Otis Howard
Mr. Howard was born on March 23, 1817, in Montville, Waldo Co., Maine. He is of English descent. His early life was spent on the farm. On becoming of age he learned the carpenter trade of an experienced man in Bangor, Me. He was an assistant teacher in the schools shortly after when he was offered a better position -- to work on the Bangor & Old Town R.R., which was of even date with the first railroad in the United States. Otis Howard came to Bellville in 1838 to live with a brother who had preceded him. He taught school in town during the 1838-9. The school then, one room, contained over 80 scholars and when he asked for an assistant, they said they could not afford it. His wages were $1.00 per day. He has lived in the town ever since an honored citizen by all who know him. Out of the 80 scholars who attended his school, I asked him to mention some and he gave me the names of Perry Walsh, Wright Geddes and a Geddes, of Mansfield, were all he could recollect. Mr. Howard is in good health yet, reads the news, and has a pleasant word for all who call on him. -- A Citizen.
From The Bellville Independent, June 27, 1895, Vol. 8, No. 6