Harland Bradley Howe


Harland Bradley Howe was a United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Vermont.

Education and career

Howe was born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, on February 19, 1873, the son of Worcester C. Howe and Rosaline Howe. He was educated in Caledonia County, Vermont, and graduated from Lyndon Institute. Originally trained as a harness maker, he contracted polio which left him unable to perform such demanding physical labor. He began to study law with an attorney in LyndonVille, Vermont, and afterwards attended the University of Michigan Law School. Unable to continue his studies after the first year because his funds were exhausted, he returned to Vermont and set up a collection agency in the law offices of Henry C. Bates, and the fees he earned enabled him to return to school. Howe received a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Michigan Law School in 1894, passed the bar and became an attorney. He was in private practice in St. Johnsbury from 1894 to 1915. A Democrat, in 1904, he was an unsuccessful candidate for the United States House of Representatives, losing to Kittredge Haskins. He was a member of the Vermont House of Representatives in 1908. In 1912 and 1914 he was the unsuccessful Democratic candidate for Governor of Vermont, losing to Allen M. Fletcher and Charles W. Gates.

Federal judicial service

Howe was nominated by President Woodrow Wilson on February 19, 1915, to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of Vermont vacated by Judge James L. Martin. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 22, 1915, and received his commission the same day. He assumed senior status due to a certified disability on January 31, 1940. His service terminated on July 31, 1945, due to his retirement. He resided in Burlington, Vermont during his service and remained in Burlington after his retirement.

Family

In 1900, Howe married Maybelle Jane Kelsey. In 1931, he married Elizabeth Crump Johnson. Howe was the father of four daughters.

Death

Howe died in Burlington on April 22, 1946, and was buried at St. Johnsbury Center Cemetery.

Honors

Howe received an honorary LL.D. from Norwich University in 1930.