The Hiram Howell Family

*Autosomal DNA testing has show that descendants of Hiram Howell and Rachael Young cluster with descendants of Edward Callahan and Susanna Brock. This cluster of matches with Callahan-Brock descendants has been triangulated with several DNA matches from our documented family lines, which I believe narrows our search down through the Young family. The data below is sourced from my DNA results at AncestryDNA, GEDmatch and MyHeritage.

• Descendants of Hiram Howell & Rachael Young:
  -Nina Jones, sharing 118 cM across 5 segments
  -Maghen Lee, sharing 43cM across 3 segments
  -Tammy Taylor, sharing 33cM across 1 segment
  -"jadnjae", sharing 31cM across 3 segments
  -Anita Dickerson Cordner, sharing 27cM across 1 segment
  
  

• Descendants of Jonathan Harlan & Bathsheba Young
  -Holly Leach, sharing 32cM across 1 segment
  -Jan Roberts, sharing 32cM across 1 segment

Children:

1. David Howell (m. Parthena Smith)
   b. abt  1812/1813, TN
   
   

2. Bathsheba Howell (m. Lindsey Slaughter)
   b. abt 1814, TN
   d. bef. 18 Jan 1854
   
   

3. son
   b. abt 1820/1825, TN
   d. bef. 1853
   
   

4. Temperance "Tempey" Howell (m. George W. Vance)
   b. abt 1821/1825, TN
   d. bef. 1 Aug 1881, Montgomery Co, MS
   
   

5. Samuel Howell (m. Elizabeth Boles)
   b. abt 1824, TN
   d. Feb 1881, Tate Co, MS
   
   

6. Joel Howell (m. Rebecca NN)
   b. abt 1825/1828/1830, AL -or- TN
   
   

7. Jane Howell (m. James Riggs)
   b. abt 1825, TN
   d. 1870/1874, Fayette Co, TN
   
   

8. son
   b. abt 1825/1830, TN
   d. bef. 1853
   
   

9. Reece Howell (m1. Letty/Lilly NN)
   b. abt 1826, TN (m2. Margaret Missouri Bain
   
   

10. Joseph Howell
    b. abt 1830, TN

Known Localities:

• Bedford County, Tennessee

• Rutherford County, Tennessee

• Lincoln County, Tennessee

• Alabama?

• Fayettee County, Tennessee

• Tippah County, Mississippi

• Carroll County, Mississippi

Known Slaves:

1. Margaret
   b. abt 1829
   
   

2. John (son of Margaret)
   b. abt 1846-1847
   
   

3. Dolly Ann (daughter of Margaret)
   b. abt 1850-1852

Chronological Timeline:

Hiram Howell makes his first appearance on 15 Apr 1808 in Bedford County, Tennessee, as a chain-carrier with Reuben Stewart. They helped survey two tracts of land:

1. David Howell:
   Entry 463: 120 acres "in Bedford County on the South side of Elk River and on a fork of Stewarts Creek; beginning at a forked lynn running thence South 120 poles to a small hickory, thence East 160 poles to a white walnut, thence North 120 poles to a hickory, thence West 160 poles to the beginning".
   
   

2. Walter Harkins:
   Entry 636, 126 3/4 acres "in Bedford County on the South side of Elk River and on Stewarts Creek a branch of said river, beginning at a small hickory on the South boundary line of William Stuarts 245 acre survey running thence South 60 poles to a hickory on the North boundary line of David Howells 120 acre survey, thence West with his line 54 poles to a forked lynn his corner, thence South with his West boundary line 60 poles to a poplar, thence West 142 poles to a small hickory and sugar tree, thence North 120 poles to a poplar red oak and black oak, thence East to and with the aforesaid William Stuarts tract 196 poles to the beginning."

Notes: These documents identify David Howell as some type of relative to Hiram Howell. They also reflect that Hiram had likely recently turned 18 years old; being a chain-carrier was typically done by the younger generation and 18 years old was legal age at the time (this also corroborates Hiram's age in the 1850 census, discussed below).

Walter Harkins was married to Johanna Stewart, daughter of Charles Stewart and Elizabeth Clements. Johanna Stewart was a niece to the above mentioned Reuben Stewart and William Stewart, through their brother Charles Stewart. Stewarts Creek was named after this family.

These two surveys also link together David Howell and Walter Harkins, who between Aug-Nov 1810 in Lincoln County, Tennessee, administrate and/or witness together the estate of a Joseph Howell.

SOURCE: TSLA Microfilm RG50, Roll No. 31; Original Volume "A" (TSLA Vol. 24)

Hiram Howell and Rachael Young were married on 27 Feb 1812 in Rutherford County, Tennessee, by Justice of the Peace Thomas Berry. No record of their marriage is on file or recorded within county records. The only source seems to be Rachael's testimony within her declaration for bounty land application dated 3 May 1856 in Carroll County, Mississippi (discussed below).

On 27 Sep 1812 in Rutherford County, Tennessee, a petition of citizens of Rutherford County was created to show that a majority of the citizens are pleased with the place the commissioners have chosen for the county seat. "We will also endeavor to get our petitioners in our own county & Prohibit all school children from signing there names."
-Hiram Howell
-Samuel Howell
-Joel Howell

NOTE: Hiram, Samuel and Joel Howell appear grouped together.

SOURCE: Anserchin' News, Tennessee Genealogical Society, Volume 35, Number 3, Fall 1988, Page 101

On 1 Nov 1813, Hiram Howell as assignee of Charles Porter, had 10 acres surveyed "in Rutherford County on the waters of Cripple Creek, Beginning on a cedar thence running South and West so as to include the plantation where Howell Shearwood now lives thence to the Beginning." This was given entry number 5794 (series 2, page 38), by virtue of Charles Porter's certificate number 1379 for 248 acres. This entry was ultimately withdrawn.

NOTE: The name Howell Shearwood is a mistake for Hugh Shearwood.

SOURCE: Ancestry.com: Tennessee, Early Land Registers, 1778-1927 [database on-line]

In October 1814 in Rutherford County, Tennessee, the State of Tennessee, Benjamin Shearwood and Hugh Shearwood brought charges against Hyram Howell.

"Hugh Shearwood vs. Hyram Howell
The plantiff comes here into court and saith that he [_] us further to prosecute his action against the defendant. Whereupon comes also the said defendant and [_] upon himself to pay all costs on this behalf [_] - And thereupon Joseph Gowen comes here into court and acknowledges himself equally bound with the Defendant for said costs and that [_] [_] may issue jointly against them. Therefore it is considered by the court that the said Pltf be over against the defendant, and said Joseph Gowen the costs in the behalf expressed and the defendant in [_]."

"Benjamin Sherwood vs. Hyram Howell
The Plaintiff by his next friend comes into court saith that he intends no further to prosecute his action against the Defendant and thereupon the defendant come also and assumes to pay all costs in this behalf expressed then thereupon comes also Joseph Gowen and acknowledges himself equally bound with the defendant for all costs in this behalf expressed and agrees that exemption may issue jointly against them. Wherefore it is considered by the court that the plaintiff be over against the defendant and Joseph Gowen the costs aforesaid and the defendants in mercy."

"State vs. Hyram Howell
The Defendant being solemnly charged saith that he is guilty in manner and form as Charged in the bill of Indectment and puts himself upon the grace and mercy of the Court. It is therefore considered by the Court that the Defendant make [_] good with said State by the payment of One dollar and the costs in this behalf expressed and that the defendant may be taken and thereupon Joseph Gowen comes here into court and acknowledges himself equally bound with the defendant for the fine and costs aforesaid and [_] that execution may issue jointly against them for the same."

"State vs Hyram Howell
Deft saith that he is guilty; fined $1 and costs; Joseph Gowen his security."

NOTE: These lawsuits are likely a direct result of Hiram Howell's survey for 10 acres of land on 1 Nov 1813. That survey specifically states "to include the plantation where Howell Shearwood now lives." Howell Shearwood is a clerical error for Hugh Shearwood, a known resident of the immediate area. This Hugh Shearwood was also a witness to the will of John Howell senior, dated 16 Dec 1807 in Rutherford County, Tennessee.

SOURCE: 

During a July 1815 court session in Rutherford County, Tennessee, the court ordered "Wm Youree oversee three miles of road from Francis Youree instead of Vincent Harrelson with following hands: Benjamin McFarland, Wm McFarland, Joseph Thompson, John Brown, Hyram Howell, Joel Howell, Nathaniel McCollister, James Hamilton, Henry Frolinger, Adam Frolinger, Wm Wright, James McFerron, Burton McFerron, Jules Jones, Wm McFerron, James Berry, James Elder, Elias Elder, John Gilliam, Vincent Harrelson & hands."

On 20 Mar 1816, Hiram Howell as assignee of John C. McLemore, was granted 10 acres of land in Rutherford County, Tennessee. "No. 8957 To all to whome these presents shall come, Greeting: Know ye, that by virtue of part of certificate No. 2076 dated the 20th day of March 1815 issused by the Register of West Tennessee to John C. McLemore and enters on the 1st day of May 1815 by No. 7843 There is granted by the said state of Tennessee, unto Hiram Howell assignee of the said John C. McLemore, a certain tract or parcel of land, containing ten acres by survey bearing date the 25th day of August 1815 lying in Rutherford County in the first district on the waters of the east fork of Stones river and bounded and follows out, beginning at a small mulberry marked with the letters H. H. runs thence west fifty four poles to a small Elm and sugartree thence north thirty poles to a 36...? thence east twenty six poles to a small sugar tree in the west boundary line of the tract of land said Todd lives on thence south six poles to an Elm the south west corner of the same thence east thirty four poles to a dogwood Nathaniel McCollesters north west corner thence south twenty four poles to a stake thence west six poles to the begining."

On 25 Aug 1816 in Rutherford County, Tennessee, William Gowen had 10 acres of land surveyed. William Gowen had been assigned the tract by Hiram Howell, who himself was assignee of John C. McLemore. The land is described as being "in Rutherford County on the waters of the East fork of Stones River, beginning at a small mulberry marked with the letters H.H. runs thence West 54 poles to a small elm and sugartree, thence North 30 poles to a hickory, thence East 26 poles to a small sugartree in the West boundary llind of the tract of land said Todd lives on, thence South 6 poles to an elm the South West corner of the same, thence East 34 poles to a dogwood Nathaniel McCallisters North West corner, thence South 24 poles to a stake, thence West 6 poles to the beginning."

A little over a year later, on 15 Jul 1817 in Rutherford County, Tennessee, Hiram Howell is mentioned within a land survey for Joel Howell. "No. 7493, Recd. 1st Nov, 1817. State of Tennessee second district, By virtue of entry No. 8714, dated 27th of Dec. 1815, founded on a certificate No. 1712 for 22 acres, issued to James Pettite by the Register of West Tennessee, on the 26th July 1814. I have surveyed for Joel Howell, assignee of Jason Thompson, nine acres of land in Rutherford county on the Waters of Cripple creek Beginning on a small sugar tree marked with the letters JH in presence of Hiram Howell, runs thence West thirty five poles to a dogwood thence south forty one poles to a chinquepin oak and sugar tree, thence East thirty five poles to a stake, thence north forty one poles to the Beginning. Surveyed July 15th 1817. Jesse Brashear, DS Witnesses: William Todd and Jacob Dubois Transmitted 1st May 1819 by Joel Howell."

The 1820 federal census is the first census in which Hiram Howell appears. He was residing in Lincoln County, Tennessee and his household consisted of the following:

1 Male < 10 (b. abt 1810-1820) - David (son)
1 Male 10-15 (b. abt 1805-1810) - Jeremiah (brother; b. abt 1808)
1 Male 26-44 (b.  abt 1776-1794) - Hiram
2 Females < 10 (b. abt 1810-1820) - unknown
(b. abt 1810-1820) - Bathsheba (daughter)
1 Female 26-44 (b.  abt 1776-1794) - Rachael (wife)
0 slaves

NOTE: Joel Howell appears on the same page.

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYBZ-HTV

From 17 Oct to 20 Oct 1820 in Lincoln County, Tennessee, Hiram Howell served as a juror.

On 16 May 1821 in Lincoln County, Tennessee, the court ordered that Hiram Howell be "appointed overseer of the road from Shinault Ford on Elk River to where it intersects the Mulberry Road & to call on the usual hands."

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/search/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89P3-D9W7

On 22 Nov 1821 in Lincoln County, Tennessee, Hiram Howell purchased one sorrel mare for $29.50 from the estate of Edward Teal, deceased. Joel Howell also purchased seven barrels for $3.32 1/2 cents.

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89PS-KPG3

The 1830 federal census shows Hyram Howel residing in Fayette County, Tennessee. His household consisted of the following:

4 Male under 5 (b. abt 1825-1830) - Joseph (son)
- Reece (son)
- Joel (son)
- unknown [actually Jane?]
2 Male 5-10 (b. abt 1820-1825) - Samuel (son)
- unknown
1 Male 10-15 (b. abt 1815-1820) - unknown
1 Male 15-20 (b. abt 1810-1815) - David (son)
1 Male 30-40 (b. abt 1790-1800) - Hyram
1 Female 5-10 (b. abt 1820-1825) - Temperance (daughter)
1 Female 10-15 (b. abt 1815-1820) - Bathsheba (daughter)
1 Female 30-40 (b. abt 1790-1800) - Rachael (wife)
0 slaves

NOTE: Daughter Jane doesn't seem to be reflected in this census; perhaps she is one of the unaccounted-for males born between 1825-1830.

Jeremiah Howell may still be within this household, like he presumably was in the 1820 federal census. Jeremiah doesn't appear as the head of a household until the 1840 federal census, after he married Lavinia Miers in 1836.  Because of this, I suspect Jeremiah may be enumerated within the age group where David is shown above; placing David between 1815-1820.

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYYT-93C8

Hyram Howel appears in the 1836 tax list for Fayette County, Tennessee: 1 white poll, 50 acres of land and no slaves.

SOURCE: Anserchin' News, Tennessee Genealogical Society, Volume 22, Number 4, Fall 1975, Page 189

Hyram Howel appears in the 1839 tax list for the 15th district of Dyer County, Tennessee:
Acres of Land: 50
Value of Land: 500
Tax: .25
1 White Poll
White Poll Tax: 1.12 1/2
Total State & County Tax: 1.12 1/2

NOTE: There are no other Howel(l) or Slaughter families within Dyer County at this time. However, there is a Daniel Young - relationship unknown, if any.

SOURCE: Ancestry.com: Tennessee, Early Tax List Records, 1783-1895 [database on-line]

The 1840 federal census shows Hiram Howell residing in Fayette County, Tennessee. His household consisted of the following:

2 Male 10-15 (b. abt 1825-1830) - Joseph (son)
- Reece (son)
1 Male 20-30 (b. abt 1810-1820) - unknown [Joel or Samuel?]
1 Male 50-60 (b. abt 1780-90) - Hiram
2 Female 15-20 (b. abt 1820-1825) - Jane (daughter)
- Temperance (daughter)
1 Female 50-60 (b. abt 1780-1790) - Rachael (wife)
1 Slave Female 10-24

NOTE: This is the first mention of Hiram Howell owning a slave - a female born about 1816-1830.

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYBJ-96MH

From 1843-1851, Hiram Howell appears in the county tax lists for Tippah County, Mississippi:

1843 Tax List
James Howell 1 white poll $0.50 tax
Hiram Howell 0 white poll, 1 black poll $0.75 tax
David Howell 1 white poll $0.50 tax

23 Aug 1844 Tax List
James C. Howell 1 white poll $0.50 state tax $0.30 county tax
Hirum Howell 1 slave aged 5-60 $0.75 total tax $0.45 county tax
Samuel Howell 1 white poll $0.50 state tax $0.30 county tax
David Howell 1 white poll $0.50 state tax $0.30 county tax

1845 Mississippi State Census
Hiram Howell 2 males 2 female

1845 Tax List
Hiram Howell 0 white poll, 1 black poll $0.75 state tax $0.45 county tax

1847 Tax List
Hiram Howell 0 white poll, 2 slaves $1.20 state tax $0.72 county tax

1851 Tax List
[Vacant] SW1/4 of Section 7, Township 5, Range 2E [this was land owned by Hiram Howell]

SOURCE:  https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9PGL-94C2  (1843)
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9PGL-94SH  (1844)
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GPWR-X (1845)

On 10 Oct 1846 in Tippah County, Mississippi, Lindsey Slaughter and his wife Barshaba [Bathsheba] sold 160 acres to "Wren" Howell for $150. The land is described as "the North East quarter of section nine Township Five Range two East of the Bains Meridian in late Chickasaw Miss." Barshaba Slaughter proved the deed on 10 Oct 1846.

SOURCE: Tippah County, Mississippi deed book G, page 193
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:9392-QM1Q-1

On 3 Apr 1848 in Tippah County, Mississippi, David Howell and his wife Parthena sold land to Hiram Howell for $400. The land is described as "being in sd County of Tippah and in the place of the Chickasaw Survey in the State of Mississippi as the South West qr of section (7) seven of Township [198] (5) five Range (2) two East with all the improvements thereon." David and Parthena Howell proved the deed on 3 Apr 1848.

SOURCE: Tippah County, Mississippi deed book H, page 197
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:9392-Q99M-91

On 30 Aug 1849, David Howell and Hiram Howell were securities for the defendants involved in State vs. Reece Howell, Lindsey Slaughter & John Perkins. They were indicted in March 1849 for assault and battery on Robert Elam. They were found guilty in March 1850 and were fined $5 each.

The 1850 federal census shows Hiram Howell residing in District 2 of Tippah County, Mississippi. The household was enumerated on 30 Oct 1850 and consisted of the following:

Hyram Howel 60 Male Farmer $310 [real estate] South Carolina
Rachael 66 Female Georgia
Joel Howel 22 Male Farmer Alabama
Martha Slawter 13 Female Tennessee Attended School Within Year

Two households below appears Hiram Howell and Rachael Young's daughter Temperance (Howell) Vance:

George Vance 24 Male Farmer $300 [real estate] Tennessee
Tempa 29 Female Alabama
Thomas 4 Male Mississippi
James 2 Male Mississippi
Joseph 10/12 Male Mississippi

The 1850 federal slave schedule, enumerated on 31 Oct 1850, shows Hiram Howel owning two slaves:

21 Female Black
4 Male Black

NOTE: The female slave aged 21 years (born about 1829) aligns with the previous estimated date of birth 1816-1830 from the 1840 federal census. The four year old boy is likely her child. Martha Slawter would be Martha Slaughter, their granddaughter through their daughter Bathsheba (Howell) Slaughter.

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-6SK3-3JF
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-XXX6-73

Hiram Howell was shot and killed by his son-in-law Lindsey Slaughter on 30 Sep 1853 in Tippah County, Mississippi. The only source which contains the actual date of death is found in Rachael (Young) Howell's testimony within her declaration for bounty land application, dated 3 May 1856 in Carroll County, Mississippi: "her said husband died at Tippah County in the state of Mississippi on the last day of September AD 1853, & that she is now a widow." 

On 16 Jan 1854, Hiram Howell's widow and next of kin requested the administration of his estate and papers were granted to Milton McKay. Milton McKay provided a bond of $4,000, with J.B. Sellers and B.D. Nabers as his securities. William Robinson, B.D. Nabers and Thomas Bibb were appointed appraisers for the chattel and personal estate and also ordered to set apart one year provisions for Hiram's widow and children. Milton McKay was then ordered to sell the chattel and personal estate upon a credit of nine months.

On 18 Jan 1854, Milton McKay as administrator of the estate of Hiram Howell, petitioned to sell the slaves belonging to the estate. The court ordered David Howell, Samuel Howell, Reece Howell, Joel Howell, George W. Vance and his wife "Tempe" Vance "to show cause of if any they can why the slaves described in said Petition should not be sold," while appearing in court on the third Monday of April next. It was "further ordered by the court that publication be made in the Ripley Advertiser for the space of six successive weeks citing therein James Riggs and his wife Jane, David Slaughter, John Slaughter, Tempe Slaughter, Sarah Jane Slaughter, Mary Frances Slaughter, and Edward Slaughter to be and appear before the Probate Court of said County on the Third Monday in April next to answer said Petition it there cause if any they can why the slaves described in said Petition should not be sold." Again, it was further "ordered that David Hunt be appointed guardian ad litem for the said David, John, Tempe, Sarah Jane, Mary Frances & Edward Slaughter, to protect and defend their interest in the proceeding."

On 22 Mar 1854, a list of accounts and notes against the estate of Hiram Howell were ordered to be recorded:

-Hiram Howell note to T.P. Dill for $10.00
-Hiram Howell note to J. Perkins for $10.50
-Hiram Howell note to J.B. Nabers for $4.25

On 17 Apr 1854, Milton McKay as administrator of the estate of Hiram Howell, "presented to the court an account of the sale of the goods, chattels and personal estate." The court further ordered the Milton McKay to "sell said negro slaves, described as follows to wit: a woman named Margaret aged about 25 years, and her 2 children John aged 7 and Dolly aged 2 years, at the late residence of Hiram Howell deceased, at public outcry to the highest bidder on a credit of twelve months first giving notice of the time and place of sale."

On 20 Jun 1854, Milton McKay as administrator of the estate of Hiram Howell, presented an inventory of debts found to be due to the estate. Milton also provided an "account of the sale of the slaves belonging to his intestates estate." 

A day later, on 21 Jun 1854, another note against the estate of Hiram Howell was ordered to be recorded:

-Hiram Howell note to Hopkins & Owens for $18.00

NOTE: The probate papers for the estate of Hiram Howell lists all of his heirs by name: widow (Rachael); children David Howell, Samuel Howell, Reece Howell, Joel Howell and Tempe Howell, wife of George W. Vance; also Jane Howell, wife of James Riggs;  grandchildren David Slaughter, John Slaughter, Tempe Slaughter, Sarah Jane Slaughter, Mary Frances Slaughter and Edward Slaughter (children of Lindsey Slaughter and Bathsheba Howell). The fact the Slaughter grandchildren are listed by name reflects that Bathsheba (Howell) Slaughter was likely already deceased, not appearing as a next of kin in her own right.

The slave woman named Margaret (born about 1829) aligns with the other information known about her from the 1840 and 1850 federal censuses. Her children were John (born about 1847) and Dolly (born about 1852). No record has been found of who bought these slaves at public auction, however Dolly appears to have remained in the possession of Reece Howell.

On 26 Jun 1854 in Tippah County, Mississippi, Reece Howell created a deed of trust with his mother, Rachael Howell.

"This indenture made and entered into this the 26 day of June 1854 between Reece Howell of the one part and Rachel Howell of the Second part. Whereas the said Reece Howell is justly indebted to the said Rachel Howell in the sum of one hundred dolars by note due 25th of December 1854 for one hundred dollars of date the 25th December 1853, and being willing to secure the said Rachel Howell in the payment of said note hath this day bargained and sold, and by these presents do bargain, sell and convey to the said Rachel Howell her hers and then following property to wit, One negro Girl named Dolly Ann, One Ox Wagon, Seven head of Sheep, and my present growing crop to leave and to hold, but this deed is made in trust however, for the purposes above specified, and it is further understand and agreed, that if the said note is not paid at its maturity, the said Rachel Howell is fully authorized to sell said property and pay said debt, just giving ten days notice of the time and place of sale, and thou appropriate the proceeds to the payment of said debt, the balance and any pay are to the said Reece Howell and it is further understand that the said property may remain in said Reece Howell's possession by subject to be taken away by Rachel Howell, if she shall become in danger of losing by the property remaining in the possession of said Reece Howell. In witness absent the party of the first part be unto set his hand and seal.
Reece Howell, his mark"

NOTE: The slave girl Dolly Ann is presumably the same slave named Dolly, previously mentioned by name with her mother (Margaret) and brother (John), within Hiram Howell's probate records dated 17 Apr 1854. I'm also presuming she is the 10 year old (born about 1850) black female slave under Reece Howell's name, in the 1860 federal slave schedule in Tippah County, Mississippi.

SOURCE: Tippah County, Mississippi deed book N, page 246
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:9392-QS9T-HZ

In September 1854 in Tippah County, Mississippi, the State of Mississippi charged Lindsey Slaughter with the murder of Hiram Howell. In March 1858, the case was dismissed and the court record states Lindsey Slaughter was indicted in March 1855.

NOTE: The Tippah County, Mississippi brick courthouse was destroyed by fire on 9 Jul 1864, by Union soldiers as a result of the Civil War. They also burned most of the town square. Because of this, many records for Tippah County prior to 1864 no longer exist - including any further documents regarding Hiram Howell's murder, or Lindsey Slaughter's sentencing. The Slaughter family seems to disappear from the record after the 1850 census (in Pontotoc County, Mississippi) and Hiram Howell's murder court records.

On 7 Aug 1855 in Carroll County, Mississippi, Rachael (Young) Howell provided a deposition for her declaration for bounty land application via Hiram Howell's military service during the War of 1812. Rachael stated she was 70 years old and a resident of Carroll County, widow of the late Hiram Howell deceased.

"State of Mississippi
County of Carroll
On this the 7th day of August AD one thousand eight hundred & fifty five personally appeared before me a justice of the Peace within & for the County and State aforesaid Rachel Howell aged seventy years a resident of Carroll County in sd State of Mississippi , who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Hiram Howell deceased, who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Capt. G. Barns in the regiment of Tennessee militia commanded by Colonel Henderson in the war with Great Britain declared by the United States on the 18th day of June AD 1812, that her said husband was drafted at Murfreesboro in Rutherford County in the state of Tennessee on or about the 15th day of Oct AD 1814 for the term of six months & continued in actual service in said war until peace was made between the United States & Great Britain that he was honorably discharged at [blank] on or about the [blank] day of AD [blank]. She further states that she was married to the said Hiram Howell in the County of Rutherford in the State of Tennessee on the 27 day of February AD 1812 by one Thomas Berry a justice of the Peace and that her name before her said marriage was Rachel Young, that her said husband died at Tippah County in the state of Mississippi on the last day of September AD 1853, & that she is now a widow. She further declares that her said husband in his lifetime made application for bounty land under the act of September 28 1850, & received a land warrant No. [blank] which he legally disposed of. That same warrant was for forty acres. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3, 1855.
Signature of widow: Rachael Howell x her mark

Mr. Jeremiah Howell and Ferdinand Bibb residents of the County of Carroll & state of Mississippi upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed & acknowledged by Rachel Howell in our presence & that we believe from the appearance & statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be-
Jeremiah Howell
Ferdinand Bibb

The foregoing declaration & affidavit were sworn to & subscribed before me on the day & year above written and I certify that I know the affidavits to be credible persons; & that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be- and that I have no interest in this claim-
Jesse M. Doyle, JP, Seal

State of Mississippi
Carroll County
I A.M. Nelson clerk of the Probate Court of said County hereby certify that Jesse M. Doyle whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing Certificate is now & was at the time of Signing the Same an acting Justice of the Peace in & for Said County duly Elected Commissioned & qualified & that full faith & credit & to be given to all his official acts. Given under my hand and Seal of office at Carrollton, May 3rd 1856
A. M. Nelson, Clk
By C. F. Moore, DC"

NOTE: Throughout the above deposition Rachael's name is written as Rachel, but she signed her name as Rachael.

SOURCE: Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 1773 - 2007, Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, ca. 1800 - ca. 1900 (Washington, DC); Warrant 1855-245174, Can No. 1773, Bundle No. 239

In September 1856, Milton McKay as administrator of the estate of Hiram Howell, sued David Howell, Reece Howell and Samuel Howell twice (cases #5142 and #5143). Because of the above mentioned courthouse fire in 1864, we don't know the full details about this court case.

NOTE: A conversation with Don Martini around 2014 concluded in that these original records (Tippah County, Mississippi, circuit court records, 1849-1886), for whom the book was created, were located at the 'old' jail house, along with other obscure documents that survived the court house fire.

SOURCE: Tippah County, Mississippi, circuit court records, 1849-1886

On 4 May 1857 in Tippah County, Mississippi, J.Y. Murray acting as sheriff of Tippah County, sold the tract of land described as the SW1/4 of Section 7, Township 5, Range 2E at public auction to the highest bidder for $3.94. This was a result of taxes owed from Rachael Howell for the year of 1856.

NOTE: This is the same tract of land that first appeared as "vacant" within a tax list for Tippah County from 1851.

SOURCE: Tippah County, Mississippi deed book T, page 294
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939L-Q7L5-S

On 20 Oct 1858 in Tippah County, Mississippi, O. Davis appears to have taken over as administrator for the estate of Hiram Howel (Milton McKay had passed away). He provides a final account, stating "the only assets known to him unadministered of Said intestate at the time he took out letters on the same was an execution at that time in the hands of the Sheriff of Marshall County in fear of Milton McKay decd former admr of Said Hiram Howell decd against Rachel Howell, David Howell & Saml Howell on a judgement obtained in the circuit court of Tippah County, Miss on 3rd March 1857 for 1135.18 in payment of said execution the undersigned took a receipt given by said Milton McKay in his lifetime to said Rachel Howell for $330.10, a receipt from said Rachel Howell for her distributing share in said estate for $235.00, a receipt from Tempe Vance for her share in said estate $235.00, in all $855.00. The balance of said execution left amt paid to Allys Maths & Scrugg to enforce said Sheriff viz. $10.00, was paid to the undersigned in cash $335.00. The undersigned was attorney for Milton McKay former admr in collecting said original judgement against said Rachel Howell & others & on which his fees as attorney were 5 per cent on the whole amount collected on said execution which as appears above was $1155.00. Commissions on the same at 5 percent at $57.75 which sum deducted from the real amount of money received by the undersigned leaves the sum of $287.25 in money now in the hands of the undersigned as administrator do [_] of said estate for which he is ready to and [_] as the law directs. The undersigned knows of no other assets or effects of said Hiram Howell dec unadministered all of which is respectfully ordered."

NOTE: The final distributive shares were divided between the following heirs:
-Rachel Howell $330.10 by Milton McKay, with receipt for $235.00
-Tempe Vance $235.00

SOURCE: Tippah County, Mississippi Chancery Clerk, Administrators' and guardians' records, bonds and letters, 1855-1954