Caleb Carr (governor) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Caleb Carr
Governor Caleb Carr grave medallion
16th Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
In office 1695–1695
Preceded by	John Easton
Succeeded by	Walter Clarke
Personal details
Born	9 December 1616 London, England
Died	17 December 1695 Newport, Rhode Island
Resting place	Carr Family Burying Ground, Newport (cemetery later moved to Jamestown)
Spouses	Mercy Vaughn Sarah (Clarke) Pinner
Occupation	Commissioner, Assistant, Deputy, Governor

Caleb Carr (born 1616 – died 1695) was an important leader in the early Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. He even served as governor for a short time before he passed away. When he was 19, in 1635, Caleb sailed from England to America with his older brother, Robert. They traveled on a ship called the Elizabeth and Ann.

Caleb Carr's Early Life and Public Service

Caleb Carr's name first appeared on a list of free citizens in Newport in 1655. He started working in public service a year before that, in 1654. His first role was as a commissioner, helping to manage the colony's affairs.

Roles in Colonial Government

Caleb Carr held several important jobs in the Rhode Island colony's government:

• He was a commissioner for six years between 1654 and 1662.
• He served as a deputy for 12 years, from 1664 to 1690. A deputy was like a representative for the people.
• When he wasn't a deputy, he worked as an assistant for a total of ten years.
• From 1677 to 1678, he was a justice in the colony's courts. This meant he helped make legal decisions.

Land and Business Interests

Between 1658 and 1663, Caleb Carr bought large areas of land on Conanicut Island. This island later became the town of Jamestown. After his death, he left this land to his sons. Caleb also owned a boat. In 1671, he was paid for using his boat to help with various services.

Governor of Rhode Island

Caleb Carr became the governor of the Rhode Island colony in 1695. This was a very important job! During his time as governor, he received a request from Governor Fletcher of New York. Governor Fletcher asked for 48 men from Rhode Island to help defend New York. Governor Carr agreed to send the men or offer other help.

Sadly, Governor Carr passed away later in 1695. He was buried in a family cemetery in Newport. After his death, Walter Clarke became the new governor.

Caleb Carr's Family

Caleb Carr had a large family with 13 children. He had nine children with his first wife, Mercy Vaughn. Three of these children died when they were young. He then had four more children with his second wife, Sarah Clarke. Sarah was the daughter of Frances Latham and former colonial President Jeremy Clarke. She was also the widow of John Pinner.

Images for kids

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  Governor Caleb Carr grave medallion