George William Howlan

George William Howlan, born on May nineteenth, eighteen thirty-five in Wexford, Ireland, was a prominent figure in the political and business landscape of Prince Edward Island. He immigrated to Nova Scotia with his family in the late eighteen thirties, eventually settling in Prince Edward Island in eighteen thirty-nine. Howlan received his education in Charlottetown and began his career as a clerk in a local store in eighteen fifty.

After moving to Cascumpec, later known as Alberton, he initially worked for a Boston merchant before establishing his own business. His political career began when he was elected as a Liberal member representing the 1st Prince in the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island from eighteen sixty-three to eighteen seventy-three. During this time, he also served on the Executive Council from eighteen sixty-seven until eighteen seventy-three.

Howlan's political journey took a turn in eighteen seventy when he shifted his support to the Conservative party after facing opposition from the Liberal caucus regarding separate schools. Although he initially opposed Confederation, he later recognized the necessity of railway development in the province, which ultimately influenced the island's decision to unite with Canada. In eighteen seventy-three, he was appointed customs collector in Charlottetown.

In the same year, Howlan was appointed to the Senate of Canada, where he served until eighteen ninety-four. He faced electoral challenges, including an unsuccessful run for the House of Commons in eighteen seventy-three and again in eighteen ninety-one. However, he was reappointed to the Senate later that year. Howlan's personal life saw him marrying Elizabeth Olson in eighteen sixty-six and later Mary E. Doran in eighteen eighty-one after the passing of his first wife. He also represented Prince Edward Island in discussions in England regarding a potential tunnel connecting the island to the mainland.

George William Howlan passed away in Charlottetown in nineteen oh-one, leaving behind a legacy as a dedicated public servant and influential businessman.