Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy Archives — Page 28 of 36

Biography of John Swift Holbrook

Member of an old and distinguished American family, John Swift Holbrook continued in his own career the tradition of prominence long associated with the Holbrook name. His father, Edward Holbrook, was president of the famous Gorham Manufacturing Company in the great period of its growth and development. Mr. Holbrook succeeded him in this office and carried on his policies with complete success. The Holbrook family is of English origin, traditionally seated in Dorsetshire. It was founded in America by Thomas Holbrook, son of Sir Thomas Holbrook, of Broadway, Dorsetshire, England, who was born in 1601 and left Weymouth, England, in … Read more

Biography of Arthur L. Gardiner

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

Since 1900 the textile industry of Rhode Island has been the medium through which the business abilities of Arthur L. Gardiner, of Shannock, have found expression. Mr. Gardiner’s work in business management has been highly commended, his activities prior to his coming to Shannock having been notable and appreciated by those with whom he was in association. Alive to the interests of the community in which he lives, he has been foremost in assisting in the promotion of such public enterprises as merited the attention of the better element and at present is a member of the Republican State Central … Read more

Biography of William McVay

Well known in the merchandising business in Carolina, William McVay has conducted a general store in his own name in his native town for thirty years. For a quarter of a century he has served as postmaster, and is a former member of the Richmond Town Council. His father, the late Michael McVay, was born in County Armagh, Ireland, and after he came to America engaged in the textile manufacturing business until his death. He served in the Civil War as a member of Company K, 14th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers. He married Mary Kennedy, born in Ireland, who is also … Read more

Biography of Reuben Bartlett Eaton

For more than twenty years, Reuben Bartlett Eaton has been associated with the Peace Dale Manufacturing Company of Peace Dale, Rhode Island. In that time he has risen from minor positions to those of great responsibility and trust, serving now as superintendent of the company. Mr. Eaton was born at Peace Dale, on January 29, 1891, a son of George S. Eaton, who was born in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, and was employed by the Peace Dale Manufacturing Company until his death, and of Lydia A. (Northup) Eaton, who was also born at South Kingstown. She is still living. Reuben … Read more

Biography of Louis A. Beauregard

Louis A. Beauregard was born in Providence, Rhode Island, October 24, 1895, a son of Orvilla, a roofing contractor, and Cordelia (Des Lauriers) Beauregard, of Southbridge, Massachusetts. He was educated in Pawtucket and after completing his studies learned the electrical trade and followed that occupation until 1917, when he entered the military service of the United States for the duration of the World War. He was honorably mustered out in 1919 and between that time and 1922 worked at his trade, in the last-noted year becoming associated with Richard John Simmons in the garage and motor car repairing business as … Read more

Biography of Richard John Simmons

Practically trained as a machinist and with years of experience in one of the most reputable plants in New England, Richard John Simmons took up the automotive industry by representation of popular cars and trucks in Bristol and in a dozen years has erected an enterprise that is known throughout this section of Rhode Island for its fine work and service. Although devoted to his business and to the service of the automobile public, Mr. Simmons is an earnest citizen in his attitude toward all public affairs that are promulgated for the advancement of business interests or the happiness of … Read more

Biography of Alfred M. Merriman, M. D.

For more than three decades Dr. Alfred M. Merriman has been widely known and popular as a general physician and surgeon of Bristol, Rhode Island. Since 1927 he has been colonel of the Bristol Train Artillery. Alfred M. Merriman was born in Harpswell, Maine, May 1, 1868, son of Captain Walter Merriman, a native of that village, and his wife, Lavinia Merriman, now deceased, also a native of Harpswell. Dr. Merriman, a direct descendant of Joseph Curtis, of Harpswell, owns the old Curtis homestead in that town. The father of our subject was a member of the merchant marine until … Read more

Biography of Howard Russell Newman

A member of a family widely and favorably known in the business circles of Bristol, Mr. Newman himself has been for many years one of the leading business men of his native city. As a partner in the firm of Newman Brothers, he has taken a very active part in the management of this well-known and successful business establishment, founded by his grandfather in 1866, and ranking today as the oldest grocery and meat store in Bristol. He is also prominently active in fraternal and religious affairs, and is regarded as one of the substantial and representative citizens of Bristol. … Read more

Biography of Harry Franklin Sisson

Having become identified with the textile industry in New England, immediately following his graduation from high school, Mr. Sisson has continued to be successfully active in this field. During his long career, covering some thirty-five years, he has been connected at different times with various well known and important textile mills in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and during the last twenty years he has served as superintendent of mills owned by the B. B. & R. Knight Company. Mr. Sisson is widely known in the textile industry and enjoys a high reputation as an able executive. He is a member … Read more

Biography of Julius Hervey Preston

Member of a family which is not only one of the oldest in America, but also one of the most ancient of record in Britain, Julius Hervey Preston continued in his active career the traditions of prominence long associated with the family name. The founder of the family in America was Roger Preston, descendant of a noble ancestry, who was born in England in 1614. In 1635, at the age of twenty-one years, he took the oath of allegiance in London, and sailed for America in the ship “Elizabeth and Ann.” His name first appears on the records of the … Read more