Born in London (most probably in Hyde Park Barracks) on the 6th of September 1819 and was baptised in St. James's Church, Piccadilly, on the 26th of September 1819, the son of John Howarth — "Soldier from the Horse Guards Barracks — and his wife, Sarah, by the Revd. D. Lewis".
A brother, James, was born on the 27th of January 1818 and baptised in the same church on the 15th of February 1818.
Educated at the Royal Military Asylum, Chelsea, which he had entered on the 22nd of September 1825 at the age of 6 years. His father, John (who had served in the 1st Life Guards) and his mother, Sarah, were both shown as "Still alive" at this time.
His father, John Howarth, was born at Burnley, Lancashire and had enlisted at Burnley "for life" on the 11th of December 1812 at the age of 19 years. He was discharged, having served 7 years 230 days, from Hyde Park Barracks, London, on the 22nd of June 1820:
"In consequence of spitting blood from the lungs and complaints of the kidney and urinary passages from an injury received at Tarbes in the South of France and also from a rupture caused by an accident on duty."
He had also served at Waterloo and was awarded the medal for this. His general conduct was "very good". His description on discharge was "about 27 years of age", 5' 11" in height, with a fair complexion, grey eyes, and brown hair. He was a weaver by trade. He died on the 6th of May 1834 (not shown where).
Enlisted at London on the 11th of September 1833 for "Unlimited service" — by Authority of the Horse Guards, dated the 9th of September 1833 — and joined the Depot at Maidstone on the 18th of September 1833. Was given a gratuity of £2/2/-Age. 13. (sic.)
Height: 4' 7".
Trade: None shown.
Attained the age of 15 years and on to "Man's Pay" on the 5th of September 1834.
From Private (in the Band) to Trumpeter on the 5th of March 1835.
Reverted to Private, "at his own request", on the 9th of January 1843.
From Private to Trumpeter: 25th of August 1847.
Embarked for the Crimea aboard the "Monarchy" on the 12th of May 1854.
Taken prisoner of war at Balaclava, 25th October 1854. He is named as "Howard" and shown as "Wounded" in the London Gazette casualty lists, and later in the muster rolls as "Died whilst in captivity — Date and place not known".
T.S.M. Linkon mentions Howarth in a letter which he write to his (Linkon's) family in November 1854:
Our men, although some were horribly mutilated, were tolerably well. Trumpeter Private Howarth of my regiment had 19 wounds — and died.
(This was at Simpheropol in November 1854.)
Entitled to the Crimean medal with clasps for Alma, Balaclava and Sebastopol.
The Returned Medal book states: Crimean medal returned to the Mint. No trace of issue.