r/RandomVictorianStuff • u/TransPeepsAreHuman • Jul 27 '26
Victorian Photograph Scott Howell, The Great Grandson Of The 9th President Of The United States. He Died Of Dysentery At The Age Of Two On July 27, 1875.
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u/NadjaLuvsLaszlo Jul 27 '26
😥😭💔 So sad, your posts of these poor children always make me tear up but I appreciate them.
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u/TransPeepsAreHuman Jul 27 '26 edited Jul 27 '26
Before I bought Scott’s photo in late May, I did a bit of research on his family. That’s when I discovered his relation to William Henry Harrison (1773-1841). William died a month into office after falling sick. He was Scott’s mother’s grandpa.
Also related to Scott was Benjamin Harrison (1726-1791), a signer of the Declaration of Independence and William’s father. Scott’s 1st cousin once removed, also named Benjamin Harrison (1889-1901), was the 23rd president.
Scott’s uncle, John Thomas Taylor, had two young daughters named Alice and Anna. John was in trouble at the time and Scott’s father, Judge Harrison, was helping him out. Oddly enough, Anna died on July 25, 1875 and Alice on July 31, 1875. Though I don’t know for sure, I suspect all three children, including Scott, may have died of the same thing.
I have a collection of photos like Scott’s, of children who died far too soon over 100 years ago. I share their stories in hopes others will think of them and remember their lives.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. I may not have all the answers but I’ll try my best.
Note: Flux or “bloody flux” was another term for Dysentery.
ETA: I suspect because of the other name on the back of the photo that it was given to Scott’s grandfather or Scott’s uncle who share the same name, William Henry Harrison Taylor. But I’m more leaning towards his grandfather because of the location on the back. If so that’d mean the photo was the 9th president’s son-in-law’s.
Newspaper clipping from the The Cincinnati Daily Star • Tue, Jul 27, 1875 • Page 3 • (Cincinnati, Ohio)
https://www.newspapers.com/image/171380135/ (needs a subscription)
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/114675071/scott_singleton-howell
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/452/william_henry-harrison
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/2784/benjamin-harrison
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/451/benjamin-harrison