Family and Education

b. 1758, 5th s. of William Howe, ‘in a humble situation’,1 of Mistley Thorne, Essex by Millicent, da. of Rev. Nathaniel Stephens, rector of Alphamstone, Essex, sis. of Philip Stephens*. educ. Harwich g.s. unm.

Offices Held

Ensign 12 Ft. 1774, lt. 1777; capt. 96 Ft. 1780, maj. 1783; maj. 62 Ft. 1783; lt.-col. 63 Ft. 1789, col. 1795; col. 5 W.I. regt. 1795; a.d.c. to the King 1795; brig.-gen. (W.I.) 1795.

Biography

Howe, who had three brothers in the navy, like them owed his advancement to his maternal uncle, Philip Stephens, chief secretary to the Admiralty. Stephens also secured his return, on the government interest and with the blessing of Charles Townshend*, for Great Yarmouth, after a contest.2 His military activities must have prevented him from making any mark in Parliament. He died 20 July 1796 of yellow fever at Port Royal, Jamaica, shortly after being returned again at the general election. Had he lived, he would have succeeded Stephens, who had a seat at Somerton Hall near Yarmouth, as 2nd Baronet.3

Ref Volumes: 1790-1820

Author: R. G. Thorne

Notes

• 1. Gent. Mag. (1810), i. 128.
• 2. C. J. Palmer, Perlustration of Gt. Yarmouth, ii. 11n; Hist. Gt. Yarmouth, 226.
• 3. Gent. Mag. (1809), ii. 1234. The monumental inscription at the Pallisades, Port Royal has 19 July 1796, aged 38: J. H. Lawrence Archer, MIs of the British W. I., 294.