Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy Archives — Page 17 of 36

Biography of James Henry Hurley

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

Born in Rhode Island, and a lifelong resident of this State, James Henry Hurley has been a leading figure in real estate circles of Providence for well over a quarter of a century. Mr. Hurley began life in modest circumstances, and has risen to his present position solely through his own efforts. His success has not been achieved through wealth or chance or the influence of powerful friends. He is in the broadest sense a self-made man, being both the architect and builder of his own fortune. Mr. Hurley was born at Providence, Rhode Island, on December 24 1858, a … Read more

Biography of Vincenzo R. Senerchia

A native and lifelong resident of Warwick, Kent County, Mr. Senerchia during the early part of his career was identified with the grocery business. Eventually, however, he decided to enter the drug business and in recent years he has been the owner of two popular and successful drug stores located in Apponaug, and West Warwick respectively. He is a veteran of the World War and gives further proof of his patriotism and public spirit by active participation in public affairs; and his popularity with his fellow-townsmen is indicated by the fact that they have elected him at different times to … Read more

Biography of Rev. F. A. Tirocchi

As pastor of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Natick, Rhode Island, Rev. F. A. Tirocchi is in charge of the only Italian church in the Pawtuxet Valley. Sacred Heart parish was organized in 1929, but before that time the task of erecting a church building had already been undertaken. Ground had been broken for the new church in June, 1928, the cornerstone had been laid, October 4, 1928, and on September 2, 1929, the completed building was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. James M. Hickey, Bishop of Providence. Though the actual organization of Sacred Heart parish is so … Read more

Biography of Rev. Dominic Dellarole

In the parish of Our Lady of Loreto, in Providence, Rhode Island, Rev. Dominic Dellarole is a true shepherd of his flock, and greatly beloved and respected by his people. The parish of Our Lady of Loreto was organized by Father Vincent Vican in 1920, but the time had not yet come for the building of a church. The first pastor, Rev. Peter Gorrett, now at Silver Lake, said Mass in a room in what was later the parochial residence. He worked faithfully for the development of the new parish and gave of his best to his people. On February … Read more

Biography of Rev. Walter J. Rozpad

The present pastor of St. Cassimir’s Church of Warren, Rhode Island, Rev. Walter J. Rozpad, took charge June 15, 1928, since which time he has been successfully carrying forward the work so well begun by his predecessors. St. Cassimir’s parish was organized October 21, 1908, with the Rev. Peter Switala as its first pastor. Father Switala purchased land as the site for a church, December 28, 1908, planned a modest church building, and placed the work of construction in charge of Thomas Loughlan. The work went forward successfully, and by July 25, 1909, the church was completed and consecrated by … Read more

Biography of Rev. W. J. Phelan

St. Benedict’s Church of Conimicut, Rhode Island, has been served since 1919 by Rev. W. J. Phelan, who is still (1930) giving to his people able leadership and a gifted ministry. St. Benedict’s is one of the younger parishes of Providence Diocese. When it was organized in 1914, by Father Michael O’Brien, it numbered less than six hundred souls, but at the present time it includes some two thousand members. When Father O’Brien took charge there was no church building and the task of erecting a suitable place of worship was undertaken at once. Land was purchased, plans drawn, and … Read more

Biography of Rev. Edward A. Higney

A long and successful term of service has been that of Rev. Edward A. Higney, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church of Newport, Rhode Island, who took charge there January 18, 1912, and is still ably leading the people of that parish (1930). St. Joseph’s parish is, in reality, the oldest in Newport, though its existence has not been continuous. On August 20, 1837, Rt. Rev. Bishop Fenwick of Boston dedicated the first Catholic Church erected in Newport. It was a frame building, sixty-five by forty, with a gallery at the end, located on Barney Street, on the first land ever … Read more

Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy

This is a current work in progress. As there are four volumes of material, it will take some time getting through. Volumes 1-2 provide the history of Rhode Island state, while the third and fourth volumes provide biographies of Rhode Island citizens at the time the book was published (1932.)

Biography of Everett J. Horton

Reputed to be the largest flour merchandising concern in the State of Rhode Island is the E. J. Horton Company, of Providence, and to the enterprise and industry of its proprietor, Everett J. Horton, who founded the company in 1910, is due its present prosperity. Born, reared, and educated in Providence, Mr. Horton regards the interests of the town as of equal importance to his own and he has a host of friends who have known him throughout his life and esteem him not only for his business ability but also for the sterling fundamental worth of his character. Actively … Read more

Biography of Harry Parsons Cross

Toward the business and civic development of Providence, Rhode Island, as toward the conduct of his private affairs and his law practice, Harry Parsons Cross, of the firm of Greenough, Lyman & Cross, has always maintained an attitude of conscientiousness and efficiency. As a result, he is highly regarded as a lawyer and citizen. His influence on behalf of progress has been commensurate with his generous contribution of time and energy to public affairs. Harry Parsons Cross was born in Wakefield, Rhode Island, son of Elisha Watson and Frances Cooper (Wright) Cross. The father was a merchant and in the … Read more