Edmond Patrick Talbot

Edmond Patrick Talbot (1884–1951) was a Canadian-born American politician who served as Mayor of Fall River, Massachusetts, and Sheriff of Bristol County, Massachusetts. He was the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts in 1926.

Early life Talbot was born on April 21, 1884, in Tingwick, Quebec, to Charles and Celina Vital Talbot.

In 1922, Talbot was again the Democratic nominee for Mayor of Fall River. In the general election he faced Republican Thomas N. Ashton, who defeated Kay in the primary. Kay's defeat aided Talbot, as Kay had been able to attract a number of French-Canadian supporters who would now support Talbot.

During his tenure as mayor, Talbot established the infant and maternal welfare commission, which established led to the creation of six clinics and a $40,000 appropriation for prenatal care and instruction for mothers. He also advocated for the abolishment of city's police commission, which was appointed by the governor (only Boston and Fall River had police heads appointed by the governor).

Run for Lt. Governor In 1926, Harry J. Dooley and Joseph B. Ely competed for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor. On August 28, Dooley dropped out of the race and endorsed Ely, the candidate endorsed by party leadership, which would allow for more geographically balanced ticket. As Dooley did not exit the race before the August 13 deadline for withdrawals, his name remained on the ballot, however it was believed that Dooley's support of Ely would result in Ely easily winning the primary. Dooley ended up winning the primary, but refused the nomination as did Ely, who believed the means to be an embarrassment. Talbot was offered and accepted the nomination for lieutenant governor. Party leadership hoped that Talbot would help the ticket attract votes from the state's 75,000 to 80,000 French-speaking residents, 75% of which were believed to be Republican supporters. Talbot lost to Republican Frank G. Allen 57% to 40%. Talbot did not receive as large of a vote as expected and there was no evidence that he had been able to bring any French-Canadian voters to the Democratic ticket.

Return to city government In 1928, Fall River switched to a Plan D Charter, which replaced the mayor-alderman form of government with a city manager-city council form of government. Talbot was elected mayor by 981 votes and the "Talbot slate" of candidates won a majority on the council. He was defeated for reelection by councilor Daniel F. Sullivan 18,326 votes to 16,457. Talbot's slate also lost all but one seat on the council.

Sheriff of Bristol County On February 4, 1931, Governor Joseph B. Ely appointed Talbot to succeed the deceased Isaac P. L. Willetts as sheriff of Bristol County. He ran for a full term in 1932, but lost to Republican Patrick H. Dupuis 51% to 49%.

Later life In 1934, Fall River switched back to a Plan A form of government and Talbot once again ran for mayor. He lost to city manager Alexander C. Murray. Talbot and Murray faced each other a second time in 1936 and Murray won again.

In 1944, Talbot was the Democratic nominee for the United States House of Representatives seat in Massachusetts's 14th congressional district. He lost to Republican incumbent Joseph W. Martin Jr. 62% to 38%.

In 1949, Talbot lost to incumbent Fall River mayor William P. Grant 24,588 votes to 19,393.

Talbot died in 1951 in Fall River.