Philip Howes 1803 - 1904

HOWES, WATERS, PRITCHARD, BURBANK

Posted By: Michael J. Kearney (email)
Date: 1/24/2008 at 22:44:23

The Clinton Daily Herald January 28, 1904 p. 3 Philip Howes, Sr., one of Clinton's best known residents, passed away this morning at 2:30, after a general breaking down of the life forces, which have been losing power for the past few years. Mr. Howes was in every sense, essentially a self-made man. He was born in Bristol, England, March 2, 1803, the son of Richard Howes. His parents died when he was quite young and he was raised by a Scotchman, William Lewis, with whom he came to America when but six years old. He was located in Minersville, Penn., and grew to manhood in that place, where he was married to Miss Esther Waters in 1852. In his early years Mr. Howes adopted the profession of railroading, and coming to Clinton in 1859 was early identified with the railroad interests in the middle west, being one of the firemost men in his profession at that time. Before the railroad bridge was built Mr. Howes was the first engineer on the trains that crossed the river on the ice bridge, and one of the first men to run trains out of Clinton west. He retired from the railroad service in 1872, to conduct his fruit farm in the western portion of the city, where he has always resided, for the past few years abstaining from active work in that line, and living a life of quiet retirement. To Mr. and Mrs. Howes have been born thirteen children, Philip M., who died in infancy, Archibald F., Edward M., Thomas R. , who as an engineer for the C. & N.W Ry., was killed in 1892; William Henry, Philip L., George W., Richard N. Benjamin D., Sarah M., deceased; Elizabeth M. (Mrs. Edgar Pritchard), Esther S. (Mrs. Roy Burbank) and John Lewis, deceased. Mr. Howes had passed the 73rd milestone of life and was rounding out the 74th when the end came. By far the greater part of his life had been spent in the confines of Clinton, where his work and kindly life have made him a prominent citizen. Two years ago, it was privileged Mr. and Mrs. Howes to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary, with the assistance of their children and grandchildren. Funeral services will be held from the late home on Howes street, Saturday morning at 10 o'clock, followed by interment at Springdale cemetery.