Edwin Howard – 1834 – 1924

It’s always interesting to me to uncover the people behind local street names. Some of the streets like Ouellette and Dougall are named after prominent early citizens or land owners. In the old part of the city, when Windsor was first laid out, it was decided that the east-west streets would be named after native tribes (Huron, Cataraqui, Niagara, Brant, Erie, Wyandotte, Tuscarora), but who were some of the poeople behind the others?

A recent trip to the library to look for something unrealted, lead to the discovery of Edwin Howard’s obituary.

From the Border Cities Star – Wednesday, October 6, 1924

MR. EDWIN HOWARD
Who died yesterday at his residence. His name was
given to Howard Avenue of Windsor, and he had
resided in the district for 50 years.

PIONEER SON OF EX-SLAVE
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Edwin Howard Well Known as Farmer Years Ago
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Will be Laid To rest Thursday; Lived here Half Century
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Edwin Howard, who died Monday at the age of 90 years,
was a pioneer resident of Windsor and district, and the
son of an ex-slave who obtained his freedom by purchase
during the days of slavery in the Southern States. By reason
of the father purchasing the freedom of himself and that of
his wife, all the children were freeborn.

Coming here from the south 50 years ago, Mr. Howard
farmed in several different locations. The last farm he had
was at the corner of Tecumseh Road and Howard Avenue,
which bears his name. For years he grew corn and garden
truck at this point, and due to his familiarity with many
residents of the city, the street was given his name.

Before coming to Windsor, Mr. Howard was initiated into
the order of Freemasonry at Columbus, PA.

Surviving him are one brother, John of Marietta County, PA,
and two sisters, Mrs. Maria Wicks, of Baltimore and Mrs.
Nellie Bennett, who resided with Mr. Howard.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. from the
residence to the A.M.E. Church. Interment will be made
in Windsor Grove cemetery.