Person:Richard Howland (2)

Richard Greene Howland, was born in Centerville, town of Warwick, R. I., September 19, 1840, and died while visiting his son at Saranac Lake, N. Y., August 20, 1907. He began business life as his father's assistant at the homestead, then engaged in mill work at River Point, R. I., under Stephen Harris, and in 1868 became assistant superintendent of the Hope Company at their Hope and Phenix mills, succeeding Samuel G. Allen as superintendent, holding the position until his death. Both mills prospered under his management, and both were kept on a high plane of modern efficiency.

He was president of the Phenix Trust Company, president of the Pawtuxet Valley Railroad Company, of which he was one of the builders and organizers, president of the Pawtuxet Valley Water Company, director of the Hope Webbing Company, and interested financially in both mills which he superintended. He was active and prominent in Republican affairs, in 1870 and 1884 represented his district in the General Assembly, and was a member of the Republican State Central Committee for several years, up to the time of his death.

Probably no man in the Pawtuxet Valley was held in higher esteem than he. His sense of honor was acute, and his word was never questioned. He was beloved by those who knew him well, and was recognized by all as a man of sterling character. Mr. Howland married (first) Isabelle Allen, daughter of Samuel G. and Isabella M. F. Allen. She died in 1884. Mr. Howland married (second) in 1886, Alice Sisson, of Warwick. Children of first marriage: Richard A., Anne, Alice M., Daniel, of further mention, and Abigail Susan.

1. ↑ American Historical Society, Inc., 1920. The History of the State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations: Biographical. (Pages 118-20).