James Bruen and Lida Gordon Howell

James B. Howell: A Life of Civic Duty and Public Service

Written by Erika Berrett

Early Life and Education

James B. Howell was born on July 4, 1816, near Morristown, New Jersey. His family relocated to Newark, Ohio, in 1819, where he later graduated from high school. Influenced by his father, Elias Howell, a prominent Ohio politician, James pursued higher education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, graduating in 1837. He then studied law under Judge Hoeking H. Hunter and was admitted to the Ohio state bar in 1839, starting his law practice in Newark.

Venture into Iowa and Journalism

Seeking a healthier environment due to his frail constitution, Howell moved to Keosauqua, Iowa, in 1841. His interest in politics led him to purchase and edit the Des Moines Valley Whig, dedicating his efforts to journalism and public discourse. By 1849, he had moved his newspaper operations to the burgeoning town of Keokuk, renaming it the Gate City Daily. Howell's editorials consistently opposed slavery and promoted the ideals of the burgeoning Republican Party.

Political Career  

A staunch supporter of the Republican Party, Howell was deeply involved in its formation in Iowa and attended the 1856 Republican National Convention. Although often a candidate for office, he only briefly served as a U.S. Senator from January 1870 to March 1871, completing the term of James W. Grimes. Not seeking reelection, he continued to impact public policy through his editorial work and community involvement.

Postmaster and U.S. Senator

Howell served as the postmaster of Keokuk from 1861 to 1866, a role intertwined with political and community engagement during the tumultuous Civil War period. Despite being physically unable to serve in the military due to a crippling accident, he remained a fervent advocate against the Confederacy.

Later Contributions and Death

Appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant, Howell served as a commissioner on the Court of Southern Claims from 1871 until 1880. This role involved adjudicating compensation claims from Southerners who had provided supplies to the Union army during the Civil War. His decisions often reflected his stern views on loyalty and restitution. James B. Howell died on June 17, 1880, in Keokuk and was buried in Oakland Cemetery, leaving a legacy of dedication to justice and community service.

Legacy

Howell's life exemplifies a commitment to public service and civic responsibility. His contributions as a journalist, politician, and commissioner have left indelible marks on both Iowa and the broader United States, standing as a testament to his belief in a just and equitable society.

Sources:

1. "National Cyclopaedia of American Biography: Volume 9," James T. White and Company, 1899.

2. Dan Elbert Clark, "History of Senatorial Elections in Iowa," State Historical Society of Iowa, 1912.

3. [Biographical Directory of the United States Congress](https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/h000864).

4. [University of Iowa Press](https://uipress.lib.uiowa.edu/bdi/DetailsPage.aspx?id=186).

Philanthropist and Educator: The Life of Lida Gordon Howell

Written by Erika Berrett

Early Life and Education

Lida Gordon Howell was born on August 5, 1858, in Iowa City, Iowa, into a family deeply rooted in public service and leadership. The daughter of James B. Howell, a U.S. Senator and federal judge, and Mary Ann Bowen Howell, Lida was raised in an environment that valued education, civic duty, and intellectual pursuit. Her grandfather, General Jesse Bowen, had been a prominent figure in Iowa’s military and political scene, serving as a state senator and Adjutant General of Iowa. This rich family legacy would shape Lida’s own contributions to her community.

Lida grew up in Keokuk, Iowa, where her father became publisher of the Daily Gate City newspaper. As a young woman, Lida was sent to France for finishing school, where she mastered the French language, a skill that would later prove valuable during World War I.

Impact on the Community

Despite never marrying, Lida played a significant role in both her local community and on a broader stage. Her ability to speak French was put to use during World War I when a group of Keokuk boys was preparing to go to France. Lida taught them French, equipping them with a crucial skill for their journey and demonstrating her dedication to helping those in need. This small but significant act showed her deep commitment to the people of Keokuk and highlighted her unique ability to bridge the local and the global.

Lida was also a prominent figure in civic organizations in Keokuk. She was a founding member and first vice president of the Keokuk Civic League, established in 1912. The league aimed to improve the city's public affairs and civic conditions. Under her leadership, the league organized initiatives such as the city's annual "clean up" day and a garden contest involving over 300 school children. Lida's work with the Civic League reflected her belief in civic responsibility and her desire to see her community flourish.

Life at 329 Franklin Street

Lida spent her later years at the home her family rebuilt at 329 Franklin Street, Keokuk. This house, once constructed of stones from a razed building, became a symbol of the Howell family’s enduring presence in the city. Her life at Franklin Street reflected the combination of private reflection and public engagement that characterized her existence.

Legacy and Final Years

Lida Gordon Howell passed away on May 22, 1946, at the age of 87, and was buried in Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk. Throughout her life, she embodied the values of her illustrious family—scholarship, civic duty, and compassion. Her unique combination of worldly education and local commitment left a lasting impact on Keokuk, from teaching young soldiers French to improving the city's infrastructure.

Lida Howell’s legacy continues to inspire those who learn of her life, demonstrating that even those who operate behind the scenes can leave an indelible mark on their community and the world. A portrait of Lida is on display in the basement of St. John’s Church in Keokuk.

Sources:

• "Mrs. James B. Howell," IAGenWeb.

• Goodbye My Keokuk Lady, Raymond Garrison.

• Story of Lee County Vol. 1 (1914).