Born in London, Ontario, Frederick Howay moved to British Columbia as a child. He attended school in New Westminster and in 1884 he went to Victoria to write his Provincial Teachers' examinations. He then taught at Canoe Pass and Boundary Bay schools. In 1887 Howay entered Dalhousie University in Halifax to study law. While in Halifax, Howay wrote articles on law, politics, temperance, and B.C. personalities, which were published in various B.C. papers. Howay graduated with his LL.B. in 1890 and was admitted to the B.C. bar in 1891. In 1907 he became Judge of County Court of New Westminster. Howay had a great interest in history and was a member and president of many historical associations in B.C and Canada such as the Historic Sites and Monuments Board, Champlain Society and the Royal Society of Canada.
From the description of Frederick Howay fonds. 1786-1943. (University of British Columbia Library). WorldCat record id: 606461692
