HOWELL, Benjamin F. (1856-1930)

HOWELL

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/1/2021 at 01:19:33

Benjamin Franklin Howell
(November 3, 1856 – February 9, 1930)

B. F. Howell, manufacturer and dealer in harnesses, robes, whips, etc., Ida Grove, has been identified with the business interests of this place since 1889. He carried a $3,000 stock of goods and has a well-equipped establishment, in the manufacturing department of which he employs two men.
Mr. Howell was born in Fletcher, Miami County, Ohio, on November 3, 1856, the son of William and Elizabeth (Eyer) Howell, natives of Ohio. When he was a year old, his parents moved to Ottumwa, Iowa, and to Webster City, where they now live. His youthful days were spent on a farm. At the age of fourteen he began to work at the harness trade in Webster City and before establishing himself in business worked as a journeyman in various places in Iowa and Nebraska. In 1880 he located at Lohrville and did successful business until 1889 and then came to Ida County. He began life for himself, his only capital was his willing hands and his determination to succeed, and by his industry and good management, he has worked his way up until he is now regarded as one of the substantial business men of the county. He is a Republican. He is a member of Ida Grove Lodge, No. 259, I. O. O. F., he is a member of the M. W. of A., of Ida Grove Camp, No. 42, of which he is Advisor. He has passed all the chairs in the first named Lodge. He married Lucy Rusty, a native of Ohio, on November 25, 1883. She is the daughter of Christian and Sarah Rusty. Mr. and Mrs. Howell are the parents of three children: Ethel, Edgar and Frank.
Source: Biographical History of Crawford, Ida, and Sac Counties, Iowa, 1893, p.669