John H. Howe (judge) facts for kids

John Homer Howe (born September 12, 1822 – died April 3, 1873) was an important American judge. He served as the top judge, known as the Chief Justice, for the Wyoming Territorial Supreme Court from April 6, 1869, to October 14, 1871. He is especially remembered for his efforts to allow women to serve on juries.

Early Life and Legal Career

John Homer Howe was born in Riga, New York. He started his career as a lawyer in Ohio. Later, he moved to Kewanee, a town in Henry County, Illinois. There, he became a very well-known lawyer. He even became a Circuit Judge, which is a type of judge who travels to different courts.

A Judge in the Army

In 1862, while still working as a judge, Howe joined the Union Army during the American Civil War. He started as a captain in the 124th Illinois Infantry Regiment. Soon after, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He actually led his regiment during their time serving the country. Howe was recognized for his bravery and skill during the Vicksburg campaign, an important part of the war. In 1865, he was given the honorary title of Brevet Brigadier General. After the war ended, he went back to being a lawyer. People often talked about him possibly running for Congress.

Leading Justice in Wyoming

On April 6, 1869, President Ulysses S. Grant chose John Homer Howe to be the Chief Justice of the Wyoming Territory. All the representatives from Illinois in Congress strongly recommended him for this important job.

Women on Juries

In 1870, the Wyoming Territory made history by giving women the right to vote. As the Chief Justice, Howe believed this also meant women could serve on juries. Juries are groups of citizens who listen to court cases and decide if someone is guilty or innocent. Howe strongly encouraged women to join juries.

Thanks to his efforts, Wyoming had the first "mixed" juries, meaning they included both men and women. Howe thought that having women on juries would make court proceedings more fair and polite. He also believed it would give women more power to deal with legal problems that affected them. However, some male lawyers did not like this idea. Eventually, the judge who took Howe's place changed this policy.

Later Life and Legacy

John Homer Howe resigned from his position as Chief Justice on October 14, 1871. Later, he was appointed as a secretary for a special group. This group was working to solve a disagreement about the border between the United States and Mexico.

Howe passed away in Laredo, Texas. He was buried in Kewanee, Illinois.