John Augustus Hows was born, lived, and died in New York City. He was a landscape painter, a wood engraver, and illustrator.

Hows graduated from Columbia College in 1852 and became a professional artist only after some years of study for the ministry and for the bar. He specialized in wood engravings and illustrated many books during the 1860s and 1870s.

Hows exhibited at the National Academy of Design from 1861 to 1873. He also exhibited at the Brooklyn Art Association in 1863, 1865, and 1867. He was elected an Associate of the National Academy in 1862.

Hows exhibited Starr King’s Ravine, White Mountains at the National Academy in 1864 (#243).

References
New Hampshire Scenery
Who Was Who in American Art