Few men in this country
have the opportunity to make significant changes to our Federal
Constitution. Jacob M. Howard, in his lifetime, wrote state and
national laws whose principles and precepts are still observed today.
He is recognized as one of the most conscientious, hardworking,
sincere and principled men in 19th century politics. He deserves
honors for his contributions to the laws of the land. As U. S. Senator,
he was in a position to help create what America is today.
His once familiar name should continue to be honored as one of Michigan’s
and the country’s most able and highly influential political
figures. Jacob Howard was born in Vermont and educated in Massachusetts.
He married Catherine Amelia Shaw and they had seven children. Howard,
an eloquent orator, was a lawyer and politician. He was elected
Detroit Attorney in 1834 and state representative in 1838. He was
Michigan Attorney General from 1855 to 1861. As one of the founders
of the Republican Party, he made political and legislative history
in Michigan and the nation’s capitol.
Educated as a lawyer, he applied his training and legal mind to
the problems he encountered in politics and the legislature. His
most significant body of work was done during the period from 1862
to 1871 while he was the U. S. Senator from Michigan. As a Senator,
he brought his political philosophy to the problems that were confronting
the nation at the time. He felt that the South was wrong and that
the Union had to win the war and reunite the nation. He supported
conscription, confiscation of property and retaliation for crimes
against the nation. To him the real national power was centralized
in the legislative body; therefore, Congress had the right to direct
the armies, to establish the time and pace for reconstruction and
to control the appointive power of the President. He vigorously
pressed for the conclusion of the war and when the war was over,
he was active in reconstruction.
Following the Civil War, his actions led to the creation of the
13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to the U. S. Constitution. He felt
that Congress could enforce the 13th which freed all those subjected
to slavery. He then considered the need to protect the rights of
all Americans, thus the 14th Amendment which upholds human rights
of those freed from slavery was passed.
Howard has left permanent imprints of his work in the Laws of the
United States. Few men, other than the founding fathers of our country,
have had the opportunity to make their beliefs felt on important
Amendments to the Federal Constitution. The 13th Amendment is inscribed
on his monument in Elmwood Cemetery.
The bonds that hold this nation in a cohesive whole silently pay
tribute to the hard work of the Civil War Senator from Michigan,
Jacob Merritt Howard. He has been in obscurity for years but his
contributions to all Americans should no longer be forgotten.
Born: July 10, 1805
Died: April 8, 1871
Buried: Section B, Lot 90-91
