Benjamin F. Howell

Morris County, New Jersey

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

B. F. HOWELL, a progressive business man of Troy Hill, Morris county, New Jersey, is descended from one of the oldest families in the State of New Jersey. It is supposed that all of the HOWELL blood in this country are descendants of Edward HOWELL, who purchased a large tract of land from the Indians in 1640, and settled on the south shore of Long Island. Benjamin HOWELL, a direct descendant of this Edward HOWELL, was born on Long Island, October 10, 1725, died at Troy, December 26, 1798.

John HOWELL, only child of the preceding, was born October 20, 1759, died October 5, 1834. He married Phebe, daughter of Ebenezer FARRAND, and had: Benjamin, of further mention; Samuel F., Sarah, Chileon, Elizabeth.

Benjamin HOWELL, son of John and Phebe (FARRAND) HOWELL, was born June 29, 1786, died February 17, 1852. He married _____. Some of his children died in infancy, the others being: Susan C., Phebe F., Monroe , of further mention; Benjamin F., Lemuel C.

Monroe HOWELL, son of Benjamin HOWELL, was born at Troy Hills, New Jersey, September 9, 1819, died in the same town, March 2, 1883. He was engaged in the lumber business, as a general merchant, and as a farmer. For many years he was assessor of Hanover township, held other township and county offices, and at the time of his death was surveyor-general of the eastern division of New Jersey. He married, June 13, 1849, Henrietta CLAY, daughter of William STEVENS, of Newark, who had at one time been postmaster of that city. They had seven children.

B. F. HOWELL, son of Monroe HOWELL, was born on the homestead farm at Troy Hills, New Jersey, on which he is living at the present time, in 1862. He was educated in the public schools of the county, and completed his education at the usual age. He then engaged in the ice business at Fox Hill, and is now established in that line in Newark. He also successfully cultivates the farm of 200 acres, finding a ready market for his crops by reason of their excellent quality. He is progressive in his methods, and has made many improvements on the farm it has come into his possession. He gives his political support to the Republican party, and attends the Presbyterian church. Mr. HOWELL married Caroline S., daughter of James QUIMBY, a representative of one of the old families of the State, and they have had children: Benjamin F., Samuel Farrand, Dorothy Houghton, Harriet Stevens.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)