SkipCaptcha
35,519
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Created page with "{{Infobox officeholder |name=Perry Wilbon Howard, II |image= |birth_date=June 14, 1877 |birth_place=Ebenezer, Mississippi |death_date=February 1, 1961 (aged 84) |death_place=[..."
{{Infobox officeholder
|name=Perry Wilbon Howard, II
|image=
|birth_date=June 14, 1877
|birth_place=Ebenezer, Mississippi
|death_date=February 1, 1961 (aged 84)
|death_place=[[Washington, D.C.]]
|office=Special Assistant to the [[United States Attorney General]]
|president=[[Warren G. Harding]]
|term_start=Mary 15, 1921
|term_end=???
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=(name unknown, died 1957)<ref name=findagrave>[https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/187754802/perry-wilbon-howard Perry Wilbon Howard Jr.]. ''Find a Grave''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref>
|children=Perry Wilbon Howard, III<br>
'''Parents:'''<br>Sallie and Perry Wilbon Howard, I
|religion=[[Methodist]]<ref>[https://www.politicalgraveyard.com/bio/howard.html#455.74.20 Howard]. ''The Political Graveyard''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref>
}}
'''Perry Wilbon Howard, II''' (June 14, 1877 – February 1, 1961), also known as '''Perry Wilbon Howard, Jr.''',<ref name=jstor>McMillen, Neil R. [https://www.jstor.org/stable/2207107 Perry W. Howard, Boss of Black-and-Tan Republicanism in Mississippi, 1924-1960]. ''JSTOR''. Retrieved October 14, 2921.</ref> was a prominent [[Republican Party]] figure from [[Mississippi]] known for leading the state's "black and tan" GOP faction in national politics during an era of [[Democratic Party]]-instituted [[Jim Crow]] racism. Born to former slaves, Howard achieved prominence in life through economic mobility and exceptional abilities.<ref name=blackpastbio>Engledew, Devin (March 14, 2007). [https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/howard-perry-wilbon-1877-1961/ Perry Wilbon Howard (1877-1961)]. ''BlackPast''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref>
Similar to [[Booker T. Washington]], Howard was considered an "accommodationist," and his speeches often drew more support from whites than blacks.<ref name=blackpastbio/>
==Background==
Howard was born in Ebenezer, Mississippi to Sallie and Perry Wilbon Howard, I (also known as Perry Howard, Sr.), who were previously enslaved.<ref name=blackpastbio/> His family, which owned farmland, placed a priority and emphasis on prosperity via education, and Howard was sent along with all of his brothers to universities.<ref name=blackpastbio/> He also had a sister, Sarah E. Howard, who outlived him.<ref name=findagrave/>
After graduating from Rust College, Howard attended Fisk University and Illinois College, where he studied mathematics and law respectively.<ref name=blackpastbio/> Following admission in 1905 into the state bar, he began law practice as an attorney that would continue for fifteen years, and his office, located in the capital city of [[Jackson]], quickly helped spark growing economic black mobility in the area.<ref name=blackpastbio/>
==Political career==
Howard was appointed by conservative Republican President [[Warren G. Harding]] in 1921 to become a special assistant to the [[United States Attorney General]].<ref name=jstor/><ref>Smith, Jr., J. Clay (September 19, 1984). [https://dh.howard.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1076&context=jcs_speeches Black Lawyers in the Federal Government: 1844 -1940]. ''Howard University''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref>
In 1924, Howard ousted Michael Mulvihill for a position on the [[Republican National Committee]].<ref name=blackpastbio/> Being the first black member among the GOP leadership role in twenty-five years, he quickly established himself as a figure representing the party's concern for [[civil rights]].<ref name=blackpastbio/> Although his political impact was heavily stifled due to racist Democrat policies violating the voting rights of Mississippi blacks, his accomodationist stances proved to be effective in ensuring a persistent maintaining of his position.<ref name=blackpastbio/>
Considered brilliant and intelligent by party leaders, Howard was viewed as a favorite of the committee.<ref name=jstor/> He also became known for his battles with the "lily-white" wing of the Mississippi GOP.<ref name=jstor/>
During the [[United States presidential election, 1928|1928 presidential election]], Howard was selected by Republicans in [[Kansas City]] to lead the Mississippi GOP delegates.<ref>June 7, 1928. [https://www.nytimes.com/1928/06/07/archives/no-doublecrossing.html NO DOUBLE-CROSSING.]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref> He suggested the nomination of [[conservative]] U.S. representative [[Hamilton Fish, III]] for vice president, stating that the GOP ticket would thus maintain a stronghold among the black vote in competing against [[Democrat]] nominee [[Al Smith]].<ref>May 23, 1928. [https://www.nytimes.com/1928/05/23/archives/urges-hamilton-fish-for-vice-president-mississippi-committeeman.html URGES HAMILTON FISH FOR VICE PRESIDENT; Mississippi Committeeman Says He Would Take Negro Vote From Gov. Smith.]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref> The vice presidential nomination ultimately went to [[Charles Curtis]], and the [[Herbert Hoover|Hoover]]/Curtis ticket won the general election in a landslide.
In July 1928, Howard was suspended from his committee positions by the federal government on corruption charges.<ref>July 18, 1928. [https://www.nytimes.com/1928/07/18/archives/sargent-suspends-perry-w-howard-acts-against-colored-aide-and.html SARGENT SUSPENDS PERRY W. HOWARD; Acts Against Colored Aide and Deputy Marshal Hubbard, Held as Bribe-Takers. PLOT CHARGED BY HOWARD Six Accused of Patronage Trafficking Are Arraigned for Pleasat Biloxi, Miss.]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref> Targeted by political enemies, namely Jim Crow Democrats, Howard in part called out the "lily-white" GOP faction over the suspension, further adding on:<ref>July 17, 1928. [https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NCNPAAAAIBAJ&pg=7119,5775411&dq=perry-howard&hl=en Perry Howard Is Suspended After Indictment in Mississippi Probe]. ''St. Petersburg Times'' via ''Google News''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref>
===Supporting Robert Taft, 1952===
In the [[United States presidential election, 1952|1952 presidential election]], Howard led the Mississippi "black and tan" delegation among the Republican National Committee in supporting the nomination of staunchly [[conservative]] U.S. senator [[Robert A. Taft]] over [[Moderate Republican]] [[Dwight Eisenhower]].<ref>Apple, Jr., R.W. (August 31, 2004). [https://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/30/us/republicans-convention-new-york-apple-s-almanac-father-southern-strategy-76-here.html THE REPUBLICANS: THE CONVENTION IN NEW YORK -- APPLE'S ALMANAC; Father of the Southern Strategy, at 76, Is Here for His 11th Convention]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref><ref>Rothbard, Murray N. (June 21, 2011). [https://mises.org/library/swan-song-old-right Swan Song of the Old Right]. ''Mises Institute''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref> Eisenhower ultimately maneuvered his way towards the party nomination with the bolstering of [[Herbert Brownell]], and proceeded to defeat [[Adlai Stevenson]] in the general election by a landslide.
Howard's backing of Sen. Taft was consistent among the Southern "black and tan" delegations which represented the traditional roots of the GOP. Taft was an ardent supporter of civil rights who supported desegregation, [[anti-lynching legislation]], and spearheaded efforts to end racial discrimination in the workplace.<ref>Edwards, Lee (October 2020). [https://www.heritage.org/sites/default/files/2020-10/MAPT20.pdf The Political Thought of Robert A. Taft]. ''The Heritage Foundation''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref><ref>Fascinating Politics (April 30, 2019). [https://fascinatingpolitics.com/2019/04/30/robert-tafts-conservative-proposal-for-civil-rights/ Robert Taft’s Conservative Proposal for Civil Rights]. ''Mad Politics: The Bizarre, Fascinating, and Unknown of American Political History''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref>
===Death===
Howard died in his sleep in early February 1961 while in his sleep.<ref name=findagrave/> Funeral services were held and Asbury Methodist Church, and he is interred at [[Arlington National Cemetery]].<ref name=findagrave/>
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
*[https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47df-75b8-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99 Perry W. Howard.] – ''New York Digital Collections
*[https://www.nytimes.com/1955/01/07/archives/southern-political-picture-plans-to-reorganize-the-republican-party.html Southern Political Picture; Plans to Reorganize the Republican Party There Called Phony] – ''The New York Times'', published January 7, 1955
{{DEFAULTSORT:Howard, Perry W.}}
[[Category:Mississippi]]
[[Category:District of Columbia]]
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[Category:Black History]]
[[Category:Patriots]]
[[Category:Methodists]]
|name=Perry Wilbon Howard, II
|image=
|birth_date=June 14, 1877
|birth_place=Ebenezer, Mississippi
|death_date=February 1, 1961 (aged 84)
|death_place=[[Washington, D.C.]]
|office=Special Assistant to the [[United States Attorney General]]
|president=[[Warren G. Harding]]
|term_start=Mary 15, 1921
|term_end=???
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=(name unknown, died 1957)<ref name=findagrave>[https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/187754802/perry-wilbon-howard Perry Wilbon Howard Jr.]. ''Find a Grave''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref>
|children=Perry Wilbon Howard, III<br>
'''Parents:'''<br>Sallie and Perry Wilbon Howard, I
|religion=[[Methodist]]<ref>[https://www.politicalgraveyard.com/bio/howard.html#455.74.20 Howard]. ''The Political Graveyard''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref>
}}
'''Perry Wilbon Howard, II''' (June 14, 1877 – February 1, 1961), also known as '''Perry Wilbon Howard, Jr.''',<ref name=jstor>McMillen, Neil R. [https://www.jstor.org/stable/2207107 Perry W. Howard, Boss of Black-and-Tan Republicanism in Mississippi, 1924-1960]. ''JSTOR''. Retrieved October 14, 2921.</ref> was a prominent [[Republican Party]] figure from [[Mississippi]] known for leading the state's "black and tan" GOP faction in national politics during an era of [[Democratic Party]]-instituted [[Jim Crow]] racism. Born to former slaves, Howard achieved prominence in life through economic mobility and exceptional abilities.<ref name=blackpastbio>Engledew, Devin (March 14, 2007). [https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/howard-perry-wilbon-1877-1961/ Perry Wilbon Howard (1877-1961)]. ''BlackPast''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref>
Similar to [[Booker T. Washington]], Howard was considered an "accommodationist," and his speeches often drew more support from whites than blacks.<ref name=blackpastbio/>
==Background==
Howard was born in Ebenezer, Mississippi to Sallie and Perry Wilbon Howard, I (also known as Perry Howard, Sr.), who were previously enslaved.<ref name=blackpastbio/> His family, which owned farmland, placed a priority and emphasis on prosperity via education, and Howard was sent along with all of his brothers to universities.<ref name=blackpastbio/> He also had a sister, Sarah E. Howard, who outlived him.<ref name=findagrave/>
After graduating from Rust College, Howard attended Fisk University and Illinois College, where he studied mathematics and law respectively.<ref name=blackpastbio/> Following admission in 1905 into the state bar, he began law practice as an attorney that would continue for fifteen years, and his office, located in the capital city of [[Jackson]], quickly helped spark growing economic black mobility in the area.<ref name=blackpastbio/>
==Political career==
Howard was appointed by conservative Republican President [[Warren G. Harding]] in 1921 to become a special assistant to the [[United States Attorney General]].<ref name=jstor/><ref>Smith, Jr., J. Clay (September 19, 1984). [https://dh.howard.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1076&context=jcs_speeches Black Lawyers in the Federal Government: 1844 -1940]. ''Howard University''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref>
In 1924, Howard ousted Michael Mulvihill for a position on the [[Republican National Committee]].<ref name=blackpastbio/> Being the first black member among the GOP leadership role in twenty-five years, he quickly established himself as a figure representing the party's concern for [[civil rights]].<ref name=blackpastbio/> Although his political impact was heavily stifled due to racist Democrat policies violating the voting rights of Mississippi blacks, his accomodationist stances proved to be effective in ensuring a persistent maintaining of his position.<ref name=blackpastbio/>
Considered brilliant and intelligent by party leaders, Howard was viewed as a favorite of the committee.<ref name=jstor/> He also became known for his battles with the "lily-white" wing of the Mississippi GOP.<ref name=jstor/>
During the [[United States presidential election, 1928|1928 presidential election]], Howard was selected by Republicans in [[Kansas City]] to lead the Mississippi GOP delegates.<ref>June 7, 1928. [https://www.nytimes.com/1928/06/07/archives/no-doublecrossing.html NO DOUBLE-CROSSING.]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref> He suggested the nomination of [[conservative]] U.S. representative [[Hamilton Fish, III]] for vice president, stating that the GOP ticket would thus maintain a stronghold among the black vote in competing against [[Democrat]] nominee [[Al Smith]].<ref>May 23, 1928. [https://www.nytimes.com/1928/05/23/archives/urges-hamilton-fish-for-vice-president-mississippi-committeeman.html URGES HAMILTON FISH FOR VICE PRESIDENT; Mississippi Committeeman Says He Would Take Negro Vote From Gov. Smith.]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref> The vice presidential nomination ultimately went to [[Charles Curtis]], and the [[Herbert Hoover|Hoover]]/Curtis ticket won the general election in a landslide.
In July 1928, Howard was suspended from his committee positions by the federal government on corruption charges.<ref>July 18, 1928. [https://www.nytimes.com/1928/07/18/archives/sargent-suspends-perry-w-howard-acts-against-colored-aide-and.html SARGENT SUSPENDS PERRY W. HOWARD; Acts Against Colored Aide and Deputy Marshal Hubbard, Held as Bribe-Takers. PLOT CHARGED BY HOWARD Six Accused of Patronage Trafficking Are Arraigned for Pleasat Biloxi, Miss.]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref> Targeted by political enemies, namely Jim Crow Democrats, Howard in part called out the "lily-white" GOP faction over the suspension, further adding on:<ref>July 17, 1928. [https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NCNPAAAAIBAJ&pg=7119,5775411&dq=perry-howard&hl=en Perry Howard Is Suspended After Indictment in Mississippi Probe]. ''St. Petersburg Times'' via ''Google News''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref>
===Supporting Robert Taft, 1952===
In the [[United States presidential election, 1952|1952 presidential election]], Howard led the Mississippi "black and tan" delegation among the Republican National Committee in supporting the nomination of staunchly [[conservative]] U.S. senator [[Robert A. Taft]] over [[Moderate Republican]] [[Dwight Eisenhower]].<ref>Apple, Jr., R.W. (August 31, 2004). [https://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/30/us/republicans-convention-new-york-apple-s-almanac-father-southern-strategy-76-here.html THE REPUBLICANS: THE CONVENTION IN NEW YORK -- APPLE'S ALMANAC; Father of the Southern Strategy, at 76, Is Here for His 11th Convention]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref><ref>Rothbard, Murray N. (June 21, 2011). [https://mises.org/library/swan-song-old-right Swan Song of the Old Right]. ''Mises Institute''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref> Eisenhower ultimately maneuvered his way towards the party nomination with the bolstering of [[Herbert Brownell]], and proceeded to defeat [[Adlai Stevenson]] in the general election by a landslide.
Howard's backing of Sen. Taft was consistent among the Southern "black and tan" delegations which represented the traditional roots of the GOP. Taft was an ardent supporter of civil rights who supported desegregation, [[anti-lynching legislation]], and spearheaded efforts to end racial discrimination in the workplace.<ref>Edwards, Lee (October 2020). [https://www.heritage.org/sites/default/files/2020-10/MAPT20.pdf The Political Thought of Robert A. Taft]. ''The Heritage Foundation''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref><ref>Fascinating Politics (April 30, 2019). [https://fascinatingpolitics.com/2019/04/30/robert-tafts-conservative-proposal-for-civil-rights/ Robert Taft’s Conservative Proposal for Civil Rights]. ''Mad Politics: The Bizarre, Fascinating, and Unknown of American Political History''. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref>
===Death===
Howard died in his sleep in early February 1961 while in his sleep.<ref name=findagrave/> Funeral services were held and Asbury Methodist Church, and he is interred at [[Arlington National Cemetery]].<ref name=findagrave/>
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
*[https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47df-75b8-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99 Perry W. Howard.] – ''New York Digital Collections
*[https://www.nytimes.com/1955/01/07/archives/southern-political-picture-plans-to-reorganize-the-republican-party.html Southern Political Picture; Plans to Reorganize the Republican Party There Called Phony] – ''The New York Times'', published January 7, 1955
{{DEFAULTSORT:Howard, Perry W.}}
[[Category:Mississippi]]
[[Category:District of Columbia]]
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[Category:Black History]]
[[Category:Patriots]]
[[Category:Methodists]]