My Genealogy Hound

HOWETT BROS. The Howett Stock Farm is rapidly attaining to prominence among the agricultural interests of Ohio. It is finely located in Mad River Township, Clark County, and is devoted to the breeding of full-blooded Short-horn cattle and Percheron horses. It was purchased by Howett Bros., in 1884, at $95 an acre, and embraces two hundred and forty-seven acres of some of the choicest farming land in Southern Ohio. Under the management of the present proprietors, valuable improvements have been effected, including a commodious new barn and a windmill. They are amply provided with all facilities for the prosecution of their business, and arc possessed of the energy and perseverance which is necessary to success. At the head of their stables is the stallion, Eclipse, imported by Dunham, and of great value. He is a fine black two-year old, weighing even at this early age seventeen hundred and twenty pounds. They also have Galardin, a large gray ten-year-old Percheron, weighing eighteen hundred and ninety, and Brillette, a fine black three-year-old mare, these likewise imported by Dunham. Besides this they have forty-two head of graded horses, and have probably more money invested in this manner than any man in Mad River Township. They are both natural stockmen, taking pride in their calling, and determined to excel.

The father of the above-mentioned firm, was Daniel Howett, a native of Coleraine Township, Lancaster County, Pa., in which county the paternal grandfather was also a substantial farmer. Daniel Howett about 1838, leaving the Keystone State, emigrated to Ohio, bringing with him his family, and making the journey overland with a team and wagon. He settled first in Beaver Township, Greene County, where he resided several years, then rented the old Funderburgh Farm, in Bath Township. Later he removed to the Sloan Farm, in Montgomery County, also renting this. His next removal was to the John Cox place in Bath Township, where he carried on farming, and dealt quite extensively in horses. His death resulted from the kick of a two-year-old colt, in the face and eye, from which lockjaw ensued and caused his death ten days afterward. This was in 1856, and he was forty-nine years old. He was a member of the Lutheran Church at Osborn.

The mother of this family bore the maiden name of Ann Eliza Hastings. She was likewise born in Lancaster County, Pa., and was the daughter of a well-to-do farmer, a native of Pennsylvania, who there spent his entire life. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Howett made her home with her two sons of this sketch, until her death, which occurred in 1883. She also died firm in the faith of the Lutheran Church. The parental household comprises eight children, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Rachel, (Mrs. Maxton), died in Bath Township; Maris P. is senior member of the present firm; John A. and Peter H. are farming in Bethel Township; Mary makes her home with her brothers; Joseph R. is junior member of the firm; James T. is farming in Bethel Township; Bertie, Mrs. Snyder, is a resident of Springfield. John A. and Peter H. served about four months each in the army during the Civil War.

Maris P. Howett, senior partner of the firm of Howett Bros., was born in Lancaster County, Pa., October 8, 1835, and was about three years old when his parents came to Greene County, this State. Among his first recollections are the big woods of Beaver Creek Township, wherein wild animals hid themselves, and near which the primitive residence of the family was located. The parents were in limited circumstances, and the boys were required to make themselves useful as soon as large enough. Their education was consequently extremely limited. Maris P. was only a little over twenty years old at the time of his father’s death, and he thereafter assumed the charge of the farm and the family, remaining at home thereafter for eight years. He assisted his mother in the training and education of the younger children, remaining with them until they were able to look out for themselves. In 1864 they removed to the Harnish farm near Medway, Bethel Township, and remained there four years. Their next removal was to the vicinity of Carlisle, where they farmed until 1873, and then Maris P. moved upon the Stephen Hagenbaugh farm, in Bath Township, where he operated one year. He then rented the Wilson farm, remaining there until the marriage of his younger brother, when he returned to the Cox farm, remaining there until 1884, when he formed a partnership with J. R., and they purchased the old Reuben Miller place, whereon they are now operating. He remains a bachelor, and votes the Republican ticket.

Joseph R. Howett was born in Bath Township, Greene County, June 23, 1845, and remained at the farm and attended the district school until a youth of eighteen years. Then in the fall of 1863, the Civil War being in progress, he enlisted in the Eight Ohio Cavalry, and served until the close, participating in many important battles. He returned home in safety, and began farming on his own hook. Thereafter he operated various farms in Bath Township, and was uniformly successful. His Christmas gift of 1878, was a wife and helpmate, he being married, December 25, to Miss Clarissa Moulder. This lady was born in Bath Township, in 1852, and is the daughter of Michael Moulder, a native of Germany. Mr. Moulder was one of the early settlers of Bath Township, where he improved a farm, and became well-to-do. His wife bore the maiden name of Lydia Coke, and the parental household consisted of eight children. Mr. Moulder departed this life at his homestead in Bath Township; his wife is also deceased. Of this union there have been born four children, viz: Harry, Grace, Ralph, and Lloyd. Joseph R. is an active member of the Reformed Church at Fairfield, in which he officiates as Deacon. Politically, he is a sound Republican. He is a great admirer of the principles of Odd Fellowship, and belongs to the lodge at Fairfield, and the Encampment at Osborn.