[2] This corporation bribed Louisiana lawmakers to enable it to stay in business,[3] and the firm amassed a considerable fortune over the years while Howard led a controversial life.

He died at age 53 after a fall from his carriage in Dobbs Ferry, New York, but his family continued his efforts at philanthropy and charitable giving.

[4] After 1850, he moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, changing his name from Turner to Howard in 1854,[5] and began working as a lottery and policy dealer.

This effort failed, but after two years, a second attempt succeeded, partially as a result of bribery of key lawmakers in Louisiana.

A member of the firm of C. H. Murray & Co. named Marcus Cicero Stanley filed suit against Howard for being refused his "just share of the profits".

[8] But the lawsuit was dropped because it was decided that, given the nature of the gambling business, that the parties had no legal standing to enforce the contract.

More than one Governor of the State acknowledged its sway, and the Mayor of the capital city of Baton Rouge was one of its regular agents for the sale of tickets.Howard and his partners were adept at using money and influence to keep the lottery going and profitable.

During its heyday, the firm divided about $2 million annually among stockholders, including Howard, as well as pay for the numerous bribes for public officials.