HOWITT, HENRY (deceased), belonged to one of the sturdy old Pennsylvania families to which reference is made when the highest type of citizenship is recalled. He was a man ready for any emergency that called for his efforts during a long and worthy life, and even in old age found useful occupation, when strength no longer remained with which to carry on large agricultural operations or to fight his country's battles. He was born in 1839, in Lancaster County, Pa., and was given his father's name. His parents were old Pennsylvania people and lived and died on their own land in that State.
Henry Howitt attended school in the vicinity of Lancaster and then helped his father on the home farm. Meanwhile, Civil War had begun and many of his friend and acquaintances had enlisted for service, and in January, 1863, he also became a soldier, enlisting in Company G, One Hundred and Twenty-Second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was in the service until September 15, 1863, his honorable discharge being received at Harrisburg, Pa. He took part in several battles but was fortunate enough to escape all injury and returned home practically unharmed. Shortly afterwards he came west and settled first near Beardstown, Ill., where he engaged in farming, and then came to Sangamon County, purchasing a small farm south of Springfield, which he operated for some years. Subsequently he bought a comfortable residence on East Ce4dar Street, Springfield, which is now owned by his son Daniel. He had been a busy man so long that he felt the need of some occupation, and hence took up gardening, which was a congenial one. He died at his home on East Cedar Street, on January 27, 1909. He was a member of Stephenson Post, No. 30, G.A.R. and was a Republican in politics.
Mr. Howitt was married at Lancaster, Pa., to Miss Louise Streuble, who was born in Pennsylvania and died shortly after she accompanied her husband West. Three children were born to his union, the two survivors being: Daniel, who owns the old home place and follows gardening as a business; and Harry, who resides with his brother. Mr. Howitt was married (second) to Mrs. Mary Collins, who died in 1907, at Springfield. They had one son, James, who resides with his brothers.