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
————————–
Edwin Howard Well Known as Farmer Years Ago
————————–
Will be Laid To rest Thursday; Lived here Half Century
————————–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.
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Fantastic!! I am also fond of street name origins. Perhaps around the Christmas break I'll find time and forward on a file I've been compiling of street names around the city.
"Freeborn"? What an ugly word. Can anyone imagine not being born free?
I'm also interested in the origins of street names - thanks for this. Don, It would be great if you shared your info!
Interesting...
Does anyone know why Windsorites call Pierre, "Peerie"?
Don,
I'd love to see that list if you get a chance to forward it...
I believe that Whelpton Street was named after my friend's dad. He used to do a lot of research and stuff with the Inuit. He lived in that ski chalet-styled house near corner of Shawnee/Intersection Rd. in Tecumseh. I don't know if it was named for him posthumously, but I can find out if that's one that you have no info on. He would have passed more than 25 years ago I think.
Scooter because we have lost the french connection to the past and have anglicized the crap out of most of our french names.
Thanks Andrew for the info.
I agree with Chris. What a very horrible term we have come a long way but still have a ways to go.
Shoot. I frogot to add. I have some info Andrew on Mr Cole that you might like copies of. I received them as I was researching the builder of my home. Just remind me and I will get you copies.
ME - Sounds good. I'd love to see what you have.
Brilliant idea. I started this while ago,just for my own purposes. It's an interesting topic to learn about historic figures You should create a New Category just for Street names and possibly parks so It's easier to navigate through it.