Timothy Edward Howard


Timothy Edward Howard was a Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court, professor at the University of Notre Dame, poet, and Civil War veteran.

Early Life and Education

T.E. Howard was born near Ann Arbor, Michigan on January 27, 1837 to Martin Howard and Bridget Howard. He briefly attended the University of Michigan, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1862, and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Notre Dame in 1873.

Notre Dame Service

Timothy Howard served on the faculty at Notre Dame from 1862–1914 with a few interruptions for public service. During his tenure he taught a wide range of subjects, including Astronomy, Civil Engineering, English Language and Literature, History, Latin, Law, Mathematics, and Rhetoric. He served as dean of the Law School in 1908–09.
In 1898 he became the first Notre Dame alumnus to receive the Laetare Medal, awarded by Notre Dame to a Catholic "whose genius has ennobled the arts and sciences, illustrated the ideals of the church and enriched the heritage of humanity."

Public Service

In 1862 Howard enlisted in the 12th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was seriously wounded at the Battle of Shiloh during the American Civil War.
In 1878 Howard was elected to the South Bend City Council as a Democrat. From 1879-83 Howard served as clerk of the Circuit Court in St. Joseph County, and in 1883 he was admitted to the bar. He led the effort to create a public park on the St. Joseph river bank, which today bears his name.
In 1886 he was elected to the Indiana State Senate, where he served until his election to the Indiana Supreme Court in 1892.
Howard also was president of the Northern Indiana Historical Society, and in 1907, he wrote a history of St. Joseph County.
Howard was married to Julia A. Redmond of Detroit, Michigan and they had eight children.
Howard Hall at the University of Notre Dame was dedicated in 1924 in his honor.