Background
Howell, Robert Beecher was born on January 21, 1864 in Adrian, Michigan, United States. Son of Andrew (jurist and author) and Mary Adelia Beecher (Tower) H.
Howell, Robert Beecher was born on January 21, 1864 in Adrian, Michigan, United States. Son of Andrew (jurist and author) and Mary Adelia Beecher (Tower) H.
Graduated from the United States Naval Academy, 1885. Course in Detroit School of Law, class of 1893.
Member R. Beecher Howell & Company, insurance, loans, real estate, 1902-1912. State engineer of Nebraska, 1895-1896. City engineer, Omaha, 1896-1897.
Member Nebraska State Senate, 1903-1905. Appointed member Water Board, Omaha, 1904, elected to same office, 1904-1910. Appointed water commissioner of Omaha, 1912.
As state senator secured legislation resulting in public ownership of Omaha’s water plant in 1912. Undertook and continued in management of plant until 1923. Secured legislation in 1913 creating Metropolitan Utilities District, including Omaha and adjacent municipalities.
Add. legislation in 1917 established Omaha’s municipal ice plants, also for acquisition of gas plant, acquired in 1920. Director and general manager Metropolitan Utilities District, 1913-1923.
Member R. Beecher Howell & Company, insurance, loans, real estate, 1902-1912. State engineer of Nebraska, 1895-1896. Member Nebraska State Senate, 1903-1905.
Member Water Board, Omaha, 1904, elected to same office, 1904-1910. Member Board of Visitors United States Naval Academy, 1896. Member Republican National Committee, 1912-1924 (Executive Committee 1916-1924).
Member United States Senate, since 1923, 2d term 1929-1935. Chairman Radio Service communications of the United States Post Office and Agricultural Department, 1921.
Married Alice Chase Cullingham, September 12, 1905.