Howard Sprague is a fictional character on the CBS television sitcom The Andy Griffith Show (TAGS), and its spin-off Mayberry R.F.D.. He was played by Jack Dodson from 1966-71. He was characterized by his milquetoast demeanor, moustache, bow ties, and a penchant for philosophy and culture. Howard was a repressed Mother's boy who lived with his overbearing and manipulative mother, played by Mabel Albertson. (TAGS, "The County Clerk", episode #185). He appeared as the county clerk during the later color episodes of The Andy Griffith Show (and continued onto Mayberry R.F.D.). While Jack Dodson made an earlier appearance as an insurance agent named Ed (TAGS, "Lost and Found", episode 178), he first appeared as Howard in the sixth season (TAGS, "The County Clerk", episode #185.) This was not un