Robert Livingston Beeckman
| Robert Livingston Beeckman | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| 52nd Governor of Rhode Island | |
|
In office January 5, 1915 – January 4, 1921 |
|
| Lieutenant Governor | Emery J. San Souci |
| Preceded by | Aram J. Pothier |
| Succeeded by | Emery J. San Souci |
| Member of the Rhode Island Senate | |
|
In office 1912–1914 |
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| Member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives | |
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In office 1902–1912 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
April 15, 1866 New York City, New York |
| Died | January 21, 1935 (aged 68) Santa Barbara, California |
| Resting place | Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Sleepy Hollow, New York |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Eleanor Thomas Edna Marston Burke |
| Residence | Newport, Rhode Island |
| Profession | Stockbroker |
Robert Livingston Beeckman (April 15, 1866 – January 21, 1935) was an American politician and the 52nd Governor of Rhode Island.
Beeckman was born on April 15, 1866 in New York City, New York. His family ancestry can be traced back to Dutch settlers of New Amsterdam dating to 1654. His ancestors include Robert Livingston the Elder, Declaration signer Philip Livingston and "The Chancellor" Robert Livingston.
His family owned the financial firm Lapsley Beeckman & Co. When Beeckman was young, his family moved to Newport, Rhode Island. He left school at the age of sixteen to become a stockbroker.
At the age of 16 Beeckman began his career at a stock brokerage firm in New York. At age 21, Beeckman became one of the youngest ever members of the (from 1887–1906). By 1616, he retired from the brokerage business. After this time, he was a member of the board of directors of several corporations, including the Industrial Trust Company, the Newport Trust Company, the International Silver Company, and the Newport Casino.
Beeckman played in the finals of the 1886 United States National Tennis Championships in Newport. He lost to defending champion Richard Sears. The score was 4-6, 6-1, 6-3, 6-4.
Beeckman's first political office was a Rhode Island state Representative in the General Assembly from Newport, from 1902 to 1912. He was a state Senator from 1912 to 1914. He was elected the governor of Rhode Island in 1914. He held the governor's office from January 5, 1915 to January 4, 1921.
During his administration, Beeckman pushed for reforms in State institutions including hospitals, prisons, and insane asylums, established an inheritance tax, and established a state Parole Board. He was the governor during the First World War. He visited Rhode Island troops on the battlefield in France and pushed for state appropriations to provide for dependent families of servicemen.
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