Will G. Howell was born at Onondago, Brant county, Ontario, April 1, 1866, and died at St. Louis, Mo., March 19, 1913, aged 46 years, 11 months and 19 days. The remains were brought to his home in Liberty Center, arriving here Thursday evening, and general services were held at his late residence Saturday. Rev. C. S. Barron preached the funeral sermon, after which the Masonic took charge and the remains were laid to rest in Young’s Cemetery with the impressive ceremonies of that order.

Mr. Howell was a miller by trade, having learned the business in early life in Canada. He came to Liberty about 25 years ago and entered the employ of C. Packham, who at that time was proprietor of the Liberty Flouring Mills. He was regarded as one of the best millers in this section of the county, and though the mill changed hands several times he was retained by the various owners in the capacity of head miller from the time he came to liberty up to about nine months ago when he resigned the position to engage in other business. After a well-earned rest of a few weeks Mr. Howell went to Syracuse, New York, where one of his brothers lives, and spent the summer looking after some farm property for his brother. He returned to his home in this place in the fall and spent a few months with his wife and son. The first of last January he returned to New York to get an insight in the business of the Shefford Snappy Cheese Company, of which his brother is proprietor, and about two months ago he was sent to St. Louis as manager of salesmen for that city and was working up a fine trade when stricken with pneumonia. Mrs. Howell was called to his bedside and was constantly by him until the end. Though his condition was not considered serious at the time of Mrs. Howell’s arrival in St. Louis, Mr. Howell kept asking for their son, Elwood, and he went on to join his mother at the bedside of his father. After the arrival of Elwood Mr. Howell seemed much better, but when the turning point of the disease came he grew rapidly worse and died at 2 o’clock Wednesday.

Mr. Howell was United in marriage with Alice M Packham December 16, 1890, and to them was born in one son, Elwood Packham Howell. He and his wife united with the M. E. Church of this place during the pastorate of Rev. W. H. Smith. He was a member of the local Masonic Lodge, the order of the Eastern Star and of the chapter at Napoleon.

Will G. Howell was a man of most admirable character, highly esteemed by all who knew him. During the 25 years he lived among us he made many, many friends, and the news of his illness followed so quickly by the announcement of his death was a shock to the community. He had a wide acquaintance among the farmers and the high esteem in which he was held was evidenced by the great number who gathered together to pay their last respects to the man who had gone from among them. Never was it more truly said of any man that he is mourned sincerely by the entire community. And, as truly, the sympathy of the entire community is with the wife and son so suddenly briefed.

The deceased leaves, besides the loving wife and son, a father, five sisters and four brothers.