Excerpt of the book "Writer and Engraver's Picture of Graham County's Progress Since Its Organization" (1906)

The Howland Real Estate and Abstract Company

(pages 54-55)

The Howland Real Estate and Abstract Company was organized in February, 1906. Their well equipped offices are opposite the Court House on Pomeroy avenue, where an extensive land business is carried on.

Mr. Howland is more than pleased with his extraordinary success in securing on his sale list some of the best lands in the county, and in interesting land buyers in the east.

The company though but four months old, has over 30,000 acres of Graham county land on their books in addition to some twelve residence properties in Hill City.

They have for sale 5 mercantile stocks in Graham county, one hardware, one furniture, one drug and three general merchandise. This company owns the only complete set of abstracts in the county which is a valuable acquisition to a real estate office.

Mr. Howland represents several grain and life insurance companies.

This is a reliable up-to-date rustling business house as is evidenced by its already large patronage and list of Graham county properties. They appreciate the value of printer's ink and are extensive advertisers.

This firm is prominent among Hill City business enterprises and is thoroughly public spirited and in any enterprise pertaining to the city's good, they are always found at the front willing to give all the assistance possible.

Mr. F.A. Howland is a native of Kansas born in Geneva, Allen county in December, 1868. His parents lived on a farm near that place for 47 years, but are now making their home in Iola.

Mr. Howland is an architect, cabinet maker, and carpenter by trade having studied with the well known firm of Sheppard and Farr of Kansas City. In 1900 he came to Hill City and worked at his trade until January, 1906, when he began the organization of his real estate company.

Mrs. Ellen F. Howland was born in New York of full French parents. Her parents moved to Graham county in 1878, homesteaded in Millbrook township and engaged in stock raising and farming. Her father, C. Fountain, was the first elected Register of Deed, and served from 1880 to 1887. Mrs. Howland was his assistant, working out of school hours. During this time she learned to be an expert type-setter.

In 1896 she was elected Register of Deeds on the Republican ticket, and in 1898 was renominated, no campaign was necessary as the other two parties indorsed her.

In 1897, Mr. Howland bought the C.O. Wonder abstract books, which is the only complete set in Graham county. She has since that time, kept them complete, and aside from her abstract work, she is deputy clerk of the district court.

Mr. and Mrs. Howland own their home, a neat $3,000 cottage in the exact center of the town site. They also own a town property which they rent and 400 acres of good pasture land under fence, well watered, with four living springs.

Mr. and Mrs. Howland have three children, 2 daughters and 1 son.