My Genealogy Hound

HON. CHARLES FENTON HOWARD, one of the most prominent and enterprising young business men of Xenia, is a son of one of its earliest pioneers, Roswell F. Howard, and was born July 12, 1859, in this city. He first attended the public schools and afterward entered Xenia College, in which he completed the literary course. After that he spent a year in Antioch College. Thence he went to Ann Arbor, Mich., and entered the Michigan State University, but on account of failing health was unable to complete his course of study there.

Mr. Howard until the spring of 1883 was comparatively inactive, endeavoring to recuperate, and was then elected City Clerk. In attempting to discharge the duties of this office he was seized with his former illness and compelled to resign the position before the expiration of his term. In the meantime, when able, he pursued the study of law in his father’s office. In the spring of 1888 he was elected Mayor of the city of Xenia, just fifty years from the time that his father, in 1838, was first elected to the same office.

Our subject was married at the bride’s home near Xenia, October 25, 1882, to Miss Adda G., daughter of George F. Cowdy. Of this union there have been born no children. Mrs. Howard is prominently connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and both are in the enjoyment of the esteem and confidence of hosts of friends. Mr. Howard has been quite active in politics, and is a stanch supporter of the Republican party.

Roswell F. Howard is a native of Ohio, and came this county during the days of its earliest settlement. He was married in Ohio to Miss Margaret M. Steele, a native of this State. The father still resides in the city of Xenia, but the mother is deceased.