The Howes Family of Clinton County, Iowa

The subject of this sketch is a well-known citizen of Clinton, who first made his appearance here in 1859 as an engineer on the Chicago, Iowa & Nebraska Railroad, now the Clr'cago & Northwestern Railroad, but for several years past has devoted his time and attention to fruit culture. He was born in Bristol, England, March 2,

1830, a son of Richard Howes, but as his parents died when he was very young, he was reared by William Lewis, a Scotchman, with whom he came to America in 1836, locating in Minersville, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood and was educated. During his youth he worked in the coal mines of that locality - In 1849 lie went west to Indianapolis, Indiana, and accepted a position as fireman on the Madison & Indianapolis Railroad.

Returning to his old home in Minersville, Pennsylvania, Mr. Howes was married, March 2, 1852, to Miss Esther Waters, whose affections he had won before going; to Indiana. They have now traveled life's journey together for almost half a century, sharing its joys, and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity. Unto them were born the following children: Philip M., who died in infancy: Edward M.; Archie F.; Thomas R.: William Henry; Philip L.; George W.; Richard N.; Benjaimin L.; Sarah M., deceased: Elizabeth M.; Esther S.; and, John L.

The year of his marriage Mr. Howes went to Chicago, and after firing for a time he was promoted to engineer on the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy Railroad, running between Chicago and Aurora. He first had charge of the noted old engine,. Rocket, whose history every railroad man knows. As previously stated, he came to Clinton in 1859, and continued in the service of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway as engineer until June, 1872, when he gave up his railroad life. In 1865 he and William Coons, now deceased, purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, and a few years later he erected thereon the house which has since been his home. After leaving the road he turned his attention to gardening and the raising of small fruits, and still owns twenty and a half acres devoted to that purpose. He has made all the improvements upon the land and at one time had one of the finest fruit farms in the county, his nurseries and gardens being located at the corner of Camanche avenue and Howes street. He formerly raised an excellent variety of berries and grapes, which were noted for their quality and flavor, and also made a specialty of asparagus and pieplant. On coming to Clinton he built a residence on Twelfth avenue, which he subsequently sold. Although he has reared a large family, he has been able to accumulate a good property, being industrious, enterprising and persevering, and eminently deserves classification among the purely self-made men of the city. In politics he has always been a Republican, and although he has never sought office, he has been called upon to serve his fellow citizens as a member of the school board, city trustee and alderman, the duties of which offices he most capable discharged. In his religious views he is liberal, while his wife holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

ARCHIE F. HOWES.

Archie F. Howes is a representative of the railroad service, in the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company, and makes his home in Clinton. He was born in Aurora, Illinois, November 30, 1856, and is a son of Philip Howes. With his parents he came to Clinton in 1859 and attended the public schools of the city until twelve years of age. The first money which he earned was by driving horses at the mills of Colonel Fairby, and later he worked in the mills for a short time. He was also employed on his father's farm and subsequently secured a position as a farm hand at twenty dollars per month, being thus engaged until June, 1873, when he secured a position as fireman on the Chicago & Northwestern Railway, acting in that capacity for seven years. His close application and fidelity then won him promotion to the position of engineer in 1880 and he made his first run to Belle Plaine. For four years previous to that time he had acted as fireman for Thomas Keefe on the passenger train running to Boone. In August, 1880, he took charge of a freight train to Belle Plaine, and in 1895 was transferred to the run to Boone. In 1898 he was given charge of a passenger train, and in March, 1899, was made engineer on train No. 9, the fastest schedule train in the world. He has been very successful, never meeting with an accident in all his railway service.

In 1879 Mr. Howes was married to Emma L. Bedford, who was born in Minersville, Pennsylvania, in 1856. Her parents are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Howes now have one daughter, Mary F., who was born in 1881, and was graduated in the Clinton high school in June, 1901. She is now pursuing a special course in music. The family have a pleasant home in Clinton. Mr. Howes purchased a residence in 1885, but afterward sold it and has since erected a modern home with all the latest equipments and accessories. The Howes household is noted for its hospitality, and the members of the family occupy an enviable social position. Mr. Howes is a member of the Clinton Divison, No. 125, B. L. E., with which-he has been identified since 1 88 1. He also belongs to Emulation Lodge, No. 205, F. & A. M., and his wife belongs to the G. I. A., auxiliary of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He contributes to the support of church work, and as a citizen is interested in everything pertaining to the general welfare. His financial success in life is due to his industry and indefatigable labor.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.