Joseph is the third-born child of Oliver and Jane Howe (the second son).  According to the records of the records of St. Margaret’s Rectory, Parishes of Tempo and Clabby, Joseph was born in County Fermanagh 16-MAY-1851. Discrepancies exist, of course, and the 1901 Canadian Census shows Joseph at age 45 having been born in 1855.

Joseph & Elizabeth Howe

It appears that Joseph married his wife Elizabeth prior to leaving Ireland.  Both Joseph and Elizabeth are shown in the 1901 Canadian Census as having been born in Ireland.  Furthermore, according to this same census, Joseph immigrated to Canada in 1881 (approximately 26 years old).  His wife Elizabeth and their infant child John followed Joseph to Canada in 1882. 

Port Royal - 1887

Their life in Canada is know only from the collection of letters to Mary (Howe) Hayden which includes some from Joseph and his wife “Bessie” (Elizabeth).  A letter dated 22 November 1887 shows the couple living in Port Royal, Ontario.  Joseph describes his current situation: 

“I must tell you that I am getting along finely and have got 8 good cows and 3 heffers and 2 good horses and a calf and I can live well.  I am content enough with the women I got so Mary do’t fret about me.” 

The letter reports news from home that Father (Oliver Howe) is in poor health and possibly dying.  He speaks of his brothers Oliver and Robert who also live in Ontario.  Joseph also expresses his desire to assist his widowed sister writing: 

“Dear Mary I would like to see you out here.  We could help you in a great maney things where we habe not the money to spear.”

Port Rowan - 1888

Another letter dated 15 April 1888 shows them living in Port Rowan, Ontario (Lot 15, Concession 1) in a wood sided 9-room house with their four children: John, Jane, Oliver and Richard.  However, it appears that Joseph and Elizabeth were just starting their family. The 1901 Canadian Census (South Walsingham Township, Norfolk County, Ontario) shows Joseph (age 45) and Elizabeth (age 40) with nine children! As mentioned, their first child John was born in Ireland (2 July) and immigrated to Canada with his mother in 1882.  Their remaining children were born in Ontario and include Jennie (or Jane), Oliver, Richard, Robert J., William, Maggie, Joseph and Arthur A.  The chart below shows the birth dates for the children and their ages when the census was taken.

1891 Farmers Directory: South Walsingham Township, Norfolk County, Ontario

Joseph is listed in the 1891 Farmers Directory for South Walsingham Township (Norfolk County, Ontario).  He is shown as a “tenant” in Port Royal (versus a freeholder or non-resident).

Farmers Directory 1891 - The address given after each name is the Post Office Address. =freeholder;  t=Tenant   NR=Non-Resident

1901 Canadian Census - South Walsingham Township, Norfolk County, Page 5.

* South Walsingham Township, Norfolk County, Page 5. 
r = rural
n/n = not naturalized citizen
Joseph is an "employee", he "Can Read", "cannot write," "can speak English,"

View the actual census sheet.

Figure 17: Map showing to Lots & Concessions of Norfolk Township