IT is an innate desire in the mind of man to obtain a knowledge of his Ancestors, and the antiquity of their first and continuous settlements, This feeling becomes the more intense when the thoughts are directed to scenes and people of our own particular section. Tradition gives us but a vague idea of the privations and hardships incidental to the first settlement and cultivation of new places. These are of great value. The life of the pioneer has its lessons, from which even the participant in advanced culture and civilization may learn. It has been suggested by competent advisers, that it concise History of the Township and Village of Howell should be written, entirely in this spirit. The Author has endeavored to do this faithfully and impartially. He has endeavored to keep in view the fact that I I Geography and Chronology I I are the two eyes of History, and If errors should be found in this little book, trusts that the reader will exercise a charitable judgment