Jacob Crawford Howell married Mary Elizabeth Baird on 1 April 1873 in Larue County, Kentucky. She was a daughter of William Monroe Baird and Sarah Elizabeth Killen, both buried in Levelwoods Methodist Church cemetery.
There were 8 children born to this union.

In the 1900 Larue County Census, Otter district, Jacob Howell was family 40. He was 48 years old and married 27 years to Mary E., 51, mother of 4 children: Will J., 25; Sallie, 23; Fannie A., 21; John L., 18.

In the 1910 Larue County census, Jacob C. Howell was head of household 355. He was 58 years old and had been married 36 years to Mary E., age 61. She was listed as the mother of 4 children, all living.

In 1920, Jacob C. Howell (age 67) is living alone. His wife has died in 1917. His is located next door to William M. Howell, his brother, and James W. Howell.

Jacob Crawford Howell died at his home near Morning Star School in Larue County. He was buried in Mt. Tabor Baptist Church cemetery.