George W Howe, resident at Coleta, was born July 25, 1849, in Lawrence Co., Pa. His parents, Jacob and Hannah (Durstine) Howe, were born in Pennsylvania, and were of German extraction with a slight admixture of English blood. The family came to Illinois in 1855, and at that time included three sons and two daughters.

Mr. Howe is the oldest son and second child, and was nearly six years of age when his father located at Tround Grove, in Mt. Pleasant Township. Eight children were born after the parents fixed their residence in Whti4eside County. Two are deceased, and of the survivors five live in Illinois. They were born in the following order: Mary A., George W., Nancy J., James M., William J., Jessie D., Hannah E., Madison M., Eliza O. and Susannah. The deceased were David H. and Francis. Two sons by adoption, Martin and Jacob, have been reared by them.

Mr. Howe remained at home and attended school through nearly all the years of his minority. His mother died of heart disease. In 1861 his father entered the Union army, and in April, 1864, the son enlisted in the 140th Regt. Ill. Vol. Inf., consisting of men for the special service of 100 days, although he was not yet 15 years of age. Not long after his enrollment he was attacked by a kidney disease which resulted in injury to he eyes and which confined him to the hospital throughout nearly the entire period of his enlistment; and, although his command was attached to the Army of the Potomac, he saw little actual service save skirmishing. He was sent on sick leave to the Union hospital at Memphis, Tenn., afterward to Chicago, where he received honorable discharge Oct. 29, 1864. Returning home, he engaged in general farm labor after he regained his health.

Feb. 17, 1870, he was married, at Coleta, to Susannah, daughter of Martin and Barbara (Arford) Overholser. (See sketch of H. S. Bushman.) Mrs. Howe was born Nov. 6, 1851, in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio. Her parents removed to Genesse Township when she was about three years of age. The household of Mr. and Mrs. Howe includes seven children, -- Abner R., William M., Hattie T., Clarence J., Martin O., Anna M. and Samuel S. Daisy died Jan. 17, 1885.

After his marriage Mr. Howe engaged in mercantile business at Coleta, in which he as since operated. In November, 1884, he was appointed Justice of the Peace, and has since engaged in the duties of the position, proving himself an efficient and competent magistrate on the frequent occasions when his services have been required. He is the proprietor of 160 acres of land, situated on section 12, Clyde Township. The place is in good condition, with farm buildings.

Mr. Howe is independent in political opinion and has taken no interest in general elections, having never voted for a President. He is a member of the G. A. R., of the A. O. U. W. and of the United Brethren Church, of which latter society Mrs. Howe is also a member.

Transcribed by Marji Turner
Whiteside County History 1885 Pg 524