Josias Howe facts for kids

Josias Howe was an English church leader who lived from about 1611 to 1701. His father, Thomas Howe, was also a church leader in a place called Grendon-Underwood in Buckinghamshire.

Howe once shared an interesting story. He said that the famous writer William Shakespeare got the idea for a character named Dogberry from a police officer in Grendon.

Early Life and Education

Josias Howe began his studies at Trinity College, Oxford University, in 1632. He was chosen as a scholar, meaning he was a talented student. He worked hard and earned his first university degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in 1634.

He continued his studies and received a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in 1638. In 1637, he was chosen to be a fellow of his college. This meant he was a senior member of the university, often involved in teaching and research.

Royal Sermon and Recognition

Around 1644, Howe gave a sermon, which is a religious speech, to King Charles I. This sermon took place at Christ Church, Oxford. The king was so impressed that he ordered it to be printed.

It is believed that only about thirty copies of this special sermon were printed. They were printed in red ink at a press in Oxford. Howe's preaching was very popular at the royal court in Oxford.

Challenges and Later Life

In 1646, Josias Howe earned another degree, a Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.). However, during a time of political change in England, he faced difficulties. In 1648, he was removed from his position at the university. This happened because he did not appear before a group called the parliamentary visitors.

When the political situation changed again in 1660, Howe was able to get his job back at Trinity College. He continued to live and work there until he passed away on August 28, 1701.

Howe was also known for writing short poems that praised the works of other writers. He wrote such poems for the books of Thomas Randolph in 1638 and for William Cartwright's collection of plays and poems in 1651.