William Howard (congressman)

William Howard (1817-1891) was a U.S. Representative from Michigan. Born in Dryden, New York, he pursued preparatory studies and later engaged in mercantile pursuits in Detroit, Michigan, from 1837 to 1854.

Howard held various local offices, including supervisor of the city of Detroit and alderman. He served as a member of the Michigan State Senate in 1856.

He was elected as a Republican to the Thirty-ninth Congress (March 4, 1865 – March 3, 1867). He was not a candidate for renomination in 1866.

After his term in Congress, Howard resumed his business activities. He served as a member of the Board of Police Commissioners of Detroit from 1877 to 1885 and was president of the board for six years. He died in Detroit, Michigan, and was interred in Elmwood Cemetery.