John Adams Howell

John Adams Howell (March 16, 1840 – January 10, 1918) was a rear admiral of the United States Navy who served during the American Civil War and the Spanish–American War. He was also a noted inventor.

Biography Howell was born in Bath, New York, on March 16, 1840, to William and Adelphia Frances Howell. He had four brothers; Edward Augustus Howell, William Howell, Jr., and twins Robert and William Adams, who died before their first birthday. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1858, and was promoted to lieutenant in April 1861. He married Arabelle E. Krause on May 11, 1867, and they had three children: William, Arabella, and Frances.

The American Civil War broke out in April 1861. During the war, Howell served as executive officer of the steam sloop at the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864, and was honorably mentioned in despatches by his commanding officer .

Howell died in Warrenton, Virginia, on January 10, 1918.