JOHN FRANKLIN HOWERTON II
By Bryan R Howerton

John F Howerton was born 30 Jan 1929 in Paris, Lamar County, Texas; the son of William Chester Howerton and Donnie Mae Gunn. He was christened in about 1940 at the First Baptist Church in Paris, TX.  He spent the first fifteen years of his life in and around Paris, TX.  In common with most young boys when not attending school he spent some time working at available jobs; primarily chopping and picking cotton which was grown in abundance around Paris during that period. He received his elementary education in several small country schools and began high school in Deport, TX, where he worked in a small grocery store and for a weekly newspaper, the Deport Times. In 1944 his family moved to Prescott, AZ where he completed his high school education and was employed by Sam Hill Hardware in Prescott.

John married Wilma Wanda Murray (b 18 Feb 1934 Pecos, San Miguel County, NM; daughter of Troy Trudo Murray Sr and Veda Venora Newcombe) on 24 Jun 1950 in Prescott, Yavapai County, AZ. To this marriage were born: Eudora Mae "Dorie" Howerton, 16 Sep 1953 Camp Carson, El Paso County, CO; Donna Delight Howerton, 26 Jul 1956 Phoenix, Maricopa County, AZ; John Franklin Howerton III, 22 May 1962 Kansas City, Jackson County, MO.  John's first marriage ended in divorce. On 5 Jun 1981 he married Peggy Ann Farmer (b 9 Apr 1942 Union, Newman County, MS; daughter of Gary Parker Farmer and Gladys O'Neal Nance) and christened in the First Baptist Church, Gallup, McKinley County, NM.  Peggy was previously married to Thomas Seals and has two children born in Fullerton, Orange County, CA: Thomas Carl Seals Jr 8 Jan 1968 and Gary Craig Seals 26 Dec 1969.

Following his graduation from high school in Prescott, AZ, John enlisted in the U S Marine Corps in Sep 1946 and underwent basic military training at USMC Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA. Following his initial training he was assigned to Naval Air Station Moffett Field. Mountain View, CA and in 1947 found him serving in the First Marine Division in Tientsin and later in Tsingtao, China.

Upon his arrival in Tientsin he found conditions between the Chinese Nationalists and Chinese Communists swiftly deteriorating. the frequency of Chinese Communist troops openly challenging the Marines was increasing.  Early in April 1947 an isolated ammunition storage area near Hsin Ho under Marine guard was attacked by about 350 Communists at three different points on the perimeter. Five Marines were killed early in the attack and sixteen wounded during the penetration before the attackers were repulsed by the badly outnumbered Marines. The extent of the Communists' losses were unknown; however, six dead uniformed Chinese Communists were found and their wounded was estimated between 20 and 30. In May 1947 the ammunition dump was turned over to the Chinese Nationalist troops and the members of the 1st Marine Division joined the Fleet Marine Force, Western Pacific at Tsingtao, which on 1 Sep 1947 became the last Marine duty station in China.

At Tsingtao the Communist forces to a large extent avoided confrontation with the Marines; but, the fighting between the Communists and Nationalists increased in intensity.  The Communists continued to mount pressure upon the Nationalists who were soon defeated. The 1st Marine troops left China on 8 Feb 1949; however, at the time John was unaware that he was not through with the Chinese Communists, but would again confront them in less than two years in Korea.

John returned from China to USMC Camp Pendleton at Oceanside, CA, in 1949.  In 1949 the American military force levels and the defense budget were drastically and unwisely reduced by the Truman administration.  This forced reduction of the number of troops world-wide resulted in serious consequences in the Far East.  At 4:00 a.m. on 25 June 1950 South Korea was invaded by Communist North Korea.  South Korean troops, supported by an inadequate number of American forces, were unprepared to defend their country. The North Koreans swiftly forced the defenders into a small area around Pusan on the southern tip of the Korean peninsula. On 2 Jul 1950 Gen MacArthur requested a Marine regimental combat team be sent to Korea.

The 1st Marine Division immediately began preparation for deployment to Koreaand on 7 Jul a Provisional Marine Brigade was activated at Camp Pendleton, CA. On 12 Jul that Brigade sailed for Korea to assist in the defense of the Pusan perimeter.  The main force of the 1st Marine Division arrived in Japan on 1 Sep 1950. Recognizing that the North Koreans had over-extended their lines, an amphibious landing was planned at Inchon, Korea which would relieve pressure on Pusan.  On 15 Sep the 1st Marine Division landed at Inchon, catching the North Koreans by surprise. The tides at Inchon vary greatly with extremely high and low tides and John has mentioned an uncomfortable feeling when LST's became grounded on mud flats at various locations and troops were forced to wait for the tide to rise, while a full-scale battle raged. By 7 Oct they had reclaimed Seoul and the enemy was retreating north, across the 38th parallel.

In October the 1st Marine Division landed at Wonsan on the east coast of North Korea and began a movement to Hungnam, enroute to the Chosin Reservoir, which was reached on 15 Nov by a part of the 1st Division.  It was cold in that area and many Marines were ill-clothed for the extreme cold conditions to which they were subjected in events that followed. On 27 Nov eight divisions of the Chinese Communist Army attacked the Marines. Faced by overwhelming numbers, bitter cold weather, and inadequate re-supply the Marines began a withdrawal, fighting the Chinese and the weather for 78 miserable miles over primitive mountain roads; successfully reaching Hungnam, where they were evacuated by sea after four weeks of intense fighting.  Apparently no one knows how many thousand Marines suffered frostbite, but their known battle casualties exceed 4,000 as compared with about 25,000 casualties experienced by the Communist Chinese.

The 1st Marine Division continued fighting at various locations in North Korea including, Hwachon Reservoir and the "Punchbowl."  John returned to the U.S. in 1952 and was assigned to the Marine Supply Depot, San Francisco, CA until 1953 when he became a member of the Inspector-Instructor Staff, 96th Special Infantry Company, USMCR at Pueblo, CO, where he left the Marines in 1954.

Following his military service, John continued to serve his fellowman in an outstanding manner.  He prepared himself by earning a B.A. degree after attending Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ 1954-1957; a M.A. degree from Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 1957-58; and he then went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree at Midwestern Baptist theological Seminary, Kansas City, MO 1959-1962.  He subsequently completed additional studies at Arizona State University and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, AR.

John's ministerial career included serving as pastor of Yarnell Baptist Church 1954-57, Yarnell, AZ; Bellvue Baptist Mission and 27th Ave Baptist Church, Phoenix, AZ 1957-1959; Quarles Baptist Church, near Clinton, MO 1959-1961; William Jewell Baptist Church, Kansas City, MO 1961-1962; and again at 27th Ave Baptist Church 1962-1966.  While serving as pastor of 27th Ave Baptist Church, John frequently "filled in" as a teacher at Grand Canyon University and in 1966 left the ministry to teach full-time, stating that he saw teaching at GCU as a Christian calling.

His teaching career included History Instructor, 1959; Visiting History Instructor, 1963-1964; and Associate Professor in History, 1965-1994, all at Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ. the courses he taught during his association with Grand Canyon University included Federal and Arizona Governments, International Relations, Early Political Thought, Contemporary Political Thought, Constitutional History of the United States, Early American History, Recent American History, Baptist and American Church History, Church History, Economic History of the United States, American Diplomatic History, Teaching History and Social Studies in High School, the West in American History, Arizona Ghost Towns, Early Arizona History, American Social Trends as Told in American Western Movie Films, and Contemporary World History since 1871. In addition, John served on numerous committees and in many activities at Grand Canyon University. John's publications include the Youth Teacher, Oct-Dec 1970 and Apr-Jun 1971, both by the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, Nashville, TN, and the Adult Life and Work Lesson Annual 1973-1974, Convention Press, Nashville, TN.

John served on the committee to write exams for Arizona state employees and was an examiner for the Certification Division, Arizona Department of Education, for Arizona and federal government examinations.  He served as the Eligibility Chairman, District 7, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, responsible for interpreting NAIA rules and determining the eligibility for all student athletes in NAIA in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah and attended national meetings of the NAIA.

He was highly respected for his teaching ability and his personal values, often in various professional publications, for example in 1975 an official publication of GCU recognized him as an outstanding educator. Recognition of his personal standard of excellence continued throughout his career at GCU where he taught history to approximately 15,000 people over a period of some 30 years.

When John decided to retire from his career at Grand Canyon University, the following appeared in the Feb 1994 issue of Canyon Alumnus, Grand Canyon University: Yes, it is true!  John Howerton is making history and melodiously beginning a life of leisure.  Great historians come and go, but none of us at Grand Canyon University will forget the one great historian, John Howerton.  It was 1965 when John came to Grand Canyon as a professor of History. During that time he has chaired the History and Social Sciences Department, the Athletic Committee and the Academic Affairs Committee, just to name a few. However, John is probably more famous for his mustache, beard, eyebrows,  and his ghost town trips with the students. He is a man who has involved himself in all activities of the University from sponsoring the student government and serving at the Hanging of the Green to keeping score for the Lope's basketball games. John's new job will be spending time in Prescott, Arizona, his summer home and tracing the Howerton family tree.

Following his retirement, John became increasingly active in his church, Cathedral of the Valley, Church of God, Phoenix, AZ; both in a teaching capacity and frequently filling in for the minister.  John also worked on the history of the Howerton family, initiated the family newsletter, set up the first website, assisted numerous Howerton descendants seeking help in learning more about their ancestors, and somehow found time to continue his education. In May 2002 he completed required work for a Doctor of Practical Ministry at Wagner Leadership Institute.  His wife, Peggy, completed her work in May 2003 and both of them were presented their diplomas in May 2004 at Colorado Springs, CO. Also, on 8 May 2004, John was singularly honored by the Grand Canyon University when he was designated a Professor Emeritus of History. That honor was in addition to the University's designation of a campus facility as Howerton Hall.

John's health has declined during the past few years.  In addition to his ongoing problem with diabetes,  he is a recent victim of colon cancer.  He is presently recovering from surgery and undergoing two intensive treatment programs in effort to eliminate or immobilize the cancer.  John has been through some rough times before, particularly during his service in the Far East as a member of the Marine Corps when he participated in the evacuation by foot in sub-zero weather from Chosin Reservoir to Hungnam while under constant attack and badly outnumbered by eight divisions of the Communist Chinese Army. That epic rivaled and perhaps exceeded the misery experienced at Valley Forge.  So it was not surprising that John expresses little doubt about the outcome of his current health problems, simply stating that "It is in the hands of God."

John has long been reticent about revealing to others the contributions that he has regularly and quietly made during his lifetime.  It was with some difficulty that he was finally convinced that others should be made aware of some of the significant things and experiences that have occurred.  This writer requests that readers remember John in their prayers

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ETHEL PEARL HOWERTON DeGLAS
15 Apr 1912 - 11 Jun 2004

By Bryan Howerton

Ethel Pearl Howerton DeGlas

Less than twenty-five percent of the American veterans of World War II are living today. Another was lost on 11 Jun 2004. Early on the morning of 12 June 2004, we were advised by Mrs. Bettie Higgins of Pulaski, TN that her beloved aunt, Pearl DeGlas had departed this life the previous midnight in Pulaski, TN.

Ethel Pearl Howerton DeGlas was born 15 Apr 1912 in Fayette, AL; the daughter of Charles Henry Howerton and Minnie Belle Taylor. In May 1957 she married she married Jacques G DeGlas in New Jersey.

Personal correspondence with Pearl over a period of a few years revealed that she decided at a tender age that she wanted to be a soldier.  that decision was made when Pearl was six years of age and accompanied her family to the train station when a family friend was departed for service in World War I as a soldier. During her childhood years she joined just about any organization whose members wore any sort of uniform.  Shortly after World War II began, she contacted the War Department, seeking to serve in the Army.  the Adjutant General replied that she would be notified when an opportunity existed and subsequently followed through, informing her that plans had been made to establish the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC).  Pearl immediately went to the local recruiting office and voluntarily enlisted.

She was one of the early members of the WAAC and apparently had a knack for military service as she rose rapidly in rank and was promoted to Master Sergeant after thirteen months service.  the WAAC was changed to the Women's Army Corps in July 1943, becoming an integral part of the regular Army in which Pearl continued to serve. Her overseas assignments included the Army of Occupation in Germany following World War II. Her service was primarily in the Quartermaster Corps and she served as the First Sergeant of her organization at various locations in Germany and in the U.S., until she was retired on 31 March 1963 at Fort McClellan, AL.

Pearl was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Jennie Howerton O'Master; twin brother thomas Earl Howerton and older brother Clifton Guy Howerton; and by her husband Chief Warrant Officer (U S Army, Retired) Jacques G DeGlas. She was buried beside her husband in the Garden of Valor, Military Section, Valhalla Memorial Gardens, Huntsville, AL.

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AMERICA HOWERTONS
compiled by Wally Howerton

In this day and age we hear the word "America" quite often. I thought it would be fun to search the data base for Howerton names that included the name America. Here are some of our delightful relatives I came up with:

America Howerton born 1824 in Essex County, VA, daughter of Henry C. Howerton and Elizabeth Daniel.

America A Howerton was born in 1848 in Crittenden Co, Ky; the daughter to Henry Howerton and Rachel Catharene Postlethwaite.

America Washington Howerton was born 5 Mar 1853 in Muhlenberg Co, Ky, the daughter of Thomas Howerton (formerly of Essex County, VA) and his second wife Elizabeth Benton.

IT'S ALL IN THE WORDING!

23 Jun 1817 - Marriage Bond by John Howerton and John Jones for a marriage shortly to be had between John Howerton and Barberry Jones ....(followed by)..... 20 Jun 1817 - "This may be understood that I, Ambrose Jones have given free consent and approbation to that John Howerton may have lisons to git married to my daughter Barbery Jones." - Ambros Jones. John Howerton married Barbara Jones in Floyd Co, Ky

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