The Shemwell Family

John Howell Family Structure Assumptions The John Howell Will, dated Aug 10 1820, will be the basis for extending the Howell family tree. I found one handwritten (apparently dictated by John Howell) and one transcribed (typed) version and compared the all of them. Where differences are noted, I am assuming the handwritten will is correct. The text of the will lists several people many times as his possession are allocated. Each person is identified with a specific title (i.e., wife, neighbor, etc.) or implied title. Wife: Mary Howell Slaves: Luce, Silla, and Ruth Sons/Daughters: Nancy, Sally, Betsy, Clark, James, Willy B, William, Sara Other: Mattison, Elizabeth Landowner: William Elley, James Pock Wagon owner: David Cassner Neighbors: Daniel Chambers, Haynes Amis Now, some internet research shows that “Betsy” is a common nickname for “Elizabeth”. Further, “Sally” is a nickname for Sara. Additionally, it is possible that the name “Mattison” is the phonetic equivalent of “Madison” and could have been mis-spelled during the dictation. Note that I have found a Madison Howel that lived in Hawkins County, Tennessee close to Willy B and Sara. Based on this, and how John Howell divided his possessions along with the will’s wording, I believe the following family structure is: Husband: John Howell Wife: Mary Howell Sons: Clark, James, Willy B, William, Madison Daughters: Nancy, Elizabeth, Sara … Bruce Troutman 9/12/2019