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American politician From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jabez Comstock Knight (July 31, 1815 – April 6, 1900) was mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, for five terms, 1859-1864.
Jabez Comstock Knight | |
---|---|
8th Mayor of Providence, Rhode Island | |
In office June 6, 1859 – June 5, 1864 | |
Preceded by | William M. Rodman |
Succeeded by | Thomas A. Doyle |
Personal details | |
Born | Centerville, Rhode Island | July 31, 1815
Died | April 6, 1900 84) | (aged
Resting place | Swan Point Cemetery |
Political party | Republican |
Residence(s) | Providence, Rhode Island, Newport, Rhode Island (summers) |
Known for | Mayor of Providence, Rhode Island |
Knight was born in Centerville, Rhode Island.[1] His family moved to Providence in 1830, when he was 15.[1] He was employed by cotton merchants Orray Taft & Co.
He became Paymaster General for Rhode Island for 24 years, and was on the board of trustees of the Providence Reform School[1] He was a trustee of Butler Hospital for 35 years.[1] Knight was a member of the Providence Common Council, representing the Fourth Ward, 1849-1852. He was elected to the Providence Board of Aldermen for the Sixth Ward, 1854-1858.[2]
In May 1859 Knight ran for mayor against a Democratic opponent. He won 1,835 votes to 1,100. He then ran four more times unopposed, then declined nomination for a sixth term.[2]
As Mayor, Knight demolished the Town House on Benefit Street that served as police station, and opened a new Central Police Station on Canal Street in April 1861. Knight introduced horse-drawn streetcars in Providence in 1863.[2]
Knight served as mayor during the Civil War. During this time Providence industries provided uniforms, blankets, biscuits, rifles, and tools to the Union war effort.[2]
Knight married Catherine A. Taft on September 28, 1842, and had three daughters.
In the 1880s, Ex-Mayor Knight spent his summers at a cottage in Newport, Rhode Island, on Bellevue Avenue.[3][4][5]
Knight died on April 6, 1904, and is buried at Swan Point Cemetery.
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