REPRESENTATIVE MEN

AND

OLD FAMILIES

OF

RHODE ISLAND


GENEALOGICAL RECORDS AND HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF PROMINENT
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS AND OF MANY
OF THE OLD FAMILIES


Illustrated


VOLUME I


J. H. BEERS & CO.
CHICAGO
1908

INMAN (Burrillville and vicinity). Since the early settlement of the Providence Plantations the name of Inman has been a continuous one in Southern Rhode Island, the posterity of Edward Inman being largely in the town of ancient Providence and subdivisions later created out of it - Glocester and Burrillville. Here they have been among the progressive, enterprising and substantial citizens, prominently identified with the industrial and financial life of that section of the State. Especially has this been the occupation of the descendants of the late James Inman, of what is now the town of Burrillville.

(I) Edward Inman, the earliest known ancestor of this Providence county branch of the family, a glover by trade and occupation, appears recorded as an inhabitant of Warwick in 1648, in 1651 being granted land as a townsman of Providence. Inman became one of the prominent public men of the town and colony, being commissioner in 1658, and deputy many times beginning with 1666. His second wife was Barbara Phillips, probably widow of Michael, and they died, he in 1706, and she after that time. Mr. Inman's children were: Joanna, who married Nathaniel Mowry; John, who married Mary Whitman, and was of Providence; and Edward, Jr.

(II) Edward Inman, Jr., son of Edward, married Elizabeth Bennett. He was of Providence and Smithfield, residing in the east part of the latter town, and owning a farm and grist mill, the latter being located at what is now called Slaters, Upper Dam. His death occurred June 14, 1755.

(III) Elisha Inman, son of Edward, Jr., was a resident of that part of Smithfield which, in 1730-31, became Glocester, now Burrillville. His marriage to Abagail Darling is of record as occurring in Glocester Jan. 16, 1745, and the following children are of record in that same town: Susanna, Abagail, Penelope, Anna, Samuel, Elisha, Martha, Priscella, Elizabeth and Mary. From this couple descended the Inmans of Burrillville, with who, this article particularly deals. Elisha Inman died June 23, 1809, aged eighty-nine years and nine months. Abigail, his wife, died Aug. 3, 1809, aged eighty-five years.

(IV) Samuel Inman, son of Elisha and Abigail, was born April 2, 1746, was a farmer and resided in the Mt. Pleasant section of what is now the town of Burrillville. There he died Aug. 9, 1822. He and his wife were members of the Society of Friends. He married March 19, 1772, Ann Buffum, of Smithfield, daughter of Josephand Margaret (Osborne) Buffum, and to the union were born children as follows. Daniel, born Jan. 15, 1773; George, born Sept. 18, 1774, died Aug. 9, 1842: Samuel, born Dec. 23, 1776, died Nov. 3, 1778; Hannah, born Nov. 22, 1779, died unmarried Sept. 11. 1875: Buffum, born Feb. 17, 1783, died April 14, 1790; James, born Jan. 13, 1785; Edward, born Sept. 11, 1789, died Oct. 1, 1839; and Anna, born March 23, 1793, died Feb. 26, 1728. Ann Buffum, the mother of the above children, was burn Nov. 27, 1751, and died Feb. 8, 1840.

(V) James Inman, son of Samuel and Ann, was born Jan. 13, 1785, and lived in the town of Burrillville where he died March 21, 1850. For twenty years, and, perhaps, more he had been engaged in the manufacture of scythes at Inman Village, near Nasonville. Both he and his wife were members of the Society of Friends, and were particularly earnest in their religious devotion. Several of his sons became men of considerable prominence in their community. James Inman was married Sept. 1, 1808, to Nancy Thompson, of Smithfield, born April 9, 1792, daughter of Olney and Hyrena (Paine) Thompson. She survived her husband many years, and died Jan. 14, 1875, at Oakland, in the town of Burrillville, of which village she had been a resident for many years. The children born to James and Nancy Inman were: William Henry, born Aug. 27, 1810, died Sept. 29, 1811; William Albert, born July 21, 1812, died March 19, 1841; Dorcas, born April 27, 1815, was married 1, 1837, to Ezekiel Daniels, and died July 10, 1884; Francis Henry, born April 19, 1817, was married Oct. 10, 1840, to Hannah Marsh, and died in Worcester, Mass.; Hyrena Paine, born Sept. 24, 1819, died March 21, 1838; Mary, born March 7, 1822, died May 9, 1844; Betsey, born Sept. 19, 1822, died July 28, 1825; Oliver Arnold, born June 2, 1826; James Osborne, born July 4, 1829; Ann Buffum, born June 29, 1832, was married Nov. 1, 1848 to Horace Daniels, and resides at Worcester, Mass.; and Charles Barnes, born May 10, 1838 married Avis Babcock, and resided in Providence, a member of the firm of Inman & Bearse, and died Feb. 7, 1903.

(VI) Oliver Arnold Inman, son of James and Nancy (Thompson) Inman, and in his day one of best known citizens of the town of Burrillville, born in that town June 2, 1826, and received his education in the common schools, and was graduated at the Friends school in 1847. He then became a clerk in a hardware store in Worcester for one year, and from 1848 to 1854 engaged in farming, carrying on a lumber business in connection therewith. The next five years were spent by Mr. Inman inconducting a country store, also in being bookkeeper for James Callahan. In 1859, he became a bookkeeper for Charles H. Whipple, and this position he held until 1862. From then until 1873 he was assessor of internal revenue, and represented the town of BurrilIville in the General Assembly for two years, being also president of the council for four years. Mr. Inman for a long period in connection with his other duties, held many other offices. He was deputy Sheriff for twenty-four years, auctioneer for twenty-eight years, moderator of the town meetings for thirty-three years, assessor of taxes for thirty-six years, justice of the peace and notary public for forty years. Such was the confidence reposed in him because of his ability and integrity that besides electing him to these various positions his fellow townsmen intrusted him with a great deal of their important business. He was administrator of a large number of estates, was exceedingly well posted in the common branches of law, and his advice was much sought for in matters pertaining thereto. The townspeople universally called him "Squire" Inman. In his politics he was an active uncompromising Republican. Oliver A. Inman was a man of strong force of character, somewhat brusque in manner and apparently possessed of a rough exterior, which concealed a kindly heart. He found great pleasure in the association of friends and deeply enjoyed their society. He was, however, domestic in his tastes and inclinations, and his devotion to his family was only equaled by their devotion to him. Mr. Inman remained active in his many duties until the last, his final illness lasting a few days only and he died March 2, 1904, and was buried in the cemetery at Pascoag. The funeral services were attended by one of the largest gatherings that has attended a service of the kind in the northern part of the State for some time and included prominent men from various sections of Rhode Island.

On Nov. 1, 1850 Mr. Inman was married to Matilda E., daughter of Bethel and Margaret (Davis) Beckwith, of Alstead, N. H., and she died Nov. 4, 1887, the mother of two children: William A., born Sept. 29, 1855: and Irene I.,born Dec. 2, 1858, who married, March 24, 1881, Warren W. Logee, postmaster at Pascoag. Oliver A. Inman was married (second) November 13, 1888, to Angenette F., daughter of Amory and Susan (Taft) Thayer, of Douglas, Mass., and she died July 17, 1889.

(VII) William Albert Inman, son of Oliver A., was born Sept. 29, 1855, at Mohegan, and received his education in the schools of his native town and in the Friends School, Providence. At the age of seventeen years he began his experience in the woolenmanufacturing business in the factory of his uncle, James O. Inman, beginning at the bottom and working through every department until he became a designer, as well as having a full knowledge of the business. He remained in the employ of his uncle until 1877, when he formed a partnership with Richard Driver and Luther Laraway, under the firm name of Driver, Laraway & Inman, and they operated the mill at Gazza, in the manufacture of worsteds, the firm meeting with success from the start. Wishing to engage in business alone, Mr. Inman withdrew from the firm, and in 1882 purchased the privilege and ruins at Graniteville, of the Graniteville Manufacturing Company, the old mill having burned down in 1879. Mr. Inman at once erected the present substantial plant there and continued his success in the manufacture of worsteds and woolens until 1899, when it was sold to the American Woolen Company. Mr. Inman became resident agent of this mill for the corporation, and two years later became agent of the Sheffield Mills in addition, these properties being now known as the Anchor Mills.

Mr. Inman has a large acquaintance in his line, and is known as a first-class business man who has met with success because of his individual worth and merit. In his political faith he is a stanch Republican, but has always declined public office. He is a 32d degree Mason and is affiliated with Granite Lodge, No. 26, A. F. & A. M., at Harrisville, of which he is past master; of Union Chapter No. 5, R. A. M.;Woonsocket Council No. 4, R. & S. M., at Woonsocket; Calvary Commandery No. 13, Knights Templar, at Providence; the Rhode Island Consistory; and Palestine Temple, Mystic Shrine.

On Sept. 29, 1877, Mr. Inman was married in Pascoag to Edna F., daughter of Sylvester R. and Celia F. (Wood) Manchester, and to this union there have been born two sons: Fred Oliver, born May 4, 1880, who is treasurer of the Falcon Worsted Company, at Pascoag; and Edward Sylvester, April 5, 1882, who is president of that company. Messrs. Fred O. and Edward S. Inman are both 32d degree Masons, belonging to Granite Lodge, Union Chapter, Woonsocket Council, Woonsocket Commandery No. 24, Rhode Island Consistory and the Mystic Shrine.

(VI) James Osborne Inman. son of James and Nancy Thompson Inman, was born July 4, 1829, in Burrillville. R. I. On July 2. 1854, he married Ruhama P. Whaley, born Dec. 4, 1829, daughter of John and Lydia Whaley, of South Kingstown, R. I.; she died Nov. 4, 1893. This marriage was blessed with children as follows: Mary E., who married Albert E. Sweet, of Burrillville, and diedMarch 7, 1884 in her twenty-eighth year; Olney T.; Orianna, who married Williston A. Cady, and died May 17, 1906, in Providence; Cora M., who married Roscoe S. Steere, of Providence; Isabel A., Francis A., president of the Laurel Hill Yarn Company, who married Maud Shepard.

James O. Inman received his education in the district schools of Burrillville and the Friends School, Providence. While yet a young man he worked in a woolen mill at Mohegan, then conducted by a Mr. Callahan. Subsequently he leased the privilege at Bridgeton and manufactured satinets until about the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. In 1865 he purchased the Marsh estate, on which formerly stood the mill (burned in 1861) of George W. Marsh and son Edward, who were engaged from 1844 in manufacturing Kentucky yarns and fancy cassimeres, respectively. This was on Clear river, near Pascoag, the site formerly of an enterprise of the Sayleses, where had stood a forge from 1793, operated by Daniel Sayles. Mr. Inman, on purchasing the estate, erected thereon a substantial stone mill and outbuildings, and fitted the mill with four sets of woolen machinery, which were put in operation in the spring of 1866, for the manufacture of fine cassimeres, known in the market as "Clear River Woolens." In 1877 an addition was built to the mill, making it 52 x 150 feet, and two additional sets of machinery were put in, and still later another, making seven sets in all, giving it a capacity for consuming 400,000 pounds per annum, and employing approximately 150 hands. In 1893 the factory and property of the J. O. Inman Company was leased to the firm of W. F. Slade & Co., who operated it for several years under the name of the Clear River Woolen Mills. Later the mill was leased to the Saxondale Worsted Company, who were operating it when it burned. In 1904 the Clear River Mills Corporation was formed and erected a new mill.

James O. Inman made what was probably the most honest class of woolens that was made in New England in his day. A most conscientious, straightforward and upright man, he would use nothing but the best of material in his product. One prominent characteristic of this gentleman was his method of conducting his business, whereby he knew the inside workings thereof in every detail. He would not, however, discuss his business affairs, nor would he permit his employees to discuss on the outside what had occurred within the mill. From January, 1885, until his death, Mr. Inman was president of the Pascoag National Bank, was a director in the Industrial Trust Company at Providence, and of the old Providence & Springfield railroad. He was amember of the committee of the Friends school at Providence, and took a deep and active interest in the success of that institution.

He was a man of the highest integrity, and held the confidence, esteem and respect of those with whom he came in business contact and those who knew him socially. His death occurred at his home in Burrillville, July 5, 1890, and was buried in the cemetery at Pascoag.

(VII) Olney T. Inman, son of James O. and Ruhama P. (Whaley) Inman, was born Nov. 25, 1859, in Burrillville, and passed his boyhood in his native town. His education in main was received in the Friends School at Providence, from which he graduated in 1877. After his school days were over he entered the mills of his father, and there learned the business under his direction, passing through the different grades. He became superintendent of the mill in 1884, and two years later, Jan. 1, 1886, was made a partner in the business. From that time until the death of the father in July, 1890, the business was conducted under the firm name of J. O. Inman & Son, and in that year was incorporated as the J. O. Inman Manufacturing Company, O. T. Inman becoming treasurer. When the Clear River Mills Corporation was formed, for the manufacture of yarns, Mr. Inman became agent for the concern. He is also treasurer of the Laurel Hill Yam Company, incorporated in 1902. Mr. Inman is a Republican in politics, and has been quite prominent in the affairs of the town. He has served as president of the town council, member of the school committee, and one year as a member of the General Assembly. Upon the death of his father he succeeded him as president of the Pascoag National Bank, serving in that capacity until the institution was absorbed by the Industrial Trust Company, and he also succeeded his father as a director of the latter. He had served for many years on the board of directors of the National Bank. Mr. Inman is connected fraternally with Granite Lodge No. 26, A. F. & A. M., at Harrisonville, of which he is past Master; Union Chapter and Woonsocket Council at Woonsocket, and Woonsocket Commandery No. 24 Knights Templar. He is one of the leading and most active members of the Laurel Hill Methodist Episcopal Church at Bridgeton, having served as chairman of the board of trustees, and he is now filling the office of steward in that church.

Mr. Olney T. Inman was married in 1886 to Leanora M. Salisbury, daughter of Edward M and Mary A. P. (Hawkes) Salisbury of Pascoag and to this union have been born three children: Elsie Salisbury, James Olney and Edward Salisbury. MONROE STEERE INMAN, one of the well known and highly esteemed citizens of the town of Burrillville, descends from one of the earliest settled families of that section of the State. The early history of the family appearing elsewhere in this record, this article will refer only to some of the descendants of Edward Inman, born Sept. 11, 1789, son of Samuel and Ann (Buffum) Inman.

Edward Inman was born in the Mount Pleasant section of what is now BurrillvilIe, and after his marriage resided for some years on the farm adjoining the homestead of his father. Later he purchased a farm near the present village of Glendale, and there resided the rest of his life, dying Oct. 22, 1839, and was buried in a private yard on the farm at this time known as the "old France place," and which was the homestead of his father. He attended the Friends Church. Edward Inman married Hannah Steere, born March 21, 1786, daughter of Enoch and Zeruiah (Mowry) Steere of Glocester, and she died Feb. 14, 1858. The children of this marriage were: Julia Ann, born March 20~ 1810, died March 24, 1832; Mialma, born Nov. 8, 1811 married Jason Jenckes, a farmer residing in Burrillville, where she died July 19, 1896; an infant, born Dec. 28, 1814, died the same day; Enoch T., born Jan. 28, 1816, died unmarried Oct. 18, 1858; Mowry S., born June 14, 1818, married Sally Mowry, was a farmer and resided in Burrillville, where he died Dec. 5, 1858; Edward Buffum, born Oct. 17, 1820, died Aug. 31, 1840; Sanford A., born June 20, 1822, a farmer at Oxford, Mass., married (first) Marion Savery and (second) Sophia Bigelow; Otis, born Jan. 12, 1826, died July 12, 1830; Donison A., born Aug. 1, 1827; and Margaret B., born July 27, 1831, is the widow of James A. Burlingame, and resides in Burrillville.

Donison Aldrich Inman, father of Monroe S., was born on the farm near Glendale, and followed the occupation of a farmer all of his life. After his marriage he resided on a farm near his birthplace for a time, and later on a farm owned by his father-in-law, but after the death of his mother he purchased the interest of the other heirs in the home farm, and was there residing at the time of his death, March 27, 1870. He married Sept. 9. 1846, Hannah Staples Mowry, born Dec. 10, 1824, in Smithfeld, daughter of Josiah and Martha (Staples) Mowry. Mrs. Inman later married Darling White, who is now deceased, and she resides at the home of her son, Lester E. Inman, at Bridgeton. Her children, seven in number, were all born to her first marriage. The first child died in infancy. The others were: Monroe S., born Aug. 16, 1848; Ida Amelia, born March 21, 1850, married Henry B. Munyon, a teamster, and resides atEast Putnam, Conn.: Lois Lopez, born Oct. 18, 1851, was a farmer and resided in Burrillville, where he died July 30, 1893, leaving a widow, Ellen M. (Sweet) Inman, by whom he had two children, Sarah T. (who married Philip Opie and resides at Harrisville), and Elmer Chester (who died young); Mary Eliza, born Dec. 30, 1854, died Feb. 28, 1891 unmarried; Euda Iona, born Nov. 14, 1856, married William H. Stewart, a harness maker, and resided at Harrisville, where she died May 7, 1883, leaving one son, Leroy Clinton; and Lester E., born Dec. 11, 1860. married (first) Cora M. Bolster, and (second) Frances H. Ela, by the latter union having one child, Emma Frances. Lester E. Inman is a member of the firm of Inman & Brooks, grocers at Bridgeton.

Monroe Steere Inman, the eldest surviving child in the family of Donison Aldrich and Hannah S. Inmam, was born at Glendale and received his education in the district school. He remained at home until the spring of 1869, when he entered the employ of T. H. & A. E. Sweet, the well-known butchers at Plainville, with whom he remained until 1882, several years of which time he looked after the slaughtering and some of the buying for their market at Pascoag. In April, 1884, he purchased that branch of the business, which he conducted until 1896, when he disposed of it and removed to Providence, residing there until 1901, when he returned to Burrillville, completing his present residence near Bridgeton in the same year. He engaged in butchering, building up his prosperous business, and now operates two wagons through the villages of Pascoag and Bridgeton.

On Aug. 5, 1871, Monroe Steere Inman was married to LeValley Ann Lovell, born Feb. 2, 1853, in North Smithfield, daughter of George Westcott and Lucinda (Darling) Lovell, and two children were born to this union: Fred Lovell, born July 11, 1872, graduating from the Bryant & Stratton Business College and died Jan. 11, 1892; and Leah Alice, born July 4, 1881, graduated from the English High school at Providence in 1899, and the Bryant & Stratton Business College in 1900. She was married Jan. 12, 1904, to Simon Sayles Lapham, Jr., an attorney at Providence, and they have one daughter, Phyllis, born Nov. 5, 1904.

Monroe S. Inman in politics is a stanch Democrat, and is prominent in the ranks of his party in the town. He represented Burrillville in the General Assembly in 1896 and 1898, has served as a member of the town council for several terms, and is at present a member of the board of tax assessors. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and he and his wife attend the First Universalist Church at Harrisville, to which they are liberal contributors.


Oliver Arnold Inman Monroe Steere Inman