HOWES, Philip

HOWES, LEWIS, WATERS

Posted By: Nettie Mae
Date: 1/18/2003 at 13:07:45

Source: The 1901 Biographical Record of Clinton Co., Iowa, Illustrated published: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1901.

PHILIP HOWES.

He subject of this sketch is a well-known citizen of Clinton, who first made his appearance here in 1859 as an engineer on the Chicago, Iowa & Nebraska Railroad, now the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, but for several years past has devoted his time and attention to fruit culture. He was born in Bristol, England, March 2, 1830, a son of Richard Howes, but as his parents died when he was very young, he was reared by William Lewis, a Scotchman, with whom he came to America in 1836, locating in Minersville, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood and was educated. During his youth he worked in the coal mines of that locality. In 1849 he went west to Indianapolis, Indiana, and accepted a position as fireman on the Madison & Indianapolis Railroad.

Returning to his old home in Minersville, Pennsylvania, Mr Howes was married, March 2m 1852, to Miss Esther Waters, whose affections he had won before going to Indiana. They now traveled life’s journey together for almost a half a century, sharing its joys, and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity. Unto them were born the following children: Philip M., who died in infancy: Edward M.; Archie F.; Thomas R.; William Henry; Philip L.; George W.; Richard N.’ Benjaimin L.; Sarah M., deceased: Elizabeth M.; Esther S.; and John L.

The year of his marriage Mr. Howes went to Chicago, and after firing for a time he was promoted to engineer on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, running between Chicago and Aurora. He first had charge of the noted old engine, Rocket, whose history every railroad man knows. As previously stated, he came to Clinton in 1859, and continued in the service of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway as engineer until June, 1972, when he gave up his railroad life. In 1865 he and William Coons, now deceased, purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, and a few years later he erected thereon the house which has since been his home. After leaving the road he turned his attention to gardening and the raising of small fruits and still owns twenty and a half acres devoted to that purpose. He has made all the improvements upon the land and at one time had one of the finest fruit farms in the county, his nurseries and gardens being located at the corner of Camanche avenue and Howes street. He formerly raised an excellent variety of berries and grapes, which were noted for their quality and flavor, and also made a specialty of asparagus and pieplant. On coming to Clinton he built a residence on Twelfth avenue, which he subsequently sold. Although he has reared a large family, he has been able to accumulate a good property, being industrious, enterprising and persevering, and eminently deserves classification among the purely self-made men of the city. In politics he has always been a Republican, and although he has never sought office, he has been called upon to serve his fellow citizens as a member of the school board, city trustee and alderman, the duties of which offices he most capable discharged. In his religious views he is liberal, while his wife holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.