Volney Howard facts for kids
Volney Erskine Howard (born October 22, 1809 – died May 14, 1889) was an important American lawyer and statesman. He also served as a judge. He lived during a time when the United States was growing and changing a lot. Howard played a role in the history of several states, including Mississippi, Texas, and California.
Contents
Volney Howard's Life and Career
Early Life and Law Studies
Volney Erskine Howard was born in Oxford County, Maine, on October 22, 1809. His father, Richard Howard, was a successful farmer. When Volney was 22, he traveled to Mississippi. There, he began to study law. He soon started his own law practice in Brandon, Mississippi.
Political Roles in Mississippi
Howard quickly became involved in politics. In 1836, he was a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives. This group helped make laws for the state. He also worked as a reporter for the supreme court of Mississippi. This meant he wrote down the court's decisions. Howard also edited a newspaper called the Mississippian. In 1840, he ran for a seat in the U.S. Congress but did not win.
Moving to Texas
Later, Volney Howard moved to Texas. At that time, Texas was its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. When Texas joined the United States, Howard was chosen for an important job. In 1846, he became the first Attorney General of the State of Texas. This role meant he was the state's chief legal officer. He served in this position for about six months. From 1849 to 1853, he represented Texas in the U.S. Congress. He served for Texas's District 2.
Life in California
After his time in Congress, Howard moved to California. President Franklin Pierce appointed him as an attorney for the Land Commission of California. This commission dealt with land claims. Howard resigned after a few months to work as a lawyer in San Francisco.
In 1856, he was appointed Adjutant General of California. This was a military leadership role. He took over after William Tecumseh Sherman resigned. At this time, a group called the San Francisco Committee of Vigilance was very powerful. Howard tried to stop them, but his efforts were not successful.
Later Years and Judgeship
After this, Howard moved to Sacramento in 1858 to continue practicing law. He later decided to leave northern California. He had made many opponents while fighting the vigilantes. In 1861, he moved to Los Angeles. There, he served two terms as District Attorney, from 1864 to 1867.
Later in his life, Howard became a judge. He was one of the first judges of the Los Angeles Superior Court, starting in 1879. He served only one term as a judge due to his health. He had two sons who were also lawyers. His son, Frank H. Howard, became the city attorney of Los Angeles. Volney Howard was even considered for a seat on the United States Supreme Court. However, he declined because his health was failing.
Legacy
Volney Erskine Howard passed away in Santa Monica, California. He was first buried in Los Angeles. Later, his remains were moved to an unknown location when the cemetery was closed. Howard County, Texas was named in his honor.
