HOWARD, Volney E., jurist, born in Norridgewock, Maine, about 1805. He received a good English education, studied law, and, having been admitted to the bar, began to practise in 1830 in Vicksburg, Mississippi In 1837 he was appointed reporter of the court of errors and appeal, and was during several years the editor of the "Mississippian," a Democratic newspaper published at Vicksburg. While in Mississippi Mr. Howard fought a duel with Sergeant S. Prentiss, and another with Alexander G. McNutt. He removed to San Antonio, Texas, in 1847, and was elected a representative from that state in two successive congresses, serving from 3 December, 1849, till 3 March, 1853. He took an active part in favor of the Missouri compromise measures, and was sent by the president of the United States to California on a mission regarding the organization of that state. He subsequently resided in California. Mr. Howard published "Mississippi Law Reports, 1834-'44" (7 vols., Philadelphia, 1839-'44); and, in conjunction with A. Hutchinson. "Statute Laws of Mississippi" (1840).