Dorr, Thomas Wilson

born Nov. 5, 1805, Providence, R.I., U.S.

died Dec. 27, 1854, Providence

U.S. politician.

From 1834 he served in the Rhode Island legislature, where he tried to introduce constitutional reform to expand white manhood suffrage. In 1841 he organized the People's Party, which held elections and installed Dorr as governor in 1842. The existing government refused to recognize his authority, labeling the action "Dorr's Rebellion." The state had two governments until 1844, when Dorr was tried for treason; though given a life sentence, he was released in 1845.

* * *

▪ American politician

born November 5, 1805, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.

died December 27, 1854, Providence

      American lawyer and constitutional reformer in Rhode Island who led the Dorr Rebellion (also known as Dorr's Rebellion) in 1842.

      As a member of the state legislature (from 1834), Dorr failed in his reform efforts. In 1841 he organized the People's Party, which called a convention, adopted a new constitution, held elections, and, on May 3, 1842, installed Dorr as governor. The preexisting government did not recognize him, and Rhode Island for a time had two administrations. Minor armed clashes occurred. Tried for treason, Dorr was sentenced (1844) to life imprisonment, but he was released a year later.

* * *