Samuel Ward King facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel Ward King
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| 15th Governor of Rhode Island | |
| In office May 2, 1839 – May 1, 1843 |
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| Lieutenant Governor | Byron Diman |
| Preceded by | William Sprague III |
| Succeeded by | James Fenner |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 23, 1786 Johnston, Rhode Island |
| Died | January 20, 1851 (aged 64) Providence, Rhode Island |
| Resting place | King family plot, Johnston, RI |
| Political party | Whig |
| Spouse | Catherine Latham Angell |
| Profession | Physician |
Samuel Ward King (born May 23, 1786 – died January 20, 1851) was an important American politician and a doctor. He served as the 15th Governor of Rhode Island from 1839 to 1843. During his time as governor, Rhode Island faced a big challenge known as the Dorr Rebellion.
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Who Was Samuel Ward King?
Samuel Ward King was born in Johnston, Rhode Island, on May 23, 1786. He grew up in a time when the United States was still a very young country. He became well-known for both his work as a doctor and his career in politics.
Early Life and Education
Samuel King came from a family with a long history in Rhode Island. His family had lived there for many generations. Not much is known about his early schooling, but he later went on to study medicine.
Becoming a Doctor
After his studies, Samuel King became a physician. Doctors in the early 1800s played a very important role in their communities. They helped people with all sorts of illnesses and injuries. Being a doctor meant he was a respected member of society.
Entering Politics
Samuel King eventually decided to get involved in politics. He believed in serving his community in a different way. He joined the Whig Party, which was one of the two main political parties in the United States at that time.
What is a Governor?
A governor is the leader of a state. It's like being the principal of a very big school, but for an entire state! The governor helps make sure laws are followed and that the state runs smoothly. They work with other politicians to improve life for everyone in the state.
The Whig Party
The Whig Party was a major political party in the United States from the 1830s to the 1850s. They believed in things like a strong national government and supporting businesses. Samuel Ward King was a proud member of this party.
Governor of Rhode Island
Samuel Ward King became the Governor of Rhode Island on May 2, 1839. He served four one-year terms, ending his time in office on May 1, 1843. His time as governor was very important because of a major event called the Dorr Rebellion.
The Dorr Rebellion Explained
When Samuel King was governor, Rhode Island had very old voting laws. Only men who owned a certain amount of land could vote. Many people, especially those who didn't own land, felt this was unfair. They wanted all adult men to have the right to vote.
A man named Thomas Dorr led a movement to change these laws. He and his supporters wrote their own constitution. They even tried to set up their own government. Governor King and the official government believed this was against the law.
This disagreement led to a tense situation known as the Dorr Rebellion. It was a time of great political unrest in Rhode Island. Governor King had to make tough decisions to keep order and uphold the existing laws. Eventually, the movement led to changes in Rhode Island's constitution. More people were given the right to vote. This showed how important it was for states to update their laws over time.
Later Life and Legacy
After his time as governor, Samuel Ward King continued to live in Rhode Island. He passed away on January 20, 1851, in Providence, Rhode Island. He is remembered as a governor who guided Rhode Island through a challenging period in its history. His actions helped shape the future of voting rights in the state.
