Biography of Grafton I. Kenyon

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

Grafton I. Kenyon is well known in Wakefield, Rhode Island, as a successful business man, secretary, and assistant treasurer of the O. P. Kenyon Company, Incorporated, and member of a family which has for more than two hundred years been associated with the development of Rhode Island. The Kenyon line includes the following generations: John Kenyon, born in 1605, who, in 1630, married Ann Smith; John Kenyon, born in 1636, married (first) Hannah Sheppard (second) Mary Rigby; John Kenyon, born in 1657, died in 1732, having married Sarah Gray, probably of Mayflower ancestry; Jonathan Kenyon, born in 1695, married Mary … Read more

Biography of B. Frank Robinson

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

B. Frank Robinson is a member of an old Rhode Island family, dating back to Revolutionary times. With the exception of a few years spent during his youth in New York City and in Providence, where he was engaged in laying the foundation for his knowledge of business, he has been a lifelong resident of his native town, Wakefield. As successor of his father as the head of one of the leading grocery establishments in Wakefield, established by Mr. Robinson’s grandfather more than a century ago, and as president of the most substantial financial institution of Wakefield, which for almost … Read more

Biography of Edward Martin Burke

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

Early recognition of the legal abilities of Edward Martin Burke followed his establishment in practice in Westerly in 1895, he having been elected in 1898 the first judge of the Probate Court in this place, an office he has filled continuously ever since. Judge Burke is a citizen of high standing, a lawyer of finish and a jurist of impartial decisions. His popularity in legal, social and fraternal circles is a matter of common knowledge and a host of loyal friends attest to an attractive character and friendly nature. He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, November 11, 1869, a son … Read more

Biography of Arthur L. Perry

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

Having become connected with the Westerly Savings Bank almost three decades ago, immediately following his college days, Mr. Perry has continued to be identified with this bank and its successor, the Washington Trust Company of Westerly. After having served for twenty-five years as treasurer, he succeeded his father in the presidency of the Washington Trust Company in 1929. He is one of the prominent bankers of Rhode Island and a leading figure in financial and business circles of the State. He is also a director of several other corporations, takes an active part in civic, fraternal and religious affairs, and … Read more

Biography of William Hinchliffe

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

Among the well-known textile experts of New England is William Hinchliffe, superintendent of the Caro Cloth Company, of Carolina, of which concern he was one of the organizers. He has an extensive experience in the textile processes and management of the business, covering many years. William Hinchliffe was born in Huddersfield, England, January 16, 1878, the son of George and Jane (Pontefract) Hinchliffe; the former, deceased in 1911, was a native of Scholes, England, and engaged in the textile trade until his death. The mother, also a native of Scholes, survives her husband. The son William attended the public schools … Read more

Biography of W. Herbert Caswell

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

A leader in the political activities of the Republican party in Narragansett and Washington County, W. Herbert Caswell, formerly engaged in the hotel business, has served as clerk of the Superior Court in his native jurisdiction, being the incumbent of the office of the town clerk of Narragansett for more than two-score years. He is a well-known expert in real estate and insurance, these being his principal business endeavors. Born in Narragansett, November 24, 1859, the son of William Gardiner and Sallie Carpenter (Gardiner) Caswell, W. Herbert Caswell attended the public schools of his native town and completed his education … Read more

Biography of William Gardiner Caswell

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

First a farmer, afterwards a merchant, prominent in town and State politics, the late William Gardiner Caswell in the latter years of his life was a well-known and successful hotel proprietor. He amassed a competence and lived in retirement for some years until his death. Born February 11, 1828, son of John West Caswell, William Gardiner Caswell died at Narragansett, July 16, 1896. He was at first engaged in farming, and later became a partner of his brother, John H., in the grocery and dry goods business, having a store in Kingston. His next business enterprise was the Mansion House … Read more

Biography of Arthur L. Gardiner

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

Since 1900 the textile industry of Rhode Island has been the medium through which the business abilities of Arthur L. Gardiner, of Shannock, have found expression. Mr. Gardiner’s work in business management has been highly commended, his activities prior to his coming to Shannock having been notable and appreciated by those with whom he was in association. Alive to the interests of the community in which he lives, he has been foremost in assisting in the promotion of such public enterprises as merited the attention of the better element and at present is a member of the Republican State Central … Read more

Biography of William McVay

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

Well known in the merchandising business in Carolina, William McVay has conducted a general store in his own name in his native town for thirty years. For a quarter of a century he has served as postmaster, and is a former member of the Richmond Town Council. His father, the late Michael McVay, was born in County Armagh, Ireland, and after he came to America engaged in the textile manufacturing business until his death. He served in the Civil War as a member of Company K, 14th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers. He married Mary Kennedy, born in Ireland, who is also … Read more

Biography of Reuben Bartlett Eaton

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

For more than twenty years, Reuben Bartlett Eaton has been associated with the Peace Dale Manufacturing Company of Peace Dale, Rhode Island. In that time he has risen from minor positions to those of great responsibility and trust, serving now as superintendent of the company. Mr. Eaton was born at Peace Dale, on January 29, 1891, a son of George S. Eaton, who was born in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, and was employed by the Peace Dale Manufacturing Company until his death, and of Lydia A. (Northup) Eaton, who was also born at South Kingstown. She is still living. Reuben … Read more