Trails to the Past

Bristol County Rhode Island

Barrington Biographies

The Muran Family

JOSEPH CARLO MAURAN. B. Villa Franca, Province of Nice, Italy, June 3, 1748; kidnapped, 1760; cabin boy on board transport ship hospital; came to United States and in 1768 made his home with Joshua Bicknell of Barrington; m. Olive Bicknell (b. 1754) daughter of Joshua and Ruth Bicknell, in April, 1772. Olive received at her marriage a lot of land on Barrington River, and later more of her father's farm, on which the Mauran residence was built. During the Revolution Mr. Mauran was an ardent patriot, and his naval services will be described in history.. After the war Captain Mauran continued his seafaring life. From July 1789 to December, 1790, his name is mentioned in the newspapers as captain of the brig Polly, eighty-four tons, trading in the West Indies. He spent his last years at his pleasant home in Barrington, which was always the seat of a generous and abounding hospitality. Here he died May I, 1813, in the sixty-fifth year of his age. His widow outlived him less than one year, her death taking place Feb. 12, 1814. Joseph Carlo Mauran is described as having been a person of tall, commanding appearance. His eldest son, Carlo, whose likeness has been preserved, and is given in this volume, bore a striking resemblance to his father. Their figures were alike and they had the same noble, frank and open countenance, florid complexion, and black, curling hair. It is said that when Joseph Carlo came from his rural home to Providence and walked the streets of the town, every one would turn round to look at him, so attractive was his personal appearance. His biographer says of him : " In his public and private life he was * A man resolved and steady to his trust, Inflexible to ill and obstinately just.*

In remembrance of such a character what breast does not glow with veneration and respect.?  And who amongst his numerous friends and acquaintances does not experience the liveliest pangs of sorrow and affliction, when the idea of his loss enters their minds. Yesterday his funeral obsequies were solemnized in this town (Barrington) by the General Lodge (Masonic) of the state of Rhode Island, of which he was an honorary and highly belaved member, attended by subordinate lodges, an afflicted consort, and by a long train of relatives and friends.''  Biographie Index

CARLO MAURAN. Son of Joseph C. and Olive B. Mauran ; b. March 12, 1779; m. Sallie Smith, March 27, 1801; he died Nov. 27, 1844; she died Nov. 5, 1866; was a member of the firm of C. & J. Mauran, Providence; was an able and successful business man ; had a fine physique, a manly and dignified carriage, and bore a striking resemblance to his father, whom he was like also in character; his biographer says of him: "A good man has gone; an affectionate husband, an indulgent father, a devoted and faithful friend, and an honest and upright citizen has been taken from us."

JOSEPH MAURAN. Son of Joseph C. and Olive B. Mauran; b.Dec. 22, 1796; m. Sophia R. Sterry, Oct. 11, 1820; he d. June 8, 1873; she d. Aug. 28, 1854. Dr. Joseph Mauran was a successful physician, an active and influential citizen of Providence, and an accomplished. Christian gentleman.

JOSHUA MAURAN. Son of Joseph C. and Olive B. Mauran; b. March 12,, 1782; m. Abigail Winsor, Jan. 7, 1808; he died Jan. 1, 1847; she died Oct. 15, 1873; Joshua was a member of the firm of C. & J. Mauran, who, as leading merchants of Providence, were distinguished for their commercial enterprise and honor. At his death, in respect to his character and memory, the flags of the shipping in the harbor were displayed at half mast, and the members of the Marine Society attended his funeral in a body.

SUCHET MAURAN. Son of Joseph C. and Olive B. Mauran; b. April 3, 1794; m. (1) Sophia W. Bowen; m. (2) Fannie W. Perkins; he died Sept. 28, 1871; Sophia d. April 14, 1847; Fannie d. June 25, 1884. Suchet was a sea captain until 1851, after which he was chosen President of the Atlantic Insurance Co., of Providence. He was a man of excellent judgment, social, hospitable, and an "old school gentleman."  Biographie Index

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