Contributing to the financial strength of the monetary system as represented in Rhode Island, Albert Reid Plant, president of the Blackstone Canal National Bank of Providence, is one of the most favorably known of the financiers of the State. He has been connected with that institution for more than forty years, rising from one position to another until he reached the place of executive, in which he has had a larger opportunity to exhibit his talents in practice of his profession.
Born in Providence, in 1873, Albert Reid Plant is the son of Joseph F. and Catherine E. Plant. Having received his education in the public schools of his native city, he made an early beginning of a banking career, being but fifteen years of age when he was made a member of the staff of the Blackstone Canal National Bank. From the very first he impressed his superiors with the personal qualities that are his and with the value of his service, intelligently and enthusiastically rendered. One of his salient characteristics was a willingness always to serve the interests of the bank wherever possible. This fine, cooperative spirit made the way much easier for him to learn the different methods of the several departments of the institution and was also conducive to merited advance. It was not surprising to his associates, therefore, that he was from time to time made the subject of merited promotions.
From grade to grade Mr. Plant progressed, and in 1908 the directors elected him to the post of cashier. Here he gave abundant proof of the soundness and conservatively tempered progressiveness of his financial policy, which has ever essentially been that of the bank itself. As cashier he proved to be one of the best equipped administrative officers the bank has had. In 1916, when the necessity arose for filling the office of president, the board advanced him to that high position, which he has ever since held. Under his executive management the bank has continued to grow in volume of business and in the favor of its clients.
Mr. Plant is also a member of the directorate of the Providence Mortgage Corporation, and treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce of Providence. He is prominent in Masonic circles, affiliating also with the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. In politics he is a Republican, a staunchly loyal contributing member of his party organization. His club memberships include Turks Head, Economic, and Squantum. His religious preference is Unitarian.
Albert Reid Plant married (first), in 1899, Mildred E. Waldron. He married (second), in 1923, Ethel B. Perkins. Mr. and Mrs. Plant have their town house in Providence that he may be within easy access of the institution which he heads.
Source: Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy, vol 3 of 4. New York: Lewis historical Pub. Co., 1932.