Edward Wing Howland, Esq.

Edward W. Howland became keeper of the Clark's Point Light in early 1835, replacing his father, Capt. Cornelius Howland, who had recently died at 77.

source: "Clark's Point Light"

History

EDWARD WING HOWLAND son of Cornelius and Rhoda (Wing) Howland, was born in New Bedford Dec. 29, 1804, and died there Jan. 19, 1879. With his brother Cornelius and also with his nephew, George Barney, he engaged in the whale fishery and owned and fitted vessels, amassing a large property. For many years he was a director in the Marine Bank, and its successor, the First National, eventually becoming its president. He was also a trustee of the New Bedford Institution for Savings. Mr. Howland served his town and city as an overseer of the poor and in the city council, being a member of the first board of aldermen. The almshouse on Clarks Point was built under his supervision. He held an influential and commanding position in the Society of Friends; represented the New England Yearly Meeting on the committee in charge of the Friends School in Providence; aided in establishing the Friends' Freedmen's School in Washington, D. C. ; and devoted much of his time and means to work among the Indians. He had a fine residence at the northeast corner of Sixth and Madison Streets. Mr. Howland married (1) Minerva Ellison, daughter of James Ellison of Nine Partners, N. Y., born Aug. 13, 1809, died Sept. 27, 1837; (2) her sister, Gulielma M., widow of Dr. Bennett Wing, born 1810, died Dec. 6, 1874. The second marriage was performed at the Astor House, New York, by the mayor of that city.

Source: "The Howland Heirs, by William M. Emery"