RT. REV. PETER E. BLESSING, D.D., LL. D., V.G. -- As pastor of St. Joseph's, one of the oldest established and most prominent Roman Catholic parishes in the city of Providence, and vicar-general of the Providence Diocese, Monsignor Blessing is well known as a zealous, learned and eloquent divine and public-spirited, patriotic citizen. He is the son of James E. and Mary (McNiff) Blessing, who, coming from Ireland in their early youth, were married in Providence, where they spent the remainder of their lives.
Peter E. Blessing was born in Providence, R. I., February 13, 1873. He received his early education in the parochial schools of that city. After finishing at LaSalle Academy he attended Mount St. Mary's College, Emmitsburg, Md., and the North American College, at Rome, Italy, where, after taking the degree of Doctor of Sacred Theology at the Propaganda University, he was ordained priest, May 27, 1899, in the Cathedral of St. John Lateran. The first assignment he received after his return to this country was assistant pastor at St. Theresa's Parish, Providence, but after a few months service there was transferred to the Providence Apostolate, a body of priests then being organized in the diocese of Providence, whose work was to be preaching and giving missions. In 1905 Dr. Blessing became director of this work and remained at its head until 1912.
In 1905 he was appointed rector of St. Edward,'s Providence, where he built a modern school building for the accommodation of the children of the parish and a commodious convent for the sisters who taught in the school. In 1906 Dr. Blessing became editor and manager of the Providence 'Visitor', a publication devoted to Catholic interests in Rhode Island. During the five years he spent in this work the Providence 'Visitor' took a leading place among the Catholic publications of the country. In 1912 he was appointed rector of the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul, Providence, where he remained until 1916, when he became the irremovable rector of St. Joseph's, Providence.
Monsignor Blessing has always been a close student of questions of current interest and has lectured extensively on social, historical and religious topics. He has been closely identified with the educational and charitable institutions under the direction of the Catholic church in Rhode Island, and is a member of many organizations for the civic and social betterment of the community. During the recent period of war with Germany he was most active in his support of the cause of the allies and intimately connected with the different movements having for their object the welfare of the men in the service.
He received the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from the University of Notre Dame, Ind., in 1917, and in the same year, because of distinguished service, was elevated by Pope Benedict XV, to the dignity of Prothonotary Apostolic, with the title of Monsignor.
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REV. WILLIAM A. HICKEY, D. D., was born in Worcester, Mass., May 13, 1869.
He is the son of William and Margaret (Troy) Hickey. His father,
who died two years ago, was a veteran of the Civil War, having served in
both the army and navy throughout the entire duration of the war.
A military funeral was accorded his remains on January 2, 1917, at Worcester.
Bishop Hickey's early education was obtained in the public schools of his native city, and in the fall of 1883 he entered the Worcester Classical High School. Upon graduation from here he completed his college course at Holy Cross College, graduating with honors. He then went abroad and after a three years' course at the Grand Seminary at St. Sulpice, Paris, went on to Rome and was favored with an audience with Pope Leo XIII. Returning to his native land, after a few weeks of immediate preparation of Brighton Seminary, he was ordained to the priesthood by the Most Rev. John J. Williams, D. D., Archbishop of Boston, at Holy Cross Cathedral, Boston, for the diocese of Springfield, Mass. His first curacy was Whitinsville, following which Bishop Hickey served as assistant pastor at Brookfield, Blackstone, Holyoke, and Clinton.
In 1903 he was assigned by Rt. Rev. Thomas D. Beaven, D.D., Bishop of Springfield, to the pastorship at Gilbertville, where he labored thirteen years. Here his work won recognition from his superiors, and appreciation and love from his parishioners. The success of his pastorate may be realized by the fact that the sermons of his church were preached every Sunday in English, French, Polish, and Lithuanian. His transfer as pastor to St. John's parish, Clinton, Massachusetts, came on January 24, 1917, a few months before the war, and the energy and zeal for God's glory manifested at Gilbertville found here a larger field. Here he built the new parochial school, a splendid modern twelve room building with a large parish hall, erected in a fine location in the very center of the town at an estimated cost of $150,000. He was supported in this work by his parishioners with hearty cooperation, and the school has been praised as one of the best examples of the most improved school architecture and construction in the State. Bishop Hickey's parish work did not lessen his value as a citizen. A remarkable orator, his services were sought in every patriotic movement. As a 'four minute man', when orator on Liberty Day, Bishop Hickey showed a patriotism for his country surpassed only by his zeal for the advancement of God's kingdom. Of his work and life during his two years at Clinton, Senator Walsh, of Massachusetts, said: 'Father Hickey has worn the black cassock of Christ. He has been a soldier camping in the homes of the sick and the poor under the white banner of the church, fighting for salvation; has battled for Christ in the trenches of humanity. Not a day has passed over his head since our boys first left Clinton that he has not prayed for his people.'
A telling incident is related showing Bishop Hickey's facility in languages and his quick comprehension. During a reception tendered by the Knights of Columbus to the noted Father Cabanel, chaplain of the French Battalion of 'Blue Devils', Colonel Azan, the officer in charge of the French Military Mission stationed at Harvard University and engaged in officers' training at that place, made a twenty minute speech entirely in French. At the conclusion of this speech, at the request of Father Cabanel, Father Hickey gave a translation, and it is said by those who understand both languages that the pastor's translation was a marvel in accuracy and embraced the whole talk. This facility is especially noted in his translation of Bishop Le Camus' 'Life of Christ'. The book has been recommended by the Biblical Institute at Rome as one of the best lives of our Lord. It is one of the most popular works of its kind in America to-day.
On January 16, 1919, Bishop William A. Hickey received notification from Rome that Pope Benedict had appointed him coadjutor-bishop with right of succession to Bishop Harkins, of the Diocese of Providence. His consecration as bishop took place on Thursday, April 10, 1919, in Sts. Peter and Paul's Cathedral, Providence, with Rt. Rev. Thomas D. Beaven, D. D., Bishop of Springfield, Mass., officiating, assisted by Rt. Rev. Louis S. Walsh, D. D., Bishop of Portland, Me., and Rt. Rev. Daniel F. Feehan, D. D., Bishop of Fall River, Mass., assisting. On the day of his consecration, by an act of Rt. Rev. Matthew Harkins, D. D., which was later ratified by the Sacred Consistory at Rome, Bishop Hickey was made Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Providence. Bishop Hickey was one of the examiners of the clergy in the Springfield diocese, Worcester county chaplain of the A. O. H., and a fourth degree Knight of Columbus in the Bishop O'Reilly Assembly, of Worcester, Mass.
Life holds no more beautiful relationship than that which a Catholic
priest bears to his people and his people bear to him. From the cradle
to the grave he is one who never falters, whose helping hand is never withdrawn,
whose patience is without end, and whose heart is ever true. For
through sunshine and rain, through happiness and disaster, through peace
and war, through virtue and misery, come what will within the range of
human experience, in its midst you will find the priest toiling, not for
himself, but that those he loves and for whom he stands ready to die may
have happiness both here and hereafter. This is the type of priest,
this is the manner of friend, this is the kind of pastor Bishop Hickey
is to all with whom he comes in contact; a noble man full of courage, zeal,
and devotion, with deep and abiding religious faith.
CLARENCE M. DUNBAR -- Among all the industrial enterprises of the city of Providence, R. I., the operations of which produce so large a proportion of the wealth of this region, there is none more representative of the high standards of commercial ethics and business management, which are the proverbial characteristics of New England industry, than the Seamless Wire Company, of No. 85 Sprague street. This large and successful concern was founded and developed by three business men of this city, namely: Charles D. Cook, Clarence M. Dunbar and Robert O. Smith, who were associated under the firm name of Cook, Dunbar, Smith Company, Inc. It was incorporated under the laws of Rhode Island with a capital of fifty thousand dollars and has carried on its business since 1906, when the charter was given it. Charles D. Cook is president and director, Clarence M. Dunbar, treasurer, general manager and director, and Robert O. Smith, secretary and director. The concern which was started in a small way has developed under their capable management to its present great proportion, the plant having been added to until there is now some thirty thousand square feet of floor space, in which are employed on an average seventy hands. It is equipped with every modern appliance and device and operated by electrical power, the product of the mill being of the finest grade of workmanship and material of their kind. The concern is engaged in the manufacture of seamless rolled gold wire, rolled gold plate, and rolled gold tubing, and the output is sold by travelling representatives not only throughout New England but also in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and other States, as well as a large portion of it being exported to foreign countries. It is the owner of many valuable patents and is one of the largest and most prosperous concerns of its kind in the country.
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WILLIAM DAVID GOFF -- The name Goff has figured prominently in the early identity and development of New England. Thomas Goff, wealthy merchant, of London, England, Matthew Craddock, John Endicott, Sir Richard Saltonstall, and others were among the leading men in laying the foundation of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The vital records of Rehoboth, Mass., the mother town of many in its vicinity, in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island, begin with the families of Richard, Samuel and Robert Goff, and from these men descend many of the name here. Many served in the military service of the colony during the Revolution.
William David Goff, son of Colonel Isaac L. and Ada Jeannette (Richards) Goff, and grandson of David F. and Clarissa D. (Stacy) Goff, was born in Providence, R. I., September 27, 1876. His preliminary education was acquired in public and private schools of Providence, and supplemented by a course in Mowry & Goff's Preparatory School, thus qualifying himself for an active business career. After completing his studies, he became associated with his father in his various extensive enterprises and continued with him for many years, the firm being known as the Isaac L. Goff Company. In the meantime, having determined to extend his field of knowledge and usefulness, he became an expert in real estate values, also became familiar with the insurance business in its different phases, thus laying the foundation for his future successful career. In 1907, he severed his connection with his father and entered into the real estate and insurance business under the name of the William D. Goff Company, conducting his operations in Providence, and during the intervening twelve years his business has increased to a large extent, he being now recognized as one of the leading men in that line in the State of Rhode Island. He takes an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and development of his native city, is public-spirited and enterprising, unassuming in manner, congenial in his tastes, and although his career has been quiet and uneventful, he has manifested those sterling qualities that ever command respect and are at all times worthy of emulation. He is a Republican in politics, but has never cared for political preferment, and devotes his leisure time to out-of-door life. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and the Sons of the American Revolution, gaining admission through the services of four of his ancestors in the Revolutionary War.
Mr. Goff married, December 14, 1899, Alice Pauline Strahan, daughter of Thomas and Esther (Lawrence) Strahan, natives of Scotland, and now well known residents of Chelsea, Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Goff are the parents of one son, William David , Jr., born Dec. 15, 1902, now a student of Phillips Exeter Academy of Exeter, N. H.
JOHN OLDFIELD -- When man emerged from that stage of civilization where his intellect approximated that of a beast, and became a thinking being, the first pursuit to which he turned, beyond that necessary for self-preservation, was the cultivation of the soil. On this stage of development depended the later evolution of the race. Rome drew by far the greater proportion of her famous statesmen, soldiers, generals, poets and other writers from that sturdy class which formed the very sinews of the Nation, the agriocolae or farmers, Pompey, Cicero, Marius, Cato, Cincinnatus, men whose names are synonymous with the prestige of the Roman Empire, came from the farming class. We Americans are essentially a nation of farmers on a grand scale, and our greatest men have been sons of the soil. From the land we have drawn the source of our greatness, and it has provided us with a virility which placed us easily at the head of the nations in this respect. Despite the fact that the city yearly draws its toll from the rural districts, we find an amazingly large number of men who instinctively turn to the soil for their amusement and recreation, if only for a short time, and find in it rest, inspiration, vigor. Many men find in it their life work, still others find in it an avocation.
Love of the soil was perhaps the chief characteristic of the life of the late John Oldfield, business man of the city of Providence, where he died on January 8, 1880. Although in later life he entered the world of business, he still retained the desire for nearness to the soil and to nature which were vital factors in his youth.
John Oldfield was a native of England, the son of parents of good standing and a descendant of one of the oldest established families in the United Kingdom, and which bore arms:
Arms - Argent, on a bend gules three crosses pattee fitchee, of
the field.
Crest - Out of a ducal coronet or, a demi-wyvern wings displayed argent.
Motto - In cruce vincam.
John Oldfield received his early education in the rural schools of England, and upon completing it apprenticed himself to learn the profession of landscape gardening. The term of his apprenticeship was of seven years' duration, and upon the completion of it he was a skilled workman, of recognized ability, and commanding excellent wages. He was possessed of the spirit of the adventurer, and desired to travel and more particularly to see America. He came to America solely for the purpose of visiting the country, on a pleasure trip, bringing with him a considerable supply of money, Mr. Oldfield visited different parts of the country, and during his stay in Philadelphia, Pa., received news of his mother's death in England. Although he had originally determined to return to England, he decided then to stay in America, and for a considerable period made the city of Philadelphia his home. He entered the employ of a gentleman of that city, and remained there for several years. Mr. Oldfield then went to Charleston, S. C., where he passed one year in the capacity of gardener, at the end of which time he returned North, not liking the climate of the South. He next entered the employ of a New York gentleman, and was given the care of an extensive estate along the Hudson river in that State. Upon coming to America, Mr. Oldfield had brought with him a letter of introduction to Mr. Grant Thorburn; this he presented to Mr. Thorburn, who was instrumental in securing for him the position of head gardener on the estate of Thomas P. Ives, of Providence, R. I., whither Mr. Oldfield went immediately. Mr. Oldfield was given full charge of the Ives estate, and given the power to act on his own initiative in the development of the gardens and grounds. He was especially interested in the latter, and skilled in landscape work, but his work in vegetable and flower gardening was more notable. He introduced to the table of Mr.Ives vegetables which had never before come to that gentleman's notice, notably the cauliflower, tomato, and egg plant. He also introduced to Providence the famous 'Rose of Sharon', hitherto unknown there.
Mr. Oldfield, however, decided to enter the business world independently, and found an advantageous opening in the field of lumbering. He became a lumber merchant, and from the very beginning met with a high degree of success in this venture. The business grew rapidly, and at the time of his retirement from active business cares he was operating two lumber yards - one on Canal street, in the city of Providence; and the other at Fox Point, R. I. The enterprise was a financial success, and at the time of his death Mr. Oldfield was substantially wealthy. After his retirement he traveled extensively in the United States and abroad, making several trips to his old home in England and to the Continent. He was a lover of art and literature, and a man of much culture and refined tastes. Much of his fortune he invested in real estate in Providence.
John Oldfield, who was the son of William and Mary (Harrison) Oldfield, was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, April 9, 1796. He married, June 22, 1834, Martha King Sampson, daughter of Earl and Martha (King) Sampson, of Assonet, Mass. She was born in Middleboro, Mass., and was a granddaughter of Dr. John Sampson, one of the foremost physicians of Middleboro, Mass. The lineage of the Sampson family is traced to the 'Mayflower'. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Oldfield were six in number, four of whom attained the years of their majority, namely: 1. Mary H., who resides at the Oldfield home, at No. 99 George street, Providence, R. I. 2. Henry H., died aged about fifty-five, a graduate of Brown University. 3. Charles T., a resident of Norton, Mass.; married Sarah S. Drake; children: i. Martha S., deceased, was the wife of Joseph Bowden, and the mother of two sons, Joseph, Jr., and Horace Winton Bowden; ii. John Oldfield; iii. Mary, wife of Dana Chapman, and the mother of three children: Dorothy, Charles and Howard Chapman; resides in Norwood, Mass.; iv. William Charles Oldfield, born in Norton, Mass., lives there, married Lettie Gertrude MacKenzie, born in Tryon, Prince Edward Isle; children: Victor, Harold, Frederick, Gertrude H.; v. Marjorie Louise, wife of Ralph Buck, and the mother of three children: two sons, Ralph and Charles O., and a daughter, Muriel, resides in Norton, Mass. 4. Martha K., died aged 27 years.
ADDENDA -- ERRATA.
Arnold, p. 64, 2nd col. Alfred B. Arnold died May 15, 1919.
Jennings, p. 227, 1st col. Richard W. Jennings was appointed
State Treasurer by Gov. R. Livingston Beeckman to fill the unexpired time
of Walter A. Read, who died in December, 1918.
Orrell, p. 96, 2nd col. William Orrell married (third) in Boston,
Massachusetts, April 28, 1909, Mrs. Emily P. McConville. She had
three children: Lucile, Brenda B., and Elsie B.
Peck, p. 389, 1st col. Mrs. Louise (Ginand) Peck was born March
15, 1867, died April 8, 1891.
Peterson, p. 302, 2nd col. Since sketch was printed George P.
Peterson was made a member of the Mayflower descendants, and his son, Earl
C. Peterson, was made a lieutenant in the navy.
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