Howe History

Home > History

A railroad town formed on January 20, 1882, Howe's first name was actually Sherman, and then changed to Bedford, before finally becoming Howe, in honor of Church Howe, a large land owner in the area and was also consul to England. Howe is located five miles south and one mile east of Auburn. 

Cowell and Company, a general merchandise store, was one of the early businesses. Early on this community had grocery stores, a hardware & lumber store, a hotel, railroad depot, church and school among it's businesses. However, keeping money in the bank really wasn't a good idea as it was robbed twice.  

The local elevator was run by George Cummings and a Mr. Allen. E.J. Tucker and his son, Clarence, were among the first people in the area to own an automobile.  The Missouri Pacific Railroad depot was north of the elevator. 

Howe had a church and school which are now closed. The school was converted into a home and church is looking for a new owner. The church was built in 1885 with $250 given by the Methodist Council and the rest was contributed by the people of Howe. 

Today Howe is merely a shadow of her previous days.  The local cemetery is still active and is a testament to number of people who had been in the community. 

By Dale Davison for the Nemaha County History Book; Copied from the Nemaha County History Book with permission.