The Howell Family Cemetery is located near the banks of Otter Creek a short distance from where the creek empties into the Rolling Fork River. The Ginseng store and Post Office was less than 1/4 mile from the cemetery. See the accompanying map to see the satellite location.
The Howell family members buried here are; the patriarch of the Howell Family at Ginseng, Kentucky in LaRue County and his descendants.
James (Jimmy) Howell along with his sister Amelia, her small son William D. Ferrill, her husband and James' brother John settled in Ginseng in what was then Nelson County, Kentucky arriving in the late 1700s. Kentucky was a lost wilderness--just opened to the first pioneers. The Revolutionary War had only recently ceased (Sep 3, 1783). George Washington had just been elected our first President of the United States of America in 1789. this was the period of reforming our government and of economic recovery from the War.
James and John took up land claims, established homes, and became the ancestors of a large segment of sturdy citizens of all the eastern part of the county. John Howell was also a skilled cabinet maker, and a maple and cherry chest he had made was in the home of a great-great nephew, E. S. Ferrill and his wife until their deaths.
Although most of the Howells were and are, generally agriculturists, several have engaged in politics and public services on down to the present day, such as magistrates, Judges, county clerks, lawyers, U. S. Marshall's, County sheriffs, teachers, road officials and various business enterprises. One of the most rugged and efficient county sheriffs in the state was the late Mace Howell, waterwheel miller, extensive farmer and stock man, civic-minded citizen, and keen business man, loyal neighbor and friend. One of his sons, the late James Howell, was co-owner and manager of the Nancy Lincoln souvenir shop at the Lincoln Birthplace, and with his genial smile and pleasing personality is no doubt remembered all over the United States and the world. His successor, a near relative, possesses all similar traits which help all the many visitors who come and go, to remember their stop at Lincoln Birthplace and Souvenir Shop as one of the most pleasant places they visited in their travels