Preceded by Elisha Dyer, Jr. Profession Mill owner Resigned December 16, 1901 Spouse(s) Harriet Vaughan Succeeded by Charles D. Kimball | Political party Republican Party Republican Party Preceded by Aram J. Pothier Name William Gregory | |
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Born August 3, 1849
Astoria, Queens ( 1849-08-03 ) Resting place Elm Grove Cemetery, North Kingstown Role Former Governor of Rhode Island Died December 16, 1901, North Kingstown, Rhode Island, United States Previous office Governor of Rhode Island (1900–1901) | ||
Lieutenant governor Charles D. Kimball | ||
William Gregory (August 3, 1849 – December 16, 1901) was an American politician, the 46th Governor of Rhode Island.
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Early life
Gregory was born in Astoria, Long Island, New York on August 3, 1849. He attended high school in Westerly, Rhode Island, and became superintendent of a mill in Providence before he was 21.
Career
He had a successful career as the owner of wool mills in Wickford. He later served as President and Director of Wickford National Bank, Director of two Providence banks, and Chairman of the Board of State Charities and Corrections.
Political life
Gregory served as Lieutenant Governor for two terms (1898-1900), and then served as Governor for one full term, and had been re-elected for a second term at the time of his death, from May 29, 1900 to December 16, 1901. During his administration, the state constitution was amended to move the capital from Newport to Providence. The new marble State House was opened in Providence, and Gregory became the first governor to occupy it. Gregory was an active member of the Freemasons.
Personal life
In 1875 Gregory married Harriet Vaughan, daughter of Syria B. Vaughan, a merchant of Wickford. They had two children, Albert Winsor and Mary Louise.
Gregory was known to have suffered from Bright's disease for many years. He had been ill for "some time," but seemed to be recovering at the time of his death. He died on December 16, 1901, at his home in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, having recently won re-election to a second term of office.