RHODY LIFE

Determined to remain in town

Posted 4/21/21

By KELLY SULLIVAN In 1898, an act was passed to divide the town of Johnston, annexing a portion of it to the town of Providence. This would mean that those in the annexed area would suddenly be residents of the city, contributing toward its taxes and

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RHODY LIFE

Determined to remain in town

Posted

In 1898, an act was passed to divide the town of Johnston, annexing a portion of it to the town of Providence. This would mean that those in the annexed area would suddenly be residents of the city, contributing toward its taxes and under the jurisdiction of its ordinances. Many of the affected people were thrilled by the idea of it.

William Elton Waterman was among those who were very supportive of the annexation. The 46-year-old stonemason and building contractor owned a home in the extreme southwestern corner of Plainfield Street and Silver Lake Avenue. The sectioning off would begin at a stone post in Olneyville, run westerly to a stone situated between Johnston and Cranston, continue on to the southwest corner of the Waterman property, then to the northwest corner of Alfred Williams’s land and continue on the length of the approved split.

The most outspoken opponent of the annexation was Henry Clay King. The 73-year-old man had been born in Johnston and had every intention of dying in Johnston, not in Providence. He was Waterman’s closest neighbor, still residing in the house in which he entered the world.

Henry was a farmer and lived with his four siblings, none of whom ever married. His sister Eliza was a dressmaker. His brother William was a fruit grower who supplied the city market and kept the most impressive vineyard in the area.

The nephew of Governor Samuel Ward King, Henry was only 7 years old when his father died. Much responsibility in terms of farm work and helping to raise the other children suddenly fell on his shoulders. He proved he was up to the task. He took pride in his home, pride in his family, and pride in being a resident of Johnston.

A man of straightforward words and determined action, Henry was not about to accept this new determination of his residency. He built an addition on his house, stretching over the new boundary line and back into Johnston. On the first floor was a kitchen and on the second floor was a bedroom. He would live in this part of the house from now on.

Talks began swirling around town concerning the new boundary lines. They weren’t quite satisfactory and it was decided they would be altered. With his addition no longer serving its purpose, Henry had two choices. He could accept defeat, or he could build a brand new house on his land, on the Johnston side.

No one was more unhappy about this building project than Waterman. The structure was so close to his house that it blocked sunlight. A successful young man who had served on the Town Council, people liked Waterman and expressed their sympathy, accusing King of building the house for no other reason than spite.

Popular opinion did nothing to deter King. He announced that everyone should mind their own business because he was going to do whatever he wanted on his land.

King passed away on Dec. 27, 1903, at the age of 78. He was laid to rest in his family’s burial ground in Johnston, the town where he was determined to live and die.

Kelly Sullivan is a Rhode Island columnist, lecturer and author.

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