Rhode Island Historical Society

FENNER, James, a Senator from Rhode Island; born in Providence, R.I., January 22, 1771; received a classical education and graduated from Brown University, Providence, R.I., in 1789; elected as a Democratic Republican to the United States Senate and served from March 4, 1805, to September 1807, when he resigned to become Governor; Governor of Rhode Island 1807-1811, 1824-1831, 1843-1845; delegate to the State constitutional convention in 1842 and served as president; retired to his estate, “What Cheer,” near Providence, R.I.; resided there until his death on April 17, 1846; interment in North Burial Ground, Providence, R.I.