Joseph H. White, Commissioner of Public Works of the city of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, is a man well known in that city.
He was born at Union, Maine, April 1, 1872, a son of Jonathan and Mary A. (Burkett) White. Both his parents are natives of Maine and have always resided in that State. Mr. Joseph H. White was educated in the public schools of Union, Maine, and at the Colburn Classical Institute at Waterville, Maine. He acquired his technical education by practical experience; while yet in school he took a position on the St. Georges Valley Railroad in engineering, which he followed for a time and then returned to school. After leaving school, he began his career in 1895 in Watertown, Massachusetts, where he was first assistant engineer and later town engineer of that town until 1912. He then was engaged in the general contracting business which he carried on until 1916, when he came to Woonsocket to accept the position of assistant engineer in that city. He continued in this position until February 12, 1929, when he was elected city engineer. On March 21, 1929, Governor Case signed a bill creating the office of Commissioner of Public Works of the city of Woonsocket, and Mr. White was elected to this office by the city council for a term of four years. He immediately qualified for the office and assumed its duties; these include jurisdiction over the engineering, water, highway, sewer, parks, and playgrounds departments. The grouping of these various departments, all engaged in public work under one executive, has greatly increased their effectiveness. The new commissioner was well qualified by virtue of his long experience of nearly thirty years, to fill this position. And in the year that has since elapsed, the wisdom of the choice of the citizens of Woonsocket has been thoroughly demonstrated and the grouping under one head of the different offices has been the means of doing the work far more effectively and also in a large saving financially. For many years Mr. White has been a member of the following Masonic organizations: the Blue Lodge; the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons; the Commandery, Knights Templar; and the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, all of Boston. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party.
Mr. White married Bessie Bell Shurtleff, a native of Watertown, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. White are the parents of a daughter, Cynthia White, a member of the class of 1929, Watertown High School. The family residence is located at No. 100 Social Street, Woonsocket, Rhode Island.
Source: Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy, vol 4 of 4. New York: Lewis historical Pub. Co., 1932.