John Howe (1897)

HOWE, TODHUNTER

Posted By: Cay Merryman
Date: 8/1/2004 at 12:35:56

Winterset Reporter
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, April 15, 1897
Page 1

John Howe - The journey of life lies along the valley of the shadow of death. There is no place on its pilgrimage where his presence is unknown, no family over whose hearthstone his sober shadow does not fall. There is always some eye that is weeping and some heart that is bleeding. We are again called upon to pause for a time in the midst of our daily duties and in kind and loving remembrance to pay a tribute of respect to the memory of a departed friend and neighbor. "They are going, slowly going, One by one they disappear; Little children, friends and kindred, To our loving hearts so dear."

The earthly life of Mr. John Howe began August 24, 1817, in the state of Ohio, and on the night of April 3, 1897, death came to his home near East Peru, Iowa, and touched with icy fingers his beating heart and stilled his life forever. It is sad to think that a life so good, so bright and cheerful, diffusing in its pathway the rays of perennial sunshine, would ever close. The familiar form has gone from its accustomed places, the kindly voice is hushed and still, and the words we utter today, however gentle and loving they may be, will call forth no response.

He lived a pure and blameless life, noble unselfish, useful , and he goes away into the mystic summer land, leaving a good name behind him and taking the blessings of all who knew him. He loved this beautiful world and had faith in the hereafter. He went away without thought of fear, bearing a sweet message from this world to those who should greet him in the great beyond. There was no darkness in his death, no sudden coming on of the nightfall. Though the casket now lies broken and shattered the spirit it enshrined has risen triumphant over death to swell the glorious anthems that echo round the throne of God. His eyes are open to the boundless pleasures of a heavenly life, where beside the flowing stream, in the sunlight of God's love, is shed the precious fragrance of the "lily of the valley and the rose of Sharon."

In the past twelve months the Angel of Death has visited the Howe family twice, claiming for his first victim, the good mother, and now the good father. And now dear friends, as we offer this simple token, as an evidence in which your father and mother were held, we realize that their places on earth can nevermore be filled though there is an irrepressible desire for their presence. You have our tenderest sympathy and love. You should not grieve children for your dear ones have entered the "Elysian Fields," and are resting under the shade of the trees in that happy sphere, so radiant and restful they are watching and waiting for you. (A poem follows)
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Semi Weekly Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Tuesday, April 6, 1897
Page 1

On the night of the third Grandpa Howe, who has been so severely afflicted all winter, was called to his reward. He will be buried in the Ebenezer cemetery.
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Winterset Reporter
Thursday, April 8, 1897
Page 3

Died.—At his home in Ohio township on last Saturday, Mr. John Howe, aged eighty years. Mr. Howe moved to the farm on which he died about thirty years ago. Mrs. Howe died last June. Five sons and one daughter are called to mourn the loss of both parents within a few months of each other.
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The Winterset Review
Winterset, Iowa
Wednesday, April 7, 1897
Page 5, Column 2

Uncle John Howe of Ohio township died at his home last Saturday aged about 70 or 75 years. He was an old and very highly respected resident of that township. He has been ill all winter. His wife survives him. She is the mother of B. S. Todhunter and was Mr. Howe’s second wife. Mr. Howe was the father of Dr. Howe of Greenfield and of Jacob Howe of this place and Samuel, Erastus and William Howe of Ohio township.

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