Joseph Howe (1804-73) was owner, publisher, and editor of the NovaScotian, one of the best newspapers in British North America; leader of the Reform (Liberal) party in Nova Scotia and many times member of its Legislative Assembly; successful champion of the freedom of the press; premier of Nova Scotia; member of parliament and the dominion cabinet; president of the Privy Council; secretary of state for the Canadian provinces; lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia.