Numerous enterprises have engaged the attention of Hugo R. A. Anthony, at present Collector of Taxes of the city of Newport; and in all of them he displayed an ability that attracted the attention of the community to his ability and versatility. He has served in numerous public offices, is popular in social and fraternal organizations and belongs to the leading clubs. His civic interest has been thoroughly tested and his spirit of patriotism is well known. Faultless in his integrity, he has held positions of solemn trust and has carried out the duties with commendable skill and to the complete satisfaction of his business associates and all interested in the enterprises in which he officiated. Mr. Anthony is an eminent citizen of Newport, with a host of loyal friends and countless admirers of the results of his official activities.
He was born in Stockholm, Sweden, October 15, 1891, a son of Andrew Anthony, a native of St. Olaf, Sweden, who was engaged here as a contractor and builder until his death, and of Olga F. (Berghman) Anthony, who was born in Engleholm, Sweden. Their son was educated in the public schools of Newport, was graduated from Rogers High School and then attended Norwich University for one year. He then became associated with Charles F. Harrington, Jr., as a partner in Tire Shop of Newport, and continued in this until 1914, when he accepted a position in the office of the United States Engineer at Newport, continuing there until 1916, when he entered the service, in the Newport office, of the Providence Telephone Company. He held this position until 1918, when he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve Corps, remaining in the service until December, when he was honorably mustered out with the rank of machinist’s mate, second class. He then returned to the telephone company and remained in its service until 1921, when he was appointed deputy collector of internal revenue at Newport, retaining that post until 1925, when he resigned in order to accept a position with the Newport Trust Company. In January, 1929, he resigned from this position to accept that of collector of taxes for the city of Newport, an office he fills (1931). He is a Republican in politics and served for four years as a member of the Newport Council. He belongs to the Young Men’s Republican Club; is a member of the Newport Lions Club, and has been its secretary; member of the Chamber of Commerce; Newport Post, No. 7, American Legion; and the Norwich Club of Boston, Massachusetts. Fraternally, he is affiliated with St. Paul’s Lodge, No. 14, Free and Accepted Masons; Kolah Grotto; also the Modern Woodmen of America; Rhode Island Lodge, No. 12, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Aquidneck Encampment. He is a vestryman of Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church.
Hugo R. A. Anthony married, in 1925, A. Elizabeth Leonard, of Westerly, Rhode Island, and they are the parents of one child, Hugo R. A., Jr.
Source: Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy, vol 3 of 4. New York: Lewis historical Pub. Co., 1932.