Franklin D. Howe

FRANKLIN D. HOWE, a highly respected citizen and farmer residing in section 23, Oswego township, Labette county, Kansas, whose portrait is herewith shown, is one of the leading agriculturists of the county. He was born in Brighton, a suburb of Boston, Massachusetts, October 1, 1839, and is a son of Stillman Howe, and grandson of William S. Howe. The latter was a Revolutionary soldier.

Stillman Howe was born in Brighton, Massachusetts, in 1806, and followed the trade of a stone-mason all his life. He built several stone buildings in Boston. His death, which occurred at the age of forty-five years, was caused by the falling of a stone, while he was at work on a bridge pier. He married Harriet Perry, of Boston, and she also died at the age of forty-five years. They reared the following offspring: Henry H.; Hollis; Harriet, deceased; and Franklin D., the subject of this sketch.

Franklin D. Howe spent his boyhood days in his native town, and at the age of twelve years was thrown upon his own resources. He first worked in a boot and shoe factory at Milford, from 1852 to 1859, and in the latter year went to Chicago. There he obtained work in a boot and shoe factory, in which he remained until 1866. Desiring a more suitable climate, as he was not strong, and concluding to try the West, he finally settled in Labette county, and bought a farm in section 23, Oswego township, where he is successfully carrying on general farming.

Mr. Howe was united in marriage, in 1870, with Eliza Hogoboom, who died in 1873. In 1878, he married Mary F. Roe, a native of Greene county, New York. She is a daughter of Gideon Roe. Mr. and Mrs. Howe have two children, - Allura and Alma, - both students. Mr. Howe is a member of the A. F. & A. M. In politics, he is a Republican, and although he is actively interested in the work of his party, he will not accept public office. He has served in various township offices, and was, at one time, sheriff of the county, in which he has a host of warm friends.