Edited by
Wally Howerton
Contributing Editors
John F. Howerton
Bryan R. Howerton
Volume Four, Issue 3 Summer 2000
FROM THE EDITOR
Greeting Cousins:
This is definitely the "fastest summer" I can remember. I hope that many of you have had the opportunity to visit with each other. I know there have been several Howerton family reunions and I will post their news and pictures if anyone submits them. ()
Bryan and John have been a little too busy as always. I may have to send them the definition of retirement. We are saddened that John's brother William Donald (Don) Howerton passed away on the 23rd of July. Our prayers are with the families.
For the next several issues I would like to do an article on "Howertons in War." We have had several stories about individuals but I would like to try and cover each War separately. (I refer to anything called a campaign, a police action, peace keeping mission, etc., "A War." Please send articles and pictures for inclusion directly to me at Howerton Heritage in Richwood. I plan on covering Vietnam in the Fall Issue so I would appreciate receiving documentation no later than October 1st. Name, Rank, Serial Number, Job in the service, campaigns, awards, medals, ribbons, etc. If a Bronze Star or higher was awarded please send a copy of the citation.
Wally
Thomas Heritage Howerton: Big, Old Man
Derek Philip Pratt Weds Emily Rebecca Howerton
Christine Elizabeth Howerton graduates from WVU
John Randall Howerton Weds Beth Dunphy
CANNON BALL IN THE BED
By Bryan R
Howerton
Eldred Howerton was born 28 Mar 1800 in Essex County, VA; the son of William Howerton and Catherine "Katy" Edmundson. On 9 Apr 1822 in Halifax County, VA, he married a cousin, Nancy Ann Turner Howerton (daughter of James Howerton and Nancy Ann Foster).
The newly-weds returned to Essex County, VA and established their home on land owned by William Howerton, father of Eldred, located on Dragon Swamp. Their home became known as Sycamore Grove and was inherited by Eldred upon the death of his father in 1830. Two children were born to them at Sycamore Grove, Maria Ann Catherine on 5 Nov 1825 and Margaret Melvina on 18 Feb 1827.
They sold the place on Dragon Swamp and migrated to Kentucky. They arrived at the home of William and Catherine Edmondson Howerton in Muhlenburg County on 16 Aug 1832. William was Eldred's cousin and Nancy's brother; and Catherine was Eldred's sister and Nancy's cousin. Eldred's brother, Thomas Howerton, had been in Kentucky since 1825 and was well-established in Muhlenburg County. A happy reunion was enjoyed by the three families, all of whom had migrated from Virginia. Eldred and his little family remained in Muhlenburg County, KY for about a year or so, when he then moved to Nashville, TN.
In Nashville, Eldred entered the mercantile business. They made their home there and became the parents of four more children: Susan Elizabeth, born 14 Nov 1834; Arthur Monroe, born 19 Apr 1836; Emma Amanda, born 26 Feb 1840; and Eldred Jr., born 4 Oct 1844. Eldred prospered in the mercantile business and purchased land in Davidson County and in Franklin, Williamson County, Tenn. Eldred died on 21 Jul 1855 in Nashville and was buried in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Nashville. His widow, Nancy Ann Turner Howerton, moved to Franklin, Tenn where she remained until her death on 28 Mar 1882. She was buried beside her husband.
The daughter, Emma Amanda, married Robert Allen Toon (born 22 Jul 1823 Williamson County, Tenn - died 19 Feb 1910 Davidson County, Tenn) in Nashville on 7 Sep 1859. They moved from Nashville and established their home on the outskirts of Franklin, Tenn. Future events would reveal that location to be a poor choice for their home. Their first child, Anna Amanda Dorcas Toon was born in Franklin, Tenn on 4 Jan 1861. Tennessee withdrew from the United States in June 1861 and less than one year later Nashville was lost to Union forces and remained occupied by U S federal troops for the remainder of the war.
John Bell Hood had graduated from the U S Military Academy in 1853 and served on the western frontier where he was wounded in Indian fighting. He resigned his commission in the U S Army in April 1861 and joined the Confederate Army where he commanded Magruder's cavalry at Yorktown. Following Yorktown, he was appointed Brigadier General and assumed command of the Texas Brigade, which consisted of the First, Fourth and Fifth Texas Infantry regiments and the Third Arkansas Infantry regiment, serving in the Army of Northern Virginia. It has been reported that Hood had no peer as a brigade or division commander and the Texas Brigade was renamed "Hood's Brigade". Hood was badly wounded at Gettysburg, losing the use of his left arm and at Chickamauga he lost his right leg. He continued on active duty, although he had to be strapped to his horse, and assumed command of the Army of Tennessee in July 1864 during the Atlanta Campaign. Following Atlanta, Hood led his Army back into Tennessee and a series of gallant campaigns, culminating in his disastrous attempt to retake Nashville in the Franklin-Nashville Campaign, during which the following event related by Eldred Howerton's granddaughter occurred.
Anna Amanda Dorcas Toon, daughter of above Emma, married James Theodore Sloan on 17 Dec 1879 in Williamson Co, Tenn. As she grew older she often told her young descendants of her childhood experiences. The story most enjoyed by the children concerned an incident during the Battle of Franklin, and at their behest, in July 1938 she related the following:
REMINISCENCES OF THE BATTLE OF FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE
The battle had been raging all night, but about two o'clock in the morning it was thought the Federals were leaving, as firing had ceased, and our family who had spent the night for safety in the home of Peter Crouch just across the street from our home, known as the Old Ratliff Place, decided to go home. After reaching home my mother, Mrs. Emma Toone, had put my sister and me to bed, when in just a short time firing again was heard and a shell came whizzing through the wall close to the chimney, knocking the mantel down, putting out the lights, and then falling right into the bed with us. Of course, it did not explode, as it fell on the feather bed, but you can rest assured it about scared us to death. A cousin of ours, Miss Tenny Barham, grabbed me out of the bed and ran out the back door to the street, then again over to the Crouch home for safety in the basement. My mother had my sister and followed by the rest of the family, including two little "pickaninnies" whose parents had deserted them, and Mrs Dick Gault, whose husband was in the battle. She had her three children and joined us.
The battle continued then in full blast until dawn, when the firing ceased, as the Federal troops were making their way toward Nashville. We remained in the Crouch basement until daylight, then my father who had just returned from Atlanta, took his family back home, picked up the shell, which was still warm, and followed by the children - although they were warned to go back - he buried the shell in the cow lot. To me this will ever be a moment never to be forgotten.
Shortly after things quieted down, we children were much interested in an unexpected meeting of Miss Mary Walker and Jimmy Hannah, a surgeon in the Confederate Army, who greeted each other so lovingly after a long separation, and afterwards married.
THOMAS HERITAGE HOWERTON
A Big, Old Man
Compiled
by Wally Howerton
Printed from the Howerton Heritage Database
Thomas Heritage Howerton was born in 1760 in Essex or Henrico Co, Va (probably in Henrico County); the son of Thomas Howerton 5-1 and Susannah ----. He married Nancy Hazelwood 31 Aug 1791 in Henrico Co, Va and, following her death, married Mrs. Elizabeth Porter, widow of LeGrande Porter, 1 Jan 1824 in Campbell Co, Va. Thomas Heritage Howerton was known as "Heritage" all his life. About the year 1791 he went westward up the James River with his young wife, the former Nancy Hazelwood, each on horseback, with their personal belongings strapped to their horses. They intended to go to Kentucky or Missouri. However, on the evening of the fourth day out, they secured accommodations for the night at a tavern at Galt's Mill on the James River, a few miles East of Lynchburg. The tavern was operated by a Mr. Galt, who also owned a large farm in what was then Campbell County, Virginia, but in 1845 became Appomattox County, when that county was formed from parts of Campbell and Buckingham Counties. Mr. Galt was also a Commission Merchant in Richmond, Va., of the firm of Galt & Bullock. Mr. Galt proposed to young Howerton that he abandon his westward trip and stay with him as the supervisor of his lands. Heritage Howerton explained that his plans were already made and that he had invested all his money in his two horses. Mr. Galt then offered to buy the horses, and, bargaining together, an agreement was reached and Thomas Heritage Howerton settled in Campbell County, Virginia. After supervising the lands of Mr. Galt for several years, he purchased and settled in his permanent home at what was known in 1948 as the "Will Caldwell Place", but during the lifetime of Thomas Heritage Howerton bore the name of "Springfield". His first wife, Nancy Hazelwood, died around middle age. On 1 Jan 1824 he married Mrs. Elizabeth Porter, the widow of LeGrande Porter, who preceded him in death by many years. Thomas Heritage Howerton died in Appomattox County, Virginia in 1867, being 107 years of age. He possessed a pleasing personality, was fond of jokes, and often played pranks on his friends. He was large of stature, weighing around 300 pounds. He maintained a good home and is reputed to have set a good table, varying the menu with roast pig, veal, lamb and turkey. His judgment was considered sound and his business ability is attested by the fact that several farms were cut from his holdings. The Campbell County Courthouse contains many records of his transactions; however, the Appomattox County Courthouse burned in 1892 and practically all records therein were destroyed.
(NOTE: Above personal information regarding Thomas Heritage Howerton was provided by the late Ernest Hunter Howerton, Logan, WV - a direct descendant of Thomas Heritage Howerton. BRH) His children, born in Campbell Co, Va., included:
Heritage b 1792-1810
Joshua b ca 1792
William J b 15 Oct 1796
Thomas b 1798
Polly b 1800
Joseph b 1802 or 1804
Susan b ca 1808
Harriett b ca 1812
Nancy b ca 1824
HOWERTON HISTORY DATABASE
By Bryan
R. Howerton
With the establishment of a website dedicated to the history of the Howerton family and the increasing use of internet, we are experiencing an increase in the number of queries for information on the family. Genealogy has benefited greatly by the introduction and use of internet. The number of people interested in their family history has increased tremendously as we learn how easily and rapidly information can be exchanged and/or obtained. At the same time the number of entrepreneurs hoping to profit from the widespread interest in genealogy has increased accordingly. The information we have gathered on the family is not intended to be used for commercial purposes in any manner. This may best be explained by a review of how the database was established.
Originally, interest was limited to personal lines; however, while in northern Virginia access was gained to the National Archives, Library of Congress, Maryland Hall of Records, Virginia state archives and the records in the counties of Virginia and Maryland. It became apparent that information found was generally unknown to Howerton descendants and it was unlikely that conditions of record accessibility and curiosity would exist again. Therefore, any and all documented references to the name, Howerton (and variances in spelling) were recorded. Recording all information revelant to the name and maintaining it in useable form required the early establishment of a database (home PCs were not yet available). A unsophisticated method was developed which is still in use but is not entirely compatible with any known computer program. Almost from the outset contact was established with others actively searching the Howerton genealogy (but, without the facilities of the DC area). A system was developed by which new info was passed to those people as it was found. The information was studied and integrated it into the overall history project. The work, advice, and encouragement of those dedicated people was invaluable to a novice who was finding more information than he knew what to do with. The original group included:
Warren J
Vaughn, New Albany, IN;
Ruth
Spence, Greensboro, NC;
Idros
Roberts, Pasadena, CA;
Ernest H
Howerton, Logan, WV (all now deceased)
and others later participated, principally:
Dayton
Howerton, Carbondale, IL (deceased) and
Doris
Walton, Stillwater, OK - a most able and helpful
worker.
Beginning in 1972 a project was started to visit every county in the south and mid-west where it was known or suspected that a Howerton had resided at some point in time. The records at these courthouses were examined and all references to Howertons (dated prior to 1880) were copied. Over 350 courthouses were visited before counting was discontinued. A massive amount of information was found, which took years to integrate into the database. The process began to slow due to deaths of helpers, most of whom had reached advanced ages.
Early in the project it was determined that none of the information on the family would be sold or used commercially in any manner. Information would only be given to Howerton descendants and would be limited to their direct line of descent. Recipients would be given the applicable data without charge; however, they were often asked to reimburse the cost of record reproduction, materials, and postage - no profit was derived from that practice which was discontinued with the use of internet. No payment is expected of descendants and that policy is expected to continue as it is our belief that Howerton descendants are freely entitled to information pertaining to their ancestors.
In the very early 1990's contact was established with John F Howerton, who was retiring after a university teaching career where he had held the history chair. John possessed the ability, interest, and dedication required by the project. The policy that was in place governing the use of the database was agreed upon and John became the first partner. That was the best move made since the inception of the project. John's personality, experience and ability have enabled him to make an outstanding contribution to the project. The project continued with John and I for a few years, almost entirely by internet; although we meet in person once or twice yearly for discussions. Both of us want the project to continue with a small staff and it was apparent that we should be looking for potential partners to carry on as we were getting older and the work more tiring. It was known that Pam Howerton Stone had worked diligently on her own line of Howerton descent and was extremely able and dedicated. She demanded facts and would not guess. She was invited to join the team primarily as a back-up as she is raising her family and engaged in a business enterprise, which currently leaves little spare time.
Later John contacted Walter S. "Wally" Howerton who had expressed an interest in becoming a member of the project. Wally is a retired marine who is still serving his fellow man as a public school teacher. Wally is also well qualified in computers (as well as genealogy) and the internet and maintains our website. We consider ourselves fortunate to have Wally as a team member.
The team unanimously agrees that information from the database should never be used for commercial purposes in any manner. A statement to that effect is displayed in detail on the Howerton Heritage website. Team members have expended a great amount of time, effort, and resources in the establishment and maintenance of the database; for which we expect no payment. Also, we do not authorize or expect others to benefit financially from our efforts. Information received from us can be freely passed to other Howerton descendants by recipients; however, it should not be given to anyone not a Howerton descendant.
There has been an increase in the number of genealogy related websites on internet. Some of them are commercially motivated and sell, usually in CD format, genealogical data obtained from all sources, including that posted to their site by individuals who were only interested in posting information applicable to their lineage. It is sometimes not readily apparent that data posted to a website might be used in that manner. Some of these commercially motivated websites are purported to assume copyright upon anything posted to their site. We fail to understand why a person would want to place their direct personal lineage on a commercial website and we request that all recipients of information from our database refrain from passing it to ANY website. Such precaution should preclude a copyright conflict.
Derek Philip Pratt Weds Emily
Rebecca Howerton
submitted by Tom
Howerton
Emily and Derek as they
are leaving their wedding reception early Saturday evening.
The wedding was Saturday June 17, 2000 at 1:00PM at the Community United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach. The wedding reception was held at the Cypress Point Country Club in Virginia Beach. About 110 guests attended the wedding and reception.
Emily and Derek are living in Chesapeake, Virginia. Emily is the daughter of Thomas D. and Beverly Howerton of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Derek is in the United States Navy and is stationed aboard the USS Gonzalez, an Aegis class destroyer. He is currently enlisted but is considering going to Officer Candidate School (OCS) where he can finish his undergraduate degree and earn an officer's commission in the Navy. He would attend Old Dominion University in Norfolk for NROTC.
"The
Proud Parents"
Thomas D. & Beverly Howerton
Christine Elizabeth Howerton graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts degree from West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV this past May. She is continuing her graduate studies at WVU pursuing a joint degree in Social Work and Public Administration.
John Randall Howerton Weds Beth
Dunphy
submitted
by John R. Howerton
Mr. and Mrs. John Randall
Howerton
John Randall Howerton and Beth Dunphy of Williamsburg, Virginia were married on Friday, June 2, 2000 at the Heritage Inn located in historic Williamsburg. John is the son of Walt and Sharon Howerton of Summerville, SC. He is presently serving with the United States Coast Guard and will be promoted to Chief Petty Officer in September. Beth is originally from Arizona and the daughter of Rosemarie Dunphy. She is attending College in Williamsburg.
Submit
any newsworthy clips/articles to the editor.
Howerton Heritage has scanning capabilities and will return
original documents or photos if needed.
Mail to:
Howerton
Heritage
P. O. Box 85
Richwood, WV 26261-0085
or e-mail Editor@howertonheritage.com
MR.
WILLIAM DONALD "DON" HOWERTON
July 17, 1932- July
23, 2000
William Donald Howerton, 68, of Peoria, AZ, beloved father and brother passed away July 23,2000 at home surrounded by his loving family. Don was preceded in death by his wife Pat Howerton and his parents. Survivors include: brothers, John F. Howerton of Sun City, AZ and George Howerton of Detroit, TX, 8 grandchildren and spouses:
William and
Marina Howerton of
Tempe, AZ
Sue Zan and Dave
Mayer of Peoria, AZ
Don and Sandy
Howerton of Lee
Summit, MO
Donna and Greg Lantz of Tampa, FL
Susan and Doug
Costal of Surprise,
AZ
Patricia and Tony
Murel of Mesa, AZ
Thomas and Michele
Howerton of Elgin,
TX
Yvette and Mike
Gillbreath of
Phoenix, AZ,
27 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren. Mr. Howerton was born July 17, 1932 in Rockport, TX. He moved to Arizona in 1969. He was a member of the U. S. Navy Submarine Service. Don was a heart transplant survivor of 10 years. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 26th at Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary, 7924 N. 59th Street Avenue, Glendale, AZ.
Taken from the Arizona Republic 26 July 2000
MR.
MAURICE K. "BILL" HOWERTON
January 23, 1921 - July 11, 2000
HOWERTON FAMILY REUNIONS
CLAIBORNE COUNTY, TENNESSEE
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21,
2000
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The descendants of the Howertons from Claiborne County, Tennessee will gather for lunch at Springdale School. After lunch we can visit cemeteries, old homestead, Howerton Church, etc.
Directions
From Morristown take 25E across Clinch Mountain and Clinch River
into Claiborne County and about 4 miles to Springdale School on
right.
From Knoxville take Maynardville Highway 33 to Tazewell, turn right on 25E then go about 3 1/2 miles to Springdale School on left.
Items Furnished
Coffee, tea, ice, plates, cups, napkins, and eating utensils.
Items to Bring
Any food dish that you desire. Should you want soft drinks, please bring them with you. Please bring any pictures and family history that you may have.
Arrangements
by
&
Points of Contact
J. P. Barnard
3915 Little Sycamore Road
Tazewell, TN 37879
(423) 626-3053
Cloda Lewis
2164 Old Lewis Road
Johnson City, TN 37601
(423) 926 - 6055
Submitted by and E-Mail Point of Contact:
James (Jay) Howerton
922 Thorps Chapel Road
Rogersville, TN 37857
(423) 235 - 2726
howerton@xtn.net
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