Thomas Arthur Doyle (March 15, 1827 – June 9, 1886) was mayor of Providence for three intervals (each made up of one-year terms): 1864–1869; 1870–1881; and from 1884 until his death in office in 1886. His eighteen years in office was the longest until Mayor "Buddy" Cianci,^[1] over 100 years later.

Early life

Thomas Arthur Doyle was born March 15, 1827 in Providence, Rhode Island to Thomas Doyle and Martha Jones. The family was of Irish Protestant heritage.^[4] He was one of seven children, among them his sister, educator and reformer Sarah Doyle. Their father died when Thomas was young.

He attended Elm Street Grammar School, a public school. At age 14 he joined the counting-room of Benjamin Cozzens Esq., a lawyer, manufacturer, and calico printer. Doyle clerked there and at a few other jobs, including cashier, stockbroker, and real estate auctioneer.

Political career

Doyle began his political career in 1848, aged 21, when he was elected ward clerk for the Sixth Ward. In 1852 he was elected to the common council from the Fifth Ward. Doyle also served on the school committee, at one time being the youngest member of the committee.

Tenure as mayor

Doyle is considered by some historians^[2][3] and even was regarded in his lifetime to have been one of Providence's greatest mayors. During his tenure Providence grew from "a large manufacturing village" to a "little metropolis". Doyle was instrumental in leading Providence to become a modern city.^[16][4]

Doyle was known for his individuality. He had a reputation for being straightforward and opinionated. At one time or another he alienated everyone from Democrats to Republicans to taxpayers to the press to city departments, often advocating unpopular policies. His relationship with the city council was often stormy; they were said to be in "hearty disagreement on almost everything" and he often exercised the veto power. He spent a lot of money, increased debt, and raised taxes. Yet he earned respect for being honest and running an administration free from corruption.

Some specific achievements of his terms of office included:

• Construction of Providence City Hall was completed in 1878^[16]
• Introduction of a uniformed police force, which became a model for other cities
• Introduction of a fire alarm signal system in December 1870^[16]
• Construction of a municipal water system which drew water from the Pawtuxet River was introduced in December 1870^[16]
• A comprehensive sewer system, which emptied into the river and harbor, was begun in 1872^[16]
• The school system was improved and expanded, and many schoolhouses built, including the high school in 1878^[16]
• Acquisition of Roger Williams Park through donation (1871)
• The city population grew from 54,000 to 120,000^[16]
• The city took on large amounts of debt
• Doyle began a complete makeover of railroad approaches to Providence, including eliminating grade crossings and constructing a much larger Union Station. These efforts were not completed until after Doyle's death.^[4]

Personal life

In 1869, he married Almyra Sprague, sister of Senator William Sprague. They had no children. His house at 137 Chestnut Street, Providence, stands today.^[5]

Doyle was a member of the Unitarian church. He was also an enthusiastic Mason. He was made a Master Mason in 1857, and was elected to various statewide Mason offices including Knights Templar.

Death, memorial, and burial

Doyle died while in office, at his house on Wednesday June 9, 1886.^[7]

On Saturday the 12th, his body was escorted by the First Light Infantry from his home to City Hall, where he lie in state. Thousands of people came to the City Hall to silently pay their respects.^[7] Doyle is believed to be the last mayor to be honored with a wake at City Hall until Buddy Cianci, 130 years later.^[8]

Recognition

• A statue of Doyle by Henry Hudson Kitson^[16] was erected in 1889 in Cathedral Square, near the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul.^[9] It was moved in 1967 to the intersection of Broad and Chestnut Street.^[6]
• Doyle Avenue, on Providence's East Side, was named for him.^[9]
• Doyle was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 2004.^[2]

References