Benjamin Ist. Anthony was born in South Kingstown, August 27th, 1821, being the youngest child of Peleg C. and Abby G. (Tillinghast) Anthony. His father removed to Newport about 1824 and engaged in farming, which occupation has been followed by his son. Peleg C. died January 14th, 1882, in his ninety-first year. Benjamin M. married Elizabeth, daughter of Josiah and Eliza Peckham, and they had twelve children, of whom seven are living: Abram Tilley Anthony, born August 14th, 1845, and married Marian R. Ball; Joseph Smith, born April 1st, 1847, married Abby Cook Hudson; William Clark, born May 8th, 1852, married Mary Jane Sullivan; Charles Green, born January 17th, 1854, married Francis Mary Hardwick; Eliza Abby; James Edward, born March 17th, 1859, married Elizabeth Parker Congdon; and Mary Alice.  Biographie Index

George A. Armstrong was born in Newport, September 1809, being the son of George and Esther (Williams) Armstrong. His early life was spent on his father's farm, which was located where Narragansett avenue now is. He married Harriet H., daughter of George and Content (Wilbour) Hazard, who was also a native of Newport. They had two children, one of whom is living,  William A., born in October, 1834, and married Carrie, daughter of William Lewis.

Seth Bateman. The members of the Bateman family resident in Rhode Island are descended from English ancestry, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch having been Lord William Henry Bateman of Castle Hill, Herfordshire, England, and his grandfather Hector Bateman, who probably emigrated and settled in Coventry, Rhode Island. Among his children was William, who married Susannah Spencer, daughter of Jeremiah .Spencer, who, on his emigration from England, settled in Connecticut. The Spencer family are descended from the second Duke of Marlborough, and resided upon their estates in England, Jeremiah above named being the first to leave his native hearth for a home in the new world. The children of William and Susannah Bateman are: Julia Ann, Joseph, Seth, Mary, Susan, Luther, Ira, Alice A., Harriet, Sidney, Jane and William Pitt, of whom six survive.

Seth Bateman, of this number, was born August 26th, 1802, on the homestead then considered as suburban ground, but now a part of the city of Newport. He availed himself of such advantages of education as the country schools afforded, after which he became a farmer and for a considerable time assisted his father in that capacity. The latter for many years leased a portion of the Brenton estate, then embracing two thousand acres, including the tract now owned by Mr. Bateman. In 1837 the first movement was made which resulted in the establishment of the very popular summer resort at Bateman's point owned by Seth Bateman. The enterprise was begun amid many discouragements and only through the perseverance and admirable management of its projector brought to a successful result. As the attractions of the spot became known, patrons from New York, Boston and other cities increased in numbers, and the capacity of the building proved far too limited for the demand. In this emergency extensive apartments were added which also were very speedily found inadequate to the wants of the increasing number of guests. Mr. Bateman, having purchased the property, continued to enlarge and make improvements until the spacious and complete establishment over which he presides is the result. While giving his personal supervision to this extensive enterprise, he still finds time to devote to other business interests and fills the office of president of the Merchants' Bank of Newport. While eminently successful in all his financial undertakings, he has not forgotten to share his means with others and has dispensed his charities with an unostentatious, though liberal hand. His benefactions lay chiefly in the direction of aid to worthy young men seeking an education. Mr. Bateman in 1857 married Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel Peckham, of Newport, a lady of many estimable qualities, whose death occurred in the spring of 1887.

Luther Bateman, the second son of William and Susannah Bateman, previously mentioned, was born June 16th, 1807, at Brenton's point, where his parents then resided. Here his boyhood was passed in the varied occupations peculiar to a farmer's son, the neighboring school meanwhile affording opportunities for a thorough training in the English branches. After some years spent upon the farm he decided to acquire a trade, and chose that of a tanner and currier, removing to East Greenwich for his apprenticeship. He devoted two years to this pursuit and returned to the farm, which he managed in conjunction with his brother Seth for five years, when his interest was disposed of to the latter. Locating elsewhere, he for some years engaged in farming and also embarked in the milk business and in butchering. He has recently retired from active employment, and now devotes his time to the management of his varied interests. Mr. Bateman is not specially concerned in politics, though he has been a member of the city council, and was some years since appointed commissioner to superintend the agricultural department of the asylum for the poor, where he did excellent service. He was married April 2nd, 1838, to Ruth, daughter of Thomas G. Hazard, of Newport. Their children are: William H., of Kingston, R. I., who married Cora M. Allen and has two sons; and Henry B., of Washington territory, who married Jennie M. Mason and has two sons and one daughter. Mr. Bateman was reared in the faith of the Society of Friends and still worships with the Friends' meeting.  Biographie Index

Henry Bedlow. The progenitor of the Bedlow family in America, one of the oldest, if not the oldest Knickerbocker family in New York, was Isaac Bedlow, son of Godfrey Bedlow, physician to William, Prince of Orange, who emigrated from Leyden, Holland, and settled in New Amsterdam, now New York, in 1639. He speedily became identified with the interests of his adopted city, and was for a period of five years one of its aldermen. He acquired by purchase in 1668 the historic Bedlow's Island, afterward deeded to the state of New York.

One son in each generation has since represented the family, who have always made New York their residence. William Bedlow, the grandfather of the subject of this biographical sketch, was appointed by the government one of the commissioners to make the survey and establish the military school at West Point. He married Catharine, daughter of Colonel Henry Rutgers, and had one son, Henry, who married Julia Halsey of Newark, New Jersey.

Their second son, Henry, was born on the 21st of December, 1821, in New York, studied under private tutors at the Yale University, and was graduated at the Harvard Law School. After a thorough study of the practice of law he was admitted to the bar of New York state and subsequently studied medicine both in this country and in France. Mr. Bedlow in early life became an attache of the American legation at Naples. Though this is a position of no special importance in American foreign representation, yet in this instance, from his familiarity with the court language and a knowledge of etiquette, he was enabled to render Mr. Polk, the charges and brother of President James K. Polk, considerable service in his intercourse with what was at the time considered the most formal court in Europe. He was likewise a member-acting officially-of the United States Dead Sea expedition, under the command of F. W. Lynch, who, in his published report, has not failed to bear most complimentary testimony to the efficient aid rendered by him in the exploration and survey of the Jordan valley and river and the lake of Sodom and Gomorrah. For many years Mr. Bedlow has, with his family, spent the summer and autumn in Newport, and meanwhile become closely identified with the interests of the city. He was elected mayor for the years 1875, 1876 and 1877, and during his candidacy won from the local press the most laudatory notices for his varied capabilities and social accomplishments. His record during the war of the rebellion proclaimed him a sincere lover of his country, and his thorough loyalty showed itself in word and speech. Mr. Bedlow was married March 2nd, 1850, to Miss Josephine De Wolf Homer, daughter of Fitzhenry Homer of Boston, Massachusetts. Their children are Harriet Hall, widow of Lieutenant-commander Francis Morris, and Alice Prescott, wife of William Henry Mayer.  Biographie Index

Robert P. Berry was the son of Joshua and Olive Berry, of Falmouth, Maine, where his birth occurred on the 14th of January, 1814. In early youth he removed to Windham in the same state and received his academic education at the Gorham Academy in Gorham, Maine, afterward entering upon the study of dentistry in Providence, R. I. Later removing to Bristol, R. I., he engaged in active professional labor and about 1842 became a resident of Newport where much of his subsequent life was passed. In 1859 Doctor Berry established an office in New York, returning to Newport for the summer months, where the few days of leisure stolen from an arduous professional career were spent in recreation. In 1868 he made Newport his permanent home and there continued actively employed until his death, which occurred February 9th, 1873.

Doctor Berry's thorough knowledge of dental science enabled him to take high rank in his profession and made his name a familiar one, not only in this country but in Europe. He was especially fond of the study of chemistry and in pursuance of his natural bent spent much time in his laboratory. These experiments, while gratifying a peculiar taste, served also to broaden his knowledge of a profession of which he was already an acknowledged master. A lover of books and an intelligent reader of sound literature, his well-stored library contained the best productions of English authors. Doctor Berry was a lover of field sports and accustomed to devote a portion of each autumn to the gratification of this pleasure, from which he derived much benefit and greatly needed rest. A republican in his political affiliations, he was in no sense a politician, and with the exception of his membership in the school board of Newport never held office. His religious associations were with Trinity Protestant Episcopal church, Newport, of which Mrs. Berry was a member and he a vestryman. Doctor Berry was, on the 18th of July, 1848, married to Mary Ann, daughter of William and Ruth Thurston of Newport, and she survives him.  Biographie Index

Joshua C. Brown, though a native of Newport county, and at present one of its enterprising citizens, has spent much of his active life in California. His grandfather, Peleg Brown, resided in Narragansett, though he was born in Newport county. Among his children was Pardon Brown, who early removed to Middletown township, where he spent much of his life as a farmer. He married Lucy, daughter of Captain Nathaniel Armstrong, of Narragansett, and had children: George A. Joshua C., Mary A. (Mrs. George Coggeshall) and Nathaniel A. He contracted a second marriage with Sarah, daughter of Captain Peleg Sanford, their children being: Lucy (Mrs. James Brown), Peleg, Lydia (Mrs. John Sanford) and Pardon.

Joshua C. was born February 27th, 1828, in Middletown, Newport county, R. I., and from early youth until the age of eighteen assisted in the farm his father owned, meanwhile pursuing the English branches at the neighboring public school. He determined to acquire a trade and chose that of a wheelwright, establishing himself in connection with his brother in his native township. At a later date, varying somewhat his occupation, he devoted his skill to the work of a house carpenter. Mr. Brown, like many ambitious spirits of that day, followed the tide of emigration to California in the year 1850. His business, that of a cattle dealer, necessitated many trips across the plains, no less than ten long and wearisome journeys being made in succession with droves and herds. At a later day the superior facilities offered by railroads rendered the shipment of cattle an easy task. Mr. Brown was for several years located in Nevada, and subsequently purchased from the government a ranch in Northern California. Here he engaged in the raising of blooded stock, shipping from Kentucky shorthorn Durhams and from Rhode Island Southdown sheep. In 1883 he returned to his native county, located in Newport, and has since devoted his time to building and improving the property he owns in the city.

Mr. Brown was married on the 14th of January, 1853, to Jane, daughter of Captain William Smith, of Middletown. Their children are: Nebraska, wife of A. A. Tilley; California, wife of Daniel Chase; Nevada, married to Herbert Tilley; Esmeralda, Pardon and Joshua C. Mr. Brown was a second time married May 2nd, 1872, to Elizabeth A. Ward of Newport, a descendant of Governor Ward of Rhode Island, and daughter of Henry Ward of Middletown. Mr. Brown is a member of the First Baptist church of Newport, which he joined at the age of fourteen. He, with others, organized a Sabbath school in Modoc county, California, and was until his departure one of its most active supporters and workers. This school formed the nucleus around which grew a prosperous church, of which he was an exemplary member. Mr. Brown is an avowed prohibitionist and earnest in the cause of temperance as in all Christian work.  Biographie Index

John Bull, the youngest son and child of Henry Bull, was born in Newport July 11th, 1822. He was connected during his life with the Newport Gas Company, holding the position of treasurer. He married Clarissa, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Peckham. They had three children: Daniel P., Evan M. and Phebe C. He died June 22nd, 1863.

George W. Carr, Jr.  The Carr family are of Scotch descent, the progenitor of the family in America, of which the subject of this sketch is a representative, having been Caleb Carr, who emigrated from London in the year 1635, sailing for Boston in the ship " Elizabeth and Ann " when but eleven years of age. Three years later he settled in Carr's lane, Newport, and subsequently became the owner of much land. He was three times married, and left to his son, Nicholas, an extensive tract on Conanicut island, which is still owned and occupied by representatives of the family. Another son, John, great-grandfather of George Washington Carr, Jr., married Waite, daughter of Peter Easton. Among their children was John Carr, who won distinction as a captain at the battle of Trenton during the war of the revolution, and at the close of the conflict settled in Newport. He married Mary Arnold and had children: John, Mary, Sarah, Samuel, Caleb A., Richard, Abagail, Waite, Ebenezer, George Washington and Hannah. Of this number George Washington was born July 12th, 1777, and married Margaret, daughter of William and Mary Thurston, born April 11th, 1779. Their children are: Dolly T., Abby, Margaret, George W., Jr., Mary Ann, Caleb A., Thomas T., Sarah R., John and Amelia, of whom seven survive.

George W, Carr, Jr., was born in Newport on the 22nd of April, 1808, where he now resides. He enjoyed such advantages of education as that early day afforded, his tutor being Levi Tower, a teacher of repute at the time, and was apprenticed to the trade of a tailor. On completing the allotted time he removed to New Bedford, and was for twenty years the successful manager of a merchant tailoring business for other parties. Returning to Newport he opened a dry goods store, chiefly as a congenial means of occupying his leisure time, and to this he still gives his personal attention. Devoted to books, an untiring reader of current literature, and a collector of old and rare manuscripts, Mr. Carr enjoys ample opportunity for the gratification of his taste in this direction. Always either a whig or republican in politics, he has often been urged to accept office, but invariably declined. He is an active member of the Newport Historical Society, in which he is much interested, and was formerly a working member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was educated in the religious faith of the Society of Friends with which he worships.  Biographie Index

William A. Clarke, late president of the National Bank of Rhode Island, Newport, was born in that city March 22nd, 1803. His father, Audley Clarke, was connected with that bank from its organization in 1795 until his death in 1844, a period of forty-nine years, and was its president for the last twenty-nine years of his life. Mrs. Mary Clarke, the mother of William A., was the daughter of Caleb Gardner, a prominent and successful business man of Newport. The son began his business career in the bank with his father in 1818 and worked his way through all the grades of that time-honored institution, the second of its kind established in Rhode Island. He was its cashier for twenty-four years and its respected president from 1862 until his death, which occurred on the 26th of March, 1887. 

Mr. Clarke was the oldest bank officer in the country, having served in the institution with which he was connected for nearly seventy years. Meanwhile, all the patrons of the bank when he entered it, had passed away, and Newport daring his lifetime had undergone important changes. But few persons of his advanced age are able to assume the oversight of so extensive a business. Mr. Clarke was much interested in the growth and prosperity of Newport, was the first president of the company that introduced the telegraph into that city, and gave encouragement to every worthy enterprise. He in politics adhered to the principles of the Jeffersonian school of democrats and manifested a lively interest in the public questions of the day, while avoiding active participation in the struggle for ascendency and power. His integrity and business capacity caused him to be made the recipient of many offers to fill positions of trust, which were usually gratefully declined. He led a quiet, unobtrusive life, spent much of his leisure in reading the best current literature of the day, and in his unostentatious manner did much to advance the interests of the community. In religion he was a firm believer in the Unitarian faith.  Biographie Index

Henry Clews. Among the successful men of Wall street few have by their own efforts and by strictly legitimate means raised themselves to so prominent a position in the financial world as Mr. Henry Clews. Many have risen and subsided, but he has maintained both his position and his integrity. Mr. Clews is an Englishman by birth and the youngest of four sons, his family having resided in Staffordshire, where they held a large landed estate. He began at an early age a course of study designed to fit him for admission to Cambridge, to qualify him for the church. He came to America on a pleasure trip and determined to remain and engage in commercial pursuits. His first essay was as a clerk in the well known dry goods house of Wilson Gr. Hunt & Co., and the careful training he received there proved of inestimable value in after life. The panic of 1857 had come, and while all around could be seen the fearful havoc made by this financial storm, in the shape of wrecked corporations, stoppage of industry and ruin of private fortunes, there was still a growing feeling in business circles that the worst had come and improvement must follow. Mr. Clews, sharing this belief, left the mercantile house, came to Wall street, and embarked as a broker and banker, establishing in 1858 the house of Stout, Clews & Mason, afterward changed to Livermore, Clews & Co. By hard labor Mr. Clews succeeded in doing a fair business, and was being constantly trained for the more active and exciting career which was soon to follow.

On his first attempt to gain admittance to the Stock Exchange he had many difficulties to contend with. The Exchange was then a close corporation and managed by old fogies, who were afraid of the admission of young blood and consequent innovations. About this time one hundred dollars a day and sometimes more was freely offered for the privilege of listening at the keyhole during the calls, and holes were made in the building adjacent to the exchange, which were let at a high rate by the hour. Mr. Clews directed his efforts toward the breaking of the monopoly by doing business on more liberal methods than the regular members, who were ultimately obliged to admit him in self defense. Prosperity smiled on his efforts, and the "success of Clews " became an accepted adage in Wall street.

On the breaking out of the civil war he threw himself with all his force into every project that might tend to assist the government in its negotiations for raising money to carry on the expenses of the great conflict, and no individual, from the opening of the war to Lee's surrender, did more than the young banker Clews to forward the interests of the North. Secretary Chase, speaking in terms of commendation of the New York bankers who had assisted him in his efforts to sustain the credit of the government, stated that the house of Clews & Co. had placed more government bonds than any other firm. By his marvelous foresight in the beginning of the war Mr. Clews was the means of saving his Arm, as well as many of its customers, from collapse. He visited Washington and had an interview with Secretary Chase. In opposition to the general opinion then prevalent, he foresaw that the war would be a lengthy and a desperate one. He immediately telegraphed to his partners to sell out at once all the mercantile paper which his firm held, and this was an immense quantity. His orders were executed, and the losses of the firm only exceeded a few thousand dollars. When the collapse came a few days afterward, on the firing on Port Sumter, the panic which occurred in Wall street shattered some of the best financial institutions of the country.

In 1862 Mr. Clews was elected a member of the New York Stock Exchange, and in addition to his large transactions in government securities, gradually became known as a power in the vast dealings in railroad and other securities, and his operations in gold were marked as showing unusual foresight and sagacity in the wide fluctuations that prevailed in that then, speculative commodity. The great secret of Mr. Clews' success was, after all, his unbounded belief in the perfect responsibility of the government to meet all its engagements, and the depth of his conviction that sooner or later the North would be triumphant, and the old union of North and South continue to be an accomplished fact. The amount of labor involved in the conduct of such a business in government and other securities as was done by Mr. Clews was enormous. The correspondence alone was enough to startle an ordinary business man, for it was the invariable rule to answer all inquiries for information. The commissions of the concern rolled up to important sums, and the firm became strong and extensively popular.

In the height of his prosperity and popularity Mr. Clews encountered a severe blow by the repudiation of the state debt of Georgia, and by the bad faith of the state of Alabama, through both of which he lost over five million dollars. To meet the necessary expenses and subsequently accumulate a large fortune with such stupendous losses, affords some idea of the magnitude of his business, and the executive ability which has directed it to that success. His entangling alliance with Georgia arose chiefly from a patriotic desire to assist in the reconstruction of the South by negotiating their securities and thus aiding to develop their industries. This beneficent purpose was frustrated by the destructive policy of President Andrew Johnson.

Mr. Clews is a member of the Stock, Cotton, Produce and Coffee Exchanges of New York and of the Chicago Board of Trade, his private wires also bringing him into instantaneous communication with the Philadelphia and Boston exchanges. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce of New York, and of the Union and Union League Clubs and the Geographical and Statistical Society. He was for many years treasurer of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He has been more or less identified with politics but never held public office. He was a delegate to the republican state convention held at Utica, and the entire credit is due to Mr. Clews for the nomination of General Dix for governor of New York state and which insured the election of General Grant to the presidency, who generously acknowledged his obligation in several personal letters to Mr. Clews.

Mr. Clews was offered the collectorship of the port of New York and twice could have been made secretary of the treasury, and the nomination for the mayoralty of New York was also twice tendered to him, but declined. He originated the Committee of Seventy that aided in the overthrow of the Tweed Ring, and was offered one of the most lucrative positions in the gift of that powerful circle to be lenient with the Ring. This offer, it is needless to say, was indignantly refused.

The business of the firm of which Mr. Clews is chief has grown to immense proportions and is still increasing. About one hundred clerks are employed and eighteen branch offices have been established. System, integrity and perseverance seem to have been the three working elements of success in the career of the subject of this biography. Mr. Clews was on the 4th of February, 1874, married to Lucy Madison Worthington, grand niece of President Madison.  Biographie Index

George S. Coe.  The Coe family of New England has been represented in the population of Newport county for many years, and prominent members of it are mentioned in this work in the chapters on Block Island and Little Compton. Adam S. Coe for many years was well known in Newport as senior partner in the memorable firm of Robert F. Lee & Co., hardware merchants and lumber dealers.

The subject of this sketch, a son of this Adam S. Coe, was born in the town, now the city of Newport, in 1817, and passed there the formative period of his life. When fourteen years of age he was a clerk in the business with his father's firm and within the next four years was given a clerkship in the Rhode Island Union Bank of Newport. The schools and the schoolmasters often determine what the boys will be and those two old teachers, loved and remembered yet by many successful business men-Levi Tower and Joseph Joselyn-each in turn, made their imprint as teachers of the boy who was to become the George S. Coe of today. In the Union Bank, however, it appears that the general trend of his life was determined, and in 1838 we find him in New York city with the banking house of Prime, Ward & King. Six years later he went to Cincinnati in confidential relations to the business of Prime, Ward & King, and in 1847 he became cashier and agent for the Ohio Trust Company in New York city. Mr. Coe's relations to the American Exchange National Bank of New York, now covering a period of more than a third of a century, began in 1855 when he was elected cashier and within a year was promoted to the vice-presidency and three years later, in 1858, he was placed at the head of the institution and under his care the success of the last thirty years of this bank's career has been achieved. Mr. Coe is one of those fortunate men of affairs who find time to cultivate a literary taste. Being always a lover of books, his recreation from business is in the labors of a student. Although president of a bank for a period the length of which gives his name prominence in banking circles, yet he is probably best known through his relation to the Associated Banks and their work through the New York Clearing House. He is widely and favorably known as active in the Banking Association of the United States. In the days of the government's financial embarrassment Mr. Coe exerted a wise and patriotic influence.  Biographie Index

William Kino Covell was born in Newport, April 11th, 1802, and was the only child of Ephraim and Abigail (King) Covell. His father was a native of Connecticut and his mother of Providence. He engaged in the business of boat building which he followed till 1880.

The Cranston Family.  The branch of the Cranston family represented in this sketch is descended from Samuel Cranston, one of the early governors of the province of Rhode Island. Peleg, son of Caleb Cranston, a later representative of the family, married Elizabeth Young. Their son, Henry Y. Cranston, was born in Newport, Rhode Island, October 9th, 1789. At an early age he learned a trade and at the age of seventeen opened a store at New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he remained several years. Returning to Newport he engaged in the commission business and conducted it successfully until 1816, when his attention was given to the study of law and his admission to the bar soon followed. Determining to pursue his profession in his native city, he at once acquired a lucrative practice. from 1818 to 1833 he held the office of clerk of the court of common plea's, was a member of the house of representatives from 1827 to 1848 and served in the same capacity from 1847 to 1854, being frequently chosen speaker. During the troublous times of 1842 Mr. Cranston was a staunch advocate of law and order. From 1843 to 1847 he was representative in congress, where he was distinguished for his "urbanity, integrity and industry." He was a member and vice-president of the convention which framed the constitution of the state of Rhode Island and presided over a great part of the deliberations of that body. For many years he was moderator of all the town meetings of Newport and one of the most popular colonels of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery of that city. The confidence reposed in him by the community was attested by the various trusts committed to his care. He was essentially a self-made man and in appearance, costume and manner a gentleman of the old school. Mr. Cranston married, July 15th, 1813, Mary, daughter of Nathan and Catherine Hammett of Newport, who was born August 2nd, 1784, and died November 24th, 1857. Their children were: Elizabeth Young, Narcissa Young, William Henry who died in infancy, William Henry whose life is embodied in this sketch, Catherine and Julia Ann, the last named being the only survivor. Mr. Cranston died in Newport February 12th, 1864, aged seventy-four years. One of the daily papers of his native place paid the following tribute to his memory: " Possessed of great frankness, strict integrity, perfect gentility of manner, ever ready to aid and accommodate all who sought his kindness, he made friends of all who knew him."

Robert B. Cranston, one of the three surviving children of Peleg and Elizabeth Young Cranston, was born January 14th, 1792, in Newport, for generations the home of the family, where the whole of his life was passed. After a thorough English education, he entered the office of his brother, Henry Y., as clerk and served for several years in that capacity. Imbibing here a taste for public life and evincing the strong Whig proclivities of the family, he embarked in politics, was for successive terms elected sheriff of his county and served as postmaster of Newport. In 1843 he was elected to the state legislature and continued to fill that responsible position until 1847, part of the time acting as speaker of the house. Mr. Cranston was in 1839 the representative of his district in congress and continued in office until 1843, when he was succeeded by his brother. He was also favorably known in business circles as cashier of the Traders' Bank of Newport. He enjoyed an extended influence as a man of great integrity, of marked force of character and untiring industry. The death of Mr. Cranston occurred January 14th, 1873, on concluding his eighty-first year.

William Henry Cranston, son of Henry Y. and. Mary H. Cranston, was born in Newport, March 29th, 1821. After a thorough preparatory course he entered Brown University in 1837, but owing to ill health was unable to complete his course. On leaving the university he determined upon the study of law, and entered his father's office, after which he was in due time admitted to the bar. Literary work proving, however, more congenial, soon after he became associated with George H. Norman in the publication of the ''Newport Daily News,'' which relation extended over a period of sixteen years. He was a vigorous and pleasing writer and a constant contributor to many of the leading journals and periodicals of the day. He was also the author of many poems and lyrics, a volume of which has been recently published. Mr. Cranston was a highly cultivated man and wrote with much facility and grace. His diction was pure, and the sentiments embodied in his poems highly moral, and at times replete with pathos.

In 1857, having embarked in politics, he was elected mayor of Newport, and in this office manifested so much executive ability and conscientious fidelity to duty as to warrant the people in choosing him for eight succeeding terms. No better proof of his high character can be given than was afforded by this popular endorsement. Mr. Cranston died on the 10th of October, 1871, deeply regretted by his numerous friends and the public.  Biographie Index

Lucius D. Davis, the son of Norman and Lavina Davis, was born in Jerusalem, Yates county. New York, January 21st, 1825. His early years were chiefly spent in New Lisbon, Otsego county, in the same state, to which place his parents removed. At the age of fifteen, desiring better educational advantages than the district school afforded, he entered the Franklin Academy at Prattsburgh, New York, as a student, and subsequently the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, New York, for the purpose of fitting himself for college. About this time Mr. Davis united with the Methodist Episcopal church and decided to prepare for the work of the ministry. He arranged for entering Dickinson College, but was persuaded by his friends to abandon the purpose and connect himself at once with the conference. This conclusion being reached, he spent a few months at the Gilbertville Academy, and in the summer of 1846, when twenty-one years of age, he was received into the Oneida Conference, then holding its sessions at Auburn, New York. While a member of this conference Mr. Davis occupied some of its most prominent pulpits, spending the allotted time at Hartwick, New Hartford, Madison, Manlius, Cortland, and at two churches in the city of Utica. During these years he wrote frequently for the press, and was the author of several works, some of which were published anonymously. His "Life in the Itinerancy" and " Life in the Laity" were widely circulated, and though works of fiction in tlie ordinary sense of the term, exerted a marked influence on ministers and churches, and in effecting reforms where most needed. He published also "Creeds of the Churches," "The Child in Heaven," "History of Methodism in Cortland," and other sketches and pamphlets that were well received. At the close of his pastorate in Utica the physicians advised a change to the seaboard, and in 1859 he was transferred to the Providence Conference, his station being Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard. Thence he was placed in charge of the parish in Warren, Rhode Island, from which he went to the First Church in Newport. At the close of his pastorate in the latter place, and at his own request, after twenty years of service, his connection with the conference was severed.

Deciding to remain in Newport, Mr. Davis, in connection with Reverend M. J. Talbot, D. D., purchased the " Newport Daily News,'' and engaged in editorial work. About this time he received the degree of Master of Arts from Wesleyan University. Two years later Doctor Talbot retired from the firm and resumed pastoral work, his interest having been purchased by Mr. T. T. Pitman. Under the new management the paper rapidly increased in circulation, and a weekly, known as the "Newport Journal," was established, which met with favor, especially in the country towns. Mr. Davis has fully identified himself with the public interests of Newport. He organized the Cliff Cottage Association and built the beautiful summer residence on the cliffs, besides originating the Conanicat Land Company, having previously purchased a large tract of land on Conanicut island. This is now known as Conanicut Park, a watering place of growing reputation, from the first under his management.

He has twice been elected to the general assembly from Newport, has been chairman of the Newport school board, member of the state board of education, and called to other public positions, most of which he has declined. Though interested in politics, he has shown no desire for office. He may be termed an independent republican, and is outspoken in his abhorrence of politicians who seek merely the loaves and fishes as the chief end of their so-called patriotic action. He continues his interest in the church of his early choice, has served in various positions assigned him, and was in 1876 chosen a lay delegate, representing the New England Southern Conference to the general conference which met in Baltimore and continued in session four weeks. Mr. Davis gives considerable attention to agriculture and stock raising, and has written a work, entitled, "Improving the Farm," besides contributing to agricultural papers. In March, 1846, he was married to Miss Mary A., daughter of Elnathan Bennet of Buffalo, New York. They have had four children, three of whom are living. One of them is well known as an authoress, under the nom de plume of "Margery Deane," and another is the wife of Fred. Perry Powers of Washington.  Biographie Index

The DeBlois Family was originally of French extraction, but emigrated to England about 1135 A. D. Stephen, the founder of the family in this country, came from Oxford, England, (where he was educated), on account of ill health, under the care and charge of Lord Howe about 1750, being then only fifteen years of age. He refused to return to the old country on account of the sickness experienced during his voyage, and finished his education under the care of his uncle at Boston. Arriving at the age of manhood, he came to Newport, where he married and engaged in the importing business from 1777 to 1783, being a partner in a company of five of his own name, viz.: Gilbert and Lewis, of London, England; George 0. and George J. of New York. The firm was obliged to dissolve on account of heavy losses, each partner thereafter conducting the business independently. He died February 15th, 1805, leaving two sons, Stephen J. and John, who were natives of Newport. The former was born in the year 1784, and married Sarah Ellis, daughter of Silas Deane. He followed his father's business for a number of years, but during the latter part of his life was engaged in manufacturing and wharf age business. He was the father of fourteen children and died March 17th, 1853.  Biographie Index

George T. Downing was born in New York city, December 30th, 1819, and was educated in the common and private schools of that city. His father, Thomas Downing, was engaged in the oyster business on Broad street, where the Drexel building now stands, from 1819 to 1865, both in a wholesale and retail way, making shipments to various parts of Europe. George T. married Serena, daughter of Count George de Grasse, who was the adopted son of the French count of that name. After his marriage he removed to Newport, engaging in the confectionery and catering business, which he followed till 1884. He was sent to Washington, D. C, in 1865, by a convention of the colored people of the New England States to protect their interest during the reconstruction period of Johnson's administration, and during the sessions of Congress for the succeeding twelve years had charge of the restaurant of the house of representatives. He was induced to change his residence from New York to Rhode Island to secure superior educational advantages for his children, but found proscription in regard to public instruction, which he combated, his efforts finally being crowned with success. He is a large real estate owner in Newport, owning the Downing block on Bellevue avenue, and there is a street in that city named in his honor. He was a large donator to the fund to secure Touro park to the city. He has a family of seven children, three of whom are sons. His pride is centered in increasing the architectural and material beauty and prosperity of Newport, and above all that the efforts of justice and equality in freeing the statute book of Rhode Island from all proscription to race, not stopping at the colored, but including the adopted United States citizen.  Biographie Index

William Findlay established his green house business in this city in 1875. He was born in Scotland and came here in 1851. His establishment consists of two rose houses, 80 feet by 26; one peach house, 65 by 26; one plant house, 126 by 12; two rose houses, 126 by 26; and the grape house, 205 by 20, on Bliss road. Mr. Findlay was gardener for sixteen years for the Peruvian minister, F. L. Barreda, when he owned the place now known as the J. J. Astor place on Bellevue avenue.

William Fludder, the founder of the Fludder family in Newport, was born in Metcham, county of Surrey, England, May 2nd, 1804, being the second child of John and Jane (Bignall) Fludder. He emigrated from his native country on the ship "Brighton" in 1829, and landed in New York, but came to Newport in 1831, where on January 26th of the following year he married Catharine Sherman Jack. Having served his apprenticeship as a mason in the old country, he engaged in that business and in 1872 established the present firm of William Fludder & Co., which in connection with masonry deals in all kinds of drainage supplies. He had a family of nine children, the following of whom are at present residents of Newport: William H., who married a daughter of Joseph H. Record and has one daughter; George M,, Alexander J., Edward V., Sarah J., wife of George H. Vaughan; James, and Rebecca J., wife of David Braman.  Biographie Index

Thomas Galvin was born on the 23rd of February, 1826, near Westminster Bridge, county of Surrey, London, England, where his childhood until his eighth year was spent. He then removed to county Rosscommon, Ireland. His education was such as could be obtained at the schools near his home and from the necessities of the situation, of a limited character. In 1842, in company with his father, he emigrated to America, a part of the family having already preceded him thither. Father and son remained in the city of New York until 1845, when Mr. Galvin removed to Newport and became the pioneer in a business which has since reached large proportions, that of florist.

His son Thomas, on the death of his father in 1864, succeeded to the business of which he had previously become master, and which under his successful management has been greatly extended. He makes a specialty of landscape gardening, in which his excellent taste is readily made available, and has the exclusive charge of many of the most attractive summer residences in Newport. Mr. Galvin was on the 27th of August, 1851, married to Catharine Mary, daughter of William Kelly of Dublin, Ireland. Their children are: Thomas, James, Patrick, William, Mary Catherine, Catherine Mary, Margaret and Anne. Mrs. Galvin died on the 17th of April, 1871, and he was a second time , married on the 3rd of February, 1883, to Mary Ann, daughter of John Nicholson, of New York. Their children are: John, Joseph and Anne. Mr. Galvin has been thoroughly engrossed by the demands of an increasing business and found no leisure to devote to other enterprises. He is in politics an ardent republican, though formerly a war democrat. In his religious belief a Romanist, he is a member and one of the trustees of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church of Newport.

Mr. Galvin is of both English and Irish extraction. His paternal grandfather, William Galvin, resided in County Ross-common, Ireland, where he married Mary Kelly. Their children were four sons and five daughters, of whom Thomas, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Mt. Talbot, County Rosscommon. He married Maria, daughter of Jonas Hall, of London, England. Their children are: John, William, Thomas and a daughter, Mary Ann, of whom John and Thomas are the only survivors.  Biographie Index

George Hall was the son of George and Elizabeth (Peckham) Hall, and was born in Newport in 1781, and died March 5th, 1862. He was engaged in the tanning business in his early life. He had a family of nine children.

Nathan Hammett and Joseph M. Hammett. -Nathan Hammett, the father and grandfather respectively of the subjects of this biography, resided in Newport until his death, which occurred July 18th, 1816. He married Catherine Yates of Providence, R. I., who died on the 17th of February, 1837. Their children are: Edward, Nathan, Benjamin (who died in youth), Mary and Mrs. Gould. Nathan, of this number, was born in Newport in 1786, and died on the 14th of March, 1867. He learned the trade of a carpenter and pursued it with success in his native town during the greater part of his active life. He was one of Newport's most enterprising citizens, and identified with many leading business schemes. For forty years he was either president or director of the Newport Exchange Bank. Though not connected by membership with any religious denomination, he was a regular attendant upon divine service, and a willing contributor to many worthy objects. Mr. Hammett married Elizabeth Mumford, who died December 29th, 1854. Their children are: Joseph M., Frank, Maria M., Susan E., Stephen, Thomas and one who died in infancy. The only survivors of this number are Susan E. (Mrs. D. B. Fitts of Newport), and Joseph M.

Joseph M. was born October 3rd, 1817, in Newport, and in youth received a common school education, after which he served for four years in the capacity of clerk. Desiring to acquire a trade, he chose that of a tailor and spent four years as an apprentice in Providence. On returning to Newport he established himself in business, and continued thus employed until his retirement in 1867. He then spent a period of live years with his brother in New Jersey, but returned again to Newport, which has since been his residence. Mr. Hammett has led a quiet and uneventful life. He has declined frequently proffers of municipal office, and never participated actively in the political combats of his day. He was formerly a director of the National Exchange Bank of Newport, but has for some years given little attention to matters aside from his private business, and for that reason is not identified with the public interests of Newport.  Biographie Index

Benjamin Hazard, the son of Thomas G. and Patience (Borden) Hazard was born in Newport, November 15th, 1819. He followed his father's occupation of farming.

Carl Jurgens came from New York to Newport in 1873 and established his greenhouse business. The first year he produced about 200,000 lilies of the valley and 50,000 hyacinths and tulips. That year he erected four houses on Mill street, 100 by 13 feet each. He has since built three large houses 200 by 23 feet each, understood to be the largest in the state. His buildings are all heated by the steam system. He visits Europe each year to select stock. In 1887 he produced 900,000 lilies of the valley, which makes him the largest producer in America. He also grew a half million tulips, hyacinths and narcissus.  Biographie Index

John D. Johnston was born July 27th, 1849. He enjoyed thorough advantages of education, and when a youth removed to Portland, Maine, where he became a student of architecture and building, and also mastered the carpenter's trade. He pursued his vocation in Boston until 1876, when Newport became his home. Establishing himself as an architect and builder, the taste and knowledge displayed by Mr. Johnston soon gave him a commanding position and brought him an extended patronage. His efforts are not confined to Newport, his skill being sought in other important cities and popular places of resort. He is also frequently called upon for drawings and designs, and in decorating and designing has an enviable reputation. Mr. Johnston as a republican has manifested much interest in the success of his party, but is not a politician nor an aspirant for office. He is not a member of any organizations or societies other than that known as the Johnston Relief Fund established by him in the interest of his workmen, now numbering more than one hundred.  Biographie Index

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