Howard, Kansas, Namesake

[W. Gray]

Major General Oliver Otis Howard, 1830–1909

Bowdoin College graduate and then West Point, 1855

Medal of Honor recipient at Seven Pines, Virginia.

Lost his right arm.

Considered by Apache Chief Cochise as the only honest man in the US Army.

Chased Chief Joseph for over 1,800 miles from Oregon to Montana before forcing his surrender. Chief Joseph made the famous "From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever" speech before surrendering.

Two years later, Chief Joseph and his band were marched from Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, through Elk County to Indian Territory.

One time Superintendent (Commanding General) of West Point.

Commanding General of the Army of the Pacific and of the Army of the Atlantic.

Spent almost 40 years in the Army.

Founded Howard University in Washington, D.C. and Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. The founding of the university in Tennessee in 1897 was a fulfillment of a request President Lincoln made to him many years earlier.

Born in Maine, buried in Vermont

Photo from http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAChowardO.htm

[Jody]

Most every state has a town named HOWARD.  What about Ronnie Howard? Is he related to him?

[W. Gray]

Only two states have towns named after Major General Oliver Otis Howard: Kansas and Nebraska.

Nebraska has Howard City and Howard County, much the same as Kansas once had.

Both counties were created around the same time.

Don't know about Ron Howard.

[W. Gray]

I did a search and counted 23 states with a town named Howard.

A good many though seem to be small enough they may just be hanging on by a thread.

[jpbill]

Jody,  Ronnie Howard's name is a "Hollywood" creation, sort of.  His father, Rance Howard actually was born Howard Beckenholdt (sp?).  Howard's (Rance's) brother, Max, did live in Moline.  Don't know if he still does.

[Diane Amberg]

 Didn't Chill Wills have Elk County family also?  Maybe near Howard?

[W. Gray]

Chill Wills was the down home type everyone could like.

He was the voice of Francis the Talking Mule.

He was also, supposedly, the inspiration for the cartoon character Chilly Willy.

He was in a lot of movies but I remember him for The Alamo and Giant.

Interesting if someone comes up with an Elk County connection.

[Jody]

I have always heard that Ron Howard's folks grew up in Ark City.  What about Whit Eby,s second wife?           She was Ron Howards aunt.  I think she lived in Moline.