 Clarence Chesterfield Howerton was born on February 9, 1913, in Salem, Oregon, to Frank and Helen Howerton. He had five brothers, all of whom grew to 6 ft (1.83 m) tall. However, Howerton grew to a height of only 2 ft 4 in (0.71 m). An expert said that he might have a "deranged ductless gland". Howerton's mother was just over 4 ft 0 in (1.22 m) tall, which led some to wonder if his small stature was inherited.
