History of Pocasset, (Providence County) Rhode Island United States of America

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William Henry Dyer, silk culturist, was born on the farm of his father on Pocasset Neck, R.I., Aug. 12, 1817; son of Deacon Daniel P. and Abby (Williams) Dyer, and a descendant in the sixth generation from William and Mary Dyer through Charles, who settled on Ashuntick Neck, R.I., known afterward as Pocasset Neck. Deacon Daniel P. Dyer was a descendant on the female side by marriage from Roger Williams, and Abby Williams was a direct descendant from the same worthy progenitor. William H. attended the district school, a private school in Providence and Kingston academy. He was educated as a farmer and nurseryman, his father being proprietor of the Dyer nursery. In 1836 he became interested in the propagation of mulberry trees to furnish food for silkworms and in the production and preparation of silk for the manufacturers. He conducted this business one year in Providence, R.I., and three years in Fredericksburg, Va. In 1840 he was captain of the state militia, and in the Dorr rebellion took sides with the law and order party. In 1861 he joined the Federal army and was made recruiting officer, his age exempting him from active field service. He served in this capacity for two years. In 1875, on the death of his father, he became sole proprietor of the nursery and farm on Pocasset Neck. He was married May 1, 1836, to Mary Groton, daughter of Christopher and Sarah (Williams) Tanner. She was a direct descendant in the sixth generation from Roger Williams and was born and married in the house built by Roger Williams for his son. Of their sons, William S. was an officer in the civil war and subsequently Indian agent in Dakota. Daniel Pierce was a soldier in the Federal army during the civil war and succeeded to the management of the nursery business and Edmund Tanner became joint proprietor with his brother Daniel of Mulberry Grove on the death of their father. Captain Dyer died at Pocasset, R.I., Feb. 3, 1899.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

History of Pocasset, (Providence County) Rhode Island

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