In 1920, Joe R. Howell and his wife Nettie Jones were living in Larue County, Otter Precinct. Living with them are James M., age 22, and Wayne O., age 18. (Children by his first wife) Joe was 45 years old and Nettie was 40.

Larue County Herald News item, Thursday, July 26, 1894:
Joe R. Howell will teach the Walnut Grove school this term. He taught there last year. (Otter News). Joe helped in operating his father's grocery and hardware store at Malt, Larue County, two different times. Joe's son Wayne also helped in the store. Joe served as sheriff of Larue County for 12 years.

Joseph (Joe) R. Howell married Nannie Jane Greavers before 1897 in Kentucky. They later divorced after 1905. There were 5 children born to this union. Elsie, James Marshall, 1897; Mary Catherine, 1899; Wayne Oden, 1902; and Roy B. Howell, 1905.

Joe then married Nettie A. Jones and it was reported they also later divorced.

In the 1900 Larue County Census, Otter district, Jos Howell was family 38. He was 25 years old and married 3 years to Janie A., 20, mother of 2 children: James M., 2; and Mary C., 1.

In 1920, Joe R. Howell and his wife Nettie Jones were living in Larue County, Otter Precinct. Living with them are James M., age 22, and Wayne O., age 18. (Children by his first wife) Joe was 45 years old and Nettie was 40.

Larue County Herald News item, Thursday, July 26, 1894:
Joe R. Howell will teach the Walnut Grove school this term. He taught there last year. (Otter News).

Joe helped in operating his father's grocery and hardware store at Malt, Larue County, two different times. Joe's son Wayne also helped in the store. Joe served as sheriff of Larue County for 12 years.

Joe died 18 Sep 1924 and is buried in Mt. Tabor Baptist Church cemetery.