CHAPTER XXXII.
HOWARD TOWNSHIP
pg. 322

     IN the general reorganization of March 9th, 1825, this township was formed.  The land is generally rolling and well watered by Owl Creek and the Jelloways, which afford considerable water power.  The Kinderhook Mills, in the days of Elliott, Warden & Co., did a fine business, and the village of Kinderhook was quite a noted place.
     Howard had 590 population in 1830, and 14,586 acres of taxable land.  In 1840, the inhabitants numbered 990; in 1850, 1,002; and in 1860, 870.
     The Porters emigrated from Maryland in 1816; Thomas J. died in his 83d year.  Of his nine children, the living are Henry T., who married Eliza Ann Hedington, Samuel, Michael, Harriet, wife of Hiram Critchfield.  Old Squire Porter was an honest and intelligent man, who was highly esteemed by all who knew him.  For nine years he served his neighbors as a justice, and died universally lamented.  Dr. Lewis R. is residing in Clinton township, much respected for his intelligence and worth.
     The name of Critchfield has been common in this and the adjoining townships, and will continue so.  Nathaniel, William, Joseph, John and Isaac, five brothers, emigrated from the neighborhood of Cumberland, Md., to Owl Creek in 1806.  Isaac died shortly after.  The others had been soldiers in the Revolutionary War, and drew pensions until

[Pg. 323]
their death.  Nathaniel married Christina Welker; he died about 1837, and she in July, 1840.  They had thirteen children, of whom the following have been generally known, viz.:  William, Susannah, wife of Jacob Lepley, Joseph, Catherine, wife of Peris Sprague, Jesse, Sally, wife of Jacob Lybarger, Benjamin, Mary, wife of Meshac Casteel, and Isaac, who died.  Wm. Critchfield, Sr., died in 1848.  His second wife, who was the Widow Barcus, survives.  Their children were - Reuben Samuel, Betsy Thatcher, Drusilla Thomas, Keziah Magers, Sally Critchfield, and James and Benjamin Barens.  Joseph Critchfield married Peggy Sapp; he died in 1843.  Of their nine children, we have the following memoranda:  Mary was the second wife of Col. John Greer; Elizabeth married Robert Waddle; Catharine, George Lybarger; Phoebe, Wm. Beckwith; Alvin and William are in Indiana; Isaac in Hardin county; John in Mt. Holly; Joseph died in Indiana.
     William, son of Nathaniel, married Elizabeth Troutman, of Somerset co., Pa., and begat 13 children.  Charles, Reuben, Sam., Hiram, Enoch, who married Maria Dixon; Jesse, Mary Horton; Dr. S. T., Mary Porter, of Allegheny co., Md.; William Jackson is dead; Lucinda married Lewis Lybarger; Matilda married John Cassel; Delilah married Dr. Mast, and Catharine is at home.  Hiram and Jesse are dead.
     From the loins of these old soldiers have sprung a numerous tribe of athletic and hardy people.  The old set were good marksmen, industrious husbandmen, thorough going yeomen, who endured

[Pg. 324]
great hardships and perils in the "times that tried men's souls," and left to their hundreds of descendants the light of good example, and a just pride in their well spent lives.
     Uriah Tracy, Marvin Tracy, James Logue, Jas. Wade, Paul Welker, Ben. Ellis, Philip, George, jr., and Isaac Dial were of the first settlers.  George Lybarger, sr., George, jr., and Andrew, were among the first voters in this township.  Ludwick Lybarger and his sons - Sam., George, Lewis, Joseph and George" moved west many years ago, and is now dead; he was a kind-hearted man of the pioneer stamp.
     The Dawsons and McFarlands, from Washington co., Pa., have resided in this township since 1835, and have been excellent citizens.  Henry Eckenrode, a native of Adams co., Pa., settled in this township in 1833, and has helped people it.   John Hull has been here since 1820.  Here, too, have lived a numerous family, of Durbins, the Rolingers, Horns, Whites, Nicholses, Marlos, Millers, Magerses, Berrys, and other most excellent people.

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
 

< BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS >