H.F. HOWARD, farmer, P.O. Fairfield, was born in Trumbull County, Ohio,
on June 12, 1840, and is a son of Horace and Olive (Cleveland) Howard, the father being a native of New York, the mother of Connecticut.  Subject was the younger of two children.  His education was received in the free schools of his native county, and at the age of nineteen he commenced to learn the printer's trade at the office of the Western Reserve Chronicle, of Warren, Ohio.  He, however, remained almost a year and a half, when his health failed him and he had to leave the office.  He subsequently, however, acted as salesman and collector for four years for his father, who was an extensive marble dealer.  In 1865, he came to Wayne County, Ill, and immediately settled the farm on which he now resides, a tract of 100 acres in Section 10, of Town 2 south, Range 7 east.  Besides farming, he pays some attention to sheepraising, having in stock a very fine flock of Southdowns.  Mr. Howard was married in Bristol, Trumbull County, on February 1, 1864, to Jennie McLain.   This lady is the daughter of L.B. and Mary (Millet) McLain; the father was born in this country, but was of Scottish descent.  Mrs. Howard was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, on October 28, 1844, and is the mother of four children, all of whom are now living ---Frank H., born June 5, 1865; Nellie J., born July 10, 1870; Gracie O., born May 24, 1875; Sibbie, born January 5, 1878.  Mr. Howard has served as School Director and Road Overseer, and in politics he gives his support to the Democratic party.