Thomas P. Brightman has been a lifelong resident of Bristol, Rhode Island, rising to his present position through his own efforts. He was born in Bristol, on December 6, 1882, a son of Thomas Brightman, who was born at Charlestown, Rhode Island, and has been engaged as a locomotive engineer for many years, and of Alice F. (Peckham) Brightman, born at Bradford, Rhode Island, and now deceased.
Thomas P. Brightman was educated in the public schools of Bristol, and later undertook the course of study at Bryant and Stratton’s Business College. Beginning his active career, he became associated with the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, at Bristol, on May 6, 1901, with which he has since remained. He was employed at first as a clerk in the office, and in the following few years devoted himself to learning the details of the business. By strict attention to the duties which came to him, he attracted the favorable notice of his superiors, and in course of time won gradual promotion to positions of responsibility and trust. In 1912 he was made assistant to the secretary of the company, and in 1917 became assistant manager. In 1921 he was chosen vice-president and manager. Since 1924, with Rudolf Haffenreffer, who purchased the enterprise with which he had been so long connected, he has been an executive of the new company. Mr. Brightman possesses a thorough knowledge of company affairs, and a wide background of general business experience. This enterprise owes much to his services, and he has been an important factor in its progress.
Mr. Brightman is a Republican in politics, supporting the principles and candidates of that party. He is affiliated fraternally with St. Albans Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons, and is also a member of Hope Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. During the period from 1900 to 1910, Mr. Brightman served as a member of the Rhode Island Naval Battalion, 1st Division, and for the last two years of that time, he held the rank of lieutenant, junior grade, commanding the division. Mr. Brightman’s hobby is sailing.
In 1908, Thomas P. Brightman married Mary Louise Young, who was born at Bristol, and he and his family attend St. Michael’s Protestant Episcopal Church, at Bristol. They are the parents of one son:
- Thomas P. Brightman, Jr.
Source: Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy, vol 3 of 4. New York: Lewis historical Pub. Co., 1932.