He kept a country store at Ridgebury CT, but moved to Yates, NY in 1848. In 1852 he moved to Providence RI. He then graduated at a mercantile institute in Boston MA. He then went West.
When the War of the Rebellion broke out he was instrumental in forming a military company of 800 men, and was appointed colonel. At the end of three months he returned to Pittsfield, IL, where he had married, and entered the quartermaster's department and was stationed at Columbus, KY. After the war he settled his wife and child at Cairo, IL.
In May 1866, he started with a train of five freight wagons, ambulance and light carriage, overland to California , evidently to establish branch stationery stores. On Jun 15 1866, he reached Denver CO. He there found that the Indians were very troublesome and a military escort would be required to proceed with safety. The company must be under military rule, with a captain. To this office he was elected, and reaching Central City, settled there.
On Nov 15 1867 Watson and his family started for the East, visiting the town of his birth, but returned in 1868 to Cairo IL. In Aug 1872, he sailed for Liverpool, England, returning the next year. In Mar 1873, he was appointed Commissioner from Colorado to the Vienna Exposition. In Feb 1875, he sailed to London, England, but returned to Cairo, and thence to Central City.
He then purchased a ranch at Boulder CO, but eventually returned to Denver. In 1881 he spent considerable time with his daughter Helen in Nantucket. In 1883 he bought another ranch south of Denver , sold it and removed from there to Arizona, residing there till 1892, when he retired from business. His residence in 1899 was Arvada, CO.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass — Richard Henry Howland Sr., 74, of Ashland Street, died Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007, at the Williamstown Commons.
He was born in Brandon, Vt., on Dec. 15, 1932, a son of the late Wendall Howland and Elizabeth (Gravel) Howland. He attended schools in Brandon. He was employed for many years at the General Cable Co. in North Adams and Williamstown. After his retirement he owned and operated a lawn care business. He loved bowling and fishing and helping people.
Survivors include three daughters: Debra Langenback of Stamford, Vt., Robin Howland of Williamstown and Laurie Burdick of Florida, Mass.; a son, Richard Howland Jr. of Clarksburg; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Lucretia Foley of Brushton, N.Y.
He was predeceased by two brothers: Robert Howland, his twin, and John Howland Sr.
At Mr. Howland's request there are no funeral services or calling hours. Memorial donations are suggested for the American Diabetes Association through the Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams, MA
Bennington Banner 15 Sep 2007.