Christopher Lamanthus HOWELL was born February 15, 1847 in Polk Co., TN. Christopher was the son of Robert Nathaniel Henry HOWELL and Elizabeth NICHOLSON of Polk Co., TN. The 1850 census is the earliest census record found showing Christopher, 3 years old, with his parents. He moved with his father and family to Smith Co., TX about 1856. Then moving to Comanche Co., TX. On the 1910 census there is an indication that Christopher was in the Civil War. Christopher married twice. He married Mary Jane LOWERY February 6, 1869 in Smith Co., TX. Mary Jane was born 1854 in AR. Christopher and Mary Jane had two children that have been identified, Nancy, 1875 TX, who died young and William Lorenzo, November 17, 1881, DeLeon, Comanche Co., TX. One census shows that Christopher had 7 children by this marriage. In addition to the two listed here, there is a set of twins buried in Smith Co., TX that could be theirs, but the other three are still a mystery. His marriage to Mary Jane ended in divorce sometime between August 28, 1886. He married Missouri Ellen RIGSBY, September 26, 1886, Theny, Comanche Co., TX. Missouri Ellen was born August 31, 1865 in MO. Missouri Ellen died before 1910. Christopher and Missouri Ellen were the parents of Arlena born on June 5, 1887 in Brown Co., TX.; James born February 15, 1889 in Mills Co., TX; Joseph born February 15, 1889 in Mills Co., TX; Francis Elizabeth born October 16, 1891 in TX; Charlie born February 24, 1896 in Brownwood, Brown Co, TX; Ibb born December 15, l899 in TX; and Bessie born January 9, 1903 in TX. Between 1910-20, Christopher moved with one of the twins, Jim, and daughter Bessie from Jones Co., TX to DeBaca Co., NM. On all the census records found, Christopher's occupation was that of a general farmer. By 1910 Christopher was a widow. One of the twins, Joe also moved to DeBaca Co. with his wife, Mittie Elsie Milstead and their young children Loveda Clotilde and Byrl Clifton between 1913-1916. Mildred Jolene was born 1916 in NM and Charles Curtis was born in 1918 in NM. This young family did not remain in NM however, they moved back to Lubbock Co., TX by 1920 when they are found on the 1920 census in Lubbock TX where they homesteaded a farm. This farm is still in the HOWELL family today. Another son, Charles and his wife, Buna McCALLON, moved from Jones Co., TX to Lubbock Co., TX in 1917 then before 1920 on to Buchanan, DeBaca Co., NM. as they show on the 1920 NM census. Like the others, they moved back to the community of Smyer just west of Lubbock, TX in 1930. Some of the other children remained in TX. Arlena had married William L. JACKSON and Francis Elizabeth married Henry AUFILL and remained in TX. Ibbie, remained in Jones Co., TX for a while as he was on the census with his father in 1910 and then as a hired hand on a farm on the 1920 Census in Jones Co., TX census. Christopher Lamanthus died in Chaves Co., NM of decompentry of heart and senility January 27, 1929. He was buried in February, 1929 in Nienda, Jones, TX.
Submitted by Darlene HOWELL Tracy
394 E. Duane Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
email address: dtracy1124@aol.com