High Sheriff Michael Lynch looks at the past
Sheriff Michael B. Lynch, who lived at 116 Tollgate Road in his
later years, was involved in many of the happenings in Warwick during
the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As all who knew him will
attest, Lynch was a keen observer of human nature and his conclusions
were highly respected. He liked to recall the changes made in Warwick
and Kent Counties and commented freely to those who were interested
in the rich heritage of the mill villages and in the politics of
the time. Even in his advanced years, he could vividly recall events
that happened in the late 19th century and his observations are
most valuable to later generations of historians.
The Spragues of Rhode Island
The former High Sheriff of Kent County witnessed the hard fought
and bitter campaign of I860. In the gubernatorial race of that year,
William Sprague, one of the owners of the powerful A & W Sprague
Manufacturing Co., successfully defied the Republican Party leader,
Henry B. Anthony, and after a bitter struggle was elected governor
of Rhode Island. Sprague was the state's Civil War governor and
later U. S. Senator. The wealthy Sprague’s reputation and
fame extended far beyond Rhode Island’s borders. As the state’s
youngest chief executive, and probably wealthiest governor in the
nation, he attracted a great deal of attention when he led Rhode
Island troops to Washington D. C. to help defend the nation’s
capital. His later romance and wedding to beautiful Kate Chase often
took precedent over the war news in Washington. Much less flamboyant
was his brother, Amasa, who lived on the family’s beautiful
estate in Cowesett. He became High Sheriff of Kent County in 1888
and Michael Lynch served as his Deputy. Amasa’s main interest
was in breeding and racing horses and much of the work of sheriff
was left in the capable hands of Mike Lynch. The enterprising and
ambitious Irishman made good use of his position and cultivated
a number of friends in both political parties. When Amasa Sprague
died in 1902, Lynch became High Sheriff. He remained in that office
until 1929, when he retired at age 85.
The Benedict Lapham years
Lynch, we are told, clearly recalled the political struggles that
went on during the years when wealthy mill owners were much more
powerful politically than governors. He especially remembered how
Benedict Lapham, owner of the Centerville Mill, defeated Stephen
Harris for control of Warwick's politics. Lynch said. "And
the great issue between them in that campaign was whether or not
the 'Gate road' should be built. Lapham won and the Gate road was
laid out and opened to traffic."
The Road to Apponaug
He explained that the road, now called Tollgate Road, "...is
the road running from Westcott to Apponaug.” To reach Apponaug
from what is now West Warwick before that road was laid out was
difficult. It was necessary to go either by way of Centerville and
follow the road to Apponaug, or to go through Riverpoint village
to Westcott, then across the railroad and on to Natick and over
what is now called East Avenue to Apponaug. The building of the
Tollgate Road simplified matters and made it possible for Lapham
to persuade the town council to build the 1898 Town Hall, which
still remains as one of Warwick’s important landmarks. Lynch
also took advantage of the new road. He built his house and raised
his sons, Owen and Thomas, there.
When Michael B. Lynch first came to Apponaug, Frederick Hurst had
his carpenter shop nearby on the road to Pontiac (at what is now
1331 Greenwich Avenue). Lynch saw the building become Mike Carroll’s
Shamrock Café and later Bengtsen’s Bar and Grille.
Michael Lynch’s legacy in law enforcement has been continued
by his sons, grandsons, and a great grandson. One of his grandsons,
James B. Lynch, became Chief of Police in Warwick and was also the
owner of the old building on Greenwich Avenue.
In his later years, Michael and his sister. Catharine, lived in the house that he had built in 1884. According to his biographer and admirer, Wilton P. Hudson, editor of the Pawtuxet Valley Times, Michael lived comfortably with the help of his sons. Owen and Thomas, his grandchildren, and a housekeeper.