Fred Howland '87, Trustee Emeritus
With the death of Fred Arthur Howlnad '87, Trustee Emeritus, in Montpelier, Vt., on March 30 Dartmouth lost one of its grand old men and the State of Vermont one of its outstanding citizens.
Fred Howland was born in Franconia, N. H., November 10, 1864, the son of Moses and Sylvia Ann (Shipman) Howland. He attended Phillips Academy at Andover. In college he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Alpha Delta Phi and was one of the founders of Casque and Gauntlet.
Immediately after graduation Mr. Howland began the study of law with W. P. Dillingham, U.S. Senator, and in 1892 became his law partner. In 1903 he became counsel for the National Life Insurance Co. in Montpelier, Vt., and thus began his long association with that company. He was made vice president in 1909 and president in 1916. In 1937 he became chairman of the board of directors and served until his retirement in 1950 at the age of 85. During the 47 years of his association with the National Life Insurance Co. the assets of the company tripled and the insurance-in-force more than doubled. In the words of his colleagues on the Board, "His executive capacity, his sound business judgment, all tempered with an innate graciousness, equipped him well for the responsibilities he carried through the years."
Fred Howland was recognized as one of the leading citizens of Vermont and in recognition of this both the University of Vermont and Middlebury College conferred the degree of LL.D. on him. In conferring Middlebury's degree President Stratton said, "Skilled and prudent administrator of enterprises both private and public, sagacious counselor, kindly scholar and public spirited citizen, you have earned the profound respect and affection of the people of your adopted state." He had served Vermont as clerk of the House of Representatives, 1896 state's attorney for Washington County, 1896-98; Secretary of State, 1898-1902; chairman of the committee to revise the banking laws, 1910; member State Board of Education, 1920-23; emergency commissioner of finance following the flood in November, 1927; chairman Vermont delegation to Republican National Convention, 1924.
Besides his service to his own company and to his state he was director of numerous granite companies, railways, banks, and of the Vermont Historical Society, the Wood Art Gallery and the state library. An ardent fisherman, an expert card player and golfer, a baseball and football fan, he belonged to numerous clubs and organizations.
With all his time-consuming activities Fred Howland always had time for Dartmouth and it is the memory of his long years of service which the College will always cherish. A member of the Alumni Council, 1913-19, a Trustee, 1922-32, and Emeritus Trustee until his death, Dartmouth expressed its "pride in his sonship" by conferring on him the honorary LL.D. degree in 1933. A man of large stature and natural dignity, Fred Howland always had been, in an effortless way, close to the hearts and minds of his friends and associates.
On September 24, 1894, Mr. Howland married Rena Forbush who died on October 24 of that year. On February 1, 1899, he married Margaret Louise Dewey, granddaughter of the founder of the National Life Insurance Co. Mrs. Howland died in June 1952. He is survived by four daughters: Susan of Montpelier; Mrs. Paul Sample (2O) of Norwich, Vt.; Mrs. Edwin Clark of New York City and Mrs. William Mansfield of Cheshire, Conn.
Funeral services were held at the home on April 2, followed by a memorial service at Christ Episcopal Church in Montpelier.
FRED ARTHUR HOWLAND '87
