1. “Thomas was brought to Schuyler county, Illinois in his childhood days, being four years of age when his parents came to Illinois and settled on Section 36, Woodstock township, in 1829, where he grew to manhood and received a rudimentary education. His father dying when he was eight years of age, he was devoted to work on the paternal farm, and to such diversions and opportunities as the neighborhood afforded.” [48]

2. “Mr. Howell served in the Union Army in the Civil War, having enlisted in March 1865, in Co. D., 115th Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. In June he was transferred to the 21st Illinois, serving until December 16, when he was honorable discharged at San Antonio, Texas.” [48]