William M. Rodman


William Mitchell Rodman was a tailor and 7th mayor of Providence, Rhode Island 1857-1859.

Early life

Rodman was born June 19, 1814 in Newport, Rhode Island. Young William attended the school taught by his father, a Quaker school-master. At age 16, he moved to Providence to become a tailor's apprentice with the firm E.C. & T. Wells.

Career

Wells were the leading tailors of Providence. Starting from about 1850, Rodman teamed with Sullivan Moulton to form the tailoring firm of Moulton and Rodman, located first in the Arcade, then at 27 Westminster Street. Their customers included some of the most prominent people of Providence.
Rodman was a member of the school committee and City Council before being elected to two consecutive terms as mayor 1857-1859. After his political career, Rodman went into the insurance business.
Rodman died at his home in Providence on December 11, 1868 and was buried at Swan Point Cemetery.