Francis M. Dimond
| Francis M. Dimond | |
|---|---|
Official portrait in the RI State House
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| 23rd Governor of Rhode Island | |
| In office July 20, 1853 – May 2, 1854 |
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| Preceded by | Philip Allen |
| Succeeded by | William W. Hoppin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 6, 1796 Bristol, Rhode Island |
| Died | Script error: The function "death_date_and_age" does not exist. |
| Resting place | Juniper Hill Cemetery |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Martha Stanton Gould |
| Residence | Bristol, Rhode Island |
| Profession | Politician, Railroad man |
Francis M. Dimond (June 6, 1796 – April 12, 1859) was an American politician and the 23rd Governor of Rhode Island.
Biography
Dimond was born in Bristol, Rhode Island on June 6, 1796. During his youth, he traveled to the Caribbean and served for several years (1832-1835) as the United States consul at Port-au-Prince.
Later, Dimond became a United States Consul to Mexico. The knowledge he acquired there proved invaluable during the war with Mexico. During the war with Mexico, he was called to Washington to provide information that would help in the attack on Vera Cruz. After the battle, the United States Army occupied the area. At the tame, Dimond served as an official interpreter for General Winfield Scott. He also became a collector of the Port of Vera Cruz.
When he returned to Rhode Island, he promoted the Southern Pacific Railway and presided over its construction. He was elected lieutenant governor of Rhode Island in 1853. He became the governor of Rhode Island when Philip Allen resigned to become a Senator. He held the governor's office from July 20, 1853 to May 2, 1854. He was unsuccessful in his re-election bid. He died on April 12, 1859. Dimond was buried in the Juniper Hill Cemetery.
Francis M. Dimond House
In 1838, pre-eminent architect Russell Warren designed a home for Dimond on Hope Street in Bristol.[1] It was one of a set of three Greek Revival houses designed by Warren within 50 feet of each other.[1] Dimond's house was the most expensive of the three, and Dimond went bankrupt and sold it the year it was finished.[1] The home still stands in Bristol.
References
External links
Sources
- Sobel, Robert and John Raimo. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978. Greenwood Press, 1988. ISBN 0-313-28093-2
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island 1853 |
Succeeded by John J. Reynolds |
| Preceded by | Governor of Rhode Island 1853–1854 |
Succeeded by William W. Hoppin |
