Gov. George Howard

About

GEORGE HOWARD, son of former governor John Eager Howard, was born in Annapolis, Maryland on November 21, 1789. His education was attained through private tutoring. Before entering politics, Howard owned and managed a large estate now located in Howard County. In January 1831, he was elected to the Governors’ Executive Council, a position he held six months. On July 8, 1831, Governor Daniel Martin passed away, and Howard, who was president of the Council at the time, assumed the duties of the governorship. After completing Martin’s term, Howard was elected in 1832 to his own gubernatorial term. During his tenure, the establishment of a state bank was endorsed; the endowment of Maryland Colleges was promoted; and a state slaveholders association was formed. Also, lotteries and the South Carolina nullification movement were both opposed. After declining to run for reelection, Howard left office on January 17, 1833. He went on to serve as a presidential elector in 1836 and 1840. Governor George Howard passed away on August 2, 1846, and was buried at the St. Paul’s Cemetery in Baltimore, Maryland.

Source

Eisenberg, Gerson G. Marylanders Who Served the Nation. Annapolis, MD: Maryland State Archives, 1992.

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 2, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

White, Frank F., Jr. The Governors of Maryland, 1777-1972. Annapolis, MD: Hall of Records Commission, 1970.

Maryland State Archives

• Father of Maryland  Governor John Eager Howard
• Father-in-law of Maryland  Governor Charles Carnan Ridgely