Edited by
Wally Howerton

Contributing Editors
John F. Howerton                  Bryan R. Howerton

Volume Seven, Issue 1                                                            Winter 2003

FROM THE EDITOR

Greeting Cousins:

I'm sure that I'm not alone in saying that this has been a strange fall and winter. Being in the mountains of West Virginia is thrilling, to say the least, but I must admit that as my age increases the task of cutting wood and bringing it in is not as exciting as it once was. We have burned more wood already this season than we have in the past whole seasons. And snow! Wow, it just keeps piling up!

As I read the story that Bryan contributed about Jeremiah Howerton, I try to empathize with the life of a circuit rider and my spoiled body and brain will not allow me to. To me it is harsh just going out and warming-up my 4-wheel drive truck to trek the 1 mile down to town. I don't worry about getting stuck anymore because I have my cell phone, a40 channel SSB CB, my mobile 2-meter amateur radio rig, and a personal hand-held walky-talky (which just about the whole town of Richwood is tuned to.) I also have chains, a tow strap, jumper cables and emergency clothing and blankets stored in the tool box.

Please continue to send pictures and text about family reunions. You may personally think that your particular family might be the only ones that are interested but not so. Remember that Howerton Heritage archives these files and publishes them for all to see.

See you in the spring!

Wally

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IN THIS ISSUE

Jeremiah Howerton: Circuit Rider

Sergeant John Howerton, U. S. Army: Home at Last

Howertons & Unclaimed Property

Old Letters

Obituary: William Ray (Bill) Howerton

JEREMIAH HOWERTON - CIRCUIT RIDER
compiled by Bryan R Howerton

A brief reference to Jeremiah Howerton was made in an article appearing in the Spring 1997 issue of this newsletter, in which it was stated that it was known that he was in Tarrant County, Texas in 1850 and nothing more had been found about him. Thanks to three ladies descended from him, we can report the demise of Jeremiah in Tarrant County, Texas in 1851. Neither of those ladies claimed to have been the first one to discover that information, so we will extend our gratitude to all three of them for their interest, dedication, perseverance and generosity in sharing their findings. Those ladies are (in alphabetical order): Jolene Richardson Crowder, Evyonne Andrews Eddins, and Barbara Knox - thanks again, ladies.

Jeremiah Howerton was born about 1796 in Prince Edward County, VA; the son of Grief Howerton and Elizabeth Ann - - - -. (Note: An assumption has been made by some people that the surname of the wife of Elizabeth was Jackson and another has guessed it was Adkins; however, when requested, no documentation or proof was provided to substantiate either assumption.) His parents moved to present-day Rhea County, TN, probably in 1801. Some think he moved to North Carolina and resided there for a short time before the birth of Jeremiah - this is believed to result from the 1850 U S Census of Tarrant County, TX, which indicates the place of birth of Jeremiah was North Carolina. The 1850 census is believed to be in error concerning Jeremiah's place of birth as his father, Grief, was still buying land in Prince Edward County, VA in 1799 and sold his last four tracts in 1801 in separate transactions - all supported by records in Prince Edward County, VA.

Jeremiah married Elizabeth Lucinda "Lucy" Johnson on 3 Jan 1817 and they began their life as farmers. Their known children born in Rhea County, TN were:

Jeremiah was married a second time to Elizabeth Casteel on 11 Dec 1833 in Cooper County, MO and to this marriage was born in Cooper County, MO, Dorothy Ann E Howerton in 1836, who married William Anderson about 1853.

Jeremiah served in the Tennessee militia, likely beginning while still in his teens and by 1822 was serving as a Captain of a company of Rhea County, TN militia. It also appears that he was preaching by that time and may have began his career as a Circuit Riding Methodist Minister before 1826, as he was apparently devoting less time to farming and more to religious service before 1829 when he finally sold his farm in Rhea County, TN.

The circuit-riding preacher became a historic American phenomenon beginning prior to the Revolutionary War and continuing until at least 1890. This was another American-devised expediency to facilitate westward expansion; in this case to serve the religious needs of widely separated families in the frontier wilderness areas. Religious leaders recognized the need to select only those people of high moral standard and religious conviction to officially serve as circuit-riding preachers. The care with which such selections were made is indicated by the fact that of 2468 preachers so engaged between 1769 and 1828 a total of only fifty-seven were expelled. Even so, a system of annual examination of character and conduct was then established, which eventually led to a periodic gathering and review of circuit-riders each quarter.

At the time Jeremiah began circuit riding in East Tennessee and Kentucky, much of the area was sparsely settled. At the edge of the frontier and beyond were found many uncouth and non-conforming individuals; some fugitives from justice fleeing from more densely settled areas and others who simply preferred to live in areas scarcely policed, if at all. For all their faults, that type of person did contribute to the westward expansion of our country early in the nineteenth century, as they formed somewhat of a buffer between the families of frontier settlers and the dangers beyond the frontier. More often than not, these preachers would depend upon the hospitality of settlers for food and lodging along their route, which records indicate were gladly extended by the wilderness families. There was little cash money in the frontier area as the people had often expended their savings moving toward the frontier; but were primarily self-sufficient and depended to a large extent upon a barter system for items they could not personally produce. Circuit Riding was not an occupation for which the preacher was well paid; often not paid at all.

Jeremiah became a circuit riding preacher in this backwoods environment. The circuit-riding preacher sometimes walked over his circuit, being unable to afford a horse; however; it appears that most of them did ride horseback and some were well-mounted. It was extremely dangerous for lone travelers or small groups to travel in the wilderness. Those following the trails through the backwoods were subject to frequent assault, robbery and worse by the outlaws who constantly preyed on the travelers. That fact may have influenced the adoption of the low-crowned broad-brimmed hat uniformly worn by the roving preachers. The hat while providing limited protection from the elements probably also served as a means of identification from a distance, permitting them to pass by hidden outlaws unmolested. Experience had likely shown the criminals that those so dressed had no money or property of value and there was possibly a natural reticence in all except the most depraved to harm a "man of God". These preachers depended upon the hospitality of settlers for food and lodging along their route, and the unexpected visit was welcomed by the isolated settler and provided a means of passing along news and messages. Often, nightfall would approach and find the preacher far from any village or settler's home, in which case the night was spent in a cave, hollow tree or bare camp in the wilds. In such cases, parched corn was often the only item on the traveler's menu. The extent of Jeremiah's education is unknown; however, the library included in his estate that underwent probate in Tarrant County, TX indicates that he was well informed and literate well beyond the average person of that time. Many of those circuit-riding preachers were sorely lacking in formal education and were uncultured. However, that fact does not seem to have harmed their appeal to the widely dispersed settlers, hungry for fellowship with their like-minded but distant neighbors as well as being able to worship somewhat as they had in the more settled areas of the east. One beneficial feature from the preacher's standpoint was that the same sermon could be often repeated and constantly refined, without boring the same congregation. A circuit-riding preacher's visit was preceded by anticipation and preparation, as it was not only a religious event, but it also provided social, business and entertainment opportunities. Babies would be christened, vast numbers of people would be baptized, and marriages were formalized which had been entered into with full commitment and agreement by both parties in the presence of family and friends, but awaited the availability of a preacher to sanctify the marriage. People would gather from several miles in all directions in numbers greatly exceeding existing facilities and the services were often conducted at a camp site in the wilderness which had been prepared for that purpose. People came singly and in groups, by foot, horseback, or wagon; eager for a change from their difficult daily life as well as the opportunity to hear the word of God and meet and mix with other settlers for several days; in some cases two or three weeks.

In an age where eloquent oratory presented in a loud exhortative manner was much appreciated and expected, the success of the circuit preachers was directly related to their speaking ability, often enhanced by energetic hand and arm motions and bodily contortions from the speaker's platform. The frequency and extent of this bodily emphasis is evident by a remark made by a former circuit-riding preacher who stated that the greatest kindness shown to him was by a woman who regularly sewed up the arm pits of his coat. This writer was surprised to find while searching through various books and records in preparation of this article, the vast numbers of people in attendance at the meetings during the period of the Revival Movement or Great Awakening in the sparsely settled regions of Kentucky and Tennessee between 1820 and 1840. This phenomenon is well documented wherein it is stated that attendance was often between five and ten thousand persons. Several preachers would often conduct the service together, in which one would preach for several hours, then another would take over, etc., around the clock - each probably trying to out do his predecessor. Those in the congregation had no relief and would often become dazed and exhausted; others apparently entered into a kind of trance. During at least one meeting men were observed under trees on their hands and knees or jumping at the tree trunks, all the while barking like dogs as they "treed the Devil". One preacher observed that people attending the services in mid-Tennessee began a practice called "jerking"; in which their arms began involuntarily jerking and seemingly unable to control themselves - the whole body was soon "jerking" - that preacher claimed that five hundred people were so occupied at one time at a meeting he conducted. As might be expected other activities have been reported on the fringes of the congregation including hawkers selling various items; "medicine men" selling herbs and potions said to cure just about any known physical ailment; and trading of various items among those attending. At one large gathering at Cane Ridge, KY it was reported that six men and one woman were found laying under the speaker's platform; probably not attentive to the preacher's message.

Jeremiah initially served in Tennessee and Kentucky and must have been dedicated in his duty as he followed the frontier as it moved westward. As his circuit gradually moved toward the Mississippi River, he moved his family from Rhea County, TN to Kentucky soon after 1830, eventually establishing residence in Cooper County near the Missouri River in West Central Missouri by 1832. Sometime between 1830 and 1833 he lost his wife, "Lucy" and later married Elizabeth Casteel in 1833 in Cooper County where his residence remained in 1840. During this time his circuit expanded to include a large part of northern Arkansas as his license to perform the duties of a Methodist Minister was recorded in White County, AR in 1838. He moved into Arkansas after 1841 and eventually lived in Pulaski County where he performed numerous marriages. He possibly lived near his brother, John, who was also a minister residing in Pulaski County. Between 1848 and 1850 Jeremiah and family again moved westward accompanied by his nephew, Simon A Howerton; this time to Tarrant County, TX.

Jeremiah Howerton undoubtedly died in Tarrant County, TX in 1851 as his son, Francis M Howerton applied to administer settlement of his deceased father's estate on 15 Jul 1851. He was survived by his wife, Elizabeth. Descendants of Jeremiah and his nephew, Simon A Howerton, still reside in Texas - a few of whom spell their surname as Howarton, reminiscent of the Howerton to Overton surname change that occurred in the Orange/Spotsylvania County area of Virginia around the beginning of the 19th century.

Jeremiah Howerton devoted his entire life to the service of his God, his fellowman, and his country. He is remembered as an example of the kind of person who made this country what it is today and in which we can all take pride.

NOTE: The information contained in this article relating to the lives and times of Circuit Riding Preachers was based upon information found in numerous books, documents, and records. Suggest that anyone interested in searching the subject further begin with the works of Charles W Ferguson, Richard A Bartlett, Daniel J Boorstin and Carson I A Ritchie. Bryan

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SGT. JOHN HOWERTON, U.S. Army
Home at Last

For those of you keeping abreast of Sergeant John Howerton, (Bryan and Jean Howerton's grandson) he has made it home from Afghanistan where he has been serving for the past year.

Just recently, John was reunited with his wife and family at Fort Bragg, NC where he is awaiting further assignment.

Thanks John!


Sgt. John Howerton
3rd from left (with sun glasses)


John with some of the local kids
photo altered by Wally so as not to give away location


Taking Aim with a .50 Cal

Howertons & Unclaimed Property
by Wally Howerton

Lately I have been searching for ways to get rich quick. This includes Powerball tickets and searching for Unclaimed Property. I figured since I have lived in so many states maybe I left a couple of bucks somewhere and it has grown to over a million.

I received an e-mail from my cousin, Mike Jones, down in Lexington, NC regarding my son Scott. Mike told me to go to North Carolina's Treasury page, click on the unclaimed property link, and enter the name Howerton. I was amazed to see that 21 Howertons, including a Scott Howerton not related to me, was due some money or property.

I figured, if NC had 21 names then all the other states must have listings as well. So I decided to do a search. I started with West Virginia: Only 5 Howerton's there but imagine my surprise when I entered my Mother-in-Law's name and found where the local gas company has owed her money for years. Who's her favorite son-in-law, now baby?

Georgia - 4

Michigan - 2

Illinois - 26

Ohio - 24

Anyhow, if you have access to a computer just type in "unclaimed property" and then maybe the state where you want to look. Who knows - maybe you'll stumble upon something like I did. (There is a 1% finder's fee, heh! heh!)

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OLD LETTERS
compiled from the Database

After scanning the database I have stumbled upon many old letters that were not from the famed "Old Writing Desk." I have printed one without any change to the wording or the text:

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)

Mrs C Siler recalled that her great-grandmother's maiden name was Cook, but has no written record to support this; however, she appeared fairly certain that she (Juliett Cook) was the second wife of John Howerton Jr - his first wife having died in childbirth, there being no children surviving the first marriage of John Howerton according to family legend. Mrs Siler stated that John Howerton Jr and Juliett Cook had five children:

William, Fanny, Sarah T, Louisa D, and Stephen L (thinks Stephen's middle name was Lester, but he went by the nickname of "Bud" all his life) - said that William (the oldest son) never grew to manhood, but drowned in Little Red River after the family moved to Arkansas. (Personal visit - Mrs C Siler and Bryan R Howerton)

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P. O. Box 85
Richwood, WV 26261-0085

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