Rutland

HOWARD, Henry Seymour

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 209 
(portrait p 209)

Henry Seymour HOWARD, of Benson, was born 26 February 1841 in Benson [Rutland 
County, Vermont], son of Judson J. and Persis (PIERCE) HOWARD. Obtained his 
education in the schools of Benson, Castleton Seminary, and a high school 
course at West Rutland. Afterward taught school for a time. Enlisted 29 
August 1862 in the Fourteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers, and was soon 
promoted to corporal. Participated in all the hard service which fell to the 
lot of the brigade. Upon his return from the South he was for a few years 
employed in an establishment for the manufacture of flour, at Brandon 
[Rutland County], and in 1868 established himself in the hardware trade in 
Benson, which he has continued to the present time. Has been selectman, 
lister, and is town clerk and notary public, besides having held many other 
offices of honor and trust. Republican; represented Benson in the House of 
Representatives in 1884, serving on the committee on public buildings.

Was a charter member of Acacia Masonic Lodge No. 91, of Benson, in which he 
has filled the chair of junior warden. Is also a comrade in the Grand Army 
of the Republic. For a quarter of a century has been a respected and honored 
member of the Congregational church, and has long served as chorister in the 
society of this persuasion at Benson. By his unquestioned sincerity, his 
honorable dealing in business, and the public spirit he has ever manifested 
when the progress and welfare of his native place were in question, he has 
won the respect of all his friends and neighbors, and is considered a leading 
and influential citizen of the state. On 13 September 1864 in Benson 
[Rutland County, Vermont] Mr. [Henry Seymour] HOWARD was married to Eunice 
P., daughter of John and Ruth (PRATT) BALIS. Two children are the fruit of 
this union: Judson Balis, and Hallie Maud.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly