Laura E. Howey

Laura E. Howey (, Spencer; 1851–1911) was an American educator, librarian, and temperance leader. She taught at Harlem Springs College (Harlem Springs, Ohio) and Montana Wesleyan University (Helena, Montana), and served as President of the Montana State Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) (1885–90). It was as librarian of the Montana State Historical and Miscellaneous Library that Howey did her greatest work, and through which she became more generally known through the state. She occupied that position for nine years, from 1898 to 1907, and during that time, the library achieved a prominent status among the historical libraries of the U.S. She was indefatigable in the collection of materials dealing with the early history of Montana.

The family was represented in every war from Revolutionary times down to the Spanish–American War, and also in prominent public positions, notably John Canfield Spencer in President John Tyler's Cabinet, and Judge Rufus W. Peckham, of the United States Supreme bench. The students were afforded excellent opportunities of attending high-class concerts and lectures in Pittsburgh.

In 1883, largely through the influence of Frances Willard, whom she had met while teaching in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, Howey took up WCTU work in Montana, and from 1885 to 1889/90, was president of the state organization. In 1891, she was appointed by Willard to represent the National WCTU at the Pan-Republican Congress held at Philadelphia.