Providence County Biographies
M
MASON, Robert Durfee, president of the Robert D. Mason Company, Pawtucket, was born in Pawtucket, March 10 1832, son of Robert Durfee and Mehitabel Tyler (Merry) Mason. His father was a son of Pardon and Annie (Hale) Mason and his mother a daughter of Barney and Phila Benson (Tyler) Merry. He obtained his early education in the public schools of Pawtucket, and recieved his training for active life in the dyeing and bleaching establishment of his uncle Samuel Merry. Mr. Merry had succeeded his father Barney Merry, who established the business in 1805. Mr Mason succeeded his uncle in 1870, after being in company with him for four years, and has since been sole owner of the business, until 1889, when his Frederic became associated with him as partner. In 1892 the business was incorprated under the name of The Robert D. Mason Company, with Robert D. Mason as President and Frederic R. Mason Treasurer. Mr Mason is a Republican in politics, but has not sought nor accepted public office. He was, however an efficient member of the Pawtucket Water Board for fourteen years. he was married, in 1852. to Miss Mary Bicknell Nicholas, who died in 1890; and in 1893 he married Miss Mary Adeline Havens. He has by his first wife two children: Frederic Robert and Ella Frances Mason.
Source: Rhode Island Men of Progress - Submitted by Erica Beatty
METCALF, Harold, physician and surgeon,, was born in Providence, November 25 1860, son of Levi and Georgiana (Tucker) Metcalf. On his paternal side his ancestors were early settlers of Dedham, Mass., although for many generations they have belonged to Rhode Island. His great great grandfather on the maternal side was Daniel Mowry who was a Member of Continental Congress in 1781-82. His maternal ancestors are well known families in North Smithfield and adjacent towns. He received his early education in the public schools and high schools of Providence, and entered Brown University, graduating in the class of 1884. While in college he taught evening schools, was clerk in a hat store, worked on a farm and at other employments. He adopted medicine as a profession and studied in the Harvard Medical School, from which he graduated in 1887 with the degree of M.D. He was Extern on the surgical side of the Rhode Island Hospital, and Dispensary Physician, during his year's residence in Providence when he removed to Wickford, R.I., and took a practice left vacant by the ill health of the former incumbent. He was Physician to the Soliders' Home while at Wickford before its removal to Bristol. He was appointed Medical Examiner by Gov. H.W. Ladd in 1889 and re-appointed in 1895 by Gov. C.W. Lippitt. He is examiner for the Mutual and Equitable Life Insurance Companies He is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity and of the Sons of the American Revolution. In politics he is a Republican of the independent class, but has always avoided public life, preferring to devote himself to his profession. He married, July 31 1889, Miss Mary Anna Barney; they have four children: Mary L., George T., John T., and Paul B. MetcalfSource: Rhode Island Men in Progress - Submitted by Erica Beatty
MORROW, Robert, Manager of the Providence Opera House, was born in New York City, September 28 1838, the son of John and Ann E. (Moore) Morrow. His father was an architect by profession, and his ancestors on both sides were Scotch. He recieved his early education in private schools and was in a boarding school until 1852. He then went to sea and was second mate of the schooner James T. Brady before he was eighteen years of age. During the course of his seafaring life he visited Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, and was for two years on the coast of Africa. He served in the American navy from 1856 to 1859. He came to Providence in the latter year and has remained here until the presents here. He has been engaged successfully in various business enterprises- the grocery and liquor and livery-stable business. In 1877 he became a member of the firm of Hopkins and Morrow, Managers of Theatre Comique in Providence, and in 1885 became sole Manager of the Providence Opera House, which he was conducted with success to the present time. He also manages an extensive brokerage business in stocks and bonds. He was an active fireman from 1861 to 1867 and a member of companies John B Chace, No. 4, and Water Witch, No. 6. He is a member of Rhode Island Club, the Athletic Association, and is an Odd Fellow and Elk. In polictics he is conservative. He married April 12 1863, Miss Mary A Dennaly; they have two children: Annie L. and Ella F. Morrow.
Source: Rhode Island Men in Progress - Submitted by Erica Beatty
HOME
©2009 Genealogy Trails