~ THE JOHN HOW/HOWE FAMILY ~

A GENEALOGICAL DICTIONARY of THE FIRST SETTLERS OF NEW ENGLAND, SHOWING THREE GENERATIONS OF THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE MAY, 1692
ON THE BASIS OF FARMER'S REGISTER.
BY JAMES SAVAGE, published 1860

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The Howes were among the very first settlers of Marlborough, and have been, in every period of her history, one of the most numerous families, furnishing vast numbers of emigrants for other and more western towns. John Howe of  Sudbury was one of the petitioners in 1657, for the grant which constituted Marl.borough. He was the son of John Howe, supposed to be the John Howe, Esq., who came from Warwickshire in Eng., and who was a descendant of John How himself  the son of  John of Hodinhull,  and connected with the family of Sir Charles Howe of Lancaster, in the reign of Charles I.  He and his wife  lived the most of there married life, if not all, in Marlborough, where he was granted land.

John Howe resided first perhaps at Watertown, Massachusetts and afterwards at Sudbury, Massachusetts where he was in 1639. He was admitted freeman in 1640. In 1642 he was selectman in Sudbury, and in 1655 was appointed by the pastor and the seletman "to see to the restraining of youth on the Lord's day." According to tradition, he was the first white inhabitant who settled on the new grant. He came to Marlborough about 1657, and built a cabin a little to the east of tile Indian Planting Field see map of 1657>>>>, where his descendants lived for many generations. His place was situated some 100 rods from Spring Hill Meeting House, a little to the east of the present road from Spring Hill to Feltonville (now Hudson), recently occupied by the late Edward Rice. His proximity to the Indian Plantation brought him in direct contact with the natives; but by his kindness, he gained the confidence and good will of his savage neighbors, who accordingly, not only respected his rights, but in many cases made him the umpire in cases of difficulties among themselves. In a case were a pumpkin vine sprang up within the premises of one Indian, and the fruit ripened upon the premises of another, the dispute which rose between them as to the ownership of the pumpkin, was referred to him; and inspired with the wisdom of a second Solomon, he called for a knife, and severed the fruit, giving a majority to each. This struck the parties as the perfection of justice, and fixed the impartiality of the judge on an immutable basis.

Nor was a sense of his justice and impartiality confided in by the Indians alone. When in 1662, Thomas Danforth, Esq., made a demand upon the Colony for a further compensation for his services, the Court ordered that lie " shall have granted him so much land as old Goodman Rice and Goodman Howe, of Marlborough, shall judge to be worth ten pounds; and they are impowered to bound the same to him".

He opened the first "publik" house in town, was located on the corner of what is now known as Fowler Street and Stevens Street in Marlborough, Massachusetts (a description can be found in the Old Homes section of this site). About 1670 we find his petition for a renewal of his license and he speaks as though he had been some time engaged in the business. His will, proved 1689, mentions wife Mary, sons Samuel. Isaac, Josiah, Thomas, and Eleazer, and daughter Sarah Ward, Mary Wetherby, and John Howe, Jr., a son of son John, deceased. His property was inventoried at £511. He gave Thomas "the horse he troops on."

His house, or some portion of it, still stands today >>>>>>> see house .  This house was also the first tavern in Marlborough for there is a petition for renewal of his license in 1670. His son John Howe Jr. was killed by the Indians near Sudbury in 1675, and John Jr.'s daughter Elizabeth was taken captive by the Indians in Lancaster, from the house of her brother-in-law Peter Joslin in 1692, she being the only survivor was later ransomed by the government after nearly four years of captivity.

Probably because John Howe's son, John Howe, Jr. (b. 1640), was also a tavern-keeper, (his tavern was on the eastern section of the Boston Post Road,) there has been some confusion as to whether or not this house stands on the site of the first house built in Marlborough. If Charles Hudson is to be believed, this building does indeed stand on or near that site, and certainly occupies part of John Howe's farm. Whether it contains any part of that first cabin of ca. 1657, however, is unknown, although it is quite likely that it does incorporate a house of some sort that he occupied before he died in 1689. Hudson, writing in 1862 and referring to landmarks of his own time, says that the home of John Howe, who is generally acknowledged to have been the first settler in what was to be incorporated in 1660 as the town of Marlborough, was located "100 rods from the Spring Hill meeting house, a little east of the present road from Spring Hill to Feltonville" on the property "recently occupied by the late Edward Rice." (Hudson, 381). Pacing 100 rods north of the meeting house would apparently place either the cabin or a slightly later John Howe House squarely on this property. "E. Rice" is shown as one of its owners on the maps of 1830 and 1835.

Deed research will be necessary to reveal the exact line of ownership of the house. It shows first on maps as having belonged sometime before 1803 to Francis Howe (1750-1833). Francis Howe, who married Mary Hapgood in 1773, was a direct descendant of one of John Howe's younger sons, Col. Thomas Howe (1656-1733), who was also a tavern-keeper, and it is possible that Col. Thomas, rather than John Howe, Jr., inherited their father's house and continued to keep the tavern here at this location.

If he did carry on the house, tavern business, and farm, then the property may have passed by way of his son and grandson (also both Thomas Howe) to Francis, who was the third Thomas's son.
Also, if Col. Thomas was the owner of this house in 1711, then it is likely that this was the building referred to as "Capt. Howe's garrison", one of 26 houses designated at that time as places of refuge in the event of an Indian attack.

By 1803 the house was owned by Joseph Brigham, possibly a cousin of Francis Howe through his mother, Dorothy Brigham. This may have been Joseph Brigham, Esq., the first "settled" lawyer in Marlborough, who was also Justice of the Peace in 1804. By 1830, the property had apparently come under the ownership of members of the other Howe family in Marlborough, the line of original settler Abraham Howe. The owner in that year was the "Widow J. Howe", with Edward Rice. It is likely that this refers to Mrs. Jerusha (Gates) Howe, widow of Joel, and her brother-inlaw, Edward Rice.

The house is next shown on maps, in 1853 and 1856, as belonging to W.H. and M.E. Howe. Two of Jerusha Howe's children (possibly twins, as they were baptized on the same day in 1823), were William Henry and Mary (Mariah) Elizabeth Howe. Jerusha died in 1847, and from the initials on the maps, it appears that William Henry and Mary Elizabeth inherited this property jointly. By 1875 the property is shown under the name of W.H. Howe alone. Farmer Ephraim Howe, who made his home on Bolton Street, was apparently the next owner, by 1889. By that year he had begun the subdivision of part his own fifty acres, as well as the thirty-three acres of William H. Howe's former property. In all, he laid out 69 small lots fronting on Bolton, Union, and the new State Street. Fowler Street itself, where 19 lots were laid out south and west of the farmhouse, was to be extended to Bolton. Early in this century the property was acquired by Charles Nourse. He died sometime before 1927, when it was owned by his heirs.

Source: Massachusetts Historical Commission  info recorded by Ernest Ginnetti of the Marlborough Historical Commission

Josiah Howe was the son of John and Mary Howe.  John Howe was first of Watertown  then of Sudbury and then Marlborough.  He arrived in Marlborough about 1657 and built a cabin east of the Indian Planting Ground.   He was one of the Petitioners for the settlement of Marlborough in 1656.  He was granted 30 acres of land in Crane Meadow at a meeting of the Proprietors on 26th of November 1660, his oldest son, John Jr., who was but 20 years of age at the time, was granted 16 acres at the same meeting

Josiah was born in Sudbury, Mass. about 1650. He married 18 May 1671, Mary Haynes, born about 1647, in Sudbury, she was the daughter of John Haynes. They lived in Marlborough most of the time, but it is quite probable that they went to some other place of safety during the King Philip's war, as they had one child, born in Sudbury in 1678. The administrator of his estate was appointed 23 June 1710. In his will he states

"To my son Josiah How and his heirs forever I give seven acres and half of upland granted as an addition to my hous lot and lying next thereto in that which I call Grass field, also I give unto my said son Josiah two acres more of upland in which his orchard is now planted. And unto my said son Josiah I bequeath all that part of meadow on Patch plain which lyeth to the Westward and is already divided betwixt his brother Isaac and himself, Also I bequeath unto my said son Josiah fifteen acres more of upland, being part of may third division of upland granted unto my house lot and lyeth on the South side of Stony brook, Furthermore I will that my son Isaac above said shall pay cause to be paid unto my said son Josiah or his assigns the sum of Ten Pounds in what he can best spare, within four years next after my decease, viz, fifty shillings a year, during the said Term of four years."

John Howe Jr., son of John and Elizabeth Howe,  probably helped run the Black Horse Travern, which was started by his father, and was run by several of the How/Howe generations in the years to come. He was killed by Indians in Sudbury April 20, 1676 at the time of King Philips attack on Sudbury. The probate records say his " housings were destroyed by the Indians".

Sarah Howe, daughter of John and Elizabeth Howe, was killed by Indians on July 18, 1692.

Samuel Howe, son of John and Elizabeth Howe, although not a Marlborough resident, some of his children settled in Marlborough.  He lived in Sudbury, Massachusetts and built the bridge in the north-east corner of Framingham in 1673.  He served in King Philips War in Captain Nathan Davenport's Company and was an officer in the Militia.  He reached the rank of Colonel

G00KIN and HOW's Purchase -May 19, 1682, Samuel Gookin  of Cambridge, and Samuel How of Sudbury, purchased of the Natick Indians 1700 acres of land, which, from subsequent conveyances appears to have extended along the road from Sudbury to Sherburne, south of Cochituate brook, including land about Indian Head and Succo pond. Confirmation of this purchase was made by the General Court Nov. 20, 1696, to the grantees and " the tortenants holding under them." *

* Of this tract, in 1683 John Bent purchased 60 acres W. of Cochitnate brook, and bounded on his own land; and David Stone, 200 acres ; and Matthew Rice, in 11694, 300 acres, W. side of the way from Stone's mills to John Pratt senior's land," at Indian Head. Thomas Walker, Jr. and John Pratt were also early purchasers.

Elizabeth Howe, daughter of John and Elizabeth Howe, was visiting her sister at Lancaster at the time her sister was killed and was taken captive and taken to Canada, where after about three years, she was redeemed and returned to her home. She and her husband moved to Shrewsbury where they were among the early settlers, and where she died.

The family tradition is that the Indians attacked the house of Peter Joslin, July 18, 1692, while he was at work in a distant field. Mrs. Sarah (Howe) Joslin was baking bread and her sister Elizabeth (Howe) Keyes, who was visiting her, was singing while she was spinning Flax, when the Indians came to the door. They were met by Mrs. Sarah Joslin who with an oven shovel tried to prevent their entrance, when one of them threw his tomahawk, which struck her in the head killing her instantly. The Indains then rushed in and murdered three of the children, taking captive another child, which they afterwards killed, and also Elizabeth, whom it is said they spared because she was a beautiful singer and whom they compelled frequently to sing for them. They carried her to Canada, where she remained for about three years, when she was redeemed and returned to her home. When she was captured her intented, Thomas Keyes, considering her lost to him forever, resolved never to marry; but on her return wisely repented his folly. It is said that Elizabeth never fully recovered from the fright of the capture.

Thomas Howe, son of John Howe, was a prominent citizen in town, filled the principal town offices, represented the town in the General Court in 1700. He rose to the rank of Colonel in the militia, and was one of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace. He, took an active part in the early Indian wars, and was in a severe action at Lancaster. He kept, a public house in Marlborough in 1696 and as his Bond shows the spirit of the times.  Mr. Hudson's book states "Captain Howe acted as a conspicuous part, he not only commanded the Garrisons and the scouts of the town, but led the troops to every place of danger which represented itself".  He is buried in Spring Hill Cemetery.

see document of a survey of his land dated  1753 >>>>> 

Thomas Howe, son of Thomas and  Sarah (Hosmer) Howe, married Rebekah Perkins as recorded in Records of Essex Co., Register of Deeds Volume 41, page 232 and dated March 23, 1715.  In an agreement made between Captain Thomas Fiske of Weham, Massachusetts and Captain Thomas How of Marlborough, Massachusetts, reciting the proposed marriage of Thomas How, son of Captain How and Rebekah Perkins, a relative of said Captain Fiske and brought up by him and providing for a marriage settlement to be made by Captain How upon Rebekah.  She was the daughter of John Perkins and Mary Fiske of Wenham, Massachusetts.  (Source: Howe Genealogy).  The Vital Records of Marlborough do not record Rebekah's last name.  He is buried in Spring Hill Cemetery.

Eleazer Howe, son of John Howe, was a man who had much property.  His will shows that he abounded in property and silver and articles which was uncommon in these days.  He was honored with the command of a Company.  He gave by his will, a silver spoon to Gershom, his son, and a silver tankard to his son Ephraim.  He also gave silver spoons to his daughters Martha and Hannah.  He is buried in Spring Hill Cemetery along with his wife Hannah Howe daughter of Abraham Howe and Hannah Ward.

Nehemiah Howe , son of Ezra and Phebe Howe, settled in the North part of Henniker, New Hampshire where they lived several years. They then moved to Lyme, New Hampshire, and later they moved to Thetford, Vermont where some of their children had settled. He was a Revolutionary soldier.

Bezaleel Howe, son of Bezaleel and Anna Howe, entered the army as a private and in 1776 was lieutenant of the 1st New Hampshire regiment. He was wounded at Stillwater. At the close of the war he was aide-de-camp to Washington, with rank of Captain. In 1783 he was ordered to take the baggage of the Commander-in-Chief and all the papers relating to the war and convey them to Mount Vernon under sufficient guard. He died in New York City.

Darius Howe, son of Bezaleel and Anna Howe, served as Corporal in 1777, and Lieutenant in 1781, in Massachusetts Line.

Edith Howe, daughter of Bezaleel and Anna Howe.  She and her mother wove cloth which they made into clothes for the soldiers. Among the recruits were her brothers, Darius and Bezaleel. She died in Tunbridge, Vermont.

Cyprian Howe, son of John Jr. and Thankfull (Bigelow) Howe, as Captain, he commanded a company under Colonel Henry Gardiner in the 4th regiment, Middlesex County, Massachusetts at the opening of the Revolution and marched to Cambridge on the Lexington Alarm on the 19th of April 1775.  He was promoted lieutenant-colonel in 1776 and to colonel, 1779. He kept a "publik house".

Uriah Howe, son of Charles and Lydia Howe, served as a private in Captain Davis Howlett's company, Colonel Ashley's regiment in the New Hampshire militia, to re-enforce the Continental Army at Ticonderoga, 1777. He was baptized in Marlborough, Mass.; died in Jericho, Vt.

Artemus Howe, son of Josiah Jr. and Mary (Goodale) Howe, served as Captain of a company from Braintree which marched on the alarm of 1775. He died in Oakham, Mass.

Nehemiah Howe, son of Peter and Grace (Bush) howe, removed to New Hampshire.  He was a member of the Committee of Safety of New Hampshire in 1777. He died in Poultney, Vt.

Ezra Howe, son of Peter and Grace (Bush) Howe, took part in the French War and marched to the relief of Fort William-Henry.  He left Marlborough before 1770.

Josiah Howe Jr, son of  Joshia and Mary (Goodale) Howe, was a Deacon of the Church.

Micah Howe, son of Ezra and Phebe Howe, enlisted in Captain Andrew Haskell's company in 1776; he re-enlisted and was at the surrender of Burgoyne. In 1832 his pension was allowed for two years actual service as private Massachusetts line. His second wife was allowed a pension in 1853. He died in Bradford, New Hampshire.

Simon Howe, son of Thomas and Rebecah Howe, was a minute man at the Lexington Alarm. His name is found on the roll of the first three years men.

Ephraime Howe, son of  Stephen and Elizabeth (Beaman) Howe, lived near the old Winchester lace.  His home was burnt in 1860, being the second home on this property to burn.  He was a Colonel in the militia.
 

Eliakim Howe, son of Jonathan Jr. and Lidiah (Lydia Brigham) removed to New Hamphire in 1763.  He signed the Association Test of New Hampshire 1776 and was a member of the Alarm list of Henneker. He died in Maine.

Fortunatus Howe, son of Noah and Martha (Barnard) Howe, was placed on the pension roll 1818, for service as private in the Massachusetts Line.

Peter Howe, Jr., son of Peter and Grace (Bush) Howe, served as Lieutenant in Captain Amasa Cranson's Marlboro Company in 1776. He died in Barnard, Vermont.

Martin Howe, son of Eleazer Howe and Caty Barnard. One of the most beautiful locations in Marlborough is around Lake Williams, the Northwest side of which settled in early times Ephraim, Moses, Eli, Martin and Eleazer Howe, as well as those of other well known names.  Moses Howe was a man who always made farming pay in legitimate agricultural pursuits, giving close attention to every detail. Both he and his wife, who was a Temple from the east part of the town, worked hard. His oldest daughter married Winthrop Arnold.
The picture  to the left is known as the Martin Howe house.

He left the farm to his son Eli who was a successful farmer. Capt. Eleazer Howe, born 1662, was youngest son of John Howe, and bought in 1617 the Thomas Rice place near the northwest corner of the lake. Capt. Eleazer married Hannah Howe, daughter of Abraham and Hannah (Ward) Howe, and it was the first marriage where both parties were natives of the town. He was a man of property, and the silver mentioned in his will shows that he abounded in an article not common in his day. In his will he gave several silver spoons to his children and a silver tankard to his son Ephraim. They speak of him as a large land holder and owner of two or more grist and saw mills. He was a house carpenter and erected the first school house in Marlborough. From the time he was honored with the command of a Company, he was known as Captain. The lake in his day, probably the upper part, was named for him, and was called for more than twenty years after he passed away "Howe's Pond." He was uncle to Moses Howe, and for years one barn between the two houses, with a partition to separate, was used for both farms. Among the children of his large family were Lyman and Martin, who taught school for several winters. This was in old times called "school teacher district."

Source: Ella Bigelow's Book
 

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