Governor, Cotton Manufacturer. Born to cotton manufacturer and future US Congressman Richard Jackson Jr. Graduated from Brown University in 1817 and studied law. He grew dissatisfied with law and in 1823 opened a cotton mill in Scituate, Rhode Island, becoming one of the first in the country to use power looms. He also became the first in Providence to make rubber, having received a patent from Charles Goodyear. He set up a factory to manufacture rifles and established a locomotive manufacturing firm. Married Catherine Dexter who died in 1821 and married Phebe Tisdale and would have seven children. Only three of which survived him. Served in the Rhode Island Legislature for several years and was Speaker from 1841 to 1842. In 1845 he defeated incumbent Governor James Fenner by 210 votes. While in office he signed a bill into law that pardoned all persons convicted of treason. This bill gave freedom to Dorr Rebellion leader Thomas Wilson Dorr. This was probably the main reason he was defeated for reelection by Byron Dimon. He returned to his former business pursuits and died nearly 30 years later.
Governor, Cotton Manufacturer. Born to cotton manufacturer and future US Congressman Richard Jackson Jr. Graduated from Brown University in 1817 and studied law. He grew dissatisfied with law and in 1823 opened a cotton mill in Scituate, Rhode Island, becoming one of the first in the country to use power looms. He also became the first in Providence to make rubber, having received a patent from Charles Goodyear. He set up a factory to manufacture rifles and established a locomotive manufacturing firm. Married Catherine Dexter who died in 1821 and married Phebe Tisdale and would have seven children. Only three of which survived him. Served in the Rhode Island Legislature for several years and was Speaker from 1841 to 1842. In 1845 he defeated incumbent Governor James Fenner by 210 votes. While in office he signed a bill into law that pardoned all persons convicted of treason. This bill gave freedom to Dorr Rebellion leader Thomas Wilson Dorr. This was probably the main reason he was defeated for reelection by Byron Dimon. He returned to his former business pursuits and died nearly 30 years later.
Bio by: Matthew Fatale
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