the firm are natives of Providence,
prominent as citizens, and interested in all that pertains to the
public welfare of the city. ar
THE PROvIDENCE OIL Works, Scott A. Smith, proprietor,
occupy the brick building No. 11 Dorrance Street wharf. Here
are manufactured, with special machinery, all grades of oils,
known as cylinder, machinery, engine, spindle, and wool oils.
Also a grease for use on bearings of steam engines and other
machinery, which effects a saving of from fifty to seventy-five per
cent. over oils. A remarkable preparation for use on leather belts
in manufactories is produced, which finds a large sale over the
country. Mr. Smith has made investigations in relation to the
nature of oils, with respect to their chemical composition and
relative values, which have given him considerable notoriety, and
and have caused his well written articles on oils and kindred sub-
jects to be extensively published in this country and abroad.
PHETTEPLACE & CoMPANY.—This firm was established in
May, 1880, by Messrs. H. Howard and W. L. G. Phetteplace,
succeeding G. H. Potter & Company, of which firm Mr. Phette-
place was a member, and locating at 37 India Street, Boston, and
23 Weybosset Street, Providence.
In December, 1881, Mr. Howard retired, when the style of the
firm was changed to Phetteplace & Company, the management
devolving on Mr. W. L. G. Phetteplace, under whose control
the firm prospered, and largely increased business rendered it
necessary to improve their facilities, which they did by occupying,
May 1, 1882, the building located at 46 South Water Street, and
2, 4 and 6 Custom Avenue, Providence. Thus they combined their
office and factory in one, doing away with their Boston house,
and finding it possible to supply their trade to much better
advantage. At this location they now remain, where is manu-
factured a full line of oils, prominent among them, their Amber
Valve Cylinder Oil, which has, by its remarkable uniformity
and perfect action in its use, gained an enviable reputation
among large consumers, who use exclusively the oils made and
sold by this firm. Among them might be mentioned the Cor-
liss Steam Engine Company. -
It may be of interest to state here that at the annual meeting
of the Association of Engineers, held last year, at Atlantic City,
in practical tests given a selection of the most popular cylinder
oils in use, the Amber Valve Cylinder Oil attained the distinc-
tion of being classed first among them, as most economical in all
respects. The actual figures of those tests were published.
Those statements, coming as they did from such a source, naturally
served to materially increase the demand for the oils sold under
the “Amber Valve” brands of Phetteplace & Company, which
in all grades and uses are equally as satisfactory as their cylinder
oils, including machinery, spindle, wool, tapping and drilling,
polishing and axle oils; they also carry fine grades of paraffine,
black, neatsfoot, lard, olive, cotton seed, tallow, sperm and whale
oils, etc.
It is well known that any article of commerce termed a spe-
cialty, that is, which certain ones only are privileged to man-
ufacture or sell, if it be of merit, will sell where staple and
general lines of goods cannot be sold to the same advantage. The
dealers in such goods do not find themselves limited to their own
We find this fact exem-
plified in the trade of Phetteplace & Company with parties all
over this country and England for two special lines, their excel-
sior belt composition, which has met with especial favor, for the
preservation of leather and rubber belting, the manufacture of
which indicates again Mr. Phetteplace's practical knowledge of
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
285
tº
the different branches of his business. The other article is called
anti-corrodent and rust preventive, which they manufacture in
large quantities, and sell to engine and machinery builders, who
use it on bright finished steel and iron work to prevent rust.
CoNGDON, CARPENTER & CoMPANY.—The oldest and most
extensive wholesale and retail iron and hardware house in Provi-
dence is that of Messrs. Congdon, Carpenter & Company, which
is located at Nos. 81, 83 and 85 Canal Street, and No. io2 North
Main Street. The stores on Canal Street erected in 1869, are
devoted to the iron, steel, and metal business, that on North
Main Street to carriage-makers’ supplies, heavy hardware, etc.
They communicate and together occupy a ground floor area of
11,000 square feet. To this large space is to be added four floors
and basement, besides a four story building, also connected, on
Troup Lane. Great as are these facilities, they are barely suffi-
cient to accommodate the business of the firm. The stock em-
braces iron, steel, sheet iron, and metals, blacksmiths' tools, car-
riage-makers’ material of every description, harness leather, har-
nesses, horse-clothing, etc. The firm are also the New England
agents for the Rhode Island Horse Shoe Company, the handling
of these goods alone forming a large business. The extent of
their transactions is such as to place the firm at the head of the
trade in Rhode Island, and to rank it as one of the most extensive
in New England. The foundation of the business was laid about
a century ago by Mr. Joseph Congdon, the great-great-grand-
father of Mr. Johns H. Congdon of the present firm, as is shown
by the following fac-simile of an advertisement that appeared in
the United States Chronicle, a paper published in Providence
and dated June 10, 1790, (now in Mr. J. H. Congdon's posses-
sion):
IZTELTCOME-FOTHZWD,
And now for Sale,
A Quantity of IRON-STOCK,
for the Uſe of Forges, amongſt which is a ſarge
Proportion of 1ron ſuitable for Blackſmiths' Bufi-
meſs. Enquire of ".__ ! . . . . . .
- - JOSEPH CONGDON,
Providence, 12tº ef;th Month, 1790."
For fifty years or more the business was conducted on Steeple
Street, but previous to this, and when Steeple Street was under
water, the store was on North Main Street, near the old Water-
man building. Joseph Congdon was succeeded by his son, Jona-
than, and later the firm became Jonathan Congdon & Sons.
Afterwards the business was divided. Arnold Congdon, the old-
est son of Jonathan, taking the iron and steel, building therefor,
the store now standing on the corner of Canal and Steeple streets;
and Welcome Congdon, a younger son, taking the builders’
hardware part of the business. Arnold Congdon after being as-
sociated a number of years with his youngest brother, Gilbert
Congdon, was succeeded by him. In the year 1854 Gilbert
Congdon associated with himself Mr. Francis W. Carpenter,
under the style of Gilbert Congdon & Company. The firm
under its present title was formed in 1870, and is composed of
F. W. Carpenter, Johns H. Congdon, Albert C. Day, and Henry
C. Bangs. It is needless to say that the house holds a high
place in business and financial circles, and is regarded by every
citizen of Providence as one of the old institutions that reflect
honor and credit on the city and the state. Coming down to us
through three generations with untarnished commercial honor,
passing unscathed through all financial panics and business
troubles, it furnishes an example of business ability, integrity,
and enterprise such as is rarely met with. It is not wonderful
that under such management its business has gone on increasing
—-ºh
from year to year, and that it can celebrate its centennial jubilee
with a consciousness of having achieved a position of honor and
37
known house of Warren, Salisbury & Nightingale.
from the control of the founders to that of the present firm, the
prosperity such as the worthy merchant who founded it contem-
plated, and in his own day, as far as possible, accomplished.
In the warehouses over twenty men are constantly employed
and as many more in draying and other outside work. Every
detail of the business is systematized and there is no appearance
of hurry or confusion about the premises. A customer making
a twenty-five cent purchase will be waited on as promptly and as
courteously as though he was giving an order for a thousand
dollars’ worth of goods. These are the business methods that
have insured success, and retain as well as gain customers.
WARREN, SALISBURY & NIGHTINGALE.— The importation of
iron and steel was begun in Providence at an early date. In 1820
Messrs. Dyer & Brown, dealers in general hardware, iron, and
steel, entered into business at No. 27 Market Street (now West-
minster), their store running through to that part of Cove Street
now called Exchange Place, and laid the foundation of the well-
In passing
business changed hands several times; so that in 1826, the firm
became Olney, Dyer & Co., and fourteen-years later, Dyer & Stead.
In 1840 Charles H. Mason, previously a confidential clerk of
the house, and Rufus Waterman purchased the business, which
they carried on for three years in company. Mr. Waterman
then became proprietor for two years, when he took as a partner
Mr. Henry T. Cornett, and they removed the store to the present
location on the corner of Exchange Street and Exchange Place.
In 1848 Mr. Horatio R. Nightingale, the father of the junior
member of the present firm, bought Mr. Waterman's interest and
the firm became Cornett & Nightingale for twenty years more,
when Mr. John B. Kilton became a third partner in the business.
In 1872 Mr. Cornett died, and the other two proprietors contin-
ued the business until 1881, when the firm was reorganized as
Kilton, Warren & Company, Mr. Charles H. Warren and Mr.
Edgar W. Salisbury, being given an interest in the business.
Three years later the death of Mr. Kilton caused another change,
and Mr. Horatio R. Nightingale, Jr., bought into the business
and thus completed the present copartnership of Warren, Salis-
bury & Nightingale.
In the earlier years of the business, the principal part of all the
iron and steel handled by this house, was imported from England;
but the more recent development of the great mineral resources of
the United States has caused American products to supersede for-
eign manufactures to such an extent that few goods are now
imported, except some of the better grades of steel. The house
has long had the agency in this section of the country for several of
the most noted grades of English steel, especially the celebrated
Jessop's steel, made by the firm of William Jessop & Sons,
limited, of Sheffield, Eng., known throughout the world to all
users of iron and steel, and for which in this market the demand
has always been large, and still increases in spite of the competi-
tion of domestic products. Corresponding to the growth of the
city, the business of the firm has increased to that extent that the
store now occupied is too small for their use, and consequently
they have leased nine stores in the new City Hall block, on Cove,
Worcester, and Eddy streets, which will be fitted for their occupa-
tion early in 1887. -
CHARLEs H. GEORGE & CoMPANY.- Perhaps the most com-
prehensive term used in our manufacturing industries is that
known as hardware, which includes almost every class of wrought
metal used in manufacturing, in house and ship building, and ,
tools of every conceivable description. One of the leading firms
in this combination of useful industries is that of Messrs. Charles
H. George & Company, of No. 43 Weybosset Street. This house
was established in 1860, and for the past quarter of a century has
been one of the leading houses in handling manufacturers’ and
286
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
jewelers' supplies, carpenters', coopers', masons', and other work-
mens’ tools, and builders' hardware of every description. The
founders of the business were Messrs. Charles H. George and
James H. Cutler, who, in 1864, dissolved partnership, Mr. Cutler
retiring. Since then the firm has been known as Charles H.
George & Company, and has enjoyed a continuous and uninter-
rupted career of prosperity, and by judicious management has
deservedly obtained the confidence of the mercantile and busi-
ness circles of New England. The premises occupied for the
business consist of a building of three stories, covering an area of
about 40 x 100 feet of land. The store is admirably fitted up and
arranged, and is fully stocked with an almost endless variety of
goods coming under the general denominations of hardware and
manufacturers' and jewelers' supplies. The firm are the agents
for several of the best known and most reliable fire and burglar
proof safes, of which they make a specialty and in which they
have a very extensive trade. The business is of both a wholesale
and retail character, and necessitates the employment of fourteen
indoor salesmen and three traveling salesmen. The business of
the house extends over the states of Rhode Island, Massachusetts,
and Connecticut, and is continually increasing.
MANCHESTER & HUDson.—The largest Rhode Island dealers
in the various commodities known to the trade as masons’ building
materials, are Messrs. Manchester & Hudson, of Providence,
whose wharf is located on the river front between Elm and South
streets, and whose business offices are at No. 354 Eddy Street,
and No. 35 Weybosset Street.
This flourishing business, to which the present proprietors
succeeded by purchase, was originally established by Mr. Jacob
Manchester, senior, in 1846, and out of it two extensive and im-
portant lines of traffic have grown. In 1849 he associated with
himself as a partner, Mr. William H. Hopkins, who had aban-
doned the jewelry business for more active employment on ac-
count of health, and the business was managed for many years
by the firm of Manchester & Hopkins and their successors. It
was the common practice in the early days of traffic for dealers to
handle in the same connection, coal, brick, lime, hair, and other
similar merchandise; and this firm further extended their trade
by introducing an article known as the North River blue stone,
which was largely used by the city and other parties for sidewalk
curbing. - -
The coal and stone-yard was first located on Dorrance Street
wharf; but about ten years after Mr. Manchester founded the
business, the plant was removed to the wharf at the foot of Tall-
man's Lane. , -
While the industry was developing in the hands of the firm,
the death of the senior member, Mr. Jacob Manchester, brought
about another change in the make-up of the company, and it be-
came what it still remains, Hopkins, Pomroy & Company. At
the same time Mr. Walter H. Manchester, a son of the head of
the house, was growing up in the business. When, therefore, in
1878, a movement was made to separate the coal trade from the
collateral traffic in masons’ materials, this son, together with
Mr. James S. Hudson, who had been a clerk in the employ of the
firm for seventeen years, formed a copartnership and bought the
latter branch. Then establishing themselves as the new firm of
Manchester & Hudson, they set up a distinct industry at their
present location.
The term masons' materials comprises a large variety of wares
used for building purposes. There are colored, enameled, moul-
ded and ornamental brick; and the brands include both face and
common pressed brick, Philadelphia, Trenton, Danvers, Croton,
W. & K., North River, Long Island, etc. Besides these the
firm deals in English and American Portland cement, sand, and
plaster; North River blue stone, used for sills, caps, steps, coping,
flagging and well stone; imported and domestic fire brick of all
grades and sizes; fire-clay, kaolin, ground fire-brick, etc.; Rhode
Island, Eastern, Canaan and Glen's Falls lime; beach sand for
polishing and grinding; black and red, for mortar; iron chimney
caps, and funnels, and doors.
The firm sell fire-brick made for them and bearing the initials
of their trade name. These bricks are used in furnaces and boiler
setting and have given great satisfaction. The North River blue
stone they keep in large quantities. It is shipped to them by the
cargo. If they do not have in stock the proper kind to fill an
order, the stone is quarried and sent to them by steamer. So they
are always ready to supply any demand for this flagging.
They also make a specialty of architectural and decorative terra
cotta, consisting of chimney tops and caps, wall and chimney
coping, cresting, finials, terminals; belt course and mouldings;
tiles, pavings; garden vases and pedestals; inlaid, encaustic;
plain, geometrical, high-art majolica, enameled and glazed tiles
of all shapes, sizes, and designs, for mantels, fire-place linings,
hearths, and floors. The anti-down draft chimney top is sold by
this firm and commands large sales. It has the commendation
of all architects. By a series of upward and cross drafts arranged
at the upper end of this chimney top, the smoke is drawn out of
the chimney, and a cap fitting over the opening of the chimney
will not let the wind blow the smoke back. This cap also pre-
vents rain and snow from getting into the chimney, and thus
smoking stoves or ranges because of damp chimneys are avoided.'
The drafts at the top also aid in ventilating the house whether
there be fire in the fire-place or not.
In cements the firm makes a specialty of the F. O. Norton
brand, so called, which is obtained from Rondout, N. Y., and is
considered by many engineers and builders to be superior to the
Portland or any other make in use. This cement was used in
the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge where more than a hun-
dred thousand barrels were required, and 13,500 barrels of it were
used in preparing the foundations of the Bartholdi Statue of
Liberty. The cement was used in the construction of these
public works as the foundations upon which the masonry of the
piers and of the pedestal of the statue was laid. Other cements were
used in the bridge piers and in the pedestal, but this make was
chosen to form the solid foundation. The cement brings higher
prices than other brands. It is much used in cellars, and makes a
hard, even floor. Messrs. Manchester & Hudson keep a stock of
about three thousand barrels of this article, which is shipped to
them by the cargo, and are always ready to fill large orders.
Manchester & Hudson have the agency for the W. & K.
brick; Walpole mortar black; Peirce, Lawrence & Company’s
Canaan lime; and the Akron sewer and drain pipe. This pipe
is made in Akron, O. It is of fire baked clay, and of all sizes
from two inches to twenty-four inches in diameter. The firm
has sold large quantities of it to the city authorities for street
sewerage. They sell with it a patent trap for the prevention of
the escape of sewer gas into the house. This trap is so arranged
that the flow of water in the refuse pipe washes out all offensive
matter and leaves the trap full of pure water, which is an effect-
ual obstruction to the sewer gas. The firm has sold the pipe
to a large number of water works companies and mills. Among
these are Barden Reservoir Company, the John W. Slater dam,
the Blackstone dam, the Wenscott Reservoir Company, B. B.
& R. Knight, the State Farm, and the Rural Improvement Com-
pany, of Warwick. Their drain tile is of various sizes and is
largely used for under-surface drainage.
The yard of this firm has ample wharfage and every facility
for handling, and large space for storing the materials they sell.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
28,
Entering it one finds to the left a great supply of blue stone of
various sizes; next to it and adjoining the wharf are piles of
both fire and building brick, covered by an open shed; adjoining
this is a closed shed, for the storage of cement, lime, plaster, etc.
There are several of these sheds contiguous and used for the
same purpose. The open sheds are lettered and run up to K in
the alphabet, while the closed sheds are numbered and reach
eleven in their enumeration. On the right of the entrance is a
large area devoted to the sewer and drain pipe, the large stock of
which in its various sizes is evidence of the firm’s prosperity.
Mr. Hudson, of this firm, has an honorable military and pub-
lic record. At the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion he
enlisted as a private for three months, in Company D, of the
First Rhode Island Regiment, and was afterwards first lieutenant
of Company F, of the Eleventh Rhode Island Regiment, with
which he served nine months longer at the front. In subsequent
years Mr. Hudson has been clerk for several years of ward six,
where he resides, and has served acceptably on the school board
of Providence for three years.
EDMUND CARPENTER.—One of the oldest lumber yards in Provi-
dence is that now occupied by Edmund Carpenter at No. 270 Dyer
Street. Over thirty years ago Messrs. Talman & Bucklin carried
on the lumber business there. They were succeeded at the same
location by Messrs. Dailey & Ormsby. On the dissolution of the
latter firm Mr. Daily for a time carried on the business alone.
In 1857 Mr. William Pearce bought an interest in the business
and the firm name became Albert Dailey & Company, and so con-
tinued until 1877. In the latter year, owing to financial compli-
cations, the business was suspended, and remained so until 1880,
when Mr. Clarence H. Carpenter resumed it as the successor
of Albert Dailey & Company, and continued to carry it on for
the following three years. Mr. Edmund Carpenter then became
associated with him, and the firm name became C. H. & E. Car-
penter. This partnership continued for one year and was then dis-
solved, Mr. C. H. Carpenter retiring and Edmund Carpenter be-
coming sole proprietor of the business, which he still continues to
conduct. During all these changes the yard continues to maintain
its popularity, and from its convenient and central location has
always had a good trade. Under the management of the present
proprietor the business has largely increased, and was never be-
fore so extensive as at this time. Some idea of its present magni-
tude may be formed when it is stated that the lumber sales for the
current year have exceeded 5,000,000 feet, and within the last
nine months Mr. Carpenter has sold over 3,000,000 shingles.
He is a wholesale and retail dealer in every kind and quality of
hard and soft lumber, procuring his supplies in large quantities
from the great lumber distributing regions. His pine comes from
Michigan and Wisconsin, Southern pine from Florida, spruce
from Maine, hemlock from Canada, whitewood from Tennessee,
black walnut and cherry from Arkansas and Indiana. His shin-
gles all come from Maine, and clapboards from Michigan. The
yards are supplied with every facility for the prosecution of the
business, with ample shed-room for storing, seasoning, etc. A
special feature of his trade is that of furnishing pattern materials
and flasking for the foundry business, and he finds that branch of
his trade rapidly increasing. The old yard never looked in better
or nicer order than it does now, and probably never before had
as large or as valuable a stock in it at one time. Mr. Carpenter
spends but little time in his office, but can be found at almost any
business hour in the yard directing the operations of his busy
workmen in loading, unloading, and classifying stock. He gives
his personal attention to all orders. His business success is, there-
fore, plainly attributable to his energy, and the fact that he sees
that his patrons are treated fairly, and their wants promptly sup-
plied.
STEPHEN C. ARNOLD & Son. —To understand something of
the modern methods of house building, one needs to visit an es-
tablishment like that of Messrs. Stephen C. Arnold & Son, Nos.
9 and II Dean Street, and note how much of the work, once
slowly wrought by hand, is now rapidly and accurately done by
machinery. Windows, doors, sash, blinds, window frames, thresh-
olds, brackets, mouldings, and nearly every piece of woodwork
required for finishing a house may be purchased ready-made in
such a place as Arnold & Son's, and at such reduced prices
that no carpenter can ignore it and continue to do hand work.
The present firm succeeded to the business that was estab-
lished October, 1835, by William W. Arnold, who was a prac-
tical carpenter and builder, but the methods of conducting it and
handling goods have so changed that the trade of half a century
ago has little in common with that of to-day. The business was
first located on the corner of High and Dean streets, where the
Burrows block now stands. Mr. Stephen C. Arnold was admitted
to partnership with his father, Jan. 1, 1843. For twenty-six
years the firm continued to be William W. Arnold & Son; then
the senior partner retired. • e
Nov. 1, 1880, Mr. William E. Arnold became associated
with his father, and under the firm name of Stephen C. Arnold
& Son they have carried on the business successfully to the pres-
ent time, and both being practically acquainted with the details,
they have a large trade in the city and state.
The present firm are the descendants in the eighth and ninth generations from William
Arnold, who was born in Leamington, England, June 24, 1587, and who came to New Eng-
land in 1636, and removed to Providence with Roger Williams, settling on the banks of
the Pawtuxet River. Stephen? Arnold, son of said William, was born in Leamington in
1613, and came to Rhode Island with his father. He died April 15, 1713, and his will is the
first one recorded in Book of Wills, No. 1, in Providence, R. I. The line is continued
through the following generations: Elisha§ Arnold, born 1662; Elishaft Arnold, born 1694;
Simeons Arnold, born 1730; Ephraim6 Arnold, born 1753; William? W. Arnold, born
1797; Stephen& E. Arnold, born 1821; William? E. Arnold, born 1850.
A. B. RICE & CoMPANY.— Among the heavy lumber dealers
of long standing in Providence should be mentioned the firm of
Messrs. A. B. Rice & Company, whose yard and office are
located at No. 2 Io Cranston Street. The three partners in the
firm are Mr. Archibald B. Rice, Mr. William K. Potter, and
Mr. Lewis W. Spencer; and they have a large and flourishing
trade in Eastern and Western lumber, shingles, clapboards, laths,
pickets, posts, etc. The senior partner established the business
in 1859, and was sole proprietor and manager until 1866, when
his two sons, Edward and Addison Rice, were admitted to an
interest in the business with their father, under the firm style of
A. B. Rice & Company. Another change was made in 1880, by
which the two young men retired in favor of Messrs. Potter and
Spencer, already mentioned, and the firm continued as A. B. Rice
& Company. The firm has a trade in all the New England
states, and handles millions of feet of lumber annually; and the
senior member, whose experience and good management have
contributed to this abundant success, has taken an active interest
in public affairs, was councilman for a number of years from
the sixth ward, and has held the honorable position of colonel
of the Providence Artillery, now known as the United Train.
THE AMERICAN SUPPLY CoMPANY., of this city, are the largest
manufacturers of loom harness in this country, if not in the world,
and their goods are staple wherever textile mills are in operation.
The company was organized and incorporated in June, 1883, and
includes several gentlemen who had been successfully engaged in
the same business in different parts of New England for many years.
The main office and store is located at No. 10 Exchange Place;
and their large factory is on the corner of Clifford and Eddy
streets. Besides these local interests the company has other fac-
tories at Valley Falls, in this state, and Fall River, Mass., and a
large store for supplies at New Bedford, Mass. They also own
a large interest in a factory in Bolton, England, for which they
built and furnished special machinery. The history of this busi-
288
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
ness covers a period of forty years, and begins at the time when
Mr. John Kendrick, the pioneer loom harness-maker in this state,
started his little shop in Woonsocket, in 1846, where he employed
three girls to assist him in the work, all of which was done by
hand. Until that time each mill engaged in weaving made its
own harnesses, but Mr. Kendrick received so much encourage-
ment that two years later he added reed making to his other busi-
ness; and in 1848 went to Worcester, Mass., and established a
branch shop, of which he took personal charge, leaving that at
Woonsocket in care of other parties. The work had so increased
that twenty-five girls were employed, but Mr. Kendrick did not
find it for his interest to remain long in Worcester, and in 1851
removed to Providence, where he has since remained. The first
factory was located at No. 14 Exchange Place, where Mr. Ken-
drick still retains an office, and where in 1860 he employed
seventy-five hands: But automatic machinery soon displaced the
greater part of the manual labor, and with better facilities the
amount of production increased proportionally, so that in the
course of twenty years from the time the business was founded
the annual production had gone from a few hundred sets up to
30,000. In 1866 a branch shop was opened in Fall River, which
was carried on in company by the brothers John and Joseph H.
Kendrick until 1873, when the two concerns were merged into
the Kendrick Loom Harness Company, which continued busi-
ness in this city for ten years, at a large factory on the corner of
Clifford and Eddy streets, under the supervision of the two
brothers. By this time machinery had been so far perfected that
every part of the harness could be made without hand labor;
even the knots that had always been tied with the fingers were
dispensed with in one kind of harness, and a metal knot or eye
applied by an ingenious machine contrived by John H. Crowell,
a young man in Mr. Kendrick's employ. After Mr. Kendrick
removed his business to Providence, other factories began to
spring up, and among them one in the very building Mr.
Kendrick formerly occupied in Worcester. This one was started
in 1865 by Mr. Myron Fish, who four years later removed to
Valley Falls, where his business throve, and he became one of
the largest manufacturers of mill supplies in the country. In 1870
Mr. John A. Carter started a harness factory in Providence,
which he subsequently removed to Fall River, Mass., where he
continued until 1876, when he entered into partnership with Mr.
Fish, and the two carried on the business of reeds, harness, and
leather belt making, under the style of Myron Fish & Company,
for seven years. In 1883 these separate firms, each of which had
been very successful in producing first-class goods, consolidated
under the corporate name of the American Supply Company,
whose business has already been described. By this arrangement
the present extensive interests are under the management of gen-
tlemen who commenced business forty years ago, and others who
have joined them from time to time, and helped to make it a suc-
cess. The present officers of the corporation are: president,
George W. Holt; vice-president, John Kendrick; treasurer, My-
ron Fish; secretary, John A. Carter; general agent, Joseph H.
Kendrick. -
SIMEON BUDLONG & CoMPANY.—In the admiration of the per-
fected product the details of manufacture are forgotten. Here is
an immense structure, beautiful in outline, grand in proportions,
yet who gives thought to the nails and spikes, to the lime and
mortar that make it what it is Here is a broad belt running
with the speed of the wind our propelling drums, and transmit-
ting power to ten thousand spindles. Does the beholder in at-
tempting to follow its revolutions consider the important part
played in the swift running game by the cluster of hooks that
fasten the belt and make it endless? But without these cling-
ing, tenacious bits of metal, or an equivalent, the belt were use-
less. Long since, the manufacture of belt hooks became a sepa-
metal on the friction side of the belt.
rate industry, and to-day employs many men and much capi-
tal. The first belt hooks of the self-clinching class were
manufactured in this country by Francis Greenleaf Wilson, of
Nashua, N. H. He obtained a patent, Dec. 15, 1868, for a sin-
gle-plate belt hook with one or more rows of teeth, spurs, or
pins on the concave side of the plate. This hook was patented
in England by Wilson, March 16, 1867. From these patents
the various belt hooks of this class have sprung. They had
faults and the opportunity to improve has been taken advantage
of by several manufacturers or inventors. -
Prominent among these is William F. Glover, of Aurora, Ill.,
to whom a patent was granted on Dec. 3, 1878, for a belt hook
of the same style as the Wilson hook, but having in addition,
a wedge-shaped transverse rib or bar through the centre of the
plate between the rows of teeth. On May 20, 1879, a patent
was granted to Simeon Budlong and Walter O. Talcott (mem-
ber of the firm of Talcott & Budlong), owners and manufacturers
of the Wilson patent, for a belt hook with chisel-pointed or.
unequally-beveled teeth. The object of this device was to secure
a self-clinching hook and at the same time to avoid having any
The hooks are so con-
structed that when driven into place they clinch themselves
within the belt material, and without breaking the surface of the
belt on the opposite side. -
During the next three years several patents were obtained for
improvements in belt hooks of this variety. Among the paten-
tees were Wilson L. Potter, of Hartford, Conn., Peter Thracher,
of Cleveland, O., Hubert C. Hart, of Unionville, Conn., Daniel
Lovejoy, of Lowell, Mass., and George W. Southwick, of
Southwick, Mass. All hooks covered by these patents were
similar in design, the only difference being in the shape of the
teeth and the method of arranging them on the plate. The teeth
of all these hooks are allowed to come through the belt and are
clinched on the inside, which not only reduces greatly the friction
surface but also prevents the belt from running smoothly and
noiselessly. All are applied in the same way, requiring the use
of a piece of wood to protect the points of the teeth while in pro-
cess of adjustment to the belt. -
In May, 1883, a second patent was granted to Simeon Budlong
and Walter O. Talcott for self-clinching belt hooks. These, with
the improvements covered by the other patents, overcame all diffi-
culties met in the use of other hooks, and presented many advan-
tages not possessed by others. They have many points of excel-
lence that commend them to all users: There is no metal on the
pulley side of the belt, as the points of the teeth are imbedded in
the belt; they are the lightest and narrowest, and hence the least
rigid, and are adapted to the smallest as well as the largest pulleys
and belting ; no punches or tools of any kind, except a hammer,
are required to attach the hooks, the belt is simply driven on to
the hook, and that is the whole operation; unlike other hooks of
the clinch pattern, these have very fine, sharp teeth, in conse-
quence of which they are easily driven, and owing to the fine dis-
tribution of fracture, and the clinching, the belt at the point of
union is not weakened, but made as strong as any part of it; fur-
ther, the clinching prevents the flying off of loosened hooks,
which has often caused serious injury to workmen. This patent
covers, also, a hook known as the “combination hook.” It has
on one side non-clinchable teeth, and on the other, clinchable, or
a combination of both. .
On Jan. 7, 1885, the firm of Talcott & Budlong was dissolved.
Mr. Budlong retained possession of the two patents covering the
self-clinching hooks, and Mr. Talcott continued with the Wilson
patent, and afterward obtained exclusive right from Mr. Budlong
to manufacture and to sell the combination hook.
The firm of Simeon Budlong & Company was then formed by
Mr. Budlong and Charles E. Angell, and their place of business
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
289
was established at No. 3 Washington Street, Providence. The
sales of the self-clinching belt hooks have increased rapidly.
About sixty thousand a month are sold, and these find favor
throughout New England, New York, and the South.
BRowN BROTHERs & CoMPANY. — As dealers in mill supplies,
Messrs. Brown Brothers & Company, of this city, justly claim to
be the leading house in the country, since their goods, a large
proportion of which are of their own manufacture, are sold to
all American cotton and woolen mills and are largely exported
to Mexico, South America, and Europe. This extensive business
was established as far back as 1854, and came into the possession
of the present firm through Butler, Brown & Company, who
purchased the interest of N. P. Hicks & Company in 1870,
and located in the Phoenix building on Exchange Place. Seven
years later, on the death of Mr. W. C. Butler, Mr. William
Butler withdrew from the house, and the firm was reorganized as
Brown Brothers & Company, the partners being Messrs. D.
Russell Brown, H. Martin Brown, and Charles H. Child. As
the business continued to enlarge, more ample accommodations
were found necessary, and the store and office were removed to
No. 37 Exchange Place, where are kept in stock all kinds of
supplies used in cotton, woolen, and silk mills, except chemicals,
oils, and dye stuffs. Besides this spacious sales-room, the com-
pany operates a large factory at Nos. 147 to 153 Dorrance Street,
where the famous United States standard ring travelers are made
by skilled mechanics, under the personal supervision of one of
the firm. In the same shops are also manufactured a superior
belt hook, which is in great demand on account of its reliable
qualities. A large force of men is employed in carrying on this
extensive and diversified business, in the office, the store, the
factory, and on the road, and the firm is well-known by dealers
in the goods, and consumers everywhere. The proprietors are
highly esteemed as public-spirited citizens of Providence, and
Mr. D. Russell Brown, who has served four terms in the city
council, was the Republican nominee for mayor of the city in
1885, but declined to accept the honor.
A. BURGEss & SoN.— In manufacturing establishments of
every description, leather belting is one of the most important
things in use. Few realize the care and trouble necessary in the
process of making a perfect belt. The choosing of proper stock,
the tanning, the cutting, and all minor parts of preparation re-
quire the utmost attention to produce the best results. Familiar
as we are with the smooth, perfect working belts used to-day, we
can hardly appreciate the disadvantages of those used in olden
times, when belts for mills and factories were made by the overseer
or help.
To A. Burgess & Son, of our city, we are largely indebted for
the great perfection to which belting has attained, for they were
the actual pioneers in the manufacture of leather belting in Amer-
ica. More than fifty years ago (in 1835), Alpheus and Alexander
Burgess began the business, at a time when England furnished
most of the machinery, implements, and tools, used in our mills
and workshops. Notwithstanding the belts then in use were crude
affairs, and often caused vexatious delays, especially by constant
stretching, the Messrs. Burgess had a serious time in overcoming
the prejudice against their ready-made belting, but with continued
demonstrations of its superiority, the difficulty was finally over-
come. The belts made by this house are stretched, and do not
require taking up soon after putting in use, as is so common with
ordinary belts. In 1862 the firm was reorganized, the present
members, Alexander Burgess and his son, Edwin A., associating
under the firm name of A. Burgess & Son. The central office is
at 12 Westminster Street. The factory is located at 663 North
Main Street, in one of the oldest manufacturing sections of the
city. A large force of hands are constantly employed, and steam
power is used to drive the machinery. The factory is especially
adapted to the manufacture of their standard goods, embracing
fire engine hose, lace leather, loom pickers, as well as the main
product, pure oak-tanned leather belting, and a long list of man-
ufacturers' findings; articles which not only supply a home de-
mand, but successfully compete for the trade of the outside world.
A. & C. W. HolBRook.- The world's machinery is an aggre-
gate of little things. All may be comparatively insignificant in.
themselves, yet of the highest importance in relations combined
and complementary.
The loom picker may be accounted a trifle in the field of man-
facture — an inert bit of leather, or raw hide, with nothing to
recommend it, save its inflexibility and durability. The life of a
loom picker, for it has life when harnessed to steam power,
is an active one. Its duration is variable in point of time, depen-
dent on the varying conditions of its service, perhaps only for a
week, and perhaps for many months, and throughout is devoted to
battling with the shuttle. The shuttle usually conquers, but not
until the loom picker is worn out and broken. What is a loom
picker? The shuttle to do its duty must pass back and forth in
its path with great rapidity. This agent of shuttle propulsion is
the loom picker. It is attached to the loom at each end of the
shuttle's track, and throws the shuttle back and forth with great
regularity and force. The shuttle points are metal tipped, and
hence the loom picker to propel, and to preserve itself, must be
fashioned of the most enduring material. This is leather or raw-
hide. The loom cannot weave without it; it is as essential as
the shuttle, or any part of the loom, and yet in its manufacture it
is not a part of the loom, but is subject to separate manipulation.
The manufacture of loom pickers has been always a special
industry in the city of Providence,—the first place, doubtless, in
America where the business was established. The greater part
of rawhide loom pickers used in this country is manufactured
here, and the firm of A. & C. W. Holbrook represents the oldest
manufactory in the United States. •
The house was established in 1822 by Joseph Cunliff, cotton
spinner; Benjamin Holbrook, shoemaker; Samuel Evans, shoe-
maker; and John Gorham, under the firm name of J. Cunliff &
Company. Benjamin A. Holbrook was successor in 1837, and A.
and C. W. Holbrook, who began the manufacture of loom pickers
in 1842, became proprietors in 1847. The junior member of this
firm retired in 1868, and the senior member associated with him
three sons, George A. Holbrook, Albert Holbrook, Jr., and
Charles W. Holbrook, 2d, under the same firm name. Mr.
Albert Holbrook, Sr., retired in 1878. The first place of bus-
iness, 1822, was near Nash Lane; in 1830, corner of Bacon and
North Main streets; 1842, Stevens Street; 1853, corner of North
Main and Mill streets; 1872, 748 North Main Street—the present
location.
The product is rawhide pickers for all looms, hide baskets,
hide-faced hammers, hide mallets, hide washers, and picker
leather, and the fact that every part of it is in general use is suffi-
cient guarantee of its merit and the good standing of the firm.
The number of employés is thirty.
A. B. PITKIN.—About three years ago Mr. A. B. Pitkin, well
known among mill owners as the business man of the John W.
Boynton Agency, of Hartford, Conn., established himself in this
city as a dealer in new and second-hand machinery. His sales-
rooms and warehouses occupy Nos. 4, 6, 8 and 12 Cove Street,
and two large storehouses on the corner of Lester and D streets.
Besides carrying on an extensive local trade Mr. Pitkin buys and
sells large lots of the machinery of various mills all over the
country, and has done a business of more than $200,000 within
the last six months; so that it goes without saying that such inti-
mate knowledge of the merchandise in which he deals constitutes
him an authority on prices, and he is pleased to furnish quotations
to all who apply. His associate in the business is Mr. W. L. Toby.
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE VARIOUS CHANNELS OF FOOD SUPPLY.
EARLY COMMERCE OF THE CITY – AN ARRIVAL OF THE “ANN AND HOPE *— THE WHOLESALE GROCERs—FLOUR AND GRAIN DEALERS
— PROVISION AND DRESSED BEEF DEALERS — FRUITS AND VEGETABLES – CONDIMENTS, ETC.
EDWARD CARRINGTON,
One of the eminent Pioneer Merchants of Rhode Island.
THE early commerce of Rhode Island is her pride. It is to
her lasting credit that in her mercantile uprising, her merchant-
men sailed the Spanish main, passed the Pillar of Hercules to
moor in the Golden Horn, rounded the Cape of Good Hope for
Bombay, Calcutta, and Hong Kong, and were known and wel-
comed in the great marts of the world. The Rhode Islander,
proud of ancestry and of his state history, may revel in reminis-
cence of the wealth and magnitude of former trade and traffic.
It was great for that age. On the fortunes made then rest many
of the industries so well established to-day.
A day in September, 1820 ! The delightful weather has enticed
the towns-people abroad, and on Cheapside and further north on
North Main Street, the high dames of fashion and the comely
city and country maidens are tripping in and out of the stores
and bazaars. The day’s business is at its height, and the shop-
keepers are reaping the profit of many sales, yet there is withal,
especially around the wharves and warehouses, a drowsy inac-
tivity. Merchandise moves slowly from sloop to place of storage,
a ship is hoisting anchor, and all the laborers near pause to look
on as though the sight were new. The quiet of the streets is
unbroken save by the rumble of the ox-dray, the cry of the vender
of half-round pies, and the bell of the auctioneer, who rides along
and stops where the inhabitants cluster and makes his announce-
ment.
Suddenly the news comes—passed along the river front from
Fox Point that the “Ann and Hope” is coming up the river.
She is a staunch vessel of many tons, and has been absent a
twelve-month on a voyage to the East. What a change comes
over the sleepy town. The stores are emptied, and the store-
keeper, if he expects merchandise by the “Ann and Hope,”
closes his store and hurries down to the wharf to see the gallant
ship make her moorings. Young hearts and old hearts are quick-
ened by the news, for husbands, sons, and sweethearts are on
board and are at home again. A man who had just bought a
half-round pie clapped it in his pocket and ran. That was no
time to play with palate. The “whole town,” according to an
old chronicle, turned out and thronged the wharves.
This was before the age of steam. The people thought of
nothing, wanted nothing better than their shapely sloops and full-
rigged ships. The fleet in our bay and river was composed chiefly
of sloops, a craft with mainsail, jibsail, and flying-jib. In Boston
waters were schooners, and it was considered impossible or un-
safe to round Cape Cod in a sloop. Later our sloops, for the
most part, were changed to schooners. At that time the mer-
chants depended upon the sloops and schooners for supplies from
New York and Boston. A baggage-wagon, however, ran be-
tween Providence and Boston twice a week, and brought lighter
merchandise, particularly fruits from the Mediterranean. From
New York everything came by sloops, and the merchants took
passage on them and returned with their purchases. The sloop
was provided with berths for thirty or more passengers, and
several state-rooms for ladies. The time of the round trip de-
pended upon wind and weather, and often a month passed before
the sloop cast anchor again in Providence River. So much time
was required to make the journey that merchants often sent orders
by masters of vessels, who became really buying agents. On the
day on which the “Ann and Hope” arrived, the sloop “Herald"
was ready to sail. The sloop carried letters, and an hour or two
before the time to sail the business men and others went on board
the sloop, deposited their letters in a box hung in the companion-
way, and then passed into the cabin, where on a mahogany table
was spread sliced dried beef, crackers, and rum in old flagons
and mugs. These visitors, all, may be, more or less interested in
the voyage, discussed the trade prospects and toasted the captain
and his craft in brimming bumpers. While thus engaged the
news of the arrival of the “Ann and Hope” comes, and all rush
on deck, and after the excitement passes return to the cabin, drink
to “fair voyage and quick return,” and the “Herald " goes her
way. Such, in the old days of Providence, was the way of
receiving provisions and merchandise.
A representative merchant of the earlier days of this century
was Gen. Edward Carrington. He built numerous ships, and
at one time, owned twenty-six merchantmen, which were engaged
in commercial trade in various parts of the world.
At this time there was no wholesale grocery business, strictly
so called, but the traffic referred to was the foundation of it.

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 291
The country did not require a jobbing trade as now carried on ;
when demanded, it developed itself. In the early history of the
grocery trade there is no mention of many commodities now com-
mon in the markets.
The chief commodities were butter, cheese, sugar, molasses, tea,
coffee, spices, crackers, tobacco, and rum, and the greatest of
these was rum —New England rum. It was a part of every
grocery stock, for its consumption was general. Flour was not
a commodity handled by grocers. It belonged to the grain trade
and was not separated from it till after 1850. Great prominence
was given the tea trade by the extensive operations of the firm
of Brown & Ives. Their ships sailed to the tea markets of the
world, and returned after a twelve-month voyage, laden with the
products of the East. The result was that Providence in the
height of its commercial prosperity became the tea market of the
country, and for other commodities it was the choice of traders
in New Haven and Hartford, in Massachusetts beyond Worcester,
and in places more than half-way to Boston.
Prominent among the wholesale grocers in business previous
to 1850, were Moses Eddy, John Young, Edward R. Young,
Mathewson & Wheaton, John Andrews, Josiah Wardwell &
Company, Randall H. Greene & Company, Davis, Dyer & Com-
pany, Ebenezer Day & Sons, Erastus F. Knowlton, Randolph
Chandler, Law & Hunt, Josiah Chapin & Company, Hezekiah
Anthony, John F. Pond & Company, Andrew Taylor & Sons,
Taft & Bosworth, William Blodgett & Company, Springer &
Peck, G. Work, Abner Peckham, Asa Pierce, Griffin Childs,
Paine & Pierce, Stafford & Lothrop, G. W. Taylor & Company,
Elisha Dyer & Company, Perry Hunt & Company, Daniel
Angell & Company, Truesdale & Rhodes, Seth Padelford & Com-
pany, Wheaton, Jackson & Anthony, S. & W. Foster, William
S. Brown, Israel H. Day, John T. Mumford, Hunt & Steere,
James W. Winsor, G. W. & A. S. Buffinton, Sheldon & Arnold,
Knowlton, Sheldon & Fenner, D. & A. B. Lewis, Phetteplace
& Seagrave. It is impossible to give the exact date of the ex-
istence of all firms, but several of them were in business in 1812,
one at least in 1802. Many of them were foremost in the trade
between 1820 and 1830, and others between 1830 and 1850.
Several of the firms are represented to-day by lineal descend-
ants or by successors. G. Work began grocery jobbing in 1845,
and the business is now carried on by his brother, H. G. Work.
Following are changes in name: G. Work, Work & Whitford,
Work, Shaw & Company, G. & H. Work, Work & Reed, and
H. G. Work. Seth Padelford began business in 1830, was suc-
ceeded by Seth Padelford & Company, Padelford & Hamlin, R.
E. Hamlin & Company, and the present firm, Waldron & Church.
Wheaton & Truesdale were established in 1815, and were suc-
ceeded in 1822 by Wheaton & Anthony, in 1842 by Wheaton &
Jackson, in 1858 by Wheaton & Whitford, and in 1871 by Whit-
ford, Aldrich & Company. S. & W. Foster were in business
in 1825 and were succeeded by Foster, Burroughs & Fisher, Fos-
ter & Fisher, Parsons & Bugbee, and Bugbee & Brownell. Mil-
lard & Whitford began business in 1846 and were succeeded by
Millard, Whitford & Tillinghast, Whitford, Slocum & Sanders,
Whitford & Sanders, Whitford, Sanders & Company, and Sanders,
Whitford & Bartlett. John Young began business on South Main
Street, at the foot of College in 1802. He was succeeded by his
oldest son, Edward R. Young, in 1818, and he, by his oldest son,
Edward M. Young, in 1855. The firm of Young & Lyon was
then formed. The grandfather, father, and son, carried on busi-
ness under the same rafters for about seventy years.
Great changes have taken place in the grocery trade in this
market since 1850. When direct imports from foreign markets
ceased, trade turned into channels which are maintained to-day,
although it has run into many new ones. The railways became
The finer food products were unknown.
the great commercial agents and trade adapted itself to the new
conditions and conveniences. The Providence market, once
famous as an importing centre, was obliged to draw its supplies,
second-hand, from the two larger ports. An important com-
modity was West India molasses, imported direct. Great quan-
tities were brought to this market and distributed throughout the
country. There was considerable volume to this business till 1860.
It is carried on now by Whitford, Aldrich & Company, but the
importations are small compared with those of earlier date. Rum
was separated from groceries and became a commodity by itself.
Flour was added, although it is still a part of the stock in trade
of the grain dealer. The number of commodities is twenty-fold
greater than fifty years ago. Canned goods, once unknown, have
become a staple of trade welcomed throughout the world.
During the war of the Rebellion business was disturbed and
prices fluctuated wildly, but gradually increased till peace was
declared. When business was established anew, enterprise and
capital were again united. In the last twenty-five years the gro-
cery business has become more extensive with every rebound
from depression and inactivity. Previous to 1860 there was no
resort to “drummers,” so called. Members of firms or their
clerks visited regularly their near customers to effect settlements
and to take orders, but there was not as now a systematic canvass
of places and persons, near or remote. The merchant traveler
has revolutionized the grocery as well as other trades, and the
change is better for the buyer as well as the seller. .
The capital invested in the wholesale grocery business in this
city at the present time is estimated to be $1,000,000, and the
yearly transactions amount to $6,000,000.
The line of wholesale grocers in Providence comprises one of
the most substantial class of firms engaged in business in this
city. Among these are: - - -
DANIELs, CoRNELL & CoMPANY, established in 1860 as M. S.
Daniels & Company. The present firm consists of M. S. Dan-
iels, James Cornell, Charles B. Humphrey, and Howard P. Cor-
nell. There are thirty-five employés in the business. -
WALDRON, WIGHTMAN & CoMPANY started business in 1858,
as Waldron & Wightman. The members of the firm are Nelson
B. Waldron, William B. Wightman, and Nelson W. Aldrich,
the present United States Senator from this district.
WHITFoRD, ALDRICH & CoMPANY, the firm being composed
of George W. Whitford, Edward S. Aldrich, William F. Al-
drich, and Henry P. Aldrich. It is one of the oldest established
grocery houses in the city.
WALDRON & CHURCH.—The firm is composed of Horatio L.
Waldron and Samuel W. Church. -
E. M. ALDRICH & CoMPANY.—The proprietors are Elisha S.
Aldrich and Robert Steere. While changes in the firm have
occurred within a few years the original name has been retained.
MURRAY & ALLEN.—The firm was established in 1884, and
is composed of James T. Murray and Albert H. Allen, and em-
ploys about twenty-four persons.
ALExANDER BROTHERs.-The members of this firm are Adin,
Alanson, Frederick, and Charles Alexander. The business was
established under that name and has been maintained until the
present time. -
A. FiskE & CoMPANY consist of Amos Fiske, Edward W.
Fiske, William A. Fiske, and Albert L. Fiske. They were es-
tablished in 1863.
HARRison G. WoRK carries on the business of a long estab-
lished house.
BABcock & BRIGHAM.—The wholesale grocery firm of Bab-
cock & Brigham was established in September, 1885, by Mr.
Joseph H. Babcock and Mr. J. O. Brigham, at No. 55 Peck
Street. This firm succeeded Mr. B. G. Chace, wholesale grocer
292
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
at the same place. The business of this firm occupies two floors
of the Dyer Street Land Company's building, where they have
for warehouse and office room, 8,000 square feet. These extensive
rooms are filled with a complete assortment of the best groceries,
including flour, sugar, tobaccos, spices, butter, cheese, beans,
canned goods, eggs, and a full line of carefully selected groceries.
A prominent feature of their business is to always have in stock
the best creamery and dairy butter—which is made from pure
milk and cream for them. They also have on hand constantly a
large stock of the best grades of cheese. Of tobacco and cigars
the firm keep a large assortment. They are the state agents for
Rhode Island and Connecticut for the celebrated “B. & W.”
brands of tobacco, whose merit is purity. The leading brands
of cigars are the El Vencedor, Universal, Pledge, Violette, and
La Maya, which are all made from selected stock and carefully
cured. The business of this firm gives employment to numerous
clerks, book-keepers, and porters. It is the rule of the establish-
ment to receive with courtesy and attention all who enter it. The
senior member of the firm, Mr. Babcock, was for three years a
member of the state senate, where he earned the confidence of
the people. Although this house is of comparatively recent for-
mation, it has already won distinction and secured a large trade.
BUGBEE & BRowNELL. — The business stand occupied by
Messrs. Bugbee & Brownell, at Nos. 26 to 31 Canal Street, has
been established for a period of forty years. The building was
erected in 1846, and the present firm succeeded Parsons & Bug-
bee in 1879, and have carried on a wholesale grocery trade until
the beginning of the present year, at which time they directed
the productive energies of the house into a different channel, and
began the business of grinding spices and mustard, importing the
raw materials as well as the coffee they roast, and the teas they
obtain direct from the producers. The success they have had
within the last few months proves conclusively the wisdom of
the change, , during which time the firm have increased their
capacity for spice-grinding from one mill to five, multiplied their
help to a force of thirty men, and are shipping the manufactured
products of the new industry to all parts of New England and the
State of New York. * -
E. W. PIERCE & CoMPANY.— One of the largest and most
reliable wholesale and retail grocery houses in this city, is owned
and managed by two sons of the Rev. Waterman Pierce, who for
nearly half a century has been pastor of the Free Will Baptist
Church in Barneyville. In 1848 Elisha W. Pierce and his
brother, Bradford B. Pierce, purchased the business of Benjamin
B. Potter, and established the grocery business of E. W. Pierce
& Company, in a small wooden building that stood where the
firm now occupies a spacious brick block, at Nos. 19 and 20
Canal Street. Bradford was already in the employ of Mr. Potter
as clerk when change of proprietors was made, and the new firm
inaugurated what has proved a most successful wholesale and
retail trade, and their customers have always been drawn largely
from the country towns and suburbs of the city. In 1854 the Hon.
George L. Pierce, another brother, was admitted to membership
in the firm, and since that time Bradford, the oldest partner, has
deceased, leaving his interest in the business to the management
of the other two. The house occupies three floors and a loft for
storing and displaying goods, and the firm not only enjoys a
reputation for honorable dealing, but each of the surviving
brothers has been honored with a seat in the city council, and
the younger is now a member of the General Assembly of the
State.
OTHER leading flour and grain dealers of Providence are: Day,
Sons & Company, Dyer Street; S. S. Sprague & Company, Dyer
Street; Baker, Hale & Company, South Water Street; Barden
& Keep, 19 Exchange Place; Edward F. Curtis, 18 Sabin Street;
Davis & Brown, 21 Dyer Street; Goodwin & Allen, 81 Dyer
Street; D. H. Leach, 429 and 431 High Street; and A. B.
McCrillis & Company. *
EBEN G. Robinson & CoMPANY. —Hay, straw, oats, and feed
for horses, require in the handling and delivery, the employment of
many men and horses. It is the retail commission merchant who
is the final distributor of these products of the farm and mill.
One of the prominent commission merchants of Providence
is Mr. Eben G. Robinson, who does business under the firm
name of Eben G. Robinson & Company, at No. 66 High Street,
where he occupies and owns a warehouse 40 x 100 feet, and two
and one-half stories high. Here he keeps constantly a large
amount of hay, straw, and feed-grain of all kinds. The hay
and straw are baled in the West, in New York State, and the
Canadas, and consigned to him. The grain comes from the
West and Northwest. He makes a specialty of heavy barley
oats for fancy horses and fast trotters. His trade is principally
retail, but he supplies many of the livery stables and sells largely
to companies whose business requires the use of many horses.
He began business in 1881 at his present location, and has built
up an extensive trade.
HENRY M. KIMBALL.— The oldest provision dealer in Provi-
dence is Mr. Henry M. Kimball, who is likewise the pioneer in
the state in the business of curing and smoking meats. As long
ago as 1852 he established a small smoke-house at No. 19 Pearl
Street. He had previously been engaged in dealing in beef,
hams, and dried beef, beginning on June 14, 1847, and from
these transactions, came his permanent business. The demand
for smoked bacon and hams was such as to fully justify his
expectations, and after a trial of three years he felt sufficient
encouragement to remove to the larger quarters now occupied by
the business, and take into partnership his brother, Albert A.
Kimball. At this date also he began the business of curing
meats. This step also proved fortunate, for as soon as his pro-
ducts became known he was solicited to cure for different houses
in the city; and at one time cured for nearly every market in
Providence. Some idea of the growth of this business may be
obtained from accurate statistics taken from reliable book accounts.
During the first three years from the date of starting, it appears
that Mr. Kimball cured an average of 500 pieces a year; but the
amount soon increased to 500 barrels of beef and pork, and about
the same number of hams yearly, until, in 1866, he cured 12,000
pieces of his own, and 6,000 pieces for other parties. Four years
later the annual production was 53,717 pieces, chiefly smoked
meats; in 1878, Io9,636 pieces, and in 1880 the enormous num-
ber of I Io,491 pieces. The space necessary for handling such large
amounts of goods, has required the extension of the works to their
present dimensions. In 188o the two brothers having carried on the
business in company for twenty-five years, dissolved the part-
nership, and since that date Mr. Henry M. Kimball has been sole
proprietor, and his brother, while not an owner, still superintends
the work of the establishment. When Mr. Kimball first started, he
found it very easy to deliverall his goods with a wheelbarrow ; but
patient industry and honest dealing have borne their legitimate
fruit, and to-day four teams and a considerable force of men are
required to handle the trade. For the last fifteen years the beef
supplies for the concern have been shipped in car-lots direct from
Chicago, and Mr. Kimball has control of the market in dried
beef, and makes the prices. For twenty years he has done all the
smoking for the heaviest dealers, and the business is drawn not
only from the city, but from the country towns throughout Rhode
Island, and the contiguous portions of Massachusetts and Connec-
ticut. tº
CARPENTER BROTHERs.—Among the well-established commis-
sion houses in this city is that of Messrs. Charles A. and William
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 293
A. Carpenter, who, under the style of Carpenter Brothers, do an
extensive wholesale commission business at No. 1 13 Canal Street,
and have a flourishing retail trade at No. 190 North Main Street.
They are enterprising, active merchants, and receive daily con-
signments of mutton, veal, poultry, game, produce, and pork
from all parts of the country. Their wholesale business occupies
one large floor and a basement, and the reputation of the house is
second to none for honorable dealing and quick returns on com-
mission goods. During the late war Mr. Charles A. Carpenter,
the senior member of the firm, belonged to the Twenty-ninth
Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, which he entered as a pri-
vate, served through all the campaigns, and was promoted through
the official grades to be captain of his company.
Among the other prominent dealers whose main specialty is
beef, are, Geo. R. Viall, H. W. Clark, J. F. Comstock & Sons,
I. M. Lincoln, Miles H. Mason, all located on Canal Street; and
G. F. Swift & Company, on Dyer Street. The leading pork
packers are Comstock & Company, I. B. Mason & Son, both on
Canal Street; J. & R. F. Dyer, High Street; and Kimball &
Colwell, Washington Street.
GEORGE HAwes & SoNs.—Prominent among the commission
merchants who have done business in this city for a quarter of a
century and more, is the firm of George Hawes & Sons, whose
place of business is Nos. 23 and 25 Dyer Street, one of the old
and well known thoroughfares of Providence. This house was
established in 1859, and occupies a spacious store where they
receive large consignments of produce, especially of fruit, with
which they supply a great number of retail dealers in the city
and suburban towns. They are well established in the public
confidence, having a prosperous trade, and have a branch house
in New York, at No. 21 Vesey Pier. The members of the firm
are Jethro M., G. H., Edward C., and R. G. Hawes.
About seven years ago the Messrs. Hawes became possessed
of a valuable invention, which they have developed and improved
and put on the market as Hawes and Sons' patent steam trap.
The original patent was assigned to them by an uncle, the origi-
nal inventor and patentee. The parts which the firm have im-
proved and patented since it came into their hands are the sedi-
ment trap, the valve and valve seat, a much more durable dia-
phragm than any previously in use, a regulating screw with a
lock nut cap, and a sediment outlet for the case. The special
advantages resulting from the use of this ingenious trap are a
sensible gain in the volume of heat and saving of fuel, absolute
circulation, and consequent rapidity in heating, and immunity
from the snapping noise so often heard in steam pipes, and freez-
ing in cold weather. The firm has a factory on Friendship
Street where a force of twelve men is constantly employed in
manufacturing this patent steam trap of which there are six dif.
ferent sizes, graduated to fit pipes of different diameters. Dur-
ing the seven years that the firm has been working this industry
over 27,ooo traps have been sold, and the demand for them is
constantly increasing. These traps are in use in public buildings,
manufactories, residences, and in other structures heated by steam,
and are universally approved by those using them.
F. H. PERRY.— The canning establishment of Mr. F. H.
Perry on Manning Street, between Brook and Thayer streets, has
not only won fame throughout the world for the excellence of its
product, but also, has contributed to the health and well-being
of the community where its out-put has the largest sale, for it is
admitted that of the finer food products, preserved fruits as now
preserved, serve the highest purpose. Mr. Perry began business
on North Main Street in connection with the grocery trade, and
after remaining there ten years, removed to Manning Street and
gave his entire attention to the canning in glass jars of fruits and
vegetables, which are recognized as standard in this country, in
O e
38
domestic salt.
France, England, China, Japan, Egypt, and other foreign coun-
tries. Mr. Perry was awarded a medal at the Centennial Exhi-
bition in 1876, at Paris in 1878, and at several home exhibitions.
LEOPOLDO PASQUALI.-The plantations has boasted from time
to time of its famous cooks and caterers. That they have had
much to do with the well-being and happiness of the people is
admitted. If the stomach be ruler, then is the cook our sovereign.
Leopoldo Pasquali has labored to please royal palates, has
been with American admirals abroad, was for seven years chief
cook for the Somerset Club of Boston, and is now caterer to the
Hope Club of Providence. He serves dinner, supper, and ball
parties, and supplies them with the choicest dishes known to the
caterer's art. Mr. Pasquali is sole manufacturer and proprietor
of a preparation of beef tea which has attracted the attention and
commendation of leading physicians. This “meat solution” is
free ſrom the “nauseous taste” and “obnoxious odor” of so-called
extracts or essences of beef. It contains all the essential and
nutritive properties of the meat in an easily assimilated and
digestible form, and has an agreeable taste and smell. It remains
good in sealed cans indefinitely, and when opened keeps unim-
paired from two to four days, according to care and temperature.
RYDER BROTHERs.-Messrs. Ryder Brothers, whose premises
are located at Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 Duncan's wharf, are the largest
importers, manufacturers, and dealers in salt in the state, and the
only firm dealing exclusively in that article. The business of the
firm was established in November, 1870, by David Nelson Ryder,
in the Old Slater Mill in Pawtucket, as the successor of H. H.
White. The following year he took his brother, Richard H.
Ryder, in as a partner, and the firm name became Ryder Brothers,
and so remains. They continued to carry on the business in
Pawtucket until June, 1874, when they removed it to Dorrance
Street wharf, Providence, where for a year previous they had
conducted a branch store. This consolidation, they found, made
more room necessary, and they leased four additional stores, giv-
ing them a storage capacity for 200,000 bushels of salt, and grind-
ing facilities for 200,000 packages of salt yearly, giving employ-
ment to twenty hands. In 1879 the business was removed to
Duncan's wharf, its present location. Here they occupy a build-
ing 40 x 120 feet, and three stories high, giving them still greater
business facilities. Their trade embraces all kinds of foreign and
Their brand of fine Bonaire salt for dairy and
table use has a high reputation for purity and excellence, and
commands a large sale. Their trade extends all over New Eng-
land, their aggregate sales exceeding six hundred car loads yearly.
STILLMAN P. DoANE came to Providence from Eastham, Mass.,
in 1869, and commenced business as a dealer in fresh fish, at No.
62 Bridgham Street, where he remained two years. He then
removed to No. 39 Superior Street, where he carried on business
for eight years. He next removed to 200 Canal Street, continuing
there six years. His business increased to such an extent during
this period, that he determined to purchase a wharf, where fish-
ing vessels consigned to him could unload their cargoes, and from
which he could supply the trade of the city and neighboring
towns. Accordingly, in 1885 he bought the wharf and building
at 61 South Water Street. The wharf has a water frontage of
seventy-seven feet. The building is 30 x 47 feet, and two stories
high. He is thus provided with ample facilities for conducting
his extensive wholesale and commission business. Providence is
said to consume more fish than any city of the same population in
the country. Notwithstanding the great quantity of fish caught
along the bay, all of which find a market here, and that shipped
from Block Island and Newport, large consignments are also daily
received from New York and Boston. In the spring when scup
commence running, Mr. Doane frequently disposes of from three
to four boat loads a day. During the season, he finds sale for a
294
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
large portion of his stock at the shore resorts, Rocky Point, Oak- º
land Beach, Field's Point, Crescent Park, Silver Spring, etc. He
also makes daily shipments to the suburban towns. His trade
extends to all the towns in Rhode Island. The growth of the
trade in Providence is shown by the fact that when Mr. Doane
commenced business here, there were only three fish markets in
the city, while now there are nearly sixty.
M. DEwing.—No city in New England offers better facilities
for carrying on the fish business than Providence; it is easily
accessible to fishing smacks from any point on the coast, and the
many steamboat and railroad lines that terminate here afford
unrivaled means of rapid transportation. It is also within easy
reach of a large number of inland manufacturing towns, to which
these perishable food commodities can be readily shipped fresh
every day. As long ago as 1857, Mr. Martin Dewing chose one
of the best locations for a fish market, in close proximity to river
and railroads, and started business at No. 24 Exchange Place.
At this popular stand the public has always been able to find the
freshest and best of fish, oysters, clams, lobsters, and other salt
water delicacies obtainable. Besides supplying the local demand,
he employs a number of men in putting up oysters and clams
which are rapidly shipped to various points along the railroad
lines to supply the demands of the country trade. This branch
of the business, in fact, constitutes one of the proprietor's princi-
pal sources of income, and is much more extensive than any one
simply visiting his fish market would be led to suppose. Mr.
Dewing makes more of a specialty in wholesale oysters, in the
season, than he does of fish, having Ioo acres in oyster beds in
the Narragansett Bay, besides many hundreds of acres in the
waters of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York.
Mr. Dewing has always given the closest attention to his busi-
ness, and has merited the success he has met, and earned the
custom of his patrons. -
F. A. PAIGE & CoMPANY.—One of the oldest grocery stores in
Providence is located at the corner of College and South Main
streets, and is occupied by Messrs. F. A. Paige & Company, the
senior of the firm having been a proprietor of the business for
thirty-seven years. The concern might, in fact, be accounted
even older, since Mr. Frederick A. Paige, and his brother George
obtained possession of the stand in 1849 by purchasing the busi-
ness of Stimson & Hodges, the Providence wine merchants, so
well-known to all the older residents of the city and vicinity.
After the company had been in business about three years, Mr.
George Paige retired, and Mr. Henry Paige, the present junior
member, obtained an interest in the business. The present house
have enjoyed for years an excellent reputation as dealers in choice
family groceries, in which they control as good and extensive
trade as the city affords. They have also until very recently con-
tinued the business of their predecessors, and have had for many
years as large a wine trade as any concern in the state. Messrs.
Paige & Company are well-known in the community as honorable,
reliable merchants.
EDw1N A. PARKER.—The dealer in fruits has always been in
every city a favorite merchant, patronized by all classes. Mr.
Edwin A. Parker, who is located at No. 226 Westminster Street,
corner of Mathewson, began business as a confectioner and dealer
in fruits at No. 25 Mathewson Street, in 1883. Trade increased
with him, and he soon sought for a store room on the principal
thoroughfare of the city, and selected the present location of his
business. There, in a large and well-appointed store room, he
keeps a complete assortment of fresh candies and a large stock of
foreign and domestic fruits—these are shipped to him daily, and
the confectionery is manufactured by him. He is also a dealer
in cigars of the finestgrades. These cigars are made from selected
stock and for his trade. His soda fountain is near the entrance
to the store room and is stocked with syrups made by him from
the various fruits. He is agent for the State of Rhode Island for
grape milk, a summer beverage that sparkles, but does not intox-
icate, while it slakes one's thirst. Another of this gentleman's
specialties is Jamaica ginger wine, a stomach medicine for all
disorders of that sensitive organ. This wine contains neither cap-
sicum nor alcohol, and is a fine tonic or cordial. It is made from
the Jamaica ginger root. Mr. Parker carries a large line of
bottled and fine canned goods, put up by the most reliable manu-
facturers in the country and carefully sealed. His stock of min-
eral waters comprises the best of medicinal drinks, which are
prepared by nature on her own prescription and the best imita-
tions by the chemists. Recently Mr. Parker has added to his
stock a large line of the finest teas, coffees, and spices. The dis-
play of fruit is always fresh and seasonable, and the products of
every section of the country are placed within reach of his patrons
at the most reasonable prices. It is a completely stocked and
carefully managed store that Mr. Parker, by the aid of several
salesmen, conducts.
HILL’s FRUIT STORE.-Few people stop to consider when
patronizing the fruit stand or ordering a melon sent to their houses
for dinner, how much they are indebted to the men who provide
such luxuries, or what an amount of enterprise and expense is
required to bring green fruits to a city like Providence at every
season of the year. This traffic as now carried on is not limited
to the prompt marketing of the summer produce brought into
town by rural fruit growers. In these days of rapid transit a
good provider may demand that the luxurious tropical fruits shall
be laid on his table fresh, even while the wintry storms remind
him that no vegetation is growing in bleak New England. One
of the few men in Providence who have made this line of trade
successful is Mr. Olin Hill, No. 7o Westminster Street, and in
doing so he has secured a large family trade which is still increas-
ing. In starting the business ten years ago he brought to it a
long experience in this line which is indispensable to success,
and has managed it with so much ability that he has been com-
pelled to enlarge his quarters and increase his force of clerks, in
order to keep pace with the demands of his customers. Hill's
fruit store has acquired a wide reputation and is one of the
resources which citizens appreciate and could ill afford to spare.
JAMES M. ANTHONY’s, No. 14 Weybosset Street, is well-known
head-quarters for smokers’ supplies, and is one of those handy
places where business men like to drop in and enjoy a favorite
cigar. It is centrally located, near the Post-Office, and the pro-
prietor is a popular and genial man, with whom it is a pleasure
to pause and chat while the customer lights his weed. The stock
of cigars at this place is of the choicest kind, for Mr. Anthony
makes a specialty of high-cost imported goods, which are kept
moist and in good shape in a Swift's cigar cabinet, the only one
used in the city. The business was established in 1868 by
Messrs. Reynolds & Salisbury; and afterwards the firm changed
to Reynolds & Parker, then Reynolds & Anthony. At length
the senior member retired, and left Mr. Anthony sole proprietor
of a snug business, which really needs more room for develop-
ment, and he would long ago have sought new quarters but for
his strong attachment to the old familiar stand.
The wholesale dealers, receivers, and commission merchants
distribute their commodities to the inhabitants of the city through
about four hundred retail grocers, one hundred retail marketmen,
and about sixty retailers of fish and shell fish, whose places of
business are conveniently located throughout the city.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE GREAT DRY GOODS, CLOTHING, AND FURNITURE HOUSES, AND RETAILERS OF THE CITY.
THE DRY GooDS AND CLOTH HOUSEs — THE GREAT CLOTHIERS – HATTERS AND OUTFITTERS – SHOE DEALERS –FURNITURE AND
HOUSE FURNISHINGS — MUSICAL INSTRUMENTs — PHOTOGRAPHERS — PICTURE FRAMERs – RETAILERS OF JEwBLRY.
THE DRY Goods AND CLOTH HOUSEs.
CALLENDER, McAUSLAN & TROUP.—The establishment known
throughout Rhode Island and southern New England as the
“Boston Store” came into existence in 1866, and has continued
without change in the firm conducting it, to this time.
In October of that year, Walter Callender, John McAuslan,
and John E. Troup, previously engaged in the dry goods business
in Boston, opened a store at 175 and 177 Westminster Street, in
Low's building—a structure standing adjacent to their present
place of business. The members of the firm are natives of Scot-
land, and life-long have been engaged in the business, the growth
and extent of which shows to what end have been their labors.
The origin of the name “Boston Stowe,” is traced to the be:
ginning of the business. The proprietors were from Boston, and
immediately the name “Boston Store” was given by customers.
It became so general as an appellation, and was quoted so often
and continuously, that the firm, after a few years, were obliged to
adopt it, and it remains to this day. When business was begun
in Low's building the number of clerks was eight, and at the end
of the first year the number was eighteen. The business grew
with remarkable rapidity. It was successful from the day of
opening; a new era in the dry goods history in this city was be-
gun; the “Boston Store” became an institution in which the
people took pride, and on which they depended.
In seven years, or in 1873, the facilities were not equal to the
volume of trade; it had outgrown its birthplace, and demanded
greater space for present and future needs. The location of the
first place of business was advantageous to the buyer and seller,
and became the centre of the retail dry goods trade. Adjacent to
Low's building, on the corner of Westminster and Union streets
stood the house of worship of the First Universalist Society, no-
ticeable on account of its brick and stone-lined walls, its curious
wooden steeple, and its “many steps” leading to the entrance.
This property was purchased by the firm, and the ancient piece
of architecture gave place in 1873 to the fine structure which, in-
dependent of the business carried on within it, is an embellishing
feature of the city's main thoroughfare. It was designed by Gen.
William R. Walker, and is four stories in height, and the ground
dimensions were 96 by 60 feet. The ampler space on the first
two floors was sufficient for the requirements of the business, and
the upper floors were rented. But the business, on its removal,
was inspired anew, and, free to expand, soon filled the new
place from basement to attic.
In 1877, four years after the removal, the building was added
to, and made nearly twice its original size, or 60 by 150 feet. All
the floors on this space are occupied, and in addition, a large
room in an adjoining building, which makes the total area of
store and working room nearly two acres. The business is very
extensive and branches wider every year. In its care and main-
tenance the services of about three hundred persons are required.
It is the largest store in Rhode Island, and there are not more
than two or three larger in New England. The stock is large,
varied, and excellent. The methods of business are such that the
customers may have the best, and at the lowest prices. Carpets
\
and upholstery are new departments, comparatively, and are re-
markably full and complete. The railway system of handling
cash was introduced first in this city in the Boston Store, and is
still in use as a part of the concern’s machinery.
While public favor seemed at once and at all times bestowed
upon this establishment yet the eminence attained has only been
reached by the closest adherence by the members of the firm to
the demands of their trade. Allowing no outside business, how-
ever attractive, to encroach upon their time or energies, they have
been able to meet all the changing demands of the public and to
systematize their methods of handling their ever increasing custom.
It has been the fortune of other communities to feel the influence
and derive benefit from the system of conducting business taught
its employés by this firm. Throughout Rhode Island, Connec-
ticut, Massachusetts, and here and there elsewhere, are to be found
dry goods houses doing successful business and conducted by
bright, energetic men,_ men who have interests in their com-
munities and who fill important commercial and social positions.
These stores are almost invariably called the “Boston Store” and
their proprietors are graduates of Callender, McAuslan & Troup.
Guided by a liberal policy, this firm has encouraged its deserving
employés in starting in business for themselves, and such has
been the impress of the business experience upon their clerks
that in nearly every instance success has been merited and won
by these various Boston Stores. Upwards of forty of these suc-
cessful stores owe their origin to this establishment, and upwards
of one hundred who were clerks are now employers.
Mr. Walter Callender was born in Scotland on Jan. 9, 1834.
He was prepared for college, but decided to engage in the dry
goods business. In 1857 he came to the United States and be-
came a clerk in the house of Kinworth & Company in Boston.
When the war begun, Mr. Callender enlisted, April, 1861, in the
Fourth Battalion of Rifles which became afterward a part of the
Thirteenth Massachusetts Regiment. He served three years in the
Army of the Potomac, and was commissioned captain Aug. 19,
1864. He commanded Company D, First Regiment Quarter-
masters Volunteers (colored). On returning to Boston in 1866,
he became clerk in the store of Messrs. Hogg, Brown & Taylor,
and in the fall of the same year Mr. Callender came to Providence.
Mr. John McAuslan was born in Scotland, on Aug. 10, 1835.
He received his education in Scotland, and in 1851 he went to
Greenock, a town on the Clyde, to serve as a clerk in a dry goods
store. In September, 1858, he came to Boston and entered the
employ of Hogg, Brown & Taylor, and remained till 1866, when
he removed to Providence.
Mr. John E. Troup was born in Scotland on May 4, 1829.
He attended school until fourteen years of age, and subsequently
entered a commercial house in Aberdeen, where he remained till
March, 1855, when he sailed for Boston, arriving on April 11th.
He entered the employ of Geo. Trumbull & Company, dry goods
dealers. With this firm Mr. Troup remained till 1866, when he
came to Providence, and with Messrs. Callender and McAuslan
established the Boston Store, which has become in and of itself
an institution of merit and worth, a public servant of great ability
and service, and one of the city's most notable enterprises.
296
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
B. H. GLADDING & CoMPANY.—A complete history of the many
once famous dry goods stores of Providence,— houses that have
flourished for a while and then vanished,—since the first house in
the dry goods line was established in this city, would form an inter-
esting chapter in the history of the Providence Plantations. Of the
many once celebrated dry goods merchants whose names would
be prominent in such a history, the sole house still in existence
and enjoying a vigorous old age is the firm of B. H. Gladding &
Company, so universally and popularly known to all purchasers
of dry goods in this city and state for nearly one hundred years.
This distinguished and venerable dry goods house was first
established in the year 1805 by George W. Gladding, father of
Benjamin H., and Matthew Watson, both of this city, under the
firm name of Watson & Gladding. It was located at Nos. 36
and 38 North Main Street. Not long afterward Mr. Watson
withdrew from the firm, and from that time. Mr. Gladding con-
tinued the business alone in his own name, until his death in
August, 1839. Benjamin H. with his brother, George F., then
purchased the stock and stand, and continued and extended the
business under the firm name of George F. Gladding & Company,
until the death of George F., in 1862. Benjamin H. Gladding
then took personal charge of the business conducting it alone, in
his own name, until Jan. 19, 1880, when Mr. Joseph H. Com-
stock, his son-in-law, was admitted as his partner in the business.
the firm name then becoming B. H. Gladding & Company. Mr.
B. H. Gladding's death occurred Dec. 30, 1880, since which
time Mr. Comstock has remained the sole proprietor, retaining
the old firm name of B. H. Gladding & Company. •
After an existence at the old stand of more than “three score
years and ten,” the scriptural limit of human life, and safely
weathering all the great financial panics for the last half century,
in 1878, when the tide of trade had set so strongly to the westward
as to float most of the leading business houses from the east side
over Weybosset Bridge on to Westminster Street, Mr. Gladding
decided that he must go with the current, and make his first
removal.
temporary merchant of Mr. Gladding, had already, figuratively
speaking, torn up his business, root and branch, from the next
door, and transplanted it with all his goods and chattels into the
then new Butler Exchange, which event impressed the necessity
of removal upon Mr. Gladding.
Having decided to remove his business nearer to the new centre
of trade, the fine, commodious, and eligible store in the Brownell
building at No. 93 Westminster Street, nearly opposite the
Arcade, with greatly enlarged area and improved facilities for
transacting the large increase of business, was secured and is still
occupied by this house. In this new location the old house con-
tinues to receive the favors of a host of old and new patrons, and
spares no efforts to serve them, and maintain the high reputation
it has so long held in this community. This establishment while
preserving the conservative character that has always distinguished
it as a first-class dry goods store, with a reputation for dealing in
the best quality of all goods, sustained with four generations of
buyers, is fully alive to the changes of fashion and custom that
comes with the changing years, and is prepared to meet the modern
demand for all the new productions that are introduced and added
to their line of business. The house always carries a full stock
of dry goods, in all the regular and staple lines of fabrics, of the
best foreign and domestic makes, for the wear of either men or
women, together with a select assortment of the best English
woolen cloths for gentlemen's garments, cloaks, shawls, fine
laces, hosiery, choice upholstery, and a full line of new and pop-
ular dry goods of every kind in the various departments, useful or
ornamental, required by modern taste, and its long-held leading
position in the trade against the innumerable innovations and
The venerable Deacon Read, the only surviving con-
fierce competitions of modern days and ways in the dry goods
business. . x
The present large and lofty store in the Brownell building
occupied by this house, is 200 feet long, extending from West-
minster Street to Exchange Place, with a front entrance on both
thoroughfares, and embraces the entire ground floor, with a story
of equal dimensions below, for the storage and shipment of goods.
The walls of the store are very high, giving ample shelf-room for
the arrangement and classification of goods in all departments,
and for the most convenient service of patrons, and ready display
of goods by the corps of salesmen, which consists of ladies and
gentlemen, altogether making this location one of the most cen-
tral, accessible, and desirable in the city for the business.
Benjamin Hill Gladding, who conducted this business for so
many years, was the son of George W. and Rebecca (Hill) Glad-
ding. He was born in Providence, Aug. 17, 1818. His father
was the most prominent and popular dry goods merchant of his
day, who kept a dry goods store from 1805 to 1839, at Nos. 36
and 38 North Main Street, on “Cheapside,” as the west side of
North Main Street, from Market Square to Steeple Street, was
universally known in those times. The subsequent business career
of both father and son was eminently successful. Timothy Glad-
ding, the grandfather of Benjamin, was a prominent merchant
tailor of this city, in his time, and resided in the old homestead
estate, at the corner of Westminster and Orange streets. Until
he was twelve years old, Mr. Gladding attended the public
schools of his native city, and for two years thereafter he was
employed in the office of the Providence journal. He entered
the drug store of John H. Mason & Company, on Broad Street,
when fourteen, and served there as clerk for three years, when he
went to New York, as a clerk for Halleck & Bates, wholesale dry
goods dealers, where he was employed for two years, when his
employers closed up their business, and he returned to Providence.
He next went to Mobile, Ala., with other young men from this
city, to engage in the cotton trade, but a partial failure of the
cotton crop induced him to go to Galveston, Tex., where he
remained but a short time, ultimately returning to Providence in
April, 1839. After the death of his father in August, 1839, with
his brother, George F., he succeeded to his father's business.
During the forty-one years of his business life and experience,
Mr. Gladding never failed to meet all his obligations and ever
maintained an unblemished reputation as a merchant and a man.
He joined the Marine Artillery Company, of this city, in 1839,
and held a lieutenant's commission for two years. He was an
honorary member of the Veteran Association of that organization.
When the Providence Aid Society was formed for the purpose of
relieving the suffering and deserving poor, he was one of its first
officers. In 1855 he united with the Central Congregational
Church of Providence, of which he continued an active member,
and held the office of treasurer until 1865, and in 1866 he organ-
ized the Charles Street Sunday School and was its superinten-
dent for twenty-three years. In 1865 he, with others, formed the
Charles Street Congregational Society, now the North Congrega-
tional Church, of which he was elected the first deacon and
continued in that office until his death in 1880. He had three
children: Jane Hill, who married Edward C. Clark; Mary
Aborn, who married Joseph H. Comstock, afterward business
partner of Mr. Gladding; and Harrietta Louisa. A religious
service in memory of Mr. Gladding was held in the North Con-
gregational Church, on Charles Street, Providence, Jan. 30, 1880,
when a memorial sermon was preached by the pastor, the Rev. A.
H. Keith, reviewing his honorable business career and exemplary
Christian life. Mr. Gladding was very highly esteemed and re-
spected and his memory is warmly and sincerely cherished by
every one that knew him.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
297
H. W. LADD & CoMPANY. — The house of H. W. Ladd &
Company is so widely and favorably known to the people of
Providence, the state, and to this portion of New England, that it
may well be considered one of the “institutions” of the city.
Within a very short period it has grown from a small venture to
one of the great permanent commercial enterprises of the city.
In March, 1871, Mr. H. W. Ladd hired the little store at No.
203 Westminster Street with its frontage of only about fifteen
feet, and in a few days it was opened as a dry goods store under
the firm name of Ladd & Davis. Mr. Ladd's experience in dry
goods had been confined to the importing business and he asso-
ciated with him Mr. Davis because of the latter's knowlege of
the retail trade. The new store at once acquired a wide popu-
larity because it offered a larger variety of fine dress goods, silks,
and choice prints than that to which the people of Providence
had been accustomed. People who had before sought the Boston
and New York dry goods markets began to find that they could
do better at home; and business at ‘‘Ladd's,” as the store was
called by every one, soon demanded more room, and in Decem-
ber, 1873, the store at Nos. 213 and 215 Westminster Street was
occupied, being about four times the size of the former store.
The progressive policy of the business management soon found
the larger store growing too small, and in 1877 an enlargement
was effected by building an addition in the rear, and removing
to the second floor several new departments which had been
added to the business of the house. The next year, 1878, another
large addition was built, which extended the first and second
floors to Happy Street, the extreme northern limit of the estate.
Still the demand increased for more room, and in September, 1881,
the steadily increasing activity of the house forced the occupancy
of the entire third floor, and provision was made for further de-
mands by leasing the entire estate. At this time, also, an entire
new front was built, which gave the store the two finest single
French plate glass windows in the city. The summer of 1886 saw
the business which had started so modestly in 1871 occupying the
whole of the new and old four-story building, where, in 1873, but
a double store on the ground floor was regarded as a big store for
Providence. “Ladd's ’’ is now one of the largest distinctively dry
goods stores in Providence, and with its increasing trade will
probably continue as such.
The visitor to the store of H. W. Ladd & Company is at once
impressed with the magnitude of the business transacted within
it. The large force of clerks and their prompt and courteous at-
tention to the wants of the customers, who throng all the depart-
ments of the store, reveal one of the secrets of the success of this
house. The other is the staid rule of earnest and not too grasp-
ing merchandising: to give the buyer the worth of his money,
and never misrepresent goods. Method is everywhere dis-
played in the arrangement of the goods, the division of the store
into departments, and the management of the force of clerks and
messenger boys, so that in the rush of making sales and deliver-
ing packages confusion and delay seldom occur.
The present associate partner is Mr. R. R. Drummond, a gen-
tleman of wide business experience whose share in the honor of
the firm’s present wonderful prosperity is not to be underesti-
mated. Mr. Ladd, the senior member of the firm, is in every re-
spect a typical business man of the times.
much attention to matters relating to the upbuilding of the com-
mercial interests of the city. He has been for two years one of the
vice-presidents of the Providence Board of Trade, and is presi-
dent of the Providence Commercial Club, which organization
undoubtedly owes its existence to his energetic efforts. As presi-
dent of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
He has always given
Children, he has been successful in arousing public interest in the
society and its work. He is also a member of the Providence Art
Club and treasurer of the Rhode Island Choral Association.
MEssRs. SHEPARD & CoMPANY, Nos. 225 to 229 Westminster
Street, conduct an extensive dry goods business; J. E. Jones,
Nos. 20 to 26 in the Arcade, has built up a thriving retail busi-
ness within a few years. There are also about sixty less impor-
tant dry goods stores within the city limits.
There are but few wholesale dry goods houses in Providence.
These, however, transact a great volume of trade, but two of
which do an exclusively wholesale business; these are, Taylor,
Symonds & Company, and Hartwell, Richards & Company.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TAYLOR, SYMONDS & COMPANY, WEYBOSSET STREET.
TAYLOR, SYMoNDs & CoMPANY. —In 1811 Mr. Benjamin Tay-
lor established the dry goods business on Cheapside—a name
given to the lower part of North Main Street—seventy-five years
ago. Four years later his brother, George Taylor, from Plain-
field, Conn., was admitted to partnership, and the firm name was
B. & G. Taylor.
In 1824 Mr. Daniel A. Taylor, then thirteen years of age,
became a clerk in the store, and in 1833 was admitted to partner-
ship, the firm name remaining the same. During the following
year, Jacob Symonds was employed as clerk, and in 1850 became
a partner in the business, under the firm name of G. & D. Taylor
& Company. After the death of Mr. Geo. Taylor in 1860, Mr.
C. L. Thomas was admitted to partnership, and the firm name
was changed to Taylor, Symonds & Company, which continued
till 1867, when Mr. James H. Field, 2d, and Mr. Herbert F.
Hinckley became members of the firm, the style of the firm re-
maining unchanged. Mr. M. W. Whitney was admitted to the
firm in 1880, and Mr. William R. Babcock and Mr. Benjamin
Seabury in 1884, the younger members sharing in a part of the
retiring interests of the older partners. The business was removed
from Cheapside in 1861 to 76 and 96 Weybosset Street, where
the firm is now established.
The house of Taylor, Symonds & Company is the oldest in the
jobbing trade in the city, and has been active in all that relates to
the best interests of the city. Mr. D. A. Taylor, who died in
March, 1886, was interested in philanthropic work, notably the
“Old Men's Home,” to which he gave liberally of his time, coun-

298
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
sel, and means. Mr. Jacob Symonds also occupied a prominent
place outside of business as well as in it. He died on Feb. 26,
1886. Mr. James H. Field, many years a reliable and respected
clerk and copartner of the house, died on May Io, 1886, greatly
lamented, after an illness of nearly three years. The firm was
then reorganized by the survivors, whose names have been given
already under the old firm name of Taylor, Symonds & Company.
Mr. Charles L. Thomas, for several years an active man in
the establishment, has charge of the finances and credits of the
house. Mr. Herbert F. Hinckley, assisted by Messrs. Babcock,
Whitney, and Seabury, has oversight of purchases and sales.
The younger members of the firm have brought to their own and
to their partners' aid such qualities of mind, such standing in the
community, and such knowledge of the business, that not only are
the places of the fallen workers filled, but also the reputation of
the house is sustained.
HARTwell, RICHARDs & CoMPANY.—The dry goods jobbing
house of Messrs. Hartwell, Richards & Company is located at
Nos. 66 and 68 Weybosset Street, running through to Pine Street
and occupying a total area in floorage of over twenty thousand
square feet. Extensive as these premises are, they are inadequate
for the requirements of their business. A new five-story build-
ing with basement is now being erected for them on the corner of
Pine and Hay streets, which will be ready for occupancy next
spring, and to which the business will then be removed, the 'firm
occupying the entire premises. In the spring of 1841 John B.
Hartwell founded the business of this large establishment, in a
modest store at No. 11 Arcade. In the fall of that year he
admitted Benjamin C. Cragin as a partner and the firm name be-
came Cragin & Hartwell. Mr. Cragin died in September, 1847,
and Mr. Hartwell continued the business alone until the spring
of 1848, when he admitted Charles Dudley as a partner and the
firm name became Hartwell & Dudley. A year afterwards H.
F. Richards was admitted as a partner and the firm style was
changed to Hartwell, Dudley & Company. This latter firm con-
tinued to do business at No. 1 1 Arcade until 1852, when they
moved to the present business location. In the spring of 1860
Herbert A. Richards and Albert H. Hartwell were admitted as
partners, and in the spring of 1861 Charles Dudley retired, when
the remaining partners continued under the present firm name of
Hartwell, Richards & Company. J. B. Hartwell died in Decem-
ber, 1872. His son, Mortimer H. Hartwell, was admitted as a
partner in the spring of the same year.
As now constituted the firm is composed of the following
named gentlemen: Henry F. Richards, Herbert A. Richards,
Mortimer H. Hartwell, Charles A. Winsor, and John W. Tinkler.
The business is that of jobbers of dry and fancy goods and hosiery,
and under these few heads are embraced a vast variety of articles.
The firm are sole agents for the Peckham Manufacturing Com-
pany, in which they are the largest owners. The factory is sit-
uated at Coventry Centre, R. I., and contains twelve sets of
woolen machinery. Mr. Thomas C. Peckham is the president
and superintendent of manufactories; H. F. Richards, treas-
urer, and M. H. Hartwell, secretary. The manufactures consist
of Germantown wools, woolen yarns for knitting purposes and for
manufacturers’ use, Spring Lake Jeans, Coventry Tweeds, and
light weight cassimeres. The stock of goods carried by this house
it will thus be seen embraces almost every kind of fabric, while in
their fancy goods department an endless variety of notions and
finer articles that make up feminine apparel, as well as numer-
ous others intended for men's wear, are to be found. With all
these goods, floors, counters, and shelves are literally loaded
down, making it rather a difficult matter for a stranger to make
his way from one point to another of the large establishment.
But every department is carried on with system and with an
known in this line of trade.
army of salesmen to attend to the wants of customers, no con-
-fusion ensues no matter how great the rush of buyers. The
spirit of energy, enterprise, and good judgment that built up
this house to its present importance is still guiding and shap-
ing its affairs and extending its trade. The character that the
firm has so honorably won in the commercial world is now
its most valuable capital, and commands a trade that even its
well-known large financial resources would be otherwise power-
less to control. The people of Providence and of Rhode Island
take a proper degree of pride in the growth and prosperity of
such firms as this of Hartwell, Richards & Company. The suc-
cess attending such establishments emphasizes in the strongest
and most convincing manner the solid prosperity that attends
well-directed endeavor in Providence, and at the same time illus-
trates the growth, prosperity, and general wealth of the city and
State. In the case of this firm, as in that of many other Provi-
dence houses, its business extends far beyond our state's limited
territory; but, like many others also, here in Providence it re-
ceived its first impetus.
HALE AND Bosworth.-Man's well-being depends upon
many agencies. First, he must be clothed. The wearer of
fabric from the plant or the animal may not give thought to the
means by which he is properly clad and prepared for any service
that life may demand, yet the making ready of these implements
of existence requires the time, thought, and labor of capital of a
vast army of workers which serve some of the greater and more
important industries known in this age of the world.
The distance from the grower to the wearer is long, but it is
covered quickly. As soon as the raw material from the sheep's
back begins its journey, it is met at successive stages, and subject
to such manipulation that when the end is reached the product is
perfected and ready for man's highest uses. The agents who
stand between the producer and the consumer play an important
part in the commerce and economy of the country, and are indis-
pensable to both. It is an accommodation to have a tailor.
What hindrance and waste would result if every man must buy
cloth, thread, and buttons, and find cutter and maker. The tailor
also would be embarrassed if he must look to the manufacturer
for all the goods his trade demands. Economy is served by buy-
ing of the merchants who make a specialty of supplying the
tailors' wants.
Messrs. Hale & Bosworth (George B. Hale and John C. Bos-
worth) belong to this class of the people's agents. Foreign and
domestic woolens and tailors' trimmings constitute the commodity
of trade. They buy of importers and are importers themselves,
keeping before their customers the best productions found in
home and foreign markets. The house was established on
Jan. 1, 1882, in the Butler Exchange building. The business is
now carried on in the Masonic Hall building at the corner of
Pine and Dorrance streets, where, having better facilities, a large
trade, growing larger rapidly, has been built up. Both members
of the firm were formerly in the employ of Messrs. James H.
Read & Company. They were admitted to the firm in January,
1874. They retired in 1881 and founded the present house.
Messrs. Hale & Bosworth are the only members of the old house
of James H. Read now in active business. The wareroom
occupied by the firm measures 85 x 45 feet, and is excellently
adapted to the display of goods. There is ample storage room
in the basement, and an elevator is devoted exclusively to the
firm’s business. The firm has become widely and favorably
known and finds customers throughout New England.
MESSRs. RICHARDSON & CROSSMAN are also cloth merchants,
located at No. 155 Broad Street, who have long been honorably
They carry an extensive line of
woolens, worsteds, and tailors’ trimmings.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
THE GREAT CLOTHIERs.
J. B. BARNABY & CoMPANY.-Jerothmul Bowers Barnaby,
the founder of this house, was born at the Barnaby homestead, in
Freetown, Mass., Oct. 27, 1830. He was the son of Stephen and
Lucy (Hathaway) Barnaby. His father was a farmer, and served
as selectman and assessor of the town of Freetown for several
years, where he died Oct. 8, 1844. Mr. Barnaby is a direct
descendant from James Barnaby, the first man of that name in
America, who was registered as one of the settlers of Plymouth
Colony, Feb. 6, 1666, and who died there Oct. 30, 1677. His
son James, who was born in Plymouth about 1670, and died in
Freetown, July 5, 1726, by his will devised to his son, Ambrose
Barnaby, (grandfather of J. B.,) the farm that he had purchased
of Lieut. Nicholas Mowry, Feb. 18, 1725, which has ever since
remained in the possession of the family, and is well known in
all that section as the Barnaby homestead.
Leaving school at the age of sixteen, Mr. Barnaby became a
clerk in the employ of his brother-in-law, William H. Ashley, at
Steep Brook, near Fall River. After four years he engaged as
salesman in the clothing store of Andrew N. Dix, in Fall River,
where he remained about two years. He next moved to Provi-
dence in 1852. Here, at the age of twenty-two, he opened a
clothing store at No. 15 South Main Street, where he continued
the business for the next seventeen years. Thence he removed to
the larger and more commodious quarters which had been spe-
cially fitted up for his business, in the then new Wood's building,
corner of College and South Main streets, in 1869. In this year
he associated with him Mr. Henry B. Winship as partner, under
the firm name of J. B. Barnaby & Company. From that time, so
rapid was their increase of business, that they were compelled to
remove again to still larger and more eligible quarters, which they
secured in the new Dorrance building, located on Westminster,
Dorrance, and Middle streets. This large and handsome brick
block was formally dedicated to the business of Messrs. Barnaby
& Company by a public reception of the friends and patrons
of the firm, at which there was such an immense attendance as to
make it a memorable event in the history of the clothing trade in
this city.
Their present establishment is pronounced one of the largest
and most complete in New England. The firm employ about
one hundred persons as sales clerks, book-keepers, etc. The
manufacturing department furnishes employment to about fifteen
hundred persons in different sections of New England. Messrs.
Barnaby & Company have also established a number of branch
houses at Boston, Worcester, Fall River, Mass., New Haven,
Conn., and Portland, Me., which are supplied from these head-
quarters.
Mr. Barnaby is also engaged in business enterprises outside
of Rhode Island, among them the Barnaby Manufacturing Com-
pany, of Fall River, which is engaged in the manufacture of
ginghams, in which he is the largest owner and of which he is
one of the directors.
The “Barnaby building,” located at the corner of Westminster
and Union streets, erected by Mr. Barnaby in 1870, was the first
iron front building constructed in this state. The Bowers block,
on North Main Street, was built by him in 1872, and bears the
maternal family name. The Conrad building, recently erected
by him, on Westminster and Aborn streets, is pronounced the
finest edifice devoted to business, as well as being the latest built
for the purpose in the city. -
Mr. Barnaby has taken an active part in the politics of the city,
state, and nation, and has filled a number of official positions.
He was a member of the city council of Providence, from the
seventh ward, from June, 1870, to January, 1879, and for a long
time was chairman of the finance committee. In 1875 he was
on these premises all the year round.
J. B. BARNABY,
Founder of the House of J. B. Barnaby & Company,
elected to the General Assembly. In 1877 he was the Democratic
candidate for governor of Rhode Island, and was also the candi-
date of his party for Representative to Congress.
MACULLAR, PARKER & CoMPANY. —The gentlemen who com-
prise this firm, namely, Addison Macullar, Charles W. Parker,
Nathan D. Robinson, Ira B. Fenton, James L. Wesson, and
Hatherly Foster, are importers and jobbers of piece goods, with
a permanent sampling office in London, and manufacturers of
clothing to order and for stock, whose one special province it is to
handle and sell only first-class woolens. They do a large business
also in American goods, and are part owners of a mill in Maine.
The house has thus selected and distributed fine fabrics for thirty-
four years. Beginning originally in Boston, their plant in that
city now comprises two separate buildings and estates, standing
side by side, each running through from Washington Street to
Hawley Street, and each stored with goods and supplied with all
modern appliances and accessories for manufacturing elegant and
fashionable clothing on the largest scale. Some of the workshops
are larger than ordinary town halls. Three of the salesrooms
extend respectively from street to street, a distance of 225 feet,
without break or impediment. Six hundred people are employed
The walls inclose two
acres of floor surface, without counting the sub-cellars, which are
utilized for steam heating and electric light apparatus, boilers and
steam engines, shops for carpenter and machinist, as well as for
general storage purposes. The northerly estate, No. 398 Wash-
ington Street, had been used in part for a long time. In October,
1884, it came wholly under the control of the firm, and is now
substantially an annex to their old premises at No. 400 on the
same street.
THE PROvIDENCE BRANCH StorE was founded in December,

300
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
1876, and its
present location
is at II 2 West-
minster Street.
Designed by
Provide n cle
architects and
built by Provi-
dence mechan-
ics, the structure
was planned and
reserved for the
sole and exclus-
ive occupancy of
Messrs. Macul-
lar, Parker &
Company. In a
work of memo-
rials, made up
as is this, to
illustrate the
present as well
as the past, for
purposes of gen-
er a 1 compari-
son, and to set
in sharp contrast
the new with the
old, it will not
be out of place
to describe this
modernized in-
dustrial build-
ing, which is sometimes referred to as being an edition in minia-
ture of the original Boston house. To those who have in mind
the tailor's shop of a former period, with its contracted area and
single sales-counter, the change to such pleasant surroundings
and liberal margins of space for customers and employés, marks
the substantial progress on sanitary and architectural lines of the
latter half of the nineteenth century.
MACULLAR, PARKER & company's BUILDING,
Westminster Street.
The lot runs through to Middle Street, the building being ninety-six
feet in length, thirty feet in width, and four stories high. The first story
is sixteen feet in the clear, is without partition walls, and thus forms a
large salesroom for the ready-made clothing department. Two plate-
glass show windows, each 12 by 9 feet, with side-lights in the vesti-
bule, and corresponding lights in the large folding-doors, leave nothing
to be desired in this direction; a large area of glass in the roof throws
light down through all the four stories, thus lighting the centre of this
lower apartment, which, in its rear, as in its front, presents a glass sur-
face, broken only by comparatively slight spaces. The general and
pleasing effect of all this is heightened by the accessories of solid ash
finish in all the woodwork above the floor, which latter is in black and
yellow birch from New Hampshire, the tasteful ornamentation of walls
and ceiling, chandeliers and gas fixtures of burnished brass, open fire-
places in marble and soapstone, bronzed iron columns, and counters and
other furniture of polished oak. There are dressing-rooms and a passen-
ger elevator for customers, an office for the cashier, and an apartment for
the special use of the salesmen. The woodwork for all these is of ash,
conforming in design and finish with the other carpentry, and presenting
as a whole, the best results attainable in this line of interior decoration.
A lighter store could not well be imagined, nor one more conveniently
arranged for the comfort of customers and employés, and for the satisfac-
tory display of goods. We may mention here that lavatories and all
needed sanitary conveniences are plentifully supplied in every part of the
building.
The next story is devoted to the merchant tailoring department, and
here also there are no partition walls. One room extends through the
entire length of the building, and contains all the piece goods on exhibi-
tion, as well as the tables for the cutters. A description of the methods
employed to make this department attractive would simply be a duplica-
tion of what has been written about the lower store, so far as the building
is concerned. The goods, of course, are different, in the sense that on
the one hand they are already made up into clothing, while on the other,
they are as yet uncut, though ready and waiting for the shears.
The third story is reserved for the storage of surplus stock, which is
there arranged and classified, so as to be available for immediate use, as
it may be required by the salesmen from day to day.
The fourth story is divided into workshops for the manufacture of
custom clothing. So far as light and ventilation are concerned, these
spacious apartments are models of what we would wish to see imitated.
Here may be seen a little commonwealth of cheerful and contented
workers, occupying rooms that would not suffer in comparison with the
public offices of this or any other city.
Throughout the four stories of the building the facilities for light and
the minor details of masonry and joiner's work, etc., are on the same
scale of excellence. In all cases the finish and dado-work are in ash,
and the flooring in birch. The stairways are also in ash. Access to the
three upper stories is had by means of broad and spacious staircases at
either end of the building, and by the elevator. The latter is run by
hydraulic pressure. Each story is piped for steam, water, and gas, and
electric annunciators and dumb-waiters afford means of immediate com-
munication between any and all parts of the building.
The façade, with its profusion of plate glass, from plinth to finial, is
thought to be an acquisition to the architectural features of Westminster
Street. The stone employed is of a soft and pleasing tint, and is known
in building circles as Ohio olive stone. Brick was used in the construc-
tion of the other walls. The roof is nearly flat, and is tinned, with the
exception of the area of glass before spoken of. When the store is closed
at night, the vestibule (which is provided with an elegant specimen of
Minton tiling), is protected by an iron gate of unique design. Altogether,
the front is a fine specimen of practical effects for business purposes, with
a light and graceful appearance in combination.
The business of cloth finishing as conducted by this house is a
very interesting operation. Probably the process is unknown to
the general reader, and the following description may interest
people who know a good piece of cloth when they see it, and
who desire to look behind the scenes to find out how the last
finishing touches are applied to goods that are truly fine:
In the city of London the several processes of dampening, washing,
steaming, and hot-pressing piece goods to make them ready for the
tailors’ shears, are performed by men trained to the business and known
as “cloth-workers.” Their apprentices are required to serve seven years.
They maintain their “guild,” as do also the goldsmiths, the haberdashers,
the mercers, the drapers, the vintners, the ironmongers, etc. James I.
was an honorary cloth-worker in his day, and found a precedent in the
example of Henry VII., who had associated with the “merchant-taylors”
for political purposes. The Providence and Boston house we are speaking
of long since placed its cloth-shrinking and cloth-finishing department in
charge of one of these London workmen, who had served his seven years at
the trade. The work is done on the premises of the firm, and the process
may be briefly outlined as follows: The whole pieces, after being meas-
ured and examined, are folded or packed within other woolen cloths that
have been immersed in water, pumped by ste um-power from a well on the
premises. The goods remain in this position until they are thoroughly and
evenly dampened, and are then removed from the enveloping cloths and
hung upon racks in a room of guarded and even temperature, where they
remain for some hours. When sufficiently dry they are arranged in folds,
and between these folds are placed what are known to card and paper
manufacturers as binders’ press boards, which, composed of many thick-
nesses of the finest and firmest paper, calendered and polished to the
highest degree, have a surface almost as hard and smooth as plates of
steel, although, of course, flexible and easily handled. When a certain
number of these folds have been made ready, they are inclosed within
iron plates that have been heated in a steam-chest to a greater or less extent
as the nature or weight of the fabric may require. It is in this preparation
of goods for the large and powerful screw-press that is next to receive
them, that the experience and skill of the overseer and his workmen are
to be tested. Different grades require different kinds of treatment. One
kind of fabric may not admit of the same amount of wetting or the same
gradation of heat that may be applied to another. When taken from the
press, the cloth is again measured to determine the percentage of loss in
width and length by contraction or shrinkage, and when finally rolled up
for the jobbing department, it is found to be shrunk and refinished to a
degree that has rendered it ready for immediate cutting and manufacture
into garments. The time consumed in the whole process of shrinking, as
herein described, will have been about twenty-four hours.

THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. 30 I
JEROME KENNEDY & CoMPANY-The difference between the
present time and colonial days is no more forcibly illustrated than
by the clothing trade. Then men's garments of fine material and
make were produced only in the household, or by the tailor on
special order; but now men's clothes in the latest styles, of the finest
materials and best manufacture, are kept in stock for the cus-
tomer's need. The clothier who keeps a grade of goods that
proves satisfactory, will attract and hold a large line of customers.
Among the many dealers in clothing who have served the peo-
ple of these plantations with credit and profit to them and their
customers, is Mr. Jerome Kennedy, who has been connected with
the ready-made clothing trade since 1868. His object has been to
present to buyers the better grades of clothing ready for the
wearer's use. Success has followed the carrying out of the policy
founded on this: “A customer pleased is a customer retained.”
Salesmen are instructed to sell goods on their merits without mis-
representation. On this basis the business has grown until Mr.
Kennedy has been forced to look ahead for enlarged facilities, and
to this end has leased the entire building known as the Curry &
Richards building, on the corner of Westminster and Dorrance
Streets.
years.
Jerome Kennedy was born in Foster, R.I., March 12, 1842.
He was a farmer's boy, and attended the common schools. In
1859 he entered the employ of the Ponegansett Company at Scit-
uate, and remained four years. In 1863 Mr. Kennedy enlisted,
and served one year in the gunboat “ Typhon,” in the South
Atlantic squadron. At the expiration of this service he was em-
ployed by the Mason Locomotive Company, of Taunton, Mass.,
and later was connected with the Grant Locomotive Works, of
Paterson, N. J. Returning to Providence, Mr. Kennedy became
connected with the Franklin Machine Company, and a few months
afterwards obtained employment with William A. Harris, then on
Eddy Street. Here he remained till Sept. 1, 1867, and then
entered Scholfield's Commercial Academy and took a full course
in book-keeping. In 1868 Mr. Kennedy entered the employ of
A. J. Barnaby, then the leading ready-made clothier on West-
minster Street. In 1869 he was employed by J. F. Davis for a
year and a half. Again he made an engagement with A. J. Bar-
naby, and remained in his employ three years and a half. On
July 1, 1872, a partnership was formed with J. F. Davis, and this
continued till 1877. Mr. Davis retired and Mr. E. S. Jones was
admitted, and remained one year, Mr. Kennedy taking his inter-
est and continuing the business alone, under style of Jerome Ken-
nedy & Company in the Howard building on Westminster Street.
On the 1st of September, 1879, he removed to the Curry & Richards
building on the southeast corner of Dorrance and Westminster
streets, where the business has been carried on since.
From a small beginning, a prosperous business has been built
up. It has recommended itself to the people, and won such
hearty indorsement that it has increased since its establishment at
the rate of $1,000 per month over the corresponding month of
the previous year.
Thus Mr. Kennedy and his many salesmen, have been re-
warded for their efforts to serve the people with ready-made cloth-
ing at prices profitable to both buyer and seller.
Connected with this establishment is a store at Woonsocket, in
which Mr. Kennedy has placed a complete line of goods, and
where he has a large trade. His store-room is the most commo-
dious, his stock the most complete, and his trade the largest con-
ducted in clothing in that prosperous town.
The other prominent clothing houses are Kimball Brothers,
Washington Row, one of the oldest in the city; Mowry, Rob-
bins & Company, corner of Westminster and Dorrance streets,
also long established; E. C. Almy & Company, who also have a
This building comes into his possession in about two
º
†
HNNº.
Wilſº
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF JEROME KENNEDY & COMPANY.,
Westminster Street.
store in Boston; the Boston and Providence Clothing Company,
C. E. Longley, manager, who also have a branch establishment at
Pawtucket; Talbot & Company, Nos. 98 and Ioo Westminster
Street, at the location for many years occupied by the veteran
clothier, Abner J. Barnaby, and John McManus, No. 117 West-
minster Street, the youngest in the business.
HATTERS AND OUTFITTERs.
FIDLER BROTHERs & FEssenDEN.— The only strictly jobbing
hat and glove house in the state is conducted by Fidler Brothers
& Fessenden at No. 137 Westminster Street, Howard block,
the firm being composed of Henry T. and George S. Fidler and
Robert Fessenden, and their premises being the well-known and
historic Howard Hall, whose splendid proportions make one of
the finest salesrooms in the city. Their corps of travelers, sales-
men, and book-keepers includes fifteen experienced men, and their
trade extends to every state in New England. Commencing
business Jan. 1, 1877, as successors to the house of B. A. Whit-
comb & Company in which house for five years previous they
had been junior partners, and whose business they purchased,
their first location was at Nos. 22 and 24 Custom House Street.
The great fire of Sept. 27, 1877, totally destroyed their premises
and stock. They, however, resumed business on the following
morning in Butler Exchange. Occupying this store for two.
years, they were compelled by the demands of a largely increasing
business to seek larger quarters. Removing back to their former
location on Custom House Street, the demands of their trade
were such that they again sought, within two years, for more
commodious salesrooms, when they removed to the premises now
occupied by them. Their stock is manufactured expressly for
them of selected material and by the largest manufacturers.
Their foreign goods they import direct, carrying a very exten-
sive stock in their wholesale department. They have carried the
good name of Providence into nearly every city and town in
New England, helping to augment the inter-state commerce of
Rhode Island.
In connection with their jobbing business they

39
3O2
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
conduct a retail department at Nos. 132 and 134 Westminster
Street, Dorrance building, occupying two stores whose com-
bined area is 40 x 100 feet. In this venture they have been
eminently successful from the first, their large experience and
superior facilities enabling them to quickly develop an extensive
retail business. The gentlemen are natives of Rhode Island, and
greatly interested in all that pertains to the welfare of the state.
LEAvens & BIRCH.-The firm of Leavens & Birch, No. 153
Westminster Street (Hotel Dorrance building), has long taken
the position as leaders in the introduction of correct styles for
gentlemen's furnishing goods—shirts, neckwear, underwear,
etc. Their styles are always in strict accord with the ruling
fashion, while in material, trimming, and general make-up, their
goods cannot be excelled by any similar establishment. They
exercise the greatest care and the best judgment that long expe-
rience has given them in the selection of their stock, both as to
style and quality, and in their manufacturing department emplºy
none but first-class hands. They attend personally to every
detail of their business and never fail to satisfy the most exacting
demands of their fashionable patrons. The business was first
started in 1880, at the present location, by Messrs. French and
Emerson, who were succeeded by the present proprietors, Mr.
Thomas C. Leavens, formerly of New York, and Mr. Joseph G.
Birch, formerly of Hartford. These gentlemen have greatly
enlarged and extended the business, and by their energy have
secured for it the first-class patronage it now enjoys. The prom-
inent characteristics of their trade is the superfine quality of all
their goods, particularly articles of their own make, such as fine
dress shirts and some other lines which are fully equal, and in
some respects superior, to any other make to be found in the mar-
ket. Their fine dress shirts include full dress, pique, fancy,
French, and percales. They also make a full line of English
flannel shirts from the newest patterns, with lawn tennis and
bicycle suits in flannels and other kinds of goods; white flannel
tennis suits with either Knickerbocker or long trousers; gymna-
sium or rowing suits; long hose for bicycle and tennis suits;
Norfolk jackets and office and house coats. Messrs. Leavens &
Birch are sole agents for Providence for the sale of Youman’s
fine silk dress hats, stiff felt, and opera hats, which are well known
to all gentlemen of fashion as taking the lead in that line of
goods. Their stock of neckwear, gloves, hosiery, etc., is always
full, and of the latest patterns and newest style of make, embrac-
ing all the novelties, but at the same time not neglecting the
substantial and staple kinds.
It is very apparent that fashion still rules the genteel world with
undisputed sway, and that
the great majority of the
people of all civilized
countries bow to its de-
crees and follow its arbi-
trary and capricious
edicts. It is from these
followers of fashion that
comes the great demand
for such goods as those
dealt in by Messrs. Leav-
ens & Birch, and that gives
life, animation, and sup-
port to so many branches
of manufacture, trade, and
commerce, furnishing
profitable employment to
large numbers of people.
Supplying the demand for
fine and fashionable dress
HOTEL DORRANCE.
Location of Leavens & Birch,
for gentlemen has become a large and lucrative feature of the
modern marts of business. Although it is common to most men
of high or low degree to affect contempt for the love of dress as the
ruling passion of the “weaker sex,” as they derisively designate
their mothers, wives, and daughters, their own desire to dress in
the latest style and in “good form,” is not noticeably less than
that which they so flippantly condemn in the fairer sex. It is
this manly devotion to style and fashion that Messrs. Leavens
& Birch are called upon to serve, a mission which they fulfil in
a most successful manner.
D. C. WooD, dealer in hats, caps, and gentlemen’s furnishing
goods at No. 31 Westminster Street, and manufacturer and
dealer in ladies’ furs, and dealer in ladies', misses', and children’s
cloaks at No. 251 Westminster Street, came to Providence in
1853. He opened his store at No. 31 Westminster Street soon after.
There he occupies two stories of the building and keeps a large
stock of hats, caps, and the finer grades of men's furnishing
goods. His manufactory at No. 251 Westminster Street em-
ploys twenty-five persons engaged in the fashioning of seal gar-
ments and otter, beaver, lynx, etc., muffs, mufflers, etc.
Here he has a complete assortment of ladies', misses', and chil-
dren's cloaks of the best materials and made in the latest styles.
He is also agent for the Universal Fashion Company’s perfect
fitting patterns. Mr. Wood's stores are liberally patronized, and
require the attention of a large force of clerks.
WILLIAM BARTON.—One of the oldest and most reliable hat
and fur stores in Providence is located at No. 239 Westminster
Street, and is kept by Mr. William Barton, a great-grandson of
Gen. William Barton, who was himself a hatter in this city more
than a century ago. Mr. Barton established his business in 1858.
The store then occupied was in a frame building, owned by Whea-
ton & Anthony, and located at No. 65 Westminster Street, and
in April, 1871, the proprietor removed to No. 222 Westminster
Street, and finally, nine years later, to his present place of busi-
ness. His stock consists of gentlemen's fine dress, stiff, flexible,
and soft hats, and gentlemen's furnishing goods—comprising
dress shirts, fine underwear, collars, cuffs, suspenders, gloves, silk
and gingham umbrellas, walking sticks in gold and silver mount-
ings, etc.; ladies' rich furs, sealskin garments, and fancy lap and
fur robes. During the winter season the manufacture of ladies'
fur garments and other furs forms an important part of the busi-
ness of this house, the work being done in apartments connected
with the store. This business well illustrates the beneficial effect
of a liberal policy and honorable dealing through a continuous
series of years, in building up a substantial and steadily increasing
trade. Mr. Barton makes his purchases directly from the importers
and manufacturers, strict/y for casſ, and with his long expe-
rience is thus enabled to offer extra inducements to all purchasers.
M. J. HARSON.—The retail hat trade forms an important feat-
ure of business in Providence, some establishments being almost
exclusively devoted to the sale of that necessary article of gentle-
men's attire. Among these one of the best known and most
liberally patronized is that of Mr. M. J. Harson, No. 162 West-
minster Street. Mr. Harson established his business about eight
years ago at No. 46 Dorrance Street, and during the period that
has since elapsed he has continued to make friends and custom-
ers and to build up a prosperous business. His trade in Provi-
dence has been such as to warrant him in extending it by open-
ing branch establishments in Newport, New Haven, Worcester,
and Lowell, in all of which cities his enterprises have been pros-
perous. Mr. Harson, in addition to his retail trade, does a large
jobbing business. He was one of the first and is now one of the
largest exclusive wholesale and retail dealers in hats in Provi-
dence. His stock is always complete, and embraces every article
in the line of hat and cap wear, from the fashionable silk dress

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 303
hat and the handsome derby to the plain and substantial every
day hat of the working man, the prices corresponding with style,
material, and finish. His stock of caps for boys, youths, and
men is equally varied as to style, quality, and price, his aim
being to suit the wants of the public generally. His manner of
doing business commends itself to all who have had any dealings
with him.
Owen E. LEAVENs & CoMPANY. — He who wishes what it is
good form for a gentleman to wear in the way of hat, gloves,
tie, and furnishings, could not inform himself better than by
paying a visit of inspection to the establishment of Messrs. Owen
E. Leavens & Company, No. 58 Westminster Street. Here he
would be sure to find a complete outfit of everything fashionable
and suitable, nor would it escape his notice that the store contains
one of the largest and richest stocks of goods in the line to be
found in the city. Over twelve years ago this house was founded
by Messrs. Leavens Brothers, to whom the present proprietors are
the successors. The store is centrally located on the principal
business street, and every member and employé of the firm exerts
himself to study and gratify the peculiar tastes and demands of
their many customers. They provide for the best trade in Provi-
dence and vicinity, and are every way worthy of the extensive
patronage assured to them.
Besides those already mentioned there are several other hatters
of more or less prominence, among whom are Ellsbree & Valleau,
J. W. Butts, Jr., and B. A. Whitcomb, who have been many
years in the business.
SHOE DEALERs.
S. C. JAMEsoN.—A visitor passing down Westminster Street
and inspecting the beautiful displays of goods in the great plate
glass show windows, would not hesitate to pronounce that at
No. 175 one of the finest in the line of boots and shoes. This
attractive store is kept by Mr. Samuel C. Jameson, who has as
choice and large a stock of these goods as was ever offered in the
city of Providence. It comprises all the favorite popular makes,
so much prized by ladies and gentlemen who delight in elegant
and fashionable fits; nor” does it lack the more substantial and
heavier styles made for harder service, or the broad-soled, easy
shoes into which age likes to slip his toil-worn feet. The pro-
prietor of this establishment is a young man of genuine enterprise,
who was bound to make a success from the start, if enterprise
and hard work would do it. Eight years ago he began business
for himself by opening a smaller store in Olneyville, which he
sold out in 1880 and purchased another of Mr. C. H. Horton, in
Woonsocket. A year or two later he returned to Providence
and opened a store in Lyceum building, which eighteen months
later he abandoned for his present location. Since Mr. Jameson
has been at this place, business has increased to such an extent
that he now employs eighteen clerks. All his goods are made
expressly for his trade, and customers who prefer custom work
can leave their measures at the store, and be sure of satisfaction.
THOMAs F. PIERCE & CoMPANY. —Mr. Thomas F. Pierce
has been engaged in the sale of boots and shoes since Nov. 4,
1854. The firm was Thomas Pierce & Son, and later Thomas
F. Pierce & Company, the present members of the firm being
Thomas F. Pierce and Isaac F. Liscomb. The former place of
business was 7 Arcade, later 24 and 26, and now 19 to 25 and 33
in the same building. From the first, this establishment has
found favor with the people in its attempt, always successful, to
provide the best foot wear known to the manufacturer, the dealer,
and the customer, and appreciated for its style and its symmetry,
that makes it attractive to the wearer and to others. The house
of Thomas F. Pierce & Company has had a successful business
career, and stands to-day foremost.
ſº wºolesale
tºrºoom; Elº
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tºrtittrfºrmſ tºmºtint
THE PHOENIX BUILDING, - Home of the Boston Shoe Store.
THE Boston SHOE Store...—Countless threads are woven into
the fabric of a city's growth and prosperity. Many and varied
industries are pointed to with justifiable pride, and win for a
locality wide-spread reputation, but they accomplish a far better
and far nobler work than that, and one most intimately con-
nected with the material advancement of the community — they
furnish profitable employment to thousands of working men and
women, and thus render possible the successful prosecution of
many lines of business, both wholesale and retail. Where labor
finds employment retail trade flourishes, and this is especially
true of those lines dealing in what may be classified as “necessi-
ties,” and under this head articles of foot-wear must be accorded
a position in the very front rank.
For one-tenth of the period covered by the historical portion
of this volume, the store numbered 125 Westminster Street,
known as the Boston Shoe Store, and owned by Messrs.
Wetherell & Pierce, has been occupied for the retailing of boots
and shoes. Its age as a shoe store has given it a strong hold
upon the popular mind and memory, and probably no establish-
ment in its line of trade is so generally known throughout the
length and breadth of the city and its tributary territory as the
Boston Shoe Store. Its outward appearance is neat and in
good taste, and there is always about it an air of activity and
bustle that evidences popular acquaintance and appreciation.
In 1837 Mr. Thomas Peirce was a shoe dealer on Westminster
Street where the Rhode Island News Company now is (No.
113). In the above year his brother, Mr. Charles A. Peirce,
entered his employ as clerk, and in 1841 bought him out, and
continued the business there until 1861, when he moved to No.
125 Westminster Street, and this is the initial step in the history

3O4
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
of what is now known as the Boston Shoe Store. In 1871 Mr.
W. A. Hoyt, of Boston, succeeded Mr. Peirce, and was in turn
succeeded by Mr. Warren M. Batcheller, of Boston, in 1873. Mr.
Batcheller remained in business till 1881, when he sold to Messrs.
Wetherell and Urann, clerks in his employ. In 1883 Mr. H. E.
Urann sold his interest to Mr. Charles A. Pierce, a young gen-
tleman for twenty-one years a clerk in the store, and the firm
became Wetherell & Pierce, the present style. Mr. Frank E.
Wetherell is a native of Massachusetts; Mr. Pierce of Rhode
Island.
These are, in brief, the firm's changes in the last quarter of a
century, but a gratifying and ever-increasing volume of trade
indicates no change of the store's place in popular favor. From
the year of Mr. Batcheller's purchase, 1873, dates a marvelous
increase in the business, the sales more than doubling those of
any former year—an increase that has been fully maintained
ever since. Mr. Batcheller brought to the conduct of his busi-
ness indomitable energy, coupled with constant and tireless ap-
plication,-two forces sure to achieve success. He recognized
the fact that he who best supplies the wants of the great army of
laboring men and women, especially in a manufacturing centre,
will most certainly secure for himself a large and steady patronage,
be the times good or bad. This is to-day, and has been since
1873, the basic maxim of this store, and whatever of success it
has attained is traceable directly to this policy, first adopted by
Mr. Batcheller and strictly adhered to by his successors. The
crowning proof of its wisdom is that the buying public all over
the state indorse it by bringing here a goodly share of patronage.
The present proprietors are active business men of the com-
munity, who have won their prominence by strict adherence to
business principles.
We have traced briefly the rise and progress of this establish-
ment; we have touched upon the extended popularity it has
gained ; we have placed before our readers the underlying
principle upon which the business structure has been erected ; –
let us now glance at the interior of the store where this large
yearly business is done. The store is eighty feet deep, by fifteen
feet wide, with basement of same dimensions, the whole being
lighted by electric lights. Every available inch of shelf and
drawer room is utilized for the storage of the great stock con-
stantly carried. The stock is a carefully selected one, it being
the constant aim of this firm to offer good, serviceable, well-made.
and perfect-fitting boots and shoes at a reasonable price. A fair
living profit is always insisted upon, as well as courteous treat-
ment of customers, whether sales are made or not. These rules,
together with prompt serving of patrons, have won substantial
support, and deservedly so.
The interior is unpretentious in style, but the proprietors firmly
believe that they better serve the public by avoiding costly orna-
mentation and decoration. Neatness and simple methods have
proved good investments, an argument sufficient unto itself.
Window display has in these later years come to occupy a
prominent place in the management of a business, and in this
department this firm is true to the principle dwelt upon in this
article. The window is an example of the latest demand for im-
proved facilities in showing goods, and the window exhibit is a
true reflex of the stock in the store, nothing being shown therein
that is not kept in stock in all sizes and widths.
This is a sketch – necessarily limited — of a business house
that has contributed its full share to the general weal of Provi-
dence. This is one of the countless threads in the fabric of the
city’s growth and prosperity.
The shoe trade is represented in Providence by several other
houses — some of the wholesale dealers having large amounts of
trade extending over the country, while the retailers are located
in various convenient quarters of the city.
CRoCKERY, GLAsswar E, AND Hous EHOLD FURNITURE.
WARREN & WooD.—April 20, 1875, was the opening day
of a fine crockery store at 122 North Main Street.
the business had outgrown the store and location, and it was
deemed advisable to move into the large double store now occu-
pied by the firm in the Hoppin Homestead building. Monday,
May 22, 1876, Warren & Wood threw open the doors of the
In one year
THE ROGER WILLIAMS PITC HER.
A Souvenir to Commemorate the Landing of Roger Williams.
finest crockery store ever opened in Rhode Island. The store
was fitted up with every convenience that a long experience in
the business could suggest, and with an immense stock of goods
tastefully arranged, attracted a large concourse of people at their
opening. The record of the firm for the past eleven years, their
success and their standing in the business community to-day, show
what enterprise and energy, and upright, honorable, square deal-
ing will do. Their principle from the start was to make every
customer a friend, and they realized the fact that the only way to
do that was to treat them courteously, deal with them honorably,
and give every one the worth of their money. Their motto was
“Best goods at lowest prices,” and they have lived up to the
letter and spirit of that motto, and we state without fear of con-
tradiction, that the firm of Warren & Wood stands to-day at the
head of the crockery business in Rhode Island, and are second to
none in New England.
Mr. James G. Warren learned the business of Mr. Nathan B.
Hail, of this city, and was also for awhile with a large house in
Boston, and Mr. George H. Wood came here, also, from a large
Boston house, so that, from the start, the firm had the advantage
of the best business training. And with their experience of the
past eleven years, they, to-day, have the ability to buy and sell
goods at the very lowest prices.
One member of the firm spends several months each year in
the European markets, in search of the latest novelties, invoices
of which are constantly arriving, making their store headquarters
for everything in the line of pottery and bric-à-brac.
Our citizens have taken a very great interest in the success of
the enterprise from the first, and seem to appreciate the efforts of
the firm to give the public first-class goods at reasonable prices,
and, judging by the past, we prophesy for the firm a brilliant
future.
Messrs. Warren & Wood have recently gotten out a Roger
Williams pitcher, a cut of which is here shown, which makes a
very appropriate and desirable souvenir of the day. It shows
on one side the landing of Roger Williams and his welcome by
the Indians, with the date, 1636, and on the reverse, a ſac-simi/e
of the statue of Roger Williams, while on the front is a copy of

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 3O 5
the letter written by Roger Williams, giving his reason for nam-
ing the place Providence. g
These Pitchers have been highly appreciated by Rhode Island
people. They are very desirable at all times as well as being
specially appropriate for an anniversary souvenir.
The house furnishing trade of Providence is one of the exten-
sive mercantile interests of the city, occupying some of the
largest warehouses and employing a great amount of capital.
Among the leading dealers in this line of merchandise are Flint
& Company, who manufacture, wholesale and retail; the Provi-
dence Furniture Company, who are extensive retailers; Potter &
Company, who carry a line of high grade goods; Anthony,
Cowell & Company, Broad Street; Arnold, Buker & Miller,
David Cady's Sons, John M. Dean & Company, Thomas
Furlong, and T. & J. Sawyer, at Olneyville. Of those who
make a specialty of kitchen furnishings, William H. Fenner &
Company, Henry T. Root, and George Humphrey are representa-
tive houses.
A. J. MAGOON & CoMPANY.—The business now conducted by
A. J. Magoon & Company in the Richmond building at Nos.
216 and 218 Broad Street was established in 1862, and ranks as
one of the oldest houses in the city. In that year, Mr. William
Mitchell and Mr. A. J. Magoon formed a partnership and opened
at No. 145 Broad Street a general house furnishing store. Mr.
Mitchell remained in the firm for five years, when he withdrew.
Mr. Magoon continued the business at the old stand in his own
name for a few months and then associated his brother, Mr. Ben-
jamin S. Magoon, with him under the present firm name. They
removed to their present location in 1878. The firm have always
on hand a large stock of stoves, crockery, glassware, tin, wooden,
and britannia ware, cutlery, and silver plated ware, carpets, oil
cloths, furniture, feather mattresses, and house furnishing goods
generally. In their extensive line of goods the firm make a speci-
alty of the “Glenwood” range, an admirably arranged cooking
stove, and of the parlor heating stoves known as the “Acorn”
design and make ; of these stoves over one million are in use in
this country. The firm are wholesalers and retailers, and give as
much consideration to the buyer of a single article as to the mer-
chant who comes to lay in a stock. The business employs twelve
hands and occupies two spacious floors of the large building. In
the rear of the building is the work-shop where the firm carry
on the manufacture of tin and sheet-iron goods. The work-shop
is four stories high, and used partly as a store room for the stock
the large trade of this house requires. Their wholesale trade
extends throughout the state, and beyond its limits into other
parts of New England, while their retail trade comes from the
city and the surrounding towns.
Owen McAULIFFE & Son.—The business represented by
Owen McAuliffe & Son, at Nos. 253 and 255 South Main Street
and No. 76 Weybosset Street, was established in 1866 under the
firm name of McAuliffe & Bliss. Mr. Owen McAuliffe pur-
chased the interest of Mr. Bliss two years later, and conducted
the business in his own name for upwards of thirteen years. In
1881 he associated his son, Mr. E. T. McAuliffe, with him as
partner under the present firm name. The firm are manufac-
turers of tin, sheet-iron, and copper goods, and wholesale and
retail dealers in furnaces, ranges, and stoves; marketing the pro-
ducts of the Richmond Stove Company of Norwich throughout
the New England States. These goods have acquired fame for
their smoothness, weight, and working qualities, in design and
finish being thoroughly artistic and excelled by none. The
manufactures of Owen McAuliffe & Son have acquired a reputa-
tion not only in the United States, but also in foreign countries.
The firm make a specialty of tin and heavy metal work of all
kinds. They also do plumbing and sell plumbers’ supplies.
Their manufactory and retail department is at 253 South Main
Street, occupying a building 40 x 100 feet and five stories high.
They manufacture and have always on hand a full line of tin,
sheet-iron, and copper ware, and kitchen furnishing goods. The
store on Weybosset Street was opened to attend to the wants of
their customers in the wholesale trade; but they also sell at retail
at this place, where their custom is very large and continues
to increase. They keep here a full line of the goods they
represent. This salesroom is centrally located and easy of access.
This house has a record of twenty years, and is well known in the
business circles of New England as a reliable and enterprising
manufacturing and mercantile establishment. -
MEssrs. BALLOU & MARKHAM, Nos. 133 and 135 Broad Street
and Nos. Io'7, Io9, and I I I Eddy Street, are extensive dealers in
house furnishing goods, stoves, crockery, furniture, wooden ware,
etc. The firm was established in 1877. The premises occupy
50 x 100 feet, and are three stories high, all of which are occupied
in storing and displaying their goods. The firm employ about
fifteen men. Their business is conducted on a strictly cash basis.
They can furnish a hotel or residence throughout at short notice
from their stock. Mr. Markham, it may be mentioned, served his
country during the War as private, and afterward as assistant com-
missary of the Twenty-fourth Connecticut Volunteers. Both
gentlemen contribute their full share in aiding to build up the
business interests of the city, and do all they can in the line
of their business toward making its houses cosy and comfort-
able, and thus indirectly help to make them happy. The busi-
ness of this house has been marked by a steady growth from
the first. Beginning in a modest way, the firm have seen
their establishment become one of the most important in their
line of business in the city — a direct result of careful attention to
the wants of the people, coupled with a sound policy of low prices
and small percentages of profit, based on actual payments.
WILLIAM L. WHIPPLE.— There is no part of Providence that
has made more substantial progress during the last few years than
the enterprising suburb of Olneyville. Its great factories, fine
stores, splendid residences, and general air of thrift and prosperity
indicate clearly the measure of its success. Among its numer-
ous successful merchants Mr. William L. Whipple occupies a
prominent position. Mr. Whipple is a wholesale and retail
dealer in furniture, carpets, stoves, and house furnishing goods
generally, and also carries on an extensive plumbing business.
He established himself at his present location, Nos. 47 and 49
Manton Avenue, in August, 1879, and from that time until the
present his business has steadily improved, and is now very
extensive. In addition to the premises at Nos. 47 and 49 Man-
ton Avenue, which are 26 x 52 feet, he also occupies two floors
directly in the rear, each forty feet square, together with four
additional floors at No. 41 Delaine Street, at which latter loca-
tion his plumbing business is carried on, the building being spe-
cially erected by Mr. Whipple in 1883 for that purpose. All his
other warerooms are crowded with every variety of housekeep-
ing goods. In the line of stoves and ranges, he represents the
works of Messrs. Smith & Anthony, of Boston, and the Barstow
Stove Company, of Providence. He gives constant employment to
eleven hands and keeps four teams busy delivering goods. Mr.
Whipple is socially and politically a very popular gentleman, and
is now serving his third term as a member of the city council, and
is chairman of the important committee on harbors, and also a
member of the committee on highways. He is a public-spirited
citizen and takes a lively interest in all that affects the welfare of
the community. Having spent his early life in the community, and
watched the great advance made in building up its various inter-
ests, Mr. Whipple has been enabled to enter into the spirit of prog-
ress, and establish a successful business while still a young man.
306
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
FRANCIS READ & SoN.—The trade in wall paper now carried
on by Francis Read & Son at No. 257 Westminster Street, is
believed to be the oldest business in that line in Providence, its
beginning being traced back to Mr. Thomas Webb, a man who
was of no ordinary note in the Masonic and musical institutions
of his day. Some time previous to the present century he started
a small manufactory and store, closing his business in 1810 (then
being in his brick building on the corner of Eddy and Westmin-
ster streets), selling it out to Henry Cushing who was then in
the book business. Mr. Read, after being in his employ eight
years, was admitted a partner in 1832, which partnership con-
tinued until 1850, when Mr. Cushing who was, and had been,
treasurer of the Providence Institution for Savings since 1840, sold
out his interest to his partner. Mr. Read, with his son, continues
the business in a store directly opposite Grace Church, where
may be seen his historical pencil sketch of all of the buildings on
both sides of the street, from the bridge to Aborn Street, as they
were when he first went on to it in 1824. • ...,
GAYLORD & FAIRCHILD.—Few modern improvements have en-
countered more formidable obstacles to their general adoption
than the kerosene oil stove, now considered an almost indispen-
sable kitchen comfort in hot weather. The invention has been
before the public for more than twenty years, but it was not till
after the Florence stove was patented and put on the market that
oil stoves became popular. In 1876 Mr. J. Lyman Griswold
having obtained the agency for this stove for the State of Rhode
Island, came to Providence and opened a room for, their sale on
the upper floor of the Arcade. It was slow work to overcome
popular prejudice and introduce the wares, but merit is sure to
win, and the business grew so that in 1880, Mr. G. B. Gaylord
became associated in the business, the firm being known as Gris-
wold & Gaylord. A more spacious and convenient store for the
display of the goods, on the lower floor of the Arcade, was se-
cured, and the Florence oil stove soon became a household word
in Rhode Island. - Ö
Three years later Mr. Griswold retired from the business, and
Mr. Gaylord associated with himself Mr. A. W. Fairchild, and
under the style of Gaylord & Fairchild the business still con-
tinues. During the ten years since the store was established the
Florence oil stoves and heaters have become a staple, and cus-
tomers rarely question their utility or safety; more than fifteen
thousand have been sold in the State of Rhode Island alone, and
the wholesale and retail trade of the firm has been extended into
the adjacent territory of Massachusetts and Connecticut. The
sale of oil stoves and their furniture has developed a demand for
kitchen furnishings of all kinds, and a very complete line of these
goods has been added in this department, and promises to become
a prominent part of the business. The firm having had their
attention given to the perfect combustion of coal oil in stoves,
have extended their business in that direction, and become
specialists in the burning of this kind of oil in lamps as well.
They keep in stock the finest assortment of lamps and kero-
sene fixtures in the city, their aim being to thoroughly test all new
inventions in this line before offering them for sale, thus insuring
their customers against worthless articles.
ELISHA J. ALLEN.— In 1856 Elisha J. Allen, who had been
a clerk with Dutee Arnold & Company, decided to go into busi-
ness ſor himself, and opened a store at Nos. 217 and 219 South
Main Street, which place has been a familiar house-furnishing
establishment to the citizens of Providence for many years. He
deals in hot-air furnaces, ranges, stoves, crockery, glassware, and
housekeeping goods generally. He is also a manufacturer of tin
and sheet iron ware, and attends to the putting on of tin roofs
and that class of work generally. During Mr. Allen's career he
has seen many changes in the trade — firms having come and
gone—and many changes in modes of business, but he has met all
demands of varying tastes successfully, with increasing trade from
year to year. Still at the old stand, he has had to respond to the
growing demands of his trade and take additional room, which he
did by using the building adjoining for storing and the display of
his goods. His special line of goods at this time is the “Model”
goods, made by Spicers & Peckham, stove founders, of Provi-
dence.
MR. WILLIAM B. THOMPson has been established in the busi-
ness of tin and sheet iron worker, gas and steam fitter and
plumber in Providence since 1875. For the greater part of the
time he has been located at No. 388 High Street, but recently
removed to Nos. 347 and 349 on the same street, the building
being known as the Brick Front, and situated at the junction of
High and Cranston streets. In addition to the general plumbing
business, Mr. Thompson is also a dealer in stoves, ranges, and
furnaces,—the Carter furnace being a specialty of his that has
become very popular, and commands a large sale. He pays par-
ticular attention to the metallic roofing business, and water pipe
fitting, and is an expert in all matters relating thereto. By the
employment of good mechanics, and attending personally to the
proper fulfillments of his contracts, he has succeeded in securing
a large share of public patronage, and by his fidelity and skill
has won the confidence of those who have entrusted him with
their orders.
STEPHEN F. CHACE.-Furniture repairing constitutes of itself
a business of no mean proportions in Providence. Mr. Stephen
F. Chace has long been well known in this business, and has
been located for years at No. 289 Broad Street. To this place
housekeepers may safely send any piece of worn or injured
furniture, from a broken chair to the most elaborate and costly
article of cabinet or upholstered work they possess, and be sure
of having it skillfully and neatly repaired and returned to them
for a reasonable compensation. Besides the work of this kind
that is daily sent to his shop, Mr. Chace has succeeded in devel-
oping one branch of his work into an enterprise of considerable
importance and extent, viz., as state agent for the Harwood fibre
chair seat, which is in great demand everywhere, both for new
work and for reseating chairs. They are much used for public
halls and chapels. In this commodity Mr. Chace has a substan-
tial trade. Both as a workman and a citizen he enjoys the con-
fidence and respect of all who have dealings with him.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTs.
HENRY BAKER & SoN.—Although deeply interested and en-
gaged in manufacture and general business, for which the state
is noted, yet the people have given great encouragement and sup-
port to the upbuilding of the fine arts, notably to music in all its
departments; and as a result the state and city boasts with com-
mendable pride of its musicians, both professional and amateur,
who stand as high as the highest in their specialties.
An important aid to the study and advancement of art in music
is the dealer in musical instruments. Usually a teacher or student
of music, he attunes the popular voice and is a guide to correct
ideas and good taste. Mr. Henry Baker has served the people as
dealer and instructor for many years. On May 1, 1852, he formed
a copartnership with Obadiah Brown for the purpose of dealing
in musical instruments. - In 1854 Mr. Brown retired, and Mr.
Baker continued the business alone, and in 1859, Edwin Baker
was admitted, and the firm name became known as Henry Baker
& Son. The place of business has been always in Duncan's
block, 7o Weybosset Street. From 1857 to 1875 Messrs. Baker,
as members of the firm of Baker & Randall, were engaged in the
manufacture of reed organs. The present business of the firm is
the selling of piano-fortes, principally the Henry F. Miller piano,
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
307
and the repairing of pianos and organs. The firm of Henry Baker
& Son is the successor of Danforth Lyon, who was the earliest
regular dealer in pianos in Providence. He was established in
business about the year 1824.
Mr. Henry Baker was a director in various musical organiza-
tions, and has been a choir-master for thirty years. Mr. Edwin
Baker was president of the Orpheus Club, now the Orpheus
Lodge of Masons, the oldest vocal society in Rhode Island. He
has been secretary of the grand lodge of Masons since 1872.
The Miller piano, of which they make a specialty, is so widely
known that some reference to the inventor and manufacturer, Mr.
Henry F. Miller, a native of Providence, is a necessary part of
the history. He learned the trade of watch-making in Providence,
and became very skillful. He received a musical education, and
for many years was organist in different churches. In 185o Mr.
Miller entered the employ of Brown & Allen, piano manufacturers
in Boston, and afterward became general manager. He was estab-
lished in business for himself in 1863. The industry that grew
from his hands is known the world over. The product, the
Henry F. Miller piano, has won the highest praise, and is unri-
valed to-day. Mr. Miller died in 1884, and was succeeded by his
five sons, Henry F., Walter H., James C., Edwin C., and Wil-
liam T. Mr. Joseph H. Gibson, superintendent of the manufac-
tory since 1863, is also a member of the firm. The present place
of the Henry F. Miller Piano Company, is 156 Tremont Street,
Boston.
MR. HERBERT L. EDDY has been identified with the musical
public all his business life. He has held the position as organist
at the Roger Williams Church for the past seventeen years and at
the First Universalist Church for the past eleven years, simulta-
neously. He is a successful teacher of the piano and organ, and
has every year a large class of pupils. He resides in North Prov-
idence, where he has held the office of chairman of the school
committee. Mr. Eddy represents the Wheelock Piano Company
—being their agent for the state—the Stuyvesant Piano Com-
pany, the Taber, and the Loring & Blake Organ Companies.
He occupies three large rooms in the Hoppin Homestead build-
ing, where he has a large assortment of musical instruments, and
keeps a stock of music in sheet and book form. Mr. Eddy before
entering into business for himself, was a salesman for Messrs.
Hibbard & Hawkins, at No. 199 Westminster Street, and remained
with that firm four years as manager of their musical department.
Hibbard & Hawkins retired from business in the spring of 1874,
and in the fall of the same year Mr. Eddy succeeded them in the
music trade at their old stand. He removed to his present loca-
tion in 1876. Mr. Eddy’s thorough knowledge of all classes of
pianos, organs, and other musical instruments, together with his
extended and honorable business experience, recommends him to
the musical and social community as a dealer whose judgment
and critical taste may be implicitly relied upon.
HENRY E. LEVALLEY.—One of the recent whims of society is
the banjo. It has become quite fashionable for ladies and gentle-
men to learn to play upon that lively instrument. Business and
professional men find it rests them to “pick the banjo,” while
the ladies like to hear the sharp, saucy twang respond to their
deft fingers.
Mr. Henry E. LeValley, of No. 331 Westminster Street, is a
teacher of the banjo, and also dealer in banjo music and strings.
He was a pupil of the famous George C. Dobson, of New York,
and is the sole agent for the State of Rhode Island for that gentle-
man's Victor banjo, celebrated for its tone, and the favorite with
the professions. Of his pupil, Mr. Dobson said: “Mr. LeValley
is a genuine exponent of the banjo, - his execution is excellent.”
Mr. LeValley's rooms are located on the second floor, are easy of
access, and pleasant and attractive. He is also a composer;
many of his original compositions have been published, and are
favorites with banjo players. Among these compositions may be
mentioned the “Wauregan Schottische,” the “Providence Clog
Horn-pipe,” “Laura's Favorite,” and the “Bird Waltz.” Mr.
LeValley is a hard student and ranks high in the profession.
PHOTOGRAPHERs.
HoRTON BROTHERs.—The great improvements made in pho-
tography within the last few years have elevated the business from
what was little more than a mere mechanical occupation into an
art requiring great skill, cultivated taste, and good professional
training. Messrs. Horton Brothers, No. 87 Westminster Street,
who have been established in Providence for upwards of ten
years, have secured well-merited distinction as photographic
artists; and to attain success in this line in Providence is a matter
to be justly proud of. Providence people are naturally art con-
noisseurs. They have continually brought to their attention
works of art of the highest excellence,—the production of their home
manufactories, and the result is that they are keen critics and ex-
cellent judges in art matters. The Messrs. Hortons' success insatis-
fying the exacting demands of their aesthetic patrons may safely be
attributed to artistic ability in the first place, a clear knowledge
of the requirements of the business, and a laudable ambition to
produce faultless pictures. In other words, ability, energy, and
ambition has been their trade motto. They have labored intelli-
gently and conscientiously. No imperfectly finished work is
allowed to leave their studio. They use every effort to please,
pay close personal attention to details, and at once introduce
every new aid that science or experience suggests. The result is
that their pictures stand the test of the closest scrutiny and leave
no room for fault-finding. The excellence of their work is fully
appreciated, not only in Providence and throughout Rhode Island,
but also in other New England States, as is proved by numerous
complimentary notices from competent art critics. The following
are extracts from two of such notices that have recently appeared:
“The studio of the Horton Brothers is regarded as a valuable
addition to the aesthetic development of Providence, and their
business has come to be counted among the enterprising indus-
tries of the city.” “Starting on a basis of strict
attention to artistic effect and a general excellence in detail, they
have acquired the enviable position of leaders in photographic
art in Rhode Island, and to-day their business is second to none
in New England, and represents to a large degree the wealthy
and best patronage of the state.”
W. H. HoRTON & MILLER.—Crayon art, which in later years
has attracted much attention, and by which some very fine work
has been executed, is represented in Providence by the firm of
William H. Horton & Miller, No. 38 Snow Street. The mem-
bers of the firm are Mr. William H. Horton and Mr. M. Frank
Miller, who are artists in oil, crayon, pastel, and water colors,
portraits, and landscapes. They make a specialty of children's
portraits and animal painting, in both of which lines their work
has won favor. They also keep on hand a complete assortment
of frames of every variety. Mr. Horton first became known for
his artistic ability when on the police force of this city, when his
work brought him into favorable notice. Mr. Miller has had
over twenty years’ experience in photography and is a thorough
artist. Their reception-room is a pleasant place to visit, where
one can rest on a comfortable lounge or easy chair and examine
the fine specimens of art that are there exhibited.
MR. H. Q. MoRTON has been established in the business of
photography in Providence since April, 1873. He first located
at No. 171 Westminster Street, and had but one assistant. In
1879, he purchased the studio at 249 I-2 Westminster Street, for-
merly occupied by Mr. J. F. Suddard, which was conducted as
a branch establishment. With these additional facilities he still
found himself unable to meet the demand made upon him by his
308
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
patrons. He then established another branch studio at No. 75
Westminster Street, and for two years he kept all of these estab-
lishments going and doing a good business. But the inconven-
ience of having his business thus divided up was harassing, as it
was difficult to give each one of these places the personal atten-
tion he desired. He therefore determined to concentrate his
business at his present spacious studio, No. 75 Westminster
Street, which he has succeeded in doing. In the meantime his
force of assistants had increased from one to fifteen, and now in
the busy season he employs twenty. Mr. Morton's business has
been since he started confined almost exclusively to portrait work,
and his long experience and the flattering patronage he has re-
ceived, and continues to receive, affords good evidence of his
artistic ability in this line. At one time he had engagements for
every fifteen minutes from eight o'clock, A. M., to five o'clock,
P. M., for three weeks ahead. He produces pictures in any de-
sired style — cards, cabinets, panels in all sizes, and plain albu-
men life-size portraits. He makes a specialty of copying all kinds
of small portrait pictures, enlarging them to any size, and finish-
ing them in oil, water colors or crayon, in the best style and accord-
ing to the most approved modern art methods. He has been among
the first to adopt every scientific and art improvement, as soon as
its value was satisfactorily demonstrated. His corps of assistants
are all selected for their special ability in their lines of work, so
that all pictures executed at his studio are finished and perfected
in all their details and by his own assistants. He spares neither
expense nor trouble in his efforts to produce the highest grade of
work, and his large patronage is the best proof of the success
that has attended his endeavors in this direction.
PicturE FRAMERs.
GEORGE E. Cole.—There is probably no branch of business of
an artistic character that has had a greater impetus given to it dur-
ing the last few years, than that of the manufacture of gilt mould-
ings, especially the kind used for picture frames. Mr. George E.
Cole, whose place of business is now at No. 204 Broad Street,
commenced the manufacture of this line of goods about six years
ago at No. 176 Broad Street, removing to No. 9 Eddy Street,
where he remained until 1882, when he obtained possession of the
desirable premises he now occupies. From small beginnings he has
built up a large trade, and gives employment to ten skilled work-
men. He keeps a large stock of goods constantly on hand, em-
bracing every variety of gilt mouldings known to the trade, as
well as many special kinds of his own design and manufacture.
His goods have a large sale all over the New England States.
The leading feature of his business, however, is the manufacture
of frames to order, for which his facilities are unexcelled.
Edward TINSON.—Artists are particular about two things in
the exhibition of their pictures, one is the location and the other
the hanging, and the latter includes the frame. It is possible to
ruin a picture's chances for distinction by framing it in a way and
style not congenial to the subject. Mr. Edward Tinson, of No.
159 Westminster Street, has made since the year 1870 the fram-
ing of pictures a study, and being a practical gilder and frame-
maker, is able to suitably inclose a picture so that it will be pro-
tected from the dust and at the same time the subject, not the
frame, will be the principal object of attraction. This requires
skill and taste almost equal to that required of the artist. Mr.
Tinson is a designer of gilding and moulding for frames, and has
always in stock a great variety of gold and bronze frames. His
line of Florentine, plain, and carved frames is very extensive.
Mats and passe-partouts in every variety are to be had at his estab-
lishment. Frames made of fancy woods, plain and carved, and
of various designs, are manufactured by him, and always in stock.
He orginates many of his patterns and is an expert in framing a
picture. He also repairs and regilds old frames, and has pre-
served many frames that are heirlooms, but which were chipping
off, or darkened by dust. This is an important branch of the
gilder's business and demands that it should be carefully done and
the old frame reproduced with accuracy. So with the gilder's art
and the aid of the artist's retouching, it is possible for ages to pre-
serve paintings as they appeared originally. To all the details of
his business Mr. Tinson attends with painstaking and skillful
Care.
GARDNER BLANDIN.— The first evidence of wealth, or even
of prosperity, is the adornment of homes.
The great demand for pictures, the love of which is born in
every soul, creates a corresponding demand for the picture's
embellishment and protection — its frame. Hence the picture
frame dealer is as necessary as the picture dealer, and both to
gether build the art idea and help in its development. Mr.
Gardner Blandin's specialty in business is portrait and picture
framing, and he has been thus engaged since 1876. His work is
recognized as the best, and the most fastidious customers find
their wants supplied. The place of business is at 230 and 232
Westminster Street, where the business has assumed such magni-
tude that four floors of the building are required to accommodate
the stock needed. Five to eight persons are employed to meet
the continual demand for all kinds of frames.
RETAIL JEwBLERs.
HERBERT S. TANNER.— Providence is noted for its trade
jewelers as well as for its manufacturing jewelers. It is acknowl-
edged that the larger cities can produce no better collection of
gems and general jewelry than Providence, although they may be
larger.
The business represented by Herbert S. Tanner was established
in 1870 by Mr. Herbert Phillips. Mr. Tanner was in the employ
of Mr. Phillips as clerk, and at the death of the proprietor,
bought the stock in trade, and continued the business, located
now at 40 Westminster Street. The trade won by the old house
was retained and made much larger by the efforts of the new
proprietor. A full line of goods usually kept by jewelers is
always in full supply, such as watches, clocks, diamonds, rings,
pins, spectacles, etc. Watch and clock repairing is a specialty.
E. D. CUMMINGs & CoMPANY.—The demand for goods in which
opticians deal, and especially the scientific skill which many of
them possess for selecting and adjusting suitable aids to impaired
eyesight, is increasing every year. More than twenty-five years
ago Mr. G. N. Cummings opened the first store for the sale of
optical goods established in Providence. He gave his attention
very largely to fitting customers with spectacles and eye glasses
scientifically suited to meet the defect to be overcome; he im-
ported the best goods, cutting and setting his own glasses, and
spared no pains to build up a reputation for skill in this branch
of work. After carrying on the business for twenty years, he
was succeeded by his son, Mr. E. D. Cummings, who under
the style of E. D. Cummings & Company, has carried on an
enlarged and constantly growing business to the present time.
The store is located at No. 36 Dorrance Street, and the stock of
goods comprises not only the classes already referred to, but all
kinds of opticians' supplies, watchmakers' glasses, opera classes,
reading glasses, and eye shades of different styles.
JAMES C. PRAY. — Mr. Pray began business on High Street
in 1858, where he turned his attention to repairing watches and
clocks. His success in that department is attested by the fact that
he now has customers who brought their time-pieces to him to be
repaired when he first began business. In 1864 he was obliged
to rest for a year, close confinement to his store having broken
down his health. When he was able to return to business he
reopened on South Main Street, where the Infantry building now
stands. He remained there until 1878, when he removed to No.
8o South Main Street. Besides devoting his time to the repairing
department, Mr. Pray has a complete line of jewelry.
CHAPTER XX.
MERCANTILE, PROFESSIONAL, AND MECHANICAL PURSUITS.
WILLIAM H. HALL,
A Leading Real Estate Agent of Providence,
WILLIAM H. HALL, of No. 49 Weybosset Street, began the
business of real estate brokerage in 1866. In 1869 he added the
vocation of auctioneer and has prosecuted his business success-
fully. He continues to rent, sell, and care for estates, and has
secured a large clientage. He was born in Providence in 1837. In
early life his health was delicate. At the age of fourteen years he
entered the employment of Messrs. William A. Howard & Com-
pany, proprietors of the largest cigar manufactory in the city, to
learn the business, and in six months became as expert a workman
as any employed in the house with years of experience, and received
as much pay; but he worked at this business only about a year.
At the age of seventeen years, convinced that active employment
would prove the best method of recovering and retaining good
health, he borrowed of a friend the small capital of forty-seven
dollars, and securing credit for the necessary materials erected a
diminutive structure on the south side of Broad Street, next east
of Summer Street, where he opened a store for the sale of fruits,
confectionery, and periodicals. When he had completed his build-
ing he had just seven dollars in cash of his borrowed capital left
to purchase his first stock with. But he was liberally patronized
and his venture proved so successful that before long he was able
to pay the debt he had incurred in starting his new business.
By constant and strict attention to business he soon began to
accumulate money, notwithstanding he was supporting his parents
at that time. His health improved, and desiring to pursue a mer-
cantile career, he entered Scholfield’s Business College, from which
he received a diploma on April 21, 1859. He obtained a position
as book-keeper with Charles W. Atwood, of this city, a large
dealer in lumber, with whom he remained about four years.
For a short time succeeding this period he was book-keeper
for William H. Gratwick & Company, of Albany, N. Y., a large
wholesale lumber house at that time. The Marietta & Vinton Coal
and Oil Company having offered him the position of secretary and
treasurer of that organization, he accepted the situation, and
returned to Providence early in 1865, and held the position until
the business of the company was closed up, since which time he
has been engaged in his present business. In 1860 Mr. Hall
purchased the site on which he opened his little store on Broad
Street, and since that time has acquired much valuable property.
In 1872 he erected a residence on the corner of Somerset and
Hayward streets, which he sold to Thomas Cosgrove about a
year later. In 1873 he purchased the Joseph W. Sweet estate,
in Cranston, now Edgewood, and greatly improved and beautified
it, and has since occupied it for his residence. He has also
erected Hall's block, a business building on Weybosset Street.
His success is due to his energy, integrity, and business ability.
He was an active and influential member of the town council
of Cranston for six years; was town treasurer one year and de-
clined a reëlection. He was a member of the House of Repre-
sentatives of Rhode Island, from 1880 to 1884, inclusive, and
was elected state Senator from Cranston for 1884 and 1885, and
was nominated for 1886, but declined longer service as Senator.
He was the only Republican Senator ever elected from Cranston,
and ably represented his town and state in both houses of the
Assembly and established a reputation as an excellent debater of
governmental and economical questions. He served as chair-
man of the joint committee on accounts and claims, of the joint
committee on state property, and as second member of the com-
mittee on corporations, while in the Assembly. He has been a
candidate for various elective offices thirteen times and was never
defeated. -
GEORGE H. BURNHAM, dealer in real estate and stocks, is
a native of Pelham, N. H. Soon after leaving school he went
to Boston and engaged in telegraphing in which he continued for
several years. He afterwards entered the service of the New Eng-
land Roofing Company, and while so engaged was sent to Provi-
dence and for several years managed their business there. In
April, 1861, he enlisted as a private soldier in Company B, First
Regiment Rhode Island Detached Militia; later, he was second
lieutenant in the Ninth Rhode Island Volunteers, and was after-
wards commissioned second lieutenant in the Fourteenth Rhode
Island Heavy Artillery. This commission he did not accept, and
in January, 1864, was offered and accepted a clerkship in the office
of Messrs. Doyle & Joslin, auctioneers and commission dealers
in real estate and stocks. This firm, the head of which was the
late Mayor Doyle, succeeded the late A. B. Dike, who was the
pioneer in that business in this city, he having established it in
the year 1841 and successfully carried it on until 1862, when he
retired.
Messrs. Doyle & Joslin carried on the business until 1870,
when they, too, retired and Mr. Burnham succeeded to and now
carries on the business which was established by Mr. Dike, the
succession being unbroken. Mr. Burnham has been active in
municipal affairs, having been elected to the common council
from ward six five successive years—1866 to 1870—and the latter

40
3 IO
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
year elected president of that body, serving one year, and in 1881
was elected from the same ward to the board of aldermen to
which he has since been annually reëlected and is now serving
his sixth successive term in that branch, and his eleventh in the
city government. Mr. Burnham has also served two years,
1879–1880, in the General Assembly. He is a member of the
United Train of Artillery, having been commissioned as first
lieutenant, captain, and major in that ancient organization.
Mr. Burnham has given some attention to Masonry and has
been often honored by his brethren of that honorable fraternity.
He was two years, 1870–1871, master of the venerable lodge of
Saint John ; seven years secretary of the Grand Royal Arch
Chapter; one year, 1877, commander of Saint John's Command-
ery Knights-Templar, and now holds the office of grand com-
mander of the governing body of that order in Massachusetts
and Rhode Island.
F. H. Lough LIN.—The
care and management of
property has become an
important business, and
many able and trusty men
give their lives to it. Mr.
John Loughlin opened a
real estate agency in 1853.
F. H. Loughlin became as-
sociated with his father in
1880, and at the death of
the senior member of the
firm, in 1882, succeeded to
the business, and has had
offices at 69 Charles Street,
341, 359, and 128 North
Main Street, and is at pres-
ent located at 121 North
Main Street, Providence.
Particular attention is given
to the care; renting, and
maintenance of property. Statements are rendered, and accounts
settled every month, and the owner who wishes to be relieved
of the annoying duties of tenement renting and repair may
secure a responsible agent in Mr. Loughlin.
WILLIAM R. WALKER & SoN.— The numerous building im-
provements that have been carried out in Providence during the
last few years are a legitimate source of pride to its citizens. It
is no exaggeration to say that but few cities in the United States
have made such progress in this respect as Providence has within
the last dozen years. The evidence of this fact is apparent on
every hand. In the business part of the city there is scarcely a
block that has not one or more magnificent new buildings – a
large factory, a fine store, or a great warehouse. In the uptown
streets and suburban neighborhoods, beautiful private residences
of modern style and solid construction are everywhere to be met
with. The notable point about all these new structures, whether
intended for business or residence purposes, is the thoroughly
substantial manner in which they are put up, and the good taste
displayed in their style and ornamentation. The aim of the
owners and the architects has evidently been to combine these
desirable elements in such a way as to produce a result attractive
in an artistic point of view. In this they have admirably suc-
ceeded, the whole being a strong contrast to the flimsy structures
and tawdry architectural decorations that ruled a few years ago.
For this gratifying change in building methods the credit is, be-
yond question, largely due to the architects. These professional
gentlemen have kept pace with the times, and the result of their
progressive ideas is seen in our beautiful and substantial modern
OFFICE OF F. H. LOUGH LIN.
buildings, in which nothing that can add to grace, symmetry,
comfort, or durability seems to be lacking. In the interior ar-
rangements as in the exterior finish of these buildings no detail
that can add to their convenience is neglected. Every inch of
space is utilized to the best advantage. There are no dark
closets or waste places. Plenty of light, good ventilation, good
sewerage,_ everything, in fact, that can conduce to health, con-
venience, and comfort, is provided for. Among the prominent
architects of Providence who have been instrumental in bringing
about these great changes for the better in building methods,
are William R. Walker & Son. Gen. William R. Walker, the
senior member of this firm, opened his office in 1865 in the
Merchants Bank building, Westminster Street. He very speed-
ily attained a leading position in his profession, and his firm, com-
posed now of himself and his son, W. Howard Walker, still retain
it. The evidences of their ability and good judgment as archi-
tects, are very numerous not only in Providence but in the neigh-
boring cities and states. In Providence the following public
buildings were planned and superintended by this firm : The
Narragansett Hotel, Providence High School, Vineyard Street
Grammar School, Smith Street School, Brown University Li-
brary, Union Congregational Church, Freemason’s Hall, Vaughan
building, Equitable building, Daniels building, Boston Store, fire
stations on Atwell’s Avenue and Mill Street. The firm were
also architects of the following private residences, all of which
are among the finest in the city: B. B. Knight's, Broad Street;
H. N. Campbell's, Hope Street; John McAuslan's, Elmwood
Avenue; Frank W. Mathewson, Bowen Street; B. F. Vaughn's,
Hope Street, and George E. Boyden’s, Baker Avenue. Among
the buildings now being erected under their direction are the
City Hall and the Brown building at Fall River, Mass., and the
George Hail Free Library at Warren, R. I. These buildings
furnish evidence of the skill and ability of this firm and the esti-
mation in which they are held by those who have required their
services as architects.
MR. John Howe, civil engineer, whose office is at 7o Wey-
bosset Street, has had a long and honorable professional career.
He first established himself in Lowell, Mass., in 1852, but the
same year removed to Westfield, in that state, where he was
engaged in the construction of the Hampshire and Hampden rail-
road. From the latter place he came to Providence on March
14, 1854, and opened an office at the above location, where he
still continues to occupy the same room. He was appointed clerk
to the superintendent and disbursing agent of the new Custom
House, and executed all the engineering work required on that
building, and also made a full set of drawings for the department
at Washington. In 1867 he made a survey of the Cove lands and
railroad grant for the State of Rhode Island. Before the office of
city engineer was established, he was frequently employed profes-
sionally by the city authorities. He has also executed many com-
missions for the Supreme Court of Rhode Island, in cases involving
the division of real estate. He was commissioned by Governor
Van Zandt, July 9, 1879, as brigade engineer, Rhode Island
Militia, and in 1884 was detailed by Governor Bourn as inspector
of rifle practice, and reappointed by Governor Wetmore to the
same position in 1885.
W. E. BARRETT & CoMPANY. — Situated on Canal Street, in
the heart of the city, is the agricultural warehouse of William E.
Barrett & Company, the oldest house in their line in the state, and
one of the most extensive in New England. For over forty years
this establishment has been the head-quarters for farmers for many
miles of surrounding territory. At all times of the year farmers'
teams of various descriptions may be seen about this locality
awaiting the purchase of seeds, farming tools, and utensils of vari-
ous kinds which make up the requirements of the farm and gar-

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
3 II
den, and the citizens of Rhode Island have become accustomed
to associate the locality and the business transacted here as one of
the distinguishing features of this street.
The firm are dealers in agricultural tools and machinery, in
wooden ware, seeds, and farmers’ supplies generally.
The business occupies several floors at Nos. 43 and 44 Canal
Street, with a factory on Burgess Street. The three partners,
Mr. W. E. Barrett, Mr. George W. Williams, and Mr. W. A.
Fisk, have had a varied business experience of a character which
has peculiarly fitted each one for the part he takes in the work of .
the firm.
The foundation of the business was laid in 1843, by Messrs.
Burdick & Barrett. In 1863 the firm name was changed to the
present title, and the business has been steadily extended. Among
the firm's productions of special merit, is the hard metal plow,
which, while working, becomes like polished steel. Besides their
own manufactures, large sales are made of farming implements
consisting of mowers, hay tedders, drills, horse rakes, Kemp's
manure spreader, “Buckeye” mowing machine, “Climax” wheel
harrow, Thomas' smoothing harrow, the “National” reversible
sulky plow, corn planters, cider mills, “Cooley" creamers, ensi-
lage cutters, etc., etc., and the whole list of farming implements
which have so completely revolutionized the art of husbandry in
America. -
The amount of the firm's sales goes up into the hundreds of
thousands of dollars, and the trade extends beyond the confines of
New England, as a result of enterprise coupled with an intelli-
gent knowledge of rural requirements. -
The seed department is an important feature of the business,
having been followed for years with most careful attention to
reliability of each species, and much of this stock is raised and
gathered under the special care of one of the firm.
The wooden ware part of the business is of comparatively
recent date, but has proved, like the other ventures, very success-
ful. The members of this firm have been very active in promot-
ing agricultural and horticultural interests throughout the state,
and Mr. Barrett is an active member of the Rhode Island Society
for the Encouragement of Domestic Industry, a society which
has been very valuable in promoting industrial objects.
HAMLIN JoHNSON & CoMPANY. —As dealers in seeds and
agricultural implements, the firm of Hamlin Johnson & Company
has won a high standing in the city and throughout the state.
Located where the principal thoroughfares converge at No. 2
Exchange Place, and handy to the railroad depots, their spacious
salesroom and warehouse is the resort of farmers and gardeners
from all directions. The business was established in 1879 by Mr.
Hamlin Johnson, who was sole proprietor for the first five years.
As the sphere of trade enlarged and the care of the business became
heavier, Mr. Johnson associated with himself as partner, Mr.
Walter A. Potter, and the firm style of Hamlin Johnson & Com-
pany was then adopted. They carry an extensive and varied
stock in each department of their trade, comprising vegetable
seeds, choice bulbs and roots imported from Holland and France,
small fruits, grasses, and fertilizers. The firm publish a pamphlet
devoted to descriptions and cuts of the many improved farming
implements in which the house deals. These are, Ward's new
sulky plow, the “Warrior” wheel and “Acme" pulverizing har-
rows, the “Thomas” horse rake, the “76” swivel and “Wiard's”
chilled plows, tedders, cultivators, creameries, and churns, all of
improved modern construction. In a word, there is scarcely any
implement to facilitate labor in field or garden, barn or dairy-
room, that may not be found at the warehouse of this thriving
firm. Their latest important novelty is Sherwood's steel plow
harness for a pair of work horses, constructed on an entirely new
plan of draft, with no whiffletrees or traces—for which they are
New England agents.
T. W. Rounds & ComPANY.—Evidence 1s not wanting to
show that saddle and harness making dates far back in the history
of the world. Tradition and recorded facts prove that horses
were used, both under the saddle and in harness ever since the
early ages. Precisely at what period harness making became a
trade may not be known, but it is certain that various accoutre-
ments for riding and appliances for draught were used at a very
early day in the history of the world. No doubt, at first, saddles
and harnesses were unpretentious and plain in appearance. Still,
some attempt at ornamentation was made in order to correspond
with the gay trappings of warriors, who on saddled steeds rode
forth to battle for kings whose chariots were golden, and the har-
ness that drew them must have been gorgeously decorated. Sad-
dle and harness making, therefore, must have been one of the
earliest of important industries. -
In the Providence Plantations the manufacture of riding saddles
preceded that of harness making, as horse-back riding was about
the only mode of land travel among the early settlers. This
branch of the business grew and flourished here for a long time.
During the last thirty years no saddles have been manufac-
tured in this state, but harness making has grown to be one of
our important industries. As wealth has increased, better grades
of work have been demanded, and that this want has been met
by enterprising manufacturers is evidenced in the elegant turnouts
daily seen in our city, and fine harness making may be said to
have become an art.
Among the older manufacturring establishments of Providence
is the confoern which bears the firm name of T. W. Rounds &
Company, located in the Bowers’ block, at Nos. IoI and Iog
North Main Street, where the making of various grades of har-
nesses is carried on with fine work as a leading specialty. Thirty-
five years ago the senior member of this firm came to this city
from the town of Scituate, in this state, to learn the harness
maker's trade. At that time long hours and hard work was the
rule, and for bright spots an apprentice had only the early and
late candle-light. But full of determination, activity, and hope,
Mr. Rounds served the required time, worked several years as a
journeyman, becoming in the meanwhile thoroughly acquainted
with all the intricacies and practical workings of the trade; was
advanced to the position of foreman, serving in that capacity for
some years, and then went into business for himself on South
Main Street, nearly opposite the old Providence Bank. The
wants and needs of a population fast growing and yearly increas-
ing in wealth had been well considered. Every effort was put
forth to lay the foundation of a harness business to meet all de-
mands, but more especially was it intended to manufacture fine
work; no pains were spared in selecting the best of materials;
skillful workmen were engaged, and although it was predicted
that such an undertaking was ahead of the times, the business
soon assumed large proportions. In the year of 1871, on account
of increasing duties and failing health, Mr. Rounds admitted as
partner, Mr. John B. Humphreys, of Barrington, R.I., a gentle-
man of business experience who had been honored with impor-
tant official positions in his native town, and T. W. Rounds &
Company was the firm name then adopted. In the fall of 1872,
after having utilized all the available room to be had at their old
stand, the firm were obliged to seek larger accommodations.
They accordingly leased and moved into their present location.
Two stores were fitted up into one upon the most approved plan
of modern convenience and finish, surpassing anything of the
kind in the city. Connected with the store is the work-shop in
the second story, which is admirably arranged for the business.
The reputation of this house has been so long established and
so far extended that orders are received from remote parts of the
country and from beyond the sea. According to the last census
this firm manufactured more than three-quarters of all the har-
3 I 2
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
ate members.
Sweet died on Feb. 6, 1878. Business was continued under the
nesses made within the state. Thirty-five years of faithful work
at a trade should bring a fair money consideration, but be that as
it may, the firm of T. W. Rounds & Company have long enjoyed
the distinction of being the leaders in their line of business in
this city and state.
RYAN & SULLIVAN.—The manufacture of wagons and carriages
is an important industry in Providence. The local demand for
these kinds of vehicles is very great; and in no city in the coun-
try can finer turnouts be met with than those to be seen on the
streets here. Among the firms engaged in this branch of manu-
facture, Messrs. Ryan & Sullivan (James M. Ryan and Eugene
J. Sullivan), whose place of business is at No. 36 Fountain
Street, and 74 and 76 Clemence Street, hold a creditable position.
They commenced business May 1, 1879, at No. 54 Cove Street,
and notwithstanding the fact that this was a period of great busi-
ness depression, the firm, by close attention to business, soon
attained a high reputation for good work and an excellent business
standing. They were compelled to remove to more commodious
premises, and at their present location have one of the best ar-
ranged and most convenient carriage factories in this city. Their
success has been in a great measure due to their practical knowl-
edge of the carriage business, both of the gentlemen composing
the firm having had experience in the leading carriage manu-
factories of the city. They manufacture every description of
market and business wagons, buggies, phaetons, carryalls, light
and full size for family use. They also carry on repairing in all
branches of the business. *
E. WINSOR & CoMPANY. — From almost every part of Ex-
change Place the large four-story brick building on Eddy Street,
occupied by E. Winsor & Company, is a conspicuous object, with
a huge wheel mounted on the roof for a sign. There for the last
ten years have been located the spacious warerooms of one of the
largest dealers in carriage-makers' and blacksmiths' supplies in
the country. The present proprietors, Messrs. Edwin Winsor &
Company, are successors to Messrs. Colwell & Winsor, who
founded the business Jan. 1, 1869, and opened their first store at
Nos. 94 and 96 Canal Street. They supply the carriage builder
with each and every part of the vehicle ready-made. Besides the
wood works of carriages, which occupy a large amount of space
in the store, the house deals in that class of heavy wares that con-
stitutes the outfit of a blacksmith's shop. The trade of this house
is extensive, and their merchandise is sold and shipped to all
parts of the country. Mr. Edwin Winsor, the senior proprietor,
has given some attention to public affairs, and has represented
the eighth ward in the city council, and is at present a member
of the council for the ward.
A. A. GRAY & CoMPANY AND H. L. BAssETT & CoMPANY.—
The contractor and builder is an agent of prosperity. He serves
both capital and labor, brings the two forces together, and from
their joint labor produces what the people require for domestic and
commercial use. His presence shows the separation and com-
munity of industries; and his faithful service, the wisdom of the
one, and the worth of the other. The capitalist shuns the details
of building. It is better that the work should be entrusted to him
whose business it is to combine material and forces, and evolve
the desired result. This is the contractor and builder, and a most
important office he fills. - -
The firm of A. A. Gray & Company was organized in 1872,
W. O. Hood, John C. Sweet, and Henry W. Goff being associ-
Mr. Hood retired on April 1, 1876, and Mr.
same firm name, and on May 3, 1886, Mr. H. L. Bassett was
admitted to partnership. This firm has built many fine residences
and business blocks, among which are the summerhouses of Henry
J. Steere, at Nayatt Point, and Henry G. Russell, at Potowomut
Neck, and the city homes of Francis W. Goddard, Miss E. H.
Baker, Rathbone Gardner, and B. F. Thurston. The David
Duncan Ward addition to Butler Hospital, the Perry Davis block
on High Street, the buildings at Rocky Point, and the Goddard
block on George Street were constructed under the care of A. A.
Gray & Company. The head-quarters of the firm is at the corner
of George and Brook streets. The number of men employed is
from sixty to one hundred.
Mr. Gray is vice-president of the Master Carpenters' Union,
and a member of the executive committee of the Mechanics' Ex-
change.
The firm of H. L. Bassett & Company was organized on May
3, 1886, and its members are the members of the firm of A. A.
Gray & Company. H. L. Bassett & Company are the successors
of French, Mackenzie & Company, and completed the following
buildings begun by their predecessors: The Conrad building,
Westminster Street; the works of the Dunnell Manufacturing
Company; the summer houses of John H. Mason and E. W.
Mason, and H. G. McKinney. Contracts have been made re-
cently for a house for J. P. Campbell & Company; extension of
coal elevator at the Conant Thread Works, and alterations in the
building on the Dorrance estate. The place of business is at 69 .
Friendship Street, where many persons are employed in tending
the various machines required in a planing, moulding, sawing,
and mortising works. These employés, with those in the build-
ing department, number from one hundred to one hundred and
fifty.
JoHN R. SHIRLEY.-In no branch of manufacturing have greater
improvements been made within the last few years than the mak-
ing of gas fixtures. In this line of business artistic taste has had
full play, as it afforded scope for great variety in design, and at
the same time good opportunity for a favorable display of the ar-
tist's idea. Manufacturers have not been slow to avail themselves
of these incentives to the production of fine work, and the result
is that many of our public buildings, stores, and private residences
are now ornamented by works of art in this line, which half a
century ago would have been regarded as fit for a palace. Among
the establishments in Providence that have achieved a high repu-
tation for this description of work is that of Mr. John R. Shirley,
whose place of business is at the corner of Pine and Eddy streets.
Mr. Shirley entered into business in 1868 at his present location,
where he has ever since continued to conduct it. His line of
manufacture was at first limited to gas chandeliers, but now
embraces all kinds of ornamental brass goods, gas fixtures, brass
railings, lanterns, lecturns, memorial tablets, bronzes, etc. In
the production of these goods, twenty-five hands are employed.
Mr. Shirley has been very successful in the lighting of public
buildings, both in this and other cities, and has manufactured and
furnished some very fine special brass work. Specimens of his
skill in these lines may be seen in the City Hall, Rhode Island
National Bank, National Exchange Bank, Sayles' Memorial Hall,
All Saints' Church, St. Stephen's Church, First Baptist Church,
the metal work and gas fixtures in the new Masonic Temple, the
Hope Club, and many special pieces for private citizens.
THE HOLMEs' BURGLAR ALARM TELEGRAPH CoMPANY.—No
more unique and useful electrical appliance has been adopted in
this city than that introduced by the Holmes' Burglar Alarm Tele-
graph Company, for the protection of bank vaults, safes, and
other property. The company has its central office at No. 18
Custom House Street, and is managed by E. M. Carhart, Esq.
This system was originally introduced into New York City, in
1872, and has since been extended to most of the large cities of
the United States and Canada. The company now takes charge
of over fifteen hundred vaults and safes, forty-six of which are
located in Providence, The working of the apparatus is as fol-
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. - 3 I 3
lows: The vault or safe to be protected is furnished with a com-
plete electric lining, so carefully fitted that it cannot be punctured
or disturbed in any part, even with a pin, when in operation,
without causing an alarm at the office of the company. These
sensitive linings are connected by independent wires with the
annunciators at the company’s office, and by this means the per-
sons on duty there are apprised of any attempt to meddle with the
property in their charge the instant it is touched. All the batter-
ies and other apparatus are also kept at the company's office, so
there is nothing outside for a robber to manipulate, unless he cuts
the wires, in which case the alarm bell is sounded the same as it
would be if the safe was opened. The valuable property of con-
cerns using this system is, therefore, under the constant watch and
ward of the company’s watchmen, from the moment their patron's
premises are reported closed to the time of reopening, and is
absolutely safe. The office is provided with six trained and trusty
watchmen, who remain within ear-shot of the alarm bells during
the entire night; and the instant there is evidence of anything
wrong at any of the safes under their protection, two of them
hasten to the spot to investigate the cause of alarm. Besides the
alarm telegraph just described, the same parties own and operate
a complete burglar alarm for private houses, by means of which
every door and window in the building may be connected with a
single alarm bell located in any room desired.
E. D. SMITH & Sons.— The honor of inventing and discover-
ing the practical application of concrete, now so extensively used
for paving walks and drives, belongs to Mr. Ezra D. Smith, of this
city, who introduced it into use about twenty years ago, and might
now find gratifying evidence of the enduring value of his discovery
in nearly every city and village in the land. This article has come
to be considered as a necessity of well nigh universal application.
Mr. Smith and his two sons, under the firm name of E. D. Smith
& Sons, still continue to manufacture concrete of different kinds
at their extensive works on Knight Street, near the corner of
Atwell’s Avenue. Their office is located in Mechanics Exchange.
About twenty-five men are employed at this factory and in lay-
ing concrete, for which the firm are constantly in receipt of orders
from every part of the city and suburbs. *
STANToN & FARNUM.— One of the oldest marble and granite
works in the city is now owned and operated by Messrs. Stan-
ton & Farnum, at No. 575 High Street, and many fine samples of
monumental work bearing their inscription are to be found in the
cemeteries of the state. The business to which this firm has
succeeded was established in 1851, by Mr. Charles B. Lobdell,
who carried it on for a period of thirty-five years, with the ex-
ception of a break in the years 1865 and 1866, when Mr. James
Warren was the temporary manager. The present proprietors,
Mr. Nelson V. Stanton and Mr. Alonzo T. Farnum, purchased
the business in February, 1886, and now employ eighteen skilled
workmen in cutting and finishing granite and marble monumental
work, together with marble and marbleized slate mantels, and
other varieties of work in their line. No marble works in New
England have a reputation for doing better work. The firm
carry the largest stock of rough blocks and finished work of any
marble yard in the city. Mr. Stanton came to Providence a
short time ago from Worcester County, Massachusetts. In the
late war he made an honorable record as captain of Company K,
in the Fifteenth Massachusetts Regiment. Mr. Farnum brought
into the business an experience of thirty years, and for ten years
had managed a large establishment in the same line at No. 448
High Street.
WHITTEMORE & Couch.-The blackboard of the school-house
very often does not give satisfaction. In many cases it has been
painted on the wall and has become greasy from use, or on wet
days is so moist the chalk will not make a mark upon it; and
when it is a painted board, from the frequent application of crayon,
it assumes a whitish expression and the chalk does not write
distinctly on the surface. To overcome all these difficulties,
Messrs. K. W. Whittemore and L. J. Couch in the year 1883,
established on Eddy Street a manufactory of blackboard material.
They continued on Eddy Street for a short time, and then removed
to their present location at No. 47 Sprague Street, where they do
business under the original firm name, Whittemore & Couch, and
have an extensive factory where they manufacture their blackboard
material and put it up ready for sale, in the form of a cement.
Directions for applying it to the wall are inclosed with it. They
also make of this material, by casting it in wire, light and portable
blackboards for schools and offices. These boards are of all sizes
and are sold to the trade as the “Champion Patent Portable Black-
board.” This board has a smooth, double surface ; it takes chalk
readily and is easily cleaned; it uses less than half the chalk
ordinarily required, and thus largely prevents the accumulation
of dust; it does not crack nor scale off; it is a good slate color
and does not reflect light strongly, and is a pleasant surface to
write upon. - g
The material, which is called the “Champion” blackboard
material, and the method of applying it are the inventions of these
gentlemen, and their importance can be readily appreciated by all
who can recall the variableness of the usual school blackboard.
CHARLEs F. Pope & CoMPANY. — The business now carried
on by Charles F. Pope & Company, at No. 33 Weybosset Street,
was established in 1825, and is one of the oldest on the street.
It was founded by Mr. Charles Little, who after conducting it for
over forty years, was succeeded in 1867 by Mr. Charles F. Pope,
who admitted Mr. Festus S. Rand as partner, two years ago.
The firm carries a large and well-selected stock of guns and pis-
tols, powder and shot, fishing tackle, and all the supplies needed
by hunters and anglers, and their assortment includes shooting
coats, caps, and other articles not often found in stores of this
grade. They are also agents for Parker's popular breech-loading
guns, and attend to cleaning and repairing bank vaults and safes,
bell hanging, key and lock fitting, etc. The store is the resort of
sportsmen from near and far, and the proprietors do both a
wholesale and retail trade in this and adjoining states.
JAMEs M. Southwick.-The study of natural science is at
present engrossing much attention. With the object of keeping
always on hand and for sale specimens illustrative of this science,
correctly named and properly prepared for the use of teachers,
students, and collectors in general, Mr. J. M. Southwick opened
in 1875, his natural history store. The following year, Mr. F.
T. Jencks was associated with him as a partner, and the firm
name became Southwick & Jencks. The business was increased
and conducted by these gentlemen with success. Mr. Jencks
retired from the firm in November, 1885, when Mr. Southwick
again became its sole proprietor and manager. This establish-
ment, located at No. 258 Westminster Street, has the largest col-
lection of specimens of natural history of any house in the
same line in New England. The house receives its specimens
from resident collectors in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, the
West Indies and from every part of the United States; and
employs in their preparation, arrangement, and classification,
from six to ten assistants. The house makes a specialty of bird
skins, mammal skins, eggs, shells, echinoderms, corals, etc., and
of the tools and materials necessary in the study and business of
taxidermy. The trade of the house extends to all parts of the
United States and reaches to England, France, and Germany.
The specimens in the cabinets are always on exhibition and a
visit to them will be found entertaining and instructive.
GEORGE F. YoUNG & BROTHER.— Among the oldest and
most reliable tobacconists in the city of Providence are Messrs.
3I4
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
George F. Young & Brother, who occupy the stand at Nos. 7 and
9 Westminster Street, where the same line of goods has been
sold for nearly thirty years. As long ago as 1858, the business
was established by Messrs. Curtis & Kingsley, and after some
years Mr. Curtis retired and Mr. Kingsley took as a partner,
Mr. Smith. The next change introduced Mr. Young to the busi-
ness, who after remaining with Smith awhile, took Mr. Olney
first into company, and afterwards his brother, Nicholas B.
Young, who constitute the present partnership. During all
these years the business has increased. When it is remembered
that the use of the weed in one or more forms is so common
that abstinence from it is an exception among men, it is but
natural that dealers who study the wants of tobacco users so
closely as have this firm should rapidly increase their custom.
To accommodate their trade they leased the adjoining store, pre-
viously occupied by George R. Whipple, the hatter, which gave
them their present commodious quarters.
The Messrs. Young keep constantly on hand a complete assort-
ment of well-selected cigars of the most popular brands, the best
of tobacco for chewing and filling the pipe, and a choice collec-
tion of smekers’ materials. They employ seven men in the
store and one on the road. Besides a large and growing home
trade the firm carries on an extensive wholesale trade throughout
the State of Rhode Island and in Massachusetts and Connecticut,
so that the traveler in this portion of New England meets with
his favorite brands wherever he happens to go. Personal enter-
prise and a large personal acquaintance throughout this section
of the country have enabled this firm to secure the public con-
fidence and build up an extensive trade. Since the average con-
sumer cannot judge the quality of cigars by the eye, but must
depend on the word of the dealer of whom he buys, Messrs.
Young have sought to gain the public confidence by making their
name a guaranty that the goods they handle are genuine, and the
quality in every case as represented.
C. J. CLAFLIN & CoMPANY, the most prominent business
house of its line in Providence was founded in 1863 by the late
Mr. Charles J. Claflin, and has been carried on for years in a
large building on the Cove lands, under the style of C. J. Claflin
& Company of which Mr. Henry A. Claflin, son of the founder,
was the company. He succeeded to the business in 1880, and is
now the sole owner and manager. This concern handles almost
everything in the iron line, and deals extensively in new and
second-hand machinery, including engines, boilers, pumps, valves,
and piping, blacksmiths' and machinists' tools, machinery for
cotton and woolen mills, belting, pulleys, shafting, and lathes.
Their stock of pulleys alone is one of the largest in the country,
and contains all sizes, from three inches to ten feet measurement.
Recently the business has been extended to include new and
second-hand office desks of various styles, store counters and
show cases, book cases, wardrobes, safes, scales, stoves, and
nearly everything required to furnish business offices and sales-
rooms. The machinery trade extends throughout the New Eng-
land States and in the South. It is heavy work requiring a large
force of men to handle the goods and attend to their proper
shipment. Mr. Claflin takes an active interest in social affairs,
is a prominent Odd Fellow and past grand of Eagle Lodge, No.
2 ; P. C. P. of Moshassuck Encampment; a Knight-Templar or
St. John's Commandery, and treasurer of the American Legion
of Honor. He also holds a commission as commissary of the
First Battalion, Rhode Island Militia; and was first hose-man of
the first independent hose carriage of Providence.
Jillson & Folsom.— Here and there may still be found a
representative of the sail-maker's craft. In Providence the busi-
ness is pursued by Messrs. Jillson & Folsom, at No. 34 South
Water Street. They do not now rig out full sized merchant-
wide.
men or many coastwise schooners; but they nevertheless cut a
good many yards of duck to smaller patterns in the course of a
year, and make a specialty of sails for yachts and other pleasure
boats. They have also supplemented the old time industry with
a branch to which the sail-makers of a generation ago paid no
attention — the manufacture of awnings, flags, wagon covers,
and tents of various patterns. In this line of goods the proprie-
tors do a prosperous business, and turn out well-made, durable
goods. The members of the firm are Mr. Albert Jillson and Mr.
Fred. W. Folsom, both well-known and respected citizens.
SAMUEL H. FLAGG is a pioneer in his peculiar business in the
city, where he was engaged in the fancy goods business with his
father and brother from 1842 to 1867. He then turned his atten-
tion to the manufacture and sale of hair goods, and was one of
the first to introduce jute into use at the time it was so extensively
worn for switches. At one time he employed 500 hands making
jute goods, in a factory on Dyer Street, which were sold and
shipped to all parts of the country. For the past few years Mr.
Flagg has been located at No. 268 Westminster Street, and has
devoted his entire attention to the manufacture of wigs, half-wigs,
toupées, beards, etc., for which he has a wide reputation among
theatrical people in different cities, and he is in constant receipt
of orders for such work. -
H. B. KNowLEs.-The undertaking establishment of Mr.
Horace B. Knowles, located at Nos. 95, 97, and 99 North Main
Street is one of the most complete and well appointed in that
line in Rhode Island. The building is 40 x 70 feet with two
stories and basement. On the first floor is the office and show
room, trimming room, preserving and embalming room, etc.
Ranged along the walls of the show room, are handsome black
walnut closed cases, containing sample caskets attached to the
doors, which by an ingenious arrangement, open from the top,
and when lowered to a horizontal position, expose the casket to
full view. Other funeral requisites are arranged in a similarly
convenient manner for inspection. Of all these articles Mr.
Knowles carries a large stock from the plainest to the most ex-
pensive. For over thirty years he has been connected with the
undertaking and embalming business, and his long experience is
indicated by the good taste displayed in every detail of the busi-
ness, the arrangement of the room for embalming, holding post
mortem examinations, etc. He has invented an embalming table
which is most ingenious, having a variety of adjustments that meet
every requirement for the purpose. When closed it presents the
appearance of a thin box about three feet long and eighteen inches
It can be carried easily with one hand and weighs only a
a few pounds. This table is already in good demand by under-
takers and has a large sale. Mr. Knowles keeps three hearses,
all of them new and of the latest and most improved pattern.
He has also a receiving tomb in the North Burial Ground. He
has given strict attention to the details of his profession, and
anticipates with rare sagacity and cultivated taste the wants of
a community in mortuary matters. Indeed, it has been said he
was born an undertaker. He has always welcomed and encour-
aged everything introduced of real merit in the way of caskets,
hearses, and in the manner of caring for the departed and pre-
paring them for burial, that would have a tendency to soften the
funeral surroundings and relieve the feelings of the bereaved.
During his long career in this business he has by his kindness of
manner towards the living and the dead made many friends, and
by his professional efficiency has secured the extensive patronage
he receives. ©
Mr. Knowles' business specialty as an undertaker commenced
in 1854, in which year he took charge of the undertaking depart-
ment of Messrs. Cleveland Brothers' business, continuing in that
position until June, 1859, when he purchased the interest of Wil-
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
3 I 5
liam N. Douglass in the firm of Millard & Douglass, furniture
manufacturers, in connection with which he continued the under-
taking, the new house being known as Millard & Knowles. In
November, 1860, Mr. Millard died, and Mr. Douglass again
entered the firm as a partner, the firm becoming Douglass &
Knowles. This partnership was terminated in July, 1863, by the
death of Mr. Douglass. His interest was then transferred to
Frederick O. Scholze, and the firm name became Knowles &
Scholze. Soon after this James Edwards became a partner, but
his interest was subsequently sold to James Boyce, and the firm
became Knowles, Scholze & Boyce, which partnership continued
until January, 1867, when the establishment was sold to Potter,
Dennison & Company. Mr. Knowles, however, individually
retained the undertaking branch of the business, and for several
months conducted it alone. In August, 1867, he again entered
into partnership with Mr. Boyce, and the firm of Knowles &
Boyce opened an undertaking establishment on South Main Street.
There the business was continued until August, 1874, when Mr.
Knowles obtained a forty years’ lease of the premises he now occu-
pies and transferred the business there. In 1868 he purchased the
patent embalming process called the Necrosozoic, which, with
some important improvements introduced by himself he still con-
tinues to use, considering it preferable to any other yet introduced.
He has a specimen case yet unburied that was embalmed in May,
1876, by this process, that shows no appearance of decomposi- .
tion. Mr. Knowles is a native of Richmond, R. I., where he
was born Jan. 27, 1824, and in 1842 became an apprentice to
the cabinet making business and worked at that trade for sev-
eral years. His business life has been a long and an eminently
useful one, and through it all he has retained the confidence, re-
spect, and esteem of all those with whom he has been brought in
contact, either socially or in a business way.
John L. CLARK.— Providence contains one large manufactory
of burial caskets and coffins, located at No. 34, 36, and 38 Ash-
burton Street, the proprietor and manager of which is Mr. John
L. Clark, who started in business in this city twenty-one years
ago, by purchasing the undertaking business then carried on by
Cleveland Brothers. After a few years Mr. Clark began to make
caskets and coffins, at No. 32 Smith Street, in 1868, doing a small
business at first in addition to undertaking. The demand for
ready-made caskets was so great that the work soon required his
whole time. His factory now occupies 17,000 feet of space, in a
building four stories in height, and there is, besides this, a store
house two stories high and 52 x 20 feet in dimensions. The work
gives employment to thirty-five men, and includes the manufac-
ture of burial cases of every description, shrouds, and general
undertakers' findings. Mr. Clark is a jobber of undertakers'
hardware, importer of foreign goods for their use, and agent for
several kinds of embalming fluids. .
MR. EveRETT R. OsgooD, one of the leading Providence
undertakers, does an extensive business, and his services are sought
by the first families in the city. He has superintended the most
imposing funeral ceremonies, and conducted the obsequies of many
distinguished public men. He is specially adapted for the delicate
duties of an office that requires the exercise of much tact and
executive ability, so that his services are in great demand. Mr.
Osgood established his business rooms on High Street, in
1869. He is now located at 246 High Street, where he keeps
constantly on hand a large and elegant stock of caskets and
coffins, both plain and richly trimmed, with other merchandise
required in the line of his business. Connected with his estab-
lishment, are hearses, carriages, and every facility for taking
charge of, and preserving the dead, and administering the funeral
rites, with due regard for the feelings and preferences of friends,
as well as what is befitting the station of the deceased. The
city registrar's books show that Mr. Osgood has conducted more
burials annually than any other city undertaker for the last three
years. He makes a specialty of embalming.
WILLIAM FLANAGAN.—Not every pathway is strewn with
flowers, but every pathway is made brighter by the presence of
even one flower. The mission of flowers is to beautify, not
only by decking the earth and the things upon it, but also by
creating pure sentiment and teaching refinement. Mr. William
Flanagan, florist, at the corner of Brook and Manning streets,
since 1880, gives particular attention to cut flowers of the varie-
ties in greatest favor. He has facilities for supplying flowers on
any occasion speedily and satisfactorily. Wreaths, crosses, bou-
quets, and flowers in all forms or combinations known to floral
decoration are subjects of especial care and consideration. Par-
ticular attention is given to providing for weddings, anniversaries,
and social occasions, by furnishing cut flowers, bouquets, and
plants, and in decorating. Plants of all desirable varieties may
be obtained at Mr. Flanagan's greenhouse.
GEORGE W. WILDEs & CoMPANY.—Feminine economy has
built up the industry carried on by Mr. George W. Wildes &
Company. Instead of buying a new hat or bonnet for every sea-
son, the ladies send to his establishment straw goods that have
lost their freshness or are out of style, and they are returned
cleansed, whitened, or colored, and made up according to the
latest pattern. From all parts of New England, and particularly
from places easily accessible to Providence, such articles are for-
warded to this well-known bleachery, and so great is the demand
that twenty-five hands are kept busy with the work. The same
process apply to gentlemen's hats which may be bleached and
retrimmed, and returned to their owners looking as good as new.
Mr. Wildes came from New Bedford, Mass., and established his
business at No. 191 Westminster Street, in 1867, and soon
needed more room for his growing trade, and removed to his
present quarters where there are ample facilities for carrying on
the work at No. 156 Westminster Street, southwest corner of
Eddy.
L. H. TILLINGHAST.-The manufacture of lead pipe is a
comparatively new industry in Providence. The first lead pipe
factory in Rhode Island was started at Newport about 1860.
Three or four years afterward a rival firm, Messrs. Bartlett &
Griswold, commenced the manufacture of lead pipe in Provi-
dence, their factory being located on Dyer Street. After running
a brief time they were bought out by the Newport company.
Mr. L. H. Tillinghast was then appointed the agent at Provi-
dence for the Newport factory, and continued in that position for
nearly four years. He then went into the business on his own
account; first in a small place on South Water Street, the busi-
ness, however, speedily demanded increased accommodations, and
seven years ago he removed to his present commodious premises.
The firm manufacture lead pipe, sheet lead, block tin, tin-
lined pipe, and other plumbers’ supplies. The firm was estab-
lished in 1874. Their premises are located at Nos. 133, 135, and
137 Dorrance Street, are four stories high, and give a flooring
space of 20,000 square feet. A twenty horse-power engine gives
motive power to their machinery. In addition to their own man-
ufactures, they are agents for the Revere Copper Company, and
carry a stock of about twenty tons of sheet copper, copper bolts,
and yellow metal. The firm are wholesale dealers in all kinds
of plumbers' supplies, both of their own and other makes. Their
facilities enable them to manufacture Io,000 pounds of lead pipe
in a day. This firm are also owners and manufacturers of the
Providence positive sanitary water closet, which combines all
recent sanitary improvements in water closets, with perfect work-
ing parts. It is extensively used in modern residences, manufac-
tories, hotels, and other structures throughout this section of New
316
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
England, and is superseding other makes formerly considered
standard.
WILLIAM G. HEATH & CoMPANY.— The firm of William G.
Heath & Company, dealers in steam, gas, and water pipes, and
steam, gas, and water pipe fitters, was established in 1875, at No.
Io8 Dorrance Street. The firm was then composed of William
B. Tweedle and William G. Heath. Requiring better and larger
facilities for the prosecution of their business, it was removed
to its present location, No. 175 Eddy Street, and Mr. Tweedle
retiring from the firm, Mr. Heath took his brother, Ozro C.
Heath, into partnership with him. The business of the firm has
since increased rapidly, and during the past year has doubled.
This success can be properly attributed to the fact that the
members are both practical mechanics, and give their personal
attention to the most minute details of their business, one
taking charge of the outside work, while the other attends to
the in-door business. In addition to their gas, steam, and water
pipe business they are manufacturers of what is believed to be
the best and safest low pressure steam heating boiler in the
market. This is a tubular boiler, made from the best wrought
iron, and is thoroughly automatic, requiring little or no attention.
One of its great advantages is that it can be cleaned out by any
person, by simply removing the cover, the flues being all acces-
sible. It possesses many other advantages that examination
makes apparent. As steam heating is every year becoming
more generally adopted, all improvements in this line are mat-
ters of public interest. As the safety as well as the comfort of the
public are involved in this matter, so also are the health and com-
fort of the people largely dependent on the faithful work of the
gas-fitter and the plumber. A leaky gas pipe or a badly jointed
water pipe can carry disease and death into the household, and run
doctors’ bills up in an alarming way. To secure good, reliable
workmen for this class of business is, therefore, a matter of the
utmost importance, and the services of a practical firm like the
Messrs. Heath, the best safe-guards against these dangers.
P. & J. TIERNEY.—It is a sufficient compliment, perhaps, to
the firm of P. & J. Tierney, plumbers, to say that when the City
Hall was erected the work of plumbing that edifice was awarded
to them, and was executed with entire satisfaction. They have
done a large amount of other heavy work in this city. Messrs.
Patrick and John Tierney started business at No. 278 West-
minster Street, in 1872, and won an enviable reputation in their
department by doing faithful, reliable work at reasonable prices.
After remaining there five years their interests required a change,
of location, and they removed to No. 81 High Street, where
their business has steadily increased. They employ twenty-five
hands, and have leased the store on either side of them, their es-
tablishment now embracing Nos. 79, 81, and 83 High Street.
These gentlemen came to the city from New York, where they
had valuable experience in some of the largest buildings. Mr.
John Tierney served for sixteen months in the naval service of
the United States during the late war. Among the many fine
buildings of this city in which the Messrs. Tierney executed the
plumbing work may be mentioned the residences of George H.
Corliss, John McAuslan, R. H. Deming, John A. Brown, Ben-
jamin F. Vaughn, Henry C. White (Chepachet and city), Wal-
ter E. White, Nicholas Molter, N. B. Gardiner, and Henry
C. Bowen, Woodstock, Conn. They also executed the plumb-
ing for the bishop's residence, the Home for the Aged of the
Little Sisters of the Poor, Pawtucket, the Convent of Mercy,
Bay View ; the Ursuline Convent, Broadway; the Browne &
Sharpe Manufacturing Company, the Corliss Steam Engine
Company, and many other prominent residences and manufac-
tories.
DAvid BURtoN.— Located at 11o Eddy Street is the office and
*
manufactory of Mr. David Burton, whose experience of thirty-
five years has made him a practical workman and employer.
He carried on the business of gas, steam, and water pipe fitting,
paying particular attention to Pawtuxet water plumbing, and pip-
ing public buildings for steam, gas, and water. Mr. Burton has
earned and secured public confidence as a faithful master of his
trade. -
JAMES H. ONSLow.—Water, steam, and gas are prime neces-
sities, and to have them accessible and under perfect control is
also desirable, and right here such firms as James H. Onslow &
Company step in and perform the requisite work. The firm is
comparatively young, having started in the present quarters, No.
5 Post-Office Court, in 1880. Their business is plumbing, steam,
gas, and water pipe fitting. Mr. Spaulding was at first in the
firm, but since 1884 Mr. Onslow has been alone. At first these
two men did all the work offered, but now there are ten or more
regular employés. Previous to going into this enterprise, Mr.
Onslow was employed on the city water-works. He was also five
years in the army—covering the war of the Rebellion—at first a
private in the Second New Jersey Regiment, and finally a cap-
tain in the Seventh New Jersey. He was in twenty-nine engage-
ments, and was wounded six times, and that he was a gallant
defender of the flag of his country is permanently attested by a
gold medal presented to him by Gen. Joseph Hooker, for con-
spicuous bravery at the second battle of Bull Run.
Mr. Onslow, his children, and children's children, may well be
proud of this war record.
J. S. FULLER.— Ten years ago, Mr. J. S. Fuller began busi-
ness as a plumber at No. 32 Middle Street. The firm name was
Fuller & Company. It was changed after some time to Fuller
& Tompkins, and later to J. S. Fuller, under which title the busi-
ness is carried on by him at No. 125 1-2 Broad Street. Mr. Fuller
being a practical plumber, is familiar with the details of the busi-
ness and finds his experience very valuable in giving estimates
on contracts and in selecting materials for his work. His trade
is not confined to the city, but he has had considerable business
from the suburban towns, where he has been engaged on con-
tracts for plumbing public buildings and residences. He keeps
on hand a full line of plumbers’ materials, and is always ready to
give estimates at short notice on jobbing work.
W. O. TALcott.—The business of W. O. Talcott, which is
now located at No. 33 Beverly Street, was originally established
by the present proprietor, at room Io, fifth floor of the Butler
Exchange building, where he made exclusively the so-called
“Wilson patent” belt-hooks. He afterwards removed his busi-
ness to No. 186 Eddy Street, where, in September, 1881, he
formed a partnership with Mr. Simeon Budlong, formerly his
salesman, under the firm name of Talcott & Budlong, for the
manufacture of the “Wilson patent” hook; their “barbed”
hook; their “self-clinching” hook, and, later, their “combina-
tion” belt hooks. In January, 1885, the firm dissolved. The
same year the business was again removed to the present location.
Since then Mr. Talcott has continued the manufacture of the
“Wilson patent” belt hook and the “combination” patent belt
hook.
The present business premises are conveniently located and
afford every necessary manufacturing facility. Among the many
ingenious devices for saving time, trouble, and worry, Mr. Tal-
cott's “Wilson” and combination patent belt hooks are very
valuable. Those who worked around machinery a few years
ago, and remember how much annoyance and loss of time was
occasioned when a belt broke, or had to be lengthened or
shortened, involving, as it did, the tedious “lacing ” business,
can fully appreciate the advantages to be derived from the simple
little device for this purpose that Mr. Talcott produces. These
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
317
belt hooks are made of the best quality of malleable iron, each
one being tested before leaving the factory. They make a per-
fectly smooth, noiseless fastening, as the metal does not come
in contact with the pulley. They never break and never tear
out. A two-inch single leather belt fastened with these hooks
will stand about one thousand four hundred pounds strain, which
is more than double what any ordinary fastener will bear.
They have stood the test of twelve years’ experience in machine
shops, cotton, woolen, and paper mills, and by all who have
used them are pronounced the best and cheapest fastening in
use, taking into account the durability of the hooks which
can be used repeatedly — and the time saved in mending belts.
Mr. Talcott controls the patent for the United States for the
manufacture of these goods. His combination belt hooks com-
bine the patent self-clinching hook and Wilson's patent hook in
one fastener.
The teeth on the single row are beveled or sharpened un-
equally, causing them to clinch automatically as they pass into
the belt. The teeth in the double row are wedge-shaped and do
not clinch, and the belt can be removed, shortened and replaced
at will. These hooks are taking the place of all other kinds of
belt fastening, the demand for them being largely increased within
the past year. To those who have never tried them, Mr. Talcott
furnishes free samples, thus demonstrating in the most practical
way his faith in their utility and efficiency. They are made for sin-
gle leather, double leather, four-ply, five-ply, and six-ply rubber
belts, and are adapted for any size belt from one inch up. For main
belts a special kind of hook is manufactured, having three rows
of teeth, for double leather or six-ply rubber. Mr. Talcott, in all
cases, guarantees the hooks, and if from any cause they are found
to be unsatisfactory, refunds the money on return of the goods.
His patents cover the right to manufacture belt hooks composed
of a single plate containing puncturing teeth, pegs, or spurs,
whereby the two ends of a belt can be united, and no simpler or
more effectual device for this purpose seems possible. Its sim-
plicity and efficiency are, in fact, its chief characteristics, and the
features that so strongly commend it to practical machinists.
In examining it, and seeing how easily it is applied, one naturally
wonders why it was not invented sooner, but, like a great many
other valuable inventions of an apparently simple character, it
required good judgment and shrewd investigation to discover
its merits and its practicability. After the public, or that portion
of it that has occasion to utilize simple inventions of this charac-
ter, become familiar with them, there is often a disposition mani-
fested to belittle their importance, and even cheat the inventor of
the first fruits of his genius and enterprise. Such a spirit is at
once unmanly and ungenerous. There is no class of people
who have added so much in the last hundred years to the comfort
of the people, or so largely enhanced the producing powers of
the country, as the inventors, and none should be more cheer-
fully and ungrudgingly rewarded. This is particularly true in a
case like Mr. Talcott's belt hooks, where no manual industry
can be possibly injured by the introduction of his invention, but,
on the contrary, all other industries are helped and benefited.
THE JAMEs HILL MANUFActuriNG CoMPANY.—An import-
ant industry in this city is the making of tin roving cans, filling
boxes, and cylinders for the use of cotton and woolen mills, which
is carried on by the James Hill Manufacturing Company in their
large shops located at the corner of Sprague, Fuller, and West-
field streets. They make jute cans, roving cans, gill box cans,
filling boxes, cylinders for spinning frames, mules, twisters,
etc., and other goods for mills equipped with certain attachments
and improvements that greatly enhance their practical value.
41
These hooks are very easily put on or removed.
Besides this line of production the shops do all kinds of galvaniz-
ing and tinning, make large quantities of tin cans, galvanized
buckets, and other receptacles, and execute every kind of sheet
metal work for factories. The business was established in 1857
by Mr. John Hill at Nos. 257, 259, 261, and 263 Dyer Street,
where after carrying it on successfully for twenty years it passed
into the hands of his son, Mr. James Hill, who remained in the
same location until 1884, when he removed to the shops now
occupied by the business. During the following year the property
passed from his personal ownership into the possession of Messrs.
Laws, of which Mr. John Laws is president; Mr. James B.
Laws, treasurer; and Mr. Edward J. Laws, secretary. It was
named as already indicated for the former proprietor and is under
the competent management of gentlemen of large experience in
their line of manufactures, and able to reach a large number of
buyers and command their trade.
THE McWILLIAMs MANUFActURING CoMPANY. — Manufac-
turing jewelers and other workers in precious metals do not make
the machinery by means of which their art is carried on, but de-
pend upon a very different class of mechanics to supply them.
In this city a large proportion of such machinery is produced
at the works of the McWilliams Manufacturing Company, lo-
cated at the corner of Clifford and Orange streets, who make a
specialty of this class of work in connection with their regular line
of machinery business. These appliances comprise presses, draw-
benches, lathes, rolls, drop cutter holders, and a general assort-
ment required for the outfits of jewelers, silversmiths, watch-
makers and others engaged in the manufacture of similar goods.
The heaviest orders for this machinery are received from the great
jewelry centres, of which this city, Attleboro, Mass., and New-
ark, N. J., take the lead. The business was founded in 1871 by
Mr. John McWilliams and the present company was incorporated
under the laws of Rhode Island in 1875, when Mr. McWilliams
became treasurer and manager of the business. Mr. McWil-
liams has devoted much of his time to the duties of citizenship,
having been a member of the common council in 1882 and 1883,
and the board of aldermen for the two years next succeeding,
and has held many other positions of honor. He now holds the
United States office of collector of customs for the port of Provi-
dence, a position to which he was appointed by President Cleve-
land in 1885.
D. B. CRUICKSHANK, practical machinist and engineer, and
dealer in new and second-hand machinery, has been for many
years established at his present location, No. 243 Dyer Street.
His stock embraces steam engines and boilers, pumps, shafting,
pulleys, wood and iron working machinery, belting, etc. He also
deals in every description of engineers’ and machinists’ supplies,
Eureka packing, and Babbitt metal, Chase governors, Little Giant
injectors, and innumerable other articles appertaining to machin-
ery. There is, in short, no article needed in a machine shop that
he cannot supply at short notice, and either new or second-hand.
Mr. Cruickshank has an advantage over most dealers in his line
of business, from the fact that he is a practical machinist and
engineer, having been brought up to the business and under-
standing all its details. In the purchase of second-hand machinery
this practical knowledge is peculiarly valuable, for it is only an
expert who can properly judge of the amount of wear and tear to
which an engine or the machinery that has been used was subjected,
and the amount of damage, if any, it has sustained. Those pur-
chasing such articles from him have, therefore, the benefit of his
knowledge and experience, and the best guarantee that the
articles he offers for sale are serviceable. Sales are made in all
part of the country.
CHAPTER XXI.
THE NEWSPAPERS, PRINTING HOUSES, BOOKSELLERS, NEWSDEALERS, PAPER DEALERS,
AND KINDRED BRANCHES IN PROVIDENCE.
GEORGE W. DANIELSON,
For many years Editor of the Providence Journal and Evening Bulletin
THE PROvIDENCE Jour NAL.- On the morning of the 3d of
January, 1820, the first of that series of newspapers was offered
to the public, which in later years was to win the support of the
people of Rhode Island as the publications of the Providence
./ozerma/. It was not, however, the first paper published in the
town under that distinctive title. Already, in 1799, John Carter,
Jr., had begun the publication of a weekly, called the Provi-
dence ./ozerma/, but only by the most strenuous effort was this
kept alive till January, 1802. The paper that started in 1820
inherited the name, but not the timid and ephemeral character
of its eighteenth century predecessor. Nor, indeed, did it more
than suggest the name even. For with a prolixity of title
that seems now rather amusing, it called itself the “Manzºſac-
Zurers’ and Farmers’ Journa/, and Providence and Paw-
tucket Advertiser.” The name, however, was fairly descriptive
of the purpose of the founders of the paper—a purpose that was
still more clearly brought out by the emblematic device in its
heading, which represented a spread eagle standing on an anchor
and holding in its beak a ribbon on which was inscribed the motto
“Encourage National Industry.” On one side were agricultural
implements; on the other, parts of a ship. In this manner it was
intended to be typified that the new Providence paper was to ad-
vocate those manufacturing interests which at that time were just
becoming prominent in the Rhode Island business world, without,
on the other hand, refusing recognition to the agricultural and com-
mercial classes, which up to that time had been the sole support
of the prosperity of the state.
Such a purpose was a new departure in Providence journalism.
The newspapers then in circulation, had taken up the curious
theory that the success of manufactures meant the ruin of com-
merce, navigation, and agriculture; and besides this they had,
almost without exception, fallen under the control of individuals
who used them to promote their own rather than the public good.
It resulted, therefore, that the business men were largely dissatis-
fied with the papers then obtainable, and they were quite ready to
give financial and moral support to any new publication which
should put itself in better harmony with the changed, or at least
changing, conditions of Rhode Island life. The older papers, in
short, had failed to keep up with the march of commercial events.
During the eight years since the outbreak of the War of 1812, the
business of the community had undergone great modification.
Capital had been extensively withdrawn from commerce and
invested in manufactures; from a commonwealth of sea-port
towns, Rhode Island was becoming one of mill villages. Recog-
nizing the coming change, some of the wiser business men of that
day undertook to prepare the public mind for the proper obedi-
ence to new conditions and ideas. This could be done in no way
so easily and surely as through the columns of a newspaper. It
was for this purpose, then, that the ./ournal was established.
During the year 1819 the plans were gradually matured. Among
the men who were directly identified with the venture, either as
investors or sympathizers and advisers, were Samuel and John
Slater, the founders of the cotton spinning business in America;
David Wilkinson, a famous mechanic of that day: Timothy and
Samuel Greene; Benjamin Aborn and George Jackson; Amasa
and William H. Mason; James Burrill, William Anthony, Samuel
Arnold, William Valentine, Richard Anthony, Joseph Harris,
Richard Jackson, and Nathan W. Jackson – these eight consti-
tuting the Coventry Manufacturing Company; William Sprague,
the elder, and his sons, Amasa and William, Jr.; and James,
Christopher, and William Rhodes, who were equally active in
the formation of the “Rhode Island Society for the Encourage-
ment of Domestic Industry.” William E. Richmond was en-
gaged, without salary, to edit the paper, with the understanding
that the editorial duties should not be so enlarged as to encroach
at all upon the prosecution of his regular profession, and that as
the income from the business warranted, some one should be hired
to give his whole time to the editorial work. Mr. Richmond's
name was omitted from the imprint at the end of the first year,
but for nearly four years thereafter he retained an informal over-
sight of its columns, and until his death was a frequent and
valued contributor. Whatever success the paper secured in its
first years was owing almost wholly to his ability, both as a writer
and as a political thinker.
The paper, as has been said, first appeared on the 3d of January,
1820. It was issued semi-weekly, the days of publication being
then, as now, Mondays and Thursdays. Its long life—already
sixty-six years — surpasses that of any other newspaper ever pub-
lished in Providence, its nearest competitor in this regard being the
Gazette, the first paper issued in the city, which survived for
sixty-three years. With the single exception of the Salem Reg-
ister, the Manufacturers' and Farmers' journal is to-day the
oldest semi-weekly publication in New England.
At the beginning, the journal was printed at the “Old Coffee

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
3 I 9
House” which stood for many years on the corner of Market
Square and Canal Street; and Miller & Hutchens were the first
publishers. The senior partner of the firm, better known as
“Honest John Miller,” was a practical printer of long and varied
experience, while John Hutchens joined to the art of book-bind-
ing the business of bookseller. For many years the imprint of
the firm appeared on all the best Providence books and pamphlets.
The foreman of the office was Samuel Avery, a Boston printer,
and only four compositors were required to get out the first issues
of the paper, which was printed altogether in brevier and long
primer type. The editions averaged about two hundred and fifty
copies. It was printed on an old-fashioned hand press of the
Ramage pattern, with a wooden platen and a bed of stone, capable
by dint of hard work of turning off two hundred impressions an
hour. On such a press it would take nearly a week, working
night and day, to run off the present daily edition of the Evening
Aulletin. *
On the 1st of January, 1823, Mr. Miller purchased his partners’
interest, and continued the publication of the paper in his own
name. At the same time the office of publication was removed
across the bridge to the Union building at the corner of Market
Square and Dyer Street, and a new press of the Wells pattern,
entirely of iron but still operated by hand, was secured. In this
location, and under the same publisher the paper remained for more
than ten years, constantly enlarging its circulation and slowly but
inevitably making its way in the sympathy and support of Provi-
dence citizens. That it was beginning to prove a measurably
prosperous undertaking is evidenced by the fact that in 1824 it
absorbed, by purchase, the Independent Inquirer, a weekly which
Barnum Field had begun to issue on the 27th of August, 1823.
Mr. Miller changed its name to the Rhode Island Country Jour-
mal, and it has ever since been issued in connection with the
other Journal publications as a weekly paper. In 1829, partly
because the financial success of the semi-weekly and weekly edi-
tions seemed to warrant it, and partly because a demand was
arising for fresher and more frequent news, Mr. Miller decided
to attempt a daily paper. No daily had ever before been issued
in the state, and even elsewhere the daily newspaper had hardly
yet made itself a sufficient necessity to be very successful, finan-
cially or otherwise. But the attempt was made. The first num-
ber of the Providence Daily Journal appeared on the morning
of July 1, 1829. It speedily won its way to popular favor, and
has since continued the foremost paper of Rhode Island journal-
ism, as well as securing for itself the attention and respect of its
contemporaries in other states. Only one other newspaper now
published in New England has enjoyed so long a continuous
existence as a daily.
May 1, 1833, Mr. Miller formed a partnership with George
Paine under the firm name of Miller & Paine. The publication
office was brought back to the east side of the bridge, and estab-
lished in the old Whipple building on College Street, at the
upper end of the lot now occupied by the Woods building.
Three years later, in February, 1836, the paper was sold to
George W. Jackson, who at once purchased a new press of the
Adams pattern, capable of what was then regarded the marvel-
ous work of 8oo impressions an hour. Mr. Jackson, however,
retained possession of the paper only till July 1, 1838, when he
sold it to Joseph Knowles and William L. Burroughs. There-
after for forty-seven years the name of Knowles was to appear
in the imprint. On the 1st of February, r339, Mr. Burroughs
retired, and was succeeded by John W. Vose. About the same
time, also, weekly reviews of the Providence market began to
appear on Monday mornings, but daily financial and business re-
ports were not printed until the opening of the Rebellion, and
anything like an adequate daily commercial department is of
even more recent date than that. -
On the 1st of July, Henry B. Anthony, then a young man just
graduated from Brown, was admitted as a partner. The firm
name became Knowles, Vose & Anthony, and Mr. Anthony
assumed editorial charge. The editors prior to this had been suc-
cessively, William E. Richmond, Thomas Rivers, Benjamin F.
Hallet, Lewis Gaylord Clarke, George Paine, John B. Snow,
and Thomas H. Webb. During the three months immediately
preceding the Presidential election of that year, a campaign
paper called the Gaspee Torchlight, edited by William R. Wat-
son, in advocacy of the election of Harrison, was published from
the Journal office. Four years later, in 1844, the office of publi-
cation was once more removed, and this time to the Washington
building on Washington Row, where it was to remain for the
next twenty-seven years. Four years after this, Mr. Vose died,
and the firm name became Knowles & Anthony. That same
year, 1848, was a marked one in the history of the Journal from
the fact that the paper was for the first time put into telegraphic
communication with the outside world. Previous to this the
paper, like all its contemporaries, had relied almost wholly on the
mails for its American and foreign news. Not a little enterprise
had, however, been shown in the work of supplementing the
mail service. The foreign news which arrived at Boston in the
Cunarders was usually expressed at once to the Journal, whose
horse expresses, driven by a famous whip of those days, Orson
Moffitt, frequently made the distance from Boston to Providence
inside of four hours. When the day line between New York and
Boston was first established by way of Norwich and Worcester,
the Journal regularly expressed the New York papers from Dan-
ielsonville, and thus it became possible to see in Providence, for
the first time in its history, a metropolitan paper on the day on
which it was published.
The year 1856 was another marked year in the history of the
paper, for then a steam engine and a cylinder press of the Hoe
pattern was introduced into the office to meet the demands of a
growing circulation. In 1862 it was found necessary to purchase
another press of the same make but of double its capacity. The
exciting years of the war alike enlarged the business of the paper
and made a larger working force necessary. Governor Anthony,
after his election to the United States Senate, had been forced to
give over a large share of the editorial work, and had been assisted
and partially succeeded in the editorial chair by James B. Angell,
now president of Michigan University. Mr. Angell, however,
was soon called to other work, and on the 1st of January, 1863,
George W. Danielson, whose name is thoroughly identified with
the Journal in its later history, was admitted as a partner, and
thereafter, until his death in 1884, maintained a general supervis-
ion, both editorial and otherwise, over the various publications
of the Journal office. Immediately after his assuming control,
on the 26th of January, 1863, the Evening Bulletin was estab-
lished. This soon proved the most widely circulated of all
Rhode Island papers — a superiority that it has ever since main-
tained. gº -
Partly owing to the impetus given by the publication of both a
morning and evening edition, partly owing to the natural increase
of newspaper readers, the Journal in a few years more outgrew
its old accommodations in the Washington building, and in July,
1871, the extensive rooms now occupied by it in the Barton block
were fitted for its convenience. A new four-cylinder rotary press
of the Hoe pattern was purchased, and soon after this was sup-
plemented by a six-cylinder press. About the same time a more
systematic attempt was made to cover the field of local news. In
the earliest days of the paper's history, no reporter whatever was
employed, except a ship-news reporter; and even so late as the
close of the Rebellion, hardly any more local news was secured
than what chanced to be brought into the office. Indeed, any-
thing like an adequate reportorial staff, with routine as well as
32O - THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
extraordinary duties, is to be found only in the very recent phases
of the Journal’s history. g
The development of the Journal and the several papers con-
nected with it, has shown during the past ten years a rapidity of
growth unequaled in any similar period of its history. In 1881
the cylinder presses were found inadequate to the augmented cir-
culation; a Hoe perfecting press was put in, and this speedily
supplemented by another. In 1886 a cutting, pasting, and folding
attachment was placed upon these presses, and in a few months
another and more speedy press will be added to the mechanical
equipment. On the 3d of June, 1885, the publication of the
paper passed into the control of the Providence Journal Com-
pany, Richard S. Howland, manager. In July of the same year,
the publication of a Sunday issue was begun.
Since the death of George W. Danielson, Alfred M. Williams
has been the editor of all the Journal publications.
Of the seventy-nine newspapers that at different times have
been published in Providence, the Journal ranks easily first in the
..support of Rhode Island people. The history of the state could
be written from its files. All the brightest and ablest of Rhode
Island writers have contributed to its columns. In its editorial
and other utterance it has invariably reflected the essential pecul-
iarities of Rhode Island life. And so long as the state retains its
individuality and conservative habits, there seems no reason to
doubt that its leading newspaper will be characterized by the
same qualities of sound thought, moral tone, and vigorous activity
which have marked both the state and the paper for so many
years. ~
THE TELEGRAM.–The publication of the Sunday Telegram
was begun in 1876. In 188o a daily evening edition was added.
In 1881 both the Sunday Telegram and the Evening Telegram
became the property of David O. Black, who has since been and
still is the publisher. In 1886 F. A. Crandall became interested
in the publication and assumed the editorship.
The Zelegram in both of its editions, has made a remarkable
growth since it has been owned by Mr. Black, and is now in a
highly prosperous condition. It is published at the corner of
Peck and Friendship streets with a business office at No. 7 Wey-
bosset Street. It has a very valuable and efficient equipment,
consisting of two fast modern perfecting presses, with stereo-
typing apparatus, wetting machine, etc., a complete outfit of new
type, and all other necessary belongings of an enterprising modern
newspaper.
In politics the Zelegram is thoroughly independent. It advo-
cates measures rather than parties. It believes in constitutional
reform, equal representation, tariff reform, civil service reform,
honest money, extension and equality of the suffrage, and honesty,
economy, and accountability in all public affairs, and is ready to
lend its best aid to the party that will do most for these good
CallSeS. -
As an advocate of the best interests of Rhode Island and of
Providence, the 7elegram does not yield in zeal to any other
paper. But it does not believe that a thing is right merely be-
cause it is old, and it has no sympathy with that unreasoning sort
of conservatism which would cherish an abuse as sacredly as it
would a just right. The Zelegram wants to see Rhode Island
progressive, reformatory, a leader rather than a drawback
among the states. -
The Zelegram is noted for the energy and spirit of its reporters
and its promptness in reporting the local news. It is now pub-
lished in two daily editions of eight pages and fifty-six columns at
two cents a copy and $5.00 a year; and in a Sunday edition of
eight pages and sixty-four columns, at five cents a copy and $2.OO
per year.
THE PROVIDENCE Evening PREss and the associated news-
papers issued by its publishers have had an importance next to
the publications of the journal Publishing Company. The
Press was established in 1859, by Albert B. Cooke, and George
W. Danielson, and afterwards for several years was edited by
the Hon. Sidney Dean. In 1880, Z. L. White, for many years a
valued correspondent of the New York Tribune, became editor,
and later the proprietor. It was discontinued in 1884. The
Morning Star, issued from the same office, was started in 1869,
and still continues, and a Sunday edition was begun in 1881.
The Rhode Island Press, a weekly edition of the above-named
daily, was established in 1861, and within the present year the
Item, a one-cent evening paper, has been started.
THE PROvIDENCE Visitor was established in 1875, by the
Rt. Rev. Thomas F. Hendricken, D. D., Bishop of the diocese of
Frovidence. At that time it was a small three-column folio,
named the Weekly Visitor. From the start it obtained a wide
circulation in Rhode Island and that portion of Massachusetts in-
cluded within the episcopal jurisdiction. At the end of the first
year of publication, the Visitor was purchased by Professor
Walsh, a journalist of experience and at that time a phonographic
writer on the staff of the Morning Star. The Visitor was then
enlarged, its corps of local correspondents increased, and more at-
tention was given to the discussion of the current questions of the
day. The paper was printed by the Providence Press Company,
at whose establishment the business and editorial offices were
also located. In the course of two years, more accommodation
being necessary, the office was removed to No. 56 Weybosset
Street, Mr. Walsh meantime having purchased the material of
the Providence Sun and the Sunday Gazette, the latter a jour-
nalistic enterprise which proved unsuccessful. The Visitor was
printed at this time on the presses of Messrs. J. A. & R. A.
Reid; but the business increasing from year to year, the office
was removed to the present location, No. 27 North Main Street,
New machinery was added to meet essential requirements, and two
editions of the paper were printed, the Weekly Visitor for out-
of town circulation, and the Sunday Visitor for distribution in
the city. In 1881 a charter was obtained from the General Assem-
bly, and since the organization of the corporation the paper has
been published by the Visitor Printing Company. It was subse-
quent to this that the two publications were combined under the
name of the Providence Visitor, the change being made to
allow the printing of the laws and legal notices. -
The Visitor is a journal printed in the interest of the Irish-
American people, who form a large proportion of the population
of the state. This gives it an exclusive field, and hence its rela-
tions with other newspapers have always been of a friendly char-
acter. - - e
THE SUNDAY DISPATCH, the first Sunday newspaper pub-
lished in Providence, was started in 1874. It changed owners
several times, and among those longest connected with it was
Purton D. Jones, on whose death it was sold. Charles C. Cor-
bett and O. M. Remington have recently become the proprietors,
and have begun to issue a daily called The Evening Dispatch.
THE RHODE ISLAND DEMocrat was established in 1879 as
a weekly, by A. N. Merchant, and is now published by John H.
Scolfield.
THE PROvIDENCE HERALD, a weekly started in 1879, is now
published by E. A. Corbett and A. D. Sawin, who are also pub-
lishers of the East Providence Eagle.
ANZEIGER, edited by Gustav Saacke, was established in 1876,
and is printed weekly in the German language.
THE SUNDAY World was started in April 1886, by C. C.
Corbett.
The other weeklies now published are: the Indicator, estab-
lished in 1883 and edited by Claude de Haven; the People, pub-
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 32 I
lished in the interests of labor since 1885, and edited by Robert
Grieve; the Providence General Advertiser and Weekly Ga-
zette, issued by A. Crawford Greene & Son; and the Weekly
Commercial Bulletin, issued by D. P. Buker, publisher of
Buker’s Monthly. -
Among other publications are the Brunonian, a college
monthly, established by Henry B. Anthony in 1829; the Free-
mason's Repository, established by T. S. Hammond in 1871, with
the Rev. H. W. Rugg, editor, now owned by E. L. Freeman and
Son, and the Manufacturing Jeweler, issued monthly since
September, 1884, by W. B. Frost, editors
THE PROvIDENCE PREss CLUB.—The initial steps for the formation of this
club were taken at a gathering of journalists on Jan. 19, 1883. The club was
organized on Feb. 2, 1883, with twenty-one members, the following-named
officers being chosen : President, Alfred M. Williams, of the journal; vice-
president, Albion N. Merchant, of the Rhode Island Democrat; secretary,
Walter B. Frost, of the Evening Press; treasurer, Winfield S. Tompkins,
of the Sunday Transcript; executive committee, Orville M. Remington, of
the Telegram; Martin C. Day, of the Şournal, and Granville A Hill, of
the Evening Press. The object of the club was to cultivate closer social
and fraternal relations among the professional journalists of Providence,
and also those persons who are occasional or special contributors to the pub-
lic press. Only one stated meeting is held,—that the annual, on the first
Friday in February, but when any event renders it necessary for the con-
vening of the club a special meeting is called. The meetings are usually
held in Elk's Hall, Low's Opera House building. Four-fifths of the profes-
sional journalists in Providence are active members, and the list of associate
members comprises college professors, lawyers, clergymen, physicians, and
other gentlemen, whose writings occasionally appear in print.
At the annual meeting on Feb. 5, 1886, President Williams declined a
further reëlection, and the election resulted as follows: President, Orville
M. Remington, Evening Telegram, (now of the Evening Dispatch); vice-
president, Charles H. Howland, Daily journal; secretary, Walter B.
Frost, the Manufacturing jeweler; treasurer, Winfield S. Tompkins,
Daily journal; executive committee, Martin C. Day, Daily journal ;
William A. Phillips, Morning Star; Charles E. Lincoln, Daily journal.
The secretary's report at that meeting showed a membership of sixty-
three members — thirty-nine active and twenty-four associate. The treas-
urer's report showed a cash balance of $114.23.
The two principal events of the year in the club are the annual dinner
in the winter, at which time prominent club members and distinguished
guests make appropriate addresses; and the summer field-day, hitherto
held at Rhodes, on the Pawtuxet, when the club royally entertains its lady
friends. The Providence Press Club has now come to be recognized as
one of the leading social institutions of the city.
THE RHoDE ISLAND NEws CoMPANY, now managed by John
W. Tillinghast, was established in 1856. During the early part
of its existence, the principal business of the firm was the sale of
newspapers and periodicals. This was the foundation of the
extensive trade built up within the last thirty years. At first the
news agencies dealt chiefly in home publications, newspapers,
and the leading magazines of the country. The readers of out-of-
town papers, then few in number, sent their subscriptions directly
to the publishers. When the managers of these publications
began to employ middlemen, and through their agency to expose
for sale their wares in all prominent places throughout the country,
there was a rapid increase in the number of readers. It was easier
or more convenient to pay for each publication with every num-
ber issued than to pay a year's subscription. When the whole
amount was paid in bulk, there was the advantage, a saving of
money and time in paying the agent.
This led at once to the greater popularization of current litera-
ture, and to the demand for foreign publications, as well as home
productions. As the readers increased, the means of supplying
them became greater, and a large number of under or second
agents sprang up. The Rhode Island News Company has been
from the beginning at the head of the news and periodical busi-
ness in the state. Its jobbing trade is very large. Receiving
goods directly from the publishers, the company forwards to all
newsdealers in the state, and some in Connecticut and Massa-
chusetts, their regular supply. Any paper or magazine published
in the world may be obtained through the agency of this company.
As the business grew, other departments of trade more or less
akin, were added. Gradually the firm's interest in stationery and
stationers' materials became very large. The stock carried is the
largest in the state, and the jobbing, as well as the retail trade, is
also large, extending throughout Rhode Island and into the adjoin-
ing states. Books, usually companion commodities of stationers'
articles, were added to the stock, and in this department, espe-
cially in school books and utensils, a thriving trade resulted.
Later, the company added “fancy goods” to the stock in trade.
This class of wares comprises innumerable things both orna-
mental and useful, of intrinsic value and decided merit, all of
which is ever in demand and in urgent request in the holidays.
The sale of toys is an extensive business in any community.
Young America could not bud and blossom without toy helps.
The Rhode Island News Company presents at all seasons, espe-
cially at Christmas and New Years, a very large collection of every.
species of toys. Games also have become a part of American
life, and with this house may be found all popular in-door and
out-door games. The base ball players recognize this as head-
quarters for all implements used in the sport. The company is a
jobbing as well as a retail dealer in all the goods mentioned. It
is enabled to buy of publishers and manufacturers in such large
quantities that the buyer has the advantage of as low prices as
those in larger cities. The standing of the firm is sufficient
guarantee of the excellence of the commodities dealt in, and of
the fairness and courtesy accorded buyers. -
In 1883 the building in which the company had been estab-
lished since its organization, was rebuilt and amplified to accom-
modate the growth of the business. The space occupied includes
three floors 25 x 100 and one floor 25 x 200 feet. The building is
numbered 113 and 115 Westminster Street and 1 Arcade Street.
The number of persons employed about the establishment is
about thirty-five. - -
The growth and excellent management of the business of this
company is due to the sagacity of Mr. Tillinghast, who has con-
trolled its affairs ever since its organization. He has also been
prominently connected with the fire department of the city, and
a member of the General Assembly.
MEssRs. E. L. FREEMAN & Son are printers, stationers, and
blank book manufacturers, at No. 3 Westminster Street, Provi-
dence, and Union Block, Central Falls, R. I. The printing busi-
ness was established by Mr. Freeman at Central Falls, in 1863, he
having been for several years previously, a partner in the firm of
Hammond, Angell & Company, of Providence. In 1869 he
established a newspaper called the Weekly Visitor, which has
been published continuously. In 1873 Mr. John E. Goldsworthy
was admitted to the firm, which became E. L. Freeman & Com-
pany. In 1877 they purchased the book and stationery business
at No. 3 Westminster Street, Providence, formerly conducted by
Valpey, Angell & Company. In 1885 Mr. Goldsworthy sold out
his entire interest in the business to Mr. Freeman’s eldest son,
William C. Freeman, and the firm is now known by the name
of E. L. Freeman & Son.
The business was originally started for the purpose of doing
the printing required by thread, silk, and other manufacturers, but
it rapidly increased to embrace all branches of the printing busi-
ness. The printing for the State of Rhode Island has been done
by this firm for more than nine years past, and they have excel-
lent facilities for handling any kind of book or job printing.
In addition to the Weekly Visitor, which is the only news-
paper published in the town of Lincoln, they also publish the
Areemason's Repository, a monthly magazine which has a large
322 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
S
§
S
E. L. FREE MAN.
Founder of the Printing House of E. L. Freeman & Son,
circulation, being sent to every state and territory, and nearly every
nation.
Their store, at No. 3 Westminster Street, Providence, has been
recently enlarged to nearly double its former size, and fitted up in
a very attractive manner. Their stock comprises everything in
the line of blank books, and all the essentials and conveniences
required in the counting-room, as well as fancy stationery and
rich fancy goods.
In the line of school books, school furniture, and school furnish-
ings, they are the leading firm in the state. They have always
on hand everything needed in the school-room. They handle
only the best of materials, and of the latest and most approved
patterns of school desks, chairs, etc. The large trade they have
established is proof that their goods give satisfaction. Their store-
houses contain compactly arranged in a large area, a complete
and full stock of blank books and stationery.
Mr. Freeman was born in Waterville, Me., Sept. Io, 1835.
He was instructed by his father, a celebrated teacher in that state,
and prepared for college, but he preferred to learn a trade, so he
apprenticed himself to A. W. Pearce, a printer of Pawtucket.
His pleasant ways and business capacity and integrity have
made him popular in the community. For several years he has
been a member of the General Assembly. He first represented
the town of Smithfield in the House of Representatives, his term
continuing for two years, and then the town chose him as their Sen-
ator. He was the first Senator for the new town of Lincoln, and
afterwards for several consecutive years its Representative in the
House of Representatives. During two years of this time he was
speaker, in which office he was popular and efficient. As rep-
resentative of the people, he has always had the interests of the
state at heart, and has been instrumental in securing the adoption
of measures promoting the public welfare.
Mr. Freeman was a member of the Union Guard, of Central
Falls from its organization in 1861, gradually rising from the
ranks to the command, and as its colonel continued with it until
the militia law broke up the old military organizations.
In 1864 he became a member of the Masonic fraternity, and
has been prominent in that order, having held the office of wor-
shipful master of Union Lodge, of eminent commander of Holy
Sepulchre Commandery, and grand master of the Grand Lodge
and grand high priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Rhode
Island, and is now grand generalissimo of the Grand Command-
ery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He is also a member
of the Knights of Pythias and of the Odd Fellows.
For more than thirty years he has been a member of the Cen-
tral Falls Congregational Church and active in Christian work.
J. A. & R. A. REID. — The printing business of this house
was first established in a small way, at 87 Westminster Street, in
1874, by the present members of the firm, James A. and Rob-
ert A. Reid, both of whom are natives of Rhode Island. Each of
the members of the firm were practically bred to the trade, having
served apprenticeships in the city, and having subsequently been
employed as journeymen in some of the largest book and job
printing establishments and newspaper offices of the country.
They were junior partners in the firm of Hammond, Angell &
Company a few years. The business of the new firm increased
rapidly, which occasioned a removal a few weeks after it was com-
menced, to the Harkness block, at 56 Weybosset Street, where it
was conducted for several years. In the year 1882, the interests
of the business demanded a greater amount of room for the in-
creased number of workmen, and for the greater number of
presses and other appliances, and it was removed to the Daniels
building, at 24 Custom House Street. When the business was
begun in 1874, two persons in addition to the proprietors were
employed. When the first removal was made, about twenty
were engaged in the business; at the period of the second remo-
val in 1882, about forty were employed. At the present time, one
hundred persons' names are on the pay-rolls of the firm, the num-
ber varying from eighty to one hundred with the demands of the
seasons. Some of the present force of printers have been with the
firm continuously from the first few weeks of the business, and
many of the most expert workmen served their apprenticeships
with the house. The business occupies one floor of the Daniels
building, which is 80x100 feet. These premises are very conven-
iently arranged for the prosecution of the business transacted. The
facilities for the production of large amounts of printed matter
are unsurpassed. The cylinder presses used are from the cele-
brated Westerly makers, Messrs. C. B. Cottrell & Sons. The
number of founts of type used is very great, many hundreds
of varieties and sizes, while some of the founts are very large,
allowing of three to four hundred pages of an ordinary book being
put in type at one time. The work executed includes every
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THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 3.23
kind of letter press
printing, job printing.
* - 2% large and small, and
TTTT º T Tº the printing of books
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Fiji. Elliºl|| Fºlº and pamphlets, which
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are the first and only
firm in Rhode Island
which has made the
publishing of books a
permanent and im-
portant business. Dur-
ing the last eight years
the firm has published
a large number of
bound books, guide books, and works in pamphlet form.
Among the most important of recent issue are 7%ree //ecades
of Federal Zegislation by Hon. S. S. Cox, and Picturesque
Washington, a work projected by the firm, which has already
been placed in nearly twenty thousand homes in the United
States. Both of these popular works have met with large sales,
and are still selling in all parts of the country, a great many
of each having been shipped to the Pacific Slope. New editions
of this work are printed as the stock on hand becomes exhausted.
Forty tons of paper have thus far been used in the publication of
7%ree Decades of Federal Zegis/ation. Nearly thirty tons have
been printed for Pictures/ze Washington. The edition of the
Providence Plantations has required twenty tons. The Artistic
A/manac and the Christmas Beſ/s, two annuals published by the
firm, use twenty tons of paper each season.
Another important publication issued by this house is their Aºaz/-
road Guide, which goes into more than eight thousand counting-
rooms and places of business every month. This Guide is ar-
ranged for New England, and the States of New York and New
Jersey. It has no equal for usefulness among its competitors, and
is believed to far outstrip any of them in genuine paid circulation.
Besides the number sent to news companies, there were nearly
two tons mailed at the Providence Post-Office of the last (Novem-
ber) number. In the printing of this work there are over two
hundred thousand impressions each month, and of the work in
the bindery, the folding takes service equal to ten girls' work for
fourteen days. The monthly corrections are made by a princi-
pal editor trained to the work, and by assistants. The entire work
must necessarily be quickly done, and it frequently occurs that
from thirty-five to forty-five persons are engaged on a monthly
number at one time.
The firm have several other specialties which they publish and
sell to printers, newspaper publishers, and business houses east
of the Rocky Mountains and in Canada, and their general publi-
cation business continues to increase. In the printing depart-
ment, while the firm enjoy a very extensive local patronage, many
orders are received from other cities and states, and books are
printed for people remote from Providence, who are attracted by
the style and character of the firm's own publications.
THE RHoDE IsLAND PRINTING CoMPANY., for a score of years
one of the largest and most reliable printing houses in the state,
originally fitted up their office with the most approved printing
material and presses, and executed their work in a manner far in
THE DANIELS BUILDING,
Location of J. A. & R. A. Reid's Printing Establishment,
24 Custom House Street,
advance of what had previously been done in this city. Their
principal work consists of mercantile and job printing, and by
strict adherence to a uniformly high standard of workmanship
this company has secured a large portion of the best patronage
in the state, and has built up an extensive job printing business.
The officers are: Capt. C. C. Gray, superintendent, and John E.
Bugbee, treasurer. The printing rooms and office are located at
No. 62 Weybosset Street, and the influence of the high order of
workmanship there maintained has had much to do with advanc-
ing the standard in the local printing business.
THE WHAT CHEER PRINTING House.-Among the establish-
ments of excellent reputation is the What Cheer Printing House,
No. 129 Eddy Street, which does an extensive business not only
in its specialty — show poster printing and engraving —but in all
the branches of the art. It is within a short time, comparatively,
that such large posters as are turned out at this office could be
produced in this city or state. The What Cheer Printing House
has earned a good part of its fame on the excellence of such work
and to the promptness with which all work entrusted to them
is executed. Orders are constantly received from one end of the
country to the other, besides the vast amount of local and tele.
phone orders. The office was first established in 1856, by Pierce
& Berry, their place of business being at 36 Westminster Street,
in the second story of the building where the Providence Journa/
is now located. Pierce & Budlong succeeded them in 1864, and
carried on the business at the same location until 1870, when
Mr. M. S. Budlong became agent, serving until 1875, and while
under his management the office was removed to the Penholder
building, corner of Dorrance and Friendship streets, while L.
E. Ross was the proprietor from 1875 to 1877. Porthouse &
Carleton purchased the office in March, 1877, removing it from
its location in the Penholder building to No. 125 Broad Street.
It continued under their management until 1880, when O. A.
Carleton & Company became proprietors, and the business having
increased to such an extent that it was necessary to have more
room, the entire second floor of the Amasa Mason block, No.
129 and 131 Eddy Street, opposite the Narragansett Hotel, was
leased and fitted up expressly for their use, and by the energy of
the senior member of the firm it has achieved great success in
the annals of typography.
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THE WHAT CHEER PRINTING Hous E,
| 29 Eddy Street.

























324 * THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
During the existence of this office it has grown rapidly in
appliances as well as in excellence of service, constantly adding
new machinery and the new faces of job type as produced by the
various foundries of the United States. It is prepared to exe-
cute any orders entrusted to its care, whether for show printing,
commercial, or book work. Since the office was established it
has absorbed several smaller establishments, among them, in
1864, William Maxfield's outfit; in 1872, the equipment of the
Weekly Review; in 1873, the equipment of the Voice of the
Truth; in 1875, the equipment of the Sun; in 1877, Porthouse
& Carleton's job printing office; in 1880, Sweet & Porthouse's
show printing office, and in the same year W. N. Sherman's
job printing establishment in East Greenwich. All these addi-
tions, harmonious in whole, make an equipment of the highest
merit and adapted to the business carried on. -
T. S. HAMMOND, who conducts the book and job printing
business at No. 39 Weybosset Street, is a son of John S. Ham-
mond, who was the senior partner of the firm of Hammond,
Angell & Company. Mr. Hammond has always been engaged
in the printing and stationery business, and makes a specialty in
their season of Christmas, New Years, and Easter cards, and car-
ries regularly, counting-house stationery, blank books, etc., in
stock. In 1871 he established the Freemason's Repository,
which he published several years, and finally sold to E. L. Free-
man & Company.
Other book and job printers, more or less extensively engaged
in the business, are E. A. Johnson & Company, John F. Greene,
the Providence Press Company, Angell & Company, Chadsey &
Clarke, George F. Chapman & Company, Livermore & Knight,
Whittemore & Colburn, and A. Crawford Greene & Son.
H. M. CooMBs & CoMPANY.—For the quantity and quality of
their work, Messrs. H. M. Coombs & Company hold a leading
place among book-binders and blank-book manufacturers in this
city and New England. The senior, Mr. Hollis M. Coombs, a
native of Maine, came to this city in December, 1860, and began
business in the Jones building, No. 26 Westminster Street, where
the Evening Press was then published by Messrs. Cooke &
Danielson. After being there nine years, the growth of the busi-
ness required more spacious accommodations, and Mr. Coombs
leased the second floor of the building where the business is still
carried on. When the business was established the proprietor
could do all the work with the help of two assistants, but in 1869
he kept twenty men busy, and shortly after had work enough for
fifty. In 1875 Mr. N. J. Smith acquired an interest in the busi-
ness, since which time the firm has been known as H. M. Coombs
& Company. They have the best machinery and other facilities
for doing a large amount of work and executing large contracts
promptly, and their goods are standard in the market. For many
years they have had the contract for state binding, which has
recently been renewed for five years to come.
THE AKERMAN COMPANY., at 5 Washington Row, carry on the
extensive bindery and blank-book business established many years
ago by Charles Akerman. It is a well-known, reliable house.
WILLIAM H. BAILEY, No. 62 Weybosset Street, is a book-
binder of good reputation, who makes a specialty of pamphlet
work, and rebinding library books.
H. GREGORY, bookseller and stationer, located at No. 133
Westminster Street, is a native of England who came to this
country in 1869, and has succeeded to one of the oldest book-
selling concerns in the city of Providence. It was established by
N. Bangs Williams & Company, who occupied a store at No. 52
Westminster Street. Mr. Gregory first obtained an interest in
the business as a partner with Mr. White, and became sole pro-
prietor in 1882. The store now occupied by the stock is 20x So
feet in dimensions, centrally located, and provided with every
facility for carrying on a large and flourishing trade. Mr. Greg-
ory's stock of books comprises all the late works and standard
authors in a variety of bindings; and he has an elegant display
of stationery and writing materials. Besides the general line
of publications, Mr. Gregory makes a specialty of buying and
selling first and rare editions of American authors and books
relating to Rhode Island. He also gives particular attention to
the trade in theological books which he keeps largely in stock;
while the Rhode Island Bible Society and the Rhode Island
Episcopal Book Depository make his store headquarters for their
works. Especial attention is given to the supplying of Sunday
School-libraries, a large stock of books carefully selected from the
lists of the leading publishers being constantly on hand. Mr.
Gregory is also the agent for the Cyclostyle Duplieating Process,
which is rapidly superseding other processes on account of its
simplicity and perfect work. In addition to his other business the
proprietor owns a circulating library which is liberally patronized,
There are three thousand five hundred volumes on the shelves.
comprising fiction, poetry, history, biography, travel, and such
miscellaneous books as will attract and instruct the average reader.
Mr. Gregory has a well-established reputation for honorable deal-
ing and is very popular with a large class of city and suburban
CustomerS.
WALTER B. Swarts is the present proprietor of a business
around which gathers more of historical interest than belongs to
any other book store in the city of Providence. The site occupied
by this store has been headquarters for the same kind of business
for upwards of half a century. Before the estuary of Narragan-
sett Bay had been narrowed by building foundations and spanned
with bridges, before the horse-car lines converged at the Union
Depot on Market Square, or steam railroads swept around the
Cove, a three-story wooden building stood on the site of Mr.
Swarts’ store, at No. 21 Westminster Street. This was one of
the buildings submerged in 1815, and in 1830 it was utilized for
a book store, printing office, and bindery by William Marshall
& Company. In this office John B. Gough worked when a lad
and learned his trade. This wooden structure was displaced in
1840 by the brick building now standing, in which the book store
has been maintained ever since. The successors of Marshall &
Gompany have been John E. Brown, Isaac H. Cady, Cady &
Brown, Gladding & Proud, Gladding Brothers, Gladding Brothers
& Tibbitts, Tibbitts & Randall, Tibbitts & Shaw, Tibbitts, Shaw
& Company, Shaw & Swarts, and finally W. B. Swarts, who
still continues the same line of business.
Albert F. Davis succeeded Daniel Perrin in one of the older
book stores. He deals in stationery and has a circulating library.
Bugbee & Thompson deal in counting-house stationery, make
blank books to order, and carry a stock of fancy goods. The
store is at No. 67 Westminster Street, and the members of the
firm are John E. Bugbee, Walter F. Thompson, and Henry B.
Simmons. Sidney S. Rider, No. 17 Westminster Street, is a
bookseller and stationer who has published several valuable
books. Tibbitts & Preston, booksellers and stationers, carry a
large stock at No. 64. Westminster Street. E. S. Metcalf &
Company, No. 30 Wood Street, are publishers of the Pawtucket,
Woonsocket, and Attleboro, Mass., directories. Sampson, Mur-
dock & Company are publishers of the Providence and other
directories, at No. 54 North Main Street. Besides the concerns
designated, there are a large number of periodical dealers located
throughout the city, who handle books, newspapers, and other
publications.
CHAPTER XXII.
THE WHOLESALE DRUG DEALERS, AND THE PHARMACISTS OF THE CITY.
GEO. L. CLAFLIN & CoMPANY. — The business of Geo. L.
Claflin & Company may very properly be said to have been
founded as far back as 1817, since at that time was established
the small drug store of Joseph Balch on the same premises, to
which the present house succeeded by purchase. Mr. Balch
was one of the oldest apothecaries of the city, and dispensed his
little stock of drugs at a time when such an extensive business
as the present firm carries on had not even been dreamed of.
He left his business to his two sons, Joseph and Edward Balch.
In 1873 Mr. George L. Claflin, in company with Nathaniel
W. Smith and F. J. Phillips, purchased the stand, fixtures,
and good will of the Balch heirs, and continued the business
under the present firm name of Geo. L. Claflin & Company.
At the beginning of 1874, Mr. Phillips sold out his share in
the business to Mr. C. A. Babcock, the head book-keeper of
the firm. In 1875 Mr. Smith died after a short illness, and the
business was carried on by Mr. Claflin and Mr. Babcock for
several years, when Mr. Babcock retired, and Mr. Claflin as-
sumed the entire control, assisted by his son, Arthur W. Claflin,
and later by his second son, William L. Claflin. In 1885 Arthur
W. Claflin was admitted a partner in the concern, and since his
father’s death in 1886, has continued the business as heretofore
the firm name remaining unchanged.
For many years the name of this firm has been a synonym for
integrity and reliability, and its business has steadily increased.
The premises occupied by the concern as wholesale and retail
druggists are at 56, 58,62, 64, and 66 South Main Street. The
wholesale department at 62, 64, and 66, comprises five stories and
the basement of a large brick building, while the retail depart-
ment at 56 and 58 is the largest retail drug store in the city.
Geo. L. Claflin & Company furnish complete outfits for retail
apothecaries, and can refer to many stores which they have fitted
out. They carry in stock drugs and medicines of every descrip-
tion, dye-stuffs, chemicals, chemical glassware, acids, paints and
oils, patent medicines, and pharmaceutical preparations. The
laboratory occupies the entire fifth floor of the wholesale depart-
ment, and here are manufactured among a great variety of other
preparations, fluid extracts, tinctures, syrups, ointments, essences,
and the well-known patent medicines, Shipman's Carbolic Oint-
ment, Dr. Duprez' Syrup of Tar and Glycerine Compound, Snow
and Mason's Cough and Croup Syrup, and Dr. Bicknell's Dysen-
tery Syrup. On the fourth floor is kept the stock of drugs and
9
patent medicines from which the shelving and drawers of the first
floor are supplied. The third floor is filled with glass bottles of
every description for druggists’ use, and here are kept also the
stock of corks and ointment boxes. The second floor contains
the pharmaceutical stock room, the liquor room, and the fancy
goods room. It is principally used, however, as the fancy goods
department. This is under the charge of an experienced sales-
man, and is filled with a large and choice assortment of fancy
goods and druggists’ sundries, such as hair, tooth, and nail
brushes, combs, mirrors, toilet soaps, perfumery, cosmetics,
sponges, hair oils, and in the season, Christmas goods in large
variety. It has been the aim of the firm to make this depart-
ment a specialty, and they have now one of the largest and most
complete lines to be found in the city. The first floor is where the
42
orders are put up, packed, and shipped to their destinations. It is
lined with drawers and shelving, which, with large counters, con-
tain all the principal articles used in the business, and is replen-
ished from the upper floors and cellars where the bulk of the
stock is kept. ... s
The retail department is under the charge of capable and trust-
worthy registered pharmacists. Here is kept the large stock of
surgical instruments. Trusses, abdominal supporters, shoulder
braces, crutches, elastic stockings and knee caps, electrical instru-
ments, and photographers' supplies are also specialties in this
department, and prescriptions receive competent and careful at-
tention.
Mr. George L. Claflin was the son of Lyman Claflin, and born
in Pawtucket, then a part of the State of Massachusetts, Dec. 22,
1822. His father was a manufacturer of considerable influence,
and the son enjoyed such educational advantages as the common
schools of the town afforded, and extended his studies in an acad-
emy then taught by Mr. Frederic Vinton. At the age of twenty
years he came to Providence, and entered the drug store of John
H. Mason & Company, as a clerk, intending to learn the business.
The store was located on Weybosset Street, nearly opposite the
site of the present City Hotel; a few years later the business
passed into the hands of Earl P. Mason & Company, who estab-
lished themselves on Canal Street, and Mr. Claflin continued
with them until 1856, when he became a partner in the business.
His next business change was as a partner in the firm of Snow,
Claflin & Company, who succeeded Earl P. Mason & Company,
at the same place. In 1873, as already stated, he established him-
self at the present stand on South Main Street.
Mr. Claflin during his busy and useful life, found time to devote
to the interests of the city and state in which he lived, and to the
Central Congregational Church, of which he was an active
member. He represented the first ward in the city council for
several years, taking an active part in its deliberations. He
was a director in the Northern Bank from its organization, also
in the Coventry National Bank, and the Coventry Savings Bank,
of Anthony, R. I., as well as the Jackson Savings Bank, of
Providence. Mr. Claflin was much interested in the business
of instirance, and was chosen a director of the Roger Williams
Insurance Company, and the Union Insurance Company. In
1874, shortly after he started the business now carried on in his
name, he became a member of the General Assembly.
In 1881 he was prostrated by a severe illness from the effects of
which he never fully recovered. His death occurred on April 4,
1886.
WILLIAM B. BLANDING.—The house of William B. Blanding
stands among the foremost in the druggist and apothecary line of
business, and has enjoyed the full confidence of the people in this
city and state for more than forty years. This business was estab-
lished in 1840 by Mr. Edward T. Clark, who was succeeded in
1849 by Mr. William B. Blanding, and he has since continued its
sole proprietor to the present time. The establishment was orig-
inally located at No. 59 North Main Street, directly opposite the
First Baptist Church, where it was successfully conducted for
many years, with a constant increase of trade, especially in the
wholesale trade department, that eventually compelled a removal
3.26 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
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GIST58
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*-24 2-2
THE WILLIAM B. BLANDING DRUG HOUSE,
Weybosset Street,
to larger premises, which were secured in the block now occu-
pied and owned by Mr. Blanding, at Nos. 54 to 58 Weybosset
Street, to which the business was removed Jan. 1, 1873. The
original retail store was continued at the old stand until it was
removed to the new and larger quarters in Arnold’s block,
No. 48 North Main Street, in 1869. This retail store is in
charge of a registered pharmacist who carefully prepares the phy-
sicians’ prescriptions, which form a large part of the business
transactions at this store. A full stock of all kinds of medical
goods and fancy articles is also carried, and the store retains the
patronage and reputation won during the many years at the old
stand a few doors above.
At the head-quarters of the house on Weybosset Street, another
fine retail store was established in connection with and adjoining
the wholesale business, which is also conducted by registered
pharmacists and supplied with a choice stock of druggists’
goods. The wholesale business of this house occupies the large
and commodious four-story brick block on Weybosset Street, and
is stocked with every variety of medical goods and every novelty
comprehended in the range of druggists' supplies of domestic
manufacture, and the finest of imported goods which are received
directly from the European producers, including all kinds of
drugs and chemicals, proprietary medicines, pharmaceutical
preparations, druggists' sundries, and a very large range and va-
riety of fancy goods for the toilet and manifold household uses.
The number of employés at the head-quarters of the business is
thirty-eight, whose services are in constant requisition filling or-
ders to supply the wholesale trade which is extensive, not only
in its home field, but also reaches out to Massachusetts on the
north and east, and to Connecticut on the west.
The basement of the Blanding block, and the first floor, except
that portion occupied by the retail store, are used for the heavier
lines of drugs, chemicals, dye-stuffs, etc. Most of the space of
the second, third, and fourth floors is used for storage purposes,
and as a laboratory where are prepared many specialties, put up
under Mr. Blanding's personal supervision to enable him to guar-
antee their purity. Mr. Blanding makes a leading specialty of
surgical instruments and appliances, such as trusses, crutches,
elastic knee caps and stockings, abdominal belts, and various
other surgical and mechanical articles for infirmities and deform-
ities. Another special department in the business of this house
is the trade in fine cigars, Mr. Blanding having the selling agency
for Straiton & Storm’s celebrated cigars, of which he always car-
ries a full stock, and a fine line of the choicest of imported cigars
including the “Upmann,” “Henry Clay,” and other favorite and
popular brands of the best foreign make.
In the year 1882 he opened a third retail druggist and apothe-
cary store, of the same high character as the two previous ones, at
the old and familiar stand long occupied by Dr. Thomas W.
Eddy & Son, at No. 375 High Street. This new store in the
old place was refitted and stocked with a complete assortment of
choice medical goods, and placed in charge of a registered phar-
macist. This third retail store is one of the best known estab-
lishments at the west end of the city.
Mr. Blanding has always been interested in the welfare of the
city, and he represented the fourth ward in the lower branch of
the city council in the years 1885 and 1886, and was appointed
one of the committee on the celebration of the 250th anniversary
of the founding of Providence. He has been vice-president of
the American Pharmaceutical Association; vice-president of the
National Wholesale Drug Association, president of the Rhode
Island Pharmaceutical Association, and was a member of the
State Board of Pharmacy at its organization in 1870, and has
since been elected its president to serve three years.
He is also a prominent Freemason, having been the first master
of What Cheer Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons; deputy
grand master of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, commander
of Calvary Commandery, grand generalissimo of the Grand
Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and honorary
member of the Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Jurisdic-
tion Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.
CHAMBERs, CALDER & CoMPANY. — The druggist who com-
pounds prescriptions is careful to buy his drugs from a firm
whose reputation is sufficient warranty that the goods are unadul-
terated, and that there is no necessity for subjecting the invoice
to chemical analysis. Such a house is that of Chambers, Calder
& Company, wholesale dealers in drugs, chemicals, dye-stuffs,
varnishes, paints, etc., at Nos. I I and 12 Exchange Place,—the
Weeden block. It is one of the largest and best known houses
in the drug line in the state. The business it represents was
first established by Mr. Alexander F. Adie, who, meaning to
retire in 1853, disposed of his stock, and sold his good will to the
young firm organized for the purpose of succeeding him. The
firm was composed of Mr. Robert B. Chambers and Mr. George
B. Calder, and as Chambers & Calder continued to conduct
the business at the old stand, No. 23 Westminster Street, until
1870. Mr. Adie was well and favorably known in the drug trade
and his successors determined not only to maintain the good name
of the business he had transferred to them, but to widen its opera-
tion, and extend its fame. In this they were successful to such
an extent that late in the year of 1869, it was deemed imperative to
at once secure more commodious store and salesrooms. These
they found in the Hoppin block, at No. 10 Exchange Place, to
which they removed on Jan. 1, 1870. On the same day Messrs.
Frederick E. Anthony and William H. Ballou, both of this city,
were admitted to the firm as partners, under the firm name of

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 327
Chambers, Calder & Company. Mr. F. E. Anthony retired from
his business cennection with this firm on Jan. 1, 1875.
In 188o another removal was occasioned by their continually
increasing trade. Their location was changed to one door west of
the Hoppin block, where they still remain, and have facilities for
conducting their extensive business. Their premises consist of a
large four-story brick block, covering a ground area of 40x80
feet, and completely filled with all classes of goods required in
their trade. Connected with this establishment is a two-story
warehouse, located on Sabin Street. Here the firm keeps a full
stock, consisting principally of heavy goods, by which the original
packages of acids, oils, alum, salts, paints, etc., are designated.
From this stock the main store is replenished, and direct ship-
ments are made to the trade.
The special lines of merchandise in which this house deals are
drugs, chemicals, dye-woods, medicines, paints, oils, varnishes,
window glass, putty, brushes, and all kinds of manufactured
chemicals, such as acids, extracts, oil vitriol, copperas, etc.
They are also the agents for Jewett's Sons' pure white leads
and linseed oil, and also for the Red Seal brand of strictly pure
white lead made by the St. Louis Lead Company. All the vari-
ous items that make up the list of commodities and medicine sold
by retail druggists are to be had at the salesrooms of this firm,
whose business career, extending now for almost thirty-five years,
has been very successful. They have secured a large patronage
from all over the New England States, and have won the confi-
dence of the trade and of financial circles by their unswerving
course of rectitude, while their energy and business enterprise
have placed them in the front rank of the commercial houses of
the state. Their business gives employment to many men, and is
the means of placing every year a large amount of money into
circulation.
Mr. Robert B. Chambers, the senior partner of the firm, was
born in Providence, Sept. 9, 1830. When he became the
partner in the house he was only twenty-three. He is the second
son of John and Sarah (Babcock) Chambers. He was educated
in the public schools of his native city. At the age of thirteen he
entered the High School at its opening term in 1843.
was a pupil for a little more than three years under the instruc-
tion of Mr. Henry Day, the first teacher of the High School.
His connection with the school terminated with the school year
in 1846. In 1847 he entered the wholesale drug house of Alex-
ander F. Adie with the intention of learning the details of the busi-
ness. Here he remained as a clerk, thoroughly informing himself
in every branch of the business until in 1853, in connection with
Mr. Calder, he became its proprietor. From that day to this he
has devoted his entire time and attention to the building up and
extension of the firm’s trade.
Mr. George B. Calder, of this firm, was born in Providence
April 14, 1830, and is the sixth son of William and Eliza (Spen-
cer) Calder. Like his partner Mr. Chambers, he was educated
in the public schools of this city. He, too, became a pupil in the
High School at the age of thirteen. Here he was for the three
years of Mr. Chamber's attendance at the school the playmate
and friend of his almost life-long business associate. With him
he sat under the instruction of Mr. Day and profited by the learn-
ing and teachings of Albert Harkness, (now Professor Harkness
of Brown University). When the school year closed in 1846
Mr. Calder left the play-ground and entered the walks of busi-
ness, becoming a clerk in the wholesale drug house of Messrs.
Chapin & Thurber, where he remained until 1851. This was a
well known house and had an established and extensive trade.
Its proprietors were Dr. Joshua B. Chapin, of this city, now de-
ceased, and George Thurber, of this city. This gentleman was one
Here he
of the foremost practical chemists and pharmacists in New Eng-
land. For several years he was a professor in the College of
Pharmacy in New York, and during later years he has been one
of the chief editors of the American Agriculturist. With this
gentleman to instruct him, Mr. Calder rapidly gained a thorough
knowledge of chemistry and, profiting by the business experience
of Dr. Chapin, became informed upon all the branches of the
wholesale drug business. Jan. 1, 1851, he entered into partner-
ship with his elder brother, Mr. Albert L. Calder, an apothecary
and pharmacist, subsequently located for a long time at No.
181 Westminster Street, who had learned the business with
Joseph Balch, a noted apothecary of those days, whose store was
at the location occupied at present by Geo. L. Claflin & Company
on South Main Street.
After continuing business in company with his brother for two
years, in 1853 he joined his friend and school-mate in establish-
ing the house which is now Chambers, Calder & Company, of
which they are still the business spirits.
Since 188o this firm has occupied the “Weeden Block,” Nos.
II and 12 Exchange Place, their present central and commodious
location and business headquarters.
It is not often that an intimacy formed in youth is carried to
middle life through the daily intercourse of business relations.
Friendships are often continued for many years, from youth to
old age, but they are largely fanciful and have not been subjected
to the trying test of true business relations long continued.
William H. Ballou, the associate partner of this house, was
born in Blackstone, Mass., July 17, 1849. He is the son of
Frederick M. Ballou. After attending the public schools of his
native town he was a pupil at the Messrs. Lyons' University
Grammar School, of this city, for three years, and subsequently
attended the Eaglewood Military Academy, near Perth Amboy,
N. J., from which he graduated in 1864. Some years after, he
came to Providence and entered the firm of Chambers, Calder &
Company on Jan. 1, 1870.
SNow & EARLE.—For more than thirty years, No. 8 Exchange
Place has been known to the trade as a reliable wholesale house
for drugs, chemicals, dye-woods, and dye-stuffs. While the
vicissitudes of business life have changed both occupants and
merchandise in many a store upon either hand, the same line of
goods has been displayed here ever since the place was established
by Mr. A. F. Adie, in 1853. For seven years from that date the
name of Mr. Adie was the only one that appeared on the signs,
although Mr. Walter B. Snow had an interest in the business,
was his partner, and eventually bought him out in 1860. Mr.
Snow continued the business during the three remaining years of
his life, and after his demise, his brother, Mr. J. Lippitt Snow,
succeeded him, and formed a copartnership with Mr. Dexter B.
Lewis to carry it on. For thirteen subsequent years the firm of
Snow & Lewis managed the business of the house, and finally
dissolved, when Mr. Snow associated with himself, Mr. Newton
Earle, and they together are still proprietors under the style of
Snow & Earle.
THE UNITED STATES GUtt A PERCHA PAINT CoMPANY.—
The business of the United States Gutta Percha Paint Company,
of Providence, is one of the enterprises which is the direct result
of modern scientific research and invention. The introduction of
this paint was quickly followed with wide popularity. The per-
fection of the processes of its manufacture and its adaptation to
all demands for the finest class of work, as well as for the more
ordinary purposes, is due to the practical knowledge and effort of
J. William Rice, who has been for many years prominently iden-
tified with the paint, oil, and drug trade of Rhode Island and New
England. In his long-intercourse with painters, contractors, and
328
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
others, he was constantly forced to observe the faults of the ordi-
nary paints which had formerly held a large place in the market,
and has been enabled with this new material to overcome them.
The claims to prečminence in merit of this paint are founded upon
three essential qualities: elasticity, durability, and economy.
Although it contains the same ingredients, so far as white lead
and other pigments and pure linseed oil are concerned, yet it dif-
fers from hand-mixed paints in two important particulars: the
oil, and not the base, is subject to treatment, and to this is largely
attributed its superiority over all other paints.
Pure linseed oil is the life of any good paint, and by a process
owned and employed exclusively by this company, gutta percha,
the only indestructible plastic material known in the arts, and other
valuable gums are scientifically combined with pure linseed oil,
which when mixed with the pigments forming the base produces
an elastic water-proof and weather-proof paint adapted to all
surfaces, and owing to its elasticity will expand and contract with
the surface it covers without cracking. It is adapted to hot or cold
climates, and resists the action of salt water and sea breezes in a
remarkable degree. Owing to its thorough incorporation, and its
grinding by the most perfect machinery, it has a greater covering
capacity, and is applied more uniformly than hand-mixed paint,
and is therefore more economical as well as more durable. It
dries with a beautiful and permanent gloss, and retains the orig-
inal brilliancy for years. The increasing demand for the paint is
such that the company has been obliged to greatly increase its
facilities for manufacturing, and has recently built a larger fac-
tory which has been fitted with new, expensive, and improved
machinery. The factory and office are centrally located at 131
Mathewson Street, near the Stonington freight depot.
J. William Rice, the president and manager of the company,
before devoting his attention to the interests of this company, was
the senior in the house of Rice, Starkweather & Company, and
was a member of the earlier firms of Boon, Rice & Company,
and Rice, Draper & Company, all of which firms were whole-
sale dealers in drugs, paints, chemicals, and dye-stuffs.
WILLIAM B. RIDER's dye-wood, drug and grain mill. For
forty years Mr. William B. Rider has been engaged in import-
ing dye-woods and preparing them for the dyer's use. Originally
from Newport, he settled in Providence in 1846, and began busi-
ness in the “Dorr foundry” on Eddy Street, and subsequently re-
moved to the old Theatre building on Dorrance Street. In 1855
the mills were established where they are now in operation, at
365, 367, and 373 Eddy Street. Mr. Rider was active and
prominent in municipal politics in early life, and in 1856, 1859,
1860, 1661, and 1862 represented the fifth ward in the lower
branch of the city government.
In the preparation of drugs and dye-stuffs, as in other manipu-
lated products, there is opportunity to add spurious material; but
the lack of purity in a commodity leads ultimately to the destruc-
tion of the business thus built up. Mr. Rider's methods and goods
have commended him in a long series of years to the full confi-
dence of manufacturers. Drugs and dye-stuffs prepared by him
were and are known to be pure and up to the standard of repre-
sentation. This is evident from the long and successful contin-
uation of the business and the esteem in which the proprietor is
held.
During the year from ten to fifteen hundred tons of woods are
imported. They come direct from the places of growth. Lima
and Brazil woods from South America; Bar and Sapan-wood
from Africa, and logwood and fustic from Hayti. -
The logs are fed endwise to cutters, knives revolving on a
swiftly-moving wheel. At each stroke of a knife about one-
eighth of an inch of wood is removed, and in the course of a day
three tons of logs are thus hewn into bits. For some uses the
ness in Providence in 1833 with Dr. Sylvester Knight.
wood is cut only as described, but for others the chips must be
made finer between stones, as corn is ground. After the wood
has been reduced to the required fineness it is packed away to be
cured. In heaps it is drenched with water, and fermentation
begins and soon the wood assumes a rich garnet color, and in three
or four days the wood is ready for the dyer. If the heat becomes
too great within the pile, the dyeing virtue of the wood departs.
To avoid this it is turned over and over again during the curing
process. To know when to do this and to know when ripeness
has been reached is acquired only after long experience. By the
use of hot water, dye-wood may be prepared in a single day.
Mr. Rider formerly prepared liquid dyes, but the wood itself is
now almost the only dye product. The grinding of spices and
of grain is an important branch of the business, but not so exten-
sive as it was earlier in its history. The trade supplied by these
mills is greatest within the state, but extends to manufacturing
centres beyond. .
For forty years these mills, the oldest in the state, have been
devoted indirectly to beautifying the garments of the people.
OLIVER JOHNSON & CoMPANY carry on a large wholesale trade
in drugs, dye-stuffs, paints, oils, varnishes, etc., which was estab-
lished in 1846. The senior of the firm began the druggist busi-
- The other
members of the firm are his son, William S. Johnson, and Benj.
W. Spink. Mr. Johnson has always been active in public affairs
and is a highly respected citizen. Besides the store, the firm owns
and operates a large paint mill on Eddy Street.
KENYon, SMITH & CoMPANY, No. 21 Exchange Place, are
wholesale dealers in drugs, chemicals, and dye-stuffs, and propri-
etors of the New England Cork Company. The present firm
consists of Charles H. Kenyon & Nathan C. Bedell. They man-
ufacture botanical drugs, flavoring extracts, and many other
specialties. *
JOHN D. LEwis, Nos. 3 and 4 Exchange Place, is an importe
and wholesale dealer in drugs, chemicals, dye-stuffs, and bleaching
materials. He also prepares dye-woods, dye-wood liquors and
extracts at his mills on the corner of Charles and Bank streets.
MASON, CHAPIN & CoMPANY, Nos. 33 to 37 Canal Street, are
wholesale dealers in drugs, dye-stuffs, and chemicals, also paints
and oils, window glass, and brushes. They make a specialty of
supplying manufacturers, bleachers, calico printers, jewelers, and
other consumers of dyes, acids, and other chemicals.
STARKwFATHER & WILLIAMs, No. 25 Exchange Place, are
wholesale dealers in chemicals, dye-stuffs, and bleachers' and
printers’ supplies, but make a specialty of materials and outfits
for photographers and artists, and keep a large assortment of
colors and pigments. -
CHARLEs S. BUSH, No. 9 Exchange Place and No. 172 Broad
Street, is an importer and commission dealer in drugs, dye-stuffs,
chemicals, paints, oils, window glass, etc.; and is also a manu-
facturer of supplies for jewelers, calico printers, and bleachers.
At the Broad Street store he carries on a retail trade.
GEORGE A. PECKHAM, located at No. 22 Peck Street, began
the druggist business in the year 1860, and was located first in
a store on the corner of Broad and Eddy streets, on land now
covered by the Narragansett Hotel. In addition to a retail trade,
Mr. Peckham is a jobber, and has built up an extensive and pro-
fitable business in the manufacture of Peckham's cough and lung
balsam, balsamine, strengthening plasters, condition powders,
extracts, and essences; and is also manufacturer of a large line of
grocers’ shelf goods. His goods, besides having a large local sale,
are sold to retailers throughout a wide extent of surrounding ter-
ritory. The extracts and essences are favorite goods with house-
keepers and their sale is constantly increasing. Mr. Peckham is
thoroughly familiar with the wants of the people in this market.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
3.29
PHARMACISTs.
O. SUMNER & SoN.—Among the leading druggists doing busi-
ness in this city, the first rank on the score of age unquestionably
belongs to the house established by Dr. Ossian Sumner, who is
believed to have carried on the business here a greater number of
consecutive years than any one else now in the city. Dr. Sumner
is a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia, and
was a practicing physician in Providence for a number of years
after completing his professional course. In 1844 he began the
business of druggist and pharmacist, at No. 237 Broad Street,
where he remained for twelve years, during which the growth of
the business required enlarged facilities, and the doctor removed
to the larger store he still occupies on the opposite side of the
way, at the corner of Broad and Chestnut streets. Here the
business prospered for another decade, and in 1867 his son, Mr.
George C. Sumner, was admitted a member of the firm, which
became O. Sumner & Son, under which style the business has
continued without change in the proprietorship until the present
time. The firm has always merited and enjoyed the confidence
of the public, and the partners are respected members of the
community. Dr. Sumner was at one time a prominent member
of the school committee of the city.
ALEXANDER W. FENNER, JR., opened a pharmacy in 1885, at
No. 351 Westminster Street, where he is building up a substantial
and permanent trade. The premises in which the store was
opened are what was for many years known as the Stephen K.
Rathbone estate, which, like the Conrad and Hoppin estates
below it, has historic interest.
In the management of his business Mr. Fenner is making a
specialty of physicians' prescriptions, and selects the best of
drugs and chemicals. He also manufactures his own soda
water, and keeps on draught a variety of pure mineral waters
for family use, which have an established reputation. He is a
careful and trustworthy pharmacist, and his prescription trade is
constantly increasing.
N. G. WEST.-Apothecaries have a decided preference for cor-
ner stores, and residents in that section of the city must be familiar
with one that has stood for years at the intersection of High and
Knight streets, and now occupied by Mr. N. G. West, registered
pharmacist. This well-known city landmark stands nearly oppo-
site Roger Williams Church, and the present proprietor, who
has occupied it only a few years, succeeded Mr. Ferdinand Smith,
whose interest he purchased. Here may be found at all times a
full line of drugs, chemicals, proprietary medicines, fancy and
toilet articles, and other goods handled by the trade. Prescrip-
tions are compounded only by competent and experienced clerks,
and the utmost care is exercised to avoid mistakes and insure
materials of full strength and purity.
DR. A. J. SMITH.—No. 94 Westminster Street has been occu-
pied as a drug store for more than sixty years, and is the only one
on the street that can show such a record. It was originally
opened by an apothecary named Charles Dyer, who began busi-
ness there in 1825 and continued it for twenty years. He then
sold the business to Mr. A. H. Field, who remained there until
1855, when he was succeeded by Mr. Amos Palmer, who carried
it on five years more and then transferred his business to Dr.
Andrew J. Smith, who is still the proprietor. During the many
years that had elapsed since the store was established it had be-
come well known, and it commanded a large prescription trade at
the time Mr. Smith became the owner, but he enlarged the vol-
ume of business by introducing two new departments of trade,
establishing a dental depot for the sale of dentists’ supplies of
every description, and, later, a photograph stock house, where
professional and amateur photographers can obtain a complete
outfit for their business.
º
º
H. A. L. POTTER'S PHARMACY,
The Franklin Institute Building, Market Square.
H. A. L. Potter, JR., registered pharmacist, who became
proprietor of the drug store at No. 28 Market Square in August,
1885, revived an old stand which had been occupied for the same
purpose for over thirty years. It is one of the most central
locations for such a business to be found in the city, being close
to the Union horse-car station, and within a few minutes' walk of
the steam railroad depot.
Mr. Potter is not only a registered pharmacist and consequently
entitled to public confidence, but had a long preparatory training
before commencing business for himself. In 1870 he entered a
drug store in East Providence to learn the business as a clerk, and
spent sixteen years in the employ of others, before taking the
responsibility of a store upon himself. Mr. Potter keeps a full
line of drugs and proprietary medicines, and devotes special
attention to the careful compounding of physicians' prescriptions.
Besides medicines, he keeps a large assortment of fancy goods,
toilet articles, confectionery, and cigars.
Appreciating the need of a place where absolutely pure soda
and mineral waters can always be obtained for family use and
for the sick, Mr. Potter pays special attention to supplies of this
character. He manufactures his own soda, using exclusively
pure spring water shipped from Auburn, Me., and furnishes
syphons for family use that can be relied on. He furnishes pure
spring water in bulk, and is sole agent for the celebrated Aspinock
Spring water from Connecticut, especially recommended for table
use. Another special branch of his business is the manufacture
of Highland ginger ale, which is also warranted a strictly pure
article and a healthful beverage. No other apothecary in the

33O THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
city takes more pains to provide pure water, a prime necessity to
health, and his efforts in this direction are meeting their due
reward in public appreciation.
ALBERT FENNER.— Few drug stores in Providence have occu-
pied the same location for as great a number of consecutive years
as has the prescription pharmacy of which Mr. Albert Fenner is
the proprietor, at No. 365 High Street. He started business at
this stand in the year 1861, where it has been steadily and quietly
increasing ever since. Mr. Fenner has taken special pains to
build up a large prescription trade, and compounds many medi-
cines that other apothecaries could not readily produce, because
he keeps a greater variety of drugs and chemicals, especially
botanical drugs. Mr. Fenner is becoming widely known to drug-
gists generally as a manufacturing pharmacist, supplying a high
class of pharmaceutical specialties that are constantly prescribed
by physicians; and the great demand that has lately arisen for
these products has compelled him to greatly enlarge his facilities
in this direction.
W. W. HANDY.—The pharmacy of Mr. William W. Handy,
No. 145 Broad Street, is head-quarters for botanic medicines, and
contains the largest variety of any store of the kind in this city,
or in New England. The proprietor, himself a registered phar-
macist, buys his supplies direct from the gatherers in the country,
and is prepared to compound many rare prescriptions that most
other city apothecaries are unable to furnish. The business has
had an important history during the forty years since Dr. Wes-
cott Handy, father of the present proprietor, first started it in a
small store that stood below the Arcade, where C. F. Pope &
Company are now located, at No. 33 Weybosset Street. About
that time Dr. Handy purchased a store owned by Mr. R. Buker,
and having carried on business for ten years, sold his interest to
Dr. George Davis, and opened a new store on High Street. In
1851 he removed to the old Childs building, which since has
been demolished to make room for the Narragansett Hotel, and
soon after to still larger quarters at No. 142 Broad Street.
While the business was carried on at this place the venerable
doctor was succeeded by his son, Mr. William W. Handy, who
had just returned from a fourteen years' residence in Australia
and who took possession in 1867. Here the business was con-
tinued for fourteen years, until it outgrew the accommodations,
and was again removed to the new and spacious store in which
it is now conducted.
WILLIAM H. HINDs, No. 309 South Main and No. 97 Gov-
ernor streets, makes a specialty of prescriptions, and sells a num-
ber of special preparations of his own manufacture. He has been
established in Providence since 1868.
PROF. EDw1N CALDER, whose laboratory is located in rooms
14 and 15 Board of Trade building, is a native of Providence,
educated at Brown University, where he was instructor in the
college laboratory for seven years. His chosen profession is that
of analytical and consulting chemist, and he is prepared to
make commercial tests for strength and quality of manufac-
turers’, printers’, dyers', and bleachers’ supplies; microscopical
examinations of starches; thorough examination of waters for
drinking and manufacturing purposes; and analyses of articles
of food, poisons, urine, ores and metals, and fertilizers. Mr.
Calder now holds the office of inspector of milk and vinegar
in this city, is state assayer, and professor of chemistry in the
Boston University School of Medicine. Besides laboratory
engagements, he attends to special work at manufacturing estab-
lishments and other places, and furnishes expert testimony in
patent and court cases.
THE RHoDE Island PHARMACEUTICAL Association was organized in
Providence in 1874, and the following-named gentlemen were elected as its
officers: President, A. L. Calder, Providence; vice-president, James H.
Taylor, Newport; secretary, Norman N. Mason, Providence; treasurer,
W. E. Anthony, Providence. The objects of the association are (1) to
encourage such relations among pharmacists as shall tend to their mutual
advantage; (2) to promote the science and art of pharmacy by the diffu-
sion of scientific knowledge among pharmacists and others. An annual
meeting for the election of officers is held on the second Wednesday in
January, and quarterly meetings on the second Wednesdays of April, July,
and October. The association has now 135 members. It was chartered in
1875. The following are the officers for 1886: President, William K. Rey-
nolds, Providence; vice-president, F. J. Phillips, Providence; secretary,
Harvey I. Leith, Providence; treasurer, John E. Potter, Providence.
Registered pharmacists doing business in Providence:
Henry J. Alfreds, 811 Eddy Street.
N. C. Arnold, corner of Chestnut and Pine streets.
A. O. Austin, 415 Broad Street.
Benjamin D. Bailey, 17 Thayer Street.
Bannon Brothers, 259 Smith Street, and 73 Douglas Avenue.
E. W. Barrows, 709 High Street.
Barth Brothers, 85 Broadway.
W. B. Blanding, 48 North Main, 58 Weybosset, and 375 High Streets.
W. Fred Bowen, 31o Cranston Street.
Stephen J. Briggs, Academy Avenue corner Chalkstone Avenue, and
209 and 21 1 Atwell’s Avenue.
D. Bruce, Jr., 62 Broadway.
Charles B. Burrington, 183 Broad Street.
Edwin A. Calder, 287 High Street.
G. S. Calder, 307 Eddy Street. f
William E. Cates, 145 Prairie Avenue.
George L. Claflin & Company, 56 South Main Street.
Charles F. Clark, 327 Cranston Street.
F. M. Cotton & Company, 270 Westminster Street.
Edmund C. Danforth, 75 Randall Street.
E. C. Danforth & Company, 398 Branch Avenue.
Mrs. J. A. Davis, 137 Friendship Street.
George E. B. Fairbanks, 95% Hope, and 39 Manton Avenue.
Albert Fenner, 365 High Street.
A. W. Fenner, Jr., 351 Westminster Street.
James M. Fenner, 440 Cranston Street.
W. H. Garrett & Company, 295 Chalkstone Avenue.
Charles A. Gladding, 223 Greenwich Street.
William H. Greene, Jr., 311 Broad Street.
William R. Greene, I Westminster Street.
W. W. Handy, 145 Broad Street.
Wilſiam H. Hinds, 309 South Main, and 97 Governor streets.
H. I. Hough, Ioz9 High Street. -
Howe & Carr, 203 Westminster Street.
John F. Knowlton, 12 Olneyville Square.
Harvey I. Leith, Charles, corner Tremont, and 282 North Main streets.
Leith & Danforth, 163 Westminster Street.
F. L. Lothrop, 73 Westminster, and 555 Eddy Streets.
Luce & Duffy, 128 Wickenden Street.
E. T. Luther, Io91 High Street, Olneyville Square.
C. A. P. Mason, 613 High Street.
Norman N. Mason, 129 North Main Street.
E. F. Matteson, 277 Westminster Street.
Charles H. Newell, 776 North Main Street.
John F. Oates, 320 Broad Street.
James O'Hare, 4 and 6 Benefit Street.
James A. Packard, 389% Friendship Street.
F. J. Phillips, 163 Charles Street.
H. A. L. Potter, Jr., 28 Market Square.
John E. Potter, 206 Cranston, and 46 Greenwich streets.
William K. Reynolds, 354 Friendship Street.
William Russell, Jr., 913 and 915 Eddy Street.
William F. Ryan, 277 Atwell’s Avenue.
Andrew J. Smith, 94 Westminster Street.
Esek P. Sumner, 381 High Street.
Ossian Sumner & Son, 26o Broad Street, corner of Chestnut.
Edwin F. Thompson, 164 Thurber's Avenue.
Walter A. Walling, 182 Charles, and 308 North Main streets.
Washington Pharmacy, 54 Washington Street.
H. J. Watson, 31 Aborn Street.
Arthur W. Wellington, 190 Cranston Street.
N. D. West, 525 High Street.
Wayland A. Wheaton, 88 Smith Street.
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE MANUFACTURE OF JEWELRY AND KINDRED LINES, IN PROVIDENCE.
DURING colonial times we have no record that the jewelry
business of Providence gave any evidence of its future greatness.
There were the usual watch and clock repairing shops conse-
quent to a thriving seaport town, where jewelry made in other
lands was cleaned and repaired, and occasionally a ring or a
necklace was made to order for the fair daughters of the wealthier
colonists. In 1786, just one hundred years ago, there was
nothing to indicate that a century later the flats and fields of the
west side would be covered with jewelry shops; that within the
confines of the own there would be two hundred individual
jewelry establishments, besides the shops of the lapidaries, die
sinkers, platers, chasers, colorers, enamelers, dealers in precious
and imitation stones and findings, and other branches consequent
upon such extensive manufacture, all of these giving employment
in busy times to four or five thousand people, and furnishing the
support for probably three times that number.
Seril Dodge was the earliest jewelry manufacturer in the cen-
tury of progress with which we have to do. We are told that he
had an establishment for the making of the shoe buckles worn by
the dandies of that day, “two doors north of the Baptist Meeting
House,” North Main Street, which was the Westminster Street of
a hundred years ago. The name of Dodge has been more or less
prominent in the jewelry business from that day to this. From
that time to 1794, Calvin Wheaton, Ezekiel and William Burr,
Caleb Wheaton, Edward Spaulding, John Gibbs, David Vinton,
and William Hamlin were in the business, in a small way, nearly
all of them on North Main Street. *
To Nehemiah Dodge may be attributed the credit of really
founding the jewelry industry in Providence. It was in 1794 that
he established himself as a “goldsmith and jeweler, clock and
watch maker,” in a little shop on the Roger Williams estate,
North Main Street, near the Roger Williams Spring. He re-
moved nearer Market Square in 1798, “a few doors south of the
Baptist Meeting House.” Heretofore gold jewelry was made
eighteen carats fine, and being all wrought by hand, was very
expensive. Mr. Dodge made gold necklaces, knobs, and twists,
gold rings, and miniature cases. Knowing that trade would be
greatly improved if the price of the manufactured article was re-
duced, he conceived the idea of introducing a cheaper class of
work. Of exactly what this cheaper jewelry consisted there is
no record, and our older jewelers do not seem to have a very clear
idea. It is highly probable, however, that it was the system of
washing or gilding which preceded the modern electro gilding.
Mr. Dodge at once won success, and in 1805 there were three
other firms added to the-list of manufacturing jewelers in Provi-
dence, namely: John C. Jencks, Ezekiel Burr, and Pitman &
Dorrance. Parties from Attleboro, Mass., obtained the secret
from Dodge, under false pretences, as he claimed, and they made
haste to push the idea of cheapness to its farthest limit. This
class of goods became widely known as “Attleboro jewelry,”
which, for many years, was often more of a hindrance than a help
to its popularity. *
In 181o we find that about one hundred workmen were em-
ployed in the manufacture of about one hundred thousand dollars'
worth of goods yearly. Still the business grew until, in 1812,
there were about one hundred and seventy-five workmen em-
ployed, and the value of products during the year was $300,000.
The “last war with England ” paralyzed the industry, but upon
the declaration of peace, the jewelers took up the business where
they had left it off, and in 1820 there were 300 workmen em-
ployed, and the manufactured product was valued at $600,000.
Providence contained 15,941 persons in the year 1825. The
jewelry manufacturers had increased in the number and the mag-
nitude of their operations. Among the names recalled by the
oldest inhabitants are those of Nehemiah Dodge, the founder of
the industry, and who lived to be ninety years of age; Joseph
Veazie, who made gold chains, seals, and keys in a little shop
that still stands on the east side of North Main Street, about
half way up Constitution Hill; Arnold Whipple, corner of Stam-
pers and Hewes streets; Frost & Mumford, makers of diamond,
pearl, and paste jewelry, Cady’s Lane; Davis & Babbitt, on Cheap-
side; G. & A. Richmond, Hydraulion, now Exchange Street:
Jabez Gorham, who was first located on the opposite corner of
Steeple Street from where the Gorham Manufacturing Company
now stands; William Greene & Company, George Street; Whit-
aker & Greene, corner North Main and Thomas streets; Sackett
& Willard, North Court Street; and Bassett Nichols, on Clemence
Street. While we cannot follow these firms in all of their various
changes, their shiftings from one location to another, and their
successes and failures, it is enough to say that in a majority of
cases they grew with the city, and the city grew with them, and
that when they at last slept with the fathers, they left comfortable
competences and the priceless heritage of a good name to their
children.
From 1825 to 1857, the year of the great financial crisis, the
jewelry business grew and prospered. Men who began business
with little more than their hands and ingenuity, in a few years
owned large shops, private residences, and had good bank ac-
counts. Their swiftly made wealth did not spoil them. In those
days it was the rule, as it is now the exception, for one partner
to preside over the shop and do more work himself than any
of his hands, and for the other (they were generally in pairs)
to sell the goods, do the shipping, and keep the books. The
habits of industry and economy in shop expenses which charac-
terized those early jewelers, formed the greatest source of their
strength. By reason of the large percentage of profit which they
added to the cost of their wares, and from the fact of rarely hav-
ing to employ a drummer, a book-keeper, or a packer, snug for-
tunes were speedily made on a comparatively small business. In
1850 the business had grown to forty or forty-five shops, in which
were employed about twelve hundred men and boys. As a
peculiar faculty, an artistic sense, a steadiness of nerve, and other
rare qualifications were needed for a skillful worker in jewelry in
those days when hand work took the lead, the right man in the
right place could almost name his own wages. The result was
that no mechanical business paid such high average wages as did
the jewelry business when it was prosperous.
“When it was prosperous !” Ah, there was the rub. Then,
as now, the business had greater fluctuations and experienced
more ups and downs than any other industry in this common-
wealth. Then, as now, when it was dull it was dreadfully dull,
and the people who were engaged in it declared that they were
going into farming or anything rather than stay in such a delusive
business. The working jewelers were worthy Americans. They
had served the customary apprenticeship, which was at this period
rapidly growing shorter, and were generally able to do all kinds of
332
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
work pertaining to the trade, and were not then, as they are now,
divided into departments, a man learning but one branch. When
they worked they made from three dollars to seven dollars a day,
and sometimes even ten, for they were generally paid by the job.
Five dollars a day was not considered great wages. They dressed
well, were liberal with their money, and generally felt the days of
depressed business as keenly as do their less liberally paid breth-
ren of to-day.
Before 1850 the jewelry shops gradually began to work west-
ward with the growth of the city in that direction. Instead of con-
fining their business to North Main, South Main, and Steeple
streets, their signs began to appear on the buildings of Wey-
bosset and Broad streets. The shops quietly crept down Eddy
Street, and, one by one, branched off upon the side streets, until,
in the year of the panic, 1857, we find them located on Broad,
Friendship, Pine, Page, Eddy, and Orange streets, as well as
upon Canal and South Main. This centralization of the business
in the fifth ward has continued, until now there are no jewelers
on the east side, except a little colony at the corner of Brook and
Arnold streets, in the third ward.
In the panic of '57, that aphorism so applicable to the jewelry
business, that in times of financial depression it is first to be
affected and the last to recover, —was aptly illustrated. Houses
tottered and fell one after another, and few there be of the old
jewelry concerns who care to say much about the condition of
their business affairs during that dreadful year. But the reaction
came, and, as if to make up for lost time, the business was greatly
increased. Just before the panic there were fifty-six shops; in
1860 there were seventy-seven, according to the United States
census, and eighty-six by the directory, representing a capital of
more than a million of dollars. In four years twenty to thirty
shops had been added; there was a generous demand, good wages
were paid employés and the outlook was roseate indeed.
The war period came on and caused radical changes. The
demand for jewelry fell off materially, and, as a result, in 1864
the eighty-six firms had dwindled to fifty-six. But those who
weathered the gale, or who had the genius to turn the war to good
account, came out wealthy. Those who had good stocks of gold
on hand when it began to rise made money. Those who turned
their attention to making the cheap medals and badges of a mar-
tial character for which there was so great a demand, did well.
And those who made brass buttons, belt clasps, and other muni-
tions of war for the Federal or state governments, had a veritable
bonanza. -
Of the eighty-six firms in business in 1860, and of the fifty-six
who lived through the war, the following fifteen are still in the
trade, and probably a few others under a changed firm name.
Nearly all of these concerns now represent considerable wealth,
and one of them more than a million of capital :
Robert Barton, 30 Page Street.
Harris W. Briggs, 339 High Street.
J. A. Brown & Co, now Ladd Watch Case Co., IoA Eddy.
Church, Metcalf & Co., now H. A. & G. M. Church, I I I Broad
Street.
Fanning & Potter, 125 Broad Street.
Hunt & Owen, 111 Broad Street.
William Johnson, 14 Marshall Street.
S. M. Lewis & Co., Io& Eddy Street.
Philip Linton, now P. & A. Linton, 54 Page Street.
J. B. Mathewson & Co., 61 Peck Street.
G. & S. Owen, 19 Snow Street.
Palmer & Capron, 12o Dorrance Street.
Isaac Stone, now Isaac Stone & Co., Io? Friendship Street.
Wightman & Hough, 19 Snow Street.
Wilcox, Battell & Co., now D. Wilcox & Co., 19 Snow Street.
©
The period of inflation and high wages subsequent to the war
was a good time for the jewelers. They made money until the
panic of 1873. Since then the business has been conducted on a
larger scale, but with a smaller percentage of profit, and few
fortunes have been achieved. Business was extremely good,
however, in the years of 1880, 1881, and a part of 1882, but since
then it has been transacted on constantly narrowing margins of
profit, caused mainly by general depression of business, and by
that competition so common to all classes of trade. There have
been many exceptional cases of great prosperity, however.
From 1880 to 1886 the production of cuff and collar buttons
has been a very important feature of jewelry manufacture. A
few years previous to the former date separable buttons — the
two parts being firmly joined by a spring catch easily unfastened
—were thought to be the perfection of the jeweler's art in the
direction of doing away with the annoyance inseparable from
using the old style one-piece button in a stiff cuff or collar.
Shortly before 188o some bright man in France invented a but-
ton with a hinged shoe which could be tipped up edgewise,
inserted in the cuff, and then tipped back again to its original
position. This button was rather clumsy, but it contained the
germ of an idea upon which several of our Providence manu-
facturers went to work at once. Fred. I. Marcy & Company and
. Howard & Son both further perfected this invention and both
obtained patents in this country for a “lever” button. These
buttons at once became favorites with the public, and the two
firms mentioned turned their entire attention to manufacturing
them in large quantities, and both firms met with commensurate
success. The popularity of these goods soon brought a host of
other “lever” buttons into the market, and the great competition
cut down the price and consequently the profit. The leading
houses each strove, and still strive, to distance their rivals by
superiority of design for the fronts. Messrs. Marcy and Howard
still remain the largest manufacturers in this line.
Providence has the honor of being the home of the largest sil-
ver ware manufactory in America, if not in the world. The
growth of the establishment founded by Jabez Gorham in 1831,
now known as the Gorham Manufacturing Company,” has been
co-existent with the growth of the jewelry business in this city,
and of the city itself.
There are three other firms in the silver ware line. The oldest
is that of J. B. & S. M. Knowles. Henry L. Webster, who
came from Boston, and had been with Jabez Gorham, associated
himself with Jonathan B. Knowles, son of Mayor Edward P.
Knowles, and began manufacturing in a shop on North Main
Street. Soon after they removed to the corner of Middle and
Eddy streets, where they were located for many years. On the
death of Henry L. Webster the firm became Knowles & Ladd
(Samuel J.), and the shop was moved to 95 Pine Street. Mr.
Ladd subsequently retired, and Mr. Knowles took his brother, S.
M. Knowles, into the firm. They manufacture sterling silver
goods, principally spoon work, and employ in busy times about
forty or fifty hands.
In 1858 William B. Fessenden, who had been in company
with W. D. Whiting, at North Attleboro’, came to Providence
and started a shop in the Calender building. He was there three
or four years, when he moved to Ioo Friendship Street, where his
successors, Fessenden & Company, are still located. They make
sterling silver ware, principally napkin rings and that class of
work. -
Feeley & Company, at 195 Eddy Street, are also workers in
silver, confining their business to chalices and the like, for Catho-
lic churches.
Although in point of number of firms, silver ware manufacturers
* See page 273.
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
333
in Providence are few, yet by reason of one of the four now exist-
ing being the largest in the United States, the Gorham Manu-
facturing Company, the statistics of this business show large
figures. The state census of 1875 gives the number of employés
as 404 in the four establishments, fully three-quarters of this num-
ber being employed by the Gorham Manufacturing Company.
The average daily wages paid was, for males, $2.71 ; for females,
$2.53. The total wages for the year were $324,070; value of
raw material used, $527,847.; value of products, $1,054, IOO. As
in 1885 the number of employés in the Gorham shops alone was
about five hundred and fifty; probably seventy-five per cent. can
be added to the above figures to show the extent of the business
at present.
Undoubtedly many wearers of jewelry have often wondered
how the jewelry which they so much enjoy wearing is made, and
how some of it can be made so cheaply. The use of machinery
has accomplished the latter result. The first thing in the making
of jewelry is the drawing of a pattern. This is often considered
the most important feature of the business. It is the house with
attractive patterns that sells the most goods, even if the plate be
thinner than that of its neighbor's. The pattern then goes to a
“hub cutter,” and if it is a lace pin, for instance, he returns the
main or foundation bar raised on a block of hardened steel. An-
other block of steel is heated red hot and the ‘‘hub” sunk into it,
and the die thus obtained is likewise hardened. A “forcer” or
duplicate of the “hub” is then made in the same way, and with
“forcer” and die used in a “drop,” the front of a lace pin is struck
out of gold plated stock. This bar is then chased by hand; a
back is soldered on ; a pin and catch soldered on this; fancy
trimmings are laid on the front, an imitation stone set in ; and
the whole is polished by a brush whirled in a lathe. The trim-
mings referred to are in various innumerable designs struck out
in little dies, so that by the application of different trimmings, a
dozen or more different looking lace pins can be made from the
same foundation bar. Bracelets and chains go through a dif-
ferent process. The cheapest lace pins are made of brass wire,
bent into fanciful and attractive shapes, trimmed up prettily
but inexpensively, and then given an electro-gilding bath, by
which a thin deposit of bright colored gold is laid on the outside.
In the better class of gold goods real stones are used, and the
goods are finished up better, more hand work being employed.
But in the ordinary plated pins worn by ladies of the middle class
in life, only imitation stones, and sometimes very cheap ones at
that, are used. The tendency of the jewelry trade of late years
has been towards the cheaper goods, with fashions changing as
often as those in millinery. Even the manufacturers of solid gold
jewelry have felt this tendency, and in many instances the grade
of their goods has dropped in the course of a few years, from
fourteen carat to ten, eight, and even six carat, in order to supply
the demand for cheap goods. Old established houses, however,
generally maintain the grade of their goods, and if they yield to
the pressure at all, it is to make ten carat goods which are sold
for ten carat.
The plating business for the last twenty or thirty years has been
an important auxiliary to the manufacture of jewelry. The
platers are the chief lieutenants of our jewelry captains. Some of
the largest establishments do their own plating, but the majority
of the factories find it to their advantage to buy the rolled plate
as they need it. Therefore plating is likely to continue as a sep-
arate industry for many years. -
The originator of the rolled plate in its present form and method
of manufacture is a hale and hearty old gentleman, whose seventy-
four years sit lightly on his stalwart frame. Perhaps it is not quite
correct to call Mr. Thomas H. Lowe “the originator,” for he
learned the trade of others in England; but he was truly the orig-
43
inator of “sweat" plate in this country. In 1848, at the age of
thirty-six years, Mr. Lowe came to Providence from Birmingham,
England. He had been in the gold jewelry line there from the
age of nine years, and had carried on the business for himself in
that place. The firm of Lutwich & Greene made rolled plate
and sold it to jewelers in that town and elsewhere; some of it
even found its way across the water to Providence. From them
Mr. Lowe learned the secret of its manufacture. 4.
Coming to Providence he found that the little plate used here
was soldered on and was generally upon a silver base. Plate of
this kind was made in a small way by Mr. Sayles Irons, father of
Mr. Charles Irons, in his jewelry shop on Friendship Street.
This solder plate was necessarily clumsy and expensive. Mr.
Lowe entered the shop of G. & S. Owen, then located on
Steeple Street, and made a little of the English plate for them, but
there was but very little call for it, and he stayed only a short time.
He next went to work for Munroe & Eddy, jewelers, on Clif-
ford Street, and made the “sweat” plate for them for two years.
The principle of this method of making plate is this: the bar of
gold is clamped upon a much heavier bar of composition metal.
It is then subjected to strong heat and the silver in the alloy of
the gold is “sweated ” out, and in connection with borax causes
the two bars to adhere closely together. Then the united bar is
placed between heavy steel rolls and rolled down to any thickness
desired, even to the point where it will not stand acid.
About the year 1850. Mr. Lowe started in business for himself
and made plate for the general trade, the then prosperous firm of
Sackett & Davis being a prominent customer. For two years
he was on Pine Street, moving from there to the Richardson build-
ing on Friendship Street, where he remained until 1882, when he
removed to John Austin's new block on Clifford Street, in which
location for the last three years, Mr. Edwin Lowe has carried on
the business, his father, Mr. Thomas H. Lowe, retiring.
At the time Mr. Lowe introduced “sweat” plate into Provi-
dence, Reynolds & Dodge were manfacturing jewelers at the
lower end of Pine Street. Eight or ten years later their succes-
sors, Reynolds & Briggs, began making plate for sale. They
separated later, and both established plating shops, being those
prosperous houses known to-day as J. Briggs & Son, No.
65 Clifford Street, and the E. H. Reynolds Company, 171 Dor-
rance Street. There are other platers who do a good business,
notably A. J. Linton & Company, and Vennebeck & Clasé. Both
members of the last named firm were employés of Mr. Lowe, and
when he removed from Friendship to Clifford Street, they leased
his old quarters and established for themselves. But the three
concerns of Lowe, Briggs, and Reynolds do the bulk of plating.
When Mr. Lowe first began plating, one-tenth plate was the
poorest made. That is, the proportion of gold to composition
was one to nine. -Then it was worked down, following the
demand, to one-twentieth, one-thirtieth, one-fortieth, and even to
one-hundredth and lower. The average gold plate is now about
one-thirtieth. In the same way the quality of the gold used has
deteriorated. The first plate made was about twenty carats fine;
now it has worked down to fourteen, twelve, ten carat, and
below. The one point favorable to the makers of cheap rolled
plate jewelry is that no matter how thin the plate is rolled it
will maintain its color. In the thirty-eight years during which
rolled plate has been made in Providence, many improvements
in machinery have been effected, but the general method of man-
ufacture has never been improved upon. * * s & s º
The art of electro-plating is of comparatively recent growth.
This process consists of putting a thin coating of gold upon a
brass or composition base by means of an electric battery. All
the larger shops employing this method do their own plating, but
there are enough smaller concerns or firms who use electro-plate
334
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
temporarily to keep numerous electro-plating shops running.
The rolled plate dealers say the system has not affected their trade.
In riding through the jewelry manufacturing districts of Prov-
idence the stranger will notice an occasional small, unpretentious
looking building, from the rear of which a tall, black chimney,
far out of proportion to the little edifice to which it is attached,
lifts its ungraceful head into the air. From this chimney black, ill-
smelling smoke belches forth. These are the refineries, the lab-
oratories of the sweep smelters. This is a very important adjunct
of jewelry manufacturing, and one that, like gold plating, has
swiftly grown up within the memory of people still active in the
business.
Up to 1853 there had been no sweep-smelting done in New
England, and practically no refining. Only for a short time be-
fore that had the sweepings and refuse of the shops been consid-
ered of any account. For a few years previous to that date, the
best of the refuse had been sent to New York for refining. Mr.
John Johnson did a little melting — not smelting — business in
an old barn on Friendship Street. There he stripped plate and
melted up polishings, doing the business in a very crude way.
In 1853 Mr. Levi B. Darling, who for several years previous
had been a manufacturing jeweler on Orange Street, being of an
inventive turn of mind, began experimenting on refining shop
refuse, and after taking out a patent on his method, he began
to take in jobs. The jewelers soon found that they had in the
past lost thousands upon thousands of dollars in their sweepings
thrown out into the street, or deposited in the common dump.
Accordingly Mr. Darling had no difficulty in procuring sweeps
to refine, and he soon found it necessary to remove to better quar-
ters on Clifford Street, where he entered into partnership with
S. T. Thurber. ... •
In 1854 Mr. Wm. T. Smith, Sr., bought out the business of
John Johnson, mentioned above, and began refining. Mr. Smith
was a man of education, and was a good chemist. His brother,
Joseph L. Smith, was a good workman. Between the two they
soon established a first-class business. In 1857 Joseph L. Smith
became a partner. In 1859 they removed to the Curry building
on Summer Street, where Mr. Rouse Waite was admitted as a
partner, and an engine and a boiler added to the equipment of
the factory. Mr. Waite withdrew later, and Mr. Joseph L.
Smith died, Mr. Wm. T. Smith, Sr., thus acquiring the entire
business. In 1870 the present factory on Blackstone Street was
erected. By the death of Mr. Smith in 1873, the business passed
into the hands of Wm. T. Smith, Jr., the present proprietor.
Going back to Mr. Darling, we find him in a smelting factory
on Worcester Street in 1855, having bought out Mr. Thurber.
This factory was three stories high and 91 x 37 feet in dimensions,
and contained nearly two hundred thousand brick. This building
was erected by Mr. Darling in a very brief time. Ground was
broken Nov. 1, 1854; Dec. 1, 1854, his men were at work in it,
making arrangements for smelting. The latter, however, carried
on the business in the name of his son for some years at the old
Clifford Street place. Mr. Darling remained on Worcester
Street until 1872, when he removed to the corner of Mathewson
and Sabin streets, where he conducted business until Jan. 1, 1886.
On that date he removed up Sabin Street a few rods, to a new,
well-appointed factory which he now owns, with the land on
which it stands.
When Darling left Worcester Street, James B. Arnold and
John Curtis, who had been in his employ for several years, left
him and began refining at the old stand as Curtis & Arnold.
Curtis finally withdrew after the firm removed to the present loca-
tion on Eddy Street, a street extension making a removal necessary.
John Austin was a workman for L. B. Darling from 1855 to 1863.
Horace F. Carpenter also worked there from 1861 to 1863. These
two left Mr. Darling's employ in September, 1863, and started a
refinery on Dorrance Street as Austin & Carpenter. For ten years
they were in company, removing in March, 1864, to 74 Clifford
Street, Mr. Austin's present quarters. In 1873 they dissolved
partnership, Mr. Austin continuing at the old refinery. He has
been very prosperous, having a business extending all over the
United States, and amounting to more than a million dollars an-
nually. - - -
Mr. Horace F. Carpenter, on dissolving with Mr. Austin,
established refining works at 29 Page Street, where he has built
up a large business. In connection with his refining, he manu-
factures nitrate of silver for photographers, and chemically pure
gold for the same purpose.
Mr. Horace Remington, another large refiner, located on Potter
Street, was for ten years a workman for Austin & Carpenter, and
after their dissolution he was a partner with Mr. Austin for five
years. In 1878 the partnership was dissolved, but Mr. Reming-
ton continued in Austin's employ for twelve months longer. In
1879, in connection with Mr. Charles Barber, Remington estab-
lished a refinery on Potter Street, opposite his present location,
moving across the street two years later. In 1881 Mr. Barber
retired and started works in Attleboro. •
From the above the reader can easily trace the growth of refin-
ing, and how it all sprung from the melting works of John John-
son and the smelting works of Levi B. Darling. Smelting and
refining require more intelligence and technical knowledge than
any other department of the jewelry business. Messrs. William
T. Smith, Senior and Junior, were both men of education; Mr.
Horace F. Carpenter is a graduate of Brown University; and Mr.
L. B. Darling took a two years’ special course in chemistry at
Brown after he began smelting. There is still chance for im-
proved methods in the business, for even now some of the sweep
smelters send their gold to Newark or to Europe for refining.
As it is a business in which everything depends upon the honesty
and skill of the smelter and refiner, all transactions are a matter
of confidence. The manufacturer sends the smelter a barrel of
dirt, and in due course of time the smelter returns him some gold
keeping a reasonable percentage for himself. If the manufacturer
has not the fullest confidence in the smelter, of course he gives
him no business. - e
The art of grinding and fashioning precious stones is as old as
civilization. When the “May Flower” brought the first English
settlers to New England, a lapidary was among the number.
Still it is a branch of the jewelry industry that has never taken very
deep root in this country, especially in New England. It is
claimed that in 1886 there is only one legitimate lapidary estab-
lishment in the Eastern States, and that is the shop of George B.
Darling at Io9 Friendship Street, Providence. There are numer-
ous shops where imitation stones are made and glass is cut and
ground, but only one where grinding of precious stones is the
chief part of the business. This state of things, of course, is due to
lack of demand, and to the call for cheap goods. Precious stones
are still principally cut in Europe where skilled labor is not ex-
pensive. .
Samuel Mason, it is said, was the first professional lapidary in
Providence. He had a shop in the Hamilton building, at the cor-
ner of Exchange and Westminster streets, in 1839 or '40. Davis
& Babbitt advertised to cut and polish gems as early as 1824, but
they did this work in a small way and only as an adjunct to their
business of making jewelry. Mr. Mason took into partnership
with him James Boyce, afterwards well known as Deacon James
Boyce, the undertaker, who died in 1885.
About 1849 Samuel Reynolds and Samuel Mason, Jr., started
a lapidary business as Reynolds & Mason, in a shop on Pine Street
next above Page Street. About the same time, Henry Atkinson,
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
335
one of Mason & Boyce's apprentices, started for himself in the
Hamilton building. Samuel Mason joined business with his son
not long after, Reynolds going to Boston.
In 1852 George T. Reynolds, brother of Samuel, and Frank
Molten, an employé of George B. Darling, formed the firm of
Reynolds & Company. They opened a shop at 12 Richmond
Street, but moved to the corner of Friendship and Page streets
in 1854 and stayed there until 1865, when they went out of
business. Henry Atkinson moved to the Sackett building on
Friendship Street in 1851.
In 1852 George B. Darling became an apprentice with Atkin-
son. Addison W. Goffe became Atkinson's partner about 1855.
During his apprenticeship the firm dissolved, and Atkinson started
business across the street, Goffe & Luther retaining the old
place, the Luther being Edward A. Luther, who, in 1886, is in
the boot and shoe business on Eddy Street. Subsequently the
firm was Goffe & Molten, (Frank Molten,) who continued on
Friendship Street until 1861, when they removed to 58 Eddy
Street, (old number). In 1865 Molten bought out Goffe and
continued the business until 1881.
After finishing his apprenticeship, George B. Darling became
a partner with Atkinson. When the war broke out Darling en-
listed, still retaining his interest in the business. On his return
to peaceful pursuits he bought out Atkinson's interest. Both
continued separate lapidary shops, Mr. Atkinson being located at
Io? Friendship Street until he died, in 1874, or thereabouts. Mr.
Darling was also at Io'7 a while, but moved to Io9, his present
quarters, when that building was erected. -
During the war, and immediately afterwards, a great deal of
jewelry was made, and there was consequently a pronounced call
for men who could cut cheap stones and glass work. Therefore
a large number of lapidaries of that class sprang up, and have
continued, still doing a thriving business. Among the older ones
may be mentioned E. I. & O. M. Coombs, Henry C. Luther,
Charles Vigneron, and James H. Sprague.
The art of enameling jewelry, though closely allied to its man-
ufacture, is comparatively little understood by a majority of
jewelers, and not at all by the public in general. Skill in this
art is not easily acquired, and, as with the engraver, proficiency
results only from long and careful training, and years of patient
labor are required to constitute the enameler a master of his
trade.
Usually the enameling process is applied to the better grades
of jewelry, such as solid gold rings, pins, lockets, ear drops, sets,
guards, watch cases, bracelets, studs, buttons, and society em-
blems, which have been engraved or struck up with dies in pat-
terms to receive the enamel. Rolled plate goods are subjected to
a like process. Occasionally, however, fashion dictates that less
costly metals shall be adorned by the enameler's art, and silver,
brass, and copper are offered for his embellishments. One of the
rages a few years ago was huge and showy patterns of brass
buckles for ladies' belts, enameled and then washed in gold.
The art forms a distinct industry in this city, which has been car-
ºried on for at least fifty years; and when first introduced and for
many subsequent years it was prosecuted with great secrecy, and
the work closely guarded. Enamelers now rely chiefly for pro-
tection on the fact that success in the trade is attainable only
after long experience.
Crude enamel is a foreign importation, and as it comes from
the manufacturers somewhat resembles glass, although it is a
heavier substance. It varies in color and quality, and is obtained
in pieces of different sizes similar to small lumps of coal.
The process of enameling is very interesting. The enamel is
first ground in mortars with pestles, until it is reduced to a uniform
powder, almost as fine as flour, the substance being moistened
with water to prevent it from flying. When reduced to the
proper consistency it is stored in small jars until needed for use.
The pieces of jewelry that are to receive the enamel, are prepared
by being washed with a solution until thoroughly clean, and after-
wards dried. The moistened powder is then put into and over
the pattern with instruments such as a watchmaker might use, a
process requiring great skill, and usually performed by girls; the
pieces of metal thus treated are then placed carefully upon tin
plates of convenient size, and put into a white-heat oven in a fur-
nace. In due time the enamel becomes baked into and upon the
metallic surface of the jewelry, and on removing the plates from
the oven there is found an excess of enamel which must be
removed. For this purpose each piece, when it is properly
cooled and the enamel set, is taken to men working at benches, who,
with peculiar tools made of emery drawn into shapes similar to files,
rub or file the surface of the enamel down even with the metal on
which it is baked. This work must be done with great care and
judgment, in order to avoid removing too much of the gold sur-
face, which would waste solid gold or, in case of plated
goods, expose the base metal. After the rubbing is properly per-
formed, the pieces are again washed with a brush, dried, replaced
on the tin plates, and heated in the white-heat oven, to give them
the required brilliancy. They remain in the oven long enough
to thoroughly bake the enamel, but are removed just in time to
prevent the melting and burning of the gold, when the enameled
surfaces are found to be as smooth and clear as a mirror. The
processes of heating is attended with great liability of loss, be-
cause if not baked quite enough the enamel cannot be worked
advantageously, and if the goods are allowed to remain too long
in the oven, the entire pattern may fuse into a liquid and run
away in a molten stream, or burn the plated work to blisters,
therefore only the most careful and experienced workmen are
entrusted with this part of the work. If the second heating is
successful, the jewelry is then cleansed by boiling in acids, rinsed
in water, and dried, when the work is complete.
No other process in the whole range of manufacture is attended
with so many chances of failure as that of enameling, and for this
reason, only those who have served long apprenticeships and had
years of experience, are found engaged in it.
S. S. WILD & SoN.—The oldest enameler in the city is Mr.
Samuel S. Wild, who began the business in 1864, at No. 109
Friendship Street. He is believed to have enameled more
jewelry than all others engaged in the business combined. The
place of business is at 179 Eddy Street. In 1884 Samuel S.
Wild, Jr., was admitted as a partner in the business and the firm
name became S. S. Wild & Son. In years past this firm has
done work for nearly every leading manufacturer in Providence
and vicinity, and Mr. Wild has seen many of the great houses
make and lose fortunes while he was doing work for them, and
witnessed the rise of many young and prosperous firms which are
now numbered among his customers. Something of the growth
and extent of the business may be inferred from the fact that Mr.
Wild started in the business with scarcely work enough to keep
three men employed and now has need of from twenty to thirty,
the number varying according to the fluctuations of the jewelry
trade in general, and the popular demand for more or less of the
enameled goods. In addition to the enameling of jewelry the
Messrs. Wild supply the crude material to enamelers in all parts
of the country; and the favor with which the public has received
enameled jewelry in all sections and the great popularity of this
style of goods, have been in a large degree due to the success
with which Mr. Wild has been able to combine his art with that
of the designer in producing attractive work.
R. & F. J. Skuce.—Another firm of Providence enamelers,
located at No. 71 Clifford Street, is composed of the brothers
336
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
Richard and Frank J. Skuce. They are a well-known and
reliable firm, who thoroughly understand their trade, and receive
a share of the work given out by the jewelry manufacturers of
this city and other places. The Messrs. Skuce, after learning
their trade, were employed for twelve years in the enameling
establishment of Mr. S. S. Wild. In 1876 they started busi-
ness on their own account, in the same place where they are at
present located. They do all branches of enameling business,
and employ from ten to fifteen hands. -
JAMEs G. Whitehouse.—The enameling works of Mr.
James G. Whitehouse, located at No. 136 Pine Street, were
established at the corner of Clifford and Page streets in 1869, by
Mr. John Marshall, who carried on the business successfully for
many years. Mr. Whitehouse, who had been in Mr. Marshall’s
employ, succeeded him in the business. The trade is one of many
others in connection with, and dependent on, the jewelry manu-
facture, and to some extent with the whims of fashion; although
enamel, in one shape or another, is never “out of fashion.” The
work is done for jewelry manufacturers. All jewelry manufac-
turers use it more or less, and Mr. Whitehouse has enjoyed a
wide patronage among them. Mr. Whitehouse has held many
positions of honor and trust. He was a member of the city
council from the fifth ward for a number of years, serving on
several important committees. He is warden of the fifth ward, a
position he has held for several years, filling the office acceptably
to his fellow-citizens.
mental in building up the benevolent organization known as the
Good Fellows, which is very strong locally, and is fast spreading
in other cities of the country. .
Watch case manufacturing in Providence has been an important
industry with but one or two houses. Sackett & Davis, at one
time the largest jewelry establishment in Providence, made a few
silver cases, but only as a side issue, that being a very small part
of their extensive business. This firm, which had its begin-
nings farther back than any jewelry manufactory still in the trade,
for nearly twenty years occupied the four-story building at the
corner of Richmond and Friendship streets, now occupied by
Foster & Bailey and others, and did an enormous business, their
sales amounting to $700,000 in some years. The firm became
financially embarrassed in 1879, owing to outside speculations,
principally in land, and they have been out of active participa-
tion in manufacturing ever since. With their withdrawal from
business, their silver watch case also disappeared from the trade.
Gold filled cases have been made here since 1865 by one concern
—what is now the Ladd Watch Case Company, and was formerly
styled J. A. Brown & Company.*
The chief markets for our manufacturers are New York,
Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia, New York
and Chicago leading by far. The goods are sold by traveling
salesmen to wholesale houses, who in turn drum the retail stores.
Only a small proportion of the Providence jewelers sell direct to
the retail trade. The most notable house doing so is that of the
Mackinney & Smith Manufacturing Company.
Having to extend long credit to these wholesale houses, far
removed from the manufactories, it was found necessary in 1885
to establish a Board of Trade of which Mr. Dutee Wilcox is
president, Messrs. Fred. I. Marcy and J. L. Sweet, vice-presi-
dents; Mr. George E. Emery, secretary, and Mr. John A.
McCloy, treasurer. This board has rooms in the Wilcox
building. It has already accomplished great good in protecting
the interests of its members. A branch of the Jewelers’ Mer-
cantile Agency of New York has also been located here for a
number of years. -
For a dozen years previous to 1884 the leading centres of dis-
* See page 275.
He founded and has been largely instru-
tribution, New York and Chicago, had supported journals
devoted to the interests of the trade. Providence being the
centre of manufacturing, in October, 1884, the experiment was
made of establishing a monthly journal devoted to the interests of
the manufacturers. This journal, the Manufacturing Jeweler,
was a success from the beginning. It is edited by Mr. Walter B.
Frost, who had for ten years previous been connected with the
daily press of Providence. The Jeweler is the official organ of
the Jewelers’ Board of Trade. Its editorial rooms are now at
183 Eddy Street, in the office of its proprietor, Mr. John A.
McCloy.
The growth and present importance to this city of the jewelry
interest cannot, perhaps, be better emphasized than by quoting a
few dry figures collected from the general and state censuses, and
other sources:
In 181o the workmen engaged in making jewelry numbered
Ioo and the value of the products was roughly estimated at one
hundred thousand dollars.
In 1815 there were about one hundred and seventy-five work-
men and their products were valued at $300,000.
In 1820 there were 300 employés and they made $600,000
worth of jewelry. -
In 1850 there were 729 people in the state employed in the
jewelry industry, probably seven hundred of them in Providence.
There were about fifty manufactories.
In 1860 Providence County (including Pawtucket) showed
seventy-seven shops, representing a capital of $1, I 12,900. The
cost of the raw material used was $916,297; value of products
$2,250,280. There were 1,498 males, and 263 females employed,
earning in wages $697,692 in the year. -
Five years later, in 1865, the war having done its work, and
the state census being rather imperfect in this particular, there
were only forty-five shops reported with a capital of $261,000.
The value of raw materials used was $516,922; value of products,
$1,200,025; total hands employed, male 606, female 118. -
In 1870 there were seventy-nine shops, but the government
census gives no statistics. -
In 1875 the state census reported 133 jewelry shops in Provi-
dence, employing 2,667 people. The wages paid out during the
year in the state (3,191 persons) amounted to $1,752,422.
The average daily wages paid males was as follows: Under fif-
teen years, 73 cents; fifteen years and over, $2.63; females un-
der fifteen, 56 cents; fifteen years and over, $1.13; the value of
raw materials used was $2,730,283 ; value of products, $6,023,-
551. These figures are for the state, and therefore include Paw-
tucket.
The United States census of 188o showed 142 jewelry shops
in Providence; capital invested, $2,755,070; value of raw mate-
rial, $2,495,824; value of products, $5,444,082; wages paid,
$1,614,836; people employed, 3,264; of these, 2,411 were males
above sixteen years, and 675 females above fifteen years, while 178
were children under those ages. The 148 shops in the state pro-
duced $5,650,133 worth of goods; the entire country produced
$22,201,621 worth of goods; therefore little Rhode Island pro-
duced more than one-quarter of the jewelry made in the entire
country.
It will be readily seen that the nearly two million dollars paid
out in wages form one of the most important factors in the pros-
perity of the people of our city. -
Taken all in all, considering the number of persons enmployed
and the wages paid them; to be by them distributed among the
tradesmen of the city, the working of the precious metals and
their allies and alloys, makes what is probably the most impor-
tant industry in this busy municipality. Its growth has been
remarkable, and its future looks prosperous, g
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
337
SoME of TIIE ExtENsive Jewelry MANUFACTURING
CoNCERNs.
FRED. I. MARcy & CoMPANY.—The symbolism of jewelry is
as varied as life's phases and moods, and is drawn from creed,
legend, myth, and history. Nature, animals, the human form and
face, furnish inspiration to its designers. The sculptor and the
artist aid in its development, and precious stones assist in its
ornamentation. Is he not a sculptor who chisels the cameo P. Is
he less an artist whose brush paints the medallion ? So much for
jewelry in general. Mr. Fred. I. Marcy, of No. 95 Pine Street,
under the firm name of Fred. I. Marcy & Company, makes for the
collar, cuff, and sleeve, a line of buttons known as the Acme
Lever Buttons. Realizing not only that the separable buttons
often cause procrastination instead of economy of time, by reason
of their parts becoming lost, but that a man, nervous from haste
in dressing, is often sorely put to in joining the parts, Mr. W.
W. Covell, foreman of Mr. Marcy's shop, undertook to produce
a button that would facilitate dressing, and thus become a boon
to the hurried business men of these days.
doing by simply connecting the shoe of the button to the post
with a lever, thus allowing it to assume the line of the post and
be easily thrust into the button-hole and quickly secured. The
button was patented Aug. 24, 1881, and at once put upon the
market. It was one of the first lever buttons produced. It
received instant recognition, and commanded large sales. The
button is made by special machinery, some of which is patented
and used exclusively by Mr. Marcy. The burnishing machines
used in joining the top of the button to the post without the use
of solder, are the inventions of Mr. Covell, and used only in this
manufactory. The button passes through twenty-five different
processes from the making of the plate, before it is ready for the
market. The plate is made, the dies are sunk, and all the pro-
cesses of the manufacture are carried on in Mr. Marcy’s works,
furnishing employment to seventy-five persons. The employés
are expert and rapid, capable of performing many times a day
the portion of work each one is entrusted with. One girl engaged
in shoeing the buttons is easily able to shoe 2,500 a day.
The Acme Lever Button because of its simplicity and useful-
ness commanded a market. It was bought because it saved time
and vexation in dressing, and because it was of neat and attractive
designs. It would have retained its position in the market had
only one style of button been sold, but Mr. Marcy, not content
with only monotonous usefulness for the button, at once devoted
his skill and energies to ornament it by every design, and settings
with precious stones that would, in his opinion, meet the varied
tastes of fashionable people.
Here is where his skill and ingenuity display themselves. In
his admirably arranged packing room, where the space is com-
modious, but every inch of which is utilized, are to be found six
thousand different designs in the ornamentation of the lever button.
When the spectator runs his eye over this great number of differ-
ent styles, he is surprised that there could be so many. A careful
examination of them gives evidence that all fields of knowledge
have been explored for the symbolism, or the image, or the like-
ness, or the scene that is caught and held by the sculptor's chisel,
the artist’s brush, the lapidary's skill, the jeweler's art, on the top
of a button invented only for convenience. More than three hun-
dred stones used as jewels by all the nations of the earth are set in
these buttons. That is one item, and it includes cameos, opals,
amethysts, pearls, diamonds, etc. Crystal pictures are often used
in the setting. These are portraits, animals, or landscapes, painted
in miniature, and covered by clear glass, the whole making an
artistic setting. Other buttons are chased, engraved, enameled,
finished in Roman, made to resemble ancient coin, or mounted
This he succeeded in
...tion.
with a head, or body of an animal or bird, set with emblematical
figures, or ornamented with a leaf, or the tracery of a vine. Much
of the ornamentation is done in French enamel, which will take
any color, and is very durable and made in many attractive
styles. All the designs for the buttons are originated by Mr. Marcy
and his assistant. The buttons are made of rolled plate, gold
front, and sterling silver. The factory is centrally located, is fitted
up with the most improved machinery, and has a capacity of five
thousand pairs of buttons a day. It occupies the whole of the
space, 125x43 feet. - -
Mr. Marcy also makes a fine line of link buttons of rolled
plate and sterling silver, and scarf pins of the same materials,
from original designs.
The business of the house has from the first been very exten-
sive, and the productions popular with the trade and public.
The New York office is at No. 1; Maiden Lane. Several sales-
men are employed in traveling to attend to the wants of the cus-
tomers of the house in the United States. The trade of the house
extends to Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, and Austra-
lia. The goods manufactured by the house rank high in the mar-
ket, and it has the confidence of the trade.
Mr. Fred. I. Marcy was born May 13, 1838, at Hartland,
Windsor County, Vt. He was educated in the schools of his
native town. Until he was twenty-one years of age he remained
with his father, working on the farm. Then he went to Medfield,
Mass., where for four years he was in the employ of D. Hoising-
ton, a dealer in tinware. In 1864 he accepted a position as
traveling salesman with James H. Sturdy, a jewelry manufac-
turer of Attleboro, Mass. At the expiration of one year he be-
came Mr. Sturdy's partner, the firm name being Sturdy & Marcy.
In the same year, 1865, Mr. J. H. Sturdy retired and was suc-
ceeded by W. A. Sturdy. In 1867 Mr. Marcy sold out to his
partner and with J. H. Sturdy removed to Providence and be-
gan again the manufacture of jewelry at his present location, No.
95 Pine Street. The firm name was Sturdy & Marcy.
They made a general line of jewelry. Mr. Marcy was the
traveling man and Mr. Sturdy superintended the manufactory.
*
Mr. Sturdy retired from the firm in 1877.
In 1878 Mr. Marcy who had meantime conducted the business.
in his own name, associated his salesman, Charles H. Smith, with
him as partner under the firm name of Fred. I. Marcy & Com-
pany. Mr. Smith retired in 1882 and Mr. Marcy has since con-
ducted the business alone. -
Mr. Marcy is prominent in public affairs. In 1878 he was
elected a member of the city council from the sixth ward, and
has continued to represent that ward until the present time.
Since 1879 he has been chairman of the committee on education
and has superintended the erection of many school-houses of ad-
mirable arrangement and attractive architecture. Among these
are the Elmwood Grammar School on Vineyard Street, the Am-
herst Street, the Chester Avenue, the Berlin Street, the Camp
Street, the Harris and Sayles Street, the Plain and Sayles Street,
the Somerset Street, the Cowille Street, and the Bellevue Avenue
school-houses. The aggregate cost of these various school
edifices was upwards of $225,000 for the buildings, without fur-
nishings.
He is a member of the committee on qualifications of school
teachers; a member of the committee on finance; is a director of
the Old Men's Home. He is a director of the Rhode Island
National Bank; president of the Narragansett Electric Light
Company; director of the Roger Williams Loan Fund Associa-
He has long been connected with the Masonic Fraternity
and is past master of Adelphi Lodge. Mr. Marcy is an active,
enterprising business man, and as a citizen is earnest and zealous
for the public welfare. e
338
PLANTATIONS.
THE PROVIDENCE
ANCIENT AND MODERN JEWELRY SHOPS.
Fost ER & BAILEY. —The manufacture of jewelry is an art,
delicate in its operation, beautiful in its production. Its aim
being the adornment of the person, it requires taste, cultivation,
and discernment in the selection of the design, as well as original-
ity in its conception and ability in its execution. Although there
are very many manufacturers in this city, each house is gov-
erned by a ruling idea, and produces a particular class of goods.
The house of Foster & Bailey, established in 1873, and now
located at No. 6o Richmond Street, make a line of ladies' goods
and lockets, and sleeve buttons for gentlemen. Ladies' goods
include drops (earrings), lace pins, brooches, bracelets, and
lockets. This class of goods the firm make of rolled plate, with
gold fronts, and they are chased, enameled, engraved, or set
with precious stones. Their line of goods attracts very wide
attention, it being the rule of the house to put on the market only
such designs as are beautiful and original. Their lace pins are
not only exceedingly ornamental and attractive, but are provided
with a patent safety spring, which prevents the displacement of
the stem, and holds the brooch firmly in its place. This is itself
important to the purchaser and wearer of jewelry, which being so
often bought for a gift, and for this reason especially valuable to
the recipient, should be selected, not only in consideration of its
beauty, but in reference to its fastenings. The safety spring made
by this firm secures jewelry from loss in the wearing, and insures
enjoyment in the display of ornaments not only valuable in them-
selves, but precious from association. This firm exercise rare
discernment in adapting their designs to the whims of fashion,
and have produced many styles that have won favor and acquired
large sales.
On beholding a work of art the spectator exclaims with delight
at its beauty, but does not pause to think of its development. It
is there before the vision, which dwells upon it as a whole, or
notes its distinctive features, while the processes of its growth are
but the memory of the artist, who in its conception beheld it in its
twofold beauty of utility and grace. These two qualities this firm
have been zealous to present in the goods manufactured by their
house. The Mount Hope sleeve button made by this firm, is a
combination of usefulness and symmetry, and has gained distinc-
tion in thetrade. Realizing that there was a growing demand for a
cuffbutton that could be inserted into the button hole and withdrawn
with ease, and yet not be liable to displacement and consequent
loss, this firm began a series of experiments which ended in the
production of a fastening attachment that combined all the
requirements with simplicity, enabling them to place upon the
market a very useful article of jewelry, so constructed as to be
cheap, beautiful in finish, easily put into the cuff, and as easily
withdrawn. Thus they accomplished that which has been the
aim for years of some of the most skilled mechanics in the busi-
11CSS.
The business was established at 28 1-2 Potter Street, by Messrs.
Walter E. White, Theodore W. Foster, and Samuel H. Bailey,
under the firm name of White, Foster & Company. Though on the
eve of the great financial panic, the business rapidly outgrew its ac-
commodations and they removed to 185 Eddy Street. In 1878 Mr.
White withdrew and the firm name became Foster & Bailey. As
their reputation for fair dealing and business enterprise became
more extended, their capital and business increased still more
rapidly, demanding another removal. Their present place of busi-
ness, No. 66 Richmond Street, was then secured. Two floors and
basement of this block, measuring 35 x 107 feet, are now occupied
by their extensive business, where they employ 100 persons in the
various processes of the manufucture of their goods. One floor
of this building is used for coloring, refining, storage, etc.; one
for tool-makers, stampers, platers, heavy machinery, and power
presses; and one for jewelers and their varied operations to com-
plete and beautify the great variety of goods for which this firm
is widely and favorably known.
A MODEL JEWELRY MANUFACTORY — Building in which Foster & Bailey's Works are
located, corner of Richmond and Friendship Streets.


THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
339
HAMILTON & HAMILTON, JR.—The manufacturing jewelry busi-
ness now represented by Hamilton & Hamilton, Jr., at No. 226
Eddy Street, was established Jan. 1, 1871, by R. S. Hamilton,
R. S. Hamilton, Jr., and G. C. Hunt, at No. 30 Potter Street,
where they began the manufacture of ladies' jewelry sets, lace
pins, and a small line of gentlemen's chains. These they made
of solid gold. After continuing for about six months in the pro-
duction of solid goods, they concluded to enlarge their business
and make rolled plate chains. This additional industry led to
a very large trade and subsequently caused the firm to remove
to their present location, where their attention is now almost
wholly given to the manufacture of rolled plate chains. In 1882
Mr. Hunt retired from the business and the present firm name
was assumed. The factory is divided into four floors, two in
the main building and two in the wing. Those in the main
building are 80 x 40 feet and those in the wing 55 x 28 feet, giving
in all an area of over eight thousand square feet, all of which
space is economically arranged and admirably adapted to the
accomplishment of the vast amount of work this prominent jew-
elry firm turn out every year. A complete and thorough system
regulates the workings of the factory, and by it are managed the
operations of its employés, as well as the mercantile ’ depart-
ment conducted.
In beginning the review of the manufacture of an article, hesi-
tation arises between the design and the material. One does not
know at first thought which should have the precedence, for they
are apparently of equal importance. However, a moment's reflec-
tion settles the doubt, and the design is given first place because
it is the newness, the novelty of an article in these days of com-
petition in fine rolled plate jewelry that will insure a market for
the product. The materials are at hand for every manufacturer
to fashion good articles of the best quality, and all manufacturing
jewelry establishments have facilities for making first-class goods.
So from the design—and to the designer must the manufacturer
look for the means to make the material especially valuable in the
monetary sense — a pleased fancy stimulates the individual to
buy. Herein is the secret of the success of this house. Having
at hand the materials of which others made jewelry, and the
appliances differing in nothing essential from the tools of others,
they sought to use the chimerical but marketable nonenities—
ideas, -and make the materials the medium that would render
visible to the public the idea which was, maybe, a flash of light,
revealing to the inventor's mind the thought embodied in the
manufactured article. So obtaining men of originality for design-
ers, they began to put upon the market a great variety of rolled
plate chains. Their line comprises more than two thousand
different styles. If this statement is dwelt upon for a moment a
conception of the magnitude of the business can be in some
measure formed. -
To the ordinary observer, a few dozen varieties of chain would
excite wonder, and certainly, even to the jeweler, a feeling akin to
wonder must arise when he sees spread out before him this line of
goods made by this firm, comprising vest, guard, and neck chains,
and chatelaines, bracelet, and eye-glass chains. These goods bear
the trade-mark “*H. & H.” and those of extra quality are desig-
nated by “*H. H. H.” The goods made by this firin are
known as the “H. & H.” brand. The firm do not place design
above workmanship and material. In both the latter they exact of
their employés the best, so that their goods shall stand in the
market claiming superiority in these essentials to a good article, as
well,as in beauty and originality of design.
The eye-glass chains and bracelet guards are appreciated by the
wearers of the ornaments, and also by the unfortunates who are
compelled to assist the eyes by using spectacles. Both the brace-
lets and eye-glasses are liable to fall and be lost or broken, but
with these guard chains attached to them, both these probabilities
are removed. A specialty of this firm is the patent buckle brace-
let. These bracelets are so secured as to leave little probability of
their becoming unfastened, and the only way they can be lost is by
slipping over the hand. The curb chains made by this house have
become well known in the trade, and are made up in a great va-
riety of styles and of excellent workmanship. These chains are
made by girls, whose dexterity is astonishing, and the rapidity of
their work is almost marvelous. Their skill is a combination of
quick sight and rapid fingering, their keenness of perception is
needed to discover at a glance the quality of the wire their nimble
fingers are speedily, joint by joint, converting into a chain. On
all the vest and guard chain, the tapered bar is used. This bar
is graceful and highly ornamental. • e
The factory is divided, in the nomenclature of the firm and em-
ployés, into the large shop and small shop—one being in the main
building and the latter in the wing. On the lower floor of the
former the melting, wire-drawing, polishing, and coloring are
attended to, while on the upper floor is carried on the manufac-
ture of chain-bars, gold tips, slides, and ornaments. On the
lower floor of the wing the swivel and fine chains are made,
while the entire upper floor is set apart for the manufacture of
curb chains, and the engraving of the dies, tips, slides, and links.
There has been much written about the jewelry trade and its
various processes of manufacture; but after all the interest of the
public is in the goods made and placed before them, rather than
in the manner of preparing the materials or in the finishing
of them. Yet it does happen that even men in the jewelry line
send plated goods to the factory to have them replated, which
cannot be done. The plate wears off and leaves only the base-
metal; for instance, the joints of a curb chain will wear, and
when they do and the solder appears, it reminds one of seams
in a well-worn garment, where the dust has settled and given the
line of the sewing prominence. So there is nothing to do but to
buy a new chain; and if the old one is sent back all that can be
done with it is to throw it into the scraps, then it goes to the
refiner and what gold is left comes back to the manufacturer to be
again made into new designs. - -
As with a garment, so also with jewelry. In buying articles
of personal adornment it is just as essential to be sure of the
reliability of the manufacturer as in buying a fine coat, for both
are purchased largely upon the representations of the producer
and dealer, for while the purchaser may be pleased with the
general effect, he cannot always tell whether the garment be all
of wool, or whether the jeweler's product be gold or baser metal.
The productions of this house have gained a permanent place in
the confidence of purchasers and dealers, and their sales are con-
stantly extending to wider and more distant markets in recogni-
tion of this fact. Their rolled plate goods are intended to be the
most perfect, to answer all desirable purposes, that can be pro-
duced, giving the richest effects possible to the jeweler's art,
with a proper thickness of plate to give them great wearing
qualities, withalsat a cost so reasonable as to allow of ladies or
gentlemen making an addition to their jewel case by an occasional
purchase without great outlay.
The great consumption of plated goods furnishes the factories
with trade, employing a great deal of skilled labor, to which lib-
eral wages are paid. The firm of Hamilton & Hamilton, Jr.,
makes a very high class of goods, employing from eighty to two
hundred artisans, and have established an enviable reputation
in the trade. Their New York office is at No. 176 Broadway, and
their trade embraces the United States, and the Canadas, South
America and Australia.
340 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
FANNING & Potter.—The firm of Fanning & Potter, manu-
facturing jewelers, No. 125 Broad Street, is an old and well-known
house. The business was originally established in 1854, by
Joseph H. Fanning, who still continues at its head. On Mr.
Alfred S. Potter becoming a partner the firm became Fanning &
Potter, and subsequently for a time Fanning, Potter & Company.
On first entering business, Mr. Fanning confined himself to the
manufacture of pins and drops, both jet and plain, but gradually
added other lines of goods, and now the firm manufacture brace-
lets, ribbon and hair chains, hooks, bars and swivels, and also
lockets and charms. That the quality of this firm’s goods has
stood the test of time, their thirty years' business career affords the
best evidence, and the fact that after this long lapse of time the
names of some of the parties to whom they sold goods when they
commenced business are still borne on their books as customers,
prove the straightforward and satisfactory manner which has
characterized their business dealings. The premises now occu-
pied by the firm are large, supplied with steam power and all the
latest and most approved appliances that their business demands.
The style and quality of their goods is kept up to a high standard
and new novelties in their lines are being continually produced
and placed upon the market. Both members of this firm stand
high in the business and social community of Providence. Mr.
J. H. Fanning has been elected and served two terms on the
school board, was elected a member of the common council in
1882 and now fills that position. Mr. Alfred S. Potter was also
elected a member of the common council in 1880 and still holds
that office. They are both representative business men of their
native state–Rhode Island—for both were born on its soil. Since
starting in business they have seen many changes in trade circles;
have seen many firms flourish for a time and then fade away.
The financial troubles of 1857, those occasioned by the breaking
out of the war in 1861, and the great business depression that for
the last several years has weighed down the industries of the coun-
try, all these Messrs. Fanning & Potter have passed through un-
scathed, and are now vigorous and ready to profit by and enjoy
the “good times” that it is confidently hoped will at no distant
day dawn upon us. -
CHARLEs Downs.—One of the oldest manufacturing jewelers
in this city in Mr. Charles Downs, who has devoted the energy of
a life-time to the development of this branch of industrial labor,
and passed successfully through the vicissitudes incident to the busi-
ness for the last thirty-six years. His first experience as a manu-
facturer was in the town of Foxboro, Mass., where he started
for himself in 1850; he removed to Providence about sixteen
years ago, and now operates a large plant at No. 61 Peck Street.
He employs about fifty workmen, and in the course of a long ex-
perience in manufacturing he has made almost every variety of
plated goods. Since coming to this city Mr. Downs has given
particular attention to making fine walking sticks with gold and
silver heads. This is a new departure from the stereotyped lines
of goods, and a flourishing trade in these commodities has been
secured in all parts of the civilized world. The New York head-
quarters of the house are at No. 200 Broadway
O. C. DEveREUx & CoMPANY.- For all practical and orna-
mental purposes, plated jewelry is as good as the solid, and its
production is becoming more extensive every year. One Provi-
dence house that turns out a very reliable quality of rolled plate
goods is that of O. C. Devereux & Company, No. 220 Eddy
Street. The sole proprietor at the present time is Mr. Orin C.
Devereux, who resides in this city and oversees the factory, while
the sales in New York are managed by Mr. T. A. Reynolds, at
No. 102 Chambers Street. The business of the house was estab-
lished in 1873, by J. E. Braman & Company, to whom the pres-
ent owner succeeded in 1879. The plant is well equipped with
ton ever made.
tools and designs for making a miscellaneous line of gentlemen's
cuff buttons, Scarf pins, studs, rings, etc., and the house has made
an extensive reputation on several patent sleeve-buttons, with pe-
cular devices for quick and easy attachment.
This house makes a specialty of stonine goods, made of rolled
plate and covered with a patent preparation, which when hard-
ened and smoothed resembles white linen. This stonine is alone
visible when the piece of jewelry is in place. The goods made
of it are sleeve links, studs, buttons, and collar buttons. Stonine
is specially adopted for full dress jewelry for gentlemen's wear.
The stonine is also prepared in black for mourning goods.
HowARD & SoN.—The American lever cuff and collar but-
ton is one of the most prominent and conspicuous specialties of
the varied and extensive jewelry business of this city. The busi-
ness was established Jan. 1, 1878, in the Hope Iron Foundry
building on Eddy Street under the firm name of H. Howard &
Company, and the firm was then composed of Hiram Howard,
A. J. Scherrieble, and Arnold Nicoud. Upon the 1st of January,
1879, Arnold Nicoud withdrew from the firm and a special or
limited partnership was formed for five years, Sterns Hutchins
being the special partner. At that time the firm name was
changed to Howard & Scherrieble, and continued under that
style until the expiration of the limited partnership on Jan. I,
1884, when Sterns Hutchins retired, and Stephen C. Howard,
son of the senior member of the firm, was admitted as a partner.
On Feb. 5, 1884, A.J. Scherrieble withdrew from the concern,
and the style was then changed to Howard & Son and so con-
tinues to the, present date. The specialty of this house, and its
principal business since 1880, has been the manufacture and sale
of the American lever button which has had a large and con-
stantly increasing sale since its introduction six years ago. In
addition to the specialty above mentioned, Messrs. Howard &
Son have recently commenced to make a decided novelty which
they have named the “Sensation” collar button. -
This button is constructed entirely of rolled gold plate, the
shoe and post are drawn from a single piece of stock, while the
top or head from another piece is curled over and firmly secured
to the top of the post without the use of solder, all the work be-
ing done by a machine invented for the purpose by Mr. S. Cottle,
of New York, who has granted Messrs. Howard & Son the ex-
clusive privilege of making this button in rolled plated stock, Mr.
Cottle reserving the exclusive right to make the button in solid
gold. The “Sensation ” collar button being made of two pieces
only and without solder, it is necessarily the strongest collar but-
In addition to these specialties the firm also
makes a fine line of sterling silver goods comprising a great
variety of sleeve buttons, lace pins, and corsage pins.
When the business of this house was first moved to its present
location, their office, store-room, and work-shop was comprised in
the space now occupied by their offices alone, and their works
have been enlarged from time to time so as to give room to the
one hundred workmen they now employ. . The New York office
of this firm is at No. 176 Broadway, first door above Maiden
Lane, and their works are in the Dyer Street Land Company's
building, Io2 Orange Street, in this city. * -
PHILIP RILEY & CoMPANY.—The business of Philip Riley
& Company, manufacturing jewelers, was commenced in 1873 at
No. 117 Summer Street, by Mr. Philip Riley and Mr. John Do-
ran, under the firm name of Doran & Riley, and in 1874 was
removed to its present location, No. 407 Pine Street. The part-
nership continued until 1880, in which year Mr. Riley bought out
Mr. Doran’s interest in the business. The firm manufactures a
general line of ladies' goods, sets, lace pins, drops, etc. The
goods are of rolled plate, gold front, and set with brilliants,
pearls, garnets, etc. Mr. Riley has a thorough practical knowl-
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
34 I
edge of his büsiness, having worked at the trade since 1856.
His goods are largely designed by himself, and his practical
knowledge and long experience in the business enables him to
judge accurately of the wants of the trade, as well as to put his
ideas properly into practical shape. From the beginning, the
trade of the firm increased steadily, and it now reaches to every
portion of the United States and Canada, and several points in
South America. His goods, both as to design, finish, and gene-
ral excellence, are alike creditable to the firm and its skillful work-
men. The firm has a membership in the Jewelers' Board of
Trade. -
CLARKE, BLACK & CoMPANY.-Clarke, Black & Company,
manufacturing jewelers, have their office and factory situated at
13 Mason Street. The original business of this firm was the
manufacture of combination jet goods and bracelets, but changes
have been made from time to time in the style of articles manufac-
tured, and at present the firm is known as one of the largest
plated ring houses in the country; their attention having been
given almost exclusively, for the past few years, to the making of
rolled plate finger rings of all styles; although they have also
done quite a business in jet pins.
Finding the field of plated goods too small, the firm has just
commenced the manufacture of solid gold rings and has put a very
handsome line of them on the market in addition to their 1,300
different styles of plated rings.
Goods are shipped to all parts of the United States and Canada
by this firm, and they also do quite an extensive export trade
with South America and Cuba; their largest customers being sit-
uated in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Montreal and Ha-
vana, while a fair proportion of this product goes to all the prin-
cipal cities of the nation. -
The firm consists of George L. Clarke, James B. Black, and
Prescott O. Clarke. The senior member, George L. Clarke, is
well known in this community, having held many positions of
honor and trust in both the city and state. Mr. Black has been
connected with the jewelry business for nearly forty years and is
considered one of the best practical jewelry manufacturers in the
city. When but nineteen years old he was sufficiently well
acquainted with the business to take successful charge of a shop
employing about two hundred hands. Prescott O. Clarke, the
junior partner, is the business manager of the firm. He has
traveled extensively and has a wide business acquaintance.
Honest dealings and progressive ideas are characteristics of this
firm and assure its continued success.
PALMER & CAPRON.—The business history of the jewelry firm
of Palmer & Capron covers a period of more than forty years, and
begins in 1845, when Mr. John S. Palmer, the senior proprietor
of the present house, formed the partnership known as Palmer &
Stavé and started in the manufacture of a general line of goods.
The firm subsequently changed to Palmer & Lamson in 1850;
and finally the present partnership between Mr. Palmer and Mr.
Charles S. Capron was formed in 1852, at which time gold rings
began to be made a specialty. Their factory is located at No. 120
Dorrance Street, where the firm employ about thirty hands in
making finger rings of solid gold, rolled plate, filled gold, and coin
silver. The shop is under the personal supervision of Mr. Pal-
mer, while Mr. Capron takes charge of the sales department of
the business, and resides in New York where the firm has had an
office for thirty-two years in Maiden Lane, the famous jewelry
centre of the world. The goods made by this house are a staple
commodity in all the markets of the country, and are also exported
to quite an extent into foreign countries. The styles change from
year to year in accordance with the ever varying fashion, but are
sufficiently permanent to enable the firm to manufacture and keep
on hand a larger stock than most firms venture to carry; and a
curious fact worth mentioning in this connection is, that some of
44
the most fashionable styles of to-day are identical with those in
demand fifty years ago. Mr. Palmer, the resident member of the
firm, is a director in the National Eagle Bank, and vice-president
of the City Savings Bank. -- .
THOMAs F. ARNOLD.—The jewelry manufacturing business
now carried on by Mr. Thomas F. Arnold, at 29 Point Street,
was originally established by himself and Mr. Henry E. Webster,
who started their first shop on Page Street in 1866, under the title
of Arnold & Webster. From the first they have had a successful
career, and have been known as makers of solid gold band rings,
as a staple product, while they put on the market several other
articles in less amount. From Page Street the works were re-
moved to Mathewson & Allen's building on Eddy Street, then to
McKenzie's building on Friendship and Eddy, and again to an-
other block on Eddy near Clifford, before the works finally settled
in the present location. About a year ago the decease of Mr.
Webster left his partner, sole proprietor of the business, which is
continued with the same class of product as heretofore. -
THOMAS QUAYLE & CoMPANY.- Ranking among the well-
established and widely-known jewelry manufacturing firms of
Providence, is that of Mr. Thomas Quayle. He went into busi-
ness in 1870, at No. 44 Page Street, but moved to No. 6o Rich-
mond Street, his present location — the old Sackett & Davis build-
ing. From the time he started until the present, his trade has
been steadily growing, and in his extensive line of goods he now
stands second to none of his competitors. His trade consists of
a general assortment of ladies’ gold goods, such as pins, ear-
drops, crosses, collar, and other buttons, etc. He also manufac-
tures sets, both for stock and to order, mounts all kinds of stones,
and carries in stock all sorts of gems, except diamonds, which
are mounted to order. Though the business comes under one
general line — ladies' goods — it embraces a wide variety of arti-
cles, and as ladies are proverbially fond of change, Mr. Quayle's
designers are kept busy to gratify their taste in this respect. His
prosperous business is proof that in this he succeeds. His goods
are of fine quality, beautiful designs, and as perfect workmanship
as has yet been attained in the jewelry art. He manufactures
sets to order of any style desired and embellished in the most or-
nate and artistic way. His factory is spacious, accommodating
sixty hands at its greatest capacity, and is arranged with every
convenience that long experience could suggest. Mr. Quayle's
trade is largely in the West. He is a member of the Jewelers'
Board of Trade of New York City, and has an office at No. 25
Maiden Lane, New York.
C. SIDNEY SMITH.— One of the most reliable gold chain man-
ufacturers in this city is Mr. C. Sidney Smith, who has made
this work his sole business for the last sixteen years. Mr. Smith
learned his trade in Newark, N.J., and was in the employ of
Sackett, Davis & Company fourteen years before starting in busi-
ness for himself. In 1870, in company with Mr. Samuel W.
Saxton and Mr. Fred. D. Symonds, he founded the firm of Sax-
ton, Smith & Company, which established the present factory at
No. 183 Eddy Street, of which he has since had the supervision.
Since the firm was organized the other members have retired
from the business, Mr. Smith being now the sole proprietor.
The house has steadily adhered to the manufacture of one staple
of sterling quality, on which they have made an excellent reputa-
tion among the trade. The New York office is at No. 14 John
Street. Mr. Smith has served several years in the city council
and has been a Representative to the General Assembly.
CRossIN & TUCKER.— Among the extensive and well-known
jewelry manufacturing firms of Providence is that of Messrs.
Crossin & Tucker, (Bernard F. Crossin and James H. Tucker,)
at No. 409 Pine Street. The business of this house was estab-
lished in 1874, at its present location, by Mr. Frederick O. Smith,
(now Bryton, the actor,) Mr. Crossin, and Mr. Tucker, under the
342
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
firm name of Smith, Crossin & Company. Mr. Smith retired
from the firm in 1875, and it assumed its present title — Crossin &
Tucker. They manufacture a general line of ladies’ goods — sets,
pins, drops, etc.,-but have several special novelties, most of which
were invented and designed by Mr. Crossin. Their goods are
of rolled plate and gold front, and are of superior excellence,
both as to design, finish, and artistic workmanship. Among
the novelties they manufacture are brooches set with stones,
upon which are transferred Etruscan paintings by a process
invented by Mr. Isaacson David, and for which they hold the
patent. This patent covers the process of placing the finished-
proof of a photograph in a brooch or lace pin, so that the pic-
ture will be retained, while the paper on which it was origin-
ally printed is removed, the face remaining on the stone. The
portrait has the appearance of a photograph on porcelain. The
firm pay a royalty on Etruscan paintings, and have the sole right
to manufacture the style of goods described. The business of
Messrs. Crossin & Tucker has steadily increased year by year,
and is at present in a prosperous condition. Their factory occu-
pies two entire floors of the large building, 409 Pine street, and
about eighty hands are constantly employed there. Mr. Tucker
is a practical jeweler, and personally supervises every detail of the
business. Mr. Crossin looks after the sales of the goods. The
firm are members of the Jewelers’ Board of Trade.
W. E. WHITE & CoMPANY. — The jewelry manufacturing
establishment of W. E. White & Company, is one which is
pointed to with pride by those interested in the jewelry business of
Providence. While comparatively a young house, the transactions
of the firm have been attended with exceptional success, a direct
result of keen business sagacity and a correct judgment of popu-
ular tastes. The house has thus commanded a position in the
trade which is usually attained only after many years of successful
business life. Mr. White had formerly been a member of the
firm of White, Foster & Company which commenced business
in 1873, and consisted of Walter E. White, Theodore W. Foster,
and Samuel H. Bailey, who were located at No. 26 Potter Street.
In 1876 Mr. White withdrew from the firm, and commenced at
No. 53 Clifford Street, the business now conducted by Walter
E. White & Company. The manufactory was removed to its
present location, 54 Page Street, in 1880. His business is a very
extensive one and gives employment to from seventy to eighty
hands. He makes a general line of ladies' goods, – bracelets,
lace-pins, ear-rings, etc. All his goods are rolled plate, set with
all classes of stones, cameos, garnets, pearls, and brilliants,
which are in good demand by the trade. He is a member of
the Jewelers' Board of Trade. The New York office is at No.
26 Maiden Lane. -
FLINT, Blood & YouNG.—The well-known house of Flint,
Blood & Young, manufacturing jewelers, was established in 1869,
and is now located at No. 29 Point Street. They have one of the
best equipped factories in the city. They make a specialty of
finger rings, in gold filled and rolled plate, for which they have a
world-wide reputation, their goods reaching the principal mar-
kets of the globe.
The New York office is located at 196 Broadway, and is under
the management of Mr. J. A. Young, a member of the firm,
where samples of their extensive line of goods are exhibited. The
house has established a high reputation for first-class goods and
business integrity.
John A. McCloy is one of the new school of progressive
jewelers. Although not reared at the bench he has by long ex-
perience in shop, office, and on the road, learned all the ins and
outs of this industry. His establishment dates back to 1863,
when Lewis Carr and James D. Gwinn formed the firm of L.
Carr & Company, and had a shop at No. 108 Eddy Street for
the manufacture of gold lockets. On the dissolution of this
men.
firm in 1870, John A. McCloy, a graduate of the Providence
High School, who had been for a long time the book-keeper for
the Fall River Iron Works Company in this city, and James W.
Gwinn formed a copartnership under the style of James W.
Gwinn & Company, and continued the manufacture of lockets.
The infusion of young blood into the firm caused such an in-
crease in the business that in 1873 they moved to the second floor
in the “Penholder” building.
In 1875, the business requiring still greater facilities, a re-
moval was made to the lower floor of the Fitzgerald building,
No. 183 Eddy Street, and the firm name was changed to Gwinn
& McCloy. In 1877 Mr. Gwinn retired and Mr. McCloy suc-
ceeded to the entire business. He remained at this location for
ten years, and when another story was added to the building in
1885 he removed to the top floor, where he has still greater facil-
ities, more room, and a better light for the bench hands. In
1884 Mr. McCloy added plated lockets, and ladies’ goods and
scarf pins in plate to his gold locket line. His line is therefore
now quite extensive and diversified. In the production of lock-
ets, lace pins, and scarf pins, this house has a deservedly fine
reputation, and its goods are well known throughout the markets
of this country and Canada.
Mr. McCloy was one of the founders and has been secretary
from the beginning of the New England Manufacturing Jewelers’
Association. He was also one of the projectors and is the treas-
urer of the Manufacturing Jewelers’ Board of Trade. He is also
a prominent member and officer of a large number of organiza-
tions which go towards making up the social life of Providence.
J. W. GRANT & CoMPANY.— After serving an apprenticeship
at the jeweler's trade at Wrentham, Mass., with J. W. Sturdy &
Company, and working at it as a journeyman there, at Attleboro,
Newburyport, and in this city, Mr. Joseph W. Grant set up in
business for himself at No. 46 Page Street, in 1872, with Charles
H. Cooke as a partner, under the firm name of J. W. Grant &
Company, for the special manufacture of bracelets. Mr. Cooke
retired in 1875, and Mr. Grant continued business alone under the
same name till 1885, when Mr. Albert E. Follett was admitted as
junior partner. The business was moved to No. 25 Calender
Street, its present location, in 1880, and was there burned out in
the disastrous Calender building conflagration. Sterling silver
and rolled plate goods, comprising chains, bracelets, pins, drops,
charms, etc., for both ladies’ and gentlemen’s wear, and a gene-
ral line of plated jewelry goods, are their present chief produc-
tions, which give employment to from thirty to seventy-five work-
The firm are members of the Jewelers' Board of Trade.
J. C. HARRINGTON, located at Nos. 129 and 131 Eddy Street,
in addition to manufacturing a general assortment of goods, such
as the wants of the trade from time to time demand, makes a
specialty of bracelets and oval wire bangles. These articles he
produces in wonderful variety, and of the most beautiful designs,
having his own designer, and using his own patterns. On brace-
let clasps alone he has over one dozen patents, these clasps being
technically spoken of as “locking moons.” There is scarcely an
article of personal adornment that affords so much scope for the
introduction of pleasing novelties as the bracelet. The goods are
made of the finest rolled plate. Some of them are ornamented
by costly gems, and others by gold knobs and sliding clasps,
prettily decorated. The business now being conducted by Mr.
Harrington was established by himself and Daniel S. Cooke, in
1869, in Sackett & Davis' old building, No. 102 Friendship Street.
In 1873 Mr. Harrington bought Mr. Cooke's interest and continued
the business at the old stand until 1881, when he removed to his
present location in the Amasa Mason block. He employs from
twenty-five to forty hands, and at times from fifty to sixty, accord-
ing to the state of the business.
His trade is in a prosperous condition, and reaches every part
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 343
of the United States and Canada. He has also an export trade in
Europe, South America, and the West Indies, and he has shipped
goods to Russia.
Board of Trade.
PLACE, PETERson & CoMPANY. — The manufacture of jewelry
opens so extensive a field for the exercise of artistic taste and manual
skill and invention, that nearly all engaged in it originate or adopt
some special line of work which wins for them reputation and
business success. In March, 1882, Albert B. Place, Oscar E.
Place, and John P. Peterson commenced the jewelry business
at No. 235 Eddy Street, as Place, Peterson & Company, which
firm name continued about two years when A. B. Place sold out
to Louis Vaughn, formerly of Vaughn & Merrill and L. Vaughn
& Company, whose business was absorbed by Place, Peterson &
Company. From their old stand on Eddy Street they moved to
their present location, No. 16 Calender Street, in 1884, where
they have larger business facilities, and manufacture gold and
plated jewelry.
“Patent adjustable, solid gold, stone rings,” the joint invention
of Messrs. Place and Peterson, is the special line of their business.
This finger ring is made by an adjustable spring to fit three differ-
ent sizes of finger. The spring slides into the shank of the ring
and has a knob on the end that clutches into either of the three
holes drilled in the side of the box of the ring as the desired
change of size requires, the box forming the base of the ring; the
spring is entirely covered by the setting. This method makes a
strong yet light all gold ring, popular with the trade, and made
only by this firm. They also make a line of rolled plate goods
in rings, charms, lockets, etc., from a variety of original patterns
Mr. Harrington is a member of the Jewelers'
of their own designing. They sell to jobbers and have a direct
export trade with the Canadas.
ROBERT BRADLEY & SoN.— One of the firms now doing a
good manufacturing business in solid gold work with mountings,
is that composed of Mr. Robert Bradley and his son, Robert
Bradley, Jr. For a few months after they first started the busi-
ness, in 1882, their office and manufactory were located on Pot-
ter Street, but they soon removed to 227 Eddy Street where they
still remain.
Ear-rings, lace and scarf pins, studs and buttons are the speci-
alties of this house, in which are set imitation diamonds, imported
from Europe, that can scarcely be distinguished from real gems
even by experts. The work requires the service of skilled arti-
sans, about twenty-five being employed in the shops.
PEARCE & HoAGLAND.—The establishment of Messrs. Pearce
& Hoagland which is located in the Simmons building, No. 29
Point Street, is one of the flourishing manufactories of the city.
Its special line of trade is the production of gold pens, pen-
holders, pencils, and the quill reserve toothpicks, in which latter
department they have created a large business, affording a prac-
tical illustration of the way in which important industries are
built up in the manufacture of specialties. The business of this
firm was started in 1879 by Frank T. Pearce and John Hoag-
land at No. 107 Friendship Street, in a comparatively small way
and with only a few workmen. They speedily acquired a high
reputation for the excellent quality of their goods, and by strict
attention to business soon built up a large trade, and found that
more room and better manufacturing facilities were required.
They accordingly removed to their present location, where they
secured premises sufficiently roomy and in every other respect
well adapted for their growing business, giving them a floor area
of four thousand square feet. The establishment is thoroughly
equipped with the most improved machinery and every other ap-
pliance necessary for the successful prosecution of their business.
Very careful attention is paid to their gold pen department, only
the most experienced and skillful workmen being employed in
it. In the shaping and grinding of the pens the utmost care and
good judgment is required. To these details the proprietors give
strict personal attention. The result of this care and precaution
is that the gold pens manufactured by this firm are equal in work-
manship, durability, and fine finish to any manufactured. Their
pens are made of 14-carat gold, and every one bearing their
trade-mark is warranted, and if a defective pen of their make by
any accident should get into the hands of a purchaser, the manu-
facturers will cheerfully exchange it within a reasonable time.
Their pen-holders, pencils, and toothpicks are made of the best
quality of gold plate, in a great variety of styles of ornamentation
and finish. The patent quill reserve toothpick is the invention
and exclusive production of this house, and though introduced to
the trade within a comparatively recent period has already be-
come popular with the public, and received the cordial endorse-
ment of the dental profession throughout the country. This use-
ful and necessary little pocket companion is made in the same
variety of styles as the old-fashioned gold toothpick, the essen-
tial difference being in the pick, which in this case, instead of
being made of gold, is made of the ordinary goose-quill, which
by its elasticity and yet its softness is admittedly preferable for
this purpose to any article that has yet been discovered. To fit
these quill picks into the gold handle and retain them there se-
curely, an ingenious though simple device has been invented.
The quill picks are cut in the form of a narrow blade, pointed at
both ends, one of which is fitted into a little slot at the end of the
case, just as the lead is placed in a gold pencil, and there secured
by a small spring. When by use it needs replacing it can be
easily taken out and the other end of the quill substituted. When
a quill is entirely worn out, by unscrewing the top of the other
end of the case, a little magazine of “reserved ” picks will be
found snugly stowed away there, one of which can be put in
place of the worn-out one. A further supply of quill picks when
needed can be had of any jeweler or stationer. They are put
up in packages of twenty-four, cut and ready for use, and can be
purchased for a trifle. The pick is propelled from and drawn
into the case just as the gold toothpick is. It is difficult to ap-
preciate the real value of this little article to those who adopt it
and continue its use. Thousands of people every year ruin their
teeth by the constant use of either hard metallic or rough wooden
toothpicks, neither of which should ever be introduced into the
mouth for that purpose. A large trade has already been built up
in this line of the business, and the demand is steadily enlarging
and extending. The quill reserve toothpicks can be found for
sale not only with jewelers but at all principal dental depots.
This is the only house in this line of business in the city that
restricts its sales exclusively to the jobbing trade. Their trade
extends to all parts of the United States and Canada, with a
constantly growing direct European, Mexican, and South Ameri-
can demand. -
FEELEY & CoMPANY, are manufacturers of church ornaments,
medals, etc., at 195 Eddy Street. The firm of Feeley & Com-
pany, gold and silversmiths, was founded by Mr. Michael Feeley.
They manufacture articles used in the religious worship of the
Catholic Church, and in the societies, schools, and various or-
ders connected therewith. These goods consist of ostensoriums,
chalices, ciboriums, oil stocks, cruets, pyxes, crosses, relig-
ious rewards and graduating medals, society emblems, and
similar productions. Until within a few years all church goods
of this character were imported from France and Germany. The
progress made by the several American firms now engaged in
the manufacture of these goods has been most noteworthy.
While a number of houses manufacture this class of goods in con-
nection with their other wares, the Messrs. Feeley & Company
devote their whole attention to this special line and have acquired
a national reputation for the beauty and excellence of their wares.
Since the death of Mr. Feeley, in 1881, the business has been
344
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
carried on by William J. Feeley, with W. A. Feeley and R. H.
Feeley, heirs, as special partners. They employ forty hands in
the execution of their work. The Messrs. Feeley & Company
are practical workers in gold and silver. They employ the best
skilled workmen, silversmith, embossers, enamelers, ornamen-
tal and letter engravers, and with the introduction of special
tools, dies, and machinery they produce wares of superiority in
every branch. In the manufacture of religious medals for church
sodalities they rival the famous houses of Paris and Lyons. They
have more than one hundred designs struck from the most costly
dies. To these, new and special designs are being constantly
added. The firm also employs skilled designers who are search-
ing in all directions for appropriate themes and historic scenes
with which to embellish their wares. The house is popular with
the reverend clergy and religious orders, because of the care,
originality, and taste displayed in the design and manufacture of
their goods.
Royce, ALLEN & ComPANY. — The manufactures of this
house have reached a high state of development in metal art
work. Tin is not ordinarily beautiful, nor lead ornamental, nor
steel decorative, yet of the two former combined with antimony,
forming white metal, and by the assistance of steel, which is
highly polished, Royce, Allen & Company, of No. 66 Stewart
Street, manufacture for ladies’ dresses and cloaks, buttons and
clasps exceedingly ornamental and beautiful.
Wonder arises when the spectator beholds the great variety of
ornamental buttons and clasps made from metals usually consid-
ered for the ordinary uses of man, and for this reason called the
baser metals. The buttons and clasps made by this firm are
beautifully colored, highly polished, or ingeniously engraved, and
become as much a portion of ladies' adornment as jewels made
from the precious metals and set with gems.
The business of the firm occupies three floors, each 45 x 115
feet, of a brick building on Stewart Street, and a coloring house,
located ori Pine Street. The various branches of the manufac-
ture furnish employment for from one hundred and twenty-five
to three hundred men and women.
The first process of the manufacture is the casting of the white
metal into ingots. This is done on the lower floor, where, also,
steel of the finest grade is polished for the base of buttons and
clasps that are ornamented with trimmers, which are composed
of white metal and brass. The next process is rolling the cold
ingots into bands of the proper thickness. From these bands
the blanks of which the buttons or trimmers are to be made, are
cut by power presses. After this comes the striking, which is
done by power stamps, and which transfers from the die the im-
pression to be exhibited on the button. By this stamping, the
smooth surface of the white metal is raised to the likeness of a
head, an animal, a leaf, a vine, or of any subject the ingenious
artist has used in the design, and the work is done as clearly, and
the lines are as delicate as in the cutting of a cameo. Next in
order is soldering the eye to the button or trimmer. Then the
button or trimmer is colored by the aid of electricity, or by aniline
dyes, or bronzed, or made to resemble coin silver by oxidization,
or hand-pencilled in bronze. -
Next the button or trimmer, if it has been colored by the aniline
dyes, is engraved by sharp tools. The coloring matter and a por-
tion of the white metal are cut out, causing the white metal to
gleam through the color, rendering the button very attractive to
the eye. The white metal will not rust and the points thus ex-
posed are always bright and glistening. No higher class of goods
are preduced, or finer shades of coloring executed by any firm en-
gaged in the manufacture of buttons in the country. After the
button is engraved, it goes to the carders who sew it on cards,
when it is ready for the market.
The firm manufactures from three hundred to five hundred
gross of buttons daily. Their goods, of the highest and most
varied ornamentation, rank very high in the market, and com-
mand large sales, more than nine hundred varieties are made
by the firm, and are sold by them in all parts of the United States
and the Canadas.
Samples of fabrics in the colors that are expected to become
popular are sent to the firm from Europe. They color the but-
tons to harmonize with the shades of these fabrics, which when
imported find the buttons and clasps made by this firm in the
market and ready for sale with them.
The business was established in a small way in 1880 by the
present firm, E. H. Royce, F. W. Allen, and M. H. Fuller, at
No. 96 Pine Street, where it was continued one year. Increase
of trade demanding larger quarters and more facilities for manu-
facture, the business was removed to No. 25 Potter Street. One
year later for like causes it was removed to the present location.
Their trade, owing to the reliability of their goods and the fair-
ness of their dealings, is constantly increasing. Many of the but-
tons they produce are protected by patents of the firm; but out-
side of these their designs are original, and it is their rule not to
interfere with the productions of any domestic house, whether
protected by patent or not. .
JAMEs A. CHARNLEY.— In the methods of manufacturing
many classes of jewelry there has been a complete revolution.
Everything was formerly wrought by hand. Very many changes
and improvements in the manufacture of jewelry are the results
of the inventions of James A. Charnley, now at No. 7 Eddy
Street. Mr. Charnley was born in Tiverton, R. I. When he
was six months old his parents removed to Cranston. , When
he was eight years of age his father died, leaving a widow and
four children. To help get a living young James worked in
the print works of A. & W. Sprague. His ancestors had been
designers, engravers, and painters, for several generations, and
the boy wanted to be a designer and employed his spare moments
in transferring his ideas to scraps of paper, and engraving on
tin boxes. Several of these his mother gathered together and
carried to Henry P. Knight. “Ah,” said he, “that is the
boy I want l” So he was apprenticed for five years to learn
calico engraving. His trade was finally finished under Samuel
Lord, who was then engraving for the Dunnell Print Works. In
1859 he went to work for Samuel Swan at die cutting.
In 1861 he began work in the Burnside Works at die sinking.
He afterwards engaged in the paper collar business, which was
then in its infancy, having invented new methods for their manu-
facture. Leaving this business, he was engaged with the Provi-
dence Tool Company, and afterwards had charge of the work-
shop in the Reform School in Providence, where toys, coffin trim-
mings, and cheap jewelry were made. He was then with the
New England Toy Company for three and one-half years, until
1871; when he began business for himself on Dorrance Street,
making a specialty of steel rollers for jewelers, which dispensed
with hand processes of engraving and chasing for a large class
of work. Mr. Charnley has five valuable patents relating to
processes for rolling figured wire and bracelets for jewelers' use.
As a knowledge of his devices extends, the call for his articles
multiplies, from jewelers, engravers, India rubber workers, and
others engaged in the production of fancy metal work. An
extensive business has been built up in the production of these
goods. They find a market not only in American countries, but
also in the countries of the old world.
On June 1, 1886, there were 181 firms engaged in the manu-
facture of jewelry, with a large number of lines of business de-
pendent upon the same.
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE INSURANCE INTERESTS OF THE CITY.
ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF THE MARINE POLICY — INDIVIDUAL UNDERWRITING IN LONDON AND FORMATION OF “LLOYDS”— FIRST FIRE
INSURANCE OFFICES — FIRST AMERICAN OFFICES -— INDIVIDUAL UNDERWRITING IN THE COLONIES — OLDEST INDIVIDUAL
POLICY IN THE UNITED STATES – INDIVIDUAL UNDERWRITING IN PROVIDENCE – JOHN MASON's INSURANCE OFFICE – THE
FIRST PROVIDENCE OFFICES — QUAINT FEATURES OF THE BUSINESS — LOTTERY INSURANCE – COMMENCEMENT AND ExTEN-
SION OF THE AGENCY BUSINESS — RHODE ISLAND LIFE AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE COMPANIES — INCEPTION AND ORGANIZA-
TION OF THE MANUFACTURERs’ MUTUAL systEM BY ZACHARIAH ALLEN — Extension of THE SYSTEM — LATER REH ODE
ISLAND FIRE AND MARINE COMPANIES — EFFECT OF THE GREAT CHICAGO AND BOSTON FIRES ON HOME OFFICES — RECEIPTS
of LIFE AND FIRE compan1Es IN THE STATE FROM 1861 to 1865 — TARIFF ASSOCIATIONS — PROVIDENCE PROTECTIVE DE-
PARTMENT.
ZACHARIAH ALLEN,
Originator of the Manufacturers' Mutual
Insurance System.
Inventor, Scientist, Philosopher, and Manufacturer.
To properly write the history of the marine underwriter is but
to trace the records of commerce far back of the Christian era
to find the sources from which the profession was first evolved.
Its origin was from the necessities of commerce. Means must
need be devised to share the burdens imposed by the devastations
of the elements. Customs and practices to properly govern
navigation and provide protection from disaster, necessarily orig-
inated laws. The wise legislation of the Rhodians in relation to
navigation won the admiration of Cicero.
It is stated that the maritime contract finds no mention in the
Roman laws, but Emerigon writes: “If the Romans did not
give to this contract any distinct place in their laws, it is because
this warlike people were wont to abandon to slaves and freedmen
the care of commerce by sea and land. But it did not the less
exist in itself. It was enveloped under a common and generic
form ; a wild plant not yet cultivated, to which the spirit of com-
merce has since given the development and perfectness it possesses
at this day.” According to Suetonius, the Emperor Claudius took
upon himself the losses and damage which might be occasioned
by storms to shipments of corn.
Many writers have claimed that the marine policy did not ap
pear in commerce until the fifteenth century. The ordinance made
by the merchants and masters of the magnificent town of Wisby,
a city of Sweden, in the Island of Gottland, to-day almost in ruins,
but formerly one of the most famous cities of Europe, definitely
prove to the contrary, for in the year 1075 the Consolazo de/ Mare,
which is a collection of ancient nautical ordinances of various
nations of the middle ages, was recognized as law at Rome, like-
wise at Venice in 1215, in Germany in 1224, and at Paris in 1250.
It is claimed by Northern writers that the ordinances of Wisby are
far more ancient than the Consolato de/ Mare.
The individual underwriter was everywhere the precursor of
the corporation. In London in the seventeenth century there
was a combination of individual underwriters, who, meeting at
the Lloyds Coffee House, came in course of time to be known
as “Lloyds,” and this term is even now used to distinguish com-
binations of individual underwriters from corporations. These
“Lloyds” combinations were patronized by Dutch and English
merchants, who were the ancestors of those who brought their cus-
toms to this country, where, without doubt, early in the eighteenth
century individual underwriting became common in the seaport
towns. Fire insurance is a much later practice than marine
underwriting, and the great fire in London, England, which oc-
curred in 1666, may be said to have been practically the starting
point of the modern system of fire insurance, and while there
may be slight and scattered evidences of the prior existence of
the germ or idea of the business, it is evident that this great
calamity was the shock that brought to life the insurance corpo-
ration.
In 1667 Dr. Barbon opened an insurance office in London,
which Walford assumes to have led to the formation of the “Fire
Office” in 1680. This office was advertised as the “office on
the back side of the Royal Exchange,” and from the device
adopted by them of a phoenix arising from the flames, came to
be known as the Phoenix office. In 1696 the Amicable Contri-
butionship, now known as the “Hand in Hand,” was organized.
This office is still in existence, and is the oldest insurance com-
pany in the world.
Nearly all the earlier American offices were organized on the
basis of the principles on which the “Hand in Hand” office was
conducted.
Contrary to American practices many British offices transact a
mixed business of fire, marine, and life insurance.
The first fire insurance company organized in France was in
1745, in Germany in 1779, and in Russia in 1827, while the first
American office, that is, the first chartered corporation to com-
mence business in America, was in Philadelphia in 1752, and was
known as the Philadelphia Contributionship. Benjamin Frank-
lin was the first director elected. This company is still in busi-
--

346
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
ness in that city, and from the device of clasped hands depicted
on a metallic plate and affixed to the front of the buildings it
insures, is familiarly known as the “Hand in Hand.” The conser-
vatism of this company was extreme. It would not insure houses
with trees about them, as it was believed by the managers of the
company that they interfered with getting water on the house
when on fire and attracted lightning. In 1783 a number of aes-
thetic but more sensible policy holders formally protested, and
gave warning that unless this absurd restriction was removed they
would form another company. The following year an organiza-
tion was effected, and a new company, known as the Mutual
Assurance, incorporated. From the fact, it is supposed, of their
having no objection to surrounding trees, this company adopted
as its device or “house plate” a green tree, from which it takes
its popular name of the “Green Tree.” Both these offices still
transact a steady, conservative business.
The Knickerbocker Insurance Company, of New York, for-
merly known as the “Old Mutual,” was chartered in 1787, and
grew out of the individual underwriting policies issued by certain
gentlemen who founded the company and became its first direc-
tors. Many companies were organized in this manner, and a
number of offices in Providence owed their origin to a like com-
bination of individual underwriters. This would indicate that
the individual underwriter had been busy prior to the organiza-
tion of these companies, and, without doubt, early in the eight-
eenth century the practice of marine insurance was common in
the more important colonial cities, although no earlier policy
than one bearing date of 1745 has been as yet discovered. It is
interesting to notice in the reproduction which is given of this
policy, that although it was not written in Providence, it was for
the account of a Providence merchant, and on a well-known
local vessel. The policy number would indicate that the business
had been carried on at least several years prior to 1745. Thomas
H. Montgomery, in his recent history of the Insurance Company
of North America, mentions the oldest policy preserved in Phila-
delphia as bearing date of 1749. Montgomery also refers to
the advertisement of John Copson in the American Weekly
Mercury, of May 25, 1721, which calls attention to “An office
of Publick Insurance on Vessels, Goods and Merchandizes,”
located in Philadelphia. He also calls attention to the practice
of colonial merchants effecting insurance in London through
private underwriters, and quotes William Penn's letter to
Logan, Feb. 16, 1705 : “J. Askew Ensured £100 upon thy
letter, but the ensurer broke and the twenty guineas lost. En-
surers fail much.” There is in Newport a policy on a vessel
then owned at that place, bearing date of 1757, and underwritten
by Elias Desbrosses and James Alsop, Jr., of New York City.
Both of these gentlemen were among the original incorporators
of the New York Chamber of Commerce. In the Pennsylvania
Gazette of 1759 there appears an advertisement of a regular
insurance office in New York, known as the New York Insur-
ance Office, and located at the ‘‘ house of the Widow Smith,
adjoining the Merchants Coffee House where risks are under-
wrote at a moderate premium by Anthony Van Dam.”
Dorr, in the Planting and Growth of Providence, writes:
“With the first appearance of the Gazette we learn that private
underwriters had for some time carried on business in the town,
and, which was less to its advantage, the insurance of lottery
tickets.” The Gazette first appeared in 1762. Dorr also refers to
the existence of underwriters prior to the Seven Years' War,
which began in 1754, and to the claims made for insurance in the
inventory of Thomas Manchester, who died in August, 1756.
From the report of Governor Ward to the “Lords and Commis-
sioners of Trade for the Foreign Plantations,” it would appear
that in the decade previous to 1740 there had been a surprising
increase in trade, and that in the entire colony there were some
one hundred and twenty vessels constantly engaged in the foreign
and coastwise trade. With this increase in trade would naturally
come a pressing claim for the practice of underwriting, and it
would appear that the merchants of Providence were not far
behind those of neighboring settlements in seeking indemnity for
their losses. It is evident that the methods of Lloyds, in London,
were becoming known and were being practiced.
Among Moses Brown's papers, preserved by the Rhode Island
Historical Society, are many quaint documents, but no insurance
policy of earlier date than 1772, written on the bark “Freelove.”
The following letter is deserving of reproduction:
F'd. Moses Brown : NANTUCKET, 14th, 8mo. 1776.
I take the freedom to enclose the a letter for Silvanus Hussey and beg
thou would forward it to him as it is a letter for insurance on one quarter
of the brig't Britana, Zeblon Whittny, Master, which went to ye coast of
Brazzeale and not hed any acc’t of her but once since (Chris. Starbuck
is one quarter owner of heir, and Jos Barnard half, myself no). Please
let me know by a line what thou can get heir insured for us for and thou
oblige They Friend to serve. -
WILLIAM Col.FMAN, JR.
From about 1790 to 1800 individual underwriters seem to have
been the most numerous and active, and it is interesting to notice
in the Providence Gazette of July 12, 1794, the following adver-
tisement:
INSURANCE OFFICE.
John Mason takes this method to inform the public in general that he
has opened an insurance office in a room in the Coffee House, upon such
principles and under such regulations as were established by the princi-
pal merchants of this Town, at a regular meeting, which are nearly sim-
ilar to those established in Boston.
He flatters himself that all who may apply for Insurance, will experience
such Attention and Punctuality as will afford entire satisfaction.
The office will be open from Nine o'clock A. M. to One P. M., and from
Four to Six P. M., every day in the week, Sundays excepted.
The smallest Favour in this Line of Business will be gratefully acknowl-
edged.
PROVIDENCE, July 11, 1794.
Policy No. 1504, issued at this office is reprinted, and is a fair
specimen of the individual policies. It will be observed that the
words “should hostilities ensue,” etc., are erased, and that the
rate paid of twenty per cent. would indicate war prices.
(No. 1504.)
JOHN MASON, Insurance-Broker, Providence.
By this POLICY of ASSURANCE.
$5000 Dols. Messrs. BENJAMIN & EDWARD A BORN, of Providence, as well in their
half om Vessel, X-Own Name, as for and in the Name and Names of every Person or
half on Cargo. ). Persons, to whom the same doth or shall appertain, in Part or in all,
doth make Assurance and cause themselves and them, and every of them, to be
insured, lost or not lost, the Sum of Five Thousand dollars on the Brig Murfree
her Appurtenances & Cargo on board, from Providence to Tobago, with liberty to
proceed to Trinidada, at & from thence to any one port in the United States. With
liberty to touch any port or ports for Convoy. Also liberty to proceed to & touch
at any other port or ports in the West Indies for trade by adding five pr0ent. for
each port against all Risques whereof is Master for this Voyage, DAVID HICKS, J.R.,
or whoever else shall go for Master in the said Vessel, or by whatever other Name
or Names the said Vessel or Master is or shall be named or called ; beginning the
Adventure upon the said Brig & Cargo from Providence as aforesaid, and to con-
tinue during the Voyage aforesaid, and until said Vessel shall be arrived and
moored at Anchor Twenty-four Hours in Safety, in the United States as Aforesaid.
Vessel valued at . . . And, in Cases of Extremity and Distress, it shall be lawful for
$2500 Dols. the said Vessel &c. in this Voyage, to proceed to, and touch at, any
Ports or Places, whatever, without Prejudice to this Insurance. And the Assurers
agree to bear and take upon them in this Voyage the Danger of the Seas, of Fire,
Enemies (R.I.Pões a War ºr Hostilitics G:Ctrld cºacc 3::::::g tec ºrcycgc) Pirates,
assailing Thieves, Restraints and Detainments of all Kings, Princes or People, of
what Nation or Quality soever, Baratºry of the Master and of the Mariners, and all
other Losses and Misfortunes that have or shall come to the Damage of said Brig
& Cargo or any Part thereof to which Assurers are liable. And in case of any Loss
Or Misfortune, it shall be lawful for the Assureds, their Factors, Servants and As-
signs to sue, labour and travel for, in and about the Defence, Safeguard and Recov-
ery, of said Brig & Cargo or any Part thereof, without Prejudice to this Assurance;
to the Charges whereof, the Assurers will contribute each one according to his Sum
herein assured: But in case of any average LOSS not exceeding Tem Pounds per
Cent. the Assurers, by Agreement with the Assured, are not to pay any #.
towards such LOSs. And in case of an average LOSs exceeding Ten Pounds per #
the Money to be paid in Thirty Days; and if a total Loss in Ninety Days after Proof
of the same. And it is agreed by us the Assurers, that this Writing, or Policy of
Insurance shall be of legal Effect. And we hereby promise and bind ourselves,
each one for his own Part, our Heirs, Executors and Goods, to the Assured, their
Executors, Administrators and Assigns, for the full Performance of the Premises,
Amo. Of Prem. {º}} Ourselves paid, by the ASSured, the Consideration due
$1000 unto us for this Assurance, at and after the Rate of Twenty proent.
And it is the express Condition of this Policy, that the Subscribers hereto shall be
discharged from every Risk, in case the same Property should be wholly assured
by any Policy or Policies actually prior to this: But should any Part of the same
Property remain unassured by such prior Policy or Policies, or if the Sum assured
by this Policy should exceed the true Value of the Property at Risk, then the first
Subscriber hereto, and those next in Succession, shall be held to take and bear the
Risk of the Sum written by each respectively, until the real Amount of the Prop-
erty at Risk shall be fully assured ; and the subsequent Subscribers to this, and
Policies of a later Date, shall be discharged from every Risk: But every Subscriber,
though discharged from the Risk, shall be entitled to Half per Cent, on the Sum
written by him respectively. -
Bread Corn, Flax-Seed, Fish, Salt, Hemp, Hides, Skins, and such Goods as are
v * *** *
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
347
esteemed perishable, are warranted free from Average, unless a general one, or the
Vessel be stranded.
IN WITNESS where:OF, we the Assurers have subscribed our Names and Sum
assured, at Providence, in the State of Rhode Islamd, &c., this 20th Day of November
in the Year of Our Lord 1798. e -
MEMORANDUM. It is further agreed, that if any Dispute shall arise relating
to a Loss on this Policy, it shall be referred to two Persons; one to be chosen by the
Assured, out of three to be named by the Assurer; the other by the Assurer or
Assurers, out of three Persons to be named by the Assured; who shall have full
power to adjust the same: But in case they cannot agree, then such two Persons
shall choose a third; and any two of them agreeing, shall be obligatory to both
Parties. Also, if any Loss takes Place on this Policy, all Monies due to the Office
for Premiums from the Assured, shall be deducted from such Loss. No Return of
Premium is to be made in Consequence of Deviation. e
NOTE. The words “Unless a War or Hostilities should commence during the
Voyage” were erased before Signing.
$200 MOSES LIPPITT, Two hundred Dollars.
$100 RICHARD JACKSON, JUNR., One hundred Dollars.
100 Dollars. SAMUEL SOULE, one hundred Dollars.
200 Dolls. SAML. BUTIER & SON, two hundred Dollars.
$100 Do. FHILIP MARTIN, one hundred Dollars.
$100 WILLIAMS THAYER, one Hundred dollars.
200 THOS. GREENE, two hundred Dollars.
200 EBENER. MACOMBER, two Hundred Dollars.
$100 JOHN DAVIS, one Hundred Dollars.
$100 Dollars. WHEELER MARTIN, one Hundred Dollars.
$200 JONA. ARNOLD, two hundred dollars.
$100 AMOS MAINE ATwelI, one hundred dollars.
$100 John F. GREENE, One hundred Dollars.
$100 WANTON STEER, one hundred Dollars.
$200 SAMUEL ABORN, JUNR., Two hundred dollars.
$100 AUGUSTUS LARNED, One Hundred Dollars.
$200 ZEP HANIAH BROWN. Two Hundred Dollars
$100 WM. HOLROYD, one hundred Dollars.
$200 JOSEPH ROGERS by WM. Holroy D, two hundred Dollars.
$100 AARON MAN, one hundred dollars.
$100 JAMES CHASE by JOHN MASON, One Hundred Dollars.
$200 JAMES B. MASON by JOHN MASON, Two Hundred Dollars.
$100 JOHN MASON, one Hundred Dollars.
$200 ABNER DAGGETT, Two hundred dollars.
$100 Dr. SETH WHEATON, one hundred Dollars.
$100 JOHN F. SHELDON for One Hundred Dollars.
$100 JABEz BULLOCK, one Hundred Dollars.
D. 100 AMOS ATWELL, one Hundred Dollars.
DS. W.M. N. HHODES, Two hundred Lollars.
500 BROWN & IVES, five Hundred Dollars.
$100 ISAAC MANCHESTER, one Hundred Dollars.
$400 THOMAS ARNOLD, four hundred Dollars. *
$5000 Dolls.
The foregoing illustrates the evolution of the insurance broker,
for in those days it was customary for the broker, after receiving
his order for insurance, to carry the policy about from office to
office until he had a sufficient sum subscribed to cover the amount
desired. The objection to this method of conducting the in-
surance business is manifest, that if largely indulged in by an in-
dividual his entire fortune might be at risk, whereas if he was a
stockholder in an insurance company his liability would simply
be the amount of his stock. From this office of John Mason was
doubtless established the Providence Insurance Company, incor-
porated in 1799, and which seems to have transacted a purely
marine business at first. The majority of the subscribers to pol-
icy 1504, before referred to, were signers to the subscription book
of the new office. John Mason was elected president, and Wil-
liam Hail Mason secretary.
One of the first rules adopted by the new company was that
they would not insure any vessel engaged in the slave-trade.
Zachariah Allen, Sr., was one of the first subscribers to the
stock of the new company, taking shares for himself, his son,
Zachariah Allen, Jr., and other members of his family.
Later, in the year 1799, the Newport Insurance Company was
incorporated, having its origin in much the same manner as its
predecessor in Providence. The results of the year's business for
this company are given as follows:
Amount insured, . $774,275 33
Premiums, º e g º I55,723 23
Interest, . e e º & © I, 16O 97
Expenses, º º e 42 I 67
Losses, . e e e º e 16,221 24
Returns allowed, o e e e 5,006 78
Dividends, e e e e e e II, OOO OO
This office is reported to have been merged into the Rhode
Island Union Bank in 1804.
In the year 18OO was incorporated the Providence Mutual Fire
Insurance Company, which has an honorable place among the
institutions of Providence by reason of its long record of useful-
ness. It was organized to carry on the business of fire insurance
only, and to it belongs the credit of issuing the first policy of fire
insurance written in the state. The company in years gone by
insured various classes of property, including manufactories, but
now confines its operations to the more conservative classes of
risk, and still prosecutes a successful business.
The record book of the Washington Insurance Company bears
the date of Jan. Io, 1800, as that of the first meeting, and opens
with the pleasing thought inscribed opposite its first page, “Di-
vine Providence superintends.” Also, with the following apology
for the formation of the company: “We, the subscribers, con-
ceiving that it will be of Publick Benefit and Utility to constitute
and make another Insurance Company in the town of Provi-
dence, Agree to form a Company for the purpose aforesaid.”
Richard Jackson was the president and George Benson the
secretary. Divine Providence did superintend this office, for they
paid about fifty per cent. in dividends in the second year after
commencing business. May 24, 1803, the directors in meeting
assembled, “Voted, That the Directors of this Company meet once
in every week on Tuesday, at 6 o'clock P. M., and in case of the
absence of any member longer than ten minutes after six, they
shall pay for the use of the Board of Directors a quart of Porter,
unless they can make an excuse to the satisfaction of a majority
of the Board. N. B. The preceding vote was agreed several
days past, but not recorded till the above meeting when there
were absent Messrs. Benjamin Aborn and Charles Sheldon.”
In October, 1803, an agency of the company was established at
New London, Conn., and placed in the hands of Messrs. Taber
and Tripp, thus commencing the system of agency business by
which the larger proportion of the insurance business of the world
is at present transacted.
The war of 1812 forced a general cessation of business amongst
marine insurance companies, and after its close there seems to
have been a desire on the part of the Providence and Washing-
ton companies to unite their offices, which was practically ac-
complished in 1817. In 182O the necessary legislative action
was taken, and the Providence Washington Insurance Company
sprang from the union of the offices, and in December, 1821, it
began to issue fire policies, having up to this time confined its
business to that of marine insurance. Sullivan Dorr, John Kings-
bury, Warren S. Greene, and many other well-known citizens of
Providence, have been prominent in the management, and the
full history of the company could not fail to be interesting, for
its honorable record has been worthy of the name it bears.
A number of offices were organized in Newport, Warren,
and Bristol in the early part of the century which transacted
some business, naturally, amongst their friends and stock-
holders in Providence. They comprised the Warren Insurance
Company, which was chartered in 18OO, with charter amended
in 1844, closing up their business as insurers shortly after
the latter date; the Bristol Insurance Company, chartered
February, 1800; the Rhode Island Insurance Company, of New-
port, chartered October, 1803; the Mount Hope Insurance Com-
pany, of Bristol, chartered in June, 1805; the Union Insurance
Company, of Warren, chartered in October, 1807; the Marine
Insurance Company, in Newport, chartered in October, 1811 ; the
Commercial Insurance Company, of Bristol, chartered in May,
1815; the Ocean Insurance Company, of Newport, chartered in
February, 1818; the Commercial Insurance Company, of New-
port, chartered in October, 1832. These were mainly marine com-
panies, none of which are now in existence, some of the earlier ones
failing to survive the depressing results of the war of 1812–15,
and those organized later closing up their business and dissolving
with the gradual decline and termination of the once large and
valuable maritime interests of the formerly noted ports of Warren,
Bristol, and Newport.
An interesting chapter might be made on the curiosities of the
business. The temptation seems to have been in the early life of
the profession to divert it from the regular channels of trade and
348
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
make its object speculative rather than that of providing simple
indemnity from disaster. The superabundance of capital in
London, especially at the time of the “South Sea bubble,” led to
forming all manner of companies, a few of which are enumer-
ated from Walford's exhaustive article on the subject, as being for
the insurance of the performance of bargains, titles, commercial
credits, robbery, against issue, judgment of debts, payments of
dividends on securities, also a scheme for indemnifying travelers
from loss of life or property by highwaymen, captivity by pirates,
against lying, against death by drinking Geneva (gin), to secure
female chastity, or against divorces. It is safe to say that few if
any of the foregoing schemes are either understood or practiced at
the present day.
Some of the companies projected for the foregoing operations
proposed to have a capital of £2,000,000. Later in the eighteenth
century came the insurance of lotteries, and a general gambling
under the guise of insurance. Insurance on the life of Napoleon
I. was freely bought and sold in London. Parliament interfered
to prevent these gambling practices and from 1793 to 1802
upwards of one thousand people were punished with imprison-
ment, but the determination to insure exceeded the determination
to punish, the government was defied, and even bloodshed
resulted. These lottery, or so-called insurance schemes, were
quite naturally transplanted, in course of time, to the American
colonies, and while they never attained the magnitude of the
English operations, yet many can be found on examining the old
records and papers of the past and the early part of the present
century.
In the Providence Gazette of Nov. 1, 1794, may be found the
long and ingeniously worded advertisement of Cole & Goodluck,
descriptive of their method of insurance of lottery tickets.
The following proposition may be said to be a conundrum not
easy for a modern underwriter to solve:
June 27, 1800. What will the Washington Insurance Company insure
5oo tickets for, in the Barrington Meeting House Lottery?—to indemnify
for the cost of the tickets at three dollars each — the company to have all
the prizes drawn against the No's of the tickets insured.
Joshua BICKNELL,
WILLIAM ALLIN, } Managers.
The following indorsement is found on this document in the
handwriting, apparently, of George Benson, the first secretary of
the Washington Insurance Company: “18 pret. discount or sup-
pose the Lottery is to have the Benefit of the Prizes if amount
to more than $1,500 — what will be the premium ?”
early records of the Providence companies do not disclose the
fact that any policies of this kind were written by them.
It is stated that an office was organized in New York City in
the early part of this century for the purpose of insuring lotteries,
but their methods are now unknown. One of the first companies
doing business in Providence granted a policy, which is still pre-
served, for $3,000, on two bills of exchange aggregating £1,000,
guaranteeing their payment and agreeing to indemnify the
indorsers, Messrs. Benjamin and Edward Aborn, “against all
loss they may sustain in consequence of having endorsed said bills,
so far as the sum of Three Thousand Dollars bears in proportion
to the Two Setts of Bills amounting to One Thousand Pounds
Sterling.” The consideration was at the rate of seven and one-
half per cent.
Many other interesting instances of the quaint features of early
insurance methods might be given of local interest, among them the
Hopkinton Horse Insurance Company, located at Hopkinton City,
R. I., and incorporated in 1818, and the Horse Insurance Com-
pany of the County of Kent, located at Coventry, both of which
were organized for the “insurance and recovery of horses stolen
from the members.” -
The
In 1875 a charter was granted the Manton Mutual Fire Insur-
ance Company, but the company was not organized and in 1876
the charter was amended, changing the name to the New England
Mutual Reservoir Insurance Company, with authority to insure
“property against loss by water from freshets, floods, broken
reservoirs, and all similar casualties.” This last-named office,
though never organized for business, would seem to be needed of
late years, and it is to be regretted that its projectors have not
more earnestly brought it forward as a candidate for the public
favor.
To resume the history of Providence offices, it is necessary to
refer to the Hope Insurance Company, which was incorporated
in February, 1804; the incorporation, in 1815, of the Peace In-
surance Company, apparently in commemoration of the con-
clusion of the war of 1812–15, and the Union Insurance Com-
pany, which obtained its charter the same year, followed by the
Eagle Insurance Company in 1817, and the Columbian Insurance
Company in 1818. All of these companies were authorized by
their charters to transact a business of fire and marine insurance.
After the practical coalition of the Providence and Washington
offices in 1818, a charter was granted to the Providence Fire In-
surance Company, upon petition of some of the officers and direc-
tors of the old Providence office of 1799. An examination of the
records of the Providence and Washington Companies discloses
the fact that previous to this time the companies had confined
their operations to marine insurance, and that it was thought
necessary to organize a new company, or have their charters
amended, before they could legally assume fire risks. The new
company does not appear to have been organized, and the Provi-
dence and Washington Insurance Companies shortly afterwards
decided that their charters were broad enough in scope to per-
mit their writing fire risks.
Upon petition of John Carlile, Joseph Hodges, and Stephen
Tillinghast, a charter was granted in 1821 to the Marine Insur-
ance Company of Providence, with authority to underwrite fire
and marine risks. The Franklin Fire Insurance Company was
incorporated in 1826.
Concerning those companies chartered between 1804 and 1826,
very little is known. The advertisements of many of them appear
at intervals in the papers, giving notice of meetings, dividends,
elections of officers, and assessments on stockholders. A few
scattered record books are still preserved, but all of the incor-
porators, officers, or those interested, so far as is now known,
have, like the companies themselves, long since passed away.
A formerly well-known Providence office was the American
Fire Insurance Company, which was incorporated and organized
in 1831, pursuing an honorable career until 1871, when it gave
up business. &
In January, 1820, the Providence Mutual Fire Insurance Com-
pany advertise in the Gazette that they have appointed agents in
Newport, Bristol, Warren, Taunton, New Bedford, and Nan-
tucket, also that “the situation of this company is such as to
now offer very great inducements to any persons who may wish
to effect insurance on their buildings, as the company have not
sustained a loss for nearly six years.” .
The agency system now attracts attention. Greater facility in
communication between the cities, the increase in values exposed
to fires, the necessity for companies to scatter their business, and
the prospect of enlarging their profits, all contributed toward the
establishment of agencies. The Phoenix Assurance Company, of
London, England, was the first foreign office to commence busi-
ness in the United States, establishing agencies in some of the
larger cities as early as 1805. After a few years' disastrous ex-
perience they withdrew, reëntering the United States in 1879.
The Insurance Company of North America, of Philadelphia,
THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. 349
chartered in 1794, established agencies in a number of places as
early as 1808, but did not commence business in Providence until
about 1860. The AEtna Insurance Company, of Hartford, which
commenced business in 1819, is believed to have been the first
company to establish an agency in Providence, which was done
in 1824, and the following advertisement appears in Providence
papers, announcing that “John H. Ormsbee, No. 4 Market
Square, is authorized in most cases to execute policies without
the delay attending a reference to the company at Hartford.”
Mr. Ormsbee remained the representative of the company until
his death, which occurred in 1860, when he was succeeded by
his son, H. H. Ormsbee. Mr. Samuel Shove, the senior mem-
ber of the present representatives of the company, succeeded
Mr. H. H. Ormsbee in 1864. The Howard Insurance Company,
of New York, was organized in 1825, for the express purpose of
engaging in the agency business, but do not appear to have en-
tered Rhode Island until 1832.
Allen O. Peck received the appointment of agent of the Hart-
ford Fire Insurance Company in 1835, and was followed by
James Y. Smith in 1837, Job Andrews, 1852, and by Samuel
Shove, one of the present representatives, in 1858. -
Concerning the earlier insurance agents, other than those men-
tioned, much might be written. The memory of Col. Wm. P.
Blodgett and Immanuel Searle will long remain as of two well-
known, prominent underwriters in Providence, and a volume of
reminiscent narrative could easily be written concerning Colonel
Blodgett.
Rhode Island life insurance companies do not seem to have been
successful, although there have been several attempts to establish
the business locally.
Providence, in this respect, seems to have been unfortunate, in
that all of the local ventures in this business have been uniformly
unsuccessful. The Providence Insurance Company, of 1799, was
authorized to insure lives by its charter, but do not seem to have
made use of the privilege. The Enterprise Loan and Insurance
Company was chartered in 1836; the Life and Trust Company
in 1837; the American Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1847;
and the Rhode Island Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1849,
but it is asserted that none of them ever transacted any business.
The ill-fated Economical Mutual Life Insurance Company
commenced business in 1866, and was organized with a capital
of $200,000. After several years' struggle in competition with
larger and stronger agency companies it transferred its business
by reinsurance to the Republic Life Insurance Company, of
Chicago, Ill., in June, 1873, which company failed the following
year. In 1865 an attempt was made to organize an accident in-
surance company, and the Travelers Insurance Company, of
Providence, was chartered and commenced business the same
year, but the following year gave up business and reinsured its
outstanding risks in the Travelers, of Hartford.
In marked contrast to this rather disastrous experience in life
and accident insurance, attention is called to the inception and or-
ganization of the principle of mutual mill insurance, which has
been almost uniformly successful from its beginning. Walford,
in his Cyclopaedia of Insurance, mentions the formation of the
Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Company, of Eng-
land, as the event of 1835, and he calls attention to the company
as the largest fire insurance office in the world. Without de-
tracting in the least degree from the well-earned reputation of
this company, the movement set on foot in Providence in October
of this year by Zachariah Allen, in the formation of the Man-
ufacturers Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Providence,
would seem in point of originality of conception and principle
involved, to have been the most important occurrence in the in-
surance world within the past sixty years. The system of mutual
JOHN KINGSBURY,
For many years President of the Providence Washington Insurance Company.
mill insurance as devised by Mr. Allen, originally comprehended
insuring only textile manufactories, believing in the principle of
providing protection against fire by regular inspections, provision
of establishments with proper fire apparatus, and the organization
of employés to handle the equipment, rather than the accumula-
tion of a large fund to meet losses and provide dividends for
stockholders. It is stated that Mr. Allen introduced into his
mill at Allendale, R. I., the first rotary fire pump, the first cop-
per riveted leather hose, ever placed in a New England textile
manufactory; that he was the first to devise means of heating
his mill buildings by other means than stoves placed among the
machinery; that he shut off his picker house from exposing his
mill, by the erection of a substantial wall, and in return for these
improvements asked a reduction from the minimum rate of in-
surance on cotton mills that then existed by agreement amongst
all the fire insurance offices, and by which unfair system of rating
Mr. Allen claimed the good mills were forced to pay for the
losses made by the poorer ones.
The refusal of the companies to recognize Mr. Allen's claims
led him to call a meeting of mill owners, and subsequently to the
formation of the Manufacturers Mutual Fire Insurance Com-
pany of which Amasa Mason was elected president, and John H.
Ormsbee, (the AEtna's agent), secretary.
It is interesting to notice that this company adopted as its guide
in business the AEtna’s “Instructions to Agents,” which the
Howard office, of New York, claims was first issued by them and
then copied by the AEtna.
Mr. Ormsbee was elected president in 1851, which office he
held until his death in 1860, when his son, H. H. Ormsbee, be-
came secretary, was elected president in 1862, and has remained
continuously in office to the present time. The first policy
written by the new office was on one of the Allendale Mill build-
ings. The largest amount to be written on any one risk was
$20,000, and as a result of the first year's business a fifty per
cent. dividend was declared on expiring policies. The second
year brought losses, and owing to the small amount of business
done, naturally an assessment on the policy holders. Since 1844,

45
3|a tºt £2áiſtt. fif (54D:D, AMEN. 42%fax ºne.” %2.92.20)
7, Wea, £, y(2,2 as well in his own Name, as for and in the Name Names ºf
all and every other #. or Perſons to whom the ſame doth, may or ſhall appertain, in Part or in all doſ;
make Aſurance, and cauſeth himſelf and them, and every of them, to be inſured, left or not lºft, the Sun ºf
one Žfo ava, 0 4°ounds old Tenor •/a^2 /22/m vºzzº, a.m.-4- ‘–N
1%, va'ez, 22 22 V3/? e.” 4/, ea. any 4.) 2 2-2-92 #4 *aze/a/.22.2/a-2 a42
then ye. 4.2% Aa2442, a//a2. e4 on 22.22:22.7%azz/A2. a2422,424. 94-
e-ºff. ... j%22%2 e ſ: Æ7 %fe 2-e? ºº:: ee> ‘-Q
Zl /hall
whereof ir Maſter under GOD, for this preſent/Woyage, &n 44an. J%ee) an or whoſoever elſe
go for Maſler in the ſaid Weſel, or by whatſoever other Name or Names the ſame Weſel, or the Maffer thereof
is or ſhall be named or called ; beginning the Adventure upon
./9 2 oz.” an2 %272” c/, a 2:2,220 *Zºzl
&adº, %22, 22. 'ezv/22/2/* Abeza. Q .6 V. v/ a 4–6.1/on.eve 2.92xe,
Aawn vº º: 2 %. º: º £º
aiº) a n2 ºr oatz cº, et &zi cá or 777 / Vºlo, *n/, &z//Z fla-Azºz z/ "y” %2.
And it ſhall be lawful for the Veſſel, &c. in this Voyage, to proceed and ſail to, and touch and ſtay at
any Ports or Places whatſoever, without Prejudice to this Inſurance, touching the Adventurers and Perils
which we the Aſſurers are contented to bear, and do take upon us in this Voyage; they are of the Seas,
Men of War, Fire, Enemies, Pirates, Rovers, Thieves, Jettizons, Letters of Mart and Counter-Mart,
Surprizals, Takings at Sea, Arreſts, Reſtraints and Detainments of all Kings, Princes and People, of what
JNation, Condition or Quality ſoever ; Barratry of the Maſter and Marriners, and of all other Perils, Loſſes
and Misfortunes that have, or ſhall come to the Hurt, Detriment, or Damage of the ſaid 2% $4 4%aćep/...)
*— or any Part thereof. And in Caſe of any Loſs or Misförtune, it ſha C:
be lawful to the Aſſureds, their Factors, Servants, and Aſſigns, to ſue, labour, and travel for, in and about
the Defence, Safeguard, and Recovery of ſaid a 22-9, 64 tº/zeee #4. or any Part
thereof, without Prejudice to this Inſurance ; 4 to the Číž whereof we the Aſſurers will contribute
each one according to the Rate and Quantity of his Sum herein aſſured. And that in Caſe of an Average-
Loſs not exceeding Five Pounds per Cent, the Aſſurers by Agreement with the Aſſured, are not to pay
or allow any Thing towards ſuch Loſs. And in Caſe of any Loſs the Money to be paid in thirty Days
after Proof of the ſame. And it is agreed by us the inſurers, that this Writing or Policy of Aſſuranee
ſhall be of as much Force and Effect as the ſureſt Writing or Policy of Aſſurance heretofore made in
Lombard ſtreet, or in the Royal-Exchange, or clſewhere in LoNDon. And ſo we the Aſſurers are COIl-
tented, and do hereby promiſe and bind ourſelves, each one for his own Part, our Heirs, Executors, and
Goods, to the Aſſureds, their Executors, Adminiſtrators, and Aſſigns, for the true Performance of the
Premiſes, confeſhng ourſelves paid the Conſideration due unto us for this Aſſurance by the Aſſureds at
and after the Rate of 62-tea;422 r. Pounds per Cent. And in Caſe any Diſpute ariſing hereupon,
the Matter in Controvérſy ſhall be ſubmitted to and decided by Referrees choſen by each Party.
IN WITN Ess whereof, We the Aſſurers have ſubſcribed our Names and Sums aſſired in Boston in
New-ENG LAND. _ _ " -
Žoro * % *a*4 &%, a 2%. 2.-, &
2, ºz. …o.o.º.º.º.º.
NUMBER 1,155.
Believed to be the oldest Individual Underwriter's Policy in existence in, the United States,

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. - 351
however, there have been no assessments levied, either by this or
any other office involved in the manufacturers' mutual system.
In 1848 Mr. Allen gave his attention to the formation of
another office, and the Rhode Island Mutual Fire Insurance
Company was incorporated and commenced business the same
year, with Mr. Allen as president, and J. L. Hughes as secretary.
Mr. Thomas Harkness, who is the sole survivor of the Manu-
facturers’ first board of directors, was also a director in the
Rhode Island office.
In 1850 Edward E. Manton was elected secretary, and in 1855,
president. In 1857 James Y. Smith succeeded Mr. Manton,
who was called to Boston to take the office of president of the
Boston Manufacturers Mutual Fire Insurance Company, which
was organized in 1850.
The following letter, written by Mr. Allen, fully explains his
views on the subject of mutual mill insurance, and, it is claimed,
was influential in the formation of the “Boston Manfacturers”:
- “PROVIDENCE, Sept. 29, 1849.
“JAMES READ, Esq.
“DEAR SIR: I am informed by Mr. Hughes, agent of the Rhode Island
Mutual Fire Insurance Company, that you expressed an interest in extend-
ing the system of mutual insurance as a check to any further advance of
the rates of premiums by the cash offices. It was in consequence of the
advance of premiums by these offices that this new institution for insurance
was established.
“About fourteen years ago, I was instrumental in establishing the Manu-
facturers Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and feel emboldened by the
successful result of this experiment, by which an average saving of fifty-
three per cent of the amount of premiums charged at the cash offices has
been effected during this period of time. With the advantages of the recent
improvements in the more secure construction of modern mills, of more
secure modes of warming them, of regular watching, and of more efficient
force-pumps, there is little doubt but that a superior result of economy of
insurance is still attainable, provided due diligence be exercised in selecting
the first class of risks. -
“The above result appears to demonstrate that the rates of premium
charged by the cash offices in Boston and Providence are actually too high.
To make up for third-rate risks, on which the premiums are too low, the care-
ful and prudent owners of cotton establishments are stripped of the advan-
tage of a lower rate of insurance to which they are justly entitled. The
remedy for this evil is in the hands of the proprietors of cotton mills, if they
will determine to exercise their intelligence by the establishment of mutual
insurance offices, in which only the first class of cotton mills shall be insured.
As the amount taken on any one risk is commonly limited to about fifteen
thousand dollars, and as modern cotton mills now rarely cost less than one
hundred thousand dollars, and many of them thrice this sum, it is manifest
that several mutual offices are requisite to divide the risks. -
“My first impression was favorable to the enlargement of a single office to
take $30,000 risks; but on examining the subject I became satisfied that it
is far better to enlist a double number of efficient inspectors of the mills
and to render available the personal knowledge of the risks which a greater
number of directors will combine.
“This additional expense, therefore, so far from being an objection, is
essential to success. -
“Impressed with a conviction of the advantages that may be derived
from carrying into effect a general system of the kind delineated, I take
the liberty of respectfully urging upon the attention of proprietors of the
many well-regulated cotton mills in the vicinity of Boston the importance
of proceeding forthwith to establish a mutual insurance company for tak-
ing risks on the first-class of cotton mills.
“As the profits of the cotton manufacturer are probably destined to be
small for some time to come, from the great increase of the number of
them in this country, the economy as well as justice of this proposed plan
commends it to the attention of the proprietors of cotton mills.
“A mutual insurance office established in the city of Boston would be
resorted to by the proprietors of mills in Rhode Island, the amount of
whose risks are too large to be embraced within the restricted limits of the
two mutual insurance offices now established in Rhode Island, which
offices would serve to refer to the Boston office any surplus which they
could not take; and a reciprocal result would take place in regard to appli-
cations of the Boston office.
“Thus a reciprocity of interests would necessarily establish a communi-
cation of intelligence between the offices, such as now exists between the
two mutual offices in this city, without the least danger of interruption by
adverse interests, the common object being a reduction of insurance pre-
miums to the actual cost on the best cotton mill establishments in New
England, and thus a very excellent system of mutual insurance might be
instituted, and of mutual surveillance to check carelessness, for the general
benefit. Should the preceding suggestions meet your views, and those of
other gentlemen in Boston, I should be pleased to hear from you and to
offer any coöperation in our power to aid in the outset, of your organizing
a Mutual Fire Insurance Company in Boston.
“I remain yours, with sincere respect,
** Z. ALLEN.”
The following indorsement is on the back of the copy of the
letter :
“Indorsement by Z. Allen. Mem. The result of this letter has been
the establishment of the Boston Manufacturers Mutual Fire Insurance Com-
pany.”
Mr. Manton was a man of marked individuality, and under his
management the “Boston Manufacturers” soon assumed the lead-
ership of the “mill mutuals,” and up to the time of his death,
which occurred in 1878, the Manufacturers Mutual offices were
oftentimes designated by the stock offices as the “Manton Mu-
tuals.” $
His successor in office was Edward Atkinson, who, while con-
stantly striving for the improvement of the mutual system, has
always paid Mr. Allen due credit for his conception, and in a let-
ter written Mr. Allen, Dec. 24, 1879, after recounting the success
of the mutual system, asks the pertinent question, “How much
have you saved to the textile manufacturers of New England?”
Attendant on the success of the first three companies organized,
and with the increase in value of establishments, came the forma-
tion of other companies until, at the present time, there are no less
than nineteen companies interested in the “mutual system,” most
of them located in Providence and Boston.
A list of the companies interested in this system with date of
organization and location of their offices, is as follows:
1835. Manufacturers Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Providence, R. I.
1848. Rhode Island Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Providence, R. I.
1850. Boston Manufacturers Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Boston,
Mass. º
1854. Firemens Mutual Insurance Company, Providence, R. I.
1855. Worcester Manufacturers Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Wor-
cester, Mass.
1855. State Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Providence, R. I.
1860. Arkwright Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Boston, Mass.
1868. Blackstone Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Providence, R. I.
1870. Fall River Manufacturers Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Fall
River, Mass.
1871. Mechanics Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Providence, R. I.
1873. Mill Owners Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Boston, Mass.
1873. What Cheer Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Providence, R. I.
1873. Merchants Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Providence, R. I.
1874. Enterprise Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Providence, R. I.
. 1874. American Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Providence, R. I.
1875. Hope Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Providence, R. I.
1875. Cotton and Woolen Manufacturers Mutual Fire Insurance Com-
pany, Boston, Mass.
1880. Philadelphia Manufacturers Mutual Fire Insurance Company,
Philadelphia, Penn.
1881. Spinners Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Boston, Mass.
As a rule the Providence companies in the foregoing were char-
tered in the years referred to as the date of their organization,
but in a few instances old, disused charters were amended, and
the incorporation of the new company practically would date
from their organization under the amendment. The system still
continues to thrive, and as can be seen, has extended into other
cities than Providence and Boston. Still it is an institution pecul-
iar to Providence, and may well be regarded with pride. When
352
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
mention was made of the formation of the Manufacturers Mutual
Fire Insurance Company, in 1835, it seemed quite proper to refer
to the other offices comprising the system in regular order, and
then to revert to the other companies of different character later on.
The next stock company incorporated and organized in the
state after the Rhode Island Mutual Fire Insurance Company, was
the Roger Williams Insurance Company, incorporated in 1848,
which pursued a moderately successful career until the Chicago
fire, which was a blow from which they never recovered,
although reorganization was attempted. In 1879 they retired
from business, reinsuring all outstanding fire risks in the Home,
of New York, and allowing the marine risks to expire.
In 1848 was incorporated that well-known company of an
adjoining city, the Pawtucket Mutual Fire Insurance Company.
The veteran underwriter, Samuel Shove, claims to have laid the
foundation of this office, and the company remains an exponent
of the solid labor bestowed upon it in its early days, and is still
conducted in an able manner.
The Merchants Insurance Company, of Providence, of which
Walter Paine was president for many years, was incroporated in
1851; the Atlantic Fire and Marine Insurance Company, incorpor-
ated in 1852, and the Franklin Mutual Fire Insurance Company,
incorporated in 1854, are all in successful operation. The Mer-
chants and Atlantic continue transacting a general business in
various sections of the country, while the Franklin insures only
local property.
The Commercial Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Provi-
dence, was chartered in 1852, and continued in business for some
years, but during the late Civil War discontinued its business and
retired from the field.
A charter was granted in 1855 to the Trident Mutual Insur-
ance Company, with Ward Cowing as president, and A. W.
Skinner, secretary. This office did but a small business, and that
mainly away from home. In 1858 they advertised the possession
of $173,000 in assets, which property, the following year, when
Francis E. Hoppin was appointed receiver, shrunk mainly to a
lot of handsomely illuminated office signs.
It is asserted that this affair did more than anything else toward
inducing the legislature to amend the laws relating to insurance
companies, the state hitherto having done but little more than tax
them ; and since they have never known any omission in this
respect on the part of the state. -
The Slater Mutual was incorporated in 1859, but in 1863,
is found in the hands of Caleb Farnum, as receiver, whose well
directed efforts to bring order out of their affairs repeatedly calls
forth the praise of the insurance commissioner in his annual
reports. The company was at last successfully wound up, and in
1875, their charter having been amended, became the property of
another company, and passed into a more useful sphere of action
as the Hope Mutual Fire Insurance Company.
The Gaspee Fire and Marine Insurance Company was organ-
ized by the friends of the late Colonel Blodgett, who was made
president. The company was incorporated in 1856, and never
did a very large business. After a few years unsuccessful struggle,
they gave up in 1867, and passed over to the great majority.
Another office that neither attained great popularity nor a large
business was the Butler Mutual Fire Insurance Company, which
was incorporated in the same year as the Gaspee, and seemed to
partake of its ill-fortune, for in 1879 the company failed, and
abandoned business.
The National Mutual Fire Insurance Company, incorporated
in 1858, was another unfortunate, for it was, shortly after its
organization, in trouble, and is found to be in the hands of
Samuel Boyd Tobey, as trustee, in 1862; in 1864 it became the
City Insurance Company with $50,000 capital. The City did
but a small business, and finally, in 1880, retired, reinsuring its
out-standing risks in the Imperial and Northern Insurance Com-
pany. w
The Narragansett Fire and Marine Insurance Company, incor-
porated in 1857, started with one of the largest capitals ever
possessed by an insurance company in Rhode Island, that is,
$500,000. With good name and officers, large capital, and fair
prospects, it seemed destined to be one of the leading companies
of the country. It has been said that the company was unfor-
tunate from the beginning, receiving crushing blows in the great
fires of Boston and Chicago, and that misfortune attended almost
all its projects. It reduced its capital after the Boston fire, but
did not last long, reinsuring its risks in 1874 with the Commercial
Union Assurance Company, of London.
The Providence Fire and Marine Insurance Company, organ-
ized and chartered in 1857, was another failure. It did but a
very limited amount of business, and in 1863 is reported by the
insurance commissioners as being in the hands of a receiver.
As an agreeable contrast to the record of misfortune and possi-
bly in some instances mismanagement, it is a pleasure to refer to
the organization of the Equitable Fire and Marine Insurance Com-
pany, chartered in 1859. The well-remembered figure of ex-
Governor Turner will be readily recalled at the head of this
office for many years, and its able management in the past as in
the present, warrants the belief that it is one of the institutions
of Providence that has come to stay.
The Union Mutual Fire Insurance Company, for the insurance
of dwellings and their contents only, was incorporated and com-
menced business in 1863. Their experience has been remark-
ably successful. Since 1869 many charters have been granted
for companies to transact business in Providence. The names
selected by the projectors for some of these offices are as follows:
Eureka, Globe, Phenix, Westminster, Weybosset, Mutual Boiler,
Live Oak, Manton, and New England Mutual Reservoir Insur-
ance Companies. None of these companies was ever organ-
ized.
The Mercantile Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Provi-
dence, incorporated in 1884, is the last company to organize in
Providence.
The Chicago fire, in the year 1871, was a terrible blow to the
underwriting interests of Rhode Island, as represented by the
stock offices. The combined capital stock of all the Providence
stock offices had never exceeded $1,950,000, and in 1871 had
decreased to $1,900,ooo, which sum represented the capital stock of
nine companies. Five companies were hopelessly involved in this
terrible disaster, and their capital, amounting to about a million
dollars, was entirely swept away.
These five offices comprised the American, Atlantic, Hope,
Roger Williams, and Providence Washington. The American
having incurred losses of more than $500,000, wound up their
affairs and retired from business. The Atlantic called for an
assessment of $150,000 on its stockholders and soon resumed
business. The Hope, in consequence of its heavy losses, deemed
it best to finally close up its affairs. The Providence Washington
paid out more than $400,000, meeting all its obligations in full,
and the following year, having called in fresh capital to the extent
of $200,000, commenced business anew.
The officers of the American Insurance Company, shortly after
the ruin of their office, procured the charter of the Newport Fire
and Marine Insurance Company which was granted in 1859 and
had never been used, and raising a capital of $200,000, organized
in November, 1871.
The City and Equitable offices were not affected by the disas-
ter, while the Narragansett, Merchants, and Roger Williams
essayed to carry along and settle their load of losses, and to continue
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
353
business without the addition of any fresh capital. The Roger
Williams, however, had not resumed business when, in Novem-
ber, 1872, the calamity occurred which almost ruined the city of
Boston and brought fresh grief to the heart of many a stock-
holder in insurance companies. The Roger Williams thus es-
caped contributing towards the indemnification of the losses by
the Boston fire, but the remainder of the offices were compelled to
pay out more than $900,000 in order to meet their losses, the
Equitable, which had practically escaped the Chicago fire, losing
some $300,000. The Merchants likewise lost some $200,000,
but the deficiency thus made in the capital of both these offices
was promptly made up. The Newport, although having been
in business but one year, lost about $80,000, and the Narragansett,
in consequence of its losses by this and the Chicago fire, was forced
to reduce its capital in the sum of $250,000.
These two great fires naturally interfered to a great extent with
the prosperity of the insurance interests as developed by the local
stock companies in Providence. Stockholders were sensitive as
to capital that was exposed to absolute annihilation in a night,
and no attempt was made to organize fresh companies in the
place of those that had retired. The Narragansett and Roger
Williams had received their death-blows in the losses entailed by
these great conflagrations, and while they endeavored to live and
recuperate from their weak conditions, the fates seemed against
them, and they shortly retired.
The stockholders of the City Insurance Company, while not
involved in either of the great fires to any extent, soon found, or
thought they found, greater profit in winding up their office than
in continuing it, while in 1875 the Newport Fire and Marine
office was merged into the Providence Washington Insurance
Company, thus leaving the Providence Washington, Atlantic,
Equitable, and Merchants offices the sole remaining representa-
tives of the stock companies. -
There have been several associations of underwriters to prevent
injurious practices and properly regulate the business, and it
is doubtless the fact that there was some organization or under-
standing amongst them as early as 1834–5, but documentary
evidence is wanting, other than that afforded by the action of Mr.
Allen and his co-laborers in forming the Manufacturers Mutual,
and a few stray letters referring to advances in rates. A board of
underwriters was formed in 1865, continuing in existence several
years, and in 1871, the Chicago fire occasioning materially
enhanced rates, the machinery of a national board of under-
writers became necessary, and through its influence local boards
were everywhere established. The Boston fire in 1872 reducing
the number of companies in business, rendered the organizations
more compact, and rates of insurance soon reached their highest
point, as will be seen in the accompanying tables of receipts of
insurance companies of other states from Rhode Island business.
The introduction of water works into Providence in 1871, and the
consequent improvement of the fire department, caused a large re-
duction in rates. Meantime a large amount of new capital had been
attracted to the business by the evident high rates of 1872–73 and
'74, many British, German, and French offices sending their rep-
resentatives to share in what seemed a harvest for insurance cap-
ital, and the business became overdone. Bad faith was charged
in the various tariff associations. Local, New York, and Bos-
ton offices, through the medium of brokers, stretched out into
their neighboring cities and commenced absorbing the business
by slight concessions in forms of contract or rate, until, in 1877
and '78, the associations gave way, one by one, and finally, with
but few exceptions, in the Eastern cities were entirely broken
up, and competition became unlimited. Rates then sank lower
than ever before, and the increasing losses of the country, con-
trasted with the shrinking receipts, caused much speculation as
to the future of the business, until 1883, when, in obedience to
the general movement in the Eastern United States, tariff asso-
ciations, or boards of underwriters, were formed in all the New
England cities and towns, Hartford alone being excepted, for the
Hartford Board had maintained continuous existence during all
the troublous times.
The Insurance Association of Providence
was organized in 1883, and still retains control of the ratings and
contracts of the agency and the local stock companies.
The receipts of the various companies, not including the local
offices, doing business in Rhode Island, as taken from the insur-
ance commissioners’ reports for the past twenty-five years are
given below.
Prior to 1861, no tabulated returns of receipts
are given in the reports, but judging from those of 1861 and '62, it
is evident that they were not very large, in contrast with those of
the present time:
Amount of Risks.
1861. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,225,911 Oo
1862. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,829,52O 23
Premiums
thereon.
$123,820 OO
I5I,3O5 24
The above figures are apparently inclusive of life insurance
premiums. Not until 1863 are the figures separated in the reports:
Life Insurance.
Fire Insurance.
Amounts Premiums Amounts Premiums
Insured. Thereon. Insured. Thereon.
1863. . . . $1,888,200 Oo..... $63,628 32.... $12,767,426 33.....S121,614 16
1864. . . . 2,671,875 OO. . . . . 76,854 OO ... I5,693,048 39. . . . . I49,790 95
1865. . . . 5,606,225 OO ..... 217,2OO 86.... 20,259,038 o2..... 195,296 IO
1866. ... Io,932,050 Oo..... 402,681 16.... 29,599,781 Oo..... 327,446 22
1867 . . . . I2,167,758 OO. . . . . 467,476 67.... 25,486,387 88..... 330,895 52
1868. . . . I5,245,625 OO ..... 547,961 73 ... 34,293,868 72..... 430,257 88
1869.... 15,888,888 oo..... 740,482 oš ... 34,070,482 25. . . . . 449,241 95
1870. ... 18,069,270 oo..... 837,937 47.... 36,592,448 69 .... 436,621 56
1871. ... 21,162,338 OO ..... 858,193 O4. . . . 49,787,559 19. . . . . 604,151 22
1872.... 18,440,962 Oo. . . . . 826,681 03 . . . . 49,468,683 62..... 633,221 94
1873. ... 19,412,880 OO . . . . . 829,361 52 . . . 49,164,416 I4. . . . . 692,963 32
1874.... I'7,920,739 Oo. . . . . 738,564 OO. . . . 47,959,521 OO .... 707,041 61
1875.... I'7,332,667 OO. . . . . 683,013 86. . . . 48,713,809 90..... 628,683 O7
1876. ... 15,746,323 OO . . . . . 544,658 33. . . . 43,079,307 42. . . . . 547,430 83
1877.... 14,487,801 OO .... 458,556 30.... 42,160,476 Oo..... 506,527 59
1878.... 14,562,274 OO ... . . 426,804 24. . . . 43,191,683 66..... 452,523 26
1879.... I5,155,466 of . . . . . 428,014 59 . . . 45,736,367 o4..... 433,379 56
1880. ... I'7,190, IOI 87. . . . . 444,551 98. . . . 51,910,228 76..... 47I,452 OO
1881. . . . 16,971,880 Oo..... 472,826 65. . . . 55,986,815 87..... 501,392 20
1882.... 21,554,680 OO. . . . . 5O1,918 98. . . . 56,132,590 99 . . . . 503,462 79
1883.... 20,036,441 94 .... 580,920 oz. ... 56,940,528 Oo. . . . . 567,029 39
1884. ... 21,508,925 96. . . . . 6oo,879 42.... 53,974,398 or . . . .. 599,059 89
1885.... 22,032,609 63. . . . . 636,254 90 ... 55,451,368 96..... 612,597 oo
The receipts of the life insurance companies reach their
greatest volume in 1873, and in the steadily decreasing income
down to 1878 may be read a commentary on the shrinkage of
values, depreciations, and hard times incidental to those years,
which, together with the termination of many limited term
policies issued in previous years, all tended to reduce the busi-
ness. Since 1879 the tendency has been upward. While dis-
similar causes have, to a great extent, occasioned the shrinkages
in receipts exhibited by the two classes of business, it is curious
to notice the apparent sympathy between them as expressed by
the figures.
From the returns made by the local underwriters to the treas-
urer of the Providence Protective Department of the premiums
accepted by them upon business in the city of Providence, it
would appear that this city contributes from fifty to sixty per
cent. of the entire premiums paid for insurance as reported
through the insurance commissioner. -
The Providence Protective Department was organized by the .
underwriters of Providence for the purpose of instituting a, “ sal-
vage corps.” The organization was effected in 1874, and appa-
ratus purchased, and in 1876 the General Assembly granted a
charter to its members. The first printed report to the members
of the department states that the General Assembly “with the
traditional Rhode Island jealousy of any infringement upon indi-
3.54
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
vidual rights refused to give the power of assessing underwriters
enjoyed by the Protective Departments of New York and Massa-
chusetts. The expense of the organization must be borne volun-
tarily.” More than $30,000 has been voluntarily contributed by
the local underwriters to the support of the service, and the depart-
ment under its able management has upon many occasions dem-
onstrated its value and efficiency.
From the foregoing sketch the evolution and growth of the
insurance business may be seen. The methods formerly freely
practiced are no longer in use. Individual underwriting is
no more, the last person practicing the business in Providence
to any extent being the late Seth Adams. The business has
grown into a profession in which there are distinct branches and
specialties as in other occupations, and now gives employment in
its various classes to more than two hundred of the citizens of
Providence.
The extent to which the business has grown since 1861 would
seem marvelous by contrast, and yet the future presents even
greater possibilities. The underwriter has become, and doubt-
less will continue, a commercial necessity.
UNION MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE CoMPANY.—This company,
the office of which is located at No. 1 I Westminster Street, Prov-
idence, began business Sept. 1, 1863, under a charter granted by
the Legislature to Josiah Chapin, William Binney, Walter S.
Burges, Tully D. Bowen, Seth Adams, Jr., William J. King,
Seth Padelford, Sydney Williams, and others, for the purpose or
insuring dwelling houses and their contents, exclusively. This
was, at the time, a new departure in the business of fire insur-
ance, and it aimed to give really mutual insurance on a safe class
of risks, without liability for losses on more hazardous kinds of
property, such as stables, churches, mercantile and manufactur-
ing risks. The wisdom of this plan of insurance has been abun-
dantly demonstrated by the remarkable success of the office during
the twenty-three years of its existence.
The following facts of general interest have been gathered from
the books of the company. During three of the twenty-three
years comprising the history of the company, not a single loss
happened. During four other years, only one loss occurred in
each year; while during four additional years, only two small
losses were sustained in each year. The total average losses paid
for the whole period of twenty-three years, has been exactly
$1,344 ºr per year. The whole amount of insurance now at
risk represents more than ten millions of dollars, and the cash
assets of the company are about one hundred and forty-five
thousand dollars.
The income from their invested funds now pays all the expenses
of the office, and in some years produces a surplus sufficient to
also cover all losses for that year. This company has never made
an assessment; and at the present time EIGHTY PER CENT. of the
premium for seven-year policies is returned to the insured, at
expiration of policy. The present officers of the company are:
Directors: Henry A. Hidden, Christopher Lippitt, Thomas
J. Hill, Amos C. Barstow, Henry Lippitt, Stephen Harris, Isaac
H. Southwick, Edward P. Taft, Rowland Hazard, Royal C.
Taft, William Binney, Charles H. Smith, Francis W. Carpenter,
John W. Danielson, Edwin Barrows, James H. Chace, John W.
Slater, and Fred B. Evans. Edwin Barrows, president; Joseph
T. A. Eddy, secretary.
SAMUEL Shove & Son.—The oldest insurance agency in the
state of Rhode Island is that of Messrs. Samuel Shove & Son,
whose office is now located at No. 1 Custom House Street. Mr.
Samuel Shove started in the insurance business in 1850, when he
was elected secretary of the Pawtucket Mutual Fire Insurance
Company, in Pawtucket, where he also took the agency of the
Northwestern Insurance Company, of Oswego, N. Y., and of the
Western Insurance Company, of Springfield, Mass. In 1857, so
large was his agency business, he resigned his position with the
Pawtucket Company and removed to Providence and established
his insurance agency, first in the Bank of Commerce block and
later in the Dexter block, on North Main Street, and still later at
No. 19 Weybosset Street, and last at the present location. Mr.
Shove organized the Hope Insurance Company in 1859, and was
its president for four years, but resigned that position from the
great pressure of his agency business. He left the Hope Com-
pany well established and flourishing, but it afterward failed, the
failure being caused by the immense losses by the great Chicago
fire in 1872. With the increase of business Mr. Shove turned his
long and valuable experience to the best account, by selecting
only sound and reliable companies to represent and incurring no
hazardous risks, always preferring to do a safe rather than a very
large business, and a strict adherence to this policy has given
him a large portion of the insurance patronage of the city and
built up his business to its present flourishing condition. The
firm now represents six of the largest and most prominent insur-
ance companies of the United States and some foreign companies.
The list includes the AEtna and Hartford companies, of Hartford,
Conn., the North British Company, of London, England, and
others of equally high standing. The aggregate amount of cap-
ital and surplus represented being $34,000,000. Several years
since Mr. Shove admitted his son, Herbert M. Shove, as a part-
ner, and the firm name then became Samuel Shove & Son, its
present title.
CHARLEs S. DURFEE Agency, 3 Weybosset Street.—This
agency was established immediately after the Chicago fire in 1871
and is therefore in its fifteenth year. Of the twenty companies since
represented by Mr. Durfee, not a single one has failed to meet its
obligations, and he has never been summoned into court to con-
test the payment of any loss made on policies negotiated directly
with his agency. Since the large fire on Custom House Street
in 1877, when Mr. Durfee's agency was pushed to the front by
being one of, if not the very largest loser, it has continued
among the foremost of the city, and the companies represented
are among the largest and oldest. In addition to fire insurance
he carries on an extended marine business, representing as he
does the largest company in the country, which is ready to insure
the world over. Among other branches may be mentioned plate
glass, accident, life, income, rent, steam boiler, and transit insur-
ance, and fidelity bonds.
SPENCER & Boss. –One of the oldest and best known insur-
ance agencies in Providence, is that conducted by Messrs. Spen-
cer & Boss, No. 15 Weybosset Street. The business was estab-
lished by Mr. Immanuel Searle in 1850, and from Mr. Searle's
high character and intimate knowledge of insurance matters, he
commanded to a great degree the confidence and patronage of the
business community. After a time the firm became Searle & Wil-
liams and then Searle & Spencer. The last named partner,
Mr. J. G. Spencer, previous to becoming associated with Mr.
Searle, was a manufacturer. On the death of Mr. Searle, he car-
ried on the agency for several years alone. The members of the
present firm are Mr. Robert L. Speneer and Mr. Henry M. Boss.
Mr. Spencer is a son of Mr. J. L. Spencer, recently deceased.
Mr. Boss was for a long time connected with the office before be-
coming one the proprietors Since the agency has come under
their management, it continues to do a prosperous business.
CHAPTER XXV.
THE HOMES OF PROVIDENCE – SOCIETIES FOR PROMOTION OF CHURCH AND HOME INFLUENCES —
HOTELS – CLUBS – RESTAURANTS – THEATRES — PARKS AND CEMETERIES.
Ž % º -
%%
- (ſ % º º º -
THE HOMES OF PROVIDENCE.-RESIDENCE OF JOHN McAUSLAN,
Elmwood,
THE homes of the people of Providence for the first half century
of the colony were very simple”. This was doubtless mainly due
to the poverty and difficulty of obtaining supplies, yet it is a
curious fact that while Roger Williams evidently had a fondness
for the English style of country house, known as Elizabethan, as
is shown by his house which he erected in Salem, yet when the
inhabitants of the colony became able to erect more substantial
houses, neither the Williams nor any other families in Providence
erected those of that class. Throughout the early part of the
eighteenth century the houses were larger, barn-like structures,
with, perhaps, a lean-to addition on the back or side, and ofttimes
with a gambrel roof. Almost the only approach to an external
ornamentation was the many-angled chimneys, but to their interior
finish much labor and expense was given.f The house formerly
belonging to Dr. Vandelight, erected in 1745, now known as
Young's Hotel, on South Main Street, is probably the best pre-
served wooden structure of the period of its erection, and is
preserved with nearer its original appearance than any other
house now existing in the city.
About the year 1760, a brick house, now on the Swan Point
road, at the entrance of Butler Hospital grounds, was erected by
Richard Brown, and was probably considered the finest house in
town. About the same time a brick house was erected by Gov.
Elisha Brown. ; A portion of this house, the northerly half, was
*See page 35. See page 39. I See page 53.
demolished between the years 1809 and 1817. These
two houses were the only brick structures in town at
that time.
One of the most substantial wooden houses of the
pre-Revolutionary period, which now remains, was the
Sabin Tavern, afterwards the residence of Welcome
Arnold, which stands at the northeast corner of Planet
and South Main streets. It has, however, been so
altered in modern times that it requires careful study
to distinguish the ancient from the modern portion.
Joseph Brown seems to have been one of the first
of the colonists who paid much attention to the
science of architecture. To him we owe in large
measure the gradual improvement, both in private
houses and business structures, which was in full pro-
gress when interrupted by the Revolutionary War.
The culmination of Mr. Brown’s skill seems to have
been the First Baptist Church, erected in 1775, which
still remains a monument of his skill and artistic ability.
Shortly after the close of the Revolutionary War, the
John Brown house, now occupied by Prof. William
Gammell, was erected, it is supposed, from plans also
made by Joseph Brown, who was brother of John
Brown. This was the finest house in the city at the
time of its erection, and has lost none of its attractive-
ness with the passage of one hundred years.
The next house of note now standing is the Watson
house, at the northwest corner of Prospect and College
streets. This was built by George Benson, at one
time a business partner with Nicholas Brown and
Thomas P. Ives, in the year 1795–6. As showing
the expense of building houses in that day it is well to note that
this building cost only two thousand and thirty-six pounds and
fifteen shillings; while the fine lot on which it stands cost but
ninety-nine pounds. About the year 1800 Thomas P. Ives, of
the firm of Brown & Ives, erected the elegant brick house now
occupied by Henry G. Russell, which was when erected, and
will remain for generations, a model of its kind.
Of another class and but little later in date is the Dorr house,
erected by Sullivan Dorr in 1809–10. This house was conspicu-
ous both externally and internally for the beauty and chasteness of
its design and finish. It adds somewhat to the contrast of the
times when we reflect that this house stands upon the original
home lot of Roger Williams, and within two hundred yards to
the eastward of the location of the little 28 x 40 feet one story
house, wherein Roger Williams lived and died, and through its
present yard the body of Roger Williams was carried to be de-
posited in his grave, which was in his rear yard, and but a short
distance from the east wall of the present Dorr mansion.
The house has a further historic interest as being the home, in
later days, of Thomas Wilson Dorr, and the scene of his death,
Dec. 27, 1854. About the same time the Carrington mansion,
erected on Williams Street, furnished another instance of the then
development of the better class of household architecture. On
the west side of the city up to this time but little had been done
by way of brick and stone building, and that was of a plain and
But the Messer homestead and the Josiah
unpretentious nature.






356 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
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HOMES OF PROVIDENCE.-MANSION OF B. B. KNIGHT,
Broad Street.
Chapin house, now on Cranston Street, are fine instances of the
best class of suburban homes of wooden structures in the early
part of this century.
Two houses, one brick and one wood, built by two brothers,
James Y. and Amos D. Smith, about 1840, indicate an appre-
ciation of variety in domestic architecture. About 1850 the
Bullock house, erected by the late William P. Bullock, at the
corner of Hope and Meeting streets, was then, and still remains, a
notable example of elegance and purity of style in architecture
and an appropriate relation with the surroundings. In the
northwest, the houses erected by William M. Bailey,
William Grosvenor, and Charles S. Bradley, form
elegant homes as well as notable land marks.
About 1850 the class of homes on the west side
began to show that marked improvement which seems
approaching its culumination in the elegant mansion
of B. B. Knight, on Broad Street.
On the east side within the past generation, the
Adams house, erected by Seth Adams, at the corner
of Prospect and Angell streets, the house of Marshall
Woods, on the corner of Prospect and Meeting
streets, the Nichols house so called, now the Homoe-
opathic hospital, on the Swan Point road, the house
of ex-Governor Lippitt, at the corner of Angell and
Hope streets, and the house of George H. Corliss, on
the corner of Angell and Prospect, all furnish fine
examples, each in a separate style, of the different
classes of the home architecture of the wealthier
classes of the day. There has been as marked im-
provement in the homes of the humbler classes. In-
stead of four square walls and a pitched roof forming
the outlines of a house, architectural designs, of all
appropriate sorts, are brought in to lend variety and
beauty to the homes of the less wealthy. At times
the improvement in this class of buildings has run too
much to fashion; as for example, a few years ago,
when most every one of them was built with a
French roof irrespective of appropriateness. And
in later days the desire for the so-called Queen Anne
architecture seems in many instances to be a craze
rather than a matter of good judgment. Still the
general tendency is toward improvement, and with
custom and the daily study of the better examples
before them, our citizens of all classes will improve
their homes in architecture as well as in other re-
pects.
SoCIETIES For PROMOTION OF CHURCH AND
HoME INFLUENCEs.
THE YouNG MEN’s CHRISTIAN Association in Provi-
dence, as elsewhere, carries on an organized religious,
charitable, and educational work among young men who
are not within the direct reach of the churches. Very
soon after the movement began in New England, the
question of establishing this fraternity was agitated in
the evangelical churches of the city, and it was created a
corporate body by an act of the General Assembly in 1854.
The prominent corporators were: Amos C. Barstow, John
B. Hartwell, Allen Brown, Charles A. Webster, Zuinglius
Grover, Henry F. Clemons, Daniel Goodwin, Nathan B.
Hall, William Coggeshall, James Boyce, John F. Jolls,
John D. Henley, Jr., Jeremiah Heath, Henry C. Mer-
chant, Josiah L. Webster, Levi J. Lewis, Samuel G.
Curry, Abner Gray, Jr., A. B. Bradley, and others; and
the movers proceeded to organize at once by adopting
conditions of membership and choosing proper officers.
The first location occupied by the society was Harmony
Hall, on Weybosset Street, which was opened with appro-
priate dedicatory services.
The Christian Association considers the entire city its legitimate field
of operation. While its supreme aim is to lead young men to accept the
essential doctrines of evangelical religion, it recognizes that the end
sought implies the culture and direction of the physical, social, intel-
lectual, and moral nature of the young men it would reach. Conse-
quently, it works through committees, each having charge of a special
department of work. Besides the religious services, which are well sus-
tained, the association provides social entertainment for members and
invited guests, a gymnasium for those who desire muscular training, an
employment bureau to aid young men seeking employment, a registry of
boarding-houses where strangers can be referred, a library and reading-
-
-
HoNES OF PROVIDENCE.- THE NEW RESIDENCE OF R. H. I. GODDARD,
Hope Street,





THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 357
room for those inclined to read, and
classes in which members may pursue
the study of branches of knowledge re-
quired by business men. As the organi-
zation has increased in members, the
channels of operation have multiplied,
and at the present time a large amount
of religious literature is distributed; the
Association Notes, a monthly paper, is - ºs" ºn
published; the hotels are visited, and Hºº ſº ºº::
commercial travelers and other young - º ºfºliºs -
men found there are invited to visit the
association rooms and to attend church;
courses of lectures and other entertain-
ments are arranged for the winter; re-
ligious meetings are held in different
localities; summer excursions are pro-
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vided for the sick and poor, and a large - - - ºrrºr - ------------ - † |M||
amount of miscellaneous work is under- % º: * = Hº-Hill|| : }|| ------ Fº
taken which does not come within the - º º: iſſ EFlºº-ºº: º - iſºl -
province of churches and other societies. || i. º *Hºº º º º ºntº lº
The rooms first occupied by the asso- *† ſº º H ſ º
iii.
|
ciation soon proved unsuitable for its
proposed work, and in 1861 the society
took larger quarters at No. 98 Weybosset
Street, where they remained until 1882
when the change was made to their
present home in Music Hall. Here the
rooms are conveniently arranged for
their accommodation; but ultimately
the organization needs and will have a
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permanent building of its own, for which HOMES OF PROVIDENCE,--THE DORR MANSION, BENEFIT STREET,
a liberal subscription is already started. Located upon the original Roger Williams Home Lot. Roger Williams was buried in what is now the Garden Plat of the House; also, the
Since it was founded, the association House in which Thomas W. Dorr died. Now the Residence of Samuel Ames.
has had for presidents: Hon. Amos C.
Barstow, Mr. John Kingsbury, Dea. Joseph C. Hartshorn, Prof. Emory and the use of quiet games, such as checkers, chess, and dominos. The
Lyon, Mr. John W. Vernon, J. Halsey DeWolf, Esq., Mr. Francis W. work of the Union is not, however, confined to its library and reading-
Carpenter, Mr. John Kendrick, Mr. Stephen Brownell, Mr. Charles A. room enterprise. Its members distribute fruit and flowers to the sick in
Hopkins, and Mr. G. B. F. Hinckley. the hospitals; suburban rides are given to invalids during the summer and
THE UNION For CHRISTIAN Work, located at No. 135 Broad Street, is one autumn; books, magazines, and papers are collected and distributed to
of the many philanthropic organizations with which Providence abounds. seamen, and to such others as may need them. The Union is not a secta.
The aim of this society is thus tersely stated: “To furnish such occupa- rian organization, but cordially welcomes all to aid in its work, and to avail
tion, amusement, and surroundings, as will weaken the power of tempta- themselves of all the benefits the organization offers. The history of the
tion, and arouse the higher nature of all who come within its influence.” Union has been marked by a very useful and successful career in this com-
To accomplish these objects it has a free reading-room and library, open munity. Under its auspices have been given long courses of popular
every day, Sundays included; on week days from 3 to 9.30 P.M., and on religious meetings on Sunday evenings, at which many of the most eminent
Sundays from 2 to 9 P.M. The reading-room is large and cheerful, where divines of the liberal denominations have preached, courses which were
all are welcome who wish for the privilege of all kinds of reading matter always largely attended and appreciated by the people. Another success-
ful feature of work done has been the gathering of boys from
the lower classes into the rooms of the Union, where amuse-
ments, at once improving to the intellect and interesting, have
been afforded them. There is one of the best selected libraries
in the state connected with the Union, which is free to all.
Many other means of working good to the community have
been, from time to time, adopted by the Union. Mr. William T.
Crandall is president of the society; Mr. William M. Bailey, Jr.,
treasurer, and Miss E. A. Clarke, secretary.
Hot ELs, PAst AND PRESENT.
Roger WILLIAMs was the first person in Providence
to entertain strangers at his house, there being then no
tavern in the place. The town authorities, in 1664,
authorized the town clerk, Thomas Olney, Jr., to enter-
tain travelers, and receive remuneration therefor. He
may, therefore, be regarded as the first “licensed” hotel-
- º º keeper in Providence. In 1667 Roger Mowry, Jr., kept
ſº º H a hotel near North Main Street, where the old Abbott
º §§º º -* house now stands, and Richard Pray kept a licensed
- |-- ~~~~ - - tavern on the same street further south. So far as known,
these are the only parties who kept licensed taverns up to
the time of King Philip's War, 1675. In 16So, and for
long years afterwards, John Whipple kept a tavern on
Constitution Hill, his house being situated about midway
HOMES OF PROVIDENCE,--THE LIPPITT MANSION, HOPE STREET, between Benefit Street and the junction of North Main and




358 THE
PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
THE NARRAGAN SETT HOTEL;
Corner of Broad, Dorrance, and Eddy Streets,
Mill streets. Next in the line of hotel keepers comes William
Turpin, who about 1684 began keeping a tavern on the northwest
corner of Hewes and North Main streets, and Epenetus Olney
who kept a tavern on Olney Street, near the corner of North
Main, which was noted as one of the principal ones of the town,
and always kept by an Olney for more than one hundred years.
In 1687, Daniel Abbott was licensed to keep “an ordinary”—
as inns were in that day called—his house being where the old
Manufacturer’s Hotel afterwards stood, and from that time a hotel
continued to be carried on there till 1848, when the Manufac-
turer’s Hotel, the last in the line of successorship, was removed to
give place to the What Cheer building.
Some years previous to the Revolutionary War, the Pidge
Tavern was established between Providence and Pawtucket.
Before the commencement of the Revolutionary War, Thomas
Sabin also kept a tavern on the northeast corner of Planet and
South Main streets.
About 1730–40 there was a hotel, probably the one known as
the Bunch of Grapes, near the site of the present American
House.
As the population continued to increase, hotels multiplied.
About the latter part of the last century there were several good
hotels in Providence. Among them may be mentioned the Bull's
Head, on the Pawtucket turnpike; the Two Crowns, on North
Main Street; the Montgomery Hotel, at the head of Constitution
Hill; the Hoyle Tavern, still standing at the junction of High
and Cranston streets; and the hotel now known as the Mansion
House, corner of Benefit and South Court streets, which was
opened in 1784 as the Golden Ball. This house had the honor of
entertaining Washington, Monroe, and Lafayette, as well as many
other famous men of that day. It has been known under the
different names of the Golden Ball, the Globe, Chappotin’s
Tavern, Chappotin’s Hotel, and the Mansion House.
On the west side of the river, in 1762, Thurston's Tavern, the
sign of the Golden Lion, on Weybosset Street, about where the
Barton block now stands, was used by the town council as a
place of meeting. Thirty years later the Washington Hotel,
now standing, on Weybosset Street, was one of the chief hotels of
the place.
Coming down to modern times, the hotels of Providence have
kept fully up to the progressive requirements of the age. No
city in the Union of the same size and population can boast of
better hotel accommodations.
First in the list of the present hotels comes the Narragansett
Hotel, corner of Dorrance, Eddy, and Broad streets, one of the
finest hotels in the country. The building was commenced in
1874, completed in 1878, and opened to the public April 15th of
that year. It cost about one million dollars. The building is
eight stories high on the inner court, and presents seven stories
to the street. The building is of pressed brick, with iron work
for the lower story. Its dining-room is 40 x 90 feet, and twenty-
seven feet high. The house contains 225 rooms. Its interior
furnishing and fitting up is in strict accord with its palatial char-
acter. Mr. Charles Fletcher is its present proprietor, and Mr. L.
H. Humphreys, manager.
THE DoRRANCE HoTEL is second to the Narragansett in point
of size, but in all other respects takes a first-class rank. It is con-
veniently located between Westminster and Fulton streets, near
Dorrance Street. The building is of brick, five stories high,
constructed in the most substantial manner, and with all modern
improvements. The furniture and decorations are of the most
improved style. The hotel was opened in 1880.
THE ALDRICH House, on Washington Street, was opened in
1860 and continues to enjoy a large degree of public favor. It
is a well-kept, comfortable house, and located in the heart of the
business portion of the city.
THE CITY HoTEL, Broad Street, was, until the opening of the
Narragansett Hotel, one of the leading hotels of the city. It was
opened as a hotel in 1832. Its rooms are comfortably and well
furnished, and its location is unexcelled by any other hotel in the
city. -
THE CENTRAL Hot EL, on Canal Street, also commands an ex-
tensive patronage, and is eligibly located for transient custom.
There are a score of other hotels, many of them large and
well appointed, but they are principally patronized by regular
boarders, and make comparatively little effort to secure traveling
custom. -
CLUBs.
In all large cities of modern times the clubs, so called, have
become a prominent feature of social life. Here men meet and
spend pleasant hours with their associates, and to many a “lorn
bachelor” the club serves instead of the home circle, enabling
him to profitably pass the otherwise heavy hours of leisure, while
the married man finds there agreeable companionship and relief
from domestic care and troubles.
Within the last thirty years several organizations of this nature
seem to have become permanent in Providence.
The Hope Club is an association of young men which has just
erected a new house on Benevolent Street which is specially
adapted for the purpose of their organization (social recreation),
and is also an ornament to that portion of the city.
Another club — the Rhode Island Club — has been formed,
which numbers among its members many of the substantial busi-
ºil,
sº
HOTEL DORRANCE,
Westminster and Fulton Streets, near Dorrance.


THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. -
mess men of Providence. Their club house is
located at No. 171 Broad Street.
There is another important club in this city,
composed of young men of high standing, and
known as the Union Club, and having a club
house centrally located at No. 9o South Main
Street.
RESTAURANts.
The restaurants of the city form another im-
portant branch of business which has sprung up
in answer to new demands of the times, and
since the early days of the hotels and taverns.
There are in all about eighty within the city
limits. - -
MR. John A. SUTTON, proprietor of Sutton's
restaurant, located at 55 Weybosset Street, is one
of the most popular restaurateurs in the city. At
a very early age, in 1847, he commenced his
career with the noted veterans in that business,
David Burgess and Simri Smith. In the year
1860 he started in the business for himself, and
opened the Globe Dining Saloon in the Globe
Bank building, on South Main Street. After
being located there two years he sold out, and
was next employed by David Burgess in the Cen-
tral Hotel, on Canal Street, for two years. At
the close of the war of the Rebellion, in 1865, Mr. Sutton opened
the Continental Dining-Rooms, in the Harrington Opera
House, on the Washington Street side, where the City Hall now
stands, and where he remained for five years. Late in 1869 he
removed his establishment to the eligible place which he now occu-
pies, at No. 55 Weybosset Street, where “Sutton’s ” has since
been a fixture and a landmark in his line of business. Under
Mr. Sutton, this dining-room has earned a well-deserved reputa-
tion for the uniform excellence of its table supplies, its superior
cuisine, and neat, efficient, and affable service. This restaurant is
especially popular with the ladies, not only of the Providence
Plantations, but with those from the neighboring states of Mas-
sachusetts and Connecticut, and elsewhere.
MR. M. W. TILLINGHAst has, at No. 12 Weybosset Street, a
popular dining-room. Mr. William E. Arnold, the predecessor
and father-in-law of Mr. Tillinghast, was the oldest and most
º
(IWA
ſº
popular restaurateurs in the city, having been in the business-
here in various localities for more than forty years when he died
a few years since.
John W. PETTIs, oyster house and restaurant, No. 241
Broad Street, and the oyster and eating-house of Robert Pettis,
5 and 7 Orange Street, have long been popularly known.
THE CAFE St. GEORGE, at No. 157 Westminster Street, is
conducted by Messrs. Gelb and Mohn.
MR. LLoyd A. TILLINGHAst, at No. 231 Westminster Street,
THE ALDRICH HOUSE, WASHINGTON STREET,
One of the Oldest Residence Structures in the City.
*-
- º zº. //
- % N ſ ~~~~ %% %2%
º
THE SABIN TAVERN, SOUTH MAIN STREET.
Rendezvous of the Participants in the "Gaspee'' Exploit.
was the successor of Paul Wright. Mr. Tillinghast keeps a fine
restaurant, and is one of the successful caterers of the city.
LINDs.AY ANDERson’s OystER Hous E AND RESTAURANT is
very conveniently located at Nos. 23 and 27 Westminster Street.
“Anderson’s ” is a famous place for oysters and the more sub-
stantial dining-room supplies.
MR. CHARLEs D. WILBUR continues the depot restaurant,
located in the centre of the Union Railroad Station, which he
established and has kept up to a high standard.
THEATREs.
An amusement slightly antedating the Commencement holiday
was the production of the theatrical representations.
Although Rhode Island from its settlement was tolerant in
matters of religion, its citizens were much opposed to the intro-
duction of the play into their midst. In the year 1761 a town-
meeting was called at Newport and a resolution passed, which
declared that the town was opposed to the production of theat-
rical representations. But notwithstanding this opposition, David
Douglass, under whose direction a theatre was building and a
company rehearsing, continued his preparations to give a dramatic
performance, and on Sept. 7, 1761, under his management the
first theatre in New England was opened at Newport. The
building was near Easton's Point. The play entitled the “Pro-
voked Wife, or a Journey to London,” was produced. In the
year 1762 Mr. Douglass brought his company to Providence and
opened the Histrionic Academy, on Meeting Street, east of
Benefit Street. The town authorities objected to this action,
but Mr. Douglass gave no heed to their wishes, and continued his
performances. Thereupon the opponents of the theatre pro-
cured an act of the legislature which soon effectually closed the
theatre.
In 1792 Joseph Harper, who had been twice arrested in Boston
for giving exhibitions of the drama, fled with his company to
Providence, where he was encouraged to produce a play. This
performance so won the citizens that the town council passed a
resolution not to prosecute the actors under the existing law,
provided the receipts of every fifth performance were paid into the
town treasury. Mr. Harper and his company thereupon fitted up


- THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
SILVER LAKE, AT ROGER WILLIAMS PARK,
a theatre in the Court House and had a prosperous season. In
1794 a part of the Coffee House, located on Market Square, where
the National Bank of Commerce building now stands, was
arranged for the production of plays.
In 1795 a stock company was formed for the erection of a
theatre. Mr. Harper was chosen to superintend the new play-
house. The site selected was the corner of Westminster and
Mathewson streets, where Grace Church now stands. The
motto of the theatre, written on a scroll that hung above the
proscenium, was, “Pleasure the means, the end virtue.”
In 1812 a new drop-curtain was hung in the theatre. It was
painted by Worrall and gave a view of the east side of the city as
seen from Federal Hill.
In 1832 the Providence Theatre was sold to the Grace Church
corporation. After this the Lion's Theatre, on Fulton Street,
destroyed by fire in 1836, and Washington Hall were succeeded
by Shakespeare Hall, a stone building, located on Dorrance Street,
between Pine and Friendship streets. The interior and roof of
this theatre were destroyed by fire on the morning of Oct. 25, 1844.
Howard and Fox's amusement hall, located on South Main
Street, and later in Cleveland Hall, on North Main Street, and
afterwards, in 1848, the Providence museum, located on West-
minster Street, where the Phoenix building now stands; then
Forbes’ Theatre, which was erected on the site of the museum
in 1854 and destroyed by fire in 1858, followed in succession.
Variety theatricals next made their appearance in the city of Provi-
dence in 1857 at the corner of Pine and Orange streets. Swarts'
Hall, on the corner of Pine and Dorrance streets, was opened in
1858. It was the old Second Baptist Church fitted up as a thea-
tre. After the destruction of Forbes’ Theatre, Swarts' Hall was
enlarged, and the name changed to the Pine Street Theatre. The
Academy of Music (Phoenix building) was opened in 1860,
but was not long maintained as a theatre. The “City Hall”
opened as a theatre in 1865, and known as Harrington's Opera
House, remained a popular amusement place until 1871. In
that year the Providence Opera House was erected at the corner
of Dorrance and Pine streets, by an association formed for that
purpose. It was here that during the season of 1876–77 the last
stock company formed in Providence gave representations of the
drama. The theatres of Providence now are the Providence
Opera House, just mentioned; Low's Opera House, built in 1878,
located on Westminster and Union streets; the Theatre Comique,
located on Weybosset Street, near the Arcade; the
Sans Souci Garden, located on Broadway, opposite
Jackson Street; the Westminster Musée, located at
the corner of Westminster and Aborn streets; and
the Providence Dime Museum, located on Westmin-
ster Street, near Grace Church. The citizens of
Providence have always been generous in their patron-
age of the drama and before them have acted the great
players of the American and English stage.
PARKs.
Owing, probably, to the natural beauty of the city
and its suburbs with the many beautiful places of re-
sort in its near neighborhood on the bay, but little
attention was given by the citizens of Providence to
the subject of parks till its comparatively recent growth
bid fair to make the country too distant to be easily
reached by the busy population of the city. The parks
of the city are now in an undeveloped condition, but
contain elements that properly developed will form in
future one of the finest park systems in the country.
The largest of the parks is Roger Williams Park,
which contains Io.2 acres, and is in the southwest
part of the city. The property of which this park
is a part came into the ownership of Joseph, son of Roger
Williams, about 1662, and this park was in the possession of the
Williams family from that time till 1871, when Betsey Williams
died and by will gave it to the city of Providence to be forever a
public park. The city took possession of the farm in 1872, and
gave it the name it now bears.
The house of Miss Betsey Williams stands there on the site it
has occupied for I 16 years, and will be preserved for ages to come
if the elements permit. Within the park limits is the family
grave-yard of Joseph Williams, where lie the remains of genera-
tions of Roger Williams' descendants, and a stone memorial of
Roger Williams himself. In the park proper is a fine ideal
statue of Roger Williams, which was unveiled in October, 1877.
Since 1872 the city has spent much time and money in improv-
ing this park; but great parks require generations to pass, in
their developement, before their highest perfection can be reached,
and this park, though even now a thing of beauty, is merely the
suggestion of what it will probably be thirty or forty years hence.
THE FIELD's Point FARM is another beautiful park en posse.
It is surrounded on the northeast and south sides by the Narra-
gansett Bay. It contains thirty-eight acres, and its surface is of a
character that admirably fits it for landscape gardening. It is
proposed to connect this farm by a bow/eva, d with the Roger
Williams Park, and if this is done, the two parks combined, if
properly developed, will form a pleasure ground such as no other
city in the country possesses.
THE Cove PROMENADE PARK consists of a belt of grass and
trees intersected by paths surrounding the eliptical basin of the
cove. It is some eighty feet in width, and would form a favorite
place of recreation for those unable to visit the more distant parks
but for the fact that it is almost encircled by railroads, the constant
running of the trains of which make access to and from the park
disagreeable if not dangerous.
THE PROPRIETORs' GROUND, a neglected common, once a
graveyard, is bounded by Friendship, Beacon, and Plain streets.
THE DExTER TRAINING GROUND, bounded by Dexter, Durfee,
Parade, and Waterloo streets, was given to the city by Ebenezer
Knight Dexter. It is a large common, used by the youth of the
city as a play-ground and by the military organizations for a
parade and training ground. During the war of the Rebellion it
was a camping-ground for several Rhode Island regiments, pre-
vious to their departure for the front,

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. - 361
ELM wood Ave NUE PARK was deeded to the town of Cranston
by Joseph J. Cooke, and came into possession of the city when
the limits were extended to create the ninth ward.
BLAckston E PARK lies on the shore of the Seekonk River,
contains five acres, and was deeded to the city by Moses B. Jen-
kins, Dec. Io, 1866.
WASHINGTON PARK, bounded by Benefit, India, Traverse, and
Shamrock streets, contains 43,000 square feet and was given to
the city in 1830. It is a bright green spot near Fox Point.
Roger WILLIAMs SQUARE, lying between Power and Wil-
liams streets, covers a portion of the old shore line of the See-
konk River, including the slate rock on which Roger Williams is
sad, by tradition, to have first landed, and was given to the city
by the heirs of Gov. James Fenner.
PRosPECT TERRACE was presented to the city by several citi-
zens. It is situated on Congdon Street, on high ground over-
looking the city. It is a favorite place from which to obtain fine
views of Providence and the country lying to the west of the
city.
ABBott PARK, situated on Broad Street, near the Beneficent
Congregational Church, was a gift to the city from Daniel Abbott
in 1746.
FRANKLIN PARK, bounded by Atwell’s Avenue, Bradford,
Mountain, and Adie streets, was deeded to the city by Amos Y.
Atwell, for the use of the public.
CEMETERIEs.
For generations the first settlers buried their dead on their home
lots, each family having its own little “Garden of Gethsemane,”
where the ashes of the forefathers were reverently consigned to
mingle with the land they had loved in life. Most of these private
grounds have been converted to secular uses, the remains interred
having been removed to other cemeteries.
Unknown to most of our citizens, there still exists one of these
home lot burial grounds, in the condition in which it remained
when the last interment therein took place. This is the burial
ground of Pardon Tillinghast, who became possesser of the Hugh
Bewitt home lot as early as 1680. The lot lies on the west of
Benefit Street, a little north of Transit. Here lie the remains of
Pardon Tillinghast, and his descendants for generations. It seems
almost a duty that this, the only one of the home lot burial-grounds
remaining in its original condition, should be cared for and pre-
served by the public authorities of the city that owes so much to
Pardon Tillinghast and
his descendants.
THE NORTH BURIAL
GROUND.—This first pub-
lic burial-ground was set
apart by the order of the
town in 17oo. The first
burial there of which
there is record, was that
of John Whipple, who
died March 12, 1710. No
special care seems to have
been taken of this burial-
ground by the town till the
city was organized in 1833,
when Mayor Bridgham
established a system for
its government. In 1845 a
commission for its man-
agement was appointed,
and under its supervision
the ground has attained its
THE BETSEY WILLIAMS HOUSE,
Roger Williams Park.
present condition.
Whilst serving its sad
purpose as a resting
place for the dead, it
is an ornament to the
city. It is an irregu-
lar tract of land,
bounded by North
Main Street, Branch
Avenue, Smithfield
Avenue, Moshassuck ||
River, and Cemetery
Street, and covers
about one hundred and
fifty-eight acres. The º
tract is well situated ;
for cemetery purposes. H.
There are in it many
commanding
ences with beautiful º
wooded glades be-
tween and around
them. Many appro-
priate monuments are
to be seen here.
The second burial-ground of a public nature in Providence
was that of the Episcopal Church—now St. John’s — which until
1722 followed the English custom of burying the members of its
congregation in its church-yard. For one hundred years many
interments were made here, but for many years past none have
been made, and the ground in the rear of the church is so secluded
that a stranger would pass it unaware of its existence.
THE Swan Point CEMETERY.—The Swan Point Cemetery
Association was incorporated in 1848. A more beautiful spot
could not have been selected for its location. Lying largely upon
a high and extensive bluff, on the western bank of the Seekonk
River, with the ground gently rolling and diversified, it possesses
every attraction that nature could give it for the purpose to which
it is devoted. Winding drive-ways, a labyrinth of gravel walks,
beautiful fountains, ponds and rockeries, all skillfully and artist-
ically planned, make a ramble or a drive through it most enjoy-
able. The monuments that adorn it are unexcelled in appropri-
ateness, beauty, and good taste. This grounds contain about two
hundred and thirty acres.
GRACE CHURCH CEMETERY.—Grace Church Cemetery is at
the junction of Broad and Greenwich streets. Though now in the
heart of the city, when originally laid out for cemetery purposes,
in 1824, it was regarded as “far out of town.”
THE CATHoLic CEMETERIES.— The old Catholic Cemetery,
on Douglas Avenue, is a square lot of ground containing about
ten acres, and for many years was the only Catholic burial-ground
in Providence. In the year 1871, the new St. Francis Cemetery
in Pawtucket was consecrated. At present nearly all the Catholic
dead of Providence and Pawtucket are interred in the St. Francis
Cemetery, which contains about seventy-two acres, lying between
Smithfield Avenue and the Boston & Providence Railroad.
Locust GRove CEMETERY.— Locust Grove Cemetery is situ-
ated on Greenwich Avenue, Elmwood. The corporation which
owns the property was organized in 1848, and incorporated under
the name of the Locust Grove Cemetery Corporation.
HEBREw CEMETERY.—On Reservoir Avenue, near its junction
with Elmwood Avenue, is the burial place of the Hebrew citizens
of Providence. It is an enclosure measuring only 50 x 150 feet.
It was presented to the Congregation of the Sons of Israel in 1856,
by Solomon Prairie, at that time president of the Congregation.
emin-
ROGER WILLIAMS MONUMENT,
Roger Williams Park,



PART THIRD.
CHAPTER I.
MEMBERS OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT OF RHODE ISLAND FOR 1886, WITH SKETCHES
OF THE LIVES OF ALL PAST GOVERNORS.
House of REPRESENTATIVEs.
HoN. ELLERY H. WILson, of East Providence, Speaker.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE SEveRAL Towns.
Newport .......William C. Townsend,
William A. Stedman,
Thomas T. Carr, -
Mahlon Van Horne,
William P. Sheffield, Jr.
Providence.... . James W. Blackwood,
Obadiah Brown,
William A. Harris,
George J. West,
Henry P. Richmond,
Charles A. Hopkins,
William S. Hayward,
John W. Tillinghast,
David F. Thorpe,
John Carter Brown Woods,
Amos M. Bowen,
William H. Wood.
Portsmouth.....John F. Chase.
NELSON. W. ALDRICH,
Member of the United States Senate from Rhode Island in 1886,
STATE OFFICERs.
GEORGE PEABODY WETMORE, of Newport, Governor.
LUCIUs B. DARLING, of Pawtucket, Lieutenant-Governor.
Joshua M. ADDEMAN, of Providence, Secretary of State.
EDw1N METCALF, of Providence, Attorney-General.
SAMUEL CLARK, of Lincoln, General Treasurer.
THE SENATE.
His Excellency GeoRGE PEABODY WETMoRE, Governor and ex-officio President
of the Senate.
His Honor Lucius B. DARLING, Lieutenant-Governor and ex-offcio Senator.
SENAtoRS FROM THE SEveRAL Towns.
Newport........John P. Sanborn. Bristol.......... William H Spooner.
Providence.... .Stephen A. Cooke, Jr. Tiverton.... Nathaniel B. Church.
Portsmouth.... William L. Sisson. Little Compton. Oliver C. Brownell.
Warwick........Franklin Treat. Warren......... Benjamin Drown.
Westerly....... Nathan F. Dixon. Cumberland.... Isaac H. Easterbrook.
New Shoreham..Joshua T. Dodge. Richmond. . . . . . Charles J. Greene.
No. Kingstown...Allen Reynolds. Cranston. . . . . . . . William H. Hall.
So. Kingstown. Phineas O. Littlefield. Hopkinton ..... George H. Olney.
East Greenwich.Thomas W. Chace. Johnston.... . . . Ezra Gifford.
Jamestown......Thomas C. Watson. No. Providence. Ira Olney.
Smithfield.... ... Alonzo P. Mowry. Barrington..... Erastus L. Walcott.
Scituate.........Charles H. Page. Foster. . . . . . . . . . George W. Phillips.
Glocester.... ... Philip W. Hawkins. Burrillville. . . . . . Erwin J. France.
Charlestown... Joseph C. Church. E. Providence... George N. Bliss.
W. Greenwich. Thurston Capwell. Pawtucket......John W. Davis.
Woonsocket.... Henry L. Ballou.
Exeter ....... George A. Thomas. No. Smithfield. Metcalf Comstock.
Coventry........ John Winsor.
Warwick... .... Albert R. Greene,
Moses Fifield, Jr.,
Thomas Coyle,
John A. McQuade.
Westerly...... Henry E. Chamberlin,
George H. Utter.
New Shoreham. Almanza J. Rose.
No. Kingstown. George T. Cranston.
So. Kingstown...Daniel R. Southwick, Jr.
East Greenwich.Samuel W. K. Allen.
Jamestown......John M. Douglas.
Smithfield ... .. James Harris.
Scituate. .......Charles H. Peckham.
Glocester........ Reuben A. Clemence.
Charlestown ... George Carmichael, Jr.
W. Greenwich., Isaac C. Andrews.
Coventry. . . . . . . .Russell B. Johnson.
Exeter . . . . . . . . Irvine O. Chester.
Middletown..... Melville Bull. Lincoln........ John P. Gregory.
Joshua M. ADDEMAN, Secretary of State, and ex-officio Secretary.
EUGENE F. WARNER, Clerk.
CHARLEs P. BENNETT, Engrossing Clerk.
JONATHAN CHACE,
Member of the United States Senate from Rhode Island in 1886.


THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 363
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE SEVERAL Towns — Continued.
Middletown.....Joel Peckham. E. Providence Ellery H. Wilson,
Bristol.......... Henry W. Hayes, Pawtucket.... . Hugh J. Carroll,
Chandler H. Coggeshall. Thomas Robinson,
Tiverton........ John R. Hicks. Elisha W. Bucklin,
Little Compton. Nathaniel Church. Lucian Upham,
Warren . . . . . . . . . Benjamin M. Bosworth. Edward M. Henry,
Cumberland.... Albert P. Holley,
Lucius F. C. Garvin.
Pardon Jenks.
Woonsocket.... Francello G. Jillson,
Richmond... . . . Levi J. Cornell. Charles F. Ballou,
Cranston........ John Palmer, Leroy L. Chilson,
Alonzo W. Stanley. John A. Bennett,
Hopkinton...... Asa S. Briggs. Thomas B. Staples.
Johnston ....... William R. Randall, No. Smithfield. George J. Hendrick.
Lincoln. . . . . . . . Edward L. Freeman,
Carlisle Vose,
Oscar A. Newell,
Charles P. Moies.
Rufus W. Harris,
N. Providence . Albert L. Andrews.
Barrington ... Lewis B. Smith.
Foster......... Edson P. Howard.
Burrillville . . . . . Francis M. Wood,
Christopher O’Connor.
Georg E LEwis Gower, Reading Clerk; CLARKE H. Johnson, Recording Clerk;
CHARLEs P. BENNETT, Engrossing Clerk,
GEORGE PEABODY WETMORE, Governor of Rhode Island during the
25oth anniversary year, was born in London, England, Aug. 2, 1846.
William Shepard Wetmore, Governor Wetmore's father, was born at St.
Albans, Vt., in 1801. When a young man he entered the commercial
house of Edward Carrington & Company, of Providence, in which his
uncle Samuel was a partner. In the position of supercargo, he made
voyages in their ships “Fame” and the “Lion,” to the East Indies and
to South America. After the wreck of the “Lion,” on the coast of South
America, he formed a partnership at Valparaiso with Richard Alsop, of
Middletown, Conn., the firm name being Alsop & Wetmore. In 1829 Mr.
Wetmore retired from business and returned to America, but soon after
went to China, and established at Canton the house of Wetmore & Com-
pany, and subsequently, in New York, that of Wetmore, Cryder & Com-
pany. Withdrawing from business affairs he removed to Newport, R. I.,
where he died in 1862. -
The Wetmore family in America is descended from Thomas Whitmore,
who emigrated from England in 1635, and was one of the original paten-
tees of Middletown, Conn.
Gen. William Shepard, of Westfield, Mass., great-grandfather of Gov-
ernor Wetmore, served for six years in the French and Indian War of 1754
–63, was lieutenent and captain in the command of Generals Abercrombie
and Amherst, and took part in the battles of Fort William Henry, Ticon-
deroga, Crown Point, Isle aux Noix, St. John’s, and Montreal.
In the year 1775, he accepted the office of lieutenent-colonel, and repaired
to the camp at Roxbury. Colonel Shepard was appointed by Washington to
guard the retreat of the American Army from Long Island, and in the re-
treat from Rhode Island, he gave most ample testimonies of his skill and
bravery. At the peace in 1783, he had fought in twenty-two battles, and
established a high character for bravery, sound judgment, and humanity.
Summoned from the farm in 1786, at the outbreak of Shay’s rebellion, to com-
mand the forces of the government at Springfield, he was instrumental, by
s
w
Lieutenant-Governor of Rhode Island in 1886.
GEORGE PEABODY WETMORE,
Governor of the State of Rhode Island in 1886.
his defense of the arsenal, in suppressing the insurrection, and received the
thanks of the General Court. In 1796, he was appointed by the governor and
council to treat with the Penobscot Indians, and in the year following,
was selected by the general government to treat with the Six Nations at
Genesee River. General Shepard was a member of the Massachusetts House
of Representatives, of the executive council; presidential elector for both
of Washington’s terms, and a member of the United States House of Rep-
resentatives from 1797 to 1803.
Maternally, Governor Wetmore is descended from the Rev. John Rogers,
the fifth president of Harvard College, and the first in the list of grad-
uates of that institution to become its head; from Benjamin Pickham,
of Salem, Mass., who received from the Assembly of the Colony of Massa-
chusetts Bay, a valuable piece of plate, in token of their approbation of
his public spirit and eminent and efficient services, in promoting the
expedition against Louisburg, under Sir William Pepperill; from Elias
Hasket Derby, an eminent merchant of Salem, Mass., who, with his town-
men, took a prominent part in the equipment of at least 158 vessels, fitted
out from Salem during the Revolution, mounting more than two thousand
cannon. Mr. Derby at the time of the battle of Lexington, loaned the
government a large proportion of the supplies for the army, and when
General Sullivan marched to Rhode Island, provided his troops with boats
to cross from the main to the Island. He furnished the French fleet with
coal, and at a later period, to him primarily, when, in 1798, the United
States was apparently about to engage in a war with France, the nation
owed the building of the frigate “Essex,” the pride of the earlier navy.
Governor Wetmore was graduated from Yale College in the class of
1867, receiving the degree of A. M. in 1871, and that of LL.B. from
Columbia College in 1869. He was elected a Presidential elector in 188o
and 1884, and was a member of the state committee to receive the repre-
sentatives of France on their official visit to the state, in October and No-
vember, 1881. He was president of the Blaine and Logan Campaign
Club, of Newport, in 1884. In April, 1885, and again in 1886, he was
elected governor.
Mr. Wetmore is a trustee of the Peabody Museum of Natural History in
Yale University; a trustee of the Newport Hospital; and formerly a director
of the Redwood Library and Athenaeum; vice-president of the Monmouth
Park Association; director of the New York, Providence, & Boston Rail-
road; of the Newport & Wickford Railroad & Steamboat Company; of
the National Horse Show Association; and of the New York Cab Com-
pany. He was one of the incorporators and a member of the executive
and building committees of the Metropolitan Opera House Company, of
New York.
LIEUTENANT-Gover Nor LUCIUs B. DARLING, of this state, was born
in Bellingham, Mass., in October, 1827, where he lived until 1849, when
he removed to Providence, at the age of twenty-two years. After living in
this city about one year, he changed his residence to Pawtucket, then in
the town of North Providence, and started in business for himself there in
1852. The business which he then originated and established was success-
ful from the first, and was soon so heavy and extensive that a large branch
house was established in Chicago, where it still continues doing a large
business with Western patrons of the house. In 1883 the business was
incorporated, with the name of the L. B. Darling Fertilizer Company, of
which corporation Mr. Darling was elected president, a position which he
still retains, with his brother, Lyman M., and his sons, Ira C. and Lucius
B., Jr., as his associates in the company. Their establishment is located
at the “Mineral Springs,” about a mile west of the city of Pawtucket, where
it occupies an area of several acres for its extensive operations.
Lieutenant-Governor Darling has filled and still holds several important
financial and political positions. For twenty years he was a director of the


THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
N
JOSHUA M. ADDEMAN,
Secretary of State for Rhode Island in 1886.
Pacific National Bank of Pawtucket. He was elected a director of the Paw-
tucket Gas Company in 1867, and has been its president since 1880. He
has been a trustee of the Pawtucket Institution for Savings since 1878.
He was elected a director of the Swan Point Cemetery Corporation in
1870, and has been its president since 1879. He waselected a Representative
of the town of North Providence in the General Assembly in the years
1861–2–3. He was a member of the town council and the school committee
of the town for several years, and is now one of its board of water commis-
sioners. He was appointed by Governor Littlefield, in 1881, one of the
harbor commissioners for the state, which position he still holds. He was
elected lieutenant-governor of the state in April, 1885, and reëlected to that
office in 1886. He has never sought official positions, but has accepted
them at the solicitation of his friends. He has performed the multifarious
duties thus devolving upon him with ability and credit. He is thoroughly
identified with all the best interests of his city and state. His integrity
and gentlemanly bearing have won for him the respect and esteem of all.
Joshua M. ADDEMAN, of Providence, Secretary of State, was born Nov.
15, 1840. He was educated in the public schools of Providence, and grad-
uated from Brown University in the class of 1862. During the Civil War
he served in the Tenth and Fourteenth Regiments of Rhode Island Volun-
teers, being mustered out at the close of the war with the rank of captain.
He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1866. Among various pub-
lic positions he has held the offices of clerk of the House of Representatives
(1868 to 1872), and clerk of the common council of the city of Provi-
dence (1867 to 1882). He was first elected secretary of state in 1872, and
has since been annually reëlected. Mr. Addeman’s long connection and
familiarity with public affairs, his fine executive ability, and his urbanity
render him one of the most valuable of the state officials.
SKETCHEs of THE LIVEs of PAST RHoDE ISLAND Gover Nors.
WILLIAM CoppingtoN, was governor of Rhode Island, including Provi-
dence and Newport, of which latter town he was a resident, from March
12, 1640, to May 19, 1647. He was elected at the first general court of elec-
tion held at Newport. Previous to this he had served for one year (March
7, 1638, to April, 1639,) as judge of Portsmouth, and the succeeding year
(April 28, 1639, to March 12, 1640,) judge of Newport. The executive
heads of Portsmouth and Newport were entitled judges until 1640, when
these two towns were united and the chief officer was thereafter called gov-
ernor. Providence and Warwick had no executive head until 1647. In
that year the four towns were united under a charter or patent granted in
1643 by Parliament, the chief executive officer being entitled president.
Under this patent Governor Coddington served as president from May,
1648, to May, 1649; and again, under the charter granted by King Charles in
1663, he was twice chosen governor, serving from May, 1674, to May, 1676,
NotE,--The state originally consisted of four towns: Providence, settled in 1636; Ports-
mouth, in 1638; Newport, in 1639, and Warwick, in 1642. The executive heads of Ports-
mouth and Newport were entitled judges, until 1640, when these two towns were united,
and the chief officer was called governor, until 1647, when the four towns were united under
a charter or patent granted in 1643 by Parliament. Under this charter or patent the chief
officer was called president, which continued until the granting of the charter in 1663.
Under the Royal Charter granted in 1663, the title of governor was resumed. Providence
and Warwick had no executive head until 1647. All of these chief executive officers are
spoken of as governors in the sketches of their lives.
and from Aug. 28, 1678, to Nov. 1, 1678, the date of his death. Governor
Coddington was a native of Lincolnshire, England, and was born in the
year 1601. He was sent to Massachusetts by the government as an “as-
sistant magistrate,” a sort of judgeship, and landed at Salem, June 12,
1630. Becoming involved in the religious warfare incident to the trials of
Mrs. Ann Hutchinson and others for heresy, he decided to move to
Rhode Island. Selling out his real estate and abandoning his lucrative
business in Boston, he joined a company of emigrants who had also con-
cluded, for soul-freedom’s sake, to make Rhode Island their home, and
from this time to the date of his death he was a prominent actor in the
early days of the colony.
WILLIAM HUTCHINson occupied the position of judge of Portsmouth.
from April 30, 1639, to March 12, 1640. That was the title by which the
governor or chief executive of the colony was then known. Governor
Hutchinson was the husband of the celebrated Mrs. Ann Hutchinson, who,
on Nov. 15, 1637, was sentenced to be banished from Boston for what was
called her heretical ideas. In conformity with this sentence Mr. Hutch-
inson moved with his family to Providence, and subsequently to Aquid-
neck, now Rhode Island, where they took up their residence, and where
they met with a cordial reception from the colonists. Mr. Hutchinson
was soon chosen one of the town treasurers, and in 1639 was elevated
to the dignity of chief magistrate. He died in 1642. He was a man of
great worth, a quiet, peaceable, well-disposed gentleman, in whose honor
and integrity his fellow-citizens had perfect faith. Although his wife's
doctrinal zeal involved him in much trouble, he stood bravely by her to the
last, although there does not seem to be any evidence that he took any
great interest in the cause which she championed with such earnest zeal.
John Coggesh ALL was the first president of Rhode Island (Newport and
Portsmouth) under the Parliamentary Patent granted in 1643. He served
from May, 1647, to Nov. 27, 1647, when he died. Governor Coggeshall,
was a native of Essex, England, where his family were large landholders,
and had long held high social positions. They were of Norman descent.
Governor Coggeshall, accompanied by his wife and three children, emi-
grated to Massachusetts in 1632, landing at Boston on the 16th of Septem-
ber, in that year. Being a man of wealth, enterprise, and ability, he was
soon called to office, and on the 1st of September, 1634, he appears as one
of the first board of selectmen of Boston, and previous to that date was
chosen one of the deputies to the first General Court of Massachusetts.
which met on May 14, 1634. Like Governor Coddington and many others,
he also became involved in the Ann Hutchinson heresy controversy, and
took an active part in defense of the accused. This resulted in his removal
from office and banishment from the colony. In company with eighteen
other exiles for conscience' sake, with Coddington as leader, Governor Cog-
geshall came to Rhode Island and settled at Newport. On the union of
the four towns, Portsmouth, Newport, Warwick, and Providence, under
the charter obtained by Roger Williams, he was chosen as the first presi-
dent of Rhode Island. He was about fifty-six years old at the time of his
death, and was buried upon his estate, on what is now the corner of Cog-
geshall and Victoria avenues, Newport.
John SMITH, of Warwick, served as president of Providence and Warwick
from May, 1649, to May, 1650, and from May, 1652, to May, 1653. Gov-
ernor Smith was born early in the seventeenth century, and was among the
first emigrants from England to this country. He is supposed to have set-
tled at Salem in 1631 or 1632. There he became acquainted with Roger Wil-
liams, and espoused his ideas of civil and religious liberty. He removed to
Boston, where he entered into business as a merchant. His liberal views
on religious matters soon involved him in trouble, and in 1635 he was con-
demned to be banished for “divers opinions which he holdeth and hath
divulged, and came to Providence, where he lived for a few years, and then
removed to Warwick, being one of the first settlers of that place. In 1648
he was elected “assistant” for Warwick, under President or Gov. William
Coddington, and on the 22d of May, following, he was elected governor to
succeed Coddington. In the early colonial times, people were not always
willing to hold public office, and at the meeting of the General Assembly
that elected Governor Smith, it was “ordered, that if a president elected
shall refuse to serve in that general office, that then he shall pay a fine of
ten pounds.” John Smith declined the honor that was conferred on him,
and accordingly was fined. He seems, however, to have changed his mind,
as his fine was remitted and he served as president from May, 1649, to May,
1650. He again served as president of Providence and Warwick, (a sep-
aration having occurred between the towns of Providence and Warwick on
the one side, and Portsmouth and Newport on the other,) from May, 1652,
to May, 1653. Governor Smith was by trade a stone-mason, and built a
stone dwelling-house for himself in Warwick soon after he took up his res-
idence there, which remained standing up to 1799. It was called the “Old
Stone Castle.” Governor Smith died in the early part of 1664, at the
time of his death holding the office of “assistant.”
Gover Nor NICHOLAs EAston was a native of Wales, and by trade a
tanner. He emigrated to this country in 1634, accompanied by two sons,
and settled in Ipswich, Mass., removing in the following year to Newbury.
Mass., then called Agawam. In 1638 he built the first house in Hampton,
In consequence of the excitement caused by the Antinomian controversy,
which appears to have extended to every settlement in the colony, Mr.
Easton determined to join those who for the same reason had already left,
either voluntarily or by compulsion, for Rhode Island. His name appears
among the nineteen settlers of Aquidneck who signed the civil compact
which was formed at Providence, by which the parties pledged themselves
to be governed. This compact was entered into on the 7th of January, 1638,
but the signature of Easton must have been affixed later than that date, as
it was in this year that he built his house at Hampton, and he was not
admitted as a freeman into the colony of Pocasset until August 20th. Eight
months later Mr. Easton and his two sons, Peter and John, built the first
house in Newport. The house was on the east side of Farewell Street, a
little west of the Friends' Meeting House. On the union of the two towns
of Pocasset and Newport, and at the first general court of election held
at Newport, Nicholas Easton was chosen assistant from that town. Under

THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. 365
the charter or patent of 1647, by which the four towns were united, he was
chosen president from May, 1650, to August, 1651, and a second time from
May, 1654, to Sept. 12, 1654. From May, 1670, to May, 1671, he was dep-
uty-governor; and governor under the Royal Charter from May, 1672, to
May, 1674. He died at Newport, Aug. 15, 1675, having been for many
years previous, a member of the society of Friends.
SAMUEL GoRTON, of Warwick, served as president of Providence and
Warwick, from October, 1661, to May 1652, a separation having taken
place in 1651, between the towns of Newport and Portsmouth on one side,
and Providence and Warwick on the other. Governor Gorton was a native
of England and arrived from London at Boston in 1636, where he re-
mained about a year and then went to Plymouth. While in Boston he
engaged in religious controversy and was charged with giving expression
to very heretical doctrines, for which he was afterwards made to suffer
severely. Backus, the historian, says that he “evidently was a man of
smart capacity and of considerable learning, and when he pleased, could
express his ideas as plain as any man; but he used such a mystical method
in handling the scriptures, and in speaking about religion, that people are
not agreed to this day (1777) what his real sentiments were.” In Ply-
mouth so great was the prejudice against him on account of his religious
views, that he was subjected to corporal punishment. This act of barbar-
ism, it is reasonable to presume, hastened his departure from Plymouth,
and in June, 1638, he removed to the then haven of religious liberty,
Rhode Island, and settled at Newport. But even here he made enemies by
his peculiar religious notions, who made it so uncomfortable for him that
he moved across Narragansett Bay, and in January, 1641, purchased a
tract of land near Pawtuxet River, in the south part of Providence, then
called Shaw onet, but afterward named Warwick, in honor of the Earl of
Warwick. Here he was accused of encroaching upon the lands of others,
and he was summoned to appear before the Massachusetts Courts to de-
ſend himself. He refused to go, and an armed force of forty men was sent
by the Massachusetts authorities to capture him. He and twelve associates
stoutly defended themselves in a rude fort he had built for the purpose.
The fort was, however, taken after a most heroic resistance, and Gorton
and eight of his companions captured—the other three escaped—and taken
to Massachusetts and placed in jail. After a month’s imprisonment they
were brought before the General Court, and Gorton as the principal offender
was sentenced to be confined at the discretion of the court, and kept at
hard work, “ and to wear such bolts or irons as would prevent his escape,”
and that “if, in the meantime, he should speak or write any of the blas-
phemous and abominable heresies where with he had been charged by the
court, upon conviction thereof, he should be condemmed to death and exe-
cuted. ” Through fear, it is supposed, of the Earl of Warwick, who was
Gorton’s patron, he was after a time liberated and commanded to leave the
colony. To guard himself against persecution in the future, he went to
England and procured from Parliament an order confirming the title of his
land. He returned in 1648, and spent the remnant of his stormy life on his
estate, where he became the religious guide of those who believed in his
peculiar doctrines. He was the author of several books, among which are
the following: Simplicity's Defence against the Seven-Headed Policy;
Anº Zoſe Against Pharsaical Teachers; Saltmarsh Returned from the
Deaf, and A Glass for the People of New England. He died in the lat-
ter part of the year 1677; the exact date is not known.
GREGoRY DExTER was president (of Providence and Warwick) from
May, 1650, to May, 1654,-the towns of Portsmouth and Newport during this
period having a separate government. Governor Dexter is said to have
been a native of London, England, in which city previous to his coming to
this country, he was a partner with a man named Coleman in the printing
and stationery business. For printing a political pamphlet that was offen-
sive to the government, he was threatened with prosecution, and fled to
New England, and arrived in Providence in 1643. He soon became a very
prominent citizen and was among the fifty-four persons to whom “town lots”
were assigned. In 1648 he was chosen a “commissioner” to represent the
town in the General Assembly, and again in 1650. Soon after his arrival in
Providence he joined the First Baptist Church, of which he afterwards
became pastor to succeed the Rev. Wm. Wickenden, who died Feb. 23,
1699. Mr. Dexter is represented to have been a well-bred man, very
austere in manner and noted for his piety. He lived to be over ninety
years old, but the exact date of his death is unknown.
Gover Nor John SANDFor D was a native of England, and was born about
the year 1600. He emigrated to this country in 1631, landing at Boston
sometime during that year. He was admitted as a freeman April 3, 1632.
He soon got embroiled in the “Antinomian controversy,” and sympa-
thizing with Ann Hutchinson, shared the same fate as the rest of her ad-
herents, by being banished for his “heretical.” opinions. He joined the
Rhode Island Colony, and his name appears in the civil compact formed
by the nineteen settlers of Aquidneck. In 1640 he was appointed con-
stable for Portsmouth, and in 1647 assistant to John Coggeshall, presi-
dent of the four united towns of the State of Rhode Island. In 1651, a
separation having taken place between the four towns, he served as presi-
dent of Portsmouth and Newport from May, 1653, to May, 1654. The
union of the four towns having been reëstablished, he was chosen general
treasurer of the state, and held the office, with an interval of only one
year, from May 22, 1655, to May 4, 1663. He was also attorney-general
from June, 1662, to May, 1664; and from May, 1670, to May, 1671. In ad-
dition to the offices named, he filled the position of secretary of state from
May, 1656, to May, 1661; from 1666 to 1669, and from 1671 to 1686. He
was a man highly honored by the people, whose confidence he retained
until his death, which occurred about the close of the century, the exact
date not being known.
Gover Nor Roger WILLIAMs, the founder of the State of Rhode Island,
was president under the Parliamentary Patent from September, 1654, to
May, 1657. President Williams was of Welsh descent, and was born
about the year 1599. The records of the church of the parish of Gwinear,
County of Cornwall, England, show that “Roger, second son of William
GOVERNOR WILLIAM W. HOPPIN.
1854 – 1857.
Williams, gentleman, was baptized 24th of July, 1600.” This is supposed
by late investigators to refer to the founder of Rhode Island, and as his
father is termed “gentleman’’ in the record, it follows that the family was
of good standing in the county. With regard to his early religious
education he himself says: “From my childhood the Father of lights and
mercies touched my soul with a love to himself, to his only Begotten,
the true Lord Jesus, and to his holy Scriptures.” That his early education,
in a literary point of view, was not neglected, is evident from the fact that
when a youth he went to London, and by his skill as a law reporter of
trials in the Star Chamber attracted the attention of the great jurist,
Sir Edward Coke. Sir Edward procured admission for his young protégé
to Sutton’s Hospital, now the Charter House, and then as now, one of
the celebrated preparatory schools of England. On the completion of his
studies there, he entered Cambridge University, from which institution in
January, 1627, he graduated, taking the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He
is supposed to have studied law with Sir Edward Coke, but his mind early
gravitated toward religion, and he adopted the profession of the ministry
as more in accordance with his tastes than that of the law.
That he was a man of deep religious feeling and profound convictions,
his life and his writings afford ample evidence. He was admitted to orders
in the Established Church, and, it is said, for a brief time had charge of a
parish in the diocese of Bishop Williams. It was about this time he
became acquainted with many of the leading men who were about to
emigrate to America, among others, his famous opponent in after years,
John Cotton. This period seemed to be a transition stage in the develop-
ment of the mind of Williams, and for years he was slowly formulating
the principles that afterwards originated Providence Plantations, the first
community where absolute freedom in religious matters was tolerated and
encouraged.
The first step in this progress of transition was his withdrawal from the
Church of England and joining that of the dissenters, which necessitated
his removal from Old England to New England. With his wife Mary,
whom he had lately married, on the 5th of February, 1631, he arrived in
Boston from England in the ship “Lyon,” after a tempestuous passage of
nearly ten weeks.
Shortly after his arrival at Boston, he was settled in Salem over the old-
est and at the same time the most independent church in the colony. He
was in full sympathy with his church in its independence, but the author-
ities in Boston were opposed both to his joining the church and the
grounds taken by the church. They remonstrated with the church against
its action, and succeeded in making matters so uncomfortable to all par-
ties that before the year (1631) had elapsed, Williams withdrew from
the colony of Massachusetts to that of Plymouth.
The thought that this controversy led Williams to give to the subject
seemed to have settled in his mind the great principles of soul freedom,
and led him two years later to make one more attempt at establishing a
free church at Salem, and failing in that, to seek in the wilderness a refuge
where he might establish a community where that principal should be
recognized as the cardinal one of the community.
Even in the early town organization, he never sought to be the presiding
officer of the town government, and when at great personal sacrifices he had
obtained the Parliamentary Patent in 1643, and the colony had organized
under it in 1647, he modestly withdrew his claims, and allowed men of
Newport, Coggeshall, Coddington, and Easton, of Warwick,--Smith
and Gorton, and of Providence,—Dexter, to obtain the position as presi-
dent of the colony. It was not till 1654, when the politicians of that day
could see that the career of Parliament was drawing to a close, that with
the departure of Cromwell from this world would probably come a return

47
366
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
GOVERNOR ELISHA DYER.
1857 – 859.
of the Stuarts to the English throne, when one taking such a position
under a Parliamentary Patent might well in imagination “feel the halter
draw" around his neck, that Roger Williams came forward and accepted
the dangerous office, and even then, when that bold patriot, Benedict
Arnold, in 1657, came forward and expressed his willingness to accept the
trust, Roger Williams modestly withdrew.
Williams' later years were spent in comparative poverty. He had spent
his substance for the benefit of the colony, and he was willing to the last
to give his all, even his life, for the benefit of his fellow-men. When the
Indians besieged the town in 1676, he went out alone and unarmed to meet
them, and tried to negotiate peace with them. In connection with this mat-
ter we would pursue a little further the inquiry— on a preceding page, who
saved the Providence town records from destruction in that attack. It is
evident that the house of John Smith, the miller and town clerk, was
deserted, and by the Indians set on fire, and the records partially burned
before they were rescued and thrown into the pond. Who was the man that
braved the infuriated Indians and the risk of death from burning, by enter-
ing that blazing house, and, as far as possible, securing the safety of those
valuable books? There was but one man in Providence who could have
done it, and we might further say that there was but one man who would
have done it and never told of his action, and we believe that it is to the
modest, self-sacrificing Roger Williams that we owe this preservation of
our earlier books of record. In his last days the spirit of Williams
remained the same. In a letter written shortly before his death, he hopes
certain writings of his may be published, that the perusal of them may alle-
viate the lot of some poor sufferers amongst humanity. When in 1683 he
died full of years, no man was more sincerely mourned in the community,
and his glory has been growing brighter and brighter from that day to this.
Gover Nor BENEDICT ARNOLD was president under the Parlimentary Pat-
ent from May, 1657, to May, 1660, and governor under the Royal Charter
from May, 1662, to May, 1666; and again from May, 1669, to May, 1672; and
from May, 1677, to June 20, 1678, dying in office at the latter date. Governor
Arnold was a native of England, where he was born Dec. 21, 1615. He
was one of the early Puritan settlers in Massachusetts. Sympathizing
with those who were compelled to leave that state on account of their
views in religious matters, he soon moved to Providence, and his name
appears on the first conveyance in the records of the town. It is attached
to a “Memorandum, 3 M., 9th day, 1639.” which is added to a deed con-
veying a grant of land by Massasoit. . . This was all again confirmed by
Miantonomi; he acknowledged this his act and hand, up the streams of
Pawtucket and Pawtuxet, without limits, we might have for our use of
cattle. Witness hereof, (Signed) Roger Williams, Benedict Arnold.” His
name appears in the list of fifty-four persons to whom the “town lots’
were assigned, these persons being the first settlers of the town. His name
also appears in the civil compact, in which the signers declared: “We do
promise to subject ourselves in active and passive obedience to all such
orders or agreements as shall be made for public good of the body, in an
orderly way, by the major assent of the present inhabitants,” etc. In 1642
he was one of four of the inhabitants, who, becoming dissatisfied with the
conduct of Gorton and his associates, placed themselves and their lands
under the government and protection of Massachusetts, where they all
remained for sixteen years, with the exception of Mr. Arnold, who in 1653
removed to Newport. That Governor Arnold was a man of great influence
and recognized ability is apparent. The Hon. Samuel G. Arnold, in his
History of Rhode Island, says of him: “His liberal views and thorough
appreciation of the Rhode Island idea of intellectual freedom, appear in
the letters that, as president of the colony, he wrote in reply to the arro-
gant demand of the United Colonies, when they urged the forcible expul-
sion of the Quakers. Throughout his long and useful life he displayed
talents of a brilliant order, which were employed for the welfare of his fel-
low-men.”
Gover Nor WILLIAM BRENTON, of Newport, was deputy-governor of
Aquidneck, or the Island of Rhode Island, from March 12, 1640, to May 19,
1647, and again held the same office from November, 1663, to May, 1666.
He was president of the four united towns of Providence, Warwick, Ports-
mouth, and Newport, under the Parliamentary Patent, from May, 1660,
to May, 1662; and governor, under the Royal Charter, from May, 1666, to
May, 1669. In 1672 he was again elected governor, but declined to serve.
Governor Brenton was born in England about the commencement of the
seventeenth century. He was among the early settlers of Massachusetts,
having been admitted a freeman of Boston, May 14, 1634. For the three
years following he was a selectman of Boston, and for the year 1635 was a
deputy in the General Court. He removed to Rhode Island in the summer
of 1638, and on the 20th of August of that year was admitted as a freeman
of Pocasset or Portsmouth. In January the year following he was appointed
an “elder ’’ to assist “Judge” Coddington in his official duties. He was
one of the first settlers of Newport, where he had assigned to him four
acres of land. He died in 1674.
Gover Nor WALTER CLARK was the first native governor of Rhode
Island, and was born at Newport in 1640. He served as governor from
May, 1676, to May, 1677, and was again elected to serve for the year from
May, 1686, to May, 1687, but in June of that year, the charter having been
suspended by Sir Edmund Andros, Governor Clark refused to serve, and
on the 20th of that month resigned. During the period of his first admin-
istration King Philip's War was in progress, and the governor, who was
a member of the Society of Friends, did not fail to exert the mild influences
which have ever characterized that society, in allaying the spirit of revenge
by which the people were naturally actuated toward the red men for the
many murders and outrages they had inflicted upon the settlers. Before
his election as governor he had served for a time as acting governor, and
during this period Providence being threatened with an Indian attack,
appealed to Governor Clark for assistance. “His reply,” says a chronicler
of the time “expressed sentiments such as we might expect from a Quaker
governor: ‘I know your losses have been great, and your exercises many,
which do and may exasperate to passionate words, yet men should keep
within the bounds of reason, lest what they threaten others with, fall upon
themselves.’” Soon after the town was burned and Governor Clark was
again called upon for aid, and agreed “to bear the charge of ten men upon
the colony’s account.” This was the period of the administration of the
obnoxious Sir Edmund Andros, by whom the Royal Charter was sus-
pended for nearly four years, Governor Clark refusing, under these cir-
cumstances, to serve out the term for which he was chosen. Nevertheless,
Governor Clark was chosen by Sir Edmund Andros as one of the seven
persons selected from Rhode Island to be members of the first General
Council which was to meet in Boston. On the return of Andros from his
visit to Connecticut, in October, 1687, when the charter of the state was
concealed in the famous oak in Hartford, he stopped at Newport and pro-
posed to take possession also of the charter of Rhode Island. In this
attempt he was foiled by the foresight of Governor Clark, who, on hearing
of his arrival, sent the charter to his brother, with orders to have it con-
cealed in some place unknown to himself, but within the knowledge of the
secretary. He then waited upon Sir Edmund and invited him to his
house. A great search was made for the document, but it could not be
found, and Andros left without it. It was returned to Governor Clark,
who retained possession of it until the fall of Andros permitted a resump-
tion of the government under it. This resumption took place in 1689, and
Governor Clark remained in office until the election of Gov. Henry Bull,
in February, 1690. This, however, did not close Governor Clark's public
career, for at the spring election of 1700 he was chosen deputy-governor,
and held that office until the day of his death, May 22, 1714. Governor
Clark’s services to the state were rendered at a critical period in her history,
and the fidelity, energy, and prudence with which he discharged the many
public duties entrusted to him, made him one of the most popular men of
the generation in which he lived, and causes his memory to be revered
by their posterity of to-day.
Gover Nor John CRANston was of Scotch descent, but is supposed to
have been born in England, his father, James Cranston, being chaplain to
King Charles the First. Governor Cranston was a physician by profes-
sion, and by a special act of the General Assembly, passed March 1, 1664,
he was permitted “to administer phisicke and practice chirurgy.” He
must have been a man of great ability and varied attainments, for he was
a soldier and a lawyer as well as a physician. He was the first person in
the colony who had the title of major-general, which rank he held during
King Philip's War. He served as attorney-general of Providence and
Warwick from May 16, 1654, to Sept. 12, 1654, at which date the union of
the four towns was reëstablished, and Mr. Cranston continued to hold
that position up to May 20, 1656. He was deputy-governor in 1672, 1676,
and 1677, and governor from November, 1678, to March 12, 1680, when he
died. That he was a highly valued and honored citizen this record clearly
proves; and that his abilities and his devotion to the public interest were
duly appreciated by the people is also apparent.
Gover Nor PELEG SANDFor D was a native of Boston, where he was born
in 1632. His father, John Sandford, sharing the views of the Antinomians,
soon after moved to Rhode Island with his family. The first public posi-
tion held by the future governor appears to have been that of a commissioner
to settle one of the numerous boundary disputes that were continually
springing up among the colonists. In 1678 he was appointed one of five
bankrupt commissioners, who were sworn to make a just distribution of
insolvent estates among the creditors. He was general treasurer under the
Royal Charter from 1678 to 1681. On the decease of Gov. John Cranston,
(who died in office). Major” Sandford was elected by the General Assembly
as his successor, and this choice was confirmed by the people at an election
held March 16, 1680. Governor Sandford served until May, 1683. In the

THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS.
spring of that year he was solicited to again become a candidate, but
declined the honor. In 1699 he was appointed by royal commission a
judge in Admiralty, and as such had to sit in judgment on piracy cases,
and among many others that came before him was that of the famous
Captain Kidd. This appears to have been the last public position he held
until the end of his useful life, which occurred about 1700.
Gover Nor WILLIAM CopDINGTON, JR., son of Gov. William Codding-
ton, was probably born in England, during his parents' temporary residence
there, Jan. 18, 1651. He was elected assistant in 1680–82, and governor in
1683–4–5, but declined to serve the last term for which he was chosen. He
was a member of the Society of Friends, and died, unmarried, Feb. 5, 1689.
Gover Nor HENRY BULL was born in South Wales in 1610, and emi-
grated to this country, arriving at Boston in the ship “James,” June 4, 1635.
He took up his residence in Roxbury, Mass., where he was made a freeman
in May, 1637. He soon became involved in the Antinomian disputes, and
espousing the cause of Mrs. Hutchinson, incurred the wrath of the author-
ities, and was one of those sentenced to be banished from the colony.
Before the sentence was passed, however, Mr. Bull had placed himself
beyond the reach of the Massachusetts magistrates, and in company with
John Clark, William Coddington, and others of the persecuted party,
had set sail from Boston in search of a new home, which, with the aid of
Roger Williams, they selected in Narragansett Bay, on the Island of Aquid-
neck – now Rhode Island. In the “civil compact,” formed at Provi-
dence by the Aquidneck settlers, the name of Henry Bull appears. In June;
1638, a military company was formed, of which Governor Bull was elected
one of the corporals, and a few months after he was chosen sergeant “to
execute orders of the court, to serve warrants, and to keep the prison, with
power to demand aid from any persons in the discharge of his duty.”. His
name appears among the seven “elders” who, under date of April 28,
1639, agreed “to propagate a plantation in the midst of the island, or else-
where.” The plantation referred to was Newport, and thither the party
proceeded to found a town; and from that time forward Henry Bull became
identified with the growth and interests of Newport. In May, 1685, he
was elected governor, serving one year, and again filled that office from
February 27 to May 7, 1690. This was at one of the most troubled periods
in the history of the colony, and during the tyrannical régime of Sir Ed-
mund Andros. There had been for some time a confused state of affairs.
For nearly four years the General Assembly had held no session. At
length, Feb. 26, 1690, it convened. Gov. Walter Clark, who was absent,
was sent for, but declined to act, and resigned his office. Christopher
Almy was chosen to take his place, but also declined to serve. “It was
then,” says Bancroft, the historian, “that all eyes turned to one of the old
Antinomian exiles, the more than octogenarian, Henry Bull,” and he was
elected. He served out his term, but on account of his great age, refused
a reëlection. He died in 1694. His name will be forever honorably
associated with the other wise and brave men who shared the toils and
the triumphs incident to the founding of this commonwealth.
Gover Nor John EAston was born in Wales in 1617, and with his father,
Nicholas Easton, emigrated to this country in 1634, the family finally set-
tling at Newport. The governor's first entry into public life was in 1653,
when he was chosen attorney-general of the governments of Portsmouth
and Newport, serving from May 17, 1653, to Sept. 12, 1654. He also filled
the same office under, the government of the four reunited towns from
May 20, 1656, to May 19, 1657, and from May 22, 1660, to May 22, 1663. He
again held the same office under the Royal Charter from May 4, 1664, to
May 4, 1670, and for the years 1672, '73, '74. He was deputy-governor from
May, 1674, to April, 1676. In 1690 he was chosen governor and served
until May, 1695. The period of his administration was a most important
one in Rhode Island history. “At the time that he entered upon the
duties of his office,” says the historian, Samuel G. Arnold, “the first grand
period of Rhode Island history—the formation period — was ended. The
era of domestic strife and outward conflict for existence, of change and in-
terruption, of doubt and gloom, anxiety and distress, had almost passed.
The problem of self-government was solved, and a new era of independent
action commenced.” Governor Easton inaugurated this new era by well
and faithfully discharging the duties assigned him, and for five years guid-
ing the ship of state with skill and prudence. He lived twelve years
after his term of office expired, dying Dec. 12, 1705. He was the author
of a Warrative of King Philips' War, which was republished about thirty
years ago, and forms a valuable and interesting addition to the history of
Rhode Island during the calamitous period of which it treats.
Gover Nor CALEB CARR was born in 1623, and was one of the early set-
tlers of Newport. He was a member of the Society of Friends. His name
first appears in a public capacity as a commissioner sent to Wickford to
arrange certain matters in dispute between Connecticut and Rhode Island.
In 1678 he was chosen third assistant under Goy. John Cranston, and in
May, 1695, he was elected governor, to succeed Gov. John Easton, and
served until Dec. 17, 1695, when he died, being the fourth governor who
died while in office. Up to the period of Governor Carr's incumbency, the
governor had received no salary, their only remuneration being an exemp-
tion from colony taxes. It was now enacted by the General Assembly that
the governor should receive ten pounds a year, the deputy-governor six
pounds, and the assistants four pounds, each. Governor Carr's death
occurring so soon after his election, deprived him of the benefit that this
small stipend was intended to secure. He was buried in the family burying-
ground situated on the north side of Mill Street, between Thames and
Spring streets, Newport.
Gover Nor SAMUEL CRANston was a son of Gov. John Cranston, and
was born in Newport in 1659. He was governor of Rhode Island for
twenty-nine consecutive years—from 1698 to 1727, and, like his father,
died while filling that office. He married Mary Hart, a granddaughter of
Roger Williams. A romantic story is told concerning himself and his
wife. Soon after his marriage he went to sea, was captured by pirates, and
as for several years no tidings had been received of him by his family or
friends, he was given up for lost. His wife had an offer of marriage from
a Mr. Russell, of Boston, accepted it; preparations were made for the wed-
James Cranston, clerk, chaplain to King Charles the First.
GOVERNOR THOMAS G, TURNER.
1859 – 1860.
ding, and on the very day the marriage was to be solemnized, the missing
husband returned, just in time to put a stop to the ceremony. It is said that
the expectant bridegroom took this unexpected turn of events in good
part and relinquished Mrs. Cranston to her lawful husband with good
grace, and the wedding party was entertained by Mr. Cranston with the
story of his strange adventures and sufferings. “The administration of
Governor Cranston,” says Arnold in his History of Rhode Island, “is
remarkable for many reasons. He held his position probably longer than
any other man who has ever been subjected to the test of an annual pop-
ular election. His great firmness in seasons of unexampled trial that
occurred in the early part of his public life, is, perhaps, the key to his won-
derful popularity. Thirty times successively chosen to the highest office,
he preserved his popularity amidst political convulsions that had swept
away every other official in the colony.” He was buried at Newport, and
his tomb bears the following inscription: “Here lieth the Body of Samuel
Cranston, Esq., late Governor of this Colony, Aged 68 years, and departed
this Life, April 26, A. D. 1727. He was the son of John Cranston, Esq.,
who also was governor here in 1680. He was descended from the noble
Scottish Lord Cranston, and carried in his veins a stream of the ancient
Earls of Crawford, Bothwell, and Traquair, having for his grandfather
His great-
grandfather was John Cranston, Esq., of Bool. This last was son to James
Cranston, Esq., which James was son of William, Lord Cranston.”
Gover Nor Joseph JENcks was born in Pawtucket, in 1756, where his
father had settled about a year before that date. The family came from
England in 1630, with the emigrants headed by Governor Winthrop, and
settled in Lynn, Mass. There Governor Jencks' grandfather, also of the
same name, established an iron and brass foundry, the first ever erected in
this country. The governor's father pursued the same business at Paw-
tucket. Governor Jencks' first public employment, as was the case with
many of his predecessors, was to settle a boundary dispute between Massa-
chusetts and Rhode Island, and we find that in 1705 he was appointed a
commissioner for that purpose. In 1715 he was elected deputy governor and
held the office till May, 1721. In 1720, and while holding this office, he
was sent to England to settle the boundary dispute between Rhode Island
on the one part, and Connecticut and Massachusetts on the other. He was
reelected deputy-governor in 1722 and held the position until 1727, when
he was elected governor, which office he held for five years, residing most
of the time at Newport, in accordance with a request of the General As-
sembly. Eight years after the expiration of his term of office, on the 15th
of June, 1740, he died. He is said to have been the tallest man of his
time in Rhode Island, standing seven feet, two inches. The inscription
on his tomb gives, without doubt, a graphic and faithful delineation of his
character, and a true expression of the regard in which he was held by the
people. It is as follows: “In memory of Hon. Joseph Jencks, Esq., late
Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island, deceased the 15th day of June,
A. D. 1740, in the eighty-fourth year of his age. He was much Honored
and Beloved in Life, and Lamented in Death. He was a bright Example of
Virtue in every Stage of Life. He was a zealous Christian, a Wise and Pru-
dent Governor, a Kind Husband and a Tender Father, a good Neighbor
and a Faithful Friend, Grave, Sober, Pleasant in Behavior, Beautiful in
Person, with a soul truly Great, Heroic and Sweetly Tempered.”
Gover Nor WILLIAM WANTON was born in Scituate, Mass., in 1670. He
married Ruth, the daughter of Deacon John Bryant, of Scituate, an ances-
tor of William Cullen Byrant, the poet. As Mr. Wanton was a Quaker
and Miss Bryant a Puritan, the relatives of both parties were much opposed
to the union on religious grounds. Hin order to clear away this difficulty,
the future governor, it is related, thus addressed the young lady in presence

368 THE
PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
GOVERNOR SETH PADELFORD.
1869 – 1873.
of her family: “Ruth, let us break away from this unreasonable bondage.
I will give up my religion, and thou shalt give up thine, and we will both
go to the Church of England and to the devil together.” Ruth, it appears,
was equal to the eternal self-sacrifice that this appeal seemed to imply, and
accordingly they were soon after married. But as they could not have the
ceremony performed in Massachusetts, they came to Portsmouth, R. I., for
that purpose, and were there married, Jan. 1, 1691, and concluding to make
that town their future home, a few months later removed there. In 1702 Gov-
ernor Wanton purchased property in Portsmouth, and established a ship-
yard at what is now the south end of the Old Colony Railroad bridge. In
Queen Anne's War against France and Spain, in 1702, “the brigantine
‘ Greyhound,’ of Ioo tons, mounting twelve guns, and manned with Ioo
men and boys, was fitted for sea, and placed in command of Capt. William
Wanton, with a privateer’s commission to cruise for five months. He
returned after a two months’ cruise in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. He cap-
tured and brought into port three French privateers, one of 260 tons, 20
guns, and 48 men; one of 300 tons, 16 guns; and the third of 160 tons, 8
guns.” The next year Captain Wanton sold his property at Portsmouth,
including his ship-yard, to Daniel Howland, of Tiverton, for £430, and
removed to Newport. He soon became one of its leading citizens, and
prominent in politics. In 1705 he was elected speaker of the House of
Deputies, and between than year and the year 1724 was afterwards seven
times chosen to fill the same position. In 1732 and 1733 he was elected
governor. During this period his brother, John, was deputy-governor,
this being the only instance in the history of the colony of brothers holding
the two principal executive offices at the same time. Governor Wanton
died in December, 1733, aged sixty-three years. The State House in New-
port was built during his administration.
Gover Nor John WANToN, of Newport, brother of Gov. William Wan-
ton, was elected in 1734 to succeed his brother as chief executive. He had
been deputy-governor in 1721–2, and from 1729 to 1734. He was reëlected
governor six times successively and died in office July 5, 1740. He was a
man of remarkable force of character, and though brought up a Quaker,
did not allow the peace-loving ideas of that amiable society to prevent him
from taking an actively patriotic part in Queen Anne's War against France
and Spain. He took part in the privateering exploits of his brother Wil-
liam, and Arnold, in his //istory of Rhode Island, tells us that “in June,
1706, a sloop, loaded with provisions, was taken by a French privateer near
Block Island. The news reached the Governor (Samuel Cranston) the
next day. A proclamation for volunteers was forthwith issued. Two sloops
were taken up for the expedition, and within two hours' time were manned
by 120 men, under command of Capt. John Wanton; and in less than three
hours afterward captured the privateer, retook her prize, and brought
them into Newport. The promptness and success of this adventure aston-
ished and delighted the country, and added fresh laurels to the naval glory
of Rhode Island.” In 1712, when forty years of age, he rejoined the
Society of Friends and became a preacher of that denomination, traveling
extensively to promote the interests of the society. He is described as
a man of medium height, thin features, and fair complexion. He was
noted for his love for children, who were in the habit of gathering around
him on the street or as he sat on the portico of his residence, which stood
opposite that of his brother William, on Thames Street, Newport. Por-
traits of these two distinguished men, with their coat-of-arms, and in the
style of Queen Anne's time, may be seen in the hall of the House Repre-
sentatives in the State House at Providence.
Gover Nor RICHARD WARD, son of Thomas Ward, was born at New-
port, April 15, 1689. His grandfather, John Ward, was an officer in one of
Cromwell’s cavalry regiments, and came from Gloucester, England, after
the accession of Charles II., and settled at Newport. Governor Ward
was secretary of the colony for nineteen years—from 1714 to 1733. In 1740
he was elected deputy-governor, and by the decease of Gov. John Wanton,
became governor from July 15, 1740, to May, 1741, and was elected gov-
ernor the two following years, 1741–43. He died Aug. 21, 1763.
Gover Nor WILLIAM GREENE was born in Warwick, March 16, 1695. He
was a descendant of Peter Greene, at Aukly Hall, Wiltshire, England. In
1718 he was made a freeman, and was a deputy in 1727, 1732, 1736, 1738,
and 1740. In the latter year he was elected deputy-governor, and reëlected
in 1742-'43. In 1743 he was elected governor, and reëlected five times,
holding that office for a period of eleven years. These years embraced
an important era in Rhode Island history. It was during his adminis-
tration that the French and English waged war for the mastery of this
continent; and Rhode Island bore her full share of the conflict, rendering
substantial aid to the mother country, the colony becoming heavily in debt
for supplies furnished the government, and for which she was never after-
wards reimbursed. In the colonial records of Rhode Island, the correspond.
ence of Governor Greene with the English military authorities is preserved.
The governor's letters exhibit ability and good sense, and show that he was
well qualified to deal with the difficult duties that the disturbed condition of
the country demanded of him. It was during his administration, also, that
the long standing controversy between Massachusetts and Rhode Island as to
boundary lines with regard to certain towns, was settled, and Cumberland,
Warren, Bristol, Little Compton, and Tiverton were acknowledged to be
within the bounds of Rhode Island. Governor Greene died in February,
1758.
Gover Nor GIDEoN WANToN, of Newport, was born in Tiverton, Oct.
20, 1693. His father was Joseph Wanton, a brother of Governors William
and John Wanton. Gov. Gideon Wanton, like his distinguished uncles,
though a member of the Society of Friends, was enough of a worldly man
to take a very active part in the stirring events of the time. He held the
office of general treasurer of the colony for twelve years, 1732–44, and two
years later was chosen governor. Soon after entering upon the duties of
the latter office he was called upon by the English government to ſurnish
troops to assist in carrying on the war against France, and promptly
responded. Rhode Island troops took part in the expedition against Cape
Breton, and also in the siege of Louisburg, and when that place was
taken, they remained to garrison the captured fortress. The historian of
the time tells us that the people of Rhode Island went into this war with
great spirit, and no man took a deeper interest in it than the Quaker gov-
ernor of Rhode Island. Mr. Bartlett says: “Through life Gideon Wanton
was distinguished for his talents and for the influence he exerted in the
affairs of the colony.” He died Sept. 12, 1767.
Gover Nor STEPHEN HoPKINs, one of the signers of the Declaration of
Independence, was born in Scituate, R.I., March 7, 1707. When a young
man he removed to Providence and there took up his residence. His
fellow-citizens were not long in recognizing his abilities, and in 1733
sent him as their representative to the General Assembly. In 1739 he was
chosen chief justice of the Court of Common Pleas, and in 1775 was elected
governor, holding the office, with the exception of four years, until 1768.
With Gov. Samuel Ward he was chosen to represent his native state in
the General Congress at Philadelphia, and was a member of that body in
1774, 1775, and 1776. The tremulous character of his signature to the
Declaration of Independence was not caused by any nervous fear on the
part of the signer, but by a paralytic affection from which he suffered, and
which compelled him when writing to guide his right hand with his left.
Says Goodrich, the historian: , “Governor Hopkins knew no fear where
life and liberty were at hazard.” He remarked himself, when signing the
Declaration: “My hand trembles, but my heart does not.” Governor
Hopkins died at his residence in North Providence, July 13, 1785. “His
name,” says Greene, “is closely interwoven with all that is greatest and
best in Rhode Island history; an astronomer of no mean pretensions; a
statesman of broad views; a supreme executive, prompt, energetic, and
fearless; a genial companion when wise men relax from care, and a trusty
counsellor when the duties of life bear heaviest on the scrupulous con-
science.”
Gover Nor SAMUEL WARD, of Westerly, was born at Newport, R.I., May
27, 1725. He was the son of Gov. Richard Ward. He received a liberal
education, graduating from Cambridge College, Massachusetts, in 1743.
In 1745 he married Anna Ray, of Block Island, and removed to Westerly.
His high character and varied intellectual attainments at once found
recognition in his new home; and he soon became a political leader, whose
influence extended all over the colony. He was elected governor in 1762,
and three times reëlected, serving until 1767. This was the exciting period
preceding the Revolution, and Governor Ward in a cool, decided, and
able manner, counseled the people to resist English aggression. The
papers that emanated from his pen at this time are among the prized his-
torical records of the state. At the opening of the Revolutionary War he
was chosen by the colony as colleague with Stephen Hopkins to represent
Rhode Island in the first Continental Congress at Philadelphia, and
rečlected to the same position in 1775, and while in the discharge of this
duty died at Philadelphia, March 25, 1776.
Gover Nor Josias LYNDoN was born in Newport, March 10, 1704. His
family was a highly respectable one, and so situated as to be in a position
to afford him a good education. When but a little over twenty years old
he was appointed clerk of the lower house of the General Assembly and
also clerk of the Superior Court of the County of Newport. He discharged
these duties for many years with ability and diligence. In 1767, and for
many years previous, a bitter party warfare was being waged by the

THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. 369
-
respective adherents of Samuel Ward and Stephen Hopkins. To end the
wrangle, Mr. Ward and Mr. Hopkins, who were both candidates for the
governorship, agreed to withdraw from the field, and Mr. Lyndon was
elected chief magistrate and served from May, 1768, to May, 1769. Brief
as his term of office was, it was crowded with the exciting events which
led up to the Revolution, and in which he acted a prominent, patriotic, and
memorable part. His correspondence and state papers during this period
are marked by ability of a high order, are dignified in tone, eloquent in
defense of the people, whose rights were assailed, and vigorous in their
demand for justice and fair play. One of these documents, addressed to
the king, commences with this lofty preface: “The Governor of Rhode
Island to the King ”— showing that the honor and self-respect of the state
were higher in his thoughts than any semi-servile adulation of His
Majesty. When the British took possession of Newport, Governor Lyn-
don well knew that one who had shown himself so conspicuously to be a
“rebel ” had better retire, and left the town, taking up his residence at
Warren. Here he lived until his death on March 30, 1778.
Gover Nor Joseph WANTON was the son of Gov. William Wanton, and
was born at Newport in 1705. He was elected lieutenant-governor in 1764
and 1767, and in 1769 was chosen governor, and annually reëlected until 1775,
when though again reëlected by the people, he was not confirmed by the Gen-
eral Assembly, because of his opposition to a resolution which was presented
to the Assembly, to the effect that an Army of Observation be raised “to
repel any insult or violence that may be offered to the inhabitants; and
also, if it be necessary for the safety and preservation of any of the colo-
nies, to march out of this colony, and join and coöperate with the force of
the neighboring colonies.” Governor Wanton protested against the pas-
sage of this resolution, which was passed over his protest. His opposition
to the resolution created a bitter feeling towards him, and resulted in his
being deposed. During the occupation of Newport by the British, he con-
tinued to reside there, but in a retired way, and when the Americans again
gained possession of the city, he was not molested. He died July 19, 1780.
Gover Nor Nichol. As Cooke was born in Providence, Feb. 3, 1717. In
early life he engaged in the seafaring business, and was successful as a
ship-master. He afterwards became a merchant in Providence, and accu-
mulated a large property. In May, 1768, he was elected deputy-governor,
and in 1775 was again chosen for the same position, serving until Nov. 7,
I775.
Upon the deposition of Gov. Joseph Wanton by the General Assembly,
Oct. 31, 1775, Mr. Cooke was selected to take the place of the deposed
chief magistrate. The circumstances connected with his election are of
great historial interest. There was no doubt that if the British were suc-
cessful, a governor chosen in what they would interpret as an illegal way
and to take the place of one who had in a manner demonstrated his loyalty,
would pay the penalty that patriotism in those days so often incurred. It
is stated that Stephen Hopkins and Joshua Babcock, the oldest mem-
bers of the House, were requested to wait on him, and if possible obtain
his consent. Both houses were waiting in solicitude for the return of their
messengers. They stated the urgency of the case. Mr. Cooke pleaded his
advanced age, and the retired habits which unfitted him for meeting the
expectation of the Assembly. They replied that they considered his duty
required him to make a favorable report. He finally consented, though
nothing but the critical state of the country would have induced him so to
do.”
The able and patriotic manner in which he discharged his important duties
during this critical period, fully demonstrated the wisdom of the Assembly
in their choice of a chief magistrate for such a momentous emergency. The
correspondence between Governor Cooke and the Congressional delegates
from Rhode Island, gives evidence of the stalwart patriotism by which Gov-
ernor Cooke was animated, and the strong common sense that guided his
patriotic impulse. Both Governor Cooke and Deputy-Governor Bradford,
declined a reelection in May, 1778, whereupon the General Assembly
passed the following resolution : ... His Excellency Nicholas Cooke, Esq.,
late Governor, and His Honor William Bradford, Esq., late Deputy-Gov-
ernor of this state, having entered their said offices at a time of great public
danger, difficulty, and distress, and discharged the duties of their stations
with patriotic zeal, firmness, and intrepidity, it is voted and resolved, That
the thanks of the Assembly be given them in behalf of this State for their
aforesaid services, and that the Secretary deliver a copy hereof to each of
them.” The venerable John Howland says that “Rhode Island history, if
faithfully written, will hand his name down to posterity in connection with
the most eminent public characters of which our country can boast.”
Governor Cooke died Nov. 14, 1782.
Gover Nor John Collins was born in Newport, June 8, 1717. His
name is handed down to us, as that of one of the most active champions
in the cause of American independence. In September, 1776, he was one
of a committee appointed by the General Assembly to consult with Gen-
eral Washington, as to the condition of the colony and as to the best
methods to be adopted for its defense. In 1778 he was chosen a delegate
to Congress, in which body he continued to serve until 1782. At the
close of the Revolutionary War a bitter controversy existed in this state on
financial matters- one party, composed principally of the agricultural
class, favoring the creation of a state bank and the issue of paper money,
whilst the other party, merchants and traders, contended for specie cur-
rency. Governor, Collins was selected as the representative of these
ancient “greenbackers,” and by them elected governor in May, 1786, and
reelected in 1787-8. One of his last acts as governor was the casting of
his vote when there was a tie in the Senate, which secured the calling of
a convention to decide upon the acceptance of the Constitution of the
United States. He was subsequently chosen as a Representative to Con-
gress, but did not take his seat. He died at Newport, March 8, I795.
Gover Nor ARTHUR FENNER was born in Providence in 1745. His
grandfather, Arthur Fenner, was a native of England, and among the
early settlers of Providence, and one of its leading citizens, filling many
positions of honor and trust. The governor’s father, known in the history
of Rhode Island as Arthur Fenner, Jr., was also a man of mark. Governor
Fenner's public career seems to have commenced by his appointment by
GOVERNOR HENRY HOWARD,
| 873–1875.
the town of Providence as one of the “committee of inspection” recom-
mended by the Continental Congress, showing that he was in full sympathy
and fellowship with the patriotic people of the colony. This committee
held its first meeting in the chamber of the town council, Dec. 24,
1774. For many years subsequent to this he was clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas in Providence. In the spring of 1790 he was chosen as the
anti-Federal candidate for governor and elected. He proved to be a very
popular chief magistrate and was retained in that position to the day of his
death, which occurred at Providence, Oct. 15, 1805. Among the interesting
local events that occurred during Governor Fenner's administration were
the visit of Washington to Rhode Island in 1790, of President Adams and
his family to Providence in 1797, the rebuilding of the Weybosset Bridge,
1792, the formation of a company for the construction of the Blackstone
Canal, and the founding of the Providence Bank.
Gover Nor JAMEs FENNER was born in Providence, Jan. 22, 1771. He
was the son of Gov. Arthur Fenner, and the first regularly elected governor
to succeed him. He received a liberal education, graduating from Brown
University in 1789, with the highest honors of his class. Coming of a dis-
tinguished family and being a man of fine abilities, he speedily came to the
front as a leading citizen. For several years he represented Providence in
the General Assembly, and served as United States Senator from December,
1805, to the spring of 1807, when he was elected governor of the state,
holding the office until May, 1811. He was again elected governor in
1824, and annually reëlected until 1831; and was the first governor chosen
under the new constitution adopted in 1842, and served for two years,
1843–4. The honors thus so repeatedly conferred upon Governor Fenner
afford conclusive evidence of the high regard in which he was held by his
fellow-citizens. He died at his home in Providence, April 17, 1846, and
was buried with civic and military honors such as, it is said, were never
before accorded to any citizen of Rhode Island. A writer of the time says
of the event: “Such demonstrations of respect for one whose life has been
spent in the service of his state, and who has ever been conspicuous for his
zeal and energy in advancing the true interests of his fellow-citizens, can-
not fail to exert a beneficial influence upon our community. While we
would not overlook his faults and infirmities, we cannot forget that they
were the almost necessary attendants of the iron will, the inflexible resolu-
tion, the vigorous intellect, and the unconquerable energy which caused all
eyes to turn to him when the state was threatened and in danger, as one in
whose hands power could be reposed without fear that it would be per-
verted to selfish purposes.”
Gover Nor WILLIAM Jones was born in Newport, Oct. 8, 1753. He was
of Welsh descent. His mother, though left a widow when he was a child,
succeeded in giving him a fair education. In January, 1776, being then
twenty-three years old, he was commissioned as a lieutenant in Babcock's
(afterwards Lippitt's) regiment, which had been raised for the war of In-
dependence. This regiment joined Washington’s army the following Oc-
tober, and participated in all the battles that preceded the retreat into New
Jersey, sharing also the hardships and sufferings of the terrible winter that
followed. Lieutenant Jones continued in the service until the term of his
regiment expired, when he returned to Rhode Island. He did not, how-
ever, remain long inactive. In February, 1778, he accepted a commission
as captain of marines, on board the “Providence,” a twenty-eightgun frigate
built in Rhode Island, and commanded by Abraham Whipple. On April
3oth this vessel sailed for France with dispatches for the American commis-
sioners at Paris, and on arriving at Nantes, Captain Jones was made the
bearer of dispatches, and had the honor of being the first American officer

370 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
GOVERNOR HENRY LIPPITT.
1875–1877.
who appeared in uniform at the French capital. In the November follow-
ing, the “Providence” was dispatched to Charleston, S. C., then threatened
by the British, and the crew of the “Providence” being sent ashore to man
the guns of the forts, were all captured on the surrender of the city, May
12, 1778. Captain Jones was paroled, and returned to Rhode Island,
where he remained as a paroled prisoner until the close of the war. He
entered into mercantile business at Providence. In 1788 he became a
freeman, was for some time a justice of the peace, and in 1807 was elected
a member of the General Assembly, and yearly reëlected to that position
until 1811. From 1809 to 1811, he was speaker of the House. In 1811 he
was elected governor, and successively reëlected until 1817, when he retired
from public life. He died April 22, 1822. In politics Governor Jones was
a Federalist, and in private life is said to have been a man of the strictest
integrity and the most courtly manners. -
Gover Nor NEHEMIAH. R. KNIGHT was born at Cranston, R.I., Dec. 31,
1780. His father was a farmer and an anti-Federal politician of promi-
1.ence, and was a Representative in Congress from Rhode Island from 1803
to 1808. Governor Knight's education was confined to an ordinary
common school course, but his natural abilities and good sense seem to
have supplied whatever deficiencies in learning he labored under. When
only twenty-two years old he was elected to the state legislature as a Rep-
resentative from Cranston, but before the next election occurred moved to
Providence, where he resided up to the time of his death. In 1805 he was
elected clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Provi-
dence, and held that position until 1811. From 1812 to 1817 he was clerk
of the Circuit Court for the District of Rhode Island. In the latter year
he was elected president of the Roger Williams Bank, a position which
he held until his death. In 1817 he was also elected governor, and held
that office until Jan. 9, 1821, when he was chosen United States Senator
to fill the unexpired term of James Burrill, Jr., deceased. In January,
1823, he was reëlected for a full term of six years, and in 1828 and 1835
was reëlected to the same position, his Senatorial service thus extending
over twenty years. In 1841 he retired to private life, though in 1842 he
was induced to act as a representative of Providence in the constitutional
convention, in which body his ability and experience were found to be
of the greatest service. He died April 18, 1854. Governor Knight is
represented to have been, as a political partisan, rather mild; as a man,
film in his friendships; and in all matters true to his conscientious con-
victions.
Gover Nor WILLIAM C. GIBBs was born in Newport in 1790. His family
came from England in 1665, first settling at Salem, Mass. His father,
Thomas Gibbs, came to Rhode Island and settled at Newport. He was a
man of good education and social standing. In 1800 Brown University
conferred on him the honorary degree of Master of Arts, and Yale College
the same degree in 1808. Governor Gibbs’ first public service was as a
Representative from Newport in the General Assembly, a position which he
held for several years. In May, 1821, he was elected governor and held the
office until 1824. He at one time held the rank of major-general in the
Rhode Island Militia. His death occurred in Newport, Feb. 24, 1871.
Gover Nor LEMUEL H. ARNOLD was born in St. Johnsbury, Vt., Jan. 29,
1792, and was a graduate of Dartmouth College. He came to Providence
in 1811, and was admitted to the bar in 1814. He did not, however, enter
upon the practice of his profession, but became a merchant. In 1826 he
was elected as a Representative from Providence to the General Assembly,
and continued to serve in that body, with the exception of one year, until
1831, when he was elected governor, serving for two years. He acted as
one of the executive council during the “Dorr Rebellion.” Removing
from Providence to South Kingstown, he was in 1845 elected a Representa-
tive to Congress from the Western District, serving one term. He died
June 27, 1852, and was buried in Swan Point Cemetery.
Gover Nor John Brown FRANCIs was born in Philadelphia, May 31,
1791. His parents were residents of Providence, where they returned soon
after his birth. When only five years of age his father died, and his
early training and education was undertaken by his grandfather, John
Brown, then a leading merchant of Providence. He was sent to a grammar
school and afterwards to Brown University, from which he graduated in
1808. On the death of his mother he removed to Spring Green, War-
wick, where he resided up to the time of his death, Aug. 9, 1864. He rep-
resented the town of Warwick in the General Assembly from 1821 to 1829,
and in 1831 was elected a member of the state Senate. In 1833 he was
elected governor and yearly reëlected until 1838. During the “Dorr Re-
bellion '' troubles of 1842, he again entered public life and was elected to
the state Senate as a representative of the “Law and Order” party. In
1344 he was chosen a United States Senator to fill the vacancy occasioned
by the resignation of the Hon. William Sprague. His term expiring March,
1845, he was that year again elected to the state Senate, and reëlected
yearly for the ensuing ten years. In 1856 he retired from political life.
From 1828 to 1857 he was a member of the board of trustees of Brown
University, and from 1841 to 1854 he held the office of chancellor. He
took an active interest in popular education, and was foremost in every
other good work tending to advance the interests and material well-being
of the people.
WILLIAM SPRAGUE, the first of that name who became governor, was
born in Cranston in 1789. His father, William Sprague, was the first
calico printer in Rhode Island, and one of the first to introduce that
industry into the United States. In connection with his print works, he
established large mills for the manufacture of cotton cloth. To this busi-
ness of making calico and printing it, Governor Sprague was brought up,
and in the management of its affairs he early displayed good business
ability. Devoted as he was to business, he also, when a young man, took
an active interest in political affairs. He became a member of the General
Assembly and was speaker of the House of Representatives from October,
1832, to May, 1835. In the latter year he was elected as a Representative
to Congress, serving one term. He was elected governor in 1838–9, and
in 1842 was chosen United States Senator. He resigned this position in
1844, in consequence of the death of his brother Amasa, which devolved
upon him the entire management of the Sprague business, which by this
time had grown to immense proportions. Governor Sprague had already
demonstrated that both in business and politics he was a man of good
judgment and ability. He now retired entirely from politics and applied
himself exclusively to the interests of his firm. The only public position
he afterward filled was that of Presidential elector in 1848. He died July
31, 1866.
Gover Nor SAMUEL WARD KING was born in Johnston, May 23, 1786.
In 1839, there being no election for governor or lieutenant-governor, and
Mr. King holding the position of first Senator or assistant, acted as gov-
ernor for that year. In 1840 he was elected governor, and reëlected in 1841–2.
During his term of office, the state was in a condition of great political
turmoil, incident to the “suffrage question,” which culminated in the
“Dorr Rebellion.” Governor King during this excitement, by his con-
ciliatory course, did much to calm the public mind, and to allay the bitter
strife that for a time threatened to throw the state into anarchy and dis-
order. In his private life he is said to have been a man of great amia-
bility of character and kindness of heart. He died in Providence, Jan. 21,
1851.
Gover Nor CHARLEs JAckson was born in Providence, March 3, 1797.
He received his rudimentary education at a public school, and in his six-
teenth year entered Brown University, from which he graduated in the class
of 1818. He then studied law in the office of James Burrill, but though
admitted to the bar, neverentered upon the practice of that profession. He
began business as a manufacturer of cotton goods, and afterwards engaged
in many other business enterprises, in all of which he was successful. He
is said to have been a man of great ability and fine conversational powers.
He served for several terms as a member of the state legislature, and in
1841–2 was speaker of the House of Representatives. In the “Dorr Rebel-
lion" troubles he took sides with the “Law and Order” party, and in 1846
was selected as its candidate for governor — the issue being on the libera-
tion or continued imprisonment of Dorr, the leader of the insurrection.
To the surprise and chagrin of his party friends, Governor Jackson after
his election, favored the release of Dorr, who was accordingly liberated.
This action of the governor alienated many of his personal, as well as his
party friends, but subsequent events proved the wisdom of his course, and
even his bitterest enemies acknowledged that his action was prompted by
conscientious and patriotic motives. He was a man of a jovial, social tem-
perament, and noted as an enthusiastic friend and patron of inventors and
patentees. He died in Providence, Jan. 21, 1876.
Gover Nor ByRoN DIMAN was born in Bristol, R. I., Aug. 5, 1795. He
received an excellent education at a private school kept by the late Bishop
Griswold. When a youth he entered the counting-house of James De-
Wolf, but soon engaged in business for himself, and for many years was
indentified with various commercial enterprises in his native city. In early
life he became an active politician, and was an ardent Henry Clay Whig.
He was several times in succession elected to the legislature, and during
the exciting period of the “Dorr War,” was a member of the governor’s
council. He served as lieutenant-governor from 1843 to 1846, and in the
latter year was elected governor. He was tendered a renomination but
positively declined the honor. He died of apoplexy, at his residence in
Bristol, Aug. 1, 1865.

THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. 37 I
Gover Nor ELISHA HARRIs was born in Cranston in 1791. He was a
lineal descendant of William Harris, one of the associates of Roger Wil-
liams in the settlement of Rhode Island. He received a good common
school education, and when a young man engaged in manufacturing, and
finding good water-power at the site of the present village of Harrisville,
— so called in his honor, as its founder, he erected mills there, and soon
built up a flourishing business and a prosperous community. Though not
a politician in the present sense of the word, he took an active interest in
public affairs, and for several terms was a member of the General Assembly.
In 1846-7 he was lieutenant-governor, and in the latter year was elected
governor, serving until 1849. For many years he was president of the Bank
of North America, Providence. He died Feb. 1, 1871, aged seventy years.
Gover Nor HENRY Bow ENANTHONY was born at Coventry, R. I.,
April 1, 1815. His father, William Anthony, was a native of Providence,
but moved to Coventry, where he became extensively engaged as a manu-
facturer. The family was of Quaker descent. The mother of Governor
Anthony was Mary K. Greene, a descendant of John Greene, an associate
of Roger Williams, and one of the original purchasers of Shawomet, now
known as Old Warwick. The future governor after receiving a good pre-
paratory training at a private school in his native town and afterward in
Providence, entered Brown University from which he graduated in 1833,
at the age of eighteen years. During his college course he had been a
constant contributor to the Providence 3 ournal, of which his cousin,
George W. Jackson, was editor and proprietor, and had achieved a reputa-
tion as a vigorous and able writer. Five years later (1838) he became as-
sociate editor and proprietor of the journal, and up to the time of his
death continued his connection with that paper. In 1849 he was elected
governor, and in 1850 reëlected, but positively declined a third nomina-
tion, though its acceptance was strongly urged upon him. In 1858 he was
elected a United States Senator, and reëlected in 1864, '70, '76, ’82. His
death occurred Sept. 2, 1884. His Senatorial term was thus extended over
a period of twenty-six years, and embraced the most memorable era in the
history of the country. During this time the great Southern Rebellion was
inaugurated and put down, and the important matter of reëstablishing
civil government in the lately rebellious states had to be dealt with. Sen-
ator Anthony was a prominent political figure during these exciting times,
and proved himself in every way worthy of his high position. Firm in
every demand that he thought a patriotic regard for the future safety of
the Republic required, he was yet animated by a truly conservative feeling
that opposed all unnecessary severity to a vanquished foe, and which
looked with statesman-like anxiety to the speedy reëstablishment of
friendly relations between the lately warring sections of the country.
While serving as a Senator he acted for several years as president pro tem-
fore of that body, in which position he displayed rare abilities as a parlia-
mentarian.
Gover Nor PHILIP ALLEN was born in Providence, Sept. 1, 1785. He
received a good education, and graduated from Brown University in the
class of 1803. He soon after entered into business as merchant, and
carried on an extensive West India trade. In 1812 he became engaged in
cotton manufactures, and continued in that business up to the time of his
death. From 1827 to 1836 he was president of the Rhode Island branch of
the United States Bank. He was a representative from Providence in the
General Assembly for the years 1819, 20, and ’21 ; and in 1851 was elected
governor, and reëlected the two following years. In 1853 he was elected a
United States Senator, and served till 1859. He died in Providence, Dec.
16, 1865.
Gover Nor WILLIAM WARNER HoPPIN was born in Providence, Sept. 1,
1807. His ancestors were among the early emigrants from England to
Massachusetts, some of them removing to Rhode Island before the Revolu-
tion. The governor's uncle, Benjamin Hoppin, was commissioned by
George III. as a colonel in the Rhode Island Militia, but at the commence-
ment of the Revolutionary War at once threw up his colonel’s commission,
and accepted that of a captain in Colonel Lippitt's Rhode Island Regiment
of the Continental Army. Governor Hoppin, after a thorough preparatory
course, entered Yale College, and graduated from there in 1828, having
the degree of A. B. conferred upon him. He subsequently entered the law
school of the same university, and having passed the requisite examina-
tion, was, in 1830, admitted to the bar. In 1830 he was elected to the
common council of the city of Providence, and served in that body con-
tinuously until 1842. In 1847 he was chosen a member of the board of
aldermen, filling that position until 1852. The next year he was elected to
the state Senate, and in 1854–5–6 was elected governor. He served for
several years on the Providence school board, and aided greatly in improv-
ing the school system and enlarging its facilities. He was chosen a delegate
to the Peace Congress that met in Washington in February, 1861, and made
a conciliatory speech before that body. In 1866 he was again elected to the
state Senate, and in 1867 was appointed a registrar in bankruptcy by Chief
Justice Chase. His last public service was as a Representative in the state
legislature, to which he was elected in 1875, and served one year.
Gover Nor ELISHA DYER was born in Providence, July 20, 1811. He is a
lineal descendant of William Dyer, who emigrated from England to Boston
in 1635. Governor Dyer received a good education, graduating from
Brown University Sept. 2, 1829. He soon after became a clerk in his
father's counting-room (Elisha Dyer & Company, commission merchants.)
and in 1831 was admitted as a partner in the firm. In 1835 his father built the
Dyerville Mill in North Providence, and established the Dyerville Manu-
facturing Company, and Governor Dyer became the agent of the company,
which position he held until the death of his father in 1854, when he
became sole owner of the property, and continued the business until 1867,
when in consequence of failing health he disposed of the mill. He always
took an active interest in public affairs, and acted as delegate to several
political conventions, and was chairman of the Whig convention at Balti-
more, May 3, 1840. In June, 1840, he was elected adjutant-general of
Rhode Island, and reëlected to that office for five years successively, hold-
GOVERNOR CHARLES C. WAN ZANDT.
1877 – 1880.
ing this important position during the “Dorr War,” under Gov. Samuel
W. King, and rendering good service, being constantly on duty from April
3 to July 26, 1842. In 1857 he was elected governor of Rhode Island and
reelected in 1858. He was tendered a third nomination but declined.
That his administration of the affairs of the state was conducted with wis-
dom, prudence, and fidelity even his political opponents were free to testify.
One of this class, referring to his retirement from office, remarked : “His
abilities have been equal to his official duties, and his integrity has been
equal, so far as we know or suspect, to every assault which the intrigues of
professed friends have made upon it. He retires from an office which he
did not seek, wholly unscathed, and wholly uncontaminated with the slime
which too often clings to men who dispense official favors.” On the 25th
of September, 1861, Governor Dyer was chosen captain of the Fourth
Ward Drill Company of Providence, and May 26, 1862, his son Elisha
having been disabled and prevented from continuing in the service, the
governor's patriotic impulse prompted him to volunteer himself, and
accordingly he entered the service and served for three months as captain
of Company B, Tenth Regiment of Rhode Island Volunteers.
Gover Nor THoMA's Goodwin TURNER was born in Warren, R. I., Oct.
24, 1810. His father was a ship-master, an for a time the future gov-
ernor, when a lad, was a seaman on board his father's vessel. He after-
ward became a clerk in the dry goods store of Mr. Cahoon in Newport.
While in this position he applied himself diligently to study, and acquired
a fair education. Returning to his native town he there entered into
partnership with Mr. Martin L. Salisbury, in the dry goods business,
under the firm name of Turner & Salisbury. The business proved very
successful, after a few years enabling Mr. Turner to retire with a consid-
crable amount of cash. He then accepted the presidency of the Equitable
Fire and Marine Insurance Company of Providence, which position he
occupied up to the time of his death. During the “Dorr Rebellion ” he
was a colonel in the state militia, and was in command at Acote’s Hill.
For several years he represented his native town in the General Assembly,
both as a Senator and Representative, and was twice chosen a Presidential
elector. He served as lieutenant-governor in 1857–59, and in 1859 he was .
elected governor. He died at his residence in Warren, Jan. 3, 1875.
Gover Nor WILLIAM SPRAGUE (whose uncle of the same name served
as governor in 1838-9) was born in Cranston, R. I., Sept. 12, 1830.
He received a good commercial education, and at the age of fifteen was
employed as a clerk in the factory store in Cranston—an establishment
connected with the large cotton manufacturing and calico printing business
of his father and his uncle, Gov. William Sprague, who constituted the
firm of A. & W. Sprague. At sixteen he entered the counting-house of the
firm at Providence as an assistant, and two years thereafter was made book-
keeper. In 1856 at the death of his uncle, Gov. William Sprague, he
became the head of the firm, and under his management its operations
were greatly extended, until it became the largest cotton cloth manufactur-
ing and calico printing company in the world, running nine immense
mills, capable of weaving 860,000 yards of cloth, and printing 1,400,000
yards of calico per week. The business flourished until 1873, when owing
to the financial disturbances of that period, the firm became embarrassed,
and it was found necessary to place the property in the hands of a trustee.
The young governor, as he was called, had from his boyhood evinced a
taste for military affairs. In 1848 he became a member of the Marine
Artillery Company of Providence, as a private, finally, by gradual promo-
tion, reaching the rank of colonel. In 1860 he was elected governor and
reelected in 1861. The Rebellion breaking out about this time, the gov-

372 THE
PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
GOVERNOR ALFRED H, LITTLEFIELD.
| 880 - || 883,
ernor's knowledge of military affairs was found to be of great value. In an
incredibly short time he organized the state troops and had them ready for
the field, and when the time came for their departure, he in person led
them to the front. His patriotic zeal in the great cause won the plaudits
of the whole country and endeared his name to the entire American people,
while those of his native state were justly proud of him. He was present at
the first battle of Bull Run, when he was in the thickest of the fray and had
a horse shot under him. For his bravery on this occasion and his untiring
zeal in behalf of the government, both at home and in the field, he was
was made a brigadier-general of volunteers. The governor was in 1863
elected to the United States Senate and served until 1875. In 1861 Gov-
ernor Sprague received the honorary degree of Master of Arts from Brown
University, and in 1866 was elected one of the trustees of that college.
Gover Nor WILLIAM C. Cozze Ns was born in Newport, R. I., Aug. 26,
1811. He was educated at a celebrated school then conducted there by Levi
Tower. On leaving school he became clerk in the dry goods store of the
Hon. Edward W. Lawton, then lieutenant-governor of the state. After a
time he entered into the same business on his own account, and as a
merchant was very successful. He was regarded by his fellow-citizens as
a man of good business ability and undoubted integrity, and in 1854 was
elected mayor of Newport. He was also several times chosen to represent
his town in the General Assembly. In 1863, while serving as state Sen-
ator, he was chosen president of that body. At this time Gov. William
Sprague resigned his office, having been elected United States Senator,
and Lieut.-Gov. S. G. Arnold having previously been chosen for a similar
position, Mr. Cozzens, as president of the Senate, became acting gov-
ernor, and held that office until May, 1863. This was during the most excit-
ing period of the war, and Governor Cozzens’ duties were of the most
arduous and important character. He discharged them, however, in a
manner perfectly satisfactory to the people. He afterward filled many
positions of honor and trust in his native city, and enjoyed, in a large
measure, the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. He died Dec.
17, 1876. During his administration as mayor the cholera visited New-
port, and he displayed great courage and activity in battling with the
scourge and enforcing sanitary measures.
Gover Nor JAMEs YouNGs SMITH was born in Poquonnoc Village, New
London County, Conn., Sept. 15, 1809, and came of an old and honored
family. His mother (Priscilla Mitchell) was a descendant of Priscilla Mul-
lens, of “May Flower” fame, and the heroine of Longfellow's poem, the
“Courtship of Miles Standish.” The governor's father, Amos D. Smith,
was a farmer, and when a boy the future governor in summer helped in
the farm work, and in winter went to school, this being all the educational
advantages afforded him. At the age of thirteen he entered a country store
as a clerk, and soon proved himself to possess rare business ability. In
1826 he removed to Providence and entered the counting-room of Aborn
& Smith, lumber dealers, and ten years later became sole proprietor of the
business. He afterwards engaged in the cotton manufacturing business,
and in connection with his brother, and subsequently, his sons-in-law, car-
ried it on very extensively. He served in various important public posi-
tions, and was for several years a member of the General Assembly. In
1855–6 he was mayor of Providence, and was governor of the state from
1863 to 1866. In the fulfillment of these duties he displayed good judgment,
zeal, and fidelity. As governor during the most critical period of the war,
his energy, patriotism, and executive ability resounded to the honor of the
state, and won the hearty approval of the people. He died at his residence
in Providence, March 26, 1876.
Gover Nor AMBRose EveRETT BURNSIDE was a native of Union County,
Indiana, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. His father, Edghill Burnside,
was born near Columbia, S. C., was a lawyer by profession, and immigrated
to Indiana in 1813. The governor, after receiving a good preparatory
education in Indiana, was admitted to the United States Military Academy
at West Point, from which he graduated in 1847. He was soon after com-
missioned a second lieutenant, Third United States Artillery, and joined
his command, then in Mexico. At the close of the Mexican War he was
for a short time stationed at Fort Adams, Newport, R. I. In November,
1851, he was commissioned first lieutenant, placed in command of a
cavalry company, and served in the Indian wars on the frontier. He
resigned May 1, 1853. When the war broke out in 1861, he was commis-
sioned colonel of the First Regiment Rhode Island Detached Militia, and
was mustered into service May 2, 1861. His military experience and abili-
ties soon gained him promotion. At the first battle of Bull Run he
commanded a brigade, and on Aug. 6, 1861, he was commissioned a briga-
dier-general. In January, 1862, he commanded the celebrated Burnside
Expedition to North Carolina, which resulted in the capture of Roanoke
Island, Newbern, Fort Macon, and Beaufort, with several thousand pris-
oners and large quantities of arms and ammunition. This was one of the
most successful and daring exploits of the war, and earned for General
Burnside the thanks of Congress, of President Lincoln, and of the whole
country. In recognition of his gallant and meritorious services on this
occasion, President Lincoln in March, 1862, nominated him for major-
general, and Congress immediately confirmed the appointment. On Nov.
9, 1862, General Burnside was placed in command of the Army of the
Potomac, then numbering 225,000 men, from which he was relieved in the
December following, and assigned to the command of the Department of
the Ohio. As commander of the Ninth Corps he took an active part in
the battle of Antietam, and also won distinction in the battles of the Wil-
derness, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania, and Petersburg. He resigned his
commission April 15, 1865. During the entire war he had shown a spirit
of patriotism, pluck, and unaffected modesty, that made him one of the
most popular men in the country. The people of Rhode Island watched
his course with great interest, and they took the earliest opportunity to
testify their appreciation of his great military services and sacrifices. In
1866 he was elected governor and reëlected in 1867 and 1868. In 1874 he
was chosen United States Senator, which office he held at the time of his
death, Sept. 13, 1881.
Gover Nor SETH PADELFor D was born in Taunton, Mass., Oct. 3, 1807.
His family had been settled in that state from early colonial days. Gov-
ernor Padelford received a common school education at Taunton, and
when yet a boy came to Providence, where he engaged as a clerk in the
wholesale grocery business. He soon afterwards was enabled to enter the
same business on his own account, and for a number of years carried it on
successfully, finally retiring with a handsome competence. His upright
character and fine business qualifications soon attracted the attention of
his fellow-citizens, who selected him for various local positions of import-
ance. He was elected a member of the city council in 1837, and also a
member of the school committee. He held these offices for four years. He
was again elected a member of the city council in the years 1851–2, and a
member of the school committee in 1851–2–3. From 1864 to 1873, inclusive,
he again filled the latter position. In 1852–3 he was also elected a member
of the General Assembly, and in 1863 was chosen lieutenant-governor,
holding the office for two years. In 1868 he was a Presidential elector,
and in 1869 was elected governor, and was continuously reëlected until
1873, when he positively declined to longer serve. He subsequently filled
various financial positions, among others that of president of the Bank of
North America. In all the relations of life, public and private, he discharged
his duties with conscientious fidelity. His death occurred Aug. 26, 1878.
Gover Nor HENRY HowARD was born in Cranston, R. I., April 2, 1826.
He is a son of Judge Jesse Howard, who for many years was one of the
judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the state. Governor Howard,
after attending various academies, finished his education at the University
Grammar School of the Messrs. Lyon, in Providence. For a time he
next engaged in mercantile pursuits, but afterward entered the law office
of ex-Gov. William W. Hoppin, and on completing his studies there he
was admitted to the bar and commenced the practice of his profession in
connection with Governor Hoppin, and was also for a time associated pro-
fessionally with the Hon. Thomas A. Jenckes and the Hon. Jerome B.
Kimball. In 1858 he relinquished the profession and practice of the law,
and entered a mercantile life. He was elected as a Representative to the
General Assembly from the town of Coventry, in the year 1857, and
reelected in 1858, but resigned his seat in the course of the year, his business
requiring him to be in New York City much of the time. He was a dele-
gate to the first Republican National Convention which nominated Gen.
John C. Fremont for the Presidency in 1856, and was also a delegate from
this state to the National Convention which nominated President Ruther-
ford B. Hayes, in 1876. He was one of the Presidential electors from this
state, chosen in 1872, with the Hon. Henry Lippitt, the Hon. John H.
Barden, and the Hon. Benjamin Finch. In 1873 the degree of Master of
Arts was conferred upon him by Brown University. He was chosen gov-
ernor of the state in 1873, and the next year, 1874, was elected without
opposition; a high compliment to his faithful and efficient discharge of
the duties of the gubernatorial office. He was a third time tendered a
nomination for the office, but declined it. He was one of the assistant
commissioners appointed by the President of the United States, to the
Paris Industrial Exposition in 1878, and made an elaborate and valuable
report to the government on the great exhibit of textile fabrics from all
countries, which was made there. He was a prominent member of the
Franklin Lyceum at the period of what may be called its renaissance,
about the middle of the century, serving on the lecture committee, and
being elected successively vice-president and president. Soon after attain-
ing his majority he was elected secretary of the Whig state committee, and
a few years thereafter, while yet a young man, received the nomination

THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. 373
-
for mayor of the city of Providence, being defeated by the Democratic
candidate, the Hon. Walter R. Danforth. He is at the present writing,
president of the Harris Manufacturing Company, the Armington & Sims
Engine Company, the Providence Telephone Company, the Pintsch Light-
ing Company, of New York, and the Rhode Island Chess Association.
He was married in 1853 to Catherine, daughter of ex-Gov. Elisha Harris,
and has three children, Elisha Harris Howard, Charles Taylor Howard,
and Jessie, the wife of Edward C. Bucklin, Esq.
Gover Nor HENRY LIPPITT was born in Providence, Oct. 9, 1818. He
is descended from John Lippitt, who came to Rhode Island in 1638, and
was the first of the name who arrived in this country. In 1647 he was one
of the committee appointed to organize the colony under the Parliamen-
tary charter. The governor's ancestors were among the pioneer cotton
manufacturers of Rhode Island. Nov. 9, 1809, Christopher and Charles
Lippitt, Benjamin Aborn, George Jackson, Amasa Mason, and William
Mason, organized the Lippitt Manufacturing Company, with $40,000
capital. Their mill, which was erected in 1807, was the third in the state.
Warren Lippitt, father of the governor, was in early life a sea-captain, but
subsequently entered into business in Providence as a cotton merchant,
having also a branch house at Savannah, Ga. Governor Lippitt was edu-
cated at the academy at Kingston, R. I. He at once entered into mercantile
business, and has ever since been intimately connected with the commer-
cial and manufacturing interests of the state. He has always taken an
interest in public affairs, and identified himself with every enterprise cal-
culated to enhance the prosperity and general welfare of the people. He
took an active part in reorganizing the Providence Marine Corps of
Artillery in 1840, and in 1842 was elected lieutenant-colonel of the corps,
after serving in the different subordinate offices, and commanded a portion
of the company, armed and drilled as infantry, through the “Dorr War” in
1842. He was governor of Rhode Island in 1875–6. Governor Lippitt's
high character for financial ability and integrity is well illustrated by the
statement that since 1838 down to the present time, his annual business
has never amounted to less than three hundred thousand dollars, and has
frequently exceeded four million dollars; and that during that long period,
notwithstanding the many financial disturbances that have occurred, he
has never failed, nor even asked for an extension of time on his commercial
paper.
Gover Nor CHARLEs Collins VAN ZANDT is, as his name indicates,
of Dutch descent, and is of the old Knickerbocker, New York, stock. His
father, Edward Van Zandt, was a native of that state, and resided there the
greater part of his life. His mother was the daughter of the Hon. Charles
Collins, of Bristol, R. I., who, for nine years, was lieutenant-governor of
Rhode Island. Governor Van Zandt received his primary education in
the schools of Newport, after which he became a student of Trinity Col-
lege, Connecticut, graduating in 1851. He then studied law in the office of
the Hon. Thomas C. Perkins, district attorney, of Hartford, Conn., and with
the Hon. Alfred Bosworth, of Warren, R.I., was admitted to the bar in 1853,
and at once commenced the the practice of his profession at Newport, where
he has ever since continued to reside. In 1855 he was elected city solicitor
of Newport, and for several years filled that position. He served for two
years, 1855–56, as clerk of the House of Representatives of the General
Assembly, and in 1857 was elected from Newport as a Representative to that
body; was several times reëlected, and was chosen speaker of the House in
1858–59, 1866 to 1869, and again from 1871 to 1873. In 1873–4 he was elected
as a state Senator, and during his term acted as chairman of the Senate judic-
iary committee. From 1873 to 1875 he was lieutenant-governor of the state,
and in 1877 was elected governor, serving for three years and declining a
renomination. In all these various public positions Governor Van Zandt
served with marked ability. He is a man of fine literary attainments and
great oratorical power. As a public speaker he has few equals in the state.
Gover Nor ALFRED HENRY LITTLEFIELD was born in Scituate, R. I.,
April 2, 1829. The family of which he is a descendant settled at New
Shoreham, Block Island, in 1721, and soon became prominent in public
affairs. One of the governor’s ancestors, William Littlefield, was recom-
mended by General Washington for first lieutenant of the Second Rhode
Island Battery, and was afterward made captain. When Governor Little-
field was yet a boy, his family removed to Natick, in Warwick, and at the
district school of that town he was educated. His first employment was
in the Sprague Mills, Natick, where he worked for some time. In May,
1845, he became a clerk in the dry goods store of Joseph M. Davis, Cen-
tral Falls, R. I. His brother, George L. Littlefield, in 1847 succeeded Mr.
Davis in business, and Alfred Henry continued to clerk for his brother
until 1851, when he became his partner in business. Soon after, the firm
engaged extensively in cotton, yarn, and thread manufacture, which they
still carry on successfully, the firm being known as Littlefield Brothers.
In 1861 Governor Littlefield was appointed division inspector of the Rhode
Island Militia, with the rank of colonel, and held that office for five years.
In 1876 he was elected as a Representative of Lincoln in the General
Assembly, and reëlected in 1877. In 1878–79 he was elected state Senator,
and in April, 1880, was nominated for governor, but there being three
candidates in the field, and none of them receiving a majority of all the
votes cast, the election of governor devolved upon the General Assembly,
and Mr. Littlefield was the choice of that body. In the election he received
a third more votes than either of his opponents. His administration gave
general satisfaction, and the next year he was reëlected by a large majority.
48
GOVERNOR AUGUSTUS O. BOURN.
| 883 - 1885.
Gover Nor AUGUSTU's O. Bour'N was born in Providence, Oct. 1, 1834.
He received his early education in the public schools, and in 1851 entered
Brown University, graduating in 1855. His father, George Osborn Bourn,
was born in Somerset, Mass., July 4, 1809, and was a descendant of Jared
Bourn, who settled in Boston about 1630, subsequently removed to Ports-
mouth, R. I., and was a member of the Rhode Island legislature in 1667.
The governor's mother, Huldah B. (Eddy) Bourn, was a descendant of the
Rev. William Eddy, of Cranbrook, Kent, England, whose son Samuel came
to this country in 1629 and was the first settler of that name in Plymouth.
George Osborn Bourn, father of the governor, removed to Providence when
a boy, and was one of the first to commence the business of manufactur-
ing India-rubber shoes, which he finally developed into a great industry.
Governor Bourn on leaving college at once engaged in the business of
manufacturing rubber goods with his father, in Providence, and on the
death of the latter, which occurred in 1859, the entire management of the
business devolved upon him. He soon proved himself to be thoroughly
competent for the task. The young manager rapidly extended the opera-
tions of the firm, and in 1864 founded in Bristol the National Rubber Com-
pany, which is now one of the largest manufacturing establishments of the
kind in the world, employing over twelve hundred hands, and manufactur-
ing rubber goods of almost every kind, to the amount of $2,500,000 per
annum. That a man of such active business habits, such fine executive
ability, and having so much substantial interest in the political affairs of
the state should take a keen interest in public affairs was but natural. When
a young man he identified himself prominently with the Providence Horse
Guards, a noted military organization, and enlisting as a private, gradually
worked his way up to lieutenant-colonel. In 1878 he held that rank in the
First Battalion of Rhode Island Cavalry.
His first political office was that of state Senator from Bristol, to which
office he was elected in 1876, and unanimously reelected for the six follow-
ing terms. During the years 1878–79–80 he was chairman of the com-
mittee on finance, and also ('79–80,) a member of the judiciary committee.
In 1882 he was again unanimously elected to the Senate, and was chairman
of the finance committee, serving also on the judiciary committee. In 1883
he was elected governor, and in 1884 reelected by the largest majority ever
received by a Republican candidate when there was a contest. In 1886 he
was again chosen by his old constituents to represent them in the state Sen-
ate. In public life Governor Bourn has displayed the same qualities that
have distinguished him as a private citizen and business man — zeal and
fidelity in the discharge of every duty, good judgment, and calm discretion
in his executive action, with a disposition to interpret the laws in a spirit
of liberality to those with whose interests they sometimes inevitably clash.
He made an able, wise, and in every way acceptable chief magistrate.

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VIEWS OF PAWTUCKET AND CENTRAL FALLS.
Pawtucket from the Belfry of the Congregational Church, Broadway.
-
Along the River Frcht, Central Falls.
North Main Street, Pawtucket.

PART FOURTH.
CHAPTER I.
PAWTUCKET, NORTH AND EAST PROVIDENCE, LINCOLN, AND CUMBERLAND.
FREDERIC C. SAYLES,
First Mayor of the City of Pawtucket.
PRIOR to its incorporation as a city, Jan. 4, 1886, Pawtucket
was reputed to be the most populous town in the United
States. It was located on both sides of the Blackstone River,
about four miles from Providence. Below the Pawtucket Falls,
which are in the centre of the city, this stream, which has its rise
in Massachusetts north of Worcester, is known as the Pawtucket
and also as the Seekonk River. Before the advent of the whites,
Pawtucket was, at stated times and seasons, one of the most
populous places in New England, as here the Indians gathered
to take advantage of its unexcelled facilities to catch the salmon
and smaller fish, which in the course of their migrations became
gathered at the falls. The first white settlement of Pawtucket
begins with Joseph Jencks, who purchased sixty acres, more or
less, near Pawtucket Falls in 1671.
forge, saw-mill, etc.
Joseph Jencks' father, whose Christian name was also Joseph,
came to this country at an early date and settled in Lynn. He
was the first founder who worked in brass and iron on the Western
Continent. By his hands the first models were made, and the
first castings taken of many domestic implements and iron tools.
He secured from the general court of Massachusetts, in May, 1646,
a patent, granting him the sole right to manufacture “engines,”
a newly invented saw-mill, and mills for making scythes and
other edged tools.
Joseph Jencks, Jr., who followed his father from England to
Lynn, and who inherited his father's genius in mechanical arts,
Here he established his
seeking a suitable locality to establish himself in business, chose
a site near the lowest falls of the Pawtucket River, where were
found superior water-power and abundant timber for the manu-
facture of charcoal, which was then essential to the working of
He purchased from Ezekiel Holliman, one of the original
proprietors of the town of Providence, sixty acres of land near
the falls. He built a forge and entered extensively into the
manufacture of all kinds of domestic iron implements, his repu-
tation as a manufacturer extending into the neighboring colonies.
Jencks suffered in common with the rest of the mainland colo-
mists from the King Philip War, his whole establishment being
completely destroyed; but not discouraged, after the close of the
war, he rebuilt his forge, blacksmith works, and saw-mills, and
added to them a carpenter shop.
Other industries were established near that of Jencks'. About
the middle of the last century a linseed oil and a potash manu-
factory were started, also the business of ship building was set
up by Sylvester Bowers.
Muskets were manufactured by Stephen Jencks in 1775, with
which he supplied several of the independent companies in Provi-
dence.
The place was much benefited in its manufacturing interests by
the advent of Oziel Wilkinson and his five sons from Smithfield,
about the period of the Revolutionary War. They were all
blacksmiths and did much to help advance the manufacturing
interests and the material wealth of the place. One of the Wil-
kinsons has the credit of inventing the manufacture of cold cut
nails, in which industry he had been engaged before coming to
Pawtucket. The Wilkinsons made anchors and heavy iron im-
plements, screws, heavy oil presses, farming implements, stoves,
pots, and other castings. Oziel Wilkinson built a small furnace
for casting iron. In this were cast the first wing-gudgeons known
in America. These were used in Slater’s old mill. -
David Wilkinson was the inventor of the slide lathes, for which
he was awarded $50 by Congress fifty years after the patent was
The four sons of Oziel Wilkinson formed two
copartnerships – Abraham and Isaac, David and Daniel. David
Wilkinson and others put up a furnace in which cannons were
cast solid, in the early part of the century. These are said to be
the first guns cast in this way. They were afterward bored out
by water-power. -
In the year 1796 there were in Pawtucket three anchor forges,
one tanning mill, one slitting mill, three snuff mills, one oil mill,
three fulling mills and clothiers’ works, one cotton factory, two
machines for cutting nails, one furnace for casting hollow ware,
all moved by water-power; one machine for cutting screws,
moved by a horse, and several forges for smith's work. Tan-
neries, bleacheries, cotton factories, etc., were subsequently
added to the industries, and the town acquired fame throughout
the country for the variety of its manufactories.
It was here that cotton spinning by water-power machinery
was first successfully accomplished in this country. Machinery
iron.
granted.

376 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
PAWTUCKET FALLS, IN 1789,
that would spin cotton had been constructed in Providence by
Daniel Jackson and others.
This machinery was bought and removed to Pawtutket by
Moses Brown, who employed Samuel Slater to operate it. Sla-
ter soon found that it could not be made to work with commer-
cial success. Slater then, still in Brown's employ, built, without
the aid of drawings or models, machinery after the Arkwright
system, which he had thoroughly mastered in England. And
thus was initiated in these plantations the great industry of cotton
spinning in this country.
Slater married a daughter of Oziel Wilkinson, and received
much help from the members of this ingenious family. The old
Slater Mill, on Mill Street, built in 1793, is still standing.
Closely connected with Samuel Slater in this enterprise, are the
names of Obadiah Brown, Moses Brown, and Mr. Almy, son-
in-law of the latter. In 1799 Slater severed his connection with
Almy and Brown, and Oziel Wilkinson and his three sons-in-
law, Samuel Slater, Timothy Greene, and William Wilkinson,
erected another cotton mill, under the firm name of Samuel
Slater & Company. Since then cotton manufacturing has in-
creased to one of the leading industries of the country.
Samuel Slater not only was the “father of cotton manufac-
tories in this country,” but to him also belongs the honor of
establishing the first Sabbath School in this country, which was
organized in the spring of 1796, for the benefit of the children in
his cotton mill in North Providence, near Pawtucket.
“The rapid march of manufacturing and mechanical indus-
try, which the short annals of the place disclose, has
few examples in our country. The river here forms
the boundary line between the two states, and the village
is built upon both sides of it, being partly in Rhode Island
and partly in Massachusetts. That part of it which is
in Rhode Island is principally built on four streets, and
comprises eighty-three dwelling-houses, twelve mercan-
tile stores, two churches, a post-office, an incorporated
bank, an academy, and two or three flourishing schools.
Of the ten cotton mills in the town (North Providence),
three are at this place, and upon an extensive scale. There
are six shops engaged in the manufacturing of machinery,
having the advantage of water-power, and various other
mechanical establishments, affording extensive employ-
ment and supporting a dense population. Upon the
Massachusetts side of the river there is a village of equal
size and consequence for its manufacturing and other
interests.”
The Wilkinsons were long household names in Paw-
===E
§º
tucket, and to their enterprise is due much of the present
prosperity of the place. Major Ebenezer Tyler was
among the early inhabitants, and was engaged in active
business for many years; also, Sylvanus Brown, father
of James S. Brown, who was inventor of many cotton
mill machines.
Many other names are worthy of mention as being
prominent among the early settlers of the town. Mr.
James Weeden early engaged in the baking business.
Other early prominent names in business were George
Mumford, Barney Merry, Hezekiah Howe, George F.
Jencks, and others. Ezekiel Carpenter early kept a
clothier's shop, or fulling-mill, in what was known as
the Old Cotton Mill, near the western abutment of the
present granite bridge, which was also the place occupied
by Mr. Samuel Slater in his experiments upon prepara-
tions for cotton spinning. Near to this was the shop and
dwelling of Jabez Jencks. Where the Union block
now stands, was once the store and dwelling of Moses
Jencks, and adjoining this was the building erected by Nathaniel
Croade and Otis Tiffany. It was here that the first post-office
in the place was kept.
That portion of Pawtucket east of the river remained a part of
the State of Massachusetts until 1862. -
This, which was then part of Rehoboth, Mass., was settled by
Bucklin, Smith, and Reed. The westboundary of their land was
the river, the north boundary, the town of Attleboro’, the south
boundary was where now stands Dunnell's Print Works. These
lands continued in the possession of the families of the early
settlers for about one hundred years. About 1750 a party from
Boston purchased lands from the Smiths and set up a potash
establishment near the river, a short distance above the falls.
After a short time this party sold to Stephen Starkweather.
About the year 1760, or a little later, came several settlers,
among them Samuel Pitcher, and Eliphalet and Samuel Slack,
the latter an ancestor of Rev. E. G. Robinson, D. D., now presi-
dent of Brown University. These parties added materially to the
growth and enterprise of the place. John Bucklin became owner
of the water-power of the falls on the east side. His son Joseph
married a niece of Samuel and John Slater, and his daughter
Ruth married John Slater, who founded the village of Slatersville
in Smithfield. -
The first settled minister of any order in this section, was
Rev. David Benedict, D. D., who wrote extensively on history
and biography. The first settled physician was Dr. Humphrey,
and the first lawyer was Jesse May.
H
=sº
º
º
†
- sº -
ſtºn.
º
THE OLD JONES' SCHOOL HOUSE, FORMERLY ON MAIN STREET.


THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 377
The commercial depression of 1829 effected ruin to
numerous business enterprises of Pawtucket, many of
which were removed to Providence and elsewhere. For
a long time thereafter cotton manufacturing was almost
the sole industry of the place, which proved a detriment
to its growth, as the natural result of a single and fluctuat-
ing business in a town. In the course of time, however,
old industries revived and new ones came, and to-day
Pawtucket is a thriving city, with a great variety of
manufacturing interests, including forge and nut con-
cerns, foundries, tanning, leather belting and lace leather
establishment, thread manufactories, cotton mills, wad-
ding works, print works, hair cloth mills, dyeing estab-
lishments, manufactories of doors, blinds, and builders’
materials, lumber and saw-mills, box manufactories,
spool mills, jewelry work shops, fire engine, brush, card
board, and paper box factories, grist-mills, etc. During
the past few years many fine buildings have been erected
in the central part of the town. About $500,ooo was
expended for building during the year 1882,- $350,000
for business purposes and the balance for dwellings.
Although a busy town, yet is Pawtucket “beautiful for
situation,” and it has many picturesque features. From
its various bridges may be obtained fine views of the
factories, handsome residences, etc.
Pawtucket has at times suffered severe drawbacks in its struggle
for existence. At the time of King Philip's War in 1675, or a
few years after the Jencks settled, the town was destroyed. And
after it was rebuilt, the inhabitants lived in constant dread of the
Indians, day and night. The war of the Revolution proved another
great detriment to the growth of the place.
joined the Continental Army. British troops occupied the south-
ern part of Rhode Island for about three years. The depreciation
Many of her sons
of the Continental currency was disastrous to the business pros-
perity of the United States at large, and Pawtucket bore its share in
common with the rest of the country. After the Revolutionary
War, and after the adoption of the Constitution of the United States
by the State of Rhode Island, the growth of Pawtucket was
rapid.
| |
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* ||
|
||||P. H.
VIEW ON MAIN STREET, PAWTUCKET.
PAWTUCKET FALLS IN | 886.
At the close of the last century the iron industry was in the
ascendency, and cotton manufactory was showing a vigorous
growth. While the war of 1812 nearly swept commerce from
the ocean, it gave new impetus to cotton manufacturing and kin-
dred branches of industry in this vicinity. In the business depres-
sions of 1837 and of 1857, Pawtucket suffered in common with
the country at large, but she has risen above them and is now
moving forward with remarkable prosperity.
Some of the ancient landmarks may fittingly be noticed in this
connection. The Scotts, Bagleys, Comstocks, and Estens were
among the early large land-holders about Pawtucket, west of the
several estates near the river. The Scotts owned large estates
bordering on Scott's Pond at the north ; Bagleys to the south
of them and north of the present Mineral Spring pike; Com-
stocks next south of them, and the Estens still further to the
south.
The old Sayles place lay near by, where in later days Jeremiah
Sayles kept a tavern. The house is still standing, with its old-
fashioned fire-places, and is one of the oldest landmarks in town.
The old Benchley place on Pleasant Street, adjoining and to the
north of the Riverside Cemetery, was early occupied by the
“Hermit Davis.” The house stood at high water mark about
six rods south of Benchley Point. Davis was buried near St.
John's Church in Providence. From him the land passed into
the hands of the Jencks family, and later to Samuel Benchley,
about 1804.
The building once known as the Jones' school-house, long
enjoyed the reputation of being one of the oldest landmarks in
Pawtucket. It stood at No. 177 Main Street, and is said to have
been built by Col. Eleazer Jencks about 1677. After being
occupied several years by the Jencks family it was transferred to
the Wilkinson family, and later it passed into the Jones family,
who held possession of it until it was destroyed in 1879. This
house was for a long time the home of that “ remarkable charac-
ter” Sam Patch, who gained a national reputation as an athlete
and jumper. He lost his life jumping at Genesee Falls in New
York.
On the east side, the tract at the south part of the town, where
the Dunnell Print Works are now located, formed part of the
Bucklin estate. The water-power of the brook flowing through
this estate, was first utilized by Mr. Fitz for polishing grave-




378
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
WILLIAM F SAYLES,
Founder of the House of W. F. & F. C. Sayles.
stones. He built a dam, which also served as a bridge, near where
the Dunnell Print Works are now located.
What is now called Lebanon Mills, located where the Taunton
road crosses the Ten-Mile River, was early known as Kent's
Mills. This point was early settled by the Kent family, who
erected here a grist and saw-mill which was later converted into
a cotton mill. Between here and Pawtucket extended a portion
of what was once famous as the Seekonk Plains, which was
formerly used as a sheep pasture, but is now mostly covered with
buildings.
The Stonington steamboat train began running through Paw-
tucket, May 1, 1848, and the regular passenger train on the
Boston and Providence Railroad commenced running June 12, of
the same year. At present there are more than eighty passenger
and fifteen or twenty freight trains passing through daily.
The portion of Pawtucket then in Massachusetts was incor-
porated with that name as a town, Feb. 29, 1828. At that time
the population was about one thousaud four hundred and fifty-
eight. The territory thus incorporated lay wholly on the east side
of the river, and was set off from the town of Seekonk, Mass.,
which itself had been previously set off from the town of Rehoboth.
Pawtucket remained a part of Massachusetts until 1862, when
the hitherto disputed question of the eastern boundary line of
Rhode Island was settled, and the town of Pawtucket became
part of Providence County.
In 1874 that portion of the present city of Pawtucket lying west
of the river was taken from the town of North Providence and
added to the town of Pawtucket, and in 1885–6 the town of Paw-
tucket was organized as a city.
The city is divided into five wards with officers as follows:
Mayor.—F. C. Sayles.
Aldermen.—Oren S. Horton, Edward Smith, Ansel D. Nick-
erson, Frederick A. Baker, William H. Salisbury.
Councilmen.—Joseph A. Jencks, president: Proctor C. Lull,
Daniel A. Jillson, Fred. H. White, Elisha W. Bucklin, Isaac
Gill, Henry C. McDuff, Philo E. Thayer. Charles C. Burnham,
Alonzo E. Pierce, Hiram S. Johnson, George L. Walker, James
Collins, Matthew J. Bannon, and John Walker.
City Clerk.-Alden W. Sibley.
Chief of Police.—Oliver H. Perry.
Captain of Police.—Eugene T. Rhodes,
The police department is maintained at an expense of about
nineteen thousand dollars per annum. It is under the manage-
ment of a chief, a captain, and sergeant. The Allen Still Alarm,
recently introduced, has been found very valuable by the depart-
ment.
The fire department consists of a chief engineer and two as-
They have under their direction fifty-four fire-
men, of whom eight are permanently employed, and the rest
answer the alarm. There are four engine houses situated in differ-
ent parts of the city. The equipment consists of two hook and
ladder companies, three steam fire-engines, four one-horse hose
carriages, and two hook and ladder trucks. There is a fire alarm
telegraph with fifty-four boxes, and an efficient water service
with three hundred and ninety-five hydrants. The expenses of
the department amount to $20,000 a year, about eleven thousand
dollars of which is paid in salaries.
Pawtucket has a good system for water works which have been
in operation since 1878, and supplies neighboring villages, in-
cluding East Providence, Central Falls, Valley Falls, Lonsdale,
Ashton, and Berkeley There are two reservoirs, one located on
Reservoir Heights, two miles and a half from the business centre,
and three hundred feet above tide water. The other is a new
reservoir recently built in Cumberland. The water works sys-
tem has proved a good investment.
Pawtucket City Hall is a fine brick structure two and a half
stories high, and 40x60 feet in size, built fifteen years ago. Here
are held the meetings of the city council. It contains the offices of
the city clerk and of the assessors. The probate courts are also
held here, being presided over by Judge Thomas Robinson. The
justice court is presided over by Judge Isaac Shove.
Pawtucket has a library association of more than twenty-five
years' standing. It had its origin in a debating club in 1852,
which joined with a similar organization in Central Falls. Dr.
George Taft gave one hundred volumes, the books owned by the
Masonic Lodge were purchased, and the association commenced
operations with about one thousand two hundred volumes.
Later, books were presented by Dr. C. Blodgett, Messrs. D. D.
Sweet, Daniel Wilkinson, Jesse S. Tourtellot, Hon. Thomas
Davis, Charles Sumner, and others. In 1876 the library was
presented to the town, on condition that it should be free to the
public. Connected with the library is a reading-room, well sup-
plied with periodicals and papers. The library now comprises
over nine thousand volumes. Its circulation amounts to over
forty-three thousand volumes per year. The management is
entrusted to a board of trustees, six of whom are citizens at
large, chosen by the city council.
In 1793 a school-house was erected by a stock company, on
High Street, long known as the Old Red School House. The
building was used for various public purposes, but specially for
schools, day schools, evening schools, and Sunday Schools.
Subsequently other schools were established, some kept in pri-
vate houses. No school organization was effected in Paw-
tucket under the free school law of 1800, which was so unpopu-
lar throughout the state that it was repealed in 1803. But
under the act of 1828 free schools were organized which have
been well maintained ever since. At first $300 per year was
appropriated for this purpose. In 1835 the appropriation was
increased to $400, and in 1836 to $500. From that time forward
the appropriations have steadily increased until now thousands of
dollars are appropriated annually.
sistant engineers.

THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. 379
In 1836 an academy was built by a stock company, on what is
now known as Walcott Street, which prospered well until the
erection of the school-houses on Grove and Summit streets. The
present High School was opened May 14, 1855, with W. E.
Tolman principal, and fifty scholars. This school has been well
maintained and very successful. A few years since, the meeting-
house of the High Street Baptist Church was purchased by the
town for the use of the High School, which affords ample and
suitable accommodations. There are now nineteen school-
houses, fifty graded schools, and four ungraded. Besides the
public schools there are several private schools of high standing.
One of the earliest taverns on record is the Martin House,
which was originally built for a private dwelling by Captain
Comstock. In front of the house stood a sign resting on two
posts between which was suspended a portrait of Oliver Crom-
well, and it was often jocosely remarked that “ Martin has hung
the Protector.” Another old hotel stood on the corner of Main
and Broad streets, opposite the Benedict House, a portion of which
is still standing.
On the east side of the river, on the present site of the rectory
of Trinity Church, formerly stood a tavern once occupied by
Colonel Slack. This house is said to have been occupied by
George Washington and his suite when on their way to Boston,
and also by General Lafayette when on his way to New York.
The hotel now standing on Broadway was built about the begin-
ning of the present century by Colonel Slack, who occupied it
for many years as a private dwelling. The Dolly Sabin house.
still standing, was erected about the same time. The Benedict is
now the chief hotel in the city and is one of the finest in the state
outside the limits of Providence and Newport.
The Pawtucket Post-Office was established in 1806, with Otis
Tiffany as postmaster, which office he filled until 1831.
two mails are now received and dispatched daily.
Among the prominent buildings of Pawtucket are the Dexter
Brothers' block, in which is located the Post-Office, Music Hall,
the Miller building, and the Town Record building, built in 1871
at a cost of $35,000, pleasantly located on High Street.
Pawtucket is situated at the head of navigation, on the north-
east arm of Narragansett Bay. The old Washington Bridge and
the Red Bridge, with their narrow draws, over the Seekonk, in
times past had become serious obstructions to navigation. In
place of these, new bridges have been constructed, and other
Twenty-
BENJAMIN F. GREENE,
Founder of the Greene & Daniels Manufacturing Company.
DARIUS GOFF,
Founder of the House of Darius Goff & Son.
obstructions have been and are being removed, so that soon there
will be a clear passage to Pawtucket for vessels drawing thirteen
feet of water.
Vast quantities of coal and lumber are transported here at but
a trifling cost more than is paid in Providence. Pawtucket is
favored with excellent railroad facilities, by which means flour
and other heavy traffic is easily secured. Prior to the opening
of the Boston and Providence Railroad in 1847, a stage line, run-
ning between the above named places, passed over Pawtucket
Bridge and afforded the only traveling facilities.
For nearly half a century, crossing of the river was effected at
a ford by the falls. As communication was increased between
Providence and Boston, Pawtucket being on this line, this method
of crossing the river became too precarious in seasons of ice and
floods, and the colonies of Rhode Island and Massachusetts united
in the building of a wooden bridge in 1763, assisted by cottribu-
tions of labor and material from the neighboring residents. The
bridge built over the falls decayed and was rebuilt several times,
and finally was supplanted by a stone bridge in 1858. A fine view
of the falls may be gained from this bridge. In 1826 a wooden
bridge was built at the end of Mill Street, which gave place to
an iron bridge connecting with the village of Central Falls in
1871. Another wooden bridge was built near Central Avenue,
communicating with the village of Central Falls, in 1853, which
was succeeded by an iron one in 1868. An iron bridge opposite
Exchange Street was opened May 3, 1872, and a stone one at the
foot of Division Street in 1875. Owing to the scarcity and
poverty of the inhabitants at that time, the first bridge was built
by the colonies mainly. The cost of this bridge cannot be ascer-
tained, but the cost of one built fifteen years later to replace it was
about three hundred pounds. The last bridge constructed was
built by Pawtucket alone at a cost of $95,000. Besides these there
is a fine iron railroad bridge on the Boston and Providence Rail-
road, crossing the Blackstone River from Lincoln to Pawtucket.
CHURCHEs.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH was formed in 1805, with a membership of
forty-six. The first pastor was the Rev. David Benedict, D. D. On the 14th
of December, 1842, the present church edifice was dedicated. It is located on
High Street, and was completed at a cost of $8,550. At present the num-


380
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
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PARK PLACE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
ber of members is 486, who are under the pastoral care of the Rev. George
Bullen, D. D. A mission Sabbath School is maintained by the church at
Woodlawn. The deacons of the church are: Messrs. Nahum Bates,
Hugh Leckie, Daniel A. Clark, William H. Colwell, Arnold Bucklin, and
J. E. Maxcy. The Sabbath School, of which Mr. Ansel D. Nickerson is
the superintendent, is the oldest in the state, having been started in 1797,
and was organized by Samuel Slater. In 1869 and 1870 the church edifice
was enlarged and the grounds much improved.
THE FIRst FREE BAPTIST CHURCH, Pawtucket, was organized May 21,
1821, with the Rev. Ray Potter as its first pastor. The church has now 200
members. The Rev. J. Phillips is the present pastor; the deacons are: B.
F. Goff, D. A. Arnold, E. N. Chace, and S. G. Wheeler. E.
was erected in 1882–83 at a cost of about twenty thousand dollars. In 1862
an addition was built to the church edifice, and the interior of the whole
building decorated. The present members number 195, and are under the
pastoral care of the Rev. William P. Tucker, who is also superintendent
of the Sabbath School. The wardens are: Claudius B. Farnsworth and
William Warburton. -
THE CHURCH of THE Good SHEPHERD, of Pawtucket, and of the Pro-
testant Episcopal faith, was the outgrowth of a mission Sabbath School,
held in the Atlantic fire-engine house, and was formed in 1868. The first
rector was the Rev. George A. Coggeshall. The present church edifice, of
which the corner stone was laid in November, 1872, was consecrated in
1883. It is located on the corner of Broadway and Woodbine Street. The
present membership is 105, and the rector is the Rev. Benjamin Eastwood.
The wardens are: Messrs. F. F. Halliday and Richard Roberts. Mr. Silas
H. Woodcock is the superintendent of the Sabbath School.
THE PAw rucket CoNGREGATIONAL Cirurch was organized on April 17,
1829, with nine members. The first pastor was the Rev. Asa T. Hopkins.
The first house of worship erected by the church was destroyed by fire in
1864. The present church edifice was erected in 1868 at the corner of
Broadway and Walcott streets at a cost of about sixty-four thousand
dollars. The Rev. C. Blodgett, D. D., was pastor of this church for thirty-
five years. The present membership is 300, who are under the pastoral
care of the Rev. Alexander McGregor. Mr. Nathan W. Littlefield is
superintendent of the Sabbath School.
THE PARK PLACE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH was organized July 26,
1882. The present church edifice was erected in 1885 at a cost of $45,000,
and is located on Park Place. The present pastor is the Rev. J. J. Wool-
ley, who has occupied the pulpit since the formation of the church. The
membership is 319. The deacons are Messrs. M. T. Kenyon, N. N. Glea-
son, F. D. Morse, and George E. Miller. Mr. Thomas P. Barnefield is
the superintendent of the Sabbath School which has a membership of 6So
The pastor's Bible class numbers 150. The church and Sunday School
are in a very prosperous condition and are wielding a great influence for
good in the community.
THE FIRST METHODIst EPIsco PAL CHURCH of Pawtucket dates the
beginning of its history from the year 1815, but it would appear that not
until 1822 was Pawtucket regarded as a regular preaching place by Metho-
dists, when it was attached to the Mansfield circuit. In 1827 Pawtucket ap-
pears on the Conference minutes as a separate station, with the Rev. O.
Robbins as the preacher in charge. The Sabbath School was organized
in 1830, and in the same year through the efforts of the Rev. Israel Wash-
burn, a local preacher, the first meeting-house was erected on the site of
the present church edifice. In 1841 the preaching of the Rev. Robert M.
Hatfield attracted attention and the congregation increased rapidly, neces-
sitating a new house of worship which was dedicated Aug. Io, 1842. It is
still occupied by this church and is located on High Street. Mr. Joshua
Ingraham is spoken of by the pastor “as my right hand in planning for
and building the church.” In 1850 some new names appeared on the
Quarterly Conference Records. Among these was Mr. James Davis,
N. Chase is the Sunday School superintendent. The church
societies are: Women’s Missionary Society, Little Helpers,
(a children's society), and Social Circle. The church building
is located on Broadway.
THE PLEASANT VIEw BAPT1st CHURCH, of Pawtucket, was
formed April 30, 1880, with twenty-one members. The Rev.
Edwin Bromley, who still occupies the pulpit, was the first
pastor. He is also superintendent of the Sunday School. The
church edifice used by this congregation was erected in 1876,
and is located on Fountain Street, near East Street. At present
the membership is 117. Messrs. Thomas P. Steere, Moses
Pollard, and David Holbrook are the deacons.
St. PAUL’s PROTESTANT EPIsco PAL CHURCH was formed
in 1816. The Rev. John Blake was the first rector. The corner
stone of the present church edifice was laid in 1816, and the
building was completed in 1817. It is located on Church
Street. The Rev. George Taft, D. D., was the second rector or º
the church and occupied its pulpit for fifty years. The pres- |
ent rector is the Rev. Emery Huntington Porter, who is in the
sixteenth year of his pastorate. He is also superintendent of
the Sabbath School. The church has a membership of 319,
and maintains the Mission of the Advent on Pawtucket Ave-
nue. The rectory was built in 1873. -
TRINITY CHURCH, PAwtucket, Protestant Episcopal faith,
was formed Feb. 27, 1845. The first rector was the Rev.
James Cook Richmond. The present church edifice, a Gothic
structure, built of stone, and located on Main Street, east side,
T
lºº
- -
ºlººlººl
MUSIC HALL BUILDING.


THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
381
then elected steward, and who was superintendent of the Sabbath School
for seventeen years. Mr. Alonzo J. Nickerson, the present Sabbath School
superintendent was elected steward at the same time with Mr. Davis, and
was schoen as his successor in the Sabbath School in 1870. In 1868 the
church erected a parsonage at a cost of $5,000, and in 1870 the vestry of the
church was remodeled at an expense of $6,000. In 1885 the indebtedness
of the church was liquidated by the contributions of its members. The
membership at present is 256 who are under the pastoral care of the Rev.
A. W. Kingsley, A. M.
THE THoMPson METHOD1st EPIsco PAL CHURCH was organized in
February, 1871. The Rev. E. D. Hall was its first pastor. The church
had forty-one constituent members, and its newly erected church edifice
was dedicated in December, 1871. This church, a branch of the old First
Methodist Episcopal Church, of Pawtucket, was of such vigorous growth
in fifteen years from its start that its present membership is 170. It is gov-
erned by a board of nine trustees and nine stewards. The church is located
on Mineral Spring Avenue, and cost, with the grounds, $13,000. The
Rev. Alex. Anderson is the present pastor, and Mr. A. A. Thompson is
superintendent of the Sunday School.
THE CHURCH of OUR FATHER (Universalist), Pawtucket, was organ-
ized in 1826, the Rev. Stephen Cutler being its first pastor. It has now
a membership of 142. The Rev. Charles W. Tomlinson, D. D., is its pres-
ent pastor. The deacons are: Asa Cromwell, Ansel Carpenter, H. B. Dex-
ter, J. F. Abbott, Philo E. Thayer. The Hon. H. B. Metcalf is superintend-
ent of the Sabbath School. The church societies are: Ladies' Sewing
Circle, Young Peoples' Literary and Social Union. The church building
is located on High Street, Pawtucket, and cost $40,000.
THE BROAD way CHRISTIAN CHURCH was organized April 12, 1877, with
a membership of forty.
On July 22, 1880, the pres-
ent church edifice was
occupied. It is located
on Broadway, and was
completed at a cost of $2,-
900. At the present date
the membership of the
church is fifty-one, and
the past or the Rev.
Charles F. Burl eigh.
The deacons are: Messrs.
M. N. Bagley, Solomon
Dawley, and Henry
Mathews, who is also the
Sabbath School superin-
tendent.
THE FIRST CHURCH OF
THE NEw J E R Us A L E M
(Swedenborgian), Paw-
tucket, was organized in 1854, with the Rev. E. C. Mitchell as its first
pastor. The society numbers fourteen members. It has now no regular
pastor. Alexander Chaplin is the Sunday School superintendent. The
church building is located on Elm Street, Pawtucket.
TRINITY CHURCH,
The Church of the IMMA.culate CoNCEPTION, of the Rºman Catholic
faith, of Pawtucket, was formed in 1828. The first pastor was the Rev.
Father Woodley. The number of original members was about fifty. The
membership at the present date is about five thousand. The Rev. William
Halligan is the pastor. Ground for the present edifice was broken in 1885.
It is located at the corner of Pine and Grace streets and was erected at a
cost of $100,000. A flourishing Sabbath School numbering 800 pupils and
teachers, and of which Mr. Walter Little is the superintendent, is connected
with the church.
THE CHURCH of THE SACRED HEART of Jesus, Pawtucket, was formed
in 1872, with twelve hundred members. The Rev. James L. Smith was
the first pastor. At present the membership is about two thousand, five
hundred, and the pastor is the Rev. M. Fitzgerald. Mr. Robert R. Bellew
is the Sabbath School superintendent. The church edifice was completed
in 1876.
THE ST. Joseph’s Rox1AN CATHoLic CHURCH, of Pawtucket, was formed
Jan. 26, 1874, with a membership of about two thousand, three hundred.
The church building was completed Oct. Io, 1878, and is located on the
corner of Walcott and North Bend streets. The present pastor, the Rev.
H. F. Kinnerney, has occupied the pulpit of this church since its organiza-
tion. The Sabbath School is in charge of Mr. Edward McCahey and Miss
Nellie Maroney. The church maintains a mission at the Rumford Chemi-
cal Works in East Providence.
PROMIN ENT BUSINEss ENTERPRISEs of PAw TUCKET.
THE WILLIAM H. H.AskELL CoMPANY. — The extensive bolt,
nut, and screw manufacturing premises of the William H. Has-
kell Company is located at No. 277 Main Street, Pawtucket.
The business of this firm
was commenced in 1820
by Col. Stephen Jenks, of
Pawtucket, on a small
scale, in the basement
story of the old Buffington
Cotton Mill, and after-
wards removed to a point
a short distance below the
bridge, on the west side
of the Blackstone River.
Colonel Jenks was the
first to commence the
business of cold punching
from bar and sheet iron.
After a time Mr. Hervey
Pinkham became a part-
ner in the enterprise, and
the firm n a me was
changed to Pinkham &
Jenks. On Mr. Pinkham
retiring, Mr. Joseph T.
Sisson was admitted as a THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH,
partner, and the firm name became Sisson & Jenks. This partner-
ship and firm name continued until the death of Mr. Sisson and
the retirement of Mr. Jenks, when Mr. W. H. Haskell and Mr.
Hervey Pinkham succeeded to the business, under the firm name of
Pinkham, Haskell & Company. This continued until the retire-
ment of Mr. Pinkham, when Mr. Haskell became sole proprietor.
Subsequently the establishment was organized and incorporated
as a stock company, with the present title, The William H. Has-
kell Company.
During all these changes the business of the firm continued to
increase, and from a small concern employing a few hands and
occupying small quarters, it has grown to be one of the large and
important manufacturing establishments of the city, employing
from one hundred and twenty to two hundred men, as the
demands of the trade require, and occupying premises sufficiently
large to accommodate
even a greater force, if
deemed necessary.
The leading articles of
manufacture may be thus
e numer a ted : Gimlet-
Pointed Coach Screws,
Machine Bolts, with
round, square, and hex-
agon heads; Plow and
Cultivator Bolts, Tap =
Bolts; milled Cap Screw
and Set Screws; Clinch =
Rings; cold-punched
square and hexagon Nuts; *
Clearer Springs, Chain º
Links, Levers and Stir- º
rups, Rods, Bolts, and H
iron work for buildings.
The various articles enu-º
merated are made of every ==
conceivable style and size.
This firm was the first to
sº
THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.




49
382
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
introduce screws for hanging shafting, which are now generally
preferred. All their bolts are cut with United States standard
threads, unless otherwise ordered. Their excellent facilities and
large experience enable them to make any peculiar shaped bolt-
head required, a matter sometimes of much importance. In the
manufacture of chain links, the thickness is varied according to
the wants of customers. This firm was the first in this country
to manufacture the different classes of goods enumerated, and in
all of them they have added many new styles, designs, and im-
provements of their own invention. Their business from its
commencement has constantly increased, while they have as con-
stantly improved the quality of their manufacture, and their goods
are known for excellence in all the markets, not only of this but
also of foreign countries.
The many difficulties that had to be encountered in thus build-
ing up an entirely new line of business, devising tools and
machinery necessary for its prosecution, and then in the face of
strong foreign competition finding a market for the goods, were
sufficient to discourage any but the most enterprising and persist-
ent business firm. The high place accorded the goods of this
house by the trade proved that they possessed all the qualities
necessary to insure success.
The present firm consists of William H. Haskell, president;
Edmund S. Mason, treasurer; and D. A. Hunt, agent. To the
former of these gentlemen the great success that has attended the
firm is freely attributed. His industry, skill, and careful manage-
ment were brought to bear in the various branches of the busi-
ness. He has always availed himself of every new and improved
machine that was introduced, or could be devised by himself or
the workmen he employed, and has thus kept improving the
quality of the goods manufactured as well as increasing the pro-
duct. While thus strictly attending to business Mr. Haskell has
not been unmindful of his duties as a citizen and the obligations
due to the community. He has always taken an interest in public
affairs, and for several years has been a member of the Pawtucket
town council, and was also one of the commissioners appointed
to build the water works.
CHARLEs A. LUTHER & CoMPANY. — Rhode Island is noted
for her manufacturing and mechanical industries. The people
know, not only how to use machinery in the production of the
finest fabrics woven, but also how to manufacture the machinery
itself; and this manufacture is one of the strongholds of the
state's industrial progress.
over wherever enterprise and energy has place.
The city of Pawtucket is noted for its mechanical ingenuity
Her machinery is known the world
= |
THE RIVER, FROM Exchang E STREET BRIDGE,
ºVN
and progress. The country at large is indebted to her for some
of its most useful machines. The manufactory now represented
by Charles A. Luther & Company was established in 1834 by
Danforth L. Peck, who was accounted a genius in his way.
Charles A. Luther carried on the business alone after 1859, and
in 1882 associated with him William H. Peck and Edwin D.
Champlin. The business of the firm is the manufacture of
patent cloth stretchers, thread dressers, improved thread and
yarn reels, starching machines, model hand and bench vises,
metaline bushings, belt cutters, circular saws, surface planes,
solid conductor machines, and patterns and models. Among the
specialties are the cloth stretchers. These are of various kinds and
all are unrivaled for their perfect action. They are made with wood,
brass, or iron covering, and are constructed for every class of
goods, and of any desired size and length. Another specialty is
Luther's thread or yarn reel. It has been greatly improved by
bringing the spindle rail forward over the swift, thereby lessening
the reaching of the operator and making attendance much easier.
The reels are made to wind thread or yarn into skeins from the
cop or bobbin, and are of three sizes, and of any number of spin-
dies. The thread dressers also receive especial attention. They
dress thread as fine as sixty single, and any number larger, with
either soft or hard finish. The construction is either double or
single brush, with fifty, eighty-four, or ninety-six spindles. Mr.
Peck invented and made the first machine for starching jute
cord, and hence starching machines is another special product.
The machines are used extensively in starching covered wire of
any kind.
The entire product of the manufactory is widely employed
throughout New England and the West, and the standing of both
the firm and the firm’s product has the highest indorsements.
PAwtuckET MUTUAL FIRE INsur ANCE CoMPANY. — The city
of Pawtucket was a city in enterprise and importance long before
her charter was obtained. The variety and extent of her indus-
tries, building reputation, and wealth, have provided for and
demanded other organized interests contributory and yet depend-
ent. Among these is the business of insuring property against
loss by fire. As in any community the presence of insurance
companies is an important factor in the confident prosecution of
business, the fact that property is protected by, that is, insured in,
reliable companies, gives a sense of security that nothing else can.
The Pawtucket Mutual Fire Insurance Company was incor-
porated in 1848, and was in active service in 1851. The first
president was Edward S. Wilkinson; secretary, Capt. John C.
Tower; treasurer, Jesse S. Tourtelotte; directors, Alanson
Thayer, Stephen Benedict, Gideon L. Spencer,
Charles P. Moies, John H.Weeden, Claudius B. Farns-
worth, James C. Starkweather, Gideon C. Smith,
Horace Miller, and Alvin Jenks. On Jan. 13, 1849,
S. Gano Benedict was chosen secretary in place of
John C. Tower, resigned.
The present officers are: president, Robert Sher-
man; secretary, Isaac Shove; treasurer, Charles P.
Moies; directors, Stephen O. Fish, George L. Walker,
J. E. Dispeau, Thomas Moies, A. A. Mann, George
A. Mumford, Lucius B. Darling, John P. Gregory,
George W. Newell, Edmund S. Mason. The avail-
able assets of the company are $900,000 : cash assets,
$185,000, and amount at risk, $13,241,000. The com-
pany divides its risks into three classes, namely: first,
private dwelling-houses, private barns, and their con-
tents; second, dwelling-houses with stores therein,
school-houses, and churches, and third, farm property.
Each class is liable for the losses in it.
The company has paid its losses promptly, and

THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. 383
hence has won the confidence not only of Pawtucket people, but
also of many others outside of the city, near and remote. The
company has done and is doing much for the good of Pawtucket
and vicinity. -
THE R. BLiss MANUFACTURING CoMPANY, Nos. 301 to 309
Main Street, was incorporated in 1873, under the honorable
name bequeathed to it by one who, during a long and active life,
was widely known and highly esteemed both in Pawtucket and
throughout New England. Mr. Rufus Bliss, the founder of the
business, was born in Rehoboth, Mass., March 7, 1802, and de-
veloped in boyhood remarkable dexterity in the use of tools, and
was bred to the carpenter's trade. After attaining his majority
he removed to this place and was employed in different machine
shops for a number of years; and having accumulated means to
start business on his own account, laid the foundation of the
present business, by opening a place for the manufacture of
wooden screws and clamps for the use of piano and cabinet mak-
ers. In this branch of mechanical industry he was one of the
pioneers in this country, and in developing it he showed the re-
markable ingenuity which was native in him. All the processes
of manufacture in those days were those of laborious hand work.
but Mr. Bliss soon invented a machine for cutting screws much
more rapidly and accurately than it could possibly be done by
the old way, and so systematized and divided the labor among
his employés, that much more was accomplished than could have
been done with the same amount of help at any previous time.
This was before the days of railroads and rapid transit, and Mr.
Bliss conveyed his products to the Boston market in his own pri-
vate wagon and sold them to Jonas Chickering and other pio-
neers in the piano business. By this means he often gained ad-
mission to the manufactories, where he observed the progress of
the work and was soon able to invent a number of appliances to
facilitate the progress of manufacture. His work was favorably
received and his orders increased to such an extent that in 1845
he took his nephew, Albert N. Bullock, into company with him,
and in 1857 Alva C. Bullock and Edwin R. Clark were admitted
to copartnership. Mr. Bliss retired from active business in
1863, on account of failing health, and died in 1879; but the
business continued to enlarge, and is successfully carried on by
the present manufacturing company. Besides the screws and
clamps which were originally the sole products of their manu-
factory, the company make a great variety of toys and novelties,
as well as boys' tool chests, portable writing desks, mallets, pa-
tent lock-shelf book racks, architectural building blocks, and other
goods manuactured from wood and in the line of wood turning.
Just now a specialty is made in lawn tennis sets, for which there
is a large demand. So widely is their handiwork known that
the firm is constantly in receipt of orders from every city and
large town in the United States and Canada.
H. L. FAIRB Roth ER & CoMPANY. — Prominent among the
solid manufacturing interests of this place which have descended
from father to son is that of Messrs. H. L. Fairbrother & Com-
pany, whose specialty is belting and lace leather. Not only are
the products of this tannery well and favorably known through-
out the United States, the Canadas, and in foreign countries, but
the proprietors themselves have enjoyed an enviable reputation
for strict integrity, benevolence, and public spirit. For more than
half a century this house has sustained the unimpeachable charac-
ter and sterling quality of all its goods. It is the oldest lace and
picker leather tannery, with one exception, in this country, and the
founder of the business was one of the first to apply leather
belts to the machinery of mills. The Hon. Lewis Fairbrother, of
good old Rehoboth stock, was born in Pawtucket in 1812, and
dowered with strong common sense, and a fair amount of school-
ing for the times. When about twenty years old, in 1834, he
LEWIS FAIRBROTHER,
Founder of the House of H. L. Fairbrother & Company,
began to make lace and picker leather in his native town, using
for this purpose a single vat in a low building of only 15 x 30
feet. He soon added belt making to his other industries, and
in order to insure the quality of the goods, made all his belts ex-
clusively from leather of his own tanning. When his son,
Henry L. Fairbrother, became of age, in 1859, the father admit-
ted him to partnership, and on retiring a few years later, left the
business, then very extensive, to him and Mr. Henri E. Bacon,
who managed it under the firm name of H. L. Fairbrother &
Company. At this time the senior proprietor had become inter-
ested in public affairs, which made large and increasing demands
upon his time and talents. He had already served as Representa-
tive in the General Assembly for the two years of 1855 and 1856,
where he was chairman of the House committee on corporations,
and in 1857 he was elected to the state Senate, where he served
four successive years and was again reëlected in 1864, and was
chairman of the committee on corporations. For several years
Mr. Fairbrother was agent for the Providence and Pawtucket
turnpike, a link in the coach thoroughfare between Boston and
New York; and as chairman of the board of commissioners he
was associated with many of the leading business men of the
state. During the war of the Rebellion, he was the almoner
chosen by the town to distribute pecuniary relief to the families
of soldiers. He was also president of the Slater Bank, and a
director of the old North Providence Bank, and is now a director
in the Pawtucket Gas Company, and the Slater Cotton Company.
Mr. Henry L. Fairbrother, his oldest son, and efficient business
successor, with Mr. Bacon as his partner, gave his undivided at-
tention to the development of the industry he had inherited. Hav-
ing decided to make the manufacture of heavy belting a specialty,
he managed the affairs of the house with signal success, and on
the retirement of his partner in 1870, assumed the entire charge,
though retaining the company name. The business employed a
large number of hands and an extensive capital, and was in a most
prosperous condition, when Mr. H. L. Fairbrother died suddenly
on the sixteenth day of February last, at his residence in Provi-
dence. Unlike his father, he declined the honors of public office,
but in his private relations, as a citizen and friend, Mr. Fairbrother
was a genial, hospitable gentleman, generous to all and ready to
do his part in every good and noble work.

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
This extensive busi-
ness house was origin-
ally established by Mr.
Lewis Fairbrother, in
1834, at No. 42 Mill,
now North Ma in
Street; three years
| later it was removed
to the much larger
premises purchased
by Mr. Fairbrother, at
No. 93 North Main
Street, where it occu-
pies the large area
extending from North
Main Street to the
Blackstone River. It is one of the oldest, largest, and most suc-
cessful business concerns of the city, with an unblemished record
for more than fifty years.
Rob ERT PLEws & CoMPANY. — The great cotton and woolen
factories of the country have been the means of developing many
important branches of trade and industry in supplying their
needs. Here and there located contiguous to the great centres of
fabric industries, are established works for making various articles
of great importance in the processes of producing from cotton,
wool, and silk the various classes of cloth, yarns, etc. Such an
establishment is that of Robert Plews & Company. This firm is
located on Central Street, Central Falls, R. I., opposite the rail-
road station, and is one of the oldest and best known establish-
ments in the country in its special line of business. The firm
manufacture all kinds of tin, sheet iron, copper, zinc, and brass
work for factory uses. This business was started by Robert
Plews in 1858, soon after he arrived here from England, and after
working a short time at his trade in Providence. His business
was so successful that in 1861 he erected the building since occu-
pied, a three-story block about forty by seventy-five feet. In 1870
John and George Gosling were admitted partners with Mr.
Plews, under the firm name of Robert Plews & Company, and on
Jan. 1, 1874, Eastwood Eastwood was admitted to the firm. Mr.
Robert Plews died in 1877, his surviving partners continuing the
business until 1879, when Mr. John Gosling died. Since that
time George Gosling and Eastwood Eastwood have continued
sole proprietors of the business. Under their supervision and
management it has increased to its present large proportions.
The leading specialty produced by this house is Plews’ celebrated
patent tin cylinders for self-operating mules, spoolers, twisters,
and spinning frames. These cylinders, in general use in many
of the largest mills and factories of the country, have the reputa-
tion of being the best made, and have long been endorsed and
adopted by such first-class houses as the Mason Machine Com-
pany, of Taunton; Fall River Machine Company: Fales &
Jenks Machine Company, of Pawtucket; Whiting Machine Com-
pany; Atwood Machine Company, etc. Plews’ cylinders that
have been running in the mill of the Willimantic Linen Company
for the past twenty-six years, are still in constant use and in per-
fect order, a convincing proof of their efficiency and durability.
Another of the special productions of this firm is their drying
cans for print works and bleacheries; and still another is their
patent adjustable card screen for cotton and woolen cards, which
saves more good cotton or wool from waste and makes cleaner
work than any other screen yet introduced. Slasher cylinders
are also included in the productions of this house, and a specialty
made of repairing them by putting in new bodies, of either turned
iron or copper, thus avoiding the common trouble of leakage, and
making them as good as new at small expense.
Tº
THE PUMPING STATION,
The firm has
every facility to make at short notice all the above named special
articles, all sorts and sizes of cotton cans, and tin, zinc, sheet
iron, copper, and brass work of every description for cotton,
woolen, or silk machinery, and for doing every species of repairs.
Messrs. Gosling and Eastwood, the partners of this firm, are
practical mechanics and are thoroughly familiar with all the
details of design and construction of their lines of special and
ordinary goods. They personally supervise all departments of
their growing business, a fact which has established and guaran-
tees the high character of all productions made at their works.
Besides an extensive home trade with various sections of our own
country, they have a good foreign demand for their manufactures,
which is steadily growing. Their orders are always sufficient to
keep in full employment their regular force of about twenty work-
men throughout all the depressions of business and dull seasons.
Mr. Eastwood Eastwood represents his town in the town
council of Lincoln. Both partners are highly esteemed as active
and energetic business men and respected citizens of their town
and state.
J. CRoCKER & SoN.— The city of Pawtucket is noted for the
wealth and diversity of its industries. Their product recom-
mends itself to the historian, to the capitalist, and the consumer,
and it has found market and more — fame—in all the business
centres of the country. -
The Old Slater Mill is an historic landmark, a relic of by-
gone days, a kind of shrine to which many a traveler has made
pilgrimage. Built in 1793, it has served to the present day and
promises to be useful for another hundred years.
The present occupant of the mill is the firm of J. Crocker &
Son, established in 1871, and composed of J. Crocker, senior, and
E. B. Crocker, junior. The specialty of manufacture for many
years was sheet metal goods used as trimmings for coffins.
A large trade in these goods was established and has been
maintained to the present time, although other products also claim
the attention of the firm. In 1885 Mr. E. B. Crocker invented a
wire easel. In October of the same year a patent on the design
was granted, and in March, 1886, another patent was obtained on
its mechanical novelty. The design may be called the “cat-o-
nine-tail” design. Artificial cat-o-nine-tails are grouped so in-
geniously that the stems compose the easel and the heads orna-
ment it. The mechanical arrangement facilitates its transporta-
tion and adds to its utility.
The catkin, or cat-o-nine-tail era of ornamentation began with
the revival of domestic art. This flower and fruit of the lowlands
began to deck the cottage mantel and the mansion's hall. They
served the purpose until the catkin burst in its ripeness and
strewed its air castles around. The artificial catkin has now
usurped the product of the marsh as an ornament. Its stalk is
wire gilt and its -
head a fibrous ma-
terial that pre-
serves its colorand
does not impair
with age. The
easel itself is orna-
mental, and with
its burden is an
unique decorator.
The easels are
fashioned to sup-
port plaques, pho-
tographs, paint-
ings, and bric-a-
brac. Another de-
vice or grouping
THE OLD SLATER M.ILL.


- THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS.
of catkins serves as support for a screen. This is new and in
great demand. The catkins are combined, also, to form wall
pendants for bannerets, plaques, plates, and pictures, and a tripod
design provides for the hanging basket of fruits or flowers. The
catkins are sold, also, separately in packages to be used in deco-
ration as the buyer may choose.
The business has made rapid strides. The goods are in con-
stant demand and have found a wide sale throughout the country,
handled by agents in New York and Boston. In the busy, or
holiday season, fifty persons are employed in the manufacture of
this unique product, for it is the only establishment of the kind
in the world.
THE PAwtuckET GAzETTE AND CHRONICLE.— The earliest
newspaper printed in Pawtucket was the Pawtucket Chronicle,
the first number of which was issued Nov. 12, 1825, by John C.
Harwood. Mr. Harwood continued to publish the Chronic/e
until Dec. 30, 1826, when he disposed of the property to Messrs.
Carlisle & Brown, of Providence. They printed the paper in that
city for a few weeks, and then sold it to Randall Meacham, a
practical printer from Lowell.
On July 11, 1829, Samuel M. Fowler, who had edited the
AVorthern Star in Warren, R. I., became associated with Mr.
Meacham. Feb. 11, 1831, Mr. Fowler purchased Mr. Meacham’s
interest in the paper and printing business. His health was not
good, and he died in Pawtucket, Aug. 26, 1832. At this time the
editorials were contributed by John H. Weeden, an able lawyer
and a vigorous and intelligent writer.
On the 26th of October, 1832, Messrs. Henry and John E.
Rousmaniere, of Newport, purchased the establishment. Their
management was neither popular nor successful. Nov. 4, 1836,
J. E. Rousmaniere withdrew from the concern, and Henry be-
came sole proprietor.
On Aug. 3, 1838, Messrs. Robert Sherman and Shubael Kin-
nicutt, who had been apprentices in the Chronicle office under
Mr. Meacham's management, issued the first number of the Paw-
tucket Gazette.
On April 19, 1839, the Chronicle was sold to Sherman & Kin-
nicutt, and thence forward the consolidated papers appeared un-
der the present title of the Gazette and Chronicle.
The paper continued under the management of Sherman &
Kinnicutt for upwards of thirty years. It was printed on a hand
press until 1855. Its first power press was a Guernsey cylinder.
This was displaced by a large Potter cylinder in 1870, and that
has just been displaced by a Babcock cylinder. Steam-power
was first used in November, 1866. -
The office of publication is in Manchester Hall on North Main
(Mill) Street. The dimensions of the sheet have several times
been enlarged. It has been a nine-column folio, 31 x 48, since
July, 1870.
For a number of years prior to 1864, Mr. Sherman was sole
proprietor and publisher, and Mr. Kinnicutt was editor. On the
first of January of that year, Mr. A. D. Nickerson, who began
as apprentice in the office in 1846, was admitted as a partner, the
firm name being R. Sherman & Company. Jan. 1, 1870, Mr.
Nickerson and Mr. John S. Sibley became proprietors under the
firm name of Nickerson & Sibley, and the paper and business ex-
panded and flourished. April 1, 1875, Mr. Charles A. Lee was
taken into the firm. He entered the office as “a modern appren-
tice " Nov. 30, 1863, and has remained there, with the exception
of about four years, when he was in the employ of E. L. Free-
man, of Central Falls. On the 1st of April, 1878, he purchased
Mr. Nickerson's interest and assumed entire editorial charge of
the paper. Jan. 1, 1879, the firm name was changed from Nick-
erson, Sibley & Company, to Sibley & Lee, and so remains.
Sept. 13, 1881, Mr. Sibley died. He was a Christian gentle-
& -
CHARLES A, LEE,
Publisher of the Pawtucket Gazette and Chronicle.
man, and was at one time a member of the firm of Knowles,
Anthony & Company, of Providence.
Since his partner's death, Mr. Lee has conducted the business
alone. A thorough practical printer, and an able and ready
writer, he has added materially to the reputation and resources of
his large establishment and has advanced his paper even beyond
the high plane it has occupied for the past thirty years. Dignified
and courteous always, it is fully abreast of the times, and its power
and influence are known and recognized beyond the limits of its
own local field. -
Mr. Lee's career reverses to a considerable degree the adage
that “a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, ''
for he certainly has had, and continues to have, many evidences
of the confidence and esteem in which he is held by the citizens
of Pawtucket, the city of his birth. He has filled many offices in
various organizations, and has the reputation of being a good
parliamentarian and an acceptable speaker. He is a good type of
the modern journalist, and exemplifies the force of the words of
Rhode Island's most noted journalist, now dead, alluding to boys
who had grown up in the office, that “the Pawtucket Chronicle
has always been fortunate in its ‘boys.”
The semi-centennial of the Chronicle was observed by the
printing of its history, the issuing of a fac-simile of the first
number, and by a supper, Nov. 12, 1875. The semi-centennial
of the Gazette will occur in 1888.
Atwood, CRAwFoRD & CoMPANY. — This establishment, one
of the first of its kind in the United States, so nearly perfect in
this year, 1886, in its equipment for the production of spools of all

386 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
kinds, as in strong contrast with its very modest beginning. The
factory was started by its former proprietor, (in whole or in part
until last year,) Robert Cushman, who in 1848 commenced oper-
ating in a power blacksmith shop in the country. -
Alone, almost without means, and possessed of but few tools,
the prospect scarce seemed a bright one. But Mr. Cushman deter-
mined to merit success, whether he achieved it or not, and closely
applied himself to business. Perseverent effort proved the enter-
ing wedge for success, and slowly but surely he gathered capital
and tools, and from small beginnings the business gradually
grew, despite many discouraging circumstances, until it reached
its present large proportions, consuming some years about
eight hundred thousand feet of lumber, and affording employ-
ment to some forty hands. Under its former management, the
establishment gained the enviable reputation of being superior
to any of its kind in the United States, in the quality of its pro-
ducts, and it is confidently believed that its present superiority is
generally acknowledged by consumers of such goods. Of the
present proprietors, one was a former partner in the old firm ; an-
other was brought up in the works and office from a boy, and the
other has had many years' experience in the business. None of
them are new to the trade, and all are actuated by a sincere desire
not only to maintain the high reputation gained by the former
proprietors, but, if possible, to increase and extend it. In addi-
tion to the manufacture of silk and thread spools, the firm does
a variety of fancy turning. Their work is sent to all parts of the
United States, to the Canadas, and to some foreign countries,
notably Ireland, Scotland, and England, where they are favorite
goods. The firm have every reason to expect to satisfy the most
exacting demand for perfection of product, as in the past.
THE PAwtuckET MANUFACTURING COMPANY, whose exten-
sive plant is located at No. 64 Pine Street, was incorporated by
the General Assembly in May, 1882, for the purpose of manu-
facturing bolts and nuts, and the company made its first piece of
goods on the twelfth day of the following August. Mr. Stephen
A. Jenks, a well-known business man, is president, and Mr.
George H. Fowler, treasurer. The practical management of the
business is in the hands of the agent and superintendent, Mr.
George H. Webb, a mechanic of original ideas and an inventive
brain, who conducts the business on a unique plan, and who
stamps his personality on everything about him. It would repay
a visit to the works to see the methods by which the work is done.
In no department are the stereotyped methods of the trade ad-
hered to, but throughout office and works Mr. Webb has con-
trived new and improved methods. The building is a model of
convenience, in which all the parts are located on one continuous
floor comprising 15,400 square feet of space, inclosing an open
square in a way to secure ample light and ventilation. Nearly
every piece of machinery now used in the works is an invention
of Mr. Webb's, designed especially to do its work better and more
rapidly than it had been done before. Among the new machines
contrived and patented by the superintendent, may be mentioned
a compact and powerful shear for cutting both round and flat iron
into proper lengths for use; a revolving forge furnace for heating
different sizes of round iron; a contrivance for forming the heads
of bolts as rapidly as a man can feed them into it; machines for
punching and trimming cold nuts, with an automatic attachment
for feeding; threading machines of curious mechanism, constructed
so as to enable a boy to tend six as easily as he might tend two of
the ordinary pattern; and a revolving wheel for putting the nuts
on to the finished bolts. The inventor does not regard these ex-
cellent machines as perfect, but is continually studying how they
may be further simplified and improved. In working out the
details and plans of the machinery, Mr. Fowler renders the super-
intendent valuable assistance and supplements his work by elabo-
work in a satisfactory manner.
rating the drawings, from which a model or trial machine may be
built. Thus the two are greatly dependent on each other, and
together they constitute a most valuable management for such a
manufactory. Great care is exercised in selecting stock, and
every new lot of iron purchased is tested in a hydraulic testing
machine, which determines the actual tensile strength of the
metal. By the same means the manufactured bolts are tested be-
fore they are put on the market. The machine first employed for
this purpose was the one in ordinary use, but it did not do the
Accordingly Mr. Webb recon-
structed it, applied power to operate the hydraulic apparatus, and
adapted it to the peculiar requirements of the business. So with
other things needed for service in the works, if the machine in
use was clumsy and its operation slow, a new machine was made
to do more perfect work and run with greater speed. It did not
take long for the merits of these notable improvements to become
known, and the company soon received orders for duplicates, and
in supplying this demand a large additional business has been
developed. The bolts and nuts made by this corporation are of
superior quality and finish, and include all the regular sizes to be
found in the market, besides many odd sizes and patterns manu-
factured by special contracts and orders. The office of the com-
pany contains a case of 218 different samples of these special order
goods, packed in separate drawers and labeled and described for
future reference. The company does not employ traveling sales-
men, out deals directly with buyers and consumers in all sections
of the country. At present three tons of iron are required daily,
seventy-five hands are employed in the manufacture of small bolts,
and the aggregate sales foot up not less than $100,000 a year.
During the first two years after the works were established the
business doubled, and the volume has since been steadily in-
creasing. - .
A. E. TENNEY.— Located at 64 Broad Street, Pawtucket, is
the establishment of A. E. Tenney, who manufactures cloth
stretchers, thread dressers, and general machinery. The business
was commenced in 1877 under the firm name of William Jeffers
& Tenney, for the manufacture of hand fire engines. Soon after
the death of Mr. Jeffers, in 1879, Mr. Tenney turned his atten-
tion to the manufacture of general machinery, and specialties,
adding from time to time improved tools and machinery, such as
is used in the manufacture of guns and sewing machines, to make
interchangeable work. -
Mr. Tenney's experience of thirty-five years in the manufacture
of guns, sewing machines, and other fine machinery, qualifies him
for producing a fine quality of work at reasonable prices, evi-
denced by the demand for his work from all parts of the country.
There has been made in his establishment nearly a half million'
of Morrill's celebrated saw sets, which are still being made in
large quantities, besides several other of Morrill's inventions.
He also supplies a large number of bleacheries and print works
with his cloth stretchers of various kinds.
He is engaged in the manufacture of the Howell fish torpedo,
a recent invention of Captain Howell, of the United States Navy,
a very effective weapon in naval warfare.
P. E. THAYER & CoMPANY. It is said that a greater variety of
mechanical business is carried on in this enterprising city than in
any place of equal size in New England; and among the most
useful products of its skilled labor may be named the manufacture
of brushes, by Messrs. P. E. Thayer & Company, at No. 34 East
Avenue, where some ten tons of bristles (domestic and imported)
are annually consumed in the manufacture of these indispensable
household and factory implements. By means of ingenious ma-
chinery, this firm execute in rapid processes what was originally
all hand labor, and turn out a neater and more durable article
than the slow handiwork of past years could produce. The busi-
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 387
º -
|| || || ||
A VIEW OF PAWTUCKET FROM BELOW DIVISION STREET BRIDGE
ness was first established by George F. Green, in 1860, in the
town of Attleboro’, Mass. After his death, in 1865, his brother
Thomas continued the business for two years, and then removed
to Pawtucket, and soon after sold it to Thayer Brothers, who
carried it on successfully until 1880, when the entire interest was
purchased by the present proprietors, who, by careful manage-
ment and energy, have developed a prosperous trade. Finding it
desirable to further increase their facilities, Messrs. Thayer &
Company purchased the Aquila Brush Works, at Woonsocket,
which they have run for the past two years, under supervision of
Mr. Walter S. Thayer, of the firm. The Pawtucket factory
occupies about 12,000 feet of floor room, and the combined busi-
ness of both factories employs about forty hands, who, by the aid
of machinery, are able to fill the largest orders at short notice,
and put upon the market annually an enormous amount of finished
goods. The products of these works include nearly every variety
of brush except what are known to the trade as “fancy” brushes,
and comprise all the varieties required in woolen and cotton
mills, print works, and manufacturing jewelers' shops; as well
as every description of brush for household, stable, and store use.
They make jewelers' brushes a specialty, for which there is a
large demand in this state and adjacent towns of Massachusetts.
Mr. P. E. Thayer, the head of this firm, is a prominent citizen,
as well as a successful business man, who enjoys the confidence
of his fellow-citizens. He is a member of the city council.
John J. KENYon.-About seventeen years ago Mr. Thomas
Kenyon and his son, Mr. John J. Kenyon, natives of England,
began in Pawtucket the manufacture of stay webs, bindings, and
silk-finished, plain, and fancy spool tapes and braids. The father
had learned his trade in Lancashire, but believed as many other
skilled English artisans did that the place to build up a permanent
business was in the comparatively new civilization of America. It
was hard up-hill work to start in a strange place and make a
reputation for themselves among their competitors, and at first
their goods had to fight their way into the market. But energy
and superior quality at length won the race, and the foundations
were laid for the thriving business now carried on by the junior
member of the firm. Mr. John J. Kenyon's factory now occu-
pies three floors of the building in the rear of No. 56 East Avenue,
two of which are 88 x 44 feet, and the other Ioox 30 feet in extent.
The space is filled with machinery of the most improved modern
construction, including fourteen looms and 350 braiding machines,
besides much other apparatus used in the manufacture of his
peculiar line of goods. Some sixty workmen are employed to
operate this machinery and carry on the business. Mr. Kenyon
does not manufacture his own yarns, but buys his supply of the
spinners. His specialty is fine tapes. Both these and his braids
are in great demand among the consumers of such products,
and his superior boot, shoe, and corset lacings are shipped to all
parts of the country. The same well directed and persistent
industry which enabled the father to surmount every obstacle in
the endeavor to establish the business on a permanent basis, has
secured for the goods a large and growing market throughout
New England, the West, and the Canadian Provinces; so that
to-day the name of John J. Kenyon is at once a sterling trade-
mark and an unquestioned guarantee for reliable fabrics.
JAMEs O. DRAPER & CoMPANY. — There are few firms en-
gaged in the manufacture of soaps that are better known through-
out the state and its vicinity than that of Messrs. James O. Draper
& Company, located at the corner of Front and Clay streets,
Pleasant View, Pawtucket. This business was started in 1861,
at its present location, by James O. Draper and Abner Atwood,
under the firm name of Draper & Atwood, and so continued until
1867, when Augustus W. Crowell was admitted a partner with
the firm, and the name changed to Draper, Atwood & Company.
Soon after Mr. Draper purchased the interest of Messrs. Atwood
and Crowell, and continued the business alone until 1871. At
that time Mr. Arthur W. Stanley was admitted a partner with
Mr. Draper, and the firm name became J. O. Draper & Com-
pany, as it has since continued. Messrs. Draper and Stanley
are both natives of Massachusetts, but have been for a long time
residents of this state, at Pawtucket. This firm has now become
widely and favorably known as manufacturers of bleaching, full-
ing, and scouring soaps for woolen, cotton, and straw manufac-
turers; the Nottingham curd and palm oil soaps for print works;
olive and red oil soaps for washing silks, worsteds, woolens,
wools, and other kinds and varieties of soaps used for factory
purposes, a leading specialty of which is an English fig soap for
fine washing wools, worsteds, and woolen goods. They also
make a line of choice family soaps for washing purposes, of
which the Lion of the Day is the leading brand, and have lately
begun the manufacture of “Pearl Powder,” a new washing com-
pound for family use, which is meeting with great favor and rap-
idly increasing sales. A variety of fancy soaps is also produced by
this firm, including a superior glycerine toilet soap. Their olive
oil soap, especially adapted to the washing of wools, woolens,
worsteds, and silk goods, is steadily growing in favor with users,
and largely taking the place of the imported article, formerly

388
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
used for that purpose. Their factory, three stories in height,
50 x 100 feet in area, contains every facility for a large and
prompt production of all grades of their manufactures, enabling
them quickly to supply all demands, large or small, at home or
abroad. - .
DANIEL A. CLARK.—Owing to the nature of the undertaker's
calling, the gay and busy world does not wish to be reminded
that he is ready to serve them, and for obvious reasons even the
wares he keeps must not be ostentatiously displayed. The crowd
that pass him by would fain forget that they shall ever need his
services; they seek him only when the presence of the death
angel in their homes compels it. Under such conditions he must
approach his patrons with a delicacy that is not obstrusive. Sub-
ject to such limitations, Mr. Daniel A. Clark, No. 5 Park Place,
has long followed the undertaker's business. He keeps in stock a
large variety of caskets, coffins, shrouds, and other articles
required for funeral occasions. His father, Mr. Daniel R. Clark,
began the business half a century ago, and both father and son
have performed their professional duties so acceptably that their
business has increased with the growth of the city, and the latter
has recently enlarged his quarters for better accommodation. He
makes all the preparations for funeral ceremonies, taking entire
charge; provides carriages for the procession, and is careful to
conform to the tastes of those who employ him, at the time when
they are most sensitive about trifles and least prepared to direct
what should be done
The following are among the additional prominent business
firms and establishments of Pawtucket and Central Falls: Slater
Cotton Company, Bridge Mill Cotton Company, United States
Cotton Company, Stafford Manufacturing Company, Dexter
Yarn Company, Littlefield Brothers, Union Wadding Company,
H. A. Briggs & Company, cotton manufacturers. Calico print-
ers, bleachers and dyers: Dunnell Manufacturing Company,
Mosshassuck Bleachery, W. F. & F. C. Sayles, Dempsey
Bleachery and Dye Works, Robert D. Mason & Company.
Cotton thread manufacturers: Conant Thread Company,
Greene & Daniels Manufacturing Company, New England
Thread Company, Blodgett & Orswell, Cumberland Mills.
Woolen goods manufacturers : Central Falls Woolen Mill,
Lorraine Manufacturing Company.
Machinists and machinery manufacturers: Fales & Jenks'
Machine Company, James Brown, Collyer Machine Company,
George W. Payne & Company, Easton & Burnham, Cole Broth-
ers, Collin's Brothers, J. S. White, Henry F. Jenks. -
Coal and wood dealers: Pawtucket Coal Company, George
E. Newell, John J. Cottrell, George B. Olney & Company, H.
D. Spencer & Company, and the Pawtucket Gas Company,
large dealers in coke. Belting and leather manufacturers:
James Davis Belting Company, Weatherhead, Thompson &
Company, Star Tanning Company. Lumber dealers: George
E. Newell, John J. Cottrell, H. B. Wood & Company, H. D.
Spencer & Company.
Cast-iron foundries: Joshua S. White, James Brown
Woolen and cotton braid manufacturers: D. Goff & Sons,
Globe Braid Mills, George C. Douglass. Card Board Manufac-
turers: Rhode Island Card Board Company, Linton Brothers
& Company. -
The following names are leading houses in their special de-
partments: New American File Company, file manufacturers;
Pawtucket Hair Cloth Manufacturing Company, hair cloth man-
ufacturers; American Curled Hair Company, curled hair manu-
facturers; Pawtucket Glazed Paper Company, manufacturers of
glazed and plated papers; Rhode Island Agricultural Chemical
Works, fertilizer manufacturers; Perry Oil Company, harness and
other oil manufacturers; E. Jenks Manufacturing Company, mill
supplies, ring travelers, etc.; Lucian Upham & Company, cabi-
net and pattern makers; J. N. Polsey & Company, packing cases
boxes, and shooks manufacturers; George H. Fuller & Son, jew-
elers’ findings manufacturers; Bela P. Clapp & Company, manu-
facturing chemists; P. E. Thayer & Company, Ellis Thayer &
Son, James Corrigan, brush manufacturers; Carpenter & Com-
pany, house furnishing emporium ; A. F. & F. Bray, F. Eugene
Barker, hardware dealers; David Harley & Company, Boston
Store, dry and fancy goods dealers; Charles S. Harper and James
H. Fairbanks, carriage dealers.
North PROvIDENCE.
The early history of North Providence will be found in the
history of Providence, up to the time that the former was set off
from the latter, in 1765. But owing to dissatisfaction with the
boundary line, a portion of the town was remitted to Providence
two years later, 1767. -
In the course of time the growth of Providence continued to
encroach upon North Providence, until the population became so
dense that a division of the town was deemed necessary. Also a
business centre had grown up in the eastern part of the town of
North Providence on the opposite side of the river from the town
of Pawtucket, in Massachusetts. s
When the division came to be made in March, 1874, North
Providence was divided into three parts, a portion being set off
to the city of Providence, a portion to Pawtucket, and a third
portion constituting the present town of North Providence, the
present boundaries of which are as follows: On the north it is
bounded by Lincoln and Smithfield, on the east by Pawtucket,
on the south by the city of Providence, and on the west by John-
Ston.
North Providence is chiefly a farming town, and has the Woon-
asquatucket River on the west border, which affords some good
sites for manufacturing purposes. The population of North
Providence in 1870 was 20,495, but by the division it was re-
duced to 1,303. -
Manufacturing constituted an important feature of the town be-
fore the division, by which it was largely cut off. Quite im-
portant manufactories are still carried on, however, in the villages
of Allendale, Centredale, and Woodville, also at the Grey Stone
Mill, Lyman's Mill, and Geneva Mill.
At Centredale a fine free public library has been in operation
since 1870. The Freewill Baptist Church is also located here.
EAST PROVIDENCE.
The first settlement made in this town was by Roger Williams,
who “ commenced to plant and to build” on the north side of the
cove, at the mouth of the Ten-Mile River. He was driven thence
and removed to Providence, as is detailed in the history of Provi-
dence.
From the earliest organization of the town of Rehoboth, the
territory comprised in the town of East Providence, was consid-
ered a portion of it.
In 1775 a fort was built in this town by the inhabitants thereof,
upon the height to the rear of what was called Hog-pen Point, on
which four pieces of cannon were mounted to defend the entrance
of the Seekonk River against the British fleet. The remains of
this fort are still visible on what is now known as Fort Hill.
Later, during the Revolutionary War, the inhabitants of the
town showed their patriotism by largely volunteering in aid of the
national cause, and also by contributing their labor, without re-
gard to age or sex, in accumulating and refining saltpetre for use
in manufacturing gunpowder, a factory or refinery for that purpose
being located on the Ten-Mile River, or the Seekonk Cove.
Later, when the town of Seekonk was set off from Rehoboth,
THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. 389
East Providence formed a portion thereof. During the war of
1812 the fort at Fort Hill was put in working order, and can-
non mounted thereon, and a further fortification was constructed
at Kettle Point, opposite Field's Point, forming a portion of the
defenses to protect Providence and vicinity against a threatened
attack of the British fleet.
In the early days of this town the occupation of its residents
was chiefly of an agricultural nature.
With the development of the application of power-machinery
to cotton and wool manufacturing, mills were established, since the
year 1800, on the Ten-Mile River in this town.
When the long dispute with regard to the eastern boundary of
Rhode Island was settled in 1861, that portion of the town of
Seekonk west of the new boundary, was taken into Provi-
dence County, and upon the going into effect of this settlement,
on the first day of March, 1862, was formally named and
organized as East Providence. The population of the town at
this time was less than two thousand. In 1885 the population
was 6,816. The town has had a rapid growth in wealth as well
as in population. From a valuation of $1,354,935 at the time of
its organization, it had increased to $5,772,810 in 1885.
The district known as Watchemoket, located at the junction of
the India Point branch of the Boston and Providence, the east
branch of the Providence and Worcester, and the Providence,
Warren and Bristol railroads, and also around the east terminus
of the Washington Bridge, is the most populous section of the
town, embracing nearly one-third of the total number of its in-
habitants. Here are located many extensive retail business estab-
lishments, halls, churches, etc.
The second district of the town in point of population, is the
manufacturing centre known as Rumford, located at the north of
the Ten-Mile River. Near here is an extensive paper mill and
other works of various kinds.
Of late years the business of catering to the public, in the way
of summer resorts, has grown very largely in this town. On
its southwestern shore, Silver Spring, Golden Spring, River-
side, Cedar Grove, Bullock's Point, Camp White, and Crescent
Park are all open to the public and are liberally patronized dur-
ing the season, whilst on an island in the bay, the aristocratic
Squantum Club entertains its members and visitors with shore
dinners in the highest style of the art.
The town of East Providence has eight churches as follows:
the First Baptist, of East Providence; the Second Baptist, of East
Providence; the Riverside Congregational, St. Mary’s Episcopal,
St. Mark’s Episcopal, Riverside; Fourth Church, First Univer-
salist, of East Providence; the Church of the Sacred Heart,
Roman Catholic.
HoN. OLIVER CHAFFEE, who was during his life a leading citizen of
East Providence, was born in Seekonk, Mass., Dec. 18, 1822, being the son
of Caleb and Lephe P. (Ormsbee) Chaffee. His youth was spent upon his
father's farm. His education was acquired in a district school during the
winter months only, but so well did he apply himself that when in his
teens he taught the school in his district. He always styled himself a
farmer, although in young manhood he was called to public service and
his later years were entirely devoted to the interests of others. In 1848 he
married Abby M. Gray, daughter of Church Gray, whose place he soon
purchased, and on which he ever after lived. They had seven children,
of whom three sons and two daughters are now living.
In his native town, Seekonk, Mass., Mr. Chaffee was town clerk and
selectman for many years. Previous to 1860 he was a Democrat, but upon
the breaking out of the Rebellion he became an ardent Republican, and
was president of the campaign club in the Presidential canvass of 1864.
He strenuously opposed the setting off from Massachusetts of what is now
East Providence, R. I. By the change of the boundary line between Massa-
chusetts and Rhode Island, he became a citizen of the latter, and at once
was called into public service here. He held the positions of councilman,
Senator, Representative, and judge of probate, the latter two of which he
held at the time of his death. While a member of the legislature he was
on the committee on removal of obstructions from the Seekonk River, and
HON, OLIVER CHAFFEE,
took much interest in the proposed new bridge, carefully looking after the
rights and interests of his town. While a member of the town council he
was frequently its presiding officer. Much of his time was occupied in the
settlement of estates, and it was owing to his knowledge of this kind of
business that, upon the death of Judge Cole in 1881, he was appointed as
his successor to fill the vacancy.
Mr. Chaffee was a man of large stature and imposing features, of excel-
lent judgment, and had a heart full of sympathy. Many are the instances
where his timely sympathy and aid have cheered a disheartened soul.
With him rich and poor were favored alike; he knew no castes in society.
Everything mean and low he utterly despised. His word was considered
as good as his bond. His opinions were formed slowly and after due
deliberation. He was not ashamed to be found with the minority if he
thought it was in the right.
He died of typhoid fever, May 8, 1883. The attendance at his funeral
of a large number state officials and his fellow legislators, together with
nearly all his townsmen and neighbors, proved the high estimation in
which he was held by those who knew him best.
LINcolN AND CUMBERLAND.
Upon the map these two towns present a marked resemblance,
each being in the form of a right angle triangle and the two com-
bined nearly forming a square. To the inhabitant of the present
day there seems to be no reason why these towns should not be
incorporated into one; every manufacturing village upon the
Blackstone River, which forms the boundary line between the
two towns, being partly in Lincoln and partly in Cumberland.
And yet no two towns of the state have, until recent years,
been so diverse in their history. Cumberland was undoubtedly
the first of the towns now in Rhode Island, where a permanent
home settlement was made by English white men. William
Blackstone, his family, and servants settled at “Study Hill,”
erecting his mansion which he named “Study Hall,” and with
the largest library in this portion of the country, devoted his
time to study and rural pursuits, months, and perhaps years, be-
fore Roger Williams was banished from Salem. Just when he
came is unknown. There is an interval in the history of his life,
between the years 1634 and 1636, which historians have been
unable to account for.
For thirty years Blackstone with his family and dependants:
lived alone, and in amicable relations with the Indians, his only
intercourse with white men consisting in occasional trips to Prov-

50
390 THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS.
SQUANTUM, EAST PROVIDENCE,
idence or Rehoboth, and more rare visits from some one of his
very few friends in Boston. The course pursued by other white
men raised a fever in the Indian blood against all of the class,
which the affection and respect towards Blackstone of the few
who were personally acquainted with him was unable to quell.
Fortunately for his own peace of mind, Blackstone died quietly
in his bed a few weeks before the King Philip War broke out.
During this war Blackstone’s “Study Hall” was burned by the
Indians. His library and the manuscript in which he had con-
densed the results of his years of study were reduced to ashes, and
desolation raged throughout the settlement. The greatest battle
of the war that was contested in Providence County, was mainly
fought in Lincoln, two miles south of Blackstone's former home.
Eleven white men only, out of sixty-nine engaged in this con-
test, survived. Of these, nine were taken captive by the Indians,
and led to the “Nine Men's Misery,” one mile north of “Study
Hill,” and there tomahawked. -
Their lifeless remains were, a few days after, found by a search-
ing party of whites, and interred upon a little knoll north of the
“Nine Men's Misery " -ock, and the spot is now marked by a
rude mound of loose stones. After the King Philip War, the
surviving members of the Blackstone family returned, and other
families, the Wilkinsons and the Whipples among them, and
settled upon the tract of land, now Cumberland, which was
known as “Attleboro Gore,” and claimed by the government of
Massachusetts as a portion of that colony.
The Ballou family settled in the northern portion of the town,
forming what was known for a century as the Ballou neighbor-
hood, and the old Ballou Church, built about 1740, is still in
existence just north of the “Iron Mountain,” and is in about
the same condition as when the early settlers reverently gathered
there in the service of their Creator. This building with its
THE BLACKSTONE AT LONSDALE,
heavy, narrow gallery, forms an interesting study of the
antique for the visitor of the present day. From the
Ballou family sprang the mother of the late lamented
President Garfield.
The water-power of the Blackstone River was early
utilized by the inhabitants of Cumberland in the driving
of saw-mills, and in later days, of trip-hammers and
! forges. The occupation afforded by these mills and
- forges was the only variation from agricultural life which
offered itself to the colonial inhabitants of the town.
The Whipples of Cumberland claim to have been
always agricultural in their tastes and developments; the
Wilkinsons mechanical and mainly workers in iron.
Jeremiah Wilkinson is said to have made the first cold cut
nail ever manufactured in the world in his little shop at
Cumberland. Near the close of the Revolutionary War
he removed to Pawtucket with his five sons, all blacksmiths, and
their history thenceforth belongs to Pawtucket.
After the Revolutionary War Cumberland passed through a
period of quiet development as an agricultural town, until in the
course of time, the water-power of the Blackstone River was
miniºn lºſſ -
III I I I I I III in I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I IL i
THE OLD BUTTERFLY FACTORY, LINCOLN.
devoted to textile industries, when the northern portion of it, now
known as Woonsocket, received an impetus which enabled it to
absorb and control the political power of the town. But the
main element of the growth of Cumberland has been its water-
power in the Blackstone River and its affluents, and this growth
has been co-extensive with the modern growth of Lincoln.
The present town of Lincoln is a portion of the old
town of Smithfield, set off from Providence in 1730.
That portion of Smithfield now known as Lincoln
was early known as the “North Woods” of Providence.
and in the fertile openings along the valley of the Moshas-
suck and Westquodomsett (now Crookfall) rivers the
early inhabitants pushed their settlements on to Woon-
socket Falls.
The chief early development of industry outside of
purely agricultural interests in this town, was that of
lime, utilizing the extensive lime deposits of the Lime
Rock district. This development commenced in the
seventeenth century, and is maintained to the present
day, and notwithstanding the vast drain made on the
resources, the supply of material seems at the present day
to be practically inexhaustible. In later years the deposits
now the property of the Dexter Lime Rock Company,



THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
in another portion of the town, have been exten-
sively worked. At Central Falls, the southeast
corner of this town, a century ago an active in-
dustry existed, which has since, so far as Rhode
Island is concerned, become extinct.
It was the manufacture of chocolate, and the
village was then known as Chocolateville. Pre-
vious to the development of the cotton industry
after the commencement of this century, the
water-power of this town was devoted only to
the running of saw-mills, the chocolate mill
spoken of, one or more distilleries, and various
blacksmithing enterprises. But with that devel-
opment came its application, especially on the
rivers Moshassuck and Blackstone, to the various
branches of the cotton and woolen industries.
The Lonsdale Company was incorporated in
1820. Other mills were commenced at later
periods in the Moshassuck Valley and at Ashton,
Albion, and Manville on the Blackstone.
With the opening of the Blackstone Canal in 1828, came an in-
crease of these mill interests, and later on with the opening of the
Providence and Worcester Railroad, came a still more rapid growth,
causing the extension of the villages upon the Lincoln side into
the adjacent town of Cumberland, giving the consolidated ap-
pearance so perceptibly marked at the present time. The old
town of Smithfield, then the largest town in the state, by the year
1771 had become so populous and so varied in its industries,
that a division was deemed necessary, and the present town of
Lincoln, bounded southerly by Pawtucket and North Providence,
westerly by Smithfield and North Smithfield, and easterly by the
Blackstone River, having Cumberland mainly on its eastern side,
was set apart as a separate town. Some time previous to that, the
growth of Lincoln and Cumberland had been mainly along the
Blackstone Valley, with the great bleachery and woolen mills and
dye works of Messrs. W. F. & F. C. Sayles in the Moshassuck
Valley, and various smaller industries at the Abbott Run River
in Cumberland. Granite quarries in the neighborhood of
Diamond Hill in Cumberland, have also been extensively worked
of late years, and various attempts have been made to utilize the
iron ore found abundantly in the north part of Cumberland. In
1867 a portion of Cumberland was set off as Woonsocket.
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THE OLD BALLOU MEETING-HOUSE, CUMBERLAND.
The towns being so homogeneous, attempts have been re-
peatedly made to have them, or portions of them, consolidated,
thus uniting the villages of the Blackstone Valley within the limits
of these towns, into one municipal corporation, but such effort has
not, as yet, borne fruit. Sneech Pond, located in the western part
of the township of Cumberland, has been supplied with game
fish by the fish commissioners of the state. The upper waters
of Abbott Run are dammed and utilized by the Pawtucket water
works, covering a large section of the Burnt Woods Swamp dis-
trict by the reservoir so formed.
The earliest religious services held in Cumberland after that of
the Ballou meeting-house above mentioned, were held in the open
air under the “Catholic oak, ” now standing in the vicinity of
Lonsdale shadowing the locality where Blackstone resided. It is
at the junction of three roads, and has a memorable history. For
seventy years it was the church of the neighborhood, meetings
being held under its branches. Here James Cook Richmond
ministered the Episcopal service for many years before sufficient
encouragement was given to justify the building of the Episcopal
Church in Lonsdale. Up to 1860 services were habitually held
here by some one of the various religious denominations.
The town of Lincoln has many churches, viz.: the Broad
Street Baptist Church, Central Falls; the Central
Falls Congregational Church, Christ Church, Epis-
copal; Emanuel Church, Manville; Lonsdale Baptist
Church, Embury Methodist Episcopal Church, Cen-
tral Falls; St. George's Episcopal Church, Central
Falls; Lime Rock Baptist Church, the Valley Falls
Universalist Church; the St. Patrick, the Notré Dame,
the St. James' Church, Manville, and Church of the
Sacred Heart, Catholic Churches. There is also
an organization of Friends, or Quakers, whose house
of worship, situated half a mile north of Sayles-
ville, is the oldest now standing in the state. The
smaller western portion was built in 1704. The lar-
ger eastern portion was built some forty years later.
The two parts are separable by a movable partition, and
worship is frequently held in the old meeting-house
with its primitive dimensions.
The town of Cumberland has four churches, viz.:
the Valley Falls Baptist Church; St. John's Episcopal
º Church, at Ashton; the Cumberland Hill Baptist
* | Church, and the Arnold's Mills Methodist Episcopal
Church.
v.

































º
VIEWS OF WOONSOCKET.
I. General View of Woonsocket. 2. Monument Square. 3. Market Square. 4. Main Street, and the P. & W. Station, as the Traveler sees them,
--

CHAPTER ||.
WOONSOCKET, NORTH SMITHFIELD, BURRILLVILLE, GLOCESTER, AND SMITHFIELD.
EDWARD HARRIS.
THE town of Woonsocket was incorporated in 1867. It then
comprised only that portion of the present town of Woonsocket
which lies east of the Blackstone River, and was set off from the
town of Cumberland. In 1871 that portion of the town lying west
of the river was added from the town of Smithfield. But the
village of Woonsocket has long been known by this name, and
was first settled by Richard Arnold and Samuel Comstock. The
Arnold family became owners of a large portion of the land in
the vicinity of the falls. The Blackstone River, which runs
through the village and has a fall of about twenty feet within a
short distance, affords excellent water-power, the best in the state,
and is well utilized for manufacturing purposes.
The population of Woonsocket in 1885, was 16, 199. Woon-
socket is now thought to be the most populous town in the United
States. It lies on the north boundary of the state, about sixteen
miles from Providence, on the line of the Providence and Wor-
cester railroad, and is connected with Boston by the New York
and New England railroad.
The superior water-power of the Blackstone at this point was
early used by the first settlers. The first saw-mill on the river
was built by Richard Arnold, one of the first settlers of the place,
on the site now occupied by the tower of the Ballou Manu-
facturing Company’s cotton mill. Very little manufacturing,
however, was done until the present century. About 1712 a
corn and fulling mill was erected upon what is called the island,
by John Arnold. The next manufacturing enterprise was the
old forge, built between 1712 and 1720, on the site now occupied
by the boiler house of the Ballou Manufacturing Company’s
mill. The next was a scythe manufactory located on the island
below the grist-mill.
The first wooden cotton mill was built about 1822, and the
second, about 1827, since which there has been a steady increase
in the manufacturing industry, until to-day Woonsocket stands
prominent among the manufacturing towns of New England.
The manufacture of woolen goods was begun in Woonsocket
in 1831 by Edward Harris, whose name became prominent
throughout the United States for his enterprise in this industry,
and the excellent qualtity of his goods.
The first bridge at the falls was erected in 1736. The state
legislature appropriated £128, and the balance of the cost was
raised by private subscription. The funds for the second bridge,
built in 1762, also for the third, built in 1787, were raised by
lottery. A stone arch bridge was built from the Smithfield shore
of the island in 1825 by Dexter Ballou and Daniel Wilkinson,
acting under the authority of the town. This bridge is still
standing. The middle bridge was replaced by a stone arch bridge
in 1833, which stood till 1861, when it was replaced by another,
more substantial. In 1843 an arch bridge was built from the Cum-
berland shore to the east end of the middle arch bridge. This
was subsequently replaced by the present fine wooden bridge.
Woonsocket received a great impetus by the opening of the
Blackstone Canal in 1828, running between Providence and
Worcester, but its chief growth has been since the Providence and
Worcester railroad went into operation in September, 1847. At
that time Hamlet and Bernon, in Smithfield, and Woonsocket, in
Cumberland, which are all comprised in the present town of
Woonsocket, had a combined population of 5,000, while the pop-
ulation of the town by the census of 1885 was 16, 199.
Woonsocket and vicinity was justly celebrated in early days for
taverns. At the Woonsocket cross-roads a tavern was licensed
in 1733, first kept by Joseph Arnold. This house became a
noted resort, where courts were held, town councils assembled,
and soldiers for the old French War were recruited and quartered.
The first tavern at the falls, was located at the site now occupied
by the Woonsocket Hotel, and was for a long time occupied as a
private residence by James Arnold. It was first kept as a tavern
by Caleb Adams.
The press in Woonsocket is well represented by the Daily Re-
porter, the Daily Patriot, and the Woonsocket Patriot. The
Woonsocket Patriot was established in 1833 by Sherman &
Wilder, and has been a very prosperous sheet. The Daily Pa-
triot first appeared in 1876 from the office of the Woonsocket
Patriot and met a much felt want. Its enterprising editor con-
structed, at his own expense, a telegraph line from Woonsocket to
Providence. The Daily Reporter was established in 1873 with
a circulation of 1,200. This paper has continued steadily to
grow in public favor, and now has a large circulation.
The first steps towards a public library were taken about 1850,
when Mr. Edward Harris offered to give $500 toward such an
enterprise, on condition that the citizens would subscribe an equal
amount, which they readily did. To this was added a gift of
$1,000 by Edward Carrington, of Providence, which was pre-
sented on condition that the library should bear his name.
Of this library association Edward Harris was made first pres-
ident, but he soon withdrew and matured his plans for founding
the present Harris Institute Free Library.
For this purpose he erected a brick building at a cost of $70,000
and placed in it about four thousand volumes, and made the build-
ing and books a free gift to the town. There is a well equipped

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
THE FALLS AT WOONSOCKET,
fire department, consisting of steam fire engines, hook and ladder
companies, hose companies, etc., organized in 1836.
A police force was organized in 1866, which has been well
maintained ever since, keeping pace with the growing demand.
The first movement towards free schools was inaugurated by
the Quakers. This was, however, defeated for a time by the very
class wherein it was designed to benefit. Much of the early
school history of Woonsocket is interwoven with the history of
the two towns from which it was set off. Within the past few
years there has been great improvement in school buildings, and
management of the schools.
The banking business of the town is transacted through six
national and four savings banks.
There are a large number of manufacturing companies located
in this thriving town, among which are the Lippitt Woolen Com-
pany, the Harris Woolen Company, the American Worsted
Company, Clinton Manufacturing Company, Social Manufactur-
ing Company, Bailey Wringing Machine Company, Glenark
Knitting Company, Groton Manufacturing Company, Hautin
Sewing Machine Company, Perseverance Worsted Company,
Woonsocket Rubber Company, Woonsocket Machine and Press
Company, H. C. Lazelle, A. D. Clark Shuttle Company, and
A. C. Sibley, the variety and extent of whose products have
helped the town to a wide renown as an enterprising community.
Woonsocket has seven churches as follows: the First Baptist,
the Woonsocket Congregational, the St. James' Episcopal, the
Methodist Episcopal, the Society of Friends, the Woonsocket
Universalist Church, St. Charles’ Roman Catholic, and the French
Catholic.
THE WEEK's FURNITURE CoMPANY. —This large and flourish-
ing business, located at No. 28 North Main Street, Woonsocket,
and of which Mr. F. S. Weeks, Jr., is the proprietor, was estab-
lished in 1869, by Mr. F. S. Weeks and Mr. M. W. Small, as
Weeks & Small, at Nos. 25 and 29 North Main Street, opposite
the present location. Two years later it was removed to Monu-
ment House block. Here the firm continued to conduct the busi-
ness until 1877, when Mr. F. S. Weeks, Jr., became their succes-
sor. The Monument House block was burned in the March of
that year, and Mr. Weeks' store and stock destroyed. In June of
the same year he completed and occupied his present handsome
and commodious store rooms. In 1884 he changed the title of
his business from F. S. Weeks, Jr., to the present one,
—the Weeks Furniture Company.
The name indicates a line of goods carried by this
house. To it, however, has been added house furnish-
ing goods generally, and an assortment, varied and ex-
tensive, of wall papers. The store is divided into de-
partments. One is devoted to wall papers. In this
department Mr. Weeks employs by the year, expert
paper hangers who do careful work, and have made a
specialty of this business with the house. Another
department is where the carpets are shown, another
contains oll-cloths, mats, and rugs. The main room
on the lower floor is stocked with crockery, glassware,
lamps, chandeliers, etc. The basement is a storeroom
for crockery and the plainlines of furniture. The upper
story is the show room of furniture, bedding, mat-
trasses, etc., and is divided into two departments.
The dimensions of this building are Ioo x 50 feet.
The building in the rear of this is four stories in height,
and 50 x 30 feet. The first floor is the packing and
shipping room, and the other three floors are the show
rooms for fine furniture. Connected with the establish-
ment are the warehouse and workshop, where the re-
pairing department is located. Here upholstering and
general repairing are done. This building is too x 50 feet, a large
part of it being used as a store room. For like purpose a consid-
erable space in a contiguous building is occupied by the firm.
The business is very prosperous, conducted fairly, and has an
enviable reputation in commercial circles and at the fire-side.
North SMITHFIELD.
A large portion of this town south of the Branch River, as well
as a portion of the present town of Smithfield, was not considered
as included in the deed from the Narragansett sachems to Roger
Williams. It was claimed by the Wampanoags and was bought
by the Inman deed, so called, sometimes known as the Westquo-
domset deed, from William or Quashawannamut, a Massachu-
setts sub-sachem who was authorized to sell it by Massasoit.
The Providence authorities objected to this deed at first, but after
much discussion its validity was recognized by them.
This deed conveyed all lands bounded by the Westquodomset
(now Crookfall) River, to the present corner of Lincoln and
North Smithfield, thence to Stillwater, thence north to Woon-
socket Hill, thence to the Blackstone River.
North Smithfield formed a part of Smithfield until March,
1871, when it was incorporated as a separate town, at first called
Slater, but this name
was changed within
three weeks for the
present one.
Under the Inman
deed, so-called, came
the A r n old s.
Mowrys, Comstocks,
and others, who
were the prominent
first settlers of the
town. The town
was chiefly engaged
in agricultural pur-
suits until the devel-
opment of manufac-
turing interests, in-
itiated by the Slaters.
The first cotton mill
in the town of Smith-
THE HIGH SCHOOL, WOCNSOCKET.


THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
395
field was erected by a company under the firm name of Almy,
Brown & Slater, where now is Slatersville, in 1806.
Half a mile below Slatersville a manufacturing company was
incorporated in 1871 under the title of Forestdale. This site was
occupied by a scythe shop in the early part of the century, and
during the Civil War sabres were manufactured here. -
At Waterford near the Woonsocket border a plow factory was
established in 1863, which was subsequently changed into a sash
and blind factory, and in 1877 it was converted into a worsted
factory. The village of Union is a handsome and thriving place, and
at one time bid fair to rival Woonsocket in wealth and affluence.
The post-office now at Woonsocket was established here, and
also the Union Bank. The First National Bank of Smithfield
was chartered at Slatersville in 1815, and was nationalized in May,
1865.
BURRILLville.
Burrillville is located in the northwest corner of the state, about
twenty miles from Providence. It was set off from Glocester in
1806. John Smith, from the north part of the settlement of
Providence, was among the first to settle in this section. Other
prominent early settlers were Edward Salsbury, Jonathan Putnam,
and William Rhodes.
Until 1730, Burrillville, together with Smithfield, Scituate, and
Glocester, was included in Providence. The town was named
for the Hon. James Burrill, who was then attorney-general of the
state. The land is for the most part rough and stony, and poorly
suited to agricultural purposes, though the town comprises some
good farms. There are some valuable stone quarries within the
town which yield good profits.
Several places of interest are found in this town. There are
two caves, one called Cooper's Cave, located on the road leading
from Glendale to the old Stephen Cooper residence; the other on
the margin of Round Top in Buck Hill woods. Both these caves
are said to have afforded refuge and a home for counterfeiting
parties, years ago, where large quantities of silver coin was manu-
factured.
A stream in the northern part of the town is known as Nipmuck
River, which derives its name from an Indian tribe.
There are several manufacturing centres in the town of Burrill-
ville, located mostly on the Clear River. In 1831 a building was
erected at Laurel Ridge Village for the manufacture of spindles
and flies, which proved successful. This mill has been several
times enlarged and improved. The original plant of the mills,
now owned by Fish, Sayles & Company, at Pascoag, were pur-
chased by J. T. Fish in 1847. About the year 1869, the Thomp-
- Eºſ
2 *
- -
º:
º
ºf Hiſ
iſ ºn tº
****
^
-------
THE BLACKSTONE AT
WOONSOCKET.
-
son Mill was purchased and consoli-
dated with the above.
Where the Glendale Mill now stands
was located a grist and saw-mill a
century ago. About the year 1852,
the site was purchased by Anthony
Steere, who removed the old grist and saw-mill and built a cotton
mill in that place. The mill is now owned by Francis Carpenter,
who has improved it and increased its capacity. The Clear
River Woolen Mills occupy the site of an iron industry of the
last century. There have been here a forge, in 1773; a scythe
factory, in 1835; a jean manufactory, in 1844; cassimeres were
made here at a later date, and since 1865 the business at present
carried on, of making fine, fancy cassimeres, has continued. The
other principal mills in the town are the Oakland Mill, the Har-
risville Mills, the Granite Mills, and the Mapleville Mills.
The population of the town in 1885 was 5,126. Total valua-
tion in 1885-6 was $2,919,775. In the town of Burrillville there
are several churches: the Friends' Meeting, the Glendale Methodist
Episcopal, the Mapleville Methodist Episcopal, St. Patrick's Roman
Catholic, and an Episcopal, at Harrisville, the Laurel Hill Metho-
dist Episcopal, the Berean Baptist, and the Pascoag Free Baptist.
WOONSOCKET FROM THE EAST.




















396
PLANTATIONS.
THE PROVIDENCE
|
WILLIAM T. N. KHAM & COMPANY'S HARRSV LLE. M. LL.
WILLIAM TINKHAM & CoMPANY. —In the village of Harris-
ville is located one of the large and flourishing industries of the
state—the mills of William Tinkham & Company. These mills
were established in 1856 by Messrs. Steere & Tinkham, the firm
consisting of Job Steere and William Tinkham. The factory
began with the manufacture of satinets. In the year 1873 the
firm was changed to Tinkham & Farwell, and in 1879 Ernest
W. Tinkham became a partner, and the firm style was Tinkham,
Farwell & Company. Mr. Farwell withdrew from the company
in 1884, and the firm became William Tinkham & Company.
In 1860 the mill was furnished with new machinery, and the
company commenced the manufacture of fancy cassimeres, in the
production of which it continued until 1881, when the machinery
was adapted for the manufacture of fancy worsteds, which became
and still continues to be the staple output of the works. In the
manufacture of this line of goods the firm has been remarkably
successful, so much so that their leading brands are now among
the most popular in the market.
The mills are very extensive. The main structure is of stone,
40 x 165 feet, with two wings, one measuring 60 x 106 feet, the
other 22 x 105 feet. In these buildings 375 persons are employed.
The money distributed in wages by the company is a great source
of prosperity in the vicinity of Harrisville. The measure of
success that has crowned this enterprise, is mainly due to the
energetic head of the firm. Beginning by mastering the details
of the business, by working practically day by day in it, he thus
laid the foundation for its success. Mr. Tinkham has also dem-
onstrated his executive and administrative qualities in other direc-
tions. As president and superintendent of the Providence and
Springfield Railroad he has greatly benefited the community by
operating and maintaining the road in an efficient manner, and
giving the inhabitants of that portion of the state railway facili-
ties where there were none before. More detailed information
regarding the railroad, and a more general review of Mr. Tink-
ham's business career, are to be found in an earlier chapter of the
work.
GLocestER.
Glocester is one of the four towns into which the town of
Providence was divided in 1730. It is located in the northwest
part of the state, directly south of the town of Burrillville. It
was first settled about 1706. The Tourtelotts, Inmans, Smiths,
Windsors, and the Burlingames, were among the first settlers.
Glocester as a town has somewhat decreased in population, as
shown by a comparison of statistics of the last century with the
present, but not to that extent which might at first appear with-
out noting that Burrillville has been taken from Glocester. In
1790, sixteen years before the division of Glocester, its population
was 4,025, while in the year 1885 it shows a population of only
1,922. But if to the latter figure we add the population of Bur-
rillville in 1885, which was 5,126, we find that the total popula-
tion of the territory of the Glocester of 1790 has materially in-
creased. Yet it is a fact that the population of the present town
has somewhat diminished during the last twenty-five years.
There are several large ponds within the limits of the town,
three of which are termed reservoirs, viz.: Posnegansett, Smith
and Sayles', and Waterman's, or Woonasquatucket.
There were approaches to mob violence in this town during the
period from 1783 to 1790 growing out of resistance to legal taxa-
tion. Since then, however, the laws have been respected in
Glocester no less than in other towns.
Various manufacturing industries have been carried on here in
the early history of the town. Oil works, a hat factory, a dis-
tillery, a tannery, and a potash factory were all operated in the
early part of this century. Also a rail factory and a trip-hammer
were established here. Scythes, axes, and other edged tools were
made.
Harmony is a village of some two hundred inhabitants, in the
extreme eastern part of the town. Just below the village are the
acid works started by Thomas Barnes, manufacturing about two
hundred and fifty gallons of raw liquid per day.
Spring Grove is located about a mile east of Chepachet, where
manufacturing was commenced by Smith Mowry & Son, in 1838.
The property was sold to John Apsworth in 1862, who was killed
four years later. The mill and property was purchased by T. R.
White & Company, in 1868.
West Glocester is a small village near the Connecticut line,
about half a mile from Clarkville. A saw-mill was in operation
here by Messrs. Hawkins, until the erection of the new cotton
mill in 1873.
Until 1828 there were no schools except what were held in pri-
vate houses. In that year the town voted to raise by tax a sum
equal to that furnished by the state. The town was apportioned
off into districts and school-houses were built.

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
The town of Glocester has three churches, as follows:
the Chepachet Congregational, the Chepachet Freewill
Baptist, and the Clarkville Advent.
SMITHFIELD.
Smithfield, which originally comprised what is now
the towns of Smithfield, Lincoln, North Smithfield, and
part of Woonsocket, was settled soon after the settlement
of Providence. It was then, however, part of the town
of Providence. It was set apart as a separate town in
1730, and was one of the largest towns in the state. In
1871 it was divided as above indicated.
The first town-meeting in Smithfield was held at
the house of Capt. Valentine Whitman, on March 17,
1730–31, when Mr. Jonathan Sprague, Jr., was chosen
moderator, and Richard Sayles, town clerk.
The water-power in the town was early utilized in
operating grist and saw-mills. A Mr. Waterman early
located at what is now Greenville, and erected a grist-
º º º
º
mill. He had two sons, Resolved, born in 1703, and
Andrew, born in 1724. Both were enterprising men,
and Andrew built a grist and saw-mill, and added to them a
furnace. Charcoal was manufactured in large quantities in those
days, and iron ore was obtained at Cranston. Mr. Andrew
Waterman employed about sixty hands, which shows his works
to be extensive for those times.
At Georgiaville, extensive iron works were carried on during
the last half of the last century, initiated by John Farnum and con-
tinued by his two sons, Joseph and Noah. John Farnum built a
turnpike, mostly alone, from Georgiaville to Providence for the
accommodation of his business, from which we may infer that
it was quite extensive. Various other minor manufactories were
erected in the early part of this century upon the sites now
occupied by large corporations in this town.
At Georgiaville the firm of Arnold, Thompson & Nightingale,
who had purchased the mill and privilege formerly owned by the
Farnums, prospered and grew until its property was valued in
1828 at $100,000. In 1853 the estate was sold to Zachariah Allen,
and a large stone mill, 250 feet in length, was built.
At Allenville a cotton mill was erected by Mr. Philip Allen
This is claimed as the oldest mill of the kind in the
town. In 1825 the mill was improved and enlarged by the addi-
In 1860 it was sold to the
about 1812.
tion of a new building 40 x 80 feet.
A VIEW OF GREEN VILLE.
A VIEW OF PASCOAG.
Smithfield Manufacturing Company. Since then both buildings
and machinery have been greatly improved.
At Stillwater a small cotton mill was built about 1836. This
was occupied in 1851 by Robert Joslin, and afterwards was burnt.
In 1866 a much larger mill was built on this site, which was
destroyed by fire in 1872. In 1875 another new building was
erected and devoted to the manufacture of woolen fabrics.
At Greenville a mill was erected in 1844, which is now in the
possession of the Winsor Mills Corporation, who have made ex-
tensive improvements and added new machinery. At Knights-
ville and at Granite Mills, formerly Spragueville, manufacturing
is also carried on.
In 1822 the Smithfield Exchange Bank was chartered with a
capital of $40,000, and occupied a room in the present hotel at
Greenville. In 1865 it became a national bank and is now known
as the National Exchange Bank. The Smithfield Savings Bank
was organized in March, 1872, and under judicious management
has proved a safe and profitable institution.
The want of sufficient water in the dry season to furnish power
for the mills, led in the early part of the century, to the construc-
tion of reservoirs along the line of the Woonasquatucket River
and its branches, which added much to the manufacturing capac-
ity of this section of the state. The Slack reservoir, near
the village of Greenville, is said to be the first work of
the kind in this country completed by a corporation char-
tered for this purpose.
Up to the year 1871, Smithfield preserved the limits
with which it was set off, in 1730, from Providence, and
was, at the latter period, the largest and most diversified
in interests of any town in the state. It was divided — a
portion being annexed to Woonsocket and the remainder
divided into the present towns of Lincoln, North Smith-
field, and Smithfield. The historical sketches of these
several towns is given under their respective titles.
The town of Smithfield is divided into ten school dis-
tricts, with twelve departments, which are well equipped.
tº New school-houses have been built and old ones repaired,
* as necessity has demanded, and efficient teachers secured
for them.
The town of Smithfield has six churches, as follows:
the Greenville Baptist, the Freewill Baptist, of Georgia-
ville, the St. Thomas' Episcopal, the First Freewill Bap-
tist, of Smithfield, the Central Union, and the St. Philip's
and St. Michael's Catholic.



51
CHAPTER III.
CRANSTON, JOHNSTON, SCITUATE, AND FOSTER.
JAMES A BUDLONG,
The Famous Garden Farmer of Cranston.
THE first settlement within the present limits of the town of
Cranston, was made by the Pawtuxet purchasers, so-called.
In the earliest days of the town of Providence certain lands in-
cluded in the deed to Roger Williams by the Sachems Canonicus
and Miantonomi, were set apart to the “Pawtuxet purchasers.”
These Pawtuxet purchasers were the same as the original inhabi-
tants of the town of Providence, but the rights in the Pawtuxet
purchase were vested in them, their heirs, and assigns, while the
rights in the Providence purchase were to them and their future
associated townsmen. The evident intent of this peculiar division
was to give all the lands on the Pawtuxet River covered by it to
these thirteen men individually. The further details of the troubles
resulting from this purchase, may be found on pages 36 and 37.
The ultimate result of those troubles was the restriction of the
limits of the Pawtuxet purchase to very nearly those of the pres-
ent town of Cranston. In the days of the King Philip War,
every dwelling within its limits was destroyed by Indian depre-
dators. In the case of but one of the dwellings does any defense
appear to have been attempted. This was the Carpenter block-
house, near the present Roger Williams Park, where resistance
was made, and one white man killed, the remainder effecting a
safe retreat. Of the houses standing before the King Philip War,
the Joseph Williams house was burned, leaving only its massive
chimney standing, which was supposed to form the nucleus around
which the later house was built after the war. This house, or
parts of it, remained to the present day, thus leaving this chimney
one of the few relics in this town of colonial building prior to the
King Philip War. Unfortunately this chimney has been demol-
ished during the present year.
After the King Philip War, houses were erected, and the on-
ward career of Cranston from that time seems to have been unin-
terrupted.
Cranston remained, politically, a part of the town of Providence
till it was set off from the same July 14, 1754, having at that time
a population of 1,460, about one-third of the inhabitants of the
then town of Providence. During the Revolutionary War, the
people of Cranston joined heartily with those of Providence in
measures for their mutual protection; the outlying works of de-
fense of the two towns being located on Sassafras and Field's
points, in the limits of the latter. These same works were
improved and enlarged during the war of 1812 for the same pur-
pose. In its general history the town has coincided with the
town and city of Providence for the last seventy years, and has
become so identified with it that the most populous portion of the
town was reannexed to the city in the year 1868. A further por-
tion was reannexed in the year 1873.
One of the first attempts at manufacturing within Providence
Plantations, was a saw-mill erected by William Carpenter, of the
Carpenter block-house, above mentioned, before the King Philip
War. In the seventeenth century, the Cranston iron ore beds
were extensively worked, and from them was derived the mate-
rial which formed many cannon, muskets, swords, and other
weapons used by the patriot forces during the war of the Revo-
lution. Excepting grist-mills, and the above interests, the town
of Cranston was mainly agricultural in its pursuits, till after the
period of the Revolutionary War.
Prior to 1812, cotton yarn was manufactured at Mashapaug,
Pawtuxet, Bellefonte, and Cranston Village, and woolen goods at
other smaller places.
When the cotton manufacture began to assume greater propor-
tions as a business, William Sprague, of Cranston, was one of the
first to enter into it. As it grew he increased the sphere of his
operations.
Upon his death his sons, Amasa and William, inherited and in-
creased the business. Other manufacturers came in to supplement
the needs and fill the numerous wants of the increasing population.
Upon the death of Amasa Sprague, the business of the Spragues
was carried on by William until his death, when after various
changes, it came into the hands of William and Amasa Sprague,
sons of Amasa, who, under the old name of A. & W. Sprague,
carried on the business in Cranston and elsewhere, until the finan-
cial failure of that house as narrated in the history of Providence,
pages 96, 97.
The Cranston Print Works are now owned and operated by
the Cranston Dyeing, Bleaching, and Printing Company.
The Bellefonte Manufacturing Company was established by Wil-
liam and Christopher Rhodes about 1810. Business was carried
on here in 1815 by William Rhodes & Company. At that time
they made both woolen and cotton goods. It is claimed that the
first broadcloth ever made in a factory in America was made at
this place. These works continued for many years. After vari-
ous changes in ownership, the site finally came, about 1871, into
the hands of the present Turkey Red Company, the first to man-
ufacture their peculiar kind of goods in this country.
In 1837, there was a small cotton mill at Elmwille, and before
then a smaller one at Mashapaug. These two passed out of ex-
istence. On the Cranston side of Pawtuxet Falls there were in

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
early days, mills, one of which existed at the time the
Pawtuxet water was introduced into the city, and was
bought up to prevent disputes, and for a short time
was leased by the city. The mill was destroyed by
fire and was never rebuilt.
By an act of the General Assembly in May, 1869,
there was formed a board of state charities and cor-
rections, for the purpose of devising and executing a
better system of caring for the unlawful and the un-
fortunate classes. A farm was purchased in the town
of Cranston, about six miles from Providence, contain-
ing about four hundred and seventeen acres of land, at
a cost of $32,000. The location is well chosen and
the lands are well adapted to farming for the most
part, comprising also extensive and valuable stone
quarries, from which is derived much material for
building upon the farm.
During the year 1870 two wooden buildings were erected for
the insane poor, 163 x 29 feet in size. Since then there has been
erected a house for the violent insane, 182x4o feet in size. In
1885 two more buildings were completed for the incurable insane.
The state work-house was opened July 1, 1869; the state asylum
for the insane was opened Nov. 7, 1870. During the year 1873
a new work-house building, three stories high, was opened.
There is another work-shop two and a half stories high.
Both of these buildings are made of stone taken from the farm
quarries. In 1874 a telegraph line was erected between the state
farm and Providence police station, at a cost of over one thousand
one hundred dollars.
Since the purchase of the state farm there have been constant
improvements, including more or less of building every year.
The buildings now comprise the following departments: the
state prison and county jail, asylum for the insane, almshouse, the
Sockanosset school for boys, and the Oaklawn school for girls.
Some of these departments consist of several separate buildings,
and the most of them are built of stone taken from quarries on
the farm.
The Sockanosset school comprises several fine stone buildings,
where boys, ranging in number from one hundred and fifty to
two hundred, are well cared for under excellent discipline, part
of their time being devoted to labor and part to study.
In 1874 measures were taken for removing the state prison from
the city to the state farm, and buildings were commenced in
furtherance of that purpose, and these buildings were finished in
November, 1878, and in the latter part of the same month a
removal of the inmates to them was successfully accomplished.
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MAJ. THOMAS FENNER HOUSE, CRANSTON.— Built in 1667.
Now owned by Geo. J., Samuel A., and Mary Hazard, of Providence, lineal descendants of the Fenner family.
At Pettaconset, near the state farm, on the Pawtuxet River, is
the dam and pumping station, where water is forced to a reser-
voir on Sockanosset Hill, thence to be distributed throughout the
city of Providence, affording the latter an abundant supply of
Water.
The town of Cranston is divided into ten school districts, all of
which are provided with good school-houses.
Cranston has two churches, the Oak Lawn Baptist and the
Pawtuxet Baptist.
JAMEs A. BUDLONG & SoN, whose place of business in Provi-
dence is located at No. 88 Canal Street, own and cultivate in
Cranston one of the largest vegetable farms in New England. It
contains 470 acres, most of which is arable land devoted to the
raising of such crops as are put annually upon the market. They
also cultivate what is known as the Sprague farm in Cranston.
Messrs. Budlong & Son sprang from a race of gardeners, the
father and grandfather of the senior member of the firm having
followed the business in Cranston.
The premises cultivated by the firm are situated on the Pontiac
road, and there the father began the business in 1850, on a small
scale at first, but now the yearly yield from his acres amounts to
from eighty to one hundred thousand dollars. To give an ap-
proximate estimate of the extent of the business, and proportion-
ate amounts of the principal vegetable crops, the following aver-
age has been obtained for one season: From 184 acres, there were
taken 12,000 pounds of asparagus, 1,200 bushels of beans, 6,586
dozen ears of green corn, 70,000 head of cabbage, 36,000 bunches
of celery, 30,000 heads of lettuce, 4,326 bushels of spinach, 3.563
bushels of green peas, 4,986 bushels of tomatoes,
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º % Ž 1,800 bushels of peppers, 180,000 pounds of summer
º/º squashes, 19,000 bushels of turnips, 28,000 bushels of
cucumbers, and 8,000 melons.
The chief market for this enormous quantity of gar-
den production is in Providence, but a great deal is
also shipped to New York, Boston, Worcester, and
nearer towns. The winter crops, that is, such as are
raised under glass, are mostly sent to New York City
by the most rapid conveyance, where the firm supply
many large hotels with the earliest delicacies of the
season. This is an extensive branch of the business,
and in order to keep pace with the demand the Messrs.
Budlong have 1 12,600 square feet of hot-beds under
glass, in which these crops are started and matured.
Another important department of this business is the
raising and pickling of small cucumbers, hundreds of
º!!--
Iºnuţi,
THE OLD GOV. ARTHUR FENNER HOUSE.
Built about | 662.
barrels of which are prepared and sold every year.
The products of the Budlong farms have attained so

























400
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
A VIEW ON THE PAWTUXET RIVER,
Before the Burning of the Old Mill,
high a reputation that the mention of vegetable food supplies as
being from them is always received as a guarantee that they are
the best obtainable.
The soil on which these crops are raised being naturally no
better than that of adjacent farms, is constantly stimulated and
kept under a high state of cultivation in order to insure this phe-
nomenal yield. For this purpose animal manures are the chief
reliance, though other fertilizers are used to some extent, and the
annual cost of this application is not less than $17,000.
A large force of men and teams is required to plant, tend, and
gather the crops and hurry them to market; and while sixty men
suffice for the unproductive winter months, the number is increased
to 175 persons during the summer. Forty-four horses and seven
yoke of oxen are also employed.
Mr. James A. Budlong is interested in public affairs in his
town, having represented Cranston in the General Assembly,
and he is also president of the town council.
Johnston.
The town of Johnston was set off from Providence, of which
it formerly constituted a part, March 6, 1795. The name was
given in honor of the Hon. Augustus Johnston, who was at the
time attorney-general of the colony.
At the first town-meeting, April 18, 1759, held at the house of
Benjamin Belknap, Thomas Owens was chosen moderator, and
Mr. Owens and Capt. John Waterman were chosen to represent
the town at the next General Assembly at Newport.
Arthur Fenner was the first settler within the present limits
of Johnston. The remains of a house built by him, possibly be-
fore King Philip's War, was standing until within a few months,
and was located in the southern part of the town, within a few
rods of the Cranston line. The chimney belonging to this house
was torn down and its material used in constructing a wall in the
neighborhood in the summer of 1886.
The town of Johnston acted nobly her part in the war of the
Rebellion, sending freely of her sons and of her money to carry
on the great contest. The first meeting-house in the town was
built by lottery. A town house for holding town-meetings was
built in 1843, prior to which such meetings were held at private
residences. The southeast part of the town adjoining the city of
Providence, has grown very rapidly in the past few years and has
become essentially a part of the city.
In the early part of the present century there were four pros-
perous cotton manufactories in the town of Johnston, where now
there are but two, the Union Mill located on the Hart-
ford pike, built in 1808, and the Merino Mill in the village
of Olneyville, built by John Waterman in 1812. The
latter was operated for two years as a woolen mill, then
changed to cotton.
The Hughsdale Chemical Works, aboutfour miles from
Providence, are also in the town of Johnston, and were
established by Thomas Hughs in 185c. In 1871 a com-
pany was incorporated with Thomas H. Hughs, presi-
dent; Thomas F. Hughs, treasurer, and William H.
Hughs, secretary. A post-office was established here in
1876 and the Hughsdale Congregational Society in 1877,
with the Rev. Dr. Taylor as pastor.
Little attention was given to education prior to 1828,
when the first school in the town was established, and
since which the town has taken a commendable interest in
school matters. The town is divided into fifteen school
districts and has several fine school buildings. In 1840
the appropriation for schools was $350, and in 1885 it
was $11,535.97. In recent years the town has rapidly
grown in wealth, and in that portion lying nearest the
city residences and business structures have greatly increased in
numbers.
ScITUATE.
Scituate was set off from the town of Providence as a dis.
tinct township in 1731, and Stephen Hopkins, then twenty-three
years of age, was chosen first moderator.
According to tradition, John Mathewson was the first white
man to settle in what is now Scituate. He located and built a
hut near the Moswansicut Pond, in the northeastern part of the
town. His son John was the direct ancestor of the late Hon.
Elisha Mathewson, Senator in Congress from 1807 to 1811.
Among the early settlers of what is now Scituate were several
families whose names have since become distinguished in the his-
tory of the town and the state, and some of whom have gained an
honorable national reputation. Among those who became prom-
inent in the early political history of the town is Mr. Joseph Wil-
kinson, son of Capt. Samuel Wilkinson, of Providence, who took
up his abode there in the year 1703, and played an important part
in the early history of the town.
Mr. James Aldrich, who removed from Smithfield to Scituate
in the year 1775, also became a prominent citizen, and for nine-
A VIEW ON THE WOONASQUATUCKET, NEAR MERINO WILLAGE.


THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 40 I
teen consecutive terms represented the town of his adop-
tion in the General Assembly.
William Hopkins married a daughter of Capt. Samuel
Wilkinson and came to the town of Scituate to live about
1765. He is specially remembered on account of his two
sons, Esek and Stephen, who gained national distinction
in the Revolutionary period. Esek Hopkins was the
first commodore of the United States Navy. Stephen
Hopkins, the elder of these, born March 7, 1707, after
much experience in local office in the town of Scituate,
removed to Providence and became governor of the state.
He was a party to the “Ward–Hopkins controversy,”
which for many years was the prevailing element of politi-
cal life in the colony. At a later date he was chosen
delegate to the Continental Congress and was one of the
signers of the Declaration of Independence. He was an
influential adviser throughout the Revolutionary War and
until the time of his death in 1785.
John Halet, Lieutenant-Governor West, and Simeon
C. Arnold, were also noted citizens in the early history
of the town. -
Four companies were chartered in Scituate, on Dec. 5, 1774.
Another company was formed in April, 1775. Scituate was also
called upon to aid in the preparation of the defenses of Provi-
dence when threatened by the British forces in the war of
1812.
Among the ancient landmarks worthy of mention was the “Old
Angell Tavern,” which was located where is now the village of
Richmond, and destroyed a century or more ago.
In the second story it had a large hall, where town-meetings
were held for many years. Several eminent men are said to have
lodged here in the Revolutionary period, including General Wash-
ington, General Lafayette, and Benjamin Franklin. The eminent
James B. Angell, D. D., president of Michigan University, is a
descendant of the family whence this old tavern has its name.
There are two considerable villages in the town of Scituate,
— North Scituate, located in the northeast corner of the town-
ship near Moswansicut Pond, and Hope, near the southeast
corner of the town.
North Scituate is a place of considerable enterprise. Within
it are the Scituate Manufacturing Company's mills, a national
bank, a well-kept hotel, a fine and well-kept livery, stores, and
other enterprises.
Hope Village is at the terminus of the Pawtuxet Valley rail-
road, and was noted in its early history for the manufacture of
cannon for use in the Revolutionary War.
Bar iron and nails were also made here in early days, from ore
secured from the Cranston ore beds. Here is located the Hope
Company’s manufactory, which is doing a prosperous business.
In 1874 this company built a church for the use of its employés,
at a cost of $15,000, which is now occupied by the Methodist
denomination. -
Scituate has been favored with a line of distinguished physi-
cians, beginning with Dr. Ephraim Bowen, who had an extensive
practice in Scituate and adjacent towns. Dr. Benjamin Slack
came from Massachusetts about 1750. He was followed by Dr.
John Barden, Dr. John Wilkinson, and Dr. Caleb Fisk. Dr.
Fisk was one of the original members of the Rhode Island Medical
Society, and at his death left a fund known as the “Fisk fund,”
for awarding prize essays on medical science to be given before
the society.
The Citizens Union Bank was organized in Scituate in 1832.
This bank has been a great aid to the business enterprises of the
town. In 1865 it was organized into the National Bank of
Scituate.
Lapham Institute.
LAKE MOSWANSICUT, NORTH SCITUATE.
On the night of March 25, 1868, this bank was robbed of $12,000
cash, and valuable papers, by burglars who compelled the cashier
to open the safe. The papers were returned by express, directed
to the registrar of deeds, in Providence, but the thieves were
never apprehended.
In the early history of the town little attention was given to
education.
At length, however, schools began to be taught in private
In 1834 the town appropriated $300 for school pur-
poses. From this time onward the town took a deep interest in
education. In 1839 Scituate appropriated $1,472, which was
more than was appropriated by any other town in Providence
County, except the towns of Smithfield and Cumberland, and
more than by any other town in the state, except these two and
the town of Bristol. To-day her schools rank among the best
country schools in the state.
For many years the town was greatly favored by a school of
high standing, located in the village of North Scituate, and
known formerly by the name of Smithfield Seminary, and later as
The institution comprised three buildings.
It was founded by the Free Baptists in 1839, at a cost of about
thirty thousand dollars. The school was successfully taught and
managed by the Rev. Hosea Quimby until 1850, when the society
controlling the property became heavily involved and sold the
entire property of the institution to Mr. Quimby, who conducted
the school as a private enterprise for four years. It was then
managed for a period by Samuel S. Coburn, and later by the Rev.
W. Colgrove. From 1860 to 1863 the institution was closed. In
the latter year it was again opened under the principalship of the
Rev. B. F. Hayes, when the Hon. Benedict Lapham and others
assumed the financial responsibility of its maintenance. It then
assumed the name of Lapham Institute. It was subsequently
taught by Profs. Thomas L. Angell, George H. Ricker, A. G.
Moulton, and W. S. Stockbridge.
Among the distinguished graduates of this institution are Prof.
James B. Angell, of Michigan University, and Prof. Thomas L.
Angell, of Bates College. It has lately ceased to exist as an edu-
cational institution.
Manufacturing industry is well represented in the town of
Scituate. Several mills were established here early in the
century. The Richmond Mill was erected in 1812. After being
operated by several different parties it was burnt in 1877, and
rebuilt the same year.
Cotton mills were also erected at Rockland, about 1812. The
houses.
Red Mill at Rockland was erected about 1814.

402
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
The Wilbur Turning Works were erected by Samuel Wilbur
in 1818.
The first cotton mill in Ponagansett, in this town, was erected
in 1826. It was burned in 1852 and rebuilt in 1854. These mills
are all in successful operation by the original or the present pro-
prietors.
In the early history of the town forging was carried on at Pona-
gansett, iron ore being secured from Cranston. -
About the year 1826 Daniel Fiske also erected buildings, and .
carried on the manufactory of axes, scythes, spindles, etc., at
South Scituate. He continued business till 1855, when he sold
to A. D. Steere, who has since manufactured shoe and corset
lacings. - -
The Scituate Manufacturing Company was incorporated Janu-
ary, 1834, and operates two mills, one located at North Scituate,
the other at Ashton. -
In 1837 a mill was built at Clayville by Josiah Whitaker, which
was used as a comb shop for about ten years.
Rubber shoes were then manufactured here until about 1853,
when it was converted into a cotton mill.
The Elmdale Mill was erected about 1840 by Asel Harris.
There are several other minor manufacturing enterprises in the
to Wn. .
The town of Scituate has six churches, as follows: the Hope
Methodist Episcopal, the First Free Baptist, of North Scituate,
the Tabernacle Six-Principle Baptist, of Scituate, the South
Scituate Six-Principle Baptist, the First Rockland Christian, and
the Advent, North Scituate.
Fost ER.
Foster lies directly west of Scituate, from which it was set
off as a separate township in 1781. According to tradition
Ezekiel Hopkins has the credit of making the first settlement
within the limits of the town, which appears to have been about
the year 1717. The descendants of Hopkins are still quite numer-
ous in the town. The town derives its name from the Hon.
Theodore Foster, who was United States Senator from I790 to
1803. He presented the town with a library which was the first
free library, in the modern sense of the word, in the state. Some
of the books are still preserved. -
The population of the township has diminished considerably in
the past sixty years, during the first half of this period, owing
largely to removals instigated by the manufacturing industries of
neighboring towns, especially Glocester and Burrillville. During
the last half of this period the removals have been mostly to Provi-
dence and other larger places.
In 1782 the population of the town was 1,763, in 1820 it was
2,900, in 1885 it was only 1,397. Foster is chiefly an agricul-
tural town. Good water-power is afforded by the Posnegansett
and Moosup rivers, but has not yet been utilized to any great
extent. Considerable timber land is found in the west portion of
the town. The town is, in general, rough and stony, yet it com-
prises some excellent farms.
The town of Foster has produced many prominent business and
professional men, many who have become well known through-
out the state and some of whom have gained an honorable national
reputation, among them may be named Hon. Nelson W. Aldrich,
United States Senator at the present time. The town has been
twice represented in the faculty of Brown University,” and has
furnished members of the board of trade and city council of
Providence. It is also the place of nativity of many of its bank
officers and prominent merchants, and of the leading professions.
Among the most learned and prominent men in the early his-
tory of the town were Senator Theodore Foster and Dr. Drown.
From their early college days, these two friends resolved, that
circumstances permitting, they would live side by side in the
country. They graduated from Brown University,+ Foster in
1770, and Drown in 1773. Separated by circumstances, Foster
adopted the law as a profession and became United States Senator.
Drown adopted medicine and was led by his profession widely
apart from his early friend. They came together in the year 18oo
and carried out the dream of their youth by settling in the town
of Foster in the neighborhood which they named Hygeia.
Their settlement here proved a great advantage to the town.
It was largely through the influence of Mr. Foster that a turn-
pike was built from Providence to Hartford. A bank and a cir-
culating library were established, and various other devices were
inaugurated for the public good.
Dr. Drown took up his residence at Mount Hygeia in 1801,
and Senator Foster in 1803. Here they lived side by side for
twenty years. Mr. Foster left Mount Hygeia and made his
home in Providence in 182O, where he died in 1828. He left
an extensive collection of manuscript, largely historical, which
formed the collection known as the Foster papers in the cabinet
of the Rhode Island Historical Society, and are at present in the
process of arrangement and indexing, whereby their store of his-
torical matter will become available.
Dr. Drown became more and more attached to his country
seat which he made his home until his death in 1834, though he
devoted a portion of his time each year to his professional duties
in Brown University. He also left considerable manuscript
which is in the hands of his descendants. - .
The town of Foster has four post-offices,— Foster Centre,
North Foster, South Foster, and Moosup Valley. Foster Centre
is at Hemlock Village, the largest in the town. The Foster-Man-
ton Library is located here.
Hopkins Mills is the second village in size, where the South
Foster Post-Office is kept.
The Mount Vernon Post-Office has taken the name of Moosup
Valley, and been removed to Tylerville.
The town of Foster has three churches, as follows: the Free-
will Baptist, the Foster Centre Christian, and the Moosup Val-
ley Christian.
* Prof. James B. Angell, D.D., now president of Michigan University, and formerly pro-
fessor in Brown University, also Prof. Alonzo Williams, of Brown University, are both
natives of the town of Foster.
CHAPTER IV.
BRISTOL COUNTY – BRISTOL, WARREN, BARRINGTON.
REV. THOMAS SHEPARD, D. D.,
Pastor of the Congregational Church for Thirty Years.
BRIstol.
It has been a favorite dream of poetical and historical students
for the last fifty years, that Mount Hope Bay and the shores of Sea-
connet River, including Newport and Bristol counties, were
settled sometime in the tenth or eleventh century of the Christian
era by Norsemen coming from the island of Iceland.
This theory is based, firstly, upon a study of the Norse sagas
which indicate that the Norsemen sailed to and located upon a
region to the southwest of Cape Cod, which they call Vine-
land; and secondly, upon the existence of the hieroglyphics upon
the Dighton Rock, located on the east side of the Taunton River,
the rude marks of which imagination has converted into Runic
inscriptions, and other rocks with inscriptions of similar nature,
but less extensive, found in Tiverton, Little Compton, and Bristol.
Whilst the investigations with regard to the marks on these
rocks will not at present justify the statement that they may not
be of Norse origin with later additions by other hands, as the
question stands at present, it is far from justifiable to draw the
conclusion that they are of such origin. In addition to these
facts it has been claimed that the old stone mill of Newport was
also of Norse origin. But the developments of the studies of the
present generation, seem to show, that this mill was erected by
Gov. Benedict Arnold. The earliest references which we possess
to this county, show that Sowamsett, the Indian name of the
peninsula which it forms, was the favorite abiding place of Mas-
sasoit, chief of the Wampanoags, one of whose head-quarters was
at the Massasoit Spring, so-called, in the present town of War-
ren. This locality was known to the Indians as Sowams.
His son Philip maintained his head-quarters at Montaup, now
known as Mount Hope, in the town of Bristol. Sowams and
Montaup were early claimed by the colony of Plymouth, as “the
garden of their patent and the flour of their garden.” And
when William Coddington and other Antinomian refugees from
Boston desired to settle there, objection was made to it, and for
the sake of peace they chose, instead, the island of Aquidneck
(Rhode Island). The first lodgment of the whites in this district
was a trading settlement at Massasoit Springs, now in Baker
Street, between South Water Street and the river, in Warren.
This was before the settlement of Providence by Roger Williams.
While Roger Williams was in England in 1643, the territory
of Mount Hope, comprising some four thousand acres, was
erected into a barony and provision made for a settlement.
This included the present town of Bristol. This barony seems
afterward to have been surrendered, and no actual settle-
ment in the town of Bristol was made till shortly after King
Philip's War. The first town-meeting held in the town was on
Sept. 1, 1681, when it was voted that the town should be called
Bristol. During the first two years of the settlement eighteen
dwelling-houses were constructed. The timber for these buildings
was cut and hewed on the spot, and the chimneys were built with
huge bases in the old-fashioned style, the buildings being two
stories high with a sloping roof in the rear. Bristol and Bristol
County remained a portion of the colony of Massachusetts until the
adjustment of the line between Rhode Island and Massachusetts in
1746–47, when by that adjustment, Bristol County, the towns of
Tiverton, Little Compton, and Cumberland were annexed to
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Judge Byfield was chosen moderator of the first town-meeting
in 1681, and Jabez Howland clerk. Provision was made for a
house for the minister, and at the same time a pair of stocks and
a whipping-post were ordered to be built. A school was estab-
lished the same year, and the Rev. Benjamin Woodbury was en-
gaged as minister, with a salary of £40 with the use of a house
and fuel. The first birth recorded was that of Nathaniel, son of
Richard and Joyce Smith, May 17, 1681.
The first marriage recorded in the town is that of William
Corbet and Elener Batron, Sept. 19, 1683, Captain Church offi-
ciating. The first record of death is Jan. 14, 1680.
In 1683 wild beasts had become very troublesome, particularly
wolves, and the town made provision for the building of wolf.
pits as a means of capturing them. Some features of the code of
by-laws in the town sound novel to us. For example, it was pro-
vided that a person should be fined 1s. for profanity, 2s. for get-
ting drunk, 2s. for leaving church before it closed, 2s. for leaving
town-meeting before it was dismissed, 5s. for cutting trees or
timber from the country roads or common, etc.
The first meeting-house was erected in 1684 near the site of
the present court-house. In the year 1728 St. Michael’s Church
was built, in the steeple of which was placed a bell of 7oo pounds
weight.
The first wharf in town was built by Nathaniel Bosworth
about 1722 and is now owned by the Providence & Bristol Rail-
road Company, and located at the foot of Oliver Street.

4O4
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
- º
º º
º º
In the year 17oo there were sixty-two houses in the town,
which were occupied by seventy-one families, with a population
of 375, exclusive of negroes and Indians. Twenty years later
the population of the town was about five hundred.
In 1790, when the first census was taken by authority of the
national government, the population was 1,406, besides 148
blacks and Indians. In 1885 it was 5,737. The colored popula-
tion was greatest in 1860 when it reached 234.
Prior to the year 1800 Bristol was engaged solely in commerce,
agriculture, and fishing. In 1690, ten years after the settlement
of the town, fifteen vessels were owned in town and engaged in
foreign commerce, and the number gradually increased up to 1770,
when fifty different vessels were owned and manned at this port.
Large quantities of onions and carrots have been raised in Bristol
and exported, even down to the present time.
At the time of the breaking out of the Revolutionary War.
Bristol was a town of considerable importance. Her commerce
was widely known, and much respected abroad. The town suf-
fered much during the war.
It was bombarded by the British on the morning of Oct. 7,
1775, but no person was killed, and very little damage was done
to the town, though it was shelled by a fleet of ten vessels for
about two hours. The town suffered more severely on the 25th
of May, 1778, when the British entered it, and burned sixteen
dwelling-houses and St. Michael's Church.
The town continued to suffer from the threatening attitude of
the British troops at Newport during nearly the whole period of
their stay, and at the close of the war she was much crippled. For
several years there was a cessation of public worship, the schools
were closed, and commerce was mostly at a stand-still. General
Lafayette made his
head-quarters in
Bristol in 1778 in a
house on the road to
War ren, lately
owned by Joseph
Reynolds. The
room which he occu-
pied is still pointed
out to those visiting
the house. After
the close of the war
the people of Bris-
tol rebuilt the town,
and commerce soon
revived. The Epis-
copal Church was
rebuilt. The
ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH, BRISTOL, also
A VIEW OF BRISTOL FROM THE HARBOR.
Congregational Society built in 1784, and St. Michael’s Church
was rebuilt on the site of the old church in 1787.
A post-office was established at Bristol, and the town was made
a port of entry about 1780. In the year 1800 the population of
Bristol had reached 1,678, and its commerce was in a wholesome
State.
In 1804 the ship “Juno’ arrived from Canton, laden with a
cargo of teas, silks, etc., valued at about $80,000. Duties were
paid on this cargo amounting to $26,124.
Bristol is said to have been at the zenith of her commercial
prosperity and wealth at the time of the breaking out of the war
with Great Britain in 1812.
Bristol sent out several privateers during that war, which were
very successful, the “Yankee” being phenomenally so. She
made six cruises in all. In the space of nine weeks in the winter
of 1812, she sent in eight prizes, valued at $391,500, including
$45,000 in gold dust. One prize taken in her first cruise of three
months netted over $200,000. The “Yankee” was in service
less than three years, and captured British property amounting to
almost a million of pounds.
In the year 1817, Bristol was visited by President Monroe,
who came from Newport by the “Fire Fly,” the first steamer
that ever entered the harbor. This steamer marked an important
epoch in steam navigation.
From 1825 to 1845 or 185o the whale fishery was carried on to
a considerable extent by ships from Bristol. At one time thirty-
four vessels were engaged in this business. It was wholly aban-
doned by the year 1850. The West India trade continued to be
carried on quite extensively up to 1865, since which it has almost
wholly ceased. -
In 1857 Bristol was con-
nected with Providence by
rail, and in 1867 a line of
steamers was established
between Bristol and New
York. Two fine steamers,
the “Bristol’’ and the
“Providence,” were built
expressly for this line and
run by it until transferred
to the Fall River line in
1869.
Bristol has been engaged
in various manufacturing
industries during nearly
the whole period of its
history. The earliest
manufactory of which we
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.




THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
have any record was the making of malt liquors in 1681
by John Cary.
This was followed by various other manufactories
of malt liquors and rum, down to 1830, when this line
of business wholly ceased. Several grist-mills have
been operated in the town, some operated by tidal
dams and some by wind-power. The oldest of which
we find record was built by Joseph Reynolds, some
time prior to the year 17oo, on Bristol Neck. After
some twenty years it was removed further south,
where it still stands, now being used for grinding
corn. This is now the only grist-mill in town and
is owned by a direct descendant of the original pro-
prietor.
Ship-building occupied prominent place among the
industries of Bristol for a long period. It had its be-
ginning in the early history of the town. Two vessels
were built in 1696 for the coasting and foreign trade.
The business had its greatest prosperity from 1830 to
1850. During a period of twenty-six years some sixty
vessels were built and rigged here. The business
which had declined in 1856 has been lately materially
increased by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company,
in the building of steam yachts.
The National Rubber Works, located at Bristol, is one of the
largest concerns of the kind in the country, where rubber goods
of all kinds, but especially shoes and boots, are made on a large
scale. Some twelve hundred hands are employed constantly.
The Namguit Steam Cotton Mill was erected in 1836, burnt in
1843, and rebuilt the same year. In 1863 it was purchased by
George N. Richmond & Sons, of Providence.
The Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, for building sailing
crafts, was established in 1863. For ten years schooners and
sloops only were built.
In 1873 the character of the business changed from sailing
crafts to that of steamers. Nearly all the vessels built by this
company are noted for their speed. The company still continue
building the staunch, swift vessels for which they have obtained
a national reputation.
º
| ||
RESIDENCE OF DR. L. W. BRIGGS. +
*DR. LEMUEL W. BRIGGs is a native of Bristol. He was a student in the Bristol Acad-
emy and in Harvard Medical College, finally graduating from the Medical College of Cas-
tleton, Vt., in 1834. Immediately after his graduation he associated in the practice of his
profession with Dr. Joseph Clark, at Middleborough, Mass., under the name of Clark &
Briggs, where he remained until the death of his father, who was also a physician, in Bris-
tol, called him back to his native town. At the solicitation of the many friends of the
family, Dr. Briggs consented to locate in Bristol, and so doing succeeded to the practice of
his father. The doctor has a fine residence at the corner of State and High streets, built in
1849.
|
ºulºu.
|| ||
| º
*iſmiſſillº Cº.
Hicº
"lillº.
RESIDENCE OF CAPT. JOHN COLLINS,
A sugar refinery was established in 1849 by C. R. Diman &
Company, and has had various changes in ownership.
Gas was first manufactured in Bristol in 1855.
The Bristol Train of Artillery was organized in 1793, and a
charter was granted them the following year by the General
Assembly, by which they were placed, when in active service,
under the command of the governor of the state only. In 1797 the
company received from the state two brass cannon, said to have
been captured from the British at the surrender of Burgoyne.
At an early date the town passed a law that every house should
be provided with a leather bucket, to be kept in a convenient
place, and to be used only in case of fire. The law was strictly
enforced until 1840, and in many of the older houses the leather
bucket may still be found. The town purchased its first fire-
engine in 1784; others were purchased in 1800. A hook and
ladder company was formed in the year 1800, which is still in
existence. These appliances were used until about 1866, when a
steam fire-engine took their place.
The Rogers Free Library, of Bristol, was founded in 1877, by
Mrs. M. DeWolf Rogers, widow of the late Robert Rogers, at
a cost of about twenty thousand dollars. As such a gift to the
town was found to be in accordance with Mr. Rogers purpose,
as indicated on certain papers found among his effects after his
decease, his widow heartily approved of his plan, and carried it
into effect. She also presented the town with his private library,
valued at some three thousand dollars, including many choice
works. The library building is two stories, the upper floor
affording rooms for the Young Men's Christian Association in
addition to the free library and reading-room. The lower floor
is rented to two banking institutions, and the income thus derived
used to sustain and enlarge the library.
All the prominent religious denominations are represented by
flourishing churches in Bristol.
The Young Men's Christain Association, of Bristol, numbers
some two hundred members, has a fine library, and is active, and
a great force for good in the town. It was organized in 1863.
A home for destitute children was organized in 1866, which has
been well maintained, and in its early history was especially and
liberally aided by Mr. Robert Rogers and Mr. Elisha Hathaway.
Bristol early manifested a deep interest in education. At the
fourth town-meeting held in the town, it was voted: “That each
person that hath children in town ready to go to school, shall pay





52
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
N N N
§
§
N
§
N
N
N
COL CHARLES. A. GREENE,
Editor and Publisher of the Bristol Phoenix,
three pence the week for each child’s schooling, to a school-master,
and the town by rate, according to each ratable estate, shall make
the wages amount to twenty-four pounds the year.” This inter-
est has continued through the entire history of the town, and
Bristol has to-day an excellent school system.
In Bristol has recently been erected the Burnside Memorial ,
Hall, an elegant building in point of architecture, and built for
the uses of the town as well as in memoriam of its late honored
citizen, the distinguished Senator, governor, and general, Ambrose
E. Burnside, the record of whose career will always form an
essential part of that of the state.
CHARLEs A. GREENE, editor and publisher of the Bristol
Phaemix, was born in Natick, R. I., Dec. 8, 1823, and is the only
son of the late Thomas R. and Phebe F. Greene.
In 1829 his parents removed to East Greenwich and resided
there some seven or eight years. His education was such as the
private schools of that town afforded at that time. He entered
the office of the Bristol Phaemix as an apprentice to the printing
business in July, 1839, under the tuition of the late Hon. Wil-
liam H. S. Bayley, who established the Phaemix in Bristol in
1837. He subsequently worked as compositor for several years
in Providence and New York. After the death of Mr. Bayley,
which occurred in 1862, Mr. Greene purchased the Phaenix es-
tablishment of the administrator of Mr. Bayley’s estate and has
conducted the paper since that time. He was clerk of the Su-
preme Court, and clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for Bris-
tol County, from June, 1865, to June, 1868; member of the
General Assembly from 1873 to 1875; sheriff of Bristol County
from April 16, 1875, to June, 1877; member of the town
council from April, 1879, to April, 1881, and president of the
council during his last year of service. He commanded the Bris-
tol Train of Artillery from April, 1855, to April, 1857, and from
April, 1872, to November, 1877. Mr. Greene was the first presi-
dent of the Rhode Island Press Association, serving in that capac-
ity something over two years. He was worthy master of St. Al-
ban's Lodge, No. 6, of A. F. and A. Masons, for five consecu-
tive years, from December, 1858, to December, 1863. Was trial
justice of the peace for ten years prior to 1866, and has held vari-
ous other minor offices in the town of Bristol.
Otis MUNRo, general grocery and provision dealer, corner
of Thames and State streets, Bristol, has now been established
at that location since 1857, and has had a longer business life
than any store-keeper now in Bristol. Some of those who traded
with him the first day he opened are still his customers, prac-
tical proof of the honorable manner in which he has always
dealt with his patrons. In addition to his grocery trade, he was
for a time engaged in the commission and real estate business.
He has filled several public positions; was unanimously elected
to the common council in 1881, is a member of the school com-
mittee, and a director of the National Eagle Bank.
THOMAs T. ALLAN.— The leading dry goods store in Bristol
is that of Mr. Thomas T. Allan, situated on Hope Street, near
the Rogers Public Library, and known as the Boston Store.
Mr. Allan commenced business March 13, 1873, and has suc-
ceeded in establishing a prosperous trade. His stock consists of
a very complete line of dry goods, small wares, fancy articles,
etc., and is as large and varied as the wants of his patrons re-
quire.
J. H. YoUNG & CoMPANY. — The drug store now carried on
by Messrs. J. H. Young & Company, at the corner of Hope and
Bradford streets, was established by Mr. Hugh N. Gifford in
1850. Mr. Gifford was appointed by the state as agent for the
sale of liquors in the town of Bristol, and put in a stock of drugs
and medicines as an adjunct of the business. He was succeeded
in the drug business by Mr. N. C. Bedell, who in 1879 sold out to
the present proprietors, one of whom, Mr. Young, had been his
clerk. Mr. Young's partner, Capt. John Collins, is a native
of Portland, Me., and at the age of twenty-one was a sea captain.
He settled in Bristol in 1875, and a year or two afterwards was
appointed collector of the port by President Hayes, which posi-
tion he still holds. Mr. Young is a native of Long Island, N.Y.,
and learned the business of a pharmaceutist in a large drug store
near Brooklyn. The firm keeps a large stock of articles usually
found in a drug store, also blank books and stationery. They
have built up a prosperous business, and now enjoy their full
share of public patronage.
RESIDENCE OF COL, CHARLES A GREENE.


THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
407
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THE ROGERS FREE LIBRARY BUILDING,
In which are Located the Banking Institutions of the Town,
THE NATIONAL EAGLE BANK, of Bristol, was originally a
state bank, and incorporated as such in 1818, under the title of
the Eagle Bank. In 1865 it was changed into a national bank,
but still retained its old title. The office of the bank was
originally located on the second floor of the building at the cor-
ner of Hope and Bradford streets. It was afterwards moved to
the William DeWolf building, where it remained until 1877,
when it was again removed to the Rogers Library building, its
present location. This bank has a capital of $50,000, deposits
THE OLDEST HOUSE IN BRISTOL.
of $237,724, and a surplus and undivided profits of $49,424. The
officers are: Samuel P. Colt, president; Stephen T. Church,
vice-president; J. G. Watson, cashier; directors, Samuel P. Colt,
Stephen T. Church, William H. Munro, Alfred Luther, Charles
F. Herreshoff, Otis Munro, and J. G. Watson. The annual meet-
ing is held in January. Dividends are payable in Jan-
uary and July.
THE BRIstol County SAVINGs BANK was chartered
in 1876. The officers are: president, William H.
Spooner; vice-presidents, Henry Goff, Augustus O.
Bourn, John G. Watson; treasurer, P. Skinner, Jr.;
trustees, Stephen T. Church, John B. Herreshoff. F. A.
Easterbrooks, George H. Farrington, John B. Pearse,
C. H. R. Doringh, Samuel P. Colt, Isaac F. Williams,
Ezra Dixon, Thomas G. Holmes. The organization
has had few changes since its formation, the principal
officers remaining the same. Theodore P. Bogert and
John Turner, original charter members, who were
prominent citizens of Bristol, are dead. The deposits in
this bank amount to $325,000. Deposits are received
as low as five cents. Interest computed from the day of
deposit; dividends are payable in the months of March
and September. The annual meeting is held in June.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK, of Bristol, was for-
merly known as Freeman's Bank. It was incorporated
º-
as a national bank in 1865. It has a capital of $75,000, a surplus
of $25,000, and deposits of $51,450. Its first president after in-
corporation as a national bank, was Samuel W. Church; its
second president, James Lawless. William T. C. Wardwell,
who now fills that position, being the third president. Its first
cashier was Martin Bennett, a position which he held for twenty-
one years, a fact highly complimentary to his efficiency and
integrity. The other officers of the bank now are: Samuel P.
Colt, vice-president; H. W. Church, cashier; C. H. Manchester,
assistant cashier; directors, W. T. C. Wardwell, James Law-
less, Nehemiah Cole, George Tilley, Martin Bennett, Samuel P.
Colt, John G. Watson, J. Howard Manchester, and William
FORMER RESIDENCE OF GEN. A. E. BURNSIDE, EDGEHILL.
H. Spooner. Dividends are paid in January and July, and the
annual meeting for the election of officers is held in January.
THE BRistol. INSTITUTION For SAVINGs was incorporated
in 1841. Its banking office is in the Rogers Library building on
Hope Street. It was originally and for many years located on
State Street opposite the Bristol Hotel. Its first president was
William B. Spooner, its second, Samuel W. Church, and its third,
William R. Taylor. Its first treasurer was Lemuel C. Rich-
mond ; second, Martin Bennett; third, Hezekiah W. Church. The
present officers are: president, William R. Taylor, (a trustee
since the organization of the bank, and the only survivor of the
first board of trustees); vice-presidents, Nehemiah Cole, M. T.
Bennett; treasurer, Hezekiah W. Church; trustees, Nehemiah
Cole, Martin Bennett, Otis Munro, Samuel M. Lindsay, William
R. Taylor, James A. Miller, James Lawless, M. T. Bennett,
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THE BURNSIDE MEMORIAL BUILDING



















408
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
º
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W.
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RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM T. C. WARDWELL,
LeBaron B. Colt, E. F. Carrigan, James T. Freeborn, John Col-
lins, George W. Easterbrooks, James Hoar, and H. W. Church.
The deposits in this institution amount to $523,494. Discounts
are made on Tuesday and the annual election is held on the first
Monday in December. Dividends are paid June 15 and December
15, and the officers are able to point to the fact that the bank has
never yet passed a dividend.
J. HowARD MANCHESTER began business at No. 1 Bradford
Street, in 1862, and still continues at that location. His stock con-
sists of hardware, stoves, ranges, pumps, lead pipe, and tinware.
He is sole agent in Bristol for Spicers & Peckham's stoves and
ranges, and does general tin and sheet iron work, roofing, steam
and gas fitting, etc., and makes a specialty of gas piping. In
addition to these various lines of business, he is also a dealer in
agricultural implements and builders' hardware of every descrip-
tion. To accommodate this extensive stock, Mr. Manchester
occupies two stores in a building which he owns, the dimensions
of which are 45 x 50 feet. His trade has constantly increased
since its establishment, and is now very extensive. Mr. Man-
RESIDENCE OF S. P. Col T, ESQ.
chester is secretary, treasurer, and superintendent of the Bristol
Gas Light Company and also of the Willimantic Gas Light
Company, of Willimantic, Conn., and is a director of the First
National Bank of Bristol, and a member of the town council.
He holds considerable real estate in Bristol, and is one of her
enterprising citizens.
DAVID A. PIERCE – For upwards of a third of a century Mr.
David A. Pierce has been nearly all the time engaged as a mer-
chant in Bristol. His place of business is now located at No. 37
State Street where he is engaged in the clothing business. Mr.
Pierce always carries a large stock of ready-made clothing of the
best grades, and in addition a large line of hats, caps, trunks,
umbrellas, and gentlemen's furnishing goods are kept in stock.
The business of merchant tailoring was formerly carried on by
Mr. Pierce, but since the manufacture of ready-made clothing has
reached so high a state of perfection, this line has become the
principal part of his business. Mr. Pierce has robed a great many
of the citizens of Bristol, both past and present, and during his
long business experience has won and retained the confidence and
esteem of his fellow-townsmen.
WILLIAM H. BELL.- One of the largest and best stocked fur-
niture stores in the state, outside of Providence, is that of Mr.
William H. Bell, located at Nos. 166 to 17o Hope Street, Bris-
VIEW ON HIGH STREET.
tol. The business was established by its present proprietor at
No. 137 Bradford Street, where it developed a prosperous trade.
In 1879 the demands of the business for greater accommodation
caused Mr. Bell to erect the large three-story building he now
occupies. It is built of Philadelphia pressed brick, is 50 x 70
feet in dimensions, and wholly occupied by its owner for his busi-
ness. Mr. Bell was the first to successfully establish a first-class
furniture store in Bristol, many attempts having previously been
made to do so. The secret of his success may be attributed to
the fact that he had a thorough practical knowledge of the busi-
ness, having served an apprenticeship to the cabinet-making busi-
ness. His stock embraces furniture, carpets, crockery, and
house-furnishing goods generally, of which he carries a stock of
from seven thousand to twelve thousand dollars’ worth. This
enterprising Bristol merchant was born in Pawtucket, but re-
moved with his parents to Bristol at an early age, and has always
identified himself with the business interests of that town.
W. F. PAULL.-Among the earlier prominent business men
and extensive land owners of Bristol was Mr. William Paull, in
his time sheriff of his county, long a member of the town council,
and an incumbent of other offices of public trust.
Mr. W. F. Paull, the oldest son of William Paull, has been



THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
actively engaged in business since 1862, first in a partner-
ship with his brother, Augustus R., in the produce line,
on Water Street, subsequently with occasional change
of location, as increasing business demanded. Mr. Paull
established his present business, a grocery and market,
at the corner of Hope and Franklin streets, in 1883, and
has since continued it successfully.
He has been identified with temperance movements,
and enjoys the esteem of his fellow-citizens.
CHARLEs A. Johnson.-One of the finest fitted-up A
market and grocery stores in Bristol is that of Charles |
A. Johnson, situated at the corner of Hope and Franklin
streets. It is supplied with every convenience necessary
for the proper carrying on of the business, including spa-
cious meatrefrigerators and one of the celebrated Whitman ºf
butter coolers. Mr. Johnson established the business at |
his present location in 1871, and has since successfully
continued it. His stock of goods is always fresh, of the
best quality, and displayed in neat and attractive style.
That his customers are fairly and courteously dealt with
by him may be inferred from the extent to which his
business has grown and its present prosperous condition.
a native of Bristol and has always resided there.
THoMPson BROTHERs.-Among the prominent business houses
of Bristol is that of the firm of Thompson Brothers, grocers,
grain and provision dealers, located at the corner of High and
Church streets. The gentlemen composing the firm are William
J. S. Thompson and Henry M. Thompson. Their business was
established in 1879 and since has been successfully conducted.
Their stock comprises general groceries, provisions, and grain.
The proprietors give close personal atttention to every detail of
their business, and see that the wants of their customers are
promptly attended to. They are natives of Bristol, sons of Mr.
Joseph S. Thompson, one of the earlier prominent business men
of the town, part owner of the Bristol Marine Railway, and after-
wards a successful ship-builder. From his yard were launched
many celebrated vessels, among them the “Ocean Favorite,” the
“Topeka,” barque “Elliott,” and the schooner “ H. B. Met-
calf.” All the members of the Thompson family are engaged
actively in business in Bristol, and have contributed largely to the
prosperity of their native town, taking a lively interest in every
movement having that end in view.
MR. JoHN LAKE, whose market, grocery store, and adjoining
warehouses are located at the corner of High and Constitution
streets, Bristol, is one of the best known among the business men
of the town. He established the business in 1871, on the same
street and directly opposite his present location. Year by year
his business has enlarged. His stock includes groceries, pro-
visions, crockery, hardware, and all kinds of farming implements.
His success is the result of fair dealing, courtesy towards cus-
tomers, and strict attention to business. Mr. Lake is a native of
Bristol. In 1856 he removed to St. Louis, where for two years
he was in partnership with his brother in the dairy and cattle
business, and for a brief time afterwards had an interest in a
bakery establishment in that city. In 1861 he returned to his old
home, where he has since resided. He takes an active interest
in public affairs, church matters, and in all that can conduce to
the well-being of his fellow-citizens and the prosperity of the
town. For many years he has been an active member of the
school committee, and is senior deacon of the Baptist Church.
F. A. EASTER BRooks.-Our daily needs are the most impor-
tant and the most imperative. They must be ministered to, how-
ever much or little the great world makes demands upon us. The
purveyors to these needs are really the stand-bys of life.
In 1872 E. M. Wardwell and F. A. Easterbrooks, of Bristol,
He is
RESIDENCE OF F. A. EASTER BROOKS.
formed a copartnership for the transaction of business in domestic
living wares, or groceries, confectionery, provisions, and meats.
Mr. Wardwell retired in 1875 and Mr. Easterbrooks has contin-
ued the business since. The store and its proprietor have won
a place in the affections of the people, and in the history of the
town. Mr. Easterbrooks is a trustee of the Bristol County Sav-
ings Bank.
MR. John J. CHRISTIE, a native of Bristol, and an enterpris-
ing business man, commenced ten years ago as a dealer in flour,
hay, grain, meat, and groceries, and located on the corner of
Wood and State streets. By uniform courtesy to his customers
and great care in filling orders, Mr. Christie and his assistant
clerks have succeeded in building up a prosperous trade, the
present volume of which is estimated to amount to from thirty-
five thousand to forty thousand dollars annually. He keeps on
hand a clean stock of goods of standard quality, from which his
customers can rely on being promptly served at reasonable prices.
Mr. Christie is still a resident of Bristol, where he is a member
of the town council, and in the capacity of a private citizen he
takes an active interest in current events, and is prominent in local
politics. As one of the Democratic leaders his party sent him as
delegate to the Chicago National Convention which nominated
President Cleveland, and on his return gave him an enthusiastic
reception.
ALBERT E. SPARKs. – The town of Bristol is commercial as
well as historic. Her industries, if not what they were, still build
her prosperity. Mr. Albert E. Sparks contributes to the well
being of his townsmen by supplying the country’s best products
of harnesses, whips, trunks, and other travelers' gear, and the vari-
ous tools and conveniences required by every horse owner; also
oils, soaps, trunks, and hand-bags. Mr. Sparks' trade began
in 1883, and extends throughout Bristol County; he also has
customers in Providence and New York. The place of business
is at 46 State Street. Mr. Sparks is a grandson of Samuel
Sparks, who served in the war of 1812 and won honorable pro-
motion and distinction.
Among other active business houses of Bristol are the Ward-
well Lumber Company, John G. Sparks, F. A. Warner, Nathan
N. Cole, William H. Spooner, George W. Simmons, George
H. Farrington, Waldron & Brownell, William R. Taylor, George
W. Easterbrooks, A. P. Nerone, William H. Buffington, Joseph
N. Morris, Allen M. Newman, Seth Paull, J. Wing Munro,
Josephus Gooding, James A. Miller, John Connery, William
Fred Fish, and Frank M. Wardwell.

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
WARREN, FROM THE BEACON.
WARREN.
Warren, together with the rest of Bristol County, R.I., was
claimed as a part of Plymouth Colony, and after the union of the
two colonies, a part of Massachusetts, until the year 1745. War-
ren formed part of the territory named by the Indians, Sowamsett.
At Massasoit Spring, Sowamsett, now in Warren, there was an
outpost of the whites, stationed as early as April 12, 1632, as
appears from Governor Winthrop's journal. This would mark
the town of Warren as the first locality in the present state of
Rhode Island, etc., ever visited by English white men.
Warren formed part of the town of Rehoboth, and afterwards
of the town of Swansea, until its annexation to the colony of Rhode
Island, etc., when it, with the present Barrington, R. I., was in-
corporated under the name of Warren. At this time, 1746, the
majority of the wealth, if not of the inhabitants of the town, was
located on the west, or Barrington side, of the river. Prior to
1747, two public ferries had been in regular operation, one cross-
ing from Main Street over the site of the present bridge, the other
from Washington Street over to the present Barrington. In 1756
the number of houses in the present Warren was about twenty-
five, and at that time, three of the wharves in Warren, now in
use, had been erected.
From this date to the time of the Revolutionary War, the town
continued to grow in population and in wealth, it having in 1774,
979 inhabitants, while Barrington when set off four years before
contained 6or.
On the 25th of May, in 1775, some five hundred British
troops effected a landing near Peck’s Rocks in the town of Bris-
tol and marched thence to Warren. Here they disabled several
cannon, burned the Baptist Church and parsonage, a powder mag-
azine, and several other buildings, pillaged houses, and carried
away captive several citizens. They also proceeded to the Kick-
emuit River and there destroyed a large number of boats that
had been collected by the Americans.
Notice of the attack on Warren had been dispatched to Provi-
dence in the early morning, to which General Barton at once re-
sponded with mounted troops followed by infantry.
Before Barton’s arrival the enemy had fled from Warren, but
were pursued by him near to Bristol Ferry where Barton was
wounded and the pursuit was abandoned.
This attack upon Warren incited the people to greater precau-
tion. A bluff on Burr's Hill was fortified by the citizens, where
a guard was kept day and night until the close of the war.
After the Revolution, ship building occupied a prominent
place in the business enterprise of Warren for a time. Other
business also was soon resumed, and by the beginning of the
present century the town presented a thrifty appearance.
Whaling, which had been carried on to a considerable extent
prior to the war was wholly abandoned until 1821, when it was
resumed and carried on quite extensively for a number of years,
some thirty vessels being built and sent out on whaling voyages.
But this business has again wholly ceased in all the ports of
Rhode Island.
All the ordinary lines of trade found in a thriving town are to
be found in Warren to-day. Manufacturing has in late years be-
come quite a prominent industry.
Warren has a well organized fire department which was
chartered in 1846. Their first engine was a hand machine, called
the “Hero.” A steamer called the “Narragansett” was secured
in 1870. The department consists of about seventy men.
Warren has a good public library, comprising more than three
thousand seven hundred volumes, which was incorporated in 1871
with the name of the George Hail Free Library. It is well sus-
tained, also a public reading-room connected with it.
Education received much attention in Warren during the last
century. The University Grammar School was established by
the Rev. James Manning in 1764, and was the initiatory move-
ment in the founding of Rhode Island College, which later became
Brown University.
The first Commencement of the college took place in this town
in 1769. The college was removed to Providence in 1770. In
1828 Warren had a population of 1,806, and contained an acad-
emy and four school-houses. The town elected its first school
committee in 1829, and appropriated $350 for the support of pub-
lic schools. In 1848 it appropriated $1,000. In 1885, $5,500.
The total school expenditure for the year 1839 was $572.96, for
the year 1885, $7,444.38. The Warren High School building
was completed in 1885.
A ladies’ seminary was established in Warren in 1834, which
was very prosperous for many years, and at one time received
pupils from nearly every state in the Union. It was burnt April
18, 1863, and though liberally endowed, it was not thought ad-
visable to rebuild.
Warren has six churches, as follows: the First Baptist, the
the Freewill Baptist, the Warren Methodist Episcopal, and St.
Mark’s Episcopal, and St. Mary’s, and St. John’s, Catholic.
THE WARREN MANUFACTURING CoMPANY. — This company
was formed in 1847 and was the result of a conversation between
Capt. George Wheaton and Mr. John Waterman. The former
was the master of a sailing vessel bound for New Orleans, and
the latter, then actively engaged in the manufacture of cotton
goods in Olneyville, was a passenger on the ship. The captain
speaking of Warren and its desirability as a place for manufac-

THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. 4II
turers, inquired of his passenger if he knew any one who could
manage successfully a cotton mill. Mr. Waterman replied, “My
son, John O. Waterman.” When the captain returned to Warren
he interested his six brothers and others in the enterprise. Com-
munication was had with Mr. John O. Waterman and the company
was organized, with that gentleman as treasurer and agent. The
other incorporators of the company were Capt. Suchet Mauran,
Mr. George T. Gardiner, Capt. James Coffin, and others.
The mill now known as the Old Mill was completed and put
in operation in 1847. It is a five-story building, is 224 x 56
feet, and contains Io,000 spindles. It was considered a large mill
in those days.
The business continued to increase, the dividends paid were
large, and the company were encouraged in 1860 to erect the mill
now known as Mill No. 2. It is a five-story building, 180 x 76
feet, with an ell 68 x 49 feet, and contains 18,000 spindles. In
1872 the mill known as No. 3 was erected. It is five stories,
216 x 76 feet with an ell 90 x 66 feet, and contains 30,000 spin-
dles. In the three mills there are 1,400 looms, and the business
furnishes employment for about eight hundred and fifty persons.
At the present time the par value of the stock is $1oo, and the
capital represented $600,000.
Mr. John O. Waterman died in 1881, and was succeeded by his
son, Mr. John Waterman, who is the present treasurer and agent.
Recently the mills have been undergoing extensive changes, so
that they will no longer be separate though contiguous buildings,
but two of them, Nos. 2 and 3, will be thrown into one, and
each floor devoted to a particular portion of the manufacture of
cotton goods. The carding and spinning machinery will be re-
arranged and a thorough system adopted throughout the mill for
the production of its goods at a minimum cost. No. 3 mill has
been extended to the old mill, and connection on every floor has
been established by a new tower. The floor space acquired by
these changes will accommodate 15,000 additional spindles, with
the necessary preparatory machinery. A new boiler house has
been erected with machine and carpenter shops attached, and a
new chimney 175 feet high built. A new steam plant, consisting
of fifteen boilers and a compound condensing engine of 2,000
horse-power, with fly-wheel thirty-two feet in diameter, will soon
be in place. -
When the alterations are completed the mill of the Warren
Manufacturing Company will be one of the largest in Rhode
Island. Its products — sheetings, shirtings, and jaconets, are
known as the Warren goods, and rank high in markets and
among the consumers of the country.
The president is Capt. George Wheaton, who is in the ninety-
third year of his age.
Mr. John Waterman is descended from a family long identified
with the manufacturing interests of Rhode Island. The great-
grandfather of his father, Mr. John Waterman, was one of the
earliest manufacturers of the state. About the middle of the
eighteenth century he operated a mill for fulling and finishing
woolen cloth. He was owner of one of the first paper mills of the
country, and was engaged in printing and publishing. He died
in 1787. His son, John Olney Waterman, was engaged in
manufacturing. John Waterman with whom Captain Wheaton
conversed on the ship was John Olney Waterman's son and be-
came a prominent manufacturer in Olneyville. For a while he
was engaged in the manufacture of machinery for cotton mills,
but afterwards abandoned that industry for the manufacture of
cotton goods. With him his son, John O. Waterman, who was
the successful manager of the Warren Manufacturing Company
for so many years learned the details of the business and how
well he mastered them is evidenced by the large and prosperous
trade enjoyed by the company to-day. .
º:
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Z
HON CHARLES R. CUTLER,
Founder of the Cutler Manufacturing Company.
THE CUTLER MANUFACTURING CoMPANY is one of the most
important industries of Warren. It employs 300 hands, and
manufactures cotton yarns of all kinds, and for different purposes,
but principally for hosiery. Its grades run from five to thirty
hanks to the pound. The business was commenced in 1869 in a
frame building two stories high, and about 60 x 40 feet in dimen-
sions. The present works, which are situated at the corner of
Cutler Street and Cole's Avenue, occupy two brick factories
three stories high, and with a floor space of 90,000 square feet.
The company has a paid in capital of $260,000. The present
officers of the company are: president, John A. Brown; treas-
urer, Charles R. Cutler. Mr. Cutler, in 1858, engaged in the
manufacture of cotton cordage at Warren, his mills being known
as the Cutler Cordage Mills. This industry he carried on until
the commencement of the Civil War, when it was changed into
a factory for the manufacture of cotton yarns, and in 1869 the
Cutler Manufacturing Company was incorporated with Mr. Geo.
Hail as its first president. The success that has attended the
enterprise is mainly due to Charles R. Cutler, its enterprising
founder and present treasurer of the company. Notwithstanding
the onerous duties incident to the management of a large manu-
facturing establishment of this kind, Mr. Cutler has found time
to take an active interest in public affairs, and has at various
times been honored by his fellow-citizens with positions of respon-
sibility and trust. He has been member and president of the
Warren town council, and for twelve years chief of its fire de-
partment. In 1872 he was elected lieutenant-governor of Rhode
Island, which position he filled for one term. He has also been
highly honored by the Masonic fraternity, which in 1872 elected
him grand master of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, a posi-
tion he held for two years. He is also a leading member of the
Order of Odd Fellows, and for several years held the position of
noble grand. Commercially, politically, and socially, Mr. Cut-
ler's career has been a distinguished one. He is a native of Balls-
ton, Saratoga County, N. Y.

412
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
T H E W A R RE N
G. A z E t t E. — The
Warren Gazette was
started in 1866, by
Capt. James W. Bar-
ton, a retired ship-
master, who in youth
had learned the print-
er’s trade in the office
of the Providence
A m e º z c a 22. He
found the enterprise
a profitable one. The
Hon. H. H. Luther
was the first editor
employed. He was
followed successively
by William H. Baker, Hezekiah Butterworth, E. M. Bullock,
George H. Coomer, and B. M. Bosworth, Jr. In 1876 the
establishment was purchased by George H. Coomer and William
H. Martin, the job work and advertising in the mean time grad-
ually increasing. In 1879, upon the retirement of the senior
partner, the business came wholly into the hands of Mr. Martin,
who is the present proprietor. An excellent Acme press has
been substituted for the one formerly used, and there are two job
presses in constant operation. The amount of advertising and
job work is such as would have surprised the original publisher.
As the paper circulates among people who do a large part of
their trading in Providence, it is well patronized by the mer-
chants of that city as a medium through which to reach suburban
customers. A city advertisement in a village newspaper is as
sure to attract the eye as a poster by the roadside. A printing
office of some kind has existed in Warren ever since 1792, when
its first paper, the Herald of the United States, was started by
Nathaniel Phillips. In all there have been nine newspapers
issued here under various degrees of fortune; but with one excep-
tion, that of the Mort/aerza Star, the Gazette has been continued
for a longer period than any of its predecessors.
PHILIP BUFFINTON is well known to the residents of Bristol
County, R.I., and the adjoining towns of Swansea, Rehoboth,
and Seekonk, Mass., as the popular proprietor of the commodi-
ous and well-stocked furniture store at Nos. 14 and 16 Childs
Street.
In 1832 Mr. James Vance Cole established the business at this
location and manufactured and sold cabinet work and house fur-
Mr. Buffinton succeeded him in 1875 and under his
vigorous management the trade has increased to nearly double its
former volume. A full assortment of furniture, carpets, oil-
cloths, paper-hangings, curtains, etc., are carried constantly in
stock and the business also includes a complete furnishing under-
taker’s establishment.
Mr. Buffinton is a native of Swansea, Mass., where he served
his towns-people honorably as selectman.
In the conduct of his present large and successful business he
has established himself firmly and foremost among the enterpris-
ing men of Warren.
DANIEL L. TURNER.— The leading dry goods house of the town
was established in 1832, by the Hon. Thomas G. Turner, who
served the state as its lieutenant-governor in 1857–59, and as its
governor in 1859–60. He was elected and served also as a presi-
dential elector in the latter year. The then place of business was
on Water Street, and Mr. Thomas G. Turner was sole proprietor.
In 1834 Mr. Martin L. Salsbury was admitted to partnership
and the business was conducted under the firm name of Turner &
Salsbury. In 1842 the partnership was dissolved by mutual con-
-
THE BAPTIST CHURCH, WARREN.
niture.
sent, the founder continuing the business. In 1855, by the
admission of his son, Mr. Daniel L. Turner, the firm name was
changed to Turner & Company. In 1859 the senior Mr. Turner
retired and the business passed into the hands of its present
proprietor, Mr. Daniel L. Turner, who has since conducted it.
Its location was changed in 1865, from Water Street to its present
convenient position, on Main Street, and the business materially
enlarged, comprising a complete stock usually found in a first-class
dry goods store.
Like his father, the present proprietor is public spirited, and
continues to occupy positions of public trust. He serves the
town as assessor of taxes; is superintendent, treasurer, and
director of the Warren Gas Company; is a director in the First
National Bank; and has for years served as vestryman and clerk
of St. Mark’s Protestant Episcopal Church.
SEYMoUR BROTHERs.-Messrs. Clarence H., James A., and
Joseph R. Seymour are natives of Barrington. In 1869, Messrs.
Leander F. and Clarence H. engaged in the grain business in
Barrington, near Kelly's Bridge. The wharf property now occu-
pied by the enlarged firm, whose office is at 137 South Water
Street, was purchased in 1872, the business removed thither,
commodious buildings erected, and a variety of standard articles
added to their trade. The firm deals in coal, wood, flour, grain,
hay, straw, phosphates, and, in connection with their steam mill,
have built up a large business. Their trade in grain and meal is
probably the largest of any one firm in the county. It extends
throughout the county and the contiguous towns in Bristol
County, Mass. The three partners are engaged personally in the
prosecution of the business, and each has added to the wealth
and beauty of the town by the erection of a neat and substantial
residence for himself, with attractive surroundings. The brothers
are enterprising, public-spirited citizens, of marked integrity of
character, and take rank among the most active, and successful
business men of Warren.
CoLE’s Hot EL, one of the oldest hostelries in the state, is situated
at the junction of Main and Joyce streets, fronting State Street.
It was established in 1762, by Ebenezer Cole, whose merits as a
landlord have been handed down from father to son. Mr. Eben-
ezer Cole died in 1799, and his son, Benjamin, succeeded until
the year 1836, when his son, Mr. George Cole, (now living,) be-
came owner and manager. In 1857 the property was sold to
Capt. John G. Joyce, and thus passed out of the Cole family,
though continuing the name. Captain Joyce was landlord for a
short time only, and was succeeded by a Mr. Crump, whose stay
was also brief. Hiram
Maxfield, so well known
throughout the state,
became associated with
Captain Joyce in the
ownership, and was for
years its popular land-
lord. He was succeeded
by Mr. Sturges Davis,
who purchased the
property, and was a
very popular “mine
host,” until 1883, when
he sold to its present
proprietor, Mr. Jere- in
miah Goff. During the
century and a quarter of
its existence, it has pre-
served its excellent rep-
utation. The original
structure still stands, but .
THE METHopist church, warren.


THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
improvement has marked the admistration of nearly
every one of its successive proprietors till the accession
of Mr. and Mrs. Goff, who have thoroughly refitted and
newly furnished the house complete, and added many
essentials to the comfort of their guests. Its present
landlord and landlady are exceedingly popular, and have
a just pride in maintaining the excellent reputation of
this old travelers’ home.
CYRUs BARKER.— In 1844. Mr. James Gardiner estab-
lished the well-known hardware store at 124 Main Street,
and conducted it in connection with his son, Mr. Alfred
Gardiner, until the year 1885, when he sold out to the
present proprietor, Mr. Barker. The latter is the son of
Mr. Barker, of the firm of Barker, Chadsey & Company,
Providence. In the employ of that firm his experience
in that branch of the trade was obtained. Mr. Barker
gives to the business his personal attention. Its lines have
been greatly enlarged since its establishment, nearly fifty
years ago, and in addition to the usual stock of hardware
and agricultural implements, a line of books and station-
ery, including all the text-books used in the graded pub-
lic schools of the town are kept in stock.
B. S. BUFFINTON.—In 1873 Mr. A. J. Davis established on
Water Street the business of manufacturing paper boxes. The
machinery was operated by foot-power and the business was of
small magnitude.
Mr. B. S. Buffinton, a native of Swansea, Mass., came to Warren
in 1871, in 1876 he associated himself with Mr. Francis B. Place
in manufacturing boxes, succeeding Mr. Davis under the firm
name of Buffinton & Place. Since 1878, when Mr. Place died,
Mr. Buffinton has continued the business alone and has enlarged it
greatly, putting in new and improved machinery and meeting the
wants of the times with all new facilities. Mr. Buffinton removed
to Joyce Street near the Warren depot in 188o.
He employs twenty-five hands and turns out an annual product
of from fifteen to twenty thousand dollars in paper boxes of all
varieties, most of which find a market in Providence and supply
some of the leading manufacturers of that city. The business has
grown to be one of the most important industries of the town and
is the fruition of Mr. Buffinton's careful and intelligent devotion
to its development.
WILLIAM T. DUNw ELL, house, sign, and carriage painter,
South Water Street, Warren, is one of the energetic citizens of
the town who has succeeded in building up a prosperous busi-
ness. He gives employment to about eighteen hands. Mr.
Dunwell keeps a full stock of painters' and glaziers' supplies on
hand, and is also a dealer in every description of wall paper.
He is a native of Newport, R. I., and removed to Warren in
1872. His business success in his new location may be attrib-
uted to a thorough knowledge of his business, attention to its de-
tails, and the faithful performance of all work intrusted to him.
His patronage extends to all parts of Bristol County.
W. S. BENNETT is the leading druggist of Warren. A native
of Providence, he learned the business of Mr. W. H. Greene, Jr.,
Chestnut Street, in that city, and after thirteen years’ experience
removed to the location, number 162 Main, corner of Joyce
Street, in 1879. His centrally located store has recently been re-
modeled, greatly changed, and elegantly refitted, making it a
model of taste and neatness. His stock consists of drugs, medi-
cines, and the usual variety of fancy and other articles kept by the
best druggists in the leading cities. His large and increasing
trade necessitates the carrying of larger stocks than are usual to
retail drug stores, even in cities. Mr. Bennett is an accomplished
pharmacist, and physicians' prescriptions are compounded with
great care, under his personal supervision.
MAIN STREET, WARREN.
W. H. CRAwl EY.-Among the successful business houses in
Warren is that of W. H. Crawley, merchant tailor, at No. 147
South Main Street.
Established as long ago as 1863 by Messrs. Bowen & Cole on
South Water Street, the successions in the firm name have been
Bowen & Company, of which Mr. Crawley was a partner and
business manager, and finally in 1875 to Mr. Crawley alone who
has since continued a large and satisfactory business. The stock
carried is an unusually large and varied one and includes a full
line of woolens.
Mr. Crawley is a native of Rhode Island, came to Warren in
1861, has been for fourteen years a member of the standing
committee of the George Hail Free Library Association, was
elected tax collector of Warren in 1876, and enjoys to a high de-
gree the confidence of his towns-people and the respect of his
business associates.
CHARLEs A. PEABODY occupies the handsomest and most sub-
stantial business establishment in Warren, situated at the corner
of Main and State streets, nearly opposite Cole’s Hotel. It was
built by Mr. Cyrus Peabody. This popular business corner has
been occupied as a tin manufactory and for stoves and crockery
since 1830, when it was owned by Mr. James Smith, Jr. In
1860 there was a temporary change of ownership, but Mr. Smith
resumed the business and continued it until his death in 1869.
Mr. Cyrus Peabody succeeded him by purchase. In 1878 his
son, Mr. C. A. Peabody, became associated with his father under
the firm name of Peabody & Son. The commodious building
was erected in 1876, and in addition to the usual line of goods
manufactured and kept in stock, a full line of hardware and farm-
ing implements is now kept. In 1884 Mr. C. A. Peabody suc-
ceeded the firm of Peabody & Son and continues the business.
WARREN Monum ENTAL WoRks.—A prominent business in-
dustry of Warren, and the only of one its kind in Bristol County,
R.I., is the Warren Monumental Works, owned by Mr. Cornelius
Harrington.
Mr. Harrington is a native of Bristol County, Mass. He came
here 1882, and established his business at No. 11 Joyce Street,
leasing a spacious yard and building an office and workshop
thereon. Since that time he has been eminently successful in busi-
ness, and beautiful specimens of his work adorn nearly every
cemetery in Bristol County, R.I., while he has erected many fine
monuments and headstones in adjoining towns in Massachusetts.
He furnishes employment to five skilled workmen, and himself a

53
4 I 4
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
true artist in his business insists on artistic proficiency in his em-
ployés. The business embraces every variety of marble and
granite monuments, headstones, mantels, tablets, curbing, posts,
bases, etc. Mr. Harrington has won honorable success among
the business men of Warren, and the enterprise which he estab-
lished here has proved very satisfactory. S -
John H. Brown.—The extensive grocery establishment of Mr.
John H. Brown, located 1t Nos. 29, 31, and 33 North Water
Street is one of the oldest as well as one of the largest in Warren.
The business was established, and the house in which it is carried
on, built by Mr. Jabez Brown, grandfather of the present pro-
prietor. Mr. John H. Brown went into business on his own
account in 1873, and his success has been commensurate with his
ability, energy, and enterprise. His stock comprises groceries
and provisions, meats, etc., including also a market department.
His premises are neatly and conveniently fitted and his stock
always full and complete. He does a large business, which by
fair dealing and courtesy to his patrons is constantly extending.
BARRINGTON.
Barrington was originally a part of the town of Swansea, Mass.
It was set apart as a separate town under its present name in
1717. In 1747 it was made a part of Warren, and as such was
set off to Rhode Island. In the year 1770 that portion of the
town of Warren which had formerly been known as Barrington,
was again set apart as a separate town under its former name.
The territory of Barrington was early settled. One feature of
the early organization of this town was peculiar to it. This was
the arrangement of the people into three classes, each class hav- '
ing different rights. This classification was first made by the
five persons appointed in 1667 by the government of Plymouth
colony to regulate the admission of inhabitants to this town. It
was afterwards exercised by committees appointed by the town,
and by the selectmen. These committees had power to promote
and to degrade from one rank to another. In 1681 the grant by the
committee to five persons, and their heirs and assigns forever, the
full right and intent of the highest rank, showed the danger of
this system, and it was soon threafter abolished. . .
The First Baptist Church, erected in Massachusetts, and a
school “for the teaching of grammar, rhetoric, and arithmetic,
and the tongues of Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, also to read Eng-
lish and to write,” were then established by the year 1673. Dur-
ing the King Philip's War the town was entirely destroyed by the
Indians. It was soon rebuilt, and ever afterwards remained a
prosperous country town.
Barrington having very great water frontage, its inhabitants
have always been largely interested in the fishing business. In
later years this business has been more confined to the shore and
shell fishery. The first manufacturing industry in the town of
Barrington was ship building, which was commenced by Benja-
min Brown, previous to his removal to Providence in 1711.
The chief manufacturing industry of the town to-day is brick
making, which was begun in 1846 by private parties. In 1847 the
Narragansett Brick Company was incorporated, which took sole
control of the industry which has been continued to the present
time. e
Within the past few years that portion of the town of Barring-
ton lying west of the Barrington River has been rapidly built up
by people having business in the city of Providence who were
enabled to enjoy a country residence.
ton, Barrington Centre, Annawamscut, and Drownville have
thus come prominently into notice.
Among the citizens of Barrington has been formed a Rural
Improvement Company, the object of which is to beautify and
Nayatt Point, Barring-
improve, by the united action of its citizens, the natural features
of the town. Under the auspices of this company, the most
successful of its kind in the state, the natural attractions of this
town have been greatly enhanced, till it has become, for purposes
of residence, one of the most desirable in the state. There has
also been established a Barrington public library, which is one of
the best and most liberally supported public libraries, outside of
Providence, in the state. •
A deep interest has always been manifested in education in the
town of Barrington from the time of its early history. In 1673,
or three years after Old Plymouth had voted a free school, the
town of Barrington did the same, and in 1702 the court of quarter
sessions at Bristol fined the town for want of a grammar school-
master, to the sum of five pounds, and the selectmen were
authorized to procure a grammar school-master with all convenient
speed, which reveals how forward was public sentiment in favor
of education in those early days in the town's history. Prior to
1873 the town had been divided into three school districts. In
that year a fourth district was formed to accommodate the citizens
in the vicinity of Drownville. In 1844 the town expended
$241.56 for school purposes. In 1885 $2,713.11. In 1870 a
private boarding-school was opened by Mr. Isaac F. Cady,
called Prince's Hill Family and Day School, designed to afford
opportunity for pupils to pursue an advanced course of studies
at a moderate cost.
Barrington has three churches: the Congregational, St. John's
Episcopal, and the Methodist, at Drownville.
MESSRs. L. S. Bosworth & SoN, near the depot, Barrington
Centre, are well-known, reliable dealers in several lines of staple
commodities of standard quality and general use. The firm con-
sists of Leonard S. Bosworth, and Leonard P. Bosworth. In their
store may be found a clean stock of fine groceries, in great variety,
which are sold and delivered at the lowest cash prices. They
also carry on an extensive trade in grain and feed of all kinds,
and in paints and oils. Connected with this store is a large lum-
ber and coal yard of which they are the proprietors, where they
keep on hand hard and soft lumber of every description required .
by carpenters and builders, as well as wood and kindlings for
household use. They stand ready also to supply coal of different
grades in large and small quantities, at prices which defy compe-
tition. The Messrs. Bosworth enjoy the confidence of the com-
munity, and while they sell goods on most reasonable terms,
have made it a rule to do a strictly cash business and treat all
their customers alike. Mr. Leonard S. Bosworth has been a
member of the town council of Barrington several years.
ALBERT GREENE HoPKINS, for many years prominent in the
business and social circles of Barrington, was born in Johnston,
in 1841. When quite young he entered the grocery business as
clerk. During the war of the Rebellion he made an honorable
record in the service. When the war was over he entered the
walks of business again. In 1877 he removed from Providence
to Barrington, where he had purchased the grocery establish-
ment near the depot.
Here, until the time of his death, which came upon him sud-
denly, he continued to attend to his business, winning by his up-
rightness and fair dealing, by his courtesy and kindness, the
confidence, esteem, and affection of all who knew him. He
died on Aug. 18, 1886. His funeral services were conducted at
his former home by the pastor and choir of the Congregational
Church of Barrington, of which for many years he and his wife
had been consistent members. He was a kind, indulgent husband
and father, an upright business man, and a Christian at home
and abroad. -
CHAPTER V.
WARWICK AND COVENTRY, AND EAST AND WEST GREENWICH.
THE PAWTUXET RIVER AT PHENIX,
THE northern part of the town of Warwick was included in the
“Pawtuxet purchase,” so-called, being a portion of the original
purchase of Roger Williams from Canonicus and Miantonomi,
which included the north and south banks of the Pawtuxet River
from its mouth upwards indefinitely. The first settlement south
of the Pawtuxet purchase was made by John Green, surgeon, who
purchased of the Indians a tract of territory of which the Spring
Green Farm now forms a part, in 1641. On Jan. 12, 1641–2,
Samuel Gorton and a number of companions obtained a deed from
Miantonomi of land south of Copassenetuxett, being all the land
between the southward bound of the Samuel Green purchase, to
the north shore of the Cowesett Bay, and extending twenty miles
to the westward, and is known as “Shawomet purchase.”
This Shawomet purchase was made by parties who them-
selves claimed that no title could vest in the territory purchased
from the Indians until a right in the same was obtained by grant
from the crown of England. Consequently only the powers of a
provisional government were exercised within it until 1647, when
the four towns, Providence, Portsmouth, Newport, and Warwick,
were organized under the first charter, or patent, obtained from
the English Parliament, March 14, 1643–4.
In addition to these purchases the inhabitants of the town of
Warwick purchased on the 13th of July, 1654, from Taccoma-
man, the deed being signed also by Amashotust and Wawa-
mockashaw, his sons, the tract of land now known as Potowo-
mut on the south side of Cowesett Bay. This tract of land has
ever since then formed a part of the town of Warwick. Jabez
Greene, son of John Greene, was the first settler of the territory
of Potowomut.
It was not till the year 1647 that a permanent settlement was
made in the town, when the name Warwick was assumed in
honor of the Earl of Warwick, a powerful protector in England of
Gorton and his friends. When the colony organized in 1647,
Warwick, though not named by the charter or patent as an
integral part of the colony, was received as such and a town
charter granted to it. In the year 1651, an attempt was made by
William Coddington to establish Newport and Portsmouth as an
independent government, under a commission obtained
by him from England. This attempt was temporarily
effectual, and effected a division of the colony, by
which, for some years, Warwick and Providence lived
under a separate government from that of the island
towns. In the early days of the town there were not
only troubles with Massachusetts and with the Indians,
but also with the Dutch of New Amsterdam, or New
York. But, with varying fortune, the town survived
the difficulties until King Philip's War in 1675–6. At
that time there was a general exodus of the inhabitants
of the town to the island of Rhode Island. But one
house, the Greene “Stone Castle,” as it was known for
centuries, remained inhabited. A garrison stayed there
during the entire war, and the many months after-
wards before the return of the inhabitants. Mean-
time the inhabitants organized themselves at Ports-
mouth, as the town of Warwick, and for fifteen
months maintained such organization there, until it
was safe for them to return to their own territory. Ex-
cepting this “stone castle '' every house in the town
was destroyed during that war.
After the close of the King Philip War the town was resettled
and commenced a prosperous career which has ever since then
continued. Amongst the early manufacturing interests estab-
lished in this town were the Greene anchor-forge and mills at Poto-
womut, which had an extensive reputation many years before the
Revolutionary War. Amongst the first attempts to manufacture
iron from the ore in the colony were those made by this town.
In 1741 the town had grown so populous that it was deemed ad-
visable to set off the western part into a separate township which
has since been known as Coventry.
All through the Revolutionary War Warwick was noted for
the numerous men of ability which she contributed to the patri-
otic cause. Prominent among these were Gen. Nathaniel Greene,
Col. Chrisopher Greene, Gen. James M. Varnum, Col. Christopher
Lippitt, and Col. John Waterman. Although largely engaged
in this war yet when, in April, 1783, the cessation of-hostilities
was announced they were rejoiced to be enabled to return to their
peaceful occupations. -
Up to this time the town had been largely agricultural in its
interests, the iron works, saw-mills, and grist-mills being the only
manufacturing industries, and the principal ports of the town
being Appomaug, Pawtuxet, and Potowomut before its harbor had
been destroyed during the Revolutionary War. At the latter
place, a considerable business had been done previous to the
War, but at that period, to protect it from attacks by the British
vessels, the entrance to its harbor had been obstructed by the
Continential authorities. These obstructions were moved but a
few years ago by the United States government.
Shortly after the close of the Revolutionary War, cotton and
woolen spinning and weaving industries commenced their devel-
opment and after some years of experiment in and around Provi-
dence, in 1794 Col. Job Green and others united to build a
mill and attempt the manufactory of cotton by machinery at Cen-
treville. This enterprise was not fully successful and in 1799 Wm.
Almy and Obadiah Brown purchased one-half of the property for
$2,500. This new company met with greater success, and in

416 THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
VIEW OF RockY PoſNT FROM THE BAY,
Before being destroyed by fire and rebuilt.
1801 Messrs. Almy and Brown purchased the entire property.
In 1807 a second mill was erected on the east side of the river
under the firm title of the Warwick Manufacturing Company.
The old grist-mill that stood on the west side of the river was
superseded by a cotton mill run by Almy and Brown. In 1850
the manufactory of wool was carried on by Wm. D. Davis who
sold out to Gen. James Waterhouse in 1860.
The old Green Mill was purchased by Benedict Lapham in
1852, who was very successful in the manufacture of cotton goods.
In 1873–4 Mr. Lapham built a fine stone mill 304 x 72 feet in
size and four stories high.
The manufacture of cotton goods was commenced at Cromp-
ton in 1807, by the Providence Manufacturing Company. A
stone mill was built, familiarly known as the “Stone Jug.” It
is now operated by the Richmond Company in connection with
a large and fine mill erected by them in 1882–3.
About 1816 Tiffany & Pitman erected a stone mill near what
is known as the “Flat Top.” Other cotton mills were built
here in 1828 and 1832, which have been combined with the mill
now operated by the Richmond Company.
At Natick a company was formed in 1807 for the manufacture
of cotton goods, and a mill was built known as the Natick Reel
Mill. The Spragues came into possession of this property in
1852 and operated the mills for twenty years. They are now
owned by B. B. & R. Knight.
The Lippitt Manufacturing Company was founded in 1809.
A mill was built two stories high to which a third story was soon
added.
At Pontiac a grist-mill was built in 1810, by Dutee Arnold, and
Horatio Arnold carried on wool carding, and cotton spinning in
another mill which was later used for the manufacture of woolen
goods. After several changes of ownership, the property passed
into the possession of Parker & Knight, and later into that of B.
B. & R. Knight, who have made extensive improvements.
At Phenix manufacturing was commenced in 1810–11, at
which time the Roger Williams Mill was built. Roger Williams
was also the name of the village at that time. This first mill was
destroyed by fire in 1821, after which the company and village
changed their name to Phenix. A new company was soon
formed, called the Phenix Manufacturing Company, who built
two mills, one the site of the old one, and the other just above.
From this time the growth and prosperity of Phenix was en-
sured. The village has suffered very severely from fire several
times, the last, and one of the most destructive, was in the sum-
mer of 1885, when a large section of the business portion of the
town was destroyed. But each time there has been thrift and
enterprise enough to push forward with renewed energy.
At River Point the two branches of the Pawtuxet River unite,
which gave rise to the name of this village. The Greene Manu-
facturing Company was formed here in 1812, and built a mill
sixty-five feet long and two stories high. Soon there came a
depression of business and the mill stood idle for a time. In 1818
it was again started under the management of Dr. Harris. New
looms were added and a successful business was done for a
number of years.
The mill was damaged by a freshet in 1821–2, and by fire in
1827. In 1836 Mr. Harris built a stone mill, which was sub-
sequently enlarged and improved.
Another stone mill was built in 1844, which was enlarged in
1855. After the death of Harris his heirs assumed the manage-
ment of the business under the old firm title of the Greene
Manufacturing Company.
At Hill's Grove the Rhode Island Malleable Iron Works were
established in 1867 with Thomas J. Hill president and treasurer.
A large building was erected. About one hundred hands are
employed and all kinds of malleable iron castings are made, and
since that time the extensive Elizabeth Mill has been established
here also by Thomas J. Hill.
The town of Warwick has many churches, among them the
Phenix Baptist Church, the Crompton Baptist, the Congre-
gational Church of River Point, the Natick First Baptist, the
Shawomut Baptist, the Friends' Meeting, the Bethel Six-Principle
Baptist, the Crompton Six-Principle Baptist, the Methodist Epis-
copal at Centreville, the Methodist Episcopal at Phenix, St.
Philips’ Episcopal of Crompton, All Saints' Parish, Pontiac; the
Freewill Baptist, Warwick and East Greenwich ; the Central
Freewill Baptist, of Warwick, the New Jerusalem Church, the
Phenix Catholic, the Roman Catholic, of Crompton, the (French)
Catholic, of Arctic, the Second Advent at Natick, and the Second
Advent at Arctic, St. Barnabas' Episcopal, of Appomaug, and
Hill’s Grove Methodist. -
THE CLYDE BLEACHERY AND PRINT Works.- This indus-
try which is now one of the largest and most important in the
town of Warwick, and indeed in the state of Rhode Island, was
founded in 1828 by the late Simon Henry Greene and his partner,
the late Edward Pike, the firm name being Greene & Pike. The
business at first was bleaching and finishing white cotton goods,
Messrs. Greene & Pike hiring a water privilege of the Lippitt
Company, the terms being that that company should erect a build-
ing 80 x 40 feet, and two stories high, with dwelling-houses for
operatives, and that Greene & Pike should pay a rental equal to
ten per cent. of the amount expended. The estate was purchased
by the firm Sept. 27, 1831. In 1833 the firm added to their
works, buildings and tenements to enable it to do an increased
business. In order to add variety to the finish of bleached cotton
cloth, they erected a large building and put in four sections of
beetling machinery, the peculiar and original construction of which
soon giving them a high reputation for this class of finishing.
They also put in a single-color printing machine, and built a small
dye house to produce indigo blue and white prints. In 1839 their
bleachery and dye sheds were burned, involving a heavy loss.
In 1842 the dye house was enlarged and the production of blue
prints was increased to a small extent. This same year Mr. Pike
died. Mr. Greene continued the business under the firm style of
S. H. Greene, with the lease of his late partner's interest. This
interest he purchased in 1845. In 1846 a large stone dye house
was erected and another printing machine was added, increasing
the production of blue prints. In 1848 another stone dye house
was built. In 1853 the beetling machine house and the small dye
house were burned. Here Mr. Greene's son John, was seriously
injured by a falling chimney, an injury from which he suffered
during the remainder of his life. New buildings of stone were

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
4.17
erected in place of
those destroyed.
Others were added
as necessity demand-
ed, and the requisite
machinery put in, so
that the works were
fitted to produce
madder and other
styles of prints, the
number of printing
machines having
been increased to
seven, capable of
printing from one to
eight colors. In
1865. Mr. Greene
admitted his second
and fifth sons, Henry
L. and John W.A.,
into partnership, the
firm name becoming
S. H. Greene &
Sons.
In 1869 Edward
A. and Christopher
R., the eldest and
third sons, were ad-
mitted into partner-
ship. May 1, 1870,
an other disastrous
fire visited the estab-
lishment, by which
the bleachery and
white finishing de-
partments were de-
stroyed. Thebleach-
ery was immediately
rebuilt, on an en-
larged and improved
form, and the white
finishing depart-
ment also enlarged,
was completed three
years later. In 1873
John W. A. died
from the effects of
the terrible injury
in curred twenty
years before. In
1874 William R.,
the fourth son, was
admitted into the
firm. The works
have been constantly
enlarged, and from
time to time new
buildings, and new
and improved ma-
chinery and appli-
ances added to re-
place those which were worn out and antiquated. At the present
time the number of printing machines has increased to nine, capable
of printing from one to twelve colors, and the firm have in contem-
plation the addition of printing machinery of a still wider scope.
A fancy dyeing department has also been added, thus enabling the
|
|
|
|
| || ||
|
works to produce almost every character of work now known for
either white or colored cotton goods. From a small beginning,
employing but a handful of men, and depending entirely upon
water for motive power, the establishment has grown to its pres-
ent size, now employing upwards of six hundred operatives, re-

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
THE BUTTONWOODS, WARWICK.
quiring more than thirty steam engines, in addition to the large
water-power, annually consuming more than sixteen thousand
tons of coal, many thousands of dollars’ worth of drugs and chem-
icals, and producing from one million five hundred thousand to
two million pieces of finished goods per year. The “Wash-
ington prints,” which is the brand used on the production of this
great establishment, are favorably known throughout the country.
For novelty, variety, general excellence, and sterling worth, they
bear a reputation to-day, which is second to none. They have
been awarded the highest honors whenever exhibited at any of the
world's great fairs. The finish of the bleached and fancy cot-
tons bears an equally high reputation. Christopher R. died
March 13, 1885, and a little more than a month later, April 26th,
his father, Simon Henry Greene, also passed away. At the time
of his death, Mr. Greene was the oldest calico printer in the
United States. He was in his eighty-seventh year, and left a name
which will be loved and venerated for years to come. He was a
man of strong and upright character, sterling integrity, and was
endowed with sound business qualifications. The present firm
of S. H. Greene & Sons, consists of Edward A., Henry L.,
and William R. Greene.
John H. CAMPBELL is publisher and proprietor of the Paw-
tuxet Valley Gleaner, a weekly journal devoted to local interests
and general news, published at Phenix, R. I.
Phenix is located on the Pawtuxet Valley railroad and Paw-
tuxet River, about twelve miles from Providence, and is the busi-
ness centre of a territory embracing numerous manufacturing
villages which unitedly contains from fifteen to twenty thousand
inhabitants. The village contain a larger number of spacious
and substantial business blocks and churches than any other vil-
lage in the county.
Mr. Campbell had this section of the state in view for a long
time as a good location for a local paper. In 1875 he presented
the subject to Mr. R. E. Capron, at that time local editor of the
Attleboro’ Chronicle, and succeeded in inspiring him with the
same idea. On Feb. 22, 1876, they purchased the job printing
office of S. R. Nicholas, which was located at Phenix, on
the west side of the Pawtuxet River, in Nicholas' roller-shop
building. They commenced their venture under the firm name
of Capron & Campbell. On March 25th, of the same year they
issued the first number of the Gleaner, which was a seven
column quarto in size.
The paper was, on the whole, favorably received, although
some predicted its death before it would be six months old. A
few years proved that it had come to stay.
Aug. 1, 1878, the copartnership of Capron & Campbell was
dissolved by mutual consent, Mr. Campbell assuming full control
of the business. In a few months the room in Nicholas’ building
proving too small for his rapidly increasing business, the office was
removed to the other side of the river, into Nathan A. Capron's
bakery building, where it is now located.
The Gleaner has been twice enlarged to accommodate the
wants of advertisers, and to make room for its increased amount
of local matter.
Jan. 3, 1880, it was changed to an eight column quarto, and
Jan. 6, 1883, it was enlarged to a six column octavo size, 31 x 45,
which size is found to be now too small, and another enlargement
is soon to be made.
Mr. Campbell was born in Phenix, May 27, 1849, and is of
Scotch parentage. About 1855 his parents removed to Mount
Pleasant, then a part of North Providence. He attended the
public schools of Providence for a time, ending his school days
at Mount Pleasant Academy. July 2, 1866, he entered the job
office of the Providence Press Company, as an apprentice. He
afterwards served as a compositor on the Morning Star. In 1873
he accepted the foremanship of the Willimantic (Conn.) Jour-
mal, which position he held about six months. From Willimantic
he went to North Attleboro’, Mass., where he served nearly three
years as foreman of the Attleboro Chronicle. He severed his con-
nection with the Chronicle to go to Phenix.
The Gleaner's bold and outspoken word against wrong and
against corruption in politics has won for it many strong friends
and made some bitter enemies, in one instance involving the pro
prietor in a $10,000 libel suit, which, however, resulted in his ac-
quittal.
The circulation of the Gleaner has steadily increased from the

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
419
first, and the paper which a little over ten years ago was given
such a short lease of life, has to-day a larger circulation than that
of any other country paper in the state.
The business of the job office has also largely increased, and at
the present time the office has facilities for doing all kinds of
book and job printing.
Covent RY.
The town of Coventry lies in the northwest part of the county
of Kent. It is drained by the south branch of the Pawtuxet River,
here called the Flat River. This stream furnishes some excellent
mill sites which are well utilized. To the west of Washington
Village is a large tract of wood and swamp lands, lying along the
Flat River, which have been utilized as a reservoir by those own-
ing mills lower down the stream. The New York and New
England railroad runs through the town from east to west, divid-
ing it into two nearly equal parts. Two stone quarries are worked
not far from Coventry Centre, which produce very good granite
for building purposes. Coventry was set off from Warwick as a
separate township Aug. 21, 1741.
A mill was erected at the village of Anthony by Richard and
William Anthony and others in 1805. It was one of the largest
mills in the state at that time, and large additions have since been
made to it. Another mill was built in 1811 a short distance east
of the above. In 1874 the Coventry Manufacturing Company
erected a large brick mill. The village of Anthony has a fine
library, which was chartered in 1808 under the title of the
Coventry Library Association.
Arkwright derives its name from the distinguished English
inventor and manufacturer. The manufacturing company located
here own property in the two adjoining towns of Cranston and
Scituate. A saw and grist-mill and a machine shop were com-
menced here at the beginning of the present century. About the
same time a factory was built also, which was purchased by Mr.
James DeWolf in 1817.
Barclay is a small hamlet, about a mile south of Washington
Village. Jabez Anthony commenced making ropes and bandings
here early in this century. His son, William H. Anthony, suc-
ceeded him in the same business. The rope-walks are driven by
steam. The Anthonys operated this mill for fifty years.
Coventry Centre is located about the centre of the township,
on the New York and New England railroad. In 1804 the village
consisted of a grist-mill, a blacksmith shop, a tavern, and a few
dwellings. The first cotton mill was built and operated by Larry
Arnold, and subsequently sold to Benjamin Morse. Later it was
leased by Gilmon, Kimball, and Allen, and finally was burned.
It was rebuilt in 1845 by Thomas Whipple and afterwards sold
to Pardon S. Peckham, who enlarged the main building and
made several additions. In 1866 the Peckham Manufacturing
Company was formed with a capital of $100, Ioo.
At Fairbanks manufacturing was commenced about 1800 by
Thomas Blanchard, who operated a saw and grist-mill, a carding
machine, and a fulling mill.
Greene is a small village located in the western part of the
town, on the New York and New England railroad, and has
mostly grown up since 1856, when a station was established here.
Hopkins Hollow is located some two miles south of Greene.
Harris is a considerable manufacturing village, located a short
distance above Phenix. It was named after Governor Harris,
who commenced manufacturing here in 1822.
The Lamphear Machine Company, established in 1845, is the
largest works of the kind in the town. Peirce Brothers’ mill is
on the opposite side of the river, above the Lamphear Machine
Company. The Lewis Mill is west of Green Station. on a branch
of the Moosup River.
THE FALLS AT WASHINGTON VILLAGE, COVENTRY.
Nipmuc is located between Coventry and Washington stations.
Acid works were established here many years ago by Thomas G.
Arnold. The celebrated Nipmuc ledge is located but a few miles
from this point. At Potterville a tannery was built about 1830
by Samuel G. Bowen. A saw-mill was also owned here by Rob-
ert M. Potter.
At Quidnick a paper mill was erected many years ago. This
was the first manufacturing done here. The same mill was altered
into a cotton mill by Stephen Taft, who also erected print works
in 1845. These works were sold to A. and W. Sprague, in 1848,
who erected a stone mill in 1849. In 1856 they built another
mill lower down the stream.
Spring Lake is located about a mile south of Washington Vil-
lage, on Spring Lake Brook. Ezra Randall built a mill here
about 1818, which was burned in 1830. It was soon rebuilt
by Christopher A. Whitman. This property was purchased,
enlarged, and improved, in 1863, by Thos. C. Peckham & Com-
pany.
Washington Village is situated on the Flat River, also on the
New England railroad. The first post-office in the town was
located here, and is still known as the Coventry Post-Office.
Washington is a handsome village and has several manufactories
and several stores.
The Coventry National Bank was organized in 1852, with a
capital of $30,000. In 1865 it was reorganized as a national
bank, with a capital of $100,000. Coventry Savings Bank was
organized in 1872.
The first schools in Coventry were held in private houses.
School-houses began to be built about 1760.
Since the introduction of the present school system in the state,
Coventry has taken a commendable interest in education, and has
made large improvements in all that pertains to the welfare of
her schools.
The town of Coventry has eight churches, viz.: the Quidnick
Baptist, the Washington Methodist Episcopal Church, St. An-
drew’s Episcopal Church, at Harris, the Greene Methodist, the
Coventry Centre Six-Principle Baptist, the Christian Church of
Summit, the First Christian Church, Rice City, and the Coventry
Church of the Six-Principle Baptists.

42O
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
A VIEW OF EAST GREENWICH FROM THE WATER.
EAst GREENwich.
The town of East Greenwich was incorporated in 1677, and
settled about that time. Owing to disputed boundary lines, the
township of East Greenwich, including other neighboring terri-
tory, was claimed by the three states of Rhode Island, Connecti-
cut, and Massachusetts. The king finally took control of the
disputed territory and in order to obliterate every vestige of the
former title, the territory was called King's Province, and each
township therein received a new name, East Greenwich being
called Dedford; but later the old names were restored. The beauty
and excellence of the harbor of East Greenwich soon attracted
many settlers, and the place grew rapidly and became noted for
its thrift and enterprise. .
By provisions of the act of the General Assembly, 500 acres near
the bay was divided into fifty house lots, and 4,500 acres, the
remainder of the grant, was divided int fifty farms of ninety acres
each and one each of these fifty house lots and farms was given
to each man who was an incorporate inhabitant of the town.
The grants were made on condition that each man should build on
his lot within a year or lose the lands. By this enactment
immediate settlers were secured for East Greenwich town and
village, the latter being handsomely laid out with broad and
regular streets. Owing to the favorable situation and excellent
harbor, the earlier inhabitants of East Greenwich entertained
high hopes that the village would soon grow into a place of much
commercial importance, and also become a seat of colonial
government. Ship-building formed an important branch of
industry of the early inhabitants, several ship-yards being in
successful operation at one time. Much attention was also given
to shell fishery.
That section of the township of East Greenwich popularly
known as Frenchtown, had its origin in its settlement by forty-five
families of French Huguenots, who had been banished from their
native land about 1686, hoping here, in this land and this colony
of avowed freedom, to enjoy the liberty that was denied them at
home. Here they built a church and twenty-five houses, and for
a number of years prospered well, although from the time of their
first settlement they were intruded upon by their English
neighbors, who unlawfully mowed their meadows and carried off
their hay, thus leaving them without fodder for their cattle.
When complaint was made to Governor Andros, one-half of the
hay was restored to the rightful owners until full investigation
could be made. When war was proclaimed between France and
England, all French inhabitants were compelled to take the oath
of allegiance to the British crown. But they were deprived of
the common rights of freemen until about the year 17oo, when
we find that all had left that section, and that all but two persons
of the Huguenot settlement had left the colony. It should be
remembered, however, that these families were not driven away
on account of a difference of religious belief, but rather by reason
of the antipathy which, in those days, seemed instinctive between
the French and English nationalities.
In the year 1709, a tract of 35,000 acres was added to the terri-
tory of East Greenwich by purchase. In 1740 the township was
divided, and the town of West Greenwich was set off and incor-
porated as a separate town.
East Greenwich formed part of Providence County until 1750,
when Kent County was formed, which embraces East Greenwich
as the seat of the county. The village of East Greenwich affords
a pleasant place for suburban homes. It is handsomely located
on the bay, where are good facilities for bathing and boating. It
has good railroad facilities, and a well-conducted and prosperous
seminary.
The earliest manufacturing done in East Greenwich was the
making of pottery by a Mr. Upton during the Revolutionary
War. The clay used was secured from Quidnesset, near a plain
known as “Gould's Mound,” where good clay is still found. Mr.
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH, EAST GREENWICH.


THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
42 I
Upton made pans, bowls, plates, cups and saucers, and
many other useful articles. His pottery stood at the cor-
ner of King and Marlboro’ streets. These works closed
at the termination of the Revolutionary War.
The first calico printing done in America is believed
to have been in East Greenwich, sometime prior to 1794. -
This printing was done by wooden blocks. During the -º
period of the Revolutionary War considerable attention
was given to the gathering of saltpetre. The first manu-
factory of woolen cards in this country is claimed to have
been that of Matthewson and Mowry, in East Greenwich,
about 1790. There were several large and successful tan-
neries in East Greenwich in the latter part of the last cen-
tury. There were at that time, also, three hat factories.
The hats were made by hand, and these factories gave
employment to many persons.
The first cotton mill was built by Dr. Tillinghast in the west
part of the town, and at the head of Hunt's River. Bay Mill, so
called, was erected in 1827 by the East Greenwich Manufac-
turing Company, at the foot of King Street. The Orion Mil
was built in 1836 by Green, Salisbury, and others, on Main Street.
A mill for the manufacture of woolen goods was built by Ezra
Pollard in 1836. A bleachery, located on a small stream called
Maskerchugg, was built by the East Greenwich Manufacturing
Company, and later was converted into a print works. The build-
ing was burned in 1850, but was immediately rebuilt and operated
in blue printing, and later in madder printing. It was again
burned in 1858, and at once rebuilt. A brass foundry was oper-
ated very successfully more than sixty years ago, by Cromwell
Salisbury. A machine shop was erected in 1845 by Asa Arnold.
In 1873 Mr. John Earnshaw commenced the manufactory of
coir mats and brushes. He invented and patented his own ma-
chinery, and for a long time was the only manufacturer of the
kind in the United States. The coir is the fibrous husk that
covers the cocoanut.
The first newspaper in East Greenwich was established in 1852
and was called the Åent County Afſas. It did not continue
long, however, and in 1854 was succeeded by the A'Aode /s/and
Pendulum, which has continued to the present time, and is a suc-
cessful paper.
The Kentish Guards were incorporated as a military company
by act of the General Assembly in 1774. It was composed of
the best men that the town afforded at that time, and furnished
more officers of high rank for the Revolutionary War than any
like company in New England. The company did good service
in the Revolutionary War, and have ever maintained an honorable
record. East Greenwich is divided into five school districts, each
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GREENWICH ACADEMY
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A STREET SCENE IN EAST GREEN.W.I.C H.
sustaining a good school-house, well equipped. A prominent
feature of the educational interest of East Greenwich is the
academy, which was incorporated in 1802 and opened in 1804.
About 1841 the academy came into the hands of the Providence
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, under whose
management it has since been. This was the first successful
school of a high order established in the state. It is known as
Greenwich Academy. The institution has a fine library of more
than three thousand volumes, and is well equipped with appa-
ratus for instruction in the various sciences. The academy
grounds contain five acres. East Greenwich has nine churches,
the First Baptist, St. Luke's Episcopal, East Greenwich
Methodist Episcopal, the Friends’ Society, the Freewill Baptist,
Our Lady of Mercy, Catholic; the Seminary Baptist, the Six
Principle Baptist, and the Swedish Church.
viz.:
WEST GREENwich.
This town, formerly belonging to East Greenwich, became a
separate township in April, 1741. It comprises some thirty-
five thousand acres.
Theophilus Whalley was among its original settlers. There
are in the town several saw and shingle mills, doing a thriving
business. In the eastern part of the town, near Carr's Pond, is
a stone quarry of granite which is valuable for curbing, etc.
The town contains three post-offices. The largest collection
of houses is in Nooseneck Valley. Several small factories have
been erected here at different time on the “Big River,” which
with its rapid fall affords good water-power.
Liberty, situated about one mile from West Greenwich Centre,
is also the centre of considerable manufacturing industry. A
mill was built here in 1808 by John Manchester who spun cot-
ton, dyed wool, and fulled cloth until 1822 when the
mill was destroyed by fire. It was soon afterwards
rebuilt and has since been converted into a shingle
and box factory.
Nooseneck is near the centre of the town. Here
the town-meetings are held. There is a post-office at
West Greenwich Centre, and also at Escoheag. The
town has produced a number of prominent men, among
whom is Judge Pardon E. Tillinghast, of Pawtucket,
son of the Rev. John Tillinghast.
In 1829 the township was divided into twelve school
districts, which have remained unchanged to the
present time. West Greenwich has four churches,
viz.: the Nooseneck Church, a branch from the East
Greenwich Church, the Freewill Baptist, erected in
1862, the West Greenwich Centre Church, and the
Advent Church.
" …





















54
CHAPTER VI.
THE NARRAGANSETT COUNTRY. AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,- KINGSTOWN, NORTH AND SOUTH,
EXETER, WESTERLY, HOPKINTON, CHARLESTOWN, RICHMOND.
GILBERT STUART,
The Famous Portrait Painter.
North KINGstow N.
THIs is a large and flourishing township, situated on the bay,
some twenty miles south of Providence. The present township
embraces a territory about ten miles in length and six miles wide,
and has within its limits three rivers — the Pettaquamscutt,
Hunt's, and the Annaquatucket. The latter affords good water-
power, which is well utilized by several manufactories. Wick-
ford, the principal village in the township, is located about the
centre of the east border of the town, and has a good harbor.
This was at one time, in the early settlement of the country, the
most important port in the colony after that of Newport. In
1641 Richard Smith procured land and established a trading
house in the north part of Wickford, at the site of the present
Updike House, of which the materials of the old house of Smith
are said to form a part.
He, for his “ conscience sake,” left Taunton and came to the
Narragansett country, where “by God's mercy and the favor of the
Narragansett Sachems, he broke the ice (at his great charge and
hazzard) and put up in the thickest of the barbarians the first
English house among theºn, keeping possession, coming and go-
ing himself, his children and servants and had quiet possession of
his houses, land and meadows,” as is testified to by Roger Williams.
Mr. Smith seems to have been an admirable Indian trader. Hav-
ing rendered himself popular among the Indians by living with
them for some fifteen years, he then obtained a lease for sixty-
six years, of all the land which now forms the present site of
Wickford and extending as far as the Annaquatucket River. A
few years afterwards he extended this lease for 1,000 years, at the
same time extending his lands largely, and in 1660 he was able to
satisfy the Indians that a reversionary title to vest at the end of
1,000 years was of little value, and obtained from them an absolute
deed of his whole extensive domain.
In 1659 Fox Island and an adjoining tract on the mainland
near Wickford, was brought by Holden and Gorton, and soon
after Humphrey Atherton, John Winthrop, and others, not citizens
of Rhode Island, under authority granted by the Massachusetts Col-
ony, bought two large tracts on the bay, one, Quidnesset, north of
Wickford, and the other, Namcook, now called Boston Neck,
south of it. These last two purchases were in violation of the
laws of the colony of Rhode Island, being made under the auts-
pices of a foreign government. Roger Williams warned Ather-
ton on this point, and refused lucrative offers of land made to in-
duce him to act as interpreter in making the purchase. Richard
Smith, not so particular in point of conscience, acted for the
purchasers, and was afterward an advocate of their cause in the
disputes growing therefrom. Settlements were made to the
north, south, and somewhat to the west of Wickford, and in con-
nection with settlements made at Westerly, or Southerton, as it
was then called, an active contest was carried on with the colonies
of Massachusetts and Connecticut as to the jurisdictional right
over the territory. At this time Kingston covered not only the
town of North Kingstown, but nearly the whole of the territory
now known as Washington County.
This contest was carried so far that in 1670–1 Connecticut
officers were arrested by Rhode Island authorities for attempting
to enforce the authority of that colony within the lands in this
territory, and the Rhode Island officers were arrested and im-
prisoned by the Connecticut officers for doing the same thing in
behalf of the colony of Rhode Island. The result was general
confusion. Finally commissioners appointed by the crown after
the granting of the charter of King Charles II., determined that
the whole territory of the Narragansetts should be known as
“King's Province,” that the Narragansett chieftains should be
recognized as the allies of the King of England, and a special
government over this province by the king properly organized.
A few years after the first settlement by Smith, Roger Williams
set up a similar establishment at Wickford, which he sold out to
Smith upon his (Williams’) second appointment as agent to
England. These trading posts formed a nucleus for settlers.
But during this time the Narragansetts were occupying the major
part of what is now Washington County, and were looking upon
this settlement with a jealous eye. By careful and peaceful
demeanor the settlers succeeded in maintaining peace with the
Indians until the outbreak of the King Philip War. Then, when
Massachusetts and Connecticut troops, joined by volunteers from
Rhode Island, attacked the Narragansetts in their winter head-
quarters, war broke out, and, excepting the Smith settlement at
Wickford, which was made the head-quarters of the colonial
army, every house in the territory was destroyed.
After the King Philip War new difficulties arose, Massachu-

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
setts had promised its soldiers that, in case of success, the
lands of the conquered Indians should be divided among
them as reward. In carrying out this design large
grants were made, covering the present seven Narragan-
sett townships. Connecticut also granted to her volun-
teers in the Narragansett War the town of Voluntown.
After this a long struggle ensued as to the right to the 3
territory. Massachusetts claimed it by right of con-
quest; Connecticut claimed it by virtue of a clause in
her charter bounding her territory on the east by the {
Narragansett River, which, she claimed, meant the Nar- .
ragansett Bay. Rhode Island claimed that the Narra-
gansett River in the Connecticut charter meant the Paw-
catuck River, and such it was finally decided to be,
though the matter was not permanently settled until 1726.
Wickford soon became an important commercial point.
Numerous vessels were engaged in the fishing trade, and
quite extensive commerce was carried on at this point
with West India and South America, as well as with
the Southern and Eastern States along the coast. For a consider-
able time ship-building was carried on here quite extensively.
Here, nearly a century later, was constructed the “Union,” a
large vessel for those times, also the “Resolution,” a celebrated
vessel of her day, in 1816.
Though that section of the state embracing North Kingstown
was settled about 1641, there was no township incorporated till
1674. In that year the General Assembly passed an act establish-
ing a township which was called King's Town. During the
usurpation of Sir Edmund Andros, royal governor, the name of
the town was changed, by authority of the king, in 1686, to
Rochester. In 1689 the old name was restored. From this time
forward the town grew rapidly in population and importance,
taking rank among the leading towns in the state. In 1722 the
town of Kingstown was divided into two nearly equal portions,
forming two separate townships called North and South Kings-
town respectively.
In the year 1842 the western portion of North Kingstown was
set apart and incorporated as the town of Exeter. Attention was
early given to education and the inhabitants of the town have ever
ranked high in intelligence and culture. Numerous churches in-
dicate the religious tendency of the people, and varied and pros-
perous business enterprises reveal the industrious character of the
inhabitants.
Among the early settlers of North Kingstown are many family
names of historic note. That of Richard Smith has already been
mentioned as the first settler and trader at Wickford.
The Sweet family were distinguished for their peculiar faculty
in bone-setting. All the sons in the family down to the present
time have developed this peculiar faculty.
The Updike family, which sprang from Gilbert Updike, who
came from New Amsterdam, now New York, became distin-
=-
º
-
-
-
A VIEW OF WICKFORD,
R}|, uſ
} \}
º º W \
ºn N
| º | Å. º
--
B|RTH PLACE OF G|LBERT STUART,
guished in those days for intelligence and scholarly attainments.
Gilbert Stuart, father of the noted portrait painter, was an early
inhabitant of North Kingstown, who emigrated from Scotland.
The artist son was born in North Kingstown. He died in Boston
in 1828 in his seventy-second year.
The Willet family, which sprang from Thomas Willet, who
was first mayor of New York, became celebrated as merchants
and in other active callings, in the early history of the town.
In the early history of the colony slaves were numerous in
North Kingstown, some families owning as many as forty or
fifty.
For a long period prior to the Revolution a famous breed of
horses known as the “Narragansett pacers,” was reared exten-
sively in this town, and many of them were shipped to the West
India Islands. The gait of this animal is described as different from
all others, in that “the back bone moved through the air in a
straight line, without inclining the rider from side to side as the
common rackers or pacers of the present day.” This pacer was
of Spanish origin, having been brought to Rhode Island from
Andalusia. It possessed great powers of endurance, was of small
size, and, it is said, would easily travel one hundred miles per
day, when properly cared for.
In the war of the Revolution North Kingstown was particu-
larly exposed, owing to her situation on the bay, and her sons
acted a forward part in helping to defend their town and state.
When many of her townsmen were called away to other parts,
the town raised a separate and independent company called the
“Newtown Rangers,” to serve as home guards. By an act of
the legislature in 1778 slaves were allowed to enlist. Soon after
a large company of negroes, many of whom had been slaves, was
raised in the town. The people of the town were frequently
annoyed by plundering parties of British soldiers, who landed
and carried off cattle, grain, and sometimes the citizens
as prisoners, and burned their houses, etc. George Bab-
cock, whose name heads the petition for the charter for
the Newtown Rangers, was subsequently one of the most
successful commanders in the American navy. He com-
manded the ship “Mifflin,” which carried twenty-eight
guns and was manned by 130 men, enlisted in North
Kingstown and Exeter, and was very successful in
taking prizes. Samuel Phillips was lieutenant of the
º “Mifflin,” and prior to this was one of the volunteers
* under Colonel Barton. He commanded one of the five
= | boats in the daring expedition that captured Prescott and
brought him safely through the British fleet.


THE
PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
A& ºff-
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, PEACEDALE.
The war left a deep and effectual mark on all classes. Extreme
poverty pervaded the homes of the yeomanry, and many of the
wealthy land-holders, who had espoused the cause of the mother
country, had been disfranchised and their property confiscated.
After the close of the Revolutionary War society soon became
settled and new business enterprises sprang up in the town.
Wickford had many ships. With the growing manufacturing
industries of the present century, several manufacturing centres
have sprung up within the town of North Kingstown. At Davis-
ville, a thriving hamlet on the Providence and Stonington rail-
road, in the northwest part of the town, the manufacture of woolen
goods was commenced shortly after 1800. About 1820 a grist-mill
was owned here by Joshua Davis, from whom the place takes its
11a1a1e.
At Bellville manufacturing commenced in the early part of the
century. It is a quiet village, located near the centre of the town,
on the Annaquatucket River. A large mill erected here in 1861
is now operated by Wm. E. Pierce. -
Hamilton is a thriving and handsome village, located about one
and a half miles south of Wickford, near the mouth of the
Annaquatucket River. Nearly the whole village is owned by
the Hamilton Web Company. About 1836 iron rolling was
commenced here by a Mr. Bowler. In 1839 the buildings were
altered by Slocum & Gardiner, who commenced the manufacture
of cotton yarn. About 1857 the Hamilton Web Company was
formed.
Lafayette, or Wickford Junction, is one of the oldest manufac-
turing places of the state. The spinning of cotton yarn was be-
gun here in the latter part of the last century.
About 18oo a tannery and snuff mill were erected here. The
manufacture of cotton goods was commenced about 1844, by
Albert Sanford. In 1848 Robert Rodman purchased the mill
and commenced the manufacture of woolen goods. In 1877 Mr.
Rodman erected a fine brick mill.
Narragansett is a pleasant manufacturing village, a short dis-
tance from Bellville. -
Saunderstown is located in the extreme southeast part of the
town. Near this little village stands the old Casey mansion, the
frame of which was brought from England in the early part of the
last century. The house still remains in good repair. The farm
on which it stands has never changed hands except by inheritance.
At Silver Spring business was commenced towards the close
of the last century by the Taylors, as finishers of woolen goods
and custom carders. This property changed hands several times,
and in 1868 it was purchased by Robert Rodman, who operated
it in the manufacture of doeskins and jeans.
At Sandy Hill, located about half-way between Wickford and
Greenwich, manufacturing was commenced in 1815 in the form
This was subsequently changed to the manu-
The present mill was
of wool carding.
facture of woolen goods and satinets.
erected in 1861.
The largest and most important village in the township
Wickford, which is pleasantly situated on Wickford Bay, and is
the seat of the town government. Here are the Wickford
National and the Wickford Savings banks, two churches and a
town hall. There are a goodly number of handsome dwelling-
houses, and considerable manufacturing. This was the seat of
the once famous Washington Academy.
By the shore, near Hamilton, was located the summer residence
of the Narragansett chieftains, and here was probably executed
the “ Sachems’ deed” to Roger Williams of the land for Provi-
dence Plantations, and also the deed to Coddington of Acquid-
neck. Near this place tradition still points out the old dance-
ground where the Narragansett tribe were wont to assemble for
council and their annual festivities.
Some three miles north of Wickford is found what is known
as the “Devil's Foot,” so called from impressions made in the
rock that resemble the mark of a human foot made in the snow.
About three miles south of Wickford is Penderzekias Corners,
the site of the old St. Paul's Episcopal Church which was erected
here in 1707 and removed to Wickford in 1800. In the old
church-yard here lie the remains of the celebrated Rev. Dr. Mc-
Sparran, and Dr. Fayerweather, his colleague and successor.
In 1868 the diocese of Rhode Island erected a neat wall around
this yard, and a granite monument to the memory of these worthy
and distinguished men.
North Kingstown has shown a commendable interest in edu-
cation. The first school-house in the town was built by T. A.
and T. G. Allen and John Wightman in 1806.
Several others were built before the introduction of the free
school system. The town is now divided into sixteen school
districts, the most of which have built new and handsome school-
houses since 1855.
The town has five churches: the Quidnesset Baptist Church,
the First Baptist of Wickford, St. Paul's Church of Wickford,
the Advent Church of Lafayette, and the Browning Meeting
House.
SouTH KINGstown.
This is one of the largest towns in the state. It was incorpor-
ated as a distinct township Feb. 26, 1722–23, prior to which
North and South Kingstown, together with what is now the town
of Exeter, constituted the single township of “King's Town.” The
town of South Kingstown has the Narragansett Bay on the east,
and the Atlantic Ocean on the south. It also has numerous
ponds in the interior, the largest of which is Worden's Pond,
located in the west part of the town. The Saugatucket River in
this town, though not large, affords considerable water-power.
In the northwest part of this town was the winter head-quarters
of the Narragansett Indians, the location of the so-called “Swamp
fight,” Dec. 19, 1675.
One of the best known and most influential families among the
early settlers of South Kingstown, was that of the Hazards,
who descended from Thomas Hazard, an emigrant from Wales,
about 1639. Thomas Hazard first settled in Jersey, whence he
removed to Rhode Island and settled at Portsmouth about 1640.
His grandson, Thomas Hazard, died in 1745 at the age of
ninety-two, and left seven sons. From these have sprung a num-
erous family, some of whom have filled responsible places of
public trust. George Hazard was lieutenant-governor of the
colony from 1734 to 1738. Another George Hazard was mayor
of Newport under the city charter. His son Nathaniel was a
representative in the General Assembly, also in the National Con-

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
425
gress. Thomas Hazard, of the fourth generation from the first
settlers, distinguished himself as a preacher among the Quakers,
also as an ardent advocate of freedom for the slaves. Another
Thomas, known as “Virginia Tom,” acquired a fortune as a
merchant in Newport, and on the outbreak of the Revolution es-
poused the English cause, in consequence of which his property
was confiscated.
Jonathan Hazard, of the fourth generation from the first set-
tlers, espoused the cause of the colonies, and held many import-
ant positions during the Revolutionary period. In 1787-88 he
was delegate to the United States Congress. He was a promi-
nent politician and a leader of the paper money party and also
opposed the adoption of the Federal Constitution.
Four of the Hazard family have filled the office of lieutenant-
governor with honor. The distinguished Commodore Oliver Haz-
ard Perry, of Lake Erie fame in the war of 1812, was grandson,
through his mother, of Oliver Hazard. Commodore Matthew
C. Perry, brother of Oliver, made himself distinguished in the
Mexican War, also in his expedition to Japan. Many descend-
ants of the Hazard family still reside in South Kingstown, and
in other sections of the state.
The Helme family was also prominent among the early settlers
of South Kingstown. A prominent physician in the early history
of South Kingstown was Dr. Sylvester Gardiner, a descendant of
Joseph Gardiner, who emigrated from England. Dr. Sylvester
Gardiner was born in South Kingstown in 1717, and while young
was taught by Dr. McSparran. Subsequently he studied in
Boston, in England, and in France, and became eminent in the
practice of medicine. The Minturn, Robinson, Brown, Case,
Wilson, and Rodman families were notable in the early days of
the town.
The Potter family also became distinguished among the first
settlers of South Kingstown. Col. John Potter came early to the
town. He had a son, William, who married a daughter of Col.
Thomas Hazard, became a judge, and inherited a large estate in
South Kingstown. He was prominent in the politics of his day,
and was a Senator in the Colonial legislature. He was elected
chief justice of the Court of Common Pleas, to which office he
was several times reëlected. The Potter family still stands high in
the state, the late Elisha R. Potter, Judge of the Supreme Court
of the state, being one of its members.
The town of South Kingstown has four banks. The first
organized in the town was the National Land-holders Bank, in 1818.
It became a national bank in 1865. There is also a National
Bank at Wakefield, and two savings banks,— one at Kingston
and one at Wakefield.
Peacedale is a flourishing village of some twelve hun-
dred inhabitants. The Saugatucket affords a fine water-
power. Manufacturing on a small scale was begun here
in the early part of the century. In 1819 Isaac P. and
Rowland G. Hazard commenced manufacturing here,
and in 1847 they erected a mill for the working of fine
wool.
In 1848 they procured a charter for the Peacedale Man-
ufacturing Company, of which Isaac P. Hazard was
president and Rowland G. Hazard treasurer. The
company commenced to make shawls in 1849, and was
highly prosperous.
The business was later managed by the sons of Row-
land Hazard, and in 1856 the works were greatly en-
larged. Here is located the the Narragansett Free
Library founded in 1855, and containing some 2,000 vol-
unneS.
Wakefield is the second manufacturing village of the
town, and is located at the lower falls at the head of
tide water on the Saugatucket River. It has two churches. It is
located on the Narragansett Pier railroad, as is also Peacedale.
Rock Brook, lying close to Peacedale on the same railroad, has
been a place of manufacturing since the year 1815.
Tower Hill is a small hamlet situated upon a high hill afford-
ing a fine view of the Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean,
which has lately come into note as a summer resort, and is much
patronized by people from the neighborhood of New York.
Kingston is a thriving village, located on the heights, some two
miles from Kingston Station. It is the county seat of Washing-
ton County. The village has a library and public reading-room
which is open every day except Sundays. Kingston Station
being the junction of the Narragansett Pier railroad, is growing
to be a point of considerable interest.
Narragansett Pier is located on the shore of the Atlantic. This
has grown to be a fashionable summer resort within the past few
years, and is sometimes styled “a city of hotels.” It has a large
number of hotels and cottages, occupied mostly by wealthy
people. Here is found excellent bathing, and the hotels and cot-
tages occupy commanding positions, overlooking the sea.
Narragansett Ferry is situated in the northeastern part of the
town, near an elevation called “Ferry Hill.” -
Moorsfield is also a small village in the northeast part of the
town, and consists of a small factory, a store, and a number of
houses.
In colonial days, South Kingstown was noted for the high degree
of education maintained among its inhabitants. Private schools
were maintained in a high degree of efficiency, and the wealthy
classes sent their sons to distant universities. After the Revolu-
tion, interest in education in this town became somewhat less, but
the town was awakened to a new sense of the importance of
education by the establishing of the free school system through-
out the state in 1828. Since that time the schools of this town
have kept pace with those of the other towns of the state.
The town of South Kingstown has fourteen churches, as follows:
the Congregational Church, of Kingston, the Peacedale Congre-
gational Church, the Narragansett Baptist Church, the Church of
the Ascension, of Wakefield, the First Six-Principle Baptist
Church, St. Francis' Church, Roman Catholic, of Wakefield, and
St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, at Narragansett Pier, the
First Baptist (colored), the Advent Christian, of Rocky Brook,
the Baptist Church, of Moorfield, the First Baptist, of South
Kingstown, the Second Baptist Church of South Kingstown, the
Curtis Corner Church, the Friends’ Society, and the Presbyterian
Church.
THE COURT HOUSE AT KINGSTON.

426
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
A VIEW OF WESTERLY AND THE PAWCATUCK RIVER,
ExETER.
Exeter constituted part of the town of North Kingstown until
1742. The name Exeter was derived from a place of the same
name in England. The first town-meeting was held at the pri-
vate dwelling of Stephen Austin, March 22, 1742.
A large section of the eastern portion of the town was included
in what was early known as the “vacant lands.” The eastern
portion of the town is drained by the Queen's River, the west-
ern portion by the Wood River and its branches, which afford
some good sites for manufacturing.
The town has several ponds the largest of which are Deep
Pond and Beach Pond. Portions of the town are covered with
valuable timber, such as oak, chestnut, pine, cedar, etc.
Queen's Fort, located in the northeast part of the town, con-
sisting of a half-globe-shaped hill, is a somewhat noted natural
curiosity. It formed a natural fortification which was made still
more formidable by the aid of human hands.
It is claimed that no license for the sale of intoxicating liquors
has been granted in this town for more than fifty years.
Among the oldest villages in the town is Exeter Hill. Some
manufacturing was done here in former days. William Greene,
a soldier of the Revolution, erected a grist-mill and saw-mill,
and also operated a nail factory and a trip hammer.
This business he carried on for many years and was succeeded
by his sons who continued the business until they sold out to
Christopher G. Greene, who erected a new mill about 1846.
This mill was burned about 1874 and was never rebuilt.
There are several small manufacturing places located on the
Wood River and its branches. The town is divided into thirteen
school districts, and manifests a commendable interest in educa-
tion. The town has five churches, as follows: the Baptist
Church, of Exeter, West Greenwich Baptist Church, the Shrub
Hill Baptist, the Liberty Baptist, and the Advent Christian.
WESTERLY.
The territory for four miles on either side of the lower Pawcatuck
River, prior to its settlement by the whites, was known by the
Indian name Misquamicut, and was a sort of debatable ground
claimed by the Niantics, Pequots, and Narragansetts, and occu-
pied by neither of them. The Pequots were noted as the most
warlike tribe in New England.
The Narragansett were probably the most powerful tribe and
approached nearest to civilization, and at one time held jurisdic-
tion over much more than the present State of Rhode Island.
There is still a small remnant of these ancient tribes of In-
dians residing in the town of Charlestown, commonly called Nar-
ragansett, who are mostly of Niantic blood and occupy what was
Niantic territory.
The first whites that visited the shores of Westerly were Dutch
fur traders. The Dutch navigator Capt. Adrian Block (for whom
Block Island was named) is said to have explored the coast in
1614, and the Dutch geographer, DeLast, is said to have sketched
it in 1616 from the journal kept by Captain Block.
Tradition relates that John Babcock and Mary Lawton eloped
from Newport and made the first settlement in Westerly about
1648. But the first well authenticated settlement appears to
have been made about 1658–60. In the year 1660 a private
company was organized in Newport, for the purchase and settle-
ment of Misquamicut, and a petition presented to the Assembly
at Portsmouth, the 27th of August, 1661. The name Westerly
was given to the town from its geographical position. But for a
long time it was named by the Connecticut authorities Southers-
ton for a similar reason, and jurisdiction over it was also claimed
and exercised by them. Some details of this struggle are given
in the history of North Kingstown. This was the first township
in the colony organized under the new colonial charter, given in
1663, and the fifth organized in the state. The township of
Westerly originally comprised the present territory of Charles-
town, Richmond, and Hopkinton. So great was the devastation
of King Philip's War that for five years no deputies from Wes-
terly appeared in the General Assembly.
The village of Westerly is situated on both sides of the Paw-
catuck River, which at this point is the geographical boundary
between the states of Rhode Island and Connecticut. This
locality was early known as Pawcatuck Bridge. In 1750 there
were but three residences here, and only fifteen in the year 1800.
Very little business was transacted here prior to the Revolution.
The name Westerly attaches properly only to that portion of
the village lying east of the river in Rhode Island, while that
portion lying west of the river in Connecticut, is known as
Pawcatuck, although the two villages are essentially one, having
but one post-office, one depot, common wharves, and common
interests.
Westerly has come to be quite an important shipping point,
large schooners coming up to her wharves. Considerable ship
building was carried on here in the early part of the century. Up
to 1836 many fishing keels were fitted up here for the New-
foundland and Labrador coasts. The first steamboat built on the
river was constructed by Sprague Barber, about 1840. In 1827 a
canal was opened from Westerly to Stillmanville.

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
427
Manufacturing
was begun here,
on a small scale,
early in the cen-
tury, and has had
a whole so me
growth ever since.
In 1814 the Paw-
catuck Manufac-
turing Company
built a stone mill.
where wool en
goods were man-
ufactured for a
time, and later,
cottongoods. This
company at length
sold to parties who
later constituted
the White Rock
Company, controlling the manufacturing interests at White Rock
and Stillmanville. Various other manufacturing enterprises have
been built up from time to time. Some years since, the manu-
facture of printing presses and machinery was commenced.
The stone quarries of Westerly have proved a great source of
revenue to the place.
There are now seven quarries worked, producing white, red,
blue, and maculated or mottled granite, and some grades of it are
said to be superior to any other found in this country, if not to
any in the world. It has, at least, become widely and favorably
known, both for its beauty and for its strength, which latter
quality it possesses to a remarkable extent. The first of these
seven quarries was discovered by Orlando Smith in 1845.
Westerly has in the Dixon House a very fine hotel, built in
1866–7 by Messrs. Babcock and Noyes.
The coast of the town of Westerly is a very dangerous one and
has been the scene of many shipwrecks.
Watch Hill, on a point of land which extends far into the
ocean in the extreme southwest corner of Westerly, has become
a favorite summer resort in the past few years, and has a number
of fine hotels, among which are the Ocean House, the Atlantic
House, and the Larkin House.
There are four national and three savings banks in the town.
A Young Men's Lyceum was founded in Westerly in 1839, and
a total abstinence society in 1841. In 1869 sufficient money was
raised by voluntary tax to purchase two steam fire-engines which
were fully equipped and manned.
The village was supplied with gas in January, 1868, a gas-light
company having been formed with a capital of $50,000.
Westerly has shown a commendable interest in education. An
academy was built in the centre of the village in 1814. The total
expenditure for schools for the year ending April 30, 1885, was
$18,943.88.
Westerly has twelve churches: the Calvary Baptist, Christian
Church, Christ Church, Congregational Church, First Baptist,
First Seventh Day Baptist, Pawcatuck Seventh Day Baptist,
Society of Friends, St. Michael's Roman Catholic, Seventh Day
Advent, and the Seventh Day Baptist, at Niantic.
T. V. & V. C. STILLMAN. —Among the leading manufac-
turers of machinery in the southwestern portion of Rhode Island,
is the firm of T. V. & V. C. Stillman, of West Broad Street,
Westerly. The business was established in 1840 by J. P. &
Amos Stillman, as J. P. Stillman & Company. This firm name
was continued until Jan. 1, 1871, when it was changed to the
present title. The firm of J. P. Stillman & Company made
HON, NATHAN F. DIXON,
United States Senator from 1839 to 1842.
woolen machinery, roller bushings, and sheaves. The present
firm manufacture not only this machinery, but have added to their
productions many other useful and marketable machines. They
make in wood working machinery the Woodworth planers and
matcher, molding machines, mortisers, circular saw arbors, rotary
planers for wheel and carriage makers. They also manufacture
shafting, pulleys, and all the gearing necessary to the running of
machinery except belting.
A specialty is made by the firm of a hand-lever paper cutter,
which is cheap, simple, and reliable. It is designed to meet the
wants of all who need a paper cutter, but especially for small
printing-offices. It is simple in construction, yet powerful, strong,
and well built. Another specialty of these machinists is the im-
proved waste duster for cleaning wool waste. It is peculiarly
adapted to its work which it performs successfully, winning favor
and being largely in use in the mills of New England and other
parts of the United States. All the machines made by this house
are constructed under the personal supervision of the members of
the firm, whose experience is a guaranty that their manufactures
are of the first order.
The senior member of the firm, Mr. T. V. Stillman, is promi-
ment in the public affairs of Westerly. He has been a member
of the town council for three years, and was the town’s representa-
tive in the state legislature. He has been sealer of weights and
measures for twenty-eight years, has been a trustee of the school
district, and has held other positions of honor and trust. He is
also a Mason of high standing, having been Master of Franklin
Lodge and Eminent Commander of Narragansett Commandery.
HoPKINTON.
Hopkinton was originally comprised in the township of West-
erly, from which it was set apart as a separate town in 1757.
The chief industry is farming.
Wood River forms the boundary line between Hopkinton and
Richmond, and on its banks and those of its branches, are num-
erous grist and saw-mills and various small manufactories. The
largest village in the town on this river, is Hope Valley, where
are a number of small cotton and woolen factories. A branch
railroad connects this village with the New York, Providence and
|
|
|
BROAD STREET, WESTERLY.
Dixon House on the Right,


THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
Boston railroad
at Wood River
Junction. The
first settlement
in the present
town of Hopkin-
ton is said to have
been made by
Daniel Lewis in
I7O4.
Hopkin to n
City, located near
the centre of the
town, is the oldest
and the largest
village in the
township. With-
in its limits are
carried on many
of the ordinary
m e ch a nic all
trades and mercantile occupations. In the early part of the cen-
tury, Hopkinton City was on the direct turnpike between New
London and Providence, and as is shown by the name, built high
hopes of the future, but these hopes were not destined to end in
fruition and the place remains to-day a country village. The
changes introduced by railroads left it far aside from the centre
of travel and traffic.
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SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, WESTERLY.
There are a number of other villages in the town. Ashaway is
a thriving little village located in its southwestern part. It is on
the banks of the Ashaway River, which empties into the Pawca-
tuck. The water-power of this stream was utilized to a consider-
able extent in the early part of the century in running forges.
Woolen goods were also made here as early as 1816. The card-
ing was done by water-power, but the spinning and weaving was
done by hand. The first woolen mill was burned in 1846, and the
one now standing in its place was erected in June of the same year.
Hope Valley was settled in the last century, by Hezekiah Car-
penter, who built the first dam upon the stream, and erected what
was known as the Carpenter Mill, or Middle Iron Works, with
which was connected a saw, grist, and fulling mill, and a card-
ing machine.
Prior to 181o there were but two houses in the place. In that
year Godfrey Arnold, and others purchased the mill and after-
wards extended the plant. This property is now in prosper-
ous operation. At this place is published the Wood River Ad-
vertiser, which was started in 1866, the only journal edited in
the town.
Locustville and Barberville located in the northeast part of the
town, were manufacturing centres in the early part of the cen-
tury. Also Wyoming, Rockville, Centreville, and Moscow are
all manufacturing villages. -
The town of Hopkinton has four banks: the Ashaway National
Bank, the Ashaway Savings Bank, the First National Bank, Hop-
kinton, and the Hopkinton Savings Bank. Hopkinton has an
excellent school system which is well managed. In 1858 an
academy was built and successfully conducted for ten years by
the citizens of Potter Hill and Ashaway. This was closed in 1869
and was succeeded by graded schools.
Hopkinton has eight churches, as follows: the First Baptist
Church, of Hopkinton; Second Baptist Church, of Hope Val-
ley; the Methodist Episcopal; the Friends’ Society; the Advent
Church; the First Seventh Day Baptist, of Hopkinton; the Sec-
ond Seventh Day Baptist, of Hopkinton, and the Rockville
Seventh Day Baptist.
CHARLEstow N.
This town was the last foothold of the Indians within this
state. After the destruction of the Narragansetts, the Indians
were gradually gathered or driven towards this town, till finally
the government assumed the charge of them, granting a reserva-
tion which was within the limits of this town. Within the res-
ervation was a burial hill, where mouldered the remains of Narra-
gansett Indians for unknown generations. Here the Indians
remained, mingling with the lower classes of blacks who fled to
them, till many years ago there remained not a single pure
blooded Indian in that territory. During this time they were
considered wards of the state, could not incur debt, serve or be
served, nor did they hold real estate even in their own reserva-
tion, except on the old uncertain Narragansett tenure.
A few years since, this principle of a reservation and placing
of a man under the guardianship of a state, was deemed a relic
of barbarism, and in 1881 the lands of the tribe reservation were
sold for the benefit of the tribe, and the Indians placed upon
the same footing as other citizens. The state reserved, and now
cares for the old burial-ground of the Narragansett sachems on -
the summit of “Summit Hill.”
Charlestown was originally part of the township of Westerly,
until 1738, when it became a separate town. The Pawcatuck
River bounds the town on the northwest, and here several citi-
zens of the town of Charlestown carry on manufacturing on the
west side of the river in the town of Hopkinton. The town has
several large ponds, as the Watchaug, Pasquiset, and School-
house ponds, and Quonochontaug, and Pawawget or Charlestown
Pond, which are now like inland bays, except that their outlets are
narrow and choked with sand. These sands are shifting, and a
large vessel may one day readily enter any of the ponds, to which
a few days after a small fishing boat would find entrance difficult.
This beautiful country was appreciated by the Indians, and
there is reason to think by some white race before the advent of
British-Americans.
On the northern shore of Pawawget or Charlestown Pond
stands the ruins of a stone and earth fort, built with bastions, and
surrounded by a moat, according to the rules of medieval Euro-
pean fortification construction. It is known as Fort Ninigret, and
believed by many of the inhabitants to have been erected by the
Narragansett Indians. An inspection of this work will satisfy a
critical observer, acquainted with the habits and customs of the
Narragansett Indians, that it could never have been made by
them. It bears too plainly the evidence of European workman-
ship. It stood there when Roger Williams first came to Provi-
dence, for Major Mason, who commanded the Plymouth troops in
the Pequot War, found it in possession of the Indians, whilst
on his march against the Pequot Nation. There is some reason
to think it may have been built as an outpost of the Dutch colo-
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, WESTERLY.


THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
nists of New Amsterdam. But investigation into the
early colonial records of New York shows, so far as
made, no evidence of a fort being erected by them at
this place.
While Charlestown has not taken a prominent place
among the towns of the state as a manufacturing town,
still manufacturing has been carried on to some extent
through its entire history.
During the Revolutionary War, fire arms were manu-
factured to some extent in the town. In 1833 a shingle
mill was built by John Tucker about a mile from where
is now the Carolina depot on the Providence and Ston-
ington Railroad. The coming of the railroad enhanced
the value of his property and greatly favored him in
making his business prosperous.
Charlestown has a good public library which was
established in 1850. The town has some half dozen
halls for public assemblies, located in different parts of the town,
the oldest of which is Stanton's Hall, which was drawn by lottery
by Joseph Stanton in 1796. The building has been used for
various purposes — as school-house, hotel, store, etc.
The town of Charlestown is divided into eight school districts.
The oldest school-house stands in district number eight and was
built upon a site given by Henry Greene.
. There are six churches in the town: the First Baptist, of
WATCH HILL LIGHT.
Charlestown, the Second Baptist, of Charlestown, First Baptist
Church, Cross' Mills, First Freewill Baptist Church, of Charles-
town, Charlestown Six Principle Baptist Church, the Narragan-
sett Advent Church (Indian).
* RICHMOND.
Richmond is wholly an inland town. It formerly belonged to
Westerly, from which it was set off in 1747.
This town is comprised in what was known, in the early
settlement of the country as Little Narragansett, and
over which there was much controversy as to title be-
tween Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
In its early history the town was settled very slowly. To
promote settlement, the General Assembly appointed a
committee to dispose of certain vacant lands held by the
colony. This committee sold, Jan. 28, 1709, a large
tract known as the “ Shannock purchase” to a party of
twenty or more persons, many of whom settled, and their
descendants are still residing in the town.
Among the original settlers on the “Shannock pur-
chase” were George Babcock, whose descendants became
a prominent family in the town, and William Clarke.
The Clarke family became numerous and influential in
the town. Members of the Lillibridge family, too, are
scattered through this and adjacent towns, sprung from
Thomas Lillibridge, who emigrated from England and
first settled in Newport in May, 1701, and removed to
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HOPE VALLEY, HOPKINTON.
the town of Westerly, now Richmond, in 1720.
leaving a widow and eleven children.
Farming is the chief industry. The growing of cranberries
has been carried on to a considerable extent and with good profit.
The Beaver and Meadow brooks are the chief streams in the
town, which form tributaries to the Pawcatuck River and furnish
some good water privileges.
On the banks of these streams were built many grist-mills,
saw-mills, and forges in the early history of the town. On White
Brook once stood a manufacture of axes, hoes, etc. On the Hop-
kinton side of the stream, at Wyoming, once stood the famous
Brand’s iron works. About 1760 there was a saw-mill and a
grist-mill where is now the village of Clarke's Mills. At Usque-
paugh there are mills, formerly known as Mumford Mills.
Cotton manufacturing commenced in the town about 1810 by
the erection of a mill at Hope Valley. In 1814 a company was
formed at Wyoming for the manufacture of cotton yarns. Here
was located the Richmond Bank, which was organized in 1856
and continued business till 1866. There are other mills in the
town as follows: Sheldon’s, Carolina, Shannock, Woodville,
Hillsdale, Sheldon and Hoxie, Kenyon's, Plainville, Clarke's and
Arcadia, generally doing a good business.
The village of Carolina was named for the wife of R. G. Haz-
zard, who built the mill at this place in 1842, and also the store
which was first occupied by S. P. Clarke.
The town of Richmond is divided into fifteen school districts,
The schools are well conducted and the citizens manifest a good
degree of interest in education.
The town has three churches: the Queen's River Baptist, at
Usquepaugh, the Carolina Free Baptist, and the Woodville
Seventh Day Baptist.
He died in 1727,
OLD INDIAN BURYING GROUND, CHARLESTOWN





55
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FAMILIAR SCENES IN NEWPORT.
|. The Old Mill. 2. Along the Cliffs. 3. Washington Square. 4. The Post-Office and Custom House. 5. Scene on Bellevue Avenue, 6. The Beach, in 1886,

CHAPTER VII.
NEWPORT COUNTY – THE CITY OF NEWPORT, MIDDLETOWN, PORTSMOUTH, JAMESTOWN, TIVER-
TON, LITTLE COMPTON, AND NEW SHOREHAM, (BLOCK ISLAND).
JOHN HARE POWEL,
Mayor of Newport.
IN the year of our Lord, 1636, the island of “Aquednecke,” later
known under the name of Rhode Island, was, save in its glades
and other land liable to overflow from its streams or the ocean,
densely wooded from its northern extremity down to the rocky
spurs that, from its southern shores, run out into the ocean. Its
soil was rich and its climate softer and more salubrious than that
of the more inland parts of the bay, but from its position between
the land of the Soughkonnets, a branch of the Wampanoag tribe,
on the mainland at the east, and the home of the Narragansetts on
the mainland at the west, it had been a debatable land for genera-
tions, and therefore unsettled by the Indians of either tribe, till
the rise of the Narragansett warrior and conqueror, Tashtassuck,
grandfather of Canonicus, some forty years before, who had
extended the supremacy of the Narragansetts over the territory
before then held by the Wampanoags — tradition says that a
decisive battle between the two tribes was fought upon this island.
Since his day it had been but sparsely settled by the Narragansetts,
who considered it rather as a hunting-ground than as an abiding
place.
It was fortunate for the whites that the Indians attached little
value to the island, as otherwise even Roger Williams’ aid and
influence might have been insufficient to enable them to purchase
it. The few Indians residing on the island were under the
Sachem Wanamataunewit.
The advantages of the island were not unknown to the whites.
One hundred and twelve years before, Verrazano, the Florentine,
had spent two weeks in its harbor, now Newport Harbor, with
the vessels of the exploring fleet of Francis I., of France. Since
161o the Dutch of New Netherlands (New York), had fre-
quently visited its shores, and gave it the name of Roodt Eyland,
on account of the strata of red clay visible on its shores (the
possible original of the later name of Rhode Island); but “the
hour and the man” for taking possession of it had not “come.”
Pending the discussion which ended in the banishment of
Roger Williams and his friends from Salem, another and even
more violent “hierarchal turbulence ’’ was developing in Boston,
the victims in the latter case being the so-called “Antinomians, "
led and championed by Mrs. Ann Hutchinson. This ultimated,
in March, 1638, in a decision that “the church with one consent cast
her out.” A warrant to execute the sentence of banishment was
immediately executed and she departed into exile. Two months
before this, in January, 1637–8, the principal men of the Anti-
nomian party in all the towns of Massachusetts, to the number of
seventy-five, named as objects of the order, had been required to
deliver up their arms and ammunition before the thirtieth of that
month, unless they would “acknowledge their sin” before two
magistrates. Even before this time, in the fall of 1637, the fol-
lowers of the persecuted sect, foreseeing the signs of the times,
had been looking for a place of refuge without the bounds of the
established New England Colonies, and had appointed Dr. John
Clarke, then (in November, 1637,) just arrived from England, to
“pitch" upon a place of retreat. His own statement of the course
pursued is: “By reason of the suffocating heat of the summer
before, I went to the north, but the following winter proved so
cold that we were forced in the spring to make towards the south.
So having sought the Lord for direction we all agreed
that while our vessel was passing about a large and dangerous
cape (Cape Cod) we would cross over by land, having Long Island
and Delaware Bay in our eie for the place of residence; so to a
town called Providence we came which was begun by one M.
Roger Williams, by whom we were courteously and
lovingly received and with whom we advised about our design.
“He readily presented two places before us in the same Narra-
gansett Bay—the one on the mainland called Sowams, the other
Aquednecke, (now Rhode Island). We inquired whither they
would fall in any other patent. He told us that the way
to know was to have recourse to Plymouth ; so, our vessel as yet
not having come about, and we thus blockt up, the company
determined to send to Plymouth and pitcht upon two others
together with myself, requesting also Mr. Williams to go to Ply-
mouth to know how the case stood; so we did.”
The Plymouth magistrates informed them that “Sowams was
the garden of their patent and the flour in the garden.” And
when asked “whether they laid claim to the ilands in the Nar-
ragansett Bay, and that in Particular called Aquednecke, they
all with cheerful countenances made us answer: It was in their
thoughts to have advised us thereto, and if the Provident hand of
God should pitch us thereon they should look upon us as free and
as loving neighbors and friends should be assistant unto us.
So we humbly thanked them and returned with that answer:
So it pleased the Lord by moving the hearts of the natives, even
the chiefest thereof, to pitch us thereon. So that having
bought them off to their full satisfaction we have possessed the
place ever since.”
It must have been a serious drain upon the resources and

432
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
winter supplies of the Providence settlers when these eighteen .
or nineteen families of refugees came straggling out of the snow-
covered forests into their little town containing barely that number
of houses, but the hospitality for which Providence has ever been
noted, was manifested, and as Clarke says, they “were courteously
and lovingly received,” and were entertained till they were able
to depart for their island home some month or more afterwards.
Previous to removing from Providence to the island these settlers
executed the following civil compact:
The 7th day of the first month, 1638.
We whose names are underwritten do here solemnly in the presence
of Jehovah incorporate ourselves into a Bodie Politick and as he shall
help will submit our persons lives and Estates unto our Lord Jesus
Christ the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and to all those perfect and
most absolute lawes of his given us in his holy word of truth, to be guided
and judged thereby.
Exod. 24, 3, 4.
2 Cron. II, 3.
2 Kings II, 17.
WILLIAM DYRE,
WILLIAM FREEBORNE,
PHILIP SHEARMAN,
John WALKER,
RICHARD CARDER,
WILLIAM BAULSTON,
EDwARD HUTCHINson, SR.,
HENRY BULLE, (x) his mark,
RANDALL Holdin.
WILLIAM CodDINGTON,
John CLARKE,
WILLIAM HUTCHINson, J.R.,
John CoGGESHALL,
WILLIAM Asp1NWALL,
SAMUEL WILBORE,
John Port ER,
John SANFor D,
Edward HUTCHINson, JR.,
THoMAs SAVAGE,
On the same day the entry is made that
We that are Freemen Incorporate of this Bodie Politic do Elect and
Constitute William Coddington Esquire a Judge amongst us and so cov-
enant to yield all due honor unto him according to the laws of God, and
so far as in us lyes to maintaine the honour and privileges of his place
which shall hereafter be ratified according unto God, the Lord helping
us so to do. WILLIAM Asp1N wall, Sec’ry.
I William Coddington Esquire, being called and chosen by the Free-
men Incorporate of this Bodie Politick to be a Judge amongst them, do cov-
enant to do justice and Judgment impartially according to the lawes of
God, and to maintaine the Fundamental Rights and Privileges of this
Bodie Politick which shall hereafter be ratified according unto God, the
Lord helping us so to do. WM. Codd'INGTON.
BRENTON'S REEF LIGHTSHIP.
William Aspinwall is appointed Secretary.
Dyre shall be clarke of this Body.
It is agreed that William
Through the influence of Roger Williams, a deed was soon
obtained of the island of Aquidneck, with right to “grasse” on
other islands and shores of the bay. As soon as the deed was
obtained, they commenced a settlement at Pocasset, between the
cove on the northeast part of the island and the Great Pond to
the northwest of the same, in the (now) town of Portsmouth.
The Portsmouth records give the deed of the island, etc., as
follows:
Col. rec., vol. I., pp. 45-46. The 24th of ye 1st month called March in ye yeare (soe com-
monly called) 1637.
Memorandum That We Caunonnicus and Meantunnomu ye two Chiefe Sachims of
the Nanhiggansitts, by virtue of our generall command of this Bay, as allso the perticular
subjectinge of the dead Sachims of Acquednecke and Kitackamuckqutt themselves and
land unto us, have sold unto Mr. Coddington and his friends united unto him, the great
Island of Acquednecke lyinge from hence Eastward in this Bay, as also the marsh or grasse
upon Quinunicutt and the rest of the Islands in the Bay (excepting Chibachuwesa, for-
merly sould unto Mr. Winthrop the now Governor of the Massachusetts and Mr. Williams
of Providence) also the grasse upon the rivers and coves about Kitickamuckqutt and from
these to Paupausquatch for the full payment of forty fathom of white beads to be equally
devided between us. In witness where of we have here subscribed.
Item That by giveinge by Meantunnomus' ten coates and twenty howes to the present in-
habitants they shall remove them selves from off the Island before next winter.
Witniss our hands
The marke of (a bow and arrow) Caunonnicus.
In presence of
Ye marke of O Zotuesh.
Roger Williams
The marke of (an arrow) Meantunnomu.
. Randall Holden
Ye marke of N Assotemuet
Ye marke of 3 Mishammor
Caunonicus his son.
Though this deed appears, by the recorded copy of it, to have
been executed in 1637, yet, as a matter of fact, it was executed
in 1638. Clarke's statement is that the deed was obtained after
the return of the embassy from Plymouth. The deed states a
previous sale of Chibachuwesa to Williams and Winthrop. Wil-
liams wrote that that sale was made in September, 1637.
These Antinomians were of a higher class, in a worldly point of
view, than the settlers at Providence. They moved with flocks
and herds. They established a form of government before enter-
ing upon their settlement. At their first town-meeting they pro-
vided for building a meeting-house; at their second, a
“howese of entertainment for strangers”; at their third,
within six weeks of the first, “Seargeants, Clarke, and
Corporalls” of the train bands were chosen, treasurers of
the infant state were appointed, and provisions made for re-
pairing highways at the public expense. Within two months
thereafter, stocks, a whipping-post, and prison were com-
menced, and within a month thereafter, strangers (not
townsmen) were sentenced to the stocks by the “Generall
meeting.” In November it was ordered that the twelfth of
the month should be a general day of training, and pro-
vision made that Mr. Edward Hutchinson should be the
baker for the settlement; a carpenter and blacksmith were
of the colony. These facts show the rapid growth and
development of the community. By the 2d of January,
1639, the colony had outgrown the purely democratical form
in which it commenced its career, and agreed to the election
of “Elders who were to assist the Judge in the Execution
of Justice, . . . and for the drawing up and determin-
ing of all such rules and Laws as shall be according to God,
which may Conduce to the Good and Welfare of the Com-
monweale,” and to them was “committed by the Body the
whole care and charge of all the affairs thereof, and that
the Judge together with the Elders shall Rule and Governe
according to the Generall Rule of the word of God when
they have no particular rule from God's Word by the Body
prescribed as a direction unto them in the case.” The
judges and elders were to be accountable unto the “Body"

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
once every quarter of the year, (when the “Quarter
Courts,” so-called, were held), of all cases, actions, and
rules which had passed through their hands; by them
(the body) “to be scanned and weighed by the word of
Christ. And if by the Body or any of them the Lord shall
be pleased to dispense light to the Contrary of whatt by
the Judge and Elders hath been determined formerly,
that then and there it shall be repealed as the act of the
Body, And if it be otherwise, that then it shall stand till
further light Concerning it for the present, to be accord-
ing to God and the tender Care of indulgent Fathers.”
Nicholas Essen, John Coggeshall, and Mr. Brenton
were appointed elders, and they with William Codding-
ton, judge, constituted the legislative, judicial, and execu-
tive government of the colony, subject to the “Lawes of
God,” and a power over their acts of supervision and
repeal existing in the “Body.”
It will be seen that they constituted a very limited rep-
resentative democracy in which (speaking without any irrever-
ence) the “Laws of God, the Body of the Commonwealth, and
the Judge and Elders took part,” with the power in the last resort
residing in the body of the commonwealth, to construe the laws
of God.
It is necessary to thus particularly notice the autonomy of the
government, as in no other way can the peculiar views of the
early settlers on this subject be made manifest.
There was a broad distinction between the primal fundamental
ideas of the colony at Providence and that at Rhode Island. On
the island the intent was to form a democratic Christian common-
wealth, where every follower of Christ might worship God freely,
according to the dictates of his own conscience.
The intent at Providence was to establish a community where
every man, Jew or Gentile, Christian or heathen, might worship
according to the teachings of his mind, and in civil government
to be ruled by the principles of democracy. A careful consider-
ation of this distinction will explain some variances in the course
of the two colonies before they finally united in adopting the prin-
ciple of Roger Williams.
There is another matter to be borne in mind, that, properly
regarded, will explain, perhaps, the later action of William Cod-
dington, and may relieve his fame of the charges of treachery
that have been too thoughtlessly cast against him.
It is this: that in the founding of the island colony there was
no thought of a union or communion with Providence or any
other colony, and when years later, in the so-called usurpation of
Coddington, he attempted to obtain a separate colonial establish-
ment there, he was simply carrying out the primal idea of the set-
tlers.
This determination of the settlers was so marked that John
Clarke speaking in a later day when he was actively opposing the
Coddington party in the matter of the “usurpation,” lays spe-
cial stress on the fact that the settlers would not go to Sowams,
Aquidneck, or anywhere else, unless the place was admitted to
be out of the jurisdiction of any of the established colonies.
On the twenty-fourth of the same month (January, 1639,) the
“Body” further perfected their form of government by the
appointment of a constable, Samuel Wilbore, and sergeant, Henry
Bull. The constable was to see that “the peace be kept and that
there be no unlawful Meetings or anything that may tend to Civil
disturbance practised; and furthermore he is to inform in Generall
of all manifest Breaches of the Law of God that tend to Civil dis-
turbance and that he hath authority to Command partie or parties
one or more as need shall require, to assist him in the discharge
of his office.” The sergeant was to attend all meetings of the
judge and elders, and to execute the sentences of the court; to
FORT ADAMS.
serve all warrants directed to him ; to inform of all breaches of
the laws of God that tend to civil disturbance; to keep the prison
and such as shall be committed into his custody with safety and
diligence; and had authority to command aid in the discharge of
his duties.
It is evident that even at this time, before the colonists had been
a year upon the island, they had a far more complete system of
civil government than was attained at Providence at a much later
date. The settlement had grown much faster; it had more trade
and had commenced, in an humble way, the business of navigation,
at least, two “shallops’ were built or building at that time.
Within a year or thereabouts of its foundation, viz.: on the
twenty-eighth day of April, 1639, the following article was
drawn :
PoCAssET, on the 28th of the 2d, 1639.
It is agreed by us whose hands are underwritten to propagate a Plan-
tation in the midst of the Island or elsewhere; And doe engage ourselves
to bear equall charges, answerable to our strength and estates in common;
and that our determination shall be by major voice of Judge and elders;
the Judge to have a double voice.
Present:
WILLIAM CoppingtoN, judge.
NICHOLAs EASTON, |
John CoGGESHALL,
WILLIAM BRENTON,
John CLARKE,
JEREMY CLERKE, (CLARKE)
THOMAS HAZARD,
HENRY BULL,
Elders.
WILLIAM DYRE, Clerk.
This article was drawn up with a view to a settlement at New-
port and it is noticeable that all the members of the Pocasset
government took part in what may almost be termed the trans-
ference of the colony to the latter place.
Further, when they removed to Newport they carried with
them their records up to that date, which will explain why we
commence the history of Newport with the settlement at Pocas-
Set.
At the date of their leaving a new organization was formed
among the thirty-one colonists remaining, and from that date the
history of Portsmouth, which then received its present name,
may properly be said to commence.
A day or two after signing the above agreement, Nicholas
Easton with his two sons, Peter and John, left the cove at Pocas-
set and sailing round the north end of the island coasted down
the west side till they came by night to an island where they
lodged, and the next morning named it Coaster's Harbor Island.
That morning they proceeded to Newport and commenced the
erection of the first English house in the place on the east side of

434
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
º
~ews
THAMES STREET, NEWPORT.
the present Farewell Street, just a little west of the present
Friends' meeting-house. The other signers of the above agree-
ment followed shortly afterwards, for on the 16th of the third
month, 1639, the entry on the records is that “It is agreed
and ordered that the Plantation now begun at this South west end
of the Island shall be called Newport; and that all the landes lying
Northward and Eastward from the said Towne towards Pocassett
for the space of five miles and so cross from sea to sea with all ye
landes Southward and Westward bounded with the main sea to-
gether with the small Islands and the grasse of Communnegott is
appointed for the accommodation of ye said Town. . . . It is
ordered that the Towne shall be built upon both sides of the spring
and by the sea-side Southward.”
At the next meeting it was agreed “that the lande (within the
above named limits) might reasonably accommodate -
fiftie familees,” thus showing conclusively that their idea was to
provide for or found an agricultural community with large farms,
and that no ideas of an enterprising, closely-settled city were as
yet entertained by them.
The spring spoken of above was on the west side of the pres-
ent Spring Street near the State House, whence a
stream ran in a northwest course to the bay. In
those times a dense swamp skirted the harbor where
Thames Street now runs, and tradition says, that dis-
couraged thereby from settling on its shores the bulk
of the settlers first thought of settling near the present
bathing beach but finding only an open roadstead un-
safe for shipping they returned in a quandary to the
shores of the harbor and meeting there some Indians
offered them a large price (one coat with its buttons) if
they would clear up the swamp for them. The Indians
accepted the offer and after receiving the price simply
set fire to the swamp and it being in a dry time burnt
it allup. This story is very apocryphal, because, firstly,
the whites were as likely to think of this device as
the Indians, and secondly it was not at a season of the
year when swamps are combustible; but, as it is the
only story recorded by tradition even, where the In-
dians got the better of the white men we gladly give
it place for what it may be worth.
The lands were divided among the settlers and on
the second of the seventh month (September) Thomas
tober) fifty-nine others appear to have been admitted to be inhabit-
ants of the island and a further list of forty-two names is given of
those who have been “admitted at the town of Nieu-Port since
the 2Cth of the 3d, 1638.” As most of these people were prob-
ably heads of families these 103 names represent a large addition
in numbers to the colony in the course of the first six months of
its existence.
The system of legislation and judicature established at Pocasset
was carried bodily to Newport and the inhabitants there remain-
ing set up a similar one at their new town of Portsmouth, thus
making two distinct governments on the island. On quarter
court day, Nov. 25th, it was agreed “ that they were subjects of
the king of England and his lawes, and that all matters that con-
cern the Peace shall be by those that are officers of the peace tran-
sacted : And all actions of the case or Debt shall be in such Courts
as by order are here appointed and by such Judges as are Deputed;
Heard and Legally determined.” The record effectually disposes
of the slander that was circulated in the neighboring colonies
that the people here were a disorderly crowd with no regard for
law, and still further, we find that on the 17th of December, a
pair of stocks and a whipping-post, according to Hudibras the
symbols of law and justice in that age, were ordered set up in
the town. A saw-pit was established in the town of Newport in
the same year.
By the commencement of the year 1640, the need of combining
the whole “body’’ on the island in one government became mani-
fest, and “att the Generall Courte of Election held on the twelfth
day of the first month (March) 1640, in the Towne of Nieuport.”
It was ordered “ that the Chiefe Magistrate of the Island shall be
called Governour, and the next Deputie Governour and the Rest of
the Magistrates Assistants and this to stand for a decree.”
Also “that the Governour and two assistants shall be chosen in
one Towne and the Deputy Governour and two other assistants in
the other Town, and that the plantation at the plantation at the
other end of the island shall be called Portsmouth.”
On the same day William Coddington was chosen governor,
and William Brenton deputy for the year, or till a new one be
chosen.
In this year it was deemed necessary “in regard of the many
incursions our island is subject unto, that an alarum be necessary for
the safe securing thereof.” This “alarum ” consisted of the firing
of three muskets “ distinctly,” and the incessant beating of the
Hazard and Mr. Jeoffreys were “embraced as freemen
of this Body.” On the first of the eighth month (Oc-
THE CASINO, BELLEVUE AVENUE,


THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
435
drum or drums, when it became the duty of each man bearing
arms to repair to the “coulers” lodged at the chief magistrate's
house in each plantation.
The two towns were deemed of equal importance, as it was
determined, Aug. 6, 1640, “that each should have a joynt and an
equal supply of the money in the Treasury for the necessary pur-
poses of the same.” A new system of courts was authorized to
be held every first Tuesday in the month at Newport; and every
first Thursday in the month at Portsmouth. These courts were
held by magistrates of the town and empaneled juries, and tried
causes, “provided it were not in the matter of Life and Limb.”
An appeal lay from these courts to the quarter sessions, (assem-
blies of the town held four times in the year) and thence to the
two parliamentary or General Courts held — one on the first Wed-
nesday after the twelfth day of March, and the other on the first
Wednesday after the twelfth day of October. These latter were
assemblies of all the inhabitants of the two towns, and held alter-
nately in each of them.
Agreements with the Indians, or rather making arrangements
to amicably settle disagreements with them, occupied a large
share of these early colonists' time.
The first recognized instance of the practice of “chirurgerie”
(surgery) in the infant commonwealth was in 1641, when on
September 17th, Robert Jeoffreys was authorized to exercise that
“function. ”
In 1641 the infant government was further organized, provisions
being made for the recording and publishing the laws and that
“a Manual seal" be provided for the state with the “signett or
engraving thereof.”— a sheaf of arrows bound up and in the liefs
or bond this motto indented : “Amzor Vºzzceſ Omzzzza.” -
Feudal tenures, with their various inconveniences and injustices,
were fresh in the minds of the men of the island, and they early
determined, 1641, that their lands should not be held under any
restrictions, but “soe free that neither the State nor any Person
or Persons shall intrude into it molest him (the owner) in itt
- or any of the bounds thereof; and that this tenure and
Propriety of his therein shall be continued to him or his ; or to
whomsoever he shall assign it for Ever.”
It was ordered that the government of the body politic should
be a democracy or popular government, that is to say, “it is in the
-
º/
º º º
2.
-
||
|
|
*/
H
Powre of the Body of Freemen orderly assembled or the major
part of them to make or Constitute Just Lawes by which they will
be regulated and to depute from among themselves such Ministers
as shall see them faithfully executed.
“It was further ordered by the authority of this present Courte,
be that none bee accounted a Delinquent for Doctrine; Provided it
not directly repugnant to ye Government or Lawes Established.”
These provisions for government, freedom of religion, appellate
courts, free tenure of land, etc., show that the settlers on the
island were far in advance of those at the northern part of the bay
in their ideas as to the formation of a “state.” In fact it has
been well said by careful historical students that Roger Williams
sought not to establish a government. He simply sought a refuge
where he and his associates might find freedom of mind from
hierarchal trammels. The existence of a democratic state fol.
lowed as a consequence, not as an end sought.
The same cannot be said of the islanders. They meant to
establish a state separate from all other governments, and all their
early acts tended distinctly towards that end. The first sugges-
tion, at least the first suggestion on record, of a patent of the
colony, appears in the record of Newport, when on Sept. 19, 1642,
it was ordered that a committee should be appointed to consult
about the procuration of a patent for this island and islands and
the lands adjacent. This movement furnished a suggestion to the
Providence settlement, in which it joined, and Roger Williams
was sent to England to solicit a patent for the two communities
(Newport and Portsmouth, and Providence). Even then Roger
Williams had no means of getting to Europe, as Massachusetts
refused to allow him to embark from Boston, but by the aid of
the communities lower down the bay who had opened commer-
cial communication with the Dutch of Manhattan (New York),
he was enabled to proceed to New York in the summer of 1643,
and thence to England. The results of his expedition are noted
on page 32.
It is amusing to see the close connection in which matters of
world-wise import are joined in these early records with entirely
local ones, to note that on the same pages with the above records
are rewards offered for the killing of foxes, wolves, and such-like
“vermin,” or negotiations with Indians as to their acts upon the
lands purchased by the whites. The rapidly increasing wealth of

436
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
THE OLD CODDINGTON HOUSE.
the colony may be noted in the same way; thus in March, 1642,
they could afford to give 3os. for every wolf killed, while six
months later to every Englishman who killed a wolf £5 were to
be allowed for his pains.
In 1644 we find the island receiving its present name, it being
ordered that the “ysland Commonly called Aquednecke shall
be from henceforth called the Isle of Rhodes or Rhode Island.
In the same year it was ordered that Robert West “should be
paid three pounds from Nuport and two pounds from Ports-
mouth Threasury for destroying the other Wolf,”—apparently this
records the decease of the last wolf on the island, though if so
we find that three years later they had appeared again.
In September, 1644, Roger Williams arrived at Providence
from England, bearing the charter or patent of Providence
Plantations. This charter was objectionable to the citizens
of the island, who believed themselves, and with justice, to con-
stitute the most important settlement of the four towns constitut-
ing the colony, and entitled to precedence as such. This feeling
doubtless in some degree accounts for the southern division of the
colony being slow to unite with the northern part in organizing
under the first charter. It was only the pressure brought to bear
on them from outside enemies that induced them finally to
coalesce in the charter combination.
In November of 1644 this pressure began in the first jurisdic-
tional trouble of the islanders with their neighbors of Plymouth,
when, in despite of their express disclaimer made to John Clarke
seven years before, they claimed jurisdiction over the island and
so far westward as to include Coweset.
In 1645 an Indian war broke out which was only quelled by
the negotiations of Roger Williams; troubles with the Dutch
were increasing; and finally after the triumph of the English
Parliamentary party in the surrender of Charles I., Newport and
NEWPORT COTTAGE – THE LORILLARD VILLA.
Portsmouth reluctantly organized with Providence and Warwick
under the charter of Providence Plantations in May, 1647.
Under this organization John Coggeshall, of Newport, was
chosen president, a system of general laws for the colony was
established, Warwick was admitted to the colony, and a career
of peace and progress seemed possible. But within a year dis-
sensions had arisen to a fever heat. Newport and Portsmouth
which had always heretofore acted together, were at variance,
and as appeared the next year an active party grew into power in
Newport against the charter.
In 1648 William Coddington, of Newport, was elected presi-
dent; Roger Williams, of Providence, William Balston, of
Portsmouth, John Smith, of Warwick, and Jeremy Clarke, of
Newport, - one from each town as the charter required — were
appointed assistants, and Jeremy Clarke was made colony
treasurer.
Though this arrangement gave Newport the precedence among
the towns of the colony, it was evident that Coddington and the
party on the island that he represented, were far from satisfied,
and others were not satisfied with him or them. Complaints
were made against him on the one part. On the other he refused
to appear before the Assembly, either to repel the charges made
against him, or to preside over its actions, and that body was com-
pelled to appoint Jeremy Clarke, of Newport, as president re-
gent. To understand the
position of President Cod-
dington for the next few
years, certain points must
be borne in mind: First,
as already remarked, when
the island of Aquidneck
was settled, it was with the
evident intent of forming
a colony distinct from any
other in New England.
Second, that Newport and
Portsmouth were at this
time, in numbers, wealth,
intelligence, commerce,
and manufactures, and in all the elements generally considered as
forming a state, far in advance of Providence and Warwick.
Third, that the action of Roger Williams in obtaining a patent
for the whole colony under the name of Providence Plantations,
was evidently distasteful to them, as it made the island secondary
in name, at least, to the mainland towns. Had the first charter run
to “Aquidneck and Providence Plantations,” as the second did
to Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, the pages of the
history of the province might have read very differently from
what they now do in recording the transactions between 1647
and 1663. As it was William Coddington, though appointed,
never acted nor even qualified as president, but on the con-
trary, in September, 1648, he petitioned “that the islanders of
Rhode Island may be received into Combination with all the United
Colonyes of New England” in the New England league.
This action amounted to a claim of separate municipal exist-
ence of the island and a disregard of the charter. The New Eng-
land league colonies refusing to acquiesce in Coddington's plans,
in January, 1649, he sailed to England, designing to obtain a sepa-
rate charter for Rhode Island.
During his absence a great excitement was created on the is-
land by a discovery of what was believed to be gold and silver ore.
At this date it is impossible to tell on what part of the island this
valuable minéral deposit was supposed to be located, whether in
Newport, then including the present city of Newport and the
town of Middletown, or in Portsmouth.
ENTRANCE TO THE JEWISH CEMETERY,



THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
437
It was deemed of sufficient importance for the General Assem-
bly to pass an act taking possession of the mines in the name of
the State of England, and forbidding all persons from interfering
with the ore. In the present day the idea of a surface discovery
of gold or silver ore in the very centre of the Rhode Island coal
field can scarcely be regarded except with a smile. It was prob-
ably the iron pyrites or “fool's gold” that deceived so many in
the days of the early settlements, that set these citizens wild with
visions of untold wealth under the hills of the island. Ques-
tions growing out of the fluctuating value of the currency dis-
turbed the people in these. early days, and it was determined
that the “black peage" should be taken at “four a penny,”
in dealing with the Indians. As showing the relative importance
of Newport it may be noted that it was the only town in the col-
ony that possessed a prison, the use of which was generously
granted to the whole colony.
In other words the State Prison now in Providence County was
then in Newport.
To return to Coddington’s movements.
England, King Charles had been executed.
Upon his arrival in
The House of Lords
had been voted
useless, the Com-
monwealth de c-
lared, and the su-
preme power of
England vested in
the hands of forty
persons as a coun-
cil of state.
It has been
claimed that Cod-
dington was a
royalist; if so he
must have have
been an astute
politician, for he
obtained from this
parliamentary
council a commis-
sion, in derogation
of the charter
previouslygranted
GEORGE H. CALVERT, on application of
Mayor of Newport from 1853 to 1854. Roger Williams to
Providence Plantations—organizing a separate government on
the islands of Rhode Island and Conanicut, and making him gover-
nor thereof for life, with a council of six men to be named by the
inhabitants and approved by him.
With this he immediately returned to Newport, doubtless be-
lieving that he had succeeded at last in carrying out the primal
idea of the settlers of the island in establishing a separate colony;
but times had changed since the year 1638, and though the con-
servative Coddington had kept in the old track, the minds of the
original settlers, as well as many of the new comers to the island,
had taken different views as to the desirability of the formation
of a separate colony, and a strong party had arisen in favor of the
union of the four towns into one colony. This party at once pre-
pared to send John Clarke to England to obtain a revocation of
Coddington's powers. Providence and Warwick joined with them
and sent Roger Williams to obtain a confirmation of the rights he
had once obtained. The consequences of the confusion thus pro-
duced was that till further information from England, the two
towns of the north — Providence and Warwick — kept up their
form of government under the charter, while the island towns
yielded an unwilling obedience to Coddington till in 1653, William
WILLIAM C. COZZENS,
Mayor of Newport from 1854 to 1855.
Dyre returned from England with a revocation of Coddington's
commission, which Clarke and Williams had obtained. There
appeared then to be no reason why the two colonies should not
reunite, but owing to some informality in not sending to Cod-
dington, personally, notice of the revocation of his powers, he re-
fused to surrender them till receipt of such notice, and a jealousy
between the mainland towns who were ready to meet the island
towns on terms prescribed by themselves, and the island towns
who were ready to meet the mainland towns on their own terms,
prevented the union of the various sections for another year.
At length, in 1654, a union of the four towns was effected and
thenceforth the colony worked as a unit. In this year a com-
mission was granted the vessel “Debora,” to defend themselves
and offend the enemies of the Commonwealth of England.
This, issued to a Newport vessel, was the first naval commission
authorizing acts of war ever issued by the united colony, and the
fact of its issuance shows the prominence Newport then held
among the four towns. But even before this time, in the year
1653, commissions had been issued by the island towns to Capt.
John Underhill, William Dyre, and Edward Hull for the same
purpose, and a court of admiralty for the trial of prizes was pro-
vided for.
Coddington's
position was a
peculiar one ; he
was looked upon
with suspicion,
and yet was re-
garded as a pop-
ular and able
leader. In 1655
he was appoint-
ed a commis-
sion er from
Newport, but it
was deemed ne-
cessary for him
to make a for-
mal submission
to the authority
of the colonies,
‘‘ and that with
all my heart”
before he was
WILLIAM J. SWINBURNE,
Mayor of Newport from 1855 to 1856,



56
438
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
allowed to serve
in that capacity.
Upon his doing
so further pro-
ceedings against
him and his fol-
lowers on ac-
count of his pro-
ceedings during
his “usurpa-
tion” were sup-
pressed,and a let-
ter sent to Eng-
land by the leg-
islature desiring
the discharge of
all complaints
against him.
That Codding-
ton did not per-
manently lose
p restige and
h on or in the
community, is
shown by the fact that many years later he was elected governor
of the united colony under King Charles' charter. An idea of
the comparative rank of Newport in the colony in 1655, may be
obtained from
WILLIAM H. CRANSTON.
Mayor of Newport from 1857 to 1866.
“The Roule of ye Freemen of ye Colonie of everie Towne.”
- Providence had 42
Warwick -- 38
Portsmouth -- 71
Newport * - 96
It is to be borne in mind that not every resident or inhabitant
of the town was a freeman thereof, and the number of citizens
according to a modern census enumeration, would be far in ex-
cess of the above figures, probably in the rate of 7 to 1.
After the union of the colonies in 1654, Newport continued in
its course of development in trade, and also in the settlement of
outlying provinces. In trade it had established relations with the
Dutch, the other English colonies of North America, the Bar-
badoes Islands, and Jamaica. The outlying settlements of New-
port extended over to the mainland to the westward, and it is to be
remembered in accounting for the large population of Newport
in early days, that the inhabitants of the present towns of North
and South Kingstown claimed and exercised the privileges of,
and were accounted as, citizens of Newport for many years.
In 1656–8 the Quakers found refuge in Rhode Island. Though
they made enthusiastic converts in Providence, yet their strong-
hold in the colony was at Newport. It was thence that Mary
Dyre went to Boston and, after being sentenced to death, and
standing under the gallows with the noose about her neck till
after all the agony of anticipated death was met and passed, she
was released on condition that she never again entered the com-
monwealth ; yet called upon by her conscience, she went again
into Massachusetts proclaiming herself to be “that same Mary
Dyre,” who had been banished under penalty of death if she
returned, and chose death rather than to stop testifying against
their persecuting laws. The other colonies of New England
thereupon girt themselves for war, and gathered in array against
the protectors of the Quakers. It was fortunate now for New-
port that the island did not stand alone, as Coddington had
wished that she might, for united with the Friends of Newport,
representing the church non-resistant, were the men of the north
part of the state, representing the church militant, who were
ready to contend for the freedom of all other churches as
well as their own. This formed another league of union among
the four towns, and thus compressed by the centripetal force of
outside enemies, the centrifugal elements of the incongruous pop-
ulations of the four towns, were held in check till after the death of
Cromwell, the ignominious attempt at the government of Eng-
land by his son, and the recall of Charles II. to the throne in 1660.
Fortunately during this time the colony had one of the ablest and
wisest citizens of Newport as resident agent in England, Dr.
John Clarke who had taken part in the first foundation of the
colony at Pocasset, and been one of the most able administrators
since. He represented the colony before the council of Charles
II., and obtained the charter of Rhode Island and Providence
Plantations in 1663, which secured to the colony a fair start in
the course which she has since as a colony and a state run.
The question as to the claims of Plymouth Colony to jurisdic-
tion over the island of Rhode Island was set at rest by the decis-
ion of Royal Commissioners in 1665.
The town rapidly developed in population, commerce, and
wealth, till the outbreak of the King Philip War in 1675. Then
it became necessary to devote all its energies to self-defense.
All Indians on the island above twelve years of age were placed in
custody of the whites and guarded by day, while they were securely
locked up at night, and a patrol by a flotilla of “gun boats”—
rowboats manned by five or six men each — was established
around the island. The duty of self-preservation prevented the
islanders from sending aid to the others towns but they offered a
refuge on their shores to the inhabitants of those towns, which was
generally and thankfully accepted by them. The King Philip
War so far as it affected Rhode Island was “short, sharp, and
decisive.” Hostilities in this colony were commenced in 1675,
and by the fall of 1676, all danger from Indians, resident in
this colony, was passed. Many of the citizens of other towns
who fled to the island at this period permanently settled there
and one result of the war was a decided increase in the population
and wealth of both Newport and Portsmouth. After this war
came another period of peace, prosperity, and rapid development,
till after the death of King Charles II., the succession of James II.,
and the appointment of Sir Edmund Andros as Governor of New
England. How Governor Andros came to Newport and de-
manded the charter, and how Gov. Walter Clarke evaded the sur-
render of it, with other matters regarding Andros’ usurpation, are
narrated on pages 44–45. Andros after the revolution in England
was seized and im-
prisoned in Boston.
He escaped and fled
to Newport, but
found no harbor
there, and was re-
captured and sent
back to Boston.
Following this
came a visitation of
the s m all-pox
which desolated the
island. For the
time being it caused
an almost total ces-
sation of business,
and threatened the
ascendency of the
town in the colony.
Upon the cessa-
tion of this plague
the town resumed
=s
SAMUEL A. PARKER,
Mayor of Newport from 1866 to 1868,


THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
439
its precedence. It was at that time practically the capital of the
colony and was the location of the Colony House. The use of this
house for eclesiastical purposes caused much dissatisfaction and
led to an act of the General assembly in 1695 forbidding its use
for any but “judicial (this term included political) and military
affairs.” At this time the towns along the coast of North Amer-
ica were resorts for pirates. They would bring their ill-gotten
gains to these places, and their armed ships lying before the de-
fenseless towns, would command them, and practically place the
town at their mercy.
They could then go to the shore and always find persons ready
to afford them opportunities of spending their money in riot and
debauchery. The well-known Captain Kidd found refuge for a
time in Rhode Island. Evidently Rhode Island, especially the
island at this time, needed a strong hand at the helm of the little
ship of state, and it found it in Gov. Samuel Cranston, of New-
port, who for twenty-nine years was successively elected governor
of the colony. One of his first acts was to issue a proclamation
against the pirates, but paper proclamations without powder and
shot to support
them were of
little a va il
against such
men, and he
wisely devoted
the energies of
the colony to
the building of
a fort on Goat
Island, which
mounted fifteen
pieces of ord-
nance of from
six to n in e-
pound ball.
The for t was
mainly for de-
fense against
the pirates, and
the officer in
command was
to endeavor to
sink any vessel
coming into the harbor that did not strike or lower its top-sail
when she came open with the harbor.
The building of this fort prevented the pirates entering the inner
harbor, but they made the coast their resort for many years, till
in 1723, when after a desperate action, a vessel (one of two,
the “Ranger” and the “Fortune,” which were cruising in com-
pany) was captured with its crew of thirty-six men —all that sur-
vived the action. They were taken to Newport, tried there, and
twenty-six of them sentenced to be hanged. On the 19th of July,
1723, “within the flux and reflux of the sea” on Gravelly Point,
opposite the town of Newport, these twenty-six men were all
hung, and after that we hear but little more of pirates at Newport.
When Governor Cranston first assumed office, Newport was
far the most important town in the state. Of a tax levy of £8oo—
Newport was assessed £225, and Portsmouth, the next most
wealthy town, £140, showing the island to have nearly half the
wealth of the colony. The other towns ranked: Providence, £128;
Kingston, £125; Warwick, £46; Westerly, £46; Jamestown,
£38; East Greenwich, £30; New Shoreham, £22. Ten years
after Cranston had first become governor of the colony, the first
census ever made of the colony was taken, and Newport (then
including Middletown, known best as the “Middle Woods,”) had
JAMES ATKINSON,
Mayor of Newport from 1868 to 1873.
2, 203 inhabit-
ants, and Ports-
mouth, 628;
giving 2,831 in-
habitants on the
is 1 a n d, a s
against 7, 181,
in the whole
colony. Prov-
idence at that
time, including
the whole of the
present Prov-
idence County,
had but 1,446
in habitants,
Kent County
but 720, while
Kingston and
Westerly, now
Washington
County, had
I,77O.
Gover n or
Cranston had
not only to
m a ke he a d
against pirates, but he had the arbitrary acts of British officials to
contend against. The earliest and most stubborn resistance
against aggressions by British authority against the rights of
American Colonies may be said to have begun in Newport; and
seventy years before the commencement of the Revolutionary
War, on June 16, 1705, we find Governor Cranston successfully
insisting on the rights of the colony against the arbitrary acts of
Colonel Byfield, Judge of the Admiralty Court. From the dis-
cussion growing out of this matter came the report of Governor
Dudley, of Massachusetts, to the English Board of Trade:
1. That the government of Rhode Island does not observe
the acts of trade and navigation; . . . thereby permitting
and encouraging of illegal trade and piracy.
2. That Rhode Island is a receptacle of pirates, who are en-
couraged and harbored by that government.
3. That the
government of
Rhode Island
h a ribors and
protects sol-
diers, seamen,
and servants
that desert from
other of Her
Majesty's Plan-
tations, and
will not deliver
them up when
they are re-
claimed — they
also give shel-
ter to malefac-
tors who make
their escape
from other
parts, without
delivering them
up when de-
STEPHEN P, SLOCUM.
Mayor of Newport from 1873 to 1876, and from 1880 to 1882.
HENRY BEDLOW,
Mayor of Newport from 1876 to 1879.



440
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
manded, and so on through thirteen other charges, one of which is
“That the Quakers by their interest in this government will not
admit any persons of estates or abilities into places of publick
trust.” To this was replied the freedom and rights of the colony,
and in the end the colony carried its point.
The promptness of the Newport men in defense of their rights
and liberties is instanced in 1706. Information was received by
the governor that a French privateer had captured a sloop on the
coast the evening before. Proclamation for volunteers was im-
mediately made, and in two hours' time, two sloops were secured,
fitted and mounted, with 12o men, who within three hours there-
after captured the privateer and the prize she had taken, and
brought them into Newport.
We note, that in 1708, Newport with one-third more inhabi-
tants than Providence County, had nearly one-third less freemen,
there were three times as many white servants and thirty times as
many black servants in Newport as in Providence; that New-
port had an active trade with the Bermudas, Barbadoes, Jamaica,
and many other West India Islands; the English colonies of
North America, Madeira, Fayal, Surinam, and Curacoa ; that
she exported lumber of all sorts, meats, farm products, horses,
candles, and rum ; that she imported sugar, molasses, cotton, gin-
ger, indigo, Swedish and Spanish iron, salt, woolen and linen
goods, rice, pitch, resin, and turpentine, peltries, rigging, dressed
leather, and bacon, European commodities of all sorts — rum,
wines, molasses, “cucao,” and dollars, (pieces of eight).
In the last ten years the colony had built 1oz vessels and had
then in use twenty-seven, the rest having been sold.
In 1715, the Assembly, “taking into consideration that Newport
is the metropolitan town in this colony,” etc., and that it “hath very
many streets,” appropriated £289 17s. 3d. towards paving the
streets of Newport, from the ferry place up to the Colony House.
This is the first instance of street paving within the colony.
In 1719 there was further trouble between the British customs
authorities and the citizens, leading to acts of mob violence in the
streets, and as had been the case in former collisions, the citizens
considered that they “ had the best of it.”
In the matter of the issuing of colonial paper currency New-
port had an interest in common with the rest of the state, but its
far-sighted merchants soon saw what the inevitable results of the
J. TRUMAN BURDICK,
Mayor of Newport from 1879_to 1880.
policy must be,
and joined the
hard m on ey
party.
In 1722 an
attempt was
made to subsi-
dize a duck
manufactory in
Newport, by
giving of this
p a per issue
twenty shillings
for each bolt of
duck made by
William B or -
den, from the
produce of the
country, for five
years. A loan
was also made
him to serve the
same purpose,
but in this case,
at least, “pro-
tection did not protect,” and the industry finally died out.
By 1730 Newport had increased to such an extent that its pop-
ulation was 4,640, and in 1733 the compact part of the town was
enabled to appoint a watch, make a rate, and levy money for
defraying the charge thereof with the charge of mending their
highways. In addition to the protection afforded by the fort, an
armed vessel was felt to be needed for the colony, and in 1740 an
armed sloop was built, and Col. John Cranston was appointed
captain for the first cruise.
In 1743 the interest of the settled part of Newport had become
sofar separated from that of the “Middle Woods” in the north part
of the town, that the latter was set off into a separate town as
Middletown. The growth of the town now seemed to reach a
point as great as the colony could sustain, and for years its popu-
lation remained in the neighborhood of six thousand, five hundred.
In 1758, the first newspaper published in the colony – the New-
port Mercury—was published in this town. After this date,
and especially after the peace of 1763, the town again rapidly
increased in wealth and population, till, in 1774, its inhabitants
numbered over nine thousand. The townsmen still resolutely
maintained their opposition to the acts of the British revenue
authorities in opposition to the colonies' charter, and after a long
course of minor conflicts, on July 19, 1769, the British revenue
sloop “Liberty” was destroyed by the citizens in Newport
harbor. This conduct of the Newport citizens led to their being
more closely watched than the other parts of the colony, and
consequently when the Revolutionary War broke out a large
British naval force lay in the harbor, and the citizens with their
whole town under the guns of the hostile fleet, were practically
bound hand and foot, and unable to manifest their sympathy with
the patriot cause.
In 1776 a British army, under General Clinton, took possession
of Newport and held it for three years. This occupation was almost
the death-blow to Newport, great numbers of its wealthier citizens
fled to places of safety on the mainland, the population fell from
9,209 in 1774, to 5,299 in 1776, and a further decrease came later,
while those unable to get away remained, giving a sullen, sulky obe-
dience to the conqueror. This state of affairs continued, relieved
only by the hopes inspired by such brilliant dashes on the part of
the Americans, as the capture of General Prescott in 1777, the
ROBERT S, FRANKLIN,
Mayor of Newport from 1882 to 1883.



THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
44 I
A BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OF NEWPORT.
capture of the “Pigot” in 1778, and the unsuccessful attempt of
the patriot forces in the same year to drive the British off the
island, till Oct. 25, 1779, when the British army evacuated the
island, after having practically wrecked the town during their stay.
After the war was over a vigorous attempt was made to revive the
town, and it was incorporated into a city — the first in the state,
in 1784. But the community had been too much enfeebled to live
as a city, and the paper money issues of the state struck still
another blow at it, consequently in 1787 it became necessary to
surrender the charter and fall back into a town organization.
From this time for fifty years the town remained nearly
stationary, the increase of the population being only from 6, 176
in 1790, to 8,333 in 1840. After this latter period the growth of
the present Newport—the fair city of villas and summer dwellings
by the sea — commenced.
The revival of Newport in its new aspect was a slow process.
At first it became a place of great hotels, then of boarding-houses,
then of summer residences, and now as people begin to see its
charms both summer and winter, there is each year a larger
growth of those who, having means, come to spend the year round
in its attractive climate. Its inhabitants were slow to realize that
its future prosperity depended upon its charms as a pleasure resort
and many were the attempts made to revive its commercial pros-
perity and also to awaken a spirit in favor of manufacturing within
its limits; with this view the first and only railroad connection
was made with the mainland, but the only effect was to show that
Newport could only hold its prosperity as a pleasure resort, and
commercial and manufacturing enterprises languished or became
subservient to the great interests of its Newport cottage residents.
What the future may have in store for it cannot be told. It
may be as it once seemed destined to be, one of the great seaports
of the Atlantic coast. Its magnificent harbor facilities seem to
call for such a destiny, but for the present and near future it is
seized and held by the people of the country who can appreciate
its rare facilities as a luxurious resort for the wealthy, and that is
its present stage of growth. It has more magnificent villas (“cot-
tages” is the local name for them) than any other city in the
country. It has grown in the last thirty years still most of its avail-
able territory is now taken up in that class of residences, and
they are spreading into and bid fair to occupy a large portion of
Middletown, once a portion of, now a suburb of Newport, and
equally beautiful in point of situation. Yet it must not be under-
stood that Newport is solely given over to pleasure and pleasure
seekers. It has a population of Zitterateur that is growing yearly
more influential, and it may yet usurp the proud position of Boston
as being the “Athens of America.”
In 1853 it had become sufficiently strong to again attempt a
city form of government, and has since been growing till from a
population of about nine thousand six hundred it has grown to
have now nearly twenty thousand permanent inhabitants.
It maintains its part well in the affairs of the state. During the
war of the Rebellion it nobly fulfilled all its duties in helping
defend the nation.
Newport of to-day is a city, unique and unapproachable by any
other municipal community on the continent. With an unri-
valed climate, delightfully cool on the hottest summer day, and
having the frigid blasts of winter tempered by the warming influ-
ences of the Gulf Stream, there is no reason why it should not
become a favorite winter as well as summer place of residence.
Yearby year its permanent residents are increasing, and many visi-
tors who come to spend the summer here conclude that they can find
no pleasanter place to pass the winter, and so remain. To peo-
ple who love the sea, the winter charms of old ocean are even
more captivating than its quietly sportive summer moods. And
when Newport, during the winter season, can add to the attrac-
tions of grand ocean scenery and mild climate, society balls, hops,
and receptions, she will surely become the winter as well as the
summer capital of that large and growing class of people who
live for enjoyment and possess sufficient wealth to gratify their
desires. It is the summer attractions of the place, however, that
now claim attention, and they are many and varied. The natural
charms of the locality are great. -
Nestled snugly in Narragansett Bay, running north and south
along its shores, and land-locked by Coddington Point on the
north and the promontory upon which Fort Adams stands on the
south, its location is most picturesque, imparting to those ap-
proaching it from the bay a feeling that it is a haven of peace,
beauty, and security. But the city is further surrounded by other
marine aspects whose contrast to this above described view is one
of the pleasant surprises in store for the visitor. On its ocean front
are beetling cliffs and jagged rocks, with the wild surf beating over
and around them. Strolling along the beautiful cliff walk thatskirts

442 &
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
this rock-bound coast the visitor, whether romantically or artis-
tically inclined, can gratify his tastes. On one hand is the broad
Atlantic, confined to its bounds by barriers it in vain essays to
break over, and whose wondrous and fantastic conformations form
never-ending studies; on the other are the palatial villas, sur-
rounded by beautiful grounds, where wealth and art have ac-
complished all that the highest culture and the most lavish ex-
penditure could achieve. It is this combination of art and na-
ture, grand ocean scenery, beautiful grounds, and residences, and
splendid drives, that renders Newport the paradise of summer re-
sorts. To crown its attractions it has a bathing beach of nearly
a mile in extent, of unsurpassed smoothness, and with an incline
so gradual as to make it one of the safest known.
Of the drives, Bellevue Avenue is the most notable, principally
from the fact that, as well as being, a beautiful boulevard, it is
lined with the residences of fashionable people, and always pre-
sents a gay appearance from the number of their splendid equi-
pages that during the season are continually to be seen there.
Here also are some of the finest private residences in the city, as
well as other notable buildings, such as the celebrated Casino,
the Ocean House, Pinard cottages, etc.
Ocean Avenue, however, possesses more charms for the visitor
who goes for health and the recreation that produces health rather
than for sight-seeing. This magnificent drive stretches along the
coast for eight or nine miles, and from it are had beautiful
glimpses of the city and its surroundings, villas, grounds, etc.,
while the ocean is in full view nearly all the way, and forms a
pleasing background to the delightful picture that the visitor is
contemplating. -
There are other fine drives in almost every part of the city, and
there is not a nook or corner of the place where the visitor can
fail to find something to interest him, whether in the antiquities
of the old town, which the historically-minded will take delight
in exploring, or the splendid specimens of modern architecture
which are to be seen on all sides.
The old city itself is very different from the temporary
towns built up at most watering places, and depending for their
existence entirely on the season's visitors. Newport is a
flourishing commercial and manufacturing town of over twenty
thousand permanent residents. A walk along Thames Street
during business hours will give the visitor a good idea of the
extent and variety of the business activity of the place, though
there are many other streets upon which business is transacted
on even a larger scale.
Among the many notable places and objects of interest for the
visitor are the celebrated Spouting Rock, the old Fort Dumpling
rocks, the Old Stone Windmill (which every good Newporter in-
vests with an air of wierd mystery), the Redwood Library, the old
State House, the Jewish Cemetery, the Forty Steps, the Perry
monuments, and Purgatory. Washington Park and Touro Park
are beautiful spots, and should not be missed by the visitor.
There are some ancient graves with tombstones bearing quaint
epitaphs on the bluff road worth visiting, and the tour of sight-
seeing cannot be completed without a visit to Fort Adams. There
are many beautiful churches, notably Trinity Church and Chan-
ning Memorial Church, the former remarkable for its antiquity,
having been built in 1726. Its interior arrangements, high-backed
pews, etc., are just as they were a century ago. e
The hotels of Newport are unexcelled by any in the country.
Among these hostelries may be mentioned the Ocean House,
Aquidneck, Perry House, United States Hotel, Park House,
Brayton House, and Bellevue Avenue Hotel. There are a num-
ber of other good hotels of a less expensive character.
Newport is noted for the scrupulous cleanliness which every-
where pervades it. For this its efficient city government should
be accorded full credit.
THE MAYORS OF NEWPORT.
GEORGE HENRY CALVERT, a gentleman distinguished alike for his lit-
erary attainments and the fact that he is a direct descendant (great-grand-
son) of Sir George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore, and founder of the
State of Maryland, was elected mayor of Newport in 1853 and discharged
the duties of the office to the entire satisfaction of her citizens. Mr. Cal-
vert was born in Baltimore, Jan. 2, 1803, and was educated at Harvard
University, from which he graduated in 1823. He was for several years
editor of the Baltimore American, and on retiring from that journal, devoted
himself exclusively to literary pursuits, publishing a number of works
in poetry and prose. Among the more notable of these may be mentioned
a Life of Rubens, (of whom Mr. Calvert's mother was a lineal descendant),
Life and Works of Goethe, and Shakespeare, a Biographic and Æsthetic
Study. He has been a resident of Newport since 1843, and has taken an
active part in promoting the welfare of the city, and especially in forward-
ing its educational interests. - e
WILLIAM C. Cozzens was a prominent merchant of Newport, and was
elected mayor of that city in 1854; serving one term and declining a re-
election. He was born in Newport, Aug. 11, 1811, and died Dec. 17, 1876.
In 1832 he established the dry goods business of William C. Cozzens & Co.,
his partner being the late Gov. Edward W. Lawton. Mr. Cozzens was in
every respect a representative citizen and enjoyed to the fullest extent the
esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens, who on various occasions
conferred political honors upon him. In 1862 he was elected to the state
Senate and on the election of Governor Sprague to the United States Sen-
ate, he filled the office of lieutenant-governor, and on Governor Arnold
being chosen United States Senator he became acting-governor. In 1863
he was the Democratic candidate for governor. . In local affairs he was
active and zealous in all good works; was president of the Redwood
Library Association for many years and also of the Newport Bible
Society, and an efficient member of the school committee. A good citizen
and an honorable gentleman, he filled every position assigned him with
fidelity and ability. . " g
WILLIAM J. Sw1NBURNE, for over thirty years one of Newport's leading
merchants and citizens, is a native of that place, and was born Jan. 23,
1822. He was elected mayor of the city in 1855, and reëlected in 1856.
Mr. Swinburne received his education at the public schools. He spent
ten years of his life in Virginia,- from 1836 to 1846,- and the three years
following served his country in the Mexican War, holding a commission
as lieutenant in the volunteer service. Returning to Newport at the close
of the war, he has ever since resided there, and for thirty-three years has
carried on the coal business. He was a member of the school committee
for fifteen years, and is now a member of the House of Representatives of
the state legislature. During the late Civil War he was engaged exten-
sively in the milling business and was the largest flour manufacturer in
this section. His career, it will thus be seen, has been an active, a useful,
and a patriotic one. -
WILLIAM HENRY CRANston.— Among the many distinguished gentle-
men who have acted as chief magistrate of Nº. none perhaps
endeared himself more to his fellow-citizens than William Henry Cranston.
Mr. Cranston was a native of Newport, and was born March 29, 1821. He
was a son of H. Y. Cranston, at one time a member of Congress. Mayor
Cranston entered Brown University about 1837, but owing to ill health
was unable to complete his course. After leaving the university he studied
law in his father’s office, and in due time was admitted to the bar. For
about sixteen years he was associated with George H. Norman in the pub-
lication of the Newport Daily Wews. . In June, 1857, he was elected mayor
and reëlected to the position for the eight succeeding terms. That he was
a man of good executive ability, and that he discharged his duties with
conscientious fidelity, and to the satisfaction of the people is very evident.
No better proof could be afforded than the popular indorsement so fre-
quently given him. He was a vigorous and pleasing writer, and a con-
stant contributor to many newspapers and periodicals. He was also the
author of many poems and lyrics, a volume of which was recently pub-
lished by C. E. Hammett, Jr. Mr. Cranston died Oct. Io, 1871, deeply
and deservedly regretted by his numerous friends and the general public.
SAMUEL A. PARKER was elected mayor of Newport in 1866, and reëlected
in 1867. Previous to that Mr. Parker had long taken a prominent part in
public affairs. In 1855 he was elected general state treasurer, running as
the candidate of the Native American party, and was annually reëlected
up to and including that year. He was again chosen for the same impor-
tant office in March, 1868, and served to Feb. 4, 1872, when he died. That
he was a man possessing sterling elements of popularity, and was regarded
as an able and a faithful public official, is beyond doubt.
JAMEs ATKINson was elected mayor of Newport in 1869, and reëlected
four times in succession. He was a native of Newport, and a printer by
trade, having served an apprenticeship to William Simons, publisher of
the Rhode Island Republican, a Newport newspaper. He worked at his
trade for a few years, and then engaged in business for himself in the pub-
lication of a Whig newspaper called the Herald of the Times, with which
the Republican was afterwards consolidated, Mr. Atkinson purchasing that
paper on the death of its proprietor. In 1847 he sold out his newspaper
establishment, and removed to Lowell, Mass., where he purchased the
Daily Courier, a Whig newspaper, which for two years and a half he
continued to publish. In 1850 he sold out and returned to Newport. Shortly
after his return he purchased the Newport Weekly Advertiser, a paper that
had been started during his absence. He continued its publication for
many years as a Democratic newspaper. On retiring from the field of
journalism (for this was his last newspaper enterprise), he devoted himself
to the book and job printing business, in which he was very successful, and
carried it on up to the time of his death, which occurred June 12, 1879, in the
seventy-sixth year of his age. In addition to his five years service as mayor
of Newport, he also served for four years as postmaster of that city, to which
position he was appointed by President Buchanan in 1857. In every rela-
tion of life, public and private, Mr. Atkinson was a model citizen and a
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
high-toned, honorable gentleman, who won the respect and esteem of all
who had business or social relations with him. He was a prominent
Mason, an enthusiastic Odd Fellow, and a devoted member of the Epis-
copal Church, serving for nearly forty-two years as clerk and vestryman
of Zion Church.
STEPHEN P. SlocuM is a prominent business man of Newport, and one
of her enterprising, progressive citizens, who has frequently been called
upon to take an active part in public affairs. He is a native of Ports-
mouth, R. I., where he was born March 16, 1818. He took up his resi-
dence in Newport in 1831, and has ever since been identified with the
business interests of that place. In 1872 he was chosen a member of the
board of aldermen, and in 1873 was elected mayor, and reëlected for the two
successive terms. In 1880 he was again elected mayor, and again re-
elected for the succeeding term. In 1880 he was also a candidate for lieuten-
ant-governor on the Democratic ticket. For two years he was a member
of the school committee. That he has given general satisfaction in the
discharge of every official duty with which he has been entrusted is very
evident by the repeated proofs of public approbation by which he has
been honored. Mr. Slocum had very few educational advantages when
a boy, but is a self-educated man,—an excellent type of that self-reliant
class who allow no obstacles to prevent them from winning an honorable
position among their fellow-citizens.
HENRY BEDLow was mayor of Newport, from 1876 to 1879, both inclu-
S1 ve.
J. TRUMAN BURDIck, who served as mayor of Newport in 1879, is a na-
tive of that city, and was born Feb. 1, 1839. For many years he has taken
an active part in the public affairs of his native town. He has served as a
member of the school committee, and also in the common council for two
terms. Mr. Burdick is at present treasurer of the Newport Hospital, a
position he has held for about ten years.
Robert S. FRANKLIN was mayor of Newport from 1882 to 1885,
inclusive. In 1871 he was elected a member of the common council, and
served in that body for ten years continuously, six of which he was presi-
dent of that body. Mr. Franklin is a native of Newport, and was born
Aug. 4, 1836. He received his education in the schools of his native town.
He is a member of the old and well-known firm of R. & W. Franklin,
bakers, corner of Spring and Mary streets. He was for some time a
member of the board of asylum commissioners, and has also served as a
member of the school committee. He is a director of the Aquidneck Na-
tional Bank, a member of the Island Savings Bank corporation, and one
of the vice-presidents of that institution since its organization. Mr. Frank-
lin is a prominent Mason, and has held the positions of W. M. of St. John’s
Lodge, No. 1, and high priest of Newport Royal Arch Chapter, and Emi-
nent Commander of Washington Commandery, and also at the head of
several of the bodies of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, as well
as holding office in the Grand Lodge and Chapter of Rhode Island.
John HARE Powell, who was elected mayor of Newport in September,
1885, and reëlected in September, 1886, is the son of Col. John Hare Powell
and Julia De Veaux Powell, of Philadelphia, Penn., and was born July 3,
1837, in the city of Paris, France. He was educated at home by a private
tutor; studied law for a couple of years, but abandoned it as distasteful,
and on the death of his father in 1855 removed to Newport, where from his
earliest youth he had been a constant visitor, and became one of its per-
manent residents. In 1862 he was commissioned captain in the Ninth
Regiment, Rhode Island Volunteers, was afterwards promoted to major
and lieutenant-colonel, and served with his regiment until it returned to
Rhode Island and was mustered out. He has served in the Rhode Island
Militia for fourteen years as colonel of the Newport Artillery. He was a
member of the board of health of the city of Newport for twelve years,
from the organization of the board until his election as mayor. He never
had any fancy for, or desire to enter public life, and consented to be a can-
didate for the mayoralty with reluctance, preferring to lead a quiet life
among his fellow-citizens to entering the turmoil consequent on being in
any degree a public character.
THE CHURCHEs of NEwpoRT.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.-The history of this ancient body dates from
the earliest settlement in Rhode Island. In March, 1638, a colony from
Boston, driven by intolerance and persecution, migrated southward into
the unbroken wilderness. After painful and perilous journeyings they
came to a place called by the Indians, Acquidneck, or the Isle of Peace.
Here they made their first settlement, near the north end of the island, in
what is now the town of Portsmouth. Soon after the establishment of the
colony a church was formed, of which John Clarke became the pastor.
There is little reason to doubt that this was a Baptist church, for it was
composed wholly of persons who had been driven from their homes on
account of their adherence to the cardinal tenets of that denomination,
and was presided over by a minister who was already a Baptist when he
landed in America, and who, till the days of his death, continued in
steadfast and sturdy allegiance to the principles of that order. In April,
1639, several families, including all the officers of government, who carried
with them their official records, removed to the southern part of the
island and founded the city of Newport. It is believed on good authority
that the church organization formed at Portsmouth was carried to the
new settlement at the same time. There was, at least very soon, a Bap-
tist church in Newport, comprising many of the same members and under
the care of the same pastor, Dr. John Clarke. This remarkable man, who
was at once the pastor, physician, and governor, became eminent in the
affairs of the infant colony. No man was more influential in shaping its
polity, securing its liberties, and founding its institutions. Most wisely
did he administer the business of the colony and the church. With rare
devotion and self-sacrifice he addressed himself to the arduous task of
organizing and developing the new province. With unswerving con-
sistency did he contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. It is
WILLIAM ELLERY CHANNING,
Born in Newport April 7, 1780.
The Eminent Unitarian Divine and Scholar.
gratifying to observe a growing appreciation of his important labors
among students of colonial history.
The church thus founded in the wilderness has maintained its existence
in unbroken succession until this day. One singular fact in its history
is the length of its pastorates. In 250 years (nearly) there have been but
fourteen pastors. The average term of office is thus nearly nineteen years.
One pastor remained in continuous service twenty-five years, another
thirty-one, another thirty-five, another forty-seven Its ministry presents
a noble list of names. Most were men of University training, and all
wielded a broad, healthful influence in the community and the state. On
the roll of lay-membership appear many names of men who have had
much to do in making Rhode Island what it is.
The names of the pastors are here given in the order of succession : John
Clarke, 1638–1676; Obadiah Holmes, 1651–1682; Richard Dingley, 1689–
1694; William Peckham, 1711–1732; John Comer, 1726–1729; John Callen-
der, 1731–1748; Edward Upham, 1749–1771; Erasmus Kelley, 1771–1784:
Benjamin Forster, 1785–1788; Michael Eddy, 1789–1835; Arthur A. Ross,
1835–1841; Joseph Smith, 1841–1849; Samuel Allan, 1849–1864; Comfort
E. Barrows, 1865–1883.
The first meeting-house was built at “Green End,” some two miles from
the present city of Newport. Here the church worshiped until 1707. In
that year a new house was built on Tanner Street, opposite the John
Clarke burying-ground. This, however, was sold in 1738, and a new edifice
erected on the present site. In 1841 the old building was replaced by a
new structure, which the church still occupies. It is a spacious building,
of the Corinthian order of architecture, capable of seating one thousand
people, and is situated on Spring Street, near the junction of Broadway.
The membership is now about three hundred. A flourishing Sabbath
School connected with the church has an enrollment of two hundred and
thirty-five scholars.
THE ANCIENT SocIETY of FRIENDs, established about 1640, worships
in their meeting-house on Mann Avenue. Trustees: Levi Chase, of New-
port; Thomas P. Nichols, of Westerly; Isaac Wilbur, Jesse Tucker, and
James Wilbur, of North Dartmouth, Mass.
THE SEcoRD BAPTIST CHURCH was formed in 1656, with a membership
of twenty-one. The Rev. William Vaughn was the first pastor; at the
present date the pastor is the Rev. Frank Rector and the membership 179.
Messrs. William B. Groff, E. P. Marsh, and G. B. Smith are the deacons.
Mr. Marsh is also superintendent of the Sunday School. The church edi-
fice is located at the corner of North Baptist and Farewell streets. It was
erected in 1835 and thoroughly renovated in 1885. -
THE FRIENDs’ SocIETY was formed about 1670, and the meeting-house
in which the society worships was erected in 17oo. The present ministers
are: Thomas B. Buffum, of Middletown, and Annabella E. Winn and
Mary A. Gifford, of Newport. The elders are: George Anthony, Mary
Dame, and Sarah Almy. William A. Holt is the Sunday School superin-
tendent. At the meeting-house of this society, once in every two years,
the Friends of New England hold their yearly meeting.
TRINITY CHURCH (Protestant Episcopal), located on the corner of Spring
and Church streets, was erected in 1726, and enlarged in 1762. The rector

444
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
is the Rev. George I. Magill. The senior warden is Mr. George C. Mason,
the junior warden Mr. Samuel Engs, and the vestrymen are: Messrs. Ben-
jamin Finch, Job T. Langley, William Cornell, John H. Cozzens, W. G.
Seabury, W. E. Dennis, Henry D. DeBlois, John S. DeBlois, Walter L.
Kane, Philip Rider, and Rodman Cornell. The superintendent of the Sun-
day School is Mr. John H. Cozzens.
THE Touro SYNAGoGUE, located on Touro Street, was erected in 1763.
The present rabbi is the Rev. A. P. Mendes.
THE FIRst METHoD1st EPIscoPAL CHURCH was formed in 1803. In
1806 the church edifice, which is located on Marlborough, Street, was
erected. It is still used by this church as a house of worship. The Rev.
Reuben Hubbard was the first pastor. At present the membership is 250,
who are under the pastoral care of the Rev. Thomas J. Everett.
The stewards are Messrs. W. R. Pitman, L. D. Davis, G. H. Kelley,
C. R. Thurston, H. C. Bacheller, T. T. Pitman, Jere W. Horton, E. O.
Riggs, J. W. Lovejoy, Thomas W. Freeborne, Thomas P. Peckham, Da-
rius Baker, and J. B. Titcomb.
THE UNION CoNGREGATIONAL CHURCH was organized Jan. 26, 1824,
with fourteen members. The congregation consists mainly of colored
people. The church originated from a society formed over one hundred
years ago (1780), which was called the “Union Society for General
Improvement.” The first sermon preached to the church was by the Rev.
Michael Eddy, on Feb. 29, 1824, and the text chosen was from Acts x., 34:
“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God
is no respecter of persons.” The present church edifice, which is located
on Division Street, between Church and Mary streets, was erected in 1871,
at a cost of $10,000. The pastor is the Rev. M. Van Horne, who com-
menced to labor here Aug. 1, 1868, and is one of the best known colored
clergymen in New England. He has represented his fellow-citizens for
several terms in the General Assembly, serving on important committees
of the House of Representatives, and is regarded by all who know him as
a man of fine ability and possessing sterling qualities of character.
also active in all movements that pertain to the permanent good of his
adopted city and state, he has also been a member of the Newport school
board since 1873. The church has now 192 members. The deacons are:
Mayan Ayler, James Hull, and P. W. Townsend. The pastor acts as
superintendent of the Sabbath School. The church has had several revi-
vals, viz.: in 1865, 1869, 1873, 1877–8, and 1881, which have been produc-
tive of great good.
THE UNITED CongregATIONAL CHURCH was formed June 4, 1833, by
the union of the First and Second Congregational churches of that town.
The membership of the church when formed was eighty-nine, and the first
pastor was the Rev. A. H. Dumont. The present pastor is the Rev.
Forest F. Emerson, and the membership is 332. The deacons are: Messrs.
Francis Wilbur, Charles E. Hammett, Jr., John R. Hammett, Samuel
McAdam, and Henry A. Heath. The Sunday School superintendent is
Mr. Erastus P. Allen. The church maintains a mission at Grace Chapel.
Connected with the mission is a Sabbath School, of which Mr. Gardner
B. Reynolds is the superintendent.
THE UNITARIAN CoNGREGATIONAL SocIETY was founded by the Rev.
Charles Briggs, Nov. 20, 1835. Within three weeks of its organization the
society purchased the Mill Street Church and continued to worship in
that building until the present edifice, known as the Channing Memorial
Church, was dedicated in 1881. The corner stone of this structure was
laid April 7, 1880, the Iooth anniversary of the birth of the Rev. W. E.
Channing, D. D. The church property is at present valued at $120,000.
The first pastor of the
church was the Rev.
Charles T. Brooks,
who se pastorate con-
t in ue d for thirty-five
years. The present pas-
tor is the Rev. John W.
Day, D. D. Mr. A. O’D.
Taylor is the superinten-
dent of the Sabbath
School.
THE CENTRAL BAP-
TIst CHURCH was organ-
ized Jan. 7, 1847, by 143
persons who had with-
drawn from the Second
Baptist Church of that
place. Previous to the
formation of the church
society its constituent
members had purchased
for a house of worship,
the old church building
= which had been occu-
pied by the Second Con-
gregational Church.
President Stiles, of Yale
College, was ordained
and first settled as a pas-
tor in this church. The
building was remodeled
and a lecture-room
added during the first
year of the ministry of
the Rev. Henry Jack-
son, D. D., who was the
first pastor of the Cen-
tral Baptist Church,
and continued to min-
TRINITY CHURCH, NEWPORT.
He is
ister to the congregation for fifteen years. In 1862 the Rev. Henry E.
Robbins was associated with Dr. Jackson as assistant pastor, and when
that learned divine died, in 1863, became the pastor of the church. He
was succeeded by the Rev. S. F. Hancock, who was followed by the Rev. N.
J. Wheeler, during whose ministry the church edifice was again enlarged
and remodeled. The present membership is 330, who are under the pas-
toral care of the Rev. Warren Randolph, D. D., who was installed June 1,
1879. The deacons are: Messrs. T. Mumford Seaberry, T. T. Carr,
Stephen S. Albro, John S. Langley, and William B. Franklin. Mr.
Franklin is also superintendent of the Sunday School. The church main-
tains a mission, known as the Central Baptist Mission.
THE MoUNT Z.10N AFRICAN METHODIst EPIsco PAL CHURCH was organ-
ized by the Rev. Henry J. Johnson in 1849. The church edifice was erected
in 1875, at a cost of $12,000, and is located at the corner of Bellevue
Avenue and Kay Street. The membership at the present time is 161.
The Rev. John M. Cargill is the pastor. The church has one deacon,
seven trustees, seven stewards, and nine stewardesses. The parsonage
adjoins the church building.
THE CHURCH OF “OUR LADY OF THE IsLE,” commonly called St.
Mary’s, was commenced Aug. 7, 1848, when the Catholics in Newport
numbered 580, and its corner-stone laid June 14, 1849. Previous to this
the Catholics held services in an old wooden school-house on Barney Street,
which was the first Catholic church in Rhode Island. The Rev. Robert
D. Woodly was the first pastor of Newport, as well as of Providence, being
appointed in April, 1828. The Rev. John Corry, his successor, commenced
in 1830 the erection of a wooden building on Mt. Vernon Street, known as St.
Joseph’s Church. It accommodated 800 persons, and was dedicated Aug.
20, 1837. From 1840 to 1845, the number of Catholics in Newport and
vicinity became very small. The numbers having gradually increased,
Bishop Tyler appointed the Rev. James Fitton its resident pastor. Wealthy
relatives of the first Bishop of America, who summered at Newport,
secured a donation of $4,000 for the erection of a new church. This
purchased the lot on Spring Street, and with their annual assistance and
generous aid of the increasing congregation, the really grand edifice was
erected under the pastorage of the Rev. Father Fitten. General Rosecrans,
then an officer at Fort Adams, superintended the construction of the en-
tire building. It was one of the first churches planned by P. C. Keeley,
the architect of the Providence Cathedral, and in beauty of design and
architecture is not surpassed by that magnificent structure. The church
was dedicated to “Our Lady of the Isle '' in 1853, five years after it was
commenced. The parochial school-house of stone was erected by Father
O’Reilley. His successor, the present pastor, the Rev. Philip Grace, D. D.,
within a few years erected a new Convent of Mercy opposite the church,
and on Aug. 15, 1884, the church was consecrated by Bishop Hendricken,
with imposing ceremonies, in the presence of Archbishop Williams and
noted dignitaries of the church and state. The Very Rev. Father Mc-
Kenna, the noted Dominican Friar, preached the consecration sermon.
Dr. Grace had succeeded in freeing the church from debt, and also the
school-house, convent, and the two cemeteries. January, 1885, the parish
was divided, and the new St. Joseph’s formed. The Rev. Father Doran
is the present curate of the church.
THE EMMANUEL PROTESTANT EPIscoPAL CHURCH was formed in 1851,
and incorporated by the legislature in 1852. The first pastor was the Rev.
Kensey J. Stewart. In 1856 the present church edifice was completed. It
is located on Spring Street, between Dearborn and South Baptist streets.
At present the membership is 253, and the rector is the Rev. Robert B.
Peet, who is also superintendent of the Sabbath School.
THE THAMEs STREET METHODIst EPIsco PAL CHURCH was organized
June 7, 1856, with a membership of fifty-eight. The first pastor was the
Rev. A. N. Brooks. The present church edifice was built in 1866, at a cost
of $20,000, and was dedicated on the 21st of December of that year. The
church building is located at the corner of Thames and Power streets, New-
port. The present pastor is the Rev. F. D. Blakeslee, who resides at No.
92 Spring Street, Newport. Present stewards: Isaac W. Sherman, Seth
Swinburne, Edward Young, John J. Carry, A. C. Titus, John B. Mason,
Charles S. Sherman, T. Fred Kaull, Charles F. Paddock, Charles H.
Seatle, Isaac J. Barker, Joshua B. Bacheller, D. H. Grinnell; Sabbath
School superintendent, A. C. Titus. -
THE SHILoH BAPTIST CHURCH was organized May Io, 1864. The Rev.
William Barnett was the first pastor. The services were held in the school-
house erected in 1798, under the provisions of the will of Nathaniel Kay,
who bequeathed certain sums of money and tracts of land to the cause of
education.
This building had become the property of the Trinity Church. It was pur-
chased from that society by Shiloh Church in 1869, for the sum of $2,000.
In 1884 extensive repairs and additions were made to the school-house.
Adjoining it, a parsonage, the lower floor of which was fitted up as a Sun-
day School room, was built. The church property is now valued at
$10,000. It is located at the southwest corner of School and Mary streets.
Its pastor is the Rev. H. N. Jeter, who is also superintendent of the Sab-
bath School. The present membership is sixty-nine. The deacons are
Mr. Francis L. Girard and Mr. Minor Henderson.
THE FREE CHAPEL of St. John THE Evange LIST, whose place of wor-
ship in on Poplar Street, was organized in 1882. The pastor is the Rev. S.
Wilson Moran. Mr. Willard Eddy is the senior warden. Mr. John T.
Delano is the junior warden, and the vestry men are Messrs. William G.
Schwarz, James P. Barker, Joseph C. Coggeshall, William W. Bradley,
J. S. Newell, Arnold James, and George N. Bell.
Zion CHURCH (Protestant Episcopal) is located on Touro Street, on
the south side of the Mall. The Rev. Charles G. Gilliat, D. D., is the
rector. The senior warden is Mr. Ernest Goffe, the junior warden is Mr.
James Pearson, and the vestrymen are: Messrs. John D. Richardson,
Charles P. Barber, George P. Leonard, William Allen, W. H. Sherman,

THE PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS. 445
George T. Hammond, Alfred Barker, Daniel S. Braman, Edwin Asten,
and Freeborn S. Waite, who is also superintendent of the Sabbath School.
St. Joseph’s CHURCH.-The history of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic
Church of Newport, though covering but a brief space, is full of interest.
This parish embraces the northern portion of the city, and has a resident
Catholic population of about sixteen hundred souls. The formation of
St. Joseph’s was officially announced on Sunday, Jan. 18, 1885. One week
later its first pastor, the Rev. James Coyle held services in the old Uni-
tarian Church, on Mill Street, large and interested audiences being in
attendance. Here the people assembled until the March following, when
a more commodious edifice, that of Zion Church Corporation, corner of
Touro and Clarke streets, was secured. The sum paid for this property was
$15,025, a price by no means exorbitant since the location is deemed
one of the most desirable in Newport. After making some necessary
repairs and changes, the church and chapel adjoining were solemnly dedi-
cated on Sunday, September 6, by the Rt. Rev. Thomas F. Hendricken,
Bishop of Providence. The high mass on this occasion was sung by the
Rev. Leo P. Boland, of Boston, Father Stang, of the Providence Cathedral,
officiating at the vesper service. A large number of clergymen and a vast
concourse of the laity were present on both occasions.
Since that time the progress of St. Joseph’s has been marked, pastor
and people working as a unit for its advancement. During the month of
December the Rev. William I. Simmons was sent as assistant to Father
Coyle, an appointment that gave universal satisfaction. The Sunday
School inaugurated during the stay in Mill Street, has grown steadily until
the present, when nearly four hundred children are in constant attendance.
The girls are under the direct supervision of the Sisters of Mercy, while
the boys are cared for by Mr. Richard Adams, superintendent, aided by a
corps of thoroughly competent teachers. The church societies are ten in
number, seven of which have secured costly banners and regalia. These
organizations are so graded as to embrace the entire youth of both sexes,
and their aim is to facilitate parish work and promote real, practical piety.
The coal mine twelve miles distant, is attached to St. Joseph’s as an out
mission, and is visited once per month, when regular services are held.
It is thought that the close of the second year of existence will find St.
Joseph’s parish entirely free from debt, so earnest and practical has
been the coöperation of its members.
SoME of THE BUSINEss INTEREsts IN NEwpoRT.
Swinburne, PEckHAM & CoMPANY.- The building activity
that has been in progress in Newport for many years past has
raised up several large industries for the furnishing of builders'
materials and supplies. Foremost among these is the establish-
ment of Messrs. Swinburne, Peckham & Company, which is
located at 215 Thames Street. This firm deals in lumber, hard-
ware, lime, brick, cement, etc., and also run planing, sawing,
and turning mills, and manufacture doors, sash and blinds, mould-
ings, etc. The business was established in 1842 by Messrs. Peck-
ham & Bull, who continued to carry it on until 1857, when the
firm name was changed to Swinburne, Peckham & Company,
(George W. Swinburne, Edward W. Peckham, and Job A.
Peckham, Jr.,) who continued the business until the death of
Edward W. Peckham, whose interest was then purchased by his
brother, Henry G. Peckham, the firm name remaining unchanged.
The business premises of the firm are very extensive. They oc-
cupy two large floors, including salesroom and offices, 30 x 7o
feet, besides a wharf with a water front of 200 feet, and extend-
ing from Thames Street to the river. Their planing mill and
sash factory is two stories high, and 65 x 100 feet in dimensions,
the machinery being driven by a large steam engine. There is
scarcely an article in the building line that the firm does not carry.
Their stock of lumber is always fully up to the requirements of
the trade, and embraces every variety of hard and soft wood, in-
cluding mahogany, black walnut, cherry, maple, oak, ash, hard
pine, etc., as well as all kinds of pine dimension stuff, shingles,
laths, etc. Their hard pine comes from the South, hemlock from
Maine and Nova Scotia, and soft pine from the West. They
have nine large sheds, in which are stored their various lines of
goods. In the lumber yard is a large drying-room, where mate-
rial is properly seasoned for builders' use. Their assortment of
builders’ hardware is always full and complete, and suitable to
the special wants of their trade. Forty hands are employed
about the yards and warehouses, and eight horses are employed
in the business.
From this brief description it will beat once seen that this is one
of the leading business concerns in Newport, and that a large capital
is invested in it. The general character of the buildings erected
*
3
CHANNING MEMORIAL CHURCH.
in Newport, is such that none but the best materials enter into
their construction, and to suit the demand of their wealthy build-
ers, it is therefore necessary in a business like this of Messrs.
Swinburne, Peckham & Company, to select their stock with the
greatest care and of a quality superior to that carried by most deal-
ers in other places. So that in proportion to the amount of stock
carried by this firm, as compared with ordinary lumber yards, the
capital involved is very much greater. The gentlemen compos-
ing this firm are all natives of Newport, and prominent in social
and political as well as business movements. They are thoroughly
identified with the city and the state, and fully alive to the interests
and the well being of both. Actuated alike by pride and self-in-
terest in the continued growth and prosperity of their beautifu
city, they omit no effort to aid in making it still more beautiful
and attractive. Every public measure or private enterprise hav-
ing that object in view, meets with their hearty coöperation and
assistance; for they are public-spirited, as well as enterprising
gentlemen. Churches, schools, and all other meritorious and
benevolent local institutions are sure to receive from them cordial
encouragement and substantial aid. Forming, as they do, im-
portant factors of the business community of their town, they
cheerfully perform the duties which as prominent citizens de-
volve upon them. To business men these duties are often irk-
some, and nearly always unprofitable. To endeavor to evade
them is often regarded as selfish and unpatriotic, while, on the
other hand to endeavor to fulfil them is often to incur misrepre-
sentation, slander, and sometimes abuse. While the gentlemen
composing this firm have been fully alive to the political events
of the day, and exercised their individual influence for what they
deemed to be for the best interests of the people, they have been
content to do so in a private way, and but one of them has held
any prominent public office. In 1870 Mr. Job A. Peckham, Jr.,
was elected a member of the House of Representatives of the
state legislature, and that he performed his duties to the satisfac-
tion of his constituents, was made evident by his reëlection in
1871, and again in 1872.

57
446
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
GEORGE A. WEAver.—The business carried on by George
A. Weaver, at Nos. 19 and 23 Broadway and Nos. 13 and 15 Spring
Street, is a very extensive one. He is a dealer in farm, garden,
and lawn implements, seeds,
fertilizers, wooden ware, hard-
ware, paints, oils, brushes, etc.,
and carries a large and com-
plete stock of these various arti-
cles. His stock of fertilizers
embraces all the well known
and celebrated brands that have
by experience been found par-
ticularly adapted to the soil and
Mr.
º repairing lawn mowers. The
business premises extend from
Broadway to Spring Street,
three stories high on Spring
Street, and one story on Broad-
way, with a frontage of ninety
a feet, and are equal in extent to
four large store houses. Every
part of the building is crowded
with goods of one description or
another. Mr. Weaver also occu-
pies a warehouse on Edward
Street, 60 x 30 feet in dimen-
sions, and two stories high. It
will thus be seen that his facilities for doing a large business are
first-class. The business was founded in 1866 by Mr. George B.
Weaver, father of the present proprietor. Under the latter's man-
agement, it has steadily progressed to its present proportions, and
is now one of the largest of its kind in Newport.
THE OCEAN Hous E, delightfully situated on Bellevue Avenue,
and near the celebrated Casino, holds its well-won place as New-
port's leading hotel. It is a handsome five-story building, having
a frontage of 250 feet, with accommodations for from four hun-
dred to four hundred and fifty guests. The main building is 50
feet deep, with a wing 150 feet deep, and contains 300 rooms.
The original building, built up in 1844, was 125 feet front and 5o
feet deep. In the fall of that year an addition of 75 feet was
added for a dining-room, and 125 feet to the frontage.
building was burned down Aug. 3, 1845, and the present fine
structure soon after took its place, and was finished and open to the
public in 1846. The original proprietor, by whom the house
was first opened, Mr. John G. Weaver, is still at its head, but
has now a partner in the person of his son, John G. Weaver, Jr.,
- the firm name being John G. Wea-
ver & Son. Mr. John G. Weaver,
Jr., is also one of the proprietors of
the Everett House, New York City.
Joseph B. Weaver, son of John G.
Weaver, Sr., was connected with
the Ocean House for fifteen years.
He died in 1882. This hotel has
every requisite of a first-class house
— spacious halls, large and airy bed-
rooms, well-lighted dining-room,
which is also tastefully frescoed,
luxuriously furnished parlors and
sitting-rooms, and all the innumer-
able conveniences and comforts —
bath-rooms, electric bells, etc.,
with which the best class of modern
- - ==
WT
STATUE OF COM. O. H. PERRY.
Fºº----- º
STATUE OF COM. MATTHEW
PERRY.
This
hotels are supplied. The managers are genial gentlemen, who
know how to make their guests comfortable, and insist on atten-
tion and courtesy as a standing rule for the government of their
employés.
SMITH, Bosworth & CoMPANY. —The business now being
carried on by Messrs. Smith, Bosworth & Company, at No. 34
West Broadway, Newport, that of sash and door manufacture,
sawing, planing, turning, etc., - was established in 1851 by Gideon
Lawton & Company – Gideon Lawton, Gilbert Tompkins, and
Smith Bosworth. In 1872 the firm was changed to Smith, Bos-
worth & Company, by the purchase of Gideon Lawton’s interest
and the admission of Peleg S. Bosworth and Edward T. Bos-
worth to the firm. The business is an extensive one and gives
constant employment to ten hands. Their machinery is driven
by a thirty horse-power engine. The well-known character of
the firm, and their long experience in the business, commands for
them a large trade. The goods they turn out are in every way
first class, and can always be relied upon as represented. They
use the best well-seasoned materials, and see that their work is
perfect in all its details. The members of the firm are all practi-
cal men, and give personal attention to every department of their
business. They are fully identified with the interests of New-
port, and take an active interest in all that concerns its wel-
fare.
MR. H. W. PRAY, watch repairer, No. 96 Spring Street, New-
port, has had an experience of over forty years at his business,
LIME ROCK LIGHT – HOME OF IDA LEWIS.
commencing first at North Scituate, from whence he moved to
Providence, taking up his permanent residence at Newport in
1862, where he has ever since continued to reside and do business.
He is a practical watch repairer, a fact that can be appreciated
by those having fine watches that need putting in order, and who
often fear to trust them to inexperienced hands. In addition to
being a good, practical mechanic, Mr. Pray is also recognized
as a trustworthy and reliable business man. His fellow-citizens
have testified to this fact, by electing him to represent them in
the city council, where he served one term.
HENRY J. Jon Es. – Mr. Henry J. Jones, manufacturer and
dealer in fine furniture, at Nos. 14 and 18 Mill Street, has had
several years experience in his line of business. He commenced
the manufacture of cabinet ware in 1883, at No. 172 Broadway,
where for a year he carried it on alone. In 1884 he formed a
partnership with Mr. A. B. Sweet, and the business was removed
to Nos. 171 and 173 Spring Street, where it was carried on under
the firm name of Jones & Sweet. Mr. Sweet died in 1886, the part-
nership having been previously dissolved. Mr. Jones having moved
to his present location is again carrying on the business on his own
account. The premises now occupied by him, Nos. 14 to 18 Mill
Street, are spacious, (65 x 52 feet), neatly fitted up, and well adapted
for his business. He carries a well-selected stock of fine furniture,
and manufactures to order any article in that line. At his estab-
lishment can be found the latest styles of plain and substantial, as
well as artistic furniture, all of his goods being of fine quality and
well made. He also carries on general upholstering, and cabinet
making in all its branches. He also makes a specialty of repairing
antique furniture. His experience and practical knowledge of





THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
447
the business in all its details enables him to select his
stock with good judgment, and has resulted in a flour-
ishing and constantly increasing trade.
Among other enterprising business concerns of Newport
are the following houses: Henry Bull, Jr., E. A. Crocker,
Daniel Watson, J. Neilson Howard & Co., and G. V.
Wilbur, real estate agents; Gardiner B. Reynolds & Co.,
and Penniger & Manchester, coal merchants; Caswell,
Massey & Co., Caswell, Hazard & Co., and B. F. Down-
ing, Jr., pharmacists; King & McLeod, H. E. Turner &
Brother, William Sherman & Co., dry goods merchants;
C. Titus, Hazard & Horten, John S. Langley, William
K. Covell, Jr., J. M. K. Southwick, and Stafford Bryer,
house furnishers; Daniel C. Denham, Albert G. Sping-
ler, D. L. Cummings, and E. C. Blain, jewelers; W. P.
Clarke, and C. E. Hammett, Jr., booksellers; Edward
W. Lawton, and William C. Cozzens & Co., carpet
dealers; Arnold L. Burdick, carriage and house painter;
William R. Landers, carriage painter; T. Mumford Sea-
bury, dealer in boots and shoes; A. W. Luther, ſancy
goods; J. E. Seabury, clothier; John C. Stoddard & Co.,
paints, oils, etc.; S. S. Fludder, carriage builder; George P.
Lawton, carriage repository and stable; A. Stewart, and Hiram
Murray, stable-keepers; Job T. Langley, hardware merchant;
James F. Marden, dealer in stoves, ranges, etc.; George Den-
niston, and John H. Crosby, Jr., grocers; R. & W. Franklin,
bakers; Carry Brothers, fish and produce dealers; William C.
Longley & Son, and John Alderson, merchant tailors; and J. D.
Richardson & Co., tobacconists.
Newport has eight banks and three savings institutions. The
banks are the Aquidneck National, the First National, the Mer-
chants, the National Exchange Bank, National Bank of Rhode
Island, New England Commercial, Newport National, and the
Union National. The savings banks are the Coddington Savings
Bank, Island Savings Bank, and Savings Bank of Newport.
MIDDLETown.
This town was born of Newport, being set off from the latter
June 16, 1743. At the time of its incorporation it was known as
the Middle Woods, and must have presented a marked contrast
with its present appearance, there being now but few trees in the
town, except those that are the result of cultivation. It had then
about five hundred inhabitants, mostly engaged in agriculture.
The population slowly increased until 1774, when it numbered
881. The town was occupied by the British army, whose head-
quarters were at Newport during three years of the Revolutionary
War, and suffered in proportion with that place, more than a
quarter of its inhabitants being driven away, and those who re-
mained suffering insult and injury from the acts of the Hessian
hireling soldiery. By 1790 its population had increased to 840.
Having always been an agricultural town, its population has
remained nearly the same. In 1850 it was 830, and at present is
1,166.
The town is one of the finest farming districts in the state, and
its farms are in a high state of cultivation. A notable feature of
the landscape is the long arms of the old-fashioned windmills
which revolve upon the summits of its hills. It is claimed by
some of the islanders that meal from corn raised on the island and
ground in these mills, is superior to all others.
The southern part of the town, bordering on the ocean and
Seaconnet River, so-called, is remarkable for its beauty and adapti-
bility for sea-side villa sites, and of late years has been largely
utilized for that purpose by summer residents.
There may be found the Paradise Rocks and Valley, rendered
BRISTOL FERRY, PORTS MOUTH.
famous by the glowing description penned by Bishop Berkeley,
more than a century since, when his home for years was in their
neighborhood. Purgatory is a singular crevice, but a few feet in
width, in the high rocks that there form the coast, into which the
ocean waves constantly roll. To stand on the high rocks and
gaze into the chasm upon the turmoiling waters below, is a severe
test of steadiness and nerve. In the southern part of this town,
near Sachuest Beach, was for years the home of the Hon.
Samuel G. Arnold, the historian of the State of Rhode Island.
The town of Middletown has one church, the Methodist Epis-
copal, organized in 1857. Long prior to this there had been a
Christian Church in the town.
PoRTSMOUTH.
The first settlement of Portsmouth, or “Pocasset,” as it was then
called, was mainly by those who afterwards became the founders
of Newport and as they practically carried the government with
them to Newport, the history of Pocasset is a preliminary of the
history of Newport. After the departure of the “Newport men”
at “a quarter meeting of the first of ye 5th month, (July,) 1639,”
it was agreed by those who staid, to call this town Portsmouth,
and at the “General Courte at Nieuport, on the 12th of 1st month
(March) 1640," this name was confirmed. It is evident from the
early history of the town that in some respects it was secondary to
that of Newport. This was owing to the greater number and wealth
of the inhabitants of the latter place. There was no subordination
of the town, and when William Coddington obtained his charter or
commission to govern the island for life, Portsmouth joined as an
independent town heartily with Newport in the measures suc-
cessfully taken for its revocation. Portsmouth was always mainly
an agricultural town, but the farmers added to their gains and
varied their fare by fishing in the waters of the bay. In 1647 the
town received an addition to its territory in the acquisition of the
island of Prudence. This island has a peculiar history. {ts sale
was first negotiated by the Narragansett Sachems to John Old-
ham before the coming of Roger Williams to Providence. After
Oldham's tragic death at Block Island in 1636, he having failed to
complete the purchase, Canonicus was desirous of giving one-half
of the island to Roger Williams. He (Williams) objected to re-
ceiving it as a gift, but joined with Governor Winthrop, of Boston,
in making a purchase of the whole island. They stocked it with
goats and swine, and placing a keeper on the island, made a
stock farm of the same. After holding it for some years it passed
out of their hands and became the property of one John Paine, a
merchant of Boston. He desiring to hold it free from the con-

448
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS,
OLD FORT DUMPLINGS, JAMESTOWN.
trol of the colonial government, obtained from the Duke of
York, brother of King Charles II., who claimed title to it under
a grant made by the council of Plymouth many years before to
the Earl of Sterling and purchased by him, a grant of the island
to be held as a free manor under the name of Sophy Manor. He
was also made governor for life, with a council to be chosen from
the inhabitants of the island, of whom there were now a consider-
able number. Memorial courts were provided for on the island
for the trial of small cases and the larger ones were to be tried at
New York. Paine was afterwards relieved from paying the quit
rent of the manor, and the island was released from all taxes, thus
giving him an independent government.
This act of usurpation roused the spirit of Rhode Island, Paine
was arrested and thrown into prison, charged with attempting to
bring a foreign jurisdiction into the colony, and found guilty.
The matter was finally settled by tacit consent, and without any
formal act of adjustment. Prudence Island quietly gave up its
independent sovereignty and became again a portion of the town
of Portsmouth, which it has since remained. After this episode,
the town pursued the even tenor of its way, partaking in the ill
and good fortune of the rest of the colony.
It derived importance as lying between Newport and the main-
land on the most desirable route of travel, and early maintained
the important ferries to Tiverton and Bristol. Its growth as com-
pared with Newport is interesting. In nearly seventy years its
population had only risen to 628, while that of Newport had
reached 2,203. Sixty-six years later it was 1,512, while Newport
had attained 9,209. Its present population is 2,008. During the
Revolutionary War it was the contending ground of the armies in
the battle of Rhode Island. The American troops under General
Sullivan crossing at the ferry, where is now the stone bridge,
August Io, and driving the enemy into their works at Newport.
After holding them there some weeks, owing to disasters suffered
by the French fleet, it was deemed expedient to evacuate the island,
and it was during this retreat that the action was fought Aug. 29,
1778. After the action, which was practically a drawn battle, the
Americans recrossed at the same ferry making one of the most
brilliant retreats of the war.
Within the present century, attempts have been made to diver-
sify the interest of the town by the introduction of coal mining.
The veins of the Rhode Island coal field which have been found in
this town have been the most successful in producing a combus-
tible coal of any that have exploited, many hundreds of thousands
of tons have been mined and removed, and at times a large busi-.
ness has been there carried on. But the coal is so refractory that
it requires special apparatus and powerful blast to burn it, and
it is little used excepting in smelting furnaces, one of the latter
for reducing copper ore having been formerly established in close
proximity to the mine.
Within the last twenty-five years a large industry has grown
up in this town in the manufactory of menhaden oil and fish
guano. At one time there were five establishments of this kind
in the town, one being located on Prudence Island. At present
the business is concentrated in a smaller number of establishments,
but has no diminution in extent. At Bristol Ferry, on the Ports-
mouth side, there is a fine hotel, which is much patronized by
summer residents. In educational and religious development the
town is not behind the other agricultural towns of the state. It
has four churches, viz: The Friends' Meeting, St. Mary’s, Epis-
copal, the Methodist Episcopal, of Portsmouth, and the Christian
Church.
JAMEstown.
The town of Jamestown consists of three islands, located near
together in the lower part of Narragansett Bay. The smallest
of the three is Gould's Island, and contains about one hundred
acres. The second in size is Dutch Island, and contains some
three hundred acres. This island is said to have been used by the
Dutch of Manhattan as early as 1616, as a trading post. The
third and largest of the three is Conanicut Island. This island
is about nine miles in length, and varies from one to two miles in
width, and has a population of some five hundred. It is an
island of much beauty and owing to its near proximity to New-
port, its natural attractions are now bringing it into prominence.
It was settled by the English in 1657, at which time it was pur-
chased from the Sachem Cashanaquoont by Benedict Arnold
and William Coddington. Other persons soon became associated
with these as proprietors, by which the lands were held in com-
mon for some seven or eight years, after which they were sold off
to private parties.
A town government was formed of the island Nov. 4, 1678.
No other town in the state suffered more severely than Jamestown
during the war of the Revolution. This was the only town that
was wholly abandoned by its inhabitants at that period.
Every house in the town, except that of John Martin, a tory
and the only one on the island, was burned by the enemy. In
the years 1777–78 the town-meeting of Jamestown was held in
North Kingstown, at the house of Martin Allen.
After the British forces left Newport, the United States gov-
ernment built Fort Brown on the southeastern extremity of the
island, the ruins of which still remain, and are known as Fort
Dumplings.
Among the early settlers of the town were the Carr family,
whose interests have been identified with the town through the en-
tire period of its history. Caleb Carr, who came from England in
1635, became a large land owner on the island, and was governor
under the royal charter in the year 1695. The Hull family also
figured conspicuously in the early history of the town, and to this
family it is said, was born the first child born on the island.
Dutch Island was long held by the proprietors as common pas-
turage land. About the middle of the last century the land was
portioned out, after which the owners began to sell to each other.
By this process the number of owners was continually decreas-
ing, till in the beginning of the present century the number of
owners was small. In 1860 the whole island came into the pos-
session of Powell H. Carpenter, and Jan. 5, 1864, it was pur-
chased by the United States government, by which it is now held
as an important strategic point for the military defense of the west
passage into Narragansett Bay. Dutch Island harbor is one of the
finest harbors in the bay, where vessels often take refuge in case
of adverse winds. From one to two hundred vessels are some-
times anchored there at once. There is a light-house on the

THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
449
southern point of this island. There are also two light-houses on
Conanicut Island, one at the north, and one at the south extremity
of the island, at Beaver Tail Point. This latter was established
in 1749, being the first light established on the American coast.
It was destroyed by fire in 1754, and rebuilt the same year. It
was again burned by the British, Oct. 16, 1779, and rebuilt again,
and has been sustained by the United States government since its
adoption of the light-house system.
The island is connected with Newport and also with the main-
land by a steam ferry on the east and a sailing boat ferry on the
west sides of the island, respectively. The first ferry connecting
the island with Newport was established in 1695. The steam-
boat ferry was put into operation May 12, 1873, which has
proved to be of great benefit to the island.
At the east landing, which is nearly opposite Fort Adams,
is a brisk little hamlet with two churches, a town hall, several
stores, etc. In 1873 “Conanicut Park,” so-called, was laid out
on the north end of the island, by the Conanicut Park Associa-
tion, which is fast growing in favor as a summer resort of the
wealthy and fashionable.
The town of Jamestown has three churches, viz.: the Cen-
tral Baptist, the Friends’ Society, and the Episcopal Church.
TIVERTON.
This is one of the five towns of Rhode Island which formerly
belonged to Massachusetts. The Indian name of Pocasset was
given to the territory on both sides of the Seaconnet River of
which a portion of this town formed a part and the first settle-
ment was known as the “Pocasset purchase.”
The southern portion of the town was sometimes known by
the name of Punkatust. The Pocasset purchase, or grant, was
made by the government in 1680.
Like its neighboring town, Seaconnet (Little Compton), Tiv-
erton was governed by a “Squaw Sachem,” Weetamoe by
name, queen of the Pocasset tribe.
But unlike the “Squaw Sachem ’’ of Seaconnet, Weetamoe
joined with King Philip, instead of against him, in his great and
final struggle with the whites, and proved one of his most faith-
ful and efficient supporters. When the number of her fighting
men had become reduced from three hundred to only twenty-six,
they were driven to a swamp in Swansea, whence in attempting
to escape by night she passed on to the Mount Hope Bay, which
she attempted to cross by a raft and in the attempt was drowned,
preferring death to capture by the whites.
Tiverton was incorporated as a township in 1694. It was an-
nexed to Rhode Island in 1746. A portion of the town was set
off to Fall River in 1862, at the time of the final settlement of the
disputed boundary between Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
A very important camp of the American army was pitched
upon Tiverton Heights, above the present stone bridge, during
the Revolutionary War, while the British were holding posses-
sion of Rhode Island. From this point the American army
under General Sullivan crossed over to the island in the move-
ments that led to the battle of Rhode Island.
Tiverton is chiefly an agricultural town, though it has ever
given some attention to fishing, and of late years is largely inter-
ested in the menhaden oil and guano interests. A portion of
the town on the Seaconnet shore is of late becoming favor-
ably known as a summer resort.
The town is divided into twelve school districts and has a good
school system.
Tiverton has two churches, viz.: the Central Baptist, and the
Congregational Church of Tiverton. e
LITTLE Compton.
From its earliest history the territory covered by this town
seems to have been inhabited by the Soughkonnets (from whence
Seaconnet Point has derived its name). They were a sub-tribe
of the Wampanoags, and were under the dominion, at the time of
its settlement by the whites, of Queen Awashonks, widely known
as the “Squaw Sachem.” From her Mr. Constant Southworth
and others received, July 30, 1673, a deed of a large portion of
land in the westerly part of the town. The first settlement in the
town was made in 1674, in the western part thereof, by Capt.
Benjamin Church, who was interested in the company represented
by Southworth. He afterwards became the hero of the King
Philip Indian War. He says: “I was the first Englishman
that built upon that neck (Seaconnet) which was full of Indians.
My head and hands were full about settling a new plantation,
where nothing was brought to. No preparation of dwelling
house or out-house fencing made. Horses and cattle were to be
provided, ground to be cleared and broken, and the utmost
caution to be used to keep myself free from offending my Indian
neighbors all around me.”
Just after this settlement was made, Philip of Pokanoket com-
menced his intrigues for a union of all the New England Indians,
to drive the white man from their territory. Captain Church hear-
ing of this, boldly visited Queen Awashonks at her camp, meeting
there the emissaries of Philip, and in their presence convinced her
of the advisibility of remaining friendly to the white man.
In the period following the King Philip War, the town became
more fully settled, and until January, 1746–47, remained a quiet
agricultural town of Massachusetts, having at the same time a
considerable interest in the occupation of fishing. The town was
then annexed to the colony of Rhode Island, and from that time
to the present its history has continued much in the same strain.
War and peace have alternately prevailed through the country,
but except as its citizens were called to serve in distant parts of
the land, Little Compton has felt little interest in them. No man-
ufacturing or commercial interests have settled there, and the low
of kine upon the farms, and the cry of the sea bird mingling
with the roar of the breakers on its rock-bound shore, are sounds
more familiar to its farmer fishermen population than the hum of
the factory or the hurrying teams of commerce.
During the Revolution the inhabitants were but little disturbed.
They did their part in helping the Revolutionary cause. During
the occupation of the island of Rhode Island by the British troops,
an outpost of the patriot army was stationed in this town. Mr.
Isaac Barker, of Middletown, on that island, whenever any pro-
posed movement of the British troops came to his knowledge,
would place a letter describing the same under a certain rock on
the shore, and would at the same time place an agreed signal,
consisting of fence rails arranged in a peculiar position, on the
high land in the neighborhood.
The patriots at Little Compton, noting the position of the rails,
would cross the Seaconnet River in the night, take from beneath
the rock the concealed letter, and transmit its contents to the
commander of the Continental forces. In this way much infor-
mation was obtained at the patriot head-quarters, which led to the
failure of many a well-planned expedition on the part of the
British troops. As British officers were quartered at Barker's
house, he had peculiar advantages for learning the plans of the
enemy, and yet being under their eyes it was only by extreme
shrewdness that he could escape their notice and save himself
from the fate of a spy.
During the war of 1812, the town was threatened by the Brit-
ish fleet, but never attacked. In the Mexican War and the war
of the Rebellion it did its part by way of contribution of troops.
Of late years the town has become popular as a seaside resort,
and in its farm-houses many of the overworked inhabitants of
our cities find much needed repose. *
Little Compton has two churches: the United Congregational,
and Methodist Episcopal. -
450
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
\
NEw SHOREHAM.
This township comprises the island of Block Island, located
thirty miles southwest from Newport and about twelve miles
from the mainland. The earliest record given of its discovery is
by the Florentine navigator, Verrazano, in 1524. Ninety years
later the island was visited by the Dutch explorer, Adrian Block,
from whom the name of the island is derived. It has, however,
been known by several other names.
It was by the Indians called. Manisses, meaning “little god's
island.” The tribe of Indians occupying it when it was dis-
covered were tributary to the Narragansetts, and were called by
the same name. - -
Claudia was the name given to it by Verrazano, in honor of the
m other of Francis I., King of France.
“Adrian's Eyland ” was the name given it by the Dutch
explorer, Adrian Block, which was changed by the colonists to
Block Island, thus giving to the island the last instead of the first
name of the Dutch explorer. By this name it is popularly
known to-day. - -
New Shoreham is the legal name of the township, under which
it was incorporated in 1672.
This island has three striking features, namely, destitution of
trees, its peculiar hills, and its ponds. Though the island was
covered with forests when discovered by the white men, yet for a
century or more past there have been no trees upon it except a
few that have been carefully nursed and cultivated.
There are within the narrow limits of this island about a hun-
dred ponds, many of them very deep, mostly fresh water, but some
of them salt. These ponds are of varying size and shape, from a
few feet in diameter to the “Great Salt Pond,” which covers a
thousand acres. The highest of these is Sand’s Pond which is
more than one hundred feet above the level of the sea. These
ponds are of great value to the farmers, for whom several of them
afford abundance of good water.
The third peculiar feature of the island is its hills, which are
thus graphically described by the Rev. S. T. Livermore : “Imagine
several tidal waves moving in nearly the same direction, from
west to east, each rising about one hundred and fifty feet above
the level of the sea, and their bases nearly touching each other;
and on the tops, sides, and intervals of these, “chop waves’ in
every conceivable shape and position, covering completely the
tidal waves; and when the reader has done this, he has an out-
line of the view under the observer's eye who stands in a good
light upon Beacon Hill.” ©
The first Englishman who contemplated settling on the island
was probably John Oldham, who, with two English boys and two
Narragansett Indians, touched at Block Island in 1636, on his
return from a trading voyage to the Connecticut River. The
Indians attacked his vessel, killed Oldham and captured his com-
panions. Out of this and other similar tragedies grew the Pequot
War. After this war the island was granted, for public services,
to Governor Endicott, of Boston, and three others, who sold it two
years later for five hundred pounds, to Simon Ray and eight
associates.
The next year Ray and his associates commenced a settlement,
and liquidated the Indian title, subject to a reservation in favor of
the natives. They set apart one-sixteenth of the land for support
of the ministry forever. About two years after the settlement
was commenced, the jurisdiction over this island was transferred
to the colony of Rhode Island. The remoteness of the island
rendered it largely independent of the colony, and was the occa-
sion of a different system of local government from that which
obtained in other towns. -
Its exposed position rendered it specially liable to attack both
from the Indians and from piratical vessels. -
Both the traditionary and authentic history of the island
abound in stirring incidents. The peculiar customs and institu-
tions of the early English settlers and their descendants are sin-
gular and interesting.
Within and around this island there has, perhaps, been more
hard fighting than on any territory of equal size in America.
During the French and Spanish wars of the colonial period she
was the easy prey of any privateer or even pirate that cared to
land and ransack the island. During the Revolutionary War it
was deemed advisable by the colony to remove all the stock not
absolutely necessary to support the inhabitants, and the latter
were invited to seek refuge on the mainland. This though an
act of necessity was a hardship to the islanders.
In the war of 1812, the island was allowed to assume an atti-
tude of neutrality, and suffered no material disadvantage. In-
deed, those were rather days of special prosperity for the island-
ers, for they were not only free from military duty and from tax,
but for a time found a ready and high market for their produce
on English men-of-war. -
During the past fifteen or twenty years, Block Island has been
fast growing in popularity as a summer resort. The building of the
government breakwater, and the improved traveling facilities re-
cently inaugurated, have had the effect to bring the island with its
wonderful advantages as a seaside residence into public notice.
There are now a dozen or more large hotels, all well patronized in
summer. The inhabitants of the island are intelligent and peace-
ful, and they have never yet had a jail or a resident lawyer on
the island. -
A history of Block Island would be incomplete without some
reference to the “Palatine Light,” so-called, which is a peculiar
phenomenon, resembling in appearance a burning ship, often
seen near the island. gº
The traditional explanation of this phenomenon is that the
“Palatine,” a German vessel, was wrecked and burned off the
island about the year 1845, and its passengers destroyed by a
mutinous crew, pirates, or others. Accounts differ in regard to
the matter, and there since then this light appears as a memorial
of the tragedy, the imaginative islanders assuming that it was
never visible before then. .
From the early colonial times the need of a harbor of refuge on
Block Island has been felt. assº
Attempts have been made to cut a passage-way from the sea to
the deep waters of the Great Salt Pond, thus affording an ample
harbor of refuge. But the result of experience seems to be that
owing to the force of the shifting sands and currents, no perma-
nent entrance could be effected. The colonial movement ended
simply in the running out of a series of moles or piers, on the
east side of the island, between which the small boats of the
islanders ran, and effected a landing in fair weather. Of late
years a more efficient protection was found necessary for the
increasing business of the island.
Between 1870 and 1872, the national government made three
appropriations, amounting in all to $155,000, for the construction
of a stone breakwater on the shore of Block Island. For this
purpose Io,000 tons of stone were used, and a small wall-locked
harbor has been constructed with a larger outer harbor where
vessels may lie in safety in most weathers. -
Light-houses are maintained at both the north and south ends
of the island; also a fog signal connected with the southern one.
Two life-saving stations were established in 1872 and 1874, re-
spectively, one at the harbor and the other on the west side of
the island. -
The islanders have always maintained a commendable interest
in education. The island is divided into five school districts, and
is favored with a High School of good standing.
PART FIFTH.
CHAPTER I.
THE MUNICIPAL CELEBRATION.
THE FIRST DAY – LITERARY AND HISTORICAL EXERCISES AT THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — ORATION BY THE HON. THOMAS DUR-
FEE — THE SCHOOL CHILDREN’s FESTIVAL AT THE PARK — CONCERT AT INFANTRY HALL — THE SECOND DAY. — THE
CIVIC AND MILITARY PARADE - THE AFTERNOON TRADES PROCESSION — THE FIREWORKS DEMONSTRATION — REUNION OF
Roger willIAMs’ DESCEND ANTS, AND ROLL OF DESCEND ANTS ATTENDING SAME.
THE municipal celebration
of the two hundred and
fiftieth anniversary of the
settlement of the Providence
Plantations, was a grand, im-
pressive, and patriotic
demonstration, and though
cloudy skies and a drizzling
rain ushered in the two most
notable days in the history of
Providence as a municipal-
ity, it served in no wise to
detract from the elaborate
celebration, nor did it at all
dampen the enthusiasm of
her loyal sons and daughters.
The city was decked in pic-
turesque and gala attire; her
citizens welcomed the repre-
sentatives of other towns and
cities in the state, who came
to do honor to Providence,
while they extended to the
strangers from without the
state cordial hospitality. The
municipal observance of
this important epoch was
alike worthy of the city, the
state, and its distinguished founder. From the inception of the
movement to appropriately recognize the birthday of Providence
until the last paean of joy had died away in the silvery notes of the
school-boys’, “What Cheer,” everything conduced to render the
occasion a success. The exact date of the landing of Roger Wil-
liams upon the shores of the Seekonk River being somewhat in
doubt, the city wisely selected the leafy month of June for hold-
ing the celebration, and with all of the ceremony and pomp of
modern times Rhode Island proclaimed to the world the glad tid-
ings on Wednesday and Thursday, June 23 and 24, 1886, that
Providence had attained the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary
of its settlement. The citizens generally manifested an earnest
interest in the celebration from the outset, and this characteristic
spirit of coöperation contributed to the prečminent success with
which the celebration was crowned.
The Veteran Citizens Historical Association and the Rhode
Island Historical Society, at their respective meetings in Septem-
ber, 1885, called attention to the approaching 25oth anniversary
of the founding of the town. The next step taken was by the
STATUE OF ROGER WILLIAMS.
late mayor, the Hon. Thomas A. Doyle, who presented a message
to the city council which resulted in the appointment of a joint
special committee of the city council to arrange a suitable pro-
gramme for a municipal celebration of the anniversary. This
committee was appointed Sept. Io, 1885, and consisted of alder-
men Thomas B. Ross, and Henry T. Root; Councilmen Arthur
H. Watson, William B. Blanding, and Augustus S. Miller. The
committee organized on September 22d by the choice of Alder-
man Ross as Chairman, and Council Clerk Daniel F. Hayden as
secretary. It was decided by the committee to give a hearing to
the historical societies, and at a meeting held on October 21st,
committees representing these organizations were in attendance
and presented suggestions relative to the literary features of the
proposed celebration. The business men of the city were also
accorded a hearing. A general expression having thus been ob-
tained from the citizens, it was decided to recommend that the
city have a two days’ celebration on June 23d and 24th, embrac-
ing historical and literary exercises and a school children’s festi-
val on the first day, and a military and civic parade, trades pro-
cession, and fireworks on the second day. The committee pre-
pared and submitted to the city council on Dec. 12, 1885, an out-
line of this programme, together with an elaborate report touch-
ing upon the importance of the celebration, and recommending
that an appropriation of $10,000 be made to defray the expenses
thereof. Having completed the preliminary arrangements, the
committee adjourned sine die; but upon the reorganization of the
new city government, the same committee was reappointed to
arrange and carry out the programme adopted. The committee
organized by the reëlection of Messrs. Ross and Hayden, respec-
tively, as chairman and secretary. The work was then assigned
to sub-committees, and on March 2d, it was decided to ask the
General Assembly to declare June 24th a legal holiday through-
out the state, and an act was subsequently passed by the legisla-
ture granting the request of the city, making the 24th of June a
legal holiday. From March until the close of the celebration the
committee were in session frequently, and on May 5th, the city
council appropriated $10,000 to carry out the programme agreed
upon.
At last the eventful day dawned, but the weather was some-
what threatening. The city presented an animated and attract-
ive scene, the business centre being elaborately decorated, while
the city hall was regally decked within and without.
The first event was the national salute and the ringing of bells,
ushering in the day.
The next feature was the literary and historical exercises at the
First Baptist Meeting House. Upon the invitation of the com-
mittee of arrangements the invited guests met in the City Hall

452
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
reception-room, and at 9.30 o'clock the company, numbering
some five or six hundred men, formed in line and preceded by the
American Band marched to the First Baptist Church. The gal-
leries were thronged with ladies and the main body of the church
was reserved for historical and literary societies, invited guests,
and citizens. Upon the platform were seated the committee of
arrangements: Alderman Thomas B. Ross, chairman; Daniel
F. Hayden, secretary; Henry T. Root, Arthur H. Watson, Wm.
B. Blanding, and Augustus S. Miller; His Honor, Acting-Mayor
Gilbert F. Robbins, His Excellency, Gov. Geo. Peabody Wet-
more, Adjt.-Gen. Elisha Dyer, Jr., Hon. Nelson W. Aldrich,
Hon. George Wm. Curtis, Hon. Frederic C. Sayles, the commit-
tees of the Rhode Island Historical Society and the Veteran Citi-
zens Historical Association, Prof. Wm. Gammell, Gen. Horatio
Rogers, Isaac H. Southwick, the Hon. Wm. S. Staples, B. B.
Hammond, John P. Walker, the Hon. Thomas Davis, Thomas J.
Hill, Wm. S. Hammond, Wm. G. R. Mowry, and the Rev. Fred-
eric Denison, Chief justice Thomas Durfee, the orator of the
day, the Rev. Dr. E. G. Robinson, President of Brown Univer-
sity, the Rev. David H. Greer, D. D., and the Rev. T. Edwin
Brown, Rathbone Gardner, Esq., Prof. Alonzo Williams, and
Gen. E. H. Rhodes, marshal of the day.
The church was filled to its utmost capacity, the assembly be-
ing a representative gathering of the culture and intelligence of
Providence. Prominent among those seated in the body of the
church were Hon. George M. Carpenter, Hon. John H. Stiness,
Hon. Pardon E. Tillinghast, Hon. Charles Matteson, Hon. Wal-
ter S. Burgess, Hon. Amos Perry, Gen. C. R. Dennis, Gen.
Charles H. Kenyon, Gen. George Lewis Gower, Lieutenant-Colo-
nel Miller, of the New York Seventh Regiment, Cols. H. C.
White, C. A. Wilson, T. A. Barton, C. B. Goff, and Frank Harris,
Hon. T. B. Stockwell, Samuel Clark, Samuel H. Cross, Hon.
George H. Corliss, Hon. William S. Hayward, Hon. George M.
Clarke, J. Carter Brown Woods, Col. William Goddard, Col. R.
H. I. Goddard, H. S. Tarbell, Dr. H. H. Butts, the Rev. S. E.
Caldwell, J. T. Blodgett, Hon. Ellery H. Wilson, Judge Joseph
S. G. Cobb, Benjamin Tripp, William T. Nicholson, and the Rev.
T. R. Slicer; the members of the General Assembly, the mem-
bers of the city council, the members of the Rhode Island His-
torical Society and Veteran Citizens Association; Barrington His-
torical Society, David A. Waldron, president; Young Men's Lit-
erary and Social Club, of Olneyville, Messrs. J. B. Fox, B. C.
Cunningham, and T. F. Nolan; Providence Literary So-
ciety, John O'Meara, president; Franklin Lyceum, J. T. Blod-
gett, vice-president; Young Men's Literary Club, of Cranston, P.
McLoughlin, president; Philomathian Association, of Bristol,
F. B. Wilson, president; West Side Literary Society, D. J.
O'Connell, president, and Irving Literary Society, J. F. Nolan,
president, and representatives of many other organizations.
The exercises were opened by the rendition of a memorial
march composed for the occasion by D. W. Reeves, leader of .
the American Band, written for band, chorus, and organ. It was
impressively interpreted by the Arion Club, Jules Jordan con-
ductor, and the band under the leadership of the composer. This
was followed by a voluntary of the Hundredth Psalm composed
by Mr. James U. Starkweather, and sung by the Arion Club.
Chairman Ross, of the committee of arrangements of the city
council, formally opened the exercises, and presented His Honor,
Gilbert F. Robbins, acting-mayor of the city of Providence, who
performed the duties of presiding officer. In his address of wel-
come Mayor Robbins said that it was fitting that the ceremonies
of the celebration should be held in the First Baptist Meeting
House, from which the principles formulated by the founder of
these plantations had gone forth with world-wide application,
for it was a tribute to him who defied the persecutions of his asso-
ciates and braved the dangers which surrounded him in the effort
to provide a haven of rest for those who suffered for conscience
sake. He paid a high tribute to the lately deceased chief magis-
trate of Providence, the Hon. Thomas A. Doyle, whose life had
been identified with the greatest growth of the city, and whose posi-
tion as mayor for eighteen years qualified him, perhaps better than
any other, to present a suitable picture of the progress and develop-
ment of all the varied interests which have made this the second
city in New England. To those who have watched with pride
the great advancement of this city, the day, though fraught with a
memory tinged with sadness, is nevertheless bright with the
hopes of a success far beyond that which has already been
attained. . . To the citizens assembled to do honor to the
anniversary of the settlement of Providence Plantations the
mayor extended a cordial welcome in the name of the city, and to
those who have returned to their native city to join in its festivi-
ties and celebrate its natal day, as well as to those who came as
strangers within its gates, the mayor extended the hearty greeting
which first saluted our founder — “What Cheer.”
The salutatory ode, “City of Freedom,” composed by Albert
A. Stanley, with words by the Rev. Frederic Denison, was then
sung with grand effect by the Arion Club.
Prayer was offered by the Rev. Dr. E. G. Robinson, President of
Brown University, following which the devotional ode, “O
Life and Light,” words by George S. Bradleigh, and music by
Edward K. Glezen, was rendered.
Mayor Robbins then introduced the Hon. Thomas Durfee,
LL.D., Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island, who
delivered the historical address. The oration (corrected and
revised by the author) was as follows:
JUDGE DURFEE's ORATION.
The traveler who, after a long day's journey, reaches the summit of
some high hill which overlooks the way behind him, delights to pause with
backward gaze and review the scenes through which he has passed. As he
retraces his wavering course over hill and dale, by forest and river bank,
or along the mountain’s bulging breast, the great objects, the prominent
features stand out at once in luminous distinction, then gradually the lesser
points of interest, with hints and suggestions from which his memory
fills out the picture, until at last his whole journey, tedious sometimes in the
making, lies before him, flooded with the golden evening light, a pure and
perfect pleasure in the retrospect. To-day the city pauses on such a high
specular summit, and looking backward through the vista of two hundred
and fifty years, sees the long series of her historic experiences rising in vision-
ary pageant before her. She, too, makes out at once the great events, the
magnificent passages of her history; then matters of lesser moment, bring-
ing in their train a crowd of recollections. She remembers, as she gazes,
her thousand bitter toils and trials; her thousand bitter dangers and dis-
asters and troublous vicissitudes, but with bitterness and trouble no longer,
for now she rejoices to remember how bravely she met them all and how
heroically she endured or overcame them. She remembers, too, her great
industrial successes, her great military and naval exploits, and more than
all, she remembers, with a memory cleaving to the innermost fibres of her
being, her victorious sufferings in the sacred cause of spiritual freedom,
and a divine joy, triumphant and tender as the roseate flushings of the
dawn, overspreads her majestic countenance. Superb and beautiful
mother 1 she beckons us, her children, to come up and share her grand
delight. She charges me to speak for her, and interpret her birthday vision
of her past, explaining, as best I can, the forces and the influences which
have made her what she is, - which have contributed to make us what we
are.
FELLow-CITIZENs.- I am sensible how impossible it is for me to do
justice to the occasion. The story of two hundred and fifty years cannot
be told in an hour. Much must be designedly omitted. If I err by treating
some points with too much, and some points with too little fullness of
detail and reflection, I can only crave your indulgence, and ask you, each
for himself, to supply my deficiencies.
Providence was planted by Roger Williams, together with his com-
panions and followers, mostly from Massachusetts. The causes of the
plantation were certain opinions which he held, and which, in accordance
with his character, he proclaimed. Some controversy has existed from the
first in regard to both the opinions and the character, and latterly it has
been renewed in Massachusetts in an intensely partisan spirit. I deem it
proper, therefore, to restate the opinions and to portray the character
anew. For more than forty years the history of Rhode Island, and of
Providence in particular, was largely shaped and influenced by Roger
Williams, and I shall consider it a great gain if I can, by retelling a trite
tale, succeeding imparting a fuller, truer, and livelier conception of his
character.
Born in Wales [see note º and educated at Cambridge University, he
became a clergyman of the Church of England, but soon revolting from it
on account of what he considered its Romish perversions, he broke with it
utterly, and fleeing before the persecution of Laud, crossed the ocean to
begin a new life in the New World. His flight cost him bitter pangs,
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
453
“bitter as death to me,” he wrote twenty years later; but he was obliged
to fly or to dissemble his convictions; and for him, as , for all. noblest
natures, a life of transparent truthfulness was alike an instinct and a neces-
sity. This absolute sincerity is the key to his character, as it was always
the mainspring of his conduct. It was this which led him to reject indig-
nantly the compromises with his conscience which from time to time were
proposed to him. It was this which impelled him when he discovered a
truth, to proclaim it, when he detected an error, to expose it, when he SaW
an evil, to try to remedy it, and when he could do a good, even to his ene-
mies, to do it. He had the defect of his qualities,<- an inordinate confi-
dence in his own judgment. He had also the defects of his race,—the hot
Welsh temper, passionate and resentful under provocation, and the moody
Welsh fancy, the wild and wistful melancholy of the Cymrian bards -
too apt in his earlier years to disturb his mental balance with morbid
scruples or desultory conceits, magnifying them into matters of lasting
moment. Such a man would have been likely to provoke antagonism any-
where; in Massachusetts, with her immitigable theocracy, he was sure to
incur censure and final expulsion.
Roger Williams lived five years in Massachusetts before he was banished.
He spent the first six weeks in Boston, and the rest of the time in Plymouth
and Salem, and yet Boston was the seat of hostile proceeding against him.
How did it happen that he was most hated where he was least known 2
The explanation is simple. The new churches of the Bay were both big-
oted and ambitious. They had established a sacerdotalism more meddle-
some and scarcely less despotic than the worst in Christendom. The
‘wanted to consolidate and extend it. They had hitherto met no opposi-
tion; but in Williams they found an original and independent mind, intract-
able to their yoke. Soon after his arrival, being invited to become a
teacher of the Boston Church, he refused, because the church still held
communion with the mother church, and he coupled his refusal with
emphatic reproof. Will you say that his conduct was as uncharitable as
imprudent? I make no apology for him further than to remark that the
Anglican Church was then not only a retrogressive and a persecuting
church, but also a main support of the autocratic pretensions of the Stuart
Kings. He had suffered from it in person, and he thought that to com-
mune with it was to abet its tergiversation. The point, however, to which I
invite attention, is the utter frankness of his self-deliverance. The elders
of the Bay, accustomed to a submissive deference from their juniors, were
thunderstruck by it and never forgot or forgave it. They followed him to
the senior church at Salem, to which he was soon called as teacher, with
expostulation to the church for calling him, and so weakened his hold
there that he was glad, a few months later, to remove to the more liberal
jurisdiction of Plymouth.
He remained at Plymouth, teaching in the church but supporting him-
self by manual labor, nearly two years. His ministry was popular in the
main and his person universally liked. Finally, however, he advanced
some opinions which did not suit the steady going Plymouth elders, and
therefore departing “something abruptly,” he returned to Salem. There
he acted as assistant to Mr. Skelton, the aged pastor of the church, and
when Mr. Skelton died, less than a year later, became his successor. At
Salem he was again under the surveillance of the rulers and elders of the
Bay, and they were swift to make him sensible of it. He had written in
Plymouth, for the Plymouth governor and council, a treatise on the Mas-
sachusetts patent, in which he had maintained his doctrine that the King
could not give the settlers a right to take away from the natives their land
without paying them for it. He was not a lawyer but an ethical teacher,
and it was doubtless as such that he maintained this opinion. In our day
its ethical correctness is not disputed. It has always been good Rhode Is:
land doctrine. He also criticised the patent because in it King James claimed
to be the first Christian prince who discovered New England, and because
he called Europe Christendom or the Christian World. Williams did not
scruple to denounce these formal fictions in downright Saxon as lies. He
does not appear to have been, at any period of his life, a paragon of conven-
tional propriety. -
A rumor of the treatise got abroad, though it remained unpublished.
The patent happened to be a sensitive point with the magistrates. It had
been granted in England to an English trading company and its transfer
to Massachusetts was an act of questionable legality. Moreover, it was
exceedingly doubtful whether the rulers, in exercising the extensive civil
jurisdiction which they claimed under it, did not exceed their authority.
They were apprehensive of proceedings to forfeit it, and therefore were
easily alarmed at any turning of attention to it. When they heard of the
treatise they sent for it, and having got it, summoned the author “to be
censured.” He appeared in an unexpectedly placable mood, and not only
satisfied their minds in regard to some of its obscurer passages, but offered
it, since it had served its purpose, to be burnt. The magistrates, pro-
pitiated by his complaisance, appear to have accepted the offer as equivalent
to a promise of silence, though it is impossible that he, the uncompromis-
ing champion of aboriginal rights, can ever have meant to give, or even
appear to give, such a promise. Accordingly when they heard soon after-
wards that he was discussing the patent, they were deeply incensed.
though it was doubtless the popular curiosity excited by their own indis-
creet action, which elicited the discussion.
Their anger was aggravated by another doctrine then put forth by him,
namely, that an oath ought not to be tendered to an unregenerate, or, as
we should say, an unreligious man, because an oath is an act of worship,
and cannot be taken by such a man without profanation. The sentiment
resembles that which lately led the House of Commons to refuse the oath
of office to a member-elect because he was a professed Atheist. He also
taught that an oath, being an act of worship, could not properly be ex-
acted from any one against his will, and that even Christians ought not to
desecrate it by taking it for trivial causes. This latter view likewise finds
its modern analogue in the growing feeling that oaths, too indiscriminately
administered, lose their sancity and come to be regarded as little more
than idle forms. The doctrine was specially offensive at the time because
the General Court, alarmed by a report of “episcopal and malignant prac-
58
tices against the country,” had just then decided to test the fidelity of the
people by tendering to them an oath which was virtually an oath of alle-
iance to the colony instead of the king. The measure was obnoxious to
egal as well as religious objection. It was opposed by the people as well
as by Williams, and for the time frustrated. It has been said that his op-
F.” was a blow at the very foundations of civil society; but in Rhode
sland a simple affirmation or subscription to an engagement has been
found as efficacious as an oath.
The magistratès again instituted proceedings against him, at first sub-
jecting him to the ordeal of clerical visitations, then formally summoning
him to answer for himself before the General Court. At the same time the
Salem Church was arrainged for contempt in choosing him pastor while
he was under question. The Court, however, did not proceed to judgment,
but allowed them both further time for repentance. It so happened that
the inhabitants of Salem had a petition before the Court for “some land at
Marblehead Neck, which they did challenge as belonging to their town.”
The Court, when the petition came up, refused to grant it until the Salem
Church should give satisfaction for its contempt, thus virtually affirming
that the petitioners had no claim to justice even so long as they adhered to
their recusant pastor. , Williams was naturally indignant. He induced his
church,-‘‘ enchanted his church,” says Cotton Mather — to send letters to
the sister churches, appealing to them to admonish the magistrates and
deputies of their “heinous sin.” He wrote the letters himself. His Mas-
sachusetts contemporaries say that he was “unlamb-like.” Undoubtedly they
heard no gentle bleating in those letters, but rather the reverberating roar
of the lion chafing in his rage. The churches repelled the appeal; and
then turning to the Salem church, besieged it only the more assiduously,
laboring with it, nine with one, to alienate it from its pastor. What could
the one church do, with the magistracy against it, the clergy against it, the
churches and the people against it, muttering their vague anathemas, and
Salem town suffering unjustly on its account, what it could it do but
yield P. It yielded virtually if not yet in form; and Williams stood forth
alone in his opposition to the united powers of church and state.
If in the agony of his isolation, his heart distracted and his mind un-
strung, “a power girt round with weakness,” he uttered words better unut-
tered, we surely can afford to forget them and leave them for his traducers
to gloat over if they will, while we remember only the grandeur of his sol-
itary struggle. The fateful court day came at last. The court assembles,
magistrates and deputies, with the clergy to advise them. Williams
appears, not to be tried, but to be sentenced unless he will retract. He
reaffirms his opinions. Mr. Hooker, a famous clerical dialectician, is
chosen to dispute with him, and the solemn mockery of confutation begins.
The future of Rhode Island, to some extent the future of the world, hangs
suspended on the issue. . Will he, like his church, worn out and desperate,
blenching before the unknown, lose heart and yield Never! He stands
unshaken in the “rockie strength” of his convictions. He is ready “not
only to be bound and banished, but to die for them.” So hour after hour,
he argues, unsubdued, till the sun sinks low and the weary court adjourns.
On the morrow (Friday, Oct. 9, 1635,) still persisting in his glorious
“contumacy,” he is sentenced, the clergy all save one advising, to be ban-
ished, or, to adopt the apologetic but felicitous euphemism of his great
adversary, John Cotton, “enlarged ” out of Massachusetts. He was
allowed at first six weeks, afterwards until spring, to depart. But in Jan-
uary the magistrates, having heard that he was drawing others to his opin-
ion and that his purpose was to erect a plantation about Narragansett
Bay, “from whence the infection would easily spread,” concluded to send
him by ship, then ready, to England. The story is familiar how Williams,
advised of their intent, baffled it by plunging into the wilderness, where,
after being “sorely tost for one fourteen weeks, in a bitter winter season,
not knowing what bread or bed did mean,” he settled, with the opening
spring, on the east bank of the Seekonk and there built and planted.
Thus far I have not mentioned his great doctrine of soul liberty. There
are those who maintain that it had nothing to do with his banishment.
Let us see. When, shortly after his arrival, the Massachusetts authorities
rebuked the Salem Church for choosing him as teacher, they urged two
objections to him, namely: his “rigid separatism and reproof of the Bos-
ton Church, and his opinion that the magistrate ought not to punish for
breaches of the first table, unless thereby the civil peace be disturbed,”
this being the form in which he then declared the right of soul liberty. This
shows that Williams had, immediately on his arrival, proclaimed the doc-
trine, and that the magistrates had immediately recognized its utter incom-
patibility with the cast-iron polity which they were endeavoring to estab-
lish. When he was arraigned, three months before his sentence, the
doctrine was one of the “dangerous opinions” laid to his charge, and the
clergy being consulted, declared that he who should obstinately maintain
that the civil magistrate cannot intermeddle to stop a church from heresy
or apostacy, ought to be removed. . The clergy were ready to banish him
for that alone. Williams says that this doctrine was one cause of his banish-
ment. He also says that when the sentence was pronounced, Governor
Haynes recapitulated the grounds of it, his maintenance of soul liberty
being one. We have seen that the magistrates wanted to prevent his plan-
tation because they feared “infection” from it. What infection P Did they
think, if he preached on Narragansett Bay the duty of a rigid separatism,
the inadequacy of the Massachusetts patent, or his theory of oaths, that far-
off Boston would hear among her triple hills the ringing echoes of his ser-
mon P. It is absurd to suppose it. No; what they feared was a contiguous
plantation where faith would be free and persecuted consciences find a refuge.
What they feared was soul liberty put in practice; and if they feared it in
practice on Narragansett Bay, would they tolerate the preaching of it in
Massachusetts P The question answers itself. Other matters may have
angered them more at the moment, but this was the animating principle,
the great tap-root of all Williams' offenses, and it is incredible that they
did not perceive it. It was, in fact, a virtual denial of the very jurisdiction
which they exercised when they banished him. [See note 2.]
Permit me to pause a moment longer at this point. The Massachusetts
historians tell us that the treatment of Williams was exceptionally
454
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
They slake their thirst at the spring, they invoke the divine blessing, and
Providence Plantations are begun. [See note 3.]
The story of the beginnings of a state or city, truly told in detail, is always
interesting. The story of infant Providence cannot be so told. Unlike
Boston, she had no diarist. Her public records are imperfect. We do not
know how her settlers, without seed-time or harvest, subsisted the first
year. The bay with its fish and fowl, the forest with its game and berries,
must have been their constant resource. They probably procured some
supplies from the natives. There is no tradition of desperate destitution
such as more than once befell the Plymouth settlers. We may be sure,
however, that their life was outwardly very poor and plain, full of hard-
ship and privation, pinched at every point, however it may have been
spiritually enriched by the freedom which they enjoyed. But if their story
could be told, my time is much too short for me to tell it. I must be con-
tent to pass rapidly from point to point, briefly treating a few of the more
characteristic topics. -
Two topics of interest, from their relation to the infant town and its
founder, meet us at the threshold. When Williams went from Plymouth
to Salem he drew several persons after him. When he came to Provi-
dence he had five companions and was soon joined by others. They seem
to have been not fugitives, but followers. These facts show that, however
contentious he was, he had along with his contentiousness, a singularly
attractive nature. The ingenuous cleverness which in his youth won the
favor of the crabbed but intrepid old jurist, Sir Edward Coke, still bore its
natural fruit. “The people” says Winthrop, “were taken by the appre-
hension of his godliness” which, translated into modern speech, means
that he had, besides his more distinctively Christian graces, some of the
magnetism of a popular leader. This, not less than the prospect of relig-
ious freedom, drew the earliest settlers. But they were the merest handful
and they would not have ventured remote from succor, among a power-
ful tribe of savages without some assurance of safety. Williams could
give it. He had, during his stay in Plymouth and Salem, zealously culti-
vated the good will of the natives, learning their language and studying
their character, his “soul's desire” being to become a missionary among
them. “God was pleased,” he says, “to give me a painful, patient spirit
to lodge with them in their filthy, smoky holes to gain their tongue.”
He was thus, as it were, providentially prepared for his work. He had the
affable disposition, at once communicative and inquisitive, which easily cap-
tivated these simple children of the forest. They, too, were taken by the
magnetism and mastery of his high moral qualities. They instinctively
believed in him. The great Narragansett sachems, Canonicus and Mian-
tonomi, distrustful of the iron-visaged elders of the Bay, gave him
their friendship without reserve. They deeded to him a territory like a
principality, and he with similar munificence, shared it equally with his
fellow settlers. Thus his influence over his countrymen drew around him
the nucleus of the new state and his influence over the Indians gained for it
domain and security. For more than a generation the little plantation lay
safely nestled and fostered in the very lap of barbarism, through the unwav-
ering regard entertained for him by these savage but magnanimous sachems.
The city has testified its gratitude to him in imperishable bronze and granite;
it ought to testify its gratitude to them in some equally appropriate form.
The settlers soon felt the need of a civil government, but they had no
charter under which they could establish one. They therefore agreed to
be governed by “the major assent” of the freemen of the town “only in
civil things.” At first the government was a pure democracy, all the
powers being exercised by the freemen collectively in town-meeting. It was
too rudimentary to last. In 1640 a new system was agreed to by which
the powers were delegated to some extent, and provision was made for
compulsory arbitration in judicial matters. This was a step forward, but
only a short step tentatively taken. In 1647 the town united with the
three other towns, Portsmouth, Newport, and Warwick, under the first
charter. This charter was simply a grant of civil powers, not a constitu-
tion. It left the settlers to frame a government for themselves. The
government formed by them was rather a confederation of the towns than
a compact state. Under it no law could be enacted without the consent of
the towns. It has been likened to the Federal Union; but the integration
was far less organic and complete. It was not until later, under the
second charter, that the towns were willing to part with their autonomy and
become fully subject to a central authority. But, meanwhile, the first
charter was a great boon to the settlers in their relations with the sister
colonies, since it affiliated them to the mother country and legitimated
their government. - y
It will be observed that soul liberty was secured in the first compact, not
by grant, but by limitation, the settlers agreeing to be governed “only in
civil things.” This was characteristic of Williams, who wrote the com-"
gentle and considerate. This is true. He was neither incarcerated, nor
scourged, nor hanged, like some later victims of Puritan persecution. The
treatment of him does not attract curiosity and rivet attention because it
was unusually severe, but because it was a pivotal transaction in universal
history. His trial involved not him alone, but also the grand idea which
he represented, and it fascinates mankind because, while he was condemned,
the idea triumphed through his fidelity, and because, though he may have
been banished, it at least was “enlarged.” The historians say in excuse
for Massachusetts, that she did but follow her instinct of self-preservation.
In one sense this likewise is true. She was then simply an incorporation
of Puritan Congregationalism clothed with civil powers. She could not
accept the new idea without undergoing a transformation into a larger
and freer form. She chose to preserve herself as she was. She who has
reaped so many glories in her crowded career was not ripe for this, the
most glorious of all, and so with mistaken scorn she passed it on to little
Rhode Island. But this is not what her historians mean. They mean
that she was in jeopardy from opinions put forth by Williams in regard to
oaths and the patent. This is a singular exaggeration. He was only a
village pastor. He had little or no influence beyond his parish—for there
were then no newspapers, and he had no vantage of political prestige or
position. The only way in which his opinions were likely to become
generally known was by persecution. The historians urge further that he
was eccentric, pugnacious, persistent, troublesome. Undoubtedly he was.
When nature wants to preserve a precious seed she incloses it in a bit-
ter and prickly integument. So when the time comes, in the order of
human improvement, for a new and progressive idea, we often find it
lodged in a tough and thorny and, if you will, pugnacious personality to
fight for, protect, and propagate it. Williams had his faults, but some of
them, in the circumstances, did the work of virtues. A man who had to
endure what he had to endure from Puritan clergymen and elders, laboring
“to reduce him from his errors,” was entitled to have some faults. The
faults which he had have been grossly exaggerated. The apologists of
Massachusetts, with zeal beyond knowledge, have raked the gutters of con-
troversy and ransacked the rubbish-heaps of unaccredited rumor for testi-
mony against him, forgetful that he was, with all his failings, the trusted
and cherished friend of John Winthrop, the wisest and the best of the
Puritans. Massachusetts can spare such apologists. She banished Roger
Williams not for faults of behavior, but for errors of opinion. Her great
desire was to found an orthodox state—a state where the same theology
should be preached in all the pulpits and believed at all the firesides, and
where, generation after generation, her citizens could become religious and
virtuous according to law. The individualism of Roger Williams antag-
onized her, and she expelled him because, thank Heaven, she could not
assimilate him. She was, indeed, exacerbated by her personal and politi-
cal antipathies and resentments, but her main motive was to be true to her
darling orthodoxy. For long years, she was true to it, doing ugly and
cruel things for the sake of it, stamping it broad and deep on her people,
and only gradually learning, by bitter experience, that human nature is too
vital and vast and various to take the mould of any compulsory creed
without injury, but needs for its best development the elastic and congenial
element of soul liberty. She has nobly atoned for her narrowness by the
universality of her later culture. We are all glad to learn of her now.
Nevertheless, she does not forget the iron discipline of her infancy, but
still, through all the endless variety of her newer predilections, looks
reverently back to it, and still points, with hereditary pride, to her per-
manent strain of Puritan orthodoxy, as the very backbone of the com-
monwealth. To this day the Massachusetts man, when he talks of
orthodoxy, means the Calvinistic creed of the Puritans; whereas the
Rhode Islander, when he talks of orthodoxy, which is seldom, means his
own creed, if he professes any, though doubtless they both alike now
know, full well, that absolute orthodoxy is only a delightful dream of the
theologian or the philosopher—not the privilege of mankind. -
We left Roger Williams in Seekonk. He had built there and planted.
April came and May, and his corn was springing to gladden him with the
hope of harvest. He expected to abide there; but now a message, sent by
Governor Winslow, informs him that he is within the limits of Plymouth,
and advises him to move across the river. He accepts the advice and,
sometime in June, breaks up and departs. In fancy we can follow his
little boat, laden with his household, as it emerges from its shady haven,
and pushes out into the Seekonk. It turns southward with its silent pas-
sengers, and slowly they make their way, in the unbroken solitude, be-
twixt high wooded banks reduplicated in the pellucid river, luxuriant
with verdure and glittering with the sunshine of June. But the sylvan
landscape has no charm for them. They see their Seekonk home receding
and their hearts fill with an uncontrollable anguish. Thrice exiled —from
England, from Salem, from Seekonk I Will an implacable persecution
never cease to pursue them P. They paddle on with mournful memories
ominous of .# instead of hope. But hark! an animating salutation,
What cheer, Wetop, What cheer, rings from a neighboring rock, and the
red men of the forest give them the welcome which their white brothers
have refused. They halt and return the greeting. Again they proceed
under happier auspices, and, with their sounding oars, startle the wild
duck from the river's rushy marge and daze the antlered stag on the re-
moter hill. They round the precipitous cliffs of Tockwotton, and, gazing
southward through the varied vista of the river, catch momentary glimpses
of the bay beyond. The noble prospect does not detain them. They turn
to the north and, hugging the eastern shore, ascend along the base of
towering hills, clad with primeval oaks, and enter the cove, whose nat-
ural basin, receiving the unpolluted tides of the bay and the virgin waters
of the Woonasquatucket and the Moshassuck, diffuses them widely into
inlet and pool, across sandy bar and over sedgy flats, now traversed by
busy thoroughfares, but then frequented only º flocks of feeding water-
fowl or by the dusky fowler in his frail canoe. They continue their steady
course until before them they behold a spring, which, gushing from the
verdant turf and pouring its crystal tribute to the cove, invites them to
disembark. There, beaching their boat on the smooth white sand, they
step ashore—Williams, his wife, his children, and his five companions
pact, though he did not sign it; for his doctrine was that every man has a
natural right to follow the dictates of his conscience, so long as he keeps
the civil peace; a right which the state can neither give, nor take away,
nor control, even with the consent of the individual, since no man can
absolve himself from fealty to his conscience. The limitation was tanta-
mount to a constitutional declaration of the right in its widest meaning,
covering not only freedom of faith and worship, but also freedom of
thought and speech in every legitimate form. The right has never been
expressed with more completeness. There are some who would have us
think that the phrase “only in civil things,” was simply a lucky hit, and
that Williams, when he coined it, did not really comprehend its signifi-
cance. My opinion is that both then and before then, his doctrine was
that the authority of government extends only to civil things, and that he
had merely to exchange his pulpit phraseology for the plain vernacular of
the people to make it manifest. The man who packs such a world of mean-
ing into four little words does not do it by a slip of the pen. He clearly
saw the principle and its universality; if he failed to foresee all the ques-
tions which might arise in applying it, and to solve them in advance, he
simply failed to do then what no man since then has succeeded in doing.
There is, between the undisputed provinces of civil law and spiritual free-
dom, a disputed frontier which never has been, and probably never can be,
definitively apportioned. - -
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
455
We sometimes hear it said that the idea of soul liberty was not original
with Roger Williams. Grant it. He needs no doubtful blazon to enhance
his glory. When the Great Master declared, “God is a spirit, and they that
worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth,” he lifted religion into
a region far above all earthly rule, the region of soul liberty. The church
did not, or would not so understand Him. It arrogated infallibilit and
spiritual domination, and persecution for heresy logically ensued. In the
multitude of martyrs there were doubtless some who obscurely felt and others
who dimly discerned the great truth: But did they utter it? If they did,
their words passed like a broken echo in the confusion of the times. History
has no record of them. The common cry was for toleration, for toleration
icy not as a right.
#: sect *it, and splintered again, and the individual con-
science, breaking from its pupilage, grew suddenly into a deeper and ever
deeper sense of its own inner, supremacy. Then it was that the master
idea emerged, uttered feebly at first, not by powerful leaders in church and
state, but by despised sectaries hunted by the law. Then it was that Wil-
liams received it. Perhaps he read it in some stray tract or pamphlet
such as then were scattered secretly in England, like seeds dropped by
birds in their flight; perhaps he heard it in some nocturnal conventicle,
from lips still livid with the pain of the pillory and the branding iron; or
perhaps he listened to it, in some lonely lane, or footway, from a fellow
fugitive communicating it as they fied. Somehow it came to him, and he
brought it, fermenting in his brain, to the New World. For five years he
meditated and matured it among the stubborn dogmatists of Plymouth and
the Bay. He was an impulsive enthusiast, easily captivated by new ideas,
but it was characteristic of him to examine them to the bottom and abandon
them if he found them baseless or unsound. His contemporaries describe
him as “precipitate and unsettled,” having “a wind-mill in his head.”
They saw the superficies of his character, not its deep foundation. His
faith in soul liberty never wavered. He came to Rhode Island to evange-
lize the natives; but when he saw the opportunity offered by the settle-
ment growing around him, he recognized the providential work appointed
for him, and set himself to perform it. He had not merely faith in his
idea, but he had also such a mastery of it, that he knew how to put it in
practice. This is his glory, that he, first among, men, made it a living
element of the state, turning it from thought to fact, and giving it a corpo-
rate existence in which it could perpetuate and practically approve itself.
There is no power like the power of a great idea when it once gets a firm
foothold among men. The great idea here first politically incorporated and
shown forth iniively experiment has made the circuit of the globe; driving
bigotry like a mist, and superstition like a shadow before it, and sowing
broadcast among men and nations the fruitful seeds of peace and progress,
of freedom and fraternity. The little wisp of glimmering light which hung
like a halo over the cradle of the infant Providence, has brightened and
expanded until it irradiates the world. This is and will be forever the
unique glory of our beloved city. © e
The first settlers were exposed to a triple danger—from the Indians,
from the neighboring colonies, from their own dissensions. The Narra-
gansetts, though friendly, were but one of several tribes. What if the
tribes, aiarmed at the rapid increase of the whites, were to unite for their
destruction P Such a union was projected by the Pequots, a powerful Con-
necticut tribe, during the first year of the settlement. In the autumn of
that year Pequot ambassadors were at the court of Canonicus to win over
the Narragansetts. The Massachusetts rulers.informed of it; sent hastily
to williams to avert the peril. Taking his life in his hand he sped, in a
poor canoe, through stormy winds and threatening seas; to the great
Sachem's wigwam. There for three days and three nights, he was forced
by his business to “ lodge and mix with the Pequots, looking nightly for
their bloody knives at his throat.” He finally defeated their design and
effected a league between the Narragansetts, and the English, which was
quickly followed by the annihilation of the Pequot tribe... Subsequently he
performed other similar services. Do you, ask me if his persecutors
relented? No; Winthrop proposed his recall, but they rejected the pro-
posal. They pursued a Machiavelian policy with the Indians, fomenting
their quº, reckless of the safety of Rhode Island. º harrassed the
S
Narragansetts, who were guilty of befriending the Rhode Island heretics,
by harsh exactions, and maddened them by counseling the wicked murder
of Miantonomi by Mohegan Uncas... [See note 4.] In 1643 the colonies of
Plymouth, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Haven formed a con-
federacy for mutual defense. The Rhode Island towns were not invited to
join it.” They asked to join it, but they were denied unless they would
subject themselves to Plymouth or Massachusetts. gº
refused. They preferred the terrible hazard of Indian massacre to security
on such terms. Fortunately the good will of the Narragansetts kept them
unmolested until the storm of Philip's War broke over New England, and
after carrying havoc to the outlying villages of Massachusetts, swept the
mainland towns of Rhode Island like a hurricane. In that war the Narra-
gansetts perished with the Wampanoags, and the dread of Indian hostilities
ceased to trouble the colonies. © o . ...
The danger from the neighboring colonies was more insidious and
scarcely less formidable. º tº © a tº º
ciously sought to destroy them as independent bodies politic, º extending
their jurisdiction over them. Plymouth, already in undisputed possession
of the eastern shore of Narragansett Bay, claimed the island of Rhode
Island; Connecticut, the Narragansett country; and Massachusetts, parts
of Providence and Warwick. It would be tedious to explain the grounds
of these claims or to describe the efforts which were put forth, both here
and in England, on the one side and on the other, to establish and defeat
them. The contest was long and severe, but on the part of Massachusetts;
the bitterest aggressor, grounded on the baldest usurpations. It involved
not only the territorial integrity of the Rhode Island towns, but also that
soul liberty, so dear to them all, which was staked on their preservation.
The contest was a blessing in disguise. It
and it developed among the people, by giving them one great endangered
interest to protect in common, that public spirit which is so necessary to
organic civil life. They came out of the contest, triumphant at last, but
But at last the church split into sects, and the
The condition was
They hated the heretical towns and pertina-
It put the towns on their mettle,
when they came out of it, they came fused and welded together by the
heat and pressure of their struggle into a single commonwealth. .
I mentioned a third danger, the dissensions of the settlers. The popu-
lation of Rhode Island, of Providence especially, was singularly hetero-
geneous. She offered herself as an asylum for distressed consciences.
The consequence was, professors of every form of dissent from the Puri-
tan faith were represented here. There were men, too, who came, not so
much because they were heretical as because they were peculiar, and in
the promiscuous medley here could comfortably enjoy themselves. In-
deed, life in Providence in those days, must have had a spicy zest and
variety not to be found elsewhere in New England. But it had its danger,
too. Soul liberty was supposed to give every one the right not only to
entertain but also to utter his every opinion. When men claim and con-
cede this right they have need not only to be considerate of others when
they speak for themselves, but also patient of others when they find them-
selves contradicted. This is a degree of self-control which is seldom
acquired without discipline. The first settlers had had no discipline, and
ſº.g to their natural impulses, they gave their tongues too free a
icense. The result was a plentiful crop of feuds and controversies, some of
them envenomed by vindictive passions. Politics caught the infection
and became virulent and factious. Roger Williams tried to play the part
of peacemaker, but he was wiser in precept than in practice. His feud
with William Harris was one of the most inveterate that afflicted the plan-
tation. Harris was a man of prodigious force of will and great natural
ability, but aggressive and violent, ever ready to embroil the community
to carry his ends. The settlers called him the Firebrand. It was a feud
of this kind which gave Massachusetts, by submission to her of some of
the parties, a pretext for setting up her jurisdiction in Providence and
Warwick. Apparently, therefore, the first effect of soul liberty was an ex-
cessive individualism. For the purpose, however, of testing its practica-
bility, nothing could have been better; for if soul liberty was then practic-
able here, it was not impracticable anywhere. It successfully stood the
test. Under the second charter the danger from internal discords and dis-
orders diminished, and gradually, after Philip's War, the people settled to
the hard and monotonous work of material and business development.
Shortly after Philip's War an event occurred which deserves mention,
namely, the death of Roger Williams. His services to the colony had been
varied and great. He had twice visited England for her; first to procure
the first charter, and again to procure the revocation of Coddington’s com-
mission. He had often filled the highest civil offices at home. He had
served as captain of militia in Philip's War when seventy-seven years old,
so indomitable was his patriotism. I have largely depicted him already; I
wish to add a few touches more. He has suffered in the popular concep-
tion from two causes. On the one hand, his fame as the founder of the
state has shed over his character a sort of mythical glamour, which has
not so much idealized as unrealized it. Nothing could be falser. No more
real piece of human flesh of toughest British fibre ever existed. On the
other hand, the fame of his polemical writings has produced a different and
wholly incongruous impression, namely, that he was simply a violent and
incorrigible disputant, who had the luck to maintain one new and good
idea. This grossly falsifies by exaggeration. As a controversialist, he had
the vices of his temper and his times; but one might almost as well try to
portray Milton from his pamphlets, as Williams from his polemical writ-
ings. Let him who would learn what manner of man he was from his
writings, read his letters, not one here and there, but the series consecu-
tively, so as to realize their cumulative effect, and he will gradually become
aware that he is making the acquaintance of a large and affectionate,
philanthropical, public-spirited, and many-sided nature. His versatility
was extraordinary. He was, by turns, reporter, scholar, clergyman, trader,
farmer, diplomatist, teacher, linguist, legislator, judge, and man of letters.
A man is denoted by his friendships. He numbered among his friends the
Winthrops, Milton, [see note 5], Vane, and Cromwell, the noblest of
his contemporaries. He was, in his day, the most modern mind in
America. He exhibited, 250 years ago, the humanitarianism which is sup-
posed to be peculiar to the present century. His magnanimity was inex-
haustible. “Sir,” Governor Winthrop wrote to him, “we have often tried
your patience, but we could never conquer it.” The vaporous theological
fancies which sometimes unsettled him in Massachusetts, seem to have
vanished utterly in Rhode Island, in his preoccupation with practical
affairs. Nevertheless, his censors object, he was headstrong and pugna-
cious to the end,- as witness his onslaught upon the Quakers. The objec-
tion must be allowed; but then he had the amplitude and the strength of
the gnarled oak, as well as its nodosity, and when he died a great figure
passed away, and Rhode Island history became more commonplace and
uninteresting. w
From Philip's War to the Revolution was a century. The history of
Providence during that century has no striking event until the last decade,
preluding the Revolution. It is not, however, so much the striking events
as the permanent results of an era that determine its importance. Eras
which furnish the least for history have sometimes done the most for man-
kind. Sometimes, too, an era of dull monotony, showing on its surface
little besides a steady material progress, has terminated in a great political
change, which was all the while proceeding by processes unrecognized to
its consummation. The century which ended in the Revolution was such an
era. The material conditions then created, and the material resources then
accumulated were indispensable to the success of the Revolution. Nor
could anything have been more favorable than just such a plodding period
to the unifiterrupted development of that spirit of independence which cul-
minated in the Revolution. But this is a wider view than belongs to the
occasion; though, considering the prominence of the city in the Revolu-
tionary War, a suggestion of it is not impertinent. C *
The question for us now is : What were the builders and makers of the
city doing during the century after Philip's War? They had first to repair
the ravages of that war. When it began, the town contained from sevent
to eighty houses. More than half of them were burnt. Before the attac
upon the town, all but a very few of the inhabitants fled to the island of
Rhode Island for security. Many of them never returned. We do not
456
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 2.
he lived.
that there was not property enough in the state to pay the debt.
as a process of gradual liquidation.
The city went heartily along with the state in all these movements, some
of which she ğ. She eagerly embraced every voluntary measure
of non-importation and domestic manufacture by which the colonies mani-
fested their independence. She first suggested, and by her decisive action
in town-meeting, led the way to the Continental Congress of the Revolu-
tion. The popular spirit here was signally shown as early as 1772 in the
burning of His Majesty's armed revenue schooner, the “Gaspee,” grounded
on Namquit Point, while chasing a sloop belonging to John Brown, an
eminent merchant of the city. At his call volunteers mustered by the
score to burn the hated vessel, and, manning eight long boats under the
command of Abraham Whipple, swooped down at night upon their quarry.
After an exchange of shots, in which the first British blood in the Revolu-
tion was spilt, they captured the crew, put them ashore, then set the
“Gaspee” on fire, and retiring saw it burst into flames, and paint the mid-
night sky with a lurid portent of the approaching conflict. It was a patriotic
and retaliatory, but illegal act. Nevertheless, its perpetrators were safe,
though large rewards were offered for their discovery, because the people
who did not participate in it were of the same mind with those who did.
The city had the good fortune to number among her citizens a genuine
statesman. Stephen Hopkins was a great man—great not only in capacity
and force of mind, but also – what is much rarer—in originative faculty.
He early investigated the question between the mother country and the
colonies in its constitutional aspects, and marshaled the arguments on the
side of the colonies with masterly ability. He found, moreover, an argu-
ment for independence, deeper than the logic of constitutional legitimacy,
in the very nature of things, forbidding that this great country should
remain merely a serviceable dependency of Great Britain. The value of
his leadership cannot be easily overestimated; but, nevertheless, his
prescient mind never went farther in thought than his fellow-citizens were
ready to follow in action, so cognate to him was the community in which
If ever the city sees fit to commemorate her Revolutionary ser-
vices in bronze or marble, let her pass the military and naval hero by, and
erect a simple statue to her great civilian, for he certainly, in his time,
was her most representative man. [See note 7.]
The Revolutionary history of the state is too familiar for rehearsal to-day.
The population of the state at the commencement of the war was 55,000.
For several years the island of Rhode Island was occupied by British
troops, and the bay patrolled by British cruisers. The state was thus
crippled in resources, and, owing to her extended water fronts, exposed to
incessant depredations. She was obliged to incur heavy expenditures in
men and means for her own protection. Nevertheless, she nobly responded
to the continental requisitions on both sea and land, and on the sea she far
excelled, proportionately, any of her sisters. The city generously sec-
onded the state. Her population was only 4,355, and her men capable of
bearing arms 726. But if her men were §. her spirit was resolute; and
forever, when the thrilling stories of Mifflin, and Trenton, and Princeton,
and Yorktown are told, her prowess will be celebrated anew, and the mar-
tial glory of Hitchcock, and Thayer, and Talbot, and Olney will be freshly
reflected upon her.
Rhode Island came out of the war decimated and impoverished. The
state and people alike staggered under a load of debt. . It has been said
The crisis
was desperate and the General Assembly met it with a desperate rem-
edy; namely, an emission of paper money to the amount of one hundred
thousand pounds. The remedy operated in part as a bankrupt law and in part
It alleviated distress by diffusing it.
But the paper rapidly depreciated and, by unsettling values, caused paralysis
in mercantile transactions. The General Assembly endeavored to arrest
the depreciation by severe penal laws, but without success. Things fol-
low their tendencies regardless of human legislation. Fiction can never
be trusted to do the work of fact. The swift, sharp remedy by bankruptcy
pure and simple, would doubtless have turned out much better than a
resort to paper money, if the people would have submitted to it. The busi-
ness of the state, its commerce especially, was irreparably injured by
such a resort. The city appreciated this from the first. She was always
on the side of a sounder policy and gradually caused it to prevail.
Rhode Island took no part in forming the Federal Constitution, and was
, the last state to adopt it. Her people had always freely governed themselves,
know the number of the population remaining after the war, but it cannot
have exceeded a thousand all told, though the town then embraced the
entire county and a part of Kent. If we could see the site of the city as it
then was after reparation, we should see simply a single row of houses,
mostly rude cabins, strung along the eastern shore from Fox Point to the
mouth of the Moshassuck, clustering a little at the northern end. To the
east we should behold the hills still imperfectly reduced to tillage, and to
the west a wild waste of water and wood, with some natural herbage for
cattle and thatch for the cabins. If we were to enter the houses we should
find the rudest furniture and utensils in scant supply, and the inmates clad
in durable but extremely homely and well-worn attire. ... The life they
lived was unembellished, but racy and wholesome as wilding fruit. The
great elementary sources of human happiness were theirs— home, family,
friends, self-government, soul liberty, and sound minds in sound bodies —
and without stopping to ask whether life was worth living, they manfully
set themselves to subduing the rough earth to their uses, which was then
the great work to be done.
This first work was exceedingly laborious. Forests had to be felled,
stumps eradicated, rocks and stones unearthed and removed, walls built,
the soil reclaimed, wolves and foxes exterminated, roads laid out and made,
and bridges constructed. All this had to be accomplished with the poor-
est implements. The patient drudgery—the tireless muscular and mental
energy—of the first two or three generations of our fathers, beyond what
was necessary for a meagre livelihood, was thus stored up and indestructi-
bly capitalized in the very substance of the soil for the benefit of their pos-
terity. Land, say some of our modern theorists, is the free gift of nature
and it can no more be appropriated without injustice than the air or the
ocean. What a silly fiction as applied to the farms of New England
But what were the villagers on the river bank here doing? They, too,
were making the rough earth tillable and tilling it. Bucolic associations
linger all about these hills. The houses had each their home lot, laid out
to the eastward, with gardens, orchards, cornfields, and beyond them
meadows or pastures with lowing kine. " But the settlers also had the river
and the bay before them inviting their enterprise. They were soon famil-
iar with its treasure of fish and clams. Canoes and gradually boats were built.
The growth was very tardy. Governor Hopkins counted the houses in 1732,
and found only seventy-four on the east and only twelve on the west side of
the river. [See note 3. | The settlers were, without exception, poor. The
capital necessary to organize industry had to be accumulated by the slow sav-
ings of years. #. first business organized for other than local purposes,
was ship or vessel-building, quite extensively carried on at the mouth of
the Moshassuck. This led naturally to an increase of commérce, at first
with Newport and other American ports, and finally with the West Indies
and the African coast. Commerce with the West Indies and Africa intro-
duced the first considerable manufacture, which was—I would gladly soften
the shock—the manufacture of New England rum. Foreign commerce,
however, did not greatly flourish here before the Revolution. It was inter-
cepted at Newport, which was more favorably situated for the reception of for-
eign imports and for their coastwise distribution, and which, moreover,
owing to its greater wealth had got the earlier start.
It is not to be supposed that the commerce of Providence measures the
extent to which the inhabitants of Providence were engaged in mar-
itime pursuits. As her population increased, many of her boys and
young men, inured to hardship, but tired of farm life and thirsting for
adventure, enlisted in Newport merchantmen and whaleships. During
the French and Spanish wars a still more exciting service allured them.
Numerous privateers were fitted out, many of which prosecuted their peril-
ous work with brilliant success. Thus was bred up and disciplined that
hardy race of skillful mariners, intrepid as enterprising, the very Vikings
of the Revolution, who, during the war, made the privateers of Providence
a terror to British commerce. Much of the shipping of Newport during
her occupation by the British, was transferred to Providence, and there
used in commerce or privateering. At the close of the war the commerce
of Newport was ruined, and Providence, having the ships and the sailors,
took the lead. For more than forty years her commerce prospered and
increased. Her merchantmen and whaleships ploughed every sea, and
her harbor was spectacular with stately vessels coming and going or
lading and unlading at her busy wharves. The prominent business men
of that period—the Browns, the Ives, the Arnolds, the Hoppins, Cyrus
Butler, Richmond Bullock, Edward Carrington, and others—were mer-
chants engaged in commerce. All honor to them, for they not only
built up the city while they built up their own fortunes, but they also
introduced into the city, along with the commodities of many climes, the
liberal spirit and the larger ideas which are inspired by contact with many
nations. At no time, if tradition may be trusted, has Providence societ
more happily combined simplicity with elegance and cordiality with intel-
lectual charm. But the introduction of railroads changed the course of
trade, and foreign commerce left the city for Boston and New York. Her
deserted wharves now testify only of a glory which has passed.
I have passed beyond the Revolution,-let me return to it. The Revolu-
tionary record of the city, like the Revolutionary record of the state, is pre-
eminently patriotic. The state had long suffered in her commerce from
Parliamentary taxes and restraints, and was therefore the more sensitive to
any new encroachment. For more than ten years before the war her atti-
tude was increasingly belligerent. The Stamp Act was a dead letter here.
No governor would swear to support it; no officer dared administer it;
and the General Assembly nullified it. In 1775 the state created a navy of
her own and gave the command of it to Abraham Whipple, of this city,
who, obedient to his orders, forthwith captured the tender of the British
frigate “Rose,” then off Newport, firing the first cannon fired at the Royal
navy in the war. The same year she recommended the creation of a Con-
tinential navy. Congress heeded the recommendation, and when the fleet
was built appointed Esek Hopkins, a North Providence man, to command
it. It was comparatively a simple matter for a state so long habituated to
the practice of self-government, to renounce her allegiance. She renounced
it and declared her independence two months before the declaration by the
Congress, and she is to-day the oldest sovereign state in the Union.
and naturally hesitated to assume federal duties and restraints. They
could not know what we know so well, how light the pressure is of those
duties and restraints, how immeasurable the advantages which accrue.
They could not then know what we now know, that the federal Union liber-
ates far more than it restrains, in that while it is in one sense a limitation
shutting down upon the states, it is in another and much truer sense a mar-
velous supplementary structure over-arching them, by which the people
ascend to a participation in the larger influences, the ampler horizons, the
grander and nobler life and destiny of the nation. The opposition, however,
was not so much opposition to the #j principle as to the lack of constitu-
tional safeguards, afterwards largely supplied by amendments. The sea-
port towns, Providence especially, always urged adoption, and finally
secured it, though not until after too many exhibitions of factious and
purely partisan resistance.
Contemporaneously with the adoption of the Federal Constitution, a
young Englishman appeared here, bringing, pictured in his memory to the
minutest detail, complete patterns of the Arkwright spinning machinery.
A fortuitous conversation in New York with the captain of a Providence
coasting sloop led to his coming; but it was no mere fortuity which deter-
mined him to remain. He remained an inhabitant of the state because he
found in Moses Brown and William Almy open minds to entertain and
espouse his projects with wealth to execute them, a people capable and apt
for his enterprises, and an abundance of water-power. Nearly a century has
gone by since Samuel Slater set his first seventy-two spindles into successful
operation at Pawtucket, and, in the long retrospect how magical his work
appears, how marvelous and manifold the transformations which have
resulted from it. The forces of nature became his apprentices. He touched,
as it were, with his simple labor wand, the mighty river giant, squandering
his unused strength among our northern hills, and, subduing, bound him
Ç THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
457
forever to the service of mankind. He mustered, as it were, from wood
and waste, from valley and hillside, from rocky ridge and corrugated cliff,
the idle genii of a thousand wandering streams and reduced them to like
obedience. In consequence of the impulse communicated by him, villages
and hamlets have sprung up along the banks of every water course which
is capable of turning a mill-wheel. -
It is appalling to think how severely the state must have suffered in the
irreversible decay of her commerce but for this new industry which,
gradually expanding, has continually opened new opportunities for labor
and capital. The progress has not been an isolated progress. All the arts
which minister to human happiness are more or less closely linked to-
gether—habent quoddam commune winculum—and when one flourishes the
others are improved. The new industry gave a new market to the farmer.
Many a Rhode Island farm would have been deserted before now but for
the manufacturing village built beside it. It furnished employment to
the mason, the carpenter, the carrier, the laborer. It brought custom to
the merchant and the trader. It laid out highways and built railroads. It
has given impetus to other manufactures and to the mechanic and decora-
tive arts. No part of the state has profited so much by it as this city. No
part is more dependent on it for its prosperity. It behooves her not to
let it decay. The South can manufacture the coarser fabrics more
cheaply, because her labor and raw material cost her less, and she will
soon supply her own market for them. Rhode Island, therefore, to pre-
serve her prestige, must aim more and more at beauty and perfection of
workmanship, and to that end must carefully cultivate every art and dis-
cipline which will promote, and carefully avoid every practice and policy
which may defeat her aim. -
My accomplished friend and former instructor, the president of the
Rhode Island Historical Society, in a recent address to the society, has
luminously shown how largely the state has been influenced and controlled
in her material growth by her geographical features. The great feature
of her geography is her magnificent bay, which, with its wealth of land-
locked waters, its beautiful islands, its diversified shores, and picturesque
configuration of headland and haven and bay within bay, penetrates far
inland, and which, safe of approach and easy of access, stands, as it were,
with open arms and seaward look, inviting the commerce of the world.
It prefigures for the state, and especially for the city sitting regnant at its
head, a commercial vocation. Another prominent ãº. is the numerous
rivers and water courses which, fed by tributary streams, descend with
increasing volume to the bay. This feature makes the state, as if by the
ordinance of nature, a manufacturing state. Commerce and manufactories
—we have seen how both have flourished at different times; commerce
flourishes no longer; but the great geographical peculiarity which formerly
encouraged and prospered it still remains; it remains for the people there-
fore, without relaxing their hold upon manufactures, to revive it, and then
prosecuting both together, to fulfil the two-fold destiny prefigured for them
in the primordial structure of the state. What is there to prevent this,
whenever a general revival of American commerce occurs, if then the city,
having completed her railway connections with the West and the North
and established suitable terminal facilities, shall have among her wealthier
citizens a few able men who are enterprising and sagacious enough to im-
prove the opportunity? -
Among the influences which have formed the city, the influence of pop-
ular education has been prominent. Rhode Island was backward in estab-
lishing any system of free schools. The distinction between secular and
religious instruction was formerly less clearly understood than now; and it
was therefore quite natural for the people of Rhode Island to question the
right of the state to interfere in the matter of education. Other causes
concurred. Many of the towns were poor and their populations sparse.
Men have to be educated to some extent in order to appreciate the value
of education. It thus happens that the establishment of free schools is often
the most bitterly opposed by those who need them most. It was so in Rhode
Island. Our first provision for such schools was enacted in 1800, at the
instance of the Providence Association of Mechanics and Manufacturers.
The act was unpopular, the people being unprepared for it, and three
years later it was repealed. The city, however, having established her
system, continued it, notwithstanding the repeal. The system, greatly
altered and improved, still exists. It needs no eulogy; it is the city's
pride. Every year numerous pupils graduate with a useful English educa-
tion, such as the colleges of fifty years ago were incompetent to impart.
The effect has been to enlarge, elevate, and diversify the industrial life of the
city. It is the public schools of the city which have kept her in the front
rank of business cities. They have refined and invigorated her domestic,
social, and civic life. She owes a great debt of gratitude, which it well
becomes her to acknowledge, to those public-spirited citizens who, nearly
a century ago, perseveringly recommended the system to her people and
finally secured its establishment, and not less, to those other public-spirited
citizens, who, in long succession, without recompense, have superintended
its operations, and who, by their continued suggestions of change and im-
provement, have gradually carried it to its present high efficiency. Many
public services have been more prominent; few more useful or merito-
II.OUIS,
The public schools do much, but still they only make a beginning. They
do best when they not only instruct but also arouse their pupils and imbreed
in them a noble ambition for improvement. Such pupils continue to learn
while they continue to live. And the city does well to afford them educa-
tional aids, for it is among such that she must mainly look for her leaders
in action and thought, and she will be fortunate if she never looks in vain.
The citizens have not been unmindful of the value of such aids. Let me
mention the Athenaeum and the Public Library, the Mechanics’ Associa-
tion, the Franklin Society, the Franklin Lyceum, the Historical Society,
the Veteran Citizens’ Association, the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Historical
Society, the Young Men’s Christian Association, the Union for Christian
Work, the Art Club, the Commercial Club, and the Board of Trade. Every-
body appreciates the value of a good public library, especially when, like ours,
it affords guidance as well as opportunity. The associations mentioned are
less generally valued; but nevertheless they are all useful when rightly used.
dead, who have deserved well of the city ?
A good cause, a great idea, or a good example is never safer than when
it is in the keeping of a society organized to develop and disseminate its
influences and to pass them on with accumulated power from generation
to generation. Such societies lift their members out of themselves b
giving them a high social or public purpose to work for, which is a pri-
mary point of civil discipline. They furnish an arena where new projects
and opinions can be winnowed and sifted in debate and their crudities cor-
rected by the common criticism. ...They are organs through which the sol-
itary student or thinker can readily reach the public ear. Some of thern
educate their members not only in the theory, but also in the practice of
high social and Christian virtues. They ought to be perpetually reinvig-
orated with new life and energy, for the city cannot afford to have them
languish and decay. - -
Passing by the powerful influences of the churches and the press, I
will mention one other educational agency, namely, Brown University.
I am aware that many citizens listen with incredulity when the value of
the University to the city is mentioned. It does not, like the public
schools, come home to every family and fireside, associated with the irre-
sistible charm of childhood, and so does not gain the popular heart.
But consider how much the city would be impoverished by the loss of it.
Consider the many eminent citizens of Providence who have graduated
from it, — Eddy, Maxcy, Burrill, Fenner, Russell, Pitman, Burges,
Wheaton, Whipple, Staples, Ames, Anthony, Jenckes, Arnold, the Ives,
the Allens, and others, living and dead. hat a cloud of witnesses for
it, and witnesses, as the lawyers say, to be weighed, not counted. What
a benefit to the city, to have had such citizens. They gave her not their
services only, but also their distinction. Imperfect as they were, they were
continually doing something to keep fresh in the public mind those
loftier ideals of manhood and citizenship which no people, however pros-
perous, can forget without degeneracy. Consider, also, the more direct
influences exerted by the University. President Wayland lived among us
nearly forty years—a mind of extraordinary calibre—foremost in every
good cause, educational, industrial, , philanthropical, or reformatory, and
prompt to answer every call upon him for counsel or instruction in ever
crisis or exigency of the city, the state, or the nation, Associated wit
him was Professor Goddard, an elegant but robust mind, singularly sen-
sitive to the significance of passing events, and ready always to lavish his
rich treasures of wisdom and rare graces of expression in the inculcation
of correct opinions on the important political and social topics of the
time. Need I remind you, also, of the lamented Diman, with his finished
scholarship ever at your service; of Chace, with his acute intellect and
large grasp of practical affairs, or of other college officers, living and
The danger to a city given
over to business, immersed in gainful pursuits, is that it will come to con-
sider money the supreme good. You all know what that means. It
means moral and spiritual corruption and decay. Now I maintain that
the University has been, and, if sustained, will continue to be, a powerful
counter influence. It communicates a tone, a sentiment, an atmosphere —
blowing freshly from the fields of literature and philosophy, an addition
of new men, with their faces set toward the sunrise, introducing new
motives and new ideas. Now and again it has given us leadership. I do
not eulogize it; it has its deficiencies; it ought to be reinforced and im-
proved. You appreciate its deficiencies, which is well; I want you also
to appreciate its value, which would be better; and then, best of all, to
labor heartily for its improvement; making it what it should be, the edu-
cational crown and brightest prinament of the city. . --
It was not until 1832 that Providence became a city, with a city govern-
ment, by mayor, aldermen, and council. . The first mayor was Samuel
W. Bridgham, a gentleman and lawyer of high repute. His successors,
Thomas M. Burgess, Amos C. Barstow, Walter R. Danforth, Edward P.
Knowles, James Y. Smith, William M. Rodman, Jabez C. Knight, George
L. Clarke, William S. Hayward, and Thomas A. Doyle, have all been able
and energetic, some of them eminent men. Their names speak for them.
Alas ! that the office is vacant to-day, and that he, the latest of them, who
would most have rejoiced in this high festival, lies cold and dumb in his
recent grave, taken away by a mysterious Providence when we most con-
fidently counted on his presence. For years, he has been so completely
identified with the city that it seems almost like a violation of natural law
for the celebration to proceed without him. Our eyes still look for his
familiar figure, our ears still listen for his clarion voice, and, though baffled
and disappointed, still refuse to be convinced that they will see and hear
him no more forever. -
The city has been fortunate, also, in her aldermen and common coun-
cilmen. The list includes numerous excellent and able, and many distin-
guished men. They served at first gratuitously, more recently for a small
compensation. Manifestly, however, their services have been rendered,
not for the pay, but to satisfy that sentiment of public duty which is the
soul of good citizenship. For years now the service has been very oner-
ous, requiring great prudence and sagacity. In the last quarter of a cen-
tury the population of the city has more than doubled and her costliest
public works have been constructed. During that period water has been
introduced, the City Hall and many other public buildings have been
erected, numerous new streets have been laid out and numerous old ones
altered and improved, bridges have been built and sewers constructed, and
the police increased and reorganized. Doubtless the city owes much to
the indefatigable energy of Thomas A. Doyle, very much to his exhaustless
enthusiasm of civic service, but he could not have pressed these great works
to completion without the coöperation of the aldermen and councilmen.
Their accomplishment has involved an immense outlay of money. . It
would be ſolly to say there has been no waste or extravagance; but it is
safe to say that there has been no wanton waste, and that many things
censured as extravagant at first, have won approval in the end. Generally,
without doubt, our municipal affairs have been wisely and ecºſ;
administered. Thank Heaven l there is no scandalous smirch of jobbery
or speculation upon them. The future—nay, the present—still presents
difficult problems to be solved, vast works to be performed. May the future
never disgrace the past. It is the city's good fortune that the officers who .
458
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
expend her taxes are elected by the citizens who pay them, and are, there-
fore, under no temptation to bid for popularity by prodigal expenditures.
I venture to advise her never to let either demagogue or doctrina ire delude
her ºnto relinquishing this great advantage so long as she can retain it.
Fellow-citizens: I must conclude my address, leaving many topics
untouched. Fifty years ago the city celebrated her two hundreth anniver-
sary. She was then in outward appearance but little more than a village
of less than twenty thousand inhabitants. She had no worthy public
buildings; her streets were ill-wrought or poorly paved; her commerce
had begun to decline and her manufactures were still an experiment.
The late Judge Pitman delivered the bi-centenary discourse. If at its
conclusion, when for a moment he turned with anxious hope to the
future, the angel of prophecy had graciously unsealed his vision and
shown him the city as she is to-day, with her borders enlarged, her popu-
lation sextupled, her streets improved, with her massive City Hall, her
commodious school-houses, her splendid churches, her charities, her com-
fortable houses and palatial mansions, her stately business structures, her
numerous manufactories, her street railways, her central thoroughfares
teeming with traffic and humming with industry, and her general aspect
of metropolitan magnificence, the spectacle would have filled him with
wonder and admiration. We are on the threshold of a new half-century.
Its fifty years, marching in single file, advance invisibly through the
mysterious region of the future, bringing with them the fortunes of the
city. Would we, if we could, lift the veil which conceals them? Would
we not rather r,ecoil with fear, lest, instead of seeing the city progressive
and prosperous her population sextupled again, we should see her lethar-
gic, stationary, or decaying P Such mutations have befallen other cities.
I do not anticipate such for ours. She may not grow in the next half
century so rapidly as in the last; but with her great natural advantages,
her prestige of past success, her still unabated confidence, she has only to
maintain her breed of noble men, her supply of intelligent, virtuous, and
enterprising citizens, to make her continuous progress assured. Let us,
then, have faith in her destiny. Let us be true to her and labor for her
improvement, not materially alone, but in all wise and excellent ways and
things. Let us labor, also, for a truer realization of her great doctrine of
soul liberty, disdaining any longer to be satisfied with the degenerate
form of it which is but little better than a selfish and palsying individ-
ualism, and endeavoring after that grander form, exemplified by Roger
Williams himself, which enlarges while it liberates, and which, instead of
isolating men, draws them together in free and friendly union for the
promotion of every worthy public or philanthropic end. Thus let us
labor, my fellow-citizens, and the city will surely grow and prosper, not
only in wealth and population, but also, what is infinitely better, in
mental, moral, and spiritual lie and power.
NOTES.
[Note 1.] According to tradition Roger Williams was boru soulevhere in Wales, the exact
#: being undetermined. Dr. Reuben A. Guild, however, produces a record which he
thinks shows that the tradition is at fault. The record consists of certain entries of baptism
in the register of the parish church in Gwinear, a small town in Qornwall, England. The
record is as follows, to wit. “Willyam Williams, son of Mr. William Williams, bap. 27,
November, 1598. Roger 2d son of ¥ºn Wylliams, gent., bap. 24 July 1600. Humphrey soil
of William. Williams bap. 24, April 1635. John, son of Humphrey Wylliams, gent, bap, at
High Bickington, Devon 1660.” The inference is, that the Roger Williams named in the
record was born in Gwinear early in the year 1600. The question is, whether he was the founder
of Rhode Island. The date of birth inferred from the baptism corresponds perfectly with the
allusions to his age, which are to be found in the writings of Roger Williams. But Roger
had two brothers, viz.: Robert, who for a time resided in Providence, and afterwards in New-
ort, and a brother alluded to as a “Turkish merchant.” Why if the Gwinear Roger was the
ounder of Rhode Island do not the names of these º brothers appear, since Roger is not
the last name of the #º the register? Dr. Guild suggests two conjectural reasons. One
is that the elder William Williams may have removed from Gwinear soon after the birth of
Roger. This does not seem to be probable because it is inferable from the record that Gwinear
continued to be the residence of the family until 1625, when Humphrey was baptised. The
second reason is that, as a rule, only the baptisms of the eldest sons are entered of record
“they being in the direct line of succession,” and that the baptism of Roger was entered
because he was named for Sir Roger Williams, a famous soldier of the age of Elizabeth. Dr.
Guild adduces no evidence to show that it was the rule or custom of the church to register
only the baptisms of the eldest sons, and it does not seem probable that any such rule or
custom existed...The fact that the eldest sons are “in the direct line of succession.” does not
afford a very satisfactory inference, for º, may die childless, in which event the second
sons succeed, and so on. The conjecture that an exception was made in favor of Roger
because he was named for Sir Roger, is too fanciful to build upon. I have no wish to depre-
ciate the Gwinear record. The Roger Williams named in it may be our Roger. Mº point is
#. that the proof as yet is not plenary, though further investigation, which I trust Dr.
Guild will diligently, prosecute, may make it so. I take pleasure in referring the curious
reader, to Dr. Guild's monograph, entitled Foot-Prints of Roger Williams, recently pub-
lished º Tibbitts & Preston, Providence, R. I., where the subject is discussed. .
[Note 2.] Governor Winthrop's diary is much the most trustworthy authority in regard to
the proceedings which ended in the banishment of Roger Williams. Under date, of Jan. 5,
1630, O, S, Winthrop notes the arrival of Roger Williams in the ship.“Lyon.”. Under date of
April 12, in the same year, we find the following, to wit: “At a court holden at Boston (upon
information, to the Governor that they of Salem had called Mr. Williams, to , the office of
teacher) a letter was written from the court to Mr. Endicott to this effect: That whereas Mr.
Williams had refused to § with the congregation at Boston because they would not make
a public declaration of their repentance for having communion with the churches in Eng;
land, while § lived there; and besides had declared his opinion that the magistrate might
not punish the breach of the Sabbath, nor any other offence, as it was a breach of the first table;
tnerefore, they marvelled they would choose him without advising with the council; an
withal desiring him that they would forbear, to proceed till they had conferred about it'
Under date of Oct. 11, 1633, Winthrop writes: “The ministers of the Bay and Sagus did meet
once a fortnight at one of their houses by course, where some question of moment was
debated. Mr. Skelton, the pastor of Salem, and Mr.Williams, who was removed from Plymouth
thither, (but not in any office, though he exercised by way of prophesy) took some excep-
tion against it, as fearing it might grow in time to a presbytery, or superintendency to the
prejudice of the churches' liberties... Doubtless. Williams by this “exception,” which sub-
sequent events show was not #."; made himself still further offensive to the churches
of the Bay, Under dates of Dec. 27, 1633, Jan. 24, 1633, O. S.; and Nov. 27, 1634, Winthrop gives
an account of the proceedings of the governor and Council relative to Williams treatise on
the Massachusetts Charter. Under date of Feb. 3, 1635, Winthrop writes: “The Governor and
assistants sent for Mr. Williams. The occasion was for that he had taught publicly that a
magistrate ought not to tender an oath to an unregenerate man, for that we thereby have
communion with a wicked man in the worship of God, and cause him to, take the name of
God in vain. He was heard before all the ministers and very clearly confuted.” The follow-
ing appears under date of July 8, 1635: . ." At the general court Mr. Williams, of Salem, was
summoned and did appear. It was laid to his charge that being under question before the
magistracy and churches for divers dangerous opinions viz.: First, that the magistrato
ought not to punish the breach of the first table otherwise than in such cases as did disturb
the civil peace; Second that he ought not to tender an oath to an unregenerate man; Third
that a man §§ not to pray with such, though wife, child etc.; Fourth that a man Ought
not to give thanks after the sacrament, nor after meat, etc.; and that the other churches
were about to write to the church of Salem to admonish of these errors, notwithstanding the
church had since called him to the office of teacher. Much debate was about these things.
The said opinions were adjudged by all, magistrates and ministers (who were desired to bo
present) to be erroneous and very dangerous and the calling of him to office at that time was
judged a great contempt of i.º. So in fine, time was given to him and the church of
Salem to consider of these things till the next general court, and then either to give satisfac-
tion to the court, or else to expect the sentence; it being professedly declared by the minis-
ters (at the request of the court to give them advice) that he who should obstimately main-
ſ
l
tain such opinions (whereby a church might run into heresy, apostacy, or tyranny and yet
the civil magistrate could not intermeddle) were to be removed and that the other churches
ought to request the magistrates so to do.” This passage very º several things, to
e : First, that at the meeting of the General Court, July 8, 1635, Williams and the church
were both found guilty, the one of holdiug the “dangerous opiuions” alleged, and the other
of contempt in calling him to office, while he was under question for them. Second, tha
cases were postponed, not for trial, but for sentence, unless Williams would retract hºhº;
church }. itself by submission. Third, that foremost among the “dangerous opinions "laid
to the charge of Williams was his doctrine of soul liberty. And fourth, #. this doctrine was
Selected by the clergy for special reprobation, and the maintenance of it declared by them
to be a good, ground for, banishment. It is evident that the other matters charged were
regarded by the clergy, at least, if not by the magistrates, as matters of minor moment. When
Williams again appeared before the General Court he had written the letters sent by the
Salem Çhurch #9 the other churches requesting them to admonish the magistrates and epu-
ties. These letters and a letter written by him to his own church to persuade it to renounce
çommunion with, all the ghurches of the Bay, were now further set up against him, and
dºubtless ºf the time greatly increased, the animosity of the Court. Winthrop tells us that
he justified the letters, and maintained all his opinions, and that Hooker being unable to
redº him frºm any of his errors, he was sentenced, The sentence was as ºilºwºwit.
* Whereas, Mr. Roger Williams one of the elders of the church of Salem hath broached and
divulged divers new and dangerous opinions against the authority of magistrates, as also
Writ letters of , defamation both of the magistrates and churches Heº, and that before any
çonyiºtion, and, yet maintaineth, the same without any retraction, it is therefore ordered
that the said Williams shall depart out of this jurisdiction within six weeks now next ensuſ.
#º #.#: to §§ # º * łºś the Sºyº. and two of the mag-
º In to SOIne place Out O is jurisdiction, not to g
rº §: ºil. th return any more without
It will be obseryed that the grounds of sentence are summed up under two heads, it:
“opinions, against the authority of , magistrates,” and the " lº. The º;
treated ºther,as matter of aggravation than as an independent offense. it will also be
observed that the language is “diyers opinions against the authority of magistrates” which, of
çºire, mºre than ºne 9pinion. But Winthrop mentions only two opinions which
can be characterized as “opinions, against , the authority of magistrates,” namely, the
§. in regard to breaches of the first table, and the opinion in regard to oaths. Which
of these opinions had the greater influence in determinin }. sentence? The answer may not
be absolu º, certain, but if, we look only to Winthrop, I do not think there can be any real
Sonable doubt. There is nothing in Winthrop to show that the contemporaries of Williams
were, eyer seriously, alarmed by his teaching in regard to oaths, whereas we have only to
note the opinion of the clergy in regard to the doctrine of soul iiberty, as stated by him, to
see how rooted was their aversion to it, and how relentlessly they were bent upon its extir.
#; Wºr under date of Jan. 11, 1636, after relating the decision to send Williams to
ngland, uses the following language, to wit: “The reason was because he had drawn above
twenty łºś to his opinion and they were interested to erect a plantation about the Nar-
ragansett Bay from Whenge the infection would easily spread into these churches (the people
being many of them much taken with the apprehension of his godliness).” The reader wili
observe that the word here is “opinion,” not opinions, thus clearly denoting that there was
9ne 9pinion with which Williams was so identified that Winthrop could naturally speak of
it without further designation as “his opinion.” Of course the opinion meant must have
been, his falº do?trine, for he held no other opinion, which was likely to disseminate
itself by “infection,” or by reason of the enthusiasm of his followers, in the event of his
removal to Narragansett Bay....Qertainly, therefore, if Winthrop were our only authority,
the conclusion would be irresistible that the doctrine of soul fiberty was not only among
the causes, but the §§ cause of the banishment.
Williams in Mr. Cotton's Letter Easamined and Answered says: “After Imy public trial
and answers at the General Court, one of the most eminent magistrates, whose name and
speech may by others be remembered, stood up and spake, ‘Mr. Williams'; said he, “holds
forth these four#. 1st, that, we have not our land by patent from the King, but that
the natives, are the owners 9f it, and we Qught to repent of such a receiving it 5; patent:
§ecºndly, that it is not, lawful to call a wicked person to swear, to pray, as being actions of
God’s ºpi 3dly, that it is not lawful to hear any of the ministers of the Parish
assemblies of England; fourthly, that the civil magistrate's" ovºid. only to, the
bodies and goods and outward state of men,” I acknowledge the particulars were rightly
summed up.” Pub., of the Narragansett Club, Vol.I., pp. 40:1. In his jetter to Endicºtt he
again, enlinerates the causes, making them the same. Pub. Narragansett Club, Vol. VI., p.
217. . In his letter to Major Mason, he says that Governor Haynes pronounced the sentence of
banishment. It may, therefore, be presumed that it was hº who recapitulated the grounds
of the sentence. He tells us that Haynes afterwards, being in some difference with #. Bay,
made the following, memorable confession, to him, to wit: “I think, Mr. Williams, I must
now confess to you, that the most wise God hath provided and cut out this part of His world
for a refuge and receptacle for all, sorts of consciences.” Pub. Narraðangett Club, Voi. Vi.

p. 344, 345. € means, of course, that Haynes thereby virtually conf d th
jºjº.º.º.
statement does not show that he considered that this doctrine was especiaiivi -
entiºl in causing his banishment, but rather the Ç9ntrary, since he mentions i ;:lºº
professes to state the causes as recapitulated by the magistrate. A complainant preferring
charges, might naturally prefer the graver first; but a magistrate passing sentence, if he
recapitulate the grºunds of it, and, wishes, to be impressive, is likely to reverse the order
using the rhetorical figure of the climax rather than the anti-climax. 3.
. It will be remarked that Williams mentions two causes of banishment which are not included
in Winthrºp's Specification, to Wit; his separatism and attack on the patent. In explanation
of this, it has been fluggested that perhaps Williams may have been tried on ail the charges
ever lº against him, whether new or old, and that Wiś Only specifies such as were
new. The trouble with this explanation is that the chargé in regard to oaths was not new,
and that Williams had never before been summoned to answer any charge of separatism.
There is an explºnétign which seems to me more probable. Winthrop probably states the
charges on which Williams was arraigned, being the charges formally preferred. If the trial
had taken place before a tribunal accustomed to technical methods, it would have been
confined tº these formal charges, The trial took place before the General Court, which was
a representative assembly, rather than a judicial tribunal. It is difficult for a court composed
9f expert lawyers tº cºnfine the trial of Åh exciting case to the record; for a popular assem-
bly to do so Would be little short of a miracle. The trial of Williams before such an assemi-
bly would nºturally travel out of the record and involve his character generally. So far on
the supposition that the trial, itself...actually extended to the "four particulars.” But iet
it be remembered, that according to Winthrop, the trial on the charges stated by him was con.
§§ed in July, and the case stºod continued for sentence .# , unless before sentence
Williams, should “give satisfaction to the court.” Now it is not uncommon for even the
§trigtest tribunals to allow themselves, after the accused has been convicted, a considerabie
latitude of inquiry into his antecedents for the purpose of determining the kind of sentence
Which hºll be impºsed upon him, Williams' account is that the eminent magistrate men.
tioned the four particulars,” “after my public trial.” . If this be the truer view, then the
first and third, “particulars ” were not charges on which he was tried, but oni , as he calls
them, partiºlºr. Whigh, were brought forward and allowed to have weight'in passing
sentence. That it, is the truer.view is capable of some further confirmation. It ºwiii tº
remembered that it was not Williams alone who was put on trial, but Williams jointly with
the Salem Church, which persisted in, retaining him as pastor. The Boston Chūreh’īnāer.
took to labor with the Salem Church for this. Nathániel Morton, in the Wº B'noland
Memorial, says: “There was a public admonition sent in writing from the church of #6s.
§# hº# 5.§§§ ?? Mr. Williams, and the erring part of the
* De Statement Of “err º * & e
the brethren of the church of Salem, tendin ors in doctrine maintained by some of
g to the disturbance of religion a &
family, church, and commonwealth.”. The statement recited by #########,
same as Winthrop's, except that it omits Winthrop's fourth charge, which is a small matter
Sºft §: §#nº. §: t* # One further allegation of error, to
: g e Ot to take an Oath. Of fidelity from thei wº
erº; * º #. sº nor the patent. y their subjects, though regen
9.hn, Cotton is the, principal authority for the view that the doctrin
had nothing to do § the banishment. Cotton, answering Williams, #####".
falseh99d to his statement of," particulars” and declares that Williams’ wiseiy conce is the
name of the eminent magistråte.” who summed up the grounds of his banishmentiest if
named, he shguld be occasioned to bear witness against such fraudulent expression of the
particulars.". Of cqurse, the imputation recoils upon its author. Williams, with his ardent
#ºnperänent may have sometimes fallen, into exaggerations, but he was incapable of lying.
The imputation betrays a hostile, and calumnious temper which should be alſo wed for in
considering Cotton's letter, as authority. It should also be borne in mind that theiètter
Was Written, ten years after the event, by a man who, meanwhile, had had his own erplexi-
ties, familistical and other, to §§§ and who, umoreover, reproaches Williams for bring-
.# the matter, up for disgussion, with him, because he so seldom attends civil courts, having
a distaste for them. Yet he readily engagés in the discussion, contradicting Williams, and
giving his own º; *CCount. It is only too natural for men in such circumstances to
persuade themselyes, that,they, actually remember that things were as, looking back from
their later point of view, they think º must have been. I do not think Cotton was above
making this mistake. He says, the two latter causes which he (Williams) gives of his ºafish.
ment Wºre nº gºes at all as, he expresseth them,” or, in other words, that his teaching in
regard to separatism, and soul, liberty, was not among the causes of his panishment.” fº
§aying that the doctrine of floul liberty was not among the causes, Cotton not only differs
from Winthrop, but contradicts himself, for it was one of the errors noted in the Adºni.
tion to the Salem Church, and, according to Morton, the admonition was signed by
Cotton. Morton, moreover, a contemporary Qf Williams, imbued with the contemporaneous
feeling, makes this doctrine, and this alone, the subject of special comment and condemia:
tion., Cotton says that the doctrine could not have been among the causes, because other
men known, to hold it, were tolerated in both church and state. Evidently he either forgets
or ignores the law, enacted in Massachusetts in 1644. This law was as follows: “if any person
or persons in the jurisdiction . . shall deny the ordinance of magistracy, or their lawſui
right or authority., . to punish the outward breaches of the first table, and shalia pear
tº the court wilfully and obstimately to continue therein, after due time and means of jº.
Yiction, eyely ºuch persºn or persºns shall be sentenced to banishment.” Kºcoris ºdºº-
ſº ». 83. The fact. that this enactment was in force when Cotton ºrote his
lºtter throws, a flogd, of light on his gandors. It is true the enactment is aimed not against
ğlºmere holding of the ºbnoxious opinion, but, against the maintenance of it. possibiy
Cotton may have intended to reserve to himself the benefit of this distinction, but if so, his
inexplicitness is exceedingly disingenuous. Manifestly what Williams means was that he was
banished for ºś QF, maintaining the opinions enumerated. For him, a knowledge
of the truth imposed the duty of teaching it. e knew that the smothered fire goes out
that the belief unuttered perishes in the breast of the believer. His feeling on this subject
t
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
459
a member of his church
, soul liberty. He subse-
prosecution of Clarke,
on occasion of it, reproaching
“I fear,” he wrote, “your
of conscience in these partiſt-
W88 and the eye of conscience”
to bear
would
the of soul
essary to make
of hi
violent
Now,
among
that he
language,
moment
those who maintain that
not one e
did not find it nec-
C8, U1868. says, that to the best
two, causes, namely, “his (Williams')
and his opposing the oath of fiderity,
and tumultuous carriage”? Was it
is strong enough to import
W88 justification for such
elders “laborin re-
8,
duce him,” he which startle
Winthrop gives his
tion was that the the
patent. Cotton
patent itself
oe correct 2
Everybody knows
knows Often in
condemn
O
º:
opponen
it is now,
common
their
and 8,8
can
1Il
not appear
#. not
was
says it
to
age to
because
rectly,
coul
under a strong
from memory
German in this
in giving them. & g # * * * * * g
{{º. 3.] _Giving my fancy rein, I have ventured to suppose that Williams was joined by
his wife and children in Seekonk, and, if the removal did not take place until June, the sup:
position is not improbable. The common account, founded on tradition, is that he removed
with five other men, namely: William Harris, John Smith, miller, Joshua Verin; Thomas
Angell, and Francis Wickes, – Staples’ Annals of Providence,, p. 20;, Arnold's History, of
Rhode Island, p. 40. Another account is that he was *ś only by Thomas Angell,—
Materials, collected for a history of Rhode Island, by Theodoré Foster; Collections of
Rhode Island Historical Society, Vol. VII., Wi 83; Stone's Life of Howland, note, Ah 543.
Still another account is that the salutation “What Cheer,” was given to Williams and Angell
when they were On an ºff expedition before Williams came to the Moshassuck to settle
with his %; there, Collections Rhode Island Historical Society, Vol. VII., p. 83, note 5.
[Note 4.] I have been asked to reconsider my characterization of #; of Miantonomi
as a “wicked murder.”, I am aware that different men have come to different conclusions on
this subject, according to their prepossessions and to the authorities which they accept. Any
thorough treatment of the question would necessitate an exploration, collation, and weigh-
ing of original testimonies such as cannot be undertaken here... I have #; the prevalent
Rhode Island view which is, also the view of the learned editor of Winthrop's Diary, Mr.
James Savage. The reader who is anxious about the opposite view can, find it ably stated by
the late William L. Stone, author of the Life of Brandt, in a little work published under the
title, Uncas and Miamtonomoh. Mr. Stone, in my opinion, gives too much credence to uncrit-
ical authors like Cotton Mather, and too Íittle to Éhode island writers.
[Note 5.) Roger Williams sailed for England to procure the revocation of Coddington's
commission in November, 1651. He returned early in the summer, of 1654. In a letter to
John Winthrop, Jr., under date of July 12, 1654, he writes: “It pleased the Lord to call me for
sometime, and with Some persons to practice, the Hebrew, the Greek, Latin,. French, and
Dutch. The Secretary of the Council (Mr. Milton) for my Dutch I read him, read me
many more languages. This statement is particularly interesting from the fact that Mil-
ton in composing his “Paradise Lost.” borrowed largely from the “Lucifer” a drama by the
Dutch poet, Joostyander Wondel,...The Lucifer" was published in January, 1654. A recent
English book on the subject entitled Milton and Wondel: , A Curiosity of Literature: by
George Edmundsom, M. A., says: “It is at least H.º. that it was from the lips of Williams
himself that Milton first heard the rhythmic lines, and learnt to appreciate the poetical
power and fine imagery of Vondel's masterpiece.” g * e &
[Note 6.J. My authority for this statement is, that marvelous piece of minute antiquarian
research, the Plantang and Growth of Providence, by Henry C. Dorr., Rider's, Historical
Tracts, iWo. 15, É. 158. In 1870 Mr. Rider printed in pamphlet a manuscript purporting to give
the names of the owners or occupants of buildings in the town of Providence from 1748 to
1774. The manuscript was found among the papers of the late Kinsley Carpenter, who died
in 1859, at the age of ninety-eight years. The author notes on the manuscript that it was
enned from memory, without Fº the streets, to count the buildings, and may con-
ain some errors. It shows that the number of dwelling-houses in 1749 was 143, and in 1771
309, an increase of 166 in twenty-two years. It shows that in 1771, there, were eighty-eight
barns, 189 store-houses and shops, including four cooper shops, six distilleries, two black-
smith shops, two gun-smiths, two candleworks, a tan house, a rope-walk, a paper mill, a
clothier's shop, a chocolate house, a slaughter house, and a potash works. Besides these
there were fifteen so-called public buildings, namely: the college, president's house, four
school-houses, Baptist Meeting House, Presbyterian Meeting House, New Light Meeting
House, Powder House, and Friends' Meeting House, {e *
[Note 7.) A good biography of Stephen Hopkins was, until recently, a desideratum. The
want has now been supplied, so far as it can be with the material extant, by William E.
Foster, the accomplished librarian of the Providence Public Library, in, his excellent work
entitled, Stephen Hopkins ; , A Rhode Island. Statesman:, A. Study in Žhe Political History
of the 18th Centum v, published as Nos. 18 and 19 of Rider's Historical Tracts.
The Arion Club then sang the valedictory ode by Prof. Eben
A. Kelly, with words by Prof. Alonzo Williams, and the exer-
cises in the church closed with the benediction by the Rev.
David H. Greer, D. D.
to
AFTERNOON.
THE CHILDREN’s FESTIVAL took place at Roger Williams
Park in the afternoon, and took the form of graduating exercises
of the pupils of the High and Grammar schools supplemented
by pleasurable festivities in the grove and on Crystal Lake.
Thousands attended the fête, which, however, was somewhat
marred by the inclemency of the weather. Three immense tents
were erected on the plaza fronting Elmwood Avenue, and prome-
nade concerts were given by the National Band morning and
afternoon. At three o'clock the children of the public schools
with the graduating classes marched to the tents, presenting a
picturesque and beautiful appearance in their gay holiday attire,
º
many of them bearing baskets of flowers. Upon the platform
were seated Governor Wetmore, Mayor Robbins, Chairman
Ross, and the committee of arrangements; H. S. Tarbell, super-
intendent of public schools; members of the school committee,
and ladies and gentlemen prominent in educational work. Fol-
lowing a pot-pourri of familiar airs by the American Band, the
Rev. Henry W. Rugg, in the absence of the Rev. Daniel
Leach, D. D., offered prayer. The pupils then sang “Auld
Lang Syne,” led by Mr. D. Brainard Blake, who on the occa-
sion of the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Providence,
fifty years ago, sang with the school children who participated in
the exercises held on that occasion. A thoughtful and impres-
sive address reviewing the work of the public schools was then
delivered by the Rev. James G. Vose, D. D., who said in opening,
“ that of all the people in this city the youth of our public schools
will longest remember this celebration, and on whom if there be
any influence for good arising from it, that influence will be the
deepest and most abiding.
“In these 250 years, since the first greeting in the English
tongue was given and returned on the banks of the Seekonk,
nothing,” he said, “has transpired more important to the true
welfare of the state than the successive events which have created
and developed our public schools. Newport in 1640 and Provi-
dence in 1663, each set apart one hundred acres of land for the
support of the public schools. Yet we must come down"more
than a hundred years later before we find much general interest
taken in the subject. Even then the popular voice was neither
strong nor united. In 1767 the building of four school-houses was
recommended with the design “ that every inhabitant of this
town shall have and enjoy an equal right and privilege of sending
their own children and the children of others that may be under
their care and instruction and bringing up, to any or all of the
said schools.” These large designs of generous men were not
carried into effect, and education still struggled on with meagre
support and encouragement until the dawn of a new century.
The cause of education in Providence to-day is indebted to no one
man more than to John Howland, through whose influence the
Mechanics’ Association took the subject under consideration. In
an address to that association in 1799, John Howland said:
* Most of us who are at present members of this association have
had but few advantages of education, but it will be our fault as well
as the fault of our fellow citizens if the next generation is not
better taught. Let it be said in all private companies, let it be
asserted in all public bodies, let it be declared in all places until
it has become a proverb, that it is the duty of the legislature to
establish free schools throughout the state.” These golden
words produced a powerful effect, for in the same year the
General Assembly passed a bill providing for free schools. This
city has sustained free schools since 1800, four schools being
established in that year. John Howland's mission in behalf of
free schools being productive of so much good, the schools strug-
gled along until 1824, when Dr. Francis Wayland became inter-
ested, and his influence marked a new era of advancement. The
next leader of the public school movement was Henry Barnard;
but while the general results were reached through a long period
of varying progress, the great improvement in school architecture
in this city has been made within twenty-five years.” After pay-
ing a tribute to the memory of the late mayor, whose interest and
devotion to the public schools were so gratefully remembered,
the Rev. Dr. Vose impressed on the pupils the moral lessons
taught by the history of the public school movement.
Col. N. Van Slyck, the president of the school committee,
then briefly addressed the graduating classes, and handed the
diplomas to each of the graduates.
After music by the band the benediction was pronounced by
the Rev. Mr. Rugg, and the exercises were at an end. The chil-
dren, however, were again treated to a pleasant exhibition in the
shape of a balloon ascension, and as soon as the tents were cleared
the aerial ship was seen swinging from its moorings near What
Cheer cottage. The balloon was appropriately named “Roger
Williams,” and in it Capt. Ezra Allen, the veteran aeronaut, of
this city, made his forty-second ascension. It was after five
o'clock when the balloon started on its trip, and for a long time
the children found pleasure in watching the movements of the
air ship. Captain Allen landed in Johnston, seven miles from
the starting point, the highest altitude reached being two miles.
This concluded the children’s exercises.
The programme of the day was closed with a magnificent con-
cert in Infantry Hall, by the Rhode Island Choral Associa-
tion, which was attended by a very large number of our citizens.




































































460
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
THE SEcond DAY.
The second day of the municipal celebration was no less suc-
The anniversary was the occasion
of two of the grandest and most imposing demonstrations ever
witnessed in Providence. In the morning the military and civic
parade was participated in by nearly nine thousand men, repre-
senting some of the most distinguished organizations in the coun-
try, while the trades procession was the most elaborate display
ever made of the varied industries of the city and State.
A light, drizzling rain prevailed during the day, but this did
did not interfere with the programme of exercises, and the pageant
proved as attractive as it was possible under the circumstances.
Thousands of people from all parts of the state, and hundreds
cessful than its predecessor.
Platoon of mounted police in command of Capt.
Jeremiah Costine.
Chief Marshal: Col. R. H. I. Goddard.
Chief of Staff: Capt. Benjamin L. Hall.
Assistant Marshal : Capt. Frederick B. Burt.
Active Staff (mounted): Chas. P. Bennett,
Edwin Brown, Capt. Eugene A. Cory, Joseph
L. A. Fowler, Edward Field, 2d, Capt. Chas.
C. Gray, Henry L. Goddard, Geo. O. Johnson,
Chas. H. Mathewson, Lieut. Wm. N. Otis,
Col. John C. Pegram, Maj. E. C. Pomroy,
Frank D. Simmons, William Thurber, B.
Frank Vaughan, Col. Arthur H. Watson, T.
L. Walling, Lieut. Chas. A. Winsor.
IIonorary Staff (mounted): Col. Crawford Allen,
Gen. C. H. Barney, Gen. W. W. Douglas, Dr.
Wm. F. Hutchinson, Col. Elias M. Jencks, Col.
J. Albert Monroe, Col. John McManus, Col.
Isaac M. Potter, Gen. Horatio Rogers, Col. E.
H. Rockwell, Maj. Frank A. Rhodes, Gen.
James Shaw, Col. Nicholas Van Slyck, Col. J.
Lippitt Snow.
Bugler: Louis Schmidt.
FIRST DIVISION.
Col. Joseph H. Kendrick, marshal.
Aids: Col. John J. Jencks, Col. John F. Clark,
Capt. John Howe, Capt. Thomas W. Manches-
ter, Lieut. Amos M. Bowen.
Reeves’ American Band, Bowen R. Church,
leader; thirty pieces. -
United Train of Artillery Drum Corps, Capt. F.
A. Capron, leader; seven drums.
. United Train of Artillery, Col. Cyrus M. Van
Slyck, commanding; five staff officers and
three companies. Co. D, Capt. John F. Mum-
ford; three officers and thirty-two men. Co.
C, Capt. Benjamin W. Smith; two officers and
twenty-eight men. Co. A, Capt. E. M. Clarke;
twenty-seven men.
Colt's Band, of Hartford, W. C. Sperry, leader;
twenty-five pieces.
Governor’s Foot Guard, of Hartford, Conn.,
Maj. J. C. Kinney, commanding; twelve staff
officers and Col. Joseph Egolf, of Troy, N. Y.,
Capt. W. H. Jones, of Boston, and Capt. A.
H. Embler, of New Haven, as honorary staff.
Co. A, Capt. J. C. Pratt; twenty men. Co.
B, Lieut. F. C. Clark; twenty men. Co. C,
Lieut. H. G. Lord; twenty men. Co. D,
Lieut. T. C. Naedele.
Fitchburg Brass Band, G. A. Patts, leader; twen-
ty-five pieces.
Worcester Continentals, Lieut.-Col. E. J. Rus-
sell, commanding, and staff; twelve men.
Co. A, Capt. John M. Morse, Jr.; twenty men.
Co. B, Capt. Charles B. Whiting; twenty-five
men. Co. C, Capt William S. Jourdan; six-
teen men. Co. D, Capt. Henry E. Smith;
thirty men.
Continental Drum Corps, J. F. Parkes, leader;
sixteen pieces.
Fifth Battalion Infantry, Rhode Island Militia,
Maj. E. D. McGuinness, commanding; three
staff officers. Co. B, Capt. Wm. McPherson;
three officers and thirty-six men. Co. A,
Capt. Bernard Hackett, three officers and
forty-one men. Co., C, Capt. John Neary;
three officers and forty-two men. Co. }.
Capt. Anthony Mungiven; one officer an
forty-one men. -
Fourth Battalion Drum Corps; fifteen pieces.
Fourth Battalion of Infantry, Rhode Island
Militia, Maj. George D. Smith, commanding;
three staff officers. Co. A, Capt. William H.
from adjoining cities were present to take part in or witness the
people.
Beckett; two officers and forty men. Co. B,
Capt. S. J. West; two officers and thirty men.
Newport Drum Corps, T. Farrell, leader; four-
teen pieces. -
Slocum Light Guard, Providence, Capt. G. A.
Forsyth; two officers and thirty-five men.
Tower Light Infantry, Pawtucket, Lieut. G. W.
Esterbrooks; two officers and thirty-five men.
Newport Light Infantry, Capt. P. F. Schneider;
two officers and thirty-nine men.
Bristol Light Infantry, Lieut J. H. Morrissey,
commanding; one officer and thirty-three
In ene -
Co. M, Sixth Regiment M. V. M., of Milford,
Capt. H. E. Whitney; two officers and forty-
Seven men.
Company of Cadets; twenty-five men.
Lynn Cadet Band, twenty-seven pieces; George
Merrill, leader.
Providence First Light Infantry, Col. W. H.
Thornton, commanding; Honorary staff, Capt.
A. Allen, Lieut. George B. Newton, Hartford
City Guards; Lieut. James Miller, Seventh
Uniformed Veterans, New York; Dr. Senor
Don Antonie Marie Soteldo, Venezuelan Min-
ister at Washington. Co. D, Capt. Edwin
Draper; two officers, sixty-one men. Co. C,
Capt. Hiram Kendall; three officers, sixty men.
Co. A, Lieut. George Butts; two officers,
fifty men. Co. B, Capt. Frank Peabody; two
officers, fifty-eight men.
Signal Corps, Sergeant Charles Pierce in com-
mand; four men.
First Machine Gun Platoon, R. I. M., Lieut. Wm.
W. Ely in command; two pieces, six men.
Co. M. First Regiment M. V. M., Fall River,
Capt. John Braley, commanding; two officers,
forty men.
Co. K, First Regiment M. V. M., Boston, Capt.
James Parkinson, commanding; one officer,
thirty-five men. -
Co. E, First Battalion Infantry, R. I. M., West-
erly, Capt. E. B. Pendleton, commanding;
twenty-five men. -
Co. F, First Battalion Infantry, R. I. M., West.
erly, Capt. Rufus B. Wood, commanding;
twenty-nine men. -
First Light Infantry Veteran Association,
Boston Light Infantry Veteran Association,
Colonel Brown, commanding; fifteen vet-
€ran S. .
Band, Seventh Regiment, New York, C. A.
Cappa, leader; fifty-two pieces. - -
Drum Corps, Seventh Veteran Regiment, New
York, fourteen pieces; Drum Major John
Smith, leader.
Seventh Regiment Veteran Association, New
York, Col. L. W. Winchester, commanding.
Co. A, Capt. J. T. Baker; one officer and
twenty-four men. Co. B, Capt. J. C. Gif.
fing; two officers and twenty men. Cos. C
and K, Capt. H. W. T. Mali; one officer and
twenty men. ... Co. D, Lieut. L. G. Wood-
house; two officers and twenty men. Co. E,
Capt. W. A. Speaight; one officer and twenty
men. Co. F, Capt. F. Goodwin; three offi-
cers and twenty men. Co. G, Lieut. W. E.
Callendar; one officer and twenty men, Co.
H, Lieut. B. Howell; two officers and twenty
men. Co. I, Capt. G. J. Arthur; one officer
and twenty men. . Seventh Regiment War
Veterans, General Nugent, commanding;
twenty men.
Co. B, First Battalion Cavalry, R. I. M., Cap-
tain McLaughlin, commanding; fifty men and
twenty guests from Roxbury, Mass.
&
display, and the enthusiasm manifested all along the line of march
demonstrated that the storm did not disturb the loyal ardor of the
The various features of the long line were applauded again
and again, and to the military organizations as well as to the
civic societies due credit must be accorded for the interest they
displayed and for the excellent showing they made in the ranks.
The booming of cannon and the ringing of church bells ushered
in the day, and soon after 8 o’clock the sounds of martial music
were heard in all directions, and promptly at 9 o'clock the order
was issued and the imposing line moved over the prescribed
route of march in the following order:
Providence Marine Corps of Artillery, Capt.
John A. Russell in command; four guns;
seventy men.
Providence Marine Corps of Artillery, Veteran
Association; Col. Richard Waterman, com-
manding.
SEconD Division.
Col. Theodore A. Barton, Marshal.
Aids : John P. Walker, J. Frank Pabodie, W. F.
Hutchinson, William Frankland, George W.
Barry, William Barker. *
Department of Rhode Island Grand Army of
the Republic.
J. V. D.C., Gideon Spencer, and A. A. G., George
Edward Allen, and staff of twenty-two men,
mounted.
First Massachusetts Regiment Band, James M,
Clark, leader; thirty men. -
Prescott Post, No. 1, Providence, J. H. Fair-
brother, commander; W. H. Chenery, adju-
tant; three companies. Co. A, Elmer L.
Beamen, commander; twenty men. Co. B.,
A. W. Delnah, commander; twenty-five men.
Co. C, Charles E. Hartwell, commander;
Sixteen men. -
Valley Falls Drum Corps, Frank Richards,
leader; six drums. .
Ballou Post, No. 3, Central Falls, Zophar Skin-
ner, commander; forty men.
Slocum Post, No. 10, Providence, Capt. C.
Henry Alexander, commander; M. H. Najac,
adjutant; four companies. Co. A, M. H.
Najac, commander; thirty men. Co. B, S.
A. Barker, commander; twenty-five men.
Co. C, D. G. West, commander; thirty-five
men. Co. D, C. H. Potter, commander;
twenty-five men.
Charles C. Baker Post, No. 16, Wickford, George
T. Cranston, commander; twenty men.
Allen Drum Band, Charles Allen, leader; ten
drums.
William A. Streeter Post, No. 145, North Attle-
boro’, E. D. Guild, commander; seventy-five
Iſlen.
Arnold Post Drum Corps, Sergeant Streeter,
leader; ten drums.
Arnold Post, No. 4, Providence, John T. Drinan,
commander; seventy men.
Ives Post, No. 13, Providence, J. H. Francis,
commander; forty men.
C. E. Lawton Post Fife and Drum Band, Thomas
Hayes, drum-major; seventeen pieces.
C. E. Lawton Post, No. 5, Newport, W. S. Bailey,
commander; seventy-five men. -
Budlong Post, No. 18, Westerly, J. A. Babcock,
commander; forty men.
Farragut Post, No. 8, Riverside, W. C. Severance,
commander; fifty men. -
Smith Post Drum Corps, Daniel McKenna,
leader; ten drums.
Smith Post, No. 9, Woonsocket, Henry P. Wil-
liams, commander; sixty men. -
McGregor Post, No. 14, Phenix, William John-
son, commander; thirty men.
Veteran Drum Corps, Pawtucket, R. Sexton,
leader; fifteen men.
Tower Post, No. 17, Pawtucket, J. W. Seabury,
commander; ninety men.
Reno Post, No. 6, V. H. Dawley, J. V. C., com-
mander; twenty men.
THIRD Division.
Grand Pioneer: Daniel Grant.,
National Band, Thomas W. Hedly, leader; forty
pieces. -
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
461
Grand Marshal : TXexter Gorton.
Aids: George Cady, Nathaniel West, Holden O.
Hill, William Batchelder. -
Providence Veteran Firemen Association, George
H. Jenckes, president.
Bucket Brigade, L. M. Walling in command; N.
G. Totten, L. P. Fowler, Joseph West, J. C.
Dodge, E. J. Ham, George E. Cleveland.
Axe and Pipe Brigade, John R. Oakes, Daniel
M. Grimwood, pipemen; Henry E. Pierce, W.
A. Perkins, Nicholas B. Duff, axemen. Co. A,
Hero, No. 1, Otis P. Underwood, foreman;
twenty men. Co. B, Ocean, No. 7, Pembroke
S. Eddy, foreman; fifty men. Co. C, Gaspee,
No. 9, James S. Allen, foreman; forty men.
Boston Veteran Firemen Association, W. P.
Cherrington, president; Charles Blake, cap-
tain; twenty-five men. -
Water Witch Engine Company, Sixes. A. C.
Eddy, president; Ira Winsor, marshal; twenty
IIle11.
The old Water Witch was mounted on a drag,
drawn by six white horses, and was resplendent
with floral offerings. Standing at the end of the
machine was Thomas Holden Daniels, grandson
of Thomas Holden, one of the first firemen of
the company, supporting a portrait of his grand-
father, while Charles E. Tillinghast, a charter
member, and E. C. Hall, J. B. Buffum, the oldest
member of the Veteran Association, and F. P.
Pierce followed with erect step, holding the ropes
as they did in the olden days. -
E. Č. Farmer, John H. Chace, S. Esten, and
{. A. Willkinson, veteran members of the old
rovidence Veteran Department, occupied a ba-
rouche. -
East Providence Engine Company, Watchemo-
ket, No. 1, John J. Mullen, foreman; George
W. Fuller, assistant; forty men.
Continental Band, ten pieces; Geo. Stone, leader.
Providence Fire Department Reserves.
Steamer Niagara, No. 5, 2scorted by members of
the Providence Veteran Firemen’s Association.
Hook and Ladder Truck, John B. Chace, No. 4,
escorted by members of the P. V. F. A.
Providence Fire Department permanent steamer
Atlantic, No. 8, Joseph H. Penno, foreman;
Merrill E. Hicks, assistant; six men.
Hayes Hook and Ladder Truck, C.J. Connor,
foreman; Thomas H. Duffy, assistant; six
men. -
Pioneer Hose, No. 2, Lewis A. Cutler, foreman;
eight men.
Chemical, No. 1, Delbert Hopkins, foreman.
Protective Fire Department, assistant foreman
David G. Knott in command; eight men.
Engineers’ Association of Rhode Island, Oliver
C. Johnson, president; Edward A. Bezely,
marshal; eighty men.
FOURTH DIVISION.
Col. Lewis E. Davis, marshal.
Aids: Oscar N. Bender, Horace H. Franklin,
Charles Battee.
East Foxboro Brass Band, Abijah Draper, leader;
thirty pieces.
Uniformed Rank, Knights of Pythias.
Rhode Island Division, No. 1, Sir Knight Com-
mander Fred E. Newell; two officers, twenty
Sir Knights.
Narragansett Division, K. of P. Drum Corps,
Matthew Hoey, leader.
Narragansett Division, No. 2, Sir Knight Com-
mander Thomas Fidler; two officers, twenty-
two Sir Knights.
Berkeley Brass Band, Michael Crotty, leader;
twenty-two pieces.
Manchester Unity, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows.
Loyal Bellevue Lodge, Providence, William
Walker, Noble Grand; sixty men.
Loyal Friendship Lodge, Taunton, thirty men.
Loyal Enterprise Lodge, Lonsdale, James
Moore, N. G.; forty men.
Loyal Bud of Hope Lodge, Providence, William
iding, N. G.; forty men.
Loyal Unity Lodge, Fall River, thirty men: -
Loyal Victoria Lodge, Providence, William Hen-
nig, N. G.; thirty men.
Loyal Prosperity Lodge, Pawtucket, Grand Mas-
ter, John Thompson; twenty men.
Loyal Lily, Lodge, Providence, William Beck,
N. G.; thirty men.
Loyal Samaritan Lodge, Providence, Charles
hirley, N. G.; fourteen men. -
59
Carriages containing Thomas H. Johnson,
Grand Master; John S. B. Clarke, Deputy
Grand Master, Boston District; Isaac Creaser,
P. D. G. M.; William Thorp., P. C. S.;
gº Bullard, P. T.; Thomas Fyans, P. P.
M
Excelsior Band (colored), T. C. Brown, leader;
twenty-five pieces.
Narragansett Lodge of Odd Fellows (colored),
H. Johnson, marshal; twenty-two men,
Committee from Association of Mechanics and
Manufacturers in two carriages: Messrs.
Charles Harrington, D. Brainard Blake, C. R.
Barney, Charles G. Gardner, Samuel W.
Brown, James H. Fiske, D. A. Ballou.
FIFTH DIVISION.
Marshal : General Nelson Viall.
Aids: John H. Jackson, George Roberts, W. H.
Oliver, William H. Nichols: Alfred Dawson,
F. Breit Schmit. &
Goff's City Band, Providence, W. H. Goff, drum-
major; L. F. Carr, leader; thirty-two pieces.
Order of Alfredians, George Roberts, marshal.
Brigade No. 1, Providence, Commander John
Turner; eighty men.
Brigade No. 2, Olneyville, Commander Fred.
Webley; fifty men.
Brigade No. 3, Providence, Commander William
Basser; seventy-five men.
Brigade No. 4, Providence, Commander Cyrus
Bucklin; fifty men.
Carriages containing Right Hon. Protector Dan-
iel Eastwood and other officers of the Supreme
Council of the United States.
Scotch Societies. Marshal, Alfred Dawson.
Pipers, William Ennson, of New York, leader;
five pieces.
Members of Caledonian Society in Highland
costume, escorting Grand Clan Officers of
Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Grand Chief: William Anderson.
Aids: A. H. Gray, John Black.
Members of Clan Cameron, No. 7, B. S. C., of
Providence, in full Highland costume, escort-
ing the following delegation:
Clan McKenzie, No. 2, Boston,
twenty-five men.
Clan
Hill; sixty men.
Clan McGregor, Quincy, Mass., Chief Robert
Allen; thirty men.
Clan Frazer, No. 11, Pawtucket, Chief Albert
Frazer; forty men.
Clan Mackintosh, No. 13, Cambridge, Mass.,
Chief Sinclair; twenty men.
Clan Gordon, Hartford, Conn., Chief Monroe;
fifty men,
Clan McGregor, Newport, R. I., Chief Hutchin-
son; twenty men.
Carriages containing ex-officers.
National band, Bristol, R. I., William Hutchin-
son, leader; twenty pieces. . .
Ancient Order Foresters.
Rhode Island Fife and Drum Band, James
Frazer, leader; sixteen pieces. -
Marshal; J. Howler; seven aids.
Knights of Sherwood Forest, Uniform Rank,
Conclave No. 28, Providence; thirty men; J.
H. Brown, commander. tº.
Court Roger Williams, No. 6685, Commander
T. E. Noonan; seventy-five men. *
Court What Cheer, No. 6011, Providence, Com-
mander Joseph Mohn; forty-five men.
Court Love and Truth, No. 6097; delegates.
Court Pride, No. 6287, of Lonsdale, Commander
Eli Batty; fifty men.
Court Roger Williams, No. 6685, Providence,
Commander George Burt; seventy-five men.
Court Star, No. 6936, Providence, Commander
Peter O'Neil; eighty-five men.
Court Olneyville, No. 6463, Olneyville, Com-
mander William P. Harson; two officers and
two hundred men.
Conclave Uniform Rank, No. 30, of Olneyville,
Commander James H. Martin; fifty men.
Chief Bone;
Court Narragansett, No. 7269, Providence, Com-
Emmett Temperance Cadets,
ordon, No. 4, Taunton, Mass.; Chief
May Flower, Wanskuck; 204, Nelson, Wester-
ly; 200, Edward Harris, Woonsocket; 196, Brit-
tannia, Lonsdale; 184, Peabody, Providence;
186, Beaconsfield, Providence.
Marshal, William H. Taylor.
Peabody Lodge, No. 184, Providence, Com-
mander, W. H. Oliver; 120 men.
Samuel Slater Lodge, No. 185, Pawtucket, Com-
mander Samuel Holt; fifty men. -
Beaconsfield Lodge, 186, Providence, Com-
mander Harry Goode; seventy men.
Brittannia Lodge, No. 196, Lonsdale, Com-
mander Thomas Davis; fifty men. t
Edward Harris Lodge, No. 200, Woonsocket, R.
I., Commander James Bennett; fifty-five men.
Nelson Lodge, No. 204, Westerly, R. I., Com-
mander John Sharpe; twenty men.
May Flower Lodge, No. 209, Wanskuck, R. I.,
Commander Frank L. Martin; fifty men.
Carriages containing District Deputy-elect
Peirce, of Beaconsfield Lodge, 186,. of Provi-
dence. -
Grand District Deputy Scott and other officers.
New Hampshire Training Ship Band of New-
port, R.I., W. R. McQuoun, leader; twenty
pieces.
Italian Societies, Marshal ‘F. Breitshmit; thir-
teen officers. -
Societa Unione Benevolenza Italiana, of Provi-
dence, Commander Viceuzo Starts: Ioo men.
SIXTH DIVISION.
Mr. Benjamin W. Gallup, marshal.
Aids: Samuel L. Potter, Jr., Olin Hill, H. A. L.
Potter, Jr., Thomas Cullen, F. G. Crosby, H.
H. Wentworth, and T. Foster. - -
Taunton Cadet Band, C. F. Berry, leader; G. E.
Perkins, drum-major; twenty-five pieces.
Capt. Daniel
O'Connell in command; forty men, two offi-
cers, and two musicians. * .
Olneyville Temperance Cadets, Lieut. James
Lanahan in command; two officers, fifty men,
five musicians. s
Fine members of Olneyville Temperance Cadets,
President John O'Connell in command; twenty
members. -
Providence Temperance Cadets, Lieut. William
Upton in command; two officers, two musi-
cians, and twenty-four men.
Central Falls Temperance Cadets, Capt. Charles
O’Connell in command; three officers and
thirty men.
St. Michael's Temperance Cadets, Capt. M. A.
Kelley in command; two officers and thirty-
two men. -
Pawtucket Temperance Cadets, Capt. George
Campbell in command; two officers and twenty-
five men. -
Union Temperance Cadets, of Olneyville, Lieut.
John McKenna in command; two officers and
twenty-six men. -
Carriages containing delegates from the Catholic
Total Abstinence Union of the state. -
Wagons containing delegates from the Divisions
of the Sons of Temperance, of Pawtucket, Cen-
tral Falls, and Valley Falls. g
Wagons containing the National Deputy and
general officers of the Sons of Temperance.
Wagon containing delegates from Hill's Grove
Lodge, No. 12, Sons of Temperance.
Wagon containing delegates from Victory Lodge,
No. 3, Sons of Temperance, of Olneyville.
Wagon containing Fountain Division, No. 4, of
Woonsocket.
John B. Gough Division of the Loyal Legion,
mander R. L. Ward; fifty men.
wº Band, Westerly, R. I., Charles Red-
ford, leader; twenty-four pieces.
Order Sons of St.
Oliver.
Aids: J. Auckley, and representatives from
Lodges 185, Samuel Slater, of Pawtucket; 205,
eorge; Marshal, W. H.
the Rev. J. Larry in command. Co. A, Capt.
Master Walter Holt in command; two officers
and eighteen youths. Co. B, Albert J. Stet-
son in command; three officers, eighteen
youths. Co. C, Capt. E. H. Fairchilds in
command; two officers and twenty youths.
Co. D, Capt. E. C. Lakey in command; five
officers and twenty-five youths. Co. D, Capt.
.G. W. Potter in command; one officer and
twelve youths. Co. E., Capt. Frank Norton
in command; two officers and ten youths.
Co. F, Capt. L. A. Allen in command: two
officers and twelve youths. Co. G, Capt. L. E.
B. Lord in command; two officers and thirty-
two youths. Co. H, Lieut. C. C. Thomas in
command; two officers and twenty-four youths.
Co. I, Capt. A. W. Smith in command; five
officers and thirty-five youths.
462
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
sº
SEventh Division.
Marshal : Alfred A. Cyr.
Aids: Napoleon Rivard, Pierre, Audet, Auguste
Audet, Joseph Langevin, Alfred Lacroix.
Committee of Reception : T. A. Jette, Joseph
D. Dragon, A. Martin, Henry Bourgård, E.
Pepin, M. Parmenter, Thomas Moray, L. Dra-
gon, A. Jette, W. Desmarais, T. Pearon, L.
Meileit, T. Rivard, R. O'Brien, L. Peltin, E.
Laberty.
Quidnick Cornet Band, J. H. Sweet, leader;
twenty-five pieces.
St. Jean Baptiste Society, Providence, Dolphus
Weimet, commanding; two hundred men.
St. Jean Baptiste Society, Centreville, Joseph
Bignon, commanding.
Natick, Mass., Cadet Band, R. W. Erwin, leader;
twenty-five pieces. *
Society St. Jean Baptiste, Canadian Francaise,
Worcester, Louis Disbuchine, commanding;
250 men. -
Union St. Joseph, Worcester, fifty men.
French-American Band; William Heat, leader.
Club National, New Bedford.
Millbury, Mass., Drum Corps; four pieces.
St. Jean Baptiste Society, Millbury; Charles Chi-
beau, commander."
Manville Brass Band, Ephraim Manderville,
leader; twenty-five pieces.
Society St. Jean Baptiste, Manville.
White's Military Band, W. E. White, leader;
twenty-five pieces.
Johnston's Fife and Drum Band of Worcester,
A. H. Johnson, leader; eight pieces.
Lafayette Guards, of Worcester, in Continental
costume, Capt. Charles Wilmot; three officers
and twenty men.
Society St. Jean Baptiste, of Central Falls, Aus-
tin Bondrau, commanding; three mounted of.
ficers and 150 men. º
Bande Canadienne, of Fall River, P. F. Pelo-
quin, leader; twenty-five pieces.
Society St. Jean Baptiste, of Fall River, Dr. W.
Trudeau, commanding; four mounted aids
and 125 men.
League des Patriates, of Fall River, A. B. C.
Delaunay, commanding; twenty-four men
mounted and fifty marching.
Woonsocket Continental Band, Charles E. Cook,
leader; sixteen pieces.
Institute Canadien, of Woonsocket, C. C. Gar-
vin, commanding; three officers and fifty
II)CIle
Woonsocket Social Brass Band, Andre Duval,
leader; twenty-six pieces. S
Society St. Jean Baptiste, Dr. Joseph Hills, com-
manding; four officers, and 150 men. -
Gaily decorated party wagon occupied by an or-
chestra of six pieces, and a male choir of twelve
voices, under the direction of Professor Bedard
of this city. -
Six carriages containing clergymen, orators,
and invited guests of the St. Jean Bapt ste so-
cieties. -
The display made by the French Division was
artistic and elegant. Allegorical chariots, were
numerous, perhaps the most noteworthy being
that representing the landing of Christopher
Columbus. Several magnificent allegorical feat-
ures, however, were not exhibited on account of
the storm.
The column was reviewed from a stand erected
on Broadway near the residence of the Hon. J. B.
Barnaby, by His Excellency, Governor Wetmore,
Acting-Mayor Robbins, Chairman Ross and
Messrs. Root, Watson, Blanding, Miller, and
Secretary Hayden of the committee of arrange-
ments; Lieut.-Gov. L. B. Darling, Adjt.-Gen,
Elisha Dyer, Jr., Mayor Sayles, of Pawtucket.
Cols. C. A. Wilson, W. P. Sheffield, Frank G.
Harris, E. L. Goff, Asst. Adjt.-Gen. H. C.
White, Gen. C. R. Dennis, Gen. George Lewis
Gower, Gens. J. C. Budlong, George H. Ken-
yon, Brig.-Gen. Elisha H. Rhodes,and Asst. Adj.-
Gen. Philip S. Chase; Secretary of State Hon.
J.M. Addeman; President of the Common Coun-
cil Rathbone Gardner; James McNally, City
Clerk Henry V. A. Joslin, ex-Gov. A. H. Little-
field, ex-Mayor William S. Hayward, Alder-
men John ºrºg. E. Martin, and
a large number of others, including Mrs. Gover-
nor Wetmore and a party of ladies. The line.
was just fifty-nine minutes in passing the re-
viewing stand. Following the parade the visit-
ing military companies and other organizations
were pleasantly entertained, many courtesies be-
ing extended to the visitors. The First Light
Infantry and the Infantry. Veteran Association
entertained the New York Seventh Regiment
and the Boston Tigers; the United Train of Ar-
tillery tendered their guests, the Hartford Foot
Guards and the Worcester Continentals, an ex-
cursion down the bay, while the other organiza-
tions furnished collations in their respective
halls to all visitors.
The feature of the afternoon was
THE TRADEs PRocession.
This was a splendid exhibit of the trades and
industries of the city and state. . The line was
made up as follows:
Chief Marshal; Fred. E. Keep.
Chief of Staff: Isaac L. Goff. -
Staff: D. Frank Longstreet, Charles Edward
Paine, Isaac M. Potter, Fred. W. Hartwell,
Hiram Kendall, Charles A. Barden, Robert Fes-
senden, Robert L. Gates, Charles E. Giles,
Henry C. Armstrong, Aurion V. Chevers, Fred.
A. Sutton, A. J. Winship, Jr., George M. Joslin,
Elisha H. Rockwell, D. Russell Brown, Charles
A. Hopkins, Stephen O. Metcalf, William Millen,
Amos M. Bowen, Charles S. Pettee, James G.
Warren, Martin L. Carey, William F. Knight,
George M. Starkweather, James Warren, Jr.,
Frank B. Butts, William L. Haines, Hoffman S.
Dorchester.
FIRST DIvision.
Marshal : Charles A. Barden.
Aids: Aurion V. Chevers, W. F. Knight.
The American Band; D. W. Reeves, leader.
The Butchers’ and Marketmen’s Association:
one hundred men.
the large knives and steels, preceding the band,
and subsequently came the remainder, all being
in white frocks. -
Flour Dealers: Barden & Keep, of 19 Exchange
Place, had a large four-horse dray covered with a
transparency. On the two sides were painted
the following: “1636. Barden & Keep. 1886.
Flour and Produce, 1867. Fortunate Providence;
Massachusetts gave her Roger Williams; Minne-
sota decks her with flours; New York comes to
butter her; Connecticut crazy to do it, too; Ver-
mont sends in the whole farm.” “On the end :
“Roger Williams gone; Barden & Keep here.”
A. B. McCrillis & Co., of 6 Exchange Place,
had a large four-horse dray decorated with flags.
On both ends were piled bales of hay; in the
middle, thirty-six barrels of flour were placed end-
wise, displaying their different brands; above the
load and extending the entire length was a large .
sign with the words: “Progress in Milling.”
Beneath this were three pictures, the first repre-
senting two women grinding at a mill, dated
“16oo, B. C.” The second, Indians grinding with
a pestle, dated “ 1636, A. D., four bushels per
day.” The third, a modern flour mill, dated
“1886, A. D., 40,000 bushels per day.”
Flour and Grain Dealers: S. S. Šprague &
Company, of 144 Dyer Street, a large four-horse
team driven by two men, on the bottom of the
wagon, barrels of grain, upright; piled on top of
these, sacks of flour marked S. S. Sprague &
Company. The whole trimmed with red, white,
and blue cloth, and small flags; the horses de-
corated with flags.
Roger Williams Flour Mill, four teams. One
open team piled with barrels of Roger Williams
flour showing labels, Roger Williams landing on
State Rock; one team with boxes of brown bread
mixture; one open team with bags of flour piled
U110. -
"wholesale Grocers: Murray & Allen, of too
Dyer Street, a large four-horse dray, piled with
flour barrels; horses with blankets marked
“Freeman's Superlative. Flour; ” a large sign
running lengthwise: “Murray & Allen, Millers’
Agents.”
E. M. Aldrich & Company, No. 119. Dyer
Street, a large four-horse team draped with
broad red, white, and blue drapery; boxes of
soap piled up in pyramidal form; on top, sign :
“E. M. Aldrich & Company, Wholesale Gro-
cers. Rhode Island Agents for James S. Kirk's
Laundry Soaps.” On the back of the pile, at
the bottom, a large, square rosette of red and
There were the carvers with
blue cloth, the rear to the top draped with red,
yellow, and blue. At the sides a large picture
of James S. Kirk's soap factory.
abcock & Brigham, of 55 Peck Street, an open
team piled with boxes of “B. & W.” tobacco;
on the corners, upright signs. Inside, two men
distributing tobacco, of which they gave away
nearly twenty thousand plugs. This was drawn
by two horses tandem, the leader being ridden
by a boy. -
Bugbee & Brownell, of 26 Canal Street, one
team, drawing a handsomely decorated spice
wagon. .
Wholesale Provision; Henry M. Kimball,
three open teams; one filled with large barrels
of beef, another filled with barrels; sign: “Es-
tablished Wednesday, Dec. 22, 1852; ” decorated
with red, white, and blue bands and white
Streamers. -
Retail Grocers: Arnold & Maine, located at
93 to Ior Weybosset Street, were represented by
the two members of the firm who rode in open
buggy, flanked on each side by mounted horse-
men, decorated with flags; two open wagons
filled with clerks and employés of the firm, deco-
rated with flags; six covered delivery wagons,
each piled with goods, bags of coffee, brooms,
and wooden-ware, baskets, boxes of soap and
canned goods, cheese, flour, and grain.
oston Grocery Store, five teams, one yellow-
covered team with United States shield and
words: “What Cheer, 1636–1886. ’’
P. A. Munroe & Company, of 14 Cranston
and 69 Washington streets, the two members of
the firm in a hack flanked by two horsemen
bearing signs: “We always lead.” Three open
teams with soap, tea chests, flour barrels, and
one covered team, all decorated with flags and
draped colors,
Fred. R. Smith, of 736 North Main Street, two
teams, representing a grocery and a market.
G. F. Aldrich, of 233 Cranston and 221 High
streets, an open express team, a sign extending
crosswise, decorated with streamers and flags.
L. C. Malcom & Company, six teams, two
covered two-horse teams filled with neatly ar-
ranged soap boxes, and illustrated advertising
cards, and twined with streamers; four open
teams with the same, on one a dog with a
blanket and words: “Welcome Soap;” others
with tea chests, and two large life-sized paste-
board images of washerwomeh.
C. L. Holden & Company, of 573 Manton
Avenue, a large four-horse team, horses decora-
ted with plumes, team loaded with barrels of
flour and a general assortment of groceries; dec-
orated with red, white, and blue material; driven
by two men in continental costume,knee breeches
and cocked hats.
Hugh O'Donnell, of 163 High Street, two
teams, one express team with teachests decora-
ted with colored streamers and flags; covered
team decorated same.
Retail Markets: Calef Brothers, of 79 North
Main Street, had four teams; two open teams with
fresh vegetables of all descriptions arranged in
market baskets; one with barrels of beef tongues;
one with small casks.
A. D. Ross, of 199 High Street, two teams
with market baskets.
Reuben Sweet, of 85, Adelaide Avenue, team
with market goods neatly arranged.
William V. Gardner, No. 55. Manton Avenue,
two closed teams, with drivers in white with
white caps; decorated with flags and twine
streamers.
Patrick Rodgers, of 65 Julian Street, two cov-
ered teams with broad bands of red, white, and
blue; on top row of small flags.
A. S. Pearce, No. 35 Harkness Street, one
closed team with bands of the national colors
and decorated with small flags.
Olneyville Cash Store, H. W. Abbott, propri-
etor, No. 63. Manton Avenue, two open teams,
one filled with tea chests, at the corners brass
tea caddies; decorations, small flags, bands of
yellow and blue; one filled with baskets of fresh
vegetables and canned goods neatly arranged;
the men wore white linen coats.
D. G. Edwards, of 58 Point Street, two teams; ,
one covered, profusely decorated with red and
white trimmings, and with paper lanterns; an
open team with empty baskets decorated with
flags. º
Roberts & Alexander, No. 198 Veazie Street,
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
463
one small two-wheeled cart with soap boxes,
decorated with flags. -
John Cullen, of 48 Ship Street, two closed
teams, decorated with flags.
Goodchild Brothers, of 449 Pine Street, two .
teams, with decorations of colored bands, and
with an elaborate display of flags of all nations.
J. K. Barney & Son, of 519 Broad Street, two
teams, with broad borders of red, white, and
blue, and many small flags.
A. C. Burroughs, No. 436 Friendship Street,
two small open teams; one with flour barrels
piled in pyramid; one with soap boxes.
William M. Morse & Son, located at corner of
Hope and John streets, a neat display of goods,
piled up bags of coffee, rows of canned goods,
bottled oils, olives, etc.
O. Gerlach, of 217 Broad Street, two teams
handsomely prepared.
Bates Market, an open market wagon, with
fresh vegetables handsomely arranged in baskets;
three empty teams draped.
W. H. Williams & Company, No. 77-79 Wash-
ington Street, two teams, one tastefully deco-
rated with flags and streamers.
C. F. Alverson & Company, No. 69 Canal
Street, one team piled with egg boxes; one con-
taining a cage of live poultry; three closed
team S.
Hathaway Brothers, of 116 South Street, one
wagon, neatly decorated, and with a fine display
of meats, vegetables, and groceries.
C. L. Holden & Company, 573 Manton Avenue,
two handsomely decorated teams.
Gay, Sherman & Company, of 47 North Main
Street, three teams, one wagon filled with fresh
vegetables in , market baskets, tastefully ar-
ranged; the others with barrels.
Pidge Brothers, of No. 3 North Main Street,
three teams with empty baskets.
R. M. Joslin, of No. 9 Richmond Street,
three teams; two wagons filled with vegetables
and canned goods, the other filled with eggs
#. up in pyramidal style, and making a fine
1splay.
G. E. Kelley, of 201 Chalkstone Avenue, three
closed teams.
A. H. Whittaker, 467 High Street, two nicely
decorated teams, loaded with flour and grain.
At the end of the first division came the ex-
hibit of the What Cheer Printing Company, of
129 Eddy Street; the business wagon of the
company, with a pair of horses attached, and
nicely decorated, and posed on a pedestal was the
famous dog, “Mischief,” which has appeared in
so many trades processions and parades; follow-
ing, came a large dray, drawn by four horses, with
an awning handsomely decorated with flags and
red and yellow streamers. Under this were two
presses, one a job press of modern style, which
was printing the official programme of the day's
exercises; the other a hand press of old-fash-
ioned make, printing souvenirs of the celebra-
tion. -
SEcond DIvision.
Marshal : J. G. Warren.
Aids: H. C. Armstrong and W. L. Haines.
Arlington Band. (in moving-wagon), twenty-
four pieces; Albert E. Weaver, leader.
Crockery Dealers: Warren & Wood, No. 287
Westminster Street, four teams, one containing
display of pitchers, surmounted with large
“Roger Williams ” pitcher, and wheels faced
with “Roger Williams ” fans; another display-
ing plates; the third an advertising team, and a
low gear loaded with boxes.
Bernard McCaughey & Company, an exhibi-
tion of two “Hub" ranges and two individuals
mixing and baking bread, in team tastefully dec-
orated.
Soapine : Kendall Manufacturing Company,
located at corner Friendship and Page streets,
four teams, one containing the familiar monstrous
whale, the whole representing a whaling scene,
with harpoons and oars, and two Esquimaux
washing the whale with sponges and soapine;
the whale built by William F. Ripon, who con-
structed the monstrous sea serpent in a trades
procession thirty years ago; another team, a fac-
simile of a box of soapine.
Soap : , Wiley Soap Company, two teams, one
loaded with boxes, and the other decorated with
bunting. -
B. F. Medbury, of 20 Comstock Avenue, one
buggy and two teams, containing boxes of soap.
O. M. Humes, of 15 Wood Street, two teams
containing soap, and in one a person washing
and hanging out clothes.
Wholesale Tobacco : P. Lorillard & Com-
pany, Jersey City, team adorned with flags and
bunting; the 126th anniversary of this firm.
Wholesale Produce Dealers: W. S. Sweet &
Son, of 96 Canal Street, seven teams, one being
an express wagon with beautiful covering, com-
posed of pea-vines, etc., beneath which was a
bouquet of vegetables in a bed of lettuce and
green stuff; another team with watermelons, and
the remainder loaded with boxes and barrels,
berry-crates, etc.
Brownell & Company, of 72 Canal Street, two
teams, one containing representation of horse,
displaying harness, and the other a display of
vegetables.
S. Tourtellot & Company, located at 46 and 49
Canal Street, five express wagons, decorated
with flags and bunting and loaded with fruit and
produce boxes, barrels, and crates.
W. W. Whipple, of 73 Canal Street, five
teams containing boxes for butter, eggs, and
poultry. -
Henry Taylor, one team of fruits and vegeta-
bles, decorated. -
Wholesale Fruit Dealers: Eddy Brothers, of
22 Pine Street, two teams, one being an express
wagon with artificial covering, consisting of oak
leaves, evergreen, etc., beneath which was a negro
boy reclining in hammock eating watermelon,
and below hammock in bottom of wagon, dis-
play of oranges, lemons, bananas, pineapples,
etc., the other team loaded with fruit boxes and
bags of peanuts. -
Wholesale Fish Dealers: H. Midwood &
Sons, of 38 Canal Street, four teams, one con-
taining a tastefully arranged display of canned
fish.
Retail Fish Dealers: J. G. Mathews, of 23
Exchange Place, one team, adorned with bunting
and flags.
J. Q. Adams, of 1042 High Street, one team,
decorated with bunting and flags.
M. Dewing, of 24 Exchange Place, two teams,
one containing good display of oysters, clams,
and fish.
W. C. Geen & Company, 179 High Street, two
teams. -
T. McMann, one team.
Oat Meal : Akron Milling Company, large
four-horse team, with barrels of flour and
boxes.
Confectionery and Ice Cream : J. H. Roberts,
of 35 and 135 Westminster Street, eight teams.
Confectionery and Cigars: Weeks Brothers,
of 62 and 64 Richmond Street, top buggy, and
five teams.
E. Mathewson, of 62 and 64 Richmond Street,
One team.
F. Mathewson, of 64 Richmond Street, one
team. - e
Mineral Water:
Water Company, two teams, containing attrac-
tive display of mineral waters.
Ice Dealers: Earl Carpenter & Son, of 2 West-
minster Street, one immense team, three horses
abreast; on top of team all instruments for cut-
ting ice.
Auburn Ice Company: One team, four
horses.
Oils :
Phetteplace & Company, of 46 South
Water Street, one large team. -
THIRD DIVISION.
Hoffman S. Dorchester, Marshal, mounted.
Aids : James Warren, Jr., and A. J. Winship,
Jr., mounted. -
Manufacturing Jewelers’ Association: Four
carriages, containing President George W. Hut-
chinson, with members of the finance and execu-
tive committees, the latter composed of the
following gentlemen: John M. Buffinton, Frank
T. Pearce, H. G. Smith, George Hutchinson,
James R. Feeley, E. S. Dodge, N.B. Barton; Jas.
A. Thornton, marshal of jewelers, mounted;
Theodore W. Foster, H. Frank Payton, B. A.
Ballou, E. D. F. Wilkinson, R. E., Budlong,
Thomas W. Manchester, E. Brown, and Benja-
min L. Hall, mounted aids. *
National Band, thirty pieces; T. W. Hedley,
leader.
Jewelers, 7oo strong, with badges, drab gloves,
and light reed canes.
Howard & Son, of Ioz Orange Street, sixty
Centredale Mineral Spring
men, with red badges, had the right of line, be-
cause bringing out the largest number of men.
N. B. Nickerson & Company, of 27 Page Street,
forty men, occupied the centre. Luther Brothers,
fifty men, with “What Cheer” badges, led by
Arnold Post Drum Corps, had the left of line.
Exhibits of Jewelry Trade: Luther Brothers,
of 214 Oxford Street, two-horse barouche and
four-horse dray; the barouche containing mem-
bers of the firm, and guests; the exhibit on the
dray was essentially of merchandise in boxes
packed in rows, and addressed to various points
all over the world, the load crowned with a view
on canvas of the landing of Roger Williams,
with a jewelry drummer standing on the rock to
receive him, holding in his hand a business card,
with the firm name printed on it in large let- .
ters. The wagon was otherwise handsomely
decorated, and as the procession moved along,
those in the barouche distributed handsome
memorial medals specially prepared for the oc-
casion, and to each of which a piece of ribbon
was attached. Five thousand of these medals
were thus given away. They were electro-plated
and very artistically executed.
S. B. Champlin & Son, of 67 Friendship
Street, party-wagon drawn by four horses, con-
taining representatives of the firm, and decora-
ted with bunting, signs, and emblems of the firm.
D. & M. Bruhl, of III Broad Street, diamonds,
single horse wagon of flowers, in design of an
obelisk; blossoms of flowers, indigenous and
exotic, in one large mass constituted this ex-
hibit; purple immortelles were made into the
dates 1636 on one side and 1886 on the other,
while pinks, roses, and others formed the four
rising banks; signs of old gold were hanging at
the sides and end; the design was sixteen feet in
height; three carriages containing members of
manufacturing firms.
Fred. I. Marcy & Company, four-horse team
containing trade-mark of firm, American bald
eagle, and sample of Acme lever button; the
team was decorated with bunting and flags in
national colors; the American bald eagle had a
perch over the driver; the monstrous Acme
lever button was about eight feet in height and
showed the advantage of the patent by lever in
condition for adjustment to cuff; employés were
riding, deep in flowers and bunting.
J. A. Charnley, of 7 Eddy Street, covered
wagon, on one side of which was a painting on
canvas representing a roll frame used for em-
bossing purposes, in operation; on the other
side a roll representing the trade-mark and busi-
ness of the firm. The wagon was also hand-
somely decorated with flags.
Pearce & Hoagland, of 29 Point Street, had
thirty men in procession, and a wagon decorated
with bunting, and showing large red banner,
with large gold toothpick, and gold pen.
J. W. McCoull, of 8o Chestnut Street, two-
horse team, containing cloth-covered frame
work, bearing signs of furnaces sold by the firm,
and decorated with flags and bunting.
Horace Remington, of 37 Potter Street, two-
horse dray containing smelting furnace, with
seven workmen conducting the process of smelt-
ing; all the apparatus of gold and silver refinery
in sight; the whole, horses and framework,
ornamented with flowers and bunting.
Foster & Bailey, of 6o Richmond Street, party
wagon containing fifty representatives of the firm,
decorated with signs and bunting, surmounted
by advertising , design of the Mount Hope
sleeve-button; eight horses drawing.
Charles Downs, of 44 Page Street, had twenty
men in the procession, two-horse barouche con-
taining members of the house, with huge gold-
headed cane and flags.
Brown & Dorchester, four decorated horses,
open barouche, containing members of the
house and others, and an unique arch sign and
one of the firm's specialty lockets pendant from
seat to seat. - --
Hamilton & Hamilton, Jr., of 226 Eddy Street,
open barouche containing members of the firm,
with gold advertising watch chains across, bar
lockets, etc., attached. -
Hutchinson & Huestis, of 185 Eddy Street,
barouche with decorated horses, containing the
firm and bearing the sign, “Solid Gold Rings.”
N ine carriages containing manufacturers of jew-
elry. - -
Dry Goods: Shepard & Company, of 225
Westminster Street, two drays; the first drawn
464
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
by four decorated horses, containing a manu-
factory of the Boland Company, seven men at
work on shoes, with merchandise, and the whole
decorated with red, white, and blue bunting; the
second drawn by four decorated horses and deco-
rated with bunting, but empty on account of
ſal Iſle
Callender, McAuslan & Troup, six delivery
wagons, horses and wagons ornamented with
touches of red, white, and blue, driven in order
by Edward Coakley,ſohn O'Neil, Charles O’Neil,
William E. Slattery, Stephen Lyons, and E. A.
Manning.
B. H. éiadding & Company, dray drawn by four
horses in white coverings trimmed with red, and
bearing a lofty standard exhibiting dry goods;
the seat of the driver was beneath a canopy of
wine velveting; the standard had banks of dress
goods in light colors rising to it, and showed at
every point, handkerchiefs, embroidered goods,
fans, ribbons, children’s dresses, etc.; the whole
was a costly and very tasty arrangement.
Hartwell, Richards & Company, of 66 and 68
Weybosset Street, large dray of merchandise,
surmounted by a solid arch of goods worked into
emblems of the celebration at the sides and else-
where, showing ingenious ornaments; a second
wagon containing merchandise and was deco-
rated with bunting. -
Jewelry, Watches, Etc.; W. E. Taber & Son,
of 253 Westminster Street, wagon with marble
French clock, decorated with bunting and flags.
Hair. Work Manufacturers: S. H. Flagg, of
268 Westminster Street, two horses tandem;
team containing hair-work manufactory and four
persons engaged in the work; exhibit of wigs on
the heads and other devices, decorations of bunt-
ing and signs. -- -
Clothing: Jerome Kennedy & Company, four- .
and flags and containing many fashions for paper
work for use and adornment.
Fourth DIvision.
Marshal: Amos M. Bowen, mounted.
Aids: George M. Starkweather and Fred Sut-
ton, mounted.
horse team decorated with red, white, blue and
starred bunting, containing active small boys
with drums, and banners with advertisement of
the firm. -
Edward C. Almy & Company, four coal black
steeds attached to covered barouche, with light
touches of color for ornamentation. The barouche
contained four of the leading salesmen of the
firm. The horses were covered with white
blankets, on which was embroidered the name
of the firm in red letters.
Fancy Goods: Murray, Spink & Company, of
28 Pine Street, three drays; the first drawn by
four horses with draperies of red and white
trimmings, and containing a gigantic “Ideal"
cigar, twenty-seven feet long, representatives of
the house inside, bales of Havana tobacco and
domestic tobacco in strippings; the second dray
was drawn by four horses with white draperies
and blue trimmings, and contained an open
warehouse of merchandise, with peaked roof,
advertising the Tally-Ho shirt and Globe um-
brella; the third dray was drawn by four horses
in blue drapery and white trimmings, containing
a large golden eagle on perch in front, and a lofty
display of glass show-cases, arranged in very
tasty shape for exhibition; Mr. Pye was the
designer of the cigar, and Mr. Allen arranged
the rest; this was the most elaborate exhibit of
the division. . . . -
Paper Boxes: Young Brothers, four-horse
party wagon, all decorated, and containing girls
at work, showing inside of paper box shop.
Patent Medicine: Hunt's Remedy, four-horse
team with a large cloth-covered frame bearing
four large and well executed oil paintings, repre-
senting the city and state seal, United States
seal, the landing of Roger Williams, and a life-
saving scene, the latter being the trade-mark of
Hunt's Remedy. Both wagon and pictures were
nicely decorated with flags and bunting.
Whitney Medicine Company, four-horse team
ornamented with flags and bunting, and carry-
ing cloth frame-work showing signs, etc., ad-
vertising Vital Tonic and Dyspeptic's Friend.
Rubber: Providence Rubber Store, Studley
Bros., proprietors, 39 Westminster Street, two-
horse team decorated with bunting, and bearing
rubber goods of a thousand sorts, comprising
water hose, boots, coats, etc.; a striking exhibit.
Photography: W. E. Potter, trade wagon
with decorations.
Arthur M. Hodge, trade wagon decorated with
flags and emblems of trade.
Paper Dealers: Davis Paper Company, of 44
Weybosset Street, wagon decorated with bunting
Express Companies: Adams Express’ Com-
pany, twenty light wagons and drays decorated
and led by two drays hung with bunting and
drawn by handsome spans.
The New Express Company, three light wag-
Oil S.
J. Taylor’s Express, one light wagon.
Railroads: The N. Y., P. § B. Road was rep-
resented by a full-sized locomotive made of
wood, with tender, the “Roger Williams,"
bearing date 1836, being a representation of the
first locomotive on the line; drawn by four
horses; also, by one of the old freight cars, over
fifty years old, to represent its freight depart-
ment. The Providence & Worcester Road was
represented in its freight department by a large
freight car on a dray, in actual process of con-
struction, drawn by eight horses tandem and a
pair — one of the handsomest teams in the pro-
cession. The Union Horse Railroad was repre-
sented by a “bloomer” car on a low gear in
actual process of construction, with blacksmith
forge and anvil in use in the work; drawn by
four pairs of handsome horses.
Boats: George H. Merritt, modeler and
builder, 233 Cranston Street, was represented by
a model of a full-rigged ship, the “G. H. Mer-
ritt,” and a schooner yacht, the “Nettle, ” car-
ried on a light wagon.
P. B. Warren, yacht and boat builder, Allen's
Avenue, a full sized four-oared boat trimmed
with flags. -
Pianos: M. Steinert & Sons, 198 Westminster
Street, two teams, one of six black horses in
pairs drawing a car gay with bunting, enriched
with busts of female figures, and within a Stein- .
way, Weber, and Gabler piano, on which con-
certs were given during the parade. Over the
roof of this car were inscribed the names of the
cities where the Steinert branch houses are
located and the makes of instruments for which
they are the agents. The other team was of two
pairs of horses drawing a dray bearing a piano
boxed for delivery.
Harness: T. W. Rounds & Son, of IoS North
Main Street, were represented by a barouche
drawn by four handsome coal black animals,
with a four-in-hand set of brass mounted har-
ness, costing $1,100, with liveried coachman and
footman. The motto of the firm was : “There
is nothing in the world like leather.” The
barouche carried Messrs. T. W. Rounds, and
John B. Humphreys.
Bakers: Messrs. Rice & Hayward, of 434 to
440 Broad Street, with superintendent George
W. Smith, and book-keeper Harry Field, rode in
a carryall at the head of a turnout of four double
teams of the firm and thirteen single teams, mak-
ing an attractive display.
L. A. Copeland, of 97 North Main Street, was
represented by a “model oven " on a dray, and
four bakers in white, making and baking Cope-
land’s bread; also a light wagon bearing mam-
moth model of a loaf of bread surmounted by a
sheaf of wheat; also by four light delivery
wagons.
J. H. Althans’ German bakery, of 153 Brook
Street, was represented by five single delivery
teams.
Underwood's Domestic Bakery, 43 Almy Street,
a large ornamental bread wagon, and a light
wagon bearing a barrel of flour, and a huge loaf
of bread adorned with flags. .
Ware & Fox, pie bakers, 849 and 851 North
Main Street, one double and two single teams.
D. J. Seymour, 56 Greenwich Street, three
single teams and Mr. Seymour on horseback.
E. Fitzpatrick, 49 Whelden Street, one neat
light wagon. g
Yeast; Fleischmann & Company were repre-
sented by one neat two-wheel delivery wagon,
and five new two-wheel carts, all the drivers in
white jackets, making a very attractive display.
Insurance: Samuel Shove & Son, “the old-
est insurance agency in Rhode Island, represent-
ing $32,000,000;” carriage drawn by four horses,
and bearing Messrs. Samuel Shove, H. M. Shove,
George S. Bullock, and Joseph S. Pryor.
dence Plantations.
Printers: J. A. & R. A. Reid, had four drays,
with platforms built upon them, one bearing a
composing room, with eight printers setting type
for the Providence Plantations; another hav-
ing on it a press room with presses running, print-
ing lines on an illustrated souvenir programme
of the celebration, fifteen thousand of which
were distributed to the citizens. The presses
were driven by one of the Shipman steam-en-
gines, manufactured by George M. Cruickshank.
Another dray had an old-time printing office set
up on it, with the oldest printing press in the
city, operated by the veteran printer, S. S. Wil-
son, who divided his time between taking im-
pressions and “bossing ” the “devil,” who
rolled the “form.” The fourth dray contained
a load of printing paper, intended for the Provi-
All the drays bore appropri-
ate inscriptions.
Buker's, No. 19 Westminster Street, was repre-
sented by a job press in operation.
Hair-Dressers: This department proved one
of the novel features of the parade in the display
of A. H. Clinton, Narragansett Hotel Hair-Dress-
ing Parlors. They turned out, the whole shop,
in an English tally-ho coach from Newport,
driven by the veteran whip, S. S. Vars, and
accompanied by Mr. James B. Tennant, known
as a successful imitator of cornet -tones, who
gave blasts with his lips, and also a coaching
horn. The team was one of four magnificent
gray horses kindly furnished by Hopkins & Pom-
roy.
£ngravers. Livermore & Knight made an
attractive display of their work in frames moun-
ted on a Surrey wagon covered with red, white,
and blue bunting, and drawn by three horses in
tandem, accompanied by uniformed lackeys.
Flavoring Extracts: The Queen Anne Bou-
quet Perfumes, C. E. Nichols, were represented
by the familiar wagon and red setter dog; the
wagon was gaily trimmed and bore the dates
“1636–1886.” .
A large red wagon was driven, representative
of L. E. Henry's flavoring extracts.
Florists: F. A. Fairbrother made a handsome
display of a grotto of flowers and green.
Dodge & Cole had a design of swinging floral
pieces bearing their name; also a floral bell and
a body work of potted plants.
FIFTH DIVISION.
Marshal : William Millen.
Aids: Charles S. Pettee, H. L. Gates.
The Fifth Division was prompt in forming at
the rendezvous, and was one of the finest divisions
in the line. It was headed by the Silver Spring
Bleaching and Dyeing Company, with three
teams, fourteen horses, and twenty men, with men
on each side leading the horses by gay colored rib-
bons. The displays were unsurpassed in the
division, the centre team being in the form of a
royal canopy. The first team contained goods
in the gray, as received at the works, the second
team contained the finished goods, and the third
the goods as packed and ready for shipment.
The Providence Dyeing, Bleaching and Calen-
dering Company, corner Sabin and Mathewson
streets, had two teams and six horses.
The Richmond Manufacturing Company, office
What Cheer building, had one team and six
horses.
Brown Bros. & Company's, 37 Exchange Place,
display of mill supplies were greatly admired.
Two large teams and four horses were required.
Providence Belting Company, John B. Walsh,
manager, 37 and 39 Charles Street, one double
wagon containing a display of oak-tanned leather
belting. -
The Crystal Chemical Company, represented
by E. G. Baker, of 44 South Water Street, had a
tasty team and a nice display of their goods.
The metal display of R. #. 568 and
57o Manton Avenue, commanded attention.
Two teams and twelve horses were required to
draw the specimens sent to the procession.
The cotton department was well represented.
Hazard & Chapin, of 3 Market Square, had a
tower of raw, cotton drawn by six horses and
three teams, while thirteen horses drew the com-
bined display of the following cotton brokers:
James P. ğa. Deming & Reynolds, D.
Remington & Son, Hazard & Chapin, R. H.
Deming & Son, T. A. Randall, Simon W. Sim-
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
465
mons, Arthur W. Dennis, H. L. Aldrich, Rich-
mond & Tiffany. F. -
Starkweather & Williams, of 25 Exchange
Place, drugs, paints, and oils, one team, four
horses.
.J. D. Lewis, dye-woods, three teams, twelve
horses. -
George L. Claflin & Company, of 56 South
Main Street, one team, four horses.
W. B. Blanding, 54 and 58 Weybosset Street,
two teams, two horses.
O. A. Taft, Jr., & Company of 65 South Water
Street, starch, one team, two horses.
The coal display was strongly represented.
Hopkins, Pomroy & Company, office 35 Wey-
i. Street, had eight teams and forty-six
OTSCS.e.
The Providence Coal Company had one huge
team drawn by nine horses.
R. B. Little & Company, of 6 1-2 Westminster
Street, had no teams, but sent seventy men on
foot, including half a score of clerks bearing
mammoth pens as big as cavalry lances, with a
bottle of ink, capable of holding any one of the
clerks, borne behind them. .
H. K. Stevens, of 158 Pine Street, coal and
wood, three teams, three horses.
Phetteplace & Company, office 46 South
Water Street, one team, two horses.
Peerless Oil Company, office 32 Eddy Street,
three teams loaded with oil.
The American Oil Stove Company made a
good showing drawn by one team and one horse.
J. A. Potter & Company, lumber dealers, of.
fice 33 Westminster Street, had a splendid tan-
dem turnout of five horses, led by men in uni-
form. The horses were attached to a board
reach, which was nicely ornamented with Amer-
ican flags. On the reach was a stick of timber
tºy-two inches square, and nearly thirty feet
Ong. z--
Main Street, four-horse team.
C. P. Darling & Company, Charles Street,
two teams, three horses.
Hay and grain had a large representation.
Messrs. Angell & Barney, of 91 Canal Street,
had out three teams, four horses.
T. V. Mathewson, of 224 Charles Street, three
teams and five horses.
Munroe & Osler, one team, four horses.
W. S. Fifield, of 35 Pearl Street, three teams,
five horses.
E. G. Robinson, four teams, four horses.
Manchester & Hudson, building materials, of.
fice 354 Eddy Street, three teams, four horses.
• James C. Goff, building materials, one team,
two horses.
Goff & White, building materials, office 2
Point Street, two teams.
Providence Brown Stone Company, office 9
Custom House Street, one team, four horses.
John Loughrey, carpenter, one team, one
horse. - -
S. A. Bennett, carpenter, 83 Orange Street,
one team, one horse.
Nelson Titus, building mover, three teams,
twenty-two horses. Mounted on one of the
wagons was a handsome miniature house.
Barrels were represented by three entries as
follows: G. T. Gray, of 90 Sonth Water Street,
one team, one horse; W. H. Nichols, Home-
stead Avenue, two teams, six horses, and J. L.
Rooks, 453 Randall Street, two teams, four
horses.
SIXTH Division.
D. Russell Brown, Marshal.
Aids : Charles E. Giles and Martin L. Carey.
Corliss Steam Engine Company, one heavy
eight-horse truck, handsomely draped with flags
and ornamented with red, white, and blue bunt-
ing... On the truck was a working model of the
Corliss high duty pumping engine, now in its
fifth year of duty for the city, at Pettaconsett,
which was set in motion as the wagon moved;
also a segment of the sixty-ton gear fly-wheel,
which was lately completed for the Pacific Mills,
Lawrence, Mass. *
Corliss Safe Manufacturing Company had a
large truck drawn by eight horses, containing
two of the Corliss burglar-proof safes of the
well-known spherical model; also a brass min-
iature safe upon a pedestal. The high caravan
wagon was furnished by Frost & Company, of
Boston, and the name of the company was in
J. B. Gurney & Company, lumber, 434 South -
gold block letters on a black sign arched over
the shafts. -
William A. Harris Engine Company; a four-
horse low gear bearing a rectangular framework,
on which was painted on cloth an old-fashioned
overshot water-wheel on one-third the horizon-
tal space, and a Harris Corliss engine in the re-
maining two-thirds. Legend: “Contrast—Power
of ye olden time with power of to-day.” An eagle
on a standard was a noticeable decoration.
Congdon, Carpenter & Company had one four-
horse wagon and two single teams. In the first
was pig tin, lead, iron, copper, zinc, horse and
mule shoes, and corrugated galvanized iron con-
ductor. The second wagon contained a forge
and wheels, and the third, horse covers and
covers for wagons.
American Screw Company had three two-
horse wagons and two single ones. They were
loaded with wire rods, cases of screws, fence
wire, paper boxes of screws, coach screw iron,
and kegs of nails and rivets.
Franklin Machine Company had a well ar-
ranged four-horse wagon containing a wadding
card and railway head, pulleys, gears, shafting
and hangers.
Thomas Phillips & Company had a four-horse
low gear, carpeted in the national colors, upon
which was a monument of conico-cylindrical
form, resting upon a sheet copper base of about
three feet in height, and of ornamental design.
The tapering column was formed of a coil of
lead pipe, and was surmounted by a copper ball
and socket, in which was a staff carrying a silken
design. *
The Stedman & Fuller Manufacturing Com-
pany, office 58 Warren Street, had one four-horse
wagon and one single wagon. The four-horse
wagon contained a pyramid of main leather
belts, thirty inches wide, and weighing over
three thousand pounds. The other wagon con-
tained a handsome exhibit of card clothing of
their manufacture.
The Rhode Island Tool Company, office 148
West River Street, had a long two-horse wagon
in which was a wooden frame triangular in section
and carrying a large variety of the products of
the company, including nuts, thimbles, cleats,
riggers, tools, caulkers’ tools and mallets, pulley
blocks, etc., both plain and galvanized.
L. S. Andres, 268 Westminster Street, appeared
in a one-horse carriage from which circulars
were distributed. The wagon bore a canopy
and an ornamental border of greenery, and Mr.
Andres stated that the rain prevented an elabo-
rate display.
Household Sewing Machine Company, six
wagons, two double. In the first wagon, which
was carpeted, were three machines.
made little aprons, as the line moved, and they
were given to the crowd. The other wagons
contained a revolving sign, goods to be japanned,
and goods boxed for shipping.
Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machine Company,
No. 250 Westminster Street, six single wagons.
L. Stone, 386 Fountain Street, had a wagon
filled with japanned goods, including a bicycle
and two sewing machines, one treated with
enamel and inlaid pearl; and also various other
kinds of inlaid pearl work.
William E. Barrett & Company, 434 Canal
Street, was represented by eight teams. A four-
horse dray had plows, cultivators, cider mill, corn
shellers, harrows, presses, ox-yokes and fertilizers,
The second had all kinds of small tools displayed
on a framework; the third an assortment of
wooden ware. Then followed Kemp’s manure
spreader, the National swivel sulky plow, the
Buckeye mowing machine, a Bullard hay tedder,
and a Yankee horse rake.
William H. Miller, blacksmith, of 194 and 196
Eddy Street, had a four-horse dray with a shop
built upon it. A Cruickshank engine operated
a Beaudry & Cunningham power hammer, and
at this and a Buffalo forge a number of men
were kept busy at machine and tool forging.
The Towel Rack and Novelty Company, of 52
Aborn Street, had a very elaborate display of
towel and hat racks, and within a little house a
man and a girl were at work putting together
racks.
Thomas Wyatt's New England Chain Works,
Wyatt, corner Plain Street, had an open sided
house with the posts trimmed with chains.
Within was a forge and anvil at which a young
A woman
man made chains. The traces and reins of this
exhibit were of chains.
The American Ship Windlass Company, office
corner of Waterman and East River streets, had
ten metal working models, under glass, of their
various styles of steam Messenger chain and
hand windlasses, and hand-power, bar and crank
capstans; also a display of their full size capstans
of different styles and sizes. . -
B. F. Gilmore, trunks, No. 237 Westminster
Street, had two large wagons, one a trunk wagon.
William Millen, 130 North Main Street, had
two large wagons bearing the Magee Boston
heater and the Magee champion furnace.
Pettis & Higgins, 3ol. Fountain Street, had four
wagons filled with all varieties of old metals.
Porter Bros., 487 Pine Street, had a section of
a carriage workshop on a four-horse gear. There
was a wheel in process of construction, the latest
style of phaeton buggy body, upon which paint-
ers and finishers were at work, and a forge with
men ironing the buggy. Following this was one
of the new patent gear wagons, built by this firm,
with steel axles, improved hanging, and low body.
J. H. Onslow & Company, 5 Post-Office Court,
had a very showy wagon, with miniature awn-
ing frame on rear, and the wagon filled with
plumbers’ supplies, steam and gas fittings, faucets
and gauges. -
William Kelso, safe mover, a four-horse dray,
with a dummy safe suspended from a iš.
The fall from the three-fold tackle led to a winch
at the tail of the gear.
The Narragansett Machine Company, office 47
Sprague Street, a wagon with foot-power saw,
common lathe, and double action screw cutting
lathe, all neatly decorated.
E. W. French, agent, sashes, doors, and blinds,
18 Eddy Street, wagon with advertising cards.
L. Vaughn & Company, 585 High Street, had
two wagons with blinds, windows, stair posts,
brackets, etc. -
Arnold & McGowan, 6 Exchange Place, two
wagons with glass in boxes, and window sashes.
G. M. Freeborn & Company, 30 South Water
Street, two wagons with painters neatly uni-
formed, paints, steps, and staging rigging. e
Rhode Island Wire Works, two wagons of poul-
try yard wire netting.
E. R. Crowell & Company, 61 South Main
Street, two wagons, the second an eight-horse
party van, containing thirty painters in working
garb; horses from Hicks Brothers, East Provi-
dence. -
Hamlin, Johnson & Company, 2 Exchange
Place, a large wagon drawn by six horses, with
farming implements, and a large horn of plent
running over with vegetables; a horse hay .
der and a horse rake.
Providence Artificial Drain, Well and Chim-
ney Pipe Works, three wagons, first bearing
three sections of well pipe surmounted by a curb,
the others bearing large platforms, which were
sodded, and in these were growing plants, garden
vases of ferns, and garden beds with artificial
stone coping. .
Combination Ladder Company, seven wagons,
First a butterfly cart, all banners, then six wag-
ons loaded with ladders, settees, lap tables, rustic
chairs, ironing benches, sleds, snow shovels.
splint and rattan chairs, and folding canvas
chairs, the product of the firm. i
d E. Chappell, one wagon filled with farm pro-
U1CC. -
Macauley Brothers, 106 Ocean Street, had a tin
house on wheels with corrugated iron pipe con-
ductors crossed on the sides.
W. E. Barnes' dead animal department was
represented by five wagons and covered ambu-
lances. -- -
SEVENTH Division.
Frank B. Butts, Marshal.
Aids: George M. Joslin and Stephen O. Met-
calf.
Cory Brothers, of 131 Westminster Street,
four-horse team containing Kranich and Bach
parlor organ. ... •
W. F. Knapp, American Hop Beer. Three
teams decorated with bunting and flags.
One horse coupé containing Mary Whittier
and lady friend with streamers bearing the leg-
end : “Independent Moral Reform.”
Steere Brothers, of 938 High Street, root, white,
and hop beer team, tastefully decorated with flags
and bunting. -
466
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
Starkweather & Williams, of 25 Exchange
Place, low gear with bunting, flags,and streamers.
Thomas Furlong, 163 to 179 North Main
Street, furniture dealer: Three teams, six men.
Flint & Company, of 132 Broad Street, heav
six-horse team decorated in fanciful design wit
flags and bunting with Palace refrigerators.
Michael Foy, of 139 Charles Street, furniture
mover. Dray decorated very elaborately.
Barstow Stove Company. An old style wag-
on, containing stoves of the pattern of 1849, rep-
resenting the Providence department of the
works, as they were years ago.
Two-horse team, representing Boston depart-
ment of Barstow Stove Company, containing Bay
State furnaces.
Large double truck from the New York de-
partment of Barstow Stove Company, containing
Art Garland stove, Round Bay State Parlor
stove, and wrought iron portable ranges, and
Bay State furnaces.
T. & J. Sawyer, of 1047 High Street, furniture
dealers : . Two teams prettily decorated with flags
and bunting. -
Belcher & Loomis, No. 64 Weybosset Street,
had a wagon containing hardware exhibit, elec-
trical instruments and appliances, etc.
/
Providence Steam Carpet Cleaning Establish-
ment, at 117 Summer Street, two teams, one with
placard, representing old and new methods of
cleaning carpets.
Burdick Brothers. Team containing exhibit
of furnaces and refrigerators.
Troy Laundry. Washington Street Branch.
Troy Laundry, Chapel Street. Two teams.
Providence Steam Laundry, one team.
Henry P. Clough, piano mover, four-horse
team decorated with flags and bunting.
Henry Lindsey & Company, of 195 High
Street, team containing exhibit of scissors,
hinges, locks, and general hardware, etc.
John H. Eddy & Company, of 9 and 11 Ex-
change Street, team containing exhibit of baskets,
pails, and brooms. *
Great Overland and Pacific Tea Company, of
276 North Main Street, one team.
Celestial Tea Company, of 234 Westminster
Street, three teams, with chests of tea and bags of
coffee. -
Providence Wall Paper House, 337 Westmin-
ster Street, two-horse team neatly decorated,
from which the proprietor, C. A. Cady, distrib-
5,000 curtains.
Wagon representing the Bethel Coffee House.
Wagon from W. H. Fenner & Company, of
129 Broad Street, containing furnaces, ranges,
refrigerators, etc.
Hong Kong Tea House, one team.
Large team decorated with flags and bunting,
and containing a large safe representing C. H.
George & Company, of 48 Weybosset Street.
C. C. Heintzeman & Company, of No. 343
Westminster Street, three teams decorated, con-
taining pianos, and organs in cases. -
Farren Brothers, of No. 4 High Street, rolling
bed spring manufacturers, double team richly
decorated,
Ira N. Goff & Company, 168 Westminster
Street, two teams containing pianos and organs.
*
Walter H. Wood, of 19 Mathewson Street, pic-"
ture frame dealer, team prettily decorated.
Providence Sewer Department in charge of
Allen Aldrich, superintendent. Wagon con-
taining centrifugal pump. Team containing
steam boiler for thawing purposes. Team con-
taining rotary steam-engine. Hose carriage.
Boilers, syphons, and pulsometers. Apparatus
for cleaning house connections. Highway De-
partment, ten teams, including watering carts
and two street sweepers. Lamp Department,
two teams decorated.
The committee of arrangements had provided a superb exhibi-
tion of fireworks for the entertainment of the citizens in the
evening, but the continued rain necessitated the postponement of
the display. Few people were disappointed, however, for with
the two great parades of the day, the sight-seers were thoroughly
fatigued, and went to their several homes satisfied and highly
pleased with the celebration. The fireworks were displayed on
the evening of the 4th of July, and formed a fitting and appropri-
ate finale to the municipal celebration of the 250th anniversary of
the setttlement of Providence Plantations.
THE REUNION OF THE DESCENDANTS OF ROGER WILLIAMS AT SAYLES’ MEMORIAL HALL, WITH
ROLL OF THOSE WHO ATTENDED.
AN interesting feature of the 25oth anniversary of the found-
ing of the city of Providence, was the reunion of the descendants
of Roger Williams, which, although not a public affair was one
of great public interest, took place at Sayles’ Memorial Hall, on
the afternoon of Tuesday, June 22, 1886.
tended. The exercises consisted of orations, and the singing and
recitation of odes, poems, and hymns, original and selected, com-
mencing with an ode to the tune of “Old Hundred.” This was
followed by prayer by the Rev. Christian Rhodes, of Brooklyn,
N. Y. The addresses which followed paid eloquent and well-
merited tribute to the virtues and the talents of the distinguished
man, who, by his devotion to civil and religious liberty, and his
many magnanimous and civic virtues, has won a high place
among the benefactors of mankind. -
Mayor Sayles (who presided), delivered the opening address,
which was replete with well-timed allusions to the present and
the past, reviewing in an able and interesting way the progress
made in science, art, and literature since Roger Williams made
his wonderful journey through the New England wilderness, and
planted his little colony on the banks of the Seekonk River. His
tribute to the memory of the great Rhode Island pioneer was both
eloquent and heartfelt.
The audience was next entertained by a cornet solo performed
by Mr. Bowen R. Church, after which Prof. Alonzo Williams, a
lineal descendant of the seventh remove, was introduced as the next
speaker. He commenced his remarks by a very pertinent quota-
tion from Burke: “Those will not look forward to their poster-
ity who never look backward to their ancestors.” He then re-
viewed at length and with much feeling and just pride the career
of his distinguished ancestor. The spirit of his remarks and the
eloquent style in which they were delivered, can be gauged by this
simple sentence: “If to anticipate the greatest social philoso-
phers in the apprehension of a principle destined to change the
moral orbit of a world's destiny be a test of greatness, if unyield-
ing fidelity in maintaining the excellence of that principle in its
widest application be an evidence of noble character; if to en-
dure all the hardships of which a human soul is capable in order
to establish that principle for the alleviation and elevation of
man be heroic, then Roger Williams must ever be regarded as
one of the true heroes and prophets of these latter days.”
The Hon. Nelson W. Aldrich, of Providence, was the next
speaker. He discussed briefly the character of Roger Williams as
It was largely at-
a politician and a statesman, holding that in this case the two terms
were inseparable. “It would be impossible,” said the speaker,
“to over-estimate Roger Williams' services as a practical man of
affairs. . . . Upon the success of his negotiations with the
Indians, the safety of this and the other New England colonies
depended. I believe that these showed that he was a great man
in statesmanship, politics, and diplomacy.” He closed with an
eloquent tribute to Roger Williams’ character in general. His
faults and eccentricities, he said, were simply the faults of the gen-
eration in which he lived, and marked the greatest and wisest of
his contemporaries.
At the conclusion of Mr. Aldrich's remarks an ode was sung
by the audience to the tune of “America,” the words being com-
plimentary to our ancestors who planted civil and religious liberty
on these shores. - -
The next address was by Mr. James Wilmarth Williams,
who treated of “Roger Williams and the Indians.” He com-
menced by alluding to the fierce disputes that for over two centu-
ries were carried on in New England as to Roger Williams' true
character; some denying to him almost every good and noble
quality for which others honored him. “He has been accused,”
said the speaker, “of being a wild enthusiast, a contumacious
disputer and a violent disturber of the public peace, who brought
merited sufferings upon himself; it is our creed that our honored
ancestor was in character and by temperament, ardent, sincere,
and generous, and that though his zeal sometimes led him to
impulsive acts, and at times directed him into channels that to the
eyes of our practical age seem impracticable, yet these mistakes,
if such they are, were always of the head and never of the heart.
. . . There is, however, one portion of the history of
Roger Williams that is beyond controversy—the record of his
dealings with the Indians and the character of his relations with
them stands unquestioned.” The speaker then entered at length
into the innumerable well-established facts bearing upon this
point, and clearly demonstrated that it was Roger Williams’
interest in the Indians in a religious and philanthropic way, his
honesty in dealing with them, and his kindness and consideration
toward them in every way, that made the founding of this colony
possible, and that afterward insured the safety of the neighboring
colonies. The speaker closed by saying: “When we consider
that he alone of the earliest settlers in the New World viewed the
Indians as other than mere savages—as men worthy of the con-
*
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
467
sideration of Christians — it exhibits a greatness of mind, a lofti-
ness of conception and a depth of soul that though all else about
the man might be forgotten, can and will claim, as the years roll
on, the attention and admiration of the world.”
An ode to Roger Williams, written by Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth
Williams, of Providence, was then recited by her son, Alonzo
Roger Williams, and was well received.
The next speaker was Dr. Henry E. Turner, of Newport. His
address was remarkable for the originality of its thought, and the
earnestness of the speaker. He reviewed the career of Roger
Williams in a succinct and masterly manner, and criticised the
conduct of his persecutors and maligners in a spirit of honest in-
dignation. Said the speaker: “The peculiar benevolence and
active love of humanity which his whole life and conduct illus-
trated, are his best bequests to posterity. Much as we admire his
indomitable energy and perseverance, his brilliant literary achieve-
ments, his controversial acumen, his wonderful tact in acquiring
and retaining through a long period, closing only with his life,
the confidence and affection of the wily and jealous savages, with
whom his relations were close and continuous, we may admire
these characteristics in a greater or less degree in many of his
compatriots and associates; but the self-sacrificing spirit which
induced him to expend his time, his labors and his substance in
the service of others, and frequently of those who must be re-
garded as inimical to him and to the colony in which he was the
most prominent factor, is one which distinguishes him above all
other men, and especially among all other American settlers.”
Professor Williams, at the conclusion of Dr. Turner's remarks,
came forward and asked the attention of the audience for a few
minutes while he explaind the steps that were on foot and the
progress that had already been made toward the erection of a
suitable monument to the memory of Roger Williams. He said
that a few of the descendants of the founder of Rhode Island had
concluded that a suitable monument to his memory should be
erected on the campus ground of Brown University, and that he
(Professor Williams) had already, without much difficulty, suc-
ceeded in collecting $10,000 toward the object in view. It was
proposed to collect from the Williams family $75,000 for the
purpose. The contemplated monument it was intended to erect
was a memorial chapel.
Mr. Charles F. Wilcox, of Providence, moved that the com-
mittee of arrangements for the reunion be appointed a committee
to collect the necessary fund for the proposed memorial.
Mr. William F. Sayles, of Pawtucket, moved, as an amend-
ment, that Professor Williams alone, who had already met with
such success in his efforts in the matter, should act as the commit-
tee. The amendment was unanimously adopted.
This matter being disposed of, Mr. Desmond Fitzgerald, of
Brookline, Mass., was introduced, and delivered a brief but elo-
quent and thoughtful address. Referring to the banishment of
Roger Williams from Massachusetts, the speaker said: “In so
doing the zealots of Massachusetts thought they were only rid-
ding themselves of a turbulent contender, but instead they were
throwing away their brightest jewel.” Cotton Mather said of him :
“He has a wind-mill in his head,” but it was a mill which
ground out the bread of precious truths and glorious deeds. I
know of no greater act of humiliation that a citizen of the old
Bay State can perform than to look over the so-called Quaker
laws. A few years since a petition was sent to the legislature
asking for the repeal of the obnoxious vote which banished Roger
Williams. The petition was not granted, and to-day the shame-
ful sentence still disgraces the statute book. . To-day I feel
I voice the best thought of your sister state when I say the old
commonwealth desires to atone for the past and to congratulate
you citizens of Rhode Island, upon the beneficent results which
have accrued to your children through the noble life and golden
deeds of the great founder of your state, Roger Williams.”
The exercises were appropriately closed by the singing of a
benediction hymn. At intervals during the literary exercises fine
music was rendered by Reeves' orchestra. The arrangements for
the entire programme were excellently managed and reflected
much credit on the committee having the matter in charge, and
which was composed of the following gentlemen: Prof. Alonzo
Williams, of Brown University, chairman; James W. Williams,
Esq., of Providence, secretary; the Hon. Frederic C. Sayles,
. of Pawtucket; and Gen. Elisha H. Rhodes, of Provi-
CI1CC.
NAMES OF PERSONS ATTENDING THE ROGER WILLIAMs RE UNION.
B. Abbott,
Adderman,
Aldrich,
Aldrich,
Brown,
Burnes,
A.
W. Capron,
D. Capron,
M. Capron,
PROVIDENCE.
R.
Jr.,
Potter,
Randall,
Harvey,
Williams
Hooper,
Searle,
Stiness,
Fisher
Sprague,
Martin,
Taft,
Vinton,
Poland,
Packard,
Pitcher,

468
THE PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
Clarence E. Williams, Mamie E.Williams, Mary E. Waterman,
Clarence O. Williams, #. E. Williams, Thomas W. Waterman,
Mrs. C. H. Williams, Phebe A. (Wilmarth) Williams, Wm. J. Waterman,
Christopher Williams, Sarah C. Williams, Alice Wilson Wilcox,
Mrs. Charles Williams, Sarah (Giles) Williams, Charles Field Wilcox,
Elma E. Williams,
Sarah Helen Williams,
Elisha S. Williams,
Sarah Brain Wilcox,
Wade W. Williams,
Mrs. Charles F. Wilcox,
Esek Williams Almon Wade. Alice G. Winsor,
Flora Belle Williams, §§º F. Wade, Grace E. Winsor,
Florence L. Williams, Walter C. Wade, Fdwin Winsor,
George C. Williams, Phebe B. Wade, Sarah E. Winsor,
George F. Williams, Sayles Walling Anna F. Winsor,
Haryey S. Williams, Mrs. Sayles §§
Herbert M. Williams, Amanda Augusta Waterman,
. W. Williams, § B. Waterman,
da L. Williams, annah E. Waterman,
James F. Williams, John Waterman,
ſames W. Williams, John L. Waterman,
ſohn Williams Joseph D. Waterman,
föhn Spencer Williams, Lewis A. Waterman,
Mary B. Williams. Lizzie Waterman,
Sarah J. Winsor,
Mrs. Franklin E. Winsor,
Mary Fessenden Washburn,
Rosen S. Washburn,
Arthur H. Watson,
Mrs. Arthur H. Watson,
Stephen Randall Weeden,
Amey B. Wilson,
Charles Wilson
:#
:
Mrs. Mary E. Williams, Mrs. F. A. Waterman, Mrs. Mary E. Wilson.
Mary M. Williams, T. W. Waterman,
PAWTUCKET. CRANSTON. WARWICK.
Mrs. Anna M. Bishop, Sarah E. Dyer, Henry L. Greene,
William S. Dyer,
Mary G. Dodge,
Hattie A. Field,
Caroline Fenner,
Lilian Greene,
Herschel L. Gardner,
Mrs. Jeremiah F. Browning,
J. F. Browning
Rebecca CrOWell,
Clara J. Field,
Mary P. Jenks,
Wm. R. Greene,
Wm. H. Harrison,
Ida D. Pearce,
Henry A. Rhodes,
Wm. Greene Roelker,
J. E. Ma % Pardon Spencer,
Mrs. J. E. Maxcy, Mrs. Williams S. Harris, Mrs. Pardon Spencer,
John H. Potter, Alice A. Hart, H. J. Tillinghast,
Cornelia Tompkins Read, Susan A. Hart, H. L.Tillinghast,
Carrie Sayles, Julia A. Potter Sheldon H. Tillinghast,
Daniel Sayles, Čharles W. Patt, Albert Williams,
Deborah Wilcox Sayles, M. Anna Patt, Oliver C. Williams, Jr.
Frederic Clark Sayles, Henry M. Phetteplace,
Frederic Clark Sayles, Jr., Mrs. H. M. Phetteplace, AUBURN.
James P. Sayles, Thurston Phetteplace, May E. Eaton,
Minnie Sayles, Harvey K. Searle, § C. Eaton,
Martha Freeman Sayles, Mrs. Wanton Vaughan, Clara L. Read,
Mowry §. James S. Williams, Ezra Read
Robert Wilcox Sayles, Julia A. Williams, Sarah A. T. Read,
§: R §§§ l §§ A. *Whiam, Adnelle D. Williams,
rS. W. F. Sayles, I’S. Gre OT ... WJL118 InS, illiams.
§§els; º; Ethel G, Williams, Joseph Roger Williams
Alº Tompkins, º IFOSTER.
ner S. TOImpklnS, AIlce E. Williams
Abner S. Tompkins, Jr., jºirs. Arthur Williams, #; #ºner,
George D. Williams, Stephen S. Williams, Aima A. Stone
Mrs. George D. Williams, Mrs. Christopher N. Westcott, 6...º.º. tellot
Joseph B. Williams, 9.
Mrs. Thomas R. Williams, BRISTOL. *gºr,
#; *ſºns, §º §: ##: Mary E. Tuck er,'
T8D, 18InS, 8T1 Ole WOIf BI'OWIlê D -
Frank Williams Westcott, Edward Ibaria Brownell, Pardon Williams,
Turner Williams.
EAST GREENWICH.
Mary E. Walker
s Henrietta M. K. Brownell,
Henry Cranston Westcott,
Roger Williams Brownell.
Mrs. Henry C. Westcott A
9 manda W. Allen,
Mrs. F. W. Westcott. M Jº: #. § #; h
CITUATE. Emil ary Ball Oll, OWen R. Church,
S ś, Harris, Mrs. Bowen R. Church,
Barnard Arnold, M. D. Philena A. Kimball, Thomas C. Greene.
Čnariotte É. C. Arnold, Mrs. Wm. H. Place,
Henry C. Arnold, Howard C. Saunders, PAWTUXET.
Mary E. Arnold, Sophronia W Saunders, Maria Arnold,
Abrada T. Arnold, Walter M. Saunders, Penelope B. Lee,
Clara E. Arnold, Myra Ballou Richards, orge A. Manchester,
Frank D. W. Arnold, Mrs. Lydia C. Taylor, Willie N. Manchester,
Simeon Q. Arnold, Asa Tourtellot, Annie Paskel Thornton Man-
Harriet Nichols, Charles E. Tourtellot, chester.
William H. Potter, Mary M. Tourtellot,
§ºÖğh § #. W#. OLNEYVILLE.
GREEN VILLE. OAKLAWN. Amber J. Hicks,
gººse", ºne #:
8, urgeSS, ary A. Burlingame, • *******
Lydia H. Winsor. Crawford Roger Williams. Henry S. Hicks.
BURRILLVILLE. PASCOAG. GLOCESTER.
J. S. Colwell, º
Paulina S. Colwell, Mrs. Metelle L. Durfee, Julia Hawkins Andrews,
Amand Williams Stockard, Samuel Durfee, Abbie Williams Clarke,
Rufus Williams. Mrs. Melissa M. Stewart, Belle Clarke White,
COVENTRY. James H. Stewart. Stephen B. Winsor.
Emily C. Hines, EAST PROVIDENCE. APPONAUG.
Henry Howard,
Sarah M. Round,
Alden W. Williams
John Jenckes, Barrington.
Esther Wheeler Potter, Barrington.
Henry Anthony Arnold, Centreville.
Adelaide A. Eldridge, Crompton.
George W. Eldridge, Crompton.
George H. Olney. Hopkinton.
Frankie Weaver, Lincoln.
J. Henry Weaver, Lincoln.
Sarah Weaver, Lincoln.
Mrs. George Spencer, Natick.
Emily C. Williams, Natick.
Henry E. Turner, Newport.
ATTLEBORO, MASS.
Groves,
3.
Mrs. Sarah E. Griffin,
3. Adletter L. Walker,
Phebe A. Houghton Williams. Charles F. Walker.
ATTEBORO, MASS.
Sturdy,
Sarah S. A. Baker,
William H. Bennett,
Nellie A. Williams.
Mrs. Henry E. Turner, Newport.
Eliza A.T. Harris, Phenix,
Susan E. H. Wood, Riyerºide.
Henry S. Latham, Sinithfield.
Wm. Jones Dyer, Wickford.
Elizabeth W. Mathewson, Woonsocket.
Mrs. George W. Smith, Woonsocket.
Henry Aborn Greene,
J. F. Jenckes
Mrs. C. Rhodes.
ATTLEBORO, MASS.
Sheldon Williams
Thomas Warren Williams.
CANTERBURY, CONN.
Augustus P. Collins,
Ella M. Collins
HOWard W. P. Čollins,
Ida E. Collins.
PLAINVILLE, MASS.
Albert Edward Burton,
Albert Williams Burton,
Mrs. Albert W. Burton,
Bernice Elliot Burton,
Maria Lincoln Burton.
9
3.
Bran G. Smith. ney H. Williams, Alveretta F. Tupper
W. G. Smith, Sarah A. Williams, Charles Waterman Tupper,
Evelyn M. Waterman, Mrs. Albert Waterman,
CRANSTON. ; F.*::::: Mary Frances Waterman.
. W8, &Il,
Abbey Augell, #. $ºrm NORTH PROVIDENCE.
Sarah H. Bowen,
Emma E. Bailey, .
Mrs. Sarah F. Burrill,
Peleg P. Cranston,
Rodney F. Dyer,
Mrs. Rodney F. Dyer,
Barnes,
WARWICK.
Mº. Stafford Waterman
lap I.
Mary §. G. Clapp, Wanton
For genealogies of early Rhode Island families, readers are referred to the Genealogical
Dictionary of Rhode Island, of which J. O. Austin is author and publisher. Within the
compass of this large quarto volume is presented the record for three and four generations
of nearly five hundred families that settled in the state previous to 1690. The basis of the
work is the original records. Besides a great number of names and dates, there is given
an insight into the actual life of the early comers, as shown by their wills, occupations, the
offices held, etc. This is presented by an original method, easily comprehended by the
reader. The great value of this work will ensure for it a prompt and hearty support from
descendants of Rhode Islanders both within and without our state.
J. Warner Searle, Andover, Conn.
Frank W. Miller, Boston, Mass.
Frank A. Waterman, Boston, Mass.
Desmond Fitzgerald, Brookline, Mass.
Harold Fitzgerald, Brookline,
Mrs.
N. Y.
Rev. Christopher Rhodes, Brooklyn. N.Y.
Mrs. Hannah Nelson, Jr., Carlinville, Ill.
Mrs. Catherine F. (Williams) Thurston, Cam-Charles A. Dubosq., Ph
bridge, Mass.
Phebe A. Williams, Cambridge, Mass.
Mrs. Emily R. Chace, Collins, N.Y.
Miranda M. Griffin, Danielsonville, Conn.
Maranda Paulk, Danielsonville, Conn.
rs. Emma E. Qrendorff, Delavan, Ill.
Josie Anthony, Dorchester, Mass.
Della M. Paine, Greenville, Mich.
Mrs. º l, Hamburg, Germany.
Charles H. Miller, Jamaica, L.I., N. Y.
Mrs. Eleanor Rand, Lancaster, Cal.
Frank O. Barton, fawrence, Mass.
Colville B. Rhode, Lawrence, Mass.
W. A. Jenks, Marion, Mass.
Mrs. W. A. Jenks, Marion, Mass.
Mrs. Anna D. Parker, Medfield, Mass.
Wm. H. Waterman, New Bedford, Mass.
Henry Comstock, New York, N. Ş.
Elisha Dyer, 3d, New York, N.Y.
Esther Dyer Hammond, New York, N. Y.
Henry Williams Parkhurst, New York, N. Y.
MaSS.
Abbey Isabel (Brown) Burkley, Brooklyn Hºº Wilkinson, New York, N.Y
aniel James, North Middleboro, Mass.
Mrs. Mary S. James, North Middleboro, Mass.
Charles Rhodes, Orange, N.Y.
iladelphia, Pa.
Irene M. (Cranston,) Dubosq., Philadelphia, Pa.
F. W. Cheney, South Waterbury, Conn.
Mrs. Lewis K. Hammond, Sterling, Conn.
H. Adelaide Brayton, Stonington, Conn.
Sarah H. Brayton, štonington, Conn.
Albert B. Miller, Stonington, Conn.
Frank B. Gilmore, Stratford, Conn.
Maria L. Taylor, Trenton, N. J.
Albert W. Tompkins, Waltham, Mass.
Albert H. Whitin, Whitinsville, Mass.
Mrs. James F. Whitin, Whitinsville, Mass.
Wm. Henry Latham, wiiſimantic, COmn.
Emily Slater, Uxbridge, Mass.
Henry P. Šiałer, Uxbridge, Mass.
Mary L. Williams, Auburn, Mass.
THE FOLLOwing ARE NAMES OF DESCEND ANTS OF ROGER WILLIAMs who
DID NOT ATTEND THE REUNION, OR DID NOT REPORT THEMSELVES
UNTIL AFTER THE CLOSE OF THE MEETING, BUT who SENT CARDS:
Harris 2}}. Burton, Killingly, Conn.
Thomas H. Rhodes, #awtucke p
Thomas H. Rhodes Jr., Pawtucket,
Edward T. Rhodes, 2d Providence
William T. Jourdan, Worcester, Mass.
Mary N. Snow, Providence.
¥º K. Williams, Mystic.
T. B. Rhodes, Providence.
Helen E. Perry Kendall, Rutland, Vt.
Elizabeth Redfield Kendall, Rutland, Vt.
Lucina M. S. Walker, Boston, Mass.
Abner W. Peckham, North Scituate.
Abner F. Peckham, North Scituate.
§§y T. Peckham, 'North Scituate.
S. N. Dada, Fulton, N. Y.
Margarethe Lyman Dwight, Providence.
Amelia del". Lockwood,
rovidence. •
Mrs. Edmund Wilkinson, Greenwich, Conn.
Mrs. A. D. Lockwood, Providence.
William Williams, Foster,
Órville E. Searie, Fiskeville.
Mrs. Lillian V. Searle, Fiskeville,
Mrs. Bernice Burton, East Killingly, Conn.
Mrs. Julia Howe. Addison, Fitchburg, Mass.
Mary S. Knapp, Medfield, Mass.
Mason.W. Hale, Moosup, Conn.
Amy M. Goodrich, Wisconsin.
Catharine P. Chipman, Providence.
alter W. French, Ballston, N. Y
Mrs. Anna F. Start, Utica, N.Y.
Sarah S. Hoisington, Medfield, Mass.
Eliza A. Harrington, Utica, N. Y.
George W. Shaw, Genesee, Ill. . . .
Adelaide A. McDonald, Mystic Bridge, Conn.
Charles Potter, Chepachet.
Albert Potter, M. D., Chepachet.
Adah Jenks, Groton, Conn.
Lillie K. Chappelle, Appomaug.
#. E. Chappelle, Apponaug.
Ruth L. Macavoy, Apponaug.
M. Leon Howard, Appomaug.
Mrs. M.L. Duncan, Elmira, N. Y.
James A. Chapman, Beloit, Wis.
Edward A. Greene, Providence.
Franklin A. Smith, Jr., Providence.
Mrs. Franklin A. Smith, Jr., Providence.
Richard Ward Greene, Worcester, Mass.
Esek Saunders, Saundersville, Mass.
Mrs. Carrie M. Sisson, Auburn.
Mrs. Laura Round, Auburn.
Mrs. Mary Baker, Fiskeville.
Urania T. Potter, Chepachet.
Oliver J. Chappelle,. Apponaug.









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INDEX TO SOCIETIES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND INDUSTRIES.
PAGE. - PAGE. - PAGE. - PAGE
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. Order of Elks............... .............. 206 Fidler Brothers & Fessenden............. 301 Royce, Allen & Co......................... 344
Church Organizations in Providence, Order of Harugari ....... ................ 207 Flagg, Samuel H. . . . . . ................ . .314 Rumford Chemical Works................ 275
e e º s is # 8 º' s & s tº e s tº e º e º e º 'º e º 'º e º e º e º & 143 to 159 Order of Lucilius. ..................... . . .206 Flanagan, William . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .315 Ryan & Sullivan... ...................... .312
Newport Churches ... . . . . . . . ........ ... 443 Qrder of Scottish Clans........ . . . . . . . . . . . 207 Fletcher Manufacturing Co............... 253 Ryder Brothers................... . ....... 293
Pawtucket Churches................. ... . .379 Providence German Benevolent Life Flint, Blood & Young ........ ............ 342 Shirley, John R...... ........... ... 312
Little Sisters of the POOr ................ 160 Association............ . e tº e º tº e º º e 206 Foster & Bailey. ... ........ .............. 321 Shove, Samuel & Son....... * * * * * > e º e º e ... 354
Sisters of Charity.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 Royal Arcanum................ ......... 206 Freeman, E. L. & Son.... . . . . . . . . ........ 321 Skuce, R. & F. J. ... ....................... 335
Sisters of the Order of Mercy..... ....... 159 Royal Society of Good Fellows. ... ....... 206 Friends' School....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Slater Family.............................. 248
Sons of Benjamin............ . . . . . . . . . . . 207 Fuller, J. S. . . . . . . ........ ... .... • e º º tº º º 316 Smith, Dr. A. J.... . . . . . . . . ............ 329
CHARITABLE SOCIETIES. The Colored Free Masons. . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 207 Gaylord & Fairchild. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .306 Smith, C. Sidney ... ........ © e º e º 'º e º º e e e º e e 341
The Butler Hospital for the Insane...... 208 The Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, George, Charles H. & Co ... . . . . . . . . . . . 285 Smith, E. D. & Sons........ & e º & a e s a s e e s e 313
Children's Friend Society..... . . . . . . . . . . .222 .(Cºlored) ..:::....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 Gladding, B. H. & Co... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296 Spencer & Boss................ • * * * e º e s e º e e 354
Female Society for Relief of Women and United Order of the Golden Cross........ 207 Gorham Manufacturing Co.... .... ...... 273 Spragues in Rhode Island . . . ............ 248
Children..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • e e º ºs º º M Grant, J. W. & Co.... .... ... ... ........ 342 Snow & Earle.... ... • e º e º e . © & © e e s is e º e º e º e º e 327
Home for Aged Men............... ... º e º 'º e a 217 MILITARY ORGANIZATIONs. Gray, A. A. & Co..... . . . ........... ......312 Southwick, James M ..................... 313
Home for Aged Women. ................ 222 Burnside Guards, Fourth Battalion..... 184 Gregory, H. . . . . . . . ... * & e º & © tº C. ºn e º e º e º & tº dº tº 324 Stanton & Farnum........................ 313
•Irrepressible Society. ................... 222 Emmett Guards....... * * * * * * * > * * * * * * g º e º º 187 Grosvenor-Dale Co.......... . . . . . . . ... .249 St. Xavier's Academy.... ................. 176
Montefiore Benevolent ASSOciation...... 224 Fifth Battalion Infantry....... * g tº e º ºs e º e º e 184 Hale & Bosworth................ .......... 298 Sumner, O. & Son........ .............. . . .329
Prisoners' Aid Association................ 223 First Light Infantry.......... tº $ tº e s tº e º º tº $ 178 Hall, William H. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309 Swarts, Walter B............... * > . .324
Providence Charitable Fuel Society..... 217 Grand Army of the Republic..... . . . . . . . . 196 Hamilton & Hamilton, Jr.... .... ....... 339 Talcott, W. O. . . . . . ............ ......... 316
Providence Dispensary..... ... e. e. e. e. e. e. e. e. e s e a º º 232 Roster of the R. I. Department G. A. R..197 Hammond, T. S........ s & tº e º 'º º $ w to e º & tº e º 'º e 324 Tanner, Herbert S....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .308
Providence Lying-in-Hospital............ 217 Meagher Guards... . . . . . . . . ....... ... . . . . .186 Handy, W. W................ ............. 330 Taylor, Symonds & Co..................... 297
Rhode Island Exchange for Women's Providence Horse Guards. . . . . . ........ 182 Harrington, J. C. ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342 Telegram, Evening......... .......... ... 320
Work... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Providence Marine Corps of Artillery. . 180 Harris School........................ . ...176 Thompson, William B.................... •306
Rhode Island Homoeopathic Hospital...223 Rhode Island Militia, Roster of... . . . . .188 Harris, William A.... ... . . . . ............. 259 Tierney, P. & J.:. ...... .................. 316
Rhode Island Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208 Slocum Light Guard ........... ......... 181 Harson, M.J. ... .......................... 302 Tillinghast, L. H....... ................. . .315
Bhode Island Indian Aid Association... .223 United Train of Artillery. ................ 178 Hartwell, Richards & Co........ . . . . . . . . . . 248 Tinson, Edward... ........... ... ....... 308
Rhode Island Society for Prevention of Rhode Island in the Rebellion....... .... 189 Hawes, George & Sons.... . . . . . . . . . . . . .293 Trask, Spencer & Co .......... ........... 240
Cruelty to Animals.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 First Rhode Island Volunteers............ 190 Heath, William G. & Co... ........ * a e s e º ºs 316 Union Mutual Fire Insurance Co.... .... 354
Rhode Island Society for Prevention of Second Rhode Island Volunteers. . . . . . . 190 Heaton Button Fastener Co... . . . . . . . . . . . 281 Union Oil Co., and American Cotton Oil
Cruelty to Children.......... . . . . . . . . 217 Fourth Rhode Island Volunteers......... 190 Hill, James, Manufacturing Co. . . . . . . . . 317 Trust. ... . . . . . . . . . • * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * g e
Rhode lsland Women's Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ninth Rhode Island Volunteers.......... 190 Hill's Fruit Store....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294 United States Gutta Percha Paint Co. . .327
Shelter for Colored Children...... . . . . . . . 222 Tenth Rhode Island Volunteers...... ... 190 Holbrook, A. & C. W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289 University Grammar School... . . . . . . .... 173
Society for Ministry to the Sick.... . . . . 223 Seventh Rhode Island Volunteers....... 190 Holmes' Burglar Alarm Telegraph Co... 312 Walker, William R. & Son.... . . . ........ 810
St. Aloysius (Orphan) Asylum...... . . . . .159 Eleventh Rhode Island Volunteers . . . . .191 Hope. John & Thomas.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271 Warren, Salisbury & Nightingale ... . . .285
St. Vincent de Paul Society............... 160 Twelfth Rhode Island Volunteers........ 191 Hopkins, Pomroy & Co................ . 283 Warren & Wood ... ............. . . . . . . . . . .304
Dnion for Christian Work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357 Hospital Guards, Infantry.... . . . . . . . . . . . 191 Horton Brothers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307 West, N. G... . . . . . . . . . .................... 329
Women's Christian Association.... ...... 222 First Rhode Island Cavalry. . . . . . . . . .192 Horton, W H. & Miller. ... ... .307 What Cheer. Printing House... ......... 323
Women's City Missionary Society, ... . . . .223 Seventh Squadron Rhode Island Cavalry.192 Howard & Son ........................... .340 Whipple, William L. ...................... 305,
Women’s Educational and Industrial Second Rhode Island Cavalry. . . . . . . . .193 Howe, John ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 White, Stillman........ * * * * * * > e < * * * * * * e º gº e 272
nion. . . . . . . . , gº tº e a e & ſº e e s º ºs & ... • . . . . . . . Third Rhode Island Cavalry. . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 Household Sewing Machine Company ...?? White; W. E. & Co......................... 342
Young Men's Christian Association...... 356 Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery.... 194 Jameson, S. C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . • * * > e º e º e º 'º tº e e 303 Whitehouse, James G. ... ................ 336
Fifth Rhode Island Heavy Artillery..... 194 Jillson & Folsom.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314 Whittemore & Couch....... • * * * * * * * * * e º e 813
CIVIC SOCIETIES. Fourteenth H. I. Heavy Artillery........ 194 Johnston. Hamlin & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Wild, S. S. & Son: ........................... 835
Arion Club.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = ſº º cº - º & © 233 First Rhode Island Battery... . . . . . . . . . . .194 Johnson, Oliver & Co...................... 328 Wildes, George W. & Co ...... ........... 315
Board of Trade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212 Tenth Rhode Island Battery. . . . . ......... 194 Kendall Manufacturing Co ... . . . . . . . . . 278 Winsor Line of Steamers . . . . . ...... 140
Brownson Lyceum... . . . . . . . . . . . . ......... .316 First Rhode Island Light Artillery.... . .195 Kennedy, Jerome & Co...... ............. 301 WinSOr, E. & Co................ ........ 312
Bºrkºmen's Association; Wolfe Tone Guards............ . . . . . . . . . . 187 $ºs. # & Co............... ..... # Yº: *3. rge F. & Brother.........". ;
OIIll/16 I'Cl8ll Ulll) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6. eny On, Smith O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . e Oung, GeOrge B'. TOUIl 621". . . . . . . . . . .31%
Commercial Travelers' Association... . . . 213 . . PRovidence INDUSTRIEs. Kimball, Henry M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292 PAWTUCKET AND CENTRAL FALLS
Franklin Lyceum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214 Aldrich, Henry L............. ............ 256 Knight, B. B. & R........ ................. 252 - * ge
Franklin Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 Allen, Elisha J................. . . . . . . . . . 306 Ladd, H. W. & Co.... . . . . . . . . . . ... e. e. g. s tº t e & ºf Atwood, Crawford & Co ....... .......... 385
Mechanic's Exchange. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213 American Multiple Fabric Co. . . . . . .254 Ladd Watch Case Co. ... ............... .. 2.É glºaniº A... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Narragansett Boat Club.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216 American Ship Windlass Co.... . . . . . . . . . . 267 Leavens & Birch..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30; Crocker, J. & Son. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 384
Orpheus Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234 American Screw Co........... . . . . . . . 263 Leavens, Owen E. & Co...... . . . . . . . . . . . § 3 Draper, ſº O. *.98 * * * * * * s e º ºs e e s a e º gº º 887
Providence Art Club......... . . . . . . . . . . . . 233 American Supply Co... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .287 LeValley, Henry E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307 #jºin e '# tº:::::::::: . . . . . . . . 383
Providence Association of Mechanics ... Anthony, James M.............. . . . . . . . . . 294 Loughlin, F. H. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310 Haskell, J º • CO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88.1
and Manufacturers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Armington & Sims Engine Co......... . .260 Macullar, Parker & Co ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299 #. OIl i. º A. & Co...... - . . . . . . . tº e º
Providence Athenæum................... 210 Arnold, Stephen C. & Son.... . . . . . e g º e s e º 287 Magoon, A. J. & Co... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 Hºº. Charles A. & Co....... . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Providence Bar, Roll of ... ......, e s e e s e e 230 Arnold. Thomas F. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341 Manchester & Hudson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3% Pawtucket Gazette and Chronicle........ 385
Providence Clinical Club. . . . . . . ........ 232 Babcock & Bridgham...................... 291 Marcy, Fred. I... . . . . . . . . . . . . . t = • * * * * * * * * * * 3; Pawtucket Manufacturing Co........ ... §§§
Providence Liederkranz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234 Baker, Henry & Son..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306 McAuliffe, Owen & Son . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 #..."; Mºgº Fire Insurance Co....382
|Providence Marine Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Ballou & Markham......... • * * * * e º 'º e º e º 'º e a 305 McCloy, John A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342 #". §. º º in Co ....... º ºs º º ſº º a 384
Providence Medical Association. . . . . . . . . 231 Barnaby, J. B. & Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299 McWilliams Manufacturing Co. . . . . . . . . . gº ºuring tº ....…..: §3
Providence Mutual Health Association. .218 Barrett, W. E. & Co... ................ ... 310 Morton, H. Q..................... . . . . . . . . . § {i. £1. & Co......................... 386
Providence Police ASSOciation........... 117 Barton, William. ........ . . . . . . . . . . . * * * * g is . 302 Mount Pleasant Academy..... . . . . . . . 176 ayeſ, P. E. & OO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Providence Press Club................ . . .321 Bassett, H. L. & Co............... '• • - - - - - - - - 312 N. Y. & N E. R. R. Co ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 NEWPORT.
Providence Public Library . . . . . . . . . . . . .209 Berkeley School... ... . . . . . . * * s is e = * e s a s gº 175 N. Y., P. & B. R. R. Co ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Jones, Henry J. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 446
Providence Veteran Firemen's Associa- Blandin, Gardner........................... 308 Nicholson File CO ....... . . . . . . . • sº e s e º e s is 270 Ocean House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446
ion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Blanding, William B..;; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 825 Olney Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284 Pray, H. W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446
Rhode Island Choral Association. . . . . . . Boston & Providence Railroad. .......... 188 Onslow, James H. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316 Smith, Bosworth & Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446
R. I. Dental Association and List of Boston Shoe Store..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .303 Osgood, Everett R... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315 Swinburne, Peckham & Co................ 445
Providence Dentists................... 232 Bradley, Robert & Son. . . . . . . . . .e e s e s is e e s a 343 Paige, F. A. & Co....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294 Weaver, George A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446
R. I. Society for the Encouragement of Brown Brothers & Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289 Palmer & Capron... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341 BRISTOL.
Domestic Industry........ . . . . . . . . . . . 210 Browns and Brown & Iyes.................. 245 Parker, Edwin A. . . . . . . . e tº e e s & & & & & & P 294 All Th T 406
Rhode Island Historical Society........... 213 Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Co...... 261, Pasquali, Leopoldo.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3; # i."wº |..."; is e º s e a e s is tº e º & E & s e e s is a gº e º e 408
Rhode Island Homoeopathic Society and Brown University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 Pearce & Hoagland... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343 #. 9 \{. Savings Bank ... ........ 407
Roll Of Fellows.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232 Budlong. Simeon & Co... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288 Peckham, George A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328 #. # 3t º º e tº e º e º e º 'º gº e §
Rhode Island Horticultural Society. ... .216 Bugbee & Brownell... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292 Perry, F. H. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293 § º º #. º OT S8 VlſlgS. . . . . . . . . . . . i.
Rhode Island Medical Society and Roll Burgess, A. & Son. ........................ 289 Pierce, E. W. & Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : . §. F. A.........'............". 409
of Fellows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............ 230 Burnham, George H... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309 Pierce Thomas F. & Co................... 303 #. º º i Bank, Bristol. .......... 407
Rhode Island Peace Society............... 216 Burton, Dayid: ; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316 Pitkin, A. B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289 §: ºlº tºº....: 406
Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Associa- Calder, Prof. Edwin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330 Place, Peterson & Co...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ; : . ğ. i. A ... .................... 409
tion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330 Callender, McAuslan & Troup............ 295 Phenix Iron Foundry...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267 #.h 8. Ties A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409
Rhode Island Veteran Citizens’ Associa- Carpenter Brothers..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292 Phetteplace & Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284 ń. º O ki. H e & & º g a d.................... 408
ion... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214 Carpenter, Edmund.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287 Pope, Charles F. & Co.. . . . . . . .313 †. º:: J. Howard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406
Roger Williams Monument Association.216 Chace, Stephen F. . . . . . . . . . . . º e g º & & e º ºs e º e 306 Potter, H. A. L., Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329 §. #i. Bank....'...'.............. 407
Roger Williams Savings Fund and Loan Chambers, Calder & Co....... . . . . . . . . . . 326 Pray, James C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308 #. *::: 8 gle E58. I'K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
ASSociation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Qharnley, James A........................ 344 Providence Bryant & Stratton Busi- #. ë, D.A..................... . ........ 409
Society of the Cincinnati.... ............ 214 City, Banks and Bankers............... . . .23 ness College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 §.'Aliért E....'......... ....'..... 408
St. Cecila Choral Union. . . . . . . . . ... º e º e º e º s 233 Claflin, C. J. & Co... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 814 Providence Dyeing, Bleaching and à. S., ; thers...'.... .............. 409
Claflin, George L. & Co.................... 325 Calendering CO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254 ‘...ºf º C er S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406
TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES. Clark, Black & Co....... .................. 341 Providence jºurnal.... . . . . . . . . . . . .318 Young, J. H. & Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good Samaritans and Daughters of Sama- Clark, John L................. . . 315 Providence Line of Steamers . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 WARREN
ria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .219 Cole, George E. ........ * tº dº tº e s e e s tº s tº e º 'º e e s 308 Providence Machine Company. . . . . . . . . . 262 Barker, Cyrus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413
GOOd Templars............ . . . . . . . • ſº tº e º 'º e 219 Coombs, H. M. & Co....................... 324 Providence, Norfolk and Baltimore Bennett, W. S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .418
Rhode Island Temperance Union........ 218 Congdon, Carpenter & Co........ . . . ... 285 Steamship Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Brown, J. H. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414
Sons of Temperance... ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219 Continental Steamboat Co............. ... 142 Providence Oil Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284 Buffinton, B. S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413
Temple Of Honor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 Corliss Safe Manufacturing Co... . . . . . . . . 268 Providence POSt-Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Buffinton, Philip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412
Young Women's Christian Temperance Corliss Steam Engine Works . . . . . . . . . . 57 Providence School of Languages... . . . . . . 176 Coles Hotel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412
Union . . . . . . . . . . . • * * > & 6 s is e g g º & * * * * * * Cotton and Woolen Industries, classified. 255 Providence Steam Engine Co... . . . . . . . . . 257 Crawley: W. H. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413
Women's Christian Temperance Union. .223 Crossin & Tucker. ... . . . . . . . .............. 341 Providence Steam and Gas Pipe Co. . . . . . 265 Cutler Manufacturing Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411
Cruickshank, D. B. ....................... 317 Providence and Springfield Railroad Co.136 Dunwell, William T. ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413
SECRET AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES. Cruickshank. George M. . . . . . . . . . . 261 Providence Visitor..... .................. 320 Peabody, Charles A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413
American Legion of Honor............... 206 Cummings, E O. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308 P., W. & B. R. R. Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 Seymour Brothers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412
Ancient Order of Foresters... . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Davis, Perry & Son... ........ . tº e e º 'º e º e º 'º e e 279 Providence & Worcester Railroad Co.... 135 Turner, Daniel L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #1;
Ancient Order of United Workmen. . . . . 206 Davol Rubber Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .282 Quayle, Thomas & Co..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341 Warren Gazette. . . . . ... • ?:, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412
Caledonian Societies........ . . . . . . . . . • * * > . 206 Devereux, O. C. & Co...................... 340 Read, Francis & Son ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306 Warren Manufacturing Co.... . . . . . . . . . . . 410
Free Masonry and the City Masonic DeWing, M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ 294 Reid, J. A. & R. A........ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322 Warren Monumental Works...…........ 413
Organizations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......201 Doane, Stillman P......................... 293 Rhode Island News Co.................... 321 Bosworth, L. S. & Son, Barrington. . . . . . . 414
Free Sons of Israel....... ........ ... ... .207 Downs, Charles............................ 340 Rhode Island Printing Co. ............... 323 Budlong, James A. & Son, Cranston;;. . .399
Knights Of Honor.... . . . . • * e º s s e º e º e º e º e e 205 Durfee, Charles S. . . . . . . . . . . tº e s is a e e is e º e = * 354 Bhode Island School of Design. . . . . . . . . in Clyde Bleachery and Print Works, War-
Knights and Ladies of Honor........ ... . .206 Eddy, Herbert L........ ........ • ſº e º $ tº e º s 807 Rice, A. B. & Co... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287 W1CK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416
Knights of Pythias........................ 205 Fall River Line of Steamers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Rice & Hayward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280 Hopkins, Albert G., Barrington: . . . . . . . . . 414
Odd Fellowship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... Fanning & Potter ............... ........ 340 Rider, William B . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... e. e. e. e. g. c & e º a 325 Pawtuxet Valley Gleaner, Phenix....... .#18
I. O. of O. F., Manchester Unity ......... 205 Feeley & Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343 Riley, Philip & Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340 Stillman, T.Y., & V: Q, Westerly.,... ... º.
Order of Alfredians....................... 206 Fenner, Albert ......................... 880 Robinson, E. G. & Co......... . . . . . . . . . . . 292 Tinkham, William & Cº, Burrillville 137.3%
Order of B’Nai Brith............... . . . . . 207 Fenner, Alexander W., Jr....... . . . . . . . . 329 HOunds, T. W. & CO............ . . . * * * * * * * 311 Weeks Furniture Co., Woonsocket. . . . . . .39
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UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
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