William B. Howlett was born near Nashville, Tenn., April 23, 1819. His father, Maj. Isaac H. Howlett, was born in East Tennessee, but took up his abode in Middle Tennessee when a young man. He settled in-Nashville when it was but a small collection of log cabins. By his proficiency in the military affairs of the State he was given the rank of major. He married Elizabeth M. Ramsey, and our subject is the fourth of their eight children. The father died near Nashville about 1832, and the mother in Madison County in the spring of 1844. William R. received a limited early education, and in October, 1843, married A. E. Dickson, daughter of Robert Dickson. To them were born six children: Sterling G., born February 12, 1848; William J. (deceased), born May 6, 1834; James E. (deceased), born May 23, 1858; Foster B., born May 20, 1862, and Annie Lorena, born September 24, 1866. Mrs. Howlett was born in Madison County, November 5, 1828. Her parents were born in Middle Tennessee, and died at Old Cotton Grove, Tenn., in 1833. William R. Howlett is a Democrat and Mason.

Goodspeeds History of Tennessee