Biography of Frank A. Rixford

Postmaster at Woonsocket since 1924, and a man of long experience in the government service, Frank A. Rixford has discharged the duties of his important position with complete efficiency and to the entire satisfaction of the community which he serves. He has been a familiar figure in various phases of Woonsocket life for many years, well known in civic, social, and fraternal affairs.

Mr. Rixford was born at Woonsocket, Rhode Island, on May 7, 1875, a son of Willis H. and Ella L. (Andrews) Rixford. He obtained his preliminary education in the public schools of East Douglas, Massachusetts, later attending Dean Academy at Franklin, Massachusetts, and Bryant and Stratton Business College at Boston.

Soon afterwards he began his business career in the employ of the Rhode Island Furniture Company, with whom he remained for one year before entering the service of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, as a clerk in the freight office. After a further period of three years in which he was initiated into railroad work, he entered the railway mail service. This was in the year 1895, and for thirty years Mr. Rixford continued in this connection, until he resigned in 1924 to accept the appointment of President Coolidge to the postmastership at Woonsocket. In his years of government service he had distinguished himself by his consistent effort and the uniform high quality of his work, so that his appointment as postmaster was thoroughly well merited by his previous record. The confidence reposed in him was more than justified by the efficient and progressive character of his administration as postmaster, and he was re-appointed to office by President Coolidge as a matter of course. He has continued in this position until the present time.

In politics Mr. Rixford is a member of the Republican party, standing high in party councils throughout this part of the State. He is a member of the Republican Club of Rhode Island, and his services are always available for the work of his party in the successful solution of governmental problems. Mr. Rixford is affiliated fraternally with the Free and Accepted Masons, and in this order he is a member of all bodies of the York Rite, including membership in the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the local Chamber of Commerce, and of the City Club of Woonsocket. With his family he worships in St. James’ Episcopal Church at Woonsocket, and contributes to the support of its work.

Frank A. Rixford married Mary E. Hough, who was born at Pawtucket, Rhode Island, a daughter of Mark and Mary A. (Wardle) Hough. Mr. and Mrs. Rixford are the parents of two children:

  1. Dorothy, the wife of E. Scott MacDermott. She was graduated from Woonsocket High School and later attended Wheaton College.
  2. Helen S., a graduate of Dana Hall, Wellesley College, and of Garland School, Boston; now the wife of Charles A. Root, Jr., of Uxbridge, Massachusetts.

Source: Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy, vol 3 of 4. New York: Lewis historical Pub. Co., 1932.

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