Alfred H. Littlefield

Alfred Henry Littlefield ( born April 2, 1829 in Scituate, Providence County, Rhode Iceland, † December 21, 1893 ) was an American politician and 1880-1883 Governor of the State of Rhode Iceland.

Early years and political rise

Alfred Littlefield worked in a weaving mill in Warwick. He then founded a company with his brother, the threads produced. In 1858 he took over another company. In the further course Littlefield was also a director of the First National Bank of Pawtucket, Pawtucket Gas Company and of its tram. In the militia of Rhode Iceland, he brought it to the Colonel.

Littlefield was first 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 town councilor in Lincoln. From 1876 to 1877 he was also a member of the House of Representatives of Rhode Iceland; in the years 1878 and 1879 he was a member of the State Senate.

Governor of Rhode Iceland

In 1880, Littlefield ran for the governorship. As no candidate reached the required absolute majority, the legislature had to determine the governor. This opted for Littlefield. After he was re-elected in the following years, he could officiate between 25 May 1880 and 29 May 1883 as a governor. As Governor, he worked on improving the education system of his state. He campaigned for the establishment of a vocational school for industrial workers. Also during his tenure, the boundary between Rhode Iceland and Massachusetts was finalized.

After the expiration of his term of office, Littlefield withdrew from politics. He went back to his numerous business affairs. Alfred Littlefield died on 21 December 1893., With his wife Rebecca Jane Northup he had four children.