Business and civic life have furnished to Elmer Lother ample opportunity for rendering service to his fellowmen and for attaining to a place of prominence in his community and State. In Warren, Rhode Island, Mr. Lother is now filling the position of postmaster; and previous to his incumbency in this office he held the respect and the esteem of his fellows for his achievements in the jewelry trade.
Mr. Lother was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on August 27, 1881, a son of Joseph and Estelle H. (Huddleston) Lother. His father, a native of Ryegate, Vermont, was engaged as a cabinetmaker until his death, while the mother, who is still living, was born in Lubec, Maine. The son, Elmer Lother, received his early education in the public schools of Providence, Rhode Island, and then, upon completing his formal studies, went to work for the jewelry firm of Lawton, Spencer and Sherman, of the city of Providence. For four years he remained with this company, until at length he left it and went to work instead with the Browne and Sharpe Company, of Providence, with whom he continued for one year. Then he was employed by the Charles Sidney Smith Company, jewelers, with whom he remained for twenty-three years in the capacity of assistant manager. On February 1, 1925, he was appointed by President Calvin Coolidge as postmaster for the town of Warren, Rhode Island, a public position that he has filled with faithfulness and with credit since that time.
Along with his work in this connection, Mr. Lother takes an important part in the social and civic life of his community and State, being a member of a number of clubs and organizations that lead in the affairs of Warren. He is a member and a past president of the Lions Club of Warren, and Sea Scout Master of Admiral Abbott Ship, and a member of the New England Regional Committee of Sea Scouts. Fraternally, he is a member of Enterprise Lodge, No. 22, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of Rising Sun Lodge, No. 30, Free and Accepted Masons. He is also president of the Warren Outdoor Sports Association. In his political views Mr. Lother is firmly aligned with the Republican party, whose policies and principles he regularly supports; and he has served as warden and clerk of the election board in Pawtucket. From 1900 to 1902 he saw service in still another field of American life, the military forces of his country, having served one enlistment with the 3d Division Naval Battalion of the Naval Reserve. From 1913 to 1920 he served as adjutant on the staff of the Warren Artillery. Mr. Lother’s religious faith is that of the Baptist Church, his parish being the First Baptist, of Warren, Rhode Island, of which he is not only an active member but also a leader in numerous church organizations. He is president emeritus of the Churchmen’s Brotherhood, and is also chairman of the parish finance committee. When he is not busy with one or another of his commercial or civic duties, Mr. Lother enjoys nothing more than indulging in his favorite pastimes, principally outdoor recreations, such as boating, of which he is especially fond.
Elmer Lother married, in 1901, Josephine Almira Oliver, a native of Providence, Rhode Island. By this union there have been the following children:
- Elmer H., assistant secretary and auditor of the Narragansett Electric Light Company.
- William O., who is manager of the Bristol Electric Shop. Mr. Lother also has several grandchildren: Shirley, Joyce, and Dorothy, children of Elmer H. Lother; and Hope and Robert Elmer, children of William O. Lother.
Source: Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy, vol 3 of 4. New York: Lewis historical Pub. Co., 1932.