WILLIAM HOWLETT

WILLIAM HOWLETT, Sr., of Fairview Township, is one of the old setlers, having come to the county in 1859. He was born in Norfolk County, England, April 28, 1802. He is a son of Samuel and Charlotte (Patterson) Howlett. William was the eldest of twelve children, seven of whom are living. He was reared on a farm, and worked at bricklaying and plastering-occupations his father had followed. He was married in October, 1844, to Miss Susan Egelstone, and sailed for America April 27, 1855. They arrived in New York May 29, 1855. They settled in Chicago, Illinois, for a time, where Mr. Howlett worked at his trade. His wife died August 22, 1855, and one child, August 24, 1855. Mr. Howlett moved to Augusta, Illinois, in 1857, and worked at his trade until he came to Shelby County, Iowa. He moved with a team and wagon, and was thirteen days on the road. The first months were spent in Adams County, and the seasons of 1860 and 1861 were spent in Audubon County, farming. In 1862 he came to his present farm, where he has since lived, first in a log house, and later in a good frame house. He has worked a good deal at his trade, being an expert and experienced workman. His farm contains ninety-three and a half acres of good land, a portion of it being in timber. There are good buildings for stock and grain. Mr. Howlett was married the second time, in October, 1860, to Miss Myra Chambers, who was born and reared in Tennessee. By the first marriage three sons were born -Samuel, William, Jr., and Lambert. The second wife died July 17, 1874. No children were born by the second marriage. He was married to his present wife February 17, 1876; she was Mrs. Ruth Peterson, whose husband was Samuel Peterson; her parents are Hugh and Rebecca (Negley) Leslie. She was born and reared in Alleghany County, Pennsylvania. She came to Davenport, Iowa, when she was fifteen years of age. By this last marriage one child was born - Phillis Gertrude, who died when one year old. Mr. Howlett is a Democrat, and has served as township treasurer, road supervisor, and on the school board. He and his wife are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a respected and valued citizen of the county.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 309. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.