Is the popular Sheriff of Van Zandt County, having been elected November, 1903. His grandfather was named Alexander Howard , and his father's name was Thos. Jefferson Howard. He was a shoemaker by trade, and finally came to Bienville Parish, Louisiana, where he met Miss Williams, whom he married. J. W. is one of the only two children, and his father died in 1865, his mother, however, came to Texas and died in Wills Point in 1886. He was born May 10, 1860 in Louisiana and was educated in the schools of that state and Texas. He came to Van Zandt County in 1870 from the Louisiana home and in February, 1882, he married Miss Katy McMorris, who still survives to share his fortunes as well as to help in bearing his burdesn. He is of popular turn and is loved by the people. He has held public office for six years, two years of this as Deputy Sheriff and, as stated, he was elected to the office of Sheriff in November, 1903. They have one daughter, who is now approaching womanhood, is a great stay to her parents. Mr. Howard is a Baptist and a Woodman. He owns real estate in Grand Saline and is a permanent and satisfied Van Zandter. We greatly enjoyed an acquaintance with him and hope for him the greatest success in his official and private life.