Providence Archives — Page 2 of 22 — Rhode Island Genealogy

Biography of Andres Anderson

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 4

Andres Anderson — Engaged in the dairy and poultry business on the Sneach Pond Road in the town of Cumberland, Rhode Island, Andres Anderson owns a sixty-four-acre farming property in this district and is widely and favorably known among the farmers here and in the milk trade. He sells his dairy products wholesale and conducts an extensive business in this region of New England. Mr. Anderson was born in Sweden, on July 17, 1870, son of Andrew Carlson Anderson. His parents never came to the United States, but he himself crossed the ocean to take up his home in the … Read more

Biography of William H. Gidley

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

Identified with the New England textile industry since he entered business, William H. Gidley has been connected at different times in responsible positions with various well-known textile concerns in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. For the last decade he has been treasurer and manager of several large textile companies at Cranston. He is widely known as an able business executive and enjoys high standing in the industry with which he has been connected for more than thirty years. He is a member of numerous Masonic organizations, as well as social and civic associations and is widely known in yachting circles, this … Read more

Biography of Peter A. Soderlund

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 Squire Senior Nicholson

In the business life of Rhode Island Squire Senior Nicholson is one of the foremost leaders, being president and founder of what is known as the Nicholson-Thackery chain store system in Rhode Island. This business he established in cooperation with his brother, Frederick Nicholson, many years ago, and it has grown to such proportions that its success is widely and generally recognized. Although now retired from active business endeavor, Mr. Nicholson maintains a lively interest in business affairs in New England and in the stores which he set up many years ago. Mr. Nicholson was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, … Read more

Biography of Samuel Burt Bailey

Having entered the employ of the Manville Jencks Company, one of the leading industrial establishments of Woonsocket, very soon after his graduation from high school, Mr. Bailey has continued to be connected with this company ever since then, a period of about a quarter of a century. His ability and devotion to his work gained him frequent and rapid promotions and today he is the office manager, and as such one of the prominent business executives of Woonsocket. He also takes a very active and helpful part in civic and religious affairs, is a member of several fraternal organizations, and … Read more

Biography of David D. Johnston

Having been elected for the first time many years ago as town clerk of Lincoln, Providence County, Mr. Johnston proved himself such a faithful and able public official that his fellow-citizens have reelected him from then on with the greatest regularity. During the quarter of a century which he has served his community as its town clerk, he has gained for himself to a remarkable degree the liking and respect of everybody. This, however, is easily explained by the fact that Mr. Johnston’s personality is very likable. He is a member of several fraternal organizations and in many other ways, … Read more

Biography of Michael Joseph Lynch

With the passing of Michael Joseph Lynch, for many years one of the foremost builders and manufacturers in New England, the community lost a valuable member, while to a multitude of friends his place can never be filled. Not only was he a productive and progressive agent but he was of such sterling character that he attained a fame for rectitude that was not exceeded by that of any other man of his generation. His life was an exemplification of the highest type of citizen, business man and loyal friend. He came here with nothing and erected a business monument … Read more

Biography of John Francis Kirby

In addition to holding a prominent place in business and banking circles in Woonsocket, John Francis Kirby has made a wide circle of friends through his activities in various fraternal organizations, of which he is an active and well-known member. John Francis Kirby was born November 29, 1890, at Woonsocket, and is the son of John H. Kirby, now retired, who was born at South Walpole, Massachusetts, and Bridget (Kirrane) Kirby, born in Woonsocket. John H. Kirby was for twenty-five years a member of the board of assessors of Woonsocket. John F. Kirby first attended the parochial schools, then St. … Read more

Biography of Harry Sharp

A resident of Centerdale, Rhode Island, for many years, Harry Sharp is known as one of the most enterprising men of business in this section of the State. He has founded and operated several important projects, and is now president and general manager of the Yacht Club Bottling Works, manufacturers of carbonated beverages. Mr. Sharp established this enterprise in 1915, and under his guidance it has grown to be one of the largest beverage manufacturing businesses in the State. Mr. Sharp was born in Bradford, England, on December 9, 1882, a son of Michael and Elizabeth (Boothman) Sharp, both born … Read more

Biography of Charles Francis Gilson

Owner and operator of the Center dale Pharmacy, at North Centerdale, Rhode Island, Charles Francis Gilson is a man of thorough training and wide experience in this field. His present enterprise is one of the important business establishments of the community, and one of the best of its kind in this part of the State. Mr. Gilson was born at Providence, Rhode Island, on May 2, 1892, son of Thomas and Annie (Maher) Gilson, both now deceased. The father, born in Portland, Oregon, was engaged as a machinist until the time of his death. The mother was a native of … Read more