Howard, Charles

One of those sudden deaths which for the time appear very startling was that of Charles A. Howard, Sunday morning. He was out driving with Wilbur F. Stout. The two gentlemen had been chatting pleasantly, and as they were passing up Huron street opposite the high school building, Mr. Stout noticed a sudden lull in the conversation on the part of his companion. He turned around insearch of the reason for his companions silence and found that Mr. Howard was deathly pale and laboring hard for a breath. Mr. Stout tried to render him assistance, and at once turned around and drove to the residence of Dr. J. W. Smith, at the corner of Huron and Williams streets. Medical assistance was of no use, however, as the unfortunate man had already passed away. Charlie Howard, as he was familiarly called by his friends, was one of the best known residents of Pontiac. He was born August 20, 1829 and is said to have been the first male child born in this city. The house in which Mr. Howard was born stood where the Clinton hall block now stands. Mr. Howard has been a resident of Pontiac all of his life, with the exception of a few years spent in Detroit and some time spent in Pennsylvania/ His first business venture was in the book and stationary line, he occupying the store where Brown Brothers now are. He retired from the book business in 1858, having been elected to the office of register of deeds on the democratic ticket. he held this office two years, but at the time of expiration of his term, refused a re-election. Early in the sixties, Mr. Howard, accompanied by Dr. M. L. Bagg, went to Oil City, Pa, where they engaged in oil speculation with good success. He remained there for a few years, and then returning to Pontiac. In 1865 he entered the dry goods business, and when the Clinton Hall block was built, Bagg and Howard, dealers in dry goods, were the first firm to occupy one of the stores. Their stand was the store now occupied by G. H. Turk. At that time they were the leading dry goods firm in Oakland County. They continued in this business until 1876, when Mr. Howard sold his interest to Homer Axford, who transferred the stock to the store now occupied by Hicks & Boerem. Mr. Howard had always manifested an inventive genius and upon his retirement from the dry goods business, he gave his attention in this direction and as the result many useful articles were brought out. Probably his best known invention was the Howard wagon spring, which is even today recognized as the best spring of its kind made anywhere in the United States. Mr. Howard conducted the manufacture of this spring alone up to 1883, when A. G. North was taken in as a partner. In 1886, Mr. Howard sold his entire interest to Mr. North. Upon retirement from the manufacturing business, Mr. Howard moved to Detroit, but for some years later again returned to Pontiac, resolved here to pend the remainder of his life. He was married in 1853 to Elizabeth Bagg, daughter of Dr. M. L. Bragg, and to them were born four children, all of whom are still living. The are Mrs. J. L. Douglas of Long Beach, California, Miss Cliff of this city, Charles of Owosso, and Thomas A. of Detroit. The funeral was held from the residence, 126 Lawrence street west, tuesday afternoon, the services being conducted by Rev. S. H. Thompson. The remains were interred in Oak Hill cemetery. Aside from his family, Mr. Howard leaves a host of friends, particularly among the older generation, who will sadly miss his genial smile.