Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-01-14
Union and American.
THE LAMENTED COLONEL JOHN
SO X. HOWARD.

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c'4AvSieAfkD-i or 'A WH ExaErF
The name Of John X Howard, as il nov
stands enrolled unon the bloody annals of his
country iS Aione soiheie"' le :" sise iiiin ho-
torlety OF which the most ambitious might
be proud
Rut when life ;ssues we'll. we are some.
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Nineo c'iiiouS W Anu" 'Ne ii''ei hee'ia'e s'ets
which led to so glorious an end To CRAFTY
this curiosity, and stimulate others to emu
late the v;rt,,as Of C,ol Howard have h..,,
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n'uuceu W saDlii. W INC Puohc oriei OUT
line OF his early life and distinguishing traits
of character
John K. Howard was the eldest son OF
Jacob Howard, a native Of the city of Balti-
more, from whence, in early life, he emf
grated to Tennessee. and located in Jones'
boro, Washington county, where he after
wards intermarried with Judge Kennedy's
daughter, and where the subject of this obit-
uary notice was born.
! His early education was chiefly directed
by his mother, lady of fine literary attain
ments and pure christian piety.
The family, while Joha was small boy,
removed to Greeneyille, Tenn, where, for
many years, his father was engaged in mer-
chandizing.
He was successful, and bestowed every
care and attention within his reach upon the
education of his son. He was sent to the
primary schools in Greeneville, and then
entered at Greeneville College, where, for
several yaars, he remained, winning for HIM
self an enviable reputation for aptness and
amiabiiity His father then removed him,
and entered him at Dickinson College
Pennsylvania, where he continued for two
years, under the careful tuition OF Doctor
John p. Durbin.
At the close of this period, he returned
to Greeneville, q ripe scholar for his years.
But his parents ambitious of the opening
powers of their favorite son, determined to
push his education still further, and to spare
no pains to complete it, in the best institu-
tions of the age. In 1913, ne entered Tran
sylvania University, in Kentucky, and,
while there, he manifested remarkable
powers of elocution and strong desire to
enter political life So strong were these
traits of character, that he cast himself into
the political arena, and, though but boy in
1874. largely participated in the Presidential
contest of that year. His powers of popular
eloauence. combined with his zeal for Demo-
cratic principles, so attracted the attention
of President Polk, that, after his election, by
special invitation. he constituted him a
member of his private corteqe from his resi-
dence in Tennessee to Washington City.
He remained at Washington until after the
Inauguration, and then returned to the Uni
yersity, where he again quietly resumed his
collegiate labors, and, in the fall of 1916,
graduated with the first honors of his class.
This was proud period of his life. His
high literary attainments and universal
popularity among his fellow students, won
for him the distinguished honor of deliver
ing the yaledictory address, which he did
with such fervor and eloquence, as not only
to melt to tears the large and polite audience
before him, but to call down the warmest
public congratulations of the professors.
His father was present, having rode on horse
back a distance of more than two hundred
miles, to witness the closing exercises of the
day. Proud of his SON, he nevertheless
uttered no word of Joy, but calmly remarked
in reply to the euiogium of the professors,
that all uus lost, fta after life, he neglected The
pearl of great price"
In the fall or winter of 1876, young
Howard returned to Greeneville where he
soon after commenced the study of the law,
under the direction of the Hon. Robert j.
McKinny. He pursued it with his usual
alacrity and success. In 1S48, he obtained
license, and removed to Lebanon, Tennessee,
where he entered upon the practice with
every prospect of success. He did not, how
ever, in after life, parsue it with undivided
attention, having become engaged in other
pursuits which proved successful, and by
which connected with his profession, he was
enabled to obtain an ample, not to say, a
handsome estate. .f..tl
In his business relation, he was Just and
upright, at the same time prudent and
sugacious, benevolent and kind to the poor,
and generous and liberal in every public en-
terprise.
But the responsibilities of business and
cares of domestic life, did not diminish his
interest in public affairs. He never ceased
to give them the largest share of his atten-
ton. and while he did not seek Office, he was
ever ready at any sacrifice of time and
money. to advance the interests of his
country.
Asa politician he was a fayorite with his
party. A consistent, unswerving democrat,
ardent and open in the advocacy of his prin-
ciples. but courteous and respectful to all
his opponents. He did much by his pen
and in his public discussions to promote the !
interests of his party in the State In 1852,
he was member of the National
Convention at Baltimore, that nominated
Mr.. Pierce for the Presidency, and was
afterwards placed upon the Electoral ticket,
and canyassed large portion of the State
with the distinguished orator and statesman,
Gustayus A. Henry. In this canvass he
fully established his reputation as a power
f1l popular debater. Although but young
man. without anv political prestige, he fear
lessly met this distinguished orator, and won
new laurels in every contest. But the con-
test over and the victory won, unlike most
ambitious young men, he asked no other re-
ward than the proud consciousness of having
discharged his duty.
In 1856 he was again in the National Con-
yention at CINCINNATI and sustained the
nomination of Mr.. Buchanan, both in the
convention and in the after canvass, with
zeal and efficiency. In 1857, he wis nomi- |
mated as candidate for Congress in the |
Fifth Congressional District, but promptly |
declined it, on account of his own family, |
and the care and responsibilities of his ia |
thers. which recently before had been cast |
upon him by the sudden death of his father. |
In this laudable sacrifice Of private ambi- |
ton. he beautifully illustrated the true char |
acter of his heart. His domestic attractions