Carleton Gibson Howe was born in Cañon City, Colorado on March 4, 1898.
He was raised and educated in the Chicago area and served in the United States Navy during World War I, attaining the rank of ensign while serving aboard the transport ship USS Pocahontas.
[4][5][6] Howe settled in Dorset, Vermont, where he owned and operated a successful apple growing business.
[7] A Republican, Howe served in the Vermont House of Representatives from 1945 to 1947.
[9] Howe ran unsuccessfully for renomination to the State Senate in 1958.