Kent Archives — Rhode Island Genealogy

Biography of Charles T. Algren

Charles T. Algren, born on April 28, 1887, in Sweden, is a prominent general contractor and builder in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. He moved to the United States with his family in 1893. Algren, who learned the building trade from the ground up, established his own contracting business in 1922, employing 25 men and constructing numerous local buildings. An active community member, he serves on the Board of Education, the executive committee of the Chamber of Commerce, and was elected to the General Assembly in 1930. Algren, a Republican, is also involved in various fraternal organizations. He married Ellen Anderson in 1910, and they have three children: Louise, Mildred, and Doris.

Biography of Arthur G. Johnson

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 4

Arthur G. Johnson, born on October 16, 1892, in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, was the son of Swedish natives G. Andrew and Selma C. Johnson. A dedicated banker, Johnson began his career with Blanchard, Young and Company, later joining the Industrial Trust Company of Providence in 1916. Rising through the ranks, he became manager of its East Providence branch in 1924. A World War I Navy veteran, he was active in various professional and fraternal organizations, including the Masons. Johnson married Julia May Goozey in 1918, and they had one daughter, June. They attended Grace Church in East Providence.

Biography of William M. Lee

William M. Lee, born on September 3, 1866, in Warwick, Rhode Island, was the son of George Taft and Penelope Barton (Smith) Lee. After a successful 25-year business career in Providence, he transitioned to public service, becoming Cranston’s city treasurer in 1910. Lee also served as tax collector and a member of the Cranston School Committee. Active in the Republican Party, he was a member of several fraternal organizations and the Pawtuxet Baptist Church. Married to Mary Frances Arnold in 1889, they had two children, Jessie Arnold and Mildred Taft Lee.

Biography of John Henry Bailey, Jr.

John Henry Bailey, Jr., born March 6, 1863, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was a dedicated educator who served as superintendent of schools in Coventry, Rhode Island. Descended from early American settlers, Bailey’s career began after graduating from the State Normal School in Providence in 1882. He held various teaching and administrative positions before becoming Coventry’s superintendent in 1919, a role he held until 1929. Post-retirement, Bailey managed the Nathanael Greene homestead in Anthony. Active in civic life, he was a Mason and member of several educational and veterans’ organizations. Bailey married Martha Josephine Harris in 1890, and they had three children.

Biography of Moses E. Shippee

Moses E. Shippee, born May 19, 1859, in Richmond, Rhode Island, was a notable businessman in East Greenwich. He began his career in the grocery and market business, later managing the Updike Hotel. Despite losing his sight in 1895 due to rheumatism, he continued successfully in real estate and insurance until his retirement in 1922. Shippee was active in the First Baptist Church and the Masonic Order. He married Sarah Aylesworth, and they had one daughter, Marion. Shippee passed away on April 2, 1927, leaving a legacy of dedication to his community and business acumen.

Biography of John Francis Deering

John Francis Deering, born November 24, 1863, in Melfort, Scotland, was a prominent educator in Rhode Island. After moving to the United States, he graduated from La Salle Academy in 1878 and later took a course at the Rhode Island School of Design. Deering worked as a principal and teacher at Arctic Public School from 1882 to 1913 before becoming superintendent of schools in West Warwick. He was active in various organizations, including the Knights of Columbus and the National Education Association. He married twice and had two children from his first marriage.

Biography of Peter A. Soderlund

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

One of the prominent and progressive citizens of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, whose achievements and civic ideals entitle him to a place in these pages is Peter A. Soderlund, contractor and builder. Besides being an able business man and dependable builder, Mr. Soderlund has served in public office and has participated actively in fraternal and religious developments. Peter A. Soderlund was born in Sweden, September 1, 1881, son of John P. Soderlund, a native of Sweden, a builder in his own country, who sought his fortunes in the New World in 1894. He settled in Providence, Rhode Island, and in … Read more

Biography of George A. Bergstrom

Conducting the largest independent grocery and meat market in East Greenwich, George A. Bergstrom has built up the business to this point within less than half a dozen years by a close attention to every detail of the work and an unflagging industry. Mr. Bergstrom’s interest in all progressive movements of the community has been notable, and indicates the highest type of citizenship, as does his military record during that period when our country needed all its manpower to overcome the common enemy, and sent millions of soldiers overseas for that purpose. He has also shown a spirit of comradeship … Read more

Biography of J. Robert Abramson

Cashier of the Centreville National and Savings Bank at Centreville, Rhode Island, J. Robert Abramson has risen to this position through the merit of his services in the institution with which he is connected. Though still a young man he is well known in financial circles of this section. Mr. Abramson was born on June 8, 1897, at Warwick, Rhode Island, a son of Charles A. Abramson, a carpenter, and of Ida J. (Johnson) Abramson. Both his parents were natives of Sweden. The son, J. Robert Abramson, received his education in the public schools of the town of Warwick, and … Read more

Biography of Albert W. Bradley

A native of New York State, but since his early childhood a resident of Rhode Island, Mr. Bradley was during the earlier part of his career identified in various responsible positions with several of the leading manufacturing companies of Kent County. Eventually, he became a member of one of the leading insurance firms of Kent County, becoming the secretary and treasurer. He enjoys not only a high reputation in business and financial circles, but has been exceptionally prominent and active in fraternal affairs. Effectively active in church work, Mr. Bradley, by the extent and variety of his numerous interests, typifies … Read more