From HISTORY OF MITCHELL AND WORTH COUNTIES, Iowa, 1883; page 302
James M. Howe bought land on section 4, Cedar township, Mitchell county
in 1856, which he has improved by the erection of good buildings and setting
out trees. It is deemed he has the finest grove in the county with every
variety of timber. He has also a fine apple orchard with all small
fruits grown in that section of country.
He is a son of Stephen and Nancy (Tyler) Howe, born in Livingston Co., N. Y., June 3, 1833. His grandfather, Tyler, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was killed in battle at the time of Hull's surrender to the British. In 1842 his parents emigrated to Racine Co., Wis., living there two years, then went to Mc Henry county, where his father bought a farm which he improved and made his home until his death, in 1872, and where his widow still makes her home.
James M. was raised on the farm, but meanwhile learned the carpenter trade, until 1853, when he came to Floyd Co., Iowa, but in the spring going to Illinois, and from there to Mitchell county, where he followed his trade, his first work being the erection of the house of S. W. Nims.
He was married March 2, 1860, to Sarah, a daughter of Samuel and Loretta (Hubbard) Nims. The have been blessed with four children – Everett J., Ella J., Ernest and Clarence.