Cranston Historical Cemeteries Commission

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The Cranston Historical Cemeteries Commission was established by the Cranston City Council and is a group of volunteers, appointed by the city, to locate, assess, document, and provide signage for Cranston’s historic cemeteries. Documentation of these cemeteries includes physical location, GPS Coordinates, cemetery description and condition, and gravestone information in photographic, electronic and hard format. All data will be compatible with the software and methods used by the Rhode Island Historical Cemetery Commission. The Commission will provide leadership for all volunteer citizens who wish to work with the commission in carrying out the maintenance and documentation of our historical cemeteries. The Commission will attempt to answer any questions from Cranston Citizens and others regarding the cemeteries and those buried within them. The Commission, with the help of volunteers, will strive to provide maintenance of the grounds, the repair and restoration of stones, walls, and fences as resources become available. We formally meet on the second Tuesday of each month (March thru November) at 6:30 p.m. at the Sprague Mansion located at 1351 Cranston Street. These meetings are open to the public for those who wish to bring an issue of concern to the Commission, to learn more about what we do, or to become more involved. Attendance at meetings is not necessary to volunteer with our group. It is only with the assistance of volunteers in our community that we can achieve our goals. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed their time and treasure to assist us and are excited to continue working with Cranston’s citizens in doing great work to improve our many historical cemeteries. If you are interested in volunteering with us, require community service hours, would like to learn more about Cranston’s cemeteries, or if you have any questions or concerns regarding Cranston cemeteries, please feel free to contact us by phone or e-mail. Thanks for your interest

An endlessly fascinating and educational pastime....
10/22/2026

An endlessly fascinating and educational pastime....

'DEVASTATING' ACCIDENT CLAIMS THE LIFE OF 7-YEAR-OLD GIRL.... RUTH ESTELLA DICKINSON1899-1906CR002POCASSET CEMETERY DYE...
10/22/2026

'DEVASTATING' ACCIDENT CLAIMS THE LIFE OF 7-YEAR-OLD GIRL....
RUTH ESTELLA DICKINSON
1899-1906
CR002
POCASSET CEMETERY
DYER AVENUE

Ruth Estella Dickinson was born in Providence, R.I. on August 27, 1899 the daughter of George and Theresa (Henry) Dickinson. Her father was a “mill overseer”.

As reported in The Evening Tribune on September 2, 1906:

Little Ruth Dickinson, the 7-year-old daughter of George Dickinson, one of the best-known mill men in Olneyville, is at the family home on Webster Avenue in a critical condition as the result of burns suffered while at play near the house yesterday afternoon. The attending physician, Dr. E.G. Thompson, has grave doubts about the recovery of the child and the parents are beside themselves with grief.

While playing close to a smoldering fire the child’s skirts were ignited. Her screams were heard by several women who rushed toward her, but the child started on a run toward her home. The flames were fanned and when she fell into the arms of her grandfather, who was seated on the back stairs, the child was enveloped in fire.

Those who witnessed the affair were close in her wake and it was only an instant before the clothes were torn from her and she was carried into the house. While a messenger started for a physician neighbors swathed the child with oil bandages and placed her in bed.

The accident happened at a time when both her mother and father were away. Mrs. Dickinson had an appointment with her husband in the centre of the city and had gone there to meet him. In her absence Ruth with her small brother and other companions watched the work of a man who lives on Clarence Street. This neighbor is preparing to move and had taken a quantity of rubbish from the cellar and had set it afire. He was very careful to watch over it while there was any danger of spreading and when the flames began to smolder, he started for the house to get more refuse.

While he was gone, the children were attracted by the fire and the girl in stooping touched her dress to the burning embers as a gust of wind fanned them to a flame. One small boy in the party tried to beat out the fire with his cap, but the girl was frightened at the sight and started to run. She had not covered half of the distance between the scene of the mishap and her home before she was afire from her hair to her stockings. It seemed only a minute or two before the flames were extinguished, but in that time the fire had done its work. She was burned from her shoulders to her heals. Her running kept the fire from her face and she had inhaled no flames.

Ruth Dickinson succumbed to her injuries on September 2, 1906 at the age of 7. She was buried in Pocasset Cemetery. This has to be one of the saddest stories we have ever presented on this page.

--August 2026 CHCC photos

THREE YEARS AGO....'THEY WERE MORE THAN AN NUMBER"RHODE ISLAND TRAINING SCHOOL INDIGENT CEMETERY PROJECTINITIAL CLEANUPC...
10/22/2026

THREE YEARS AGO....
'THEY WERE MORE THAN AN NUMBER"
RHODE ISLAND TRAINING SCHOOL INDIGENT CEMETERY PROJECT
INITIAL CLEANUP
CR107 A/K/A STATE FARM CEMETERY ANNEX
POWER ROAD
NOVEMBER 18, 2023

The story is an all too familiar one in 2023. Plans are made to cleanup a cemetery on a Saturday morning and the event either has to be cancelled or scaled back due to inclement weather. Happily, this was not the case today.

A determined group of about 40 hard-working volunteers descended upon the grounds of the Rhode Island Training School this morning at 9:00 A.M. sharp, rolled up their sleeves and got right to work. The results were nothing short of spectacular. In a bit more than three hours the group picked up, chopped up and cut up tons of deadwood from the cemetery floor that had been accumulating for decades. In addition, we would estimate that at least four or five dozen trees and saplings were also taken down. Meanwhile, a chipper-shredder was hard at work reducing some of this material to mulch. Much work remains to be done here but all agreed it was an excellent start to this project. Plans call for a second session to take place in the spring of 2024.

This is the final resting place for thousands of people who died in the old state Almshouse that was once located off Pontiac Avenue. From the 1870s until the early 1900s, people who were disabled, mentally ill or otherwise unable to work were often sent to the state farm; and most of them stayed there until they died.

And when they died, thousands of them had no family or friends to claim their bodies – or even come to their funerals – so they were buried in numbered plots, sometimes three or four to a grave. The headstones are small concrete slabs with numbers on them, no names.

CHCC was represented by chairman John Hill, David Guiot, Scott Cahoon, Lisa and Barry Tasca and Paul and Molly Tognetti. Pegee Malcolm, Chair of the Rhode Island Commission on Historical Cemeteries was also there lending a hand.

Kudos to Theresa Moore, President of T-Time Productions and John Scott from DCYF for putting this event together. The ultimate goal of the Rhode Island Training School Indigent Cemetery Project is to teach the RITS students about the history surrounding this cemetery. Moreover, the hope is that the students will also be responsible for maintaining it.

Thanks also to all of the sponsors including Detri's Landscaping who provided the chipper-shredder, Ocean State Job Lot for the loppers and gloves, The Beehive Pantry in Bristol for the scrumptious cookies, Hattoy's Landscaping and Garden Center and the Zuena Development Group for their participation. This was time very well-spent.

--November 2023 CHCC photos

‘TAYLOR ADDS INFORMATION ON DR. HIGGINBOTHAM”ONE OF THE FOUNDERS OF THE TOWN OF CRANSTON (1754)THE CRANSTON HERALDJULY 2...
10/20/2026

‘TAYLOR ADDS INFORMATION ON DR. HIGGINBOTHAM”
ONE OF THE FOUNDERS OF THE TOWN OF CRANSTON (1754)
THE CRANSTON HERALD
JULY 28, 1949

Last week the Herald carried a story on Charles Higginbotham, a physician of the Colonial period and one of the men who established the town of Cranston in 1754.

Dr. Higginbotham was the son of Dr. Charles Higginbotham and both men practiced in this city, Scituate, Warwick and Providence. They were ancestors of Dr. Niles Westcott of Oaklawn Avenue and the latter has surgical instruments and medical books owned by the second Dr. Higginbotham.

The story stated that very little is known of those two men and this assertion stirred the interest of Harold Taylor of 2286 Cranston Street. Taylor has a flair for research, an ability to evaluate data and also a gracious style in his presentation of facts as his writings are excellent contributions to Colonial history and pre-Colonial history. He has forwarded to the Herald the following information on the second Dr. Higginbotham (also spelled Higgenbotham).

"At this writing it may not be known where Dr. Higginbotham may be buried, but the grave of one of his daughters is. She was Melisent or Mellicent Higginbotham, was born about 1748, married on November 8, 1764 to Deacon Asa King, and died in 1811, aged 63. She and husband are both buried in the old King Family cemetery, immediately north of Ernest Rathbun’s residence at 465 Oaklawn Avenue. Their graves are marked by tombstones still standing and legible in 1941.

They lived on the King homestead, probably in the home on the site of the historic Old Chimney, for years a landmark well remembered by old-time residents of Cranston and the state.

The Old Chimney was located near the corner of the present Applegate Road and Dean Parkway, on the eminence overlooking the southerly part of what is now beautiful Meshanticut Park. It was removed in 1938 in the development of Dean Estates.

This Chimney, by the way, was no ordinary affair of stone, crumbling brick and mortar. The house that went with it must have been a notable one for the period. About 150 years ago the house was destroyed by fire and as invariably the case in ye good old days, all that remained after the fire was the chimney.

There were at least three large fireplaces and a baking oven on the first floor, and two or more chamber fireplaces above, all well built of stone and well preserved. The razing of this landmark, regarded by antiquarians as a fine example of late 17th century or early 18th century construction, was, in the eyes of many, little short of vandalism.

Dr. Higginbotham had another daughter named Mary. Most likely there were other children including sons. Mary Higginbotham married Urian Westcott, a son of Capt. Samuel Westcott, on August 23, 1779."

PHOTO: Gravestone of Melisent King (1745-1811), wife of Deacon Asa King and daughter of Dr. Charles Higginbotham at CR030 King-Randall lot on Ezekiel Street. Courtesy of Rhode Island Historical Cemeteries website.

DEATH DUE TO A FROZEN WATER PIPE AND POOR JUDGEMENT....JEANETTE HUDDLESTON BROADBENT1867-1910CR002POCASSET CEMETERY DYER...
10/20/2026

DEATH DUE TO A FROZEN WATER PIPE AND POOR JUDGEMENT....
JEANETTE HUDDLESTON BROADBENT
1867-1910
CR002
POCASSET CEMETERY
DYER AVENUE

Jeanette Huddleston was born in Bradford England on October 20, 1867. She was the daughter of Edward and Betsy Huddleston. Her father worked as a spinner in a wool factory.

Jeanette married James Broadbent in Providence RI on March 21, 1896. They had at least 6 children. James was employed as a cloth finisher.

As reported in The Evening Bulletin on March 3, 1910:

Mrs. Jeanette Broadbent died at the Rhode Island Hospital at 8 o’clock this morning as a result of burns suffered while thawing out water pipes at her home on Audrey Street three weeks ago. She had had several sinking spells, but rallied, and it was thought at times that she might recover.

The woman found water pipes in the cellar of the house had frozen during the night, and shortly before noon she took a quantity of old papers and charcoal bags and proceeded to thaw out the pipes. The blazing papers ignited her dress and she suffered burns which necessitated her removal to the hospital.

Jeanette died on March 3, 1910 at the age of 42 and was buried at Pocasset Cemetery in single grave #935.

--September 2026 CHCC photo

AN ENTERTAINER FROM A VERY DIFFERENT TIME....DANIEL KENZIE JILLSON1855-1926CR002POCASSET CEMETERY DYER AVENUEDaniel Kenz...
10/19/2026

AN ENTERTAINER FROM A VERY DIFFERENT TIME....
DANIEL KENZIE JILLSON
1855-1926
CR002
POCASSET CEMETERY
DYER AVENUE

Daniel Kenzie Jillson was born in Providence, R.I. on March 24, 1855. He was the son of Franklin and Elizabeth (McKenzie) Jillson. His father was a mariner.

Daniel married Mary Ann Jackson around 1886 in England. They had at least 3 children.

Daniel was one of America’s pioneer blackface comedians starting his stage career at the age of 21 when in 1876 with Theodore “Polly” Reed he appeared in the Providence Opera House. Then they toured New England as blackface song and dance men.

After 5 years they joined the California Minstrels and went to Europe. He appeared before King Edward, then the Prince of Wales, and the royal families of Spain and Italy. In 1899, Daniel returned from London and retired, having brought with him a bride.

Daniel passed away on July 11, 1926 at the age of 71 of intestinal cancer.

He was laid to rest at Pocasset Cemetery.

--October 2026 CHCC photo

This story was originally posted back in May 2023....***HEADSTONE DISCOVERED***JOHN ALEXANDER POTTER1832-1835CR108ZURIEL...
10/18/2026

This story was originally posted back in May 2023....

***HEADSTONE DISCOVERED***
JOHN ALEXANDER POTTER
1832-1835
CR108
ZURIEL POTTER LOT
PONTIAC AVENUE AT CAPUANO AVENUE

Over the past couple of weeks CHCC Chairman John Hill has been busy preparing a story about the Zuriel Potter family, many of whom are buried in this lot. In his research, John noticed that when James Arnold visited this lot back in 1891, he recorded the stone of one John Alexander Potter who passed away on June 11, 1835 at the tender age of 3. Curiously, this stone is not listed in the Rhode Island Historical Cemeteries Commission data base.

John has been carefully mapping out this cemetery so he had a hunch about where this child might have been buried. Sure enough, just a few moments into his search, John located this burial. The stone is in remarkably good condition and very easy to read.

The inscription is as follows:

Here lies the casket but the jewel is gone
Guided by angels to its Father's throne
----- ----- -----
The Grave of John Alexander
interesting son of William K. Potter,
and Esther his wife
He died June 11, 1835.
Aged 3 years, 4 mo.
& 21 days.
----- ----- -----
Friends and physicians could not save
This mortal body from the grave
The grave his body cannot contain
Sleep dear John in thy peaceful tomb
We hope to meet thee in the world to come.

**********************

About CR108...

This cemetery was found and registered in 2008. It is near the Garden Village Appartments. It is at #935 Pontiac Ave. 280 feet west of Pontiac Ave and 126 feet north of Capuana Ave. behind #31. It was previously given the temporary number CR528. James Arnold visited this lot 5 Oct 1891 (Vol 4, pg 715) At the old Pocasset Mill back of the old Potter farm house is a lot well walled although getting to be sadly overrun with brush and wild over growth. Back of old Potter farm house The Cranston Public Library Inscriptions from Gravestones, Cranston R. I. (Arnold, James N. (James Newell), 1844-1927. Cranston, RI: Oak Lawn Public Library, 1913 [RI947.51 CRA ARN]) Volume 2 Page 266, following Capt Samuel and Phebe Teft is the note: Two graves to the right and one at head with rude stones only. These rude stones have been located, two were standing and the third has been uncovered.

There are said to be 24 burials here with 24 inscriptions. Earliest burial was in 1796 and the latest in 1916. This cemetery has been well-maintained by CHCC commissioner Paul Tognetti since he "adopted" it in November 2021.

For more information on CR108 click on the link below:
https://rihistoriccemeteries.org/newsearchcemeterydetail.aspx?ceme_no=CR108

--May 2023 CHCC photo

A PROMINENT LOCAL PHYSICIAN....GEORGE RUSSELL FISHER, M.D.1852-1908CR002 POCASSET CEMETERY DYER AVENUEGeorge Russell Fis...
10/17/2026

A PROMINENT LOCAL PHYSICIAN....
GEORGE RUSSELL FISHER, M.D.
1852-1908
CR002
POCASSET CEMETERY
DYER AVENUE

George Russell Fisher was born in North Scituate, R.I. on May 28, 1852. He was the son of Dr. Charles Harris and Sophia Re*****on (Smith) Fisher. His father was Secretary of the State Board of Health.

George was educated in the Scituate school system and received his high school diploma at Lapham Institute at North Scituate. He was a graduate of Brown University (Class of 1872) and went to the New York Medical College. Upon leaving there he spent 16 months at The Bellevue Hospital in New York and then came to Olneyville where he established his practice.

Dr. Fisher gained prominence in his early years of work in this city and was identified with several medical societies of this section of the country. He was also a member of the Governor’s staff for several years.

In 1886 he married Annie Wilkinson Hale and they did not have any children.

Dr. Fisher died on September 30, 1908 at his home in Providence of cancer of the stomach. He was just 56 years old at the time of his death.

Dr. George Russell Fisher was laid to rest at Pocasset Cemetery.

--August 2026 CHCC photo

ANDREW OLNEY KEACH1845-1880CR030KING-RANDALL LOTEZEKIEL STREET OFF OAKLAWN AVENUEAndrew Olney Keach was born in 1845. He...
10/17/2026

ANDREW OLNEY KEACH
1845-1880
CR030
KING-RANDALL LOT
EZEKIEL STREET OFF OAKLAWN AVENUE

Andrew Olney Keach was born in 1845. He married Sarah Blanche Caswell in 1869 at the age of 24. They had one daughter: Anna Randall "Annie" Thayer (born Keach). Andrew passed away in Jacksonville, FL on February 26,1880, at the age of 35.

Andrew Olney Keach was buried alongside his younger brother Lafayette in the King-Randall Lot in Cranston. The inscription reads "Asked to stay but could not be spared."

********************

About CR030....

Located 15 feet north of Ezekiel St., 150 ft. west of Oakland Ave. and 150 ft. east of the Washington Secondary Trail. James Arnold recorded this lot 15 Mar 1891 (Vol 4, pg 648) Between the railroad and the public road on the Oaklawn Road near the Turner's Mill estate a burial yard well protected and some care has lately been bestowed upon its preservation. Charles and Martha Benns recorded it in 1931, their #86.

There are said to be 52 burials here and most stones are in good to very good condition. This lot has been meticulously maintained by CHCC commissioner David Guiot since 2019.

Meanwhile, CHCC commissioners Nicole Johnson-Morais and Kellsie King spent quite a bit of time in the spring and summer of 2023 cleaning the stones in this lot. They look fabulous!

For more information on CR030 click on the link below:
https://rihistoriccemeteries.org/newsearchcemeterydetail.aspx?ceme_no=CR030

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1351 Cranston Street
Cranston, RI
02920

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