Elisha Dyer
| Elisha Dyer | |
|---|---|
Official Rhode Island State House portrait by James Sullivan Lincoln
|
|
| 25th Governor of Rhode Island | |
|
In office May 26, 1857 – May 31, 1859 |
|
| Lieutenant Governor | Thomas G. Turner |
| Preceded by | William W. Hoppin |
| Succeeded by | Thomas G. Turner |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
July 20, 1811 Newport, Rhode Island |
| Died | May 17, 1890 (aged 78) |
| Resting place | Swan Point Cemetery |
| Political party |
Whig Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Anna Jones Hoppin |
| Children | Elisha Dyer, Jr. |
| Residence | Providence, Rhode Island |
| Alma mater | Brown University |
| Profession | Merchant |
| Religion | Episcopalian |
Elisha Dyer (July 20, 1811 – May 17, 1890) was an American politician and the 25th Governor of Rhode Island.
Dyer was born in Providence, Rhode Island on July 20, 1811 to an old New England family which traced its Dyer ancestry back to William Dyer who came to Boston in 1635 from London. Dyer's father was an extensive real estate owner also named Elisha Dyer, and his mother was Francis Jones.
Elisha Dyer entered Brown University at age fourteen, and graduated in 1829. After completing his studies, he worked in his father’s mercantile business, Elisha Dyer and Co.
Dyer married Anna Jones Hoppin, daughter of Thomas C. Hoppin, at the Beneficent Congregational Church in Providence, on October 8, 1833. Anna came from a political family; her grandfather was Governor William Jones and her cousin was Governor William W. Hoppin. Elisha and Anna had seven children, one of whom, Elisha Dyer, Jr. also became Governor.
Dyer was a member of the Episcopal Church, and attended the Grace Church in Providence.
During his life, he was variously associated with the Temperance Party, the Whig Party, and the Republican Party. For example, he was a member of the Whig State Convention in 1851-1855.
In 1840, Dyer was elected Adjutant General of Rhode Island. He held that position for five years. He then served on the Providence School Committee for over a decade.
He served as the governor of Rhode Island from May 26, 1857 to May 31, 1859, as a Republican.
During the Civil War, Dyer was the captain of Company B of the 10th Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry. He served on active duty from May 23 to September 1, 1862 in the defenses of Washington, D.C.
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