 In contrast to his public persona, Howerton reportedly enjoyed cigars and beer, "often yelled obscenities," and was known to "run the length of a bar, kicking anything in his way", sometimes whilst dressed in children's clothes. While working with Ringling Brothers, Howerton befriended Jack Earle who was 7 ft 7 1 ⁄ 2 in (2.32 m) tall, but at the time was advertised as being 8 ft 7 in (2.62 m). The two were often photographed together in promotional materials for Ringling Brothers, with it being said that "it is penny-ante poker which has made pals of Jack and the major".
