Born in Lima, Ohio, Howard received a Bachelor of Science degree from Griswold College in 1885 and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Michigan Law School in 1887.
He was in private practice in Mount Pleasant, Iowa from 1887 to 1889, and after that in Bellingham, Washington Territory (State of Washington from November 11, 1889) starting in 1889.
[1] Howard received a recess appointment from President William Howard Taft on August 26, 1912, to a seat on the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington vacated by Judge Cornelius H. Hanford.
He was nominated to the same position by President Taft on December 3, 1912.
[1] Howard resumed private practice in Bellingham.