Francis Jonas Howell (1844 - 1925)

Born 12 Nov 1844 in MO

Ancestors

Died 1925 at about age 80 in Rural Gentry Co., MO

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Biography

Event: Old Brick Cem. Buried at. 1925 Gentry Co., MO.

Note: #N42.

Notes

Note N42**********.

Will of Francis J. (Jonas) Howell of Albany, Gentry Co., Mo. 1

Know all men by these presents that I Francis J. Howell of the County of Gentry and State of Missouri being of sound mind and memory but having in view the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death do hereby make a claim and publish this my last will and testament.

First it is my will that my beloved wife Elizabeth Howell and I do hereby appoint her the sole executor of this my last will without giving bond should she survive me to execute and carry out the provisions of same and I further will and direct that my said wife Elizabeth Howell have all of my property both personal and real after my just debts are paid to have and to hold and to support her during her natural life. After her death my property to be divided among my heirs as follows.

First, I have helped my two oldest sons Samuel Hugh Howell and Jonathan Branham Howell financially to their farms and this is all that I expect them to have of my estate except what is here after directed.

Second, I will and bequeath to my third son Robert Ross Howell all of my real estate consisting of forty two and one half acres more or less described as follows south west quarter of south east quarter of Sec. 16, township sixty three, range thirty one. Also two and one half acres more or less off east side of south east quarter of south west quarter of section sixteen, township sixty three range 31. This real estate I will and bequeath to said Robert Ross Howell in the condition that he pay to my daughter Nancy Rebecca Buergelin widow of John F. Buergelin six hundred dollars within one year after he comes into possession of said land without interest.

Third, My personal property whatever it may be after my wifes death to be sold at public sale except what is in the house and divided among my four children already named what is in the house, beds and bedding, pictures book and all the articles share and share alike. This will is written in place of my previous in 1908,but not witnessed. 1

Francis J. Howell. 1

This the 18th day of Aug. 1915.

Witness: G. W. Smith, MD.

Boyd L. Smith, DDS.

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Obituary: Albany Ledger, Thursday, 22 October 1925; Death: Judge Frank J. Howell (Francis Jonas Howell) died at his home 3 miles west of Albany, at 10:15 o'clock Sunday night, October 18th, having reached the advanced age of 80 years, 11 months, and 7 days. Until the Tuesday previous to his death Judge Howell had enjoyed the usual health for one of his years, when he was stricken with paralysis. He lingered until Sunday night when death came.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Old Brick Church, conducted by Rev. J. W. Mays, of the Presbyterian church, and burial was in the adjoining cemetery.

With the passing of Judge Howell there is removed from our midst one of the pioneers of the county, and one which connected its early history down to the present time. He was the oldest native born citizen of the community who had been alive for many years, as far as we are informed. Born within a short distance on which he died, before there was a Gentry County, he had been a life-long resident. When he was born November 12, 1844, what is now Gentry County was a part of Clinton County. He was the son of James M. Howell and wife, who were among the earliest of the pioneers who pushed their path northwestward and settled where the Indians still roamed. His life was similar to that of other youths who grew up in this new country, making the best of limited opportunities.

Until the last he retained his mental vigor, and could talk most interestingly of his early life and the experiences through which he passed. He lived to see the primitive country change to present state of civilization, and he was so situated that he could enjoy and appreciate the changes. He was a man who was held in high esteem by all on account of his integrity and general worth. He was a dyed-in-the wool Jeffersonian Democrat, and throughout his long life he was interested in his party and the principles for which it stands. He served as county Judge for two years a good many years ago.

On October 11, 1866, he was married to Elizabeth Branham, and for over 59 years they traveled lifes pathways together. 6 children were born to them, four sons and two daughters. One son and one daughter died in infancy. The living children are Mrs. Nancy Kirkpatrick, of Fowler, Colorado, Samuel H., Jonathan B. and A. Ross Howell (Robert Ross Howell), all of the community west of town. There are six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. In early youth Mr. Howell professed his faith in Christ and united with the United Brethern church.

A good man and honorable citizen has been gathered to his Father in Judge Howell's passing.

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Francis J. Howell owned 77 (sevety-seven) acres of property in the county of Gentry located as follows: Section 16, twp. 63 north, Range 31 west.

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Sources

• Personal knowledge and research by Joseph Bower