William Gregory was an American

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

 politician, the 46th Governor of Rhode Island.

Gregory was born in Astoria, Long Island, New York on August 3, 1849. He had a successful career in business and later served as President and Director of Wickford National Bank, Director of two Providence banks, and Chairman of the Board of State Charities and Corrections.

Gregory was the governor of Rhode Island from May 29, 1900 to December 16, 1901. During his administration, the state constitution was amended to move the capital from Newport

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is a city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States, about south of Providence. Known as a New England summer resort and for the famous Newport Mansions, it is the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War...

 to Providence

Providence, Rhode Island

Providence is the capital and most populous city of Rhode Island and was one of the first cities established in the United States. Located in Providence County, it is the third largest city in the New England region...

. The new marble State House was opened in Providence, and Gregory became the first governor to occupy it. Gregory was an active member of the Freemasons.

He died on December 16, 1901.

Sources

• Sobel, Robert and John Raimo. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978. Greenwood Press, 1988. ISBN 0-313-28093-2