Mattie Howard

Martha Alice "Mattie" Howard (November 11, 1894–November 13, 1984) was a high profile American, convicted criminal who became part of the Kansas City, Missouri underworld in the early part of the 20th century. Through her participation in criminal activity, Howard became a celebrity. She was known as the "Queen of the Underworld." She served six years and six months in the Missouri State Penitentiary after being convicted on the charge of 2nd degree murder. Upon release she became an evangelist, traveling throughout the United States sharing her life story.

Early life Martha ("Mattie") Alice Howard was born in Preston, Idaho in November 1894 the daughter of Charles P. (b. 1860) and Martha (nee Keenan) Howard (b. 1867). She was raised in the Denver, Colorado area. Mattie Howard was one of their twelve children, though only six survived to adulthood. Howard attended St. Mary's, a Catholic school for girls, and eventually converted to Catholicism. Becoming homesick, she returned home only to be pursued by a suitor which caused her to disappear again.

On the night of December 8, 1914, Mattie's brother Robert (Oliver Robert, or O.B., as he was called), Albert C. Pagel, Jr. and a third man robbed the United States Post Office in Walsenburg, Colorado. $15,000 USD, which was supposed to go to the local bank went missing in that robbery. They committed this crime while stationed with the Cavalry, in Walsenburg, during the unrest in the coal fields of that period.

Crimes Howard was accused of murdering Kansas City pawnbroker and diamond dealer Joseph Morino on May 23, 1918. Morino was found at the Touraine Hotel, 1412 Central Street. He had been killed by a blow to the head.

Howard enlisted the services of Kansas City attorney Jesse James Jr., son of the notorious outlaw. She fled Missouri in her efforts to avoid a prison term. Howard was captured in Memphis, Tennessee and returned to Kansas City for trial.

Howard was convicted at trial of second degree murder in the death of Morino. She was sentenced to the Missouri State Penitentiary where she served 7 years.

Later Life After her release from prison on May 17, 1928.