Biographies Archives — Page 9 of 36 — Rhode Island Genealogy

Biography of Rev. Peter Gorret

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

As pastor of the Church of St. Bartholomew of Providence, Rhode Island, the Rev. Peter Gorret has for many years been devoting his energy to the advancement of the interests of that parish. St. Bartholomew’s parish is one of the oldest Italian church parishes in the State of Rhode Island. Founded in 1907, it has grown and developed until at the present writing (1930) it numbers about 8,000 souls. During his long and successful pastorate here Rev. Peter Gorret has accomplished a great work, increasing the material possessions of the parish, stimulating its activities, and increasing its membership. He has … Read more

Biography of Joseph A. Nolan

After having spent the earlier part of his career as a traveling salesman, Mr. Nolan, some sixteen years ago, became identified with one of the leading undertaking establishments of his native city, Newport. Since the death of its owner he has continued the business as its manager and in that capacity has shown exceptional business and executive ability. Not only has he maintained the high reputation of the business, but he has even made it larger and better in every way, so that today it is generally regarded as one of the most successful and most efficiently operated enterprises of … Read more

Biography of William H. Heath

A member of an old and prominent Rhode Island family, the late William H. Heath was born in Providence and lived there all his life. At one time associated with his father in the building and contracting business, he later engaged in the machinist’s trade. Throughout his long residence in Rhode Island’s capital he enjoyed a fine reputation for uprightness, probity and public spirit. A veteran of the Civil War, he gave proof of his patriotism by serving with distinction during that conflict in one of the Rhode Island regiments. In every respect he was regarded as one of the … Read more

Biography of Joseph H. Gorman

As proprietor of one of the largest establishments in New England devoted to the wholesale distribution of shell and other types of fish, Joseph H. Gorman is prominent in his home town of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, and widely known in all the sections of New England and New York to which his trade extends. He has made the King Gorman Wholesale Fish Company a conspicuous success. Combined with an ambitious and progressive spirit and with an expert knowledge of his wares and his market, Mr. Gorman has built his business on high standards of business ethics. State and Federal … Read more

Biography of Edward M. Fay

No man is better known in a community than the man who amuses its residents through the medium of first-class recreational opportunities such as are furnished by the theatre, the motion picture house, music, and the dance. When his standards are high and his ideals those of the most discriminating people in the city, his success is assured, and his leadership in matters of taste and intellectual progress generally recognized. This introduction may properly be used for Edward M. Fay, of Providence, Rhode Island, who operates the Fays, Carlton, Majestic, Rialto, Modern and Capitol theatres in that city, and who … Read more

Biography of James E. Brothers

An important figure in Catholic fraternal circles of Rhode Island is James E. Brothers, successful attorney and member of the law firm of Brothers & Cannon with offices at 822 Hospital Trust Building, for not only is he a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a Past Grand Knight of Hope Council, but for five years he has filled the position of State Advocate for the order. He is affiliated with several other fraternal orders and has a wide acquaintance among men of his profession, who hold him in high esteem. Mr. Brothers interests himself extensively in … Read more

Biography of Rev. Cornelius D. O’Rorke

Since 1926 Rev. Cornelius D. O’Rorke has been pastor of St. Christopher’s Church at Tiverton, Rhode Island. St. Christopher’s parish was formerly a mission attached to St. Patrick’s parish of Fall River, Massachusetts. In 1895 Rev. M. E. Cook, then pastor of St. Patrick’s, built the first Catholic Church in Tiverton. It was a summer church, situated on Highland Road, open only during July and August, and known as St. Peter’s-by-the-Sea. In 1908 St. Peter’s-by-the-Sea was attached to St. Anthony’s parish of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, of which Rev. C. J. Rooney, C. S. Sp., was then pastor. Father Rooney gave … Read more

Biography of Eugene Joseph Brady

Eugene Joseph Brady, of Providence, Rhode Island, is at the time of this writing (1930) a member of the Colt, Brady Company, distributors of the Chrysler car. Mr. Brady was born on May 26, 1887, in Dublin, Ireland, son of Terence and Katherine (Kernan) Brady, both of whom were natives of Cavan, Ireland, where the father was engaged as a land owner until his death. The mother is also deceased. In the public schools of Dublin, Eugene Joseph Brady received his early education, and later he studied at preparatory school there. For one year he was also a student at … Read more

Biography of Richard Stanley Smith

A resident of Warren, Rhode Island, for many years, Richard Stanley Smith has risen to an important place in the life of this community. He has freely given his services in the public interest as town clerk, filling this position with efficiency and success for almost two decades. Mr. Smith was born at Wellfleet, Massachusetts, on December 22, 1873, a son of John T. Smith, a native of Liverpool, England, and of Ella W. (Rich) Smith, born at Wellfleet, Massachusetts. Both parents are now deceased. The father was a mariner in early life, and later was engaged as a fisherman, … Read more

Biography of Charles Stephen Davol

In the textile trade of this State and Massachusetts, the late Charles Stephen Davol was known as one of the most expert and highly trusted financial executives. As treasurer for many years of the Standard Braid Company, he made his official headquarters at Attleboro, Massachusetts, advancing the interests of that great concern, which was a merger of several mill properties. From early manhood he made his home in Warren, where he was regarded with feelings akin to affection by the people of whom he had been a neighbor for many years. A thoughtful man and a student always, Mr. Davol … Read more