Oscar  Howard


          Among the progressive farmers of the younger generation in Noble township, none have made a better records than Oscar Howard.  In addition to his agricultural pursuits, in which he has shown good judgment and a desire to keep up with the head of the procession, Mr. Howard has developed talents for business in other lines, and when called on by his neighbors to look after official duties has shown that he was fully competent to do it well.  Naturally fond of politics he has figured prominently and influentially as one of the leaders of the Democratic party.  He is consulted in campaign times, and his advice as to the best way to meet "the enemy" and wrest victory for his own side is listened to with attention.  Altogether he is a fine type of the business farmer, as well as the progressive citizen and numbers his friends by the score.  Oscar is a son of   John and Mary (Pullen) Howard, both of whom represent old and well established families in this part of Shelby county.  He was born in Noble township, Shelby county, Indiana, December 29, 1872. His brothers and sisters were  Dennis,  James W.,  Sarah J.,  Jesse,  Mattie  and  Othor, all of whom lived in the county excepting  James W. and  Jesse.  Oscar grew up on his father's farm and was given the training for work which proves invaluable in after life.  He attended the excellent district schools of Noble township, securing a good education and was fitted at an early age to engage in business for himself.  At the age of twenty-one he was married to  Nora Fiscus, one of the neighborhood girls, the ceremony being performed on January 24, 1894.  Mrs. Howard was born in Noble township, October 1, 1877, her parents being  J. A. and Maria (Peak) Fiscus.  Mr. and Mrs. Howard have one son, Russell, who was born January 1, 1901.  In November, 1904, Mr. Howard was elected to the important office of Trustee of Noble township, and served until January 1, 1909, discharging his duties in a way that was entirely satisfactory to his constituents.  He succeeded  Fred Metzler  in this office, and was one of the youngest men ever elected in Noble township.  Mr. Howard owns eighty acres of good land and his principal business is farming and stock raising.
          He lives in a large and comfortable brick house that was built by his father, and is always ready to extend an old-fashioned hospitality to his many friends.  He has served as a member of the Democratic Central Committee of Shelby county and for years has been one of the active party workers.  He is a member of Sulphur Hill Lodge, No. 241, Knights of Pythias, is past chancellor, and has served as a member of the Grand Lodge.
Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana by Edward H. Chadwick, B.S., assisted by well known local talent, B.F. Bowen & Co, Publishers: Indianapolis, IN, 1909, pages 745-746.
Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming.

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