Howell Lancaster

Howell Eugene Lancaster (July 31, 1911 – January 5, 1972) was an American politician.^[2] A member of the Democratic Party, he served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1949 to 1966 and again from 1968 to 1972.^[1]

Howell Lancaster
Lancaster in 1961
Member of the Florida House of Representatives from Gilchrist County
In office 1949–1966
Member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 15th district
In office 1968–1972
Preceded by	Leon N. McDonald Sr.
Succeeded by	Leon N. McDonald Sr.[1]
Personal details
Born	Howell Eugene Lancaster (1911-07-31)July 31, 1911 Eugene, Florida, U.S.
Died	January 5, 1972(1972-01-05) (aged 60) Columbia County, Florida, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Alma mater	University of Florida

Life and career

Lancaster was born in Eugene, Florida, the son of Raleigh and Lollie Lancaster.^[3] He attended and graduated from the University of Florida.^[4] After graduating, he served in the armed forces during World War II, which after his discharge,^[5] he worked as a farmer.^[6]

Lancaster served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1949 to 1966 and again from 1968 to 1972.^[1][7] During his service in the House, in the 1950s, he served as leader of the Pork Chop Gang,^[8] a group of legislators from rural areas that dominated the state legislature due to malapportionment and used their power to engage in McCarthyist tactics.^[9]

Death

Lancaster died on January 5, 1972, of an apparent heart attack while on a hunting trip in Columbia County, Florida, at the age of 60.^[4]