Dresden Howard facts for kids
Colonel Dresden Winfield Huston Howard (1817 – 1897) was an important American leader from Ohio. He lived in a town called Winameg in Fulton County, Ohio. He was known as a "statesman," which means he was a skilled and respected leader in government.
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Life and Contributions
Dresden Howard was born on November 3, 1817, in Dresden, New York. When he was just three years old, his family moved to Fort Meigs in Ohio.
Working with Native Americans
Howard became a negotiator between the U.S. government and the Odawa Native American tribe in northwest Ohio. He often spoke up for the Odawa people. He even named the first county seat of Fulton County, Ottokee, Ohio, after a local Odawa chief. Howard also became the first president of the Fulton County Historical Society.
Helping Others and Serving Ohio
Dresden Howard played a role in the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom in Ohio and other places. He also served as a Senator for the state of Ohio, helping to make laws and decisions for the state.
The Council Oak Story
Dresden Howard died on November 9, 1897, in Winameg. He was buried near his home and close to the tomb of Chief Winameg of the Odawa tribe. A special historical marker in Winameg tells an important story about him and a famous tree.
The Council Oak Tree
From about 1692 to 1992, a huge White Oak tree grew in Winameg. It became known as the Council Oak. This tree was 75 feet tall and 5 feet wide when it was fully grown. Many important meetings took place under its branches between 1800 and 1840. These meetings often involved the Potawatamie people.
Two well-known people who met under this tree were Chief Winameg and a young American named Dresden Howard. Dresden lived on the farm where the tree stood. Because he knew the Potawatamie language and their customs, Dresden helped the U.S. government talk with the Potawatamie. He later became known as "Colonel" Howard.
The Council Oak tree became sick and was cut down on May 27, 1992. A part of the tree was carved into a life-sized statue. This carving shows Dresden Howard and Chief Winameg. You can see it at the Sauder Village in Archbold, Ohio. Both Chief Winameg and Dresden Howard are buried on the property where the Council Oak once stood.
Remembering Dresden Howard
Today, Dresden Howard is remembered in the Fulton County community. The life-sized carving of him at Sauder Village helps people learn about his important work.
