Trails to the Past-RI-Bristol Co-Biographies-Men of Barrington- Pg 1

Trails to the Past

Bristol County Rhode Island

Barrington Biographies

REV. BENJAMIN R. ALLEN was born in Newport, of good Rhode Island stock, June 27, 1805. His mother was left a widow, with five children, when Benjamin was eight years old, and the boy was compelled to make a manly struggle for an education for the ministry. With Arnold of Rugby, he said, "It is not enough for a boy to go through college, but the college must go through him, if he would be a scholar," and he made the discipline of study the purpose of his life. Mr. Allen was installed pastor of the Congregational Church, Barrington, Sept., 1838, and was dismissed at his own request in 1842, on account of inadequate salary. He writes: "I became very much attached to the beautiful town and the noble people, whose generous kindness I so richly enjoyed." President Lord of Dartmouth College gives the following just tribute to his abilities : " I entertain for Mr. Allen very great respect as a true-hearted Christian, a sound theologian, and a judicious and an effective minister. He has remarkable habits of study, and leaves nothing undone that is fitted to advance his ministry. He is a consistent, faithful, and thorough man, and the good impression taken of him will not be easily diminished. Mr. Allen is thought to stand at the head of his profession in his own vicinity, if not in the state, and deservedly ranks among the first ministers in New England, and is a very excellent representative of its remaining old school divines."

JOHN B. ALLEN, son of John, of Swansea, and a descendant of the first John, of Swansea; b. Nov. 24, 1830; occupation, merchantman. Providence; m. Ann Eliza S. Humphrey, Oct. 18, 1855; children : Annie Martin, Albert Humphrey, John Emerson; was a member of City Council from First Ward prior to 1898; was Councilman-elect at date of death, Dec, 1897. Mr. Allen was an active and successful business man, and bore an honorable part of the duties of public life.

JONATHAN ALLEN, b. North Swansea, Nov. 16, 1811; made home in B. in 1858; in 1872 helped to organize the Methodist Church at Drownville, and, with his family, was an earnest supporter of its interests; was Overseer of the Poor for twenty years, and postmaster at Drownville sixteen years; was a blacksmith by trade, but kept a store the last years of his life. Mr. Allen was a warm hearted, public spirited citizen. Biographie Index

SAMUEL ALLEN. While Gen. Thomas Allin was the most distinguished military character that Barrington produced in the Revolutionary period, Samuel Allen was the most prominent and useful to town and state in civil life. He was born in Barrington in 1739 and lived in the house near Barrington River, now occupied by Mr. Benson Bean. He belonged to one of the most influential families of the town, and early took an active interest in public affairs. In March, 1774, Mr. Allen was appointed on the Committee of Correspondence, and was in constant responsible service for his town and country during the war. In 1778 he was elected as a deputy from Barrington to the General Assembly, continuing in office until 1790. He was also elected as one of the five justices of the Court of Common Pleas for Bristol County, serving in that office 1778-1782, and as chief justice of the County Court of Common Pleas in 1790-1792. In 1790 Mr. Allen and Gen. Thomas Allin were members of the Convention which adopted the Federal Constitution. The two votes of Samuel and Thomas Allin made the majority of two by which this state became one of the United States. The vote stood 34 in favor to 32 against. Had either voted " no" the Constitution would not have been adopted. Mr. Allen continued to serve the town as one of its most useful citizens and was the town clerk from 1794 to 1808. His tombstone at Prince's Hill bears the record that Mr. Allen " passed a life of useful labors both in public and private vocations." He died Oct. 22, 1808, in the 70th year of his age. His widow, Ruth (Viall) Allen, died Nov. 7, 1811, aged 74 years. Children: Asa Allen, b. 1760, d. 1805; Joseph Viall Allen, b. 1762, lost at sea in a hurricane Oct. 8, 1780; Rachel Allen, b. 1765, d. 1847; Samuel Allen, b. 1768, d. 1827; Sylvester Allen, b. 1770, d. 1776; James Allen, b. 1772, d. 1774; Eunice Allen, b. 1775; Sylvester Allen, b. 1778, d. 1832; James Allen, Jr., b. 1780, d. 1789. Biographie Index

SYLVESTER ALLEN. Son of Samuel and Ruth Allen; b. Sept. 16, 1778; m. Nancy Luther Feb. 15, 1807. Lived at the Allen homestead until 1830, when he moved to Providence, where he died Nov. 15, 1832, at the age of 54. Children: Martha Watson, b. 1809; Samuel, b. 1811; Joseph L., b. 1813; Cyrus; Ezra Stiles, b. 1819; Nancy.

ADAM ALLIN (colored), was a descendant of one of the slave families of the Allins, probably the son of Pero Allin. His early life was spent at sea, where his feet were frozen and his legs amputated below the knees. He married " Becky," and lived in a small house on the west side of Annawomscutt Brook. He earned a living by the sale of tautog and scup caught in the Bay, and by the cultivation of his garden. Adam kept his boats in Bullock's Cove, and walked to and from the Cove, every day, trundling a small wagon with his fishing tackle, bait, lunch, etc. He knew where to find the big tautog on the ledge at Nayatt, and it was a lonesome day to the old fisherman when he did not haul a six to ten pound fish. Adam and " Becky" were the last of the Allin family in Barrington. They lived honest, industrious lives, were useful and respected in the neighborhood, and sleep in the Allin Burial Ground. This simple story is told to perpetuate the memories of these true friends of my boyhood. " Ritty," or Henrietta Allin, was Adam's sister and lived in a little cottage on the east bank of Bullock's Cove. She was a useful washerwoman and died suddenly, alone in her humble home. She also sleeps near, the families of her ancestors and their owners, and in the resurrection whose souls will be the whitest.

CHARLES F. ANTHONY. A descendant of the distinguished Anthony family of western R. I.; cousin of Hon. Henry B. Anthony, and son of Charles Anthony; was born at Richmond, R. I., 1841; moved to Providence in 1851; attended Grammar School, and two years at the High School; has been in the employ of the Pomroy and Hopkins Coal Co. since leaving school; has resided in Barrington, at Drownville, since 1877; married Harriet A. Davis of Providence, 1864; children, Walter F., Edward and George; was elected to the Town Council of the town, 1896, '97, and '98, of which body he was elected to the presidency, April, 1898. Biographie Index

ORRIN S. ANTHONY. B. in Providence, Nov. 1, 1852; son of Charles and Hannah A. (Tillinghast) Anthony; educated in Public Schools, and at Mowry and Goff's Private School, Providence; entered business at the Providence Custom House, 1868; 1870-1875 was with the Providence and New York Steamship Co., as Receiving Clerk, and as Freight Clerk on one of the passenger propellers, and was one of the fortunate survivors of the Steamer Metis, lost off Watch Hill, August 30, 1872; was Passenger Agent of the New England Railroad Co., at Providence, 1878-1879; 1880 engaged with the American Screw Co, Providence, where he is its Purchasing Agent; removed to Drownville, 1886; was member of Barrington Town Council during years 1890-1891; took an active interest in the Rural Improvement Association, and was its Secretary, Treasurer, and President, 1895-6.

RUFUS BABCOCK, D. D. Born in Colebrook, Ct., Sept. 18, 1878; grad. at B. U., 1821; was a tutor in Columbian University, Washington, D. C.; in 1823 was ordained pastor of the Baptist Church in Poughkeepsie, N. Y.; m. Olive Bicknell Smith, 1824. Children: Eveline, Emily, and Harriet. Emily m. Horatio Gates Jones, of Philadelphia; Harriet m. James H. Weeks of Poughkeepsie, N. Y.; was pastor of the First Baptist Church in Salem, Mass., from 1826 to 1833, resigning the latter year to accept the presidency of Waterville College, (now Colby University), Maine, which he retained nearly four years. Subsequently he had pastorates in Philadelphia, New Bedford, and a second time in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. After he retired from active duties in the ministry, he devoted much of his time to benevolent and literary work. Bowdoin College, Maine, in 1834, conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Divinity Biographie Index

GEORGE T. BAKER, son of George and Mary Ann Baker, was born in Providence, June 25, 1842; received his education in Providence public schools; married Harriet Carpenter Wightman, Oct. 8, 1873; children, Osgood Carney, Emma Lester, Russell Wightman, and Louis Forestall ; Mr. Baker moved from Providence to Drownville, Dec. 1878, his present residence; former business, grain and flour merchant; present business, real estate; Mr. Baker and his wife are members of the Congretational. Church, Barrington ; he has been treasurer of the Congregational. Society since 1892; was a member of the School Committee; has been a trustee of the Public Library; was a senator to the General Assembly from 1890 to 1894; is a member of the State Board of Education for Bristol County; his record as a soldier is as follows : Sgt. Co. B, both Reg. R. I. V.; res.. Providence, R. I.; enrolled; May 26, 1862, mustered in ; Aug. 11, 1862, promoted to Sgt. from Corp.; Sept., 1862, mustered out. Mr. Baker is one of the most useful, respected, and honored citizens of the town. Mrs. Baker is of good Barrington stock.

THE BARNES FAMILY, from Thomas and Prudence Barnes, who were in Swansea as early as 1669; was ordained as a minister in 1693, and died in 1706. Children, Lydia, Thomas, Sarah, Elizabeth; Anne, m. Thomas Allin; John, m. Mercy Allin; Peter, Samuel, Hannah. Biographie Index

ISAAC T. BARNUM, is one of the most useful citizens of Barrington, and has supplied the town with meat and provisions for many years. His army record is an honorable one, and he has held many town offices, the most important of which were member of Town Council and Representative. He married Edna, daughter of George K. Viall, to whom several children have been given.

LEONARD S. BOSWORTH. Mr. Bosworth was one of the best representatives of the New England type of character that Barrington has produced. He was a thorough going American, both parents being of the old Plymouth stock. His father was Pearce Bosworth, and his mother was Celinda Martin. He was born June 20, 1821, and died March 15, 1888, at the age of 67 years. His public education was limited to the common schools of the early day, but his active mind gained strength and discipline throughout his busy and useful life. He established himself in business as a lumber and coal merchant, and his success was secured by strictly honest dealing, genial manners, and a Christian character. He was a member of the Congreational Church, and interested in all its home and missionary work. In town affairs he was always true to principles and convictions, and was honored by election to the School Committee and the Town Council. He also collected the town taxes several years.

Mr. Bosworth married Laura Dunn, Aug. 10, 1848; children, Caroline S., and Leonard P. Bosworth. Mr. Bosworth left a well established and growing business at the Ferry, at Barrington Centre Depot, to be promoted by his son who has worthily succeeded him. Biographie Index

SAMUEL BOSWORTH. Son of Joseph, Jr., and Anne (Low) Bosworth; b. May 19, 1744; d. May 4, 1824; cooper by trade; residence at The Ferry; married Elizabeth Joy; children, Anna, Joseph, Samuel, Pearce, Mary, Elizabeth, Lydia, Pearce; Mr. Bosworth was an active patriot, and was captain of the battery manned by townsmen, in the defense of the town and colony. His descendants have been among the most useful citizens of the town, and are the best evidence of a worthy ancestor.

SAMUEL BOSWORTH. M. Elizabeth Joy daughter of Joseph and Mary Joy, (Pearce 2) (Low 3), about 1767 or 68; children, Anna, 1769; Joseph, 1771; Samuel, 1773; Mary, 1779; Elizabeth, 1782. (note this may be part of the above Samuel Bosworth's Biographie)

REV. SHEARJASHUB BOURNE is a descendant from the noted family of that name of Bristol. His ancestor, Shearjashub Bourne, m. Ruth Church in 1747, and the old Bible name has been an heir-loom in the family and its offshoots. Mr. Bourne is a Congregational minister and has filled useful pastorates in New York City and vicinity. Mr. Bourne, with his family, has been a resident of Barrington for several years, and is thoroughly a Barrington man in spirit and action. One son, Alexander, is a graduate of B. U., and a pastor of the Congregational Church at Exeter, N. H. Biographie Index

JAMES BOWEN. Son of Jeremiah and Lillas Bowen; born January, 1773, died Oct. 27, 1856, at the ripe age of 83 years. His father was a sea captain, and James commenced a sailor's life at the early age of ten and continued to follow the seas for thirty years. Before his twenty-fifth birthday he commanded the brig Agenora, a merchant vessel, with officers and crew younger than himself. His school education was very limited, owing to the reverses shared by his family in time of the Revolution, yet his close observation and careful study of men gave him a clear insight into business and a sound judgment in practical life. By fortunate risks, careful attention to business, and a wise economy, he gathered a goodly share of wealth. His townsmen honored him with many public offices, among which was that of being the first senator from Barrington in the General Assembly. Mr. Bowen was judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Bristol County for several years. Captain and Judge Bowen lived a useful and honored life and was lamented at his death.

CHARLES H. BOWDEN. B. in Providence, Feb. 5, 1846; was educated in the public schools of that city; moved to Barrington with his father's family in the spring of 1864; enlisted in Bat. B. R. I. 1st L. A., Aug 24, 1864, and received an honorable discharge June 13, 1865; m. Sarah E. Tiffany, daughter of Ebenezer Tiffany, Jan. 1, 1867; no children ; lived in the State of Washington, from 1889 to 1892; has served as town surveyor of highways; is a Deacon of the Cong. Church; his father was born in Marblehead, Mass., in 1815, and his mother in Rehoboth, the same year; both died in Barrington in 1893. They left nine children, all of whom are living. Mr. Bowden stands for the highest interests of society, and is a useful and valuable citizen. Biographie Index

SAMUEL BOWDEN has filled various town offices, and is now the efficient town Sergeant and Chief of Police.

WHEATON B. BOWDEN, brother of Charles and Samuel, is one of our most intelligent citizens, and has been elected as a member of the Town Council, of the School Committee, and other town offices.

JAMES BROWN Son of John, Sen., and Dorothy; admitted freeman at Plymouth, 1636, at Taunton, 1643,and at Rehoboth, 1658; m.Lydia Howland, daughter of John Howland, of the Mayflower; was liberal in civil and religious matters, and an ardent friend of Rev. John Myles; was fined 5 pounds, with Mr. Myles, for setting up a Baptist meeting in Rehoboth, in 1667; was one of the seven constituent members of the Myles Church; opposed the union of church and state, as did his father, John, and believed in individual freedom as to church support and religious belief; was Assistant to the Governor, 1665, 1666, and from 1673 to 1683, when he refused to serve longer; was a deputy from Swansea, 1666, 1669, 1671, 1672; was allowed £20 for cattle killed in the Narragansett country in Philip's War; went twice, on June 14 and 15, 1675, to Philip to persuade him to be quiet, but at both times found his men in arms, and " Philip very high, and not persuadable to peace;" his son, James, was admitted a freeman in 1681; he probably lived at Wannamoisett, on his father's large estate, and is buried at Little Neck. Biographie Index

JOHN BROWN,. The ancestors of the Brown families lived in the south and west of England, and emigrated to Boston and Plymouth between the years 1620 and 1692. Peter Brown, the first comer, was of Puritan stock, and came in the Mayflower, in 1620. He was young and unmarried at the time of his arrival, but before 1633, the date of his death, had married two wives, and two children had been born of each. Peter settled in Duxbury.

John Brown became acquainted with the Pilgrims at Leyden, prior to 1620. The year of his arrival in America is unknown, probably about 1630, as we find him elected a freeman in 1634, and in 1636 an assistant, an office which he held by annual election for seventeen years. He was at this time between forty and fifty years of age, as we find his son, James Brown, admitted as a freeman in 1636. Mr. Brown was a man of large intelligence, great energy of character, and deep and earnest piety.

He was a grand pioneer in the settlement of the towns on the west of old Plymouth. In 1636 he was a resident of Duxbury. We find his name among the purchasers of the tract of land called Cohannett, or Taunton, in 1637, and he with Miles Standish erected bounds around the purchase in 1640. Thither he had probably removed with his family before 1643, for among the fifty-four males subject to military duty in that year, his name stands first, followed by those of his two sons, John, Jr., and James..

During the same year he was one of the company to purchase Rehoboth, and his interest in that township was the largest of any, amounting to 600 pounds.

Prior to June 9, 1645, he had removed to Rehoboth, for we find his name first, with six others, who were chosen to order the prudential affairs of that town for six months. His son James removed from Taunton with him, and his son John followed in 1647. In December, 1645, Mr. Brown, Sr., became sole proprietor of the section known by the Indians as Wannamoisett, and Wannamoisett Neck, (now Bullock's Point and Riverside), which originally included a portion of the present towns of Rehoboth and Swansea, with a large portion of Barrington, and the south part of Seekonk and East Providence. His name appears on all of the important committees of the town. Now he was chosen to carry on a suit at the Court,- afterwards " to make diligent search to find out the most convenient way between Rehoboth and Dedham,"-then he, with Mr. Peter Hunt, were ordered to go to Plymouth, " to make agreement about the Indian complaints," and various other records of public duties, which indicate his prominence and ability as a citizen of the town and of the colony.

His liberal sentiments on religious affairs were positive, and as a colonial magistrate, he expressed his scruples as to the propriety of coercing the people to support the minister, and offered to pay all delinquencies from his own estates.

In 1643 the colonies of Plymouth, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Haven united in a confederacy, styled the United Colonies of New England, for their common defense and welfare. Each colony sent two commissioners to the meetings of this body. Mr. John Brown represented Plymouth colony for twelve years, and was associated in these deliberations with such men as John Winthrop, Gov. Haynes, Mr. Eaton, Mr. Bradstreet, and Gov. Winslow. In this body he exercised a large influence, and served the colony wisely and faithfully.

Mr. Brown died at Wannamoisett, April 10th, 1662.:

His burial place is probably in what is now known as the " Viall Burial Ground," on the Little Neck, in Wannamoisett, at the head of Bullock's Cove. My reasons for this belief are these: The locality is within the limits of Wannamoisett, which he purchased of the Indians, and also within the bounds of Ancient Swansea, which included a large portion of that purchase. It was upon his own estate, where family burial grounds were often located.

His widow, Dorothy Brown, was buried there; she died at Swansea, January 27, 1674, aged ninety years.

His daughter Mary and her husband, Capt. Thomas Willett, with other descendants, were buried in this ground, and the locality was formerly known as the " Brown Burial Ground."

Mr. Brown left three children - Mary, who married Capt. Thomas Willett, John, Jr., who settled with his father in Rehoboth, and James Brown, who was one of the most influential men in the founding of Swansea, as well as one of the leading members of Mr. Myles's church. Biographie Index

KENT BROWN. Son of William and Alathea Brown, in the fifth generation from John of Plymouth ; born Dec. 27, 1765; died Aug. 10, 1822. He was a shoemaker by trade; was a man of large influence in the town; town treasurer from 1814 to 1822; Deacon of the Congregational Church for many years ; lived at the Brown house, He married Betsy Cole; children, Polly and Nathaniel; married for his second wife Eunice Allen; children, Asa, Allen, William, Lyman and Samuel.

NATHANIEL BROWN, son of Kent and Betsey (Cole) Brown; b. Aug. 20, 1796; d. March 3, 1868; shoemaker and farmer; m. Martha T. Kinnicutt, April 12, 1821; children: Mary E., William R., Albert C, William R., Henry C, Helen M., Julia F., Harriet A. Mr. Brown was a member of the school committee, and a delegate to the Convention to form a State Constitution. He was an intelligent and an active man, and helped to promote all good enterprises in the town and church.

THOMAS CHAFFEE, Son of Nathaniel and Experience Chaffee; his father was freeman in Plymouth in 1658, and in Rehoboth in 1681; Thomas was born in Swansea; from Nathaniel has sprung a large descent of families, bearing the name and the honorable character of the ancestor, who was an influential citizen, and a large land holder in this section; Thomas was one of the Sowams proprietors, and owned lands in Barrington. The family lived in the Peck neighborhood, near Barrington River, and burials were made near the river. Biographie Index

REV. SETH CHAPIN. Grad. of B. U., 1808; m. Mary Bicknell, daughter of Joshua and Amy; studied theology at Andover, grad in 1811. Jan l812, ordained a Congregational minister; was settled as pastor at Hillsboro, N. H., where his two sons were born , removed to Rowley, Mass. where he occupied the pulpit from 1816 to 1819; pastorate Hanover Mass., from 1819 to 1824; acting pastor at Hunter, N. Y., 1825 to 1827 and afterwards at Attleboro, Mass., and preached at West Greenville, Mass., 1833 to 1835 He resided in Providence during the latter part of his life.

O. H. P. CLELAND has been a resident of Barrington for nearly forty years, and his name frequently appears on the town records as an officer of the town. His good judgment and conservative spirit render him a valuable tax assessor, and appraiser of property values.

HUGH COLE. Born about 1627; son of James and Mary Cole, Plymouth; was registered at Plymouth in 1643 among " the males that are able to bear Arms from XVI Years old to 60 Years; " was admitted a freeman of the town of Plymouth in 1657, and of Swansea in 1670; married (1) Mary Foxwell of Scituate, Jan. 8, 1654. Children: James Cole, b. Nov. 3, 1655, Hugh, Jr., b. March 8, 1658, John, b. May 15, 1660, Martha, b. April 16, 1662, Anna, b. Oct. 14, 1664, Ruth, b. Jan. 8, 1666, Joseph, b. May 15, 1668, Ebenezer, b. 1671, Mary, Benjamin, b. 1678, Married (2) widow, Elizabeth Cooke, Jan. 1, 1693; m. (3) widow Morton, 1698; held offices as selectman, deputy, juryman for several years; was an accomplished land surveyor and a ship builder, and a large land owner.

In 1669 Philip sold to Hugh Cole and others, 500 acres of land in Swansea. This tract was on the west side of Cole's River, which took its name from Mr. Hugh Cole, who resided thereon previous to 1675. At the breaking out of the Indian war, two sons of Hugh Cole were made prisoners by the Indians and taken to Philip at Mount Hope. Philip, from his friendship for their father, sent them back with a message to Mr. Cole that he did not wish to injure him, but, as his younger warriors might disobey his orders, advised him to repair to Rhode Island for safety. Mr. Cole immediately made ready and started with all his family in a boat, when he beheld his house in flames. After the war, 1677, Mr. Cole returned and located on the east side of Touisset Neck, on Kickemuit River in Warren. The farm he owned and the well he dug in 1677 are yet in possession of his lineal descendants. Mr. Cole was a member of John Myles's Church and was an influential man in town and church. He died Jan. 26, 1699, leaving a large descent to perpetuate the name and good qualities of their distinguished ancestor. Miss Asenath W. Cole, a descendant, lives on the ancestral land, and is loyal to the Cole history. I am indebted to her for other valuable historic material, which may be used later. Biographie Index

WILLIAM EDGAR COLLEY. Son of Thomas and Mary E. Colley; b. Providence, Aug. 16, 1859; on father's side from Thomas, of the War of 1812; and Thomas, of the Revolution; on mother's side from Gov. John Cranston; educated in public schools and at Mr. Cady's; engaged in Y. M. C. A. work at age of nineteen; attended training school at Harrisburg, Penn.; Gen. Sec. of Y. M. C. A. at Worcester; and at Salem, Mass., 1880; while there, m. Ruth W. Smith, daughter of W. H. and Martha Smith of Barrington; in 1883, was made Secy, of Y. M. C. A. of Bridgeport, Conn.; while there, raised $200,000 for a building for the society; was made State Y. M. C. A. Secy, for Conn., and over $500,000 was added to the Y. M. C. A. property of the State Associations while he held office, showing his ability and fitness for that work. He has spoken in the interests of young men in all the large cities of the country. Mr. Colley resigned Y. M. C. A. work to engage in banking business at Bridgeport, and later came to Providence, where he is doing a successful business. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, of the I. O. O. F., and the A. O. U. W.; is connected with several business associations, and is an able agent of financial corporations. Children, Richard Sayford, Robert House, and Dwight Townsend. Address, Providence, R. I. Biographie Index

JOHN L. DRAPER, b. in Attleboro, Mass., in 1833; common school education; clerk in the firm of Earl P. Mason & Company, drugs, chemicals and dye-stuffs, of which he became a member. The firm was succeeded by that of Snow, Claflin & Co., and finally the business was done under the name of Rice, Draper & Company. Mr. Draper was connected with the business up to his death. Mr. Draper m. daughter of Nathaniel F. Potter, of Nayatt, by whom he had one child, Harriett. He was possessed of a sterling character, and his upright manner and honorable way of doing business won him many admirers. His disposition was sunny and cheerful and his benevolence was marked. Biographie Index

ALFRED DROWN, son of Jeremiah Scott Drown and Betsey (Kent) Drown, b. August 7, 1797; m. Frances Humphrey, November 8, 1818; children: Almira Scott, Benjamin Franklin, Frances Elizabeth, Julia Ann, Mary Jane, Sarah Maria, Helen Almira, and William Henry. Mr. Drown was a farmer and bought a farm at Drownville, a part of the land of the Allin estate. By his industry and prudence he earned and saved a handsome property, and by his honesty of life, and excellences of character won the highest respect of all who know him. Mrs. Drown was a noble woman, and a devoted wife and mother and their long and useful lives, illustrated the methods of temperate and Godly living. Both were members of the Congregational Church; of both it may be said they had " That which should accompany old age. As honor, love, obedience, troops of friends." Biographie Index

BENJAMIN DROWN. Son of Alfred and Frances Drown; b. March 20, 1822; farmer; lived at Drownville; m. Amy Ann Allin, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Allin; was a member of the Town Council, and a Representative to the General Assembly from Barrington, 1862-63, and '64. He d. Feb. 1894. Mr. Drown led a quiet but industrious life, and was a respected and an exemplary citizen.

HIRAM DROWN. Son of Jeremiah S. Drown; b. Dec. 13, 1799; d. Nov. 27, 1866; farmer; m. Emeline Drown; children, Samuel M., Ann Frances, Charles E., Adeline E., William A. Mr. Drown was an honest and upright man and a faithful citizen.

ROBERT FESSENDEN has been a resident of the town for several years, and has contributed to its recent development in many ways. He is progressive in spirit, liberal in policy, and resolute in action. His record in the Civil War is as follows: Private Co. E, First Reg. Infantry res., North Providence; April 17, 1861, enrolled; May 2, 1861, mustered in; Aug. 2, 1862, mustered out. Mr. Fessenden is an active member of the B. R. I. Association, and is devoted to the best interests of the town He is connected with the Hope Electric Appliance Co., of Providence. Biographie Index

F. O. FIELD, ESQ., of the firm of Brownell & Field, is a valuable accession to the citizenship of the town; has been a member of the Town Council, and its President in 1897-8; is an active member of the B. R. I. Association, and has served as its President; his residence is at New Meadow Neck.

LEWIS T. FISHER is one of the reliable and valuable adopted citizens of Barrington; m. Jane Drown, daughter. of Alfred; has been a Representative and Senator for several terms, high sheriff of Bristol County, a member of the Centennial Committee, and other town offices.

THE GARDNER'S John Q. A. and sons, have identified themselves with the best interests of the town since their residence at Rumstick. Their farm contains the celebrated Scamscammuck Spring, which is worthy of bearing the name of the distinguished Indian chief, who dwelt on Barrington soil. The evidences of Indian occupation of these lands are varied and interesting, and the owners of Scamscammuck prize it, not only for the abundance, purity, and coolness of its waters, but also for its aboriginal associations. Mr. John Q A. Gardner has held several town offices, and has been a Representative, and Mr. Herbert M. Gardner has been elected as moderator of town meetings, and a member and president of the Town Council Biographie Index

OTIS G. HARRIS. Son of Edwin H. Harris; b. Aug, 21, 1828; high school education in Providence; m. Louisa Allen Bicknell, Nov. 21, 1855; children, Charles F., Annie Louise, Mary Dexter, Caroline Allen; he was a vestryman of St. John's Church a member of the School Committee, and a good citizen. He died Jan. 6, 1895.

THE HEATH'S are from Rev. Peleg Heath, the minister of the Congregational Church.

JABEZ HEATH. Son of Maj. Peleg Heath and grandson of Rev. Peleg Heath ; was born in Barrington March 14, 1781. Was a farmer by occupation. Married Mrs. Elizabeth Champlin, to whom two children were born, Elizabeth and Thomas. Mr. Heath was a man of strong individuality, clear convictions, and unflinching courage. He had the Puritan qualities of character and might easily have been taken for one, in his simplicity of dress and manners and his uncompromising devotion to conscience. He studied the Bible as a daily textbook and his austere habits of thought and life seem to have been copied from the old prophets. He read the Bible through forty times in course, as well as the general reading of it. He joined the Congregational Church in Barrington with six others in 1813, and was never absent, from choice, from church services and prayer meetings, until deafness and other infirmities prevented in his old age. When sleepy in the church services, he would stand erect as an arrow in his pew until the drowsiness had passed off, when he would resume his seat. He died in June, 1870, at the good age of 90 years. He was a man whose public and private character were above fear and reproach. Biographie Index

WILMARTH HEATH. Son of Nathaniel and Rebecca (Brown) Heath; b. Aug. 31, 1787; d. Oct. 3, 1862; common school education; farmer; m. Mary Humphrey, Sept. 18, 1814; children, Diana Brown, m. William Carter; Jerusha Wilmarth, m. George S. Thurston; Eliza Ashley. Mr. Heath was a highly respected and useful citizen. Third generation from Rev. Peleg Heath.

MRS. AMY HORN. Daughter of Gen. Thomas and Amy (Bicknell) Allin; b. in Barrington Nov. 7, 1773; m. Capt. John Horn Feb. 20, 1796. He died Dec. 18, 1796. One child, John, born 1796, died Dec. 26, 1800. Mrs. Horn died Jan 25,1816. Mrs. Horn had an accomplished education for a woman of that day and was preceptress of Bristol Academy after her husband's death. Her pastor. Rev. Samuel Watson, wrote the following-obituary

" On the 27th Jan., died at Barrington, Mrs. Amy Horn aged 42 years, widow of the late Capt. John Horn, and one of the daughters of the late General Thomas Allin. Without panegyric, Mrs. Horn claims a tribute grateful to her memory. She was sincere in her attachments, faithful in her principles and undisguised in her affections. She early professed the Christian Faith and verity, pursued the paths of righteousness and peace, and by a life devoted to God and to the honor of her sacred engagements, evidenced the reality of the religion she professed. She met her last enemy, death, with a becoming fortitude, under the strongest assurance that her ' Redeemer liveth."

" At the moment of her departure, with a pious resignation, she called on her surrounding friends to join with her in singing a parting hymn which was religiously performed."

" Her soul has bid adieu, life's scene is o'er; But hark! what music on the happy shore."

The picture of Mrs. Horn is from a portrait from life, painted soon after her marriage, at the probable age of 24 years, and represents her in the usual bride's cap and dress of that early day. Biographie Index

REV. FRANCIS HORTON. B. in Boston; grad. B. U. 1828; pastor of churches at West Brookfield, Mass., 1832-1841; West Cambridge, 1842 to 1856; Barrington, 1856 - 1872. During his ministry in Barrington. 136 were added to the church. His work and influence are referred to in the chapter on New Barrington.

ROYAL D. HORTON Son of Royal and Eunice Horton; b. Bristol, R. I., June 28, 1835; m. Helen M. Brown, Dec. 1, 1857; children, Walter, Martha Dexter and Jennie Bucklin; member Cong. Church; member of school committee 25 years; a trustee of Public Library; chairman of Cora, on Central bridge; member of Rep. Town Com., and State Central Com.; business, manufacturing jeweler. Biographie Index

REV. WILLIAM HOUSE B. Dec. 24, 1826, in New York; grad. Princeton College, 1854, and Seminary 1858; m. Frances Savage, 1859; pastorates at Londonderry, N. H., 1858-1873, and Barrington, 1873, 1886. Among the results of a successful ministry, over 90 were added to the church, benevolences were increased, and the life of the church elevated and quickened; later labors in Providence in the Union and Beneficent Churches. Mr. House was a true, pure, sincere, unselfish, conscientious, courageous man and minister. He died in 1898, leaving a widow and four children in life.

DAVID HOWELL. A distinguished scholar, lawyer, and judge; was a resident of Barrington for several years from 1799. He purchased the estate of the heirs of Matthew Allin, since known as the Drown estate at Drownville, and lived in the old house, built by William Allin before 1670. Judge Howell set out many elm and cherry trees, built a very heavy wall along the road, east of his house, and otherwise improved the property. Biographie Index

EMERSON HUMPHREY. Son of John and Elizabeth (Bullock) Humphrey; b. Oct. 24, 1792; farmer; member of Town Council 1826, 1834, 1838-45; president for 8 years; moderator of town meetings from 1839 to 1856, lacking one year; was a captain in the town militia and commanded the Barrington Company of 32 men in the Dorr War; was a member of the state convention to frame a Constitution in 1841; was elected Senator to the General Assembly for the years 1845 and 1846; while through his long life he took a deep interest in local and state affairs, and was ever ready by his example and with his means to promote all enterprises for the improvement of the interests of this town. He was married in 1819 to Huldah Peck, daughter of Ebenezer and Huldah (Brown) Peck, who survived him four years, dying in 1869. By her he had six children, five of whom survive him. He died in 1865, after a most painful and distressing illness of more than a year's duration, aged 72 years. Biographie Index

JOHN B. HUMPHREY. Son of Emerson and Huldah; born Feb. 9, 1824; received, as he says, "the commonest of common school education"; spent seven years in California from 1849 to 1856; m. (1) Mary A. Reed of Pawtucket, 1848; one child, Mary E., born May, 1853; she m. Prof. Skidmore of Philadelphia, 1878, and d. 1879. Mr. H. m. (2) Ellen F. Richmond, 1873; no children. Since 1871 Mr. H. has been engaged as harness manufacturer at Providence, his present residence; was a member of Barrington Town Council from 1864 to 1872, and its president five years; was senator for Barrington in 1871; was an efficient moderator of town meetings several years, a member of the Centennial Committee in 1870, and in all points an honorable and useful citizen.

HORATIO GATES JONES Son of Rev. Horatio Gates Jones and Deborah (Levering) Jones, was born Jan. 9, 1822; graduated from Univ. of Pennsylvania in 1841; was a lawyer by profession; married Caroline V. Babcock, May 27, 1852; no children; was deacon of a Baptist Church in Philadelphia; trustee of Crozer Theology. Seminary; manager of Baptist Publication Society; was chosen senator to State Senate (Penn.) in 1874, and re-elected in 1876 and 1878; he died March 14, 1893, in the room in which he was born, in the house in which he had lived all his life at Roxborough, Philadelphia, Penn. Mr. Jones was a man of rare natural gifts, which received excellent training and were consecrated to the noblest uses. In his profession, in social and church life, in politics, in business, and in official relations he was an active, benevolent, manly. Christian citizen. As Mr. Jones spent a considerable time of each year in Barrington, was deeply interested in all the interests of the people, and as he married a lady of Barrington descent, this brief biographical note is appropriately inserted. Biographie Index

JOHN KELLEY. Son of Dunkin and Abigail Kelley; b. Dec. 3, 1799; miller and toll-keeper; m. (1) Lois Martin; children, John Edward, George Henry, Esek Bowen, Anna C, Charles D.; m. (2) Sarah Jones; children, Sarah, William Winslow. He was of a family of ferry keepers and managed the affairs of the ferry and mill well, and left the reputation of a kind husband, a good neighbor, and an honest man. He died Nov. 22, 1860.

DESIRE KENT. One of the oldest monuments in the Tyler's Point Cemetery stands in memory of Desire Kent, wife of Samuel Kent, of Barrington. The inscription says she " was the first English woman's granddaughter on New England." This statement has been interpreted to mean that Mrs. Kent was the grand daughter of Mary Chilton, to whom tradition gives the honor of being the first woman of the Mayflower band to land on Plymouth Rock. The genealogical history of Mary Chilton and her descendants disproves this theory, however pleasing it may be to Mrs. Kent's descendants, of whom the writer is one. A more probable theory is that Desire Kent's maiden name was Desire Cushman, daughter of Thomas Cushman and Ruth Howland, and granddaughter of John Howland and Elizabeth (Tilley) Howland, both of whom came in the Mayflower. If this theory is true, the lithographic statement may mean that Desire was the grand-daughter of one of the Mayflower Company, in the first immigration "on New England." There is a probable error on the tombstone as to her age. The stone says, "Aged about 94 years." A MSS. book of Genealogical notes, made by Dr. Turner, an able and accurate historian and genealogist, has the following record: " Kent, Desire, died Feb. 8, 1763, aged 89, on Tuesday. Would have been 90 next day." This date makes Desire's birth to occur in 1673. Biographie Index

THE KINNICUTT'S are from Roger Kinnicutt, who settled in Malden, Mass., and who was made a freeman in 1670; m. Joanna Shepardson of Charlestown, Mass, Nov., 1661, and moved to Swansea in 1679; the ancestry of Daniel Kinnicutt are: John,1 John,2 b. 1669, m. Elizabeth Luther; John,3 b. 1700, m. (1) Anne Eddy; Daniel,4 b. 1735, m. Hannah Kent; Josiah,5 b. 1765, m. Rebecca Bourne Townsend; children, Hannah B., m. Benjamin Viall; Harriet Byron, m. Allin Bicknell, Benjamin Townsend, Martha Townsend, m. Nathaniel Brown, Nancy, m. George Smith, George R., m. Hannah Drown.

JOSIAH KINNICUTT Son of Daniel and Hannah (Kent) Kinnicutt, was born in Barrington, April 2, 1765; occupation, farmer and tavern keeper; married Rebecca Townsend, daughter. of Solomon and Martha (Bourne) Townsend, by Rev. Solomon Townsend, Nov. 8, 1787; Daniel Kinnicutt, Josiah's father, built and lived in a house at Happy Hollow, north and east of the present Town Hall. Josiah Kinnicutt bought the house and land near the Barrington River, about one-fourth of a mile north of the Congregational, meeting-house, and made it a house for public entertainment. After the Revolution, the sign on the tavern post bore the picture of an American eagle with outstretched wings. The first post office in Barrington was opened in this house, with Mr. Kinnicutt as postmaster, who held that office until his death, March 25, 1838. Mr. Kinnicutt brought the first anthracite coal into the town from Providence. It was called " stone coal," and was placed on top of a wood fire to burn. The chunk was so large, however, that it would not ignite, and the neighbors decided that hickory wood was good enough for them, and that they would not adopt " stone coal" for their fuel. This was in 1827. In 1825 Mr. Kinnicutt was chosen by the town to have charge of the hearse and house, a duty that was performed by him and his son George, as long as the town owned such a carriage. He was chosen to represent the town in the General Assembly for the years 1834, '35, and '36. Biographie Index

WILLIAM T. LEWIS, AND WILLIAM T. JR., father and son, have resided at Drownville for nearly thirty years, and have been identified with the growth and improvement of the town. Both have held public office, the father as an Assessor of Taxes, and the son as a Representative in the General Assembly, 1897-8, and also as a member of the Town Council, and its President in 1896. Mr. Lewis, Sen., is a prominent member of St. John's Church, and a supporter of the Mission at Drownville.

THE LOW FAMILY is from John and Elizabeth Low of Boston; wheelwright; d. 1653; son Anthony, of Boston, Warwick and Swansea; m. Frances . John Winthrop wrote to Roger Williams that he had a report that the Indians " had burnt about twelve houses, one new great one, Anthonie Loes," in Swansea;, was captain of the sloop Dolpfin, which he owned and gave to his son Samuel; also gave to Samuel his house after his widow's death; will bears date Aug. 6, 1692 ; his widow, Frances, d. 1702, aged about 70, and was buried at Tyler's Point Burial Ground. Children, John, Samuel, Elizabeth Ann, Anthony Low, 1678.

SAMUEL LOW, of Anthony; m. (1) Ann; m. (2) Rachel. Children, Samuel, b. 1701, Anne, Rachel. Samuel and second wife, Rachel, died 1718; Samuel owned 400 acres of land, 300 sheep, 50 head of cattle, 4. negroes, val. £130, etc., etc.

SAMUEL LOW, of Samuel, of Anthony, b. Mar. 29, 1701; m. Isabel Greene; children, Ann, m. Joseph Bosworth, Jr., Dec. 10, 1743, Hooker, and John Wilson, m. (1) Lydia; children, Lydia, b. 1754; Rachel, 1756,; John Wilson, Oct. 25, 1757 ; m. (2) Judith Gladding of Rehoboth, Sept. 28, 1762; m. (3) Mary Pearce; child Elizabeth; mother, Mary d. Oct., 1816, in her 96th year. John W., Sen., d. 1813.

HOOKER LOW.5 son of Samuel,4 of Samuel.3 of Anthony,2 of John1; m. Elizabeth Kinnicutt; children, Wilson, b. 1751; Wilson, 2nd, 1753; Sarah, 1754; Hooker, 1756; Wilson, 3rd, 1758; Anstress, 1759; Amy, 1761, John Wilson, 1764. Hooker sold the farm and brick mansion house under the great elms at the corners at B. Centre to Hon. Paul Mumford. Biographie Index

NOEL MATHEWSON. Son of Noel and Susannah (Martin) Mathewson; b. 1810; ed. at Warren H. S. and Phillips Academy; m. (1) Hannah Bourne Smith July, 1841; children, Martha Smith, John Bourne, George Kingsley; Mrs. Mathewson d. Nov. 21, 1843; m. (2) Mary Ann Webb; no children; occupation, storekeeper and postmaster at Nayatt; d. May 7, 1869. Mr. Mathewson was a public spirited and generous man and well respected by all.

CHARLES H. MERRIMAN. Manufacturer, firm Henry Lippitt & Co.; has been a resident of Barrington since 1866, and is a valuable citizen; his experience in financial affairs has been of good service to the town and his judgment is seldom questioned on matters of public expenditure; was a member of the building committee of the town hall, which finished the building with the appropriation, with a balance in the town's favor. Biographie Index

NELSON A. MILES. Soldier; b. Westminster, Mass., Augusts, 1839; academic education; mercantile pursuits in Boston; enlisted for the war, Sept. 9, 1861, as lieutenant in the 22d Mass. infantry; was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel of the6ist New York Vols., May 31,1862; made Colonel Sept. 30; was made Brevet Brigadier-General for gallantry at Chancellorsville; was advanced to full rank May 12, 1864; was made Major-Gen. Oct. 11, 1865; General Miles fought in all the battles of the army of the Potomac, except one, until the surrender of Lee. From 1869 to 1887 he was engaged in the West against hostile Indian tribes, with remarkable success. He now holds the highest rank as Major-General of the U. S. Army, and is in command of the land forces in the war with Spain. Gen. Miles is a direct descendant of Rev. John Myles, the founder of the Baptist Church of Swansea, in Barrington. Biographie Index

PAUL MUMFORD. Was the most distinguished citizen of Barrington, not of native stock. He came from Newport with his family and purchased the Hooker Low estate, in 1774, at B. Centre. His services in town and state are given in the chapter on the Revolution. He held the offices of town deputy. Colonial Commissioner, Justice and Chief Justice of the Sup. Court, Governor's Assistant, a delegate to the Colonial Congress, and lieutenant governor from 1803 to 1805.

Two members of the Mumford family were buried at Prince's Hill, a son, William, b. Feb. 3, 1770, and d. Nov. 24, 1776, and Mrs. Mary Mumford, his wife, b. Aug. 12, 1737; d. June 22, 1779. She was the daughter of Rev. John and Ann Mayclean, and was a woman of fine social qualities and great executive ability, conducting the affairs of the farm and dairy as well as her large household during her husband's absence. Judge Mumford sold his property in Barrington and returned to Newport about 1800. Biographie Index

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