David Howard
David Howard (1839–1916), chemical manufacturer
1839 born in Tottenham, Middlesex, the third of four sons of Robert Howard, chemical manufacturer, of Stratford, London.
Studied at the Royal College of Chemistry, London
1860 joined as a partner the well-established chemical manufacturing business Howards and Sons.
David Howard's uncle, J. E. Howard, did much original research on the chemistry of cinchona alkaloids, and he himself pursued the same line of enquiry. He became an acknowledged authority in this field, publishing a number of papers in the Journal of the Chemical Society from 1871.
1865 he married Anna Dora (b. 1843/4), daughter of John Jowitt of Leeds. They had two sons, both of whom became directors of Howards & Sons
1903 David Howard succeeded his father as chairman and there followed a period of rapid growth.
Served on the council of the Chemical Society and was president of the Society of Chemical Industry (1886–7) and of the Institute of Chemistry (1903–6). He was much concerned with strict honesty in business transactions and was closely involved in the agitation that led to the passing of the Prevention of Corruption Act in 1900: he was subsequently chairman of the Bribery and Secret Commissions Prevention League, set up to give effect to the provisions of the act.
1916 died suddenly on 14 November 1916 at Snaresbrook railway station while travelling from his home at Devon House, Buckhurst Hill, Essex, to the Ilford factory.
See Also
Sources of Information
- Biography of David Howard, ODNB [1]