Oscar L. Howell

OSCAR L. HOWELL, a well-known farmer residing in section 14, Labette township, Labette county, Kansas, has been one of the influential farmers of the county since 1883. He was born in Mason county, Illinois, in 1844, and is a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Long) Howell.

Charles Howell was born in Pennsylvania in 1808, and now, at the age of ninety-three years, resides with his son, Oscar L. He is the oldest man in Labette county, and is quite proud of the distinction. His wife, Elizabeth (Long) Howell, was born in Pennsylvania in 1814, and they reared ten children, namely: Franklin, deceased; Mary E.; Orpha, deceased; Sally; Martha; Oscar L., the subject of this sketch; Lewis; Anson; Catherine; and Emma.

Oscar L. Howell received his mental training in the common schools of his native county, and in 1863 enlisted in Company K, 85th Reg., Ill. Vol. Inf., but as he was not of age his parents kept him at home. In 1883, Mr. Howell moved with his father to Labette county, where his father bought the farm on which he now lives, in 1872. In 1882, a new house was erected on the land, and the elder Mr. Howell conveyed the farm to Oscar L. There he carries on general farming and stock raising. He is a thrifty farmer, and has made many improvements on the land, and it presents a, good, substantial appearance.

Mr. Howell was united in marriage with Tilarah Gerry, who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1849. She is a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Valentine) Gerry, both natives of New Jersey. Peter Gerry was a farmer by occupation. He and his wife reared two children: Tilarah and George. Mr. and Mrs. Howell have been blessed with six children, all of whom are living. Their names are: Frank A., a miner, who resides at Ouray, Colorado; Harry, Emma S. and Minnie, of the same place; and Clyde and Ralph, who are at home.

Mr. Howell votes an independent ticket. He has served on the school board since first coming to Labette county, and now holds the office of clerk of the board. He belongs to the Anti-Horsethief Association.