Notes:
Data source is Barbara Howard. E-mail BHoward336@aol.com
OBITUARY OF ISAIAH J. HOWARD
The subject of this sketch, Isaiah J. Howard, was a native of Ross Co., OH.
His grandfather, Adam Howard was born in Pennsylvania about 1751 and was a Revolutionary soldier having served with General Washington during the struggle for American Independence. His grandmother was Miss Katherine Baumgardner who was born in Germany, was kidnapped when a small child with several other children and brought to New York and sold into servitude until she was eighteen years of age. She and Adam married about 1790. To them were born six daughters and two sons.
John Howard, the father of Isaiah J. Howard was the fifth. He was born in Rockingham County, Va., in 1802. In 1814, when 12 years of age, he with the family moved to Ross Co., OH. It was here when twenty-seven years of age, he married Margaret Jane Jones, September 29th, 1829. To this union were born thirteen children in the following order: Isaiah J., Mary A., William A., Charles b., Margaret E., Sarah J., Robert C., Joseph K., and Isadora G. Isaiah was the eldest of the family, yet he outlived all of his brothers and sisters. He was born December 1st, 1831, and departed this life January 14, 1925, at the age of ninety-three year, one month and thirteen days. He lived at the home of his parents in Ross Co., OH, until he was twenty-five years of age, when he was united in marriage to Sophie A. Moomaw, December 24th 186. She was also of Revolutionary Stock. Her mother, Celia Adams, was a relative of John Quincy Adams. They resided in Ross Co., OH for nine years after their marriage. During this time there were born to them Mary Alice, Ella Jane, Sarah Elizabeth, and William David. In the spring of 1865 they moved to Deleware, Indiana, where five sons were born, namely Peter S., John J., McCrillus F., Joseph R., And Robert S. All these sons and daughters are living except Sarah Elizabeth, who died January 8th, 1895. He leaves to mourn the son nd daughters, fourteen grand children, twelve great-grand children, besides a large number of other relatives and a host of friends.
In early life he became identified with what is known as the Church of the Brethren. He began his public ministry in that church when about thirty years of age, and continued this work until he was eighty years of age. He had reached the highest rank of the ministry in that church. Since his retirement he has preached on numerous occasions. During his residence of thirty years in Delaware County he was the officiating minister at most of the weddings and funerals for many miles around. Many times he was the undertaker, and on some occasions assisted in making the caskets that were used.
He and his faithful wife left the farm and moved to Hartford City in September 1895. His beloved companion of over sixty years, died January 11, 1917, after which he continued to live in the family home until the fall of 1918. Since that time he has made his home with various members of the family. Although in early life he was not permitted to receive the benefits of an education yet by hard work and perseverance he developed much ability and reached a high standard of intelligence. His preaching was clear, forceful and convincing. He possessed the ability to make others see things as he saw them, and by the winning power of his personality he drew them to himself and to his Master.
He was a man who was honored and trusted by his neighbors. He was noted for his industry, for his strict habits of life, and for his straightforward dealings. Falsehood and sham could not be tolerated in his life. He sought to live a just and upright life, and become a living example of the gospel he preached.
In his home he resembled the patriarch of the olden times. His government was firm, yet not intolerant. He was not a tyrant demanding obedience to mere whims, but by reason, precept and example, he kept the high esteem of his family, and because of their confidence in his judgement and reverence for his character they gave glad obedience to his will. The impress of his noble life has been carried by these sons and daughters through all these years. His character has stood in their midst like a tower of strength, and his lofty standards and ideals have led them along right ways. Many are the times their feet have been kept from the wandering way, because of the power of his life. To have failed to do the right thing would have meant to them a reflection upon the standard of life he had set before them, and a loss of respect for him.
As we come to pay our tribute of love and respect to this humble servant of the Great Master, we think of him as one of God's true nobleman. He has gone out among us as a sincere, earnest and faithful prophet of the Most High. He endured hardships gladly as an expression of his love for his Lord. He traveled in all kinds of weather and over all sorts of roads, on horseback, on foot, to bring the message of Hope, Comfort and Salvation to his fellowmen. He stood before them in the morning time of life at the marriage altar, and gave them his blessing. Many were the hearts who found comfort when they leaned upon his loving soul and heard his gracious words, beside the open grave. His s of advice and consolation have been like sweet scented flowers strewn along the pathway of multitudes. As a faithful servant he went everywhere ministering to the needs of those who needed his help.
As the years passed on and the silver crown adorned his brow he ripened most beautifully into sainthood. The inward light of his soul showed through his sorrow and afflictions and a sweet and patient tenderness adorned his life in the evening of his day. While his vision of earthly things faded, because of physical infirmities, and the companions and friends of his youth had all passed on; yet, he with a vision splendid and glorious looked for the golden dawn of that new day when he should meet the multitudes in the Celestial City. His passing was quiet, peaceful and triumphant. Many times had he expressed a desire to leave this world and join the happy throng beyond where old age does not come,
Where the blight of death and good-bye's are unknown.
We can only say "Well done thou faithful man of God. They labors have been abundant; Thy mission on earth has been fulfilled. Thy reward shall be sufficient. May the mantle fall on us, who still walk beneath the shadows, and may thy faith lead us into the paths of everlasting life."
This obituary was prepared and read by Rev. J. O. Campbell, pastor of the Ninth Street M. E. Church, Marion, Indiana, at the funeral service which was conducted by Rev. Otho Winger, president of North Manchester College, assisted by Rev. Kindy, pastor of the Church of the Brethren at Huntington Indiana. These services were held at the home of a daughter, Mrs. M. Frank White, at Hartford City, Monday morning, January 19 at 10 o'clock. Interment in the Van Buren Cemetery, Van Buren, Indiana.