[citation needed] Born in Kirkwood, Georgia, of entirely English descent, Howard attended Neel's Academy.

At the age of thirteen he began working at the Georgia House of Representatives, first as a page, in 1888 and 1889, then as Calendar clerk in 1890 and 1891.

Howard served as private secretary to United States Senator Patrick Walsh of Georgia from August 8, 1894, to February 18, 1895.

Howard, enlisted in the Third Regiment, Georgia Volunteer Infantry, on July 2, 1898, and served as sergeant during the Spanish–American War.

Howard ran for public office, and was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives, where he had once worked as a page.