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Benjamin Franklin Howell
Benjamin Franklin Howell.jpg
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New Jersey's 3rd district
In office
March 4, 1895 – March 3, 1911
Preceded by Jacob Augustus Geissenhainer
Succeeded by Thomas J. Scully
Personal details
Born January 27, 1844
Cedarville, New Jersey
Died February 1, 1933(1933-02-01) (aged 89)
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Political party Republican
Profession Politician

Benjamin Franklin Howell (born January 27, 1844 – died February 1, 1933) was an important American politician. He was a member of the Republican Party. Howell represented New Jersey in the United States House of Representatives. He served in Congress for many years, from 1895 to 1911.

Who Was Benjamin Franklin Howell?

Benjamin Franklin Howell was a key figure in American politics. He served his home state of New Jersey. His work in Congress helped shape laws for the country. He was known for his long service.

Early Life and Learning

Benjamin Franklin Howell was born in Cedarville, New Jersey. He went to local schools. Later, he graduated from Fort Edward Institute in New York. When he was 18, he joined the Twelfth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers. This was in 1862, during the American Civil War. He served in the army until the war ended.

After the war, Howell started working in business. He worked in South Amboy, New Jersey, starting in 1865. He became part of the Township Committee. This group helped manage the local town. He also served as the Surrogate of Middlesex County from 1882 to 1892. A surrogate handles important legal documents like wills.

Howell was also involved in banking. He was the president of the People's National Bank of New Brunswick. He was also the vice president of the New Brunswick Savings Institution. He helped start the First National Bank of South Amboy. This bank is now known as Amboy Bank.

Serving in the U.S. Congress

Benjamin Franklin Howell was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He was a Republican. He served for eight terms, from March 4, 1895, to March 3, 1911. This means he was a Congressman for 16 years.

During his time in Congress, he led an important group. He was the chairman of the Committee on Immigration and Naturalization. This committee worked on laws about people coming into the country. He held this role from 1903 to 1911.

In 1910, he tried to be re-elected but did not win. He also attended the 1896 Republican National Convention. This was a big meeting where the Republican Party chose its candidate for president. From 1907 to 1910, he was a member of the United States Immigration Commission. This group studied immigration issues.

Later Life and Legacy

Benjamin Franklin Howell passed away at age 89. He died at his home in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on February 1, 1933. He was buried in Christ Cemetery in South Amboy, New Jersey. He is remembered for his long service in government and his work in business.

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