Clark, Robert Carlton, Ph.D. "History of the Willamette Valley Oregon." Vol. 3. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1927. p. 172. WILLIAM H. HOWD Among the progressive ranchers of the Willamette Valley is numbered William H. Howd, who resides in the vicinity of Shaw and is a representative of a pioneer family whose members have contributed toward the agricultural development of Marion county for nearly three-quarters of a century. He was born November 4, 1869, three miles north of Aumsville, and is a son of J. C. and Mary (Baker) Howd, the latter a native of Iowa. The father was born in the state of New York and in 1852 made the long and hazardous journey from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast, bringing his household effects in a covered wagon drawn by ox teams. He lived in Salem for a few years and in 1856 became an Indian fighter, serving throughout the Rogue River war. He had the courage, the resourcefulness and the sturdy physique of the true frontiersman and was known to his many friends as "Cap" Howd. Returning to the east, he spent a short time in Illinois and then settled near Salem, Oregon, acquiring a tract of eighty acres. Soon afterward he bought a quarter section four miles southeast of the Capital city and lived on the place for four years, when he sold the property- For a few years he was the owner of a four hundred-acre ranch near Aumsville and next purchased a tract of six hundred and forty acres, situated three miles north of the town. Much of the property was covered with grub oaks, but as the years passed Mr. Howd cleared the greater portion of his land, growing the crops best adapted to this region. He was also a breeder of sheep and cattle and his well directed labors were rewarded by success. About eighteen months prior to his death Mr. Howd moved to Salem, where he lived retired until 1920, when he responded to the final summons, having attained the venerable age of eighty-three years. In 1923 the mother passed away. To them were born five children: Evaline E., who is the wife of Henry A. Keene, of Salem; Elizabeth, deceased; William H.; May, now Mrs. W. M. Mills; and Maud, who is the wife of W. H. Haberly, of Silverton, Oregon. William H. Howd attended the rural school at Shaw and assisted his father in tilling the soil, becoming thoroughly familiar with agricultural pursuits. In 1889 he leased the homestead and operated the entire tract until 1913, and his father, prior to his death, gave him two hundred and twenty acres of the ranch. Mr. Howd has since devoted his energies to the development of this property and brings to his occupation a true sense of agricultural economics, never allowing a foot of the land to be unproductive. He raises wheat and oats chiefly, is also a successful orchardist, takes justifiable pride in the place and is constantly improving the farm, which reflects his up-to-date methods and careful supervision. Mr. Howd was married December 2, 1891, to Miss Clara E. Smith, a native of Marion county and a daughter of James K. and Harriet (Wilcox) Smith. Her father was a native of Oregon and her mother was a Kentuckian by birth. Her paternal grandfather. Henry Smith, came to Oregon with the pioneers of 1846, by way of the overland route, and spent the first winter in Salem, living where the fair grounds are now situated. He then moved to a ranch one mile north of the present site of Aumsville and a portion of the property is now included within the corporation limits of the town. Later he increased his holdings and at one time owned fifteen hundred acres of land. He was an extensive breeder of cattle, sheep and horses and also drove cattle to eastern Oregon, where he marketed his stock. He achieved the full measure of success and was classed with the foremost agriculturists of the Aumsville district. His son, James K. Smith, was born February 6, 1848, in Marion county and received a public school education. He assisted his father in the management of the stock ranch and spent the greater part of his life on the homestead. On November 20, 1899, he was called to his final rest and his wife passed away March 28, 1879. They are survived by three children: Clara E; Mrs. Ora Dell Craig, who lives in Salem, Oregon; and Homer H. Smith, who is engaged in the insurance business in that city. The son is a Mason and his father and grandfather were prominent in the affairs of that order. To Mr. and Mrs. Howd were born five children: Ina Margaret, who passed away February 26, 1910; Esther Lavina, who died in infancy; Edna Naomi, who is the wife of Harold H. Cake, of Portland, Oregon, and has become the mother of a son, W. M. Ill ; Veda Catherine, who is Mrs. B. G. Adams, of Walla Walla, Washington; and Helen Ethelwyn, who died June 12, 1919. Mr. Howd belongs to Salem Lodge, No. 336, of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and Aumsville Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and his wife is a member of the Aumsville Lodge of Rebekahs. A lover of flowers, she has a beautiful garden and lawn and her home is attractive and hospitable. Mr. Howd manifests a keen interest in educational matters and was school clerk at Shaw for twenty-four years, establishing an exceptional record of public service. For six years he has been a member of the local school board, doing all in his power to advance the standards of education in this district, and champions every measure for the general good. His life has been purposeful, upright and useful, and a genial, sympathetic nature has drawn to him a wide circle of steadfast friends. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in April 2012 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.