Collection: Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy

Identified throughout his entire business career with the textile industry as a cotton merchant, Mr. Earle has for many years been one of the best known cotton merchants of Providence. G. Kenneth Earle was born at Valley Falls, Rhode Island, April 28, 1882, a son of George T. and Ada (Ide) Earle. His father, now deceased, was also a native of Valley Falls, where he was engaged as a florist until his death. Mr. Earle’s mother, still living, is a native of Norton, Massachusetts. Educated in the public schools of Central Falls, Mr. Earle graduated from the Central Falls High … Read more

A native and lifelong resident of Central Falls, Judge Roscoe M. Dexter has been for many years one of that city’s leading lawyers. He was born in Central Falls, November 3, 1877, a son of Theodore F. and Harriett (Tingley) Dexter. He has always made his home in Central Falls, which at the time of his birth was still a village and part of the township of Lincoln. Judge Dexter’s father was for many years a successful contractor and builder. His mother lived to the age of eighty-five years. Judge Dexter received his early education in the public schools of … Read more

For many years engaged in the music business in the city of Providence, Rhode Island, Ira Nathan Goff performed a most useful service to his fellowmen in this field of endeavor, as well as in whatever enterprises he undertook in the course of his most valuable life. From a boyhood of very modest circumstances, Mr. Goff built up his position in life until he became a leader in the business world, and, furthermore, accomplished this end entirely by his own efforts and untiring labors. There was no phase of community life that did not enlist his attention and often his … Read more

A finished artisan in the silk spinning industry, Fred Pearson was for nearly a quarter of a century associated with his occupation in Providence, where he served as assistant superintendent of the American Silk Spinning Company’s plant. Mr. Pearson was a man of quiet and retiring disposition, who was fond of his home and loved his garden and flowers. He made many friends, among whom were a number of intimates who were privileged to enjoy his charming Old World hospitality. He took an interest in everything pertaining to the good fortune of the community in which he lived and was … Read more

After having practiced his profession for about four years in Providence, Dr. Callery entered the United States Army Dental Corps in 1917. And after more than two years’ World War service, he was connected for a time with the United States Public Health Service and then for several years with the Dental Corps of the Regular United States Army. Eventually he returned to private practice, and since 1926, he has been one of the leading dental surgeons of Bristol. He enjoys a very high professional standing and a large practice. He is prominently active in several dental associations, belongs to … Read more

For more than a quarter of a century active in the business and professional life of Rhode Island, where he was both a member of the bar and a prominent figure in business, William Henry Thornley held a place of esteem and affection in the consideration of his fellowmen. Many were the organizations with which he was affiliated, and his career was one of service to others. While Mr. Thornley acquired a certain amount of wealth in the course of his life, he was liberal in giving of his resources for the aid of those in need, for building up … Read more