Thomas W. Bicknell

Thomas Williams Bicknell (September 6, 1834 – October 6, 1925) was an American educator, historian, and author.

When he returned to Rehoboth, serving as principal once again, he earned a master's degree from Brown University.

Rhode Island Governor Seth Padelford (Republican 1869–1873) selected Bicknell to be the Commissioner of Public Schools in 1869.

He was a gifted speaker and fundraiser who would triple the amount of money spent on public education; he also established a Rhode Island State Board of Education, oversaw the selection of school superintendents in every town and city in the state, dedicated over 50 new schoolhouses, and increased the school year from 27 to 35 weeks.

In the 1850s, Bicknell signed on to help settle the State of "Free Kansas" to prevent the spread of slavery.

On the way to Kansas, he was taken hostage by bandits on the Missouri River, but after two weeks as a prisoner, sharpshooters set him adrift.

Thomas W. Bicknell and others in front of John Clarke 's grave in Newport (from Bicknell's " Story of Dr. John Clarke" )