My Genealogy Hound

Jerome Howe, one of the large farmers and substantial citizens of Oakland County, whose farm of 240 acres lies in section 6, Springfield township, and sections 30 and 31, Groveland township, was born at Bethany, Genesee County, New York, December 24, 1836, and has been a resident of Michigan since the age of nine months. He is a son of Orison N. and Susan (Fillmore) Howe, the former of whom was born in the State of New York, and the latter on Long Island.

The parents of our subject came as pioneers to Michigan in 1836. They made the journey as far as Buffalo, with ox teams; there they loaded a boat with household effects and went by water to Detroit, where the journey was resumed with an ox team, and the selected home in Springfield township, Oakland County, was thus reached. The first purchase was 80 acres of land from Thurman Curtis, who had secured it from the government. Mr. Howe built a log house in which the family lived for five years. Through his efforts about 50 acres of this land were cleared and put under cultivation, obtaining some assistance from his neighbors, as he was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and all were willing to exchange work in a friendly manner. His death took place on this farm in 1842, at the age of 39 years. His wife, Susan Fillmore, was a daughter of John Fillmore, who came to Macomb County, Michigan, at a later date and died there. A family of seven children were born to our subject’s parents, namely: Marvin L.; Maliza E. (Springsteen); Mary E. (Springsteen); Lyman, of Springfield township, Oakland County; Jerome; Malvina R., who died at the age of 17 years; and Charles E., of Lansing, Michigan.

Jerome Howe has spent his life in the same locality and has always engaged in farming, beginning in boyhood and still continuing to overlook the operations of his large body of land. The only removal he has made was from Springfield township, across the highway to Groveland township, his land being located, as noted above, in both townships. A general line of farming has been carried on and considerable stock raising, all the active work being now in the hands of Mr. Howe’s nephew. A preference has been given to Durham cattle and formerly to Merino sheep, but latterly only Rambouillet sheep are bred. Some horses are also raised and some very fine colts have been disposed of during the last few years. The farm is fertile and under the excellent management given it is very productive, the average crops being: 60 tons of hay; 300 bushels of rye; 300 bushels of potatoes; and 300 bushels of beans. In former years Mr. Howe has raised as much as 1,100 bushels of wheat. His apple and peach orchards have proved a large source of income, nine acres being devoted to fruit.

Mr. Howe was married first, in 1872, to Nancy Sherman, who was born in Montgomery County, New York. His second marriage took place May 24, 1899, to Mary C. Yungkind, who was born at Wittenberg, Germany, and is a daughter of Ludwig and Caroline (Lang) Yungkind, who came to America when Mrs. Howe was but five years old.

In politics Mr. Howe is a stanch Republican and has actively supported Republican principles and candidates since casting his first presidential vote, in 1860, for Abraham Lincoln. A portrait of Mr. Howe accompanies this sketch.