[2] He received his early education in Oxford and began studies at the University of Mississippi, but left college to serve in the American Civil War.

[3] Howry joined the Confederate States Army's 29th Mississippi Infantry Regiment as a private.

[4] Howry's combat experience included the Battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, New Hope Church, Peachtree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesborough, and Franklin.

[5] He served in several leadership roles, including commander of the Army of Northern Virginia department with the rank of lieutenant general.

[2] In addition to practicing in Oxford, Howry was active in politics as a Democrat, and was elected to a term as prosecuting attorney of Lafayette County, Mississippi in 1869.

[8][7] While on the court, Howry became known for his ability to apply the historical precedents of Anglo-American common law to his decisions and written opinions.

[8] She died in 1879, and they were the parents of two sons, Lucien Beverley Howry and Willard Carter Lowry, and a daughter, Maude.