JUDGE E. F. HOWCROFT. Not without justice, Judge E. F. Howcroft is conceded to hold an enviable position among the prominent and successful men of Christian County, for he has not only rendered it valuable service as a reliable public official, but as an industrious farmer and law-abiding citizen. He is a native of the Old Bay State, born at Fall River, November 18, 1838, to the marriage of David and Ruth (Bindley) Howcroft, and like other British-American citizens, has done good stalwart work in the cultivation and development of this section.
His father, David Howcroft, who for many years was a seaman on a whaling vessel, was born in England and came to this country with his father, John Howcroft, who settled in Massachusetts. After growing to mature years, the father of our subject moved to Dover, N. H., and there lived for many years. He was a Republican in politics. Mrs. Howcroft died in 1838, when our subject was only six months old. The latter was the younger of two children. Sarah, the other child, is now residing in Massachusetts, the wife of Andrew Waldren.
Until about sixteen years of age, our subject remained in his native State. He then went to Penobscot County, Me., where he remained until twenty-four years of age, and then returned to Massachusetts, where he remained until 1876. He married, in Maine, Miss Ann Hacking, a native of England, daughter of Robert and Mary (Taylor) Hacking. In 1876 Mr. Howcroft and family turned their faces toward the setting sun and first located in Dunn County, Wisconsin, where they remained for one year. From there Mr. Howcroft made his way to Billings, Christian County, Missouri, and being satisfied with the appearance of everything, purchased land and engaged in farming. When a boy, he had learned the molder’s trade and followed it for some time in his native State. Since coming to this State, he has given his undivided attention to agricultural pursuits, and substantial results have rewarded his efforts. His farm is about a quarter of a mile south of Billings, and is a fine place. In political matters Mr. Howcroft is an ardent supporter of Democratic principles, and has ever been active in public affairs. He received a fair common-school education, and, by reading and observation, has added to his store of knowledge, until he is classed among the best posted men of the county. He has held many positions of trust, being deputy sheriff for some time, and in 1893 he was appointed county judge of Christian County by Gov. Stone. This position he is filling in a most creditable and satisfactory manner. To his marriage have been born three children, as follows: Emma, wife of Harry Penman, residing at Scranton, Pa.; Lellice A., the wife of Newton Hale, of this county, and David E., who is married and resides near Billings. Mr. Howcroft is well and favorably known all over the county and is a very pleasant and agreeable man to meet. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. at Billings, and is also a member of the Knights of Horse.