The Life and Recollections of John Howland, Late President of the Rhode Island Historical Society

Providence: George H. Whitney, 1857. Cloth. Good. 348 pages. 8vo. Publisher's brown cloth with blindstamped decorations. Spine titles in gilt. Corners worn, head/tail of spine frayed, front joint starting at top. Book ticket of Jacob Babbitt, Jr. Bristol R. I. on front pastedown. Endpapers browned. Paper browned throughout, one signature proud. Cloth. Previous owner Jacob Babbitt, Jr.'s father was a Rhode Island silversmith, merchant and textile manufacturer.

"John Howland (1757-1854) was born in Newport, Rhode Island. He was apprenticed to a Providence barber at the age of 13, and fought in the Revolution. He eventually came to own his own shop. He was prominent in virtually every aspect of the city's life during the eighty-four years he resided there, including the Providence Institution for Savings, the Providence Association for Mechanics and Manufacturers, the First Congregational Church, the Town Council, the Association for the Promotion of Domestic Industry, the Peace Society, Providence Library Company and the Rhode Island Historical Society. He served as Town Auditor and Town Treasurer for a combined 29 years. Probably the most noteworthy of his achievements was his effort on behalf of public education. As he recollected later, "I did what Roger Williams never attempted or never had a disposition to do, I formed and brought into existence the public schools of this town...as every vote on the subject passed in town meeting was moved or written by me..." Howland married Mary Carlisle (1760-1845), and they had 13 children of whom only the following 5 survived infancy: Alfred (1790-1816), Penelope (Howland) Everett (1792-1869), Benjamin Russell (1793-1827), Janette (1801-1865, never married), and Mary Lyman?." (Rhode Island Historical Society).