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Henry Jackson how
Major 19th Mass. Vols. (Infantry), August 3, 1861; killed at Glendale, Va., June 30, 1862.Henry Jackson how was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, October 22, 1835. His parents were Phineas and Tryphena (Wheeler) How. He was fitted for college at Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts, where he maintained an honorable standing. His former instructor writes that, in a large class, he ranked among the very first in scholarship, having one of the highest parts assigned him at the final public exhibition. He entered the Class of 1858 at Harvard University, but left during his Freshman year, and returned subsequently to join the Class of 1859. It is said that the death of his mother, which occurred about this time, rendering the old scenes distasteful to him for a season, occasioned this abrupt departure from Cambridge. Although How's college career was not especially brilliant, he was, from the outset, a marked character. The very name by which he was universally known, ‘Jack How,’ suggests the individual,—bluff, honest, and hearty. Many will remember him well as he appeared in those days, sauntering across the College yard to recitation, always the conspicuous figure of a group, often making boisterous merriment, and joining heartily in the general laughter. He was tall and well proportioned, with broad shoulders, handsome features, curling hair, and beaming eyes, apt to be negligent in dress, and regardless of nice rules of etiquette. Whenever the Class met, whether at the social table or in the lecture-room, his ready wit found full expression. He was the personification of truth and honor, and an ardent admirer of all heroic virtues. Although at times rough, inconsiderate, and even positively rude, there was a deep tenderness in his nature which was touched by the smallest act of kindness; and he
