Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Howell, William (1656-1714)

by William Arthur Jobson Archbold

HOWELL, WILLIAM (1656–1714), divine, was the son of G. Howell of Oxford, who is termed 'pauper' in the Wadham 'Register.' Wood says that the father was a tailor. William Howell matriculated as a servitor from Wadham College, Oxford, in 1670, but shortly afterwards removed to New Inn Hall. Here he graduated B.A. in 1673, and proceeded M.A. in 1676. He took orders, and became schoolmaster and curate of Ewelme in Oxfordshire; he was certainly the latter in 1688, and here his wife died in 1700. Howell died in 1714, and was buried at Ewelme on 23 Jan. 1713-14; there is a tablet to his memory in the church.

Howell wrote:

1. 'The Common-prayer-book the best Companion, &c.,' Oxford, 1686, 8vo; republished with additions at Oxford in 1687.
2. 'The Word of God the best Guide to all Persons at all Times and in all Places, &c.,' Oxford, 1689, 8vo.
3. 'Prayers in the Closet: for the Use of all devout Christians, to be said both Morning and Night,' Oxford, 1689, 8vo, one sheet; also two sermons published at Oxford in 1711 and 1712 respectively.

[Wood's Athenæ Oxon. ed. Bliss, iv. 787; Wood's Fasti Oxon. ed. Bliss, ii. 334, 354; R. B. Gardiner's Reg. of Wadham College, Oxford, p.286; Brit. Mus. Cat.; information from the rector of Ewelme.]

W. A. J. A.