CL 1 1896 Edward Harris (1801-1872) leading Woonsocket industrialist and philanthropist. Woolen manufacturer. Politically active as the first Liberty Party candidate for governor of Rhode Island. His abolitionist beliefs made him a strong supporter of the cause and led to his friendship with John Brown and Abraham Lincoln. His philanthropic contributions to the community included land for schools, churches, Oak Hill cemetery, and the creation of the Harris Library, the first free public library in the state, and the Harris Institute building on Main Street. Member of the RI Heritage Hall of Fame.

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