Biographies

Biographies of Rhode Island men and women.

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

Biography of Joseph V. Smith

A native of Canada, but since his early childhood a resident of Rhode Island, Mr. Smith has been engaged in the retail drug business at Arctic under his own name for almost two decades. He is one of the leading business men of this town and is also actively identified with several other business enterprises, both in Arctic and in Providence. He enjoys a high professional standing, as indicated by his active participation in the work of several pharmaceutical organizations, is a member of several fraternal and social lodges and clubs, and is regarded as one of the substantial and […]

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Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

Biography of Thomas A. Lacross

Having begun work in one of the largest mills in Rhode Island as a boy, immediately following the completion of his education, Mr. Lacross, in the years following, acquired a very thorough training and wide experience by being connected with a number of other mills in Rhode Island and elsewhere. Eventually he established, together with an associate, a mill of his own, of which he is now the sole owner. Its steady growth and prosperity is largely attributable to Mr. Lacross’ exceptional business and executive ability and to his industry and energy. His establishment being one of the important manufacturing

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Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

Biography of Hector A. Gilman

A man of thorough business training and varied experience, Hector A. Gilman is now manager of the West Warwick branch of the Union Trust Company at West Warwick, Rhode Island. During the period of this connection he has amply demonstrated the value of his services to the company, and is now well known in the business and financial life of this section. Mr. Gilman was born in Phenix, Rhode Island, on October 31, 1900, a son of Louis and Josephine (Plante) Gilman, both natives of Canada. The father, who is now living retired, was long engaged in the tea and

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Harold Judson Gross

Biography of Col. Harold Judson Gross

A figure of distinguished importance in the life of Rhode Island for many years, Colonel Harold Judson Gross was one of the most prominent of the State’s business men, and a public servant whose efforts were very valuable in the civic development of the Commonwealth. His business activities extended beyond Rhode Island’s borders, but his interest and his affection always centered about the State of his birth. Mr. Gross was born at Providence, on April 15, 1866, son of J. Mason and Elizabeth H. (Judson) Gross. His father was a manufacturer of this city, and the son was educated in

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LeBaron Bradford Colt

Biography of LeBaron Bradford Colt

Statesman, jurist, and brilliant lawyer, LeBaron Bradford Colt achieved in his lifetime a career of the greatest honor and success. He was twice elected to the United States Senate from Rhode Island by the suffrage of the people. He gave his brilliant talents unselfishly for the public good, and through the constructive influences of a life of service contributed much to the progress of his State and Nation. Senator Colt was born at Dedham, Massachusetts, on June 25, 1846, a son of Christopher and Theodora Goujand (DeWolf) Colt, and member both paternally and maternally of distinguished old New England families.

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Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

Biography of Arthur Maxson Cottrell

A native and lifelong resident of Westerly, Washington County, Mr. Cottrell has been for many years one of the leading business men of his native town. As an executive officer of the large manufacturing concern founded by his father and as a director in one of the leading financial institutions, he holds, of course, a prominent position in the business world of Rhode Island. He is also very active in civic affairs and at all times is ready and willing to support any undertaking promising to advance the welfare of the community, its people and its institutions. Arthur Maxson Cottrell

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Calvert Bryon Cottrell

Biography of Calvert Byron Cottrell, Jr.

Long associated with his father and brothers in the manufacture of printing presses at Westerly, Calvert Byron Cottrell, Jr., became secretary of the Cottrell Company and retained that office until his death. The enterprise has long been one of the leading industries of Rhode Island and is one of the most important of its character in the United States. The growth of the business continued after the death of the founder, Calvert Byron Cottrell the elder, and was incorporated in 1892 with a capitalization of $800,000. Offices are maintained in New York City and Chicago, Illinois, with the plant at

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Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

Biography of Edgar Henry Cottrell

From his school days Edgar Henry Cottrell, of Westerly, was associated with his father in the manufacture of printing presses, and after the death of the senior and when the duties of president of the Cottrell Company fell to him he displayed such business talent that the enterprise was much expanded and its product acquired a reputation second to none in the country. He was born at Phenix, Rhode Island, February 17, 1850, a son of Calvert Byron and Lydia W. (Perkins) Cottrell. After attaining his education in the local schools he entered the employ of the Cottrell Company and

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Charles Perkins Cottrell

Biography of Charles Perkins Cottrell

In keeping with the traditions of a long established and notable New England family fully alive to its duties in the way of business and civic leadership has been the career of Charles Perkins Cottrell, of Westerly, Rhode Island. He is president of C. B. Cottrell & Sons’ Company, famous for the manufacture of printing presses and appliances over a period of seventy-five years. He also occupies executive positions with other enterprises and with community organizations. The Cottrell family has been prominent in Rhode Island for two and a half centuries, originating with Nicholas Cottrell, listed as a free inhabitant

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