Rowland Hazard papers (MSS-0089)

Biographical/Historical Note

Born April 4, 1763, to “College Tom” Hazard (1720-1798) and Elizabeth Robinson Hazard, Rowland Hazard was a prominent member of one of Rhode Island’s most influential families. He engaged in shipping in Charleston, South Carolina, with John Robinson and Peter Ayrault until around 1800, when he returned to Rhode Island, purchased a textile mill, and began manufacturing cotton and wool linseys. He made significant contributions to the growing Rhode Island textile industry, including the introduction of the carding-machine and the implementation of a profit-sharing plan for mill workers. In 1793, he married Mary Peace, daughter of Isaac Peace and Elizabeth Gibson Peace. They had nine children, including Elizabeth, Joseph P., Isaac P., Rowland G., and Thomas R. Hazard. The latter part of his life was spent in Pleasant Valley, New York, where he died July 1, 1835.