The date given for his birth might be the date of his christening.
The following information might be this James Howell:
1851 Darby's Corner, Greater Canford, Dorset
James HOWELL - Head - Married - age 28 - Iron Founder Master - born Dorset, Canford
L. HOWELL - Wife - Married - age 28 - born Dorset, Canford
G. HOWELL - Daur - age 6, born Dorset, Canford
W. HOWELL - Son - age 1, born Dorset, Canford
James HOWELL - Father - Widower - age 66 - Annuitant - born Dorset, Canford