Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy Archives

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 Rev. John F. Downing

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 4

Rev. John F. Downing, born in Providence, Rhode Island, became pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Pascoag, Rhode Island, in March 1922. Educated at LaSalle Academy, Holy Cross College, and the Sulpician Seminary in Paris, he was ordained in 1902. Downing previously served at St. Mary’s in Bristol and Providence, and St. Michael’s in Georgiaville. During his tenure in Pascoag, he established a strong financial foundation for the parish and initiated the construction of a new church, expected to be completed by Easter 1931. He also ministers to the State Sanitarium and is active in various church societies.

Biography of Gardner Taber Swarts, M. D.

Dr. Gardner Taber Swarts, born December 13, 1857, in Providence, Rhode Island, was a pioneering public health figure and founder of the first municipal health laboratory in the U.S. He graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1879 and furthered his studies in Europe. As a city bacteriologist, Swarts co-established the groundbreaking health laboratory in Providence. He served as secretary and president of the American Public Health Association and significantly contributed to public health and bacteriology. Dr. Swarts was also involved in numerous civic and professional organizations. He married Fannie May Stinson and had two children. Dr. Swarts passed away on May 12, 1925.

Biography of Harold T. Lowe

Harold T. Lowe, born on July 19, 1891, in Buffalo, New York, is the superintendent of schools in North Providence, Rhode Island. Son of George and Caroline (William) Lowe, he earned a B.S. from Hobart College in 1917 and attended Columbia University. Lowe’s career began with the Otis Elevator Company before serving as a captain in the U.S. Army during World War I, where he earned the Croix de Guerre. Post-war, he transitioned to education, holding various teaching and administrative roles. Lowe married Anna Haig in 1917, and they have three children: Lucia Amy, Harold Ward, and Ellen Jean. He is active in community, fraternal, and veterans’ organizations.

Biography of Joseph H. White

Joseph H. White, born on April 1, 1872, in Union, Maine, is the Commissioner of Public Works for Woonsocket, Rhode Island. He is the son of Jonathan and Mary A. (Burkett) White. Educated in Union and at Colburn Classical Institute in Waterville, Maine, White gained practical engineering experience with the St. Georges Valley Railroad. His career began in Watertown, Massachusetts, where he served as town engineer until 1912. Moving to Woonsocket in 1916, he became assistant engineer and was appointed city engineer in 1929. White oversees engineering, water, highways, sewers, parks, and playgrounds. He is a member of several Masonic organizations and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. White married Bessie Bell Shurtleff, and they have a daughter, Cynthia. They reside at 100 Social Street, Woonsocket.

Biography of George M. Hull

George M. Hull, born on September 10, 1869, in Providence, Rhode Island, was the son of George B. and Emily (Smith) Hull. Starting as a clerk in the Union Oil Company of Providence in 1889, he advanced to plant manager until the plant’s closure in 1921. He then served as town treasurer of East Providence with distinction. Active in civic affairs, Hull held roles on the East Providence Town Council and the Rhode Island State Harbor Commission. A dedicated Freemason and community member, he also supported the Republican Party and attended the First Universalist Church of Providence. Hull married Josephine Mayno in 1893, and they had two sons, Thomas M. and George C., both World War I veterans.

Biography of Arthur G. Johnson

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 Albert Louis Greenberg

Albert Louis Greenberg, born on March 28, 1900, in Jassy, Rumania, relocated to Newport, Rhode Island, during his early childhood. Son of David and Rose (Wagner) Greenberg, Albert pursued his education at Newport’s public schools and graduated from the Law School of Boston University in 1925. Admitted to the Rhode Island bar in 1926, he established his legal practice at 166 Thames Street. Active in several fraternal organizations and local politics, Greenberg is also a member of the Newport Bar Association and the Touro St. Hebrew Temple. He resides with his father and is unmarried.

Biography of Hon. William T. Stedman

Hon. William T. Stedman (d. 1929) was a prominent business and civic leader in Rhode Island. Born in Wakefield, South Kingstown, he began his career at the Peace Dale Manufacturing Company, rising to assistant treasurer before retiring in 1916. Stedman was active in politics as a Republican, serving as a member and president of the Town Council, a State Representative, and State Senator. He also held roles such as town treasurer, tax collector, and treasurer of the Union Fire District. Stedman married Sarah Clarke and had two children, Oliver H. and Lucy R. His death on June 12, 1929, marked the loss of a dedicated public servant.