Lester met his wife Lucinda Rowley from Sharon, NY and they were married on November 10, 1828, the year Andrew Jackson was elected president. Their marriage lasted until Lester's death in 1888. They had three children, Harriet Elgiva, Huldah Ann and Halsey John.

Lester and Lucinda came to the Cobleskill area to live as his father was a merchant and resident in Cobleskill. Lester became a farmer and we know that on May 22, 1842 he discovered the mysterious legend of "Blowing Rock" which today is known as Howe Caverns. His discovery brought him international notoriety and the opportunity for a new business enterprise.

There is evidence that Lester spent a part of his youth playing the piano. Lester's son Halsey John apparently continued his father's interest in music. Lester was also known to play the fiddle in the cave for his visitors. His grandfather Elijah had been a military musician, so the presence of music in the Howe family is not surprising as stories were told of piano playing performances at both the Howe residence and the Cave House Motel.

Thanks to Lester Howe, Howe Caverns today is a thriving and growing business in Schoharie County. Somehow I think Lester would be proud to see that his namesake has carried on 170 years after his discovery.

Happy 202nd Birthday Lester!