| Administrative History | Thomas, son of William Howitt and his wife Mary née Bestwick, was born in Heanor on 11 February 1763. He had two brothers John and William and a sister Mary.
In 1783 he joined the Quakers (Society of Friends). He married Phebe Tantum, only daughter of Francis Tantum of Heanor, a prominent Quaker, on 20 October 1786. They had several children:
Tantum (1787-1790)
Thomas (1789-1823)
Emanuel (1791-1857)
William (1792-1879)
Francis Tantum (1796-1879)
Richard (1799-1869)
Godfrey (1800-1873).
Thomas died on 20 June 1848.
Thomas was a hosier and also acted as agent for Heanor Colliery (1797-1812) as well as increasing his property holdings. He was a prominent member of the Heanor Quakers and played an active part in the life of Heanor. He wrote extensive notes, some of which were published, particularly on local history. His firm stance led to some difficulties with his sons Thomas and William over financial matters which were reflected in arguments over settling his estate (see D4734/6/20/1-72). |