Joseph Howland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Howland
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|---|---|
| Born | December 3, 1834 New York City, New York |
| Died | March 31, 1886 (aged 51) Menton, Alpes-Maritimes, France |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  USA United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 16th New York Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Joseph Howland was an important person in American history. He was born in New York City in 1834 and died in Menton, France, in 1886. During his life, he was an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He also worked as a politician and helped many people through charity.
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Joseph Howland's Early Life
Joseph Howland came from a wealthy family in New York City. His family had become rich through shipping goods from China. His first American ancestor, John Howland, was one of the Pilgrim Fathers. He signed the Mayflower Compact in 1620. This document helped govern the early Plymouth Colony.
Joseph's parents were Samuel Shaw Howland and Joanna Esther Hone. His great-uncle, Philip Hone, was a famous diarist and mayor of New York City. The Howland family was very religious. Joseph even thought about becoming a minister. However, poor health stopped him from pursuing this path.
His health also meant he could not go to school or university. Instead, he was taught at home. He also traveled around Europe for several years to complete his education. Joseph's mother died when he was fourteen, and his father passed away when he was nineteen.
Marriage and Home
At 21, Joseph married Eliza Newton Woolsey from New York. She was one of seven sisters known for working to end slavery. The couple went to Europe and the Holy Land for their honeymoon. In Italy, they had two marble statues made of themselves. These statues are now in the Howland Public Library in Beacon, New York.
The Howlands returned to the United States in 1859. That year, Joseph bought a farm in Matteawan. He named his new home Tioronda. He hired an architect named Frederick Clarke Withers to design the main house. Joseph's great-uncle, Philip Hone, had helped start the first factory in Matteawan in 1814.
Serving in the Civil War
Joseph Howland's quiet life changed when the American Civil War began in 1861. He immediately joined the 16th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He served as the regiment's adjutant, helping the commander. When the commander was promoted, Joseph was chosen to become the new colonel.
Joseph fought in the First Battle of Bull Run in July 1861. This was one of the first major battles of the war.
Bravery at Gaines's Mill
Joseph Howland's time leading the 16th New York was short. On June 29, 1862, during the Battle of Gaines' Mill, he was directing his soldiers. A Confederate bullet hit him in the thigh. Despite his injury, he refused to leave his men. He stayed with them until the battle ended.
The official report from his regiment praised Howland's bravery. It said he showed "undaunted bravery and marked coolness." He stayed on his horse, riding along the lines. He gave orders and encouraged his men, even as bullets flew around him.
The report also said his wound would disable him for weeks. Sadly, this injury ended Joseph's military career. The wound and a fever made him too sick to serve actively again. He resigned as commander of the 16th New York.
Return to Duty and Promotion
Howland did return to duty briefly during the New York Draft Riots in 1863. These were the biggest city riots in American history. He helped civil and military leaders try to stop the chaos. Howland quickly organized a group of civilian volunteers. After the emergency passed, he went back to his civilian life.
On January 13, 1866, President Andrew Johnson honored Howland. He nominated him to be a brevet brigadier general of volunteers. This was for his courage at Gaines's Mill. The United States Senate approved this promotion on March 12, 1866.
Life After the War
After the war, Joseph Howland became the New York State Treasurer. He served from 1866 to 1867. He was elected as a member of the Republican party.
He also helped create Cornell University. He was important in organizing the Hudson River State Hospital for the Insane. Treating people with mental illness kindly was a big concern for him and his wife.
In Matteawan, Howland helped build the Presbyterian Church. He also helped create the public library that still has his name. Howland asked his brother-in-law, the architect Richard Morris Hunt, to design the library building. This building is now the Howland Cultural Center. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The library moved to a new location in 1976.
Howland also helped establish the National Bank at Fishkill-on-Hudson. He was the president of the Mechanics' Savings Bank of Fishkill-on-Hudson from 1866 to 1868.
In 1871, Howland bought property and turned it into Highland Hospital. He then gave the hospital to the town.
Later Years and Legacy
Joseph Howland died in Menton, France, on March 31, 1886. He was buried there. He and his wife, Eliza, did not have any children. After his death, Eliza Howland never returned to their home, Tioronda. She said the memories of her husband made it too hard to stay there. She died in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1917, at 82 years old. After her death, Tioronda became Craig House, a hospital for people with mental illness.
The writer Louis Stanton Auchincloss is Joseph Howland's great-grandnephew.
