Collection: Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy

Long one of the active workers in the industrial life of Rhode Island, George W. Park held a place of especial prominence for his labors in the railway industry, having been connected for many years with the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad Company. Although not a native of this State, Mr. Park spent his entire life in New England, so that he was thoroughly familiar with the people and customs of this part of the United States, and was able to take a most helpful part in the affairs of his community. An individual of kindly and generous … Read more

Frederic W. Rounds, of Woonsocket, has been a banker since his entry into the business world, and is favorably known in banking circles in that city and vicinity. He was born in Providence, May 11, 1892, the son of Frederic W. and Hannah E. (Hubbard) Rounds, his father (1930) retired, having been for many years associated with the Household Sewing Machine Company. After attending the public schools of Cranston, Frederic W. Rounds became connected with the United National Bank of Providence, continuing with this bank from 1909 to 1915. In 1916 he transferred his interests to the Industrial Trust Company, … Read more

Strength to the financial structure, industrial activities and political prestige of Rhode Island has been lent in a marked degree by one of Providence’s own sons, Webster Knight, who is head of two banks, a director in other financial institutions and in a large public utility corporation, and generally known as a man of affairs throughout the State. Born in Providence, August 10, 1854, Webster Knight is the son of Robert and Josephine L. (Webster) Knight. He was graduated from Brown University in the class of 1876 with his degree of Bachelor of Arts. In that year he began a … Read more

Postmaster at Woonsocket since 1924, and a man of long experience in the government service, Frank A. Rixford has discharged the duties of his important position with complete efficiency and to the entire satisfaction of the community which he serves. He has been a familiar figure in various phases of Woonsocket life for many years, well known in civic, social, and fraternal affairs. Mr. Rixford was born at Woonsocket, Rhode Island, on May 7, 1875, a son of Willis H. and Ella L. (Andrews) Rixford. He obtained his preliminary education in the public schools of East Douglas, Massachusetts, later attending … Read more

Engaged prominently in the agricultural and civic life of the town of Cumberland, Rhode Island, in which he owned a farm on the Abbott Run road from 1886 until his death, January 23, 1923, Jesse A. Carpenter was widely and favorably known among his fellowmen. He was born on December 25, 1850, in what is now known as Adamsdale, or North Attleboro, Massachusetts, son of Louis S. and Cynthia A. (Cargill) Carpenter. His father was a native of Massachusetts, and his mother of Rhode Island. Jesse A. Carpenter received his education in his native community, and subsequently was engaged in … Read more

Prominent steel merchant, leader in financial circles of Providence and associated with numerous profitable and constructive business enterprises, the late Francis Wood Carpenter had a career replete of good, and his record is entitled to an honored place in the annals of Rhode Island. Few men accomplished more, during his period of activity, than he did for the common weal. He lived to the great age of ninety-one, and gave more than seventy years of effort to the advancement of Providence as an industrial, commercial and cultural center The effects of his work may be termed everlasting, in that they … Read more

For three generations there has been a Dr. Peckham in the city of Providence. First came Dr. Fenner Harris Peckham, Sr.; then his son, of whom we write, took over the practice; and the grandson, Dr. Charles F. Peckham, succeeded him and carried on until his death. Dr. Fenner Harris Peckham, who lived to the age of seventy-one years, spent more than forty-five years successfully engaged in works of the medical world here, and at the time of his passing was recognized as outstanding. He was born in East Killingly, Windham County, Connecticut, February 11, 1844; died in Providence, December … Read more