Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy Archives — Page 2 of 36

Biography of Leroy V. Bell

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Leroy V. Bell (1885-), a prominent business figure in Wakefield, Rhode Island, was the sales agent for Nash and Chevrolet motor cars. Born in Wakefield to Louis F. Bell and Emily (Potter) Bell, he was educated in local public schools, South Kingstown High School, Rhode Island State College, and the School of Design. Initially a builder and contractor with his father for about twenty years, Bell transitioned to the automobile business in 1922. He successfully managed the Nash and Chevrolet agencies. Bell, an independent voter and active community member, served as a quartermaster in the Rhode Island State Guard during WWI. He married Lillian Eaton, and they had three children: Louis F., Leroy V., Jr., and Thomas Henry.

Biography of Louis F. Bell

Louis F. Bell (1857-), a contractor and builder in Wakefield, Rhode Island, was a significant figure in the community for over forty years. Born in New Haven, Connecticut, to Louis H. Bell, a saddler from Germany, and Martha (Walters) Bell from Ireland, he moved to Rhode Island and began his career in construction. Bell became an independent contractor in 1885, constructing notable buildings such as the Bell Block, Barber Block, Jones Block, Wakefield Grammar, South Kingstown High School, Hazard Memorial Building, and South County Hospital. A Republican, he also served on the South Kingstown Council and Board of Assessors. Bell married Emily Potter in 1879, and they had eight children.

Biography of William Paine Sheffield

William P. Sheffield (1893-), a prominent lawyer and industrial executive in Rhode Island, upheld the legacy of his father and grandfather, both named William Paine Sheffield. The Sheffield family, established in Newport, Rhode Island, since the colonial era, had a history of significant contributions to society and politics. Sheffield, educated at Brown University and Harvard Law School, joined the family law firm and held various civic and business roles. He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army during WWI. Sheffield married Agatha Spoank in 1917, and they had four children: William P. IV, Edwin S., Richard B., and Agatha S.

Biography of Herbert Montague Sherwood

Herbert Montague Sherwood (1887-1923) was a prominent lawyer in Providence, Rhode Island. Born to David Faulkner and Mary Louisa (Scribner) Sherwood, he graduated from Brown University and Harvard Law School. Sherwood practiced law with several firms, culminating in Sherwood, Heltzen & Clifford. He served in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and Senate, and was a captain in the U.S. Army during WWI. He married Margaret Gammell Meader in 1920, with whom he had five daughters. Sherwood was also involved in his father’s extensive real estate ventures.

Biography of Howard W. Hathaway

Howard W. Hathaway, born December 12, 1876, in Somerset, Massachusetts, was a notable orchard owner in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. He partnered with his father, Charles E. Hathaway, transitioning from pottery and electrical insulation manufacturing to orchard development in 1915. Their business, starting in Somerset in 1905, expanded to Portsmouth, cultivating fifty acres of vegetables and 150 acres of fruit trees. Active in several horticultural societies, Howard was also involved in local politics and community organizations. He married Nellie R. Calder in 1898, and they had eleven children.

Biography of John Henry Bailey, Jr.

John Henry Bailey, Jr., born March 6, 1863, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was a dedicated educator who served as superintendent of schools in Coventry, Rhode Island. Descended from early American settlers, Bailey’s career began after graduating from the State Normal School in Providence in 1882. He held various teaching and administrative positions before becoming Coventry’s superintendent in 1919, a role he held until 1929. Post-retirement, Bailey managed the Nathanael Greene homestead in Anthony. Active in civic life, he was a Mason and member of several educational and veterans’ organizations. Bailey married Martha Josephine Harris in 1890, and they had three children.

Biography of Herbert A. Capron

Herbert A. Capron, born January 2, 1885, in Providence, Rhode Island, was a prominent figure in the state’s automobile industry. He began his career in 1903, working with his father to sell Franklin automobiles, later representing Pope and Cadillac cars. In 1929, he became the distributor of Auburn and Cord cars, serving as president of the Auburn Motor Car Company of Rhode Island. Capron was also active in Masonic organizations and the Rhode Island Automobile Dealers’ Association. He married Charlotte Smith in 1912, and they had two children, George B. and Barbara N. Capron passed away in 1931.

Biography of Moses E. Shippee

Moses E. Shippee, born May 19, 1859, in Richmond, Rhode Island, was a notable businessman in East Greenwich. He began his career in the grocery and market business, later managing the Updike Hotel. Despite losing his sight in 1895 due to rheumatism, he continued successfully in real estate and insurance until his retirement in 1922. Shippee was active in the First Baptist Church and the Masonic Order. He married Sarah Aylesworth, and they had one daughter, Marion. Shippee passed away on April 2, 1927, leaving a legacy of dedication to his community and business acumen.

Biography of John Francis Deering

John Francis Deering, born November 24, 1863, in Melfort, Scotland, was a prominent educator in Rhode Island. After moving to the United States, he graduated from La Salle Academy in 1878 and later took a course at the Rhode Island School of Design. Deering worked as a principal and teacher at Arctic Public School from 1882 to 1913 before becoming superintendent of schools in West Warwick. He was active in various organizations, including the Knights of Columbus and the National Education Association. He married twice and had two children from his first marriage.

Biography of Joseph Howard Ladd, M. D.

Joseph Howard Ladd, M.D. (1876-1948), was a prominent psychiatrist specializing in the care of the feeble-minded. Born in High Forest, Minnesota, and educated at Dartmouth Medical College, he began his career at the Walter E. Fernald School in Massachusetts. In 1907, he became superintendent of the Exeter School in Rhode Island, leading significant advancements in the care and education of mentally deficient individuals. Under his administration, the school expanded its facilities and programs, despite ongoing challenges. Dr. Ladd was an esteemed member of various medical and psychiatric associations, contributing significantly to the field until his death.