Providence

Graduating from Harvard University at the moment the United States became forced to take part in the World War, James Ira Shepard, of Providence, instantly abandoned his intention to engage in the practice of law and became an officer student at the Plattsburg Training Camp. He has now for a decade practiced before the bar of this State, during which period he has achieved a high reputation, having membership in one of the leading legal firms in New England. In addition to his official activities he has taken a sincere interest in public affairs, but never seeking office, satisfied to … Read more

When Thomas Wilson Dorr, whose name is associated with revolution rather than with forward movements in education in which he was a leader, proposed creation of the office of superintendent of public schools, he had in mind an officer who would perform for the scattered schools in a town or city system much the same functions which are related to an overseer or superintendent in industry, whose major service is coordination. Dorr emphasized administration rather than pedagogy as the principal business of the new officer; in modern systems, comprehending millions of investment in school estates and thousands of dollars of … Read more

A native of Boston, but during the greater part of his life a resident of Providence, the late Frank L. Vaughan was connected for more than half a century with the one concern, the Providence Engineering Works. It was characteristic of him that his entire business career should have been spent with the same firm and it was equally characteristic of him that, entirely as the result of his industry and ability, he rose from office boy to the position of treasurer. Widely known and very highly regarded in business and engineering circles, Mr. Vaughan was also active in Masonic … Read more

A native of Connecticut but during the greater part of his life a resident of Providence, the late William L. Adams was for many years one of this city’s leading hardware and electric supplies merchants. He enjoyed a very high reputation, based on his unusual business and executive ability, on the progressiveness of his business methods and on his consistent adherence to the highest business principles. He was prominently active in Masonic affairs, a member of several country clubs, helpfully interested in religious work, and, though he never sought or held public office, always willing to support enthusiastically and energetically … Read more

The span of years in which Horace Arnold Kimball lived and took part in the large industrial affairs of New England was from 1837 to 1911. The American Woolen Company, the Clicquot Club ginger ale enterprises and other such groups were but a few of the nationally and internationally known undertakings with which he had to do; and it may be truthfully said that he added much to the development of these companies and their projects. A man of extensive interests, he yet had time for social and civic affairs, and was never too busy with his numerous activities to … Read more

For more than a quarter of a century his native State, Rhode Island, has been the scene of Judge Emerson’s eminently successful professional activities as a lawyer. He is regarded as one of the leading members of the Rhode Island bar and has become especially well known for his ability as a practitioner of business and corporation law. Before he took up his legal career, he had spent several years with a large and prominent industrial concern, and this varied and extensive business training combined with his exceptional legal ability have made him a recognized authority and leader in business … Read more

In the business and commercial worlds, one of Rhode Island’s citizens who for many years took an important part was Walter Lane Preston, a native of Providence, this State, who was engaged in different types of endeavor in this city. The Preston interests, including those of both him and his brother, were extensive in scope and volume, not only in New England, but in other parts of the world as well. Mr. Preston was a man of unusual abilities, strongly public-spirited, eager to support the worthiest projects in his city, State and Nation, and kindly and generous in his personal … Read more

Closely identified with commercial and industrial enterprises in Rhode Island for nearly half a century, William Bohun McBee, of Providence, president of the Blackstone Mutual Fire Insurance Company, long since attained a position of influence and importance in the affairs of New England. Mr. McBee has always devoted his energies assiduously to his business affairs and by a high ambition, an unimpeachable code of business ethics and unflagging persistence has made himself one of the leading mutual insurance operators in the northeast section of the United States. He has always been independent in his political attitude, selecting the man for … Read more

Political and legal activities in the State of Rhode Island have been capably represented by a native son of Providence, George Hurley, who has risen to a high place in the practice of law and to important official station in the service of the Federal and State governments. Born in Providence, November 9, 1884, George Hurley is the son of John and Mary (Donohue) Hurley. He was graduated from Brown University with his Bachelor of Arts degree in the class of 1907. He was Rhodes scholar from Rhode Island at the University of Oxford in 1907-10. He studied law at … Read more

One of the established business men and property owners of Providence, Rhode Island, who contributed much to the general progress of the city was the late David O’Connor. David O’Connor was born in Providence, son of David and Bridget O’Connor, and he was educated in the local schools. As a young man he was launched in business as a grocery clerk and found the business one which appealed to him and offered him a chance of success. He later established a store of his own, carrying a full line of fancy and staple groceries and, in the days of local … Read more