Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy Archives — Page 27 of 36

Biography of Thomas E. Harrop

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

As chief of police of the town of West Warwick, Rhode Island, Thomas E. Harrop has proved himself an able and efficient public servant, and a trustworthy guardian of the public safety. He was born at West Warwick, on April 13, 1887, a son of Thomas H. and Bridget (Callahan) Harrop. His father, who was born at Warwick, Rhode Island, has been engaged in the textile industry for many years, and his mother a native of Riverpoint, Rhode Island, is now deceased. Thomas E. Harrop was educated in the public schools of his birthplace and then attended the English High … Read more

Biography of Rt. Rev. William Augustine Hickey, D. D.

Rt. Rev. William Augustine Hickey, D. D., Count of the Catholic Church, Bishop Assistant at the Pontifical Throne, Commander of the Order of the Crown of Italy, was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, May 13, 1869, son of William and Margaret (Troy) Hickey. His father was among the first to respond to President Lincoln’s call for defenders of the Union, and served gallantly and loyally in army and navy through the Civil War. Bishop Hickey was educated in the public schools of Worcester, being graduated from the Worcester Classical High School. His college education was received at the College of the … Read more

Biography of Ellis A. Cranston

Ellis A. Cranston, a member of an old and prominent Rhode Island family, was born in this State and has always lived here. After more than twenty years with a well-known Providence concern, he became chief of police of his native town, Warwick, and has filled this office very ably for the last seventeen years. He has been active in various fraternal organizations and is one of the popular and highly respected members of the community. Ellis A. Cranston was born at Warwick, May 3, 1876, a son of the late Orlando R. and Ida M. (Johnson) Cranston, and a … Read more

Biography of Nathan E. Kendall

After more than thirty years of successful activity in the electrical contracting business, Mr. Kendall established himself, together with a partner, in the insurance business in West Warwick. His well known reputation for fair dealing, his wide acquaintance in Kent County, and his pleasing personality were important factors in building up this business in a comparatively short time to one of large proportions. Mr. Kendall is one of the best known and most successful insurance men in this part of Rhode Island and the business of which he is the directing head continues to enjoy steady growth and prosperity. Nathan … Read more

Biography of Walter A. Kilton

Having entered the United States Postal Service as a young man of twenty-four years, Mr. Kilton has been identified with this branch of the Federal government ever since with the exception of four years, 1917-21, when he was engaged in the real estate business. It is more than four decades that he has been identified with the Providence post office and almost one decade he has been postmaster of Providence. He was born at Coventry, Rhode Island, on April 20, 1856, a son of John J. and Emily L. (Hartness) Kilton, both natives of Coventry, and both now deceased. His … Read more

Biography of W. Herbert Caswell

A leader in the political activities of the Republican party in Narragansett and Washington County, W. Herbert Caswell, formerly engaged in the hotel business, has served as clerk of the Superior Court in his native jurisdiction, being the incumbent of the office of the town clerk of Narragansett for more than two-score years. He is a well-known expert in real estate and insurance, these being his principal business endeavors. Born in Narragansett, November 24, 1859, the son of William Gardiner and Sallie Carpenter (Gardiner) Caswell, W. Herbert Caswell attended the public schools of his native town and completed his education … Read more

Biography of William Gardiner Caswell

First a farmer, afterwards a merchant, prominent in town and State politics, the late William Gardiner Caswell in the latter years of his life was a well-known and successful hotel proprietor. He amassed a competence and lived in retirement for some years until his death. Born February 11, 1828, son of John West Caswell, William Gardiner Caswell died at Narragansett, July 16, 1896. He was at first engaged in farming, and later became a partner of his brother, John H., in the grocery and dry goods business, having a store in Kingston. His next business enterprise was the Mansion House … Read more

Biography of Hugh J. Gourley

The entire business career of Hugh J. Gourley of Warren, Rhode Island, has been associated with the textile industry, and has been marked by steady advancement in that field. Hugh J. Gourley was born in County Armagh, Ireland, May 4, 1874, son of Isaac and Kathleen (Malloy) Gourley, both now deceased. The father, who was a farmer, was born in Scotland, and the mother in Ireland. The son grew up in this country and was educated in the public schools of Chicopee and Springfield, Massachusetts, and in the Springfield High School. For his industrial career, he prepared by a correspondence … Read more

Biography of Herbert Elmer Drake

A native of New Hampshire and a member of an old New England family, the late Herbert Elmer Drake spent his entire career in educational work. By far the greater part of his work as a teacher, covering more than three decades, was done at one of the high schools of Providence. A distinguished scholar, an inspiring teacher and a man of sterling character, Mr. Drake left his impress on many successive generations of the youths of Rhode Island’s capital, and thus much of his work was of lasting value. He was also prominently active in religious work, a popular … Read more

Biography of James M. McCarthy

Owner of the McCarthy Dry Goods Company, founder and president of the Woonsocket Trust Company, James M. McCarthy has been an important and familiar figure in the life of this city for many years. He was born at Providence, Rhode Island, on May 7, 1858, a son of Dennis J. and Rose (McEvoy) McCarthy, of that city. Both parents were born in Ireland, the father in Killarney, the mother in Lonsford, and the former was a stevedore by trade. James M. McCarthy received his education in the public schools of his birthplace, completing the high school course in 1874, and … Read more