John Howe (1774–1852) was a free settler and explorer of Australia in the early period of British colonisation. He became a successful building contractor, and also served as a chief constable and coroner. It is believed that he was born at Redbourn, Hertfordshire, England, the son of John How and his spouse Mary Roberts.^[1]

Howe was educated to a reasonable level for the time, such that he had some plans to become a teacher when he was able to emigrate to the colony of New South Wales. Meanwhile, he worked for a grocer in London.

The Coromandel was a convict ship that carried, on her first voyage to Sydney, a small number of free settlers who had been given free passage and the promise of 100 acres (40 ha) of land.^[2]

Howe arrived in Sydney on the Coromandel in June 1802, along with his spouse Frances Ward, and daughter Mary. Upon his arrival, he received a grant of 100 acres (40 ha) at Mulgrave Place (now Mulgrave) on the Hawkesbury River. Frances died three months later and was buried at Parramatta.^[1]

Andrew Thompson arrived in Sydney as a convict on the Pitt in February, 1792, and became the richest man in the colony before his death in 1810.^[3]

In 1811, Howe was appointed as licensed auctioneer at Windsor, a position previously held by Andrew Thompson. His successful completion of the disposal of Thompson's property earned the gratitude of Governor Lachlan Macquarie. In 1813, he formed a partnership with James McGrath. Together they entered into a contract to complete and upgrade the road from Sydney to Windsor. He also agreed to build a toll-bridge over South Creek at Windsor. For some years, this was known as Howe's Bridge. In 1815, the partners enlarged the wharf at Windsor; in 1816, they began another wharf for the government.^[1]

In addition to his work as an auctioneer, Howe served as chief constable at Windsor from 1814 to 1821. From then until 1828 he served as coroner.^[1]

James Raworth Kennedy

On 13 May 1811 Howe again married, at St John's, Parramatta, to Jane, a daughter of James Raworth Kennedy. Jane had arrived in Sydney, as a free settler on Sovereign in 1795, with her father, her aunt and her two sisters. Howe and his second wife, Jane, had nine children. In 1839, he retired to Raworth, a small farm near Morpeth, New South Wales, where he stayed until his death.^[1]

Howe died on 19 December 1852, and was buried in St James's churchyard, Morpeth. His wife Jane died on 1 January 1859, aged 75. Seven of their nine children remained alive on that date.

The names of John Howe and his first wife, Frances Ward, are shown on a commemorative stone in the Presbyterian Church at Ebenezer. They are described as two of its founding members.

Howes Park in Singleton, formerly a part of the Redbourneberry estate, was named in his honour. The features Howes Swamp and Howes Mountain, and the locality Howes Valley, all along the Bulga Road, are reminders of his exploration of the area.^[1]

The locality of Redbournberry, near Singleton, is probably part of the Redbourneberry estate.

The locality of Raworth, near Morpeth, is probably all or part of Raworth farm.

• Putty Road, which closely follows the original Bulga Road.