1. “John Howell seems to have been possessed with an adventurous migratory spirit. He changed the place of his residence several times, and eventually died among strangers in the far south. Having, like his father, learned the tanner’s trade, he settled first at Woodbury, New Jersey, where he carried on that industry. In a deed of 1737 he is mentioned as of that province. In an indenture of 1739, however, he is styled ‘of Philadelphia’, indicating his removal to that city. Just when he went south is not entirely clear, but it was prior to September 2, 1753, on which date he wrote his son, from Johnston County, North Carolina, that he ‘had got to tanning’. His letters are still in extant, as are also others written by John Howell to his wife and son. In one dated October 9, 1758, he was still in North Carolina. The next, dated June 18, 1760, bears the caption of ‘Charles Town, S.C.’, where he lived for several months. Later he announces his arrival, August 18, 1760, at ‘Savanah Town’, Georgia, where he engaged in business with William Francis. The last of these epistles, written by John Howell to John Ladd Howell, bears the date September 16, 1764, and makes reference to the war with the Indians, then prevailing in Pennsylvania, and to the preliminary agitation in that province leading up to the Revolution. It is as follows:

“ ‘At Raes Hall Near Savanah in Georgia, Septr. 16th, 1764. Dear Son, thine of the 17th of August by Capt. Hughes I received the 8th of this instant with Galloway and Dickinson’s Speeches. I am sorry that disputes are got to Such a height in the government of Pennsylvania. From the Idea I have of Government I think Dickinson’s arguments are best founded at this time.
`Tis very affecting to hear of the Horrid Cruelteys of the Indians in your settlements. `Tis to be hoped those misfortunes will not be here.
I have enclosed a paper where thou’ll See how those Indians that were in the French interest are begging forgivness.
Dear son, after advising thee of my being in helth, desire thou Remember me to all Friends.
Concludes me as allways with dear love to thy self and Spous, with your little family, thy loving and affectionate father. John Howell.’

“John Howell died the year following the writing of the above quoted. Under date of October 15, 1765, William Gibbons, of Savanah, wrote John Ladd Howell, in Philadelphia: ‘I find that thy father died at John Ray’s, Esqr.’ The exact date is unknown to us, but it was shortly before the letter of Mr. Gibbons to the younger Howell was written. John Howell’s business ventures in the South do not seem to have been successful. At one time his wife and son had been with him, but for some time they had resided in the North.” [48]

1. The children are mentioned in the will of their grandfather, Jacob Howell. To both he gave legacies. [48]