William R. Staples

[1] Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Staples graduated from Brown University in 1817, and was admitted to the bar in 1819.

[2] In 1832 he was a member of the Common Council of Providence, and later served for two years as Justice of the Police Court.

He was the author and compiler of several works upon subjects connected with the early history of Rhode Island.

At the request of the General Assembly, he prepared a history of the State Convention of 1790 which adopted the Federal Constitution.

After holding the office for two years, he resigned as of March 7, 1856, due to health issues.