Richard Ward (governor)

Richard Ward (1689 – August 21, 1763) was a governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, serving from 1741 to 1742. He was born in Newport, Rhode Island, the son of Samuel Ward and grandson of John Ward, an early settler and colonial leader.

Ward held several significant positions prior to becoming governor. He served as Attorney General of Rhode Island from 1712 to 1713, and then as Secretary of the Colony from 1714 to 1733, a position he held for nearly two decades. He was a prominent figure in colonial Rhode Island politics and society.

During his one-year term as governor, Ward focused on matters of colonial governance and boundary disputes with neighboring colonies. While his term was relatively short, he played a role in shaping Rhode Island's policies and defending its interests.

Following his term as governor, Ward remained active in public life. He served as a deputy to the General Assembly and continued to contribute to the political discourse of the colony. He died in Newport in 1763 and was buried in the Common Burial Ground. He was the father of Samuel Ward, who also served as Governor of Rhode Island and was a delegate to the Continental Congress.