The following biography has been provided by Valerie Malmberg. Edward A. Howell was the eldest of seven children and was born in Phoenixville, PA in 1848. His family moved to Reading, PA and Howell attended the local schools. Howell pursued his love for painting through encouragement from F.D. Devlan. Howell painted until about 1873, when he took his first public position as a member of the city council. He served in numerous positions in City Hall until about 1880. Howell considered these his "wasted" years, and produced little more than sketches. In the early 1880"s, Howell began to paint again, producing landscapes, portraits, and even business signs. He became most well known for his renderings of cattle and sheep in detailed landscapes. He served as Librarian of the Reading Public Library until his death in 1924. For more information and examples of his work, see Artists of Berks County: An Overview 1850-1920.