Topic: Biographies

Louis Ward Dunn, since 1916 a justice of the Eighth Rhode Island District Court, and also an ex-judge of the Probate Court of Johnston, has gone far in his profession of law and in his work on the bench. He is highly esteemed by members of the Rhode Island bar, as well as by the general citizenry of the State and by a host of friends. Judge Dunn was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 25, 1889, son of John Francis and Mary (O’Donnell) Dunn. His parents lived in Johnston, Rhode Island, where his father is retired from the active … Read more

Lawyer, jurist, and man of affairs, Judge Frederick Rueckert has occupied a distinguished place in Providence life for many years. He was born in this city on November 21, 1855, a son of Christian and Theresa Rueckert, both of Rhode Island. Following graduation from high school in Providence, he entered Brown University, where, in 18 77 , he took the Bachelor’s degree. Three years later, in 1880, he was admitted to the Rhode Island bar. Judge Rueckert began the practice of his profession immediately afterwards at Providence, and within a short time had risen to a position of considerable prominence. … Read more

An outstanding citizen of Johnston, Rhode Island, Colonel Frank W. Tillinghast ranks high among the members of the legal profession throughout the United States. He is a member of the firm of Tillinghast, Morrissey & Flynn, attorneys, of Providence, Rhode Island. He is also president of Tillinghast, Stiles & Company, and interested in many industrial and financial enterprises in Rhode Island and New York. In thus assuming a position of leadership, Colonel Tillinghast continues the traditions of a family long honored in Rhode Island. The name is derived from the German word “theilen” (Dutch “deelen”), meaning to separate, divide, pay … Read more

An important manufacturer and a Masonic leader in the State of Rhode Island for many years, George Clarence Clark, general treasurer of Rhode Island, occupies a distinguished place in the life of the Commonwealth. Mr. Clark was born at West Mansfield, Massachusetts, on November 13, 1878, a son of George Adolphus and Mary Elizabeth (Pomfret) Clark. His father was a jeweler by occupation, and at one time was sergeant of police at Providence. Both paternal and maternal families have long been established in New England. George Clarence Clark, of this record, received his educational training in Bridgham Grammar School, and … Read more

For a period of thirty-five years the Hon. Frank Fenner Davis, of Chepachet, Rhode Island, has been active in the public life of his town and State. In thus giving his career to the service of the people and the advancement of the public welfare, he has achieved a notable record of success, and the positive value of his achievements have added much to the progress of the State. Mr. Davis was born at Glocester, Rhode Island, on January 1, 1873, a son of Gilbert H. and Abigail Alverson (Briggs) Davis. He is a descendant of the ancient and eminent … Read more

Chairman of the board of managers of the Industrial Trust Company at Woonsocket, Rhode Island, E. Charles Francis has occupied a distinguished place in this city’s affairs for many years. Aside from his personal interests, he has given his services freely in public life. Colonel Francis was born at Utica, New York, on September 6, 1851, a son of Eben and Mary (Hunnewell) Francis, the father a minister in the Universalist Church, and chaplain of the 127th New York Volunteers during the period of the Civil War. As usual in a minister’s family, Colonel Francis’ boyhood years were passed in … Read more

Secretary and treasurer of the Woonsocket Trust Company since its organization, William E. La Fond has given his entire life to banking and finance, and in this field has risen to high position in Rhode Island. Mr. La Fond was born in Manitoba, Canada, in November, 1890, a son of Ernest P. and Maria T. (McCarthy) La Fond. His father was a farmer for many years, and both parents are now living retired in North Smithfield, Rhode Island. When he was still a child, William E. La Fond came with his parents to Woonsocket and in the public schools of … Read more