Among the varied industries to which Amsterdam is indebted for its growth and prosperity is that of the American Broom & Brush Company, of which Harry Howard is treasurer, and the legal interests of the corporation are also intrusted to his care. He was born May 6, 1881, in Fort Hunter, New York, and in both the paternal and maternal lines is a representative of old and prominent families of Montgomery county. He is a son of Charles L. and Katie (Horton) Howard, the former a native of Fort Hunter and the latter of Fonda.
Harry Howard attended the public schools of Fort Hunter and his higher education was received in the Albany Law School, from which he was graduated in 1903, with the degree of LL. B. He began his professional career in Amsterdam in 1903 and practiced until 1907, when he became treasurer of the American Broom & Brush Company of this city, of which his father is the executive head. The latter has long been numbered among the substantial business men of Amsterdam and is ably guiding the destiny of one of its largest industries. Harry Howard also acts as attorney for the company, which has benefited by his legal acumen and wise counsel as well as his business sagacity and enterprise. He also has other business interests, being vice president and one of the directors of the Mohawk Mutual Casualty Insurance Company, Incorporated, of Albany, New York, which has likewise profited by his association therewith.
On January 21, 1908, Mr. Howard was married to Miss Katherine Dunlap, a daughter of David S. Dunlap of Amsterdam. Mr. and Mrs. Howard have become the parents of two children: Lewis D., who was born January 18, 1909; and Katherine B., born May 29, 1911.
In 1908 Mr. Howard joined the New York National Guard, with which he was connected until 1913, and when America entered the World war his patriotic spirit prompted him to offer his aid to his country. He was commissioned a first lieutenant of Company H, Second New York Infantry, and served with that command from June, 1917, until December, 1918. He belongs to the New York Society of Military & Naval Officers of the World War and to the Army & Navy Club of New York city. Mr. Howard takes an active part in fraternal affairs and is past exalted ruler of Amsterdam Lodge, No. 101, of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, also belonging to the Association of Past Exalted Rulers of the North East District of New York State. In the Masonic order his affiliations are with Welcome Lodge, No. 829, F. & A. M.; Amsterdam Chapter, No. 81, R. A. M.; Johnstown Council, No. 72, R. & S. M.; Holy Cross Commandery, No. 51, K. T., at Gloversville, New York; Albany Sovereign Consistory, A. & A. S. R.; and Cyprus Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is a member of the Masonic and Shriners Clubs of Amsterdam, the Kiwanis Club, the board of trade, the Young Men's Christian Association, and the Montgomery County Historical Society. He casts his ballot for the candidates of the republican party and is interested in civic advancement, cooperating heartily in all movements destined to prove of benefit to his community. Mr. Howard has met every obligation in life to the best of his ability and worthily bears an honored family name.