Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy Archives — Page 3 of 36

Biography of Governor Henry Lippitt

Governor Henry Lippitt — The Lippitt family has given to Rhode Island two governors: Governor Henry Lippitt, subject of this record, and his son, Charles Warren Lippitt. The former was an outstanding manufacturer and financier, and the son was associated with the father in most of these important enterprises. The family was founded in America by John Lippitt, who had a house and home lot of six acres in Providence, Rhode Island, in the year 1638. On July 27, 1640, he signed a compact containing proposals for a form of government, and he was in 1647 one of the commission … Read more

Biography of W. Norman Sayer

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 4

W. Norman Sayer, born January 20, 1894, in Newport, Rhode Island, interrupted his studies at the University of Pennsylvania to serve in World War I. Enlisting in the U.S. Army Engineers Corps in 1917, he rose to first lieutenant before his discharge in 1919. Post-war, Sayer worked for the New England Steamship Company and later became clerk of the Newport District Court. Active in local politics and community organizations, he was elected city clerk of Newport in 1930. Sayer married Zita V. Fletcher in 1918, and they had one son, Archibald Baldwin Sayer.

Rhodes and Dennis Families

The Rhodes and Dennis families hold a distinguished place in Rhode Island’s history, with their union dating back to the marriage of Sarah Arnold Rhodes and Dr. William B. Dennis on September 27, 1868. Dr. Dennis, a Harvard-educated physician, served briefly in the 1st Rhode Island Volunteer Regiment during the Civil War and passed away in 1877. The Rhodes lineage, notably traced to the early settler Zachariah Rhodes, highlights a legacy of civic engagement and resistance to Massachusetts’ religious mandates, leading to their relocation to Rhode Island. The marriage of these two families brought together two significant ancestral lines, contributing to the social and civic fabric of Providence, Rhode Island.

Biography of Andres Anderson

Andres Anderson — Engaged in the dairy and poultry business on the Sneach Pond Road in the town of Cumberland, Rhode Island, Andres Anderson owns a sixty-four-acre farming property in this district and is widely and favorably known among the farmers here and in the milk trade. He sells his dairy products wholesale and conducts an extensive business in this region of New England. Mr. Anderson was born in Sweden, on July 17, 1870, son of Andrew Carlson Anderson. His parents never came to the United States, but he himself crossed the ocean to take up his home in the … Read more

Biography of John Russell Haire

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

During the ten years he has been a member of the bar of Rhode Island, with his practice temporarily interrupted by the World War, in which he served with distinction, John Russell Haire, of Newport, has made a good record in his profession and is credited with ability of a high order. He is a popular member of numerous business, social and fraternal organizations and during his periods of relaxation is devoted to athletics. Sound in his citizenship, he does not forget the obligations it entails and is vitally concerned In all affairs of a civic nature that are proposed … Read more

Biography of Joseph F. Murphy

Identified with the dairy industry for more than twenty years, ever since he left school as a youth, Mr. Murphy has been for many years one of the best-known and most highly regarded men in the dairy industry in Newport. Both as manager of the Aquidneck Dairymen’s Association and, more recently, as president and manager of the Aquidneck Ice Cream Company, Incorporated, he has shown himself exceptionally able. These two enterprises, among the leading establishments of their kind in Rhode Island, owe much of their success and prosperity to Mr. Murphy. Joseph F. Murphy was born at Newport, on October … Read more

Biography of William H. Gidley

Identified with the New England textile industry since he entered business, William H. Gidley has been connected at different times in responsible positions with various well-known textile concerns in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. For the last decade he has been treasurer and manager of several large textile companies at Cranston. He is widely known as an able business executive and enjoys high standing in the industry with which he has been connected for more than thirty years. He is a member of numerous Masonic organizations, as well as social and civic associations and is widely known in yachting circles, this … Read more

Biography of Peter A. Soderlund

One of the prominent and progressive citizens of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, whose achievements and civic ideals entitle him to a place in these pages is Peter A. Soderlund, contractor and builder. Besides being an able business man and dependable builder, Mr. Soderlund has served in public office and has participated actively in fraternal and religious developments. Peter A. Soderlund was born in Sweden, September 1, 1881, son of John P. Soderlund, a native of Sweden, a builder in his own country, who sought his fortunes in the New World in 1894. He settled in Providence, Rhode Island, and in … Read more

Biography of Harry Reynolds Lewis

Commissioner of agriculture of the State of Rhode Island, Harry Reynolds Lewis is a man of wide experience in this field, combining practical work with extensive research in theoretical principles. His knowledge of all phases of scientific agriculture is complete, and his proved executive ability is assurance to the farmers of the State that their interests will be ably and efficiently cared for. Mr. Lewis was born at Providence, Rhode Island, on October 14, 1885, a son of Frank Levit and Harriet Elizabeth (Reynolds) Lewis. The family is an old one both in Europe and America, and the name is … Read more

Biography of Squire Senior Nicholson

In the business life of Rhode Island Squire Senior Nicholson is one of the foremost leaders, being president and founder of what is known as the Nicholson-Thackery chain store system in Rhode Island. This business he established in cooperation with his brother, Frederick Nicholson, many years ago, and it has grown to such proportions that its success is widely and generally recognized. Although now retired from active business endeavor, Mr. Nicholson maintains a lively interest in business affairs in New England and in the stores which he set up many years ago. Mr. Nicholson was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, … Read more