Arthur Fenner facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Arthur Fenner
4th Governor of Rhode Island
In office May 5, 1790 – October 15, 1805
Lieutenant Governor	Samuel J. Potter George Brown Samuel J. Potter Paul Mumford
Preceded by	John Collins
Succeeded by	Henry Smith
Personal details
Born	(1745-12-10)December 10, 1745 Providence, Colony of Rhode Island, British America
Died	October 15, 1805(1805-10-15) (aged 59) Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
Resting place	North Burial Ground
Political party	Country Party
Spouse	Amey Comstock

Arthur Fenner (December 10, 1745 – October 15, 1805) was an important American politician. He served as the fourth Governor of Rhode Island. He was governor from 1790 until he passed away in 1805. This means he was governor for over 15 years!

Fenner was a strong leader of the Country Party. This group was also known as the Anti-Federalists. They were people who were careful about giving too much power to the national government. Around 1764, Fenner helped start what is now Brown University. It was first called the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

Early Life and Family History

Arthur Fenner was born in 1745 in Providence, Rhode Island. At that time, Rhode Island was still a British colony. He was one of twelve children in a well-known family. His parents were Arthur Fenner, Jr. and Mary Olney.

The Fenner family owned a place called Fenner's Wharf. A famous event called the Gaspee Affair happened there in 1772. This event was an important step towards the American Revolution. The wharf was located near what is now 155 South Main Street in Providence.

Arthur Fenner's ancestor, Captain Arthur Fenner, was also a key figure. He lived from 1622 to 1703. Captain Fenner was part of the Town Council. He also worked with Roger Williams, who founded Rhode Island. Captain Fenner even fought in King Philip's War.

During the American Revolution, Arthur Fenner served as a soldier. In 1775, he was a lieutenant in Hitchcock's Regiment. He fought during the Siege of Boston. Later, in 1776, he became a captain. This was in Babcock's/Lippitt's Regiment of Rhode Island state troops. Before becoming governor, Fenner worked for many years. He was the clerk of the Court of Common Pleas.

Becoming Governor of Rhode Island

Arthur Fenner became governor of Rhode Island in 1790. He served until his death in 1805. He was still in office when he passed away.

A very important event happened right after he became governor. Rhode Island was the last of the thirteen original states to agree to the United States Constitution. This happened on May 29, 1790.

Here's how he became governor, according to a history book:

• In March 1790, there was a big disagreement in Rhode Island.
• People were arguing about whether to adopt the new U.S. Constitution.
• The current governor, Governor Collins, was not very popular.
• The Anti-Federalists wanted Arthur Fenner to be governor.
• On May 5, 1790, the general assembly officially made Fenner governor.
• They also chose Samuel J. Potter as deputy-governor.

The decision to join the United States was very close. The vote to adopt the Constitution was delayed until the end of May. On May 29, the vote was 34 to 32. This meant Rhode Island finally joined the Union! Governor Fenner was very well-liked. He continued to be elected governor until he died.

Key Events During Fenner's Time as Governor

Many important things happened while Arthur Fenner was governor:

• George Washington, the first U.S. President, visited Rhode Island in August 1790.
• The Providence Bank was started in 1791.
• The Weybosset Bridge was rebuilt in 1792.
• Work began on the Blackstone Canal in February 1796.
• President John Adams visited Providence in 1797.
• A large fire caused a lot of damage in Providence in January 1801.

Personal Life and Family

Governor Arthur Fenner married Amey Comstock. She was born around 1749 and passed away in 1828. Her father was Gideon Comstock from Smithfield, Rhode Island.

Arthur and Amey Fenner were members of the First Baptist Church in America in Providence. They had five children together:

• Arthur Fenner, Jr. (born 1766 – died 1837). He was a fifer in the military.
• Amy (born 1769 - died 1772). She passed away when she was three years old.
• James Fenner (born 1771 – died 1846). He also became Governor of Rhode Island. He served three times!
• Joseph (born around 1773 – died 1797). He passed away at age 24.
• Sally (born 1778 – died 1794). She passed away at age 16.

His son, James Fenner, became governor of Rhode Island just two years after his father's death. James served as governor from 1807 to 1811, from 1824 to 1831, and again from 1843 to 1845.