Edwin Daniel

Background

Edwin Daniel McGuinness was born in Providence, Rhode Island on May 17, 1856, son of Bernard McGuinness and Mary Higgins, both Irish immigrants.

Education

He attended public schools, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University in 1877.

Career

McGuinness was elected city alderman of Providence (1889 – 1893). In the 1896 campaign, McGuinness carried every single election district in the city. Although he ran on the Democratic ticket, he was known for running a non-partisan administration.

A major issue during McGuinness"s terms as mayor was a conflict with the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company.

They had contracted to build rainsheds on their new station in Providence, but failed to fulfill this obligation. McGuinness refused to let the station open until the rainsheds were built.

lieutenant was said to be a bitter fight between the mayor and the railroad. Regrettably the political responsibility took a toll on his health and he suffered a nervous breakdown during his second term as Mayor.

McGuinness took ill in 1898, and even a trip south could not restore his health.

He died at his home in Providence on April 21, 1901 at the age of 45. He was buried in Saint Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket. In 2007 he was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame.

Achievements

• He ran for mayor in 1893 and was defeated by Frank F. Olney. He ran again in 1895 and won.