William Howell was born in Montreal and his father's name was John. William sold property in Northumberland, Canada on 11 April 1825 and moved to Meigs County, OH, with his brother Joseph and was followed by two sons old enough to travel alone, Richard and Edward. William's second marriage was to Jane Irwin on 20 September 1827. This couple had the following children: Eliza, Kizia born in 1828, Irwin born in 1829, Sarah Ann born 1831, William born 1833 and others, in all 14. Lew (CA)