Providence — Rhode Island Genealogy

Biography of Rev. John F. Downing

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 4

Rev. John F. Downing, born in Providence, Rhode Island, became pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Pascoag, Rhode Island, in March 1922. Educated at LaSalle Academy, Holy Cross College, and the Sulpician Seminary in Paris, he was ordained in 1902. Downing previously served at St. Mary’s in Bristol and Providence, and St. Michael’s in Georgiaville. During his tenure in Pascoag, he established a strong financial foundation for the parish and initiated the construction of a new church, expected to be completed by Easter 1931. He also ministers to the State Sanitarium and is active in various church societies.

Biography of Gardner Taber Swarts, M. D.

Dr. Gardner Taber Swarts, born December 13, 1857, in Providence, Rhode Island, was a pioneering public health figure and founder of the first municipal health laboratory in the U.S. He graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1879 and furthered his studies in Europe. As a city bacteriologist, Swarts co-established the groundbreaking health laboratory in Providence. He served as secretary and president of the American Public Health Association and significantly contributed to public health and bacteriology. Dr. Swarts was also involved in numerous civic and professional organizations. He married Fannie May Stinson and had two children. Dr. Swarts passed away on May 12, 1925.

Biography of George M. Hull

George M. Hull, born on September 10, 1869, in Providence, Rhode Island, was the son of George B. and Emily (Smith) Hull. Starting as a clerk in the Union Oil Company of Providence in 1889, he advanced to plant manager until the plant’s closure in 1921. He then served as town treasurer of East Providence with distinction. Active in civic affairs, Hull held roles on the East Providence Town Council and the Rhode Island State Harbor Commission. A dedicated Freemason and community member, he also supported the Republican Party and attended the First Universalist Church of Providence. Hull married Josephine Mayno in 1893, and they had two sons, Thomas M. and George C., both World War I veterans.

Biography of Herbert Montague Sherwood

Herbert Montague Sherwood (1887-1923) was a prominent lawyer in Providence, Rhode Island. Born to David Faulkner and Mary Louisa (Scribner) Sherwood, he graduated from Brown University and Harvard Law School. Sherwood practiced law with several firms, culminating in Sherwood, Heltzen & Clifford. He served in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and Senate, and was a captain in the U.S. Army during WWI. He married Margaret Gammell Meader in 1920, with whom he had five daughters. Sherwood was also involved in his father’s extensive real estate ventures.

Biography of Herbert A. Capron

Herbert A. Capron, born January 2, 1885, in Providence, Rhode Island, was a prominent figure in the state’s automobile industry. He began his career in 1903, working with his father to sell Franklin automobiles, later representing Pope and Cadillac cars. In 1929, he became the distributor of Auburn and Cord cars, serving as president of the Auburn Motor Car Company of Rhode Island. Capron was also active in Masonic organizations and the Rhode Island Automobile Dealers’ Association. He married Charlotte Smith in 1912, and they had two children, George B. and Barbara N. Capron passed away in 1931.

Rhodes and Dennis Families

The Rhodes and Dennis families hold a distinguished place in Rhode Island’s history, with their union dating back to the marriage of Sarah Arnold Rhodes and Dr. William B. Dennis on September 27, 1868. Dr. Dennis, a Harvard-educated physician, served briefly in the 1st Rhode Island Volunteer Regiment during the Civil War and passed away in 1877. The Rhodes lineage, notably traced to the early settler Zachariah Rhodes, highlights a legacy of civic engagement and resistance to Massachusetts’ religious mandates, leading to their relocation to Rhode Island. The marriage of these two families brought together two significant ancestral lines, contributing to the social and civic fabric of Providence, Rhode Island.

Biography of Peter A. Soderlund

Rhode Island - three centuries of democracy vol 3

One of the prominent and progressive citizens of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, whose achievements and civic ideals entitle him to a place in these pages is Peter A. Soderlund, contractor and builder. Besides being an able business man and dependable builder, Mr. Soderlund has served in public office and has participated actively in fraternal and religious developments. Peter A. Soderlund was born in Sweden, September 1, 1881, son of John P. Soderlund, a native of Sweden, a builder in his own country, who sought his fortunes in the New World in 1894. He settled in Providence, Rhode Island, and in … Read more

Biography of David D. Johnston

Having been elected for the first time many years ago as town clerk of Lincoln, Providence County, Mr. Johnston proved himself such a faithful and able public official that his fellow-citizens have reelected him from then on with the greatest regularity. During the quarter of a century which he has served his community as its town clerk, he has gained for himself to a remarkable degree the liking and respect of everybody. This, however, is easily explained by the fact that Mr. Johnston’s personality is very likable. He is a member of several fraternal organizations and in many other ways, … Read more

Biography of Michael Joseph Lynch

With the passing of Michael Joseph Lynch, for many years one of the foremost builders and manufacturers in New England, the community lost a valuable member, while to a multitude of friends his place can never be filled. Not only was he a productive and progressive agent but he was of such sterling character that he attained a fame for rectitude that was not exceeded by that of any other man of his generation. His life was an exemplification of the highest type of citizen, business man and loyal friend. He came here with nothing and erected a business monument … Read more

Biography of Charles Francis Gilson

Owner and operator of the Center dale Pharmacy, at North Centerdale, Rhode Island, Charles Francis Gilson is a man of thorough training and wide experience in this field. His present enterprise is one of the important business establishments of the community, and one of the best of its kind in this part of the State. Mr. Gilson was born at Providence, Rhode Island, on May 2, 1892, son of Thomas and Annie (Maher) Gilson, both now deceased. The father, born in Portland, Oregon, was engaged as a machinist until the time of his death. The mother was a native of … Read more