'Laconius M. Howard, farmer, Zumbro, is the twelfth of a family of thirteen children, and was born in Ellisburg, Jefferson county, New York, August 28, 1836. His father, Joseph Howard, was a soldier in the war of 1812. His mother's maiden name was Purley Franklin, and both parents were born in Vermont. ... January 13, 1857, he was married to Harriet, daughter of James and Polly Love, all born in Converse, Vermont.'