Edited by
Wally Howerton
Contributing Editors
John F. Howerton
Bryan R. Howerton
Volume Five, Issue 2 Spring 2001
FROM THE EDITOR
Greeting Cousins:
Sorry for the delay! As a service to my community, I just recently accepted the position as the city swimming pool manager. (I know not what I doeth!) In addition to that my brother, Clifford Scott Howerton, passed away.
I was down at the VA Medical Center in Beckley, WV and had the great fortune to sit next to a gentleman who struck up a conversation with me. Somehow we got on the subject of genealogy and I explained my affiliation with Howerton Heritage and as always was quite proud to let someone else know just how great our web-site is, how great our database is, and the service that Bryan and John have been providing to Howerton's for years. The man said that was great what we were doing and asked me if I had ever heard of the "Lilly Reunion." I replied that I hadn't and he immediately filled me in as we waited for our appointments.
The annual Lilly reunions have been held since 1929 with only a few disruptions due to WWII and a few other incidents. The Lilly organization bought 30 acres of land at Flat Top, WV and literally have thousands attend every year. They usually bring in a headliner from Nashville and have several U.S. and State politicians attend. I was especially pleased to see the following statement, "Please remember that the Lilly Reunion Association does not charge any admittance fee to the reunion, and these reunions are not for the purpose of making money. It is a form of entertainment the Lillys enjoy contributing to the public, and a GET-TO-GETHER meeting of the thousands of Lillys and their Kith and Kin. You don't have to be a Lilly to attend. Whether you are a Lilly or not you are welcome."
Needless to say, once again, I was all "fired-up" about the thought of having a national Howerton Reunion. After reading about the Lilly Reunion I looked out the window at my 5 acres and thought, "boy wouldn't it be great to have a Howerton Reunion right here." Immediately, my thoughts turned to all the negatives: My infrastructure wouldn't support that many people, climbing gasoline prices, trying to get our key "historians" here, and the list goes on. But what the heck, the Lillys started out small and it took years to develop into what it is today.
I won't make any promises as to when this first "national" Howerton Reunion will be. Oh, it will start off small, probably have numerous flaws, and of course will not make everyone happy, but there will be one. (Maybe I can rent or borrow "Flat Top" from the Lillys, who knows.) Maybe only folks from WV, VA, and other close states could attend but if it's successful it will continue to grow.
If you have comments, suggestions - let's hear them. I know there have been numerous Howerton Reunions such as Claiborne County, TN. We could benefit from all your ideas. And while you're at it, check out the Lilly Reunion website at: http://www.lillyreunion.org
Wally
P.S. Since the Claiborne, TN reunion is an annual event I have decided to give them their own web page. http://www.howertonheritage.com/claibornereunion.htm This is in addition to our regular reunion page.
Stagecoach Hotcakes & The Howerton Inn
Letters From the Old Writing Desk
HENRY C HOWERTON
1782-1831
By Bryan R Howerton
We were recently reading some old letters exchanged between various Howertons over 150 years ago. One of them, written by Henry C Howerton of Essex County, Virginia on 15 Jan 1830 reveals unexpected information concerning family relationships, attitude, diet, personal aspirations, etc. The aforementioned letter was written to Philip Howerton, whose father was a first cousin of the father of Henry, and is printed at the end of this article.
Henry C Howerton was born about 1782 in Essex County, VA; the son of Ambrose Howerton and Catherine Haile. On 18 Apr 1812 he was married in Middlesex County, VA to Elizabeth Daniel, a daughter of John Daniel. Five children of this union have been identified: John Temple b abt 1815, Charles H b 18 Apr 1817, Joseph A b 21 Jun 1820, Christopher Leander b 13 Feb 1822, and America b abt 1824 -- all were born in Essex County, VA.
Ambrose Howerton, father of Henry, died in 1800 in Essex County, VA. In February 1804 Henry was awarded his share of his deceased father's estate, which in addition to his share of land included 61 pounds sterling and two Negro slaves.
Henry C Howerton served as an Ensign in Lt James Dunn's Company of Light Infantry, Virginia Militia. Tappahannock, the seat of Essex County, VA is located on the Rappahannock River about forty miles above the point at which it empties into Chesapeake Bay. (It is also about eleven air miles northeast of the village of Howertons, VA.) From 1813 until early in 1815, Tappahannock was harassed by raids and cannonading by British ships sailing on the Rappahannock River. On 1 Dec 1814 Tappahannock was captured and plundered by an invading British landing party. Henry's unit, Dunn's Company of Light Infantry, was activated as a part of the 6th Regiment (Ritchie's) Virginia Militia and repulsed the invading British landing force, which moved farther up the Rappahannock River. The militia again repelled the British upon their return down the river, inflicting several casualties upon the invasion force. So successful was the militia that by mid-January 1815 the number of British troops in the Chesapeake area had declined to the point that the entire brigade of Virginia Militia was released from federal service.
Following his active military service, Henry returned to his life as a planter and some-time school teacher. He must have prospered as the U S census of 1820 shows him with six Negro slaves, residing in King & Queen County, VA. That may have been Henry's high point as his letter indicates that sometime in 1829 he was incarcerated for a time in King and Queen County (VA) jail after engaging in a fist-fight with a Nicholas McGinnis. Records indicate that it was not uncommon for a Howerton to occasionally appear in court as the result of a personal dispute which evolved into a fist-fight. Apparently, then as now, some Howertons had high tempers and short fuses.
The 1830 census shows that Henry had relocated to Essex County, VA and does not indicate that he owned any slaves. The reason for their absence is unknown, but it appears that Henry's position has not improved since 1820. In fact, in his letter Henry indicates that he has been renting the place in which his family resides and farms. He asks a distant cousin for assistance to feed his family during the coming year. Judging from Henry's letter, corn and bacon were the mainstay of his family's diet, which was probably augmented by vegetables raised in large, personal gardens by most rural residents. In addition, Henry asks his cousin, Philip for assistance in obtaining a teaching position in Halifax County where by 1830, Philip had become an influential person.
The routine manner in which Henry requests assistance from a distant cousin seems to confirm what we have long suspected; extended families were much closer then than many immediate families are today. Henry apparently felt it common for members of the extended family to provide assistance to less fortunate members. It is obvious that he had previously provided help to Mary Ann and Richard, who were children of John Howerton, a deceased cousin of the fathers of Henry and Philips' fathers.
As mentioned in his letter to Philip, by January 1830 Henry is planning to move to the western country. The date of his departure from Virginia is unknown; however, he did make his move to "the western country". The details of that move are presently unknown, but we know that he died in Kentucky on 14 Mar 1831, a little over one year from the date on which he wrote the following letter to Philip.
Essex
January 15th, 1830
Dear Philip,
I have taken up my pen to address you with a few lines in hopes they will reach you and find you and all friends well as it leaves me and all your relations well except bad colds which has been very prevalent in this part of the country. There has been a great many deaths in this county. Roger Shackleford, his wife and son James died in one or two days of each other. Old James Cauthorn, Phoebe Dobbins, Mary and Frankie Hearman. I could mention twenty more deaths, all of your acquaintenances, but no relation. When you were down last year I was then in King & Queen jail for the offence of striking one Nicholas McGinnis, but I am now at liberty and have rented a place in King & Queen. When I was in jail I owed a balance of rent. They got an attachment and sold everything I had in the world except my horse, which died before the day of sale. However, I made out to get the best part of my property back and then it was so late in the year I could not get one piece of land to tend it was late and had all my meat and bread to buy and all my own labor. It took everything I could make to live on. I made enough money to buy me corn and meat enough to last me till harvest and renting the place where I now live I could not give security I was compelled to pay the money for it. The money I intended to buy my provisions with I was compelled to take it to pay the rent and again I am without provisions to live on and shall have to work from hand to mouth again without Mary Ann will let me have about $20.00 to get provisions. I must ask of you as a friend and relation that you will see Mary Ann and state the nature of the case to her and persuade her to let me have that sum. She boarded with me two years and two months at $60.00 per year, but I let her have $50.00 worth of clothes. Board, clothing and interest amount to $228.57 and she never give me one cent in her life. Besides she owes me $20.00 on settlement of my mother's estate. Do, if you please, my dear Philip try to persuade her to let me have that sum. Speak to Richard concerning of it. If I had that much money I could buy enough to last me until harvest, then I can sell some of my wheat and do very well the balance of the year and at the end of the year I hope I shall make enough to carry me to the western country. The place I have rented is good for 40 to 50 bushels of wheat, 70 or 80 barrels of corn and 150 to 200 gallons brandy. And if she will not assist me I shall have to work from hand to mouth again and never make nothing in that way in the world.
I have been solicited to take a school but cannot do for want of provisions for my family. I could get a school worth $120.00 and tend enough land to make enough for another year if I only had money to buy me 100 pounds of bacon and 8 barrels of corn. Do Philip you and James both persuade Mary Ann and Richard to help me. I ought not to say anything to Richard, he has done a good part, but Mary Ann has never let me have one cent. And if they will neither of them will let me have that sum I must beg you to let me have it and I will pay half the money at harvest and the balance at the end of the year. I have tried several persons and none appear willing to assist me and if Richard and Mary Ann neither ??? you will and I will return it at the time I stated. State the nature of the case to them and do your best to get them to help me. I must conclude by praying that you may persuade them to help me. Give my best respects to your family and all my relations. Write to me immediately. I would write to Mary but don't know where to find her. Write me word who she is a going to be married to and what ??? ???.
/s/ H C Howerton
Direct your letter to Millers. Write me if I can make a school for the year in your neighborhood. /s/ H C H
Do my dear Philip do all you can and if they will not you must if you please let me have it. If you can get me into any business up your way next year write to me and I will come up. You must write to me
immediately. /s/ H C H
WILLIAM
ROY "Hopalong" HOWERTON
by Wally
Howerton
Back when I was born (1949) there was a fellow from California who graced major league baseball for a few years. Between 1949 and 1951 Bill Howerton played for the three organizations - the Saint Louis Cardinals, Pittsburg Pirates, and New York Giants. At 5' 11" and 185 pounds Bill threw right-handed and batted left-handed.
Bill is a descendant of William Patnin Howerton (b April 19, 1829 in Claiborne County, Tennessee) who moved from Illinois - Kansas - eventually settling in Lompac, California. Bill's parents were William Franklin "Bud" Howerton and Rachel Alberta Lewis. He was married to Betty ???
Should anyone have any additional information on Bill please e-mail the editor.
Howerton’s Mill, located at the mouth of White Oak on Licking River, manufactured lumber and ground grain for many people from about 1875 to near 1900. The Howerton Mill was owned and operated by three brothers and a cousin from Lee County, Ky. These brothers were named John, Duke, and Henry Howerton, all brothers, and a cousin named Jake Howerton. Henry Howerton married Millie Jones, sister of Alvin Jones and aunt of Custer Jones of West Liberty. Jake Howerton’s father was Albert G Howerton of Lee County, Kentucky. Jake married Susan Frances Easterling of Morgan County, in 1885.
According to the Death Certificate of Jake Howerton, his mother was Millie Ogg, born in Madison County, Kentucky. The Howertons were strong headed and firm people, however, fine citizens and thrifty people who made good livings. The Howerton Mill sawed the lumber used to build schools and churches in the area, including Old Bethany Christian Church at the mouth of Rockhouse on Licking River. One of the popular items manufactured at this mill was the carding of wool, an item hardly known to people today, but a most important clothing item seventy-five years ago. (over 100 years now, ed.)
Note: (p83-85, History of Eastern Kentucky)
Stagecoach Hotcakes
& The Howerton Inn
The White Sulphur Springs Hotel was built in 1849
From the White County Heritage 1963 Charter Issue
A circular dated April 20, 1849, and bearing the signature of Irael M. Moore was among the possessions of his daughter, the late Mrs. T.A. Yarnell. Mr. Moore gave as references Moses Greenwood, William S. Henson, New Orleans, La.; William E. Woodruff [founder and publisher of the Arkansas Gazette] and Watkins & Curran, Little Rock, Ark.; Dr. Dan’l J. Chapman, Batesvill, Ark.
The circular advertising the White Sulphur Springs at Searcy said that "the public house at this watering place has been repaired and re-fitted, extensive additions for the accommodations of visitors has been made for the entertainment of all who may resort to these springs. It is accessible by means of White and Little Red Rivers, the latter two miles away. It is on the main, direct road between Little Rock and Batesville and during the summer months a line of mail stages or accommodation coaches will run regularly three times a week between the springs and Little Rock.
"The medicinal properties of this White Sulphur water are believed to be unsurpassed by any in this western country as those who have heretofore resorted to this place for health or recreation can testify."
The undersigned being the principal proprietor of this watering place has permanently settled himself here with the determination that no expense or exertion shall be spared on his part to accommodate the public and render these springs a favorite place of resort.
Mr. Moore donated what is known on the records of White County as this – "the ten acre donation on which the business part of Searcy now stands also the plot of ground known as the Spring Park."
Before 1837 the White Sulphur Springs had been discoveed and just south of the springs was an inn which was a regular stop for the old stage coach. Across from the Inn was a little eating place run by a colored man called "Free Joe" and his wife "Aunt Mymie" whose hot cakes and coffee were praised by all stage coach travelers. Mrs. John Howerton owned the Inn and was the life of the dances held there and attended by many of the settlers for miles around. Her son, Bud Howerton, was the fiddler.
Besides the Inn several hotels were built and maintained within walking distance of the springs. One of the first was the White Sulphur Springs Hotel built in 1849 by Israel M. Moore. This building burned and was rebuilt by Z.T. Bennett and called the Sulphur Springs Hotel. It stood just south of the present Roberson’s Rendezvous and was operated by A.W. Yarnell. The Kellum House, owned by J.P. Kellum, was located on what is now a vacant lot.belonging to Ray Yarnell just north of the Rendezvous. The Chambless Boarding House was owned and operated by Mrs. Hattie Chambless and was located where the First Baptist Church now stands. The Gill House, the most famous of all, was operated by Mrs. Jane Gill who was known far and wide for her efficient management of the hotel. When Gill House was sold and the name changed later to the Mayfair Hotel one of the last reminders of other days passed away.
For additional information contact the White County Historical Society, P.O. Box 537, Searcy, AR 72145.
copied from http://www.rootsweb.com/~arwhite/wchs/Stagecoach_Hotcakes_And_Howerton_Inn.html
Letters From the Old Writing
Desk
compiled
by Wally Howerton
In an earlier issue of Howerton Heritage I wrote, "One of the small pleasures as editor affords me the opportunity to read documents from years gone by. I'd like to quote the old cliche, 'the good old days' as they certainly seem more romantic, more personal, and the written word very often just sounded melodious."
I find myself returning time and again to "The Old Writing Desk" to browse and let the words of my kin, and the flavor of those words, envelope me.
The following letter, although not from "The Old Writing Desk," was interesting enough to place in this column.........Wally
The following letter, in original form, was in the possession of Mrs C Siler of near Bradford, Ark in 1971. It was a letter from John Howerton Sr to John Howerton Jr, written for John Howerton Sr by James Howerton, a nephew of John Howerton Jr. It was hand-carried to John Howerton Jr, then living in Jefferson Co, Tenn about midway between New Market and Dandridge. John Howerton Jr lived in Jefferson County, Tenn for about 10 years before moving to White County, Arkansas in company with several families who had earlier migrated with him from Montgbomery Co, Va to Jefferson Co, Tenn. Upon arrival in White County, Ark., John Howerton Jr settled at Frankfort, now Searcy, Arkansas.
To: Mr. John Howerton
Jefferson County, East Tennessee
Montgomery County, Virginia State
Sep 2nd AD 1828
Dear Uncle,
I take my pen in hand to inform you that we are all well hoping these few lines may find you enjoying the best of health I received your letter from Mr. Birch Pate and you stated that you wanted me to send you some money But it is out of my power to get any for money is so hard to get it appears like none to be had I have paid $6.00 for you besides that I paid Elliott it will be out of my power to come but when I get the money I will wright you a letter Your friends is generally well Sally Howerton was married on the 28th February at the place where Henry Bishop now lives I wish to be remembered to Elias Daniel and family I wish him to send me a letter for we would be glad to no how he was doing We have had a very dry season here I wish you to wright us a letter as quick as you can so no more at present but remains your loving mother and father untill Death. Stephen Lester and family and all their connections is well.
John Howerton
Sally Howerton
By Your Nephew, James Howerton
(Personally copied from original by Bryan R Howerton)
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