USA > Rhode Island > Providence County > Providence > Governors for three hundred years, 1638-1959; Rhode Island and Providence Plantations > Part 4
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GOVERNORS OF RHODE ISLAND
29
The first settlement on Rhode Island was made at the north end, and called Ports- mouth. In 1639, another settlement was begun at the south west part of the island on a fine harbour, which they called Newport. From the convenience of this harbour, the fertility and pleasantness of the island, and the wealth of the first settlers, this place had a rapid growth, and in a few years became the capital of the colony. The government which they established was of the democratic kind. The chief magistrate and four assis- tants were invested with part of the executive powers the remainder, with the legisla- tive authority, was exercised by the body of the people in town meetings.
The colonies at Providence and Rhode Island, at different periods, received large accessions from the denominations of Baptists and Friends, who were persecuted in other colonies. What distinguishes these colonies from all others is, that they were settled on a "plan of entire religious liberty; men of every denomination being equally protected and countenanced, and enjoying the honours and offices of government."
The inefficacy of a voluntary government, and the want of patent to legalize their proceedings, was soon experienced by the colonists at Providence and Rhode Island. Accordingly, in the year 1643, they sent Mr. Roger Williams to England, as their agent, to procure for them a charter from the crown. On his arrival at London, he found that King Charles I, had been driven from his capital; he of course applied to those who had assumed the power. Sir Henry Vane, his former associate and friend in America, received him kindly, and aided his views. In March, 1644, through the Earl of Warwick, then governor and admiral of all the plantations, he obtained from Parliament, "a free and absolute charter of civil incorporation of Providence plantations in Narragansett bay," investing the inhabitants with the requisite authority to govern themselves, but ac- cording to the laws of England.
Mr. Williams was well received by some of the leading members of Parliament, and when he was about to embark for America they gave him a letter of recommendation to the governor and assistants of Massachusetts, in which they represented the merits of Mr. Williams, and advised to the performance of all friendly offices toward him. This letter had the effect to ameliorate the differences which had subsisted between Mr. Williams and the Massachusetts colony; and there was afterwards a profession of chris- tian love and mutual correspondence between them. Yet while Mr. Williams retained what were deemed dangerous principles, the governor and assistants of Massachusetts thought it inexpedient to grant him liberty of ingress and egress, lest the people should be drawn away with his erroneous opinions.
When, in 1643, the dangers and necessities of the New England colonies induced them to think of forming a confederacy for their mutual support and defense, Providence and Rhode Island plantations were desirous of uniting in the plan but Massachusetts, disliking their religious sentiments, opposed their motion, and refused them a seat in the convention for forming the confederacy. Thus forsaken of their neighbours, they found it necessary to devise other means of safety. They accordingly cultivated the friendship of the neighboring sachems with assiduity and success, and in a short time acquired such an influence with them as to procure from the Narragansett chiefs, in 1644, a formal sur- render of their country to king Charles I in right of his crown, in consideration of his protection of them against their enemies. This territory was afterwards called the King's Province. The people of these plantations, thus empowered to manage their
THREE HUNDRED YEARS OF
30
own affairs, in the true spirit of democracy, convened an assembly in May, 1647, composed of the body of freemen, in the several plantations. Several salutary regulations were adopted. The executive power, by the assembly, was vested in a president. This form of government, so agreeable to their inclinations and views, they did not long enjoy in tranquillity. It was suspended in October, 1652, by an order of the council of state for the Commonwealth. The Parliament wished to acquire a participation, at least, in the administration of affairs, by establishing here those plans of reformation, which they attempted in Massachusetts, and which they actually effected in Virginia and Mary- land. But Providence and Rhode Island, deriving the same advantages from the dis- tractions which soon after ensued in England, that the colonies have always taken of the disorders of the sovereign state, resumed its form of government. And this it con- tinued to enjoy without further interruption, till the Restoration.
That event gave great satisfaction to these plantations. They immediately pro- claimed Charles II and not long after sent Mr. Clarke, as their agent, to the court of that monarch, to solicit for a patent which was deemed in New England so essential to real jurisdiction; and in September 1662, he obtained the object of his wishes. Yet, owing to the opposition of Connecticut, the present charter was not finally passed till July, 1663. The immigrations, before mentioned, from Massachusetts, and the subse- quent settlements at Providence and Rhode Island, were recapitulated; "which being convenient for commerce," says the patent, "may much advance the trade of this realm, and greatly enlarge the territories thereof;" and being willing to encourage the under- taking of his subjects, and to secure to them the free enjoyment of their civil and re- ligious rights, which belonged to them as Englishmen, he conferred on them ample li- berty in religion, and special privileges with regard to jurisdiction. The patentees, and such as should be admitted free of the society, were incorporated by the name of "The governor and company of the English colony of Rhode Island and Providence." The supreme, or legislative power, was invested in an assembly; the constituent members were to consist of the governor, the assistants, and such of the freemen as should be chosen by the towns; but the governor. or deputy governor, and six assistants were to be always present. Thus constituted, the assembly was empowered to make ordinances, and forms of government and magistracy, for the rule of the lands and inhabitants; so that they should not be repugnant, but agreeable to the laws of England, considering the nature of the place and people; to erect such courts of justice for determining all acts within the colony, as they should think fit; to regulate the manner of elections to places of trust, and of freemen to the assembly; to impose lawful punishments, pecun- iary and corporal, according to the course of other corporations within the realm; and to pardon such criminals, as they should think fit. That the inhabitants might be reli- giously and civilly governed, a governor, deputy governor, and ten assistants were ap- pointed for the management of their affairs; and they were authorized to execute the ordinances beforementioned, which every one was commanded to obey.
The governor and company were enabled to transport such merchandise and per- sons, as were not prohibited by any statute of the kingdom; and "paying such customs as are, and ought to be paid for the same." They were empowered to exercise martial law, and upon just causes, to invade and destroy the native Indians and other enemies. There was granted to the governor and company, and their successors, "that part of the dominions of the crown, in New England, containing the islands in Narragansett
GOVERNORS OF RHODE ISLAND
31
Bay, and the countries and parts adjacent. To be holden of the manor of East Green- wich, in common soccage." The inhabitants of those territories and their children, were declared fully entitled to the same immunities, as if they had resided, or had been born within the realm; and to guard against the experienced oppressions of Massachusetts, they were enabled to pass and repass through any other English colonies, and to traf- fic with them. But with the proviso, that nothing should hinder any subjects what- soever from fishing on the coast of New England.
Such was the substance of the charter of Rhode Island, and such were the privi- leges conferred by it. The government of this Province was administered to the satis- faction of Charles II during the remainder of his reign. By the charter of this Province, "None were at any time thereafter to be molested, for any difference in matters of re- ligion;" yet the first assembly that convened under this charter, in March, 1663, among a variety of other ordinances and laws, enacted one declarative of the privileges of his majesty's subjects; in which they say, "that all men of competent estates, and of civil conversation, Roman Catholics only excepted, shall be admitted freemen, or may choose, or be chosen, colonial officers." By this act, persecution of the Roman Catholics immed- iately commenced, by depriving them of the rights of citizens, in violation of their char- ter privileges. This is a remarkable fact in the history of a people, who have been sin- gular for their attachment to, and zealous in defending, the doctrine of universal free- dom of opinion in matters of religion.
Upon the accession of James II to the throne, the colonists of Rhode Island and Providence immediately transmitted to him an address, in which they acknowledged their subjection to him, pledged themselves to obey his authority, and asked, in re- turn, for the protection of their chartered privileges. This address, did not, however, avail to protect them against the effects of the plans of reform in New England, re- solved on by the British court. Articles of "high misdemeanour were exhibited to the Lords of the Committee of Foreign Plantations, against the governor and company of the colony of Rhode Island and Providence," in which, among other things, they were charged with neglecting to keep an authentic record of their laws; with refusing to per- mit the inhabitants to have copies of them; with raising or cancelling their laws as they please, without consent of the assembly, and with administering the government, and justice, without taking the legal oaths. These charges were referred to the attorney gen- eral, July, 1685, with orders immediately to issue a writ of quo warranto against their patent. The governor and company were served with a regular notice of the process, which had been issued against them, and they were put upon their defence; they de- clined standing a suit with their king. In full assembly, they passed an act formally sur- rendering to his majesty their charter, with all the powers it contained. This act, it is said, "was afterwards made way with, agreeably to a common practice."
The governor and company afterwards assembled, and on serious consideration of the suit instituted against them, agreed upon an address to his majesty, in which they pray, that their charter privileges, civil and religious, might be continued; that "all things wherein they have been weak and short, through ignorance, may be remit- ted and pardoned." They conclude, by "prostrating their all at his Majesty's feet, with entire resolution to serve him with faithful hearts." Such servile language was improp- er for freemen to use, or for the ruler of a free people to receive. It failed of its in- tended effect. No sooner was the address received, than the committee of the colonies,
THREE HUNDRED YEARS OF
32
with the approbation of the king, ordered, that Sir Edmund Andros, the governor of Massachusetts, should demand the surrender of their charter, and govern them in the manner the other colonies of New England were governed. At the same time they were assured of his majesty's protection, and of his determination to exercise no other authority over, them, than what was common to the other plantations. Accordingly, in December, 1686, Andros formally dissolved the government of Rhode Island, broke their seal, assumed the reins of government, and selected five of the citizens, and formed them into a legislative council. This state of things continued scarcely two years, when the revolution of 1688, put an end to the tyrannic authority of Andros, in this and the other colonies. Their charter was resumed, and has ever since continued to be the basis of the civil administration.
An interesting summation of the health and welfare of the early settlers by Rhode Island's first historian, John Callender, written in Newport in October, 1738, less than 100 years after the settlement of Newport.
"Again, 'tis remarkable how divine Providence was pleased to supply their wants in a wilderness, among a People that never took care for the Morrow; and to support them un- der the Distresses they were tried with. At Plymouth and Boston, many died at first, for want of Necessaries and Conveniences, but afterwards, it was many Years, before any Sick- ness prevailed amongst the Planters. And tho' they have often since been visited with sore Calamities and wasting Sicknesses yet their Numbers have continually increased to a very great Degree; while the Natives have been wasted away, by the same Diseases, and some other infectious Distempers, from which the English have been providentially delivered.1 I can't help observing here, the very great Age, to which many of the first Settlers of this Colony lived. Many of them thro' all the Difficulties and Hardships of a new Plan- tation, lived here near and some above forty Years, and some above sixty.2 Remarkable was the Care of divine Providence in preserving them from Famine in a new Country, where 'twas some Time before they could be enabled, to provide for their comfortable Substinence. God was pleased to bless their Provision, and satisfy his Poor with Food.3"
"About 1642,3, there were two trading Houses, set up in the Narraganset Coun- try; one by Mr. Wilcox, and Mr. R. Williams, the other by Mr. Richard Smith, and some few Plantations made near them, on particular Grants or Purchases of the Indians, but not very many 'till 1657: When several Gentlemen on the Island, and elsewhere, made a considerable Purchase, called the Petaquamscut Purchase. And the same Year there was a Purchase of the Island of Canonicut, as the smaller Islands had been pur- chased before."
"In 1665, Misquamicut was purchased of the Indians, and it was granted a Town- ship by the Name of Westerly, 1669. In 1672 Manisses called Block-Island, was made a Township, by the Name of New-Shoreham. In 1674 the Inhabitants at Petequans- cut and Parts adjacent, had their Lands incorporated, a Township by the Name Kings- ton. And in 1677 the Town of East-Greenwich was incorporated, and 1678 Canonicut Island, or rather Quononoquot, was incorporated a Township by the Name of James- Town. In 1722, the Lands properly called Narraganset, were divided into the two Townships of North and South-Kingston. In 1729, the whole Colony was divided into
GOVERNORS OF RHODE ISLAND
33
three Counties, for the Ease of the Inhabitants. And 1730, the Town of Providence was divided into the four Towns of Providence, Smithfield, Glocester, and Scituate. The whole Land being filled with Inhabitants, partly by the coming in of some few from other Places, but chiefly by the natural Increase of the first Settlers. In the fore- said Year 1730, there was by the King's Order, an exact Account taken of the Number of Souls in the Colony,4 and they were found to be no less, than Seventeen Thousand Nine Hundred and Thirty Five, of which no more than Nine Hundred and Eighty Five, were Indians, and One Thousand Six Hundred and Forty Eight, Negroes. So that the English in all were Fifteen Thousand Three Hundred and two."
1"Thus I am informed by a worthy Gentleman, that an Indian, coming in from Sea, sick of an uncommon Fever, infected his Acquaintance, and they propagated the Disease to others, and a very great Mortality ensued among the Indians, in Narhaganset; while the English, were preserved from the Infection."
""Many of the Original Settlers of the Colony, lived thro' all the Dangers and Difficulties of their new Settlement, above forty Years. Particularly Mr. Wm. Arnold, Mr. F. Greene & c. who came up the first year with Mr. Wil- liams himself, Mr. Harris, Mr. Olney & c. who came soon after. Mr. Williams lived till about 1682, when he was buried with all the Solemnity the Colony was able to show. Gov. Arnold, who came up a man grown, the first Winter, dyed a few Months before Gov. Coddington in 1678. At Warwick Mr. Weekes was slain by the Indians 1675, a very ancient Man; and Mr. Gorton, Mr. Holden & c. survived the War, and some of them, many Years: Particu- larly Major F. Green, who came a Youth to Providence in [634,5, and was a Commissioner for Providence the first Assembly after the Patent in 1647, was Deputy Gov. of the Colony 1700, as he had been many Times before. Here at Newport several of those who incorporated themselves 1637,8 and of those who came to them the Summer following survived the Indian War. Mr. John Clark lived to the 20th of April 1676. Gov. Brenton died in 1674. Mr. N. Easton who came 1638 from Hampton, where he built the first English House, as did also in 1639 in Newport, lived to 1675, when he died a very ancient Man. His son Mr. John Easton, who, as his Father, was divers Times Governour of the Colony, died 1705, in his 85th Year. Mr. H. Bull, one of the 18 that incorporated themselves at the first, was Governour of the Colony after the Revolution. Mr. Ed Thurston, who was Assistant 1675, and many time Deputy for Newport, died 1706,7, aged 90 Years. Many such Instances might be given. And many of the second Generation, such I mean, as were born within the first 20 or 25 Years, reached to four-score, and some to ninety Years. If we consider, the long Lives of so many of the first Comers, notwithstanding the Hardships and Distresses they underwent, and the Change of Climate, Diet, & c. and to this add, the great Age of many of their Children, we can't call the Country, Unhealthy, or the Inhabitants Short-Lived. The Proportion of ancient People above 70 Years of Age, to the whole Number of the present Inhabitants, compared with the like proportion in other Countries, which have been fully settled, and in- habited above 1000 years, can be no good Rule to judge by. Eighty Years agon, the whole Number of the Inhabitants, and consequently of the Births here, was very small, perhaps there were fewer than two hundred Families in the whole Colony. And the Number of Inhabitants in this Town, has vastly increased the last 30 Years. Let me further add, that the foresaid Rule will not be applicable to this Colony a great while hence, if ever because so many of the Natives, dye in the West India Islands. It is certain, a very great Part of those of them who dye between sixteen and thirty-six, are lost at Sea, or dye in those Islands, or bring home from thence, those Diseases, which soon prove fatal to them here; tho' 'tis notorious, how conducive to the Recovery of Health, a Voyage from those Islands, to the Northern Plantations, is generally found, so that we have almost always some or other of their Inhabitants here for that End."
3"January 22, 1639, it was found that there were but 108 Bushels of Corn, to supply 96 Persons: Which at the Proportion of one Bushel and half a Peck to each, was not more than sufficient to supply them for six Weeks, and yet it was then more than so many months to Harvest. But there was plenty of Fish, and Fowl, and Venison; and soon after, even to this Day, all the Necessaries of Life have been plentiful."
#The Said Account was taken before Providence Township was divided. The whole Account is this,
Whites
Negroes
Indians
Newport.
3843
649
148
Providence.
3707
128
81
Portsmouth.
6-13
100
70
Warwick.
1028
77
73
Westerly.
1620
56
250
North Kingston
1875
165
65
South Kingston
965
333
225
East Greenwich
1149
40
34
James-Town. .
999
80
19
New Shoreham
250
20
20
15302
1648
985
THREE HUNDRED YEARS OF
34
Population of Rhode Island, 1708-1950
YEAR
POPULATION CHANGE
1708
7,181
1730
17,935
10,754 Increase
1748
32,773
14,838 Increase
1755 40,414
17,641 Increase
1774
59,707
19,293 Increase
1776
55,011
4,696 Decrease
1782
52,391
2,620 Decrease
1790
68,825
6,434 Increase
1800
69,122
297 Increase
1810
77,031
7,909 Increase
83,059
1820.
6,028 Increase
1830.
97,210
14,151 Increase
1840
108,830
11,620 Increase
1850
147,545
38,715 Increase
1860 174,620
27,075 Increase
1865
184,965
10,345 Increase
1870
217,353
32,388 Increase
1875
258,239
40,886 Increase
276,531
1880
18,292 Increase
304,285 1885
27,754 Increase
345,508 1890
41,223 Increase
1895
384,758
39,250 Increase
428,556
190
43,798 Increase
480,082 1905
51,526 Increase
.
542,610 1910
62,528 Increase
1915
595,986
53,376 Increase
1920
604,397
8,411 Increase
1925
679,260
74,863 Increase
687,497 1930
8,237 Increase
1936.
680,712
6,785 Decrease
1940
713,346
32,634 Increase
1950
791,896
78,550 Increase
GOVERNORS OF RHODE ISLAND
35
MASSACHUSETTS
Awumps Pond
A Map of the State of.
RHODE ISLAND
showing
TERRITORIAL2 BouNDS For the Years
1659
1636-1659
LOQUASQUSSUCK
Prepared by the State Planning Board John H.Cady - Consultant
Ponogansett-
PRO
D
Walling's Ponq
Or-ford
S'T
SETTLEMENT
PROVIDENCE 163 6
Toxes
I
REHOBOTH
MILES
Neutaconhanut
Grea
Hill
Wipses
PAWTUXET
Roch
Division Line, 1640
MashopQue
Pond
PARTUXET
MASHANT .. TOCT
River
Division
Line yntil
1648
Sowhomes Bay
pa
IST.
SETTLEMENT
WA
2
I
1642
1
<
MIHOPE
Called SHAWOMEN until 1648
Porowo
Shawhomett Weck S. Patience 5
1659
ATHERTON'S
PURCHASE
Hope
Y
"
Trading Post
R
circa 1639
B
Naniguoxen
NARRAGANSETT
COUNTRY
Could
ISLAND OF RHODE ISLAND
RIVER 1640 PORTSMOUTH Settled 1638 Nameqloga formerly AQUIDNECH S Line Established
SAKONNEI
Western Boundary according to Chatter
1679
Great
APond
PETTAQUAMSC
Purchased 1657
00
C
Pawcotuch
MISQUAMICUT
ATLANTIC
WATHERTONS NAM COOK Se
Dutch
Coasters NEWPORT
Goar Ist
Settled 163.97
#
ITI
PURCHASE1659
CONANICUT I
Purchased16522
HUDENCFISC "Purchased 1637
POCASSEI
Cocumeussud #
PEQUOT
SAKONNET
se Established
West Line of Purchase
River
E
BLOCK. JSIANI
MANASSES
CONNECTICUT COUNTRY
Twenty Mile Line
Moshass
Pawtucket Falls
1936
Bounds as extended, 1659 Moswansicut Ponde
Pocasse
River
foswansicut
HIMONId
COIO
Luxo
MT. HOPE BAY
QUIDNESSET
Wayunheke Hill
Pawtucket
Towns of Rhode Island, Date of Incorporation, Etc.
Counties and Towns Date of Incorporation From What Taken, Original Names, Changes of Boundaries, etc. BRISTOL COUNTY February 17, 1746-47.
Incorporated with same county limits as at present. Originally the county consisted of two towns, Bristol and Warren, Indian name "Sowams". Afterwards, June 1770, Warren was divided and the town of Barrington was incorporated. (See Bristol.)
Barrington November 18, 1717 Taken from Swansea and incorporated as a town by Massachusetts, Nov. 18, 1717; transferred to Rhode Island by royal decree, May 28, 1746; parts of Swansea and Rehoboth were added to Barrington on the north and east by the new boundary line and its name was changed to Warren, Jan. 27, 1746-47, in honor of Sir Peter Warren, Admiral in the British Navy. Barrington was taken from Warren and incorporated June 16, 1770.
Bristol October 28, 1681
. Incorporated by Plymouth Colony Oct. 28, 1681. By royal decree, dated May 28, 1746, the eastern boundary was settled and the juris- diction of the colony establishel over the territory embraced in the towns of Bristol, Barrington, Tiverton, Little Compton, and Cum- berland. A portion of Bristol annexed to Warren, May 30, 1873. Named from Bristol, England.
Warren . . .......
January 27, 1746-47.
See Bristol. The territory of the town of Warren at this date included the present town of Barrington, and a portion of the towns of Swansea and Rehoboth, in Massachusetts. In 1770, Warren was divided, and one of the original names (Barrington) was given to the new town. Named from Sir Peter Warren, Admiral in the British Navy.
KENT COUNTY .
. . June 11, 1750. Taken from Providence County. Incorporated with the same county limits as at present, and same towns, except West Warwick, which was taken from Warwick in 1913.
Coventry
August 21, 1741
Taken from Warwick.
East Greenwich .October 31, 1677
Incorporated as the town of East Greenwich. Name changed to Ded- ford, June 23, 1686. The original name restored in 1689. The town divided in 1741.
Warwick. . ..... . Original Town
First settled January, 1642-43. Named from Earl of Warwick, who signed the Patent of Providence Plantations, March 14, 1643-44. The first action of the inhabitants as a town was August 8, 1647. Indian name, Shawomet. Act dividing town approved by the governor March 14, 1913. Representative District Nos. 1 and 2 of old town remain- ing as Warwick and Representative Districts Nos. 3, 4 and 5 of old town becoming West Warwick. Incorporated as a city by chapter 1852 of the public laws, 1931, and the charter accepted April 21, 1931.
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