American Colonial Governor. The son of Governor William Coddington, the younger Coddington became a merchant and landowner. In 1683 he was elected Governor of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, and he held office until 1685. During his administration the royal tax collector in Boston came to Newport to seize a vessel that had arrived from Jamaica under the command of a Rhode Islander, which the tax collector believed to be avoiding payment of customs duties. Coddington refused to provide government assistance in seizing the ship, and the ensuing dispute was presented to the royal government in London for resolution. While the outcome was pending, the Rhode Island Assembly displayed its confidence in Coddington by reelecting him. He declined to serve, ensuring that Assembly members would not be found culpable if the royal government decided against him, and the Assembly elected Henry Bull to succeed him. (In 1684 the royal government found in favor of the tax collector, and issued orders against piracy and smuggling throughout the American colonies, Jamaica and other British possessions.) Coddington was an active Quaker, and for many years the Newport congregation met in his mansion.
American Colonial Governor. The son of Governor William Coddington, the younger Coddington became a merchant and landowner. In 1683 he was elected Governor of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, and he held office until 1685. During his administration the royal tax collector in Boston came to Newport to seize a vessel that had arrived from Jamaica under the command of a Rhode Islander, which the tax collector believed to be avoiding payment of customs duties. Coddington refused to provide government assistance in seizing the ship, and the ensuing dispute was presented to the royal government in London for resolution. While the outcome was pending, the Rhode Island Assembly displayed its confidence in Coddington by reelecting him. He declined to serve, ensuring that Assembly members would not be found culpable if the royal government decided against him, and the Assembly elected Henry Bull to succeed him. (In 1684 the royal government found in favor of the tax collector, and issued orders against piracy and smuggling throughout the American colonies, Jamaica and other British possessions.) Coddington was an active Quaker, and for many years the Newport congregation met in his mansion.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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