History of Richland County, Ohio

HOWARD, OTIS. Was born in Waldo, Me., March 23, 1817; he there learned the carpenter trade; in the fall of 1838, be came to Jefferson Township, and for some time worked at wagon-making and house carpentry; he then engaged in agriculture, and continued at it until 1860, when he commenced to manufacture chairs, which received his attention about five years; in the year 1865, he came in possession of the saw-mill across the street from the depot in Bellville, and in connection operated a planing-mill and turning machinery; he gave this his attention till 1875, when his son succeeded him, and he again took to making chairs, and doing a line of miscellaneous carpentering. Mr. Howard entered into the matrimonial state with Rebecca Whitnah Dec. 25, 1844; she was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., April 5, 1828; they commenced to keep house in Jefferson Township and have since lived in it. They had two children-Henry W., born Sept 13, 1845 ; Emma R., Feb. 11, 1836. Mr. Howard has held various corporation and township offices, and his official career has been creditable and straightforward ; he was elected Justice of the Peace in his township in 1879; he was also prominent in the society known as the "Franks," which was organized in Bellville by Rev. John Lamb, in 1849; he filled the chair as President during its existence, which was till 1855; mental improvement was the main feature of the body, and it was in this society that Congressman Judge Geddes, now of Mansfield, made his first adventure as a speaker or debater.