City park areas were also added during his administration. Hyde Park, containing 14-1/2 acres, was purchased for $36,250. The block on which the Central Public Library is located was bought from James H. Lucas for $95,500. The City began investing in railroads and, by 1855, had acquired an interest in four of them. City ordinances were passed granting right-of-way privileges and rights to put up depots on certain lots. The collapse of many buildings in the City led Mayor How to suggest a building inspection service. The office of Inspector of Buildings and Fires was created in 1855 and building permits were required.

A Pennsylvanian by birth, How came to St. Louis and became a prominent and wealthy merchant here. He was married and had two sons, one being James F. How, who married a daughter of James Eads, the builder of Eads Bridge. How defeated Charles P. Chouteau in the 1853 election for mayor. He served two one-year terms, then was out of office for one year before defeating John B. Carson of the Know-Knothing Party, in the election of 1856.

Mr. How left St. Louis about 1869 and went farther west to enter the mining business. He served as Indian agent at Elko, NV, for four years. He lived in San Francisco the last few years of his life and died here January 3, 1885. Burial was at Bellefontaine Cemetery.