USA > Rhode Island > Providence County > Providence > Governors for three hundred years, 1638-1959; Rhode Island and Providence Plantations > Part 19
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North Burial Ground Providence, R. I.
GOVERNORS OF RHODE ISLAND
215
1
WILLIAM SPRAGUE
Governor: 1838 and 1839.
Born: November 3, 1799 in Cranston, Rhode Island.
Died: October 19, 1856 in Providence, Rhode Island.
Buried: Providence, R. I. Swan Point Cemetery.
Byron Sprague Lot Group 163 Prospect Avenue.
SPRAGUE, GOVERNOR WILLIAM, son of William and Anne (Potter) Sprague, was born in Cranston, Rhode Island, November 3, 1799. In 1836 on the death of his father, by whom he had been educated to be a manufacturer of cotton cloth and a calico printer, he united with his brother Amasa in the firm of A. & W. Sprague, for the conduct and enlargement of the business first established by his father in Cranston and the adjacent towns. But prior to his father's death he had taken an active interest in the affairs of the town and of the State. He became a member of the General Assembly, and was Speaker of the House of Representatives from October, 1832, to May, 1835. In 1835 he was elected State Representative in Congress and served until 1837. He was then elected Governor of the State, and served in 1838 and 1839. He was finally elected Senator to Congress in 1842, and served till 1844, when he resigned on account of the death of his brother Amasa, which threw upon him the weight of the extensive business of the firm of A. & W. Sprague. Governor Sprague was alike capable in political and business af- fairs. but he now confined his energies to the supervision of his factories and immense calico works.
He was chosen Presidential Elector by the State in 1848. He married Mary Water- man, of Warwick, Rhode Island, and had a daughter, Susan, who married Edwin Hoyt. of New York; and a son, Byron, who, with his cousins Amasa and William (sons of Amasa) , continued the firm of A. & W. Sprague, and assisted in carrying on the large business established by his father and his uncle.
Governor Sprague died October 19, 1856, at the age of fifty-six. His son Byron in- herited large property, and besides taking his place in the firm of A. & W. Sprague, the chief management of the business being left to his cousins, he became a large dealer in real estate, and made extensive improvements in the noted property at Rocky Point, in Warwick. In the calico works his attention was given chiefly to the department of ma- chinery. He died July 31, 1866.
Governor William's brother, Amasa, devoted himself with energy and success to the management of the factories of the firm and to the oversight of his lands. It was be- lived that his opposition to the sale of intoxicating liquors in the vicinity of one of the factories of the firm provoked the madness of a liquor dealer, who planned his death.
He married Fanny Morgan, of Groton, Connecticut. His children were Colonel Amasa, Hon. William, Almira, who married Hon. Thomas A. Doyle, Mayor of Provi- dence; and Mary Anna, who married first John E. Nicholas, and second Frank W. La- tham.
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THREE HUNDRED YEARS OF
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HON. WILLIAM SPRAGUE 1838-1839 By James S. Lincoln Northeast Corridor Second Floor of State House
Swan Point Cemetery Providence, R. I.
GOVERNORS OF RHODE ISLAND
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SAMUEL WARD KING
Governor: 1840 to 1843.
War Service: U. S. Naval Surgeon, War of 1812.
Born: May 22, 1786 in Johnston, R. I.
Died: January 20, 1851 in Providence, R. I.
Buried: Johnston, R. I. Family Lot, Hartford, Avenue about 1/4 mile west of Provi- dence City Line s/s of road. This cemetery was restored in 1951.
SAMUEL WARD KING was born in Johnston, Rhode Island, May 22nd. 1786, the son of William Borden and Welthian (Walton) King. He entered Brown University with the Class of 1806, but did not graduate. He then began the study of medicine under Dr. Peter Ballou, of Smithfield, R. I., and on August 5th, 1807 received a medical diploma at Providence. Doctor King practiced in Johnston and also served as the cashier of the Agricultural Bank in Olneyville.
At the beginning of the War of 1812, Dr. King served as surgeon on an American privateer and was taken prisoner of war by the British in August of that year. Following his exchange he became an assistant surgeon in the United States Navy, and saw service in the Wasp and the Hornet, as well as other naval engagements. He attended Captain James Lawrence of "Don't Give Up the Ship" fame, when he was mortally wounded in the battle of the Chesapeake and the HMS Shannon.
After the war Dr. King resumed the practice of medicine. He became town clerk of Johnston in 1820, and served until 1843, was an assistant to Governor William Sprague in 1838 and 1839, and during the failure to elect a governor in 1839 became Governor Ex- officio. He was elected governor of Rhode Island in 1840, and was re-elected to that office in 1841 and 1842. During the Dorr "Rebellion" he appealed to the national government which recognized him as the lawful magistrate. He offered a large reward for the capture of Dorr and followed a firm, judicious course that did much to allay party strife.
Governor King married, May 20th, 1813, Catherine Latham, born July 6th, 1795, who died, May 4th, 1841. They were the parents of four sons and ten daughters. The Governor died at Providence, January 20th, 1851. He was "an amiable, confidence-inspir- ing, and kind leader."
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HON. SAMUEL WARD KING 1840-1843
By Marcus Waterman Northwest Corridor Second Floor of State House Original at R. I. Historical Society
Family Lot, Hartford Avenue Johnston, R. I.
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GOVERNORS OF RHODE ISLAND
219
THOMAS WILSON DORR
Governor: April 18, 1842, June 28, 1842. (Unrecognized)
Born: November 5th, 1805 in Providence, R. I.
Died: December 27th, 1854 in Providence, R. I. Buried: Providence, Rhode Island. Swan Point Cemetery. Lot 2, Group 215 Beach Avenue
THOMAS WILSON DORR, son of Sullivan, and Lydia Allen Dorr, was born in Provi- dence, Rhode Island, November 5th, 1805. His family was well to do and prominent socially. Thomas Dorr received an excellent education: He attended Phillips-Exeter Academy, and was a graduate of Harvard University in the class of 1823. After a study of law in New York, under Chancellor Kent and Vice Chancellor McConn, he was admit- ted to the bar in 1827, and began practice in Providence. In 1834, he was elected a mem- ber of the state legislature. Mr. Dorr was impressed with the inequities in the existing system of government by which the administration of the state was under the antiquated charter of King Charles II, granted in 1663, also, the need of other reforms of a liberal nature.
Under the old Royal Charter the voting power was vested in the landowners of the country town, and 1,800 voters had political control of a state population of 108,000. This limited franchise prevented the majority of the state's citizens from acquiring full suffrage. Previous attempts to frame and adopt a Constitution having failed, a People's Constitutional Convention met at the State House on October 4, 1841; framed and adopted a constitution and offered the same to the people for approval, November 18, 1841. On December 27, 28, 29, 1841 the "people" voted for its adoption, and on January 13th, 1842, proclaimed it adopted. Here, the suffragists made their first great mistakes: the adherents of the charter, alarmed at the strength of public feeling, were prepared to grant important concessions, which might have paved the way for full suffrage later; the steps taken by the People's Party were illegal, since they permitted only their own party members to vote thereon. They pursued the same illegal tactics at their State Election, when on April 18th, 1842, they elected Thomas W. Dorr Governor of Rhode Island, and with him an entire State Ticket. This alienated many of Dorr's former supporters, and a further defection followed when the "Dorrites" attempted to take possession of the State House and seize the State Arsenal. Samuel Ward King had been re-elected Governor of Rhode Island: the General Assembly now gave him authority to declare martial law.
The Dorrites forced to abandon fortified earthworks on the outskirts of Providence, retreated to Acote's Hill, Chepachet, where their deserted fortification was "stormed" by an overwhelming force of Rhode Island militia, on June 28, 1842. "Governor" Dorr fled to Connecticut but subsequently returned to Rhode Island where he surrendered to the State authorities. He was tried for treason, convicted and sentenced to hard labor for life, on January 27th, 1844. Under the influence of public opinion, he was released from prison in 1845 and restored to full legal rights in 1854. The remainder of his life was passed in retirement but he continued as the recognized leader of liberal opinion by his
THREE HUNDRED YEARS OF
220
THOMAS WILSON DORR (The People's Governor) 1842- By Wilfred I. Duphiney from engraving by A. I. Dick Governor's Office of State House
TYMADORA
Swan Point Cemetery Providence, R. I.
numerous friends. His health was impaired by imprisonment and he died at his home in Providence on December 27, 1854. He was unmarried.
Mr. Dorr's reform movement led the way to the adoption of the present Constitution of Rhode Island, which was adopted at a State Convention held in East Greenwich, R. I., November 5th, 1842.
GOVERNORS OF RHODE ISLAND
221
CHARLES JACKSON
Governor: 1845-1846.
War Service: Dorr War.
Born: March 4, 1797 in Providence, Rhode Island.
Died: January 21, 1876 in Providence, Rhode Island.
Buried: Providence, R. I. North Burial Ground, north side of Linden Avenue 70' west of Eastern Avenue.
JACKSON, HON. CHARLES, was born in Providence March 4, 1797. He was the son of Richard and Nabby (Wheaton) Jackson, and the eldest of eight children. His early education was obtained at the Public School on Meeting Street, in Providence, where in spite of many obstacles and through muen patient and persevering labor he was fitted for College, and entered Brown University in 1813, while in his sixteenth year, graduating four years later in the class of 1817. He was ever a favorite with his classmates, among whom were Dr. Lewis Miller, Judge Staples, and Governor Greene; and even at that early age manifested a strength of character and suavity of manner that made him an or- nament to society and gave much promise for his future.
Immediately upon leaving college he commenced the study of law in the office of Hon. James Burrill, and was subsequently admitted to the bar in 1820, but after practic- ing a short time wearied of this profession, finding it illy adapted to his enterprise and en- thusiasm, and turned his attention to the manufacture of cotton goods, in which busi- ness he continued until his death.
His first attempt at spinning was in a small mill in Scituate, in the year 1823. Cot- ton manufacturing in New England was yet in its infancy, and his, one of the five mills in the United States where powerlooms were used. From the first he was deeply interest- ed in this pursuit, and under his care the villages of Jackson and Fiskeville, little more than a wilderness when he came to them, grew to be thriving and important seats of man- ufacturing labor. Later he entered the Crompton Company, being one of its active mem- bers for over twenty years, but sold his interest a short time previous to his death. He was the first to commence the rubber business in Providence, having obtained a patent from Mr. Goodyear, which he afterwards sold to Dr. Isaac Hartshorn. He was also in- terested in the manufacture of fire-arms, which he began in Bristol, Rhode Island, and afterward removed to Providence, where it was continued on a much larger scale under the name of the "Burnside Rifle Works." Large and costly buildings were erected, an influential and wealthy company formed, and for a time the business was carried on suc- cessfully. The demand, however, for rifles becoming limited another change was effected, by which in the same buildings, with many additions, the manufacture of locomotives was engaged in under the name of the Rhode Island Locomotive Works. Here Mr. Jackson remained an active member of the corporation until increasing years and failing strength bade him lessen his business cares, when he sold out his interest.
From his earliest manhood he was the enthusiastic patron and friend of inventors and patentees; ever ready with advice and money, offering help and encouragement to the
THREE HUNDRED YEARS OF
222
HON. CHARLES JACKSON 1845-1846
North Burial Ground Providence, R. I.
GOVERNORS OF RHODE ISLAND
223
timid and scarcely formed ideas of inventive genius; giving unlimited time and patience to experiments with often but little hope of success. There was never a subject brought under his personal supervision that he did not master, whether mechanical or scientific, and being gifted with unusual conversational ability and rare intelligence, his opinions were sought and valued. In the politics of Rhode Island Charles Jackson figured most conspicuously. He was often a member of the State Legislative, was Secretary of the House of Representatives, and Governor during the term 1845-46. At no time in the politi- cal history of Rhode Island did party feeling run so high as during a few years previous to his election, which included the memorable Dorr war. Mr. Jackson was upon the side of the government from the first, and his nomination for Governor was upon the issue of liber- ating Thomas Dorr from prison, to which he had been sentenced for life upon a charge of treason. Mr. Jackson was elected, and Mr. Dorr released, for which the former received much blame, and alienated many friends, both personal and political. His administration was hotly assailed, as indeed, was his personal character; but he was upheld by his firm be- lief in the moral right of his conduct, and successfully lived down the calumnies that were so freely circulated standing at last fully vindicated before the people. Governor Jackson was blessed with an amiable, and, at times, jovial disposition, and an almost marvellous pow- er in relating anecdotes, of which he possessed an inexhaustible fund. He was twice mar- ried; first to Catharine Dexter, daughter of Samuel Dexter, of Providence, to whom he was united November 20, 1827, and who died at Jackson, Scituate, in June 1832. His second marriage was to Phebe Tisdale, the daughter of Joseph Tisdale, of North Kingstown, and occurred November 24, 1836, which union was blessed with seven children, three of whom, with their mother, survived him. He died in Providence, January 21, 1876, in his seventy-ninth year, and was buried in the family lot in the North Burial Ground. with his parents and children. During the latter years of his life many hours were de- voted to theological research and study. His family had ever been conspicuous in the Baptist Church, but he was never a member of any, nor an acknowledged believer in any particular faith. He expressed the utmost respect for religion, however, and often dwelt upon the purity and beauty of Christ's teachings. Almost his last sentence was the ac- knowledgement of a belief in a future state, and a firm confidence in the Creative Power to do all things wisely and well.
THREE HUNDRED YEARS OF
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SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' PLOT, NORTH BURIAL GROUND PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
GOVERNORS OF RHODE ISLAND
225
BYRON DIMAN
Governor: 1846 to 1847.
War Service: Dorr War.
Born: August 5, 1795 in Bristol, Rhode Island.
Died: August 1, 1865 in Bristol, Rhode Island.
Buried: Bristol, R. I. Juniper Hill Cemetery.
DIMAN, GOVERNOR BYRON, eldest son of Jeremiah and Hannah (Luther) Diman, was born in Bristol, Rhode Island, August 5, 1795. In his youth he enjoyed the advan- tages of an excellent private school kept for many years by the late Bishop Griswold. Here, according to the testimony of one of his classmates, the venerable Bishop Smith, of Kentucky, he held the first place, his devotion to study creating a tie between teacher and pupil which was only dissolved by death. The literary tastes thus early formed were cherished and developed. Up to a late period in his life he was a diligent reader, and few men not belonging to the class of professed students possessed more varied and ac- curate information. He was well versed in English literature and general history, and especially at home in topographical and antiquarian lore.
At an early age he entered the counting-house of Hon. James De Wolf, and con- tinued in the most confidential relations with that gentlemen until his death in 1837. He engaged in the whale fishery, which at one time was largely prosecuted at Bristol. In various other ways he was closely identified with the business interests of that town. He was at one time Treasurer, and afterward President of the Bristol Steam Mill; a Director of the Pokanoket Mill; and for many years President of the Bank of Bristol. In all his business relations he was actuated by the most generous and forbearing spirit. The dis- tressed applied instinctively to him for aid, and seldom were they refused.
Mr. Diman was early and actively engaged in politics. He was an enthusiastic Whig of the school of Henry Clay. For many years he was a member of the Legislature, and he was a delegate to the Harrisburg Convention which nominated General Harrison for the Presidency. During the exciting days of the Dorr War he was a member of the Gov- ernor's Council. His official duties, however, did not prevent his shouldering his gun and marching to Chepachet. When the new Constitution was adopted he was elected Lieutenant-Governor, and in 1846, at the disruption of the Law and Order party, he was elected Governor. No persuasion could induce him to hold the office longer than a year, and he was deaf to all solicitations to accept a higher position, even that of United States Senator. The only official connection that he retained with the State was as Commissioner of the indigent blind, deaf, and dumb. To the duties of this office he gave great attention. He issued the call for the first meeting held in Bristol for the organization of the Repub- lican party, and he gave to the policy of President Lincoln a cordial and unhesitating support.
He died of apoplexy, at his residence in Bristol, August 1, 1865. A fine portrait of him by Lincoln graces the chamber of the State House in Providence. Governor Diman was twice married; first to Abby Alden Wight, daughter of Rev. Henry Wight, D. D., by whom he had four children, including J. L. and H. W. Diman, both of whom graduated at Brown University. His second wife was Elizabeth Ann Liscomb; by her he had one child, who survived him.
THREE HUNDRED YEARS OF
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HON. BYRON DIMAN 1846-1847 By James S. Lincoln Northwest Corridor Second Floor of State House
BYRON DIGIANN
Juniper Hill Cemetery Bristol, R. I.
GOVERNORS OF RHODE ISLAND
227
ELISHA HARRIS
Governor: 1847-1849.
Born: September 8, 1791 in Cranston, Rhode Island.
Died: February 1, 1861 in Harris, Rhode Island.
Buried: Phenix, R. I. Greenwood Cemetery.
HARRIS, GOVERNOR ELISHA, was born in Cranston in 1791, and was the son of Joseph and Catherine Greene Harris, a lineal descendant of William Harris, the asso- ciate of Roger Williams in the settlement of Rhode Island. After completing his school education, he became interested in manufacturing, to which he devoted the larger portion of his life; his residence being in the place where he died, which, for him, was named Harrisville. In his early manhood he visited the site of what was one of the most flourish- ing villages of the State (Harrisville) , but then an unbroken wilderness, and becoming convinced by personal explorations of the value of the water privilege, which he subse- quently utilized, he purchased it, and in due time commenced the erection of Mills on the stream.
We are told that his careful and sagacious management, his unflagging industry, his wise economy, his suavity and integrity, rendered his success sure. Business prospered in his hands, the village grew, and evidences of prosperity were to be seen in every direc- tion. With increase of wealth there was the exhibition of a generous and liberal soul, in gifts conferred upon educational and religious institutions both in the State and else- where, which came under the supervision of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which, for many years, he was a devout and faithful adherent. During the long years of his busi- ness career the testimony with regard to him was, that "he was universally respected for his unflinching integrity, his unaffected modesty, and his winning amiability of spirit."
While Governor Harris did not court public life, he accepted office when it sought him, and for several sessions represented his fellow-citizens in the General Assembly.
Governor Harris married Sarah, daughter of William Taylor of Providence, and they became the parents of one son and two daughters, one of whom married Henry Howard, who became Governor of Rhode Island.
In 1846-47 he was the Lieutenant-Governor of the State. and for the next two years. 1847-49, its Chief Magistrate. In earlier life he was a Whig in politics, but subsequently became an earnest Republican, and was one of the Presidential electors when Abraham Lincoln was chosen President of the United States. For many years he was President of the Bank of North America, Providence. After a brief illness, he died February 1, 1861, in the seventieth year of his age at his residence, in the village named after him.
THREE HUNDRED YEARS OF
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HON. ELISHA HARRIS 1847-1849 By James S. Lincoln Northwest Corridor Second Floor of State House
Greenwood Cemetery Phenix, R. I.
GOVERNORS OF RHODE ISLAND
229
HENRY BOWEN ANTHONY
Governor: 1849 to 1851.
Born: April 1, 1815 in Coventry, Rhode Island.
Died: September 2, 1884 in Providence, Rhode Island.
Buried: Providence, R. I. Swan Point Cemetery Lot 5-Group 311 Near Magnolia Avenue.
ANTHONY, HON. HENRY B., United States Senator, and ex-Governor of Rhode Is- land, was born, of Quaker ancestry, at Coventry, Rhode Island, April 1, 1815. His father, William Anthony, was a native of Providence, and a prominent manufacturer at Coven- try. His mother's maiden name was Mary Kinnecut Greene. She was a daughter of James Greene, of Warwick, a descendant of John Greene, who was an associate of Roger Williams, and one of the original purchasers of Shawomut, now called Old War- wick. Mr. Anthony prepared for college at his native town and at a private seminary in Providence, and graduated at Brown University in 1833, at the age of eighteen. At that time he was a frequent contributor to the columns of the Providence Journal, of which his cousin, George W. Jackson, was editor and proprietor. He early attained a reputa- tion as a terse and vigorous writer. In 1838, he became editor and joint proprietor with Joseph Knowles and John W. Vose, and had been one of the proprietors of the Provi- dence Journal. This paper, under the editorial management of his co-partner, Mr. George W. Danielson, is one of the best-conducted and most influential dailies in the country.
In 1849, Mr. Anthony was elected, on the Whig ticket, Governor of Rhode Island. His administration as Governor gave general satisfaction and caused him to be re-elected in 1850. He was urged to accept the nomination for a third term, but declined a re- election He was elected to the United States Senate from Rhode Island, as a Union Republican, to succeed ex-Governor Philip Allen, and took his seat March 4, 1859. Jef- ferson Davis, Slidell. Toombs, and Wigfall, with other Southerners, then occupied seats in the Senate Chamber. although they were meditating a secession from the Union. Douglas. Crittended, and a few other Northern Democrats, vainly endeavored to avert the impending calamity. The Republicans were yet in the minority, but in their ranks were Sumner, Fessenden, Collamer, Foster, Grimes, Chandler, Wilson, and others who will be remembered among the ablest statesmen of the republic.
During the war which soon followed, Mr. Anthony was a prominent member of the important Committee on Naval Affairs, where he aided in the creation of a naval force and in the selection of its officers. He did much to promote the efficiency of the Union armies, and the comfort of those who served in them, and supported liberal pension bills for the wounded, and for the widows and orphans of those who fell. He took an active part in framing the great Reconstruction measures, advocating equal rights for all. His most important Senatorial services, however. have been rendered on the Committee of Public Printing, of which he was Chairman for eighteen years. During that time, the execution of the printing and binding was greatly improved and its cost was diminished. while many important reforms were carried out.
THREE HUNDRED YEARS OF
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HON. HENRY B. ANTHONY 1849-1851 By John N. Arnold Northwest Corridor Second Floor of State House
Swan Point Cemetery Providence, R. I.
GOVERNORS OF RHODE ISLAND
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In March, 1869, Mr. Anthony was elected President pro tempore of the Senate, and served until the election of Mr. Wilson as Vice-President, when he declined a re-election. He was a member of the National Committee appointed to accompany the remains of President Lincoln to Illinois, in 1865; and was one of the Senators designated by the Senate to attend the funeral of General Winfield Scott, in 1866. He was a delegate to the "Loyalists' Convention," at Philadelphia, in 1866.
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