John C. Howell Residence
On August 4, 1873, Jacob and Joanna Swayze sold .35 acre of the old Parsonage Lot to John C. Howell for $1,000. Mr. Howell employed Simeon S. Cook to do the carpentry and Absolom W. Price to do masonry. By September 11, 1873, the foundation was finished. By October 2, 1873, the dwelling was enclosed. The Howell House was constructed, 24' by 30', with two stories and a basement. The kitchen measured 16' by 18'. John C. Howell occupied his new residence in April 1874.

From the front page of the Sussex Register, June 7, 1906.

John C. Howell Dies Honored and Respected
Seldom has this community been so shocked as it was on Friday morning by the annoucement of the death of John C. Howell, president of the Merchants National Bank of Newton and a representative citizen. Mr. Howell had been confined to his home for about three weeks from the effects of a carbuncle on his neck, but he had been in ill health for two or three yars. The carbuncle, although it was believed to be yielding to treatment was the immediate cause of death and the end came so suddenly at 4 o'clock am as to startle the members of his own family, who, however, were at his bedside.

Mr. Howell was so identified with the interests of Newton, and worked so effectively and unostentaiously in whatever he did that the question at once arose: "Who can fill his place?" Having know him from the time he came to Newton, in February, 1866 and being somewhat familiar with his life methods is is a sad task to record the passing of one who measured up ot a standard of manhood that is rare as it is desirable. He was cautious, yet open hearted: critical, yet generous, dignified yet a lover of fun. His purse was always open for charity, benevolence or improvement. He had such a pride in his surroundings and the town in general, that the shortcomings of others made him critical, but never going farther than to direct attention in the hope of a change for the better. While his death creates a void in the rapidly lessening circle of really influential citizens, the loss to the institution be served so well from its beginning until his death is fully as great as that to adopted town.

His historian says: "Among the earnest men whose depth of character and strict adherence to principle excite the admiration of his contemporaries. Mr. Howell is prominent". He is a man of conspicuous ability and his character is above a shadow of reproach. He has been faithful to the high office in which he has been called to serve, and is widely known and respected by all who have been familar in any degreee with his honorable and useful career.

Mr. Howell was born upon a farm near Deckertown, Sussex County, May 16, 1842, and is a son of Alpheus and Asenath (Pellett) Howell. His father was born in Hope township, then Morris (now Warren) county and was a farmer and merchant. His death occured in Deckertown, in 1895.

John C. Howell spent his boyhood days in Deckertown, and pursued his studies in a select school, after which he continued his education as a student in Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York, he then offered his services to his country for the defense of of the Union in the Civil war, enlisting in Company H, 27th NJ Vols, Sept 3, 1862 under Capt. Samuel Dennis in which he saw active and hard service. After he was mustered out July 2, 1863 he returned to his home in Deckertown where he resumed business carrying on operations at that point until Feb 1866. In that year he came to Newton and entered the employ of the Merchants' National Bank as clerk and bookkeeper serving in that capacity until 1868 when he was made teller. He continued in that latter position until 1878, when he ws promoted as cashier and for twenty years he discharged the duties of that office, his long term indication incontroveritbly his fidelity and ability in performing his labors. Hi pleaseant and affable manner rendered him a popular cashier and not a little of the success of the institution was due to his labors in that capacity. In January 1872 he was made one of the directors of the bank and in January 1898 he was elected president in which capacity he remained. The position of cashier was left vacant and was filled be George A. Smith, the former teller, and Ralph Dildine Howell, a son of our subject, became teller.

In 1871 Mr. Howell was united in marriage to Miss Sallie E. Dildine of Huntsburg NJ a daughter of Ralph Dildine, who survives him with two children, Ralph of Newark, and Miss Sarah, a student of Wellesley College at Wellesley Mass. He is also survived by one brother, the Hon Obadiah P. Howell, of Port Jervis, and by three sister, Charlotte E. Howell of Port Jervis, Mrs. Martha E. Cox of Hackensack, NJ and Maretta, wife of Dr. E. B. Potter of Newton.

Mr. Howell's father was a successful and leading merchant in Deckertown and was also postmaster for many years. The son imbibed his business qualification from his fater, who was a most conscientious tradesman. Deceased was a graduate of the school of William Rankin of Deckertown which furnished many noted men in after life.

In politics Mr. Howell was a Republican espousing its principles when he attained his majority. He was a member of Capt Griggs Post GAR and its Commander at the time of his death and none except the momrades know of the zeal and patience he exercised to revive and maintain it as the ranks are depleted by death. He was also a member of the Washington Society of Morristown headquarters, and of the Newton Fire Patrol. The beautiful monument in the public park commemorating of the services of the county's soldiers and sailors was made possible through his untiring exertions, as he was one of the wheel horses in the effort to raise the $6,000 which was the cost of the memorial. His services as treasurer of the Sesqui-Centennial fund, which paid a dividend to the subscribers, will never be forgotten. He had a generous and appreciative spirit, and his death ais a financial moral and social loss to the town. He is gone and the place and faces that knew him will know him no more but he has bequeathed a sweet and fragrant memory that will ever be cherished by his business associaties his personal friends and the comrades in arms who bowed in sorrow when informed of his death.

The funeral services were held at his late home on Monday afternoon, and were somewhat unique as well as impressive. On the green lawn and under the shade of the trees which he had planted and watched as they grew gathered a large company of friends and comrades who heard through the open windows of his home the scripture lesson the prayer and the song which preceded interment in Newton cemetery. The services were conducted by Rev CW Rouse of the Presbyterian chuch of which deceased was a member dating from Mr Rouse's first year here and of whom deceased was a warm friend. Few men had a more passionate love for flowers and it was fitting that the blossoms and wreaths which were so numerous as tokens of personal friendship should be laid upon his casket while his grave was flower strewn by two ladies previous to the burial.

About the photos in the order they appear: 1. Modern photo of 121 Main Street, Newton; 2. Civil War era photo taken of John C. Howell at Owens Studio; 3. Sarah Dildine Howell, 4. Sarah Howell, Mrs. John C. Howell (Sarah Dildine), Jenny Ochtree, wife of brother of John C. Howell (?), and Mrs. Ralph Dildine (Ralph's picture is on wall), Eunice E. Wills b.1821 m.1840 d.1899; 5. John C. Howell with grandchildren Ralph Jr., Floyd and Asenath. Photos from the collections of Pat Howell Woodward.

Copyright 2000 Kevin W. Wright. All rights reserved.

of Newton, NJ