Considerably more than half a century has passed since William B. Howell of Herkimer, Herkimer county, New York, started in the furniture and undertaking business in that city. Mr. Howell is still conducting the business, which since it was started has grown to be the largest of its kind in the city or county, if not in the Mohawk valley. He was born on September 29, 1844, at Herkimer, New York, the son of William and Mary (Scott) Howell, the father, who was born March 1, 1821, at Herkimer, being a furniture merchant and undertaker. The mother was born on August 20, 1824, and died on March 1, 1893. They were of Scotch and English ancestry and were the parents of one son and one daughter. Lillie Howell, sister of William B. Howell, is now Mrs. Oscar Taylor and lives at Herkimer, New York. Her son, Howell Taylor, married Miss Josephine Armour, who died December 1, 1923. They had adopted three children: William, Clara and Ernest.
William B. Howell obtained his education in the public schools of Herkimer and then started in the furniture business with his father, learning the trade of a cabinetmaker. In 1867 he embarked in the furniture and undertaking business on his own account and has been in it continuously since. Mr. Howell also owns much business and residence property. He is a republican in politics and has served one term as president of the village, one term as trustee of the village, and one term as supervisor of the village.
Mr. Howell was married on October 20, 1898, to Miss Mary S. Greene, daughter of Zenas and Ann E. (Herkimer) Greene of Herkimer, New York. William B. Howell's residence in Herkimer is at No. 214 North Washington street, and his place of business is at No. 206 North Main street. Fraternally Mr. Howell is affiliated with the Masonic order, belonging to Herkimer Lodge, No. 423, A. F. & A. M., of which he has been elected treasurer for the fortieth one-year term; Knights Templar Commandery No. 3, Utica, New York; and he is a Noble of Ziyara Temple of the Mystic Shrine, and is the third oldest member of that temple. He is also a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Herkimer.