She was a well read woman and her children were reared in the atmosphere of books and music.<[1][4] The family was represented in every war from Revolutionary times down to the Spanish–American War, and also in prominent public positions, notably John Canfield Spencer in President John Tyler's Cabinet, and Judge Rufus W. Peckham, of the United States Supreme bench.

Subsequently, the Laceys became strong anti-slavery people and maintained an "Underground Railroad station" to assist fugitive slaves into Canada.

Here, she took a three years' course, including music, French and elocution, besides the full course in mathematics and mental, moral and natural science, graduating in 1868.

Pinafore, the first opera ever given in Montana, was presented under her management, and nearly US$700 was realized for the public school and the Helena Library Association.

The fact that our women trudged around in one of the deepest snows Montana has ever had to circulate petitions and hold prayer-meetings, set the men to thinking, and even if the bills had been lost, the effort did us all good."Mrs.

[7] In 1883, largely through the influence of Frances Willard, whom she had met while teaching in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, Howey took up WCTU work in Montana, and from 1885 to 1889/90, was president of the state organization.

[5] Howey was an Alternate Lady Manager of the World's Columbian Exposition (Chicago, 1893),[1] and had charge of the Montana Women's Department.

At the close of the year 1898, the board of trustees of the Montana State Historical and Miscellaneous Library elected Howey librarian, a position which she filled until June 1, 1907, From the first, her attention was directed toward the growth and usefulness of the institution.

She aroused not only a public spirit and an interest in the Society, but also created an influence in legislative circles which materialized into increased and generous appropriations.

[1] Howey was a member of the faculty of the Montana Wesleyan University, and in addition to her duties as instructor, she enlarged and increased the usefulness of the school library.

Laura E. Howey died as a result of heart trouble on September 21, 1911 at St. Peters Hospital, in Helena, Montana, at the age of 61.