My Genealogy Hound

SOLOMON M. HOWSER. Cass County contains many fertile and highly-cultivated farms, and among the number passersby invariably note with admiration the well-kept fields and air of thrift and prosperity characterizing Mr. Howser’s farm. The place consists of two hundred and sixty-three acres on section 2, of Howard Township, and is devoted to general farming and stock-raising purposes. The buildings that embellish the place are neat, substantial and adapted to their varied purposes, while the residence is a cozy abode, tastily furnished and conveniently arranged.

The owner of this fine farm was born in Preble County, Ohio, June 28, 1828. It is probable that his paternal grandfather was a native of Maryland, where also his father, Henry Howser, was born, and whence he removed in his youth to Ohio. The mother of our subject was Mary, daughter of Michael Brown, both being natives of North Carolina and of German descent. After their marriage in Ohio, the parents of our subject located in Michigan, in 1836, where the father purchased a farm in Pokagon Township, Cass County. Here he devoted his energies to clearing and developing a fine farm, and was so successful in his efforts that he became known throughout his community as one of its most persevering and efficient agriculturists, as he was also one of its best citizens. After his wife’s death, which occurred in 1861, he removed to the village of Dowagiac, where he closed his eyes upon the scenes of earth in 1878.

In the public affairs of the community, Mr. Howser, Sr., bore an active part and served with efficiency as Supervisor of Pokagon Township and Road Commissioner. First a Whig, he later gave his allegiance to the Republican party. In his religious belief, he was a Universalist, but contributed generously to the various denominations. He and his good wife were the parents of two daughters and five sons, and seven of the number grew to manhood and womanhood. These still survive with the exception of the third son, who died a few years ago. Solomon M. was the second child in order of birth and was about eight years old when he came to Cass County. His education was obtained in the district schools of Pokagon Township and the common schools at Mishawaka, Ind., but his broad range of knowledge and information has been obtained principally through self-culture.

On Christmas Day of 1861, Mr. Howser was united in marriage with Miss Minerva Knight, who was born in Berrien County, Mich., in 1841, her father, Jonathan Knight, having been an early settler of that county. After his marriage, Mr. Howser settled in Berrien County, where he remained for one year, and then, in 1863, located on his present farm. He and his wife had a family of three children; Mary J., deceased; Henry J., who resides on the homestead; and Cora M., who is studying stenography in Chicago. In his political opinions, Mr. Howser is a Republican, firm in his advocacy of party measures and men. In his religious belief, he is a Universalist. He is a man who willingly aids every measure calculated to advance the interests of the community, and is one of the most capable farmers of Howard Township.