Background
Howell was born on July 5, 1865, in Freehold, New Jersey.
Howell was born on July 5, 1865, in Freehold, New Jersey.
He attended the Spencerian Business College in 1882. He received a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1889 from Columbian University School of Law and received a Master of Laws degree in 1890 from the same institution.
He served as a clerk and private secretary with the United States Department of the Treasury in Washington, District of Columbia from 1882 to 1897. He serve as an assistant secretary of the Treasury in Washington, District of Columbia from 1897 to 1899. He was confirmed by the Senate on February 20, 1899 and received his commission on February 24, 1899.
He served as President of the Board from 1925 to 1926.
On May 28, 1926, he was transferred by operation of law to the newly created United States Customs Court. He served as Chief Judge of the court from 1926 to 1927.
He remained on the court until his death and was succeeded by Judge William Josiah Tilson. Howell died on April 4, 1927.
On February 8, 1899, President McKinley nominated Howell to serve as a Member of the Board of General Appraisers, to the seat vacated by George H. Sharpe.
