John Murray Buffinton, son of John Allen and Ann Eliza Winsor Cousin (Bosworth) Buffinton, was born on April 1, 1839, in Providence, R. I. At an early age he removed with his parents to Rehoboth, Mass., where he attended the public schools until he reached his eleventh year. He then entered the Seekonk Academy, at Seekonk, Massachusetts, where he continued his studies for three years, later attending the Milford High School, at Milford, Mass., from which he was graduated. Mr. Buffinton began his business career as an assistant in the boot factory of John Daniels, of Milford, Mass., with whom he remained for about two years. He resigned his position with Mr. Daniels to go to Providence, where he entered the employ of the firm of Sacket, Davis & Company, prominent manufacturing jewelers of the city, with whom he received his initial training in the industry in which he later became a figure of importance. Here Mr. Buffinton served a three years' apprenticeship to the jewelry trade, on completing which he worked as a journeyman until 1869, with the exception of two years, when he was employed in a gun shop in Assonet, Mass. In the spring of 1869 he became foreman in the jewelry manufacturing establishment of Potter & Symonds, in Providence. In 1870, on the retirement of Mr. Symonds, he purchased his interest in the firm and became junior partner. This relationship continued for thirty-four years, during which period Mr. Buffinton rose to prominence in manufacturing and business circles in Providence. On the death of Colonel Potter in December, 1902, Mr. Buffinton became president and treasurer of the firm of Potter & Buffinton. The establishment is one of the oldest of its kind in the city of Providence, and ranks among the foremost of houses producing ten-karat gold articles in New England. The personnel of the firm since its founding has comprised men of astute business ability who have been highly successful in the business and financial world.

Mr. Buffinton has been active in public affairs in Providence for many years, and has been identified with several notable movements for the advancement of the welfare of the city. In 1888-89 he was elected a member of the lower house of the Rhode Island Assembly, filling ably this post. The concerns of his business precluded his taking further active part in politics, but he has always maintained a deep interest in civic affairs. For several years prior to its absorption by the Union Trust Company, Mr. Buffinton was a director of the Roger Williams National Bank. He is well known in club and fraternal circles, and is a member of the Pomham and of the Providence Central clubs. He is a charter member of Adelphoi Lodge, No. 33, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, which in 1880 he served as master; he is also a member of St. John's Commandery, Knights Templar. His religious affiliation is with the First Universalist Church of Providence, of which he has been president for several years, and for more than thirty years a member of the board of trustees.

On June 4, 1874, Mr. Buffinton married Helen Augusta Carrique, daughter of Henry and Ann (Kilvert) Carrique, and granddaughter of Lieutenant Richard and Elizabeth (Martin) Carrique. Mr. and Mrs. Buffinton were the parents of the following children: 1. Anna Carrique, born May 11, 1875. 2. John Allen, mentioned belwo. 3. Henry Kilvert, born Sept. 23, 1878, died the same day. 4. Henry Carrique, born Aug. 22, 1880, died Aug. 25, 1880. 5. Bertha Augusta.