Constant Simmons Horton, son of Henry Slade and Arabella (Simmons) Horton, was born at the Horton homestead, in Rehoboth, Mass., January 7, 1848. He received his education in the public schools of Rehoboth, and after completing his studies, learned the carpenter's trade. He followed this trade until 1877, in East Providence and Pawtucket, R. I. In the latter year, he removed to Providence, where he became connected with the police force in the capacity of patrolman. From this minor position he rose, solely through worth and signal ability, to the post of assistant superintendent of police and chief of detectives of the Providence forces. During the thirty-seven years of his connection with the department he was eminently respected not only for his fine ability, but for his high standards of justice and honor. His work through these years shed lustre on the police department of the city. Constant S. Horton was a man of pleasing personality, and commanding appearance, tall and fine looking. He was thoroughly acquainted with every phase of his work, and was one of the most efficient men who filled the difficult posts which he held. His political affiliation was with the Republican party. He was a member of the Men's Club of the Cranston Street Baptist Church.
On May 9, 1875, Mr. Horton married Calista W. Viall, who was born in Seekonk, Mass. (now East Providence), R. I., daughter of Willard and Calista (Lyon) Viall; both of her parents were of early Massachusetts families. Mr. and Mrs. Horton were the parents of two children: 1. Bertha Willard, who died at the age of nineteen months. 2. Chester Shorey, was born April 7, 1878, and died April 8, 1917; he married in 1913, Alice Louise Ward. Mr. Horton was connected with the Union Trust Company of Providence, R. I. Mrs. Horton survives her husband and resides at the family home at No. 25 Almy street, Providence. She has been a member of the East Providence First Baptist Church for fifty-one years, and is actively identified with the many departments of its work, taking an active part in charitable and philanthropic efforts. Constant Simmons Horton died at his home, in Providence, R. I., April 13, 1914.
