Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-12-18
From the Portland Daily Press.
Joseph HO,Cdrd.

Il ICcS Alob CNCIi1S ahAONaNNN ~ NN~NN ~
Hon. Joseph Howard at Brownheld yester-
day afternoon. 1t was simply stated that
he started from his brothers house after
dinner for a short walk and was found
dead by the roadside. Up to late hour
his relatives had received no further par
ticulars. Yesterday morning he was in
his usual health and told his son-in-law,
Judge Cleaves, that he thought of making
a short visit to Brown6eld, where his
brother lives, and Fryeburg. According
ly with the intention he left by the morn
ing train over the Ogdensburg. He seems
to have reached his brothers in good
health, and there is little doubt that he
died without warning from an attack OF
heart disease, from which he has suffered
at times within the past year or two.
Seventy-seven years ago last May IN
the town where his life has so suddenly
ended Judge Howard was born. His
fathers name was Joseph Howard, APRON
inent man in his day, and for several terms
a representative to the General Court of
Massachusetts,. Judge Howard received
a collegiate education and was graduated
at Bowdoin College in 1921 in the same
class with William Cutter, son Of the late
Mayor Levi Cutter, DR.. John Barrett and
Rev. Charles SOule. He chose the pro-
fession of the law and studied under the
tutelage Of Hon. Judah Dana of Frye
burg, and Gov. Enoch Lincoln. He was
admitted to the Bar in Oxford County in
1924, and commenced practice at Bridg-
ton, but remained there only six months
when he removed to Limerick, where he
remained twelve years. For ten success
i've terms he held the office of county at
torney OF York county. In 1887 he re-
moved to Portland where he has since re-
sided. On the election Of Mr.. Van Bu-
rem to the presidency he was appointed
United States District Attorney for Maine,
and held the Office for several years. In
1888 he formed a copartnership with the
late II. n. Osgood, which was terminated
by the death of the latter in lS43 In
1874 he associated himself with Judge
George f. Shepley, which firm continued
till his appointment to the Supreme Bench
by Gov. Dana in lS4S. Judge Howard
remained on the bench one term seven
years On retiring he formed partner
ship with Sewall G. Strout Esq, and the
firm of Howard & Strout continued till
1864 when Mr.. Strout withdrew and
Nathan Cleavcs succeeded, forming the
firm Of Howard & Cleavcs which has ex-
listed to the present time under the same
style. Another member, Henry B Cleaves,
Esq, was added to 1t several years since.
In 1860 Judge Howard was elected May
or of Portland on the Democratic ticket
and served one term In 1864 and 1868
he was the Democratic candidate for
Governor. For 4 number of years he
was president of the Cumberland Bar,
being honored again and again by his as
sociates by reelection. Several years
since he travelled in Europe with Bishop
Nicely.
In 1896 Judge Howard married Maria
Annette Dana, daughter Of Hon. Judah
Dana of Fryeburg. She died in March,
1867. Two sons and two daughters were
born to them, Two children only are
living-Mrs, Maria A Burgess, wife OF
Rev. DR.. Burgess of Springfield, and Rev.
Henry B. Howard of Pottsdam. The
eldest son, Joseph Dana Howard, died
some time since in New York, and Mrs.
Cleaves died in Augusta in February,
1875.
Judge Howard possessed to a remlrka-
bic degree those traits of body and mind
which 90 to make up the ideal of man
hood. In person he was tall and grace
full. To the last day of his life his car
riage was erect, his step firm and elastic,
and but for his silyery hair aud beard one
would scarcely believe he had past the
allotted three score years aud ten. His
manners were such as his elegance Of per
son indicated-aifable and courtly. He
had all the true pride Of the gentleman,
but was entirely free from anything like
superciliousneSS. He treated every one
with respect and commanded the respect OF
every one. His character was singularly
kindly and lovable. He was fond-as
with a feeling of kinship-of all beauti-
full things. The study Of flowers was a
favorite occupation with him and ne knew
all the secrets OF nature in her floral de.
yelopments. Children were his friends
and the young were always sure ola cor
dial word and benignant smile from this
sweet-natured gentleman. Young lawyers
received kindly consideration, and more
than one will have today swelling of the
heart and moistening of the eye as he re
members the pleasant words of greeting
and encouragement which cheercd him
over the hard ways where beginners in the
profession must walk. He was benevo-
lent without ostentation. He loved to hunt
out the deserving poor and secretly relieve
their necessities. The religious sentiment
was strong in him through life, but he did
not make public profession of the faith
that was in him till few years since,
when he became a COMMUNICATE at st.
Luke's Cathedral. His intellect without
being brilliant was vigorous and acute.
lie possessed those qualities which make
rather the safe and wise counsellor than
the great advocate. He honored his pro-
lession, his city and his state, and has left
a record from which he could wish no page
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