Pioneer Buffalo New York brewer Orsamus B. Smith was born in New York. Some time in the 1850s he partnered with John Howell to form a brewery at 35 East Seneca Street. He left the partnership in 1864 and took up interest in a paper mill in Fort Edward. He died on the 18th of July, 1877 at age 59 years.

John Howell was born in England. In 1836 his family emigrated to America. When he was sixteen years old he entered the bottling business manufacturing soda pop with Barr and Waters. Later he established a brewery for small beer with partner and fellow Buffalo fireman Orasmus B. Smith. He bought out his partner in 1864 and continued the business with his son as John Howell & Son. Howell died on August 15th 1888. He had just turned 68 years of age.

John Howell and Orasmus B. Smith dissolve their partnership in their Buffalo New York Brewery.