History of Washington and Kent Counties,
Rhode Island


by J. R. Cole W.W.Preston & Co., New York, 1889



CHAPTER XI.

TOWN OF NORTH KINGSTOWN.

p. 395 continued

November 10th, 1746, Elizabeth Cole, widow of Elisha, sold to her son Edward Cole the mill and one half acre of land, together with the 290 acres (the great Plane farm land). In turning the stream from its ancient course the half acre was taken from Mr. Northrup.

In 1751 Edward Cole of Newport, son of Elisha, deceased, Thomas Moffitt, M. D., of Newport, and Gilbert Stuart, of North Kingstown, enter into articles of co-partnership to manufacture snuff and to erect a mill at Pettaquamscutt.

September 15th, 1753, Edward Cole, of Newport, son of Elisha, deceased, of North Kingstown, sold to Thomas Moffitt, of Newport for 12,500 pounds old tenor, the "Plane farm" and lot of half acre of land with a mill. About 1775 this property was conveyed to ----- Burlingame. About 1812 the mill and part of the farm were sold to Benjamin Hammond and it has since been known as "Hammond's Mills," also "The Birth place of GilbertStuart."

North of Captain William Hudson's division was the division of Edward Hutchinson of Boston.

In 1671 Edward Hutchinson sold to his son Elisha Hutchinson 1,000 acres of land adjoining William Hudson's tract.

August 14th, 1702, Elisha Hutchinson sold 965 acres of land to Elisha Cole. This land was north of the north line of the William Hudson tract, bounded north in part by land of the late Edward Hutchinson, and in part by the harbor called "Cole's harbor," east by the sea or bay, west by "Pansacaco pond." The southeast part of this purchase (235 acres) was sold to David Greene, prior to May 7th, 1712. The possession of this south part of this farm has been held by the heirs of David Greene to the present time (1888). The southwest part of this purchase (230 acres) was sold to Stephen Northrup.

May 7th, 1712, Stephen Northrup sold 230 acres of land to Matthew Allen, of Bristol, Mass., bounded north by land of Elisha Cole, east by land of David Greene, south by land in the tenure and occupation of Stephen Northrup, west by Mill pond.

p. 396

July 9th, 1728, Matthew Allen sold to his son Caleb Allen, sixty acres of land (the east part of his farm), purchased of Stephen Northup and his wife. November 23d, 1733, he sold to his son Benjamin Allen forty acres of land bounded west by a small brook, north by land of Elisha Cole, deceased, west by land of grantor, south by land of Henry Northrup. He died in 1760. By his will he gave the homestead farm to his grandson Matthew Allen, "son of my son Benjamin," who having become involved in law suits with his kindred had to abandon the homestead in Boston Neck. In 1775 he purchased an estate in North Kingstown containing about sixty acres, apart of the Captain John Eldred estate purchased of the colony agents in 1707, and commenced the business of innkeeper. This place is not (1888) known as Allentown, R. I.

In 1782 Giles Pierce, of New Shoreham, bought the farm of two hundred and thirty acres, in parcels, of the heirs of Matthew Allen.

November 10th, 1746, Elizabeth Cole, widow of Elisha, sold to her son John Cole, of Newport, five hundred acres of land (the north part of the nine hundred and sixty-five acre purchase).

February 5th, 1748, Elizabeth Cole, widow of Elisha, sold to her son, John Cole, one hundred acres bounded northwest by John Cole's land, son of William.

In 1748, John Cole of New port, son of Elisha, deceased, sold to Henry Collins, of Newport, six hundred acres of land.

In 1766, George Rome advertises to settle the affairs of Henry Collins, deceased. About this time Mr. Rome succeeds to the possession of the farm which has since been known as the "Rome's farm."

In 1776, George Rome being a "tory" in the war of the revolution, the farm was confiscated and sold to Judge Ezekiel Gardiner, of North Kingstown. Edward Hutchinson, of Boston (the associate of Atherton in his purchases), born in 1613, came over from Alford, Lincolnshire, England, in 1633. Admitted to church August 10th, 1634; member of artillery company, 1638; captain, 1657, and served in King Phillip's war in 1675; wounded by the Indians August 2d, 1675, and died August 19th 1675. He went to Newport March 7th, 1638, with his father and mother (William and Ann), but in a few years returned to Boston. After deeding one half of his Boston Neck lands to his son Elisha he left the remainder of his Narragansett [p. 397] purchases to his son Elisha and his daughter, whom he made his residuary legatees.

John Cole, a brother-in-law of Edward Hutchinson, was a resident in Boston Neck as early as 1663. He came from Boston to look after the lands of Edward Hutchinson in the King's Providence in Narragansett. The jurisdiction of Connecticut appointed him magistrate. He married, December 30th, 1651, Susannah (a daughter of William and Ann Hutchinson), and had sons William, Elisha, Samuel and John.

December 11th, 1738, Elizabeth Cole, widow of Elisha, sold to her son John Cole two hundred acres of land, the southeast part of her homestead farm, bounded south by what is now (1888) the "Rome's farm." West by the river now (1888) known as Cole's brook, that empties into the "Harbor" south of Hamilton village.

In 1734, the will of William Cole (a brother of Elisha, deceased) was approved. He gave to his son John Cole, his "homestead farm"; to Samuel, Joseph, Benjamin and Wignall his lands on the point northeast from hishouse.

In 1760, Benjamin Cole sold to Jeremiah Hazard the land now (1888) known as "Black Acre." In 1738 this land was sold to Matthew Robinson by John Cole.

The tract of land (six hundred and sixty-one and one-half acres) north of Cole's brook was the homestead farm of John Cole, who died intestate in 1707. William Cole (his oldest son) came into full possession of the farm, December 14th, 1713. His will, approved in 1734, gave to John Cole (his oldest son), "his homestead farm." The will of John Cole was approved in December, 1792. He gives to his son, William Cole, his "homestead farm, including his new house." In 1711 Henry Northrup and Thomas Place bought of John Nelson (attorney of Richard Wharton's heirs), all the land (two hundred acres) south of the Annaquatucket river to the bounds of Pettaquamscutt purchase on the northwest, bounded easterly by Cole's harbor, south by what is now the road running west to Allenton. In 1719 Northrup & place divided this land, Northrup taking the western and Place the eastern portion.

June 28th, 1686, Richard Smith sold to Richard Wharton of Boston, twenty-seven acres of land on the north side of the Annaquatucket river "for a mill or mills," said land then in occupation of Jacob Pindar. February 28th, 1711, Richard [p. 398] Wharton's heirs, by their attorney, John Nelson, sold the twenty-seven acres of land to Thomas Place and Henry Northrup. March 18th, 1711, Place & Northrup sold the same to Joseph Smith, also fourteen acres on the south side of the river, and two hundred acres on the north side, the line commencing at a rock in the river and extending to Duck Cove. June 4th, 1719, Joseph Smith sold the twenty-seven acres of land to James and Daniel Updike.

April 12th, 1721, Joseph Smith sold to Samuel Slocum fourteen acres of land on the south side of the river, with mills and all the privileges of building the dam, etc. April 3d, 1729, Samuel Slocum sold to Samuel Hazard and Thomas Hazard, to be equally divided between them, the fourteen acres, mills, and all privileges. January 25th, 1737, Samuel Hazard sold to Samuel Bissell his half of the fourteen acres, mills, etc. August 25th, 1741, Thomas Hazard sold his half of the fourteen acres, mills, etc., to Daniel Fountaine. Bissell and Fountaine divided the property. Samuel Bissell sold his half to his son, Thomas Bissell, in 1755. Daniel Fountaine sold to Robert Hazard,one-half of mill, iron works and fulling mill.

April 14th 1761, Thomas Bissell sold to John Pindar "a little wheat mill." In December, 1762, John Pindar, by his will, gave the mill to Susanna Bissell (supposed wife of Thomas).

April 23d, 1792, Thomas Bissell sold to his son, Samuel, one-half of the snuff mill and one-quarter of wheat mill. July 19th, 1796, Susanna Bissell sold to Samuel Bissell, son of Thomas, one-quarter of snuff mill and one-half of the wheat mill. June 4th, 1700, Samuel Bissell, son of Thomas, sold to Samuel Bissell of Exeter.

September 8th, 1800, Samuel Bissell sold to Joseph Pierce, Giles Pierce, John Pierce and Thomas Pierce eleven-twenty-fourths of the corn mill, three quarters of the wheat mill, also the snuff mill. A sloop of fifteen tons burden, named "The Four Brothers," was owned and sailed by them to and from Newport in the transportation of passengers and freight. The channel was then of sufficient depth for vessels of this size to land at their wharf, about one hundred feet below the mill.

November 4th, 1800, George Bissell sold to William Cole one-quarter part of the "east-most" mill house, also one-quarter part of the "west-most" corn mill, also one-one hundred and [p. 399] twentieth part of same mill, also one-quarter and one-one hundred twentieth part of a lot north of the trench and the north mill standing thereon.

February 6th, 1819, the "Pierces" sold to William Gardiner all their rights purchased of sundry persons, including eleven-twenty-fourths of the corn mill, three-quarters of wheat mill and the snuff mill.

March 5th, 1823, William Cole sold to Scranton E. Sweet.

January 27th, 1820, William Gardiner sold to Jesse Gardiner all he purchased of "Pierces." January 8th 1823, Jesse Gardiner sold to William Gardiner. March 18th, 1823, William Gardiner sold to Scranton E. Sweet. February 28th, 1828, Scranton E. Sweet sold to Rowland Hazard. November 23d, 1836, Rowland G. Hazard sold to Christopher Allen. The property was leased to Bowles. An iron works or rolling mill was built and put in operation for a short time.

November 3d, 1838, Christopher Allen sold to Rowland G. Hazard. A cotton mill was built and leased to John Slocum and Ezra N. Gardiner. "Slocum & Gardiner" improved the place in the manufacture of cotton yarns to the fall of 1846.

May 31st, 1847, Rowland G. Hazard sold to Joseph C. Sanford and Albert Sanford. September 17th, 1847, Joseph C. Sanford sold to Albert Sanford. September 29th 1849 Albert Sanford sold to Perez Peck, Asa Sisson and Isaac Peck, who were styled the "Hamilton Company." The estate at this time consisted of twenty-two acres of land with a cotton manufactory, machine shop and four dwelling houses, known as "Bissell Mills Estate." It was sold for $11,000. The improvements made by the Hamilton Company were the enlargement of the mills, repairing the dam, building two new houses, etc., and amounted to $18,000.

April 29th, 1850, the Hamilton Company sold to Syria H. Vaughn. Mr. Vaughn associated with him his two brothers (Owen and Thomas B. Vaughn). This company was known as "Vaughn Bros." Their improvements were an addition to the mill, new machinery, new store, hall, three acres of land, four new dwelling houses, etc., at a cost of $51,000.

September 1st, 1866, Vaughn Brothers sold to James A Greene one-half of the estate for $44,000. This company was known as Vaughn and Greene (Syria H. Vaughn, James A. Greene). Their improvements were an addition to the mill, new machinery for the manufacture of webbing, four new dwelling houses, etc., at a cost of $60,000.

p. 400

April 26th, 1873, Vaughn & Greene sold to Joseph W. Greene of New York. April 1st, 1885, was incorporated the "Hamilton Web Company." The estate has been enlarged and extensively improved by this company by building a new brick mill, 145 by 224 feet (operating eighty looms in the manufacture of webbing), new dwelling houses, the purchase of the Annaquatucket estate (mill and farm), amounting to $51,400.

The little mill, 30 by 46, purchased of Albert Sanford in 1849, now with its four additions, measures 50 by 230 feet.

In the second survey made in August, 1675, the Thomas Willet tract is put down to John Saffin. Honorable John Saffin married a daugher (sic) of Thomas Willet. Thomas Willet died in 1674. He gave his Boston Neck farm to his grandchildren, children of Martha, wife of John Saffin, children of Mary, wife of Samuel Hooker, and to his daughter Esther. Andrew Willet had succeeded to the possession of this farm prior to 1696. In 1700 Andrew Willet sold two hundred and seventy acres of land (the south part of this tract) to Rowland Robinson. In 1705 Ninegret, the Indian sachem, sold to said Robinson the same land. This farm was the home of Mr. Robinson's grandson, Rowland Robinson, who was the father of "The unfortunate Hannah." It is situated in South Kingstown. The remainder of the Thomas Willet tract is in North Kingstown, the line passing between the two farms. Andrew Willet by his will gave his Boston Neck farm to Francis and Thomas Willet. In 1725 Thomas Willet died. He gave his interest in the farm to his brother Francis and his direct heirs, otherwise to Willet Carpenter and William Pease. Willet Carpenter died aged eighteen. Francis Willet did (sic) childless at the age of eighty-three years. He had survived all the reversionary heirs and he gave by will the farm in Boston Neck to Francis Carpenter, and it has since been held uninterruptedly by his heirs (the Carpenter family) except the northeast portion of this farm, which has been sold in small lots, houses built upon them and known as the village of "Saunderstown." It was settled September 10th, 1856, by John A Saunders, William Caswell, Elias Saunders, Thomas J. Gould, John G. Saunders and Daniel Saunders, who bought lots (all amounting to six and one-half acres) and built dwelling houses upon them. Said lots were purchased of the heirs of Willet Carpenter. June 10th, 1857, they commenced, and finished in the summer of the same year, a wharf, railways, etc. for James H. and Powell H. Carpenter, for [p. 401] the purpose of building and repairing vessels. In 1861 the sloop "Islett," twenty-five tons, in 1859 the sloop "Argus," of fifteen tons, in 1874 the sloop "Ida B.," of twenty tons, were built here. There have been repaired on these "ways" vessels as large as one hundred and seventy tons burden. The village now (1888) consists of twenty-one dwelling houses. Stillman Saunders (son of John) is in possession of the wharf, ways, shops, spile driver and steamer and is a builder of wharfs. Small steam and sail vessels are built in the shops.

The Annaquatucket place, previously referred to, was settled by Esbon Sanford, Jr., who bought, February 18th, 1832, of the heirs of Nicholas Northrup a few acres of land and commenced the building of a dam. The following year he had erected a little one set woolen mill and manufactured "Kentucky Jeans." Mr. Sanford married in 1833, and made his home at this place, where he had, by his industry, judicious management and thrift, accumulated a large fortune at this death in 1864.

The old North ferry (Northrup's ferry), referred to in the "Richard Wharton Middlefield Farm" tract, had its wharf demolished by the "September Gale" of 1815, and its use was abandoned. The South ferry, now (1888) called Eaton's ferry, is about four miles below, and was built about 1815.

HAMILTON is a thriving little village about one and a half miles south of Wickford. The Hamilton Web Company own (sic) nearly the entire village. It is tastefully laid out and has a neat and pleasing appearance, and an interesting history (see sketch by Mr. Peleg F. Pierce). The land at this point was conveyed by Richard Smith to Richard Wharton as early as 1686, for the purpose of erecting a mill. Whartons mill was the first in this part of Rhode Island, but he did not operate it himself. It was leased to Peter Pindar for a term of years. February 11th, 1711 (O. S.), the mill was sold to Place and Northrup. Following came Joseph Smith, James and Daniel Updike, June 4th, 1749. Another privilege was owned at the time by Samuel Slocum. Slocum sold out to Thomas and Samuel Hazard April 3d, 1729. These gentlemen built a wharf, a wheat mill and fulling mill, and carded wool, and were the most extensive traders in the town at that time. Samuel Hazard sold to Samuel Bissell June 25th, 1737, and Thomas Hazard sold to Daniel Fountaine August 25th, 1741. [p. 402] Fountaine & Bissell divided the property April 10th, 1744, and it remained in the hands of these families for several generations. They had here at one time a saw mill and two grist mills. After Moffatt fled to Newport they operated a snuff mill also.

During the early part of the present century these families mortgaged their property several times. About 1836 Mr. Bowler commenced the business of rolling iron, which he continued for three years. In 1839 extensive alterations were made in the buildings and new ones built. Slocum & Gardiner commenced the manufacture of cotton yarn and continued business some eleven years. In 1850 Albert Sanford manufactured similar goods for about one year. From 1851 Vaughn & Peck continued the business some six years, when Peck sold out to Vaughn, who admitted new partners and organized the Hamilton Web Company. The firm then consisted of S. H. Vaughn and James A. Greene. This was in 1866. In 1885 a new company was formed and incorporated with James A. Greene, of Brooklyn, president; Joseph Warren, secretary, and James A. Greene, of Wickford, treasurer. The company manufacture (sic) webs, yarns, ties and lacings. Under the present management the company is doing a large business.

A post office was established at Hamilton in 1877. At that time Sweet & Owen had a fine store, well stocked with a general assortment of merchandise. Wilbur & Frissell are now in charge of a good store in the place.

SNUFF MILLS.---In or before the year 1750 attention was paid to the raising of tobacco in Narragansett. About this time the venerable Doctor Thomas Moffatt, a Scotch gentleman, a learned physician of the Boerhaavean school, settled in Rhode Island, but however learned, his dress and manners were so ill-suited to the plainness of the inhabitants that he could not make his way among them as a practitioner. He accordingly looked around for some other mode of genteel subsistence and hit upon that of cultivating tobacco and making snuff. In due time he wrote to Scotland and obtained a competent millwright by the name of Gilbert Stuart. Heretofore snuff had been yearly imported from Glasgow. Mr. Gilbert erected his snuff mill on a stream in Narragansett, and here he manufactured that strange article of luxury.

Mr. Stuart was the father of the great painter, and his snuff mill was the first of the kind erected in New England. It was [p. 403] built in North Kingstown. The house was afterward owned by Wilbur Hammond. He soon afterward built a house and married a very handsome woman, daughter of Mr. Anthony, a substantial farmer. To this couple was born Gilbert Charles Stuart, the portrait painter. The church records state: "April 11th, 1756, being Palm Sunday, Doctor McSparran read prayers, preached and baptized a child named Gilbert Stuart, son of Gilbert Stuart, the snuff grinder." The middle name Charles, betokening the Jacobite principles of his father, was never used in the days of his notoriety. The house used by Mr. Stuart was two stories high on the south side and one on the north side, the north sill resting on the mill dam. The lower story was used as a snuff mill. It had a gambrel roof. It was situated at the head of Pettaquamscutt river.

HAMILTON MILL.---The mill at Potomomut Forge was owned prior to 1848 by Christopher Allen and S. H. Vaughn. Perez Peck & Co., of Coventry, built the machinery and took a Mortgage. Mr. Allen died about 1850, and Mr. Vaughn, with Perez Peck, Asa Sisson and Isaac Peck, reorganized the business as the Hamilton Company. The name was suggested by Mr. Sisson as complimentary to Mrs. Vaughn, who was a Hamilton. The power at Valley Forge was found insufficient and in 1848 the plant was removed to North Kingstown, and located at the point then called Bissell's Cove. The Hamilton Company now employs about one hundred and fifty people. The plant contains ninety looms, and three thousand, five hundred spindles. The mill consumes eight hundred and fifty bales of cotton per year, and produces $120,000 worth of marketable goods annually.

THE NARRAGANSETT MILLS are situated on the Annaquatucket river, on the old Post road. They consisted originally of a saw mil and a grist mill, and were in operation at an early day. Mr. H. T. Chadsey remembers taking grist to this mill seventy years ago. About the year 1820, this property passed into the hands of Joseph C. Sanford. He was a native of the town and was the oldest son of Judge Sanford, a man of marked abilities and a judge of the state court. Mr. Joseph C. Sanford built a part of the structure now standing when he came into possession, and in 1829 built the residence, property now owned and occupied by William E. Pierce. From this time until recently this was called the Sanford property. Mr. Sanford manufactured cotton warps and operated about five hundred spindles.

p. 404

In 1852 Wilcox and Pierce bought the property and continued in the manufacture of coarse woolen goods and in 1863, William E. Pierce, the junior member of the firm, purchased the property and has operated the mills since 1870. Prior to this time he leased it to Robert Rodman, and until he purchased the mill at Shady Lea at the time above named, Wilcox and Pierce operated the mill at Silver Spring, which mills are also owned by Mr. Rodman.

The Spaulding store above this point was built by James Sweet. It afterward passed into the following hands: Lyman Upham, William Slocum, Benjamin Carpenter, James R. Healy, Crandall & Ryan, William A. Spaulding, Spaulding & Co., A. W. Spaulding, the present owner.

THE OLD ANCHOR FORGE of Quidnessett belonged to the Greene family. Here they manufactured anchors weighing eighteen hundred or two thousand pounds. This was done by bellows and a famous trip hammer, made to strike the heated iron by the revolution of an immense wheel turned by water power; then five large stalwart men would strike the battered iron till it was wrought into an anchor.

The old corn and wheat mills at this place had wheels sixteen or eighteen feet in diameter, running two sets of stones. Christopher and Elisha Greene owned the property. They were brothers. One had the mills, and the other the anchor works.

ALLENTON is situated on the post road about three miles from Wickford, and is the seat of the Baptist church of North Kingstown. Captain John Eldred purchased of the colony agents a parcel of land containing one hundred acres on the site now known as Allenton, May 27th, 1709. The property descended to William Eldred, his grandson, and on March 3d, 1761, sixty acres were deeded to Samuel Albro. Albro April 30th, 1762, mortgaged the property to Philip Tillinghast, who foreclosed in 1775, and then sold it to Matthew Allen, ancestor of the family now residing here, and from whom the place derives its name. Joseph C. Sanford traded here as early as 1815. His successors were S. D. Allen, Charles Allen, W. H. Allen, who bought in 1857; Benjamin F. Arnold and John R. Nichols, who now owns the building. Silas L. Parkus came to the place in 1883. He succeeded Benjamin C. Sweet, the first postmaster in Allenton, who came to the place, and began trading there in 1870. Wilbur & Frissell (A. A. Wilbur and R. R. Frissell) are general merchants at [p. 405] Allenton, the firm succeeding John R. Nichols in January, 1885. Mr. Frissell has been postmaster since October, 1885. The firm does a large business, and supplies Bellville, Narragansett, Shady Lea and Silver Spring.

ANNAQUATUCKET is an interesting little village situated on the river, about half a mile from its mouth. The mill history of this place has been given in the sketch by Peleg F. Pierce. The mill property now belongs to Joseph W. Greene of the Hamilton Web Company.

OAK HILL, formerly Park Hill, is situated about one mile west of Bellville. Its manufacturing history is identical with Bellville.

THE WOOLEN MILLS AT SAND HILL were formerly owned by D. Tillinghast. The power had been used before this for sash and blind manufacturing by John and James McKinzie. Tillinghast sold the property to G. W. and A. S. Reynolds in 1860. In July, 1883, the property came into the possession of C. A. Reynolds and his brothers Eugene R. and Walter. It has one set of cards and furnishes employment to sixteen hands. The store belongs to the mill.

BELLVILLE, an important manufacturing village, situated upon the Annaquatucket river, nearly in the center of the town, is largely owned by J. P. Campbell & Co., the proprietors of the mill. The lands in and about this place formerly belonged to Timothy Greene. Manufacturing here dates back to the beginning of the century. At that time there was a saw mill and a grist mill here. The Greenes and Tillinghasts operated then what was known as the Wickford Manufacturing Company, at Bellville. Lafayette was then called the North Kingstown Cotton Factory. Timothy Greene carried on the manufacture of yarn, which he continued until 1829. In 1830 Christopher and William Rhodes, Charles Eldred and Mr. Smith purchased the property. Smith and Eldred shortly afterward sold out their interests, and Silas Richmond, the agent, came in. In 1856 the property was destroyed by fire. In 1861 William E. Pierce then erected the present edifice. It is built of brick, four stories high, 100 by 50 feet, with one L 27 by 24 feet, and a dye house two and a half stories high. In 1864 J. P. Campbell & Co. first leased the machinery, and afterward purchased the property. They manufacturefancy cassimeres(sic). The monthly production is about 26, 000 yards. [p. 406] The pond here is in tow parts, and taken together furnishes by far the largest water power in the town, but in addition to water power the machinery is run in part by steam. Mr. James R. Wilson was born in Pennsylvania, and came here in 1865 to work in the woolen mills. After having charge of the carding and spinning department for a few years he became the superintendent for J. P. Campbell & Co., and still fills that position. The capacity of the mill is six sets and twenty-six looms. They employ about ninety operatives.

Mr. R. Heely, now of Providence, carried on trading in Bellville at one time. Mr. B. S. Carpenter built the present store and his residence there in 1873.

DAVISVILLE.---The village of Davisville is located on the Stonington Railroad, also on the old Post road, in the northern part of the town of North Kingstown. It has a post office, a store and is the seat of one of the earliest woolen mills in the state. The place derived its name from Joshua Davis, an enterprising pioneer, who came here as early as 1694. Mr. Davis bought up large tracts of land on Hunt's river, and soon after (probably before 1720) erected a grist mill. He died January 21st, 1733, and the property passed into the hands of his son, Jeffrey Davis, who controlled it till his death in 1782, when it passed into the hands of his son Joshua, who in turn at this death, in 1829, turned it over to his son Ezra, the father of James M. Davis.

From the year 1811 to 1824 the firm was E. & J. Davis, who began first to operate woolen looms by water power. Before this time they had wool cording and cloth dressing in connection with hand weaving. In 1849 James M. Davis engaged in the manufacture of Kentucky Jeans in company with his brother-in-law, Henry Sweet, and his cousin, Albert S. Reynolds, the firm name being Davis, Reynolds & Co. In 1863 Mr. Reynolds went out. Mr. Davis continued in the business until 1873, when he rented his factory and retired. G. W. Reynolds & Co., took the property in 1875, and now Albert S. and Allen Reynolds are the owners of the business.

The store connected with the mill at Davisville has been operating for many years. In 1852 Mr. James M. Davis was successful in establishing a post office at this place, and for a period of fourteen years thereafter was the postmaster. G. W. Reynolds & Co. now own the store, M. M. Reynolds being postmaster. In 1875 the flag station on the railroad was burned and the present depot [p. 407] built. In 1873 business at this point increasing, Mr. Davis sold the land about the depot and plotted it into streets and dwelling house plots, since which several dwellings have gone up. Edwin R. Rogers is station agent. His predecessor, Mr. C. Chase, was there about thirty years.

HONORABLE HENRY SWEET (1806-1888).---When, in 1818, at the tender age of twelve years, Henry Sweet went forth to fight life's battle single handed, he could hardly have anticipated half the measure of success which he subsequently achieved by his persistent industry coupled with good judgment. Deprived of the educational advantages so common in this day, and possessed of a peculiarly sensitive and shrinking nature, life's outlook must have been unpromising and even forbidding to this young adventurer. But amidst discouraging environments a kind Providence led him to one of his own townsmen in East Greenwich who proved a considerate and faithful friend. This was Ezra Davis, Esq., who resided on his farm near the southern border of the town and about a mile north of the present Davisville railroad station. Mr. Davis was also part owner of the manufactory and water privilege on Hunt's river, at the site known as "Davis' Woolen Mill."

At the personal and timid solicitation of this unknown boy, Mr. Davis received him into his employment, and was rewarded for his kindness to the stranger by subsequent years of faithful service. As opportunity offered, the youthful Henry Sweet made himself familiar with all the details of preparing and carding wool, spinning and weaving yarn, and at the same time mastered the secret of coloring fabrics. With tireless energy he devoted himself to these and subsequent pursuits of his business career. A few friends who had known him only in the well-earned and quiet enjoyment of his latter years could adequately conceive the nervous vigor which characterized his more active life.

On September 23d, 1827, Mr. Sweet was united in marriage with Eliza, daughter of Ezra Davis, Esq. She confidingly (sic) trusted her future with the energetic young man whose character she had seen revealed in his daily life, and whose principal capital at the time consisted in an honest heart and willing hands. Until her death, July 22d, 1871, she remained an affectionate and helpful companion, delighting in the advancement of their mutual interests and personifying the ideal wife in a happy home. Of [p. 408] their four children, two sons died in infancy, and two daughters, Mrs. G. B. Reynolds, of Providence, and Mrs. Rev. N. J. Wheeler, of Philadelphia are still living.

Subsequent to his marriage and opportunity being offered him to superintend the mill's production, he eagerly embraced it, and displayed in this business his native tact and enterprise. His prosperity in this contract paved the way to his becoming a member of the new firm, which was organized in 1849 for carrying on woolen manufactures. He retained his interest in this business until 1873, when, at the age of sixty-seven, he withdrew devoting himself henceforth to the care of his estate and to the pleasures of travel.

In business life Mr. Sweet was indefatigable in the discharge of duties which devolved upon him. He considered not himself so long as any righteous demand remained unsatisfied. Indebtedness he instinctively abhorred. When the first sixteen hundred dollars he had saved proved irremediably lost, he cheerfully turned to the work of replacing the loss. Far better that he should suffer alone than that others should suffer through him,---this was his reflection. If he saw others sacrificing professed integrity under the pressure of financial stress, he remained incorruptible. Indeed, he seemed to shrink instinctively from all moral evil.

Unassuming and retiring in disposition, Mr. Sweet did not aspire to public honors; yet at the choice of his fellow-citizens, he represented North Kingstown in the state senate of 1857, and was repeatedly chosen for similar service, covering in all a legislative experience of twelve years. And in all his political life he was so just and manly in his relations with his opponents, that friendly feelings were sought and sustained; while he was prompt to disavow all previous knowledge and connection with any unjust aspersions which his political supporters had heaped upon his rivals in the heat of a canvass, and to express his sorrow personally to those who had been thus wronged. By such ingenuousness he commanded the respect alike of political supporters and opponents.

In October, 1856, at the organization of the State Bank, now represented by the Greenwich National Bank, Henry Sweet was chosen president and Samuel M. Knowles, cashier. This post of responsibility came to him in the nature of a surprise. And toward the close of his life he is known to have remarked that no [p. 409] event in his experience had touched him so deeply as when, in the trying autumn of 1856, a committee of proposed stockholders waited upon him and solicited his acceptance of this office, saying: "We wish you to be the president to give character to the bank." No one could have been more solicitous for the bank's prosperity than was he. His position often required him to choose between fidelity to the interests of the stockholders and the solicitations of friends for financial help. Painful as it might be to disappoint the expectation of friends, he knew only one law in such matters, and this was expressed in as gentle terms as possible. Nor was the bank less happy in the selection of a cashier; for both worked in harmony for its truest interests through a period of thirty-two years, a record rarely matched in banking institutions. At a meeting of the directors of the Greenwich National Bank, held October 15th, 1888, the following preamble and resolution were passed:

"WHEREAS, It has pleased God in his wise providence to remove by death the Honorable Henry Sweet, for thirty-two years the honored President of this Bank, therefore,

"Resolved, That we place upon record our grateful appreciation of his long and faithful service, and our sense of the great loss that we, his associates, have sustained by his death.

"That we recognize in the long and useful career of Mr. Sweet a rare example of spotless integrity, generous purposes, and all the virtues of a noble, Christian manhood; that he went down to the grave full of honors as full of years, and his works do follow him.

"That we extend to his bereaved family our sincere sympathy, remembering that their and our loss is his gain.

"S. M. KNOWLES, Secretary."

Scrupulously faithful in all things, this trait was conspicuous n his church relations. Early in life he became a Christian and ever after tried to adorn the doctrines of his Saviour by the humble exemplifying of his precepts and imitation of his example. His name headed the roll of membership in the Quidnessett Baptist church, and he had, in fact, survived all who were connected with this body at the time he joined it. A constant worshiper in the house of God, he was among the most liberal supporters of the church, and generously remembered it in his will. His social and fraternal nature induced him to join the ancient order of Masonry and his membership in King Solomon's Lodge, of [p. 410] East Greenwich, may have contributed in rounding out this symmetrical character. But it was in his loved home that his rate qualities shone forth with brightest radiance. Sunny and mirthful in disposition, his presence in the household inspired like qualities in those around him, while his absence from the family circle was painfully missed. His own happiness was measured by the degree of happiness he was able to contribute to the members of his family. Their comfort and enjoyment was his constant study, and so generous and repeated were the gifts he showered upon them, that they were constrained to protest against their continuance. As the noble and spotless husband, the considerate and affectionate father, he has left behind him memories which his loved ones will cherish with increasing fondness. Nor was his home maintained for the exclusive enjoyment of its own members. He took special delight in the hospitality, and few weeks passed without the entertainment of invited guests, who were not only made to feel quite at ease, but were also charmed by the cordial treatment they daily received. To have experienced the charms of his home was an enrichment of memory, and must have been helpful, by its suggestions, in perfecting the homes of his guests.

The fact has been noticed above that Mr. Sweet devoted time to travel in his later years. His travels embraced a large part of this country and of Canada. In his seventy-ninth year he made a tour to California in company with his wife and others, the physical demands of which were met without fatigue. Indeed, his physical vigor, the result of a strictly temperate life, was remarkable until his last and only sickness. Through the wide information acquired by extended travel, with its contact with people of different climes and opinions, he gained a broad intelligence and cosmopolitan traits.

In September, 1872, Mr. Sweet married Miss Helen Gay, of Scotland, Conn., a cultivated and most estimable woman, who contributed largely to the happiness of his last years. This second wife survives him, and in her bereavement has received many toughing testimonials to the excellence of her departed husband. An extract may appropriately be given from a letter received by a neighbor of Mr. Sweet soon after his death. It was written by William H. Potter, Esq., the distinguished lawyer of Kingston, R. I., who was an intimate friend of him whose loss he mourned:

p. 411

"Mr. Sweet was one of the old-fashioned kind of men, too scarce now---industrious, frugal and honest in the best sense of the term---a man of genuine integrity in all things, and this not from the contemptible thing called policy, but from principle. * * * I wish our state had more men of this stamp."
Born July 9th, 1806, died October 3d, 1888, will be among the lines on the tombstone that will perpetuate the memory of Henry Sweet; but for those who knew him and shared his love, neither granite nor marble will be needed to keep fresh the blessed memory of one whose noble character and Christian virtues will abide with them as a precious benediction.

JAMES MONROE DAVIS, PRESIDENT OF THE First National Bank, East Greenwich, R. I., is a native of Davisville, and was born in the town of North Kingstown, February 2d, 1821. He is the son of Ezra Davis and Mehitable, daughter of Benjamin Reynolds, a descendant of William Reynolds, a pioneer in North Kingstown. Ezra Davis was one of the early woolen manufacturers of the state, and a descendant of Aaron Davis, who was a proprietor in Dartmouth, Mass., in 1694, and pastor of the Baptist church in that place in 1698. The names of the descendants of Aaron Davis in the parental line are asfollows: Aaron (1), Joshua (2) Jeffrey (3), Joshua (4), Ezra (5), and James M. Davis (6), the subject of this sketch.

James M. Davis received but a common school education. He attended school at the Washington Academy, Wickford, two years, and the academy at Kingston for the same length of time. At the early age of sixteen he began the mercantile business, which continued for a term of years. In 1849 he engaged in the manufacture of Kentucky jeans with his brother-in-law, Henry Sweet, and his cousin, Albert S. Reynolds; and from that time until he retired from the more active pursuits of life in 1873 carried on a very extensive business. Mr. Davis has done much for the village of Davisville. In 1852 he was instrumental in securing the establishment of the post office. In 1866 and 1867 he served his town acceptably as a member of the Rhode Island assembly. He has been a consistent member of the Quidnessett Baptist church since the hear 1839; has been treasurer of the society for many years, and a munificent contributor in all times of need for charitable and other purposes. Upon the rebuilding of the church edifice in 1882 he furnished one-third of the funds necessary for the completion of the building out of his own purse, and subsequently he purchased the pipe organ, which he [p. 412] presented to the church as a gift. He has been a director in the National Bank of East Greenwich for many years, and upon the death of Mr. Henry Sweet was elected its president, October 15th, 1888.

October 22d, 1840, he married Miss Mary Ann Allen, daughter of James and Freelove (Pearce) Allen, of North Kingstown, R. I. Mrs. Davis is of Welsh descent, and her ancestors date back to William Allen, who came to America in 1660, and settled on Prudence island. The line of descent is as follows: William (1), John (2), Thomas (3), Christopher (4), Silas (5) and James Allen (6), who was her father. On her grandmother's side Judge John Allen was a nephew to Christopher Allen, her great-great-grandfather on her father's side, the peculiar feature of her genealogical history being the fact that the two above-named ancestors were also cousins. Judge John Allen was a soldier in the revolution; he was taken prisoner by theBritish and his house burned. The children born to James M. Davis and his wife are: Hettie; Hannah J., who married Fayette B. Bennett, of Hope Valley, R. I.; Mary D.; Ida G., who married William H. Congdon, of Warwick, who was killed by horses, February 7th, 1872 (she died in 1883, leaving two sons—Frederick D. and Arthur R. Congdon); and Emma, who married Christopher Allen, of Stafford, Conn. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have three children: Allen B., James D. and Mary E. These five grand-children of Mr. and Mrs. Davis are living now as the representatives of the eighth generation from the New England progenitor of 1694.

ALBERT S. AND ALLEN REYNOLDS.—William Reynolds, the progenitor of the branch of the family resident in Rhode Island, emigrated from England in 1636 and settled in Providence. Here he doubtless followed his trade as a weaver and acquired property which was subsequently sold to Robert Williams. Probably the same year he became a resident of North Kingstown, where the family has since been largely represented. His son James had among his children a son James, who was born at Sandy Hill October 28th, 1650. His son Peter was the father of John Reynolds, whose son Benjamin, born April 19th, 1756, in North Kingstown, was the grandfather of the subjects of this biography. He married Elizabeth Reynolds, whose ancestry was identical with his own. Their children were five sons: John B., Isaac, William, George W. and James; and four daughters: Nancy, Elizabeth, Hannah and Waity. James, the youngest of these [p. 413] sons, was born August 11th, 1798, in North Kingstown, and during his business life filled the double role of manufacturer and farmer at Sandy Hill. He married Penelope Essex on the 27th of September, 1819. Their children were: Maria G., born in 1820; Albert S., February 26th, 1822; Susan R., in 1825; and Emily G. in 1834; of whom all but Albert S. are deceased.

Albert S. Reynolds was born at Sandy Hill, where he attended the district schools and later pursued a more thorough course at the Greenwich Academy. His taste led to manufacturing, and influenced him at the conclusion of his studies to enter the mills at Davisville with a view to acquiring knowledge of its various departments. He began manufacturing in 1846 and three years later became a member of the firm of Davis, Reynolds & Co., which relation continued until 1863, when he acquired a half interest in the mill at Sandy Hill. In 1875, being desirous of further extending his business, he became one of the owners of the Davisville mill, and still continues that partnership. The Sandy Hill property having been sold, his time is now chiefly devoted to the management of the mill at Davisville, though not to the exclusion of other matters of public import which engage his attention. He was for many years a loyal supporter of the principles of the whig party and transferred his allegiance to the republican party on its organization. He is popular with his constituents, was elected to the state legislature in 1856-7, and at a later date served a term each in the state senate and the house of representatives. His sound judgment in financial matters has been made available in the conduct of the Greenwich National Bank, of which he has been for many years a director.

Mr. Reynolds was on the 7th of December, 1846, married to Harriet N., daughter of Mumford D. Tillinghast, of East Greenwich. Their children are: Ella M., wife of Stephen E. Reynolds; Milton M., Walter J. and Calis A. Mr. Reynolds' church affiliations have been in connection with the Baptist denomination of which he is a supporter.

ALLEN REYNOLDS traces his descent from William Reynolds, the progenitor of the family in Rhode Island, his grandparents being Benjamin and Elizabeth Reynolds, whose children have been previously mentioned. Their son John B. was born in 1780, in North Kingstown, where the varied duties pertaining to a farmer's vocation engaged his attentionduring the greater part of his active life. He married Mary, daughter of Arthur Aylesworth, of the same town. Their children were: Hannah, who died [p. 414] in infancy; Benjamin, Mary, John, Hazard, Abby, Elizabeth, William W. A., Ann G. Emma, Almira, Allen, and Sarah L., of whom five survive. Allen, the youngest son, was born December 17th, 1826, in North Kingstown, and like other lads of the period, received his earliest instruction at the common schools. Additional advantages were, however, enjoyed by him under private teachers. His tastes led to mechanical pursuits, and especially to the intricacies of the machinist's trade, but the mill at Davisville affording the most convenient opening, he entered the carding department at the age of seventeen, and became thoroughly proficient in that branch of manufacturing. He was, in the spring of 1847, employed by A. & W. Sprague at Natick, in Rhode Island, continued one and a half years thus engaged, and spent the following winter in study. In 1849 his services were in demand with Davis, Reynolds & Co., he became one of its partners. This business association continued until 1873, the date of its dissolution, and in 1875 Mr. Reynolds was made a member of the firm of. W. Reynolds & Co. who operated mills both at Davisville and Sandy Hill. The senior partner having retired in 1883, the Sandy Hill property was sold, and the attention of the remaining partners given exclusively to the Davisville mill, which is now in active operation and devoted to the production of Washington jeans.

Mr. Reynolds was in April, 1853, married to Elizabeth S., daughter of Sylvester Johnson, of North Kingstown. Their children are: Curtis C., a resident of California; Marion G., Lula A. (Mrs. Geo. H. Fowler, of Pawtucket), Emma (Mrs. Walter B. Knight, of Bozrahville, Conn.), William A., who is employed in the mill, and Annie M. Mr. Reynolds has as a republican represented his party in the state councils, filling the office of assemblyman during the years 1878 and 1881, and that of state senator in 1885, 1886 and 1887. He has also been prominent in the administration of local affairs. He is a member of the Quidnessett Baptist church, of which he is the present clerk.

————

COLLATION CORNERS is situated at the head of the celebrated Ten Rod road at its junction with the post road. This place was thus named in 1832, when a Jackson supper was given to those [p. 415] favoring the election of "Old Hickory." The gathering resulted in a good spree and a good dinner, and in honor of the occasion the place received the appellation of "Collation Corners." George T. Cranston is located here in the mercantile business. He has an excellent store, and enjoys the respect and confidence of the people generally.

LAFAYETTE, OR WICKFORD JUNCTION, which adjoins, is the seat of quite a manufacturing industry. The Providence and Stonington Railroad Company have a fine station here. The Wickford Branch road terminates at this point. The point is an important one and considerable business is carried on.

The post office was established in 1856 and was kept by Charles Rodman, a former merchant in the place. It has been kept for the past sixteen years by A. c. Taylor, who has also been a merchant in the place for about eighteen years. In 1887 Mr. Taylor took his clerk into partnership and the store has since been conducted under the firm name of Taylor & Davis.

Lafayette has quite an interesting manufacturing history. About the year 1800 a snuff mill was erected here and also a tannery, but both have long since disappeared. The Lafayette property was early owned by William Greene and one Hawkins, who began the business of spinning yarn, being among the oldest cotton manufacturers in the state and the first in the town. The size of the building was 28 by 33 feet, three stories high and built of wood. These gentlemen were succeeded after a number of years in 1824 by George W. Tillinghast and Charles Eldred, who put in a new wheel and flume. About 1825 Charles Eldred sold to his partner and subsequently Tillinghast sold to Gardner and Hoxsie. July 1st, 1844, Gardner & Hoxsie assigned to John Hall. In August, 1844, John Hall, assignee, sold to Jeremiah G. and Henry T. Chadsey. August 8th, 1844, they sold to Albert Sanford and on December 25th, 1847. Mr. Sanford sold to Robert Rodman. Mr. Sanford manufactured cotton goods. In 1848 Mr. Rodman changed the machinery and commenced the manufacture of woolen goods. He commenced with one set of machinery and twelve looms. In addition to the manufacture of woolen goods he also makes warps used in his jeans manufactured by him at this factory known as the Shady Lea mills. During the year 1877 he erected a fine brick mill 316 by 55 feet, three stories high, with two towers, twenty-one and seventy feet high respectively. The chimney is ninety-two feet I height. An iron ladder [p. 416] runs up this flue. Mr. Rodman also built a fine store house of brick, a great number of houses and tenements, virtually owning most of the interest in the village. The name of the place was given in honor of the distinguished evolutionary general Lafayette. The Rodman Manufacturing Company consists of Mr. Robert Rodman and his sons.

SILVER SPRING is a place, the name of which was derived from a spring near by that throws out mica and sulphur, it being the only one of the kind in the town. They Taylors, finishers of woolen goods and custom carders, commenced business here about a century ago and continued business for a long time. J. D. Williams & Co. purchased the property about 1823 and manufactured coarse woolen goods. In 1824 the mill was carried away by a flood. In 1832-3 the mill was purchased by Thomas R. Hazard, who manufactured what was known as negro cloth. In 1835 Hazard sold to Christopher Allen. He sold to Robert Rodman in 1841. Rodman sold to Hiscox and Pierce in 1845, and in 1863 they sold to Gideon Reynolds. In 1868 it was burned. Mr. Rodman, the present owner, then purchased the property, changed the machinery, and since that time has used it for the manufacture of doeskins and jeans.

SHADY LEA, a pleasant little burgh, is situated on the Mattatuxet river about one mile east of Silver Spring. Ebson Sanford here began the manufacture of jeans, probably the first in the town. In 1832 Mr. Sanford sold out to Edward Tillinghast. In 1836 Christopher Allen purchased the property, and in 1840 he sold out to his brother Charles,who manufactured flannels and linsey-woolseys, also finally cassimeres until 1855, from which time until 1870 numerous parties operated here. During the war army blankets were made here by General Walter B. Chapin. In 1870 Robert Rodman purchased the mill and manufactured warps.

ROBERT RODMAN.—The Rodman family in Rhode Island, now represented by the seventh, eighth and ninth generations of descent from John Rodman, has doubtless attained to its greatest prominence thus far through the business career of Robert Rodman as a successful manufacturer in North and South Kingstown. He was born October 9th, 1818, at Tower Hill, in South Kingstown, where his parents, Clarke and Mary (Gardner) Rodman, were born in 1781. Clarke Rodman (1781-1859) was the son of Robert, and grandson of Samuel Rodman, whose father, Thomas, [p. 417] was son of Thomas, and grandson of John Rodman, the progenitor of all in New England who bear the family name.

The early days of the subject of this sketch were passed at this birthplace, which was the Robert Brown house, standing then at the west of the post road at its junction with the highway leading westerly from Tower Hill. That community then had few helps and some hindrances to the formation of noble characters in the boys who were raised and educated in it. Horse racing and other less unobjectionable sports gave Tower Hill a wide reputation, and a tavern, with its open bar, was one of the fixed institutions of the place. Whatever was or might have been the influence of this atmosphere upon others, it, with other forces, developed a resultant in the moral qualities of the young man Rodman, which has been until to-day (sic) the leading characteristic of his career.

By many who know him Robert Rodman is called a shrewd man of business; and that may be safely said of any one who in this day and age of sharp competition can acquire a million in the regular channels of business. His relations to and his methods with the families whose homes depend upon his pay rolls, are somewhat peculiar to himself, and when his liberal helpful policy toward his employees has given many of them homes of their own, and secured him a class of help far above the average in reliability, he is said by others to be a man of great insight into human nature. When he is found at the head of the manufacturing enterprises, as already noticed in this chapter, all being directed with mechanical method and mathematical precision, somewhat of executive ability must fairly be inferred. Not, however, by the qualities of head so much as the qualities of heart is Robert Rodman probably destined to be longest remembered. He has always held radical views on questions of business ethics, maintaining in theory and in practice that the civil law imposes often less obligations than the higher moral law, and that a man may not always gain and hold all that the civil courts allow. Whoever, by the bright light of prosperity, sees the obligations of disastrous days when they are passed, and meets them, not as obligations of law, but obligations of right, lends thereby a needed impulse to the better tendency of human nature, and puts the sluggish raceupon its honor by the example set.

The business days of Mr. Rodman began before he was twenty, and at Silver Spring and at the Lawton Mill, in Exeter, he had [p. 418] valuable experience before purchasing Lafayette, in December of 1847.

In his domestic relations Mr. Rodman has been signally favored. His wife, to whom he was married April 3d, 1841, is Almira, daughter of Colonel William and Mary (Sanford) Taylor, of North Kingstown. This union has been blessed in the birth of nine children, six of whom are living: Franklin, born January 29th, 1842, married Sarah R. Allen; Hortense, born August 29th, 1843, married George O. Allen; Albert, born May 23d, 1845, married Mary Allen, Charles, born March 16th, 1848, maried (sic) first Mary E. Money, in 1868, and on the 2d of November, 1878, he married Isadora Kingsley; Walter Rodman, the fifth of the family, was born March 11th, 1850, and died in infancy; Emily was born January 15th, 1852, and was married in 1884 to William H. Rodman, a son of Clarke and Fannie Rodman; Walter Rodman, the seventh of the family, was born February 3d, 1853, and married Carrie E. Taber; Thomas F., born February 24th, 1857, died in infancy; Almira T., born January 8th, 1861, died at four years of age.

While Mr. Rodman has long been recognized leader in almost every department of public enterprise, he has steadily declined all proffered political honors, save one term in the general assembly. His political views are in general accord with those of the republican party, and fully so upon the subject of import taxes.

His principal mill is at Lafayette, where also is his residence and principal business office.

SCRABBLETOWN is situated in the western part of the town, about two miles northwest of Wickford Junction. Moses Mawney has the honor of giving the place its name. In those earlier times rum was used on all occasions, and during the raising of the "Long House" an idea was suggested that the place should have a name. The honor was by consent granted to Mr. Mawney,who swung his bottle and christened the place Scrabbletown, and the name stands to-day as the only monument that preserves the memory of the jolly old tar. A grist mill was erected in 1824 by Jonathan Nichols and his son Gordon. Jonathan N. Arnold, a recent owner, put in a new set of stones and remodelled (sic) the mill generally. The people about the place are generally engaged in agricultural pursuits.



North KingstownContinued


These documents are made available freeto the public for non-commercial purposes by the Rhode Island USGenWebProject.
Transcribed by Pat Dyer, 1999.

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