History of Providence County, Rhode Island

Preface

Rhode Island history is peculiar. It occupies a place in the annals of America quite distinct from that of any other civil organization. To the founders of this state, and particularly to Roger Williams, belongs the honor of having realized for the first time the grand idea of a civil government, securing to its citizens a full liberty in religious matters — a liberty which implied an emancipation of reason from the thralldom of arbitrary authoritv, and the full freedom of inquiry in all matters of speculative faith. Here that great idea which constituted the very soul of' that religious movement which for many long years agitated all Europe, first took an organic form, crystalized into a living reality, and expressed itself in a social compact, binding the signers " in active and passive obedience to all such orders or agreements as shall be made for public good of the body * * ' :: " only in civil things."

A free and absolute charter of incorporation for the Providence Plantations was brought by Roger Williams from England, in 1644; but owing to the claims of Massachusetts, or other obstructions, it did not go into effect until May, 1647. This charter granted the most ample power to the inhabitants to establish such a form of civil government as the greater part of them should deem most suitable to their estates and conditions; and to that end to make such civil laws and .to inflict such punishment for their violation, as they or the greater part of them should bv free consent agree to.

In the earlv days of this unique commonwealth, the whole people formed the General Assembly, and met annually, for the enactment of general laws, and for the choice of general officers, which consisted of a president, a general recorder, and an " assistant " from each town, nominated by the town. A general code of laws, which concerned all men, was first approved by the towns, but before it could go into effect it was ratified by the whole people. All legislative power was ultimately in the whole people in General Assembly convened. Towns had the liberty to propose laws, and the approval of a General Court of Commissioners might give them a temporary force; but it was only the action of the General Assembly that could make them general and permanent for all persons in the Colony. Each town. however, had its local laws, and also had its town courts, which had exelusive original jurisdiction over all causes between its own citizens. The president and assistants composed the general court of trials. They had jurisdiction over all aggravated offenses, as well as in all matters that might be submitted to them by the town courts as too weighty for the lower court to decide. They also had jurisdiction over all disputes between different towns, as well as between citizens of different towns and strangers.

IV

I' R E FA C E .

From the beginning which we have just reviewed in briefest outline the spirit of this commonwealth has gone steadily forward, propelled as it were by unseen forces and guided by an unseen hand, developing amid the sunshine and the tempests of political vicissitude, the most perfect model of human government as well as the most noble types of social conditions to be found among the civilized peoples of the earth. Least powerful of all the colonies of America in physical forces, it remained for Rhode Island to be the exponent of the moral forces which should yet predominate the nation. Who can doubt that the impulse that moved Roger Williams to give the name he did to his primitive settlement was an inspiration, prophetic in very fact of the unseen forces and the guiding hand, which like the ancient pillar of cloud and fire, should go with the enterprise through the coming centuries. Surely no intelligence less than a Divine Providence could develop a plan so grand in conception, so unique in design, so faithful m execution, and so bountiful in results. We can but commend the pride which fills the bosom of those who have inherited nativity in the lap of such a scheme.

And it is no matter of wonder to the editor of this work that he should have found some traces of prejudice against him in his work of reviewing the history of this locality on account of his not being identified with it by native or residuary interests. The fact that he has found so little of this prejudice, is to him but additional evidence of the liberality of sentiment which has grown up from the planting of Roger Williams. It has been said that the true soul of Providence history could not be faithfully portrayed by a historian not identified with it by personal ties. We believe the candid mind will recognize in this volume the refutation of such an assertion. We do not mean that our work is without defects. We only claim that it is a no less faithful representation than could have been expected even from a

of the soil. In common with all historic efforts it has its defects, all of which we freely submit to the gracious consideration of the candid critic.

We cannot, however, close the volume without making grateful mention of the fact that we have been assisted by the labors or kind offices of many Providence county men. among whom it gives us pleasure to mention: Honorable Amos Perry and Mr. Smith, of the Historical Society Cabinet; Reuben A. Guild, LL.D.,of the University Library; the librarian of the Public Library; Honorable Thomas Ik Stock v

mmissioner of Public Schools; Reverend T. Edwin Brown, D.I)., of the First Baptist church; A. D. Xiekerson and Charles A. Lee, of Pawtueket; the officials of the various State and City Departments; Messrs. J. A. & R. A. Reid. Snow & Parnum, Sidney S. Rider, and the publishers of the Daily Journal.

Chapter I

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. PJ

Political Geography.-Watercourses.-Manufacturing Industries. -Agriculture >.- Railroads-Population and Growth. -Schools of the County.-Geology of the County, Rocks. Soils, Minerals. Timber, etc

Chapter II. Development Of Providence County

Roger Williams, the Founder of the Settlement. -His Experiences in New England. -Purchases from tl.e Indians and Transfers to his Associates.-H.s Character. -His Burial Place.-Rev. William Blackstone. -Other Purchases of the Natives. -Enlargement of the Borders of the Town.-Fixing the Boundary Lines.- Division of the Town— Formation and Annexation of other Towns.-< nanges in Town Boundaries.-County ( )rganization. -Subsequent changes

CHAPTER 111.

THE BENCH AND BAR.

Establishment of Courts-Successive Court Houses— Practitioners in the early Courts— Earlv Bar Compact.-Prominent Lawyers of a Half Century a*o. Their Location ami Habits.-Some Woonsocket Lawyers-Prominent Men oi the last Generation.— Lawyers of the Present Time

( HAPTER IV.

THE PROFESSION "I S1EDICINE.

Early Practitioners. -First Licensed l»,uto, of Medicine.-Medical Societies formed. -The Rhode Island Medical Society.-The Providence Medical Association.- The Rhode Island Homeopathic Society.-The Hahnemann Society oi Rhode Island -The Providence Clinical Club. -The Rhode Island Dental Society - Physicians of Providence Fifty Years Ago— Some Physicians oi an Earner Period.-Former Physicians of Scituate.-Old-time Physicians of Woonsocket. -The Thompsonian Interest-Introduction of Homeopathy.— Later Physicians ^

of Providence County

CHAPTER V.

TOWN OF PROVIDENCE— SETTLEMENT AND EARLY HISTORY.

Thesiteof Providence selected bj Williams and his Companions.-The title secured. -The Settlement hegun.-Building and Planting—The Settlement named— Williams ami the Indians— Signing the Civil Compact— The Town Government—Plot of the Settlement— Brief notice of the Settlers individually— Divisions of the Land— Establishing the Bounds— Delegating Town Powers— The Town Constitution.— Organization of Government under the Charter- Appointing Delegates— The " Towne Streete. "-Condition of the Early Settlers.

vi TAB] I I i] CONTENTS.

PAGE

—Internal Improvements. Military Officers chosen.— Fort on "Stamper's Hill." —Discord in the Settlement.— Proprietors Distinct from Inhabitants.— New Charterin 1663. Changes Under it. A double Town Meeting.— Discord in the Town.— King Philip's War.— Burning of the Town. — Indians taken Prisoners and sold as Slaves. Under Edmond Andros. — A Prison built.— Training Ground. — Weybosset Bridge.— The Small-pox.— Growth of the Town.— Bridges, Lotteries. Fire Apparatus.- Alarm by the French and Indians.— Market House built. — Lotteries, Printing Office, Theatrical Exhibitions 134

CHAPTER VI.

THE TOWN <)F PROVIDENCE DURING THE REVOLUTION.

Meeting the Stamp Act. -Arguments against the Action of Parliament.— The first Town to assert the Rights of the Colonists.— Repeal of the Stamp Act. — Popular Rejoicing at the News. Second Attempt of Parliament to Impose a Tax. — Dedication <>r the "Tree of Liberty." — Non-importation Agreements and Action. — Concessions of Parliament. — Burning of the "Gaspee." — Town Action concerning Tea. Bold Declaration of Rights.— Steps toward Convening a Continental Congress. S\ tnpathy with Boston. — Efforts to Maintain Public Order. — Committee of Inspection. — Abstinence from the Use of Tea.— Military Companies Organized.- Erecting Fortifications. — Washington and his Army pass through. — Declaration of Independence. — Troops Centered Here. — Capture of the Pigot.— General Sullivan is Succeeded by Gates.— Visit of Washington. — Barton's Capture of Prescott. — Close of the War. — Protection of Commerce. — Adoption of the Constitution. — Commercial Importance of Providence. — Last Visit of Washington 171

CHAPTER VII.

GROWTH OP PROVIDENCE Town AND CITY.

Business Enterprises and Prosperity. — Yellow Fever. — Presidential Visit. — War of 1812.— Great Storm of 1815. Visit of President Monroe. —Providence in 1S20. — Temperance Movements. — Riots of September, 1830. — The City Charter and Government under it. The Town Dissolved and the City Established. — Review of the new City. Streets. -Finances. — The Dorr War. — Adopting the State Constitution.— A long Period of Prosperous ( S-rowth 192

CHAPTER VIII.

PROVIDED E CITY DURING THE REBELLION.

Opening of the Rebellion. Recruiting.— Establishment of Camps. —First Regiment R. I Detached Militia. General Burnside. — Second R. [. Volunteers. — Fourth P. I. Volunteer,. Ninth R. 1. Volunteers.— Tenth R. I. Volunteers. -Seventh R. [. Volunteers. Eleventh R. 1. Volunteers.— Twelfth R.I. Volunteers.— Hospital Guards. Firsi R. I. Cavalry.— Seventh Squadron R. I. Cavalry.— Second R. I. Cavalry.— Third P. I. Cavalry.— Third R. 1. Heavy Artillery.— Fifth R. I. Ile.iw Artillery. Fourteenth R. I. Heavy Artillery. First Light Battery R. I. Volunteers.— Tenth Lighl Batten R. I. Volunteers. First R. I. Light Artillery. Batteries A, P. < !, I >. E, F, c and II. —Close of the War. The City Prosper- •Return of the Soldiers. Soldiers and Sailors' Monument.— Dedication

Mr- Whitman's Hymn 209

CHAPTEB IX.

PR( iVIIU •. , \H COMMERCE.

Favorable Sit< f< mmerce. Early Commercial Importance. Growth and

Declineof Foreign « I tnerce.- Prominent < Jommercial Houses.— Statistics and

Reminiscent n Voyages. Providence Pusiness Establishments in

1814.- Shipping Statistics after the War of 1812.- Merchants of that Time.—

TABLE OF CONTENTS. ' Vll-

PAGE

Shipbuilding.— Early Bank Directors.— Packet Lines.— To Coastwise Cities.— To Points on the Bay.— Whale Fishing Enterprises.— Fish Barges.— Decline of the Shipping Interests.— First Steps toward Railroad Building.— Boston and l'roviaence.—New York, Providence and Boston.— Providence and Worcester.— Hartford, Providence and Fishkill.— Providence and Bristol.— Seekonk Branch. —Providence and Springfield.— Union Horse Railroad 264

CHAPTFK X.

PROVIDENCE CITY— PARKS, CEMETERIES. OLD BUILDINGS TAVERNS AND HOTELS.

Roger Williams Park.-The Cove Park.-Blackstone Park.-Tock wotteu Park.— Washington Park.— Roger Williams Square.— Hay ward Park.— Franklin Square. —Prospect Terrace.— Abbott Park.-The Heater Piece.— Dexter Training Ground.— Field's Point Farm.— Arnold Square.— Elm wood Avenue Park.- Cemeteries.— North Burial Ground.— Grace Church Cemetery.— Swan Point Cemeter v.— Locust Grove Cemetery.— Hebrew Cemetery.— St. Patrick's Cemetery.— St. John's Churchyard.— West Burial Ground.— Historic Buildings.— Old Business Houses.— Antique Churches.— Ancienl Dwellings and Bomesteads.— Old Public Buildings.— Old Buildings now Unknown.— Old Inns and Taverns.— Hotels of the Present Time ~ , °°

CHAPTER XI.

PROVIDENCE CITY — STATISTICS \M> OFFICIAL LISTS.

Statistics.— Growth in Property Valuation.— Taxation,— Population.— Division of the Citv into Wards.— Later Wards Created or Annexed.— Present Ward Boundaries.— List of Aldermen.— The Common Council.— Successive Mayors.— Clerks of Town and City.— Presidents of Boards of Aldermen and Common Council.— Treasurers of Town and City.— City Marshals and ( 'hiefs of Police.— Supervision of Public Works.— Judges and Clerks of Municipal and Police Courts.— Other City Officers.— Representatives in General Assembly from 1648 to 1889.— Senators from the Citv

CHAPTER XII.

PROVIDENCE CITY— POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS AND MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS.

The Police Department. -Early Constables.-A Night Watch Established. -Various Orders and Regulations Governing Them.-Special Watchmen Authorized.— Regulations Concerning Late Hours. -Volunteer Watch Established.-Marme Watch Established.-Smoking Segars in the Streets at Night Prohibited. -The Force Increased. -The Watch at the Organization of the City.-Incendiarism Prevailing Calls for Increase of Watch. — First Appointment of Day Police Force in 1851.— Police Stations Established.— Present Police System ( >rganized. —Uniforms First Provided in I860.— Present Composition and Condition.— Beginnings of the Fire Department. -Early Fire Engines. -Firewards and Volunteer Firemen.— Fire Engine Companies Organized. -A Paul Department Organized.-Tests of Capacity and Power.-New Companies Orgamzed.- Steam Fire Engines Introduced. -Manual Force Reduced. -Fire Alarm Telegraph.-Introduction of Pawtuxet Water. - Hose Companies Organized.- Chemical Engines Introduced. -The Present Department. -Buildings Occupied bv It-Important Fires. -Military History of Providence. -Early Trainings. -The United Train of Artillery.-The Light Dragoons.-The First Light Infantry.-The Infantry Armory.-The Marine Corps.-Veteran Associations. —The Mechanics' Rifles.— Slocum Light Guards.-Providence Horse Guards.— First Battalion of Cavalry .-Burnside National Guards.-The Meagher Guards. —The Wolfe Tone Guards.— The Emmet Guards

Vlii TABLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XIII.

PROVIDENCE CITY— A GENERAL RETROSPECT. PAGE

Growth as Shown bj Directories. -Some Old Residents.- Pers il Reminiscences of

FormerOld Residents. The General Appearance of the Town a Century Ago. — Customs of thai Time. Roads and Mails.— Early Stages.— Packet Lines.— Cold Winter of 1779-80.— The -Dark Day" of 1780.— Town Action Forbidding Smoking in the Streets. Streel improvement. — Origin of Streel Names.— Part of the City Site Reclaimed from the Water. — Comparative View of the Citj in 1846. Growth during the last Quarter Century.— Streets and Bridges.— Salubrity of Site. -City Expenses. — The Brook Street District. — Vita) Statistics. — Building Progress Streel Lighting 383

CHAPTER XIV.

PROVIDENCE CITY— PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND WATER WORKS.

The Old State House.— Providence County Court House.— The City Hall.— The Old Market House. TheCustom House. -The Old Stale Prison. -The Old Arsenal. -Public Waterworks. Sockanosset Reservoir.— Pettaconse! Pumping Station. -Hope Reservoir and Pumping Station. — The High Service. — Fruit Hill Reservoir.- -The Sewerage System 406

CHAPTER XV.

PROVIDENCE CITY— BENEVOLENT AND REMEDIAL [NSTITUTIONS.

The Dexter Donation.— Dexter Asylum. — Butler Hospital for the Insane. — The Rhode Island Hospital.- Home for Aged Women. — Home for Aged Men.— The Children's Friend Society.- St. Aloysius Orphan Asylum. — Association for the Benefit of Colored Children. — Various Benevolent Societies. — The Homeopathic I lospital.— Women's ( Christian Association.— The Little Sisters of the Poor. — St. Vincent de Paul Society.- St. Elizabeth's Home. — Public Charities in t lie Past.. 419

CHAPTER XVI.

CHURCHES OP PROVIDENCE CITY.

Religious Matters in the Settlement. Firs! Baptist Church. — Friends' Societj and Meeting House. First Congregational Church. St. John's Episcopal Church.— Beneficent Congregational Church. Richmond Street Congregational Church. High street Congregational Church. — Pilgrim Congregational Church.— Beginnings of Methodism in Providence.— The Fine Street or Central Baptist Church. Thud Baptisl Church.- Brown street Baptist Church.— Union Baptist church. Fourth Baptist Church.— First Universalis! Society. -Church of Sts. Peter and Paul. Westminster ( iongregational Society. < >lney Street ( Jongregational Church. Grace Church. Roger Williams Free Baptisl Church. -Pawtuxel Street Christian Society. Meeting Streel Baptist Church. -Congdon Street ptisl Church. Hope Streel M. F. Church. New Jerusalem Church.- St. |)hen*s Episcopal Church. -Fifth, South and Friendship Street Baptist Churches. Wesleyan Society. St. Patrick's Church. Seamen's Bethel.— Church of the Mediator. Second Free will Baptist. Zion M. E. Church.— Bethel Methodist. Jefferson Streel Baptist. Stewart Street Baptist. Free Evangelical Congregational, church of the Yahveh. All Saints' Memorial Church.— M.ithexvson street M. E. Church. Fn-t United Presbyterian. Broadway Methodisl Episcopal. Central Congregational. Park Streel Free Baptisl Church.— St. Mary's R. ( '. Church.- St. Joseph's R. C. Church.— Church of the Messiah, Episcopal.— Trinity M. F. Church. Church of the Immaculate Conception. - Jewish Congregation. Church of the Redeemer. Christ Church.— Church of the Epiphany. Sain! Paul's Episcopal Church.— Greenwich Street FreeBaptist. - st. Michael's R. C. Church of the Saviour.— Sea and Land .Mission.— North Congregational C'mrch. St. James' Episcopal Church.— Broadway Baptis!

TABLE OF CONTENTS. IX

PAGE Church.— South Baptist,— Elm wood Congregational. — African Union Methodist.— Asbury Methodist Episcopal.— Mt. Zion M. E. Church.— St. Paul's M. E. Church.— Cranston Streel Baptist.— St. Charles', French. R. C, Church.— Union Congregational. — Academy Avenue Congregational Church.— Advent Christian Church.— Plymouth Congregational.— Church of the Assumption, R. C— First Presbyterian.— Roger Williams Baptist.— St. Edward's, R. C. Arlington Free Baptist. St. Thomas', Episcopal.— Allen Mission. Free Religious Society.— Latter Day Saints.— Union Am. M. E. Church.— Mount Pleasanl Baptist.— Branch Avenue Baptist,— St. John's R. C. Church.— St. Theresa's R. C. Church.— Church of the Holy Name.— Our Lady of the Rosary.— Cranston Street M. E. Church. — Harris Avenue M. E. Church. — Ebenezer Baptist - Swedish Mission.— Church of the Blessed Sacrament.— Ballon Ohiversalisl 433

CHAPTER XVII.

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF PROVIDENCE CITY.

Early Action in Regard to Schools.— First Schoolmaster.— Early Schools.— The Town Votes to Build School Houses.— Efforts to Establish Free Schools.— School Law Passed by Assembly.— Free Schools Established in Providence.— Regulations Concerning Them.— More School Houses Built.— The System Reorganized.— Statistics up to 1840.— The High School Established.— The Public Schools of the Present.— School Buildings.— Evening Schools.— Statistics Concerning the Schools.— Brown University.— Friends' Yearly Meeting School.— State Normal School.— Rhode Island School for the Deaf.— The School of Design.— The Berkeley School.— Private Classical and Business Schools.— Providence Reform School.— St. Xavier's Academy.— Other Schools 495

CHAPTER XVIII.

PROVIDENCE CITY— LITERARY AND KINDRED INSTITUTIONS.

First Public Library.— The Athenaeum.— The Franklin Lyceum.— Providence Franklin Society.— Rhode Island Historical Society.- Soldiers and Sailors" Historical Society.— Providence Public Library.— Union for Christian Work.— Young Men's Christian Association.— Secular Newspapers.— Religious and Moral Periodicals.— Literary Papers.— Almanacs and Directories.— First Theater in Providence.— Law Against Theatrical Representations.— The Law Repealed.— Later Theaters.— Theaters and Public Halls of the Present 527

CHAPTER XIX.

HANKS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES OF PROVIDENCE CITY.

Banking Facilities.— Board of Trade.— First Banking Institutions.— The Providence Bank.— Exchange Bank.— Roger Williams Bank.— Union Bank.— Merchants' Bank.— Eagle Bank.— Manufacturers' Bank.— Mechanics' Bank.- Mechanics and Manufacturers' (5th National! Bank. High Street Bank.— Arcade (R. I. National) Bank. Weybo$se1 Bank. Blackstone Canal Bank.— Globe Bank.— National (Old) Bank.— City Bank. American Bank.— Commercial Bank- Bank of North America. Phenix Bank.— Traders' Bank. -Pawtuxet Bank.— Lime Rock Bank.— State Bank.— Bank of Commerce. What Cheer Bank.— Continental (4th National) Bank.— Bank of America.— Atlantic Bank.— Grocers and Producers' Bank.— Butchers and Drovers' Bank.— Liberty Bank.— Atlas Bank. — Westminster Bank.— Mercantile (1st National) Bank.— Jackson Bank.— Marine (3d National) Bank.— Northern Bank.— Second National Bank— Other Banks.— Providence Institution for Savings. Peoples' Savings Bank.— Mechanics' Savings Bank.— City Savings Bank.— R. I. Hospital Trust Company. Jackson Institution for Savings.— Citizens' Savings Bank. -Merchants' Savings Bank.— Franklin Institution for Savings.— Other Savings Institutions.— Beginning of the Insurance Business.— The Providence Washington.— The Providence

X TABLE OF CONTENTS.

PAGE

Mutual.— The American.— The Manufacturers' Mutual.— The R. I. Mutual.— The RogerWilliams.— The Merchants'.— The Atlantic Fire & Marine.— The Commercial Mutual. --Tli.' Franklin Mutual.— The Firemen's Mutual.— The State Mutual.— The Equitable Fire & Marine.— The Slater Mutual.— The Butler Mutual.— The Gaspee Fire & Marine.— The Tridenl Mutual.— The National Mutual.— The Hope.— The Providence Fire & Marine.— The City Fire & Marine.— The Narragansett Fire & Marine.— The Union Mutual.— The Blackstone Mutual.— The Newport Fire & Marine.— The Mechanics' Mutual.— The What Cheer Mutual.— The Enterprise Mutual.— The Merchants" Mutual.— The American Mutual Steam Boiler Insurance ( !ompany. — Other Insurance Companies 550

CHAPTER XX.

MANUFACTURING IN PROVIDENCE.

Early History of Manufacturing, statistics Soon After the Revolution.— Beginnings of the Jewelry Manufacture.— Hat Making.— Card Making.— Saddlery.— Beginnings of Various Other Manufactures. — Leather and Paper Making. — Manufactures in 1824.— Progress of a Quarter Century Succeeding 1820. — Establishments in Operation About 1840.— Progress of Manufactures. 1855, 1875, 1880. — Providence Association of Mechanics and Manufacturers. —Men Who Were Prominent in Its History 581

CHAPTER XXI.

PROMINENT MANUFACTURING CONCERNS OF PROVIDENCE (ITY.

The Allen Fire Department Supply Co. — American Enamel Co. — American Electrical Works. American Multiple Fabric Co. — American Screw Co. — American Ring Traveler Co. American ship Windlass Co.— American Supply Co. — American Tubing & Manufacturing Co. -Atlantic Mills. — Atlantic Manufacturing Co. — W. F. Barrett & Co. Barstow Stove Co. -R. Berry & Co. R. B. Bannister.— N. C. Briggs. -Henrj Blundell & Co. — Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Co. — Builders' Iron Foundry. Corliss Safe Manufacturing Co. Corliss Steam Engine Co. — Chatterton's File Work.. City Machine Co.— H. J. & H. F. Campbell.— Geo. E. Cole & Co. -George M. Cruikshank. — Davol Rubber Co.— Perry Davis & Son. — Davenport Arms Co. Diamond Machine Co.— J. C. Dodge & Son. — George C. Douglass. Elmwood Mills. Henrj W. Ellis.- The Elizabeth Mill. — Elm wood Paper Box Co. — Wm, H. Fenner & Co.— Fletcher Manufacturing Co.— Wm. A. Harris Steam Engine Co. \. J. I larris.— Franklin Machine Co. — Fuller Iron Work.. Granger Foundry & Machine Co. — John Gillington. -G. F. Glauner. — The Gorham Manufacturing Co.— J. A. Gowdey & Son. John Heathcote. — Heaton Mutton Fastener Co. Hicks Boiler Works. — A. & C \V. Holbrook.— John Hope.- Hope Webbing i o. George Hawes & Sons. L. F. Joslin & Son. -Kend-

rick I u Harness Co. King & Richards. — Reliance Flour and drain Mills. —

Macnair& Burlingame.— Martin & Norris. Thomas Mabbett. Manton steam

Steerer Work-. Miller Iron Co. Dutcher & Eai 3.- Volnej W. Mason.—

McWilliams Manufacturing i 'o. Miles Uarm-till Manufacturing ( !o. Moulton & Ingraham. New England Coffee and Spice Mills.— National Tubing Co. National Worsted Mills. Nayatl Brick Co.— N. E. Butt Co.— Nicholson File Co.— Nottham Mills. Thos. Phillips & Co.— Phenix Iron Foundry.— Presbrey & Myrick. Providence Machine Co. Providence Steam Engine Co. — Household Sewing Maehin, Co. Providence Worsted Mills.— E. R. Randall.— R. I. Bleach & Dye

Works. R. I. Braiding and Macl ^ Co.— R. I. Concrete Co. R. 1. Coupling

1 '"• R- I- Loco ti\e Work,, i;. [, Macliinery Agency. -R. 1. Malleable Iron

Works. William B. Rider. Royce, Allen & Co. slater Mill and Power Co.—

Spicers<S Peckham. S. S. Sprague & Co.— Geo. W.Stafford Manufacturing Co.

-Stedman & Fuller M'f'g Co. -Stillman White. Horace Thurston.— Towel Rack

<S Noveltj Co. Union Eyelet Co. Union Oil Co.- Valley Worsted Mills.— What

i Paint Works. Rice & I tayward 607

TABLE OF CONTENTS. XI

CHAPTER XXII.

THE MANUFACTURE OP JEWELRY IN PROVIDENCE CITY. PAGE

Providence the Leading City. — Magnitude of the Interest. — Before the War of 1812. — Later Progress.— Location of the Shops.— In Time of the War.— Short-lived Jewelry Houses.— Brief notices of the Principal Manufacturing Establishments now in Operation 636

CHAPTER XXIII.

VARIOUS FRATERNAL SOCIETIES.

Early history of Free Masonry here. — Grand Lodge formed. — St. John's Lodge. — Prominent Masons of that Day. — Thomas Smith Webb. — The anti-Masonic uprising in 1828. — Revival of the Order. — Differenl Masonic Lodges. — Royal Arch Masons. — Other Departments of the Order. — < lolored Masons.— Rise and Progress of the Odd Fellows. — Different Lodges.— Goo< I Samaritans.— Grand Army of the Republic— Knights of Pythias.— Knights of Honor.— Knights and Ladies of Honor.— Knights and Ladies of the Mystic Circle.— Ancient Order of Forresters. — American Legion of Honor. — United Friends.— N. E. Order of Protection. — Royal Arcanum.— Royal Society of Good Fellows.— Order of Elks.— Ancient Order of United Workmen.— Alfredians.— Sons of St. George.— Pilgrim Fathers.— Caledonians.— Scottish Clans.— Orders of Lucilius, the Colden Cross, Improved Red Men, and Harugari. — German and Hebrew societies.— Temperance organizations 651

CHAPTER XXIV.

PROVIDENCE CITY — BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

Albert Lee Anthony.— Eli Ay lsworth. — Joseph Banigan.— Jerothmul B. Barnaby. — William B. Blanding.— Obadiah Brown.— Henry R. Barker.— John Park Campbell.— Henry C. Clark.— William Corliss. —Perry Davis.— Daniel Eugene Day.— Charles Fletcher.— William A. Harris.— William S. Hay ward.— Thomas J. Hill. — William Henry Hopkins.— Hiram Howard.— Oliver Johnson.— Benjamin Brayton Knight.— Robert Knight.— Herbert W. Ladd.— Henry Lippitt.— Isaac M. Potter.— Fitz James Rice.— Gilbert F. Robbins.— Elisha H. Rockwell.— Samuel Stearns Sprague.— Royal Chapin Taft.— Harvey E. Wellman.— Henry B. Winship 677

CHAPTER XXV.

THE TOWN OF CRANSTON.

Description.— Organization.— Town Meetings.— Officers, etc.— Settlement and Settlers.— Militia.— Industries.— Cranston Print Works.— Knightsville.— Pa wtuxet Village.— Oak Lawn.— Fiskeville. — Arlington.— Auburn. — Howard Station. — Corliss Safe Company.— Education.— State Farm.— Early Fairs and Cattle Shows. — Biographical sketches 746

CHAPTER XXVI.

THE TOWN OF JOHNSTON" .

Description. — Early Manufacturing.— First Town Officers.— Highway Districts. — Schools. — Johnston in the Rebellion. — Town Farm. — Horse Detective Society. — Prominent Families. — Olneyville. — Merino Village. — Hughesdale. — Manton. — Thornton. — Upper Simmonsville. — Graniteville. — Centerdale 785 xii TABLE OF C< "NTEJS IS.

PORTRAITS. page.

Angell, Enior .) 808

Antlu.m . Albert L 677

Arnold, Barnard 88

Aylsworth, Eli 564

Banigan, Joseph 682

Barker, Henrj R 69a

Barnaby, Jerothmul B 684

Beane, George F. A 810

Blanding, William 13 657

Bradley, < lharles S 42

Brown, < >badiah 688

Budlong, John (' 88b

Burges, Walter S 52

Calef, George C 812

Campbell, John P 6!>2

Clark, Henry C 094

Cooper. Robert W 802

Corliss. William 612

Davis, Perry 614

Day, Daniel E 558

Fletcher, Charles 624

Hall. Robert 88d

Hall. William If 774

1 [arris, William A 616

Bayward, William S 708

Hill, Thomas J ■ 626

Hopkins, William H 710

Johnson, Oliver 714

Kenyon, < reorge II 88f

Knight, Benjamin B 720

Knight, Robert 724

La. 1.1. Berber! W 728

Lippitt, Henrv 732

Pond. I >aniel"B 46

Potter, tsaac M 734

Rice, Fitz James 635

Robbins, Gilbert F 736

Rockwell. Elisha II 738

Sprague, Samuel S (>33

Tali. Roval 553

Tucker. Henrv (i 782

Van SI vck. Nicholas 56

Wellman, I [arvey E 560

Westcott, AmasaS 50

W I it -a ton. James 1 130

Wheeler, Jonathan M 784

Winship, I [enry !'. (i7<;

VIEWS. Etc.

Map of Providence Count} 1

Residei of Wm. H. Hopkins 711

MAP OF

Providence County,

r. I.

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

CHAPTER I.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

Political Geography.— Watercourses. — Manufacturing Industries. — Agriculture. — Railroads. — Population and Growth. — Schools of the County. — Geology of the Count}-, Rocks, Soils, Minerals, Timber, etc.

PROVIDENCE COUNTY occupies the entire northern part of the state of Rhode Island. It is bounded on the north by Worcester and Norfolk counties, in Massachusetts; on the east by Norfolk and Bristol counties, of Massachusetts; on the south by Bristol and Kent counties, of Rhode Island; and on the west by Windham county, Connecticut. In shape it is nearly square, its greatest measurement being from east to west, near the south side, where it reaches a distance of 24 miles. The length for the most part, however, has an average of about 22 miles, while its width from north to south is twenty miles throughout most of its length, the distance being somewhat less in the eastern part. The county has an area of 380 square miles. It has an uneven surface, which, however, nowhere reaches any considerable elevation. Its soil generally is fertile.

The county is drained by the Blackstone river, which runs partly along its eastern border, and by the Pawtuxet river, which forms a part of its southern boundary. These rivers and their numerous branches afford water power for a great number of manufactories, which industry is the chief interest of the county. Of these tributaries one of the chief ones is the Chepachet, which waters the northwestern part, through its branch, called the Clear river, furnishing power at Pascoag, and after their union giving power at Slatersville and other factory villages, and flowing into the Blackstone at Waterford on the northern boundary of the county. Blackstone river below Pawtucket takes the name of Seekonk, and below the city of Providence is known as Providence river. The Moshassuck rises in the town of Lincoln, and flows nearly parallel with the Blackstone and about two miles from it, on the west, and empties into Providence river at the Cove, where it meets the larger stream, the Woonasqual tucket, the latter stream rising in the northern central part of the county and driving numerous mills on its way. The Pawtuxet river drains almost the entire southern half of the county. It has numerous branches: in the town of Foster, Shippe and Killy's brooks, Ponaganset river, Hemlock brook, and Westeonnaug reservoir; in Scituate, Hunting House brook, and Moswansicut pond and stream; and in Johnston and Cranston numerous brooks which unite to make the important tributary known as the Pochasset. On the east the Blacksi. me receives the waters of Seven Mile river and Ten Mile river. The southwestern corner of the county is drained by the Moosup river, which flows southwest into the Quinnebaug, in Connecticut. The last mentioned stream also receives waters from the western border of this county through the Chestnut Hill brook in the vicinity of East Killingly.

All these streams are copious in their flow, and for the most part rapid in their descent, affording a great amount of available water power. The county contains some three or four hundred factories and mills, outside of the cities, and most of these are located on sr.d supplied with water power from some of these streams. Including those of all kinds in the cities, this county has some 1,700 establishments engaged in some kind of manufacturing. These establishments have invested an aggregate capital of some sixty million dollars, and give employment to about 50,000 operatives. The greatest single industry in this class is the manufacture of cotton goods. There are about 80 establishments in the county engaged in this manufacture. The capital invested would reach about $15,000,000. The amount of power utilized from the streams noticed, used in this manufacture alone, is about 12,000 horse power. In these factories there are employed about one and a quarter million spindles, and eighteen thousand looms. There are thus manufactured annually, about 60,000,000 yards of print cloths, 70,000,000 yards of sheetings, shirtings and twills, 5,000,000 pounds of cotton yarn, and a great variety of other goods in smaller quantities, consuming a grand total of 25,000 tons of cotton, and producing annually gocds to the value of si i'.. i mm 1,000. The woolen manufacturing of the county is, carried on in about 40 establishments, employing a capital of about six million dollars, 3,000 horse power of water wheels, 1,500 looms and about 8,000 operatives. These mills consume about 15,000,000 pounds of wool, and manufacture some 10, 000,000 yards of woolen cloths and 1,000,< 00 pounds of yarn, all the products being worth in the aggregate about S14,ooo,000. The iron manufactures of this county are also important, the bulk of them, however, being confined to Providence city. There are in the county some $10,000,000 capital invested in this branch of manufacturing. Over 6,000 hands are employed in it, and over 2,000 tons of iron and steel are annually used, making products valued at about $1 1. 01 h 1,000.