Alfred H. Littlefield

Alfred Henry Littlefield

Alfred Henry Littlefield (born April 2, 1829 in Scituate , Providence County , Rhode Island , † December 21, 1893 ) was an American politician and governor of the state of Rhode Island from 1880 to 1883 .

Early years and political advancement

Alfred Littlefield first worked in a weaving mill in Warwick . Then he and his brother founded a company that manufactured threads. In 1858 he took over another company. Littlefield later also became a director of the First National Bank of Pawtucket , the Pawtucket Gas Company and the local tram. He made it to the Colonel in the Rhode Island militia.

Littlefield was initially a member of the Whig Party . After its dissolution in the 1850s, he joined the newly formed Republican Party . Between 1873 and 1877 Littlefield was a Lincoln town councilor . From 1876 to 1877 he was also a member of the House of Representatives from Rhode Island ; in 1878 and 1879 he was a member of the State Senate .

Governor of Rhode Island

In 1880 Littlefield ran for governor. Since no candidate achieved the required absolute majority, the legislature had to appoint the governor. This decided on Littlefield. After he was re-elected in the following years, he was able to serve as governor between May 25, 1880 and May 29, 1883. As governor, he worked to improve his state's educational system. He campaigned for the establishment of a vocational school for industrial workers. Also during his tenure, the border between Rhode Island and Massachusetts was finally determined.

After the end of his term, Littlefield withdrew from politics. He returned to his numerous business affairs. Alfred Littlefield died on December 21, 1893. He had four children with his wife, Rebecca Jane Northup.

Web links

• Alfred Littlefield in the National Governors Association (English)
• Alfred H. Littlefield in the database of Find a Grave (English)