Dr. Allie Everett
Howe
The following information was posted on Find A Grave by A
J Howe Cassel
Allie Everett Howe was married to Martha Elizabeth Herget
Howe for 51 years!! As I recall my grandmother always referred to him as
"Doctor" and he called her "Mar". John E. Howe (Allie & Martha's son) wrote:
"Doc and Mar made quite a team. I don't think he could have been as successful
as he was without her help. She willingly put up with his demanding attitude,
and I doubt that many women could have done that. They had 50+ years of working
as a team and I know that he missed her the rest of his life."
Son of
Ancil & Sarah Howe, Allie was born in or near Butler, Kentucky and graduated
from Butler High School in 1915. He completed 1 year of pre-med at the
University of Cincinnati in 1915-1916; then entered Eclectic Medical School (a
school associated with the University of Cincinnati). He graduated from Medical
School in June, 1920. Following graduation "Doctor" worked with Dr. John E.
Wilson in Pendleton County for about 6 months.
In January, 1921, Dr. Howe began his own medical practice in Grant's Lick, Kentucky. Then, in 1925, he moved his practice to Alexandria, Kentucky, where he rented a house and office space. In 1928, Dr. Howe purchased the property on 3 East Main St. in Alexandria, for his home & office. He practiced medicine at this location for the next 55 years, retiring on June 30, 1983, after 63 years of practice.
As a young doctor in the 1920's, Dr. Howe charged $15 to deliver a baby in the home. Later he delivered babies in his office and at St. Elizabeth, Booth Memorial and Speers Hospitals. In those days, according to Dr. Howe, anesthetic was $5, the doctor's fee was $25, and the hospital charge $7.50 per day. He said he charged $75 for his last delivery! He delivered over 5,000 babies.
One of Doctor's first deliveries was his son (John Edgar
Howe) on January 22, 1919; Allie was still a medical student at this time. He
delivered his last baby (Lisa Hale) in 1965. In between, he delivered 4 of his 6
grandchildren.
Dr. Howe entered the medical profession because "he liked
to take care of sick people". He practiced the lost art of house calls until his
80th birthday (1976). In an emergency Dr. Howe said nothing would stop him from
reaching a home. After the 1937 flood, he used a motor boat to reach homes
covered by water. He bought a Model T Ford in 1914 and used it when he started
his practice. Sometimes people would meet him at the road and he would ride a
horse or walk to the house.
My grandfather always told me: "if you live
long enough you will leave this world like you came in - helpless". In June,
1984, my grandfather suffered a fairly severe stroke. He was essentially
confined to his bed until his death, October 5, 1987. May he rest in peace.
*********
Cincinnati Post, Tuesday, 6 October 1987,
page 3B
Dr. Allie E Howe was a dedicated physician who gave 63 years to his patients. He retired four years ago when he was 86. Dr. Howe, 90, of East Main Street, Alexandria, died Monday at his home. "Medicine was his life. It was his choice in life for the good of humanity." said his wife and former nurse, Orpha Howe. They were married three years ago; she was his nurse for 25 years. "The way he worked at it, it would have to be for the good of humanity. He was tireless in his time and his efforts for his patients. He never had a suit against him n all the 63 years," she said.
Dr. Howe was a general practitioner in Alexandria from 1920 to 1983. "He delivered close to 5000 babies in those years," Mrs. Howe said. "His practice was all in rural Campbell County, son in Pendleton County and some in Kenton County. When he was 80 years old there was an honor day for him. They had to hold it in the Campbell County High School auditorium. Close to 3000 people came and signed the guest book. It was quite a day. Proud of him? You better believe it."
Dr. Howe was also special to another younger physician, Dr. Donald Saelinger of Ft Thomas, "He was special. He delivered me and the rest of my family and he was the prime reason I became a doctor. As I grew up I would see him from time to time. I was a good student and he always encouraged me to go to medical school. Then, a few years ago, he came to me as my patient, that was a great moment for me. He had delivered me, he had helped me and now he was coming to me. He was a great man and did tremendous things for Campbell County. He contributed a lot."
Dr. Howe was a member of the Alexandria Methodist Church, a 60 year member of Masonic Lodge No 152, the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter No 337 and the Kentucky Medical Association.
Other survivors include sons, John Howe of Burlington, Kan. and Nelson Howe of Tampa Fla. a niece Alice Roberts of Cincinnati; five grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Services will be at 11 am Thursday at Alexandria Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 pm Wednesday at his home. Burial will be in the Butler Cemetery. Peoples Funeral Home, Butler, is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials are suggested to the building fund at the church or to the charity of the donor's choice.