William J. Underwood benefactor of public education in the city of Newport, Rhode Island, was born in this city on the 10th of October, 1837, the son of Weeden T. and Susan Albro Underwood, and great-grandson of Samuel Underwood, a seaman on Privateer, "Lady Washington", commissioned by the Governor of Rhode Island on August 24, 1776. He received such an education in the local schools as was obtainable in those days, after which he was employed on his father's farm in the suburbs of the city. At the age of sixteen he determined to acquire a trade and choosing that of a mason, he served a four-year apprenticeship in the city of Providence.
In 1864 he settled in Newport and established himself two years as a mason, contractor, and builder. Mr. Underwood was married on December 25, 1864, to Mary Elizabeth, daughter of William and Mary Underwood. He remained active in the business, political, and fraternal life of this city and supervised the erection of many residences in this area. In political life he was a staunch Democrat and one of the most prominent representatives of his party in the country. He was a member of the Newport City Council for seven years and connected with the Board of Health at it's organization. In April, 1887, he was elected to the Rhode Island Senate from the district embracing the city of Newport. He always manifested a warm interest in the growth of his native city and contributed in various ways to its advancement.
He was an influential Mason and a member of St. John's Lodge No. 1, of which he was Past Master. He was Past Commander of Washington Commandry of Knights Templar, Past Presiding Officer of Van Rensselaer Lodge of Perfection and Past Commander of the Rhode Island Sovereign Consistory. On July 19, 1886, as a member of the Newport Mechanics and Manufacturers Association, he was voted life membership in the Newport Historical Society. When Newport Lodge No. 104 Order of Elks was instituted on October 29, 1888, he was its first Esteemed Leading Knight. In 1896 he became a member of the Sons of the Revolution in the State of Rhode Island when a permanent organization of that Society was founded.
He died on January 27, 1906. In his will he left bequests to Newport Hospital, the Children's Home, and created a fund for a public school in this city.
Picture and biographical sketch donated by: Francis J. Sullivan
William J. Underwood Elementary School opened on January 15, 1962
Principals
Mrs. Helen Loughlin 1962-1971
Mr. Daniel Bolhouse 1971-1972
Mrs. Evelyn C. Carroll 1972-1977
Mr. Charles D. Toracinta, Jr. 1977-1987
Mr. Edward P. Walsh 1987-1993
Mrs. Marilyn Moskol 1993-2004
Mrs. Nancy DaPonte-Easter 2004-2007
