FACTS: HOWELL brothers, John b 1799 and Thomas b 1802 were born in Montgomery Co, VA. John m Violet HARTER (1823 I think - I have it but didn't look it up before I started this. John was in the Assembly for two terms from Floyd Co. In the 1840's he joined his brother, Thomas, in IA. Served one term as Senator from IA. Thomas m in 1820, Delila WILSON. (my ancestor) In the early 20's he and Delila left Montgomery Co with their new son, Madison, for the west. By 1850 they were settled in Round Prairie, Jefferson Co, IA. WHAT I THINK: There was a Thomas HOWELL that died in 1851 in IA and was buried in nieghboring Co. Henry. I think this Thomas was the father of John and Thomas. FACTS: The children of my Thomas were: (which can tell a lot) Madison b VA Henderson b VA Jefferson b IL John b IL Thomas b IL Thomas b IL Albert b IA 2 daughters one in VA and one in IA The above John, mine, had sons named: (all born in OR) Albert John Jefferson Gerard (after Father-in-law) William Minnis (after Brother-in-law) Alvan Just some more "stuff" to muddy the water, right?. Have you heard of any of these? Bonnie Gardner in Maryland