The Howsman Family

After many years of research, the early ancestors of John Houseman, who emigrated from Frederick County, Virginia, to Ohio, have not been definitely determined. Many early record of counties in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia show spelling of he name Houseman and Howsman.

In one of the earliest records of immigrants to America, compiled by John Camden Hotten, titled “Original Lists of Persons of Quality, Relics, Exiles... from Great Britian to America Plantations, 1600-1700", we find the following:
page 51: William Howsman, age 12, in the Peter Bonaventure bound for Barbadoes.
Page 73: Richard Howseman, age 19, May 20, 1635, bound for Barbadoes.

From the “Memorial History of Staten Island, New York (Ira Morris). Vol II, page 92, is taken the following excerpts:
“Houseman Family of Staten Island.” The first of this name came to America from Holland in 1675-1676. The earliest mention on this name in a church record in Staten Island is:’John and Wynjie (Simonson) Houseman had a daughter baptized June 1, 1732.
John Houseman, of Staten Island, was for many years one of the judges of the Common Pleas Courts; member of the assembly in 1804; and surrogate in 1809. Some of the descendants of this John Houseman remained in Richmond County.
The Brittons, Frosts and Housemans, all early immigrants to the Island, apparently traveled from there into New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland, and to Frederick County, Virginia, where their names appear in early records of those colonies.
Court records are found at Winchester, Frederick County for John Howsman, or Houseman as the name was then spelled by recording clerks who sold stock (hogs and cattle) to a Jacob Staley on April 8, 1757 (D.B. 11, page 574); Record of land bought and sold by John and Martha Frost Howsman; and a John Houseman and wife, Christina named as defendants in a suit...
Frederick County Census for 1790 lists John Houseman with a family of two. Census for the same county in 1800, lists John Houseman and family of ten. (Record of birth of their children, shows eight were born before 1800.) Also of record at Winchester we find that in December, 1795 William Frost transferred property to John Houseman; and in December, 1795, Abraham Frost transferred property to John Houseman. (Deed Book, page 68-A). The Frosts were brothers of Martha Frost, wife of John Howsman.

Revolutionary War Service

Records of service in the Revolutionary war, taken from Gwathmey’s “Historical Record of Virginians in the Revolution”, and Eckenrode’s “Revolutionary War Records,” show a John Houseman (citizen) as being credited for miscellaneous Revolutionary War services, and a John Houseman (thought to be his son ) discharged at Romney, Virginia. Descendants of John Howsman often were told of the services of their grandfathers in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.
Record of the marriage of John Howsman and Martha Frost has not been found [it has now been found March 15,1782], but from birth records of their children, it has been placed at 1778-1780. They lived in Frederick County, near Winchester, where several of their children attended school, and where William, their oldest son was married to Abigail Britton on May 27, 1803.

Journey to Ohio

In 1804, John and Martha Frost Howsman brought their family to Ross County, Ohio, making the trip in covered wagons, with some of the children riding horseback a part fo the way through Maryland and Pennsylvania over the trail that later was a part of the National Road. William and his bride accompanied his father and family to Ohio. About 1810, they moved from Ross County to Range Township, Madison County, where they accumulated considerable wealth, owning a large tract of farmland.
When John Howsman brought his family to Range Township, his daughter Margaret could remember that some of her sisters came on horseback. They used weeping willow twigs for whips, and “Aunt Fanny” often told of planting these twigs along the banks of Mud Run. They grew and spread until beautiful willow trees lined both banks of the small stream, just east of their homestead. A few of these trees, which were started from riding whips, still are alive. “Aunt Peggy” remembered that her mother was busy knitting socks for the children while riding in their covered wagon to their new home, just as some of the older children recalled how she kept her knitting needles flying during the long, tedious journey from Winchester, Virginia to Ross County, Ohio.
The Howsman [in Range Township] homestead was a large, two-story house, built partly of logs, on a rising mound just west of the little stream. Back of the home a large orchard was set out, and a plot reserved for the family burial ground. Many stones marking these early graves are still standing and show various spelling of the family name, as “Houseman,” Howsman,” and Howsmon.” Many early settlers or neighbors in Range Township, not directly connected with the Howsman family, also rest in this cemetery, now a part of Range Township (Bethel) Cemetery. The Pancake monument is on the site of the Howsman homestead, near the entrance to the new part of the Cemetery.
Jacob Howsman, in a codicil to his will dated December 12, 1859 provided: “And I also set aside part of the graveyard on my said premises as it now stands enclosed, for the use of the public and neighborhood, provided that when the said ground now enclosed being filled with graves of the dead, that other lands may be purchased for the purpose of burying the dead.”
The homestead site was purchased as an addition to the Howsmon Cemetery. Jacob Howsmon also had deeded a plot of land to the township to be used for a public school. A large part of his farm was across the roadway from the homestead, and later was owned by Hicks and Pancake heirs, and eventually the school became better know as the “Pancake School”.
William Howsmon built his home near that of his father, and just a short distance below Bethel Church. After he moved to London, where he kept a hotel, it was occupied by his sister, Martha Rayburn McDaniel., and one of the last of the family to live there was her son, Isaac McDaniel. This old house still stands, has had some additions built to it, and is occupied at the present time (1961).
The Howsmons were strictly Presbyterians. Older members of the descendants often told of how they, as children, never were allowed to play on the Sabbath; how they were expected to sit in their “Sunday best” and “be seen and not heard.” To laugh on the Sabbath was actually sinful, and all were expected to speak in whispers or in low tones. All of the baking and as much of the cooking as possible was done on Saturday. At large family gatherings, the children always had to wait until their elders had eaten before they were served.
Many members of this large family held county and township offices, and were in the service of their country in the War of 1812 and in the Civil War. Isaac Howsmon (1798-1866) served as an associate judge of Madison County for twenty consecutive years - 1820 to 1840; represented his district in the Ohio Legislature, 1842-43. His sons, Isaac, Jr. and George, held various township offices.
Frances, “Aunt Fanny”, born at Winchester, Virginia, attended school there before coming to Ohio with her family in 1804. She rode horseback a great part of the way when they made the tedious journey through Maryland and Pennsylvania to their new home in Ross County, Ohio. Again, when the family moved to Range Township, Madison County, she and her sisters rode horseback. The lovely weeping willow trees, which used to line the banks of Mud Run, grew from their riding whips which they planted there. Aunt Fanny never seemed to forget her Virginia sweetheart, and remained single.
One by one this large family of brothers and sisters were separated by marriage or death until only Frances, Hannah and Jacob were left at the old homestead in Range Township. Fanny died in 1865; Hannah in 1866, and Jacob in 1859.
Jacob Howsmon (Uncle Jake) was described by nieces and nephews as a cross old bachelor. His sister Frances was named the principal legatee in his will, on file in Madison County. After her death, Hannah lived with another sister, Margaret (Peggy) McClimans. For several years, the old homestead was occupied by Howsmon heirs.
Much research has been necessary to compile data on the descendants of John and Martha Frost Howsmon, many of whom married and reared families. Bible and court records, gravestones, newspaper clippings preserved by members of the families, and county histories were used in preparing this history of the Howsmon Family.

First Generation

John Howsmon, born 1755 in Frederick County, Virginia; (thought to be son of David Howsmon; Houseman) died July 29, 1818 aged 63 years; married March 15, 1782 (record not found) in Frederick County, Va. To Martha Frost, born ______, 1759; died June 19, 1832; daughter of William and Hannah _______ Frost. They were parents of ten * children, nine of whom were born in Frederick County, Virginia.
* Some older members of the family said there was another son, John, who died before the family came to Ohio. From dates of births, he may have been the firstborn, probably 1780. Census, 1800: 10 in family.

1. William Howsmon, born December 15, 1782 in Frederick County, Va.; died August 19, 1863 in London, Ohio; married (1) at Winchester, Virginia on May 27, 1803 to Abigail Britton, born April 16, 1783; died November 26, 1831; daughter of Jesse and Ann Gibson Britton; married (2) in Madison County, Ohio on December 29, 1833 to Frances Wren, of Mechanicsburg, Champaign County, Ohio. Parents of nine children.

2. Frances Howsmon, born February 10, 1785; died April 18, 1865.

3. Abraham Howsmon, born about 1787; died 1816; not married.

4. Isaac Howsmon, born December 3, 1789 died November 10, 1866; married July 3, 1819 to Sarah McClimans, born August 28, 1791; died June 22, 1845, daughter of John and Mary Creviston McClimans. They had nine children.

5. Mary Howsmon, born April 18, 1791; died June 18, 1847; married March 28, 1815 to Thomas Turner Reeves, February 6, 1789; died September 5, 1872, son of Josiah and Elizabeth Davis Reeves. They were parents of twelve children.

6. Jacob Howsmon, born _____, 1794; died December 18, 1859; not married.

7. Hannah Howsmon, born June 4, 1797; died December 22, 1866.

8. Samuel Taylor Howsmon, born August __ 1800; died August 10, 1819.

9. Margaret Howsmon, born ____ 1803; died _______; married November 22, 1822 to James McClimans, born July 29, 1796; died June 15, 1860, son of John and Mary Creviston McClimans. Had six daughters (and possibly others, names not known).

10. Martha Howsmon, born January 14, 1806; died August 16, 1878; married (1) on September 25, 1824 to William Rayburn, born _____ 1803; died September 18, 1829. Two children. Married (2) on July 15, 1838 to Philip McDaniel, born February 15, 1812; died November 16, 1881. They had five children.

Second Generation
Descendants of John and Martha (Frost) Howsman
1. William Howsmon, son of John and Martha Frost Howsmon; born December 15, 1782 in Frederick County, Virginia; died August 19, 1863 in London, Madison County, Ohio. He was married (1) at Winchester, Virginia, on May 27th, 1805 (by James Walls, Minister) to Abigail Britton, born April 16, 1783; died November 26, 1831. When signing the marriage bond, he spelled his name “Howsman”, the first time that spelling appears in the Howsman (x) family records. His bond was for $150.00, with Jesse Britton as surety.

Abigail Britton Howsman was the daughter of Jesse Britton and his first wife, Anna Gibson Britton. Her heirs are mentioned in the will of her father, Jesse Britton, on file in Pickaway County, Ohio, Will Vol. 3, pp. 77-78. Jesse Britton and his second wife Susannah Noland, and family came to Perry Township, Pickaway County in 1807 from Richmond, Virginia. (See Britton Family History.){I do not have a copy of the Britton Family History}.

William and Abigail Howsman came with his family to Ross County, Ohio from Virginia in 1804. In 1812 the Howsman family moved to Range Township, Madison County, and engaged in framing. William established his home a short distance from his father’s home. Both are buried in the Howsman family cemetery, gravestones still standing in 1957.

Children of William and Abigail Howsman
Third Generation

A. Letticia Howsman, born April 3, 1804; died September 23, 1841
B. John Britton Howsman, born June 12, 1807; died December 22, 1880
C. Isaac Howsman, born August 13, 1809; died April 9, 1856
D. Mary Howsman, born November 27, 1811; died November 7, 1859
E. Joseph Howsman, born __________; died ___________
F. Frances Howsman, born February 19, 1818; died February 22 1873
G. James W. Howsman, born March 28, 1820; died September 8, 1849
H. Martha Howsman, born January 27, 1822; died August 3, 1876
I. Charles Howsman, born September 4, 1824; died September 12, 1825

Further sketches of the children named above is carried on the pages to follow, under the heading “Third Generation”.

William Howsman, following the death of his first wife, Abigail Britton, was married a second time on December 29, 1833 by Rev. Thomas Price, to Frances Wren, of Mechanicsburg, Champaign County. To them was born one son, Jacob Wren Howsman, died July 4, 1835 at the age of six months and 26 days.

They reared Loraine, daughter of A. and M. Byers. She married A. B. Walker on February 2, 1860 in Madison County; died February 1, 1864, leaving a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Fanny, who are mentioned in will of Frances Howsman. No record of legal adoption has been found, but gravestone for Loraine Byers-Walker reads “Adopted daughter of William and F. Howsman.

Frances Wren Howsman, widow of William, died in London on February 21, 1873 at age 75 years. Her will, dated February 8, 1873 was filed in Probate Court on February 27, 1873. (Madison County Will Book, Vol. 3, page 20.) For many years, William and Frances Howsman kept a hotel in London, Ohio.

Third Generation
Descendants of William and Abigail Howsman

Family Bibles, Court Records, Gravestones, and the History of Madison County, Ohio (Beers) 1883, furnish much of the material for the biographical sketches of the descendants of John and Martha Frost Howsman, natives of Frederick County, Virginia, who bought their family to Ohio in 1804.

William Howsman, their eldest son, and his wife, Abigail, were parents of nine children, all born in Ross and Madison Counties, Ohio.

A. Letticia Howsman, daughter of William and Abigail Howsman, was born April 3, 1804; died September 23, 1841; married March 9, 1820 (recorded May 4, 1820) by James Whiteside, J. P. Range Township, Madison County, Ohio, to John Britton. Relationship of John Britton with the Britton families living in Champaign and Pickaway counties has not been established, but some Howsman descendants said he was related to the Jesse Britton family of New Holland. Letticia Howsman Britton is buried in the Howsman Cemetery.

Children of John and Letticia Howsman Britton (name of first four listed furnished by W. P. Hay) were:

Fourth Generation
Children of John and Letticia Howsman Britton

a. Elijah Evans Britton (or Eligale?)
b. William H. Britton
c. James L. Britton
d. John Britton
e. Isaac Frost Britton
f. Joseph Britton. Lived near Clinton, Illinois about 1905. A news clipping from a Circleville paper states that a Mrs. Newhart died in Illinois at the home of her son-in-law, J. Britton.)
g. Harry Britton was a baby when his mother died in 1841, was reared by Betsey Cook. He died when young, and was buried in the Cook Cemetery at White Oak, Fayette County, Ohio. No monument is now standing, but this information was verified by Frances McClintock.

John Letticia Britton were the foster parents of Mary Foster who married John Britton Howsman, brother of Letticia Britton, She was brought to Ohio from Virginia, and became the ward of the Brittons when she was about nine years of age.

Third Generation
Children of William and Abigail Howsman

B. John Britton Howsman, son of William and Abigail Britton Howsman, was born June 12, 1807; died December 22, 1880 in London, Ohio; married July 28, 1835 by Christian Selsor, J.P., Range Township, Madison County, Ohio, to Mary Foster, who was reared by his sister, Letticia Britton.

Mary Foster, born in Virginia , October 20, 1812; died in Range Township, August 12, 1899. Her parents were *John and Elizabeth Foster (said to be from Halifax County, Virginia). They came to Ohio in a covered wagon caravan when Mary was but six years of age. Her mother died en route and was buried before their destination was reached, evidently Union County, Ohio. Little is known of her family, but she is said to have had two brothers in Ohio. She often told of having three uncles who were killed in an explosion in a tannery or foundry, which they operated, but was not certain where this happened – in Philadelphia, Baltimore or Brooklyn.

John and Mary Foster Howsman were parents of eleven children. Order of their births were obtained from gravestones, published obituaries, and from personal correspondence with their descendants. The were:

Fourth Generation
Chidren of John Britton and Mary Foster Howsman

a. William T. Howsman, born in Madison County, Ohio; married on September 23, 1856 to Louisa J. Wood, of Union County, by Rev. J. Langstaff. Lived in Nebraska. He was in service during the Civil War, and was held in Libby Prison for some time. A bullet wound which cut through his scalp left a streak resembling a wide part in his hair.

b. John N. Howsman, born February 1, 1836; died March 17, 1887 at Lanes, DeWitt County, Illinois; married September 12, 1866 to Mary C. Wright . Their children were: Winnie, who married _____________ Shields, Martha J., born September 24, 1875; married _______________Simpson. John Howsman also was a Civil War veteran, Co. A, 113th Reg. At Camp Chase, organized at London, Ohio. He was wounded when a bullet cut his back from one shoulder to the other.

c. James Worthington Howsman, born ________; married April 30, 1861 to Mary S. Self, while home on furlough; he married a second time (in Illinois) to Rebecca McBrin Holloway, a widow. By his first wife, he had two daughters: Margaret (Maggie) born August 8, 1865; died July 30, 1947; married _______Hinton; lived in Illinois. Ida E., born January 7, 1868 (no further information). James Howsman enlisted in Co. K. 86th O.VI. for services in the Civil War. He was wounded in battle by having his toes shot off as he was dismounting from his horse.

d. Thomas Frost Howsman, died March 17, 1919; married February 1, 1881 by Rev. J. W. Steel to Clara Alma Bragg, daughter of Elijah and Malinda Emmons Bragg. Lived in Range Township; she died July 7, 1925 at age 70. Both are buried in Midway Cemetery. Thomas and Clara Howsman were parents of three children: Gorves Glenn, born 1886; died January 11, 1954, Oney Ernest, born 14887; living, 1956 in Bloomingburg, Ohio, Purble Dean, a daughter born October 26, 1881; died May 5, 1884.

e. Joseph B. Howsman, died in infancy, 1850.

f. Letitia Britton Howsman, born April 4, 1838; died August 7, 1897; married March 17, 1864 by Rev. G. S. Adams, to Elijah Bragg, as his second wife. They are buried in Pleasant Cemetery, Mt. Sterling. Their children were a son, dying in infancy, and two daughters: Elizabeth Forrest, born March 19, 1867; died October 24, 1952; married January 13, 1892 to Thomas Slattery Maggie Lena (Magdalena) died July 18, 1897; married Jesse M. Edwards, who died 18 days after his wife.

g. Sarah Elisabeth Howsman, married July 5, 1858 by Rev. A. Fleming, to James Baxter. Consent to marry was recorded as he was under 21.

h. Mary Frances Howsman, is buried in the Howsman Cemetery, grave not marked, but is near grave of her father. Mary Frances cared for her mother in their home until her death. Her two sons, Forrest and Wilford, lived wither her in Range Township and with their aunt, Margaret Pinkerton.

i. Abigail Howsman, born 1847; died August 1849, age three years, is buried in the Howsman family Cemetery.

j. Margaret McClimans Howsman, born August 2, 1844; died March 20, 1929 at the home of her niece in Columbus, with whom she had made her home following the death of her husband, Theodore Childers Pinkerton, who died January 23, 1912. They were married November 6, 1866. Both were widely and affectionately known in Range Township and later in Fayette County, near Cook Station, where he died. “Aunt Mag” took an active interest in church and community activities. Her frequent visits with relatives and friends were looked forward to with pleasures. One of her last long trips was to Illinois to visit her niece, Maggie Hinton, daughter of her brother James.

k. Clara Isabel Howsman, born October 3, 1850; died September 8, 1926 and is buried in the Howsman Cemetery in unmarked grave. She was married to Frank Hubbard, and lived in Springfield, Ohio.

Third Generation
Descendants of William and Abigail Howsman

C. Isaac Howsman, son of William and Abigail Britton Howsman, was born August 13, 1809; died April 9, 1856; married on September 17, 1831 to Elizabeth Fisher, of Fayette County. Little information is available on their family. Their children were:

Fourth Generation
Children of Isaac & Abigail Britton Howsmon

a. Isaac Howsman, no information
b. Abigail Howsman, married Mr.Monroe; lived in Illinois. She was to receive the “sum of two hundred dollars in money” under the will of her step-grandmother, Frances Howsman.
c. Frances Howsman, no information
d. Lydia Howsman, no information

D. Mary Howsman, daughter of William and Abigail Howsman, born November 27, 1811; died November 7, 1859; married on November 18, 1830 by rev. Chandler Tuttle, to David Rayburn, son of John and _________ Corbett Rayburn, of Willow Springs Farm, Range Township (and brother of William Rayburn who married her aunt, Martha Howsman.)

About 1840, David and Mary Howsman Rayburn moved to Illinois near what is now the town of Towanda. She died, and is buried there. Following her death David and his children returned to London, Ohio, where he had a livery stable. His second wife was Melinda ______, who after his death, was in the honey business near London. Children of David and Mary Howsman Rayburn were:

Fourth Generation
Children of David & Mary Howsman Rayburn

a. William Rayburn---no information
b. David Rayburn, Jr.---no information
c. Francis Rayburn---no information
d. Abigail Rayburn----no information
e. Josephine Rayburn----who married December 6, 1867 in Madison County to Addison Christman
f. Joseph Rayburn-----no information
g. Jane Rayburn
h. Maria Rayburn----who married August 29, 1867 in Madison County to Clinton C. Herr, (a minor). Marriage consent was signed by his father, Henry C. Herr, dated and notarized August 26, 1867 at Bloomington, Illinois.
i. Emma Rayburn

Beer’s History of Madison County and Court records furnish many “leads” to the Rayburn family, but because of duplication in Christian names, cannot be used without confusion in preparing notes on that family.

Third Generation
Descendants of William and Abigail Howsman

E. Joseph Howsman, son of William and Abigail Howsman, was born in Range Township, married on June 1, 1817 in Fayette County, Ohio; died June 20, 1893 at Harristown, Illinois; {Elizabeth} daughter of Jehiel, 2nd and Sarah Vandolah Gregory. At the age of 12 years, Elizabeth lost bother of her parents and was taken into the family of Isaac Cook we she lived until her marriage.

Joseph and Elizabeth Gregory Howsman were parents of nine children:
Fourth Generation

a. Sarah Abigail Howsman, born June 2, 1838 in Madison County, Ohio; died June1, 1864 in Elk Grove, California; married March 10, 1859 to Philip Loving (his parents unknown). The Lovings made the trip overland to California in 1860 taking with them a baby daughter, Sylvia Caroline;

b. Jehiel Gregory Howsman, born January 29, 1841 in Madison County, Ohio died May 31, 1908; married; married November 19, 1868 to Elisa Fulton. Served through the Civil War as a 2nd Lieutenant. Both are buried in Harristown Cemetery. Their children were:

i. Clara Howsman
ii. Joseph H. Howsman
iii. Frank Howsman
iv. John Howsman

c. William Henry Howsman, born July 27, 1842 in Madison County, Ohio; died March, 1921 in Trenton, Missouri; married March 23, 1869 to (1) Amada Welch; (2) married Emma Welch. Was in the Union Army during the Civil War. There were several children. Names of those found: Cora; Ella; Ada; and Charles E. Howsman.

d. Elizabeth Jane Howsman, born January 18, 1845 in Madison County, Ohio; died February 2, 1888 in Saratoga, California; married June 29, 1865 to William D. Pollard, son of Uriah and Sarah Dameron Pollard. Elizabeth and William Pollard had three sons: Claude; Frank; and L.B. (initials his only name).

e. Isaac Cook Howsman, born December 26, 1846 near Lexington, Illinois; died January 19, 1929; married April 21, 1881 to Annie Deal Williams, daughter of Isaiah and Adaline Deal Williams, in Exeter, Missouri. Thought to have had Civil War record. Their children were: Clarence Clyde; Maud; Mae; William; Muriel {Myrl} Dean; and Robert Ralph.

f. Mary Emily Howsman, born April 20, 1849, near Lexington, Illinois; died January 1, 1931 in Washington, DC; married on June 30, 1870 to Oliver Perry Hay, son of Robert Lyle and Margaret Crawford Hay; buried in Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington, DC. Their children were:

Fourth Generation
Descendants of William and Abigail Howsman

Children of Oliver Perry and Mary Emily Howsman Hay, with information furnished by William Perry Hay, whose research has contributed much of the material, used in the Frost and Howsman histories.

Fifth Generation

i. William Perry Hay, born December 8, 1871 at Eureka, Illinois; married December 29, 1902 to Annie Aletha McKnew,, daughter Benjamin P. and Diana Caldwell (Aitcheson) McKnew; father of John Oliver Hay, and Constance Hay. Lived in Kensington, Maryland in 1937; to Bradenton, Florida, 1937.

ii. Mary Lucile Hay, born August 28, 1873 at Morgan City, Illinois married June 20, 1900 to John Dufton Minnick; resides at Chautauqua, New York. One child, adopted.

iii. Frances Steele Hay, born November 21, 1876 at Oskaloosa, Iowa; single; lives in Washington, D. C. Has two sons.

iv. Robert H. Hay, born November 16, 1882 at Irvington, Indiana; married December 15, 1909 to Alma E. Bischoff; lives in Washington, DC. Has two sons.

g. Hattie Annis Howsman, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Howsman, born March 24, 1851 near Lexington, Illinois; died August 15, 1903 at St. Louis, Missouri; married February 15, 1876 to John Bunyan Camp. Their children were: George Russell Camp, Harry Howsman Camp, and Lou Nora Camp.

h. John Joseph Howsman, born September 26, 1853; died July 13, 1886; single.

i. Frances Ellen Howsman, born April 1, 1856; died August 11, 1927 at Saratoga, California; married May 20, 1874 to Lyman T. McGuire, son of Joseph D. and Catherine Holbert McGuire. Frances Ellen McGuire was the mother of: Lou Ella McGuire and Hattie Ether McGuire, twins, Ida Darst McGuire, and Arthur Lowell McGuire.

The above information on the family of Joseph and Elizabeth Gregory Howsman, was condensed from a letter, written in long hand by William Perry Hay, of Bradenton, Florida, in exchange of family data with Thomas M. Slatttery.

Third Generation
Descendants of Wm. And Abigail Howsman

F. Frances Howsman, daughter of William and Abigail Howsman, was born February 19, 1818 in Range Township; died February 22, 1873; Married July 7, 1836 to John Newlen Byers, born January 22, 1813; died August 27, 1897, son of John and Lucinda Byers who are buried in the Howsman Cemetery. John N. and Frances Byers lived near Lincoln, Neb., where she died, and was buried there. Nothing in records to show date John N. Byers returned to Ohio.

They were parents of eleven children:

Fourth Generation
Children of John N. and Frances Howsman Byers

a. Isaac W. Byers, Born [1840]; married Jennie Hobart. They had two daughters.
b. Martha Byers, born [1842]; married John Bragg, son of Elijah and Melinda Emmons Bragg. John and Martha had no children, but reared a nephew, Seldon Bragg, son of Clinton Bragg and Anna Dorn Bragg.
c. George Byers, born [1856]; no information
d. John Lee Byers, born [1853]; no information
e. Charles Byers, no information
f. Lucy Byers, born [1845]; married Jerry Cooper
g. Lizzie Byers, married Byard Mickey; buried in Pleasant Cemetery on lot of John Bragg.
h. Hattie Byers, born [1859]; married Dudley Jones
i. Edward Byers, ; married Sadie_____; she died in childbirth. Name of second wife not known
j. Infant son *
k. Mary A. Byers, born May 13, 1844; died May 16, 1844, age 3 days

* Gravestone in Howsman Cemetery reads: Children of J. and L. Byers, November 26, 1842. These two graves are for children of John and Lucinda Byers, parents of John N. may be confused with records of an infant son born to John N. and Frances Byers.

G. James W. Howsman, son of William and Abigail Howsman, born March 28, 1820; died September 8, 1849 at age of 29 years 5 month, 10 days. Said to have contracted pneumonia from going in swimming, resulting in his death a short time afterward.

H. Martha Howsman, daughter of William and Abigail Howsman, born in Range Township, January 27, 1822; died at London, Ohio, August 3, 1876; married on November 18, 18__ by M. K. Foster, M/G to John Nichelson, as his first wife. His second wife was a Miss Pepper. John and Martha Nichelson had one son, Charles Howsman Nichelson. Said to have left home to join the regular army and never was heard from again.

I. Charles Howsman, son of William and Abigail Howsman, born in Range Township September 4, 1824; died September 12, 1825, age one year.

Second Generation
Descendants of John and Martha (Frost) Howsman


2. Frances Howsman, daughter of John and Martha Howsman, was born February 10, 1785 in Frederick County, Virginia; died April 18, 1865 at the family homestead in Range Township, Madison County, Ohio. She is buried in the Howsman family Cemetery. Was aroused on her deathbed to be told of the assassination of President Lincoln.

Frances attended school in Winchester, Virginia before coming to Ohio with her parents about 1804. She rode most of the way on horseback through Maryland and Pennsylvania. She remained single and kept up the home for her brother Jacob, and was named the principal legatee in his will.

3. Abraham Howsmon born about 1787; died 1816; no issue. Abraham was born in Frederick County, Virginia; reported missing after the Sandusky Massacre. He left no wife or children, his brothers and sisters receiving the proceeds of his estate. It was said that he was last seen cleaning his gun, just prior to the battle. Administrators of his estate, which was settled September 2, 1816 (Case No. 1262, Madison County Records) were John and William Howsman, (father and brother) and Thomas Reeves (brother-in-law). In a part of the court record his name was written “Abel.”

4. Isaac Howsman, son of John and Martha Frost Howsman, was born December 3, 1789 in Frederick County, Virginia; died November 10, 1866 in range Township, Madison County, Ohio. He came to Ross County, Ohio with his family in 1804, then to Range Township in 1812, where he spent his life on his farm adjoining that of his father. He was also engaged in stock dealing, accumulating a large property. He took an active part in civic and political affairs; served as Associate Judge of Madison County for twenty consecutive years, being first appointed in March, 1820. In 1842-43 he served as representative from his district in the Ohio Legislature.

Isaac Howsman was married on April 1, 1819 (license recorded on July 3, 1819) by James Whiteside, J.P. of Range Township to Sarah McClimans, born August 28, 1791, daughter of John and Mary Creviston McClimans, natives of Pennsylvania who came to Ross County about 1800, and to Range Township in 1812. She died June 22, 1845. Names of their eight children are shown below, with biographical sketches on pages to follow:

Third Generation
Children of Isaac and Sarah McClimans Howsman

A. John W. Howsman, born April 22, 1820 died May 2, 1882

B. Jacob Frost Howsman, born May 14, 1821; died February 1, 1845
C. George M. Howsman, born November 12, 1822; died January 24, 1876
D. Mary Jane Howsman, born March 26, 1825; died August 28, 1886
E. William Howsman, born December 24, 1826; died December 6, 1827
F. Martha Minerva Howsman, born June 9, 1829; died _________ 1888
G. Margaret Miriam Howsman, born January 20, 1831; died October 20 1886
H. Isaac, Jr. Howsman born February 2, 1833; died July 18, 1868

In many instances we find this branch of the family used the original spelling of the name, Houseman or Housman.

The farm home of Isaac and Sarah McClimans Houseman, sat a little distance from the roadway, and was reached by a lane through a filed. In later years when it was transferred to other owners, the house was moved out to the road, now Route 323, opposite the Grace Beale farm The old house burned sometime before 1936.

Administrators appointed to settle estate of Isaac Howsman, October 14, 1868 were Granville Rodgers, son-in-law, and Solomon McClimans.

Descendants of Isaac and Sarah Howsman.

A. John W. Howsman, son of Isaac and Sarah McClimans Howsman, was born April 22, 1820; died May 2, 1882; married to Miss Wiley of Fayette County. He was familiarly known as “Long” John. He went to Illinois with the family of James W. Howsman (son of John Britton Howsman) and lived with them for at a time then returned to Madison County, location at Sedalia, where he died. He is buried in the Howsman Cemetery. No information about his family, if any.

B. Jacob Frost Howsman, son of Isaac and Sarah McClimans Howsman, born May 14, 1821; died February 1, 1845; single; buried in the Howsman Cemetery.

C. George M. Howsman, son of Isaac and Sarah McClimans Howsman, born November 12, 1822; died January 24, 1876; married February 5, 1846 by Rev. R. C. McComb to Rebecca Cox, born December 29, 1827; died March 17, 1865, two weeks after birth of their daughter Rebecca J. {Howsman.}

Children of George M. and Rebecca Howsman were:
Fourth Generation

a. Isaac Taylor Howsman, born November 29, 1846; died November 3, 1935 at Lawrence, Kansas; single; lived in the west since 1870, returning to Ohio for frequent visits with relatives [Bachelor].

b. Wilson A. Howsman, born [July 20] 1848; died [3-3-1901, Linwood, Kansas]; married in 1878 to Eliza McClean. They were parents of two sons. Gravestone in Howsman Cemetery reads: “Infant of Wilson and Eliza Howsman, died June 25, 1880. Howard Howsman, another son, born January, 1882.” Wilson Howsman, with his father and his brother Isaac owned and operated a tile factory at Danville, built in 1882. They also owned and operated a grocery and general store in Danville.

c. Sarah J. Howsman, born [12 Nov,] 1850; [died June 27, 1905]; married Dr. Tom McClintock Jr., son fo Dr. Tom and Frances Reeves McClintock; lived and died in Kansas City. They had no children.

d. John L. Howsman, born July 13, 1852; died April 18, 1937; married November 13 1878, by Rev. S. J. Brown, of the Mt. Sterling Presbyterian Church, to Frances Fletecher [b. Oct. 1, 1858] who died August 19, 1944, At the age of 85.
His Death was the first to break this family circle of four sons and two daughters:
Thurman Howsman [b. 1-30-1880; d. 12-2-1937]
George M. Howsman, of Mobile, Alabama [b. 8-1-1881; d. 6-20, 1937]
{Charles Lemon Howsman b. 8-8-1882 d. 12-6-1951}
John T. Howsman, of Leesburg, Ohio [b. 6-10-1890]
Mrs. Florence Chrisman, of Madison County [b. 4-15-1886]
Mildred Howsman, teacher in London, Ohio public schools [b. 3-29-1898].

e. Rebecca J., {Howsman} born March 1, 1856; died December 16, 1860, aged four years, nine months and 19 days. Her mother died shortly after her birth, on March 17, 1856.

Third Generation
Descendants of Isaac and Sarah Howsman.

D. Mary Jane Howsman, daughter of Isaac and Sarah McClimans Howsman, was born March 26, 1825; died August 28, 1886; married on March 26, 1846 by Rev. R. C. McComb to William Baldwin Jr., born February 12, 1817; died September 11, 1887; son of William and Catherine Berkimer Baldwin, and a great-grandson of John Baldwin (1742-1826) Revolutionary War Soldier, who brought his children from Virginia to Ohio to take up a large land grant in the Virginia Military Reseveration in Madison and Fayette Counties. (This was known as the Baldwin-Wallace Survey.)
William Baldwin and his wife, Mary Howsman are buried in the Baldwin Cemetery near White Oak, Fayette County, where many of their children were buried. Only fragmentary information is available about their 12 children, named below without the order of their birth.

Fourth Generation
Children of William & Mary Jane Howsman Baldwin

a. Isaac Baldwin, born January 25, 1847; died March 12, 1915; single; lived on his farm with his sister Frances.
b. William H. Baldwin Jr., ; single; lived on farm with his sister Margaret.
c. Thomas H. Baldwin, born June 5, 1852; died March 11, 1916; single; lived on the home farm; owned the first automobile in the neighborhood, a noisy machine which could be heard as well as seen when the dust from the gravel roads would fly as he drove them.
d. Charles Baldwin; single.
e. Margaret Baldwin; single; lived with unmarried brother on home farm.
f. Kate Baldwin; single lived at home.
g. Martha Baldwin; single; lived at home.
h. George Baldwin, born 1860; married (1) Irene Armstrong, born 1866; died 1901; had one daughter Agnes. Married (2) Ella Maag, by whom he had John F. Baldwin died 1906; Luther Baldwin; and Margaret Baldwin, married Mr. Shobe.
i. Enoch Baldwin, born January 3, 1862; died January 12, 1916; single lived with brother Isaac and sister Frances.
j. James Baldwin married, Lived in Washington C.H. and after death of his wife, in Mt. Sterling with his sister Frances. He had one daughter, Mrs. [Mabel & Ruth] Reno, living in Mt. Sterling, Ohio.
k. Frances Baldwin, born May 6, 1865; died February 26, 1947; lived on her farm with brothers Enoch and Isaac. For several years after their death she continued to operate her farm, then moved to Mt. Sterling, Ohio, where she died. “Aunt Fanny” was active in church and community affairs, and was Regent of the Mt. Sterling chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, 1923-1924.
l. Bell Baldwin, no information.

Third Generation
Descendants of Isaac and Sarah Howsman

E. William Howsman, son of Isaac and Sarah McClimans Howsman, was born December 24, 1826; died December 6, 1827; aged 11 months 12 days. He is buried in the Howsman Cemetery.

F. Martha Minerva Howsman, daughter of Isaac and Sarah McClimans Howsman, was born June 9, 1829; died 1888 in Knoxville, Tenn.; married September 21, 1849, by Chauncey R. Taylor, to Granville Rodgers son of _____ and descendant of John Rodgers, born in 1777 Highland Counties, Ohio. (He was a cousin of Lydia Rodgers, wife of Benjamin Harrison Jr.) Granville and Martha Minerva (Howsman) Rodgers lived near Bethel in Range Township, and near Lilly Chapel, in Madison County before moving Tennessee. They were parents of 10 children. Except for birth and death dates of two sets of twins who died in infancy and are buried in [Howsman]{can’t read two words}, no records are available.
a. Twin born Dec 25, 1857; died Dec., 26, 1854
b. Twin born Dec 25, 1857; died Dec., 26, 1854
c. Martha M. Rodgers, born May 12, 1865; died July 17, 1865
d. Fanny E. Rodgers, born May 12, 1865; died July 24, 1865
e. William Rodgers, died soon after family moved to Tenn.
f. Isaac Rodgers; no information
g. Ottoway Rodgers, (living in 1930's)
h. Maggie Rodgers, (living in 1930's)
i. Ella Rodgers, no information.
j. Gadie Rodgers, no information.
Ottoway, single, lived with sisters, also single. Visted with Ohio relatives in the 1930's with one of his sisters (Maggie?).

G. Margaret Miriam Howsman, daughter of Isaac and Sarah McClimans Howsman, was born January 20, 1831; died October 20, 1886; married to Reverend John W. Steele, as his second wife. They had one son, Elmer Steel, married to Ida McDaniel, daughter of Jacob and Lucinda Mitchell McDaniel.

H. Isaac Howsman Jr., son of Isaac and Sarah McClimans Howsman, was born February 2, 1833; died July 18, 1868; buried in the Howsman Cemetery. Said to have died at Somerford, Ohio, a village a short distance northwest of London, Ohio.

Second Generation
Descendants of John and Martha (Frost) Howsman

5. Mary Howsman, daughter of John and Martha Frost Howsman, was born April 18, 1792 in Frederick County, Virginia; died June 18, 1847 in Range Township, Madison Co., Ohio. On March 28, 1815 she was married by James Whitesides, J.P. of Range Township, to Thomas Turner Reeves, son of Josiah and Elizabeth Davis Reeves both born in Charles County, Maryland, and resided in Culpepper County, Virginia before they came to Ohio in 1805. First wife of Thomas Reeves was Elizabeth Shanton.

“Aunt Mary” was described as a tall and beautiful brunette, with black eyes that sparkled, very shy and “bashful”. She was in the habit of wearing a bonnet almost constantly to hide her blushes. When Thomas Reeves came “a courting” she would sit with in on, and the story is handed down that he lifted her sunbonnet to peer into her face th get her promise to be his wife. Their entire married life was spent on the Reeves farm near the large Duncan farms in Range Township, parts of which were said to have been first owned by Simon Kenton and his heirs and by Governor Worthington. After the last member of their family were deceased, the farm was sold to the Johnson family.
Thomas Turner and Mary Howsman Reeves were parents of twelve children, named below, with biographical sketches in more complete form on the following pages:

Third Generation
Children of Thomas & Mary Howsman Reeves

A. Martha Margaret Reeves, born October 30, died August 24, 1903.
B. Phoetna Powell Reeves, born March 23, 1818; died March 1, 1858.
C. Elizabeth Jane Reeves, born Dec. 4, 1816; died Feb. 25, 1853.
D. William Henry H. Reeves, born Oct. 14, 1819; died Feb. 6, 1896.
E. Hannah Amanda Reeves, born Oct. 2, 1821; died July 5, 1843.
F. Thomas Frost Reeves, born Sept. 23, 1823; died July 30, 1844.
G. Isaac Howsman Reeves, born Dec. 9, 1825; died 1909.
H. Frances Caroline Reeves, born Dec. 12, 1827; died 1899.
I. Mary Ann Reeves, born February 7, 1831; died 1907.
J. James Foster Reeves, born January 6, 1833; died 1905.
K. John Davis Reeves, born January 16, 1835; died 1859.
L. Sarah Ellen Reeves, born 1837; died 1898.

Third Generation
Descendants of Mary Howsman Reeves
and Thomas Turner Reeves

A. Martha Margaret Reeves, daughter of Thomas Turner and Mary Howsman Reeves, was born October 30, 1815; died August 24, 1903; was married March 9, 1837 to Benjamin Harrison, son of Batteal and Elizabeth Scott Harrison. She spent her entire life in Range Township, Madison County, where her husband was a wealthy landowner. Their home, south of Bethel Church, is still owned by her granddaughter, Mary Martin Johnson. Benjamin and Martha Reeves Harrison were parents of five children:

Fourth Generation
Children of Benjamin & Martha Reeves Harrison

a. Mary Elizabeth Harrison, born April 12, 1838; married January 24, 1861 by Rev. L. Hall, to Solomon Wesley Brown. Their children were Harrison Brown, Washington C. H. and Columbus married Florence Selsor; had daughter Mary; sons William and David. Emma Brown, wife of John Morris, of Washington C. H.

b. Batteal Harrison, 2nd; born November 6, 1839; died January 19, 1890; married December 24, 1861 to Lydia Rodgers, descendant of John Rodgers of Virginia and Ross County, Ohio. Their children:
i. Sherman Harrison, born April 21, 1863, died Nov. 6, 1870.
ii. Etura B. Harrison, born December 30, 1864; died Jan., 1955; married Armour Kennedy; had two daughters, Marion and Martha Elizabeth.
iii. Alvin M. Harrison, born June 13, 1867.
iv. Benjamin Harrison, born March 8, 1869; died July, 1936; married Cuie Clark; had son Clark Harrison; daughter Lucile {Harrison}.
v. Massie Harrison, born December 31, 1872; married Colburn Farrar.
vi. Martha D. Harrison, born February 15, 1881; married J. Elmer Baker; had son Rodger; daughter Pauline {Baker}.

c. Angeline Cook Harrison, born October 30, 1841; died December 1909; married March 13, 1860 by Rev. L. Hall to Marcus L. Yates, son of John and Elizabeth Blue Yates. Their children were:

i. Batteal Harrison Yates, born January 29, 1862; died November 1919; married in 1880 to Susan S. Wissler; had son, Harrison Secrest Yates of Toledo.
ii. Ernest Seymour Yates, born Dec. 9, 1863; died Dec. 16 1940; married Emma Ogden; had sons Howard and Donald {Yates}; daughter Ruth Yates.
iii. Winnie Myrtle Yates, born July 1, 1866; married Herman McClimans; had son Wilbur McClimans.
iv. Ann D. Yates, born July 1, 1869; married James Timmons; had daughter, Marian Roth; sons Carl; Pearl; Lyle and George {Timmons}.
v. Margaret Pearl Yates, born May 2, 1868; married and divorced Cassius Porter; had three children all dying in infancy.
vi. Charles M. Yates, born Sept. 11, 1872; died July 1935; married twice lived in Nebraska.
vii. Alpha Yates, died January 23, 1949; married D. Fred R., Goddard; had son, Jack, died at age 6.
viii. Martha E. Yates, born March 17, 1876; died July 22, 1876.
ix. Benjamin Lyle Yates, born December 18, 1880; married and lived in Kansas City, Mo.
d. Isabel B. Harrison, born March 5, 1847; died March 9, 1911; married on March 5, 1873 to Joseph Spencer Martin, son of Jacob and Johanna Leonard Martin. The had five children:

i. James Foster Martin ; married Harriett Thomas; had son James F. L. and daughter Marceline Ashelman, deceased.
ii. Benjamin H. Martin ; deceased, married Nellie Counts
iii. Joseph Spencer Martin Jr. deceased, married Jessie Maxwell and had son, Joseph S. III, and daughter Marjorie M.
iv. John Jacob Martin; dying in infancy.
v. Mary Martin; who married Glenn Johnson; has daughter, Mrs. Leslie Galbreath, and son Benjamin.

e. Winifred Scott (Winnie) Harrison, born May 12, 1850; died March 31, 1931; married Nov. 5, 1869 Samuel H. Farrar, of London, Ohio; resided in Holden, Mo. Children Harry C., J. Walter; Thomas B. and Florence Isabel Sondergard.

Third Generation
Descendants of Mary Howsman and Thomas Turner Reeves:

B. Elizabeth Jane Reeves, daughter of Thomas Turner and Mary Howsman Reeves, was born December 4, 1816; died February 25, 1853; single (engagement to marry a Mouser was broken).

C. Phoetna Powell Reeves, daughter of Thomas Turner and Mary Howsman Reeves, was born March 23, 1818; died March 19, 1858; married Alfred Jenkins, born 1811; died 1891. They are buried in the Howsman Cemetery, as are their children who died young. Names of children, with date of death was taken from gravestones.
Fourth Generation
Children of Alfred and Phoetna Reeves Jenkins

i. Martha M. Jenkins, died January 16, 1837 aged 11 mo. 3da.
ii. Margaret Jenkins, died January 15, 1838 aged 11 mo.
iii. Elizabeth Jenkins, born March 3, 1841, died July 30, 1897; married November 1, 1864 to Lemuel Lawrence, as his second wife. Both are buried at Denison Chapel near Big Plain, Madison Co., Ohio. They were parents of eight daughters, one deceased not named, and Anna Brown; Etta Jones; Ima Noble; Phetna Griswold; Irene, wife of Willis Junk; Mertyl Lawrence and Elizabeth Lawrence. All are now deceased with exception of Elizabeth.
iv. John F. Jenkins, died August 26, 1846 aged 15 years 11m. 3 da.
v. Mary E. Jenkins, died April 27, 1848 aged 9 years 21 da.
vi. Thomas R. Jenkins, died February 27, 1851
vii. Infant son, died February 27, 1857, aged one month
viii. Barbara Jenkins, died September 12, 1855 aged (?) 2 yr.
ix. Hannah Jenkins, married Dr. Hoffman; had one daughter.
x. Miranda Jenkins, married Alfred Davidson; six children both sisters lived in Missouri but in different localities.

D. William Henry Harrison Reeves, son of Thomas Turner and Mary Howsman Reeves, was born October 14, 1819; died February 6, 1896; single; lived the life as a farmer on his father’s homeplace until his death. Was affectionally called “Uncle Billy” by everyone who knew him.

E. Hannah Amanda Reeves, daughter of Thomas Turner and Mary Howsman Reeves, was born October 2, 1821; died July 5, 1842; married July 23, 1841 by Rev. J. W. Steel, to Dr. William McClintock, son of Joseph and Elizabeth Bradley McClintock. They are buried in Kirkwood Cemetery, London, Ohio. Had one daughter:
i. Hannah McClintock, born April 19, 1843; died December 3, 1926; married December 30, 1863 by James A. McIntire to David Beale; lived in Fayette County and in Mt. Sterling; Children were: Everett, woh married Grace Pancake; Ross, who married Lola {can’t read}; and Flora, who married Scott Alkire, of Mt. Sterling, Ohio.

F. Thomas Frost Reeves, son of Thomas Turner and Mary Howsman Reeves, was born September 23, 1823; died July 30, 1844; single; lived with brothers and sisters at the home farm.

G. Isaac Howsman Reeves, son of Thomas Turner and Mary Howsman Reeves, was born December 9, 1825; died 1909; single; he is buried in the new part of the Howsman Cemetery. Spent his entire life as a farmer on the Reeves homeplace. Always know as “Uncle Ike”.

H. Frances Caroline Reeves, daughter of Thomas Turner and Mary Howsman Reeves, was born December 12, 1827; died 1899; married September 25; 1845 by Rev E. T. Webster, to Dr. William McClintock, her brother-in-law. He practiced medicine in Mt. Sterling and later on his farm in Range Township. They had four children.
Fourth Generation
Children of William and Frances Reeves McClintock

i. Dr. Tom McClintock, born March 15, 1850; married Sarah Howsmon, daughter [George and Rebecca Howsman] lived in Kansas City, Kansas.
ii. Martha McClintock, born 1852; died 1931; married John Blake; resided at Jamestown, Greene County, Ohio; buried in Kirkwood Cemetery, London, Ohio.
iii. Frances Karoline {McClintock}, born 1858; died 1937; single; lived at the McClintock home farm with her brother William.
iv. William McClintock, gorn 1859; died 1930; single; lived with his sister Frances at the home farm, opposite the home of Benjamin Harrison in Range Township.
v. John D. McClintock, died at age of 10 months.

Third Generation
Descendants of Mary Howsman and Thomas Turner Reeves:

I. Mary Ann Reeves, daughter of Thomas Turner and Mary Howsman Reeves, was born February 7, 1831; died in 1907; single. Lived on the home farm all her life, keeping up the home for her bachelor brothers, “Billy,” “Ike”, and “Jim.” Even after their deaths, she continued to keep up the old home, sharing the house with tenant who carried on the farm work for her.
“Aunt Mary” was tall and erect, retaining much of her youthful beauty. As a young girl, her black hair and eyes set off her snowy-white complexion. Many of her treasured antiques are still in possession of her relatives.

J. James Foster Reeves, son of Thomas Turner and Mary Howsman Reeves, was born January 6, 1833; died in 1905; single; lived with his sister, Mary Ann and brothers William, and Isaac at the Reeves Homestead. He was tall and “lanky”, making friends wherever he was known. He was always ready with some entertaining of humorous story to relate, amusing both old and young. Many of us can remember his habit of stuttering. “Uncle Jim” was accessor in Range Township from 1877, and perhaps held that office without interruption, as he can be remembered making his annual call in 1896 to assess the property of the farms. After his death, or when he relinquished the office, O.H. Haney was elected, and served until tax law changes abolished the office.

K. John Davis Reeves, son of Thomas Turner and Mary Howsman Reeves, was born January 16, 1835; died October 1, 1859. He is buried in the Howsman Cemetery. Like his brothers he never married.

L. Sarah Ellen Reeves, daughter of Thomas Turner and Mary Howsman Reeves, was born July 21, 1837; died January 31, 1898; married (1) to James Sanders, son of Joseph and Nancy Yates Sanders, and moved to Illinois, where he soon after deserted her. It was told that he walked from the house one morning with the remark the he “would get some beefsteak for breakfast”, and was never heard from again. Her father went to Illinois and brought her home.
Sarah Ellen married a second time, on January 4, 1866, by Rev. S. M. Bright, to Leander Hicks, son of William and Phoebe Hicks, and a brother of Joel Hicks of Range Township. They lived in Nebraska where both of them died. Said to have had three children, one a daughter Winnie Hicks.

The old Reeves homestead in Range Township was long, rambling one-story house, with a porch along the entire east side. It had several outside doors, making it necessary to use the porch for entry to many of the rooms, which had no connection inside doors. Rooms were built out at each end of the porch. Several years after the last member of the Reeves family had died, the old home was destroyed by fire. A photograph of the old house is now in possession of Florence Alkire, who inherited a number of her great-aunt Mary’s possessions.
Thomas Turner Reeves served in the war of 1812, July 28 to September 9, 1813 under Capt. John Russell. His father, Josiah Reeves was in the Revolutionary War, and his name is published in D.A.R. Roster of Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Ohio.

Second Generation
Descendants of John and Martha (Frost) Howsman

6. Jacob Howsman, son of John and Martha Frost Howsman, was born in Frederick County, Virginia, 1794; died December 18, 1859 at the family homestead in Range Township, Madison County, Ohio. He never married, but lived with his maiden sisters, Hannah and Frances; engaged in farming, and was considered quite wealthy. His will, on file at Madison County Court House (book B, page 308) names his sister, Frances as chief beneficiary. He deeded a portion from his farm to Range Township for a public school, which has been abandoned, after township schools were centralized. A codicil to his will set aside for public use, the Howsman family burial plot, which had been laid out by his father when they first settled in Range Township in 1812. “Uncle Jake” and “Aunt Fanny” Howsman divided their large home for their niece, Margaret Rayburn Blue and her husband, John J. Blue, where two of their children Martha Jane (Haney) and Clinton Blue were born. The Blue family lived at the Howsman home form 1845 to 1848.

7. Hannah Howsman, daughter of John and Martha Frost Howsman, was born June 4, 1797 in Frederick County, Virginia; died December 22, 1866 at the home of her sister, Mrs. Margaret McClimans. She never married.

8. Samuel Taylor Howsman, son of John and Martha Frost Howsman, was born August, 1800 in Frederick County, Virginia; died August 10, 1819; single. Is buried in the Howsman family Cemetery.

9. Margaret (Peggy) Howsman, daughter of John and Martha Frost Howsman, was born June 26, 1803 in Frederick Co., Virginia; died at London, Ohio April 22, 1885; married on November 22, 1822 to James McClimans, born July 29, 1796; died June 15, 1860; son of John and Mary Crevistion McClimans, of Chester Co., Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio early in 1800. They were married in Range Township by Burton Blizzard, J.P.
“Aunt Peggy”, who was just a baby when her family moved from Virginia to Ross County, could remember their move from Ross to Madison County in 1812, and recalls that her mother was busy knitting for the family during the trip, just as she was busy knitting when on their long journey to Ohio form Virginia. James and Margaret McClimans are buried in Oak Hills Cemetery, London, Ohio, and their children who died young and were buried in the Howsman Cemetery, were later moved to the family lot in Oak Hill Cemetery. In her will, Margaret McClimans requested that she be laid to rest in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Children of James and Margaret Howsman McClimans, all born in Range Township, were: (Those underscored were named in their fathers’s will)

Third Generation
Children of James and Margaret Howsman McClimans

A. Abraham McClimans, born 1823; died 1829.
B. Martha McClimans, born 1825; died 1901; married January 26, 1854 to Samuel V. Tenney, of London, Ohio; born 1825; died 1896. They were married by R.C. McComb.
C. Mary McClimans, born 1827; died 1829.
D. Miranda McClimans, born June 24, 1829; died August 13, 1860; married on January 22, 1852 to Daniel B. Foster, born March 7, 1829; died November 19, 1860 {had a line through it written Aug 26, 1915}, son of John and Eliza Bowyer Foster. Children of Daniel B. and Miranda Foster were: Bernard W. (Bun) Foster, born April 9, 1853; died April 3, 1928; married Margaret Bennett, has one sone Paul Foster; Jennie Foster, born July 24, 1854; died December 6, 1927; married John B. Van wagenerof London; had daughters: Florence Foster, wife of R. K. Shaw.
E. Hannah McClimans, born 1831; died 1850.
F. Margaret McClimans, born 1833; died 1853.
G. Caroline McClimans, born 1835; died 1855
H. Clara McClimans, born 1837; died 1854.
I. Emily McClimans, born 1839; died 1861.
J. Sarah MCClimans, born June 28, 1841; died August 6, 1861; married June 9, 1861 by Rev. C.W. Finley to Emery Smith.
K. Frances McClimans, born May 4, 1842; died January 8, 1914; married Emery Smith, brother-in-law. Had sons Forrest, and twins Howard and Seward, born 12-2-1870; died 1-1871.

Second Generation
Descendants of John and Martha (Frost) Howsman

10. Martha Howsman, youngest daughter of John and Martha Frost Howsman, was born January 14, 1806 in Ross County, Ohio; died August 16, 1878 in Range Township. She was married on September 23, 1824 by Burton Blizzard, J.P., of Range Township to William Rayburn born 1803; died 1829; son of John and _____ Corbett Rayburn, natives of Virginia who came to Ross County before 1810, and to Range Township about 1818.
William and Martha Howsman Rayburn began married life on his father’s farm, known as Willows Springs, just north of Midway, in later years known as the property of Proctor and Gamble interests of Cincinnati and operated under the name, Woodland Farms, consisting of 1100 acres. Mrs. W.C. Proctor, the last owner, on May 17, 1952 deeded the farms to the Souther Diocese of the Episcopal Church for a Conference Home. The old Rayburn homestead has been replaced with a large mansion, on beautiful landscaped grounds. Willow trees, from which the farm derived its name, still surround the spring, which is now covered with an enclosure.

Martha Howsman and William Rayburn were the parents of
Third Generation

Margaret Rayburn, born November 10, 1825 at Willow Springs; died May 21, 1893; married on February 13, 1845 by Rev. R.C. McComb to John J. Blue, Jr. son of John J. and Pencelis Reeves Blue*.

They were parents of eight children, sketched in detail on the following page. John J. Margaret Blue are buried in Midway (Sedalia) Cemetery.

William John Rayburn, born November 13, 1827 at Willow Springs; died August 2, 1847; buried in the Howsman Cemetery near the grave of his father, William Rayburn. (John’s gravestone mis-spells his name as Raybourne.”)

Martha Howsman Rayburn, following the death of her husband William returned to her family home, living with her brother Jacob and sisters Hannah and Frances. In 1833, Jacob Howsman was appointed as guardian for Margaret and William John Rayburn. Borh were named in the will of their grandfather, John Rayburn. (Vol. 1, page 250, Madison County Records.)
Martha Howsman Rayburn , was married on July 15, 1838 to Philip McDaniel, born February 15, 1812 November 16, 1881. They lived in the Williams Howsman house after he moved to London, where he kept a hotel. The McDaniels are buried in unmarked graves in the Howsman Cemetery. They reared a family of five.

{This end what I have, The page numbers continue with 34, but are in reference to the Frost family, which I will plan to separate into another document.)