James Thomas Howell was born July 15, 1857 near Glasgow, Round Prairie Township, Jefferson County, Iowa, and was reared to manhood there on a farm. Glasgow Baptist church. He received his college education at Whittier College, Salem, Iowa, and after he was of age he entered mercantile pursuits and was engaged therein almost the remainder of his life. He was married to Mary Ellen Castell at Salina, Iowa Feb. 26, 1886. Surviving children; Luzetta V., Clara J., Aleatha G., Maude A., and Ralph T., all residing in Muscatine. Three brothers - Benjamin of Canada, John and J. S. of Fairfield, and one sister, Mrs. Lizzie Brewer, of Fairfield, also survive him.