Dr. Frank Stewart Howe (Terms 1924 – 1934 & 1936 – 1938)

Dr. Frank Stewart Howe (July 13, 1876 – December 4, 1960) was a prominent Deadwood physician, surgeon, businessman, and Mayor of Deadwood.  Born on July 13, 1876 in Industry, Pennsylvania, Howe graduated from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania in 1898.  He then attended and graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons at University of Illinois.  In July of 1901, Howe arrived in Deadwood and found employment with Dr. T.W. Moffit where he oversaw the night emergency work.  Howe would eventually practice medicine in Deadwood for five decades.  During his tenure, he became the Chief of Staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital and past president of the South Dakota Medical Association.  Howe served as president or on the board of directors for several prominent businesses including the Fish & Hunter Company, Canyon Oil Company, First National Bank of the Black Hills, Black Hills Mercantile Company, and the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce.  In 1924, Howe was elected Deadwood Mayor and served twelve years in this office (1924 – 1934 and 1936 – 1938).  After retiring from the medical field, Howe wrote an autobiography titled Deadwood Doctor covering his life and his medical profession while in Deadwood.  On December 4, 1960 Howe died at St. Joseph’s Hospital and was interred at Oakridge Municipal Cemetery in Section 2A Block 1 Lot 5 Grave 1.