James Howe 1854-1918

HOWE, BRAND, BRANDT

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 4/3/2011 at 22:47:57

Pioneer Ry. Man Passes Away
Jas. Howe, Who Was Resident of This City For Years Died at Davenport
Was a Pioneer Resident
Had Been Ill for Some Time and Was at Hospital at Davenport When He Died
James Howe, who has been a resident of this city since 1884, and one of the termed pioneer citizens of the county, passed away last Sunday [August 18, 1918] in a hospital in Davenport after an illness extending over a year. His health has been failing gradually until a short time ago when he seemed to rapidly become worse. He was taken to the hospital by the children and was given every care. James Howe was born in Steubensville, Ohio, in 1854, where he resided during his younger days. He, with his good wife, came from Ackley to this city. He has for all the years of his residence here been in the employ of the Rock Island Railway formerly the B.C.R. & N. when he first accepted a position here. He leaves a daughter, Mrs. Thomas Brandt of Cedar Rapids, and a son, Geo. Howe, of Iowa Falls to mourn his death. Pat Howe of this city is a brother of the deceased. The remains were brought to this city for burial, the services being conducted at the Catholic church, the Rev. Murtagh officiating, and the remains were laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery south of this city. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, August 21, 1918)

James Howe Died Last Sunday Morning
In Failing Health Since Last January – Was An Old Time Railroad Man
James Howe died last Sunday morning at the Pine Knoll Sanitarium at Davenport. The immediate cause of his death was quick consumption, which disease he developed from an attack of pneumonia last January. His many friends in this city knew that he was failing in health, but were not prepared for his death so quickly. He worked at his duties as a towerman for the Rock Island up to less than a month ago. At that time he applied for a lay off that he might go to Rochester to consult specialists. They gave him no hope, and he was taken to the institution in which he died that he might have the best care and attention.

Mr. Howe was an old resident of this city. During all the years he lived here he was an employee of the Rock Island in some capacity or other, and was one of their most trusted and valued men. His record with the company is one of the best. As a citizen Jim was always a true blue American. He was a big hearted, good natured soul and enjoyed the respect and confidence of everyone.

James Howe was born in Studentsville, Ohio, in 1853, being at the time of his death 65 years of age. He lived near that place until he was eleven years old when he moved to Marion, Iowa, with his parents. He came to Estherville in 1884, and made his home in this city until his death. He was married in Ackley, Iowa, in 1884. Four children were born to him, two dying in infancy and two surviving their parents. They are George of Iowa Falls, and Mrs. Tom Brand, of Cedar Rapids. Mrs. Howe died a year ago last February.

Funeral services were held at the Catholic church Tuesday morning at nine o’clock and burial was made in East Side cemetery. The bereaved children have the sympathy of the entire community in their loss of a kind and loving father. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, August 21, 1918)

Jas. Howe Passes Away
An Old Time and Highly Respected Citizen Dies in Davenport Sanitarium
Jas. Howe, one of Estherville’s pioneer citizens, died in a Davenport sanitarium Sunday morning of consumption following an attack of pneumonia dating about one year ago.

The body was brought back to Estherville Monday morning and the funeral was held from St. Patrick’s Catholic church Tuesday morning.

Deceased was a little past sixty-five years of age. He came to Estherville in 1884, and at that time was section foreman for the old B.C.R. & N. railroad. After that road was taken over by the Rock Island Company he worked in the same capacity until a few years ago when he was placed in charge of one of the switch towers of this place.

For the past year he had not been in good health and quick consumption developed after an illness of pneumonia. He put up a brave fight but to no avail.

His wife died about two years ago and he was buried by her side.

A son, Conductor George Howe, and a daughter, Mrs. Thos. Brandt, are the immediate members of the family who survive him. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, August 21, 1918)