Thomas Wilson Dorr facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Wilson Dorr
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| 16th Governor of Rhode Island (extralegal) |
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| In office May 1, 1842 – January 23, 1843 Along with Samuel Ward King |
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| Lieutenant | Byron Diman |
| Preceded by | Samuel Ward King |
| Succeeded by | Samuel Ward King |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 5, 1805 Providence, Rhode Island |
| Died | December 27, 1854 (aged 49) Providence, Rhode Island |
| Resting place | Swan Point Cemetery, Providence, Rhode Island |
| Signature |  |
Thomas Wilson Dorr (born November 5, 1805 – died December 27, 1854) was an American politician. He was a reformer in Rhode Island. He is most famous for leading a big event called the Dorr Rebellion. This rebellion was about getting more people the right to vote.
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Who Was Thomas Wilson Dorr?
Thomas Wilson Dorr was born in Providence, Rhode Island. His parents were Sullivan and Lydia (Allen) Dorr. His father was a successful businessman. He owned part of a factory called Bernon Mill Village. Thomas's family was well-known in society.
He went to Phillips Exeter Academy when he was a boy. After that, he studied at Harvard College. He graduated in 1823. Then, he moved to New York City to study law. He became a lawyer in 1827. After that, he returned to Providence to work.
Why Did Dorr Want Change?
Dorr started his political career in 1834. He was elected as a representative in the Rhode Island General Assembly. He soon became worried about who could vote.
At that time, many white men could not vote. They had to own a certain amount of land to vote. Also, areas with fewer people had more power in the state government. This was because seats were given based on towns, not how many people lived there. This meant big cities had less say.
Why Was Voting So Limited?
After the American Revolution, many states changed their rules. They made it easier for people to vote. But Rhode Island was different. It still used its old rules from the 1600s. These rules said you had to own land to vote.
By 1840, more than half of the adult white men in Rhode Island could not vote. This was because they did not own land. Also, 19 towns had more than half of the government seats. But these towns only had about 3,500 voters in total. The whole state had 108,000 residents. Many people lived in bigger cities but had less power.
It was also hard for people without land to get help from the law. For example, they couldn't easily sue someone for debt. More and more people did not own land. This was due to the Industrial Revolution and new people moving from Ireland.
The Fight for Voting Rights
In 1840, a group called the Rhode Island Suffrage Association was formed. They wanted to fix these problems. Thomas Wilson Dorr became a leader in this group.
The state government refused to change the old rules. The old rules also did not allow citizens to create a new state constitution. So, Dorr's group, called the "People's Party," took action. They held their own meeting. They wrote a new constitution. Then, they asked the people to vote on it.
About 14,000 people voted for the new constitution. Less than 100 voted against it. More than 4,900 of those who voted for it were already legal voters. So, it seemed a majority of people, even legal voters, approved this new plan.
But the existing state government said these actions were not legal.
What Happened Next?
The state government then decided to call its own meeting. They wrote a new constitution. They asked the people to vote on it. This new constitution offered most of the changes Dorr and his group wanted. But it was voted down by a small number of votes.
By this time, feelings were very strong. Dorr's group had already started their own government. They elected their own state leaders, with Dorr as governor.
Two Governors in Rhode Island
In May 1842, Rhode Island had two governments. Both had held elections. Both claimed to be the real government. Dorr's group did not try to take over the state house.
Both governors made official announcements. Governor Samuel Ward King was from the "Law and Order" party. He asked the US government in Washington, DC, for help. Dorr went to Washington to explain his side to President John Tyler. But he did not get any help there. He returned to Rhode Island.
Dorr's Difficult Time
Meanwhile, Governor King declared martial law. This meant the military was in charge. He offered a US$5,000 reward to catch Dorr. Many of Dorr's followers were arrested. Many of Dorr's supporters left him. Dorr had to leave the state on May 18, 1842.
There was a failed attack on the Providence arsenal. Dorr's father and younger brother were actually helping defend it. After this, the rebellion started to fall apart.
Dorr came back for a short time in June. He had a small group of helpers from New York. He gathered his followers in Chepachet. Governor King sent the state militia to Chepachet. Dorr's followers knew they would lose if they fought. So, they broke up and went home. Dorr had to find safety in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
What Happened After the Rebellion?
Dorr returned to Providence in October 1843. He hoped a new, fairer constitution would protect him. But he was arrested. The old government wanted to punish him.
Dorr was put on trial for treason. This means being disloyal to your state or country. He was found guilty. He was sentenced to solitary confinement and hard labor for life. He went to prison on June 27, 1844.
Many people were very upset about this punishment. In 1845, the government passed a law to forgive many people. Dorr was released after serving twelve months. In 1851, he got his full rights back as a citizen. In 1854, the government tried to cancel his conviction. But the state court said they couldn't.
Dorr's health was not good after his time in prison. He lived quietly until he passed away.
Even though he faced challenges, his hard work paid off. In 1843, a third constitution was written. The people approved it. This new constitution gave all men the right to vote. Today, Rhode Island's government recognizes Dorr's efforts. They include him in their list of governors.
Images for kids
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An old picture called "The four traitors." It shows people who supported Dorr.
