William Howell was born in Pembrokeshire in 1846 and lived at Eastwood House, Narberth. until he became became a solicitor in 1868.

Soon afterwards he went to Llanelly and eventually became the senior partner in a practice, having been there for over a quarter of a century.

At one point in his Career he was the Returning Officer for the County Council of Carmarthen.

He had a large practice as an advocate and a general practitioner and held such posts as:

Consular Agent for the United States of America;

Vice-Consular for Norway and Sweden;

Solicitor to the Llanelly School Board;

Solicitor to the Llanelly Gas Light Company;

Member of the Urban District Council;

Member of the Harbour Commissioners (appointed Chairman on two occasions).