HOWETT, JAMES (deceased). - To pass away after a life of earnest endeavor, leaving behind grateful remembrances, does not fall to the lot of all, but when the late James Howett passed away, he was missed by all who had known him and mourned by his devoted family. He was born in Lancaster County, Pa., July 28, 1828, a son of Daniel Howett, a native of Pennsylvania, a farmer by calling, who operated in Lancaster County, until he migrated to Illinois, where he continued his agricultural pursuits, dying at the home of his daughter in Bushville.

The education of James Howett was secured in Pennsylvania, and during his boyhood he worked for his father on the farm. When he came to Sangamon County with his father, he brought his wife and six children along, and located at Riverton. Prior to coming he had farmed at Marysville for some years, but after locating there he mined, and was thus engaged when he died, August 21, 1908. He was a Republican in political faith, and served as Alderman for a year in Riverton, giving his ward a business administration. For several years he served as policeman, and was a very efficient one. The Methodist Church claimed his membership, and he died firm in its faith.

In July, 1854, Mr. Howett was united in marriage in York County, Pa., to Rebecca Robinson, born October 31, 1838, in Lancaster, Pa., a daughter of Daniel Robinson, born in Pennsylvania. He was a farmer and blacksmith, later becoming a merchant, and spent his life in Cumberland and Perry Counties, Pa. Both he and his wife died in Pennsylvania. There were six children in the Robinson family: Susan, wife of A. S. Gordon, of Lancaster, Ohio; Jesse W., of Marysville, Pa.; William H., of Lancaster, Ohio; Joseph W., of Riverton and Mrs. Howett. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Howett, six of whom survive: James, of Springfield; Sarah, wife of L. Orendorff, a farmer of Nebraska; Emma, wife of James Ringer, of Oklahoma; Elizabeth, wife of William Wilkinson, of Colorado; Charles, living with his mother; Ida, wife of Isaac Williams of Springfield. There are twenty-three grandchildren in the family, as well as seven great-grandchildren, all of whom are very dear to Mrs. Howett. She owns her pleasant home in Riverton, and is widely known and universally respected.

While Mr. Howett never thrust himself into public office, his ability caused him to be singled out upon more than one occasion for preferment, and the way in which he discharged the duties entrusted to him proved that he was the right man in the right place.