General Notes

He was apprenticed in Providence at the age of fourteen to one of the foremost architects and builders of the country, and was appointed to superintend the erection of the Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, GA, when nineteen years old. He engaged in business in Savannah soon after, as architect, contractor and merchant, and remained there 20 years. He returned to Little Compton on account of the health of his wife, and lived in the old homestead of the Rev. Mase Shepherd, which he had purchased for a summer residence while living in Savannah . When leaving the south, he gave his slaves their freedom and brought several of them to his northern home, where they were household servants for years. He soon after engaged in business in New Bedford, as agent and proprietor of whaling vessels, and continued these commercial relations for 30 years, Little Compton still being his home. Aside from his private business, he was interested in many corporate enterprises. He was projector, and for nineteen years president of theTiverton and Little Compton Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and director of the Commercial Insurance Company of New Bedford.  He was a Whig and Republican in politics.  He represented his districti n the State Senate in 1870 and '71, was Notary Public, President of the Town Council and filled other township offices.  For fifty years Deacon of the United Congregational Church, and one of its most staunch and generous supporters, he was remembered for his firm, undeviating loyalty to truth and justice, and honorable methods in all things. He was a liberal contributor to many religious and charitable societies, and a life member of many of them.  He established the Richmond Academy in town, erected a suitable building and sustained the school for a period of years, for the benefit of his own and other children. It is said that it was indeed a beautiful sight when the Deacon and his wife drove up with their carriage and span of horses on Sunday morning before the church.

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