Howard St. William Davis Merry Howard, arrives in San Francisco in 1839, and worked as a trader until forming a partnership with Henry Mellus that became one of the most active and successful businesses in San Francisco. One of the town's most public spirited citizens, he organized the first fire company, was active in creating schools, and was one of the fourteen individuals who organized the first Vigilante Committee. Howard was also on the first board of supervisors in 1847.