- There is a confusion concerning Phebe Jane Howell's name. A 'Jane' (Howell) shows up on the 1860 and 1870 census living with David and Eliza Howell. It is quite possible this Phebe was known by her middle name, Jane, so as not to confuse her with Phebe Adelia (daughter of David & Eliza and cousin to 'Jane) within the same household.
'Jane' disappears and a 'Jennie P.' Howell shows up for the first time (as such) in the 1880 census (after her uncle David had died) living with Eliza, William Henry, Edwin and Phebe A. Confusion is compounded in that she is listed as a sister, her age as 30 and her place of birth as Michigan. It is likely that the ages and birth dates are simply wrong (Edwin's age is also wrong on this census).
Jennie P. Howell is buried with David W. Howell (her brother and son of Stephen and Phebe) in Mt. Rest cemetery in Bergen, New York. Her death certificate also lists her parents as Stephen and Phebe. These facts confirm her parentage. It is therefore very likely Phebe J. is Phebe Jane (or possibly Jane Phebe) who later became known as Jennie P. Her death certificate does however list her birth place as Michigan, probably an error in reporting by a survivor.
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