US Senator. Born on a Wednesday to Continental Congressman David Howell and his wife Mary Brown. Received a private school education and graduated from Brown University in 1789, where he was a classmate of future 13-year Governor of Rhode Island James Fenner. Admitted to the bar and practiced law in Providence in 1793. Was a Brigadier General in the State Militia. In 1816 he was elected to be Senator from RI. Serving during the 12th, 13th and 14th Congresses from 1811 to 1817. The council was deadlocked on this election between him and James Burrill Jr. at 41 votes apiece. The deciding vote was cast by his former Brown University classmate and then present Governor of Rhode Island James Fenner. While in the Senate he voted in the negative, the minority, for declaring war on Great Britain resulting in the War of 1812. Was the first chairman of the Committee on Pensions. Married his second cousin Martha Brown in Providence on October 17, 1793 and would have 10 children, half of which died at a young age. Survived the 1800 Yellow Fever outbreak.
US Senator. Born on a Wednesday to Continental Congressman David Howell and his wife Mary Brown. Received a private school education and graduated from Brown University in 1789, where he was a classmate of future 13-year Governor of Rhode Island James Fenner. Admitted to the bar and practiced law in Providence in 1793. Was a Brigadier General in the State Militia. In 1816 he was elected to be Senator from RI. Serving during the 12th, 13th and 14th Congresses from 1811 to 1817. The council was deadlocked on this election between him and James Burrill Jr. at 41 votes apiece. The deciding vote was cast by his former Brown University classmate and then present Governor of Rhode Island James Fenner. While in the Senate he voted in the negative, the minority, for declaring war on Great Britain resulting in the War of 1812. Was the first chairman of the Committee on Pensions. Married his second cousin Martha Brown in Providence on October 17, 1793 and would have 10 children, half of which died at a young age. Survived the 1800 Yellow Fever outbreak.
Bio by: Matthew Fatale
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