Howen, Herbert

HOWEN, SMITH

Posted By: Roseanna Zehner
Date: 7/22/2006 at 15:08:50

HOWEN, HERBERT

Herbert Howen, a worthy representative of the farming interests of Lyon county, now owns and operates a fine farm on section 23, Doon township, where his many manly and commendable qualities and characteristics have won him a host of friends. Coming of old German blood, his career shows many of the prevailing traits of his race and blood; and while he is appreciative of his father's home, he is proud of the great republic that claims him as a loyal son.

Mr. Howen was born on a farm in Illinois in 1866, and is a son of Riner Howen, who was born in Germany, where he was bred a farmer. Riner Howen married a German wife, and the two became the parents of a numerous family.

Herbert was the third in order of birth in a family of nine children born to his parents, who grew up in Illinois. Here he was reared to hard work, and sent to the public schools until he was sixteen years old. In 1889 he was engaged as a farm hand in Sioux County, and the following year he came into Lyon county where he settled on a farm. At the time the only improvements on the place were a small house and barn. Here Mr. Howen remained for sixteen years, greatly improving and building up the farm. Mud creek, as well as another small stream, runs across the ranch, and makes it very advantageous for stock raising.

Mr. Howen was married in 1893 to Miss Anna Smith, a native of Illinois and a daughter of German parents. Mr. and Mrs. Howen have two children, Ross and Fay. Their home is the center of many strong friendships and their genuine worth and unassuming character are known and marked in the community, where their quiet and useful lives are passing.

Source: Compendium of History Reminiscence and Biography of Lyon County, Iowa. Published under the Auspices of the Pioneer Association of Lyon County. Geo. Monlun, Pres.; Hon. E. C. Roach Sec’y; and Col. F. M. Thompson, Historian. Geo. A. Ogle & CO., Published, Engravers and Book Manufacturers. Chicago, 1904-1905

Transcribed by Roseanna Zehner, Darlene Jacoby and Diane Johnson