Son of Warren Ladd who compiled the Warren Ladd book.

This is taken from that book.

Herbert Warren Ladd, Gov. b: 15 October 1843 in New Bedford, Bristol Co., MA d: 29 November 1913 in Providence, Providence Co., RI

. Apon finishing school he entered the wholesale dry goods business. He then took a job with the paper, New Bedford Mercury, and achieved success covering the account of the rebel forces with the steamers Merrimac and Mississippi from Boston to NC. The first sunday paper ever published in New England, outside of Boston was an extra Mercury which young Ladd got out to announce the battle of Fredericksburg. He returned to the dry goods business in 1864. In 1871 he went into the retail dry goods business with a Mr. Davis, the firm being Ladd & Davis. He had his own company in 1889, H. W. Ladd & Co.

He was vice-president of the Board of Trade, and director in the Atlantic National Bank of Providence.

He was elected Governor of the state of RI on the Republican ticket, May 28, 1889, and held office for one term. During his term he entertained at his summer home in Newport, Pres. Benjamin Harrison, and ex-pres. Grover Cleveland.

He gave to Brown University, an observatory fully equipped with instruments and apparatus for astronomical research and study, which was named for him.

Submitted by:  Bernice Ladd Harrelson
Jan 2002