Gilbert F. Robbins

Gilbert F. Robbins was the mayor of Providence, Rhode Island from 1887 to 1889.

Gilbert F. Robbins
Official portrait in Providence City Hall
14th Mayor of Providence, Rhode Island
In office
June 9, 1886 – January 7, 1889
Preceded byThomas A. Doyle
Succeeded byHenry Rodman Barker
Personal details
Born(1838-08-26)August 26, 1838
Burrillville, Rhode Island
DiedSeptember 27, 1889(1889-09-27) (aged 51)
Providence, Rhode Island
Resting placeSwan Point Cemetery
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)Susan Olive Arnold Whipple
Known forMayor of Providence, Rhode Island
Signature

Early life

Gilbert F. Robbins was born in Burrillville, Rhode Island, to a family of farmers. He attended public schools until age 17, at which time he attended the academy at East Greenwich, where he studied "good hand-writing and ... book-keeping."[1] Upon finishing his studies, he joined brother-in-law Serril Mowry's ready-made clothing business. The firm, Mowry, Robbins & Company, was successful.[1]

Robbins was interested in politics and rose through the ranks. He was elected to the Common Council from the 7th Ward in 1879, then to the General Assembly. By 1883 he was president of the Board of Aldermen.[1]

Mayor of Providence

As president of the Board of Aldermen, Robbins became acting mayor of Providence upon the death of Thomas A. Doyle.[1][2] He won re-election in 1887 and 1888.

During his tenure, he oversaw construction of a cable car tramway on Providence's East Side and electrification of city streets.[3]

Personal life

Robbins married Susan Olive Arnold Whipple, daughter of Manning Arnold, of Burrilville, in 1866. They had no children.[2] He was a Freemason and Universalist.[2]

He died on September 27, 1889 of heart failure and is buried at Swan Point Cemetery.[2][3]

References
  1. Greene, Welcome Arnold (1886). The Providence Plantations for 250 Years. Providence: J.A. & R.A. Reid. p. 106.
  2. Bayles, Richard Mather (1891). History of Providence County, Rhode Island. Providence, Rhode Island: W. W. Preston. pp. 736–737.
  3. "Gilbert F. Robbins" (Informational display in Providence City Hall). 2014-06-19. Retrieved 24 June 2014. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
Political offices
Preceded by
Thomas A. Doyle		 Mayor of Providence
1886-1889		 Succeeded by
Henry Rodman Barker
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