My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE E. HOWLAND, merchant, Decatur, son of Willis and Susan Howland, was born in Byrd Township November 20, 1849. His father dying when he was two years old, and his mother in his seventh year, he was taken by his grandfather, James Edwards, who cared for him and his wants till he was fourteen, when he started out in life working by the month, at $13 per month. He continued in this employment five years, then worked at blacksmithing two years. In 1867, he fanned partnership with M. A. Neal in huckstering. In April, 1872, he engaged in the mercantile trade with a capital of $3,700, which he had accumulated in other pursuits. By close attention and careful management, he has achieved a good success, and has established a large business. In 1882, he erected a fine store building at a cost of $2,500. He was married, June 12, 1879, to Miss Nannie Howland, a daughter of William and Jane Howland. She bore him two children — Orville Ray and Bertha Lee. Mr. Howland is serving his third term as Township Treasurer. Politically, he is a Republican. He is a young man of sterling business qualities, and well merits the success which he has acquired.