Walter R. Danforth

Walter Raleigh Danforth (April 1, 1787 – August 11, 1861) was a jurist, journalist, and 4th mayor of Providence, Rhode Island 1853-1854.

Walter R. Danforth
Engraving
4th Mayor of Providence, Rhode Island
In office
June 1853 – June 1854
Preceded byAmos C. Barstow
Succeeded byEdward P. Knowles
Personal details
Born(1787-04-01)April 1, 1787
Providence, Rhode Island
DiedAugust 11, 1861(1861-08-11) (aged 74)
Providence, Rhode Island
Resting placeSwan Point Cemetery
Political partyDemocrat[1]
ResidenceProvidence, Rhode Island
Alma materBrown University
OccupationJournalist, politician

Early life

Danforth was born April 1, 1787 in Providence, Rhode Island,[2][3] son of Job Danforth.[4] He graduated from Brown University in 1805.[2][3] He studied law.[2]

Careers

Danforth was clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for Providence County from 1807 to 1818 in the Court of Common Pleas.[2]

In 1820 he entered journalism as editor and joint owner of the Providence Gazette newspaper.[2][3] As a journalist, he became known for his wit and political satire.[1] The Gazette often supported the Federalists.[3] He was also affiliated with the publications the Microcosm, the Express, and the Republican Herald.[3]

Danforth was an ardent supporter of President Andrew Jackson, who appointed him Collector of Customs in Providence from 1829 until his retirement in 1841.[3] Danforth left retirement in 1853 to become mayor for a single term, and after that he was elected to a single term in the General Assembly.[3]

Danforth was also a historian and lecturer on the history of Providence.[1] He also led the Providence Association of Mechanics and Manufacturers, which is now known as the Board of Trade and Chamber of Commerce.[1]

Danforth died at his home in Providence August 11, 1861[2] and was buried at Swan Point Cemetery.[5]

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References
  1. "Mayors of the City of Providence". The City of Providence website. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
  2. Greene, Welcome Arnold (1886). Providence Plantations for 250 Years. Providence, Rhode Island: J.A. & R.A. Reid. pp. 103–104.
  3. "Obituary". The New York Times. 17 August 1861. p. 5.
  4. Emery, Samuel Hopkins (1893). History of Taunton, Massachusetts: From its Settlement to the Present Time. D. Mason & Company. p. 194.
  5. Walter R. Danforth at Find a Grave
Political offices
Preceded by
Amos C. Barstow		 Mayor of Providence
1853-1854		 Succeeded by
Edward P. Knowles
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