I have been researching the Howell linage for the last couple years. I thought I would share with you what I have learned about the Howell's in Jefferson County, Illinois.

1. Thomas and Elizabeth Howell came to Ashley Township, Washington Co. around 1825 with Thomas' mother-in-law the widow Mary McMillian and several of her children.
2. From April 1848 through Dec 1854 Thomas bought 400 acres in Jefferson County located Twp and Range 02S 01E section 19 and 20. His first purchase in April 1848 was in section 20 which I assume he had a home and lived. This is also the section that Howell Cemetery is in.
3. Sarah Breeze nee Howell, the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth, Feb 9, 1827 - Sep 29, 1903 is buried in Howell Cemetery.

   
   Breeze, Sarah                   2-9-1827      9-29-1903       w/o Jonathan

4. Minerva Bledsoe nee Howell, the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth, July 9, 1828- Mar 5, 1886 is buried in Howell Cemetery. Her husband is Hugh Bledsoe.

 
Bledsoe, Minerva                7-9-1828      3-5-1886        footstone

I believe Thomas 1792 to 1850-1860 and Elizabeth 1798-1860 Howell are buried in Howell Cemetery also. Their head stones are probably missing, never had any or unreadable. Thomas date of death is fixed between 1850 and 1860 because Thomas and Elizabeth are on the 1850 US Census but not the 1860. Their two youngest sons are living with two older married sisters, Sarah and Minerva, in 1860.

Thomas Howell's Granddaughter Mary Finney 1863-1908 married Thomas J. Poston 1865-1908.

 
Finny, or Poston, Mary M.       1863          1908            Both Surnames are on stone
Finny, or Poston, Thomas J.     1865          1908            Both Surnames are on stone
Finny, or Poston, Uncle Joe     1867          1927            Both Surnames are on stone