Irving Howbert

Irving Howbert (April 11, 1846 – December 22, 1934) was a pioneer of the Pikes Peak region, businessman, investor, politician, and philanthropist. He helped William Jackson Palmer establish the municipality of Colorado Springs. As county clerk and recorder, as well as a real estate agent, he sought and attained land for what would become Colorado Springs. Investments in mines and railways fostered the mining industry and transportation of ore.

As a young man, Howbert fought in the Sand Creek massacre while serving the 3rd Colorado Cavalry Regiment.

Early life and marriage

On April 11, 1846, Irving Howbert was the first of eight children born to Martha, née Marshall, and William Howbert. He was born and lived his first eight years in Columbus, Bartholomew County, Indiana. He then lived and was educated in Iowa beginning in 1852.

Howbert's father was a missionary for the Methodist Episcopal Church and he first traveled to Colorado in 1860. The following year, the Howberts unsuccessfully panned for gold on Tarryall Creek. Also in 1861, the family moved to Old Colorado City, Colorado. The Howberts established a farm nearby on Cheyenne Creek in 1862. Howbert's mother died in 1863.

Howbert served for six months during the American Civil War, when he volunteered to serve the 3rd Colorado Cavalry Regiment from 1864 to 1865. During that time, he fought at the Sand Creek massacre.

In 1864, Howbert and other men captured a group of Utes, when the Utes tried to run away Howbert and others shot and killed six men. Over six months from 1864 to 1865, Howbert served the 3rd Colorado Cavalry Regiment.