Biography

1st Daughter of Anthony M. and Emily (Emma) Howell

Harriet Howell was the first child of Anthony M. Howell and Emily (Emma)Williams Joyner. She was born in 1831 in Southampton County, Virginia. In 1848 at 17 years of age Harriet married Peter Goodman in Southampton County, Virginia on January 20, 1848. According to a Chancery suit filed in Southampton County, Harriet alleged that her husband Peter “was considerably indebted.”
Harriet was also a party to the above Chancery suit against her father, and Trustee John Moore, forcing the sale of a tract of land and slaves owned by her mother “Emma” prior to her marriage to Anthony M. Howell. Anthony and Emma filed Articles of Separation in 1849 “finding it impossible on account of domestic differences to live amicably together.” When her mother Emma died in February 1851 of small pox, Harriet and her sister Ann wanted the proceeds from the sale of the land and slaves to be used for themselves and for the care and maintenance of their younger siblings Henry, Milly (sometimes called Susan or Susannah)and Emaline.
Harriet also alleged that as Peter stood to have some ownership of the property, she alleged that he “never obtained any credit or the faith of the reversionary interest she held in the property accepted by her mother.” She feared that if Peter was to have any interest in the property, it would be seized by “auditors” or his creditors to pay his debts.
It is implied in the text of the Chancery suit that Harriet and Peter had an infant child. At this time the search continues for further information on Harriet, her infant child, and Peter.

Marriage Records

20/Jan/1848 GOODMAN Peter and HOWELL Harriet security & wittnesses A. M. Howell page 569

?/?/1848 GOODMAN Peter married HOWELL Harriet marriage bond is 20/Jan/1848 Minister Devany, Benj. page 719