Rhode Island congressman and professor at Brown University.

Tutor (c.1766-69), professor of mathematics and natural philosophy (1769-79), and professor of jurisprudence (1790-1824) at Rhode Island College (Brown University). Fellow (1772-1824) and secretary (1780-1806) of the university corporation; interim president (1791-92).

Admitted to the Rhode Island bar (c. 1768); served as a state legislator, judge, and delegate to Congress (1782-85). Founder and first president of the Providence Abolition Society (1789).

Son of Aaron Howell of Morristown, New Jersey. Educated at the College of New Jersey (B.A. 1766). Married Mary Brown (1770); five children.