Edited by
Wally Howerton
Contributing Editors
John F. Howerton
Bryan R. Howerton
Volume Six, Issue 3 Spring 2002
TAPLEY HOWERTON - (UPDATE)
By Bryan R Howerton
Some of our long-time readers may recall an article about Tapley Howerton which appeared in the Winter 1997 issue of the newsletter. You may remember that Tapley died at a relatively young age and we had no explanation as to the cause of his early demise. Thanks to the efforts of Michael Howerton of Oshkosh, WI who is an able and dedicated genealogist, we now know the circumstances of Tapley's sudden death. We are indebted to Mike for his interest and generously sharing this new information, which he obtained from Gary Leslie, a distant relaltive of Tapley Howerton. We encourage all readers to share any information they have that we may omit from any article in the newsletter and, also to notify us of any incorrect information we may include in the newsletter. The master database will be updated to reflect the additional or revised information and credit will be given to the individual providing the information.
Tapley Howerton was born about 1790 in Buckingham County, Virginia; the son of Riley Howerton and his parents moved to Guilford County, NC when he was about ten years old. There Tapley grew to manhood and married Elizabeth Cox on 24 Feb 1812 and to this union at least six children would be born.
Tapley was an interesting person; perhaps typical of the eager frontiersman who wanted to see what was over the next hill or across the next river and who contributed so greatly to the taming and settling of the American wilderness. Soon after their marriage the young couple moved to South Carolina, then lived for a short time in North Carolina, moved to the frontier of west Tennessee before 1820, then north to White County, IL and sometime between 1830 and 1833, made his final move to a part of Livingston County, KY which became Crittenden County upon the formation of that county. There may have been short moves to other areas; but those named are the only ones for which we have found records.
This writer has often wondered why Tapley chose to settle near the Ohio River in Livingston County, KY. He was not the sort of ne'er-do-well so often depicted as constantly moving on the frontier to escape lawful justice, but built a respectable estate that was passed to his surviving family upon his death. However, the particular locality in which Tapley settled had a long history of violence, murder, robbery, and other criminal activity.
On the Illinois side of the lower Ohio River, across from present-day Crittenden County, KY is a large cave known as Cave-in-Rock. While conducting genealogical research in that area, this writer visited the cave and found interesting local history concerning the cave. The large cave is located in a bluff well above the river surface on a bend in the river from which the cave provides a sheltered view both up and down the river. The cave is well over 100 feet deep, about twelve feet high and over twenty-five feet wide, providing a vast area protected from the elements.
As westward migration along river routes and overland to the old Northwest Territory and present-day Kentucky and Tennessee from the settled area of the United States lying east of the Appalachians accelerated following the Revolutionary War, many groups and men traveling alone were attacked by hostile Indians or outlaws. Some outlaws organized into bands of marauders committing robbery, mayhem, and murder among those traveling well-used trails and river routes, such as the old Wilderness and National Roads, Natchez Trace, and navigable rivers. The heyday of these outlaws in areas mentioned was from the late 1700s until well toward the mid-1800s.
Cave-in-Rock had already earned the disreputable identity as a refuge for outlaws who attacked travelers on the lower Ohio River by 1797 when Samuel Mason, aka Wilson, organized a group of outlaws and river pirates into an effective criminal operation. Samuel Mason had served as an officer in the Revolutionary War, but ran afoul of the law in Virginia which he evaded by moving to the western frontier. His gang at Cave-in-Rock presented the operation as a legitimate business enterprise that provided service to travelers, even to the extent of placing signs on the river in the vicinity of the cave advertising the availability of whiskey and "entertainment". This was intended to attract people descending the river in small boats and on rafts; also the larger flat boats and keel boats built on the upper Ohio for commercial trade with New Orleans. The gang robbed and murdered many, perhaps the majority of travelers so attracted. Mason established trade with New Orleans to dispose of large amounts of plunder taken from boats whose crews were murdered. The potential profit of this enterprise was greatly reduced by the subsequent robbery, by other river pirates, of his crews transporting the plunder down river or returning via Natchez Trace with cash from sales in New Orleans. Ever the unlawful entrepreneur, Mason moved his operation down to the lower Mississippi River where he had access to both the river and the Natchez Trace, intending to reduce his losses by robbing others. It appears that at least for a time leadership of the Cave-in-Rock criminal operation was then assumed by the notorious Harpe brothers, Wiley and Micajah - better known as Big and Little Harpe. The Harpes may have been the first American serial killers of record - they were extremely vicious and developed their unique system of disposal of their victims, which became their trademark. After robbing and killing their victim(s) the body was taken to the nearest stream, where it was cut open and the abdominal cavity filled with sand or stone and sunk in the stream. Raised in North Carolina, the Harpes first robbed and killed along trails between there and Cave-in-Rock, but eventually expanded their territory to where they were able to terrorize travelers from the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River from the Gulf of Mexico to the Ohio River. About 1803 Little Harpe murdered his long time accomplice, Samuel Mason, decapitated him and exchanged his head for the $1000.00 reward then offered. Prior to that time, Big Harpe had been killed by a posse in Kentucky, after which his head was secured to a limb of a large tree at a crossroads as a warning to criminals. Sometime later Little Harpe was apprehended near Natchez, MS where he was swiftly tried, convicted and hung - his head was placed on a stake along the Natchez Trace. Outlaws continued to find a haven at Cave-in-Rock with various outlaw leaders, but began to decline in the area around Livingston County, KY due to increased settlement of law-biding people. Records indicate that the last major outlaw leader in the Cave-in-Rock area, James Ford, was killed in 1833 by vigilantes seeking to rid the area of the control so long exercised by the criminal element. Ford was apparently a politician and an organizer, engaged in various legitimate enterprises including operation of "Ford's Ferry" from Cave-in-Rock across the Ohio to Livingston County, KY.
Simultaneously, while holding the office of sheriff, he lead his gang of some 30 people in criminal activity. According to local legend, after being shot several times by the vigilantes, he was placed in a casket that night and taken to a prepared grave. The rope holding one end of the casket broke as it was being lowered into the grave leaving the casket standing head-first on end. The grave was filled with dirt with the casket in that position and afterwards the event was referred to as the night James Ford slid head first into Hell." He is locally remembered as "Satan's Ferryman." It is unknown whether Tapley was a member of the vigilantes who killed Ford, although he was a resident of Livingston County at that time, owning land on Crooked Creek which empties into the Ohio River less than three miles from Cave-in-Rock.
Tapley had been on the western frontier about twenty years at the time he settled in Livingston County, KY. To have survived frontier conditions for that period of time indicates that he was well capable of dealing with the lawless conditions that so often prevailed. In addition to the appeal of the land on the Ohio River, another factor that may have influenced his choice of settlement of his family in an area known for lawlessness may have been the organized actions of citizens acting as vigilantes, as well as the increasing effectiveness of law enforcement by officials. Unfortunately, there were still those around with criminal intent, as we shall see.
Tapley's daughter, Lucy (called "Lovey") Howerton born about 1818 in Bedford County, TN. On 18 Feb 1834 she married Abraham (also known as "Abram") M Jarrell, a son of Dempsey Jarrell, in Livingston County, KY. The couple is known to have had a daughter, Lucinda Minerva (or Alvira) Jarrell born in 1835 in Livingston County, KY; who married George Washington Newcom.
On 3 Dec 1835 the estate of Dempsey Jarrell, deceased father of Abraham Jarrell was officially settled. On 5 Dec 1835 Abraham Jarrell attacked and mortally wounded his father-in-law, Tapley Howerton. Whether these twob incidents are related is unknown. A descendant of Tapley has suggested that Abraham Jarrell was disappointed with the final settlement of his father's estate and blamed Tapley for reasons unknown. We do not know the role, if any, that Tapley played in settlement of the estate. We have found no connection between the two incidents and have not been able to determine whether they were related.
It is a matter of record that Abraham Jarrell approached Tapley from the rear; striking him above his right ear at least two times. The instrument used is unknown, however the two resulting wounds were two inches in breadth and three inches deep. Tapley was mortally wounded, but lingered for more than two weeks, dying on 20 Dec 1835. Although no headstone was found for Tapley during our visit to cemeteries in Livingston and Crittenden Counties, KY; descendants believe he was buried in the Crooked Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, as were so many of his family.
At some point in time following the murder of Tapley Howerton and before June 1836, Abraham Jarrell and his wife disappeared from the Livingston County, KY. It is not known whether Lucy accompanied her husband, Abraham Jarrell; but, no further record of her could be found in either Livingston or Crittenden Counties. At the time of their disappearance Lindsay Shewmaker, another person charged with murder, also disappeared from Livingston County. Both Shewmaker and the Jarrells left a daughter in Livingston County when they departed. Lucinda Minerva Jarrell, daughter of Lucy and Abraham remained in Crittenden County, KY and appears on the 1850 census of that county. She married George Washington Newcom.
Abraham Jarrell was not present at his trial for the murder of Tapley Howerton. His trial was conducted in Livingston County, KY and he was found guilty of the murder. The record of the trial is shown below:
"2 Jun 1836 - Commonwealth of Kentucky vs Abraham Jarrell - Indictment for Murder - A True Bill: On 5th Dec 1835 Abraham Jarrell came against Tapley Howerton with a certain weapon to the Jurors unknown, which in Jarrell's right hand and upon the right side of the head of Tapley Howerton a little above the right ear and on the right side, made two mortal wounds of the breadth of two inches each, and of the depth of three inches. Howerton languished until 20 Dec when he died. Abraham Jarrell found guilty of murder of Tapley Howerton. Jarrell is at large. (Kentucky Criminal Records) ."
So far as has been determined, Abraham Jarrell was never incarcerated or otherwise punished for the murder of Tapley Howerton. Several Jarrells from Kentucky and a few descendants of Tapley Howerton resided in the boot-heel section of Missouri in the later 1800s. It has been suggested that Abraham may have been among them; however, his location has not been confirmed.
(NOTE: The writer apologizes to readers for the extended digression pertaining to piracy operations at Cave-in-Rock. The intent was to emphasize the conditions that prevailed in that area prior to the murder of Tapley Howerton. - - The writer admits to a fascination (perhaps, obsession) with the history of early westward migration, the untamed wilderness those people encountered and conquered, and the problems experienced among themselves and with the Indians who resisted their advance. During the several years spent visiting the various places where those early Howertons preceded us, it was rewarding to visit sites, interview long-time residents, and learn some of the local history that was experienced by some of our ancestors.) Bryan
BRYAN R HOWERTON "JR"
By Bryan R Howerton "Sr"
Bryan Richard
Howerton
Bryan Richard Howerton retired on April 1, 2002, closing a career of more than 30 years in public service with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Department of Agriculture.
He was born 30 Mar 1947 at Batesville, Independence Co, Ark; the son of Bryan R Howerton and Imogene "Jean" Freeman. Bryan attended schools in Tucson and Phoenix, Ariz; Salt Lake City, Utah; Poughkeepsie, Ark; Guam, Mariana Islands; Abilene, Tex; Arlington and Riverside, Calif; Naha and Kadena Air Bases, Okinawa, Ryuku Islands; Aiea and Honolulu, Hawaii where he graduated from Radford High School in 1965. He consistently earned exceptionally high grades throughout his school years and IQ tests placed him at the genius level. Following graduation from high school he entered Arkansas Tech College (now Arkansas Tech University) at Russellville, Ark. On 14 May 1970 he married Cheryl Ann Taff. Cheryl was born 30 Jul 1948 at Mulberry, Crawford County, Ark.; daughter of Jesse Howard Taff and Velta Clara Tankersley. Bryan and Cheryl met while both were attending college. To this union was born one daughter, Sarah Devi Howerton on 26 Aug 1972 at Russellville, Pope County, Ark.
His education was interrupted during the Vietnam War when he volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy in 1969, serving in USS Providence (CLG-6), flagship of the 1st Fleet, as an electronic warfare specialist. Upon receipt of his top secret security clearance, he was also tasked with additional duties as classified documents courier and, later, petty officer in charge of classified documents. While in the navy, he attended numerous service schools and professional development courses, including Radarman "A" and "C" Schools, Electronic Warfare School, Electronic Countermeasures School; Electronic Security School, Fleet Anti-Air Warfare School, and Fleet Surface Warfare School.
Following discharge from the Navy, Bryan resumed his education at Arkansas Tech University, earning a bachelor’s degree. He was hired by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1973 as an operations analyst in the Rural Electrification Administration’s rural telecommunications program, stationed in Washington, D.C. In 1976, he was transferred to Arkansas to administer the agency’s multi-million dollar telecommunications projects in that State and others in the SW area of the U.S.. Concurrent with his assignment to the SW area in 1976 he moved to Searcy, White Co, Ark where he has maintained his office and residence. Over the years, he oversaw the successful completion of numerous projects, and became a recognized authority on rural telecommunications issues. His agency began to use his talents in other areas of the country, and he thus began a two-decade period of relentless travel to all regions of the country. A strong proponent of professionalism in the U.S. Civil Service, he developed a mentoring program wherein experienced and highly motivated employees were detailed to develop these traits in new employees. He developed and conducted numerous professional development, leadership and management seminars and workshops for agency employees, first on a regional basis, and finally on a national basis.
He also worked to foster professionalism in the telecommunications industry, and authored several technical training and management courses, which he conducted throughout the country. After investigating a serious industrial accident on a project funded by his agency, he wrote a safety manual, conducted safety workshops, and helped to establish an industry safety council. His efforts were honored by the National Safety Council and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
During the many years of 18-hour days and constant travel, he continually strove to improve his skills through education and training. He took numerous courses from the U.S. Civil Service Institute, and attended public and private sector technical, engineering and management courses.
He also managed to find time to serve as a "weekend warrior" with the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served in various command and staff positions. In this aspect of his life, he continually sought to improve his professionalism by taking numerous courses from the Coast Guard Institute, and attaining as many specialty ratings as possible, including communications, weather, navigation, engineering, search and rescue, and leadership. He retired with the rank of Commander in 1998 after 20 years of service as a "Coastie".
During the last few years of his career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, he was tasked to represent his agency on many intergovernmental groups, including the Arkansas State Emergency Board, Rural Development Council, Food and Agriculture Council, and many others. He received awards and commendations from successive Arkansas governors. He has repeatedly earned outstanding performance awards and numerous commendations from his department and received accelerated promotions in recognition of his accomplishments. With his retirement in sight, his agency put him to work, translating his many years of experience into policy and regulatory development. His efforts were recognized by the National Partnership for Reinventing Government, which bestowed upon him the "Hammer Award" for improving the efficiency of his agency and saving the taxpayers millions of dollars.
As a result of his vast experience, professional development, and total dedication to public service, he has over the years received offers of political appointments and lucrative private-sector employment, all which he has steadfastly declined.
Bryan sums up his career thus: "My brother, sister and I were raised to believe that service to our country and to our countrymen is a duty. I believe it to this day. I believed that public service – in or out of uniform – was the most noble thing I could do with my life. The Federal civil servant is an easy target for those people who want to put a human face on the complex problems facing our country today. Some criticism is warranted, of course, but I have been fortunate to have worked for a small, efficient agency, composed of highly dedicated civil servants. I have worked with the best of the best in government, and I am both honored and humbled that this great nation permitted me to serve it for 31 years. I like to think that I made a small difference in the lives of my countrymen, and contributed in a miniscule way to the betterment of my country. Now that my career is over, I intend to devote the rest of my days to my beloved wife, Cheryl, who has stood by me, uncomplainingly, all these years. We were married in 1970, while I was in the navy. Our honeymoon leave was cut short by the pending Cambodian incursion, when I was ordered to return to my ship for deployment to the western Pacific. That signaled a pattern in our life together. I spent the next 30 years traveling all over the country for Uncle Sam, crawling on and off more airplanes than I care to remember, returning with a bag full of dirty laundry, only to change into a blue uniform to spend my "spare time" boating with the Coast Guard. Cheryl never complained, saying that she knew what she was getting into when she married a Howerton. I look forward to spending the rest of my life with this remarkable lady, and hopefully can in some small way let her know what her love, loyalty and devotion has meant to me."
Over the past year Bryan has been slowly recovering from a debilitating stroke; however, he does not plan to slow down. As he retires to his home, located on several woodland acres just outside Searcy, Ark., he will, among his other pursuits, devote the majority of his free time to research of the Arkansas units that served the Confederacy during the Civil War, specializing upon members of the 3rd Arkansas Infantry Regiment which served in Hood's Brigade, which was the only Arkansas unit in Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. Through this extensive research he has been recognized as an expert on that particular unit and has been honored by several institutions in the Southwest US. He is often called upon to address seminars and meetings of various Confederate organizations and maintains a website through which he gratuitously assists those seeking information pertaining to individual members of Arkansas Confederate units. In addition, he is currently writing a book on the 3rd Arkansas Infantry Regiment.
HOWERTON
QUIPS
Compiled
from the Database
Among the several definitions for the word quip we find it also means "Something curious or odd." We certainly have many quips in our Howerton Heritage. Here are just a few that I found in our Howerton Database.
"On 19 Nov 1692 The above County Court of Essex awards Thomas Howerton two shillings for one wolfe killed by gun."
"20 May 1724 - Presentments against Thomas Howerton Sr and John Gilby for not frequenting the South Farnum Parish Church."
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